Chapter Three: Getting to Know the Saotome's
I do not own Ranma ½, this is the sole property of Rumiko Takahashi
Reviews would be greatly appreciated since they'll give me ideas on how to proceed with the story. I am trying to make this different, yet funny. I have read too many where the characters are at each other's throats. This is just a different point of view.
Ranma and Sakura leaped into the air. Akane watched as Ranma blocked the thrust kick Sakura tried to hit him with. In turn, Sakura blocked a flurry of punches he tried to throw. Before landing they tried to grab the other, and each anticipated it, and neither was able to get a handhold.
Afterward, they landed back in their respective places, and they all laughed at how easy that was. Akane marveled at the speed and skills each used on the other. She noticed that neither was able to hit the other. Her ire was raised when she noticed that Ranma went all out on Sakura but played around with her when they had sparred earlier.
Akane watched them spar and thought to herself. "They are probably more advanced than I am. My father only trained me in a few techniques. I wonder if that's enough to take them on?"
While she was thinking Sakura broke into her mind. "Akane, if you'd like I can show some of what our father showed us?" offered Sakura.
Akane thought for a few moments before stating, "That would be great, I had always wanted to learn more." Sakura beamed.
"My father only trained me in a few styles, learning more is better."
"I'll let you know when we can do that, for now, Ranma and I have to get used to going back to school again." Sighed Sakura.
"Don't worry I'll help you with that tomorrow when we go," Akane reassured her.
"Let's just practice for a little bit more, I have a few questions I'd like to ask Akane," Sakura asked changing her stance.
"I have a few questions of my own I would like to ask." Asked Akane looking at Ranma the whole time.
When they finished Akane walked up to the pair and turned to Sakura. "I know you wanted to ask, are you ready to learn about why Ranma can't tell anyone he beat me earlier?"
Akane knew that Sakura had been waiting patiently to hear why she was so upset about Ranma beating her earlier.
"The reason I was so bothered by Ranma beating me earlier was that another student in school offered an open challenge to any male student that could beat me. The prize was that if they beat me, they could then date me."
"That's bullshit, no one has a right to do that to someone, you don't belong to anyone but yourself," Ranma yelled.
Sakura nodded as well. "I know the parents just tried to do a similar thing having you engaged to Ranma, but you stopped that immediately and let them know your feelings and intentions." Sakura began. "How come you didn't do this then?"
"I didn't know about it until I went to school a few weeks ago and was attacked by almost all the boys in my grade." Remembered Akane. "I had to fight this group of boys that met me when I got there." Anger flashed in front of her eyes as she thought about this memory. Her eyes softened when she refocused and saw Ranma and Sakura in front of her.
"Who issued this challenge? Ranma pressed on.
Akane fumed as she answered, "Tatewaki Kuno, an upperclassman."
"Have you fought this upperclassman? Asked Sakura.
"No, he just watches from the sidelines. He has stated that when he wants a date with me, then he'll challenge me and beat me, so he says." Remarked Akane. "Since it's been a few weeks, I can only assume his challenge is coming soon. I just hope I can beat him, so I don't have to date him."
Sakura watched her expression and could see this was distressing her. "Is that all that you wanted to tell me about was that this arrangement was issued by this Kuno person?"
"Yes, that was it, I am sorry Ranma if he found out I lost to you, he would attack you for sure and I am not sure I want that to happen." Pleaded Akane.
Both Ranma and Sakura looked at each other for a quick moment. "She does know that you and I know a few things this Kuno might not, and he may have bitten off more than he bargained for." Thought Ranma.
"I agree with you, brother dear."
Akane heard Sakura's response and her curiosity got the better of her. "I wish I was a twin, the way you two understand each other is amazing"
"Um, it's not that amazing Akane, since we were cursed, I can read Ranma's mind, and so far, he can't read mine. That's basically why I must either whisper to him or answer him out loud like I just did."
"That is so cool. Oh, if I may? What did he ask you? Ranma, could you speak instead of thinking to your sister? I would like to be a part of this conversation since you now know things about me that I wanted to tell Sakura about?"
Ranma thought about it for a moment and nodded.
"What I had asked Sakura was that I feel that you should know that we know a few things that this Kuno guy does not know."
Akane looked from Ranma to Sakura and noticed she was nodding as well.
"Is what you and Sakura know, is it more than the katas I've seen so far?
Ranma smiled, "Yes, what we've been showing you, would make his head spin if you used it on him."
"I just hope he doesn't challenge you until we get you ready to take him on." Added Sakura.
"I hope so too, I would not want to ever date that hormone leaden pervert. I've heard some of the things he's said about me from Nabiki."
"I assume what you heard was not good?" prodded Sakura.
"Ahh, no, how would you feel if you hear from the grapevine that a specific person wants to make you his bitch after the date?" whispered Akane as tears formed in her eyes.
"No one is ever going to have their way with me unless I let them." Stated Sakura gritting her teeth.
"Since I did beat you, can I date you? We are engaged?"
Sakura covered her eyes and thought out loud, "He can't possibly think that was a smart thing to say."
The look Akane turned on Ranma could probably have melted steel, but Ranma was too busy laughing to realize he was in mortal danger.
Before Akane could make good on killing him, Sakura stepped in the way and smacked Ranma upside the head, and calmly yelled in his face, "Are you seriously trying your best to make me an only child? Can't you see that Akane is bothered by this?"
Ranma stopped laughing and turned to the girls, "I was only kidding Akane, I was just trying to lighten the mood, no one should have their way with anyone unless they wanted them to. Don't worry we'll help you in any way you need, just please don't kill me."
Her look never changed as she looked from Ranma to Sakura and without reading her mind Sakura had an idea of what she was thinking.
"No, he's not adopted, and yes, we're twins. Kind of scary, isn't it?"
"Very." That was all Akane could say.
"Enough with this, I think we're done here, do you want to have a bath?" Sakura asked Akane as they walked over and dried their sweaty bodies with the towels.
"Sure, I brought some clothes with me, we can go now if you'd like. I didn't get to soak earlier, and I really could use it right now." Stated Akane.
"Why do you both wear Chinese-style clothes? Asked Akane pointing to the clothes Sakura had discarded.
"As you know, Ranma and I could change genders suddenly. Like when it happened yesterday and again this morning. We got caught in the rain as we were coming here. We wear clothes that are not specific to gender." Sakura mentioned.
"Do you wear boxers for the same reason instead of panties?" asked Akane.
Sakura smiled as she removed her boxers. "Yes, nothing hurts more than changing from a girl to a guy and wearing something as form-fitting as panties. Leaves no room to grow if you know what I mean?"
Akane covered her mouth when she heard that explanation. "I think I now understand what you are your brother have to deal with. Thank you for the explanation." Akane chuckled as she thought about how funny it would be despite the potential for pain in changing genders. "I am sorry Sakura, that just paints a funny picture when you think about it."
Sakura laughed, "Yes I agree but the first time it happened it hurt like hell."
"I can just imagine." Added Akane as she finished undressing.
Sakura sat on the stool and started soaping up.
Akane watched her and decided being a friend was a good thing since they revealed so much to her. She casually picked up the soap and started scrubbing Sakura's back. Sakura surprised by this quickly looked up and then relaxed.
She was enjoying the sensation until Akane poured the cold water over her, triggering her curse and changing her into a tall, dark-haired male. Akane blushed furiously when she saw how Sakura looked.
Sakura didn't think to cover up since she was in the bathroom with another girl. She then remembered that she was now a boy. Akane stood transfixed checking her out from top to bottom. Sakura caught off guard hesitated before standing up and walking into the tub and immersing herself triggering the reversal.
"Now I can see why you need to wear boxers instead of your panties, that would be uncomfortable in a pair of them." Akane smiled as she pointed out Sakura's penis. Sakura noticed that Akane had blushed almost over her whole body at the sight of Sakura's manly features.
After Sakura had settled into the tub, Akane reached up and began unwinding her hair from the bow she had wrapped around it.
Sakura instinctively reached up and began wringing her hair.
Sakura again noticed that Akane was watching her as she was dealing with her hair.
"I wonder what it's like to have it short." Asked Akane.
"I have never had short hair except when I am in boy form." Responded Sakura leaning on the edge of the tub.
"Since I was a little girl, I always had long hair just like Kasumi's. One of these days, I might just cut it and see what that style is like." Akane wondered as she finished wringing her hair getting the shampoo out of it.
After Akane finished rinsing, she got into the hot water and soaked for a little while. Once they had been in the water for a bit, "I wonder what Ranma is doing, I know he turned into a girl when I poured the water on you."
Sakura laughed when she thought about it. "I have no idea I am usually in the bath with him when it happens. Since we were kids, this is one of the few times we are not bathing together."
Akane looked from Sakura to the door and back again. "It doesn't bother you when he's around in girl form and you're in male form?" Akane asked with wide eyes. "How are you not embarrassed when he's there?"
"Why would I be embarrassed seeing my brother naked? We have been bathing together since we were born. Yes, we're teenagers, and we have each grown up a bit, but we've gotten so used to each other that it is not that big a deal. He's just my best friend that I get to sleep with every night."
Akane marveled at Sakura's last statement. "You what?"
"Akane when you are a twin the connection between us is amazing and unexplainable. When a child is a baby, they might have a security blanket, something they love and can hold on to when scared, upset, or whatever. I have the luxury of having a person I have shared things with my whole life, like my blanket. The best part about it is I can talk to him when I need someone to talk to since he understands me better than everyone else does."
"Since your curse, have you and your brother gotten closer?"
Sakura thought for a moment. "Yes, Ranma and I have more of an understanding of each other, since we can now change into the other gender." Sakura laughed as she continued. "There are still a few things I find funny sometimes."
Akane wondered what that might be. She didn't have long to wait.
"Sometimes when he changes, he has his period, and there are times when I was a boy that I had an erection."
Akane covered her mouth and laughed as well. "How do you handle that."
Sakura burst out laughing even harder. "Well, I don't handle it physically if that's what you were referring to."
Akane's eyes widened, and she laughed even harder. "No, Sakura I didn't mean it that way. Boy, this conversation is headed south." Murmured Akane.
"Do you mean conversationally or directionally?"
Akane clutched her stomach as she continued to laugh. "Sakura, the water is getting cold, do you want to get out before I get another chance to check you out again?"
Sakura smiled and stood up and got out of the tub and picked up their towels and handed Akane hers before drying off her body.
Akane noticed that Sakura was looking up at the ceiling for a few moments. "I wonder if she's listening for Ranma or is he speaking to her?"
"How do you feel about boys Akane?" Sakura asked drying off her legs.
"I haven't thought of them in a sexual way or anything. Since Kuno's challenge, I have been angry at them since they only want one thing we have, besides the required date Kuno included in the challenge."
"I can see how that would turn you off boys," Sakura mentioned drying her hair with another towel.
"I am not disgusted by them Sakura, just the ones that think with something other than their brains."
Akane reached for another one and dried and wrapped her hair as well. "Would you like to continue this in my room, we'll have some privacy? It's been a while since I had been able to have girl talk with someone that isn't my sister." Laughed Akane.
"That would be nice, would you mind if I let Ranma know where we'll be?"
"Sure, let him know." Conceded Akane.
Ranma walked outside and admired the different plants and trees in the garden. He especially like the ones that Akane had pointed out earlier. As he was walking, he felt a little different and then looked at himself. "She must have poured cold water on herself." Noticed Ranma since he had changed to a girl. A few moments later, he changed back into a boy. "She must have gotten into the tub. I hope Akane realizes that I was only joking. She shouldn't have taken it so badly. Does she feel that way about all boys or just the ones that Kuno sicked on her?" thought Ranma. Realizing he had thought this, "Oh boy, I hope Sakura heard that and can ask her about it."
About ten minutes later, Ranma was sitting in the sitting room, when Akane and Sakura walked up to him.
"Ranma, Akane, and I are going to be in her room having some girl time."
"Okay, have fun ladies, I hope you know I was only kidding before." Pleaded Ranma.
Akane looked him up and down for a moment. "Sakura explained that to me, I still don't like what you said. It made me think about what Kuno has been doing to me," Akane said with fury in her eyes.
"I know Akane, I am sorry. All this is happening so fast, our engagement, this Kuno thing, our father being a dumbass, and getting cursed. Bear in mind we're trying to cope too."
Akane noticed Sakura nodding as Ranma spoke. "I'll think about it, just don't do or say anything stupid, or like your sister had mentioned. I will make her an only child." Akane said with a smile.
Ranma didn't have any idea what to make of the smile. "Was she being evil, or what?" He had no idea what to think.
"Talk to you later bro. Just remember I can hear you."
Akane led the way from the garden up to her room and Sakura noticed the usual things in a typical teenager's room. She saw the poster of both K-Pop and Ariana Grande from the US.
"Do you like any other groups besides the ones on the wall?" Sakura asked admiring her posters.
"A while back I liked a few songs from Hamasaki, Ayumi, and AKB48 just to name a few. Who do you like?"
Sakura thought for a second but couldn't come up with anyone recent. "Have been traveling so long with pop and Ranma, I haven't learned much pop music or any of the singers. I wish I did, then we could talk about some of them."
"I have a few of their albums, we can listen to some right now." Akane offered.
Sakura gestured to the bed and Akane nodded. Sakura got comfortable and watched as Akane put an album onto the phonograph player. She nearly jumped out of her seat when the opening notes of K-Pop sounded.
"Holy shit, they're loud." Screamed Sakura covering her ears.
"Sorry I like listening to my music loud while I sing along. I'll turn it down a little." Akane turned the music down and slowly started dancing as the music and lyrics played.
Sakura just watched and tried to hum and move along, but she didn't know the music.
Akane noticed her discomfort and reached out and pulled her from the bed into the middle of the clear spot of the room and showed her how to dance a little to the music they were listening to.
"This is not easy," Sakura noted.
"Once you get to know it, it will be." For the next hour or so, they talked about popular bands, places they had been, and things they would like to do.
"I think I need to go, I haven't heard my brother thinking a single thing since we'd been up here. I need to go check if he's alive or dead."
"Okay, just a sec, let me turn off the player." Akane got off the bed and turned off the record player, and then made sure the volume button was turned lower so that the next time she wouldn't scare Sakura.
"Let's go.