Disclaimer: I do not on Ranma. Enough said about that. This story is a collaboration effort between me and Drakuzz. Sorry for the long wait between the last chapter and this one. Both me and Drakuzz had some personal stuff to work out plus we also wanted to have quite a bit of material to fall back on. Without any further delay, we hope that you will all enjoy this chapter.
Twin Troubles
By David Knight and Drakuzz
Chapter Five: Three Days Later
It was middle of the day when Tendo Kasumi was taking care of the laundry. It had been three days since the incident with Mizuki and so far, everything was as she expected it. As she went about doing everything that she had done for the last ten years, it just didn't sit well with her at all.
Everyone had gone to school long ago and would be returning any time now. She decided to clean the dojo last today, thinking maybe she'd try something when she was alone.
Instead she found the dojo wasn't empty and what she saw made her smile.
Closing the door silently, she walked back into the kitchen, only to find a certain panda had long since returned and was raiding her fridge.
Some reason, she felt keeping the katana she had acquired from Mizuki in the kitchen was appropriate, especially for this.
"Please put that back Saotome-san," Kasumi said in a kind voice, as she laid the razor sharp edge of the katana at his throat.
She really wasn't going to hurt him, though she had heard scaring someone is as good as going through with what you had planned.
Genma froze and turned to look at Kasumi. When the hell did she get a katana?
"A lot has happened since you've been away, Saotome-san. Your father may be gone but your dear daughter is still here," Kasumi replied kindly. "Please put that food back now. You'll ruin dinner when it comes in a few hours."
"Grouf?" Genma asked but put the food back in the fridge anyway, not wanting to upset Kasumi while she had that katana in hand. And the subsequent beating his children dished out.
"Now why don't you go take a look in the dojo? I am sure that should give you an indication of how things have been while you've been gone for the last few days."
Genma did as told, not because he was afraid of Kasumi of course, but because he was actually curious about what happened. The fact that his father wasn't here anymore made him calm down somewhat.
What he saw was something he hadn't expected and what had made Kasumi smile.
For the first time since the death of his wife, Tendo Soun was actually practicing the Art. The shocks he had received had woken him back to the world of the living and he was determined make sure that he wouldn't fail in his duties, to his children or to his late wife. He finished his kata before he noticed he had observers. "Saotome, good to see you."
Genma groufed something and whipped out a sign. 'That's the spirit, Tendo! About time you put it together!' Saotome Genma might be many things, but he was Soun's friend.
"Yes well, it took my daughter nearly taking another life to realize just how foolish I have been," Soun said with some shame.
"Father please, I thought we agreed you wouldn't mope about it," Kasumi chided him. "What's done is done. Now there is only what comes now. If anything, we should be grateful for what happened."
Soun shook his head. "I guess there is some logic to that."
'Let me get changed and we'll whip you back in shape, Tendo old buddy!' Genma signed and rushed out of the dojo, eager to practice with his old friend once more after so long.
Kasumi blinked at that. "I didn't think he could move that fast."
Soun laughed a little at that comment. "Tell you the truth, I am looking forward to sparing with Saotome again."
"You do look happy father," Kasumi mentioned. "A lot has changed in the last two weeks hasn't it?"
Soun nodded as he was certain much had changed in those two weeks. To be honest, he wouldn't this changed for anything. "And how are you feeling Kasumi?"
Kasumi hesitated for a bit. "I... I am getting better."
Soun frowned. "That's a lie and you know it."
"Yes," But I wanted to know if you could tell if I was lying, she added to herself. She saw her father's stare. It felt good to have her daddy back. "Everything, feels off. I can perform everything like I used to, but I feel hollow doing it all on my own."
"You won't be doing it all yourself anymore Kasumi," Soun said sternly. "We will all help out."
Kasumi's eyes went wide hearing that declaration.
"All set for training, Soun!" Genma exclaimed as he entered the dojo, once again human. "Time to put some strain on those old muscles."
"Don't go easy on me my friend," Soun said to Genma. "I know I am out of shape and I want to get better."
"When did I ever go easy on you, old friend? If the master saw that he'd take us in another training trip," Genma said and shuddered at the memories of those training trips.
"Yes he would," Soun agreed. "And it has been peaceful without the master here these last two weeks."
Genma nodded but looked around nervously. Any day now Happosai would return to the dojo from his 'training' trip.
Kasumi took notice of their looks. "I guess I should warn Ranko about him then. One can only image what he'll think when seeing your daughter Saotome-san."
"Err... Right..." Genma said uncertainly.
---
School let out at Furikan High. And like yesterday, Kuno found his face in the dirt courtesy of one of the Saotome Twins.
"I am amazed you haven't sent him to the hospital after al the time you've been here bro," Ranko said.
"He's too stupid to know it hurts, sis," Ranma said as he dusted his hands, a look of boredom on his face.
"Well, see ya for dinner," Ranko said starting to walk away.
Ranma blinked. "Where are you going?"
"Out to meet with Shampoo. Thought we'd might chat a bit," Ranko said. "There's nothing wrong with that is there?"
"Nah. See you at the dojo," Ranma said, not wanting to be around Shampoo. He had a lot of deep thinking to do, anyway. After his talk with Kasumi he found himself training more and more in his katas, which allowed him to think more clearly.
"Later," Ranko said, walking in the opposite direction. As she left, Akane walked out of the school and saw Ranma standing alone.
"Where's she going?"
"Spending time with Shampoo," Ranma said and jumped over the fence to walk home.
Akane shook her head, not bothering to care then and letting it drop at that. What the heck could she talk about with Shampoo anyway?
---
Ranko was frowning. Where is he? she wondered what was taking him so long. She was expecting him to help her train yet how could they even start unless he got here.
"What Ranko-chan doing?" A familiar female voice with a broken accent was heard from the side.
Ranko picked up on that. "I'm waiting for Ryoga to show up."
Shampoo stepped into the lot with a pout on her face. "Lost boy not show up for days, maybe week."
Ranko blinked. "For real?"
The Amazon girl nodded her head and looked down the street. "He probably in Hokaido now. Not know when he appear again."
"How can he get lost like that? I gave him directions."
Shampoo snickered at that. "Shampoo no call him lost boy for nothing, Ranko-chan."
"I just don't get it at all." Ranko said shaking her head. "What are you doing here Shampoo?"
"Shampoo here to tell Ranko-chan not to waste her time. Come to Nekohanten and talk about Aireen, yes?" That was one thing that Ranko had learned about Shampoo. She was downright obsessed with her brother, drinking up every little detail about him.
"Might as well... you sure he wont be here at least today or some time in the next few hours?"
Shampoo nodded her head seriously. "He too too good at getting lost."
"Okay. I'll just have to remember to leave a sign or something later to let him know," Ranko said. "I don't want him to think I forgot or anything when he does show up."
Shampoo thought about it for a moment and grinned. "If Aireen thought of that maybe he not fight with pig boy all the time."
"My brother isn't exactly one of social niceties," Ranko replied, knowing how Shampoo referred to her brother as her Aireen. To Amazon laws, they were married, though not to Ranko. For her, her brother could marry whomever he felt like when he felt like it.
Still she wasn't going to say anything like that aloud. It just wasn't proper.
Shampoo giggled. "Aireen strong warrior. He not need be social," Shampoo said in her broken Japanese and started for the Nekohanten, already looking forward to squeezing information out of Ranko.
"He needs to have a life, Shampoo," Ranko said firmly. "There is more to life than being a warrior."
Shampoo stopped and turned to regard Ranko. "Ranko-chan funny. Aireen know better."
Ranko gave her a glare. "I wasn't making a funny. There is more than being a warrior in life."
"That not what Aireen or Shampoo believe. Life is becoming stronger, then teaching to become strong. Life of warrior."
Ranko shook her head sadly. "Then you are missing out on a lot."
Shampoo shrugged. Maybe she was, but she was happy the way she was right now.
---
Akane had a look of disbelief on her face. She and Ranma had come home and heard sounds of someone fighting. They went to see, but weren't prepared for who was fighting. Daddy?
Ranma looked on in surprise. Akane's old man was almost keeping up with Genma.
"Isn't it great how father has gotten back into sparing?" Kasumi said from behind them.
Ranma turned from the fight and grinned when he saw the happy smile on Kasumi's face. "He's not bad."
"Yeah..." Akane muttered, watching the scene in front of her. Father... is actually this good?
"Ranma-kun, could I ask a favor of you?" Kasumi asked.
"Sure, Kasumi. What is it?"
"Spar with me."
"WHAT!" Akane's jaw had practically hit the floor.
"I think I didn't hear right, Kasumi..." Ranma muttered in disbelief.
"You heard right," Kasumi said, her voice clear as day. "I would like you to spar with me."
"Kasumi, why are you asking him to do THAT of all things?" Akane asked, her head spinning.
Ranma stared at Kasumi as if she had lost her mind, but said nothing.
"Because," Kasumi said, putting a hand to her necklace and closing her eyes. A flash of lighting sparked, much less intense then from the previous day but it wrapped around Kasumi, changing her back into the ninja they had seen. Though changed, her eyes were not as fierce as they were three days ago yet they weren't as soft as Kasumi's always had been. "I need to learn how fight when I am like this."
Ranma blinked and was off balance for a moment. Seeing Kasumi like this... it brought back memories of the fight and kiss she gave him. "I... uh..."
"Onne-chan... are you, you?" Akane asked, not sure of her sisters frame of mind. Her sister's slight chuckle unnerved her.
"Don't worry. I am not in a mood to go about killing someone," Kasumi said, smirking under her face mask. She really did like how it felt when she changed into this. She also enjoyed the look on Ranma's face. "What's wrong Ranma-kun? Cat got your tongue?"
Ranma visibly flinched at Kasumi's choice of words. "Kasumi... are you sure?"
Kasumi nodded. "Let me make it clear. I want to do this."
"You know I don't hit girls, right?" Ranma asked, figuring if he tired Kasumi out she wouldn't go postal on anyone this time around.
Kasumi smirked. "I just might make you break that vow before Ranko-chan does."
If she did that would be something, Akane mused but then shook her head. What am I thinking!
"So, just two things before we begin, Ranma-kun," Kasumi said. "First, take or leave my katana in the kitchen?"
Ranma shrugged. Once in fighting mode he was in his terrain. "What do you want to practice, Kasumi?"
"How to fight," Kasumi said, picking up her katana.
"Kasumi, do you even know to..." Akane started to say until she saw Kasumi toss up a head of lettuce.
In a few swift strokes, the lettuce became nothing more than little pieces.
"When I am like this, yes. Very much so Akane-chan," Kasumi said, sheathing the katana.
"Bring it on, Kasumi," Ranma said eagerly. If Kasumi was that fast with the katana he'd get quite the chance to improve his dodging skills. It was either dodge or else.
"Then let's take this outside shall we!" Kasumi said, giving Ranma a look.
Ranma took that as his cue to leap back and out while Kasumi unsheathed her katana and charged him.
"Wait! You're going to be right in sight of..." Akane trailed off, realizing what the second thing Kasumi had wanted from Ranma was. Though she was a bit uneasy about her sister like this, she couldn't help a small smile forming on her face. I wonder how the panda will take to this.
---
Meanwhile Genma was practically fighting circles around Soun, his old friend very out of shape. It wasn't that Soun was weak or uncoordinated, but Genma trained daily against his son, who he had to really strain to keep up with. Years of not training had taken a heavy toll on Tendo's skill in the Art.
Soun however wouldn't back down. He would get back on his feet. He would not back down from the path he had put himself on. He would get better.
He just didn't know how long it would take for that to happen.
Not far from where the two men engaged in sparring, Ranma walked out followed by Kasumi and assumed his usual fighting stance, meaning he stood around seemingly lazy and waited for his opponent to make a move.
Kasumi narrowed her eyes, her hand moving towards her katana. The moment she had placed her hand on it, she charged Ranma, waiting for the moment when she was at close quarters. That's when she unsheathed her sword, swinging out in one quick motion.
Ranma jumped just in the nick of time having expected the attack from the other fight, and landed softly on top of the extended katana, hands behind his back.
Kasumi narrowed her eyes again, but didn't feel anger. Instead, she felt resolve as she swung her katana. Ranma fell back to earth, she swung again yet still she missed him. But then again I don't want to kill him. She thought with a smirk. Just give a little rip in his clothes.
Ranma back-flipped from the katana wielder and landed in a crouch, only to start jumping around and evading the strikes. Kuno was faster, he decided, but it was obvious Kasumi was keeping her strikes non-lethal. That fact made him smile and enjoy the spar more. It seemed like some of the Kasumi he knew was there even if the necklace was making her act strangely.
As Kasumi fought, she couldn't help but feel utter exhilaration. For Ranko, it was frustration mixed with joy. For Ranma's rivals, it was anger that they couldn't beat him. But Kasumi loved it. She couldn't remember when she felt this alive.
So lost in the exhilaration she didn't notice how her hands and her sword were starting to spark with lightning.
But Ranma did notice, and knowing how it felt when she shocked him last time, he redoubled his efforts to avoid being tagged. It was turning out to be good exercise, after all.
As they went through their paces, Kasumi felt like wanting to explore what she had. She knew this katana was enchanted. That fool Mizuki had shown that much. He who had about zero chi in him was able to swing this katana to make an energy blade attack that struck Ranma. If that untrained fool could do something like that with this sword, I should be able to do the same. Concentrating and willing, thoughts came to her and words came out of her mouth without even realizing it after she had performed the action. "RAIKOU NAMI!"
One swing of the sword and a wave of thunder and chi came barreling right at Ranma.
Ranma had seen that attack before, though, and was ready to dodge it.
As he did, however, he didn't take into account that Genma was fighting Soun behind him. Or that it would hit the elder Saotome dead on.
"Shimatta!" Kasumi cursed. "Saotome-san! Move!"
Genma blinked and turned just in time to see the attack hit him square in the chest, which sent him flying against a wall.
"Saotome!" Soun cried, seeing his friend impact against the wall. He turned around to see Ranma and... "Kasumi?"
Kasumi put her katana away looking down at the ground. "Sorry daddy. We were sparring and... well..."
Ranma burst out laughing. "Serves the old man right!" Genma was always a pain in the ass about Ranma lowering his guard.
Soun was to his friend's side, helping him. "Saotome. Are you alright?"
Genma could only moan in response. He was conscious, but that really hurt.
"Wow. I wasn't expecting it to hurt that much," Kasumi said in surprise. "I only used a small amount of chi, just to experiment."
"It's a magical sword," Ranma said, more experienced with such things.
"I think that much was obvious Ranma-kun," Kasumi replied.
The pigtailed martial artist grinned.
"How is Saotome-san?" Kasumi asked her father.
"He'll be alright. He's had worse than this," Soun announced.
Ranma snorted and kicked the seemingly comatose Genma on the side. Before Soun or Kasumi could protest the treatment the elder Saotome was up and glaring at his son. "You ungrateful boy!"
"What does he have to be grateful for?" Kasumi muttered aloud.
Genma ignored Kasumi and continued glaring at Ranma, who looked rather amused at his father's anger.
The pigtailed martial artist suddenly moved and tapped Kasumi on the nose. "You lose," he said as he jumped back with a smirk. It wasn't his fault that Kasumi let her guard down.
Kasumi blinked for a moment but then fumed slightly. "That's cheating, Ranma-kun."
"It's not. We never said the match was over," Ranma defended with that insufferable grin firmly in place.
Kasumi fumed a little longer before letting a slight smirk form on her face. "So, this is how you want it," she said, pulling out her sword. "I can live with that."
"Come and get me," Ranma challenged.
Kasumi smiled behind her face mask as she leapt with blinding speed after Ranma, who was still faster than her, although the sword did give added reach as well as the danger of the blade.
Soun looked on at the two and had a smile. "Now isn't this wonderful Saotome?"
Genma frowned in confusion. "What is, Tendo?"
"My daughter showing interest again in the art, granted it isn't mine and perhaps those enchanted items could be an influence," Soun said. "But it fills my heart with joy to see Kasumi enjoying herself."
Genma thought about it for a moment and had to admit, aside from her attack on him it was good that at least one of Soun's daughters showed serious interest in the art. "That it does, Tendo. That it does."
It was then Soun had a feeling of dread. Everything just seemed... perfect. If Nermia had taught him anything, it was when things were perfect, a minute later they became much less than perfect.
---
Ranko finished off her ramen gratefully. She enjoyed eating here as always. "Always a pleasure to eat here."
"And always a pleasure to see such a healthy appetite, child," Cologne returned with a smile. This redhead was such a dear.
"Honored Elder, I have a favor to ask," Ranko started to say. "For a week now I have been debating whether or not to ask you for this, but I have decided now to ask."
Cologne raised an inquisitive eyebrow at that. "Please feel free to ask, child."
Ranko looked Cologne in the eyes, absolutely serious. "I want to learn what you taught my brother. Please."
"And what would that be, Ranko-chan?" Cologne asked. "I've thought the son-in-law several things."
Ranko blinked then. "More than the Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken?"
"I have taught your brother through fighting, Ranko-chan. Sure, I taught him a special speed-punching technique, but most of all I've allowed him to learn from me during our encounters," Cologne said, seeing no harm in telling Ranko such.
Ranko let this sink in, finding even more respect for the matriarch. She hadn't even seen her fight yet, but knew just by looks she was good. She just didn't know how good.
Cologne laughed and served the redhead some tea. "I assume, from your question, that you wish to learn the Amaguriken?"
Ranko nodded, accepting the tea. "I was fascinated when I saw my brother use it before. I want to learn this technique."
The old woman nodded. "The training is very simple, though painful."
Ranko kept her eyes focused. "Teach me."
---
An hour later, Ranko was putting ointment over her burnt hands and wrapping them in bandages. She knew the name of the technique translated out to 'Chestnuts Roasting upon an open fire'. She hadn't realized that was what the training entailed.
But if you think about it, it makes sense. The speed you have to have to pull out all of those chestnuts without the flames even singing your hands... absolutely incredible.
"Ranko-chan asked great grandmother about Amaguriken?" Shampoo asked as she walked into the room after some deliveries, and a failed attempt at getting Ranma's attention.
Ranko nodded. "I didn't expect the training to be so literal."
The purple-haired girl sat on a chair next to Ranko. "Let Shampoo see," she said and motioned for Ranko's hands.
Ranko held her hands out and allowed Shampoo to take off the bandages she had already put on the burns off.
The Amazon winced slightly but gave Ranko a smile. "You is better than Shampoo when she start. No serious burns."
"You know how to do this shampoo?"
Shampoo nodded her head. "All Amazon warriors learn Amaguriken. Not many as fast as Aireen, though..." she admitted with a blush of embarrassment.
"How long did it my brother to learn this technique?"
Shampoo pursed her lips in thought. "Aireen didn't learn technique like all others... He not able to feel hot, so he teach himself new method."
"Not able to feel hot?" Ranko blinked. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Aireen under cat's tongue that time. Warm water burn skin," Shampoo explained in her broken Japanese. Even if she could speak in Chinese to Ranko, Cologne was within earshot. She had to practice her Japanese.
"Cat's Tongue?"
Shampoo nodded. "Pressure point. Aireen not can sense heat or in pain."
"Well, I can feel the heat, that's for sure," Ranko said, knowing how sore her hands felt right now. But if she could learn this technique, she would be that much closer to her goal.
The Amazon smiled dreamily. "Aireen so skilled. He teach himself new way to learn Amaguriken."
Ranko sighed, not liking Shampoo constantly mentioning that, however a thought occurred to her. "Say Shampoo, have you ever questioned why my brother doesn't respond well to your advances?"
"What Ranko-chan talking about?" Shampoo asked with a blink of her eyes. "Aireen love Shampoo."
"Shampoo, if my brother loved you as you think, would he not be here with you right now sharing dinner together, or at least try to spend a fraction of the time that Mousse does trying to bring gifts to you?" Ranko mentioned the nearsighted martial artist not so casually. So far he had tried to attack her to get to her brother, but recently had given her roses and chocolate thinking she was Shampoo until he put his glasses on... after she gave him a ticket face first to the pavement.
Shampoo pursed her lips for a moment and shook her head. "Aireen warrior. He no waste time like stupid Mousse." She sighed dreamily. "He training to become strong, to train children of next generation."
"Even so, shouldn't a 'husband' be able to show his affections to the one he cares for?"
"Ranko-chan no know what she talking about," Shampoo said with a smile, which the redhead saw as a denial to see the truth.
"You wear your mask well, trying to hide your fears," Ranko said calmly. "My advice to you, as a friend, if you want to win my brother's heart, try not to be so possessive of him and don't call him Aireen until you are married. If you don't... you might find that you've lost him to another woman."
Shampoo didn't answer, instead focusing on bandaging Ranko's hands.
"Say Shampoo, how much you know about enchanted items?" Ranko asked.
At that the Chinese girl perked up, getting away from a rather shaky topic. "Amazons have many magical treasures in village."
"Well there's something I am wondering if you'd know about," Ranko asked. "You remember how I mentioned I had trouble with a rather annoying 'suitor' a few days ago."
Shampoo nodded. "You said stupid male bother you like Mousse."
Ranko nodded. "What I didn't mention before was how Kasumi got involved in this."
"Something happen to Nice-nice girl?" Shampoo asked in surprise, expecting nothing to harm Kasumi.
"Yeah. Mizuki tried to put a necklace on me, thinking it would turn me into his love slave. Instead Kasumi got in the way and he put the magic necklace on her. It turned her into an unrestrained ninja version of herself, knowing how to use a katana rather well."
"Nice-nice girl kill someone?" Shampoo asked in disbelief.
"Thankfully not. She gave me and Ranma a tough fight, though we were holding back. If it wasn't for Tendo-san talking her down..."
"Excuse me, child. But how exactly does this necklace look like?" Cologne asked as she seemed to appear sitting next to Ranko.
"Great grandmother?" Shampoo asked with a blink of her eyes.
"At first it was a golden necklace with a sapphire spade in the center, but then when Kasumi changed, it became a black choker with a larger spade there."
The old woman seemed to ponder the young redhead's words for a moment. "And you say this necklace had a strong effect on the eldest Tendo girl?"
"Strong enough to call Akane a brat to her face, insult her family for their short comings, change her physical appearance, and oh yes, able to use lightning chi of some sort," Ranko listed to her. "Strong effect might be an understatement though."
Cologne nodded to herself. "I might need to study some of the ancient lore. I seem to remember of magical items with those particular qualities."
"Really?" Ranko asked. "That would certainly help. I mean, Kasumi seems intent on keeping it now. I didn't bring this up before because I thought she was going to get rid of it."
"I'll tell you as soon as I find anything, child," Cologne said with a smile.
"Thank you Elder," Ranko said, seeing Shampoo had finished bandaging her hands. "Well, I better get going. It's almost dinner time and I told my brother I'd be back by then. I don't want him to start getting suspicious..." She looked at her hands and scratched the back of her head, looking sheepish. "Of course, it maybe a little late for that."
Shampoo giggled. While different in some aspects, Ranko was so much like her loveable brother.
---
Akane stood outside, waiting and watching, feeling a bit jealous. Looks like everyone's just bonding right now. Now all we'd need is... She heard the door open and turned around. "Hi sis. What's up?"
Nabiki raised an eyebrow. "Feeling left-out, Akane-chan?"
"Does it look that obvious?" Akane sighed.
"Only to everyone, sis," Nabiki said dryly and turned to regard Kasumi. "Can you believe that's our older sister?"
Akane shook her head. She had never before seen Kasumi act... spirited. The passion she had right now for the art, it put her own to shame.
There was a big difference, however. Kasumi didn't seem angry, unlike her younger sister. Not even when Ranma taunted her to move faster.
Kasumi took it in stride and continued to move faster, her blade coming closer to him every turn, yet her strikes were unlike Kuno's. Akane had seen Kuno attack Ranma enough times that he went to maim yet Kasumi was doing no such thing.
"Wow, I didn't know your dad was that good."
Both Tendos turned to see Ranko coming into the house. "I'm gonna guess I'm not late for dinner."
"Actually, I don't think Kasumi prepared dinner today," Nabiki mussed. "And don't even think about it, Akane-chan."
"Wasn't going to suggest it," Akane said in defense of herself. Though I could if I wanted to. She noticed Ranko's hands. "Hey why do you have them bandaged?"
"Oh this?" Ranko asked, though inspiration hit her. "Um, I tried cooking at the Nekohauten and kinda burned my hands. I'm fine really."
"Tell us another one, red," Nabiki said dryly. "Now what really happened?"
Ranko sunk her head. "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire."
"You're kidding!" Akane exclaimed in disbelief.
"Couldn't let your brother fight circles around you with it, huh?" Nabiki asked with a grin. "So how does it feel to make an ass of yourself trying to learn that?"
"I'll be an ass if I don't learn this technique," Ranko replied. "And I'd like to keep my brother from knowing I'm trying to learn it."
"Sure no problem." Two pairs of eyes stared at Akane. "What! I want to see the baka get beat by a girl... even if it isn't me." The last part she said much more softly.
Nabiki nodded, but inwardly she was doubtful. Turning to regard the fight between Ranma and Kasumi... he was becoming a lot faster. It would do him good to be beat by a girl, but would Ranko be able to manage it? If Kasumi kept helping Ranma he would be so fast he didn't even blink at Ranko learning the Amaguriken.
Now if I can only get Ryoga to not be so directionless, Ranko thought.
"Hey Nabiki... you been having one of those bad feelings today?" Akane asked seriously.
"One of those Bad feelings'?" Ranko blinked, confused.
"You mean like it's too peaceful to last?" Nabiki asked, knowing quite well what Akane was referring to.
"Yup." Akane said.
"Could someone explain what in the world do you mean?" Ranko demanded. "You're talking in circles and I am starting to get dizzy."
"It's too peaceful, Ranko-chan," Nabiki as if it explained everything. And for Nerima veterans it did.
"You mean for not getting attacked by fiancées inc?" Ranko joked.
"No. By something worse," Akane said almost sagely with a wisdom beyond her years.
Ranko snorted in disbelief. "Come on, what could be worse than that nightmare from hell with Mizuki."
"AHHHHHHHHHH!"
Nabiki groaned. "Just what we needed. Now the old perv... Kasumi!" She cried, seeing it was her eldest sister that was groped for the first time.
Ranma, Kasumi, Genma and Soun had all be sparing when it had happened. Now everyone just stared in utter shock as the sight of the perverted master of Anything Goes Martial Arts was now groping Kasumi's bosom.
The former housewife now kunochi was seeing red and her eyes were sparking as she tore of her face mask just so the Master could see her face. "YOU DARE DO THIS TO ME!" She roared as she battle aura exploded, sending shockwaves everywhere.
Happosai blinked from his perch. "Kasumi-chan?" He then grinned. "Such delicious chi you have, my dear," he said in somewhat of a daze.
Kasumi held her katana at the ready, her eyes sparkling with lightning. "Happosai...DIE! RAIKOU NAMI!" She flung her chi attack at the perverted leach and leapt in the air intent on taking his head.
Soun was shaking up. "This could be bad Saotome. Very bad."
"Why, Tendo? Kasumi might be able to get rid of the Master," Genma said as Happosai laughed and danced around Kasumi's attacks.
"I don't think so," Soun said shaking his head. Despite his daughter's new skills, she wasn't as accomplished as the master and she was fighting with rage, not the clear head she had before.
"Stay still and die perverted fool!" Kasumi spat, attacking again.
"HOTCHA! Look at those pretties bounce!" Happosai crowed as he launched himself at Kasumi and jumped back holding... oh boy!
"You damn pervert!" Ranma cried as he joined the fray, the laughing pervert dangling Kasumi's bra tauntingly in front of the pair.
Except he was suddenly covered under men's underwear. Ranma, Soun and Genma's to be precise. Genma's hadn't even been washed yet.
"What the..." Akane stared at Ranko who had the basket in her hands.
"You think I came here not knowing about Happosai?" Ranko scoffed. "Grandfather told me about him."
"No!" Happosai cried as Ranma took the bra from his hands and bopped him over the head.
"Serves you right, you old perv!" Ranma snapped as he kicked the lecher for good measure.
It was then, and only then, that Ranma realized what he was holding in his right hand. He blushed furiously when he realized the owner of the garment stood no more than two feet away.
"Um... could I ... have that back now please?" Kasumi said, blushing furiously herself and without a facemask to hide behind.
"Uh... y-yeah... sure..." Ranma said and handed it back.
Kasumi took the bra back gratefully. "Well I think that's enough for today. I'll get started on dinner... but none for the pervert." she said sternly, going to the kitchen to work, but first to the bathroom, to put her bra back on.
"Aint going to get any argument from anyone here," Ranko mused, taking in everyone's expressions.
Ranma blanched when he saw the incensed look on Akane's face. No doubt she was going to call him a pervert and bash him over the head right now.
What she did however was walk away still as steamed as ever but hadn't hit him. Instead, she walked away without touching him.
That only caused Ranma to blink in confusion, wondering what happened.
"Well, looks like you had some fun today bro," Ranko said teasingly.
Ranma turned to regard his sister. "Just the... what happened?" he asked protectively, instantly by her side examining her hands.
"Oh nothing, just burned my hands trying to cook," Ranko said calmly.
Ranma eyed his sister strangely. "But you haven't been in the dojo all day long."
"Well, I wasn't trying to cook here," Ranko replied, though she had a feeling her lie wasn't going to work.
Ranma frowned slightly when he looked at her hands. "Fire burns?"
"I give up," Ranko sighed, knowing now he wasn't going to buy it.
The pigtailed martial artist stared at his sister. "You're trying to learn the Amaguriken, aren't ya?"
"Yeah."
Ranma nodded and smirked. "Trying to catch up with the best, huh?"
"Trying to get you take me seriously is more like it," Ranko said with her own smirk.
"I'm taking you seriously," Ranma said defensively.
"No you aren't. You just keep dodging me and I haven't even used my own style once against you," Ranko returned. "You've kept me in the disadvantage the entire time."
Ranma stared at Ranko blankly. "Isn't that taking you seriously?"
Ranko shook her head. "You're so impossible." She walked away and into the kitchen to see if Kasumi needed any help at all.
"Ranko! What's wrong?" Ranma asked as he followed after her, trying to know why she was upset.
"What's wrong? What's wrong!" Ranko snapped looking back at her brother. "What's wrong is that you won't fight me for real! What's wrong is that I am tired of you thinking of me as some sort of china doll! What's wrong is that I want you to respect me as a fighter!"
Ranma glared right back. "I am taking you seriously! Why the hell do you think I'm just dodging your attacks, you stupid tomboy!" he cried out, feeling as if he was talking to Akane.
Ranko just glared right back at Ranma, staring at him until finally she relented.
Ranma puffed angrily. "Of course I ain't letting ya fight in your style! Anything Goes is all about adapting and exploiting weaknesses!" He shook his head and walked off. "Stupid tomboy..." he muttered to himself.
"I'll make you fight me."
He stopped and turned around to see his sister staring at him. "One day, I'll get to your level and then I'll be able to fight in my own style. When that happens, I don't care what you use, I'll win."
Ranma returned a cocky grin at that. "You're forgetting something, sis. Saotome Ranma doesn't lose."
Ranko took a smirk back. "We'll see about that. Won't we bro?"
To Be Continued...