Chapter 3

Akane! Time for breakfast! Kasumi called from the kitchen as she started gathering the plates to place on the table. Receiving no response from her little sister, Kasumi placed the food on the table while at the same time glaring at Mr. Saotome. Please don't touch anything until I get back with Akane. I would be very disappointed if there is nothing left, Kasumi said as she walked out of the room to get her sister from the bathroom.

Knocking a few times Kasumi called to her sister, Akane, it's time to eat breakfast. Still receiving no answer, Kasumi opened the door and stepped inside to see a person lying on the floor out cold. Rushing over she reached out a hand to touch one shoulder but stopped short when she heard a moan.

Kasumi, I had a nightmare that I poured cold water over myself and changed into a boy, Akane whispered before realizing that her voice was deeper than she was used to.

Oh my! Then, it really wasn't a figment of my imagination when I heard a voice whispering to me, granting my wish, Kasumi exclaimed as she frantically started searching for the bucket.

Akane growled in surprise.

Suddenly, hearing footsteps just outside the door, Akane looked around the room with an expression that screamed fear. Quick, get the hot water! Don't let them see me like this! Akane said while franticly looking for a bucket.

It wasn't a dream Akanedon't talk now! I'll explain later! Kasumi nervously replied as she threw a bucket of hot tap water over her little brother, turning him back into her little sister.

*Knock. . .Knock*

Kasumi, Is everything alright in there with Akane? a male voice called.

Kasumi blanched to the color of snow when she heard her father speaking to them through the door. Yes father, everything is fine! Akane just needed some help inscrubbing her back! Then muttering to herself almost too quietly for Akane to hear her, If father finds out what _I_ did then Kasumi's eyes widened as the thought of what would happen to her father found out surfaced then, wailed quietly, he'll have a nervous break down!

Akane rolled her eyes at her sister while stifling her laughter; she had never seen her sister get so flustered before. Walking over to her clothes she reached for her uniform to try and get dressed, but remembered her dilemma just as she was lifting the dress over her head. I can't wear thesewhat if I change? I need to go shopping for some clothing like Ranma's. Something not to girlish and with pants instead of a skirt. Akane turned around to see Kasumi leaning against the door while waving her hand in front of her face; a small grin of relief appeared as she returned her younger sister's stare. Before Akane could suggest the shopping trip Kasumi said, Akane? I think you shouldn't go to school today. We should go shopping so you won't have a problem with the clothes you have.

Yeah, can you picture me in a skirt when I turn into a boy? Akane whispered with some humor as a tear rolled down one cheek.

I'm sorry Akane. I was just wishing that you and Ranma got along better and that you understood what he was going through. Apparently some Kami heard me and granted my wish. You could think of your cursed form as a disguise, Kasumi suggested with a mischievous twinkle to her eyes.

Akane quickly dried her tears and thought it over before grinning wickedly. You know what, Kasumi? she said.

No little sister, what? Kasumi said.

That's not such a bad idea. Maybe I can get Ranma to spar with me for real! Akane exclaimed, a big grin plastered on her lips.

Akane, you shouldn't get too excited. I think if you don't tell Ranma, he will eventually find out, Kasumi said, pulling out a pair of Ranma's pants from her sewing basket. Kasumi eyed the pants and snickered when she realized why they were an odd color.

Alerted by the sound, Akane frowned at her sister in confusion, before looking at the pants she held up. There was something wrong with them, Akane took a closer look at the pair and realized it was the pair she had tried washing just yesterday. They weren't the right color to be exact; they had splotches from the bleach she had used, all over them. This gave the pair a combat look and Akane thought, Hey, these don't look half-bad. Although, Ranma might not think so.

Now all we need now is a shirt big enough for your cursed form, Kasumi was saying. She walked over to her sewing basket that contained some material for making a shirt. can you please change so I can take your measurements.

Nodding her assent, Akane grabbed a glass of cold water and on her way back locked the door. Turning around, a wicked gleam in her eyes, Akane started to swagger over to her older sister. Kasumi noticed and broke down laughing. stop that!

and I thought I was doing it just like Ranma, Akane replied with a slight pout. This caused Kasumi to crack up again since Akane pouting as a boy didn't look so good. It came across more as a scowl than a pout.

Get over here, silly, Kasumi replied while taking out her measuring tape. Quickly, she measured her little brother's broad muscular shoulders and clucked to herself. Oh my, I'm going to have to sew you something up really quickly. Do you think you can manage not to get wet? Kasumi said in a thoughtful tone.

Kasumi, you've seen how Ranma gets splashed with cold water. It's near impossible to stay dry when you're a water magnet, Akane replied dejectedly. I know, I'll stay a boy and wear one of dad's shirts!

Good idea Akane. We'll say that you are not feeling well and that I want you to stay home. I'll tell father that we are going to visit Dr. Tofuwhich we'll do on the way home from shopping, Kasumi said with a mischievous grin.

Ooooh, Kasumi! I can't believe you're going to tell a slight fib. Is the world coming to an end? Akane-Kun said with dramatic flare.

No little sisterI'm trying to save _my_ hide, Kasumi replied as she jokingly started scanning the room as if looking for an ambush. Akane giggled once more at her Kasumi's antics before, walking back to the sink and splashing herself with hot water, reverting back to her birth form.

I'll go back to my room and act like I'm sick. When we're far enough away from the house, I'll splash myself with cold water. I'll make sure I'm wearing Ranma's pants before we leave. I'm sure no one will recognize them now, Akane said wryly as she eyed them with amusement. She really did try to help out but this time she had really goofed up. How was I supposed to know that that detergent had bleach in itthe print was too small and on the back of the box she muttered while walking out of the bathroom, wrapped only in a towel.

Akane was so deep in thought that she didn't notice Ranma or realize that she had left the bathroom in only a towel. Hey AkaneRanma started to say but she just ignored him as she passed. Noticing that she had ignored him he got mad and muttered quietly under his breath, Uncute tomboy.

Akane replied unconsciously. She really wasn't paying attention at all but she had automatically answered even though she really hadn't noticed him.

Ranma heard her and started to go after her but was stopped short as she entered her room and closed the door. He noticed she was already removing her towel as the door clicked shut. ACK! I better not bother heror she'll brain me for sure. Besides, who wants to see that tomboy naked anyways! he muttered while unconsciously giving her door a look of longing before continuing on to take his bath. As he reached out to open the bathroom door Kasumi stepped out.

Ranma, I'm afraid that Akane won't be going with you to school today. She's not feeling to well I'm afraid. I'm taking her over to see Dr Tofu so don't wait up for her, alright, Kasumi said softly while faking a look of worry.


Oi Kasumi, what's the matter with Akane? Ranma asked nonchalantly while trying to hide his concern.

well it's a girl thing, Kasumi said while faking a blush.

Ranma tried to figure out what she was telling him when he suddenly realized what it could be. His face quickly turned red from embarrassment while he blurted out in panic, N-never mind. I'll bring Akane her homework and I hope she feels better. Tell her to take some Aspirin for the pain, he quickly turned around and ran out into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

Kasumi giggled quietly while holding her hand over her mouth to stifle the laughter that was threatening to erupt. I guess Ranma would know what we go through every month, Kasumi thought while shaking her head. Good thing too, at least this way he knows when to be sympathetic when Akane really has cramps. Kasumi curtailed that thought with a wince, remembering the first time she'd helped Ranma out when he had them. Quickly pushing that thought from her mind, she turned and hurried downstairs to talk to her father.

As she entered the dining room everyone looked up with questions visible in their gazes. Kasumi held up a hand, forestalling any questions that she knew were forthcoming. Father, Akane won't be going to school today because she isn't feeling well. And before you get upset, I'll tell you that it's a girl thing. So, I'm taking her to see Dr. Tofu. Could you do me a favor and do the grocery shopping for me today?

Soun put his paper down and nodded, Yes, I would be happy to do that for you. Saotome, you can help me with them and pick up that scroll that you were talking about yesterday.

Sure Tendo, that is a fine idea, Genma replied as he nodded his head thoughtfully.

Are you sure it's noting serious with Akane? Soun asked, turning his attention back to his daughter as he tried to suppress his worry. He was very proud of himself that he hadn't broken down crying like he always did. Soun knew that he couldn't help but worry about his daughters since they were the only things he had left of his wife. Just the thought of one of them getting hurt set him off into one of his crying jags.


Yes father, that's all, we're just going to make sure everything is fine with her, besides Akane is due for a check up anyway, Kasumi replied while smiling vacantly at him. Silently, she prayed that he would take the bait and not run upstairs to see how Akane really was doing.

Alright then, Soun replied as he picked up his paper and began reading while occasionally defending his food from Genma.

Sighing in relief, Kasumi started to hum under her breath wile everyone ate their breakfast. Glancing at the clock, Kasumi watched as the time flew by until it was way past time for Ranma and Nabiki to leave. Oh dear....Ranma, Nabiki, I think you should hurry and go before your late for school.

Both looked up at the clock and noticed that they should have left five minutes ago. Ack! I'm late! Ranma exclaimed and started shoveling his food down his throat at chestnut speeds. Quickly hoping up when he was finished, he ran out of the room, grabbing his bento on the way out the door.

Kasumi smiled as she watched Ranma and Nabiki run out the door. Turning around, she faced her father and said, You better hurry or you'll miss out on the sales today. I heard from Ms. Hichiko that they were only running them till nine o'clock today.

Soun blinked in surprise; Really, I didn't realize that they were doing that now. Glancing at the clock himself, he realized that it was almost eight thirty. I'll have to run to make it to the market on time. He thought, before he quickly jumped to his feet, grabbed the list. Lets go Saotome! You can help me carry the groceries! he called and ran out the door.

Alright Tendojust as long as we can pick up some Udon along the way Genma replied as he dashed out the door after his friend.


Once they had gone, Kasumi sighed in relief before calling Akane downstairs, Akane! The coast is clear! You can come down now! Kasumi waited until she heard the tread of feet before turning around to face the stairs. Akane.. .why aren't you in your cursed form? she asked, a bit puzzled.

Akane bit her lip nervously before she replied, I thought that it would be better if I did it this way just incase someone forgot something and decided to come back home.

Alright, let's go then, Kasumi said as she smiled, impressed by her sisters' ingenuity before grabbing her purse and walking out the door. Akane followed with a feeling of foreboding nipping at her senses. I have a bad feeling that today is going to only get worse. She thought as they walked out the gate and disappeared around a corner.

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