This request is for JBlaser, sorry it took so long, I've been updating other works, working on original fiction and adulting. Anyway I hope you like and it's going to be a multi-chapter story.
Ranma stretched wearily, her back muscles aching and her bones cracking, as much as she loved training to become the strongest martial artist she could be. Her body often took the toll of the consequences of her training, from aching joints, to physical wounds, to attacks and more. Though she wanted to become stronger and earn her title as the heir to the Saotome school, she wished it came easier. The amount of injuries, wounds and more she had received in both forms was endless. From people trying to kill her, to traps and more, she ended up in worse situation. The Neko ken left her with a lifelong phobia of cats, all because her father attempted a banned fighting style. It didn't come easy to her, the strain it could take on the body was exhausting, the amount of back pains and other joint issues she had suffered from. She knew she complained but she had valid reasons to do so. Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her that she still needed to eat something, eager to start the morning. She wondered if Kasumi had started making breakfast yet, the wonder of the kitchen that kept everyone fed. She had actually started taking cooking lessons from the older Tendo sister, so in the case there was a mishap or Kasumi got sick, she could take over for her. She had learned many recipes and actually ended up enjoying it, at times she jokingly considered if she should have chosen Kasumi alone for the cooking. She sighed, making her way to the bathroom to shower for the day.
Ranma poured cold water over her head, after scrubbing herself with a sponge, shivering as the cold water hit her skin. Rinsing the bubbles and more off her skin, shaking her head to get rid of residual drops. There was nothing like a shower in the morning to help wake you up and get you ready for the day. She sighed, placing the bucket down and getting to her feet. Turning on the shower head to test the hot water. She knew other people would be waiting and she didn't want to use it all up before everyone else was done. Thankfully Happosai had been absent for a period, probably off on a raid or one of his missions, giving them all some blissful peace. They didn't have to worry about him perving on them for now. But they always had their guard up just in case, that letch had no boundaries or morals.
She let it run for a period, however the water never heated, her hand slowly turning white from the cold. She raised an eyebrow suspiciously, wondering what had become of the hot water. Wondering if she had been pranked. She wrapped her towel around herself, concealing her exposed flesh from the cool air, checking the taps before sighing in defeat. Getting to her feet and grabbing her belongings to get dressed. She needed to speak to Kasumi or someone else about what was going on. This wasn't how she expected her morning to go but then she was used to mishaps.
"God damn it, of all days to have no hot water" Ranma huffed, now she would just stay cold and wet for the rest of the morning. She had sat in the bathroom for a while before wrapping herself in a towel and leaving the bathroom. Quickly looking for Kasumi for help, worried something was wrong. It seemed all the hot water had been used up by someone else and they were in need of a new boiler. Now she was soaked through, freezing cold and trapped in her cursed form for an unknown period of time. She knew the Tendou home was in disarray, they didn't get enough students to form a regular income, Soun got a pension due to his age and the inheritance from his wife's passing. Akane was still in school, which cost them money, Nabiki saved her own income and didn't share it with her family members. Kasumi was old enough to have a job but worked as the family homemaker, the maternal role of the family. Nabiki was applying for colleges and would no doubt take her hard earned cash with her. Akane was looking at part time jobs for herself but also to save some income if ever she needed it. Ranma had considered getting part time work, asking Ukyo for a favour or even Shampoo, but she knew that may lead to blackmail. So she would just have to consider an alternate decision.
"I'm sorry Ranma, I've sent for a plumber" Kasumi apologised, she couldn't imagine that was a fun way to start the morning. No way of being heated up and the only way to change back was using a hot kettle. Though it would help her change back, Ranma didn't want to waste the water and it would take too long to boil. Kasumi had called the plumber as soon as Ranma had panicked and come to her for help, worried she might have broken something. Then she joined them for breakfast, her stomach growling loudly, Kasumi placed her breakfast in front of her with a sweet smile. They would all just have to make do until the boiler was repaired, there was nothing else that could be done.
"I'll bet pops wanted his morning soak and used it all up" Ranma huffed, she knew he was the worst for taking long baths before everyone and using a lot of hot water. For all he ranted about respecting your elders he acted like a spoiled brat. He never took accountability for anything and he used the Tendo home like a hotel. He of all people would have used up the last of the hot water on himself and never considered anyone else. She felt worse for the other residents who couldn't so much as use it for their basic needs. Ranma knew she had her bad habits inherited from her father, but she was working past them, trying to be a better person.
Kasumi handed her a towel, it was getting cooler and it wasn't smart to sit around with wet hair "Here, dry off your hair or you'll get sick" she soothed. She knew Ranma enjoyed a hot shower in the morning, especially after training. It seemed until the boiler was repaired they would all be using the local bathhouse for the time being. Ranma took the towel appreciatively, wrapping the soft material around her face as she dried her hair. It was warm meaning that it was freshly washed, hung out to dry and kept warm in the kitchen. Kasumi's kindness was a blessing, always appreciated.
They overheard footsteps before the youngest Tendou appeared in the doorway, a confused expression on her face "Hey Kasumi, the hot water isn't working" Akane replied, entering the room wearing her pyjamas, P-chan in hand. She had hoped to use the shower after Ranma but when she went to use it, she was met with a nasty surprise. She didn't expect to find Ranma post shower in the kitchen with her older sister. She didn't have school today which meant she didn't have to be in a rush anywhere, but she felt lazy sitting around in her pyjama's all day.
"She's already sent for a plumber" Ranma mumbled, they had no idea how long it would take, Kasumi had only just called. This could take all day or a few days at least, so all they could do was sit and wait. She was too tired to get into an argument with Akane, she was still sleepy and she'd had one nasty surprise already. Akane had a bad habit of jumping to conclusions, but she had always worn her heart on her sleeve in that sense. She knew Akane would be upset, but they were working on communicating better.
Akane frowned, but then saw that Ranma was shivering, skin covered in goosebumps and huddling a towel around her head. She could only assume what had happened, she was fresh out of the shower or had been mid shower when the water turned cold, meaning poor Ranma had found out by jumping in the shower. Without hot water Ranma was temporarily stuck as a girl for the foreseeable future "Genma used up the hot water again?" she asked. He was already eating them out of house and home, but now he had used up all their hot water too?
Ranma's expression formed into an apologetic one "Yeah, sorry about that" she huffed. They would all have to consider the bath house or other forms of using hot water. Living nomadically with her father for so long she had picked up some habits, but they wouldn't always be a solution, just an alternative.
Akane sighed heavily, Ranma sounded as impatient and fed up as she felt right now "Honestly", approaching the redhead to join her at the table where Kasumi placed her meal in front of her. She knew Ranma only had the clothes he brought with him, but none of them would fit her in her cursed form. She didn't want Ranma to freeze given the cooler weather, she would happily lend her something. "Do you want to borrow something of mine, you'll freeze in such thin clothes after taking a cold shower" Akane suggested. She had some jumpers and long T-shirts that would keep her warm, though she didn't know if Ranma wanted them.
Ranma shifted, she couldn't help but feel awkward at the premise of wearing Akane's clothes despite them being the same gender currently. But more than that she and Akane were different body types. She blushed shyly, avoiding eye contact "Um...Thanks Akane,...but... I think I might stretch them" she responded. Akane irked, knowing Ranma was mentioning her larger chest size but she couldn't deny Ranma would stretch them out. Ranma had stopped teasing her about it but at times like this it was an issue. Finding Ranma something to wear wouldn't be easy and Nabiki would charge her for anything she borrowed.
Kasumi turned, sitting at the table with them, Ranma still owned clothes but half of them were ones she brought with her when she first arrived. She always reused her clothes and rarely bought new ones. At a time like this Ranma would need more female attire to wear to keep warm. "I have more than enough to spare, Ranma can borrow something of mine" Kasumi smiled, she didn't mind sharing.
"Thanks Kasumi" Ranma sighed, she wouldn't be able to change back to her male form any time soon so why not wear women's clothes until then. There was no harm in it.
"Tell me Saotome, how is it you can afford to get drunk, get into financial trouble due to poor choices. And yet you cannot form a part time job in order to fund the rent you still cannot pay" Soun asked calmly. While he loved spending time with his old friend, catching up for old times sake, Genma had become notoriously lazy. He was retired himself and needed someone to inherit the dojo as he could no longer teach classes anymore. Akane being the one to take over the dojo as she got older. However, his friend had started to leech off of him and was only making their finances worse.
Genma swallowed, he could feel the anger coursing from Soun and he didn't like where this was headed "You know how it is Tendo, if I find a job Nodoka will find me and then we're all in hot water" he protested. He'd already made too many promises he couldn't keep in order to save his skin.
Nabiki folded her arms impatiently, why was she the only member of this family with any common sense around finances? She swore her father and Genma were both utterly useless. She could imagine Nodoka had cut her husband off financially and had chosen to not support him any longer. "In which you abducted your son and ran away from your wife due to a promise you made" Nabiki pointed out. Ranma was a budding martial artist with potential but he had a long way to go, he was still becoming a man in his own right. He would never fit the ideals of either of his parents.
"Face it pops, you've gotten us both in hot water from your idiocy alone" Ranma huffed, from her engagement to Akane, her engagement to Shampoo and Ukyo, they had all been Gemma's fault. He wanted to combine their schools so he arranged for Ranma to marry one of Soun's daughters. Ukyo was arranged so he could steal their family business and then abandoned said girl. Shampoo was arranged after he beat her in a fight in her male form, instead of being killed in her female form. Now Ranma was trapped in three arranged marriages and only one she would actually consider. Genma was nothing but a leech and a pain in the ass to everyone around him.
Genma growled, like he hadn't raised Ranma to be the man he was, showing him how to become a skilled martial artist. Yet here was his only child throwing insults at him so freely "That's rich coming from you boy, parading around like a girl. Have you no pride" he snapped. He took advantage of what happened in his female form, using it to seduce others and win in fights.
"I mean you could form us an income entertaining people at the zoo" Ranma smirked, people were often entertained by his panda form. If he used it to their advantage, people would pay money to see him. Selling him to the zoo, selling him to some rich people as a pet, making him dance for money, it was an idea. Instead of sitting around like a lazy slob every time he wanted to get out of something. Genma was just as bad for using his cursed form to hide from his problems, so he had no right to accuse Ranma.
Genma growled, Ranma had an attitude and he didn't like it, disrespecting him at all opportunities. He was still involved with three women, stringing them along to fit his needs "Is that any way to speak to your father?!". He had inherited a lot from him and it was becoming clear, Ranma was just afraid of becoming like his father. He insisted on being a brat, starting arguments, disrespecting him and getting into trouble.
Ranma scoffed, he may have been Ranma's father but he had never been a good role model. Stealing, bribing, selling his own son for money, food and whatever else he could get his hands on. Unable to read Chinese, leading to his Ailurophobia, leading to both of them getting cursed and agitating the Amazons. He had an essay of all the grief that Genma had caused them and had dragged Ranma into over the years. "Can it old man, half my problems were caused by you" Ranma snapped
Genma got to his feet, grabbing Ranma by the shirt angrily "You dare to call me a coward, not taking responsibility for your numerous courtships" he argued. He was arranged to marry Akane and combine their schools, providing future heirs someday. But he was also arranged to Ukyo, to run a business together, work for her family company and bear children. Shampoo's law was that once he beat her they had to marry, they were then engaged and Ranma had to become a member of the Amazon. He was stringing three women along, taking advantage of their affections for him and yet he was judging his mistakes?
Ranma blushed, the only girl she had feelings for was Ranma, the only person her Neko form trusted was Akane. Be it cursed form or her normal form, Akane was in love with her. But she cared about Ukyo as a friend, they had been friends since they were kids, she couldn't cut that off. She just didn't feel the same way about Ukyo. She'd already been on the wrong side of Shampoo back when they were enemies, she didn't want to go back to that again. She was only seventeen, normal teenagers didn't get married at that age, so why did Ranma have to? "Hey I never wanted to get married to begin with" Ranma yelled.
"You dare to speak to your father this way?" Genma yelled, slamming Ranma against a wall, the counters rattling. He was running his mouth again, giving him attitude and making him look bad.
Nabiki rolled her eyes, giving them a sharp look as the two argued, she didn't really care but she was already peeved about the hot water situation. "Hey, do you mind taking this outside, we can't afford any more damage" Nabiki sighed.
Genma tightened his grip on Ranma, veins popping on the side of his head, he knew Ranma was pushing his luck. Running his mouth because he had the upper hand. How many times had he saved Ranma from a tough situation? "You need to learn to respect your elders boy" Genma scolded.
Ranma rolled her eyes, Genma was always bringing this up and yet what was there to admire or respect about him? He'd made more mistakes in life than anyone she knew and he always ran away from them. He never faced the consequences, he never took responsibility and denied all of them. Genma had to be the worst example of a role model and father, it made her wish she was raised by her mother. "What? My drunken deadbeat dad who loses money more than he makes it, or the perverted old goat who steals panties" Ranma reminded him.
Genma frowned, pushing Ranma down the hallway, knocking him into a side table. Did he think he could just run his mouth and not be taught a lesson? He had much to learn indeed. Ranma stumbled down the hall, flying backwards from her fathers unexpected strength, catching the table against her head. A very ornate china vase sat atop it, a simple cream beige colour decorated with a gold rim and wildflowers. The vase wobbled, before toppling to the floor with a loud crash. Ranma rubbed her head irritably, pain shooting through her scalp before she saw the vase. There was no way she could repair that or pay for it. She had just wanted to enjoy breakfast in peace before Genma had to run his mouth again. "God damn it, nice one pops" she huffed.
Akane approached, checking to see if Ranma was hurt after the force of Gemma's throw. Hearing something break and worrying Ranma had been hurt. "Oh for crying out loud, can't we have one nice thing in this house?" she scolded. She was less angry at Ranma for the accident as Genma had instigated the fight, but she was angry at something so valuable being unnecessarily damaged. She approached Ranma carefully, helping her sit up and checking her head for injuries or blood.
Kasumi hurried into the hall, brushing past Genma impatiently and approaching the younger teens. That could have knocked Ranma unconscious and caused worse injuries. She knew the two often sparred and enjoyed training, but that had been petty of Genma and genuinely harmful. Is anyone hurt?" Kasumi asked. She couldn't see any blood but blunt force trauma was still a worry.
Ranma rubbed her head, hissing slightly in discomfort, she could use an ice pack about now. Sitting up carefully, Akane helping her cautiously "Just a bump" Ranma mumbled. Her head ached and she'd already been having a bad morning, this just made it worse.
The older Tendou dissappeared back into the kitchen briefly, rummaging around in the kitchen before she reappeared again. Kasumi approached, holding a dustpan and brush, sweeping up the pieces "Watch for shards, you'd cut yourself" she warned. She knelt beside them, making sure she didn't miss anything, carefully sweeping up.
Soun turned to his friend, he was already in trouble but now he had just made matters worse "That's coming out of your funds Saotome" Soun glared. Genma swallowing nervously under the gaze of the Tendou elder.
Suddenly, the shards in Kasumi's hand began to glow, an ominous blue colour radiated from them, the pieces floating together, an eerie light forming. The room darkened, an energy filled the house like none they had ever felt before. They swirled and danced in an odd rhythm, like something out of a puppet show, before the shape of a young girl eyes blinking as she gained consciousness and awareness of her surroundings. She appeared to be young, at least half the age of the others. She had dark forest green hair, soft and delicately curled, falling around her chest and shoulders, pinned back slightly, with big brown eyes and wearing a dark red and black trimmed ruffled dress. She looked like a porcelain doll come to life. Her eyes blinked curiously before she acknowledged everyone in the room, seeing all of their confused and frightened faces, raising her skirts in a curtsey. "Kon'nichiwa, my name is Emily. It's very nice to meet the residents of this home" she smiled.
"Wha... what the?" Akane babbled in shock, was this real? Was that a ghost? She thought they only belonged in stories.
"Are we... is this a dream?" Genma babbled
"Nobody is gonna believe this, does anyone have a camera?" Nabiki asked
Ranma blinked, was she hallucinating due to the bump on her head or was this real. The strangest things kept happening today and yet somehow she wasn't the least bit surprised by any of it. First there was no hot water, then Genma got into a fight with her and now they were haunted by a ghost. It felt very fitting for the messes in their lives. "A haunted vase? You gotta be kidding me" she huffed.
Emily turned to Ranma with a bright smile, she could understand her frustration but she meant no harm. "Thank you for freeing me, you've done a wonderful service to me. Now I owe you a kindness" she thanked. She had been trapped in that vase for so long and now she wanted to return the favour to her.
Ranma swallowed, she had expected a vengeful, angry ghost who was angered at them for being trapped. Not some bubbly girly looking ghost who was like sunshine incarnate. This was the opposite of ghost stories "Uh... no problem?" she stammered.
Emily floated closer to the redheaded teen, she had done her a great debt by freeing her even if it was by accident. She had been bound to the vase for centuries, trapped within without hopes of escape. "I shall remain by your side until your happiness is obtained" Emily smiled.
"So now we got a plumbing issues, an ornate vase to replace and we're haunted" Ranma sighed, she'd just wanted to start her day with a hot shower and go about her life. Thanks to Genma smashing this ornament she was now stuck with a possession, this felt like something out of a horror film. She felt like she was having the worst luck today, she wondered if she should try going out on her own, staying with a friend or something else. Just so she could have some peace and quiet for her life, no complications, no new enemies and no disasters. Now she had a ghost she never even wanted, attached to her at the hip, like Kuno wasn't bad enough. She just wanted out of this madness, she just wanted her old life back.
"We could offer a haunted house situation, could make some income" Nabiki suggested, they were already in financial issues as it was, people loved spooky things, they loved entertainment and fear. They had an opportunity to make money so why not take advantage.
"Nabiki, show more respect for the dead" Kasumi scolded, what would their mother think of this? This poor ghost girl had finally been freed from her seal but she had to move on. She was trapped on earth until she was able to make peace, using her as free entertainment would only worsen her finding peace. While she too on occasion enjoyed spooky entertainment, this felt largely inappropriate. This ghost was in their care until they helped her move on or found her a new object to reside in.
"I mean my classmates are obsessed with scary stories" Akane agreed, she could ask around and see who was interested. There was no harm in asking, they may even think she was joking. They were always looking for ways to scare each other, so long as Emily consented to such a thing she had no issue, she seemed friendly enough. But she was more worried of how they would eventually get rid of her, she couldn't stay with them forever. She just didn't like the idea of this ghostly girl being attached to Ranma. She had enough drama in her life with Shampoo and Ukyo, now some ghost was attached to Ranma too? This could get Ranma in worse trouble.
"Hey, maybe cologne needs a friend" Ranma snorted, she knew all about ghosts and ghouls, as well as other history. She probably knew where Emily came from and how to get rid of her for good. She was ancient and god knows how she was still kicking, maybe she could use a friend like Emily, someone as creepy and haunting as she was. She could imagine all the income that would bring, it would be good business for the cat cafe.
"We would need an exorcism, where is the nearest temple" Soun suggested, they could hire a priestess or monk to come and rid them of the spirit, find a new object for her to possess and get rid of it. This ghost couldn't remain here permanently, they had enough troubles without a ghost haunting them. He would need to ask around and see who was willing to take on the task, so she wouldn't bother than anymore.
"And here I thought ghosts were just myths, seems life is more mysterious than it seems" Genma reflected
"Speaking of which Saotome, you'll be joining me, since your outburst and argument with your child led to the release of this ghost" Soun stated. He had summoned the ghost, brought it upon them so he would be the one to help rid them of it. He owed them that and more, including the hot water.
Emily sat nearby Ranma, watching them all curiously, they were all rather shocked and nervous of her existence, none of them had seen a ghost before she assumed. She knew ghosts like herself were popular among people, fireside tales, but none had ever seen a ghost in person. She heard the older male speaking about priests and exorcisms which she found rather frightening. She didn't wish to upset or scare anyone "Pardon me..." Emily asked politely. Ranma and the others turned to her. Emily coughed, clearing her throat "While I empathise with your money troubles, I wouldn't be of much help to you. I was never the most social person during my life and I'm afraid I would be too shy to scare anyone. I find it cruel and humiliating" Emily explained. She wished she could do more to help them obtain more money, but she didn't have the ability to do such a thing. She wasn't a thief and she held no magic abilities. She had been very young when she passed and didn't have much life experience. She wouldn't even be able to approach their guests, she would just end up hiding or avoiding them and be no use at all.
"Well that plan is a bust" Nabiki huffed, she would need to think of more ideas to make money, just when she had a good idea.
Emily turned to Ranma, she had been meaning to ask the redhead some questions upon their meeting, there was a strange aura about her, one she couldn't place and it was conflicting. "You appear to be female, but your sitting position mirrors that of a man, including your vocabulary. I must say you show poor manners for a woman" she reprimanded. She didn't see her mother around, unless she was currently absent or unfortunately deceased. Had she not taught her manners, had she not taught her to act like a lady? Had she not been educated better than that? She had to say she would never gain a husband or suitor if she behaved that way.
Ranma blushed, scoffing angrily "Who are you calling a girl!" she snapped, she didn't have to act ladylike if she didn't want to, because she wasn't born a woman. She didn't need a ghost judging her for how she behaved or presented, she was just trapped like this because they had no hot water.
Emily blinked, surprised to see such a profound display of emotions, why had she responded with such an outburst? She merely meant that she needed to show more manners of her outward appearance, her mother had always been so strict with such matters. "Well unless my vision is faulty, you appear to be a woman" she apologised.
Akane sighed, learning towards Ranma and whispering "You're still trapped in your cursed form remember" she reminded her. Emily wouldn't know of her curse, she wouldn't know about Jusenkyo or how she changed back into her male form, so she would just have to play along as a tomboy. She was used to Ranma's behaviour due to being roommates for so long, but more so that Ranma was the same person in either form. However, Emily had no idea of the complications of their lives. Ranma blinked, before huffing, she had completely forgot, groaning in frustration as the reality hit her. She was stuck masquerading like this until the boiler was fixed and they got hot water again. She just acted the way she usually did as a guy and forgot how she appeared as a girl. Now she had some ghost bothering her, dictating how she was supposed to act and behave.
Emily smiled, she would be her mentor and assure that she became the best mannered lady possible "I was raised with the best education my family could afford, I shall help you become a more respectable lady" she reassured Ranma. She would become far more popular if she took her words to heart, better reflecting herself. She would help her become more ladylike, well mannered and she would be assured to meet a decent man.
Ranma wondered if she had just heard that right, was she going mad or was it the bump to her head? "Wait what?" Ranma protested. Since when did she need etiquette lessons? She wasn't a bride in training for anyone. What did this ghost have in mind for her?
"I do believe she means to give you etiquette lessons Ranma" Kasumi explained, she didn't see the harm in it, but she wondered exactly what mishaps this ghost may have in mind. She did seem very old fashioned, from a much older century. The definition of womanhood and femininity had changed drastically over the decades. What was now considered ladylike had changed.
"About time" Akane snorted, she was slightly intrigued to see where this would lead for the future. Despite his cursed form, Ranma still lacked a lot of perspective on what women had to deal with, it was very frustrating. Maybe this would open their eyes onto what it was like being a woman all the time. Ranma panicked, wait, what was happening? She had a bad feeling about this.
"Cheer up Ranma it can't be all that bad" Akane teased, Ranma had been in a foul mood all day. The plumber had updated and said he wouldn't be able to come until the next day so they would all have to use the bathhouse. Ranma had asked to come into Akane's room for peace and quiet, just so she could vent about what had happened. She was currently curled up in the corner of Akane's room, hugging her knees and sulking.
Ranma rolled her eyes, of course Akane would say this, she didn't know how annoying this would be. This wasn't even her fault, that vase wouldn't have been smashed if Genma hadn't been giving her a hard time. He was to blame for all of this happening in the first place. "You don't have some bubbly childlike ghost clinging to you and annoying you all the time" Ranma huffed. She would be haunted and babysitting at the same time, waiting it out until they could get rid of her.
"She's just a kid, she doesn't mean any harm" Akane sighed, at worst she wanted companionship and someone to spend time with her. So Ranma would be babysitting a ghost and keeping her company until they could seal her away again. Worse things had happened to them.
Ranma shifted, she already knew this ghost would be trouble, pulling her into all sorts of mayhem. Placing expectations onto her that she frankly didn't want. She'd had enough of that her whole life no thanks to Genma. "You don't know that, what does she mean make me ladylike, I ain't a girl Akane" Ranma sighed. She shivered at the assumptions of frilly dresses, make-up and a lot more, overly girly and fancy. "Besides, Ukyo's a girl and she's a tomboy, why is she any different than me" she protested. Akane hummed, she had a point, all the girls in her class were different, varied hobbies, interests, style and more. All girls were completely different but still equally as valid.
"Aren't all girls different? You like martial arts but you also like sweets, you like wearing girly stuff but you can handle yourself in a fight. You have a temper but you actually care a lot..." Ranma pressed. Akane was the best martial artist she knew, second to herself, but she had learned a lot from Shampoo and her grandmother too. Akane was patient, understanding, had a strong moral code as a person and a martial artist. But she could confide in Akane no matter what, she trusted her more than anyone even in Neko form. It was the reason why she was so comfortable with her.
Akane nodded, for once Ranma actually made sense and gave a valid argument. Truthfully she was surprised and touched Ranma noticed so much about her from mere observation "Go on..".
Ranma licked her lips trying to think of more arguments to give "Ukyo's a good cook and she dresses like a boy sometimes, but she still has girly habits sometimes and she's popular with the guys. She's kind, she's protective and she ain't scared of anyone" Ranma praised. She'd known Ukyo all her life, her best friend and someone she could confide in. Ukyo never felt comfortable in girly clothes, she never fit in with half the girls in her class, she was one of the boys. Ukyo was the opposite of what Emily described but she was still a girl. "Then there's shampoo, warrior amazon, strong, matriarchal type. She could kill you with her two hands, and yet she's also the most bubbly, girly, sometimes dizty person I know" she finished.
"What you're saying is all girls are different" Akane countered, she had to admit Ranma was making sense. No woman was exactly the same, all were different and all had variety. Many women bonded over different things but none were completely alike. The definition of what made a woman who she was all had different counteracting opinions.
Ranma nodded, glad that Akane could understand what she meant "Exactly, if all girls were the same it would be boring" she sighed. Half the guys at their school always argued and compared what they found attractive in women. All of them had a different type they were attracted to.
Akane blushed, so Ranma was saying she liked her as she was, though Ranma teased her about her temper and bad cooking skills. She was the person she spent the most time with and felt safest with. Ranma was never good at talking about her feelings but then Genma was to blame for that. She smiled, reaching out her hand to place it on Ranma's shoulder supportively, her brown eyes gentle. "Ranma, I promise I'll help you get rid of this ghost somehow, but for now just try and play nice? Who knows you might learn something" she suggested.
Ranma pouted, she didn't like this in the slightest, but seeing Akane's earnest expression warmed her heart, she couldn't say no. "Fine, but you have to join me, I ain't facing this alone" she huffed.
Suddenly, Emily popped up through the wall making both girls shriek in panic at her abrupt appearance. "I apologise for scaring you, I didn't want to intrude on your conversation as it would be impolite. Miss Kasumi just wanted me to inform you that if you wish, you may use the public bath house until the boiler is repaired".