Clothes Make The... Chapter Two: A fan fiction based on Takahashi Rumiko's Manga series, Ranma 1/2 Saotome Ranma, Saotome Genma, Saotome Nodoka, Tendo Akane, Tendo Soun, Tendo Kasumi, Tendo Nabiki, Kuonji Ukyou, Hibiki Ryouga, P-chan, Shampoo, Mousse, Kunou Tatewaki, Kunou Kodachi, Tofu OnoSensei, and Hinako Ninomiya Sensei are copyright 1987, 1997 by Takahashi Rumiko. Publishing rights: Japan: Shogakukan Inc. Tokyo Hong Kong: Jademan (Holdings) Ltd. North America: Viz Inc. By Nicholas Leifker and Ichinohei Hitomi Before Akane could react, Kasumi said, "Ranma-chan, why don't you go on ahead to school today. I'll give Akane your bento to take with her, especially since she and I still have to clean up from breakfast." The red head looked up at Kasumi, her eyes bright. "OK, Oneechan. I'll help with supper tonight if that's all right?" Kasumi smiled serenely, "That would be fine Ranma-chan. Now get going, you don't want to be late for school do you?" Ranma shook her head as she walk towards the door. "Uh-huh. Not today. Anyway, I still have to get past Kunou without knocking him out. See you later everyone!" Nabiki was watching this with some awe and some trepidation. The awe came from seeing how Kasumi, her unassuming older sister, had handled a situation that could have had grave consequences, especially if either father or Akane had reacted in their usual 'hit-first-and-ask-questions-a-lot-later' mode. It always surprised her whenever Kasumi did that, especially since it was so unexpected. The trepidation came from realizing that Akane was not going to take this well at all, and that Ranma's other fiancees, namely Ukyou and Shampoo would also act in a manner similar to her little sister. Before anyone had a chance to say anything however, Kasumi held up a hand. "Please listen," she began, those two words having more of an effect on the people gathered in this room than the words of the Emperor himself. "Ranma has suffered a little bit of a head trauma, and the worst thing to do would be to forcibly make her remember things differently." Akane broke in, "How about I just hit him on the head?" Kasumi frowned a little, and that was more than enough to make Akane quiet down. "I'm afraid that it isn't that simple. You see, the number of head injuries that Ranma has sustained over the past few months make doing such a thing very risky. Right now, she has a slight personality dislocation, one that is enhanced because of the Jusenkyo curse that she is under. To try to hit her on the head would probably give her amnesia." Nabiki frowned. "So she can't remember a few things for a while. That's not so dangerous." The eldest of the Tendo girls shook her head in the negative. "I'm not talking about what is commonly called 'temporary amnesia', Nabiki. I'm talking about the actual condition. If that happens, the person we know as Ranma would disappear entirely, and the shell that is left will not recognize us from minute to minute. She wouldn't even remember if she ate, slept, or what year it is. The real point is the fact is that amnesia is permanent, non-recoverable brain damage. What's happened right now is recoverable, but only given time and effort at being kind." She then looked at Akane. "I want you to protect her as much as possible, keep her from getting hit on the head or in fights, and do not act surprised at some of the things she does. I want you to make sure that she isn't acting too overly feminine either, but just as any other girl. Can you do that for me?" Akane wanted to do something else at the moment, but kept those thoughts to herself. "Of course, Oneechan. I'll do my best." Kasumi turned to the fathers next. "I want the two of you to stop trying to push Ranma and Akane together for a while. If you do so, we risk losing the Ranma we know completely as it is possible two entirely different ideas will be too much for her to take. We don't know how female she is now, so discretion is better on the subject of the engagement." Genma and Soun looked at one another, but couldn't really say a word against it. Kasumi was the closet thing that they had to a medic in the house, and she did read a lot of Tofu-Sensei's books, papers, and documents. If she said it was dangerous, then it probably was. Soun glumly answered for the two of them. "Agreed." She then turned to her sister Nabiki. "I want you to keep an eye on her, and try to deflect her other fiancees for a while. If necessary, explain things to them in a way that they will understand. Be careful with Shampoo though, her Japanese isn't the best, and have Mousse or Cologne translate for you if necessary." Nabiki nodded, realizing how serious this was if Kasumi was acting this way. "I'll do my best, Oneechan." *** Ranma in the meantime was enjoying herself, finally able to let this side of her have free reign. It was surprising, but she also realized how lucky it had been for her that Kasumi was the one who had caught her exploring her feelings. If it had been her father, or anyone else for that matter, there would have been things thrown around. Probably herself after being called a hentai by Akane. Ranma was just about to leap up onto the fence to walk to school when she realized that she wouldn't be able to do that. Giggling to herself, Ranma then realized that Shampoo would miss her usual 'target' since she would be looking for a boy or girl with a pig-tail walking on a fence to knock down instead of a rather cute looking girl in a school uniform walking down the street. *Goddess above, I didn't realize how much of an advantage that this could be. Too bad it won't last too long, I best enjoy this while I can.* She smiled happily to herself, glad that at least one person in her family was able to accept her for who she was, and who she might be. That was the only way for her to understand what Kasumi had said the night before about this not being permanent unless she wanted it too be. Shaking her head, Ranma decided that she'd worry about it later, especially since she was still so excited at actually being able to look pretty. That was when she heard a familiar sound, of a bicycle being ridden at almost inhuman speeds with an uncanny amount of skill. Ranma looked up to see Shampoo riding fast, looking out in front of her as she tried to spot her 'Airen', not even noticing her as she zipped past. The new hairdo that Kasumi had suggested last night and had spent sometime going over was certainly a bit of a success. It was hard to believe that such a simple change could make people overlook who she was. Ranma shouldn't have been so surprised however, as she had made a similar mistake when Akane's hair had been cut so long ago. That was when she spotted the schools gates and started to walk quickly towards them. While Ranma was used to running the last little bit to school, especially since she usually had to take care of one Kunou or another, this time she wanted to savour the experience. Besides, from what she saw in school, most girls didn't go barging around and through everything in their way, depending more on brains to take care of situations. The exceptions to this were the girls she knew, or who wanted to know her. Ukyou, Shampoo, Akane, and Kodachi weren't the most normal of girls, especially in Japanese society. As Ranma walked into the gate, Tatewaki failed to notice her. In fact, it seemed that no-one looked at her, which was a disappointment to the teenage girl. From what everyone had told her, she expected at least the other girls in school to notice who she was, especially since Ranma was the only red headed female in the school. It would have been nice to make a few friends who weren't romantic interests, extortionists, or enemies. Shrugging her shoulders, she continued on into the school and to her classroom. *** Ukyou smiled as she entered the school building. So far, her morning had gone fairly well, with no major problems and Shampoo being angry and not having run into Ranma. She was surprised to note that Kunou was still standing, something that wouldn't have happened if Akane or Ranma had arrived. It was amazing that he hadn't missed more classes than he did, given the almost constant damage Kuno suffered in his pursuit of 'the pig-tailed girl' and Akane. Chuckling to herself, she went into her assigned room, noting that most of the others in class had already arrived as well. As Ukyou put her briefcase on her desk, she noticed the new girl standing near the window. She couldn't see her face, but that red hair was almost the same colour as Ranma's when he was splashed with water. Not that he would ever stay that way longer than absolutely necessary. She did seem cute however, and she didn't seem to know anyone there. Probably a new student to the school. Grinning, Ukyou went over to the girl, knowing that she would probably be taken for a very handsome young man. She had that effect on a lot of girls, and some boys, and they had a good reason for thinking that at times. Given that she usually dressed in a boys school uniform, and was very adept at passing herself off as a young man, even to the point of using slight body movements unconsciously, most girls did attempt to make themselves noticeable to her at least once. Even after her secret was revealed, some of the girls still did it, hoping to get a slight ego boost. Appraising the girl quickly, she went up to her and said, "So, are you new to the area as well as the school?" The red head turned around and smiled, causing Ukyou to stop breathing. "No, silly! Anyways how do you like the new hairdo? I asked Kasumi to style it this way this morning. Isn't it nice?" The okonomiyaki chef sputtered, desperately trying to come to terms with this shock. "R..Ranchan? What the...why....how did...." Ranma frowned, and put a hand to her scarlet locks. "What...you don't like it?" she pouted. Used to the 'kawaii' act from some girls, Ukyou raised her hands in denial. "No...it isn't that...it's just...it's so feminine....so unlike you...." The new woman raised an eyebrow. "Sorry if I want to look like a girl, unlike _some_ people I could name..." She giggled slightly, to let her know she wasn't completely serious. "Sorry, Ucchan. It's just I was so proud of this look, and to have you insult it..." Ukyou smiled nervously. At least that part of her Ranchan hadn't changed - even if it appeared everything else had. "Sorry about that. So...why did you get-" "Hello, everyone!" The cheery, childlike voice of Ninomiya Hinako pierced through the classroom, bringing the students to attention. Akane ran in a split second later, narrowly avoiding another tardy mark - and another session with the water buckets. The child-woman walked to her desk, and swiftly went through the roll. "Saotome?" "Here!" Ranma said cheerily, raising her hand. Whispers spread around the room, the surprise unmistakable in the faces of the students. Hinako-sensei raised her hand for silence, and eyed the redhead critically. "Saotome-kun?" "Yes?" "Is there any reason for your profound change in attire? I am well aware of your curse, but this is a remarkable change from your usual uniform." "Yes, I know." Ranma looked ashamed for a moment. "I'm sorry for the clothes I wore when I was first here." "Uh...Hinako-sensei?" Akane raised her hand timidly for attention before Hinako-sensei could comment. "Yes, Tendo-kun?" Akane stammered, unsure of how to describe the morning's events. "Ranma...I...There is an explanation for Ranma's change. If you like, may I give it to you in private after class?" The dark-haired child pondered the offer for a moment, then nodded. "That will be acceptable." She then turned back to the roll. Morning class was a strange one for Ukyou Kuonji. She found Hinako's English lessons to pale in interest to the "new student" who sat two desks down. Ukyou stared at the young woman joyfully writing away, trying to find some hint of *him*, of the man she had fallen in love with, her heart failing her at the lack of success. Dark thoughts, speculations flew through her mind unbidden, fears from her worst nightmares coming to haunt her waking moments. Why...why was her Ranchan, the strong man she had come to know and love, eschewing all of that, all he was...to live as a girl? Akane. She had to know; the two lived together in the same house, and, from what she had told Hinako-sensei, had some sort of explanation why. Mind racing, she brought out a piece of paper and began to write. Akane - What happened? Why is Ranchan acting like a girl? Ukyou. She purposefully folded the paper, wrote Akane's name on the note, and sent it down to her. Ukyou desperately tried to attune her mind to Hinako's lesson; unfortunately, life was intruding. A moment later, a piece of paper landed on her desk. Anxious for some news, she unfolded the note, and spread it flat across her desk. What Ukyou saw was enough to make her ill. The note wasn't from Akane...but from Ranma. Cute little hearts and "suki" kanji dotted the paper, and the neat handwriting looked far more careful than her fiancee's messy scrawl. The message itself was almost enough to drive her to tears. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ucchan - HI! Just to let you know, I'm not angry about the hair comment. Considering I've never really had it styled before, it probably caught you off-guard. So...do you like it? Kasumi did a wonderful job on it this morning, and helped me with my makeup and everything! Sorry if I got tired of looking like a tomboy, but I felt that a change was necessary. Besides, look at the attention it's getting me. The others can't keep their eyes off of me! Anyway, can't wait until we can talk at lunch. See ya there! ^_^ Ranchan * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ukyou put her face in her hands, not wanting the others to see the tears threatening. Ranchan, HER Ranchan, was gone...disappeared behind this woman's face. She hadn't felt this dark, this hopeless...since a six-year-old boy walked out of her life. The boy next to her had to nudge her to get her to accept the next note. This one was the one she had been wanting, the one explaining this madness. Akane's handwriting was a lot messier than usual, almost rendering the characters unreadable. It was clear she was under some stress in writing it, as there were a number of eraser marks on the sheet, and most of the sentences were clipped and short. Ukyou - I'm sorry. Deity, it's all my fault. I wish it wasn't but it is. If I could take it all back I would. All we can do now is wait and hope. This morning, Ranma insulted my cooking. I hit him into the pond. When she got out, she started acting like a girl. Kasumi looked at her, and figured out. I hit her too much. The last one jarred her brain. She has "personality dislocation" brought on by repeated head blows. Her Jusenkyo curse did the rest. Kasumi said that he may come back in time, but that's all we can do, save make sure she doesn't get hit again. For now, Kasumi wants me to watch over her and make sure she doesn't act too feminine. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry... Akane. Ukyou turned to look over at her short-haired rival. Akane just stared back at her, her face a mask of dark, swirling emotions. The brown eyes held the look of one shell-shocked, a blank stare that told of some recent tragedy. All she did upon looking at Ukyou's questioning gaze was nod. The note Akane had written, along with the hopelessness in her eyes, drove any anger from Ukyou's mind. There was no question about it: Akane was suffering greatly from this. She had inflicted a terrible blow on one she loved, perhaps killing...no, worse than killing him. The body was alive and functioning quite well, but the mind inside...the soul...was twisted, changed at her hands into a form that both Akane and Ranchan would have abhorred. In that sense, it would have been better if Ranma had been killed by Akane's blow, rather than live like this. The chef turned back to the two notes, and looked morosely at them. So different...so opposite. One held joy, happiness at life and the world in general. The other spoke of death, of a darkness unbreachable. In her mind, there was no contest which one had to be answered first. Akane - Right now I should be furious at you. Unfortunately, I can't be. You are sorry for what you did, and there was no way you could have known what would happen. I will abide by Kasumi's wisdom, and will help you in taking care of Ranchan. Sorry, sugar, but in this case I insist. For now, I propose a truce. Nobody goes after Ranchan in any way, shape, or form. Moreover, if Shampoo or Kodachi come calling (and they will), we defend her from their advances and/or attacks. This also applies to any guys who may come calling, as "she" may do something that "he" may regret later. Deal? Ukyou. She sent off the note, then turned to see Akane's response to it. The tomboy opened it without smiling, read the note...then nodded back. Ukyou smiled. One crisis was taken care of; Akane would have help enough to get through this. She only hoped there'd be help for her...Ukyou turned her eyes to the second note, and debated how to answer it. Ranchan would be expecting some sort of answer from her...but the note was filled with so much fluff. What could she answer from it? Determined to write something, she bit her lip, straining her brain for the response. Ranchan - Yes, I do like your new hairstyle. It is most certainly a change for you, and it was one that I wasn't expecting. I imagine you have a lot to talk about at lunch, and I look forward to what you have to say. Ucchan As she watched the young girl read the note, Ukyou swore she saw a private, secretive smile cross her features, an instant before it broadened to a full, cute-girl grin. She had a feeling that lunch was going to be quite interesting...