rr568@bard.edu (Roy Rim) Split Personalities The sun had already set, but the full moon provided more than enough light to see the clouds beginning to form. Some people hurriedly ran down the streets or called out to cabs cursing the storm that was to come. On top of the Tendo dojo are two men in hard hats repairing a hole on top of the roof. One turned to the other and said, "Looks like a big one." "Let's finish this up quickly. We can fix the wall tomorrow after we ..." "Baka!" They both turn to watch as Ranma jumps over the wall followed by an enraged Akane. Then scramble out of the way as Ranma runs along the roof and drops down the hole. Akane, taking a more conventional route, goes through the dojo wall. "Oh, when will they ever stop?" The irate worker scratched his head. "Hey, I hope they never do. If they start acting nice, we'll be out of a job!" A huge lightning bolt rent a hole through the air followed by a thunder that caused both men to jump. "Yep, it's gonna be a big one." A cloaked figure on the wall watched as the two men crawled off the roof as it began to rain. "I got the right one this time," the cloaked figure laughed holding out a bottle, then slipped falling off the wall. The bottle broke on the ground. The figure pulled out another bottle, "Good thing I brought an extra one." "Ha!" Ranma laughed as Akane buried the wooden mallet on his head. The mallet cracked in half. "My head's gotten tougher from all those hits," he bragged laughing. KLONG! "How's that?" Akane stomped off holding a brand new shiny metal mallet. Later, Ranma's in his PJs preparing for sleep. He's got a large bandage covering most of his head. Panda's already snoring peacefully. His window slides open. "Happosai," said a cloaked figure, "I've got the right water this time!" "Pansuto Tarou!?" Ranma ran up to him. "You're not Happosai!" "I know I'm not! You got the wrong room!" "Oh. Where is it?" "Down the hall more." "Oh. Thanks." "You're welcome. See ya," Ranma waved goodbye and layed down on his futon. The clock ticked on as the Panda snored in synch with it. Ranma could hear the creaks of the wooden floor as Pansuto walked farther down the hall. "Wait a second!" Ranma ran after him. The Panda snored on. "At last Happosai! They stopped me last time, but this time... this time...hee hee hee," Tarou stopped to wallow in his own glory holding up a clear bottle holding water. Then stopped as he realized he wasn't holding it any longer. "What? Ranma!" "What's in here, Pansuto?" "You bastard! Stay out of my business! My troubles would have been over last time if it wasn't for you!" "What are you talking about! You brought a Jusenkyo water that would make twins! You could have ruined the Tendo family! We have enough trouble with one Happosai!" "You're wrong! Wrong! See, I bought the same water again!" "You're nuts! I'm tossing this water out!" Ranma pulled off the top then held it in front of him about to tip it over. "Give that back!" Pansuto reached for the bottle but Ranma had turned around. "Just live in another village if you want to change your... Waaaaah!" Happosai crashed into Ranma holding a large bag containing various women's lingerie. The bottle flew out of his hands as Happosai jumped on laughing. Pansuto watched in horror as the bottle flew up and turned upside down releasing all the water on top of Ranma's head. Ranma-chan turned around slowly in terror and looked at Pansuto. "Grikkth!?" Ranma-chan bent over in pain clutching her stomach. "AAAAAAAARRRGH!" Pansuto watched as a lump grew out of Ranma's back, ripping her PJs then he screamed as the lump turned into a head then torso with arms then legs and the figure toppled over as the feet formed and was released. Ranma-chan, still bent over with spit spilling out her open mouth, gasped in relief. Pansuto peeked around her and found himself eye to eye with a naked Ranma-kun. They both screamed. Footsteps could be heard running down the hall. Ranma-chan looked up to see Ranma- kun and then they both screamed. Soun and his daughters ran up to the three figures. Soun fainted. Nabiki started thinking up a plan to start a freak show. Akane pulled out her shiny mallet and yelled," It's that evil spirit again," and attacked Ranma-chan. "Akane! Wait," said Ranma-kun blocking her path. "Ranma! You perv!" Akane smashed him with the mallet. "What are you doing running around naked at a time like this," she said as she smacked a slowly recovering Ranma- chan on the head. "Looks like you knocked 'em both out, sis," said Nabiki. "Oh oh, time for me to leave," thought Pansuto. "Oh, no, you don't," said Akane holding him by his cloak, "what did you do this time?" "Uh, nothing?" Pansuto was sweating as the moonlight played off the mallet into his eyes. "So you found out that the water does make a double of the victim, but a double opposite in nature to the person?" Soun had recovered and was conversing with Tarou. "Yes, but the guide told me to be careful of getting it on myself because the results of the water splashing someone who's already fallen into a Jusenkyo pool could be unpredictable!" Pansuto was nursing large bruises on his head. "So what do you suggest we do now!" Akane hit him with the mallet. "Stop it with the mallet, bitch!" Pansuto stood above her. "Bwaaaah! How dare you talk to my daughter like that," Soun had grown into a large head with an equally large tongue. "Sorry?" Pansuto crawled around Akane in fear. "Father," said Kasumi, "They're begining to stir." "Good." Ranma-chan got up and stared at the group surrounding her. "What are you all doing here?" "Apparently she doesn't remember," said Nabiki. "What are you all doing here?" A groggy Ranma-kun sat up on the futon. Both Ranmas looked at each other and screamed. "Who the Hell are you?" Ranma-chan pointed at Ranma- kun. "What!? An imposter!" "Who's an imposter!" "You are!" "Oh, yeah? Can an imposter do this?" She hits Ranma-kun in the nose. "Oof! Oh, yeah? Take this!" He hits Ranma-chan in the head. The rest stare in disbelief as both start doing Tenshin Amaguriken. "Yayayayayayayaya!" Both Ranmas attacked each other. Ranma-chan hit Ranma-kun 150 times. Ranma-kun hit Ranma-chan 100 times. Both collapsed, their heads bouncing off each other to lying down across each other on the futons. "My, that was interesting," said Nabiki as the beautiful sound of a cash register opened up. Back in Ranma's room the Panda awakened. Stretching it's back it sat back down on the futon and went to sleep. "Ranma! Ranma!" Akane shook both Ranmas. "Huh!?" They both got up. "What's going on?" "You got hit with another Jusenkyo water." "Oh, great!" They both sighed. Then both jumped up," what about the curse!?" Both Ranmas ran out the door toward the bathroom. Ranma-chan splashed herself with the cold water from the shower. Ranma-kun jumped into the hot bath. "Wait," they both shouted, "wrong one!" They switched. Ranma-kun splashed himself with cold water then felt his chest. "I'm cured," he yelled. Soun watched from the door, wiping a tear falling down his cheek. Ranma-chan stared at herself in disbelief as she sat in the hot water. "Cured! Cured!" Ranma-kun ran out skipping in joy. Akane watched as he ran out of the house followed by the panda holding a sign that read, "What cure?" She then turned back to Ranma-chan who was still in shock. "Ranma?" Ranma-chan turned to her in disbelief than jumped out of the tub and out the door crying. Akane followed. "Ranma! Ranma! Stop, you're overreacting." The sun was at it's highest and had already dried the rain from yesterday's storm. The streets were quiet and relaxed as usual during a summer noon and if one listened carefully, a bird could be heard once in a while, cooing to it's mate. "Hehehehe," Ranma couldn't help but giggle as he came back to the Tendo dojo. He was slightly sweaty from running all over town and was bleeding slightly on his shin. "I'm cured. I'mcuredI'mcuredI'mcuredI'mcured! Hey! Where is everyone!" He ran up the stairs and peeked in his room. Ranma-chan was tied down on the futon. Everyone, including the panda, was consoling her. "There he is," Ranma-chan laughed, "my savior!" "What's going on?" Ranma sat down. "This Ranma has gone crazy," said Nabiki trying to remember Kunou's number. "No, I'm not! C'mon, I'm not going to hurt anyone." "We're not concerned about our safety!" "She's obviously gone insane from what's happened," said Soun, "perhaps if Ranma talked with her..." "I got you, Mr. Tendo." "OK. Let's leave!" Everyone, except for both Ranmas, left the room, but not much beyond the door. Ranma untied Ranma-chan. "Yes," Ranma-chan was ecstatic, "They're gone! Hurry! Kill me! Please!" "What! Quiet! They're right behind the door," whispered Ranma-kun. "Besides, I don't want to kill you. Why would I do that?" "Don't you hate this body?" Ranma seemed to think this over. He was thinking, "Hey, I'm not that bad looking. Wait, this is crazy." Then aloud, "Why?" "Why! Why! You run out of the house as a man and I'm stuck in this female body for the rest of my life! How do you think I feel. You should know! Remember the first few seconds after you fell in the pool! Didn't it suck! I remember and so do you! Remember when Herb splashed us with that magic ladle and we finally jumped back in the tub only to find out that we were stuck in this body! Remember how we screamed!" Ranma-kun was moved to tears. He was talking to himself and to remember those two times was painful. "I...I understand," he whispered, "please. Close your eyes." She did. "Arigato," she whispered and waited for the blow. Then waited some more. She opened her eyes. Ranma-kun was gone. There was a note, however, and it read, "Sorry. I need time to think this over." She gripped the paper, "That bastard!" "Where'd he go?" The Tendo family and panda walked in. "I don't know, but he wouldn't do it! Damn! Damn!" She stopped when she felt Soun's hand on her shoulder. "Please, Ranma. Try to make the best of it. You're surrounded by friends here. Remember. We'll figure some way to help you." Ranma-chan sighed as her shoulders slumped. Panda held up a sign that read, "Don't give up! Be a man!" "Now, we need to give you a name while you're both running around." "Why?" "Well, it's confusing to have two Ranma's running around and people will begin to wonder. Also, it's best since your mother like's to visit without calling." "Hai," Ranma-chan gave in. "We'll stick to your self given name, Ranko." Ranma ran across the rooftops, his mind flying elsewhere. "I've always wanted to get rid of my female body but this is ridiculous. That's me in that body! Me! How would I feel? Probably same way, but still, asking myself to kill me is ridiculous." He stopped as he realized that he had run in a circle and was on the Tendo roof. "Oh, well." He jumped down and walked in. "I'm back!" "Oh, good," said Soun, "don't worry, my boy, everything's calm now." "She's resting upstairs," read the panda's sign. "Guess I should go talk to her again, eh?" "That's my boy!" Ranma ran up the stairs and opened the door to his room. He saw herself laying down on the futon. "Hi," said Ranma-chan. "Uh, hi," Ranma-kun said. "How does one address oneself," he thought. "You know, they decided that Ranko would be my name from now on." "Oh. That's OK?" "I guess." "I mean, are you allright?" "Yeah, you can keep our real name." "No, I mean... well, you know." "Oh, that. I don't know." "Oh, me neither." Ranma avoided looking at her. "Ranma," Akane walked in, "I brought you some...Oh!" Akane gasped, "You're back!" "Akane, it's OK," said Ranko. "Yeah, you brought some tea and cookies?" Ranma looked hungry. "Yeah, here," Akane placed the tray on the floor. "Wait, you didn't cook the cookies, did you?" Both Ranmas stared suspiciously at her. "Huh?" Akane looked back and forth between them. "No," now angry, "Why? Does it matter?" "Of course it does," said Ranma, "If you made them, we could very well be eating our deaths, in fact Ranko wouldn't need me to kill her," Akane grips her fist, " all she would have to do is eat a mouthful of...huh?" Ranko had placed a hand on Ranma. "I think you should stop." Both Akane and Ranma looked shocked. "Akane, thank you for the cookies and tea. Mr. Tendo probably wants to see you now." "Oh, um, sure. Yeah." Akane got up to leave. "See ya." As Akane walked down the stairs she thought, "Why is she acting so nice?" Back at the room Ranko has been staring at her hands. Ranma stared at her. "What was that for?" "I just realized how stupid we were, that's all." "Huh?" "Listen!" Ranko grabbed Ranma's shoulders. "We both know how you feel! I've been thinking about this before you came back!" "So?" "So! So! It's perfectly allright for you to..." "Oh," realization dawned on Ranma. This time Ranma began to fidget with his fingers. "Do you understand?" "But she's so violent," Ranma smiled. "Yeah," Ranko smiled, "I know but one of you Bakas has got to act at least halfway intelligent." "Sure. Want a cookie?" Ranma had already finished half of them. "This is so wierd," both of them thought. Panda was concerned for his son. So much easier to just lay down and play with a tire than worry, but still it was his son. Now a daughter too, Nodoka would like that. The panda climbed up the stairs and tiptoed, if a panda could tiptoe, next to the door and listened in. "Ha. Remember how we kicked Herb's ass all the way back to China!" "That was great! We're pretty smart tricking him into using that punch." "Yeah! When Ryouga came back out holding the pot I knew we would win and I could change back into...oh. Whoops." Ranma finally noticed that Ranko was no longer laughing. "Wait!" Ranko scared Ranma. "This is pathetic. Father has his flaws, but there was one thing he taught us that I will always believe in and that is to see things to your advantage. It's time that I stopped feeling sorry for myself." "I'm sorry." "It's not your fault. C'mon, time to be part of life again. Let's go downstairs." "Woorf?" The panda rushed down the stairs. It sighed in relief, glad that they didn't blame him for what happened as they usually do. "Ah, Ranko, Ranma, dinner has just started," Soun greeted them. "Great!" They both sat down. "Oh, I hope I made enough," said Kasumi. The Tendo table was busy as usual with both Saotome and his son noisily eating everything in sight. The Tendo sisters conversed with everyone as usual but what did not escape any of them was that Ranko didn't eat that much. Akane whispered to Ranko, "You OK?" "Yeah, why?" "You're not eating like you usually do." "Oh!" Ranko was truly surprised. "I didn't realize that! Maybe I'm not hungry." "That's a contradiction coming from you." "What?" "Oh, nothing!" "Whew," Soun sighed in pleasure, "That was good as always Kasumi. I will always wonder how we would survive with mother gone if it wasn't for you." "Thank you, father." The subject of mothers attracted both Ranmas' attention, it even managed to stop Ranma's eating. Akane picked up on it. "Oh, Ranma! You can see your mother now!" "Oh, you must be so happy," Kasumi scooped him another bowl of rice. "More food!" panda held up a sign proudly, "Nodoka is an excellent cook!" Kasumi scooped him another bowl too. No one noticed Ranko's sad smile, except for Kasumi. "Now, Ranko, we must decide where you will sleep," said Mr. Tendo. "I thought I was going to sleep with father and I," Ranko smiled at her own joke although noone else got it, Ranma choked on a fish. "No, it's best that you sleep in Akane's room." "What!" Akane banged the table. "There's no way I'm sleeping in that violent monster's room. She probably snores too!" "Now who's acting like a Baka," said Ranma as Akane picked up the table. "Diiiieeee..." "She can sleep in my room," said Kasumi. "Eh?" "It's all right, Ranko, you won't be an inconvenience. Besides, I've got the biggest room." "Good. It's all settled then. We'll put another futon in Kasumi's room." Ranko followed Kasumi into her room carrying a futon and some blankets. "Are you sure that's enough, Ranko?" "Yeah, should be fine." "The forecast said there is going to be an unusually cold night tonight." "Don't worry. I'm fine." "What are you going to wear when you sleep?" "Oh! I hadn't thought about that." "Don't worry. I'll lend you one of mine. Take your clothes off." "Okay," Ranko obeyed, blushing. "Here, it may be a little too big but that's OK for the night." "Hai," Ranma put on the nightie. "Well, I'm hitting the lights, OK?" "Hai." "Hmmmm. Tomorrow after school I'll send Akane and you shopping for some clothes." "Uh...Hai." A few hours pass with both women breathing lightly. Ranko, as usual, had kicked off her covers and was curled up tightly in a ball, shivering. Her teeth began to chatter. Kasumi woke up. "Oh, she's cold. Ranko? Wake up." Ranma answered with a couple of clatters with her teeth. Kasumi got out of bed and began to shake Ranko. She shook her a couple of times then harder. Finally, she smacked her across the face five times. "Well, aren't you a heavy sleeper?" Kasumi smiled. "I guess I have no choice." Kasumi dragged the sleeping Ranko onto the bed. Then she got in bed too and fell asleep when Ranko's teeth stopped chattering. Then woke up again to Ranko mumbling in her sleep. "Mommy. Father! No! Mother!" "Oh, poor girl," thought Kasumi, "to be pried from your mother at such a young age! Then to be torn from her again knowing you can't approach her. Oh! A tear!" Kasumi wiped the tear from Ranko's face. "She's so innocent! Akane's always grumbling about Ranma doing hentai things but he's always in the wrong place at the wrong time. And this time it's hurting her." Kasumi stroked the crying face and realized that it was calming Ranko down. "Mommy. It's me! I'm here," Ranko mummered. Kasumi felt her heart break. She remembered her mother dying. She had kept those feelings down by comforting herself with the care of Nabiki and Akane and father, who was so strong when mother left. She knew she was more than a sister to Akane and Nabiki but she dreamt of a day of raising her own family and watching her children grow, knowing that their mother would never leave them. "Poor child," Kasumi whispered, "You lost your mother too now. Perhaps you can look to me as your mother." Kasumi turned Ranko's body toward her and hugged her. "She's so slight! She only comes up to my chest! I can't believe her and Ranma are the same! So delicate. A child needs a mother." {Then Kasumi brought Ranko closer to her and hugged her.}[Then Kasumi lowered her nightgown and let one of her breasts free and brought Ranko's lips to her nipple.] {"Mom..." Ranko unconsciously whispered as she snuggled her head into Kasumi's chest.} ["Mom..." Ranko whispered as she unconsciouly began to suck.] Kasumi looked down upon Ranko's head endearingly. "Someday, father will no longer need me and then I can make my own family. But you need me more, Ranko. I will not let you despair like I did." Then hugging her protectively, "I raised Nabiki and Akane until they no longer needed me. I'll do the same with you!" The moon was bright as ever that night and sowed it's seeds of light upon the Tendo home. The moon beams swam through Kasumi's windows and lightly lit the warm pair. One, content in the knowledge that she is doing all she can and that it is enough. One, saved from a nightmare and floating through a wonderful dream. Ranko woke up to the sounds of fighting outside. "Huh? That's father. Who's fighting father!? Oh! Oh, yeah. Huh?" Ranko looked down and realized she was next to Kasumi on Kasumi's bed. "Huh? Better get off before she wakes up and thinks I'm some pervert. Oops, too late!" "Yawn! Good morning, Ranko," Kasumi smiled then stared. "Uh, Hi! Something wrong?" Ranko blushed as she realized that Kasumi's night gown was hanging loose. "Oh! Don't worry," Kasumi said realizing that Ranko was ashamed of something, "you were shivering last night so I dragged you onto my bed. Don't worry, we're both women." "But, I'm a..." "Oh, hush. Don't worry about it. Time for me to make breakfast." "OK." Ranko went back to her original room and rifled through the bags to find something to wear. "Finally!" She put on her extra pair of clothing. "What's wrong, Kasumi," asked Nabiki, "why you frowning? Did Ranko snore?" "Oh. Nothing." "If you say so." Kasumi frowned as she chopped some carrots. Ranko's face looked different this morning and when she got out of bed, Kasumi's night gown fit her better than last night too. Her face wasn't just different. It had become beautiful! Stunning! Soun watched the Saotomes practice while he brushed his teeth. Then he noticed the girl next to him. "Ah, are you a friend of Akane's? When did you come?" She looked perplexed. "Mr. Tendo. It's me, Ranko." Soun spits his toothbrush out. "Nani?" Nabiki walked up, "Hey, Ranko. You look different." "Really?" She walked over to the pool and looked at her reflection. "Huh?" "Pop," Nabiki whispered to her father, "she's ravishing! What happened?" Soun just stared, drooling. "Father!" "Oh! Kasumi," Ranko cried turning around, "let me help with breakfast!" "Really! That's nice of you Ranko!" As Ranko entered the kitchen, Akane returned from her morning jog. "Father? What's wrong?" Soun just shivered. "Don't worry about, Dad," said Nabiki, "he's just showing signs of life, that's all." "Breakfast!" Kasumi called to everyone. Ranma and Genma ran from bathing and changing and sat down with the Tendos. "Ranko! Bring the rice?" "Sure!" Ranko came in carrying the cooker. Genma and Ranma fell over backwards. "What!? What's wrong!" "Nothing!" Ranma recovered first, then noticed the Tendo sisters staring at him. "What!?" "Your face!" "What about it?" "It's leaner. Your cheekbones are showing. Stand up." "OK, if you want me too." "You're taller too!" "So, I'm hungry. Let's eat." "OK!" Everyone digs in. Ranma pigs out as usual but can't help but notice the small glimpses everyone keeps giving him and Ranko when they think they're not looking. "Well, now," said Genma, "that was delicious!" "Thank Ranko, she helped," said Kasumi. "Hahahaha! I knew that there was something positive that would come of this mess! Dooooouuuuh!" Genma fell over backwards after his head got stuck between Ranko's and Ranma's fist. "So, Ranko, what are we going to tell the school," Soun said. "School?" "Yes. They're going to be pretty confused." "She can be Ranma's cousin," Akane suggested. "Do I have to wear the school dress?" There was the usual "five minutes before school starts" rush as students crowded through each other to get to class. Three figures jumped over the entire group and got to class with time to spare. They were, of course, Ranma, Ranko, and Akane. "Students," the class quieted down as the teacher entered, "we have a new student today. Her name is Ranko." Ranko walked in, "Whoah! Deja vous," she thought. Akane couldn't help but notice the dazed expression of the male half of the class as Ranko walked in. Ranko stood next to the teacher, who was noticeably drooling, and gave a dazzling smile to the class. Half the class stopped breathing. Akane turned toward Ranma, who just grimaced. She then noticed that a few of her friends were staring at Ranma with their eyes glazed over, sighing from time to time. "What's wrong with them," she thought to herself. "Please, miss. Sit next to me," said one of Ranma's friends. "No. Me. Me." "Me!" "Quiet!" The teacher pointed toward the back of the room, "Ranko will sit next to Ukyou. Ukyou, raise your hand please." "Hai," Ukyou finally pulled her gaze from Ranma and blinked her eyes as if trying to keep them from bursting out when she saw Ranko. She looked back and forth between the two as Ranko walked closer and closer. "Hi, I'm Ranko," Ranko gave another blinding smile, "I'll explain everything later," she whispered. "Um...Hai," Ukyou watched as Ranko sat down next to her. "OK class. Take your notebooks out." RING! The students immediately dropped their books and surrounded Ranko and Ranma. However, Ranko and Ukyou seemed to be in a heavy discussion and the boys gave up on trying to talk to her and instead interrupted the girls who had flocked around Ranma. "Ranma! What's going on?" "Yeah, who is she?" "It's no coincedence that your names are similar!" "Ranma, what are you doing today?" The girls managed to shove the boys aside. "Ranma, I'll cook you anything you want if you drop by." "Really," Ranma's attention was perked, "when?" "You bastard!" Akane slapped him and left in a huff. To her dismay, no one cared. "Ranma, Ranma, Ranma..." Akane keeps hearing as flowers and petals flew everywhere. "So that's what happened!" Ukyou could hardly believe it. That this incredible beauty next to her was her childhood friend, and someday husband (to herself), was impossible. She could believe Ranma changing back and forth, but two seperate ones? "You are Ranma, right?" "I'm Ranko, now. The real Ranma's a guy, remember." "Oh, I didn't mean it that way. That's you inside, though, right? Then don't worry. We'll be friends, right?" "Oh, Utchan! Do you mean it!" "Ranma, it doesn't matter what body you have. Or even if there is two of you. We'll always be friends." "Utchan..." Ranko's eyes were begining to tear, "I needed to hear that. I'm so glad no one else is paying attention." "Oh, yeah. You and Ranma look so different today." "Oh, why's that?" "Well, take a close look at Ranma yourself." "I can't. Gosunkugi keeps getting in my way." "Yeeeeargh!" Suddenly Ranma shoots out above the crowd and hangs in the air for a few seconds letting the sun beams through the window play shadows across his body. Then landing next to the door, runs out. The girls quickly follow. "I see. Longer face, more visible cheekbones, and a sharper chin." "In other words, he's more handsome than before. Much more." "Oh. I see!" Ranko pokes Ukyou lightly in the ribs. Ukyou blushes. "She's different than Ranma-chan," thought Ukyou as Ranko laughed lightly. The boys realized that Ranma was gone, but that Ranko was still in the class. "Oh boy," said Ranko, "let's get out of here." "I agree." They both rush to the windows and jump out leaving behind boys declaring their undying love to the new student. "So, what are your plans?" Ukyou walked next to Ranko. "Not much. Kasumi wants me to go buy some clothes." "Oh, really! Can I come too?" "Why not? I need someone besides Akane to help me pick clothes." "Miss, please, you must try this on. You would look absolutely astonishing in it!" "Oh, allright." "Don't worry, Ranko, let them handle everything. I'll be back after trying on this dress." "Hai." "Miss, you must be some famous model, no?" "Huh? Uh, no. Why?" "We've never seen anyone as beautiful as you. It is an honor to dress one so pretty," the saleswoman checked Ranko's measurement quickly and efficiently. "Uh, thanks?" "No, thank you. See, potential customers can see us through the window and when they see that our shop serves the very finest of women, well they can't help but come in." "Oh." "There now. Go look in the mirror." "Hai." Ranko stepped off the stool and checked her reflection on the three sided wall mirror. It was a light dress not too heavily decorated with small flowers on a light blue fabric. The top stopped at her shoulders and had a very low cleavage. The saleswoman came up behind her and dropped a large summer hat on her head and said, "Complete!" "Ranchan!" Ukyou came out from the dressing room. "Ranchan! You look absolutely stunning!" Ranko just stared in disbelief at the beauty of her friend. Ukyou had a darker blue dress on, more simple than Ranko's dress, but much more revealing and had a high cut along the side of her dress. "What's wrong? You don't like it?" "Ukyou. Why didn't you ever dress like this before!?" "Yes, miss! You look absolutely stunning! Those pants just don't do you any favors. There are two lucky men out there," said the saleswoman nodding up and down. Ukyou blushed. "Well, I'm always busy at the restaurant and I never get a chance too...anyway let's get these dresses." "Half price for you two lovelys." "Arigato!" "Next! Lingerie!" "What!" Ranko blushed as she's pushed into the store. "Ranko, you're a girl now. Boxers just won't do. Plus your breast size is evidently a "C" so you're going to have to wear a bra when you're outside almost all the time!" "Do I have to?" "It's necessary." "Oh look! This one is sooo sexy! Isn't it cute!" "Um...Gulp. Yeah." "It's perfect for you. Go on. Try it on in the dressing room." "Hai." Ranko entered the small room with it's single mirror and blushed at the thought of trying on the lingerie. Sighing, she finally takes her old clothes off including the boxers and tries on the lingerie. "Christ! These things crawl up your butt!" "Something wrong, Ranko?" Ukyou asked from outside. "Nothing! How the hell do you girls stand this stuff?" "You get used to it." Now the bra. Ranko put her arms through it and tried her best to reach the latch behind her. "Dammit! Dammit!" "Need help?" Ukyou knocked. "Sure," Ranma unlocked the door as the bra slid off, "Oops!" "Oh, don't worry!" Ukyou walked in. "We're both girls after all." "Then why are you blushing?" Blushing even further, "Well, I don't exactly go around helping people out with bras." "Then why me?" "Because we're friends," said Ukyou sliding the latch in place, "there you go! Ooh, sexy." Ranko blushed, then laughed. "Oh, yeah? You gonna tease me?" Ranko took another bra and snapped it against Ukyou's arm. "Ouch!" Ukyou frowned. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that...Ouch!" Ukyou had pulled on the bra and let it snap back to Ranko's finger. "Hey! OK that's it!" The attendants turned around as squeels of laughter and snaps eminated from one room. A few minutes later, Ranko and Ukyou are on the streets, still giggling from time to time. "And her face when she opened the door with all those attendants looking in!" "Then at the counter when we tried so hard to keep from laughing!" Both girls laughed and held hands as they walked down the street. Then Ranko realized something and quickly removed her hand from Ukyou's. "What's wrong, Ranchan?" "Um...nothing," said Ranko then to herself, "What's wrong with me? Acting like some baka girl!" Akane watched from around the corner, "Humph! Well she seems happy enough! Well, good for her," she stated knocking out a pole. "Akane!" Ranma almost ran into her. "Ranma!" "Hide me!" "What?" "They're after me!" "Who!" "They!" Ranma ducked behind her as a large crowd of Furinkan students passed by. "Ranma, where are you!" "I brought flowers for your cousin, Ranko!" "You can't hog all the girls, Ranma!" "Ranma, I love you!" "Whew! They're gone." "You're happy all those girls are gone." "What's the matter Akane. Jealous?" "No. Who'd be jealous of a hentai like you!" "That's good. Just like a tomboy," Ranma turned away. "Ranmaaaa!" Sounds of head hitting pavement. "Bye Utchan! So after dinner, right?" "Right! Bye Ranm...ko!" Ranko skipped through the Tendo door whistling swinging her bags. "I'm back!" Kasumi came out to visit her, "Did you have fun shopping with Akane?" "I couldn't find her but Ukyou helped!" "That's good. Anyway, anytime before supper I have a couple of things to give you. I'll be at my room." "OK!" Ranko suddenly stopped swinging her bags. "Why am I so happy?" she thought. "Kasumi! It's me." "Come in!" Ranko walked in to find Kasumi sitting on the floor with various articles about her. "What's this?" Ranko pointed to the stuff. "Well, it's women stuff." "Women's stuff? What kind of stuff," said Ranko suspiciously. "Well, first off, let me explain what a period is..." Time passes with much blushing as Ranko is taught all the difficulties a woman goes through and at last, it's done. At the end, Ranko felt like she ran a marathon and was completely exhausted and said so. "Oh, that's good. You can rest for awhile before dinner." "Thanks, Kasumi. Wake me so I can help with dinner." "That's allright, Ranko." "No. I want to help you, Kasumi." "OK. I'll wake you," Kasumi smiled as she closed the door. Akane dragged an unconscious Ranma back home. "I'm home," she called. "Just in time for dinner," Kasumi called from the kitchen. "Akane, where were you," Ranko asked coming out of the kitchen. Then demanded, "What did you do to him?" "Well, he was upsetting me again!" "Now, really Akane. We both know how much you like him. Why can't you be a little less painful." "What! Why you..." "Uhh." Ranma stirred. "Are you OK?" Ranko bent over him. Ranma just stared straight at her, a little drool dribbling down his chin. Ranko was dressed in a loose T- shirt with tight jean-shorts on. "You must have hit him harder than you thought, Akane. He doesn't look too well." "Hmph!" Akane turned around and stomped off. "What's with her! Running around like some silly girl! Who does she think she is!" Ranma shook his head and groaned. "I got to be really sick to stare at myself like that," he thought. "I hope you've got a big appetite." "Why?" "I helped Kasumi and we've got a big dinner!" "Allright. We always were good cooks, unlike you know who!" "Uh, yeah." Ranko turned and walked back to the kitchen. "Wow. If only Akane could be half as cute as her. Me. Her. I give up." Soun and Genma are sitting on the back porch sipping on tea. "Ahh, Genma, what great daughters we have." "Mm," Genma nodded his head panda style. "But what about that ingrate son of mine." "Yes. When are our two children going to marry." "Soun. I'm not sure if Ranma's curse being lifted makes matters more complicated or less." "Me too, Genma, me too." Ranko ran by, "See ya, Mr. Tendo. Bye Pops!" "Where are you going at this time!" "To meet Utchan!" "But wh..." too late as they both watch Ranko run off. "So, what are we watching?" Ranko wasn't sure why she agreed to come over. When Utchan suggested it at the time, it seemed like a good idea. "Some horror flick called Red Christmas," Ukyou held up the box. They both walked into the living room. Ukyou turned on the TV and VCR and pushed the tape in. Sitting on the couch, they both laughed at the cheesy fx and squeeled in happy terror (with Ranko stopping short sometimes) as a large christmas tree attempts to kill an entire family. Eventually, the movie got boring and Ranko's head slowly dropped on Ukyou shoulder who was leaning against the couch arm. "Ranko, I'm turning it off. Ranko?" Ukyou, tired, hits the stop button and lets her head drop. "I'll just rest for a little bit then walk Ranko home." Ranko awoke and found herself on top and in Ukyou's arms on the small couch. Her sudden movements stirred Ukyou awake. They stared at each other and blushed. "I should go home," said Ranko begining to disentangle herself. "Wait. It's late already." Ukyou held her. "Besides, you look tired." Ranko easily gave in and settled in her friend's arms. However, it was akward for her, for her head was resting above and between Ukyou's chest. It felt comforting but as the time passed, she felt more and more uncomfortable. She could feel her face turn red. "Dammit," she thought, "I'm just not used to all this girlish hugging stuff." Ukyou could feel her stiffening up. "What's wrong?" She looked down and noticed her flushed face. "Nothing." "C'mon, tell me." "Well, aren't I a little heavy," Ranko tried to avoid telling her. "Ranchan," Ukyou gave her a little hug, "you're the lightest girl in the world!" Ranko gulped as her head sank in-between Ukyou's chest some more. "But isn't it kind of weird. Me sleeping with you? I-I mean, I don't mind. I-It feels nice." She was afraid to look up. "Oh, Ranchan," Ukyou lightly chided, "it's perfectly allright for girls to sleep together." "I'm not a girl!" "Yes, you are. I can feel two pieces of evidence right on top of my stomach." "Hai, Utchan." Ranko sighed and tried to relax. ["But if you're uncomfortable, we can move to my futon upstairs." "Can we?" Ranko got up and off Ukyou, regretting it. Ukyou lead Ranko, who was yawning, upstairs. They went into her room and Ukyou sat down on her futon. She began to unbutton her pants. "Aren't those shorts uncomfortable to lie in?" She pointed at Ranko's legs. "Oh. Hai," Ranko took them off. Ukyou reached underneath her shirt and pulled it off then released her bra and took it off. Then she layed down on the futon with only her panties on. "You might want to take your shirt off too, it's much more comfortable." "Hai," Ranko blushed as she finally realized that Ukyou's top was naked and thanked God that it was night. Ukyou noticed her flushed face and said, "Don't worry, we're both girls." "I'm a..." "Ranchan," Ukyou sounded annoyed. "Hai...Where's my futon," asked Ranko, standing wearing the same amount as Ukyou, mouth stuck in a yawn. "Here," Ukyou pointed on the one she was laying on. "Same one!?" "Hai." She waved her to sit down. Ranko obeyed. The two soon layed down and Ranko found her head, once again between Ukyou's chest, as the futon wasn't that large. "This is as bad as on the couch," thought Ranko. She was lying on her side facing Ukyou, with the side of her head resting on her arm, which was wrapped around her and pulled her in. She felt akward that her arms were just at her sides so she wrapped one above Ukyou's waist. She looked up at Ukyou who smiled down at her and then gave her a kiss on top of her head. Ranko blushed then found herself pulled into Ukyou's chest even more. Ukyou always thought of herself as devoted to Ranma. She wasn't sure when it happened, but something else had stretched out from her heart toward this strange creature who was like Ranma, but different. There was something in this girl that wasn't in Ranma and definitely wasn't in Ranma-chan. Ranko twitched her hips, which were begining to itch, and complained about it getting too warm. Ukyou smiled as she hugged Ranko. She could feel her erect nipples. She could also feel the source of the heat that was making it so warm beneath the covers. It was emanating from somewhere right in front of her crotch. Ukyou brought her arm that was above Ranko to her buttucks and squeezed the left cheek. "Ukyou!" Ranko was shocked. Ukyou giggled then said, "What's wrong, Ranchan? Did I touch the wrong place?" Ranko was looking up at her, jaw opened in surprise. Ukyou bent her head down and kissed her. "Mmph!?" Ranko slid down. "Ukyou, stop kidding." "What's wrong, Ranchan?" Ukyou slid down so she could face her. "You're the one making it too hot under the covers." Ukyou brought her arm around and cupped Ranko with her hand between her legs. Ranko moaned, "Utchan." Her face flushed. "See," said Ukyou feeling how wet Ranko's panties were, "you're making it too hot to sleep with the covers on." She pulled them back. Then she covered Ranko's moaning mouth with her own. She brought her hand up and slid her fingers into Ranko's panties. She released Ranko's mouth and slid a little up, then with her other hand, pulled Ranko back between her breasts. Then she slipped her pointer down Ranko's lower lips, then pushed between them, and was slipped in. Ranko bit into Ukyou's left breast. "Oh! Ranchan, do you want something to suck?" She squirmed her body around until her left nipple was planted against Ranko's lips. Ranko immediately slurped it in. "Oh, oh, oh," Ranko moaned between sucks as Ukyou slid her finger in and out. Then Ukyou pulled her finger out and began to play with Ranko's clitoris. Ranko began to shiver in pleasure and moaned, "Utchan! Oh, Utchan!" Ukyou stopped playing with the clit and pulled Ranko's panties down. Then placing Ranko on her back, she sat up and slid down the futon and split Ranko's legs. "Utchan? What are you doing?" Ranko shivered. "What am I doing!" she thought to herself wanting to leave, wanting to stay. "Shhh, Ranchan. Just relax," Ukyou bent her head down towards Ranko's open love and blew lightly along the opening. "Mmmmmmm," Ranko arched her back then gasped as Ukyou licked her clit. Then gasped again and again as Ukyou rolled it around her lips. Ranko felt her stomach knot. It felt like it was gonna squeeze her to death. She weakly tried to push Ukyou's head away but it was no use. "Utchan! Utchan, please!" Ranko felt strange. "Stop! Slow down!" She could hardly talk. "Stop! Oh! It feels weird! Stop! Please! Utchan!" Ukyou had brought one hand down between her own legs and was busily sliding two of her fingers in and out. She heard Ranko's urgent moans but her love smelled and tasted so sweet she could not stop. Every time her tongue stroked up, Ranko couldn't help but arch her back and lift her hips to follow the tongue so that it didn't slide along her slit too quickly. But Ukyou's tongue was too quick and Ranko's back only stretched so far. Ukyou sent her tongue to probe her depths and all of Ranko's muscles clenched. Her hands were gripping onto Ukyou's hair as her legs, holding her stomach up, began to shake. "Utchan! Please! PLEASE!" Ukyou ignored her and began to suck on her clit again. "Stop...oooh, stooop, p-p-pl, Uunnnnnn." Then Ukyou slipped in two fingers as she sucked as hard as possible. Ranko pulled Ukyou's head closer as her legs pushed higher and Ranko gasped one long moan as the knot in her stomach finally snapped and freed the warm light that flooded her body and overflowed into Ukyou's open mouth. "Uh, Uh, Uuuuutcccchaaahn!" Ranko gyrated her hips into Ukyou's face a couple of times as Ukyou finally groaned into her slit one more time and weakly pulled her face up with one hand and brought her other hand, wet from her own juices, away from between her legs and in front of Ranko's lips who began to lick her hand clean. Ukyou weakly sat up on her knees and slowly collapsed next to Ranko. She brought her lips to her's and they kissed. She wrapped her arms around her and hugged her between her chest again. Ranko had gripped her left nipple with her lips again and was nursing on it. She released it for a second and said, "I didn't know it was normal for girls to do this!" Ukyou giggled at Ranko's naivety and allowed exhaustion to bring her to sleep.] Kunou stood on top of the school roof and watched as the sun rose steadily. Birds chirped and squirrels chattered as a warm breeze stirred the grass. "At last," said Kunou, "I now know the class where my Pig-tailed Goddess goes! Ah, how kind the fates are. I have suffered through many trials, destroyed many enemies, always hoping that my efforts would be rewarded, and at last, Kunou Tatewaki will get what's coming to him!" A bird flying overhead lazily squeezed a sphincter muscle above Kunou. "Yawn! Oh no!" Ukyou realized that it was a school morning. "I got to get ready for class! What time is it! Huh?" Ukyou looked down in surprise at a sleeping Ranko who was curled around her waist. "Ranchan! Oops! Forgot to bring you home last night. Oh well." Ukyou giggled as she poked at Ranko's cheeks. "Mmmnble," Ranko buried her face in Ukyou's waist. "C'mon sleepy. Get up." "Mmm. Shaaaa. What time is it Pop?" "Time for some breakfast." "Breakfast! I got to help Kasumi!" "No, you don't Ranchan." "Ukyou? Where am I? Oh." Ranko blushed when she realized that her arms were wrapped around Ukyou. "Don't worry about breakfast. I'll make it for you." "Hai." RING! "That's the phone. Ranchan, your hairs a mess. The bathroom's down the hall." "Hai." Ranko slowly walked up. "Hello? Ah, Akane. Yeah, Ranko's here. Sorry if we worried you but we fell asleep during the movie. Everything OK? Good. See you at school. What about school? Come a little early? Why? Oh. I see. OK. Thanks." Ukyou yelled up the stairs, "Make it a quick shower Ranchan. Akane suggests we go early." "Why!" "Just because! Oh, I'd better get breakfast started." Thirty minutes later, both ran down the streets. "So why are we going early?" "You'll see, Ranchan." "Sheesh! I wish you would just tell me." "No. I got to see your face for this one." The school gates appeared. As they both got closer and closer, it became evident that it was blocked by a large number of boys. "I thought they stopped this nonsense. Where's Akane." Ranko looked around as she ran closer. "They're not here for Akane. They're here for you." "Nani?!" Ranko almost tripped. "Haha. I knew I couldn't pass this up. Whoah!" Ukyou almost fell but Ranko grabbed her and helped her retain her balance. By this time, the Furinkan boys have recognized that she was coming and had run out the gate towards the pair. They were all dressed up in tuxedos holding bouquets. They surrounded the pair. "Leave me alone you perverts!" Ranko made a series of twists and turns amongst the cries of love trying to avoid the grasping hands. Ukyou, realizing that Ranko wasn't attacking, pulled out her spatula and running ahead, cleared a path through the boys, with Ranko following close behind. At last, safe in class, a little early with no one there, they sat down. "Whew, what an exercise," said Ukyou. "Christ! I thought this silliness ended with Akane." "Well, you got them all riled up." "How?" "You don't know?" "Know what?" "Forget it. Anyway, why didn't you attack?" "Well, it'd be unfair. Besides, they're just horny, not evil. I don't want to hurt them." "That's my Ranchan, allright," thought Ukyou. She then quickly gave Ranko a kiss on the cheek. "Eh? What was that for." "That's for being a nice person." "Oh, then I should return the favor." Ranko gave a quick peck on the cheek to Ukyou. Both blushed. "Why did I do that?" though Ranko. Two teachers walked down the hall in between classes. "You won't believe it. First, there was Tendo Akane, with half my class drooling and daydreaming over her, then Saotome Ranma comes and strange things start happening and I can't even get one class done." "Then what." "Now Ranma's cousin comes and to make it worse, the other half of my class now daydreams about Ranma." "You mean the girls." "Yes." "And the boys still dream of Akane." "No, Ranma's cousin Ranko." "Hey, you're drooling." "Oh, sorry. Anyway, she's a knockout," said the teacher, his eyes glazing over. "Hmmm. Seems your students aren't the only ones." "Pig-tailed Goddess!" Kunou dropped out of the sky, arms spread ready to hug Ranko. "Aaaaaah!" Ranko jumped out of the way as Kunou landed on his face. She screamed again as Kunou had immediately jumped up and had grabbed her. "Oh, my Goddess.:) How the days that seperated us tortured me. The green grass didn't grow, the flower buds did not bloom, milk sours quickly, and the delivery men arrived late. All of these pointed out how wrong, nay, how evil it is for us to be seperated..." Kunou saw the foot come out of nowhere and released Ranko as he fell over. "Kunou, you perv. Hands off my cousin," said Ranma. "Thanks," said Ranko sitting on the floor. "Why don't you just hit them. Lightly?" "I don't know. Thanks again." "No prob, cuz," Ranma smiled. "Oops, gotta go," he said as he saw the crowd of girls headed his way. "Ranko, mind if I help you up?" A boy held his hand out. "Wait, let me," said another. "Me." "Me." Ranko wasn't sure who started it, but someone threw a punch and soon there was a large group of quarreling boys attacking each other. "What's wrong with them?" "Ranko!" Ukyou called from the gate, "I'll walk you home." "Hai." The two girls started walking toward the Tendo home. "So, what do you think of your admirers?" "Admirers? Those animals?" "Yes! The last person to get them this excited was Akane." "Huh? Which shows that they had bad taste." "But not anymore, eh?" "I'm not pretty." "Oh, yeah?" "Yeah." "You're as beautiful as Ranma is handsome." "Hey! Coming from you, anything about Ranma is questionable." "What do you mean by that, Miss Humble?" "You kno-ow," Ranko bends sidesways next to Ukyou and points a finger, smiling, "Oh, Ranchan! Have another! I know you love my okonomiyaki." "Oh, stop it!" Ukyou smiled. "How about Akane, eh? Oh, she's such a tomboy, but she's so cute!" "OK, that's it. Tickle-attack!" Ranko manages to poke Ukyou in the stomach. Ukyou giggled. "Got ya back!" "Nope, missed me! C'mon, I'll race you to the Tendo home!" Meanwhile, Akane walks home alone. Her mind's all dizzy with the events of the past days. She's also very annoyed with her sister, Nabiki. They were watching from the balcony as the large group of girls chased afer Ranma. Akane, as usual, complained about him. "What's wrong with him! Why does he have to act like a perv all the time!" "Akane, he is running after all," said Nabiki. "He could be doing worse, like chasing them instead of the other way around." "But he doesn't stop them." "You never stopped those crazy mornings." "What? I hit those bastards all the time. Unlike Ranko!" "You never flat out stopped it. All it would have taken is a couple of words but instead, you resort to violence. And maybe you're just jealous of the attention he's getting. It's gotta be pretty hard knowing that your competition is normal girls now, not fighters like Shampoo, so you can't go around smacking them." "Sister! How could you!" "This is for your own good, Akane. In fact, I'd be chasing him too, he could make me a lot of money, you know. But there's one thing stopping me. And that's you, sister. Maybe it's time you guys took your relationship a little further. If you don't, I might have to help." "Hmph! What does she know?" "Akane!" "Ranma!?" "You headed back home?" "Why do you care?" Ranma looked confused. "Why don't you just run off with your girlfriends." "What girl... Oh, them!? You're getting jealous because of them!?" "No! I'm not jealous!" Akane raised her fists. "Oh... Okay then," Ranma gave her a smile, "let's go home then." "Wha...? Uh, OK," Akane said off balanced. "Ranmaa! Akanee!" They both turned around. Ukyou and Ranko ran up. Both were giggling almost drunkenly, Ranko almost fell over if she wasn't grasping Ukyou's arm so tightly. "What's wrong with these two," Akane thought, "They're acting so silly!" "Where you guys headed," said Ranko between giggles then stopped at Akane's stare. She thinks to herself, "Was I just giggling like that?" "Home." "Togeeetheeerrr? Ooo-oooh," Ukyou teased. Ranma and Akane blushed. Then Ranma answered, "Me, with this Tomboy? I just don't have a choice, that's all. In fact, I don't even..." Akane raised a fist, ready to send Ranma flying. But instead, Ranko grabbed Ranma and Ukyou grabbed Akane and, running, they pulled the two toward the Tendo's. Soun and Genma have been sitting on the back porch all night worrying. "You know, Genma. You having a daughter now is quite a blessing." "Too bad she didn't help make breakfast this morning." "I hope she doesn't stay out much. Kasumi was very worried for her. She is, after all, a girl. A slight one at that...Very pretty too," Soun's eyes began to glaze. "Yes, yes. I'm quite happy how this turned out, actually. Now, when we go training, I have someone to cook. Much better than that ingrate son of mine. HAHAHAHAHAHA...Dooooooh!" Ranma lands on his head unconscious. "Hello," Akane and Ranko called from the door, "We're back! Ukyou's here too!" "You didn't have to hit him." Akane ignored Ukyou. "Akane! How was school today!" "It was fine father!" "That's good! You Ranko?" "Fine, Mr. Tendo. C'mon Ukyou. Let's go to my room." "OK!" In Kasumi's room, Ranko begins to undress. "God, I hate these school dresses! Where are my boxers? These panties are crawling up my butt again." "Oh, Ranko, they're not that uncomfortable." "Izzat so? Then why do you dress like a guy all the time? Hmmmm? You know, you can help me by dressing up and getting some of those guys off my back." "Stop kidding!" "No, I'm serious! Remember the saleslady reaction when you came out wearing that dress?" "Oh, c'mon! She just wanted me to buy a dress, that's all." "You know, you could probably steal Ranma from Akane wearing that dress." "Really!? Oh, stop teasing!" "I'm serious, Utchan. If I only spent more time with you before. You know. You always were there for me. I should have realized," Ranko blushed, "before. We could've...well, you know." "Ranchan..." "Um, well, C'mon, let's change." "Okay." Ukyou pulled a pair of pants and shirt out of her bag and began to undress. "What's wrong, Ranchan?" "Um...it's that, don't you want to dress elsewhere." "Oh, come now. We're both women now," Ukyou pulled her shirt off. "Well, it's just that..." "What?" Ukyou took off the rest of her clothes. "There's still part of Ranma in me!" Ranko quickly put her shorts on and ran out. "I'll be downstairs," she called from outside. "Ranchan..." Ranko zipped by the dining room and into the kichen. "Something wrong, Ranko?" "No, nothing, Kasumi." A little later Ukyou walked in and was soon helping out. Kasumi could feel some tension between them but as they both became more absorbed in cooking, the tension drained out and eventually all three women were laughing after Ranko nearly dropped some eggs and instead began to juggle them. Between two expert cooks and one competent one, a feast was made and soon the dining table was covered with a variety of dishes. Soun and Genma nearly fainted at the sight and smell of the foods and eagerly awaited the arrival of everyone else. Soon Akane and Nabiki and Ranma sat down and only the sounds of eating were heard as Kasumi, Ranko, and Ukyou watched contently eating while watching. "What a strange feeling," thought Ranko, "I feel like I won a battle. Now I understand why Kasumi does this. Everyone looks happy. Especially my other." She could hardly see Ranma's face from all the food being stuffed into it. Then he whispered into Akane's ear and she smacked him which stopped his eating for a second. Then he dove right back into it. Akane stared at Ranko, which made her very nervous. "What did he say to her," she wondered smiling weakly at her. She felt someone touch her hand lightly. It was Ukyou. "Ranchan," she whispered, "what's up with Akane." "Don't know." Akane watched the two across the table. "I swear they're in love or something, if they weren't both girls. Wait, Ranko isn't exactly a girl. Well, she was very excited at the new clothes she bought," Akane thought remembering an excited Ranko showing her dress after dress, until Akane pointed out that she was acting like a girl, then Ranko promptly stopped then answered, "Oh, they're just a bunch of dresses, you know. It's not like I care. Besides, what do you know about acting like a girl." Akane wondered, "Is she a full girl?" Akane watched Ukyou and Ranko as they teased each other. She then realized that father was drooling again. So was Ranma, who had stopped eating, holding his chopsticks and bowl, but staring straight at Ranko. Ranko's T-shirt was hanging loose. Just a bit too loose. "Christ! You'd think she wears it like that on purpose from all the times she does." Ranma turned to her, "Hey, you're not eating. Something wrong? It's good, no?" She smacked Ranma nonchalantly then realized that Ranko was looking at her. "Well, what does she care," Akane glared back. They were in Akane's room working together on homework. Ranma was visibly sweating, looking back and forth between the three girls, hiding behind his binder. "So, Ranko, what do think of all those boys following you?" "Well, I don't know. They're annoying, that's for sure. It's sort of like when Kunou was chasing us, but I don't mind hitting Kunou. The rest of those boys are helpless as girls!" "Well, not like one girl we know," Ranma said pointing to Akane. Akane sent a fist but was interrupted by Ranko's outstretched palm. "Huh? What's wrong with you!?" "Nothing," said Ranko looking at the ground. She got up and left. "Ranchan?" Ukyou got up and followed. "Ukyou?" Ranma got up but was sent out the window by Akane's mallet.