Chapter 30: Down at the Dojo

"So, when someone says 'disguise', you always hear 'girl disguise', don't you Ranma?" Hibari said as she watched the shorter girl getting changed.

"I suppose... it's nice to have a reason ta dress up," Ranma muttered while pulling on a sleeveless red silk shirt. "Well... we're supposed to eat for 6 dinner the Tendos, right? I'm bettin' we'll probably be sparrin' after, and they've apparently got a proper dojo. So, if ya got a real gi or anythin' ya should probably wear it."

"Don't worry Ranma, I've already got it packed," Hibari replied.

Ranma nodded, pulling on a pair of loose pants. "Y'know... we should probably come clean ta Akane about my condition."

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Hibari asked as she walked over through the open divider to her room. "You've got a chance to have a friend who only knows you as a girl. Don't you want to see how that goes?"

The redhead sighed while wandering over to sit on Hibari's bed as the other girl got ready now. "I'm curious, but I feel kinda guilty lyin' ta her."

Ranma became lost in thought, trying to understand how to confess the truth. Afterall, would the label of 'guy' actually fit anymore either? Both options felt kind of like a lie right now (and yet also like the . It confused Ranma enough that the sudden appearance of Hibari with a small makeup brush of some sort mere centimetres from Ranma's face caused the redhead to jump back.

"W-what are ya doin'?"

"I was just thinking that I don't go through my purple eyeliner fast enough, and it does look good on you."

"It would look weird for me ta confess ta bein' a guy while wearin' makeup," Ranma protested, though the redhead's protests rang rather hollow. To be honest, Ranma wanted to wear some (especially if Hibari was applying it), but still felt guilty about the idea.

Hibari shook her head and went back to sorting through her clothes for something to wear.

Ranma stood nervously at the front door to the Tendo Dojo, a watermelon in hand. Hibari stood casually beside the redhead, and leaned forward to knock on the door. After only a moment a cheerful Akane slid the door open. She wore a large smile and a yellowish gi.

"Hi! You guys are right on time," the dark haired girl said, beaming away. "Dinner is going to be a little late since daddy has some guests over. Of course, that just means we can spar first. There's a spare room upstairs you can use to change if you need."

"I'm good," Ran(ma) said with a shrug. "Hibari?"

"Oh yeah, I'll run up and change. I meet you guys in the dojo," the blonde replied.

"Don't worry Hibari, I'll show you the way up," Akane said, before poking her head in the kitchen. "Kasumi, could you show Ran to the dojo?"

"Yes, of course," the eldest Tendo girl replied as she emerged from the kitchen.

"Right, and we brought ya this," Ran said, handing Kasumi the watermelon.

"Oh my, this must have been quite expensive, there was really no need... but thank you," Kasumi replied as she took the melon from Ran.

Kasumi disappeared into the kitchen for a moment, but quickly returned and began to lead her guest to the dojo. Ran followed the older girl quietly. It wasn't a long walk, though the pair were a bit surprised to find the dojo wasn't totally empty. A tanned lad with short black hair about Ran's age was struggling his way through what Ran recognised as a fairly beginner kata of Anything Goes style.

"It's good to see you practicing, Kousaku," Kasumi said softly.

"Oh? Heh, hi. Yeah, between Akane and the old master, I figure I've got to practice to keep from being turned into a pulp," Kousaku replied awkwardly.

"Heh, well... I can show ya how a pro does that kata," Ran boasted. "Watch this!"

Ran moved to the centre of the dojo, gave a quick bow, and then dove into the kata. Getting to perform for an audience was something the redhead had always enjoyed, and Ran could tell Kousaku's attention was unwavering. However it was only after spinning around quickly for a kick that the pigtailed gender bender realised just where Kousaku had been staring.

"Stop staring at my butt and pay attention to the technique!"

"S-sorry," Kousaku apologised awkwardly.

Kousaku was saved from further chastising by the arrival of Akane and Hibari. The blonde had changed into a crisp white judo gi,a black belt around her waist, and a sarashi wrapped around her chest just barely peeking out.

Ranma had to struggle to avoid blushing at the sight.

'I'm such a jerk, yelling at that guy for checkin' me out and then turnin' around and doing the same thing,' Ran thought silently as Hibari sauntered past, swinging her hips seductively for the redhead.

"So many cute girls. Tokyo really is the best," Kousaku muttered to himself, earning a quick elbow to the gut from Akane as she walked past.

"Alright, let's spar!" Hibari announced gleefully, ignoring the way the lone boy in the room had doubled over.

"If you don't mind, I think I'd like to spar Ran first," Akane said. "It would be good to see a pro of the Saotome branch in action."

Ran replied with a cocky smirk. "Sounds good. I'm curious what the Tendo branch is like too."

The pair bowed to one another before Akane slid into a fighting stance. Ran remained slack and loose. Akane charged in with a barrage of punches, most of which Ran dodged easily enough, though one or two the shorter girl had to block.

"Come on Ran!" Hibari shouted.

"Go Akane!" Kousaku countered.

Akane gritted her teeth and pushed herself to move as fast as she could. She'd been getting faster lately, now that Kuno was holding back much less than he used to in their morning duels, but Ran still felt like someone on a whole different level. Relying on a series of light jabs to fake her opponent out, Akane then dropped into a leg sweep. Ran was caught off guard, but managed to arch into a backflip and land gracefully a metre or so away.

The shorter girl gave a quick nod of approval before charging in at full speed. Akane barely had time to try and block before Ranma's strike collided with her... and it turned out to be a light two finger jab to the forehead.

"Woohoo! Good work Ran!" Hibari cheered.

As the adrenaline and shock wore off Akane began to giggle. "I have to admit, I did better than I thought I would. Still, you're amazing, Ran. Your speed and grace... if I could fight like that I probably wouldn't have to worry about accusations of being unfeminine for doing martial arts."

Ran answered with an awkward laugh. "I'm not sure I would really call my moves all that feminine. I mean, it was pops who taught me."

"I've seen you two spar. You've definitely added grace to the moves, Ran," Hibari replied with a wink.

The redhead blushed a bit, muttering vague half denials.

"So, who do I get to spar?" Hibari asked.

The three girls had spent a good half hour sparring and discussing techniques (while Kousaku watched under the excuse of learning). Hibari had generally proven faster than Akane, but in any situation the latter got a chance to grapple it became clear Akane held a major advantage in that field. Even Ran was pinned by her one round.

"Phew, that was a good work out," Akane said, panting a little. "It's so great to have girls to spar with... Whenever I tried joining martial arts clubs are school it would be full of boys."

"What's so bad about boys?" Ran asked, slightly nervous.

"Don't get her started," Kousaku muttered.

"I'm too pooped to get started right now," a sweaty Akane replied, before smiling. "Probably for the best. No point ruining the evening having to think about how annoying boys can be. Kousaku... he's learned to behave himself. Mostly. But the rest of them... Anyway! We should go check if Daddy's guests have left or not."

Akane hopped to her feet and headed back into the Tendo home. The other three teens scrambled after her, Ran deciding that may now wasn't quite the best time to bring up the curse. They reached the genkan just as Soun was waving off a couple of middle aged men.

As they left and Soun closed the door, Hibari chimed in. "Hey, those guys work with one of the municipal planning committees, don't they?"

"Huh, well yes. How did you know that?" Soun asked.

"A girl has her ways," Hibari said with a wink.

Hibari giggled as the three girls headed off down the hallway. Walking past the family room, Ran and Hibari were starting to wonder where they were headed when Akane opened the door to a combined washroom/laundry room.

"I figure we she probably wash up quickly before dinner," Akane said as walked into the changing area.

Hibari paled and slid behind Ran. "I, uh... I'm really nervous about this sort of stuff."

Ran nodded. "Y-yeah! Sh-she's really self conscious."

Akane blinked, feeling confused for a moment. "Oh, uh, okay. I'll let you two go first then, since you're the guests."

Akane smiled and waved quickly as she walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. Ran shrugged, and began undressing. The redhead was down to underwear before noticing Hibari was turned around to face a corner and was acting very reluctant.

"What's wrong, Hibari," Ranma asked, walking up to whisper in the taller girl's ear. "Normally your buggin' me ta join ya in the bath."

"That... well, that was usually teasing," Hibari replied. "I liked seeing you flustered."

"This ain't the first time we've had a bath together," the redhead said, placing a hand on Hibari's shoulder.

"Yeah, but... but..." Hibari paused, and unclasped her bra to let it and the padding inside fall away from her chest as she turned to face Ranma. "I was different then."

"W-would it help if I ran in and changed first?" Ranma asked. "I can use warm water the whole way."

"I... yes. Thank you," Hibari replied. "I like you either way, but... it's awkward when I'm reminded I'm kind of the less feminine one at times."

"You're always plenty feminine, but I think I get what ya mean," Ranma replied, backing off a bit.

Ranma finished stripping and hurried into the furo. When Hibari entered the black haired boy was looking away. Ranma waited for the sound of Hibari sitting on a stool before peeking over.

"Is it alright if I turn around?"

Hibari gave a gentle smile. "Yeah, sure."

Ranma lit up with a smile and spun around. Hibari was still slightly turned away to preserve her modesty, but was lathering up. The pair scrubbed up quietly for a few moments, Ranma making sure to use warm water for rinsing. Both helped by washing the other's back, Hibari giving quieter (but no less suggestive) moans of joy.

Ranma then slipped off for a quick soak in the tub, turning away at Hibari's request so that she could slip in the tub as well. Curiosity was getting the better of Ranma by the point where they were both sitting in the tub however, and the taller teen couldn't help trying to get a little peak at Hibari's birth form. Instead of seeing anything, Ranma got splashed in the eyes by a squirt of water.

"A girl must keep her secrets. Part of the allure... maybe I'll let you see on our wedding night," Hibari whispered, laughing to herself.

The idea of getting rather adventurous on their wedding night suddenly struck Ranma, and the raven haired teen was soon distracted by a nose bleed. By the time Ranma recovered, Hibari was already out halfway in the changing area and nearly dressed. Ranma applied a quick splash of cold water and hurried after her.

"What are you two giggling and blushing about?" Akane asked as the two walked out into the hallway.

"N-nothin'," Ran blurted.

"She's just easy to tease," Hibari explained.

Akane accepted that and hurried off for a quick wash up herself. Hibari and Ran found themselves patiently waiting in the Tendo family room, with only Nabiki and a nervous looking Kousaku for company.

"So... what do you think of our humble abode?" Nabiki asked.

"It's a nice little place," Hibari replied.

"Mhm. I liked the dojo. That's definitely bigger than the one the Oozora's have," Ran added. "Higher ceiling too, which is good if you want to practice area combat. Still, the Oozora's have a lot more yard space, and pops an' I would probably train out there either way."

Nabiki nodded thoughtfully. Usually people balked at her calling the Tendo's home 'humble' with the way their property covered a full city block. (A somewhat smallish block, but still enough to fit at least 6 homes by Nerima's usual tight lot sizes.) Yet these two not only didn't even blink, but Ran went so far as to consider it small... there was definitely good money to be had here.

Her plan of attack was ruined by Soun practically skipping into the room with a bottle of saké in hand. "Haha! This is such a grand opportunity."

"Yes daddy? What happened?" Nabiki asked, as if she'd not eavesdropped on his entire meeting.

Soun poured out a little saké and drank drank it, all the while humming merrily to himself. "Your father has been chosen to fill a position on the ward council. There will be an election to worry about, of course, but that's pretty well a formality in our district."

"Congratulations sir!" Hibari cheered, while eyeing the saké and wondering when he was planning to share.

Ran, Kousaku and Nabiki likewise gave their cheers. Soun began to ramble on a bit about what an opportunity this all was. After a few minutes a freshened up Akane joined the table, and was given a sarcastic summary of Soun's good news by Nabiki.

"Oh good, everyone is here," Kasumi chimed as she peeked in from the doorway nearest the kitchen, before walking in with their dinner in hand. "I certainly hope I made enough."

As the eldest Tendo girl laid the meal out and began to ensure everyone had their servings, everyone had to admit it smelled wonderful. Tasting it revealed that smell was just the start of a perfect meal. Of course, more than a few minds were otherwise occupied. Ran was struggling with guilt over not telling the truth, and wrestling with the idea that maybe the truth wasn't all that clear cut. Nabiki was trying to figure out if she could con any money out of Hibari or Ran (the latter certainly seeming an easier mark). Lastly, Hibari was mostly busy being annoyed Soun had never shared the saké.

As the evening wound down, Hibari and Ran were soon headed out to door.

"I hope to see you both again soon," Akane said, her voice cheerful.

"I suspect that will happen," Hibari replied with a wink.

"Definitely! I had fun," Ran added cheerfully as the two set off.

Once they had covered a few blocks with their walking, Hibari draped her arm over Ranma's shoulder and leaned down to whisper in the short girl's ear. "So, what happened to telling Akane about your condition?"

"Y-you heard her. She's not a fan a guys... between that an' what ya said about the benefits of a friend who only knows me as a girl, I figured maybe I'd wait a little longer," Ranma replied meekly.

Hibari smiled and gave Ranma a quick peck on the cheek. "I'm sure it will work out for the best. Just go with the flow."

It was a little past 3:30 am when Soun suddenly awoke. He'd remembered Genma had told him something about Hibari and the engagement situation that seemed important. Yet for the life of him, he couldn't remember what it had been... The only thing his brain offered was some nonsense about Ran and Hibari somehow being engaged, which made no sense.

Just thinking about how much the two of them had spent on alcohol that night gave him a headache...

Ranma and Hibari were busy doing morning stretches with Suzume, enjoying the still cool air of early morning. The black haired boy admired the young girl's determination for perfection and idly wondered if she might be a potential student (once Ranma had finished figuring out the basics of teaching with Hibari).

"Hibari, Ranma. Telephone," Tsugumi announced as she walked out towards the courtyard.

"Oh! Coming sis!" Hibari replied.

"We'll finish this next time," Ranma told Suzume while hurrying after Hibari.

The young bluenette rolled her eyes and continued her stretches. Ranma was pretty sure she'd muttered something sarcastic under her breath.

Reaching the telephone, Ranma and Hibari awkwardly tried to share the handset, and were greeted by the ancient voice of Cologne.

"There is a slight crisis with Shampoo right now... It would be quite helpful if you two came over quickly."

Hibari was about to ask what sort of crisis when Shui's voice was picked up in the background. "That thing is weedwacker! Keep it away! Aiya!"

Ranma and Hibari briefly shared confused looks, before Ranma spoke up to answer.

"Sure, yeah. We can come over."

"Thank you," Cologne replied, her voice filled with relief.

By this time of morning the Neko Hanten was generally quiet. They tended not to open until lunch afterall. Yet today crashing and yelling could be heard from within. Ranma knocked gingerly.

The door cracked open to reveal a quite tired looking Cologne. "Thank goodness. Hopefully you two can talk some sense into the child."

"We can try, but it is Shampoo we're talkin' about," Ranma grumbled. "Not like she's easy ta work with or nothin'."

"Just follow the crashing sounds?" Hibari asked.

Cologne let out an exasperated sigh and nodded.

The two teens steeled themselves as they moved towards the main dining area. Chairs and tables had been tossed about, leaving much of the room open. Almost directly in the middle the pair found the rather unusual sight of Shui in the process of hogtying a rather uncooperative Mousse.

Where Mousse had come from, or why he looked like he hadn't seen the sun in a while, neither Ranma nor Hibari could guess at. His hair had grown out a little though, so he looked less comedic than when it was shaved.

"Ow, ow, ow!" Mousse yelped as Shui dug a knee into his back.

"What on earth happened here?" Hibari asked.

Shui froze at the sound of Hibari's voice. The girl-turned-boy jumped back away from Mousse and swung round to face away from the new arrivals. "Aiyah! Tzonghi should not see I in current state. Am unpresentable."

"Well, that's a bit of a different response," Ranma said, turning to give Hibari a smirk.

When the blonde responded with a shake of her head Ranma decided to back off a little. "So, where'd Mousse crawl out from anyway?"

"The basement," Mousse answered flatly.

"Yes, I had hoped that, with my poor great-grandchild growing so concerned over their current predicament that Mousse might be able to help," Cologne explained as she bounded into the room. "It is a an issue that Shampoo had not had to deal with before the curse, and, unfortunately, my son had to return to our village as his sister-in-law has fallen ill."

Ranma gave a slow nod, but couldn't help feel like something important was being danced around. "What exactly's her problem now?"

Cologne cleared her throat. "Great grandchild. Turn around."

Shui went rigid for a moment at the sound of Cologne's order, but slowly and reluctantly the currently handsome girl turned around. She continued to stare at the floor, but the new development was quite obvious.

"Heh, that's actually some pretty good stubble there, Shampoo," Ranma laughed, leaning in to get a closer look. "I think you've got better facial hair genes than pops does. I've certainly never managed ta get that even of hair."

The comment simply made the handsome teen blush furiously. This was not something a warrior of the Nujiezu was meant to deal with.

"So, what did you do that ticked her off so much?" Hibari asked, lightly poking Mousse with her foot.

"All I did was show her how my electric razor worked," Mousse groaned.

Suddenly Shui placed both her hands on Ranma's shoulders, and stared at the other handsome teen with pleading eyes. "Tongzhi Ranma knows how to shave, yes? Can show me?"

Something about the sad look in those wine coloured eyes made Ranma waver a moment. The feelings the pigtailed teen had wrestled with before the truth came out bubbled to the surface. "I... uh... I'm gonna be honest: I'm terrible at shavin'. It's been a blessin' that I haven't had ta in months thanks ta Jusenkyo. Whenever I did before I'd always nick myself. Pops said I went through half our tissue paper on my shavin' cuts."

A look of defeat washed over Shui. "There goes last hope... must use stupid Mousse's weedwacker."

Hibari softly cleared her throat. "I-I could help. I certainly know how to shave without nicking myself."

Shui's face lit up, and the dark haired teen rushed over to lift Hibari into a bear hug. "Aire-Tongzhi! Of course! I forget you would know."

A now smooth faced Shui hummed away while putting the dining area back in order. Seeing that bubbly personality in action again Ranma was once more struggling with confused feelings. Were the feelings that both Ukyo and Shui... no, Shampoo, stirred in Ranma's heart really love? Neither was quite the same as how being around Hibari felt, but there were similarities for both... Why did this all have to be so complicated.

Honda Takuto sat reclined in the restaurant booth as Sanzenin finished up his description of the redhead and blonde he'd encountered some time before. Honda had heard how Sanzenin was checking around at all the other high schools of Nerima, hunting for a couple girls. What he'd heard second hand had certainly lead him to suspect who it was Sanzenin was searching for, but it was only now that he knew before.

Pausing to watch one of the cute waitresses walk past (the reason both he and Sanzenin had decided a seat near the kitchen entrance was best), Honda sat up a bit.

"Oh yes, I certainly know who the girl is that broke your poor nose that was once so loved," Honda stated, running a comb quickly through his perfect brown hair.

"It looks exactly the same!" Mikado protested, slamming a fist on the table between them.

"Of course it does," Takuto replied. "I also know who it is that you kissed, though I'll have to admit that that information might not make you as happy."

"How could I be unhappy to learn the name of that stunning little redhead? One playboy to another... she had a rack worth going on a second date for," Mikado said.

Honda just smiled and clapped his hands. "Suzuki. Yamaha. Newspapers please."

Mikado was surprised when Honda's two cronies appeared, the bald Yamaha Sarian hopping over the booth the land between him and the window, while the curly haired Suzuki Jenma slid in from the opposite angle. Both lads produced newspapers with similar front page stories. One headline read Saotome! The Bi-Gendered Wonder! And the other Girl or Boy? Tale of the Transfer Student!. Both were accompanied by pictures showing some black haired boy in some part of what must be Wakaba High with a bucket of water about to splash him, and then beside a picture of the gorgeous redhead sopping wet in the same location and clothing.

"I've seen the little trick myself," Yamaha assured Mikado.

"Mhm, so has most of our school," Suzuki added.

Mikado snatched up one of the papers and glared angrily at it. "What!? This... this... well, he was female when I kissed her! Him! Gah... whatever!"

"I suppose you can count Ranma as ½ a point for your score. Rather generous considering how it was I was shafted with having a ½ on my own count," Honda replied.

Mikado was too busy seeing red to process what Honda had said. "I will have vengeance!"