I'm posting this for Wade. You can direct comments to him or the list, and
I'll see he gets them.
Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought
What�s happened so far: Oh, quite a bit. Last chapter
Kasumi faced the challenge of Mousse, and learned that she is
now officially an Amazon, with all the rights, and the legal
difficulties there in. Kuno also did something very unexpected,
and dumped Akane.
Akane: I wasn�t dumped! We weren�t even dating! I hate the
jerk! So, don�t say I was dumped!
Okay, okay, but he�s not chasing you anymore, instead vowing to
concentrate on Kasumi. Nabiki is currently taking bets on how
long this will last. Get into the pool while you still have the
chance.
Cologne has also offered her training services to Kasumi
in order to prevent any defeats, and thus avoid any difficulties
that might arise in regards to the law.
Now, for those getting lost, here�s a little program to keep
track of things:
Ranma is chasing after Kodachi who was in turn after Kasumi-
kun, but now she has learned of the curse much to her
embarrassment. Kodachi is friends with Akane who herself is
after Dr. Tofu but hasn�t gotten around to doing anything yet.
Right about here is where we get the mysterious curse victim C-
chan who is Akane�s pet and has some interest in both Kasumi
and Shampoo. We also have pink little Ryouko who is actually
Ukyo (who is not really all that little, being a wolf) who loves
Ranma and hates Kasumi with a passion. Ranma is friends with
Kuno, who now knows of Kasumi�s curse and has decided to
pursue her, and only her. Then we have Shampoo who is
married, yes married, to Kasumi, with mixed feelings on the
whole matter. Oh, and of course there is poor old Nabiki who
through unfortunate circumstances has ended up with an
annoying attraction to her brother� er, sister, Kasumi-kun, aka
Kaneda. Because of this she is has to deal with the unwanted
attention of Tsubasa who she was using as an excuse to avoid
Kasumi-kun. Makoto also had taken a severe liking of Kasumi-
kun but like Kodachi is now no doubt suffering from severe
embarrassment. Mousse has recently appeared on the scene, and
of course is interested in Shampoo, but strangely Kasumi as well.
Finally there is Ryoga, who is Kasumi�s old friend, but who
appears interested in a closer relationship. Well, that�s about it
for the moment. On with the story.
Chapter 20
The sun was just in the process of setting as the various
residents and guests of the Tendo home were sitting down to
dinner. The guests for this particular evening�s meal were
Kasumi and Shampoo, the former taking a break from her
training to visit with the family, and the latter being invited along
by the former.
The continuing situation with the Amazons had relatively
stabilized. Cologne had been true to her word, and confined
herself to helping run the restaurant and training Kasumi. Frost,
besides the occasional glare from across the way, had been
keeping her distance from Kasumi. Shampoo seemed to have
settled into a routine, and was not causing any particular
problems. Even Mousse had gone quiet. Actually, he had pretty
much up and disappeared, although Cologne had been adamant
in saying that he was still about. Shampoo concurred with this,
giving Kasumi several examples of his past actions to illustrate
the unlikely hood of his having given up. Still, despite that, for
Kasumi it seemed that for at least the time being, everything was
calm. That meant she better make the best of it, for trouble was
undoubtedly on the horizon.
�So Kasumi, I hear you�ve been involved in some extra
training with the elder,� Soun said to begin some small talk.
�Yes, father, I have. She knows a great deal that I am
sure will come in useful.�
�What exactly is she teaching you?� Nodoka asked.
�A little bit of everything I think. However, we�ve been
focusing mostly on perfecting the Dragon Fang attack, and
working on my speed. We were just starting with the Kachuu
Tenshin Amaguriken as a matter of fact.�
Ranma frowned at this, turning his attention solidly onto
his plate. Despite his desire to be alone with his thoughts, Soun
turned to him. �And, Son, what about your training?�
�It�s going well enough I suppose,� Ranma mumbled
back.
�Hitting a slump period eh?� Soun sympathized between
mouth-fulls of rice. �Don�t worry, you�ll be over that soon
enough. Why, I remember a time when Genma and I were in
such a slump. We just didn�t seem to be getting the kind of
results we wanted from our old master. Isn�t that right,
Saotome?� Genma nodded his agreement and Soun continued.
�But before long we met� Errr, well, ahhh� It�s not really
important.�
Genma and Soun exchanged brief looks, then Genma
added his own suggestion. �We could always take a short
training trip to the mountains and-�
�Oh no you don�t!� Nodoka exclaimed, cutting off her
husband, slamming her hand firmly on the table for emphasis.
�You did enough damage with Kasumi, and I can only pray that
we can make amends. I�m not letting you near my son without
me around to supervise. Let you run the show and you�d
probably consider throwing him in a pit of cats!�
Kasumi shuddered involuntarily at the reference, but
Genma protested. �Do I look foolish enough to repeat that
mistake?�
�Yes,� Nodoka replied flatly, folding her arms across her
chest, and turning away from her husband. Genma shrank back
from the open criticism.
�It doesn�t matter,� Ranma finally said, ending the
argument between his parents. �It�s got nothing to do with that.
I�m getting plenty of training right here. I just� I don�t know�
don�t feel as into it as usual.� Ranma once more drooped his
head and stared at his plate with a barely audible sigh.
�Son, you�re not saying you�re giving up on the art!�
Genma and Soun exclaimed together.
�NO!� Ranma yelled back, looking up to glare at the two
older men, then calmed. �It�s not like that. I just don�t feel
motivated I guess.�
�Maybe you just need a good challenge,� Akane
suggested. �I mean, you seem to do your best stuff when you
have someone to challenge you,� Akane explained, then quickly
added, �not that your best stuff is much.�
�I could take you any day Akane, so don�t talk!� Ranma
snapped back.
�I�m twice the martial artist you are,� Akane countered.
�In your dreams maybe, but this is reality. I could take
you on my worst day.�
�Enough you two,� Nodoka ordered, ending the
argument, although Akane sneaked in a show of tongue to further
irritate Ranma.
�Yes, well anyway Son, you just press on. With the
proper training and time, I�m sure you�ll be up to defeating
Kasumi.� Soun said, causing Ranma to choke briefly on his last
bite.
�What?�
�You must realize Son that you�ll have to defeat Kasumi
now to marry her. This way you can satisfy the honor of our two
families, carry on the dojo, and restore Shampoo�s family honor
all in one fell swoop.� Soun explained.
�Hey now, just one minute, I�m-� Ranma began to
protest, but was sharply cut off by the sound of a cup shattering.
Everyone turned their attention to Shampoo, who despite her
innocent smile, looked very angry, the broken remains of her cup
a testament to her true feelings.
�Shampoo very sorry. Drop cup.� The Amazon said, but
did not sound too sincere to Kasumi�s ears.
�It is all right dear. Nabiki, fetch her another.� Nodoka
instructed, and after sighing, Nabiki headed off for the kitchen.
�Anyway, as I was saying, I�m not interested in marrying
Kasumi,� Ranma said, then looked at Kasumi and quickly added.
�Not that you�re bad or nothing. I mean, I�m sure there are lots
of guys out there. I mean, good guys� you knows, guys like me.
I mean, not like me, but like� well, you know�� Ranma trailed
off as he tried to find the correct words, then noticed the
collective stares of all those at the table. �What?�
�Son, how can you so disgrace the family name?� His
father asked.
�Me? You�re one to talk Pop!� Ranma snapped, then
composed himself. �I just want to choose who I marry.�
�Yeah, he wants to marry Dachi,� Akane said with a
smirk, causing both fathers to suddenly sit up and glare angrily at
Ranma, who in turn shot Akane and angry glance.
�Is this true Son? Have you been having liaisons with
that gymnast?� Soun asked angrily.
�Well, that is� ah-� Ranma tried to explain, nervously
backing away from Soun.
�He might wish he were Daddy, but Kodachi doesn�t give
him the time of day.� Nabiki said as she returned with a fresh
cup for Shampoo.
�So that is how it is! My only Son is willing to besmirch
the family name just so he can have a fling with a girl who�s not
even interested. Oh, what did I do to deserve such an offspring?�
Genma wailed, and dropped his head to the table to cry.
�Do you want a list?� Nodoka mumbled, but went
unnoticed.
�That�s not fair!� Ranma protested after a moment. �I
just want to choose!�
Suddenly Genma stopped his fit of grief, and stood up.
�Well you can choose boy. Which will it be: Akane, Nabiki, or
Kasumi? You see, you have lots of choices.�
�That�s not what I meant!� Ranma cried out, but Genma
failed to heed him.
Instead, his father circled around the table to be behind
his son, and gestured to Kasumi then Shampoo. �Look at it this
way Son. If you marry Kasumi, you get Shampoo too. Two girls
for the price of one. What a bargain!� Kasumi merely bowed her
head in embarrassment, while Shampoo fumed at being treated
like some kind of supermarket product on promotion. �What is
there to complain about?�
�Well, I-�
�Would you dare call your fianc�e ugly?� Genma asked,
moving behind Kasumi, and ignoring his wife hissing his name
angrily at the reference. �Well, would you boy?�
�No, of course not!� Ranma said at last.
�Then what�s the problem. She can cook, can clean, runs
her own restaurant, has a successful job already, and is even a
great martial artist. What�s there to not like?� Genma pressed,
backing Ranma into the proverbial corner.
Damn you old man, Ranma thought bitterly as he realized
the trap he had been moved into. Anything he said now would
hurt Kasumi unless he just conceded the point. Looking at
Kasumi�s bowed face as she looked at the floor, a face that
looked like the slightest edgy comment might shatter it, made the
thought of saying anything of the sort unbearable. After
agonizing for nearly a minute, Ranma too bowed his head in
defeat. �I guess there is nothing not to like.�
�Hey now, you see. That wasn�t so hard.� Genma said
cheerfully, then everyone once more turned their attention to
Shampoo as another glass shattered.
�Sorry.�
Not that much later dinner had broken up, and everyone
was returning to their regular activities. Genma and Soun were
playing their unending game of shogi, while Nabiki and Nodoka
cleaned up, which was complicated by having to deal with the
remnants of 3 cups and 1 table, all thanks to Shampoo. Ranma
had decided it best to keep his distance from the Amazon for the
time being, and was out by the dojo with Ryouko.
His thoughts were not on his physical well being
however. Instead they were on a matter he had not dwelled on in
quite some time, marriage. He had managed to sidestep the issue
with Soun and even his own Mother for a little while. However,
now things had shifted.
�How do you like that girl?� Ranma asked his pet, and
gained a short sad whimper from her. �And here I thought
dodging my engagement to Akane was tough. It�s totally
different with Kasumi. I mean with Akane, we could trade
insults into next week and it meant nothing. It really didn�t hurt
either of us, and we both knew it. It�s totally different with
Kasumi. It�s like� it�s like holding a Ming vase or something.
I don�t even want to take the risk of hurting her.�
Ranma sighed out his frustration, only absently noting
Ryouko�s low growling about the whole situation. Yeah, things
were a lot easier with Akane. Kasumi was a whole different
story, one that he did not have a handle on. �And now I have to
defeat her too. I guess it could be worse. I mean I certainly
wouldn�t mind being on top again.� Ranma noted with a slight
smile, that only caused Ryouko further misery.
Great, Ukyou thought, if they do fight, I will have to rig it
so Kasumi wins. God, that really goes against the grain! Ryouko
let out a sputter as she thought about it. Life simply was not fair.
As if in confirmation of that thought, Kasumi walked into view
from around the house, causing Ranma to take particular notice.
Ryouko had to fight back the urge to run over and bite the
pretender in a particularly tender spot of her posterior. However,
as pleasant as that thought was, she would likely end up in the
pound, or worse catch some sort of horrid disease, for such a
deed. No, life simply was not fair.
Kasumi did not seem to notice the attention she was
receiving, and proceeded to walk about the perimeter of the stone
fence, deep in thought. Ranma continued to watch her silently
until she finally stopped and hopped up on the wall, and looked
up at the sky. Ranma sat pensive for a minute, debating in his
own mind, but then finally, much to Ryouko�s chagrin, headed
over.
�Hello Ranma,� Kasumi greeted once Ranma was close
enough, causing him to stop in mid motion, both from surprise,
and nervousness. After a moment of getting no response,
Kasumi turned to look back at him. �Is something wrong?�
�No. No, nothing�s wrong. I just� Never mind.�
Ranma started to turn away, but recovered from his momentary
shock before he made any progress, and instead returned to
facing Kasumi. �Hey, I just wanted to say I�m sorry.�
�About what?� Kasumi asked in honest confusion.
�About this whole marriage thing. I mean, I shouldn�t
have let you get mixed up in it. Akane and I were doing just fine,
but now everything�s� goofed up.� Ranma finally bowed his
head in depression, just as Kasumi replied.
�Oh no Ranma. You have nothing to be sorry about. It
was our fathers� idea after all, and they can be ever so insistent at
times,� Kasumi remarked, remembering numerous times Genma
had somehow managed to get her to do the silliest things.
�Kasumi, how can you be so forgiving about all of this. I
mean, really, I think I�d be going crazy in your position.�
�Oh, I�m sure you�d handle it just fine.�
�No I wouldn�t, trust me.� Ranma countered, then hoped
up onto the fence with Kasumi to sit and explain further.
�How� Why do you always want to compromise with
everyone?� He asked, gaining a confused look from Kasumi.
�You know, like say with Shampoo. It�s only those stupid
Amazon laws that-�
�Ranma, first you must learn not to so quickly judge other
societies. What makes our laws good, while theirs are stupid?�
�Oh come on, marry a guy who defeats you. That�s
nuts.�
�And I�m sure some would say marrying freely out of
some sense of irrational emotional desire for another is just as�
nuts.� Kasumi replied with a slight smile, then looked off at the
sky again. �I suppose it comes down largely to the good of
society, against the freedom of the individual. We value our
freedom highly, often out of fear of some larger group abusing the
power we might give them. However, absolute freedom cannot
be allowed either, for that would leave us in anarchy. A balance
must always be struck, and some societies choose to balance
differently. There�s so little to say which is better and which is
worse.
�The Amazon laws were not made by unwise people.
They have a strong basis in the past. To defeat an Amazon is to
show you have strength, either physical or by skill, both of which
are valuable commodities to a small village of warriors. In
addition it can be a great diplomatic device, as it creates a bond
between the Amazon and the man and thus any groups he has
ties with. It also is a great motivator. Those that wish to keep
the choice to themselves must train themselves to become
stronger so that they cannot be defeated. And, even should the
Amazon end up with an unsuitable mate� well, things happen.
Does the law seem so stupid now?�
Ranma shook his head. �No, I guess not. When did you
learn all this?�
�The Elder has been making me study the laws
extensively, and their history. I�m also learning Chinese� rather
Mandarin to be more precise,� Kasumi answered, then returned
to the original subject. �But, you were talking about Shampoo.
So, how would you handle it?�
�I� I don�t really know.�
Kasumi nodded in understanding, then gained a
thoughtful look. �How about this. If you were walking along the
side of a cliff, enjoying the view, and you were so distracted that
you did not notice a man standing in your path. Because of that,
purely by accident you knocked him over. However, he managed
to grab a handhold, and might be able to climb up, but then again
maybe not. It�s not a high cliff, so the fall probably wouldn�t be
fatal, but it�s high enough that it would definitely cause him
some injury. What do you do? Leave, or stay to help?�
�Well, help him of course.�
�Even if you have a very important meeting to get to that
is very important to your future opportunities.�
�It doesn�t matter. That person is in trouble. Even if I
didn�t knock him over, I�d still help him. I mean, a person is
more important than some stupid meeting.�
�How about marriage, is it more important than that
person?�
Ranma scowled as he realized the path of the argument.
�I guess I see your point.�
Kasumi smiled. �You see Ranma, there is nothing
particularly special about me. I�m sure you�d do the right thing.�
�The right thing would have been to never have gotten
you involved in this engagement mess,� Ranma said with a sigh,
then looked over his shoulder back at the house. The look
Ryouko gave Kasumi he missed, but the look Shampoo was
giving him caused him a great deal of concern. �I better go.
Shampoo doesn�t look too pleased.�
Kasumi looked over at the Amazon and sighed. Shampoo
was standing just outside the dojo, giving Ranma a most
unhealthy look that promised trouble. �Don�t worry Ranma, I�ll
talk to her.�
�Yeah, well, I�ll just keep my distance. No sense taking
risks.� Ranma said as he dropped down to the ground. He
started to walk off, then stopped, turning back to say something,
but did not quite get it out. Instead, his nerve failed him, and he
simply sighed and returned to Ryouko�s side.
Kasumi took a moment longer to look at the sky and
think, then she too headed back for the house. By that time
Shampoo had already returned inside. �I�m really going to have
to have a talk with her,� Kasumi mumbled as she went inside the
house. No one took note of the scratching coming from the
upstairs window, or noticed the look on C-chan�s face, a look
that was even less amused than Shampoo�s.
�Heading off Kasumi?� Nodoka asked as Kasumi
entered the house, finding Shampoo sitting on the stairs, pouting.
Kasumi took a second to look at Shampoo sadly, then addressed
Nodoka.
�Yes, I guess so. I have an orientation with two new
students tomorrow at school, so I should get there early.�
Nodoka nodded in understanding, and began to head for the
kitchen, but Kasumi called her to a stop. �Hold on a moment
Auntie. Shampoo.�
Shampoo looked up from the floor she had been staring
at. �What?� She asked, irritation clear in her voice.
�I want you to apologize,� Kasumi answered, causing
Shampoo a moment of shock, then outrage.
Shampoo jumped to her feet to confront Kasumi. �Why
Shampoo apologize? No Shampoo who treat others like don�t
matter!�
�Shampoo, I realize that, but-�
�No! Shampoo not apologize!� Shampoo snapped out,
then ended the argument by marching out the door.
Kasumi frowned after Shampoo, then looked back at
Nodoka apologetically. �I�m sorry Auntie.�
Nodoka shook her head. �No, it�s all right Kasumi. I
suppose I would be a little upset myself.�
�That doesn�t excuse breaking the table.� Kasumi
replied.
�It�s just a table. Don�t worry about it.�
�It�s not just that. She can be excessively� stubborn at
times. Did you hear she attacked Kodachi?� Kasumi asked,
gaining a concerned look from Nodoka. �Well, she did.
Fortunately I made her promise not to do such a thing again,
but� She just doesn�t relate well to most people I�ve found. I
understand it. She�s not had much success with relations so far,
but I can�t just let this go on. I can�t be sure she�ll keep to her
promise. I need her to deal with things more calmly.�
�Well, if she hasn�t had much experience dealing with
others, then she probably isn�t used to dealing with things
calmly, as you say. Just give her some time.�
�I have been giving her time.� Kasumi replied, then
sighed and shook her head. �Maybe I�m expecting too much of
her.�
�Or maybe you should give her the opportunity to develop
those skills.�
�Like what? Getting her to train with us doesn�t seem to
help. She�s more interested in the fights than training, or getting
along.�
Nodoka nodded in understanding, and thought for a
moment. �Perhaps something less aggressive is called for.
Maybe you could get her into school.�
Kasumi considered the suggestion, and finally nodded
with some hope. �It could just work. I�ll try it.�
Across town, Frost was in the processes of complaining
to anyone that would listen, which in this case was herself. Once
more she had been relegated the task of inventory. She swore if it
was not for the fact she had to stay in Nerima to make sure things
worked out for Shampoo, and thus needed some place to stay, she
would have given the �good� doctor a large piece of her mind.
However, as disgusting as it was, she had a place to stay only at
his good grace. Life was not fair.
The doldrums were finally ended with the sudden
shattering of the door to the office. Frost immediately bolted
upright, smashing her head against an overhanging shelf in the
process. This did very little to improve her mood. After
muttering out a colorful choice of words, she began to weave a
protection spell, and looked out from the storeroom into the
waiting room.
�Hello? Anybody home?� An old woman�s voice called
out, causing Frost�s concern to ease somewhat. Still, she
prepared the spell just in case. No telling if this was in fact a
demon trying to lull her into a false sense of security.
Tofu came out from the kitchen to inspect the commotion
himself. Both he and Frost came upon the sight of a large
wooden cabinet, one used often as a shrine, inside the remains of
the door. �Hmm, what was that sound? A family shrine? Oh,
I�m sorry, I already have one.� Tofu commented, causing Frost
to look at him in puzzlement at his casual attitude about having
his front door ruined.
�Don�t tell me you�ve forgotten me already?� An old
woman asked as she popped up on top of the shrine.
�M�mother, w�what are you doing here?� Tofu
stuttered out in surprise. Since the doctor seemed to know the
woman, Frost eased her guard and examined the woman. She
reminded the magus of Cologne, ancient, small, yet formidable.
That shrine must have weighed near a hundred pounds, yet this
woman seemed to have been moving it herself with no obvious
strain. With an elder like that, the doctor�s position in society
seemed more deserved.
�What? Aren�t you glad to see your own mother?�
�Well, yes, but you could have called first.� Tofu replied.
�So I forgot, sue me. Come son, pay your respects to your
father, then we can talk.� The old woman directed. Together she
and the doctor set up the shrine in the examination room on top of
one of the cabinets, leaving Frost alone in the waiting room.
With an absent wave of her hand, Frost changed the magical field
she had developed and manipulated it to reform the door, and
joined the others. After finishing her prayer, the old woman
noticed the Amazon. �Oh, hello little boy, didn�t see you there.�
Frost involuntarily twitched at the reference, but managed
to keep her temper, just barely. Bowing formally, Frost returned
the greeting. �Greetings Elder Tofu. I am called Frost. I am at
your service. And, begging your pardon, I am a woman, not a�
boy.�
�Ah, yes mother, this is my new nurse.� Tofu elaborated
after finishing his prayer and his mother nodded in
understanding.
�Oh dear, I�m sorry. It�s that cloak and all. It kind of
makes you look like a boy. Again, my apologies. And really,
there�s no need to be formal with me. Just call me Mrs. Tofu, or
just Kin if you like,� his mother said with a warm smile.
�I could be nothing less than respectful to an Elder, even
from a family of Japan.� Frost replied with a shake of her head.
Tofu�s mother nodded, then examined the Amazon. �Not
from Japan yourself I assume. Chinese Amazon?� She asked,
amazing Frost.
�Y�yes, I am. In fact I am one of the villages magus�s.
How is it that you know of my people, if I may ask?�
The old woman smiled, and headed back out into the
waiting room. �Oh, my family hasn�t been limited to living on
the Isles of Japan. My own mother in fact studied in China many
of the techniques I passed on to Tofu here.�
Frost looked on in mild surprise, but then smiled and
nodded in approval. Of course, she thought, where else could
this man have gained such techniques. Her momentary uplift in
attitude, however, was cut short when she noticed the looks both
the doctor and his mother had on their faces. �What?� She
asked in confusion.
�Ah, Frost, the door�� Tofu replied, pointing out the
object in question.
Frowning in irritation, Frost turned her attention to the
door, and big sweated. Instead of the glass and wood one that
had been there, a large and heavy brass gate that was certainly
more fitting to a medieval castle was in its place. Frost swore in
her own mind at the mistake, but then burst into anger. �Well
fine! If you want the cold air, I�ll just get rid of the stupid-�
�Nonono, that�s not necessary! It�s just fine! It�s very�
eye-catching.� Tofu said quickly, causing Frost to ease.
Tofu�s mother took a short look between the two, then in
a flash Frost found the woman behind her, her hands rubbing her
hips probingly. Frost barely managed to restrain herself from
screaming out in surprise. However awkward this situation was,
this woman was an Elder, and thus Frost�s superior. Fortunately
the inspection lasted only a moment, and the old woman
withdrew to think. �Hmmmmm� Nope, no good. Too small.�
Frost wheeled on the old woman anxiously. �What do
you mean? What�s too small?�
�I�m sorry to bear such bad news, but your hips are
simply too small for you to marry my Tofu.� The mother
explained, stunning Frost.
�Marry? Mother, what are you talking about?� Tofu
asked.
�Son, it is high time you got yourself a bride. I mean
really, what are you now, twenty-five?�
�Twenty-six actually.�
�Twenty-six, in any case, that�s too old to be still single.
I don�t want to see our family line end with you.�
�Mother, you�re exaggerating. I�ll get married some day.
I�m just not ready to get married right now.�
�What?!� The old woman screamed out, then fainted.
The doctor rushed to her side, managing to catch her before she
hit the ground, and began a quick examination of her. However,
before a second had passed, the woman seemed to vanish, but her
voice could be heard from the examination room. �Father, how
could our son so forsake the family name? How could he be so
cruel! Where did I go wrong?�
�Mother?� Tofu quickly joined his mother in the other
room, and found her with a bottle of pills in her hand.
�Well, I guess this world has no more place for me. I�ll
be with you soon Father.� The woman said in finality, and
opened the bottle.
�Mother don�t!� Tofu panicked at this point, grabbed the
bottle, and began to struggle for it with his mother. After a
moment, the struggle ended, dumping the contents of the bottle
on the ground. Any further conflict on the matter was also ended
when Frost rushed into the room, a very tense expression on her
face.
�What the hell do my hips have to do with my marriage
potential?� The magus demanded, causing both Tofus to redirect
their attention to her.
In an amazingly calm manner considering her suicidal
condition seconds before, the elder Tofu answered. �Big hips are
the key to child bearing. They make for strong, healthy children.
Strong children make for strong bloodlines that can carry the
family name onto the next generation. For good luck big hips are
better than a rabbit�s foot. Humph, the face is the very last thing
to look for.� Mrs. Tofu paused long enough to pull out a photo,
which she handed to Tofu. �See there, now there�s the woman
for you Tofu.�
The doctor took a glance at the photo, and immediately
withdrew in shock. �She�s very� very� wide.�
�Isn�t she though,� Mrs. Tofu said proudly. �She�s the
all Japan pelvic champion, and a member-�
�NOW WAIT JUST A DAMNED MINUTE!� Frost
cried out, gaining back everyone�s attention. However, having
gained that attention, Frost was at a loss for what to do with it.
She started to open her mouth five times before finally coming
out with something to say. �You� you�ve got it all wrong.
Physical strength means nothing. Intelligence is what made
humans the dominant species on this planet. Intelligence is what
defines us. Intelligence is what has allowed humans to develop
skill in every aspect of life. Surely elder you know that skill more
often determines the victory in a fight than mere strength?�
�Well, I suppose you have a point,� Mrs. Tofu conceded.
�Then you�d agree that it is intelligence that should by far
be the most important factor in any joining?� Frost continued,
with more confidence.
After a moment of thought, Kin nodded slowly. �You�ve
made yourself a good argument there young lady. Very well
then, you can be bridal candidate number two.�
�Mother!� Tofu exclaimed in shock, but Frost looked
pleased with her victory� that is until she took a moment to
think about it.
�Hey, wait! That�s not what I-�
�Second thoughts? Don�t you believe you are up to
marrying my son?�
�Well� I� Yes, but-� Frost tried to explain, but Mrs.
Tofu cut her off.
�Very well then, it�s decided.� Mrs. Tofu walked back
into the waiting room, leaving her son and Frost stunned behind
her. A second later she poked her head back around the edge of
the door. �Of course, don�t get too confident now. I�m sure my
son has plenty of potential wives out there.�
Frost took several seconds to recover, then began to
twitch violently. This isn�t fair, she began to chant in her mind
as Tofu gave her a sheepish look.
The sound of breaking wood, smashing glassware, and a
voice cursing Kasumi brought Cologne hopping out to the
dinning room to investigate. To her surprise, Ukyo was not
paying them a visit. Instead a bewildered Kasumi was backing
away from an angry Shampoo.
�Shampoo no child. You think Shampoo dumb? You
think she not good enough?�
�No-�
�Does Shampoo look like little girl to you?� Shampoo
drew herself up, and thrust her chest toward Kasumi, who backed
away as if Shampoo was brandishing a red-hot poker.
�What is going on here?� Cologne asked with some
asperity.
�I-� Kasumi started to say, but was cut off by Shampoo.
�Kasumi no think Shampoo good enough! She want
Shampoo go to stupid school.�
�Well then, I guess you had best start deciding what you
are going to wear tomorrow.�
�What?!� Shampoo yelled in outrage. �Great
Grandmother is joking, Shampoo too old for childish school.�
�Kasumi obviously does not think so, and it is her duty to
rectify any deficiencies she sees in your training. If she thinks
you need this, then you must go along with it. You did agree to
this arrangement with her after all, or are you abandoning it?�
Shampoo's eyes widened. �No!�
�Well then�� Cologne trailed off, giving Shampoo a
speaking look. The purple haired girl looked at her with
glistening eyes, clearly inches from open tears. She looked at
Kasumi, then back at Cologne. Gritting her teeth, she nodded her
head once, and then turned and marched up the stairs, back
straight, and without looking back.
�Shampoo?� Kasumi said softly, distress evident in her
voice. She made as if to go after the other girl, but found
Cologne's staff barring her way. She turned to face the old
woman, who looked at her searchingly.
�I think you and I had best have a talk before you go up to
see her. It could save you some future difficulties with your
wife.�
Kasumi grimaced at the wife reference, but willingly sat
down, and prepared to listen. Any thing that would explain
Shampoo's distressing behavior would be welcome right about
now.
Cologne sat down opposite her, and after giving her one
last searching look, started to talk. �Sometimes I forget to allow
for your ignorance. Physically, you are very nearly a perfect
Amazon warrior. More, you have that rare combination of a
mind that can not be flustered easily to go with that skill. If you
had been born an Amazon you would have been assured an
eventual elevation to elder. I wish I could have met your mother,
she must have been a remarkable woman.�
�Mother? She was a very good person, but I'm afraid I
can not blame her for my faults. She would have been dismayed
to see how I turned out.�
Cologne arched an eyebrow in surprise at this.
�Somehow I'm skeptical of that. But then you knew her and I did
not.�
�But what has my skill at mayhem to do with this?�
�Nothing, and everything.�
�I beg your pardon?�
�Nothing, as in it has no bearing on Shampoo's behavior,
and everything, because you would not have been in this position
if you did not have that skill.�
�Please, if you know why Shampoo is so angry with me,
tell me.� Kasumi begged. For once she found her patience was
not equal to the task of letting Cologne pick her own pace.
�I'm sorry, but you need to understand a little of our
culture, if you are to understand why Shampoo is distressed, but
I�ll try to make it brief. Amazons don't attend any sort of formal
schooling after puberty. They learn the basics, but anything else
in imparted by their chosen mentor.�
�An apprentice program you mean?�
�Something like that. I trained Shampoo, and taught her
the more advanced knowledge she did not learn in school.�
�I see. So when I suggested Shampoo go to school, she
felt I was treating her as a child.�
�In part, but her reaction seems a bit extreme for that.
Frankly, I would have felt being able to spend the day with you
would more than compensate for that.�
�Well, as to that. It would not be proper for her to be a
member of my class, not given our relationship.�
�Oh gods!� Cologne moaned, cupping her forehead with
one hand. She shook her head in dismay, and looked up at
Kasumi. �You've truly put the cat among the birds girl.�
Kasumi shuddered slightly at the feline reference, but
asked. �What do you mean?�
�As I mentioned, I forget that you are not truly an
Amazon. What you did was about as bad as it gets in regards to
Shampoo and yourself.�
Kasumi eyes widened, and she looked up the stairs with a
look of dismay on her face. �Oh my, what did I do?�
�I told you that Amazons receive their advanced training
from an older Amazon. In Shampoo's case, that's been me for
some time now. However, when your relationship with Shampoo
entered its present state, you became that mentor. It does not
mean that you are fully responsible for her training. She will still
come to me, as will you for that matter, but it is understood that
you will be one of her trainers.�
�Well, of course. I would be happy to show Shampoo
what little I know that she does not already possess.�
�Then why did you tell her to go to someone else for that
training?�
�I don't understand.�
�To put it in the simplest way possible. You told her that
she was not worthy of your training.�
�What? I never.� Kasumi said in shock.
�Oh, not in so many words, and I'm sure Shampoo did
not even think of it in precisely that way. Our culture is bred into
her bones. She simply reacted as any Amazon in her position
would have. Her mentor sent her to someone else to learn, not
just for a specific piece of training, but for general knowledge.
Clearly, you thought her incapable of learning from you. Please
understand Kasumi. Your position carries responsibilities. I've
already told you that you are bound by the laws of the Amazons.
That also includes those rules of behavior that are so much a part
of us, that they have never been written down.�
�How can I learn them? How can I keep from making
mistakes?�
�You can't, you can just try to keep from making the same
mistakes twice. Shampoo loves you, no matter what doubts she
might have on the matter. She is angry now, but she will forgive
you, and will learn to have patience with your failings. Now that
you understand at least this much, I think you should go and talk
to her.�
�I think you are right.� Kasumi got to her feet and
headed for the stairs, a thoughtful look on her face.
�Furinkan High School,� a pink haired newcomer to the
neighborhood read aloud, as she looked over the nameplate to the
school in question. She stepped out into the center of the
entrance to the schoolyard to give it the once over. It had a
certain feel to it, that was certain. Unlike any of her previous
assignments, all of which hid their true ugliness very well from
the public eye, this one was a complete break with the pattern.
To a casual observer, the school looked pretty much like
thousands of other similar institutions. To the woman with the
thigh length pink hair however, a closer look revealed the true
nature of this place, and that was a battlefield. Newer stones
were freshly plastered into place in the surrounding stone fence,
but still gave themselves away with their slightly cleaner
appearance. Touched up paint dotted the exterior of the building.
Recently poured concrete was covering up various bits of damage
in the front walkway. Probably the most obvious sign of trouble
was the stump at the side of the building, cut cleanly through at
an angle, likely the unfortunate victim of some previous battle.
Given all this, the girl was amazed this school qualified as one of
the best in terms of obedience.
With a shake of her head, and a sigh, the girl headed on
in. Had she stayed a mere minute longer she would have been
witness to the arrival of a boy, his hair, what little of it there was,
dark black. His left eye bore the faded reminder of a first class
black eye. He too gave his new school a look over, but his
reaction was far more excited. �I know you�re here Saki
Asamiya, and this time� this time� I will date you!� So
proclaiming, he rushed for the school entrance as well.
�Shampoo, please, we�re at school now,� Kasumi begged
as she tried to remove her arm from her wife�s grip. However,
Shampoo held fast, resting her head against Kasumi�s shoulder,
her mood much improved from the night before. Finally though,
after one last moment of contentment, she relented and freed the
limb to inspect the facility.
�So, this place Airen go to during day.� Shampoo
commented, dissatisfaction clear in her tone. Clearly she did not
see how this ugly thing could possibly be more attractive then
herself to Kasumi.
�Yes, this is where I work.� Kasumi confirmed, then
turned to Shampoo. �Now Shampoo, like I explained last night,
this is not like your Amazon schools. There are lots of rules of
conduct that must be obeyed here. One of those, which we�ll
have to correct later, is wearing a school uniform. What you�re
wearing now will suffice for today, but later we should get you
some proper clothing.�
�Make all wear same clothes is cheap attempt to break
individual spirit.� Shampoo noted with a frown, but nodded her
head anyway. �But, Shampoo do as you say.�
�Thank you. And remember that Ms. Hinako is really the
teacher. I�m only the supervisor.�
�Shampoo still no understand why you no teach her.�
�It is not that I wouldn�t want to,� Kasumi explained, as
she lead Shampoo inside and up to her office. �Ms. Hinako is a
qualified instructor. She can teach you better than I could, much
in the same way the elder is a better martial artist than I am.�
Shampoo nodded in understanding of the analogy. �Technically I
shouldn�t even have you in my class. That would usually qualify
as a conflict of interest. However, seeing as how I won�t be
grading you I suppose it is okay. Just remember that I cannot be
treating you any different than the other students. That would be
unfair to them.� Shampoo frowned, but again nodded her head,
comparing the situation to that of a leader who simply could not
show favoritism to any one member of her troop. �Good.�
Kasumi opened the door to her office for Shampoo, and
let her in. She followed her in to find one of her other new
students already waiting. �Miss Asamiya, I hope you did not
have any trouble getting here.�
�None at all,� Saki responded, rising briefly to greet
Kasumi. Kasumi nodded, directing Shampoo to a free seat, and
sat down herself. �I don�t suppose you have seen another student
here, have you? A boy?�
�No, I haven�t,� Saki responded, but a second after she
answered the door swung open to reveal someone that Saki was
quite shocked to see again. �Sampei?!�
�Saki!� The boy exclaimed in excitement, and nearly
rushed over to embrace the other girl. Fortunately for her public
appearance, he noticed their audience and restrained himself,
turning to address Kasumi. �Sampei Nowake, new transferee
Madam. I was told to report here on my first day.�
�Yes, please take a seat.� Kasumi said with a smile, then
pulled out the two students� files. �I assume you two know each
other. Apparently you both went to the same school for a time.
Is that correct?�
�Oh yes, Saki and I go way back,� Sampei answered with
a strong affirmative. His enthusiasm causing Saki to look up at
the roof in embarrassment.
�Well then, Shampoo this is Saki Asamiya, and Sampei
Nowake. They�re also joining the class today. Saki, Sampei, this
is Shampoo. She�s� umm, a foreign student from China coming
into the school. I�m having her join our class so that I may help
her personally with any trouble she may have integrating.�
The three exchanged brief greetings, and gave each other
mildly curious looks. Saki in particular found Shampoo giving
her an odd stare. Not threatening, more inquisitive. In any case
she dismissed that as Kasumi addressed them.
�Okay then, Shampoo, Saki, I�ll have to ask you to wait
in the hall while I talk with Sampei. Once I�m finished with him,
I�ll want to talk with you Saki. Okay?�
Shampoo and Saki nodded, and together they left the
room.
Once outside, the two girls took positions on either side of
the hallway, Saki absently pulling out her yo-yo and occupying
her time with it, while Shampoo simply stood and examined her
new classmate. The constant appraisal from Shampoo was
beginning to grate on Saki when Sampei opened the door to the
office, and motioned for Saki to enter.
�Take a seat Miss Asamiya.� Kasumi directed as she
opened Saki�s records. �You have a rather� exciting record, at
least prior to last year.�
�If you define being in a reformatory as exciting, then
yeah.� Saki replied with a shrewd smile.
Kasumi nodded, closing the folder. �I also happen to
know the last three schools you were at also had quite a bit of
excitement during your time there.� Kasumi commented, causing
Saki to smirk. �I am concerned about such things happening
here.�
�Why? You have a drug cartel, slavery ring, or some
other organized crime element around here?� Saki asked with a
raised eyebrow, catching Kasumi a little off guard with her
bluntness.
�Not to my knowledge. However, I do have many special
students here.�
�If that�s what you want to call them.�
�Please, Miss Asamiya, a lot of the students here have
made a great deal of progress. However good your intentions
may be, you could cause more harm than good by being
confrontational with them. To be perfectly honest, with your
record I was thinking of turning you away, but Mr. Black-�
�Mr. Black?� Saki asked, trying to keep the confusion
she was feeling from her face. Good intentions? Her school
records, if anything, should have hinted at her being a part of
those various organizations, not that she was involved in shutting
them down. Someone screwed up big time if her cover was
compromised that badly.
�Yes, a police inspector or something. We only talked
briefly but he recommended you personally. He said you could
really benefit from this kind of environment.�
What is he up to now, Saki thought with a frown on her
face. I thought I was just here to keep my cover. She snorted
softly to herself. Right, keep her cover, from the sounds of things
it was blown completely out of the water. Did Kyiochiro keep
something from me? Damn him and his shadowy boss! What
are they pulling here? A thought suddenly crossed her mind, and
not a pleasant one. Maybe they had decided she was
compromised, and was no longer suitable to be an undercover
vice cop. Maybe she was suppose to finish her school career here
in this holding cell for undesirables.
�Saki?�
�Yes?�
�Is something wrong?�
�No� No Miss Tendo.�
�Okay then, as I was saying, having such a
recommendation changed my mind. However, I�d appreciate not
having to pick up the pieces of any attempts to do a good deed. If
you truly see a problem, bring it to me first.�
Saki looked at her new instructor skeptically, but her
orders were clear so she nodded. �Sure thing. That it?�
�Yes. See you in class. Oh, and on your way out, could
you ask Shampoo to come in?�
Nodding again, Saki headed off into the hall. She gave
Shampoo Kasumi�s message, then turned to deal with another
person. Grabbing the boy by the arm, she immediately began
dragging him down the hall, ignoring Shampoo�s odd look. �All
right Sampei, start explaining, and this better be good. What the
hell are you doing here?�
�I came here to see you.�
�I gathered that much. Let me rephrase the question.
How did you manage to get yourself into this class? Your record
is clean.�
�Oh, well� I kind of hit Numa.�
�YOU WHAT?!� Saki spouted in shock and dismay,
then covered her face.
�Well, it was more like I tried to hit him.� Sampei
explained, and held a hand to his eye. �He�s got a hell of a left
hook. Maybe it wasn�t the smartest tactic, but it got me here
didn�t it?�
�Sure did, and royally screwed up your record in the
process. What the hell were you thinking?�
�Come on Saki, we made a great team. As soon as I
heard about this class I knew you�d end up here sooner or later. I
just kept a tab on the transfer requests and as soon as your name
popped up I decided to get myself sent here too. Actually, Numa
didn�t much care about me trying to hit him. Said I couldn�t hit
the broad side of barn.�
�But he sent you anyway to keep an eye on me, is that it?�
�Guess so.�
�Great! My boss is messing with me, and so is Numa.
Bloody lovely!� Saki said in frustration as they arrived at the
classroom. The two waited only briefly at the door to the class,
just until Kasumi arrived with Shampoo. Without any further
delay, Kasumi directed them into the classroom, and each was
treated to the bizarre, at least to them, sight of a 12 year old girl
standing at the front of class, starting the morning lecture.
�Hello,� the girl greeted cheerfully, and the three returned
the greeting after a moment, then stared back at Kasumi.
�Oops, I forgot to get to that. I�ll explain later. Just trust
me for now.�
�Great, I�m getting taught by a twelve year old. That�s it,
I need stress leave.� Saki mumbled as she and the others were
presented to the rest of the class.
After a relatively uneventful morning class, Akane was
out for lunch hour together with Kodachi. The latter was
engaged in rating the local male populous as potential boyfriends,
while the former merely listened. Kodachi had come to the
general conclusion that not a one of them held a straw to Kaneda.
�It is enough to make girl truly consider bi-sexuality, if he
weren�t already married.� Kodachi commented, then leaned in
closer to her friend. �What do you think on that subject, Akane?�
�Dachi!� Akane exclaimed with a blush.
�Oh ho, so the great hater of men is uncomfortable with
gaining satisfaction with another woman?�
�Boys! I hate boys! I have nothing against men!�
�Whatever. You didn�t answer the question.�
�It�s a stupid question,� Akane replied evasively.
Kodachi shook her head, then pulled out a set of photos.
�Shall I bring out the evidence then. Oh, this is a good one.�
Akane blushed furiously at that, and immediately
confiscated the offending photographs. �Dachi, I thought I told
you to burn those!�
�Oh, but they�re so cute.�
�Cute? CUTE? Are you mad? If anyone saw these I�d
die!�
�Oh Akane, you have to loosen up. You enjoyed it.�
�Quiet!� Akane hissed, covering Kodachi�s mouth and
looking about to ensure no one was listening in. �Do you want
everyone to find out?� She asked, uncovering the gymnast�s
mouth.
�Oh pish-posh Akane. Like either of us care what others
think of us.�
�Maybe you don�t, but I certainly don�t want anyone
finding out, thank you.� Akane replied, hiding the photos in her
top. Another look about revealed no eavesdroppers. However, it
did reveal a certain pink cat walking along the fence, who, if her
damp fur was any indication, appeared to have just gone through
a sprinkler. �C-chan!� Akane called out in an improved mood,
rushing over to pick up her pet. �What are you doing here?�
Kodachi smiled and shook her head as Akane coddled the
cat, and walked over. �You certainly have yourself a nice pussy
there Akane.�
�DACHI!� Akane shouted out in frustration.
Kodachi had a good giggle at Akane�s expense, but
finally dropped the subject, at least partially. �Oh Akane, you�re
far too high strung. Surely you wouldn�t mind playing doctor
with the good doctor.�
Akane blushed even deeper, if that was possible, and
turned away. �I don�t know who I�m fooling. I�ll never be able
to tell him anything. Like the other day. I was in there, all ready
to finally tell him, and completely lost my nerve at the last
second. I must have really looked stupid.�
�I could always send him some copies.�
�DON�T YOU DARE! I mean it Dachi!�
�Oh, for heaven sakes Akane, I was just joking. But
truly, how could he resist such a willing-�
�DACHI!� Akane yelled again, causing Kodachi to
break into laughter. However her laughter was cut short by the
whiz of a gymnastic club barely missing her skull.
�Not again,� Kodachi moaned, turning to confront her
attacker, one Kimiko. �I thought we had an understanding.�
�That was before I learned you intend to join the
gymnastic team! I won�t allow it! I�ll die before I let you onto
my team!�
�And here I was going to help out the team, such
ingratitude.�
�Shut up and fight, you!� Kimiko yelled as she charged.
Kodachi did her best to try and fend off the onslaught, but was
caught unprepared for the shear ferocity of Kimiko�s assault.
She�s not half bad, I should give her more credit, Kodachi
thought as she went on the retreat, absently berating herself for
once more being unarmed in Kimiko�s presence.
Akane watched her friend make a hasty exit with Kimiko
in pursuit with only a scowl. �She could use a few bruises, right
C-chan?�
The cat nodded absently, her mind on other thoughts than
Kodachi�s likely fate.
A short distance away, Ryoga was enjoying lunch with
his dog Shirokuro. Well, in fact there wasn�t much enjoyment to
it. For all the attention he was paying his food, he might as well
have been eating a chunk of cardboard. All his concentration
was focused on watching Kasumi going about her duties from a
distance, and contemplating what might be. The woman he
loved engaged to another man, and he could have prevented it�
Well, there was also the matter of her being married to another
woman, but that was just a big misunderstanding that would
work itself out sooner or later. However, the engagement to
Ranma was trouble. If he had the guts to tell her how he felt
before she had left for China, things could have been different.
But no, he was a coward.
With a sigh Ryoga hung his head, and stared at his
untouched lunch, not really noting that the lid of his bento
seemed to have had several chunks bitten out of it. Still, there
was some hope. Ranma and Kasumi weren�t in love or anything.
Neither seemed even interested in the engagement. Then there
was that dumb Amazon law. Of course Ryoga couldn�t bring
himself to fight Kasumi for any reason. The thought of harming
her was simply unthinkable. Plus, getting Shampoo in the
process was not what he had in mind. Still, if he could convince
Kasumi to throw the fight�
Aw, who am I fooling, Ryoga asked himself. To Kasumi
I�m nothing more than a friend. Ryoga sighed once more, and
returned his lunch to its container. He simply had no appetite.
His melancholy was abruptly interrupted when the shouts of two
girls came from behind him. He managed to turn just in time to
see the foot that impacted with his face, sending him crashing
backwards into the ground. No sooner had that foot been
removed, and Ryoga was just starting to get up, when another
replaced it, sending him once more to the ground.
Shirokuro barked angrily at the two girls, but they were
too busy with each other to notice. At last the girl atop Ryoga
moved, allowing him to regain his senses, and roll over to see
what was happening. He recognized the two girls as Kodachi
and Kimiko, and right now Kimiko was giving Kodachi a very
good run for her money.
�Can�t we talk this over?� Kodachi asked as she barely
dodged a baton strike to the head.
�Talk?! Never!�
�Come now Kimiko, it was just a little practical joke that
didn�t quite turn out as planned.�
�Practical Joke!� Kimiko exclaimed, landing a good
blow to Kodachi�s abdomen, sending her reeling back. �Do you
have any idea what that has done to my social life? Kie is
embarrassed to be seen with me, and I�m still finding pictures.
Some jerk even posted one on the Internet!� Kimiko yelled
angrily, tears starting to stream from her eyes. Kodachi cringed
sympathetically, but had little chance to voice that sympathy as
Kimiko renewed her attack.
Ryoga watched a moment longer from the sidelines as he
regained his strength, but then noticed the approach of Miss
Hinako, who did not look pleased. She was just starting her
�delinquents� bit when Ryoga rushed forward unthinkingly. It
simply was not in his nature to stand by and let a girl be zapped,
even one he didn�t know. Unable to help both, he shielded the
closest, which in this case happened to be Kodachi. A few
seconds later, what had been Kimiko crumbled to the ground
while Ryoga merely felt weak, his own battle aura not nearly as
hot as Kimiko�s, which kept Miss Hinako from initiating a full
drain.
Miss Hinako, now showing her true age, grabbed up what
was left of Kimiko, the one she viewed as being the main trouble
in this incident, and began to carry to her off for a talk, leaving
Kodachi and Ryoga behind. Kodachi took a moment to recover
from the shock of being rescued, then rushed over to Ryoga�s
side to render aid.
She recognized him almost immediately, despite the
minimal distortion the drain caused, as one of the more
interesting members of her class. A rather handsome boy saving
her from a decidedly unpalatable fate caused an all too obvious
reaction in Kodachi as she looked down at her savior lovingly.
�That was so brave of you, shielding me like that with your own
body. What is your name kind sir so that I may thank you
properly?�
�Ry� Ryoga Hibiki,� Ryoga managed to get out after a
few seconds. Kodachi repeated the name, enjoying the sound of
it, then before Ryoga realized what was happening he found
himself in Kodachi�s embrace.
�Oh, I�ve found my true love at last!� Kodachi cried out,
with real tears, but then suddenly put Ryoga out to arms� length.
�You�re not engaged are you?�
Too startled to understand what was really going on,
Ryoga replied truthfully, �no.�
�Girlfriend?�
�Not really.�
�Gay?�
�NO!�
�You are a man, aren�t you?�
�Yes!!!� The flustered Ryoga shouted, wondering what
was with this crazy girl, and thinking that perhaps he had
stepped in front of the wrong fighter.
�Wonderful!� Kodachi cried out joyfully, hugging the boy
to her once more. Only at that moment did Ryoga fully grasp the
situation he had just landed himself in. Unfortunately he was too
weak at the moment to do much about it.
�TRULY, the ways of the snow-globe are mysterious,
BUT KNOW THIS, its power is undeniable. God and mortal
alike fear its might. IT IS THE KEY TO THE UNIVERSE!�
Proclaimed one Shin Kikai as he held one such snow-globe with
a depiction of a house and snowman inside up to Saki. Saki did
the only thing she could when confronted with this, humor the
madman.
�Sure, right, the all powerful snow-globe. Gotcha.�
�So, you understand. I welcome you among the
enlightened. Go forth and spread the word. All must come to
know the true glory of the snow-globe.� Shin preached, then
rushed off in excitement.
Saki let off a deep sigh after finally getting the boy to
leave. �And I thought Sampei was bad,� she mumbled, then
turned to find herself standing right next to the boy in question.
�I�m hurt Saki. You compare me to that reject from an
insane asylum?�
Saki merely frowned, and walked around her so-called
�boyfriend�. �I don�t know Sampei, trying to hit a teacher� no,
no, a vice-principle just to see me again is a rather crazy thing to
do. But, to be fair, that one does have you beat by quite a margin.
He should be in an asylum. What is he doing here?�
�Every time they send him for psychiatric evaluation he
turns suddenly sane. The question is: is his insanity, or sanity the
act?� Sampei answered with a joking smile, but Saki did not
even grin. �Gees Saki, are you still trying to impress everyone
with that tough girl routine. You could do with a little loosening
up. I mean, at least around Ju�� Sampei quickly shut his
mouth, and bowed his head as Saki shot him a hurt look. �I�m
sorry.�
Saki turned away, and set herself against one of the outer
walls of the school to survey her new classmates, absently pulling
out her yo-yo and practicing with it as she watched. Sampei
quickly joined her.
�Well, as long as you�re here, you might as well make
yourself useful. What do you know about this bunch?�
�The class, actually very little. The details of their
records aren�t easily obtainable. Ever since they brought in that
new security program I�ve been have a nasty time getting even
little bits of info. What I can tell you is most are here on
disciplinary charges. You know, rough-housing or making a
nuisance of themselves, stuff like that. I can also tell you our
teacher�s two younger sisters are in the class.�
Saki immediately scowled. Three sisters in the same
school. It gave her a disturbing sense of deja-vu. �What do you
know about them?�
Sampei frowned in thought, trying to recall the records he
had managed to locate, then clicked his fingers and pointed out
the girls appropriately. �Oh yeah, the youngest is Akane Tendo,
rough sort. Had a whole drawer full of disciplinary charges for
fights. The other one is Nabiki Tendo. Unlike most the students,
she�s in the class because of various things, rather then for any
one particular quirk.�
�What sort of things?�
�What I saw didn�t really say much. I got the impression
it was along the lines of making money transactions that the
faculty did not approve of. You know how it is, the stuff between
the lines tells you a lot more then what�s really there. And, as for
our teacher, she�s clean as you can get. Not even a warning on
her record. Plus, I�m sure you�re aware of her teaching
performance.�
�I�m aware of it. Sounds much too good to be true.�
Saki answered, giving her teacher a look. Except for Akane who
did not quite fit the pattern, this bunch of sisters was giving Saki
a very unpleasant feeling. However, no need to jump to
conclusions, Saki thought. �Of course, having a twelve year old
for a teacher is hard to believe too, but she apparently knows her
stuff. Don�t know anything on that, do you?�
�Sorry, that one caught me by surprise too.� Sampei
replied with a shrug. �So Saki, what exactly is your assignment
here anyway? Drug dealers?�
�No.�
�Protection racket?�
�Nope.�
�Oh, uh, some sort of mark for money routine? Give me a
clue here.�
�Nothing.�
�Nothing?� Sampei asked in shock.
�Nada, zilch, zippo, absolutely, positively nothing.� Saki
replied plainly.
Sampei stared at Saki for a moment, then looked
thoughtful and winked. �Oh I get it, top secret eh. Come on
Saki, you can trust me.�
�No, really, my assignment is simply to stay here and
finish the semester. The local scene has gone quiet. Could say I
did my job a bit too well. Having nothing else to do, they
thought it would be best to maintain my cover here until
something comes up.�
Sampei again looked at Saki, this time skeptically, and
sighed. �All right fine, if you don�t want to tell me��
�It�s the truth Sampei� although one does have to
wonder about this place�� Saki trailed off as she spied what
couldn�t possibly be a Yakuza thug, he seemed awfully small for
the role. A closer look revealed the boy to be a fellow student
from her class, who wasn�t so dressed earlier. �Do you know
who that is?�
Sampei examined the boy for a moment and nodded.
�Think that is� Subai� nonono� Tsubasa, that�s it.�
�What�s his deal? There is no way that little twerp is
Yakuza.�
�Oh god no. I would have noted anybody with that kind
of record. I think he was here for being unruly. Something about
dressing up constantly.�
�Sounds right. Stay here, I�m going to have a chat with
him.�
�What for?�
�Because if he has a run in with the real deal, he�ll be in a
heap of trouble. Better I scare the heck out of him than he end up
with a bullet in his temple.� Saki explained as she walked over to
intercept the boy. She maneuvered herself to approach from
behind, and before he even suspected a thing, grabbed him by the
shoulder and spun him about roughly.
Tsubasa was caught so off guard, he lost his balance and
toppled to the ground. Once he regained his bearings, he looked
up to see Saki standing almost on top of him with both hands on
her hips, and a very unfriendly look on her face. �Yes?� He
asked timidly, forcing Saki to pause to stop from laughing, the
sound of the boy�s voice being so ludicrously contrary to his
appearance.
�Well, well, well, you fancy yourself as a tough guy?�
�Well� no, not really.�
Saki hauled Tsubasa to his feet, and held him about an
inch from her face, practically snarling at him. �And if I say I
don�t believe you? What if I say I want to smash your stupid face
in huh? I don�t like your kind of slime hanging around my
school, got it?�
Tsubasa nodded vigorously. �I got it, but really, I�m not a
gang member or anything. It�s just a costume.�
�Costume huh? And just why would you wear such a
stupid costume?�
�Because he�s trying to impress me.� A voice said from
behind Saki, and she turned to see the girl Sampei had earlier
identified as Nabiki Tendo, one of the two sisters of their teacher.
Saki examined the girl intensely. Although it was well
concealed, there was a touch of concern on her face for the boy.
That doesn�t fit the pattern either, Saki noted, but decided to push
the issue. If nothing else she could feel this girl out, and
reinforce her cover. So, Saki smirked at Nabiki, and turned to
face her, still holding Tsubasa by the collar at her side.
�So, you this punk�s girlfriend or something?�
�He�s a business associate. He didn�t do anything to you
so let him go.�
�And just why should I? You going to make me?�
Nabiki frowned. She had no leverage with this person,
and that left her with no bargaining chips. She hated when this
sort of thing happened. However, the situation became worse
when Saki stepped forward into Nabiki�s personal space, in a
particularly threatening fashion.
�In that case, let�s talk business Miss Tendo. I hear
you�ve got yourself a nice little operation around here. Why
don�t you tell me all about it.� Saki suggested with an unfriendly
smile which caused even Nabiki�s normal icy calm to melt ever
so slightly.
A short distance away, Ranma was busy joking about
with his friends, including Kuno, about various bits of life. It
was in one particular bout of laughter that Ranma noticed the
happenings across the way, and frowned angrily. Saki had
moved herself uncomfortably close to Nabiki in a manner that
clearly indicated promised violence should Nabiki attempt
resistance. He was of course not aware of the reasons behind
this, but he did not really need to know. Nabiki could be a real
pain in the neck sometimes, but Ranma felt as close to her as he
would, should she have been really his sister, and no one, but no
one, got away with trying to muscle around his family.
With a grim look, Ranma marched wordlessly off
towards the confrontation, his friends only noticing his absence
after he arrived at his destination. �Hey lady, back off!� Ranma
ordered, imposing himself into the small space between Nabiki
and Saki, causing both girls to move back a step.
Both Saki and Nabiki were surprised by Ranma�s sudden
appearance, but were grateful. Nabiki because she was in a bad
spot, and Saki because it gave her a chance to check out Nabiki�s
enforcement arm.
Stepping back several more steps, and releasing Tsubasa,
Saki gave her new opponent a long look. His stance was loose
and unprofessional, but she concluded he was merely
underestimating her at the moment. His build looked quiet
formidable, and the intensity of his stare had a clear measure of
confidence in it. Best to feel him out and see what he really has,
she thought.
�So, who are you? Her hired muscle.�
�I happen to be her brother, and I don�t take kindly to
bullies. I don�t normally fight girls, but I�m willing to make
exceptions if you don�t bug off.�
�Is that so?�
�Yeah, that�s so.�
Saki nodded, and in one swift, perfectly timed motion,
struck with the yo-yo, concealed up her sleeve. Ranma was
caught unawares, and found the super-strong yo-yo wire wrapped
around his ankles before he could react. Saki pulled on the wire,
sending Ranma crashing onto his back.
Feeling thoroughly embarrassed from being so caught off
guard, Ranma just stared up at the sky and silently berated
himself for being so reckless and making a fool of himself.
However, the fight was far from over. If this girl wanted a
serious match, he would give it to her. Just as he began to rise
however, a battle cry shattered the air, and a brown and pink blur
crashed into Saki.
From Saki�s point of view she was looking down at
Ranma with readiness for his counter attack. She had taken him
off guard once. That mistake would not be repeated on his part if
she guessed right. However, that became academic as a figure
cried out in anger, and came dashing in from nowhere. Saki
barely looked up in time to see pink hair, almost her own color in
fact, and then felt the impact of what she could only describe as a
pile driver slamming into her stomach.
Saki was sent flying backward uncontrollably, the wind
knocked out of her lungs cleanly. Part of her mind was doing
much the same as Ranma, scolding her own foolhardiness. She
should have figured there would be back up to the first one. The
other half of her mind was working on a strategy for attack.
Neither got much of anywhere before Saki hit ground, and was
attacked once again.
This time Saki managed to glimpse her attacker�s face. It
was another girl from her class, Ukyo Kuonji she believed. With
the dyed hairdo Saki had dismissed the girl as just some punker,
but clearly that was a mistake. Saki couldn�t even manage a
defense before two more hard blows landed home, one to the rib-
cage, again knocking the air from Saki�s lungs, the next to her
jaw.
Saki was spun cleanly around at least twice by the hit,
and nearly blacked out, before crashing into a metal fence
surrounding one of the fields. As she desperately fought for air,
she knew she was in way over her head. Saki had taken her
share of beatings in her life, but always there was an element of
control, but not this time. This girl was striking so fast Saki
could barely see her arms move, and her strength was beyond
imagining. All three of her strikes had hit true, leaving Saki in a
very bad position.
Saki was just starting to breath again when Ukyo was on
top of her. Saki prepared for the worst, and wondered at the
strange sense of looking into a mirror as she watched Ukyo
descend on her.
Ukyo cut loose with three kicks, two to the head, and one
to the chest, and finished up with two more punches to Saki�s
mid-section, all but decimating her opponent. Saki slumped to
the ground, coughing painfully. One more hit and it would have
been lights out, but fortunately Kasumi finally popped up and
interceded, grabbing Ukyo incoming fist before it could land the
final blow.
�Ukyo, that is enough!� Kasumi said in a stern voice.
�Let go of me. I won�t let her get away with attacking
Ranma like that.�
�Her behavior and punishment are my responsibility, not
yours. Now please, calm down. If you look, Ranma is just fine.�
Ukyo scowled, and turned to confirm this. Sure enough
Ranma was back on his feet, staring at Ukyo in confusion.
Ukyo�s anger relented, at least partially, and she stood back.
�Fine then, I really have no choice here. If she pulls this crap
again though�� Ukyo said, then walked off.
Kasumi sighed in relief, then turned to Saki, who already
had Sampei by her side. �Please, let me see her,� Kasumi
directed, and Sampei moved aside to allow Kasumi through.
Kasumi gently probed Saki�s injuries, then stood up and shook
her head. �I think you bruised some ribs Miss Asamiya. I guess
you�ll be visiting the nurse.�
Saki winced painfully as the nurse finished with the
checking the injuries. Kasumi had guessed correctly, bruised
ribs, plus numerous other little scratches and scraps. All and all,
she had gotten off lucky. That girl could have easily killed me,
Saki thought, and thanked the nurse.
�You wait here,� Kasumi said. �I�m going to get you an
appointment to see a doctor. No sense taking chances.�
�Yeah, sure.� Saki replied absently, and leaned back on
the bed to rest. What the hell have I gotten myself into here?
That girl clobbered me. I�ve never been that badly beat in my
life. If Saki didn�t know better, she would have sworn that girl
had been using a crowbar instead of her fists. Another encounter
with her was not advisable.
And then there was Kasumi. Kasumi had handled that
girl with comparative ease. Saki was beginning to suspect she
really did deserve her reputation as a peacemaker. In any case,
the similarities between these sisters, and those other sisters she
had encountered during her first case, was getting thinner and
thinner. Nabiki was no heavy pusher, and involved in relatively
benign activities. Kasumi likewise actually seemed to deserve
her clean record. Well, maybe Kyiochiro was right after all. This
place was clean.
Saki sighed out some of her soreness, then heard the entry
of someone. She looked up to see the girl from the interview this
morning, Shampoo, looking at her. �Yes?� Saki asked
curiously.
�Is sorry interrupt. Shampoo just come by and see you.�
Saki frowned, and sat up. �All right, what�s up with you
anyway. We don�t know each other, not to my knowledge
anyway. So, what do you want?�
�Want? Shampoo no want anything you give.�
�What are you doing here then?�
�Shampoo is curious. Hair color is natural, yes?� Saki
nodded. �Thought so. Not like Ukyo.�
�Yeah, so what? Like your color is any better.� Saki
replied in slight frustration, causing Shampoo to scowl angrily.
Not right now Saki, she thought. You�re in no shape for another
fight, and besides this girl hasn�t done anything. �Sorry. I know
it�s an unusual color.�
�Know this. Shampoo know color such as yours and
Shampoo�s very rare outside village.�
�Village?�
�Shampoo�s village from China. Is village of Amazon
warrior. Is said long ago people from stars come to village and
join their blood with blood of Amazons. This why many Chinese
Amazon considered best fighters on planet.�
�Is that so? Sounds a bit pretentious.�
�Is so. Is warriors outside village who better, but few.�
�I see, and you think I come from your village because of
my hair?�
�Was wondering. As said, is very rare to find pink hair
outside village, but very common in village. Most do find
outside do come from village at one time. Actually, Shampoo no
know of anyone who no can be traced back to village. Also, your
weapon. Is very rare use yo-yo as weapon, but Shampoo know
yo-yo used in village at one time. Use of it still taught.�
�Really,� Saki said with a just a touch of interest, but
then she shrugged, and her expression once again became
noncommittal. �Well, I can tell you that I don�t know of any
Amazon village. This is the first I�ve heard of it.�
�What about mother?�
Saki frowned, and looked away. �What about her?�
�Maybe she know.�
�Look, there�s no point to this.�
�Maybe Shampoo talk to-�
�I said there�s no point. My mom�s in jail, all right? You
can�t talk to her.� Saki explained, then noticed Shampoo
frowning at her reaction once again. �Sorry, it�s just that-� Saki
was cut short by a scream from outside, followed by several
others. Both she and Shampoo rushed to the window to look out,
catching a fleeting glimpse of a crowd racing around the
building. �What the�� Saki asked, looking to Shampoo who
only shrugged in equal confusion.
Going against the Kasumi�s orders, Saki rushed out of the
room to intercept the crowd, with Shampoo following close
behind. They made it down two halls before coming on a group
of girls attacking Sampei. Saki stood in momentary shock, then
jumped into the fray, pushing the girls away from the prone boy.
Shampoo joined in, and soon they managed to get all the girls off.
�All right, what�s this all about?� Saki asked the girls,
and got a number of responses at once. However, she managed
to catch one girl�s accusation over the others.
�We caught this pervert with our panties!�
�What? That�s ridicu�� Saki trailed off, looking back at
Sampei and for the first time noticing he was festooned with bras
and panties. Instantly Sampei rose to his feet, madly waving his
hand and protesting his innocence.
�Really Saki, it�s not what it looks like. There was this
old fella, and he was the one who took them. I just tried to stop
him, really! I�m innocent!�
Saki didn�t respond, instead walking up to him, and
removing one pair of panties from where they were dangling from
his right ear. She held them up and examined them, then looked
at Sampei critically. �These are mine. Matter of fact, I should
be�� Saki began to say, patting her waist, then blushing. �What
the hell!�
�Oh, thank you, I was looking for those.� A voice said
from Saki shoulder, and then a dark figure blurred by, snatching
the undergarments from Saki�s grip, then gathering up those
Sampei had.
�That�s him!� Sampei quickly pointed out an old man, no
taller than 3 feet, and wearing a ninja style mask.
�EW! GROSS!� Many of the girls exclaimed at learning
the true culprit�s identity, then began to manifest a group aura.
�GET HIM!�
�Silky Storm!� The old man called out, spinning his pipe
and creating a wind that served as a sufficient distraction to stop
the angry girls. For Saki�s part, she was too busy trying to keep
her skirt down to do much else. The last thing she wanted to do
was to let Sampei see she was a natural pink. �Nice meeting you
all, but I have to go.� So saying, the old man dashed down the
hall, laughing all the way. After the wind died down, everyone
raced after him.
Down the hall, Kasumi was on her way to investigate all
the commotion when she noticed the diminutive figure of the old
man coming up the hall with a large crowd in pursuit. A little
confused by this, Kasumi came to a halt, about to call everyone to
a stop and get some answers, when the old man jumped at her.
There was no hostility in his gesture, so Kasumi was slow to
react, and found the old man cuddled in her chest.
�How sweet it is,� he commented as he rubbed his face
against Kasumi breasts, causing her more then just a little
discomfort. However, the fact that he got no immediate reaction
prompted the old man to look up at her. He barely had time to
register the bewildered look on Kasumi�s face when a fist
impacted with his skull, dislodging him.
�No touch Kasumi, pervert!� Shampoo yelled as she
ground the old man into the floor with the help of the other girls.
�Ladies, that is quite enough. Release him.� Kasumi
calmly ordered, much to the confusion of the gather of women.
�But Ms. Tendo, this-�
�No buts. I�ll sort this situation out. Now, please, let
him up.�
With several moans of disappointment, the girls
withdrew, leaving the crushed figure of the old man on the floor.
Kasumi leaned over to examine him, while Shampoo took
position beside her. About this time another group of students
arrived, including most of Kasumi�s class.
�Are you all right?� Kasumi asked, and to her surprise,
all the injuries seemed to spontaneously disappear from the old
man�s body, and he righted himself, looking perfectly fine given
his age.
�Gone through far worse young lady, far worse.� He
replied, pulling out a pipe and starting to blow rings of smoke.
�May I ask who you are, and what you are doing here.�
�Certainly. You may call me Happosai. I was here
looking for Akane Tendo actually. Haven�t managed to find her
yet.�
Akane frowned, and came out from the crowd. �I�m
Akane Tendo.�
�Akane!� The old man exclaimed in delight, leaping for
her. However, his path was intercepted by Kasumi�s hand.
�Please Mr. Happosai, I cannot allow that kind of activity
at this school. Why did you wish to see my sister?�
�Sister?� Happosai asked in surprise, then examined
Kasumi intently. �Ah, you must be Kasumi.� Kasumi
expression became even more confused, as did Akane�s, but she
nodded in affirmation to his question. �Ah, so you don�t
remember good old Happosai, eh? Well, I suppose that�s not
surprising. It�s been over ten years, and even you were� what,
five? You�ve certainly have grown up.�
�Ms. Tendo, is this some relative of yours?� One of the
girls asked.
�Hey, maybe he�s her grandfather.�
�That pervert! You got to be joking.�
�Hold it, quiet down, please,� Kasumi directed, and
looked at the old man, scrutinizing him. There was an ever so
slight bit of familiarity to him, she just couldn�t place it. Of
course, if it was from that long ago, she doubted she would
properly remember on her own. �Mr. Happosai, just how exactly
do you know my sister and I?�
�Why, I�m your father�s master of course.�
�Master!� Many of the crowd repeated in shock.
Ranma finally pulled out from the crowd as well to talk.
�You mean to tell us you taught Soun Tendo martial arts?�
�Sure did. After all, I am the founder of the Anything
Goes school of martial arts. Taught Soun Tendo and Genma
Saotome.�
�You taught Pop too?� Ranma asked in surprise.
�Yep. You must be Ranma then. Hmmm, must say, I
expected a better product from Genma�s training.�
Ranma scowled, but Kasumi interceded. �Actually,
Genma taught me, not Ranma. Ranma has been living with my
family for most of the last ten years, while I trained with uncle
Saotome on the road.�
Happosai look at Kasumi in surprise. �Is that so? A very
odd arrangement. However, you do seem more polished than this
one.�
�Hey!� Ranma protested, but Happosai ignored him.
�So, where are those two old students of mine anyway? It
has been years and I want to get reacquainted.�
While Kasumi, her sisters, Nabiki finally having come
out of the crowd as well, and Ranma dealt with the old man, Saki
pulled back with a sense of wonderment. �What kind of a mad
house is this place anyway?� She asked openly, not really
expecting an answer, but got one.
�A total mad house actually,� a girl said from her position
at Saki�s side. She offered Saki her hand. Saki looked at her in
confusion, until finally the girl gave up and
withdrew the limb. �Yeah, well I am Kitsune Maruda. Nice to
meet you at last Miss Saki Asamiya. I�ve been meaning to ask
you some questions.�
�About?� Saki asked back, Sampei appearing at her side.
�Oh, this and that. Like, let�s talk hair. Is that natural?�
�Well, yes it is, but� hold it. Do you know anything
about this?�
Kitsune looked back at the old man as she replied. �Him,
not really, although I�m sure I can dig up something. Besides, I
think you know more about it than I do.�
�What are you talking about?�
Kitsune winked at her, then drew in close. �Come on, it�s
all too obvious you�re a relative of Shampoo�s, and everyone
knows she�s married to Kaneda.�
�Who?� Saki asked, but several of the girls around her
drowned out the question.
�WHAT?!�
�Oh, didn�t you guys figure it out?� Kitsune asked in
surprise, then explained. �I have it on good authority that
Kaneda Tendo is in fact married to our newest student Shampoo,
which I guess makes her Shampoo Tendo. Of course, what I bet
you guys don�t know is that the Amazons were once followers of
Sapho, and as you can see from the proximity which Shampoo
keeps to Kasumi, our dear instructor is also a target of the girl�s
affections.�
The topic of the old man suddenly lost interest as several
of the students rushed forward to question their teacher and
Shampoo about the latest rumors. Needless to say, this caught
them both off guard as each was deluged with questions.
Kitsune merely shrugged, and was pulling out a pen and paper to
take notes, when Saki spoke to her.
�So, you know a lot about stuff that goes on around here
huh?�
�Sure do.� Kitsune replied.
�Good, let�s go somewhere and we can talk.�
Kitsune looked up at Saki with interest. Great, an avid
listener, she thought and lead Saki and Sampei off.
For a change, Frost was in a light mood. With Kin
around, she had someone to talk to and the work seemed to
breeze by. Of particular amusement were her wonderful baby
stories of the doctor. They were always good for a laugh, and
nicely humbled Tofu. She would be completely thankful for the
elder�s presence if it was not for the engagement.
It was simple enough to get out of, just say she was not
interested. However, every time she started with that line of
reasoning, Kin turned it around into Frost feeling unequal to the
task, which Frost would firmly deny. No man was above her.
This left her back where she started. So, for the time being, Frost
was trapped by her own pride.
However, for the moment, that subject was of little
importance. A knock at the door got her attention. �Come on
in,� she called from the storage room, but the door did not open.
Kin shrugged, and headed out to get the door. Curious, Frost
paused from her work to see who it was, and found Kin coming
back in with a letter in her hand.
�Very curious, whoever it was left a letter, but did not
stay to see that we got it.�
�Who�s it for?�
�It seems to be for my son, from a girl named Akane.�
Frost was surprised by this. Why would Akane leave a
letter, Frost asked herself, and followed Kin as she delivered the
letter to her son. Tofu was quite surprised himself as he took the
letter and began to read.
�Well, don�t just stand there Tofu. Tell us what it says.�
Kin said, and Tofu reluctantly complied.
�Dear Dr. Tofu, I wish to meet you tonight at the Petite
Amour restaurant tomorrow night at six. Akane.� Tofu looked
at the letter in puzzlement, then his mother spoke up.
�So, my son has caught the interest of another young lady,
eh? Why didn�t you tell me?�
�I didn�t know,� Tofu answered, still confused. What is
Akane up to, Tofu thought to himself, and the Petite Amour of all
places?
�Am I to understand you are having a relationship with a
girl ten years younger than you?� Frost asked angrily.
�No!� Tofu answered, but Kin cut in.
�Oh come now dear, age has so little to do with it.
Sixteen is just fine. It means she�ll has a lot of time ahead of her.
Besides, you�re only eighteen.�
�That�s a two year difference!� Frost pointed out, but Kin
dismissed her point.
�Well, I think you should meet this young lady.
Obviously she�s interested and has only managed to come forth
now.�
�All right,� Tofu agreed, more to find out what was really
going on than to go along with the marriage bit. Maybe she is
trying to fool my mother into thinking I have a girlfriend, Tofu
hypothesized. But, if that is true, how did she find out so quick?
Frost sniffed, and left the room to return to her duties. Let
him have his stupid date. It is not like she cared. She wasn�t
interested in marriage anyway.
A short time later, Kasumi, her sisters, Ranma, Shampoo
and the now infamous Happosai arrived at the Tendo home.
Happosai immediately rushed in to �surprise� his two former
pupils, and surprise them he did. Genma immediately jumped
for the pond, while Soun proceeded to prostrate himself in front
of the master. Even Nodoka�s normal placidity was shattered.
She most definitely seemed less than amused at seeing the
master.
�So, thought you were rid of me, eh?�
�We had hoped,� Nodoka replied plainly, and pulled her
panda of a husband into the room. �Oh no you don�t. If we have
to deal with him, you do too.�
�So, Genma, what�s this I hear about you trading kids
with Soun?�
Genma just smiled, and played with a tire, but was soon
dowsed with hot water, and gave up. �Master, how good to see
you.�
�Don�t bother trying to butter me up Genma. I remember
what you two tried to pull. Smart of you actually, except you
only used twenty pounds of explosive. You ought to know by
now it takes at least a hundred to even scratch me, and far more
than that to finish the job.�
�We�ll note that for next time.� Soun mumbled, and
immediately had the master in his face.
�I heard that.�
�We�re sorry master. We�re sorry master. We�re sorry
master�� Soun and Genma said as they bowed repeatedly before
Happosai.
With a sigh, Nodoka directed the others out of the room.
�Come on, let those two fools deal with him for now.�
�You mean that old goat really did teach Pop, mom?�
Ranma asked as they headed to the kitchen.
�I am afraid so. Nabiki, go fetch the photo-album.�
Nodoka directed, and Nabiki complied. Nodoka let off a deep
sigh, and turned to the others still there. �That old man is
nothing but trouble. I�ve only had to deal with the old� man on
a few occasions, but those few occasions were a few too many.�
�I can understand that,� Ranma noted. �One afternoon
with the freak was too much.�
�Just thank your stars you are not a girl Ranma.�
�I second that,� Akane noted, remembering several
attempted and successful gropes from the so-called master.
�Unfortunately, it seems we will have to deal with him
full time now.� Nodoka concluded sadly, just as Nabiki
returned, handing her the photo-album.
�Thank you dear. Now where is it?� Nodoka searched
through a few pages then stopped and displayed a page to the
others. �There you are. This picture was taken right after Soun
finished building the dojo.�
The others looked, and sure enough it was Happosai
standing with Soun and Genma in a group photo, along with a
few others including Nodoka. Both men seemed leery of the old
man. �Man, it really is true. That old fossil is the founder of the
Anything Goes school. I suddenly feel much less respect for our
style.�
�Well, for all his faults, he is an excellent martial artist.
He�s a wily one too. Never trust that you have a firm advantage.
He keeps almost his entire arsenal under wraps, hardly ever using
it until you are least ready for it.�
�I�ll keep that in mind.� Ranma said with a nod, then
noticed Kasumi staring at the picture in puzzlement. �Something
wrong Kasumi?�
�Who is this Auntie?� Kasumi asked, pointing out a
person standing next to her father. �He seems familiar.�
Nodoka smiled and let out a short laugh after looking at
the picture. �Kasumi, that�s not a man. That�s your mother.�
�WHAT?!� Kasumi exclaimed in shock along with
Akane and Nabiki.
�I know, not the greatest picture is it. They weren�t
married long when this was taken. She was still dressing kind of
loose.�
�Loose, she looks like a guy.� Ranma commented, and
earned an elbow to the ribs from Akane for the comment. �Hey,
it�s the truth.�
�Well, she did have a bit of a tomboy streak.� Nodoka
said with a smile at the memories.
�Tomboy streak?� Kasumi asked in shock. �But, mother
never was anything less than the most� feminine of people.�
�Oh Kasumi, your mother wasn�t perfect, if that could
even be considered perfect. I can tell you she was an excellent
martial artist, although she didn�t practice much after having you
girls.�
�Mom knew martial arts?� Akane asked in surprise, and
Nodoka nodded in response. Akane exchanged surprised looks
with Nabiki, but Kasumi�s expression went far past mere
surprise. She looked like one of the fundamental pillars of her
life had suddenly been removed. However, her expression went
unnoticed by most save Shampoo who watched her in
puzzlement and concern.
Genma suddenly rushed into the room, unceremoniously
grabbed his son, and then ran out again. After a moment of
confusion, everyone followed, ending up in the common room
where Genma was presenting Ranma to Happosai.
�I don�t know� Looks kind of scrawny to me.�
Happosai criticized as he examined Ranma.
�Hey, I�m not scrawny!� Ranma protested, and found
himself flying through the air. His brain finally realized what
had hit him while in mid flight, and that was Happosai. Gees, he
really is good, Ranma thought, just as he slammed upside down
into the stone fence, then landed on his head painfully.
�Hmm, he survived, I�m impressed,� the master
commented with a mildly surprised look, while the rest looked on
in shock. �I still don�t know though.�
�You old freak, just try that again,� Ranma said as he
regained his footing and charged. Once in range he was once
more airborne, this time straight up.
�He�s a determined one, I�ll give him that.�
Ranma came plummeting earthward, but fortunately
managed to right himself enough to take the impact safely,
although his legs stung like a whole nest full of bees had attacked
him. However, Ranma managed to push through the pain, and
went on the offensive again, and was soon once more flying
through the air. Sensing Ranma had not taken his last blow well,
Kasumi choose to step in. She leaped high into the air, catching
Ranma on his descent and noticed he had actually been knocked
out.
�I guess he�ll have to do though, not like there is a big
selection to choose from. If you two had been real men, I�d have
a dozen boys to choose from by now,� the master concluded as
Kasumi landed.
�Do for what?� Nodoka asked.
�For being my heir, that�s what. I�m getting on in years,
so I need a proper heir to carry on the Anything Goes school.�
�What, you�re going to take away my son?� Nodoka
shouted angrily, glaring at her husband who immediately
retreated to find cover.
�No, I can train him right here.�
Nodoka relented slightly at that, but still cast her husband
a dirty look. Kasumi, however, had something further to say.
�Master, is this what you consider training?� She asked,
motioning to the unconscious Ranma.
�You could say that. Toughens the boy up.�
�Or could seriously harm him.�
�There�s a slim chance of that.� Happosai conceded, but
looked unworried.
Kasumi frowned, and laid Ranma on the walkway, then
walked over to the master. �Perhaps I would be more suited to
your training.�
Happosai looked at Kasumi with interest, while her father
went into a panic. �No Kasumi, you can�t. You don�t know
what it�s like.� Her father said, having stepped up in front of her
and holding her shoulders.
�Come now Soun, let the girl by.� Happosai said, tossing
Soun aside like he had Ranma and approaching Kasumi. �I
don�t know. Never trained a girl before.� He said to Kasumi,
then in a flash of motion made a play for her chest. However, a
hand blocked his progress, Kasumi�s hand. The master fell back
to examine her. �That�s pretty good.� Happosai initiated another
strike, this time with his pipe, but found it blocked by a single
finger of Kasumi�s. �You blocked my point strike. Most
impressive.�
�I�ve had a large variety of training in the field of pressure
points, chi point manipulation and pin point attacks.� Kasumi
explained, as the master withdrew his pipe to blow some rings.
His face creased in thought.
�Hmmmm, you are pretty good� but nope, I don�t think
so. Pretty girls are to be cherished. No true gentleman could
possibly treat them the way I need to treat my students. No, one
must always treat cute girls with respect and dignity.� Happosai
finished, then vanished. Kasumi found him hugging her rear in
such an unseemly manor that it caused even her to blush.
Fortunately, Akane, Nodoka and Shampoo all struck him down
and off of her before a second passed. Before they could finish
him off though, he once more vanished and appeared before
Kasumi.
�Something�s not right here.� Happosai said as he
studied Kasumi, and dodged the attempts of the women to catch
him.
�What do you mean?� Kasumi asked, and Happosai
responded with a look of horror.
�You�re� you�re� you�re wearing boxer shorts!� His
face crumpled up, and for a second, it looked like he was about to
break into tears.
Kasumi blushed in embarrassment, while the others
simply face-faulted. �Master, that is because I have a Jusenkyo
curse, like Genma�s, only I change into a man.� Kasumi
explained, causing the master to look even more horrified.
�A man! And what fool did such a foul thing to a beauty
such as you?� The master asked, and all eyes fell on Genma.
Happosai scowled at the cowering man, who cast a longing look
toward the Koi pond. �I�ll deal with you later. Now, is there
anything else I should know about?�
�Well, Kasumi is married to Shampoo, and she also
engaged to Ranma,� Nabiki pointed out.
Happosai surprisingly took the Shampoo bit without even
a blink, but the engagement shocked him. He looked back at the
now recovering Ranma critically. �That little boy is going to
marry this fine specimen of a full grown woman. Not only that
he has to satisfy not only her, but a full blooded Amazon at the
same time. Do you really think he�s man enough for that?�
This time it was Nodoka who spoke up, rushing behind
her son to prop him up. �Of course my son is up to it. I raised
him to be a man amongst men. If anyone can do it, he can.�
Here we go again, Ranma thought as he regained his
senses. Whenever the subject of manliness came up, woe be to
anyone who challenged Ranma�s in his mother�s presence. She
was absolutely impossible on the subject, and of course Ranma
always ended up in the middle of things.
�You don�t say?� Happosai asked with interest, and
Nodoka nodded vigorously.
�I do say, and I can prove it. He can take Kasumi on a
date, the best date she has ever had.�
�Mom!� Ranma protested, but was out voted when both
Genma and Soun shouted out their agreement for the proposal.
�Well� I don�t know�� Happosai said skeptically, but
found Nodoka right in his face, looking very frightening.
�You dare to think my son is unmanly?�
�Heavens no!� Happosai relented, causing Nodoka to
withdraw in satisfaction. �Okay then, a date it will be.�
�Hey, don�t I get some say in this?� Ranma asked.
�NO!� Genma, Soun and Nodoka shouted back.
�Mom�s one Achilles heel, questioning her upbringing of
her son,� Ranma said with a weak smile to Kasumi as he
escorted her to the door along with Shampoo. �Sorry about this.�
�It�s all right Ranma. It�s just a date.�
�Yeah, I guess. See you tomorrow after school then?�
�Of course,� Kasumi replied and began to leave, but then
paused and looked back at Ranma. �Are you certain you will be
all right?�
�I can take anything that old goat can dish out and more.
Don�t worry about it.�
Kasumi nodded, but was not truly convinced. �Okay
then. Good night.� Kasumi left with Shampoo, who was once
more showing great un-amusement with the situation, but this
time kept from destroying any nearby objects. Ranma watched
the two girls leave, then shook his head once they were out of
sight.
�At least I didn�t get hooked into a date with both of
them. Don�t think I could survive that.� He mumbled as he
turned to go back inside, but noticed Ryouko coming up the
walkway. �Hey girl, where you been?� Ranma asked as he
petted her. Ryouko growled out a response without thinking, but
Ranma just shrugged. �Sorry, I�m still brushing up on my wolf.�
Ryouko nodded. In fact she had been waylaid by an
accident with some water and a group of kindergarten students,
and had been forced to hunt down her clothes and equipment for
most the afternoon. Seeing Kasumi and Shampoo leaving had
her interest peaked though. What had Kasumi been up to here?
Ryouko was about to follow Ranma in when she noticed
something white just on the side of the walkway, beside the door.
She paused to investigate, finding a letter, then quickly gained
Ranma�s attention by letting out a loud snuffle.
�What is it?� Ranma asked as he came over and picked
it up. �It a letter for Akane. Hmh.� Ranma noted, then headed
inside with Ryouko. �Hey Akane, there�s a letter here for you!�
�Who from?� Akane asked as she came down the stairs.
�From Doc Tofu I think.�
Akane was momentarily surprised, then snatched the
letter from Ranma and headed upstairs.
�You�re welcome,� Ranma called after her, but got no
response.
By the time Akane reached her room she was in a state of
shock. �C-chan, you�re not going to believe this. Tofu asked me
on a date. A date!� Akane said in delight to her cat who was
laying on the bed. The cat replied with a meow and a happy
look. �I don�t believe this! It can�t be true� but, it is. This is
so� What am I going to wear?� Akane raced over to her closet
and began rifling through her belongings. Behind her, C-chan
smiled knowingly to herself.
Makoto was just finishing serving a customer, and
cringing at the shattering of yet another plate. She returned to the
kitchen to look at the total, seeing two piles of dishes by the sink,
each about the same height. However, only one pile was intact.
Makoto cringed as yet another plate met its fate at
Shampoo�s hands. �Hey, do you have any idea how much those
cost?� Mako called out to Shampoo, but the Amazon ignored
her, and went on washing the dishes and mumbling angrily to
herself.
�Now is not a time to be getting on her bad side Miss
Kino,� Cologne warned Mako as she came by. �Plates are
replaceable. You are not.�
�Yeah, but we need plates to serve the customers.�
Cologne merely shrugged, and returned to the stove. Mako
sighed, and decided to take the elder�s advice anyway. She went
about her work for several more minutes until Kasumi finally
arrived home from school. �Thank god. Kasumi, you have to do
something about Shampoo.�
�What did she-� Kasumi was cut off by let another
smash, and understood instantly. �I�ll see what I can do.�
Kasumi headed immediately into the kitchen to see the disaster.
�Shampoo!�
�What?� Shampoo asked innocently.
�Why don�t you take a rest.� Kasumi suggested, and
Shampoo responded with a scowl. However, she complied,
stepping out into the dining area. Kasumi considered following
and trying to explain once more, but then decided it would be a
futile effort. With a sigh, Kasumi picked up where Shampoo left
off, although with far fewer breakages.
She�s supposed to be my wife, Shampoo thought in a mix
of anger and depression, sitting at an empty booth in the dining
room. Why is she going out with Ranma? It�s not fair. Never
taken me on a date.
Shampoo sniffed, and rubbed away some wetness from
her eye before it became full-fledged tear. Despite Kasumi�s
insistence that this was merely for their parents� benefit,
Shampoo just could not help but feel miserable about this. Every
time she got hopeful this situation would work out for the better,
something messed it up. It seemed now that she would have to
compete with a bunch of men for Kasumi�s attention, and she did
not have a clue how. She was barely familiar with how to
impress a man, and that was only from seeing various relations
second hand. She had no familiarity on how to impress a
woman. Beyond that, she was still not certain she even wanted
to.
Should Kasumi decide to pursue this relationship, at least
Shampoo could console herself that this Ranma was preferable to
Mousse. Then again, no one could possibly be as annoying as
Mousse in Shampoo�s opinion. Ranma did have a certain
attraction to him, although it little interested Shampoo. She
already had her husband, and she did not desire another.
Shampoo sighed and looked around the room. She
needed to get away. She did not want anything to do with this
dumb date. �Shampoo going out.� She called out, and left
before anyone could argue with her.
�Man, this is stupid,� Ranma mumbled about the whole
general affair, and in particular about the tux his mother had
forced him to wear. �What was Mom thinking? Kasumi can�t
even wear a dress. We�ll look totally mismatched.� Ranma
sighed away the problem and stopped in front of the San Cheng-
Huang. �Well, here goes nothing.�
Stepping inside the restaurant, Ranma found it to be
moderately busy, Makoto busy serving the customers while
Cologne could be seen in the kitchen. Everyone gave Ranma a
short inspection, causing him to self-consciously look at his feet
as he felt totally out of place in his present attire. Wasting no
more time, Ranma made his way into the kitchen and out of
general sight. �Where�s Kasumi?�
�Your date is out back Saotome.� Cologne answered
without looking up from her work. �She�s working on relocating
her center.�
�Hmh?�
�A complex and deep meditation. Similar in nature to
meditations you no doubt know, but far more advanced. It is a
rare feat to truly master this particular meditative form.
Apparently while in training under a Yoga master in India she
managed to successfully complete the meditation.�
�That good?�
�Good, it is excellent. Such an achievement is typically
reserved for only accomplished masters who have studied the
technique for decades, and even then the effect is fleeting.
Kasumi did the same in less than a year, and maintained it for
long periods.� Cologne replied with a smile. �Of course, from a
calm and pure spirit such as hers I am not all that surprised.�
Curiosity got the better of him, so Ranma paused to get
some more info. �What exactly is the effect?�
�Astral projection, aura suppression, an extended sense of
being� there are many possible effects. It is said that some of
the greatest revelations come from being in a centered state of
mind. Many powerful techniques have developed this way.�
�Cool,� Ranma commented.
�Indeed, if she can regain it. It seems, among other
things, the curse has disrupted her center. She has been unable to
find it since being cursed.� Cologne explained, but privately
dismissed Kasumi�s theory. Her knowledge of the curses said
they had no such disruptive effect on mental balance. More
likely the emotional shocks she had suffered at that time and after
were the cause of the trouble. However, let Kasumi learn that on
her own. Maybe that way she would find a true sense of herself.
Ranma nodded in understanding, and headed out back.
However, part way there he ran into Kasumi who was returning
inside. �Hello Ranma. Oh my, I did not realize this was going to
be so formal.�
�Mom�s idea. Forget it. I don�t mind. Want to get
going?�
�I suppose,� Kasumi said with a small smile. Ranma
nodded, not feeling much enthusiasm for this whole affair either,
and lead the way out.
�He gets the night off, but do I? Nooo. I�m stuck here.
Him and his stupid date�� Frost mumbled to herself as she sat
reviewing one of her magic tomes. Finally, she closed the book,
and switched to another, trying to find something to occupy her
mind, but not having much success. However, salvation arrived
in the form of Shampoo walking into the waiting room.
<�Frost? Are you here?�>
<�Be right there,�> Frost called back, and quickly
returned her books to proper storage. <�Hello Shampoo, what
are you doing here? Are you not supposed to be working?�>
<�I had to get out for a while,�> Shampoo answered,
looking off at a wall. <�Kasumi�s going on a date with
Ranma.�>
<�WHAT?!�>
<�Don�t start,�> Shampoo softly said, but Frost did not
appear to listen.
<�Shampoo, that woman treats you intolerably! If I did
not know better I would think she really was a man, considering
her insensitivity!�>
<�Frost��>
<�How can you stand such insolence from her? She has
no right to be running about, courting men without your leave!�>
<�Actually, she has every right to do so. I am the lesser
partner in the relationship. I have no official say over her
activities.�> Shampoo pointed out, but Frost just gave off a huff.
<�Dumb laws. Misconceived pieces of garbage, that�s
what they are. You never agreed to such a marriage. You were
forced into it because of that stupid loophole. The council should
have simply annulled the marriage and been done with it instead
of screwing you over like this.�> Frost complained, but noticed
Shampoo seemed little interested. <�Shampoo, you should not
stand for this.�>
<�It is not my place to dictate terms to Kasumi. I
accepted the arrangement.�>
Frost frowned, and looked saddened. <�I should never
have put you on the spot like that. You were not thinking
straight.�> Shampoo shook her head and waved off the
argument. <�Maybe if you let me try to-�>
Shampoo suddenly turned on Frost with a stern look.
<�No! This is between her and me. I do not want you
interfering.�>
<�But Shampoo-�>
<�No! Last time you tried to help, you did it by trying to
kill her!�>
<�I wouldn�t do that again.�>
<�Yes, but you might try something else I don�t approve
of, and I know you well enough that I know you are not prone to
getting permission.�> Shampoo said, causing Frost to look
away. Unfortunately, she had to concede Shampoo�s point,
especially in light of her other attempt to solve the situation.
<�All right, all right, but I still think you are making a
mistake.�> Frost responded, but Shampoo did not heed her
warning. Instead she looked around, her expression changing to
a sad one which caused Frost to seethe inside all the more. Just
then, an idea came to her. What she needed to do is show
Shampoo, make her see that this situation was unacceptable. She
had grown too accepting of it. Frost had a good idea on how to
fix that though.
<�Well, since you�re free, do you want to go out
somewhere? I�ve got nothing better to do, and I�m bored solid
here.�> Frost suggested innocently, and fortunately Shampoo
took her at face value this time.
<�I guess so,�> Shampoo answered.
<�Good, just let me clean some stuff up and we can get
going.�> Frost rushed into the back, and began on a totally
different task, namely divining where Ranma and Kasumi were
going on this date.
�This is the place, Petite Amour,� Ranma said as he
inspected the restaurant their parents had arranged for Kasumi
and him to go to. Fortunately, it did not look too fancy. Ranma
was not prepared for any luxury experience. Of course, he would
have much preferred it if it had been located in a different
location. He firmly kept his eyes diverted from several garish
neon signs advertising the amenities of several nearby hotels.
Some of which his friends at school had spoken of in awed
whispers. �Shall we?� he said. Kasumi simply nodded, and let
Ranma lead the way. �I hope they made the reservations
correctly.�
�I�m sure they did,� Kasumi assured him, then suddenly
focused on something coming out another door to the restaurant.
Ranma, perplexed by Kasumi�s strangely tense expression,
turned to look and found two people exiting the restaurant. Not
seeing anything particularly special about the couple, Ranma
turned back to Kasumi to see her expression having hardened
dramatically.
�Is something wrong?� Ranma asked, a bit unnerved by
the look Kasumi was displaying.
�No,� Kasumi replied plainly, then turned sharply and
entered the restaurant. Ranma again looked over his shoulder at
the departing couple in confusion, then shrugged and followed
Kasumi inside.
Haruka could not explain it, but she had a sudden feeling
of uneasiness, so much so, that it sent shivers up her back.
Despite that it did not feel precisely like a threat, so she ignored it
for a few moments. Finally, however, the itch grew too much to
ignore, and she was forced to scan the area.
�Something wrong?� Michiru asked her companion,
looking around as well, but seeing nothing save a boy entering
the restaurant. �Did you feel something?�
�Something, but not a Youma if that is what you mean.
Something else.� Haruka instinctively rubbed her arms to warm
herself up. �Did it get cold suddenly?�
Michiru examined the area once more to be sure, but
feeling nothing merely smiled at her companion. �Come on, I�m
sure it�s nothing. A cold breeze. When we get home I�ll be glad
to warm you up.�
Haruka smiled back and nodded, but stole one last glance
at her surroundings. The feeling had passed, but it was certainly
unsettling. It even had a slight familiarity to it, even though she
could place what exactly made if familiar. Shrugging, she got
into the car with Michiru and drove off.
Back inside and at their table, Ranma was feeling
unsettled himself. However, he was well aware of the cause,
namely Kasumi, who was glaring at her menu in a totally
uncharacteristic manner. He was at a complete loss to explain
what had brought on this sudden and drastic mood swing, and
the longer it went on, the more uneasy he felt himself.
�Kasumi, is there something wrong?� Ranma asked in
concern.
�No,� Kasumi replied rather sharply for her.
�You sure?�
Kasumi did not respond right away, and instead took a
moment to think. All right Kasumi, that is enough, she scolded
herself. You need not punish Ranma for what that man did to
you so stop it. Taking a second more to rid herself of the feeling
building inside her, Kasumi looked over at Ranma and
apologized.
�I�m sorry Ranma. I just saw someone I knew from a
while ago. We parted on rather� unfavorable terms.�
�Oh,� Ranma said with a nod and some relief at having
Kasumi at least partially back to normal. His Mom would
probably keep him up all night if she learned he had left Kasumi
in a foul mood. They each ordered shortly after, and sat in
silence for several minutes. Looking for something to talk about,
Ranma noticed several glossy brochures in the menu slot of their
table. Idly, he plucked one out and opened it. Right to a very
graphic depiction of a room that was apparently for rent by the
hour in one of the nearby hotels. Ranma closed the brochure
quickly, and stuck it back in its slot, his face burning.
�What was that Ranma?� Kasumi asked curiously. She
reached for the brochure herself. Ranma was tempted to snatch it
out of her hand, but realized that would only make matters even
worse. �Oh my.� Kasumi said softly, and like Ranma before her,
hastily returned the brochure to its storage space.
�Stupid parents,� Ranma muttered under his breath.
Then speaking louder, he said to Kasumi. �I swear, I didn�t
know. Pop and your father made all the arrangements.�
�That�s all right Ranma. It�s really a very nice place. I�m
sure our fathers did not realize what sort of restaurant it was.�
While Ranma was looking skeptical at this, Kasumi was
thinking how appropriate it was that she has seen �him� here. It
was just the sort of place she would have expected him to
frequent.
After that, they ate in silence until Ranma decided to
alleviate the quiet, and satisfy some curiosity at the same time,
not to mention getting both their minds off of that brochure. He
considered asking about the person who had gotten Kasumi so
upset, but thought better of it and choose a safer subject.
�So, I heard you were trying to master some special
meditation.�
�Oh yes, I learned it from Master Dhalsim in India, the
same master who taught me most of my pressure point, and chi
point manipulations and my self healing techniques.�
�You must have trained with him for a while.�
�Yes, for the better part of a year actually. Unlike most
the techniques I encountered, which are a simple matter of skill,
his were centered on the mind. Training like that does not go fast
if you want the results, although, he did say I had an advantage in
not being a beast, but I really don�t know what he meant by that.�
�A beast?� Ranma repeated, and shrugged himself. �So,
this Dhalsim is a major trainer in India then?�
�Actually no. He said he had a bad experience with a
previous student and would not train anyone who wished to use
his techniques for their own gain. He did apparently have two
potential students a few years ago that impressed him enough to
consider training them, but they left before they really started.�
�Why?�
�The Master said one had stumbled on a technique while
there, a very dangerous technique called the Ha Do Ken.
Dhalsim was unable to train them in its use so they left,
presumably to learn how to properly control it.�
�Ha Do Ken huh? Never heard of it.� Ranma
commented.
�It is a rare technique to directly manipulate and wield
external chi. If properly controlled it is far more powerful than
any internal chi technique. However, no one to Dhalsim�s
knowledge knew the technique at that time.�
�Sounds pretty awesome. Wouldn�t mind learning it
myself. How about you?�
�I would prefer it not come into common use. Such great
power is dangerous. I suppose though, if it is only used by those
that can handle the responsibility then it could be beneficial.�
Ranma smiled. �Kasumi, if anyone is going to use such a
technique for good, it is you.�
Kasumi smiled back and blushed at the praise. �Thank
you Ranma.�
�Hey, well, you know, you�re the nicest person I know,�
Ranma said, caught slightly by surprise by the extent to which
Kasumi took the comment.
Off in the kitchen, a certain chef who despite her vocation
did not belong in this particular food preparation area, began
splintering the door frame in her hand as she spied on the two at
the table. �Why that little, conniving, scheming, phony
pretender!� Ukyo growled out angrily.
�Ah miss, you really shouldn�t be�� A waiter began to
say as he came up from behind her, but promptly stopped when
Ukyo turned her glare on him. �My apologies. Go right about
your business. Forget you ever saw me,� he said, backing off and
waving his hands defensively, before finally turning and making
a hasty retreat.
Ukyo did exactly that, and turned back to watching
Kasumi and Ranma. She knew this would happen. That blasted
vulture was sinking her claws into Ranma, and had him
thoroughly convinced she was miss goody-goody two shoes. Oh,
it made Ukyo just want to scream in frustration at the injustice of
it all.
She could not blame Ranma for falling for the act though.
Hell, even Ukyo had been having doubts after some of her recent
encounters with Kasumi. However, she always reminded herself
just what Kasumi had done to her at Jusenkyo, and that Kasumi
was obviously just trying to sow doubts in Ukyo�s mind so she
could get away with it, and laugh at Ukyo�s gullibility. Well, it
would never happen. Just look at the sort of place she had
dragged poor Ranma off to. The well-shielded booths that lined
the walls might have been protected from visual peepers, but
Ukyo�s heightened senses told her there was a lot more then
merely eating going on is some of them. Well, Kasumi�s
nefarious scheme would come to naught. Ukyo was firm in her
resolve, and right now she needed to do something about this
date. Looking around, Ukyo noticed Ranma and Kasumi�s
waiter and followed him, deviousness on her mind.
�Here you are, Madam, Sir. If you need anything, just
ask. Have a good meal.� The waiter said as he delivered
Kasumi and Ranma�s dinners.
�Thank you,� Kasumi replied as the waiter walked off,
but noticed something quite disturbing. Ukyo was standing by
the door to the kitchen, a large smile on her face as she looked
back. Why is she so� Kasumi thought, then looked down at her
food in realization. She wouldn�t� would she?
Ranma looked up from his own meal a moment later to
see Kasumi just eyeing hers. �Hey, you�re not eating? Did he
screw up your order?�
Kasumi shook her head, but continued to look at the food.
�No, it is quite correct. I� just don�t feel all that hungry.�
Ranma frowned in confusion at that. �You can get
something else if you-�
�No, no, really, it�s okay. I�m fine.� Kasumi assured
Ranma, but he continued to watch Kasumi in puzzlement.
What now? I thought this was going to be a normal date,
Ranma thought, but decided to overlook Kasumi�s peculiar
attitude.
�This way ladies. Is this table to your liking?� Another
waiter asked his two new patrons, two young and very unusual
women. After all, it was not the first time he had seated unusual
women.
�Yes, yes, just give us the menus and make yourself
scarce. We�ll call you when we are ready.� Frost directed, and
the waiter complied without complaint. �At least he is obedient,�
Frost said, and sat down along with Shampoo.
<�Not all men are that bad you know,�> Shampoo said,
but Frost just sniffed.
<�Have yet to meet one who isn�t the same sort of scum
to some degree.�>
Shampoo let the subject drop, and began to look over her
menu. However, she lost interest in it when she spotted the
couple across the room, and had a sudden desire to leave the
room. Frost noticed the shift, and turned to confirm just who
Shampoo was looking at. Sure enough, Shampoo was looking
directly at Ranma and Kasumi. However, by the time she looked
back at Shampoo, she was busying herself with looking over the
menu.
<�Are you just going to ignore them?�> Frost asked, but
got no response. <�Since we ran into them, wouldn�t it be best to
keep an eye on them, just to ensure they�re not up to
something?�>
Shampoo considered, and after taking another look at the
dating couple, nodded. <�I guess so.�>
All right, perfect, Frost thought with a smile. Shampoo
won�t be able to take watching this. She�ll surely see that this
whole marriage is a farce and let me do something about it. All
that is left to do is think up some suitable means to put Kasumi
out of the picture. Maybe a variation on my last plan, make
everyone think she�s dead. That would do the trick, and
Shampoo would probably go for it.
Frost smiled even wider, but then noticed Shampoo
staring at Kasumi and Ranma, pain clear in her eyes. It drowned
out Frost�s good mood in a flash. It was enough to make Frost
reconsider this being a good idea. <�Maybe it is better if we
leave.�> She suggested, but Shampoo shook her head.
<�No, if it is for Kasumi to take a husband, I must accept
that.�>
<�Why?�> Frost asked, showing some of her inner
anger.
<�Ever since I met her, and for every moment since then,
Kasumi has never left my thoughts. For that one night, I was
truly happy, and each time I have been with her I�ve been happy.
At one time� at one time I could not see myself loving a
woman, and the truth is that it is still the man that I am most
attracted to, but now I know that one�s mind and one�s heart may
not always see eye to eye. What I thought not possible has
happened, and to deny it any longer is pointless. I love her.�>
Frost looked down at the tabletop at hearing the
admission. It complicated everything to the point that Frost was
no longer certain there was any way out of it. Just great, Frost
thought with an inner sigh.
In yet another part of the same restaurant, Akane was
sitting at her reserved table, so nervous she had to restrain herself
from biting her fingernails. Would Tofu approve of her? Had he
seen her attraction to him and this was some sort of way to break
it to her easily? Did he share her feelings and had just been
keeping them to himself? Oh, the wait was killing her,
metaphorically of course.
At last though the wait came to an end as Dr. Tofu
entered the restaurant. However, his arrival just shot up her
nervousness ten fold. She almost knocked over the table when
she stood up to greet. �Dr. Tofu.�
�Akane,� Tofu greeted back, easily noticing the girl�s
nervousness, only increasing his confusion. However, he let his
questions wait, and sat down. �This is quite a surprise,� Tofu
commented causing Akane to nod, but then look slightly
confused.
�Surprising for you? It surprising for me. I never
thought-�
�That I would come? Of course I�d come.�
Akane looked even more confused at this point. �Well, I
assumed you�d come having left that letter.�
�What? I didn�t leave you any letter. You left me one.�
Akane went from confused to bewildered. �What? I
didn�t send any letter,� Akane said, causing Tofu to match her
expression. Realization dawned on Akane. �You mean�
someone must have arranged this. Who would� Oooo, Dachi!�
Akane said in mild anger, and major embarrassment, as she
looked down at the table, her face burning. Kodachi had really
worked her into something this time. How was she going to
explain this? Sooner or later Tofu would want to know why
Kodachi would-
�Why would Kodachi want to arrange this Akane?� Tofu
asked, confirming Akane�s worse fear.
�Ah, well, um, I� I�� Akane stammered out, then
screamed out in surprise at finding a pair of hands feeling her
hips.
�Mother!� Tofu cried out in embarrassment, successfully
gaining much of the room�s attention, but Kin ignored him.
�She�s bigger than the all Japan winner,� Kin observed,
finally releasing Akane, and stepping out from behind her to be
seen. �She�ll do very nicely. I officially declare her bridal
candidate number three.�
�What, but mother�� Tofu began to protest, pulling his
mother aside to speak to her privately. This left Akane some time
to recover, and try to piece together what was happening.
�Bridal candidate? Did she mean, me and Tofu��
Akane blushed at the idea, and wondered at just what to do.
Protest and possibly get herself out of this mess Kodachi had
gotten her into, or go along with it and reveal her feelings at last.
She just could not decide.
Off watching this whole affair from her table, Frost was
grinding her teeth. �Why that� I can�t believe� What makes
her so� Ooooo.�
<�Frost, are you okay?�>
Frost came back to the real world, and remembered she
was not alone. <�I wasn�t� I�m fine, perfectly fine.�>
Shampoo looked at Frost curiously, then over at the
doctor. <�Do you like him or something?�>
<�No! It�s just that I hate seeing him dating a girl ten
years younger than him. It�s not right.�>
<�I don�t see that big of a problem with it. If she really
likes him, why not?�>
<�He�s far too old for her.�>
Shampoo shrugged, and dropped the argument, although
she was sure Frost was acting odd, even for her.
Kasumi and Ranma finally looked away and back at each
other. �What�s going on over there, I wonder?� Ranma asked.
�I don�t know. I had no idea Akane was interested in Dr.
Tofu in that way.�
�Oh sure. It�s too darn obvious any time she�s around
him. She gets shy all of a sudden, and can�t say a thing. Didn�t
think she had the nerve to ask him out though, and never would
have thought he�d accept.�
�Why, does Doctor Tofu have a girlfriend already?�
Kasumi asked.
�Well, no, I guess he doesn�t, but I just didn�t picture him
with Akane,� Ranma said with a shrug.
�And could you picture yourself with me?� Kasumi
asked, causing Ranma to choke on his next bite. �Ranma!�
Kasumi exclaimed in concern, and began to get up, but
fortunately Ranma cleaned his throat of the obstruction before it
became serious.
�Where�d that come from?� Ranma asked at last.
�It has not escaped my notice that you sometimes seem
uncomfortable around me, particularly during our morning
practice sessions. I believe this is due to my curse, unless I am
wrong.� Kasumi looked at Ranma, but he looked away. �It�s all
right Ranma, I can understand your uneasiness with it. Despite
the fact that I am a woman, my curse also makes me a man, and
you are uncertain how to treat me, especially with the
engagement. I just wanted to know if you think it is possible to
overcome that.�
Ranma swallowed in his nervousness, having been
confronted with something he was unprepared to face. �Well,
I� ah-�
�Saotome!� A voice growled out, and Ranma turned
around to see Mousse stalking up to him.
�Mousse? What the hell are you doing here?� Ranma
asked, but found himself being dragged to his feet by his collar.
�I�m here to stop this farce of a date, and stop Kasumi
from making the biggest mistake of her life!� Mousse answered
threateningly, causing Ranma to scowl, then knock Mousse�s
hand loose of his shirt.
�Hey, you listen here you jerk, what gives you any right to
decide anything for Kasumi, huh? If she wants to date me, that�s
our business, not yours.� Ranma shot back, and took up a
precautionary defensive stance, having learned from his mistake
with Saki.
�I care about Kasumi, which is a hell of a lot more than
you can say, and I don�t give one damn about her curse which
you seem so afraid of.� Mousse said in retaliation, causing
Ranma�s expression to darken, but before he could say anything,
Mousse continued. �The only claim you have to her is that dumb
arranged marriage your parents set, which you have done nothing
but complain about. You have no right to even be in Kasumi�s
presence let alone date her!�
�Yeah, like you�re any better, trying to force her and
Shampoo into a marriage neither want. You are no better than a
stalker if you ask me.�
�What?� Mousse growled out, near the point of outburst.
Watching the growing confrontation anxiously, Kasumi
finally decided to intervene with the rise in tension, between the
two boys, but found more pressing concerns when she was pulled
to her feet by Ukyo. �Why you devious, underhanded witch! I
knew you�d try to pull something with Ranma! I knew it!� Ukyo
accused angrily. �You just couldn�t keep your claws out of him.�
�Ukyo! I haven�t done anything to Ranma.�
�No, not yet, but you were going to!� Ukyo shot back.
Meanwhile Ranma and Mousse were exchanging a
number of colorful insults until Mousse finally lost his cool at
being called a �girly little wimp� and initiated an attack. It was a
simple one, just a single light chain connected to a small iron
ball, thrown directly at Ranma�s chest. He easily dodged it, and
began tossing back various feminine insults that infuriated the
Amazon male even more, causing him to retaliate with more
substantial attacks, although all were unsuccessful.
Ukyo and Kasumi paused from their own confrontation
long enough to observe the early part of the fight, but then Ukyo
lost her own cool and turned on Kasumi. �This is all your fault!�
�How�s it my fault?�
�You�re the one that got Ranma on this stupid date, and
got that wacko interested in you. Now he�s after Ranma.� Ukyo
answered, and pushed Kasumi far enough back to draw her battle
spatula. �This time we�re not on school grounds, and you can�t
hide behind Ranma!� After pointing that out, Ukyo charged in
on Kasumi trying to club her over the head with the flat of her
spatula. Kasumi managed to duck away, but a table behind her
paid the price and was smashed to splinters.
By this time, a general panic had arisen among the other
patrons, and most decided it best to rush for the nearest exit.
Besides the ones indulging in morbid curiosity, Frost, Shampoo,
Akane, and Doctor Tofu remained, all wondering just what to do.
Ukyo continued her attempts to club or slash Kasumi with her
spatula, increasing the pace to the point that it was hard to count
the number of strikes, while Kasumi either blocked or dodged
these attacks. Ranma meanwhile was finally going on the
offensive, tagging Mousse with a hit and run strategy, keeping
the other boy off balance. However, Mousse was getting closer,
Ranma�s tuxedo already destroyed in several places due to near
misses.
Finally, at almost the same moment, Akane and Shampoo
decided to enter the fray, Akane on Ranma�s side, and Shampoo
on Kasumi�s. Unfortunately, this served only as a distraction for
both fighters, and Kasumi toppled over a table and onto the floor,
while Mousse managed to ensnare Ranma with several sets of
bolas.
�This is crazy!� Frost yelled out, even as an idea on how
to end the whole affair with one simple spell popped into her
mind. She closed her eyes to begin weaving it.
Meanwhile, Akane leaped to Ranma�s rescue, pulling
him clear of a dozen throwing knives Mousse had tossed his way.
�Thanks a heap Akane. I had him on the ropes, and you screwed
me up.�
�Oh shut up! Next time I�ll let you get impaled.� She
replied, quickly freeing him from his bonds and dodging another
attack.
Ukyo, in the meantime, was stopped short of taking
advantage of Kasumi�s prone position when Shampoo gained a
hold on her spatula. �Out of the way Amazon. You are way out
of your league.� Ukyou did not want to hurt Shampoo. After all,
the Amazon had been almost as badly screwed over by Kasumi
as herself.
�Shampoo no let you hurt Kasumi!� Shampoo responded.
Ukyo unhappy, but determined, quickly shoved her spatula
towards Shampoo�s chest. Before Shampoo could adjust to the
change in tension, Ukyo twisted the spatula around, flipping
Shampoo over it. While Shampoo was still in the air, Ukyo used
her strength to heave the Amazon across the room, and into
several tables. She then spun back on Kasumi, just in time to
intercept a kick with the flat of her weapon.
Tofu rushed to Shampoo�s aid, but she waved off the help
and ran back into the fight, blindsiding Mousse as she came by
with a punch to his abdomen. Mousse doubled over, leaving
himself wide open for Ranma to finish the job with knee to the
face, followed by a spinning roundhouse kick that knocked him
to the ground. Mousse struggled to regain his footing, but
Ranma flipped through the air, and landed on Mousse�s back in a
standing position, knocking all the fight out the Amazon male.
�Take that you jerk,� Ranma said as he dusted himself
off, and turned to address the other battle. Shampoo had been
once more tossed out of the fray by Ukyo, this time landing just
in front of Frost. Kasumi, however, was managing to keep Ukyo
at bay, although the fight was close. Ranma considered stepping
in to help, but a clash between these two was not something
smart to interfere with. Shampoo had already learned that twice.
The consideration was further dismissed when Ranma heard
Frost beginning to speak in English.
{�'O mist-filled pits, dark, dank, unclear, touch all 'fore
me with frost-fingered fear.�} Frost opened her eyes at the end of
the spell, spreading her fingers before her. Unfortunately, all that
was before at this point was Shampoo, both Kasumi�s and
Ranma�s fight having moved off to the side. However, the spell
was cast anyway, much to Frost�s dismay.
Shampoo had turned to look at Frost when she began the
spell, and now stood with unblinking eyes, staring blankly at her
fellow Amazon. This lasted only a couple seconds, though,
before her eyes gained a distinctly haunted look, and then one of
total panic. Frost tried to approach her, but this only caused
Shampoo to scream out in her panic, and turn to run. She tripped
over the remains of several tables on the way, but finally dashed
out the door to the outside.
Shampoo�s scream brought the fight to a sharp end, as
everyone turned to see Shampoo�s fleeing form. �What happened
to Shampoo?� Kasumi asked anxiously as she rushed to the door
herself.
�Well� ah� I sorta� ah, hit her with a fear spell,�
Frost answered, and immediately bowed her head in shame.
�You what? What did you do that for?� Ranma asked,
causing Frost to look up angrily.
�To stop you idiots from fighting, that�s what. She just
got in the way.�
�How long will it last?� Kasumi asked as she looked
outside for any signs, but found none.
�Hours! We have to find her, quick. She could do
something very rash in that condition.� Frost said, quickly
running outside to look around herself. Kasumi followed her, as
did Ranma, Akane, and Doctor Tofu. Ukyo remained behind for
a moment, still hot from her fight, but then Kin came up to her.
�Coming deary? We�d best find the girl before she hurts
herself.�
After a second, Ukyo nodded and returned her spatula to
her back. There would be plenty of time for dealing with Kasumi
later. Outside, the group split up to look for the be-spelled girl.
�Shampoo!� Kasumi called out for probably the
hundredth time, getting the same response she had gotten all one
hundred times before, nothing. �Where is she?� She said, her
voice full of worry and frustration.
�Look, would you stop yelling. It�s doing no good.
Shampoo�s under the influence of a strong fear-inducing spell. It
makes one afraid of absolutely everything. Even if she could hear
you, she�s not likely to answer, and might even run further
away.� Frost explained in irritation.
Kasumi sighed but complied and remained quiet, despite
a nagging desire to call out Shampoo�s name once again. The
two headed down an alley together, searching it thoroughly, but
finding nothing. �Are you certain she wouldn�t have run far?�
�No, I�m not. However, given her fear, I�d suspect she�d
try to find a secluded spot somewhere to hide. A good bet is
she�d pick one of the closer spots, especially since she�ll have
exhausted herself quickly by running off so fast.� Frost
answered, then noticed a deep look of concern and a different
breed of fear on Kasumi�s face, one that was caused by no spell.
This only caused Frost to scowl. �You can stop will the
fallacious concern Kasumi Tendo.�
�What do you mean?�
�If you cared so damned much about Shampoo, you
wouldn�t be putting her through this emotional wringer of yours.�
�I don�t know what you mean.�
�I don�t know what you mean,� Frost mocked, then
turned to Kasumi with an angry look. �Okay, let�s assume you
are blind, deaf and an idiot. You have dragged Shampoo into a
horrible situation with you, wrecking her life and future in the
process.�
�I�m trying to fix that.�
�Maybe, but you�re not taking responsibility for your
actions. You are married to Shampoo, and here you are dating
another man.� Kasumi opened her mouth, but Frost cut off any
counter argument. �I don�t want to hear it! Apparently you feel
it is perfectly fine for you to continue with your life, while
keeping Shampoo on hold. I heard about your promise, that you
would be her mate if you couldn�t find a solution. Well, I ask
you, when are you going to declare defeat, Kasumi Tendo, and
live up to that promise, huh? When? And in the meantime, what
should Shampoo do? Well?�
Kasumi took Frost�s attack like she had been using fists
instead of words, wincing at each point Frost drove home. She
never did get to respond, however, as they heard Ukyo call out for
the others. Further discussion ended, and both women rushed
towards Ukyo�s voice, finding her outside another darkened alley,
this one with a large pile of trash in it.
�She�s in there, hiding in the garbage bags. She almost
bolted when I found her, but Kin blocked the other end so she
stayed put. Now what?�
Ranma, Akane and Tofu arrived as Frost considered
options. �Perhaps I can go in and talk to her. Maybe-� Kasumi
started to say.
�What did I tell you? Weren�t you listening? She�s
afraid of everything!� Frost snapped.
�Hey lady, don�t get so snippy. You�re the reason
Shampoo�s so messed up, remember.� Ranma said in Kasumi�s
defense, causing Frost to look self consciously at the ground.
A minute more past when Frost finally looked up with a
hopeful look. �I got it. I have another spell. It�s a night guard
spell. It protects against several things, but most importantly, it
has a strong anti-fear element.�
�Why?� Akane asked out of curiosity.
�I� used to have nightmares, OKAY?� Frost snapped
back in response, causing Akane to back off a step. �Look, one
of the necessary elements of the spell is that the subject be in the
setting sun while it is cast. It should be sundown in about twenty
minutes, but we need to get her out of that alley.�
�You mean we have to drag her out. Just great,� Ranma
said, but Kasumi shook her head.
�Is there no other way? She�s traumatized enough as is.
Us forcing her out will only aggravate that.�
Ukyo smiled with an idea. �Frost, will a strong enough
emotion override the fear?�
�Hmm, yeah, it should actually. Magic powerful enough
to overwhelm strong natural emotions is very advanced, not to
mention complex, and beyond the limits of this spell. However,
it would have to be one strong emotion.�
�Good, then I have an idea. I�ll be right back.� Ukyo
said, and ran off before anyone could ask her what exactly the
idea was. They each exchanged confused looks, but waited,
having no ideas of their own save the brute force approach.
As the minutes passed, Kasumi ended up waiting at the
end of the alley. She could not see Shampoo, but she could pick
out her shaky breaths, and the soft sound of her crying. It
reminded her off the first time she had been put through the
Neko-ken training, and she had ended up trying to hide from her
fears in a much similar fashion. She did not want Shampoo to go
through anything like that, yet here she was.
Kasumi found her own eyes beginning to water at the
thought, but before she could wipe away the tears, a large
quantity of cold water was dropped on her head. She, or rather
now he, spun around to see Ukyo holding a bucket, and wearing
a large smirk. �There now. If anyone can get her out, her
husband can.�
Kasumi frowned, and looked to the others, in particular
Frost. The magus seemed irritated, but nodded. So, Kasumi
turned, and headed into the alley. �Shampoo?� Kasumi asked as
he stopped in front of the pile of garbage. He heard a quick
snuffle from inside the pile, and pinpointed Shampoo�s position.
Removing a couple of bags from his line of sight, Kasumi finally
spotted Shampoo.
The Amazon appeared much like a frightened little
animal, although the red of her eyes, and the tears staining her
cheek made her appear more a child. The sight hurt Kasumi to
see. He absolutely deplored seeing people in pain or misery, and
deplored it that much more when he was somehow involved,
even in the most minimal of ways. In this particular case, he felt
like his heart would stop at any minute, so tight did it feel in his
chest.
�Shampoo, it�s me. It�s Kasumi. Please come out. I
won�t hurt you. I won�t let anything hurt you. I promise.�
Shampoo stared at Kasumi in uncertainty, but not with fear.
Kasumi�s hopes lifted with that, and he edged a bit closer,
offering his arms to her. �Please come here, I want to help you.�
Shampoo sniffed, then moved just an inch towards
Kasumi. After nothing happened, she seemed to grow suddenly
more confident, and in one sudden motion rushed into Kasumi�s
arms, and held him tightly about the neck, crying out her fears in
Chinese. Kasumi in turn wrapped his arms around her,
whispering softly to her in a calming voice, until she at last
calmed to the point of just crying. Convinced this would be the
best he could managed, he picked her up carefully, and gently
cradling her in his arms, headed slowly into the street.
�All right, everybody back off and give them room,� Frost
ordered, and took her own advice by keeping herself out of
Shampoo�s sight while staying near enough to work the spell.
Looking over her shoulder, Frost confirmed the sun was in the
process of setting, and began by pulling out a small crystal on a
golden chain. {�Touch a charm at fall of night, and you shall
sleep safe from fright.�} As she spoke the last word, she touched
Shampoo with the crystal, and instantly Shampoo feel into a deep
sleep, suddenly completely calm. �There, that should do it.�
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and approached,
including Kin who came up from the other side of the alley.
�That�ll keep her asleep until the fear spell wears off?�
�Yes.�
Kasumi gave a great sigh of relief. �Good. Is there any
way you can make her forget this time?�
�No need. The fear spell is powerful enough to make
ones mind naturally shy away from recording the memories. At
best she�ll have vague impressions of her time under the spell.�
�Sort of how my cat fear works,� Kasumi noted in
comprehension. �I guess I should take her home.�
Everyone nodded in agreement, Frost and Ranma
volunteering to accompany him. Akane and the doctor headed
off on their own, while Kin paused for one little thing.
�Hmm, a good set of hips on this one too.� She said as
she examined the sleeping Shampoo. �You�ve caught yourself a
fine wife there young man. You�re very lucky.� Kasumi blushed
at the complement.
�Yes, I think they make a wonderful couple,� Ukyo
added, to which Kin agreed before heading after her son. Kasumi
merely sighed, and headed off. After shaking her head, Ukyo
followed behind Ranma.
By now, some distance from the others, Akane and Dr.
Tofu walked in silence, until he finally spoke. �Well, that was
certainly an interesting night.�
Akane, tongue tied now that they were alone together,
could only nod her head in agreement. Unfazed by Akane�s lack
of contribution to the conversation, Tofu continued. �Your sister
certainly lives in interesting times.� He gave a chuckle. �Makes
me wonder if her Jusenkyo curse was the only one she picked up
in China?�
This caught Akane enough by surprise that she actually
looked at him. Seeing her puzzled expression, Tofu explained.
�You know, the old Chinese curse. May you live in interesting
times.�
�Oh,� Akane said, and went back to looking at the
ground.
�I must say Akane, I was certainly glad to find out you
hadn�t sent that letter.�
�You were?� Akane blurted out, an empty space forming
in her heart.
�Well, you�re such a nice girl. I couldn�t imagine why
you would want us to have dinner at that particular restaurant.
Now that I know it was someone�s idea of a joke, it makes much
more sense.�
Akane had stopped listening after the first sentence. Her
mind having latched onto what to her was the most important
part of Dr. Tofu�s statement. �Really? You think I�m a nice
girl?�
�Oh yes, very much so. It always gives me a lift when
you come to visit. That�s a good thing too, because you certainly
used to come by often. You were always so happy, and cheerful,
no matter what sort of bump or bruise might have brought you in
to see me. I�ve missed those days. You don�t come around
nearly as often anymore.� Tofu smiled over at her, which caused
Akane to duck her head. �I suppose I�m being silly. That sounds
like I want you to get hurt, just so I can see you. You know
Akane, you don�t have to wait till that happens to drop in and say
hello. We are friends after all.�
�We are?� Akane asked, her voice lifting a bit.
�Of course. I consider you one of my friends. Didn�t you
know that?�
�N�no.�
�Oh yes. You were my very first customer. Remember
that day? You were having a quarrel with Ranma, and you
punched the wall outside my clinic when he ducked. I was just
hanging up my sign. All three of us went inside and had cookies
and tea after I bandaged up your knuckles. Ever since then I�ve
felt we had something special, the three of us.�
�Really?� Akane looked up at the Dr. and her face firmed.
This was the time. She was going to do it now. �Dr. Tofu I�
That is� I sort of��
�Oh look, here we are.�
�What?� Akane looked around herself in confusion, and
saw to her surprise that they had reached the gate in front of her
home.
�Well, I guess this is where we say goodnight, so,
goodnight.� Dr. Tofu gave Akane a smile, and then turned to
leave, but before he had taken too many steps, he turned and
smiled at her. �Oh, and Akane.�
�Yes?� Akane answered, her hands clutched in front of
her chest, and an expectant look on her face.
�Don�t forget that you have an appointment for some
booster shots in two days.� Akane�s face fell. �Oh, and one
other thing. Don�t mind my mother. She gets a little strange at
times, but she�s really very nice.� Tofu gave her one last smile,
then turned and walked off into the deepening dusk.
Akane stood and stared at the spot where he had last been
visible for long minutes. Then, she turned, and with a sharp,
�darn,� drove her fist violently into the gate. There was a crunch
of wood, and she stood there, leaning against the gate, supported
by her outstretched arm. She dropped her head and swore at
herself. �Dummy, dummy, dummy. Why didn�t you say
something? We walked the whole way back from the restaurant,
and you didn�t say one word about how you feel toward him.�
Akane closed her eyes, and a vision of Dr. Tofu appeared
there. He was surrounded by a garland of roses, and was looking
at her with soft eyes. �Really, Akane?� He was saying. �You
love me?� His eyes began to glisten. �Oh Akane, I never dared
hope. I always thought you just saw me as a friend. I�m so very
happy.�
Akane sighed, Oh what could have been, if only she
wasn�t such a coward. Then her face screwed up in a frown, but
what if, what if� Another image appeared in her mind. Of Dr.
Tofu again, but this time he was looking at her is sorrow.
�You love me? I�m sorry, but you�re just a little girl. I
need a real woman.� He held out his arm, and a shadowy
woman appeared, dressed in an adult dress, and with a mature
hairstyle. �I�m sorry Akane, but I�m sure you�ll find a boy your
own age someday.� He gestured, and all the boys from the days
of her being attacked were suddenly surrounding her, but they
were all no older then eight years old.
�Pick me Akane, no pick me Akane.� They all chanted,
pulling at her clothes. Akane tried to brush them off, and looked
up, trying to see Dr. Tofu, but he was gone.
Akane gave a shudder, and opened her eyes. �What if he
said that? If he did� if he did, I think� my heart of glass would
shatter into a million pieces!� The last few words Akane shouted
out at the top of her lungs. All the small nighttime noises of the
neighborhood suddenly stopped, and Akane looked around,
blushing in embarrassment. She hurriedly made her way in
through the gate, and into the house.
Back at the San Cheng-Huang, Cologne was busy dealing
with clean up when Kasumi-kun came through the door with
Shampoo asleep in his arms. �What�s happened here?� She
asked as she hopped over. Frost, Ranma, and Ukyo soon
followed Kasumi inside, and Frost took the initiative to explain.
�It was my fault elder. I missed when executing a fear
spell and hit Shampoo. I had to cancel it out with another spell,
but it puts her to sleep.�
Cologne gave her great granddaughter a quick
examination, then turned to Frost with a stern look. �How many
times must I tell you to have proper counter spells ready, and not
to cut corners. You should have been able to counter that spell
with no side effects.�
Frost looked down at her feet in shame. �I know elder.
I�ll try not to make that mistake again.�
�You had best not. Kasumi, you�d best place her in her
bed.� Cologne said, and Kasumi nodded and headed upstairs.
Cologne then turned to inspect Ranma and shook her head. �I
see you had a run in with Mousse young man. I recognize his
particular style. Did you manage to defeat him?�
�Of course I did.�
�Good,� Cologne complimented with a nod, then looked
at Ukyo and Frost. �Do you two have any further business here?�
Both opened their mouths, but seeing Cologne�s glare,
decided to leave. Frost had done all she could for Shampoo, and
Ukyo had succeeded in at least messing up the date. In truth,
their jobs were done. Only moments after they left, however,
Kasumi called out from upstairs.
�Something is wrong!� Sighing, Cologne headed
upstairs, along with Ranma. They found Kasumi still holding
Shampoo inside Shampoo and Makoto�s bedroom, a look a
concern on his face. �Every time I attempt to put her down, she
starts acting as if she�s in a nightmare.�
Cologne nodded. �No doubt Frost overestimated the
power of this other spell. It obviously is only doing part of the
job. Contact with you is making up the difference it seems.�
�What?�
�Yes. Kasumi, your aura is quite calming in itself. In
addition, she does have very strong feelings for you. Those
factors are keeping what remains of the fear at bay. In fact,
judging from that smile on her face, they are more than adequate.
However, it does mean you�ll have to stay with her until the spell
wears off.�
�Frost said that could be hours.�
�Oh, probably until sometime early tomorrow morning if
she used her usual fear spell. It can�t be helped I�m afraid.�
Cologne said with a shrug, and hoped out to complete her work,
leaving Kasumi with Ranma.
Kasumi slumped his shoulders, but nodded in acceptance.
�I�m sorry Ranma.�
�Nothing to be sorry about. It�s not like I�m going
anywhere in this thing anyway.� Ranma pointed out, gesturing
to his destroyed tux. �And, it�s not like our parents can complain
about either of us messing things up. Besides, it was sort of fun.
I guess I�ll be seeing you.� Ranma said, then turned to leave, but
stopped and turned back.
�Kasumi, about what you asked. Yes, I�ll admit I�m
uncomfortable with this changing to a guy stuff, but it doesn�t
bother me that much. I mean, Kuno doesn�t even blink at it
anymore, and it doesn�t seem to bother Ryoga either. Not that I
think he�s any good for you, but Mousse says he�s got no
problem with it, and I guess if it came down to it, it�s really not
that big a deal for me either.�
Kasumi looked at Ranma in surprise, then smiled.
�Thank you Ranma.�
�Yeah, well� anyway, see you tomorrow. Hope
Shampoo is better by then. Seeya.�
�Goodbye,� Kasumi said as Ranma left, and continued to
smile for several moments until Shampoo shifted in his arms. He
looked down at her for a moment, then sighed, and headed for his
room.
�Hey Kasumi, I just heard, is Shampoo all right?�
Makoto asked as she came up the stairs and spotted Kasumi.
�She�s all right now Makoto. However� she�ll be
spending the night with me.�
Makoto blinked in surprise, then slowly nodded. �Okay.�
�It�s because of the spell,� Kasumi explained, but Makoto
shook her head.
�Hey, you don�t need to explain. I better go help
Cologne.� Mako returned downstairs, leaving Kasumi to sigh
once more. After taking another moment to confirm his decision,
Kasumi turned and entered his room with Shampoo.
Shear bliss would be a greatly inadequate way to describe
Shampoo�s state of mind. She was wrapped in a blanket of total
protection and contentment that would annihilate any evil that
even so much as looked in her direction. It was a promise of
eternal happiness, acceptance and security. She never wanted to
leave.
Unfortunately, it was all a dream. A dream where
Kasumi had finally, truly, taken Shampoo as his wife. Where she
could at last find the rapture she had always searched for, yet
never truly knew she had desired so much until now. If she were
to die at this very moment, she would still be happy.
However, life was against Shampoo, who came back to
reality, but not without a struggle. Try as she might though, the
dream faded, leaving her� right back where she started, or at
least that is how it initially seemed. She awoke to find arms
wrapped around her, and to find herself cuddled up to a man�s
chest, Kasumi�s chest.
As nice as this was, it was quite confusing. How did I
end up here, Shampoo asked herself as she tried to sort through
her shaky memories of recent events. The last thing she could
remember clearly was a fight. Then there was Frost, and� and
past that the memories were foggy and unclear. All that was
clear was fear, fear so encompassing that it blocked out
everything else. Shampoo involuntarily tensed at the memory,
and that tension immediately woke Kasumi.
Before fully awaking, Kasumi gently squeezed Shampoo
in closer to himself. Throughout most the night he had repeated
the same action as it seemed to calm Shampoo. However,
Kasumi sensed a slight difference this time, and awoke fully to
properly examine her.
�Shampoo?� Kasumi asked in concern as he noticed
Shampoo�s eyes were open, and looking at him in bewilderment.
�Are you all right?�
�What happen?� Shampoo asked as Kasumi sat up,
pulling her to a sitting position as well. Kasumi delayed
answering, instead examining her intently. Shampoo took the
pause to try and gain the answer herself, not learning much save
noticing that both she and Kasumi were fully dressed,
eliminating one possibility. In a way she was grateful. She
would definitely not want to forget that.
Finally, satisfied that Shampoo was at least physically
well, Kasumi turned to answering her question. �Frost said you
might not remember. She accidentally cast a fear spell on you. It
was necessary for you to stay with me for the duration of its
effect. You do feel all right?�
Shampoo nodded. �Feel fine now.�
�Good,� Kasumi replied with a warm smile, then got up.
Shampoo remained in the bed, just a little too confused to do
anything more that watch as Kasumi left the room.
Kasumi grabbed a towel from the bathroom and dried her
hair, having just changed back to normal. �What a very
interesting night,� she commented as she headed back to her
room. Well, at least it was over. Kasumi rethought that last
thought once she entered her room and found Shampoo still
sitting on her bed, a confused look still on her face. Kasumi had
assumed Shampoo would go to her own room. However, clearly
such was not the case. �Shampoo, there�s still a few hours till
morning.� Kasumi hinted, but Shampoo only looked at her
blankly. Kasumi frowned with worry, and approached. �Are you
sure you are all right?�
With a suddenness that surprised even Kasumi, Shampoo
grabbed Kasumi tightly around the waist. Kasumi barely
managed to keep her balance in the face of the radical change in
her center of gravity, but managed to recover and looked down at
the girl hugging her. �Shampoo want talk. You listen, okay?�
�Okay,� Kasumi replied without thinking, but felt
immediately after that she about to be put on the spot.
�Shampoo do much thinking while Kasumi and Ranma
on date. Shampoo know that wedding big misunderstanding, but
she now decide she no care. Shampoo know now she love
Kasumi. Shampoo no care you girl. It no change what in
Shampoo�s heart. Shampoo love Kasumi, and Shampoo want
Kasumi love Shampoo too. Please say Shampoo no have to go.�
Kasumi frowned unseen by Shampoo. I was afraid of
this, she thought, a heavy feeling in her stomach. This
complicated everything. Yet, despite that, Kasumi had another,
lighter feeling about the declaration. However, she did not let
herself dwell on feelings either way. There was a decision
Shampoo was waiting for.
The decision is obvious, Kasumi thought at first, I cannot
let this go on. If nothing else it would just be false hope. I could
never� Kasumi paused on the last thought, uncertain about its
correctness. Her life, her goals, her whole being was in question
as of late. Even she could admit her own feeling were less and
less known to her lately. Her own mother had turned out to be
something completely contrary to what Kasumi had thought.
Shampoo especially was a point her own mind did not know how
to classify. So, was it truly false hope?
Kasumi closed her eyes, and sighed. �If you really want
to, you can stay.�
�Oh, Shampoo so happy!� Shampoo said in delight,
tightening her grip around Kasumi.
�But, you have to understand that I really am a woman,
and I�m not going to sacrifice that. I also do not wish to get
involved in any intimate relations at this time. I�m just not ready
for that with anyone. And�� Kasumi trailed off as she noticed
Shampoo�s inattention. �Shampoo, are you listening to me?�
Shampoo just sighed in contentment. Kasumi sighed, then spoke
up. �Never mind, we�ll talk about it later. Look, Shampoo, like I
was saying, it�s still a few hours till morning��
�Shampoo understand,� Shampoo answered, finally
taking note of what Kasumi was saying. �Shampoo get
changed.�
Kasumi just nodded as Shampoo released her and headed
over to Kasumi�s dresser. With yet another sigh, Kasumi laid
down on the bed. For tonight at least she would go fully clothed.
No sense in giving Shampoo the wrong idea, although Kasumi
did have to wonder if she had already given her a wrong idea.
I�ll work it out later, Kasumi thought, and tried to relax, looking
at the far wall.
As she lay, Kasumi let her mind float freely. An old
saying Genma had once told her came to mind: unusual times
call for unusual measures. Of course, at the time, he was trying
to convince her to steal some okinomiyaki from Mr. Kuonji yatai,
which she naturally refused to do. However, despite that, the
idea did have a certain logic to it, just misapplied at that time.
Well, these certainly were unusual times.
Curious as to what was taking Shampoo so long, Kasumi
looked over her shoulder to look, and get an excellent look at
�cheek� as Shampoo rifled through Kasumi�s lower drawer.
Kasumi blushed, but quickly reminded herself that both she and
Shampoo were girls right now, and there was nothing wrong
with seeing her this way. Of course, Shampoo is technically my
wife, and declaring her love for me, Kasumi thought as she
looked away. This was too confusing.
A moment later Shampoo practically jumped into the bed,
and cuddled herself up next to Kasumi. The touch, and
especially the emotion expressed through her actions, was
enough to make Kasumi turn beet red. Luckily for her though,
Shampoo left it to that, and within a few minutes was once more
asleep, leaving Kasumi to her thoughts.
Why must life be so complicated? Kasumi thought,
looking back at Shampoo. She looked so peaceful now, quite
unlike the handful she was when awake. You deserve your
happiness Shampoo. I just don�t know if I am the one who can
give it to you.
Kasumi sighed once more, and turned to stare at the wall,
trying to put aside her present situation and get some sleep. After
failing at that for ten minutes, Kasumi conceded to an urge of her
own and rolled over to face Shampoo, then pulled her in close. I
made my promise to correct this mess, Kasumi thought, and I
will, for both of us. With that last thought, Kasumi found peace
easier to come by, and drifted off herself.
About that same time, across the sea, in the seedy
underbelly of a Chinese port town, a young Chinese figure sat
waiting at a table in a darkened room. A dark cloak concealed
most its features, save a tuft of white hair at the front. The sound
of a door opening caused the figure to turn in its seat to see the
man it had been waiting for enter and sit across the table.
<�Do you have it?�> the figure asked, and the man
nodded, producing a scroll from his shirt.
<�Indeed I do. This was quite difficult to come by.
What�s so important about this-�>
Suddenly dropping a bag of coins on the table, the figure
snatched the scroll from the man. <�Never mind that. That�s
your payment.�>
The man casually picked up the bag, and opened it to
briefly examine its contents. Sure enough the coinage was there
in the correct amount. Satisfied, he tied the bag to his belt, and
examined his companion with a smile. <�You know, should you
really want that bobble, you�ll have to travel to Japan. I happen
to know some excellent sources of transport,�> the man said,
taking the figure�s hand into his own. <�I could offer a lady such
as yourself quite the bargain.�>
He barely managed to complete the sentence before two
glowing points appeared within the darkness of the cloak�s hood.
With one inhumanly fast motion the man felt a stabbing pain in
his hand and screamed out. Reflexively he tried to withdraw his
appendage from the pain, but doing so only increased the
sensation ten-fold. The man looked on in horror as he saw his
hand pinned to the table by a dagger plunged up to its hilt in his
flesh.
Standing up, the woman glared down at the man.
<�Count yourself lucky that I choose to spare your life. Never
cross my path again.�> The woman turned and left, stepping into
the street with a wide smile on her face as she examined the
scroll. At last, I have found my cure, she thought. Three long
months I have suffered. Three long months I have searched.
Now, at last I have found it.
Rolling up the parchment, the woman turned down
another street, and spotted the two she was looking for.
Scowling angrily, she watched as the two boys gawked openly at
a passing lady. <�Would you two idiots get a hold of yourselves
and stop staring!�> she ordered as she walked over.
Instantly both boys stood at attention, the one covered in
wolf skins saying, <�sorry princess, it�s just that-�>
He never finished the sentence, having been blasted
through a wall by a chi blast from the woman. <�NEVER call
me that! How many times must I explain this to you dolts?�>
<�Maybe just one more-�> the other boy, this one clothed
in tiger skins, began to say, but he too received a blast from the
woman. He, however, managed to keep his footing, although
shaking side to side from weakness.
<�That was a rhetorical question! You should understand
by now! Even you two aren�t that stupid!�> She yelled, but then
calmed, and showed the recovering boys the scroll. <�I have
found the location of the artifact. It is near Tokyo, in Japan.�>
<�So, we�re going to Japan?�> The boy wearing wolf
pelts asked.
The girl sighed, and began to seriously wonder if both her
companions had suffered extreme brain damage in their
childhood. <�Yes, of course we are! That�s what we�ve been
looking for all this time!�>
<�I thought you were looking for that Kasumi girl?�>
The wolf boy asked, causing the woman to momentarily tense up.
After a moment to collect herself, she replied. <�Well,
yes, that is true, but in this case it doesn�t matter. I happen to
know that Kasumi Tendo is also in Tokyo.�> The woman
explained, then looked off at the sky. <�Oh yes, we will soon
meet again Kasumi Tendo, but this time I shall be whole.
Then� then you shall know my true power, and final victory
shall be mine.�> The woman began chuckling with the thought,
briefly basking in the delight of her inner vision. However, her
two companions staring at her chest spoiled the moment. With
an angry growl, both once more received a blast of chi energy.
%End Chapter 20
Next time in A Scary Thought: Can Kasumi and company
face off with these three newcomers from China? And, just what
exactly are their intentions? No way to tell but read the thing
once I write it.
As I always say with these things, I welcome all
comments and criticism, including flames. The plot of this story
is very dynamic. Little is set in stone, so if you like something, or
hate something, or even would like to see something, feel free to
contact me. You could be surprised by the results.
School does nasty things to my writing time, plus I have
many other projects to worry about. Thus, don�t expect anything
too soon.
For those a bit confused on the cross-overs: Usagi,
Minako, Makoto, Ami, Haruka, Michiru, Hotaro, Luna, and
Artemis are all from Sailor Moon. Kitsune has her ties to the X-
files, but only in that she�s a fanatic of similar interests rather
than appearing in said show. Saki and Sampei are from Sukeban
Deka.
If you wish to check out my other works, or those of some
other authors I know who write other Altered Destines, check out
my Fanfiction website at:
http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/attenborough/249/in
dex.htm
All the previous chapters of this series can be found there.
Well, that concludes things for this chapter. Special
thanks as always go to T. H. Tiger for creative assistance in
writing this thing. Later.