To reply, please post publically or e-mail the author privately at
Nuki_mouse@hotmail.com or nukmouse@bellatlantic.net
The FFML Refugee List
This the latest complete chapter of Poison honor. the other completed
chapters are on my own fanfic page and so is chapter 6, which is mostly
done, but maybe change somewhat as it has not finished pre-read/proof-read.
http://nukimouse.homestead.com/MyStories.html
Nuki_Mouse
Poisoned Honor
A RANMA 1/2 FAN FICTION
BY WILLIAM O'HALLORAN
AKA Nuki Mouse
Authors notes: This is a story based on characters owned and copy righted
by Takahashi Rumiko and VIZ Communications. I wrote this story for
entertainment purposes only and have not received any money for it, nor
will I attempt to.
< > Encloses the thoughts of the character.
" " Enclose the spoken words of a character.
PART FIVE: MIDAFTERNOON CONFRONTATIONS
Dr Ono Toufu had just finished his examination of Akane Tendo, the little
sister of his beloved Kasumi. She was resting quietly on Kasumi's futon, as
her two onee-chans sat nearby, looking on. His hand was still resting on
her forehead, surrounded by a faint Emerald green aura. <I still can't
believe what happened between Kasumi and me! > He thought, as he noticed
the change in his chi aura. Although his healing 'powers' helped confirmed
to him that Akane had not ingested any toxins, he was back to using his
more mundane skills to find if any physical harm was done to her.
He was still in a state of mild shock from what he had experienced just a
few minutes before.<Shampoo, there is no way I could of healed her like
that, all I was trying to do was stimulate her heart, not some type of
magic heal, she WAS dead. It was like something out of a fantasy or movie>
He though afterwards he had half expected that he was now some kind of
super healer, but while his abilities were stronger, they had receded to a
more normal level. He looked down at his hands <if it wasn't my own eyes
seeing the change in my aura, I would think I was crazy, this all seems so
surreal.>
He had given Akane a mild sedative, so she could rest after her ordeal, and
he tried to calm her, but the turmoil caused by Ranma's actions was too
much for him to over come with just words. < I must get Kasumi to try her
new abilities on Akane> he thought, as he instinctively knew that while he
had a way with healing of the physical body, his beloved Kasumi's ability
seem to be for the healing the heart and soul.
"She should sleep now for the next two or three hours, she doesn't have any
lasting physical harm, but I can't say the same for her psyche. She will
need a lot of condolence and compassion when she wakes" Ono informed the
sisters. "Along with counseling from some one she trust. Kasumi, I think
you should .. Um .give it a try" <How do I explain this to her? > Ono
pondered his dilemma <I have had a year or more to learn and understand my
abilities, Kasumi just unlocked hers a few minutes ago and they're not even
the same! Maybe Cologne can help her....>
"I will try, . if you'll help me, Ono-chan?" Kasumi replied in a timid
voice, followed by a very faint " Otto-kun" and a slight smile on her face
as he looked up into the eyes of her fianc�e. Although he had proposed
(YET), she knew, as if engraved in stone, that after the empathic bond they
shared during Shampoo's healing they WILL marry. <I always knew that in he
was infatuated with me, but to find he loved me so deeply, if he doesn't
propose to me, I WILL!>
<What? Onee-chan? Why does Kasumi, need MY help? She's the one who's read
every psychology book Ono owns> Nabiki wondered, then she caught the
whispered "Otto-kun" <WHAT IN THE . 'Otto-kun'! Kasumi just called Ono her
husband! Wait, SHE said Ono-chan, not onee-chan! > Nabiki looked wildly
back and forth between the two and notice the way they just stared into
each other's eyes. <This is the worst case of puppy love I have ever seen!
For Ono this almost normal, But Kasumi! I have never seen her show her such
emotions so openly, even for Ono! > As she wondered just what she missed.
<He going to lose it! Here we go, Betty-chan! There will be dancing,
dancing in the street! >
Ono broke his gaze with Kasumi and felt his composure slipping. "I um... I
think we should g- go and talk tto Cologne" he said as he offered his hand
to Kasumi and once again his 'personal' mantra <REMAIN CALM! DON'T
OVERREACT! COMPOSURE! REMA .> ran though his head. As he felt the warm
smooth skin of Kasumi's dainty hand in his, a wave of calm and tranquility
washed over him and he regains his control. He gave Akane one last look
before he turned and noticed the d�cor of the room. <I have never seen so
much pink, frilly lace or so many cute beanie babies in one place, before!
He thought.
< I always liked pink, and I think beanie babies are just ADORABLE! >
Kasumi's mental voice answered in Ono's head.
<I have always wanted to see your bedroom, Kasumi. I use to dream about
being in here with you and what we would do . OPPS! > Ono started to answer
Kasumi back into her mind.
Suddenly both Kasumi and the doctor jumped apart, eyes wide in wonder,
their faces blushing deep red, as their hands parted, severing the empathic
bond once more.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ranma-chan finally slowed down her headlong flight across the rooftops, and
started to assess her predicament. <I'ma rapist! It just luck that I
haven't ...um... a-a-actually done it. YET> she told herself. <I can't live
with myself, as a... a guy I'll rape Akane, I'll... Akane, I so much want
ta. ta shows my love ta ya, ...ta make you mine! I could have made you like
it! You would have liked it, you love me! You must want ta do it too! I
could.! NO! NO! DAMN IT! I can't even THINK about her even as a GIRL,
without wanting to rape her!> wept the despondent Ranma-chan.
<But . e-eeven as a ...girl, I ca-can't stop thinkin' 'bout sex! I uh
..wa-want to do it! I could... it w-wo-wouldn't BE rape, ..I'm w-willin'.,
look at Ryouga, he wanted it, I could FEEL him respondin' ta ME! If I
responded like that as a guy, I would have .! DAMN! .&*%!!.> Ranma-chan
mentally curse herself again <I did feel that way as a guy! All the time...
when I saw a sexy girl or got glomped. I . RESPONDED , to Shampoo, to all
the others. But I din't WANT ta rape'em, it was just my body respondin',
NOT ME! when Shampoo was forcing ME! I was so mad, I wanted to kill her for
forcin' herself on me. when I, my uh .. soul, din't want too!> Ranma-chan
realized. <I... WAS... forcin' myself on Ryouga, I remember him strugglin',
tryin' ta fight me off, even as his body um... harden! HE din't want ta,
but I was still forcin' myself on him . forcing him . that's RAPE too,
isn't? > She asked herself.
<Look at how Ryouga really responded, as P-chan he tried at bite and mocked
me! He was my friend. then I tried ta rape him, just like Shampoo tried ta
force me! Wait? Does that mean Shampoo tried ta .RAPE me?, I don't know..>
Ranma shook his head trying to clear his befuddled thoughts, but the drugs
in his body were still too strong. <Ryouga, He wouldn't . din't want ta ...
help me commit seppuku, not that I blame him., who would wanna help a
rapist like me?> Ranma-chan confused thoughts continued.
<I told P-P-chan, Ryouga! about Akane, he'll protect her for me now, He
la-lo-loves her, sh-sh-shee could l-la-love him!, he'll make her happy.
unlike me! Kasumi, Nabiki, Ukyou .their better off with me gone. Pops,
he'll miss me, but... he'll get over it. But ma... but ma... But .Mother!>
She finally thought in remorse. < You've waited 10 years for me, I. don't
even really re-re-remember you! Just a face from childhood, then when
f-found you, I din't . I couldn't . talk ta you, ta tell you I love you.
THAT STUPID PROMISE! But I must see you, once more . ta say good bye, then
I'll be ready . ready ta end all of this.>
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The four of them were sitting around the square chabudia in the main room
of the Tendo home. Kasumi and Ono were seated on opposite sides of the low
table, consciously insuring that nether touched each other, even by
accident. Nabiki and Cologne were seated side by side at one end, leaving
vacant the side closest to the open door to the veranda.
"Sensei-san, your Granddaughter is resting quietly, she should be able for
you to move her in the morning" Dr Toufu informed Cologne, "I don't know
yet if there will be any lasting harm, but I managed to remove the toxins
from her. You are going to have to keep a close eye on her and inform me
immediately if there are any changes ".
"Don't try to teach me to suck eggs, youngster! I forgotten more about
medicine in the last 100 years then you'll ever know. Cologne barked back,
but then continued in a more grateful tone. "Toufu-san, Kasumi, without
your healing gifts, my heir would be dead so I suppose I'm in debt. "
Cologne replied, as a sudden spasm of fear gripped her at the mention of
the toxins. <So there was a drug in your body, please for your own sake,
Shampoo, let that be all! >
Nabiki was carefully watching the interplay between Ono and Cologne, and
notice the reaction, though very slight, in Cologne when Ono mention the
presence of toxins in Shampoo's body. She also noted the cryptic reference
to both Ono and Kasumi having healing powers. Ono powers were of no
surprise to her, she seen them before, plus her spy network that watched
the Amazons and the Neko-Hanten restaurant for her had reported on Ono
receiving guidance and instruction in his Gift from Cologne.
<I missed way too much while babysitting Akane! Just WHAT happen in Ranma's
room with Shampoo? > She wondered. <I guess I will just have to wait and
watch the tape from the surveillance camera.> she look at the Amazon elder
next to her and could see that she was already plotting again, and knew
this did not bode well for her family. Some one needed to slap her down and
prove she isn't the only 'chess master' here.
"So what was the Chinese Bimbo doing over here in the first place? Trying
to poison us?" Nabiki asked, showing a level of tact normal reserved for
Ranma, while she secreted the potion bottles from Shampoo's clothes in her
right hand and carefully studied the Amazon elder sitting next to her. <She
may have come to 'warn' us, but I think she was really just here to stop
Shampoo from defying her will.> Nabiki determined. <Cologne maybe grateful
to Ono and Kasumi NOW, but I have studied her too long. She's grateful for
Shampoo's life, but wouldn't stop her from pursuing their primary goal of
winning Ranma!> Nabiki reflected on this, still trying to assess her
thoughts on Ranma. < He... did what he did... and I thought I'd NEVER even
consider forgiving him, but Shampoo fucked with his mind, that much is
clear to me!> Nabiki could feel her rage rising <They fucked with MY family
once to often, and I'll be damn if they get away with it this time!>
<Shampoo, She had to defy me and break Amazon law again!> Cologne thought
<She takes great risks for our goal, but she may have got what she wants
this time> Cologne knew the risk well, had Ranma gone on a widespread
sexual rampage due to Shampoo's actions, he would have been found
unacceptable as a husband and the council would have excommunicated
Shampoo, if not outright kill her. < Shampoo was lucky that she didn't try
to use the succubus blood, even son-in-law doesn't have the will power to
resist THAT. But 'the ends justify the means', Ranma has now been disown by
his greatest allies and if played right, I can insure Akane will never
forgive him!>
<Ha Ha! I see that Nabiki trying to be cleaver again! > Cologne realized,
knowing of Nabiki's vaunted belief in her skills at divining knowledge and
spotting lies. <She wants to sit next to me! she thinks she can spot any
untruths or deceptions I may use from my body language. You're 100 years
too young to catch me!> Cologne smirked, and look around the table at the
three faces staring intently at her, waiting for her answer and realized
the difficult task she had before her. <They deserve some answer, the
deserve the truth...> Cologne thought to herself, but knew that she could
never tell them that! <But for Shampoo's sake, if there is any chance of
saving her honor and future, I must tell them something to cover this up!>
Cologne slowly cleared throat, and gripped her staff tightly to her for
support before finally speaking. "Last month, the council of elders meet
and ruled on Shampoo's status as not only my successor but as an Amazon as
well" She began. "I have... rivals... on the council, who think our actions
to win Ranma unbecoming of a potential Amazon matriarch" Cologne continued
"That is why I was hoping you had the discretion to keep this quiet
and...!"
"So in other words, not all of the amazons agree with your underhanded
dishonorable schemes to 'win' Ranma" Nabiki stated bluntly, interrupting
Cologne, as she stared defiantly at her. "So old crone, what did the other
bitches on your council tell you"
"Nabiki! Cologne is our guest here! You dishonor the family talking to her
that way!" Kasumi reprimanded her sister as she glared her displeasure at
Nabiki. "Honorable elder, my I beg your for..." Kasumi started to say
"HONORABLE!" Yelled Nabiki. "Honor less, you mean! Since when is it
honorable to lie, cheat, con, drug, or kidnap anyone! She's been pimping
her slut of a grand daughter to Ranma for almost two years now!" Nabiki
continued her attack on Cologne's integrity, know this to be her weak
point. "No wonder you and Happosai use to be an 'item', your honor is as
warped as your bodies.
Kasumi was speechless, she knew that her sister could be hard and cold
hearted at times, but never knew how cruel she could be. A weak "Oh my..."
was all she could finally say.
Ono could feel the anger rising in Cologne, her chi burning red, as he too
could only stare dumbfounded at Nabiki as she literally 'tickled the tail
of the dragon!' Ever since his first bumbling attempts, Cologne had become
his sensei in chi healing and his tutor in the ethics of their use. He had
spent long hours in the small kitchen at the Neko Hanten listening to her
teachings while she cooked, and equally long ones in his clinic practicing
his skills. Along with his training, he also learned of the hopes and
dreams she had for Shampoo and for the modernization and renaissance of her
people. Now he was watching the teacher he had grown to trust and respect
trying not to attack the woman who would be his sister-in-law.
It took all the restraint that Cologne had to keep from killing Nabiki, not
kill as in hurt, but KILL. She was a warrior from a warrior tribe, and her
Amazon blood screamed for revenge. Although Ranma, among others, had called
her such things as 'old bat', "crone', and 'mummy', it was nowhere near the
sheer malice and cruelty of Nabiki's comments. Only three things save
Nabiki's life right then.
The first was due to the young lavender hair girl sleeping upstairs.
Cologne knew that without the skills and knowledge of Ono, and the
abilities and vitality of Kasumi, Shampoo would be dead. This was a debt
that she may never be able to repay, and Nabiki was held dear to both of
them. The second was that in the innermost core of Cologne's anger, there
was a calm eye were she realized that Nabiki's insults were not from a
hatred of her, but a purposeful attempt to goad her. The third was that the
insults were basically true, and a good portion of Cologne's anger was due
Nabiki trying to force her to realize that.
Cologne battled against her anger, and against Nabiki herself, for a battle
it was. Cologne had long ago realized that Akane had the heart of a lion,
the integrity of a samurai and the courage to become a true warrior, and
Kasumi had the spirit and essence of an angel, along with the graciousness
of a princess and that both would be formable foes in their own forte, but
had always underestimated the middle Tendo Sister. She thought of Nabiki as
a spineless conniver and a coward who would sellout her family for a few
yen. She just found out how wrong she was.
With any other weapon and on any other field of battle, Nabiki would never
have a ghost of a chance against Cologne, but she had chosen both her words
and the field with care. Cologne looked up at the face of the young woman
beside her, and glared directly into her eyes, Nabiki sat, arms crossed,
and glared defiantly back, her body unflinching and eyes unwavering. Where
Akane was a samurai and Kasumi an angel, Nabiki was a ninja and assassin
with the willpower and convictions of a martyr.
<All I have to do is reach out and strike you> Cologne thought <one quick
blow and you'd be DEAD! and you know that, don't you?> she realized she had
greatly misjudged Nabiki. She glanced at the other two at the table she
could more sense than see a slight smile on Nabiki's face and realized she
just lost ground in this strange battle. <One blow, I could end this, but
to kill an unskilled girl would betray my heritage and prove me honor less>
Cologne knew. <Plus I would have to do it in front of Doctor I trained and
respect and a woman that even Satan himself would smile at, both of whom I
owe a life debt to.>
Cologne counterattacked with the only weapon left to her. "Baka! If I
handled this in the way the 'bitches' on the council wanted, you would be
dead right now and lying un-mourned in your grave, and Ranma would have
been back in Joketsuzoku where he belongs, long ago!" Cologne spat out the
words. "And if I didn't restrict Shampoo from using lethal means, Akane
would be long dead, as well, I told her not to do any lasting harm to her!"
" It won't wash, old crone, Shampoo has tried to kill Akane a dozen times
or more" Nabiki volleyed back, not realizing that Shampoo really had
restricted herself. "And only a heartless hag like you would think that
Shampoo's attempted rape of Akane by proxy wasn't 'harmful'!"
"Don't blame Ranma's actions on Shampoo, you hussy, she had nothing to do
with them! She just may be as much a victim as Akane!" Cologne responded
"She accidentally got into some of my special 'spices' and potions, and was
not responsible for her actions, she was confused and irrational and was
only looking for some comfort from her husband!"
"You're telling a little of the truth, finally! Shampoo isn't the only one
responsible, YOU ARE AS WELL!" Nabiki accused. "Don't give my that bull
that your prized apprentice could "accidentally" poison herself ! If it was
true then why did you come here, and want to warn Akane as well as Ranma?
Why worry about Shampoo 'giving' them anything?" she continued as she
smelled blood in the water.
"I wasn't even home last night when Shampoo broke into the drugs! She was
being pushed and threatened and took action on her own, OVER my express
refusal in the matter!" Cologne blurted out in rage, having to vent her
anger and irritation at Nabiki somehow.
"So it is drugs now, not just spices and potions and she did talk to you
about this 'matter'" Nabiki snapped back as she drove in for the kill. "And
then you left here alone, knowing her plans and motives, and claim you were
not responsible! You leave a unscrupulous brat like Shampoo home alone with
a loaded weapon and then claim your not responsible!"
"Shampoo knew she was not to use them without permission! She been told
before! She was careless and exposed herself to one of them by accident,
and there is no proof that Shampoo came here to for any other reason than
to just visit Ranma." Cologne reiterate herself, forgetting in her anger
that she already admitted that Shampoo did the both plan and motive.
"No proof, huh! then perhaps you can explain these! I found one with
Shampoo's clothes and the other by Ranma's bed!" Nabiki said as she played
her trump card in this battle of wits and words, and place the two potion
bottles on the table before her and stared defiantly at Cologne.
Cologne knew defeat when she saw it and it was a bitter pill to swallow as
she broke the stare and had to accept her defeat. She always considered her
best weapon to be her wit and her will and to be defeated by a woman just
barely of legal age was... unsettling. Her denial of responsibility and
knowledge for Shampoo's actions was not to give herself an alibi, but to
protect Shampoo. What Shampoo had done could be considered attempted rape
and showed a total lack of good judgment unworthy of a future elder.
Cologne knew her days as a Matriarch were numbered and she had been willing
to sacrifice much and overlook certain indiscretions to see Shampoo became
her successor. But what Shampoo had done showed a arrogance and lack of
morals unacceptable for an elder and must be punished.
As Cologne acknowledged the truth, she could feel her anger drain away. She
knew that Nabiki had goaded her into a killing rage only to kept her off
balance and careless. She felt old, weary and remorseful and slumped her
head and shoulders. Suddenly she realized that Kasumi had moved to her side
and held her, and she rested her head on Kasumi's bosom. She could feel a
strange warmth and felt a comfort and reassurance flow into her body and
her thoughts and views clarified as her mind and ego accepted the truth.
Shampoo was unfit to be an elder and it was her duty to punish her and make
amends to her victims. She turned her head slightly and could see Kasumi's
hands radiating an emerald aura as she embraced her. <I forgot she could do
that now> Cologne thought < Although Kasumi means well, I don't like being
weak and coddled. > as she broke the embrace and sat upright and proud
again. <Its time to come clean and tell all, and I pray to the Kami-sama
that Ranma unharmed.>
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Ranma-chan had made the hazardous crossing of the Tokyo #5 expressway by
walking along a small drainage canal as it passed under the roadway and had
return to the rooftops. The going wasn't as easy as before, this being an
area Ranma had never journeyed to, except for by subway or cab. Time and
time again, she reached gaps too wide to jump, and had to find another way.
The easy way would just be to descend to street level, but after her
encounter with Ryouga, Ranma was afraid to face another person. Finally she
had reached her destination, a small modest house in a quite neighborhood.
Her mother lived here alone for the last twelve years, waiting on the
return of her only child.
Ranma-chan approached the window and glanced in to the main room of her
home. she didn't see anyone but knew her mother was home since her katana
was still resting in its stand near the door. Ranma had been debating
whether she would just look once more on her mother or if Ranko would make
an actual visit to 'Auntie Nodaka'. <I'll never see here again.> Ranma
thought and made up her mind. She slowly approached the door and knocked,
but there was no answer. Ranma almost turned and left, but reached out
instead and tried the door. <This is my home, after all....> Ranma
rationalized, as she slipped inside to the genkan of her mothers home.
Looking around the inside of the entryway, Ranma first noticed an old
portrait photo of a very young looking Genma and Nodaka, holding a small
baby. <That must be me!> Ranma thought as she fought back tears. Glancing
down, Ranma couldn't keep her eyes from focusing on her mother's sword.
This katana and the promise made to it, to become a manly man, is what had
kept mother and her apart. < I should break it! Snap it in half!> she
thought in anger as she walk over to were it was resting, along with the
family tanto and a tachi that had belonged to a samurai ancestor. <If it
wasn't for you and that promise, I wouldn't had ta hide from mom.> Ranma
mentally address the sword as she glared at it, then her eyes lighted upon
the tanto. It was an old blade, that had be in her mothers family for
generations and Ranma knew it was had been the blade of choice for seppuku
by at least 3 previous members. Ranma picked the knife up and slip it free
of the scabbard and look at the etched blade and keen edge. She drew it
along the breast of her hoari and felt it slice through the cloth as if it
wasn't there. <This will do> Ranma thought as she finished evaluating the
knife and had just tuck it into the sash around her waist when she suddenly
heard a voice behind her.
"Is that you Ranko? Are you looking for me?" came a sweet but hardedge
voice that 'Ranko' recognized as her mother's
Ranma slowly turn turned around, dreading the moment she would see her
mother face to face again. She could not force look at her mother and just
stared at the ground in front of her. "Good afternoon, Oba-san, I... um...
was in the area, so..." she started to say.
Nodaka was concern to arrive back from tea, only to find a stranger
standing in her home <By um... her ragged, dirty clothes, she must be a
thief, I can scare her away and with hair that color, the police sh.....!>
her thoughts broke off in shock when she realized she knew the girl, it was
Ranko Tendo and she called out to her. As the young girl turn around Nodaka
was shocked to see the condition she was in. Where Ranko was never a very
feminine acting girl, at least she was a pretty, if not beautiful one, but
not today. The light kimono she wore may have been yellow at on time but
she could not be sure of that, right now it was cover in dirt and mud, and
had grass stains on her arms and side. The haori was wet and ripped across
her chest and was also smeared with mud. Her braid had come loose and her
hair was plastered around her shoulders. What ever suspicion she had about
the girl's actions were lost in the feelings of compassion at the girl's
appearance.
Ranma could see her mothers feet approaching her and she could feel her
hand gently grip her chin as her mother raised her head up to look at her
face. <MOTHER! I miss you so!> Ranma wanted to yell out. When the moment
she dread most came, and Ranma was looking at his mothers face she felt a
thrill of emotion race through her body. < I never knew how beautiful she
is> Ranma thought, as see saw things in her mother that she never noticed
before <Her hair, its RED! its just darken ta the point I thought it was
brown. She taller than me, but her face, I... ugh, Ranko... I look like
her!> Ranma eyes then scan over the rest of his mothers body. <She's
stacked! just look at those hips, she so sexy! she's.... MY MOTHER!>Tears
weld up in Ranma's eyes as she realized were her mind was heading, and she
spun away from her, covering her face with her hands in shame, and ran.
At the same time, Nodaka gently lifted Ranko face up and she also apprized
the girl before her. Ranko's face, like it normally did, shown absolutely
no sign of make up, and her beautiful blue eyes were swollen from repeated
bouts of tears and bloodshot red. Dirt streaked her face and her nose was
also red and swollen. Nodaka saw that Ranko was assessing her as closely as
she was assessing Ranko, and saw her eyes first examine her own face then
the rest of her body. Nodaka felt a swift chill, almost like she was
stripped nude but then saw tears well up in Ranko's eye and streamed down
her face and then Ranko hid her face in what Nodaka could only take as
extreme shame while she turned and darted away. "Ranko, wait! don't leave!
let me help you!" She called after the retreating girl.
The End Part Five.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
desaix@sysnet.net
Sir Desaix, member # 116 of the Knights of the True Fiancee
anime fanfics available at
http://www.geocities.com/zednik.geo/fanfics.htm
List owner, FFML Refuge. To subscribe, head to:
http://www.geocities.com/zednik.geo/Refuge.htm
and follow the directions.
.---Anime/Manga Fanfiction Mailing List----.
| Administrators - ffml-admins@anifics.com |
| Unsubscribing - ffml-request@anifics.com |
| Put 'unsubscribe' in the subject |
`---- http://ffml.anifics.com/faq.txt -----'