AnneOminous

Ranma is a martial artist, and a teenage boy. At least, she used to be.

After an attack leaves Ranma trapped in a feminine body she never asked for, and unable to take a hit, her life as she knew it is over. She runs from her home and her abusive father, and after spending a few months homeless in Tokyo, takes a job in a bar called the Phoenix run by a found family consisting of the bar's matriarch owner and four hard-luck women she took under her wing as teenagers. At the Phoenix, Ranma finds a place where she can be accepted and "normal," begins to deal with the trauma she's been though, and experiences the first unconditional love she's ever known. As she does so, she begins to embrace her new life as a young woman, discovers a new talent and potential career in music, and rises from the ashes of the life she once knew.

The Phoenix Saga

"And you're sure about this?"

Ranko nodded. "I know you can do it, Akane. I believe in you."

The black-haired girl scoffed. "That makes one of us. You know this is crazy, right?"

Ranko squeezed her hand as they approached the waiting area for the commuter train. "I did lead with that. But crazy is kind of our thing, isn't it?"

Akane laughed. "I suppose so." A chime from the speaker overhead indicated that the train was arriving. "Any last-minute advice?"

"Don't get tickled."

Akane giggled, shaking her head. "Of course not, silly. That's only for you."

She leaned down, giving Ranko a gentle hug, mindful of her sore ribs. "I'll see you soon."

Ranko squeezed back tightly, not caring if it hurt. "Good luck."

"Final boarding call!" came the shrill announcement over the PA system.

"I gotta go." Akane picked up her bag, turning and making for the train.

Ranko stood at the railing, watching her board. As the doors closed and the train began to accelerate, Ranko finally summoned the words she'd meant to say, even though her partner could no longer hear them.

The Right Track