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: Here I will include any answers to the questions and reviews I receive. Please review, they can give me ideas.
Chapter Sixteen: Old Problems and New Beginnings
********** Tendo Dojo – A Few Minutes Earlier **********
Nabiki and Sakura exited the bathroom securing the towels covering themselves. "Ranma, please don't throw me into the pond. I just wanted to kiss you again, that was all." Was heard out of the second-floor window.
"I wonder what is going on out there?" Asked Nabiki heading for the open window.
"Let's find out, I'm curious myself." Added Sakura following her to the window.
They saw Ranma was holding Akane above the koi pond. A moment later, they witnessed Ranma pulling her close and kissing her deeply from the way it looked to them.
"Hmm, hmm, cute. Don't you think Sakura?" asked Nabiki.
They watched the two lovebirds quickly break the kiss. "I would say get a room but it seems that the dojo will do just fine, won't it Imouto?" Nabiki asked wondering what she was going to say.
They watched as they both were embarrassed by being caught red-handed. Nabiki from her vantage point noticed that her sister blushed a deep crimson. Sakura saw that her brother when embarrassed usually placed his hand behind his head.
However, as he did so he accidentally dropped Akane into the water.
Sakura and Nabiki noticed that Akane looked down at herself and quickly reached into the water and threw some of the cold water of the pond onto Ranma.
Unlike the previous time when she splashed him when Sakura was bathing when he didn't change, he did this time.
"Oh sh—" Ranma cried as the water triggered the change.
"Did you see that she spl-" started Nabiki.
Unfortunately, when she turned to talk to Sakura, she had also changed. Apparently, when she changed the towel around her chest fell and Nabiki saw more of Sakura, now Teyo, than she had already seen of Sakura.
"Oh sh—" she cried as she stared at Teyo from his feet to his head.
Teyo quickly overcame the shock, grabbed the towel, and put it around his waist.
Looking back to Teyo's face, Nabiki saw that Teyo blushed slightly. As Teyo was looking at Nabiki after covering himself, she was blushing just like her sister Akane.
As they looked into each other's eyes, Teyo noticed that Nabiki looked from his eyes downward a few times before turning away to look back out of the window.
"Imouto, you and I are going to have a one-sided conversation when you have a moment." Screamed Nabiki.
Still sitting in the pond looking at Ranma, she turned her head and heard her sister screaming at her. She quickly cringed once she realized that she was now in trouble.
Looking back to Mayuka, she noticed that she had her arms open and was beckoning her to come closer. "What the hell, how much more trouble could I possibly get into." Akane deadpanned as she stood and walked into Mayuka's arms.
Reaching her, she saw that Mayuka looked into her eyes as she leaned forward and pulled Akane into another kiss.
This time she noticed that Mayuka was enjoying the sensations she was feeling during the kiss. Akane felt something as well, she made a point to remind herself to compare notes when they both came up for air.
The kiss broke when their minds were invaded by Teyo, "Thanks Akane, Nabiki got a good eyeful of me, both ways. Thanks again."
"For the record, I am sorry that happened to you, but where I am, this was a good thing." Akane thought-projected leaning forward for another kiss. As she was talking to Teyo she felt herself being picked up. Despite her small size, Mayuka seemed to be fairly strong.
Meanwhile, Teyo and Nabiki were both still upstairs. Nabiki did everything she could to avoid looking Teyo in the eyes. "Nabiki can I ask you a question or two?
"I am not sure what my answer will be since I am still trying to get the vision of you naked out of my mind." Nabiki whispered.
"Which vision of me, the one when we were bathing or just now." Asked Teyo.
"The one from a few moments ago. I am not concerned about when you were a female. I am trying to get your hot body out of my mind." Nabiki stated covering her mouth when she realized what she had said.
Teyo stared at her, not knowing what to say. "What did you just say?" Teyo asked.
"I don't remember." Nabiki choked out as she turned and walked to her room and quickly closed the door.
Teyo turned and watched as Nabiki closed her door. Shaking his head, he looked back outside and noticed that neither Akane nor Mayuka were anywhere in sight. "I guess they went to the dojo. Oh well, I'm tired." Teyo thought.
"You'd be right, sorry about before. Have a good night." Thought Akane.
Teyo feeling that the conversation had ended, walked to his shared room, and thought about what the hell had just happened. Removing the towel, he pulled out his usual female clothing. "Mayuka, can I change back or do you want to stay this way all night?" He asked.
"Oh sorry, we've been experimenting, you can change back." Akane mentioned.
"Thanks, you coming back up here, or are you staying there with Akane?" He asked.
"We'll be staying here we have some talking to do." He heard Akane saying.
"Okay Akane, you and Mayuka have a good evening. I'll be changing back in a few moments." Thought Teyo opening the door and walking out.
********** Nabiki's Room *********
Nabiki brooded in the room and was not able to get what she had seen out of her mind. "I have seen naked boys when I was younger and never reacted this way. However, seeing Teyo really affected me, I could not believe how endowed she/he was. This is really messing with me."
Opening her door, she realized she wanted to get some water since she was suddenly thirsty. She walked down the hall and passed the shared room of the Saotomes.
Without thinking she walked passed the door just as it was opening. Absently she turned her head and looked into the room.
She was incredibly surprised when she ran into Teyo as he was exiting the room. They both bumped heads and fell into each other and onto the floor.
"Sorry Teyo, I should have been paying attention to where I -" She began but stopped when she realized that Teyo was still naked.
She knew this because she had her hands against a part of his anatomy that at the moment didn't require attention but somehow was at attention.
"Teyo, where the fuck are you clothes?" Nabiki screamed as she tried to push off of him without touching any more of his body.
"Sorry Nabiki, I was on my way to change in the bathroom. I am so sorry." Teyo apologized trying to cover himself.
"Where the hell is your robe? Who the hell walks out of their room naked? Nabiki said screaming softly as she tried to get up.
Both stopped talking and moving when they saw Genma-panda walking up the steps yawning.
He opened his eyes and noticed his daughter was rolling around on the floor with Nabiki. They both looked at each other and then back at the panda who was now holding a sign that read, "Get a room." As he stepped over them, he entered the room and closed the door.
Before either of them could react, the door opened again and a robe flew out and landed on them. Sheepishly Teyo picked it up and wrapped it around himself.
Tying the robe, he watched as a blushing Nabiki walked back down the hall and back to her room again.
********** A Few Minutes Before - Tendo Dojo **********
Once the kiss broke Akane inclined her head in the direction of the dojo. Mayuka seeing this turned and walked back inside carrying Akane in her arms.
Mayuka entered the dojo and walked back towards where the futons and pillows were located. "Ranma, I mean Mayuka?" asked Akane poking her chest.
"Yes Akane." Mayuka answered.
"Could you please put me down. Also find us some towels since we are both wet." Akane added.
"Sure, my love." Mayuka stated placing her on the floor.
Once Akane's feet were on the floor she walked over to the sideboard and retrieved a couple of towels. Mayuka watched as Akane removed her skirt and started to wring out all of the water her clothes had soaked up from the pond.
Seeing that Akane was fairly comfortable with the situation, Mayuka removed her shirts, pants, and underwear and toweled herself dry despite only being splashed and not soaked like Akane was.
Akane observed and followed suit. "What do you think Nabiki will talk to you about, when you get a few moments to talk to her."
"I have an idea. It may have something to do with your sister flashing Nabiki when she was male. I think she'll blame me for that one" Akane mentioned.
Yes I have reason to believe you may be correct since you splashed me when they were in the window. Mayuka Added.
"I am glad you don't react like that when I change like that, either purposely or –" Mayuka suddenly changed back into a male
"Accidentally like just now." Ranma squeaked as he looked down, noticing he was fairly excited.
Akane looked Ranma up and down and walked over to him and quickly hugged him before he could react.
Ranma was about to cover himself when he was glomped by Akane. "Am I safe in thinking you like me like this?" He asked looking down at Akane's head.
"Umm hmm," was her reaction.
They were both interrupted when Nabiki walked into the dojo and stopped dead when she saw Ranma was also naked.
"Holy sh-, " Nabiki squealed.
"Am I going to see everyone naked in this damn house." Nabiki screamed as she glared at Ranma and Akane.
"Holy sh-, you're excited too." Harumphed Nabiki raising and lowering her arms as she noticed Ranma's current state.
Akane laughed at her sister's predicament before looking at her face and noticed that she was not laughing. Which caused her to stop laughing immediately.
Nabiki curled her finger as she stared as her sister. "Imouto. You. Me. Talk. Now." Nabiki ordered as she turned on her heel and walked out of the dojo.
"I thought I was in trouble before, now I know I am in even more trouble. I wish you could help me with her." She whispered.
"If I did, do you think I should be female or male?" He asked.
"I think female, she wouldn't be able to see you excited like she just did as easily. That might defuse some of the anger she may have for me. Who knows." She asked as she reached for another towel.
"Show up naked like she has seen Sakura, you and me." Offered Ranma.
"We have bathed together since we were kids, that will not help the situation. Actually, it might get her pissed at me. Thanks for the suggestion." Akane deadpanned as she took a few moments to wrap the towel around herself and took their wet clothes into the house.
Ranma followed suit and wrapped a towel around himself so as not to surprise anyone else.
"I'll get these dry for us, while I am talking to Nabiki Okay?"
"I'll go upstairs and get some other clothes from my room. Would you like me to get you some more clothes as you girls talk? I'll have them here when you're done" Ranma offered.
Akane stood on her toes as she kissed Ranma and hugged him quickly. "Yes, thank you that would be great." Added Akane.
Taking his hand, they both walked from the dojo back into the main house. "Are you worried about the others seeing us like this?" He asked.
"Not anymore, Nabiki and Sakura know, why not tell the others." She whispered releasing his hand as she detoured towards the kitchen.
I'll see you in a bit if I live." Waved Akane as she left.
Akane entered the kitchen. Seeing Kasumi, "Oneechan, can you please dry these clothes for Ranma and me?
Kasumi turned from the dishes, "Sure Imouto, they'll be dry in no time." She replied as she took the clothes from Akane.
"Thank you Kasumi. See you in a bit." Akane waved as she left the kitchen.
Ranma walked upstairs and saw Sakura exiting the furo wearing a robe. "I heard you traumatized Nabiki. I am not sure whether to congratulate you or laugh at your misery." Ranma mentioned almost laughing.
"She called me hot when she saw me naked." Sakura replied with a smug look on her face.
"Akane seemed fairly happy with me as well. However, aren't you dating Sayuri?" He asked.
"Yes, I am, I was just saying what she had said when she accidentally saw me a couple of times."
"I know about when you were both at the window, when was the next time?" He asked with a look of confusion.
"Outside of our room, I walked out on my way to the furo for some hot water, and she was walking down the hallway when we ran into each other." She began.
Ranma slowly started laughing as she continued. "As we were tangled up, dad came up the stairs in panda form and saw us on the floor. He suggested we get a room and then threw a robe onto me, that I used to cover myself so as not to embarrass Nabiki further." She finished.
"That was all he said, I expected him to give you a fiancé because of it." Ranma stated laughing again.
Sakura glared at him before bursting out in laughter. "I don't think so, he knows I have Sayuri."
"You're right we have enough issues we don't need more drama." Replied Ranma entering their room and getting dressed. When dressed he walked to Akane's room and retrieved some dry clothes for her, for when she finished with her "discussion" with Nabiki.
Finding a decent outfit for her, he quickly left the room since they had been told to not dawdle because of the chemicals used in the fumigation.
********** Nabiki's Room **********
Akane approached her sister's room and paused before knocking on the door. "Nabiki can I come in?" She waited a few moments.
"Yes Imouto, come in." answered Nabiki.
She walked in and saw her sister on her bed laying on her stomach. Adjusting her towel making sure it would not slip. She walked in and sat in a chair and crossed her legs.
"You could have gotten dressed. This would have waited." She stated sitting up.
Akane looked at the floor, "You said now, so I didn't think I had enough time to get dressed again. Ranma is getting me some clothes and bringing them to the dojo for when we're done." Akane mentioned looking from the floor to Nabiki.
"Imouto, I am not angry with you. I saw that you were kind of pissed when he dropped you into the pond." Nabiki began.
Akane tried awfully hard not to laugh as Nabiki was speaking.
"I started laughing when you were going to splash him. I was going to say something to Sakura when I saw she was no longer female and instead was a well-hung man." Nabiki stated as she blushed a deep crimson.
"For the record Ranma is just as blessed," Akane added smiling.
Nabiki stared at her sister before softening her glare, "I noticed. It must run in their family, curse, or no curse."
"I wanted to talk to you about something. I accidentally called Sakura hot when I saw her naked when she was a man." Nabiki said watching her sister.
Akane blushed herself, hearing that her sister was affected by seeing a man naked. "I know you haven't dated in some time, but are you interested in men oneechan?"
"Yes but not usually in a sexual manner. I use them to make money."
"Yes oneechan, I know about how you hustle people at school. They are always asking me where you are so they can get information or buy something." Akane admitted.
"Oh, I didn't know they were asking you, Most of my usual customers know my schedule and can find me easily." Nabiki also admitted.
"Besides that, I got excited when I saw Teyo, and froze because I didn't know what to do except scream. A few minutes later I accidentally ran into him again and he was still naked." Nabiki groaned looking to the ceiling.
"Why did you accidentally run into him again?" Akane breathed as she looked at her sister.
"I left the room because I was thirsty and walked right into him when he was leaving his room."
"Okay, you ran into him, what was wrong with that. It happens sometimes." Akane said.
Akane watched as Nabiki lowered her head from the ceiling, "He was still naked, and going to the furo for some hot water. When we collided, we got tangled and fell into each other, I accidentally groped him." Nabiki stared watching her sister.
Akane blanched and covered her mouth. "I bet I can guess where that might have been. Ranma and I have been exploring a little the last couple of days ourselves." She admitted.
When Nabiki slowly turned her head to face her, Akane sheepishly bowed her head and found something on the floor to be interesting.
"You have a fiancé I am not betrothed to anyone. I would expect you to fall in love with him and experiment. I have been avoiding being intimate with boys and men, because I can't make money from them if I love or care for them." Nabiki said with finality.
"Oh." Was all Akane could say in response to her sister's admission.
Nabiki shook her head as her Imouto responded so minimally.
"Just wanted to let you know what had happened, and how I was affected by it. Just had to talk to someone about it."
"I would have thought you would have preferred either Dr. Tofu or Kasumi if counseling were needed. Why me instead of them? Akane asked.
"I love oneechan but she can be somewhat sentimental and hard to talk to, like mom. She tends to persuade our opinions and intentions because of how she thinks. I wanted a person that was also dealing with relationship issues, and I thought of you." Nabiki whispered.
"Oneechan, I hope to help but I am still exploring myself and would not be able to give much advice." Akane mentioned.
"Oh, well some experience is better than no experience. So, I still think you'll be helpful." Nabiki smiled as she looked at her sister.
"I'll do my best oneechan if you have any other run-ins with a naked man." Akane stated stifling her laughter.
Nabiki listening to her, started laughing. A moment later Akane gave in and joined her. "I just hope I don't see any more naked men for quite some time to come."
"I'm tired oneechan, are we done, I would like to get back to Ranma and then get some sleep." Asked Akane standing up and tightening her towel.
"I'll let you know if I need to talk to you again. Have a good night and try not to do anything that requires permission from dad to deal with." Nabiki reprimanded her sister as she returned to her bed and laid down again.
Akane blushed after hearing her sister. "I am old enough to do things without his approval or permission oneechan, I'll be fine. Besides he's the one that gave me this fiancé so why not have some fun?"
"Just be careful Imouto. ' Nabiki mentioned with concern in her eyes.
"Yes Oneechan." Akane said as she left the room and returned to the dojo.
Akane returned to the dojo. Ranma had placed her clothes onto the futon she had placed onto the floor earlier. Smiling she dropped her towel and placed her clothes onto the sideboard along the wall of the dojo.
She then picked up her underwear and her nightgown, and put them on. As Ranma watched she pointed to the bed and beckoned for Ranma to join her.
"Are we going to have another Q&A?" He asked lifting the blanket and lying down.
"No, I am tired, we'll talk again tomorrow. Tonight, we'll just cuddle."
"Sounds good to me, tonight we cuddle and then we cuddle during the date." He smiled as he held her close."
Akane snuggled in and then turned her head upward and kissed him. "I am definitely looking forward to it. Good night Ranma." She smiled.
"Good night my love." Ranma yawned as he kissed her head and hair.
"Oh yeah, for the record, you kiss exceptionally good as a man. I really enjoyed it when we kissed." Akane whispered.
Ranma watched her as she admitted this to him. "Now your girl side makes me feel a bit differently, even though I know it's still you." Smiled Akane.
"I enjoyed that kiss as well, but not for the same reason. I tingled when you kissed me as a man, but I didn't get as excited as I kissed a girl, but I still liked it just the same." Akane whispered as she snuggled closer to his chest and yawned.
"I am glad, you liked being close to me, regardless of the gender I am in. I love you now more than ever. I wish we had met earlier and grown closer as we grew up." Ranma mentioned as he pulled her closer.
Hearing his heartbeat, she calmed down and smiled as she relaxed holding the one person that meant anything to her, besides her family "I wish we had had the time to grow into our feelings for each other as well.
A few moments later, they both fell asleep holding each other tightly.
********* Tendo Dojo, The Next Day **********
"What do you have planned for your second time going on a date?" asked Sakura watching Ranma changing clothes.
"I have no idea what we're going to be doing. I just know – hey!" yelled Ranma realizing what Sakura had said.
"I do not count that outing with Kuno a date by any stretch of the imagination." Ranma huffed as he watched Sakura laughing.
"Everything okay, I just heard you screaming from here." Mentally asked Akane from her room.
"Everything is fine, my sister was just joking with me about something that happened some time ago." He thought screamed.
"What did she joke about?" Akane asked.
"It had to do with that outing we had. She seems to believe that was a date." He answered.
"Sakura, I agree with Ranma, that fiasco was nothing like a date.
"I can understand why you both would feel that way but remember your dad gave his permission and gave Kuno strict instructions. That can only happen when you're on a date." Sakura thought projected smiling.
"Have you been hitting my dad's sake, because I think you have done lost your freaking mind." Akane thought.
"I will never believe that in a million years Sakura. So please don't mention that again." Ranma screamed.
"You tell her Ranma. I heard you again. You can really project your voice, just like your thoughts." Akane added.
"I am not sure what to say about that. I'll be seeing you in a bit." Thought Ranma as he began getting dressed.
"Oh, okay, I was just mentioning since I heard you from here. See you in a bit." Akane thought placing clothes onto the bed.
********** A Little While Later – Elsewhere in Nerima **********
"Granddaughter you did what?" Ko Lon asked in shock.
Xian Pu sheepishly tried to stand up straight in front of an elder from her village but her ribs prevented her from doing so. Ko Lon noticed this and jabbed at her ribs with her walking stick.
Unable to help what she was feeling she nearly crumpled in front of her grandmother. "What happened to you grandchild? Why are you in this state?" She asked looking directly at Xian Pu's eyes.
Xian Pu seeing where her grandmother was looking, she tried to avert her eyes but the walking stick was suddenly under her chin and "guided" her back to looking at her. "I asked you a question. Is this the respect given to an Elder, especially when the elder is your grandmother?" Ko Lon fumed.
Choking back a biting response, she steeled herself and with difficulty brought herself to her full height. She then stared at Ko Lon, and stated in a voice she hoped was not cracking due to the intense pain she was in.
She then repeated what she had told her grandmother a few moment earlier. "I found the girl that had ruined the village celebration I had won." Xian Pu began.
Ko Lon listened intently as her granddaughter told her about what had happened at the Tendo home. She did not interrupt, just listened.
"During the fight, I almost had her when she managed to get away.
Ko Lon noticed her granddaughter's demeanor changing as she got angry and continued.
"When she disappeared, I ran toward their house and wanted to find and kill her. I never made it into the house. I was caught off-guard by a handsome man."
Ko Lon took in a breath as she was not expecting this turn of events.
"He punched me in my chest and ribs. I fell to the floor. He managed to break some of my ribs." Xian Pu stopped for a moment to take a deep breath.
"Seeing him, and realizing he had beaten me, I was able to get up and I gave him the kiss of marriage." Xian Pu concluded look at her grandmother.
Ko Lon's eyebrows jumped to the ceiling as she listened. "Granddaughter, are you telling me, that instead of killing the outsider that had beaten you in China, you now have a prospective husband?" Ko Lon speculated.
Not trusting her voice, she nodded her head. Ko Lon seeing this pogoed a few times before balancing and thinking for a few minutes.
Uncertain as to what was about to happen, Xian Pu remained standing and kept watching her as she was contemplating on her walking stick.
A few moments passed before Xian Pu became aware of the black eyes of her grandmother that were trained on her again. From the expression on her face, she had an idea this would not be in her favor.
"As your elder, I have two options for you. Well, I actually should word that better. Grandchild, this is what you are going to do." As Ko Lon was speaking Xian Pu could have sworn that her eyes changed color and were now blood red.
"You are going to go out right now, and kill that girl. When that is complete you are going to find this young man, we are going to bring him back to the village." Ko Lon mentioned leaning forward and looking her directly in her face.
Xian Pu did everything she could not to back away from her elder / grandmother, a person she greatly respected and feared.
"If you fail in either of these tasks I have given, the repercussions would be severe. Is this understood grandchild?" Ko Lon asked.
Xian Pu quickly nodded her head. "Remember child, failure is not an option. To ensure you do not fail in your tasks, I will join as an observer to see how you accomplish your objectives." Ko Lon repeated as she watched her granddaughter quickly nodding her head again.
"Yes grandmother." Xian Pu whispered as she bowed.
When she had finished talking, her grandmother quickly poked her again in the ribs causing her to collapse. "Child, failure is not an option." Ko Lon restated as she pogoed to her room.
Xian Pu struggled to stand, and just glared at the door her grandmother had entered. "I will not fail old woman." She softly growled holding her ribs.
********** Downtown Nerima **********
Ranma and Akane were walking through the shopping district holding hands. Now that their relationship had turned the corner so to speak, they were not adverse to showing their feelings for each other.
"How would you feel if I told you that because of Kodachi, our relationship changed for the better?" She asked as they looked at the window displays they were passing.
"I am not sure I would want to give her credit for that." Ranma countered.
"Why not, had she not poisoned or whatever she did to my room, you and I would never have spent a glorious evening together." Akane rebutted.
"True, we did spend a particularly good evening together. Would we have spent such a night without Kodachi interfering?" He asked, watching for her response.
"Would we have spent a night together if she had not interfered?" Akane thought.
Ranma was about to let her know she had accidentally though that, when they were both startled by Sakura.
"Based on how you two were acting last night right before I flashed Nabiki, I am sure it would have happened eventually."
Akane jumped and Ranma caught her and held her in his arms as she looked around hurriedly. "You need to warn someone when you are going to do that. You scared the shit out of me." Akane thought-screamed.
"I would love to apologize for that, but this is the benefit of being able to hear thoughts. I will hear things I was never meant to hear, and can respond if I so desire. Welcome to our world Akane." Sakura snickered.
"Shouldn't you be doing something besides eavesdropping on our date? I mean go see Sayuri, it's been a few days, I am sure she misses talking to you." Akane suggested.
"You read my mind. I am almost to her house as we are speaking." Sakura smiled as she was thinking.
"Could you please in the future if you hear something intimate. Please don't respond. I like my heart rate to remain under 100 km per hour, thank you." Akane huffed.
Looking at Ranma, she realized that she was not walking yet they were moving. "Sweetie, can you put me down?" Akane asked batting her eyes.
"Are you sure? You jumped pretty high and I caught you just so you won't get hurt, and beside you're not heavy at all." Ranma smiled.
"Okay, but I can feel a draft under my dress, I don't want to be flashing my underwear at anyone but you." Akane mentioned.
Akane and Ranma were startled again when a voice next to them shook them out of their private conversation.
"Hello Akane. Hi Ranma. Did you hurt yourself? Why is he carrying you?" Sayuri asked as she walked besides them.
"By the way, no one can see your underwear. The nearest person to you guys is me, and I have seen them before. They're powder blue, in case you were wondering." Sayuri smiled keeping pace with them.
Akane blushed slightly. "Sayuri, what are you doing here? Sakura is on her way to your place right now." Akane told her.
"I decided to take a walk to the mall, Is that where you are headed?" She asked.
"Actually, we're on a date and were planning on getting lunch. Then going to a movie, and finally the zoo. Mostly sightseeing. Since they never got to see the place when they arrived here." Akane mentioned.
"Oh, that would be fun. I know you're on a date, but can I double with you?" Sayuri asked displaying her puppy dog eyes.
Sayuri watched as Ranma and Akane looked at each other but didn't say a word. Ranma put Akane onto her feet and grabbed her hand. "I just asked Sakura to meet us at the mall. She doesn't know you'll be there, so it'll be a surprise for her. Is that okay?" Ranma asked as they turned towards the mall.
"Thank you both, that would be perfect." She squealed jumping up and down a couple of times and hugging them both.. Akane and Ranma could only smile as Sayuri showed her joy.
********** Hikarigaoka Ima Main - Nerima Shopping Mall **********
The mall came into view. They walked to the side where the food court would be and entered. Looking around they found a seat near the American food store simply called Pizzeria Al Fresco.
Ranma looked at the sign and shook his head. Sayuri and Akane noticed his expression. "What's wrong Ranma?" Akane asked.
He pointed to the sign, "How can they call the place "Al Fresco" when we are obviously inside and not out in the open air." He pointed out.
Sayuri and Akane laughed a few moments before composing themselves. "Ranma here "Al Fresco" does mean in the open air, but to the people here at the mall, this is considered open air." Akane laughed pointing to the open space where the food court was.
"Oh, okay. I just thought it was a bit confusing." Ranma admitted.
"It's understandable, sweetie." Akane mentioned leaning into his chest and hugging him.
Sayuri observed them for a moment. "When is Sakura going to get here? I am starving. I haven't eaten since last night." Sayuri mentioned looking at the store front in the food court.
Both Akane and Ranma got that far away look again before answering. "She'll be here in about 2 minutes. She says she can see the mall and will be here momentarily." Akane and Ranma answered together.
For a moment they stared at each other and laughed. "Now I know why you and Sakura laughed when you mimicked each other's words. I find it to be refreshing that someone else thinks like I do. I like it." Smiled Akane looking towards the entrance of the food court and saw Sakura entering the mall.
"By the way Sayuri, your beau is right behind you." Ranma smiled pointing at Sakura as she walked up to them.
Sayuri smiled when she turned and saw Sakura walking up to them. She stood, walked over and hugged Sakura for a few moments before letting her go. "Ranma, this is one of my best friends. She is not my beau."
"Did I miss something, I thought she was your beau." Ranma asked confused.
Akane and Ranma watched as Sayuri dipped her hand into a nearby fountain and before she could protest, she splashed Sakura with the water changing their genders.
Teyo and Mayuka appeared and Sayuri's smile broadened. "This is my beau." As she indicated Teyo.
Mayuka took the change in stride. She was wearing gender neutral clothing as usual for just such an occasion. However, Teyo hit the floor and tried to make himself as small as possible.
Sayuri quickly realized her mistake. Teyo looked like he was wearing capri pants that were a size or two too small. She also noticed he was in pain and holding his groin.
She quickly bent over besides Teyo, "Teyo what's wrong? Why are you in pain?" She wondered with an alarmed expression.
"I wasn't expecting to change just now, and panties don't expand when you have male genitals." He groaned.
Sayuri quickly ran to the fried noodle stand and asked for a cup of hot water. A moment later she returned and poured the water over Teyo, triggering their transformations.
A few quick deep breaths later, Sakura up straight but still massaged her groin unashamedly as the pain subsided. "I am so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you Sakura, I just wanted to see my boyfriend. You know that was not intentional. Right?" She pleaded.
A crooked smile was on Sakura's lips when she grabbed Sayuri and kissed her. "It was intentional, you weren't expecting it to hurt me. I owe you one my lady."
Sayuri gulped when she realized she was in trouble. From the look on Sakura's face, she wasn't sure this was a bad thing or not. "You'll be making it up to me while we are on this impromptu double-date." Sakura smiled evilly.
Sayuri's eyes widened upon hearing Sakura and her declaration. "I really hope this is a good thing." Sayuri thought.
Ranma interrupted the moment they were having mentioning, "American pizza sounds good right about now, don't you think Akane?" She nodded her head yes, as they walked over to place their order.
Sakura took Sayuri's hand and they walked to the pizzeria, and placed their orders as well. As they waited, Sakura leaned forward and told Sayuri, that Ranma and Akane were now an item.
Sayuri smiled and nodded her understanding. Sakura also relayed that they had spent the previous night together and now they seemed to be happy with the arrangement.
Sayuri sidled over to Akane, "Is congratulations in order, or is it too soon?" She asked.
Akane beamed and brought their clasped hands to her mouth and placed a kiss onto them. "Nope, the timing is perfect." Ranma smiled as Akane kissed his hand.
********** Hikarigaoka Ima Main - Nerima Shopping Mall **********
Ko Lon and Xian Pu hopped from rafter to rafter, as they traversed the skeleton of the shopping mall ceiling structure searching for their quarry. "Where did you see them going child?" Ko Lon asked.
"I saw them entering the mall from the other side. We came from this side to ambush her so I can finally kill her." Xian Pu stated with a firm expression.
"Do you have the element of surprise or are you going to face her in true martial arts fashion?" Ko Lon asked balancing on her walking stick.
Looking down and surveying the surroundings and the people down below. Xian Pu's eyes were moving from person to person. "I think I'll face her this time, since the element of surprise almost caught her enemy off-guard and caught me off-guard when Airen attacked me."
Ko Lon smiled as her granddaughter made the right choice. She remembered the previous fight well.
********** Amazon Village - Qinghai Province, China **********
Xian Pu stared at the girl and panda as they were helping themselves to the feast which was her prize. "Why are you eating my prize."
Not understanding a single word, Ranma-chan, and the panda looked at each other. The panda held up a sign that contained nothing by "?."
Noticing that they didn't understand, an elder of the village came over. "Do you speak Japanese or Korean?" she asked in both Japanese and Korean. Hearing the Japanese, they both nodded their heads.
"Why are you eating the prize of the village champion?" Ko Lon asked them.
"I am so sorry but I didn't know this was a prize, I thought it was food for everyone, like a buffet." Ran-chan explained.
Next to him the panda held up a sign that read "What she said."
Ran-chan and the panda watched as the elder and the purple-haired girl talked for a few moments. After about 30 seconds, the purple-haired girl walked back to the fighting pit, and motioned for Ran-chan to join her.
Not really understanding that she was being invited, she looked to the Elder. She pointed towards the pit with her walking stick and bowed slightly.
Now she understood, she was being challenged. Nodding she walked to the fighting pit and assumed a fighting stance. The crowd roared in Chinese, and the purple-haired girl was holding her Jian at the ready.
Noticing the sword in her hands, she looked around and saw a mix of weapons. Never having used any of them she walked back to the pit and just took her stance.
The purple-haired girl smiled, held her weapon at her side and bowed, and said something in Chinese. Ran-chan heard what was said and pronounced it as best she could "Shampoo?."
Xian Pu nodded her head and regained her stance. Ran-chan straightened and bowed as well and said "Ranma" before retaking her stance.
Both warriors sized each other up for a few moments and the crowd reached a manic fervor. Xian Pu had a smirk on her face as her village encouraged and supported her as she faced this outsider.
Not understanding Chinese Ranma heard the words coming from the crowd, she also caught a series of words being repeated "Waiguo ren."
Not understanding what was being said, she glanced at the elder that had spoken to her earlier, she pointed at her and made a motion to her head.
Ko Lon quickly pogoed near and said in Chinese and then in Japanese "Waiguo ren" pointing to the crowd and then to her she said
"Gaijin". Now she knew what she was being called in Chinese. A foreigner, they were calling her a foreigner.
Ranma pointing to herself, said in her best imitation of Chinese, "Way gwo ren" and then in Japanese still pointing to herself "Gaijin"
The crowd erupted, and Xian Pu's eyes flashed as she figured that this Waiguo ren was making fun of her language and her village. Without thinking she hefted her Jian and attempted to skewer Ranma like a chicken.
Ranma noticing her expression watched as she was about to be killed by this spear Shampoo was using. Thinking quickly, she did a split, and caught the spear and spun away taking the speak out of her hands.
Xian Pu having used all of her momentum to spear her, nearly tripped as the girl lowered into the split and grabbed the spear out of her hands.
Now with the spear in hand she continued to spin and aimed at Xian Pu's legs. Xian Pu trying to maintain her balance after losing her Jian, didn't notice her movements.
The surprise on Xian Pu's eyes was evident. She felt the pole tangle up her legs, and she had to work to maintain her balance and not fall outside of the fighting surface. Falling out the fighting zone would have resulted in a loss. She didn't want to lose that way.
Ranma watched as Xian Pu regained her balance. She then threw the weapon outside of the fight zone. Now she stood and took her stance again. Xian Pu saw her weapon thrown outside of the fight zone.
She fumed, and quickly took her stance and waited for the hussy to make her move. Ranma bounced a few times, as she studied her foe.
Xian Pu edged towards her enemy and lunged a couple of times but never made contact. Ranma dodged the jabs and managed to stay outside of arms reach.
Xian Pu feigned running at Ranma and at the last second jumped into the air and aimed a kick at her face. Ranma expecting this quickly met her in the air and placed a kick of her own and hit her sternum.
Xian Pu felt all of the air exiting her lungs as she was kicked firmly in the chest. Landing on the surface she was helpless when Ranma advanced.
After kicking her she ran forward and immediately aimed a flurry of punches that hit her everywhere from her head, shoulders down to her legs. When she finished she stepped back and waited for Xian Pu to do something else.
Everyone was stunned when they saw Ranma using that flurry of hits on Xian Pu. Xian Pu was still standing when Ranma stepped back and waited.
She didn't have long to wait as Xian Pu looked straight ahead before her eyes rolled into her head and she passed out.
The crowd fell silent as their champion was just bested by this outsider. A medic ran forward and after a few minutes was able to revive Xian Pu. When she was aware of her surroundings she looked daggers at Ranma.
Ranma relaxed her stance as she was waiting for Xian Pu to be revived. When she saw that Xian Pu was going to be okay, she looked at the panda that was beside the fighting platform.
She then heard Xian Pu standing up from where she had fallen and walked over to Ranma. Seeing her advancing, she perceived she was not a threat and didn't get defensive.
Xian Pu leaned forward and was extending both her arms. Ranma, not knowing what to do also extended her arms and was surprised when Xian Pu placed a kiss onto her cheek.
Looking at her she saw an evil gleam in her eyes as she turned from Ranma and walked out of the fighting platform and walked into the crowd.
Again, not understanding she shrugged her shoulders and then walked back to the panda and returned to the champions buffet that was now rightfully hers.
********** Hikarigaoka Ima Main - Nerima Shopping Mall **********
Coming back to reality, she watched as Xian Pu scanned the people below. "Have you found her yet?"
"Obviously not you old hag." Xian Pu thought to herself scanning the crowd of people in the food court.
"No grandmother, I have not seen her yet." She saw some of the people from the other night when she had fought the red-headed bitch.
"Grandmother I do see some of the people that may be able to tell me where she is." Xian Pu mentioned as she pointed down to the group near the pizzeria.
Ko Lon looked down but she didn't recognize any of the people from when Ranma fought Xian Pu at the village. "Forgive me child, who are you talking about that can lead you to Ranma?"
Xian Pu pointed to the one person that could lead her to the red-haired girl named Ranma. Ko Lon was surprised when Xian Pu yelled out "Airen."
From the food court. Akane, Ranma Sakura and Sayuri, all were startled when a single word rang throughout the food court. Each of them looked around but could not pinpoint where the sound was coming from.
After a few seconds with no one else entering the food court the kids returned to their lunch. A few minutes later the kids were finishing up when Akane, Ranma and Sakura all raised their heads and quickly looked around
in alarm.
"Do you guys sense someone or something that is nearby?" Ranma thought as well as said out loud for Sayuri's benefit.
"Actually, I was wonder that myself." Sakura admitted.
"I had a nagging feeling just now" Akane described.
Sayuri was less sensitive to impending danger, and how to sense it. She just looked around as the others voiced their particular feelings.
Xian Pu and Ko Lon took longer than expected to climb down from the rafter without hurting themselves. It was a lot higher than most jumps usually are.
As the kids were throwing away their food trays and trash they heard a sound coming closer. Looking up the group saw a girl with purple hair approaching and an old woman with an awfully long walking stick.
Upon seeing them, Sayuri raised her eyebrows and didn't say anything. Ranma, Akane and Sakura stared at them. They recognized the purple haired girl as the one that attacked Ran-chan a day or so earlier. Akane had no idea who the old woman was.
Ranma and Sakura didn't know how to respond to them since the last time they had seen the girl, she was attacking Ran-chan and trying to enter the Tendo home.
Ko Lon observed as the kids were watching them as they were approaching. She didn't recognize any of them since she had not seen them before.
"Xian Pu, is this boy your Airen?" Ko Lon indicated inclining her head towards Ranma.
"Yes grandmother, this is my Airen." Xian Pu mentioned with a twinkle in her eyes.
Hearing them speaking Chinese the kids looked from one to the other. Ranma and Sakura bowed slightly, Ranma pointed to his head and back at Xian Pu.
Understanding, Ko Lon quickly translated what Xian Pu had mentioned.
"My granddaughter was just saying that you are her Airen." Ko Lon translated.
"Does Airen mean what I thin it means?" Ranma asked.
Ko Lon intrigued asked, "What do you think it means?"
Looking from Akane to Sakura and back to Xian Pu and Ko Lon, "She had given me the kiss of marriage, does this mean I am engaged to her?" Ranma indicated pointing at Xian Pu.
While this was going on, Xian Pu was looking from them to her grandmother. Her Japanese was rudimentary at best, but she could understand some of the words but not enough to gain a proper understanding.
Ko Lon recited in Chinese what Ranma had asked. Xian Pu nodded her head "yes" as she watched her Airen.
Akane visibly fumed, and her battle aura flared. Everyone in the group and the vicinity saw her aura growing and nearly engulfing the food court.
Xian Pu noticed but didn't move away. She glared daggers at Akane, wondering why she was getting angry when she called the guy next her "Airen".
Ko Lon also noticed this change of demeanor. "Why are you angry child, since Xian Pu called him her Airen?"
Akane relaxed her glare as she turned to the elder, "I am engaged to him and have been for several months.
Ko Lon listened and looked at her granddaughter. She translated what was said. Xian Pu held her hand up and cleared her throat.
"He has been Airen, and nothing Japanese bimbo can do about it." Xian Pu said in her best Japanese. As she spoke her own aura flared with equal intensity to match
"Is this because of the kiss she had given my fiancé when he beat her the night she ambushed him?" Akane asked.
"I. No. Ambush. Airen. I wanted to kill red-haired bitch called Ranma." Xian Pu huffed as her aura pulsed.
"Does she know you are cursed?" Akane thought to Sakura and Ranma.
Sayuri was about to say something but she caught Sakura's barely perceptible nod and held her tongue. She made a note to herself to find out more about this at a later time when they were not around the purple-haired girl and her grandmother.
"Based on her response, I am don't think she knows me and my female side are the same person." Ranma mentioned.
"All you need to know is I kill red-haired bitch." Xian Pu growled.
Sakura and Ranma exchanged glances.
"Where bitch so I can kill. I know you know her. She was at house when I was there a few days ago."
"I haven't seen her since yesterday. If I see her I'll let you know. Will you be staying in town for a while?" Ranma asked.
Xian Pu looked at her grandmother who translated. She quickly said "yes" and walked up to Ranma. Before Akane could react, she grabbed his arm and leaned into it. "What Airen's name?"
Akane reacted without thinking, "Get your hands off my fiancé, and for your information—" Ranma and Sakura shook their heads.
"His name is also Ranma." Akane finished with finality as she pulled Ranma from her grasp.
"Airen, why you named the same as red-haired bitch? You named just like coward who ran from me the other day." Xian Pu pouted.
"You need better name than hussy that beat me in China, but who'll die here in Japan." Xian Pu announced.
Sayuri watched the exchanges and was lost as to what has been going on since she was last around the family. "I need to come around more. The drama seems to make their days more interesting than my last few have been."
Xian Pu looked back at them as she and her grandmother walked away. She sneered at Akane but when she looked at Ranma her expression changed to one of longing.
Seeing this Akane's aura flared again. Sayuri feeling this turned to Akane. She placed her hand on her shoulder which broke her concentration and caused her aura to falter.
"Calm down, we know you and only you are Ranma's true fiancé based on what Sakura has been telling me." Sayuri smiled as Akane continued to calm down.
As she calmed down, she turned towards Sayuri and smiled. Turning back to the Saotomes, her smile wavered, "What are we going to do about her? Firstly, I know she's going to keep trying to get you Ranma. Reminds me of Kodachi,"
Ranma nodded his head and continued listening. "Second, she is going to kill the same Ranma when she sees you as a girl. Thirdly, teach me what you know so I can kick her ass if she ever gets in my face like that again." Akane finished, taking Ranma's hand and pulling it into her chest closer to her heart.
Ranma smiled and pulled her in and kissed her head while at the same time hugging her. "I agree with you wholeheartedly."