Woo Here's chapter seven, I'm still having a load of fun writing this. Minor warning: this chapter starts off with death and suicide. It's in a dream and doesn't actually lead to death but I know it doesn't make it easier for everyone.


Ranma watched with rapt horror as her mother stood before all of the Furinkan neighborhood in the high school's auditorium. Strong metal bars keeping her caged just behind the Saotome matriarch. The rows were also filled with faces from all over Japan, mostly people her father had her train under, people she didn't know from her old school and others that she met along the way.

The lights dimmed and suddenly a spotlight flashed on, blinding her to the crowd. Her mother wordlessly walked behind her cage and drew her blade shouting out for all to hear. "This creature, born of my flesh and forged by its father's sweat and tears, seeks to undermine all our years of hard work. Because of this, I have decided it is time to start anew. We will kill the thing, and be done with its madness."

Ranma looked behind her mother catching a slight glint of metal. Akane was there, chained up against the wall. Trapped just as much as she was.

Her mother looked down at Ranma tilting her head and asking, "So, beast, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Ranma opened her mouth to speak but only managed to let out a terrified yowl of grief. Her hands shot to her throat at the cat like sounds, tears burning her cheeks as the crowd murmured in disapproval. Her mother simply smirked and gestured for people to come on stage.

Ranma swallowed air and scanned for something, anything to help her out of this. Her father stood next to the captive Akane, looking resolute. It was clear to her now she was alone. Trapped in a cage that her parents had crafted specifically for this moment. Like a caged animal she turned away from her mother and screamed in rage and fear. No words would come, for no matter how hard she tried her throat would close around the syllables, turning them into an animalistic parody of her voice.

While she did this the old Principle of Furinkan high, Kuno, came from stage left. While the master of the anything goes style of martial arts, Happy, entered stage right. Both had long poles meant to capture wild animals. Ranma felt her wrists get caught in the loops as she raged, suddenly they pulled her to her knees forcing her to sit on her ankles. As they did this a small knife was tossed into the cage.

Ranma shot her mother a worried glance, more terrified by the indifference she saw plain in the older woman's bemused expression. Ranma began to weep openly as the walls to the cage dropped away and her wrists were released. She hunched over and looked to her father one last time before ruefully grabbing the tanto. She sighed and pushed the knife into her own stomach, twisting the blade while her mother acted out her duty as her second, swiftly swinging at her neck. For a moment the world seemed to grow, and then darkness enveloped her. After a long wait Akane's smile broke through the darkness, inviting warmth and comfort. She was pulled from a bundle of cloth trying desperately to beg for forgiveness as Akane held her up, smiling. "What a beautiful kitty you are!"

Ranma stopped her mewling like the world had come down around her. Akane placed her in front of a mirror, and her reflection showed a red and white Bobtail cat panicked and soaked in something sticky and red. She turned back to see Akane close the door to her room, and cried out for her to come back.


She sat up suddenly, groggy and covered in sweat from her dreams. She sighed as she looked around her room, taking note of the dark sky outside. She rolled onto her feet and made her way to the furo, smiling tiredly at the warm smells radiating from the kitchen as she passed.

As she returned from her morning ritual, properly cleansed for the coming day, she stopped in the kitchen. Kasumi, with breakfast simmering behind her, was asleep on her textbook face down. Ranma couldn't help but smile as she moved to check on the food. Kasumi was still stretching herself too thin with these classes, but they were good for her in so many ways. As Ranma worked she smiled, thinking of all the times she had been found in such a manner. She had the stamina to jump across buildings, but the moment she opened a book she was out like a light.

Stifling a yawn Ranma finished the work on their morning meal and gently woke Kasumi. "Hey, Kas, if yer gonna sleep you should find a more comfortable place for it, ya know?"

Kasumi looked around the room bleary eyed. She'd done it again! She looked at Ranma with her sweet smile and nodded, sitting up straighter and rubbing sleep from her eyes. After a moment warm tea was placed in front of her. She grinned, "If I didn't know any better I might say you're trying to usurp me in the kitchen, Ranma."

Ranma's face screwed up in confusion and she scratched her neck. "Uhh, I'm not pouring syrup on you Kas..." She deadpanned.

Kasumi grinned and tried not to laugh at the redhead. Her attempt to return to her studies was short lived thanks to her impromptu nap, but she had most of the chapter memorized already, mostly terminology and how to apply it. Only the education system could make psychology sound so clerical. She sighed and instead stood to retake her morning task. "Why don't you go out for a run or get your morning warm ups out of the way, I can finish up in here."

Ranma shrugged and headed for the dojo, leaving Kasumi to look over her task. How long had she been out? Breakfast was mostly finished, and Kasumi was relatively sure that martial arts couldn't somehow cook food faster… could it? She shrugged and collected the necessary implements to set the


After Ranma had finished her schooling she headed for the market to work, as usual for an early Saturday afternoon it was packed with people. She weaved through the crowds and reached the stand she usually helped with. It belonged to an older couple that was trying to sell their produce they grew in their own gardens. She occasionally worked at other stalls, but this one needed the most care because the couple that owned it was coming along in their age, making it difficult to balance farming, market, and health. Before she had left on her trip she also helped tend their fields, but now that their grandchildren were helping them it was no longer necessary. Ranma smiled as she pulled the plain green apron over her head and approached the old woman as she helped customers. "Hello, grandmother, I'm here now." She announced as she started to restock the displays.

The woman looked over to her with a big smile and a nod. "It's good you're here Ranma! I was just about to take my break and have a smoke!" She said with mirth, gently rasping a chuckle at Ranma's judgmental frown.

"And here I thought you'd gone and quit! Ya'know that stuff makes ya sick, right?" She huffed, pausing in her work to glare at her employer.

The old lady slapped her knee and cackled, "You're much too easy to tease Ranma! Perhaps you can tell this old woman the folly of her ways when she returns from her much needed break, eh?"

Ranma sighed and smiled, shaking off the worry bubbling within her. She continued her work when she caught sight of what looked like panda ears poking above the sea of people, but before she could investigate a customer approached her and started making inquiries. She did her job, and helped the young man before looking back over only to see the strange ears gone. She narrowed her eyes, scanning the area. The panda is up to something… Best to be on your toes Ranma. She thought.

She continued her work, helping customers and watching passerbys with half interest. Occasionally taking interest in an animated couple or an overactive child. The old woman returned from her break and was also helping people and making sales. Ranma let out a bored huff when a tall odd looking woman wearing a garishly colored hat approached her. Her hair was black and white and her skin was marbled in a pattern that resembled a racoon.

Ranma smiled at her as she stood looking lost in thought and worry. "Hey ma'am, is everything okay?"

The strange woman looked up and stuttered, unable to form coherent words before she turned and ran. As she rounded a corner, her hat fluttered off. Ranma immediately stood and chased after her, grabbing the hat up as she ran. "Miss! You dropped your hat! Miss?!"

She stopped and searched frantically for a moment before she caught sight as two panda ears bobbed around a shop and then weaved out of sight. She sighed and scoffed. "Figures."She groussed as she headed back to the shop, she held onto the hat just in case she saw that woman again, but mostly kept her eyes peeled for the panda.


Ranma entered the door to the Tendo home and called out her arrival. "Tadaima!"

She received no response and poked her head in all the rooms of the bottom floor. All empty. She sighed and shrugged, heading upstairs to get changed and head out. She had seen a frozen yogurt parlor opening up near the bath house the week before and she had the rest of the night and all of tomorrow off from school, so she figured she might as well enjoy her evening by checking it out.

She headed upstairs to grab her things, rifling through her clothes she happened upon one of her disguises. A simple shoulder strap floral dress with frills around the bust. She eyed it with cautious suspicion and continued digging. She huffed after going through her clothes a second and third time, glaring at the pile she had amassed with contempt. Skirts, dresses, and guys clothes, all of it. She sighed and grabbed the red sweater and brown overall skirt foregoing the headband and fake fangs this time.

As soon as she opened the door Kasumi was getting her keys from her purse, they both let out a laugh and Ranma quickly stepped past heading for the gate. Before she could Kasumi called out for her. "Ranma, while your out if you could pick up some pickles for tomorrow morning that would be wonderful. Also, that outfit suits you." She then headed indoors while Ranma stood, blushing. She had chosen this because it was, in her opinion, the least feminin thing that actually fit her properly. She didn't hate it, but it also wasn't… her. She sighed and shook her head, it was probably time to rectify her wardrobe issues. With that thought in mind, she headed out. Frozen treats first, then whatever came after, probably clothes and she supposed she would have to save a little of her spending money for pickles.


A few hours later and a few thousand yen poorer Ranma returned to the Tendo estate and called out her return. She kicked off her new slip on kicks grabbing her house slippers and heading for the kitchen to drop of the pickles before collecting her bags and heading upstairs. While putting away the new clothes a soft knock came from the door. "Uhh, ya can come in 'kane."

Akane opened the door and smiled at Ranma, "Hey, what'd you get?" She said as she stepped in and closed the door behind her.

Ranma held up a tank from some band, punk if Akane remembered correctly, and then folded it neatly and put it away. "Just stuff for more everyday kinda things. I had mostly silks and dresses, but this kinda stuff will help in the long run."

Akane sat on her heels next to Ranma and helped put away the new clothes. Stopping occasionally to pass judgment on something Ranma had purchased. She grabbed a sealed package. "Boyshorts?" Akane snorted, they were even from that 'boy' brand Ranma liked so much.

Ranma just nodded and took the package. "Yeah, I mean, they're kinda like boxers, right?" She shrugged and popped it open. "Just needed something to help with… stuff."

Akane blushed and agreed, standing while Ranma finished putting the last of her things away. She stretched and then looked out the window. "So are you going to your mom's this weekend?"

Ranma stood and kicked the drawer shut. "Nope. I went the last two weeks and she was carryin' around that damn sword. I don't wanna deal, if that's how she's gonna be. Besides I'm almost 19, not like she can force me t'do anythin' at this point."

Akane nodded absently. "I'm proud of you lately, Ranma." She walked over to the redhead and gently placed her hands on the shorter girl's shoulders.

"A-a-akane?!" Ranma sputtered out with a screech, her cheeks becoming crimson at the un-prompted contact.

Akane gave ranma a confident smirk and smiled despite her rising blush. "Just… Let me hug you okay? You deserve it." She then moved to hold Ranma, who was at the moment completely motionless and sputtering out syllables. She laughed despite herself and then slowly moved away, "So, what are your plans for all this newfound free time you're going to have tonight?"

Ranma scratched her neck and looked over to the door, trying to keep her eyes averted from her… whatever Akane was to her. "I dunno, 'Kane, I was just gonna play it by ear, yaknow?"

Akane nodded and moved to the door. "Well, I'll probably just be downstairs… watching movies." She then opened the door, stepped through and gave Ranma a strange look that concerned the redhead before stepping out of her field of view.

W-what was with that look? Ranma shook her head and grabbed one of the jackets she'd bought. A varsity jacket with red sleeves and a grey base with a single patch depicting two koi on the left arm. It was probably the most expensive thing in her new collection. She grabbed the second pair of shoes she'd bought and looked around the now empty room, satisfied.

With that she pulled open the window, grabbed on to the edge of the roof and flipped herself to the top of the house. Then, she shot off in the direction of Ryoga's home by hopping from rooftop to rooftop.


Ryoga was busy in the kitchen when the bell for his door rang. Like a streak of lightning Shirokuro bolted to attend to the door. A moment later a proud looking dog with a confused Ranma in tow entered the kitchen.

"I, uhh, think your dog is happy to see me." Ranma laughed as she walked over to see what Ryoga was working on. "Hey, is that unagi? Awwight!"

Ryoga scoffed. " I didn't get enough for two on account of the fact that I wasn't aware I'd have company," Ryoga continued while swatting Ranma's hand away, "Seriously, don't you ever plan for anything?"

Ranma shot Ryoga a disgusted look before using the distraction to grab a small piece to eat, Ryoga let out a strangled noise when he saw his portion had diminished. "What's the point of plannin when ya can jus' wingit?" Ranma asked innocently.

Ryoga sighed in resignation at the presence of this distraction and minor annoyance. He then tossed the rest of his sauce into the pan waiting for it to caramelize. While he waited he turned to face his friend and raised an eyebrow. "What's with the gettup?"

Ranma looked down at her baggy black harem pants tied around her calves and red tank top with her varsity jacket, then back to Ryoga. "It's clothes, pig brain. Ya know, you wear them?"

Ryoga laughed despite himself, " You know what I mean. You look… kinda silly."

"Awh, you and 'Kane. Why ya gotta poke fun man? I happen to like how I look." She pouted.

He let out a warm laugh and nodded slowly. "Gotta admit, it's not that different from how you usually dress." His smile grew, while Ranma turned red from anger.

"And what's that supposta mean, huh porkbreath?" she yelled out.

Ryoga smiled shaking his head as he turned to check his sauce, finding the redhead's antics to be plenty amusing. That is until he heard the kitchen door slam shut. Guilt washed through him as he tried to catch up to his friend seeing her at the door when he got to the end of the hall. She was in the middle of slipping on her shoes and her cheeks were red. It was clear she was fuming.

"Hey, Ranma…" She looked up and her eyes were slightly red, her cheeks damp. "Awe, no. I was just teasing, man, come on."

"Yeah, well I don't need this shit. Sorry I stopped by." She turned as she grabbed for the door handle.

Ryoga looked down to his feet. "Look, I'm sorry. I know that all this weird adjusting hasn't been easy, but it sounded like this is what you wanted, isn't it?"

Ranma tensed before she could turn the knob. "I… I don't even know what I want anymore." She slumped before letting her hand drop from the door and instead leaning against the frame. "Some days I miss it, ya know? Being a guy, being a girl, what the hell does it all mean anyways? So what if I'm actually a girl. Some days I'd rather be a guy."

Ryoga raised a brow. "How much of this have you told Akane?"

"Almost nothing. I feel bad enough as it is. I love her… but can she even love me?" She sighed and turned to face Ryoga. "I mean, she hates me, she's always yelling at me and smacking me upside the head."

Ryoga chuckled."Take it from her pet pig, she's head over heels for you, Ranma."

Ranma shook her head. "She's head over heels for some guy that's only around once in a blue moon. She doesn't like girls like… that."

Ryoga motioned to his living room, to signal that they should sit. While he walked he said, "You don't think she likes girls like that. But have you ever asked her?"

Ranma followed and chuckled mirthlessly, "And what, get smacked upside the head? Naw, I'm good."

Ryoga leveled a stare at Ranma that seemed to say, 'you know better' as he sat down. "Ranma when has talking to anybody ever been a bad idea?" Before Ranma could open her mouth all the way Ryoga interrupted her. "Don't say anything, think. I don't need the answer, this isn't for me."

Ranma's mouth shut suddenly and her face scrunched in thought. She hopped over the couch's back and when she landed she made a face of revelation. "I… Huh… Yeah I guess you're right."

"Happens from time to time." Ryoga responded.

The two sat quietly for a while longer, chatting mostly about Ranma's new attire and how in the end it honestly suited her. About ten minutes into the conversation Ryoga had to step away to finish cooking his meal but he was back shortly with a tray of food. His unagi and rice and a plate with onigiri, pickles, and flavoured rice crackers for Ranma. He set the tray on the small western style coffee table before seating himself and digging in. The two sat in silence for a moment while they watched a movie and by the time it was finished Ranma decided it was probably safe at home.

"Hey, thanks, Ryo. For the food and for hangin'. I'll be by later okay?" She said as she slipped her shoes back on.

"Yeah, just uhh, try to call before you show up next time? Then I can make a proper meal and make plans." He said while rubbing his neck.

Ranma giggled in response to that and shook her head. "Nah, you're always more fun when you're surprised. Besides, doin' nothin suits me just fine, yaknow?" She gave Shirokuro an idle pat before heading out the door while Ryoga stood in the hall shaking his head with a resigned smile.


Akane sat in a nest of pillows on the floor, with a tray of snacks that she had requested from Kasumi, watching some recent release horror movie with half hearted interest. The movie was hardly scary and instead just made her realize how dumb it had been for her to not verbally invite Ranma down with her. What was I even thinking, that she'd just join me and we'd what… make out? Do I even want that? She scoffed at her own ill thought out plan.

She sighed and flicked the T.V. off and laid back on the pillows, covering her eyes with her elbow while she bemoned her stupidity. "Idiot, idiot, idiot, dumb, dumb, stupid dumb idiot!" She then let out a long groan. She'd tried to eat the snacks herself, but had just made herself sick. She couldn't stomach the amount of food Ranma ate, and Kasumi had brought snacks for her and Ranma's appetites. She grumbled as she sat up, shooting a disdainful look at the tray with the snacks she couldn't finish alone.

Rolling her eyes she stood and grabbed the tray, heading to the kitchen to put the leftovers away and to clean her mess. As she did this a knock echoed from the front door.

She set the tray in the kitchen and called out. "I'll get it." When she opened the door a woman with beautiful marbled skin smiled at her sheepishly. "Hello, is Ranma home?" She asked.

Akane scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Sorry, she's not around." She realized too late how angry that had come out and had the good graces to look embarrassed. "Pardon, my bad manners."

The woman simply laughed and nodded. "She has that effect on you Akane. May I come in?"

Akane gawked at this odd woman, who apparently knew her name. Kasumi came down the stairs and looked at the strange woman with mild suspicion. "You must be family of Genmas?"

"Actually it's a bit of a long story." She responded.

"That's okay, come in and tell it to me over tea." she said with a warm smile. "Your skin is lovely, by the way."

"T-thank you, Kasumi." She replied while sliding on her house slippers.


Ranma arrived home through the front door calling out her return while removing her shoes for the third time that day. "Tadaima!"

"Okaeri." a grumpy Akane replied from the gathering room.

Ranma sighed and headed for the kitchen to find the source of the pleasant smells and to avoid an angry Akane. As she entered she was caught off guard by the strange woman from earlier that day sitting in the kitchen. "Oh uh… he-hey! You must be a friend of Kasumi's that I don't know." She headed for the stove to turn off the heat on a boiling kettle, prepping the fixing for tea. "Hang here for just a moment while I get you your hat!" She said while beaming a wide smile.

Ranma scurried out of the room before the woman could say anything. When she returned Kasumi was sitting across from the woman giving her a dark look. "Oh… sorry am I interrupting?"

Kasumi sighed and stood, "No, Ranma, I was just headed to the bath." She said as she placed a cup of tea in front of the woman and at another place at the table.

Ranma nodded and handed the woman her hat. "Here you go... " She paused waiting for the woman to give her name.

She simply sighed in response, shaking her head with a wan smile. "Ranma, it's me."

Ranma tilted her head and looked at the woman intently. She did resemble her father… She gasped in realization. "Hey you're dad's sister aren't cha?" Ranma smacked her fist into her open palm.

"Ranm-" She couldn't finish before Ranma continued.

"You know, dad talked about you a lot. Real fond like. You must be a nice lady for my pops to like you so much." She continued rambling as she looked over the lady. Her marbled skin, her black and white hair, the cute little tail poking out just above her rear… wait… tail? Had she missed that before?

She stared at the woman for a good minute before slowly pulling the hat off her head. Revealing two fluffy little black ears. Ranma quickly pushed the hat back on the woman's head and fell back into a chair. "Woah…" was all she could say while taking the woman that was apparently her father in.

"H-hey, Ranma. Sorry about this." Genma said.