Ranma and the curse of Nyannichuan tg.
Disclaimer: Ranma ? and it's characters are not owned by me, but Rumiko
Takahashi. Characters may be out of character. There are also male-to-
female transformations (obviously).
*
Recently, the town of Nerima had been a place of some rather crazy
things. Strange animals would appear all over the town. A young man with
a yellow headband and umbrella could be found searching aimlessly for the
local high school. There were reports of womens underwear stolen by a
pint-sized bandit, and martial arts battles would happen anywhere,
whether it was the ice skating rink, or a gymnastics tournament.
However, on one particular Saturday morning it was a comparatively normal
day, especially at the dojo where all the crazy things usually
originated. Inside, the moustached owner, Soun Tendo, was reading his
newspaper at the table as the smell of steamed rice filled his nostrils.
Right next to him was an unusual (but regular) sight: a sopping wet panda
watching the television. Suddenly it raised a random wooden sign.
"When is breakfast?" the sign said.
Soun called out to the kitchen. "Kasumi, how long is breakfast? Genma's
getting impatient again."
In the kitchen, one of his daughters, a beautiful young ponytailed woman
was cooking. She was the epitome of a wife any man would give up a leg
for, as she sweetly hummed a small song to herself. When she heard her
father's voice she didn't skip a beat. "It should be ready in about a
minute or so. Akane, could you tell Ranma breakfast is almost ready?"
At the table Akane, the youngest daughter with short tomboyish hair, sat
up. She was dressed in a yellow skirt and pink cardigan. "Alright."
"Make sure he's decent," the bob-cut sporting middle sister Nabiki
snarked as she too was watching television. Knowing her, Akane figured
she was already scheming how she was going to blackmail some poor sap for
money again.
"Yes Nabiki," Akane chided as she started to take the steps up to Ranma's
room. Then-
"FUCK! SHIT!"
Ranma's pained voice cried out, alerting Akane that Ranma was in trouble.
Without hesitation, she rushed up the stairs. Whenever Ranma was noisy,
that meant trouble was not far behind.
'What is it this time?' she thought. 'Is it Ryoga again? Tatewaki?
Kodachi? Mousse? Shampoo? Taro? Happosai?'
SMASH!
She heard the sound of glass shattering when she got to the door, raising
Akane's urgency. A cry was one thing, but if things were getting broken,
then Ranma must be in all sorts. Without hesitation she burst into the
bathroom. "What's happened?" She cried, expecting Ranma to be in the
middle of some fight.
Instead, she saw a naked, busty girl with her red hair in a knotted
ponytail. Her fist was heavily embedded into the now-broken cabinet
mirror. The red-head's other arm was clutching against her stomach. In
the background was the sound of the shower running.
However, this girl was not a strange intruder to Akane. In fact, this
girl was also a male martial artist who usually sported his black hair in
the same knotted ponytail: her (not by choice) fiance, Ranma Saotome.
The reason for Ranma being female was because of a fateful trip to the
Jusenkyo Springs he took with his Dad prior to arriving at Akane's home.
Whilst there for training, Ranma had fallen into the Nyannichuan, or
Spring of Drowned Girl. Because of a curse there, Ranma now was doomed to
become a girl any time he was doused in cold water, with only warm water
being able to reverse it. And he wasn't the only one with such a strange
condition. The panda happened to be his father Genma, and there were a
handful of others she knew that had experienced a similar curse. Akane
knew that Ranma wasn't female the night before, and it took the sound of
the running shower to inform her what had happened: the water must have
gone cold as Ranma was washing himself.
However, this wasn't usually Ranma's typical reaction to transforming. He
admitted that he hated it, but he tended to live with it begrudgingly and
even used it to his advantage. Today however, the look on her face was
one of both fear and terror. She even looked on the verge of tears.
The moment girl-Ranma looked at Akane, her eyes widened and her arms
reflexively covered her privates. "GET OUT!"
Akane backed a little, surprised by the sudden hostility. Whenever he was
in girl form, Ranma never seemed to care about being nude. He even walked
around the house topless on some days (to Akane's chagrin). However, this
was the first time Ranma seemed very self-conscious.
"But Ran-"
"GET OUT!" Akane had never heard the girl scream as loud as she did. She
immediately closed the door behind her, but not before she glimpsed at
the reason for the girl's distress.
Trickling down one of Ranma's legs was a thin stream of blood.
At first she figured it was from the wound on the girl's fist, but she
knew the blood couldn't have spilt down there so quickly. That left one
other option and the thought made her stomach churn.
Inside she could hear the girl murmur. "Crap, now Akane's gonna have a
field day with this! Shit, it hurts so bad! I better not be stuck like
this! Fuck that witch! FUCK!"
'Wait,' Akane thought. 'Has this honestly never happened to Ranma? And
what's this about a witch?'
Now that she thought about it though, it made sense Ranma hadn't
experienced a woman's 'time of the month'. Ranma was never the kind to
stay in female form very long. At most she perhaps stayed that way for a
few days, even a week when circumstances prevented her from transforming
back. She wondered if Ranma was even prepared for such a thing.
The rumble of multiple footsteps took Akane's attention and soon Soun,
Nabiki and the Panda showed up. "Is Ranma alright?" they all asked (and
in the panda's case, held up a sign).
Akane was about to say something, but then thought about Ranma's
terrified expression. It was clear from his hostility that he didn't want
others to find out. After all, he was one who prided himself on his
masculinity. What would happen if everyone else found out that his girl
form had done something to betray this?
"Y-yeah," Akane lied. "She just became a girl again. I think the water's
gone cold. Tell Kasumi to boil some water."
"Right." Soun went down stairs. The Panda gave a shrug and sauntered off
as well, holding up a new sign. "Tell her to boil some for me too!"
Nabiki was perhaps the most suspicious, keeping her arms crossed. "What
was with the sound of broken glass?"
"Oh that. That was just Ranma being Ranma." Akane nervously laughed,
hoping Ranma wouldn't hold it against her.
Nabiki raised an eyebrow, then stared at the door. Akane braced herself
against the door, fearing her sister was going to investigate herself.
Instead, she shrugged. "Well, I'm sure its something you and your fiance
will figure out."
When they were gone. Akane tapped the door.
"WHAT?" Ranma gave an agitated cry.
Akane cringed, annoyed that Ranma could be so abrasive. "I chased the
others away. Father's going to get you some hot water." She didn't press
the matter. It was obvious Ranma was very distraught and raising the
issue now wouldn't be a good idea.
"Oh." Ranma's voice sounded sheepish. "Thanks." She gave a small cry, a
sound Akane knew too well from experience. She knew period's could be
uncomfortable, but for a man feeling one for the first time it must've
been a nasty shock.
A minute later, Soun came back with a hot kettle of water and gave it to
Akane. The tomboyish girl shooed her father away and left the kettle at
the door. "I'll leave the hot water here," she softly spoke, but instead
of leaving him be however, she quickly hid herself just as the door
opened. She saw Ranma's gentle hand snatch the kettle and shut the door
immediately. A minute later, an athletic, pony-tailed man in a singlet
and shorts exited the room. He was obviously wet, but relieved. Before
his eyes could meet Akane's, she ducked out to the kitchen.
After that Ranma came down, complaining about how the pilot light was out
and that it should be fixed. He apologised for breaking the mirror (under
the excuse it was an accident) and then wolfed down his breakfast, acting
like nothing out of the ordinary happened.
But he never said anything about what was really troubling him. Nor did
he say anything about a witch.
*
For a couple of weeks afterwards Akane was afraid to discuss the issue
with Ranma. Just because they were in an arranged engagement didn't mean
they were always on good terms, let alone in love. It didn't help that
Ranma was an insensitive, stubborn ass, who never liked it when something
bruised his ego. Even when she gave it some time, she could easily
imagine Ranma taking things the wrong way before the two got to arguing
again.
However it wasn't like she couldn't leave the issue alone forever. She'd
been wondering what Ranma had meant by 'witch'. No matter how long she
knew Ranma, she always found out something else bizarre about him, so she
wondered what kind of witch had Ranma (or just as likely, Genma) had
pissed off, and whether she had anything to do with the marital artist's
period.
To add to her concerns, she noticed that after the incident, Ranma
started avoiding cold water altogether. He virtually stopped showering
and bathing until the shower was fixed, and stayed well clear of the Koi
Pond. He didn't even try to drink anything cold with his meals, sticking
to warm tea.
Then one day, Akane was walking down the hall to her room with a glass of
water. She was just innocently on her way to do some study when she
bumped into Ranma. The water didn't quite spill out of the glass, but the
moment Ranma noticed it, he immediately jumped back a couple of feet
before snapping. "What the fuck, Akane?"
Akane felt hurt for the outburst but tried to keep her cool. "Sorry. I
didn't see you."
"You know I can't touch that stuff!" he retaliated, pointing at the
glass.
"So?" Akane huffed. "You can switch back."
He narrowed his eyes. "What if I don't?"
"What do you mean by that?" Akane asked.
Ranma spat back. "It's none of your business!"
Akane was annoyed by his vagueness. "None of my business? You didn't look
fine the other week-"
Ranma's expression turned to one of horror. "Okay! Let's not speak about
that!"
Akane noticed the switch in personality. "What? Your per-"
"LALALALALALALALAALALALA!" Ranma covered his ears as he screamed at the
top of his lungs.
SLAP!
A red welt formed on Ranma's cheek as he reeled from the slap. Akane
snapped back "Stop being childish! I'm trying to help!"
Ranma stared at her, then the glass in her hand. "I know, but haven't you
considered that I'd really prefer it that no one else finds out?" He
glared at her.
"But Ranma-"
But her fiance was already walking by her. "Just drop it and leave me
alone!"
Akane however wasn't going to drop it. Before he got out of reach, she
grabbed his wrist. "No I'm not!"
"Let me go." He tugged at the hand.
"Says who?" Akane furrowed her brow.
"Says me, you idiot!" he spat. Akane however knew this insult well. It
was something he always did when he felt annoyed by her presence.
"Don't call me an idiot, you jerk!"
"Uncute fiancee!"
Akane's eye twitched, her hand tightly grasping the glass. She'd been
called 'uncute' before but she really hated it when he did it for no good
reason. It reminded her of how unfeminine she really felt. Through
gritted teeth she snapped back, "Want me to splash you?"
Suddenly Ranma's eyes widened and he virtually jumped away from the girl
as if she was a bear. He glared daggers at her, then gently stalked away.
Akane realised she'd crossed a line. "Wait, Ranma! I'm sorry!"
Ranma didn't turn back. "Just stay away from me! Especially with water,"
He huffed.
Akane however felt annoyed at herself. She'd let her anger get to her and
pushed Ranma away in his time of need. She knew that if something wasn't
done, then Ranma might never be able to trust her again. Not that she was
ever going to marry him, but her conscience just couldn't let Ranma's
worries be left unsolved.
She had to get to the bottom of this.
*
Knock, knock, knock.
"Ranma?"
The pigtailed man sat up from his futon. "What?"
The door opened. Akane poked her head through. "Mind if we talk?"
Ranma groaned. "Akane!" However that failed to stop Akane as she let
herself in. Ranma gave a sigh. "What did I tell-"
The door closed behind the girl. "I know, but we're not going to get
anything resolved if we keep this up."
Ranma stood up. "There's nothing wrong-"
"Yes there is." She raised her voice. "And I'm sick of you pretending
there isn't anything wrong!"
Even though Akane was shorter than him, Ranma still felt intimidated by
her determination alone. However, his ego wasn't going to let her walk
all over him. "And I told you it's none of your business!" He stood up,
glaring down at the girl.
Akane didn't budge. "Would you prefer it if I tell Nabiki about your
'problem'?"
Ranma froze. He knew immediately that such delicate information in
Nabiki's hands could ruin his reputation. And even if she didn't tell
anyone, she would make him pay for the rest of his life.
"You wouldn't!" He tried to call her bluff, but Akane's smirk sealed his
fate.
"Alright then," She then turned towards the door. "Oh, Nab-"
Suddenly Ranma covered her mouth forcibly. "Alright, I'll talk!" He spoke
in a hushed whisper. "Just promise me you won't tell anyone about this!"
Akane gave a gentle nod, before he let her go gently. She then made a
seat for herself on the futon that Genma usually slept at. "Alright, now
what's gotten into you?"
Ranma put a hand up. "Wait, not here."
Akane felt her eyebrow twitch. "But you said-"
"I will. It just doesn't feel private here." He motioned to the door.
"The Old Man could come in at any minute."
Akane interjected. "I wouldn't worry. He's watching a film. I'm sure we
have at least an hour to kill until then."
Ranma glared at her wearily, then eyed the room around them. "Is P-Chan
anywhere in this house?"
Akane frowned. "Why are you so suspicious? He's just a pig!"
Ranma then nervously laughed, wanting to keep P-chan's true identity a
secret out of respect. "Yeah. But you can't be too careful. Pigs might
gain the ability to speak someday!"
Akane rolled her eyes at her friend's stupidity. "Even if he could talk,
I haven't seen him for days."
"Right," Ranma wiped his brow, knowing this was information he didn't
want his arch enemy Ryoga (who Akane didn't know could turn into her pet
piglet P-Chan) to hear.
Akane crossed her arms. "Would you prefer if we talked outside where I'm
sure one of your rivals will try and attack?"
Ranma gave it some thought and quickly made his decision. "Yeah, you got
a point."
"Alright, whenever you're ready." Akane got herself comfortable, waiting
for Ranma to speak.
Ranma took a deep breath, realising he couldn't stall any more. He was
admittedly a little frightened on what he was about to say, but he knew
that of all the people, Akane was the closest to a trustworthy confidant.
However, he would keep telling himself that it totally wasn't because she
was cute. "What do you need to know?"
Akane was blunt. "You've never had a period before, have you?"
Ranma stiffened. Akane tensed, expecting Ranma to lash out. However, he
managed to mumble out "No. Not really."
"But you've been cursed for a year or so!"
"Hey, I know I can become a girl!" he snapped. "It's just that I wasn't
given a freaking instruction manual on how my girl form works!"
"Is it something to do with why you've been avoiding water?" Akane
probed.
The martial artist gave an ashamed nod.
"Why is that? You've never been this hostile about your girl self
before."
Ranma turned away. "You wouldn't understand."
"It wouldn't hurt to tell me."
Ranma remained silent. Akane again feared that he would order her to get
out. However he finally spoke. "You know how I fell into the spring?"
"Yeah?"
"I didn't tell you the whole story."
"Huh?" Akane titled her head. "What else was there?"
Ranma looked out the window. "You wouldn't believe me."
"Try me," She crossed her arms, ready for whatever Ranma would throw at
him. After all, what could be crazier than a spring that could change
ones sex?
Ranma paused. Akane couldn't help but notice how he was apparently
shaking. Then in a dead serious tone, he spoke, "I met the girl who
drowned there."
Akane gazed at him, unsure if he was joking. "What?"
Ranma gave her a dirty look. "Akane!"
She snapped back. "Don't snap at me! A little more information would be
nice!"
Ranma gave a 'tsk', and recounted the memory he didn't want to relive.
*
(Ranma's P.O.V)
I remember we had gone to Jusenkyo because the Old Man kept
telling me it was a great place to train. Then again, seeing
as his idea of teaching me the Nekoken (Cat Fist) was to dump
me in a pit of cats, then I should've been weary from the
start how dubious this was.
I should've really picked up something was wrong when the
guide there kept warning us how each spring was a place where
something had drowned. I thought it sounded creepy, but Dad
kept laughing it off. "All the more reason to prove ourselves
that a little water doesn't hurt anyone. Right son?"
If only we knew.
When we arrived, the place was quiet and peaceful. All the
small springs of water were lined before us, with each marked
by a pole sticking out. I distinctly remember the guide
telling us something, which I think must've been a warning,
but we were so overjoyed about arriving that we dropped
everything.
Immediately we jumped onto the poles. Of course, being martial
artists we balanced on them easily. Below I could hear the
guide yelling at us, but again we took nothing from it.
"Alright, boy." The Old Man smirked. "Let's see if you've
caught up to me."
"Bring it on, Pops!" Though I already knew that I had his
number.
We both then flew for each other with kicks, trying to see who
could knock each other off. It didn't take long for me to kick
him into one of the springs. I heard a satisfying splash as I
landed on a nearby pole, smirking at my victory. I expected
the Old Man to come out of the spring, laugh it off, and
challenge me again. Then I'd just kick his ass over and over
again until we'd got tired and find something to eat.
Instead, a panda shot out of the water.
"Huh?" I asked. Where had that come from?
It was then that I heard the Jusenkyo guide below me lament
about how Pops had fallen into the Spring of Drowned Panda,
and now was the panda!
I couldn't believe what I'd just heard. The Panda before me
was Pops? It couldn't be!
Before I knew it, the Panda had made a flying leap at me. I
tried to counter, but a giant black paw copped me in the face
and I felt myself fly off the pole. The last memory I had
before hitting the water was seeing the crystal clear surface
of the spring hurtling toward me.
SPLASH!
Suddenly water surrounded me. I plunged deeper and deeper,
still trying to wrap my head around what had just happened. I
mean, people just didn't become Panda's out of the blue!
Then I remembered something. These springs were meant to be
cursed, right? Which had I fallen into? I tried to swim up,
afraid of what I was about to become.
And then things got weird.
How can I describe it? One second I was surrounded in water,
starting to drown. The next, I was suddenly standing on dry
land, outside of a hut with stick walls and a straw roof. I
was even breathing the air fine.
?Huh, weird,? I shrugged it off, starting to figure that
everything until now had been a dream. Maybe I was still on my
way to the springs and had fallen asleep. I mean, people
becoming Panda's? What next?
However, I didn't remember encountering this hut before on our
travels, nor could I see Pops anywhere. Of course he'd leave
me behind and do whatever! Even my bag was gone! How was I
supposed to find him and the Spring?
Then I heard the sound of singing from inside the hut. It was
a sweet and alluring voice, and gave me some hope. There was
no door so I let myself inside.
Big mistake.
Inside was very basic. There were some chairs, a table with a
basket of vegetables sitting on top, and a makeshift bed of
straw on one corner of the house. I guess the first weird
thing I noticed was how on the table there were also various
herbs and spices and books that made me think of a medicine
maker. But there were also animal bones, and even a couple of
skulls. That alone sent a shiver through me.
But it was the girl washing herself that drew my attention.
Just to be clear, I didn't mean to stare. I just didn't expect
the girl to be naked as she sat on a stool and calmly doused
herself with a bucket. Besides, she had her back turned to me
at the time. All I could really see was the curtain of red
hair that covered her back.
The second I realised she was bathing I quickly turned around
and started to make my way out, but my dumb leg bumped into a
stool or something and I suddenly lost my balance. I managed
to correct myself but the damage had been done.
The girl had stopped bathing.
?So, you've disturbed my home?? she said.
I froze, thinking I was in for it now. Meekly I said, ?L-look,
I'm sorry. Funny story really. I was on my way to Jusenkyo and
suddenly I was here and-?
The girl stood up, her back still turned. ?As I said, you
disturbed my home.?
?It's not my fault! My Father-?
Suddenly the girl turned around, revealing her stark naked
body. At the time I hadn't seen many girls my age, let alone
naked girls, but I thought she was quite beautiful. She was
lithe, but had curves in the right places. Even her breasts
(which I only peeked at) were very big and perky. Her long
wavy red hair was accompanied by her bright, baby blue eyes
and pert lips which were in a mischievous smile.
I swear I looked away at that point. I may be a guy, but that
doesn't mean I'm a pig like Kuno of that Freak Happosai.
However her sweet voice just...well, it turned my veins to
ice. ?So, you like what you see then??
I swear I didn't look back, but she had me trapped. What was I
supposed to say? Do I lie? Then she'd accuse me of calling her
ugly. Do I tell the truth and fess up that I saw her naked?
Well, that's my death warrant right there. I was screwed
either way!
So I did what anyone from the School of Anything Goes Martial
Arts would do in this scenario: run away!
I started to bound away and thought I was making some distance
on the hut when suddenly I felt something grip around my left
wrist. I tried to barge onward but something was keeping me in
place. I turned to my arm to see what the hold up was.
A red, clammy slither of rope was wrapped tightly around my
wrist. I tried moving my wrist but the rope didn't yield.
?The Hell?? I grunted, turning to the source of this rope. I
soon noticed that it snaked towards the girl and then vanished
into her long, red locks.
?Uh, uh, uh!? She wagged her finger at me. ?You saw me in my
most vulnerable state. You have to pay the price.?
Believe it or not, I still hadn't caught on how ominous she
was being, though that sinister smirk of hers was starting to
give me the creeps. ?I didn't mean to!? I sweated as she
caught up to me. ?I-I'll do anything if you don't rat me out!?
But she was too distracted to listen, instead eyeing my body
up and down. ?My, a good specimen of a man, aren't you? I
haven't met your kind for a long time.?
?I-is that so?? I nervously laughed, yet also honoured at her
compliment. ?Guess that makes me special??
?It sure does,? She licked her lips as she squeezed my right
bicep. I didn't think much of it at the time but her hands
were cold and wet. ?I haven't punished a good man in, let me
think, 200 years.?
That was when I realised something was wrong. ?200 years??
Suddenly, her entire hand squeezed my bicep hard. I tried to
shake her off but her grip strength was like that of an
eagles.?Yes. After all, I am the sorceress who was executed
here.?
My expression froze. Executed? But she was right here before
me? Wasn't she?
?Wha-? I didn't even get a word out when I felt a massive
sting from where she had gripped me. As she let go, I gripped
the spot in pain. ?Hey, what was tha-AGHHHH!?
My entire right arm was cramping violently. When I
investigated it, I was stunned. I saw a small scratch that was
glowing a slight pink, and from that my veins were visibly
throbbing!
?W-what are you doing?? I suppressed a scream, managing to
yank away from her hair's grip. However that didn't stop the
pain from travelling along my arm, and onto my hand.
The girl only stood there observing me. ?Why, punishing the
pervert of course.?
I was gonna to ask what she meant, but then my arm and hand
gave a simultaneous sharp CRACK. Fearing it was broken I held
onto it, feeling some venomous force attack my flesh. Then
before my eyes, the muscle I'd worked hard to achieve
shrivelled away. I swear I even felt like my strength was
vanishing.
My hand was the same. As if someone had smashed a hammer into
it, my fingers contorted and disfigured in a succession of
painful throbs. I groaned, trying to suppress the pain, but
soon I noticed they were also shrinking, sinking into my palm
like a tortoise into its shell. Finally the pain started to
subside and the last of my fingers changed with a few pops.
When I examined them I was in for a shock.
My entire arm was just about dwarfed by my gi sleeve and
seemed half it's original size. My hand wasn't much better, as
years of callouses and powerful muscle were replaced by
slender fingers and creamy silk skin. It reminded me of
something.
?Awww, such a cute hand.? The girl smirked, putting her hand
against my disfigured one. ?Does it remind you of anyone??
I did notice. Her hand was the same as mine.
?WHAT DID YOU DO?? I snarled, jumping away from her presence
in case she tried to pull another stunt.
?As I said, I'm punishing you,? she said in a sing-song voice
which really pissed me off.
?For looking at you??
She twirled a lock of crimson hair around her finger.
?Precisely. In my opinion that's what all you men deserve.?
?I'm not a pervert!? I screamed.
Then as if to rub it in my face, she traced one of her fingers
around her nipple. ?Really??
I turned around. ?N-NO!? I hoped I wasn't blushing, but her
playful chuckle only made me flustered. ?Change my arm back!?
?I'm afraid I can't do that,? she said. ?As soon as I activate
the curse, I can't do anything else. Speaking of which, what's
taking your shoulder so long??
?My wha-?
CRACK!
?AGHHH!? I fell to my knees feeling my shoulder explode. I
could feel the bone pressing into my body, and my ribcage
digging into my organs. Worse still is that it didn't subside
as the pink light consumed my upper body. I felt something
like acid burn along my collarbone, as bones started to grind
and rub underneath my skin.
CRACK!
My left shoulder caved in, before the cramps intensified
around my left arm and the whole process began again. As I
writhed around in pain, I could hear the witch laugh before
me.
?My my. What's the matter?? I could hear her chide above me.
?Lost your manly strength??
?Shut-up!? I grunted, making an effort to get back up, as I
tried to fight off the aches around my ribcage. Then-
PSSSSSSSSH.
Suddenly all the air in my lungs sucked out. Or rather,
something was squeezing them out. I once more collapsed,
struggling to breathe.
?Little word of advice, breathe in,? she spoke before I felt
another painful crack within my ribs.
?AGHHH!? I almost passed out, but I knew I'd disappoint my
dojo if I did. I wasn't gonna give her the satisfaction of
beating me. Soon the suffocation passed and I could breathe
again. However, I knew immediately that the solid heaviness of
my body from before was gone. I knew from the way my robes
were loose against my skin that I'd lost more mass. My
already-changing arm was still popping and throbbing from its
recent changes, the pink glow fading.
Suddenly, I felt something cold touch my shoulder. At first I
thought it was part of the transformation, but then almost
yelped when I saw the sorceress kneeling beside me. ?My, I'm
surprised you're still up after all that! You're indeed
something special.?
?Damn you!? I gritted my teeth, trying to grab her with my
transformed arm, but she dodged it easily.
?Ooh, we have a fighter do we?? She seemed amused by my
suffering.
?Yeah, so?? I winced, wiggling my fingers to prove their
mobility. It still ached a little but it was fading.
She smirked, standing over me. ?Alright then, let's play a
game. If you can get a hit off of me before you leave my
realm, I'll consider changing you back.?
In hindsight, I should've known it was too good to be true.
However, I was so caught up in anguish that I was more than
willing to do the same. Besides, my pride was on the line. I
never lost a challenge I'd been offered and I certainly didn't
want to lose to her!
?Don't you dare underestimate me!? I spat, then lifted myself
using one hand. I lifted my leg and curled it over myself,
aiming for her head. I managed to flip forwards toward where
her body was, landing on my feet. I looked up ready to strike-
But soon found there was no one ahead of me.
?Huh?? I suddenly felt something ice cold tap me on the
shoulder. I turned. It was her.
?Hey!?
She crossed her arms and shook her head. ?What part of the
word 'sorceress' did you not listen to??
Then, I saw a large, red spike rise by her shoulder like a
cobra, made from her own hair. Before I could process it, the
spike pounced toward me. I managed to dodge it, but only just.
My legs felt like lead compared to my lighter upper half, and
it took every ounce of my power to just jump away. Just to add
insult to injury, her thrusts only became faster and faster,
and I could feel my back start to ache but I suppressed the
pain as long as I could.
PUNCH. PUNCH. PUNCH.
By some miracle I was still dodging her strikes, even if my
legs were screaming from lactic acid. ?Jeez, use a bit too
much mousse?? I joked, but I spoke too soon.
POP!
?FUCK!? I fell onto my back as I felt my spine compress
violently. It was like a barbell had fallen onto my shoulders.
I fell to the ground, almost paralysed by the pain, which
quickly shot down my legs.
POP. CRACK.
?UGHHHH!? I screamed, unable to move my legs as I felt my
joints pop out of place. It was the only thing I could do
without passing out. Soon the pain passed and the feelings got
back to my legs. Already I could tell from the way my pants
flopped that my limbs were indeed smaller. All the time I
could hear that wretched girl prance around me.
?Try kicking me now,? she taunted, her hair reverting to its
normal shape, as if she didn't need it any more.
I was enraged. It was like she didn't think she could lose. I
tried to get up but I almost felt like jelly. My cuffs were
pooling at my feet and I felt uncoordinated with my new centre
of balance.
Suddenly I felt a voice right by my ear. ?Awww, you poor
thing. Hardly the image of grace I imagine from a girl.?
I jumped away from the voice and turned to find she was
standing right before me. I hadn't even noticed she'd gotten
close again. ?Stop doing that!?
?My, what's the matter? You look pale.? She batted her
eyelashes in mock concern.
?Huh, what do you mean-? I touched my face. Was that changing
too?
?Let me fix that.? She then flicked me in the forehead.
However this wasn't some ordinary flick. I instantly felt a
migraine the moment she touched me. I could see a pink light
glow around my vision and feel the pulsing between my ears get
louder.
CLICK. CRACK.
I winced as I fell over from the disorienting pain spreading
through my face and skull, but even before I saw the damage I
could tell my features felt wrong. My nose felt too small and
my skin too smooth. Then I felt my throat seize up and I
almost felt like I was being suffocated by a massive hand. And
all the while I could hear that mocking, playful laughter. I
swear I wanted to smash her face in that moment.
Finally, after a massive cough, I could feel my entire head
recover and air flow through my windpipe again. I glared at
the witch as she stood before me. ?You think this-? I stopped
and examined my neck. That wasn't my voice! It was a sweet,
high-pitched sort of tone which sounded eerily familiar. Again
I heard her laughter.
The witch had conjured an ancient-looking mirror with a gold
trim. ?Here. I'll think you'll like my newest piece of art!?
I didn't want to, but I had to make sense of what was
happening. Then I saw my face.
Or rather, her face.
Everything about my face was gone. Gone where the angular
lines, the strong nose, my thin lips. All of it was replaced
by softer jawline, a button nose, fuller lips and a large pair
of baby blue eyes that were dusted with purple eye-shadow. If
it wasn't for my black ponytail, I wouldn't know it was me.
?MY-MY FACE!? I winced at the feminine voice screaming back.
?Oh wait, I forgot to add the finishing touch!? I felt her
hand pat me on the head, the coldness of her touch almost
feeling like fire on my scalp. I winced, fearing the worst as
the burning intensified and spread along my roots.
Then the sensation vanished.
I opened my eyes. My hair was completely red. If not for my
ponytail, I could easily be seen as her twin. And I had her
voice too.
I stared longer, trying to make sense of what I was becoming.
All my life I'd had it hammered into my head that I had to
become a manly man amongst men. The more I trained the more I
became proud of the body I'd developed, feeling I could make
him and the dojo proud. But now everything I'd worked hard for
was disappearing by the second and I couldn't even recognise
myself. All I saw was the witch's face, staring back.
I was becoming her.
SMASH! My fist went through the wrench's little toy, as if it
would destroy what I'd just seen.
?Awww, you broke my mirror!? She smirked mockingly. ?That's
seven years bad luck! Unlucky for you, I think it will be a
lot longer!?
?TURN ME BACK!? I yelled, my fists clenched in case she tried
to throw something at me.
But she just casually threw away the mirror and dusted off her
hands. ?Heh. You're feisty. I like that.?
?CAN IT!? I yelled. ?GIVE ME MY BODY BACK!?
?And if I don't?? She again circled around me with that coy
smile. ?If anything I'm giving you a gift.?
?What ya' mean, gift?? I motioned to my smaller body. ?I'm a
man, dammit!?
?Funny, you don't look like one.? She stuck her tongue out.
I stomped my foot, watching her hair trail close to the
ground, but never touching it. ?Stop playing games!?
?Admit it, you love the way I look.? She placed both her arms
around her head and thrust her chest out. ?I can tell from the
way you look at me.?
I suddenly realised I was falling for her trap. I forced my
eyes shut. ?HA! I'm not looking at you now!?
PULSE.
I froze as I felt something start to warm up in my chest,
heavily concentrated around my nipples. I moaned as a shiver
went through me.
?Heh.?
?W-what?? I was getting fed up with her laughter.
?I was wondering when they were growing in.?
I consciously covered my chest, starting to get the idea.
?What you mean??
THROB.
?Hgnnnn!? A wave I could only describe as energy jolted from
my nipples, which worryingly were starting to stand to
attention. Even through my gi, I could see a faint glow from
underneath my shirt. I didn't want to give away my concern, so
I put myself into a fighting stance, fists at the ready to
strike.
?Enjoying that?? She gave a knowing smile.
?Shut up!? I charged toward her, but as soon as I got close,
she somehow managed to disappear before me. Suddenly,
something soft was digging into my back and two ice-cold hands
were wrapped around my chest. Maybe it was the unexpectedness,
but I found myself frozen from shock.
?Awww, come on, don't hide them from me.? Her voice oozed into
my ear, as I felt a strong pull from one of my nipples.
?HEY!? I tried to swipe at her, but she had already had backed
away. However both sides of my chest were already throbbing
harder and harder. It was getting hard to concentrate.
?Admit it. That felt good.? The witch fondled one of her own
breasts. I had to look away, no matter how much she was trying
to seduce me.
?No it didn't!? I felt my face get hot, as the flesh around my
nipples started to pucker. I had to keep telling myself I
wasn't getting horny.
?Oh, that's not what the bulge down there thinks.? She eyed my
groin. ?I think you liked the feeling of them pressing on your
back.?
?I-I didn't!? But I couldn't help thinking of the cold, soft
flesh digging into my back. 'Dammit', I thought, 'why did she
have to be so stacked!' But then-
PULSE!
Suddenly, something from my chest bloomed outwards. I froze,
noting the heavier weight pressing against the material of my
gi jacket.
No. It couldn't be!
She rubbed her chin. ?What do we have here??
I didn't look, hoping I was imagining things, but the weight
underneath was not going away. ?Nothing!?
?Aww, don't be shy!? She then waved her finger.
PSHHH!
?AH!? I gasped, as the front of my gi shirt opened out by
itself and I saw them. Instead of a muscular, or even a flat
chest, I saw two soft, round mounds poking out, dotted by
rose-pink nipples that stood out like pencil erasers. They
were only half the size of the witch before me, but I knew
what they were.
Breasts. I had freaking breasts!
?Awww, how cute!? She didn't even try to hide her sadistic
smile. ?You're growing up so fast!?
I closed my shirt quickly, but her giggle told me she was
enjoying the sight of me squirming. At this point I was
getting really pissed. ?That's it!? I screamed, deciding to go
at her again.
Again she dodged, but by this point I was more determined. I
was gonna get my body back or die trying. I tried to get a hit
any way I could, using faster and more reckless strikes. Then,
I saw an opening, right at her left shoulder. I smirked,
knowing I had her and reached out for that spot.
But then she made a dastardly move.
SQUEEZE!
?AHHHHH!? I screamed, feeling her freezing hand squeeze my
breast. I was so stunned I couldn't react.
All the while she casually groped. ?Enjoy that?? She smirked,
her icy fingers were like worms violating my skin.
I jerked away, making sure my body was far away from her cold
grasp. ?NOT FAIR!? I spat, disgusted with her sneaky move.
?Come on,? she scoffed. ?I know you liked feeling a hand on
soft flesh. I bet you can't wait to feel them up when they're
nice and full!?
I tried to ignore her thoughts but now she'd said it, I could
only imagine her ice-cold hand digging into my flesh, feeling
the round expanse of my chest. Dammit, it did look very soft
and perky- wait, what was I thinking!
?S-Stop-?
BOING!
An intense force almost pushed me onto the ground. I kept my
footing, but I already knew something was wrong. I could feel
the same weight on my chest, but it was heavier. I looked
down, pleading to all the Gods that it wasn't what I thought
it was.
And I saw the vast valley of cleavage bursting out of my top,
with two, silky peach-coloured globes on either side.
?AHHHHH!? I yelped, consciously covering my chest so she
wouldn't have the satisfaction of exposing me again. However,
it didn't stop my arms from brushing against the new weight. I
had to shiver at such an alien sensation.
The sorceress meanwhile gave a laugh and clapped. ?Bravo,
bravo! The boobs are always my favourite part!?
However, the thought of having massive breasts was getting to
me. If not for my ?Little Ranma? I could already pass for a
cute young girl. But I wasn't a girl. I wasn't supposed to
have these...things on my chest, or a body so small.
Immediately I thought back to when she touched my chest. She
felt so forceful that it really unnerved me. I just couldn't
process that I was a man with some of the biggest tits I'd
ever seen. It felt like more of myself had been castrated...
...which meant the rest wasn't far behind.
'OH HELL NO!'
At that moment, all I wanted to do was to beat her.
?Come here you!? Without thinking I again charged at her. This
time she just stood there, as if waiting for something,
then...
CRACK.
?AGHHHHHHH!? The worst pain imaginable wracked through my
hips. It was as if something was trying to tear them apart. I
keeled over at the girl's feet, almost shedding a tear at this
pain. Then the pain was soothed into a dull throb as I felt
something from under my skin push out against my pants.
?Ah yes, that's more like it.? She graced her hands over my
rear and pelvis. I squirmed feeling her icy hands caressing
over curves I didn't remember having before. ?Nice and wide.
I'm sure you'll turn a lot of heads with this asset.?
I shivered at that line. There was something about the thought
of a man seeing me like this that sat unwell with me.
Then, with a whisper, she added, ?As soon as I'm done with
you, I'm sure you'll use those childbearing hips to good use.?
I suddenly felt enraged hearing that. How dare she say that I
would even swing that way? I may not have a lot of experience
in love but I knew very well what I didn't like and there was
no way in Hell I was gonna become some man's concubine and
shoot out babies!
?I'm not gay!?
?Huh??
?I SAID, I AM NOT FUCKING A MAN!? I swung a fist at her,
gender be damned. She'd already twisted my body into this
shape, but I wasn't going to give up without a fight.
Immediately, she dodged my attack but I was already on the
counter with a swift kick. Again she dodged, but I'm sure I
was closer. If only she hadn't shrunk my legs! However she
didn't even make a frown. ?Ooooh, you're still feisty!? She
laughed. ?Not many of my victims are usually willing to fight
me by this point!?
I didn't care what she said though. I was gonna force her to
give me my body back, magic spells be damned! I kept flying as
many kicks and punches at her, getting more and more adjusted
to my new form. I really started to believe I could do it.
More and more my attacks were getting close to the mark.
?My, you're quite good,? she giggled. ?I never get a lot of
martial artists here.?
?Shut up lady!? I huffed between thrusts. ?Turn me back and I
won't hit you!?
?Why? Is it because I'm a girl and you're a boy??
I suddenly lowered my leg. ?What are you-?
THUD.
By the time I realised I'd screwed up, the worst pain
imaginable exploded through my guts. To describe it would be
doing it injustice, but the source was from a well-toned leg
that had smashed it's way into my groin. I keeled over,
clutching my stomach as the pain intensified, consuming
everything to the point I couldn't feel my crown jewels.
Then I realised I couldn't feel anything there. No pain.
Nothing.
The girl crossed her chest, satisfied. ?There, now we're
equals.?
Suddenly, the penny dropped.
?No,? I murmured, noticing the pink energy from before was
fading from my groin.
?No!? I fumbled around, looking for some sign my manhood was
there.
?NO!? I panicked, not feeling anything. I kept searching,
putting my hands down my pants in case I wasn't feeling things
right. But when I reached in, the horrifying realisation fully
hit me.
I was 100% girl.
I didn't know what to think. It was all gone. No bulge, no
mangled mess, nothing. It was as if my body had consumed it
and everything was inside.
I'm ashamed to admit this, but I wept.
For most of my life I prided on my martial arts talent more
than anything. But not only had I been beaten, I wasn't even
able to protect the masculinity I prided on the most. Now I
was a stacked, vulnerable young woman sitting in an oversized
gi, and the perp was standing before me. I wasn't even sure if
the worst was over yet.
?Hmmm, not too shabby,? I could hear her hum. ?Then again,
everyone I encounter is blessed with my beauty so I shouldn't
be surprised.?
My blood boiled. My entire manhood had been crushed before her
eyes and she treated it like it was nothing? I already
experienced a lot of crap: being away from my mother, the
whole nekoken fiasco, the many times Dad sold me for food; but
this was the worst thing that could happen to me and she
didn't even care?
?YOU!? I lashed out. ?YOU DID THIS!?
?Just doing my job,? She gave a mock wink in my direction but
I had enough.
I lunged at her. I didn't care if I was gonna hurt her. She
ruined me, so now she had to pay. ?DIE!? I lunged, my fist
spiralling towards her.
Then, suddenly my entire body froze again. She only stood
there impassively.
?HEY! LET ME GO!? I struggled against the force, but found I
couldn't move.
She only smiled at me and spoke. ?Foolish girl. Did you forget
something??
I was about to ask, but suddenly my throat seized up. Suddenly
the world around us started to ripple and warp. She caressed
my jawline (the cold finger making me shiver), not even
affected by what was going on. I couldn't help but wonder if
her skin was always this ghostly white. Or transparent. ?It
was nice playing with you Hun, but I'm afraid if you stay here
any longer, you'll drown.?
?BAGDHDH? I tried to scream but I could feel something cold
entering my mouth as the whole environment disappeared into
dark, murky water. The girl grew more and more transparent, as
if she'd been a ghost this whole time. But I could still feel
the frost of her fingers on my face.
?I'll give you some parting advice,? she said. ?You're not
entirely a woman and as with most springs here you'll change
back when you're doused with hot water. However-
I couldn't even speak back, trying my best not to lose
consciousness as her eyes started to glow red, almost
overshadowing her disappearing body.
?I kinda, sorta tampered with this spring before I was
executed here.?
My eyes widened. What the Hell did she mean by that?
?Funny story. I was going play a prank on the men who dared
tried to do me wrong, but then they caught me and I ended up
here instead. Let's just say, when you get your first period,
it will be the beginning of the end. Good luck!? Then, her
entire visage disappeared, but the faint glow of her red eyes
lingered as her cackle invaded my ears until there was nothing
but darkness around me.
But I had no time to find her, I had to get out of here.
As I tried to hold back the rush of water into my lungs, I
looked around for an exit and spotted the blue of the sky
above. Forcing myself upward, I started to swim. At times I
felt my vision blur, fearing I was gonna pass out. However I
kept pushing myself, the cold embrace of the water crushing
me.
Then...
?AHHHHHHHHH!? Crisp air filled my lungs as I reached the
surface. For a moment I took a few deep breaths to regain my
composure.
'I'm alive!' I thought as I felt a great ease. Yet I couldn't
help but feel something was off about my body. Was I always
this heavy at the front?
Then I looked down, and saw two massive tits on my chest.
?WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?
*
(Present Day)
?The rest is history. We were gonna find the Spring of Drowned Man but
then we got involved with that stuff with Shampoo and the Amazon village
and you know how that turned out. We were forced to flee and now here I
am, half-girl and...? He paused, as if afraid to say the rest. ?Maybe not
for much longer,? The boy was now trembling, his voice a lot meeker than
it had been.
He hadn't told all the details (in particular, he never told Akane about
how the witch was naked), but he otherwise recounted what he knew. At
times he could feel his anger rising up, but Akane had touched his arm to
keep him in check. He never knew why he seemed to be comfortable talking
to Akane. Maybe it was because that whilst she was a girl, she felt like
one of the boys when he spoke to her.
Akane in the meantime patiently through the whole tale. At first she
thought he was being delusional, yet there more he talked, the more she
could sense his distress. She hadn't been through his experience but she
did feel that whatever it had been, he had become stirred by it.
?So...you might become a girl full time??
?I-I think that's what she said.? Ranma looked at his feet.
?You really didn't seem to mind changing before.?
?Doesn't mean I like it,? Ranma muttered. ?Besides, I really thought it
was an hallucination, and as long as I wasn't having my...time of my
month, I figured I was safe. But then-?
?I get it.? Akane raised a hand. ?Don't force yourself to say it.?
?Akane??
?I know how much you take pride in your manhood,? she insisted. ?If I had
to go through that but in reverse, I don't think I could take it,? She
especially knew the feeling. All her life she'd been self-conscious about
her own femininity. As a little girl she was always jealous of Kasumi's
beauty and how she caught the attention of a certain man. She even grew
her hair long, hoping it would catch the attention of that certain man,
only to gain the attention of the wrong people instead.
Ranma only sulked, pulling his knees up to his chin. ?Now you know why I
hate being a girl so much. When I saw my reflection in the mirror the
other day, all I could see was that wrench laughing at me and I just lost
it.?
Akane couldn't help but feel bad for Ranma. The Ranma she knew was cocky,
if not a bit abrasive and insensitive. However, it was very rare that she
even saw him in such a state of vulnerability. ?So, you think it's
permanent??
Ranma winced at her words as if it was a slap. ?Unless I find a cure,
then maybe.?
?And you've told no one this whole time??
He gave her a glare. ?What do you think??
Akane decided not to press it. After all, Ranma had virtually a whole
rogues gallery of rivals who could easily exploit, or even rejoice about
his dying masculinity. She could maybe imagine Ukyo and maybe Shampoo
respecting him. Hell, even his rival Ryoga might be able to sympathise.
However, she wasn't sure about Mousse, or Kuno, or even that perverted
freak Happosai. She even shuddered just thinking of the latter. Ranma
seemed to be thinking the same thing because he shuddered too.
?Wait,? Akane mused, ?would that mean Mousse and Ryoga also have such
spells??
Ranma waved his hand dismissively. ?I doubt it. The witch said it only
applied to her spring, and I asked Pops once what he experienced when he
first changed, and he couldn't remember anything.?
Akane then had a thought. ?You know, you could find out what the spell's
side effects are.?
?Hmmmm??
?Cologne's from China right? She'll know a thing or two about the
springs.?
Ranma rolled his eyes. ?Hey, I don't want Shampoo to find out!?
Now it was Akane's turn to glare. ?Why, you thinking of marrying her??
?Not like that!? Ranma looked away sheepishly. ?I'm just not ready to
tell anyone else.?
Akane sighed. ?It wouldn't hurt to try. You might be worrying about
nothing.?
Ranma eyed her suspiciously, as if not trusting her words. However, he
relented. ?Can you call her here??
*
For a little old crone who'd lived for centuries, Cologne knew how to
make a dynamic entrance. ?Ah, my would-be grandson, hows things?? The
wrinkled lady sat at their window sill, cane in hand.
Ranma eyed her with suspicion, knowing the old lady had a history of
finding an opportunity to have him elope with her great granddaughter
Shampoo. ?Is it just you??
?Ranma!? Akane exclaimed. ?I told her to come in private.?
?You can't be too careful,? Ranma mumbled back.
The elder raised a small hand. ?You can relax Ranma, I'm not here to
cause a ruckus. I came here in private on Akane's request,? With ease she
hopped onto the floor before the two youths. ?You wanted to know more
about the sorceress at Nyannichuan??
Ranma widened his eyes. ?You know??
?Of course. I've lived in China for most of my life. I think I know a
thing or two about Jusenkyo.?
?You didn't say anything before.?
?You never asked.? Her eyes narrowed at Ranma. ?But what makes you want
to know now??
Ranma was hesitant. He told Akane not to bring up the PMS issue, but now
Cologne was here, he had no choice. ?I-I had a visit from aunt flow the
other day. As a girl.?
The old lady's eyes widened. ?I figured that was the case. I'm surprised
it didn't happen sooner.?
Akane asked, ?Is it bad??
Cologne mused, ?What do you know about the witch??
Ranma told her everything he knew, again trying to avoid anything
suggestive in Akane's presence. When he was finished, the old lady mused
and nodded her head.
?I see,? she mused. ?The first thing you need to know is that the witch
is a vengeful spirit. Stories say that she was a beautiful woman, and
talented at witchcraft. However, her beliefs and methods did not sit well
with the villagers, especially with the men. They tried to take advantage
of her beauty, but she always retaliated with curses and various spells
that brought them to ruin. Eventually they got fed up and threw her into
the spring 1500 years ago.?
?Yeah, I got the gist, Old Ghoul.? Ranma seemed impatient. ?Get to the
point.?
Colgone glared at Ranma's rudeness, but carried on. ?She said that it was
the beginning of the end, right??
He nodded, fearing the worst.
?I was afraid to tell you this, Ranma, but,? she gave a dramatic pause,
?you probably have 10 years left. Maybe less if you're exposed to cold
water more often.?
?I'M GONNA DIE?? Ranma yelled, prompting Akane to muzzle him.
?Ranma!? she hissed, pointing to her family downstairs. She then turned
to Cologne. ?What do you mean he has 10 years??
?You misunderstood me,? Cologne shook her head. ?But its still bad news.
I meant Ranma only has 10 years of being a man before the sorceresses
spell completely consumes him.?
?What?? Ranma exclaimed.
Akane put an arm in front of her fiance, worried he was about to lash
out. ?You sure? You're really sure??
The elder nodded. ?The witch was vengeful. No man who abused her got away
with anything less than a complete transformation. Even if you meant no
harm, I'm afraid her hatred of men doesn't discriminate.?
?What do you mean I have 10 years of manhood?? Ranma asked.
The elder stayed silent, but spoke methodically. ?The Nyannichuan spring
is different from other springs. For people like Shampoo and Mousse, when
they fell into their respective springs, they were simply became the
animal who drowned there with only hot water allowing them to turn back.
But you Ranma are a very unlucky case. If what I hear is correct, then
your first menstruation means that your days of switching back and forth
will come to an end.?
?So...I become a girl when I get next wet??
?Not exactly,? she mused. ?The witch likes to toy with her victims. That
is something you experienced yourself, correct??
Ranma again nodded, but each time he did, it felt like he was closing in
on a death sentence.
?Your complete transformation won't be instantaneous. You'll continue to
switch back and forth, but soon your male form will start sporting
feminine assets. Eventually, if you become wet with cold water enough,
you'll end up becoming a girl inside and out. Forever. Not even the
Spring of Drowned Man will help.?
It felt like Ranma had been punched in the lungs. He only sat there,
processing what the elder told him. ?I-I'll be stuck??
Akane sat there. ?This-this is some joke, right??
The elder shook her head. ?I never joke. I'm sorry I didn't report this
to you sooner, but I'm sure Shampoo will accept you whatever you are.?
?SHUT UP!? Ranma sniffed. ?SHUT THE FUCK UP!?
Then, before anyone could act, the martial artist got up and ran out of
his room.
?Ranma!? Akane called out but she never felt so helpless.
?I really feel for him.? The elder woman shook her head. ?He banks so
much of himself on his masculinity. But you can only go far on one
asset.?
?You didn't have to be so harsh with the news,? Akane cried.
?Yes, but I think Ranma knew what was coming. Have faith in him. He'll
come to terms when he's ready.?
Akane however couldn't wait for Ranma to come back. Even if he got on her
nerves, he was still her friend and one of the few people she felt
comfortable around. She couldn't bear the thought of him being alone with
his issues.
?Sorry, but I've never seen him this distraught.? She bowed to the older
woman. ?I need to see him.?
?Need?? Cologne scratched her chin. ?That's curious.?
?What??
?Nevermind. I'll see myself out. Go see him if you must.?
?Thank you.? Akane bowed before rushing out the room.
Cologne looked out the window and sighed, thinking of the short haired
girl's concern. ?Why do I sense that Shampoo has already lost??
*
Akane didn't even stop to acknowledge her family's concerns when she left
the house to search the streets for Ranma. However, he already had a head
start and it wasn't long before she lost sight of him. She soon started
searching for all the possible places he could be. She tried the Cat
Cafe, but other than a confused Shampoo, didn't find anyone. She came
across U-chan's, but it was already closed for the night and from the
lack of light it seemed Ukyo was asleep. She tried the school, but
obviously he wasn't there. Same went for Dr Tofu's. She even came across
the house where the old lady there would always douse the road outside
with water. She saw a familiar puddle, but she didn't know if that was
made recently or a while ago.
She started asking random civilians if they'd seen a pony-tailed young
man (or woman) in Chinese silks, but to no avail. Pretty soon she'd
searched most of the familiar sites of the city, except for Kuno's house
(and she knew that unless Kodachi had kidnapped him, there was no way
Ranma would even set foot there).
She started looking around possible places, looking high on rooftops and
through empty lots, trying to remember the places Ranma liked to sulk.
She finally crossed by the park where she heard a faint noise. It was
similar to small wooshes of wind, as if fists were cutting through the
air. Being a martial artist herself, she knew very well what those noises
were.
Following her instinct, she kept an ear out for the sound, before coming
to a clearing where a lone figure was making strikes in their air with
their fists and legs.
It was a female figure sporting a familiar ponytail, with a small trail
of droplets heading away from her.
Akane stopped, realising that her fiance must have gotten wet on the way
here. As much as she wanted to see Ranma was ok, she felt it was best to
wait it out first. Ahead, Ranma was pulling off as much of her training
routine as she could, but the more she trained the more her cries of ?Hi-
YAH!? got more and more emotional. Soon her graceful movements showed
signs of wavering, before she let out an anguished scream and collapsed
to her knees, clutching her stomach.
?DAMMIT!? She beat the ground with her fist, creating a small crater.
?Why me??
Akane was tentative to leaving. It was obvious Ranma was not in a mood to
see anyone. But she just couldn't stand to abandon the poor girl either.
'Here goes.' Akane took a deep breath, before her started to approach the
crying girl.
?Hey,? she said in a small voice, hoping Ranma wouldn't interpret it as
mocking.
Ranma looked up, her red hair still appearing wet under the streetlight.
?What do you want?? She sniffed.
Akane approached the downtrodden girl. ?It's just me.?
Ranma gave her a glare but didn't move from her sulking spot, instead
wiping her eyes. ?Figures.?
Akane stopped a few feet from the girl, then lowered herself to Ranma's
eye level. ?Listen, I know Cologne made it sound very bleak, but maybe
you should try seeing the positives.?
?Like what? That I'll have a bigger bust size than you with or without
water??
Akane had to fight the urge to knock him on the head. ?Don't test my
patience!?
?Hmph.? She turned away. ?Look, I know you're trying to make me feel
better but its not gonna work.?
Akane sat down, but shuffled a little closer. ?Listen, I've never
experienced what you have, but you can't just dismiss this as game over.?
The redhead pouted. ?I know that.?
?Why are you sulking??
Ranma gave her a glare, but soon gave a sigh. She'd grown too comfortable
around the girl to just stay clammed up. ?I-I don't know. I can handle a
few hours, but a whole lifetime like this? Wearing the face of that
wretch whenever I look at myself in the mirror? Always having Kuno and
other guys harassin