Chapter 1: Burned Bridges

I do not own Ranma ½ so please don't sue. This fic is semi-dark. It's rated M for a reason. This is not a Ranma-chan or lock fic even though Ranma may be a girl for long periods in it. Enjoy.

"Talking"

Thought

1 USD = 94 yen

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The truth is, hardly any of us have ethical energy enough for more than one really inflexible point of honor.

- George Bernard Shaw

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She stared at the ticket in her hand. It was a gamble, one she couldn't afford to lose now that her connections were cut or simply ignoring her. She frowned as she looked out at the ring and slowly looked around at the people hooting and hollering around her. One thousand yen on 50 to 1 odds. Why the hell did she bet on the dark horse for this? Maybe it had something to do with only having one thousand yen to her name. If she lost here... No, even if she had bet on the other fighter she wouldn't have had enough yen to last more than a week on her own. She didn't want to consider the alternatives... Because she was above such things, NOT because she was afraid of such things.

"This Ranko the Tenderizer better be worth it." She moved through the crowd and ignored hands wandering to places they shouldn't. She learned in the last pit that slapping the wrong person could get her thrown out. Thankfully, she hadn't placed a bet on any of the fights before the pit boss had grabbed her ass at her last stop. She pushed her way between two haggard looking businessmen with the hope that they at least wouldn't harass her beyond the occasional grope.

The lights dimmed and a spotlight fell onto the pit. A man with one leg hobbled his way into the ring using a cane to steady himself. "Tonight we have a special fight for ya fellas. It's rare to get a lady inta one of these rings and even harder to get a looker. Now fellas give a hand to our entertainment for tonight. Ranko, the Tenderizer!"

Hazel eyes tracked the spotlight as it moved to the side of the ring and illuminated someone. Unnatural red hair, clear blue eyes, alabaster skin, and an exceptionally voluptuous build were shown under the spotlight. If the brunette had to term the girl, she was a knockout. The problem was she was in a ring and not a beauty contest. A lump formed in the girls throat as she observed the girl soaking in the jeers and whistles from the men around the ring. This was bad, seriously bad. Her worry only grew when the spotlight moved over to the other side of the ring.

"And our current champion, Tanaka Naka, the Bulldozer. This mountain of muscle has steamrolled through the last twenty-nine bouts in this ring. Lets give a big hand for tonight's special bout!" The muscle bound oaf in the corner lay back on the ropes with a smirk on his face. Unfortunately, he has every right to that smirk; he's facing a little girl. I'm so screwed.

The two fighters moved to the center of the ring and the girl tightened her fist over her ticket. It was a long shot. A one in a million chance that this Ranko would win, but her only hope was long odds at this point. She had little to hope for since she got kicked out. Since father, took her side over mine. His little 'angel' could do no wrong. Daddy had to take Akane's side. He always did.

Flashback...

"Daddy I'm home." The quiet response didn't particularly shock her. Her father was either sulking, drunk, wasn't home, or simply didn't hear her. She took off her shoes and wandered into the living room. She knew something was wrong when she opened the door to find her father seated at the table staring up at her with impassive eyes. It was a rare look on the man and usually came with an even rarer stern lecture from him. The last time she had seen this look was when one of her teachers had gotten the wise idea to report her for gambling on school grounds. Of course, she had let the teacher know in no uncertain terms what a mistake that had been.

She put her schoolbag beside the door and sat down across from her father. The stern look didn't leave his face. There was an awkward silence for some time as they stared at each other.

"Nabiki, I know that you make money outside of your allowance, but it has come to my attention, not for the first time, that you're actions may not be honorable."

Nabiki kept a neutral mask up, but almost fell into a rage at those words. His idea of an allowance was 200 yen a month. Not only that, but the money she 'made outside her allowance' kept the house afloat. Father's 3000 yen a month from his council seat did not come within a tenth of paying their monthly bills, groceries, and other necessities. If father couldn't get over how she made her money, then the deadbeat needed to get a job.

"Yes, father. I am aware that what I do may not be seen as respectable, but we need the money to pay for monthly bills. How else will we pay for what we need. Basic food supplies are at or above what you make on the council each month." She wanted to smirk when her father broke eye contact, turned his head to the side and coughed once. It was a nasty habit of his that he performed when he knew he was losing an argument. He should have ended the conversation then and there as he had done almost every time before. She didn't like it though when he settled back to staring at her. Something wasn't right. He had either gained a massive pair or he felt whatever offense she had committed was beyond the pale.

"Be that as it may Nabiki. I'm afraid that does not excuse the exploitation of your siblings. Specifically, these." Nabiki watched her father pick some photos out of his sleeve. Nabiki immediately knew what the photos were. The action shots of her sister were common fair at the school and brought in a steady cash flow. They weren't distasteful by any means and she couldn't figure out why her father was being so uptight.

"Daddy, these are just photos of sis exercising. They sell pretty well, but I don't see what's so bad about..." Nabiki couldn't finish her reply as her father slammed his hand down on the table. Nabiki had to flinch as her father looked down on her with disgust.

"Akane, recovered these photos from a young man whom she told me was doing perverse things with them. Said young man also accosted her along with other young men. You dare to lecture me on money!"

Nabiki winced. She hadn't heard about that. The only thing that came to mind was the daily fights that had been occurring for over two weeks now, but Akane had seemed to take that in stride to a degree. Either her information network had failed her, or something strange was happening.

"I'm sorry daddy. It's either pictures or starvation. If you'll tell me about who was doing this, then I'll take care of it."

The look from the man in front of her only became harder with that line. "Another thing Nabiki. I asked a neighbor and he had some rather choice words to use when describing you. After asking around, I've heard a number of rumors of you fronting for yakuza in the area. Nabiki, you've crossed a line. Do you have a shred of family honor?"

That line struck Nabiki hard. He thought she had no honor. She paid for this family. She worked her ass off so he could drink all day. She paid for food, shelter, and clothing for all of them. And he was going to lecture her on her associations and behavior. Hell, she didn't remember dealing with any yakuza. What the hell was he going on about?

It was a sarcastic comment. One so obvious anyone should be able to pick up on it; everyone but Soun Tendo that is. A comment she would come to regret "And what if I do all of that? What are you going to do? Don't kid yourself. I carry this family."

Soun Tendo gripped the table and the wood creaked under his hands. "Nabiki, get out. Get out now and don't ever think of coming back. I disown you cur. Leave now."

Nabiki sat in silence for a moment. Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open. "Did you not hear me. Leave now Nabiki. You have no home and no clan. Get the hell out now!"

She slowly stood and walked out of the room. When she opened the door, she ran to the street and out the gate. A haze of anger and sadness washed over her as she tried to think of some place she could stay and regroup.

Flashback end...

If being disowned wasn't bad enough, everyone seemed to know as soon as she stepped out the door. Old colleagues and her helpers ignored her. People in general turned her away and it was eery how they already knew she was coming. She found out that her father had already called the bank and claimed the money she had made over the past few years. It was like someone already knew that decision was going to be made and took steps to debilitate her further. She also had to wonder where her sisters had been. If Kasumi had been there, she was sure that she wouldn't have been disowned. Nabiki held her ticket tighter as the bell possibly sang out the tune of her fate.

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The mountain of muscle that was Tanaka Naka trudged his way to the center of the ring. He could only grin at what was in front of him. He'd simply hold the girl down until she gave up or the referee called the match. Then he'd pin her again in the locker room. He knew the bosses had told him the next match would include his bonus and he now understood what they meant. The sweet meat in front of him was definitely up his alley.

"Yo, big guy! The bell rang. Ya going to fight or are ya going to just sit there with a goofy look on yer face!" Tanaka snapped out of his thoughts and turned to the girl. She had her hands under her breasts, pushing them up. Oh yes, he would enjoy this.

"Sure little lady. We'll make this quick yah, just not to quick. Wouldn't want to disappoint the crowd now would we?" Or myself, man will those giggle when she's moving around. I'll have to stall some. I guess the bosses want some 'entertainment' for the guests from this fight.

Tanaka held up his meaty palm and slapped it down as close as he could without hitting the girl. He expected her to dodge out of fear and make it look good, but she did no such thing. She simply blew on her fingernails and didn't move. His hand hit the floor with a mighty smack, but all the girl did was give the appendage a critical eye.

"That it? Geez, I've known blind men that can drive better than you can punch. I give the power behind it a 2 outta 10. Not bad for someone that looks like they pumped their arms full of air."

Now Tanaka Naka was a man of few brain cells. Yes, he could think so long as it wasn't too hard or too long, but complex thoughts tended to get even harder when he was mad. It was one reason why he was called the Bulldozer. He simply plowed into the competition without thought or reasoning. The steroids may have something to do with that too, but that was neither here nor there. Tanaka's eyeballs appeared to glass over and he lunged.

One thing could be said about 'Ranko' is that she knew how to rile her opponent into making mistakes. The other would be that 'she' could kick ass. Tanaka was about to become the poster child for defining these skill sets. Ranko moved to the side as Tanaka blew by her and plowed into the ropes behind her. "Ole!"

Tanaka shook his head and made another charge. This time Ranko jumped while spinning in the air and landed dead center on the back of the man's head. Tanaka's face met the concrete floor and the floor won as his face was turned into a pancake. Ranko made a great flourish of bowing while perching on the downed man's skull to a deathly silent crowd. When she didn't hear any applause, she simply shrugged and stepped out of the ring.

The referee found his voice a second later. "And Ranko the Tenderizer wins. Remember to pick up your winnings before you leave."

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51,000! She had 51,000 yen with her name on it waiting for her from just one bet. Bless that redhead. Bless her. I almost gave up, but damn if my luck hasn't turned around. She walked up to the man she had placed a bet with and showed him the slip. The man looked it over and tore it up. She looked at the pieces of paper floating to the floor and did something she hadn't done in a long time. She cursed out loud. "What the f*ck! I placed a bet, I expect to be paid!"

The man sneered at her, showing her a row of gold plated teeth. "Sorry little lady. All bets have been called off for tonight. Better luck next time."

Nabiki was about to tear into the man further when someone else did it for her. "That so. So the bet I placed on myself ain't worth jack huh?"

Nabiki turned to see Ranko standing behind her with half-lidded eyes. It was a welcome sight. Intimidation usually worked on low level flunkies, but she knew that she didn't have much clout in this type of circle. The redhead on the other hand had proved herself in the ring so hopefully they would get some results.

"That's right little lady. Bettings closed. Now leave." Or the man would be stupid enough to turn down someone that crippled one of their best fighters in less than a minute.

Nabiki had to at least recover the yen she had placed for her bet. "Hey, don't I at least get the 1000 yen back that I placed for my bet."

The man turned back to her and slammed a knife into the table while sneering at her. "Dues for being able to watch the fight dear. Better luck next time. Now scram. I don't have time for two little trollops whining and moaning about their lost funds."

Nabiki scowled as the man turned his back to them. She was about to curse the man out, but something blurred by her. The man fell like a sack of potatoes as the redhead stood over him with a victorious smirk on her face. Nabiki blinked a few times before she realized that the redhead was looting the man in front of her. She almost drooled at the fist full of cash that 'Ranko' had pulled out of the man's pockets. "Hey, he owed me 51,000 yen!"

Nabiki didn't expect the redhead to toss her a large wad of the cash as she continued to search the guy for anything else. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head as she saw how much she was holding. She had to have at least 200,000 yen held in a tight ball. "Wow."

'Ranko' finished searching the guy and started to wander off. Nabiki looked between the money and the departing redhead. She nodded her head before running after Ranko. "Wait for me."

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"Hey, you! Ranko!" Nabiki was panting as she finished yelling. Ranko could really move.

The redhead turned back to Nabiki with a raised eyebrow and frowned. "My name ain't Ranko. That was the stage name they gave me. My name's Ranma."

Nabiki waved her hand as she panted. Ranma could walk really fast. "Sure, sure. I can understand having a stage name. I was wondering if you'd like to chat and maybe have dinner. After all, you just won a match and got some cash. A girl's got to celebrate!"

Ranma frowned at the mention of girl, but Nabiki missed it. Ranma eyed Nabiki for a second before slowly nodding her head. "Alright, you know any places around here. I ain't got a clue since I just got here."

The smile that threatened to split Nabiki's face should have sent a shiver down Ranma's spine. "I know a place or two."

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"Mmmff if tow goof!" Nabiki cringed as the girl wolfed down another plate of pasta. She almost regretted taking the girl to Papa Luigi's. The stares from the waiters and patrons didn't help. The key word though was 'almost'. Ranma had agreed to pay with her 'winnings' so it was all good for Nabiki. She needed to hold onto as much money as she could. The problem was that she was too young to open a bank account on her own and it would be hard to do so with no clan backing her. She would have to solve that little problem later.

"So, Ranma. Do you like to fight? You seem to be pretty talented." It never hurt to compliment a potential associate, especially when the sentiment was true. She just needed to get a baseline read on the girl.

Ranma slurped up the last of her spaghetti and smiled. "I love to fight. I'm the best martial artist in the world cuz I'm Ranma Saot..." Her face dimmed a bit as she trailed off. "Yeah, I'm Ranma."

Nabiki could tell there was a story there. The girl had cut out her surname from the introduction. Either she didn't want her to know or the girl had also been kicked out of her clan. She should probably move onto another topic. "Uh, so what else do you like to do?"

The other girl scratched her head sheepishly. "Training."

Nabiki waited for the rest of Ranma's response but got nothing. "Training and what else? You have to like something else. Clubbing, sports, cooking, sewing, something."

Ranma shrugged her shoulders. "Don't know what clubbing is. I ain't really ever played sports unless it involved martial arts. I only cook and sew when I need to do it. Martial arts is the only thing I really know."

Nabiki's eyebrow rose slightly at that. This girl was a bit of an enigma. If she still had the resources, she would have gotten some intel on her background; however, she needed to know what she was dealing with in the here and now. She didn't have time to plan it out. She had a few guesses as to why this girl was going alone to the "Well, if we can earn enough money and have a place to live, then I'll show you what clubbing is like. I'm sure you'd like it quite a bit. How about we get down to business? I have some ideas that would help us earn money. Pit fighting can earn some cash, but I imagine if you did back there will start making its way around the circuits and the guys running them will start being wary of letting you in."

Nabiki watched the girl nod her head sagely. "Same thing happened in Shang-Hai when I was ten. Pop thought it would be good practice. They started running us out of places after we had already been through a few of them."

The only sign that something was wrong with Nabiki was a slight twitch in her brow. Pit fighting at ten... Guess that explains why she's so good, but I have to wonder what her dad was thinking. "Well there are other ways to make money too. Other than martial arts, I have a feeling that you'd be good at sports, modeling, and movies. I could act as your agent and we could work out how to split the money."

Nabiki wasn't expecting the other girl to frown at the proposition. The other girl seemed to mull over something before shaking her head. "Look, you've been nice and all but I gotta go and uh... I'm sorry but things wouldn't work out. I'm sure you've got somewhere you need to be and I got things that I need to do. It was nice meeting you and maybe we'll meet again."

The red-head stood up and left some yen on the table as she walked away. Nabiki was unsure where she had messed up in her negotiations. The girl had seemed receptive enough, but it was odd how the girl had brushed her off. It was like she was afraid that Nabiki would reject her. She was getting up to follow Ranma when the waiter stopped her. "Excuse me miss. Would you pay the bill first?"

Nabiki glared at the waiter and grabbed the yen Ranma had left on the table and shoved it into the waiter's hands. When Nabiki looked back, Ranma was gone.

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Nabiki sat in her hotel room with a cheap used computer. It had taken several hours, but she had finally cleared out the hard drive and reinstalled the OS with some of her personal modifications. She read up on the local and world news before sitting back on her bed and contemplating on everything that had happened. Her funds were once again woefully low, a mere 11,000 yen, but she could make it up now that she had a computer. While her father may have access to her personal bank account, it seems that he had missed trading accounts. She immediately changed her password and checked on her funds. She had missed her check-in for two days now and it had hurt her. She was sitting at 500,000 yen. The problem was 500,000 yen would only keep her afloat for the next month if she really stretched her funds.

She looked up at the ceiling of her room wondering how it had gone so wrong. She had been supporting her family for so long using the same methods that she really didn't see anything wrong with whatever it was that she had done. The worst she had ever done was a little blackmail and shaming people. It wasn't fair, but then life never was. She'd forge her own path. Maybe she would even meet Ranma again, but the chances were slim. It was time to plan her next move.

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Ranma sat in the tent city wondering what she was going to do as she heated water over the fire. She had been alone for the past 5 months and it was starting to grate on her. She still had the art. It wasn't necessarily the family art, but she had enough background in numerous styles to not use the family art. She looked down at her boobs and frowned. If it wasn't for that, she would still be with her father. She would still be training to become the best. The problem was that 'she' wasn't what her father wanted and 'she' wasn't even supposed to be.

She sat back and thought about Nabiki. She wasn't the first one to approach her with a friendly attitude. It wasn't like when those guys would approach her in this form, but nonetheless they either wanted something or they would turn away when they found out how much of a freak 'she' was.

Ranma smiled as the water started boiling. At least 'he' would be sleeping tonight. It was hard enough getting hot water. The problem was that it wouldn't last. The curse always won out. Without a constant supply of hot water, it was nearly impossible for 'him' to be 'himself'.

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This is a somewhat darker fiction. Ranma is not locked in this one.