Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Ranma 1/2 - A Different Life ❯ Part Six ( Chapter 6 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

A Different Life

Written by: Gyran

Author’s Note 01/27/06:

Okay, It’s been almost two years since I last put something up. Sorry about
that. I had some things to take care of, like graduating from school and
finding a job and stuff like that. Well, I’m no longer in school and am
currently out of a job, so I have a little bit of time on my hands to get this
out. Anyway, here’s the revision of Chapter 6. Let me know what you all think
at rplanas@pacbell.net. Thanks for your patience all. I hope the next chapter
will be completed soon. I’ve been working on it on and off for the last few
years and I’m still not sure about the storyline for it, so we’ll just have to
wait and see.

Original Author's Note: Alright everyone. Sorry this took so long to get out.
I'm not a very fast writer in the first place, but with school I didn't really
have much time to put out any chapters. Plus, I started a new job, so my time
is reduced even more. Hopefully you won't have to wait more than a month or two
for me to put out the next chapter. If I have enough time and inspiration, I
might be able to get them out sooner. But anyway, thank you for being patient
with me. I appreciate it.

Now, here's the usual disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 and its characters are property of
Rumiko Takahashi, Viz Video, and whoever else has rights to it. I am not making
any profit off of this story so please don't sue me. I'm POOR. Any characters
that I make up belong to me, if you wish to use any of them, which I highly
doubt anyone would, but if you do, please ask permission first and give credit
to their creator, namely me. Thanks.

“Dialogue”
*Emphasis*
<Thoughts>
/Signs/

Part Six Section One: Ice-Skating

Ranma fell again.

"Ow! I can't believe I let you talk me into this, Akane."

Akane giggled and helped him stand. "C'mon, Ranma. A great martial
artist and you can't even ice skate?"

"It ain't like I'm ever gonna have to fight on the ice, you know?"

"Please, Ranma?" she asked, putting on her cutest pleading expression.

"Aw. Did you have to go and do that?" She nodded. "Alright, I'll keep
skatin' with ya."

They took off again, Akane smooth and graceful, Ranma wobbly and
uncertain. They had been at the Stadium since that morning. Akane had been
planning on going there with just her friends, but when she heard Ranma had
never been ice-skating she dragged him along. Most of the morning was spent
trying to keep Ranma on his feet. They didn't seem to be succeeding as Ranma
fell again.

"Argh! How do you keep from slipping and sliding all over the place!?"

"It just takes practice, Ranma. Come on."

Just as she got Ranma to his feet, Ryouga came sliding past...on his face.
He slammed into the low wall that surrounded the rink with an 'oof!'. A moment
later, Ukyou came gliding by.

"Hey Akane!" Ukyou had heard about Akane's trip to the rink that morning.
When Akane asked her to come along, Ukyou was a bit hesitant, not wanting to get
in the way. But eventually, Akane convinced her to go. It wasn't too hard with
Ranma urging her to go too.

Ukyou looked over at her best friend. "How's it going, Ranchan?"

Ranma grunted and she laughed. She then went over to Ryouga and helped
him to stand. Ryouga had gotten lost a few days before. They found him that
morning, standing in the middle of the ice rink without a clue as to where he
was as people skated past him. Ukyou had immediately skated over to him and
bashed him on the head. Then she got him a pair of ice skates and began to
teach him.

"Ugh. Tell me again why I'm doing this?" Ryouga had a mark running from
his forehead to his chin, the result of his slide.

"Because I said so! Besides, you wouldn't want me to skate alone, would
you, Ryouga?" Ukyou put up a sweet expression, but Ryouga didn't notice it.

"Well, Ranma and Akane are here. You could skate with them."

*BAM* "I can't believe you!" Ukyou skated off.

"Ow!" Ryouga rubbed the back of his head. "What'd I say?"

"You really stuck your foot in good that time, pig-boy."

"Shut up, Ranma!" Ryouga scrambled to follow Ukyou. "Ukyou! Wait!" He
fell three times trying to get up.

Ukyou didn't stop, but Akane noticed that she slowed down a bit. Smiling
she turned back to Ranma. "You ready to go again?"

He sighed. "Yeah, let's go. I just wish the little brats around here
would stop laughing at me." He glared at a small boy who laughed hysterically
every time he passed Ranma by.

Akane gave him a pat on his cheek. "Consider it incentive to learn then."
Ranma took on a determined look and started moving. He made five feet before
falling again.

The little boy laughed even harder as he skated by.

****

"Okay Ryouga, now just take it slow." Ukyou was guiding Ryouga on how to
move his feet.

"I've *been* taking it slow. It's the skates that keep going too fast."
He tried to move forward again, his legs wobbling. Ukyou stayed by his side,
ready to catch him if necessary.

"You're doing fine. Now just straighten up more and try to glide a bit
smoother."

Ryouga grunted and tried to follow her instructions. He actually managed
to glide quite a ways before he began to wobble again. Ukyou reached out to
steady him.

"Good, Ryouga! That was much better! Now, just keep working on doing
that for longer periods of time. You'll be a competent ice skater by the end of
the day."

Ranma and Akane glided by at that point. Ranma was skating much better.
He still wobbled at times, but he was staying on his feet.

"Hey guys!" called out Akane. "How's the lesson coming?"

"Pretty good," Ukyou answered. "Ryouga's starting to get the hang of it.
A few more hours and he'll be able to keep up at least. Looks like you're doing
well, Ranchan."

"I suppose so. Although I tend to lose my balance every-so-OOF!" Ranma
grumbled as he tried to pick himself up off the ice. He slipped twice before
managing it. "There, you see? No sooner than I think I got it, I fall!"

Ukyou and Akane giggled. Then Ukyou looked back at Ryouga. "Do you want
to take a break, Ryouga?"

Ryouga, who had begun to waver in his balance, nodded quickly and
desperately.

Laughing again, Ukyou pulled Ryouga along to the café off of the rink.

"You wanna take a break too, Ranma?"

Ranma shrugged. "I don't care, Akane. If you wanna keep skating we can."

Akane smiled at him. "That's nice. But I think you could use a break."

"Hey! I could skate for days now!" The irony of that statement was not
lost on Ranma as his balance left and he fell again.

Akane stared at him for a bit and he began to blush. "Uh, yeah, okay.
Let's go sit down for a bit." Ranma picked himself up and the two went to catch
up with Ukyou and Ryouga at the café.

****

"Where's Ryouga?"

Ukyou looked up when Ranma asked the question. She was sitting at a
booth, looking over a tiny menu. The café was a nice little place right off of
the rink. There were a few booths that lined the wall of the rink, and tables
and chairs were set up around the area.

"He went to the bathroom to wash up. You guys taking a break too?"

"Yeah. I thought Ranma could use one."

Ranma grunted as Akane sat down. He took a seat next to her and they
began looking over the menu also.

"You sure it was a good idea letting Ryouga go to the bathroom on his own,
Ucchan?"

Ukyou shrugged. "I was going to take him there, but he protested. He
didn't want to have to be led to the bathroom. Besides, it's just over there."
She pointed towards a set of doors, which were just down the way. "He'll be
fine."

Ranma shrugged. "If you say so."

"You can go check on him if you want."

"I don't think he'd appreciate that. He'll think we're making fun of
him." Ranma thought about that for a bit. Then he grinned and started to get
up.

"Don't, Ranma." Akane had a firm look on her face.

He sighed and sat back down. "Okay."

****

Ryouga was a pig. Literally.

He had gone to the bathroom to wash up, but he was unfortunate enough to
choose a sink that had a broken faucet. As soon as he turned it on, a jet of
cold water sprayed him. Instant pig.

To make matters worse, as soon as he left the bathroom, he became
hopelessly lost. He ran around the ice rink, desperately trying to find his
friends. Too bad someone else found him first.

"Charlotte!" came a sweet voice. Ryouga found himself being picked up.
Soon he was looking into the face of a girl. She had long light brown hair,
blue eyes, and a look that said 'you're mine!'. "Come on, Charlotte. Azusa's
going to take you home now."

Ryouga struggled to get away, but the girl who called herself Azusa had
too strong a grip on him. Soon he was being carried off the ice and away from
the rink. He tried to locate his friends hoping to catch their attention, but
he saw no sign of them. Resigned, he relaxed and waited until he could make his
getaway.

****

"Hasn't Ryouga been gone for a while?"

Ukyou nodded, looking worried. "You're right, Akane. It has been a long
time. Do you think you could check on him, Ranchan?"

Ranma had a wry expression on his face. "Sure, *now* you let me check on
him." He sighed. "I'll be back." He got up and headed for the bathroom. He
was back moments later looking concerned.

"What's the matter, Ranchan?" Ukyou asked seeing his expression. "Did
something happen to Ryouga?"

Ranma nodded. "I guess it really *was* a bad idea to let him go on his
own. I found his clothes next to a sink in the bathroom," he held up Ryouga's
clothing and pack. "The sink had a broken faucet."

Akane and Ukyou's eyes widened. "You mean he's running around as a pig?"
asked Akane.

Ranma shook his head. "No. I asked around to see if anyone saw him.
Yuka and Sayuri said they saw him get picked up by some girl and she left the
rink."

"What!?" cried Ukyou. "We've got to find him! Who knows what that girl
will do to him! She might decide to cook him for all we know!" She rushed from
the café to change into her shoes, Ranma and Akane following right behind her.

****

Several hours later, they had still found no trace of Ryouga. Looking
dejected, they walked into a ramen restaurant to grab a bite to eat, having left
the rink without doing so. They found an empty booth and sat down, depressed
looks on their faces.

"I wouldn't worry too much, Ucchan. Ryouga can take care of himself."
Ranma was doing his best to lighten the dark mood that hung around them.

"Who's worried?" Ukyou asked, a mixture of anger, fear, and depression
evident on her face. "That idiot will be fine. He'll probably come wandering
into the dojo in a few days saying that it's nice in Paris this time of year."
She looked at the other two and found that their looks doubted her sincerity.
She sighed. "Yeah, I don't believe me either, but it's better than thinking the
worst. Besides, that jerk should've been more careful." Ukyou turned her angry
face to the menu.

Ranma and Akane exchanged glances, shrugged, and looked at their menus. A
few moments later, a girl with long light brown hair and a pink, frilly dress
walked passed their table. They paid her no heed until they heard a familiar
'Bwee!' come from her.

Ukyou's head shot up from her menu and zeroed in on Azusa sitting at a
booth, holding a struggling Ryouga in her lap.

She leaped from her seat and rushed over. "Ryo..." she began, but
stopped. She realized calling Ryouga by name might be a bad idea. Instead,
Ukyou went right up next to the girl's table. "Hey! That's my pet pig!" she
cried reaching for Ryouga, but the girl clutched him possessively.

"What do you think you're doing? This is Azusa's little Charlotte!"

"No he's not!" Ukyou steamed. "He's mine!"

"No, she's Azusa's! Azusa has had her little Charlotte forever. Several
hours at least. Isn't that right, Charlotte?" She squeezed Ryouga tight almost
causing him to lose consciousness from lack of air.

"He's mine! And his name isn't Charlotte!"

"Oh yeah!?" countered Azusa, a challenging look in her eyes. "What's her
name then?"

"*His* name is...umm...P-chan! His name's P-chan!" She mentally berated
herself. <Oh, good going, Ukyou. What kind of a stupid name is that?>

Azusa snorted. "What kind of stupid name is that!? No one would be so
cruel as to give their pet such a stupid name, so Charlotte couldn't be yours!
Just leave us alone! Hey!" A hand had reached out a plucked P-chan from
Azusa's grip. Ukyou turned to see who it was.

It was one of the most incredibly handsome men Ukyou had ever seen. Brown
hair and liquid blue eyes. He had on a charming smile and was holding P-chan
out to her. "Is it yours?" he asked.

Ukyou nodded wordlessly, staring as he placed P-chan in her hands. "Thank
you," she finally said.

"Hey! That's Azusa's Charlotte!" Azusa's eyes went frosty. "You give
Azusa her Charlotte back right now!"

"No way! P-chan is mine I told you!"

"Azusa will skate you for her!"

Ukyou was taken aback. "Y-Y-You'll what!?"

"Azusa said Azusa will skate you for her! If Azusa wins, you give back
Azusa's Charlotte!"

"Fine!" Ukyou shouted. "I'm not gonna lose to a brat like you!"

"Uh, Ukyou," Akane spoke up then, a thoughtful look on her face. "You
might want to reconsider that."

"What!? Akane! I can't back out of a challenge!"

"But Ukyou, she's Azusa Shiratori. And he, I believe, is Mikado Sanzenin.
They're the Golden Pair of Figure Skating. They haven't lost a match to
*anyone*!"

Ukyou flinched. She had heard of the Golden Pair. Then she shook her
head stubbornly, "I don't care who they are! Do you want me to just give up the
pig!?"

Akane sighed. "No, I suppose we can't let him go, but I still think this
is a bad idea."

"The match will be next week at Koholtz High School," said Azusa. "Be
prepared to lose!"

"I'm not the one who's going to lose!" Ukyou turned to Mikado once again.
"Thanks again for your help."

"You're very welcome," answered Mikado. "And now, as reward for my saving
your pig, allow me the pleasure of giving you my greeting."

He leaned forward, moving in to give Ukyou a kiss. At first, she was too
startled to react. Then her eyes narrowed and she readied herself to bash him
over the head. But P-chan decided to take action and threw himself onto
Mikado's face, hooves slashing and stomping.

"Ow!" yelled the startled skater. "What do you think you're doing you
stupid pig!?" He smacked P-chan away from him. The pig landed on the floor and
was about to launch himself again when Ukyou picked him up.

"Stop that, P-chan. I can take care of myself." She turned back to
Mikado and glared at him. "Try that again and you'll be missing teeth when you
pull back."

Mikado was startled. No girl had *ever* refused his greeting before. It
was rather...insulting. His eyes narrowed and he approached Ukyou with an even
more determined gaze.

Ukyou was not expecting the maneuver after she had already told him off.
Caught off guard once again, Mikado was mere inches from her face when Ranma
took steps.

Placing a hand on Mikado's chest, he gave a slight shove. "Back off,
pal."

Mikado gave Ranma a dark look. "Is that a challenge?" Ranma just snorted
and Mikado smiled. "Very well then. We'll make it a figure skating pair's
competition. You and the lovely lady here, versus Azusa and I. Is that okay
with you?"

Ranma gave him an even look. "Whatever. Let's go Akane, Ucchan." And he
left the restaurant, Akane and Ukyou following behind him.

"Miki, what do you think you're doing!? This was supposed to be Azusa's
match!" Azusa had picked up a chair and was busy pounding on Mikado's head.

"Knock it off Azusa! He prevented me from giving that girl, that Ukyou,
my greeting. No one's ever done that before. I'm gonna make sure he pays for
it."

****

"What'd you do that for, Ranchan!?"

Ranma was startled. "Ucchan, he was about to kiss you!" He received a
bonk on the head.

"I *know* that, you jackass! You didn't have to butt in you know!"

"Okay, I'm sorry," he sighed, "but it looked like you were too surprised
to be able to do anything by that point."

"He's right, Ukyou," said Akane. "He was too close for you to have done
anything to stop him.

Ukyou couldn't find any fault in their reasoning. She had to admit that
she did freeze the second time. "I guess. But I didn't want you to get
involved, Ranchan. It wasn't your challenge."

He brushed it aside. "Don't worry about it, Ucchan. I hate guys like
him. It'll be fun skatin' circles around him."

"But Ranma," said Akane. "You still can't skate very well."

"Hey!"

"Well it's true! You need a lot more practice!"

"Then it's a good thing I have a week for you guys to teach me, huh?" He
grinned at her and Akane couldn't help but smile back.

As they continued to walk, Ukyou finally looked down at the pig she had
been holding against herself. To her disgust, P-chan had fainted and a splash
of blood had come out of his nose onto her blouse.

****

There was a knock at the bedroom door.

"Who is it?"

"Ukyou? May I come in?" It was Ryouga.

<Great. Cue the fainting pig, stage right.> "Come in!"

The door opened and Ryouga walked in, closing the door behind him.
"Uh...hi."

"What d'you want?" asked Ukyou flatly from Akane's bed where she had been
studying her math assignment for the last hour.

Ryouga winced. "I just...I mean...I'm sorry?"

"About?"

He scratched his head, his face turning red. "About ruining your outfit
this afternoon."

"*AND*?"

He winced again. "And for getting you into this mess."

Ukyou glared at him. "Well you should be sorry! Now me and Ranchan have
to skate against an annoying girl who only speaks in third-person, and a
gorgeous pervert!"

"Y-You think he's gorgeous!?"

She blushed. <Oops.> She hadn't meant for that to come out of her mouth.
<Oh well,> she thought, deciding to have some fun. "Well...yeah. I mean he is
pretty good looking. If he wasn't such a jerk I might even consider..." Her
voice trailed off as her mind began to wander. Or at least that's what it
looked like to Ryouga.

"Hey! You're not actually considering that perverted freak, are you!?"
He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Oh, I don't know. He did have a certain charming quality." She fought
to hold back her laughter and keep the dreamy expression on her face as Ryouga's
expression continued to become more and more horrified..

"WHAT!?"

Her face was innocent as she focused her attention back on him. "What's
the matter? I thought he was quite handsome."

He began to splutter with ill-concealed disbelief. "Are you *INSANE*!?"

"No," came the calm reply.

"Then what can you possibly see in that guy!?"

"Nothing."

Ryouga's face screwed up with confusion for a moment, then shaking his
head, he gave up. "I don't understand you."

Ukyou grinned and nodded. "No, you don't. You probably never will
either." She looked down at the math assignment she'd been working on. Her
grin was wiped off her face and she began to frown. "Just like *I'll* never
understand this stupid assignment."

"Y-You...do you want some help?" he offered tentatively.

She gave him a surprised look. "You know how to do this stuff?"

He gave a quick nod. "Yeah, I finished mine yesterday when I was on the
road."

Ukyou gave him a dirty look. "Show off." Ryouga shrugged uncomfortably
and she sighed again. "Alright, P-chan, show me how you do this one." She
received an angry glare. "What?"

"*Don't* call me P-chan."

"Why? Don't you like it? I thought it was a cute name for a piglet."
Internally she winced. <Okay, so it was a dumb name to pick. I was in a
hurry!>

"Yeah, sure. Just one problem. I'm not a pig!"

Ukyou arched her eyebrow at the fuming boy. "Oh no? Then what would you
call yourself when hit by cold water?"

"Err...well...I...uh..." Ryouga continued trying to find some rational
way to explain. He never found it. "Fine," he said with a sigh. "You win."

"Oh good! I always like it when I win. Now let's get to work, P-chan!"

Ryouga glared at her again and then glanced at the problem that she was
working on, absently scratching his head.

"Okay, for this one..."

****

The next few days were spent in training for the match. Between school
that is. Ranma, Ryouga, Ukyou and Akane were at the rink immediately after
class to practice.

"Okay, you two. You've improved a lot, but you ought to try skating on
your own for a while," Akane told the two boys after several days of practice.

Ranma groaned. "Aw, Akane! I don't want to try this on my own!"

She gave him a sympathetic look. "Sorry, Ranma. But if you're going to
truly get this down, you're going to have to."

"Fine," he grumbled. "C'mon, Ryouga. Let's go."

The two of them skated off, leaving Akane and Ukyou behind.

****

"So what's going on, Ukyou?"

"Huh?" Ukyou turned from watching Ryouga to look at Akane. "What do you
mean, Akane?" The two were skating around the rink, moving in, out, and around
the crowds of people.

"I *mean* you and Ryouga. You've been a bit nicer these last few days.
What's the deal?"

Ukyou sighed. "I don't know, Akane. I don't want to get too close, but I
can't help it. My feelings keep growing the longer I'm around him. It's almost
like it was when we were kids, but it's getting more serious. I...I don't want
to be alone again. I'm trying to keep our relationship distant, but we keep
ending up having to spend time with each other. I don't know what to do."

Akane put an arm around her friend's shoulders. "You won't be alone,
Ukyou. No matter what happens, Ranma and I will always be there for you."

"I know, Akane. I know. But it...it's not the same." She didn't want
her spirits to drag Akane down, so she tried to brighten up. "Come on! Let's
find a place to practice!"

Akane grinned and nodded, and the two went to find a safe place away from
the crowds. As they were going, Ukyou kept her eyes on Ryouga, and winced as he
crashed.

****

He groaned and mumbled into the ice he was face down on.

"Ryouga, why are you here? It ain't like you're the one who's skating
next week."

Ryouga slowly got up after having his violent impact with the ice.
"Because, Ranma," he said, wobbling a little. "Ukyou wanted me to be here. She
said that you needed someone closer to your level to skate with."

Ranma smirked. "Sure. If you say so. Personally, I think it's because
you wanna spend more time with a certain okonomiyaki chef."

Ryouga blushed. "Shut up! It's not like that, okay!?"

Ranma gave him an amused look. "If you say so, but I couldn't help but
notice that she's been nicer to you these last couple of days." He looked off
to see Ukyou skating with Akane.

Ryouga followed Ranma's gaze and watched as Ukyou and Akane began
performing spins and leaps and other amazing feats on the ice. He didn't know
how long he was staring, but he came back to reality when Ranma smacked him on
the head.

"Snap out of it! We still need to practice more, P-chan." Ranma began to
skate again, Ryouga following.

"Don't call me P-chan!"

Ryouga still wobbled a bit, but he was improving. Ranma was skating
confidently, but still had trouble with the more advanced maneuvers. He'd try
to attempt one every so often, but almost always ended up crashing into the ice.

After a couple of hours, Akane and Ukyou approached the two would-be
skaters. "Hey you two," greeted Akane. "How're you doing?"

Ryouga, not noticing that they were there, slipped and crashed to the ice
once more. Ukyou giggled and skated over to help him up. She reached down to
take his hand. But when Ryouga tried to pull himself up, he slipped again and
fell back down to the ice, taking Ukyou with him.

Ukyou realized that she was laying on top of Ryouga, her face was only
inches away from his. Ryouga noticed the same thing. Both of them began to
blush and yet neither of them made a move to get up. They just stared at each
other, not noticing Ranma and Akane looking on.

"Ukyou...I..." Ryouga began. The face staring above him was beautiful.
He already knew that, but he never noticed how beautiful before.

"Ry-Ryouga..." Ukyou stared into his eyes. She hadn't noticed how they
could draw attention before. There was a confused look in them, and a
questioning one as well.

"Hey, you guys okay?" asked Ranma. He quickly received an elbow into his
ribs from his fiancée. "Ow! What'd I do!?"

Ukyou suddenly remembered where they were. She quickly got up.

Ryouga managed to pull himself to his feet. He had yet to take his eyes
from Ukyou. "Sorry about that," he said and started to skate towards her. But
as soon as he began to get closer, Ukyou drew back.

"No!" she cried out.

Ryouga was startled. "What? Ukyou, I just..."

"No!" she said again, her eyes shut tight and her fists clenched.
"Please, Ryouga. I...Just leave me alone right now." She turned and skated
away, quickly leaving the ice and disappearing into the crowd.

"Wait!" Ryouga yelled. "Ukyou, hold on!" He began to follow her, but he
slipped again and fell, his back on the ice once more. His frustration built up
in a single second, and he let it out just as fast. "ARGH! Why does this
always happen to me!?"

Ranma reached down, picked Ryouga up, and set him on his feet. "Hey!
Calm down, will ya!? Everyone's staring at you!"

Looking around, Ryouga found it to be true. Everyone *was* staring at
him. Adults, teenagers, even some little children. Some looked on in shock,
others with amusement, and others with irritation. He grew even more angry.
"Mind your own business, why don't ya!?"

The crowd dispersed and Ryouga, head bowed down, slowly skated off the ice
and sat down at the café. Akane and Ranma were amazed that he didn't fall or
get lost. They hurried and sat down with him as he put his arms and head on a
table, a very depressed look on his face.

"Hey, c'mon Ryouga," Akane said sympathetically. "Ukyou's still a bit
confused about you. She's afraid to get too close to you again. She doesn't
want to deal with losing you a second time. That's why she ran away. She's
scared."

Ryouga just mumbled into the table. Ranma and Akane looked at each other
and sighed. They continued to sit until the silence was broken.

"Well, now, what have we here?"

All three turned to see Mikado and Azusa standing on the nearby ice.
Mikado was looking at Ryouga with amused contempt.

"And what's the matter with you? Having trouble learning to skate? Only
a complete incompetent would have a difficult time learning at your age."

Ryouga's head shot up and he glared at the smirking ice skater.

"Oh, did I offend you? Well..." Mikado stopped to think for a bit.
"Good," he finally said.

Ryouga eyes flashed and he was about to stand up and tackle Mikado when
Ranma put his hand on his shoulder.

"What do you want, Mikado?" Ranma was giving the other a dark look.

Mikado had an innocent look on his face. "Azusa and I are merely here to
skate. Although," he said with a thoughtful look. "If I had happened to see
the lovely Ukyou here today, I might have been able to finish giving her my
greeting."

"What!?" Ranma couldn't believe what he just heard. "Are you out of
your...uh...Ryouga, calm down."

Ryouga had, if possible, become even more angry. Mikado had just
threatened his friend. He wasn't going to allow that. Especially since it was
Ukyou.

Ryouga stood up and brushed off the restraining hand Ranma had put on his
shoulder. Turning to Mikado he asked, "*what* did you say!?"

Mikado gave him a condescending look. "That I would kiss the lovely Ukyou
if I should happen to see her. Is that a problem?"

"You stay away from Ukyou! Got it!?"

"Oh? And who are you to deny me my greeting?"

"Ryouga Hibiki! And I'm the one who's gonna pound your face into the
ice!" And Ryouga launched himself at Mikado.

But the ice skater was expecting something like this and stepped to the
side. Ryouga slammed into the ice and slid several feet before stopping.

Mikado snorted as Azusa giggled next to him. "How pathetic," he said,
skating around Ryouga's prone form. "What kind of idiot launches a full out
attack at the beginning of a fight?" He received a shock when Ryouga leaped up
and began to launch another attack. "What the...how did you...?" He didn't get
a chance to finish as Ryouga lunged again. This time Mikado just barely moved
in time. Ryouga went sliding, farther this time, ending up in the middle of the
rink. Everyone in the area immediately scattered and left the ice.

Mikado had a slightly impressed look on his face. "Well, it seems I've
misjudged you. Perhaps the lovely Ukyou has someone of worth to try and protect
her after all." He gave a feigned look of regret. "Unfortunately, your
protection will mean nothing. She will receive my greeting, and I’m afraid all
your efforts will be for naught."

Ryouga, once again on his feet, glared at the ice skater. “You try it and
I’ll make you regret it, Sanzenin!”

“Oh?” Mikado said, arching an eyebrow in amusement. “And how, pray tell,
do you intend to do that?”

Ryouga expression turned deadly. “By putting your body six feet under
this ice! Got it!? Ukyou is my fiancée! You touch her, and I’ll kill you!”

Akane clutched Ranma’s hand and leaned into him. “Oh my,” she said with a
catch in her voice. “How romantic.” The two of them continued to watch as
Mikado’s expression became even more amused.

“Fiancée, huh? Well, my greeting will be enough to break whatever bond
she may have had with someone as pathetic as you.” Mikado smirked even as
Ryouga’s rage continued to build. “Why don’t you give up now, Hibiki? I really
don’t want to have to use this technique on an amateur.”

“I can take anything you can dish out, Sanzenin!”

Mikado shrugged. “Very well.”

Bringing his arms arched up to his side, Mikado balanced onto the blade of
his right ice skate, curling his left leg up in front of him. "Behold, the
Martial Arts Ice Skating Technique, the Dance of Death." Azusa backed away as
Mikado began to spin. Soon he was spinning faster and faster, becoming nothing
more than a blur.

Ryouga was preparing to charge Mikado once more when he discovered that he
was already moving. He found himself being pulled towards Mikado, and he fought
to back up, but it was to no avail. In another moment he was in the air, caught
in the force of the spin. He spun around and around Mikado, who was constantly
lashing out at the helpless Ryouga, striking him again and again.

Ranma and Akane were still looking on from the edge of the rink. Ranma
had a grin on his face.

"Did he say *martial arts* ice skating?"

Akane nodded her eyes beginning to look worried as she watched Mikado's
technique working on Ryouga.

"Ha! We've got this match in the bag then! If it's martial arts, then I
can't lose!" He turned back to watching the fight, the look of glee fading a
bit as he concentrated on the match.

"Don't you think we should do something, Ranma?" Akane asked, the
concerned look on her face still there.

Ranma began watching the spectacle more intently and shook his head.
"Nah. Ryouga can handle it." He was watching Ryouga carefully, waiting for
something. "Come on, Ryouga. Hurry up already," he said under his breath.
"He's been trying forever and he *still* hasn't touched Mikado. Oh wait...there
he goes."

Akane, puzzled at Ranma's muttering, turned back to the fight in time to
see Mikado and Ryouga go flying in opposite directions. They both crashed hard
into the ice and slid for several feet.

Ranma and Akane rushed to Ryouga's side as Azusa went to Mikado's.

"Ryouga. Hey, you okay?" Ranma leaned over Ryouga's still form.

"Miki?" Azusa checked on her partner. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"
Mikado made no response. Azusa looked over to Ryouga and saw that he, too, was
still knocked out. "I guess it's a tie," she called out to Ranma and Akane.

"Nope," Ranma called back. "Ryouga got that one."

Azusa didn't understand until Ranma and Akane back away and Ryouga began
sat up holding his head with his right hand.

"Ugh," he said. "That kinda hurt. Is he down?"

Ranma nodded looking to where Mikado was still out cold.

“Good. I’d do more to him, but I think I’ve had enough for today.” He
took Ranma's hand as the other helped him to his feet. The three of them began
to skate off of the rink, passing a shocked Azusa.

"So what took you so long to hit him, Ryouga?" Ranma asked.

"Shut up, Ranma! I was caught in that stupid spin, alright!"

"I know, but *I* could have hit him several hundred times in the time it
took you."

"At least I only had to hit him *once*."

Ranma considered that and the fact that Ryouga was extremely pissed off.
"Yeah. Good point." The three continued to skate passed startled onlookers on
their way out.

"You know what?" Ryouga asked suddenly.

"What?" asked Akane.

"I'm hungry," Ryouga said. "How about you two?"

They laughed and left. They didn't notice Ukyou, who had been watching
from the other side of the rink. An embarrassed look decorated her slightly
flushed face as she too, left.

****

"You know, Akane..."

"Hmm? What was that, Ranma?"

"Well, I was thinking...I mean, if you want to, that is..."

Ranma and Akane were sitting on their sofa. It was late, but the two
weren't feeling sleepy yet. Akane turned to look at him.

"What is it, Ranma?" she asked, a note of concern in her voice. Ranma was
acting rather strange.

"Uh...well, I thought that maybe, a few days after the match next
week...after it's all over and everything...maybe you and I could...uh...go out
or something."

Akane smiled at Ranma's stammering. He was so cute whenever he did that.
She leaned forward and gave him a kiss.

"I'd love to."

Ranma scratched the back of his head as he blushed. "Umm, okay. Good.
Next week then, right?"

"Right. What did you have in mind?"

Ranma began to panic. "Have in *mind*!? Uh...I...umm..."

Akane giggled. "You have no idea, do you?"

He blushed again. "Uh...no, I don't. I was having enough trouble just
asking you."

She gave him another kiss. "Don't worry. We have 'til next week to
decide." Ranma nodded wordlessly. "C'mon. Let's get some sleep, okay?" He
nodded again.

They lay down and stared at each other, smiling.

****

Part Six Section Two: The Martial Arts Figure Skating Competition

The week went by quick for everyone. Ryouga and Ranma rapidly improved
their ice-skating and were soon nearing a level close to Akane and Ukyou.
Almost, but not quite. They still fell every now and then.

Ukyou was avoiding Ryouga as much as she could, but she continued to help
him with his skating. It seemed that she was having a hard time even looking at
him. He tried to get her to talk to him, but she just ignored his attempts.
Soon he gave up and concentrated on practicing. Soon the day before the match
arrived. The four decided to have one last practice at the rink.

"Okay guys, this is our last practice. Hopefully me and Ucchan are all
set for tomorrow."

"Don't worry, Ranchan, we'll beat them. I mean, you've gotten much better
in the last week."

"I'm sure you two are ready," Akane said to Ukyou. "After a week of
practice, Ranma's almost as good as we are. Even Ryouga's doing a lot better.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?" asked a disgruntled Ryouga.

Akane laughed and patted him on the head. "Sorry, Ryouga. I didn't mean
it that way."

"Oh, alright. I guess I can let you off easy this time," he replied with
a grin.

Giggling, Akane continued. "All I was trying to say is that we should
just take it easy today. Let's just have some fun." She skated up to Ranma,
poked him on the forehead and said, "Tag, you're it!" Then she dashed away
laughing as she swerved around the other people skating around the rink.

"Hey!" Ranma yelled after her. He made a grab for her, but she was out of
reach. As soon as he realized he couldn't get Akane, he quickly looked to the
other two.

Ukyou and Ryouga exchanged glances for a split second, and then they too,
fled from Ranma. The game was on. The people they zoomed passed had amused
looks on their faces. There were also some that muttered something about
'blasted kids, got no respect these days.' But there weren't too many.

****

Ryouga looked around. All he could see around him was desert. Miles and
miles of sand and rock, not a sign of civilization in sight. He was lost.

"NOOOOOOOO! How could this happen to me!?"

"You okay, Ryouga?" Ranma was looking at him with a weird expression.

"Ranma! Where did you come from!? Where am I!?" He sat up and looked
around.

"You're in your futon, stupid! It's morning. We gotta get ready to head
to Koholtz."

The bedroom door burst open and Ukyou and Akane tumbled into the room,
both of them dressed and ready to go.

"What's going on!?" Akane asked, panic in her voice. "We heard Ryouga
yelling!"

Ukyou rushed to Ryouga's side. "Hey, you okay, Ryouga?"

"Uh, yeah...I guess so."

"What happened?"

"Uh..." Ryouga scratched his head. "I was just having a bad dream I
guess."

*BAM*

"You *idiot*! You scared me and Akane half to death over a stupid
dream!?" Ukyou stalked out of the room.

Ryouga sat up again, rubbing the red mark that was slowly forming on his
cheek. "I guess I should have given a different explanation."

Ranma laughed and got out of bed. "Yeah, you should have. But did you
see how worried she looked?" He walked over to Akane and gave her a peck on the
cheek. "Morning Akane."

"Morning Ranma." Akane gave him a smile and turned to Ryouga who was
still rubbing his cheek. "You sure you're okay, Ryouga? That must have been
some nightmare."

Ryouga shuddered. "It was. It really was."

****

Koholtz High was packed with people. Ever since word got out that the
Golden Pair were having a match, tickets sold out in just a few hours. The
seats in the ice stadium were filled completely.

Ranma and Ryouga walked into the men's dressing room. Mikado was already
in there, dressed in a white suit with an ice blue shirt and black bow tie.

"Why if it isn't my opponent and his friend who can't skate."

"Nice to see you've regained consciousness, Mikado." Ryouga smirked at
him.

Mikado glared. "I underestimated you, that's all. You're lucky that you
won't be facing me today. Saotome on the other hand..." He gave Ranma a dirty
look. "So, have *you* learned to skate yet, Saotome?"

"Sure have, Miki."

"Argh! Don't call me that! You..." Mikado calmed down and regained his
composure. "Never mind. I'll just take care of you on the ice." He made to
leave the room but stopped. "Saotome."

"What now?"

"Your partner, the lovely Ukyou."

"What about her?" asked Ryouga, who began to get angry.

Mikado just smiled and talked fast. "I have yet to finish giving her my
greeting. Today, during the match, I shall! See you there." He quickly left
the room before Ryouga could attack him.

"Argh! That pervert!" Ryouga yelled, frustrated. "I hope you break some
of his bones today, Ranma!"

"I hope so too, Ryouga. I hope so too."

Ranma looked around the room. There was a large mirror that lined one
wall. In front of it was a low counter with two chairs in front of it. He
walked towards the chair Mikado hadn't been using and sat down.

*BAM! CRASH! POW! BOOM!*

Ryouga rushed to Ranma's still form. On top of him was a gigantic mallet,
ten times bigger than the one Akane used. Ryouga lifted it off of his smashed
friend and knelt down next to him.

"Ranma! Ranma, wake up! Hey! You gotta wake up, stupid! The match is
in thirty minutes!" He slapped Ranma's face a couple of times, but Ranma didn't
respond at all. Ryouga clutched his head in frustration. He was looking around
frantically for something that could help. It was as he was doing this that he
noticed a note on the gigantic mallet. Grabbing it, he quickly read what it
said.


Dear Mr. Saotome,

Azusa apologizes for the headache, but Azusa will do anything to make sure
that Azusa gets her little Charlotte back. Since you're out cold right now,
your partner will have to forfeit. That means that Azusa gets her little
Charlotte. Hope you had a nice nap and are able to read this okay after waking
up.

Azusa Shiratori


Ryouga crumpled the letter in his fist and threw it aside. "Well this is
just *great*! *Now* what is Ukyou supposed to do!? What am *I* supposed to
do!? Azusa gets me if we forfeit!" He walked over to the closest wall and
started banging his head against it. After doing this for about three minutes
he realized something.

"Hey! I can skate now! I'll just go in his place! I wonder why I didn't
think of it before." He scratched his head. "Oh well. I better get going
then. Ukyou needs me!" He made sure Ranma was laid out comfortably and went to
the door. Looking outside, he made sure that it was the exit and walked out.

Looking around carefully he saw that he could go either left or right. In
front of him was the opposite wall of the hallway. On it he could see a sign.
It said, 'To The Ice Stadium-Left', 'To The Pool-Right'.

"Okay," said Ryouga, making sure he read the sign right. "I just have to
go left." He turned right and began walking.

****

Ukyou was frantic. "Where *is* he!? He should have been here by now!"
It was almost time for the start of the match and there was no sign of Ranma.
She was wearing a red ice-skating dress with dark blue sleeves. "Akane! What
am I gonna do if he doesn't show up!? The match starts in twenty minutes!"

Akane, standing next to her, had a worried look on her face, but she did
her best to reassure the other. "Don't worry, Ukyou," she said, looking around
for any sign of her fiancé. "Wait here. I'll go check on him." Akane quickly
left for the dressing room.

****

"And now, Ladies and Gentlemen!," the announcer began. "It's the moment
you've all been waiting for! It is time for the Charlotte Cup! The Famous
Golden Pair of Koholtz High, Azusa Shiratori and Mikado Sanzenin versus Furinkan
High's Ukyou Kuonji and Ranma Saotome!" The stadium erupted with cheering. "A
moment please," continued the announcer as he was handed a slip of paper.
Reading it quickly, he continued, "There has been a dreadful accident! It seems
Furinkan High challenger, Ranma Saotome has been injured, and he will not be
able to participate in the match!" A murmur of voices spread across the
stadium, all of them wondering what was to become of the match.

On one side of the rink, Mikado was startled at the news. He had seen
Saotome looking well a while ago. Azusa, next to him, was giggling and bouncing
up and down. <Now Charlotte will be Azusa's forever!>

The announcer was handed another slip of paper. He glanced over this one
and began to speak again. "I have just been informed there will be a
substitution!!"

Azusa couldn't believe it. "What!? They can't do that!" She got a
confused look on her face. "Or can they?"

"Skating for Ranma Saotome will be....."

****

Earlier....

Ukyou was getting really frantic now. It was five minutes before the
start of the match and there was still no sign of her partner.

"What am I gonna do!? Where are you, Ranchan!?"

Up in the stands, the Tendous and Saotomes, along with Kunou, were looking
puzzled.

"Where be Saotome?" asked Kunou. "It seems to me that he has yet to
arrive."

"You're right, Kunou-chan," said Nabiki looking across the stadium at a
frantic looking Ukyou. "I wonder what's going on?"

"Oh my! I do hope nothing has happened!" Kasumi had a worried look on
her face.

"Don't worry Kasumi," Nodoka told her. "I'm sure Ranma is just fine."

Genma was scanning around, looking for any sign of his son. He saw a
flash of red and recognized Ranma's outfit for the match. "Look. There he is
now."

When Ukyou saw Ranma coming, her spirits lifted immensely. But when she
saw who it actually was, she was hard pressed to keep from fainting.

****

Even earlier....

Akane rushed into the men's dressing room. As soon as she entered, she
saw what the problem was. Actually, it'd be rather hard for her to miss the
gigantic hammer lying a few feet away from her unconscious fiancé.

"Ranma!" she rushed to his side and knelt next to him. "Ranma, get up!"
She shook his shoulder, trying to get a response from him. But it wasn't
working.

Akane sat back, a frustrated expression crossing her face. "Great! He's
out cold! Now what do I do!?"

Looking around, Akane noticed Ranma's outfit lying a few feet away. She
stood up and walked over to it. As she picked it up, she had a thoughtful look
on her face. Then a smile touched her lips as a plan began to form in her mind.

She went to the counter and found a comb and brush to use. Then she
rushed over to the closet and began rummaging around. Soon she found the first
aid kit. After opening it and peering at the contents, her smile began growing
wider. Taking the roll of bandaging from the kit, she began to undress.

****

"Akane!?"

Ukyou couldn't believe it. Akane was dressed in Ranma's outfit, a red
silk gi with a dragon emblazoned across it. Her hair was rearranged to look more
like a boy's style cut. Looking closer, she saw that none of
Akane's...err...female attributes...were visible.

"Akane, what are you doing!?" Ukyou asked as Akane finally arrived.

"Ranma's been knocked out, Ukyou. And Ryouga was nowhere around. This
was the only thing I could think of to do. What do you think?" Akane spun
around showing off her work.

Ukyou was actually quite impressed. Akane looked just like a boy.
Perhaps this crazy plan could work after all.

"You look great, Akane. But how did you hide your...uh..." Ukyou blushed
and gestured towards the chest area.

Akane winced. "They're bound with bandages. It's a bit constricting, but
I'll manage to get through the match."

Ukyou nodded. "I guess we'd better inform the judges then." She motioned
to one of the officials, who was standing several feet away, and gave him the
message that there'd been a change of plans.

****

Back to the present....

"Skating for Ranma Saotome will be Akira Tendou!!"

The audience cheered once more. The match was still going to happen.

Azusa fumed. <It doesn't matter if they found a substitute. They can't
win against Azusa!>

Up in the stands, the Saotomes and Tendous were gaping in shock.

"Akane!?" gasped Kasumi.

"Oh, my baby girl thinks she's a boy!" cried Soun, tears falling down his
cheeks.

"I wonder what happened to Ranma," Nabiki said thoughtfully.

"Genma, go find your son!" commanded Nodoka.

"Yes dear," said Genma as he stood up and rushed out of the stadium.

"Verily, this is quite a turn of events," Kunou said. "Do you not agree,
Nabiki-chan?"

"Definitely, Kunou-chan," Nabiki replied. "I'm just glad I worded the
bets right. Otherwise I would have lost several thousand yen."

Kasumi rolled her eyes at her sister's mercenary attitude, but said
nothing about it. Instead she tried to calm her father.

"Now, now, father. I'm sure there's a good explanation for Akane dressing
like a boy."

Soun didn't pay any attention. He just kept crying over the loss of his
youngest daughter's femininity.

Nodoka kept her eye on the two young ladies who were about to go up
against the Golden Pair. <Be careful you two. I just hope you know what you're
doing, Akane-chan.>

****

"Okay Ladies and Gentlemen. Here they are. Koholtz High's Golden Pair of
Martial Arts Figure Skating! Mikado Sanzenin and his partner Azusa Shiratori!"
More cheering as Mikado and Azusa make their entrance. Mikado skated in with
Azusa in front of him. He picked her up and tossed her into the air. Azusa did
a complicated series of somersaults and twists, coming down gently onto Mikado's
shoulder where he caught her and held her up as he skated into the center of the
rink. They both smiled and waved at the crowd who loved the entrance. They
showed how much by increasing the volume in the stadium by several decibels.

Ukyou and Akane...err...Akira, were standing at one end of the rink,
awaiting the announcer to introduce them.

(Okay, from this point, until Akane is Akane again, she will be known as
Akira when the scene is in the rink. Thank you ^_^)

"So what kind of entrance are we going to make, Aka-Akira?"

Akira shrugged. "No idea," he said. "We'll just make it up as we go."

Ukyou gave her partner a skeptical glance. "Are you sure?"

He grinned back at her. "Positive."

"If you say so."

"And now," the announcer was saying. "From Furinkan High School, here's
Akira Tendou and his partner Ukyou Kuonji!"

"That's us," Akira said. "Let's go, Ukyou."

Then he and Ukyou stepped onto the ice and began making their entrance.
They didn't have the flashing lights that accompanied the Golden Pair's
entrance, but they still wowed the audience.

As soon as they stepped onto the ice, Akira picked Ukyou up and set her on
his right shoulder. After skating a few feet on the ice, he then launched her
high into the air.

Ukyou performed several somersaults and twisted around in mid-air. After
several moments had passed she began her descent back to the ice, feet first.
Waiting for her was Akira.

Making sure his timing was correct, Akira was ready to catch his partner.
When Ukyou had reached the right distance, Akira's arms shot up and grabbed her
ankles. Almost immediately, he launched her into a forward somersault. This
time, when she came down, she took a seat on the palm of Akira's right hand.
They waved to the crowd, who had enjoyed the spectacular entrance.

"Whew," Ukyou let out after Akira had put her down. "That was exciting."

Akira gave her a grin and wink. "And that's just the entrance."

Azusa skated up to them. "You two are pretty good. But no one is going
to take Charlotte away from Azusa!"

"We'll just see about that," grated Ukyou.

"I would have you know this, Tendou," Mikado then said, joining Azusa.
"During the match, I *will* exact a kiss from the lips of Ukyou Kuonji." Ukyou
rolled her eyes.

Akira glared at egotistical skater. "Just try it pal. Let's go Ukyou."
The two of them skated to one side of the rink as Mikado and Azusa skated to the
other. It was time for the match to begin.

****

"Ungh. What happened? Pop? What are you doing here?"

Ranma had opened his eyes to find the worried face of his father staring
down at him.

"Just take it easy, boy. You got pummeled by a hammer."

"Huh?" Ranma's face scrunched up with confusion. "What'd Akane hit me
for?"

"I don't think it was Akane. Take a look."

Ranma slowly sat up and found that he was on the floor of the dressing
room. Taking a look, he could see that sitting in his seat would activate the
trap. It was cleverly done. Looking around some more he saw a gigantic mallet,
and next to it, a crumpled piece of paper.

"How...how long have I been out, Pop?"

"Uh, around half an hour I think; I’m not too sure."

"What!? The match would have stared by now! I have to go!" He moved to
get up, but his father stopped him.

"Wait! Ranma, it's okay. Akane dressed up as a boy and took your place."

"What!?" he shouted. He had a strange combination of anger and disbelief
on his face. "Is she out of her mind!? What does that crazy tomboy think she's
doing!?"

*Smack* "Hey! Get a hold of yourself, boy! Something must have prompted
Akane to do what she did. Now get up. We probably missed the introductions
already." Genma helped his son to his feet.

Ranma rubbed his reddening cheek as he stood. "But pop, Akane might get
hurt out there!"

"Ranma, my boy," Genma said to him, his voice serious. "You have to trust
her in this. She did well against Kodachi, why is this time so different?"

"Because Kodachi was just another girl! A little psychotic," Ranma added
thoughtfully, "but still a girl. Here she's gonna be up against Mikado! If he
thinks she's a guy, he ain't gonna hold back."

Genma nodded. "You may be right, Ranma. But all you can do now is put
your trust in Akane."

Ranma sighed. "I guess so, pop." His eyes grew determined. "But if
anything goes wrong, I'm not just gonna sit back and watch."

He received a pat on the back from his father. "I wouldn't expect any
less of you, my boy. Now let's go."

On their way out Ranma picked up the crumpled piece of paper and looked at
it. Then he crumpled it back up and tossed it away again.

"What was that?" asked Genma.

"I dunno. My head is still spinning a bit so I couldn't read it."

****

"Oh my! I do hope they'll be careful."

"Don't worry Kasumi. Akane and Ukyou are gonna win. At least they
better. I have a lot of money riding on this."

"Nabiki!" Nodoka gave her a reproving look.

Nabiki had the decency to look embarrassed. "Sorry Auntie."

"Fear not, Nabiki-chan. I, The Blue Thunder of Furinkan High believe that
Akane Tendou and Ukyou Kuonji shall emerge victorious in this epic duel."

"You know, Kunou-chan, you could have just said you thought they were
going to win."

"Verily, I could have done so. Yet, to say it in that manner lacks the
grace of one such as I."

"Whatever." And she leaned against him, linking his arm in hers.

"My baby girl!" Soun was still slightly hysterical. Kasumi's assurances
hadn't helped very much.

Then the bell was rung and the match was under way.

****

As soon as the bell was rung, Mikado and Azusa were immediately on the
move. Skating side by side, they charged Akira and Ukyou.

Seeing Mikado and Azusa heading their way, Ukyou and Akira began their
attack as well. They skated towards the other pair, building speed.

Before reaching Akira and Ukyou, Mikado grabbed Azusa's arms and swung her
towards the other couple, sending her flying. She spun in mid-air and started
coming down, knees first.

"Akira!" Ukyou shouted. "Look out!"

Akira saw Azusa flying at him, but was unable to avoid her in time. With
a crunching impact, Azusa's knees imbedded themselves into his face, knocking
him down and sending him sliding across the ice. She landed on her feet and
turned to see Ukyou coming at her fast.

Ukyou charged Azusa as soon as Akira was brought down. She fell back and
moved into a sliding kick, aimed at Azusa's feet. But Azusa saw it coming and
leaped to avoid Ukyou's attack.

However, she didn't anticipate Ukyou reaching up and latching onto her
foot. With a startled gasp, Azusa crashed back down to the ice. Ukyou stood
up, still holding on to Azusa's foot, and began to spin her around, building up
momentum. When she reached sufficient speed, she let go and sent Azusa flying
into Mikado who was hurrying over.

Mikado caught a screaming Azusa and set her down on her feet as Ukyou
helped Akira up. He was a bit dazed from the hit he took.

"Hey, you okay?" asked a concerned Ukyou.

"Sort of," Akira replied, shaking his head to clear it.

"Maybe we should stop this," Ukyou said, her bottom lip between her teeth
in worry as she began to have second thoughts about the whole thing.

"No way, Ukyou," Akira growled. "The match has just started! There's no
way I'm quitting now! I'm gonna finish this fight!" And with that he prepared
to charge the Golden Pair again, trying to clear his head. Ukyou turned to
follow.

They were unprepared for Mikado, who had decided to take advantage of
their brief conversation. He skated up and wrapped his left arm around Ukyou.
Startled, she froze up, unable to do anything as Mikado moved in for his kiss.

****

"OH MY!" cried the announcer. "Mikado Sanzenin, catching his opponents
unaware, moves in for his famous 'Kiss Attack'!"

****

"Oh my!" cried Kasumi, unconsciously imitating the announcer.

<Dammit! Akane shouldn't be out there!>

Ranma had been hard pressed to keep himself from rushing out onto the ice
when Akane was struck by Azusa. He and his father had joined the others moments
ago and now he was frustrated at having to sit by and watch. He stared at his
fiancée as she tried to focus, her head still ringing from Azusa's earlier
attack.


"Stupid tomboy," Ranma began to mutter under his breath. Slowly his voice
grew louder and louder the more he continued. "Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid,
*stupid*, *stupid*..."

****

"...*STUPID TOMBOY*!"

The words cut through the haze that was in Akane's head. Her attention
snapped towards the stands at the familiar voice. At first she began to smile.
But then the words sank in, the smile reversed course, and anger multiplied.
But since Ranma was way up in the stands, Akira took it out on someone else.

Only an inch away from his desired goal, Mikado found his advance had
ceased. In fact, he found himself retreating. He took a moment to find out
what was going on. The answer came in the anger-induced strength of a pissed
off Tendou.

Akira had grabbed the back of Mikado's suit, and began to pull him back.
He lifted the startled skater two feet off the ground and tossed him fifty feet
into the air. It did no real damage as Mikado flipped and landed gracefully,
brushing his fingers through his hair arrogantly.

"My, my. You're the second person who has dared to interrupt my
greeting," said Mikado as Azusa skated up to rejoin him. "For that you shall
pay, Tendou."

Akira glared at him. "Don't even *think* about touching my partner again,
Sanzenin."

Mikado snorted. "As if you can stop me."

"Try it again, and you'll see exactly how I stop you! And I guarantee you
won't like it at all!!"

Mikado gave him a derisive smile. "I'm sure."

"Come on, Akira," Ukyou said then, motioning towards the opposite end of
the rink.

Her partner nodded and they separated from Mikado, getting ready to fight
once more.

Once they were set, the two pairs charged each other once again. This
time, though, Akira took the initiative and picked up his partner.

"Get ready, Ukyou!" he yelled. And with that, he launched his partner
into the air. He then began to charge Mikado, hoping his timing was right.

Ukyou soared through the air, the force of Akira's throw carrying her high
above the ice. <It's almost like flying> she thought absently.

It may have seemed like flying, but eventually, what goes up must come
down. And Ukyou was definitely coming down...fast...at Mikado.

Akira saw Ukyou's descent and grinned inwardly. <Perfect,> he thought to
himself.

Mikado hadn't been paying attention to where Ukyou had been thrown. He
was more concerned about the very angry Akira charging at him. So it was not
surprising when he never noticed Ukyou descending at great speed.

*BAM!*

Ukyou's knees slammed hard into Mikado's face even as Akira followed up
with his own attack.

*BAM!*

Akira's fist caught Mikado in the gut, sending him flying back with an
"oof!" and sending Ukyou slightly back up into the air. As she came down, Akira
caught her and set her on her feet. The crowd went wild.

****

"Miki?" Azusa knelt down next to her partner who was clutching at both
his face and his stomach. "Does it hurt?" She began poking at his abdomen, a
worried look on her face. "Does it hurt here, Miki?" she asked as she prodded
his injury. Each time she touched it, Mikado would twitch in pain, fighting
back the urge to cry out in agony.

"How about here, Miki?" And Azusa began to prod his face with her other
hand. "Are you hurt here too?" After getting no response from her partner,
Azusa began hitting his injuries with fists, trying desperately to find where
her Miki was hurt.

"Where does it hurt, Miki?" she asked as she repeatedly slammed his
injuries, making them even worse than they had been. "Does it hurt here?" she
asked again as she slammed both fists down upon his battered body.

Having both his injuries aggravated by Azusa's fists was more than Mikado
could take. "Yes it hurts there! Why the hell do you keep hitting me there!?
Do you want me to pass out!?"

Azusa sat back, tears emerging from her eyes. "Azusa was only worried
about you! You wouldn't tell Azusa where you were hurt!"

Mikado sighed, still clutching the areas where he was hurt. It was always
like this with Azusa. No matter how angry he got at her, he couldn't stay that
way for very long. They had been partners for years. In that time a bond had
grown between them. No, he could get angry at her very fast, but their bond let
him forgive her just as quickly.

He sighed once more. "It's okay, Azusa. Next time, ask without hitting.
Okay?"

Azusa's expression brightened up. "Okay Miki!"

Grimacing from the nickname as much as the pain, Mikado slowly rose to his
feet. He turned to find Akira and Ukyou standing several feet away, ready to
attack once more. He noticed that Akira was wobbling slightly in his stance.
Apparently the earlier attack was still taking its toll.

"I applaud your skill," Mikado said to the two. "It isn't often that I am
brought down. But it won't happen again."

Akira smirked, even as he wobbled. "You ready for more?"

Mikado nodded. "Whenever you are." He looked at his partner. "Ready
Azusa?"

"Yes Miki!"

"Then let us continue!" And Mikado launched an attack so swiftly that
neither Ukyou nor Akira were prepared to defend against it.

****

"Alright, that's it! I ain't gonna just sit here and watch anymore!"

Ranma stood up from his seat and began stalking away from the stands.

"Where do you think you're going, boy!?" asked Genma as his son passed
him.

He turned to glare at his father. "I'm gonna do something, old man! I
ain't gonna sit by and let Akane get herself killed because she was stupid. Do
you see her out there!? She's barely staying on her feet!"

He shook his head as he continued walking. "That idiot," he whispered to
himself. "How am I supposed to get her outta there now?"

Ranma was passing Nabiki and Kunou when, suddenly, inspiration struck.
<If Akane can do it, then so can I!> He looked at the kendoist who was watching
the match intently.

"Hey Kunou, can you skate?"

Kunou's gaze shifted from the match to Ranma. "Of course I can skate,
Saotome. One such as I was born with the ability to master anything that
involves..."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. You wanna help me out with something?" Ranma had
an eager gleam in his eye. Kunou easily understood what Ranma was getting at.

"Very well, Saotome. I will accompany you." He stood to go.

"What are you up to, Ranma?" Nabiki asked, suspicion clearly evident in
her eyes.

Ranma just winked at her and began to leave.

"Fear not, Nabiki-chan. I, Tatewaki Kunou shall endeavor to keep Saotome
from mischief."

Her expression was doubtful. "And who's to say *you* won't be getting
into mischief, Kunou-chan?"

Kunou smiled, and that same gleam that was in Ranma's eyes appeared.

Nabiki sighed. "Just don't get yourself killed, Kunou-chan."

Kunou's smile became a grin as he followed Ranma, a childish bounce in his
step.

Nabiki sighed again. <Why do I get the feeling that something bad is
going to happen?>

****

Akira winced in pain. That last engagement only added to the pain he was
feeling earlier. Now it took great effort just to stay on his feet.

"Are you sure you're okay, Akira?"

Ukyou, herself slightly injured, noticed how Akira was wincing at every
movement he made.

"Not really, Ukyou," he replied. "But what else can we do?"

"We can stop this, Akane," Ukyou whispered seriously. "We can find
another way."

Akane shook her head. "No! I won't back out of this match! Until we
find another solution, I'm staying in this!"

Ukyou let out an exasperated breath. "Ranchan was definitely right about
you."

Akane's eyes widened eagerly. "Yeah? What did he say?"

"That you're as stubborn as a mule when you put your mind to something."
Ukyou choked back laughter as Akane began to seethe.

"That jerk! Wait 'til I get my hands on him! Did you hear what he called
me from the stands!?"

"No, I think I was a little busy at the time."

Akane remembered Mikado's kiss attack and cringed. "Right. I forgot."

"Well, if we're going to keep going, we'd better go now."

"You're right," Akira said. "Let's go." And the two of them began to
face off against the Golden Pair once more.

****

<Damn!>

Ryouga cursed himself and his sense of direction. He was currently
wandering the halls of Koholtz High School after he had found himself at the
pool instead of the ice rink.

<Where the hell did they put that stadium!?>

He walked up to a door that looked promising. <Maybe this is it.> He
opened the door and entered.

Inside he found a group of girls working with needles, thread, cloth, and
sewing machines. They all looked up at Ryouga's intrusion. He blushed at
having interrupted their work.

"Sorry," he said. "Wrong room." He began to back out, but he was stopped
before he could leave.

"Hold it right there!" said a male voice.

Ryouga turned to see a tall man in a suit addressing him, a serious look
in his eye.

"I'm afraid we can't let you leave here, young man!" said the gentleman.

"What?" asked Ryouga. "Why not?"

The man walked right up to Ryouga and stared him straight in the eye.

"Because we can't let you leave looking like that!" The man snapped his
fingers. "Okay girls, get to work!"

And with that, the Koholtz High Fashion Club began outfitting Ryouga into
something more fashionable, much to Ryouga's embarrassment.

****

"You ready, Ukyou?"

Ukyou nodded hesitantly. She was worried about her partner. Akira was
not in good shape at all. From the way he moved, there was little chance of
them getting through the rest of the match.

"Good," continued Akira. "Then let's..." But he never finished.

Without warning, the Furinkan skaters found themselves covered by a large
sheet. They were efficiently wrapped up and then tossed safely out of the rink.
The both of them caught the words "Sorry you two." before being thrown out.

****

"There seems to be some kind of commotion going on down there!" cried the
announcer. "The pair from Furinkan High seem to have been covered up by a large
sheet that fell from up above the rink!"

The announcer examined the scene more closely as a ripple of confusion
swept through the crowd. "There's some shuffling going on underneath, from the
looks of it! Wait! The sheet is being removed! Yes! Now the match can..."

The whole stadium gasped with shock. Instead of Akira Tendou and Ukyou
Kuonji, in their place was a pig-tailed girl in Chinese clothing, and a young
man in samurai garb.

****

Akane struggled to free herself from the sheet that she was wrapped up in.
After several moments she succeeded. Then she proceeded to free Ukyou, who was
still stuck in it. That being finished, the two of them looked out to the
stadium.

"*That idiot*!" Akane yelled as she saw Ranma-chan and Kunou taking her
and Ukyou's place. "What does he think he's doing!?"

Ukyou placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Hey, take it easy, Sugar.
I'm sure that Ranchan's just worried about you."

"Argh! He always does this! Back when we were five years old he would do
this to me! Now he's doing it again! Why can't he let me fight for myself!?"

"Akane, you've got to calm down. Personally, I think Ranchan did the
right thing here. I'm glad he took us out of there."

"What!?" Akane turned to Ukyou, a look of disbelief on her face. "How
can you say that!?"

Ukyou gave Akane a hard stare. "Listen, Sugar. After that last round you
were definitely not in any shape to continue this match. Ranchan must have seen
it and did what he felt was right. Besides," she added. "It's not like he
never let's you fight your battles. You didn't see him stopping you when you
went up against Kodachi."

"I know," said a disgruntled Akane. "But sometimes I wish..."

"Wish what? That he didn't care?"

"No. That he wasn't so good."

Ukyou giggled. "I guess that can be irritating."

"You have no idea."

"Hey, at least now you can change out of that," Ukyou said, pointing at
Akane's outfit.

"Not right now. I have to keep an eye on that idiot. Who knows what
could happen with this scheme of his."

"Good point."

And they watched to see how Ranma-chan and Kunou were received by the
audience. Although Akane did take time to undo the binding around her chest.

****

The crowd didn't look very pleased at all. There was angry muttering
coming from all corners of the stadium.

"It seems," cried the announcer, "that there is some protest to Furinkan
High's substitution! Apparently the crowd thinks it is unfair!"

"No, that's not it!" yelled a nearby teenage boy.

"Yeah!" shouted another.

"Look at those two!" shouted a girl. "Their costumes are absolutely
horrendous!"

"Yeah!"

"And you can't even see the girl's body for crying out loud!" screamed
another boy.

"Definitely yeah!"

****

Ranma-chan and Kunou stood on the rink, taking in the negative reaction to
their entrance.

"Methinks 'twas not a good idea to come out here, Saotome."

"Really?" asked the redhead, the sarcasm dripping from her. "What makes
you say that, Kunou?"

"The crowd is angry at our appearance," replied the kendoist, not catching
Ranma-chan's tone.

"Well it's too late now. We're in here and we're gonna stay and finish
this match. There's no way I'm letting Akane fight anymore!"

"But what shall we do about the crowd? It would not do for the Blue
Thunder to displease his fans."

Ranma-chan gave him a disbelieving look. "What fans, you idiot!? They've
probably never even heard of you!"

"Nonsense. Everyone has heard of the great Tatewaki Kunou. Our family is
known throughout Japan." Kunou had his arms spread out dramatically, his face
full of passion as he spoke of his family's glory.

The crowd was really starting to get upset now. The displeasure was
noticeably increasing. Suddenly, Ranma-chan began to have second thoughts.

"Hold it right there!" came a voice.

Ranma-chan and Kunou turned to see a tall gentleman wearing a suit. He
was surrounded by several teenage girls.

"Who are you!?" a bewildered Ranma-chan blurted out.

"We can solve all your fashion needs!" replied the gentleman. "Get to it
girls!"

And Ranma and Kunou were swept up into changing booths that were quickly
rolled in. In a few minutes, they're attire was completely changed.

****

"And it looks like the Koholtz High Fashion Club has come to the rescue!"
the announcer shouted with glee. "A new look for a new couple!"

The crowd, now happy again, began to cheer once more.

****

Ranma-chan looked at herself. <I don't believe this! All I wanted to do
was get Akane out of the match, and now I'm dressed in a female ice-skating
outfit!>

The outfit in question was a tasteful, green ice-skating dress with black
sleeves. A black circlet adorned her brow to match the black bracelets
encircling her wrists. It really brought out Ranma-chan's...err,
healthy...figure.

"Ugh," she said out loud. "I can't believe they put me in this thing."

"It is a set of fine attire, Saotome," Kunou told her.

"For a girl maybe," grumbled Ranma-chan. "Personally I'd have rather
gotten an outfit like yours."

He was dressed in a suit that resembled Mikado's. But where Mikado's was
a pristine white, Kunou's was a deep black. His shirt was a dark green to match
Ranma-chan's outfit, finished off with a black necktie.

"Yes. An outfit such as this is most becoming on a dashing figure like
myself."

She rolled her eyes and was about to make another comment when the Golden
Pair approached them.

"How dare you interrupt this match!" fumed an irritated Azusa. "You can't
just come in here and take the other couple's place!"

"Actually Azusa," interjected a calm Mikado. "There is nothing in the
rules that says it isn't allowed. Therefore it is perfectly legal." He
presented his most charming smile to Ranma-chan. "And who might you be, Miss?"

She glared at the ice-skater, her fists clenched tightly. "I'm
Ran...uh..." her anger was suddenly replaced by panic as she tried to think of
another name. "Ran-Ra-Ranko! Err, yeah, Ranko Tendou!"

"Tendou?" Mikado inquired with an arched eyebrow. "Would you then be
related to Akira Tendou?"

Ranma-chan began to get flustered as she tried to think of what to say.
"Umm...uh...yeah! Sh...uh...HE is my...err...cousin! That's it! My cousin!
Yeah!"

"Well then," Mikado continued. "It would give me great pleasure to give
the cousin of such a talented skater as Akira, my greeting." And he proceeded
move in on Ranma-chan's lips.

****

"Whoa! Ranchan isn't gonna like that!"

Ukyou and Akane continued to watch as Mikado moved in to give Ranma-chan a
kiss. Akane was less than pleased.

"*Idiot*!"

****

Ranma-chan saw what was coming. She was too shocked to react, forgetting
that she was a girl at the moment, and failed to realize that Mikado was
seriously trying to kiss her.

But it only lasted for a split second.

In a flash of movement, Mikado's face was intercepted by Ranma-chan's
fist, not only stopping him, but forcing him back several feet.

Mikado couldn't believe it. *Two* girls had refused his greeting now. "I
don't understand, pig-tailed one," he said to Ranma-chan. "Why do you refuse my
greeting?"

"Hey pal!" Ranma-chan shouted at him. "You can't just go around kissing
girls when you feel like it!"

"Why not?"

"Argh! What if they don't want to kiss you!?"

Mikado gave her a charming smile. "But all girls want to kiss me." And
he leaned forward again in another attempt to kiss her.

*BAM!*

This time Mikado was knocked off his feet by the strike that Ranma-chan
threw at him. After sliding for a little bit, he was able to get back onto his
feet. He could actually feel the bruise forming on his face.

Mikado's face twisted in fury. Now he was mad. He didn't have any more
thoughts of kissing Ranma-chan now. All he wanted to do now was attack her!

"Why you little...You'll pay for that you miserable wench!" He started
forward, but a hand, forcibly placed upon his shoulder, stopped him.

"Attempt not to harm this fair maiden, Sanzenin, unless it be in honorable
combat. If you continue to proceed, you shall face the wrath of the Blue
Thunder!"

Mikado glared at the kendoist and jerked his shoulder away angrily.
"Fine! Let's get started then!"

****

"Hmm, I think I'm getting closer. I can hear the audience."

Ryouga was still lost. But he found hope in the fact that he could hear a
great many people gathered in one place. Now all he had to do was find out
where that was and go there.

"I think it's coming from that direction." He proceeded to walk down
another one of Koholtz High's many corridors.

****

Kunou slipped and fell...again...

"Kunou, you idiot! You said you could skate!"

"Perhaps I was overly generous in the praise of my ability on the ice,"
admitted an embarrassed Kunou.

"Great!" fumed Ranma-chan. "How are we supposed to fight if you can
barely stand!?"

"Fear not, Saotome," Kunou said as he carefully rose to his feet. "I
believe I will be able to stay on my feet for at least a few seconds. That is
ample time to beat our opponents."

"What!? You expect this to be over in a few *seconds*!?"

"Of course. No one can match the Blue Thunder! And with you at my side,
the faster it will be to dispatch the foe!"

Ranma-chan groaned, her face buried in her hands. "Why me? What did I do
to deserve this?"

"Uh, Saotome?"

"What is it, Kunou?"

"I believe the Golden Pair is attacking us."

Ranma-chan looked up to see Mikado and Azusa bearing down on them. "Oh
sh..."

*BAM!*

Ranma-chan and Kunou went flying in opposite directions, the attack of the
Golden Pair aimed at separating the two.

"Now, Miss Tendou," snarled Mikado. "It's payback time! Pinwheel Strike,
Azusa!"

"Okay, Miki!"

Mikado grabbed Azusa's wrists and began to spin, swinging her around and
around even as he continued to move towards Ranma-chan. Azusa's soon became a
living propeller, whirling around at great speed.

Ranma-chan got to her feet and saw what was coming at her really fast. At
the speed which Azusa was being swung, if Ranma-chan got hit by the attack, it
would really hurt. She winced, closing her eyes, preparing herself for the
pain.

It never came.

"Two against one is not honorable, Sanzenin!" cried an angry kendoist.
"Now feel the wrath of the Blue Thunder!"

Kunou lunged for Mikado's feet and wrapped his arms around the ice-
skater's legs. This action forced Mikado to lose his balance and fall towards
the ice. In doing so, he lost his grip on Azusa.

"AAAAHHHHHHH!" she screamed as she went flying through the air. Gathering
her wits, Azusa rotated in the air, adjusting herself so she would land on her
feet. Flakes of shaved ice flew up as she made a skidded landing. With several
gasps of relief, Azusa turned to look for her partner.

****

"Kunou! Hey, you okay?"

After Mikado had fallen, he began to thrash about, trying to free his
legs. It was during this point that Kunou received the knock to the head from
Mikado's knee. The result was a half conscious Kunou with a worried Ranma-chan
looking over him.

Kunou smiled up at his partner. "How do we fare, Saotome?" he asked
weakly.

"Uh...not too good, actually. They're still on their feet, and you're
only half-conscious."

"Then I must needs rise, else we give up the fight." And he began to
stand, assisted by Ranma-chan who put Kunou's arm about her shoulders to steady
him.

"Hey, Kunou. I...uh..."

"Yes, Saotome?"

Ranma-chan face was filled with hesitation and embarrassment. "Well...I
just wanted to say...err...thanks. You know, for saving me and all."

Kunou smiled. "Fear not, fair Saotome. Though I can see your feelings
towards me are growing, I shall not allow you to date with me."

"What!?" And he received a swift, but not too powerful, elbow to the gut.

Kunou's chuckle was weak as Ranma-chan glared at him. "That wasn't funny,
Kunou!"

"Methinks 'twas." And he began to chuckle some more.

"Hmph! Well if you can stow your amusement away for a while, we have to
come up with a plan. From the looks of it, you're in no shape to finish this
match."

"Verily," he agreed. "The foul Sanzenin has delivered upon me a
staggering blow."

Ranma-chan bowed her head in thought, always keeping in mind where the
Golden Pair were. She didn't want to get caught off guard again. Time passed,
and soon she had a plan.

"Okay. Here's what we do."

****

Mikado stood up, he was really getting angry now.

"Miki? Are you okay?"

"No Azusa. I'm not okay."

"What's wrong?"

He growled. "This match is taking too long, Azusa. We need to end it
now."

Azusa smiled cheerily. "Okay, Miki!"

"You know what to do?"

"Yep!"

****

"You ready, Kunou?"

"Verily, Saotome."

"Then let's go!"

Ranma-chan and Kunou held hands and began to speed down the rink, directly
at the Golden Pair.

"Okay, Kunou!" shouted Ranma-chan. "Join hands!"

Kunou immediately responded and took Ranma-chan's other hand. They
continued to skate, both hands joined, their plan reaching its critical point.

****

"Here they come, Azusa!" Mikado warned his partner. "Ready?"

"Yes, Miki!"

"Good!" And Mikado picked up his partner and threw her at their
opponents.

****

Ranma-chan couldn't believe it. Mikado just threw Azusa at them. More
specifically, at Kunou. Unfortunately, this was not in the plan. At least, not
hers.

"Watch out, Kunou!" she yelled, but it was to no avail.

Azusa flew into Kunou and wrapped him up in her arms, causing him to
stumble and fall. This caused Ranma-chan to follow him to the ice, as their
hands were still joined.

"You're wide open," giggled Azusa as Mikado quickly skated up and grabbed
her ankles.

****

"Uh oh!" the announcer shouted. "It looks like the Golden Pair is getting
ready for their final attack! Yes, here it is folks! The Good-Bye Whirl!"

****

Mikado lifted Azusa up by her ankles and raised her up above his head.
Then he began to spin, even as Azusa held on to Kunou, who in turn, held on to
Ranma-chan. Faster and faster the spin became, until all four skaters had
become a living propeller. Mikado and Azusa formed the base, while Kunou and
Ranma-chan were the blade.

"How are you doing!?" Kunou yelled to his partner as the force of the spin
threatened to pull them apart and send them flying.

"This wasn't part of my plan!" Ranma-chan shouted in reply.

"Verily! What are we to do now!?"

"I'm thinking!"

"No offense to you Saotome....but think faster!"

"I'm trying! Just don't let go!"

****

"That *idiot*!" Akane fumed from the rink side.

"Calm down, Akane," Ukyou tried to reassure her, even though she was
harboring the same thought. "Ranchan will think of something."

Akane paid her no heed. She just stared out at her spinning fiancé and
began muttering under her breath. From what little Ukyou could make out, Ranma
was going to have even more problems after the match.

<Ranchan, you are such an idiot.>

****

Nabiki winced. <I knew something like this would happen. I just knew
it.> Then she sighed and rested her cheek on the palm of her hand. <Looks like
I'm going to have to take Kunou-chan to a doctor later on.>

"I hope they'll be alright," Kasumi said worriedly.

"I'm sure they'll be fine, Kasumi," Nodoka told her, even though her tone
lacked confidence.

"Of course they will," Genma said. "Ranma has those skaters right where
he wants them."

Soun was still crying about Akane.

"My baby girl!"

****

Mikado had a frown on his face as he kept spinning. <Why haven't they let
go yet!? No couple has lasted this long before!> He had to get them to let go.

"How about it!?" he directed his question at Kunou. "All you have to do
is let go of the girl and I'll stop spinning!"

Kunou eyes flashed as he glared down at Mikado. "You dare to presume that
Tatewaki Kunou would let harm befall his partner!? I shall smite you for such
an insult!"

Mikado fumed at the kendoist's threat and began to spin faster. He was
barely able to keep control, so fast was he going.

****

<This is not good!> Ranma-chan thought. <That idiot is gonna kill all of
us with this stupid stunt! I gotta do something 'now'!>

"Kunou!"

"Yes, Saotome!?" replied the strained kendoist.

"Let go!"

"What!?"

Kunou stared at Ranma-chan in disbelief. "Have you taken leave of your
senses, Saotome!? If I let you go, you will go flying into the ice!"

Ranma-chan shook her head. "No! Not if you let me go at an upward angle!
Just lift your arms up a few degrees and I'll go up into the scaffolding above
the stadium! ...at least I think so anyway."

Kunou took a split second to think about it. Then he nodded. "Very well!
Just tell me when!"

Ranma-chan nodded and spoke one last time. "When you let me go, you have
to watch out for yourself! You won't know what's going to happen after I'm
gone, so be careful and try to keep yourself in one piece!"

Kunou flashed a grin that was seldom seen on his normally serious face.
"Fear not! I shall strive to do so!"

Ranma-chan returned the grin. Then her face became set as she prepared to
go flying. Taking a deep breath she looked at Kunou once more.

"Now!" she shouted.

With tremendous effort, Kunou used some of his remaining strength to force
his arms upward, against the force of the spin. When he raised them to a
sufficient height, and Ranma-chan was spinning at an upward angle, he let go.

****

"Wait a minute!" cried the announcer. "Furinkan's female substitute is
no longer there! Did anyone see where she went!?"

A ripple of wonder coursed through the crowd.

****

"Hey, where'd Ranma go?" Nabiki asked, looking around for any sign of the
redhead.

"I'm not sure, Nabiki," Kasumi said, also peering around. "All of a
sudden she just wasn't there anymore. Did you see where she went, Auntie?"

"No," Nodoka replied, her face filled with concern for her son/daughter.

"Don't worry, ladies," Genma told them, a wide grin on his face. "Ranma
is just fine."

Soun was finally wiping away his tears from earlier. "Yes. You did an
excellent job with the boy, Saotome."

****

Ranma-chan looked down from where she clutched a metal bar, high above the
rink.

"Whew!" she said breathlessly. "That was close. For a minute I thought
it wasn't going to work."

She took a deep breath to compose herself and looked for her partner to
see how he was faring.

****

Mikado realized that Ranko Tendou was no longer in the Whirl. He smirked
with glee. <Happy landings, Miss Tendou.> He looked up at his partner. "Okay
Azusa! I'm letting go!"

Azusa looked scared. "No Miki! You're going to fast! Slow down first!"

Mikado hadn't realized that Azusa had been terrified the whole time. He
felt a stab of shame as he slowed his spin.

"How's that?" Mikado asked his partner.

Azusa still didn't want him to let go. He could see it in her expression.
He sighed. <I guess that substitute is gonna catch a break today.> And he
slowed down even more until Azusa was safely on the ice along with Kunou.

Mikado skated up to his partner. "You okay, Azusa?"

Azusa's head was bowed down as she stared at the ice. She remained like
that for quite a while that Mikado was afraid she was hurt.

"Azusa?"

Her head snapped up and Mikado took and involuntary step back as he took
in her furious expression. Then he took another step back as Azusa's hand came
up and around to slam into the side of his face.

Then the tears began welling up in her eyes. Mikado stared at her as he
felt the guilt build in him. He had been subject to Azusa's crying fits for
years. But never before had he ever seen so much hurt in her eyes.

They looked at each other for a few moments. Then Azusa spoke.

"You are such a jerk, Mikado Sanzenin," she whispered.

Then she turned and began to skate away. Mikado stood there, dumbfounded.
Never before had Azusa spoken to him like that.

"Methinks the lady is displeased with you, Sanzenin."

Mikado glared at the smirking kendoist. "Shouldn't you be looking for
your partner?"

Kunou shook his head. "No. I know precisely where she is."

"Oh and where would that be?"

Kunou pointed up.

Mikado looked in time to see a fist slam into his face. After that, he
was no longer conscious.

Ranma-chan skated over to her partner. "Well, I guess it worked."

"Indeed. An excellent plan Saotome." Kunou took her hand and raised it
to the cheers of the crowd. "It is a good thing that you had the strength of
Tatewaki Kunou to help you pull it off."

Ranma-chan glared at him for a second before returning her attention to
the crowd.

****

"What a major upset!" cried the announcer. "Emperor Sanzenin has been
rendered unconscious! His partner, Azusa Shiratori has left the rink! The
Charlotte Cup is over! Koholtz High's Golden Pair has lost to Furinkan High!"
He began to sob into his shirtsleeve as the crowd began to cheer the victors.

****

"That's my boy!" Genma said with a grin.

Soun was weeping again. "What a good match that was!"

Nodoka was smiling down at her son/daughter.

Kasumi was smiling also. But she's almost always smiling anyways.

Nabiki was shaking her head in disbelief. "That had to be the strangest
fight I've ever seen," she said as she rested her chin in the palms of her
hands.

****

Later that night, everyone gathered for dinner at the Tendou Training
Hall. Everyone was talking and laughing. As they were all settling down for
dessert, they were interrupted by someone storming into the dining area.

"Ukyou!" cried Ryouga. Everyone looked up, startled by his clothing as
well as his entrance.

He was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and a yellow and black
spotted bow tie. His hair was slightly disheveled and the suit a bit wrinkled
and dusty. He rushed to the table and knelt down next to Ukyou.

"Ukyou, I'm here! Ranma got himself knocked out so he couldn't skate with
you! I'm here to take his place!"

Everyone banged their heads on the table.

"Uh, Ryouga?" Ranma began after he recovered. "I'm over here."

Ryouga looked at him. "Ranma? But you were out cold!" He looked around
at everyone else? "What are you all doing here?"

"Ryouga," Akane said gently. "We're home."

"Huh?" He scratched his head as he began to recognize the Tendou dining
area. "But the match." He looked back at Ukyou who was trying to decide
whether to be very angry, very amused, or very flattered. "Ukyou, what's going
on?"

Her eyes narrowed, anger winning. "You're late, you jackass! The match
was finished hours ago! We won!"

"But...but...but it can't be! I was supposed to take Ranma's place! You
couldn't skate without a partner!"

"No I couldn't. That's why Akane was my partner."

"But...but...but..." Ryouga was really confused now. "But how? I was
rushing to find you! I went through hell, and the match is over!?"

Ukyou sighed, pulled out her giant spatula and smashed Ryouga over the
head.

"Guess so," he muttered before passing out.

Everyone around the table stared for a little while.

"Umm, was that necessary, Ucchan?"

"Yes it was, Ranchan."

"Ok."

Everyone began eating their dessert.

****

Mikado lay in his hospital bed, still unconscious. A small figure sat
next to him, hidden in the shadows.

"You're such a fool, Mikado Sanzenin," the figure whispered.

Mikado stirred in his sleep and opened his eyes. He raised his head up to
look around, but he found himself alone.

He lay back and returned to his rest. He didn't notice the cute stuffed
animal that was left for him.

****

Dessert was soon over, but everyone at the Tendou Training Hall still
continued to celebrate. Soon the hour grew late and many went to bed. Genma,
Nodoka and Soun were the first to go, followed by Kunou who had to leave for his
own home. Nabiki went to bed soon afterwards, along with Kasumi. All that was
left was Ranma, Ryouga, who had changed clothes after regaining consciousness,
Ukyou, and Akane sitting on the living room floor.

"It's been a long day, hasn't it?" Akane leaned back into Ranma, settling
in his arms.

"It sure has, Akane." Ukyou yawned, her expression showing fatigue and
cheer combined. She was sitting as far from Ryouga as possible without making
it obvious.

"I just hope I don't have to do that again," Akane said.

"Yeah," Ranma replied. "It would only make you more of a tomboy."

He received an elbow to his gut, courtesy of his fiancée.

"Jerk," she said playfully.

Ranma took one of his arms from around Akane to rub at his newest injury.
He chuckled a bit before he continued. "Considering what we've been through
lately, the chances of trouble should be down." He grunted when Akane elbowed
him again.

"Don't say that, Ranma. You'll jinx it and we'll have problems again."

"Aw, come on, Akane! Stuff like this couldn't possibly happen so many
times. Trust me, we're gonna have nice quiet days for at least a month."

The others didn't agree with him, but they all hoped he was right.

"So have you decided where you're taking me, Ranma?" Akane asked.

"Huh? What're you talking about, Akane?"

"You know, our...uh...date."

"Date? Which date was that?"

"The date with some insensitive jerk that I'm being forced into going."

"Hmph, anymore talk like that and I guess I *won't* be taking you to
Giovanni's."

Akane gasped turning to face him. She wrapped her arms around Ranma,
giving him a fierce hug. "Ranma! You're taking me to Giovanni's!?" Giovanni's
was a fine Italian restaurant that had just opened recently. After only a few
weeks, it was reputed to be one of the best restaurants in Tokyo.

Grinning, and looking slightly embarrassed, Ranma returned Akane's hug.
"Yeah, it's all set. I made reservations for Tuesday evening at six. I thought
maybe afterwards you might want to catch a movie or something."

Akane gave him a kiss on the cheek and let go of him. "A movie sounds
great." She was giddy with excitement. She couldn't wait for Tuesday.

Ryouga glanced at Ukyou, but she wasn't paying him any attention. She
just looked at Ranma and Akane with a happy smile for them. He sighed.

"I guess I should get some sleep," Ryouga said. "It's pretty late." He
stood up to go.

"I think we all better get to bed," Ranma agreed quickly. "C'mon, Ryouga.
I'll show you to the room."

"I can find it on my own, Ranma!"

"Yeah, right. Next thing you know, you're at the Koholtz High Ice Skating
rink."

Ryouga grumbled as he followed Ranma to their room.

Akane and Ukyou just shook their heads and went to bed as well.

****

Whew! Okay, that's the end of Part Six. Hope you enjoyed it. Questions
and comments to rplanas@pacbell.net. Flames ignored. Part Seven will be coming
as soon as I get the time and ideas to write it. Thanks.
Gyran