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Disclaimer:      The characters and situations of Ranma 1/2 are owned by
Rumiko Takahashi and are used in this fanfic without permission.  That
doesn't really surprise anyone though does it.
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Chapter 5: Back to the Grind
     "Ranko, you can't go to school dressed like that," Nodoka said
firmly.
     "Why not?"
     "It simply isn't suitable.  I'm sure Akane would be glad to lend
you a girl's uniform."
     "But if we don't leave for school now we'll be late," Akane
protested.
     "Nonsense, if you hurry there's plenty of time.  Besides, Ryoga
still isn't ready."
     "What?  He doesn't go to Furinkan.  He's got some deal that lets
him take classes by correspondence," Ranma said.
     "There's no reason he can't go to school with you two, while he's
staying here.  Akane, you go get Ryoga.  I'll help Ranko change into a
uniform."
     Minutes later, Nodoka led a scowling Ranko back to the door.  Both
Akane and Ryoga carefully avoided staring at her.  Ryoga's lips however,
curled suspiciously upward.

     Ranma didn't wait long after leaving the house to voice her
displeasure.  "I don't believe this.  First I have to be a girl all the
time at home, and now-."
     "Relax, Ranma, going to school as a girl for one day won't kill
you."
     "Easy for you to say, Ryoga.  Anyway, Mom's going to want me to
wear a girl's uniform every day."
     Akane interposed herself between the two before the situation could
degenerate.  "Tomorrow  you can just bring a set of your regular
clothes, and change at Dr. Tofu's."
     "Say, that's right.  I guess I can live with this for one day.  As
long as it's just one day."

     Nabiki smiled as customers surrounded her.  "That's right.
Pictures of Furinkan's newest couple.  A set of three is only 1000
yen.."  As far as Nabiki was concerned, it was too bad that most of the
pictures of Ranma in the neko-ken hadn't looked very incriminating.
Still this was a lot more profitable than the penny ante stuff she
usually dealt with.  "Supplies are limited.  Only 750 copies made."
     Nabiki paused when she saw that Ranma had arrived, ...in a dress,
...with Ryoga.  Nabiki shrugged.  It looked like Ranma wasn't going to
live this down as easily as she'd thought.
     Other people also noticed Ranma's arrival.  Ukyo had been waiting
by the gate for Ranma, but when she noticed Ryoga and the dress she
turned and fled in tears.  A hush fell over the school yard, except for
an area of frenetic activity around Nabiki.
     "This is even worse that I thought, Akane.  Everyone's staring at
me."
     "That's not true.  Some of them are staring at Ryoga."

     The morning's classes weren't very productive for any of the
three.  Ranma was too miserable and embarrassed to pay attention to
anything.  Ryoga was simply nervous since it was his first day at a new
school.  It was the whispers and covert stares that caused Akane worry.
If there was some new rumor about Ranma, someone should have asked her
by now.  Surely, the dress couldn't be responsible for all this.
     At lunch, Akane found herself sitting alone with Ryoga and Ranma.
She was beginning to wonder if her friends were avoiding her.  There
seemed to be quite a crowd around Sayuri for some reason.  Akane's
brooding was interrupted by the back wall of the class exploding inward.

     "Shampoo!  You didn't need to bring me any food.  Akane didn't cook
today," Ranma began.
     "Ranma!"  Akane began to rise from her seat, but was shocked by the
next statement.
     "Shampoo not bring food for Ranma.  This for pi- Ryoga," Shampoo
said, placing a bowl of ramen in front of Ryoga
     "What!  Why are ya bringing food for him?"
     "Shampoo want to marry strong fighter.  Shampoo see you fight Ryoga
behind school.  He winning fight."  After she spoke, Shampoo reached
down and took hold of Ryoga's arm.
     "We never finished that fight.  Besides, he just got lucky a couple
of times.  Hey!  Look at me when I'm talking to you."  Ranma grabbed
hold of Ryoga's other arm and hauled him out of his seat.  "Let go of
him."
     "No, Ranma let go."
     "Maybe, both of you could let go.  You're cutting of my
circulation," Ryoga ventured.
     "Hibiki, prepare to die."  Ryoga tore free of the arms holding him,
as a giant spatula cut his desk in two.
     Ryoga's gaze locked onto the okonomiyaki ninja  holding the end of
the weapon.  "Ukyo!  I didn't notice you in class today.  Um, this isn't
what it looks like."  Ryoga mentally cursed, as he realized that those
words never did Ranma any good.  He wasn't even sure what it did look
like to Ukyo.
     "I'm not going to listen to your excuses," Ukyo growled as she
hefted her spatula.
     Ryoga sighed, and jumped out the window.  It was only three stories
to the ground after all.

     "Ranma, shouldn't we do something?" Akane asked.
     "Like what?  Ryoga can take care of himself, and this is something
they need to settle for themselves."  Ranma was actually happy at this
turn of events.  He got the ramen and it seemed like Ukyo really did
like Ryoga.  After all, Akane acted the same way.
     Shampoo was gazing out the window in confusion.  Just moments
before, everything had been going according to great-grandmother's plan
Ranma would have fought Ryoga to reclaim her.  But, the spatula girl had
ruined that, and Shampoo was left with one question.  Just why was Ranma
wearing a dress?  She wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer.  Maybe
it was time to ask Cologne some questions about Jusenkyo curses.

      Tatewaki Kuno was meditating on the perfidy of the sorcerer who
had enchanted his loves, when suddenly the object of his contemplation
appeared before him. "So fiend, you are delivered into my hands.  You
have dared to sully not only the lovely pig tailed girl, but the
beauteous Akane as well.  For this, you must be punished."
     "Kuno, what are you talking about?"  Ryoga hurriedly dodged as Ukyo
followed him out the window, and buried the blade of her spatula where
he'd been standing.
     "Doubtless this is another fair maiden you have sullied.  It ends
now."
     Ryoga was forced on the defensive as Kuno and Ukyo attacked
simultaneously.  He managed to sweep Kuno's legs out from under him, but
was forced to leap away from Ukyo's attack.
     "Ukyo, I don't want to fight you."
     Ukyo didn't waste breathe replying, instead she leveled another
mighty slash at Ryoga.  Ryoga dodged easily, but was forced to block a
exceptionally viscous swipe by Kuno with his forearm.  He was quickly
realizing that his only option was to somehow get Ukyo out of the
fight.  It was, Ryoga reflected, too bad that he didn't hurt girls.  It
really complicated things.
      As Ukyo pulled her spatula back for another swing, Ryoga's hand
darted out to touch it with a single finger.
      "Bakusai Tenketsu!"
      Both Ukyo and Kuno, were understandably surprised, when Ukyo's
weapon suddenly blew up in her hand.  Ryoga was not slow to take
advantage of this.  Batting Kuno's boken out of the way, he grabbed hold
of the tall kendoist, and hurled him into a nearby tree.  Satisfied that
one opponent was eliminated, he turned back to Ukyo.
     "And now..."  Ryoga didn't get any further, before he was enveloped
in a dense white cloud from one of Ukyo's flour bombs.  When he
staggered out of the cloud, seconds later, Ukyo was nowhere to be seen.
     Ryoga shrugged and jumped back up, through the open window.
Moments later, he stumbled out of the girls washroom blushing
intensely.  After he managed to find the correct room, the rest of the
day's classes were uneventful.

     Akane, Nabiki, Ranma and Ryoga had just entered the house when they
were intercepted by Nodoka.  "Ranko, I was wondering if you'd like to go
shopping for some clothes?"
     "Sorry, Auntie Saotome, Ryoga and I have made plans.  Why don't you
just pick something out for me?"
     As Ranma hurried upstairs, to change out of the hated school
uniform, Nodoka turned towards Ryoga.  "What will you and Ranko be
doing."
     "She's, um, teaching me how to rollerblade."
     "Well that sounds like fun,"
     "Do you think I could come too?" Akane cut in.
     "Sure, I'd be happy to have you along," Ryoga answered, smiling
broadly.
     At that moment, Ranma came down the stairs dressed in her usual
chinese clothes.  "Come on, Ryoga.  Lets go."
     "I'm coming too, Ranko."
     "I guess that's all right," Ranma nervously responded.
     As the three exited, Nodoka sighed.  She really couldn't pick out
clothing for Ranko by herself.  That left just one option.  "Nabiki, do
you know what size of clothing Ranko takes?"
     "Yes, I suppose so."
     "Excellent, you can help me shop for her."
     "Why would I want to... I'd be glad to, Auntie Saotome."  Nabiki
set aside the magazine she'd been reading, a feral grin forming.  "In
fact, I know a few places that offer some great deals."

     At a park some distance away, Ryoga clung desperately to a tree for
support.  Meanwhile, Akane was confronting Ranma.
     "I want some answers."
     "What about?"
     "For starters, why are you teaching Ryoga how to rollerblade?"
     "You remember the martial arts figure skating match?  Well, Mikado
challenged Ryoga to a martial arts rollerblading match in order to get
revenge," Ranma explained.
     "Oh.  I'd forgotten that Ryoga was the one who actually beat
Mikado.  If he has to fight Mikado, I'd better help teach him.  I'm
still a better skater than you."
     Ranma's pigtail bristled at Akane's claim.  "I'm just as good a
skater as you.  Besides, Ryoga only beat Mikado by accident.  He was
attacking me."
     "I don't think it matters why Ryoga beat Mikado."  Akane glanced
over at Ryoga, who was still clinging to the tree.  "Anyway, I think
teaching Ryoga is going to take both of us."
     "So, is that all you want to know?"
     "There's one other thing.  What did Shampoo mean when she said she
saw you two fighting?"
     "Well you see...," Ranma began to answer.
     "We were just sparring."  As he spoke Ryoga wobbled over to join
Ranma and Akane.  "I think we'd better get started with the training
now."

     Nodoka and Nabiki were both surprised by how much they were
enjoying shopping together.  Nodoka was delighted by Nabiki's enthusiasm
and helpful suggestions.  Nabiki was enjoying the sensation of spending
someone else's money.  The fact that Ranma would be incredibly
embarrassed by the clothes she picked out didn't hurt either.
     "I think this swimsuit would be perfect for Ranko," Nabiki said
holding up a blue one piece suit.
     "Isn't it a little small?"
     "Just a bit.  The material stretches and it will look great on
her.  Besides, it's 70% off, and we need to buy a complete wardrobe."
Nabiki smiled as she looked at the swimsuit.  It would stretch to fit
Ranma, but it was a full size too small.
     Nodoka's frown cleared.  She found some of the outfits, that Nabiki
was selecting, slightly daring, but Ranko wasn't very modest.  Nodoka
had to admit that there was no way she could have afforded such a wide
selection without Nabiki's advice.

     "Great-grandmother, Shampoo have problem.  When Shampoo act nice to
pig boy, spatula girl attack him."
     "It sounds as if there might be something between them.  We'll put
making Ranma jealous on hold for a while.  Was that your only problem?"
     "No.  Other problem much bigger.  Ranma wearing dress.  Shampoo
think curse start effecting his mind."
     "Well, Happi is the expert on the effects of the curses, but it is
possible.  Even though the victims retain their intelligence there's an
obvious mental effect."
     "What you mean?  Shampoo not effected by curse."  Shampoo started
to look a little worried.
     "Really?  Then why don't you have problems walking on four legs?
The curses somehow equip each victim with the instincts needed to
operate his or her cursed form.  The ease with which Mousse learned to
fly is an excellent example."
     When she spoke Shampoo's voice was hushed, almost a whisper.
"Aiyah!  Then when Ranma girl, he really girl."
      "Perhaps.  There's probably another explanation.  In order for
Ranma to affected, he'd have to spend almost all his time as a girl."
      "Shampoo not want to take chance.  We should do something."
      Cologne paused, weighing her options.  "I'll investigate the
situation myself.  If I find something wrong, we can act then."
      Shampoo nodded, plainly unsatisfied, but also unwilling to push
the matter further.
      As her young charge went about her duties, Cologne shook herself
wearily.  There was no rush to investigate she decided.  If Ranma was
being affected by his curse, the Tendos would seek her aid soon enough.

      Supper that night was a subdued affair.  Nodoka's presence acted
as a restraining influence and many of the diners were somewhat tired
from a long day.
     "Ranko, Nabiki and I packed the clothes we bought for in Akane's
closet.  Perhaps you can look at them after supper."
     "I'm sort of tired right now, Auntie.  I'll look at them tomorrow."

     "Well, I suppose that's all right.  Did you have a good time
teaching Ryoga how to rollerblade?"
     "I suppose so.  He's learning faster than I thought he would."

     There was little other conversation that evening and eventually
everyone quietly retired   for the night.  There was one exception to
this.  Mr. Panda was now sharing a room with Soun Tendo, due to
complaints from both Ryoga and Genma.  Soun found the company of his old
friend somewhat less than ideal.  His memories of training under
Happosai had mercifully dimmed with time and he'd forgotten how truly
deafening Genma's snores could be.  Groping for a boken, Soun silently
rose.  "Saotome, this is the only way both of us will be able to sleep."

     -Crack-
     Discarding the boken Soun returned to his bed and entered a
blissful state of slumber.

     As the sun shone gently down on the Tendo dojo, Ranma was engaged
in a desperate search.  "What happened to my clothes?"
     Nodoka entered the room, smiling gently.  "There wasn't enough
space in Akane's room for both your old clothes and the new ones Nabiki
and I bought you.  So, we moved your old clothes into storage in the
attic.  It shouldn't matter anyway.  You'll be wearing a school
uniform."
     "I can't wear this," Ranma said, waving an article of clothing.
     "Ranko, you're a girl and that's much more appropriate than the
boxers you used to wear."
     Ranma crossed her arms defiantly.  "I'm not wearing it and you
can't make me."
     "I suppose you're right.  It is a bit windy today though and you
might want to reconsider."
     Ranma's face paled as she realized the implications of Nodoka's
statement.  "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to wear panties for just one
day."
     "That's the spirit.  Now about wearing a bra..."
     Ranma gulped nervously, and began backing away.

     Some time later, Ranma was once again walking to school with Akane
and Ryoga.  However, she seemed strangely subdued.  It was a marked
contrast to the vocal displeasure she'd displayed the previous day.
     "You look kind of uncomfortable, Ranma, is something wrong?"  Akane
glanced over at the smaller girl beside her as she spoke.
     Ranma looked away and muttered something incomprehensible.
     "What did you say?  I couldn't make it out."
     Ranma blushed and answered once more.  "I said my panties keep
riding up."
     Ryoga announced, "I didn't need to hear that," and increased his
pace.
     "Wait up you idiot.  If you try to get to school by yourself,
you'll get lost."
     Ryoga scowled, but slowed once more.  "I thought you were going to
change on the way to school anyway."
     "He would have, but Auntie Saotome and Nabiki hid all of his old
clothes in the attic."
     "Ranma and I are about the same size.  He could have borrowed some
clothes from me."
     "I just didn't think of it," Ranma snapped.  "I'll do that
tomorrow."

     School was rather dull that day.  The only points of interest were
Kuno's daily attack and Ukyo's absence.  Even the nervousness and
strange looks from the other students had abated somewhat.  On the way
home Ranma and Ryoga maintained a running battle, while Akane followed
behind smiling at there antics.
     Eventually they arrived back at the dojo.  "You two wait here, I'm
going to get changed," Ranma said.
     Akane nodded and then stopped.  "Ranma wait, you don't..."  Her
protest was in vain as Ranma ignored her and raced inside.  "Oh well.
He'll remember he doesn't have any of his own clothes.  Ryoga I've been
meaning to ask you something.  Do you know why Ukyo attacked you
yesterday?"
     "Beats me.  That's not the first time either.  She's been acting
really weird lately."
     "Spending ten years preparing to get vengeance on Ranma, and then
falling for him wasn't exactly normal."
     "I still think it's weird.  It's almost like she doesn't want Ranma
to have any other friends."
     "Maybe she doesn't.  She's always talking about how she and Ranma
were such good friends when they were younger."

     Inside, Ranma was looking glumly through the selection of clothing
available to her.  Miniskirts, short shorts and tight dresses.  It was
the style of clothing that Nabiki preferred to wear taken a step
farther.  There were a couple of jeans and t-shirts that looked
promising.
     "Ranma, I was wondering if I could talk to you."
     "Sure, Kasumi.  What about?"
     "About you.  I know how difficult things must be with your mother
thinking you're a girl and dating Ryoga."
     "That's the scary part.  I really don't mind that much."
     "Ranma, you don't mean..."
     "I don't like pretending to be a girl, but other than that things
aren't to bad.  I mean, I'm friends with Ryoga, and my Mom likes Ranko
too.  A lot of my other problems are less trouble as well.  Even Akane
and I are fighting less.
     "But what about you and Ryoga?'
     "He knows we aren't really dating."  Ranma shifted uncomfortably.
"Even if we were it would still be less creepy than Kodachi."
     "You almost sound like you're considering it."
     "No way!  But, things are going pretty good.  I'm worried that if I
try to change them they'll get worse.  Just think about what would
happen if Mom found out about my curse now.  I don't know why I'm
telling you this."
     "I did ask, and you have to talk to someone.  I'd like to help you
with your problems, but I don't know how."
     "I don't think my problems can be solved."

     Ranma left the house wearing a tight white t-shirt and a pair of
jeans that seemed to be painted on.  "Okay, everyone, lets go."
     "Ranma, don't you think you should be wearing something a bit less
revealing?"
     "You haven't looked at the clothes Nabiki picked out have you?
This is about as good as it gets."
     "We can discuss Ranma's wardrobe problems some other time.  Right
now, I've got less than a week to get good enough to beat Mikado."
     "I don't want to talk about it at all."  With those words, Ranma
set off for the park.

     Dark clouds were threatening rain when the three martial artists
returned to the Tendo's home.
     "You're home early, Ranko.  Nothing went wrong did it?"
     "No.  I'm surprised that a big strong guy like Ryoga is so scared
of a little rain though."
     "I'm not scared!  I just don't like to get wet is all," Ryoga said
defensively.
     "Well, I'm glad you're home.  I've got a little present for you."
     "Really, what is it, Auntie Saotome?"
     "It's a stuffed cat.  Here it is, Ranko."
     "A-a-a cat."
     "It's just a toy.  I've decided to help you get over that horrible
neko-ken training.  Your uncle suggested tying steaks to you and
throwing you into the lions cage at the zoo.  Sometimes I just don't
understand him.  He even tried to blame Mr. Panda for his idea."
      "Do you really think this will work?"
      "It's a start.  I want you to keep it in Akane's room.  You're a
bit old to be carrying a stuffed animal around."
      "I will.  Thanks."  Ranma then followed Akane and Ryoga up the
stairs.

      That night, after supper Ranma borrowed a gi from Akane for a
sparring match with Ryoga.  It ended in a draw with both of them sweaty
and slightly bruised.  This time, Ranma kept his suspicions about Ryoga
holding back to herself.  If either of them had gone all out indoors
they'd be lucky if their was enough of the dojo left to use as kindling.

     Ranma smiled as she thought of her current destination.  A lengthy
soak in the furo was a bit risky.  A return to masculinity was long
overdue though.

     As he got out of the furo Ranma regretfully splashed a bucket of
cold water over himself.  Her disguise now in place, she quickly dried
off and got dressed.  Wearily, Ranma trudged up the stairs to Akane's
room and opened the door.
    "Pervert!  Get out!"
    Ranma stumble backwards as a heavy school book bounced off her
skull and the door was slammed in her face.  "Geez, I didn't know you
were changing Akane.  It's not like I wanted to see your body anyways."
    "Right, I really believe that," came the sarcastic reply.  "You
should have knocked anyway."
    "I will next time.  Now open up. I sleep here remember."
    "Not tonight.  As far as I'm concerned, you can sleep on the roof."
    "I don't have to put up with this.  Tonight I'm going to sleep in my
own room."

    "Ryoga, do you mind if I come in."
    "No. Did you want to talk about something?"
    "Nah.  Akane's just mad at me and I need a place to sleep.  Since
this is my room, I thought I'd stay here for the night."
    Ryoga was briefly torn.  Ranma had done something to make Akane mad,
which was bad.  On the other hand, Akane was mad at Ranma, which was
good.  He decided to ignore the whole thing.  He didn't really feel
like  fighting Ranma anyway.  "Sure. It is your room."
    "Thanks."
    Without further comment, the two settled back to sleep.

    Several hours later, Ryoga was awakened by a warm female body
pressing up against him.  His sense of touch soon established that the
unidentified girl was wearing few if any clothes.
    "Hey, get off of me," Ryoga squeaked, blushing so furiously it was
almost visible in the darkness.
    "Not until I show you what a real woman can do."
    "That's not funny."  Ryoga kicked out desperately trying to dislodge
the girl, who he assumed to be Ranma.  Much to his surprise, a second
figure tackled the girl,
knocking all three of them onto the floor.   In the wrestling match that
ensued, Ryoga's strength was more than offset by his incredible
shyness.  The combatants froze moments later, when the bedroom door
swung open illuminating the scene.

     As soon as Akane saw the cause of the disturbance that had awakened
her she collapsed to the floor.  Ryoga was lying on the floor with
Ranma's torn shirt in his hand.  Trapped between them was the naked
figure of Ukyo.  In the hall behind Akane, Kasumi and Nabiki looked
ready to join her in unconsciousness.  Frowning, Nodoka stepped forward.
     "I hope there's a very good explanation for this."


End Chapter Five