[FFML] [FanFic][Ranma 1/2][Revised] Kasumi the Wayfarer Chapter 3

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Kasumi the Wayfarer

A Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction

Jeremy Harper

Disclaimer - Ranma 1/2 is the creation of Rumiko Takahashi and is used without permission.

Chapter 3: A Fortuitous Meeting

Doctor Tofu Ono stood in the doorway of his clinic, staring out into the front yard and the street beyond. The sun was setting, its diminishing light painting all in pleasing hues of deep, rosy red which slowly purpled with the onset of evening. Street lamps buzzed to life and the air grew brisk. Tofu rubbed the line of his jaw thoughtfully, then turned to his secretary working at her desk.

"Do we have any more appointments, Mrs. Karahasa?"

"No Doctor Tofu."

"Good. We might as well close up for the night. I have the feeling we're not going to get any last minute walk-ins today."

Mrs. Karahasa smiled. "It has been quiet for the past few weeks, hasn't it? A nice change of pace from the usual strangeness that's always happening around here."

Tofu's eyes showed a hint of wistfulness. "Oh, I don't know about that." Mrs. Karahasa gave him a curious look, but said no more. She busied herself with filing away the day's paperwork while Tofu swept out the waiting room. They finished quickly and Tofu walked Mrs. Karahasa out to the street.

"Do you have any plans for tonight, Doctor?"

"Nothing, really. I have a volume of mystery stories I want to start on, then I'm off to bed." Mrs. Karahasa clucked in disapproval.

"Really Doctor, you keep to yourself far too much. A young man like you should be out enjoying life more. Even the most ardent salaryman takes some time to blow off some steam every once in a while."

Tofu laughed good-naturedly. "Who's to say that I don't enjoy staying in as much as some enjoy going out? I've always been a bit of a monastic, even when I was a kid. A drink, a good book and a bright lamp suits me fine."

Mrs. Karahasa expression became sly. "Perhaps some congenial companionship would change your outlook. My youngest daughter, Misao, is visiting me in a few days. If you want I could see if she'd be interested in a dinner and a movie. I'm sure she's not seeing anyone now."

Tofu blushed slightly. "That's kind of you, Mrs. Karahasa. I appreciate the offer, truly, but I'm not really... ah... in the market for that, so to speak. I'm sorry."

"Oh, don't be. It was just a suggestion, nothing more. You're obviously content with your current ways. It's not my place to try to change that. As long as you're happy with yourself and aren't hurting anyone there's nothing more to be said." She smiled self-depreciatingly. "I'm obviously becoming one of those nosy old busybodies as I creep along into my dotage." Tofu laughed again.

"You are far from being a dotard, Mrs. Karahasa."

"How kind of you to say!" She sighed wistfully. "Still - I hope you'll excuse me for saying this - I do wish you were 'in the market'. You'd be much better for Misao than her last boyfriend. Such a punk!"

"Perhaps. But few people ever measure up to the expectations of their significant other's parents." Mrs. Karahasa nodded.

"There is something to what you say, Doctor Tofu. I hope you have a good night."

"Good night to you too, Mrs. Karahasa. Have a safe walk. I'll see you in the morning." Tofu watched her walk down the street until she disappeared from sight. He stood there for a few minutes afterwards, unmoving, his hands thrust into the pockets of his gi's pants, his demeanor ineffable. He ran a hand over his long brown hair, then along his jaw. With a shake of his head he walked back into the clinic and retired to his living quarters.

He sat in his small garden for a time, looking at his flowers in the moonlight. He fidgeted a little, unable to relax. Giving up, he prepared and ate a simple supper then sat in his library with a glass of wine and a collection of Edogawa Rampo. The wine did little to sooth his restlessness and he found that he could not concentrate on Rampo's cunning mysteries, no matter how hard he focused. In a fit of irritation he slammed the hardcover shut and set it back in his bookcase. Tofu stalked back out to his garden, gazing at the pale blooms, hands clasped together behind his back, his usual serenity of soul disrupted. A cool night breeze washed over him and he sighed, deep and forlornly.

"Am I happy?" he asked himself quietly. By all rights he should be. He had money, status, responsibility, respect- all a good man could hope for in the course of life, and at a young age too. "Am I happy?" he asked again. "No, I am not, and I don't know why."

Perfunctorily Tofu locked up the clinic and prepared to sleep. He slipped into bed, folding his glasses, setting them on his nightstand and shutting off the light. He lay flat on his back, staring up at the ceiling.

"I may not be happy in this life," he finally said. "But there are other lives than this." With expert ease he fell quietly to sleep.

*****

Insistent knocking roused Tofu out of slumber. He opened his eyes, blinking them several times, staring up blearily at the low, cross-beamed ceiling. He glanced groggily about his chamber a bit in momentary confusion before he remembered where he was: the guest cabin of the 'Swift White Wing', a riverboat traveling down the River Skai. The gray light of an overcast morning poured feebly through the cabin's sole window - facing starboard - dimly illuminated the room, dusting it with even measures of gray light and dusky shadows.

The knocking reiterated, louder. Tofu winced at the sound, a pain starting up just behind his forehead. With a grimace he threw an arm over his eyes, suppressing a low groan. 'I'm never going to drink Jaegar's rum again,' he vowed. 'If a mere tot's enough to give a man a mild headache in the morning, then gods save the poor fool who gets roaring drunk on it.' A third series of knocks sounded. Tofu finally mustered the energy to respond. "What is it?" he called out irritably.

A thin, slightly high-pitched voice answered. Tofu recognized it as young Marten's, the cabin boy. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Doctor sir, but you're needed. A sailor's hurt." Tofu sat upright and swung himself out of his bed in an instant, professional instinct and training pushing his personal discomfort out of his mind. He dressed swiftly into his dark blue trousers and vest, donned his boots, grabbed up his medical kit and opened his cabin's door. In the hall stood Marten, thin and gangly, a worried expression on his face.

"What happened?" Tofu asked.

"Old Danno fell from the mast and landed hard on his back, Doctor sir," Marten answered. "He just finished working on the rigging. He didn't fall too far and nothing seems to be broken, but he can't really move."

"Is he still on the deck?"

"No, Doctor sir. We moved him to his bunk." Tofu frowned disapprovingly, but did not comment. The crew of the 'Swift White Wing' were all experienced sailors, and knew how to move a man without aggravating injuries. Still, Tofu wished they had consulted with him before doing so. Gesturing to Marten to follow he made way to the crew quarters.

Tofu found Danno on his bunk, lying on his stomach, attended by two of his shipmates, groaning piteously, and - to Tofu's experienced ear - perhaps somewhat theatrically. "Ah, Doctor," he said when he spied Tofu. "You've come too late. I'm dying, I fear. I'm all broken inside. My spine is snapped like a rotting twig underfoot."

Tofu couldn't help but laugh. "No, you're not dying, not if you can go on so. No doubt that you'll outlive us all, you old villain. But let me take a look at you." Tofu examined Danno's back, gently feeling at it with his fingertips, finding it heavily contused, but not broken. He asked Danno if he could move his limbs, and between groans the old man said he could. Tofu pressed several points on his back to relieve pain and expedite healing. Danno stopped groaning almost immediately, to the great relief of all. From his kit Tofu produced a handful of herbal powders wrapped in little twists of rice paper. These he put in a cloth pouch and gave to Danno, instructing him to take one with water every sunrise and sunset. To the other crewmen he said, "Tell Captain Jaegar to let him lie for a day then put him on light duty for another three. He should be all right by then." The sailors nodded, then suddenly all felt the ship come to a slow, gradual halt. Voices and the sounds of activity could be heard from on deck. Tofu arched an eyebrow in surprise.

"We've reached Ulthar all ready?" he said.

"Aye," answered a crewman. "We were only a few miles up river from it when we moored last night." Tofu nodded in acknowledgement. The two sailors headed for the deck to help with the docking. Tofu told Marten to attend Danno, then walked back to his cabin.

Tofu sat down on his bunk, rubbing at his temples. His duties discharged, his headache now returned. Frowning in annoyance, he closed his eyes, pulled his legs up into a lotus position and he began to take deep, rhythmatic breaths, entering a peaceful, meditative state. The pain lessened, gradually disappearing. It finally ceased altogether, and Tofu sighed. He opened his eyes and stood up to prepare to disembark. He washed his face, then stowed his medical kit inside his traveler's rucksack. From a peg near his bed hung his axe, a bronze-hafted weapon of excellent quality. This he hooked to his belt. On the small stand right next to the bed laid a circlet of silver, wrought to resemble a laurel of oak leaves. A small blue gemstone of cabochon cut was set in its center. Tofu ran a finger along it thoughtfully before donning it on his brow. A wizard of Vos had given it to him for services rendered. Though it sometimes brought unwanted attention, it had properties that well atoned for such trouble. Taking a final glance around the room to make sure he left nothing behind, Tofu left for the deck, whistling a traveler's tune.

Up on deck Tofu spotted Captain Jaegar near the bow holds, overseeing the labors of his men. Tofu made way to him. "Good morning, Captain," he hailed. Jaegar turned and greeted Tofu warmly. He was a middle-aged man, tall and hale, his countenance rugged and seemed, weathered from a lifetime outdoors. Gray flecks salted his thinning hair and thick beard. His strong, wiry hand rested casually on the hilt of the long sword he always kept girded at his hip when he plied his trade, for the life of a river boat captain was by no means tame.

"Ah, Tofu! A good morning to you, too. How is Danno? I heard that you took a look at him."

"He's fine, Captain. Let him rest a few days and he'll be as good as new." Jaegar nodded approvingly.

"That's good to hear. You've been a great help to us on this trip. I'm glad that you decided to sail on the 'Swift White Wing'.

Tofu laughed good-naturedly. "You embarrass me, Captain. I've only been performing my professional obligations. Besides, I should be the one who is grateful; you've allowed me passage to the Southlands free of charge."

"Your skills and presence more than compensate for any fee I could have garnered from you."

"Perhaps. It is something we can discuss at length another time. But for now, I'm afraid I must make my farewells- it is time for me to depart."

"Aye, I know. Ulthar lies before you." Jaegar gestured towards the ordered rows of white cottages beyond the river docks. He frowned thoughtfully. "Are you sure I can't convince you to sail on with us? You'd be of further great service, and not just for your lore." Jaegar glanced significantly at Tofu's axe. "I heard rumors when we were docked in Carfen. River pirates are supposedly preying on shipping along the southern reaches of the Skai. It's nothing concrete, mind you - whispers of whispers. But I like to take precautions. Also, my final destination is Kaiin; if you wish to explore the Southlands, Tofu, what better place to start than the White Jewel of the South?"

"I'm sorry, Captain, but my plans have been set for months. I've always wanted to see Ulthar, and I'd like to see the lands surrounding it before I go further south."

"Pah! What's to see in Ulthar? Naught but fishermen and cats! And the lands around it are perilous: treacherous zoogs and queer magic in the Echanted Forest; the Mountains of Magnatz swarm with deodands and witch-folk; the Skai Forest is an abode of brigands and shadowed by dark mysteries." Jaegar shook his head. "For all the time I've sailed the rivers of the world, I've still yet to understand adventurers like you. True, I've risked my life before, sometimes on foolhardy ventures. No doubt I'll do so again before I'm finished. But I've done so because there was a chance for profit in it. What profit is there for you when you risk your neck in some of the godforsaken places you tramp in?"

Tofu's expression became amused. He smiled tolerantly at his friend. "I'm afraid I must dispute your idea about my venturing being profitless. I've run across a few treasures in my travels," he raised a hand and touched the circlet adorning his brow, "and not all profit can be measured in gold and goods. Some of the experiences I've had I wouldn't trade for any wealth. But, I'll admit, it is hard to explain just why I wander the way I do. There is a... restlessness in me that I can't help but obey. And there's a thrill in traveling to lands I've never seen before. Danger is but an incidental risk that comes with satisfying my wanderlust." Tofu chuckled somewhat sardonically. "Sometimes it is a spice that adds to the experience."

"Madness," declared Jaegar, shaking his head. Tofu smiled, shrugging his shoulders and spreading his hands helplessly. Jaegar sighed in mocked disappointment. "Very well. If I can't dissuade you from your course, at least I can bid you good luck in your venturing. If you are still in Ulthar in a month's time, look for us. We should be back by then, if all goes well." Jaegar held out his hand. Tofu took it and they shook hands.

"Good luck to you too, Jaegar. Be safe." With a final nod and smile Jaegar returned to his supervision. Tofu walked to the gangplank leading down to the pier the 'Swift White Wing' was moored at, saying farewell to the sailors he met on his way. At the top of the gangplank Tofu paused, taking in a deep breath of the cool river air and surveying the land. Ulthar surrounded the docks, orderly and bustling. The Skai ran southward, gently winding, a silver concourse cutting brightly through lush, verdant forests and fields. Tofu nodded to himself and started down the gangplank.

Down below on the pier, standing near its edge, Tofu saw a woman looking out over the River Skai, seemingly deep in thought. She was young, perhaps no older than her late teens, and Tofu deemed her quite beautiful. She was dressed for travel, wearing a white, lace trimmed blouse, deerskin breeches and scuffed leather boots with flared and folded collars. A purple sash of silk was tied around her hips; a sheathed saber was thrust through it, hanging from her left hip. Her hair was dark brown, cascading freely in gentle waves down to the small of her back. One slim gloved hand rested on the tanned cheek of her shapely, contemplative face. The other rested at her side, holding a broad-brimmed hat decorated by a scintillating peacock's feather. The woman seemed quite familiar to Tofu; the feeling of familiarity grew with every step he took down the gangplank. He swore he had seen her before, but for the life of him he could not place where. It irked him that such a striking and comely woman could slip from his memory. Halfway down the gangplank he stopped short, nearly tripping. As incredible as it seemed, he knew this woman, but not from this life.

"Ka- Kasumi!" he exclaimed as his heart started to beat faster. Kasumi glanced casually over her shoulder at him. She blinked and frowned in thought. Suddenly her eyes widened from the shock of recognition. Her hat dropped to the pier as her hand shot up to cover her mouth.

"Oh my! Doctor Tofu!"

They stood there stock still for several moments, staring at each other in disbelief. Finally Kasumi broke the tableau- she threw back her head and laughed merrily. She reached down to retrieve her hat, donning it as she stood straight, and smiled teasingly at Tofu. "Well, Doctor, are you going to come down or are you just going to stand there all day, gaping at me slack-jawed?"

Tofu shook his head to clear it of his astonishment. "I'm sorry," he said as he tramped down the rest of the gangplank, nearly stumbling again when he reached the pier. "I'm just... shocked. In all my time traveling these lands, I've never run across someone I knew personally in the Waking World."

Kasumi stopped smiling and nodded solemnly. "I know. It's been the same way with me. I've met people who claimed to be from the Waking World, but never a friend or an acquaintance from there." They fell silent for a moment. Tofu did not know what to say. He felt oddly nervous. His stomach churned and he suppressed the urge to fidget. He silently cursed himself. In his travels he had fought moon-beasts and degenerate men, explored the deadly Vaults of Zin, parleyed with the sinister necrophages of the Land of the Falling Wall; after facing such terrors, there was no reason why he should be nervous in the presence of this beautiful woman. Yet telling himself such did not improve matters. As for Kasumi, she looked at him closely, a light of amused expectation in her eyes that baffled Tofu.

The silence between them was wearing on Tofu, exacerbating the churning tension within him. He needed to fill it before his nerves frayed. "How long have you been in the Dreamlands?" he blurted out. Kasumi blinked, seemingly surprised.

"Oh, nearly ten years now," she answered after a moment. Tofu nodded, starting to relax, the turmoil within him slowing.

"And you are a traveler, obviously?"

Kasumi smiled. "I'm known as Kasumi the Wayfarer. I've traveled from here to Kaiin, and nearly everywhere in-between. I've even sailed to the Barcharan Isles, far to the west of the Cape of Sad Remembrances... But what of you, Doctor Tofu? Do you wander too, or does some purpose bring you to Ulthar?"

"Nothing more than my own curiosity. I've never been this far south."

"Are you a traveling physician?"

"Among other things."

"I see," said Kasumi thoughtfully. She took a second look at him, gazing carefully at the circlet on his brow, the axe at his hip, the rucksack slung over his shoulder. She considered the poise he held himself with, and the obvious strength and healthiness of his body. Her eyes glittered momentarily in appraisal, and she smiled brilliantly. Tofu felt his heart race again. "Have you eaten yet this morning, Tofu?" she asked.

"Err, no. I was planning on finding a tavern or restaraunt in Ulthar. I've heard that there's several excellent ones here, catering to the river and caravan traffic."

Kasumi nodded. "There are, and I'm staying at one of the best. I haven't had breakfast yet, and I'm not adverse to some company. Would you care to join me, Doctor?"

Tofu swallowed audibly. His nervousness returned full force. "Ah... I'd be delighted, Kasumi."

"Excellent!" Smiling happily, she stepped next to him and hooked her arm through his. "Shall we go?"

Tofu suddenly found it extremely hard to breathe. His knees became water, and his vision swam. He heard a voice from far away address him urgently. He shook his head, clearing it of vertigo. His eyes sharpened back into focus; Kasumi was looking up at him in concern.

"Wha-what did you say, Kasumi?" he asked hoarsely.

"I asked if you are all right. You looked as if you were going to faint."

"Oh! I... I'm fine. I just need to get back my land legs. Been on the Skai for a fortnight now." He laughed, somewhat inanely, and gently withdrew his arm from Kasumi's. She stared at him, perplexed, her full lips pursed tightly. He felt a sudden, primal urge to kiss her, which he beat down savagely. "Lead on!" he declared. Kasumi nodded, smiling at him again and started down the pier. Tofu followed a few steps behind, cursing himself.

Walking through the cobblestone-strewn streets, Tofu noted how many people stopped to greet her warmly; fishermen, housewives, merchants, children; all stopped a moment to bid her good morning. Even that numerous cats seemed eager to give her salutations, nodding to her from their perches on windowsills or barrels, or walking up to her to rub against her legs. Kasumi took the time to answer them all, with a laugh or a wave or a smile, and she paused several times to stoop over and stroke her feline admirers.

"You are well liked," said Tofu.

"Ulthar is my home," she answered with a happy carelessness. "I grew up here."

Finally they came to a two-story inn, a placard of an overflowing tankard displayed proudly over the open double doors. Kasumi stepped in. "Ranson, I've returned from my walk and I bring a guest! We wish to break our fast." Ranson peered at them from the bar and smiled, bobbing his plump head.

"Any friend of yours is welcome in my house, Kasumi my dear." He bustled off to the kitchen to fetch food and drink. Kasumi led Tofu to a table in the far corner, away from the doors, quiet and solitary. Ranson soon delivered a marvelous breakfast; Kasumi and Tofu feasted on honey-roasted game bird, slices of cheese and sausage, sweet dates and raisins, and drank chilled wine from small, silver tankards. As they ate Kasumi talked with Tofu, asking him questions about his travels and his life in the Dreamlands. Between her honest curiosity and Ranson's fine wine Tofu found himself relaxing, his nervousness forgotten. He told her of the places he'd been- the white city of Celephais, which rivaled Kaiin as the greatest city on the face of the world; the ice-bound land of Vos, ruled by shamans and runelords; the desolate Shanglestone Shore and the queer folk that lived there; the ancient Land of the Fallen Wall, home to antiquated tombs without number; the dreaded Vaults of Zin, and how he barely escaped the rapacious gugs and sinister ghouls that haunted it... He even told her of his visit to the moon via sky ship years ago, as a warrior medic in the service of King Kuranes' army, when they had gone to war against the accursed moonbeasts, who had grown too bold with their slaving raids. Kasumi seemed quite impressed with the breadth and scope of his travels, making little comments of wonder and occasional disbelief. In turn she told Tofu of her own wanderings, of the grandiose, decadent wonders of Kaiin and the simple joys of Ulthar; of the quiet magics in the Enchanted Forest; of the wonders of ruined Sarnath by the sea, and how one night she saw the strange, gelatinous ghosts of Ib hold sabbat around an ancient eidolion of their god, Bokrug the Water Lizard.

All too soon for Tofu they were done with breakfast. His talk with Kasumi had been the most pleasant and enjoyable he had in years. He drained the last of his wine, while Kasumi toyed with her tankard before refilling it from the pitcher Ranson had provided. She took a small sip, then set her tankard down and looked at him in a sly, speculative way. Tofu blinked, feeling slightly nonplussed. Such an expression looked more at home on Nabiki's face, he thought.

"You are quite an accomplished adventurer, Doctor Tofu," she said. "I think you can be a great help to me."

"Oh?" Tofu arched an eyebrow. "In what way?"

"I need a partner for a little expedition I'd like to try. It's not too far from Ulthar... maybe two days as the cat runs. But it may be perilous."

Tofu couldn't help but smile. "I would like nothing better than to give you what aid I can," Tofu in a soft, earnest voice. "What is this perilous destination you have in mind?"

Kasumi did not answer right away. She carefully glanced around the common room; save for Ranson, they were alone. She looked into Tofu's eyes and asked quietly, "Have you heard of Mazirian the Magician?"

Tofu rocked back onto the back legs of his chair and pursed his lips thoughtfully. "I have. He's a thief, a sadist and a murderer, from all accounts. He's also a cunning practitioner of magic, else he would have been slain long ago. Years ago he stole something of great value from King Kuranes - an oneirosphere. Kuranes has sworn that one day he'll have vengeance. The king is a gentle man, usually, but what I've heard he has planned for Mazirian has made the strong blench."

"King Kuranes will have to forgo his vengeance, I'm afraid. Mazirian is dead."

"What! Are you sure?"

"Yes. From what I understand he was in pursuit of a woman and sheared himself of all his power during the chase. He was slain by thrash vines." She leaned forward on the table and smiled. "His manse is undefended, just waiting to be explored and plundered."

Tofu did not say anything. He dropped his chair back onto all four legs and rubbed his chin, contemplating. Ranson cleared away their dishes, and when he was gone Tofu spoke.

"An ignoble end. Quite fitting for the villain, if what you say is true. Whom did you hear this from?"

"Friends of mine. The two kittens that live here in the inn." Tofu looked at Kasumi dubiously. She laughed. "In turn, they traded for this information from a Twk-Man. Twk-Men do not lie."

Tofu grunted in agreement. "Still, I find it hard to believe."

"So did I, but stranger things have happened."

"True. I should know that from experience, both from this world and others." Tofu chuckled. Kasumi laughed softly in agreement and sipped again from her tankard. Tofu poured himself more wine. "So you want to pay a visit to Mazirian's manse... Even with him dead, I think that's a risky venture."

Kasumi nodded. "I agree. I was considering not going - I have several adventuring friends, but none of them are here in Ulthar, currently, and I had no time to search for them. The kittens promised me not to tell anyone, but the Twk-Men won't stay silent for long. I'm quite lucky that you decided to visit Ulthar, Doctor Tofu, though I'll admit that I'm surprised that you're such an experienced adventurer..."

"Oh really. Why's that?"

"Well... it's just that you act so... silly... in the Waking World. You know, I think this is the first time you've talked seriously to me."

Tofu looked stricken. "Silly? You really think of me that way?"

"Oh my! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just didn't know how else to put it." Kasumi laid a hand on top of Tofu's. Tofu sighed deeply, gently slipping his hand away.

"Don't be, Kasumi." Tofu searched his memory, recalling bits and snatches of how he acted around Kasumi when she visited him at his clinic or when he called on the Tendos. At least he knew why Kasumi had that amused, expectant look in her eyes at the docks. He winced in embarrassment. "I don't think there's a better word to describe the way I act, sometimes..." he smiled somewhat sadly at Kasumi. "But are you sure you want to have such a silly person as a partner on such a dangerous adventure?"

"Well, you don't seem that silly right now," she answered. "And back in the Waking World everyone speaks well of you. Daddy, Akane, Ranma, Uncle Saotome, everyone I know in Nerima." She smiled sincerely. "I think I can trust you not be silly at the appropriate times."

"I hope you're right," Tofu murmured. Suddenly he laughed. "Well, I came to the Southlands to explore. What better place to start than the lair of an infamous wizard?" Kasumi laughed too, and held out her hand.

"Then let's seal our partnership, and drink to our success." And so they did.

/////