All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published
by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz
Communications.
A Different Viewpoint: Curses and Demons:
Chapter 11
That same morning, as the sun rose, the Senshi were gathered at the
Hino Shrine for a last planning meeting before the flight to China. Rei
was shaking her head. "She's late! I can't believe she's late again.
How does she expect to get all the way to China and back if she can't
even get to our meeting on time?"
Minako sighed. "Rei, you're just mad cause you can't go with
them." She looked over at Makoto, and Luna. "I wish I could go with
you too."
Rei frowned. "I don't CARE what Grandpa thinks! I'm coming...."
She broke off as a breathless meatball haired girl burst into the room.
"Huf... Huff... OK, I'm, huff... here!" Usagi gasped out. "I
didn't mean to be late, but Luna normally wakes me up, only she wasn't
there, and Mamo-chan couldn't go to the front door, so he was waiting
outside and he finally came to my window and it was so romantic except I
was all messy from not being able to sleep, only I was asleep, so he
woke me up, and we hurried as fast as we could, and he just dropped me
off...."
Rei frowned darkly at her. "How can you say all that in one breath
if you're tired out from running?" She looked around at the others.
"I'm going to have to come along. Usagi'd end up in Taiwan if she went
alone."
The girl in question wailed, "Rei! You're so meeaan!"
The other girls all sighed as the tongue war began.
Later, Rei took the time to decide, "I'll just tell grandpa I'm
going to do a shrine visit. He'll have to say yes if I tell him it's
good for my spiritual growth. He may grumble, but he'll let me go...
he's been after me to do something like that for months."
Usagi groaned. "You'll get away with it too. You're so lucky, my
parents will just kill me, or ground me for eternity." She sighed
deeply, troubled, but her face hardened. "But I don't care.
After they kicked out Luna, and wouldn't believe us!"
Luna pointed out, "It did look pretty bad, Usagi-chan. I still
don't approve of your coming, you're in enough trouble with your parents
as it is. Running away won't help matters."
Ami spoke up suddenly. "So, how are you five going to get on the
plane without Nabiki-san or Ryoga-sensei recognizing you?"
Makoto answered. "She said she got tickets for another flight, and
it's about an hour after hers, so if she sees us at the airport, we can
say we're just there to see her off." She pulled out the itinerary that
Nabiki had given to 'Sailor Jupiter' "See?" She showed it to Ami.
Ami pulled it over to her and started perusing it. "Hmm, different
airline even, different bus company when you arrive, hmm, doesn't say
where she's staying, but you've been booked at a fairly nice Hotel, the
Qinghi Hilton. She says she'll meet you all the next morning in the
lobby for the trip into the Balankala Range." Ami looked up
thoughtfully. "I wonder what the Chinese know about the Sailor
Senshi?" She sighed. "It's too bad we haven't been there before, or we
could just teleport and save all this time.
Usagi grinned suddenly. "Hey! We can teleport back! That'll save us
whole bunches of time!"
Ami shook her head, "Minako and I can't come, remember? I don't
think you three can manage a Sailor Teleport alone."
Usagi sighed. "That much longer away from my Mamo-chan."
Minako sighed as well. "Yeah. Artemis, do you have to go too?"
Everyone but the daydreaming Usagi stared at Minako, and Artemis tried
not to look too nervous. Luna almost growled, but restrained herself.
Artemis gulped but answered her. "Ah, yes, I really should go, they
might need me. Besides, if there's any hope of a cure for the curses,
it'll be at Jusenkyo."
Luna added. "Oh, and Artemis just couldn't miss an opportunity like
that." Her voice was steeped in sarcasm.
< Does she know?> Artemis glanced at Minako, but she just shrugged
back. < If not, why's she so mad at me?>
Rei was staring at the interaction between Artemis and Minako
confused. < What's going on? It almost sounds like Luna's jealous...
but of what?>
Usagi didn't notice any of the interaction, she still had stars in
her eyes as she daydreamed about her return to her Mamo-chan. < Oh
Mamo-chan, it's so good to be back!> She also envisioned her parents,
< Oh, we're so sorry we didn't believe you dear! Come back home!> The
others backed away as she started laughing in a maniac fashion.
************************
At the Airport.
"Please?" Usagi was tugging on Rei's arm as they stood in line for
the metal detectors. "Buy me an ice cream?" She was pointing to the 62
Flavor's store they were passing. "I still haven't tried their Double
Mocha Fudge yet!"
Rei groaned. "Usagi, I'd have to get out of line." She pointed
behind them. "We've already been here for half an hour, and the line is
longer than when we arrived. I've never seen the airport so
crowded." Makoto nodded. "What is a 'Shriner' anyway?"
Rei shrugged. "I think it was some sort of American Scifi/Horror
flick..."
Usagi continued her assault on Rei's nerves. "Oh Please?
Pleeease? Pleeeaasee?"
Rei's eyes glazed over a moment. "Ah... No!" She tried to endure a
few more minutes, but she finally cracked. Finally she admitted. "I
left my purse with my baggage anyway."
Usagi stopped whining and blinked. Everyone nearby sighed in
relief. Usagi then turned to Makoto. "Buy me that? Please?"
Rei hid her head in her hands. < It's going to be a long trip.>
************************
Nabiki looked around once more at the horde mingled inside the
airport. < Sheesh, I'll never spot them like this.> She turned to
board the plane with the doctor.
As they settled into their seats, Dr. Tofu turned to her in
surprise. "Nabiki, if you could afford first class tickets, why did
Ryoga and Shampoo have to fly with the baggage?"
Nabiki frowned. "Do you think so little of me? I couldn't 'afford'
these seats, I traded them with an acquaintance of mine." < Mendo-san
was so glad to get that wedding ring daddy had me get Ranma last
christmas, he'd of given me his paid reservations in Hong Kong too. Too
bad I'm not going that way.>
Down in the cargo bay, Shampoo meowed softly in frustration, looking
at the slumbering pig next to her. < Oh, this is going to be a long
flight.>
Already in the air, Moose flapped vigorously. < Don't worry,
Shampoo, I'll rescue you from that treacherous Tofu. In China, he'll be
on my home ground. I'll defeat him for you in no time.>
Several hours Later the plane had arrived at it's destination.
Nabiki was pleased to note the lack of crowds in the disembarking area.
"Tofu-san, would you check on our luggage? I've got an errand I need to
run, I'll meet you at the bus later."
Dr. Tofu raised an eyebrow at her words, but nodded. "Certainly, if
you like." He seemed a bit skeptical about her 'errand' but didn't
protest, quickly heading off in the direction of the baggage area.
Nabiki meanwhile went to check on the status of the next flight from
Tokyo. < On Time. Good, they should be here in a little under an hour
then, plenty of time to find a good vantage point to watch
from.> Ever since Sailor Moon had healed her, Nabiki had been putting
the pieces of memory that had returned in order, and several things,
(other than the memories of Happosai she'd as soon forget again,) were
starting to stand out to her. Everything that had happened recently was
starting to make
a sort of sense. < Somehow, Ranma knows, or at least has worked with,
the Sailor Senshi, and more than once. My little sister too, if I'm any
judge. Johnathon was seen with them, or there's more than one black
half-cat in Tokyo. It's a pretty big coincidence then that Ranma knows
the Sailors, and out of the blue a big group of young girls wants to
train with him.>
Nabiki snorted to herself. < Maybe if they were just there to watch
Ranma, but these girls are serious about training, as if they have a
very good reason. Beyond the fact that some of those girls
seem smitten with Ryoga.> She frowned. < Of course, there might be a
simple explanation, but I'll bet at least a few of those girls are the
Sailor Senshi in disguise. If I see any of them here in China, then
I'll know for sure.>
Nabiki walked around the area their flight was due in, then settled
down with a good romance novel to pass the time.
On the plane in question, the three sailors and their guardian cats
fretted... or at least most of them did.
Artemis had been trying to make small talk with Luna for over an
hour now, with no success, having been frustrated by her single syllable
answers. < Great, she's still steamed at me, and I'm
not certain why.> He sulked himself for awhile. < Ah, maybe I should
get it over with and ask her if she's mad about me and Mina-chan.> He
sighed. < But what if that's not what she's mad about? She'd really be
angry then!>
Luna wasn't half as mad at Artemis as he imagined. Oh she was mad
at him. < They're supposed to be our charges, not our lovers!> She
sighed imperceptibly, < I always thought that maybe
we'd...> She thrust that thought away roughly. < No! Never! Me and
that... male? Ridiculous.> She sighed again, louder. < I wonder if
I'll ever find someone?> She almost laughed at the thought. < What am
I thinking?> But she knew, in her minds eye, still, was the picture she
still had about one
day not long ago.... A cafe, a strong hand, with long sensitive fingers,
placed carefully over hers. The tone of concern in the voice, the kind
word, the compassion obvious in his face, the joy on his face
transforming it as he reminisced freely in her presence. Over that
image, a stronger one, of the feeling of his bare skin against her own,
of the damp, slightly musky sent of him....
< No!> Luna shook her head violently, trying to clear it of those
images. < We're not even... the same species, (not that that seems to
bother Artemis), I have responsibilities, (wouldn't he share them?),
he's probably back in America by now. (but what about what he told me...
I never mentioned it to Johnathon, could it be important?)> Her inner
voice was insistent. < He'll never accept me.> She answered herself.
< He'll think I'm a freak, or an animal.> Her inner voice made no
reply.
Artemis, having heard her sighing, decided that she might be more
receptive in that mood. "Um, Luna? I've got something, ah, that I
really should tell you."
She turned to give him a frosty look, and the words almost died in
his throat, but he plowed on regardless. "Ah... well... the Senshi, you
see, they're growing up, able to... well, make their own
decisions, so , um when..." He broke off, uncertain how to continue.
Luna rolled her eyes. < Is he going to tell me it was all Minako's
idea?> She frowned suddenly. < Could it be true? No, never...> But
she wasn't certain.
Artemis swallowed. < Well, I guess I better spit it out.> "Luna,
Mina-chan and I are in love."
Luna barked a laugh. "Love? Lust you mean! You don't honestly
expect me to believe that you love that girl, do you? I can't believe
you, abusing your trusted position like that..."
Artemis snapped back finally, "Yes love! I love her, and she loves
me."
Luna scowled. "The last part I might believe, that girl could fall
in love with anything cute on two legs, but you?"
Luna was surprised, Artemis was practically spitting with anger.
"How can you say that! I can fall in love as easily as the next guy."
Luna denied his anger as a pretense, "Like as not, you were the next
guy! Besides, you're not a guy, you're a cat, or a woman! How's that
supposed to work?"
Artemis snorted suddenly, feeling he had a clue to Luna's behavior.
"It works just fine. It sounds to me like you're jealous Luna. Wishing
maybe you treated me better?" It slipped out before he
could stop it. From the murderous rage in her eyes, Artemis was
suddenly very glad that they were in separate carriers. "Um, I'm sorry,
I didn't mean it that way, Luna."
She turned away and began ignoring him again. < That arrogant...
thinks he's the only man around does he? We'll I'll show him I don't
need him!>
Up in the passenger section, Usagi was snoring mightily. Rei had
given up trying to sleep, and was reading a book. Makoto was staring
out the window at the ground below. Occasionally she'd
compare it to the map book she was holding.
"Rei, I think we're almost there." Makoto said suddenly.
Rei looked up. "Really? Recognize a landmark?"
Makoto shrugged. "No, not really, but we are going down."
Just then the seat belt light flashed on, and the speakers began
announcing the decent. Rei turned to the snoring Usagi and shook her
gently. Usagi, we're almost there, time to wake up."
Usagi yawned hugely, and stretched. "Huh? Oh good morning... Rei,
why are you in my bed?" She sat up suddenly. "Oh! We're on the plane!
What time is it anyway?"
Rei sighed. "It's still morning, about 5:30am here." < Usagi
sounds... relaxed.>
Usagi blinked. "Huh? you're joking, that'd mean we haven't left
yet!"
Rei sighed again. "No, baka, remember we're gaining hours? We're
going west, right?"
Usagi nodded, "Ah... OK." more to cut off the lecture than because
she had understood.
Rei said softly to both girls, "Look, I've been thinking... I'm
pretty sure Nabiki suspects who the Senshi are. We didn't see her at
Tokyo airport, but she might be waiting for us here."
Makoto blinked. "Ah, I didn't think of that. Maybe that's why she
got us a flight after hers. how are we going to explain why we're in
China?"
Rei shook her head. "We can't, obviously. She'll know who we are
for sure." She paused dramatically. "But I've got a plan." The other
two listened intently. "We can transform. Then she
won't be able to recognize us."
Makoto shrugged. "That might work, but won't the airline be able to
tell who we are then? We did use our own passports."
Re sighed. "Yeah, probably."
Makoto sighed back. "It's too bad we can't use that disguise magic
without wearing the fukus." She paused. "Hey, won't Nabiki-san be able
to tell who we are anyway? She could find out who
was on this flight maybe."
Usagi was mumbling something to herself, but she looked up at that.
"No way! Ami said she'd take care of the airline's computer records, so
nobody can tell we ever left Japan. And anyway, I
can use my disguise pen."
Rei nodded. "That's right, then at least you can go out first to
see if Nabiki's waiting, then if she is, me and Makoto can do a quick
change in the plane's rear rest room, after most of the other
passengers have already gotten off."
Makoto frowned. "Hmm, maybe... but how will we get through
customs? The Sailor Senshi don't exactly have passports."
It wasn't long before the airplane landed. In the hustle, no one
noticed the transformation Usagi had made into an older looking business
woman, (complete with briefcase.) She pushed her way to the front of the
disembarking line, and headed out onto the concourse. Sure enough, she
soon spotted Nabiki Tendo scrutinizing each person as they exited. She
herself had gotten a long appraising look. Nabiki was still casting the
occasional glance back at her, but apparently she wasn't sure who she
was. When Nabiki was watching another passenger exit, Usagi went to the
window to wave at the plane.
Inside, Rei scowled. "Looks like Nabiki's out there all right.
Quick, you change first."
The two were looking out of the plane's rear windows at the
terminal, near the rest room. Makoto got in, and there was a brief
pause. "Uh, Rei? I didn't bring a change of clothes in my carry on
bag."
Rei groaned. "Just take off what you've got on now, transform, and
change back into it, but hurry!" She whispered fiercely.
Inside, Makoto quickly divested herself of clothing and pulled her
transformation pen from it's pocket dimension, raising it above her
head... and paused. < Do I have to shout?> She experimented,
whispering, "Jupiter Star Power... Make Up." The words seemed to
reverberate beyond the small room, and the transformation started.
Outside, the plane's electronics flickered then went dead. Rei
jumped. "Makoto? Better hurry!"
Makoto was fumbling with her choker. < Now how does this come
off?> It was seamless, but as she imagined it, a seam appeared and she
pulled it off easily. < Oh.> She got out the fuku then easily enough,
putting it away in her carry on bag. She was mildly surprised at how
small a bundle it made. She then tossed on her old outfit. < Hmm, it
fits the same, I kinda thought... oh whatever.>
Outside a stewardess asked a nervous Rei, "Is your friend all right
in there?"
Rei nodded. "Uh huh, I'm sure she'll be done in a minute." Just
then, the rest room door opened, and Makoto came out. Rei was surprised
suddenly. < I know it's her, but somehow she doesn't look at all the
same. Is this how other people see us when we're Senshi? Weird.>
Makoto motioned to her. "Ah, OK, your turn." Rei hurried inside.
Makoto noticed the stewardess glance at her, a confused expression on
her face, but the woman shook her head and headed forward. < Looks like
the disguise magic still works without the fuku. Good.> Inside, Rei
duplicated Makoto's actions, then the two disguised Senshi hurried to
exit the plane.
Outside, Nabiki was frowning. < Only one person with gold hair, and
she seemed to be a little old to be Sailor Moon or Venus.> Nabiki
continued to wait. < Maybe they're still on the plane, waiting for me
to leave? Is there another way off that plane?> She sighed < Maybe I
should leave, I don't want to jeopardize the Senshi's friendship....>
Just as she was thinking this, two young women came down the exit ramp.
< Hmm, I don't recognize them either... wha?> Nabiki's mouth hung open
for a moment in shock. She stared at the tall brunet harder. < That's
Sailor Jupiter! I'd swear it's the same girl! I thought perhaps that I
wouldn't be able to recognize her out of 'uniform'. Otherwise, someone
would have discovered their identities by now, but I'm sure that's the
same person I gave the tickets to yesterday.> Nabiki debated the merits
of going up to greet them or sneaking away. < I could try to follow
them, but stealth's not really my strong suit. I guess I'll go say hi.>
She stood and walked over to the pair. "Hello there! Welcome to
the Qinghai province, China. So... what should I call you two? I can't
just call you Jupiter and Mars all the time can I?" She studied their
reactions. < Yup, the other one's Sailor Mars... how DO they maintain a
secret identity? Maybe, they don't have a regular life? Just hide out
in some secret base on the moon or something until their needed? More
likely a base in Japan. If they could travel to the moon, why would
they need plane tickets to China?> Satisfied with her reasoning, Nabiki
waited as the two conferred together quietly. When they finished, she
asked, "So, just the two of you?" < I hope I can get a refund on the
other ticket.>
Mars frowned at her. "We'll do fine ourselves."
Nabiki put her hands up placatingly. "I don't doubt it. Still,
don't you at least need Sailor Moon along? I mean in case Happosai has
any more of that hypnosis incense?"
Jupiter glanced at Mars. "Um, well she'll be here tonight, don't
worry."
Mars glanced back, then gave Nabiki a searching look. "Well, we
don't want to keep you. We've got to pick up our bags. We'll meet you
at the hotel later, when we are ready to leave, all right?"
Nabiki fought back a frown at the obvious dismissal. < Smile girl,
remember they're your allies....> "Yes, I'll see you there." She
smiled more winningly at them then, her true gratitude showing through.
"Again, thank you for coming. I don't think I could manage without your
help. I know it must be terribly inconvenient coming all the way to
China."
Jupiter was smiling back now. "Oh no, we had to help. We owe your
family, and Ranma, a great deal."
Nabiki smiled again to cover her burning . < My family? And
Ranma? I'm missing a lot of information here, and I don't like it.> She
managed to contain her frustration and nod. "I'm glad, whatever your
reasons. Bye till then." She turned and started towards to airport's
exit where the bus to the hotel was waiting.
Ryoga and Dr. Tofu were there waiting for her. Ryoga was asking a
uniformed man a question in Chinese. Tofu looked relieved when he
spotted her coming. "I was worried we'd miss the bus. Where have you
been?"
Nabiki shrugged eloquently. "Girl stuff. We ready to go? Where's
Shampoo?"
Tofu looked at Nabiki a long moment before pointing. "She's
already on board the bus. we should get on as well, the bus is full,
and the driver wants to leave." Indeed, the driver, having decided that
this was the long awaited passenger, was making quick preemptory
gestures to her to board, while jabbering at her in rapid Chinese. Dr.
Tofu and Ryoga hurried to load their bags, and they got on.
Shampoo was evidently quiet eager to go. "When we rescue Tendos and
Ranma, then we go to village, neh Tofu-chan?" I show you where I grow
up, and you meet elders. Is very good, yes?"
"Yes Shampoo." Dr. Tofu nodded. "I'm almost glad we go this
opportunity to return to your homeland so soon. I don't think it would
of been too easy for me to find a good time to break away from my
practice, if this hadn't come up."
Shampoo's eyes, gazing about at her homeland as the bus moved,
turned to her husband. < He is always looking at things in the
brightest light. I am lucky beyond my deserving.> She said simply,
"You is... you are so good to me, husband. Wo ai ni." She snuggled up
to him gratefully.
Dr. Tofu sighed, just a little, and wrapped one arm around her.
"Shampoo, what can you tell us about this area?"
As Shampoo happily began pointing out some of the region's features
and landmarks, Ryoga reflected on his situation. < What am I doing
here? I mean, really, why did I agree to come along at all?> He sighed
softly to himself. < If I believe Johnathon, the spring of drowned man
is no cure for me... and unfortunately, I believe him. Hmm, would being
a pig-man be so bad?> He pictured the end result in his head, then
shook his head violently. < Ugh, no way. I'd rather be a pig than a
monster.> He thought again about his reason for coming. < I'm not
doing it to win Akane either... I still love her, but she loves Ranma.
I want her to be happy.>
Ryoga grimaced, thinking about his old rival. < Damn that Ranma, he
never should have agreed to marry Ukyo. Akane's way more important than
any deal that idiot Genma made...> He paused, trying to control his
anger... something he didn't have a lot of practice at yet. < Akane
said I shouldn't attack Ranma anymore... that we should be friends...
but he hurt her... arrgh! What about Ukyo? What does she see in that
two timing jerk!> "Ranma, this is all your fault!" He was so worked up
he didn't realize he'd muttered the last bit out loud.
Nabiki shook her head listening to Ryoga. < Pig-boy's falling into
his old thought patterns again. Ordinarily I'd just sit back and enjoy
the fireworks, but we'll probably need him, so...> She reached out to
grab the lost boy's elbow. "Hey Ryoga. Earth to Ryoga, come in Ryoga."
He blinked and looked at her. "Huh? What is it, Nabiki?"
"You know, when we get back, we're going to have another problem,
Ryoga." Nabiki said blithely.
He frowned at her. "What do you mean, another problem?"
She looked at him seriously. "You know, Daddy's been real impressed
with you lately, Ryoga, how you helped save Kasumi, and how you've been
teaching those classes for Ranma."
Ryoga blinked again. "Uh, I guess..." he petered out, not sure
what Nabiki was hinting at.
Nabiki continued, ignoring his growing confusion. "Nodoka-san
thinks a lot of you too. I heard her telling daddy how she wanted to
track down your parents."
Ryoga looked astonished at this news. "Wow, really? She'd do that
for me?" He lapsed into thought, only half listening as Nabiki
described how Nodoka had been training her in 'wifely ' skills. <
Wow, maybe I'll get to see see Mom and Dad again. Heck, maybe I really
do have a little sister by now.> He was a little sad at the thought of
leaving the Tendo home though. < For awhile, it's been like they were
my family. They've taken such good care of me. Kasumi and Nodoka's
home cooked meals, the way Nabiki makes sure I don't get lost, helping
me out at school, its almost as if she was my sister.> He nodded
absently at whatever Nabiki was saying, < Huh, something about arranged
marriage...> "Arranged marriage?" He asked suddenly, shocked.
"Nodoka-san wants to arrange a marriage for you?"
Nabiki looked frostily at him. < Baka.> "That's what I said,
Ryoga."
Ryoga frowned. "Why? I mean, who's this jerk she wants you to
marry anyway?"
Nabiki almost laughed. < This is too easy.> "You of course." She
paused to enjoy his shocked stare, his open mouth and bulging eyes. "As
soon as she can find your parents to discuss the idea, that is."
Ryoga finally managed to close his mouth. He almost immediately
opened it again. "Mmmee?" He squeaked. "No, you must mean some other
guy named Yuu, or something, right?" He checked. < No, she's still
looking at me like I'm an idiot.> "Oh, you mean me." He paused. <
Nabiki? Me and Nabiki? Marry Nabiki?>
Nabiki pouted at him. "Don't make it sound like torture."
Ryoga grinned wryly. < Did I say that out loud?> "Ah heh." He put
his hand behind his head sheepishly.
She softened her fierce expression. "Well you can see what I mean
by us having a problem when we get back, right?"
He nodded mutely, still thinking, < Me and Nabiki?>
Nabiki sat back after a few moments of studying his face. < Yup,
Ryoga's lost again, in thought. At least he's not brooding now. That
should keep him busy for awhile.> Nabiki grinned to herself, not at all
worried about what she had told Ryoga. < Even if Nodoka does find
Ryoga's parents, there is no way they'd agree to anything like that.
Besides, I can easily slip out of any arrangement they make. I'll marry
who and when I say, no one else.>
****************
A huge Ghostly form of a cat with a bell around its neck appeared in
front of a certain dark cloaked woman, who was sitting in her private
jet, currently on its way to China. "My spies have informed me that the
Senshi have arrived in China, and they are hurrying to intercept Ranma
and the others, before they reach Jusenkyo."
The cloaked woman snarled angrily. "No! That group must reach
Jusenkyo, it is vital to my plans! You must stop the Senshi from
reaching them."
The Ghost Cat shuddered. "Stop them? The Sailor Senshi destroy my
kind! Every time they see something like me, they blast it until it's
gone. Do you know how many monsters, youma, demons, and supernatural
entities they've erased from this plane of existence? They're cold
blooded murderers I tell you! They can't be reasoned with!"
The cloaked figure put one black furred hand up to her head
tiredly. "Very well, go to the old one and tell him he is commanded to
stop the Senshi instead. He only needs to slow them down for a day at
the most. Go now, and continue using your power over cats to keep me
informed of our prey's movements."
The Ghost Cat nodded, obviously relieved. "Yes, I will do as you
say. Only remember our bargain."
The cloaked female nodded. "I remember. When all this is done,
Shampoo is yours." The Ghost Cat smiled widely and vanished, his body
first, leaving his smile behind until it too finally vanished. The
cloaked one sighed. "I never should have let him borrow my Lewis
Carroll collection...."
*******************
Hundreds of miles away, a young man in a purple Gi spied on a
certain group of hikers as they made their way through the China
wilderness. He had been following them for almost a whole day, using
his invisibility techniques to no avail. His camera, borrowed some time
ago from his master, had to that moment gone unused."
"How can I get a picture of Ranma or Ranko-chan's back if neither of
them ever take off their shirt?" The youthful looking martial artist
grumbled to himself. "Even if they do, I can't get close enough to see
without them detecting me. I somehow need to get one of them to take
their shirt off for long enough that they drop their guard... but how?"
He grinned to himself. "Actually, I wouldn't mind if all of those
pretty ladies down there decided to take their shirts off, but that's
not going to happen...." He blinked. "Or is it?" The lecherous blond
martial artist grinned wider. "That gives me a great idea! And I know
just where I can pull it off!" Thought became action as he raced ahead
of the group he was shadowing in order to get to the spot he had in mind
first.
*****************
It was getting to be well past noon as they marched along the
mountain trail, and Johnathon was keeping his eyes peeled for a good
stopping place for lunch. No one had complained yet, but he knew Kasumi
as least had to be getting a little tired. Misty was riding up on top
of his backpack, and suddenly meowed loudly. He craned his neck up to
see what she wanted, and the small black cat pointed off the trail to
the left. A side trail led away, and in the distance Johnathon could
just make out the glint of water. He stopped and listened and heard the
faint sputtering of running water.
He looked impressed. "Good catch, Misty-chan." Johnathon turned
back to the rest of the group. "It looks like there might be a mountain
stream over that way. Why don't we take a break over there?"
Akane hiked up next to him and peered in the direction he had seen
the water in. "That sounds like a great idea, Johnathon-san. I could
use a break."
Kasumi came up a bit later, trying not to pant. "I'll make lunch,
alright?" She said determinedly. Kasumi was the only one of the bunch
(besides Misty of course) not to be carrying a pack, and was determined
to pull her own weight.
The small group headed toward the sound of the water, and before
long came across a pleasantly bubbling stream, shaded by a thin band of
trees that appeared to follow its length for quite some way in both
directions. Everyone took the opportunity to top off their canteens,
and Kasumi started setting up Ranma's tiny portable stove. They had
only packed enough food for five days or so, but Ranma, Ranko and
Johnathon had promised to do some hunting on the trip in. The group had
decided almost unanimously to avoid passing too near to the Amazon
village, so they would have to make do with the supplies they already
had.
As everyone else settled down for a rest, Ranma and Ranko, still
full of energy, decided to do some exploring, Ranko downstream and Ranma
upstream along the river. It wasn't long before Ranko came running
excitedly back into their temporary camp.
"Hey, guess what I found!" Ranko yelled as she came into view.
"You've got to see this, just through the woods is a great little lake!
It's out in the sun, so the water's pretty warm, and it's crystal
clear!"
Kasumi smiled brightly at that. "That sounds wonderful, Ranko. It
would be nice to take a little swim before we start walking again."
Akane paled slightly at the word swim. "Er... I didn't remember to
bring my bathing suit, Kasumi."
Kasumi winked at her. "Nether did I, Akane-chan, but we're a long
way from any people, so I don't think we'll need them."
Akane gaped at her older sister incredulously. "Huh?"
Ranko patted Akane on the shoulder. "You don't have to worry about
having to swim, Akane, there's a shallow part so you can wade without
drowning."
Akane glared at the red head then shrugged, smiling. "It does sound
nice. Come on, Ranko, lets go swimming!"
Kasumi hesitated. "Well, I did just start cooking...."
Johnathon spoke up. "You really shouldn't eat before going in the
water anyway. I'll take over lunch, and you girls can go swimming. Me
and Ranma can go in after you girls get back."
Ukyo stood up. "Sounds like a great idea, Johnathon! Don't go
peeking in on us though!"
Ranko protested. "Hey, why do I have to wait with the food? I
found the place!"
Akane grabbed her wrist and pulled her along. "No silly, Ranma is
going to wait here. Johnathon can tell him when he gets back. You're
coming swimming with us."
Ukyo grinned. "Sure sugar, we're all girls, right?"
Ranko blinked. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Akane shook her head in mock dismay. "We're going skinny dipping,
idiot. Why else would Johnathon and Ranma have to wait until we get
back?"
Ranko's eyes went wide and she blushed. "Wait a minute, I'm not
sure...."
Akane just pulled the smaller girl along. "Well I am. Now are you
going to show us this lake or not?"
Johnathon watched them go bemusedly, then glanced at his feline
wife. "Not going to go with them, Misty-chan?" The black cat shook her
head and pretended to be shaking off water. He nodded. "I don't like
wet fur much myself." She looked off at the nearby woods and pointed in
their direction. Johnathon followed her look. "Want to do a little
exploring yourself?" Misty nodded. He nodded back. "Alright, but stay
nearby, who knows what wild animals are in the woods?" Misty meowed an
affirmative and slipped off into the trees.
Near the lake, a youthful looking man in a purple gi laid in wait
with his camera. He had never been one to use camera's before, but
recent events, and his master's primary hobby had given him a chance to
appreciate their uses. For one, with his telephoto lens, he wouldn't
need to get too close to his target to get a good picture, which would
be a bad idea around a martial artist as sensitive as Ranko or Ranma.
He hadn't been positive that Ranma's small group would stumble across
the lake, but the opportunity had been too much to give up. It looked
like his hunch was going to pay off as well, because he could hear
several voices approaching the lake. He hunkered down to watch.
Ranko stood nervously by the edge of the lake as Kasumi, Akane and
Ukyo all started to undress. "Er... are you sure this is OK?" She kept
her back to the others and stared at the lake, trying not to think about
what they were doing behind her.
Akane dropped her shirt on top of a convenient boulder and started
taking off her bra. "Don't worry about it Ranko. It's not like you're
going to be seeing anything new." She laid her bra down and started
unbuttoning her shorts. "Besides, you're a girl right now, and you will
be one at least until we get to Jusenkyo."
Kasumi finished folding her clothing and walked naked past Ranko
into the water. "I certainly don't mind if Akane doesn't, Ranko-chan."
Ranko's eyes went wide at the sight of the eldest Tendo sister in the
buff. She rapidly schooled her expression as Kasumi turned around and
waved for her to come in. "The water is lovely, Ranko, come on in."
Ukyo finished undressing and followed Kasumi into the water a few
moments later. "Don't be shy, Ranko. Don't tell me you're afraid to
let us see you naked."
Ranko frowned. "Hey, I ain't afraid of nothing." She started to
undress in a rush, flinging her clothing over her shoulder. She beat
Akane to the water by about a second, cannonballing into the deep end
with a rebel yell worthy of Tarzan.
The blond haired martial artist rapidly clicked off photos of the
captivating scene. "What a vision of loveliness!" He gloated as he
took photo after photo. "Now, my dear Ranko, just go ahead an join the
others... that's right... yes, she's taking her shirt off... wait, not
so fast, I can't focus! No, don't jump in the water... wait just a
second more!" He sighed. "Darn it, she didn't stay still long enough
to get a clear shot of her back, and I can't get a good shot through
water." The youthful looking man brightened. "We then, I suppose I'll
just have to go with plan B! It'll be a lot more fun, anyway."
As the blond martial artist vanished into the trees, once again
using his invisibility technique, he missed seeing the pair of eyes six
inches from the ground that watched him disappear.
Back at their impromptu camp, Johnathon sat back and let the stew he
was cooking boil on the lowest setting the stove had. There was no
point rushing until the girls came back. Behind him the group's
backpacks started to open one by one, their contents slowly being stolen
with consummate skill. Even if he had the ears of his half cat form, he
would not have heard the thief moving, and even if he chanced to glance
in that direction, there was almost nothing at all to see that was out
of place.
The youthful man in the purple gi faded back into sight several
dozen yards away, carrying a full sack about two feet wide. "Too...
heavy...." He groaned, letting the sack drop lightly to the ground
behind him. Wiping the sweat from his brow he hefted the sack again.
"Why... did they... have too... carry... so much stuff?" After several
minutes he stopped, panting for breath. "That's far enough. It'll take
them forever to search this far. He put the bag under the hollow of a
fallen tree and quickly covered it up with branches and leaves. "Whew.
This never used to be this hard when I was a youth." He rubbed his
hands together in anticipation. "OK, now for the tricky part...."
Back at the lake, Ranko was swimming around the deeper end like a
dolphin, deciding to enjoy herself. Ukyo got tired of watching and swam
out to join her best friend and the two of them started to play like a
pair of six year olds. Akane and Kasumi were content to sit in the
shallows and watch the two play. The distraction, however, was more
than sufficient to keep them from noticing as their clothing started to
vanish from the shore of the lake behind them.
A minute later, the man in the purple gi pushed aside a few branches
and slid the stolen clothing on top of the rest of the pile of stuff he
had hidden. He covered them up again and hefted his camera with a grin,
intending to head right back to the lake.
"Happosai." The voice came out of the air and the youthful martial
artist jumped in surprise. "Happosai, I have new orders for you from
your master."
Happosai glared up at the Ghost Cat which had materialized above
him. "Not now! I was about to get my strength back!"
The Ghost Cat shrugged. "Your master commands that you immediately
go to head off the Sailor Senshi before they can find Ranma and his
group. You are to stall them for at least a day."
Happosai's whole body sagged in acute disappointment. "No! I was
so close!" He sighed. "I cannot disobey. Where do I have to go?"
The Ghost Cat smiled faintly. "There is a little hot spring resort
at the foot of these mountains, to get there all you have to do is...."
As the Ghost Cat rattled off his instructions, Happosai sighed to
himself. < Now that I've hidden all of their clothing, I would have
been able to get a shot of that moxibotion spot easily!> He sniffed in
dismay at the lost opportunity. < Not to mention getting to watch all
those naked girls for the next few days!> As he listened to the Ghost
Cat's instructions, Happosai started to cheer up. < Oh well, this next
job sounds like it could be a whole lot of fun too!> He nodded to
himself. < And after I finish playing with those cute little Senshi,
I'll come back and visit Ranko-chan and friends!> Happosai started
hurrying off down the mountain, eager to get to his next mission.
********************
Kasumi sighed in contentment as she felt the last aches flowing out
of her muscles. Slowly she stretched and stood up, then turned to go up
on shore. She had only gotten a few steps when she stopped dead in
shock.
Akane watched Kasumi get up and walk towards the shore. "Are you
going back to camp, Kasumi?"
Kasumi shook her head and pointed toward the shore. "I don't think
so, Akane."
Akane followed her older sisters finger with her eyes, trying to
figure out what was wrong. "What are you talking about, Kasumi, there's
nothing there...."
Kasumi nodded. "Yes, I can see that, Akane."
Akane's eyes bulged in shock. "Oh... my!"
Kasumi echoed her statement wryly. "Oh my indeed. It appears that
someone has made off with our clothing."
Akane frowned angrily. "Ranma! Why that little pervert! I'm going
to kill him! It's one thing if he wants to see me naked, but to spy on
Ukyo and you...."
Kasumi wrapped her arms over her breasts self consciously. "You
don't think Ranma really did this...."
Ukyo came swimming up, panting from her recent exertions. "What did
Ranma do this time?" Kasumi pointed mutely to the empty beach. Ukyo
figured it out right away. "Oh my." She gave a low whistle. "Now that
takes guts." She shrugged and stood up, striding out on to the beach.
"Well if Ranma wants a good look...."
Kasumi blushed. "Ukyo-chan... what if it wasn't Ranma?"
Ukyo looked around thoughtfully, and belatedly covered her breasts
with one arm, while strategically placing her free hand over the space
between her legs. "Well... it had to be someone sneaky... right?
Otherwise one of you two would have heard them."
Akane nodded, growling under her breath. "I always knew he was a
pervert. Hmph. Give them a little taste, and they can't get enough."
She stood up in the water and shouted into the trees. "Alright Ranma,
you've had your joke. Now bring us back our clothes! RIGHT NOW!!!"
Ranko swam over interestedly. "What are you yelling about, Akane?"
She took one look at the beach and blinked twice. "Whoa...."
Akane shot a glare at Ranko. "I bet you think this is funny, huh,
Ranko?"
Ranko shook her head quickly in denial. "No way! I'd never play a
prank like this." She shook her head again. "Uh uh, never happen.
Have you ever known me to go for practical jokes? That's more Nabiki's
line." She shrugged. "I hate to defend the guy, but we're just not
like that. Ranma isn't the one who stole our clothes."
Ukyo gulped nervously, glancing out at the surrounding trees, which
had suddenly gotten a whole lot more menacing. "If he didn't, who did?"
End Chapter 11
You can find all the previous Chapters to this at:
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/1449/fanfics.html