Ranma's Curse
Part 2: A Mastery of Evil
(version 1.3)
by Bryan Neef
Ranma 1/2 and related characters created by Rumiko Takahashi
Inspired by fan fiction by Hitomi Ichinohei, Richard Lawson, and Nicholas
Leifker
In Part 1, Ranma discovers that being a woman at Furinkan High School is
Hell. It is only through the efforts of the instructors that she is allowed
any chance at normalcy.
When Kunou attempts to express his love towards his Pig-tailed Goddess, Ranma
breaks his body. She expresses her desire to marry Akane out of duty to the
families. This bothers Kunou and Ryoga, but they know the truth, now.
Genma and Soun leave on a training mission 'to find a cure' for Ranma, just
as Cologne challenges Ranma to another fight, this time, using Ryoga as the
tool. When the fight is over, Ranma has much to think about...
=============================================================================
Chapter 1
Acceptance?
Ranma bowed to his father, then prepared for their daily match. Genma
returned the bow. He prepared himself with a pail of cold water in his
hands.
"Let us begin, Son. I will not go easy on you."
"When do you ever?"
They commenced their attacks. Ranma easily dodged the spilling water and his
father's kicks. For some reason, his kicks and punches would not connect.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Akane mouthing "Pervert." A kick
landed, hard.
Ranma flew into the far wall. He recovered just as his father descended on
him with the pail. Another of his kicks missed. He turned to face his
father, letting loose with the kachuu tenshin amaguriken.
"Nihao Ranma!" exclaimed Shampoo embracing him.
She seemed to have come from where his father had stood. He tried to push
her away, but didn't have the strength.
Soun came over to him, yelling, "Is this how you repay me for housing you?
What about your fiancee, Akane?"
"Don't mind me, Ranma. You've never liked me anyway," continued Akane,
calmly.
"Th-that's not true. I love you, Akane!"
Cold water washed over him. When she opened her eyes, everyone was staring
at her in disgust. Genma glared at her, holding the empty pail. "You are
not my son."
"I am your son. This is until I get splashed by hot water."
Cologne smiled, "You will never be a man again, Son-in-law. Ha! Ha! Ha!
Ha!"
Ranma screamed. She sat up in her bed. She was covered in cold sweat and
breathing heavily. She could feel herself shaking. This was the third night
of the dream, the nightmare.
The light came on. Akane knelt beside Ranma. She looked at her roommate in
concern. This was the third night Ranma had woken up screaming. It was also
Ranma's third night of realizing what it was being a woman.
Ranma started to shake more violently. Akane held the red head, stroking her
hair. Kasumi came into the room with a glass of water, a bowl, and a wash-
cloth on a tray. She started wiping the sweat from Ranma's terrified face.
"Is it the same dream?" Kasumi asked soothingly.
Ranma nodded. Akane looked at her eldest sister, pleadingly.
"Go take a bath, Ranma. It'll help you relax. Then the three of us will
talk about it," suggested Kasumi.
"Make that the four of us," added Nabiki, sleepily.
"I'm sorry to put you through this," Ranma said slowly and quietly.
"After what you've been through? If it were anyone else, they'd be out the
door by now," Nabiki said, smiling.
Ranma smiled back weakly. She went to the bathroom, filling the tub with
cool water. To her body, the water felt hot, like the baths she longed for
without the threat of pain. She shivered, not so much from the water, but
from the content of her nightmare.
***
The sun was barely hinting at rising when Ranma entered the kitchen. The
three Tendou sisters were seated at the small table. Kasumi and Nabiki were
drinking coffee. Akane was drinking water. Ranma moved to her seat,
drinking the water from her glass.
"What was the dream about?" asked Kasumi.
"I...I was male again. It was time to practice with Father. He kept trying
to get me wet. Akane was off to the side, calling me 'pervert.' Shampoo
came in and distracted me. Your father asked about my engagement. Akane
said she didn't mind and that I never liked her.
"I tried to defend myself from your father and Akane, but Father soaked me.
He said I wasn't his son anymore. I tried to tell him it was temporary. It
was then that Cologne said I would..." Ranma started shaking again.
"She said?" probed Akane.
"I would never be a man again," sobbed Ranma.
"The fact that your nightmare coincides with your first period suggests, to
me, that your mind is trying to adjust to your new body. It's probably
expressing the fear we all have: that you may never again be what you were
before," offered Kasumi, hugging Ranma.
In the last month, Kasumi had been studying several psychology and medical
books. She spent hours reading them, often leaving Ranma to cook and Akane
and Nabiki to clean. Several conversations with Tofu had helped clarify
certain points.
Ranma had been a woman for two months now. She was still unable to transform
back into her male form, due to Cologne's use of a pressure point that made
the entire body as sensitive as a cat's tongue. For Ranma, this meant even
mildly warm water seemed to be scalding hot.
Cologne had offered a way to reverse the effect: the Phoenix Pill.
Unfortunately, Ranma destroyed the pill when she used the legendary Cat-fu
technique. Acting and thinking like a cat, Ranma attacked Cologne as she was
about to hand the cure to Akane.
After the incident, Ranma had shut out everyone she knew and loved. Kasumi,
Nabiki, and Akane eventually brought her out of her despair, helping her
adjust to her current condition. It was during this time their fathers left
on a training mission.
This left the four women, as well as Ryoga, Kunou, and Tofu to answer
Cologne's new challenge. Cologne manipulated Ryoga and Ranma into an all out
fight. Ranma barely won, giving her two months to adjust and recover. It
was then that Ranma learned it would take years for a new Phoenix Pill to be
made.
Akane broke Ranma's introspection, "How did you try to defend yourself from
Father and I?"
"I said that I loved you," Ranma answered matter-of-factly, having regained
some of her composure.
Akane's and Nabiki's jaws dropped. Ranma blushed and looked away slightly.
Only Kasumi's expression didn't change. Before Akane was able to speak, she
spoke, "Ranma, are you well enough to go to school?"
"I only seem to have problems at night."
"Good. You three had better get ready for school. There's no reason to go
back to bed now. When you're finished, Ranma, you can help me with break-
fast."
The three younger women nodded, rushing upstairs. Kasumi sat there quietly
sipping her coffee.
she thought as the first rays of light highlighted her brownish-black hair.
***
Ranma sat in her chair, waiting for the teacher to return her graded test.
Akane was fuming at her 'C.' Ranma felt she failed. This didn't surprise
her, considering recent events.
Ranma received the test. She almost didn't open it. When she did, she
sighed with relief. She received a 'B.' She was pleased, but failed to
understand why her grade was better than Akane's. It had to be a mistake.
The only thing keeping her from pursuing the matter further was the comment,
"Excellent improvement, Ranma. Keep up the good work."
Ranma smiled, tilted the paper towards Akane. She nudged her fiancee. Akane
pouted at the beaming Ranma, mouthing, "I hate you!" Ranma couldn't help but
giggle. This surprised both girls and they started giggling together.
The class broke for lunch. Ranma and Akane moved outside. This was a rare
occasion for them, since Ranma was still adjusting to her condition. It
still didn't help that she received hostile looks from nearly every female
student.
They moved to a large cherry tree. Kyoko and Atsuki were already there. The
foursome sat together, eating their lunch. They chatted about their weekend.
Ranma was now back to being her quiet self. Even though Kyoko and Atsuki
were two of the very few girls who accepted Ranma, she was still very
uncomfortable around anyone outside of her family. Ryoga, Kunou, and Tofu
were the only exceptions, but they knew the truth early on.
"What were you two doing back in class?" asked Atsuki.
"Looking over our tests," replied Ranma calmly, with a hint of a smile.
"Uh huh. And you just happened to giggle like a normal girl?" questioned
Kyoko.
Ranma's smile left. Akane yelled, "Kyoko!"
The realization of what she had said hit her hard. "I'm sorry, Ranma. That
sounded bad. I didn't mean it that way at all. You're usually so quiet and
rarely smile anymore, I thought you were going to be normal again."
"And what is 'normal' for me?"
Kyoko looked down at her food. "I guess it's seeing you smile, hearing you
laugh. The things you did before you became locked as a girl. You had
confidence in yourself. You were easy going, not really letting anyone, but
Kunou, get to you.
"When you came back from the beach dressing like a girl, everyone thought it
was a joke. I know it's not a joke. Everyone seems to notice your change.
The physical change, yes, but the emotional change, no.
"You're now very shy. If anyone says anything to you, you almost hide from
them. You apologize for every little thing, whether it's your fault or not.
No one's really seen you smile since you came back, and when you do, it's not
the same smile you had before.
"I'm sorry, Ranma. I thought you were adjusting better."
"I'm the one who should apologize. No one really knows how to act around me.
I'm also going through a difficult time right now. I'm still upset at our
fathers leaving on their 'training' mission. But I'm glad you and Atsuki
have been here to help Akane and me. Even if you don't know what to say."
"It was good to hear you enjoy yourself, Ranma. Oh! That reminds me, are you
two doing anything Saturday," asked Atsuki.
Ranma and Akane looked at each other before answering, "No."
"Great! I'm having a little party at my home. My brother's moving out for
college. It'll be just me and Mom, and my friends. Dad and Keiichi are
leaving Thursday night and won't be back until Sunday evening. Will you
come?"
"Sure!" answered Akane.
"If I won't be in the way," replied Ranma softly.
"Why in the world would you be in the way, Saotome Ranma?" asked Kyoko.
"If your friends don't trust me, then I'll be in the way. I don't want to
cause problems."
Atsuki smiled. "Ranma, you are my friend. Remember when we said we'd help
you?"
"Hai."
"Consider this my contribution. It does you no good sitting in that dojo
alone. You have to come to the party, if for no other reason than to show my
other friends you're trying to be normal. You may not exactly be a girl, but
you still need to have friends. If we can work on a few of them at a time,
then it'll help you with your confidence."
"Thanks. I'll be there. What about you Kyoko?"
"I'll be there, Ranma. If you're not, I'll drag you to it." Kyoko paused,
smiling evilly, "I'll even make sure you wear a VERY feminine dress."
Ranma turned red as her friends laughed. She quickly joined in, feeling her
depression from the dreams leave. The rest of the day went easier. Even gym
class was tolerable.
***
Ranma ran into the kitchen, almost startling Kasumi. "Guess what, Kasumi?"
"What, Ranma-chan?" Kasumi asked, slightly bewildered.
"Obari Atsuki invited me to a party Saturday. Isn't that great?"
Kasumi smiled, as the denied child in Ranma bubbled to the surface. "Hai,
Ranma-chan, that is great. But what kind of party is it?"
Ranma smiled even more, almost bouncing, "Well, it's definitely not a slumber
party. I wouldn't be comfortable at one, and she wouldn't invite me anyway.
Her brother's moving out for college, so she's celebrating with some movies
and games. Her mother will be there, if you're wondering."
Kasumi smiled, "That's good to know. Are you going?"
Ranma beamed, "Hai! In fact, she and Kyoko insisted I go. They even
threatened to dress me in a very feminine dress and drag me there if I didn't
show up."
"Oh my! I guess we need to make sure your there. Is Akane going?"
"Hai. She's at Kyoko's getting something. They wouldn't tell me, though."
"I see. There's a letter from your father on your desk. Why don't you read
it. Then you can help me with dinner."
Ranma frowned. "Sure, spoil my wonderful day."
"I did no such thing, young lady. Your father may have some news about a
cure. Remember, we must believe that."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," replied Ranma as she left the room. She muttered a few
things Kasumi felt strangely appropriate.
Ranma entered her room and went to the desk. She took the note. Sighing
heavily, she read it.
To my son,
Soun and I are training hard. We are also looking
for a cure to your condition. Remember your training and
be a man in all things.
Ranma crushed the paper in her hand. Her face reddened with anger. "Not so
much as a 'How are you?' or 'Will see you soon.' Just like the baka, leave
before things get worse. Don't worry about my feelings. 'Be a man.' Yeah,
right! BAKA!" Ranma threw the note away and went to help Kasumi.
***
Saturday evening came quickly. There were no events that had bothered Ranma.
She had controlled herself to the point she didn't scream every morning from
the nightmare. That pleased the Tendous, though it bothered her. Was she
just getting used to them? Or was it the idea she'd never be a man again
that she seemed to accept? With her screaming finished, she seemed more re-
laxed, much to Kasumi's and Nabiki's pleasure.
Now, Ranma and Akane stood on the porch to Atsuki's house. It wasn't much
different than the Tendou's. It was modest and well kept. The flower garden
had some expensive plants. But nothing else gave away how well off the
Obaris were.
Akane turned to Ranma, "Are you ready?"
Ranma smiled nervously. "Hai."
Akane rang the doorbell. A kind woman answered. She smiled and lead them to
Atsuki's room. There were already a dozen young women there. Atsuki and
Kyoko waved. Several of the women looked up.
Their reaction forced Ranma's smile from her face. She lowered her head and
went down the hall. She ignored Akane and Atsuki. She entered the kitchen
where Mrs. Obari was preparing snacks.
"Do you need help, Obari-san?" asked Ranma politely.
"Thank you, dear, but I've got it. Go back and join your friends."
"I...I really should be going now," Ranma said, turning to leave.
"But you just arrived."
"I know, I really need to go. Thank you for letting me come," replied Ranma
bowing.
"What about your sister?"
"She'll come home when she's ready. Thank you again."
Before Mrs. Obari could say anything, Ranma left the room. She put on her
shoes and left the house. She walked slowly down the street, in no
particular direction.
She suddenly stopped when a gentle voice came from behind her, "On second
thought, I do need help."
Ranma turned to see Mrs. Obari smiling warmly. Ranma nodded accompanying
Mrs. Obari back to the house. They were greeted by a concerned Akane and a
relieved Kyoko.
"I thought I'd have to drag you here in that dress I told you about," teased
Kyoko.
"You two go back with the others, we have a lot to do," instructed Mrs.
Obari.
Akane and Kyoko nodded, returning to the others. Mrs. Obari lead Ranma back
to the kitchen. She cleared the table, offering Ranma a seat.
"You must be Saotome Ranma. Atsuki told me you were having trouble adjusting
to school. She also told me your parents aren't around much. If it'd help,
I'd like to listen to what ever you have to say."
"Thank you, Obari-san. Did Atsuki tell you why I'm having problems?"
"She mentioned something about a curse. Such nonsense from a girl her age.
She's almost seventeen, you know? What do they teach at that school?"
Ranma smiled, "Well curses aren't so funny when they affect you, but I'm not
ready to talk to people about that. But what the school teaches, with me
around, anyway, is to expect the unexpected."
"Oh? Why do you say that?"
"Heh! The first day I went to classes, I did the unthinkable. I defeated
the Captain of the Kendo Team. He had his boken while I was unarmed. I
defeated him single-handedly, twice."
"Such behavior from a beautiful young lady. Tell me, Ranma, was it any fun?"
"No. I don't like fighting those weaker or less skilled than I am. My
father taught me to win a fight, no matter what it takes. That's why it's
the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, formerly Indiscriminate
Grappling. I changed the name because of some unpleasant circumstances, but
I just can't help feeling sorry for the little guys."
"I see. Now why would a father raise his daughter to be a martial artist?"
Ranma swallowed, her mind racing for an answer. "He wanted his son to take
over the school for him. Instead, he has me. Before I came here, I was
dressing like a boy, acting like a boy, even thinking like a boy.
"Since then, I've started to dress like this. I've become too much like the
Tendou daughters that Father left me. So did Tendou-san. Now it's just me
and the daughters."
"Why did Tendou-san leave?"
Ranma turned red, "He and Father arranged a marriage between me and one of
his daughters. None of them knew I was a girl. So imagine how embarrassed
they were when they found out."
"I'd love to hear that story sometime. Atsuki tells me you've been to China.
I would very much like to hear about that. Maybe we could find a way to get
the other girls to accept you more."
"Thank you, Obari-san."
After another twenty minutes of talking, Ranma and Mrs. Obari entered
Atsuki's room with the trays of snacks. Ranma had three trays, one in each
arm and one easily balanced on her head. Mrs. Obari only had two, one in
each arm.
"All right, everyone. Here are the snacks. There's plenty more if you want
them. Atsuki, be a dear and help Ranma."
"That's all right, Obari-san. This is nothing compared to what I did as a
waitress at the Nekohanten Cafe," Ranma replied with a smile.
"Don't you mean 'waiter?'" asked one of the girls.
"No. They only hire women, at least they did when I worked there. Care for
a sandwich?" answered Ranma calmly.
"Did you make this?" asked the girl, eyeing it suspiciously.
"Don't be rude. Our hostess made them. I thought she might need help
serving them," chided Ranma, aware that Mrs. Obari was seeing how she handled
herself.
Ranma quickly placed the trays around the room. She made sure everyone had
drinks and was enjoying their food. She finished with Akane, whose smile
helped keep Ranma cheerful.
"Come back quickly. You don't want to miss your share," offered Atsuki.
Ranma only smiled. She bowed and left the room. She returned to the kitchen
with Mrs. Obari.
"Aren't you going back, dear?"
"Only to serve refreshments. Or if they beg me."
"That's being harsh. Atsuki invited you."
"She's not the one I want to beg, it's some of the others."
"This really hurts you, doesn't it."
"It was easier to deal with in the beginning. They needed to get used to me
looking and acting like this. But after a couple of months, I just don't
know what to do. I'm quiet, I don't bother people, and the last thing I want
to do is fight anyone."
"How about being yourself?"
"That's the last thing I can do. I like myself, but I don't really know who
I am anymore. Am I my father's proud son, or the daughter he doesn't want.
He's never taught me how to deal with my feelings. It was always bury them
so the enemy could not exploit them.
"When the Tendous found out I was a girl, they showed me what it was like to
express feelings, not just as a girl, but as a person. That's why I can't be
myself."
"Tell me about your family."
"I've traveled with my father since I was at least five or six. He's not the
wisest man, but he has his moments. I...I don't really remember my mother.
I don't know if she's alive, lives in Nerima, or even if she lives in Japan.
The closest I have to a mother now is the eldest Tendou daughter, Kasumi.
The Tendous are nice, and they're all I have."
"If Akane is a good example, they are a good family for you. I think I met
Kasumi once. She was very pleasant. Do you miss your parents?"
"Hai, very much. I need Father. We've been through so much, I just need his
assurance. I want to know my mother again. I want her to know her daughter
is safe and misses her."
"Perhaps I can help you find your mother. Would you like that?"
Ranma smiled, "I would like that very much. I need to work some thing out
first. One thing is what her name is. There probably aren't that many
Saotomes, but I want to make sure I get the right one."
"I understand. Take your time, dear."
"Ranma? We'll be starting the movie soon. We've agreed to let you watch as
long as you're quiet," interrupted one of the guests.
"Thank you," Ranma replied warmly.
***
Ranma, Akane, and Kyoko sat in Atsuki's room as she showed the last of her
guests out the door. Ranma sat on the floor, her face expressionless. Akane
had her head on Ranma's shoulder. Kyoko sat at Atsuki's desk.
Atsuki returned to the room, flopping on her bed. "I'm sorry, Ranma. I
honestly thought they would at least tolerate you like they did at Kyoko's
party. I can't believe how rude they were to you, even during the movie."
"I should have known this would happen. They tolerated me at Kyoko's because
it was her birthday. Your party wasn't as special to them. I'll save you
the embarrassment, and not come to the next one."
"This sucks!" exclaimed Kyoko. "We plan a nice little party that would show
them that you're a very nice person. The success of my party must have gone
to our heads. We try to have fun, and what do they do? Treat you like
dirt."
"They still see me as the boy who beat Kunou, the boy engaged to Akane, the
class pervert. I doubt they would even accept me if I dated boys."
"But that idea repulses you," Kyoko pointed out.
"Hai. But it repulses them, now, that I'm still engaged to Akane."
"But you're cursed. They know that. Hell, everyone in school knows it,"
protested Atsuki.
Ranma sighed, "That's why they don't trust me. To them, I'm a boy using it
as an excuse to look at them. As far as they know, I'm telling the boys
their measurements and how they look undressed."
"Are you?" asked Kyoko.
"Of course not! I know what a girl's body looks like. One thing Akane
complained about me was my lack of feminine modesty. Well, when I could
change, it never mattered to me. Now, I'd knock any boy sneaking a peak at
me through the wall. And I never liked them touching me, especially my
breasts. That's why Kunou was hit the hardest.
"I sure as Hell won't tell them what we look like. It took me a week to get
used to dressing completely like a girl. I'm still uncomfortable with it,
but I feel even more uncomfortable wearing men's clothes right now."
"Ranma, are you a boy or a girl?" asked Atsuki with genuine concern.
"I don't know anymore. I still see myself as a man, but having been stuck
like this, I'm starting to enjoy it. I don't have to worry about being
splashed with cold water. I'm safe from hot water in the locker room.
"It took this for me to realize how I feel about Akane. It also made me
realize how difficult my life has been. I left out some details, and altered
others when I told your mother about myself. What I told her seemed right,
in so many ways. It scares me. I'd still be a man if the old Hag hadn't
done this to me, or if I hadn't destroyed the only cure, or even if I'd never
gone to China.
"Now, my only real chance at being cured is to go back to China."
"When will you go there?" asked Kyoko.
"When I can afford it, which may take as long as creating a new Phoenix Pill:
years. Tofu says there's a slim chance I'll grow out of this on my own, but
it's a slim chance."
"Don't give up on either the cure or being accepted. I think you made some
real progress with some of my friends tonight," offered Atsuki.
"Thanks. We'd better be getting home. I have practice with Ryoga tomorrow."
***
It was a typical Monday morning for Ranma. She suffered through the morning
classes. More so this morning because of Atsuki's party. Ranma felt hostile
stares on her from several of the female students.
She was now used to them, but that did not lessen their effect on her mood.
But it was Atsuki she felt sorry for. Her friend tried to help. Instead, it
seemed things were worse than before. Ranma felt Atsuki lost a few of her
friends the other night.
This hurt Ranma more than not being accepted. She was used to not having
friends. Atsuki, on the other hand, had never been with out friends. Such
different worlds these two people lived in.
Lunch break came faster than expected. Ranma took her lunch to the window
before Akane had a chance to stop her. Akane watched painfully as her
fiancee ate alone, in silence, her back to the wall.
Even Atsuki and Kyoko watched Ranma, concern etched on their faces.
"What were you trying to do, Atsuki?" asked one of the female students.
"I was celebrating my brother's move with my friends, Kumiko."
"Is Ranma one of your friends? Or does he tag along with Akane in drag?"
"She is a friend. A good friend."
"Ranma's a ^#*&!%@ boy!"
"Only in the mind," interrupted Akane angrily.
"What does that mean, Tendou?"
"Ranma still sees herself as a boy. But that's her self-image. She is every
bit a woman as you are."
"Really? He could be lying."
Akane tried to reign in her anger. "I have seen her transformations first
hand. I have seen both of her bodies without clothes. I should know! She
lives at my house. If that's not enough for you, our family doctor has
examined her, both as a male and female. He has concluded that Ranma is now,
physically, a girl. The COMPLETE works."
"Is that so? Don't you think it's time to stop lying? All 'she' needs is
hot water!"
With that, Kumiko pulled out a thermos of hot water. She went to Ranma and
threw the contents on her. The resulting scream shattered the windows. The
male Ranma sat in the sill, screaming in pain.
Akane rushed over, emptying her cold drink on Ranma. Kyoko and Atsuki
emptied their drinks on Ranma, forcing the transformation back to female.
The teacher rushed in, seeing Akane rocking the incoherent Ranma. "What on
earth happened?"
Akane looked at the pale Kumiko. Kumiko was almost ready to faint, but she
recovered some composure, "I...I...there was an accident and I spilled my hot
tea over Ranma."
The teacher looked from Kumiko to Ranma. "Akane, take Ranma home, I don't
think she can handle anything else."
"Hai, Sensei," Akane said, helping Ranma to her feet.
She took Ranma to the bathroom to fix Ranma's clothes. Nabiki quickly joined
them. She swore under her breath when she saw Ranma's vacant look. "What
happened?"
"I'll explain later. I need to get Ranma home. Do me a favor and call
Kasumi. Tell her I'm bringing Ranma home."
"Right," replied Nabiki as Akane finished dressing Ranma.
It wasn't long before Akane was leading Ranma home. She was cursing herself
for not staying with Ranma. She reprimanded herself up until the gate of the
dojo.
Kasumi met them and took Ranma inside. She lead the red head to the cold
bath she had prepared. She stripped Ranma, trying to put her in the tub. It
took coaxing, and even stripping and entering the water herself before Ranma
responded.
Kasumi massaged Ranma, gently forcing her to relax. Soon, Ranma regained her
senses. It was enough for her to register where she was. She saw Kasumi's
clothes on the floor. Growing uncomfortable, she tried to hide herself.
Kasumi smiled, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you, Ranma-chan, even
if we're both women. Call me if you need me. I'm sure Akane would have
helped, but she had to get back to school. You have the rest of the day
off."
"Thank you."
Ranma relaxed in the cool water. She smiled at Kasumi's remark about Akane.
How Kasumi was teasing her about the engagement. In her own way, of course.
She closed her eyes, letting the tears of pain and frustration flow freely.
Chapter 2
The Evil Returns
Akane walked home with a large number of girls from her class. Kumiko was
immediately behind Akane, her head hung low. Several other girls had their
heads lowered as well.
Suddenly, they started screaming. Akane turned to see a diminutive figure
bouncing from student to student. At first she thought it was Cologne. Then
she realized the figure was bald. She also noted it was calling her name.
"What do you want?" she yelled at the creature.
"Akane! I've found you at last!" replied the creature in a hoarse voice as
it leapt for her.
Akane instinctively moved her bag between her and the object. It crashed
into the bag, collapsing to the ground, apparently crying." Akane looked
down at the pathetic old man.
"Are you all right?"
"I've searched for you for so long. And now that I've found you, you treat
me like a punching bag."
"I...I'm sorry, Grandfather, you startled us."
"So true. I was just so excited to see you, I got carried away," replied the
old man, leaping again at Akane.
She was relieved to see Ranma standing on the old man's head.
"What's going on, Akane?" asked Ranma calmly.
"This man was looking for me," she answered, pointing at Ranma's feet. "Why
are you out now?"
Ranma stepped back, letting the old man rise. The old man looked at Ranma,
his eyes bulging. "Akane!" he yelled as he attached himself to Ranma's
chest. He began groping her.
Ranma screamed, using all of her strength to push the old man to the ground,
nearly tearing her shirt. The force of the impact cracked the pavement. The
little man relaxed. Ranma retreated to her ready position. Akane and the
other girls stepped back.
"Listen here, Old Man: NO ONE TOUCHES ME!" yelled Ranma.
Ranma noticed Kunou and Ryoga appear behind the old man. Both were ready to
take him on at Ranma's command. The old man closed his eyes.
"You three don't stand a chance against me. Tell me, young lady, who are
you?"
"I'm Saotome Ranma of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts."
"Hibiki Ryoga of the Hibiki Family Martial Arts."
"Kunou Tatewaki of the Sonoda School of Kendo."
"Tendou Akane of the Tendou School of Anything Goes Martial Arts."
"Hmm. Saotome and Tendou, eh? I see I found the right place. You are
Genma's daughter, right?"
"I am his child," replied Ranma evenly.
"And you are Soun's daughter?"
"I am."
"Wonderful! I am your Master, Happosai. I wish to see your fathers."
"You're too late, Old Man," stated Ranma, ignoring Kunou's look. "They left
on a training mission over a month ago."
"Then who protects you, my lovely little lady."
"We protect ourselves. We have a few friends we can count on," stated Ranma.
"I'd like to meet my student's family, if you don't mind?" Happosai said,
staring at Ranma.
Ranma and Akane exchanged glances. Akane nodded her head. "All right, Old
Man. If you try anything again, you'll regret it," responded Ranma as she
relaxed her guard slightly.
The others relaxed as well. The female students moved to the side as
Happosai followed Akane. Kunou remained close to her. Ryoga remained with
Ranma.
Kumiko cleared her throat, "Ranma, I'm very, very sorry about today. I
thought you were lying, even after this long. I even thought Akane was
helping you. I'm sorry."
"I haven't given you much reason to trust me. I'd really like to talk to you
about this, but someone has to watch that old guy. How about tomorrow at
lunch?"
Kumiko looked at Ranma in confusion, "All right. Tomorrow at lunch, if not
sooner. Ranma, is this why you were going back to school?"
Ranma nodded, turning to Ryoga after the other women left. The two friends
left for the dojo. "What was that all about?" asked Ryoga.
"Kumiko splashed hot water on me at lunch. She thought she could prove I was
lying. The surprise and the pain shut down my mind. At least that's what
Kasumi says. Anyway, we've got to worry about that old creep."
"I heard you scream a block away. I thought maybe it was Shampoo in her cat
form."
Ranma smiled. "Not this time. Thanks for coming, though. I...I don't think
I can handle him alone."
"Uh, where are we Ranma?"
Ranma stopped, looking around. She started laughing when she realized they
went right past the dojo. She grabbed the confused Ryoga and headed in the
right direction.
They went into the house. Everyone was sitting at the dinner table, waiting.
Ranma took her seat next to Akane. Ryoga took a position near the patio
door, behind Happosai. Ryoga stood with his arms crossed, leaning on the
door frame.
"I get the impression you don't trust me," commented Happosai.
"Let's just say a lot has happened that forces us to take precautions,"
remarked Nabiki.
"Hmph! And I thought my students would have taught their students and
children respect."
"They do, Honored Master, but as Nabiki doth say, circumstances have forced
an increased vigilance," reinforced Kunou.
"Is the School under attack? Have my boys been injured?"
"None of those, Master Happosai. At the moment, our home is at peace. In
the last two months, it has been Ranma who has been attacked. We cannot go
into details," replied Kasumi.
"And where are the boys?"
"They are on a training mission. We don't expect them back anytime soon,"
answered Akane.
"And they didn't take their students?"
"We're still in school. They recognize that we have to learn things other
than the Art if we are to successfully take over the dojo," added Ranma.
"I see. Where will I stay? I have not seen anyone in over twenty years,"
commented Happosai.
Kasumi politely answered, "We can offer you a room until our fathers return."
"We need to talk, Oneechan," Nabiki said, motioning Kasumi to follow. Akane
also followed.
"Now why is it that a non-student and the eldest Tendou daughter show
respect?" Happosai asked, looking at Ranma.
"Because, 'Master,' they weren't groped," Ranma answered evenly.
"I did not grope you. I evaluate my pupils with a very hands on technique."
"How did you know we were students, we didn't even tell you who we were until
you touched me!"
"You have a lot to learn, girl. I could read your battle aura," replied
Happosai calmly.
Kunou shifted. Ryoga tensed. Happosai brought out his pipe, twirling it
around a few times. "What do you have to say, boys?"
"I have faced Ranma's wrath at being touched improperly and without consent.
It is something I wish upon no man or woman, not even my most hated enemies.
I am still recovering from those wounds," answered Kunou in his most direct
manner.
"Ranma's gone through Hell. I, for one, will not go against 'her' by
choice," stated Ryoga, flexing his hands.
"And what is this Hell, Ranma?"
"A private one. Only those I feel worthy may know what it is."
"So rude for one so young. I thought beautiful women were supposed to be
polite."
Ranma shuddered inwardly. "Circumstances have not allowed for politeness."
"Are these your students or your opponents?" asked Happosai, pointing to
Kunou and Ryoga.
"These are my friends. They are helping me prepare for my enemies."
"And when are these enemies due?"
"In about two or three weeks."
"These two are not of the School. What can you learn from them?"
"They help me anticipate what an opponent not out the School can or will do.
It is one of the basic lessons I've been taught: learn a new style to
minimize its effect on you."
"I see you are applying that concept well. What about your father, shouldn't
he be supervising you?"
"My father is currently training so as to improve his skills and, in turn,
improve mine. I have been learning new techniques from friends and enemies
alike for the last month."
"Good. Show me what you know and I'll improve your skill."
Kunou leaned over to Ranma, whispering, "Is this wise, Saotome? He has
insulted you in front of us."
"I don't know. I won't show him everything, that's for sure," Ranma said to
Kunou quietly. She turned to Happosai, "Master, I'll give you one chance to
earn my trust. Insult me, or those I consider family, or touch us in anyway
that could be thought of as improper, and you'll be forced to leave."
"Hmph! Let's put a little wager on that. If you can beat me at anytime this
evening, I'll accept. Otherwise, you will be my student."
Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane reentered the room. Kasumi spoke up, "As a guest
in our home, Master, you must obey our rules. These are not negotiable and
may be adjusted as we see fit. One, we are entitled to our privacy. At no
time may you enter a room occupied by us without our permission. Our bed-
rooms are off limits to you at all times."
"Two, should it become necessary, we may extract rent or food money from you
without complaint, or delay," added Nabiki.
"Three, we have the ultimate say as to when, where, and how training is to
be conducted," added Ranma without objections from the sisters.
"Four, we can require Ryoga's or Tatewaki's presence at anytime during your
visit, should you provide us with a reason to do so," concluded Akane.
"Whatever happened to hospitality?" asked the Master.
"We are offering our home to you, but we must have certain understandings
before we can proceed," noted Nabiki. "Think of this as a renter's contract.
Accept it or leave it."
"I want my own room," Happosai said after looking over the four women.
"Very well, Master. You will get the available guest room. Ryoga, Kunou,
you are invited to stay the night," offered Kasumi.
"Where will we stay?" asked Kunou.
"Ranma's old room," answered Akane.
Kunou's face turned red at this thought. He had been fighting the images of
the female Ranma for weeks. Now was the opportunity to see her room and,
perhaps, how she lived.
Ranma leaned over to the flustered Kunou. She whispered in his ear, "I was a
guy when I had that room."
"Where do you sleep now?" Kunou whispered back.
Ranma answered with a wry grin, "In Akane's room, on the floor."
Kunou looked at Ranma in surprise. Akane shook her head, knowing exactly
what was being discussed. She muttered "Baka," referring to both of her
suitors.
***
The four women sat in Kasumi's room. They were not pleased with the way the
evening went. They were still overwhelmed from the incident at school. Now
their fathers' master had come, making things difficult.
Kasumi began to speak, "I guess it's time to start our first family
meeting."
Ranma fidgeted, not sure where she fit into the family. Kasumi noted her
apprehension. "Ranma, dear, you're as much a part of this family as the rest
of us."
Ranma smiled, a little more relieved.
Nabiki began, "I've been going over the finances. We have enough money to
pay the bills this month, but not next month. With the addition of Happosai,
we really have no money left for anything.
"We need to get jobs. We can't work the dojo without students, and they left
with Daddy. You tried, Ranma. I think you teach better than Daddy, but I
don't think they're ready to learn from a sixteen year old girl.
"I can try to get a job at a store somewhere. I don't know what else to do.
I suppose we could charge Ryoga for his sessions with you, Ranma. Not that
either of you would accept it. Any other ideas?"
"I could baby-sit," offered Akane.
"And poison the children at mealtime?" commented Ranma absently, knowing her
cooking had improved greatly.
"BAKA! I can cook! Maybe not as well as you or Kasumi, but I can cook."
"Enough!" commanded Kasumi, the stress on her face. "We have more serious
things to discuss. We need ideas. I've never worked outside of the home, so
I wouldn't know where to begin."
"I could work at another restaurant. I can cook, wait tables..."offered
Ranma seriously.
"Be the bouncer," added Akane harshly.
"Hai. I could also pose for some pictures."
Nabiki cringed slightly at Ranma's offer. "That market dried up the moment
Kunou-baby came to his senses. Besides, I don't do that to my sisters."
"You sold our pictures to Kunou!" pointed out Akane with some agitation.
"Hai, to Kunou only. And until this became permanent, I sold pictures of
Ranma to others. I'm sorry, Ranma. At times, I still don't think of you as
family."
"It's okay. I was offering because I knew a little of what was happening."
"You keep surprising me, Ranma. I have no doubt you'll be cured now."
"Thanks, Nabiki. That makes this a little easier to deal with."
"Let's get back to the issue of jobs, shall we?" Kasumi suggested. "Akane,
you offered to baby-sit. Ranma, you offered to work in another restaurant.
And you, Nabiki, offered to work in some sort of store. That leaves me to
find a place. I don't have any skills."
"That's not true. You are an excellent nurse, housekeeper, cook..." Ranma
faltered, "mother."
Kasumi smiled, "Thank you, Ranma. But not all of them allow me to work
outside of the home."
"Why don't we work together, Kasumi?" suggested Akane.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I could watch over the children when you cook. Unfortunately, I'd
have to help after school. I could also go to other people's homes during
the evening."
"You mean turn the dojo into a daycare center?" asked Ranma.
Nabiki stared at the ceiling, organizing her thoughts. "It'll work. On my
trips to other parts of Tokyo, I've seen dojos doing things other than
teaching martial arts. I've seen some of them doing daycare, teaching
aerobics, things like that.
"If we combine our talents, we can do a better job. I'm sure many of the
mothers would love to spend time by themselves or to run errands without
their children around. That'll bring us some business. Even of an evening,
they could still bring their children here. We have enough room.
"As for the idea of food and nursing, I'm sure Tofu knows of a few people who
need, or would like, to have someone bring a home cooked meal. Or clean the
house once or twice a week. Or to talk to for a while.
"It'd be difficult, but I could offer a small accounting service. Say
balancing checkbooks, working on budgets, or even investing. Our investments
haven't done so badly, it's just that Ranma's sudden change has put an extra
burden on us. New clothes, and your frequent trips to Tofu."
Ranma lowered her head apologetically. Nabiki smiled warmly before continu-
ing, "And you may be able to get students of your own, Ranma. It won't be
many, but if we advertise at school, you could get a few to show up. They've
seen you in action and respect your skills. With our endorsement, and
Kunou's, we should get a few to come.
"I'd rather try this than try to work for someone else."
"I think this is a wonderful idea. I'll have to get used to having little
children around, but the joy of their laughter is what we need, more than
anything," replied Kasumi.
"Great!" chimed Akane.
"Well, if it helps me keep my home, I'm for it," replied Ranma thoughtfully.
"If all four of us work at it, I expect to double what we made as just a dojo
in two months. And, if we do this right, we might be able to hire some of
the regular baby-sitters," pondered Nabiki.
"I guess we'd better get some posters made, then," commented Kasumi,
satisfied at the results.
"Then what are we going to call the new dojo? 'The Anything Goes Baby-
sitting Service?'" joked Ranma.
"No, silly. I think it would be best to call it something that people want
to hear. Something like: 'The Tendou Family Center,' or 'The Tendou
Sisters, Inc.' Something that is friendly. Something more than just martial
arts," returned Nabiki with a smile.
"But I'm a Saotome," responded Ranma softly.
Kasumi smiled warmly, "You're as much a Tendou as the rest of us, Little
Sister."
Ranma looked at Akane in embarrassment. Akane rolled her eyes. "Ranma no
baka! There is more than one way to be a sister. That is, if you're serious
about what we talked about at the campsite."
Ranma turned red. Akane hugged her "sister." Nabiki broke out laughing,
joined quickly by Ranma and Akane. Kasumi simply smiled, enjoying Ranma's
laughter. That was the one thing that she missed most about her
'brother/sister.'
They eventually calmed down enough that Ranma began looking serious enough to
continue the "meeting." "I've been thinking since Saturday's party: aside
from you three, I have no real family at the moment."
"That's not true! You have your father and our father," chided Kasumi.
"Well...until our father's come to grips with what's happened, I suspect
they'll treat me like a disease. I'm not exactly my father's son, nor am I
the man Akane's supposed to marry. Anyway, I've been thinking: I don't know
my mother. She needs to know her child is alive and about the engagement."
Kasumi frowned. "Have you considered the consequences?"
"Like how she'll react at finding a daughter instead of a son?"
Kasumi nodded.
"I see her doing the same thing Father's done: abandoning me. That's why I
haven't tried to contact her. I wanted to let you know before I tried."
Kasumi smiled sadly, "That's why you referred to me as a 'mother.' I'm the
closet you've had since you were six."
Ranma nodded, no longer looking at her "sister."
"It's only fair, Kasumi," noted Nabiki. "I'd want to know what happened to
my child after all this time. Wouldn't you?"
"Hai, I would. I'm glad you told us before you did anything. It gives us a
chance to prepare ourselves for telling her. Can you wait a while longer?
At least until we don't have to give up our home?"
"Thank you, Kasumi. I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer."
"We'll help you anyway we can," Nabiki added.
"Why do you think we're doing this? You need a family and a home. We're
doing the best we can," concluded Akane.
"Thank you again."
"Will you stop being so polite! We're your family," exclaimed Nabiki.
"Welcome to the family, Ranma-chan," Kasumi said smiling.
"So, what do we call you now? Saotome Ranma or Tendou Ranma?" Akane asked,
doing her best to keep a straight face.
Ranma looked thoughtful, "I guess it depends on who wears the wedding dress."
All four girls started laughing hysterically. For the first time in a long
time, the tension was no longer there. They enjoyed themselves completely
and freely.
Chapter 3
A Master of Vengeance
Kunou walked with Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki to school. He noticed how relaxed
they appeared, especially Ranma. He listened to her humming a tune. He
couldn't quite make it out, but it sounded familiar.
He had listened to his favorite women trading their names at breakfast. It
had become amusing when they started combining their family names into
improbable combinations. It was even more amusing when they added their
given names to the puzzle.
Even the older Tendou daughters were amused. He had rarely seen any emotion
in Nabiki. He had often heard, and seen, that Kasumi had remarkable
composure. Though Nabiki often referred to her older sister as being
"blissfully unaware of what was happening."
He had come to realize that that was how he was before Ranma actually
inflicted pain. The previous fights were painful, usually just a sharp or
dull pain that lasted a few minutes. The last attack left him in
excruciating pain for hours.
It was through this pain that his denials left. His denials of Akane's
rejections. His denials that the male and female Ranma were the same person.
The denials of his attraction to Nabiki.
Though he never truly treated her as a friend, she was always there when he
needed her. He paid any price she asked, often without question. At times,
he even confided in her. Now, she needed him. That much he could tell.
He could tell from her mannerisms around him. He could tell because of the
stress she was under from Ranma's present condition, and the fact her father
had left in the middle of the night. It was the same need, though different
in many ways, that Ranma had.
Nabiki was too much of a business woman to come out and ask for or accept his
help. He knew she would come, when she was ready. He also knew that Ranma
and Akane would come to him freely, if they needed him for anything.
He would do anything to help his friends. His first, genuine friends he had
had in years. Now, all he had to do was keep his twisted sister from finding
out about Ranma's condition. His sister, Kodachi, the Black Rose, would be
coming home this upcoming weekend. She would expect him to have more
pictures of the women he "loved."
He had the answer to his dilemma. "Nabiki, I wish to purchase some pictures
from you," he said calmly, ignoring their stares. "I don't care what they
are. My sister is coming home this weekend. There is still a delicate
illusion to be maintained. Together, we can plan its effectiveness.
"Perhaps it would benefit all of us. If these pictures are of Akane and
Ranma, they will be respectful, not as I have previously asked for or
received. Would that be acceptable?"
Ranma nodded. Reluctantly, Akane and Nabiki nodded as well. Kunou smiled to
himself. He would save his other surprise for another time. Experience had
told him that too many surprises at once were dangerous. The last thing he
wanted to do now was hurt his friends.
They entered the gates of the school. Almost immediately, all eyes fell on
them. The men exchanged knowing glances. The women began giggling. Kunou
was about to say something when he felt a hand gently touching his arm.
Nabiki smiled and shook her head slightly. This was enough to restrain his
actions. He and Nabiki walked off towards their class, leaving Ranma and
Akane alone.
They were immediately surrounded by students. The boys pulled Ranma to the
side while the girls moved to Akane. Each asked their own questions.
"Did Kunou sleep at your place?"
"Hai."
"How was he?/No wonder you dress like a girl."
"It wasn't like that./I ain't that kinda guy!"
"Was he with Nabiki then? Or Ranma?/You don't look or act like a guy
anymore."
"He slept in the guest room./I hafta dress like this. I'm stuck like this.
Remember?"
"Come on, Akane. Nothing happened between you three and Kunou?/Come on,
Ranma. Don't you think this has gone on long enough?"
"I bet he's gay."
"Nothing happened! Our fathers' master came to stay with us We asked Kunou
and Ranma's friend, Ryoga, to spend the night. We're afraid of the Master./I
am not gay! Kumiko proved yesterday that I can't become a man without being
in constant pain."
"You and Ranma afraid?/Sure, Ranma."
"Sakura, you saw what that man did yesterday. You heard Ranma scream./You've
seen me get up after being hit hard, or recover from Kunou's attacks, or a
number of other things. When have I ever had more than a moment's pain?"
"She's right, that old man is creepy. Why Kunou and Ryoga?/You don't.
Let's say we believe you, this time. Why was Kunou at your home?"
"Because our fathers are out of town, so they couldn't advise us. My
sisters, Ranma, and I trust Kunou and Ryoga with our lives./To help keep our
fathers' master from causing problems for us."
"But wasn't he trying to marry you and Ranma?/We understand."
At that moment, there were several screams from the far side of the school
yard. The crowd surrounding Ranma turned, but did not leave. Ranma was too
short in her current state to see what was happening. She jumped to the
overhanging branch of a tree.
She cursed when she saw Happosai running with a large bag, followed by
several female students swinging objects at him. Ranma jumped down, running
toward the old man.
"Ah! Ranma, my dear, have you come to share your bounty with me?"
"No way, Old Man!"
Ranma leapt to intercept Happosai. The Master simply touched Ranma with his
pipe, sending her flying into the air, toward the pool. She couldn't control
her descent. She landed in the deep end of the pool. Returning to the pool
edge, she quickly exited, muttering, "Too hot! Too hot! Too hot!"
She ran off the deck, back into the courtyard, towards the Master. Her wet
clothes weighed her down. Happosai bounced onto a water fountain, watching
with amusement the red headed girl who commanded the respect of two martial
artists.
"You don't have the skill or endurance to keep me from my crusade."
"I don't care about no crusade. You ruined a VERY expensive school uniform I
cannot afford to replace. You assault students at my school. And you made
me wet. You have gone too far, Old Man," fumed Ranma as she assumed her
traditional stance.
"I assault no one. I merely recovered these lost treasures," Happosai said,
removing an object from his bag, flinging it toward Ranma.
She caught the object, altering her stance. The object felt soft and
familiar, in an alien sort of way. She chanced a glance at it. It was a
white, lacy panty. Her face reddened, both from embarrassment and rage.
A crowd had gathered around the two warriors. Ranma put the panty quickly in
her pocket, much to the dismay of the female students. Ranma again adjusted
her stance, this time to a visible offensive one.
"You've insulted my honor, Old Man. By possessing these items, you have
proven my claims. I challenge you to honorable combat!"
Kunou was about to join Ranma when Nabiki stopped him. "This is something
she has to do alone. Look at the girls."
Kunou observed the female students. He felt a shiver when he saw hatred in
their eyes. Their hatred was directed at the two combatants. He couldn't
tell who was receiving more, the Master or Ranma. He relaxed enough to let
Ranma fight her own battle.
The old man regarded his opponent carefully. He noted the unique qualities
of her movements. He noted the excellent control she had over her body,
especially her face. She was relaxed, yet ready to spring. She had no
apparent defense, yet he knew nothing short of a mob would get by her.
These were all techniques he had taught Soun and Genma so many years before.
It took them years to get to a reasonable level of competence. To Happosai,
this girl had the Art down solid. At least in terms of the basics. There
were some things he could still do to get past her defenses.
"Are you sure you're ready to challenge me, dearie? I must warn you, I am
the oldest living master of the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts. You
are just a third rate student," Happosai said, narrowing his eyes.
Ranma forced herself to remain calm. She knew she couldn't win a direct
confrontation, but she had to fight anyway. She had already issued the
challenge. She had actually claimed insult to her honor.
"I may be third rate, but I ain't about to give up or back down," spat Ranma.
The Master sighed, "So be it."
He lunged at his opponent. As he traveled, he appeared to grow. Fear rose
within Ranma as she prepared to defend herself. In the blink of an eye, the
old man was gone.
Ranma never felt an attack. In fact, she felt nothing. Still, she was
weakened. All of her energies were focused on defending herself from the
Master. The incident overwhelmed her. She collapsed into Kunou's arms.
He looked at her with concern. She smiled at him. Nabiki and Akane were
there as well. They were concerned with Ranma's well being. One of the
observing girls came over to Ranma, glaring at her.
"You have something of mine," the girl spat.
Ranma cringed. She felt Kunou tense. She watched Nabiki and Akane stare
down the girl.
"Now listen here, Natsumi-chan, Ranma just challenged the man who taught our
fathers how to fight. Didn't you pay attention to what happened? Did you
notice what Ranma did?" Nabiki asked, forcing the girl back into a tree.
Akane picked up where Nabiki left off, "No. Of course not. All you can see
is someone you feel is shameless. You don't care that she tried to stop that
old man, or how quickly she hid your belongings, or how fast she tried to
defend you."
"After all of this time, you can't accept Ranma as being sincere, can you?"
concluded Nabiki.
Natsumi stood next to the tree, shaking in the gaze of the Tendou women.
Both had reputations. Nabiki had a cunning that made people nervous. She
knew things others would have preferred kept hidden. And her ruthlessness as
a businesswoman was legendary.
Akane's reputation, on the other hand, was that of being stubborn and
obsessive. Once she got an idea in her head, it was almost impossible to
change her mind. She was also strong and skilled in the martial arts. That
was obvious with her morning fights. Then there was her legendary anger.
To have Akane mad at you was to live dangerously. To have Nabiki mad at you
left you sleepless for months. This was an entirely new experience. No one
had ever succeeded in getting them mad at the same person at the same time.
Natsumi was about to do something she thought she would never have to do,
plead for forgiveness from a Tendou. It was then that Ranma came forward,
her eyes lowered. Ranma presented her the undergarment and silently left.
She noticed the pained expressions on the Tendou sisters' faces as they
watched Ranma. She slid to the ground, sobbing, ignoring the looks from her
classmates. She failed to notice Akane and Nabiki leave.
"Where could the Master have gone?" asked Kunou to the three girls.
When they heard screams from the school, Ranma collected herself. "Three
guesses."
She ran off to the locker rooms, followed by Akane, Nabiki, and Kunou. Sure
enough, the screams were coming from inside. Ranma steeled herself before
going in.
The old man was bouncing around the room, gleefully flipping up skirts,
pulling away towels, and snatching loose clothing. The students were too
panicked to notice Ranma. At the moment, her reputation as the best martial
artist in school was more important than the fact she used to be a man.
Ranma watched the old man, studying him. Suddenly, she knew how to stop him.
She quickly undid the top of her jumper and loosened the buttons on her
blouse. She ran over to a corner. She stopped, waiting for the Master to
make another round.
"Hey! Old Man! Catch this!" yelled Ranma, opening her blouse slightly.
Her plan was working. The old man leapt for her breasts. She waited until
he was within the range of her arms. She let loose her full strength, full
speed amaguriken, knocking the man into a wall. Before he had time to
recover, she renewed her attack, pinning him against the wall.
The concrete wall started to crack, then chip, from the force of her blows.
There were some liquidy cracks being heard over Ranma's near guttural cry.
Blood started to spray as the flesh became raw and red. The wall crumbled
even more under the stress.
It was when the blood splashed her face that she stopped. For the first
time, she saw the red, misshapen mass embedded in the wall. Ranma turned
pale.
She ran to a shower stall. She turned on the cold water, desperately trying
to wash the blood from her. No matter what she did, she could not feel
herself getting clean. She sobbed hysterically, collapsing to the floor.
She never saw the young women watching her.
***
Akane held the exhausted Ranma. They were sitting on the bench outside of
the locker room. The ambulance pulled away. The police were questioning the
students who were in the locker room with Ranma. They often pointed to her.
One of the detectives came over to the couple. "Excuse me, Saotome-san?"
Akane nudged Ranma. She focused her vacant eyes on the detective, "Hai?"
"Are you ready to give a statement?"
"I went too far."
"Pardon?"
"I hit him too hard, too fast."
"I see. Your schoolmates say you stopped him from assaulting them, or worse.
Now, in your own words, what happened here today?"
Ranma's mind started to work slowly. She began thinking through her fights.
"I heard screaming. I saw him with a bag. Several girls were chasing him.
He was laughing. I tried to stop him, but he threw me into the pool.
"I chased after him. I found out what was in the bag. I tried to fight him
again, but I knew I couldn't win. He disappeared. We figured out where he
went. When I went in, he was bouncing from girl to girl, throwing up their
skirts, taking loose clothing from them, touching them.
"I couldn't take it. I lured him to the corner where I...I..." Ranma sobbed.
"Where you thought you killed him?"
Ranma nodded, tears coming again.
"What was in the bag that set you off?"
Ranma tried to collect herself, but failed. Akane looked at the detective.
He nodded.
"Girls underwear and gym clothes," she answered.
"Thank you. You'd both better go home and rest. If we need anything else,
We'll call."
"Thank you," replied Akane.
The principal came over after the detective left. He looked at the two girls
in sympathy. "Ranma, you should stay home for a couple of weeks. Let people
get used to what happened. I'm not punishing you. You did an excellent job,
and you need the rest.
"I'm going to close the school for the day. We'll send your assignments home
with Akane. We'll have a talk in two weeks. Thank you, Ranma."
Chapter 4
Invitations
Cologne sat on her perch. She had watched Ranma's fight. She was impressed
at how Son-in-law stood his ground, even against a superior opponent.
When Son-in-law was led out of the locker room, Cologne knew something was
wrong. When the police and medical crews arrived, removing the old man, she
became frightened.
Son-in-law was becoming dangerous. Before, it was a game. It was simply her
manipulations to get him to marry Shampoo. Now the game took a dangerous
turn. Son-in-law almost killed someone. If she wasn't careful, he could
kill her.
That, in itself, had interesting possibilities. By killing her, Son-in-law
would be trapped as a woman for the rest of his life. She didn't want to
die, but her revenge would be complete. Son-in-law would be humiliated. He
would not be able to enjoy his current fiancee.
Cologne frowned. These were unpleasant thoughts, but she could now plan
better. It would be better to destroy Son-in-law's confidence, thus his
apparent appeal to others. A good plan. She had two more weeks to plan.
***
Ranma sat in the dojo. The only light came from the windows. She sat in her
ruined uniform. Several hours had passed since she fought the Master. Her
mind and body had been numbed.
The door slid open.
Ranma didn't move.
Three people entered.
Ranma didn't move.
The three women sat in front of her.
Again, Ranma didn't move.
"Ranma?" asked Akane.
Ranma looked at her without expression and comprehension.
"We're going to talk to you. We want you to listen. Okay?" explained Akane.
Ranma's mind began working again. She nodded.
"Do you remember our talk on the mountain? About the source of my anger?"
Ranma nodded.
"Do you remember how it helped me?"
Ranma nodded.
"I think your anger is getting the better of you. It scares me. I under-
stand, what your going through. I can't blame you. But I want to help you
control your anger, as you've helped me for the last month and a half.
"What happened today is exactly what I feared would happen to me if I lost
control of my anger. You've been angry about five months now. A lot less
time than I have been, but with what's happened to you, it's just as deep, if
not deeper.
"I'm angry at your father for a number of reasons. I'm also angry at Cologne
and Shampoo for what they've done to you, and us. I'm also angry at our
classmates for how they treat you.
"These are also what you're angry at. It was that anger that nearly killed
Happosai, not you. The Ranma I know, and love, is a kind person who wants to
help people and enjoys life.
"The Ranma I've seen these last few weeks is alone and scared. Alone because
the familiar has been torn away. Scared because the new is rushing in, not
giving you a chance to prepare for it.
"I'm here to help you hold onto as much of the old as I can. I'm also here
to help you prepare for the new as much as I can. Will you let me help you?"
Ranma just looked at Akane vacantly. Akane almost cried at the sight.
Nabiki spoke up, "I'm also here to help you hold onto the old and prepare for
the new. I am, after all, your new sister."
Kasumi added, "I, too, am here to help you hold onto the old and prepare for
the new. I am your sister."
Ranma looked at them blankly. Her vacant eyes fell back to Akane. The words
came out automatically, "Are you my sister, too?"
Akane cried softly, "I want to be your wife and lover, but if you want me to
be your sister, I will."
Ranma looked at Akane, then herself. She began crying, pain etched across
her face. "Who am I?"
Akane spoke softly, "You are Saotome Ranma. That is what is important. It
no longer matters if you are a boy or a girl."
Kasumi added, trying to fight back her own tears, "We need to deal with WHO
you are. WHAT you are will come later. You are a member of this family. We
take care of each other. Please, let us help you."
Nabiki concluded, "Family doesn't desert each other. We'll be here for you,
no matter what happens."
Ranma nodded, continuing to cry. Akane moved over, taking the red head in
her arms. She whispered, "Everything will be all right. You'll see."
Ranma cried herself to sleep in Akane's arms. Kasumi brought in a bed roll.
She spread it on the floor. She and Akane put Ranma in it. Akane stayed
with her fiancee while Kasumi moved toward the door.
She turned to her youngest sister. "I guess we could all sleep in here
tonight. Just like we used to do."
Akane smiled, "I think she'd like that."
"We'll be back shortly."
***
Ranma bowed to his father, then prepared for their daily match. Genma
returned the bow. He prepared himself with a pail of cold water in his
hands.
"Let us begin, Son. I will not go easy on you."
"When do you ever?"
They commenced their attacks. Ranma easily dodged the spilling water and his
father's kicks. For some reason, his kicks and punches would not connect.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Akane mouthing something. A kick
landed, hard.
Ranma flew into the far wall. He recovered just as his father descended on
him with the pail. Another of his kicks missed. He turned to face his
father, letting loose with the kachuu tenshin amaguriken. This time harder
and faster than before.
"Nihao Ranma!" exclaimed Shampoo embracing him.
She seemed to have come from where his father had stood. He tried to push
her away, but didn't have the strength.
Soun came over to him, yelling, "Is this how you repay me for housing you?
What about your fiancee, Akane?"
"If you want her, that's okay. I can still be your sister."
"B-b-but I don't want you as a sister. I want you as my wife. I love you!"
Cold water washed over him. When she opened her eyes, Genma and Soun were
staring at her in disgust. Genma's glare was particularly painful. "You are
not my son."
"I am your son. This is until I get splashed by hot water."
Genma turned, "My son would not kill my master!"
He showed Ranma Happosai's pulped body. Ranma looked down at her hands and
school uniform. They were covered in blood. Ranma stared at her hands. It
was all she could do...
Ranma sat up screaming. She held out her hands, trying to see if the blood
was still there. She felt the sticky wetness on her hands, arms, and face.
Her mind cried, "It's the blood of your Master."
She started to gag. She felt an arm tenderly caress her shoulder. She
barely saw the bucket placed in front of her. She retched, filling the
bucket quickly.
She heaved once more. Nothing.
"The blood. It's everywhere. I'm covered in it," she coughed out.
A cold washcloth was gently dabbing her lips and face. It was then she
became aware of her surroundings.
She focused her eyes on a concerned Nabiki. She smiled weakly. Nabiki
returned the smile, removing the bucket.
She then looked at Kasumi. The eldest Tendou had the same concerned look on
her face. Ranma smiled, again. "I'm fine now," she said hoarsely.
Kasumi smiled, "That's wonderful to hear."
"Come on, then, let's get you cleaned up," Akane said, trying to sound
calm.
Ranma nodded. She stood up, realizing she was no longer in her uniform.
Instead, she was in her regular pajamas.
"I changed you after you fell asleep. We didn't think it appropriate for you
to sleep in the uniform," informed Akane as she led Ranma to the dojo's
showers.
"Thank you. What time is it?"
"About three in the morning."
"Why are we still in the dojo?"
"We didn't think you should be moved. We also used to do this when we were
younger. Kasumi, Nabiki, and I would have our own little slumber party in
here when the world got too big for us to handle. I thought it would be an
appropriate way to officially welcome you into the family."
"Thanks. I'm kinda fuzzy on details, but did you three call yourselves my
sisters?"
Akane looked down sadly. "Nabiki and Kasumi did. No matter how things turn
out, they'll be your sisters. I didn't make that claim because I'm holding
onto the hope you'll be cured."
Akane looked at Ranma, "I love you, Ranma. I want to be your wife. If you
can't be cured and would prefer...I'll settle for being your sister."
Ranma threw her arms around Akane. "I love you, too. And I want to be your
husband. I'll never stop looking for a cure, even if it takes the rest of my
life."
Tears ran down Akane's cheeks. "Thank you. Ranma. You've made me very
happy."
The two held each other for several minutes. They finished their shower and
returned to Kasumi and Nabiki, holding hands.
Nabiki looked up lazily. "Welcome to the family, Ranma."
Kasumi smiled warmly, "Yes. Welcome to the family."
"Thank you so very much, sisters," Ranma replied, hugging the two women.
All four of them settled down for the rest of the night. Ranma's sleep was
filled with her and Akane living together for the rest of their lives. It
didn't seem to matter that Ranma was female. They were happy. That was what
counted.
End of Part 2
Acknowledgments-
Rumiko Takahashi created and owns the principle characters and events behind
this story.
Hitomi Ichinohei wrote and co-wrote A Son's Duty, An Alternate History of
Ranma 1/2, and The Clothes Make the...
Nicholas Leifker co-wrote The Clothes Make the...
Richard Lawson wrote Thy Inward Love, Magic, and Thy Outward Part.
All of these stories have served as major influences for this series. To all
of you, keep up the good work. There are also other authors whose works I
have read that have mildly influenced later chapters. These minor influences
are more character studies (check out Almost a Miracle. It has helped
solidify and inspire events in Part 2 of the sequel.)
I also want to thank the prereaders of this series: my friends at the Normal
Society of Anime; Ronald Chan; and Lisa Prior. Their reactions and input has
been helpful.
(c) 1997, Bryan Neef. All rights reserved. This story may be freely
distributed and copied without alterations. If you wish to expand on the
series, or help me fine tune it, please get my permission. I can be
reached at bneef@ice.net. All copyrights to the original characters and
events are held by their owners. The stories that have inspired this are
owned and copyrighted to their respective authors.
Critiques are welcomed. I would like to know why you liked or disliked the
story.
Author's notes-
Now for some boring stuff. Anger is one of the hardest emotions to control
and understand. Akane learned that in the first story arc. She was angry at
her mother for dying (common consensus says that was about the time Ranma
left his mother, 10 years earlier.) Death and divorce are two of the leading
causes of anger in young children. Some grow out of their anger, though the
scar often remains for life. Others do not.
It is sad that we, as a society and species, cannot help our children over-
come grief in its many forms. While not a major focus of the story, I feel
the issue of anger defines much of what each character does. Ranma's anger
at his father, Akane's anger at boys (and her mother), and Ryoga's anger at
Ranma.
Before we say the anger in each character is a plot device, we should see
what their anger is about. Perhaps the emotions of the Ranma gang is why
they are phenomenally popular worldwide. After all, I've explained to
several of my classes why we get carried away by great stories: to us, they
ARE real.
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