Akane One-Half

by maidens-wanderlust

All Akane wanted to do was hone her skills as a martial artist, but what's a girl to do when she's cursed with the body of a boy when splashed with cold water? Reverse Role AU.

2. Chapter 2

Akane One-Half

Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma 1/2 or anything related to it. I'm merely having fun with an AU inspired by lineith's drawings and notes on Tumblr.

Author's Note: I've actually had the next three chapters written for a long time now. Yikes. This is what happens when 1) you're trying to juggle too many things at once in real life and 2) you did more outlining for a future arc than the current one. Yep, those are my explanations. I apologize to anyone who was interested in this story continuing. I do plan on finishing this story even if it makes years from now; it's too much like a puzzle for me to abandon.

So, here are the next three chapters. I've already written a first draft of the arc following this update but I gotta work out the kinks.

As always, constructive criticism is more than welcome and I hope you enjoy the following chapters.

OXOXO

Did they all think she was stupid? Did they honestly think she wouldn't have noticed they left space for her and Ranma to sit together? It was too early in the morning for this.

"Good morning, everyone," Akane said through clenched teeth. She took a seat next to Kasumi.

"Good morning, Akane," Nodoka said with a smile. "Now that you're awake I can get your breakfast."

She had such a sweet, warm voice that Akane couldn't stay annoyed with her for long. "Thank you, Auntie."

"Of course, dear."

As soon as Nodoka left the room, Akane glared at the rest of the party. Soun had a few sweat beads on his face but he opted for clearing his throat and straightening out his back.

"Now that you're here, I have something to discuss with you and Nabiki," he said. "Since we're staying here for the time being, I took time out to register you two for school. You start school today."

Nabiki shrugged. "I could stand to socialize with people again. How about you, Akane?"

Akane twirled a strand of hair around her finger in thought. "I thought we were laying low. Wouldn't going to school put us at risk?"

Soun paused. "Perhaps, but your education is still important. See, Kasumi and I found jobs and neither one of us can help you with your studies."

"It's true," Kasumi said. "We're going to work under Dr. Tofu as his assistants. He's supposed to be the best doctor in Nerima."

Akane's heart sunk a little. She didn't hate school. She was a diligent student before Soun deemed her old enough to continue her training abroad. But she also had fun learning under Kasumi. With Nabiki as a classmate, there were few dull moments. She doubted school would be as fun, but she could see it in Kasumi's face. The way her eyes sparkled and the unrestrained grin. She was excited to start a job in the medical field, even if it was just being an assistant. It was step toward her getting experience. She wouldn't ruin that for her by pouting, so she smiled at her and said, "I'm happy for you, sis."

"Thank you, Akane."

Nodoka returned with Akane's plate and gave it to her before sitting down to enjoy her own cup of orange juice.

"So, are you okay with going back to school?" Soun asked.

Did she really have a choice? "Yes."

"That's my girl."

"Oh, hell."

Akane bristled. She had almost forgotten what the family did until she looked up. Ranma eyed the empty space next to her with disdain, eye twitching and all. Akane growled at him but said nothing. She started on her meal. She needed to go a day without beating the crap out of him. She promised Kasumi last night she would tone it down.

"I don't want to hear it, Ranma," Genma said with a glare. "It's too early for you to start something."

"Wouldn't be a problem if you guys didn't pull stunts like this!"

"Watch yourself!"

"Men!" Nodoka shouted. Once they settled down in their respective spots, Nodoka turned to Ranma. "Ranma, sweetheart, Akane and Nabiki are going to school starting today. They'll need you to escort them until they're familiar with the area. Can you do that for me?"

Akane caught Ranma briefly glaring in her direction before bowing to Nodoka. "Of course, Mother."

She finished her food in silence.

OXOXO

"Can you two lighten up?" Nabiki said. Ranma walked on top of the fence while she and Akane kept to the ground. "You're acting like you received the death penalty."

"I might as well have," Akane said with a huff. "When I learn the routes, I never want to walk with him again."

"You must've read my mind," Ranma said. "I have enough to deal with at school; the last thing I need is a violent tomboy stuck to my hip."

Akane kicked the fence but it didn't deter his balance. He stuck his tongue out at her and started trotting faster. She picked up speed. "Get back here!"

Nabiki sighed and followed them both. "So what's this trouble you're alluding to, Ranma?"

"Girls."

"What about them?"

"You'll see. It's best you stay away from me when we get to the gates. It could get ugly." He went from sprinting to a full on run.

Akane rolled her eyes but found herself slowing down. Nabiki, however, grabbed her wrist and dragged her along. Akane had to pick up speed to keep from tripping. "Let go!"

"Aw, come on. Aren't you a little curious to what he's talking about?"

"I couldn't care less!"

"Don't be such a grump, Akane. You should learn more about your fiancé."

Akane continued to protest until the school, Furinkan High according to Nodoka, came into view. Judging by Ranma's slowing down, this was the place. At first she thought nothing of the school.

Until she saw the crowd of girls at the open gate.

There were at least twenty girls with different weapons in their hands. Some clearly belonged to the volleyball team, some softball, and others made due with items such as batons, lacrosse sticks, and brooms. They all had such serious expressions on their faces.

What kind of school is this?! Akane thought.

Nabiki stopped meters behind Ranma and whistled. "Talk about a fan club."

"I think they're pissed off, Nabiki."

"No, she's right," Ranma said. "They're suitors."

It didn't go over Akane's head that there was a hint of pride in his voice. Typical that his ego would outweigh his supposed annoyance. Boys.

"Good morning, ladies," Ranma said, waving at the girls. They greeted him back. He let down his suitcase. "So, are we going to give it a rest today and head straight to class?"

"Never, Saotome!" cried the girl at the front. She held dual wooden swords and got into a horse stance. "Today one of us will defeat you and make you ours! Prepare yourself!"

Ranma smirked and got into a horse stance. "Fat chance, Kiko!"

"Ladies, attack!"

The girls let out a battle cry and charged toward Ranma. Akane pulled Nabiki away from Ranma and dodged incoming girls. She looked back. Ranma stayed on the defense; he dodged their attacks but he never struck back. The worst he did was let a girl miss him and crash into another opponent. He almost looked bored. It burned her up.

"Daaaaaamn," Nabiki said. "These girls are wil-woah! Watch it!"

A girl had swung a bat in Nabiki's direction. She swung again and Akane jumped between the two and caught the bat in her bare hands. She glared at the girl. "You got a problem?!"

"You two are fighting for Saotome's heart, aren't you?! That means we fight!"

"Oh, get real!" Akane said. She yanked the bat out of her hands with ease and pointed it in Ranma's direction. "You can have that jerk!"

"Heads up, Kiko!" Ranma shouted, pointing in the sky.

All girls within hearing range, including Kiko, looked up. It was a ball and it hit Kiko's back. Upon impact, it burst, emitting blue dust. Within seconds, Kiko's eyes drooped and she fell to the ground, fast asleep.

"Missed again!" cried the girl who threw the ball.

"And what are you two still doing out here?! Get to class!"

Akane realized Ranma was yelling at them. She shook the bat in his direction. "One of your crazy fangirls attacked us, so excuse us for defending ourselves!"

"Whatever! Just get out of here before it's too la-"

"Heads up, Akane," Nabiki said as she shoved her toward the door, forcing her to drop the bat.

Akane immediately saw why. A small black ball landed on the ground in the middle of the chaos. Even Ranma barely made it out before the ball burst into purple smoke. The girls' movements became sluggish and it wasn't long before they collapsed on each other, limbs twitching. A haughty, obnoxious laugh erupted from above.

Akane, Nabiki, and Ranma turned their gaze to the second floor. A girl wearing a side ponytail and green leotard leaned out of the window. She laughed again as she leapt and landed gracefully to the ground.

"Good morning to you, Ranma darling," she said. She produced a black rose and tossed it to him.

Ranma caught it. "Morning, Kodachi."

Kodachi's cheeks burned at him calling her by her name. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of Nabiki and Akane. "It appears I have missed a few stragglers."

Akane placed herself in front of Nabiki. "We're on our way to class, so don't mind us. Continue whatever this thing is with Ranma."

"Ranma? You're awfully forward," Kodachi said. Akane could almost taste the poison in her voice. "What is your name?"

"Akane Tendo," Akane said. "Now if you'll excuse us, we have class to get to. Come on, Nabiki. Let's go." She turned Nabiki around and they started for the door until a black rose flew past them and pierced the door. Akane stopped and felt her face. She pulled her hand away and there was a little bit of blood on her fingers. That broad.

"Go without me, Nabiki."

"You don't have to tell me twice." Nabiki jogged into the building while Akane faced Kodachi.

"Kodachi, don't," Ranma said. "She's not one of them."

"But she addressed you by name," Kodachi said. "Tell me, Tendo, what's your relationship with my dear Ranma?"

"There's no relationship," Akane said. She narrowed her eyes. "Why? You want to fight?"

Ranma groaned and raced over to Akane, daring to turn her around. "Not on the first day, Akane. Just get to class."

Akane slapped his hand away. "Get off of me!"

"I'm trying to HELP you, you fool!"

"I don't need it!"

A pink ribbon wrapped around Akane's wrist and tugged her toward Kodachi. She regained her balance and growled at Kodachi, who held the other end of the ribbon with a murderous look in her eyes. "First you call him by name and now you dare lay a hand on him? I won't have it, Tendo! Fight me!"

School hadn't even started and Akane was already over this day. "Fine! You asked for it!"

"Get in the building!"

Akane ignored him. Kodachi came at her with a spiked baton. Akane grabbed enough of the ribbon, held it up in front of her, and dodged in time for Kodachi's baton to rip through, setting Akane free from her clutches. Akane put distance between herself and Kodachi and studied her movements. She was dangerous, but she wasn't strong. Nor did her speed exceed Akane's. She was more cunning than anything. Akane could deal with cunning. She charged at Kodachi and prepared to aim for her stomach.

Thunder cracked in the sky and Akane stopped mid attack. She looked up and her eyes augmented. When did the sky did so dark?!

"An opening!"

Akane dodged in time and jumped high enough to bounce off of Kodachi's head. "I don't have time for this! We'll fight later!"

Kodachi let out a scream. Akane didn't care; she had to get inside before the rain hit her. A ribbon caught her ankle and tripped her. Okay. At first she was annoyed; now she was pissed. She spat the dirt out of her mouth, tore the ribbon off her leg and engaged her oppoment. Clearly, Kodachi wasn't going to leave her alone until one of them went down. Fine. She would just have to knock her out. She charged.

"You dummy!" Ranma bellowed.

Before Akane could land a hit, rain poured down. She quickly changed tactic. She jumped in the air and slammed her fists against the top of Kodachi's head. Kodachi sagged to the ground. Akane left her there. Her strides grew and her body stretched until she turned completely into a boy. She cursed herself for getting caught up in this stupid fight. She cursed Kodachi for being so persistent. Most of all, she cursed the heavens for letting it rain out of nowhere.

OXOXO

Ranma didn't know why he took time to fetch some hot water but he did and he berated himself for getting involved. He told her several times to just go inside, but no, she had to get caught up in the morning fights. And she had the nerve to bite at him when he tried to help her! He almost had a mind to say to hell with it and go to class. She could take care of herself.

But he made his way into the gym storage room and behold, she sat against the wall, hugging her knees. She wore a pout and, even as a guy, she almost looked cute. Ranma shook the thought away and approached her. "You really are stupid, you know that?" He placed the kettle by her feet. "Plain stupid."

Akane grabbed the kettle. "I was going to thank you, but you can rot in hell instead."

"Why, you-"

"And don't think I was fighting her over you." She poured the water over her body and she began to shrink back to her normal size. "She got on my nerves is all."

"I know that," Ranma said with a huff. "I could've handled her."

The school bell rung.

"Hmph." She found a tattered tarp and wrapped it over her head and body. "First day of school in years and I'm late."

"So am I," he said. "This is all your fault."

"Die."

OXOXO

Kodachi couldn't pay attention to the lecture. She chewed on her handkerchief. That Akane Tendo! How dare she ditch their duel over some rain! And her head still hurt from the last attack! Who knew those small hands held so much power? She couldn't underestimate that girl, but it was far from over. It was clear to her that Akane had some kind of acquaintance with Ranma but this was her first time ever seeing her in Nerima. Just who was she to Ranma?! Was she going to take him away from her?!

She stood up and shouted, "Akane Tendo! I'll get you before the day is up!"

"Miss Kuno!"

Kodachi remembered that she was in the middle of class. She didn't wait for the homeroom teacher to say what he had to say. She grabbed two buckets full of water and stood outside the room.

The idea of Akane being so close to her Ranma burned her up. Tears welled and she gritted her teeth. That girl would not be allowed to leave in one piece.

OXOXO

Nabiki insisted on looking for the bathroom herself, much to the protest of the class representative. She promised she wouldn't be gone long; she was good at retracing her steps. But she didn't need to go to the bathroom; she needed to snoop. See the aftermath of the battle. She peered out the window of the third floor and whistled. A few girls were crawling to the entrance. "What kind of poison did she use?"

She ventured further and, speak of the devil, Kodachi was standing in the hallway with two buckets and tears running down her face. Oh, this was going to be good.

"Yo."

Kodachi glowered at the sight of Nabiki. "You! You were with Akane Tendo! What are you to her and what's her business with my Ranma?!"

Nabiki clicked her tongue. "That's classified information, but I'm willing to spill for, say, 6,000 yen?"

Kodachi gave her 10,000 yen.

"Allow me to start from the beginning."

OXOXO

To Akane's surprise, Hinako Ninomiya, the homeroom teacher, didn't scold her or Ranma for coming to class late. Instead she introduced Akane to the class.

"Miss Tendo is going to be your classmate," Hinako said. "I want you all to make her feel welcome and make great memories. Is that clear?"

The class murmured positively. Akane could've sworn she heard a few boys call her cute. Flattering, but uncomfortable. She was prepared to take a seat at the empty desk in the middle but Hinako placed a firm hand on Akane's shoulder.

"With that said: Akane?" She wore a tight, almost dangerous smile.

"Y-yes, ma'am?"

"Ranma?"

Ranma's face turned red. He straightened in his seat. "Yeah?"

Hinako's eyes glazed over with ice and her voice dripped venom with each word, "Stand in the hallway."

With that look and tone, she didn't have to tell them twice. They held their own buckets of water and stood in the hallway in silence. Out of the corners of her eyes, Akane noticed that he still had a faint blush to his cheeks. She scoffed.

"What?"

"Nothing," she said. "I just thought you were Kodachi's boyfriend with the way she was acting, but it seems like you're a cake eater instead. I misjudged you."

"You see if I ever try helping you again!"

He's not denying it, Akane thought. She looked away. "I told you I didn't need your help."

"You really are a piece of work, you stubborn, figureless mule."

Akane tightened her grip on her buckets. She might have promised Kasumi she wouldn't beat the tar out of Ranma, but splashing him wouldn't count. So she splashed him with one of the buckets.

He took a breath, placed one bucket down, and readied the other for attack. "If that's how you want to play..."

Akane didn't care if she turned into a boy in the hallway. He pissed her off and all she could think about was breaking her foot in his butt. She got into horse stance with her remaining bucket of water. She dared him with her eyes to follow through with his threat.

And it infuriated her when he backed down and picked up the other bucket, standing once again in his original position. "Whatever. I'm not fighting with a girl if I don't have to."

That stung. But she saw how he handled the girls outside. It shouldn't have surprised her. She held her sole bucket with both hands and leaned against the window sill. "Typical. You refuse to take girls seriously, even when they're giving their all in the fight. Just typical."

"Maybe it doesn't matter who you fight but it looks bad for a guy to duke it out with a girl," he said. "Avoid and evade is the best way to go."

"When a girl fights you, you should respect her as an opponent regardless!" Akane said. "And what was that about anyway? The girls and Kodachi."

"That train wreck told them she'd only allow them to go out with me if they could defeat me and her. We're supposed to be a power couple." He rolled his eyes. "I didn't blame them for trying, but it gets old. Even so, I don't want to hurt them. They're my classmates, not martial artists."

When he put it like that it made sense. It made her skin crawl. She decided to stay quiet.

"Akane Tendo!"

Akane dodged the water that came her way in time and shook her fists. "What's the big idea?!" She realized who had aimed at her and she groaned. "Oh, come on! Couldn't you wait after school?!"

Kodachi's face contorted in rage as she dropped the emptied bucket and pulled out two spiked batons. "Absolutely not! How dare you take my Ranma as your fiancé?!"

Akane and Ranma's faces paled and they tried to shush her, but the window opened behind them and their classmates crowded the window, shouting at them.

"Ranma, you whore!" one of the boys cried. "You already took the girls from us and now you're with the new girl?!"

"How long have you known her, Ranma?!" a girl shouted. "What does she have that I don't?!"

Akane flipped her off. "Hey! It's not like we're engaged by choice!"

"Yeah, it's something our parents cooked up!" Ranma said. "Take it up with them if you're so pissed!"

Their protests didn't reach their ears and they didn't have time for them. Kodachi threw a baton in their direction and Ranma and Akane jumped back. Akane widened her stance and prepared for Kodachi to attack. She charged at Akane with her other baton. Akane moved to the side and broke the head of the baton off before sending Kodachi back with a punt to the stomach.

Kodachi got back on her feet. Her eyes had fire in them. She produced a ribbon and aimed at Akane, who dodged every strike. It didn't take long for Akane to realize they were getting further away from the class and toward the end of the hallway. If Kodachi kept this up, she would have Akane cornered against the window.

Kodachi struck again and Akane grabbed the ribbon and tugged hard. Kodachi stumbled toward Akane but she anticipated Akane's next move. She had Akane's arm in a lock and slammed her down to the ground. Taking advantage of Akane confusion, she towered over Akane and had another baton ready. "Ranma's mine!" She swung her weapon down.

Akane recovered and used her legs to trip Kodachi forward and throw her over her with her hands. The sound of glass breaking made her realize her mistake. "Crap!" She leapt to her feet and jumped out of the window. "I have to save her!"

"What are you doing?!" Ranma shouted.

Akane saw why Ranma screamed at her. There was a pool down below. Even if Akane didn't have the curse, she couldn't swim. She was screwed either way. She waved the thought away. She doubted Kodachi could handle the impact of the water; she had to cushion her fall. She reached for Kodachi, who was in a daze, and held her tight in her arms.

Kodachi came to and fought out of Akane's arms. "Unhand me and fight me properly!"

They hit the water before Akane could say anything. It felt like taking a solid punch to the skull. Akane opened her mouth without meaning to and the water filled her lungs. She saw Kodachi swim to the side. She was okay.

But Akane wouldn't be in a few minutes. She already couldn't swim but as a boy, the muscles in her body pulled her closer to the bottom of the pool. She wasn't going to make it. She fought for leverage until she couldn't anymore and blacked out.

OXOXO

Author's Note: I decided to end the chapter here so it wouldn't be too long.