Chapter two
First Day of School
It was early when Ranma awoke, nestled comfortably against Kasumi. She smiled brightly at the eldest Tendou daughter who was just now opening her eyes. She knew what Kasumi’s presence meant; her mother had done the same their first night together. Kasumi had come to her rescue, chasing away her horrible dreams. It was Kasumi who spoke first. “Good morning, Ranma-chan. Did you sleep all right?” “I did, thanks to you. When I came here, knowing mom wouldn’t be around for the first week or so, I was worried that my sleep would be troubled, at least until she returned. Was I really that loud, Kasumi? I didn’t wake anyone else, did I?” Ranma was worried; she had hoped to avoid everyone knowing about her problems. Kasumi smiled, lessening Ranma’s worry. “No Ranma, you weren’t. I was the only one aware of your troubles last night. I just knew something was wrong last night, the peace of my house was broken; it led me to you.” “I’m glad it did, I’d be a wreck right now if it hadn’t. Thank you.” Kasumi looked surprised to be receiving thanks. “There is no need to thank me, Ranma-chan. I would have done the same for anyone.” “That doesn’t matter. You did what you did for me, that’s what counts. So please, accept my thanks.” Ranma was speaking from her heart, she was truly grateful for Kasumi’s concern. “Very well, you are welcome. Now, if you would excuse me.” Kasumi got up from the floor, Ranma doing the same. “It is time I get started on breakfast. You may take a bath if you would like, no one will be up for quite some time.” “You wouldn’t mind a little help with breakfast, would you? It’d be the least I could do, considering what you did for me.” Not to mention the fact that she had grown slightly attached to Kasumi, as she had been there when no one else was. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll make myself some tea, and when you finish your bath we can start on breakfast together.” Doing it this way would undoubtedly delay when breakfast was served, but something about Ranma’s demeanor told her that she needed this. She needed to feel cared for. Kasumi could only think that Ranma had lead a lonely life, and the moments when she felt cared for, the moments she felt loved, were very few and far between. “Thank you.” Ranma gave Kasumi a quick hug before scampering off to the bath. Kasumi watched the girl run off with a bounce in her step that hadn’t been present the day before. Ranma washed as quickly and efficiently as she could manage. Then she settled for a brief soak in the furo. It was just a few short minutes later that he stepped from the bath, feeling more refreshed then he had since leaving the village in the PRC. He took a quick look at himself in the mirror before deciding to douse himself with cold water. She was feeling playful this morning, especially after the trick she pulled on her father the night before. It would be great fun to watch her father squirm as he looks upon his daughter. Ranma found Kasumi in the kitchen, just as she was finishing her first cup of tea. Kasumi wasn’t too surprised to find that Ranma had rushed while in the bath. She was surprised that Ranma had returned from the bath female, she should have changed during her soak. She didn’t have to wonder long as Ranma explained. “I thought I might play a joke on my father this morning, what with the way he reacted to my prank last night.” “Normally I’d say that it isn’t nice to do something like that, but I suppose it would be a lot of fun. We could visit my closet before we start on breakfast, I have some clothes from when I was younger that should fit you. That is, if you want to take the joke that far.” Even as she was offering this suggestion she was thinking, “It isn’t like me to suggest such things, but perhaps it is time I have some fun.” “I don’t think I need to go that far, at least not yet. I’ll take it slow and milk this gag for all it’s worth. That should teach the fat fool.” Ranma grinned maliciously. Kasumi had called everyone to breakfast while Ranma stayed hidden in the kitchen. She wanted to see the reactions of all present. Everyone had found a place at the table when Ranma entered with the food, still wearing her apron. “Good morning father, everyone. Kasumi and I worked hard to prepare this meal and I hope you all enjoy it.” She started to serve everyone and then knelt down next to her father. “Daddy, I have to go to school today. Maybe you should try and find a job; we don’t want to freeload for the rest of our stay.” Genma looked on with wide eyes. This was not his son. Before him sat a girl, and for that, Nodoka would kill him. Again, Genma descended in to the dark abyss of unconsciousness. Ranma was able to enjoy her meal for a change. Almost immediately after Ranma finished eating she changed herself back into the man she’d been born. Ranma was now ready for school; except for one thing, he needed supplies. After explaining his predicament to the Tendou daughters he found himself with everything he needed, courtesy of Nabiki. The walk to school was uneventful, aside from Ranma being turned into a girl by an old woman, washing the sidewalk. “Come on, Ranma. I know somewhere we can find hot water.” Surprisingly, it was Akane who offered this consideration. “Don’t worry about it. I can change back at school. If I don’t reveal the curse now then it will be much harder to explain later. It seems deceitful not to be upfront about it, and that is not a way to win friends. I discovered that too late yesterday, I’m sorry.” Akane smiled, this boy, even if she was currently a girl, was nothing like the ones she had to face this morning, the ones she’d faced every morning since Kunou’s pronouncement. “I’m over it. It wasn’t really your fault. Even as a girl I should have respected your privacy. I should apologize for not announcing myself first.” She said these kind words all the while thinking to herself, “What is it about Ranma that sets him apart from the other boys? Why am I so sure that he isn’t like them, that he isn’t a pervert?” Her questions would have to wait; they were approaching the school gates. She turned to Ranma, holding her schoolbag out towards her. “Could you hold this for me?” Ranma took her bag with a smile, glad that Akane’s earlier animosity was out of the way. “By the way, Ranma, with the exception of you, I hate boys!” Akane began her charge towards the school, her fists and feet ready to meet the herd that was just now starting toward her. Her fist and feet flew with amazing precision, taking down her attackers with ease. It was no wonder to Ranma why she’d been so egotistical. These attacks must have been a daily occurrence. If she could take down this many opponents with as little effort as she was using, she had a right to be arrogant; as long as one could overlook the fact that the majority of her attackers were uncoordinated and untrained. When all her opponents had fallen, Tatewaki Kunou made his presence known. After a short flowery speech regarding the grace and beauty of Akane Tendou, Ranma caught his attention. She looked at Akane and uttered, “A bit full of himself isn’t he?” “What lovely vision is this? Red haired angel, tell me your name, that I may sing your praises.” Tatewaki found himself enamored by the girl standing before him. “Look pal, I ain’t a lovely vision, and most certainly not an angel. Why don’t you get over yourself and get out of my face. I want nothing to do with you. Come on Akane, I need to get my schedule from the office.” Ranma took hold of Akane’s hand and started past the idiot. Kunou made to place his hand upon Ranma’s shoulder, but found his vision filled with Ranma’s spinning backhand. He knew naught but darkness after that, leaving Ranma and Akane’s progress unimpeded. “There seems to be a discrepancy with your file, Saotome-san,” the assistant principal was saying. “It says here you are male, which, just by looking at you, is completely untrue.” “Are you familiar with a place in China known as Jusenkyou?” Upon seeing the principal’s blank stare Ranma continued. “Don’t be surprised, not many people have heard of it. In China it is known as the Valley of Sorrow. It is called that for one reason; in all of the nearly 1000 springs at least one thing has drowned, be it person or animal. The spirits of all that have drowned there still linger and if you were to fall in one of the springs its spirit would give you a curse.” “Are you saying that you were cursed?” “Most would see it as such, but my mother and grandmother think otherwise. To get to the heart of the matter, I fell into the spring of the drowned girl and received this body. Cold water changes me into a girl and hot water changes me back. My grandmother sent this letter that may explain things better.” She reached into her schoolbag and removed a small scroll. The principal unraveled the scroll and perused its contents. He looked up when he finished. “Ms. Tendou, you should be heading to class. And Ranma, I’d like you to stay, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” “I’ll be here. I’ll see you later Akane.” “You’d better.” Akane threatened. “I don’t want to have to explain everything on my own.” She smiled at Ranma before she left. The principal returned as he’d said he would. “I contacted your grandmother and we decided on something you might not be too happy with.” “I’m listening.” “Your grandmother thought it best that you attend this year as a female, attending the female curriculum. Your grandmother assures me that you are mature enough to handle this situation responsibly. I expect that you will do nothing particularly untoward, else we, your grandmother and I, will have words. Is that understood?” “I’m sure my grandmother has her reasons. I would expect that you and the staff would help to keep my condition secret. Do I have your word?” “You have my word. In fact, your grandmother has given us a few tips on how we might keep you from changing. Here is your schedule; you may go to class. I’ve already spoken with your teachers today; the rest of the staff will be informed tonight. By the way, I expect to see you in uniform by Monday.” “Will do sir.” Ranma left, gently closing the door behind her. “Grandmother, you and I will talk.” She was angry, but she would stick it out nonetheless. That didn’t mean, however, that her grandmother wouldn’t hear about it. “Class, it seems we have a new student with us. I’d like you all to meet Ranma Saotome. She has just returned from China, so let’s all give her a big Nihao welcome.” The class stayed silent, none were as enthusiastic as their teacher seemed to be. The teacher continued. “Ahem, well, Ms. Saotome you may take your seat next to Ms. Tendou. Ms Tendou, if you would please raise your hand.” Even though Ranma knew who she was she raised her hand anyway, lest the teacher find reason to send her out into the hall. Ranma took her seat, smiling at Akane. “And Ms. Saotome,” The teacher called. “Yes?” “In case you haven’t been informed, all students must be in proper uniform. The principal informs me that you must be in proper attire bright and early Monday morning. See to it that you are.” He turned his attention to the entire class. “Now, if you remember, yesterday we were discussing… Class went without interruption. Ranma did her level best to pay attention, but soon she found herself sitting with a blank stare. She was much too far behind to keep up. She’d have to ask one of the Tendou girls for help. Lunchtime came, and that was when the fun began. Akane had been confused throughout class. Ranma had been introduced as a girl and Ranma made no move to correct the teacher. Something was going on. Now that it was lunchtime she could find out. “Ranma, would you like to eat lunch with me?” Akane’s question left no room for Ranma to say no. “Sure Akane.” Ranma meandered over to Akane and leaned in toward her ear.” If this is about me in school as a girl then I’d much rather our conversation be a little more private. I know just the place. Hold on.” Before Akane could question what Ranma meant she found herself swept up into the girl’s arms. Akane couldn’t comprehend what was going on. Ranma had turned from the door and leapt toward the window. They stopped before the window. Ranma began to step up onto the windowsill. “Oh no!” Akane thought. “Why was Ranma going to leap out the window? They’d both be killed, wouldn’t they?” Those were the questions on Akane’s mind, while all she could do was hold on tight. She felt Ranma tense before he leapt, leaving Akane feeling weightless. The wind whipped through her hair and pulled against her clothing. Akane kept her eyes tightly shut, even after she felt Ranma alight upon the ground. “She was dead, that was the only explanation for the painless landing, wasn’t it?” She couldn’t force herself to open her eyes, afraid she’d see an old man in front of a large gate. “Akane.” she heard Ranma say. “We’re not dead. You can open your eyes.” Akane slowly opened her eyes. She looked around confirming that she wasn’t dead. There was the school, over Ranma’s shoulder. Looking down she saw Ranma’s feet upon terra firma. They were alive and unscathed. She looked at Ranma in amazement, before she attacked. “You idiot! We could have been killed. Just what were you thinking, leaping out the window like that? We were on the third floor, what if you’d landed wrong? That was just stupid. Don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again!” “Akane! Chill out. I knew exactly what I was doing. I’m sorry if I scared you. I’ll give you warning next time, I promise.” “Next time! What do you mean next time?” “Just forget it, you have enough questions already. I want to be able to answer them and eat lunch.” “Fine!” Akane yelled in exasperation. “You’re right. Why are you going to school like that?” “Grandmother thought it would be a good learning experience for me.” Ranma’s voice was flat, she was clearly unhappy with the choice. “And what do you think?” Ranma was thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t like it at all. I had no choice in the matter. Grandmother blindsided me with this whole thing and I can’t just say no to her. She says I will learn something from this, so I probably will. I don’t like not having a choice, we never even discussed this.” “So what will you do?” “There’s nothing I can do, grandmother has made up her mind. I can complain all I want, but it won’t do me any good. She wants me to look at this as a challenge, and I’ve not turned down her challenges yet, and I haven’t failed at any of them. I may hate having to go to school like this, but I will do it, and I will see what grandmother wants me to see.” “Then you'll need some help. I can’t speak for my sisters but girl, you and I are going to be doing some shopping this weekend.” Akane was rubbing her hands together with a manic glint in her eye. The glint was practically screaming, “I will have my revenge.” “I’m doomed.” Ranma whispered. “My most beautiful rose,” Kunou interrupted, “I have found thee. Yet the gods have smiled upon me again this day, for I have found my most beautiful snow-white dove as well. My loves, allow me…” He could not continue. His trachea was being crushed in the stone like grip of his rose. His feet thrashed wildly as she held him aloft. “I am not your rose Kunou, nor is Akane your dove. I have told you before I want nothing to do with you. Buzz off, before you find yourself half the man that you were before, if you catch my meaning. I could easily kill you right here, right now. You do not want to give me a reason. I am not some frumpy fragile maiden. I am a warrior; I have dispensed death on a field of blood. I’d much rather not do so again. Death weighs upon my soul, do not add yours to my despair.” She let him down, releasing him roughly. It took a long minute of hacking and coughing before Tatewaki could breathe once more. His face was ashen, his throat raw, his voice came in little more than a hiss. “I had not known. I will do as you wish. May the gods see the good within you and ease the burden upon your soul. I take my leave anon.” He left then, staggering to who knows where. Ranma moved her gaze from the meandering idiot before looking toward Akane. Akane stood there mouth agape, looking directly at Ranma. Ranma moved toward her, Akane took a step back. “Akane,” Ranma started to explain, “I…” Akane cut her off, a look of fear in her eyes. “Don’t come near me.” “Oh Akane, please don’t do this to me.” Ranma thought to herself. Then she spoke aloud, addressing Akane. “Akane wait…” “Get the hell away from me!” Akane shouted before turning and fleeing. Ranma dropped to the ground, as if she were a marionette with its strings cut. She sat there unthinking, tears coming unbidden to her eyes. She could feel the dread filled stares of the students who had born witness. She couldn’t take it. She stood and ran. Her tears glittered in the sunlight behind her, bearing witness to her shame.

Chapter two

First Day of School

It was early when Ranma awoke, nestled comfortably against Kasumi. She smiled brightly at the eldest Tendou daughter who was just now opening her eyes. She knew what Kasumi’s presence meant; her mother had done the same their first night together. Kasumi had come to her rescue, chasing away her horrible dreams.

It was Kasumi who spoke first. “Good morning, Ranma-chan. Did you sleep all right?”

“I did, thanks to you. When I came here, knowing mom wouldn’t be around for the first week or so, I was worried that my sleep would be troubled, at least until she returned. Was I really that loud, Kasumi? I didn’t wake anyone else, did I?” Ranma was worried; she had hoped to avoid everyone knowing about her problems.

Kasumi smiled, lessening Ranma’s worry. “No Ranma, you weren’t. I was the only one aware of your troubles last night. I just knew something was wrong last night, the peace of my house was broken; it led me to you.”

“I’m glad it did, I’d be a wreck right now if it hadn’t. Thank you.”

Kasumi looked surprised to be receiving thanks. “There is no need to thank me, Ranma-chan. I would have done the same for anyone.”

“That doesn’t matter. You did what you did for me, that’s what counts. So please, accept my thanks.” Ranma was speaking from her heart, she was truly grateful for Kasumi’s concern.

“Very well, you are welcome. Now, if you would excuse me.” Kasumi got up from the floor, Ranma doing the same. “It is time I get started on breakfast. You may take a bath if you would like, no one will be up for quite some time.”

“You wouldn’t mind a little help with breakfast, would you? It’d be the least I could do, considering what you did for me.” Not to mention the fact that she had grown slightly attached to Kasumi, as she had been there when no one else was.

“I’ll tell you what. I’ll make myself some tea, and when you finish your bath we can start on breakfast together.” Doing it this way would undoubtedly delay when breakfast was served, but something about Ranma’s demeanor told her that she needed this. She needed to feel cared for. Kasumi could only think that Ranma had lead a lonely life, and the moments when she felt cared for, the moments she felt loved, were very few and far between.

“Thank you.” Ranma gave Kasumi a quick hug before scampering off to the bath.

Kasumi watched the girl run off with a bounce in her step that hadn’t been present the day before.

Ranma washed as quickly and efficiently as she could manage. Then she settled for a brief soak in the furo. It was just a few short minutes later that he stepped from the bath, feeling more refreshed then he had since leaving the village in the PRC. He took a quick look at himself in the mirror before deciding to douse himself with cold water. She was feeling playful this morning, especially after the trick she pulled on her father the night before. It would be great fun to watch her father squirm as he looks upon his daughter.

Ranma found Kasumi in the kitchen, just as she was finishing her first cup of tea. Kasumi wasn’t too surprised to find that Ranma had rushed while in the bath. She was surprised that Ranma had returned from the bath female, she should have changed during her soak. She didn’t have to wonder long as Ranma explained.

“I thought I might play a joke on my father this morning, what with the way he reacted to my prank last night.”

“Normally I’d say that it isn’t nice to do something like that, but I suppose it would be a lot of fun. We could visit my closet before we start on breakfast, I have some clothes from when I was younger that should fit you. That is, if you want to take the joke that far.” Even as she was offering this suggestion she was thinking, “It isn’t like me to suggest such things, but perhaps it is time I have some fun.”

“I don’t think I need to go that far, at least not yet. I’ll take it slow and milk this gag for all it’s worth. That should teach the fat fool.” Ranma grinned maliciously.

Kasumi had called everyone to breakfast while Ranma stayed hidden in the kitchen. She wanted to see the reactions of all present. Everyone had found a place at the table when Ranma entered with the food, still wearing her apron.

“Good morning father, everyone. Kasumi and I worked hard to prepare this meal and I hope you all enjoy it.” She started to serve everyone and then knelt down next to her father. “Daddy, I have to go to school today. Maybe you should try and find a job; we don’t want to freeload for the rest of our stay.”

Genma looked on with wide eyes. This was not his son. Before him sat a girl, and for that, Nodoka would kill him. Again, Genma descended in to the dark abyss of unconsciousness. Ranma was able to enjoy her meal for a change.

Almost immediately after Ranma finished eating she changed herself back into the man she’d been born. Ranma was now ready for school; except for one thing, he needed supplies. After explaining his predicament to the Tendou daughters he found himself with everything he needed, courtesy of Nabiki.

The walk to school was uneventful, aside from Ranma being turned into a girl by an old woman, washing the sidewalk.

“Come on, Ranma. I know somewhere we can find hot water.” Surprisingly, it was Akane who offered this consideration.

“Don’t worry about it. I can change back at school. If I don’t reveal the curse now then it will be much harder to explain later. It seems deceitful not to be upfront about it, and that is not a way to win friends. I discovered that too late yesterday, I’m sorry.”

Akane smiled, this boy, even if she was currently a girl, was nothing like the ones she had to face this morning, the ones she’d faced every morning since Kunou’s pronouncement. “I’m over it. It wasn’t really your fault. Even as a girl I should have respected your privacy. I should apologize for not announcing myself first.” She said these kind words all the while thinking to herself, “What is it about Ranma that sets him apart from the other boys? Why am I so sure that he isn’t like them, that he isn’t a pervert?”

Her questions would have to wait; they were approaching the school gates. She turned to Ranma, holding her schoolbag out towards her. “Could you hold this for me?” Ranma took her bag with a smile, glad that Akane’s earlier animosity was out of the way. “By the way, Ranma, with the exception of you, I hate boys!”

Akane began her charge towards the school, her fists and feet ready to meet the herd that was just now starting toward her. Her fist and feet flew with amazing precision, taking down her attackers with ease. It was no wonder to Ranma why she’d been so egotistical. These attacks must have been a daily occurrence. If she could take down this many opponents with as little effort as she was using, she had a right to be arrogant; as long as one could overlook the fact that the majority of her attackers were uncoordinated and untrained.

When all her opponents had fallen, Tatewaki Kunou made his presence known. After a short flowery speech regarding the grace and beauty of Akane Tendou, Ranma caught his attention.

She looked at Akane and uttered, “A bit full of himself isn’t he?”

“What lovely vision is this? Red haired angel, tell me your name, that I may sing your praises.” Tatewaki found himself enamored by the girl standing before him.

“Look pal, I ain’t a lovely vision, and most certainly not an angel. Why don’t you get over yourself and get out of my face. I want nothing to do with you. Come on Akane, I need to get my schedule from the office.” Ranma took hold of Akane’s hand and started past the idiot.

Kunou made to place his hand upon Ranma’s shoulder, but found his vision filled with Ranma’s spinning backhand. He knew naught but darkness after that, leaving Ranma and Akane’s progress unimpeded.

“There seems to be a discrepancy with your file, Saotome-san,” the assistant principal was saying. “It says here you are male, which, just by looking at you, is completely untrue.”

“Are you familiar with a place in China known as Jusenkyou?” Upon seeing the principal’s blank stare Ranma continued. “Don’t be surprised, not many people have heard of it. In China it is known as the Valley of Sorrow. It is called that for one reason; in all of the nearly 1000 springs at least one thing has drowned, be it person or animal. The spirits of all that have drowned there still linger and if you were to fall in one of the springs its spirit would give you a curse.”

“Are you saying that you were cursed?”

“Most would see it as such, but my mother and grandmother think otherwise. To get to the heart of the matter, I fell into the spring of the drowned girl and received this body. Cold water changes me into a girl and hot water changes me back. My grandmother sent this letter that may explain things better.” She reached into her schoolbag and removed a small scroll.

The principal unraveled the scroll and perused its contents. He looked up when he finished. “Ms. Tendou, you should be heading to class. And Ranma, I’d like you to stay, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“I’ll be here. I’ll see you later Akane.”

“You’d better.” Akane threatened. “I don’t want to have to explain everything on my own.” She smiled at Ranma before she left.

The principal returned as he’d said he would. “I contacted your grandmother and we decided on something you might not be too happy with.”

“I’m listening.”

“Your grandmother thought it best that you attend this year as a female, attending the female curriculum. Your grandmother assures me that you are mature enough to handle this situation responsibly. I expect that you will do nothing particularly untoward, else we, your grandmother and I, will have words. Is that understood?”

“I’m sure my grandmother has her reasons. I would expect that you and the staff would help to keep my condition secret. Do I have your word?”

“You have my word. In fact, your grandmother has given us a few tips on how we might keep you from changing. Here is your schedule; you may go to class. I’ve already spoken with your teachers today; the rest of the staff will be informed tonight. By the way, I expect to see you in uniform by Monday.”

“Will do sir.” Ranma left, gently closing the door behind her. “Grandmother, you and I will talk.” She was angry, but she would stick it out nonetheless. That didn’t mean, however, that her grandmother wouldn’t hear about it.

“Class, it seems we have a new student with us. I’d like you all to meet Ranma Saotome. She has just returned from China, so let’s all give her a big Nihao welcome.” The class stayed silent, none were as enthusiastic as their teacher seemed to be. The teacher continued. “Ahem, well, Ms. Saotome you may take your seat next to Ms. Tendou. Ms Tendou, if you would please raise your hand.”

Even though Ranma knew who she was she raised her hand anyway, lest the teacher find reason to send her out into the hall. Ranma took her seat, smiling at Akane.

“And Ms. Saotome,” The teacher called.

“Yes?”

“In case you haven’t been informed, all students must be in proper uniform. The principal informs me that you must be in proper attire bright and early Monday morning. See to it that you are.” He turned his attention to the entire class. “Now, if you remember, yesterday we were discussing…

Class went without interruption. Ranma did her level best to pay attention, but soon she found herself sitting with a blank stare. She was much too far behind to keep up. She’d have to ask one of the Tendou girls for help.

Lunchtime came, and that was when the fun began.

Akane had been confused throughout class. Ranma had been introduced as a girl and Ranma made no move to correct the teacher. Something was going on. Now that it was lunchtime she could find out.

“Ranma, would you like to eat lunch with me?” Akane’s question left no room for Ranma to say no.

“Sure Akane.” Ranma meandered over to Akane and leaned in toward her ear.” If this is about me in school as a girl then I’d much rather our conversation be a little more private. I know just the place. Hold on.”

Before Akane could question what Ranma meant she found herself swept up into the girl’s arms. Akane couldn’t comprehend what was going on. Ranma had turned from the door and leapt toward the window. They stopped before the window. Ranma began to step up onto the windowsill. “Oh no!” Akane thought.

“Why was Ranma going to leap out the window? They’d both be killed, wouldn’t they?” Those were the questions on Akane’s mind, while all she could do was hold on tight. She felt Ranma tense before he leapt, leaving Akane feeling weightless. The wind whipped through her hair and pulled against her clothing. Akane kept her eyes tightly shut, even after she felt Ranma alight upon the ground. “She was dead, that was the only explanation for the painless landing, wasn’t it?” She couldn’t force herself to open her eyes, afraid she’d see an old man in front of a large gate.

“Akane.” she heard Ranma say. “We’re not dead. You can open your eyes.”

Akane slowly opened her eyes. She looked around confirming that she wasn’t dead. There was the school, over Ranma’s shoulder. Looking down she saw Ranma’s feet upon terra firma. They were alive and unscathed.

She looked at Ranma in amazement, before she attacked. “You idiot! We could have been killed. Just what were you thinking, leaping out the window like that? We were on the third floor, what if you’d landed wrong? That was just stupid. Don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again!”

“Akane! Chill out. I knew exactly what I was doing. I’m sorry if I scared you. I’ll give you warning next time, I promise.”

“Next time! What do you mean next time?”

“Just forget it, you have enough questions already. I want to be able to answer them and eat lunch.”

“Fine!” Akane yelled in exasperation. “You’re right. Why are you going to school like that?”

“Grandmother thought it would be a good learning experience for me.” Ranma’s voice was flat, she was clearly unhappy with the choice.

“And what do you think?”

Ranma was thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t like it at all. I had no choice in the matter. Grandmother blindsided me with this whole thing and I can’t just say no to her. She says I will learn something from this, so I probably will. I don’t like not having a choice, we never even discussed this.”

“So what will you do?”

“There’s nothing I can do, grandmother has made up her mind. I can complain all I want, but it won’t do me any good. She wants me to look at this as a challenge, and I’ve not turned down her challenges yet, and I haven’t failed at any of them. I may hate having to go to school like this, but I will do it, and I will see what grandmother wants me to see.”

“Then you'll need some help. I can’t speak for my sisters but girl, you and I are going to be doing some shopping this weekend.” Akane was rubbing her hands together with a manic glint in her eye. The glint was practically screaming, “I will have my revenge.”

“I’m doomed.” Ranma whispered.

“My most beautiful rose,” Kunou interrupted, “I have found thee. Yet the gods have smiled upon me again this day, for I have found my most beautiful snow-white dove as well. My loves, allow me…” He could not continue. His trachea was being crushed in the stone like grip of his rose. His feet thrashed wildly as she held him aloft.

“I am not your rose Kunou, nor is Akane your dove. I have told you before I want nothing to do with you. Buzz off, before you find yourself half the man that you were before, if you catch my meaning. I could easily kill you right here, right now. You do not want to give me a reason. I am not some frumpy fragile maiden. I am a warrior; I have dispensed death on a field of blood. I’d much rather not do so again. Death weighs upon my soul, do not add yours to my despair.” She let him down, releasing him roughly.

It took a long minute of hacking and coughing before Tatewaki could breathe once more. His face was ashen, his throat raw, his voice came in little more than a hiss. “I had not known. I will do as you wish. May the gods see the good within you and ease the burden upon your soul. I take my leave anon.” He left then, staggering to who knows where.

Ranma moved her gaze from the meandering idiot before looking toward Akane. Akane stood there mouth agape, looking directly at Ranma. Ranma moved toward her, Akane took a step back.

“Akane,” Ranma started to explain, “I…”

Akane cut her off, a look of fear in her eyes. “Don’t come near me.”

“Oh Akane, please don’t do this to me.” Ranma thought to herself. Then she spoke aloud, addressing Akane. “Akane wait…”

“Get the hell away from me!” Akane shouted before turning and fleeing.

Ranma dropped to the ground, as if she were a marionette with its strings cut. She sat there unthinking, tears coming unbidden to her eyes. She could feel the dread filled stares of the students who had born witness. She couldn’t take it. She stood and ran. Her tears glittered in the sunlight behind her, bearing witness to her shame.