Ranma New Half Part 3

Mornings at the Tendo Dojo had a habit of being bustling but quiet. Kasumi would find herself preparing meals, Akane exercising, and Nabiki somewhere between plotting and waking up. 

The temporary exile of the family patriarch and adoption of Ranma Saotome had not wholly changed this reality. Save that now two people could be seen doing Kata in the early morning light. 

Ranma herself was only vaguely aware of this fact, as she and Akane went through some more advanced Kata the redhead knew in the Dojo. 

For Ranma it was pleasantly relaxing, smooth and easy, for Akane, it was clearly pushing her physical awareness and there was a rigid, almost angry tension in her frame. 

"Hya!" They finished with a dual set of strikes, only for Akane to bite back a snarl and fall back into her ready stance to try again, sweat dripping onto her Gi. 

"Let's do another," She said sharply, bruised knuckles clenched tight as she stared at some place far away from Ranma. 

Straightening her ponytail, Ranma said, "I'm not the brightest bulb when it comes to this stuff but ah, you seem bothered by something, Akane-Chan." 

"I'm fine," She insisted hotly, "I just want to... I just want to be stronger." 

Ranma tilted her head to the side, not terribly versed in picking up on another's Chi unless their intent was murderous and even then she wasn't great, as recent experienced showed. 

'Still, her Chi seems more... Pushed?' Fingers clicked as she put the pieces together, "Are you trying to call up your Battle Spirit?"

The question broke through whatever frustration had been brewing in Akane's mind as she murmured, "That's what that was... That sounds so anime." 

Ranma snorted, "Hey, they named that after us martial artists, thank you." Hands on her hips and pooling in her long tank top, she added, "So that's what you were trying then?"

Akane looked away, "I suppose its just... I mean..." She looked nervous and Ranma, to her credit, didn't take long to put it together. 

"Its OK, you can bring up the night I got here, not the first time the old man's messed me up," She cringed at the sorrowful look Akane sent her at that before the girl plowed passed the awkwardness. 

"When he was grappling you," She started slowly, "I hit him, but it didn't do a thing and it was only after I stepped back that I saw it, like he was surrounding in light and shadow, fire and smoke."

"And you wanna do that too?" Ranma asked. 

Akane shrugged, "I suppose, I just... I've never felt that vulnerable before, never seen that kind of strength before. I know, I know you're better than me but I feel like I should be more than... This." She was staring at her bruised knuckles with a shameful expression. 

Ranma slowly sucked in and let out a breath. Never having gotten much encouragement she wasn't the best person to do this but with a shrug she said. "You're plenty strong, and I bet you'll get stronger," She added hastily. "Thing is you're already using Chi, its why you hit so hard without putting on tons of muscle and why you heal so quick but..." 

Ranma dropped to the floor, legs crossing over one another, "A Battle Aura, calling up your Chi, your spirit to use it like that in a fight, that's another level and my Pop said it could be risky too." 

Seeing Akane frown at that Ranma hastened to add, "Look he's a bastard but he knows about fighting, I'll give him that much. Still," She motioned for Akane to sit, "Let's see if we can work something out."

"Really!?" Akane mimicked her sitting position and looked at her with an almost aggressive amount of hope. 

"Course!" Ranma cheered, before leaning forward conspirituality, "But first ya gotta know some stuff." 

Akane nodded attentively, "What is it?" 

"First," Ranma began counting off, "Battle Aura and CHi aren't quite the same thing. A Battle Aura is like... Its like you turned your Spirit into a weapon or a Kata, its a state of mind and takes a long time to achieve, it means your resolve won't break easy but it also means you can't do much but fight." 

Akane nodded, though a question lingered in her gaze, as Ranma counted to two. 

"Secondly, when you're just calling your Chi up... Well emotions play a big roll in things, focus too, lose your focus and its gone, lose your confidence or will to fight and it will be harder to muster, see?" 

"So it just, vanished?" Akane asked. 

"Vanished... More like flows in the wrong direction, like a river getting diverted, all the waters still there but now its not longer flowing how or where you wanted it to." 

Akane nodded, "Is that why people develop a Battle Aura, or Spirit?"

Ranma clapped, "Exactly, got it in one! Those can still be broken too but its a lot harder and like I said, it can mess with ya in its own ways too, but that's for later. For now, let's try and just play with our Chi, here, here," 

Ranma held out her hands, both palms facing Akane, who slowly brought up her own hands and together, they encircled their fingered. 

"Close your eyes and focus in ya breathing, feel the beating of my heart and yours..." 

They stayed like that for almost half an hour, Akane's impatience at war with her desire, but with steady effort and encouragement, they soon reached their goal. 

Anyone who walked into the Dojo would be able to see two sets of phantasmal light, one a sharp crisp, baby blue, radiating and swirling around Akane's form. While another, darker and more like powerful flames blazed around Ranma's frame, casting their spectral light across the well cared for wood. 

But all good things must come to an end and Akane's arms were quaking, even as she stared longingly at the lights radiating from her frame. 

Slowly, reluctantly, they pulled their hands apart, Akane's Aura lingering, clinging to her frame as she looked at the now entirely healed hand and beamed. 

"That was amazing, Ranma-Chan, thank you!" 

Ranma gave the other girl a thumbs up.

"Girls, breakfast is almost ready!" 

_______________________________________________________________

Breakfast hadn't been a particularly quiet affair, Akane excitedly sharing her experience with 'Chi' to Kasumi, while Ranma wolfed down her meal. 

However, as the meal drew closer and closer to its close, Akane became increasingly confused and finally asked, "Say, where is Nabiki Nee-Chan?"

Cradling her own cheek, Kasumi murmured, "I'm not sure, she took her breakfast and went upstairs before you two came in. She said something about research." 

"I hope she didn't fall behind any homework," Akane mused, "Maybe I should go check on her?" 

Ranma suddenly spoke up, "Let me, Akane-Chan, you gotta go to school with your friends right?" 

Akane's eyes shot open at that and she forced down the rest of her meal in three mouthfuls, "Thanks for the amazing breakfast, Kasumi Nee-Chan, gotta go!" 

"That was... Sudden," Ranma said slowly. 

"Its been awhile since Akane could walk to school with her little friends," Kasumi offered, hand feeling around beneath the table for a container. 

"Man, those attacks must have sucked, super dishonorable too, the louts," Ranma groused, before glancing up stairs. "Do you mind if I finish eating before checking on Nabiki Nee-Chan?"

"Not at all, Ranma-Chan in fact I was hoping to speak to you alone anyway," she said gently, keeping her smile serene as she placed a cardboard box n the table. "This is a care package, put together by myself and with some borrows books from Dr Tofu."

The nervousness that had been blossoming on Ranma's features faded to dull confusion, "Um, thank you?" 

"You're welcome," Kasumi chuckled, before patting the smaller girls shoulder. "As a young woman, you'll be going through many changes. Other girls might have more experience with them than you have had so far, but that's fine,. Just know you will have everything you need in here," she tapped the boxes lid. "and if there's anything you don't know or need help with, I'll understand. No questions asked." 

Ranma hiccupped a little and wiped her face, "Thank you, Kasumi Nee-Sama." 

_______________________________________________________________

A little while later, her box of 'essential reading' tucked away in her pack, Ranma racked down Nabiki to the attic. 

It was a big, dusty place, but no real cobwebs or the like, and there was everything from sets of armor, to stuffed toys, crates and scroll cases scattered around. 

It was sitting among several scrolls that Ranma found Nabiki, using her phone to take pictures of each one before placing them back. 

"Nabiki Nee-Chan?" She asked, spying the empty breakfast tray behind the brunette. 

"Ah, Ranma-Chan, what can I do for you, or what can you do for me?" She asked, with a turned head and a wink. 

"Oh, uh, nothing much, I mean, your sisters were wondering what you were getting up too, thinking of staying the art?" Ranma asked idly, as she noted the strange chart displaying a Chi Network, 'Moxiburn cure? 

Nabiki chuckled, "Well, we'll see," Nabiki said, wrapping up the last scroll and locking it away, before standing and facing Ranma fully. "I get the impression you wanted to speak to me too?" She added, hand on her hip and a cocky smirk on her lips. 

"Um," She chuckled, "A little." Ranma slowly pulled her ponytail free, crimson locks spilling over her back, and she studiously ignored the intrigued expression Nabiki was wearing. "So, you know about the,"S he waved her hand and Nabki nodded, more serious now. "Well, see, before coming to Japan I ate this meal made with a dragon whisker." 

Nabiki squinted at the strip of darkness held between Ranma's fingers, "That's a dragons whisker?" 

"I guess, looks pretty small right but," She coiled it in her palm, "Ya see, if prepped right, its apparently a cure for baldness. But only for like, people who are men? I don't really need it anymore and I heard you do good with money-" she stopped as Nabiki's hands clapped down on her shoulders. 

"You're telling me, in your hands is a cure for male pattern baldness?" She asked intently. 

"Um, yeah that's what the guy said, and well, it works on certain bodies to be sure; the chef said this one had six months of magic left." 

Nabiki's hands trailed up to her cheeks and the brunette kissed her brow, leaving Ranma's babbling as the older girl spoke. 

"Ranma-Chan, you are a marvel, we're going to be rich!" 

_______________________________________________________________

'Is this karma, is this what karma feels like?' Nabiki mused as she made her way to school, a bar of white chocolate in her hand and Ranma at her side. 

They'd locked up the dragons whisker in a safe and hidden place, obscured by random knickknacks to further hide it from prying eyes. 

'If she's right and we find a buyer, so many problems could just disappear! Though, I don't have an account for such a thing yet, so I'll need someone to be the front, and a cook. Yes, more research need to be done, but still!' 

The sheer potential was too much to not put a smile on her face, as she waved the bar of chocolate in front of Ranma's nose, "Want some?" 

"Eeeh, thank you!" Ranma cheered, breaking off a row and munching down with almost childlike glee. 

'Remember, Nabiki, no cackling. That comes later,' she thought, spying her school in the distance and checking her watch she said. "We're making good time, you remember what we discussed?" 

Ranma swallowed her row of chocolate with an audible gulp and nodded, "I make myself scarce, only jump in if you need it and then go to the main office with you." 

Nabiki patted Ranma's hair, "Good girl," she said with a cheeky smirk, making Ranma blush before bailing over the wall and into the trees with a wave. 

Striding into the main path into the school, Nabiki was pleased to see no gathering mob of boys and less pleased to see Kuno awaiting her before the doors. As she approached, the taller student began his usual pontifications but with some added spice. 

"Tendo-San, you have proven a thorn in my side most foul! You wicked ways and willy words have done terrible harm to my reputation, turning the lowly one's against me, while framing me as the villain! Surely only a cruel sorceresses could-"

Nabiki swallowed another row of chocolate and walked passed him. 

"Do not ignore me Nabiki Tendo- Ack!" 

She only saw what happened through the reflections in the glass, but Ranma swooped down from one of the trees. She snatched Kuno's reaching hand and dragged him into a sharp, twisting lock, forcing him to face her before delivering a violent kick to his jaw. The force of which sent him rocketing through the cement roof. 

The kendoist twitched several times before going limp. 

"Impressive, Ranma-Chan, he's not dead is he?" She mused, not really caring that much as she broke off another row of chocolate for the girl. 

"Nah, he's pretty sturdy as these things go, he'll wake up with a killer headache in about an hour." 

"Then I get to enjoy my first period in piece, thank you Ranma-Chan now let's go get you registered properly, shall we?" 

_______________________________________________________________

Unknown to all, as Ranma Saotome disappeared into the halls of Furinkan High, two figures blurred into the trees, each taking note of the other and stilling their pursuit. 

They couldn't move, not yet, not if the other didn't move first, not if their target didn't come out of a place with too many places to hide, not yet. 

So in the trees, separated by a wide path of concrete and throng of students, they hid in the shadows, weapons at the ready. 

Meanwhile, wandering the backstreets of Nerima, a bandanna clad figure head up a slip of paper and asked, "Excuse me, can you direct me to Furinkan High School?" 

_______________________________________________________________

Ranma was honestly surprised by how relatively painless the process had been. Of course Nabiki 'bullshiting' up a backstory behind her attendance of an all boys school had helped, along with her spotty existence in records in general. 

That, when combined with the somewhat esoteric culture and subtle leeway that was granted to their community meant Ranma was registered within an hour. 

She even had a cute new picture added tot he database and a whispered understanding regarding the uniform. Granted she did get given the blouse and skirt, but apparently the principles sons penchant for ignoring the dress code was leaving the school more lenient. 

'At least until 'he' comes back,' shuddered the vice principle, before refusing to elaborate. 

Passing by Akane and Nabiki's class before bailing she was pleased to see that Kuno jerk still sporting a noticeable bruise on his chin and both sisters sending her a smile before she left. 

With that all done and one more day before she began attending classes, for who know how long. Ranma leapt from the third story window and sailed down to the path leading out of the school. 

She was immedietely set upon by three figures, each one roaring in fury, bristling battle aura screaming with murderous intent. 

"Ranma Saotome!" Shouted a brunette with a ponytail, giant squared off blade and surprisingly normally clothes save for the bandolier, with martial arts pants and a white boys school shirt. 

"Prepare to-" Cried the one in the middle, with dark hair, a black and yellow bandanna, with green pants, yellow top and old style umbrella. 

"DIE!" Howled the last, and only familiar figure, long purple hair, red chest armor and a loose, lilac body suit, wielding a pair on chui. 

All three impacted against the eart, ponytails weapon carving a long trench, bandanna making a crater around his feet and Xian Pu leaving two small crated where her weapons landed. Each rose into a combat stance, but also eyed each other warily. 

'Well, this is new, normally its only one person trying to kill me at a time!' Bereft of any sensible options, Ranma raised a single hand and said, "Yo, Xian Pu."

The girl flushed and then growled, "Stop being friendly, still killing you!" 

"But you're the only one here i recognize!" Ranma whined in a way that was only half put upon. 

That sent a spasm through the brunette, sharp, handsome features turning beastial and vicious, "Don't you dare pretend to not remember me, Satome scum!" 

Ranma blinked, "I seriously have no idea who you are dude." 

"Die," he snarled, before coming to a halt as bandanna began to snicker, then chuckle, before graduating to roaring with laughter. 

'Oh this oughta be good.' 

"Of course Ranma, of course it would be you who'd inflict this hell upon me," He ground out. 

"Um, what hell?" She asked, seriously, she was sure she hadn't managed to piss off this may people she couldn't recognize! 

"I didn't think it was yoiu at first, but now I see, it was you who knocked me into the Spring you bastard!"

Ranma's hand shot over her mouth, "Oh shit, that was me! Would it make you feel better if I said I was sorry?" She had looked for the unfortunate hiker but... "Wait why were you seeking me out before then?" 

"Enough talk, let's fight-" He was drawn to a stop by the brunette and Xian Pu, the former snarling. 

"My families grudge against the Saotome's takes precedence over your personal slights!" 

Xian Pu cut off bandanna, "Hah, Joketsuzoku law is supreme, stay away!" 

Ranma's brain was wracking, what was that phrase, 'Ah right, blessed are the peace makers,' she thought with a smile. 

"Well, I think the solution is clear guys."

"Shut up!" they all roared. 

"Listen, listen," she called cheerily, "Clearly you all need to face me, but yer personal honor's not gonna be satisfied by a cheap win," Well she sure hoped it wouldn't. "And really, only the baddest of the bad, the best of the best is gonna stand a chance anyway. So, why not sort it out among yourselves first?" 

Brunettes scoffed, "Do you really think we'd fall for that?" 

"She playing us, but right," Xian Pu said, all the while swinging her Chi at bandanna's face and sending him flying with said backhand, before striking at the brunette in a surprise jab. 

Unfortunately for her, Xian Pu underestimated her foes. 

Bandanna fell into a roll and rose to his feet, having thrown himself back to avoid the worst of it, while the brunette blocked her strike with his blade. 

"How dare you strike me!" Bandanna roared, flinging himself into the fray. 

Things quickly devolved from there, just as she'd hoped, Xian Pu, at first on the receiving end of two attacks. But then the brunettes made a sudden switch and jammed the pommel of his blade in bandanna's gut, causing 'him' to change targets and Xian Pu to leap on them both. 

She was five seconds from bailing and leaving them to sort each other out, when she noticed the brunette was making a move. Slowly shifting away from the center of the melee to let the other two furious fighters square off. 

Just as it seemed they had noticed he leapt into the air, loosing a bag of powder which when swiped exploded into a haze of red powder than began popping, bursting and banging. 

Ranma joined the brunette in the sky before the wave of crackling smoke hit her and grimace, 'Shit he turned around.' Bracing for the strike, Ranma rolled and kicked off from the spatula when he swung and disappeared into the trees surrounding Furinkan. 

Bouncing off a branch, then a trunk she landed in time to watch the Shinobi leap off the school and follow her path. 

"Hey what happened to honor?" She chided, leaping out of the way of another sweep strike. 

"What honor!?" He howled, "Your family stole that along with everything else, you traitor!"

"Wait are you-"

That was naturally when Xian Pu and the cursed fighter joined the fray.  

_______________________________________________________________

Class had unsurprisingly ground to a halt with what sounded like explosions taking place outside. Akane had been nervous at the strength on display just with these strange fighters presence, but as the battle became more chaotic she tremored. 

Entire trees were cut down be it by weapons or fists, some hoisted into the air to be used as shields, or weapons. The fighters moved in blurs she couldn't even follow, rage and bloodlust practically radiating. Only the attackers malice towards one another seemed to be letting Ranma stay ahead when-

She lost sight of them again and there was a red blur launched from the trees. Leaning out the window, Akane cried, "Ranma!" As the redhead impacted with the corner walls of the roof. 

"I got this, Akane-Chan!" She called back, barely dodging a tree lobbed from the ground, only to be ambushed by the purple haired woman, being clipped by her strikes. 

Then the Shinobi and the warrior joined the fray, each fighter racing across the wire wall atop the school, sharp blades and bludgeons clashing against flesh and bone. 

Finally Ranma kicked off the giant spatula and into the sky, "Wanna fight, follow me assholes!?" Sailing down from the top of the six story building, across the courtyard and onto the street, not even stopping in her escape, as each fighter followed suit. 

"Ranma..." Not wasting a moment, Akane opened the window and jumped.