I've merged this fic into one text file, but otherwise it isn't much different from the version posted to the FFML. David Johnston and Hiroyuki Yoshiro get credit for prereading. Disclaimer: The characters and situations of Ranma 1/2 are owned by Rumiko Takahashi and are used in this fanfic without permission. That doesn't really surprise anyone though does it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: A Truce Between Friends The day wasn't going at all well for Ranma. There were good points, for example he got to spend time with his mother, but there was a definite drawback to the whole situation. It had to do with his or rather her gender. "That dress makes you look much more feminine, Ranko, but we really should do something with your hair." "No! I mean you really don't need to bother Auntie Saotome. I like my hair just fine the way it is." Nodoka smiled gently at the young girl before her, "Nonsense, helping you is no trouble at all, and you really do need to start paying attention to your appearance if you hope to find a good boyfriend. If you aren't careful you'll end up becoming an old maid." At this Nodoka's gaze darted briefly over to Kasumi who was quietly preparing supper, a gesture Ranma did not overlook. She could hardly believe that his mother thought Kasumi was an old maid. Realizing the implications of this, Ranma began to search desperately for an avenue of escape. However, the only person who met her gaze was Nabiki, who seemed to be ready to break into uncontrolled laughter. Ranma wasn't surprised by the lack of response from Mr. Tendo and the panda who was playing shogi with him. When it came to the final person present it was a different matter though. Ranma would never admit but her heart sank slightly when Akane fidgeted in her seat and turned to look away. With a nervous grin Ranma turned back to her unsuspecting mother and stammered, "I'm, uh, really not interested in finding a boyfriend right now. I mean that is...". Ranma's voice trailed off as Nodoka gazed steadily at her. Nodoka attributed the young girl's obvious shyness to the lack of a maternal figure in her life and quickly resolved to fill that role. As Nodoka began unbraiding Ranma's hair she said, "You might think that now, but you'll change your mind soon enough, and you really can't afford to wait. Why I was almost twenty when I married and...". At this this point their conversation was cut off by a voice from the entrance of the house. "Ryoga, how nice of you to visit. Are those roses for anyone I know?" Upon hearing that exchange a grin split Ranma's face and she darted off. "Well actually Kasumi, these roses are for..." "Me! Come on Ryoga, I'm ready for our date. Bye everyone I'll see you later." Nodoka watched bemused as the petite redhead dragged the larger boy away. She wondered why Ranko hadn't simply told her that she already had a boyfriend. ==================== Outside the Tendo's home, Ryoga was trying to figure out what exactly was going on. Mot having much luck he masked his confusion with anger. Tearing loose from Ranma's grip, he snarled, "What do you think your doing Ranma." Taking a closer look at the girl beside him he paused in confusion. She looked like Ranma but was wearing a light blue sundress and her red hair fell loose past her shoulders. Blinking, he ventured uncertainly "You are Ranma aren't you?" "Of course I'm Ranma. If you couldn't tell maybe you should borrow a pair of glasses from Mousse. After all it's bad enough you being lost all the time, if your eyes go as well you'll be really sunk." As she spoke Ranma evaluated the lost boy's condition. She easily noted the mix of anger and confusion that dominated his expression. Ryoga was wearing his normal garb of a black T-shirt and pants although they were far less travel stained than usual. The shocking feature was the bouquet of fresh roses clutched in his hand. Ranma briefly wondered how he had managed to travel from a florist's to the Tendo's so rapidly. Across the street an unconscious kendoist stirred slightly and muttered something incomprehensible in what sounded suspiciously like iambic pentameter. Ryoga's expression changed to a confident smirk as he replied "Heh, I don't think I'm the one who needs glasses Ranma, or maybe you're trying to get it touch with your feminine side. I've got to admit the new hairstyle is a big improvement." "Hey, I didn't want to dress like this, it's all my Pop's fault for making that crazy promise." snapped Ranma. "What did he do Ranma engage, you to another girl? If you're cheating on Akane again I'll make you pay," Ryoga growled. "It's nothing like that, P-chan. Before we left on a training trip ten years ago he promised Mom that if I didn't become a man among men we'd both commit seppuka. Thanks to this curse I don't exactly fit anyone's idea of a manly man now do I?" "I think you're worrying about this too much Ranma. There's no way your own mother would hold you to a promise that you didn't even make yourself," he said in a pensive voice. "You think so do ya, well then can you explain the katana she's always carrying around?" came the bitter reply. "Besides even if I knew she'd forgive me I don't think I could stand to disappoint her like this." "That's really rough. I sort of know how you feel I haven't seen my own family since I got cursed. I swear I won't tell your mother about your curse no matter what." "Thanks Ryoga, but you didn't need to promise. Even though we're rivals I know you'd never resort to something that underhanded." Ranma's lips turned up in a faint smile as she continued "Look I ran out of there before I got a chance to eat supper, and I know you've probably missed a few meals lately, so how about stopping for a bite to eat?" "Sure something besides instant ramen would be nice, and I don't have anywhere else to go," Ryoga answered. "Great, I know this Italian place nearby. Say you do have money don't you?" Ranma's smile had become a bit brighter at the prospect free food, and she wanted to make sure this wasn't premature. "Of course I do, but why should I pay for your food?" "Well, Nabiki has all of my money and anyway its only fair since you'd never be able to find the place without me." With that the two arch rivals walked off still bickering quietly. ===================== An hour later Ranma and Ryoga sat in the dimly lit restaurant finishing their meal and engaging in an animated conversation. It must be admitted that in most places outside of Nerima their chosen topics would have been considered slightly unusual. "You're serious, you really had to fight a master of martial arts candle making," Ranma said from behind the hand she was using to stifle her laughter. "I thought martial arts tea ceremony was weird, but you've got that beat." "Stop laughing Ranma, its an ancient and deadly art. Well maybe not exactly deadly, but it was really annoying." Ryoga settled back to sulk offended by Ranma's mirth. "Come on Ryoga, I didn't mean to upset you. It's just nice to know that stuff like that can happen to somebody besides me." I never knew how much I had in common with Ryoga, Ranma thought, I guess neither of us have had easy lives. "Well what did you think I did all the time I was lost? My life doesn't revolve around you after all," Ryoga grumbled. "Anyway we're finished eating, so I guess we'd better go now." "Um, do we have to? My Mom's probably still at the Tendo's and I really don't want to have to deal with her now," Ranma said, sounding faintly depressed. "It's still light out so I guess we could do something else, but I don't really have any ideas of what that might be." "Well I heard that this movie called Death Ninja VI it's supposed to be pretty good I think its about martial arts or something." "It sounds like it might be interesting, I've never been in a movie theater before anyway. Lets go," said Ryoga rising to pay the bill. ==================== "This movie isn't very realistic Ranma. That isn't how you perform the iron cloth technique at all," Ryoga stated between mouthfuls of popcorn. "Listen kid, nobody can do that in real life. So shut up or I'll kick your ass," a tall, broad shouldered man threatened, as he began to stand up. -BUZZ- A yellow blur skimmed just above the mans head as he abruptly parted company with a sizable amount of hair. "I g-guess I could be wrong about that," a considerably paler man quavered. "I think I'll sit down for a while now." "The way the ninja's are jumping is completely wrong too, Ranma sniffed. "No real martial artist would be bothered by a forty foot fall anyway." "You're right about that, the whirlwind kick that Mamoru guy uses looks like it might be useful though. Hey, hand me some more popcorn." "Here help yourself. I could dodge that kick no problem though, the specialty of the Saotome school is aerial attacks you know." Ranma handed over the tub of popcorn as she boasted. The two continued their debate on the relative merits of the movie, drawing furtive glances from the other patrons. Strangely though, no one objected despite the occasionally excessive volume. In fact the rest of the theater seemed strangely quiet. "Come on Ryoga, the movies over. It's time to leave," Ranma said " and my Mom has probably gone home by now so I can head back to the Tendo's." "That movie was pretty good. I usually don't like comedies though. I guess I'd better try to find my campsite for the night." "Ah, you don't have to do that Ryoga. I bet the Tendos would be glad to let you sleep over." "You really think so?" "Sure, lets go. I'd better not see P-chan around tonight if you know what's good for you." ==================== The walk back to the Tendo's home was quiet with both young martial artists deep in their own thoughts. Ranma's thought were surprisingly pleasant, considering how the evening had started for her. It was nice to just hang out with another guy for once, an experience she was quite unfamiliar with. Hiroshi and Daisuke were normally the closest thing Ranma had to genuine friends, but they didn't really have much in common with her. The amount of attention they paid to Ranma's cursed form was another problem. At least, Ryoga hadn't spent the evening staring at her chest and drooling. Possibly the difference in behavior resulted from Ryoga's own curse. In contrast Ryoga's thoughts took a more somber turn, and expressed a concern he would never admit he felt. He was concerned by Ranma's unusual behavior, although he certainly didn't miss the insults, and wondered how much pain hiding from her mother was causing Ranma. Ryoga decided be a bit nicer to Ranma. Besides, this way he might get to spend more time with Akane. An image of him, sitting peacefully beside her filled his mind ===================== The day began quietly at the Tendo training hall, an unusual fact which did not go completely unremarked upon by its residents.. "Kasumi, Ranma and Ryoga didn't fight at all last night and now they even got along at breakfast. Do you think there's something wrong with them?" "Now Akane, there's nothing unusual about them getting along. After all, they are good friends. Why just look at all the time they spend playing together." With a cheerful smile Kasumi returned to her housework and began humming. Akane rolled her eyes in faint disgust. "Dad, Nabiki, don't you think there's something strange about the way Ranma and Ryoga are acting?" Nabiki paused to consider this, then answered "You should make up your mind. You're always telling them to stop fighting and now you sound disappointed." Inwardly Nabiki was wondering how likely it was that the uncharacteristic ceasefire would continue. She decided to set the odds that it would last out the day at five to one. "Your sister is right, Akane. This is a sign of good fortune. Why they've spent over twelve hours in the same building and they haven't even destroyed part of it. With luck like this it can't be long before you and Ranma are married." As Soun began to cry tears of joy at the thought of his lifelong dream being fulfilled, Akane stalked away muttering inaudibly to herself. "They can't fool me, whenever Ranma and Ryoga get along its because there's trouble." With a worried expression on her face Akane, wondered what sort of catastrophe would cause Ranma and Ryoga to get along so well. "Yo, Akane if you don't hurry we'll be late for school," a certain pig-tailed martial artist called drawing her out of her reverie. =================== Meanwhile Nabiki was arriving at Furinkan High, having left for school somewhat earlier. Hold, mercenary, I require information to aid me in my noble quest to liberate the fair Akane and the fiery pig-tailed girl," spouted a tall figure as he strode towards her. "Let me guess Kuno-baby you want to know what Ranma's doing," Nabiki replied in a bored tone. "No I do not speak of the diabolical Saotome, but instead of his cohort, the bestial rogue Hibiki," Kuno solemnly proclaimed. "You want to know about Ryoga, in other words. Care to tell me why?" "He has proven himself to be allied with the foul sorcerer who holds my loves in bondage. Only the night previous he prevented me from dating the beauteous Akane through devious and underhanded means." "Okay Kuno, 5,000 yen for the information." "Done!" Kuno shouted, slapping the money into her waiting hands. "Speak now, mercenary witch." "Ryoga spent a lot of time with the pigtailed girl last night. I believe they had dinner together and went to a movie afterwards." This should be fun Nabiki thought, as she struggled to control a smirk. "What! The scoundrel has dared to date my noble huntress. He shall suffer for forcing her to submit to his depraved animal lusts. This I swear!" Kuno cried in a ringing tone as he rose to his full height and drew his bokken. "The vengeance of heaven shall be swift and sure!" Holding his bokken high the would-be samurai turned and raced from the school grounds. Since Tatewaki would be cutting classes, she resolved to charge him for a copy of someone's notes. With a faint smile Nabiki walked in the opposite direction entering the school. ===================== Despite the welcome absence of Kuno, dinner that day was a minor disaster for Ranma. Kasumi had packed him a delicious lunch, Ukyo had offered him some of her superb okonomiyaki and Shampoo had shown up with ramen from the Nekohanten. Even Kodachi had gotten into the act. The problem was that the inevitable four-way brawl had prevented him from eating anything. As Ranma walked back to class a plan began to take shape. ====================== As Ranma and Akane were preparing to leave the school grounds that afternoon, they paused for a moment of conversation. "You know you've been really nervous all day. It's almost like you're expecting a demon to jump up and grab you or something." Realizing that this could actually happen, Ranma glanced nervously around. "Oh, its nothing Ranma. You know I think its really nice how well you and Ryoga are getting along now," Akane said, as she looked at her fiancee to gauge his reaction. "Hey, I'm glad you like it. I'm gonna meet him now and go eat at Ucchan's," Ranma said relieved at the route the conversation was taking. Akane paused for a moment. She felt she should be mad at him for going to see Ukyo, but knew Ryoga wouldn't let him get away with anything. "Just two friends going out for a bite to eat I suppose." "Well Ryoga's so serious all the time, I thought I'd help him lighten up a bit." As she considered just what Ranma's words might mean, an image of drunken debauchery entered her mind. "Ranma how could you do something like that to a nice guy like Ryoga?" Akane said through clenched teeth as her temper suddenly rose. "What!" Akane hurled a bucket of water over Ranma and then walked past the surprised martial artist. Ranma paused to wring out her pig-tail before continuing on her way. "I don't know why Akane had to splash me like that, I mean she knows I'm just going to Ucchan's to meet Ryoga." Ranma refused to let such a minor occurrence depress her. She was about to solve half her problems at once. Her master plan was foolproof. After all, Ryoga would be her friend if he wasn't after Akane. Even better, with the engagement out of the way she and Ukyo could be friends, just like when they were kids. Getting them together was so obvious Ranma didn't know why she hadn't thought of it before. The one snag was actually getting Ryoga to show up. Other than that it would be no challenge for a master of anything goes match-making. "Mwa-ha-ha." "Mommy, why is that girl laughing like that?" "I don't know darling, maybe she goes to St.Hebereke." Glancing over at the young mother and her child, Ranma hurried on, trying not to look too embarrassed by her lapse. Drawing near to her destination Ranma was delighted to see a figure waiting with poorly concealed impatience. "Ryoga, you made it." "Kasumi had to do some shopping, so she dropped me off here. It was really ... nice of her," Ryoga said uncertainly. "Well Kasumi's always glad to help out. Come on Ryoga, this time its my treat." Ranma knew that Ukyo wouldn't charge him for the meal, but it's the thought that counts. Ryoga moved to follow Ranma but he was soon distracted. "Hold coward, I, Tatewaki Kuno shall not allow you to repeat your crime." With those ominous words Kuno charged directly at the puzzled Ryoga ignoring an equally puzzled Ranma. Ducking under a wild slash of Kuno's bokken, Ryoga landed an open palm strike on Kuno's chest that sent his opponent staggering backwards. A spinning kick to the head soon propelled the dazed kendoist into unconsciousness and embedded him in a wall across the street. "Not too shabby, but do you have any idea why he attacked you?" Ranma raised an eyebrow as she gazed at the motionless figure. "Kuno never makes much sense, but usually he's sorta predictable." "He was probably trying to get revenge, I ran into him yesterday on my way to the Tendo Dojo. I would've expected him to know better than to attack me again though." "Ya right, he still hasn't figured out he can't beat me. Don't worry about it, beating Kuno up is kinda fun and no one takes him seriously anyway. Lets go eat maybe by the time we're finished Kuno will be awake and we can ask him." =================== The interior of the Ucchan was as cheery and well lit as always and the two hopeful customers were soon greeted by the owner and sole operator. "Ranchan, Ryoga its good to see both of you," called a smiling Ukyo. Ukyo fingered her bandoleer of throwing spatulas and hoped that Ryoga wouldn't start a fight with her Ranchan. She couldn't afford any more repairs after that mess with Shampoo. "It's good to see you too Ucchan. I'd like two extra large deluxe okonomiyaki and lets see... what do you want Ryoga." "Anything without pork is fine for me ," said the lost boy looking faintly queasy. "Okay two deluxe okonomiyaki and one seafood coming right up." The food was soon presented and Ranma tore through his serving like a starving wolverine, while Ryoga ate methodically savoring the taste. Seeing that Ranma was finished, while Ryoga continued to eat, Ukyo took the opportunity to speak with her fiancee "So it looks like you and Ryoga are getting along pretty good, isn't that a bit unusual for you two." Ranma smiled at the perfect match-making chance that had presented itself. "Not really Ucchan, Ryoga's a wonderful guy once you get to know him." "We are talking about the same Ryoga that wants to kill you, aren't we?" said Ukyo directing a skeptical look at Ranma. "Well, maybe he is a bit short tempered, but he has lots of good points as well. I mean, he's a terrific martial artist, honest, brave and loyal to his friends. He's even kind of good looking. Be honest Ucchan, what do you really think about Ryoga?" "Well, I guess he is pretty nice," replied the flustered young chef. "Great!" Pleased by a job well done, Ranma felt it was time to depart. "It's time to go Ryoga, Kasumi is making sashimi for supper tonight and I don't want to miss it." "Um, sure Ranma," Ryoga answered distractedly, as he rose and left his final bite of okonomiyaki uneaten. Behind them Ukyo stared at their retreating backs and wondered aloud, "There was something really wrong about that conversation and Ranchan never even asked for hot water to change back. I don't know why, but I've got a bad feeling about this." ================= Outside Ryoga was considering the very same conversation. "Ranma, you'd better go back to the Tendo's without me." "Huh, why is there something wrong?" "No, I'm going on a training trip. I just need to think about some things alone." As Ryoga strode away he called over his shoulder, "I'll see you around." There would be more than enough time for him to decide how he felt about Ranma on when he was alone. Sometimes there were advantages to getting lost. Chapter Two: One Last Dance Akane pushed her homework away in disgust. She just couldn't concentrate on it when she had no idea what Ranma was doing. First Ranma and Ryoga started acting like they're friends and now Ranma even seemed to miss him. Ukyo was acting really nervous and it started right after Ranma and Ryoga went to visit her three days ago. What truly angered her was that, Ranma had apparently trusted Ukyo more than her. A decision reached Akane switched off her desk lamp and started preparing for bed. Tomorrow she was going to have a little chat with Ranma's good pal Ucchan. ==================== The following day Ranma and Akane were walking to school together, with Ranma on the fence beside and slightly behind Akane. "Akane, you're not mad at me or anything, are you." Akane answered without turning or slowing, "Of course not Ranma, it's not like you're hiding anything from me, after all." "Right, I was just worried because you've been a bit moody lately." This time Akane declined to speak and instead increased her pace slightly. After that the loving couple walked in silence until they reached the gates of Furinkan high. At this point they were intercepted by a tall figure of noble bearing and proud mien who was garbed in traditional kendo gear. "Foul sorcerer, I shall vanquish you just as I did your minion, who fled my righteous wr-urgh." "Give it a rest Kuno," Ranma said as he removed his foot from the older boys face. "Come on Akane, he won't be waking up for a while. "I wonder what Kuno meant when he said he vanquished your minion." "I dunno, hope he hasn't been attacking someone who can't defend themselves though." ==================== "Ranma, wake up school is over." Not getting any response from the dozing boy, Akane shook him with increasing force finally shoving him out of his seat. "Whazzup, Akane" Ranma mumbled looking up at his fiancee. "School's over. I have to go talk to someone so you start home without me. Okay Ranma?" "Sure, don't be too long though. I mean, I know a macho chick like you can take care of herself, but Mr. Tendo disagrees." Not knowing how to react to the rather backhanded compliment, Akane simply ignored it and walked away. Scanning the school grounds as she walked, Akane frowned. She had missed Ukyo at lunch. According to Yuka, Ukyo had gone home to change her clothes. When Akane spotted the attractive girl carrying Ukyo's spatula she realized what this meant. Ukyo had gone home to exchange her customary boy's uniform for a girls uniform. Her frown deepening ever so slightly Akane headed in the direction of her rival. "Hi Ukyo. That look is a change for you isn't it." "I suppose so, sugar, but Ranchan is a guy and I should try to look feminine for my fiancee." After counting to three to control her temper Akane continued, "Actually I wanted to talk to you about Ranma. Have you noticed anything different about him lately?" "No, I haven't noticed any changes him at all. Ranchan's just the same as he's always been." "Are you sure? I know he and Ryoga visited Ucchan's recently. Did anything happen while they were there." A muscle in Ukyo's cheek twitched slightly, at the mention of Ryoga's name, but when she spoke her voice was level. "No, nothing happened, they just ate and left." "Well I suppose you'd know if anything did. It is your restaurant. Say, I haven't seen Ryoga since then. Do you know where he went?" Meanwhile Akane's thoughts were racing. The tension Ukyo was displaying confirmed her suspicions. Ukyo must know what was going on. This time the twitch was slightly more pronounced and there was a hint of strain in Ukyo's voice. "How am I supposed to know where the lost boy is? Now if you'll excuse me I need to go open my restaurant." As Ukyo walked away, Akane considered what she had learned. Ukyo hadn't been willing to share any information, but mentioning Ryoga had caused her to react. Akane realized, whatever was happening must involve him. Unsatisfied with what she had learned, Akane hurried off to catch up with Ranma. ==================== At that very moment Ranma was walking towards the Tendo Dojo when he heard a voice call out to him, "Ranma, over here." Searching for the source of the voice ,Ranma spotted a familiar figure wearing a massive backpack and holding a red bamboo umbrella standing in the entrance to a side street. "It's good to see you Ryoga. You're back earlier than usual." "Well, I've been doing some thinking over the past few days and I realized that we have no real reason to fight. I think I'd like being your friend." "That's great," Ranma said as he stepped towards the other boy a smile on his face. "So, I'm challenging you to a duel." Ranma halted at those words his face registering surprise. "That doesn't make any sense Ryoga, you just said there was no reason for us to fight." "I'm sorry, but I can't forget the past year. Meet me at the field behind Furinkan tonight and we'll settle things privately." "Um, Ryoga are you sure you'll be able to get there?" "Don't worry about me. This is one meeting I won't be late for." The two boys paused to assess one another and neither noticed a short haired girl hurry past. ==================== "Nabiki is Ranma home yet?," a frowning Akane asked. "No, he hasn't arrived. I thought he was walking with you anyway." "No, we didn't walk back together this time. I wanted to talk to Ukyo so he left a while before me. I wonder what delayed him." "I'm back, everyone." Ranma's statement was punctuated by the sound of a slamming door . "Well he's here now so you can ask him." "I think that I will," said Akane descending the stairs to confront her wayward fiancee. "I must have passed you on the way home Ranma." "Probably when I was talking to Ryoga." "He's back so soon? I don't see him here ." "Uh, no he didn't want to impose. I'm getting together with him tonight though." "It wouldn't have been an imposition. Kasumi is always glad to have company over. I suppose it doesn't matter, I'll just go with you to see Ryoga." "No that's not a good idea, we're, um, we're going to be doing guy things. You wouldn't enjoy them." "Really, what exactly are you going to be doing? Ryoga is my friend you know." "Well, you know just guy things. I'm sure Ryoga would be happy to see you some other time." "I see, I wouldn't want to intrude on your male bonding, so you can go and do your precious "guy things" with Ryoga," Akane said as she stormed off. That was close, Ranma thought, if there's one person we don't need watching tonight it is Akane. No matter what Ryoga says, he's not going to be a gracious loser if Akane saw him beaten. ===================== That evening, Ranma leapt out of his bedroom window landing softly on the ground beneath. He knew that both Akane and Nabiki might try to follow him. It would be simple enough to avoid them, if they didn't know he'd left. Without pausing, Ranma vaulted over the wall surrounding the Tendo's yard in one smooth motion and raced off into the night. His departure was unnoticed, save by a shadowy figure watching the dojo. After a moments hesitation the figure moved after Ranma easily matching his pace. ==================== Minutes later Ranma arrived behind Furinkan and looked around. The light of the setting sun didn't reveal his opponent. He silently cursed, as he realized Ryoga must have gotten lost again. "Looking for me, Ranma?". Whirling around Ranma saw a bandana clad boy setting his backpack on the ground. "How did you do that Ryoga? I thought you weren't going to show." "I said I'd be here. It was easy anyway, I just waited at the street where we met and then followed you here." Ryoga paused and then with a barely visible smile said, "So, are you ready to get things started?" Ranma's only response was to slip into a defensive stance. Taking this as assent Ryoga charged aiming a punch at Ranma's head. His opponent dodged the blow, but Ryoga pressed on forcing Ranma back with a series of kicks, alternating high and low attacks. Finally Ranma leapt over a leg sweep and landed a kick on Ryoga's face. At this Ryoga jumped backward, avoiding Ranma's follow up and distancing himself further attacks. Now it was Ranma who took the offensive unleashing a flurry of punches which Ryoga tried desperately to block. Despite his best efforts Ranma landed more than a dozen glancing hits. Frustrated Ryoga simply stepped into the next punch and brought his knee up to connect with Ranma's abdomen. Caught off guard, Ranma wasn't able to dodge as Ryoga's fist crashed into his jaw knocking him more than thirty feet backward. Ranma twisted in the air to land on his feet the coppery taste of blood filling his mouth. He was surprised, by the extent of Ryoga's improvement. "Heh, I barely felt those punches Ranma, it is time to put you out of my misery," Ryoga shouted. With a snarl he leapt directly at Ranma, his battle aura flaring to life around him. Ranma rolled out of the way as the enraged wanderer slammed into the spot where he'd been standing, forming a large crater. Seeing the ferocity that Ryoga was approaching the fight with, Ranma decided to end it quickly. "Katchu Tenshin Amaguriken!" Ryoga barely had time to begin to turn as several hundred punches slammed into his side hurling him to the ground. "Ready to give up, or do I have to hit you some more?" Ranma smiled confidently as he spoke, ignoring the throbbing ache in his jaw. As Ryoga clambered to his feet, a dark green radiance began to form between his hands. Realizing what he intended Ranma began summoning his own ki, a warm yellow glow appearing in response. For a moment the two combatants faced one another, until some unspoken signal seemed to pass between them. "Shi Shi Houkoudan!" "Mouko Takabisha!" With a flash of light and a roar of thunder, the two ki blasts met. Momentarily dazzled by the explosion Ranma didn't notice Ryoga leaping into the air. "Teikiatsu Kyaku!" Spinning rapidly in mid leap Ryoga's extended leg struck Ranma repeatedly in the chest until a vortex of air blew him backwards. Ranma staggered upright, only to see Ryoga hurtling towards him once again. He braced himself for impact and then flinched involuntarily when a small, irate piglet bounced off her chest. The unexpected change shocked Ranma. She soon realized that Furinkan's sprinkler system must be controlled by an automatic timer. "Come on Ryoga, we'd better get you some hot water so you can change back" "Bwee." "Don't worry I won't forget your pack." Ranma unsteadily hoisted the heavy pack to her shoulders. "Man, what do you have in this thing, lead weights?" "Bwee," the piglet replied nodding its head. "Figures." As the two walked off a small white and pink cat stared after them for a moment. Then with a disgusted shake of its head it turned and began traveling in the opposite direction. ==================== Ranma and Ryoga sat in a small grove of trees adjoining Furinkan's back field staring at a small fire. "If you hadn't knocked the kettle out of my hands there would have been enough water for us both to change." "It's your own fault Ranma, you should know it takes hot water, not boiling. Besides, it's no big deal, you can get hot water anywhere," Ryoga said as he finished pulling a shirt over his head. "I guess so, I'll just stop at Ucchan's on the way back and get some hot water there. So, are you happy with how things turned out? We didn't really finish the fight." "Good enough for me. Friends?" Ryoga asked extending his hand. As Ranma took it their eyes met and the same thought occurred to each of them. Nothing was stopping them from having a friendly sparring match sometime. Neither one would have wanted it any other way. "You've gotten better Ryoga, I mean you learned that technique just from seeing it in a movie once." "Well it wasn't quite that easy, but it did work pretty good didn't it?" Ryoga said chuckling softly. "Hey it's not like you could have beat me or nothing." "If you say so, Ranma," the smiling boy replied. "Glad we got that straight. I'd better head back to the Tendo's now, you want to come with me?" "Nah, I'll just camp here for the night, it is getting late anyway." "Sure, look it's Saturday tomorrow, so there's just a half day of school. Akane and I will pick you up here, after we're done." "Okay, I'll see both of you then." ==================== Ukyo was just closing up shop after another long grueling day of cooking, cleaning, and schoolwork. She was debating whether she could afford to hire some help. If she didn't find some more time to train, Shampoo or even Akane would soon surpass her martial arts skill. Putting the thought aside, she sighed. There was no way she would be able to hire help, unless they worked for room and board. A voice outside the restaurant interrupted her musings. "Ucchan." "What? Ranchan? Just give me a second!" A short time later Ranma was inside and Ukyo was greeting her fiancee with a cheerful expression. "It's great to see you Ranchan. So what can I do for you?" "Nothing much, I just need some hot water." "Coming right up. It's a bit late for you to be out wandering around, I hope nothing's wrong," Ukyo said casually, as she filled a pot of water. "Nah, me and Ryoga were just spending some time together." "Really, you and Ryoga. just what were you doing anyway?" "Oh, you know Ucchan, just guy things." Ukyo stared incredulously at the shorter girl for a moment taking in her disheveled clothing and hair. "Guy things, I'll just bet they were doing guy things," she muttered darkly. "So where is Ryoga now?" "Oh, he's camped in that stand of trees behind Furinkan." "I'll bet that's a nice, private spot isn't it?" "I suppose so, especially this late." "I'm going to go visit Ryoga now. You can lock the place up after you're done." With those words Ukyo strode out the door hefting her fighting spatula. Ranma glanced dubiously at the pot of heating water. She had felt offended by Ukyo's abrupt departure. ==================== Ukyo's thoughts were in turmoil as she walked towards Furinkan. She knew her suspicions about Ranma and Ryoga couldn't be right. However, dark thoughts continued to plague her. If Ranma had just been fighting with Ryoga he wouldn't have been so defensive. There were plenty of other things too. Like how he had acted the night he and Ryoga ate at Ucchan's. Other people had noticed as well. Maybe Kuno vowing to punish Ryoga didn't mean much, but Akane seemed worried too. One of her earliest memories of Nerima came to mind as well. When she'd first discovered Ranma's curse, he had been pretending to be Ryoga's fiancee. By the time she reached the light of Ryoga's campfire, she was determined to get some answers. "Ryoga." "What? Oh. Hi Ukyo. It's quite a coincidence meeting you here." "Not really, I came here to talk to you about something, about Ranma in fact." "What about Ranma?" "Well you're getting along pretty well with him now aren't you?" "Yes, I decided that it was time to put my past with Ranma behind me and start over with him." At those words Ukyo's fears seemed to become reality. It hardly sounded like he and Ranma had been fighting. "You know, Ranma's girl form is very attractive, isn't it?" In the dim light, Ukyo missed the puzzled expression that passed over Ryoga's face. "Yes," he guessed. "Look, stay away from Ranma, just keep trying to get Akane." "I haven't given up on Akane, but it's none of your business what I do and I'm not staying away from Ranma," Ryoga said as he stood up. "We'll see about that," Ukyo growled and then lunged for Ryoga, swinging her spatula two handed at his head. Ryoga quickly seized his umbrella ,from where it was lying atop his pack, and parried the blow. When the two unusual weapons met, Ukyo was knocked backwards head over heels. Ryoga smiled grimly and said, "I usually don't fight girls, Ukyo, but attack me again and I'll make an exception." "All right I'm going, but this isn't over yet." Ryoga watched Ukyo's departing back until she passed out of sight and then sat glumly to consider events. What was that about? Ukyo might think that he'd give up on Akane now that he and Ryoga were getting along, but the bit about Ranma's girl form didn't make any sense at all. Unless, he thought, Ukyo's a lesbian. As an image took form in his mind he hastily tore a bandana free to staunch the flow of blood. "Agh, I'm a pervert!" He had to admit Ukyo was right though. Ranma did make a cute girl. ==================== Ukyo was also lost in thought on her way back to Ucchan's. Before this she'd thought that Ryoga was a nice guy, in a sort of indecisive and violent way. Despite Ryoga's faults, Ukyo could hardly believe he'd act this way. As far as she was concerned, it was even worse than Kuno's obsession. At least Kuno was simply delusional. Ryoga didn't even have that excuse. "I'm not going to give up. I'll bring Ranma back to the straight and narrow." Ukyo's words were heard only by the dark and uncaring sky. As she reached her home, something else occurred to her. In her hurry to confront Ryoga, she'd forgotten to bring a set of keys. She was locked out of her own home. Chapter Three: Letting the Cat out of the Bag As Ranma entered class on saturday morning, his eye was caught by an unexpected sight. Ukyo was sitting in her usual seat, but wasn't wearing her standard boy's uniform. Ranma tried desperately not to stare. Akane had told him Ukyo had worn a girl's uniform yesterday, but she hadn't mentioned anything like this. The article of clothing in question was a girl's uniform, at least in origin. However, it was more than a bit tight in some place, and it seemed to be rather short as well. Ranma had to admit it was hard to tell with Ukyo sitting down. "Hi Ranchan, how are things going today?" As she spoke ,Ukyo directed a sultry smile at Ranma brightening the portion of the room where he sat appreciably. "Just fine Ucchan." Ranma resolutely fought to keep his gaze on Ukyo's face instead of ... other places. For once Ranma actually felt relieved at the entrance of Miss Hinako. He couldn't help wondering, how Ukyo's visit with Ryoga had produced such a change. She certainly seemed to be happy, whatever the cause. ==================== Finished with school for the day, Ranma and Akane entered the clearing where Ryoga had set up his camp. They were surprised to find the lost boy sitting on the ground with what appeared to be several school books spread around him. "What are you doing, Ryoga?" Ranma blurted out. "English homework, Ranma. You should try it some time." "No need to be so touchy. I just thought you weren't going to school anymore." "It's not like I ever attended regularly. The principal was happy to let me take my classes by correspondence, he said something about there being less property damage." "I think it's nice that you're continuing your education, Ryoga," said Akane. "It must be hard taking classes that way though. How are you doing?" "I'm passing all of my classes ... except geography," Ryoga confessed. "Come on, buddy, school's out for the day, let's head back to the dojo and get some sparring in," Ranma interjected. "I'm not sure Ryoga should be fighting today. He looks a bit pale." "Don't worry about me Akane. I just had a little trouble sleeping last night." "Well if you say so. I'll just make you some chicken soup when we get home." "Hey look, if Ryoga isn't feeling good the last thing he needs is your cooking." Akane was beginning an angry retort when Ryoga interrupted. "Don't listen to him, Akane. I'll gladly eat anything you prepare." As the three went (somewhat) peacefully on their way, Akane felt a bit silly. She'd been so worried and it was all because Ryoga had been a bit sick. She should've known that his pride wouldn't let him admit something like that. ========================= "Here's your chicken soup, Ryoga," Akane said. She then handed him a bowl filled with an unidentifiable substance. "This soup looks a bit unusual. Did you add anything special when you made it?" "No, except we didn't have any chickens. I used eggs instead. That's almost the same isn't it?" "I'm sure it'll taste fine." As Ranma looked on in horrified fascination, Ryoga ate a spoonful of the supposed soup. "Are you all right, Ranma. You're starting to look a bit pale as well. Maybe I should make you some soup too." "No no, I'm feeling fine. You don't have to bother, Akane." At this point Kasumi entered the room holding a small object. "This came for you," she said, handing the object to Akane. "A throwing spatula. It must be from Ukyo. There's a message scratched on it. She wants to meet me at the vacant lot near Ucchan's." "Are you going to go?" Ranma asked. "Of course, Ukyo is usually a friend and I should find out what she wants." Ryoga continued eating quietly as Akane left. "She's gone now, you can quit eating that junk." "This is pretty good, Ranma. I think it's some kind of soufflé though." Ranma watched speechlessly as Ryoga took another bite. Ranma swallowed and said, "When you're done, lets head into the dojo and spar a bit." ===================== An hour later, two bruised and sweaty martial artists sat leaning against the wall of the dojo. "So what did you and Ukyo do that stopped you from sleeping last night?" Ranma asked in a rather penetrating tone. "Uh, we just talked a bit. It was an interesting conversation," Ryoga evasively. "It must have been." Ranma felt relieved at the answer. Thinking Ryoga had done ... that with Ukyo was silly. "I wonder what she's saying to Akane now? She's been gone quite a while." "Even if that message was some sort of challenge, Ukyo wouldn't seriously hurt Akane." =================== Almost an hour earlier, Akane had entered the vacant lot. "Ukyo, are you here?" Only a faint hiss gave Akane enough warning to avoid a razor edged hoop as it sliced through the spot she'd been standing. "Oh-ho-ho-ho, the okonomiyaki tramp didn't send you that message." Akane looked at the leotard clad figure that had appeared at the back of the lot. "Kodachi, but why?" "Now that the red haired hussy my brother's so enamored with, has taken up with that Hibiki boy you're all that keeps Ranma from me. So, I'm going to take care of you once and for all." "We'll see who gets taken care of." Akane clenched her fists, and prepared to meet her opponent. =================== "It's probably nothing important. We'll find out when she gets back anyway. Let's go get cleaned up." After he spoke Ryoga stood and began walking. "The dojo's exit is this way. No the other way. Look, just follow me." With that Ranma opened the door and stepped outside. As he blinked at the bright sunlight Ranma was shocked by a bucket of cold water being thrown in his face. "What did you do that for, old man!" Ranma shouted. #Quiet boy, your mother's here.# The giant panda then flipped the sign over to read, #She's in the kitchen with Kasumi.# "Great, I'd better go see her. Ryoga, you wait here for me, and don't wander off." ================== "Hello, Auntie Saotome." "Oh, hello, Ranko. I was just showing Kasumi this little fellow. Isn't he cute? I found him on the street outside. Here, you hold him for a while." Oblivious to Ranma's distress, Nodoka held out the small tabby kitten for her to take. Determined not to show fear in front her mother, Ranma reached out with shaking hands to accept the kitten. Seeing that the red haired girl had frozen into immobility with the kitten clutched in her hand, Nodoka chided her gently. "That kitten isn't made of glass. You don't need to be so careful." The drowsy kitten chose this moment to stir. "Meow." "Meow." "Kasumi, did Ranko just meow?" "Why, yes she did. It's part of her martial arts training." Ranma dropped the kitten to the floor, and then turned and bounded from the room. Following Ranma outside, Kasumi and Nodoka found her curled up in the lap of an embarrassed looking Ryoga. "She thinks she's a cat, Ryoga, try petting her," Kasumi advised. "Nice kitty." Ryoga began tentatively stroking Ranma's hair. In response Ranma began rubbing against his hand and started purring. "Would someone tell me why she thinks she's a cat?" Nodoka's normally unshakable calm was beginning to falter slightly Appearing almost out of nowhere, Soun explained, "It's simple, in order to access the unbeatable power of the neko-ken technique, Ranko must believe she is a cat." "That sounds awful. How could someone be trained to believe that they're a cat anyway?" "Even simpler, to learn the neko-ken, the trainee is wrapped in fish sausages and thrown into a pit filled with starving cats." "I'm appalled, Soun. How could you put your own niece through such an insane form of training?" Behind Nodoka a panda held up a sign reading, #Yes, how could you be so irresponsible?# "But I didn't... I mean it was..." Soun threw up his hands helplessly. "It wasn't my fault, they shouldn't have printed the warning on a different page of the guide. It's not that bad anyway, someone she trusts can calm her down and return her to normal." "Soun, your dedication to the art is admirable, but you obviously have no idea how to raise a young woman." "Pardon me Auntie Saotome, could you step aside? You're blocking my shot." "How thoughtful ,Nabiki. I'm sure Ranko and Ryoga will want pictures of this moment." Now that Nodoka was beginning to grasp the situation, her natural priorities began to reassert themselves. "They won't be the only ones." "Now where was I? Oh yes, I'm afraid our only choice is for me to move in here and help you out." At the thought of Nodoka staying at the dojo, Soun turned pale and the panda behind her began to desperately wave signs. "An excellent idea, Nodoka but I'm afraid we really don't have room. "Nonsense, I can move in with Kasumi and Ranko can sleep in Akane's room." A broad grin split Soun's face as he considered the implications of this arrangement. "Now that I think about it, I'm sure that it is a truly excellent idea." "Good, this means that I can wait here for my husband and son to return. Also that nice boy, Ryoga, can stay in Ranma's room for now. He really is too young to be living on his own." An agreement reached, the yard quickly emptied of occupants. The only exceptions were Ryoga and Ranma. Ryoga looked down at the pig-tailed girl asleep in his lap and wondered what her reaction would be when she woke up. ==================== Meanwhile, across town, an exhausted and battered, Akane desperately dodged another explosive ball hurled at her by Kodachi. As Kodachi tried to press her advantage, Akane finally managed to grab hold of Kodachi's ribbon and jerk it out of her hand. "I have many weapons. Depriving me of one means nothing." As she spoke, Kodachi produced a set of clubs and leapt to the attack. Akane dodged and then lashed out with the ribbon she held, wrapping it around Kodachi's waist. With a mighty heave, Akane pulled the ribbon taut and hurled Kodachi into a nearby wall. "I knew I could've won that stupid gymnastics contest." Akane dropped the ribbon on the unconscious body before her and limped off, humming merrily. ==================== Temporarily restored to human form, Genma glanced nervously at the door. "How could you agree to let Nodoka stay here, Tendo?" "I know it's a bit inconvenient for you and Ranma, but it's a wonderful opportunity to bring our children closer together." "Not if Ranma has to spend all day as a girl. That wasn't what I was talking about though. Don't you realize that tomorrow is the day the master returns? How could you let my wife stay under the same roof as him?" "I-I'd been trying to put it out of my mind." "We're going to have to do something." "Saotome, you don't mean, you want us to confront the master, do you?" "Of course not. But Ranma has had some success dealing with him and if we get Ryoga to help..." "The perfect Shi Shi Houkoudan is a very formidable technique." "We'd have to get him depressed somehow." Soun stroked his chin confidently. "I don't think that will be a problem. We'll just have to make sure that the dojo isn't destroyed." "I think this plan calls for a drink, Tendo." Neither of the two paused to consider that their planning session would be more productive if they weren't completely bombed. =================== Akane grinned triumphantly as she walked up the path to the dojo, ignoring the pain she felt. Even if she wasn't as good a martial artist as Ranma, she'd proved she could take care of herself. "Akane, what happened to you?" Akane whirled to see an appalled Nodoka Saotome standing behind her carrying a pair of suitcases. "It's nothing really, I just got into a bit of a fight." "Akane, you shouldn't have to fight. Only an uncultured thug would attack a girl." "Actually, I was fighting a girl. Her names Kodachi Kuno and she's this crazy gymnast who's obsessed with Ranma." "Well, if you were fighting over Ranma, that's completely different." "Er, yes. Why are you carrying those suitcases, Auntie Saotome?" "I'm staying at the dojo for a while. At least until Genma and Ranma return from their training trip." Nodoka smiled, as she pictured how manly her son must be to cause girls to fight over him. She could hardly wait to meet him. Akane's expression indicated she was not nearly as enthusiastic about the idea. Fortunately, Nodoka didn't seem to notice. ================ Kasumi was in the kitchen, cleaning up the remnants of a serious drinking binge. Upon hearing Nodoka's voice she thoughtfully poured a bowl of sake over the unconscious and still human Genma. "Kasumi, where's Ranko? I need to talk to her, right away." As she caught sight of Akane, Kasumi's expression mirrored Nodoka's only moments before. "Are you all right, Akane?" "I'm fine, but I really need to talk to Ranko." "I think she's in your room right now." "Thanks." ================ Akane paused at the entrance to her room, wondering just what Ranma would be doing in there. Shrugging she pushed the door open. Entering the room she beheld a sight out of her worst nightmares. Ranma was standing in front of her open dresser holding a pair of panties with several more on the floor beside her. Grabbing a convenient shinai, she swung it in a tight arc connecting with Ranma's head. "You pervert!" Ranma was stunned for a moment, then she sat up rubbing her head. "I wish ya wouldn't jump to conclusions like that Akane. I was just looking for a place to put my clothes." "Why would you want to put your clothes in my dresser?" "Thanks to my mom, I mean Auntie Saotome, we're going to be sharing the room." "But, we can't do that!" Realizing that someone might overhear, Akane lowered her voice. "You're not really a girl." "Well, I can hardly tell her that. We really don't have a lot of choice." "You're going to be sleeping on the floor, and you'd better not try anything." "As if I'd want to try anything with an uncute tomboy like you," Ranma said, as she moved a pair of panties out from under her. Akane hefted the shinai she held thoughtfully, but decided to let things pass this time. It would be inconvenient to have to explain why she was beating up her cousin. ================== Later that night, the sleeping arrangements led to a great deal of tension. Ranma was too miserable at the thought of having to live as a girl to sleep well under any circumstances. The fact that she had only a blanket to soften the hard floor didn't help. Akane had eventually drifted off to sleep tightly clutching a shinai. Ryoga was sleepless for a far different reason. Accustomed to the soothing sounds of nature, he didn't react well to sharing a room with Genma Saotome. "Snork, growfl" Ryoga glared balefully at the sleeping panda beside him. If Ranma had learned to sleep through that, it was no wonder he was so hard to wake up. Moments later he reached a decision and cracked his knuckles loudly. -Wham- Soon he lay peacefully asleep, the only sounds the quiet chirping of the crickets and the wind blowing through the new hole in the wall. End Chapter3 Postscript: As far as I know, all that's required to calm Ranma after he enters the neko-ken is someone he trusts. When Akane first brings him out of it they've only know each other for a few weeks. It's also unlikely that he had any deep feelings for the old lady, who was the first person to calm him down. Nodoka would be able to do it herself, if it wasn't for the promise of seppuka. Ukyo or Kasumi probably could as well. Chapter Four: A Day for Lechery It was early Sunday morning, but the Nekohanten was already active as the staff prepared for the day. "Great-granddaughter, why are you so depressed?" "Ranma not come to visit yesterday," the despondent amazon replied. "How is that different from the day before, or the day before that?" "Shampoo see Ranma fighting pig-boy the night before. Pig-boy use new attack and almost beat Ranma. He would have except he get wet." "I see. You expected Ranma to come here for training. Did anyone else see this fight?" "No, only Shampoo." "Then, there is a simple explanation. Ranma wouldn't mind almost losing, if no one knew about it." "Pig-boy not tell, because of his curse." "True. However, I have a plan to take advantage of this." As Cologne outlined her plan, a grin formed on Shampoo's face. ===================== The residents of the Tendo dojo were also getting an early start. The sight of two combatants fighting in mid-air was a familiar one. However, the identity of the pair was a novelty. The young girl certainly wasn't unusual, however her foe wasn't the usual panda or older man. Instead, she faced a bandana wearing boy her own age. As the two exchanged blows, avoiding the koi pond by an unspoken agreement, Nodoka Saotome watched disapprovingly. This behavior was hardly appropriate for a young girl. The only bright spot was that Ryoga didn't seem to mind his girlfriend's behavior. Ranma was also unhappy with the way the fight was going, although for a very different and unusual reason. She was holding her own. The shorter reach of her female body and Ryoga's recent increase in skill should have combined to give him a sizable advantage. Instead, he seemed to be holding back. The thought that he wasn't taking her seriously caused Ranma to redouble her efforts, but Ryoga just faded back out of reach. "Ranko, Ryoga, breakfast is ready," Kasumi called. With a smile, Ryoga turned and entered the house. Ranma followed, but not before glaring angrily at Ryoga's back. ==================== Breakfast that morning was less chaotic than usually, despite the addition of Ryoga and Nodoka. This could be attributed to Mr. Panda's banishment from the kitchen "Is something wrong, Ranko? You don't seem to be happy," Nodoka asked in a concerned tone. She hadn't missed the looks Ranko was giving Ryoga, even though the boy seemed oblivious. It was hardly a surprise to her. Men were hopeless in many ways. Ryoga even seemed to treat Ranko as if she was a boy at times. Nodoka had to admit that that was probably Ranko's fault, she was even more of a tomboy than her cousin. "I'm fine, Auntie Saotome. I just need to discuss something with Ryoga, privately," Ranma growled. Nodoka nodded and returned to her meal. It seemed that Ranko would be able to deal with whatever was wrong herself, at least this time. ==================== Once the meal was finished, Ranma headed outside and motioned for Ryoga to follow her. She didn't want to risk her mother overhearing their conversation. The two walked silently down the street for several minutes. Finally, Ranma spoke. "What's the big idea holding back like that, Ryoga?" "Your mother thinks you're really a girl." "Thanks for pointing that out. Now, why were you holding back?" "That's why. It just wouldn't look right for me to beat up a girl." "Well, I'm not going to let you get away with this," Ranma said belligerently "We'll just have to practice when she's not around, or train somewhere else." "Or we find a way to get her to move out. I'm not spending the rest of my life like this." Ryoga sighed, "Let me know when you have any ideas." "Let's go in there," Ranma said, pointing across the street. "An ice cream parlor?" "Yep, this always cheers me up. Um, I'll pay you back, but I don't have any money with me." "All right, I'll pay," Ryoga muttered disgustedly. At least, buying a little ice cream can't cost too much, he thought. =================== "I'll have the triple chocolate parfait, with extra fudge ... and peanuts." As Ranma spoke, she smiled charmingly and batted her eyes at the clerk. "I'll have a regular vanilla cone." Ryoga scowled angrily, angered both by Ranma's display and the cost of her order. The clerk seemed to wilt slightly under his gaze. "How can you stand to act like that?" "It's no big deal. Besides, usually I get extra. The clerk seemed really tense today though." After the pair received their order, Ranma noticed a familiar face sitting near the window. "Hiroshi, how are you doing? Who's your friend?" "I'm doing just fine, Ranma. This is-" The girl sitting beside Hiroshi cut in, "Sayuri." When Ranma continued to look blank she elaborated, "I'm a friend of Akane's." "Oh yeah, I've seen you before. Both of you probably know Ryoga." At that, Hiroshi glanced at Ryoga, who'd remained in the background. "Now that you mention it, I do recognize him. Well, we really should be going." "We just finished eating, Hiroshi. We can stay for a while." "No, remember you wanted to visit Yuka today. It's nice meeting you, Ryoga. Good-bye." "Uh, yeah. I'll be seeing you," Ryoga answered uncertainly, as he watched Hiroshi lead a reluctant, Sayuri away. "Excitable friend you've got there, Ranma." "He's not usually like that. What are you waiting for? Lets sit down." As Hiroshi and Sayuri exited, a young man passing by outside noticed Ranma, and swiftly entered. He then proceeded to the table where Ranma sat. "My pig-tailed princess, we meet again. I know how your lips have longed to meet mine once more." When Ranma heard those words, her heart lurched and her stomach churned. Only one person would speak those words. Mikado Sanzenin, martial arts figure skater and lecher extraordinaire. As Mikado leaned forward to kiss Ranma, she could only stare in paralyzed horror as his lips drew nearer. Just before their lips met, Ryoga crushed his ice cream cone into the side of Mikado's face. "Who dares?" Mikado sputterd, spitting out gobs of icecream. "You! The man responsible for the only blemish on my perfect record." "That's right, you pervert." "You have some claim upon the pig-tailed princess. Very well, I challenge you to a duel of martial arts roller blading." "I accept." "The match will take place at Kolkoz High in one week. The winner will have the right to date the pig-tailed princess. And now..." This time when Mikado attempted kiss her, Ranma was ready and punted him through the roof. "Since you've agreed to fight a duel with Mikado over me, without asking permission, I have one question." "Okay, what is it?" "Have you learned how to skate yet?" "No, but it doesn't matter. This is a martial arts roller blading match." Ranma stared at the boy across from her in disgust. "Lets get out of here, Ryoga. I don't feel like eating anymore." ==================== Nodoka sighed in relief. Since Ranko wasn't here and Akane was busy training, she had a chance to find out a little bit more about Ranko. "Kasumi, does Ranko have any other clothes? Those Chinese outfits she's always wearing don't even fit." "I think she does have one dress, Auntie." "Really, just one? I think I'd better have a look at her clothes." "I-I'm not so sure that it would be a good idea." "Nonsense, it won't do any harm." Ignoring Kasumi's half hearted attempts to dissuade her, Nodoka marched up the stairs and into Akane's room. Opening Akane's closet, Nodoka found a large array of dresses. However, only one was amongst the small assortment of boy's clothing that occupied one corner of the closet. Turning her attention to the dresser, Nodoka's shock increased. She'd know that Ranko seldom wore a bra, but was surprised to find that Ranko apparently didn't own any. Even worse, it seemed that she wore boy's boxer shorts. There was a swimsuit, but it had "Boy" printed across the front. It was clear to Nodoka that, Ranko needed more than a little help with her wardrobe. Hearing a noise behind her, Nodoka turned to find Kasumi entering the room. "Do you know why Ranko got that dress?" Nodoka asked. "I believe it was because of Ryoga." Nodoka smiled, it seemed that there was hope for Ranko. "Thank you, Kasumi. That was just the answer I was hoping for." As Nodoka left, Kasumi's normally placid expression became tinged with worry. She knew that Nodoka meant well, but this was still going to be trouble. Ranma and Ryoga were simply not a suitable couple. ======================= "So, roller blading is like skating, except you don't use skates and there's no ice." It was obvious from Ryoga's tone that he didn't fully grasp the concept. "Right. Now look, you can't tell anyone about this duel. People would probably get the wrong idea. Luckily, it's being held at Kolkoz High. If we handle this right, no one will find out." "I'm just glad, I don't have to deal with Mikado's partner." "What's the matter Charlotte? Don't you miss little Azusa?" "You should be nicer to me Ranma. After all, you've got more at stake with this fight than I do." As Ranma and Ryoga turned to enter the Tendo's, a small wizened figure went flying past them. "Aw man, I forgot Happosai was coming back today." "Keep your hands off of me, you geriatric pervert!" a strident voice shouted from within. "Akane, how can you bear to be so cruel to a poor old man?" Happosai looked up, tears shining in his eyes. "Ranma, you'll comfort me. Won't you?" Happosai was suddenly attached to Ranma's chest, like some exceptionally repulsive leech. "Agh! Let go of me, you freak!" Her face twisted in revulsion, Ranma smashed the diminutive lecher into the ground. "You'll pay for assaulting, Akane, old man. Bakusai Tenketsu!" Ryoga struck the ground beside Happosai, the resulting explosion hurled Happosai into the air. "So much for him." Ryoga was suddenly sent flying, as Happosai appeared behind him. "Seems to me, you boys need to be taught a lesson. Happo Bean Jam Blow Out!" A whirlwind picks both Ranma and Ryoga up and blows them down the street. "That'll teach you to attack the grand master of anything goes martial arts." Happosai then bounced happily back into the house. A short distance away two young martial artists sat up, spitting out dirt. "Nobody treats Ryoga Hibiki like that, and gets away with it!" "I'm with you on this one. Lets get the freak." ====================== Inside the house, Nodoka was confronting a strange intruder. "Who are you and how dare you fondle my son's fiancee in such a manner?" she demanded indignantly. "You must be Nodoka Saotome, Genma's wife. I'm Happosai, your husband's teacher. Now that the introductions are finished, we should get to know one another better." Happosai leapt towards Nodoka, but was intercepted by a pig-tailed blur. "Stay away from her!" Ranma screamed in rage. With a flick of his pipe, Happosai sent Ranma hurtling into the wall. "An impressive effort, but you'll have to do better than that, Ran-." "Shi Shi Hokodan!" Ryoga's ki blast sent Happosai sailing through the house's wall. Ryoga immediately dove through the hole after him, with Ranma only a split second behind. Outside, both immediately dived for cover, as they noticed several small objects falling around them. The explosion and smoke, from Happosai's bombs, blinded them momentarily. Happosai took advantage of this to slam Ryoga into the ground. "Moko Takabisha!" Turning towards the sound of Ranma's voice, Happosai cupped his hands together, and a pale red beam sprang from them. The beam collided with the sphere generated by Ranma's attack, and then continued onward. Even though the beam's force had been diminished, its impact still stunned Ranma. "Die!" Happosai easily ducked under Ryoga's blow, and catching his wrist slammed him into the ground once more. "What's the matter? Can't you youngsters keep up with a feeble old man?" "Just try me, gramps," Ranma retorted as she rose from her knees. The two martial artists met in a flurry of punches and kicks, but soon, Ranma was forced to retreat. Many of those observing the fight were dismayed by this turn of events. "This is terrible, the master is defeating them both." Soun Tendo looked like he was on the verge of breaking down. #Don't worry, Tendo. Look at the spiral pattern they're forming,# the panda standing behind him, signed. "But, the master isn't generating enough of a battle aura for that attack to succeed." "My, that certainly is an unusually intelligent panda," Nodoka observed, glancing over at the pair. #No, I'm not. I'm just an ordinary panda.# "I wouldn't worry, Auntie Saotome. It's just like a parrot. It doesn't really understand the words," Nabiki replied, as she sipped her drink. Meanwhile, Ryoga had rejoined the fight and the three were locked in a close quarters battle, still moving in a spiral. When they reached the center of the spiral, Ranma struck. "Hiryu Shoten Ha!" "Nice try, cutie, but I'm not-" As Happosai's word were cut off by the rising wind, Ryoga desperately leapt to safety. A huge funnel formed, and sucked Happosai high into the air. "Happosai wasn't generating any heat. How was that possible?" Akane wondered. "Simple, Ryoga was generating even more than usual. I didn't think those two had the brains to pull something like that off." Her explanation finished, Nabiki took another sip of her drink. "Oh my, I hope grandfather Happosai isn't hurt." If anyone noticed that Kasumi's smile appeared ever so slightly insincere, they were too busy staring at the panda and the mustached man exchanging high-fives to comment. High in the air, a tiny dot began to grow larger, and eventually resolved itself into Happosai's form, which crashed into the ground. ==================== That night, after the most urgent repairs had been finished, and the general merriment had died down, Ryoga, and Ranma were having a quiet discussion on the roof. "I've got to admit we make a good team, Ryoga." "Doesn't surprise me. Did you see what happened to Happosai?" "No. I guess he crawled off while Pop and Mr.Tendo where looking for chains." "I don't like not knowing where he is." "I wouldn't worry about it. My bet is that since we beat him straight out this time, he won't come back." Ryoga looked doubtful. "Do you really believe that?" "Not a chance." "That's about what I figured. We'll be seeing him again." "Don't worry. Together we can beat anyone." =================== Inside, Akane was troubled by a vague feeling of unease. Usually she would have been the one fighting beside Ranma. Her thoughts drifted, wondering what Ranma and Ryoga could be talking about. She realized that before the past few days with Ryoga, Ranma had never really talked to anyone. Not even her. Nabiki was sitting in her room, with a pair of headphones on. She could have answered Akane's questions. Unfortunately, she was too busy wondering just how to edit the conversation, for the most interesting results. End Chapter Four Chapter 5: Back to the Grind "Ranko, you can't go to school dressed like that," Nodoka said firmly. "Why not?" "It simply isn't suitable. I'm sure Akane would be glad to lend you a girl's uniform." "But if we don't leave for school now we'll be late," Akane protested. "Nonsense, if you hurry there's plenty of time. Besides, Ryoga still isn't ready." "What? He doesn't go to Furinkan. He's got some deal that lets him take classes by correspondence," Ranma said. "There's no reason he can't go to school with you two, while he's staying here. Akane, you go get Ryoga. I'll help Ranko change into a uniform." Minutes later, Nodoka led a scowling Ranko back to the door. Both Akane and Ryoga carefully avoided staring at her. Ryoga's lips however, curled suspiciously upward. =================== Ranma didn't wait long after leaving the house to voice her displeasure. "I don't believe this. First I have to be a girl all the time at home, and now-." "Relax, Ranma, going to school as a girl for one day won't kill you." "Easy for you to say, Ryoga. Anyway, Mom's going to want me to wear a girl's uniform every day." Akane interposed herself between the two before the situation could degenerate. "Tomorrow you can just bring a set of your regular clothes, and change at Dr. Tofu's." "Say, that's right. I guess I can live with this for one day. As long as it's just one day." ===================== Nabiki smiled as customers surrounded her. "That's right. Pictures of Furinkan's newest couple. A set of three is only 1000 yen.." As far as Nabiki was concerned, it was too bad that most of the pictures of Ranma in the neko-ken hadn't looked very incriminating. Still this was a lot more profitable than the penny ante stuff she usually dealt with. "Supplies are limited. Only 750 copies made." Nabiki paused when she saw that Ranma had arrived, ...in a dress, ...with Ryoga. Nabiki shrugged. It looked like Ranma wasn't going to live this down as easily as she'd thought. Other people also noticed Ranma's arrival. Ukyo had been waiting by the gate for Ranma, but when she noticed Ryoga and the dress she turned and fled in tears. A hush fell over the school yard, except for an area of frenetic activity around Nabiki. "This is even worse that I thought, Akane. Everyone's staring at me." "That's not true. Some of them are staring at Ryoga." ====================== The morning's classes weren't very productive for any of the three. Ranma was too miserable and embarrassed to pay attention to anything. Ryoga was simply nervous since it was his first day at a new school. It was the whispers and covert stares that caused Akane worry. If there was some new rumor about Ranma, someone should have asked her by now. Surely, the dress couldn't be responsible for all this. At lunch, Akane found herself sitting alone with Ryoga and Ranma. She was beginning to wonder if her friends were avoiding her. There seemed to be quite a crowd around Sayuri for some reason. Akane's brooding was interrupted by the back wall of the classroom exploding inward. "Shampoo! You didn't need to bring me any food. Akane didn't cook today," Ranma began. "Ranma!" Akane began to rise from her seat, but was shocked by the next statement. "Shampoo not bring food for Ranma. This for pi- Ryoga," Shampoo said, placing a bowl of ramen in front of Ryoga "What! Why are ya bringing food for him?" "Shampoo want to marry strong fighter. Shampoo see you fight Ryoga behind school. He winning fight." After she spoke, Shampoo reached down and took hold of Ryoga's arm. "We never finished that fight. Besides, he just got lucky a couple of times. Hey! Look at me when I'm talking to you." Ranma grabbed hold of Ryoga's other arm and hauled him out of his seat. "Let go of him." "No, Ranma let go." "Maybe, both of you could let go. You're cutting of my circulation," Ryoga ventured. "Hibiki, prepare to die." Ryoga tore free of the arms holding him, as a giant spatula cut his desk in two. Ryoga's gaze locked onto the okonomiyaki ninja holding the end of the weapon. "Ukyo! I didn't notice you in class today. Um, this isn't what it looks like." Ryoga mentally cursed, as he realized that those words never did Ranma any good. He wasn't even sure what it did look like to Ukyo. "I'm not going to listen to your excuses," Ukyo growled as she hefted her spatula. Ryoga sighed, and jumped out the window. It was only three stories to the ground after all. "Ranma, shouldn't we do something?" Akane asked. "Like what? Ryoga can take care of himself, and this is something they need to settle for themselves." Ranma was actually happy at this turn of events. He got the ramen and it seemed like Ukyo really did like Ryoga. After all, Akane acted the same way. Shampoo was gazing out the window in confusion. Just moments before, everything had been going according to great-grandmother's plan Ranma would have fought Ryoga to reclaim her. But, the spatula girl had ruined that, and Shampoo was left with one question. Just why was Ranma wearing a dress? She wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer. Maybe it was time to ask Cologne some questions about Jusenkyo curses. ===================== Tatewaki Kuno was meditating on the perfidy of the sorcerer who had enchanted his loves, when suddenly the object of his contemplation appeared before him. "So fiend, you are delivered into my hands. You have dared to sully not only the lovely pig tailed girl, but the beauteous Akane as well. For this, you must be punished." "Kuno, what are you talking about?" Ryoga hurriedly dodged as Ukyo followed him out the window, her skirt flaring up around her legs, and buried the blade of her spatula where he'd been standing. "Doubtless this is another fair maiden you have sullied. It ends now." Ryoga was forced on the defensive as Kuno and Ukyo attacked simultaneously. He managed to sweep Kuno's legs out from under him, but was forced to leap away from Ukyo's attack. "Ukyo, I don't want to fight you." Ukyo didn't waste breath replying, instead she leveled another mighty slash at Ryoga. Ryoga dodged easily, but was forced to block a exceptionally viscious swipe by Kuno, with his forearm. He was quickly realizing that his only option was to somehow get Ukyo out of the fight. It was, Ryoga reflected, too bad that he didn't hurt girls. It really complicated things. As Ukyo pulled her spatula back for another swing, Ryoga's hand darted out to touch it with a single finger. "Bakusai Tenketsu!" Both Ukyo and Kuno, were understandably surprised, when Ukyo's weapon suddenly blew up in her hand. Ryoga was not slow to take advantage of this. Batting Kuno's boken out of the way, he grabbed hold of the tall kendoist, and hurled him into a nearby tree. Satisfied that one opponent was eliminated, he turned back to Ukyo. "And now..." Ryoga didn't get any further, before he was enveloped in a dense white cloud from one of Ukyo's flour bombs. When he staggered out of the cloud, seconds later, Ukyo was nowhere to be seen. Ryoga shrugged and jumped back up, through the open window. Moments later, he stumbled out of the girls' washroom blushing intensely. After he managed to find the correct room, the rest of the day's classes were uneventful. ==================== Akane, Nabiki, Ranma and Ryoga had just entered the house when they were intercepted by Nodoka. "Ranko, I was wondering if you'd like to go shopping for some clothes?" "Sorry, Auntie Saotome, Ryoga and I have made plans. Why don't you just pick something out for me?" As Ranma hurried upstairs, to change out of the hated school uniform, Nodoka turned towards Ryoga. "What will you and Ranko be doing?" "She's, um, teaching me how to rollerblade." "Well that sounds like fun," "Do you think I could come too?" Akane cut in. "Sure, I'd be happy to have you along," Ryoga answered, smiling broadly. At that moment, Ranma came down the stairs dressed in her usual Chinese clothes. "Come on, Ryoga. Lets go." "I'm coming too, Ranko." "I guess that's all right," Ranma nervously responded. As the three exited, Nodoka sighed. She really couldn't pick out clothing for Ranko by herself. That left just one option. "Nabiki, do you know what size of clothing Ranko takes?" "Yes, I suppose so." "Excellent, you can help me shop for her." "Why would I want to... I'd be glad to, Auntie Saotome." Nabiki set aside the magazine she'd been reading, a feral grin forming. "In fact, I know a few places that offer some great deals." ================== At a park some distance away, Ryoga clung desperately to a tree for support. Meanwhile, Akane was confronting Ranma. "I want some answers." "What about?" "For starters, why are you teaching Ryoga how to rollerblade?" "You remember the martial arts figure skating match? Well, Mikado challenged Ryoga to a martial arts rollerblading match in order to get revenge," Ranma explained. "Oh. I'd forgotten that Ryoga was the one who actually beat Mikado. If he has to fight Mikado, I'd better help teach him. I'm still a better skater than you." Ranma's pigtail bristled at Akane's claim. "I'm just as good a skater as you. Besides, Ryoga only beat Mikado by accident. He was attacking me." "I don't think it matters why Ryoga beat Mikado." Akane glanced over at Ryoga, who was still clinging to the tree. "Anyway, I think teaching Ryoga is going to take both of us." "So, is that all you want to know?" "There's one other thing. What did Shampoo mean when she said she saw you two fighting?" "Well you see...," Ranma began to answer. "We were just sparring." As he spoke Ryoga wobbled over to join Ranma and Akane. "I think we'd better get started with the training now." ================== Nodoka and Nabiki were both surprised by how much they were enjoying shopping together. Nodoka was delighted by Nabiki's enthusiasm and helpful suggestions. Nabiki was enjoying the sensation of spending someone else's money. The fact that Ranma would be incredibly embarrassed by the clothes she picked out didn't hurt either. "I think this swimsuit would be perfect for Ranko," Nabiki said holding up a blue one piece suit. "Isn't it a little small?" "Just a bit. The material stretches and it will look great on her. Besides, it's 70% off, and we need to buy a complete wardrobe." Nabiki smiled as she looked at the swimsuit. It would stretch to fit Ranma, but it was a full size too small. Nodoka's frown cleared. She found some of the outfits, that Nabiki was selecting, slightly daring, but Ranko wasn't very modest. Nodoka had to admit that there was no way she could have afforded such a wide selection without Nabiki's advice. =================== "Great-grandmother, Shampoo have problem. When Shampoo act nice to pig boy, spatula girl attack him." "It sounds as if there might be something between them. We'll put making Ranma jealous on hold for a while. Was that your only problem?" "No. Other problem much bigger. Ranma wearing dress. Shampoo think curse start affecting his mind." "Well, Happi is the expert on the effects of the curses, but it is possible. Even though the victims retain their intelligence there's an obvious mental effect." "What you mean? Shampoo not affected by curse." Shampoo started to look a little worried. "Really? Then why don't you have problems walking on four legs? The curses somehow equip each victim with the instincts needed to operate his or her cursed form. The ease with which Mousse learned to fly is an excellent example." When she spoke Shampoo's voice was hushed, almost a whisper. "Aiyah! Then when Ranma girl, he really girl." "Perhaps. There's probably another explanation. In order for Ranma to be affected, he'd have to spend almost all his time as a girl." "Shampoo not want to take chance. We should do something." Cologne paused, weighing her options. "I'll investigate the situation myself. If I find something wrong, we can act then." Shampoo nodded, plainly unsatisfied, but also unwilling to push the matter further. As her young charge went about her duties, Cologne shook herself wearily. There was no rush to investigate, she decided. If Ranma was being affected by his curse, the Tendos would seek her aid soon enough. ==================== Supper that night was a subdued affair. Nodoka's presence acted as a restraining influence and many of the diners were somewhat tired from a long day. "Ranko, Nabiki and I packed the clothes we bought for you in Akane's closet. Perhaps you can look at them after supper." "I'm sort of tired right now, Auntie. I'll look at them tomorrow." "Well, I suppose that's all right. Did you have a good time teaching Ryoga how to rollerblade?" "I suppose so. He's learning faster than I thought he would." ==================== There was little other conversation that evening and eventually everyone quietly retired for the night. There was one exception to this. Mr. Panda was now sharing a room with Soun Tendo, due to complaints from both Ryoga and Genma. Soun found the company of his old friend somewhat less than ideal. His memories of training under Happosai had mercifully dimmed with time and he'd forgotten how truly deafening Genma's snores could be. Groping for a bokken, Soun silently rose. "Saotome, this is the only way both of us will be able to sleep." -Crack- Discarding the bokken Soun returned to his bed and entered a blissful state of slumber. ================== As the sun shone gently down on the Tendo dojo, Ranma was engaged in a desperate search. "What happened to my clothes?" Nodoka entered the room, smiling gently. "There wasn't enough space in Akane's room for both your old clothes and the new ones Nabiki and I bought you. So, we moved your old clothes into storage in the attic. It shouldn't matter anyway. You'll be wearing a school uniform." "I can't wear this," Ranma said, waving an article of clothing. "Ranko, you're a girl and that's much more appropriate than the boxers you used to wear." Ranma crossed her arms defiantly. "I'm not wearing it and you can't make me." "I suppose you're right. It is a bit windy today though and you might want to reconsider." Ranma's face paled as she realized the implications of Nodoka's statement. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to wear panties for just one day." "That's the spirit. Now about wearing a bra..." Ranma gulped nervously, and began backing away. ==================== Some time later, Ranma was once again walking to school with Akane and Ryoga. However, she seemed strangely subdued. It was a marked contrast to the vocal displeasure she'd displayed the previous day. "You look kind of uncomfortable, Ranma. Is something wrong?" Akane glanced over at the smaller girl beside her as she spoke. Ranma looked away and muttered something incomprehensible. "What did you say? I couldn't make it out." Ranma blushed and answered once more. "I said my panties keep riding up." Ryoga announced, "I didn't need to hear that," and increased his pace. "Wait up, you idiot. If you try to get to school by yourself, you'll get lost." Ryoga scowled, but slowed once more. "I thought you were going to change on the way to school anyway." "He would have, but Auntie Saotome and Nabiki hid all of his old clothes in the attic." "Ranma and I are about the same size. He could have borrowed some clothes from me." "I just didn't think of it," Ranma snapped. "I'll do that tomorrow." ================== School was rather dull that day. The only points of interest were Kuno's daily attack and Ukyo's absence. Even the nervousness and strange looks from the other students had abated somewhat. On the way home Ranma and Ryoga maintained a running battle, while Akane followed behind smiling at their antics. Eventually they arrived back at the dojo. "You two wait here, I'm going to get changed," Ranma said. Akane nodded and then stopped. "Ranma wait, you don't..." Her protest was in vain as Ranma ignored her and raced inside. "Oh well. He'll remember he doesn't have any of his own clothes. Ryoga, I've been meaning to ask you something. Do you know why Ukyo attacked you yesterday?" "Beats me. That's not the first time either. She's been acting really weird lately." "Spending ten years preparing to get vengeance on Ranma, and then falling for him wasn't exactly normal." "I still think it's weird. It's almost like she doesn't want Ranma to have any other friends." "Maybe she doesn't. She's always talking about how she and Ranma were such good friends when they were younger." ==================== Inside, Ranma was looking glumly through the selection of clothing available to her. Miniskirts, short shorts and tight dresses. It was the style of clothing that Nabiki preferred to wear taken a step farther. There were a couple of jeans and t-shirts that looked promising. "Ranma, I was wondering if I could talk to you." "Sure, Kasumi. What about?" "About you. I know how difficult things must be with your mother thinking you're a girl and dating Ryoga." "That's the scary part. I really don't mind that much." "Ranma, you don't mean..." "I don't like pretending to be a girl, but other than that things aren't too bad. I mean, I'm friends with Ryoga, and my Mom likes Ranko too. A lot of my other problems are less trouble as well. Even Akane and I are fighting less. "But what about you and Ryoga?' "He knows we aren't really dating." Ranma shifted uncomfortably. "Even if we were it would still be less creepy than Kodachi." "You almost sound like you're considering it." "No way! But, things are going pretty good. I'm worried that if I try to change them they'll get worse. Just think about what would happen if Mom found out about my curse now. I don't know why I'm telling you this." "I did ask, and you have to talk to someone. I'd like to help you with your problems, but I don't know how." "I don't think my problems can be solved." ===================== Ranma left the house wearing a tight white t-shirt and a pair of jeans that seemed to be painted on. "Okay, everyone, let's go." "Ranma, don't you think you should be wearing something a bit less revealing?" "You haven't looked at the clothes Nabiki picked out have you? This is about as good as it gets." "We can discuss Ranma's wardrobe problems some other time. Right now, I've got less than a week to get good enough to beat Mikado." "I don't want to talk about it at all." With those words, Ranma set off for the park. ====================== Dark clouds were threatening rain when the three martial artists returned to the Tendos' home. "You're home early, Ranko. Nothing went wrong, did it?" "No. I'm surprised that a big strong guy like Ryoga is so scared of a little rain though." "I'm not scared! I just don't like to get wet is all," Ryoga said defensively. "Well, I'm glad you're home. I've got a little present for you." "Really, what is it, Auntie Saotome?" "It's a stuffed cat. Here it is, Ranko." "A-a-a cat." "It's just a toy. I've decided to help you get over that horrible neko-ken training. Your uncle suggested tying steaks to you and throwing you into the lion cage at the zoo. Sometimes I just don't understand him. He even tried to blame Mr. Panda for his idea." "Do you really think this will work?" "It's a start. I want you to keep it in Akane's room. You're a bit old to be carrying a stuffed animal around." "I will. Thanks." Ranma then followed Akane and Ryoga up the stairs. ====================== That night, after supper Ranma borrowed a gi from Akane for a sparring match with Ryoga. It ended in a draw with both of them sweaty and slightly bruised. This time, Ranma kept his suspicions about Ryoga holding back to herself. If either of them had gone all out indoors they'd be lucky if there was enough of the dojo left to use as kindling. Ranma smiled as she thought of her current destination. A lengthy soak in the furo was a bit risky. A return to masculinity was long overdue though. ======================== As he got out of the furo Ranma regretfully splashed a bucket of cold water over himself. Her disguise now in place, she quickly dried off and got dressed. Wearily, Ranma trudged up the stairs to Akane's room and opened the door. "Pervert! Get out!" Ranma stumble backwards as a heavy school book bounced off her skull and the door was slammed in her face. "Geez, I didn't know you were changing, Akane. It's not like I wanted to see your body anyways." "Right, I really believe that," came the sarcastic reply. "You should have knocked anyway." "I will next time. Now open up. I sleep here remember." "Not tonight. As far as I'm concerned, you can sleep on the roof." "I don't have to put up with this. Tonight I'm going to sleep in my own room." ======================= "Ryoga, do you mind if I come in." "No. Did you want to talk about something?" "Nah. Akane's just mad at me and I need a place to sleep. Since this is my room, I thought I'd stay here for the night." Ryoga was briefly torn. Ranma had done something to make Akane mad, which was bad. On the other hand, Akane was mad at Ranma, which was good. He decided to ignore the whole thing. He didn't really feel like fighting Ranma anyway. "Sure. It is your room." "Thanks." Without further comment, the two settled back to sleep. =================== Several hours later, Ryoga was awakened by a warm female body pressing up against him. His sense of touch soon established that the unidentified girl was wearing few if any clothes. "Hey, get off of me," Ryoga squeaked, blushing so furiously it was almost visible in the darkness. "Not until I show you what a real woman can do." "That's not funny." Ryoga kicked out desperately trying to dislodge the girl, who he assumed to be Ranma. Much to his surprise, a second figure tackled the girl, knocking all three of them onto the floor. In the wrestling match that ensued, Ryoga's strength was more than offset by his incredibleshyness. The combatants froze moments later, when the bedroom door swung open illuminating the scene. ==================== As soon as Akane saw the cause of the disturbance that had awakened her she collapsed to the floor. Ryoga was lying on the floor with Ranma's torn shirt in his hand. Trapped between them was the naked figure of Ukyo. In the hall behind Akane, Kasumi and Nabiki looked ready to join her in unconsciousness. Frowning, Nodoka stepped forward. "I hope there's a very good explanation for this." End Chapter Five Chapter 6: The Truth is Out There "I hope there's a very good explanation for this." Nodoka's words seemed to linger in the air. Finally the stillness was broken by Ukyo, who scrambled to her feet and dove out the window she'd entered through. Since this gave Ryoga a very good view of her assets, he did what came naturally to him, and fainted. "Yes there's a really simple explanation. You see... No that's not it. It was all...," Ranma trailed off, at a loss for words. "Nabiki, Kasumi, could you take Akane back to her room? I want to talk to Ranko and Ryoga privately." After the three sisters had departed, Nodoka turned back to Ranma. "I'm waiting, young lady." Ranma had taken advantage of the brief distraction to marshall her thoughts. "I was just sleeping here because I had a fight with Akane. I don't know what Ukyo was doing here, but I thought she was a burglar and tackled her." "I assume Ukyo is the other girl's name. I think what she was doing was quite obvious. What I want to know is why she was doing it." "She must have been looking for Ranma. She's engaged to him, and this is his room." Unnoticed, Ryoga had awoken and he felt it was time to speak in his own defense. "I hardly think that's likely," Nodoka replied skeptically. "My son has been on a training journey for over a week now. However, I believe that you didn't expect her. It's hardly surprising that a handsome boy like you attracts girls." Smiling, Nodoka prepared to leave. "One last thing, Ranko. I was young once and I understand why you'd want to be alone with your boyfriend. You didn't need to make up some story about fighting with Akane. Just be quieter next time." As the door closed behind Nodoka, Ranma and Ryoga stared at one another in shock. Finally, Ranma found her voice. "So, I guess things between you and Ukyo are going pretty good." "What are you talking about? The only thing I want between Ukyo and me is a thick wall." "Aren't you two seeing one another?" "She's way too stuck on you. I think she's a lesbian anyway." "Ukyo, a lesbian?" Ranma's voice was filled with shock and disbelief. "There's no way you can be right." "All I know is that, the night you and I had our duel, she showed up, said something about how cute a girl you are and attacked me. I'm not really surprised, the way she dresses as a guy most of the time." "She's not like that at all," Ranma said defensively. "She just decided to live as a boy to get revenge after Pop left her behind." "Ranma, didn't that happen over ten years ago?" "Well, yes. What's your point?" "I tracked you to China, over bread, but even I'm not that obsessive." Ranma made one final protest. "She wanted to be engaged to me, even before she found out about the curse." "But, when she did find out she thought it was neat." "You're right. Oh man, next I'll find out that Kuno knows about the curse and is after my guy form." "Look on the bright side. With all the girls after you, this was bound to happen with at least one of them." "You're not helping." =================== For most of the inhabitants of the Tendo home, the morning was bright and cheerful. It seemed to be the precursor to a nearly perfect day. "Nabiki, I had a very strange dream last night." Naturally, this was destined not to last. "Really. Did it involve Ranko and Ryoga rolling around on the floor with a naked Ukyo?" "Yes. Did you have the same dream?" "That wasn't a dream." Across the table from Akane and Nabiki, Soun Tendo snapped the pair of chopsticks he'd been holding. "RYOGA, HOW DARE YOU ABUSE MY HOSPITALITY THIS WAY!" Ryoga took one look at the enormous demon headed monstrosity advancing on him and fled at once. "Wait for me!" Ranma realizing who Soun's next target would be, was less than a second behind him. In the wake of this disturbance, Nodoka sat calmly sipping her tea. "You shouldn't have told on them like that, girls. Your father seems to be rather overprotective." ==================== Since Ranma and Ryoga hadn't returned before it was time to leave, Akane and Nabiki were walking to school together. "Akane, there's no reason for you to be mad. I eavesdropped on their conversation with Auntie Saotome. Ukyo was looking for Ranma and things got out of hand." "She was looking for Ranma, without any clothes on?" "It does seem more like Shampoo's style, doesn't it?" "You're right. I'd never have expected Ukyo to be so forward. There must be some reason she'd try something like that." Nabiki could think of at least one reason, but she didn't think mentioning it to Akane would be productive. As a result, she felt a bit relieved when an opportunity to change the subject appeared. "Look up ahead. Ranma and Ryoga are waiting for us." "I just want to explain about last night." "That's okay, Ryoga. Nabiki explained things. I know it wasn't your fault." "So, you're not mad. I was worried..." "I'm not talking to you, Ranma. If you didn't keep leading Ukyo on, none of this would have happened. "Oh." ===================== Ranma was sneaking out of the boys' bathroom (coming to school as a girl had disadvantages beyond the obvious), when a sudden noise made her start. Turning she saw one of her few friends, Hiroshi. "Whew, it's just you." "Yah, just me. Look, Ranma, I just want to say, I'm okay with you dating Ryoga. I'm your friend no matter what." It took Ranma a moment to find her voice. "D-dating Ryoga. What makes you say that?" "Um, first you went to that ice cream parlor with him. Then you came to school as a girl, also with him. Then there are the pictures Nabiki sold of you two. Do you want me to go on?" "There's more?" Ranma asked incredulously. "Hey the whole class saw you get into an argument with Shampoo over Ryoga. Ukyo attacking him was another big clue. "I see. I don't feel too well, Hiroshi. Tell Akane and Ryoga I had to go home." "Sure. Just remember, I'm here for you." Ranma was barely able to make it around the corner, before her legs gave out. It was several minutes before she was able to continue. ===================== "You two go on without me. I have some business to take care of." "All right, Nabiki. I hope nothing's wrong with Ranma. He hardly ever gets sick.." Ryoga paused to consider this. "He was probably still upset about last night. His mother jumped to some strange conclusions. I just hope that your Dad has calmed down." "I'm sure that Kasumi's straightened things out. If it wasn't for her, I don't know how Dad would cope." Motioning for Ryoga to follow her, Akane set off for home. Free from distractions, Nabiki, went in search of her prey. "Kuno, I have vital information about Ryoga, and the pig-tailed girl." "How dare you utter those names together. Speak, lest you face my wrath." "10,000 yen first." "You will receive your money if the information is of worth." Nabiki hesitated and then shrugged. Even if Kuno didn't pay, it wouldn't cost her anything. "Ryoga is staying at our house. Last night, he and the pig-tailed girl slept in the same room." Numbly, Kuno pulled out his wallet and handed the money over. "Truly, the depth of his evil exceeds even that of the sorcerer Saotome. It is of the utmost importance that I liberate my three loves at once." "Three loves?," Nabiki said, sounding faintly surprised. "Yes. I have resolved to liberate the fair Ukyo Kuonji from Hibiki's vile grasp." As Kuno marched off, Nabiki was left to wonder just how she could manage to get pictures of Ukyo. "Not-Nice mercenary girl." Startled, Nabiki whirled to face the voice. "Shampoo, what do you want?" "Shampoo have question. Why Ranma wear dress?" "It will cost you." "Shampoo pay after you answer." "Fair enough. Genma promised Ranma's mother that he'd raise Ranma to be a man among men or he and Ranma would commit seppuku. Ranma has to pretend to be a girl in order to stop his mother from finding out about his curse." Shampoo's spirits lifted at this answer, but she had one more question. "How much time Ranma spend as girl?" "I haven't seen him change back to a guy since Saturday morning. It's been over four days." It surprised Nabiki to realize this. Considering things, she realized that she hadn't seen Ranma much at all. He was always off doing something. "The information will be 4000 yen." "Shampoo have payment right here," the amazon said, palming a small bottle of Shampoo. ==================== On their way home Ryoga and Akane came upon a dejected pig-tailed figure sitting by the side of the road. "Ranma, have you been sitting here the whole time?" Akane asked. "Yes. After I left school, I decided I didn't really want to see Mom again. It would have been hard to explain why I was cutting class anyway." "But it's been hours." "I just needed to think about a few things. Can I handle Ryoga's training alone today? I need to talk to him privately." "Sure, Ranma." Akane supposed that it was good Ranma had a friend who could help him cope. Sometimes it seemed that some of Ranma's problems were...well not really Ryoga's fault...but he just seemed to attract trouble the same way Ranma did. "What do you want to say to me?" Ryoga asked puzzled by the request. "I'll tell you later. Lets head for home so I can get changed." ==================== Ranma and Ryoga were blading through the park side by side, when they spoke again. "All right, Ranma. What's so important that you needed to talk to me alone?" "Well, there are a few rumors about us at school." "What kind of rumors?' Ryoga asked suspiciously. "That we're dating." Ryoga abruptly lost his balance and hit the ground hard. "Dating! But we're both guys." "Ryoga take a good look at me. Do I look like a guy to you?" "Well, no, but... We've got to do something." "I am doing something. I'm making sure you beat Mikado." "I meant about the rumors." Ranma gave Ryoga a lopsided smile. "There's nothing we can do. If we deny it people will just think we're being defensive. If I do something to prove I like girls, I'll just look like a two-timing pervert." Ryoga rose unsteadily to his feet. "How did these rumors get started? Has Akane heard them?" "I think Akane is the only person who hasn't. As for how they got started, we've been spending a lot of time together, I've been going to school as a girl and Nabiki's been spreading rumors. I think Ukyo's involved also. Those rumors would give her a pretty good reason to attack you." "But the first time she attacked me was before any of that!" Ryoga protested. "Exactly. If Ukyo is a lesbian, she'd think of me as a girl at least part of the time. That'd make it really easy for her to jump to conclusions." "I've got to get out of here. If I'm not around this whole thing will blow over. As Ryoga turned to go, Ranma grabbed his wrist in an iron grip and dragged him to a halt. "No you don't! If you leave half the guys in school will ask me out." "So just beat them up." "That didn't work for Akane. Besides, take a look at this poster." "Mikado Sanzenin, one half the Golden pair, faces the only man to ever defeat him. At stake will be the love of a maiden." Ryoga's eyes bugged out as he looked at the picture on the poster. In it Mikado and Ryoga were staring daggers at one another, with Ranma in female form standing between them. "How did he get pictures of us?' "Don't you recognize those outfits? Someone edited pictures from the martial arts figure skating match to make this." "This isn't good." Ryoga continued to stare blankly at the poster in his hand. "Tell me about it. Those things are everywhere, and the date and location of the match are on the bottom. Half of Furinkan will show up, and that's if we're lucky. "Okay, I'll stay, at least until I've beaten Mikado." Privately, Ryoga thought that Ranma was making a huge mistake by keeping quiet. He'd gotten into enough trouble that way himself. The whole mess with Akane and P-chan could've been avoided if he'd just spoken up. "Good. Now lets get training." ==================== Ranma was preparing for school, when she paused in her preparations. Her nimble fingers quickly unbraided her pigtail and fastened her hair into a simple ponytail. Nodding in satisfaction, she finished dressing and headed downstairs. "Ran-Ranko, your pigtail!" "It's not that big a deal, Akane. I just thought it was time for a change." Nodoka smiled, it was a good sign that Ranko was taking more care with her appearance. "That style suits you." "I've always thought so. This isn't the first time I've worn my hair like this." Ryoga looked up from where he was waiting by the door. "That's right, she had that hairstyle when I first met her." "I didn't realize that you'd known Ranko long," Nodoka said. "We went to the same school before she moved here." Ryoga wisely neglected to mention that the institution in question was an all boys school. "Then you followed her here." "You could say that," Ryoga said uneasily. "How romantic. It's good that you feel so strongly about Ranko. After last night, I imagine you'll want to marry soon." "Gahk!" Akane had been listening to this exchange with ill concealed impatience and these words were the final straw. "I think we should really be going now." "Yes we should. I really don't think that Ryoga and I are ready to think about marriage, Auntie Saotome." Ranma walked out the door, pulling the still stunned form of Ryoga behind her. After they left a man and a panda found themselves alone, Nodoka being occupied by housework. "Saotome..." #Calm yourself, Tendo. Ranma didn't mean anything by that.# "But, your wife did." #It was your idea to let her stay here.# Genma flipped the sign around. #Besides, Ranma can marry both Akane and Ryoga or you could adopt Ryoga.# Soun thought deeply and considered this. "I did always want a son. I suppose this isn't too bad. Where are you going, Saotome." #Out. I've got a new job.# ===================== Ukyo was not happy. Her desperate plan to win Ranma over had gone worse than she'd imagined possible. She still wasn't ready to give up though. Noticing Ranma walking through the school gate with Akane and Ryoga, she headed over to join them. "Oh. Hi, Ukyo," Ranma said nervously. Beside her, Akane edged slightly closer, while Ryoga watched nervously. They were all caught off guard, when Ukyo grabbed Ranma by the shoulders and pulled the shorter girl into a passionate kiss. Ranma was paralyzed with surprise for a moment and then began to struggle. "Ranma!" Akane started forward, but was restrained by Ryoga. Breaking free, Ranma gasped for air and took several steps backward. "Ukyo, I know that you being a lesbian shouldn't matter, but there's just something about two girls together that seems wrong to me. I'm sorry and I hope we can still be friends." Akane went limp with shock in Ryoga's hands, when she heard this. After a moment of incomprehension, Ukyo became aware of the sudden silence, and the stares that she was now attracting. "Lesbian...Friends...I'm-I'm sorry Ranma, but I really have to go." "She took that better than I thought," Ranma commented. "Yo. Ryoga, you can let go of Akane now." -Thud- "Oh. Maybe not." End Chapter 6 Chapter 7: Ukyo sat in her restaurant, and wondered how everyone could believe something like that about her. Admittedly, she often wore a boy's uniform and she had kissed Ranma when he was a girl. People shouldn't be so influenced by appearances though. The really surprising thing had been the number of girls that had quietly approached her afterward. Ukyo smiled grimly, Yuka was sort of cute, but finding out that one of Akane's friends was like that... Just how close were she and Akane? As far as Ukyo was concerned the one consolation was that things couldn't get much worse. The sound of someone entering the restaurant drew Ukyo from her brooding. "Go away! We're closed!" "Nay, I shall not abandon you in your time of need," a sonorous voice replied. "Kuno! What are you doing here?" "I have come to proclaim my love for you, my goddess of okonomiyaki. Though the diabolical wiles of the cur Hibiki have driven you to seek comfort with your own gender, I shall restore your heart to its true course." "Listen Kuno, Ranma is the only one for me. I don't like girls." "This is not so. With mine own eyes I beheld you embrace the pig-tailed girl most passionately." Ukyo drew a deep breath in, and wondered how to proceed. "You idiot. Ranma is the pig-tailed girl. He's under a curse and Ryoga is taking advantage of him." That should do it, she thought, it's strange that no one explained things to him before. Kuno's mouth worked noiselessly for a moment. Then he found his voice and spoke. "This does explain much that I have seen. However, you are mistaken in one particular." "What is it?" "The pig-tailed girl's true form is female. Doubtless, the sorcerer cursed her to conceal her from those who might deliver her from his evil. Now that he has returned to claim her, he has lifted the curse." Ukyo had been shocked into immobility during Kuno's speech. Shaking off the effects, she grabbed her spatula, and bludgeoned him into unconsciousness. "At least I know why no one ever explained things to him," she reflected. ======================= Kasumi paused to calm herself and review her plan. Ranma had just finished sparring with Ryoga, so he'd be in the furo. If she acted swiftly, she could ensure that Nodoka saw evidence of her son's manliness. There was a chance that she'd have to marry Ranma. Resolving the situation was worth that risk though. "Auntie, I'm going to bathe. Do you want to join me?" Kasumi called. "Yes. I'll be just a minute." Her plan set into motion, Kasumi stepped into the changing room and quickly stripped. Bracing herself, she then entered the furo proper. "You must have forgotten to put the occupied sign up, Ran..." Kasumi stopped in amazement and horror as she caught sight of the petite girl sitting in the furo. "I'm sorry, Kasumi. I was just finishing, so I'll leave," Ranma said, rising to her feet. "N-no, you don't need to do that." As she spoke, Kasumi dipped one hand into the furo, to confirm that the water was still warm. "Don't worry. It's really no problem." Ranma sat down abruptly, as Nodoka entered the furo. "Ranko, how delightful. We can all bathe together." Ranma remained seated in the furo, blushing and staring at some imaginary spot, as Nodoka and Kasumi rinsed off. ==================== Ryoga was just preparing for bed when he heard a tentative knock on the door. "Come on in," he called. The door opened briefly and Ranma slipped into the room. Ryoga appeared faintly surprised by this. "I hope this isn't going to involve a repeat of last time." "No, I just want to talk for a minute." "Something's wrong isn't it?' " No. Well, not anything new. Kasumi and my Mom walked in on me in the bath tonight." Ryoga's brow furrowed in confusion. "But then she'd know." "No. Remember the waterproof soap." When Ryoga nodded at the mention of that near cure, Ranma continued. "I've still got it, and I've started using it." "You've what? In your cursed form?" "Yes. It's easier to avoid hot water, but I need the added safety. There's no way I can let Mom find out about my curse, now. I should probably tell Kasumi about this. She looked a little upset." "So what are you going to do? Spend the rest of your life as a girl?" "Not for long. I've got a plan." "I remember your plans," Ryoga said skeptically. "This had better be pretty good." "It is. You see, the problem is that my Mom is staying right here. That means I've got to spend a lot of time as a girl and can't do stuff, like look for my real clothes. So all we need to do is get her to move out." "What do you mean we? We're just guests, we don't get any say in who stays." "That's the tricky part. But, my Mom's staying to make sure Ranko is raised properly." "What are you saying?" "We've just got to convince her that my life is wonderful and we're the perfect couple. After that she won't have any reason to stay." "No way! Besides, she won't leave she also wants to meet her son. I mean she wants to meet your male side." "No problem. I'll just send her a postcard saying that Pop and I are training in Korea or someplace. Come on. It'll be easy. She likes you for some reason." "Why don't you just go back to Jusenkyo and get cured. That'd solve all your problems." "Cause there isn't any guarantee that there's a cure there. What kind of curse would it be if the solution was only a hundred yards away. Without money getting there would take to long anyway. I don't have a few months to spare. Please? This is the only way and I need your help." When Ryoga saw Ranma smiling up at him, for some reason he found his resolve failing. "I'll try it, but I'm not making any promises. I don't want Akane thinking I'm some kind of pervert." "Yeah we wouldn't want that, P-chan. I'll see you tomorrow. ==================== "Shampoo, where are you going?" "Shampoo go see Ranma, Great-grandmother." "Very well. Be sure to return in time for the supper rush." Shampoo bounded away in a hurry. She did plan to see Ranma, but she had other business to attend to first. Further back in the restaurant, Mousse clenched his fists angrily. Even he'd heard the rumors about Ranma and he couldn't believe that Shampoo would prefer someone like that over a real man, such as himself. When Cologne observed Mousse following Shampoo, she shook her head wearily. It was going to be a real procession, but someone had to keep an eye on things. ==================== Ukyo hated to admit it, but she needed help and there was only one person she could trust to supply it. "Akane, can I talk to you?" "Of course you can. I see you've started wearing a boy's uniform again." "The girl's uniform just didn't seem to work out for me. Anyway, I'd like to talk about Ranma." "All right." Akane shifted uncomfortably. Usually, she and Ukyo got along quite well. However, there was one topic that was almost guaranteed to bring things to a boil. "Viol- Akane, Ukyo, Shampoo need to talk." Akane silently wished that she'd been training harder. This didn't look like it was going to be a peaceful day. Ukyo's reaction was more belligerent, she moved forward to confront Shampoo. "Oh, really. Is there anything in particular?' Shampoo started to reply, but was interrupted, by Mousse's sudden arrival. "How can you love someone like him!" he shouted, pointing at Ukyo. "Everyone knows that Ranma prefers being a girl." "What?" Akane exclaimed. "You're wrong. Shampoo will prove that Ranma is ten times the man you are, Mousse." Saying this she embraced Ukyo and gave her a lengthy kiss. Releasing Ukyo, Shampoo took a step backwards. "There, you see," she said to Mousse. Akane thought that she must be getting used to this sort of thing. At least, this time she hadn't fainted. Freed, Ukyo stood briefly motionless, and then began to turn an alarming shade of red. When Ukyo's fist crashed into the side of her face, Shampoo was completely unprepared and collapsed like a marionette with it's strings cut. "Saotome, you will die!" As Mousse started towards Ukyo, long curved blades sprouted from the sleeve's of his robe as if by magic. Ukyo barely managed to duck the first slash and was backpedalling desperately when Mousse suddenly collapsed. As his form sank to the ground, Cologne was revealed behind him, balancing on her staff. "Miss Kuonji, I suggest you leave now. I will deal with matters once they awaken." "Yeah, you're probably right. I still want to talk with you, Akane." "I can walk with you for a while." Ukyo and Akane walked off, leaving the school yard and the Amazons behind. "Ukyo, what did Mousse mean about Ranma?" Ukyo was visibly surprised by Akane's question. "You mean you don't know? The way that Ranma's been coming to school as a girl and hanging around with Ryoga, everyone thinks that they're an item." "What! That's insane!" Akane suddenly realized something. "That's why you've been acting so strange, isn't it?" "You mean they aren't dating?" Ukyo's expression was both amazed and delighted. "Of course they aren't. Ranma's just pretending to be a girl because of some stupid promise Genma made to his mother. If Ranma isn't a man among men, they both have to commit seppuku." "That's great!' Rethinking things, Ukyo amended her statement. "Well not great, but at least Ranma doesn't think he's a girl. I feel sort of silly... Oh no! I've completely humiliated myself." "Well, crawling into Ranma's room, naked, didn't help anyone else either. Ranma's mother was really surprised to find out that Ranko was sleeping in the same room as her boyfriend." "Hold it! Ranma's mother? Ranko?" "Ranma's pretending to be Ranko Tendo, my cousin. His mother's staying with us for a while." "You mean, she saw that!" Ukyo felt herself beginning to grow faint. "Yes she did. You know, I don't think we should tell Ranma about what people are saying about him and Ryoga. He's already under a lot of stress and if he finds out, he'll probably do something really stupid." "I sure won't be the one to tell him, but he'll find out sooner or later. There're these posters about Ryoga fighting a duel with some guy over him." "Mikado Sanzenin?" "I think that's the name. Anyway, the posters are everywhere." "Great. He's an even bigger pervert than Kuno. We'll talk some more later, Ukyo. I have to get home now." ==================== "Shampoo, why did you give the Kuonji girl the kiss of marriage?" "Shampoo trying to get rid of Mousse." "Well, what's done is done. I have to say that things would be a lot less complicated if she hadn't defeated you in combat." "Spatula girl not beat Shampoo. She just lucky." "You know the law doesn't accept excuses," Cologne said disapprovingly. "You nominated her for acceptance into the tribe, and because she defeated you I have no choice but to allow it." "Shampoo have to marry Spatula girl instead of Ranma?" It was obvious from her expression that the amazon warrior didn't care for the idea. "Not quite. As I recall she's also been defeated by Ranma. The situation has never come up before, but I'm sure you can both marry him." "Shampoo want what honored ancestors were smoking when they wrote laws." There really wasn't much for either amazon to say after that. ====================== "Ranma, look. P-chan's back. I found him in the hall outside." Ranma stared at the small black pig nestled in Akane's arms. For some reason, the animal seemed to be embarrassed by the scrutiny. Ranma couldn't believe that Ryoga would try something like this. He'd promised that P-chan wouldn't make any appearances while he was staying with the Tendos. Ranma blinked when P-chan hopped off Akane's bed and made his way over to her. "Wow. You and P-chan usually don't get along this well. I wonder why that's changed." Both Ranma and P-chan began to sweat slightly. "I know!" Akane missed P-chan darting behind Ranma to hide. "P-chan must only like girls. You must smell different now, Ranma." Ranma and P-chan exchanged a skeptical glance. "You're probably right, Akane. I'm going to go to bed now. Good night." ==================== Ranma awoke slowly in the morning. Gradually she became aware of something warm clutched in her arms. Opening her eyes she saw a peacefully sleeping pig. The sight brought back memories of the previous night. Ryoga had gotten splashed somehow and Akane had found P-chan wandering around. Taking care to move silently, Ranma arose and slipped out of Akane's room. "Wake up, Ryoga. We've got to get you changed back before everyone else wakes up." Listening carefully, Ranma could detect movement downstairs. She decided that it was probably Kasumi and Nodoka getting an early start on the day. Carefully checking to make sure no one was in sight, Ranma entered the furo and dunked P-chan in the warm water. "All right, Ryoga. How did you get splashed inside the house?" "I didn't. I accidentally walked into the wrong room and Nabiki threw me out her window, into the koi pond." "Nabiki? I didn't know she practiced martial arts." "With Happosai around, I think all the girls do." "Yeah. Remember that mess with the Japanese Naniichuan. The girls' locker room was an armed camp." Ranma chuckled at the memory. "You stay here. I'll go get you some clothes." =================== "Ranko, I've been wanting to talk to you." "Sorry, Auntie Saotome, Ryoga and I are going rollerblading now." "That's something I've been wondering about. You do that everyday. It's almost like you don't want to be in the same house as me." "It's nothing like that. Ryoga's been challenged to a martial arts rollerblading duel and he's training." "Well, can't he train some other time?" "The duel is tomorrow." "Really? You should have told me sooner." "She was probably just embarrassed, Auntie Saotome. According to the posters I've seen, the duel is over her." "Thanks for mentioning that, Nabiki," Ranma growled. "Anytime, Ranko." With a smile Nabiki sauntered back out of the room. "Is this true?" When Ranma nodded, Nodoka smiled happily. "How manly of him. I'm sure Soun will be happy. At first he opposed you and Ryoga marrying, but he's started to come around to my viewpoint." "He has? Maybe I should stay home. I'm sure Akane and Ryoga can manage on their own, and I think we do need to talk." ======================= "Waah!" "Dad, are you all right?" "Oh you're home, Akane. He's just a little upset that Ranko doesn't want to get married." Nodoka gazed disapprovingly at the crying patriarch. "She says that she doesn't want to rush into anything and that both she and Ryoga should finish school before they even consider it." Akane's head whirled a she considered what Ranma might have meant. Ranma would never marry Ryoga, but was he just trying to avoid that or was there some deeper meaning? Could Ranma be thinking about marrying her? Akane shook herself, this wasn't the time to be thinking like that. "That reminds me. Ryoga got a gift for Ranko." Akane looked around puzzled. "Where is he? I thought that he came in with me." "You go find him and I'll get Ranko. I can't wait to see her face when she sees this gift." ==================== "Auntie Saotome, said that you had a gift for me, Ryoga." "Um, yeah. Here it is." Ryoga handed a box to Ranma, but he also seemed to be slightly embarrassed by the whole thing. Ranma tore open the box to reveal a set of red and black Chinese clothing, similar to what she usually wore. It was slightly smaller, though, and definitely tailored to fit Ranma's female form. "Clothes?" "Yes. Akane helped me pick it out. The outfits that you have now are nice, but they aren't really your style." "I think I know what you mean," Ranma said, glancing down at the tight sweater and miniskirt she was wearing. "I'll go try them on now." "Ryoga certainly is considerate," commented Nodoka. "Ha ha. Yes, this is a very positive sign in their relationship." As Akane stared at her father with appalled eyes and wondered if the insanity was hereditary, a panda entered the room, waving a sign. #Isn't young love wonderful?# "Soun, I didn't see Mr. Panda much today. Do you know where he was?" "Probably at his new job." "He has a job?" #Children's parties. They pay well.# "I suppose that makes sense." End Chapter 7 Postscript: Why doesn't Ranma just go to Jusenkyo? It's never actually stated in the manga that the naniichuan would cure his curse and Ranma has no way of being sure that it would. Since Jusenkyo is about 2000 kms (approx. 1250 miles) inland it's no wonder he hesitates. Ranma didn't exactly have the best luck the last time he was in China. Chapter 8: The Price of Victory The day of the match had arrived and the Kolkhoz High arena was filled to capacity. At least half the crowd had arrived from Furinkan. Down on the concrete floor, the two opponents faced one another. Mikado was elegantly garbed in a white tuxedo. In contrast, Ryoga, was wearing his usual yellow tunic. As far as he was concerned, this was a fight, not a fashion contest. Wearing fancy clothes that would just get wrecked was pointless. "Auntie Saotome, I'm going to go talk to Ryoga." "A few last minute words of encouragement?" Nodoka asked. "Something like that." Ranma walked up to Ryoga, stopping when she was only a few feet away. "I just want to wish you luck. Oh, and one more thing..." Ranma leaned closer to Ryoga to whisper in his ear. "If you lose, I swear I'll hunt you down and make you suffer. "You're scaring me," Ryoga replied. "You know as well as I do that Mikado doesn't stand a chance. I'm a lot better than the last time we met." "Just be careful." Inwardly, Ranma agreed with Ryoga's assessment of the match. His confidence grated on her though. After all, she was the one that had the most at stake. "You'd better get back with the other spectators. The match is about to begin." ==================== "I'm telling you they kissed, Akane." Akane glared over at the seat beside her. There hadn't been enough space for the four Tendo's and Mrs. Saotome to sit together. However, Akane was beginning to regret sitting beside Ukyo. "Don't be absurd. I told you Ranma and Ryoga aren't dating." "Shampoo agree with stupid spatula girl." Both Ukyo and Akane were shocked as Shampoo forcibly cleared a space to sit beside them. "Shampoo, don't tell me that you believe the rumors about Ranma too." "Great-grandmother warn Shampoo about this. Maybe no problem yet, but if Ranma spend too much time as girl it affect his mind. Look like kiss to Shampoo anyway." "Akane's brow furrowed in thought. "You know, there was something different about Ranma this morning. I can't quite put my finger on it though." ==================== "Ladies and gentlemen, today we have a grudge match. Mikado Sanzenin, one half of the Golden Pair, faces the only man to ever defeat him in a martial arts figure skating contest. At stake, the love of a beautiful girl." The keener eared spectators could have sworn they heard the announcer mutter "at least it's not another pig." There was a moment of silence before the announcer continued. "Let the fight begin!" At those words, Ryoga and Mikado began to move towards one another. When they met, Mikado ducked Ryoga's punch and used his greater momentum to slam Ryoga into the floor. Ryoga was able to move comfortably on his rollerblades, but Mikado's superior skill at any form of skating clearly showed. As Ryoga climbed to his feet, Mikado turned sharply and repeated the maneuver, clotheslining Ryoga. As Mikado approached for a third attack, Ryoga pushed off the floor with his arms and vaulted over Mikado. Landing on his feet, Ryoga began to skate after Mikado. Mikado easily avoided Ryoga and retaliated with a kick that caused Ryoga to veer into the boards that lined the arena. "It's almost painful to see someone so badly outclassed. I'll defeat you quickly to spare you anymore humiliation." Mikado began to spin rapidly on one leg, soon Ryoga was pulled into the whirlwind created by Mikado's attack and both fighters were nothing more than a blur. Overhead, the voice of the announcer boomed out. "We're seeing the Dance of Death, one of Mikado's most dangerous attacks. This may be the end of the match right here." Suddenly, Mikado flew out of the whirlwind, landing heavily. Ryoga was revealed standing with one arm outstretched, a confident smirk on his face. "You're stronger than I thought Sanzenin. I almost felt those punches." Mikado staggered to his feet, eyes wide with disbelief. "It's impossible. You've got to be some kind of monster." "I've heard that before. Teikiatsu Kyaku!" Leaping into the air, Ryoga began to spin rapidly, landing dozens of powerful kicks on Mikado. Mikado stood for only an instant more, before the air pressure generated by the attack launched him backward. Ryoga landed on his feet and then skated over to the unconscious form of Mikado. "Now that's how you really do it." When the announcer declared the victor he was almost drowned out by the cheering from the Furinkan students. ==================== "You had me worried for a while there," Ranma said. "I told you, Mikado didn't stand a chance." "Are you sure? He hit you over 700 times." "Like I said, I barely felt his blows." "Then I suppose this doesn't hurt at all," Ranma said, poking Ryoga's ribs. "Ow!" "Or this," she said, poking a different spot. "Ow! Stop doing that." "I will just as soon as you take your shirt off and let me make sure you aren't really hurt. "Oh, all right," Ryoga grumbled, pulling his shirt off over his head. As he did so, the door to the dressing room opened and Nodoka and the Tendo sisters entered. "Ranko, what are you doing?" "Nothing Akane. Mikado was just a bit better than I thought, and I was worried Ryoga might be hurt." "It does look like he'll have some bruises," Kasumi said, as she examined Ryoga with a critical eye. Standing in the corner, Nabiki frowned. Her older sister couldn't be checking Ryoga out, could she? "A few bruises are a small price to have paid for successfully defending Ranko's honor. This calls for a celebration," Nodoka announced. "That sound like a wonderful idea, Auntie Saotome." Ranma smiled. A party would give her plenty of opportunities to persuade her mother that her life was fine. "Is it all right for me to invite a friend over?" Akane asked. "I'm not sure that that's a good idea," Ranma began. "Nonsense. It won't be any trouble. Don't you have any friends you'd like to invite?" Nodoka raised an eyebrow as she questioned Ranma. Ranma was slightly flustered when she recalled what her plan involved. Persuading her mother that Soun was doing a good job raising her would be quite awkward. "Not really. I just want to spend some time with Ryoga." ==================== "Ukyo, I'm glad you're here. I was beginning to think you weren't coming." "Shampoo stopped by to explain some of the her tribe's laws to me. What's the hurry anyway, Akane." "Ranma's been acting really weird all evening." "Exactly, how has he been acting weird?" Akane's obvious worry about Ranma was sending warning signals to Ukyo in more than one way. "Like he doesn't mind being a girl. All evening it's been 'Can I get you anything Ryoga? Let me do that, Ryoga.' Even worse, she- I mean he's been sitting beside Ryoga the whole time. Do you think Shampoo could be right about what she said?" "I don't know. How is Ryoga acting about this?" "At first he was just confused, but I think he's starting to like it." "We'll have to keep Ranma away from him then. If I sit on one side of him and you sit on the other, we shouldn't have any problems." ===================== When Ranma returned from helping her mother in the kitchen she found an unpleasant surprise waiting for her. Ryoga was talking nervously with Akane while ignoring Ukyo, who was also sitting beside him. Walking over to his father, Ranma grabbed the glass glass of sake he was holding and took a quick drink from it. Ranma forced herself to smile pleasantly, before walking over to Ryoga and sitting directly in his lap. "Miss me, Ryoga?" Ryoga fought down the urge to do something rash, and replied, "You weren't gone that long." When Ranma tightened her grip around his neck, he continued, "But, I missed you anyway." Subconsciously, his muscles tensed, as he prepared to dodge an attack from Ukyo. Involve in a conversation with Soun, Nodoka did not miss the glare that Ukyo was directing at Ryoga or the similar look Ranma was receiving from Akane. It seemed that Ryoga was quite the ladies man. There wasn't anything wrong with that, but she'd have to make sure he made the right choice. Kasumi was noticing the same things as Nodoka, but reaching very different conclusions. "Auntie, do you think it would be all right if I invited someone over?" "Certainly, I'm sure every one would enjoy another guest." "I'll call him right now then." As Kasumi departed Nodoka's thoughts took a speculative turn. It was about time Kasumi found someone. She wasn't getting any younger, after all. Genma Saotome was the only one who heard Kasumi's voice on the phone. "Hello. Dr. Tofu, I was wondering if..." The panda decided that it was time to make an unscheduled departure. ================== The level of tension in the room had increased considerably. Akane and Ukyo were still busy glaring at Ranma and Ryoga respectively. Meanwhile, Soun had consumed several glasses of sake and was happily crying about how he'd found a wonderful husband for his niece. Ranma wasn't far behind him in terms of consumption, and had already undone several buttons on the Chinese outfit Ryoga had bought her. Ryoga's red face seemed to confirm her claims about the excessive heat. Nabiki was watching the whole situation with the sort of morbid fascination most people reserve for train wrecks. "Oh my. How nice of you to come over on such short notice Dr. Tofu." "Think nothing of it K-K-Kasumi." "Come on in." Nodoka smiled as Kasumi guided a befuddled looking young man into the room. He was so nervous, it was obvious how he felt about Kasumi. "You remember Ryoga don't you?" "Why yes I do," Dr. Tofu said, seizing hold of Ukyo. "You seem to have lost a bit of weight. I can fix that right up." "EAGH!" "Dr. Tofu, you're so silly that was Ukyo. This is Ryoga." Ryoga pushed Ranma off his lap and scooted backward. "This really isn't necessary. I mean I'm feeling a bit tired. I think I'll get ready to sleep now." The others quickly made there own excuses and the room was soon empty except for Kasumi and Dr. Tofu. "Why Kasumi, what a surprise meeting you here." ==================== "What do you think you were doing? You were practically crawling all over Ryoga." Akane looked at her fiancee across the bed. "What are you talking about? You were the one all over him." "That's different. In case you've forgotten, I'm not really a girl." "Fine, see if I care if you embarrass yourself over Ryoga," Akane shouted. A firm knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Nodoka quietly opened the door, and stepped into the room. "I hope I'm not intruding, but the two of you were getting quite loud." "What did you hear, Auntie Saotome?" Ranma asked nervously. "Just enough to know that you were fighting over Ryoga. Ranko, maybe you should go sleep in Nabiki's room tonight." "Sounds good to me." Without further comment, Ranma gathered up her bedding and walked out the door, almost slamming it behind her. "Now, Akane. I realize that Ryoga is handsome, but your interest isn't really appropriate. After all, you are engaged to my son." "I don't think about Ryoga that way, Auntie Saotome. He's just a friend." For some reason she couldn't easily identify, Akane was uncomfortable at the suggestion. "Even if that's true, Ranko obviously doesn't think so. You should probably try to stay away from Ryoga for a while." "I'll think about it." Akane's tone of voice didn't hold out much hope. "That's all I ask. Good night." =================== Ranma paused in the hall standing in front of Nabiki's door. After a brief hesitation, she turned away and continued on towards her own room, stumbling slightly. Opening the door, she saw that Ryoga was already asleep. Shrugging, she slipped onto the futon beside him =================== As the soft morning sunlight entered the room Ryoga woke. He blinked in surprise as he realized that there was something warm and soft in his arms. When his vision cleared he was even more surprised to realize that it was Ranma. A moment later he realized two other things. Ranma must have been fighting with Akane again, hardly surprising, and if he moved he'd wake her up. Mulling over his options, Ryoga decided to simply wait until she woke up. His situation wasn't that unpleasant. Fifteen minutes later, Ryoga felt Ranma slowly and with great care slip free of his arms. He waited several moments and then moaned softly and sat up. "Ranma, what are you doing here?" "I had another fight with Akane. My Mom thought I should sleep with Nabiki, but..." "I understand. You'd better get out of here now. Nabiki is probably in bed, so maybe no one will find out." "I doubt I'll be that lucky. It's worth a try though." =================== "Good morning, Ranko," a cheery voice said, as Ranma entered the kitchen. "Uh, good morning Kasumi." "You don't look well. Is something wrong?" "I'm just a bit hungover." "As well you should be. It isn't ladylike to drink in such quantities," Nodoka commented severely. "You're right. I should probably apologize to Akane for getting so jealous." Nabiki strolled into the room at this time. "Good morning everyone. A bit under the weather, Ranko?" "I think she regrets drinking so much. You didn't mind her staying in your room last night, did you?" Without batting an eye, Nabiki replied, "Not at all. In fact I barely knew she was there." "It's nice that you're getting along with her. Usually you and Ranko hardly spend any time together." "We just don't have a lot in common." Ranma had mixed feelings about the exchange. She was relieved that Nabiki had covered for her. On the other hand, Nabiki seldom provided aid without cost, and she could probably figure out where Ranma had been. ==================== As Ryoga approached the gates of Furinkan High he groaned. A large banner was stretched over them reading "Congratulations Ryoga!" in bright red lettering. "Maybe I should just skip school today." Ranma looked at him in surprise. "What's the matter? You aren't nervous are you?" "I'm just not used to a lot of attention," Ryoga said defensively. "Don't worry, Ryoga. Everyone will be happy to see you," Akane said, smiling. "You think so?" "Yes I do." Ranma and Akane each grabbed one of Ryoga's arms and pulled him towards the school. Behind them, Nabiki watched silently, showing no sign of her inward turmoil. She'd gone to sleep later than Ranma, so she knew exactly what had happened. However, the pictures she'd taken could ruin Ranma's life. It was just that they were worth so much money. The first set, of Ranma in the neko-ken, had earned her over half a million yen of profit. These would be worth a lot more. =================== Ranma stared sullenly at her desk. So far, it seemed as if almost every one in the school had taken the opportunity to congratulate Ryoga. As far as Ranma was concerned beating Mikado wasn't that big a deal, she could have done it herself. The worst part of it was that she couldn't even blame Ryoga for usurping her role. Being the focus of attention plainly made the lost boy miserable. Ranma's attention snapped to the front of the class, as Miss Hinako spoke. "Class, I have an important announcement to make." Despite her shrill voice, Miss Hinako could be clearly heard as the class fell silent. As you all know, attendance at Friday's dance is mandatory and the theme of the dance will be Hawaii." Both Ranma and Ryoga frowned in surprise. Miss Hinako continued, "However, instead of the usual plastic crowns, the principal has decided that whoever are voted the King and Queen of the dance will receive an all expenses paid trip to China. Unfortunately, this will use up the school's entire budget for the social events." Both Ranma and Ryoga had stopped listening by this point. They were each busy picturing a joyous curse free existence. "The prize will be award to the most romantic couple. The deadline to sign up for the contest is Wednesday. That's all class is dismissed." Ranma and Ryoga became briefly stuck in the door when they tried to race through it together. Chapter 9: Night of the Living Gate Crashers "I'm so glad you could help me shop, Auntie Saotome." "Think nothing of it. A school dance can be a very important event and it's nice to see you taking an interest in your appearance." Nodoka paused and considered the available options. "I think the red dress would be the best choice." "But I can barely walk in it, let alone fight." Ranma gestured at the dress in question. It was deep red, almost crimson, and strapless as well as form fitting. "You're exaggerating, dear. You'll just have to take slightly smaller steps. Besides, I don't think a brawl will erupt at the dance." "I'll believe that when I see it," Ranma muttered. "What was that?" "I said I'll take it." "Splendid. I'm sure Ryoga will be impressed. I've arranged an appointment at the beautician's for you on Friday afternoon. You'll want to be sure you look your best." Ranma shifted uncomfortably. "You didn't need to go to so much trouble." "Nonsense. It's the least I could do after you asked for my help. Now lets find some shoes to go with that dress." ==================== "Mr. Tendo, you don't need to help me find a tuxedo." "Ryoga, if you're going to take my niece to a dance you'll have to look your best." "You do remember that Ranma isn't really your niece, don't you?" Soun paused in confusion for a moment. "Now that you mention it, I had forgotten that. An insignificant detail like that isn't really important though. I hate to admit it, but you two get along even better that Ranma and Akane." Ryoga gulped nervously as he followed Soun. Getting to Jusenkyo would be more than worth the effort. Anyway, he wasn't the one that had to wear a dress. ==================== Ranma sat in the warm water of the furo, scrubbing furiously. He sighed in relief as he felt the familiar transformation come over him. "Finally must have rubbed enough of the water proof soap off." He didn't mind pretending to be a girl as much any more, especially now that a possible solution had become available. In fact, yesterday's shopping trip had been kind of fun. However, some things were best done as a guy. Ranma stepped out of the furo and splashed himself with cold water. It was time to talk to Ryoga about borrowing some clothes. =================== Walking down the street, Ranma felt vaguely uncomfortable. She smile ruefully, who would have ever thought that she'd get used to wearing a bra and panties. Stopping in front of her destination, Ranma unscrewed the cap of the thermos she was carrying and upended it over her head. Checking to make sure that Ryoga's clothes now fit him properly, Ranma stepped through the door. "Ranchan, you're a guy again!" "I thought I should change back to talk to you." "What about?" "Well uh, I just thought you might have gotten the wrong impression because I've been spending so much time as a girl." Ukyo smiled shamefacedly. "I guess I did. But, Akane explained about your problems with your mother." "Great! Then you know I'm not really dating Ryoga or anything." With Ranma in front of her as a guy, Ukyo's continuing suspicions seemed to silly to consider. "That's right. Say, do you want any okonomiyaki, Ranma?" "Sure. Just give me my usual." Ukyo worked quickly and as she set another culinary masterpieces in front of Ranma, she decided to broach another subject. "Ranma, there's something that I have to tell you." "What is it, Ukyo?" Ranma said, around his first bite. "I'm not really..." The door to Ucchan's opened with a crash, and Ranma looked up to see an unexpected figure. "Shampoo! What are you doing here?" "Shampoo come to visit wife." Ranma choked spitting out a large piece of okonomiyaki. "Ranma not know? Shampoo now engaged to Ukyo under amazon law." "H-how did that happen?" Ranma stammered. "Long story. Shampoo tell some other time." "So, I suppose this means you ain't after me any more," Ranma said in a hurt tone of voice. Shampoo hastened to reassure Ranma. "Oh no, Ukyo amazon now. Ranma can marry her and Shampoo now. Ranma like, yes?" Ranma turned white as a sheet at the suggestion. He hurriedly looked over at Ukyo, who was quietly banging her head against the counter. "I've, um, I've got to go now, Ukyo. Could I have a glass of water." Ukyo wordlessly poured a glass of water and handed it to Ranma. "Thanks." Ranma poured the water over his head and then hurriedly left. "Shampoo, I told you, I'm not marrying you. I don't care what your amazon laws say." "Shampoo not happy either, but she follow law." The amazon hesitated, then changed the subject. "You notice Ranma wear pig-boy's clothes?" "No. You're right though. I have seen Ryoga wearing that shirt. It doesn't really mean anything though." "Ranma wet too. Like maybe he just change." Ukyo's expression grew concerned as she understood the direction of Shampoo's thoughts. "You're saying that Ranma had to borrow clothes from Ryoga, only changed back to a guy before he walked in here, and then changed back as soon as he left." "Yes. That what Shampoo thinks happened." "That really doesn't sound good. But, Ranma told me that there's nothing between him and Ryoga." "Maybe Ranma not notice curse really turning him into a girl?" "He did seem awfully enthusiastic about the school dance on Friday. We've got to make sure that nothing happens then." =================== "I'm not going, Kasumi. It would be too embarrassing." Kasumi gazed helplessly at her younger sister. "Now I understand that you're disappointed that you can't go with Ranma, but all your friends will be there. Also you said the the principal won't let you advance to the next grade if you don't go." "I refuse to watch Ranma make a fool of himself and Ryoga." Akane's voice was muffled because she had her face pressed into the pillows. "Well, I suppose that Ranma probably won't need your help." Akane suddenly looked up. "Why would Ranma need my help?" "There are a lot of things that could go wrong, and Ranma would be very disappointed if he couldn't go to China." "You're right, Kasumi. Ranma will need my help. I'll go." There was a scowl on Akane's face, but inside she was exultant. If Ranma needed her help he'd get it, whether he wanted to or not. "That's wonderful. Now let me help you get changed." ==================== When Ryoga saw the vision in front of him, he gulped nervously. Reminding himself just who this was and why they were doing this he spoke. "You look nice, Ranma. Are those earrings though?" "They're clip ons I borrowed from Akane. I think asking my Mom for help was a mistake. She got a bit carried away." "It'll be worth it if we win. You know, Mr. Tendo is a bit too enthusiastic about this for my tastes." "I wouldn't worry about it. He and my Pop have been trying to get Akane and I together for so long I don't think they can stop match making. You don't look bad either, but there is one thing." "What?" "The bandanna's gotta go." Ryoga took a step backwards. "What's wrong with my bandanna?" "There's nothing wrong with it. It just doesn't match the tuxedo," Ranma said in an exasperated voice. Sullenly, Ryoga removed his bandanna and stuffed it in his pant's pocket. "Stop sulking. It's just for one night. You don't have anything to complain about. I mean, look at me. The dress is bad enough, but the heels on these shoes are murder." "Feh. Isn't your manhood worth a few inconveniences?" "I wasn't the one complaining about not wearing some silly bandanna. Now shut up and get ready to act romantic." ==================== "Will you relax, Ranma? You're as stiff as a board." "That's easy for you to say, you're not the one dancing with a guy." Ranma caught sight of the look in Ryoga's eyes. "No wisecracks. You know what I mean." Despite her words, Ranma did manage to relax and even managed a somewhat convincing smile. "Mind if I cut in?" "What?" Ranma exclaimed, as someone swept her away from Ryoga. "Ukyo, haven't I talked to you about this?" Ranma peered over Ukyo's shoulder to see Shampoo leading Ryoga away. "Shampoo, let go of me." Ryoga was trying to pull free of Shampoo without creating a scene, and not having much luck at it. "No, Shampoo stop you from taking advantage of Ranma's curse." "It's not like that," Ryoga explained, "Ranma and I are just doing this to win the trip to China." "Ranma can go to China with Shampoo. Not have to pretend to be girl." Ryoga cast about for something else to say. The night wasn't going as well as he'd hoped. A nearby voice provided the inspiration he needed. "Kuonji, I won't let you corrupt Shampoo! Release her now or suffer the consequences." Ryoga looked in the direction the voice came from and sure enough, there was Mousse threatening a palm tree. "All right, Mousse. Shampoo is all yours." As Ryoga spoke, he rudely shoved Shampoo into the half-blind amazon male. "Stupid Mousse, let go of Shampoo." Smiling happily, Ryoga looked about for Ranma, but couldn't catch sight of her. He did however, spot a familiar head of short black hair. Akane. She was dancing with Kuno, and looking profoundly unhappy. Well, Ryoga could fix that. Stepping up beside Kuno, Ryoga smashed an elbow into the side of his head. When the older boy slumped to the ground unconscious, Ryoga moved closer to Akane. "Hello, Ryoga. Do you want to dance?" Since Akane was smiling at him, it was all Ryoga could do to nod dumbly. He put his arms gently around Akane, and tried to remember which foot he was supposed to move first. After a few false starts he managed to get underway. He enjoyed several minutes of contented bliss before an outstretched leg tripped him. Blinking he found Ranma hauling him to his feet. Ukyo and Akane stared at each other dumbfounded as Ranma guided Ryoga away. "You two, enjoy yourselves now," she called. =================== Outside of Furinkan's auditorium, trouble was brewing for the happy couples. "My congratulations. Those forged invitations did prove most useful. I think it best that we separate now though. Do as you please, I will find my darling Ranma. Oh-ho-ho!" Mikado smiled uneasily as the crazed gymnast bounded away. She was pretty enough, but he'd rather kiss a snake. Tonight though, he was on a mission of revenge rather than one of love. Ryoga Hibiki would pay for humiliating him twice. ==================== "Akane, I can explain this." "Don't bother. I think I can guess. You had some plan to stop Ranma from going to the dance with Ryoga and it didn't work." "Yes. I suppose it was fairly obvious." "How dare you speak to the fair Akane, cur. Though you share the name of my goddess of okonomiyaki, I will not spare you." "Share the name... Just how stupid are you Kuno?" Ukyo was astonished by the sheer gall of the bombastic kendoist. "Verily, Tatewaki Kuno knows no limits. I shall avenge the foul blow you struck earlier." As Kuno drew his bokken and started forward, Ukyo raised an eyebrow. "I don't know what your talking about, but if it's a fight you want you won't be disappointed." The students of Furinkan, always ready for a good fight, readily made room for the duel to begin. The chaperone faded into the background, wishing someone else had drawn this duty. Someone like Miss Hinako. Noticing a disturbance at the other end of the auditorium, he decided it was his duty to attend to that first. =================== "Ryoga Hibiki, I challenge you." "Again? Stay here Ranma. This won't take long." Ryoga noticed that Mikado was wearing roller blades, but with his own feet firmly on the ground he didn't think that would be a problem. Ryoga aimed a jab at Mikado's head and wasn't surprised when Mikado skated backwards out of range. He repeated the maneuver twice more with similar results. Mikado was evidently hoping to tire him out. The next time instead of a jab Ryoga lunged forward, his blow ending two feet past the point Mikado anticipated. The punch connected solidly with Mikado's shoulder and the force of the blow spun him around. Ranma was watching the fight from the sidelines, when a sudden premonition warned her of danger. Forgetting her dress, her intended leap forward was transformed into an awkward sprawl, as she barely managed to avoid the ribbon that flashed over her head. "Tell me what you've done to Ranma." A flick of Kodachi's ribbon sent Ranma desperately scrambling to safety. "If you do it quickly, I might not hurt you too badly." Ranma stood defiantly. "I'm not the one whose going to get hurt." "Really?" Kodachi's ribbon flashed out again. Ranma attempted to move backwards, but found herself tripped by her long dress. Kodachi smiled as her ribbon looped itself snugly around her opponents waist. "I'm afraid you're not dressed for a fight, dear." With a twitch of wrist, Kodachi sent Ranma crashing into the refreshments table, spilling the punchbowl over her. Ryoga found himself distracted by the struggle taking place on the periphery of his vision, and Mikado was quick to take advantage. Skating a short distance to build up momentum, he launched a kick which sent Ryoga staggering backwards. "That does it! Shi Shi Hokodan!" The white clad form of Mikado was briefly outlined against the dark green ki blast, before he was entirely overwhelmed. Turning, Ryoga was greeted by an unusual sight. Ranma was launching a counteroffensive using the desserts from the table she'd been hurled into. Since Ranma was using the speed from her Amaguriken technique, Kodachi was already plastered with desserts from head to feet. Several unfortunate bystanders had been hit as well. Even as Ryoga watched in amazement, Kodachi slipped on a piece of pastry striking her head on the hardwood floor. =================== Meanwhile, Ukyo and Kuno were engaged in a hard fought battle. Early in the fight, Ukyo had discovered that Kuno's training in kendo was intended for use against armed opponents and she was having difficulty holding her own. She was currently retreating, kicking chairs into Kuno's path in an effort to slow him down. Kuno simply sliced them to pieces without even pausing in his attack. "Your efforts to flee mean nothing, dog!" Kuno yelled joyously. At last he faced a foe who fought fairly, instead of resorting to diabolical tricks in order to gain victory. Without replying, Ukyo ducked under a thrust and swung at Kuno's legs, knocking him to the floor. "So, you fight on. Very well. Strike! Strike! Strike!" Kuno began thrusting rapidly, calling out with each blow. Ukyo fought to maintain her footing as the concrete wall behind her was demolished by the air pressure of Kuno's attack. "Stick boy leave Ukyo alone!" Before Kuno had a chance to turn a bonbori slammed into the back of his skull rendering him senseless. "You didn't need to do that, Shampoo. I could've beaten him," Ukyo protested. "Shampoo no want to marry stick boy if he beat Ukyo." Ukyo gave an involuntary shudder at the thought. "These Amazon laws of yours really suck. Where were you any way? You were supposed to keep Ryoga busy." "Shampoo have to get rid of Mousse. "He was here also? That's enough for me. I'm leaving. " Shampoo nodded her agreement as a section of the wall collapsed. ================== "I can't believe that Mikado and Kodachi showed up. I really wanted this dance to go well too." "Don' worry, wahine. Fighting to remain togetha is very romantic. Dere just one ting you gotta do to be sure you win." "Just what is this one thing?" Ranma regarded the mutant Hawaiian that had sprung up next to her with suspicion. "You gotta kiss!" the principal exclaimed enthusiastically. "What!?" "No kiss no win. All da great couples, dey kiss." Ranma looked at Ryoga, who had paled noticeably on hearing the victory requirements. Just one kiss and the road to Jusenkyo would be hers. Puckering her lips and screwing her eyes tightly shut, Ranma slowly leaned towards Ryoga. At the last moment, she paused unable to continue. While Ranma hesitated a sudden shove from the principal sent her stumbling forward into Ryoga, who reflexively caught her. They stood frozen, with their lips pressed together for a split second before jumping apart. "So beautiful. You da winners!" A tear gleamed in the principal's eye as he made the announcement. "Here da prizes." Ryoga and Ranma each looked down at the object they'd been given. "Plastic crowns? What happened to China, you freak?" Ryoga growled. "Oh dat? Wit all da damage da school can't afford da trip." "What!" Ranma slowly advanced on the principal. The night air of Nerima was soon split by screams of agony. ================== Kasumi was collecting a load of laundry from Nabiki's room when a small object caught her attention. "Oh my!" In her hands Kasumi held a picture of Ryoga and a female Ranma peacefully sleeping, with there arms wrapped around each other. "This really isn't good." End Chapter 9 Chapter 10: Ranma was rising to leave the table after breakfast, when Nodoka motioned for her to remain. "Ranko, I'd like to talk to you and Ryoga about what happened last night. I know that you're unhappy you don't get to go to China, but you shouldn't sulk. It isn't ladylike." "I'm sorry. It's just so disappointing. If Ryoga hadn't blown up half the auditorium..." Nodoka directed a stern look at Ranma. "I don't think it's fair to blame Ryoga, dear. It was Mikado's fault for attacking him even after he lost the first duel." "Yeah. I wanted to go to China just as much as you." Seeing that Ranma wasn't being moved by his protests, Ryoga shifted tactics. "Besides, Kuno did more damage to the school than me." "I'm afraid I don't understand. Was there another fight at the dance?" "Two. Kodachi attacked Ranko and Kuno and Ukyo fought as well." Nodoka turned back to Ranko after Ryoga finished speaking. "Have you considered transferring to a different school, Ranko? Furinkan seems to be rather violent. I've heard good things about St. Hebereke." Ranma laughed uneasily at the suggestion. "I don't think that would be a good idea. Kodachi goes there. Anyway, I don't want to go to an all-girl school." "Yes I suppose that if you did transfer, you'd want Ryoga to go with you." "The fighting isn't too bad. We're getting today off, while they repair the damage, aren't we?" "You should devote more effort to your education, Ranko. But, since you do have the day off from school, why don't we spend some time together?" "That sounds like a great idea, Auntie Saotome." Inwardly, Ranma's mind was racing. The dance hadn't been a complete fiasco. It wouldn't take much more before her mom thought Ranma was a perfect lady. =================== "Nabiki, I found this picture while I was cleaning your room. Do you know anything about it?" Nabiki glanced at the picture Kasumi held. "Yes I do. Remember that night that Ranma was supposed to have spent in my room?" "I take it he didn't." "Right. It's no big deal. Ranma and Ryoga are both guys and they just got a bit tangled up while they were sleeping." "I know that." Kasumi paused briefly, considering how to continue. "There are some people that might not see it that way, though. I really think you shouldn't..." Nabiki cut in, impatiently, "Sell copies for a huge profit? Don't worry, Kasumi. I don't mind a little chaos, but what that would cause is well past my limits. I will keep the picture as a souvenir though." Kasumi jerked back, a moment too late, as Nabiki snatched the picture from her hand. "I think you should get rid of it. If the wrong person saw it, it could cause a lot of trouble for Ranma." "Don't worry about Ranma. He's perfectly capable of creating problems for himself without my help." =================== Ryoga walked through the unknown territory, eyes alert and every sense straining. Actually, he was fairly certain that he was still in the Tendos' home, but it didn't pay to take chances. It had been over an hour since Akane had given him directions to the living room, after all. He smiled in relief when he finally found the person he'd been seeking. "Ran-" Ryoga spotted the other occupant of the room and stopped himself, barely in time. "Ranko, I was wondering if you wanted to spar a bit." "I'm sorry, but I can't right now. I'm helping Auntie Saotome with some housework." "If you want to spend some time with Ryoga, that's all right, dear." "No, I can do that later. I think I'd like to talk to him alone for a minute though." Nodoka smiled as she watched watched the two teenagers step into the kitchen. It was unusual to find to people so young who were that close. You'd almost think that they were involved in some elaborate plot together. In the kitchen, Ryoga spoke softly to Ranma. "Housework? Don't you think that you're taking this a bit far?" Ranma's reply was equally quiet. "No. Today's the last day." "What are you talking about?" "The plan, remember? I mailed the Tendo's a letter a couple of days ago. It should arrive today and it says that I left for Korea yesterday." "Are you sure that you can make it convincing?" "I passed through Korea on my way to China." Ranma paused a puzzled expression on her face. "You should know that. You went there too when you followed me." "Heh, heh. I knew that." "Sure you did." Ranma reentered the kitchen while Ryoga wandered off. ==================== "You're back already, Soun?" "I just went out to pick up the mail. How interesting, there's a letter from Ranma." Soun froze as the meaning of the letter registered on his mind. "A letter from my son?" "I- That is what it says." "May I read it?" Nodoka eagerly grabbed the letter from Soun, who did not protest. "According to the return address the letter was mailed from Korea." Nodoka quickly opened the letter and read it. "Ranma says that they've heard about a mysterious temple in the mountains. He and Genma have gone looking for it and Ranma doesn't know when they'll be able to return." "I suppose this means you'll be leaving soon." "What? Oh no, you don't have to worry about that Ranko." "I don't? I mean I thought you were waiting for Ranma to come back." "I still am. But, you've become almost as much my child as Ranma is. Even if Ranma does return, I won't abandon you." Ranma's mind reeled at the statement. "That's great. I-I'll go tell the others about Ranma's letter," she choked out. "Poor girl, obviously overcome by emotion." ==================== Ranma burst into the dojo gesturing excitedly. "Ryoga, we've go to talk. My plan didn't work. My mom is staying." "And you put so much thought into it too. What could have possibly gone wrong?" Ryoga's tone stopped just short of a sneer. Fortunately, Ranma was too distraught to notice. "Just what is this plan, Ranma?" "Akane! What are you doing here?" "Ryoga was helping me train." "He was just helping you train, huh? We'll talk about that later." "Ranma, forget about that. I asked you a question," Akane said, her voice acquiring a slight edge. "We were going to convince my mom to leave, by making her think that Ranko was a perfect lady. The idea was that she wouldn't have any reason to stay. Only it didn't quite work like that." "I can imagine. You couldn't act like a real lady if your life depended on it." "Nah, that part was no problem. She was so happy about it she doesn't want to leave." Ryoga cut in, "Let me guess, you have another plan." "Sure. All I have to do is act unfeminine. Akane, you can help with this." "I can?" "Of course. I'll need a role model for this and an uncute tomboy like you is perfect." There was a resounding crack as Akane's hand connected with Ranma's cheek. "I was wrong the first time. A cute girl like you could never act unfeminine." Ryoga stared after Akane in puzzlement. "Why do keep saying things like that? You know she'll hit you." "Ah, we don't mean anything by it. She knows that." "I wonder. Anyway, I won't let you get away with it. Prepare to be punished, Ranma!" The grin on Ryoga's face belied his words. "Fat chance. I could use a good fight though." ==================== Two figures quietly entered the upper floor of the Tendos' home through a convenient window. Convenient that is, for highly trained martial artists. After their entrance, they paused for a whispered conversation. "Are you sure this will work? These sort of things usually don't turn out too well." "Ukyo, no worry. Splash Ranma with hot water and then Shampoo use special powder. Ranma be ten times as manly." "Quiet. I hear something." Voices drifted up the stairs from the kitchen. "Ranko, that was very unladylike language. I think that you should apologize." "I'm sorry, Auntie Saotome." "Good. Now why don't you take this tray up to Nabiki? She skipped lunch." Ranma's reply was inaudible, but Shampoo and Ukyo heard footsteps climb the stairs. Grinning they moved into position. "Now!" Even as Ranma heard the cry she felt a bucket of hot water drench her, causing an abrupt change in gender. Panicking, Ranma hurled the tray he was holding at the second form. "Ranko, is something wrong? I heard voices." Glancing at the ruined clothing he was wearing, Ranma jerked open the nearest door and darted inside. "Ukyo not breathe any dust?" Ukyo's reply was a smoldering glance that raked Shampoo from head to feet. "What's the matter, Shamchan?" "Gack!" Shampoo dove out the open window an instant before Ukyo reached her. When Nodoka arrived seconds later their was no one to be seen. =================== "Man, I knew I should have kept using the waterproof soap." "That outfit's a bit torn, Ranma. Let me help you get it off." "Kasumi, I can explain," Ranma said nervously. He was completely shocked, when Kasumi tackled him. Kasumi and Ranma struggled on the floor for a moment, with Ranma trying halfheartedly escape. His normal reluctance to hit girls paled before his aversion to harming Kasumi, so he didn't have much success. Mustering his resolve, Ranma reached up to push Kasumi off of him. In the hallway, Nodoka unsheathed her katana. There was no one in sight, and she really wasn't very skilled. The gesture calmed her all the same. Hearing the sound of a struggle in Kasumi's room she opened the door and almost dropped the Katana in shock. A strange boy in torn clothing was lying on the floor, with Kasumi straddling him. She was trying to pull his shirt over his head, while his hands rested lightly on her breasts. "What's going on here !?" Nodoka demanded. "Oh, I'm sorry. Ranma and I couldn't wait any longer." "Wha-mph." Whatever Ranma was about to say was cut off when Kasumi clamped her hand over his mouth. "Ranma! He's my son? But, why is he wearing Ranko's clothes?" Shocked by the sudden revelation, Nodoka sat down heavily on Kasumi's bed. "Don't worry. I can explain everything." Kasumi spoke confidently, but she could hardly stop herself from trembling. =================== "So, you're saying that as a result of his trip to China, my son is cursed to turn into a girl. You also maintain that, despite this, he is a man among men. "Essentially yes." "I want to believe you, Kasumi and he certainly seemed manly when I surprised you. However, there are a few remaining questions." "I was just pretending to be a girl so you wouldn't find out about the curse," Ranma protested. "So you say." Ranma had the grace to blush when Nodoka gestured at his unusual attire. "I think that I need to talk to some of Ranma's friends, to find out the truth for myself.." "In that case, I have a few ideas about where you should start. I think that Kodachi Kuno would be a good place to begin and then..." As Kasumi spoke, Ranma felt his spirits begin to revive. ================== Nodoka left the Kuno estate deeply divided. Kodachi had portrayed her son as a paragon of masculine virtue, something that heartened Nodoka a great deal. However, her conversation with Tatewaki Kuno had been far more disturbing. His insistence that her son was in fact a girl was particularly upsetting. The fact that he knew about the curse only made matters worse. Still, Nodoka had to admit that things could have been worse. She'd take Ranma or Ranko over any of the lunatics who inhabited the Kuno estate. Maybe her next interview would go better. =================== As Nodoka entered Ucchan's, she halted in confusion. "Ukyo, drink antidote!" A beautiful chinese girl, wearing a revealing dress had a rather androgynous looking young man strapped into a chair. She was waving a beaker filled with a noxious green liquid in front of his mouth. Nodoka coughed quietly before proceeding "Pardon me. Who might you be?" "I Shampoo. "Ukyo Kuonji. Would you mind untying me?" "Perhaps later. I'm Nodoka Saotome and I have a few questions to ask you about my son and his curse." An expression of dismay crossed Shampoo's face, but she rallied quickly. "Shampoo answer. Ask." "First, do you consider my son to be manly?" "Ranma very manly. He handsome and strong. Defeat Shampoo in combat." "I guess Ranma's guy form isn't bad, but I prefer her as a girl. She's so graceful and- UMPH." "Stupid spatula girl not helping," Shampoo said as she stuffed a convenient rag into Ukyo's mouth. "She does have a point. Ranma makes a very convincing girl." "That curse's fault! Great-grandmother say if person spend too much time in cursed form it affect their mind." Nodoka's eyes widened in realization. "Then it's my fault! I'm the one who forced Ranma to live as a girl. "You not mean to. Just not know about curse." "Nonetheless, I must bear at least some of the blame." =================== When Nodoka entered the Tendos' house, she found the entire household waiting for her. Ranma was dressed more appropriately for his gender, having borrowed an outfit from Ryoga. "It will doubtless interest everyone here to know that I have reached a conclusion regarding Ranma." Nodoka noticed a somewhat battered panda trying to creep away, but Ryoga caught it in an iron grip. "What is it?" Ranma's voice remained level as he spoke, but he was obviously nervous. "I find Ranma to be both a man among men and a woman among women. Because the promise I exacted was never intended to deal with magical curses, I'm nullifying it. I'm just proud to have such a wonderful child." "You really mean that, Mom?" Nodoka smiled fondly at Ranma. "Yes I do. Now, onto more cheerful business. I think we should transfer the engagement from Akane to Kasumi." "Excellent idea." Soun stroked his mustache, imagining an engagement that didn't cause major property damage. "Ranma..." Kasumi became aware of the blue glow surrounding her youngest sister and spoke quickly. "Why don't we let Ranma decide who he wants to marry. There isn't any hurry after all." The glow surrounding Akane flickered and went out, although her scowl remained firmly in place. "I suppose that is for the best. I can wait a few years for grandchildren." #Then everything turned out for the best.# "Not quite, Genma. I still want to talk to you." Nodoka's fingers caressed the katana she was holding. Seeing the look on her face, the panda tried to back away, but found that Ryoga hadn't released his grip. ================= Ranma's curse revealed, life at the Tendos' quickly returned to normal or as close to normal as it ever was. "Ranma, what are you wearing?" Akane demanded. "A school uniform. We have classes today remember," Ranma answered impatiently. Drawn to the commotion, Genma burst into tears, managing to rival one of Soun's floods. "Betrayed by my own son!" "A girl's uniform you mean." Realizing her attire Ranma blushed a deep red. "Whoops. Sorry. I guess it's habit." "Don't worry, Ranma. You look fine." "I think I'll change anyway, Mom," Ranma said heading back up the stairs. "I don't know how I'm going to explain things at school anyway." That woud prove to be the least of his concerns, though. At that very moment an airliner from China touched down in Tokyo. A small, wizened figure in the baggage compartment cackled softly before gathering up his loot. He'd show Ranma and his friend the folly of defying the master of Anything Goes Martial Arts. End Chapter 10