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Chapter Text

Akane Tendou was six years old when she went missing in broad daylight, during a family trip to Ryugenzawa. It had been a week when the rest of the family had to leave, unable to stay due to her mother's worsening medical conditions.

None of them had seen Akane run off. None of them knew what direction she went. An endless stretch of cursed forest had taken the youngest Tendou, a disappearance that would haunt them for a decade.

They took a trip back there every year, just in case they managed to find her, knowing they probably wouldn't.

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Ranma Saotome was barely thirteen when he and his dad landed in China, far from the little stability he had found in his first year of middle school. Far from people they knew, far from a language they spoke, father and son pushed onwards. 

It was the father's fault, though, that Ranma had a strange affliction. A fear response that could only be calmed by a kind woman he trusted, far away in Tokyo. However, the likelihood that said affliction would cause a problem was minimal in Genma Saotome's thoughts.

Ranma wanted to curse his dad out as the world went black, the feline horror taking over on day one.

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Akane was a survivor. She knew this. She knew she was strong, that she could live, that she could keep going. 

She knew she was Akane. It's what she told the one human she was when she was smaller. It's what he kept calling her, even though he forgot so much else. 

Akane was a weird species to be. She had a lot of things like the human, but not. The human was shaped differently than Akane. He had brown head fur while she had blue. He didn't have talons for hunting. He didn't smell like her. He didn't walk like her. He didn't have a tail, gifted by the magic of the forest, like her. 

Akane wasn't like the one thing shaped like her. She was alone, a singular, scared animal trying to survive in the wilderness. 

There was a clearing the human showed Akane once. He never went past it, so Akane didn't either, but it was a nice space to look for the smaller things to take down. She didn't want to be hungry at night, after all. Perching on a singular large rock, Akane scouted the land for her prey, or at least potential predators, and…

A human. A different one. One with long brown head fur, kneeling and talking to herself. Her guard was down, maybe she could have been hurt. Anything wanting to attack her would be easily able to.

So, Akane ran. Akane ran, bare feet and hands tearing through the grass and dirt, causing the human to look as Akane skidded in front of her. The human was familiar, almost, and a sound, a vocal call, itched in Akane's head without making it out in one piece. M… M…

“... Excuse me, are you… Okay?” The human spoke, looking over Akane's body, over all the exposed skin, scratches and bruises, dirt and sweat and blood.

“O- Okay. Okay!” Akane remembered that vocal call, and she was okay! The wild beast gestured at the human vaguely. “... Okay?”

“Oh, um, yes,” The human spoke softly, the meaning to her words coming through slowly but surely, “... My little sister went missing here, ten years ago. I can't help but think if I pray here, I may… I may just…”

The human took yet another look at Akane, and this examination felt far more personal. Looking Akane right in the eyes, staring deep into the essence that made the feral creature, the human let out a little gasp for air as her eyes began to water. 

“... Akane?” The human asked.

“Akane! Am Akane!” Akane was very surprised the human knew what she was! She could feel the wolf-like tail Ryugenzawa granted her begin to wag happily. 

“Oh… Oh my…” Kasumi Tendou, age 19, stood shocked before she reached out a hand for the creature before her, “Akane, it's… I finally found you…”

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When Ranma came to, the first instinct pulsing through every neuron was not to breathe in. Water surrounded every last millimetre of flesh, so Ranma had to claw and pull the whole body out of the pool.

“That one is the Spring of Drowned Girl, an even more tragic tale of a girl who drowned there one thousand and five hundred years ago!” Shouted a strange voice, “Now, whoever falls in is cursed to turn into a girl!”

A… A girl? Ranma was a girl? Looking down, Ranma looked like a girl, although small and underdeveloped overall. Did girls have claws? Ranma had claws. Ranma had been called a girl sometimes by… Someone… Somewhere…

“I am a girl?” Ranma asked, and the human stranger nodded, “Huh… I am a girl.”

There was a… Um… A bear? PANDA, panda was the word! There was a panda, absolutely confused by the sight of Ranma pulling herself out of the water. It made some growls at her, but she wasn't sure what it was trying to say.

“It's strange, though,” The human stranger mused, “It doesn't normally make girls that look like you. They're usually more normal.”

“Mrrp?” Ranma asked, before using the pool of water as a mirror. She… She didn't remember her hair/fur/hair being red, but… What was she remembering? Her tongue ran along the sharp feline teeth in her mouth as she tried to gather her thoughts, her tuft of a tail barely sticking out past her clothes, making eye contact with her own catlike eyes in the reflection…

“... Hair is longer,” Ranma realised, “That is wrong.”

“Well, your father here said he was chasing you for two years, so-” 

“Huh?” The pointed ears on the creature turned with curiosity, “Pops? Two years?”

“... You are talking more than before,” The human pointed out, “Come, I will get the kettle running.”

Ranma didn't say a word as she followed, crouching down so she could better move around on all fours when needed. She felt a little scrambled and out of place, but this felt kind of correct. Girls were smaller, so she was suited to hunting like she did better.

… Did Ranma hunt things? The feelings of the past two years were too cluttered, too shuffled in with the rest of her mind, that she couldn't tell. She was a lost animal, so maybe that's why the panda was there? She should've been in Japan. She didn't want to be here. Ranmas were not native to China as a species, she thought.

○○○○○

Shelter was always good. Except if the shelter was called a hospital. Everything smelled weird, and the humans called ‘doctors’ made Akane have all these things covering her scratches, and they stuck pointy things in her that they said would make her feel better but they just hurt and made her feel dizzy.

They had cut her claws. They poked at her tail in curiosity. They had her stuck in this ‘room’, the only good thing being how comfy the ‘bed’ was. And she couldn't even put the bed on the floor, she wasn't allowed to!

“How's my baby girl!?” The human who got called ‘Dad’ wasn't good either, he kept on getting super close and touchy.

“Akane is okay…” She huffed, only because humans liked that answer.

“SO RESILIENT!” Dad started crying again, and he got all ‘huggy’ and uncomfortable, “I promise, you'll be perfectly normal again in no time!”

“Dad, she has a tail,” ‘Nabiki’ the human said flatly, “She's not going to be normal.”

Dad ignored Nabiki, continuing to cuddle Akane despite her growls in protest. At least the wolves Akane had known not to cuddle into a growling Akane. This dad human didn't get it at all, and she was very close to trying to claw his face as a final warning.

… Except Kasumi wouldn't like that. Kasumi was the nice gentle human who found Akane. She smelled like good food and warmth and good, not pushy hugs. She reminded Akane so much of someone she hadn't seen in a long time, someone she might have cried for at night when small. Akane trusted Kasumi.

“I like your haircut, Akane,” Kasumi smiled, “It really suits you.”

Akane's head fur… Hair. It was being called hair. Over the long time Akane had been alone, it had grown really long. It was super tangled and uncomfortable, and had lots of stuff stuck in it. Now, it was soft and fluffy and short! Akane liked that, although she wished it didn't smell like the other fake smells she was stuck around. 

Tail wagging from underneath the baggy ‘shirt’ they put her in, Akane smiled in return to Kasumi. She was getting words done really well, probably thanks to still having seen the human around the forest, but words were also really stupid sometimes. 

“I can't believe I basically have a dog for a sister… Does she even count as Akane anymore?” Nabiki asked, “I mean, ten years made me different, and I wasn't living in the wild, for fuck's sake!”

“Nabiki, you can't just say that!” Kasumi sounded upset, “She responded so clearly when I asked her, she's clearly still our sister regardless!”

Akane felt a little bit sad they were saying she wasn't Akane, but there was something more important on her mind. They said she should ask about any words she doesn't know, so she can get better at speaking like a human.

“... Fuck?” Akane asked innocently. Nabiki seemed amused, while Dad and Kasumi looked at her with slight horror.

○○○○○

“Boy!” Pops yelled out.

“Girl!” Ranma playfully yelled back.

She liked this game! Ranma could remember that boy was the opposite of girl, and she was a girl! So she got to yell it at Pops, because Pops yelled the wrong thing at her so she yelled the wrong thing back! It was a very fun game. 

“Ugh, now you listen here!” Pops got all serious, “This is the last town before we can swim back to Japan, so you better not make it seem like we're two weirdos, got it?”

Ranma liked the idea of going back to Japan! There were friendly humans there, like… Uh… They were there, at least! She knew it! And even if she was so used to the Chinese wilderness after two years, she still craved going back to her natural habitat!

Walking through the town, no, the city, bright lights and loud noises were all that Ranma could take in. If she was in her favourite form that felt right, she'd scamper really low to the ground to check around every corner. But no, Pops had to be evil and hold her by the scruff, forcing her upright. 

Ranma couldn't speak anything the humans besides Pops were saying. Human communication was so weird. But the cats of the town were loud and clear! Food, water, all the best places and how to get there, being meowed, chirped, and trilled across the bustling streets. 

Something shiny across the street caught Ranma's eye, sparkling as it moved. Ranma tried to leap towards it, only to be pulled back forcefully by the neck, then again by her hair. “WHAT DID I SAY, BOY!?”

“Girl!” Ranma joined in again with the game, only to get pulled backwards by the hair again, “SORRY SORRY SORRY!”

“You're lucky I don't just chop all this off!” Pops growled. It wasn't that he hadn't tried, but more that Ranma got really dangerous when there were sharp objects put near her. 

Whimpering, Ranma backed down, shaking as she let herself be guided past the onlookers. If one of them was asking if she needed help, she certainly didn't understand it. It might as well have only been the wild creature and her forceful handler, the man trying to domesticate her.

… Pops said Ranma was supposed to be a boy, but she wasn't according to everything else. He said he tried to make her super strong, but she didn't remember doing strength training. She wasn't, in either form, the big grown man human she was asked to be. The only difference was that Pops could play pretend that one of the forms was.

Ranma liked playing. Playing pretend like this wasn't one of the good kinds of play.

A sudden splash of water came from the sky. Looking up revealed a person had just tipped a bucket off the balcony, but Ranma didn't care. She was small, she was catlike, she was free! And pandas happened to be good at losing their grip on feral creature hair! 

“Which way? Which way?” She asked Pops, pointing all over the place as she jumped around, “This way? Mrrp? This way? This way!” 

Ranma ran off in her direction of choice, a speed fiend on all fours, leaving the panda in the dust. He'd catch her eventually, but she didn't care. She could run and take in the sights and sounds and smells of this disorienting city at least once if she was going to be forcefully dragged through it anyway.

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Akane decided she really didn't like ‘cars’. They were super cramped, loud like a growling predatory animal, and she couldn't even run outside in all the weird places she was seeing. Besides, the seat wasn't at all comfortable for her tail…

“How are you holding up back there, my beautiful girl?” Dad asked while he made the car turn, “We're almost home!”

“Not okay. Akane needs out.” She tried tapping at the door again to no avail.

“Shh, it's going to be okay,” Kasumi was next to Akane in the car, gently petting Akane on the head to try and soothe the creature, “There's a lot of space at home, outside and inside. I wonder if you'll remember any of it from before…”

“Doubt it,” Nabiki said from the other front chair, “And I'm not gonna be the one to show her around everywhere.”

“Ha! I'll up your allowance if you do.” Dad whispered that last part.

“... Fine.”

Akane had learnt that Dad was super clingy and very protective, but too much. He looked at Akane and thought she could be human. But being human and being Akane were two different things, Akane wasn't a human like all of the ones she'd been taken by.

And Nabiki was distant. She saw Akane different compared to the others, as a stranger and not a human girl she knew. And that was almost nice. Akane liked Nabiki more than Dad. Nabiki wouldn't hug Akane and try to soften her survival instincts.

The shelter the car stopped at was surrounded by a big obstacle that Akane hoped to climb over. Instead, after being freed from the car, Dad just had the big door open so the group could take Akane in.

“Let me show you around, Akane,” Kasumi spoke softly, noticing Akane was a little overwhelmed, “First, we take our shoes off here.”

Akane immediately decided this was her favourite room, tearing the stupid ‘sandals' Dad made her wear off immediately. It wasn't the only bit of uncomfortable clothing she had, but she felt better barefoot the most.

There was a room that everyone sat in, and a room that smelled like really good yummy thing, and a room like the ‘bathroom' at the hospital but bigger and more lived in. There was Dad's room, which smelled like human man sweat, and Nabiki’s room, that smelled like that metal smell on her fingers, and Kasumi's room, that smelled like Kasumi! 

Kasumi opened up one more door. “And this, Akane, is your room!”

It was a big space, with a bed thingy, and a ‘desk’, and another thing with a door on it, amd things holding other things, and… Well, not everything made sense to Akane, but she was expected to learn them like a human knew them. 

At least she knew what to do with a bed. Even though it was high off the ground, she let herself climb onto it. It was softer and comfier than the hospital bed. This was a privilege, a luxury. Laying flat, face down, Akane's tail started wagging happily.

“I'm so glad you like it, Akane,” Kasumi said, “Now, we haven't filled your wardrobe yet, but that's better to do with you. You should have clothes you actually enjoy, after all.”

That put a small dampener on Akane's mood. Only the really big shirt she got to wear in hospital was comfy so far, especially with all the bandages on. Everything Dad had brought her to try was icky and too tight and painfully bright colours…

“Now, would you like to go outside?” The gentle human asked, knowing fully well what Akane's reaction would probably be.

It would take two hours two calm the creature down from her zoomies, and another hour trying to get up from the grass patch she was laying in, before they could actually get Akane inside and in her room again. 

Akane immediately pulled the comfy part of the bed onto the floor that night. The ‘blankets’ and ‘pillows’ made a really comfy nest when she put them in the right places. It was soft, luxurious, and safe on the ground. Akane was going to make this new territory her home, like she was told…

Chapter Text

A red blur with silent steps raced through the streets of Nerima, a giant panda with a large backpack following close behind. 

Ranma liked playing chase! Sure, she preferred the other side of the chase, but weaving in and out of the artificial forest made of buildings and business was still a thrill. She'd like the actual forest more, too, but she could adapt to the concrete, despite it hurting her bare feet.

The panda growled behind her, and she chirped back. She still couldn't speak panda after… What did Pops call it? Two weeks? Wow, she'd been awake for two weeks! Two weeks, and she still couldn't understand pandas and other animals. At least she could understand the humans in Japan! 

“Hey!” One human yelled, “Do you need help!?”

“Nah!” Ranma shouted back, not noticing the massive shop sign she was a second away from running face first into.

Score: Panda, 1. Ranma, 0.

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Soun Tendou looked at the postcard and sighed. Of all the days for Genma to come back, it had to be the day after his daughter finally came back home. “As inconvenient as ever, eh, Saotome?”

“What was that, father?” Kasumi asked as she continued to bring breakfast out to the table.

“I'm afraid we'll be having some guests today,” Soun sat down, “I have no way to reach them, so I'd only be able to turn them away at the door. Sadly, they may be too important to even do that…”

“Oh my, that is unfortunate timing,” The eldest Tendou sister gasped, “I suppose it might be best to…”

“Yes, please,” Soun wasn't happy with the decision, but it had to be made, “And please get Nabiki while you're up there.”

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Akane had woken up that morning confused, until she remembered this was her new shelter. A place the humans called Home. Home, the place with the small but still big outside area. The comfy sleeping spot made from a bed. Akane couldn't remember any other shelter like Home.

After she had gotten up from her nest, Akane let her eyes wander a bit. If she was in the wild, she would have gone running or hunting or something. But she wasn't allowed to do that at the hospital, and probably wasn't supposed to here. Humans had so many rules…

The was a tapping at the door, and Akane growled at the sudden noise, only to stop once Kasumi revealed herself. “Good morning, Akane, it's just me.”

“Kasumi!” Akane's favourite human walked in as Akane felt her tail wag again. The creature scampered over to get up close for hugs or headpats or whatever may be coming. 

Kasumi was carrying a box, along with what smelled like food. “I've brought you breakfast, as well as some very special things. Can I show you?”

Breakfast was what the humans called morning food, so that was definitely good. “Yes!” 

After settling Akane down to sit on the nest (Kasumi wasn't happy it was messy and took up lots of floor space, Akane didn't care), Akane was handed food, and started to tear through the ‘rice bowl’ with her sadly clawless hands while Kasumi got out some things.

“Look, Akane, a picture of you!” Kasumi held up a flat little thing that showed a younger version of Dad with three smaller humans and one other big human. The big human looked a lot like Kasumi… 

“... M… Mu…” The sound scratched at Akane's brain again, but couldn't come clear. Kasumi held back a tear as Akane struggled for that moment, “... No Akane.”

“Yes, right there,” Kasumi pointed at the smallest human in the picture, one with blue hair like Akane had, “Before we lost you. And there's more pictures in this box. I thought you might like to look while you were in here today.”

“... Hm…” The hair was the same colour, yes, but that wasn't Akane. The human didn't have slightly longer arms like Akane did, or a tail, or the darkness under Akane's eyes. And she… She looked like she fit with humans. Akane didn't. 

“Now, I'm afraid I have to go,” Kasumi got up to leave, leaving behind the box of other photos, “I'll check in on you soon, okay?”

“O-okay?” Akane was used to being alone, but she was still a social animal. She had, somehow, even felt better at the hospital having humans around. As the door clicked shut with a funny extra click, Akane felt lonely again. 

No other picture in the box that Akane pawed through showed Akane either, no matter how long she forced herself to try and see her species in the pictures of humans.

… There was a lot of noise being made in the lower part of Home. Animalistic sounds and screams. Excitement. Maybe an intruder? A predator? Something that would make her shelter unsafe? 

Akane had been told how to work doors, and she tried. She couldn't just tap at it, she had to pull and try to twist a thing. But the door wasn't budging, keeping Akane in her room. She whined, she yelled at it, she did everything she could do while being good.

… But Akane could be really strong if not good. And if something was threatening to hurt the humans, then…

○○○○○

“Mrrraaaaoooowwwww!” Ranma yelled as she was carried through the weird building by Pops, “Down! I want down!”

The panda refused to listen, and the hustle of people elsewhere in the house made Ranma even more antsy. She didn't want to be pushed towards some humans! Pops made her act human around humans, and that was hard and wrong and boring!

Hissing and clawing at the panda, Ranma was surprised when he suddenly placed her on the floor forcefully, turning her around to face three humans. One had a fuzzy thing on his face, the other two were hidden behind him.

“Are you…” The human with the fuzzy face thing started asking, stopped, and asked again with caution, “... Ranma?”

Other than mentally filing away this human as ‘not dominant’ in her instinctual headspace, Ranma was delighted to have herself be acknowledged. 

“Yes! I am a Ranma!” She trilled, before the panda smacked her over the head to correct her, scaring her, “I-I… I'm Ranma, sorry sorry sorry.”

“What a rude panda…” The taller brown haired human gasped, watching as the Pops pushed his way further into the house.

“Yeah,” The shortest, but still tall, human of the three said, approaching Ranma, “Especially for such a cute- Actually, no, an adorable boy!”

Ranma knew how to play that game! “Girl!”

The fuzzy face human looked shocked. “W-what do you mean by ‘girl’?”

Ranma was surprised to know this human didn't know that girls and boys were… Well, Ranma didn't know either, but all humans seemed to know the difference! Maybe this wasn't a human, and that's why there was the fuzz-

“ACK!” Ranma felt a poking pain on her chest.

“Huh, late bloomer, maybe, but still there,” The human that approached had been the source of said pain, “Dammit, dad. It's a girl.”

“... She doesn't happen to remind you of-” The tall brown haired human was cut off by a large crash from upstairs, like wood being smashed apart, “Akane!?”

The sound of rapid running and scurrying came charging through the house, along with a low growl. It all stopped when a… Not human, humans didn't have tails. But a thing with blue hair and a tail had pushed its way in front of the humans defensively, staring deeply at Ranma. Ranma, in turn, had quickly adopted a defensive stance.

… It held itself like Ranma did. Its body, where not covered by clothes, was covered by scars and scratches. It was small and fragile beneath the visible muscle, like Ranma. Its tail, while different, moved like Ranma's did. And it was looking at Ranma the same way she was looking at it, both sniffing the air around each other. 

“... Grass smell,” Ranma mumbled, “Good. It is good.”

“... Rain, dirt,” The other creature responded, “Not like humans.”

“Ranma. I am a Ranma,” She repeated, “Not human.”

The other creature gasped, and her tail started wagging. “Am Akane! Not human!” 

Akane… Another animal that looked human, but wasn't. Ranma was like her. Ranma didn't know there were others like her… Her own short and fluffy tail started to happily wave underneath her baggy, ragged silk shirt.

“... Akane, how would you like to show Ranma around outside?” When the tall brown haired human mentioned it, Akane's eyes lit up, “You two might be good friends.”

“Out?” The blue haired creature echoed, asking for permission that she very quickly got, being shooed towards the open door out. Akane squealed happily before running out on all fours, stopping momentarily to make sure Ranma was following. 

Of course, Ranma happily played into the chase, dashing outside on all fours after the Akane.

“I'm sorry about the boy,” A bald man with glasses said from behind the Tendou family, “Please, old friend, let me explain.”

○○○○○

Akane was really happy to know that Ranmas existed now. Specifically the Ranma she was playing with. She was like Akane! Except really fast, and a bit better at human sounds and words, despite being quieter.

Quiet enough, actually, that their game of chase became a hunting game accidentally! Akane was an incredible seeker, but Ranma was hiding in places with such skill and speed that her long red hair wasn't even a problem. 

Akane tried looking around the entire open area, even climbing to look over fences, but she hadn't tried the big building attached to Home called the ‘dojo’. There was an opening, so she made her way in, and-

“Mrow!” Ranma fully pounced on Akane from above, causing both creatures to tumble as a ball of chaos for a moment before stopping. They both started laughing at the tangled mess they had become, finding the whole game incredibly amusing. 

“Akane liked that!” She gave a toothy grin while getting herself unstuck, ready for the next game, “Good! Good Ranma!”

The red haired creature looked very incredibly proud of herself. “Yes! I am! Mrrp!”

… And then she looked a bit like a wet cat, as hot water got poured directly over her. Softening Ranma's features to something human, making red hair black. Her smell even changed slightly, although that familiar rain and dirt remained.

“What on earth do you think you're doing, boy!?” The grumpy human who tipped water on Ranma yelled.

“Girl!” Ranma shouted back in a different voice. It didn't sound comfortable. Her scream as she got pulled backwards by the hair wasn't any better.

“... Ranma?” Akane asked with a head-tilt, “Okay?”

“He'll be fine, once he learns not to be such an animal!” The grumpy human shouted that last part directly into Ranma's probably really sensitive ears, “Honestly, what were you thinking!?”

“We were playing!” Ranma whined, writhing in the grasp of the human.

“Oh my…” Kasumi said, watching the ongoing interaction alongside Nabiki and Dad at the door, “Ranma really does become a boy…”

“Girl!” That response earned Ranma an attack to the stomach from the increasingly unlikable human, “SORRY SORRY SORRY!”

Akane was starting to see red, and there was a concern in Kasumi and Nabiki’s faces that said this wasn't even good for humans. Something transformed and hurt the Ranma. Something like that was probably going to hurt Akane, and even if it didn't, Akane wasn't going to let the closest thing she had to another member of her species get hurt. Akane was a territorial social animal.

With a harsh snarl, she lunged at the human hurting her new and only pack member. If she still had her claws, the human would've been ripped to shreds, but she'd settle for simply torn apart limb from limb. He was hardly a threat compared to the giant animals of the cursed forest. He fell like a giant tree, heavy and still.

“Akane, stop!” Kasumi called out before any blood could be properly spilled, “Please!” 

… Akane was good for Kasumi, the nice human. She backed off, tail between her legs, ashamed. The bad human was still breathing. Hopefully he'd get away from Home when he woke up. 

Ranma had been let go as soon as the first blow landed, and simply stood amazed at what she had seen. It was weird seeing her as a little taller instead of a little smaller, though. Akane had to think about what was wrong about that, and what words to use…

“... Ah! Ranma. Girl,” Akane gestured at her fellow creature, looking at the humans, “Fix.”

“Akane, he's supposed to be like this,” Dad tried to explain, “My friend there had a son, and he's supposed to-”

“He's also supposed to act like a person, dad,” Nabiki said, bringing in a bucket of cold water and splashing Ranma, “Like Akane. If you and that panda guy going to try your hardest to turn those things human, then they're perfect for each other.”

True enough, Ranma was as she had been. Long red hair, feline eyes, Japanese bobtail tail, shorter, smaller, as cute and feral as any wild cat should be. And when she realised that her body was right again, Ranma ran right on up to Akane and started nuzzling in. Akane liked this touch better than Dad's forceful hugs.

“They do seem far too compatible,” Kasumi hummed, “And I do only prefer older women…”

“But Ranma's a boy?” Dad tried to say.

“Girl!” Ranma said with a giggle, still affectionately rubbing her face against Akane's. 

“Yeah, let the animals have each other,” Nabiki dropped the bucket and left, “I'm gonna go take a bath.”

“... I suppose you two are getting engaged!” Dad proclaimed.

That was a weird word, Akane didn't even think it sounded familiar. “Engaged?”

“It's when-” Stopping for a second, Dad tried to think of something, “... This might take a while to explain, actually.”

○○○○○

“And there you go!” The human named Kasumi cheered, admiring her handiwork, “All ready for sleep.”

Ranma's long hair had been ‘braided’ so that it wouldn't get extra tangled as she slept. And, sleeping in a new place, that might be good! She could undo the braid at any time, so it was really safe, and still just as long!

“Thanks!” Ranma purred, giving Kasumi a happy long blink. 

Kasumi made Akane happy and calm, so that meant she was a safe human. The rank of authority had been set at this place before Ranma got there, and she wasn't going to disrupt it like Pops probably would.

“Juliet!” Akane called out, having really liked that one word from the really confusing by even human standards talk about what engagement meant, “Juuuuuuliet! Juliet! Ahahaha!” 

The blue haired creature pounced on her red haired pack member, almost vengeance for the earlier one in the dojo, and just as affectionate. They were two wild creatures that were brought together to bond, and while it would've been nicer in the wild, this was still really good. 

Ranma could understand Akane emotionally, better than she could humans. Sure, Akane liked to make her favourite noises a lot more often than Ranma, but it made her so alive! Another feral thing, hoping to stay that way, because humans were kinda silly.

“Ranma! Akane's Juliet!” Akane leaned up against her fellow creature and tried pushing her towards upstairs, “Room! Bed!”

“I am going!” Ranma let herself be guided upwards to the room, Akane too stubborn to not listen too.

The room had a big nest of pillows and blankets on a mattress, along with several scattered photographs Ranma didn't recognise anyone in all over the floor. Once she was past the doorway, Akane immediately leaped onto the nest, sitting down with her tail wagging and looking expectantly.

Ranma had never laid down on something so comfy in her life. Immediately purring, she actually almost worried about scaring away her pack member with the rumbling. However, she instead found Akane had lied down right next to her, backs touching.

… Pops could sleep alone. He was a bad pack member, and he wasn't even a real panda. Akane was an animal like Ranma. They'd be their own pack. They didn't need to be human. Ranma didn't even know where to start to be human, not since two weeks ago. Not since two years ago. Maybe never.

Chapter Text

Akane's eyes snapped open at the sound of someone downstairs so early in the morning. Someone unfamiliar. A voice chatting with Dad and the human Ranma called ‘Pops’. Pops already made Akane feel like she needed to be protective, but there was a stranger, maybe an intruder…

Akane's low growl seemed to wake her new pack member from her slumber. Ranma, sleepy and awkward, tried to both stretch and role on her side at the same time. Her big yawn showed off all those sharp teeth Akane was a little jealous of.

“Ranma. Ranma. Juliet. Ranma.” Akane pawed at the other creature, a little impatient in case the intruder did anything. 

“Mmmmmrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…” Ranma batted away Akane's hand with a groan, “What is it?”

Akane didn't have the words to explain it, so she simply growled in the direction of the broken door. That alone seemed to get Ranma's full attention, her ears perking up at the sound of some other human talking.

The pair both started to slink through the door, into the hall, careful crawling hindered only slightly by the baggy clothes they'd both been made to wear before sleeping. No sounds were made, they couldn't scare the intruder off.

Somewhere on the stairway, Akane lost sight of Ranma. She was so sneaky, it was cool! Akane would have to practice to catch up to her ‘Juliet’! Juliet was what humans called their special pack member, at least that's what Akane kind of almost understood from the really long, confusing, and messy explanation of engagements Dad gave yesterday. Ranma was special like that! 

Growling again and baring her teeth in the doorway to the ‘family room’ of Home, Akane had laid her eyes on the three humans in there. Dad, Pops, and a human wearing a lot of white that smelled like… Like a hospital. Akane didn't like that. She liked how Pops cowered at the sight of her, though.

“Ah, and here she is!” Dad cheered, already sweeping Akane into a tight hug she was thrashing against, “Here's Akane, my precious little girl.”

“I see…” At least the doctor didn't seem to like seeing Akane squished, “And where's- GYAHHHH!”

Ranma had stealthily snuck behind the doctor, placing a claw on his shoulder as a warning. The doctor, though, took it a bit too harshly, jumping high into the air while screaming. It took him a few seconds to calm down, all the while staring at Ranma's smug face.

Pops sighed. “There's the boy.”

“Girl!” Ranma responded with a playful tone, and Pops almost tried to attack, but Akane's growl made the man back down quickly.

“... I see. Hello there, Akane, Ranma,” The doctor said once he calmed down, “My name is Dr Toufu, and I'm the local physiotherapist and chiropractor.”

Akane had no clue where to even start with those words, blinking blankly at the human named Toufu. Ranma was apparently just as lost, head tilted curiously. There were a lot of words humans used. It was all so silly!

“I'm here to do Akane's regular health checks,” The doctor continued regardless, speaking almost gently like Kasumi, “Mainly just handling any bandages, as well as monitoring her general health. Ranma's father asked if I could do it for both of you. I understand it's a similar situation?”

“Mrrp?” Ranma made that funny little questioning noise. Akane giggled. Ranmas were a very cute species, it seemed. 

“Ah, so it is,” Toufu hummed, “Well, don't worry, this will be quick and painless for you, I promise.”

○○○○○

Dr Toufu left the building with a smile and several bruises that he hadn't arrived with. Between rubbing ‘antiseptic’ things into Ranma and Akane's various scrapes and cuts, undoing, redoing, and applying new bandages, and poking and prodding while trying to control the animals’ movements, the doctor was never going to make it out unharmed.

“Urghhhhhhhh…” Akane groaned, prodding at the wrapping around her legs.

“It hurts?” Ranma asked, knowing how tight the bandages around her upper arm had been done.

“Mhm…” The blue haired creature tried to think of something before her eyes lit up, using her hands to gesture at the bandages, “Fuck!”

The human Akane called ‘Dad’ spat out his drink in such a way that it turned Pops into a panda. Kasumi looked somewhere between amused and mortified. Nabiki made so much loud noise laughing that Ranma's sensitive ears hurt. 

“Akane, please be very careful where you say that,” Kasumi tried being polite, “Some people don't like that word.”

Akane looked confused, unaware of how she did something wrong. “Huh?”

Seeing how heartbroken her pack member was at this apparent failure, Ranma immediately tried to fix it. The best thing she could think of was to gently lean into Akane, a soft nuzzle to reassure the more canine creature she wasn't bad because she couldn't do what humans do. 

“Human sounds are hard.” Ranma added, a little extra solidarity shared between the two. 

The poor, deflated whimper Akane gave in return made Ranma feel awful. Akanes were apparently a more talkative species, given how many more sounds she made. Ranma couldn't help her Akane if they had two different ways of thinking about words…

“I'm sorry, Akane,” Kasumi continued, “But we have to go out soon, and I wouldn't want you to get in trouble.”

Akane suddenly sat upright from her slumped position, shocking Ranma. “Out? Go out?”

“Oh, I should clarify, we need to get you, and probably Ranma, some clothes, yes?”

“Out!” The infectious desire for adventure seeped out of Akane's words and into Ranma. The two hardly caught the rest of what it meant to go clothes shopping, but out meant outside, and another new place, so it should be fun!

○○○○○

Cold, enclosed, and artificial. This was only better than the hospital place because Akane was allowed to be freely walking around, and there weren't doctors trying to do the evil doctor things. 

“Remember, girls, hold hands,” Kasumi had told Ranma and Akane at the start, showing them how by holding Akane's, “We don't want you to get lost.”

Akane really wanted to get lost, though. She wanted out. So many clothes, but only the baggy and soft clothes were comfy. Everything else itched and constricted. She hated shoes with a passion. And that doesn't even cover how Kasumi had to put something cold around both Ranma and Akane's chests separately to measure something, which just felt like it might as well have been ice instead of the actual material! Both creatures yelped at that evil thing!

Ranma hated how some of the clothes itched, and Akane agreed. Akane couldn't stand how some clothes were so complicated, which made total sense to Ranma. Neither of them were having a good time, but they had to stick together, and stick with Kasumi.

Kasumi acted like Akane would get lost easily, and that it would be the worst thing ever. Akane didn't understand why.

“... Okay, girls, I need you both to do something very important,” Kasumi had stopped outside a specific section of the ‘mall’ that was surrounded by food smells, “Can you do that for me? It'll be very good if you can.”

Akane's attention had already been on Kasumi from the moment she spoke, but Ranma in particular perked up at being called good. 

Kasumi pulled at a chair nearby, and guided Akane to sit down, followed by Ranma in a chair at the same table. “I have some special shopping I need to do, so I need you two to stay here. Just sit, and keep holding hands, okay?”

“Okay?” Akane said, positive but unsure.

“I can be good!” Ranma chirped like it meant the world to her.

“Thank you so much. I'll be right back.” Kasumi smiled gently as she wandered off. Akane wanted to wander too…

○○○○○

Ranma wished she knew how to tell time. She was getting antsy, and Akane was too. The red haired creature had started to lightly claw at her arm bandages. The blue haired one was biting the collar of her baggy shirt and trying to lean in as close to Ranma as the weird chairs would allow. Mall food places were torture for a wild Ranma.

“Hey, the booth seats are way better if you two want to be close,” A human said from behind the two animals, “Which you totally should, you both seem so cute together.”

The human, a boy with short dark brown hair, walked around to the front of Ranma and Akane's line of sight. “And they're really good for sensory issues, trust me. Just over there.” He pointed literally two tables away, a wall of ‘booth seats’ around tables, with additional plastic chairs for probably more people. 

Ranma stared down the boy with suspicion. “Meant to wait and stay.”

“Yeah, and you can just call that person over when they get here,” The human said casually, “It's way too close to worry about that. Go on, have your cute hug time and actually be comfy.”

“... Hug?” Akane looked at Ranma with those big puppydog eyes, “Hug? Juliet? Hug?”

“... Okay.” Cautiously getting up from where she was supposed to wait and be a good girl, Ranma let Akane's pure strength practically drag her to the new seats. The booths were, in fact, more comfy, and Akane had fully let herself cuddle into her pack member. 

“Augh, she calls you Juliet!” The human flapped his hands happily, stealing one of the plastic seats at the table, “That's so cute! So, how'd you two meet? I haven't seen you at school, do you go to St Hebereke's or Seisyun? Maybe Kolkhoz?”

“Um…” Akane clearly understood as much of that as Ranma did, and both girls started to panic a bit.

“Oh, right, sorry, I'm Daisuke,” The human finally introduced himself, “I go to Furinkan High, first year. What're your names?”

“Ranma,” She noticed ‘Daisuke’ smelled like those book thingies. It was a nice smell for humans.

“Akane!” The moment she said her own name, Akane's tail started wagging from behind her, catching the boy's attention. 

“Oh, you have a- I should've seen it, I'm so sorry,” Daisuke laughed a little, “Two of my best friends go a bit creature sometimes and wear their gear out, it completely slipped my mind. Are you both not human?”

Akane spoke with a toothy grin. “Yeah! Am Akane! Not human!”

“Not human also,” Ranma smiled with a slow blink, “Mrraow.”

“Oh my goodness, two girls in love beyond the boundaries of humanity itself! That's so cute, just wait till-” The boy stopped when he saw someone else in the nearby distance, calling out to her, “Oh, hey! Hey, Makoto! I'm over here!”

The human in question, with hair only down to her shoulders and with a red clip in her fringe, made a weird hand gesture while approaching. “She switched out, Dai. She bought both of your books and then dipped, asshole.”

“Ah, sorry,” Daisuke turned back to the animals, “This is Asami, conspiracy theorist extraordinaire.”

Akane struggled a bit on those words. “Con… Consp…”

“How long do you have for me to explain?” Asami took off her backpack as she sat down, “I didn't bring my chart for that, but I can make do with napkins.”

“Napkins?” Ranma asked.

“They're animal brained right now, like the twins,” Daisuke explained, although his explanation felt a little off, “Ranma and Akane. Red and blue themed, opposite animal coded, holding hands and snuggling in public, and Akane called Ranma ‘Juliet’. Girl's Love for the win. Put that in your yaoi-loving pipe and smoke it! Uh, when Fu-chan Makoto is in control again.”

Ranma didn't think humans could make a sound as frustrated as Asami did just then. “I'll pass it on, sure. But yeah, animal brain makes sense. Hope you both aren't too overwhelmed, then.”

Ranma didn't fully understand that word. ‘Overwhelmed’. It meant… She hated that she recognised it, but couldn't put a meaning to it. That was a problem that made being human even harder than it already was.

The two humans started to talk amongst themselves more, and so the meaning in their words got more distant. In the haze of sensory overload, The two wild animals simply sat together, ignoring everything, holding hands and snuggling up next to each other for comfort.

“Akane? Ranma?” Called out a familiar voice, “I'm back!”

“Kasumi!” Akane shot upright, getting the human's attention despite the different seat with her loud cheer.

“Oh, there you are!” Kasumi approached, acknowledging Daisuke and Asami as she got close, “I'm so sorry if these two bothered you, they-”

“Oh, actually it was more like we bothered them,” Daisuke interrupted, “They've been chill.”

“HE bothered them,” Asami corrected, “I just bothered him afterwards.”

“I see. Well, thank you for keeping them company,” Kasumi smiled, “It's very kind of you.”

“Yeah, no prob,” Getting up to leave, Daisuke waved back at the feral creatures, “Oh, let them know when they're less animal brained to look into chewable necklaces. Some friends of mine swear by them, way better than chewing on clothes like that.”

Akane tilted her head, letting go of the shirt collar she had just put back in her mouth. “Hm?”

“I'll keep that in mind, thank you!” Waving as Daisuke and Asami left, Kasumi sat down beside the two creatures, “You both did wonderfully, good job!”

“I was a good girl?” Ranma asked, happy memories of… Of something, she was sure, sending comfy thoughts through her mind. 

“Um, yes. Yes, a very good girl,” Kasumi said with a bit of awkwardness, clearly unsure how to feel about saying that to an animal so human shaped, “Now, I have some things for you both, but they can wait until we're home, okay?”

“Okay!” Akane was very obviously trying to look at the bag of mysterious objects in Kasumi's possession, tail slowly wagging curiously.

○○○○○

“Mini Juliet!”

“You bought the animals plushies?” Nabiki scoffed as she watched the thing in the place of her baby sister hug a cat shaped toy, “Why?”

“They're still people, Nabiki,” Kasumi said quietly, “Maybe not human like we are, but still people. They deserve some extra comfort, don't you agree?”

“I mean, yeah but- Wait, ‘human’ and ‘person’ are the same thing!” 

“This feels more nuanced,” The eldest Tendou sister smiled sadly, “Humans don't have tails, and she clearly thinks of herself as something separate. She's still Akane, though, I know it. She's still a person.”

“Sure, and people parkour all over the place instead of walking normally,” The sarcasm in Nabiki’s voice was thick, “Not to mention Ranma. People aren't normally th- AHHHHHHHH!”

Ranma had snuck right next to Nabiki without being noticed, a wolf plushie in hand. “Mrrp?”

“You weren't called, Ranma,” Kasumi assured, “Go on, have fun.”

“I SWEAR, I AM PUTTING A BELL ON THAT THING!” Nabiki yelled as the red haired creature cheerfully scampered away, “PEOPLE ARE NOT THAT QUIET!”

Chapter Text

“You can't be serious, Dad,” Nabiki deadpanned, “Look at her.”

Akane was having a fatal staredown with her opponent, the Akane in the mirror who copied her every movement. Confused growls escaped her snarling face as she tried to read her enemy's next potential attack.

“She'll be fine, and besides, the doctors said she needs to socialise,” Soun said with the utmost confidence, “It should also be good for Ranma, just remember to pour hot water on him before you go.”

Nabiki blinked as she saw Ranma batting at the bell placed at the end of her long red braid, like it was some kind of cat toy. Her catlike eyes were wide with playful excitement as the thing jingled louder than she'd ever be.

“... Sure, Dad. Sure it will,” Nabiki didn't believe that for a second, “And why do I have to go dog walking? Shouldn't you or the panda take them?”

“Genma and I are very busy, actually, and-”

“I saw you two setting up the shogi board.”

The Tendou patriarch started to sweat. “Uh… I'll pay you ¥500. Kasumi will be coming to pick them up from school, anyway.”

“... Fine, but I only accept it in advance,” Nabiki held out her hand, “The fee goes up ¥50 each time, too.”

○○○○○

Akane was really happy that Kasumi had given up on forcing her into the weird, stuffy, tight ‘school uniform’ clothes, and that Ranma got to benefit too. The weird, smaller clothes under her baggy blue t-shirt and simple shorts were really uncomfortable, but Kasumi refused to budge on those. 

“I'm just taking you two to the admin office, that's it, okay?” Nabiki said as they walked, refusing to make any physical contact while guiding the creatures, “Otherwise, you don't know me.”

“But we do?” Ranma chimed in, clearly uncomfortable with her black haired body, “Nabiki?”

“It's a- Ugh, you wouldn't get it,” The human sighed, “Just stay away from me, and especially stay away from Kuno.”

Another word Akane didn't recognise. “Kuno?”

“A boy in my grade,” Nabiki scowled as she thought of him, “He's dangerously persistent, and- Oh, right. Uh… Grrrrrr, hate Kuno. Not safe. Did you two understand that?”

Akane wasn't stupid, she was a very smart animal. However, she still appreciated the effort to translate. There were way too many human sounds, so knowing that ‘Kuno’ meant ‘Bad’ and ‘dangerous to one of Akane's humans’ was a good thing to know. It wouldn't be dangerous to Akane.

“Just don't get close and he'll leave you be,” Nabiki continued, “He feeds off the attention.”

Just before Akane could ask what kind of prey ‘attention’ was, the chatter of humans started to become clearer. A large shelter, presumably ‘School’, had lots of people walking towards it and past the boundary surrounding it. It was only slightly scary how many there were.

“School, I…” Ranma seemed to have a flash of a memory, her words stopping for a second before wincing, then staring deeply at Akane and Nabiki, “... I am a good girl? Yes?”

“Not in that form, kitty,” The sad look Nabiki received for that comment was heart-wrenching, “Ugh, should we get you some water or something? I'm just here to walk you two, I don't actually care if you come as a girl or not.”

Before she could answer, Ranma was suddenly assaulted by a splash of water from the house they were passing. An old lady was spreading water everywhere, and while Akane didn't know why, it made Ranma a very happy red haired creature. 

“Good Ranma!” Akane really appreciated that little magic trick, the one that gave her back her actual Juliet, the Ranma that was small and similar to Akanes. Both animals looked very happy with the result.

“Cool, you're a water magnet, I guess,” Nabiki continued walking onwards, “Now let's go, I don't wanna be late cos of Thing 1 and Thing 2.”

With the school gates so near, it was with relative silence that the three continued into the entrance, the only exception being the bell that jingled on Ranma's braid. The surrounding humans, however, were not quiet at all.

“Since when does Nabiki play tour guide?” “Must not be new students, they're not in uniform.” “I wasn't that short in year 1, was I?” “Why do they have tails?”

“Nabiki Tendou, my fair lady, what are you doing around such ruffians?” One human with a really big, smooth tree branch of some kind stepped forward, “Someone of your status, around what clearly are peasantry, it doesn't suit you. Please, let me take your hand and-”

“Can it, Kuno baby,” Nabiki kept walking, “I have a job to do, so I couldn't leave with you even if I wanted to.”

The human newly identified as Kuno still followed. “You can't expect these two to take up as much of your focus as I deserve. I, who conquered all other suitors to dare ask for your hand. Surely, I am worth that.”

“You're not even worth your money anymore,” The tone Nabiki used sounded threatening, letting both creatures know to be ready for something, “At least I got paid to watch these two.”

“... I see, so it's your fault?” Kuno stanced up to make an inherently horrible decision, talking at Ranma and Akane, “Then I, Tatewaki Kuno, rising star of the kendo world, Furinkan High School's own King of Beasts, will cut you out of my way!”

So he chose violence, that large stick getting swung in an arc. Ranma quietly disappeared before she could get hit. Akane grabbed the stick a hand's length away from it reaching her torso, growling and baring her teeth. 

Kuno was bad, so he didn't get a chance to blink before Akane slammed her full body into him. The stick slipped out of his hands, breaking into splinters once Akane grasped it properly in her clawless hands.

A small jingle from behind was all the warning Kuno got before Ranma reappeared to properly claw at him with high speed slashes. The tackle caused the two to tumble, stopping right outside the building entrance as Kuno laid flat on the ground.

“AND IN WE GO!” Nabiki put her hand tightly around Akane's wrist, pulling her through that doorway by force, picking up Ranma along the way, “BEFORE HE WAKES UP!”

○○○○○

Nabiki had left Ranma and Akane in the ‘office’, only saying a short thank you over how they handled Kuno before they left. Ranma felt like there was more to say, but Nabiki didn't go beyond the minimum two words. Nabiki’s emotions were well hidden away.

The office itself was cold and cluttered, and there was a rather young human shuffling through the things Nabiki handed her. The little girl hummed and chatted to herself as she read over every last detail.

“Aaaaannnnddddd… Okay!” The girl giggled, “Nice to meet you, Ranma and Akane. I'm Miss Hinako Ninomiya, and I'll be your homeroom and English teacher! Do you understand?” 

“No…” Akane frowned, while Ranma hesitantly shook her head. It was almost a familiar concept, but out of reach.

“That's okay, just know that I'm here to help you two!” Hinako smiled cheekily, “It's my job to help good kids like you, and keep you safe from the bad kids and delinquents.” 

“Good?” Ranma's eyes lit up.

“Yes, you're both good kids,” The tiny teacher reassured, “You at least have the right to prove it. Honestly, some meanies look at cases like yours and decide you're already a lost cause. It's not your fault the world wasn't built for you!”

Something about being told the world wasn't made for creatures like Ranmas and Akanes was rough, but there was a niceness to that being understood. At least, as far as Ranma interpreted it. Akane just seemed a little sad.

“Here, let's go! I'll show you around!” Hinako excitedly held out both of her hands, one for both creatures, “And tell me if you need anything, okay?”

The tour of the school was a little hard, given that there were so many doors they had just been taken right past that could have had so many interesting things inside. There were so many stairs, too.

Ranma and Akane's favourite place probably had to be the big outdoors space, the one that seemed just perfect to run around in, although oddly flat in some places it probably wouldn't have been natural. Still, so much better than those little hallways that felt cold and cramped. 

“And here are the girls changing rooms for gym class!” Hinako gestured to a room near the field, “Although I've been told you're both probably not going to wear the uniform due to issues, so I will overlook that until you're ready. The uniforms are stuffy, anyway.”

“No uniform…” Ranma spoke under her breath, remembering trying on that ‘gakuran’ and feeling really uncomfortable. Akane grumbled at the memory of trying just to button up the uniform shirt before Kasumi gave up.

“I don't think the uniforms are suited for tails, anyway,” The teacher giggled as she started walking again, “You both really are special cases, girls, the rules can be bent a little.”

○○○○○

“On the left is Akane Tendou, and on the right is Ranma Saotome,” Miss Hinako did the introductions for the two, “Both have special permission to not be in uniform, so I don't want to hear any complaints. On their behalf, I ask that you please take care of them.”

“Why can't they ask that themselves?” Someone at one of the front tables snickered, only to find himself very sleepy.

Akane was amazed. There was an adult human where Hinako had been, dressed like Hinako and smelling like the same fake sugary smell! Maybe she was like Ranma, who changed height a little when transformed, except Hinako grew a lot more.

“Takeru, you should know better than to be so rude about it,” The tall Hinako stood her ground firm over the tired boy, “This is a class where some students need the support, and I refuse to leave them floundering. Akane and Ranma both have some difficulty with words, and that's okay. Imagine if you suddenly were only allowed to speak English, and we laughed at you for your trouble.”

“What about their tails?” Another student asked, “That has to be a little too against the rules to be allowed, right?”

“Akane's tail!” The blue haired creature spoke up, tail moving for emphasis, “Not human!”

“Not human.” Ranma joined in, her tiny tuft of a tail gently swaying.

There were a few shocked whispers among the class, largely relating to the fact that no one expected the tails to be real, or that both of the newbies claimed to not be human. Akane swore she saw a familiar face in the back of class, fidgeting with some red string as the gossip stirred.

“Ranma, Akane, your seats are those two right there,” Tall Hinako pointed to two empty tables, “Feel free to have out anything you might need to feel more settled in.”

Awkwardly, the two creatures walked over to sit down, still disliking how much they were forced to stay walking fully upright in these very human places. The seats were slightly uncomfortable, but at least they had a gap in the backrest that allowed their tails some additional space.

There were still some whispers in class, and lots of sights, smells, and sounds to take in, so the whole place felt like a whirlwind. But if this is what even the nice humans thought Akane should be doing, then she'd give it a go.

○○○○○

Ranma wanted out. It was cramped and busy, and Hinako had been swapped with another teacher and then another one and another, and none of the other teachers were as nice, and it had been so long since Ranma got to go outside. 

A lot of things were said that didn't make any sense, and one teacher wasn't told that the creatures didn't have to write notes, and ‘pencils’ were probably sent to confuse Ranma's poor little creature claws specifically because she couldn't figure those out, let alone the scribbles they were supposed to make.

The loud ringing noise forced her to wince in fear again. She hated that thing. Just when she got used to one teacher, she had to get used to another. Akane wasn't fairing much better, holding on to the toy cat Kasumi had put in her bag for dear life.

… All the humans were going outside. Were… Were Ranma and Akane allowed out? Ranma reached to paw at Akane's desk so she would notice.

“Out?” Akane asked, to which Ranma nodded, “... But not told out?”

That was true. Ranma and Akane were held in captivity, and that meant they weren't allowed to run wild as they wished. They needed the permission to leave, to eat, to do things that every instinct told them was natural to do.

“Pspspspsps,” A voice caught both animal's attention from behind, “Hey, come here.” 

The owner of the voice wasn't someone either animal recognised, but one thing was for sure. The human was holding food in both hands, just two halves of a sandwich, and holding it out for Ranma and Akane.

“You can follow me, it's alright,” That smile was at least kind, “I'll give you these if you do.”

The creatures couldn't turn down an easy meal.

“Mwehehehe,” The human giggled quietly while guiding Ranma and Akane out of the classroom, “My dark powers of coercion are finally returning…”

Chapter Text

“Remarkable…” Kuno looked at his reflection in the hand mirror, “Those scratches, the ones on my forehead, they say ‘adoration’, yes?”

“No, I think they're just scratches,” Nabiki deadpanned as she walked off to her usual lunch spot, “Now leave me alone.”

Unfortunately, once Tatewaki Kuno was in his own thoughts, he was lost in them. “Those two girls must be enamoured by my charms…”

○○○○○

Ranma and Akane didn't exactly know where they were going, but the human with the food was leading them to an outside place on top of the building. If all buildings had places like that, then Ranma definitely needed to climb more.

“My friends!” The human called out to a group of five others, “My powers are returning! And I've brought proof!”

That's great, cutie, glad you brought the new kids,” Said someone tucked towards the back, “Now come here, I need cuddles.”

The first human handed over the sandwiches while giggling to herself, then adjusting the eyepatch she had on. “Coming, my plushie!”

Both feral creatures scarfed down the sandwiches before looking properly at the group. There was the eyepatch-wearing girl who brought them here, someone with a big comfy patchwork sweater, two people wearing different school uniforms but looking almost the same, and two slightly more familiar faces. 

“Oh, hey Ranma, hey Akane!” Daisuke, from the shops, said, looking up from his book, “You both still look so cute together, right, Queen?”

There was the girl from the shopping trip yesterday, too, but she had a slightly different posture, and the red hair clip had been replaced by a blue one. “Daisuke, please don't alienate them that quickly. I'm sorry about him, you two.”

“Queen?” Akane asked, clearly confused by both the different name and the word itself.

“Right, you met Asami, I believe,” Queen stood up to politely greet the creatures, “Asami is our legal name collectively, as well as the name of one of our system members. My own name is Makoto, but please, call me Queen to avoid confusion.”

“There's also Jupiter Makoto who's a space superhero princess, and Fu-chan Makoto who's… Well, we have different tastes,” Daisuke chuckled, “And there's Miichan, who we have to babysit when she's around, and you've already talked a little to Asami.”

“Does that make much sense to you?” Queen asked politely, although it was met with two very confused creature faces, “Right. Okay, well we are different people, but we look the same. Alright?”

“Awright!” Akane parroted while Ranma nodded.

“You've met Sayuri already,” Daisuke gestured to eyepatch human, “She stole my sandwich for her little stunt, by the way.” 

“It was worth it to get back a fragment of my former powers,” Sayuri shrugged, “I wonder what other animals I could control now… Hiroshi, Hiroko, tell me who's who!” 

The almost identical humans with short brown hair laughed in unison before answering: “Bite me!” “Nuh uh!”

“Hmph… Perhaps when they're in cat brain properly…” Sayuri sighed.

“She used to be a dark mage from another dimension,” Daisuke explained to the completely confused animals.

“Dark Lord!” 

“Right, dark lord, my bad,” the boy shrugged, “Also, her and Yuka are currently the school's cutest couple in my professional ranking system. A being of pure evil, soulmates since childhood with a plushie cursed with a human form? You can't make that kind of fluff up!”

“I still don't get how that ranking system works,” Said the patchwork sweater person, Yuka, leaning into Sayuri floppily, “You can't just rank girls and girl-adjacent things loving each other numerically.”

“Fu-chan and I have some theories,” Queen interrupted, “Although my own are… More tame.”

Daisuke seemed offended. “Girl's Love is about the pure innocence of it, the romance, the fact that girls can actually share their emotions in a way boys aren't allowed to! I know that if I was a girl, I'd only date girls.”

“I give ‘him’ till the end of term.” Said one of the identical humans.

“At most, I think it'll take all year.” Said the other.

“Hiro, Hiro, shut the fuck up,” Daisuke complained before looking back to the wild creatures, “These two are being silly, don't mind them. Hiroko and Hiroshi are almost as inseparable as actual twins.”

“We're still trying to work out who's who…” Queen sighed.

“And you won't!” Both Hiros cheered.

Ranma briefly sniffed the air. They both smelled a little like her, actually, although covered by human smells like chemically soaps. However, one seemed a little more like apples and the other like oranges.

“Hiro one,” Ranma bapped the fake twin in the girl's uniform first, then the other one, “Hiro two.”

Akane watched, sniffed the air, and nodded. There was a mutual understanding there now. 

“Oh, you're both still animal brained?” Daisuke asked.

Sayuri facepalmed with the hand that wasn't wrapped around her plushie girlfriend. “They have real tails, Dai, they're probably always animal brained. What dark curse could've caused it, who knows…”

“It's probably trauma,” Apple scented Hiro shrugged, “That's cat brain for us.”

“Can you tell us?” Asked the orange scented counterpart. 

“... It is fuzzy for me,” Ranma said quietly, trying to remember, “Saw a cat. Then two years are gone. Some memories too.”

“Akane was found. Humans found Akane,” The wolf-like tail on the blue haired creature drooped sadly, “Hospital. Home. Akane wants out again. Not okay. Not okay.”

All human heads faced Queen. “... I'll see what we can figure out, although that isn't a lot of details…”

“You're both welcome to sit with us if you want, by the way,” Yuka chimed, fidgeting with the fabric of dolls sweater, “You're probably in Miss Ninomiya's class for the same reason we all are, anyway.”

“Yeah, more friends and allies are always welcome!” Sayuri cheered.

So, if Ranma's iffy memory and general instincts were telling her anything, it was that there were basically packs of humans at schools. And because Ranma and Akane weren't humans, they were being welcomed into a small pack that would understand them. This was a safe place for what humans thought were strange…

Akane had already sat down like the good wild pup she was, because Sayuri had gotten out a box of food. She was probably begging for food with her whimpers, but she also pawed at her own lunch box in confusion. 

“... Do you not know how to open your lunch?” Sayuri asked, receiving a big, puppy dog eyed expression in return, “Huh… Here, I'll show you, if you'll be my loyal subject.”

“Don't tease her.” Yuka nudged dolls girlfriend in the side.

Once Akane's bag was opened, she dug through the lunch box at a slightly ravenous pace. Ranma at least was able to copy what Sayuri did, enough to start attacking her own food. It was nice, being able to eat in a safe environment, safer than being a lone creature.

○○○○○

There had been a loud ringing sound again, hurting Akane's ears. She didn't like how many loud noises there had been, especially seeing as they all apparently had different meanings if they could only go outside sometimes. 

“Akane, Ranma,” Yuka called from the classroom door as other students left, “We're allowed to go home, wanna come?”

“Home!” Home was a better place than school was, that's for sure! No stupid loud noises, and more freedom to go outside. “Juliet! Home! Home Home Home!”

Ranma sighed, doing a big stretch as she got up from the desk. The wild cat then fully affectionately brushed up against Akane as the two approached the classroom door. Daisuke audibly squealed from somewhere nearby.

As Ranma and Akane pushed through the crowded and icky hallways, a the thundering footsteps of a predator came charging towards the two, only to be stopped immediately by a much smaller human.

“Tatewaki Kuno, just what do you think you're doing!?” Hinako's young voice called out as she stood in front of the Kuno that Ranma and Akane fought earlier, “You cannot swing that thing around the halls at any time!”

“B-but… But the short haired goddess and the girl with the braid!” Kuno cried as he held up a stick like the one he wielded that morning, “I must pursue them, to return their declarationof affection!”

“Ms Saotome and Ms Tendou?” Hinako pulled out a shiny little circle thing, “I will not have you harassing my students, no matter who your dad is, or whatever reason you have!”

“Ms… Tendou?” Kuno asked, before collapsing to the floor in front of Tall Hinako. 

“Hmph, delinquent…” The teacher walked away, leaving Kuno collapsed on the floor.

Ranma and Akane both looked on excitedly, surprised to see that someone was defending them in a way they could recognise clearly. “... Good human?” Akane asked with a head tilted.

“Good human.” Ranma agreed, looking at their second proper authority figure in awe.

The rest of the way out was easy, although still awkward. It felt so much more natural to move around on all fours at least part of the time, and forcing herself upright hurt Akane a little bit. 

She didn't want to pretend to be human, anyway. She had found the good humans, sure, but that didn't mean she wanted to be like them. Akane would've preferred staying with her favourite Ranma, and hopefully finding other Akanes someday, somewhere. She was a little jealous that the two Hiros found each other when she hadn't met a single other Akane except the one she learnt was fake in the ‘mirror’...

Oh well. Akane would keep doing tricks for people as long as she was around them. If they thought she was human, that just meant they were wrong and stupid. At least her new ‘friends’ knew the difference between human and Akane.

The front of the school was just as full of students as it had been that morning, and a single familiar face stood by the gates. Kasumi looked over the heads of all the other humans there, probably looking for the striking red and blue hair of wild animals. 

“Kasumi!” Akane called out excitedly, tail almost hitting the people behind her, “Kasumi! Hi hi hi hi hi hi hi!”

Ignoring the few rude chuckles from around them all, Kasumi walked on over to the bonded pair. “Hello Akane, hello Ranma. How are you?”

“Tired.” Ranma yawned.

“Akane wants out!” Like she had been told to do around crowds of humans, Akane held Kasumi's hand while still holding on to Ranma's, “Please? Out? Please?”

“We're going home, don't worry,” Kasumi giggled a little, “Did you happen to make any friends today?” 

Akane knew that word. “Uh huh! Friends! Twins! Girl's Love! Con- Conspi- Red string!”

“Dark Lord and her plushie.” Smiled Ranma, who was otherwise getting dragged out of the school territory and towards home quite happily.

“... I… I see,” Kasumi sounded a little confused, even though it made perfect sense to the creatures, “Well, tell me all about it at home if you like. You get to visit all of your friends at school tomorrow, too, so maybe point them out to me then, okay?”

“Okay!” Akane gave her affirmation before the full sentence caught up with her, “... Tomorrow?”

“Yes, tomorrow,” The nice human explained, “You will keep going to school. Father thinks it's the best way to make you socialise, and hopefully to heal you. I disagree, but…”

“... Heal?” Ranma gave a head tilt in confusion. 

“... I shouldn't get off topic like this, I'm sorry,” Kasumi backed down, “Was there anything else about school you enjoyed?”

It took a few moments of silence before Kasumi realised either there wasn't anything else good, or the two creatures didn't understand the question. 

Akame was thinking about the word ‘heal’. The doctors used it to talk about her scars, bruises, and other things in the hospital. It sounded like it was the human word for those things going away. 

So why would going to school and pretending to be like humans heal Ranma and Akane? What would be healed? School wasn't anything like what the doctors did, there weren't any bandages or stinging creams or stabby things.

But, well, if the in-charge humans thought it was best, then… Well, those were the humans in control. They're the ones that found Akane and kept her in safe, luxurious captivity. She wasn't free, but… Creatures would kill for a life this easy, wouldn't they? 

Akane wasn't meant to be here, but she was. So she'd do what she could not to be moved again. She liked Ranma too much to be separated from her pack member. 

Chapter Text

A week of school. The amount of time spent there. It was called a week. That was far too long, and Akane didn't like it. It was cramped and indoors almost all the time and she wanted out. And being walked to school again did not count.

Her and Ranma had spent every night sleeping like rocks afterwards, it took up so much energy without making them use energy. How does that even work? The creatures could keep running into the night with the physical energy they had pent up, but they had nothing for pretending to be human once they got home.

Already, every evening, it was the same. Human sounds became stressful nonsense, the artificial lights, smells and sounds got worse, and the only thing that could be tolerable was the just as stressed other creature. 

And yet, despite knowing that, despite seeing how Akane clung to both Ranma and the mini Juliet cat plushie out of stress, Dad and Pops both were pushing her more, and pushing Ranma more. 

Safe to say, Akane and her favourite pack member were not okay already when they joined the class and the rest of the friend pack by the start of the second week.

“Hiro 1,” Akane looked at the one that smelled like apples, then the one that smelled like oranges, “Hiro 2.”

“Ugh, got us again, pup,” Hiroshi in the boy's uniform gently petted Akane behind the ears, “You're so clever.”

“Yeah, I think The Conspiracy System is gonna collectively blow a gasket at this rate,” Hiroko in the girl's uniform said while petting Ranma, “How many theory boards are on us alone, Jupiter?”

“I've made at least five…” Jupiter, who looked like Asami and Queen but with a green hair clip, fidgeted with her very sparkly pen, “It doesn't have to do with moon cycles, does it?”

“Not earth's moon cycles, at least.” Both Hiros chuckled in unison.

“Waughhhhh,” Jupiter groaned, “Where's someone like Mercury when you need her…”

“Alright, class,” Said an unfamiliar man, pushing in a weird box, “Settle down, take your seats, let's get started.”

“Um, where's Miss Hinako?” Sayuri asked, “I put all my powers into finishing that homework, and-”

“Yes, yes, your teacher is sick today,” The man said with a rude tone, “I'm her substitute, don't you worry about that homework.”

Sayuri looked down at her paper, completely dejected, as did Daisuke at his. Akane and Ranma had been told not to do homework, as they were just at school to ‘socialise’ and ‘heal’, but obviously it meant something to others.

“Now, before we start, I can see some of you out of uniform,” The look the man gave Ranma and Akane hurt, “Some of you can't go change now, of course, but those of you with additional jumpers should take them off.”

“But sir, we have permi-” Yuka got cut off.

“No excuses, I've heard them all before. You're all lucky we're just watching a movie today.”

It was dead silent as Yuka took dolls sweater off, a dead look in dolls eyes. Yuka had called all of the sweaters doll owned ‘comfort items’, which meant they were very important to doll… This wasn't good…

“... Movie?” Akane asked quietly, to which Ranma gave a just as confused look.

“We were supposed to be revising grammar for a test next week…” Daisuke complained as the lights got turned off and the weird box started to glow. It was an English movie for English class, but Akane could make out the small writing at the bottom a little better.

○○○○○

Ranma had thought that rabbits were supposed to be safe. They were safe animals. They were prey and harmless and not something to make a creature like a Ranma worried at all. Rabbits weren't loud and flashing and scary.

The movie rabbits were not nice, and Ranma was, for once, glad the loud ringing noise existed. The ringing noise meant that there was going to be something different than the scary rabbit movie.

And yet, Ranma couldn't move, holding on to her wolf plushie while every hair stood on end. Akane was only fairing better in how she at least managed to move her shirt collar to her mouth to comfort herself by biting it. It wasn't working.

The whole rest of the pack was in disarray, too. Arguably, the one coping the most was Daisuke, whose eyes remained firmly looking at the desk while he whispered to himself things Ranma couldn't understand. His leg was twitching, though, and he still didn't seem okay, like he was hiding how bad it really was.

Sayuri was rocking back and forth, holding herself tight while she looked almost everywhere but the movie box. Sometimes she moved a hand to itch at her arm, but that was in little short bursts before grabbing her shoulders again. 

Now, Ranma knew exactly what was wrong with the Hiros. Wide and vacant eyes, staying small and close to the desk, arms and hands tucked beneath them. With the fake ears and the weird fuzzy gloves, the Hiros clearly were replaced with incredibly scared cats that looked like them.

Yuka was still. There was some breathing, sure, but doll was holding onto dolls stomach and not letting go. It looked like doll was reliving some horrible memory on repeat, far, far away from the classroom. Ranma didn't like the scars on dolls arms.

And… There was a human girl who looked like the rest of The Conspiracy System, but with a pink hair clip. Biting at her thumb, the girl had the most obvious tears. All the papers on her desk were a mess, coloured pencils scattered everywhere. 

The rest of the class seemed better, but nowhere near okay. Tense, nervous, general discomfort. It seeped through the classroom, and while condensed into the group of eight, the next teacher could easily sense something was wrong with everyone. 

“... What happened?” The ‘history’ teacher asked, especially looking at Ranma and her pack.

“The substitute for English put on a movie, Ms Ikeda,” A girl at the front of the class answered, “‘Watership Down’. And he yelled at some of the special needs kids.”

“Wh- Do any substitutes even read the notes for class!?” The teacher seemed enraged, calming down enough to approach each of Ranma's pack members, “Do you think you can focus on class today?”

When there was any response at all, it was an obvious no.

“Alright, class, get out your notes and do some revision while I get your classmates to the library,” The teacher said as she got all of Ranma's friends to stand and follow her, “And you all better behave!”

○○○○○

Akane was still shaking and upset, but she'd been moved to the ‘library’ so she and her pack could calm down. It was quiet, with currently only one human Akane didn't know sitting at a desk to watch the distraught group. 

Despite her own troubles though, one thing was obvious. Akane and Ranma had to protect the pack in this time of need. Daisuke's mask had completely fallen apart as he tensed up and couldn't even focus on the books he had to calm him, and Sayuri was buried by plushie hugs. The girl who was presumably Miichan was too young to cope alone, and the Hiros were domestic, helpless cats. The wild animals had to be in charge.

Akane was strong. She could be a pack leader. She could do this.

“Ranma? Juliet?” Akane called out, “Hiro cats. Can Ranma help?”

Ranma looked at the two cats, huddled together and frightened, before nodding. Despite being smaller in size than both, she wandered over and gave a small chirrup, like a mother cat to kittens. The cat brained humans must've been younger in that state, as they were very receptive to Ranma and all the cat like physical affection from the kitty cuddle pile.

Akane had to remember that Ranma was good with younger creatures. That was very important. 

Pawing at Miichan, Akane had to learn about this new human at all in order to help her. Miichan looked at the blue haired creature with distant wide eyes, like she was trying to still make sense of the world.

“... Puppy?” Miichan pointed at Akane's tail. 

“Puppy!” Akane responded, and she happily accepted the slightly clumsy headpats she got in return.

“Why are you puppy?” Miichan asked, even through her sniffles and tears, “Big puppy…”

“Umm…” Akane didn't have an answer besides being an Akane, so she didn't give an answer.

“Words are hard for puppies, M-Miichan,” A quiet, wobbly voice came from Daisuke, “W-why don't you come and tell me what you think about her being puppy”

“Ma!” The human girl's eyes lit up, even though the boy she was excited for was still a mess emotionally, and she pushed past Akane to cuddle up next to Daisuke.

“I-I got this, Akane,” Daisuke whispered, “Good girl, helping.”

Akane's tail wagged a little bit at the praise before she went to check on Sayuri and Yuka. The plushie had her comfy sweater on again, lying floppily in the dark lord's arms. And, upon further inspection…

The two had cried themselves to sleep. Akane didn't know what to do about that, but her friends were lying uncomfortably on the floor. The best she could do as a wild animal would be to stand guard over her pack, though. So that's what she did. Her little, messy, pack of friends.

Ranma wandered next to Akane on all fours. “Calmed the cats.” 

True enough, both Hiros seemed much calmer, a relaxed pair of cats instead of two tense ones. Ranma had left the two to happily stay together, not understanding herself just how different these domesticated creatures were to something like her. Hiros weren't Ranmas, after all.

“Good Ranma. Good good good.” Akane tiredly smiled before nuzzling up to her favourite, most special pack member. 

Everything that happened was scary and stressful, and not even in ways her poor animal brain could fully understand. But Ranma was safe. Ranma smelled like rain and dirt and played games like Akane did and could fight and hunt and made sense.

… Akane might have realised what ‘Juliet’ really, truly meant as a human word.

○○○○○

He was wild. He was a force of nature, someone who spent so much time in all kinds of locales, many untamed by man. His only consistent way of life was camping, his gear held in the massive bag of his. 

And here he stood, outside the place he'd finally find who he was looking for. Furinkan High. Now, all that mattered was finding the one he was hunting. 

No one escaped such a feral creature, a beast of a human, like Ryoga Hibiki.

“You!” Ryoga pointed at a student passing by, “Where is Ranma Saotome?”

“Ran… I dunno, dude,” The student shrugged, “Have you tried asking the front office?”

“The front office…” The fanged boy mused, “Hmm… Can you take me there?”

The student was kind enough to lead Ryoga through the twisting corridors of Furinkan High, a labyrinthine set of hallways unless you inherently knew the way. The last time he walked through such a mess was when he got lost in a shopping mall a week prior.

Ryoga slammed his hand on the front desk. “I'm looking for Ranma Saotome, where is he?”

“Saotome?” The admin worker looked at her computer, then started typing, “That should be… Class 2-6, second floor.”

“Class 2-6…” Ryoga chuckled, “Can you please lead me there?”

Every step led Ryoga yet a little bit closer to facing off against his greatest rival, a battle delayed for two years by what must've simply been cowardice. But the humiliation Ryoga had been put through, the years of living as a truly wild human, would soon be worth it.

“Where is Ranma Saotome?” Ryoga slammed open the classroom door.

“Oh, she's in the library, I think,” One of the students answered, “Isn't that where the teachers always send those r-”

“CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TAKE ME TO THE LIBRARY!?” Ryoga interrupted.

The library. Ryoga was being led to the library, where Ranma should finally be awaiting him. There was nothing in his way. This was a fight Ryoga wouldn't let Ranma run from. Ryoga knew that he wouldn't even run away from Ranma if he had become a demon in the last two years. Only one thing could scare the wild hunter, Ryoga Hibiki, and that was in Ryugenzawa. Ryoga was ninety percent sure this was Nerima, so…

“RANMA SAOTOME, PREPARE TO-” 

Ryoga saw a bunch of very stressed and sad teens bundled up on the floor in the corner of the library, guarded by two others. One felt familiar, but had red hair in a long braid, along with several catlike features. 

The other… 

“Th-the beast from Ryugenzawa!?” Ryoga sputtered out, nightmares returning to him.

Akane's eyes lit up, and she shifted into a playful stance. “Chase? Play chase? Chase!”

Chapter Text

Kasumi had waited outside the front gate, as she had the past week of walking Akane and Ranma home from school. Compared to that last week, though, this was far earlier in the day. The school had called about an incident that caused a mass panic attack among the special needs students, meaning an early pick up was necessary. 

On the bright side, it not only showed that the school was willing to call in these situations, but also it gave Kasumi a chance to talk to some of the parents and caretakers of the other special needs students. This included the contact information of the pretty, single, twenty-something blonde girl who was one of the student's older cousin and legal caretaker. 

The front door opened, and the eight teenagers walked out as a group, tight knit. That was a surprise to Kasumi, but clearly not the other adults. These must've been the friends Ranma and Akane made, even if they spoke so cryptically about them.

Two almost identical teens wearing cat ears both walked up to separate pairs for hugs before swapping places. A girl with a pink hairclip was practically handed over to her father by a boy who was clearly holding in panic. A single mother let her child in a large sweater flop into her arms. The lady Kasumi flirted with gave an eyepatch wearing girl a pat on the back.

And then there was Ranma and Akane. Both on all fours, despite Kasumi knowing they could walk upright. And weirder yet, Kasumi's little sister was dragging something behind her with just her mouth. Being dragged by the bandanna he wore was a black haired boy.

“... Akane, who is this?” Kasumi looked over the unconscious boy.

The blue haired girl spat out the bandanna she used as a handle and grinned. “Chase! Fun!”

“Did… Did you hurt the poor boy?” The eldest Tendou sister was slightly horrified, “Akane, how could you?”

Akane's tail stopped wagging and she started whimpering, not a fan of being discouraged from playing like this. Ranma looked conflicted for a moment, as if thinking about protecting Akane from something threatening, but there wasn't anything threatening nearby Kasumi knew of.

“Leave him be, and let's go,” Kasumi started to walk away, “And please, walk upright. It isn't right to-”

“I know him,” Ranma interrupted, “I… I know.”

“He did say he was looking for Ranma…” Said the one semicoherent student while still masking his panic.

… Well, shit. Ranma didn't seem to remember much in the time Kasumi knew her. If this boy was triggering some kind of memories…

○○○○○

There was a light tap on his forehead. Then a second, slightly less light tap. Then the feeling of being repeatedly bapped on the forehead by a very antsy cat.

Ryoga woke up, eyes fluttering, thankful that he hadn't been torn to shreds by that thing camouflaged as a human. As his vision came into focus, though, that red haired girl with catlike features was clearly sitting over him, looking at him curiously.

The redhead bapped him again. “I know you. Who?”

“I'm… I'm Ryoga Hibiki, miss,” He slowly sat upright, noticing he wasn't in the library he got knocked out in, “I'm… I'm looking for Ranma Saotome, do you know him?”

“Ryoga… Ryoga…” The girl looked like she was thinking really hard for a moment before something clicked, “Ryoga! I am a Ranma! I am a good girl!”

“You're a… Yoiko!?” Ryoga asked, realising why this girl was so familiar, “You finally decided to stick with Yoiko!?”

“I am a good girl!” Ranma purred, not acknowledging Yoiko as a name but as a question, ‘who's a good girl?’.

“Does that mean…” Looking Ranma up and down, Ryoga could absolutely see how this was his old rival and pseudo little sister, “You went to China to transition?”

The redhead tilted her head in confusion, which was odd. Ranma had talked about wanting to go to Thailand and places that could help her be a girl every time Ryoga said he got lost there in middle school. How could she not understand what he asked?

“Ah, you're awake, good,” A lady slightly older than him walked in upon hearing all the noise, “I'm so sorry we brought you to our home, but Ranma recognised you, and that's rather rare for her…”

“It… It is?” Ryoga took a good look at the girl he followed through China, the girl he saw hell to get to, and she didn't seem right. 

She was there, but she was irreparably changed. Small and frail when she was once big and strong. A girl without the muscle that showed the results of what was her standard training. Nails like talons, slit eyes, and… Was that a tail?

“Let me tell you what I know,” The kind brunette continued, “Perhaps we can work out how to heal her, which may also help me with my sister.”

○○○○○

Ranma didn't like being separated from her Akane like this, but Kasumi said Ranma had to stay with Ryoga and her until they were done talking. This was apparently all about Ranma, even though it didn't feel like it. If it was, Akane would be there.

The creature had been singled out to discuss what almost sounded like it was about her. There was her name, and lots of being called a good girl, and something about bread, and school… And… Nothing really felt familiar otherwise. 

Sure, she felt little bits of connection, but… Well, it felt like the memories weren't hers. Nothing really was since waking up from that long dream of two years. Ranma's mind and soul had gotten so twisted up by the time she woke up in the girl spring that she couldn't even remember what other Ranmas were like, let alone herself. 

“Do you think you could somehow watch over Ranma at all times?” Kasumi asked Ryoga, “Just to make sure she's doing well and making progress?”

“I mean, there's one way I could hide in her bag, but…” Ryoga let out a deep breath, “I don't trust being in that form if you have two potential hunting animals around.”

“They aren't animals, they're people. People who might not be human, but…” The explanation Kasumi gave was long and boring to Ranma, so she tuned it out. It was about humans, so it wasn't about her.

Ranma wasn't sure how she felt about Kasumi at the moment. She looked, acted, sounded and smelled nice, like the comfort of a human home. But she seemed to want what Pops and Dad wanted. Why else would she do that stuff when she was in charge? Plus, she made Akane feel really bad with how often she said not to do Akane things…

Ranma liked Akane doing Akane things. Akane was brave and fun and felt like the wilderness, a place Ranma longed to go to since waking up. She was talkative and playful and so strong. She smelled like grass beneath the many artificial smelling soaps that the humans forced on her. But Kasumi didn't like that, and even Ryoga was terrified of her.

But they weren't a part of the pack. Not the one Ranma and Akane were in. Kasumi was part of the ‘Tendou’ pack they kept trying to push Akane into, and Ryoga was too domesticated. Even if the boy had fangs and smelled partially of wild boar, he also smelled of soaps and knew far too many human sounds. 

“So, if you want me to come with her in her bag, it will have to be like this.” Ryoga said, before splashing himself and disappearing. 

In the human boy's place was a small, black piglet. It smelled like Ryoga. Ranma knew humans and animals could turn into each other, her own black haired body was far too human for her liking, but…

Well, it was a small, squeaking, moving object, and Akane had gotten full dibs on the chase earlier. Right here, right now, Ranma's feline instincts told her exactly what to do. She hunched over, wriggled a little for precision, and right when her braid bell jingled-

“Ranma, no!” Kasumi said firmly, quickly scooping up the piglet, “No pouncing! Out!” 

… Ranma wasn't allowed to play? And going out was suddenly a bad thing? Looking at her with sad, confused eyes, Ranma did everything but actually speak to ask what she did wrong. Speaking felt far too human right now.

“Bad. You did a bad thing. Now go,” Kasumi continued, opening the door and pointing into the hall, “And you have to apologise to Ryoga when you can actually think like a human being again, okay?”

The creature… Ranma… She couldn't do that. She could understand what it meant, but she couldn't just think like a human being… She couldn't even think like a human, full stop! She just knew she was given the title of the worst thing possible. 

Ranma was a bad girl. Not a good girl, like she remembered. 

○○○○○

The bedframe in Akane's room was being used. Hidden underneath the wooden frame acting as a temporary den, was a very upset Ranma. A Ranma who wouldn't come out no matter how many times the Akane would paw at the entrance. 

It looked so small and cramped under there, Akane couldn't work out how she was supposed to climb under too to help. She wanted to help. She wanted her Juliet to have some happiness and comfort today.

Ranma, however, was too quiet to tell Akane what happened. All she heard was Kasumi earlier, and that… That couldn't have been true. Kasumi wouldn't yell, not at a good girl like Ranma. She hadn't even yelled like that at Akane, and she had told Akane off a few times…

It was Akane's fault, though! All of those were her fault for not listening to the rules that would make survival easier for her. Ranma couldn't have broken any rules! She was too good, she was amazing, she… She…

Ranma needed help Akane couldn't give her like this. She needed human help. Akame needed to either get under that bed, or Ranma needed to get out, and then they could cuddle and play and forget that they ever had to walk upright as long as they needed. 

The blue haired creature found herself whining at Nabiki’s bedroom door. Kasumi wasn't probably safe for Ranma right now… Also Dad and Pops were really bad. So Nabiki had to be the answer!

“What is it?” Nabiki asked flatly after opening the door, “Speak.”

“Ranma sad. Fix.” Akane whimpered with big, pleading eyes, “Please? Fix? Please? Please?”

Nabiki pushed her way through the hall and into Akane's room. “Ugh, fine, I'll give her ear scratches or- Uh… Why is she under your bed?”

There was only one answer Akane knew was kind of close. “Kasumi…” 

“Shit… She's still not getting it, huh?” Nabiki complained, although largely to herself, “I still don't get the difference between ‘person’ and ‘human’, and you both clearly are animals. She can't fucking change that, though, no matter how technical she gets. Hey, Ranma? Pspsps.”

“Mrrp?” The red haired animal looked up with a quiet noise.

“We're making you a better den, it's called a pillow fort,” The human asserted herself as in charge, “Hide all you want then. You're both animals, but… Well, Kuno's been off my back all week. That alone is worth spoiling you more than with basic respect.”

Akane didn't quite get it all, but Nabiki sounded… Nice. A little wrong, but nice. She was willing to do something to help Akane's Juliet, and for that, Akane tried to copy how humans hugged with their arms, however awkwardly.

“Yeah, yeah, you don't have to touch me,” Nabiki laughed a little, “Look, you may not be like the actual little sister I lost, but I care enough about you. Besides, I'm kinda jealous of you. Being human sucks. I just couldn't be an animal, I know that. Now let's get this fort- Uh, den, building started.”

○○○○○

Sayuri sat in her safe, dark, comfortable room. Her little evil happy space to regather her thoughts after the horror show that was today. It wasn't any proper evil lair, but a Dark Lord trying to get back on her feet had to improvise, and her caretaker had been very cooperative. 

She had already called the home of her beloved plushie to make sure doll was okay. She could never tell which house to ring regarding the Hiros. Daisuke was a mess over phone calls, and if Miichan was still in front, so was she. 

There was only one pair of her friends she couldn't call yet. Ranma and Akane were both wild beasts, they didn't know how phones work. Not to mention, she didn't actually have their number. But she wanted to talk to them, not to someone representing them! She needed to hear they were okay from their own maws. If only her dark powers could return in full force, Sayuri could contact them easily AND understand them completely…

A low growl filled the room. Such a mysterious noise could only mean that Sayuri had, yet again, forgotten breakfast and lunch. It really had been a rough day, the true price of the horrible curse placed on her that was the payment for freedom.

Stalking the halls like the demon she was inside, Sayuri made her way through the much brighter household and into the kitchen, ready to raid the snacks her caretaker had left out for her as a permanent fixture. Her older cousin really was so cool.

And speak of the devil… The tall, blonde lady, absolute fashion icon that she was, had to waste that power on a cute and colourful casual look. “Hey, Sayuri, you're needing a snack too?”

“Yes, Hibari,” Sayuri admitted, “My night terrors caused me to err, once again, as did the massacre on screen at school today…”

“Don't worry, kid, you're allowed to mess up,” Hibari Oozora went digging through the fridge, wincing at the pickled leeks one of her underlings must've put in there, “How many times have you seen me mess up? It happens to any ruler, be it yakuza boss or dark lord.”

“Yes, but you hardly mess up that bad!” The teen complained, “I was completely hopeless… Two animals were more helpful than I was!”

“Ah, that was… Uh… Aha!” Taking out a container of cheap store strawberry yoghurt, Hibari soon went looking for a spoon, “That's those new kids, right? Red and blue?”

“Ranma and Akane, yes,” Sayuri, despite her efforts, couldn't find a snack of her own in the cupboard or pantry, “They're both wild animals, like the Hiros except all the time.”

“Shit, that must be tough on them…” The blonde popped the lid of her yoghurt off easily, “I talked to the lady who picked them up, and she… Well, I don't think she likes them acting like animals at all. Do you think that's a problem?”

“Maybe, but please don't send your cronies to my school. It should be my first order of business once I get my armada of the undead back,” Sayuri looked through the fridge next, “Hey, have you seen anyone eating my safe food yoghurt?”

Hibari suddenly looked very guiltily at her choice of snack, then hid it behind her back. “Uhhhh… I'll get one of the boys to pick some up for you really soon. But, you have to tell me the moment you don't think it's safe for your friends, okay?”

“I will, thank you for your concern.” Sayuri left, empty handed, slinking into the shadows like any good Dark Lord should.

Chapter Text

“Come back here, boy!” Genma called out, chasing a much more familiar face to Ryoga.

“Girl!” Called out the black haired Ranma, braided hair cracking through the air like a whip as the bell on the end jingled playfully.

Ryoga now could fully believe what he had seen. He knew this was indeed Ranma, but… Not the Ranma, or Yoiko, he was looking for. Two years and a Jusenkyo curse stood between Ranma the rival and Ranma the animal. Two years Ryoga had missed.

“Get out of those girly clothes!” Genma continued to yell as he chased after practically a flash of lightning, “You're supposed to be a man!”

The clothes weren't even that feminine, and worrying about them so much made Genma sound like the girly one in comparison. Ranma was simply in a baggy pink shirt with a cat design on it, along with some soft shorts stolen from The Beast, Akane. It was more fitting than the raggedy, stitched up silks, at least. 

Right as the girl zipped past Ryoga, she got caught and pulled back by her braid. “MRAOW! SORRY SORRY SORRY!” 

“You'll be sorry soon enough, b-” The continued harassment was stopped immediately by a sharpened bandanna pointed in Genma's face like a real knife.

“Don't harm the wildlife,” Ryoga made very direct eye contact with the man, “Let her go.”

Genma nervously chuckled, letting Ranma go before turning away and grumbling something about kids these days. 

Ranma herself went to jump in the nearest water source, that being the koi pond, and the redhead Ryoga saw more often jumped out happily. Wherever she ran off to next, Ryoga had no clue. She was fast enough to have simply disappeared. 

A small, curious noise from a familiar monster jumpscared Ryoga from behind. “Save Ranma? Good human? Hm?”

“U-uhhhh… Hi, Akane,” Ryoga said, very frightened but trying to hold his ground, “Yes, I… I saved Ranma, I guess… D-don't chase me…” 

“Hmph…” Akane pouted over not playing chase, but otherwise investigated Ryoga calmly, “Good for Ranma. Good human! Good! Chase and nice! Yay!” 

A small jingle from above was all the warning Ryoga got before a very lightweight redheaded creature landed on him. “Ryoga is good! Am I a good girl?” Ranma purred.

This catlike thing wasn't Yoiko, not the pseudo little sister that Ryoga helped experiment with gender stuff in middle school. But Ranma, as she was, was still needing praise as much ever. That couldn't be washed away with the wilderness. Ryoga knew how living wildly didn't change your core self, that's for sure, otherwise he'd be like them.

So, Ranma must've never been… 

Ha. You can't heal a wound that was never actually there.

“Yes, Ranma,” Ryoga let the animal he hunted for simply fall off of him gently, “You're a very good girl.” 

○○○○○

The piglet, despite shaking in fear a lot, was completely safe riding along in Ranma's backpack. It smelled like Ryoga, and Ryoga was a good human, so no one was to hurt the piglet except for maybe accidentally Ranma who liked bapping it with her hand paws.

Getting to keep it around made Kasumi happy, too, and she called Ranma good again! She then mentioned something about the piglet helping Ranma specifically heal, but Ranma didn't understand how. Was the piglet a doctor? Was it working with Toufu? There wasn't any bandages or ointments near the piglet, so Ranma thought not.

When in class-

“AWWW, PIGGY!” Miss Hinako got very distracted by it, very quickly, “That's a tiny little piggy! Class, come take a look if you like, but no touching!” 

Ranma's friends got first dibs, of course, the whole pack immediately circled around Ranma and Akane's pushed together desks (Akane liked being super close). But everyone in the class got a chance to see a very bashful piglet.

The piglet seemed very invested in school compared to the more wild animals. The part it found the most interesting apparently was ‘geography’, where it seemed very surprised to find out how those map thingies were supposed to work.

For some reason, as lunch started, the piglet left… But Ryoga was there! Ranma could show Ryoga to the pack, and they'd all be friends, and-

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” Someone, recognisably part of The Conspiracy System but with a yellow hair clip, squealed the moment Ryoga came into view.

“May the gods have mercy on us all…” Sayuri sighed, “Fu-chan has a new target…”

“What's your name, age, blood type, star sign, favourite colour, etc?” Fu-chan Makoto bombarded the fanged boy, “And are you single?”

“I- I- You- I don't even know you!” Ryoga protested.

“And I'm not asking for me!” The excited girl scoffed, “Maybe some of the less fit boys would work? It seems like you work out. You could pull off a good, strong, protective type. How do you feel about being a to- OOF!”

The small embroidered pillow that was thrown at Fu-chan came right from Yuka's hands. “Calm down, don't scare the guy off.”

Ryoga glanced at Akane quickly. “I don't think much else can scare me off. Hi, I'm Ryoga, it's nice to meet you.”

Introductions were made, of which Ranma largely spent tearing through her lunch. Ryoga knew her and Akane, and she knew her friends, so it was easy to eat while the humans talked. There was a moment of fear when Ryoga saw how much the food got decimated by Ranma and Akane, though.

“Haven't gotten used to the carnage, yet?” Both Hiros said at once before pointing at each other, “JINX! JINX AGAIN!”

“Yeah…” Ryoga nervously laughed, “I kept getting lost on my way to the dining room last night, so I didn't see anything like this. Ranma used to be scarily precise during lunch in middle school, although the speed's the same…”

“You knew her in middle school?” Daisuke asked, “Was Akane there too? Were they always dating? Was it childhood friendship blossoming into something more?”

“No, uh… It was an all boys school, Ranma wasn't supposed to be there,” The fanged boy explained, causing something that stung in Ranma's mind, “She was like a little sister to me, though. She's just changed in two years.”

Fu-chan looked at Daisuke. “See! Girls like her can still be yuri! You have a chance, and if you're not going to make Boy's Love, at least be some other kind of happy!”

There was this look on Daisuke's face that was really hard for Ranma to understand. It was like everything suddenly got frozen so he could hide away, but he also couldn't hide at all. He did start tapping the side of his seat while his leg twitched, though.

“... So, Ryoga, fanged warrior that you are,” Sayuri tried to get things back on track, “What dark horrors have you seen recently?”

“Really, other than the usual stuff I've seen travelling?” There was a moment of pause, “... Look, I know I'm not like any of you, but something's going on with the way Ranma and Akane are getting treated at home, and I don't like it.”

Both animals looked up to see the group staring at them, all with looks of concern. That… That wasn't good, right? Ranma recognised roughly what was meant, and she didn't exactly like everything at home, but if different humans were worrying for her… 

“They've been yelled at for just being themselves, and I've only been there since yesterday afternoon,” Ryoga continued, “The only one I haven't seen being awful is the girl with the bobcut.”

“I see…” Sayuri thought to herself for a moment, “Thank you for your information. You may have a fine career as an underling should you wish.”

Akans tilted her head at the strange word while Ryoga seemed a different kind of confused. “Underling?” 

○○○○○

“Underling!” Akane bapped the piglet while sitting under the pillow fort den. She really liked that word, it was a fun one to say. And it was a word one of her friends taught her! That made it extra special.

The piglet made little squeaks every time she bapped it, which was really funny. However, after a few too many, the piglet did decide to wander off elsewhere. It was lucky Akane was too mentally exhausted to try chasing after it.

“Piggy…” Ranma mewled sadly as it left, but was also not putting in any effort to stop the living squeak toy from leaving. 

Now that there wasn't anything as entertaining, Akane quickly worried what to do next. Pops and Dad were outside, practising how to fight in a way Akane couldn't understand. Running around out there was a bad idea while they did that. Last time Akane tried, Dad tried to force her into a weird outfit she didn't like and get her to join.

“Knock knock,” Nabiki said at the doorway, “Mind if I join you? I brought treats.” 

Ranma was the first to look up excitedly, Akane following a second after. Sure enough, the human had a bag that smelled like food, even if not food either creature fully recognised. 

“I'm not gonna bother you too much, I just can't handle… Well, being responsible right now, I guess,” Sitting down, Nabiki pulled out a book from the bag she sat next to her, “... I don't wanna be lonely, though, and I don't think I want Kasumi's company right now. I don't really want to talk with words for much longer.”

Akane made a curious sound while tilting her head, while her red haired pack member went straight to investigating the food.

“Here, wildcat,” Nabiki handed over some fish jerky to Ranma, “Had to guess what you'd like, sorry. And for the wolf, beef jerky. Hope it's okay, I spent some of the cash Dad gives me to take you to school on it. You're both pretty profitable that way.”

Happily taking the offering, Akane tried the jerky. It was tough, but really good, like something she could actually take her time to chew through. Nabiki instantly became even higher in the social hierarchy as a result.

“But yeah, I just want to read without getting told how much more I should be doing,” Nabiki chuckled grimly before sadly sighing, “Ugh, no longer the youngest and I'm already trying to get that lack of responsibility back. What kind of pathetic bitch am I?”

Akane didn't understand all of that, and there were so many words there to try and learn. But Nabiki sounded as tired as Akane felt, and Akane knew that humans were pack animals. So, she didn't speak. She decided to sit down, right next to Nabiki, giving her enough space to just barely avoid touching. 

Nabiki smiled a bit, and laughed as Ranma cuddled in next to Akane with no regard for space the same way. “Ha, you two make it seem… Huh. You make it seem simple.”

○○○○○

Kasumi sighed as the phone hung up. Despite the flirty tone of Hibari on the other side, it was actually just a call regarding Ranma and Akane doing a sleepover with their friend. Still positive, but…

Well, regardless, it would be good for those two. Kasumi didn't know much about their friends in full, but if they could help Ranma and Akane heal, then she was all for it! Although, just imagining how to prepare them for a night at someone else's house was a nightmare.

The best place to start would be to tell them they were invited, and then try to explain the concept to them. Something about visiting a friend's shelter for fun, then staying the night there, then going home… But that was so vague regarding the usual activities!

Kasumi didn't know what kind of things the teen with the eyepatch that Hibari was the caretaker of had planned. Hopefully nothing that'd damage anyone's eye, right? That was what Kasumi assumed the eyepatch was for, unless that teen was like… No, she wouldn't be like that student in Kasumi's second year of middle school. She couldn't be.

Ranma and Akane probably just had normal friends, the only thing holding them back being the fact that they were all special needs. But Kasumi heard some people like that had super powers, so maybe they'd be okay? It was going to be fine, and normal, and not the kind of people who had to leave behind all their favourite things and behaviours because reality and humanity catch up to you and-

Kasumi had to stop and take a breath before she entered Akane's room.

The pillow fort wasn't something Kasumi had seen yet. It looked incredibly cosy, actually, designed with hiding and comfort in mind. Some of the spare blankets and pillows had been used to make it, but… This was a worthy use of them, if it helped Akane and Ranma.

The more surprising thing was that both 16 year olds, cuddled up and seemingly sleeping, were being kept company by Nabiki. Nabiki, who had been fidgeting in ways Kasumi hadn't seen in a long time. Happy, calm fidgets. 

At least, until she realised she was being stared at. In that moment, the ice queen persona came back in full force, physically still. “... What do you want, sis?”

“It's news for Ranma and Akane,” Kasumi explained, “A friend of theirs wants to hold a sleepover. What are you doing here?”

“Can't a girl spend some time with her favourite animals?” Nabiki said plainly, “I didn't want to be lonely.”

“Nabiki, you know you can always come and talk to me if you need company,” The eldest tried to offer, “I appreciate talking to you.”

“And I don't always feel like talking.” Was the simple response. It cut like a knife.

“... Well, I'd appreciate the quiet company anyway.” Kasumi tried to say through Nabiki’s bluntness.

“I'm happy here,” Nabiki picked up her book again, “Thanks.”

… Huh. There wasn't anything that could be done about that. Nabiki was cold and calculating, she knew how to signal to others they should leave. Kasumi was simply never a direct target of it like that before. 

What Kasumi didn't see was how Nabiki immediately went back to quiet, happy, comfortable fidgets once the eldest had left the room. 

Chapter Text

“Fuck!” Akane yelled in between whimpers. 

“Akane, language!” Dad said, only not invading her space because the doctor already was, “We're not at home, be the good young girl I know is in there.”

“Mr Tendou, it's fine, really,” Toufu said calmly, “Doing these check ups can be uncomfortable, I'm more than okay if she swears a few times.”

Getting the bandages redone again was just as sore and uncomfortable as the last time. They were put on tight around every bruise, and the ointments to help the scratches still stung worse than any insect. 

“I just don't get why we couldn't have gotten your eldest to bring the two here,” Pops complained while restraining a bandaged up, black haired Ranma, “She's the one who made us push forward the appointment by a day for some childish sleepover.”

“Actually, I was going to request you bring them to the clinic from now on, anyway,” The doctor taped up the last bit of bandage around Akane's forearm, “And it's you two who should be responsible for your children. Besides, K-Kasumi-”

“Yes, don't worry, I know,” Dad sighed, getting an odd look from everyone but the doctor himself, “Toufu here has been seeing our family for a while, but he hasn't been able to focus around Kasumi the past ten years, so she goes to a slightly further clinic.”

“Ah, a bit of a crush?” Pops laughed, “Young man, when I-”

“What!? N-no! She was a primary schooler when I opened the clinic!” Toufu shuddered before explaining any further, “That girl… She scares me.”

“I assure you, she's quite a gentle soul now, even quit the art right after,” Dad tried to say calmly, “She was just… Processing grief. Akane, then her mother… She's all better now, arguably better than she had ever been before. It's been ten years. She's healed, doctor.”

“I doubt it,” Toufu let Akane finally go, “And I haven't. I remember everything. Have a nice day.”

○○○○○

Ranma had now learnt about the horror of cars, and the only thing she could do about it was hold on to Akane for dear life in the back seats. The red haired creature wanted to hide in safe, quiet boxes, not moving, rumbling, loud ones 

“I promise it's safe, Ranma,” Kasumi said at the steering wheel, “I'm going as gently as I can.”

“Akane needs out,” Akane grumbled quietly, as if this argument had already been had, “Out. And Juliet. Akane and Ranma out.”

“Again, I'm sorry, but it's easier to take your overnight bags this way,” The human tried to reason, “You should be all prepared to visit your friends.”

That's right, this was for that ‘sleepover’ thingy. The whole pack of friends was going to be there, as well as a human Sayuri promised was really nice. It was hopefully going to be safe and fun, and ideally good enough to make the car ride worth it.

Akane was being very brave for Ranma while they were still in the car. She was clearly still scared, but was being very stoic about it so that Ranma wouldn't be more worried. It was very nice. Akane was very nice in general. 

“Alright,” Kasumi said, getting out of the car to open the back doors, “Here we… Are?”

Tumbling out of the car with her favourite pack member, Ranma didn't know what Kasumi was so confused about. It was a big looking shelter, just like where the Tendou family lived, so it all seemed normal. 

But Sayuri was out the front, waving, so that was cool! She had her eyepatch on, but wore a black shirt and shorts, with mismatched striped knee high socks and dark red cape. Kasumi continued to stare, confused, even though Ranma and Akane excitedly ran up to say hi.

“Hello, creatures of the night!” Sayuri said loudly, “Welcome to my lair, or at least the location of it. Oh, uh, hello, Akane's… Sister, right?”

“Yes, I'm her sister,” The older human responded, “I'm Kasumi. Thank you for having them over.”

“Sayuri Oozora, Dark Lord,” There was a small pause in between her giving headpats for the human highschooler to strike a quick pose before the creatures demanded more attention, “Thanks for bringing my friends here.”

“Dark… lord…?” Kasumi slowly questioned, but got interrupted by the blonde human who walked out.

“Hey, glad you could find your way here easily,” The blonde human waved, “Sayuri, take them in and show them around if you want, I just need to chat with Kas here. Making sure I know the basics of your friends, y'know.”

“K-Kas!?” Kasumi blushed, as if not expecting the nickname, “Hibari, I- Huh?”

Ranma and Akane both looked confused at why Sayuri was dragging them away, but she had a very strong grip for a human. “Come, everyone else is already here!”

The Oozora house was a huge shelter on the inside. There was a lot of outdoor space, too, which Sayuri promised would be open for running around should Ranma and Akane need it. That was going to be amazing, so much so that Ranma wasn't really paying attention to the rest of the tour as she thought about going outside whenever she wanted. Freedom…

There were a few humans walking around that Ranma didn't recognise at all, a lot of them with tattoos, sunglasses, cool scars, and sometimes all three. Each of them seemed friendly to Sayuri, though, and both creatures were walking upright so well that no one even noticed it was hard.

“And here, if you dare enter it, is my lair!” Sayuri opened a door dramatically, “... Also my bedroom.”

It wasn't super light inside the lair, as the whole room was painted black. The walls had posters with things like dragons and cool, stormy castles on them, as well as a few picture frames. There was a big closet, a bigger bookshelf, and one big comfy bed. But most importantly, sitting all over the floor on futons and pillows, was the whole pack.

The Hiros only registered a barely audible jingle before they got tackle hugged by their fellow feline. “ACK!” “MRAOW!”

“Hiro 1” Ranma bapped one of the Hiros, then the other, only to be slightly confused, “... Hiro 2?”

“Ugh, how can you still tell!?” The orange-scented Hiro complained, “We're both Hiroko today!”

“Martial Arts Animal Senses are too strong,” The apple-scented Hiro sighed, “Not even girl's night can stop it…”

“Girl's night?” Akane gave a head-tilt as she sat down comfortably on a big pile of pillows. 

“It's just girls here, so it's girl's night,” Asami said, looking up from a notebook, “And Daisuke, but-”

“I'm just here as a friend and an observer, no matter what some red string and thumbtacks say,” Daisuke interrupted despite only looking at his manga, “I like yuri, but I'm… I'm still a boy!”

“Girl!” Ranma knew this game! It was easy to play as she moved to sit next to Akane.

Daisuke looked stunned, but Sayuri gave a slightly wicked laugh. “Mwehehehe, you heard the beast, Dai. Regardless of anything, you're an honorary girl, especially while in my domain!”

“Yeah, although I doubt ‘honorary’ will last long.” Yuka teased while dolls girlfriend cuddled up next to doll on the bed.

“I- But- Huh…” The very confused teen sputtered.

“... Hey, you know what sounds like a fun girl's night activity to show the creatures?” Hiro 2 giggled wickedly, “Makeovers.”

Daisuke immediately seemed to pale, but Ranma was already curious with a little chirp.

“Makeovers?” Akane asked in turn, looking back and forth between everyone to try and understand, “Hm? Hm?”

“Whaddya say, Dai?” Hiro 1 chuckled, “Wanna teach them a new word?”

○○○○○

Akane had just finished getting lots of hairclips in her short hair, courtesy of the plushie, when it happened.

“And that, ladies, is how you make pretty girls even prettier,” Hibari told the surrounding teens as she put down the make-up brush, “Go ahead, take a look.”

There were hushed sounds of awe from the whole human part of the pack.

Ranma, with her hair having been done up into red twintails by a Hiro, looked just as confused as Akane felt. The human girl who'd been placed in a pink sweater and long grey skirt looked at herself in a hand mirror, and her leg started bouncing nervously. 

Akane did think at first that Dai was a boy, based only off of what other people said. Humans were weird like that. Pops and Dad insisted Ranma was a boy, for example. So maybe it was just really easy for humans to think girls are boys? 

“Dai?” Akane walked over on all fours (because she was allowed to here!) to paw at her friend, “Okay? Dai okay? Okay girl?”

“I…” There weren't really any words coming out, but Dai's hands started flapping a lot. That was always a happy thing for her, right? Dai was happy? No one else was panicking, so the girl was probably okay, but Akane couldn't fully tell.

Asami, from where she stood, was looking at Dai with a different curiosity than the creatures, and not the usual kind she and her system had. It was something along the lines of confusion, internal conflict, and desperately trying to plan something out. 

“... I need to go piece something together really quick, sorry, gotta go.” The girl with the red hairclip had already grabbed some loose red string from her pocket as she rushed off, fidgeting.

“You know where the spare room is for quiet time, feel free to take it!” Hibari called out before turning towards Ranma, “Her headmates always leave their boards there, every time they visit. Of course she knows. Hopefully.” 

“Mrrp.” Was the only audible acknowledgement Ranma made. She wasn't being forced to talk at all, so she leaned even harder into her comfy, non-human noises. They were very pretty noises, in Akane's opinion. 

“Well, I declare today's makeover session a success!” Sayuri proclaimed loudly, “And thank you, Hibari, for helping our cause.”

The blonde adult shrugged. “No problem, kid. I told you I'm here to help with whatever, remember?”

“... Yes, but still-”

“I promise,” Hibari reassured, “No buts. And that goes for all of you, alright? No friend, or even underling, of my cousin has to deal with any trouble alone. Trust me, I know how hard being pushed down like that can be.”

Here to help… But so was Kasumi? But Hibari hadn't yelled at all while Ranma and Akane were here. So… Was that less helpful? It felt nicer. It felt much nicer. And the fact that no one else in the pack hid anything while here was a good sign… 

It was like meeting Miss Hinako. A nice human who let the human rules be bent so that those who didn't quite fit didn't have to restrain themselves in ways that hurt. Akane and Ranma got to be wild animals. 

“Now, Dai, you don't have to be a girl,” Hibari assured, “But you can still look nice regardless. It's all your choice. I got a bunch of tips and stuff from when I was younger.”

“It's… I… I need to think,” Dai got up, somewhere between confused and giddy, and ran off in the same direction as Asami did, “Holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit holy sit h-”

“I'm sure putting those two in a room together like this will be perfectly fine.” Yuka snarked from the sidelines. 

○○○○○

Yuka liked hugs. Simple, gentle hugs. They were a nice pressure to feel that reminded doll that doll was being held safely, that no one could take doll away from dolls loved ones. Like the sweaters, a comfy little pocket of warmth and safety and actual, genuine, non-violating love.

It's why, while Ranma and Akane chased the partially cat brained Hiros in a very uneven game of tag, and while Dai and Asami did… Whatever dorky gay gender revelation thing they were doing, Yuka got to sit in Sayuri's lap for hugs while the Dark Lord drew seams along where they should've been on the plushie with a soft pen.

“We need to gather outside of school far more often,” Sayuri hummed as she carefully sketched as to not irritate the scars on Yuka's arms, “This is wonderful.”

“I'm already here almost every second day, cutie,” Yuka chuckled, “Unless you're asking me to move in, there's not much I can do to see you more.”

“I meant gathering everyone, but…” There was a light blush on Sayuri's face, “I… I wouldn't mind if you wanted to be around me that much. I wouldn't let anyone harm you again.”

The dorky Dark Lord was always very protective of her plushie, and Yuka appreciated it. Doll had been hurt badly in ways that haunted doll to the core, to the point of becoming something so far removed from human. To be safe and loved gently meant the world.

… What did that say about the wild animals? Ranma and Akane were only close to human in their identities by virtue of feeling like living creatures, linked by a most recent common ancestor and nothing more. 

“... I wish Ranma and Akane could tell us what happened to them,” Yuka sighed, looking at the animals playfully tackle each other, “Even if just not to do anything that'd hurt them.”

“Don't force them to be human, that's it,” Hibari said from behind the two, “That's literally it. Akane apparently lived alone in a forest for ten years until recently, and Ranma had been stuck in cat brain for so long due to trauma that she can't get unstuck anymore. At least, that's roughly what Kasumi told me earlier. I feel like there's more.”

“Holy shit…” Sayuri mumbled, “A-and their parents are…?” 

“I'm getting my people to look into it in the morning, don't worry,” The yakuza boss sat down next to the teens, “If they're as bad as yours, Sayuri? I'll handle it. Don't you worry bout a thing.”

“Good. That's… That's good…” The Dark Lord retreated into herself a little more.

Being a plushie wasn't something Yuka could control. Doll was meant to be a comfort item, and something cherished. This meant, in times like this, Yuka was very happy to be cuddled. Yuka was dolls girlfriend's comfort item when she needed one, and Sayuri made doll feel safe in turn. 

“So, we don't make the animals mask, got it,” Yuka thought aloud, “That's easy. They're good girls regardless of social norms.”

Chapter Text

Dai laid awake in the middle of what was effectively an all girl's Martial Arts Friendship cuddle pile. And Dai was one of the girls.

She hadn't talked about any of her feelings to Asami when they collided in the spare room earlier. Both were far too awkward to say anything, and when part of The Conspiracy System was working on a board, it was wise not to interrupt.

Dai could be a girl. She could love like girls could love. Feel feelings like girls were allowed to. She wouldn't have to mask as much if she did. She could be comparatively a lot more free, a purer version of herself that she always should have been. 

But that transition would be a hard one.

Whichever member of The Conspiracy System was sleeping, she was having a harsh nightmare. Mumbling and crying in her sleep, it almost sounded like she was crying out for help part of the time. Hopefully it wasn't the primary school flashback nightmare again, that always resulted in all the headmates being inconsolable. 

Admittedly, Dai was bad at real, normal people behaviour, especially at a time like this. But, she did what she could instead. She didn't know if it was normal to hold a friend's hand to comfort her while she slept. But she did. She traced circles in her crush's palm with her thumb, hoping it would calm her down.

The curious, but fast asleep, girl calmed down significantly. 

Dai did really well.

○○○○○

“Hey, Kas, come in!” Hibari said at the entrance while smirking, “How was the drive here? Any trouble with traffic?”

Kasumi felt slightly giddy upon hearing the nickname. “Oh, I don't want to waste too much of your time by staying, Hibari. The drive was a little slow, though, so I apologise for being late.”

“Nah, it's fine, I wanna waste some of your time while your here, anyway,” Getting dragged through the doorway by the blonde wasn't helping with giddiness, “And being late is fine. I'm hardly ever late, though. The motorbike helps with that, though I guess you don't have a choice of vehicle like that?”

“N-no, haha…” Tall strong flirty independent older women who could rock a biker jacket definitely did something to Kasumi's mind, it seemed, and she really had to get her thoughts straight. Or, uh, clear.

… It took roughly two seconds for Kasumi to realise this was a yakuza headquarters, as well as a home. The gang members hanging around gave it away. Presumably, all these guys had families, had separate homes. So, why did Hibari say this was her home, with her younger cousin living there? What about the boss?

“Sorry that everyone hasn't cleared out, but they're all friendly,” Hibari reassured as she kept walking, “I promise, I've been responsible, the whole friend group have basically had the back left quarter of the property to themselves with none of my guys bothering them.”

“Your…? You're a…” 

“Yakuza boss, yep,” The blonde said cheerfully, “My dad wouldn't accept any other heir, so it's all mine. We do good work for the community, don't worry your pretty little head.”

Kasumi's pretty little head was hardly focused on worrying at all. Maybe it was concerning that her sister was friends with a member of a yakuza family, but in this case, Kasumi's crush was a bit more concerning in that regard. 

“Here, take a seat,” Hibari gestured to the table as she herself sat down, “I think you can see Akane and Ranma running around out there, right?”

Sitting down and adjusting the angle she was looking at, there was indeed Ranma and Akane, playing like wild animals on all fours. “Oh my, I'm sorry for their behaviour. They-”

“They aren't human, don't worry, I get it,” Hibari was oddly casual for that topic, “You're so kind letting them act like that. A lot of people would try to make them act like something they're not, so they're lucky to have family and friends like you.”

“... What?” It was a good thing to let them act like animals?

“Trust me, I can't stand when people try and squish others into some cramped little mold,” The blonde shuddered, “My dad still tries to call me his son, and I used to have a crush on this one guy, and he eventually reciprocated, but… Well, he couldn't get over me being me.”

“Oh, you're… Huh, I couldn't tell!” Kasumi tried to compliment, “You look stunning.”

“Eh, thanks, I make an effort,” Hibari shrugged, “Not that I should have to. I'd be a girl no matter what I look like, no matter what people try to turn me into. Trying to force someone into being someone else only hurts them, right?”

Kasumi paused for a moment, and she remembered. She remembered therapy appointments. She remembered being told to make herself take up less space. She remembered being told little girls can't be the animals at the zoo when playing pretend in primary school. 

She remembered the blood on her hands when someone set her off, asking about Akane and her mother when she was nine. She remembered what the damage looked like, survivable but brutal. She remembered being told to stop doing martial arts. 

It was haunting.

“But what if it's for the better?” That's all Kasumi could ask. It was always change for the better. Changing to heal.

“There's nothing better about that. Look at that friend group, yeah?” Gesturing outside again, Hibari pointed out the group of teens in total, “Would any of them be better hiding?” 

There was a happily matching pair, both resting on a bench, both taking tpin the sunlight while wearing fake cat ears. There were two girls who were both very awkwardly blushing around each other while reading. There was Hibari's cousin, with the eyepatch, making a flower crown for a girl in a sweater while wearing a more artificial costume crown herself.

And there was Akane and Ranma. Running. Pouncing. Getting head scratches as they passed friends. Tackling each other while being incredibly friendly with each other. A blur of blue and red that weren't human, but animals and people unhidden. 

“... I don't… I don't think so?” Kasumi almost mumbled, and in return, she got a look. A look that combined curiosity and pity.

“Hey, if you need some space to stop hiding yourself, you know where to find me,” Hibari offered, “Although, if Ranma and Akane are able to at home, then you surely can, right?”

“Haha…Um…” And that's the thing, no one was able to… “... I might take up your offer, thank you.”

“No problem, Kas,” Whatever charm Hibari had that made Kasumi's heart flutter, it worked way too well, “That offers open any time, you're always welcome at my place. My people won't hurt you.”

○○○○○

Kasumi hadn't actually spoken at all on the car ride to Home. Akane thought that was odd. Humans really liked talking, and Akane had only ever had conversations in the car, at least as best she could with her limited set of human sounds.

The sounds on the way home were simple. The rumble of the car. The sounds of the town outside. The combined whimpers of the two creatures wanting to go back outside. But not a single word of human language. It was… Kind of nice. A little worrying, but nice.

When she was allowed out, into Home, Akane tried to look at Kasumi's face, trying to see if she was okay at all, but all she got was a quiet permission. “... You may do as you please. I only want to see what that is.”

“Hm?” Akane asked, Ranma given a quiet head-tilt in unison.

“Let me see what you two want to do,” Kasumi sighed, “... No human rules.”

Ranma gasped, excited, and her tail started to gently swish. Akane was a lot more vibrant with her excitement, tail wagging at high speed as she immediately tackled Kasumi into a hug. Humans liked hugs, as far as Akane was aware, when they were really happy, and while Akane didn't have to play by those rules right now, she didn't know how else to say thank you this much to a human like Kasumi.

“O-oh…” The human whispered, and then slowly, hesitantly, started to pet Akane behind the ear with the hand she wasn't using to return the hug. It was gentle, but it was wonderful. 

Ranma wasn't so sentimental, scampering off upstairs. The quick jingle from the bell on her braid signalled only direction, not intent. However, a quick scream was heard from upstairs, a human scream, and Akane was quickly let go of so she and Kasumi could investigate. 

Nabiki’s room was dark, lights off. Based on all evidence, she had been sitting on the floor, reading a book with a blanket over her head and torch in her hand. Ranma had clearly seen something under a blanket and decided it was playtime, pouncing with a jingle. 

“N-no touch right now, kitty, no touch,” Nabiki whispered from underneath the blanket, oddly shy sounded compared to usual, “I know you're back, now go.”

“Oh, Nabiki, you still do this?” Kasumi spoke, and Nabiki sat up dead straight, “It's been a long time, I almost thought you grew out of it.”

“Yeah, well, I, uh…” There was a pause as that rigid self settled in again, “... Maybe you just didn't notice. Now leave me alone, I'm trying to read.”

Akane whimpered, confused. “Hiding? Hm? Hm?”

After pushing Ranma away, Nabiki lowered the blanket from her head, revealing some light tears but not any sign of sadness on her stoic face. With the white shirt she was wearing, and the way the torch illuminated her in the darkness, there was a slight resemblance in Akane's mind to the last remains of carrion.

“I'm fine, Akane. I just need time like this sometimes,” A deathly glare was shot at Kasumi, “Alone, and without interference.”

“But… At least put the light on, Nabiki,” Kasumi sounded guilty but reached for the light switch, “It can't be good for your eyes, and it-”

“I need the darkness,” Nabiki asserted, “I just do. I… I wouldn't trust what someone still human would think I need.” 

Akane had to think for a moment. Nabiki, not human, but was human, but not anymore. Was she a separate thing, then? Did humans do that often? Was that why humans thought Akane and Ranma had once been humans, even though that probably couldn't be true?

“... Nabiki, don't talk about yourself like that, you're not an animal, you're not like A-”

“You don't get to decide what I'm like,” The blanket went back over Nabiki’s head, a blanket with the same usual metallic smell Akane associated with Nabiki, “You don't… You don't. I'm not a person or an animal, you…”

It was always assumed the metallic smell was like coins, those shiny human things. But it always reminded Akane of something more natural, something she knew, even if it clearly wasn't the exact same thing. It was close enough.

“... You, of all people, don't get to decide if I feel dead or not.” Nabiki always smelled metallic, similar to blood.

Kasumi sharply inhaled, paused, and had this sad, distant look in her eyes. Her memories were hurting her, and before Akane could do anything, Kasumi had excused herself. Kasumi's bedroom door was locked, and when Akane and Ranma tried to follow her out, Nabiki locked hers once they walked past it. The animals weren't allowed to break doors. 

○○○○○

“Just make her come out!” Pops complained, “She's your daughter, she should listen to you.”

“Genma, old friend…” Dad sighed, shaking his head, “This is something you wouldn't understand. She's been going so well at preventing her own meltdowns, this one fluke means she simply isn't capable of doing so tonight. She needs rest.”

“Bah,” The bald human shot the fuzzy lipped one a look, “Having only daughters has made you soft, unlike me. Right, boy?”

“Girl!” Ranma and Akane said in unison, the red haired creature having happily taught her pack member the game.

“... I'm just going to order takeout,” Dad walked away, heading towards the phone, “There's a new Chinese restaurant that opened nearby, perhaps that would be interesting?” 

“I'm personally done with Chinese food, after…” There was a shudder from Pops, “The incident.”

Ranma gave a head-tilt. Despite having gone to China, she didn't remember lots of it, only really the end. There wasn't any major incident with food as far as she knew. Fortunately, she wasn't the only one curious. 

Just as fortunate, Pops liked to ramble. “It was soon after I had chased the b- Ranma, across the country, when he was deep in the mindset of the nekoken. There was a village of, surprisingly, warrior women, who showered me with gifts for my charm and good l-”

“Don't get distracted, Saotome.”

“R-right…” Pops sounded sad he got called out, “Well, I was feasting on the clearly free food they had, when Ranma had run through, his catlike behaviour disrupting the locals. It was then that he stood on the table wrong, causing it to lose balance and fling all the food at my face.”

Ranma giggled, and Akane joined. That sounded funny, but this story made Ranma feel hungry.

“For the next two years, a teenager by the name of… Uh, Shampoo or something, chased me as I chased Ranma, threatening death,” There was a solemn look on Pop's face, “A shame, she wouldn't even wait to bargain with me to stop…”

“Fine, so no Chinese food,” Dad pouted, “Did you perhaps have any people who hated you for food reasons in Thailand?”

Pops shook his head. “No, but a man from Thailand who made the best p-”

“I'm going to try and cook tonight, then,” Dad seemed exhausted, “If only our children knew how…”

Akane was biting a pencil, and suddenly both humans of opposite hair amounts silently agreed that cooking was one human trait they did not have to push on the feral creatures. That set of lessons would be far more challenging. 

Chapter Text

Darting through the streets of Nerima, a bell could be heard dangling from the girl's hair. Somewhere around here, her prey was hiding, and like the savage hunter she was, her catlike eyes were narrowing in, searching every nook and cranny so she could pounce and-

"UGH!” Shan Pu pulled back the elastic band around her wrist and let it snap back. She could not let herself think like that. 

To be human is to be strong, to be animal is to be lesser. The very fact that a cat in human form had messed with Shan Pu's knowledge of the truth by existing was a disrespect. Shan Pu couldn't be less than human. She was a hunter, a warrior from Nǚjié zú, and she was human in spite of her introspection. Great-grandmother insisted on that the moment she found out.

Shan Pu had to kill the black haired cat to regain her honour for suggesting she could be anything but human.

○○○○○

Ranma had two things she really didn't like about bathtime. 

The first was all the smells, the chemical, fake smells. Things meant to resemble nature and failing. Ranmas were supposed to smell like rain and fresh dirt, not something lying and saying it was flower scented. What flower was it even trying to be!? Nothing Ranma liked, for sure.

The second was how her body reacted to the hot water. It was weird. It made her look human. Frail compared to others she had seen, even the weakest humans look like they ate better than this fake body of Ranma's had. 

Now, her actual body? THAT was an incredible body for a hunter. Maybe still a bit too skinny… But Ranma liked being small! She liked her tail and ears and eyes and claws! She was always cute and ready to kill, and that's what made her feel right in it. That was the body of a Ranma, not something with black hair lying and saying it was.

Although, looking in the mirror… Well, Ranma didn't know a lot about her species. Maybe it was a stealth tactic to hunt among humans without being detected? Ranma liked being sneaky, she just wished this way of hiding didn't feel gross.

“Brrrrrrrrrrr!” Akane disrupted Ranma's thoughts on species, shaking off the water on her as best could, “... Ranma sad? Juliet? Girl! Fix!”

Ranma nodded, a very useful replacement to human words in her opinion. She had been taught how to use a ‘tap’ to get cold water, so with a little twist and dunking her face into the ‘faucet’, Ranma was redheaded again in an instant. That was way better. 

Akane wasn't as impressed when Ranma shook off the water from her, long hair whipping around the room more than Akane's short and fluffy haircut. However, it was what wild animals do, so there was no way she was complaining. Ranma liked being wild, and liked that Akane was too.

Bathtime before bed at least meant that all the blankets and pillows felt extra comfy, and as stupid as some clothes were, pyjamas were really nice. The creatures got to feel nice and warm, relaxed as they drift off to sleep. 

… And all of this, everything human that happened? They did it without help tonight. Kasumi wasn't happy, and Nabiki locked herself away too. But it happened just enough times by now that Ranma and Akane started to understand what to do. 

Ranma cuddled in really close to Akane that night. No memories came back, but a painful amount of familiarity had. Ranma had done human things before. But when, and why? She had no idea. She… 

She didn't want to not be a Ranma. Not ever. And she needed extra hugs because she was scared.

○○○○○

Akane liked this morning. It wasn't high energy, there wasn't any chasing or playing. Dad and Pops were out doing something else. And Nabiki sat on the engawa, taking in the quiet, with Akane having been invited to cuddle up and rest on the not-actually-human's lap. She got a lot of headpats for doing so.

“We really did just take in a puppy, didn't we…” Nabiki spoke quietly, “Because I think it's fair to say my little sister wouldn't have survived like you did. Good girl for making it.”

Maybe Ranma liked getting called good more, but Akane still loved it. Her tail wasn't wagging as much as it could, but that's just because it kept hitting the floor every swing. It would've been going so fast if she could.

“Yeah, you did better than I did, or something. I don't know,” The patting stopped, “I don't even know if I died then, or if I kinda always have been a ghost.”

“Hm? Ghost?” Asked the creature. 

“Oh, right,” Nabiki thought for a few seconds, “A ghost is like… Something dead, but alive. No eating, no breathing, just lost and stuck. And not… Not human.”

“Oh…” Akane had never seen a dead thing alive again before, so she really had to think about this, “... Okay! Not human!”

Akane knew how to treat not humans! She wasn't human, after all, and she had experience with Ranma, the Hiros, and Yuka! Although, Yuka was very different to the three felines, so maybe Nabiki would be too… 

“Akane can help? Help ghost?” The blue haired creature looked up to give a toothy smile, “Hm?”

Nabiki chuckled, giving Akane a gentle scritch behind the ears. “When I can think of something, sure. A lot of it, I think, is just stuff I can do alone. As long as you let me be me, I'm happy.”

Nabiki was happy… That was hard to tell. She wasn't doing the happy fidgets and was acting all cold on the outside. She didn't even have a tail to help give it away! Akane had to try and figure it out, and maybe that would help her help Nabiki! 

“Hmmm… Play? Play with ghost?” Getting up quickly, Akane was getting excited for something that might not even happen, “Play can fix! Akane can- RWOW!”

Crashing and tumbling onto the grass, Akane felt a bad pain in her ankle, right on the foot that rolled off the edge of the engawa. Her yelp was followed by whimpering, and Nabiki rushed towards her to get her inside.

○○○○○

“I am… Worthy!” Sayuri cackled with power as Ranma sadly laid down into her lap, “The beasts of this land have chosen me!”

“Cutie, she's been latching on to all of us,” Yuka said from beside dolls girlfriend, “I think she just misses her bonded Akane.”

“Mmmmmm…” Ranma complained sadly, searching her mind for any way to truly express how she felt, “... Romeo…”

“Oh no, the comphet got to the yuri animals!” Dai gasped, still going to school in a boy uniform for some reason Ranma didn't understand. 

Ranma and Akane had kept spending all their time together, ever since their species were introduced. But Akane hurt her ‘ankle’, and Pops and Dad wouldn't let Ranma skip school, even if Kasumi said it was okay and Akane wanted her Ranma there.

It made Ranma feel weird. They were engaged, a word that was still a bit hard to try and understand. They were a bonded pair, not to be separated. Without Akane at school, Ranma felt irritable, twitchy. She bit at pencils, scratched her desk, kept craving the company of the rest of her pack…

“It's kind of sad, just looking at her…” Hiro One hummed.

Hiro Two agreed. “Reminds me of the time only I went to school instead of both of us.”

“Wait, which time?” Jupiter Makoto perked up, notes at the ready.

“You don't get any hints!” The Hiros said in unison, laughing. 

It was even harder to pretend to be human, too, without Akane. Ranma was simply too distracted to focus on staying upright when walking, on using human words, and on following every little social cue that humans outside of her pack thought were normal and necessary. 

At least that made her feel a little better about her worries. She wasn't becoming human, she was a proud Ranma, and a good girl. Ranma wasn't at risk of losing herself so easily, not to habit, not to whatever anyone else wanted of her.

… There was a bell jingling from the other side of the roof, like Ranma's bell on her braid.

“CAT! CAT, WHERE ARE YOU!?” Shouted a girl who had leaped to the roof from ground level, “SHAMPOO WILL- Ugh, I WILL GET YOU!”

“Ohhh, I do not like the sound of that…” Hiro Two shuddered, taking a few steps behind The Conspiracy System. 

“Martial Arts Cat Deterrent sounds like torture…” Hiro One backed away with her companion. 

The girl finally became fully visible, and something itched in the most feline parts of Ranma's brain. On one hand, this was a cat, just like the Hiros, she could tell. On the other, deep in lost memory, the weapon wielding purple haired girl triggered fight or flight.

“You!” The intruder pointed at the group, “I am looking for someone human, with black hair, acting like a cat. Have you seen him?”

“No one with black hair, no,” Yuka responded, “But, uh, can you not be hunting cats around here?”

The plushie gestured at Ranma, whose skin actively prickled in fear, all light enough hairs standing on end. Her tail, as small as it was, flicked up in anger. The red haired creature was not happy to be here, and remained on high alert on Sayuri's lap.

“Yeah, she's not having a great day,” The plushie continued, “So can you please just, well, go?”

The intruder looked at Ranma, gasped, and then… Smiled? “Oh, she is also disgraced by the black haired cat boy? Sh- I mean, I can help! It is really simple, actually, but cannot be done to the self, so she is lucky. Come here, Scared Girl~”

Ranma didn't like the grabby hand coming right for her, and in the blink of an eye, propelled herself off of Sayuri's lap and onto the other side of the rooftop. A long, harsh hiss came out of the beast's maw.

“Ah, I see, it has gotten to you,” The intruder said with much amusement, “But you might be a good battler when you get back to normal! It is good that Shampoo is good at pouncing!”

There was a moment of pause where the Amazon frowned at herself, then pulled back the thing on her wrist and winced as it snapped back. And then, the jingle of the bells in Shampoo's hair was Ranma's signal to dodge out of the way. 

But she didn't dodge fast enough. Her braid was undone in a flash, bell falling to the floor before the creature did.

Ranma fell unconscious, and the whole friend group could only watch in horror. All but Jupiter, who was digging something out of her bag.

“She should be better in seconds, but I have to go,” Shampoo waved as she turned away, “Goodby-”

“Supreme Thunder!” Called out a very pissed off Jupiter as a rather heavy doujin struck Shampoo in the back of the head, knocking the intruder out instantly. 

The whole group of students got up to check on the redhead, with Jupiter only temporarily distracted to pick up her headmate's reading material. The poor creature began to stir, and all eyes were her as she wobbly sat up.

“... Whuh? Where…” The words were soft and sleepy.

“Are you okay!?” Both Hiros grabbed her by the shoulders, one on each side to keep her more balanced. 

The redhead blinked strangely at the group. “Um… ‘m not ‘sposed ta be at big kid school, I think…”

A shared look of fear and confusion came from the whole friend group, both from the words themselves, and the pure amount of them. Based on the sound of things, though… Well, the group had all dealt with Miichan before, except only in her mindscape for Jupiter. 

“... Ranma, um…” Dai asked, taking initiative, “How… How old do you feel?”

“Whozat?” The redhead asked, “‘m Yoiko… I… I think…"

Chapter Text

It was the same group Kasumi had always seen Ranma and Akane with. All six of them huddled together, forming some kind of protective barrier. That girl with the blue hairclip and Hibari's cousin were holding an extra person up between them, though, a purple haired girl who seemed to have fainted.

The fact that the two identical teens ran ahead of the group to find Kasumi probably was the first thing to let her know something was really wrong. 

“Okay so I don't remember your name Ms Tendou but but but but-” The one dressed in the boy's uniform got stumped on the last word.

The one in the girl's uniform picked up that her counterpart needed help. “Something real bad has happened to Ranma and she's kinda… Um…”

Ranma was walking upright, effortlessly. Holding the hand of the nice… She was a girl at Hibari's house, but was wearing the boy's uniform, so maybe… Never mind. Ranma was walking less like an animal forced upright, and more like a child getting guided.

“Okay, Yoiko, here she is,” The guiding girl said gently, “You did such a good job following along.”

“She's not herself right now…” The identical teens said in unison. 

The fact that Ranma had her hair down was also strange. It had this shine to it, as if it was cleaned way better than Ranma actually knew how to. The redhead’s eyes were wide, too, but not in that way they normally were. She seemed stiff, held together by tape and glue.

“... Who is she?” Ranma asked, mumbling with a slightly softer voice than usual, “‘m not ‘sposed ta have a babysitter…” 

“Oh my…” Was all Kasumi could muster saying. Ranma, speaking full sentences…

The friend in a big sweater was holding Ranma's backpack. “Mystery girl here apparently… Um… She ‘helped’ Ranma's cat-ness d-disappear… And apparently most of her…”

“‘m not Ranma, ‘m Yoiko! I… I think!” The redhead stumbled a little, “Um… I was Yoiko with… When I was… But ‘m seven, so… Um…”

The poor girl seemed so lost, and right as she seemed to go to nervously bite her shirt collar, she winced and immediately gave it up. The way she was stiffly moving, restraining herself, ignoring her instincts that Kasumi had finally managed to think might just be okay, the things that didn't need to heal…

… It felt familiar. 

Kasumi felt a fuzzy feeling in her hand. She knew how to get rid of it, as they always appeared when she was anxious or nervous. She simply had to blow on that spot, like blowing out a candle. It was an urge she had to suppress. She desperately had to hold back.

Just like Yoiko. Just like what the very apparent restraints on Ranma looked like. Just like every trick she had taught herself to just be normal. Just like growing up. 

Growing up had made Ranma a child, or at least act like one. That hurt to think about. 

“... Can you help me get her home?” Kasumi asked, trying to hold it together as the mature, human, adult, “I can call all of your caregivers when we get there to let you know where you are, I promise, I just need some help.”

○○○○○

“Hibari has been called,” Sayuri confirmed, “I can stay the night, too, that makes all of us.”

Queen sighed in relief. “Thank goodness. I can hear that the Hiros are still with Akane, yes?”

The audible whimpering from the room next door was inescapable. The fact that no doors had been busted down was purely because of Akane's injured ankle and the fact that the Hiros were helping, fighting hard to remain out of cat brain. 

“As are her sisters, thankfully,” The dark lord sat in the darkest corner of the guest room they were occupying, “Lest a war zone spawn right here and now. Dai and Yuka have… They have Saotome under their watch.”

“Good, Dai is experienced at handling Miichan, so I have my full faith in her,” Queen's thoughts wandered for a second, “She's so sweet…”

“Our girlfriends are the best, aren't they?”

“Yes, they- Wait, me and Dai aren't-” 

Before Queen could get too flustered and argue that no, her crush was not her girlfriend, the third person in the room started to stir. The girl, presumably Shampoo, had been tied down to a chair to ensure she wouldn't be running anywhere when she woke.

“Where… Is Sh-” Shampoo tried to move her hand to snap the elastic band on her wrist, but found both hands firmly stuck, “What is this!?”

Now, Queen wasn't a fan of harsh, harmful interrogations. She hated the idea of torturing information out of someone. That being said, she loved getting knowledge and piecing it together. And whether it be for class, or to get her friend back to her usual feral self, that knowledge was going to be gained however she could. 

“This, Shampoo,” Queen cracked her knuckles for intimidation only, “Is a hold up. And you will be telling us how to fix our friend, or there will be severe consequences.”

“Fix your…” It took a moment for the purple haired girl to realise what happened before she got knocked out, “She has been fixed! She was having the bad cat thoughts, yes?”

Sayuri stood up from her corner, getting up close and personal. “Those were her only thoughts, asshole! Now she's acting like a child!”

No matter what could be said about Sayuri and her behaviour, she did have one thing going for her in this case. To someone who didn't know she only barely passes PE and can't order her own fast food without stammering, she really did pull off the appearance of some almighty threatening thug.

“A-a child? But Shampoo just removed her cat thoughts, and…” Shampoo panicked, “Those are bad thoughts, you're not supposed to have those! Unless Shampoo used the wrong formula…”

A girl named Shampoo who messed with Ranma's hair. A specific formula being needed, apparently. Cat thoughts being bad in Shampoo's opinion. Her technique not being able to be used on herself, and Shampoo thinking Ranma was lucky. Correcting her third person speech. The elastic band snap as self inflicted punishment. 

Red string connected the dots in Queen's mind, and she was almost certain of two things. The first was that brainwashing had happened literally. The second was that Shampoo was repressing some cat-like behaviours of her own, likely due to an authority figure telling her to. All Queen needed was confirmation from her headmates, just as an extra opinion or four.

The only response was the thought: *Wanna go play with puppy and kitties and plushie and Ma and Miss Sayu… Eepy…*

*Soon, Miichan, soon.* Was Queen's thought right back. So much for anything too helpful, but it wasn't necessary to get the full positive vote. Otherwise, there'd be everyone else co-fronting instead of Queen driving solo.

“Alright, I think you might need to learn a few things,” Queen prepared for the long hall, “First of all, what do you know of cognition and the perception of the self? I can bring out a chart of sorts if you need a guide through it.”

○○○○○

“... You do realise, I'm only letting you do this because I'd rather my boy act like a cat than a child,” Mr Saotome huffed from outside, “I could get through easily if I wanted.”

“Yeah, sure,” Yuka yelled through the closed and barricaded door, “Whatever.”

Given that Yoiko was currently cowering in dolls arms, Yuka figured the best thing to do was to just ignore the man outside until he left. If doll had to bet why Ranma had been in cat brain for so long that it affected her permanently, it was that man.

Yuka was happy to be the comfort plushie for the moment. Dai's legs had gotten tingly from her turn protecting the cat-less catgirl, so the switch over was recent. However old Yoiko said she was at any given moment, seven or twelve or ten or five, she was definitely little enough to need the hugs. A little lapcat…

“Sorry… Sorry, ‘m safe. ‘m a big girl. ‘ll be okay,” Yoiko whimpered, lost and confused, “‘m… ‘m good…”

“Yes, you're very good,” Dai tried to reassure the girl, “Hmm… How about you tell us about something you like, if you want? That helps me feel better, at least.”

“It's true, I know all about her blossoming lesbian fantasies,” Yuka hoped dolls teasing tone would cheer up the kid, “She's very passionate about that.”

The way Dai sputtered, even if Yoiko didn't understand why, was enough to make the redhead giggle a little. “Um… I like cats! Cats are cute. I think… Pops was gonna teach me somethin’ ‘bout cats for fightin’ cos I like ‘em so much…”

As quickly as she opened up, Yoiko closed in on herself again. The poor kid in a teenage body was still so small, so stiff in her movements. She was holding herself in tightly, masking everything about her. 

Mr Saotome, based on that little piece of information, had been training Ranma how to fight. He probably used cats in this training, and if Ranma was a catlike creature for any kind of reason like Yuka was a plushie, then it didn't go well.

Hibari better find some actual info about that fucker and soon, because Yuka was wanting to protect Ranma with dolls life at this rate.

○○○○○

Akane was, compared to her Ranma, very, very talkative. This couldn't have been more obvious today, as she had been whimpering and complaining about not having her pack member with her all day, non-stop. 

The thing was, she could smell Ranma in Home. She knew her Juliet was here. But something was off. She smelled additional human chemically soaps mixed in with the rain and dirt that came with the red haired creature. Something was wrong. 

She stared at the Hiros, then Kasumi, then Nabiki. All the way through, she was met with a sad sight. The Hiros needed to be cats right now. Nabiki was scared to be a ghost with everyone else there. And Kasumi looked vacant, despite being calm as ever, her expression not changing but her eyes empty.

It was up to Akane. Akane had to find her Ranma. She had to help the domestic cats, her favourite ghost, and the nice human. She was hurt, yes, but she wasn't as hurt as she had been sometimes in the forest before humans found her. She could make this work. She could survive. She could find Ranma.

“Out! Akane wants out!” The blue haired creature tried to assert herself that way, but it didn't work. The only response she got was looks of slight guilt. The hard way it was, then.

Or, would be, if it wasn't for the Dark Lord swinging the door open. “We need assistance, Shampoo is out of commission,” Sayuri proclaimed, “But we have the cure. We simply need to wash Ranma's hair with it.”

“‘Out of commission’?” Nabiki asked, “What kind of interrogation was that?”

“An extremely eye-opening one for her, but that is a problem for later,” The eyepatch-wearing girl had some noticeable tears drying on her face as well, “May we use your shower?” 

“Yes, just keep in mind it is cold water only.” Kasumi was aware enough to answer, but not enough to think about the nature of the furo right next to the shower.

“It's approved!” Sayuri called out to someone down the hall, and the sound of water running could be heard.

The door wide open and Ranma presumably on the move, Akane took action. She jumped out of bed and winced as her foot hit the floor but made no sign of stopping. Ranma was in the bathroom, that was easy.

“Akane, wait!” Someone called out. It didn't matter who. She wanted her Ranma, and wanted her now. 

There was one room open on the way, a room Akane hadn't been in before but was for guests. A girl with purple hair that smelled of… Almost human chemical hair care, but not quite the same. That girl was in there, crying. That was another human Akane was going to help, alongside her pack, later. Ranma came first.

The bathroom door was open, and though still limping, Akane made it her mission to see Ranma right then and there. Whimpering as she had the whole way through the house, Akane stood firm in the doorway to see her Juliet. 

Ranma was in a daze, clothes drenched under the shower, hair filled with soapy bubbles getting rinsed out. Yuka was having a moment over the sensory feeling of washing someone else's hair. Dai simply stood watch, leg twitching as much as it could while standing. 

There was a vacancy in Ranma's eyes getting slowly filled in, senses sharpening as the hair care product did its job. But the thing that made it all click, that put everything in place, was seeing Akane. 

Hands curled up like paws. Ears twitched. Tail peeking out from under the baggy shirt. Ranma fell off of the stool, not trying to sit like a person at all, more like a cat on the floor. Why they had hid Ranma from Akane, she had no clue. All Akane could see was her Ranma right there, hers again. 

Akane didn't wait for the shower to be turned off by someone who could better work out using hands. She went in for the hug, reunited with her bonded partner by sheer brute force. It felt like calm, like everything was right again. 

And Ranma, sleepily, leaned heavily into the hug, purring. Not a single word, just a very wobbly and sleepy Ranma who needed hugs. 

“Awwwww…” Dai said, trying to guide both creatures into standing a little so they could leave, “Ranma, is that you?”

Ranma simply meowed, wobbly letting herself get lifted to her feet… But falling, probably better suited to all fours. 

The direction she fell was right into the warm furo.

Chapter Text

The Ranma remembered falling asleep, then waking up again. That was it. The fear of the purple haired girl, and then waking up in the bathroom. And yet, despite that, despite no sign of any human behaviour, the Ranma was exhausted. 

Her throat felt weird from talking, so she didn't speak. Her hind legs hurt from walking bipedally, so she planned to go on all fours. Whatever amount of human-ing she had forgotten she had done weighed heavily on her. She couldn't human any longer.

“I-is that a side effect of the shampoo!?” Dai asked as she backed away from the furo the Ranma had fallen into. 

Right, she was drenched in hot water. She looked different, human. She wasn't human, though. She felt so flooded with her pure inhumanity, like it had all finally been released. And it was calming and welcoming. 

Shifting her body so she could drag herself out of the furo, the Ranma hated how big she felt like this. She wasn't too tall, but it was tall enough. Her body was proportioned weirdly enough. Wild things like her shouldn't have made the discovery of how to heat water. Water was cool, cold, as natural as her mindset was.

The moment she was out of the hot water, cold water splashed right over her head. “Akane fix Juliet!” The blue haired creature had dropped the plastic cup that gave the Ranma her body back, “Okay?”

A small, cute, cuddly apex predator once again, the Ranma fully tackled her pack member and refused to let go. She missed the Akane. She missed her so much. Long red hair got in the way of the Ranma's vision a little, but she didn't care.

“Okay… Okay, so that's… Normal?” Dai tried to register everything at once, “Ranma can shapeshift… I… Huh… I need a break… Yuka, how are-”

The plushie was still feeling uncomfortable with the sensory texture of hair and soap, scrubbing at dolls hands relentlessly. Doll didn't speak, either, mouthing out words but with no sound. Plushies don't speak like humans do, so it must have gotten too much for her.

“Okay… Okay so I… We all need a break…”

The Ranma wasn't paying attention. She was too busy trying to snuggle in towards the Akane, even though they were both completely soaked. It didn't matter. The Ranma didn't think it mattered. They could both shake the water off later. This was here and now.

○○○○○

“Morale check!” Sayuri called out to her companions, looking over the damage in the living room where the pack gathered, “How are we all?”

Her beloved plushie, Yuka, was already sitting in her lap, and squeezed the hand doll was holding onto for extra support. No words were needed. Today was a big day, and her plushie was more of a plushie than usual. That was just how things went sometimes. 

“Yuka is getting the cuddles doll requires,” The Dark Lord confirmed aloud, “Hiroko, Hiroshi, how are you both?”

The matching cats had both claimed a corner and a few pillows, huddling together. Both cat ear headbands were out, swapped(?) from the last time they wore them. They weren't exactly in a state to use words either. 

“Understood, you're both in cat brain. Clever little creatures, both of you,” Nodding, Sayuri turned to face The Conspiracy System, “Queen, how- Oh, hello, Miichan!”

The blue hairclip swapped to pink, there was a very curious little kid clearly in control of the teenage body. “Hi Miss Sayu!” Miichan waved with a yawn.

“I-I've got her covered, if-” Dai tried to speak, clearly overwhelmed, before Sayuri shushed her.

“Morale. Check. Dai, how are you?”

“I'm… I'm fine enough, just-

“Morale. Check,” Sayuri insisted, “I can see your leg twitching.”

The himedanshi accepted defeat. “... Needing quiet time.”

“Good girl, you are dismissed,” Taking pride in how her dark incantation (compliment) incapacitated (flustered) her friend, Sayuri smirked wickedly, “Miichan, please come to me for aid if needed. It's quiet time.”

“Awright…” Miichan already looked like she was fighting sleep, “... Oh! Puppy!”

Akane probably hadn't meant to catch Miichan's attention, but the creature was rather noticeable. Standing guard over a very sleepy Ranma, the wolf-like girl's eyes had been darting around the room, ready to growl at any awful father that may approach. 

But, upon her friend's approach, Akane softened. “Miichan? Hm?”

“Puppy!” Giving a clear attempt at headpats, Miichan smiled sleepily seeing how Akane's tail wagged from the attention.

“Be careful with her, little one,” Sayuri said with a whisper to encourage calm and quiet, “Nothing too harsh.”

“Mmm!” The curious girl acknowledged, although clearly more interested in seeing how fast her headpats correlated to tail wagging speed.

Sayuri didn't know enough about Nabiki and Kasumi Tendou to do anything. Her mind reading abilities, like all her rightful powers, were gone. But with both of them elsewhere, there wasn't much Sayuri could've even tried without displacing the plushie on her lap.

Once she gained the true extent of her powers back, Sayuri knew she'd be the best Dark Lord there is. One who wouldn't neglect anyone, not like the foul people she had been born to in this world. 

She let the calm room fall into near silence. Her duty to rule was fulfilled for the time being, and Yuka hadn't stopped nuzzling in for tighter hugs.

○○○○○

Shampoo was a cat. 

If people were allowed to be animals, then she was one. This wasn't any kind of bad thought. Apparently it just happened sometimes. And Shampoo was one of those rare occasions. 

Shan Pu, pronounced clearly and without mistake, wasn't supposed to be a cat. She was trained to be a proud warrior woman. She was to be nothing like those of the supposedly long lost Musk Tribe. She was human. She was supposed to be-

She couldn't pull the elastic band back. That scary girl with the eyepatch had taken it off of her during the hold up. Shan Pu should've been able to fight her easily. She was strong enough that she could have torn those ropes to shreds if she wanted to.

Shampoo didn't want to.

It was weird. What she should've wanted and what she should've been would have been so easy to want and to be. They would have been, if she was Shan Pu. If she just didn't mess up every time she tried to pronounce ‘M’s and ‘N’s… 

It was a speech impediment she was trying to get over. She picked her words so carefully, trying to make sure it wouldn't be too obvious, but there was no work around for her name. She was Shampoo, much to the mockery and dislike of the people in her life, since birth.

And that red haired girl had been a cat since birth the same way. 

Shampoo had tried fixing her, and she came out like a child. The only way that could've happened was if the memory washing shampoo had so little human memories to bring forward. You can't remove a cat from a cat…

Shampoo's memory of realising she was a cat was two years beforehand. The realisation was fuelled by a lifetime of smaller behaviours and traits. If Shampoo could lock away her own memories, how much of her would really be left?

That was conceptually terrifying. 

The door to the room she had hidden away in started to shake as someone tried to open it. The tall, older girl with long brown hair walked in to see Shampoo not as a warrior, but as a distraught and confused girl, crying in a corner on the floor. No more helpless than a stray kitten.

“Oh, sorry…” The girl spoke, through tears of her own, “I thought you might’ve left…”

Shampoo wanted to say something, anything. Just as she wanted to run away. She couldn't do either. Her whole perception of the world, the ideas passed on by her family… They were shattered, and Shampoo was too distraught thinking about that to do anything. 

“Y-you can stay, of course, just…” There was a deep, shaking breath, “... I needed somewhere with nothing in it to b-break, and I p-promised a long t-t-time ago I wouldn't step fully into the d-dojo…”

This girl lived here, that was clear, but she didn't let herself in a part of her own house? Weird. Shampoo was encouraged to free roam, go wherever. She was an outdoor cat, and that was supposed to be good for her. 

Her wrist stung as if by magic, when it was really by memory. 

“... I don't blame you, for what you did to Ranma…” The girl mumbled, “I… I would have done the s-same… F-fuck, I've… I've almost done the s-same…”

Even if Shampoo was in the process of never forgiving herself, there was something kind of odd, cruel comfort knowing someone was doing the same. Knowing that this wasn't a unique sin. This was an error anyone could make.

Shampoo, however, could make her own unique error, in trying to push past her verbal barrier and forcing out the only noise she could. 

“... Miao…”

And the brunette, for a moment, paused, and then laughed sadly. “O-of course… Of course you're… Like…”

There would be no way to know what inner revelations this brown haired girl was having at that moment, not unless Shampoo somehow gained psychic powers, but it was clear that something had cracked. And, if Shampoo was like this girl, and they really were sharing a crisis of sorts…

There wasn't a human in front of her.

“... Shampoo. That is this one's name,” Her wrist involuntarily hurt again as she choked out the words, but she didn't correct herself, “Shampoo is sorry.”

“... Kasumi,” Responded the girl turned beast, “A-and apologies to you, too.”

○○○○○

Nabiki had checked in a few times over the night, but yet again, just to be sure, she walked into the room of the two wild animals once again. Carefully, slowly opening the door, she appreciated how it made no noise as not to potentially wake anyone. 

Her poor, cold, undead heart couldn't help but feel warm at the sight of the sleepover. For something so impromptu, everyone seemed comfy within the pillow fort that took up the whole room. Akane, in particular, seemed to be guarding the pack, even in her sleep.

It was a nice kind of quiet, the kind that could only come from somewhere that'd been lived in. This room that had been empty for ten long years, inhabited by the remains of who it was supposed to belong to…

“Guess you're better at haunting this place than I am, huh, little sis…” Nabiki whispered to herself. 

Letting sleeping dogs, cats, plushies, dark lords, miscellaneous girls and yuri fans lie, Nabiki left. She didn't want to wake them, and didn't want to risk if they could sleep with a ghost in their midst any longer than they had to. 

The house was quiet, aside from some muffled sniffles in the unused guest room downstairs, so Nabiki really did feel like she was largely alone. That was nice. She never liked all the coddling she got after Akane the human disappeared, and especially not after…

Sometimes the lines where the stitches had been felt like they were opening. They never were, it was a phantom sensation, but the way her stomach felt like it was literally being opened was visceral, pulsating, literally too alive for her.

No amount of money could make that feeling bearable. So, in comparison to dying, it really was better off being dead. Nabiki was only capable of tolerating hospitals now. They couldn't have truly saved her. She was only seven. She should have-

The mask was slipping away from her again, but no one was there to see it. She could feel it, though. The way her clammy, coin scented hands tended to rub up and down her arms when she was upset and distressed with no way to hide it. It was hardly under her control. 

Nabiki wasn't a person, nor a human. A human was a type of body. A person was someone present enough to act like one. A person wasn't an animal. A person wasn't dead. A lot of supposed people simply weren't. 

The ghost was glad the room it haunted was cold. It was comforting for the dead. It was comforting for an Ice Queen. Hell, it'd be comforting even if the ghost was a damn polar b-

… A penguin. A penguin was a good example. A penguin wouldn't bring any harm. A penguin wouldn't try to play nice while forcing animals and nonhumans to hide themselves. A penguin, unlike that other thing, wouldn't go for blood. 

… That other thing could still at least try and be more caring than the human that simply sometimes had the body of a bear, though. The ursidae family needed actually good representatives, not a man who thought he could make a feral cat human. Maybe a polar bear could try better. She could be like the ghosti remembered from the playground as a kid

Not the polar bear it remembered from the slaughter of Nabiki Tendou, age 7.

Chapter Text

Dai woke up with comforting pressure on all sides, like having a weighted blanket. It was nice and de-stressing, given the mess of yesterday. She felt like she had slept the best she could've given the circumstances. 

Having trouble getting up from whatever was on top of her, all she could do was register where she was. It was the pillow fort in Ranma and Akane's room, and she was there with the other girls and maybe a Hiroshi. 

Other girls. That was a nice thing. She was just one of the girls, and nothing could stop that right now. Even if she'd have to still be a boy at school, she got to be called a girl by her friends, and was wearing borrowed girl’s pyjamas, and was being hugged by-

… The weight came from The Conspiracy System, asleep and hairclip-less, hugging Dai tightly. On the other side of her, Yuka had taken hold of Dai like Sayuri was holding on to doll. The Hiros, both, were basically pinning down her legs by laying on them like cats would. 

Dai was a girl, being shown affection by girls. And while she only currently had a known crush on one of them (who was many girls herself), her poor little yuri fan brain was working overtime at flustering her further and making her feel very overwhelmed. 

With the combined calming down from yesterday, the need to completely unmask, and all of this buzzy warmth in her brain? Dai was almost certain it would be a No Words day. Words wouldn't even begin to make sense to her fried gay brain.

○○○○○

“Shampoo is very, very sorry…” Said the purple haired creature, “Very sorry…”

Ranma wasn't ready to act like a human yet, so there weren't any words. But she understood what her fellow feline meant. There was a mutual understanding of fear from both Ranma and Shampoo, both almost scared of the other. Ranma knew Shampoo was scary, Shampoo knew Ranma was vulnerable enough to break.

The distance between both cats was noticeable, but no one in the room commented on it. Akane stayed beside Ranma, protective to a fault. The Hiros, though not cat brained, hid behind Ranma in case Shampoo decided for cat brain to never return. Everyone else watched on, ready to intervene if necessary. 

“Shampoo has to go,” The purple haired cat continued, “She must report to her Great-grandmother … And she must atone for her failure.”

“Hm? Atone?” Akane asked, not knowing that word.

“Make up for her failure,” Shampoo explained, rubbing her wrist in fear, “... Punishment.”

“That doesn't sound right,” Asami sounded concerned, and Dai nodded beside her in agreement, “What, does your great-granny hate cats or something?”

Shampoo didn't say a word, and it was clear that Asami noticed that by how quickly the notebook came out. Ranma was going to probably be seeing a big chart about Shampoo really soon, if Asami had her usual conspiracy theory crafting output.

“If you're leaving only to get hurt, then there's no way I can let you go,” Sayuri said firmly, “It wouldn't be right, not in the slightest.”

“Yeah, I'm personally all for not letting someone get hurt by extended family,” Yuka chimed in, “You can just go non-contact if she's not getting any kinder to you.”

“... Question,” Shampoo changed the subject rather than confront it, pointing at the group in a circle, “Wildcat, wolf, two cats, stuffed toy, and human girl, all with wrong bodies, yes?”

Ranma, Akane, the Hiros, Yuka, and Dai all looked at each other before nodding in quiet, confused, confirmation. 

“And a Dark Lord!” Sayuri added.

“And ghost…” Nabiki spoke from her secluded corner of the room.

Kasumi remained quiet, but looked like she was about to speak. Shampoo didn't let her, though, instead giving a quiet but understanding nod. Something had been exchanged between the two of them, and Ranma didn't know what.

“Hmm…” The purple haired cat took a deep breath in, “... This one will do her best. Shampoo is a good kitty. Goodbye.”

Ranma may have been an excellent hunting animal, but she couldn't have pounced on Shampoo fast enough to stop her fellow feline from leaving. All Shampoo had left was the jingling sound of her cat bells in her hair and a cloud of dust.

“... I don't like that at all…” The current Hiroko mumbled.

The current Hiroshi agreed. “Martial Arts Cat Brain can hopefully save her…”

Ranma hardly knew Shampoo beyond her attack on the rooftop of Furinkan. What Ranma did know was that her whole pack seemed concerned for the girl, regardless. So, as with other things like this, she went with what her pack thought. Ranma would worry about the stray domestic cat she just witnessed leave for a dangerous journey.

○○○○○

“Thanks again for driving us,” Yuka said, despite no response the last few times doll tried to get one, “It means a lot.”

Kasumi at the wheel didn't answer, yet again. Yuka didn't want to assume yesterday was rough on the older girl without asking, but it was pretty obvious. Kasumi furrowed her eyebrows the same way Akane did when upset, in fact.

Yuka, out of the three in the car, was the only one really present emotionally. Dolls girlfriend was a little bit out of it, the exhaustion of everything catching up to her, and clearly needed her emotional support plushie 

The ride to the Oozora household was quiet, with Yuka being cuddled by Sayuri in the back seats. Safe, gentle hugs that were only a little awkward thanks to seatbelts. Helpful for plushie and Dark Lord alike.

Once at Sayuri's place, Yuka was the best emotional support plushie doll could be. “Come on, cutie,” Doll guided the distressed Dark Lord out of the car, “Let's get you to your lair.”

“Hey there, Raggedy Ann,” Hibari said from the front gate as Yuka approached with Sayuri leaning on doll for support, “You need any help taking care of her? Cos you know what I'm here for.”

“Sayuri, what do you think?” Yuka asked, only for Sayuri to latch onto her plushie even more, “I can take her to her room, I'll get you if we need you.”

“On it, good plan,” The blonde woman gave a mock salute as the teens left, only to turn and face the brunette following from behind, “Shit, Kas, what happened?”

There wasn't really time to worry about the love lives of two adults, not right now. Besides, Yuka already knew what happened that left Sayuri struggling a little. It was best for doll not to dwell on it. 

The walk to Sayuri's room was simple, even with the Dark Lord leaning on Yuka for extra balance. No yakuza member got in their way, knowing that balance was often the first thing to go when Sayuri was exhausted and stressed. The eye patch probably didn't help due to depth perception, but no one was going to tell her that after last time.

“And here's your lair, my dear goddess of evil,” Yuka mused as she opened the way into the dark bedroom, “Let's get you seated, we can work out what to do from there.”

The dark was nice. It was one of the first ways Yuka and Sayuri really bonded, finding them sharing memories of a similar safe space from their respective traumas. Sayuri had hid in wardrobes. Yuka had found dollself under beds. The dark was home now, a lair, a toybox.

Letting Sayuri sit down on the bed and let go of Yuka's arm on her own terms, doll then went to the shared closet. It was supposed to be just Sayuri's, all black asides from some small hints of red and purple, but more and more pastels had found themselves in the mix the more Yuka stayed over. 

Yuka refused to look at dolls bare human arms when changing sweaters. The dark helped hide the scarring a little, but it wasn't enough. Dolls eyes only opened once doll was engulfed in soft pastel patchwork patterns.

“Alright, here I am for you, cutie,” Yuka grabbed the sticker covered gameboy and the little reading light that attached to it from the bedside table, “You're okay to see if we can finally beat that Tetris high score of yours?”

Sayuri nodded as she wrapped up her plushie in her arms, ready to just watch until it was her turn. This was a comfort both could appreciate beyond all else. A loving embrace in the dark while simply existing together.

○○○○○

“Shit, Kas, what happened?” Hibari asked the approaching brunette, “I heard the gist of what happened from Sayuri's phone call, but damn. Are you okay?”

“... Do I really look that torn up about it?” Kasumi put on her brave face.

She tried to keep herself presentable. She tried to restrain herself from blowing at the tingling feeling in her p- hands. She remained as calm and stable as possible, despite everything. But Hibari saw through it all.

“Girl, repression isn't a good look on you,” The blonde tried to joke a little, but it was far too close to the truth, “Wanna stay for a bit?”

“Yes… Yes please,” The brunette walked through the entrance, taking Hibari's hand as it was offered, “I was hoping-”

“The offer was still open? Sure thing!” Right on the money, Hibari led Kasumi further inwards, “Your family does martial arts, yeah?”

“Not really, anymore…” Kasumi shyly admitted, “Father stopped teaching after mother passed, Nabiki was never interested, Akane… Happened, and I… I was told to stop…”

“Really? Why?”

Kasumi wasn't sure if she should admit it to her cool older crush, but she really might as well. If she was here to try and let go of everything, Hibari probably wouldn't like what she saw anyway. Might as well get it over and done with.

“... Had a bad outburst as a kid. Almost…” Here was the hard part, actually admitting it, “... Almost killed my sister. It wasn't pleasant. She's… Not exactly alive as a result, if that makes sense. Doesn't feel alive. All my fault…”

“Ohhh, she's a zombiekin or something? Cool!” Hibari sounded oddly upbeat, “Sayuri looked into stuff like that before she really came out of her shell.”

“Um… She's a ghost, as far as I know… But…” Kasumi trailed off when she saw that she had been led into a dojo.

“Ghosts are cool too,” Hibari hummed as she let go of Kasumi's hand, walking over to the other side of the dojo, “And outbursts happen. You see that patched up hole in the ceiling? Some jerk tried to make me a man as a teen, and so I had an outburst of my own.”

There wasn't much to say aside from “Oh my…”

“So yeah, I get it,” The blonde continued, “It isn't an excuse to hide away, though. So, why not show me what you got? I can take it easily, I promise. I'm a tough gal.”

“But-”

“I threw. A man. Through a roof. I'll be fine, pretty girl,” That compliment and a wink completely shattered Kasumi's defences, “On my honour or whatever you need to trust me.”

It had been so long, Kasumi was hardly sure she had it in her anymore. She certainly lacked the muscle to do anything with full damage, that was certain. But the skills to do it safely regardless? 

Well, all she knew on a technical level had stopped at age nine. She wasn't going to be pulling out any fancy tricks. She could wildly claw at her target, she had a very vivid experience doing things like that, but her nails weren't even long at the moment…

It was safe enough. She wouldn't be yelled at. She could power on like a force of nature, all shackles taken off. She could try. Otherwise, she was no less likely to do something like Shampoo did if she didn't. Kasumi had to do this, even if just for the safety of her family. 

After a deep breath in, Kasumi finally blew gently on her hands, relieving that awful tingling feeling instantly for the first time in years. From there, she simply let out the powerful, freeing, natural guttural roar that she felt like she should…

And a wild animal was allowed to roam free for the first time in so, so long.

Chapter Text

Two bodies laid next to each other, both women absolutely drenched in sweat after a long night. It took all the effort in the world for Hibari to make an immediate, obvious, far too inappropriate comparison. 

“We… We really…” Kasumi said with heavy breaths, “You… And I… We…”

“Yep, we did.” Hibari said with a playful casualness. 

“... Oh my…” 

It was impossible to even try and hold in the ensuing laughter. Hibari and Kasumi had been brawling for literally hours, and all the brunette could coherently say was ‘oh my’. That was such a cute little quirk of Kasumi's, in Hibari's opinion. 

“Wanna call it a tie?” Extending a hand as she sat up, Hibari looked over the damage, “I'd say we're about evenly beaten up.”

“Y-yes…” Kasumi pulled herself up from laying down with help of Hibari, rocking back and forth once she sat upright. She simply couldn't sit still right now, and that was good. That was progress. She wasn't trying to hold it in.

Hibari knew people and their behaviours. It was a special interest of hers, really. And the way that Kasumi held herself before, the restraint, the way she seemed to feel about Akane and Ranma… Hibari simply had to see what would make that facade break.

And what she got was a pure carnivore. Something so strong, so emotionally raw, trying to pretend that it was herbivorous and docile, or at least peaceful. A polar bear being raised with and forced to have the diet of a panda. Something sick.

“Do you want me to get some water?” Asking gently, Hibari almost considered considered offering more, but water was the safest bet.

“Yes p-please…” Ever polite, Kasumi tried to get up to her feet herself, “I can come and-”

“Please, you're my guest, Kas,” Hibari settled the brunette back down onto the floor after noticing how much Kasumi's legs shaked, “Besides, you seem to have taken a few too many strikes to the shins. I can handle this, and I'll be right back. Promise.”

Reluctantly, Kasumi silently let Hibari go as she fell back to the floor. With messy hair and wide but tired eyes, she already looked less human than she did when she arrived. She was more herself than ever before.

The small walk to the kitchen was refreshing, but a bit of a struggle with aching legs. For a girl a few years younger than her, Kasumi kicked with force like a 16 wheeler truck. Hibari guessed they made each other equally weak in the knees.

The kitchen had both Sayuri and Yuka going on their own little breakfast scavenger hunt, as great minds do think alike. “Morning, you two. Get some good rest?”

Sayuri lifted her eyepatch to reveal that both eyes were plagued with rings as dark as her lord status. “In the future, can you please bear your girlfriend up more quietly?”

“Mhm,” Yuka seemed barely awake on dolls feet, “I didn't need to hear some of those noises.”

“... Yeah, my bad,” Hibari rubbed the back of her head, “Sorry, it's just been so long, and-”

“I do not wish to hear it!” The Dark Lord groaned as she grabbed her strawberry yoghurt and left, “I have heard enough!”

○○○○○

Akane was a hunter, an incredible predator when it came to finding her prey. With her ankle feeling better, she was on the move yet again, scouring the land for two targets. And, fortunately, she felt like there was something right where she could reach…

“SEEK!” She called out as she turned the corner to pounce. 

“Grrrrraow!” Complained the human man who was very bad at pretending to be a panda in his behaviour. Of course it was just Pops. He was distracting Akane from this new game!

Nabiki had explained the game really well. Akane had to wait somewhere, Nabiki and Ranma would hide, and Akane would seek! Seeking was like hunting but gentle and not hurting who she caught because they were actually pack members! 

She already started to go on the prowl again as the not panda got up again, and she was already gone when the sound of water getting poured over him happened. It was almost nice when Pops couldn't talk to be weird and grumpy, if it wasn't for him being too fake to be a panda. 

“I am so sorry, Genma,” Dad could be heard talking, “I really thought she'd be better by now.”

“Bah, maybe you should be taking a more active role in fixing her, then!” Pops said with great pride in himself, “Look how much work I put into my boy, after all!”

“Girl!” A voice came from the stairway, giving Akane a hint as to where to go seeking.

“... Old friend, I really do hate to break it to you, but Ranma isn't much better,” Dad said, completely wrong because Ranma was amazing, “And based on the other day, it almost seemed like you encouraged his animalistic behaviour.”

“I'd rather have an animal that can fight rather than a child that can't, simple,” Huffed Pops, “It was only because I don't want the boy to be weak.”

“Girl!” The voice had moved to another room upstairs. Akane continued to follow the trail of noises, and it almost sounded like there was paper rustling coming from the same room.

“Well, I wouldn't care, personally,” Dad sounded unimpressed, “You don't know how long I've waited just to have my baby girl back.”

Akane stopped outside the door to Nabiki’s room, where it sounded like her pack members were hiding. Dad clearly missed this human named Akane. But that human wasn't actually an Akane, not according to the pictures the blue haired creature couldn't ever see herself in. 

Never mind all of that, no matter how much it kind of hurt to think Akane was a bad replacement. Akane had a Ranma and a ghost to catch. That was more important, and more fun, too. 

The door creaked a little, and the faintest sound of giggling could be heard. Nabiki hadn't truly giggled before, so that was good! This was helping the ghost! And a small trail of footprints in oddly placed soap powder led right underneath Nabiki’s bed…

Akane got ready to pounce under the bed, but then the jingle of Ranma's bell on the braid came from outside, like she had gone out the window. There was a choice to make. Nabiki, or Ranma. Easy catch or hard catch first.

… Akane couldn't climb on rooftops easily. The decision was easy.

“SEEK!” She slid, arms out, under the bed so she could catch Nabiki quickly, but there was no Nabiki there! Scrambling to reorient herself, Akane could hear the giggling get louder temporarily as Nabiki ran out of her wardrobe and then out of the room. She was being tricky!

Scampering out from under the bed, Akane remained on all fours for maximum speed and maximum control. She wasn't at all on par with Ranma's agility, but she was just chasing down a ghost, so she didn't have to be as fast and graceful. 

Dashing down stairs in a single bound, Akane landed, then pushed of the floor in a great big tackle leap to grab-

Dad. She had caught Dad. 

“Got it wrong, silly puppy!” Nabiki taunted, pulling a funny face as she started to run off towards the exit into the yard.

Dad stopped her. “Nabiki, just what do you think you're doing!? You're being a bad influence on your sister!”

And Nabiki froze. Both in the sense that she stopped moving, but she noticeably started to become more rigid. She had been so free before, but now, she looked as cold as ever. No happy stims, no playfulness, nothing but an Ice Queen. 

“... Sorry, Dad,” Nabiki said stiffly, changing direction to walk back upstairs, “C’mon, Akane, Ranma, we… We should stop.”

Akane didn't want to stop, but she did just pounce on both Dad and Pops today… The blue haired creature backed away, standing upright, tail between her legs, with a whimper. Dad wasn't really the one in control of the house, though. It was always Kasumi who felt like the most in control, so it had to be her. But maybe Dad was more in charge than Nabiki, at least…

With a small jingle, Akane had found a Ranma falling into her arms from the ceiling. “Hmph. Wanna keep playing.”

At least, with her Juliet in her arms, Akane technically won at seeking.

○○○○○

Ranma liked to cuddle up to Akane for warmth. She was like a comfy sunlight spot all on her own, especially when they were in the pillow fort den. A good way to stay cosy, really good for recovering from how tiring human stuff could be.

Of course, neither creature had pretended to be human all day except for trying to handle breakfast without Kasumi around. Dad and Pops were really pushy about how to act once they thought they were in charge of Home. 

It was weird. Ranma had thought Kasumi was good, then bad, but… She might be good again now. Being introduced as Akane's safe person meant it was really bad when Kasumi yelled, and even worse if she hurt Akane. But she had been letting the animals be animals more, lately…

Maybe that's just what being in charge was like. Ranma had to act a bit more stern when the Hiros were cat brained and upset, after all. But it was different. Ranma had acted as authority, the leader. Kasumi being upset, and Pops and Dad in general, felt more like attacks. The good thing was Kasumi didn't attack lots, and lately, not at all.

All this questioning hurt Ranma's head a little. It was all lots of emotions and things she didn't fully understand. Apparently, it was noticeable by both Akane and Nabiki, as Akane cuddled in tighter while Nabiki looked up from her book to gently scritch Ranma behind the ears. 

“Sorry again about not playing, you two,” Nabiki sighed, “I'm just… Not used to Dad yelling at me like that. I used to have him wrapped around my finger, though I guess I was still trying to be human more then. Ugh.”

Akane's head tilted, a cute little curious noise coming from her at the same time.

“Oh, you know how he hugs you a lot, Akane?” The ghost explained, “Yeah, a bit like that. I wasn't the replacement he was looking for, though. I kinda… Grew up too fast, I think. Guess I did die as a kid, cos I sure didn't come back the same. You've seen me, all, y'know…”

Nabiki stopped comfortably rocking back and forth, and her expression grew cold to match. Ranma had no clue what went wrong, but pretty quickly, that mask fell away, and Nabiki was rocking again, fingers happily tapping the hard cover of her book in some pattern that only made sense to her.

“That. I really don't like doing that, but it's gotten me this far. And a samurai trying to date me, which is gross, but-” 

Nabiki almost froze again when there was the audible sound of someone entering the house downstairs. There was the clear sound of Dad and Pops trying to tell Kasumi something, and Kasumi responded as calm as she was normally, although tired.

Feet fell slightly heavy on the stairway up, and Kasumi revealed herself when the door opened. Akane and Ranma both looked at the oldest one there curiously, given the way she held herself wasn't stiff, nor proper, nor delicate. 

Kasumi, slouched over slightly, didn't exactly have a readable facial expression. “... It's rather cold in here.”

“Yeah, we're trying to work out if I became a yuki-onna when I died,” Nabiki had returned to that cold demeanour, voice like venom, “What's going on, sis?”

“I… I need time to…” There was a deep breath in and out, and the hesitation in Kasumi's mind was very obvious, “... To… Not be… To not be human…”

Ranma and Akane perked up curiously at that. “Not human?” Akane asked, tail wagging only a little.

“O-oh, uh…” The facade Nabiki put up had shattered a little, “You… Huh. Um, well, as long as you're okay with some kind of ghost around… I guess…”

“Not human!” Akane yipped cheerily, having given Kasumi the up and down inspection. Ranma could see it now, the same exhaustion of standing upright, of talking, of pretending, had finally caught up to Kasumi. She must have been so good at pretending, just like Nabiki was.

The welcome had also come with moving over in the pillow fort, space for one more. And while Kasumi was larger than the others, and clearly not used to crawling as much, eventually she awkwardly settled in the den, deciding to lay down like the animals did rather than sit like Nabiki. 

“... What happened to you?” Nabiki asked quietly, “I thought…”

“I had a lot to get out of my system, and now feel exhausted,” Kasumi responded, “And I won't be telling you off like our father wants me to. Not for simply playing. Not anymore.”

“... Thanks.” The ghost sounded comfortably more innocent. Warm, despite the cold of the room.

Ranma had witnessed something. She knew that much. It was a bit hard to tell what, especially with Akane shifting so she could be right next to Kasumi instead of having a Ranma between them, but something still clearly happened. 

Kasumi had admitted she wasn't human. And whatever that meant she was, it made her safer than the humans in Home anyway. Ranma would have to ask what the oldest girl there was, after she woke up. Kasumi clearly needed rest.

Chapter Text

Miichan was really, really bad at telling the time, but it was dark and scary. It had to be night, which is why she woke up from a nightmare. Frantically, she quickly swung her arm over to bap at her night-light. Miichan really didn't like the dark without Miss Sayu or plushie there.

It was a really bad nightmare. Someone did what purple kitty did and made Ma not herself, and that boy that was Ma was sad, and Miichan couldn't fix it, and all of the bad people from the past made fun of Miichan for not doing good like they always did, and-

Miichan didn't have a talking plushie like Miss Sayu did, but she had a Keroppi, and that was good for her. Quickly, she dug through the very comfy heavy blankets on her bed and found Keroppi, squeezing the plush frog tight.

Ma said to think of good things after nightmares, but that was hard. Miichan liked to think of big girl smart things. Like why was the puppy big and human shaped? Or why hadn't the ghost walked through a wall yet? 

The big question right now was why was the bad dream all about Ma. Miichan's brain friends really cared about Ma in a big girl way, so maybe they could help. But the current idea went as followed:

Question, why was the bad dream about Ma?

Hypof- Hypotha- Hypothesis, dreams show bad things happening to Ma because Ma seemed sad last time Miichan saw her.

Experiment, see if Ma being happy results in a happy dream!

The scientific method was amazing, and Miichan was such a clever girl for writing it down on the little shared theory book beside the bed. Now her brain friends could go do it as the actual big girls at big kid school! 

Because as much as Miichan liked to think of big girl smart thoughts, she was a little kid. A little kid who was very sleepy at the time she didn't know. Hugging Keroppi would keep her dreams nice and safe if she fell asleep now, though. That's why Ma bought the toy for Miichan!

○○○○○

The walk to school always was a bit too much on autopilot, and so it made telling who was in front a bit of a chore. There wasn't anything interesting to do, so no one really wanted to take the front seat, leaving The Conspiracy System blurry until something made it clear who was in control.

And of all the ways to realise she was currently Fu-chan, this was the worst.

“NOOOOO!” Fu-chan and Dai cried in unison as they both reached the gates, looking inside to see the worst possible sight. Ryoga Hibiki, holding hands with a very cutesy looking girl.

“Thank you again for guiding me,” Ryoga said bashfully, “I know it was out of the way, and you're probably disappointed that I'm-”

“It's okay, Charlotte!” The cute girl smiled before giving the fanged boy a kiss on the cheek, “Azusa is happy to help such a cute widdle piggy, as long as you're still Azusa's!” 

Ryoga stammered, making this painfully clear it was painfully straight. Truly, the worst thing for a fujoshi and himejoshi to lay their eyes upon at the same time. So many shipping opportunities, slipping away before their very eyes.

“Azusa will be back after school, so wait right here!” Roller-skating away, the cute girl blew a few more kisses before completely leaving everyone's sight, “Good luck finding your sister!” 

“He could have had such a good boyfriend…” Fu-chan mourned.

“She looked like she'd have such a cute dynamic with a girl…” Dai joined in.

“Ugh, they're both so creepy about the opposite gender…” A voice that was only recognisable as some other student from homeroom passed by, “Though the guy's probably creepier.”

“I know, right?” Said another passing classmate, “I don't even think he's that disabled, he acts basically normal.”

Dai, still wearing the boy's uniform to school, clearly heard it too, and she looked absolutely devastated. Sure, to an outside observer, she might have just seemed slight stiff in her expression, but that was the mask going up, and Fu-chan knew it.

Fu-chan, despite all her yaoi loving tendencies, had to admit that she was a girl who liked girls. And she was, on the entire system's behalf, not going to stand for slander of her hopefully someday girlfriend! It just wouldn't do! 

“Hey, Dai, anything I can do to help?” The most emotionally forward headmate asked, “Wanna, I don't know, be yuri? Would that help?”

All asking that did was briefly short circuit Dai's thoughts, but she calmed down back down to a sombre state really quick. “... Can't. I'm not even properly a girl, no one could enjoy it…”

“Bullshit, I know you're not a boy, and you love being a girl!” Eye contact wasn't really a possibility for either teen, but Fu-chan at least could risk holding hands, “I can even help you be a girl in everyone else's mind, if you want.”

“... R-really?” 

Fu-chan thought to the note Miichan left that night. Making Dai happy was going to be a system wide effort, and the least Fu-chan could do was try and get it started. Appealing to the cute Girl's Love stuff where friends help each other before becoming, ore was the best Fu-chan could do for her rival in fangirling. 

“Well, one of us in here can.” The girl with the yellow hairclip knocked on her noggin, knowing she'd have to pass the baton soon enough. 

○○○○○

“Miss Hinako?” The girl with the blue hairclip came to the teacher, just before class started, “I would like to talk to you about something.” 

“Ah… Makoto, yes?” Hinako looked up at her student and tried to see the hairclip properly to know for sure.

“Yes, specifically Queen if you want to be more accurate,” The student smiled, “Thank you for remembering regardless.”

“It's the least I can do!” The youthful teacher definitely seemed very abuzz after her morning coffee, “Now, how can I help the bestest student?”

Queen adored the praise for a second. Really, to be smart and a good student was exactly why she existed in the first place, so she was glad to be doing well at what was simply natural to her. However, this wasn't about her.

“I actually need to talk to you on behalf of Dai, if that's okay,” Queen glanced back at her crush, “Okumura, if you need more than the nickname.”

“Oh?” Hinako glanced at the student in question as well, “What's going on?”

“She'd like to be recognised as a girl, and potentially by a different name as well,” There was a slight hint of awkwardness as Queen continued, “... I only know that she has been happy being called Dai, but you'll have to ask her for clarification.”

“Oh, sure, I can help with that,” The big grin on the teacher's face was too adorable to be a normal member of the school staff, “Let her know I'll talk to her about what we can do after class, okie dokie?”

“Yes, thank you so much.” Queen left with a bow before going to tell Dai the good news.

○○○○○

The baseball went flying out of the field, over towards the boy's sports class doing soccer. 

Akane ran off to chase it, and Ranma ran off to chase her.

“Ugh, can someone please wrangle Tendou and Saotome!?” The sports teacher yelled out, but a girl with a green hairclip was already taking off her catching glove and readying herself to take off.

“I'm on it, coach!” Jupiter broke out into a sprint to catch up her favourite full time creatures. 

Now, there was no way Jupiter would outpace the wild animals, no way. But she was consistently the best student in Phys Ed ever since she first formed, so there was no way she wasn't at least going to get to the creatures faster than anyone else. 

Surely enough, Akane had skidded to a stop just a few seconds before Jupiter reached her. But Ranma had kept going, uninterested in the ball now that Akane kept pawing at it. The redhead had, in fact, made it all the way to Dai, the girl sitting on the edge of the soccer field.

Dai was hunched over, alone, and probably wanted space that Ranma wasn't giving her, so it was probably best to just grab the wildcat and leave. But Dai actually seemed to start talking to her new companion, not noticing Jupiter approaching from behind her.

“I don't know, Ranma, I just…” The himejoshi sighed, “I'm not good enough for any of them, but I want to tell all of them I love them. Why do words have to be so hard?”

Ranma meowed, proving that might be a bit too literal for some.

“Right, sorry. But… Okay, so,” Dai took a second to think, “Akane is your Juliet, and you're Akane's. Sayuri and Yuka are each other's Juliets. I… I want to be The Conspiracy System's Juliet, and I want to be all of theirs.” 

Akane gasped quietly from beside Jupiter, then excitedly started pawing at the stunned system. “Juliet! Jupiter has Juliet!” Akane was kind enough to kind of whisper, “Pack mates!” 

“Pack mates…” Because of course that's how Akane currently understood it. It was the most special member of a pack to someone. And… Dai really was that, on a system wide consensus. The most special, safe person.

Jupiter had to make a mental note. As a slightly hopeless romantic herself, it was of key importance that all headmates, except for Miichan who was more innocent regarding this stuff, ask Dai out if given the chance, and treat that girl like a princess! 

Ranma thankfully started to head towards Jupiter and Akane the moment Dai started playing ‘She loves me, she loves me not’. The several shes in question very much did.

○○○○○

“Dai, hey, wait up!” Called out the girl with the red hairclip. 

Truth be told, Asami had no idea how Jupiter could sprint like she did, or how Queen could finish faster in class than she did. No amount of conspiracy theory boards could tell her how Fu-chan was so openly passionate, or how even Miichan was in tune with the emotions of others so well. 

But Asami could make a damn effort. 

“Oh, Asami, hi!” Dai’s face lit up as she waited, and it made Asami’s heart soar, “I really need to thank all of you, the talk with Miss Hinako went great!”

“Really? That's awesome!” Asami offered her hand, something simple she theorised Dai would get all blushy over, “So you get to be called a girl at school now?”

The simple sign of affection worked wonders, the himejoshi’s eyes widening to the size of saucers at the most basic gesture in Yuri 101. “U-uh, yeah! And the right name, and they're… They're looking into getting me a girl's uniform.”

“Hell yeah!” Squeezing her crush's hand, Asami took note of how soft it was, “You're going to actually make that uniform look good, I just know it.”

Asami may not have been good at lots, but she was good at noticing things and piecing them together. The way Dai blinked in shock, the slight movement in her free hand, the slight quiet stammer as she tried to think of words. It didn't take a master conspiracy theorist to know Dai was flustered. 

“Say, I was wondering…” Here came the moment of truth… “Would you, I don't know, want to go and try that parfait place nearby? I'd kinda like do to something cute together, as girls, just me and you.”

The wording was well thought out, and basically rehearsed since Asami started fronting after lunch. And as the cogs visibly ticked away in Dai’s mind to think of all the possibilities, Asami hoped she connected the right dots.

“... Yes, yes please,” Dai's lack of eye contact was a non issue, her blushing pink face was enough, “And as a celebration of going by Daiya now, right?”

This was the first time any of the system had heard Daiya’s new name in full, but Asami was going to revel in being the first. It wasn't much bragging rights, but it was plenty enough. One more thing to make relatively plain Asami a little more special.

“Of course, Daiya,” Asami was sure to smile, “And, if you want it to be a date, I'd be happy to, o dear Juliet.”

Asami wasn't the best at anything. She wasn't smart, or strong, or emotionally open like everyone her whole life knew all along. But what she was was a different kind of clever. Her brain had split itself to cover the other bases, sure, but Asami was uniquely clever, more accurate in her theories than anyone else.

And that remained true, as Dai was left quietly spitting out nonsense syllables while enthusiastically nodding. Asami was yet again right on the money, and this time, not a single centimetre of red string was required. 

Chapter Text

“Hello, fair Nabiki, my beloved wild women,” Kuno bowed at the front of the school gate, three roses in hand, “May I ask one of you on a-”

Between Akane barking, Ranma showing her claws, and Nabiki simply staring coldly at the boy, Kuno knew to back off. The several obvious scratches, bite marks, and the singular massive bandage over his broken nose showed clearly he had time to learn.

Akane hadn't learnt properly what ‘dates’ were, but Kuno kept trying to ask for them. It had gotten boring after the first time. He was so easy to fight, and Hinako was so good at stopping him from causing problems in school, that getting asked for dates grew old quick.

Of course, this didn't stop her curiosity. She tried to ask what they were, mainly to Nabiki, but the only answer she got was that it was ‘a Juliet thing’. A thing relating to having a Juliet, like Akane's Ranma. But neither creature knew it, even if they were supposed to.

This was instinct, supposedly. What they were supposed to do, human or not. So why didn't they know? Had they done it accidentally? It was such a simple word, and normally at least Ranma knew the short words. But nope. ‘Date’ had eluded them both.

Making their way to the classroom inside the school building, there was something notably strange about it all. Students seemed tense, and the air was that of stricter expectations than usual. How? Akane had no clue…

Before class started, the pack were all gathered together in the back of the classroom like usual. There were two Hirokos, and Dai had been finally given her girl uniform, but nothing else was too out of place except for how the two main couples were acting.

Jupiter was willingly wearing a gakuran over top of her usual uniform, although clearly just for the part she was playing. In her lap was an incredibly flustered Dai, with a box of chocolates on her desk and a large pink teddy bear in her arms.

Sayuri and Yuka were cuddling as close as usual, but the dark lord's face was smothered with pink lip marks that almost blended in with her blush. The plushie was reapplying lipstick. There was a large wrapped present wrapped up in Sayuri's bag.

“Hm?” Akane asked with a head-tilt, gesturing to the classroom as a whole.

“Oh, right, you wouldn't know,” Hiro 1 hummed, “It's White Day, of course animals don't know that.”

“Boys give girls presents, or in these cases…” Hiro 2 gestured towards the rest of the pack, “Anyone gives presents to girls who need a lot of affirmations.”

“Not that we've gotten anything…” Both Hiroko and Hiroko sighed.

“I'm just helping my new girlfriend catch up with years of not getting treated right,” Jupiter grinned as she continued to hold the himejoshi in a bridal carry while sitting, “Isn't that right, Daiya?”

The way Dai squeaked almost made Akane think that there was an extra animal in the pack, like a mouse or something else small. But nope, it was just Daiya, the human girl, having trouble processing everything. 

“I'm a plushie first, girl second,” Yuka shrugged, “So Sayuri handles Valentine's, I handle White Day.”

“Valentine's?” Akane asked again, Ranma joining in with her own head-tilt. 

The whole pack looked at each other, and something was quickly pieced together, not by The Conspiracy System, but by Dai. “... You probably haven't been on a date or anything, have you?”

Both creatures shook their heads, and Akane felt ashamed. If this was a natural thing for Juliets, then of course the pack had thought Ranma and Akane had been on one. This was something both creatures were doing wrong…

But Dai was seeing a golden opportunity. “Could I take pictures when you go on your first date!? Please please please please please!?”

“They probably don't know how to plan one, though, sorry to burst your bubble.” The harsh truth came from the plushie.

“I could probably piece together what'd make a good date day for wild animals,” Offered Jupiter, “Being a guardian of love and courage, after all.” 

“If it's a double or triple date, I can probably provide transport!” Sayuri offered grandly, “Hibari always insists I make use of her own goons if need be.”

“PERFECT!” Daiya proclaimed with a glimmer in her eyes, “This will be so totally adorable!”

○○○○○

Ranma hadn't expected to get a makeover that Sunday, but she had to admit, it was nice getting all this attention from her friends. The only problem was that her Akane was in a different room while it happened.

“Can I touch your claws?” Yuka asked as doll pulled out a small bottle, “We can make them sparkly if you want.”

“Mmmm… Yes!” Ranma liked sparkly things, and if it made her claws look cool, then she really wanted to give it a try at least. 

While Yuka did dolls thing, Ranma tried to still look at herself in the bathroom mirror. Her shirt was soft and flowy but still had buttons on it. Her shorts were a little fancier feeling than she knew, almost made of sturdier pants. The bell for her braid was missing as her hair was undone and brushed out, a replacement bell around her neck. A pair of fake cat ears were put in her hair, and that felt nice.

“Okay, so, that should be everything for both of them!” Dai said as she ran into the room, bursting with excitement, “Everything comfy, Ranma?”

Nodding, Ranma gave a bright toothy smile to both of her just as dressed up friends. Everyone was going for a casual but nice look tonight, with Yuka wearing a slightly tidier looking sweater and Daiya wearing a longer skirt compared to what Ranma had ever seen.

“Great! Now, look queer for the camera!” The door opened as Dai pulled out the little photo machine, and Ranma's instincts immediately fired up.

Akane came charging in to tackle Ranma, but the red haired creature quickly ran behind her Juliet to tackle her instead. This turned into a small little whirlwind of a mutual tackle as both creatures fell to the bathroom floor in a chaotic cuddle.

With the wild Akane pinned on top of her, Ranma could only look up and see the big, genuine, toothy smile of the most familiar and safe thing in her life. The red of Akane's outfit matched Ranma's hair, just as the blue of Ranma's matched Akane's. They were a bonded pair, and the world would see that.

“Juliet! Juuuuuuliet!” Akane cheered as she held her Ranma by the arms, and both creatures couldn't help but bounce their own energy between each other, getting more and more giggly from simply each other's presence. 

The rapid shutter of the camera quickly filled the room, and Daiya squealed happily from the footage she got. “It's just so wholesome!” 

“You must teach me how to unleash a shriek like that,” Sayuri said from the doorway, dressed fully in sleek and simple black, “It would be an excellent power to split my enemy's eardrums.”

“Don't listen to her, Daiya,” Fu-chan wrangled her girlfriend into the hallway, a camera of her own in hand, “She says the exact same thing to me but never actually wants to learn it.”

“Are we done chilling in the bathroom, by the way?” Moving towards dolls girlfriend, Yuka encouraged the wild animals in the room to get a move on, “This carnival isn't going to visit itself.”

The whole group looked patiently at Ranma and Akane. This was entirely up to them now. And Ranma, for someone who only learnt what dates were that week, felt like she simply couldn't wait any longer.

Getting up enough to lovingly mush her face into Akane's as a sign of affection, Ranma got only a little startled and blushy when Akane licked her face in return. Puppy behaviour was strange to the wildcat, but the intent was fully known. This was affection, this was love. 

… Was this what being Akane's Juliet fully meant? Because if so, Ranma would happily be her pack mate.

The repeated sound of cameras shuttering and a squeal at a pitch only Akane could hear were not a surprise in the slightest.

○○○○○

“I've failed you, my dearest plushie…” Sayuri sounded so defeated, “For my evil eye is a burden that has finally taken its due in your time of need.”

“Eh, that toy prize isn't worth it, anyway,” Yuka pulled dolls girlfriend away from the carnival game, “Just don't do anything that needs depth perception, cutie.”

○○○○○

The haunted house wasn't scary, really, to two people who had much more real and social fears than the fake murderers and zombies could provide. However, being not the only couple going in together, the was something truly terrifying to the girls walking out of the attraction. 

“Heteronormitivity…” Daiya and Fu-chan shuddered with every straight couple they saw go in and kiss, where the guy acted super dumb and tried to seem manly to protect the girl, “Yikes…”

○○○○○

The downside to dates like this were that Ranma and Akane had to pretend to be at least a little human. Everyone around them watching would think they were so weird if they acted like normal Ranmas and Akanes.

But, in Akane's opinion, the date was still incredible. There were super fast rides that she couldn't even imagine outrunning. There were so many types of tasty snacks. And most importantly of all, there was Ranma.

Akane knew now what Juliets were. They were just another way of saying a pack mate. Someone close, someone safe and special, someone you want to be around and love and stay with. 

A small bird caught Ranma's eye, and the feline pounced. The red haired creature was so cute, and such a good hunter, of course Akane couldn't help but have feelings. Not to mention how fun and helpful Ranma was, Akane was basically doomed from the beginning. 

All that was left was to confirm it. That they were pack mates, each other's Juliets in the proper meaning of the word.

Akane took a deep breath, and waited for Ranma to look back at her before speaking quietly. 

“... Ranma? Akane wants… Akane wants Ranma. Pack mates. Please?”

A stray feather from a failed catch in her mouth, Ranma's eyes went wide. If given the chance to look into them any deeper, Akane almost thought she could see a lifetime of night skies in those catlike pupils.

And then all Ranma could do was purr. A deep, rumbling that shocked any passer-by, a sign that, along with the swish of her short tail, indicated that Ranma was a very happy kitty. The tackle into a hug was incredibly playful and incredibly joyous.

“Yes. Yes yes yes. Yes.” Ranma purred into Akane's ears before rubbing her face against Akane's even more than earlier. A very loving and affectionate kitty indeed. Akane knew her own tail wouldn't stop wagging for hours

○○○○○

Hiroko and Hiroshi, both, were tricksters to a degree. But, despite the confidence that role sometimes seemed to need, both were just as socially awkward as the rest of the friend group. Truly, only Daiya could mask enough to comfortably ask for a spare napkin at a fast food restaurant. 

No, the identical catkins were absolute messes when it came to conversation with important strangers. And, given the importance of their roles in Akane's life? The Hiros were incredibly unsure what to say around Nabiki and Kasumi Tendou. 

“... Thank you again,” Hiroko, fan of apple scented soaps, said awkwardly, “For letting us wait for our friends, I mean.”

“Y-yeah, thanks,” Hiroshi, who's safe food was oranges, added, “Hope we're not a bother or anything…”

“Oh, it's no problem at all,” Kasumi seemed just as awkward, at least, “I… I understand you're occasionally animals, like Ranma, Akane, and-”

The cut off was weird, but the eldest Tendou was already painfully obvious with her third example. The plushie and dark lord duo were complaining about the imitation polar bear noises they had been hearing lately at Sayuri's place, and Ms Tendou was to blame.

“Kinda, but it's sortable like… A stress thing?” Hiroshi answered, “I'm always kind of a cat, but sometimes I'm just fully cat brained, no helping it.”

“Kinda like The Conspiracy System, but not,” Added Hiroko, “If that makes sense at all. We get too scared, or the cats get excited, and suddenly we aren't remotely human.”

“I see…” Kasumi seemed to be thinking a lot, and that made sense if she was just trying to refigure herself out.

“... So it isn't just something you cover up?” Nabiki asked, seemingly scared to do so despite the icy exterior, “It hides you, instead of the other way around?”

“Uhhhhh…” Both Hiros didn't have a proper answer there. Cat brain was them, ever since they could remember, just a different flavour of them.

“... Never mind.” The middle Tendou shrunk in on herself, more fidgety than she'd ever be at school for certain. 

The room went awkwardly silent again, not the first time and not the last. This allowed the clear sound of a mail delivery to echo through the Tendou house for all to hear. 

“That's odd, I wasn't expecting mail…” Getting up, Kasumi disappeared to the front door for a while before returning with three different boxes of different sizes, all marked fragile in Japanese, seemingly matched by similar labels in Chinese.

“Martial Arts Package Carrying…” Hiroko said in awe at the feat of strength.

“Strength must be genetic…” Hiroshi thought of a very powerful dog girl.

“It's labelled to Ranma and I,” Kasumi said in confusion, “But I can't read Chinese. Perhaps I should wait for Ranma before opening these…”

Chapter Text

Jusenkyo. The guide there was very helpful. He had set aside the packages and promised that, should anything go wrong, he would assist in the escape. He had met animals like this before. He was kind.

Nǚjié zú. Great-gr- No. Elder Ku Lun was not impressed. Not with how she was begged to, not with how the warrior she sent was nothing better than a house pet. Punishment had to be endured.

It didn't feel like punishment at first. Being brought to the spring felt like it would help her. And then she got dunked in. Pushed down. It felt like drowning. Then back up. Then back down. For who knows how long.

And then the house. Not home. It was the house now. The small and uncomfortable spaces of the house with no way out. The choice to wear bells all the time was not helpful now. The chances of reaching the guide were slim. 

… But, with paws alone, the bells came off one night. This body, comfort made uncomfortable, was familiar then. And escaping into the night in a haze of adrenaline and fear was a necessity. 

Jusenkyo was far away while on weary kitty feet.

○○○○○

The light struck Shampoo's eyes, awakening her from her heavy sleep. She had been trained to sleep through rough conditions, and the postage system was definitely one of the worst. She was so cramped, even in the comfy box…

“Oh my, a cat?” Kasumi could be heard. Good. Shampoo had made it to Japan safely. 

[Small cat in a box?] A voice meowed, speaking cat perfectly, [Are you okay? Are you hurt? You look hurt. What's wrong? Why the box?]

The only potential cat speaker in sight was… Ranma. Ranma, the quiet wildcat, whose voice sounded like a force of nature when meowing. At least, to a domestic house cat, it did. Wild and ethereal…

[It is Shampoo,] The white and pink cat mewed weakly, [Shampoo has got some special things. In the other boxes. For you all.] 

[Are. You. Hurt?] Ranma asked again, more forceful this time. 

“Uh, can we get a translation for those who don't speak Meow?” The plushie asked. The whole room seemed to agree. 

“Shampoo is hurt,” The red haired creature gestured at the wounded cat, “And has things but is hurt.”

“That's Shampoo?” The ghost seemed confused, “I know she's a cat, but… Oh heck, Hibiki.”

The room suddenly went abuzz as they remembered the boy who could turn into a pig, thanks to the very same kind of curse Ranma had. Shampoo didn't know any Hibikis, but apparently everyone else knew one who explained magic to them anyway. That made things easier.

“Fix Shampoo, then things,” Ranma was insistent, “Make her not hurt. Help the small cat.”

Something about being acknowledged for her cat status made Shampoo very, very happy.

Being able to get scooped up by someone with hands felt scary, a reminder of the punishment at Nǚjié zú, but this was calm and comfy. Shampoo was small and safe. She was a good kitty. She did good.

○○○○○ 

Akane didn't fully get what was going on, except for that the white and pink cat was Shampoo. She didn't know why there was a box of small bags, and why the other, biggest box had casks of water. But it sounded like she was about to see something incredible. 

“Full magic water,” Ranma translated the meows of the bandaged up cat on a pile of pillows, “Powder is one use only.”

“These ones appear to be for the Hiros,” Queen had a set of bags in front of her and a book in hand, “If this Chinese to Japanese dictionary is right, at least. ‘Cat drowning spring’, is that right?”

Shampoo seemed to nod, which was weird to look at. The only cats Akane had seen nod like that were Ranma and the Hiros, who weren't human despite appearances. Shampoo was so undoubtedly a cat in appearance right now, the behaviour was kind of funny.

“So… We can try being actual cats?” Hiro 1 asked with wide eyes.

Hiro 2 had an expression to match. “As a test run? Not even a permanent curse yet?”

Shampoo meowed, and Ranma translated. “Yes. Mix with normal water and it works.”

Both of the identical teens looked at each other excitedly, then at the ever ecstatic friend group, before grabbing one of the packets of magic cat powder and running towards the bathroom. 

“‘Toy spring’... ‘Spirit spring’… ‘Wolf’, ‘Wild cat’... ‘Polar bear’? Who's that for?” Queen asked, only for Kasumi to look embarrassed at the floor, “And… Daiya, this is for you!” 

“It… It is?” The himejoshi looked at the bag of powder being held out, then at Ranma, “This will…” 

Daiya didn't have to ask much more, given that two identical brown cats came running back into the living room, pouncing into Ranma's lap as the resident queen of the kitties. Akane's Juliet was so good with smaller cats.

“... Gimme the plushie powder,” Yuka grabbed dolls packet of powder before dragging Sayuri with doll, “Happy to help me, cutie?”

“Yes! Let the magic course through you!” Sayuri said dramatically, although a little bit upset there wasn't a Spring of the Drowned Dark Lord…

“I'm just… Gonna take this really quick…” Daiya finally took her bag and ran off with happy flappy hands.

Akane was pretty sure the brown cats were the Hiros, given that they smelled the same. The powder must've been how transformations happened, then, like with Ranma. And while Akane was definitely an Akane, it would be nice to be a less human looking one…

Looking at Queen, her translation dictionary, and the remaining powder packets, Akane whimpered in anticipation and hope.

“This one should be for you, Akane,” Fittingly, the satchel Queen held out was tinted blue, “And the red one should be for Ranma.”

“Mrrp?” Ranma perked up excitedly, clearly done talking as the local cat translator. There were several encouraging meows and purrs from the Hiros and Shampoo. 

“And the spirit one is for me?” Nabiki asked, “What kind of spirit?”

“It just says it depends on the individual,” Queen responded while double checking, “Results may vary.”

“Huh…” The ghost seemed a little concerned. 

“Here, I'll take Ranma and Akane to help them with their curses,” Kasumi offered, barely audible over the excited girlish giggling from the bathroom, “I would rather wait…”

The combined efforts of two very excited creatures resulted in Akane, Ranma, and Kasumi going to the kitchen instead of the busy bathroom. Two cups were filled with water, and then Kasumi opened Ranma's satchel.

“I really hope this works well with your curse…” Kasumi mused quietly as she mixed the powder into a cup, and then poured it over a very excited Ranma.

In the blink of an eye, there was no visible Ranma there. Only a pile of clothes with something trying to wriggle out of it. The Asiatic wildcat managed to poke its head out of the shirt collar, its spotted fur tinted red. 

“Akane's Ranma?” The blue haired creature got a lot of happy purrs in response, the wildcat still trying to dig out of the clothes fully, “Ranma! Juliet! Cute! Cute cute cute cute cute!”

“And this one is yours, Akane,” Holding out the other mixture, Kasumi smiled warmly, but almost a little sadly, “Do you want to try?”

“Akane wants!” The tail wags went at impeccable speeds. 

It was an odd feeling, getting splashed with water and changing. But, as Kasumi tipped the glass, it was over in the blink of an eye. Everything sat right, Akane's paws felt like paws, she was smaller than her usual body…

And the blue-tinted wolf was stuck in human clothes in the kitchen, struggling to get out of them.

○○○○○

Nabiki was surrounded by pure whimsy and joy, even if the curses were only temporary. 

Daiya, normally the tallest in the group, was basically Ranma's normal height, and was a really happy girl. She was fully getting fawned over by… Whichever girl the red hairclip signified. Nabiki felt a little bad she didn't know.

Apparently, cursed plushies could move, as Yuka was being very cuddly towards dolls chuuni girlfriend. It kinda sucked Sayuri didn't have a way to have magic powers, but she definitely didn't mind in the moment, holding on tight to her emotional support plushie. 

There was a three kitty cuddle pile on a collection of cushions, made up of Shampoo and both Hiros. Shampoo had been a bit shakey, scared and hurt before, but the company of creatures like her was helping, and everyone had shown her at least a little bit of affection for being such a good kitty.

Ranma and Akane were, as expected, together. Wildcat and wolf alike were cuddling close, with Ranma very affectionately kneading her much bigger pack mate. Occasionally, the wolf pup would lick the wild kitten on the forehead whenever it was close enough. Neither of them had stopped their respective happy tail movements since this started.

And Kasumi was there, patient. Restrained, although less than she had been. She still acted as adult supervision, making sure everything was okay, but a little more comfortably fidgeting. Signs of ice breaking away, revealing the careful but powerful creature underneath. 

“If you wanna try polar bear mode, you-”

“Not now,” Kasumi interrupted Nabiki with a sigh, “I want to try it when I know it will be safe for everyone else, first. Trust me.”

“... Okay, sure,” Nabiki guessed Kasumi wanted her girlfriend or whatever around, and that was fine, but… “Is… Is it okay if I give mine a shot?”

“Of course, why wouldn't it be?”

Nabiki looked at the packet in her hands. “... I dunno what kind of ghost I am. I don't know what this will make me. I don't wanna be an umbrella, Kasumi. What if it's only Chinese spirits? What if-”

“Nabiki, calm-”

“What if I'm a yuki-onna!? What if I'm cold, scary, and dangerous!?” There were looks from around the room, but Nabiki didn't care, “I'm not an ice queen, ‘m not scary, I don't wanna be cold and scary and-”

“Nabiki,” Her older sister's hands were around her own, and Nabiki didn't know when she started feeling so small in comparison, “It's okay, you'll make it through this. You have our support.”

“And if your powers end up dark, that means nothing of your character,” Sayuri offered, in that funny, dramatic way, “You're still kinder than most.”

“Yeah, and it'll be cool to see any ghost, right, Asami?” Daiya looked at the girl holding her.

But The Conspiracy System had a strange look on her face. “... Nabiki, if you ever feel like you need a friend that knows what it's like to feel small and scared like that, come to us, got it? You have our support.”

Nabiki didn't really get what that meant, but Asami, apparently, recognised something. So, looking around the room to no disapproval, Nabiki got up, took a deep breath, and walked towards the bathroom.

She was a little wobbly, but she was overwhelmed. It was only natural, after all. But getting to the shower tap, filling the wash bucket up with water, and mixing in the powder, all filled her with just a little bit more excitement. The people out there didn't care what kind of ghost she was, they only wanted her.

The roulette wheel of potential spirits was in her hands, but it was a one time usage curse, anyway. If Nabiki didn't like it, she could stop and never try again. The water washed over her in the blink of an eye, and looking at the bathroom mirror…

Nabiki was shorter. Her hair was still a bobcut, but she was shorter, softer, generally… Childlike. Her big kid clothes had fallen right through her, revealing her smaller frame wearing a kosode and red chanchanko. She hardly looked any older than when she died.

“... Zashiki-warashi…” Nabiki whispered to herself, voice as youthful as her appearance. Parlor Child. Ghosts of children that bring good fortune, and a little mischief. A ghost that was generally appreciated. 

The ghost stuck her hand through the door, letting it phase through before pulling it back. Then, willing to do so, she touched the handle and opened it normally. That alone made the seven year old giggle with glee.

… She was only seven. Everyone liked her as a big kid but that meant nothing cos she was too small. She-

Nabiki had been told it was okay if she was small and scared, though. She had support, and friends who wanted to see a ghost. She had a big sister to show she was okay. Nabiki was tough, she could do this. 

All eyes turned towards her as she re-entered the living room. It was slightly creepy seeing a plushie turn its head like that without help. And Nabiki was so close to shying away, to telling herself it was dumb and stupid and she should just be made of ice and-

“... It is so good to see you, little sister.”

Kasumi's smile was melancholic, but… It was kind. It was protective. There was no way Kasumi was expecting anything like a little kid to wander in, but she saw Nabiki with such a gentle look in her eyes, and Nabiki knew the polar bear couldn't hurt her.

The three humans in the room looked at her in awe, but not mockery. The house cats gave her nothing worse than curious head-tilts. The plushie did dolls best attempt at clapping. And the wolf pup and her wildcat girlfriend both gave their own curious but happy looks. 

And Nabiki, the ghost giving her true form a trial run, felt Kasumi attempt to hug her. Nabiki made sure she was solid enough to be hugged. This was nice. This was small, comfy, and nice, and Nabiki was the ghost she should always be. 

Her face felt as warm as her smile could make it, another giggle escaping her mouth. 

Chapter Text

Kasumi wasn't the best at focusing without trying to repress everything inwards, but she was good enough to drive. Her fingers would simply tap at the wheel, ignore the lovey dovey teens in the back, and try not to think about what she was about to do.

“And I like being able to talk to you, so I'm really glad it isn't fully permanent,” Yuka chatted away in the back, “But holy shit, it was just so nice! I'm absolutely going to use the water if I get mum's permission!”

“I'm so glad you liked it, my dear plushie,” Sayuri sounded happy, but also a little bit put down, “And I'm happy to have you as mine, regardless of plushie size, so don't you dare worry about that.”

Yuka giggled a little, snuggling as much into dolls girlfriend as doll could with seatbelts on. It had been a good day for all those who had gotten to sample the curses, and the casks were just waiting for them back at the Tendou household, only unused due to everyone needing to think through how inconvenient that water trigger might be.

The only one who was a bit sad was Sayuri, and Kasumi couldn't help but feel bad for her. The dark lord wasn't able to get her supposed powers back, not like how the rest of her friends could get the right bodies. 

“Kasumi, may I ask, why are you waiting to see my cousin before trying your own powder?” Sayuri spoke after the lull in her own conversation, “Wouldn't it have been better to try it with your own family around?”

The older girl considered the true answer, paused, and decided against sharing that. “W-well… Someone needed to have hands, just in-”

“Someone like Daiya, The Conspiracy System, your ghostly sister, or myself?” The dark lord shut the lie down, “There were plenty of helping hands.”

“You can just admit you find Hibari hot,” Yuka snarked, “We hear your frequent ‘fight sessions’.”

“I have considered investing in earplugs, though that might cause too much sensory deprivation in combination with my far more necessary eyepatch…” Mused Sayuri.

“THEY ARE JUST NORMAL FIGHTS, I PROMISE!” Kasumi's face went beet red, despite the fact she was completely telling the truth. Fights, followed by plenty of reassurance that everything was okay and Kasumi hadn't hurt Hibari and she was a good creature and oh fuck wait a minute-

Both teens laughed, and it certainly wasn't the first time Kasumi being socially awkward caused her to be made fun of, but this wasn't bullying. This wasn't laughter that'd make Kasumi suppress herself again. This was something she laughed at too.

“In all honesty, though,” Sayuri said after calming down, “You should have shown your family, first. Even if polar bears are frightening, not all that is dark is malicious. I would know.”

“And polar bears are just awesome, anyway,” Yuka chimed in, “Oh, there was this one time I was at this toy store a few blocks from my house, and they had this huge plush polar bear that was probably the length of this car, and-”

She wouldn't be malicious… She would be awesome… 

Kasumi, the polar bear, regardless of how things went tonight, was a kind and caring soul. A bit of a mess, but still good. And, should she have to fight, she would do so protecting her family, her pack. 

… Should she say ‘her sleuth’? No, no, that'd be weird, given that she was the only bear.

○○○○○

Ranma was, overall, really happy with her wildcat form! It wasn't exactly a Ranma like she was, but it was way, WAY better than looking like a black haired human. She was, without a doubt, not human. 

But, when it came time for everyone to leave, there were only three who stayed in the magically given forms. Daiya walked out an incredibly happy girl. Shampoo stayed in her feline form as not to risk seeing how injuries translated across bodies. 

… And Nabiki. Nabiki was strange, which made sense, because neither Ranma or Akane understood what ghosts were fully. It had been explained, but it never really clicked. Were all ghosts human child shaped?

The ghost was currently preoccupied by Akane, the blue haired creature receiving arguably the most amount of headpats she'd ever received in her life. It might have actually been impossible for Akane to sprain her tail, given how long it had been wagging all day.

So that left just Ranma and Shampoo, both curled up on pillows, to watch just how much the false ice queen could melt away. Both equally jealous that they weren't the ones getting lots of affection, though unwilling to actually say that.

At least, it was only the four, until the front door started to jostle open. By the sound of the ongoing conversation outside, Pops and Dad had returned from their evening out, though they were oddly giggly.

In the blink of an eye, Nabiki’s face went from a warm smile to a scared, wide-eyed expression. She briefly seemed to shake herself awake without having been asleep, and ran away, phasing through the hallway door, leaving behind powdery footprints. 

“Weeee're home!” Dad, with his moustache weirdly messy, slumped into the living room to see Ranma, Akane, and the pink and white true form of Shampoo, “... Where's ‘Sumi?”

“Oh! With her Juliet!” Akane piped up, though her tail had noticeably slowed to a stop.

“Her…?” The moustached man looked dizzy and confused, despite being the one who taught Ranma and Akane about Juliets, “... Guess she's… she's busy…”

“Allllllll your girls are SO ungrateful!” Pops barrelled through, just as clumsy as his friend, “How are we ‘sposed to get dinner now, huh?”

“Why's there footprints?” Looking at the trail left behind by a ghost, Dad squinted, “And… Pink kittycat?”

Shampoo, with a bit of effort, wandered behind Ranma to hide with some scared meows. [Shampoo does not like drunks. Nuh uh.”

[Drunks?] Ranma meowed back, only vaguely remembering the sound of that word but not the meaning. This, however, was cut off by Pops loudly stomping right in front of Ranma, making himself appear bigger as a fear tactic. It worked.

“TALK LIKE A MAN, DAMMIT!” The bald man shouted into Ranma's face, picking the red haired creature up by the shoulders, “YOU'RE NOT A CAT!”

Ranma could only go limp. Translating for Shampoo had used up all the ability to comfortably speak human at all. It was too exhausting, and Ranma knew to be scared of Pops, and she couldn't even say sorry for apparently doing something wrong.

That's when Akane, as she had before, fought off Pops. Powerfully and aggressively, Ranma's pack mate did everything she could to tear the bald man apart, although it was hardly a fair fight. Pops went unconscious almost immediately. 

Looking at Akane, Ranma saw something she couldn't describe. Something beyond her very understanding. Akane was simply beautiful in a way that Ranma wasn't sure there were any words or vocalisations to describe her. An embodiment of desire and and of hunting, both in equal measure. 

“SSSTOP THAT!” Dad's speech slurred as he yelled at Akane, and time suddenly started moving again as Akane froze, “No! Bad!”

He continued to yell more, but his voice kept slipping between sounds in a way that made his speech unrecognisable. All that was known was that he was yelling at Akane, she was whimpering, and Ranma owed her Juliet. 

Dad was supposed to be kind of nice, at least compared to Pops, so he got it easy. A catlike blur of red with a soft jingling of bells zoomed past, and the moustached man got knocked out. It was good that the casks were moved to Kasumi's room, or else there would be magic water everywhere from how clumsy he fell.

The paired creatures, with Shampoo following the best she could, ran into their room, seeking the shelter that was the pillow fort den. Ranma was fortunate enough that slowly, over her time here, pretending to be human let her learn how to lock the door from inside. 

The humans were just asleep. They were sleeping. There would be a time when they wouldn't, and what if they remembered? They weren't strong enough to fight Akane, or fast enough to catch Ranma, but what about-

Nabiki. She had made herself look human again, as tall as she was normally, but she was huddled into the darkest corner of the pillow fort. She had her own room, but she seeked shelter with her pack. 

Climbing in, Ranma didn't get to snuggle in with her Akane immediately. The blue haired creature whimpered and curled up with the ghost instead. This slowed some of Nabiki’s harsh breaths at least, just like it was when supporting the rest of the pack. 

But, clearly, Akane wasn't okay either, still shaking. So, Ranma hugged her pack mate closely in turn. It was awkward, given the slight height difference, but it didn't matter. Akane had her Ranma, Ranma had her Akane.

Shampoo found a spot to curl up amidst the three, squeezing her way in there for hugs of her own. She hadn't left anyone's side since getting here, and while Ranma didn't know what had happened to the house cat, it was clear she needed company anyway. 

“... Sorry… Sorry…” Nabiki whispered into the night, “Should have… Been…”

There was no continuation of that sentence. Just sniffles that sounded as young as her proper ghostly body had looked.

○○○○○

Super early mornings were good for one thing, and one thing only. To a being who loved the night, it was still comfortably dark. That was how Sayuri Oozora, Dark Lord, was alright with sneaking around her home before sunrise.

Truth be told, she had a rather rough time sleeping, even with her dearest emotional support plushie in her arms. There was so much excitement the day before, she was probably just overwhelmed by everything that had happened! 

… Surely…

Alright, so she felt a little… Not neglected. She refused to use that word for anything that wasn't as bad as her past experiences. Not ignored, either. No, Sayuri just felt a tad bit left out, and not in a way that there was someone to blame. 

There just simply wasn't a spring for her. That wasn't in anyone's control, how could it be? Dark Lords and magic users were few and far between. The only person close to Sayuri in domain was that student in her class, Gosunkugi, and he was only a fan of the aesthetic and the wrong elements of the arcane. They were totally incompatible. 

To be neglected was to be left completely alone. To have no one. To have to hide because your parents would get violent with you. To feel so alone, you had to become impossible to ignore. To be forced to command respect. To… To…

… Sayuri didn't want to wake up Yuka, but she did want to talk to someone. She had to check in on someone, anyone, to show she was good enough to keep around. The Hiros always had extra morning catnaps, Miichan might not know how to use a phone if in front, and Dai had the phone conversation skills of a pigeon, though… 

But there was a chance that someone at the Tendou household might pick up. At worst, Mr Saotome or Mr Tendou, but they would at least be able to give a loose update to see if Ranma and Akane might want to come over or something. 

The phone did get picked up immediately. When it did, it was not a clear, crisp voice answering, but a broken one.

“H-hello, Tendou house…” Nabiki, likely the only one there who could operate the phone that wasn't a jackass, didn't really sound like herself. She didn't even sound like her cute, childish true form.

“Greetings, this is Sayuri Oozora, I simply wished to check and-”

“Is big sis there?” 

The sudden question felt like something a kid would ask, especially how Nabiki said it. And while a little nagging and very incorrect voice that sounded like Sayuri's mother kept saying it sounded like she was unwanted, Sayuri knew it was true.

“I can go find her, if you wish,” Sayuri made sure to speak gently, as if talking to Miichan or a different child, “What's the problem?”

“N-need her here… Dad was drunk, and… And…”

There was a painful familiarity in that fearful tone, and it made Sayuri's memories and imagination run wild. Nabiki could've said anything next, but it didn't matter. With all the power she had at her fingertips, Sayuri swore then and there to destroy whoever had hurt her dear allies and companions. 

“I will make sure your sister is there as soon as possible, you have my word,” The Dark Lord already planned her route to the Oozora dojo building, “You are wanted, you will be safe, I promise.”

The phone got slammed back into place, and Sayuri ran as fast as her pathetic normal teenage girl legs could take her. 

The inside of the dojo was empty, aside from Hibari laying on top of a sleeping polar bear, giving hugs like Sayuri gave Yuka. The white fur of the bear was peppered with pinkish-red lipstick marks.

“THE CREATURES CALL FOR AID!” There was no time for a gentle wake up call. There was only time for the Dark Lord to take action.

Chapter Text

Akane almost wanted to growl at the sound of the vehicle outside. She wanted to point as much attention to it as possible, just in case it was intruders or maybe people she could play with. She wanted to bark out the window by instinct. 

She didn't for two reasons. 

The first was the most obvious. No one had slept and everyone was on edge. Shampoo was still sleepy and hurt. Nabiki was slightly shuddering, unable to freeze solid into that Ice Queen persona she relied on. Ranma was on high alert for danger within the house. If Akane started getting loud, it wouldn't be pleasant for anyone. 

The second was that Akane knew at least one of the cars outside. That was the car that Kasumi used to get to places. The other one was stranger, a bigger black car that looked like it could hold a lot more. 

Akane had been a bit late to see people coming out of the cars. There was the sound of the front door rattling, so Kasumi was probably back. That was good. Kasumi was safe, she'd make Home safe. She'd stop Dad and Pops. 

“Ah, Kasumi, welcome back,” Dad could be heard, awake, downstairs, “I'd like you to go tell your sisters something. They were rather troublesome last night, and-”

“Get the boy down here, too!” Pops wasn't angrier than Dad, just a different kind of angry, an active kind of angry instead of passive, “I have some things I need to re-drill into his head!”

“Girl…” Ranma whimpered, clearly trying to play the game but not wanting Pops to potentially hear. The fake panda man making her Juliet so scared made Akane furious. 

“Of course…” Kasumi sounded like she was hanging on by a thread, and soon the sound of her and five others walking up the stairs were all Akame could focus on. 

The door rattled, Nabiki tensed up in the corner she was hiding in, and Ranma very hesitantly got up to unlock it for the cavalry that had arrived. The door swung open quietly, as if the entering group didn't wish to disturb too much.

Kasumi, with Hibari's arm around her waist, didn't seem as tidy and organised as she usually did. She didn't even seem to have tried. Her hair was out of its ponytail, flowing freely, rushed and wild, like she sprinted to get to Home despite actually just driving.

“We're getting out of here,” Kasumi whispered loudly, getting her pack to hear without letting the humans downstairs know, “Pack everything you need. Ask for help if you need it.”

“Pack?” Akane knew what that word meant, obviously, but not like this. Not used like that. 

Sayuri and Yuka, both still in pyjamas, pushed forward into the room, both carrying large empty bags. “Don't worry, we'll help,” The dark lord said with a very concerned smile, “This is our daring rescue mission!” 

“Ryoga, if you can help me carry the Jusenkyo casks to the van, that would be greatly appreciated,” Kasumi directed to the easily lost boy behind her, “I can guide the way.”

“On it!” As he followed Kasumi to her room, Ryoga gave a happy smile to Ranma and a slightly more scared smile to Akane.

“And Azusa can watch the very cute kitty!” The brown haired girl Akane only saw around Ryoga recently seemed to have followed along, and immediately ran over to pick up Shampoo, “Nicole!”

Amidst all the hustle, Hibari helped pick Nabiki up off the floor to go and get stuff from her room. Everyone was packing things away into bags, and it felt like the opposite of when Akame arrived. She was being moved from her enclosure, as were Ranma, Kasumi, and Nabiki.

… If everything good was being put into bags, then Akane knew something super special to bring. On the largely unused table was a box, one full of photos that Kasumi brought in on the day that Ranma arrived with a young human girl that looked a lot like Akane in them. Photos with that older human who looked a lot like Kasumi and felt familiar. 

“Here!” Akane took the box and handed it to Yuka, who seemed to be grabbing the majority of the Akane things, “Special things!”

○○○○○

Nabiki, in the mess of everything moving around, was in a weird state between herself and the mask she wore. She was okay to pick out some things, but there was a lot of decision making stressing her out. 

At least having someone help was a good thing. Kasumi's girlfriend or whatever was really nice, having clearly helped with a similar escape before, and she knew that she was talking to a ghost the whole time. Kasumi must've told her.

“Okay, ghost girl, anything else we need to grab?” Hibari stood tall over the ever growing luggage, “There's a good chunk of clothes, a lot of books, your school bag, all that spare change…”

There was still so much left in the room, and Nabiki was actually struggling to even name a single thing. It was getting colder and emptier by the second, and she found it both comforting and horrifying. 

“Okay, shh, shh, you're going to be okay,” The blonde woman's hands landed on Nabiki’s shoulders, “You should've seen your big sister the moment she heard there was trouble. If we didn't pick up bandanna boy and his girlfriend along the way, there would've been no stops getting here at all.”

“... Mhm?” The idea of Kasumi using rage to power through traffic popped into Nabiki’s mind, and while it was a little unrealistic, her imagination ran with it anyway. 

“Yep, she had to save her favourite… Uh, sorry,” Hibari looked a little embarrassed, “I don't know if you're a specific kind of ghost or not. But you're her favourite one.”

“... Zashiki-warashi.” 

“Parlour child? Oh, so you're just a young little spook, then?” Suddenly, there was a shift in Hibari's tone, it becoming just that bit gentler, “That makes sense. Okay, is there anything you need for being younger?”

“... Don't have anything…” Anything from Nabiki’s childhood had been given away the moment she had felt like she had died, “... Only big human stuff…”

There was a slight look of indirect anger on Hibari's face, not aimed at Nabiki in the slightest as she muttered under her breath. “Three for three on daughters with major issues… Mr Tendou, you better fucking watch out.”

○○○○○

Whatever happened last night, Genma and Soun were still thankfully licking their wounds from it. Neither Ranma and Akane were ever going to be proper martial artists with trained skill, but Kasumi could at least breathe a little easier knowing they could protect themselves.

Hell, the far more feral creatures protected two who many would consider more capable at face value. Nabiki’s frozen-over persona could talk her way out of everything, and Shampoo had been such a threat before. But it was the wildcat and wolf who took action. Kasumi was very proud of… Both of her new sisters. 

There wasn't any denying it anymore. Akane wasn't that little girl who got lost. The Akane Kasumi knew now was a different beast entirely, and that was okay. Kasumi adored her little sisters in general, no matter who. And if Akane was keeping Ranma around, then Kasumi would keep the redhead around too.

It was scary how easy it was to pack away ‘Kasumi Tendou, the human woman’’s life away into a few bags. All the clothes she owned only took up half a suitcase, having never tried to stand out. A few important papers and files took up the next quarter, followed by a book or two. There was no attachment to the bedsheets and pillows. There was nothing too much to identify as hers. 

Kasumi was nineteen, and yet her whole life was practically carry-on luggage. Easy to tuck away, unobtrusive. The most life and vibrancy that was explicitly hers was in a photo album, of a little girl starting primary school with wilderness in her eyes and passion in her heart.

Looking in the mirror by her bedside, Kasumi didn't see something human. She saw a woman with hair that needed brushing, clothes that'd been thrown on, eyes that needed rest. But not human. 

The reflection and the old picture simply showed a polar bear pressed into the wrong shape, but with all the power and emotion. The difference was that of a cub and a grown bear just having breached the barrier of maturity. 

“Hey, Kas?” Hibari knocked on the door, “Everything's loaded up in the van, your family's ready to get out, how's things for you?”

Turning to face the woman she had the hugest crush on, Kasumi sighed. “I'm… I'm far too ready. Are you sure you're okay with us st-”

“Yes, I can handle some extra creatures around the house, and I'm sure Sayuri won't mind the extra attention either,” Gently, Hibari slipped her hand into Kasumi's, “I definitely won't mind having such a pretty girl and the world's kindest polar bear around.”

It wasn't fair that a smile, a few kind words, and simple hand holding was enough to make Kasumi melt like putty. It was nice being cared about, and not being the only one taking control. Hibari had to have been the best human Kasumi had ever known.

“Alright, let's… Let's get going.” Kasumi said with less of a heavy heart than she would have expected before finding Akane.

Gathered at the entrance was Nabiki, Akane, and Ranma, the rest all likely in the van. The Tendou family car would be staying at the house, given that it was legally Soun's in a way that couldn't be disputed. 

It was the moment that Kasumi passed the living room door, hand in Hibari's hand, that Soun and Genma both caught a glimpse at what had been happening, finally noticing the presence of the blonde woman in the house.

“Kasumi, who's this?” Soun asked, looking the two up and down, “I don't believe she'd be one of Akane's friends…”

Hibari spoke up before Kasumi could. “Hibari Oozora, caretaker for Sayuri, one of Akane's proper friends. Although, I'm more personally acquainted with Kasumi here.”

“What's some blonde haired delinquent doing around here, Tendou?” Genma got up to ask, and almost managed to push through the doorway, “And you, have you brought the boy? You sure took your sweet time!”

Kasumi didn't even bother speaking to react. Instead, Genma Saotome found himself launched through the roof with an uppercut, right into where his guest room would be upstairs. Hopefully he'd take the time to nap while there. 

“I'm not letting Ranma stay as a poor girl to get slaughtered,” Kasumi said sharply and plainly to her father's shocked face, “Nor Akane, nor Nabiki, nor myself.”

“My dear girl, what…” There was clearly denial running through Soun's mind, but instead he landed on something else, “I thought we agreed you should quit the art?”

“No, you coerced a nine year old into saying she should.” Rather than let herself get angrier, Kasumi simply turned around to walk away, still holding her favourite human's hand. 

Soun didn't follow. Maybe he was too scared to go flying through the roof. Maybe he was still trying to comprehend it all. It didn't matter. Kasumi would've been ready to launch him into the stratosphere if he did try something, but she didn't need to.

Her pack was moving out.

○○○○○

Ranma and cars didn't get along, the latter being too loud and cramped for the former. But, in the middle row of seats, Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki sat patiently. They were leaving Home, and it didn't feel like they were going back.

The whole menagerie in the big car was actually really quiet, aside from the cooing of that Azusa girl that Ryoga started hanging around with. She was busy hugging both cat form Shampoo and pig form Ryoga, calling them different names. Was being a ‘Charlotte’ or a ‘Nicole’ like being a Juliet?

Also squished in the back was Sayuri and Yuka, both sleepy and exhausted, quietly reminiscing over something sad. They both helped so much at getting things packed for Ranma and Akane, it was like they had experience with it. 

The containers of magical water were in the boot, along with almost all the bags. The only bag that was plainly visible was a luggage bag Kasumi had in front of her legs in the front seat, Hibari driving. 

All that was left was Nabiki, huddled to one side of the middle seats, and Akane, who was taking a nap while leaning into Ranma. It had been a long, scary night of no sleep. Of course Akane needed her rest.

And with a yawn, Ranma needed a cat nap too. She could only wait so long till the pack got to Sayuri's place. So, tempting fate a little, Ranma let herself relax the littlest bit. She let her eyes gently shut as she hugged Akane close.

And there was an air of peace among the chaos of changing habitat. Something Ranma didn't get the last time. It was nice.

Chapter Text

For the sake of avoiding sensory issues, Daiya had gotten incredibly good at avoiding things she didn't want to encounter. Especially when masking and hiding herself away, textures like linen and the hooks on velcro might as well have never been created. 

So, with said skill, she was able to wake up in bed without coming close to even a single drop of hot water. Her temporary cursed form was capable of lasting the trip home, the night, and now, hopefully, the morning. 

Everything just felt so much better like this. Even though she was now roughly Ranma height, also known as ‘short’, it wasn't a problem. It felt nice not having her feet dangle of the end of the bed, and even nicer how much her weighted blanket could just envelop her completely. 

Admittedly, Daiya's clothing situation was a little awkward. Her pyjamas could drape over her easily, but that wouldn't cut it for going out and about! She would be absolutely swimming in her usual comfortable and easy to wear hoodie if she even tried. 

Maybe it was time to try some of the fancier clothes she owned, even if they weren't really meant for her body like this. There were plenty of nice enough clothes for her very incorrect boy form, so maybe if she just tried looking, for once…

… Daiya could pull off a very cute look. Something like a childhood friend who lives next-door, wearing an oversized cable-knit sweater that she had to roll up the sleeves for, with soft shorts for that extra innocent look. She looked like a plushie's hypothetical little sister, in all honesty. 

The imaginary doujin started to flood her thoughts, how the adorable and innocent MC modelled after her had several charming suitors, each willing to welcome MC-chan into the world of white lilys hand in hand, and then it'd be revealed the suitors were all working together to woo her and pin her against the wall and take-

Fu-chan's thoughts on yaoi were starting to affect Daiya’s thoughts on yuri, it seemed. 

After completing her morning routine needed to simply survive the day, Daiya found herself practically skipping through the halls, something she only ever came close to when she just couldn't contain herself. And really, she wasn't! She was a girl as openly as she could, and nothing would bring her down once this incredibly blessed curse was permanent. 

Strolling past the kitchen to grab the orange juice that had been long ingrained into her routine, it tasted just a little bit sweeter, a little more vibrant. Her smile must've been huge, because it seemed to find similarly happy faces when she walked into the dining room.

“There's a ray of sunshine! Look at you!” Her mother, tall as ever, was also very invasive of privacy as she practically scooped Daiya up into her arms, “Ah, all the boys are just going to eat you up!”

“Muuuuummm…” It took a lot of power not to gag at the thought of dating some boy instead of her beloved girlfriend/s. 

“Give her some space, dear,” Daiya’s dad was at least a little reasonable, “Let her enjoy the wonders of female friendship before you push all that mature romance on her.”

“But you know how much I adore high school sweethearts as a trope!” 

“But the innocence between girls as they form lifelong friendships is-”

This argument would probably go on for a while, so once she pried herself out of the hug, Daiya made her clever escape. She had about half an hour before The Conspiracy System would come knocking at the door, which gave her just enough time to double check the things she planned to bring today and-

The door was knocked on loudly right then, instead. Unfortunately, being the closest to the door and having her parents preoccupied, Daiya had to be the one to answer. Her usual go-to masking behaviour felt a little off as she went to respond…

And it all, thankfully, fell away again when Asami was the one standing outside. The girl with the red hairclip was staring obviously enough that it made Daiya blush, shaking it off just barely.

“Change of plans, Dai, sorry for the early drop in,” Asami sighed, “Sayuri called, we're going to her place later instead of Akane's old place.”

○○○○○

“The evil one called, says to go to her house later instead of those other two's,” Hiroko’s older sister leaned against the doorway, “Something about your pack thingy avoiding someone's dad or something.”

“She isn't actually evil, Chihiro,” Putting down her orange nail polish, Hiroko sighed, “I know Sayuri is a dark lord, and she froze mentos inside ice cubes that one time, but-” 

“Evil!” Chihiro started walking off before bumping into the other Hiroko walking in, “Oh, hi Hatori.”

“How'd you know!?” Both Hiroko’s said in unison. When their genders lined up, it was really only Ranma and Akane who could tell them apart.

“Because Hiroko Hatori always tucks her shirt into her skirt, Hiroko Hitachiin doesn't,” The older girl shrugged while properly leaving, “And I haven't told your plural friend, don't worry. Have a good cat day.”

The pseudo twins both looked to find that, sure enough, the girl that liked apple scented soaps had tucked her shirt in. “... It's an old habit, remember the primary school girl's uniform?”

“Ugh, everything about that place is burnt into my skull, of course I do.” There was a slight chuckle before both brunettes sighed. 

It wasn't time to think of their unfortunate bonding circumstances, but Hiro Two couldn't help it now. The kind of environment that strip's someone of a sturdy sense of humanity never really could be left behind. 

At least today was arguably one of the best to not be human. Even if the meeting place had been changed, the Hiros would still get to be incredibly cat brained if they needed to. Their parents had even supported getting the curse, so there was no need to worry.

“Hey, sis? Would…” Hiroko breathed in, cautious, just before asking, “... Would it be okay with you if I brought the… Um… The collar I have?”

“I was going to bring mine, anyway,” The twin fidgeted with the end of her shirt, unsure if she should untuck it or not, “So go ahead. We don't want to be mistaken as strays, do we?”

“Of course not!” A little spark of excitement filled Hiro Two as she went to dig through the small ‘cat brain gear’ collection that had been accumulating over the years in her room, an identical set in Hiro One's house. 

○○○○○

“Yeah, mum, I know. It's literally just hot and cold water. No, I'm not doing drugs. Yes it does work. I've literally tried it before. It's not drugs, really. It's magic. Look, I'll show you at home, just- This is a thing for me. Please…”

Yuka pleaded into the phone speaker, dolls mother on the other side. Hibari had already tried to pitch in as the resident (and only coping) adult, but it was still a little bit of push and pull. Admittedly, it did sound absurd that Yuka could get cursed, but it literally wasn't drugs! What else was doll supposed to say beyond explaining exactly how it worked!

It was a reluctant agreement when it happened, and it made doll feel awful. Yuka heard such a resigned voice from the other side, and… Well, doll understood why. Dolls father was… Awful. Brutally, terribly, awful. And Yuka's mother blamed it on the alcohol. If she thought that Jusenkyo was actually some illicit substance, the concern made sense…

The phone clicked quiet. Actual, genuine magic was apparently too hard to just believe, but Yuka was given permission regardless. 

“... Sounded rough.” A voice from behind scared Yuka a little.

The plush turned around to face a ghost. “Ah, Nabiki, hey. It… Yeah. It was.”

There was a shared silence between both, neither really knowing how to act around the other. Nabiki’s ice cold front was practically slush instead, the older girl embarrassed by how much she had been torn apart in so short a time.

“... I just need to update some friends about things, so…” The ghost pointed at the phone. 

“O-oh, yeah, right,” Yuka stepped aside, “Uh, good luck?” 

“Thanks, it's… It's going to be harder at school, but…” Shrugging awkwardly, Nabiki didn't really continue that thought, “... See you around.”

Yuka left her upperclassman to it, swearing doll heard something about ‘money still coming in’ and how the Tendou house was no longer a viable meeting place. There was also, just a little, a desperate plea that Yuka could only hear the tone of as doll got too far away to make out words.

The only thing to do now for doll was to wait for the rest of the pack to arrive, now that there was permission to get cursed. It was tempting to just go and grab her cask immediately, but it might be rude to be so impatient…

So, Yuka walked out to the courtyard, following along the engawa but only walking on the grass it circled. The dark was nice for comfort, yes, but this was good for feeling free. A teary eyed plushie, getting dried in the sunlight.

○○○○○

Hands felt weird after all this time. They still weren't right, they never were, but after so long in her true cat body, Shampoo especially didn't know how to feel about them. It didn't help that they cramped up easily after some of the damage she went through. 

“Um, Shampoo? Are you okay there?” The calloused hand of Ryoga Hibiki slipped into hers, away from the tight bandage he was wrapping around her wrist, “I hope it's not too tight, but I was told you might damage your wrist if it wasn't protected, so-”

“Oh, Shampoo is… Alright. She is alright,” The should-be cat shook her head to get herself a bit out of her funk, “It's… A lot. Too, too much… But Shampoo is a good kitty.”

“A very good and cute kitty!” The girl named Azusa Shiratori continued to hold Shampoo in place, “And that is why Azusa and Ryoga are here to help! You're friends with Ryoga's sister, right?”

It might’ve been rude, but Shampoo didn't really see the physical relation between Ranma and Ryoga. “... Maybe friends. Shampoo has been a bad friend if yes.”

“That's close enough for Azusa!” 

“Yeah, and I'm not letting someone who's helping my sister be happy stay hurt,” Ryoga flashed a fanged grin, “You did amazing with getting those cursed casks here. I'm just sorry I only know first aid for human bodies, not cat bodies.”

“No, no, Shampoo should have become human sooner anyway…” The strain on her currently human wrist wasn't great in cat form. 

Azusa simply huffed, squeezing Shampoo harder so the cat wouldn't fall off her lap. The brunette had simply refused to let go of the hurt kitty, even when hot water got involved. She was simply too protective of the newly nicknamed ‘Nicole’, and apparently all cute things, too.

… Shampoo didn't ask for ear scritches, even though she kind of wanted to. It would be too embarrassing if she did, wouldn't it? She was a cat, and the pair taking care of her at the moment were kind. But they were also strangers. 

“Aaaand here we go, nice and tight!” Ryoga said cheerfully as he taped the bandage wrap, “Wrappings tend to carry over to my pig form, so hopefully it works the same for an actual cat. How's it feel?”

“It is…” There was still a slight sting where Shampoo knew the elastic band would've been, but… “It is good. Better. Thank you.”

Clenching her fingers just a little bit more, Shampoo tried hard not to think about how much harm her hands had done, how much Shan Pu the warrior woman had done. Instead of imagining her hands as the weapons they were, she tried to focus on how they would reshape into her true paws…

And someone else's hand gently reached under her chin, lightly scratching underneath. 

“Shh, shh, good kitty,” Azusa must've noticed how hard Shampoo was focusing on her hand, “Nicole is a very good cat for Azusa, right, Charlotte?”

Ryoga chuckled a little nervously, a bit awkward over his girlfriend's nickname habits still. “If she wants to be. Shampoo can be a good cat for her own sake, too.”

Something happened. Something Shampoo didn't know could happen. In cat form, maybe, but in her wrong body? It was unexpected. 

Shampoo purred.

The girl holding the cat gasped, then started petting Shampoo's head with her hand instead, excitedly. “So cute!”

Shampoo didn't know a lot of humans in Japan. But, between the few in Ranma's pack, and the two who were taking care of Shampoo while all other focus was on settling in the displaced wildcat, wolf, ghost and polar bear…

Shampoo was definitely happy being a house cat like this.

Chapter Text

“So it should be fine?” Hibari asked into the phone speaker, “Yes? Awesome! Thank you so much, we owe you a lot. Have a nice day!”

The room remained tense, all eyes switching between Hibari and Ranma. Once the phone call ended, the best possible news was revealed. 

“It should just replace Ranma's wrong body!” The blonde woman cheered, “Only redhead and wildcat options will stay, so it's safe! Like overwriting a tape.”

The collective sigh of relief was necessary, everyone having held their breath a little too long due to the possible worst case scenario. But Ranma would be fine! She got to get rid of the weird, purely human looking body! 

The labels had been checked repeatedly, just to make sure everyone had the right cask. Ranma's was in front of her, tempting her. The pack was gathered in one place to get cursed together, though, so she waited, tail showing her impatience regardless. 

“Now?” Akane was a bit less quiet about her enthusiasm, pawing at her cask, “Now? Wolf now?”

“Here, let me help with that,” Queen picked up the cask, tipping it over Akane, “Just so it doesn't drop on you when your paws replace your hands.”

In the blink of an eye, the blue-tinted wolf pup appeared, shaking off the remaining water as soon as The Conspiracy System backed away, and as soon as she dug herself ouf of the human clothes she was in. Akane was an incredibly happy creature, and Ranma couldn't wait any more to join her Juliet. 

“And this is for you, Ranma!” Daiya grabbed the appropriate cask and began to pour, “Now go, be animal yuri!” 

Water washed over Ranma, and she had her paws again. Her slightly spotted fur. Her even better ears. She didn't have the body of a Ranma at the moment, but being a wildcat instead still felt so incredibly right, the cutest little hunter.

Wriggling her way out of her too big clothing, the wildcat kitten then looked straight at her pack mate, her Akane, and pounced playfully into a big hug. The immediate reaction from the room as the two feral creatures played was a unified ‘Awwww’, but that did nothing to interrupt what was now playtime. 

○○○○○

Kasumi was once again the last to be cursed. Only this time, it would be a permanent thing. Form changing with each splash of water. Unavoidable. Absolutely everyone barring a missing four humans looked at her expectantly, but she still just couldn't do it.

She wanted to. Every bone in her body wanted to. Her skin itched with the need of taking her true shape again, like the temporary powder of last night. But she looked over at all the people that she'd be at risk of hurting if something went wrong and-

“Do you want me to help?” Hibari asked from beside her, “That way it won't drop out of your paws.” 

“I trust you, sis,” Nabiki was the only one cursed who instantly used the hot kettle, trying to uphold her maturity the same way Kasumi was hesitant about her true self, “I can handle it.”

“I just think seeing a polar bear in person would be cool.” Sayuri said, to the various meows and singular bark of agreement from the animals in the room. 

There was support, and everyone thought Kasumi would be safe to be around. She was a creature in charge of her own destiny, and repressing herself down to the most palatable version of her only did her harm. It only caused harm. 

“... I would like help with pouring it over me.” She said with a sigh, expelling breath and worries at once. 

“Attagirl, here you go.” Hibari lightly kissed Kasumi's forehead before getting the cask of cursed water and letting it spill.

Now, the awkward part was how Kasumi was now physically a polar bear wearing human clothes. But other than that? Her paws didn't tingle with nervous energy anymore, she didn't feel confined, she felt right. 

“Awesome…” Sayuri watched on, Yuka the plushie silently nodding in agreement. 

“That's Kas alright, so awesome,” Helping free Kasumi from the fabric, Hibari kept smiling wide, “Feeling better?” 

It wasn't the most comfortable to nod, but Kasumi absolutely could. She was feeling great, actually, little nagging feeling of fear aside. The fact that Hibari took some time to gently scratch behind the bear's ears definitely helped ease the last bit of worry away. 

Untangling herself from playtime with Ranma, Akane in her wolf pup form came wandering over. There were a few cautious sniffs from the wolf, but pretty quickly, her tail started wagging and she cuddled up next to Kasumi, Ranma scampering along to follow suit.

After everything that had happened that morning, Kasumi was glad that her family could rest a little, only surprised that they chose her as the safest one there. But, even though she was exhausted enough to lay down herself, Kasumi would do her best to protect her pack from now on. 

Soon after, a more gentle pitterpatter of kitty feet wandered over to investigate. Shampoo, gently limping over, gave a careful, curious look. Despite both of them in different bodies, Kasumi couldn't help but think of when they'd both met and cried over their sorry state…

Gently, Kasumi tried to motion with her head that it was okay for Shampoo to snuggle in as well. The cat understood it well enough, but decided to jump up onto the polar bear's back, curling up into a ball there and getting comfortable. At least she was very small and lightweight.

“See? They all love you, you're safe to them,” Hibari reassured as she took a seat on the floor right next to Kasumi, “You're only a danger to who you want to be dangerous to, I promise. You're incredible.”

This was nice. This was a comfort Kasumi never could have afforded before. It wasn't earned by hard work, by holding herself in, but by simply existing as herself. It felt incredible. 

○○○○○

“We're back!” The four humans called out as they walked in, Nabiki being the only one to meet them at the door. 

“Maybe be a bit quiet,” Nabiki yawned, “There's a big sleepy cuddle pile of animals in the dojo.”

“Aww, we don't get to show off your new wardrobe,” Jupiter sighed as she wrapped her arm around her girlfriend, “It could've been a whole fashion show.”

Daiya blushed heavily, already dressed in a new blue outfit she hadn't been in before. “I don't think I could handle everyone staring at me…” 

“Where should I put these, then?” Ryoga asked, face hidden behind four boxes with pet bed branding on them, “If, uh, someone could guide me there, at least.”

“Oh, Sayuri was wanting two of them for her room if there's more sleepovers, and the other two are probably Ranma and Akane's properly,” Putting a hand on Ryoga's shoulder, Daiya started to guide him, “The bedrooms are all up this way.”

“And Azusa guesses the same goes for the ghost child shopping!” The brunette practically chirped, lifting up several large shopping bags that a normal person probably wouldn't be strong enough to carry.

“Wait, you guys got stuff for- Huh!?” Nabiki was shocked, she didn't know about this beforehand! 

“Azusa was told to pick out the cutest things for you, yakuza lady's orders, so she did!” Azusa started to push Nabiki upstairs with the rest of the walking crowd, “Do you really have nothing for when you feel small? Even though you were a really cute ghost?”

“N-no, I…” Dang it, Hibari didn't have to share that with practically a stranger, this was so embarrassing, “Look, I'm fine, just… Get it refunded or something. I'm not a kid, I'm probably older than you…”

“Oh, you're not a second year?” Azusa gave a cutesy, innocent head-tilt, “Because Azusa is a third year, and she just assumed.” 

Heck. Nabiki didn't really hold the authority here, not even on age, and if this stuff was really bought for her… Well, Nabiki really hated wasting money, and it wasn't as if she wasn't on the weird mental cusp of trying to remain more grown up than she felt vs being her ghostly self.

“... Fine, just to see if the clothes fit,” The ghost huffed, “But not too much!”

“Oh, here you go,” Jupited butted in before everyone split up, splashing Nabiki with a water bottle, “Seeing as Daiya’s safe from a hot water accident, now.”

The small ghost in the hall grumbled as the now too large clothes drooped over her and her summoned kosode and chanchanko. At least some clothes came with her transformation, a benefit of being a spirit. 

“So cute!” Without any ghostly power usage, Nabiki found herself airborne thanks to a very excited Azusa lifting her, “Such a cute ghost! Let's get you set up, upperclassman!” 

… Azusa lied about her age to push Nabiki to agree to this. Meanie. 

In a cute whirlwind, Nabiki found herself in the room that was apparently hers while staying here, sat down on the bed. The room was basically bare, only the light blue bedsheets, the wooden brown bookshelf, and the bag of Nabiki’s belongings providing colour. 

“Shiratori, I got it from here,” The voice of Hibari Oozora disrupted the slightly threatening approach of a cutesy girl ready to do a makeover, “I think you might want to check out how cute Shampoo is when she naps in cat form.”

“Gasp! Of course!” Azusa was, unsurprisingly, the kind of girl to actually say the word ‘Gasp’ out loud. The brunette disappeared in a flash, leaving Nabiki and her big sister's girlfriend.  

“... Didn't have to get me stuff,” Nabiki couldn't help but pout, “It's okay.”

“And leave Shiratori to torment Daiya’s first shopping spree? I don't know the girl outside of a few hours ago, but I think getting you some plushies and clothes that fit this form was the better choice.” The yakuza boss chuckled.

“But I'm…” The supernatural seven year old didn't mean to think about how small a space she should take up, but it was too late. She was simply meant to coldly haunt whatever the smallest crevice of a building was, basically out of the way…

“You're family now, yakuza or sister-in-law maybe or whatever,” Hibari grabbed a large plushie from one bag, a toy magpie, “And I personally think that the best family spirits are the ones that make themselves felt and seen.”

Nabiki was a ghost, a very young ghost, that was wanted to be seen. Right. Even if she felt too dead to be a person, people wanted her around, big or small. She had a cool bear and a puppy who wanted her around a lot, at least, and even though her thoughts were starting to get a little hard to think through, she knew she should at least make her family happy.

“Tell you what, little spook,” Hibari whispered like there was some big secret to keep, “You get to look through all these toys and clothes, and you show me your favourites. That way I can get all the ones you don't like replaced, and it won't be a waste.”

“... Not wasting sounds like a good idea.” The Zashiki-warashi mumbled, looking over all the bags.

“Thanks, it's a really important job, so I'm proud of you,” There was a kind smile that made Nabiki feel like she really was appreciated, “And let me know if you see the Oozora family spirits, will you? They're these little white alligators, they might like having a new ghost around.”

There were already other spirits here! That was so cool… Nodding enthusiastically, Nabiki got to work picking out what she wanted to keep. Haunting this house might actually be so much fun.

○○○○○

It was Akane who woke up first from the animal cuddle pile. She didn't know when the twins joined, but it meant an additional two cats she had to be careful of as she slightly awkwardly got out from the sleepy menagerie. 

With a big stretch, and a little tapping motion with her front paws as she did so, Akane felt ready to take on a little bit more of the day. The door to the Oozora dojo had been left open, so she was clearly free to wander. 

The first thing she wanted to find was the less sleepy members of her pack. There was one set of rooms that she could easily guess had Sayuri added Yuka nearby, the one with Sayuri's dark bedroom lair, so that was a good place to go and play seek!

Running through the building so close to the ground was exhilarating, like Akane was the fastest thing alive, a blue blur. All her senses felt so much sharper, too, really letting her know how much she whizzed past. 

After working out how to navigate stairs on four legs, Akane was there, sniffing out each door to figure out who was inside which. But while there absolutely was a dark lord and a plushie behind a shut door, a much more interesting smell was behind an open one.

The smell of Akane and Ranma's room back at Home, at least partially. It came from the things being taken out of the special bags that were packed this morning, being placed in careful spots by Hibari.

Walking in caught the blonde human's attention. “Oh, Akane, hey! Thought I'd help get a head start on setting up your room. I saw you had a pillow fort before, so I tried my best, but I'm no architect.”

The mound of pillows and blankets took up at least half the room, a very comfy cave. The roof of it was a blanket draped off a bookshelf on an angle. Akane didn't know what an architect was, but they must be bad at making pillow fort dens if Hibari wasn't one. 

“You and Ranma can sort things out once you have opposable thumbs,” Hibari continued as she sat on the ground, “But I'm not letting you go without any set up at all.”

Realising she could reach the human at almost eye level now, Akane's tail started to wag as she walked forward for pats and attention. She could thank Hibari with words later, but she was a very happy puppy right now regardless. 

“Haha, yeah, good girl,” The human smelled like comforting fire, artificial soap, and a little bit like Kasumi, so she was very safe, “No one's going to hurt you because you're different, I promise. I promise you and your whole pack.”

Hibari was a nice human. It was great having nice humans in the world. 

Chapter Text

It was without doubt to anyone who'd seen the Tendou sisters and Ranma before that something had happened, that something had shifted. 

Just the fact that the eldest, Kasumi, was walking into the school building with the two first years was enough to signal that. Though, not enough students recognised her from the time she was a student to tell that she normally didn't keep her hair untied, nor that she wasn't normally one to wear a t-shirt for some American band and jeans that both looked a little big on her.

Nabiki, on the other hand? Everyone could tell something was up with her. Her face wasn't frozen in a smug smirk, but a more panicked expression, cautious of everyone around her. Her eyes darted about, as if to look out for anyone who might get near her or her new backpack with some cute plush charms on it.

Ranma and Akane were a bit harder to pick up on, but that was normal. Practically joint at the hip, hands intertwined, as feral as ever yet more affectionate. Although, the two did have additional dog tag necklaces that weren't there before. That was hardly noticeable, though. Just two affectionate, protective pack animals. 

Indeed, there was something going on that the whole crowd at the front of Furinkan High could recognise, except for one person. A singular obstacle in their way. And, to no one's surprise, that obstacle was Tatewaki Kuno. 

“My fair angels approach, how lovely it is to see you!” The swordsman dared approach, “I see you've brought an alumna as a superior to oversee our-”

Kasumi flashed a look at Kuno's direction so fierce, the shine off her teeth might have awakened something in a subset of students. All it awoke in Kuno, though, was a sudden fear of leaving this mortal coil. 

“... Understood ma'am, have a nice day.” Was the last thing heard from Kuno before he disappeared into the school building faster than a crack of blue lightning. 

○○○○○

Hinako sighed, disappointed at the news she'd just received. “And he seemed so nice, too… Oh well. If Mr Tendou comes, I'll deal with him.”

“Thank you so much,” Kasumi bowed, “We're currently staying with the Oozora family, I believe Sayuri is in your class? So that's all the contact details if you need them. I'll let you know if anything changes.”

“That'd be great, thanks,” At least it was already data on record, “And if there's anything I can do in these hard times, I'm happy to help however I can.” 

“Alright. Again, sorry to disrupt your class before it started,” The eldest Tendou walked towards the classroom exit, “Have a nice day!” 

“You too!” Waving goodbye was a fun sensory thing when Hinako was younger, like a really fast shaking motion.

At least Akane and Ranma were settled in a bit at their seats, so Hinako knew to keep an eye on them. Having had their home life uprooted is what lead to some kids having even more trouble in school, so the two wild girls were at more risk if they weren't supported. 

It had actually been a really busy morning for Hinako, and not even her favourite sugary cereal was helping her keep up her energy. And… Well, she had been a little too childish this morning to have even made herself coffee, so she was running on fumes. 

She had to show around a new student earlier, too, who was seated already in a temporary spot. If they were anything like the rest of the special needs students, though, they'd probably be moving right to that back corner with all of them. They were a tight knit group after all, and-

“Wait, who's that girl there with you, Asami?” Hinako called out upon making the observation, “She should be going to her actual class.”

“It's Daiya, miss!” The girl with the red hairclip called out, the girl in her lap blushing, “Okumura! Isn't she just the cutest like this?”

Given that Daiya was wearing a baggy boy uniform, probably the one that'd fit the girl Hinako remembered, it wasn't too hard to believe with the teacher's open mind to alternate bodies. “Hmmmm… Okay, but Daiya? You should head to your own seat now! We can get your new uniform later.”

“O-oh, okay!” A little embarrassed, Daiya got up and indeed walked to what was the right seat. Whatever happened? Good for her. 

Honestly, there was something about that whole group today, aside from Daiya’s surely magical transition that the rest of the class were looking at in disbelief. The Hiros were wearing what looked to be chokers, Yuka had a foldable umbrella attached to dolls bag, and… Was Sayuri's eyepatch on the other side for once?

It didn't matter at the moment, but these little changes could actually mean a lot. That's the kind of thing a good teacher should look out for in students like these ones, and it was the kind of care Hinako put in out of spite of those who never gave it to her.

“Okay, class!” Hinako got up to teach once the bell rang, “A quick thing before we start, we have a new student! Please be kind to them. Ukyo, care to come up to the front?”

○○○○○

There were a lot of birds outside. This temporary seat beside the window gave Ukyo a full look at all of them, minding their own birdy business. They all seemed to gather to one side of the bike rack shelter roof, though whenever one got a little rowdy, the whole flock dispersed before regathering. Ukyo was trying to figure out if it was the same bird causing them to fly apart or- 

“Ukyo? Hello?” The young girl that was Ukyo's new teacher called out, finally getting their attention. 

“O-oh! Sorry, m'bad,” Ukyo mumbled a little, getting up from their seat and walking up to the front of the class. 

The whole class seemed divided. There were a group of eight students that were a little split from the rest, including that girl Miss Hinako brought up earlier. Daikon? Something like that. Half of the group weren't even wearing the uniform fully, which was interesting. Maybe they were all given exceptions, like how Ukyo had permission to wear either uniform.

“So… Hey, ‘m Ukyo Kuonji,” The chalk felt weird in their hand as they wrote their name up on the board, “Kinda between genders at the moment. Wanna run an okonomiyaki place someday. Please take care o’ me.”

There were the whispers Ukyo expected. The ones about their accent, and the ones about how they weren't exactly sticking to one gender at the moment. That was to be expected, every school they'd tried was like that. Although, two nearly identical students in the separated group looked at Ukyo with wide eyes. 

“Feel free to take any seat you like, Ukyo,” Miss Hinako cheered, “There's the one you were at next to Kyoya, or that one in the back near Megumi, or next to Ranma over there.”

… Now that wasn't a name Ukyo had heard in a long time. “Ranma?”

“Mrrp?” A red haired girl that Ukyo could only describe as catlike tilted her head in response, one of those students that wasn't following uniform code. 

“... Never mind.” Ukyo picked that seat near the wrong Ranma, if only because it was closer to the split off group. They were the ones not really gossiping about how the newbie didn't really fit any one gender, they were probably the safe group.

Probably. Ukyo had been wrong before. 

English class went easily, it always did at any school. Most of their classmates messed up pronouns enough that they could easily get away with swapping between them. Maths was like measuring ingredients, so that was fine. History was when Ukyo's mind wandered more, and their eyes started to wander…

Wander, perhaps, to the label on redhead Ranma's bag. The one that said ‘Ranma Saotome' on it. That was way too specific. Was Ranma always a girl? Ukyo knew their memory was kind of patchy, it came with years alone on the road on the verge of being ronin…

Ukyo couldn't think of anything that said Ranma wasn't a girl aside from the whole marriage thing, at least. But Genma Saotome was a liar and a cheat anyway, he could have told Ukyo's dad anything. Not to mention, Ukyo had gender stuff happen in the intervening years. Ranma could have come out any time, and Ukyo wouldn't have known…

And just like that, science class blinked past without Ukyo paying attention. That's okay, biology got icky, Ukyo didn't like thinking about how fragile the human lung was. That got into seriously bad overthinking territory. 

But, it was lunchtime now, which meant Ukyo got to do one of their favourite things. While classmates packed up their bags to prepare for the class afterwards, Ukyo got out their portable grill, containers of ingredients, and spatula. Okonomiyaki was their domain.

Today, with the potential Ranma encounter, Ukyo felt like going with a classic. Leaning into the seafood that the black haired kid used to adore, with just a bit more ginger. It was a nostalgic, bitter-sweet dish to make.

“Mrrp?” 

Sniffing the air right next to Ukyo was the redhead, posed kind of like an expectant cat, hoping for food. The blue haired girl that sat at the desk next to redhead Ranma seemed similarly invested, but not to the same degree, at least looking between her packed bento and the chef.

“Uhhhh, can I help ya?” Ukyo didn't really know what to do, people wanting food normally used their words, and maybe even manners. 

“Oh, sorry about her!” One of the two similar looking students chimed in, wearing the boy uniform, “Ranma's a very wild cat, words are kind of hard for her.”

“It's probably worse at the moment,” The other half of the pair, in the girl uniform, spoke up, “She's had a rough few days. Bad dad.”

“Guess that's common with people named Ranma Saotome, then,” Ukyo tried to joke, “Used ta know this guy when I was six, his dad was awful…”

For some reason, it felt like four more sets of eyes turned towards Ukyo. That probably was because they did.

“That wouldn't happen to be one Genma Saotome, would it?” Asked a girl with a blue hairclip.

“... No way. I- Ranchan?” Ukyo stared down the redhead, shocked, to no response but another headtilt.

“Alas, Ranma has memory issues,” Spoke a girl wearing mainly black and an eyepatch, “Her father was such a dick that she kind of lost a lot of her past.”

Someone in a large pastel sweater spoke up next. “Please don't de-cat her, if you were going to try. Doesn't go well.”

Ranma blinked expectantly at Ukyo. That was almost a sign, those big eyes were burnt into Ukyo's memory like nothing else. This was Ranma, this was the future husband Ukyo was supposed to be looking for, a traumatised cat girl.

… Okonomiyaki was Ukyo's comfort food, but suddenly, they felt too sick to the stomach to even try and eat as much as they were making. “Ranchan… How would ya like a bite or two?”

At least the catgirl could nod. That, and her tail was- Wait, how did Ranma even get a tail!?

… Never mind. Serving up a portion of the larger okonomiyaki, Ukyo watched the weird hallucination of an old friend gobble up the dish. This wasn't the kind of thing that Ukyo was expecting to have to confront today, it completely disrupted their plans, but this was… Closure? Kind of?

At least, it was for a moment, until something sparked in Ranma's eyes.

“... Thanks, Ucchan.” Ranma's voice was sweet and soft, paired with a toothy smile and even some purring.

“Tell Akane more,” Suddenly, the blue haired girl, also with a tail, slammed against Ukyo's desk, “More. About Ranma. You know Ranma. My Ranma. More. Tell. Speak.”

“Only Ryoga has gotten any kind of reaction before, and that was a while ago…” The girl in the oversized boy uniform noted, “It wasn't even with a name at first.”

The rest of the split off group stared at Ukyo in confusion and amazement, the pressure was kind of a lot. It was just a little hard to focus because of it, although they swore they had to keep their eye on something.

Like the slight smoke coming from his half of the okonomiyaki still on the grill. The smoke getting picked up by the smoke detector, as it tends to be. The smoke detector linked to the automatic sprinklers in the roof in case of a fire.

And that? That was when Ukyo got really distracted. 

Chapter Text

“IS THAT A FUCKING WOLF!?” 

Sayuri hadn't bothered to learn the name of the peon who screamed out, but whatever his name was, it was the general shared sentiment of the more ‘normal’ students in the class upon the sprinklers activating.

It was, at least, a valid observation. Akane had, indeed, transformed physically to be a fucking wolf. Although, some were more caught up on the cats now visibly in the room, and some looked in horror at Yuka becoming dolls true form.

“Come, my dear plushie,” Sayuri said calmly as she picked up the plush from the floor, “I suppose we hadn't considered that potential inconvenience. Are you alright?”

Yuka nodded, wrapping dolls arms around Sayuri as much as doll could to return the hug. The sight of a moving plushie, though, seemed to further freak out several of the other students, who were significantly less calm and very inconsiderate to some of the pack's sensory issues.

“Do none of you remember that some people here have issues with loud noises?” The Dark Lord asked aloud before turning to check on her two human friends, “Queen, Daiya, how are you both?”

“Holding on as much as I can,” Queen confirmed, an arm around Daiya who was covering her ears, “I'm getting Daiya out of here, then there might be a bit of a crash…”

“That's completely understandable, stay safe,” Watching her companions leave, the next order of business was the new kid, “Kuonji, right? What may you need?”

“N-nuthin. ‘m fine,” Ukyo mumbled in a state of panic, trying to completely pack up everything getting soaked, the grill still too hot to take, “Is cool an’ all- AH, BIG KITTY!”

The red tinted wildcat that was Ranma decided to try and hide from the rest of the water by sitting in Ukyo's lap, which admittedly wasn't the most informed social behaviour Sayuri had ever seen. 

“Ranma, now is not the time to perch on an old acquaintance's lap.” Sayuri gently reminded, and having a wildcat listen to her was a little bit of a power trip. Ranma slinked back onto the floor, now moving to stand right between Sayuri's feet instead. 

Meanwhile, the wolf pup form of Akane was trying to frequently shake off all the excess water coming at her. It did take her a moment before she decided to join Sayuri, Yuka, and Ranma, though. Those concerned wolf eyes only stayed on the wildcat with the matching dogtag necklace with their address and Kasumi's contact on it.

That left only two unaccounted for, and Sayuri would need her strongest spell to find them. “Hiro, Hiro, pspspspsps”

Dual meows came from two desks, identical cats struggling to untangle themselves from the increasingly drenched school uniforms. With the stress of everything getting more and more soaked, it'd just be faster to pick them both up, but Sayuri already had one arm full of plushie partner.

“Can you help me take one of the Hiros, Kuonji?” Asked Sayuri, noticing that the chef's desk was clear now, “We just need you to carry one of them. They won't bite, I haven't found a way to command them to, yet.”

“O-oh, uh, yeah? Sure? One o’ the small cats, right?” Ukyo decided to scoop up whichever of the two had been going to school as Hiroko today, “You're a cat… You were a person but ‘m carrying ya as a cat… Huh…”

“Actually, they're always cats, just a lot less feral than Ranma,” Picking up Hiroshi with her spare arm, Sayuri started to head towards the classroom door with two non-humans in her arms and two following close, “I can catch you up on it all when we're not being drenched.”

Ukyo thankfully focused close behind, Hiroko in their arms, so everything was clear. The pack would gather at a nearby playground that had long been the out of school grounds emergency rendezvous point, before even the wild animals joined, and-

The hallways had sprinklers going too. As did other classrooms. Everyone was running out in case of a fire that wasn't real, of all grades, and suddenly a new problem came to light. If Ranma and Akane were only going to find the pack rendezvous point by following Sayuri…

Then Nabiki might have a bit of trouble too.

○○○○○

“You've been cagey all day, Nabs,” Ryonami had yoinked the seat from Kuno's desk in order to sit close during lunch, “I said over the phone I wouldn't abandon you, especially not seeing you like this. What's up?

“Yeah, you're never this iffy,” Kikuko added, scooched over from her desk just as close, “It's your biz and all, I get why you barely shared what your dad did, but we're here for you. Not just for the money.”

“I said I'm okay enough, I just…” The Ice Queen was not coming out, no matter how hard Nabiki tried to make herself colder, “... It's a lot. And I don't even know where I'd begin. And I don't want anyone to laugh at me if they heard, and- Yeah.”

How was Nabiki supposed to say she had been dead all this time? How was she supposed to say she literally couldn't handle being the brutal teen, almost adult, that she had been building the illusion of for ten years? How was she supposed to explain magic?

Her right hand women, Ryonami and Kikuko, were both supportive in her getting out of what she vaguely described as a bad situation, but how supportive would they be if they knew everything? Information was power, and Nabiki was gaining weaknesses. It was cruel, it was scary, but it was the ruthlessness that helped her and her friends make profit.

“If it means that much to you, then my lips are sealed,” Miming her lips getting zipped shut, Ryonami was a little surprised that Nabiki giggled a little at the motion, “What? I swear you've seen me zip my lips before, what's so funny?”

“... Dunno, didn't mean to laugh,” At least, as long as she was seen as a big girl, Nabiki was safe to keep her friends for sure, “Sorry. Might just be the tiredness getting to me.”

No one knew who was going to talk next, though, as the creaking of pipes in the ceiling disrupted the conversation, followed by what had to be one of the cruellest twists fate could've had for today. The fire sprinklers started going off.

“Shit, where was the evacuation spot ag- Nabiki!?” It wasn't exactly normal, having to look up at Kikuko when she was normally the shorter of the three.

Nabiki’s school uniform draped off of her, uncomfortable over the clothes her ghost form summoned naturally. Even without the need to breathe, it felt hard to on principle. Her friends stared down at her, chaos from the evacuation was loud and distracting, her sister was probably a wolf now and she couldn't really help as a kid-

“Hey, uh, Nabs, I think? Can you take my hand?” Ryonami gently reached out, grabbing Nabiki’s backpack with her other hand to take as well, “I don't know what the hell is happening but I'm not leaving you in a burning building.”

“I don't even smell any smoke…” Kikuko pointed out.

Nabiki was a ghost, though. She couldn't… Um, she didn't like thinking about what she couldn't do as a ghost, it was scary thinking about risking it. What if she didn't count as dead enough and it… The fire… and… Or it would heat up water and… And then…

The little ghost grabbed the human teen's hand tightly. 

“Huh, your hand is freezing… C’mon, let's get out of here,” Taking charge, Ryonami led the way out of the classroom, “I think there might be a park or something nearby if you're just some random kid that magically swapped places with Nabs or something. I dunno how it works.”

It was scary. It was loud and busy and so much sensory input. But Nabiki didn't have to take the lead on this for once. She was being protected. 

Her free hand started to happily tap on the side of her leg. It was a small little instinct that might’ve been covered up by the Ice Queen persona at school before, but fidgeting had been a lot more comforting lately. Natural.

○○○○○

“Lemme get this straight, Ranchan is a cat cos of her dad, the wolf girl is actually just feral, she's a plushie from abuse, there's the reincarnation of a dark lord, the two cats aren't actually twins but imprinted on each other, your girlfriend is multiple girlfriends, and you're just transgender and autistic.”

“And a himejoshi, yes.”

“And aside from your girlfriends and the dark lord, all of ya got cursed willingly?”

“Pretty much.”

Ukyo looked Daiya as much in the eyes as either of them could muster (one second before getting uncomfortable), then sighed. “Makes as much sense as it could, at least…”

Daiya was coping a lot better now that she was away from all the extra sound and movement, even though she had a fully exhausted Miichan leaning against her side as they sat on a bench. 

Sayuri and Yuka were both hidden underneath the slide, a comfy dark space for the exhausted dark lord in particular. Ranma and Akane were experiencing pure confusion and positive sensory weirdness over the existence of a sand pit, which might be a pain to wash out of their fur later.

And both Hiros staked their claim on pinning Ukyo to their seat, dual kitties in the newbie's lap. Now, Daiya was fully aware that the domestic cats flipflopped between boy and girl frequently, so they were normally never considered when thinking about yuri…

But didn't Ukyo say something about gender?

“So, what did you mean about being ‘between genders’?” Daiya asked with extremely normal amounts of interest for normal reasons, “Are you genderfluid like Hiro and Hiro?”

“Wait, they are too?” Ukyo seemed a little excited in a different way, “Never really met any others, so that's cool! But, uh, yeah. Gender's everywhere. Glad to know some folks who're used to it.”

The cats were already cuddled up on Ukyo's lap. It wasn't Daiya’s fault that she was thinking of the best case scenario for both her and Fu-chan. Sometimes yuri, sometimes yaoi, probably never fully straight if Ukyo was okay with polyamory and it all worked out. 

Daiya had a lot of matchmaking to do and to discuss with Fu-chan the next time she fronted. 

A kid gasped, snapping Daiya out of her scheming mindset. “Akane!”

“IS THAT A FUCKING WOLF!?” Called out a teen making a very obvious observation. Akane was, indeed, a fucking wolf, after all.

“Nabs, watch out!” Another teen warned unnecessarily. 

Said wolf pup's ears perked up, coat covered in sand as she tried to find her currently little ghostly sister. The moment Nabiki was in sight, Akane made a sprint to pounce on her, Ranma following a little bit behind. 

“Oh, hey, Sayuri! Nabiki found us!” Daiya alerted the dark lord, getting no verbal response back but at least a sigh of relief.

“Why were ya looking for a kid in high school?” Ukyo asked, “Or is she kinda like Miss Hinako?”

“Oh, Nabiki is a ghost.” It was just a simple fact to Daiya at this point that her upperclassman was the ghost of a seven year old, but that didn't really seem to be common knowledge. 

Both of the girls who had arrived at the playground with Nabiki were only vaguely familiar to Daiya as second year students, and they both looked stunned about how the youthful ghost form of their friend was just happily petting what were not normally domesticated animals. 

“... She was dead the whole time?” The shorter of the two upperclassmen looked shocked at the reveal.

“Yes, but actually no,” Daiya knew this was going to be complicated, “So, hi, my name is Daiya, I'm a friend of Nabiki’s sister. What do you know of non-human identities?”

“Like furries?” The taller one asked. 

“... That's a better starting point than most.”

Even though a good chunk of this got explained to Ukyo just before, Daiya went ahead to start explaining to Nabiki’s friends how all of this worked. It was complicated and messy, and she obviously couldn't say everything, but it would have to do. Ranma deserved her childhood friend, Nabiki deserved her high school friends. 

… Maybe Daiya could get Nabiki’s friends to kiss at some point along the way.

Chapter Text

“Holy fucking shit, Hiroshi, what do we even do?” Hiroshi's pseudo-twin, also currently a boy, was practically digging a hole into the concrete with his back and forth pacing, “We slept in their lap, that's weird, right?” 

“We're already weird, Hiroshi, it's fine,” It wasn't, but it'd be something to just cope with, “It was a rough first meeting, hopefully today is better.”

Hiroshi Hatori genuinely doubted it, even with as much Martial Arts Baseless Optimism he could muster. Ukyo, the one other genderfluid person the Hiros had ever met, cool vibes extraordinaire, had instantly seen the duo as cats, and probably as just that weird pair that look way too alike. 

Today, Ukyo was probably going to be way more focused on Ranma, anyway. They were old friends, there was some memory stuff for Ranma to sort through, there was no chance that the Hiros would get much time to actually get to know the newbie.

“And of course today is a double up! Maybe I should go back home and just force-”

“Nope, if we're both boys then we're going as both boys,” Grabbing Hitachiin by the hand, Hatori dragged his mirror image around the corner, “Now no more delaying, they're probably waiting for us inside.”

The two had spent far too long just waiting outside the Oozora property, walking back and forth as if that'd alleviate their panic. But they were now two minutes late to when they planned to arrive, and that was uncomfortably too long.

Hiroshi Hatori took a deep breath in, getting a smell of the apple scented shampoo he liked to use, before knocking on the door. “Hey, it's Hiroshi!” 

The door opened wide, but unlike the usual greeting from Sayuri, Hibari, or some guy with more tattoos than bare skin, someone else opened the door. Long hair tied up plainly, the boy wore a singlet that showed off his toned arms, and suddenly both the identical boys were a bit distracted. 

“Oh, hey, boy day all around?” Ukyo had this chill smile on his face, “Nice to see 've got good company then. Both of ya called Hiroshi?”

“Y-yeah…” Both of the part time cats seemed a lot more uncertain about how well they thought it through several years beforehand. 

“Makes it easier on me, names get hard ta remember sometimes,” The newbie walked back inside, guiding the two who'd been there plenty already, “But don't worry, okonomiyaki orders are way easier to remember. Have any favourites?”

“I'm not so big on seafood” Hiroshi offered, knowing the two dishes would probably get mixed up anyway, “But I like bacon on mine, if that's available.”

“Extra shrimp and green onion, please,” The commonly called Hiro 2 added, “I don't really like bacon texture…” 

“Cute, different tastes for ya both,” Walking backwards to face them, Ukyo made sure he got a good look at the differences between two identical teens, “Should be able ta get that right.”

Internally, Hiroshi Hatori knew the food would get mixed up anyway…

○○○○○

Fu-chan was moments away from squealing. The fates had aligned and the yaoi gods were smiling upon her today, for her friend group of primarily girls had three wildcards all. These, although not always boys, were Fu-chan’s favourite boys now. 

Sorry, Ryoga, but being Ranma's brother doesn't save you from being straight.

None of the boys she was staring at were the most socially skilled, but that just made their attempts at chatting even better! It meant there was passion behind those awkward rambles. And passion in one area could easily become passion in another. 

“You're drooling on your notebook, by the way,” Daiya pointed out quietly, “You probably don't want your drawings ruined.” 

“Oh, thanks cutie!” Maybe there were benefits to yuri… “How's your girl-watching going?”

“Well, on one hand, it doesn't fully count with Sayuri and Yuka…” The himejoshi sighed, “It's similar, but it's still… Less girl with a girl, more dark and evil girl with a girl shaped plushie.”

“Fair, but you have the wild ones at least.” 

Daiya gestured to where both Ranma and Akane were sleeping in a sunbeam, cuddled together. “I adore them, but there's only so much a girl can get from watching two sleepy animals, even in human forms.”

“I guess…” And Fu-chan thought finding two or more guys to ship together was hard, “Hmmm… Wanna make out?”

There weren't many comparable noises to what Daiya made. Maybe a printer jamming? Or a record player skipping? There were a few squeaks in the stuttering mess of syllables, maybe a group of mice?

But, before Daiya could even say yes, the sound of plates hitting the table distracted the pair. “There ya both go. Bacon for Hatori, shrimp and green onion for Hitachiin.”

Ukyo was standing proud when Fu-chan faced the sound, but both Hiros seemed flabbergasted by the plates in front of them. Although, they probably should have been fine. After all, it was exactly what they had wanted.

… It was exactly what they had wanted, going to the right one.

The entire Conspiracy System shared a very unified thought. “HOW!?”

“Huh?” Ukyo seemed confused, “Whaddya mean? Oh, wanna learn how ta make okonomiyaki? It's real easy once ya-”

“How do you know which Hiro is which!?” Fu-chan practically interrogated, though nowhere as well as Queen could, “What gave it away!?” 

“Please don't tell anyone…” Pleaded one Hiroshi. 

The other Hiroshi begged, “We don't want everyone to know…”

Ukyo was caught between everything, but managed to remain slightly cool about it. “... Sorry, but if ya can't tell ‘em apart, then it ain't up ta me to point out the obvious.”

On one hand, Fu-chan was shocked. She and the rest of her system had done so much research, so much theorising on how to identify the Hiros as individuals for so long, and now there was someone who could just magically tell them apart that wasn't sharing how?

But there was also the romantic angle of it to consider. A boy, defending the identities of his two lovers, a secret only they shared, and when the nights got cold, confiding each other as they embraced with warmth in their heart and their-

“FINE! OKAY!” Fu-chan surrendered, “I'll figure it out eventually… But I won't push like this.”

And she backed away, intending to keep to her promise. Finding out about the Hiros through what someone else observed also would've made all the work put into theorising a waste, anyway. This was fine, and for her friends. 

… Hopefully friends that would smooch eventually. Soon, ideally.

○○○○○

The noise of the sleepover that was about to ensue wasn't too bad. It wasn't like the kinds of sleepovers people talk about, with normal, loud, very human participants. Instead, it was kind of just a constant gentle volume.

A volume that was slightly getting to Kasumi. 

She loved that her sisters had this greater pack to be around, that she herself was a part of it. But she hadn't been sleeping well since staying at the Oozora household. It wasn't anyone's fault but her own, her brain kept conjuring images of her father and more that haunted her into the night, combining with how she'd gotten into the habit of waking early years ago to keep her up late and wake her up early.

Sleeping in her bear form did help a little. In her relatively empty room, she had taken a cue from the experts that were Akane and Ranma and dragged her mattress onto the floor. That had, despite all human logic, been the best decision for getting rest. From there, her polar bear body had done so much work in helping her feel safe enough to close her eyes.

But it wasn't enough. It didn't fix everything. And even with claws and teeth that could rip anything to shreds, she didn't feel safe from the thought that she could be restrained again. That the home she had known would always be her home. 

So, maybe the sound of relatively silent teens (and also whatever Nabiki felt like at that moment, it was hard to tell with her chatting and plotting with her own two friends in her room) was starting to grate a little on the sleep deprived bear in human form as she tried to sit calmly on the engawa. 

“So that's where my Queen shirt went,” Hibari noted as she sat beside the brunette, “Couldn't find one of your dresses? Or do you like stealing my wardrobe that much?”

“Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't put away my own clothes yet and-” Before she could fully apologise, Kasumi found a finger pushed against her lips to shush her.

“It's fine, Kas. It's a good look on you,” There was a reassuring smile from the blonde, “And I can lend a couple pieces of clothing every now and then, it's no big deal.”

Once Kasumi was free to talk again, she didn't even have anything to say. Her thoughts were too stuck on the lingering feeling of Hibari's finger on her lips. It was a weird, tingly feeling that was refusing to go away. 

“Anyway, it should be quieter on the other side of the building, I can keep an eye on all the chaos down here,” Hibari casually offered, “It's pretty cosy in my room at least, and the room connected to it sure is free…”

“You talk about that other room as if it wronged you personally.” Kasumi chuckled at the idea of being so mad at a room.

But Hibari just sighed disappointedly. “Not the room, just the guy who used to stay in it. A friend of the family, kinda. I thought he was cute, we kept getting close to dating, but he just couldn't get over some internal biases. He thought he had to be gay to like me, and it took me way too long to finally ditch him for that.”

Kasumi couldn't truly understand how that felt, but she could compare. She mentally compared it to how it was assumed she was human, and how people thought it would be better to force her into that mold. She compared it to how Mr Saotome talked about Ranma. And when she did that? She could only imagine it must've hurt. 

Hibari was a beautiful, powerful woman, with confidence and passion to spare. She had been a catalyst for Kasumi becoming better. She had taken in people she cared about because she could, not because she had to. And Kasumi was so damn smitten.

“... Well, I'm a woman who's gay and attracted to you,” Kasumi offered as the support , “So clearly, that guy was wrong.”

“Yeah, and don't I know it,” The blonde smirked, “You're really sweet, Kas.”

And Hibari kissed Kasumi on the cheek. 

They had talked before. They had beaten each other up before. Kasumi had even been covered in lipstick stains by a slightly drunk at the time but very enthusiastic Hibari during the first time she ever tried her polar bear form. 

But this was something sweet, something gently intimate. Something Kasumi was able to focus on completely. A returned gesture of something inherently romantic. Something that couldn't be misinterpreted as just being flirty, something direct. 

“Well, either room is open to you any time,” Hibari said calmly while standing up, “And I mean it. If you want to cuddle in the middle of the night, I wouldn't be upset with a teddy bear, cutie.”

“Uh… Uh-huh…” There was an internal conflict raging on in Kasumi's mind that made it impossible to come up with words. A fight between wanting to doubt that it even happened and cheering from the rooftops. 

As her probably definitely girlfriend walked away, Kasumi couldn't help but stare in awe, placing a hand to where she'd been kissed. She hardly noticed that her leg started bouncing excitedly, or that she had a slightly goofy grin on her face. 

Kasumi Tendou, older sister, polar bear, a girl breaking out of her shackles, wasn't just being flirted with anymore. She had a girlfriend. 

… Sleeping in Hibari's room might help her feel safe. 

“WOOOOOOOO!” From behind a bush she could easily hide in thanks to her smaller preferred body, Daiya audibly squealed, “FINALLY!”

Chapter Text

“Oh, gee, mister… I don't have enough moneys for an ice cream at all… Oh well…”

The man behind the counter was drawn in by the adorable little face of this poor, poor child, dressed in clothes that had to be hand-me-downs based on how big they were. It was enough to make anyone with a heart cry. 

“How ‘bout you pick a flavour anyway?” He said after hardly any thought, “I'll give you a scoop.”

“Really?” The little girl gasped with wide eyes, “Um… Um… Strawberry!”

So the man grabbed a cone, topped it up with strawberry ice cream a little bit more than he normally would, and gave it to the kid. She was so excited, giving so many thanks, that the man felt very warm and fuzzy inside as she walked off and out of view.

“... Mwehehehehe,” Nabiki giggled maniacally once she was back with her friends, “And that's what to do if I'm accidentally splashed while not feeling small.”

“I think you're more ruthless now than before.” Kikuko practically shuddered at the thought.

The ghost girl shrugged, taking a big lick of her plundered treat. “He deserves it, that's Mr Morikawa, as in-”

“Blegh, I don't wanna think about my ex right now, Nabs,” Interrupted Ryonami, “Or his stupid family.”

“Exactly, so that's a free target!” Nabiki had thought this through long in advance, as any good schemer should. 

Although, as much as this form felt comfy and cosy, it really was more of a big girl Nabiki day overall. Both of her friends happened to want to go out, watch a movie, then hang around the shops for a while. The splash thankfully only happened in the latter third, so at least it wasn't ruined too much.

Hopefully, there'd be a hot water source somewhere. Or any hot liquid, honestly. There had been an incident where Kasumi turned into her bear form in the middle of the kitchen due to an orange juice spill, so presumably that kind of trickery applied to turning human again, too.

“Oh, hey, that tea shop!” Pointing just around the corner, Kikuko was already letting go of Nabiki’s hand to run that way, “I'll just get some hot water for you from there, and we can get back to our da- Uh… Day out! Yeah!”

Ryonami failed to hide her slight sigh at her living friend's slip up, and that made the ghost of the group giggle a little. It felt nice being able to just laugh at something small like that, being far less frozen. 

Although, it was still possible to be shocked stiff. As hard as it was to really feel like the Ice Queen she had been while in her ghostly form, chills were sent down Nabiki’s… Well, she didn't know if she had a spine like this. But still. She got chills seeing her father approaching, nowhere to hide but behind her friend.

Soun had definitely seen better days. Sure, he never quite looked the best after losing his wife, but this was a different kind of wreck. This was him exhausted, unkempt, a comparison to how Akane looked when first found would be an understatement. Not to mention the smell of alcohol clinging to him…

“You're one of Nabiki’s friends, right?” Soun skipped introductions completely as he addressed Ryonami, “Have you seen her? Do you know where she's gone?”

“Uhhhh, nope, only seen her at school,” Lied the teen like the expert she was, “But she really doesn't wanna see you, so buzz off.”

“But-” 

“I'm watching after a kid here, dude, don't make this a big deal in front of her,” As much as this was Nabiki’s plan in case of such an emergency, it still felt weird hearing Ryonami actually say it, “Have some dignity, geez…”

That's what made Nabiki and her friends practically queens of the school in gossip and in money moving. They all had the ability to play out these little rehearsed scripts near perfectly. And yeah, maybe that had reinforced the Ice Queen persona, and it led to slip up when needing to improvise, but it worked like magic on unsuspecting students, just as it did now on kind of crappy dads.

“R-right, I'm… Sorry…?” Soun stopped to actually look right at Nabiki’s ghostly form, and the one gap in the scheme opened up enough to reveal itself. After all, Soun would remember what his seven year old daughter would look like, even after ten years, right?

Nabiki gripped her older friend's hand tightly, partially using taking a lick of ice cream to hide her face behind the cone a little. She even shook her head a little, letting her face be obscured by what little of her hair would actually cover it. It was hard to feel big under scrutiny, but she had to stay coherent enough to get through this.

Thankfully, the moustached man shook his head at himself. “... I'm sorry, I'll let you be. But please, if you can tell me anything, then-”

“Guys, I got the hot water for-” Kikuko thankfully paused the instant she saw Soun standing there, “Um… For little Serera's brain freeze. Mhm.”

“Right, thanks,” Ryonami started to walk off, Nabiki in tow, “Let's get going, Sere-chan.” 

Nabiki knew it was probably cheeky, having picked a fake name for these occasions that labelled her as a ghost girl so literally in its meaning. However, for the sake of future scams, and for the sake of getting away from her father's vision right now, it paid to plan ahead so well. 

She did realise she might have to keep up being a kid today though, if her father was potentially lurking around the corner while shopping… Maybe it was good that she felt small when she was scared. That would help the disguise. 

○○○○○

Ranma really liked double dates! She got to be with her favourite Akane ever, her pack mate, and also get to hang out with Sayuri and Yuka at the same time! And for the four, the best kind of double date was Ranma's absolute favourite kind! 

She was currently stretched out on a heated blanket in her room, getting gentle, thoughtless scritches behind the ears from Sayuri. The dark lord had really nice fingernails, and while all scritches were good, Yuka preferred to keep dolls own nails short for a reason that apparently related to why dolls always had long sleeves. 

It was okay though, because it meant Akane got the more general headpats she preferred, and all was good! The two creatures, in their proper forms and not the cursed but comfy forms, got to stay happy and cosy together while their pack members talked about their own things.

“Maybe there'd be some place more local?” Yuka suggested, “Akane was found somewhere in Japan, and it gave her a tail. That's pretty damn magic to me. There's gotta be something for a Dark Lord.”

“That does make sense, I suppose…” Hummed Sayuri in response, “Akane, do you recall the source of your tail? And would it be beneficial for regaining my powers?”

“Umm…” It was clear to Ranma that her Juliet was having difficulty even remembering the place having a human name, “... Big! Big animals! And traps! And nice human!” 

“There was a person there!?” Both plush and dark lord asked in unison. Ranma simply mrrped instead. 

“Why wouldn't they have told anyone you were there?” Sayuri followed up. 

“Um… Forgot…” The way Akane answered sounded unsure, as if she didn't know if it was her who forgot why, or the human who forgot to. 

“... We'll ask Kasumi about that place, anyway,” Yuka spoke once the shock in the room wore off, “Any lead to get my girlfriend her powers is better than none.”

“Mmm. Visiting her first territory…” Ranma softly spoke, “Sounds nice.”

“Yay!” The blue haired creature practically leapt onto Ranma, a messy cuddle as was normal for the two, “Lots of space! And air! It is pretty! Like your voice! Like you! Pretty and wild! My home! My Ranma!” 

Even if her head scritches had been interrupted, Ranma still appreciated the hugs and affection way more from Akane. She was all giggly from the warm words, she couldn't help but nuzzle her face against Akane's to show the affection right back.

“Damn, I can't believe my attempts at romantic words are outclassed by a wild animal,” Yuka sighed overdramatically, “Can you forgive me, my dear goddess of evil?”

“I don't know, my beloved plushie, although I may if I get some hugs of my own,” Suggested the dark lord light-heartedly, “Come forth!”

“On it.” It wasn't quite the tackle Akane gave Ranma, but Yuka got up to still lay her weight completely onto Sayuri. Plushies were strange creatures indeed. 

This calm cuddliness was another benefit to double dates. Going out and seeing the world was for triple dates, and maybe even for whatever it would be called when Ucchan got two Juliets, but this quiet inside time was nice, too. 

Ranma knew she had memory issues. She kind of knew she had once been someone different, if only because people kept saying so… But that someone was so out of reach. That was a different Ranma, maybe a different kind of good girl entirely.

But Ranma was a good girl of her own now. A good girl with a good home, a good pack, and a good life. She might have been the only one of her species that she had met, but she had the next best thing to that practically introduced to her so soon after waking up, it didn't really matter. 

The wild red haired creature couldn't help but purr happily. 

○○○○○

Nabiki took a boiling hot shower as soon as she got home. 

She didn't feel like being big, but she knew she had to hide any sense of fear that had followed her to the Oozora household. Her sisters didn't deserve the panic, they didn't deserve the paranoia of expecting to see Soun following behind her the whole walk home.

So, she had basically left Ryonami and Kikuko at the door, rushed to the bathroom, and scrubbed her skin red raw once it turned back to normal, living flesh. Whether that was from her anxiety or her discomfort with a physical form, it didn't actually matter where those two blurred together. 

She could hide her fear better all grown up, at least. She felt like she could. It was basically what she already used masking for, and though it had definitely become harder to do, the odds were better if she could just be a big girl in her room, completely alone.

… She wasn't alone, met with both her friends the moment she opened the door. She wasn't aware there were sleeping bags in the house, or the ill fitted spare pyjamas her friends were borrowing. Not until now. 

“You don't have to stare that bad, Nabs, I know how baggy shirts look on me,” Ryonami said casually as she unfurled her sleeping bag, “Besides, Kikuko beat you to it.”

Nabiki spoke over the shorter of the three girls’ sputters. “N-no, I'm not… What's going on?”

“Sleepover, remember? We literally planned today cos you were a bit jealous of your little sister. We care about you like that, Nabs, promise.” 

That… was true, and Nabiki had really forgotten in the mess that was earlier. She could've been the most prepared person in any room, but she got scared and that made it all fall apart. 

… Nabiki couldn't really tell how old she felt right then. She just knew she needed comfort, and there were two people willing to give her it. Two people she had always been close to, but felt even closer since just being more openly herself. 

“Okay, which of these… Ah hah!” Kikuko snatched a large plushie gifted to Nabiki for her smaller moments and shoved it into the ghost girl's arms, “I have a similar plush back home, so I know they're good supports.”

It would be a bit awkward to explain why Nabiki had the toy polar bear without explaining a bunch of personal stuff she didn't really feel like getting into in her current headspace. “Th-thanks…”

“We're the ones who planned this for you, let us take care of stuff,” Affirmed Ryonami as she gestured for Nabiki to sit, “You do all the scheming and scripting, you can take a break for once, even as one of the big kids.”

Kikuko sat down on the proper bed alongside the ghost. “It's kind of like paying respects to the dead, except I prefer spending time with friends than just crying at a grave. Don't tell my great-uncle I said that.”

“I won't, I promise.” That at least got Nabiki to laugh a little. 

She could only hope that it would be harder to be jealous of Ranma and Akane's sleepovers now. She really cared about her friends too much, it would be impossible to really replace them now that she was open with her feelings. Her feelings that…

OH.

Nabiki was good at planning around social behaviour she had witnessed before, that she could expect. She could script and scheme anything that'd get yen moving into her hands. She was, especially when masking, great at feigning an understanding of how to work like a normal person.

That skill, apparently, had died the instant Nabiki had to account for her own unexpected feelings. 

Chapter Text

“A group of mainly girls and girl-adjacents, going on a week-long trip to stay in a small inn, likely all cuddling up to each other for gentle comfort during something emotionally difficult to deal with alone?” Daiya checked for clarification, “Count me in!”

Her excitement might have been a little too loud, but the classmates all staring at her loud response to Sayuri's proposal should've known she'd leap at the opportunity to witness such pure love between girls. Though, her volume and energy was only something she had since getting her curse, so they could be excused for just a little bit of their stares. 

“Excellent!” The dark lord cheered, “Hibari and Kasumi are the ones organising it among our guardians, but I know we all prefer more time to prepare. I, personally, am planning what I may need to unlock my powers there.”

“Do you have a map of the place?” Asami asked from her desk, “I can probably work out where the magic is in it if I get my hands on the right resources.”

“You know how to find magic in the wilderness?” Sayuri's face lit up.

“I said I can work it out,” The red string Asami liked to fidget with slipped through her fingers, “It's basic theory crafting, just give me time and info.”

Daiya's girlfriends (and Miichan) were just the coolest. Sure, not all of The Conspiracy System's theories were right, but just the fact they could see things come together like that was amazing. Daiya was such a lucky girl.

“I'll make sure to pack a camera,” Daiya offered, primarily with yuri purposes in mind, “For sightseeing, of course.”

“Wait, isn't the place Hibari was looking at one with a hot spring?” Piped up the plushie of the group, “I've been looking into waterproof soaps and stuff so I can go swimming, but Dai, wanna join us?”

“It definitely had at least a pool, which most of the pack would need waterproofing for, anyway,” Sayuri confirmed Yuka's memory, “But yes, if there happens to be gender separated hot springs, Daiya could go to the right one without question!”

“M-me? Swimming? With other girls? Wearing… The right clothes… Or even…” Daiya’s face flushed red, but didn't get too bad before an emergency happened. 

However: “Asami, your nose!” Hiroko noticed from the sidelines.

“That's a lot of blood!” Hiroshi joined in.

The girl with the red hairclip didn't seem to notice, though, lost in a daydream. “My girlfriend in a swimsuit…”

“I haven't seen the system nosebleed that bad since those two guy gym teachers tripped over each other in front Fu-chan…” Commented Yuka, slightly mortified. 

“I d-don't have any swim clothes, though…” Mumbled the very flustered himejoshi, “Or really that much to actually wear out at all besides the basics we went shopping for with Ryoga and Azusa's help.”

“We'll probably need some good hiking gear, if you want to trek through the wild with us,” Sayuri suggested, “And there's a local festival in the town where the inn is, so perhaps a women's yukata would be good for you. I dread thinking of what shallow masculine nightmare you'd dress in without the option.”

It was funny, given that this friend group had hung out at a festival once before Ranma and Akane's arrival. Daiya thought she was a boy then, and she only wore a plain shirt and pants. Everyone knew what she'd wear without the option.

Asami wiped the blood from under her nose before slamming the desk with the same arm in one movement, more likely from Jupiter jumping into the front seat. “WE ARE GOING SHOPPING SO I CAN SHOW MY JULIET OFF!”

Ranma and Akane in the corner both perked up at the declaration, the canine of the pair wagging her tail from the sudden excitement. Both red and blue haired creatures knew what Juliets were, so they were all aboard with helping.

The odd looks from the neurotypical portion of the classroom showed that they all did not.

○○○○○

“Ya sure you're good with me here?” Ukyo asked, “‘m still pretty new to the group, ya don't hafta take me everywhere.”

Both Hiroko and Hiroshi grabbed her hands and excitedly dragged her further into the shops. “We want you here, though!” 

The whole friend group had split off to go looking in different directions for clothes and travel supplies, and Ukyo was surprised she had even been invited. She was basically all set to go if she wanted, though. She didn't exactly have guardians present stopping her from taking a week-long trip, let alone a day out shopping. 

Ukyo just never really expected to have more than one friend at a time. She had Ranma when they were both kids, but that boy she remembered was long gone… And she did get along with that one boy in middle school before he started getting weird about Ukyo's gender. But never did she think she'd have a group of 8 (plus however you count the girls who switched who was in control of one body) friends at a time.

 “We probably need some better long sleeve shirts,” Hiroko Hatori, always the slightly louder of the two, spoke up clearly, “And we need better neutral swim shirts, I'm not risking us swapping while swimming again.”

“Yeah, that was awkward last time,” Always a little quieter, Hiroshi Hitachiin agreed, “Our grandparents looked like we ruined the whole beach trip…”

“It was still funny that they got us mixed up, though.” Giggled the current girl.

The current boy chuckled too. “They couldn't even tell which was who's grandchild.”

“You two've been at this for a while, huh?” Ukyo really liked both of their laughs, “Still shocked ya wanna have me third-wheeling.”

“”We don't want that, we just want you…” Hiroshi trailed off before stammering, “H-here! We want you here, with us, yep!”

“Your opinion means a lot to us,” Hiroko said with a little bit of blush, “And we can help you get stuff if you need anything!”

“Aww, thanks,” Ukyo didn't trust her own opinion outside of practicality too much, but it was a nice compliment, “Don't really need anything, though. 'm used to travelling places an’ all.”

It was a bit hard to tell if that was the right thing to say, both Hiros looking a little disappointed before Hatori grabbed her part-time doppelganger by the arm. “I think I saw something an aisle or two back. Wait right here, Ukyo!”

The pair of cats scampered away, one pulled by the other. The likelihood that they had actually seen something was high, but Ukyo didn't know for sure until a pair of similar, but different in volume, voices were heard from literally the next aisle over.

“I don't think Martial Arts Flirting is working.”

“What makes it a martial art, anyway?”

“Practice! Which I don't have, and I'm guessing you don't have, and everything's going to shit!”

“Maybe if we were just upfront about it, it would be better.”

“Do you have the confidence to do that? Because I don't.”

“... Good point. But we can't leave her waiting there.”

“I know, I know…”

Ukyo was being flirted with. Ohhhhhhh. 

… Oh fuck. Ukyo didn't actually know what to do with flirting. Back when she thought she still had to and could get married to Ranma, the plan was to kinda kick Genma Saotome's ass until Ranma had to marry her, but that never came close to happening. Ukyo hadn't even seen the bald man. But regardless, it meant she had no clue what to do.

Did she like Hiroko and Hiroshi like that? They were both so much cooler than her. They were basically shapeshifters! What was cooler than that!? And they appreciated her cooking so much the last few times they hung out, and didn't mind her awkwardness, and both totally understood her on gender stuff in a way most didn't. 

… Maybe, if both Hiros were trying, at least Ukyo could give it a shot. And if it didn't work, well, Ukyo knew the hard way that things change and it's okay. Besides, she already knew the pair's favourite okonomiyaki orders by heart. 

“Hey, both of ya, pspspsps,” Ukyo called out jokingly, “C'mon, lemme see what kinda clothes pretty cat-people that'll be travelling with me like ta wear.”

The fact that both Hiros made small excited squeaks in unison despite being one aisle over was pretty damn cute.

○○○○○

“I think that's a no. Sorry, Ranma,” Yuka looked at the swimwear dolls friend picked out on the hanger, “I know it says ‘BOY’ on it-”

“Girl!” Ranma played her usual game.

“- And I know you like that game, but I don't trust anyone making ironic swimsuits,” The plushie continued, “Besides, does that feel like a good texture to you?”

Ranma gave a small headtilt before reaching her hand out to actually touch the garment hanging up, only to be instantly repulsed. The poor wildcat had to find one of the evil textures eventually, after all. 

Unfortunately, Sayuri was too busy to help out her partner and both of the feral creatures digging through the swimwear section. She had a few dilemmas and trials of her own to deal with. 

First of all, how was one supposed to find a good quality eyepatch for swimming? Sayuri had risked exposing her evil eye every other time she willingly got in water, but her current preferred patches couldn't withstand rain, let alone the sea or a pool. And she did NOT want to look like a pirate, that was necessary. Pirates aren't Dark Lords. 

The second issue was a matter of finding literally anything good in black. Whatever kind of season it was in the fashion world, it dared assault Sayuri's eyes with bright colours that'd better suit Yuka if they weren't on clothes without long sleeves. 

And finally… Well, she wanted to surprise Yuka. She had been ducking away here and there to other aisles whenever she was sure no one saw her, trying to quickly find something special as a gift. Unfortunately, her speed was always this lacking, even when her powers hadn't been, so she hardly got far. 

Some kind of thank you gift, a massive token of appreciation for all the support in this magic hunting endeavour. Of course, Sayuri would shower her plush with gifts and wonders galore once she got her powers, but she wanted something for that first night they get while at the inn near Ryugenzawa. 

“No, Akane, that isn't a chewtoy,” Yuka could be heard slightly giggling at the situation, “It doesn't squeak, it's not a chewtoy.”

“But big stick…” Akane huffed.

Whatever pool noodle or other thingamajig Akane had found, it was a good distraction for Sayuri to sneak off once more. Slipping into the shadows of the bright store, the Dark Lord ran as far and fast as her unathletic legs could take her.

… Straight to the motherload. 

It was a good thing Sayuri had brought an extra opaque bag with her, because there was plenty to carry that Yuka would not be allowed to see. Doll would simply have to live with the knowledge that there was a secret present or fifty coming dolls way. 

That'd be her own purchase later, but she had to sneak back to the main group soon. They were all planning to regroup with the Hiros and Ukyo at the food court, but Sayuri hadn't even seen much of Dai and-

A blushing mess on the floor, Queen of The Conspiracy System was out of it completely as Daiya blushed, refusing to look at the bag she was holding. Both Ranma and Akane were pawing at the girl with the blue hairclip in concern. 

“Huh. Queen's on the ground,” Yuka stated before patting Daiya on the back, “You can't fail now.”

“Pretty…” Queen mumbled, obviously not having been ready to take the super-effective hit that was her girlfriend's choice in swimwear. 

“I-I swear it was the most conservative choice!” Daiya panicked, afraid of getting accused of something, “No midriff, long sleeves, knee length pants, I promise!”

“Oh, neat, can you show me where you found it?” The plushie asked, “There's not enough that covers my arms around here.”

… If somewhat conservative, calm and composed Queen was so flustered over her own girlfriend wearing swimwear that showed nothing, what dark magic must've been imbued in them? And was Sayuri immune to her partner wearing something similar? 

Chapter Text

Today was going to be a strange one for Ranma. She had never been on one of these ‘train’ thingies before. She never had to handle one of these weird hard-shelled bags with wheels, either. But she was going on a very special trip with her pack, so she could handle the strange stuff for this. 

She was going to see where her Akane had come from, her first territory. She was going to help Sayuri see if there was any way to be magic like the dark lord was supposed to be. Ranma was going to have a good time with her pack. 

Her hair was fully braided, she had a nice comfy shirt on, and she was ready to take on the world with her claws if she had to. Ranma was a good girl, so she'd be ready to protect anyone if she had to. She'd be the best at protecting ever, actually. It was a very important game. 

Right now, though, Ranma had the very important job of holding her wheelie bag and keeping it with her. That was the good thing about human hands, and Ranma hands. They could hold stuff super well. She'd rather hold Akane's hand, though. But the bag was important too! Just not as much as Akane. 

So she held the bag as she paced near the entrance to the Oozora house. Kasumi had said there wouldn't be much of a chance to get energy out on the train, so Ranma took every chance to move about that she could. 

It was thanks to the proximity to the door, and her amazing hearing, that she heard something scary. Something she really didn't want to hear on a day so special and important. Something drunk and wandering the streets, angry. 

“Boy! Where are ya, boy!?” Pops shouted, “I know ya might be round here, somewhere!”

It took every bone in her body not to respond. Kasumi, Hibari, especially Sayuri and Yuka, had been saying that Pops was not someone to play with. It had been scary, that night Sayuri made Ranma promise. Promises were important. Pops was bad for Ranma, he shouldn't know where to find her, she had to be quiet. 

“Boy! Go on!” His speech sounded slow, and it was distant enough to be just down the street, “You know whatcha gotta say, right!? Y'know I want ya here! We can play, I promise…”

It was bad. It was evil. Ranma had to stay quiet, she had to keep a hold of her bag, she had to…

She had to get energy out. And she was very, very good at being sneaky. Ranma wasn't allowed to play with Pops. She wasn't wanting to play with Pops. But, despite him being multiple times her size, she wanted to hunt. 

The hard bag stayed firmly in her hand as she quietly leaped onto the wall for her vantage point. Her razor sharp vision let her see that the fake panda had picked a poor position if he didn't want something jumping across streetlights to hit him from above.

“Boy! Come out, boy!” Pops lied and lied over and over again, “I promise I won't hurt ya, b-”

The hard shell of Ranma's wheelie bag slammed into her prey's face, a small red stain remaining from the impact with his nose. The bag was a heavy one, and Pops had never seen it coming. He was cleanly knocked out.

“Girl.” She hissed at him before running back to where she should have stayed.

Ranma hadn't been a good girl. She didn't stay where she was told to. But, all in all, she felt like not just a good girl, but the best girl. She could protect her pack just fine. Her new life was safe, handled in her own hands. 

○○○○○

“Morale check!” Sayuri and Hibari called out in unison, moments into the train leaving the station. 

“Overwhelmed but okay!” Dai gave her thumbs up, a little louder than normal due to her noise cancelling headphones distort her perception.

“Currently on girlfriend support duty!” Asami giggled as she roped the himejoshi next to her into a hug. There were absolutely no complaints from Daiya, her instead melting from the affection, so that was a positive. 

Sayuri walked down the carriage to come face to face with her favourite feral animals, offering a hand out for headpats that Akane immediately leaned into. “I take it you're both in good shape?”

“Very good! Mhm!” Akane yipped happily as she got the headpats. 

Ranma was nodding, incredibly happy. She was on some kind of massive high today, like if she had suddenly won the lottery and knew how money worked. Maybe she just didn't get all the zoomies out before the trip? Mind reading powers couldn't come back to Sayuri soon enough. 

“Some of us could use a personal Oozora brand morale check really soon!” Yuka called out from dolls seat, teasingly, “Isn't that right, Kasumi?”

“...It would be rather nice.” Yawned the polar bear, only slightly embarrassed. She must have lost sleep panicking about keeping everything organised. 

“Aww, Kas, you don't have to be shy about it!” Hibari said with that flirty tone that meant she was being tricky, “You sure weren't shy when-”

“Morale check, I don't wanna hear about what my older sister does with her girlfriend!” Interrupted a very flustered ghost girl, currently in her teenage body, “Come on, there could be kids listening! There isn't right now, but there could be!”

“Aww, Nabs, so you wouldn't wanna talk about…” Whatever Ryonami was about to say turned swiftly quiet as she whispered in the blushing brunette's ear.

“Wait, about what?” Kikuko asked while leaning over the ghost, “Ryonami, what is it?”

It'd be too easy to get distracted by those three all day, as Daiya was already demonstrating. So, Sayuri moved on to a different booth. “Morale check, how are you going?”

“Pretty good,” Ukyo said with a light-hearted sigh, “Though I was planning to read or somethin’.”

“We'll let go of your hands eventually…” Hiroko giggled a little as she trailed off.

Hiroshi leaned into Ukyo, giving a catlike smile. “No promises as to when, though. Martial Arts Handholding is the best.”

Sayuri decided to leave those three be, the morale obviously being high. Her family and friends were all perfectly accouted for. Why, there was only one more both to check before settling in with her plushie partner, and-

Azusa Shiratori stared down Sayuri in a way that even the Dark Lord feared. “Disturb them, and Azusa will not be happy.”

The curly haired girl was being smothered by sleepy cuddles from Ryoga and Shampoo, the latter of which was actively purring. The two had been on a bit of a wild trip last night, trying to get something from the Hibiki household required actually finding the place. This nap was well deserved. 

A good ruler of dark forces knows when to back down, so Sayuri simply smiled at the cute cuddle pile, quietly retreating to right beside her plushie at the other end of the train car. Yuka chuckled at Sayuri's tactical cuddle.

“Morale check?” The plushie asked. 

“High, very positive,” Sayuri omitted the fact she thought she saw Azusa's eyes glow red, “I'm proud of our colleagues.”

“And we're proud of you, cutie,” Yuka let dollself get comfortable in the hug, as much as the train seats could be comfortable, “You're going to show the world just how strong a Dark Lord can be.”

Sayuri's small amount of doubt that she'd find nothing was drowned out by her partner's affection. With the gifts she got for Yuka, a large amount of clothes that would fit dolls proper plush form, hopefully Sayuri would return that affection tenfold. 

“How strong a Dark Lord can be with her beloved by her side.” Corrected a very happy girl, both eyes smiling, even if one was hidden by her eyepatch. 

○○○○○

For the past ten years, there had been a specific inn the Tendous had stayed at when visiting Ryugenzawa. The same one that they had on that trip where the youngest daughter disappeared. The same inn, in the same room when possible, that had been the last place Mrs Tendou had slept besides the Tendou household and a hospital bed. 

Kasumi was oddly, painfully relieved to be somewhere the memory of her mother hadn't touched, and that didn't have her imagining a blue haired human child in the corners of her vision.

First of all, even though some of the pack would be visiting the proper forest in the morning, this inn was on the side of town furthest from it. Maybe that was a comfort because it made it harder for anyone to run off this time. Kasumi didn't want to think about it like that, so she thought about the different view for once. 

The second point of note was that this place was fancy. The only reason the old inn had been chosen at first was because it was the only one available, then it became tradition. This was more of a luxury. This was pure comfort, with larger rooms and heated water. 

The biggest thing of note though was just how much quieter it was. Maybe it was the time of year, maybe it was the fact the old inn was cheaper and had more visitors as a result. It was nice, though. Calm. Peaceful. Kinder on the senses. 

Kasumi basically collapsed on the bed once she knew everyone else was settled in. She had no interest in seeing the festival that night, she just needed to rest and prepare for tomorrow. She had to be ready for tomorrow. 

It'd be tough. It had been tough. Ever since seeing what was left of her youngest sister for the first time, it had been tough to not imagine the new, the current Akane, going missing again in the same place. It had been tough to say goodbye. 

But she was. She was saying goodbye to a lot. Goodbye to a long gone six year old girl, properly this time. Goodbye to a seven year old girl she was responsible for killing. Goodbye to arguably the last truly living Tendou sister, the last little illusion of normalcy. 

Hibari collapsed right next to Kasumi, though immediately closing the small distance with a hug. “Hey there, teddy bear. How's it going?”

“Mmmmmmmnngnggggg… Good, but…” Kasumi nuzzled into the hug for comfort, “... I just need to be ready, I think. Tomorrow isn't going to be easy…”

“Well, I'll just have to make sure the rest of the week afterwards is a cakewalk,” A small kiss on the cheek punctuated Hibari's promise, “And I'll be beside you all of tomorrow, anyway.”

So, maybe the Tendou sisters hadn't made it out of the last ten years unscathed. Maybe Kasumi was damaged to the point that she survived just as much as her sisters did. Maybe she had been twisted and bent out of shape so badly that what was left of Kasumi Tendou, human girl, was a hollow mess that almost hurt others like her.

But that was what Kasumi would move on from. That's what allowed this polar bear to thrive. A fresh start…

○○○○○

Amidst the noise of the crowd, the sounds of celebration, something wonderful was ending. Something so earth-shatteringly amazing that one of those affected by it could now only separate her life into before and afterwards. 

Daiya had just had her first full on-the-lips kiss, with a girl, as a girl. 

Her face buzzed with the giddy energy pulsing through her brain, and it was all Jupiter's fault. She couldn't even maintain eye contact now, her vision trailing back down to the lips she'd been separated from. Her night was made, she could probably die happy if not for the billions of reasons why her brain couldn't cope with that idea if taken literally. 

Jupiter's kiss had been bold, confident, and in control. It felt electric, yet sweet, and it overpowered all other sensory input that might have caused tonight to go awry. It was distinctly Jupiter of The Conspiracy System, and Daiya loved it.

As if to taunt her girlfriend, Jupiter licked the strawberry chapstick taste left behind on her lips. “So, how was that? Because I'm very happy.”

“I need to kiss the rest of my girlfriends in a row.” Daiya said without thinking, fidgeting with her yukata sleeves. 

“W-what?”

“It felt like I was kissing you, specifically you. If I can kiss Fu-chan, Queen, and Asami, then presumably they'd all feel a bit different. So, if I want to know for sure, I'd just have to compare directly,” The fidgeting turned into excited hand flaps, “Call it a theory, I guess.”

Jupiter's face flushed pink, and it took a moment for her thoughts to gather. Obviously, by the end of her sputtering, they weren't her thoughts anymore, so she switched out the green hairclip for the yellow one. 

“I can't promise the others coming next,” Fu-chan leaned forward, “But yes. Please. Right now.”

There was a not-zero percent chance that Fu-chan was a corruptive influence. But Daiya spoke the system's language, she shared her theory knowing the consequences. And, as a girl about to be potentially kissed by at maximum two other girls tonight after this? Daiya was really happy.

○○○○

That morning was a tough morning to wake up to, and her mind blurred a little. There was a pretty girl on one side of her, and another pretty girl on the other, and she was in the middle feeling weird and fuzzy and-

Nabiki felt too alive. She had a big, difficult day ahead, and she felt too grossly alive, and she was pretty sure she felt smaller than she did when falling asleep. That was okay. Nabiki was allowed to wake up feeling like a ghost kid.

As best as she could, she got out of bed without waking up either of her best friends, and it seemed successful! They shouldn't have to wake up this early. Nabiki’s family was only supposed to be up super early like this, so the rest of the day would be easy. 

With quiet, stealthy steps, Nabiki got to the bathroom. A small spill of water let her reveal her proper form as a Zashiki-warashi, and she felt way better. No weird living body feelings would get to her today, and her excited celebration with hand flapping was well deserved because of it.

Maybe it would have been smarter to stay in her bigger body, just because she knew there were going to be some hard emotions. But it was for the same reason it was better to let herself be the seven year old spectre. She needed as much comfort as possible. 

The ghost of Nabiki Tendou was comfy and safe when she was small. Knowing the plan was to do something a little sad before something really happy, she could make sure that the little bit of pain was something she could push through. 

She changed out of the fancy ghost clothes that came with this form and picked something that would blend in more. The shorts she picked were soft, but it was the t-shirt with a wolf on it that made her happiest. Nabiki really liked wolves lately when small like this.

A bit more moving about, preparing for today, and Nabiki was glad she had planned ahead of time. Her bag for hiking had a water bottle and snacks, her shoes were sturdy, and her plush polar bear was all ready for additional comfort should all hell break loose.

Nabiki was going to go and help her family help a friend. She was going to see the last resting place of little Akane Tendou. And, if Kasumi was being right about the little stop they were going to take beforehand…

Nabiki the ghost girl was going to see her own funeral. 

She had to make sure it was something she was comfy for.

○○○○○

Akane knew this place. She knew it so, so well. 

This clearing, right at the forest's edge, was amazing for running, for hunting, for finding Kasumi what felt like forever ago. She felt the grass below her bare feet, and wondered if the human she knew lived in Ryugenzawa had finally passed this clearing. 

It was a nice, quiet morning. Her Ranma, her Juliet, stood beside her with their hands intertwined. Sayuri and Yuka were much the same, as were Hibari and Kasumi. Nabiki had taken turns holding everyone's hands to get here safely.

No one had said a word once they had gotten out of town, into this patch of Akane's old territory. It was a bitter-sweet feeling, and Akane could feel that deep in her bones. There was almost a fear in the air that Akane would want to run off again… But she didn't. She wouldn't. She refused to leave her pack. 

“... Alright, here seems good.” Kasumi whispered, right as she pulled out a few slips of paper from her pocket.

The first piece was a picture of Kasumi herself, hardly any younger than she was now, but held back, smiling fakely, wearing that safe look in her eyes that wouldn't hurt anyone. It was a human Akane knew wasn't real. 

The second paper was weird. Some official picture of Nabiki, age seven, in a school uniform. Her arm was in a cast, and she had an unreadable expression, far too cold for a girl so small. It was a body being kept on ice.

Akane didn't recognise the third photo, but Ranma's eyes widened. A black haired girl, smiling, hugging a black and white dog in a house Akane didn't recognise. She looked so happy in that dress, with that bandanna on. Maybe it was the writing on it, ‘Yoiko Hibiki’, that Ranma recognised. 

And finally, Akane knew the last photo well. It was a slightly colour faded copy of one actually back at the new Home. A small, blue haired human, with an older brown haired one. A human girl named Akane, and a human the animal still swore she recognised. 

The photos were placed gently on the ground, and a small pebble was left to hold them down. They could have been disturbed any time between then and forever. Akane wouldn't know, she wouldn't be staying there long enough to see.

The group remained silent, just staring at the photocopied memories of four long-gone girls. 

“... Good riddance, I think,” Sayuri broke the silence, “I prefer the ones with us now.”

“Yeah, no offence, but I don't think a single one of those normal girls were nearly as cool,” Yuka shrugged, “I like the pack we have.”

“I know which Kasumi is happier, at least,” Hibari held a hand out to her girlfriend, “You ready to go, Kas?”

Kasumi took a deep breath in before taking the hand offered to her. “... I think so. Let's go look for some magic.”

Nabiki took a few steps forward already, waiting for everyone to follow. “Please, it's too sad staying here…”

“Onwards, then!” Cheered the excited dark lord, her and her plushie leading the charge just as much as the small ghost. 

Ranma started to walk forward, excited to take in the new environment, but she was stopped by the fact that Akane was still staring at the photo of the young and oldest human together. “Mrrp?”

A word sat on the back of Akane's tongue, something she knew. Something she always knew. She just had to work it out, then move on. Akane had to move on. She… She just… 

“... Bye, mum.”

Akane could smile now. She was a very clever creature, and could go forward knowing that she was wanted as she was. Hand in hand, the red and blue haired creatures followed after this portion of the pack, not to be left behind or lost again.