Chapter 8
Akane was going to go check on Ranma but decided that she didn't need to because he was probably already downstairs. Akane started back down the hall and was stopped by Nabiki.
"So what was that all about last night?" Nabiki
"What do you mean?" Akane
"Don't play dumb you know what I am talking about." Nabiki
"You mean where Ranma kissed me?" Akane
"Yes." Nabiki
"I don't know what it was about but it was nice." Akane
"So how did that happen? I never would have thought that Ranma would kiss you." Nabiki
"Maybe it has to do with the fact hat we told each other how we felt." Akane
"And how is that?" Nabiki
"I like him and he likes me but neither of us are ready to get married and we wont unless we want to." Akane
"I see. Well good luck. You aren't the only one after Ranma you know." Akane
"I know." Akane
"You do know that there use to be two people he would have consider don't you?" Nabiki
"Really? Who?" Akane
"You and Ukyo." Nabiki
Akane was silent
"And Ranma said that he is starting to have feelings for me but it isn't anything like he cares for you and Ukyo." Nabiki said and headed down for breakfast
why would Nabiki say something like that to me. Because she is trying to get Ranma too. She is going to play these mind games because she knows she doesn't have a chance any other way. Well I'm not going to fall for it. Wait she said that Ranma liked Ukyo. I thought they were just friends. Akane calm down. Ranma said that he liked you. He said that he liked you more than anyone else. He didn't say I was the only one he liked though. But he said that he likes me more than anyone else. I can live with that. Since we aren't really a couple or anything. Akane thought
Akane went downstairs to sit in her usual position but Ranma was sitting there. And Nabiki was sitting at the end of the table which gave Akane the choice of either where Nabiki usual sat or between Ranma and Genma. Normally Akane would have sat where Nabiki usual sat because then she wouldn't have to worry about Genma and Ranma fighting but since Ranma beat Genma they had not fault. So because of that Akane sat next to Ranma. Kasumi started serving breakfast and everyone started eating. Nabiki noticed Akane slowly moving closer to Ranma. This caused Nabiki to take the initiative. Nabiki slid over next to Ranma and took his arm and leaned up against him. Akane started to fume a bit.
"Nabiki maybe that isn't such a good idea." Ranma
"Why not." Nabiki asked
Ranma looked over at Akane.
Akane was mad but she could tell that this wasn't Ranma's fault and she also knew that Nabiki was trying to get them to fight. Akane calmed down and just slid up next Ranma. She laid her head on his arm and continued to eat.
Ranma and Nabiki were both shocked.
I guess things really are different now. Ranma
Damn. I thought that would have worked for sure. Akane isn't falling for anything. Nabiki
Genma just looked at his son and smiled. Soun looked a little worried but Akane and Ranma were getting along and he never could win a serious argument against Nabiki.
"Oh my." Kasumi
Again on there way to school Ranma walked along the fence and Akane and Nabiki talked.
(So what was that about.) Akane
(I have no idea what you are referring to.) Nabiki
(You were trying to get me and Ranma to fight.) Akane
(And how was I trying to get you to fight?) Nabiki
(You were trying to make me jealous.) Akane
(I did no such thing.) Nabiki
( You leaned up against Ranma) Akane
(So did you.) Nabiki
(Well I'm engaged to him.) Akane did I just say what I think I did
(In case you have forgotten so am I.) Nabiki
(What?) Akane
(He is engaged to one of us. Heck it could even be Kasumi.) Nabiki
(He wouldn't marry Kasumi.) Akane
(I'd have to agree with you there. But the point is I have as much right to Ranma as you do.) Nabiki
When the fence ran out Ranma jumped down.
-Splash-
Ranma was now a she.
They continued to walk.
"How does she always do that." Akane
"I don't know. I think she must practice anything goes water tossing or something." Ranma
"Ranma, how often does than little old women get you." Nabiki
"Once or twice a week." Ranma
"I see." Nabiki
When the trio arrived at school who was to meet them but Kuno.
"Ah my three loves right before me. The fair Akane Tendo and her sister Nabiki Tendo and the spirited pig-tailed girl. I desire all three." Kuno
(What will you give me to make Kuno go away.) Nabiki said with a sly grin.
Akane and Ranma were silent.
(Anything.) Nabiki whispered to Ranma
"I'll take care of this myself." Ranma "Kuno can I talk to you."
"But of course my pig-tailed goddess." Kuno
Ranma lead Kuno off to the side
"I wonder what Ranma has planned?" Akane
"Lately I haven't been able to guess." Nabiki
"Kuno I have something I need to tell you." Ranma said in a serious tone
"What is it?" Kuno said sensing how serious a talk this was going to be.
"Do you believe in curses?" Ranma
"Of course. The foul Ranma is a curse to men." Kuno
this is going to be harder than I thought. Ranma "ok so if I were to tell you that there was a curse that would turn a guy into a girl when splashed with cold water would you believe me?" Ranma
"Yes I would." Kuno said not knowing where this was going
"And would you believe me if I said that the person would return to normal when splashed with warm water?" Ranma
"Yes." Kuno
"Would you believe me if I told you that Ranma Soatome had this curse." Ranma
"Ranma? Ha ha ha. The curse to men has a curse placed on him that causes him to be a women what befitting justice." Kuno continued to laugh
1...2...3...4...5. Ranma
"Kuno would you mind getting me some hot water." Ranma
Kuno stopped laughing. He snapped his fingers.
"Yes master Kuno." Sasuke
"Sasuke. Fetch me some hot water." Kuno
"Yes master Kuno." Sasuke
Sasuke returned quickly with some hot water. "Here you are master Kuno."
Kuno took the hot water. "Here you are my pig-tailed goddess." Kuno
"Pour it on me." Ranma
Kuno thought about this but he did what he was asked. He could not miss the change that occurred in Ranma
"It cant be. You...you...you are the pig-tailed girl?" Kuno "THIS CANT BE. IT MUST BE A TRICK. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HER SOATOME YOU BLACK SORCERER." Kuno said drawing his sword.
"I told you that Ranma Soatome has a curse didn't I." Ranma
"ITS A TRICK." Kuno said and attacked Ranma
"So if you don't believe me then pour some cold water on me and you will see the curse again." Ranma
"Sasuke." Kuno
"Yes master Kuno?" Sasuke
"Some cold water." Kuno
"Here master." Sasuke
Kuno threw the water at Ranma. Normally Ranma would have dodged it but he wanted Kuno to see this. When the water hit him he changed back to a she.
"This...this...this cant be." Kuno said and then he was silent. He didn't move or anything.
Ranma walked off.
"Do you think that will get him to leave you alone?" Akane
"Only my girl half." Ranma
At lunch Ranma again sat with Ukyo.
"Ranma, can I ask you something?" Ukyo
Ranma knew this wasn't going to be good from the way Ukyo asked that.
"Sure." Ranma
"Why haven't we gone out." Ukyo
"What? What do you mean?" Ranma
"Well it just that you've gone out with Nabiki and the two of you seem to be getting closer but you never had any interest in her before. And you never really took Akane out before either and the two of you don't seem to fight anymore. Its just that I was wondering why we never went out." Ukyo
"Well before, all of you were trying to get me to marry you. I wasn't ready to get married. And I thought that if I went out with any of you that you would think that I was choosing the one I asked out. I didn't want to let any of you think that. Now Akane and I know that we like each other and that neither of us is ready to get married and we aren't going to unless we want to. Nabiki, she kind of caught me off guard and she doesn't want to marry me either. She likes me and I am starting to have feelings for her. After I broke the engagement between us you seemed very mad at me and I wasn't going to push. Now we are friends and I don't want to lose that again. So the reason we haven't gone out is because I don't want it to ruin our friendship." Ranma
Ukyo nodded. "I think I understand. And I am not trying to get you to marry me or anything but would you like to go out some time." Ukyo
"Uhh...sure. Why not?" Ranma oh great this isn't going to be good.
Akane over heard the conversation between Ukyo and Ranma. THAT JERK. HOW DARE HE. AND I THOUGHT THAT HE LIKED ME. Wait a minute he does like me. He likes me more than anyone else. Nabiki even said that the only people he would consider is me and Ukyo and recently Nabiki. And its not like he was going to ask her out. She asked him out. I guess I can live with that. Its not enough to risk losing Ranma. Akane
how interesting. Even after that Akane didn't lose her temper. She must be getting better about controlling her temper. I cant say I am happy about this but it was expected. Nabiki
After school Ranma and Akane walked home hand in hand.
"So you're going to take Ukyo out?" Akane
"Are you ok with that?" Ranma
"Actually...I am a little jealous but I think you have every right to." Akane
"I'm sorry. Its just that I felt that I owed it to her." Ranma
"So...now you no longer have Kuno after your girl side." Akane
"But he is going to be just as much of a pain while I am a guy." -Sigh- "I still have Kodachi do deal with. Then things wont be so bad. I'll be back down to just three girls fighting over me. You, Ukyo, and Nabiki." Ranma
just three. He says it like its a curse. Maybe I shouldn't bother him if that is the way he sees it. NO! He likes me more than anyone else. He said that himself. He is just saying that he didn't like it when it was so many. Akane
"Did you want to do something tomorrow?" Akane
"Sure." Ranma
Ranma taught his martial arts class and then everyone ate dinner.
"I wonder what happened to Ryoga" Kasumi
"WHERE AM I NOW!" Ryoga and after Jack drove me to the airport and helped me get to my plane so I could come home what do I do as soon as I get here. I GET LOST. Well he said as long as I don't try and cross any large bodies of water I will stay in Japan. That helps but I don't think he knows how big Japan is. Well as soon as I get this to Ranma I can get my since of direction cured. Ryoga
Ranma's routine became getting up having breakfast with the Tendo's. Having Akane and Nabiki fight over him but not physically, more subtle things. He would go to school with them and then he would have lunch with Ukyo. He would walk home with Akane and then teach his martial arts class. After that he would go out with either Akane, Ukyo, or Nabiki. He would then go to sleep and do it all over again. This was Ranma's life for three weeks when something had to change.
"Good morning Ranma. Will you be here for dinner tonight or will you be eating with Ukyo again?" Kasumi
"I'll be eating here. Would it be alright if I had a guest over for dinner?" Ranma
"Of course Ranma. Its not another girl is it? If it is I don't think that Akane and Nabiki would like that to much." Kasumi
"Well she is a girl but I don't think that Akane and Nabiki will mind." Ranma
"Why is that Ranma?" Kasumi
"Because she's my mother." Ranma
-Gasp- "but Ranma you know that its dangerous with your mother around." Kasumi
"I'm going to tell her." Ranma
"What? I don't think that is such a good idea." Kasumi
"I'm tired of always trying to hide from her when she is around. And I know that Pop is tired of it." Ranma
"Well if you think that is best." Kasumi
While Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki were walking to school Nabiki said " so, Ranma. You're going to have your mother over tonight?" Nabiki
"What? Ranma you cant. You know how dangerous it is with her around." Akane
"I've got to tell her." Ranma
"But she will make you commit seppuku." Akane
"I don't think she will." Ranma
"Why do you say that. With your curse it is a sure thing." Akane
"As long as I continue to hide from her then I have a reason to hide but if I tell her I no longer need to hide." Ranma
"What? That doesn't make any since." Akane
"Sure it does sis. As long as he is hiding from his mother he is acting cowardly. But if he tells her and is confident about being a guy even when a girl then he will be a man among men. Or that is what Ranma is hoping at least." Nabiki
At lunch when Ranma was talking with Ukyo
"Ranma that is crazy you cant tell your mother." Ukyo
"Why not. The springs are no longer there so there isn't a cure. This is a part of my life now. I might as well tell her now. She is going to find out about it at some point." Ranma
"Well, I still think its a bad idea. But if you are going to go through with it then I guess I wont stop you. I'll be there for you." Ukyo
"Thanks Ukyo." Ranma
"No problem" Ukyo said and slid up next to Ranma. Ranma put his arm around Ukyo and Ukyo rested her head on Ranma.
"You know. Its funny how all three of us do this and we're all okay with it." Ukyo
"At first I was always nervous because I always worried what the others would say or think but I've gotten use to it. I still feel bad about it though. It just doesn't bother me as much as it did." Ranma
"I almost feel guilty always getting you to myself at lunch but then again I see the least of you out of the three of us so I don't feel that bad about it." Ukyo
"But how would you feel if there were three guys that you liked and they all liked you and they were all fine with the situation?" Ranma
"Well. I would just go with it. I don't think it would bother me." Ukyo
-Sigh- Ranma
"What?" Ukyo
"You just don't know how stressful it can be. No one does. Everyone thinks that I have it made but I have to always be careful because there are so many people's feeling at steak. " Ranma
"Perhaps its because you feel that way that we are all alright with it." Ukyo
When Ranma and Akane were walking home, arms linked, Akane asked "are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes." Ranma
"Just checking." Akane
When Ranma finished teaching his class he went upstairs and took his bath. A few minutes later Akane walked in and got in the tub with Ranma.
"You know its strange how we have started doing this so often." Ranma
"Yeah it is. At first I was very uncomfortable but now I don't think anything of it." Akane
Akane did something that she never did before while they were in the tub together. She slid over to Ranma and up against him. This made Ranma nervous because they had never sat this close together before. Or in the tub that is. Sure they had been like that many times before but not in the tub. Ranma did what he always did when Akane slid up to him. He just put his arm around her.
"Promise me that if she tells you to kill yourself that you wont." Akane
"She wont tell me to." Ranma
"I DON'T CARE! Promise me that you wont do it." Akane said her eyes pleading with Ranma
"Why do all of you have that ability over me it isn't fair. Ok. I promise." Ranma
Akane then kissed Ranma and they sat there like that for a while before they broke the kiss.
"Kasumi would you ask my mother to come over please." Ranma
"Sure Ranma." Kasumi
"ARE YOU CRAZY BOY! DO I HAVE TO REMIND YOU WHAT SHE WILL MAKE US DO IF SHE FINDS OUT?" Genma
"Well if you want to remain a panda you can. I suggest that you leave if you are that worried." Ranma
"Fine. Soun how would you like to go get a drink?" Genma
"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Soun
"So does that mean you wont be eating dinner with us." Kasumi
"I'm sorry to say yes it does." Soun
"Ok father." Kasumi
When Ranma's mother arrived Ranma was in male form.
"Ranma is that you?" Nodoka
"Yes it is mother." Ranma
"Where's your father?" Nodoka
"Father and Mr.. Soatome have gone out drinking." Kasumi
I wish she hadn't said that but it kept me from having to come up with an answer. Ranma thought
"I see." Nodoka
"Mother. I have something I need to tell you." Ranma
"What is it?" Nodoka
"Why don't we sit while I tell you." Ranma
"Very well." Nodoka
Ranma and his mother went into the living room where they could talk.
"Now what is it that you wanted to tell me. Its been so long since I've seen you that I want to know everything that has happened." Nodoka
"Well what I am about to tell you is a very important part of my travels and has been a major part of my life the last couple of years." Ranma
"What is it?" Nodoka
"Well when pop and I were in china on a training trip we went to a place called Jusenkyo. And there was a training ground there. The cursed springs of Jusenkyo. If we had know the effects of the springs before hand we wouldn't have trained there. When we fault I kicked pop into one of the springs. When he came out he hit me into one of the springs where I was cursed." Ranma
"How were you cursed?" Nodoka
"I fell into the spring of droned girl. So now when I get splashed with cold water I turn into a girl and then I change back when splashed with warm water." Ranma
"That's absurd. You cant be cursed. Genma promised me that you would become a man among men." Nodoka
"Kasumi. Would you bring me some cold water. And some hot water when you can." Ranma
"Sure Ranma." Kasumi said. She then entered carrying a glass of cold water.
"Thank you." Ranma
"Your welcome Ranma." Kasumi
Ranma poured the water on his head and he changed to a she.
-Gasp- Nodoka
"Now you know. And since this happened pop said that if I told you then you would make us commit seppuku because I wouldn't be a man among men. Well after I took control of my life from Genma I decided that I was tired of hiding this from you so now I have told you." Ranma
They sat in silence and Ranma watched nervously as his mother caressed her katana.
"So how was Genma cursed?" Nodoka
"Perhaps it would be better if pop told you that instead. Its not my right to tell you." Ranma
"Is that so. You don't feel that its your right since he cursed you?" Nodoka
"No." Ranma
"I see. If I guessed would you tell me." Nodoka
"Hmm. Yes. But only if you seemed sure of you answer." Ranma
Nodoka nodded and said "he is Mr.. Panda."
"Yes." Ranma
"So why are you here?" Nodoka
"Because pop made a deal with Mr.. Tendo that I would marry one of his daughters." Ranma
"And have you?" Nodoka
"No." Ranma
"Why. It is not honorable to not up hold a deal." Nodoka
"I will not marry any of them unless they want to get married. And besides there deal never said when." Ranma
"I see. Do any of them want to get married." Nodoka
"No." Ranma
"Then what are you still doing here?" Nodoka
"Two of them are interested in me but we are not ready to get married and because of that I wont get married yet." Ranma
"I see. Does there uncertainties have anything to do with you being cursed?" Nodoka
"I don't know." Ranma
"Here is the hot water Ranma." Kasumi
"Thank you Kasumi." Ranma
"Your welcome Ranma." Kasumi
Kasumi walked off and Ranma poured the hot water on her head and she became a he.
"Which two are interested in you." Nodoka
"Akane and Nabiki." Ranma
"Which do you like more?" Nodoka
"Akane." Ranma
"So your choice is simple. You will marry Akane." Nodoka
"No mother." Ranma
"What?" Nodoka said grasping her katana
"I will not marry unless we both want to." Ranma said with out even thinking about the katana
"It is the honorable thing to do." Nodoka
"But it is not the right thing to do." Ranma
Nodoka and Ranma were silent for a while
"Have you tried to get rid of your curse?" Nodoka
"Yes. Multiple times. None of the cures worked." Ranma
"So you have excepted your curse." Nodoka
"I can live with it but if I can get rid of it I will." Ranma
"Would you do anything to get rid of it?" Nodoka
"No." Ranma
"Why is that?" Nodoka
"I recently learned that saying anything can get you in over your head." Ranma said with a slight blush
"I see." Nodoka
"I'll have to think on this. It was nice to see you." Nodoka
"You to mother." Ranma
When Nodoka left Ranma felt as if a weight had been lifted.
"That went better than I thought it would." Ranma
Akane came in and hugged Ranma "I'm so glad she didn't make you kill your self." Akane
"I promised you that I wouldn't. What makes you think that I would?" Ranma
"I'm just glad that you are ok." Akane
The next morning at breakfast.
"So how did things go with Nodoka?" Genma
"I told her about my curse and she figured out yours." Ranma
Genma looked pail.
"Your joking right?" Genma
"No" Ranma
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING BOY?" Genma
"I no longer have to live in fear." Ranma
"Did she say weather she thought of you as a man among men or not?" Genma
"No. And I don't care." Ranma
"Well you better care. If she decides your not a man among men she is going to make you commit seppuku. Along with me." Genma
"Well weather you do or not I have no intention of killing myself since I promised Akane I wouldn't. And I wouldn't be a man among men if I broke a promise like that." Ranma
"Good one." Genma
At lunch.
"So how did things go with your mother?" Ukyo
"Better than I thought they would." Ranma
"Well you're still here and that's all that matters." Ukyo
Before Ranma could respond the laugh of Kodachi rang through the air.
"Ranma honey." Kodachi
Akane heard Kodachi and then watched as she approached Ranma.
Nabiki heard Kodachi and thought I think I'll be nice and get rid of her for Ranma
"I wish I didn't have to deal with this right now." Ranma said to Ukyo
"I take care of her." Ukyo
"No I'll do it." Ranma said to Ukyo
"Are you sure." Ukyo
"Yeah." Ranma said to Ukyo
"Kodachi there is something I have to tell you." Ranma
Nabiki stopped maybe I should let him handle this. He might have a good idea. This time.
I wonder what Ranma has planned. Akane
"What is it my dear Ranma." Kodachi
"Do you believe in curses?" Ranma
"Oh you silly boy of course there are curses. Why that little witch with the red hair that defiles your name is a curse." Kodachi
she has no idea how right she is. Ranma
"Would you believe me if I said that there was curse that when a girl gets splashed with warm water she becomes a guy. And she returns to normal when splashed with cold water." Ranma
"Yes I have heard of a similar curse but it turns a duck into a man. Same with a pig." Kodachi
"Would you believe me if I said that the girl with the red hair who has the same name as me has this curse?" Ranma
"That would be a fitting justice for her. Wait you aren't saying..." Kodachi
"Ukyo would you hand me your glass of water please?" Ranma
Ukyo handed Ranma her glass and Ranma poured it on his head. Ranma felt the change and saw the change on Kodachi's face
"No! This can not be. My Ranma is the foul Ranma. You have been playing me for a fool." Kodachi
"No. No. I was trying not to do it this way. I was trying to let you down gently but you just kept making it harder for me to tell you. I'm sorry Kodachi." Ranma
"I bet you are. From this day on you will no longer be able to trick me with that disguise of yours. I will always know you as the witch that you are." Kodachi
Kodachi then left.
"Ranma that was ingénues" Ukyo
"It was the only thing I could think of." Ranma
wow. That was easy. Akane
now why didn't I ever think of that. Oh wait, I did I just liked making money off of Ranma. Nabiki
"I wonder what will happen if she finds out that you lied to her." Ukyo
"I don't know. Maybe she'll find a cure for me." Ranma
"That's not funny." Ukyo
"It wasn't meant to be." Ranma
"WHERE AM I NOW!" Ryoga
"Hey, Ryoga. Its about time you got back." Ranma said as he and Akane approached the Tendo dojo
"Ranma?" Ryoga said turning around. When Ryoga turned around he saw Akane holding onto Ranma's arm.
"Looks like a lot has changed since I've been away." Ryoga in a cold voice
Ranma picking up on the tone in Ryoga's voice set his defenses on full alert.
Akane picked up on how Ranma tensed all of a sudden. "What's wrong Ranma?" Akane
"Nothing. Why don't you go on inside. I think that Ryoga and I need to talk." Ranma
Akane started to tense herself picking up on Ranma's tone. "Talk or fight."
"Hopefully talk. But that is going to depend on Ryoga." Ranma
"Ok. But if you fight make sure you can still teach. You do have class in about an hour." Akane said as she started to walk inside
"Akane?" Ryoga
"Yes? What is it Ryoga." Akane
"How...how did you see me?" Ryoga
"What?" Akane
"Did...did you ever like me?" Ryoga
"What? Of course I liked you. I still like you. Just because you made me mad doesn't mean that I don't like you." Akane
Ryoga looked very hopeful and Ranma looked slightly depressed.
I guess if I can like three girls then Akane can like more guys than just me. This will take some time to get use to. Ranma
"Really?" Ryoga
"Yeah. Your a great friend. I'm sure Ranma would agree." Akane
Ryoga looked like his world had been crushed. Ranma looked slightly relieved.
"That's not what I meant." Ryoga
"What do you mean?" Akane
"I..." Ryoga stopped for the words felled to come to him.
"What is it Ryoga?" Akane
Ryoga was speechless
"He wants to know if you like him the way you like me." Ranma
Akane looked shocked and turned to face Ryoga
"Is that what you're asking?" Akane
Ryoga could only nod.
Akane was going to go check on Ranma but decided that she didn't need to because he was probably already downstairs. Akane started back down the hall and was stopped by Nabiki.
"So what was that all about last night?" Nabiki
"What do you mean?" Akane
"Don't play dumb you know what I am talking about." Nabiki
"You mean where Ranma kissed me?" Akane
"Yes." Nabiki
"I don't know what it was about but it was nice." Akane
"So how did that happen? I never would have thought that Ranma would kiss you." Nabiki
"Maybe it has to do with the fact hat we told each other how we felt." Akane
"And how is that?" Nabiki
"I like him and he likes me but neither of us are ready to get married and we wont unless we want to." Akane
"I see. Well good luck. You aren't the only one after Ranma you know." Akane
"I know." Akane
"You do know that there use to be two people he would have consider don't you?" Nabiki
"Really? Who?" Akane
"You and Ukyo." Nabiki
Akane was silent
"And Ranma said that he is starting to have feelings for me but it isn't anything like he cares for you and Ukyo." Nabiki said and headed down for breakfast
why would Nabiki say something like that to me. Because she is trying to get Ranma too. She is going to play these mind games because she knows she doesn't have a chance any other way. Well I'm not going to fall for it. Wait she said that Ranma liked Ukyo. I thought they were just friends. Akane calm down. Ranma said that he liked you. He said that he liked you more than anyone else. He didn't say I was the only one he liked though. But he said that he likes me more than anyone else. I can live with that. Since we aren't really a couple or anything. Akane thought
Akane went downstairs to sit in her usual position but Ranma was sitting there. And Nabiki was sitting at the end of the table which gave Akane the choice of either where Nabiki usual sat or between Ranma and Genma. Normally Akane would have sat where Nabiki usual sat because then she wouldn't have to worry about Genma and Ranma fighting but since Ranma beat Genma they had not fault. So because of that Akane sat next to Ranma. Kasumi started serving breakfast and everyone started eating. Nabiki noticed Akane slowly moving closer to Ranma. This caused Nabiki to take the initiative. Nabiki slid over next to Ranma and took his arm and leaned up against him. Akane started to fume a bit.
"Nabiki maybe that isn't such a good idea." Ranma
"Why not." Nabiki asked
Ranma looked over at Akane.
Akane was mad but she could tell that this wasn't Ranma's fault and she also knew that Nabiki was trying to get them to fight. Akane calmed down and just slid up next Ranma. She laid her head on his arm and continued to eat.
Ranma and Nabiki were both shocked.
I guess things really are different now. Ranma
Damn. I thought that would have worked for sure. Akane isn't falling for anything. Nabiki
Genma just looked at his son and smiled. Soun looked a little worried but Akane and Ranma were getting along and he never could win a serious argument against Nabiki.
"Oh my." Kasumi
Again on there way to school Ranma walked along the fence and Akane and Nabiki talked.
(So what was that about.) Akane
(I have no idea what you are referring to.) Nabiki
(You were trying to get me and Ranma to fight.) Akane
(And how was I trying to get you to fight?) Nabiki
(You were trying to make me jealous.) Akane
(I did no such thing.) Nabiki
( You leaned up against Ranma) Akane
(So did you.) Nabiki
(Well I'm engaged to him.) Akane did I just say what I think I did
(In case you have forgotten so am I.) Nabiki
(What?) Akane
(He is engaged to one of us. Heck it could even be Kasumi.) Nabiki
(He wouldn't marry Kasumi.) Akane
(I'd have to agree with you there. But the point is I have as much right to Ranma as you do.) Nabiki
When the fence ran out Ranma jumped down.
-Splash-
Ranma was now a she.
They continued to walk.
"How does she always do that." Akane
"I don't know. I think she must practice anything goes water tossing or something." Ranma
"Ranma, how often does than little old women get you." Nabiki
"Once or twice a week." Ranma
"I see." Nabiki
When the trio arrived at school who was to meet them but Kuno.
"Ah my three loves right before me. The fair Akane Tendo and her sister Nabiki Tendo and the spirited pig-tailed girl. I desire all three." Kuno
(What will you give me to make Kuno go away.) Nabiki said with a sly grin.
Akane and Ranma were silent.
(Anything.) Nabiki whispered to Ranma
"I'll take care of this myself." Ranma "Kuno can I talk to you."
"But of course my pig-tailed goddess." Kuno
Ranma lead Kuno off to the side
"I wonder what Ranma has planned?" Akane
"Lately I haven't been able to guess." Nabiki
"Kuno I have something I need to tell you." Ranma said in a serious tone
"What is it?" Kuno said sensing how serious a talk this was going to be.
"Do you believe in curses?" Ranma
"Of course. The foul Ranma is a curse to men." Kuno
this is going to be harder than I thought. Ranma "ok so if I were to tell you that there was a curse that would turn a guy into a girl when splashed with cold water would you believe me?" Ranma
"Yes I would." Kuno said not knowing where this was going
"And would you believe me if I said that the person would return to normal when splashed with warm water?" Ranma
"Yes." Kuno
"Would you believe me if I told you that Ranma Soatome had this curse." Ranma
"Ranma? Ha ha ha. The curse to men has a curse placed on him that causes him to be a women what befitting justice." Kuno continued to laugh
1...2...3...4...5. Ranma
"Kuno would you mind getting me some hot water." Ranma
Kuno stopped laughing. He snapped his fingers.
"Yes master Kuno." Sasuke
"Sasuke. Fetch me some hot water." Kuno
"Yes master Kuno." Sasuke
Sasuke returned quickly with some hot water. "Here you are master Kuno."
Kuno took the hot water. "Here you are my pig-tailed goddess." Kuno
"Pour it on me." Ranma
Kuno thought about this but he did what he was asked. He could not miss the change that occurred in Ranma
"It cant be. You...you...you are the pig-tailed girl?" Kuno "THIS CANT BE. IT MUST BE A TRICK. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HER SOATOME YOU BLACK SORCERER." Kuno said drawing his sword.
"I told you that Ranma Soatome has a curse didn't I." Ranma
"ITS A TRICK." Kuno said and attacked Ranma
"So if you don't believe me then pour some cold water on me and you will see the curse again." Ranma
"Sasuke." Kuno
"Yes master Kuno?" Sasuke
"Some cold water." Kuno
"Here master." Sasuke
Kuno threw the water at Ranma. Normally Ranma would have dodged it but he wanted Kuno to see this. When the water hit him he changed back to a she.
"This...this...this cant be." Kuno said and then he was silent. He didn't move or anything.
Ranma walked off.
"Do you think that will get him to leave you alone?" Akane
"Only my girl half." Ranma
At lunch Ranma again sat with Ukyo.
"Ranma, can I ask you something?" Ukyo
Ranma knew this wasn't going to be good from the way Ukyo asked that.
"Sure." Ranma
"Why haven't we gone out." Ukyo
"What? What do you mean?" Ranma
"Well it just that you've gone out with Nabiki and the two of you seem to be getting closer but you never had any interest in her before. And you never really took Akane out before either and the two of you don't seem to fight anymore. Its just that I was wondering why we never went out." Ukyo
"Well before, all of you were trying to get me to marry you. I wasn't ready to get married. And I thought that if I went out with any of you that you would think that I was choosing the one I asked out. I didn't want to let any of you think that. Now Akane and I know that we like each other and that neither of us is ready to get married and we aren't going to unless we want to. Nabiki, she kind of caught me off guard and she doesn't want to marry me either. She likes me and I am starting to have feelings for her. After I broke the engagement between us you seemed very mad at me and I wasn't going to push. Now we are friends and I don't want to lose that again. So the reason we haven't gone out is because I don't want it to ruin our friendship." Ranma
Ukyo nodded. "I think I understand. And I am not trying to get you to marry me or anything but would you like to go out some time." Ukyo
"Uhh...sure. Why not?" Ranma oh great this isn't going to be good.
Akane over heard the conversation between Ukyo and Ranma. THAT JERK. HOW DARE HE. AND I THOUGHT THAT HE LIKED ME. Wait a minute he does like me. He likes me more than anyone else. Nabiki even said that the only people he would consider is me and Ukyo and recently Nabiki. And its not like he was going to ask her out. She asked him out. I guess I can live with that. Its not enough to risk losing Ranma. Akane
how interesting. Even after that Akane didn't lose her temper. She must be getting better about controlling her temper. I cant say I am happy about this but it was expected. Nabiki
After school Ranma and Akane walked home hand in hand.
"So you're going to take Ukyo out?" Akane
"Are you ok with that?" Ranma
"Actually...I am a little jealous but I think you have every right to." Akane
"I'm sorry. Its just that I felt that I owed it to her." Ranma
"So...now you no longer have Kuno after your girl side." Akane
"But he is going to be just as much of a pain while I am a guy." -Sigh- "I still have Kodachi do deal with. Then things wont be so bad. I'll be back down to just three girls fighting over me. You, Ukyo, and Nabiki." Ranma
just three. He says it like its a curse. Maybe I shouldn't bother him if that is the way he sees it. NO! He likes me more than anyone else. He said that himself. He is just saying that he didn't like it when it was so many. Akane
"Did you want to do something tomorrow?" Akane
"Sure." Ranma
Ranma taught his martial arts class and then everyone ate dinner.
"I wonder what happened to Ryoga" Kasumi
"WHERE AM I NOW!" Ryoga and after Jack drove me to the airport and helped me get to my plane so I could come home what do I do as soon as I get here. I GET LOST. Well he said as long as I don't try and cross any large bodies of water I will stay in Japan. That helps but I don't think he knows how big Japan is. Well as soon as I get this to Ranma I can get my since of direction cured. Ryoga
Ranma's routine became getting up having breakfast with the Tendo's. Having Akane and Nabiki fight over him but not physically, more subtle things. He would go to school with them and then he would have lunch with Ukyo. He would walk home with Akane and then teach his martial arts class. After that he would go out with either Akane, Ukyo, or Nabiki. He would then go to sleep and do it all over again. This was Ranma's life for three weeks when something had to change.
"Good morning Ranma. Will you be here for dinner tonight or will you be eating with Ukyo again?" Kasumi
"I'll be eating here. Would it be alright if I had a guest over for dinner?" Ranma
"Of course Ranma. Its not another girl is it? If it is I don't think that Akane and Nabiki would like that to much." Kasumi
"Well she is a girl but I don't think that Akane and Nabiki will mind." Ranma
"Why is that Ranma?" Kasumi
"Because she's my mother." Ranma
-Gasp- "but Ranma you know that its dangerous with your mother around." Kasumi
"I'm going to tell her." Ranma
"What? I don't think that is such a good idea." Kasumi
"I'm tired of always trying to hide from her when she is around. And I know that Pop is tired of it." Ranma
"Well if you think that is best." Kasumi
While Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki were walking to school Nabiki said " so, Ranma. You're going to have your mother over tonight?" Nabiki
"What? Ranma you cant. You know how dangerous it is with her around." Akane
"I've got to tell her." Ranma
"But she will make you commit seppuku." Akane
"I don't think she will." Ranma
"Why do you say that. With your curse it is a sure thing." Akane
"As long as I continue to hide from her then I have a reason to hide but if I tell her I no longer need to hide." Ranma
"What? That doesn't make any since." Akane
"Sure it does sis. As long as he is hiding from his mother he is acting cowardly. But if he tells her and is confident about being a guy even when a girl then he will be a man among men. Or that is what Ranma is hoping at least." Nabiki
At lunch when Ranma was talking with Ukyo
"Ranma that is crazy you cant tell your mother." Ukyo
"Why not. The springs are no longer there so there isn't a cure. This is a part of my life now. I might as well tell her now. She is going to find out about it at some point." Ranma
"Well, I still think its a bad idea. But if you are going to go through with it then I guess I wont stop you. I'll be there for you." Ukyo
"Thanks Ukyo." Ranma
"No problem" Ukyo said and slid up next to Ranma. Ranma put his arm around Ukyo and Ukyo rested her head on Ranma.
"You know. Its funny how all three of us do this and we're all okay with it." Ukyo
"At first I was always nervous because I always worried what the others would say or think but I've gotten use to it. I still feel bad about it though. It just doesn't bother me as much as it did." Ranma
"I almost feel guilty always getting you to myself at lunch but then again I see the least of you out of the three of us so I don't feel that bad about it." Ukyo
"But how would you feel if there were three guys that you liked and they all liked you and they were all fine with the situation?" Ranma
"Well. I would just go with it. I don't think it would bother me." Ukyo
-Sigh- Ranma
"What?" Ukyo
"You just don't know how stressful it can be. No one does. Everyone thinks that I have it made but I have to always be careful because there are so many people's feeling at steak. " Ranma
"Perhaps its because you feel that way that we are all alright with it." Ukyo
When Ranma and Akane were walking home, arms linked, Akane asked "are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes." Ranma
"Just checking." Akane
When Ranma finished teaching his class he went upstairs and took his bath. A few minutes later Akane walked in and got in the tub with Ranma.
"You know its strange how we have started doing this so often." Ranma
"Yeah it is. At first I was very uncomfortable but now I don't think anything of it." Akane
Akane did something that she never did before while they were in the tub together. She slid over to Ranma and up against him. This made Ranma nervous because they had never sat this close together before. Or in the tub that is. Sure they had been like that many times before but not in the tub. Ranma did what he always did when Akane slid up to him. He just put his arm around her.
"Promise me that if she tells you to kill yourself that you wont." Akane
"She wont tell me to." Ranma
"I DON'T CARE! Promise me that you wont do it." Akane said her eyes pleading with Ranma
"Why do all of you have that ability over me it isn't fair. Ok. I promise." Ranma
Akane then kissed Ranma and they sat there like that for a while before they broke the kiss.
"Kasumi would you ask my mother to come over please." Ranma
"Sure Ranma." Kasumi
"ARE YOU CRAZY BOY! DO I HAVE TO REMIND YOU WHAT SHE WILL MAKE US DO IF SHE FINDS OUT?" Genma
"Well if you want to remain a panda you can. I suggest that you leave if you are that worried." Ranma
"Fine. Soun how would you like to go get a drink?" Genma
"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Soun
"So does that mean you wont be eating dinner with us." Kasumi
"I'm sorry to say yes it does." Soun
"Ok father." Kasumi
When Ranma's mother arrived Ranma was in male form.
"Ranma is that you?" Nodoka
"Yes it is mother." Ranma
"Where's your father?" Nodoka
"Father and Mr.. Soatome have gone out drinking." Kasumi
I wish she hadn't said that but it kept me from having to come up with an answer. Ranma thought
"I see." Nodoka
"Mother. I have something I need to tell you." Ranma
"What is it?" Nodoka
"Why don't we sit while I tell you." Ranma
"Very well." Nodoka
Ranma and his mother went into the living room where they could talk.
"Now what is it that you wanted to tell me. Its been so long since I've seen you that I want to know everything that has happened." Nodoka
"Well what I am about to tell you is a very important part of my travels and has been a major part of my life the last couple of years." Ranma
"What is it?" Nodoka
"Well when pop and I were in china on a training trip we went to a place called Jusenkyo. And there was a training ground there. The cursed springs of Jusenkyo. If we had know the effects of the springs before hand we wouldn't have trained there. When we fault I kicked pop into one of the springs. When he came out he hit me into one of the springs where I was cursed." Ranma
"How were you cursed?" Nodoka
"I fell into the spring of droned girl. So now when I get splashed with cold water I turn into a girl and then I change back when splashed with warm water." Ranma
"That's absurd. You cant be cursed. Genma promised me that you would become a man among men." Nodoka
"Kasumi. Would you bring me some cold water. And some hot water when you can." Ranma
"Sure Ranma." Kasumi said. She then entered carrying a glass of cold water.
"Thank you." Ranma
"Your welcome Ranma." Kasumi
Ranma poured the water on his head and he changed to a she.
-Gasp- Nodoka
"Now you know. And since this happened pop said that if I told you then you would make us commit seppuku because I wouldn't be a man among men. Well after I took control of my life from Genma I decided that I was tired of hiding this from you so now I have told you." Ranma
They sat in silence and Ranma watched nervously as his mother caressed her katana.
"So how was Genma cursed?" Nodoka
"Perhaps it would be better if pop told you that instead. Its not my right to tell you." Ranma
"Is that so. You don't feel that its your right since he cursed you?" Nodoka
"No." Ranma
"I see. If I guessed would you tell me." Nodoka
"Hmm. Yes. But only if you seemed sure of you answer." Ranma
Nodoka nodded and said "he is Mr.. Panda."
"Yes." Ranma
"So why are you here?" Nodoka
"Because pop made a deal with Mr.. Tendo that I would marry one of his daughters." Ranma
"And have you?" Nodoka
"No." Ranma
"Why. It is not honorable to not up hold a deal." Nodoka
"I will not marry any of them unless they want to get married. And besides there deal never said when." Ranma
"I see. Do any of them want to get married." Nodoka
"No." Ranma
"Then what are you still doing here?" Nodoka
"Two of them are interested in me but we are not ready to get married and because of that I wont get married yet." Ranma
"I see. Does there uncertainties have anything to do with you being cursed?" Nodoka
"I don't know." Ranma
"Here is the hot water Ranma." Kasumi
"Thank you Kasumi." Ranma
"Your welcome Ranma." Kasumi
Kasumi walked off and Ranma poured the hot water on her head and she became a he.
"Which two are interested in you." Nodoka
"Akane and Nabiki." Ranma
"Which do you like more?" Nodoka
"Akane." Ranma
"So your choice is simple. You will marry Akane." Nodoka
"No mother." Ranma
"What?" Nodoka said grasping her katana
"I will not marry unless we both want to." Ranma said with out even thinking about the katana
"It is the honorable thing to do." Nodoka
"But it is not the right thing to do." Ranma
Nodoka and Ranma were silent for a while
"Have you tried to get rid of your curse?" Nodoka
"Yes. Multiple times. None of the cures worked." Ranma
"So you have excepted your curse." Nodoka
"I can live with it but if I can get rid of it I will." Ranma
"Would you do anything to get rid of it?" Nodoka
"No." Ranma
"Why is that?" Nodoka
"I recently learned that saying anything can get you in over your head." Ranma said with a slight blush
"I see." Nodoka
"I'll have to think on this. It was nice to see you." Nodoka
"You to mother." Ranma
When Nodoka left Ranma felt as if a weight had been lifted.
"That went better than I thought it would." Ranma
Akane came in and hugged Ranma "I'm so glad she didn't make you kill your self." Akane
"I promised you that I wouldn't. What makes you think that I would?" Ranma
"I'm just glad that you are ok." Akane
The next morning at breakfast.
"So how did things go with Nodoka?" Genma
"I told her about my curse and she figured out yours." Ranma
Genma looked pail.
"Your joking right?" Genma
"No" Ranma
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING BOY?" Genma
"I no longer have to live in fear." Ranma
"Did she say weather she thought of you as a man among men or not?" Genma
"No. And I don't care." Ranma
"Well you better care. If she decides your not a man among men she is going to make you commit seppuku. Along with me." Genma
"Well weather you do or not I have no intention of killing myself since I promised Akane I wouldn't. And I wouldn't be a man among men if I broke a promise like that." Ranma
"Good one." Genma
At lunch.
"So how did things go with your mother?" Ukyo
"Better than I thought they would." Ranma
"Well you're still here and that's all that matters." Ukyo
Before Ranma could respond the laugh of Kodachi rang through the air.
"Ranma honey." Kodachi
Akane heard Kodachi and then watched as she approached Ranma.
Nabiki heard Kodachi and thought I think I'll be nice and get rid of her for Ranma
"I wish I didn't have to deal with this right now." Ranma said to Ukyo
"I take care of her." Ukyo
"No I'll do it." Ranma said to Ukyo
"Are you sure." Ukyo
"Yeah." Ranma said to Ukyo
"Kodachi there is something I have to tell you." Ranma
Nabiki stopped maybe I should let him handle this. He might have a good idea. This time.
I wonder what Ranma has planned. Akane
"What is it my dear Ranma." Kodachi
"Do you believe in curses?" Ranma
"Oh you silly boy of course there are curses. Why that little witch with the red hair that defiles your name is a curse." Kodachi
she has no idea how right she is. Ranma
"Would you believe me if I said that there was curse that when a girl gets splashed with warm water she becomes a guy. And she returns to normal when splashed with cold water." Ranma
"Yes I have heard of a similar curse but it turns a duck into a man. Same with a pig." Kodachi
"Would you believe me if I said that the girl with the red hair who has the same name as me has this curse?" Ranma
"That would be a fitting justice for her. Wait you aren't saying..." Kodachi
"Ukyo would you hand me your glass of water please?" Ranma
Ukyo handed Ranma her glass and Ranma poured it on his head. Ranma felt the change and saw the change on Kodachi's face
"No! This can not be. My Ranma is the foul Ranma. You have been playing me for a fool." Kodachi
"No. No. I was trying not to do it this way. I was trying to let you down gently but you just kept making it harder for me to tell you. I'm sorry Kodachi." Ranma
"I bet you are. From this day on you will no longer be able to trick me with that disguise of yours. I will always know you as the witch that you are." Kodachi
Kodachi then left.
"Ranma that was ingénues" Ukyo
"It was the only thing I could think of." Ranma
wow. That was easy. Akane
now why didn't I ever think of that. Oh wait, I did I just liked making money off of Ranma. Nabiki
"I wonder what will happen if she finds out that you lied to her." Ukyo
"I don't know. Maybe she'll find a cure for me." Ranma
"That's not funny." Ukyo
"It wasn't meant to be." Ranma
"WHERE AM I NOW!" Ryoga
"Hey, Ryoga. Its about time you got back." Ranma said as he and Akane approached the Tendo dojo
"Ranma?" Ryoga said turning around. When Ryoga turned around he saw Akane holding onto Ranma's arm.
"Looks like a lot has changed since I've been away." Ryoga in a cold voice
Ranma picking up on the tone in Ryoga's voice set his defenses on full alert.
Akane picked up on how Ranma tensed all of a sudden. "What's wrong Ranma?" Akane
"Nothing. Why don't you go on inside. I think that Ryoga and I need to talk." Ranma
Akane started to tense herself picking up on Ranma's tone. "Talk or fight."
"Hopefully talk. But that is going to depend on Ryoga." Ranma
"Ok. But if you fight make sure you can still teach. You do have class in about an hour." Akane said as she started to walk inside
"Akane?" Ryoga
"Yes? What is it Ryoga." Akane
"How...how did you see me?" Ryoga
"What?" Akane
"Did...did you ever like me?" Ryoga
"What? Of course I liked you. I still like you. Just because you made me mad doesn't mean that I don't like you." Akane
Ryoga looked very hopeful and Ranma looked slightly depressed.
I guess if I can like three girls then Akane can like more guys than just me. This will take some time to get use to. Ranma
"Really?" Ryoga
"Yeah. Your a great friend. I'm sure Ranma would agree." Akane
Ryoga looked like his world had been crushed. Ranma looked slightly relieved.
"That's not what I meant." Ryoga
"What do you mean?" Akane
"I..." Ryoga stopped for the words felled to come to him.
"What is it Ryoga?" Akane
Ryoga was speechless
"He wants to know if you like him the way you like me." Ranma
Akane looked shocked and turned to face Ryoga
"Is that what you're asking?" Akane
Ryoga could only nod.