Wild Stallion and The Mist
A Ranma Fanfiction
By Layabout Thomas
Based on the works of Rumiko Takahashi
Author's notes
It's been a while since I posted anything here on , but here I am, back in the Ranma Fanfic kick again. I'll admit that I hope I can still do this. As you can tell from the title, this story will pair Ranma with the eldest Tendo sister from the beginning. I've always been a fan of this pairing as it has some potential.
A very big thank you to rewind gone nuts for helping me edit this chapter. Finally, another big thank you to Celine Chapus for the cover art.
On with the story!
Chapter 1: Enter the Saotome Heir – A Promise between Friends
Kasumi sighed as she looked out the window from her room, staring at what stars she could see in the cloudy, night sky due to being rainy earlier in the day. It had been a long day for her at the Tendo Dojo and she was glad that she could get some rest. Normally, Kasumi would begin the day with bath, then minutes later, prepare breakfast for her father and two younger sisters. After that, Kasumi would take care of the laundry and clean all the rooms in the home. Then she would dust the furniture, clean the nearby dojo and plan the afternoon lunch. If needed, she would go shopping for more food and come home just in time to prepare dinner for her family. After dinner, Kasumi would take a bath and finally, go to her room, put on her nightgown and lay down on her bed. Kasumi would let the sleep take her and prepare for another day being the caretaker of the Tendo home.
Today was not like any other day, though. This night, Kasumi couldn't sleep as thoughts of what happened during the day wouldn't let her rest. Running a hand through her long, brown hair, she wondered how her normally mundane life had changed.
Since her mother passed away years before, Kasumi Tendo had taken the role of the caretaker of the household. Her role had made her life pretty routine and she had to give up going to college in favor of taking care of the family. It was a big sacrifice for the eldest Tendo daughter, but in her mind, no sacrifice was too great for the Tendo family as far as she was concerned.
Of course, sacrificing her single life in order to fulfill a family promise was not something she saw herself doing today.
Kasumi let out another sigh when she heard a sneeze from outside. She popped her head out the window and looked out in the yard and called out, "Who's out there!?"
"It's just me, Kasumi," responded a young male voice.
Kasumi looked up towards the roof. Though she couldn't see anyone, she could tell who it was.
"Ranma, how long have you been up there?" Kasumi asked.
"All day," Ranma answered.
"Well, come down from there. You'll catch a cold."
"Kinda figured I wasn't welcome."
"Well, I'm welcoming you to my room, so get down from there."
Kasumi heard Ranma letting out a breath and she almost let out a scream when she saw him hang upside down from her window. She stepped back to give him some space and Ranma grabbed the upper frame and flipped inside her room. As soon as Ranma straightened up, Kasumi got a good look at the young man. He was well built and was just as tall as her and he had a handsome, boyish face. His black hair was done up in a pigtail and he wore a red Chinese style shirt and black pants. Kasumi regarded him with a warm smile but it faltered when Ranma tilted his head down in shame, not wanting to look at her.
"I'm really sorry about this, Ms. Tendo," Ranma said with a sad tone.
"Kasumi," Kasumi corrected the young man. "And Ranma, none of this is your fault."
"Like hell it's not!" Ranma shouted and realized what he had done. He shook his head and said, "Sorry. It's just…why, Kasumi? You didn't have to do what you did. I'm only a burden."
"Because you deserved a roof over your head, Ranma," Kasumi assured him as she got closer to Ranma, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I don't know how long it's been since you had a place you could call home, but I wasn't going to let my sisters kick you out because of your condition. You and your father are guests in the Tendo home and I wouldn't be a good hostess if I let you two go out on bad terms, do you understand me?"
Ranma titled his head back up. Try as he might, he couldn't help smile as he looked at Kasumi. He also couldn't deny how beautiful the young woman looked. That smile only accentuated her angelic face and Ranma couldn't help but be taken with it. He truly wanted to believe that everything was going to be alright, but the nagging thought in the back of his mind just made him feel like something was going to go wrong. Ranma looked away, not wanting to face Kasumi.
"Did you really have to get engaged to me in order for me to stay?" asked Ranma, his sad tone returning.
Kasumi sighed as she began to look back on the events of the last few hours.
Earlier that day...
"Kasumi! Nabiki! Akane!"
Kasumi had been in the kitchen, chopping vegetables when she heard her father's voice. In no time, her father, Soun Tendo, a man in his mid-forties with long black hair, thin mustache and wearing a brown gi, appeared at the kitchen entrance with a postcard in hand, tears in eyes. Judging from her father's emotional state, Kasumi assumed that he had something big to tell them. She put down her chopping knife and wiped her hands on her apron and approached her father.
"What is it, father?" Kasumi asked curiously.
"I'll tell you all once we're all here!" Sound answered happily before leaving and calling out, "Nabiki! Akane! An old friend and his son are coming over!"
Kasumi blinked before she turned off the stove and made her way towards the living room. She straightened her brown hair before she knelt at the table. After making sure there were no wrinkles on her clothes, Kasumi was satisfied that she at least looked presentable for her father's guests. She glanced back at the kitchen and sighed, wishing she could least had prepared something for the guests.
Kasumi didn't have to wait long as her father led her two younger sisters into the living room. Kneeling beside her was her middle younger sister, Nabiki. She had short brown hair, was wearing a sleeveless top and short shorts that really showed off her legs. Kasumi could tell that Nabiki was happy about what her father had to say, though she suspected it had more to with her father's friend having a son. She had to admit that she was curious as well. She did love meeting new people and hopefully her father's friend and son was of the good sort.
Kneeling beside Nabiki was the youngest of the Tendo sisters, Akane. She had long black hair, was wearing a tan gi and was sporting a frown on her face. It didn't take a genius to see that Akane wasn't pleased about having a boy come over. From what Kasumi knew, her littlest sister had grown to despise boys, especially the ones at Furinkan High. Still, Kasumi was glad that Akane was one that could take care of herself since she is the heir to Tendo School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. She just hoped that clearer heads would prevail once everyone got to know the guests.
"I have some great news," Soun announced as he knelt down at the head of the table. "My old friend and training partner Genma is bringing his son Ranma over so you girls can meet him."
"What for?" Akane asked flatly with an annoyed frown.
"Well, many years ago Genma and I made an agreement," Soun started to explain. "If one of you were to marry Ranma, then the Tendo and Saotome Schools will unite, securing the legacy of the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts."
"Hey, wait a minute!" Akane angrily shouted as she stood up in protest. "One of us is becoming a fiance!? Don't we have a say in this!?"
"Akane's right, father," Kasumi said disapprovingly. "None of us have ever met this Ranma."
"That's easily fixed," Soun assured as he waved the postcard. "We'll be meeting them soon and I want you all to make Genma and Ranma feel right at home. They've been through China recently on a training journey, so I'm sure we can learn a lot from them."
"I doubt it," Akane scoffed.
"Ooh, China!" Nabiki gleefully said as she clasped her hands together. "So out with it, daddy. Is Ranma cute?"
"He's not too young, is he?" Kasumi inquired. "Young men are so...young."
Soun laughed heartily, which made Kasumi curious if her father knew Ranma already. Though she hadn't dated in a long time, Kasumi did have her standards for an ideal mate. To her, age and maturity should go hand in hand and it certainly wouldn't do if her would be suitor was a child in mind with ill manners. Then again, she has met men who were older than her that never reached a level of maturity that was asked of them. Looking at Nabiki's expression of joy and curiosity, Kasumi decided to keep an open mind. Maybe father had some inkling of who this Ranma was. He obviously had been keeping in touch with Ranma's father over the years and he was inviting him and his son to stay for a bit.
As soon as Soun stopped laughing, he responded, "No idea."
"No idea?" Nabiki reacted flatly with a raised eyebrow.
"I've never met him," said Soun.
"Well, that's just perfect," Akane said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes up.
'Oh, father,' thought Kasumi, closing her and shaking her head in disappointment.
"Hey, Soun!" a voice bellowed from the outside. "Come on out here! It's your buddy, Genma!"
"They're here," Sound cheered as he got to his feet and made his way towards the house entrance. "Genma, my old friend! How long has it been!?"
"I do hope Ranma's cute," Nabiki said hopefully as she followed her father.
"Of all things to get excited about," muttered Akane. "Boys...who needs'em?"
'I do hope he's older,' Kasumi thought as she rose up and straightened out her dress and her hair again. 'Or at least well mannered and mature.'
Following her family out, Kasumi saw her father greeted with a hug by a rotund man with a tattered white gi, round glasses and a white bandanna. She couldn't help but feel happy for her father as he and his friend hugged each other. It had probably been years since these two have seen each other and Kasumi hasn't seen her father this happy in a long time.
Kasumi then turned her attention to the other guest, namely the young man Nabiki was gushing over. Giving him a once over, Kasumi could tell that this Ranma was a bit young, though not too young. She could also tell from his muscles that whatever martial arts training Genma had put him through had paid off. His Chinese style clothes, much like Genma's, were a bit worn, probably from all the traveling they did. All in all, Kasumi had to admit that this Ranma Saotome was put together well, also putting in stock that his boyish face did make him look cute.
Ranma had glanced up to Kasumi and the homemaker noted that the young man was staring at her. She smiled and gave him a small bow before giving him a smile and a wave. Ranma rubbed the back of his head, letting out a nervous laugh at Kasumi's reaction. This attracted Nabiki's attention, who proceeded to drag Ranma inside the house.
"Come, Genma!" Soun said as he led his friend inside the house. "We have much to discuss!"
"Still got that sake I like?" asked Genma hopefully.
"Never change, Saotome, never change," Soun laughed.
Taking the obvious cue, Kasumi dashed towards the kitchen to fetch refreshments for her family and guests.
After serving the guests and her family their refreshments, Kasumi knelt next to her two sisters at the table with the Saotomes kneeling on the other side. Soun knelt at the head of the table, taking a sip of his sake and savoring it. The Tendo patriarch cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Kasumi, Nabiki, Akane...this is my old friend..." Soun introduced.
"Genma Saotome," Genma bowed. "And this here is my son, age sixteen…"
"Ranma," Ranma greeted as he bowed as well.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," Kasumi said politely.
"Very charmed," Nabiki said with a smile.
"Whatever," Akane grumbled, looking away with a frown.
"Now, Akane, the Saotomes are going to be staying with us for a while," Soun chided. "The least you can do is be polite."
Akane's reaction was, to put it simply, just turning her head towards Ranma and frowning at him. The only response the pig tailed boy gave her was just looking away downcast, trying not to make eye contact.
Kasumi noticed the silent exchange between Akane and Ranma and just shook her head. As much as she loved her littlest sister, Kasumi could only think of how immature she was being. Granted that this situation was sprung by her father from out of the blue, but it didn't call for rudeness towards guests, even if said guests were here because of an engagement. Looking at Ranma, Kasumi felt like the young man didn't want to be here. She could only assume that Ranma had his misgivings about this engagement as well. Kasumi could only look on in sympathy.
Ranma had glanced up at Kasumi and the eldest Tendo sister and gave him a warm smile, indicating that he is very much welcome in her father's home. Ranma, in turn, smiled back in gratitude.
'More than anything, Ranma could use a friend,' Kasumi thought, here eyes still locked onto Ranma. Wanting to break the ice, Kasumi asked, "Ranma...could you tell us about China?"
"Oh...well...uh," Ranma, started, rubbing his head. "Pops and I spent most of the time training, no time for sightseeing. We even stopped by a few training halls and learned from the masters there. We had to walk and hike from place to place, no transportation and we had to spend the nights without a roof over our heads."
"Oh, my!" gasped Kasumi. "That must have been awful!"
"Yeah, well, pops can be a cheapskate when it comes to how we spend our funds," Ranma said as he glanced over at Genma suspiciously. "He didn't even want to spring for a room at a cheap hotel in Beijing."
"Luxuries only make you soft, boy," Genma said, his arms folded.
"Well, it does look like all that training paid off," Nabiki purred while giving the pigtailed boy an appraising look. She turned to Kasumi and smirked and said, "I'd say China did him some good. Right, Kasumi?"
"Well...I have to admit that he does look pretty fit," Kasumi agreed.
"Ooh, walking and hiking in China," Akane unimpressedly said as she stood up, not taking her eyes off Ranma. "Big deal! Doesn't mean he's all that great!"
At Akane's words, Ranma's expression turned serious as he got up. Kasumi also noticed that the young man smirked, showing a confidence she didn't see when he first arrived. She could tell that Ranma took Akane's words as a challenge and immediately became worried. Akane can be pig headed and stubborn, boasting about how good she was in the martial arts, but she was facing an unknown opponent and not those silly boys at school.
"You don't want none of me, Ms. Tendo," Ranma warned.
"Oh, I do, Mr. Bigshot who walked through China," Akane said, her frown deepening. "The way I see it, our parents have it in their heads to unite the Tendo and Saotome schools. As the heir to the Tendo School, I just want to see what you bring to the table. I'd say a friendly spar until one of us hits the floor. Sound fair?"
"Friendly spar, she says," Nabiki muttered.
"Akane, no," Kasumi urged her sister.
"Time and place, Ms. tendo," Ranma said, folding his arms.
"Now...at the dojo," Akane said as she walked out of the living room.
Kasumi tilted her head down, pinching the bridge of her nose as she got up and walked towards Ranma. She gave him an apologetic look, but to her relief, Ranma didn't look offended. In fact, it looked like the young man was in anticipation, stretching his muscles until he felt loose.
"I'm really sorry about this, Ranma," Kasumi apologized.
"Aw, don't be, Ms. Tendo," Ranma said with a shrug. "The girl wants to show what she can do, so who am I to deny her?"
"Just so you know, my sister has taken on hoards of hormonally charged boys at school," Nabiki warned.
"Yeah, well...I'm not most boys," Ranma responded with confidence as he made his way to the dojo.
"Come on, Tendo," Genma smirked as he got up. "You're about to see the fruits of Ranma's training."
"Right behind you, Saotome," Soun smiled as he followed Genma out.
"Ranma is confident," Kasumi noted.
"Not to mention cute and a hunk," Nabiki smirked. She then looked over at Kasumi and said, "Though I don't have to tell you that, don't I, big sis?"
"He needs a friend, Nabiki," Kasumi said. "I think having a fiancee is the furthest thing from his mind."
"Yeah, well...you can be his friend, Kasumi," Nabiki said as she licked her lips, walking out of the living room. "I'll help myself to some grade A piece of man meat."
Kasumi took a deep breath and let it out before following Nabiki to the dojo.
The Tendo Dojo was a simple building that was located at the center of the Tendo property that was large enough for many students to practice as well as one on one sparring matches. The hall was also pretty well kept and clean, with the wooden floors practically free of any stains or blemishes. There were, however, some practice dummies on the side of the walls as well as a few bricks for breaking. The hall was pretty modest and practical, but it served as the heart of the Tendo Home.
With a towel in hand, Kasumi knelt beside her father with Nabiki kneeling beside her. Genma had knelt beside Soun, both having serious expressions. All eyes were focused on Ranma and Akane who were getting ready for their sparring match. Akane had already gotten into her stance while scowling at Ranma. The pigtailed young man's stance was loose and relaxed, though his eyes never lost focus on Akane. The Tendo heir tensed and was waiting for the word to start the match.
'It has been a while since an outsider had walked inside the Tendo Dojo,' thought Kasumi as she looked at Ranma with interest. 'The heir to the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts...I wonder what he can show us today.'
"As per stipulation, the first one to knock down their opponent to the floor, wins the match," Soun said, then turned his attention to Genma and asked, "Old friend, will you do the honors?"
"With pride," Genma responded as he raised his right hand. When he brought it down swiftly, he shouted, "Begin!"
Akane wasted no time as she charged Ranma with a punch, to which the young man dodged with ease. Akane continued to throw punches and grew frustrated that none of them were landing on target. Akane tried a kick, but Ranma just jumped and used her leg as a springboard to leap over her. The Tendo heiress didn't let up as she used punches and kicks but as before, none of the strikes were landing. Ranma was just too fast and Akane was just getting angrier when she saw a cocky smile on the Saotome heir.
'Oh, my, he is fast!' Kasumi thought as she placed a hand over her mouth. 'He's dodging every strong strike Akane is throwing at him. Ranma isn't even breaking a sweat.'
"He's toying with her," Nabiki chuckled amusingly.
"Impressed, Tendo?" inquired Genma with a smirk.
"I must say that Ranma is pretty fast," nodded Soun. "Maybe he can finally give Akane the challenge she needs."
"Will you hold still!?" Akane shouted as her attacks became desperate. "Can you at least take this seriously and attack me!?"
In response, Ranma leaped over Akane again. When he landed, he poked her back which surprisingly made her stumble to the wall, face first. Akane quickly turned around and charged at Ranma again with a yell. The young man leaped over her again and poked her back, making her stumble once more. Akane regained her footing and turned around, but her eyes grew wide as she saw a fist coming at her. What she wasn't expecting was Ranma extending his forefinger, poking her on her forehead. The poke, while not painful, did send Akane stumbling backwards until she fell on the floor, butt first. Akane could only look up at Ranma in surprise. The young man gave her a bow before turning his attention to the impressed Tendo sisters and the Tendo and Saotome patriarchs.
"How was that, Mr. Tendo?" asked Ranma, beaming with pride.
"You do the Anything Goes School proud, young man," Soun complimented. "Victory is yours, Ranma Saotome."
"That's my son, alright," Genma laughed heartily.
Kasumi clapped her hands and was about to approach Ranma with the towel, only for Nabiki to snatch it from her and handed it to Ranma herself. She couldn't help but smile in amusement as her second youngest sister was behaving very welcoming towards the Saotome heir. It was also equally amusing seeing Ranma at a loss for words when Nabiki complimented him. Kasumi stood up and joined Nabiki and the others to congratulate Ranma on his swift victory.
"I guess good looks is not the only thing you bring with you," Nabiki smirked folded her arms.
"Well, it was nothing," Ranma said humbly, rubbing the back of his head. "I just wanted to see what your sister could do."
"Good looks paired with great skills," Nabiki observed Ranma from toe to head. She then smiled sweetly, batting her eyes as she folded her arms under her breasts and hefted them up so that the young man could see her cleavage and purred, "So...what else do you bring with you, Saotome?"
Ranma had instinctively looked down, but immediately turned away and blushed. This got a giggle from Nabiki and a scandalized look from Kasumi.
"Nabiki, you really shouldn't be doing that," Kasumi scolded with a whisper. "Besides, you just met him."
"Chill out, Kasumi," Nabiki waved off. "I'm only teasing...maybe."
Unfortunately, the moment was ruined as Ranma became the victim of a blindsided uppercut from a furious Akane that sent him flying through the roof of the dojo, leaving a hole. About a few seconds later, a loud splash was heard from the koi pond. The sound of the splash put a smirk of satisfaction on Akane's face, in stark contrast to the shocked looks on her kinsfolk's faces. Only Genma seemed unmoved by her display, instead bearing a solemn, thoughtful look on his face.
"Guess I showed him!" Akane smirked.
"Akane, that was completely uncalled for!" Sound shouted, making Akane flinch. "Ranma had bested you fairly! What you just did shames the Tendo School!"
"Daddy, that pervert...he wasn't….I...," Akane stumbled through her words to justify her attack, but seeing her father scowl at her as well as seeing Kasumi and Nabiki frowning at her made her look down in shame.
"My deepest apologies, Saotome," Soun pleaded to his friend. "My daughter's acts towards your son are inexcusable."
"I think we may have a bigger concern, old friend," Genma said simply, his arms folded with his eyes closed.
Kasumi was the first to get over the shock as she grabbed the towel from Nabiki and dashed toward the pond with the rest following suit. In her mind, she was trying to come up with some way to bring peace to this whole situation. She loved Akane to bits, but her actions may have cast more than a bad impression on her family. Mostly, Kasumi hoped that Ranma was okay so she could start apologizing.
As soon as she neared the pond, Kasumi was startled off her feet when there was a sudden eruption from the pond. She then heard a shrieking "What did you do that for!?", which made her confused because she could swear that she heard a feminine voice. Kasumi shook her head, unbelieving of what she heard because Ranma was a young man and he wouldn't have a high pitched girlish voice like that. Her eyes blinked as she beheld, clear as day, a large-breasted, redheaded girl wearing Ranma's clothes and sporting Ranma's pigtail, angrily rubbing her cheek as she glared in the direction of the Tendo dojo, and Akane Tendo. Kasumi's mouth fell open, shocked speechless at the sight... somehow, Ranma had turned into a girl!.
Kasumi was jolted back to her senses when Nabiki's startled shout of "What the hell!?" erupted from behind her.
Kasumi turned around and saw the shocked look from both her sisters and her father who were standing outside the living room. The only one who remained calm and collected was Genma. Kasumi turned around to face the girl again. She noticed that her anger was gone, replaced with mortification. The girl looked from Kasumi to the rest of the Tendos and then back again, visibly wilting in dismay as she did. Her face fell into a mournful mask as she fell to her knees in the pond, shaking her head in dismay as a soft litany of "No, no," came from her mumbling lips.
"Ran...Ranma?" Kasumi uttered fearfully.
"Yeah...sorry about this," the girl responded sadly, her head tilted down.
"Saotome, what is the meaning of this!?" Soun shouted.
"It's a long story, old friend," Genma responded stoically. "One that requires a bit of hot water, though."
Minutes later, everyone had gathered in the living room. Earlier, Kasumi had gone to the kitchen to boil a kettle of hot water and once it was sufficiently heated, brought it over and placed it on the table before kneeling down at the table next to her father and sisters. She was still trying to rack her brain about what had happened just moments earlier. Kasumi still couldn't believe that the girl sitting across the table with Genma was actually Ranma Saotome, the same young man who had entered the lives of the Tendo Family. Currently, though, her sister Nabiki was busy poking Ranma's rather large breasts with curiosity, which only irritated the girl. Akane looked at Ranma with revulsion and contempt and her father was trying to remain calm.
"Would you please stop that?" Ranma grumbled to Nabiki with a blush.
"This is too weird," Nabiki said as she backed away.
"Saotome, you had better have a good explanation for all this," Soun said sternly.
"That I do, Tendo," Genma started to explain. "Many months ago, I heard about the training grounds in Jusenkyo, China and I thought it would be good for us to use for our purposes. We even had a guide take us there. Basically, Jusenkyo was an area surrounded by springs with bamboo poles sticking out from the ground. The guide even told us that each spring held a tragic legend of somebody drowning there. I thought it would be good for balance practice. Little did we know that Jusenkyo contained a tragic, magical secret."
"A secret that we could have known about if the old man knew how to read Chinese," Ranma said disdainfully as she jerked a thumb towards Genma, earning gasps from the Tendo family. "See, the guide gave him a pamphlet that told us about Jusenkyo as well as warning us on how dangerous the place was. Problem was, it didn't have a Japanese translation."
"But how on earth did you get afflicted?" asked Soun.
"Despite the warnings from the guide, we jumped up to the poles and started sparring," Ranma responded, shaking his head. "I managed to knock the old man down into one of the springs. Then he just jumped at me with his cursed form and knocked me down into one of the springs...the one I fell was in the spring of a drowned girl, as you can see."
Kasumi's reaction was to give Genma a frown. If Ranma's word was to be believed, the Saotome Patriarch had led him on a blind journey with no way of communicating properly with the locals. For all Kasumi knew, this Genma may have led Ranma to more trouble just because of the language barrier. That and the animosity that Ranma was displaying towards his father was just proof that he was being led around by a fool and Ranma didn't have a choice in the matter. Kasumi really didn't want to think ill of a family guest, but despite herself not being a martial artist, she knew that a student put a lot of trust in their teacher to be a proper guide and Genma was not a proper guide.
Mentally stamping any negative thoughts about Genma, Kasumi turned her attention towards Ranma and asked, "So...how does the curse work?"
"Cold water activates the curse," Ranma responded, frowning as he grabbed Genma's gi. "Allow me to demonstrate."
With relative ease, Ranma threw Genma out of the living room and into the koi pond. Seconds later, a huge panda slowly emerged from the pond with its gi somehow not ripping apart despite the panda's huge size. The Tendos were shocked at the transformation, eyes wide as they took in Genma's cursed form and noted that the panda had a huge frown, clearly not amused by Ranma's actions. The Panda got out of the pond and shook any excess water from its fur.
The Panda slowly walked towards the living room and from his back, pulled out a sign that read, "Was that really necessary?"
"It serves you right, old man!" Ranma shouted angrily as she got into a fighting stance. "Want to make something out of it!?"
"Stop it, you two!" Soun pleaded. "Fighting won't solve this situation!"
"It would make me feel better," Ranma scowled towards Genma.
"Ranma, no," Kasumi urged calmly. "What your father did was foolish, but what's done is done and you can't change what happened. Beating up your father wouldn't change a thing."
Much to her relief, Kasumi's words did get through to Ranma as she let her arms drop and knelt down at the table with Genma following suit.
"Is there a cure?" Soun asked hopefully.
"Not that we know of," Ranma answered dejectedly. "Though hot water does reverse the effect...until we get splashed with cold water again."
Kasumi stood up and grabbed the kettle of hot water and poured it on Genma, causing the Saotome Patriarch to transform back into his natural form, yelping in pain at how high the temperature the water was.
"It didn't need to be that hot, Kasumi," Genma pointed out, still feeling the sting of the hot water.
To the the rest of the Tendos' surprise, Kasumi didn't apologize as she knelt back down, placing the kettle on the table again.
"So...this is the tragic secret of Jusenkyo," Soun said pensively. "Whomever falls into the one of the cursed springs gains the body of whomever or whatever last drowned in it. Such a horrible place, indeed…"
Everyone remained silent, the only noise that was heard was the wind and the ticking of the clock. The uncomfortable silence was slowly getting to Kasumi, awaiting what her father would say about all this. She herself didn't really know what to make of it. Cursed springs, body transformation activated by cold or hot water. All she could think about is that stuff like this was something that she heard in fairy tales, make believe! But here were two individuals with water activated curses. It was just so weird!
Still, Kasumi couldn't help but see Ranma's saddened face and her heart broke. This young man turned young girl didn't want any of this. Not the curse and most certainly not this engagement. Kasumi could feel that Ranma just wanted to run away.
"Well then," Soun began. He then brightened and said, "I guess your problem isn't so bad!"
"Come again?" Ranma reacted with a flat tone with an eyebrow raised. This also got a confused reaction from the Tendo sisters.
"I mean, it's not something a little hot water couldn't fix," Soun reasoned, still beaming. "Most importantly, your curse shouldn't keep you from doing your honorable duty."
"See, boy?!" Genma cheered. "You're part of the family!"
"You can't be serious," Ranma groaned.
"Indeed I am," Soun said, continuing to smile. "My daughters...Kasumi, age nineteen...Nabiki, age seventeen...and Akane, age sixteen. Pick one, and she will be your fiancee."
"Dad, you can't be serious!" Akane shouted angrily, standing up. "I don't want to be engaged to a pervert like him!"
"Hey, who are you calling a pervert!?" Ranma shouted, facing Akane with equal anger.
"All boys are perverts, and you're a doubly a pervert because of your dumb curse!" Akane responded harshly. "You probably spend your private time getting off of that body of yours!"
"Yeah, hard pass for me, too," Nabiki said coldly.
"Nabiki!" Kasumi exclaimed, surprised by her sister's rejection.
"Daughter!" Soun also exclaimed in surprise.
"I'm sorry, daddy, but that curse is a bit of a deal breaker for me," Nabiki said, shaking her head. "Maybe Akane can take him."
"What makes you think I want a freak like him!?" Akane yelled.
"Because Ranma's a boy who is a girl half the time," Nabiki reasoned. "We know you really hate boys, but Ranma's partly a girl, too. He's perfect for you."
"I can't believe you! You were the one who was so desperate to have him as a fiance and now you just want to hand him off to me!?"
"I can't have weirdness associated with me, Akane!"
"Oh, so you think because I'm weird means I have to have that pervert attached to me!?"
As Akane and Nabiki continued to argue, Kasumi could only look at her two sisters in shock and shame. To think that this all started with Akane calling out Ranma to match and losing her temper because she was bested by him. To make matters worse, Nabiki, who was very welcoming and more open to accept the engagement proposed by her father and Mr. Saotome, rejected Ranma so coldly. Her father had begun to cry, bawling about how things were falling apart. Kasumi then glanced at Ranma and saw that he looked so devastated. She could only assume that Nabiki's rejection was the reason for it, on top of everything else. If Ranma had looked lost before, then Kasumi thought that the Saotome boy looked she - er, he... whatever... wanted to just crawl under a rock and hide now.
When she turned her attention to Genma, Kasumi's face took on a horrified expression as she saw the Saotome Patriarch just tear into Ranma about responsibility and honor. Even worse was that Ranma was just too saddened to listen. Kasumi's face then morphed into a frown. She closed her eyes, raised her hands up and slammed them on the table, the noise getting everyone's attention.
"Enough!" Kasumi shouted.
The rest of the Tendos and the Saotomes looked startled by Kasumi's actions. They were also quite unnerved as they saw her breathing heavily. They kept their mouths shut as she rose up, her eyes now open with a frown still decorating her face. Kasumi's head slowly turned until her eyes were squarely on Akane. She could see the look of dread on her youngest sister and quite frankly, she was feeling livid.
"Shame on you, Akane!" Kasumi scolded.
"Kasumi?" Akane backed away fearfully.
"You have been nothing but hostile to our guest," Kasumi continued to scold. "Not only that, you disgraced our father and his school by attacking Ranma after you lost a match fairly. If mother was with us today, she would be ashamed of you! I'm ashamed of you, little sister!"
Akane was speechless. She couldn't find any words to counter her big sister as she fell to her knees, her eyes nearly watering.
Kasumi then turned her attention towards Nabiki and chastised, "You were so welcoming, Nabiki! You even wanted this engagement! Do you know how much your words hurt Ranma!? He didn't need that!"
Nabiki looked away, but Kasumi could tell that she didn't seem to care in the slightest. She then turned her attention towards Genma as she walked towards him.
"As for you, Mr. Saotome…," Kasumi began.
"Me?" Genma responded in obvious confusion, pointing to himself instinctively for emphasis.
"What you did was irresponsible!" Kasumi said harshly. "What kind of father are you!? You were leading poor Ranma around a country you didn't understand the language of! On top of that, you went too far with your martial arts training! Ranma trusted you! How could you lead him around so blindly!?
"Ranma knew the risks when he took up the martial arts, girl!" Genma snapped at Kasumi. "He knew that one day he needed to lay down his life for the Saotome School!"
"Maybe he was ready to risk his life," Kasumi said unrelentingly. "But what of his manhood, Mr. Saotome!? Why must Ranma be burdened with such a curse!?"
"Are you questioning my training methods!?"
"Right now I am questioning your sanity!"
"Don't push it, Ms. Tendo!"
"That's enough, old man!" Ranma shouted as she got in between Kasumi and Genma.
For what seemed like an eternity, Ranma and Genma stared at each other, both not wanting to budge. Ranma scowled while Genma stared firmly with both individuals hands balled into fists, ready for a scrap. All the while, Kasumi looked on, her heart racing from going at it verbally with Genma and the tension that was building between Ranma and the Saotome Patriarch. She feared that both would go at it and it would somehow escalate into an all out brawl.
Fortunately, Ranma calmed down, walked past her father and grabbed the kettle. She poured the hot water over her head, feeling the hot sting as she became a he again. Placing the kettle on the table, Ranma turned his attention towards his father again.
"We're leaving," Ranma said in a tone that brooked no argument.
"You have a responsibility here, boy!" Genma said sternly.
"We've worn out our welcome, pops," Ranma said, his tone becoming more miserable. "This whole visit's a loss and we imposed on the Tendos long enough. I think it's best we get out of here."
"But the engagement-
"Is a loss, pop! We're not welcome here and I think it's best that we go back to China where maybe we can find a cure for these damned curses!"
"Now Ranma, don't be too hasty," Soun begged.
"My mind is made up, Mr. Tendo," Ranma said as he made his way outside.
Eyes widening, Kasumi dashed in front of Ranma, blocking his path. Ranma then tried to move around her, but Kasumi kept blocking him.
"Kasumi, get out of the way," Ranma told Kasumi sternly.
"Ranma...when was the last time you had a roof over your head?" Kasumi asked softly.
"What?" asked Ranma, confused.
"I asked when was the last time you had a roof over your head," Kasumi repeated. She then continued, "When was the last time you had a room? A bed? The comforts of home? A warm bath, proper meals? When was the last time you had to settle down in one place?"
From what Kasumi could see, Ranma was actually trying to remember if he had any of these comforts growing up. She could only imagine what it was like for the young man spending every waking moment of his life devoted to the martial arts, always on the road and never calling anywhere home. Kasumi had always been thankful for having a roof over her head and always waking up in her bed, knowing that the sun always shined through her window. She loved her home and always tried to maintain it. It was her way to show gratitude to the heavens above.
Finally, Ranma hunched and answered simply, "I don't remember."
"Then let me offer you a place to stay," Kasumi said with a smile. "You can even use the dojo anytime you like. On behalf of the Tendo Family, I welcome you to our happy home."
There was a silence in the living room as no one dared to speak. Ranma looked a bit stunned and Kasumi was waiting for an answer. She really didn't want him to leave, at least not on bad terms. Kasumi knew that Akane, Nabiki and maybe even her own father may have left a bad taste in Ranma's mouth, but at least she wanted to let the young man know that she has a friend in her.
Ranma shook his head and looked away and said, "That's nice of you to offer, but...really, there's nothing keeping me here. I have no reason to stay."
Kasumi immediately took Ranma's hands in hers and said, "Then I offer myself as your fiancee, Ranma Saotome. That's more than enough reason to stay."
Again, there was silence in the living room. Ranma's eyes grew wide, but he was too stunned to say anything. His mouth was moving, but no noise was coming out of it.
"WHAT!?" Akane and Nabiki shouted in shock.
"Oh happy day!" cried Soun. "You do the family proud, Kasumi!"
"How's that for initiative, son?" Genma laughed as he patted Ranma on the back.
"Kasumi, you can't be serious!" Akane screeched.
"Wow, sis, just...wow," Nabiki said, stunned.
Kasumi had to admit that it was bold of her to offer herself to Ranma this way. Seeing Ranma's stunned face only indicated that he wasn't expecting it either. Kasumi gave him an expectant look and was hoping that Ranma would accept her offer. She then gave him another smile, which got a reaction out of the young man and she could swear she saw him blush.
"Ka..Kasumi...I…," Ranma stammered.
"Ranma, please," Kasumi pleaded as her hands took a firm hold on Ranma's hands. "As far as I'm concerned, the Tendo home is your home now."
"I...guess...I can't really say no," Ranma conceded.
"That's the spirit, my boy," Genma complimented. "I gotta admit, this Kasumi has a bit of fire in her. I bet she'll be good for you."
"Come, Saotome!" Soun called his friend over. "We can toast to our new endeavour! To the Tendo/Saotome Union!"
Both Soun and Genma cheered as they went into the kitchen to grab some liquor.
Giving Ranma a hateful glare, Akane went towards him and intentionally bumped into his shoulder while hissing, "You better not get any ideas, pervert!"
After Akane left the living room, Nabiki came up to Ranma and said, "She's really going out on a limb for you, Saotome. That's my sister for you. Always with the self sacrifice."
When Nabiki herself left, Kasumi was left alone with Ranma. She closed her eyes, satisfied that she got Ranma to stay. It took a bold move, but she got him to stay. Kasumi couldn't help but smile widely.
"Kasumi," Ranma spoke softly.
"Ranma?" Kasumi inquired, looking up at Ranma.
"I...I need a minute!" Ranma choked up before disengaging himself from Kasumi's hands before heading out of the living room.
"Ranma…," Kasumi trailed off sadly, her hand reaching out to Ranma.
The present time…
Kasumi and Ranma sat beside each other on the bed in silence. As the young martial artist was twiddling his thumbs and thinking about what to say, Kasumi was also deep in thought. When Ranma had questioned Kasumi's decision to take the engagement, the eldest Tendo daughter had remained silent, only inviting Ranma to sit beside her. It had seemed like hours since Kasumi invited him in, though it only has been just a few minutes.
"So...we're engaged," Ranma spoke in low tones.
"So we are," Kasumi said with a small smile. "Ranma...how do you feel about all this?"
"Like shit," Ranma answered bluntly.
"Oh...I see," Kasumi said, feeling a little hurt. "I guess I'm not really your type of girl, then. Three years is a bit of a gap and you've probably seen prettier girls in your travels."
"No, that's not it!" Ranma said quickly, facing Kasumi. "It's just...it has nothing to do with you, okay? It's my stupid old man and his bald brained ideas. I mean...you probably don't like it much either. We just met and all."
"Well I have to admit that father did spring this on us unexpectedly," Kasumi pointed out. "Akane was dead set against the whole matter, Nabiki was really looking forward to meeting you and me...I was expecting someone a little older and maybe more mature."
"And yet you got me," Ranma grumbled, looking away. "It really hurt when Nabiki just handed me off to Akane like that after she was all welcoming and stuff. Stupid curse…"
Kasumi frowned, remembering how both her sisters argued over the engagement. She also remembered how hurt Ranma was and placed a hand over his, gaining his attention.
"Listen, Ranma…" Kasumi began, smiling radiantly. "My concern right now is making you feel welcome. You are my guest and as such, I have to make sure you feel right at home. But I also want to be your friend, first and foremost. You looked like you really needed one after my sisters, my father and your father had you outnumbered down there."
"You want to be friends, even with all my baggage?" Ranma asked, feeling doubtful.
"Of course, Ranma," Kasumi affirmed with a nod. "I'll always be here for you, even if you need a shoulder to cry on."
"Hey, Ranma Saotome never cries," Ranma stated defensively.
Kasumi could only giggle in response to Ranma's bravado. This also got Ranma to laugh and pretty soon, both were sharing the laugh. After a minute or two, Kasumi and Ranma settled down, but the eldest Tendo sister continued to give Ranma a smile. Just seeing Ranma happy felt like she had accomplished something great.
Another thing Kasumi noticed is that Ranma's expression turned appreciative. She started to feel a little self conscious of having her hand on top of his and how close they were. Kasumi closed her eyes, mentally chding herself.
'This is silly,' Kasumi thought. 'There are so many young girls out there. What could Ranma want in some old, mundane woman like me?'
That's when Kasumi heard a nervous gulp from Ranma. She looked up and saw a very embarrassed expression coming from him. She then gave Ranma a smirk and with a wink said, "Don't get any ideas, mister."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Ranma responded, looking away with a blush.
"Still, I would love to hear more about you," Kasumi said. "If your little adventure in China is any indication, I bet you have some interesting stories to tell."
"I don't know," Ranma said, tilting his head down.
"Please, Ranma?" Kasumi pleaded, eyes glistening. "It would really make this old girl's day."
"You're anything but old, Kasumi."
"You're too kind, Ranma."
And for the next hour, Ranma regaled Kasumi with stories from his travels. Kasumi gave Ranma an appreciative ear and hoped that it was just the beginning of a long friendship.