Ranma and his twin sister Sakura, share in the curse that befalls Ranma and his father. The relationship between siblings is tested as Ranma and Sakura learn more about each other despite being twins. Can the schools be united under one banner when the Saotomes are in the equation?
I do not own Ranma ½, this is the sole property of Rumiko Takahashi
Author's Note: I like the idea of changing the setting to California. I can make it really funny how the Americas see a gender-changing teenager. I can also see prejudices depending on where he would be in California. I'll save that for later chapters, thanks for the suggestion.
I am also changing the way I write the dialog let me know if this is easier to follow. If it is then I'll go back and edit the others and change the dialog so it's easier to follow as I did here.
Chapter Twelve: Stupid is as Ranma Does, or was it Sakura?
"What fine mess did you get yourself into?" asked Teyo as he opened the door to the Tendo home.
Sayuri was shocked when Mayuka crumpled to the floor with a big knot on her head.
"Akane, can you please tell me what form of stupidity she did to deserve this level of brutality?" Asked Teyo, not at all surprised to find Mayuka unconscious.
"She said I should kiss her like you kissed Sayuri when you were a girl." Screamed Akane still holding her mallet.
"Akane, can you put away the weapon of Mayuka's destruction and calm down for a moment." Pleaded Teyo.
At the same time, Sayuri smiled slightly thinking back to both kisses she had recently experienced.
Kasumi came out of the kitchen, and Nabiki ran down the stairs when they heard the commotion.
"What happened out here?" Asked Kasumi.
"Is she dead?" Asked Nabiki.
Teyo walked over and checked to make sure Mayuka was still breathing.
"She's still breathing and will have a hell of a headache when she comes to. Kasumi, do you have anything for headaches, or in this case concussions?"
Kasumi casually turned and walked back towards the kitchen, "I think I have something that would work for both. Daddy's has pretty bad hangovers which can be just as bad."
Nabiki just sat on the steps and watched as Teyo checked his sister. "Teyo what caused this bout of violence from my poor dear little sister?" inquired Nabiki.
"It seems that my stupid sister suggested Akane do something she was not willing to do. Then I opened the door just as she was knocked silly."
A few moments later, Mayuka was propped up by the door to the garden. Akane was glaring at her with that steel-melting glare again. Kasumi placed the tray with the remedy for headaches/concussions.
"This is the recipe daddy received from Doctor Tofu. I am going to need more. Akane can you please go tomorrow and get some more of the ingredients from Dr. Tofu?"
Akane softened her expression before looking at her older sister. "Sure, I'll get you more. Anything else?" asked Akane.
Kasumi placed some of the ointment onto Mayuka's head and then prepared a drink for her.
"Give me a moment, Akane. When she comes to, please have her drink this."
Handing her the mug with the headache remedy in it. "Make sure she drinks it, and not wears it. I know you're upset but I think you overreact sometimes." Scolded Kasumi. " I borrowed a few medical journals; I would like them returned with my thanks."
Akane blanched, averted her eyes, and looked at the people assembled in the sitting room. Nabiki was shaking her head, as Akane looked towards her.
"The more people you destroy the more our medical insurance jumps Imouto," mentioned Nabiki.
"Yes, Oneechan." Akane blushed as she walked over to Mayuka and lifted her head and placed it in her lap. Akane waited about 10 minutes before Mayuka stirred and finally woke up.
"Uh, huh, what the hell hit me? Feels like I was hit by a sledgehammer." Mumbled Mayuka.
"Close, Akane and her mallet of doom." Stated Nabiki.
Mayuka looked up from the floor and noticed that Akane was cradling her head. She immediately tried to stand and was pushed down by Akane. Looking up she wondered what Akane was about to do.
"Mayuka, you're okay, I won't be killing you just yet. There are too many witnesses." Whispered Akane looking from Mayuka to the rest of the family.
Akane picked up the mug and offered it to Mayuka. She looked at the mug and hesitated before accepting the offered drink.
"I'm not too sure the witnesses would have stopped her." Thought Mayuka as she was drinking the proffered liquid. "It might be poisoned for all I know." Thought Mayuka. Looking at the proffered mug Akane was giving her.
"Trust me Mayuka, we saw Kasumi mixing it before Akane got a hold of it. She has not added anything to it, except her love for you, her fiancé," Thought Teyo to a prone Mayuka.
Sayuri standing and witnessing everything going on turned to Teyo, grabbed his hand, and squeezed it to get his attention.
"How did you know she said that Teyo? I couldn't hear a thing through the door." Asked Sayuri.
"I'll let you know in a bit or another time. When you and I have time to talk. Okay?"
Sayuri nodded watching as the drama played out in front of her.
Everyone waited for Mayuka to regain mobility at Akane's nurturing hands.
"Teyo?" asked Sayuri. Teyo turned towards Sayuri, She calmly motioned to the door. They both left the scene inside and walked back outside.
"I really am curious. How did you know she had said anything? I would have heard it as well since I was just outside of the door just like you were." Inquired Sayuri with a puzzled look.
She watched Teyo as she waited for an answer. The only thing keeping him there was that Sayuri was holding his hand and didn't look like she was going to let him go any time soon.
"Um, huh, Have I mentioned today how beautiful you look?"
Sayuri began swinging their interlocked hands. Teyo noticed but really didn't pay much attention to them. His mind was in survival mode at the moment.
"Teyo do you care for me?"
He was taken off guard by the question.
"Does this also have to do with the curse you and your brother and father share?"
Teyo looked around but was pulled into an embrace that had him looking directly into Sayuri's eyes. "Yes." Came from his mouth before he could stop it.
"Which question were you answering? That you care for me, or this has to do with your family's shared curse?"
"Yes to both." Teyo blurted out.
"Great now that I know how this happened. What I'd like to know is what exactly happened. I am even more confused than before."
Teyo tried to release her grip on her hand but that was nearly impossible since she had really cinched down on his hand.
"If you let me go, I can tell you what happened."
Sayuri thought for a moment and instead maintained her grip.
Realizing his release was declined he decided that telling her was a better option.
"When we were cursed, I noticed that when Ranma had changed so did I. When it happened I was angry, I heard Ranma saying something about when he was cursed. I looked over to him and saw he hadn't been speaking to me and was looking down at himself as a girl." Said Teyo taking a deep breath.
"I was also looking at myself. At the same time, I heard everything he was thinking. He had no idea what I was thinking since when I thought something, he didn't respond back to me."
Teyo noticed the expression on Sayuri's face didn't really change. "Recently, we worked on him being able to hear me so we can have conversations without anyone knowing it."
Sayuri listened and released his hands and took a step back and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"Sayuri why are you standing like that?"
She looked surprised but said nothing and continued to stare at Teyo.
Teyo waited a few seconds and again asked, "Sayuri, why are you standing like that?"
She quickly uncrossed her arms and walked up to him and offered him her hand. He calmly accepted it and she pulled him into a kiss.
"What was that for?"
The kiss lingered for a few moments before Sayuri broke the kiss and took a half step back putting some space between them but maintaining her hold on his hands.
"Why didn't you come when I asked for a kiss?"
Teyo gawked at her. "When did you ask for a kiss?"
"A few moments ago, I was waiting for you to kiss me but you didn't do anything."
It finally dawned on Teyo what had just happened. He started laughing and Sayuri seeing this went from happy, to confused to angry.
"Why are you laughing at me, I don't like it when you make fun of me when I am trying to be coy and romantic."
Tears slowly filled her eyes but did not fall as she stood and waited for Teyo to say something.
He walked closer to her since she was still holding his hands.
"Sayuri, I can't read your mind, I can only read and hear Ranma's mind. Your thoughts are still private. I cannot read yours. However, I am glad you wanted a kiss. Had you asked out loud I would have gladly kissed you without you having to wait?"
Hearing this Sayuri's expression changed from anger to surprise and then to laughter.
"I thought you were ignoring me on purpose. I was about to kick you so hard for making fun of me when I thought you could hear my thoughts."
"No, Sayuri, I cannot hear you and I am glad you didn't kick me. I was kicked there the day I was cursed. I don't ever want to kick Ranma there again. I kicked him and he returned the favor and I felt what no girl has ever felt before in her life. Like they were being kicked into my stomach or possibly higher."
Teyo grimaced at the memory. Sayuri stifled a laugh as she covered her mouth.
"Okay now that I know this. I have to go home. I was supposed to be walking you home not witnessing a murder. Please tell Mayuka I hope she feels better. I'll see you tomorrow when you're Sakura again. Bye."
Sayuri walked closer and again kissed Teyo and held the kiss for a few seconds. Then as she started to walk away she smiled again as she turned.
"Were you thinking something again, while we were kissing?"
Sayuri turned and nodded. "I said if you wanted me you could have your way with me right now."
Teyo blushed but maintained his sight of Sayuri.
"Does the offer still stand?"
Sayuri shook her head as she started walking faster and laughing, "Sorry, you had your chance. You missed out. Maybe next time."
Teyo thought to himself, "I really wish I could have read her mind."
"Why?"
Teyo jumped and looked around and realized that the sound was in his head. "I was thinking about Sayuri."
"I know that I was just wondering why you would want to be able to read and hear her mind?" asked Mayuka.
********** Elsewhere in Nerima **********
"Doesn't anyone around here have any hot water I could use? Being a pig is much more dangerous than I expected." Thought Ryoga.
"I wonder where Ranma and Sakura are. They have to be around here too. I was told that they live near the school at the Tendo home, wherever that is?"
Seeing as he was lost again. He decided to find someplace and get some sleep. Looking up and down the street, he didn't see anyone. Just a long street going off into the distance, and the long street he had been walking on.
He saw a grate that was on the corner of one of the streets. He walked up to it and felt the heated air coming from within. It stank but the air was warm, so he decided to hunker down and get a little bit of rest.
Sayuri skipped down the street, she was on cloud nine since she was getting closer to Teyo. "I wonder if I can now call him my boyfriend, or girlfriend. She kind of fits both at the moment. Then again so does Mayuka, I mean Ranma." Thought Sayuri.
"I am so glad he can't hear my thoughts since I had been thinking about a few things he may or may not approve of. Well, he might if I was the one asking." Smiled Sayuri.
Looking in front as she was walking she noticed the same black pig from earlier. She calmly walked up to it and saw that it had fallen asleep. The pig was all curled up with his little bandana and his karate uniform.
"He is so cute. I don't think he found his owner yet. I can take care of him until he finds his owner." Thought Sayuri reaching towards the grate and picking up the slumbering pig.
Holding him close to her chest, the pig moved a bit but remained asleep against her chest as she continued walking home. "Not sure where he has been, but that uniform despite being cute is really dirty. He needs a clean change of clothes and a bath." Smiled Sayuri. "Thankfully, I have both available at home. You feel much better in a bit, little piggy." Cooed Sayuri walking slower so as not to arouse the sleeping pig.
********** The Next Day **********
"How's your head feeling Ranma?" asked Sakura.
"Feels like I was playing in a field of clouds. How do you think it feels, I was nearly killed by a person that is supposed to be my fiancé." barked Ranma.
"Well, since we're being honest with each other." Yelled Akane entering the sitting room. "I will never ever kiss you when you are a girl, if you suggest it again, I will definitely kill you. I am not too sure; I would want to kiss you as a boy." Finished Akane.
"Since you're not in the mood to kiss Ranma, how about a pig? I saw one when I was with Sayuri last night before we came here and nearly witnessed a murder as Sayuri put it." Laughed Sakura.
Hearing Sakura, Akane pulled her mallet out and swung it over her head, and made a huge dent in the grass of the garden where Sakura had recently been standing.
Seeing that she had missed, she quickly looked around and saw Sakura sitting in the opening of the garden. "How did I miss you?" Asked Akane.
"Unlike Ranma, I anticipated you possibly going off, So I was ready for the attack and just avoided the contact." Mentioned Sakura eating a spring roll.
"So, you're saying that just because you anticipated her attack you avoided it. What are you trying to say about me Sakura?" Asked Ranma.
"I love you, bro, I was just saying -" stammered Sakura.
"I will never be caught dead kissing a pig." Yelled Akane as she lowered her mallet cleaning Sakura's clock.
"Concussed much? Akane we are going to need more of the medicine Kasumi asked for." Asked Ranma picking up his sister.
"Imouto, you are so lucky I still have some of the medication left." Admonished Kasumi returning to the kitchen.
"Yes Oneechan." Whispered Akane as she stuck her tongue out to Sakura despite her being unconscious.
"Akane, we have an appointment to see Dr. Tofu, remember," mentioned Ranma watching Akane.
"Oh yeah, I remember. I hope it works out. Thanks for reminding me." Stated a smiling Akane.
"I wonder if she has any brain damage." Thought Ranma. "Will she be awake in time for us to go to school?"
Kasumi looked her over and shook her head. "I'll look after her. If she's okay by lunchtime, I'll send her then. Otherwise, she'll meet you at Tofu's since he can fix her much better than I can."
********** Furinken High School, Nerima **********
Akane, Nabiki, and Ranma all arrived at the High School with about 15 minutes to spare before the morning bell rang. Nearing the playground Akane slowed down and looked around the grounds for the boys that usually attacked her.
"Akane I think since you thoroughly kicked their asses earlier, they don't want to get beat again. I also think Sakura kicking Kuno's nuts into orbit, may cause him not to show either." Hypothesized Ranma.
Nabiki and Akane both turned towards Ranma as he jumped down from the fence. "That actually sounded thought out Ranma." Stated Nabiki.
"I would have to agree with Nabiki, it sounded pretty smart. I also hope it is true." Added Akane looking back to the school entrance.
As they walked closer, they noticed that very few people were actually in front of the school. They all took a collective breath and continued walking onto the school grounds. "Akane!"
Ranma was just as surprised when he heard someone calling for Akane. The other surprise was when both Nabiki and Akane jumped onto Ranma's shoulders, arms, and head.
From her uplifted and somewhat protected position, she looked around and saw Sayuri running toward them. Skidding to a stop, she was right in front of them.
"What the hell happened to you? You look like you were scratched by a cat." The next surprise that came was on Nabiki and Akane. Ranma promptly dropped them both onto the ground as he took a few steps backward.
Now from their lowered positions, both Nabiki and Akane were rubbing their butts looking at Ranma. "Why did you do that Ranma?" asked Akane staring bloody murder at him.
Nabiki also eyed Ranma from the floor with her arms crossed, "You are definitely getting a cleaning bill for my uniform Ranma."
Ranma held his arms up in surrender, as the ladies berated him. "Am I about to witness another murder? Asked Sayuri.
"Yes!" screamed Akane standing up.
"Most likely since my sister is involved." Mentioned Nabiki rising from the ground and brushing herself off.
Ignoring her ignoramus of a fiancé, Akane turned towards her best friend. She was wearing her usual uniform but her legs, arms, and face looked like they had been scratched many times. "When did you get a cat?" Asked Akane again.
This time none of the girls witnessed Ranma flinching as they were talking. "I don't have any cats Akane, my mother is allergic to them. Remember the pig I mentioned we had seen yesterday?" Stated Sayuri.
"You mean the one that Sakura suggested I kiss this morning instead of Ranma." Stated Akane looking at Ranma.
"Huh, when did she say that?" Asked Sayuri looking around for Sakura. "Where is Sakura?"
Akane turned towards Sayuri, she had a slight grimace on her face. "I accidentally cleaned her clock this morning because of her comment."
"Um, Akane, How do you accidentally do that? If you don't mind me asking?" Asked Sayuri tapping her foot.
"Yes Imouto, I would love to hear this one myself." Nabiki piped in. Akane glared at her sister.
"I may have overreacted, a little bit. Just a tiny bit." Whispered Akane turning away from her assembled audience.
"I am sorry Akane, I couldn't hear, could you please repeat that but louder?" implored Sayuri. "I would like to know why my boyfriend is not here." Inquired Sayuri looking around.
Sweat drops appeared on Akane as she thought about her response. "The bell's about to ring." Was screamed out by one of the other kids.
"Oh my, look at the time, we need to be getting inside. Well bestie, I'll tell you all about it later or at lunch. I'll let you know." Yelled Akane from the front door as she entered the school.
"Hmm, you would think she was Ranma the way she was running away." Said Nabiki.
Ranma stared at her as she made her way into the school. "They are so lucky I am not the type of person to hold a grudge." Thought Ranma.
"I am." Heard Ranma.
"Feeling better Sakura? I was concerned because you were not able to be here this morning."
"I'll meet you all at Tofu's place, my head is still throbbing from the WMD (Weapon of My Destruction) I felt this morning. I'll see you then, later bro."
Okay sis, get better. I don't want to see a vegetable for a sister at the doctor's office." Stated Ranma.
"We're Saotomes, we are tough when we're not being blindsided by crazy fiancés."
"I know the feeling sis, see you then. Bye."
"Bye bro."
********** Lunchtime Furinken High School **********
"Before I begin with what happened to me. I want to know why she isn't here. I would love to hear the answer from Akane." Started Sayuri.
Placing her lunchbox down by the usual tree they all ate near. She cleared her throat, "Um, I wanted to tell you about that earlier, but as you know the bell was going to ring and we didn't want to be late again, so I thought-"
"I seem to remember the words overreact or something like that. Did I hear you wrong?" Asked Sayuri leveling her gaze on Akane.
"Yes, it is entirely possible that might have been the case when Sakura suggested I kiss Ranma as you kissed her." Stammered Akane.
"What is wrong with me kissing Sakura that you found so wrong that she suffered for it this morning?"
"I found nothing wrong with it. If that is what you like. I mean I was just saying that I would not kiss Ranma like that." Offered Akane.
"Would you kiss a girl Akane?" Sayuri asked waiting for her response.
"Um, no I would not."
"Ok, then since I don't believe you are going to be a nun. Your only other option would be to kiss a boy, and Ranma is a boy. He is also your fiancé if I understand the relationship correctly. Right Akane."
"Yes Sayuri, he is." Answered Akane with a worried expression on her face.
"Since you are not going to be celibate, you should just kiss him and let him know you care for him as your fiancé. Isn't that the right thing to do, bestie?" Sayuri mentioned with a smile on her face.
Nabiki was holding her chopsticks aloft and was slowly eating as she waited for her sister to answer her best friend's inquiry. "Oh boy. This is going to be good." Thought Nabiki.
Ranma seated next to Akane closed his lunch and watched Akane during their conversation. He slowly started easing himself out of arms reach just in case Akane wanted to experience déjà vu with his head.
Sayuri watching Ranma quickly held up her hand causing him to stop in place in a still uncomfortably close range to Akane for his safety. Raising his eyebrows, he was about to say something when he noticed Sayuri basically signaling him to shut up. Obediently he did, and just waited for the inevitable.
Approximately 3 minutes passed as Akane looked from Sayuri to Nabiki to Ranma and back again. During that time Sayuri kept that smile on her face. Nabiki in the meantime seemed very intent on her sisters' lack of response. She then reached over and nudged her to make sure she was still responsive.
She was since she turned her head quickly and stopped her sister from pushing her. "Imouto, we are waiting." Prompted Nabiki.
"Hold on, Oneechan, I'm thinking." Mentioned Akane. Ranma relayed what was being said to Sakura.
"Has she said anything, Ranma?" Thought Sakura.
"No, she is stalling, since I don't think she wants to do as Sayuri is suggesting." Thought Ranma.
"Do you like boys or girls?" asked Sayuri/
"Boys," Akane answered.
"Do you like Ranma, your fiancé?" Sayuri asked again.
"Yes, I like him when he is not being an ass."
Sayuri watched her reactions as she asked questions.
"Ok then, kiss him right now," Sayuri mentioned pointing to him next to her.
Ranma nodded and waved his hands trying to get Sayuri's attention, but he stopped and lowered his hands when Akane turned towards him.
He scanned her hands making sure she wasn't about to repeat her performance on his head from a day or so earlier. She wasn't holding anything. He closed his eyes so as not to see the beatdown coming.
Akane leaned forward and quickly kissed him on the cheek. He felt the movement and shuddered thinking she was going to hit him.
Seeing the shudder, Akane jumped to her feet, "I kiss you and you cringe and shudder like it was disgusting. Ranma I could kill you." Screamed Akane.
"Ah, Ah, Ah, Akane. I didn't say kiss him on the cheek. He is your fiancé, kiss him like to mean and care about him." Directed Sayuri.
"Why he clearly doesn't like it, so why should I?" Asked Akane through gritted teeth.
"You kissed him like you kissed your sister. He is your fiancé, give him a real kiss." Ordered Sayuri.
Nabiki smiled when she mentioned that her sister was avoiding kissing him properly. She also pulled a camera from her bag and raised it and pointed it at the two "love birds."
"You were not just now disgusted by Akane kissing your cheek, were you? Asked Sayuri.
Ranma opened his eyes and looked from Akane to Sayuri. He quickly shook his head, "No, I was just afraid she was going to repeat her attack from this morning on me."
"So, you weren't disgusted, simply scared she was going to hurt you. Right? Well relax she is not going to hurt you, I promise. Right Akane?"
Listening she leveled her gaze on Sayuri and without turning pulled Ranma closer and quickly laid a brief kiss on his lips. He felt her probe his tongue before she removed it and pushed him away from her.
At the same time, she heard a click and whirring sound. Turning she saw her sister holding a camera pointed at them. "That's a keeper. Akane showing her true feelings for all to see."
Akane's battle aura flared when she saw and heard her sister. Her aura faltered when the lunchtime bell rang, ending their time of repast.
Ranma and Nabiki stood immediately and made their way into the school. Akane sat stunned watching as her manipulative sister, and fiancé escaped their respective fates at her hands.
"That wasn't so bad now was it Akane? Asked Sayuri gathering their lunch boxes and walking Akane back into the school.
"I have reason to believe I have been set up; I just know it." Thought Akane as she was being led into the school.
********** End of the School Day **********
"Sayuri, do you want to come with us to Doctor Tofu's place? We have an appointment and need to get some more medical supplies for Kasumi?" asked Ranma.
"I would like to, but I think I'll stop by Akane's home and see Sakura." Mentioned Sayuri.
"Sakura should be meeting us at Doctor Tofu's office since the appointment is for her as well." Sayuri's eyes lit up.
"Well since you want the company, I'll join you," Sayuri mentioned accepting the invitation.
Akane rolled her eyes as her best friend quickly changed direction and started walking alongside them.
"As we're walking, can you tell us why you look like a cat used you as a scratching post?" Asked Akane.
Ranma flinched again when the subject of cats was mentioned. "Thankfully, they are not paying attention to me." Thought Ranma.
"I am." Broke into his thoughts nearly scaring him.
"Are you at the doctor's office? Ranma mentally asked as he caught up to the girls.
"Yes, I am here waiting for you. The Doctor and I have been talking and he is completely aware of what happened to us. So that should make this part go a little easier. Hopefully." Thought Sakura.
"Me too." Thought Ranma as well smiling.
"As I told you earlier, I had picked up the little pig, Teyo and I had seen when we were at my house. He was camped out near the sewer on your street, so I picked him up and carried the sleepy little pig home."
********** Flashback: Sayuri's Home **********
Sayuri placed her keys on the table that was located in the foyer. She cradled the pig gingerly, so as not to awaken him. She watched as he slowly snuggled into her arms and got more comfortable.
"You were on that sewer. That is not a clean place for a little pig. I mean you do like mud and stuff, but that is a lot cleaner than a sewer." Thought Sayuri.
"A nice hot bath would do you a world of good. You can relax in the water and I'll make sure you get all nice and clean." Said Sayuri walking into the bathroom.
She slowly filled the tub with cold water first. Once the tub was about half-full, she then turned on the hot water to warm the cold water up.
She carefully placed the pig into a basket filled with towels and walked back into the changing room. A few moments later she returned with a small brush.
She placed the brush and some soap into the basket next to the piggy as he was still slumbering. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere." Stated Sayuri smiling.
Ryoga hearing something slowly opened his eyes. He took in his surroundings and noticed he was in a bathroom he didn't recognize. He sat up, stretched, and mid-stretch noticed that steam was rising from the water in the tub.
Panicking, he stood on his back legs and peered into the water and saw that the tub was nearly full. Hearing a noise behind him, he turned and nearly blacked out from nasal hemorrhaging. In walked the beautiful girl he had seen earlier in the night. She was not wearing a single stitch of clothing.
He did everything he could not to pass out. She saw the little pig was awake. Smiling she walked up to him and picked him up. Holding him she walked over to the sink and turned on the cold water. Some of the water splashed on him and he panicked until he noticed that the water didn't cause him to change.
He calmed down for a few moments as she poured more water onto him. She poured soap on him as well; she then lathered him up. He was enjoying the massage since he had not been pampered like this ever in his life. "I could get used to this." Thought Ryoga.
After a few moments of massaging his skin all over, she picked up a cup and scooped more water onto the pig rinsing the soap off of him. "Okay little piggy, now it's my turn."
With lazy eyes, he turned and watched her naked body walk over to the stool and proceeded to lather up and wash. He turned from watching her as she was taking care of her personal areas.
He surveyed the bathroom and saw that the inner changing room door was slightly ajar. He wondered how he was going to get to the door without her noticing him trying to leave.
He stood and glanced back at the girl; she was currently under the shower rinsing off. He climbed up to the edge of the sink. Ryoga groaned audibly when he slid back into the sink since he was wet and the sides were slippery.
"Son of a bitch, how the hell am I supposed to get out of here." Thought Ryoga. In answer to his prayer, he was picked up and carried in the opposite direction of the door.
He was getting closer to the tub, which he knew was filled with hot water. He squealed and started struggling to get out of her grip.
Sayuri tried everything she could not to drop the pig since she knew this would hurt him. "Piggy please stop, I am just trying to get you cleaned up." Thought and shouted Sayuri.
She nearly dropped him a few times but thankfully never let him hit the floor. She tried extremely hard to throw him into the tub instead of outside onto the floor. The little pig managed to maintain his grip on her despite her skin being wet.
In his mind, Ryoga was trying to be a gentleman, I mean a gentle pig. He did everything he could to not touch her anywhere intimate. However, in his frenzied state that usual side of his nature went out the door since hot water was involved.
Sayuri was scratched, clawed, bruised, and nearly bitten as the pig refused to let her place him into the tub. In a final act of desperation, in the process of slipping, she threw him into the air and he fell directly into the tub.
Sayuri watched as the pig flew through the air before disappearing into the tub. The next thing she remembered was hitting her head on the floor and momentarily passing out.
A few minutes later, she awoke to find the pig missing from the tub and her changing room door open, and a water trail leading from the bathroom to the bedroom. She didn't see any more water when she left the bedroom.
She returned to the bathroom, got into the tub, and soaked for a few minutes before leaving the tub. She dried her hair and body before donning her bathrobe. She searched the house again for the little pig.
An hour later, she realized that the pig was nowhere to be found. She walked back into the bathroom. She spent the next little bit cleaning the bathroom and her cuts.
When she finished she was glad her uniform would cover most of them. However, the ones on her arms, legs, neck, and face were not so easily covered. "I hope no one notices them at school tomorrow."
********** Elsewhere in Nerima **********
"Ranma you have humiliated me for the last time. I will find and kill you. I know you're somewhere in this forsaken place." Griped Ryoga.
Some of the people were laughing as he passed them. It seems they had never seen a man wearing a frilly pink Hawaiian muumuu before. "I need to find that store and get my freaking backpack and change back into my usual clothes." Thought Ryoga.
"This day cannot possibly get any worse." Thought Ryoga. Several girls that had passed him looked back and laughed even harder when they saw the small but completely noticeable hole in the fabric of the garment the guy was wearing.
"Should we tell him?" asked one of the girls. "Nah, let him find out for himself." Mentioned the other as they continued walking and laughing.
********** Doctor Tofu's Office **********
"That's why I have all of these scratches. I haven't found the pig since then." Mentioned Sayuri. Akane just shook her head.
"Hopefully, we'll find him one of these days." Stated Ranma opening the door to Doctor Tofu's office. "Reminds me of another person I haven't seen today; he seems to get lost just as easily."
Everyone entered the office. The attendant that usually greeted them was not at the desk. "Sakura are you in the back?" Thought Ranma.
"Yes, I'm here, come on back. We have been expecting you." Thought back Sakura.
"Everyone, Sakura, and Doctor Tofu are in the back. Sakura said we can go back there. She also said that they have been expecting us and are ready." Relayed Ranma looking at Akane.
Akane noticed Ranma looking at her when he was telling them what Doctor Tofu had said. She quickly took a deep breath and calmly walked forward.
Ranma and Sayuri watched as Akane walked into the other room. "Why does she seem nervous? We have been here many times before when she got hurt and had scrapes and bruises. She was never nervous then, why now?" Asked Sayuri.
"This is just a special case Sayuri. You'll see." Mentioned Ranma offering her the door first.
Smiling Sayuri nodded and preceded Ranma into the examination room. Upon entry, she saw Sakura and Doctor Tofu talking by the desk. Akane was looking around.
Sakura looked up and bade them all to enter and have a seat in chairs that had been set up around the desk. Everyone entered and sat down. Sayuri made eye contact with Sakura and both smiled at each other as they sat down.
Sakura frowned as she looked Sayuri up and down. Sayuri tried to cover up her bandages and scratches but Sakura and the doctor noticed every one of them. "What the hell happened to her?" Thought Sakura.
"I'll explain later after this, Okay Sakura?" Thought back Ranma. Sakura nodded her head as Doctor Tofu took in the sight of Sayuri.
"Did you disinfect those scratches Sayuri?" Asked Doctor Tofu. From her seat, she looked toward Doctor Tofu and nodded.
"Okay, let me know if you need anything else for them." Offered Doctor Tofu.
"Yes, Doctor Tofu." Stated Sayuri.
"Speaking of needed something, Kasumi needs more of the medicines you have been supplying her for daddy." Mentioned Akane.
In a matter of seconds, a package was shoved into her hands. Looking down she was the whole case of the medicine she needed was in her hands. "Doctor Tofu, I believe you have given me too much. This looks like your whole supply."
Doctor Tofu was not easily distracted from dancing with his skeleton as Akane tried to get his attention. Smiling at his antics she sat down and waited for him to come back to his senses.
As the group waited for the doctor. Sakura leaned forward, "Would you guys like to know what we're going to be doing here?"
An intrigued Akane waited as Sakura looked toward her as she was speaking. "Akane, the doctor is going to draw some of your blood. He already has mine since I have been here with him for quite some time waiting for you. He won't need Ranma's since we both share DNA. The intention is to use that peculiar quirk that allows us to share in the curse and bestow it on you, but without the effects of having been touched or splashed by the water. Understand?" Asked Sakura.
Akane nodded but really had no clue what the hell Sakura was talking about. "How can I share in the curse without having to have touched the water? Will I be able to change genders as they can? Is this something I want to do? I mean I would love to be able to hear them but I am not sure I want to share their curse." Thought Akane.
After about 5 minutes, he was coherent enough to realize he did in fact give her his whole supply. He retrieved the package and provided her with a much smaller supply of the medicines Kasumi needed.
Akane smiling, thanked the good doctor. She then placed the medicine into her school bag for safekeeping until she saw Kasumi when she got back home.
"Akane, what I have been thinking about doing is-" began Doctor Tofu.
"Doctor Tofu, I am already aware, while you were getting the medicine for me, Sakura explained the procedure." Ended Akane presenting him her arm.
"Thanks, that will save us some trouble. May I have your hand please, Akane?"
Confused, "I thought you were going to need my blood?"
"Yes, I do, but not that much. Just a drop or two should do it." Amended Doctor Tofu. Reaching into the cabinet, he produced a softclix diabetic device. He opened the device and placed a small lancet needle into it. Taking her hand, he pressed it against her finger and pressed the button.
Despite being jabbed suddenly by the needle, Akane didn't experience much pain. Sakura brought him a beaker that had a pink liquid and added a couple of drops to the solution.
Tofu wiped her finger and gave her a bandage. Not seeing much blood after wiping her finger, she placed the bandage on it anyway. She liked the design. It was Hello Kitty; a popular animated children's show she remembered from her childhood.
Akane watched as he added a few herbs from his garden on top of the mantle and stirred the mixture. "Sakura, what am I supposed to do with it? Drink it?" Asked Akane.
Sakura smiled while shaking her head. " No, he is going to give an injection like a flu shot. The effect should be fairly quick since your body will distribute the injection all through your body in a matter of minutes.
"Oh, I have had flu shots before. Thanks, I was just wondering." Mentioned Akane.
"How do you know it'll work? Has Doctor Tofu ever done this before?" asked Akane looking at Sakura again.
While the doctor was mixing the medicine and preparing the syringe, Sakura told Akane,
"He had seen this done a few times but for other reasons. When I had asked him earlier. He stated it was mostly for ridding people of arthritis, shingles, and things like that. Once injected their body produces healthier blood cells, cleansing the body from the inside with strong medications."
Akane smiled slightly as she heard the explanation.
Doctor Tofu finished with the mixture and was filling the syringe. Instinctively she pulled up her uniform sleeve and presented her arm to the doctor. He walked over, swabbed be arm, and inoculated her.
He placed another bandage on her arm, "Sit here for a few moments, let's see if there are any side effects."
Akane thought about the potential side effects they had been talking about earlier. Gender changing, the mind hearing and thought projecting. "I hope those aren't a part of this whole process. I mean it may work for them but, I am not sure I would be able to handle it."
"Handle what Akane?" Mentally asked Sakura.
"The gender-changing, and the -" stopped Akane. "Did you hear me say that out loud or mentally?" Nervously asked Akane.
"I heard it mentally." Smiled Sakura watching Akane.
"Me too. I heard you loud and clear." Included Ranma.
"Did the procedure work, or am I going to have to call in an expert, since this was the first time I ever tried to repeat what I had seen?" asked Tofu looking from the smiling Akane to the smiling in stereo twins.
"No, Doctor it worked. I can really hear them. It really worked." Akane mentioned jumping up and down.
"I am so glad I was sort of worried that it didn't -" gasped Doctor Tofu.
Akane was equally surprised when water unexpectedly hit her in the face. She sputtered and raised up from the chair and approached Ranma, "What the hell did you do that for?" Screamed Akane shaking her wet hair.
"I did that to ease your fears from earlier." Thought Ranma.
Instantly her mallet was in her hands and this time she swung it with all of her force. She noticed it didn't hit her target. Both Ranma and Sakura were in front of her holding the mallet in place over their heads.
"Akane, that might work once, but not twice." Thought Ranma.
"I told him to throw the water at you, look down." Thought Sakura.
Fearing the worst, Akane looked down and saw that she was still a female, a drenched female but still a female. "See you do not share that part of the curse, just the mind reading and thought projections. Happy?" Thought Sakura and Ranma releasing her mallet.
Sayuri and Doctor Tofu watched everything that was happening and noticed they were talking but didn't hear a word. Sayuri was happy for her best friends, but at the same time jealous. "Come over here and kiss me Sakura." Thought Sayuri.
She noticed that none of them gave any indication that they had heard a single word she had thought. "Aww man, I want to be in on their conversations as well." Sayuri pouted watching her best friend. "I need to talk to Sakura about possibly adding me to the group so I can be a part of it. For now, I'll let them have their moment until Sakura and I can talk about it."
"Surprisingly enough, I am happy about not having to deal with that part. I am also elated that now we can talk amongst ourselves. Is there anything I should know about it? Does it have a range? Or do we have to be close to each other?" Asked Akane in succession.
"I think we unleashed a monster in a uniform dress and blue hair." Thought Sakura.
"I would have to agree." Thought Ranma.
Akane fumed as she saw them teasing her in her mind. "I am so going to get you both, mark my words." Thought screamed Akane as the twins ran from the office.
"Thanks for everything Doctor Tofu." Mentioned Akane as they left the office.
"Anytime, if they or you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask." Waved Doctor Tofu.
"We may need more supplies because I am going to have to kill them, but you didn't hear that from me." Yelled Akane as they both broke into a run after the twins.