Chapter 4
She was warm, very warm, but it was nice and comfortable. That was Ranma's first thought when she woke up. Ranma lay there for a few minutes relishing the warmth and comfort before reluctantly opening her eyes.
This isn't my room! Thought Ranma, not recognising where she was. She looked around a little and saw Nabiki sleeping peacefully beside her and then she remembered where she was. That's right! I'm having a sleep over with Kasumi and Nabiki.
Ranma remembered the sequence of events that had led up to sleeping in Kasumi's bed with the two girls. Ranma's confession, being hit over the head by Akane, Nabiki's mask breaking and the subsequent Emotional Rollercoaster ride that led to Ranma gaining a new friend and sister in Nabiki and then the idea of having a sleepover in Kasumi's room rather than going to their own cold lonely rooms. Ranma grinned That was the best night of sleep I've had in months! Ranma thought before looking back at Nabiki.
Whoever would have thought that Nabiki could have opened up like that? I never knew that she had been so lonely, and in so much pain Ranma reached over to stroke Nabiki's cheek lightly with her fingers. Ranma smiled a little when Nabiki smiled and leaned into Ranma's hand in response to the touch and Ranma just continued to stroke Nabiki's cheek lightly Well in any case, Nabiki's got me and Kasumi with her now, we will help her whenever she needs us thought Ranma determination growing in her heart.
Ranma continued to lie still, enjoying the warmth and comfort she was feeling before trying to move but found that she was unable to. Ranma looked down, and what she saw made Ranma blush a deep red. Kasumi was behind her sleeping peacefully with a content expression and she was holding Ranma with her arms around Ranma's body. But what made Ranma blush was that Kasumi was holding her in what was quite literally a lover's embrace.
Ranma's and Kasumi's legs were entwined together and Kasumi's body was cupping Ranma's from behind. Kasumi's arms were wrapped around Ranma's torso holding her close. Kasumi's right arm was draped over Ranma's waist her hand very close to her groin and her other arm was wrapped around Ranma's chest and her hand was at Ranma's chest cupping Ranma's left breast causing Ranma to feel a vaguely pleasurable feeling which Ranma found to be quite nice and Ranma slowly calmed down knowing that nothing was going to happen.
Ranma just continued to lie there quietly. She was still embarrassed but it had toned down quite a bit and Ranma found that no matter how much she thought about it, she could not bring herself to be ashamed about it. The warmth and comfort was very nice and Ranma found after a little thought that she felt safe being with Kasumi and for another thing it just felt… right! To be like this, so Ranma did nothing about it and just waited patiently for Kasumi to wake up and to continue enjoying the warmth, comfort and safety a little more she thought with a little guilt.
Ranma suddenly became aware that Kasumi was waking up when she heard Kasumi's breathing change. Ranma managed to turn around to watch Kasumi wake up.
The first thing that Kasumi saw as she opened her eyes was a pair of big, crystal blue eyes that Kasumi, whom after a little sorting of her brain belatedly identified them as Ranma's eyes.
Oh… It's Ranma. Thought Kasumi with a small yawn not really comprehending what she was seeing until her mind caught up with her eyes and her eyes flew wide open staring in disbelief.
What is Ranma doing here! In my bed! Thought Kasumi blushing slightly, wondering what was going on. Until she looked behind Ranma and saw Nabiki still sleeping quietly with a small smile on her face, and all of a sudden, just like Ranma did before Kasumi remembered all that had happened last night and Kasumi relaxed slightly.
Then Kasumi remembered what had happened just before she went to sleep.
Kasumi stayed up for a few minutes watching the two girls, smiling softly. She finally lay down facing them and prepared to go to sleep. She was startled when she felt Ranma turn over and burrow into her chest mumbling. She hesitantly wrapped her arms around the small girl and smiled when she felt Ranma respond by snuggling in closer, unconsciously trying to get closer to the gentle warmth and comfort that Kasumi offered.
Kasumi just smiled and held Ranma tightly secretly pleased that Ranma trusted her like this. Kasumi felt familiar feelings arise, feelings that she recognised easily but was unsure about. Kasumi was afraid to act upon these feelings but at that moment when she looked at Ranma she felt the feelings solidify and she was suddenly no longer afraid.
She knew that Ranma returned these feelings and Kasumi decided that she would have to talk to Ranma about her feelings soon. Before she fell asleep she leaned down and softly kissed Ranma on the forehead and then a little hesitantly kissed Ranma proper, not caring that Ranma was female right then, when she backed away she saw that Ranma was smiling in her sleep and then she lay her down and as she fell asleep she said softly "I love you Ranma"
Kasumi started blushing lightly and then she realised her arms were still holding Ranma close.
When she looked down at themselves and saw the position they were in Kasumi's blush deepened. She tried to say something but found that she couldn't.
Ranma watched all the reactions Kasumi went through with a grin and twinkling eyes and just continued to watch and when Kasumi tried to speak but couldn't Ranma decided to break the silence that had manifested and said "Good morning Kasumi"
Kasumi couldn't say anything to that and just continued to open and close her mouth like a codfish and Ranma just grinned before finally getting restless.
"I guess we should get up now" Ranma said a little reluctantly seeing as Kasumi couldn't speak.
Kasumi just nodded mutely grateful for the interruption and unwrapped her arms from around Ranma allowing Ranma to move. Kasumi and Ranma got out of bed quietly in order not to disturb Nabiki.
Kasumi moved over to her dresser to get dressed and ready for the day but was interrupted by a thump from behind her. Kasumi turned around to see what happened and saw Ranma sitting on the floor rubbing her rear end with an expression of surprise on her face.
"Ranma! What happened?" Kasumi asked wondering what had happened.
Ranma looked up at Kasumi with an expression of surprise and exclaimed "I don't know! I got up okay, but when I moved I somehow over overbalanced and fell over, but how could that be! I haven't fallen over like that for years, not even when I got cursed"
Kasumi helped Ranma get up but what she saw then caused her to gasp and back away in surprise and Ranma looked at Kasumi with concern and asked "Kasumi?" in a concerned voice.
Kasumi couldn't say anything in answer except go over to the girl to have a closer look. Ranma still didn't understand what was happening and open her mouth to ask again but suddenly shut it again when she realised what Kasumi had seen. Ranma wasn't looking up to meet Kasumi's eyes! At least not as much as usual. Usually when Ranma looked straight on she would get an eyeful of Kasumi's breasts but instead of that she was looking at Kasumi's throat!
"Ranma…?" Kasumi stuttered still not believing what she was seeing. Over the course of one night Ranma had suddenly grown taller! Gone was the young, short, busty and very curvy looking Red headed girl. Ranma had grown from 4 foot 8 to a taller and more willowy and graceful 5 foot 6 in less than one night! Her breasts were still as big as ever and Ranma's hips and waist were also the same. But with Ranma suddenly taller, her feminine attributes actually seemed to belong to her body instead of seeming so out of place like they did on the girl that Ranma was before.
Ranma went over to the full length mirror that Kasumi kept in her room to take a look at her new body and Ranma liked what she saw.
"Hey there gorgeous, looking good" said Ranma and started posing in sexy poses to show off and Kasumi belated noticed that Ranma's voice had also changed from a high soprano that befitted a child to a slightly deeper soprano that matched Ranma's new body perfectly she also seemed very graceful. Ranma was no longer looked like a very busty and curvy female child, Ranma was now a woman, a sexy and beautiful woman with a body that could make all men and some women drool and make most other women very envious.
Ranma's martial side took over and Ranma began a critical examination of her body. Her new height had made her form more willowy and hourglass like and far more graceful and more agile and less top heavy with a more centralised balance like that she enjoyed in her male form. Her limbs were also longer allowing for greater reach. Ranma also felt that her over all speed, strength and endurance had doubled. So over all, her new body was far superior to her old one.
Kasumi couldn't take it any longer "Ranma what happened last night?" she burst out causing Nabiki to stir and roll over only to fall back asleep. Kasumi saw this and asked "What happened?" in a quieter voice.
Ranma stopped posing and looked at Kasumi seriously "I don't know what happened Kasumi; I just woke up like this. I don't know how this hap…pened…?" it was at this moment that Ranma memories of the dream came back to her "Unless it was… that dream?
Kasumi's ears perked at this "Dream? What dream?" Kasumi queried gently.
Ranma's face took on a pensive look "I had a dream last night where a Goddess named Rialinene the Goddess of Transformations came to me to offer a choice and a gift. Apparently as the goddess of transformations, my Jusenkyo curse falls under her jurisdiction. She told me that the springs are not tools for punishment but were made to teach and that I have 'graduated' so to speak and that as a reward for passing the test she came to me to offer a choice and a gift"
"Teach?" Kasumi's face took on a thoughtful look as she looked at Ranma and the more she looked at the girl, the more sense it made and more believable it became "I can believe that, I mean, turning you into a girl, the way you were before, would certainly teach you lot!" Kasumi said with a pointed looked at Ranma and Ranma could only nod bashfully.
"So what did she offer?" Kasumi asked genuinely curious.
Ranma grinned at Kasumi's expression "Well obviously she made me taller as you can see, she also offered to cure my curse but I declined"
Kasumi didn't know what to say about that so she just nodded to continue.
"Apparently she had suspected my response before hand so instead of curing me entirely she got rid of the water magnet and changed to the trigger so all I have to do is will the change and I will change… from… Male…. To… Female…!"
Ranma suddenly realised what she was saying and disappeared all of a sudden leaving Kasumi behind to blink away the after image.
Kasumi finally blinked away the after image and saw that Ranma had disappeared. She wondered where Ranma had gotten to when she also understood what Ranma had been saying and knew where Ranma was. But before going downstairs she took the opportunity to get dressed and check on Nabiki on the bed who was still sleeping before going down to the kitchen where she saw Ranma anxiously waiting for the water to get hot.
Ranma turned to Kasumi and smiled tremulously and said "Well here goes" and dipped her arm under the hot water.
Ranma didn't change.
Ranma just continued to hold her arm under the hot water in shock until the water became boiling and Ranma yanked her arm away with a curse. Kasumi watched as Ranma stood there looking at her arm in shock until Ranma turned back to Kasumi.
Kasumi was almost blinded (in a figurative sense) from Ranma's blinding smile and had to turn away then she suddenly felt herself being bowled over by Ranma who had grabbed Kasumi in a huge hug laughing joyously. Kasumi got over the shock and started hugging back.
After a few minutes Ranma pulled away blushing slightly and Kasumi just smiled at the flustered girl. Kasumi wondered what was going to happen next.
"Just one more test" Ranma muttered and started concentrating on looking for the trigger.
Ranma looked at her Ki and Chi for a few minutes before finding a knot of energy residing in her Ki that wasn't there before. Ranma examined it and felt that the energy was like a switch and Ranma concentrated on making it move.
On the outside Kasumi was watching quietly and watched in shock as Ranma suddenly changed before her eyes without water then Kasumi started blushing a very bright red and started feeling hot in some odd places. The very site of the male version of Ranma standing in front of her was doing some strange things to her, which she found she quite liked the feel of.
Instead of the boy that she was used to seeing everyday, he had also transformed over night into what she could only call a man.
Ranma's male form had also grown a couple inches from around 5 foot 8 to a solid 6 foot tall and Ranma's body had changed to accommodate the new height much like Ranma's female form has done.
Ranma's muscles had grown a great deal to match the new height, so they were more bulky and he was clearly much stronger. But Ranma's physical build was still very compact and was not overly bulky at all and still resembled the build of a highly trained athlete. He also looked much more mature looking and more graceful and confident. All in all Ranma had suddenly grown from a boy to a man over night, a highly attractive and sexy looking man, that could make any female drool in desire and lust and make them start to feel very warm all over their body.
Kasumi just continued to stare in a dazed silence and she suddenly blushed even brighter when she saw that Ranma's manly parts had also grown in size and Kasumi had to turn away to prevent herself from jumping the poor boy. Wild horse indeed! She thought, never having felt so embarrassed or turned on in all her life.
Ranma never noticed Kasumi's reaction as he had started examining his body like he had before with his female form.
The girls are going to go nuts! Was the only thing Ranma could think as he examined himself with a Martial Artists eye. Like his female form, Ranma's strength, speed and endurance had also doubled and his limbs were slightly longer. And his balance was also altered. But again, nothing a little training could fix.
Ranma suddenly felt a familiar pain in his abdomen and bent over in pain causing Kasumi to ask what was wrong before willing his body to change into her female form and Ranma felt the pain go away.
"Must be that time of the month" Ranma said, ruefully rubbing the back of her head causing Kasumi to chuckle.
Kasumi suddenly noticed the time and hurried over to her kitchen to prepare breakfast; Ranma noticed this and went to help but was stopped when Kasumi waved her away.
"I'll handle this Ranma and you go clean up?" Kasumi said. Ranma just nodded in agreement
Ranma went to get cleaned up for breakfast but stopped when she reached the stairs, Kasumi noticed and asked "What is it?
Ranma looked back at Kasumi and Kasumi noticed that Ranma was suddenly looking nervous.
"How are we going to tell the others, Nabiki I'm not worried about, but its what pops, Mr Tendo and Akane will do that has me worried, and what about Mom, she's coming to have dinner tonight remember?"
Kasumi did remember, but she just smiled and said "We cross that bridge later Ranma, don't worry so much you'll be fine"
Ranma looked Kasumi in the eye "It's not me I'm worried about!"
Kasumi's eyes widened slightly and she felt warmth envelop her heart. Kasumi's smile suddenly grew and Ranma couldn't help but smile back.
"Then we will have to think of something together wont we, nee, Ranma-Chan" sad Kasumi with a soft smile that put Ranma's anxiety to rest.
"I guess we will, Kasumi" Ranma replied with the same smile as Kasumi did.
Ranma finally turned to go and clean up but stopped when she heard Kasumi call out.
"Hey Ranma! Enjoy your bath!" Kasumi said with a knowing smirk and Ranma just replied "Sure!" before turning back to the bathroom. Kasumi also turned back to cooking breakfast with a small smile which turned into a frown. She was not looking forward to the 'conversations' during breakfast.
Ranma sat in the bath luxuriously, hardly believing how good it felt. No wonder girls spend so much time in the bathroom! This feels so good! Might have something to do with how a girl's skin is so much more sensitive than guy's skin.
It was just when Ranma's skin was starting to prune and her Saotome stomach was showing its colours that Ranma finally, but with great reluctance, got out of the bath and started drying off.
Ranma got dressed slowly, putting on a bra and panties before putting on the silk slacks and red blouse that she and Kasumi had bought together after Kasumi had convinced Ranma to go shopping with her. One last thing Ranma did was put a pad inside her panties in preparation for her period before she finally exited the bathroom and with great reluctance proceeded down the stairs, Just another day in the life of Ranma Saotome! Sheesh what a life thought Ranma with an expression of distaste.
When Ranma finally got downstairs she saw that it was the usual scene that happens every morning. Genma was stuffing his face; Soun was at the head of table reading the Newspaper, Happosai was missing, probably on one of his hunts. Nabiki was sitting slumped at the table, looking like a zombie and nursing a cup of ultra caffeinated coffee (She required a lot of caffeine to wake up properly)
For a change Akane was sitting next to Nabiki leaving the space next to Kasumi open for which Ranma was slightly grateful and disconcerted. Ranma perked up a little when she saw Kasumi spot her with a smile and said "Good morning Ranma-Chan" patting the spot beside her and indicated that Ranma should sit there.
This had the unfortunate side affect of everybody looking around to see what was happening and when they saw Ranma their eyes all widened in surprise when they noticed all the changes and all Ranma could do was nervously wave her hand and say "Morning" before padding her way over to Kasumi to sit down where Kasumi served Ranma a large helping of Miso soup and rice which Ranma started eating quickly determined to get at least some food before the shouting started.
Ranma watched everybody out of the corner of her eyes wondering when they were going to break the silence. Akane was fuming away, face red, eyes flashing and fists clenched angrily, she probably going through the old pervert spiel and about how Ranma suddenly had a whole lot better looking body and was going to be more perverted.
Genma was sitting there angrily, face twisted up in some grim parody of anger and cowardice and he was sweating big time. It was like Genma was seeing a ghost. Ranma looked exactly like Nodaka did when she was younger! Genma's mind was flooded with memories of Nodaka, most of them when she got mad
One things for sure Genma thought wildly Ranma has definitely inherited his mothers anger and ability to inflict pain, and it's far more apparent in his girl form, she is as scary as Nodaka was, especially when she is having her period, Nodaka and Ranma are exactly the same when their PMSing, moody, and prone to inflicting greater pain than usual.
Soun was sitting there quietly with a neutral face but Ranma looked closer and noticed that there was a small sign of tears coming out. Probably because he's thinking that I'm turning into more of a girl than ever before and that his dream of the two houses's uniting through marriage is in more danger than last night.
Ranma watched Nabiki look at her new body carefully, noting all the physical changes with a slight question in her eyes and Ranma was gratified to see that Nabiki didn't show any sign of negative emotions or calculation in her eyes. Just various emotions, joy that Ranma was suddenly gifted with a much better body, pride that she was one of Ranma's friends and her sister, sisterly love and a promise that she will help, but an overwhelming curiosity and wonder dominated above all and a need to have her question answered. Ranma just winked in Nabiki's direction causing Nabiki to start slightly and smile weakly.
Kasumi was just sitting there quietly amusement quite apparent in her eyes as she watched this drama unfold but was quite ready to step in and help Ranma if necessary.
Genma's anger overcame his agonising memories of pain and torture and shouted angrily "What are you doing in female form boy! And what happened to your body! Change back immediately or I will make you!
"Shut up pops! I am currently in my female form because I have to be!" Ranma said angrily but knew that Genma wouldn't let it go and added "If you must know why, all you need to know is it is a woman's business and it happens once a month, so but out!" Ranma could feel she was getting more irritated than usual and knew that it was due to the increased presence of female hormones that showed up during her period.
Genma's eyes widened slightly and he choked back the words he was about to spit out when he realised what Ranma was saying and his mind was flooded once again with memories of a highly agitated Nodaka wielding her favourite torturing instrument, her Katana.
Nabiki watched in amusement as Genma choked on his words and turned an interesting shade of white before turning her attention back to Ranma and asked "Ranma what happened last night after we fell asleep?" Nabiki noticed that Akane had choked on her tea and was starting to get angry and Nabiki felt that she needed to stop her sister before something happened.
"Stop that line of thought little sister, nothing happened, all that happened was that Ranma, Kasumi and I had a little sleepover together in Kasumi's room and Ranma was still a girl form so calm down!"
Ranma watched Akane as she slowly became calmer and didn't relax until Akane's temper was within manageable levels before Ranma let out a sigh of relief and turned to give Nabiki a smile.
"Thanks for that Nabiki-Chan I didn't want to make another hole in the wall so soon in the morning" Ranma said with a grin and Nabiki just smiled.
"You're welcome Ranma-Chan" Nabiki said returning Ranma's grin with equal force.
Nabiki suddenly regarded Ranma with a calculating look and Ranma, noticing the change in Nabiki's mood stopped grinning and regarded Nabiki with a wary look which Nabiki noticed and smiled reassuringly at the other girl allowing Ranma to relax a little.
"What did happen last night Ranma" Nabiki asked gently "You don't have to tell us if you don't want to" Nabiki added seeing how nervous Ranma was.
Ranma smiled and said "Thanks Onee-Chan" and Nabiki smiled widely when Ranma said that
"But I want to tell you now instead of you finding out later" Soun, Genma and Akane gaped at Ranma and opened their mouths to speak but Nabiki cut them off.
"Yes Ranma called me sister and she has every right to, in fact I quite love it that she called me sister. I will tell you now that it works both ways as Ranma and I as of last night have adopted each other unofficially as sisters, or brother and sister as the case may be so shut up and be quiet! Or I will end up having to convince you I in other ways." The troublesome trio gulped in apprehension as they under stood Nabiki's meaning. Ranma watched in astonishment and glee as Nabiki dealt with the trio effectively and efficiently and without bloodshed.
"Now Ranma Nee-Chan what happened last night" Nabiki said with a big smile and barely suppressed curiosity and Ranma smiled broadly before proceeding to tell everybody what had that night.
She talked about how Rialinene visited her, about how she was offered a gift and choice.
She told about she refused to be cured much to the astonishment and disbelief of her audience except for Kasumi and Nabiki both of whom just smiled gently and asked what happened next.
She told about Rialinene instead of curing her completely, just removed the water magnet and changed the trigger to a mental one. Genma stirred at this point but didn't say anything.
She told about how Rialinene had made both her bodies taller. Ranma stood up allowing the others to have a closer look and they all noticed how much better her new body was than the old one. More in proportion and less busty child like which they all could only agree was much better and that Ranma was a very attractive woman and not at all like a child though only a few were unwilling admit that (cough, Genma, cough).
Ranma finished up and looked at everybody gauging their reaction. Nabiki was looking Ranma in a calculating manner but Ranma knew that she wasn't doing so in a negative manner and Kasumi was just smiling happily and Ranma just smiled back happily. The others just looked confused at Ranma's explanation, but Ranma could see that Genma had a greedy and calculating look and Akane was looking slightly angry and Ranma resolved to keep an eye on them.
"So let me get this straight, you were visited by a goddess last night in your dreams and she changed your curse from water trigger to a thought trigger and then she made you taller along with a few more changes into what you are now and somehow your physical abilities have been doubled" Nabiki said to clarify Ranma's story and Ranma nodded enthusiastically in affirmation and Nabiki sighed in amused acceptance "Well it couldn't have happened to somebody who was more deserving than you Ranma" and Kasumi nodded in agreement although the others just huffed unable to agree and unable to say so.
The rest of breakfast finished in decidedly quiet but tense manner and everybody was thinking about Ranma's story. Genma and Ranma were competing for more food with winning most of the time and every body else was eating their fills and when everything was done Kasumi gathered the plates to wash in the kitchen while the old men went to the porch to play shogi. Akane went to dojo to work off some of her frustration by smashing bricks leaving Ranma and Nabiki alone at the breakfast table.
Ranma got up and walked outside to beside the koi pond settling into a stance to practice.
Nabiki watched in interest as Ranma was suddenly a flurry of motion. Jumping and flipping all over the place interspaced with a storm of different kicks and punches and techniques that it almost seemed to Nabiki and Kasumi who had just arrived to watch as well that Ranma was Martial Arts incarnate, no matter how many times they saw it, it no less impressive or awe inspiring as it was the previous time.
Nabiki and Kasumi watched for who knows how long in amazed silence before Kasumi looked at the time and exclaimed "Oh my!" catching the attention of both Nabiki and Ranma who stopped in mid thrust to look at her
Kasumi suddenly noticed that Nabiki and Ranma were looking at her and waved at them a little embarrassingly said "Oh it nothing, it just that I have to go shopping in a few minutes"
Ranma and Nabiki looked at each other then looked at Kasumi and said in close unison "Can we come!"
Kasumi just shook her head and said "Its only food shopping I don't need help, you can stay here if you want" but Ranma spoke up.
"That doesn't matter, I can help you carry everything and besides" and Ranma looked at the two fathers playing shogi but in particular Genma "I don't really want to stay here at the moment, any longer and it can start to get ugly at any moment" and Kasumi nodded in understanding.
Nabiki also insisted saying that she had business in town anyway. Ranma, Kasumi and Nabiki set off to markets chattering happily not knowing that today's shopping was going to be interrupted.