All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published
by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz Communications.
All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz Communications.
A Different Viewpoint: Curses
and Demons:
Chapter 4:
Painful Beginnings
In the dojo, Ukyo was dreaming of Ranma. It had been a very nice dream, with her discovering him in her bed, having been dumped by Akane. Ukyo stretched and started to wake up. < That was nice, but strange. Really, Ranma wouldn't just leave Akane like that, no mater how much I wish, and besides, he wouldn't just lay there with his head between my breasts and snort to himself....>
Ukyo blinked her eyes open. "Hey, wait a minute!" A familiar looking head was actually nestled between her breasts! It had black hair, but instead of the pig tail, it wore a yellow and black bandana. Ukyo froze in astonishment, embarrassment, and suddenly, rage. "RYOGA!!!"
From inside the kitchen, Kasumi blinked. "Oh my... I wonder what Ukyo and Ryoga are doing here this early?" As Nabiki walked by the kitchen with a wry smile on her face, Kasumi stopped her. "Nabiki, could you ask Ryoga and Ukyo to stay for breakfast?"
Nabiki smirked to herself before politely answering. "Sure Sis, I'd be glad to." Nabiki went out to the dojo. She winced slightly at the thumps and smacking sounds emanating from inside. She carefully peeked her head through the door. Ukyo was growling and hitting Ryoga over the head with her combat spatula.
Ryoga was trying to defend himself and hold off a nose bleed at the same time. "I didn't! I mean, ouch! I mean.... Hey stop that! I didn't do anything! Honestly, Ukyo I'd never...!
Ukyo held her weapon at the ready, looking dangerously at him. "Oh? You wouldn't?"
Ryoga shook his head wildly. "No! It's a mistake! I have no idea how I could have been... how we could've... how, why... why I was... were I... was...." Ryoga held his nose closed against a sudden rush of blood.
Ukyo sighed, then groaned, letting her combat spatula drop to the floor. She leaned on it for support, holding one hand to her head. "Arrgh... remind me never to get drunk like that again." She winced. "All that yelling and hitting didn't help either."
Ryoga blinked, then protested. "Hey, you did that on your own!"
Ukyo growled back at him, wincing. "I wouldn't have if you hadn't been snoring away using my breasts for a pillow!"
Nabiki decided that that was as good a moment as any and walked in. "Good morning you two. Sleep... well?" Ukyo and Ryoga both blushed bright red.
Together they began waving their hands and shaking their heads in denial. "It's not what it sounds like!" They protested together.
Ukyo glared at Ryoga again. "It had better not have been." Ryoga shook his head violently again. Ukyo turned to Nabiki. "OK Nabiki, how much do you want?"
Nabiki grinned slyly. "Me? Ukyo, you wound me! Are you implying that I'd stoop to blackmail?"
Ukyo raised an eyebrow. "You aren't going to charge us anything not to talk about this?"
Nabiki grinned. "Talk about what? There isn't anything to tell... unless someone's still interested in Ranma...?"
Ukyo glared at her. "He's married, remember? It's over. I'm not going to break up a marriage, OK?"
Nabiki shrugged, "Well, naturally not... but there might just be something about Ranma... that you'd like to know."
Ukyo frowned and shook her head. "Forget it Nabiki. I'm not throwing my money away on some stupid scheme to get Ranma away from Akane."
Nabiki looked slightly disappointed. "Oh? Even if... Ranma wasn't really with Akane?"
Ukyo blinked. "What are you talking about?"
Nabiki held out one hand. "5000 yen."
Ukyo blinked again. "For what?"
Nabiki looked sideways at the chef. "Have I ever steered you wrong?"
Ryoga walked up. "What's going on?"
Nabiki shook her head. "Not for free, P-chan, although it's Ukyo this information affects."
Ukyo sighed. "Alright honey, put it on my tab, OK?"
Nabiki nodded. "You credit's good with me. Here's the scoop. Kuno snuck into Akane and Ranma's honeymoon suite before they arrived, and booby trapped the door with water from the spring of drowned twins. Kasumi opened the door, and Ranma tried to protect her from the water, but they both got splashed. Now there are two Ranmas, a boy and a girl, and two Kasumis."
Ukyo looked horrified. "Kasumi's a girl, and a cat? That's... terrible! And Ranma! There're two of him? And one is... his girl side?"
Nabiki nodded a slightly grim expression on her face. "That's what I said. I've seen the Kasumis myself. Quite a lot happened while you two were... sleeping."
Ukyo reddened. "About that...."
Nabiki looked innocent. "About what? Anyway, Auntie Nodoka wants to have a chat with you Ukyo, about the whole situation, family honor and all."
Ukyo blinked once again, the astonishment evident on her face. "Nodoka? Ranma's mother wants to talk to me? You can't mean...?"
Nabiki nodded. "I'm to invite you to breakfast as well. You too Ryoga, as Kasumi heard you two out here." Nabiki paused. "Oh... I was just wondering, if you might like a commemorative photo from last night?" Nabiki brought out a picture of Ukyo and Ryoga on the floor together sleeping.
Ukyo grabbed it. "Ach! OK... how much?"
Nabiki grinned and brought out the other picture of the two of them under the blanket together. "I was thinking... 5000 yen for the pair?"
Ukyo groaned. "I've got no choice, fine...."
Ryoga brought several bills out of his backpack and handed them to Nabiki. "Here, this is mostly my fault anyway."
Nabiki handed him the second photo and smiled. "Nice doing business with you two." She walked off whistling.
Ryoga handed Ukyo the second picture. "Here,
I wouldn't feel right keeping this. You take it."
Ukyo grabbed the picture and shoved them both into her
shirt. "These are going into an incinerator." She glanced back at
Ryoga and shrugged. "Well... thanks Ryoga, at least you admit your
mistakes. I... I guess we both had to much to drink last night, eh sugar?"
Ryoga blushed at her familiar tone and held his hand behind his head. "Uh... yeah... I can't remember a thing after the wedding."
Ukyo tried to remember. "Me neither." She pulled out the first picture and looked at it. "Well, at least it doesn't look like anything actually happened...." She glared at Ryoga suddenly. "Although how you got from behind me to where I found you, snorting in your sleep like a...." Ukyo blinked. "Why you little..." She turned towards him menacingly, and Ryoga backed up a step. "So that's why Akane was so mad at you... you slept in her bed... I bet you snuggled up to her ever night! You... you... PIG!"
Ryoga backed away, his hands in front of him protectively. "It... it wasn't like that! Well, mostly... I mean... Akane didn't hold me between her breasts... very often anyway... really! I never went there on purpose, really!"
Ukyo advanced on him till he was backed up against a wall, she stared into his eyes, then finally backed off. She snorted and turned away. "Bah, forget it... you're too cowardly to do that on purpose." Ukyo shoved the picture back into her shirt and turned to go back into the house. I'm going to go get some breakfast."
Ryoga was silently agreeing with her. < I was a coward... I never told her, not that it would have done any good....> He looked up and saw Ukyo departing. "Hey wait for me!" He hurried after her so he wouldn't get lost on the way to breakfast.
****************************
Johnathon woke in a cold sweat, shaking from the grip of a terrible nightmare. "No!!! Mike...!" There was a startled feline screech as he sat up suddenly, tumbling a black cat off his chest and into his lap. The lanky American glanced down into the slightly reproachful eyes of his feline wife. "Oh... Kasumi... I'm so sorry. Are you all right?"
The housewife turned cat nodded once, then stood up, putting a paw on his chest and meowing in concern, her look going from mild indignation to worry.
Johnathon stared down at Kasumi-neko, trying to put
his mind in order. "Me? I'm all right... I just had a bad dream.
Something about Michael...." He shook his head. "I don't remember
it now." He chewed on his lip. "With everything that happened
yesterday, I had almost forgotten. Mamoru told me that Michael had
moved out of his apartment the day that we got back from California...
and he didn't really say why, only that I'd understand." Johnathon
shook his head. "Mamoru-san
gave me a letter from Michael, but with everything that happened yesterday
I never got to open it." Johnathon frowned. "Damn, actually
it completely slipped my mind, but there were letters for you, Nabiki and
Mr. Tendo... er... I guess I should've gotten used to calling him father
in law by now, eh?"
Johnathon got out of bed and started dressing while
Kasumi-neko watched patiently. "Let's see... were did I put them...
Mamoru gave me the letters right after the reception, when I was going
to get Mr. Yoshida's car to drive Ranma and Akane to the Ritz. I
was going to open them after we got home... but when you and Kasumi...
er... your twin came down and told me about what had happened... I completely
forgot about the letters." He smacked his head. "I forgot to
give Mr. Yoshida
his car back! Sheesh, I'm getting more forgetful than Kuno.
I had better get take the car back this morning. It was really nice
of him to lend us his car for Ranma and Akane's honeymoon, but I'm sure
he'll want it back."
Kasumi-neko jumped down off the bed and followed her husband out of the bedroom and down the stairs. They ran into Ryoga and Ukyo as they were reaching the living room. Everyone braked to a halt as they took each other in. Ryoga and Ukyo stared down at Kasumi-neko, while Johnathon and his feline wife noted the fact that both Ryoga and Ukyo were still in the clothes they had been wearing at the wedding.
Ryoga, Ukyo and Johnathon all started to talk at once. "How...?" "So did...?" "Did you two...?" They all stopped and Johnathon cleared his throat. "Ah... why don't we sit down to breakfast... it smells like Kasumi's just about finished putting out the plates."
Kasumi (the human) walked into hall right then from the living room and nodded. "Breakfast is ready. Come in everyone. I've set places for you all." Soun, Nabiki, Genma and Nodoka had already sat down around the breakfast table, leaving four spaces open for the rest of them. Kasumi indicated the table. "I thought that Kasumi-chan could sit with you, Johnathon, like we did when I was stuck before."
Ryoga cleared his throat as he sat down. "So... is what Nabiki told us true? Did Kuno really use the water from the spring of drowned twins on Ranma and Kasumi?" He glanced from the black cat to her human counterpart. "Er... what should we call you both now? Are you both Kasumi, or...?"
Kasumi (the one without fur) spoke up. "Well, Johnathon... my twin and I talked about that yesterday. We thought one of us could go by a nickname. Johnathon suggested Misty, which is what our name means in English...."
Ukyo nodded encouragingly. "That sounds pretty. Which one of you is going to be Misty?"
Kasumi hesitated. "Well... I wouldn't mind changing my name... it's only fair, after all." Kasumi-neko meowed to get attention and shook her head firmly left and right, then meowed again, shrugging her shoulders. Kasumi blinked. "No? Well... I suppose it would confuse the neighbors if I was to change my name." Kasumi-neko nodded and meowed again. Kasumi (the human) nodded back. "It would be difficult to explain to everyone at the market...." She smiled. "I suppose you should be Misty." The black cat nodded firmly again, looking pleased, and Kasumi smiled. "I like it too, it does sound pretty."
Johnathon cleared his throat, petting the newly christened
cat on the head lightly. "Well then, Misty it is. I'm glad
you like it,
Misty-chan."
Soun nodded soberly. "A fine name for your new twin sister, Kasumi." He smiled at the cat. "Misty, I am very glad to have yet another wonderful daughter..." His gaze rose to meet Johnathon's eyes and his voice took on a commanding tone. "And I sincerely hope you will be restored to human form as soon as possible."
Johnathon nodded quickly. "Absolutely. We'll be leaving for Jusenkyo as soon as possible. In fact, I really should get started, there's an awful lot to do today."
Nodoka cleared her throat. "Not until after breakfast, dear. Best to start out the day with a full stomach."
Genma nodded in firm agreement. "And what better way to begin the day than with one of Kasumi's wonderful meals!"
By mutual consent, conversation was shelved until everyone had their fill of breakfast, and the only sound was of people eating. Johnathon hand fed Kasumi-neko, while the human Kasumi served everyone else. When everyone had finished eating, Kasumi started to clear the plates, and Nodoka rose to help her. Nabiki stood up as well. "I'll help Kasumi, Auntie, I believe you wanted to talk to Ukyo?"
Nodoka nodded gratefully. "That's very thoughtful, my dear. Ukyo-san, would you care to take a walk with me?"
Ukyo nodded affirmatively. "That's a good idea." Nodoka rose, and Ukyo followed her towards the front door.
Nabiki grabbed Ryoga and pulled him up. "Come on Ryoga, you can help too." I've got a lot to do today, and you're going to help me."
Ryoga blinked. "I am?"
Johnathon rose as well. "I'd better get going as well." He reached down for the black cat at his feet. "Come on Misty, I'm afraid you have a appointment.... You have to get checked out so you can come with us to China legally this time."
Misty sighed and jumped up into his arms, and Johnathon headed for the front door as well.
***********************
Outside, Ukyo and Nodoka walked slowly down the street together. Nodoka spoke first. "Ukyo-chan, you have heard of my son... being affected by the water from the spring of drowned twins... correct?"
Ukyo nodded. "Yes, Nodoka-san. I can hardly grasp it though. Two Ranmas, one a girl, one a guy... it's mind boggling." Ukyo frowned. "The girl Ranma... she's stuck like that, isn't she? Poor Ranma, she... she must be feeling awful. Kasumi-chan... Misty, seems to be dealing with her situation very well... I'd be going out of my mind, trapped like that." Ukyo looked sharply up at Nodoka. "Nodoka-san... where is Ranma, boy and girl I mean? Where are they now?"
Nodoka frowned thoughtfully. "They are both still at the honeymoon suite with Akane. Apparently, she has decided that she is married to both Ranmas... and that she will treat them both the same."
Ukyo's eyes were wide. "B-both? She... she's married to both? I... I never thought of that possibility..." Ukyo looked at the ground sadly. "Why... why did you want to talk to me?"
Nodoka sighed, the girl's sadness was affecting her
own mood. "This is... delicate and tricky ground to cover, Ukyo-chan.
Technically, in one light, Akane is correct. She married one Ranma,
who then became two. On the other hand... it is not legal for Akane
to be married to two men... or a man and a woman. One of these marriages
then is invalid... which brings me to you. Genma betrothed our son
to you, inexchange for your father's yatai as a dowry. Akane's claim
came first, and Ranma could only marry one of you, so he married her...
but now there are two Ranmas. Honor would seem to dictate that one
of them marry you as Genma promised. Akane and one Ranma could get
an annulment and he, or she, could then fulfill the promise to marry you...
if you so wished." Nodoka looked uncomfortable with her words and
sighed. "If... if this had happened before the wedding, it would
have been much simpler. I think... I think it would be best if you
were to discuss
this with Akane and my children."
Ukyo was silent throughout Nodoka's awkward speech. When Nodoka had finished, Ukyo took a minute to gather her thoughts. < Me... marry Ranma? A Ranma? But which? The girl Ranma? Could I, can I accept a Ranma who's permanently a girl?> Ukyo frowned thoughtfully and cleared her throat. "Nodoka-san... about the twins water... is the change permanent? Is the female Ranma going to have to stay a girl? I...." Ukyo shrugged helplessly.
Nodoka nodded and answered. "The twins water
does seem permanent. Both Kasumis and Ranmas have tried both hot and cold
water, with no effect. Ranma, and Johnathon and Misty-chan at the
least will be going to Jusenkyo as soon as possible. I believe Akane
and the male Ranma will be going as well, and perhaps the human Kasumi.
Nabiki is making
arrangements."
Ukyo nodded slowly. "I see...." < Then, both Ranmas will be guys! Most of the time at least.> Ukyo turned to Nodoka. "I'll be going along as well. Konatsu is getting pretty good, he can keep my restaurant open at least part time while I'm gone."
Nodoka looked at Ukyo carefully for a moment, as if judging Ukyo's words, but she nodded. "Very well, that sounds like a good idea."
Ukyo chewed on her lip, nervous suddenly. "Nodoka-san... I'd like to talk to Ranma... both Ranmas, and Akane, as soon as possible. Could you tell me exactly where they are staying?"
******************************************
Johnathon opened the door to his fellow teacher's car and waited for Misty to jump in, then sat down himself. "Now where did I put those letters...." He fished around on the seat, then popped open the glove box. "Ahh, there they are." Johnathon hesitated, then opened the letter addressed to him. "OK... to Johnathon" He started to read out loud.
"Dear John, I suppose you know by now I came here to Japan ahead of you all, in the hopes of discovering whatever it is your obviously hiding from me."
Johnathon sighed. "Mike's no dummy. I knew something like this would happen. Maybe I should have just told him...."
Misty meowed at Johnathon and tapped the note. He nodded. "Right, the rest of the letter." He began to read it again.
"You're sure to be proud of your friends here, they are very loyal, and wouldn't reveal a thing to me... which makes me even more sure that you told them not to tell me, out of worry for me, and not this secret you share. Whatever happens though, don't worry. I'm on my own path now, and I don't blame you for your secrecy. I hope you understand... I can't let this go so easily. I'll see you later, OK? Your brother, and always your friend, Mike."
Johnathon shook his head. "What could he be planning? Darn it, I've got to contact him as soon as possible and get him to give this thing up, one way or another." Misty meowed anxiously looking concerned and Johnathon glanced at her. "What is it?" Misty wrinkled her nose and sniffed, then tapped her foot as if trying to think. "Hard to describe?" Johnathon guessed. Misty nodded, then meowed in a tone ofcomprehension. She laid down on her side on the seat and started moving her legs in a circular motion. Johnathon guessed. "Swimming? Water?" Misty sat up and nodded, then laid back and pretended to choke. Johnathon frowned. "Choking, no... drowning? Jusenkyo?" Misty nodded happily. Johnathon looked thoughtful. "You're worried that Michael might go to Jusenkyo? Is that it?" Misty nodded again, and he shook his head. "No, no, that was my first worry too. That's the very reason why I've never told him about Jusenkyo, to keep him from going there. Even though he might go to China, I never told him where I went. Chinais a pretty big place, and the chance he'll find the Jusenkyo springs is a million to one." Misty frowned and shook her head doubtfully.
Johnathon sighed. "But I don't want to take
even that much chance, so the sooner we get him to give up on this the
better. I'll send him a message as soon as we get home, all right?"
He closed his door and folded up the rest of the letters. "We'll
let everyone else have their letters when we get back." Johnathon
started the car and headed for his fellow teacher's home. "Yoshida-san
was very generous to let us borrow his car. We'll have to do him
a favor sometime." Before long they had
dropped off the car and started walking to the local veterinarian.
As Johnathon opened the front door, there was a drawn out wavering howl
from a dog inside. Misty cringed back in trepidation and Johnathon
couldn't blame her.
"Don't worry, Misty." He tried to reassure her. "I won't let anything happen to you." Misty looked up at him doubtfully, but steeled herself and proceeded him into the office. Johnathon signed in at the front desk and announced himself. "I'm Johnathon Tendo, I made an appointment yesterday?" The secretary at the desk checked her computer and nodded. "The doctor is with a patient now, but he should befinished in a few minutes. I'll call you when he's ready for you."
Johnathon walked over to the row of chairs along one wall of the clinic and took a seat between a large brooding man with a miniature terrier, and an middle aged woman with a young girl holding an large overweight cat with bluish fur and a scar along his belly. Misty walked cautiously past the dog, which wagged its tail pleasantly at her, but regarded Johnathon warily. The little girl with the fat blue cat hunched down to get a better look at her.
"You have a very pretty cat." The little girl commented. "What's its name?"
Johnathon smiled at the child. "Her name is Misty, and thank you. What is your cat's name?"
The girl grimaced. "Rhett Butler." She sighed and leaned in to whisper. "I think my mom is insane, but don't tell her I told you that." She rolled her eyes. "Who ever heard of calling a cat Rhett Butler?"
The girls mother sighed. "Pleased don't tell strangers that your mother is insane, Yuiko." She smiled awkwardly at Johnathon. "Please don't mind my daughter, she just is a little talkative."
Johnathon shook his head, smiling. "I don't mind at all. Anyway, I think Rhett Butler is a perfectly good name for a cat. Gone with the Wind is a real classic." Another drawn out moan came from the back of the clinic, halting their conversation.
"What could they possibly be doing to that poor dog?" The woman shook her head. "Sounds like it's really suffering."
Johnathon glanced down at Misty. "I'm sure the doctor knows what he's doing."
Before long a young man came out dragging a miserable
looking dog on a leash. "Come on boy... darn it, we're leaving now,
you can cut the act!" The dog gave out another pitiful moan, giving
it's master it's most pleading look. The young man rolled his eyes.
"You didn't even get a shot, you pitiful excuse for a dog! All the
doctor did was check your ears! Sheesh." The young man opened
the door to the outside and the dog suddenly shot out of the clinic like
a rocket, barking excitedly, completely transformed by the sight of open
air. The young man let himself be dragged out of the clinic, sighing.
"What a ham.
He's always overacting."
Misty sighed in relief and jumped up into Johnathon lap just as the secretary called his name. "Johnathon Tendo? The Doctor will see you now."
Johnathon carried Misty back into the clinic, and a older man with graying hair waved him into a consulting room. "So, how can I help you today?"
Johnathon set Misty down on the examination table. "Well Doctor, I'm planning a trip to China, and I want to take Misty here with me. I need a clean bill of heath for her first, I believe...."
The doctor nodded. "I see. Has Misty had any of her shots recently?"
Johnathon shook his head. "No, I'm afraid this is her first visit to the veterinarian."
The doctor blinked. "I see. Well, we'll have to do a complete check up then, blood test, and she'll need her booster shots for just about everything."
Johnathon swallowed. "Oh my.... How long will this take? We're leaving for China as soon as possible."
The doctor shook his head. "Don't worry, we can do everything today, and I can have the tests done in a day or two after that. You should be all set by Wednesday afternoon."
Johnathon nodded. "That's fine." He looked down at the black cat. "Are you going to be all right, Misty-chan?" The cat nodded hesitantly, looking a bit scared. Johnathon gave her back a stroke. "Don't worry, I'll be here the whole time."
Misty sighed and closed her eyes. < Oh my... this is going to be a long, long day.>
**********************
Akane woke late that morning, and slowly stretched. She opened her eyes, saw Ranma's face only inches away, and rolled onto her back, pushing against- < What?> Akane sat up with a start and stared down at the red headed female who had been laying curled up at her back. "Ranma?" Akane said in quiet surprise. < No, Ranko... she's Ranko.>
Ranko stirred as Akane watched her, disturbed by her sudden movement and voice. "Wha? Akane? Where?" Ranko blinked at the sight of her obviously naked wife, then gaped at the sight of the equally naked guy sleeping in the bed with her. Ranko sat up, a panicked expression on her face as she faced Akane. "Akane, wait, it's not what it looks like!" Akane's eyes rose at this, and Ranko suddenly remembered. "Akane! That's... that's me... and last night... you... and me... and... and..." Ranko sighed. "I was really hoping that was a dream."
While Ranko was rambling on, Akane noticed Ranko's clothing, and modestly pulled up the sheet to cover herself. "No... it's real enough, Ranko-chan."
Ranko groaned. "Ach... I can't believe that
I agreed to that. Akane... I'd appreciate it if you leave of the chan...
Ranko's bad
enough. I mean, sure I'm cute and all, but I'm a guy... at heart
at least." Ranko said the last under her breath like a curse.
Akane tried to lighten the mood. She smiled, and said, "I'm sorry, should I call you my Ranko-sama?" she said in a fair imitation of Kodachi's voice.
Ranko shivered. "That's pretty scary Akane... just don't start doing the laugh."
Akane giggled, then slid closer to Ranko. "When did you come to bed?" She held the blanket up with one hand and picked at Ranko's tank top with the other. "You didn't need to get dressed for bed...."
Ranko moved slightly further away. "Well, I didn't feel comfortable... really, with Ranma... there... you know?"
Akane paused for a moment. "I guess I can understand that. Were you... uncomfortable... with the idea of me and Ranma...?" Akane gestured, but Ranko looked confused. Akane raised an eyebrow and quirked her chin but finished in a low voice, "Me and Ranma... making love?"
Ranko frowned. "Oh." She looked pensive but thoughtful. "I don't know. It seems... strange to be jealous of myself... but... I kinda want you to myself... at the same time... I'm a girl... I kinda feel like you should be with him... last night was... incredible, but... really weird. I never thought I'd be doing... doing that as a girl." < Dreamed it maybe, but never thought it....>
Akane looked curious, and slightly worried. "What are you saying?"
Ranko hesitated. "I'm not sure... I guess that what I'm trying to say... is that I don't know how to react to all of this... what to do."
Akane chewed her lip. "Ranko... are you... attracted to me... as a girl?"
Ranko swallowed. "Yeah. A whole lot. I'm just not sure if it's right...."
Akane let the sheet drop. "I think it's right.
I'm sure... of the fact that we're married, of the fact that I love you,
and you love
me... making love to you... is part of that now, for me."
Ranko's eyes went wide when Akane dropped the sheet, and wider still as Akane reached over to her and started pulling her tank top up. Ranko tried to draw away. "Akane, Ranma's right there..."
Akane stopped. "It's not like he doesn't know. I don't want to have to hide this... from either of you. Don't tell me we're going to have to have separate bedrooms."
Ranko glanced at Ranma again. "Well... um...."
Akane sighed. "OK... let's talk this out. We need to deal with this before it becomes a problem. < Damn it, I'm horny, but Ranko's feelings are more important.> She sat up and moved into a lotus position on the bed, ignoring her lingering modesty.
Ranko sat up as well, facing her. She was tense,
a mass of conflicting urges. Part of her was telling Ranko just to
make love to Akane, to ignore her fears, and take what she was being offered.
Ranma's presence, and her own uncertainties were stronger. She forced herself
to look Akane in the eyes. Akane seemed to sense her internal struggle,
and sat quietly for a minute. When Ranko looked up, Akane put a hand
on her shoulder and squeezed it. Ranko shuddered, the touch sending
a
chill down her back. "A-akane? If, if I'm stuck like this,,,
permanently, heck even if I'm able to turn back into a guy... I'm
not
sure I really want to share you." Ranko paused to check Akane's
reaction, but the other girl just nodded.
"Go on." Akane said simply, willing Ranko to unburden
herself further.
Ranko swallowed and continued. "If... if I can get
past the jealousy, and maybe I can, cause I know it's stupid to be jealous
of myself... I'm kinda uncomfortable... well, making love to you,
with him here. I know I'd be uncomfortable watching...." Ranko
paused, thinking about it. < Actually, I had a fantasy like that...
Akane and my girl side, and Ukyo, and Shampoo....> Ranko was blushing
again at the memory. < I'm such a pervert, I knew Akane was right
about me.>
Akane grinned. "Are you sure? I thought it was a guy's dream to see two girls making love? I know how much of a pervert you are."
Ranko blushed harder. < Is she reading my mind?>
Akane's hand drifted over and she started caressing Ranko's arm. Ranko shivered again. Akane continued to speak. "If you are stuck like this... I can deal with it... and two of you." Akane studied Ranko's face. "Can you deal with it though? Sharing me with yourself?" Akane blinked. "It sounds so strange talking about this. Ranma, I love you. I think I've proved it to you, and more importantly, too myself. I couldn't bear to loose you... either of you. If you decide you... can't be married to me...." She looked down, a tear running down her cheek, "I'll understand... I want you to be happy."
Ranko couldn't stand Akane's tears. She reached out to wipe it away. Slowly, she leaned over. Akane looked up to see Ranko's face only inches away. Ranko whispered. "Akane..." She said the name like a prayer. "I'll always love you. If you... uh, if you're sure, I won't leave you. I don't know how yet, but I'll get over these fears." Ranko grinned suddenly. "I got over the cat-fist, I can overcome any fear!"
Akane smiled in response. "Ranma..."
Ranko kissed her quickly, then backed off a bit, smiling and gesturing to herself. "Hey, I'm Ranko now. Don't confuse me with him. I'm your w-wi..." Ranko choked.
Akane understood. "My spouse... don't worry, you don't have to say it." She reached over and gathered Ranko into a hug. "Oh Ranko, I have faith in you, I do. You can do anything you set yourself to do."
Ranko nodded into Akane's shoulder. "You bet Akane." She stuck her tongue out at her male half and silently gave him a 'biidda'. < Heck, I'd sleep through a hurricane, why the heck not?>
Akane sensed Ranko's growing excitement and hesitated momentarily. < Is she really? With Ranma right here?> She found the idea was turning her on. < Why not? I almost did.> Akane tossed any remaining hesitation away, and started to pull Ranko's shirt off again.
********************************
Akane rose off Ranko and stretched out.
She brushed against Ranma, who flinched in reaction. Ranma brought
his arms
up and yawned theatrically. Akane groaned. < Who does
he think he's kidding.>
Ranma quickly sat up to conceal his excitement better, and stretched. "Wow, is it morning already?" He glanced with feigned casualness at the two women. "Shall I order room service?"
Akane shook her head. "Ranma? Why didn't you say anything if you were awake?"
Ranko looked over, mildly concerned, though her emotions were languorous after the intensity of passion.
Ranma faked an innocent shrug. "Why, I just woke up."
Akane nodded. "Of course you did Ranma." She looked downwards. "Sure you did."
Ranma jerked, nearly jumping out of bed. "Um..."
Akane said, "I don't want you to feel left out Ranma."
Ranko grinned wryly, well aware of exactly what Akane
was doing, and Ranma's helplessness at this, 'attack'. "I'll order
room service, Ranma give up... she's got you and you know it." Ranko
rolled over and grabbed the phone by the side of the bed. < I'd
be jealous, if I didn't feel so damn good! Who am I kidding... if
this is what Akane wants... I'm not going to make her choose between us.
Especially since I'm not sure I'd like the choice.> Ranko ordered
large breakfasts for six, then
turned back to watch Akane busily seducing Ranma. The red headed
girl shook her head in admiration. < Akane really knows how to
push his buttons... and mine.>
Several minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
They ground to a halt nervously as Ranko sprang out
of the bed. "Hold on, it's breakfast. I'll get it." She spotted
a discarded robe on the floor and quickly pulled it on, belting it up as
she went to the door. Ranma and Akane hastily covered up with the
sheets as Ranko reached the door and opened it a crack. She spotted
a cart and the waiter pushing it and nodded. "Thanks buddy, I'll
take that." The waiter nodded back, unsurprised at her reluctance
to open the door further, then walked off. Ranko waited until he
was out of sight, then opened the door fully and pulled the breakfast cart
into the room,
letting the door shut behind her as she pushed it into the room.
The smell of breakfast caught her full attention and Ranko missed hearing
the door fail to shut fully.
Ranko brought the cart directly up to the bed and cheerfully announced. "Breakfast is served!"
Akane sighed, a little disappointed at the interruption, while Ranma sat up interestedly peering at the food, taking care to keep his lower half covered up. "Great! I'm starved!"
Akane sat up a few seconds later, wrapping the bottom half of the blankets around herself. "I could use some food too."
Ranko nodded and brought over a chair to the other side of the tray. "There's enough to go around." She sat down and began to eat, while Ranma and Akane started feeding themselves sitting on the side of the bed.
The food vanished quickly, and Akane motioned for Ranko to sit beside her on the bed. "Come on Ranko, join us... don't tell me you're still shy?"
Ranko hesitated, then shrugged. "O-OK Akane... sure." She sat down next to her wife, opposite Ranma.
Akane looked from Ranko to Ranma, then back again. "Well..." She started. "I really don't want to play favorites. I love you both equally, OK?" They nodded, glancing at each other.
"Rock, paper, scissors?" Ranma suggested.
Ranko started to nod but Akane interrupted. "Oh? Now I'm a prize to be won?" Akane stifled an angry urge. "That's not a good way to do this."
Ranko looked at her sideways. "What do you suggest?"
Akane hesitated, blushing red even as she suggested, "Well..." She hesitated, twiddling her fingers. "Why not... all three of us... you know... a three way?"
Ranma's eyes went wide, and he fell off the bed in astonishment. He looked up from his falling place on the floor. "Whoa... and you always called me the pervert."
Ranko was choking, and she waved a shaking hand at
her wife. "No... no way Akane. I'm sorry, but there's NO WAY
he's going to be doing anything to me... there's just no way I'm doing
that with a guy."
Ranma got back up on the bed and nodded at his twin.
"Yeah, I'm with you there. There's no way I'd have done that when
I was a girl."
Ranko caught the conditional part of his response and jumped on it. "When you were a girl, sure... but you're not a girl right now, are you? I know you, Ranma. I am you remember? You can't help feeling attracted to this body, right? Haven't we always said we're better built?"
Ranma swallowed nervously. "Hey... it's not like that... Akane... she's just saying that...."
Ranko smirked, and opened up the front of her robe. She shrugged her shoulders out of it and let it fall around her hips. She flaunted herself to Ranma suggestively. "Uh huh? Are you sure, Ranma? You can't lie to me you know."
Akane looked at Ranko speculatively, then Ranma. Ranma was frozen like a rabbit in the headlights at his female half's taunt and provocative pose. Akane chided the red-head. "It's not polite to tease him like that." She giggled. "But it does look like fun." She let her end of the blanket drop and posed sexily as well. "Well? Which one of us is the best looking?"
Ranma focused on Akane, not wanting to lie, but not wanting to get hit either, he replied indirectly, if honestly. "You're the one that I want, Akane."
Akane smiled brightly and leaned in to kiss him. "You're getting better at not putting your foot in your mouth anyway." She hugged him tightly, then held out a arm to Ranko. "Come here Ranko, stop teasing Ranma, and tease me instead."
Ranko hesitated but took Akane's hand after a moment, and Akane pulled her in for a kiss as well. Akane then paused for a moment, holding Ranma in one arm and Ranko in the other. "All of a sudden I feel like Kuno." She giggled and did her best to imitate Kuno's distinctive voice. "Oh my pig-tailed goddess!" She kissed Ranko quickly. "Oh my... my pig-tailed god! I cannot choose!" She kissed Ranma before chuckling Kuno style. "I must have them both!"
There was a knock on the door, which caused it to
swing open suddenly. A shocked looking Ukyo and Nodoka stood speechless
in the doorway., Ukyo's hand still raised to knock. Nodoka summed
up the situation quickly. "Oh dear."
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