Ranma 1/2 is the property of Rumiko Takahashi, oh, so is Urusei Yatsura. Juxtaposition ------------------ By: Anand Rao Chapter One: Now THIS is Fate! -------------------------------------------- With his hands behind his back in a true sign of boredom, Ranma idly followed his parents into the hospital lobby. "Are ya sure you don't know what this about, Pops?" he asked, a put upon expression on his face. "I have no clue, boy" "Patience, Ranma-chan. The administrator who called said there were some irregularities in your birth record. It really is important," Nodoka chided. "But why? I mean, it's not like I'm sick or anything, right?" "If it wasn't important, the hospital wouldn't have contacted us." "Listen to your mother, boy," Genma advised. "I was just wondering," Ranma sulked as they reached reception desk. "Excuse me, we have an appointment with Mr. Nakamura. The name is Saotome," Nodoka said to the receptionist. "Just a second," the receptionist replied, picking up the receiver of the phone on her desk. "Mr. Nakamura? Your two o'clock appointment is here. Yes, sir." The receptionist hung up the phone and smiled at Nodoka. "His office is in room 204, down the hall to your right. Please, go right in, he's expecting you." Nodoka thanked the receptionist and led her family to the appropriate office. Reaching room 204, she smartly knocked on the door. A few seconds later, a short, overweight man with balding gray hair opened the door. "You must be the Saotomes. I'm Kenusuke Nakamura." he greeted. "Come in, please." They entered the office and Ranma was a bit startled to find that Mr. Nakamura wasn't alone. Already seated around Mr. Nakamura's large ornate desk were four other people; two men and two women. One of the women, a girl about Ranma's age, stood out immediately. She had blue-green hair, was wearing a small tiger-striped bikini and sporting a pair of horns on her head. Ranma recognized the girl and the younger man immediately. "Hey! It's Tag Boy and that Oni chick!" he exclaimed. Ranma had remembered watching the fateful invasion and subsequent tag race that had taken place the previous year. It was hard to believe that all those strange. . . people lived so close by. "My name is not Tag Boy!" one of the two men yelled. He jumped up from his seat and glared at Ranma. He was a young man about Ranma's age and had a short crop of unkempt brown hair. "Ataru, calm down," the older woman suggested wearily. "Why are we here anyway?" Ataru demanded. "There's no point in visiting a hospital if I can't get to meet some of the nurses!" "Darling. . ," the girl in the bikini growled, electricity dancing dangerously around her body. "Looks like the stories were true," Ranma whispered to his father. "Sure looks like it," Genma agreed. "Please, please, everyone be seated and try to calm down. I. . . I'll explain why I asked you to come here," Mr. Nakamura said nervously. Ataru sat back down while the Saotomes occupied the remaining empty chairs. "Thank you," Nakamura said, slightly relieved as he sat behind his desk. He cleared his throat meaningfully and took a deep breath. "Seventeen years ago, Ranma Saotome and Ataru Moroboshi were born in this hospital; within hours of each other, in fact." "I guess you're as unlucky as me," Ataru quipped, glancing at Ranma. "Close," Ranma sighed. "Ahem. Yes, well. . . Apparently there was a, uh, shall we say, mix up of sorts. . ," Nakamura continued. "What type of mix up?" Nodoka asked, her eyes narrowing. "Somehow, your sons were switched at birth," Nakamura paused. "We really don't know how it happened! And we only discovered the switch a few days ago when conducting a standard review of our medical records," he finished in a rush. "Switched at birth?" Ranma and Ataru exclaimed at the same time. "Yes. I'm terribly sorry, I honestly don't know how it happened!" Nakamura repeated. Nodoka and Genma stared at Ataru while the Moroboshis stared at Ranma. "Y-you're my son?" Nodoka asked hoarsely. "That idiot's not really our son?" Mrs. Moroboshi asked with growing delight. "Ranma has to be my son! I've taught him everything about our Art since before he could walk!" Genma protested. Mr. Moroboshi remained silent, intently reading a newspaper that been in Mr. Nakamura's office. "I know this is difficult for you to accept, and given that these two young men are so. . . famous around here, we'd rather word of this mistake not get out. The hospital is prepared to give adequate compensation," Mr. Nakamura explained. "Compensation?" Genma and Mrs. Moroboshi said at the same time. "What kind of compensation?" "The hospital is prepared to pay you handsomely; for all the trouble that has been caused," Mr. Nakamura clarified, handing a check to Genma and one to Mrs. Moroboshi. The pair looked at their checks, yen signs popping in their eyes and beautiful smiles growing on their faces. "You're telling me that idiot is not my son. . . and you're paying me for it?" Mrs. Moroboshi asked gleefully. A nearly orgasmic look crossed her face. (With this much money, I can take care of -myself- in my old age!) she thought. "So, you agree to keep this quiet?" Mr. Nakamura asked carefully. Genma and Mrs. Moroboshi nodded their heads vigorously. "Excellent," Mr. Nakamura sighed. "Wait! Please, are you sure about this?" Nodoka demanded. "Quite sure I'm afraid," Mr. Nakamura replied apologetically. "Hey these things happen! We'll all adjust in time," Genma said easily. "Well, Son? Shall we go home?" he asked, turning towards Ataru. "What? Pops!" Ranma exclaimed. "Now, now, don't worry. I'll take care of you, Ranma-chan," Mrs. Moroboshi said soothingly. Ataru remained seated, a look of painful indecision crossing his face. (This is a perfect chance to get away from those idiot parents of mine! B-but what about Ran-chan and Ryu-chan and Ryoko-chan and Shinobu and Sakura and-) "What do I do?" he asked, his voice filled with anguish. "Darling. . ," Lum said, sympathetically placing her hands on Ataru's shoulders. "I- If you are my son, then come along. We must introduce you to your fiancee," Nodoka said. "Fiancee?" Ataru said, suddenly looking up, his eyes glued on Nodoka. "You gotta be kidding! You can't engage -him- to one of the Tendo girls!" Ranma protested, rising from his seat. "Darling is engaged to me!" Lum chimed in. "Moroboshi-kun," Nodoka began, looking sternly at Ranma, "You are a good man, and. . . and you would make any mother proud, but a marriage between a Saotome and Tendo must take place; it is our clan's duty and a matter of honor. "As for you, Lum-chan, I am sorry. Ataru, as our child, had no right to engage himself to anyone. This joining of our clans was agreed to before he was born," Nodoka continued. Stunned, Ranma and Lum sat down in their seats heavily. "Lum, it is a matter of honor," Ataru said in a serious voice. "I must marry this girl. Ne, ne, Okasan? My fiancee -is- pretty, right?" "Oh yes, my son. All three of the Tendo girls are beautiful," Nodoka replied, smiling at Ataru's enthusiasm. (He seems manly enough,) she thought. "There are -three- of them?" Ataru exclaimed, his grin growing into the well-known lecherous smirk. "Yes, my best friend, Soun Tendo, has three daughters," Genma replied. He suddenly grabbed Ataru by the shoulders. "Wait a minute, boy! Do you mean to say that you'll actually go through with the marriage?" he demanded. "Of course, Otosan! After all, it is a matter of honor," Ataru answered righteously. "My son!" Genma exclaimed, embracing Ataru. "Otosan!" Ataru exclaimed, his voice choked with emotion. "I think I'm gonna be sick," Ranma muttered. "Come, Ranma, let us take you to your new home," Mrs. Moroboshi suggested. She smiled encouragingly at her newly found son. (We better leave before someone changes their minds about this.) "Darling," Lum growled. She grabbed hold of Ataru and yanked him out of Genma's embrace. "How dare you act like this after all we've been through!" she exclaimed, electrocuting him into submission. "Lum-chan," Nodoka quietly rebuked. Startled, Lum let go of Ataru and looked at Nodoka. Ataru fell to the ground, a charred mass, still smiling at his new found fortune. Nodoka stared at Lum silently, not quite glaring at the Oni girl. Lum flinched under her gaze, stepped back, and dejectedly sat back down in her seat. "I understand how you feel, but Ataru -will- marry a Tendo; that is final," Nodoka said. "It is time for us to leave, before this becomes any more difficult." "Good luck to you, Ranma-kun," Genma said, slapping the pigtailed boy good-naturedly on the shoulder. "You're a great student of the Art! Follow the path of a true martial artist, and you will never go wrong," he advised. "Gee, thanks, Pops, er, Mr. Saotome!" Ranma replied bitterly. "Think nothing of it," Genma said, following his wife and son out of the office. "We should be leaving as well," Mrs. Moroboshi said. "Thank you, Mr. Nakamura! You don't know how happy you've made me!" she exclaimed. "Er. . . you're welcome?" Mr. Nakamura replied uncertainly. Beaming happily, Mrs. Moroboshi grabbed her husband by the arm, wrapped a free arm over her son's shoulder and led them out of the office. Looking depressed and unsure of herself, Lum followed meekly behind. ************************************ Surrounded by a half dozen law and medical books, Nabiki tapped away on her calculator, her grin growing along with the number on the LCD panel. "Nabiki, what are you doing?" Akane asked. "You've been sitting here for about an hour already." The two sisters were sitting at the dining room table, awaiting the Saotomes' return; each for their own reasons. "Just doing some research, Akane. I need to be prepared for when Ranma and his folks get back," Nabiki replied, her eyes still glued to the calculator. "Prepared for what?" "Dear Akane," Nabiki began condescendingly, "a hospital administrator doesn't call a whole family out for a meeting unless something is wrong; or to be more precise, unless the -hospital- has done something wrong. I'm trying to determine how much the Saotomes' should sue for." "Sue? What a minute! Do you think something's wrong with Ranma?" Akane asked worriedly. "They didn't act too concerned when they left." "Oh, the doctor probably dropped him on his head when he was little or something," Nabiki said dismissively. "The point is, whatever mistake they made could be worth a lot of money!" "Is that all you ever think about?" "Hey, you're the one marrying into that family. If we play this right, you could be set for life!" Nabiki pointed out. "For a small service fee, of course." Akane smiled and shook here head. "You never change, do you, Nabiki?" The girls heard the front door slide open and Akane rose expectantly from the table. "We're back," Nodoka said, walking into view. Behind her came Genma and Ataru. The newest addition the Saotome clan was looking around the Tendo home with interest. "This place doesn't look half bad, Otosan. I could live here," Ataru decided. "Now, when do I get to meet the girls?" Ataru rubbed his hands together in anticipation, the ever-present gleam of lechery in his eyes glowing brightly. "So eager," Nodoka sighed happily. "Ataru-kun?" Nabiki queried, obviously surprised to see him. "Nabiki-san!" Ataru yelled in delight. He ran past Genma, vaulted over the dining table and grabbed Nabiki in a tight hug. "Ataru-kun, remember what I told you about this," Nabiki said coolly as Akane blinked stupidly at the pair. "Your threats don't worry me anymore, Nabiki-san! Lum is no longer a concern of mine; thanks to Okasan," Ataru replied. "So, now that I'm unattached, how about a date?" "I think not, Ataru-kun." Akane had heard enough; she didn't know who this guy was or how he knew Nabiki, but his intentions were -quite- clear. "Just what do you think you're doing to my sister, you pervert?" Ataru spared a second to look at Akane, then jumped towards her, glomp ready. "Cutie!" he exclaimed, as he grabbed her. Akane kicked him underneath his chin, sending him flying through the roof and off into the sky. "Nice shot, Sis." "Are you okay, Nabiki?" "I'm fine, Akane," Nabiki sighed. "Although, if what he said about Lum is true, then no female in Tokyo will be 'fine' ever again." "Who -was- he? And who is Lum?" Akane demanded. "Ataru is my son," Nodoka said. "Isn't he manly?" The Saotome matriarch beamed proudly as the Tendo sisters face-faulted. "Your son? Last time I checked, Ataru's last name was Moroboshi," Nabiki pointed out. "Moroboshi! -Now- I know who that guy is!" Akane exclaimed. "Yeah, we watched the race on TV." "But how can he be your son, Auntie? What happened to Ranma?" "Akane, dear, this may be difficult for you to accept," Nodoka gently began. "Ranma and Ataru were switched at birth due a hospital error. Ranma, as good a man as he is, is not my son." "W-what are you saying?" Akane fearfully asked, the shock and pain clear on her face. "Ranma is no longer your fiancee. Ataru-" "I am NOT marrying that pervert!" "Ataru will marry -one- of you; he needs time to decide which of you he wants," Nodoka finished. "It won't be hard to figure out what -he- wants," Nabiki muttered. "How do you know him, Nabiki?" Akane asked. "I mean, sure we saw him in the tag race, but he seemed to know you personally." "He comes around here sometimes on his 'girl hunts'. I'm surprised that you've never run into him before, Akane. Anyway, for a small fee, I'd help him hide from his alien fiancee." "Lum?" "Exactly. He used to hit on me all the time, but I threatened to tell Lum about all his hiding places and that would keep him in line." Nabiki sighed. "Looks like I'll have to think of something else." "Like changing your name and moving to another country," Akane suggested. "I do hope he gets back soon, he still needs to meet Kasumi!" Nodoka said. "Yes, and I need to see if the boy knows anything about the Art," Genma chimed in. "Well, then. . . Ataru should be back soon, I'd better make something for him to eat, he'll probably be hungry!" Nodoka exclaimed giddily as she walked into the kitchen. "Say, I'm feeling rather hungry myself!" Genma quickly followed his wife into the kitchen. "Akane, how much would you pay me to tell you where the Moroboshis live?" Nabiki suddenly asked. "Why would I want to know that?" "Don't you at least want to say goodbye to your former fiancee?" "Ranma!" Akane gasped. In all the excitement with Ataru, she had almost forgotten about him. *********************************************** The martial artist formerly known as Ranma Saotome walked into his new home with slight trepidation. So far, he had been nearly run over by a squadron of tanks, a girl wearing what looked like a red bikini almost cut his head off with a flying motorcycle, and a large furry cat had offered him a cup of tea. He shuddered at the memory but resiliently followed his new mother through her tour of his new home. "Here's the kitchen," she was saying, "feel free to get something to eat any time you like; after all, you are a growing boy!" she grinned happily at Ranma, running her hand through his hair. In spite of the situation, Ranma grinned weakly in return. (She seems happy, at least,) he thought. "Come, I'll show you to your room, now," Mrs. Moroboshi suggested, gently dragging Ranma upstairs. Lum, who had remained quiet the entire trip home, followed the pair closely. The came to the top of the stairs and Mrs. Moroboshi opened door leading to what was once Ataru's room. Curious as to what the infamous Ataru was really like, Ranma entered the room. The first thing he noticed was how much more clutter filled up the room compared to the one he was using at the Tendo home. (So, this is what it's like to live in one place for your whole life,) Ranma realized, glancing around. "I, uh, guess I'm gonna have to get my stuff from the Tendos'." "Oh don't worry about that!" Mrs. Moroboshi exclaimed. "We can buy what ever you need. We'll go shopping tomorrow morning, okay?" "Sure, thanks, M-mom." "I'll let you get settled in, then." Mrs Moroboshi gazed lovingly at Ranma for a few moments then suddenly embraced him in a bone-crushing hug. "I'm so glad you're my son!" "Th-thanks, Mom!" Ranma replied, gasping for breath. She released him, then left the room. Ranma slowly walked around his new room, when he heard a gentle tapping at the window. "Huh? Who's that?" Ranma wondered aloud, staring at diminutive, chubby, blue-haired. . . person who was floating outside his room. "That's Ten-chan," Lum replied despondently. "Who?" Ranma had forgotten that Lum was there. "My cousin, Ten," Lum explained, opening the window to let in the younger Oni. "Hello, Lum-chan!" Ten cheerily greeted his cousin. "Who's that?" he asked, pointing towards Ranma. (Whoa. . . He- he's floating,) Ranma thought, still staring at the young Oni. "Ten-chan, this. . . this is Ranma. He is Mr. and Mrs. Moroboshi's son; their -real- son." The last, Lum said with a sob. "Real son?" "Er, yeah. Apparently, Ataru and I were switched at birth," Ranma explained. "It's nice to meet ya, Ten." "You and that idiot? What a horrible mistake," Ten observed. "Lum-chan, what's wrong?" "Darling's mother won't let me marry him!" "What? Why not?" "Cause my Pop, er, Mr. Saotome and his best friend, Soun Tendo, agreed to join their families in marriage when they had kids. M- Mrs. Saotome takes that sorta stuff kinda seriously," Ranma said. "I see. . . Lum-chan, what are you going to do?" "I. . .I don't know!" Lum wailed. "Er, do you two live here?" Ranma asked. "We sleep in Darling's closet, or sometimes up in my spaceship." "In the closet?" Ranma asked, unbelievingly. "That's no place for a girl to sleep. I'll ask Mom to set up a room for you." For the first time since going to the hospital, Lum smiled. "Thanks, Ranma, but that won't be necessary. We- we'll just stay in our ship." Ranma looked at the strange alien girl who was currently wiping her eyes and suddenly felt just a bit of kinship with her. For, although he would never admit it, he knew exactly how she felt. "Look, it ain't exactly hopeless yet. There still might be time for you to get back with Ataru," he said. (If Akane doesn't kill him first.) "How?" Lum demanded. "His mother won't let me near him!" "We. . . we'll think of something," Ranma replied. "We got some time, at least. I don't think any of the Tendo girls are going to be eager to marry him." "The way that idiot acts? No way," Ten agreed. Ignoring the insults that were being directed towards her beloved, Lum gasped in realization. "Ranma! You were engaged to someone before this too, weren't you?" "Yeah," Ranma softly replied, looking away from the two Oni. A look of determination grew on Lum's face. "We'll get through this, Ranma. We'll figure something out, together!" she exclaimed. Finally, here was someone who could understand her. Someone who knew exactly what she was going through. Someone who would help her catch her Darling. Eyes shining with renewed vigor, she excitedly grabbed hold of the front of Ranma's shirt. "We can even hold a double-wedding when this is all over," she decided. "What!" Ranma yelped. "Uh, let's just take things one step at a time, okay?" he suggested in a bit of uncharacteristic wisdom. *************************************** Disbelief and shock warred with hopefulness and joy on the face of Soun Tendo. He was having a great deal of trouble accepting the story he had just heard. Yet, staring at the face of his future son-in-law, he knew it must have been true. "There were times," he said hoarsely, "that I almost gave up on our dream, Saotome." Tears forming in his eyes, Soun turned towards his oldest and closest friend. "I know, Tendo. I know," Genma quietly replied. "But now, finally. . . after all the crazy, emotional, dangerous, home-destroying events that have occurred since you came here, this. . . blessing, this miracle has come upon us!" "Finally. . ," Genma agreed. "Our families will be joined!" The two men cried in triumph. Nodoka smiled, sharing the joy of the moment. Akane and Nabiki tried very hard not to throw up. Both families, save Kasumi, were seated at the Tendo dining table. "Father. . . Uncle. . . I promise to make you both proud," Ataru said solemnly. "So, have you decided which one you want to marry?" Beaming happily, Soun looked expectantly at Ataru. "Well, I've already met Akane-chan and Nabiki-chan," Ataru said, smiling brightly at the Tendo girls. "But you also have a third daughter, don't you? I'd like to meet her!" "Yes, you should meet Kasumi. She should be home very shortly, then you can decide." "Actually. . ," Ataru began, "I was thinking that I should maybe go on a date, maybe a few dates, with each of them, just to make sure I pick the right one." "That's a very good idea, Son," Soun replied sagely while Genma and Nodoka nodded their heads in approval. "You know, you really shouldn't forget about Ukyo," Nabiki pointed out. (Sister, you're brilliant,) Akane thought, pushing down the guilt she was feeling over what she was about to do. "Yes, remember, Ataru is engaged to her too. You -did- take a dowry, Uncle Saotome." "That engagement isn't valid!" Soun yelled. "Of course it is, Daddy," Nabiki disagreed. "Wait a minute!" Ataru interrupted. He turned towards Genma. "Father, did you really engage me to more than one woman?" he demanded. Gulping nervously, Genma nodded his head slightly. He blinked in surprise as Ataru grabbed him in a tight embrace. "Oh Father! You don't know how proud I am to be your son!" "So manly," Nodoka sighed. "Why. . . that. . . pervert!" "Akane, settle down!" Nabiki whispered. "If we do this right, he'll be Ukyo's problem, not ours." They heard the front door slide open, then shut. "I'm home!" Kasumi called out. She walked into the dining area, a bag of groceries dangling on her arm. She looked at Ataru and blinked in surprise. "Oh my, do we have a guest?" Ataru let go of his hold on Genma and stared hungrily at Kasumi. "Yes, I really should go on dates with all three of them," he said faintly. "Father?" Kasumi queried. "Kasumi, dear. Let me help you with dinner and explain what has happened," Nodoka offered. "Thank you, Auntie," Kasumi replied. "Are any more guests coming tonight, Father?" "No, Kasumi. And . . . you won't have to set a place for Ranma." Kasumi glanced at Akane then back towards Ataru. "I see." ********************************************** Ranma held a glass of cold water in one hand and a kettle of warm water in the other. "Since we're family and all, there's something about me that you gotta know." "What is it, Ranma?" his mother asked. The Moroboshis and the two Oni were sitting in the living room, intently listening to Ranma. "A couple years ago, when I was on a training trip, I got cursed." "Cursed?" his mother weakly replied. (Oh please! Don't let this one be an idiot too!) "Yeah, me and Pop- um, Mr. Saotome, went to a place in China called the 'Cursed Springs of Jusenkyo'. There are dozens on springs there and each one has a tragic story about the person, animal, or thing, that drowned there." Ranma paused to take a deep breath. "Who ever falls into a spring is cursed to turn into whatever it was that drowned there. Cold water," Ranma said, dumping the contents of the glass over his head, "activates the curse." Mrs. Moroboshi and Lum gaped at the cute young woman standing before them. (Kawaii,) Ten thought, subconsciously floating closer to the girl. "R-Ranma, is that you?" Mrs. Moroboshi hesitantly asked. "Yeah, Mom. I fell into the Spring of Drowned Young Girl." "So you. . . you. . ." "I turn into a girl any time cold water hits me," Ranma completed. "Hot water changes me back." He poured the kettle of now warm water over his head, once again becoming male. "It's. . . a strange curse; but not a whole stranger than anything else that occurs around here." "So, you're okay with it?" "It'll take a bit getting used to, but we're used to adapting around here." Mrs. Moroboshi sighed, then giggled. "Well, I always did want a daughter!" "Do you -really- become a girl?" Ten asked. "Only physically," Ranma flatly replied. "In mind, I'm still a guy, one hundred percent!" "It's a curse?" Lum asked. "Hmmm. . . Maybe Sakura-sensei can do something about it." Lum had regained her cheerful and helpful disposition. She was hopeful that together with Ranma she would find a way to get her Darling back. "Who's that?" "She's the school nurse at Tomobiki, but she's also a Shinto priestess." "Ya know, that -is- one thing I've never tried; getting the curse cast out of my system." "I'll introduce you to her tomorrow when we go to school," Lum offered. "School?" Lum blinked. "You are going to school, aren't you?" "Of course he is! It's very important to get a good education, Ranma," Mrs. Moroboshi said. "Er. . . right," Ranma replied. (At least some things never change,) he sighed. ************************************* Ataru sat back and patted his stomach in pleasurable contentment. He had not eaten such a wonderful meal in a long, long time. "That was wonderful, Kasumi-chan! I loved it!" he exclaimed. "Why, thank you, Ataru-kun!" "He eats more than Ranma," Akane muttered. "You're pretty fast with those chopsticks, boy," Genma noted with pride. He was unable to steal even a morsel of food from Ataru's plate. "We'll test some of your other skills tomorrow." Ataru, who was hungrily looking at Akane, glanced at his father. "What skills?" "Oh, didn't you know, Ataru-kun? You're heir to the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts," Nabiki said. "Martial Arts?" "That's right, boy," Genma nodded. "I wonder if it help me in my Girl-Hunt. . ." Ataru scratched his chin, a thoughtful look on his face. "Ahem," Nodoka cleared her throat. "Perhaps we should start scheduling the dates now. After all, there really is no reason to wait." "Quite right! Good idea!" Soun agreed. "I guess I'll go first," Nabiki sighed. "Nabiki!" Akane exclaimed. (I can't believe she's not pushing him off on me!) "I know just the place we can for our date too, Ataru-kun," Nabiki said. (And with any luck, I can get rid of you before either one of my sisters has to deal with you.) "Anything you say, Nabiki-chan!" Ataru replied, laughing eagerly. In the blink of an eye he was across the table, draping an arm over Akane's shoulder. "So, how about we plan -our- date next, hmm? After all, there's plenty of me to go around." "There's going to be plenty of you all over the floor if you don't let go of me!" She smacked him across the face with her open right hand, then followed with a left hook that had him flying back across the table. "The boy knows how to take a hit," Genma observed. He paused for a moment, then proceeded to empty the remaining food from Ataru's plate. -------------------------------- (End Chapter 1)