#3: End of the Beginning
			The Wheel of Fire, Part 1: The New Cycle

  Written by Razorclaw X (spiceoflife@hotmail.com)
  This can be found at http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma
  Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 and characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. And 
all that other good stuff. Proper licenses belong to their respective 
companies. The manga has precedence over material in the anime. 
  This file can be freely distributed so long as it appears in its 
complete form and proper credit. No part may be reproduced for 
monetary gain without permission from the author. (to which the answer 
is probably "no")

  Author's note: This story takes place after the final manga story. 
It somewhat follows after my previous fics, "Moments of Transition," 
and "Team Ranma vs. the Orochi Assassins." This is the final part of 
Part 1: The New Cycle, where the lives of Ranma and friends have only 
just begun. 

Plot Points (from previous stories)
==================================
1. Ranma and Akane declared their love for each other. Most 
relationships have been resolved, except maybe for Kodachi and 
Shampoo.  
2. Ryoga is looking for his parents to get permission to marry Akari. 
3. Ling-ling, Lung-lung, and Shampoo's father (he appears in the 
manga for about five panels) work at the Nekohanten. 

------------------------------------------------
Opening: Love Seeker * Can't Stop It 

  Kodachi finally worked up her courage to go to the Tendo home. 
  A few weeks ago her brother, Tatewaki Kuno, almost died. Or so she 
thought he did. In any case they spent the days following together 
during his recovery, and something inside Kodachi snapped. 
  Wearing a kimono adorned with black roses, Kodachi leaned to look 
out of the sedan chair her servants were carrying. Not much farther. 
Kodachi wanted to appear at her best; she wasn't known for being... 
pleasant, so to speak. 
  Soon she arrived at the dojo. Kodachi stood from the chair after her 
servants set it to the ground, and walked silently toward the front 
door beyond the open gate. Strange it was, she thought, coming here 
under such circumstances. The Black Rose fought the urge to turn back. 
  Kodachi gently knocked on the door. Soon it was answered by the 
elder Tendo sister, Kasumi. 
  "Oh, why hello, Kodachi!" said Kasumi, with her usual cheery smile. 
"Come on in!"
  Stepping inside, Kodachi said, "I need to talk to Ranma-sa... 
Ranma."
  Kasumi nodded. "You came to talk about the wedding? I'll tell him 
you're here." She turned and walked up the stairs. 
  Moments later Kodachi could hear the sounds of protest: "...don't 
want to see HER!" Oh, how it was terrible to be the Black Rose today! 
  Kasumi reappeared and strode down the stairs. "Ranma doesn't want to 
come down. Perhaps you can come up stairs and see him?"
  Kodachi forced a smile and nodded. Slowly, she followed Kasumi up 
the stairs, and around the corner to Ranma's room. The door was 
wide-open to the hallway, probably why the Kuno girl heard Ranma's 
response to Kasumi's request. Peering her head in, she saw Ranma 
sitting in the middle of the room, back toward the door. 
  "Ranma," Kasumi started, "Kodachi was nice enough to come all this 
way to see you. Please be respectful and entertain her?" 
  Ranma grunted a response, to which Kasumi smiled and walked away. 
Before heading down the stairs, she turned to Kodachi and said, "Don't 
mind Ranma. He doesn't know how to entertain his guests properly." 
  Kodachi sighed. Ranma certainly wasn't going to make this easy. 
Looking back to where Kasumi disappeared down the stairs, she walked 
into Ranma's room, and shut the door behind her quietly. 
  "Ranma," Kodachi started.
  "What do you want this time?" asked Ranma, a tone of annoyance in 
his voice. 
  Kodachi walked to the window, pushing the curtains aside to stare 
at the scenery, her back to Ranma. "I want to talk about us."
  No response. Kodachi continued, "Long ago, in this very grounds, you 
saved my life. You can't imagine how much I wanted to return the 
favor. The only way I could think of to repay you was to become your 
wife."  
  "Hmph, yeah right," remarked Ranma. 
  "I know you can never love one such as me," Kodachi said. "I tried 
my best to sway your heart. To marry you solves two problems, the 
other being my familial responsibilities. I must carry on the great 
Kuno name, as is my responsibility. But with your imminent marriage 
to Akane, I find it impossible to marry you." 
  Ranma's head craned up in surprise. Kodachi, giving up without a 
fight?   "If I can't pay you back for saving me, then I'm doomed to 
dishonor the family name. What's a girl to do?" 
  Ranma stood up and walked to Kodachi's side. "There's a lot you can 
do! You could... well...." Ranma almost wanted to say, "leave me 
alone," but stopped, knowing that might make Kodachi mad. "...I don't 
know." 
  "That's it," Kodachi replied, "I can't... not the hated, spiteful 
girl that I am! How can I repay a favor with the price of my life?" 
  She continued, "Even if I could, no man could love me! Not Kodachi, 
the Black Rose!" She broke into tears, sinking to the floor to her 
knees. "If you can't marry me, who else would?! Who could love me?!" 
  Ranma nodded. Everyone in Tokyo knew Kodachi's reputation well, and 
generally regarded her as bordering on insane. WHO could love Kodachi 
Kuno? Her brother, maybe, but that's not the same. "Kodachi," Ranma 
started, feeling a bit awkward, "you might not find the right guy now, 
but who knows? I mean, look at you: you're a knockout. You're smart. 
And you're a good planner." Yeah, I should know... the cheating 
schemes, the chemical warfare....
  Letting out a loud moan, Kodachi said, "I'm doomed to die without a 
husband.... I can't let my idiot brother carry the family name on his 
own... what if something happens to him, like what almost happened to 
him?" she cried, referring to Kuno's recent hospitalization. She 
grabbed Ranma, and looked at his eyes pleadingly. "Don't marry Akane! 
Marry me! Please!"
  "Kodachi... I have to marry, no, I WANT to marry Akane. I'm sorry, 
that's the way it is. I can't help you." Ranma cradled Kodachi's head 
in his arms, the tears rolling down his shirt. "You're still invited 
to the wedding...." Then Ranma thought, wait a minute! When did 
Kodachi ever care about honor, much less her family honor? Could this 
not be another one of Kodachi's clever schemes? 
  Gently pushing Kodachi away, Ranma said, "It won't work, Kodachi. 
You're trying to make me feel guilty."
  Kodachi reached into the folds of her kimono for her ribbon with one 
hand, and the window with the other. Pushing it open, she got up and 
stood at the sill. "Ranma, how dare you kick a girl while she's down? 
I thought I could count on you, but like the others you turn me away." 
Kodachi turned, her back to the outside, her eyes almost saying, 
"Don't let me go." 
  Ranma leaned back and folded his arms, seemingly unconcerned. "Well, 
aren't you going to go? I'm not stopping ya." 
  Kodachi let out a small, teary smile. Same old insensitive Ranma! 
Perhaps some things never change. Then, body leaning back, the Kuno 
girl plunged to the ground, disappearing from the window. Black rose 
petals trailed her descent, seemingly coming from nowhere. 
  After a few seconds had gone by Ranma leaned over the window and 
looked to the ground, but there was no body. Looking around, he saw 
Kodachi swinging from her ribbon and land on her feet. Blowing a kiss, 
the Kuno girl walked around to the front. 
  What's with that girl and dramatic exits? Ranma wondered, shaking 
his head. 

  A few days ago Soun and Genma announced to the rest of the household 
that Ranma and Akane were to have a wedding-- again. Another Western 
wedding. And they wanted to pull this one off fast. 
  The invitations were sent; only those who received knew of the 
wedding. In fact, very few people received invitations at all, for 
this was to be quick and simple. The invitation list was checked 
intriplicate to eliminate potential troubles, and loose cannons that 
might react negatively to the wedding (Ranma was puzzled that the 
Kunos made the cut at all, but Akane insisted that Kuno gave up, and 
pointed out that Kodachi actually behaved at the last wedding). A 
stern warning was included to keep the news silent. 
  Nabiki made most of the arrangements, using funds she refused to 
reveal. Soun asked her to insure no problems, and what Nabiki 
promises, she delivers (or, so she liked to believe). To that end, 
no invitations were sent to the Nekohanten. In fact, nobody in the 
household came within three blocks of the Chinese restaurant. They 
all Shampoo would stop at nothing to prevent a wedding between 
anyone but Ranma and herself. 
  Today was the day before the wedding. Ukyo, like Kodachi, received 
an invitation that morning. Ukyo had come to terms with her 
somewhat-limited relationship with Ranma, so when she saw the 
invitation, she cried. Leaving the restaurant in Konatsu's care, she 
walked to the Tendo dojo. 
  She wore her yellow turtle-neck sweatshirt and black pants, as well 
as a matching belt held loosely at her waist. She tied her hair in a 
ponytail. Of course her appearance was somewhat strange, as she left 
her bandoleer back in her room. No reason to get unnecessarily 
violent. 
  Ranma was practicing in the dojo when Ukyo entered. He stopped when 
he noticed his best friend enter. "Hey, Ucchan."
  "Congratulations, Ranchan," Ukyo heard herself say, a bit unsure 
why she'd congratulated him. "I guess I have a second chance after 
all." She giggled nervously.
  "Don't worry, Nabiki's taking care of it," Ranma said assuringly. 
  "When do you plan on telling Shampoo?" Ukyo asked. 
  "How'd you find out about that?" 
  "It doesn't take a genius to figure out who is going to be the loose 
cannons," explained Ukyo. "So you invite me and Kodachi, but not 
Shampoo. So when are you going to tell her?" 
  "I hope never." 
  "You can't hide from her forever, Ranchan."
  "After I'm married, and far away from Shampoo, I guess." 
  Silence. 
  Then Ukyo asked, "Where's Ryoga?" 
  "Beats me," Ranma answered, "I'd invite him, but he's run off 
somewhere." 
  Ukyo nodded. Ryoga professed his love to Akari, and was now 
searching for his parents, seeking to ask permission to marry her. 
Boy, would that take a while! It's the Hibikis we're talking about 
here; each and every one of the family has a lousy sense of 
direction. Well, except for the dog. 
  "I was thinking about asking him to be my best man or something," 
Ranma explained, seemingly staring off into nothing. "Well, Akane 
figured some things out after that, and we agreed on someone else." 
He looked back at his old friend. "Akane asked Kasumi to be the 
maid of honor. I mean, she kinda deserves it, too. Nabiki certainly 
doesn't." 
  "Oh, that's... great, Ranchan," Ukyo said. No one with any sense 
could miss the note of disappointment in her voice, but she wasn't 
expecting such honors anyway. 
  "So," Ranma started nervously, "are you coming in a dress or a 
tux?" 
  Ukyo giggled, pushing depressing thoughts from her mind. "Silly! 
Whichever will make you happy." Or comfortable. 
  Ranma looked around, more nervous than ever, the sweat dripping to 
the floor, sizzling from the heat of his body. "Well, uh, do you want 
to be my best man?"
  Ukyo smiled and hugged Ranma. "Tux it is, Ranchan!" That means yes, 
you jackass. "Thank you!" 
  "That's great!" Ranma shouted enthusiastically. Last night, in 
their talk, Akane insisted on the idea, while Ranma had trouble with 
the thought of a girl being the 'best man.' But, then again, this was 
his old pal Ucchan! Ukyo's a lot more than a girl, as she has proven 
time and again. 
  After calming down a bit, Ukyo suddenly stated, "Ranchan, I never 
told you how I felt about you." 
  Those words took Ranma by surprise. "I thought we understood each 
other since I found the love letter." 
  "I didn't say it in words, that's all," explained Ukyo. "I was too 
shy to say it, but I suppose it wouldn't have made a difference in 
your decision to marry Akane." 
  "Does it matter?" asked Ranma. A part of him didn't want to hear 
the words. 
  "Yes, it does," Ukyo replied. "Dammit Ranchan, I love you." She 
waited a few moments, then added, "There, that felt better. You have 
no idea how long I've waited to say that to you. I only wish that 
'marry me' would've followed." 
  "You didn't say that just so you could dissuade me from marrying 
Akane, huh?" Ranma asked suspiciously. 
  "Ranchan!" yelled Ukyo. "Is that the kind of response you gave 
Kodachi?" 
  Kodachi? "How'd you find out about that?" Ranma asked, surprised. 
  "We've had a talk just outside the gate," explained the okonomiyaki 
chef. "She didn't seem to be out of tears when we parted. You hurt her 
a bunch." 
  Ranma threw up his arms in frustration. "Well, what was I supposed 
to do? I mean, she's not behaving like she used to. The old, scheming 
Kodachi I could handle, but not this one!" 
  "The fact is, Ranchan, Kodachi is a person, too. She's trying to 
get over her first real romance, no matter how disastrous it was 
destined to be. Hey, I'm trying to deal with this situation myself." 
Ukyo leaned closer and placed both hands on Ranma's shoulders. 
"Shampoo loves you, too. By not telling her you're making things 
worse." 
  "You could tell her," Ranma replied, trying to remove the guilt. 
  Ukyo shook her head. "It'll come off better from you. Besides, 
Shampoo doesn't trust me, and with good reason. I don't trust her 
either." She shrugged. "Listen to some good advice: don't toy with 
a girl's feelings, or you'll come to regret it." If I were out of 
control at the last wedding, you WOULD regret it. "So, why did you 
invite Kodachi and not Shampoo?" 
  "Because Shampoo's got that old ghoul on her side," answered Ranma. 
"Who knows what she'd do. Besides, I think Kodachi's a bit more 
concerned about her stupid brother's health right now to care." 
  "Hmm, I wouldn't know that feeling, you know, having a brother?" 
Ukyo commented thoughtfully. She, like Ranma, was an only child. 
"I mean, it's strange to have one so close to you have such impact 
on your life!" 
  "Well, that's strange, because I think I know how it feels to have a 
sister." 
  "Really?" Ukyo's interest was piped. "Who would that be?" 
  "You." 
  Silence followed. Through the open windows in the dojo one could 
hear the morning chirps of the birds, and the occasional passer-by. 
The sounds of Kasumi at work in the kitchen could be heard faintly. 
Seconds stretched to minutes as minutes stretched to hours. 
  Ukyo twiddled her fingers nervously, obviously embarrassed, unsure 
whether to hit Ranma for the remark or thank him. 
  "So, you going to a bachelor party, Ranchan?" Ukyo asked nervously, 
changing the subject. What would happen in the next twenty-four hours 
was determined on this decision alone. 
  "Not if I can help it!" Ranma decided. "I'm not into those kind of 
things, you know? From what I hear, the bachelor is supposed to get 
drunk or something." 
  Ukyo waved a finger. "I don't think we'll have to worry about that, 
now, will we?" 
  The two friends laughed. 
  "You know," Ukyo started, "business has been great lately, 
especially the free coverage from magazines and the news. I'm thinking 
about expanding...."
  Peering at the pair overhead in the rafters was a small fluffy cat 
with small ornaments in her fur. Listening in to the whole 
conversation, the cat bounded off. 

  "Akane?" Ukyo said, knocking on Akane's door. 
  Peering out of her room, Akane smiled. "Come on in!"
  "I told Ranma 'yes.'" Ukyo said. 
  "That's wonderful!" Akane exclaimed. "Everything will be so much 
better this time around...."
  I'm really jealous of you right now, Ukyo thought to herself. I 
should be marrying Ranchan. So, Ukyo, where does that leave you? 
Boyfriendless....
  "You'll find someone, I'm sure of it," Akane said, guessing Ukyo's 
thoughts. 
  "Maybe," Ukyo responded, then pondered a moment. "You know, the life 
I've been living, I've had no time for other guys besides Ranma. You 
know I've never kissed a guy before? You know, a real kiss?"
  "Really? Well, you don't want to hear about Ranma's first kiss, now, 
do you?" Akane didn't want to talk about hers. 
  "I'd love to listen...."

  "...and that what go on, Great-Grandmother," Shampoo finished. "We 
follow tradition and marry Shampoo to Ranma?" 
  Cologne leaned against her walking stick, pondering the news over. 
No, it wouldn't do for her future Son-in-law to marry. Unless of 
course, the bride was Shampoo. Amazon law still applied; it must be 
enforced. Therefore, I must force my hand. Tradition won't end today, 
not under my rule. The fact that Shampoo wanted to marry Ranma made 
the arrangement all the better. Besides, Ranma was a fine, strong 
young man. 
  Shampoo, you are a crafty one, Cologne admitted to herself. You 
made sure not to forget to add that tradition was at stake. You knew 
how I'd react. Well, these old bones must be getting a bit too 
predictable. 
  A small part of Cologne wished that Shampoo wasn't so clever, but 
it marked good virtue for leadership, which she may very well have 
one day. Then again, there were still plenty of years in the old 
Chinese matriarch left! Cologne wished Shampoo would concentrate more 
on her training instead of chasing Ranma, who, no doubt, wanted 
nothing to do with her. Ever since Shampoo recruited Cologne into the 
fray, she'd ignored her training. If only.... 
  No, never dwell on the what-if's, but on the situation at hand. 
Tradition was at stake now. 
  The old Chinese matriarch bounded on her walking stick to the door 
that lead to the dining room. Peering her head through the door, she 
yelled, "Ling-ling, Lung-lung! You've other business." 
  In the dining room, Ling-ling and Lung-lung handed several porcelain 
bowls to Shampoo's father. They often got bored in their jobs as draw 
girls, and often juggled for a spell. Shampoo's father put the bowls 
away and resumed work. 
  Soon the two Amazon sisters walked in. For the most part, their job 
at the Nekohanten was to attract men inside. "Yes?" both asked in 
unison. 
  "We have much to do," Cologne said, "much preparation... for a 
wedding between Shampoo and Ranma...." 
  At the sound of that, both twins shirked involuntarily. "He too 
too much trouble, and you know it!" both girls cried. 
  The old Chinese matriarch nodded. "We no longer have a choice." 
  Ear planted to the wall, Mousse couldn't help but curl his fist in 
anger. So, the old hag was at work again, eh? Not if I can help it. 
No one is going to marry Shampoo but me! 
  The next thing he knew, the fist turned into feathers. Shampoo stood 
over Mousse with an empty bucket of water, waving her fingers in 
disappointment. Wonderful, back to the cage for you.... 

  That night, Ranma was suddenly pulled from his futon by several 
hands. Alarmed, he couldn't escape their grasp. They put a bag over 
his head. 
  Many steps later, Ranma guessed he wasn't in the dojo anymore. Lots 
of walking, no voices. And soon, he was set down, on a chair. Tearing 
the bag off his head, Ranma looked for his captors, but all was dark. 
Until a second later.
  The lights went on, and Ranma recognized the room as Ucchan's dining 
room. All around Ranma could see several male classmates and friends. 
At least, all except for Ukyo, the only girl in sight. 
  "You didn't have a choice, Ranchan!" Ukyo giggled. 
  "I thought I told you...." Ranma started, but Soun Tendo cut him 
off.
  "Imagine, boy! Your last day as a bachelor!" Soun wept 
uncontrollably. "I fondly remember the day before I was wed to my 
daughters' mother...." 
  Handing Ranma a cup of an unknown alcoholic substance, Genma Saotome 
slapped him on the back. "Way to go, boy!"
  "Pop? Mr. Tendo?" Ranma was already beginning to hate this. 
  Ranma turned to Ukyo. "How could you do this to me?"
  "Ranchan!" Ukyo yelled back. "Stop being such a poor sport." 
  Just outside the okonomiyaki restaurant, Ryoga Hibiki hiked down the 
dark streets, alone, backpack hanging tight on his back. The lights 
and noise coming from Ucchan's caught his attention quickly. 
  The Eternally Lost Boy looked up at the store sign. "I made it to 
Ukyo's restaurant?" Ryoga told himself in disbelief. "Why would the 
Fates place this in my path to find my parents?" 
  Shrugging, Ryoga walked to the front entrance, and peered inside. 
"Hello?" he shouted. 
  All heads turned to Ryoga. He saw many familiar faces, including 
Ranma's. Ryoga strided over to his rival's position. "Well?"
  "You're at Ucchan's, dummy!" Ranma snapped. 
  "I know that!" Ryoga spat back. "What in the world is going on here 
so late at night?!" 
  "You're just in time," Ukyo answered, handing Ryoga a glass of 
water. "Ranma and Akane are getting married. We're celebrating Ranma's 
last night of bachelorhood!" 
  Ranma and Akane were getting married again? Ryoga turned to Ranma. 
"If you ever hurt her feelings...." 
  "Oh relax, P-chan!" Ranma said, cutting Ryoga's words off. "Just 
don't wander off until tomorrow, okay? Akane really wants you to be at 
the wedding." 
  "She does?" Ryoga replied in disbelief. 
  "I wouldn't take it that far, Ryoga," warned Ranma. "Don't forget 
about Akari." 
  "You have nothing to fear," assured Ryoga. "I'll have to remember 
to invite you to my own wedding when the time comes, too." 

  That night, all was quiet at the Tendo household, as nobody was 
home. Everyone was out celebrating the night before the wedding. 
Except for the Chinese Amazons, of course. 
  Cologne supervised as Ling-ling and Lung-lung tied the weight over 
the makeshift altar. In the correct position, the bride will have a... 
how shall we say it? headache. Shampoo was busy sawing a trap door 
into the floor. It didn't hurt to have contingencies. 
  On the roof the twin Amazons drilled two holes through the ceiling: 
one for the rope suspending the weight, another as a peep-hole. The 
two would stay there until morning, when the trap was to be sprung. A 
small set of pulleys and string ran along the wall and to that same 
position, to set off the trap door and various other 'surprises.' One 
way or another, Ranma wasn't going to marry Akane. After all, 
three-thousand years of Chinese Amazon tradition was at stake here.
  Shampoo and Cologne retired back to the Nekohanten, leaving 
Ling-ling and Lung-lung on the dojo roof. The two Chinese twins lay 
back against the roof tiling, staring at the stars, careful not to 
roll-over their polearms or the fragile gas grenades lying next to 
them. 
  The two chattered all night. 
  "Sister?" Lung-lung started.
  "Yes?" Ling-ling replied.
  "I hope Elder Sister not marry Ranma."
  "Me too." 
  Neither sister liked Ranma very much, but they continued to follow 
Great-Grandmother's instructions; after all, there was three-thousand 
years of Chinese Amazon tradition at stake here. Then again, 
tradition was having less and less a meaning to the Chinese twins the 
longer they stayed away from home. 
  The twins hardly envied their matriarch's position right now. As 
she said, the decision was out of their hands now. 

  That morning Ranma felt like hell. He hadn't touched one drop of 
sake he'd been offered the entire night, and all he wanted to do was 
sleep. After much persuasion Ukyo finally let him go. 
  The minister arrived early that morning. Only a few hours until 
magic time, he'd said. And afterward, Bingo. 
  Ranma stared at himself in the mirror. He looked very manly in a 
tuxedo, his mother had said. And in just a few more minutes, he'd 
become more of a man. Maybe. 
  Ukyo entered wearing a tux, just as she said. Strangely, however, 
she also wore her bandoleer of spatulas. "Ranchan, what's wrong?"
  "I've been thinking it over last night," Ranma replied, "and... I 
don't know if I want to marry Akane any more."
  "Cold feet, eh?" Ukyo said, giggling. "Well, I took a peep at 
Akane's dress, and I'll bet all doubts will go away...." Maybe. Damn, 
how I wish I were the one getting married! 
  "Honestly, I didn't feel this way at the last wedding," admitted 
Ranma. 
  "Hmph, from what you told me, you didn't have enough time to think 
about it," Ukyo commented. Actually, Ukyo herself hadn't allow herself 
enough time to think, either. "If you want, you could marry me 
instead," she added jokingly. 
  Ranma laughed. "Not that I wouldn't marry you, Ucchan, you 
understand?" 
  "Of course I do," replied Ukyo. "Times like this you have to stay in 
high spirits." 
  "It isn't worth it at your own expense," Ranma pointed out. 
  Ukyo leaned over to adjust Ranma's bow tie. "Ranchan, did you really 
mean what you told me yesterday? About me being like a sister?" 
  Ranma shrugged. "Sure, why would I lie about a thing like that?" 
  "Oh, nothing, it's just that I was thinking about it, and, maybe, if 
I ever had a brother, I'd want him to be like you, too." 
  "Thanks." 
  "C'mon, they're waiting for you," Ukyo finally announced. 
  "Ucchan."
  "Yes, Ranchan?"
  "You'll still be there even after we're married, right?"
  "Oh, silly, just so long as you are, honey." Ukyo wiped away a tear. 
"Hey, whatever you need, just ask. I guess after this I gotta prepare 
for my role as 'Auntie Ucchan," eh?" She jabbed Ranma in the stomach 
with her elbow, and winked. 
  "I wouldn't go that far yet, Ucchan." 
  Ukyo peered at her best friend curiously. "You still haven't told 
Shampoo or apologized to Kodachi, haven't you?" 
  Ranma shook his head. "How can I now? I just hope Kodachi doesn't 
hold a real grudge." 
  Kodachi might be the least of your concerns, thought Ukyo. What 
would Shampoo and her Amazon Law do was the question. 
  On their way to the makeshift altar, Ranma couldn't help but ask, 
"Ucchan, why are you carrying your spatulas?" He pointed to the 
bandoleer of spatulas and the giant spatula strapped to her back. 
  "Ranchan, it's times like this I feel naked without it," she 
replied. Never again shall I go anywhere unarmed, Ukyo vowed, 
remembering her nearly-fatal loss against an assassin. Never again! 

  Nabiki was at the entrance, watching all the entering guests 
carefully. Perhaps the strange ones were the two Kunos; Tatewaki Kuno 
wearing the same old fighting clothes, and carrying a metal sword in a 
sheath, Kodachi in a black dress adorned with black roses. Kodachi was 
obviously not very happy. Nabiki couldn't help but notice the car 
Kuno-chan drove; this was the first time she'd seen him drive, much 
less seen him with a car. 
  Ryoga arrived, escorting Akari. The two looked good together. 
  Best of all, no sign of Shampoo. Nobody was going to mess her 
sister's wedding if Nabiki Tendo has any say in it, and what a say it 
is!
  After all the guests arrived, Nabiki strolled to the room where 
Akane waited, counting money the entire trip. Akane's pearl-white 
wedding dress practically made her glow. 
  "Everything's going fine, Akane," Nabiki announced. 
  "Nabiki," Akane started, "am I doing the right thing, marrying 
Ranma?"
  "Oh, give me a break!" Nabiki said, disgusted. "Of course! So long 
as you're happy, Daddy's happy, and I'm happy." And she sure was... 
that sound you're hearing is money....
  Kasumi stuck her head inside. "They're ready, Akane."
  "Well," Akane said finally, "time to get this over with."
  "What could possibly go wrong?" asked Nabiki innocently. 

  Mousse frantically picked the bars of his cage with his duck beak, 
for Shampoo and the old hag had already left that morning. Not much 
time. Picking bars as a duck had it's obvious disadvantages, but he'd 
been trying all night, hoping Shampoo wouldn't notice. 
  If Ranma and Akane were successfully-married, perhaps Shampoo might 
give up on Ranma. Then, it's my turn, Mousse thought. 
  Soon a second bar was free, so the duck squeezed his way out. 

  When both Ranma and Ukyo emerged in the dojo, they were immediately 
confronted by Tatewaki Kuno, his metal sword in its sheath at his 
side. 
  "What do you want?" asked Ranma, annoyed. 
  "A reminder: if you so much as hurt or defile Akane Tendo in any 
manner, know that I, Tatewaki Kuno, will come after you and rend 
proper justice," Kuno replied. "Furthermore, if I find that you 
continue to practice your sorcery on innocent women, your life will 
be forfeit." 
  "Is that all?" Ranma said impatiently. 
  "No, it is not. You have hurt my little sister's feelings. If today 
were not the day in which Akane Tendo were to be wed, I would kill 
you where you stood. I would not wish to defile a hallowed occasion 
as this, though it may be for your benefit. Consider yourself among 
the fortunate, Saotome." 
  "Uh, yeah, whatever." 
  Following the speech, Kuno resumed his seating position in the front 
row next to his weeping sister. You may have won Akane Tendo, Saotome 
cur, but our conflict is far from over, Kuno thought to himself. When 
it come time that the pig-tailed girl emerges within my eyesight once 
more, I swear you will not survive. 
  Taking his seat next to Kodachi, Kuno unsheathed the blade of his 
ancestral sword just enough for the light to gleam off its illustrious 
and flawless surface. It is not yet time, Saotome, but soon, we will 
have our final confrontation; disguising yourself as the pig-tailed 
girl and playing with my heart was your mistake. Love may be blind, 
but vengeance is not. Until I have cleansed my soul of your foul 
taint, you shall escape harm. Until then, my enemy. 

  Ranma felt exposed and open as he stood by Ukyo at the altar. The 
ceremony had already begun. Soon his worries fled him as Akane walked 
the aisle. It was then Ranma remembered why he agreed to marry her. 
  "Dearly beloved," began the minister, "we are gathered here to 
witness the union of Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo in the bonds of 
holy mol... matrimony." 
  The ceremony was going along smoothly. How odd. 
  Vows were spoken. 
  "Do you, Ranma Saotome, take Akane Tendo as your lawfully-wedded 
wife, in sickness and in health, rich or poor, blah blah blah." 
  "I do." Ranma stood confident. 
  "Do you, Akane Tendo, take... ah, what the heck. Do you?" 
  "Yes!" Akane's eyes seemed to shimmer. 
  "The ring?" the minister asked. "I haven't got all day."
  Ukyo passed the ring to Ranma. She spared a glance at Konatsu, seated 
with the others, sans sword, dressed in one of his finer kimonos. He 
nodded encouragingly, as if telling her she was doing something right. 
  "Repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed." 
  Holding the ring, Ranma repeated the words. 
  Ranma stared into Akane's eyes, so full of sureness. And nothing bad 
happened yet! 
  "If anyone wishes to contest this union, as I do the credit union, 
speak now, or forever hold your pieces-- I mean, peace." 
  And, as if on cue, a trap door sprung under Ranma's feet. He fell 
the short distance to the actual ground below. At the same time, he 
looked up in horror as a heavy weight plunged down toward Akane. 
  At the same moment, Shampoo burst through the walls, swinging her 
two bonbori. She yelled, "Ranma belong to Shampoo!" The Amazon warrior 
flung both weapons at Akane, certain that any of the three projectiles 
would hit the pervert girl. "Akane die!" 
  It all happened too fast for the guests to see. Kodachi, in one 
fluidic motion, reached for her ribbon, and snagged the falling 
weight, ribbon wrapping around once, twice, three times. She jerked it 
out of the way in time, causing the weight to fall a mere three feet 
from Akane's position and through the floor. 
  At the same time, Kuno drew his metal sword. To the crowd it 
appeared he slashed the air, but in fact the well-timed slice split 
one of the oncoming bonbori, sending the weapon flying harmlessly into 
the walls in two high-speed pieces, landing with a clatter. Eyes 
closed, Kuno sheathed his sword with a loud *CHINK!* 
  And finally, without thinking, Ukyo unstrapped her giant spatula, 
and hurled it with all her strength. Just as the second bonbori was 
to strike Akane, the giant spatula bit into the round portion of the 
weapon, deflecting the projectile. The spatula remained stuck in the 
bonbori when it landed. Ukyo, breathing heavily, sank to her knees at 
the altar, her actions having yet to register in her mind. 
  Akane was definitely in shock. She stood, staring at Shampoo, 
unmoving, not even breathing, it seemed. For a brief instant, she 
thought she saw her mother, calling for her. 
  Kuno turned and faced Shampoo. "I have had no previous quarrel with 
you, Shampoo, but if you wish to push the matter further by causing 
bodily harm to Akane Tendo, then you must get through me first!" He 
moved from his position in the seating to stand between Shampoo and 
Akane, despite their relatively-large distance from one another. 
  Kodachi merely stared at the weight her ribbon wrapped around, 
surprised. Was it reflex action, or unconscious will, that made you 
save that Akane girl? 
  "That can't be all," muttered Ukyo, feeling the rush of adrenaline 
in her veins, but too stunned by her sudden reflexive action to move. 
Her head started to get heavy as her head leaned forward, the blood 
rushing into it by force of gravity. In moments the okonomiyaki chef 
was on the verge of unconsciousness. Silently, she whispered to 
herself, "I should've known better than to do this...." 
  Konatsu leaped to his feet, and ran to Ukyo's side. 
  Up above on the roof, both Ling-ling and Lung-lung shrugged, then 
pulled the next set of pulleys. Then, both girls scrambled their hands 
about, reaching for their marble-sized gas grenades. 
  "I can't believe Shampoo would try to hurt Akane like that," Ryoga 
cried. He looked up toward the ceiling where the weight came from. 
"She couldn't have done this by herself!" Leaping to the rafters, he 
jammed his finger into the ceiling, shouting, "Bakusai Tenketsu!" 
  And down fell wood, roof tiles, two polearms, several grenades, and 
two Amazon sisters, one atop the other. Each cried out in surprise in 
unison. The second set of pulleys broke apart during their descent. 
The gas grenades shattered upon impact, spreading a strange, heavy 
red gas. In an enclosed place such as the dojo, the gas quickly spread 
throughout the room along the ground, with several members of the 
guests yawning, and those standing up managing to elude the effects. 
The Chinese twins quickly fumbled through their pockets and produced 
face-masks to protect themselves from the gas they inadvertently 
released. Both lay where they fell, with a dizzy feeling in their 
heads. 
  Ryoga in turn covered his own face with his bandanna, unwilling to 
inhale the suspicious gas that flowed along the ground. 
  From his position beneath the trap door, Ranma avoided the red gas 
that flushed through the opening. The heavy gas seemed to dissipate 
quickly in the open area under the dojo. 
  Shampoo, angry at her failed attack, reached for her bicycle to 
throw. But her arm was held strong. She turned to find Mousse, back in 
human form, glasses resting on his head.  
  "It's over, Shampoo," Mousse declared. "Let him go."
  Shampoo kicked Mousse in the shins. The glasses fell before Mousse's 
eyes. "Shampoo not give up!" With a mighty heave, she lobbed the 
bicycle at Akane through the broken dojo wall. 
  "No!" cried Mousse. Shaking his head, Mousse threw out his arms. 
From the dark folds of his sleeves, several heavy chains fired forth, 
faster than the speed of the bicycle. The chains caught the bicycle 
in mid-air, slowing its path. Tugging back on the chains, Mousse 
brought the bicycle's aerial path to a halt, causing it to land in 
the midst of the guests. 
  Seething with anger, Shampoo decked Mousse, causing him to release 
the chains he held. "Why stupid goose get in Shampoo's way?!" She 
continued to kick Mousse in the gut, but the boy failed to defend 
himself or retaliate. 
  At the same moment, both Ling-ling and Lung-lung came to their 
senses. Each reached for their polearms, and stood ready to face Ryoga 
and Kuno, both in ready stances to defend Akane from the Chinese 
Amazons. By this time the heavy gas had dissipated. 
  "I am troubled," Kuno started, his sword wavering in his grip, "is 
it possible that I, Tatewaki Kuno, could harm such lovely faces as 
those before me, even those of Shampoo's tribe, to defend Akane 
Tendo?" He shrugged. "I suppose so!" he cried, raising his blade to 
parry Ling-ling's attack. 
  Ryoga picked up Ukyo's spatula, still embedded within Shampoo's 
bonbori, from the floor. He thrust his finger into the round head of 
the bonbori, shattering it, and setting the spatula free in time to 
use it to parry Lung-lung's attacks. "I can't allow either of you to 
bring harm to Akane!" he shouted. "Hiiiyaaaaaahhhh!!!!" 
  Both Ling-ling and Lung-lung backflipped away from their opponents. 
At the same time, both reached into their pockets, and produced 
several more small grenades, these shaped as miniature spiked balls. 
Shouting in unison, they both cried, "Joketsuzoku hail storm!" With 
sudden fury, both girls threw a storm of the spiked balls at Ryoga 
and Kuno. 
  Ryoga raised Ukyo's spatula as a shield, deflecting the spiked 
balls. 
  Kuno, having no such protection, ran into the storm of spiked balls, 
waving his sword about. In lightning-quick swings, Kuno batted-away 
each and every one of the spiked balls headed his direction, shouting, 
"Tha ta ta ta ta ta ta ta!!!" 
  Ranma pulled himself out of the trap door and looked at the cowering 
minister, who was hiding behind the altar. "Finish it already!" 
  A wooden staff tapped next to Ranma. "I'm afraid that won't do, 
future Son-in-law." 
  Ranma turned his attention to the old Amazon. "Old ghoul!" 
  Cologne smiled. "Our task was not to damage you, but your 
bride-to-be. If we must, I'll have to knock you out and take you with 
us back to China." 
  "Nobody, not here or the rest of China, acknowledges your laws!" 
protested Ranma. "Why?!" 
  "We don't have a choice anymore," the old matriarch said, shaking 
her head sadly. "You don't have a choice anymore; you will honor our 
tradition forcefully, if need be." 
  The minister, regaining his composure despite the battles 
surrounding him, proclaimed, "By the power vested in me by the Nerima 
Bingo club, the state, and so forth...." 
  At that moment Cologne threw a small glass marble at the minister. 
Caught by surprise, the minister threw up his arms to shield himself 
from the small projectile. But, before it collided, something 
whizzed-by in front of the minister so fast that the glass marble 
shattered in mid-air before it could reach its target. A faint cloud 
of green powder issued from the broken grenade, spilling on the floor. 
  The old hag's eyes followed the path of the intercepting projectile 
that destroyed her grenade. A small spatula-dart embedded itself into 
the wall of the dojo. Cologne turned to face Ukyo, still lying on the 
floor, one hand to her face, covering it with a kerchief, and the 
other hand reaching for more spatula-darts. Konatsu lay by her side, 
unconscious, having breathed-in the gas. 
  "That was quite impressive," praised the old Chinese matriarch, 
"not many can intercept projectiles as you did, but I have more than 
that up my sleeves." 
  "Well, thanks," Ukyo replied, fighing the effects of the Amazon 
gas within her system. The world started to get dizzy again, until 
the okonomiyaki chef shook her head. 
  "Even in your present state, handicapped!" Cologne said in wonder. 
  "I now pronounce you man and wife!" declared the minister. "Kiss her 
already, so I can get out of here!" he shouted at Ranma angrily. 
  The old Amazon turned to the minister in surprise. "What?!" 
  "I guess there's more than one way to fight this battle, old ghoul," 
taunted Ranma. 
  Akane seemed to come back to her senses. "Ranma?"
  "It's done, Akane," Ranma said. They embraced, and kissed. 
  "Bingo!" shouted the minister, and ran off. 
  It was the shout of the minister that caught the attentions of the 
twins, Kuno, and Ryoga, who ceased their battle in the corner of the 
dojo. 
  Ukyo watched as the couple embraced, and kissed. Shedding a tear, 
she thought, they do look good together. For the briefest of moments, 
Ukyo wished that was her getting married. 
  Walking to the next room, avoiding the Chinese twins and Kuno and 
Ryoga, Ukyo pushed a food cart into the dojo. 
  "Who wants some special wedding okonomiyaki?" she shouted. 
  Kodachi gathered her skirts and approached the food cart. To Ukyo, 
she congratulated, "That was... well-executed, my dear." Obviously, 
the full impact of what just happened wasn't absorbed into her head 
yet. 
  Ukyo shrugged, then smiled. She held out an open hand. "Hey, you're 
not so bad yourself." 
  "It was reflex, not any desire for Akane Tendo to remain in health!" 
Kodachi insisted, returning Ukyo's handshake. 
  Both Ling-ling and Lung-lung forfeited their fight, as the goal they 
were fighting for was lost. They retreated through the hole Shampoo 
made in the dojo wall. Ryoga leaned against Ukyo's spatula, propping 
it against the floor. "Akane is safe," Ryoga said. 
  "T'was a well-fought battle, even for yourself," praised Kuno. 
  "You're not so bad with that sword of yours," replied Ryoga. 
  The two in turn shook hands. 
  Cologne hopped next to Shampoo and Mousse. She looked at Mousse 
angrily. "You disgrace us, Mousse. How dare you oppose our great old 
tradition?!" 
  Shampoo fell to her knees, and wept. Mousse wanted to comfort her, 
but he knew the old hag would hurt him. He turned defiantly toward the 
Chinese matriarch. "This tradition was wrong." 
  Old Cologne peered at Mousse maliciously. "There is a heavy price 
for your defiance, my young warrior. You'll regret standing in the way 
of tradition." She glanced at the newlywed couple inside. "You may 
have defied the law this time, future Son-in-law, but I'll make sure 
that tradition is followed, even if I have to recruit the entire tribe 
for the job. This matter is far from over." 

  Well-wishers stood outside the dojo as the newlyweds walked pass. 
The couple stopped only for a few words with old friends. Many threw 
rice.   The first was Kuno. Akane said, "Thank you, Kuno." 
  Kuno merely nodded in his usual aristocratic manner. "Just remember, 
Akane Tendo, if this cretin you wed comes to harm you, you know where 
I live." Silently, Kuno vowed, remember, Saotome, you may enjoy time 
among the living until your taint has been purged from my heart, but 
when that time has come and gone, ascension to death will be your 
reward. To that end, it was time to return home to meditate before the 
Phoenix Egg shrine once more. 
  Ranma turned to Kodachi, and held her hand. "Kodachi... I don't know 
what to say...." 
  Kodachi smiled. "Call it even, then. Just remember not to tell the 
kids that Auntie Kodachi is crazy!" She laughed. "I'll be around, 
count on it." For the first time in days, Kodachi was happy, as if a 
great weight was lifted off her shoulders. 
  "Kodachi," Ranma started hesitantly, "I'm sorry about yesterday. I 
wasn't used to thinking of you as a person."
  Kodachi laughed and gave Ranma a big hug, to Ranma and Akane's 
surprise. "Perhaps its time for the Black Roses to bloom." There will 
be other men, the Kuno girl told herself. 
  Ryoga was next. "Akane, congratulations."
  Akane replied, "I hope you find your parents someday. You and Akari 
are good for each other!" 
  "And I have Ranma to thank for that," said Ryoga. Wow, being 
grateful to your rival, Ryoga? You've changed! To Ranma he said, 
"Treat Akane well, or I'll have to come after you." 
  "Oink, oink, P-chan," Ranma whispered back. 
  The couple passed wordlessly by Ling-ling and Lung-lung. Both were 
disappointed that their elder sister couldn't get married. At least, 
not yet. At least it wasn't to Ranma. Of course, both were elated with 
the idea of going back home. 
  Mousse stood alone nearby, slightly dejected. He was actually 
wearing his thick-lens glasses this time. 
  Ranma asked, "What's the matter, Mousse? You should be happy."
  "I can't," Mousse answered, "Shampoo is going back to China, and the 
old hag warned me not to follow. So I can't go with Shampoo. I can't 
go home either, if the hag has her way. She is the village matriarch, 
after all. The price of victory is high indeed." 
  "Well," Ranma started, "for what it's worth, thanks. You're all 
right." 
  Grasping hands in a shake, Mousse replied, "As are you." Turning his 
head to Akane, he said, "Good luck to you, Akane." 
  Near the gates Soun Tendo cried like a baby. Must be very happy. 
Nabiki gave a thumbs up to Akane and Ranma. Well, it almost went 
without a hitch. Kasumi smiled more brilliantly than ever. Genma and 
Nodoka watched their son walk by proudly. 
  And finally, at the end of the gate, stood Ukyo and Konatsu. 
  Ukyo twisted her shoe in the dirt. "Best luck for you both!"
  Akane said, "Thanks Ukyo, you really are a friend." 
  "Don't worry, Ucchan," Ranma said, "we'll be back, soon." 
  "Ranchan," Ukyo started, "I've never kissed a guy before...." 
Suddenly, Ukyo threw her arms around Ranma and gave him a deep kiss 
on the lips. Akane couldn't help but feel a slight burning inside, but 
laughed anyway. 
  With a short huff, she retracted and said, "How's that, Ranchan?" 
  Ranma merely blinked, then smiled. "Definitely you, Ucchan." Wow, 
did I miss something? 
  Ranma and Akane entered the limousine Nabiki rented, that would take 
the couple to their honeymoon. The limo driver closed the door, then 
peered into the limo's trunk. 
  Cramped inside the trunk were Cologne and Shampoo. "Don't do 
anything suspicious. You know where to go and what to do." The limo 
driver nodded as he shut the trunk. 
  The limo driver tipped his hat low, then got in. Silently he vowed 
to see Shampoo married. He reached into his coat and produced a small 
sealed can, the label reading 'knockout gas.' Smiling to himself, the 
limo driver set the can in the cup holder, and put the keys into the 
ignition. Soon the limo was off. 
  Ukyo and Konatsu stood at the gate and waved. The others walked back 
inside, leaving the two alone. 
  Something was nagging at Ukyo's mind. Something was wrong. 
  "Ukyo-sama?" Konatsu asked. 
  "The limo driver," Ukyo answered, "he seems familiar to me." Then it 
dawned on her. "That was Shampoo's dad!" Ukyo recognized him as one 
working in the background at the Nekohanten. Usually he took no part 
in the Amazon schemes, but now.... "Ranchan's in danger!" Especially 
if the old bag of bones was there too. 
  She looked around for Kuno, and found him and his sister, talking. 
  "Yes, beautiful one?" Kuno asked, pausing from a bite into cake. 
  "You came in a car, right?" Ukyo asked. 
  "Why yes, what...."
  Grabbing Kuno's arm, Ukyo said, "No time! We gotta go!"
  Ukyo and Kuno rushed outside the gates, Konatsu and Kodachi 
following. Konatsu bumped into Mousse. "Where're you going in a 
hurry?"
  "To stop Shampoo from hurting Ranma and Akane," Konatsu replied. 
  "Count me in!" Mousse yelled. He still had a chance to see Shampoo 
again. 
  Ukyo jumped into the driver seat with Kuno sitting beside her. It 
was a small Honda, with Mousse, Konatsu, and Kodachi squeezing in 
back. 
  Kuno watched Ukyo put the keys in the ignition. "Are you sure you 
know how to handle this work of modern art, Miss Kuonji?"
  Ukyo shrugged as she started the car. "But I watched some 
movies...!" Let's see, this one must be the drive setting....
  Pushing the accelerator, the car jerked backward and into a street 
pole. The car's occupants looked at Ukyo nervously. 
  "Well, that must've been reverse...." So this one must be....
  And the car sped off, as if there were no such thing as brakes.



Closing: Hill of Rainbow and Sun 
-----------------------------------------------
Author's Rant

  Latest revision: general expansion of almost all the scenes, 
including much more actions made in part by the other members of the 
cast. Revised the wedding invitation situation to selective-invitation 
mode. Added a reason why Kuno would take so long to confront Ranma (in 
"Law of Amazons"). Made Cologne have part of the action, yet, also 
made her a bit more desperate than malicious-- the choice was out of 
her hands now, as tradition must be maintained. 

  Anyhoo... I wrote this almost immediately after finishing my first 
Ranma fic... I wanted to cover the wedding situation outside the scope 
of the previous story (it didn't quite fit in). Of course that little 
bit about Kodachi is speculation; she knows Ranma doesn't love her and 
doesn't want to marry her. The rest is speculation. The other 
characters' relationships were pretty much resolved in the last fic, 
although Shampoo isn't resolved! The way I see it Shampoo will chase 
Ranma to the ends of the earth, and of all the fiancees was the one 
that had the least chance of giving up. 
  That last bit about Ukyo and the car... have YOU ever seen her drive 
a car before? :)

  Kudos to those who know what movie the ending was inspired from. 
(Actually, I don't remember the name of it either).

http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html

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