Ranma 1/2
Ranma and Hikaru
by: Kimura Ayame

Notes:

I have no idea how to spell Tofu's name in the original Japanese. I've seen spellings ranging from Tofu to Toufuu. Whatever it is, until I figure it out, I'm using the translated rendition.

PART 2: First Day of School

Early morning, at the Tendou dojo, Ranma and Hikaru were sparring in the garden. Ranma caught an opening and sent Hikaru flying... straight into the koi pond. Ranma winced as he saw the splash, "Sorry, Hikaru..."

Onna-Hikaru stood up and wrung out her hair, "It's okay, Ranma. Nice move."

"Thanks."

Kasumi approached the two, "Hikaru-kun, are there any clothes you need to wash?"

Hikaru looked at her gi... it hadn't been washed in some time, "Yeah, this gi, but..." She flushed, "I... don't have any other clothes. I left them all in China."

Nabiki, who overheard the conversation from nearby, interjected, "Well, that wasn't very smart."

Kasumi smiled, "Oh, that's no problem. You can just borrow some of mine while it's in the wash... at least then, you'll be wearing something decent. We can go shopping for more clothes later, if you want. It'd be nice to have someone else along."

Hikaru froze, "Borrow... you mean, wear... girls' clothes?"

"I don't see why not. You are a girl right now, aren't you?"

Hikaru glanced down at herself, "Uh... that's a good point... I guess..."

---

Hikaru sat on Kasumi's bed, in only her boxers. Kasumi shook her head, "Now, those won't do at all. They're practically falling off!" She began digging through one of her drawers and handed Hikaru a pair of white bikini briefs with a small rose embroidered on the waistline. She explained, "Those should fit. Don't worry, I haven't worn them or anything." Hikaru reluctantly changed into the women's undergarment... which fit perfectly, to her surprise. Kasumi then laid out some other items for Hikaru to wear.

Hikaru gazed at the bra she had been given. Three minutes of inspection had not provided any useful information about it, "Um... Kasumi, how do you... put this on?" With a bit of Kasumi's help, Hikaru was able to learn how to dress herself, an entirely new experience with this body. She looked herself over in Kasumi's mirror -- wearing a plain, simple dress a shade or two lighter than her hair color, and black shoes.

Kasumi asked, "What do you think?"

"It's alright, I guess." After a pause, she asked, "Are you sure this isn't cross-dressing? I mean, I'm really a guy and all..."

"Of course it's not. You have a girl's body right now, so why shouldn't you wear the proper clothing? It's only natural... and your other clothes would be much too large for your female body."

"Um, I... suppose..."

---

Ranma stopped dead in his tracks as Kasumi and Hikaru came out, "Hi... Hika... Hika..."

Hikaru smiled teasingly, "Now, Ranma, I know I'm attractive, but... tch... losing your mind over your best friend?"

Ranma had to cover for himself, and he knew just the thing. He replied, "Oh... I was just trying to keep myself from saying 'Hikari.' You know, you really are her identical twin now."

"Well, I would think that was obvious, Saotome."

"Betcha can't cook like her, though."

Hikaru cracked. So did Ranma. Both of them started laughing hysterically. Hikaru recovered first, "Okay, Ranma... that one was a draw. I'll get you next time, though."

Kasumi clearly had no idea what was going on. Hikaru explained, "That was... a sort of contest. You know, to see who laughs first?"

Kasumi nodded slowly... she still didn't quite understand, but she had a decent idea. Suddenly, she remembered something, "Oh! Ranma... isn't today the first day of school?"

"Oh... right. Where's Nabiki? Wasn't she supposed to..."

Kasumi interrupted, "I think Nabiki and Akane left already..."

Hikaru stepped forward, "I'll walk with him. I know where Furinkan is."

Ranma had a vague idea where the school was, but it had been some time since he had last been in Nerima, and he had never attended Furinkan before. He replied, "Thanks, Hikaru."

Kasumi called after Hikaru, "Don't forget, we're going shopping for clothes today."

Hikaru had completely forgotten the offer. Not wanting to disappoint Kasumi, she called over her shoulder, "Right."

---

As Hikaru walked on the sidewalk, Ranma kept to the fencetop, as was his custom. Hikaru looked up at him, "You know, I could go faster than that..."

Ranma grinned at the challenge, "Not in that dress, you can't."

"I guess you're right... unless I want some pervert to look up my skirt."

Ranma stopped suddenly, "Wait..." He hopped down from the fence, right in front of Hikaru. "You aren't wearing..." He lowered his voice considerably, "... girls' underwear... are you?"

Hikaru replied, slightly amused, "I didn't know that was a topic of interest for you, Ranma-chan. Wanna see for yourself?"

Ranma's eyes widened in pure shock. Hikaru forced back what might have been a giggle, "I was kidding, Ranma. If you really want to know so badly... yes, I am."

Ranma managed to peel himself off of the sidewalk and hop back up on the fence, "Now, if I was the one that got cursed, I never would have agreed to that."

"Kasumi insisted. She's very persuasive... I don't know how she does it. Besides, if I'm going to be a girl for half of my life, I should probably get used to it, right?"

Ranma understood Hikaru's logic. That didn't mean he had to agree with it, though. He answered with a disinterested, "I guess so."

Just then, Hikaru felt something touch her shoulder. She jumped and spun around, striking a stance in the process. She found herself facing a skeleton. A taller man with glasses looked down at her, "I'm sorry, Miss... it's only my skeleton, Betty..."

Ranma recognized him, "Tofu-sensei!"

Tofu looked at Ranma, "Have we met before?"

"Once. I was injured from martial arts training for a certain technique... training with the Zugaikotsu family. And the Tendou family mentioned you too."

Tofu smiled, "Ah, yes... Ranma, wasn't it? The son of Saotome Genma." He turned toward Hikaru, "I don't believe we have met before..."

Hikaru bowed. Ranma, glancing over, noticed that she had adopted the traditional female version of the bow. Hikaru said, "I am staying at the Tendou dojo. My name is Zugaikotsu Hikaru."

Tofu nodded, "Staying with the Tendou family, hm? Well, Ranma, Hikaru, be sure to come to me if you ever have any injuries."

Ranma called back as he and Hikaru were leaving, "Sure thing, Tofu-sensei!"

---

As Ranma and Hikaru continued to walk, Hikaru said, "I never heard Tofu's name mentioned."

"Nabiki told me about him. He's pretty much their family doctor."

"Martial arts master?"

"Yep. That's what they say. Couldn't sense him behind you?"

"Not a trace."

The two came within view of Furinkan, and saw Akane running toward the school. Suddenly and without warning, a horde of boys came out of Furinkan. Akane screamed, "Outta my way! I'm late!!!"

Ranma smiled. He wanted to practice again in a real-life scenario, and this was perfect. He turned to Hikaru, "You heard her. She told them to get out of her way."

Hikaru nodded, grinning, "And they're still coming."

Ranma braced himself, "Give me a boost."

Hikaru's entire body became pure black, and she pushed Ranma, who looked like he was dashing at an insane speed. Hikaru dashed behind him as well.

Ranma and Hikaru struck their stances in front of Akane, who was stunned at seeing the two run in front of her so fast. The two martial artists made quick work of the group of boys, being sure to let enough of them through so Akane wouldn't feel left out. A voice came from the high school, "Who are you to interfere in the affairs of the sweet Tendou Akane?"

Kunou stepped forward, "However, it is customary to give one's own name first, so I shall. I am the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, Upperclassman Kunou Tatewaki!"

Ranma, completely disinterested, replied, "Saotome Ranma. Don't worry, I have no interest in your 'sweet Tendou Akane.' But fifty against one is never fair. Even if the one is as skilled as Akane." He felt obligated to add that last part, since he had noticed Akane's pride in her martial arts skill. Besides, the guys they had just fought were hardly even a workout for him, so Akane probably beat them up daily.

Hikaru chimed in, "Yeah, who started this, anyway?"

Kunou turned and stared at her, "Ah, such a pure display of raw skill and talent... do you wish to challenge me?"

Hikaru eagerly took her stance, "You bet!"

"Very well. If you win, I shall allow you to date me."

Hikaru was taken aback, "W...wait, who said anything about...?"

Ranma interrupted, with amazingly quick thinking for a Saotome, "Just attack him!!!"

The resulting kick sent Kunou flying straight toward Jupiter, as well as giving the guys that were still conscious a good look at Hikaru's panties.

Ranma no longer doubted Hikaru's undergarments, but regretted having looked. That nearly made him no better than the group of perverts that had looked intentionally. He was then dragged rather unceremoniously into the building by Akane, "Get over here, Ranma! We're gonna be late!"

---

Inside classroom 2-E, the teacher was checking over the classroom, "Hm... has anyone seen Kunou Tatewaki?" Suddenly, Kunou came crashing through the window. The teacher sighed, "Tatewaki-kun, I'm sure you'll pay for those damages."

Nabiki looked at Kunou, "I think he's unconscious."

The teacher looked over, "Oh. So he is. Would you move him to his seat, Nabiki?"

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Notes on Japanese terms in this chapter:

1. 'koi': A fish - specifically, a carp. Also a word for love, which explains the double meaning in a certain magical fishing rod that may or may not appear sometime in this story.