There is not much difference with the revision and the original with the exception of a few grammatical corrections.  

Ranma 1/2 : Kasumi's Wish
Created by Long Ngo
Started March 17, 1998
Finished March 31, 1998
Revised July 17, 1998
Revised December 5, 1998

Prelude

      Every newborn child has within themselves a hidden potential. Some of these children will never reach that potential due to an early death or tragedy. Others will never understand their purpose in life due to their lack of motivation. The few that do have helped mankind in their pursuit of understanding the unknown while others have lead mankind into a new era.

      Kasumi had been the foundation for the Tendou household since the death of Tendou Kimiko, loving wife of Tendou Soun and mother to Tendou Kasumi, Nabiki and Akane. At an early age, she had taken the responsibility that once belong to her Okaasan. Upon accepting the mantle that Kimiko left behind, Kasumi became the mother, mediator and the caretaker for the entire Tendou Clan.

      With that sacrifice, Kasumi had, in all rights, given up her childhood to tend for her family. She did not ask for much from life and was content with the role that was thrust upon her. It was no surprise, to those few individuals who knew about Gods and Goddesses, the ones chosen to grant a single wish to those worthy, when Kasumi received an unexpected visitor.

Chapter One

      It was a quiet and lonely afternoon for a certain young lady by the name of Tendou Kasumi. Although the person in question did not feel young at the moment. She was looking at the koi pond from the doorway of the dinning room and was wondering what her life would have been like if only her mother was still alive today.

      Kasumi didn't mind taking care of the family, she actually enjoyed it. Feeling needed and respected was what she had always wanted. It was just at moments like these, when the house was empty and quiet, that she wished she had a particular someone to share in this time of tranquility and help fill the void within her.

      Whenever she had time, Kasumi would make it a point to relax and take a stroll in the park. Looking around, she would smile sadly as she noticed the young couples and the children having fun. Kasumi rarely had a chance to enjoy herself and participate in the many activities which others her age seemed to enjoy and partake in such as dating, sight seeing, a walk in the park, movies, or even hanging out with friends. Most of her friends were all attending college. That was another dream that was taken from her. To one day attend college and work in the medical field. With most of her friends gone, the only true friend left that Kasumi could think of was a 32 years old woman with 3 children. This more than anything seems to reinforce the image of an old lady within Kasumi's mind.

      Though she had given up on most of her dreams, she still looked for that particular someone to fill her life with joy. The few dates she went on left much to desire. The boys were immature and lacked the qualities she expected in a boyfriend much less a future husband.

      Deep in her contemplation of her life, she missed the head of a young lady slowly rising from the koi pond. Kasumi was startled when she finally noticed the young girl, for she couldn't be older than 12, standing in front of her. The young girl introduced herself as Skuld, Goddess second class category 2 limited. Blinking twice, Kasumi cleared her head and greeted her guest with a smile. Focusing on Skuld, Kasumi could tell that whoever this child was, she had an interesting taste in clothing. What also caught Kasumi's attention was the round circular symbol upon her head and tear drops on her either side of her cheeks.

      "Hello, you wouldn't happen to be Tendou Kasumi would you?" the young girl asked.

      Kasumi's first thought was that this was some kind of game the little girl was playing. Deciding to humor Skuld, Kasumi played along. "How may I help you?" Kasumi asked with a smile.

      "You were found worthy through your devotion to your family. I am here to grant you one wish. I would have been here sooner but you never seem to use the phone. I couldn't wait any longer and so I decided to drop by." At this time a hint of irritation could be heard in Skuld's voice as she complained to Kasumi.

      "I'm sorry, do you want me to use the phone now?" asked Kasumi as she decided to have a little fun with the young lady, no one wants to be called a child.

      Seeing as how she was raising her voice at her client, Skuld calmed down. "I'm sorry, this is my first assignment and I got so tired of waiting. Anyways, I am here to grant you any wish you desire," replied Skuld, "But only one. Make sure it's from the heart. You can never go wrong or at least that's what my sister, Belldandy, said."

      As the conversation between Kasumi and Skuld continued, Kasumi could not help but stare politely at the young goddess. To Kasumi, she was talking to one of the most mature young lady she had ever met. As for Skuld, she could not believe how similar Kasumi was to Belldandy. They were both polite and kind to a point of emitting an aura of peace around themselves. Shaking her head, Skuld just marveled at the similarities. Even their voices were almost the same.

      Trying to please Skuld, Kasumi decided to wish for something and for some reason she felt like sharing her dreams with this mysterious girl. "I can wish for anything you say?" Kasumi asked. When Skuld nodded her head, Kasumi closed her eyes and made her wish. " I wish to meet a kind, exciting and handsome young man whom I could respect, love and someday marry." Kasumi softly spoke.

      Kasumi was having a wonderful time. She had kept her true feelings and dreams to herself for so long that talking to someone, even a little girl, had helped lift her spirits, that was until a beam of light shot forth from the skies overhead and struck the circular symbol upon Skuld's forehead. As the beam intensified, Skuld started to float in midair. Her body starting to glow as the massive energy that was gathering in one placed created a draft that sent ripples through both girls' clothing. Kasumi was now just plain staring at Skuld and thinking to herself that maybe this was not just some game after all.

       As the light died down, the young goddess turned towards Kasumi. She spoke two words that would change Kasumi's life forever, "Wish granted." In the far distance, Kasumi could have sworn she heard a bell ring. Afterwards the young goddess disappeared back down into the koi pond.

      Staring at where Skuld had vanished from, Kasumi was in mild shock. The silence was broken by the chirping of a bird.

      Later that week, she was even more surprised when her father called all three of his daughters to him. He had announced that a good friend of his would be coming to the Tendou household soon. He would be bringing his son in the hopes of uniting both the Tendou and Saotome Clans through marriage.

      At this, Kasumi could only think back to her wish a few days earlier and again was shocked by that day's events. Had her wish finally come true?

Chapter Two (Originally One Hour by Megane 6.7)

      The sounds of a mass celebration were still within earshot of Saotome Ranma, as he laid on the roof of the Tendou Training Hall, his arms behind his head. It was a beautiful night and the full moon was in perfect view. Ranma had given up trying to sleep hours ago and was now content to stargaze until he felt tired.

      "I don't see what the big deal is about the new year coming and all," Ranma thought to himself as he gazed upwards at the sea of stars. "When it finally comes, I'll still be stuck with three fiancées and I'll still have my curse. It's not like I can start over again or nothin." Unknown to Ranma powerful forces were working this night.

      Ranma sighed to himself as he recalled some of the events of the past year that had happened to him. "It's almost like nothing has changed at all. Akane still hits me all the time, I'm still being challenged by weirdoes and chased by perverts all the time. Shampoo won't leave me alone. I still can't see mom as a guy and I'm failing math in school. If anything life's gotten worse for me! At least when I was on the road all the time I only had to put up with Pop. Of course, being on the road with Pop is what lead me to all my troubles in the first place...."

      "Ranma?"

      Ranma was startled out of his thoughts as he turned to the source of the voice and saw Kasumi standing on a ladder against the house. She had a look of curiosity and concern on her face. "Is everything all right, Ranma?"

      "Oh, it's only you, Kasumi. I thought it might have been one of the other girls. I'm okay. I just can't sleep."

      "Sleep? Don't you want to see the coming of the new year?" Kasumi asked him.

      "Why?" Ranma replied wearily. "Nothing's going to change anyways."

      Suddenly Kasumi started to climb up onto the roof. Ranma was mildly surprised by this but nonetheless sat up and gave her a helping hand as she crawled across the ceramic tiles and lay down on the exact spot he was a few moments ago. Ranma wondered if Kasumi would be safe up here but after awhile with no signs of her sliding off, Ranma resumed his relaxed position a few feet away from her and stared up into the sky once again.

      "Why do you say that?" Kasumi asked as she joined him in stargazing.

      "It's just....all these things that have been happening to me all year round and there doesn't seem to be anything I can do about it. I've tried. Oh, how I've tried. Nothing seems to last long. It all breaks up with the arrival of one of my other fiancées. I'm still knee-deep in trouble." Ranma explained somberly.

      "Why do you think nothing has changed, Ranma?" Kasumi inquired curiously.

      "Because all of my problems are still here. You'd think in a whole year's time, I would have been able to deal with at least one of my problems but just when I think I've got it licked, something happens to mess it up, all over again! Either that or a new problem develops! I can't keep up at this rate!"

      "Things aren't as bad as they seem," Kasumi said.

      "Oh yeah? How have things changed? I have enemies out for my blood, perverts out for my girl side, promises that *I* never made...." Ranma retorted, getting a little worked up.

      "What promises are you referring to exactly?" Kasumi wondered aloud.

      "Everything!" Ranma shouted with exasperation. "The old man made me decide between Ucchan and okonomiyaki when I was too young to understand what he meant never mind that I at the time I thought she was a he! He then made a pact with Mr. Tendou in that I would marry Akane when I turn 18. They can't even wait that long. Then there is my mom. She's expecting me to be a man among men when I return. Now thanks to Pop, I can't even tell my mother that the son she has been awaiting for over ten years turn into a girl with a little splash of water. I can't tell her that I'm her son…" Ranma had to stop and calm down a bit. He hadn't wanted to explode like that in front of Kasumi of all people.

      Kasumi's eyes began to grow misty "I....I know it's hard to pretend to be someone else when you're with your mother...."

      "Hard?! It sucks!" Ranma growled.

      "....But at least you have a mother to talk to...." Kasumi continued, seemingly not noticing Ranma's outburst. Her voice filled with sadness.

      Ranma suddenly felt his heart grow cold as he realized what Kasumi meant. He immediately became apologetic. "I'm...I'm sorry...I forgot about..."

      Kasumi tried her best to smile. "It's alright. I'm just trying to point out that at least you have a mother to hug and talk to, even if you're pretending to be someone else. When my mother died, Father fell apart emotionally and it was up to me to take care of Akane and Nabiki because he couldn't bear to talk about her without bursting into tears. I forced myself to be strong so I could help everyone else through it so I mourned in private where no one could see me because I didn't want to upset them any further."

      Ranma swallowed hard as he considered Kasumi's words. "Maybe you're right. I'm lucky that I can see her at all but it still sucks that I can't be who I am, who she wants to see most of all, who I want to be most of all...."

      "A man," Kasumi guessed.

      "Yeah....I admit being a girl has had it's advantages in the past but I'd GLADLY give it all up to never be a girl again! To not be chased and pawed and gawked at by freaks like Happosai and Kunou and Mikado and...."

      "I see your point. But hasn't being a girl given you an idea on how we feel about certain things?

      "Such as?" Ranma frowned.

      "You wonder why Akane keeps hitting you yet you call her things like uncute and tomboy...."

      "She starts it! She calls me a pervert and a jerk! She never believe anything I say and she always takes her anger out on me! Beside, I'm only being honest with her! She acts like a tomboy!"

      "She just hasn't gotten along very well with boys. Remember, they used to attack her every morning before you arrived and that Kunou person used to ask her out on dates all the time. You both got off on the wrong foot when she walked in on you in the bathroom...."

      "She still blames me for that?! She walked in on me! How does that make ME a pervert!?" a frustrated Ranma replied. "Besides my point is that except for a few minor things, nothing has really changed! Why should I look forward to something like a new year anyway?"

      "Maybe things will go better this year than the last. There's always hope." Kasumi replied softly as she lay back

      Ranma looked over at Kasumi. "How do you do it, Kasumi? How do you manage to be so cheerful, year after year?"

      Kasumi was silent for a long moment, giving serious consideration to the question.

      "I....I guess it's partly because I've had to be strong for everyone else's sake when mother died. I never really had time to be sad. So I convinced myself to always look on the bright side of a situation, no matter how grim it may be."

      "But I've seen you get upset before...." Ranma remarked.

      "It's not a matter of being upset as it is trying to see the positive aspects of something. It's.....It's hard to put into words. It's similar to putting a candle in a dark room. No matter how dark and vast the room may be, it can't block out the light of that candle, no matter how small it may be. Do you understand?"

      "I....I think I do." Ranma's face was unusually contemplative as he digested Kasumi's words and their meaning.

      There was another long pause while they both watched the night sky.

      "Kasumi, can I ask you an question?" Ranma suddenly spoke up.

      "Of course, Ranma." Kasumi replied while still staring up.

      "When I....that is....When Pop brought me to your house for the first time and you knew your dad wanted one of you to marry me...did you have any interest in me at all?"

      "Honestly? No." Kasumi replied in a quiet voice. "I was caught off guard by your transformation into a girl. I....I panicked."

      "And that's why you and Nabiki convinced our parents Akane was the best choice?"

      "Well....Akane did hate boys....It seemed to be the proper...." Kasumi stopped and sighed. Shaking her head, "No. The truth is, we were both scared and we used Akane to escape. I'm ashamed to admit it but I wasn't ready to marry someone who changed into a girl. None of us were. But I still pushed for Akane." Kasumi lowered her head in shame and embarrassment. "I'm sorry."

      Ranma gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay....I know it was a tough spot to be in. At the time, all I wanted to do was go back to China and get cured. I loathed being a girl, to be stared at and ridiculed. I must have really scared you, huh?"

      "But I should have been the one...I mean...I was supposed to be the strong one, to take responsibility and uphold the family honor when no one else could or would. I know now that I should have been the one to accept the engagement but I was too frightened...."

      Ranma's eyes were very wide as he exclaimed. "You would have let yourself be engaged to someone you didn't even know? Just like that?"

      "Why not? You accepted it easily enough." Kasumi pointed out.

      "Well..." Ranma placed his hand behind his head. "I don't know if accept is the right word, tolerate, maybe. But you always had a choice."

      "Did I? Sometimes I wonder if I truly did. I know Nabiki would have rather died than accept this engagement against her will because she's used to always being in control of a situation. And if Akane hadn't eventually accepted your engagement, I have little doubt the responsibility would have eventually fallen to me."

      "Accepted? Since, when did Akane accept our engagement? All she does is accuse me of things I haven't done and hit me with her mallet!"

      "Ranma....have you ever asked yourself why she does that? Why she can't stand the thought of another girl near you, and why she constantly fights with you?"

      "Because she's an uncute, sexless tomboy with an unreasonable temper?" Ranma replied with a straight face.

      Kasumi sighed. "Never mind. Someday perhaps, you'll figure it out. What I'm trying to say is that it was my duty to accept the engagement. My family means more to me than life itself. I have given myself to them and this house completely, forsaking everything else. When I tried to pass you off onto Akane, it was the first time in a long time that I was thinking of myself, that I didn't want to be engaged to a boy who was three years younger than me and changed into a girl. It made me feel so bad that I thought of myself over others....

      Kasumi lapsed into silence again while Ranma tried to make sense of what she was saying. "It....It sounds to me like you're punishing yourself for being selfish, but what you did wasn't selfish, it was a matter of choice. Granted Akane wasn't interested in me either but if it had been me in your place, I would have done the same thing."

      Kasumi remained silent while Ranma continued. "I'm not very good at talking like this....To be honest, I prefer to fight a problem rather than solve it and that's gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit. But it's still my choice whether or not I want to eventually marry Akane. Pop keeps telling me it's a matter of honor but then he ignores his promise of honor to Ucchan, not to mention every other girl he promised me to in exchange for food.

      Ranma took a deep breath as he continued. "I don't blame you for not wanting me. If you had, look at all the problems you would have been stuck with. Believe me, you were lucky."

      Kasumi looked up at Ranma and suddenly began to laugh. It was a joyful sound, like a soothing melody.

      "What'd I say?" Ranma was puzzled.

      Kasumi just laughed harder at that. Soon she was laughing so hard she could barely keep her balance on the roof. Then she eventually stopped laughing and wiped her eyes. "I'm....I'm sorry.... I was just laughing at the irony....I came up here to cheer you up and now here you are cheering me up. It just struck me as funny. I don't know why."

      Ranma smiled at that. Then he stared at Kasumi as if noticing something for the first time.

      "What is it?" Kasumi asked, curious at what had captured his attention.

      "It's....It's nothing....Don't worry about it." Ranma tried to shrug it off.

      "No, what is it?" Kasumi insisted.

      Ranma was quiet for a long moment. "It's just....this may sound silly but until now, I've never seen you laugh. I always see you smile, but I've never seen you laugh."

      Kasumi froze. Solid. Her hand went to her mouth immediately. Her face was a mask of shock.

      "Kasumi? Is everything all right?" A concerned Ranma asked as he walked closer to her.

      "It's just....It...." Kasumi stammered. "You're right....I haven't laughed since....since my mother died."

      "I'm sorry! I didn't mean...."

      "It's okay....It never occurred to me until now. I always put on a smile whenever people needed it but when something was funny, I just couldn't make myself laugh, no matter how hard I tried. No one seemed to notice so after a while I stopped trying."

      Ranma felt a lump growing in his throat. "Kasumi, when was the last time you felt like yourself?"

      Kasumi seemed to flinch slightly as she replied. "W....What do you mean?"

      "I mean when was the last time you felt something like this...."

      Ranma suddenly but gently placed his arms around Kasumi. Then he gently brought her chin up to face him and tilted his head forward. Seeing Kasumi so close made Ranma's heart beat faster. The scene in front of him was breathtaking. The snowflake that landed on her nose just made her that more desirable.

      Kasumi's eyes were wide and frightened, she wanted to pull away and yet her body refused, betraying her true feelings and need for someone. She closed her eyes as her lips met with Ranma's.

      She had not been kissed by anybody for a long time. While she had tried it a few times when she was in pre-school, she had never had a boyfriend of her own. A part of her wanted to break away, to say this was wrong and that she was betraying her sister, but she wanted this kiss, needed this kiss so badly that she wrapped her own arms around Ranma's neck and held him tight. For that moment, Kasumi was truly happy for the first time in years.

      Then Kasumi released the kiss, Ranma was almost reluctant to do so but nonetheless complied. Kasumi smiled again, only this time it was different somehow, as if the other one no longer suited her.

      "Thank you, Ranma. I needed that." Kasumi said.

      "I....I think I did too...." Ranma remarked as they both laughed. Meanwhile the sounds of celebration were growing louder around them. It was one minute to the new year, when old acquaintances would be forgotten, new promises made and broken.

      Kasumi and Ranma resumed their places on the roof and watched as the dark sky began to erupt with fireworks. The light snowfall made it all the more spectacular. Kasumi and Ranma watched the colorful display of colors with awe as they could hear the final countdown until the new year.

      5....

      "Ranma...." Kasumi whispered.

      4....

      "Yes, Kasumi-chan...." Ranma whispered back.

      3....

      "I never told this to anyone...." Kasumi began.

      2....

      "Said what?" Ranma replied, puzzled.

      1....

      "I'll whisper it to you...." Kasumi leaned closer.

      "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

      Ranma's eyes went wide as he heard Kasumi's confession. Then he smiled and whispered something back to Kasumi as the celebration around them reached it's peak.

      "Sometimes, I feel the same way."

      Suddenly both couple started to glow. The glow around Kasumi started to intensify into a blinding flash while the one around Ranma subsided, as they pass into a new year with a time honored New Year's kiss.

      Up in Asgard, Skuld had finally found the bug that had eluded her for over a year. Because of this cute 6 legged nuisance, her contract with Kasumi went partially unfulfilled. Finally she could complete the contract. Heaven knows these two deserved a break.

Chapter 3

      It was a rainy day in Nerima Ward, Tokyo. The sound of raindrops beating against the roof was almost mesmerizing. Looking down from Asgard, Skuld could finally complete her contract.

      Insdie the Tendou Training Hall, tears of joy were rolling down Soun's face. *Today is the day that Ranma would arrive,* Soun thought happily. "Kasumi, Nabiki, Akane come here!" a very joyous Soun shouted out to his daughters. Soun had received a postcard from a long time friend and training partner. On one side of the card was a panda bear and on the other side was a single sentence. "Bringing Ranma in two weeks." The postcard was signed Saotome.

      Moments later, all three of Tendou's daughters were sitting opposite him on the dinner table. Unknown to the three occupants, Kasumi had started to glow after sitting down. Kasumi was in a simply dress, Nabiki was in a light blue kimono while Akane was wearing a white gi. "The son of a very good friend of mine will be arriving soon. His name is Saotome Ranma. If one of you three girls were to marry him and carry on this training hall, then our family's legacy would be secure." Soun announced to his three daughters.

      "Hey, wait a minute! You can't just decide something like that! Count me out!" Akane shouted with rage.

      "Maybe you should wait till you see him. You never know, he might be more handsome than you think." Nabiki happily teased Akane. Which caused Akane to look the other way. Turning back to Soun, "Right, father?" asked Nabiki.

      Nabiki's question caused Soun to laugh a little. "He'll be here soon," was the reply Soun used to evade the question. Standing up, "Ranma and his father have been on a training trip. Recently they've crossed into China." Soun was now looking at the koi pond.

      "Oh, China!!" Nabiki commented with a awed expression.

      "So they trained in China. That does not automatically make them good." Akane grumbled.

      "Is he handsome? What is he like?" Nabiki asked. In part she was very interested and she also wanted to find out more about this so called martial artist their father have engaged them to.

      Laughing again, Soun turned his attention back to his three daughters. "I don't know."

      The happy demure of Nabiki was now an angry scowl. "You don't know?"

      "I've never met the young man," was all Soun could reply.

      Kasumi was suddenly covered in a blinding light as the glowed intensified.

      As Soun searched the faces of his daughters to gauge their reactions, he suddenly noticed Kasumi's red cheeks and stargazed expression. "Is something wrong, Kasumi?" Soun asked his eldest daughter. Over the years, Soun had become overly protective of Kasumi. This did not mean he cared any less for his other two daughters. It is just that Kasumi gave up her childhood for the family. She sacrificed more than any person should have to. To this end, he was more protective of Kasumi than Akane or Nabiki.

      It was strange that Kasumi had not uttered a word after his announcement. She would usually tell him politely if one of his ideas were unacceptable and he would understand and give in for fear of offending his eldest. Yet today he had told each of his daughters something that would forever change their lives and Kasumi had not spoken a single word. He was also a little worried that Kasumi's cheeks were a bit red as well.

      Nabiki was not really surprised. She knew something like this would happen for some time now. The Tendou family was a traditional family in a modern world. Arranged marriages were common back then, especially among the middle and upper classes. She was amazed that it had not happened sooner. Kasumi was already 19, she was 17 and her little sister was 16, all were well within the acceptable age for marriage. Nabiki was just wondering what kind of man her father had engaged one of them to. Her thoughts were suddenly broken by her father's question. Looking up, Nabiki noticed the light reddish tone to Kasumi's cheeks. To some, Nabiki was not an emotional person. She always had this look of a predator stalking her prey on her face that earned her a reputation for being cold hearted. To those that truly understood her, knew that this was not true. She had learned to hide her emotions really well after her mother died. There were only few times when Nabiki wasn't wearing her facial mask of uncaring. This was one of those times. One of the people Nabiki worried about the most was Kasumi. Kasumi was her older sister, but she was also her mother and friend at times. She was what kept the family together when the outside world threaten to tear the family apart. To see the sister-mother of the Tendou Clan unhealthy worried her.

      Akane could not believe what her father was saying. She hated boys, they were so immature. She did not know which was worse, Tatewaki Kunou thinking he could become her boyfriend by trying to beat her up or the boys that followed him. Now her Tousan wants one of his daughters to marry a boy he hardly knew. Why couldn't the boys at her school be more like Tofu-sensei? He was so mature but was in love with her older sister. Looking up at Kasumi, Akane finally noticed the reddish hue to Kasumi's cheeks having missed her Tousan's comment before because she was busy being angry at him. Akane was instantly worried about Kasumi. Kasumi was more like a mother than a sister to Akane.

      Kasumi could not believe how much she had enjoyed that kiss. Part of her, the part that was the mother and sister, told her she was betraying Akane, but the other part, the part that was the suppressed female, rejoiced at the experience. It had been far too long since she had genuinely laughed and enjoyed herself this much. She had given up all hopes of ever experiencing these kinds of feelings since Okaasan died. This New Year was one in which she would cherish for a long time. She knew she was blushing and hoped that Ranma did not see it. It would embarrass both of them. After Ranma had whispered that he felt the same, made her even blush some more. Lifting her head to see if Ranma was blushing as well, she final noticed that she was not on the roof anymore. She also felt three pairs of eyes focused on her. Looking toward the sources, she noticed that she was at the table and was the attention of both her sisters and Tousan. Numerous questions started to come to mind : Why wasn't she on the rooftop with Ranma? How did she get to be where she was? Why was everyone staring at her with worried expressions? The last question was why Nabiki wearing a kimono? She had not worn one ever since Ranma first arrived. Knowing the easiest way to get an answer was to ask, Kasumi did just that. " Is something wrong?" Kasumi asked also missing Soun's question.

      Finally getting a reaction from his eldest daughter. Soun nodded, repeating his question, "Are you feeling well. Kasumi?"

      "I'm feeling fine. Why do you ask?" replied Kasumi.

      "Father is just worried about you, Kasumi. Your face is a bit red and you've been staring out into space for the past few minutes." A worried Nabiki answered. Akane only noticing Kasumi's condition a few moments ago nodded as well.

      "Thank you, fahter, Nabiki, Akane, but I feel fine. Was there anything else you needed?" Kasumi asked.

      "I was just saying that a long time friend of mine would be arriving soon and he was bringing his son. If one of you were to marry him and take over the training hall, the Tendou Legacy would be secured."

      Looking at Nabiki in her kimono and then outside at the weather, everything finally made sense to Kasumi. This was the day that the three Tendou daughters first meet Saotome Ranma and his father Saotome Genma. This was something that she could never truly forget. Her life was turned upside down with Ranma's arrival. Still with all the chaos she was glad at having met Ranma. She didn't know how she got here but living with Ranma for the past year had help her adjust to the hectic events surrounding the young martial artist. Remembering that Ranma might need some hot water, Kasumi stood up. "Please excuse me father, I need to prepare something." Walking into the kitchen, Kasumi started preparing some hot water for her two newly arriving guest, unaware of the stares she was getting from her family.

      Up in Asgard, two sisters were bickering. "It's not fair," a woman with white hair complained. "I'm the goddess of love. I should have gotten this job." Looking over at Skuld, "I bet you don't know the first thing about love, seeing how you never had a boyfriend." In Urd's mind, a game was being played and to her, it was game, set and match. She could not believe Skuld's luck. Here was the biggest love web she had ever seen in all her existence. A boy by the name of Ranma was picking up fiancées left and right. Aside from the fact that most of them were being forced upon him by his Oyaji and honor, the fact still remains that the girls didn't mind having a fiancée like Ranma. He was handsome, strong, and had a sense of honor unparalleled except maybe Thor's. It did not help the situation any when Ranma did not possess the knowledge or ability to handle the opposite gender. Now here was Skuld, who had been lucky enough to not only find a useful bug, but was on her way to making a big impression on her first assignment. Because of the bug, Kasumi now knew that beneath the curse, Ranma was indeed everything she had wished for. He was kind-hearted, who else would put up with all this fiancée business, other than a hentai, which Ranma was not due to his social skills, because he did not want to hurt one of their feelings. Calling Ranma's life exciting was an understatement. Ranma's life could be considered the pentacle of adventure and excitement. Last, if someone even considered Ranma not being handsome would be attacked by numerous raged filled women. Now due to the bug, Kasumi found that she could in fact love and respect him and her father was giving her a chance at marriage. All this was due to a computer glitch which made Akane, Ranma's fiancée, instead of Kasumi in the first place. With the Yggdrasil system back online, it transferred Kasumi back in time so that now she could become Ranma's fiancée instead of Akane.

      Skuld was fuming. This was her first real assignment and here was Urd telling her how unfair it was. On top of that, her older sister made fun of her by saying how she didn't know a thing about love because she never went out with a guy. Urd was the last person to be lecturing about this. Urd made Ranma's problems look like child's play. Then again, looking back at Ranma's file, if a person just went by Ranma's and Urd's problems with the opposite gender, they might consider the two related by blood or something. After living with Keiichi and Belldandy for the past two years, though she still thought Belldandy was too good for Keiichi, Skuld finally understood something about love. What was startling was that if she was successful, the similarity between the two couples were astronomical. Maybe in a way, her father, Kami-sama, was giving her a chance to redeem herself after the way she had acted when she first heard about Keiichi's wish. Looking back at Urd, who was still raving, she finally understood why Urd was mad. First, Skuld had stumbled upon the worse web of love the Fates had ever known. Second, Urd was mad that she had nothing to do with the relationship between Belldandy's and Keiichi that she saw this as a second chance due to the staggering similarity between the two or actually the female half.

      Urd stopped raving as a look of understanding appeared upon Skuld's face. Maybe her younger sister had finally seen the light was going to give her the chance at this contract. Her hopes died as Skuld stuck her tongue out at her. "Arggggggggg," was the only thing Urd could think of at the moment.

      Seeing Urd mad, Skuld skipped happily away looking for some warm water so that she could visit Belldandy then Kasumi. She had to tell Belldandy about Kasumi.

Chapter Four

      The silence of the night was broken by a shout emanating close by. Suddenly a red-headed young girl with a pigtail slid into view from around the corner followed by a large panda. The encounter between girl and panda attracted a crowd of viewers. Rumors soon started flying around as to who these two were, why the panda was picking on the young lady? A few young men even thought about helping the cute redhead. That was until the panda ripped a sign from the ground, bashed the young girl and carried her off.

Tendou Residence

      "I'm worried about Kasumi, Nabiki." A worried expression could be seen on Akane's face.

      "I am too, Akane." Nabiki was also worried. *Ever since she heard father's announcement, I've noticed that Kasumi has been acting strangely. Could it be that Kasumi wants this engagement? How does she know this boy? Hmmm, If this is true then I think Kasumi was blushing* Nabiki smiled inward. She just had to find out if it was true or not.

      Akane could not understand it, one moment Nabiki was really worried then the next she seems to be a little more relaxed and had that predatorial look on her face like she was planning something. "Nabiki, will Kasumi be alright?"

      "I'm not sure yet but I think so." Nabiki smiled for a second.

      As for Soun, he was just looking at the kitchen door. Unaware of the conversation between his two daughters, he had lost all his prior excitement on meeting his best friend and was lost in worry for his eldest daughter. Of all his daughters, Kasumi would be the one he would miss the most, if he ever lost her. She reminded him of a time when laughter could be heard from the backyard. A time when the Tendous were truly a family. A time which seems so long ago. A time when his loving wife was still breathing and enjoying life. Kasumi reminded him of Kimiko. Kasumi was everything his wife used to be and more so. To Soun, when Kimiko died, the Kasumi that he knew also died that day. Gone was the carefree child who would laugh and play games with her sisters, now there was only a motherly figure. All too often, Soun would be depressed at how things turned out in life. He would hide himself behind a newspaper in hopes that all the problems of the outside world would help cover up the problems he had at home. They were not physical problems or financial ones, but emotional ones. The ones that seem so hard to remedy.

      All three Tendous were suddenly interrupted from their deep thoughts by a loud commotion at the entrance to their home. Nabiki, remembering the postcard and the supposed arrival of Tousan's friend and his son, shot to her feet and ran to the door. Seconds later, Soun and Akane could see Nabiki running back through the hall with a look of fright upon her face. Following the fleeing Tendou was a large panda carrying an uncooperative passenger upon its shoulder. Upon facing the Tendous the huge panda deposited its struggling luggage.

       Looking at their new guest, Nabiki could not figure out if the red-haired stranger was a he or a she. Looking at Soun, "Are these friends of yours Tousan?" Nabiki asked.

      Turning his attention away from the huge panda, Soun unable to say anything due to the shock of the unexpected arrival of their two guests, could only shake his head vigorously.

      After a few moments their guest stepped forward, "I'm Saotome Ranma, sorry about this."

      *So this is Ranma,* Nabiki thought. "He is cute," she exclaimed. *Might this be the boy Kasumi is interested in. She has some good taste. I didn't know you had it in you sis.* Nabiki thought.

      The tension, broken by Ranma's statement, shook Soun out of his daze as he gave Ranma a joyous hug. Now after so long, the Saotome and Tendou clan would soon be united. Into the hug, a part of Soun's subconscious was starting to tell him something was amiss. As Soun's mind tried to contemplate this train of thought, while hugging Ranma, he felt two foreign pieces of anatomy a man should not have pressing against his chest. Finally, reality hit him. Soun was hugging a young girl and not a young man. Disengaging him quickly, Soun again went into a state of shock.

      "What a disappointment. What were you thinking, father? Does this look like something a man would have?" Nabiki, all the while was poking Ranma's ample chest. *Was I wrong? This can't be the boy that Kasumi was blushing over, he or she isn't even male. Does this mean that Kasumi is a les.. No!! I will not accept this. Something is wrong with this situation.* Nabiki's mind was in hyperdrive trying to figure out what was going on.

      Soun couldn't handle being in shock twice on the same day shook his head before fainting.

      "Would you please stop that?" Ranma asked Nabiki through clenched teeth. He was so embarrassed. First, he was dragged to the Tendous kicking and screaming like a child. Then to top it off, their first impression of him was of a girl and not a guy. Finally, Mr. Tendou had to faint right in front of him and a girl poking his chest. *Could the day get any worse?* Ranma thought to himself.

      *Ranma is here.* Kasumi smiled and started coming out of the kitchen. Suddenly she heard a thump sound. She had forgotten about her father fainting.

      Nabiki was thinking too deeply to have noticed Ranma's request. Every few seconds, Nabiki absentmindedly squeezed one of Ranma's breast. Something was missing but Nabiki did not know what. *Arggggg!!!!* Nabiki racked her brain for a plausible answer. This did not make any sense and the only one that did was absurd.

      Ranma noticed the new girl that had just entered the hallway and could not help but notice the air of calmness that surrounded her. She had long brown hair and looked great wearing a light blue casual dress. What surprised him was that, she was heading his way with a kettle in one hand and a towel in the other. She was the only one that did not show any kind of negative expression toward him since he arrived, although he just met her. Suddenly Ranma was as shocked as Soun when this strange girl poured the content of the kettle on him. He felt the change take place. He grew taller and the clothing that was loose before now fitted him perfectly. *How did this girl know about his curse?* every fiber of Ranma's mind shouted at him. All he could do was stare at her with his mouth hanging. What was more surprising, though Ranma could not see it, was Genma's expression. It was the look of a deer caught in the headlight of an oncoming car. "How...how...how did you know about my curse?" Ranma stuttered.

      Kasumi hated lying and knew that they would not believe her even if she told them the truth so she avoided the question. "Oh my, fahter fainted!!" Inward Kasumi was smiling to herself. To everyone, she was acting like the same old Kasumi they knew but deep down, she had changed. Ever since the kiss on New Years Eve, she realized what she was missing out on life and could not bear to return to just being the Kasumi of before. Hopefully she could change that. She wanted a happier life, a life where her smiles came from her heart and her laughs were one of joy. Looking down at her father, Kasumi smiled. Since Ranma entered their lives, father had not been the same. The depression that had gripped his very being since mother died had slowly vanished. Throughout all the fiancée problems, kidnapping and rivals, those had been one of the happiest times the Tendous had experienced. Looking down at Soun, Kasumi was glad Ranma had entered their lives. Maybe this time, she could repay Ranma for his deeds which he had yet to accomplish and make him happy.

      Nabiki had face faulted at the transformation. *Curse? What curse? Where was the red-headed girl? Where did this boy come from?* these thoughts were whirling around Nabiki's mind as she went into shock. The day had not been going well for her. To top it off where once she was holding a very ample breast, now was replaced by a muscular chest of a very handsome man. No woman, even someone like Nabiki, could stay calm when a woman's breast deflates like a ballon in their hand. Following Soun's example, Nabiki could not handle the shock and fainted as well.

Chapter Five

      Kasumi knew that her actions would raise questions but she wanted to defuse some of the animosity from the start. Thinking back, the reason Akane fought with Ranma was more out of anger toward Otousan and the forced marriage than against Ranma himself. Had the situation been different, Kasumi knew Akane wouldn't have minded being engaged to Ranma. As for Nabiki, she held a grudge against Ranma as well in the beginning. To her, Ranma was one of the few people to ever deceive her. He made her think he was a she when they first meet. Nabiki's problem had been solved and Akane's problem would soon follow. Overall, Kasumi's plan was working beautifully, except for the two unconscious forms on the floor. For the first time, Kasumi, the peace-maker, had created chaos instead of preventing it and she had a smile upon her face that suggested that she had enjoyed herself.

Few hours later

      Looking down at her two patients, she could tell that they were both going to be reviving in a couple of minutes. Kasumi was preparing herself for the questions that she knew would eventually have to answer as she left the room in search of Akane, Ranma and Mr. Saotome. Hearing the sound of combat from the backyard, she headed outside. There she found Ranma and Genma sparring over the koi pond while Akane looked on. Walking up to Akane, "They're really good." It was more a statement than a question. The only answer she got from Akane was a nod of her head. Even after a year of watching Ranma in action, it still amazed Kasumi how good he was.

      So far everything was peaceful. Akane was not fighting with Ranma, the house was not being destroyed and no enemies were around yet. "Ranma, Akane, Saotome-san, please come in. *Splash!!* Genma was now a panda having landed in the koi pond. "Father and Nabiki are about to wake up." Smiling at the sight, Kasumi headed back upstairs.

      "You're getting slow, Oyaji." Ranma was laughing as he sprinted inside the house and up the stairs, 5 steps at a time. Akane and Genma slowly followed behind. Ranma was certain that none of the girls wanted to be his fiancée now that they had found out about his curse. This gave him an excuse to head back to China and find a cure. Though it made him a little sad that he would not be staying around here long because he really liked this training hall. Not to mention it had a koi pond which he could dump Oyaji in.

      *It was all a nightmare,* Soun thought to himself as he slowly woke up. Opening his eyes, he soon focused on Kasumi and then the boy next to her. *Who is this boy? Is he one of my little girls' boyfriend? I'm so happy!!* Sitting up, Soun turned to the strange boy. "Who are you son?"

      "I'm Saotome Ranma, sorry about this."

      Quicker than the eyes could see, Soun latched onto Ranma. "Ranma my boy, I'm glad to see you. Where is your father?" Tears of joy were running down his face.

      Trying hard to breathe, "He's on his way. He had a little accident." *Oyaji's friend is really emotional.*

      "I hope he's okay."

      Nabiki had awakened soon after Soun but decided to play the part of the unconscious female so that she could hear what was going on without them noticing her. Opening her eyes and turning towards Kasumi, "Kasumi, I had a really strange dream. I've dreamt that Ranma here was a girl and she had a pet panda."

      At the mention of previous incident, Soun embraced Ranma a little tighter to make sure he was a boy and that he was not still dreaming.

      "Don't be silly, Nabiki. Ranma is a boy."

       The fact that his middle daughter had the same dream did not registered in Soun's mind. "I'm glad that ..." Soun stopped what he was about to say as Akane had entered the room followed by a huge panda. "It wasn't a dream?"

      "What is going on here?" Nabiki asked.

      The panda was waving a sign, "I can explain."

      Nabiki had raised an eyebrow at that. Akane was still too shocked by the days event to contribute much except walk around with this look of "I'm in the twilight zone. Help me." Kasumi was just smiling. Things were getting back to normal for her. Soun was nodding his head.

      "Lets all go downstairs and let Mr. Saotome explain everything while I make something to eat, " Kasumi suggested.

      "For an old man he has a very strong grip," Ranma muttered in between his gasps of air. Looking down at the man who had him in a death hug, "Can you please let go! I can't breathe."

      In Soun's current state, Ranma's shout went unheeded. Following his eldest's great suggestion, Soun started to head downstairs with a struggling Ranma in his arms.

Moments later:

      *Only Oyaji could have a friend like this,* Ranma thought after finally being released.

      "So cold water activates the curses and hot water reverses it?" Soun asked while pouring the entire content of kettle on Genma. Ranma was a boy at the moment and didn't need any hot water.

      "Hot, but not boiling!!" Genma shouted in pain.

      "So your problem isn't so bad after all. Ranma meet Kasumi, she is 19, Nabiki, 17, and Akane, 16. Pick one of my daughters for a fiancée."

      "Nani?" Ranma, Nabiki and Akane exclaimed.

      Nabiki quickly thought of a way to save herself from marrying Ranma. "He definitely wants Akane."

      "Why me?" Akane angrily turned towards Nabiki.

      "Well, you hate boys and he is half girl."

      "Why would I want to marry him?"

       "Like I said, you hate..."

      Nabiki was cut off as Kasumi rose and went to kneel beside Soun. "Seeing as how both Akane and Nabiki do not wish to be engaged to Ranma-kun and because our family honor is on the line, I would like to volunteer, Otousan."

      Soun could not believe it. Kasumi had given up so much for the family and now he was forcing Kasumi to marry Genma's son. He desperately wanted to united the two clans together but the very thought of Kasumi giving up more of herself for the family was unimaginable. Before Soun could act, Akane stood and also knelt before Soun.

      "Tousan, I would not mind being engaged to Ranma." *There is no way I'll let Oneesan sacrifice anything more for the family.* Akane soon glared at Ranma. *It's all his fault I have to do this.*

      *I know how Kasumi usually acts but this is strange even for her. Is this boy the reason Kasumi was blushing before? Might as well join my two sisters. If he is the one then I'm going to do everything in my powers to get them together if not then I could always make some money off of him. He is handsome.* Nabiki got up and followed Kasumi and Akane's action.

      Kasumi was surprised at the sudden change in her two sisters. *They're trying to protect me.* She smiled at the thought. *But I really want this engagement.*

      "That's my son. The ladies' man" Genma was weeping with Soun. Soon their two family would be united.

      Up in Asgard, Urd turned to Skuld. "I thought you got rid of that bug?"

      "I did!! But for some reason, everytime I get rid of one bug another one pops up around Ranma's file."

      "Strange. Why isn't the Ultimate Force preventing this? I'm going to take this up with the Lord."

      "What about Oneesan?"

      "She's with Keiichi right now."

      Skuld still did not like the relationship between Belldandy and Keiichi. "We should still wait."

      "Fine. This is your assignment after all. If you mess up then you can't blame me."

      The two Norms turned their attention back to the mortal plane and one particular individual. The young man who was attracting bugs like a magnet.

To be continued: