AN1: Version 2.0 of this thrice damned rewrite.

A DARK MOON RISING

CHAPTER THREE

MOONLIT MADNESS

In dimension Luna Empire prospective acquisition number 472956: Tendo house: later that night

“Ranma! What kind of perverted game are you playing at? You’re no more a Senshi then I’m a fish!” Akane yelled into the house as she came in. She had seen the news on the train coming back, and she was pissed beyond belief that Ranma would play such a mean and dirty trick on the Senshi.

“Yes son, while it is very manly to try to be near those girls, the way you did so leaves’ much to be desired.” Nodoka then called out.

“Is she for real?” Haruka whispered to Ranma. Ranma just nodded in response. “Hoo boy, do I ever feel sorry for you.” She whispered as Ranma just nodded again.

As they came in the living room, they found a female Ranma, Kasumi, Cologne, and three strange and beautiful women and one younger and also beautiful teenager, all spread out around the room.

Genma was the first to act saying “Boy! Change back right now!”

“Who are the new Fiancées Ranma?” Nabiki then drawled out while her profit sense was tingling.

“New Fiancées? How many will you get? Pervert!” She yelled, rushing forward to punch him in the form of a right cross.

Akane’s, and every one else’s who just came into the room surprise was complete when Ranma stood up into the charging attack, burring her fist into Akane’s gut, saying “I will no longer be your stupid punching bag Akane.” And then after twisting her fist deeper into Akane’s gut, she then punched up into an uppercut into Akane’s chin, sending Akane flying back to land on and then go through a coffee table.

You could have heard a pin drop, so quiet it was afterwards. Then Soun, using his Demon Head attack, screamed at Ranma “Why’d you hurt my baby! Apologize to her right now!”

“Yes, apologize to your Fiancée, and then change back!” Genma yelled.

“They’re right, you’re not being very, manly, at this moment.” Nodoka stated while fingering her katana.

“Apologize? To her? No way! She attacked me! I just defended my self! I could have done much worse to her, and I just might, if she ever tries doing that stupid shit again!” Ranma started yelling back. “And I can’t change back! Ever again!” Ranma continued to yell. And as she did so, her tightly wound control, that she worked so hard to get so she could interact with them, upon her Fear Flare, just dropped.

As the wave of fear washed over the room, every one hasted to get away from Ranma.

Haruka thought ‘Ah, shit, not this again.’ As she then started to shiver. She then knew she had to get Ranma out of here before things went really bad. “Come on, we’re out of here Ranma.” Haruka said to the room. “It was very, unpleasant, meeting all of you.” She said as the four strange women, Ranma and Cologne left.

They just stood there stunned after they left, until Nabiki asked in some slight confusion “Ah, what just happened?”

“Well my dear sister, you all finally managed to do it. You all drove Ranma away form this mad house! And me as well!” Kasumi said in a harsh tone of voice. Then she ran out the door hoping to find them.

Luckily for her, they were easy to spot. They were just a few houses down, by a large car. As Kasumi came up to them, she heard one of the woman say, “Yes I’m sure I can help speed up your moving of your restaurant to Juban. The paperwork should be ready by late tomorrow.”

Kasumi came up to them, and as they noticed her, she nervously asked “You wouldn’t have room for one more, would you?”

Haruka looked at Kasumi and then grinned and asked “Couldn’t take that nut house any more? I can’t blame you. I was only in there for five minutes with those jerks and it was more then enough for me. It’s all right with me, how about you girls?” she said, asking her roommates.

After they all gave their affirmative, Haruka said “Looks like you’re in. Have anything you need to get?” she then asked Kasumi.

“No, not if I have to step back into that house to get it.” Kasumi said with a bitter sigh.

“Well get in then.” Haruka said opening her door. “Looks like tomorrow Setsuna and Michiru are going to take you two on a shopping trip.”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t ask, you’re doing so much for me already…” Kasumi stuttered getting into the car, when Setsuna laughed saying

“My dear, I am filthy rich, and Michiru is not that bad off herself. We can afford to get you some new clothes. And I haven’t gone on an all day shopping trip in years. I’m looking forward to it, so let me spend some of my money, ok?” She asked laughing as Kasumi nodded while they drove out of Nerima.

The Outers mansion: a little past three in the morning

A secret meeting was happening inside the Outers mansion. After Ranma and Kasumi had gone to bed, the Outers had met downstairs.

“I’m worried about Ranma.” Haruka said, starting off the meeting. “She’s acting nothing like how Cologne described how Ranma used to act.”

“True, but she doesn’t seem to act like how you would expect the Dark Moon Kingdom’s Princess to act either.” Michiru replied.

“I think,” Hotaru said “That most of the time Ranma is in tight control of the remains of this Dark Moon personal, but in a battle, like this afternoon, and in times of high stress and anxiety, like this evening, that her control over her Dark Moon personal, lessens, if you will.”

The rest of the room blinked at the words of true wisdom coming from little Hotaru’s mouth. They all tended to forget that she has the mind of someone much older. Hotaru then finished her statement with “I think we should wake Kasumi, and ask her her opinion on the matter.”

“I think you’re right, stay here, I’ll go and get her.” Setsuna said, and then she was gone. She came back a few minutes later with a Kasumi who was dressed in one of Michiru’s nightgowns.

As she sat, they told Kasumi about their concerns of Ranma. Kasumi sat and thought on it, and finally replied with “Yes, Ranma is acting rather strangely, and she has been ever since her male side died. I think that Hotaru is right, and if that’s the case, then what we should do is provide positive feed back for whenever Ranma acts normally and treat her as much as we can, for now, as she would want to be treated, like a boy. Well, as much as we can that is.” Kasumi sadly said.

“Ok, we can do that.” Setsuna said. “I’ll tell the others too, seeing as most of them will be in the same school, if in different grades.”

“Well let’s get to bed then.” Michiru said while yawning. The others nodded and they went upstairs and went to their rooms and beds.

The Outers mansion: a little after six in the morning

Kasumi was awake, as was everyone else but Ranma, and she was dressed in a dress borrowed from Michiru. ‘I’m actually looking forward to this shopping trip, just so I won’t have to borrow Michiru’s clothes.’ She thought as she went to wake Ranma up.

Ranma was sleeping soundly, as usual. Kasumi went to wake Ranma, gently shaking her, then roughly shaking her, then finally violently shaking her. Finally she thought of something. “Breakfast time Ranma.” She whispered in her ear.

Ranma was awake in seconds. “Huh, what, is it morning already?” Ranma asked yawning and stretching.

“Yes Ranma. And I helped Michiru fix breakfast. It’s being served now.” Kasumi said.

Seeing as she was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, and as she didn’t want to borrow any of Outers clothes, not like any of them would fit anyway, the only one close to her height was Hotaru, but she was, bigger, in certain places then Hotaru. No she couldn’t borrow any clothes from the Outers, not that she wanted to anyway. Well, maybe Haruka would have been ok, but she was just too damn tall. So Ranma just got up and went down stairs to breakfast.

As Ranma got downstairs, she greeted everyone with “Hello, thanks for letting us stay here.”

“You’re welcome Ranma.” Setsuna called back. “Now eat your breakfast, because I’m registering you in Juban High today.”

Ranma sat down and asked glumly, “Do I have to?”

“Yes Ranma, you have to.” Setsuna said.

Sighing, and digging into the food Ranma said “Fine.”

“Ranma.” Kasumi started.

“Yeah, Kasumi?’ Ranma asked.

“You’re going to have to wear the girl’s uniform at school now, as well as a set of bra and panties.” Kasumi told Ranma bluntly.

“But…” Ranma started, when Kasumi interrupted with

“No buts Ranma. You are a girl now, and as such there are times when you must dress the part. Now we’re not going to go and get you nothing but dresses when we go out shopping this afternoon. In fact I’m only going to insist that you have three dresses, and you’ll only have to wear them when your preferred clothes are not acceptable and only dresses are. All the other clothes we will get today will be your choice, and what you wear will be your choice too. But you are getting bras and panties today. Now that you are a full time girl, you’ll have to wear them, and I think you’ll find them, if not comfortable, then at least helpful.” Kasumi told Ranma in a way that she could do nothing but nod her head in agreement.

Sullenly turning back to her food, she ate.

Juban High: seven thirty two in the morning

“Well, let’s get you into my office to start the transfer Ranma.” Setsuna said.

“Your office? Wait, you work here?” Ranma asked shocked.

“Yes. I’m the Vice Principal.” Setsuna said, continuing with “I just started this year actually. Before that I was the guidance councilor at Juban Jr. High until last year.”

“How’d you go from being a guidance councilor to a Vice Principal?” Ranma asked curious.

“It was the only job open at the time I wanted to work here. Ranma, I’ve been around for quite awhile, and I have many different degrees. I am much more then qualified to work here, and rich enough so I don’t have to work. So why do you think I spend my time working here?” Setsuna asked after making sure no one was around.

“Um…, because most of the other girls go here?” Ranma asked.

“Yes. Other then Rei, all of them go here.” Setsuna admitted. “So that is why I work here, to keep an eye on them. I wish Rei would go here too, but her Grandfather wants her to have a private education. What I never got is why, if she has to act as a shine maiden for him, does he want her to have a Catholic school education?” She asked while shaking her head.

“Good morning Miss Meiou.” An older woman that Ranma took to be Setsuna’s secretary said.

“Good morning Aria. This is Ranma Saotome. She’s transferring here from Furinkan High.” Setsuna told her secretary.

“Good God! You’re transferring in from that nut house? Good for you girl. At least you’re getting away from all those dangerous martial artists that tear up the place all the time and that insane Principal. I don’t know how he ever kept his job.” She said in shock and sympathy.

“Hey! It wasn’t my fault that I was being attacked all the time! Though we did destroy a lot of the school I’ll admit, and well, Principal Coconut Head has the whole district in his damn pocket.” Ranma said, keeping tight control on her aura.

“What?’ Aria asked in shock and getting slightly scared for some reason.

“Aria, perhaps you missed the name.” Setsuna said with a sigh. “This is Ranma Saotome, she was one of the martial artists you just knocked. The main one in fact.” Setsuna explained.

Aria was shocked. “But I thought Ranma Saotome was a boy?” She asked confused.

“Obviously not. Now I’ve got to get her registered here, so she can start tomorrow.” Setsuna said going into her office, followed by Ranma.

“Sorry about her Ranma. She’s very, proper, I guess is the politest way of saying it.” Setsuna apologized to Ranma.

Looking over the mail on her desk, she found the necessary documents to get Ranma into Juban High, as well as out from under her parent’s control. “Well, looks like it’s all here. Ha, what use is it being the Mistress of Time, if you can’t use it to make life easier for your friends?” Setsuna said out loud.

“Huh? What did you do?” Ranma asked curiously.

“Nothing much really.” Setsuna said with a causal air. “I sent back in time some requests to transfer you here, plus make you an emancipated minor.” Seeing the blank look on her face she said. “These documents will get you into this school, and your parents won’t run your life any more.” Setsuna explained.

“Oh.” Ranma said. “Uh, thanks.”

“Ok then,” Setsuna said digging into the papers. “Lets get stated. The first thing we need to do is update all your school records to having you listed as a female.” She said to Ranma’s groan.

A mall in Juban: later on in that day

Ranma was shopping. A thing she hated to do almost as much as going to school. She had elected to get her new under garments first, seeing that as the evilest and most vile thing she’d have to do, and she really wanted it out of the way first. Next she decided to get the three dresses that Kasumi instead on. So that’s what she doing at the moment, trying on dresses. And the others were having too much fun with it in her opinion.

The, twelfth, was it? Dress was the first to meet the girl’s approval. A deep burgundy red ball gown with long sleeves, a low neck line and tight bodice and a full loose floor length skirt. ‘Perfect for formal occasions.’ Michiru had said.

They then got her a more regular, every day dress. It was a deep dark purple dress, with a loose full body top, and a loose skirt to mid shin. ‘Nice and demure. Perfect.” Was Kasumi’s response.

Then Setsuna suggested a fun dress. ‘One to out partying in.’ as she put it. The other three looked at her strangely for a moment, then saw the wisdom in such a thing, and agreed.

And so they had spent over an hour arguing over the choices, and didn’t notice that Ranma walked off, until she returned saying in an exasperated voice “Will this do?”

Ranma had wandered off trying to find a dress on her own that would appeal to all the girls, not that she had to like it, but it would get her out of here and on to getting the clothes she’d actually be wearing.

What Ranma had on her was a dress cut in a modified Chinese style. With a tight bodice that stopped mid breast, no sleeves or anything else past that going upwards. And the lower part was tight, going down to the ankle on the left, but left the right half of the right leg totally exposed. It was primarily in a pitch jet black, with shiny bright red geometric patterns decorating it.

A low whistle came from all of them. Haruka, wiping the drool from her lips, whispered out “Get that.” It was the first thing she’d spoken since the shopping had begun.

Michiru was too busy wiping drool from her own mouth, to notice Haruka doing the same. “Yes, get that. You have excellent taste Ranma.”

“Yes Ranma,” Kasumi began “That looks simply wonderful on you. Where and how did you find it?”

“Ah, it was just back there,” She said pointing into the really, really pricey part of an already expensive dress shop. Their jaws slightly dropped, but they were going to get it for Ranma, it looked too good on her not too. “And I just thought to my self, what would they think I should wear? And I thought that this would meet with you girls approval”

“It would meet with anyone’s approval.” Haruka said in awe.

Michiru glanced at Haruka, who just shrugged a shrug that she read as ‘I’m yours, but I’m not blind.’ Michiru nodded back, which Haruka interpreted correctly as, ‘Ok, you’re off the hook, for now.’

The rest of the shopping went pretty quick, once Ranma found her traditional clothes, plus she got some jeans and polo shirts and also some tennies. And then they did the shopping for Kasumi. And everything was going so well too until as they were leaving…

“My beautiful pig-tailed girl” Ranma herd a familiar voice cry.

“Kuno.” She whispered darkly. Turning around she saw him not three feet from her. “What the hell are you doing here in Juban?” she all but yelled at him in her fury.

Kuno didn’t notice this, as always, and just answered her question like it had been asked in a normal tone of voice.

“This mall has the best store in all of Japan for getting my noble self my robes. Now what is this I heard of the foul sorcerer running away from home and abandoning Akane after beating her and abducting you, my fiery beauty?”

“Get this through your thick skull once and for all Kuno! I AM THE FOUL SORCERER! Möko Takabisha!” She called out, knocking him off his feet and propelling him back thirty feet, to crash into and then through a statue in a fountain.

“She can access her Senshi powers untransformed?” Setsuna asked in some fear.

“No, that was one of Ranma’s weaker Ki attacks.” Kasumi told the group who all just nodded in response.

Then from the second level came an insane laugh. “Oh, so the harlot's here? Where are you hiding my darling Ranma?” Kodachi asked.

Ranma at this point lost all her hard earned control over her aura, and a lot of control over herself. And as she lost the control, most of the mall shoppers ran in sudden fear, The four woman with Ranma shank back a few steps, and before Kodachi could react, Ranma jumped up into the air and did a round house kick to Kodachi, causing her to fly back through a store window, the window’s displays and most of the store it’s self.

As Ranma perched on the guard rail, Haruka called out “Ranma! Come on! Let’s get going before the cops get here!”

Calming down, and pulling her aura back in to herself, but not as well as before, but a lot of it none the less, Ranma nodded, hopped back down, and then they left an empty mall, well empty except for the two Kuno siblings that is.

Later after they got home, while Ranma was putting her clothes away, the others talked on how to keep Ranma calm in times of stress, for they would need her in the battles to come.

The Outers Mansion: the next day: a little after seven in the morning

“Ranma! Come out of there!” Setsuna yelled. “You’re going to be late for your first day!”

“I don’t care! I’m not going in this thing!” Ranma yelled back. “I look ridiculous.”

Setsuna sighed while she opened the door. ‘Ranma is losing control over her aura again.’ Setsuna noted, but it was not enough of a slip up as to make her vacate the room, just make her uncomfortable in Ranma’s presence. Out loud she said “Ranma, you look like any other girl in a school uniform.” She said to a Ranma who winced at that. “I know you don’t want to hear that, but it is the truth. Now get yourself together, your aura is not under control at the moment, and then come down stairs to eat some breakfast before we all leave for the school.”

“But…” Ranma started.

“No buts. Now come down to breakfast.” Setsuna said, then turning around she muttered under her breath, but Ranma still heard her, “God, I sound like a mother.”

That one statement made Ranma feel really guilty. ‘They’re being so nice to me, taking care of me, they got me into school, the least I can do is go, though I don’t have to like it.’ Ranma thought while feeling guilty.

So Ranma took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She never had been very good at or even interested in meditation before, but she had found it was a great way to suppress her Fear Flare aura to the lowest levels possible, so that she could interact with people. This was the thing about turning into a magical girl that actually annoyed her the most. Sure it could be useful at times, but most of the time it was a big pain in the ass. That was why she was brushing up on her meditation techniques, which she had ignored for so long.

After her aura was at its lowest possible level, a feeling of slight unease around her for about twelve feet, she stood up and grabbed her book bag and went downstairs.

“Hello.” Ranma said to everyone.

“Morning.” Haruka said without looking up from her food. Ranma’s eye twitched a little at seeing Haruka in a boy’s uniform, and Haruka noticed it. “Jealous huh?” Ranma just nodded sharply. “Well you need special permission from the Principal to wear one. We’ve talked it over and we will try to get it for you if you want it, but until you get it you’re stuck with that.” She said pointing her fork at Ranma. “Just think of it as something to look forward to.”

Ranma sat down and was served by Kasumi. “Thanks.” She said.

“You’re welcome Ranma.” Kasumi said cheerfully.

Ranma ate slowly for her, which was still faster then a normal person, and said “Yeah, I think I’d like a boy’s uniform. Never had to wear any till now, but I think I’d prefer the boy’s.”

“Well, after school come to my office and sign the form asking to be able to wear one. Unfortunately it can take up to a month to be approved or disapproved.” Setsuna said.

“Disapproved?” Ranma asked.

“It’s not always approved. But I can push it for you, so I think you’ll get it.” Setsuna said.

“Oh.” Ranma replied.

After breakfast everyone got into the car. The first stop was Juban’s local community collage, to drop off Kasumi, and she’d only be going there for the rest of the year and then she’d apply to Tokyo University for the next year. Then the rest of them took off for Juban High.

Juban High: Ranma’s classroom: start of school

“Well class, we have a new student.” The teacher, a Miss Noiria began smiling. “Let’s welcome her to the class. Please tell us a bit about yourself.”

“Hello, my name is Ranma Saotome and I’m transferring here from Furinkan Koukou. I practice martial arts.” Ranma stopped there, looked like she might say something else, and then did not.

“I see.” Miss Noiria said, not smiling any more. “So are you one of the famed ‘Martial Artist students of Furinkan’?” she asked.

Ranma, not getting that the teacher was now unpleased said “Yeah, the best. Why did you ask? Are we famous or something?” Ranma asked the teacher.

“I hope you realize that what went on in Furinkan will not be tolerated here.” Miss Noiria said harshly.

“Um, what do you mean? “ Ranma asked sounding puzzled.

“Fighting like that on campus will get trouble makers like you expelled. Now sit down and pay attention.” Miss Noiria said harshly.

“Yes Mam.” Ranma said, wondering why she was angry at her.

The morning classes went predictably, Ranma struggled to stay awake, and she didn’t quite understand what was being taught. When the teacher called Ranma on this she replied that Miss Meiou had gotten an Ami Mizuno to agree to tutor her. That satisfied the teacher, for the moment that is.

Juban High: lunch time: the cafeteria

It was lunch time. Ranma sat down at an empty table and was slowly joined by the Senshi.

“So, how’s your first day going?” Usagi asked cheerfully.

“Miss Noiria hates me for some reason. Ever since I introduced my self, she’s been on my case.” Ranma told them.

“What did you say?’ Usagi asked.

“That I was transferring her from Furinkan, and that I’m a martial artist.” Ranma said.

“Well there’s your problem.” Ami said. “She thinks you’ll be a trouble maker. Furinkan’s martial artist’s have a bad reputation in the rest of the school system.” Ami told Ranma.

“Why?” Ranma asked puzzled.

“All of that fighting on school property, plus the destruction of it.” Ami replied.

“That’s bad?” Ranma asked, sounding puzzled.

“To other schools yes.” Ami said sighing. “Now Setsuna said you needed my help with tutoring? How much help do you need?” Ami asked changing the subject.

“Um, a lot? I didn’t understand anything so far. And this time I even stayed awake for it!” Ranma told Ami.

“You didn’t understand a thing?” Ami asked surprised. “What did they teach at Furinkan?” Ami asked shocked.

“Obviously not a lot.” Haruka spoke from behind her food. “Really I’m not surprised, what with her missing so much school and going to Furinkan, that Ranma’s having trouble following the curriculum. Ami you’ve got your work cut out for you this time.” Haruka told Ami.

“Gee, thanks.” Both Ami and Ranma said at once. They looked at each other and giggled. Moments later the bell rung, signaling that it was time for more classes.