Ranko's Curse a Love Story

Author:

Chapter Four: Wash that man right out of my hair

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The day of the rhythmic gymnastics competition arrived.  Akane and Ranko were the only two from Furinkan able to compete but they trounced the girls from St. Hebreke seeing that Kodachi was unable to compete do to a training injury.  At least that was the official story.

Ranko and Akane were walking home from the competition.  Ranko was shaking the cold water out of her hair that an old lady had been tossing on the sidewalk to keep down the dust.  Ranko had just sighed sadly but smiled when Akane held her hand.

They were walking in silence just enjoying each other's company when they heard a squeal.  They both turned to see a little black pig running towards them dragging a heavy back pack behind it.

"P-chan!  Come here you little guy!  Where's your master?" Ranko bent down to pick up the little pig.  Akane was barely able to pick up the backpack.

"What does he have in here?  Lead bricks?  Where do you think Ryouga is? He wouldn't just leave his pig and backpack behind somewhere would he?" Akane was puzzled.  Something wasn't quite right and an idea was tickling the back of her brain but refused to come forth.

"I'm sure he's around somewhere.  Let's get home just in case he's already there." Ranko said crushing the piglet into her now his chest.  Ryouga was silently thankful that Ranko was male at the moment.  He would like to stay conscious for a while.

There was a sudden purple blur of movement and Ranko was gripped in a bear hug.  She looked down to see a purple haired Chinese woman in skintight clothes holding him immobile.  "S-S-Shampoo?" Ranko said hesitantly.

"Ranko?  Who is this girl and why do you want to wash your hair?" Akane glared at Ranko.

"Her name is Shampoo.  She's an Amazon warrior from China and wants to marry me." Ranko answered timidly.

"Ranko you idiot!" Akane instantly regretted saying it as Ranko winced. "You can tell me all about it once we get her off you."  Akane grabbed Shampoo and tried to pull her off Ranko.

The girl let go and turned to face Akane.  She said some things in Chinese that Akane didn't understand.

Ranko translated her face going white, "She says you're an obstacle, and obstacles are for killing."

Akane assumed the Anything Goes stance, in other words, standing casually waiting for Shampoo to make the first move.

Shampoo charged Akane with a pair of Bonbori.  Akane again wondered where the hell these women were pulling these weapons from.  She's have to ask one someday.  Akane leapt to the side, kicking one of the bonbori away disarming the girl's right hand.  As Shampoo struck at Akane with her other mace, Akane moved to the side and punched out, snapping the handle in two.

Seeing herself disarmed completely, Shampoo pulled out a large Chinese sword and swung it at Akane.  Akane ducked under the attack and punched into Shampoo's gut, knocking the wind out of her.  Losing her grip on her sword Shampoo backed away, trying to get some distance from the powerful woman.  Akane leapt into the air with a spinning kick she'd learned from Ranko and kicked Shampoo in the side of the head.  The Chinese girl fell to the ground with a dull thud and she looked around dazed.

"We need to get out of here now!" Ranko shouted. And grabbed Akane by the hand.

"Why?  What's the matter?  I just beat her, she's no threat." Akane was confused.

Ranko pulled on her arm and they ran down the street quickly.  Ranko tried various alleys and side streets to get back to the dojo.  Panting heavily they opened the door to the house.  "I'll explain. as. soon as I. catch.my breath." Ranko said.

They walked into the house.  Kimiko's voice rang out, "Ranko, Akane?  Is that you?  You have a visitor."

The two girls entered the dining room to see Shampoo sitting at the table with a cup of tea.  She looked up and smiled.  Both girls were shocked. Shampoo stood up and walked over to Akane.  Holding the stunned girl's chin, Shampoo leaned over and kissed Akane on the cheek.

"Damn it, Damn it, Damn it." Ranko swore.  Kimiko frowned at Ranko.  Girls shouldn't use such language.

"What just happened here?" Akane demanded, shaking off her stupor.

"I'm sorry Akane.  She just gave you the kiss of death.  Now she'll hunt you down to the ends of the earth to kill you for defeating her." Ranko hung her head.

"What!?" Kimiko was outraged.  She started arguing with the girl in Chinese.  Ranko attempted to keep up but her grasp of the language was marginal at best.

"What are they saying?" Akane whispered.

"I think your mom is telling Shampoo that her laws don't apply in Japan. Shampoo just said that the laws apply wherever there are amazons.  Umm, I believe Auntie just said that if that's the case then soon there won't be any amazons around here." Ranko tried to keep a running dialogue.

The arguing went on for a few more minutes until Kimiko nodded and looked at Ranko, "It appears that Xian Pu cannot return to her tribe without her husband or proof of his death.  I have convinced her to retract the kiss of death on Akane on the basis that Shampoo must obey the laws of Japan just like we would obey her laws in her village.  The matter at hand is that she believes that Ranko is a male, and because she was defeated by him in a tournament at her village, they are now married by their law."

Kimiko sighed and pressed her fingers on the bridge of her nose, "I will try to convince her that her hold over Ranko is nullified because Ranko is really a girl she cannot marry her.  Also to keep her from killing you Ranko, I will try and use the same argument I did with Akane.  She never gave your female side the kiss of death and cannot while the two of you are in Japan."

Kimiko began talking Shampoo again.  Shampoo's voice rose and she shook her head defiantly.  At a point in the conversation, Kimiko grabbed the still warm tea kettle and poured it over Ranko's head.

Shampoo gasped and finally said a word Akane could understand, "Jusenkyou."

Kimiko nodded and spoke rapidly again.  Finally Shampoo hung her head then looked at Ranko sadly.  Turning, she bolted out the back door and over the wall.

Ranko sighed in relief, "That was another of my father's wonderful ideas. He was caught eating a banquet reserved for the winner of this tournament in the Amazon village.  He told me to fight their champion therefore making the prize ours so we wouldn't get in trouble.  The problem was I defeated Shampoo while in my male form.  She immediately came over and kissed me. Then the whole tribe began to prepare a celebration.  The Jusenkyou guide apparently told my father what was going on so we immediately snuck out the village and hightailed it to Japan."

"You poor girl.  Well it's over now.  Why don't you two go clean up and I'll prepare dinner."

* * * * * * * * * *

Akane scrubbed Ranko's back as they talked, "Do you think she's really gone?" Akane asked.

"I hope so.  From what I've overheard about the Amazons in China makes me never want to go back there again."

"Even if there's a cure?  If there's a spring of drowned girl then maybe it could reverse your curse." Akane said.

"Then how would we ever be able to have children?" Ranko grinned teasingly.

"I hate it when you do that!  I never know if you're serious or not." Akane crossed her arms in front of her naked breasts and glared at the woman she was quickly coming to love.

Ranko became thoughtful, "I've been thinking about it the last couple of weeks since I arrived here.  I could learn to live with this curse.  I just wish there was a way to control it.  It would be nice to wear a dress once in a while.  Or a bikini.  You know, I can't go swimming without some sort of top on?  Even without breasts it feels weird to expose my chest in public."

Akane was washing Ranko again as she thought about the implications of Ranko's words.  Did Ranko's curse work in a way that she could father children?  The variations in their sex life would be like a Kama Sutra in practice.  She began to daydream about her and Ranko raising children and carrying on the dojo.  Would they be able to attract students with a relationship like theirs?  How long could they keep it private?  So far only one person knew about it.  Akane snapped out of her fantasizing and realized she was soaping up Ranko's breasts.

"Hmmm, don't stop." Ranko purred when Akane had become aware of where her hands were.

"Pervert." Akane said, half smiling.

"What does that make you then?" Ranko turned around and embraced Akane, French kissing her.  Their tongues explored each others mouths for a few minutes before breaking off.

Ranko had a glazed look in her eyes as she met Akane's gaze.  Moving forward, Ranko began kissing little kisses along Akane's jaw to her ear. She gently bit the earlobe and then licked it.  Continuing her kisses she made her way to Akane's neck and alternated between nips with her teeth and kisses.  Akane Shuddered in pleasure and started rubbing Ranko's shoulders, slowly bringing her hands down to Ranko's chest.  Massaging a breast with her right hand she tweaked the nipple gently between her fingers.  Ranko gasped, breathing hot air across Akane's neck.  Akane almost came right then.  She'd never felt like this just masturbating.  She'd never known her neck and ears could be a erogenous zone.

She was breathing heavier as Ranko leaned over and took one of Akane's nipples in her mouth.  Sucking gently she squeezed the nipple between her teeth, not enough to hurt, but it sent electric tingles through Akane's body.

Akane felt herself getting hot between her legs and thought Ranko must be feeling the same.  Reaching down, she cupped Ranko's sex with her hand while continuing to massage Ranko's breast.  Akane parted the nether lips with a finger running it along the inside.  Ranko was wet and not from their bathing.  She briefly touched Ranko's clitoris causing the red head to jump slightly and moan softly.  Making sure she was wet enough, Akane inserted a finger into Ranko's sex.  Ranko moved up, then slowly back down to settle on Akane's hand.  Akane began moving her finger in and out slowly while teasing Ranko's clitoris with her thumb.  Ranko began to whimper in short gasps.  With her other hand Akane brought Ranko's face up to hers and they kissed with a passion, a need they'd never felt before.

Akane applied a little more pressure with her thumb, moving in small circles.  Ranko's hand crept down between Akane's legs to play herself. Ranko's finger went in smoothly until it hit a barrier.  Ranko was surprised even through the pleasure she was experiencing.  Akane's hymen was unbroken.  That was almost unheard of with athletic girls.  Ranko had broke hers years ago before she even entered puberty.  Being careful not to push too hard, Ranko began to mimic Akane's movements.

Soon both girls were writhing on each other's hands.  Ranko felt herself on the edge and bit down on Akane's shoulder to keep from crying out as the wave of pleasure washed over her body.  It came again and again, less potent each time but no less enjoyable.

Akane gasped as she felt Ranko's teeth bite into her flesh and it pushed her over.  She bit her bottom lip when she began to cry out.  Her hips began bucking of their own accord against Ranko's hand as she came.

Finally it was over.  They held each other close, basking in the afterglow of each other.  Akane was still trying to catch her breath when they heard the bathroom door slide open.

"Akane?  Is everything all right?  I thought I heard. Oh, my!"

* * * * * * * * * *

"Just what did you think you were doing?" Kimiko exclaimed.

Akane and Ranko sat side by side on the edge of Akane's bed.  They had their heads hung low.  Kimiko had caught them with their hands in the cookie jar so to speak and was trying desperately not to lose control.  She needed answers before making accusations and for that she needed to stay calm.

"Ok, I know what just happened.  What I want to know is how did this start and how long has it been going on?"

Ranko opened her mouth to speak but Akane preempted her, "It just sort of happened.  Ranko and I have become close over the last few weeks and well."

Ranko continued on, "I love Akane, and she has said she loves me as well."

Akane felt more confident with Ranko's proclamation, "It kind of started that first day.  We were told that one of us would marry Ranko.  Kasumi and Nabiki kind of pushed her off onto me.  She was a guy at the time, a pretty good looking one too, so I was actually thinking about the whole thing seriously.  I'd been having problems with the boys at school and suddenly here's this guy that seems to like me for me and not my body.  I was attracted to him even if I didn't want to admit it.  Then I find out that this guy is really a woman.  The funny thing is that it made everything seem even better.  Here was a guy who knew everything about a woman's needs.  Rationally I knew better but I just couldn't stop thinking about the possibilities."

Kimiko rubbed the bridge of her nose, "So you're saying you took advantage of Ranko's trust in your friendship?"

"No!  It's not like that at all!  In fact I kissed her first." Ranko defended Akane.

"Ranko?  Are you sure about yourself?  Are you, Akane?  You're both teenagers.  Your hormones are running wild.  This could just be a phase brought on by the fact both of you have had bad luck with men." Kimiko continued with less force than she had started.

Akane shook her head slowly, "We weren't sure ourselves at first.  We both talked about it and decided to try and go slowly just in case it was a phase like you said.  But things kept progressing anyway.  We didn't plan for what just happened.  To tell the truth, except for Ranko, I find the thought of doing anything like that with another woman disgusting."

Ranko nodded her head in agreement, "I feel the same about Akane.  Maybe it's because I can turn into a male.  Maybe I am a freak." She suddenly felt depression overwhelming her again.

"You're not a freak Ranko.  You have a unique condition true but it doesn't make you a freak." Kimiko said feeling she was losing control of the conversation.

"How will I ever find a man who will accept me if I also turn into a man? I'm glad Akane accepts me for who I am.  It's only one of the reasons I love her."

Kimiko sighed heavily, "I can't live your lives for you but I can offer advice.  I want you to think heavily about this.  I would hate to see either of you hurt because you rushed into things."

Both girls agreed.  Too quickly in Kimiko's opinion.

"And for Kami's sake behave yourselves.  I don't think your father would be as understanding if he had walked in on you."  Both girls reddened in embarrassment.

* * * * * * * * * *

Nabiki came into Akane's room not too long after Kimiko left to finish dinner.

"Well at least I don't have to worry about how I'm going to break things to mom." She smirked.

Akane blushed and looked away.

"Well it could have gone worse.  Uncle Soun could have walked in on us." Ranko laughed.

"I told you guys to hold off until I thought of something.  Too late now I guess.  So tell me, how was it?" Nabiki asked coyly.

"What?" Akane exclaimed.

"You know, how was your first time?  It was girl-girl right?"

Ranko suddenly found something on her robe that was very interesting and Akane was struck speechless.  Nabiki swore the temperature of the room went up ten degrees and she'd suffer sunburn from the blushing.

"All right, fine.  I am curious though." Nabiki admitted.  She got up and left.

Akane and Ranko looked at each other for a moment.

"Do you think she's." Ranko said.

"Nah.  Couldn't be." Akane answered.

"Yeah, you're probably right." Ranko agreed.

* * * * * * * * * *

Nabiki went back to her room and shut the door behind her.  Turning the knob with a click she locked it.  She went over to her desk and sat down. She punched up a few things on her computer and saved a file.  She didn't know what possessed her to hide a micro camera in the bathroom.  She had absolutely no rationalization for it like she usually did when she did something her mother would consider wrong.

She brought the latest file up and put it in the movie player.  She put a pair of headphones on so no one but her could hear.

It was amazingly short barely five minutes but Nabiki realized she was going to have to change her panties.  She took off her pants and began to pull off her underwear but gasped as the cooler air moved across her shaved crotch.  She continued, pulling her legs off one at a time.  She couldn't believe how aroused watching her sister and Ranko doing it made her.  She reached for her drawer for some clean panties but stopped as a smile crossed her face.

She went back to her computer and set the movie to continual play.  She then lay back on her bed to watch.  After the second time watching Akane and Ranko Nabiki was fully engrossed.  She was lying completely naked on her bed massaging her breasts.

Nabiki rubbed the smooth skin where her pubic hair would normally be.  She always felt a little naughty that she kept herself bare.  It felt so good to rub though.  Her hand moved lower to tease at the edges of her nether lips.  She could feel the heat emanating from her in waves.  Finally giving in she slipped a couple of fingers between to brush lightly past her clitoris.  Gasping at the sharp tingle she brought her fingers lower to play with her opening.  As she watched Akane bucking against Ranko's hand she pushed two then three fingers into her slick hole.  Her other hand joined the first and began to massage her clitoris in quick little circles.

Nabiki's hand was suddenly drenched as her whole body tensed from her orgasm.  Not wanting to loose the feeling she moved her fingers even faster over her sex to bring her to another climax.  She finally collapsed in exhaustion and lay still for a few minutes.

Feeling a little naughty she brought her hand up and tasted herself on her fingers.  She wondered briefly what it would be like to do this with Ranko. Would she taste the same?  Nabiki shrugged it off.  Ranko was Akane's girl and Nabiki, while curious wasn't really attracted to women.

She finally got up off her bed and went back to her computer.  Feeling a little guilty she wondered what she should do with the movie file.  It would be nice to have in her personal collection, especially if it could get her that hot that fast.  However there was the possibility, slim but there, that someone else would find it and thereby ruin her sister's reputation.

Reluctantly she sent it to the recycle bin then emptied it.  She was about to shut down her system when it beeped at her letting her know she had incoming e-mail.

Nabiki sat down and clicked the file open to read it.  It was from one of her contacts who was a private detective.  They would often exchange information or do research for each other.  It was an arrangement that benefited both parties.  He was currently looking for any information on Ranko's mother.

Nabiki read down through the message her eyes getting wider as she went through it.

"Oh, no." She finally said.

* * * * * * * * * *

End Chapter Four

* * * * * * * * * *

Chapter Five: Remembrances and Goodbyes ____________________

Ranko looked at the stone slab.  It was set into the Saotome family shrine. Ranko just stared not knowing what to do or even how to feel.

There was a simple inscription, 'Nadoka Saotome, she never stopped searching.'

The date of death was almost two years ago.

Akane stepped up behind Ranko and held her, "I'm so sorry Ranko."

"I barely remember her.  It's almost like a dream." Ranko whispered. Finally she broke from her almost trance like state and lit the incense on the shrine.  She clapped her hands and knelt in prayer.

A few hours later Ranko stood in the foyer of her mother's house.  A short stocky lawyer stood behind her holding a briefcase.  Ranko entered the house and looked around.  It was completely furnished.  Everything was covered in dust cloths.  There were photos and paintings on the wall. Ranko looked at one at random.  She saw a lady standing with her father. There was a little girl standing in front of them.  They looked so happy, Ranko thought.  She knew that was her and her mother in the photo but couldn't remember it ever being taken.  She wandered the house trying to find anything that was familiar.  Hoping something was there to remind her of her life before her father took her off on their training trip.

She went upstairs and found her mother's room.  There were more photos of people and places she didn't know.  The bed was made and there were clothes in the closet.  It was as if someone was still living here.  Ranko shivered slightly and left the room.

The next room was different.  The walls were painted with a faded pink with white trim.  There were picture of fairy tale characters here and there. There was a cute white dresser next to a small bed that had a flower patterned quilt on it.  There were stuffed animals piled all over it.  One stood out to Ranko.  It was a worn white rabbit with a red ribbon around it's neck.  One of its button eyes hung loose and it was threadbare in places.  The stuffing seemed compressed around the joints making it seem loose and floppy.  One of the ears was bent half way.

Ranko stared at it for a moment then walked over and picked it up. Suddenly the memories seemed to come rushing back in a flood.

* * * * * * * * * *

"I don't care!  You're not taking my little girl away on some damned training trip.  If you train anything like your master she'll just grow up warped." Nadoka cried.

"I'm not going to discuss this while you're being irrational." Genma scowled.

Ranko looked over the banister, she couldn't see her parents but she could hear them fighting.  She suddenly heard a slap as her mommy stopped talking mid-sentence.

"I'm going out." Genma said.  The door slammed shut behind him.

Ranko heard quiet sobbing as she went downstairs.  She hated it when her mommy and daddy fought.  She looked around the corner and saw her mommy sitting on the floor with her back against the wall.  She was holding a hand against her cheek.

Nadoka wiped away her tears when she saw Ranko approach.  Trying to smile she took the little girl in her arms and hugged her tight.

"Don't cry mommy.  I promise I'll be good." Ranko said.

"Oh honey, it's not your fault.  You've always been a good girl.  Your daddy and I just disagree sometimes that's all." Nadoka tried to comfort her daughter.  She let go of Ranko and got up off the floor.  "Now off to bed with you.  Growing girls need lots of sleep."

Nadoka went upstairs with Ranko and tucked her in tight.  She gave the girl her stuffed rabbit and turned to leave.

"Mommy?  Can you kiss Mr. Bun goodnight?  He gets scared without a goodnight kiss."  Ranko pleaded.

Nadoka smiled and went back to the bed.  Leaning over she kissed the rabbit on the forehead then she gave Ranko a kiss as well before turning off the light and closing the door.

It was completely dark when Ranko woke up.  She almost cried out but a hand went over her mouth.

"Shhh, it's just your daddy." Genma said.

Ranko wasn't sure what was going on.  Daddy smelled funny.  He often did when he came home at night lately.  He made Ranko get up and get dressed. Then he handed her a small backpack.  Opening the window he picked up Ranko.

"Where are we going daddy?"  Ranko asked sleepily.

"We're going camping.  You like camping don't you?"

Ranko nodded a little, "Where's mommy?"

"She's going to catch up with us later.  She's... Umm, she's getting some groceries."

"Oh.  Wait, I need Mr. Bun.  He wants to go camping too!"

"No, we don't need stuffed animals where we're going." Genma said.

Genma jumped out the window and hopped down to the ground and ran off down the road.

The worn white rabbit fell off the side of the bed it had been precariously perched upon.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranko was crouched on the floor hugging the rabbit in a deathgrip when Akane found her.  She was rocking back and forth, tears coming down her cheeks.  Akane reached out and touched her shoulder.  Ranko pulled away as if she'd been hit.

"Ranko, It's me, Akane."

Ranko seemed to come to herself a bit, "He stole me away from my mommy.  He never even told me she was alive.  Now she's gone.  It's all his fault. Everything.  My life was ruined all because he wanted a male heir." Ranko spat bitterly.

Akane sat down and pulled Ranko into a hug.  This time Ranko didn't pull away.  She fell against Akane and cried herself to sleep as Akane gently rocked her.

* * * * * * * * * *

It was about half an hour later when everyone was sitting around the coffee table in the Saotome living room.

"Now that we have proof of your identity we can proceed with your mother's will." The lawyer said.  Nabiki sat next to Ranko to explain anything she didn't understand.

"First off, she left you the house and a sizable trust fund in your name. Unfortunately a good portion of that will be taken for inheritance tax. Also it appears there were quite a number of stocks your mother had invested in over the years.  They are in both your names so you may be able to avoid paying too much in the way of taxes on them.  Finally there is this." The lawyer picked up and placed on the table a cloth wrapped bundle.

"The will left specific instructions that this was to be given directly to you in the event of her death."

Ranko reached out and took the bundle.  It was heavier than she expected. She carefully unwrapped the cloth to reveal a moderately ornate hilt of a katana.  Unwrapping further revealed the sheath of the sword.  It was red with gold dragons inlaid upon it.  She pulled the sword out slightly and gasped at the blue color of the steel and the sharpness of the edge.

"The family sword." Ranko whispered in wonder.  Ranko re-wrapped the blade and rested it on her lap with Mr. Bun.

"Now about the house..." The Lawyer began.

"Sell it.  Sell it all." Ranko said coldly.

* * * * * * * * * *

After all the forms had been signed and the papers filed, Ranko and the Tendos returned home.  Nabiki began to go over the itemized list of everything Ranko had inherited.  She whistled loudly as she tallied up some of the figures.

"Boy, even after taxes Ranko will have enough to live on comfortably for years.  That's even taking into account the cost of college."  Nabiki smiled, "This almost puts the Kuno fortune to shame.  Ranko, if you'll let me reinvest some of this I could get you a much higher return in about five to ten years."

Ranko just nodded dumbly.  She still cradled the stuffed rabbit as if it were her lifeline to the world.

Kimiko looked at the small girl.  She seemed so frail and tiny compared to just the other day, "Ranko?  How about you help me get dinner ready to get your mind off things for a while?"

That seemed to snap Ranko back to reality a little, "I think I'd like that Auntie."

After Ranko and Kimiko left to the kitchen Soun looked down from his newspaper, "That poor girl.  She's been through so much.  Akane, How would you feel about her becoming part of the family?"

Akane nearly choked on her tea.  She coughed for about half a minute, "What do you mean daddy?" She finally got out.

"I've been thinking of adopting her into the family." Soun said thoughtfully.

"Are you sure that's wise?  Ranko's mother may be dead but her father is still out there somewhere and may object." Nabiki said.

Soun's eyes clouded for a minute, "Oh, Saotome how could you have come to this?  Still Nabiki, I hardly think Genma is in a position to legally fight it.  So, how would you feel about it?" he asked again.

"I...I don't mind really.  I really think the decision should be left up to Ranko." Akane said after a moment.

"True, true.  I would like to talk it over with your mother some before I bring it up with Ranko."  Feeling the case was closed at least for now, Soun went back to his paper.

* * * * * * * * * *

After dinner Ranko and Akane were in Akane's room.

"Adoption?" Ranko sounded surprised.

"Yeah, you'd be my sister." Akane sounded glum.

"But that would mean..." Ranko trailed off.

"That we couldn't really be together." Akane finished for her.

"I could always say no.  It's not like I don't have any money to pay my way here.  And I am technically the head of the Saotome clan now.  It's just me and Father and mom left me the family sword." Ranko said.

"It would be easier if we could just tell my father about us." Akane sighed.

Ranko hugged Akane close, resting her head on the taller girl's shoulder.

"I was wondering if you could tell me how your mother died.  Nabiki wouldn't tell me." Akane asked hesitantly after a few minutes.

Ranko nodded and pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket.  It was a printout from Nabiki's computer.  She handed it to Akane.  Akane unfolded it.  It was from an online newspaper archive.

Woman killed by Drunk Driver:

Twenty Nine year old Nadoka Saotome of Nerima district, Tokyo, was hit while crossing a street in Osaka.  The driver was arrested for drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter after a fifteen minute chase by police.  Mrs. Saotome died on route to the hospital, her last words were her calling out for her daughter who had been abducted eight years earlier; according to paramedics in the ambulance.  Mrs. Saotome had been traveling for eight years searching for her lost daughter who had been kidnapped by her own father, Genma Saotome.  Mr. Saotome is wanted for a multitude of crimes all over Japan and even parts of China.

Akane realized she was shaking as she finished the article.  "I understand now.  Her marker, 'she never stopped searching.' She must have loved you very much."

Ranko nodded sadly, tears in her eyes, "I know.  Somehow I'll make father pay for all he's done."

"And I'll be right beside you all the way." Akane promised.

The two girls kissed briefly and Ranko got up to leave for her own room.

Ranko shut the door to her room and walked over to the dresser.  Her mother's katana rested on a stand.  She picked it up, admiring it's simple beauty.  She pulled the sword out of the scabbard to fully view the blade. As the blade came free a small piece of paper fell loose onto the floor. She picked it up and unfolded it to show a letter written on a full sheet of paper.

To my Daughter Ranko,

If you are reading this letter then it means you are alive and have found I am not.  I am sorry I have not been there to see you grow up. I'm sure your father had his reasons for taking you from me and I hope he has not poisoned your memories of me.  I wish I could see the beautiful woman you should be by now but I will trust in the spirits and kami to keep you safe until the time we can be reunited.  I will watch over you as much as I can.  Know that the blade you posses has been handed down from mother to daughter for over twenty generations of the Saotome clan.  Yes, I was a Saotome, your father was not.  He assumed the name because of his class and wealth.  You are descended from a proud samurai clan and I know you will bring honor and pride to the Saotome name.  Wield this blade only for honor and the defense of the weak.  Make your mother proud.

Until we meet in the here after, your loving mother, Nadoka Saotome.

She turned and caught her reflection in the mirror.  Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy from crying.  Her hair was disheveled and her clothes hung loosely on her small frame.  For a moment she saw the scared little girl who spent those first few days with her father crying while they were on the run.  Then she straightened up and closed her eyes, finding her center, she looked at the mirror again.  There was determination and strength in her eyes now.

"I have friends and family now.  I will no longer be afraid.  I will avenge you mother, I swear it on this blade." She said quietly with a steely edge in her voice as sharp as the sword in her hands.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Come on Ryouga, how am I supposed to get over this if you won't take me seriously?" Ranko complained.

Ryouga shook his head, "I'm sorry Ranko, I'm just afraid I'll hurt you."

Akane sat to the side of the dojo watching the two spar.  She concealed her jealousy well she thought.  Ranko really needed a male to spar with to get over her fears and Ryouga was her only male friend.  That didn't mean Akane had to like it.  She almost laughed out loud as she thought about it. Ranko was a much better Martial artist than Akane was.  After some of the stories she told of her encounters in China and even in Japan, Akane realized Ranko was either a certifiable liar or truly gifted.

Ranko put Ryouga to the mat for the fifth time, "Damn it, you're not even trying!" Ranko growled.

Ryouga leapt up and re-assumed his stance.  Ranko punched again followed by a leg sweep.  Ryouga just blocked or avoided all of Ranko's attacks.

"Fine!  If that's the way you want it.  Final Attack!  Kami's Wrath!" Ranko held out her hands in front of her as lightning shot from her hands into Ryouga.

Ryouga convulsed for a moment before collapsing in a smoking heap on the dojo floor.

Akane stared at Ranko in wide eyed disbelief, "Ranko, how did you do that?" she gasped.

Ranko was examining Ryouga to make sure there was no permanent damage then she stood up and jumped around until she was in Akane's arms.

"Yatta!  I did it!" She cried happily.

"Did what?  What was that?" Akane asked again.

"A chi attack.  I learned it from an oni woman who showed me how to do it after I helped her find her boyfriend.  Apparently it only works on boys." Ranko answered.

"Can I... I mean would you teach me?"

Ranko nodded enthusiastically, "Of course!  You know what this means don't you?"

Akane shook her head.

"I can fight boys again!  Let's celebrate!  We're going on a shopping spree!"  Ranko grabbed Akane and dragged her out of the dojo.

Ryouga slowly regained consciousness and sat up blearily, "Have I been shouting 'Shazam' in the middle of a storm again?"

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranko tried on a yellow sundress that showed off her legs as she twirled in front of a mirror next to the dressing room.  Akane nodded approvingly at her choice.  Ranko seemed really happy for a change and her mood was catching.

Akane caught herself admiring Ranko's legs.  That was when she realized there was something odd, "Ranko? You never told me how you got all those fine scars on your body."

Ranko's smile disappeared and Akane instantly regretted asking.  Ranko looked down at her legs and Akane watched as her eyes moved to her arms as her hands moved to her face.

"I'm sorry Ranko, I didn't mean to upset you." Akane apologized.

"No Akane, it's not your fault.  Maybe I should have said something earlier about it." She sat down next to her lover.  "I was about six years old when father tried to teach me what he called an 'unbeatable technique', the Neko- ken.  It involved tying the individual in some sort of fish based food like fish sausages and throwing them into a pit of hungry cats."

Akane gasped as she turned white.

Ranko continued on, "Apparently I was supposed to learn this fighting style by fighting off the cats.  It didn't work, all it taught me was to be afraid of cats.  So he tried it again, with sardines, octopus, fish cakes. After about the tenth time something happened.  I snapped.  My fear overwhelmed me and I blacked out.  When I woke up later I was lying on this old lady's lap as she rocked me back and forth.  My father found me soon after, covered in scratches and bite marks.  He never told me what happened and stopped the training.  To this day I've been afraid of cats and if I can't get away from them I black out."

"Oh Ranko, that's horrible!  If I ever see that...that..."

"Get in line.  I get first crack at him." Ranko smirked, some of her fire returning.

Unseen by either girl a dark shape darted out of a clothing display and out of the store.

* * * * * * * * * *

End Chapter Five

* * * * * * * * * *

Chapter Six: Cat Scratch Fever ____________________

Ranko walked with Akane to school with a pleasant smile on her face.  She had decided on a dark green shirt and her black silk pants for school today.  Of course the school had told her to wear a uniform after her first day to which she produced a note from Dr. Tofu excusing her from having to. This of course led to jealousy and envy among the other students.  Only Akane's friends Yuka and Sayuri seemed to want to have anything to do with her.  Hiroshi and Daisuke, two boys in her class, kept trying to ask her out but they couldn't really be considered friends.

"What are smiling about?" Akane smiled back as if it were contagious.

"Oh, I'm starting to feel at peace with myself.  After ten years of hell I've finally found the exit.  It's not heaven but I can live with it." Ranko replied.

Akane couldn't help but feel proud of her own part in helping Ranko recover, "I'm happy for you Ranko.  Do you really think they'll allow you into the school with that sword though?" Akane pointed to the Saotome blade strapped to Ranko's back.

Ranko shrugged, "They'll let Kuno in with his."

"But Kuno's dad is the principal." Akane countered.

"Speaking of Kuno, I know you usually fight him every morning but can I try this once?" Ranko asked with big puppy dog eyes.

"Well... if you think you're up for it...All right.  Be my guest." Akane gave in.

Ranko jumped up and down excitedly then assumed a serious expression, "Thou hast besmirched the honor of Tendo Akane for the last time foul sorcerer Kuno!" She broke down giggling.

Akane joined in after a second.  She loved it when Ranko let her true self show from under all the pain and fear she usually displayed.  She hoped that the stability of family, friends, and a home would help show that true self more often.

"Oh save me Ranko!  Kuno has cast a spell to make me lose his challenge. If he defeats me I will be lost forever!" Akane joked.

Giggling, the girls continued on towards the school.  The daily fights had stopped but Kuno remained.  His stubborn persistence was matched only by the school's ability to overlook the behavior of the principal's oldest son.

Akane and Ranko ran through the gates and sure enough Kuno was blocking their path to the school building.

"Ahh, the beautiful Akane Tendo, Ranko Saotome.  Again we meet as if by fate upon these very school grounds."

"Duh Kuno, we all go to school here.  So what do you want?  As if we didn't already know.  Geez, this is getting old." Akane sighed.

"Your words wound me fair one.  Surely this is the work of enchantments laid upon you by the foul Ranma Saotome.  The gall of him to force himself upon you and not have the courage to face me in fair combat." Kuno soliloquized.

Akane smirked and nodded to Ranko, "I'm sorry Kuno but I have a stand in for our normal morning fight.  Ranko, whenever you're ready."

Kuno seemed ecstatic, "The wild Ranko wishes to spar?  Surely this is a sign that she has fallen for my manly charms!"

"Nah, I just have some new moves and you make a good practice dummy." Ranko snorted.

Kuno readied himself, "Surely that is your brother's influence.  I shall forgive your rude upbringing if you date me."

"Date this!" Ranko shot out with a snap kick that Kuno easily blocked with his boken.

Ranko was starting out lightly as was Kuno.  Ranko's reason was she wanted to get used to the feeling of fighting the macho jerk.  Kuno was holding back to keep from hurting the girl who would most likely not take being hit very well.

Akane watched with an amused smirk.  Compared to how Ranko and Ryouga sparred yesterday this was nothing to Ranko.  This would do much to raise her self confidence.  Ranko had been right though, Kuno made a good practice dummy.  He was inexpensive, he didn't break as easily, and he fought back.  She wondered briefly if her sister could somehow make some money off that concept.  The 'Kuno martial arts dummy', available in specialty stores this Christmas.  Akane snickered.

Ranko danced around the schoolyard gracefully using her family's aerial combat skills to avoid Kuno's half hearted strikes.  After a couple of minutes, she kicked the boken from Kuno's hand and leapt back into a waiting stance.  Kuno realized he was disarmed and did the unexpected, he straightened up and bowed respectfully.  Ranko surprised, did the same.

Kuno picked up his boken, "Tomorrow then my fiery tempest?" he asked.

"H-hai, Sure thing Kuno." Ranko replied confused.

Akane walked over as Kuno went inside, "What was that all about?"

"I haven't a clue.  Maybe he's finally taking his medication." Ranko joked.

With no answers forthcoming, the two girls went indoors.

* * * * * * * * * *

It was lunchtime and Ranko and Akane went to their shoe lockers to go outside for lunch.  Ranko opened her locker door and found a note sitting on her black shoes.  Opening it, she read through it quickly and frowned.

Ranko, Please help me!  I've been kidnapped by bad men and am being held in the school gymnasium!  Come save me!

Ranma.

She looked over at Akane, "Hey, Ranma isn't really a real person is he?"

Akane looked puzzled as Ranko handed her the note.  She read it and laughed, "Sounds like something Kuno might pull."

A few minutes later the two were walking into the gym.  The lights were off except near the stage where it appeared someone was tied up.

"Why are we doing this?  We both know 'Ranma' is not kidnapped." Akane asked.

"I'm just curious as to what's going on.  I don't like the idea of someone trying to trick me."

The figure on the stage began to thrash about, "Ranko, save me!  Help! Untie me quickly!"

Ranko and Akane jumped up to the stage.  A short slightly pudgy man wearing a cheap knockoff of the red Chinese clothes Ranko usually wore and a black wig with a pigtail sat in the middle of a spotlight.

"Who the hell are you and what do you think you're doing?" Ranko demanded.

The little man jumped up, the ropes falling away, "Haha! I have tricked you with my clever disguise!  Truly, I Sasuke, loyal retainer of the house of Kuno am a master of the arts of deception."

"Self deception maybe." Akane acknowledged, "What are you doing impersonating Ranma?"

"Forgive me Miss Tendo, Miss Saotome, but my mistress has commanded this of me." He leapt up and grabbed a rope.  A trap door opened under him and he fell into the storage room under the stage.

"Mistress?  You mean Kodachi?  Hey!  I'm not done talking to you!" Ranko growled and leapt down after him.  Akane groaned in frustration and followed the impulsive girl.

Ranko was shaking the small man back and forth, "Come on damn it talk! What's Kodachi up to?"

"S-s-s-he c-c-c-oman-d-d-ed-d m-m-e t-t-t-o f-f-f-f-i-n-d y-y-o-ur w-w-ea-k- k-n-ness-s!" Sasuke said woozily.

"What weakness?  I don't have any weaknesses!" Ranko said.

Akane landed behind her.  Her foot stepped on something soft and it let out a screech.  Ranko instantly tensed up.

Looking around for the first time, Ranko noticed many glowing spots in the darkness as at least a hundred eyes watched her from the darkness.  Akane fumbled around and finally found a lightswitch.  Ranko gasped in shock as the room flooded with light revealing at least fifty cats.

"W-what's all this?" Ranko said calmly as she could.

"I overheard you and miss Akane talking about your fear of cats.  Kodachi asked me to verify it for her.  I am sorry." Sasuke bowed his head.

"Afraid of cats! Hahahaha! How absurd! Why would I be afraid of something like that?" Ranko said, eyes wide and laughing maniacally.

"Ranko?  Are you ok?" Akane asked.  She tried to put her hand on Ranko's shoulder but she pulled away.

"You're not even a little afraid?" Sasuke threw some fish sausage on her. The cats started to congregate, some trying to climb her legs, "How about now?"

Ranko's laughter became unnerving, "Who'd be afraid of a few c-c-cats?"

Akane was becoming scared of Ranko's behavior, "Come on Ranko, let's get out of here."  She led Ranko by the hand to the door leading back to the gym.

"I wouldn't open that!" Sasuke warned.

"Who asked you!" Akane growled back flinging the door wide open.  She turned and walked into something large and furry.  She backed up a little and looked up at the large tiger that had been on the other side of the door.  "What the hell is that doing here?" Akane shrieked.

"I thought maybe Ranko would be scared of it." Sasuke said hesitantly.

"Who wouldn't be?" Akane returned still backing away.

All the cats ran back and began climbing on the trio to get away from the tiger as it approached.

Akane glanced fearfully around trying to think of a way to escape when she heard Ranko start to meow.  She looked over and Ranko's eyes were rolled back in her head as sweat poured down her face.  Ranko fell forward onto her hands and meowed again.  It was the kind of sound a cat makes when it's being threatened.  The tiger wasn't quite sure what to make of the development and hesitated for a second.  That one second was all it took.

* * * * * * * * * *

Kodachi walked through the gym ignoring the stares and whistles of the Furinkan basketball team.  Sasuke had called and told her of his plan and she'd hurried over immediately.  She would finally have her revenge for the humiliation she'd suffered at the hands of her beloved's sister.  Granted, she hadn't seen Ranma since that first encounter but she had heard all the stories and rumors from her brother.  She was quite sure that if she could prove her superiority over Ranko, then Ranma would come back from wherever he was hiding from his sister and the Tendo girl.

As she approached the stage the whole gym began to shake.  People fell over and there were cries of 'earthquake'.  Suddenly the trap door on the stage blew open and a stream of cats flew out of the opening.  They began to rain down upon the startled people.  Kodachi looked up just in time to be flattened by a large terrified tiger.  It quickly got up and ran out of the gymnasium.  Kodachi stood up and started to dust herself off when her danger sense flared.  Ranko was flying straight at her emitting a horrible catlike howl.  Kodachi threw a few gymnastic pins as she rolled to the side.  Ranko swiped with a hand and the pins fell away in slices.  Ranko hit the floor and turned and sprang at Kodachi again, shredding the wood floor as she leapt away.

Kodachi panicked and decided it was time to retreat.  She pulled her ribbon and began to use it like a lion tamer's whip as she backed outside.  Akane had climbed out of the remains of the trap door and stood to survey the damage Ranko had wrought.  She had seen what Ranko's 'claws' did to the tiger and was afraid someone would get hurt while Ranko was in her cat state.

Kodachi bolted out of the gym and attempted to make a run for it.  Ranko swiped at her flanks eliciting a cry of pain as four red lines appeared on the rear of Kodachi's right thigh.  She dropped her ribbon and that seemed to distract Ranko allowing Kodachi to escape.  Akane ran out to see Kodachi disappear over a house in the distance.  Ranko was tangled up and batting at the red ribbon that had been left behind.  She looked up at Akane a mewed playfully.  Akane couldn't help but laugh at the way the ribbon was hanging off Ranko's ear and across one of her eyes.

Ranko hopped off to Akane, nearly tripping herself up in the ribbon.  Akane tensed expecting an attack but Ranko merely rubbed herself against her thighs purring.  She knocked Akane on her butt and settled down in her lap and started licking her hand and grooming her face.

By this time, most of the school had arrived to watch and there was much idle gossip about what was really going on.

Ranko looked up at Akane with a face full of love and contentment and licked her cheek before settling down and falling asleep, still purring on Akane's lap.  Akane was stunned, as was the rest of the student body.  No one knew what was happening but it was certain to be juicy regardless of how much was idle rumor or truth.

Nabiki attempted damage control while Akane waited for Ranko to wake up. She hoped Ranko would wake up back to normal.  Finally the bell rang signaling the end of lunch.  Nabiki shooed a few reluctant stragglers away before sitting down next to Akane.

"So what the hell happened?" Nabiki asked.

"Neko-ken." Akane said quietly.

"The Cat Fist?  What is that?  Some martial arts move?" Nabiki wondered.

Akane nodded and began to explain Ranko's training and then what had happened just a while ago.

"So Ranko has no memory of when she's like this?"

"I don't think so.  She told me she blacks out when she can't escape a cat. Should we tell her?" Akane shifted a little to keep her legs from falling asleep.

"She has a right to know.  And she hasn't seriously hurt anyone.  It looks like we're going to miss our next class.  Come on let's get her to the nurses office." Nabiki helped Akane to her feet while Akane cradled Ranko's quiet form.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranko woke up with her senses on high alert.  She could smell antiseptic and there was only the faint fading scent of cats.  Her senses were always sharper after one of her 'blackouts'.  Akane was sitting next to her and she could hear Nabiki breathing at the foot of the cot she was lying on.

Ranko opened her eyes, "So how long was I out?"

"About twenty minutes.  What do you remember?" Nabiki answered.

"That stupid ninja tried to trap us, and then there were all those c-cats and the big t-t-tiger.  Thanks for getting me out of there Akane."

"I didn't get us away from the cats Ranko.  You did.  Apparently you did learn the Neko-ken.  When you black out, you become a cat.  Not physically but." Akane tapped her forehead and went on to explain what had happened. She went on to describe what Ranko had done while she was 'cat'.

"Oh man!  I could have hurt someone!  Do you think I've done this every time I've blacked out?" Ranko looked worried.

"Probably.  From what Akane said though, I doubt you'd ever harm anyone who didn't antagonize you.  Just like a real cat.  The way you curled up and fell asleep on Akane's lap was just sooo cute however." Nabiki teased.

Ranko turned red as her hair.

* * * * * * * * * *