Well here is part two, it ends in sort of a cliffhanger. Note that there are many errors in here, and I will be going back over it (Whenever I have time) But I wanted to get the idea out of my head and on the screen. No promises as to when Part 3 is coming out, I've got tests coming up soon. But I hope you enjoy Part two. Please C&C is welcomed any comments or praises.
-Jeff
Legends
Part 2
Belphera
Ranma stretched the kinks of his arm out as he awoke in the plane. Standing up he looked out the window. The sun was just the sun hit the ocean causing a diffraction upon the layers of water. The effect of the colors of the spectrum was beautiful. Gently he shifted out of the revised bed, he laid his wife's head back down on the bed. Smiling, he thought to his mother. He knew what she looked like from some of the old photos that his father had carried with him. She looked beautiful, sort of like Ranko, but taller and more refined. What he didn't know about his mother was her personality. His father seemed to glorify her as a goddess of sorts. Before the war, his father was a scoundrel, but whenever Ranma mentioned his mother, Genma always tried to act better the next day. He knew his father loved her just as much if not more than Jade. When he told him that he was coming back to see his mother, the joy in his father's eyes was more than he had seen in a while. The night before the plunged into the sea of Japan, he had woken up and bumped into his father who stood outside looking to the stars.
Flashback
Ranma slowly approached his father, wondering what his fathe was doing. Stopping a few feet away from him, his father made no sign of acknowledgement of Ranma.
"Uh... Pop?" Ranma called out hesitantly. Genma started a bit and looked towards his son. What shocked Ranma was the fact that his father had tears in his eyes. Which was odd because his father never cried. The only time his father cried was when SHE died, but that was not odd because no one remained without tears, SHE was loved by all.
"Son." His father's voice was not the stern, unbending voice he had been so used to. "Tomorrow we are to meet your mother. But before we meet her, I want to know what you remember of her."
"Well..." Ranma said as he scratched his head. " I remember her voice sort of, well actually I don't remember too much, mostly what I felt when I was around her. Her warmth, her voice and how beautiful it was, and the way she smelled... that's about it. Oh and her eyes, they seemed comforting."
"Yes her eyes. You know I consider that her best feature, she had such beautiful eyes. They could see right through you or love you. Good Ranma I am glad that my follies have not left you without any recollection of your mother." Looking back to the sky, Genma took a deep breath in. "I could never forgive myself if you forgot your mother. I would not be able to face her nor you. Return to bed Ranma, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
End Flashback
Ranma never respected his father more than on that day. His Father after all this time still loved his mother very deeply. Seperated for a little over two decades and his love for her still burned brightly within him.
Suddenly the something began to ring. Looking around, he looked down into his father's bag. He quickly pulled out the celluar phone they carried with them in case Herb needed them. Curiously he flipped the phone open and talked into it.
"Hello?" A femald voice cut clearly across the phone.
"Hello? Ranma? Is that you?" Looking into the phone in surprise, Ranma smiled and responded.
"Sis? That you?"
"Of course it is, where are you? Ucchan and me have just arrived in the San Francisco airport. We thought you would be here by now." the girl said irritatedly.
"Patience is a virtue of every martial artist." Ranma cited calmly, knowing the exact effect on his sister.
"Patience? I'll give you patience you big lug! If you don't get your sorry butt here pronto, I'm going to knock you into next week. Ucchan and I had to skip our plans in New york cause the jeweler was out of town. Do you know what it feels like to have to wait another week for your wedding ring? And where is that dolt of a husband of mine?" After the earlashing, Ranma returned the phone to his ear.
"He's sleeping, we've been on a plane since we left Japan. But we had fallen behind schedule because Pop was spending some time with his old friend. I'll wake him up." Ranma explained.
"No! Don't do that." On the other end the girl seemed to be thinking. "All right Ucchan and I will check into a hotel called the Hilton. It is in the airport. Okay? You can find us there."
"Okay, Hilton got it. Is Kaze there?" Ranma checked with his sister.
"She's right here sleeping. She's had a rough few days." The voice sounded gentler now.
"Thanks sis, so we're finally going to meet mom." Ranma said.
"Yeah, but you know she's not going to understand me or at least not at first."
"Don't worry, you are of her blood just as much as I am. She will accept you."
"I hope so, the only memories I have of her are yours and those are pretty vivid."
"I know, I know, but I am very excited about seeing her. Give my love to Ucchan and Kaze." Ranma said in a cheery voice. "We'll meet you at the Hilton."
"Hey don't I get any of your love?" The girl pouted. Laughing deeply, Ranma looked at the phone.
"Of course, Wild Child!"
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With that, Ranko Hibiki turned her phone off. Looking at the child next to her curled up on the chair, she smiled gently. '
She looked so much like her mother that everytime I see her I think that SHE is there.' Ranko thought. Looking at her surroundings, she quickly smoothed her chinese dress out. Ranko wore a similar dress to that of Shampoo, except it was yellow and she wore a red sash. Suddenly she noticed her companion coming towards her.
"So Ucchan? Did we get a room?" The other girl was a tall and elegant woman, her long brown hair was pulled up and held in place with a hair piece. She wore a simple purple version of Ranko's dress. In her arms she carried a small bundle, and slung across her back was a long staff.
"Yes we did Ranko, come on, we still have to go to customs to pick up your sword." Ukyou said as she handed the small bundle to Ranko. Pulling on a small baby bag, she fished out a cell phone. Speed dialing a number quickly, Ukyou waited patiently for the person on the other line to pick up.
"Hello? Yes this is Ukyou. Good. We are currently at the baggage claim area for Continental. I want you to come and help us with the bags. Bring the limo around the bend. Yes. Five minutes? Okay." Hanging up the phone. Ranko handed the bundle back to Ukyou.
"We should wake Kaze now." Ranko suggested. Gently shaking the young girl next to her, the child opened her wide eyes. She was definately was not fully Japanese or Chinese, but a mixture between an American and a Japanese. Her long dark brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She wore a small robe, and a small white wrapped around her waist. She was about five years old, and a beautiful child. Gracefully she sat up and smiled brightly.
"Okay Auntie. When is daddy getting here?"
"Soon, his plane is arriving soon. we are meeting him in a hotel." Ranko told her.
"Okay, then are we going to meet Grandma?"
"Yes little one. Just as soon as your father gets here." Just then a young man walked over to them and bowed respectfully to the two women.
"My ladies? Shall we go? I will take care of the bags, the limo is parked right outside the doors."
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Nodoka smiled at the meal before them, Javier was most definately a good cook. Nabiki chose her employees well. Javier even carved little flowers out of raddish and carrots and decorated the plates with them. Just then the chef emerged from the kitchen with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvingnon.
"Your wine choice madame. A delicate dark wine for your dining pleasure." Then looking to Akane and Nabiki, he grinned and sauntered over the them and then took up a gruff voice.
"ID Please." Nabiki looked back at Javier in shock.
"What? I own that bottle of wine, why should I show my ID for it?"
"Miss please I'm just doing my job. ID Please. I could be out of a job if I served this to minors."
"Minors?" Nabiki's voice went up an octave or two.
"Well now that you mention it miss, you do seem kind of old, it must be th bags under the eyes. Very well miss, since you are well into your thirties, I suppose I need not your ID." Javier said with a grin.
"Javier." Nabiki said dangerously.
"Ah 'tis a compliment milady, for a woman as refined and mature as you must be recognized for thine wisdom. I beg milady's forgivness for any insult upon tine personage." And with that Javier sank t his knees still grinning. Tiredly, Nabiki looked to Javier, she knew he liked playing this sort of game. He was always teasing her, but in the end it was all for fun.
"Of course my humble servant, return to thine humble abode. Until my anger is appeased." Nabiki said playing along now.
"of course milady, Javier said with a bow and walked to the kitchen.
"Uh, Javier? the wine?" Nabiki called.
"Ah yes the wine." javier smiled sheepishly and poured the wine into each of the glasses.
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Kasumi reached her house and silently parked her car. Dabbing some make up on her face she hid her tears and the bruises. She couldn't let Nodoka-okassan see her like this. After a few minutes she decided that she looked prsentable and walked into the house. Looking up at the time, she noted the fact that it was already 3pm. Looking around, she heard voices coming from solarium. Quickly she walked in that direction. When she got there, she saw Nodoka-okassan, the same as she remembered her. She was so regal and elegant, moreso than Kasumi could ever be. Seeing her again, she just wanted to let everything spill out and let her okassan hold her in her arms. But with iron resolve, she quickly stepped into the room.
"Nodoka okassan!" Kasumi called. Nodoka looked up at Kasumi and gasped. Kasumi was half afraid that the makeup didn't cover her bruises. But Nodoka just walked up to Kasumi and hugged her.
"Oh Kasumi you've become so beautiful." Smiling Kasumi returned the hug. It felt good to be back in her okassan's arms again.
"Welcome Nodoka okassan."
"Kasumi please you would honor me if you would call me mother. You are very much my daughter, as are your sisters."
"Of course ... mother." Kasumi was glowing with happiness, Nodoka had finally given them the permission to call her mother. Before Nodoka had thought that if she had let them call her Mother then she would be accepting that Ranma was gone. But now that Ranma was found, she had no qualms about it.
"So Nabiki tells me that you are seeing a young doctor now?" Kasumi trembled slightly at that remark.
"Yes. Dr. Phadron-s, Phadron-kun." Kasumi managed to get out from her trembling body.
"What's wrong sweetie?" Nodoka asked worriedly. "You are shaking all over."
"Oh it is nothing, I just need a hot bath, the hospital air conditioner was on at full blast." Kasumi lied.
"Oh of course, we'll have plenty of time to talk tonight when Ranma gets here." Nodoka assured.
"Tonight..." Kasumi was torn between being in the prescence of her boyfriend or staying here with her now surrogate mother.
"Yes tonight... you will join us right? Unless you have other plans." Nodoka asked. Nodoka had a bad feeling about this, something about Kasumi was not right, it seemed like she was scared of something.
"Yes I will." Kasumi said hesitantly. She wanted to be with her mother more now. She just hoped that Phadron-sama would not be too angry. Perhaps she could run over there quickly and explain things. He would be more understanding.
"Excellent, tonight will be the happiest night of my life, my husband and son are finally returning and my daughters will join me for dinner and share my happiness." Nodoka said elatedly.
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In a large house in San Francisco, Phadron sat on his couch as he waited for his 'girlfriend' to come by. She was such an idiot, she meant nothing to him, yet he seemed to mean so much to him. It probably had to do with the face he wore. But no matter, after tonight, he would inject his seed into her and make the bitch his slave for as long as he pleased. He was sick and tired of her disobeying him. It was time for him to finally pluck the flower that she had been coveting behind her folds of clothing. Once she was his, the other two sisters would be no problem to dispose of, and he would finally get what he wanted. Briefly he fantasized about the other two sisters of Kasumi. Nabiki was such a busty broad, he would take her next. She would pose no threat because of her lack of any power. However it was the last sister that had him somewhat worried. His old master, he spat. Akane Tendo, oh how he would roar in triumph when he finally took her. She would be the ultimate prize, the daughter of the Tendo-ryu would fall and be humiliated. He would see to that.
Just then a black cloud permeate through his front door. Resolving into an indistiguishable form yet it conveyed an aura of fear and madness around it.
"You have done well my servant. Soon the time of the True Gods will be upon this world. And the ones of this world will be banished to the depths of the earth and held captive in the Heart of the World." The voice was not of human tongue, because it had problems pronouncing some of its words. Phadron looked upon the figure and kneeled before it.
"Of course master, you have given me the blessing of the gods and the skills to defeat the Tendo-Ryu. I will do anthing that is required of me. But may I request one thing though, that all three Tendo sisters remain with me as my bitches." The figured barked a sort of cackle.
"Of course consider them your incentive. They are quite beautiful aren't they? They'll be fun to break, but I'll leave that all up to you."
"Thank you my master." Phadron said as he eyes glowed deep red for a few moments.
________________________
Ranma stood on the runway where their plane had just landed. Taking in his surroundings, he took a deep breath of air. The air smelled sweet and fresh, the wind caressed his face and whipped his hair behind him. Just a little bit more and he would finally be reunited with his mother. Glancing down at his watch, he noted that it was about 5pm here in San Francisco. Looking back to the shipping plane, he saw the others getting their luggage which they had shipped to the airport rather than carry them.
"Hey Ranma! You want to give us a hand here?" Ryouga yelled to his brother.
"Maybe you should think of this as training. You could use a bit more muscle on you." Ranma poked at Ryouga.
"Hey! Who's stronger than who here?" Ryouga retorted back.
"Well why don't we just have a little match to see then?" Ranma said as he got into a loose stance.
"Yes lets's..." Ryouga said as he in turn stepped into his personal stance.
"Ranma! Ryouga! No fighting! I don't want to introduce you to your mother as a bunch of ruffians who brawl all the time!" Genma shouted to them. "Now get over here and take all the boxes out. Most of this stuff is your wife's things Ranma!"
"I guess... Where is Shampoo anyways?" Ranma asked as he helped the other two men begin to unload all the luggage.
"She and Cologne went to the Hilton to get Ranko and Ukyou." Ryouga said as he lifted a granite statue over his head effortlessly.
"Okay then, Pop, you have mother's address? I'll call for the limo to come around to pick us up. We probably need a truck to ship all this stuff to the house Herb set us up with. I swear I don't remember owning half this stuff in the village." Ranma commented as he continued unloading various electronic and fitness devices.
"Blame that computer thing that Ranko is always using. She seems to like buying these stuff on that Internet thing." Ryouga said as he pushed a piano out of the plane.
"Ranma, Ryouga you two have been slacking off in your training. So to make up for lost time, I want you two to carry everything to the house." Genma said evilly.
"What? I thought we wanted to avoid attention!" Ranma said in an indignant tone. "If we start carrying all this stuff halfway across town, you think people'll think we're just the average joe?" Grudgingly Genma relented,
"Very well, but you two will make up for the lack of training another time." Genma promised.
"Yeah, yeah Pop, now we have to hurry, I want to meet mother soon, we are meeting her for dinner right?" Ranma asked as he brought the last of the boxes out onto the runway.
"Yes son, now I'll see about getting us a transport to bring all these boxes to our house. You find Shampoo and the ladies, and Ryouga you call for the limo." Openning the cell phone, Genma proceeded to call the Chinese embassy to request a transport. As Ranma and Ryouga headed towards the airport.
________________________________
At the front desk of the Hilton, a young woman sat reading her e-mail. giggling slightly at her boyfriend's note. They didn't get to many people at the hotel because it was a very expensive hotel and also not many people travelled by air anymore. Slouching back in her chair, she glanced at the clock as it slowly neared her time to leave. Closing her eyes slightly, she briefly imagined what it would be like to be as rich as some of the guests in the hotel, rich and powerful. Her boyfriend was a pretty good martial artist and he would be recognized as soon as he begin to win some of the tournaments. Then she would just go along with his climb of fame. Suddenly a polite cough caused her eyes to snap open. A beautiful woman with violet locks of hair and an wizened old woman stood at the counter.
"Yes may I help you?" She asked the woman. feeling a bit self-conscious due to this woman's figure and beautiful face.
"Yes I looking for Ranko Hibiki and Ukyou Hibiki? They say they be here." The woman said with a heavy accent.
"Hibiki..." The woman said as she looked through the computer screen before her. "Ah yes, she is in room 215, second level, the elevators are right in the lobby area. Would you like me to call up and notify them that you are coming up?"
"No not need. Shampoo go up. Thank you." Turning around she headed towards the elevators as every male who saw here had to roll their tongue back into their mouth. The wizened old woman looked at the young woman behind the counter and chuckled.
"Don't worry yourself dear, you look just fine, my great-granddaughter just has the benefit of very good genes and lots of physical training." The young woman blushed and looked down at herself elliciting laughter from the old woman as she hopped off her cane and walked to the elevator.
______________________________________
In room 215 Ranko Hibiki stepped out of the shower and smiled as she saw Kaze watching some cartoon. Ukyou sat on the edge of the bed breast feeding her child. Motherhood certainly suited Ukyou well, Ukyou has been glowing ever since she discovered she was pregnant. Sighing, she wondered if she would ever bear children, it wasn't that Ryouga and herself hadn't tried but it was just that due to all the physical activities an training that she underwent her cycles were very random. Cologne had begun to give her some fertility herbs that would help her, but so far there had been no effect. She loved children and wanted one of her own, she had raised Kaze with Ranma and always wished she was her child, and in a way she was, but not fully.
"Kaze? You need to take a bath now." Ranko said firmly.
"Okay Auntie! Will you come with me?" the child said in a overjoyed voice.
"Of course, but you know you are getting to be a big girl you will need to start washing yourself soon." Ranko said warmly.
"Okay!" Kaze smiled brightly and rummaged through her bag quickly before she pulled out a pair of Dragonball Z characters. Rushing into the bathroom, she made 'wooshing' sounds. Smiling faintly, Ranko enter the bathroom with Kaze.
Ukyou looked down at her lovely child, Chi was such a darling, she never cried, never fussed and always looked to her mother with such adoring eyes. It felt wonderful that after all the death that surrounded her friends and herself that she was still capable of bearing life. Think back to Ryouga, she yearned for his return. She loved him so much, during all the times that they were in China, Ryouga made her feel so feminine. Growing up in an Amazon village wasn't bad, but it tended to make you act like a tomboy most of the time. Her best Friend Shampoo seemed to be able to withstand those effects and still manage to become Village Champion. But When Ryouga had stumbled into their village that fateful day looking for Ranma, he was not scared of her as most of the village boys were, and he was such a strong man. Falling back on her day dreaming, she remembered the first time she and Ryouga trained together after his defeat by Ranma. He was so cute when he refused to hit her. Of course at the time, she thought it was an insult and beat him to a little pulp. Their courtship was one of classic romances, everyday her beloved would train with her, and teach her the arts as well. When he finally decided to marry her, he challenged her to her hand in marriage. Their fight had lasted a good hour before she was distracted by his bulging muscles that was revealed when his shirt had been ripped off. Suddenly she was shaken out of her reviere as a knock on their door signaled that they had guests. Covering herself up, Ukyou opened the door to their room and saw Shampoo and Cologne.
"Shampoo! You finally got here! Uh where is Ryouga?" Ukyou said happily as she looked around.
"Ucchan you get your new ring?"
"No, unfortunately the jeweler had left town for a bit and the assistant told us to stop by next week to pick up the rings." Ukyou said sadly. "But anyways, come in, come in, where are the others?"
"They are unloading everything that you, Ranko and Shampoo shipped to your new house." Cologne told her in an amused tone as Ukyou winced. "Why don't I hold Chi and you two can chat for a bit."
"Of course Elder." Ukyou said as she handed her child to Cologne. Then leading Shampoo to the table by the wall, she began to tell Shampoo about her trip to the Nekonron. From the bathroom Ranko emerged with a still wet Kaze, who seemed to be full of energy. Bounding over to Shampoo Kaze leapt into the Amazon Princess's arms.
"Mama!" Kaze cried before settling into Shampoo's arms.
"Kaze, my have you grown in the past few days? You seem so much taller now." Shampoo said as she held the younger girl there in her arms.
"Mama, Nekonron was so cool! And Lychee and Monlon was so nice to me! They showed me so many pretty clothing too!" Kaze rambled on.
"Now now, you mama, is talking to your Auntie Ukyou, why don't you draw some pictures of what you saw and tell me about your adventures later? Besides, you want to be dry and dressed when your daddy gets here right?"
"Yes mama." Kaze said as she climbed down from Shampoo's lap and went back into the bathroom. Ranko smiled and walked over to the pair of women.
"Hey Shampoo." Ranko said with a smile.
"Hello sis." Shampoo returned "You enjoy your time in nekonron? I'm so mad I missed it!"
__________________________________
Ranma walked through the sliding doors of the Hitlon with Ryouga the pair looked around for the front desk. The young woman behind it seemed to be muttering and examining herself. Ryouga looked to Ranma with a confused look, Ranma mouthed the words 'horny girl' to Ryouga. Nodding comprehension, Ryouga raise his voice a bit.
"I think this is the front desk Ranma." Catching the attention of the girl who was now completely red, Ranma flashed smile to the girl.
"Uh... welcome to the Hilton how may I help you?" The girl said looking at the two gorgeous guys in front of her.
"I am looking for room for Ukyou and Ranko Hibiki." Ryouga stated politely. The girl behind the desk gave him an insinuating look and winked at the both of them.
"She's in room 215, are you related to her? A Chinese woman just came by looking for her." The girl said hoping that they were only related and nothing else.
"No, I'm their husband." Ryouga said.
"And I am her brother." Ranma said with his devastating grin. He knew what the girl was thinking and thought it was quite funny. "The Chinese woman was my wife." The look on the girl's face was priceless. Both of them! They were both taken! Life just wasn't fair. The girl ranted on and on in her mind.
"Right. Shall I call for them?"
"If it is not too much trouble." Ranma said as he walked towards the lobby. Ryouga followed him as he sat down down on the comforatble couch in the hotel.
"So what you thinking man?" Ryouga asked Ranma.
"I dunno, lot of things I guess."
"Would one of these thing be the arranged marriage between you and one of the Tendos?"
"Yeah, I don't know, I love Shampoo, and I don't want to take another wife, I mean you were lucky, both your wives were chosen. But me I mean I've got to choose a wife I don't even know. And I would hate to let my mother down if I don't choose one." Ranma said in a tired voice. he had been thinking about this issue for quite a while. Even though Herb had decreed that he is allowed to retain more than one wife, he always felt that if he took more than one wife, then one of them would feel neglected. He simply couldn't do that, so far he has refused every suitor that Herb has thrown at him. Ranma shuddered at Monlon of Nekonron. her approach to marry him was very direct, but he had avoided her when Ranko saved him. Now he had to choose. True he wouldn't be forced to, afterall there is no force on this world could force him, maybe kami, but it was his mother. He knew from her letters that his mother loved these Tendo girls very much. If he were to refuse them she would be heart broken. Be it that he doesn't know his mother very well, the one thing he remembered was her gentle and loving spirit. He could not shatter her heart.
"You worry too much. From all that father and you have told me about my second mother seems to be very understanding. I mean afterall she let father take you on a training trip when you were three." Ryouga said trying to comfort his best friend and step-brother.
"I know, I know, that's what I've been telling myself. But She maybe understanding, but her heart is still her heart, if I reject one of these girls, I know a part of her will feel hurt, and that is not an impression I want to imprint on my mother. She's suffered enough with me and Pop not being here during the war."
"And you blame yourself for that? What you did saved us all! How could you have any regrets?" Ryouga asked incredulously.
"I don't have regrets." Ranma said hastily. "I just wish she knew what I was doing. I just want her to be happy and proud of me."
"You know you can't tell her what you are right? Herb has asked that every member of the elite be kept a secret and that means you."
"I know, that's what makes this hard. Mother had to go through the war without any family near her, only those Tendo girls. At least we had each other and the village, and now we are like one large family. But Mother only had these girls to help her get through the war. If I reject these girls that she has so much love for, it would be like if she rejected Shampoo or either or you."
"Well, you have to do what is right for you. I'm not saying that you should break your mother's heart, but in the end, the only person you have to answer to is yourself, that's one of the most important thing that SHE taught us."
"Yes... HER."
"I'm sorry for bringiner her up again. But it is true, as long as your answer to your decision is truthful then you have nothing to worry about."
"Yeah nothing." Ranma said noncomittaly. He would have brooded about it some more if it was not for the two childish arms that wrapped itself around his neck.
"Daddy!" Kaze said as she hugged Ranma tightly.
"Kaze, did you have fun with your two aunties?" Ranma said as he sat his daughter in his lap.
"Yeah! Auntie Ucchan took me to eat so many good food! And Auntie Ranko showed me so many stores with weapons, and she took me to the temples with the funny little men who look like great-grandpa and great-grandma." By the end of her small speech, she was breathless.
"That sound great. Are you ready to meet your grandma?" Ranma asked his daughter and wondering if he was as hyper as she was when he was a child. She must have gotten her hyperness from someone, and since her mother was relatively peaceful and calm all the time.
"Yeah! What is grandma like?" Kaze asked curiously.
"Well I don't remember too much about your grandma because I had to go train a lot when I was a kid like you. But she is very nice and I'm sure you'll like her." Ranma assured her.
"Yeah! Mama said that we were going to go shopping tomorrow!"
"Really?"
"Yes really." Shampoo said as she came her arms around Ranma from behind him.
"Well I guess, but I was hoping that you would spend more time with mother."
"I think she would want to spend more time with her son and daughter don't you think?"
"I suppose." Ranma said in defeat.
"Well then let's get a move on, the limos already here and Pop's in one of them already." Ranko said as she joined the group.
"Ranchan!" Ukyou exclaimed as she rushed over to hug her childhood friend. "Aren't you excited? All those times when we were kids and wondered what our mothers were like! And you can finally meet yours."
"Yeah Ucchan, it's going to be great. We're supposed to meet her in some restaurant."
"Well, then let's move it!" Ryouga said gently hugged Ukyou who had disengaged with Ranma. The assembled group shuffled into two streached limos as they headed for the restaurant Chez Javier.
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Within the Tendo home, Nodoka bustled in preparations to meet her son. Javier had assured her that he had a special table reserved for her and her guests. Dressing in her best blue kimono, she spent an hour making sure her hair was done perfectly. She had carted all the Tendo sisters and herself to a salon. Making sure everything was perfect was essential. This was her son and husband returning to her. Supposedly they were bringing a few guests and surpises. She was somewhat curious as to who they were, but her son and husband were more important. After 23 long years, they would finally be united. Tears came unbidden to her eyes as she wondered what her son looked like. Would Genma still love an old woman such as herself? The last time she saw them Ranma was just started running around. Now he would be a grown man of age 26.
"Mom? Are you okay?" Akane asked as she walked into Nodoka's room.
"Yes honey, I am just so happy I am finally meeting Ranma and your uncle again."
"Oh okay, the limo is here, so we can leave now." Akane reported to the older woman.
"Okay Akane-chan, why don't you get your sisters we'll head to Javier's restaurant now." Walking over to the small panel on the wall, Akane pressed a red button.
"Find Nabiki and Kasumi." A few beeps later a mechanical voice reported that they were both in their rooms.
"Nabiki? Mom said to meet downstairs, the limo is already here." Akane said as she pressed the button for Nabiki's room.
"Sure thing, I'll be down in a few minutes,I'm just trying to get used to this dress. It's a little drafty around my back."
"Well you were the one who picked it out."
"Of course, I didn't say I didn't like it, I just said it would take a little getting used to." Sighing, Akane pressed the button for Kasumi's room.
"Oneechan? Mom wants us to meet downstairs now the limo is here to pick us up."
"Okay Akane-chan." Kasumi's voice sounded almost sad.
"Oneechan? Is there something wrong?" Akane asked worriedly.
"Y- No, Akane-chan, I'm afraid though I have to leave dinner a bit earlier, Dr. Phadron needs me to help him with something."
"Can't it wait till morning?" Akane asked wondering why Kasumi sounded as if she was about to cry.
"No I'm afraid not Akane-chan."
"Okay then but you have to meet Ranma."
"Of course." Akane turned back to Nodoka with a worried look on her face.
"Anything the matter Akane-chan?" Nodoka asked Akane.
"No nothing, shall we go?" Akane said forcing herself to not worry.
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In Kasumi's room, Kasumi nearly broke down crying. Her beloved had betrayed her. Many times, with other women. Just an hour ago, her best friend from medical school had called her. her friend confessed something to Kasumi about Dr. Phadron and his hidden life. He used his positon to rape her friend. Dr. Phadron had threatened her friend and several other interns with a bad review to gain sexual favors from them. Kasumi was the only one he hadn't touched yet. Her friend was afraid that Kasumi was next. At first she didn't believe her, infact she had called her friend a liar on the phone. But the pictures that many of Phadron's victims had sent to her devastated her. Turning off her computer, she couldn't believe it. He beloved was a monster.
'What did you expect? Anybody good for you?' She asked herself.
'But he loves me I know it!'
'Really, he must have loved you a lot when he screwed those women.'
'It's me, I am driving him away from me. If I was better to him, he would have never gone to those women.'
'That is a lie and you know it! He treats you like dirt He doesn't love you!. But the question is why do you love him?'
'He is a good man.'
'Yeah one that rapes women.'
'He is talented.'
'So are you and there are many more talented than him.'
'He...'
'He what?'
'He looks ...'
'Who does he look like?'
'He looks like... Dr. Tofu...'
Finally all the memories came back. Her beloved Tofu, he had died saving her life. The pain of her loss. The agony knowing that her beloved died because of her. Kasumi sobbed into her pillow.
Flashback
Kasumi hummed happily as she looked at the charts on a young boy. Kenji was recovering quite well from his burns. Soon all that will be left were a few minor scars. Smiling sweetly to Kenji, who was playing with a pair of action figures, Kasumi took a few of her home baked cookies and handed them to Kenji.
"Now Kenji, one at a time each day okay? These cookies have some of the vitamins you need to recover, but if you eat too many of them you may get even worse."
"Okay Miss Kasumi!" he replied brightly as he munched on the cookie. Smiling, Kasumi continued down the roster to check on another patient. Kasumi had come back to Japan during this time to help her beloved Dr. Tofu in his practice. She was still waiting for the medical schools in America to reply to her, but with the war going on, it was doubtful that her application would be process. But she was doing what she loved best now in Japan, so they could take all time they needed.
As she hummed and continued down the hall of the hospital. Suddenly a pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around her, Kasumi closed her eyes and allowed the man behind her to smell her hair.
"Kasumi-chan it is lunch time, what do you say if we to the park for a pinic." Turning around Kasumi smiled and nodded to Dr. Tofu.
"Good, let's just drop these charts to the front and be on our way?" Tofu suggested as Kasumi hooked her arm around the crook of his arm.
"I have the most perfect picnic planned, we will go by the lake, I have already ordered food from that sushi shop you love so much. I even have a nice rowboat for us to sit in. Doesn't that sound perfect Kasumi-chan?" Tofu said as he turned to her. He fidgeted with the small box in his pocket. He had spend the last month looking for the perfect ring for his beloved and he just bought it yesterday. Today was going to be perfect.
"Oh Tofu-chan, you are such a romantic. That's what I love about you." As they approached the front reception, they handed the charts to the head nurse who smiled at the couple.
"Well where are you two lovebirds headed off too?" The plump woman asked.
"To the park to enjoy nature for a bit." Tofu said
"Ah how romantic... I remember my dear old husband, god rest his soul, he used to always bring me to the park for a romp or two once in a while." The woman winked at Kasumi and Tofu. Kasumi blushed deep red.
"We will be on our way now." Tofu said with a laugh. However just as they turned around a horrible deformed man stood in the doorway. his body and face full of pus from radiation poisoning. But what everyone was shocked about was the gun in his hand.
"Everyone stay still!" The man gargled. "I want all the painkillers you have in the hospital!"
"But-" One of the orderlies had interject. But the man had shot him already.
"Do it! Now!" Several orderlies scattered to gather the supplies. The disfigured man then saw Kasumi and slowly pulled himself to her direction. At this point Kasumi was trembling horribly. She had heard of looting and hold ups being done all over Japan due to the damages from the war, but she had never been in one situation. Now this thing was coming towards her!
"Well you pretty little thing, I think I'll take you as well to ease my pain and suffering." The man said with a decaying toothed smile. Deviously Tofu stepped in front of Kasumi to sheild the man from her.
"Please, perhaps we can help you..."
"Help me? I think not doc. You see I was a doctor too! And my symptoms of radiation poisoning is not recoverable." The man retorted.
"But-"
"Tofu shut up. Yes I know you, I am surprised you don't know me. But then again the radiation has probably eaten away my face hasn't it?" The man said cooly.
"Who are you?" Tofu said as he peered at the man.
"It is me Kaji. Remember medical school?"
"Kaji? Oh my god."
"You do remember, I suppose that woman behind you is yours? Maybe I should take her like you took Naru from me!" The man raged.
"Naru left you because you were abusive! She came to me for help." Tofu explained.
"I loved her! But you and that damnable little girl Akane took her away from me! Do you understand how embarrasing it it to have a ten year old child defeat 20 year old? I lost all form of respect! This is all your fault." Grabbing Tofu by the collar he decaying man flung Tofu into the wall. Turning his attentions to Kasumi, he smiled as he ripped her uniform in half to expose her.
"No!!!!" Tofu screamed as he leapt at Kaji and wrestled for control of the gun. That was when it went off and right through her. Kasumi looked down at her chest. Blood was now leaking from her chest. Collapsing to the ground, she faintly heard Tofu scream for help. Kaji ran out of the hospital with bottles of painkillers. Dimly she felt her life drift away. Tofu was sobbing into her bare chest. Then she began to loose consciousness, until she felt a warm touch on her wound. Consciousness began to flow back to her. She looked up at her beloved. He was glowing. She slowly began to feel her life return to her. Tofu was attempting a chi transfer! He had told her about this technique. Where one would use one's own chi to heal another. But her wound was too much, Tofu could die!
"Stop Tofu!" Kasumi whispered "You don't have enough."
"I do! Don't leave this world Kasumi-chan! You have too much to live for!" Tofu cried as a the light around him began to dim, Kasumi felt her body restored. Her wound was almost gone, only a scar left. Finally the wound closed, and the light around Tofu disappeared. He collapsed bonelessly to the ground. Kasumi quickly sat up, ignoring the dizziness, she held Tofu's head in her lap.
"Tofu? Please you can't leave me here! I love you too much!" Kasumi sobbed.
"Oh Kasumi, I had hoped that you would marry me." Tofu said as he began to fade away.
"Yes! I will marry you Tofu! Just stay with me, focus on me!" Kasumi cried. This wasn't happening, her beloved was dying. Good men aren't supposed to die! Tofu slowly drew a small box from his pocket and weakly handed it to Kasumi.
"I even got this ring for you." He said as he opened the ring box. Inside was a delicate ring made of gold with a great sapphire set in the center small diamonds surrounded the sapphire. The ring band looked like waves of water. Crying Kasumi reached out to take the box.
"I love you always, never forget that my love." With that Tofu's head lolled back and his arm fell heavily to the ground.
"No!" Kasumi whispered as the ring box clattered to the floor. Tofu, her beloved was dead. He died protectin her.
"No Tofu! Stay! Focus on me! We were supposed to be happy together! It's not fair!" Sobbing over her fallen beloved, the war had claimed yet another gentle soul. The hand of death is unfair at times, for everyone is humbled when in its prescence. That day part of Kasumi Tendo died with her beloved.
End Flashback
Kasumi sobbed as she replayed the memory in her mind. She had been blinded, and now the man she thought to be her beloved was a monster. He was not Tofu. She fell in love with Tofu's soul, not his face. Stopping her weeping, she decided it was time to face Dr. Phadron. It was time to reject him for her sake. Tonight, she would goto him, but not to please him, but to finally tell him the truth.
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End Chapter 2