Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought
What's happened so far: Kasumi Tendo and Ranma
Saotome... Oh hell, read the other chapters if you don't know the
general theme. As for last chapter, Ukyo and Kaneda faced off
with the Golden Pair, and although badly battered were
victorious. However, during the match Shampoo fell victim to
Mikado's little hobby, which cost him a front tooth thanks to
Kaneda. Mousse also showed up at last and told Kaneda about
the Phoenix Pill, which resulted in a challenge between Ukyo and
Kaneda for said pill, Cologne having given it to Ukyo.
Now, for those getting lost, here's a little program to keep
track of things:
Ranma is chasing after Kodachi who in turn is after Kasumi-kun.
He's also friends with Kuno who has his sights set on Kasumi-
chan and Akane, but unfortunately hates the guts of Kasumi-kun.
Kodachi is friends with Akane who herself is after Dr. Tofu but
hasn't gotten around to doing anything yet. Right about here is
where we get the mysterious curse victim C-chan who is Akane's
pet and has some interest in both Kasumi and Shampoo, and pink
little Ryouko who is actually Ukyo who loves Ranma and hates
Kasumi with a passion. Then we have Shampoo who is married,
yes married, to Kasumi, with mixed feelings on the whole matter.
She also is developing a unhealthy dislike of Makoto and
Kodachi (unhealthy for them that is). Oh, and of course there is
poor old Nabiki who through unfortunate circumstances has
ended up with an annoying attraction to her brother... er, sister,
Kasumi-kun. Makoto has also taken a severe liking of Kasumi-
kun giving the poor girl... well, boy at the moment, even more
trouble. Now Mousse is on the scene, and of course he's
interested in Shampoo. Well, I think that basically covers it for
now. On with the story.
%Chapter 17
It was late at night, and as usual Makoto was up and
about. Actually, she really wanted to be in bed, but Artemis
needed someplace to stay, not to mention some food. Kaneda's
one little flaw was that he was absolutely petrified of cats, so late
at night when he was asleep was the only time the two could
meet. It also served as a time to compare notes.
As was their custom, Makoto opened the outside window
to allow him in, then she set him out some food from the kitchen.
After he had dug in and finished his meal they started discussing
the day's events.
"So, how'd the match go?" Artemis asked to start things
off.
"Kaneda won, but it was one heck of a mess. I think that
Mikado jerk was out to really kill him, and you wouldn't believe
the stuff they were pulling off. I mean, I thought Ms. Hinako
was weird, but this guy was actually glowing."
"Glowing?!"
"Yeah, no kidding. For a couple seconds there I thought
he might be a youma."
"Are you sure he wasn't?"
Makoto shook her head. "To be honest, not really, but I'd
say no, he wasn't. He was just a regular guy I think. I didn't get
the same feeling I get when I'm near a youma. You know, I
never realized just what kind of stuff normal humans are capable
of. You should have seen what that Ukyo girl did. She smashed
the entire rink with one punch. No joke."
"Yeah, I can bet. Being around here makes our lives
seem almost normal."
"Well, it's not quite that weird." Mako replied, then
yawned. "So, how's things with C-chan?"
Artemis drooped his head until his forehead rested on the
floor. "No where," he said in a dispirited voice. "I thought Luna
was bad, C-chan is about as serious as they come. She never
talks casual... Well, she still can't talk, but you know what I
mean."
"Have you been able to get any info out of her, or found
out why she's so smart?"
"All she ever says on the subject is `it's a long story,' or
`it's not important.' She talked about that Jusenkyo place a few
times, but other than that, nothing. I hope Ami comes up with
something on that place." Artemis paused a moment then
continued. "Maybe I'm just no good at this romantic stuff.
Probably would be better just to wait the century or two until
Luna comes around."
"Oh, don't give up so fast. Besides, didn't Setsuna say
the future isn't set in stone, that it could very well change, and
that we have to treat our lives just as if we knew nothing of the
future. If you give up now, you might never get a chance, with
C-chan, or Luna."
Artemis looked even more miserable. "Great, I have no
hope."
"I didn't say that."
"Then what would you suggest?" Artemis asked, looking
up at his companion.
Mako's expression immediately switched to a nervous
one. "Well, ummm, you could tell her how you feel. You never
know."
"Right, so, why don't you do that?" Artemis asked,
gaining an even more nervous look from Makoto. "Oh come on.
I'm not a total romantic illiterate, especially when it comes to you
and your crushes."
"It's not a crush!" Makoto protested a little too loudly,
then dropped back to a lower tone. "I mean, he's really nice, and
considerate, and smart, and-"
"And looks like your old boyfriend..." Artemis added for
her, but Mako shook her head.
"Oh no, Kaneda's much more handsome than he was."
Artemis looked at Makoto in shock. God, she's got it
bad, he thought, then turned his mind back to more important
matters. If they didn't show some progress, Luna would start
laying into him for slacking off on the job again. "All right, let's
get back on topic shall we. Last thing I need is another lecture
when I report in tomorrow. So, we still don't know what C-
chan's story is. The periodic energy shifts are still unexplained.
We still don't know where Kasumi is. And, we don't even know
who this Shampoo girl is either."
"I think she must be a cousin or something."
"Maybe you should ask."
"Guess I should. Oh yeah, there's some new guy here
too. I think his name is Moose."
"Moose?!" Artemis repeated in disbelief.
"Yep, that's it. I think he's related to Shampoo some
how."
"Then maybe his name is actually Mousse." Artemis
suggested.
"That's what I said, Moose."
"Nono, like in mousse you put in your hair." Artemis
corrected, and finally Makoto made the connection. "Anyway,
try to come up with something, anything. You _know_ what
Luna's like when she thinks I'm slacking." Artemis gave a little
shudder, "she might even go past sarcasm to ironic remarks. We
better show some progress soon or we'll be hearing it from the
others."
Makoto nodded. "Yeah right. I'll see what I can dig up.
Anyway, I have _got_ to get some sleep. Ms. Hinako hates it
when I'm drowsy in class, and I don't particularly feel like being
her next target." Makoto saw not reason to mention that Kaneda
would give her a disappointed look if she dozed off in his class,
or that she would much rather be punished by Hinako than see
that look. "See you tomorrow."
The next morning Kaneda was up contemplating strategy.
Catching a glimpse of that new technique Ukyo had used was
enough to tell him that his chances weren't good the way things
stood. Kaneda was fast, but not nearly fast enough to challenge
that, particularly in his male form. Two days left little room to
develop something... Actually it was effectively down to a single
day now. So little time to come up with something.
He had already gone through an argument with the others
about how to handle it. Akane was insisting they be allowed to
help. She even suggested bringing in Ms. Hinako, who Kaneda
had to admit would be handy right about now, but that couldn't
be done. This was between him and Ukyo, and it would stay that
way.
He had wronged Ukyo, accident or not, and if this was the
resolution she sought then so be it. If she lost, she would leave
and Kaneda would be Kasumi once more. If she won, then he
would leave as promised, and Ukyo would have proved herself.
Maybe then she could get on with her life. Either way their
rivalry would end tomorrow.
Everyone had argued against that, all except Ranma that
was. He seemed to be the one person who understood. Kaneda
had to wonder how Ranma would feel if he knew exactly what
was going on with Ukyo. It didn't matter though, the decision
was made. Now he had to try his best to achieve victory.
Question was, how exactly?
Makoto was busy in the kitchen with Shampoo, readying
for the day's work. Shampoo was being unusually quiet, but he
knew why. If he did succeed it meant he was one step further
away from going back to China. That was unfortunate for her,
but Kaneda couldn't just give in, not like this. Shampoo would
just have to accept it.
That didn't solve his present dilemma. How was he to
have a chance against Ukyo? There had to be something,
anything he could use against her. Problem was, he only had one
day! Kaneda wasn't prone to frustration, or needlessly repeating
thoughts, but he couldn't stop dwelling on it, and he was getting
frustrated. He couldn't be stuck this way for the rest of his life.
He could never live that way.
It was Akane finally coming in that broke Kaneda's chain
of thought. "Good morning Akane."
"Good morning." Akane replied, then joined Kaneda at
the table he was presently sitting. "Are you still determined to do
this on your own?"
"Yes. I told you Akane, I-"
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I just thought I'd try one last time.
Never know..." Akane said, then looked down at the table top in
thought. "I just don't want to see you lose."
"I have no plans of doing so." Kaneda responded.
"Yeah, well... Have you thought of anything that might
work as a counter to that move she knows?"
Kaneda shook his head. "No, I'm afraid not. There is no
chance at challenging that level of speed in a short time. I could
try to out power her, but we're about equally matched in strength
at the moment. There just seems to be-"
"Wait, what about the cat-fist. I could bring C-chan and-
"
"NO! HEAVENS NO!" Kaneda blurted out at the
thought of the cat's presence, but then rapidly calmed down.
"No, I couldn't risk it. The technique is just too dangerous and
unpredictable. Had Ranma not intervened last time I was using
it Ukyo might not have faired nearly as well as she did. I don't
want to seriously harm her."
Akane shook her head in disbelief. "Kasumi, she's
effectively threatening to trap you this way forever, add that to the
way she behaved at the rink, and I say she deserves it!"
"Akane, you don't know the whole story, and you don't
understand her view point. If you did, I don't think you would
consider her actions so malicious. In some ways I think Ukyou is
behaving rather mercifully, considering what she thinks I did."
"And what is that?" Akane asked, then immediately
dismissed her own question. "Never mind, I remember you
saying you promised not to tell. Well, there has to be something
you can do."
Kaneda shrugged, then looked over as Shampoo came out
from the kitchen to look at him. She had a look of complete
indecision on her face, clearly twisted up about present matters.
Sometime today, assuming he had the time . . . No! He'd put it
off too long already. He'd make the time, he had to talk to her
about what had transpired, particularly that stupid kiss.
However, right now other matters-
Akane suddenly regained his attention with a shout. "I
got it! Ranma told me about that move Shampoo nearly used on
him. That's got to be powerful. If you knew that-"
"No!" Shampoo said sharply.
"No? What do you mean no?" Akane asked, her
expression changing to a displeased frown. Kaneda sensed the
impending confrontation, but could only watch as it came.
"No! Japanese girl not understand own language?
Shampoo mean no. She will no give away secret of Dragon Fang
Fist."
"Hey, you're the one responsible for the mess Kasumi is
in! You should be helping her get out of it!"
Shampoo's expression turned angry at that. "Shampoo's
fault?! You is stupid girl if think that!"
Akane frown deepened. "Stupid?! What else should I
think? Ever since you've been here there there has been nothing
but trouble. If you'd just go back to China and leave Kasumi
alone-"
"Is not Shampoo's choice!" Shampoo yelled back in
anger. Akane was about to counter when Makoto came out from
the kitchen.
"Hey! What's all the yelling about?! And, who's this
you're talking about? Kasumi?" Makoto asked, directing her
question at Akane. Kaneda immediately tensed, knowing that
with anger and probing questions, secrets had a nasty habit of
getting revealed. However, before he could act, Shampoo
responded.
"She being stupid!" Shampoo said, pointing an accusing
finger at Akane.
"You're the one being stupid!" Akane shot back.
Makoto positioned herself between the two without
thinking, and raised her hands to silence both of them. "Would
you two stop yelling and tell me what this is all about!" She
asked, then noticing their anger re-focusing on her, immediately
regretted her actions.
"She want Shampoo give up husband!" Shampoo said,
gaining a confused look from Makoto.
"Husband?! You're married? To who?"
"Of course Shampoo married!" Shampoo yelled in
frustration, just as Kaneda jumped to his feet, and began
frantically waving his hands to gain Shampoo's attention.
Unfortunately, she did not give him the correct form of attention,
and instead pointed him out. "He Shampoo's husband!"
Kaneda covered his eyes in embarrassment, and Makoto
looked stuck. "H... H... husband... You're his... his... his... w...
w.... waaaahhhh..." Makoto tried to say, but instead suddenly
broke into tears of both grief and severe embarrassment, and fled
the building.
"Now look what you did!" Akane yelled at Shampoo,
who was looking at Kaneda nervously. Shampoo turned her
attention briefly to Akane, then herself rushed out of the room,
her rapid footstep being heard going up the stairs in the back.
Akane snorted her own displeasure, then looked back over at
Kaneda, only to withdraw a few inches at seeing his glare.
"Akane, she's right. She can't go back, even if she did
want to, so don't blame her. She's as caught up in this as I am."
Kaneda said, then looked at the door to the outside, and the door
to the kitchen in contemplation. He made a quick decision, then
reluctantly headed outside. "I guess I have some explaining to
do."
Kuno sat in his room, silently meditating. He didn't
know exactly what he was meditating on, but he knew something
important was twinkling on the edge of his consciousness. It was
as if a very important realization was about to hit him, which for
him was so rare it could rightly be considered a miracle. He had
to know what it was.
It had all started yesterday at that skating match with
Akane's comment. Of course the conclusion was obvious. That
fiend Kaneda Tendo had cast some vile magic on Kasumi linking
their two lives. Oh the injustice of it all! Yet, there was that little
twinkle saying that wasn't the whole story.
There was a knocking on the door that gained his
attention. "Come," he called out, and suddenly the floor boards
burst open to reveal Sasuke. Kuno immediately jumped to his
feet, drawing his bokken and pointed it at his servant. "Through
the door you idiot! How dare you disturb my meditations this
way!"
"My apologies Master Kuno, but I have the information
you required."
Kuno smiled, then resumed his serious pose of
meditation. "Excellent, speak."
"Yes Master. I went to the nice lady at the department of
records and had her search for an individual going by the name
Kaneda Tendo, who is Kasumi Tendo's cousin. She could find
no record of such a person. Beyond that, Soun Tendo had only a
younger sister, who is married to a Nishikawa, and has a
daughter and son, neither of whom are named Kaneda."
Kuno thrust his fist into his palm. "So, it is now proven.
This Kaneda Tendo is a fraud, and most certainly since the others
believe his tale they are truly under an enchantment."
"Yes Master. You are brilliant Master."
"But of course! But, where, oh where is the fair Kasumi
Tendo? Where has this fiend spirited her off to? Kasumi Tendo
must be found. I shall not rest until she is safe."
"I've looked everywhere-"
"Then look again! Let not a stone go unturned in your
search!"
"Yes Master. I shall leave immediately Master." Sasuke
said, bowing repeatedly as he backed out of the room, then
dashed off to his work.
Kuno nodded for a minute, then returned to his meditation
once again. What was he missing in all this? The little twinkle
had not left his mind despite his new information. He had to
determine what this meant. Kaneda Tendo didn't exist, so surely
this man was in fact someone else posing as Kasumi's cousin.
The fiend! He did not even have the spine to go by his true
identity. Kuno would delight in sending this hell spawn back to
his foul realm for good.
But, that twinkle, that blasted twinkle! Must concentrate,
Kuno thought intensely, pressing his mind into rare use. He
delved deep into his mind, and remembering some old
philosopher's ideas, began to tear down all his assumptions. He
spent sometime at this, how much exactly he couldn't be sure.
Finally he came to his first encounter with the dread Kaneda
Tendo.
He had been chasing after Kasumi, when she was
suddenly gone, and this man was in her place, no doubt having
used his foul magic to whisk her away. He had done this a
number of times actually. As a matter of fact, Kuno couldn't
remember a time when he had ever seen the two of them together.
Every time Kasumi disappeared, there was Kaneda. The obvious
conclusion was that Kaneda was responsible for Kasumi's
disappearances.
The twinkle shone ever brighter at that. Kuno growled in
frustration. Perhaps this was that demon Tendo's fault. No
doubt he had tried to work his evil magic on him. Well, his
attempts would fail. Kuno would reason his way through the
demon's most powerful attempts to subvert his mind.
Frustrated, Kuno pulled out a picture of each of the
parties in question. "Fair, innocent, and pure Kasumi Tendo..."
Kuno mumbled as he stared at her likeness deep in her own set of
meditation, then his eyes turned to Kaneda. Kuno was about to
scoff, but the twinkle shone brighter yet again, and for the first
time Kuno noticed something he had missed every time before.
He double checked, and it was confirmed. The two were wearing
the same clothes.
Kuno jumped to his feet. "Not only is he a sorcerer, he's
a cross dresser!" He shouted out, but the twinkle remained.
Damn that twinkle! What was it?! He studied the pictures once
again. Actually, there was a rather striking resemblance between
the two. Not only the same clothes, but the same hair style, color,
same color of eyes, same facial features save for the respective
sex... Actually, he could almost swear they were twin brother
and sister.
Could that be... no. Surely that would have been
mentioned somewhere along the line that Kasumi had a twin
brother. Perhaps he was one of the those long lost types, spiteful
over his rejected life as a youth, and determined to seek out his
sister and reap his vengeance upon her. Hah! That had to be it!
It all made so much sense! All the pieces fit!
Well, almost all. Unfortunately, the twinkle was still
there, yet he did feel he was getting closer to his goal. So,
perhaps they were indeed related. It was the only way to explain
their appearances being so similar. Kuno pressed himself deeper
into meditation, trying to seek out his answer. It wouldn't come
soon.
Makoto hadn't gone too far before her run turned into a
misery filled walk. She didn't know what possessed her to lose it
so badly. After all, it was not like this was her first time at being
in love only to lose the man. However, this time it was different.
All those other guys had some fault or another. More than one
had ended up being a youma. They were nothing like Kaneda.
He was so nice, and considerate, and handsome, and...
Well, she could go on into next week about his good qualities.
The only bad quality he had was that fear of cats, and that was
something she could definitely live with. Here she had spent a
good part of her time here, trying to impress him, and get the
courage to ask him out, and it was too late. Shampoo had beat
her to him.
Why do I have such bad luck with men, Makoto asked
herself. Was it too much to ask to find one nice, cute guy that
wasn't attached, and happened to be one hundred percent
human? It was starting to look like the answer was yes. All the
good ones were being snatched up.
Makoto wiped away a tear, and had to almost laugh at her
outburst. She must have gotten her hopes up more than she had
thought if this had reduced her to tears. Stopping by a shop
window, she looked at her reflection, and cleaned away the
evidence of her sadness, and prepared to return to the restaurant.
However, she caught sight of Kaneda walking up, and blushed
despite her best attempt to hide her feelings.
"I'm all right Mr. Tendo," Makoto said, before Kaneda
could voice the question. "I was just a bit shocked is all."
Kaneda nodded his head sympathetically. "I should have
told you, but it is kind of a complicated situation."
Makoto looked at Kaneda in puzzlement. "Complicated?
What's complicated about being married?"
Kaneda hesitated for a moment, considering whether to
answer the question honestly or evade it. Deciding deception of
even the withholding information kind had got him into enough
trouble, he explained. "Well, the story is kind of long, and very
complicated, but the long and short of it is that Shampoo and I
didn't exactly marry under the best of circumstances. Actually,
we were both... a little confused at the time, for different reasons
that I won't get into. Suffice to say, had we not been confused,
we would not be married."
Makoto blinked as she tried to process just what Kaneda
said, then came to one glorious conclusion, Kaneda didn't want
to be married to Shampoo! It was an accident or something that
he was just coping with. That meant all of Makoto's efforts were
not in vain. She might yet have her chance!
In a much improved mood, and with a happy smile,
Makoto replied, "I understand Mr. Tendo."
"Oh good," Kaneda said in mild relief. "Then, you
wouldn't mind if I ask you not to spread this around? I'd rather
it be private until something can be worked out."
"Of course. I won't tell a soul." Makoto answered.
Back at the restaurant, Shampoo was sitting on the edge
of her bed in her room, simply staring at the floor. Unfortunately,
the floor, being an inanimate object made simply for the purpose
of supporting all that was on it, was neither comforting, nor very
supportive in the way she desired. Her life felt so out of control,
with every option leading to some kind of disaster or another, and
that had worn down all her optimism.
There was nothing to be optimistic about anymore. If
Kaneda lost, sure she'd have her husband, but he would be
miserable. If he won, then they'd be back to square one, and
Shampoo was looking at the very real possibility of having all her
hopes dashed completely. Worst still, this all reflected bad on
her, and the last thing she really wanted was to lose so much trust
that even Kaneda would turn against her, if he hadn't already.
Shampoo temporarily forestalled any further thought on
the issue when Akane walked in through the partially open door.
The young Tendo eyed Shampoo with a look of disdain.
Shampoo returned the look in kind, but before it could turn into a
full fledged staring match, Akane spoke.
"You know, Kasumi may be protecting you, but I don't
buy into this garbage one little bit. You're fully willing to just
stand by and let a person you supposedly have some feeling for
have their life ruined, and not lift a finger to help them."
"You no know anything," Shampoo replied, and turned
her back to Akane in hopes that she would simply go away.
Unfortunately, she did not.
"I know plenty. I know that it is because of your stupid
Amazon laws that Kasumi is in this fix. I also know you have
the knowledge of something that just might get Kasumi her cure,
and you're not willing to give it. I don't believe that it's such a
precious and secret technique that you couldn't show Kasumi,
who is supposed to be an Amazon now anyway, how to use it.
What I do believe is that you're being a self centered little bitch
who only cares about herself, and doesn't give a damn how
Kasumi feels, or how much this is hurting her!"
Shampoo shook in anger at being insulted so. She
gauged how long it would take her to draw her bonbori, turn,
leap the distance in between them, and crush Akane's skull for
saying such things, but they were just thoughts. Besides the
obvious negative reaction Kaneda would have, it would serve
only to confirm what Akane was accusing her of. That left only
one avenue of rebuttal, and Shampoo was not really in the mood
to argue with someone who had clearly already made up their
mind.
However, that didn't really matter to her at the moment.
She was seething inside with so much anger that if she didn't
vent in some way, she might well find herself attacking. So,
Shampoo turned back to face Akane, restraining the urge to jump
into her face and throw her off balance.
"Then you do know nothing! You want Shampoo tie own
noose so can hang with it. Shampoo never do that. All you talk
is Kasumi, but you no think of Shampoo. All Shampoo work for
in whole life depend on Kasumi be man. You want Shampoo
throw away whole life. If just happen, then... Shampoo deal with
it, but..." Shampoo paused to hold back some of her anger and
concentrate on her words. "I... will not... be... the instrument of...
my own destruction."
Akane seemed unimpressed by the words, but Shampoo
continued anyway. "Shampoo sorry it this way, but that way it
is. You Japanese always so... so... mmm... optimistic. Think of
only ideal. This no ideal. This life. It real, and it no play fair.
Sometime hard thing need be done. Shampoo's life as important
as Kasumi's, so sometime Shampoo have to think about own
good. If this no hurt Shampoo, then Shampoo would help, but
this do hurt, so Shampoo will not."
Akane frowned and shook her head. "That's bull.
You've decided to put your own risk of having problems against
Kasumi's assured misery, and in my book Kasumi should win.
You're just trying to justify yourself. What you're doing is
wrong."
"Maybe you think so," Shampoo responded, again
turning away.
"I know so," Akane shot back, but Shampoo didn't
respond. With a dismissive wave of her hand, Akane gave up
and left the room. She pulled to a sudden stop in the hall at
seeing Kaneda leaning against the wall just next to the door.
They exchanged a brief look, where Kaneda only sadly shook his
head, then finally he gestured for Akane to continue on. Akane
did so, stopping only long enough to watch Kaneda go into the
room, then to droop her own head in thought.
Back inside the room, Shampoo's back was still turned,
so she wrongly interpreted the noise Kaneda made on entering
the room to be Akane returning. She sensed the approaching
individual, suspecting Akane meant to take physical action
herself, and tensed, readying for a fight. At the last second, she
suddenly turned, ready to strike the first blow, but to her shock,
her fist was intercepted by Kaneda's hand.
"I thought I told you not to do that." Kaneda said in
disapproval, and Shampoo immediately turned her eyes to the
ground, and withdrew her offending appendage. Kaneda stood
for a moment, watching Shampoo, then sat down next to her. "I
overheard what you said, and I want you to know I do understand
how you feel. It is foolish to ask someone to hurt themselves,
particularly for the sake of just a single other individual, even if
that person happens to be myself. However, Akane does have
point, even if she didn't say it so well. You're jumping to the
conclusion that by being a woman I will toss you aside. That
simply isn't true."
"Shampoo no know that. Is too much to take risk on."
Shampoo said soberly.
Kaneda examined Shampoo intently for a moment longer,
dearly wishing she'd look him in the eye instead of staring off at
the floor. He wanted to understand what was going through her
head, and not have to deal with her on such a limited level. Well,
the time for playing around had ended. "Okay then, tell me what
is at stake. Tell me exactly."
"Shampoo no-" Shampoo began to say in rejection of the
request, but Kaneda pushed on.
"Shampoo, I can't work everything out if I don't have all
the information I deserve to have. If something bad will happen
to you, I want to know. It's more than just losing your status,
isn't it, at least for you?"
Shampoo finally looked up at him, then after some
hesitation nodded. "Is more complicated than that. When
Shampoo let you go, there big trouble. Many of elder council
think Shampoo did break law by let you go. Many angered that
you fool them, think you make fun of whole village. They get
more angry when Shampoo say she no come kill you. They going
to give Shampoo big punishment."
Kaneda swallowed, suddenly unnerved about what he just
heard. "I never knew that. I suspected something... How would
they punish you?"
"No know. There many punishments. Cut hair, lose
honor, family lose honor, be retrained at Jusenkyo, be banished,
be killed or worse."
"Worse?!" Kaneda asked in confusion, and some panic.
"Shampoo heard in old times Amazon who fail village
made slave, or even have curse worse than Jusenkyo put on them.
Death be better fate." This time Kaneda looked down at the
floorboards, too shook up to speak, but Shampoo continued on
after a moment. "It not come to that though. Great grandmother
spend much time with other elders, call in many favor, and elders
change mind. They rule that Shampoo still married, and you is
now Amazon so no have to kill. No give punishment, but also
say status not clear and depend on you. Great grandmother keep
it secret to council for now that you really woman, but that no last
long."
Kaneda nodded, in some relief at not having to worry
about those punishments, but also understanding of the situation.
"So, if I don't return, there is no doubt it will be revealed sooner
or later, if it hasn't already, that I am a woman. If even one of
these elders says anything the secret is out."
"Yes, then Shampoo have nothing. All Shampoo have is
being best, and be Great grandmother's heir. Have nothing else.
No friend. No husband. No nothing." Kaneda grimly nodded,
but again Shampoo continued. "Is worse still. You is boy too.
Men no have power in village. Even if you go back to village as
girl, others may no like you have power if you turn boy. Could
cause big problems."
Kaneda nodded again, as if he half suspected as much.
"It doesn't exactly sound... What did you mean by no friends?
Are you telling me everyone would reject you simply because-"
Shampoo shook her head sadly. "No, it not that way.
Shampoo have no friend now. This only make worse."
Kaneda scanned Shampoo's face for a moment in
disbelief. Surely she had someone to call a friend. Even Kaneda,
despite all his traveling, had made a friend here and there, even if
he had long since lost contact with them. "What about Mousse?"
Shampoo snorted. "Mousse is stupid blind fool.
Shampoo no know what he tell you, but he only Shampoo's
friend from childhood, but no more. Shampoo say one thing
once, and now he no leave her alone. He think he be my
husband, but I no want him be Shampoo's husband."
"I see," Kaneda replied simply, making a mental note to
double check any assumptions he had made based on anything
Mousse had said. He did, however, feel Shampoo was
overstating her dislike of the boy, which beared further
investigation later. However, Shampoo seemingly having
finished talking, Kaneda decided it was time to add in his part.
"I think I understand the trouble you're facing, but I want
you to understand me. Even if I win, I'm not going to let what
happened hurt you in anyway. That means your status, your
future, and even your chances at marriage. Maybe that's too
optimistic, but I'm determined for it to be that way. I assure you
that I won't settle for achieving anything less than that. If it
comes down to the fact that it is simply impossible, then... then I
promise I'll be your wife... or husband, whatever it takes to at
least minimize the damage."
Shampoo looked at Kaneda skeptically, yet with a
glimmer of hope. "Shampoo not sure she can believe you. Why
you do such thing? You be sad."
"Shampoo, when I said it was foolish to ask someone to
hurt themselves, that doesn't mean you'd always get a no. Call
me a fool, or maybe it is just that it would hurt me more to let
another suffer for me, but in any case it is the truth."
Shampoo blinked, then looked down in misery once more.
"Then you think Shampoo be selfish."
"No, that's not it at all. For some, maybe even most
people, being willing to put others ahead of yourself is simply
impractical. Maybe it is even foolish. I can't say thinking and
considering your own good is bad. Beyond that, it's not a matter
of black or white, good or bad. If your interests come into a
conflict with mine, then it's a gray area. It has been for a long
time, and I've read countless books that try to resolve it without
much success. I'm not going to evaluate you on some silly
binary scale of good or bad. Like you said, sometime hard
choices need to be made, and no option can be considered all that
good. I think this may be one of those times, and I don't think
anyone can truly judge you, save maybe yourself."
Shampoo sniffled suddenly, causing Kaneda to notice she
had stared crying. He gently turned her head so he could see her,
then wiped away some of the tears. "Shampoo no want hurt
you." She said after a few seconds. "Just..."
"Yes, I know. You're scared, aren't you?" Shampoo
started to shake her head, but stopped in mid motion, then lightly
nodded. "I won't blame you for being scared, and if you decide
not to help me then that's the way it is. I'll have to get by, and I
won't hold it against you. However, Shampoo, that said, I want
to see us both safely clear of this mess, but that's far easier with
you helping me. I won't let you get hurt by helping me if you
choose to do so. I just hope you can believe me."
Shampoo looked extremely uncertain of herself at this
point. "Why you do this? Shampoo cause nothing but trouble,
even get kissed-"
"No, no, no. Don't think that. I certainly don't think
you're the cause of my problems, and as for that kiss... I wanted
to talk to you about that actually. I'm so sorry about that. I know
how embarrassing that can be. I definitely do not think any less
of you because that... boy kissed you. I've had my own
experience with such things."
"What you mean?" Shampoo asked, as she sniffled back
her tears.
"It was a while back in highschool. I met this boy and...
Well, I thought he loved me, and I even felt something for him..."
"He kiss you?"
"Yes, then he turned around and... Well, needless to say,
I know what it feels like to be used in that way."
Shampoo nodded, then looked down at her feet for a
moment of thought. Finally she raised her head to look Kasumi
directly in the eye. "Shampoo do believe you, and she teach you
technique."
"Thank you Shampoo. You won't regret it, I promise."
Kaneda responded with a wide smile, feeling like life was finally
going to go his way.
Shampoo nodded once more, stood up, Kaneda quickly
doing likewise, and the two headed out. As they reached the
stairs, Shampoo stopped and looked back at Kaneda. "One
thing. What boy's name?"
Kaneda scowled. He had a good idea why Shampoo
wanted that information, and as much as he dislike him, he really
didn't want him hurt. However, he was in the beginning of
establishing a connection with Shampoo, and holding things
back would not help that. "Haruka, but remember your
promise."
"Shampoo remember." She replied, then replayed the
name in her head a few times. It sounded familiar, but she
couldn't place it. Pushing the thought aside for the moment, she
continued on.
Ranma was sitting by himself, idly swirling some tea in a
cup his mother had left on the table. His eyes were not focused
on the cup however. They were focused far away, looking at
something unseen to an outside viewer. Every now and then his
forehead would furrow in concentration, as if he were striving to
focus more closely on what ever was in his mind's eye. The faint
clicking of claws on the wooden floor made him look up from the
cup in his hand as Ryouko trotted into the room and over to his
side.
Ryouko looked up at him with her big liquid eyes,
pleading for a little attention. Ranma returned the look with
rather more intensity then was normal for him. He stared at her
for a minute or two. Then, he briefly glanced at the tea kettle,
still containing hot liquid under it's insulated cozy. Once again
his forehead furrowed in thought, and his hand twitched as if he
were considering pouring himself a cup, then it relaxed and fell,
coming to rest on top of Ryouko's head. She pushed against it
and softly whined in contentment.
Ranma gently kneaded the loose flesh on top of her head,
running his hand down to stroke her soft pink ears.
Ukyou trembled under Ranma's fingers. She had been
avoiding him ever since the incident at the rink. While she had
tried hard to convince herself that he had not made the connection
between her own pink streaked hair, and Ryouko's solid pink fur,
grave doubts had lingered, causing her stomach to knot in
anxiety. Finally, unable to bear the uncertainty, she had
approached him while he was alone in the kitchen. Now, tension
seemed to flow out of her at the touch of Ranma's hand, and the
knowledge that her secret was still safe was a balm that settled
her roiling stomach. She leaned forward slightly and lay her
head in his lap, savoring the touch of his hands on her. Someday,
after she had disposed of Kasumi, it would not be her cursed
form his hands would touch and stroke. If Ukyou had been
human, her face would have made a good match for her current
coloration as these thoughts and others ran through her mind.
Out back of the restaurant, Kaneda, Akane, and Makoto
were gathered to watch as Shampoo started up on what she called
the Dragon Fang Fist. The Amazon stood, focused on the open
air, a single hand held in front of her, while the other was held at
her waist as a fist. It wasn't long before Makoto was watching in
awe as Shampoo began to softly glow. The glow intensified
further, until Shampoo seemed to be covered in flames which
were in fact her own aura. Then, finally, with a sudden battle
cry, Shampoo struck out with her fist, and with it, all the ki that
she had built up flowed down into her fist in a single instant to
explode in a blast of light.
"That's incredible," Makoto softly mumbled, as
Shampoo relaxed, and leaned over to catch her breath. Everyone
waited until Shampoo recovered, then Kaneda walked up to her
for instructions.
"This just training technique, step in learning Dragon
Fang Strike, but is powerful. Use stance to build up much chi,
then release with punch. Is simple enough, Shampoo just never
bother to learn rest of technique. Hope this do."
"I think it will." Kaneda replied, and Shampoo reset to
demonstrate the move once again. Kaneda mirrored her as she
began her build up.
"First, you pull on chi, and keep focus only on target.
When ready, strike! Focus chi on point of strike," Shampoo
instructed, as Kaneda listen and nodded in understanding.
Makoto took a few moments to watch, then eased her way
to Akane's side. Ever since Shampoo had come down to train
Kaneda in this technique, Akane had seemed perplexed. Well,
Makoto had already learned one rather shocking thing today. She
might as well see what else she could learn. Artemis would
appreciate that.
"That's pretty... neat huh. How does she do that
anyway?" Makoto said, gaining Akane's attention.
"It's not as special as you think. It's just a matter of
calling on your ki in a specific way. I can do it to increase my
speed, and strength. Matter of fact, a lot of martial artists around
here can do it. Flashy tricks like that are just a bit rarer."
"Call on your ki? You mean that stuff is for real?"
Akane looked at Makoto as if she just asked if the sky
was really blue. "Of course it is. It takes a trained person to
wield it, and lots of time and practice, but it is possible."
Makoto nodded, remembering some of her martial arts
lessons where they spoke of such things. She had always
discounted them as just a bunch of silliness. Lately though, she
had to reconsider that conclusion. I wonder if I could do that sort
of stuff, Makoto thought. Heck, I wonder how that would
measure up against my senshi powers. Just as she thought this,
Kaneda struck out with the attack. The effect was rather
unspectacular this time, the energy fizzling out, but Kaneda was
undeterred, and quickly reset to try again. However, Shampoo
seemed surprised despite the failure.
Akane shook her head in disbelief, regaining Makoto's
attention. "Problem?" Makoto asked.
"No, not really. It's just that... I went up there and
argued with her, and didn't get anything. Then Ka...neda goes
and talks to her, and now she turns around and trains him. Guess
my methods of persuasion aren't the greatest."
"What's this all about anyway? Why does he need to
fight Ukyo anyway? What is it, some sort of honor duel to see
who's the best?"
Akane gained a slightly nervous look. "Sort of. It's kind
of hard to explain. I don't even understand some of it. It's just
the way it has to be."
"Kind of a weird way of going about things if you ask me.
What's beating each other up going to prove?" Makoto asked,
but Akane could only shrug. Suddenly Kaneda executed the
move once again, but this time it worked, and this time Shampoo
looked completely overwhelmed.
"How you learn it so fast?!" Shampoo exclaimed.
"I thought you said it was simple." Kaneda replied.
Shampoo frowned. "Simple yes, but not that simple!
You learn on second try! It take Shampoo several week learn
technique... Shampoo no much trying at time, but still..."
"Master Dhalsim did say I had a natural talent for
wielding my ki. He said my natural state of calm-"
"Natural talent?!!" Shampoo burst out, then collected
herself. "He was no kidding."
Kaneda smiled, then set himself into the pose once more.
"I do need practice though. It takes far too long to charge, and
I'd like to get by the necessity of the stance. That would make it
far more effective. Shampoo, do you know anything about the
full version of this technique?"
"Other than is projected chi attack, no. Shampoo never
get to lesson on how to do it."
Kaneda sighed in disappointment. "Oh well. It was a
thought. I'll just concentrate on this then. You two better get
back inside and run the restaurant. I'll be fine."
"Can I help?" Akane asked.
"Sure Akane. You do know how to cook, don't you?"
"Of course I do," Akane answered.
"Great Akane! That was really great!" Makoto said
sarcastically as she and several others from the school gathered at
the open lot.
"Stop rubbing it in. How was I supposed to know? I
mean, the recipe said two eggs." Akane retorted, but Makoto
just shook her head.
"They assume you realize that they mean without the
shell, and they certainly meant fresh eggs! How the hell did you
get spoiled eggs anyway?" Akane could only nervously shrug.
"You're just lucky we caught it in time. People could have
sued!"
"I'm sorry all right. I just need a little more practice."
No, what is needed is a health board advisory telling
everyone to keep you clear of kitchens, Makoto thought, but kept
the remark to herself. Shampoo still looked pale after her
encounter with that thing Akane called her cooking, and Makoto
still wasn't feeling one hundred percent. To think both had little
more than a taste of that toxic waste. Good thing it didn't get out
to the customers or they'd be out of business for sure.
They arrived at the lot moments later, and Ukyo, Ranma,
Kaneda, Shampoo and a good segment of their class were already
gathered. Ms. Hinako had agreed to stay clear of the fight,
according to Kaneda, which was a bit of a disappointment to
Akane who was hoping for some form of intervention. Kuno was
also absent once again. Apparently he was immersed in his
meditations and would not be disturbed. Even Nabiki had
skipped out once again, claiming she had a lot of homework to
attend to. Akane did not believe the excuse, particularly since
this would be one hot fight for wagers.
Ukyo stood ready, her hair now sporting a uniform shade
of pink instead of that atrocity she had at the skating match. She
wore a very determined look, yet Akane noticed the conspicuous
absence of the unwavering hatred she usually showed Kaneda.
Maybe she was just concealing it, or maybe she was finally
coming to her senses. Well, it did not really matter now. This
was the deciding fight between them.
Kaneda also bore a look of grim determination. He
seemed resigned to what was to come, and Akane knew better
now than to argue the point with him. His whole life was riding
on this battle, which to Akane was totally insane and unfair, but
that was the way it was. Shampoo was right in that one regard,
life certainly did not play fair.
It was Cologne's arrival that set the mood for the fight.
She immediate took position between the two combatants, and
smiled at each. "So, I see we have a large crowd. It will
certainly will be interesting."
"Cologne, unless you have something constructive to add,
I suggest you step aside. This is between me and Ukyo."
Kaneda said.
"Tut, tut, Kaneda. It would be so much simpler if you
just agree to come back to China."
"I'm afraid not." Kaneda responded, and Cologne merely
shrugged, then joined her Great granddaughter.
"China?" Makoto asked in confusion, but Akane just
waved off the question as Kaneda and Ukyo stepped forward.
Kaneda opened his mouth to speak, but Ukyo immediately cut
him off.
"Don't waste your breath. Let's just get this over with."
Ukyo said, then drew her battle spatula to the ready. Kaneda
reluctantly dropped into his combat stance. With a yell, the fight
was on.
Ukyo first closed in, and using the flat of her spatula,
attempted to clonk Kaneda in the cheek. Kaneda blocked that
attempt with his forearm, then twisted around for a roundhouse
kick. Ukyo managed to duck this, then spun around herself,
bringing her spatula down low to sweep Kaneda's legs. Kaneda
jumped over the attack, using Ukyo's shoulders as a platform to
flip overtop and land behind her, then quickly tagged her in the
back with a reverse kick.
Ukyo stumbled a step from the impact, but quickly spun
around and initiated a repeating series of high kicks. Each kick
Kaneda managed to deflect and duck, until he at last got into
position for a reliable counter. He spun into Ukyo last kick, and
using the exposed leg as leverage, threw her face first into the
ground. Unfortunately, Ukyo managed to bring her free leg to
bear at this point, and firmly planted the soul of her foot in
Kaneda's face, sending him flying backwards.
The two returned to their feet, and shook off the last hits.
Ukyo prepared to charge in, but Kaneda spoke up first. "Why
don't we just forgo the build up. This isn't going to come down
to our normal skills I think."
Ukyo nodded, tossed aside her spatula, and rubbed her
hands together. "Fine by me. If you want to get knocked into
next week, I'll be glad to oblige." With that, she rush forward,
and at the last second called out her attack. "Kachuu Tenshin
Amaguriken!"
Kaneda intercepted the attack, but as he expected was
easily overwhelmed. He could at best block only 1/3 of blows
coming his way. The rest easily made it through, and the
combine effect sent him flying once again. He came rolling to a
stop next to several shocked members of the class, including
Kitsune, who immediately pulled out a pad and began sketching
down notes.
"You going to give up now?" Ukyo asked, as she closed
in, but Kaneda only shook his head, and climbed back to his feet.
"I'm afraid not. Shall we try again." He responded,
drawing one fist back to his side, and had Ukyo been looking
close enough she would have notice the soft glow covering him.
However, she was a little too confident to take heed, and charged
once more.
"Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken!"
"Dragon Fang Fist!"
Over a hundred blows met one single ki changed fist.
The result was rather devastating to both parties. This time both
Kaneda and Ukyo were sent flying, both knocked clear over the
audience to crash into nearby buildings. Ukyo was the first to get
out of the hole she had made in the roof of a house, and her
reaction was noticeably disturbed.
"Where the hell did you learn that?!" Ukyo shouted out
across to Kaneda, who was now recovered himself.
"Is it really that important?"
Ukyo shook her head, then leaped over the stunned crowd
to come down on Kaneda, hands once more blurring. However,
this time she was tossing her spatulas Kaneda's way. Kaneda
flipped backwards to avoid the initial spread, then once more
brought out his attack, this time directed at the roof top he was
on. He really disliked destroying property, but under the
circumstances he had little choice. The energy exploded the roof
top, sending a wall of debris in the way of Ukyo's attack,
blocking all her remaining projectiles. Ukyo landed, and
immediately spun into a spinning jump kick, forcing Kaneda to
retreat off the roof top, and into the street.
The members of the crowd gawked for a moment, then
looked at each other, realizing the battle had just left the local
area. "Gees, can't those two keep a fight confined to one area."
Ranma commented, then collectively everyone began running in
pursuit of the two fighters.
Makoto ran with the rest of the crowd, but then became
aware of a steading beeping sound coming from her
communicator. For a second two intense desires warred in her.
One, to follow the man of her dreams, and to be there for him if
he needed her, and the other, the need to stand by the friends who
she had literally walked into the valley of death with. The second
passed, and she swerved out of the mob and into a nearby alley.
"If this is Usagi asking me how many eggs she needs to
put in a cake she's baking for Darian, there is going to be one
hairless bunny in Japan when I get done with her." She muttered
to herself as she sought out solitude to find out what the situation
was. Fortunately for the future of earth it was not Usagi with
some banal request, but instead it was Ami, who looked worried.
"Mako, thank goodness. Are you all right?"
"I'm fine Ami. What's the matter?"
"A few minutes ago I checked my computer records, and
it showed massive energy discharges coming from an area very
near your position. I've called the other senshi, and we can be
there quickly if you need us."
Mako sagged back against the alley wall, fighting back
the urge to lay into Ami for calling her away from her man's side.
However, looking into the concerned face of her friend, she
calmed herself, and began to explain what it was Ami had
detected.
"Where am I?" Ryoga asked himself as he scanned his
surroundings. He had once more efficiently managed to get
himself thoroughly lost. He proceeded to curse his lousy
genepool for the ten thousand, two hundred, and forty fifth time,
then sighed, and set off down a random street. It was so much
easier when he had Shirokuro around. At least she had a sense of
direction. For him, he could almost swear devious little gremlins
or something were going around, changing street signs, or
moving whole buildings. Of course, he had long since learned
that was a foolish notion, but he was still lost.
And here he thought coming to Furinkan would be a
pleasant thing. At last he would get to see Kasumi again, or at
least he was supposed to. Kasumi, the fairest, and nicest soul he
had ever encountered. The one who showed him such patience
and kindness for their brief time knowing each other. The
woman he... Well, that was out of the question.
He could still remember the first day they met. It was
much like this one in that he was totally lost. Now, was he going
to school or coming... Knowing himself, if it was one, he was
likely doing the other. Yeah, that's right, it was going. It wasn't
that important anyway. What was important was the girl he ran
into.
He had been walking down some road or another, looking
for someone to give him directions when he spotted Kasumi. She
was walking on her own, immersed in her own thoughts, and did
not even seem to notice him. Ryoga could not help but notice
how beautiful she was. Well, at the time his experience with
women was very limited so he was not well qualified to judge,
but even now he was sure she was the most lovely woman he had
encountered before or since. Of course, despite his need for
directions, he could not work up the nerve to ask for them. A
pretty girl, three years his elder (at the time he thought it was
more like five, but the effect was the same) would never be
interested in his problems, so he just kept going on his way.
However, to his surprise she took notice of him, and gave
him a passing greeting. Naturally he blubbered out something in
reply that confused her, and she immediately asked if he was
having trouble. It took several minutes of her questioning for
him to finally overcome the sudden anxiety attack that hit him,
and tell her he was lost. To his surprise she offered to take him
to school with no complaints at all. Matter of fact, she seemed
happy to have company.
They had talked the whole way there, and for once Ryoga
actually found his tongue worked properly. After his initial
uneasiness, Kasumi's natural calm seemed to pass into him, and
by the end of the short trip he was freely conversing with her,
something he thought he'd never manage to do with a girl,
especially one like Kasumi. Then things only got better.
From that day on they traveled together to school, and
Ryoga had his best attendance record ever. He also generated a
distinct positive outlook for a brief period of his life, and all
because of Kasumi. So often his life was full of nothing but the
negative, but Kasumi pulled him out of that rut. He got back into
his martial arts, improved his grades, and even managed a feeling
of intense joy to enter his life.
He was greatly saddened when she told him she had to
leave for China, so saddened in fact he missed their final planned
meeting. He got lost of course, but that was not the whole story.
He had gotten lost almost on purpose. He did not have the guts
to face her that one last time, least he reveal the feelings he had
for her. She was a good friend, too old for him and certainly did
not view him in any... romantic light. He regretted it afterwards,
hoping dearly Kasumi did not hold any ill feelings over his
absence, and now he had hoped to at least get back together with
her again, as it was before.
No such luck. He sighed away his troubles, and
concentrated on finding something that would give him a bearing
on his destination. However, the sudden shout of, "Kachuu
Tenshin Amaguriken," brought him to attention just fast enough
to brace as a large form crashed through the street wall and
directly into him. Ryoga reacted a hair too slowly to avoid, and
was knocked over, the form coming to rest on top of him. After
pushing away the pain of his skull impacting with the pavement,
he opened his eyes to look into Kaneda's eyes as he lay on top of
Ryoga.
"Mr. Tendo?" Ryoga blurt out.
"Yes Ryoga?" He responded, then noticed his posture at
the moment, and quickly pulled himself and Ryoga to their feet.
"Sorry about that. It's just that-"
"Hey, we're not finished!" Ukyo shouted as she came
flying through the hole in the street wall with a flying kick
directed roughly at Kaneda. Without thinking, Kaneda snatched
up the startled Ryoga in his arms, one supporting his back, the
other his legs, and vaulted into the air to avoid the attack.
Ryoga naturally was a little shocked at being rescued in
this manor, particularly since he always envisioned women being
held and rescued this way. Now, Ryoga was not one to argue
against women's equality. On the contrary, he was all for it.
However, being treated like some damsel in distress was a little
much, particularly given his last encounter with his teacher.
"Ah, Mr. Tendo sir?"
"Yes, Ryoga?" Kaneda asked, as they landed on a nearby
roof top.
"Could you please put me down."
"Oh... Sorry," Kaneda said with a slight blush, and
quickly put Ryoga down onto his own feet.
"Now you die!" Ukyo screamed out, diving in on him,
fists first. Kaneda pivoted around, gently pushing Ryoga aside,
and thrust his own ki covered fist forward to intercept the attack.
Ryoga watched in amazement as Ukyo and Kaneda were
engulfed in a ki explosion. Ukyo was sent spiraling back into the
air, while Kaneda was thrown backwards into and through the
roof, ending up in some unsuspecting woman's bedroom where
naturally he ended up on top of her. He quickly excused himself,
apologizing profusely, then sprang back up through the hole to
intercept Ukyo in the air.
Once the two met, a quick exchange ensued, finishing off
with their respective techniques, and again both were sent flying
in opposite directions. After crashing to a halt, each got up, and
initiated other similar exchange, with similar results. After a few
minutes of watching this, Ryoga got the distinct impression he
was watching a video repeating itself. They'd get up, rush each
other, fight for about 2 seconds, then BOOM, they were back
where they started. The only thing that seemed to change was
that it took a little longer for each to reach the other with every
exchange.
Finally the crowd of spectators arrived, just in time to
witness the explosion of ki, and two bodies flying through the air.
They all came to a halt to watch two more such exchanges, until
at last the two fighters tired out enough that neither could reach
their feet for a few moments, and instead took a minute to rest.
"Ready to give up?" Ukyo asked through pants.
"I'm afraid not," Kaneda replied, and once more the two
were back on their feet, and readying for another attack. It was
cut short though when Ranma walked in between them.
"Mind if I call a time out?" Ranma asked, gaining
confused looks from both fighters. "I want to talk to Ukyo," he
further explained, causing Ukyo an abrupt feeling of panic.
"I don't mind," Kaneda answered.
Ranma looked over at Ukyo, who gave him a nervous
smile which he interpreted as her agreement, and he walked over
to her. Ryoga took the break to jump down next to Kitsune and
hopeful garner some information.
"So, what's going on anyway? What's this fight about?"
Ryoga asked.
"I'm not all that certain. My guess is that our teacher
isn't overly impressed with his treatment at the skating match
and is attempting to correct Ukyo."
"What, no aliens?" Ryoga asked jokingly.
"No, how disappointing huh. Just your average,
everyday, supernatural martial artist dispute. Say, speaking of
aliens, have you ever considered that your sense of direction is
actually some secret alien genetic experiment? I heard it runs in
the family. Now, hear me out. The way I see it..."
"Ranma, I-" Ukyo began to say as Ranma approached,
but he cut her off with a wave of his hand. He was going to end
this, and peacefully. If Ukyo would not listen to Kaneda, she
would listen to him.
"Let me talk. I know you have this vendetta against
Kasumi and all, and I know you have your reasons, but this is
getting ridiculous. This fight is getting you no where. What are
you trying to prove?"
Ukyo sparked up at that, gaining a serious look. "That
I'm better."
"Can't you settle for just as good."
Ukyo shook her head. "You don't understand."
Ranma nodded, then lowered his head in thought. After a
moment, he looked back up at Ukyo. "Ukyo, I don't claim to
know why you hate Kasumi so much, so maybe you're right. I
can't judge. I can say though that what you're doing isn't right."
"But Ranma, she ruined my life!"
"So, you ruin hers. What's that make you?" Ranma
asked. Ukyo started to respond in reflex, but then lowered her
own head. "What about when you two fought Mikado and
Azusa? Don't tell me you forgot that already."
Ukyo shook her head. The fight temporarily on hold, and
her anger pushed aside for the moment in Ranma's presence, all
the doubts suddenly came back. Her determination twisted with
them. This may be my only chance, she thought, but it did not
hold much force. What if I'm wrong, she asked herself in
counter. She was not yet ready to accept that she was wrong
though. She had seen Kasumi distinctly, and remembered her
shoving Ukyo into that blasted spring that ruined her life. How
could she be mistaken on that? How could she be mistaken
about Kasumi leaving her in that cursed form, with no idea of
what had happened to her, and without even so much as the
knowledge of how to change back? How could she be mistaken
about Kasumi stealing Ukyo's father's attentions? They were all
things Ukyo firmly believed.
However, it all did not matter. Ukyo would never risk
alienating Ranma. If he disapproved, then she could not go
through with it. Whether she was right or wrong was secondary.
Funny enough though, she was almost relieved to have the choice
taken away.
"All right Ranma. I'll... I'll stop the fight."
"Thank you Ukyo. You won't regret it. I promise."
Ranma responded, and motioned for Ukyo to approach Kaneda.
Together they walked over to where Kaneda stood, a cautious, yet
hopeful look on his face.
"Kaneda... I'm calling this off." Ukyo said, gaining a
shocked look from him. "I'll show you where I hid the pill."
Kaneda stood for a moment, stunned, then allowed
himself a smile of relief and joy. "Thank you Ukyo. I-"
"Save it," Ukyo cut him off, then started walking off.
"Come on."
A general moan went through the crowd at hearing that
the afternoon's entertainment was over, and they began to break
up. Kitsune and Ryoga headed off together, the former handing a
list of acquaintances who could run tests to the latter, who was by
now getting rather disturbed at the possibilities. Akane,
Shampoo and Ranma followed after Ukyo. Cologne took a
moment to sigh, but then smiled and followed as well.
"Here," Ukyo said at last, handing over the amulet that
had been taped on the inside of one of the school's gymnastic
horses. Kaneda examined the amulet briefly, then removed its
contents to examine them. Inside was a square piece of what
looked to Kaneda's eyes to be simply candy. There was nothing
special about it at all.
"Are you sure this is it?" Kaneda asked, causing Ukyo to
scowl angrily.
"That's what I got. I didn't open the thing, or touch the
stupid pill."
"All right, all right. I believe you." Kaneda quickly said,
then re-examined the so called pill. After a moments hesitation,
he plopped it into his mouth, and swallowed. He waited a
minute for any sort of odd sensation. Feeling nothing, he looked
back at Shampoo questioningly. "Should I feel anything?"
"Shampoo no know. Maybe try water now." Shampoo
suggested, and Akane raced off to fetch some. In the interval,
Cologne arrived, smiling.
"Well, that wasn't what I was expecting at all." The
elder commented.
"I suppose you wanted me to lose." Kaneda retorted, and
the elder nodded honestly.
"Of course. It would have made things far easier. You
should just accept your position and come back to the village
with us. You're making all this fuss over a simple little matter
like gender."
"I don't appreciate being stuck in this form. It doesn't
matter though."
"Oh, you think so?" Cologne asked, all too confidently
for Kaneda's liking. Just then Akane returned with a kettle of hot
water, and prepared to up end it on Kaneda. "I'd advise against
that child. Perhaps just a finger. You wouldn't want to put him
in the hospital now would you."
"What do you mean?" Akane asked, but Cologne only
smiled.
Kaneda sighed, already knowing the answer. "Just pour
a little on my hand Akane. Just a little." Akane reluctantly
complied, and the instant the water touched his skin, Kaneda
withdrew it, yelping in pain. Akane tested the water herself, but
found it only mildly warm. Kaneda rubbed the pain from his
hand, and eyed Cologne. "Where's the real pill?"
"In China," Cologne answered simply. "You don't really
think I would be foolish enough to bring the cure here to Japan,
do you? There is no need for it. If by some odd chance you
required a cure, I could temporarily reverse the cat tongue point,
but why would I bring a permanent cure with me? My apologies
for the deception Kaneda Tendo, but I had to try. Besides, it was
very informative on your ability."
"That's not fair!" Akane shouted in outrage, but Cologne
merely waved her off.
"Fairness has nothing to do with it. Kaneda Tendo, you
will come back with us to China sooner or later. It is your only
option. The sooner you accept that, the less trouble you'll have.
See reason."
Kaneda shook his head slowly, then suddenly raised his
hand to cover his eyes. "I won't give in to this. I won't." He
said, then let out a puff of breath as if trying to hold something in.
Cologne sadly shook her head, then got up. "Very well.
Determination is a valuable trait, if pointless in this
circumstance. You'll come around. I'll leave you for now, but I
will be watching as always. Good day." With that Cologne
hopped out, leaving those gathered to watch as Kaneda slowly
sank to the ground, shaking his head.
A small fire illuminated a clearing deep in the woods. Its
steady crackle was all that could be heard in the conspicuous
absence of the usual insects. Suddenly something rustled a
nearby bush.
<"Oh, come on Lotion. Stop playing around.">
<"I thought you liked playing around Perfume.">
<"Dah! Stop it! You know what happens when I...
Ahh!">
Two Amazons crashed out from the woods. One, a girl
with short blue hair held back in two buns, was holding the
other, and rolled to take the impact of the ground herself.
<"You're such a wimp Perfume."> She teased.
<"Oh yeah. I could beat you any day of the week.">
Perfume countered, breaking free of Lotion's hold and quickly
pinning the other Amazon's hands to the ground. <"See.">
<"Don't get smug. I just don't like fighting.">
<"Who ever said I did?"> Perfume asked with a frown,
then smiled mischievously. <"Of course it can come in handy.
I've always wanted such a pretty girl completely in my power.">
<"You really are a pervert Perfume.">
Perfume smiled even wider, and leaned right into Lotion's
face. <"You shouldn't say such things to people who have you at
their mercy.">
<"You haven't got the guts."> Lotion taunted with a
smile of her own.
<"Oh yeah? You think so huh. Well, we'll just see about
that."> Perfume moved in closer for a kiss as Lotion closed her
eyes. Just as their lips were about to touch, a loud thud caught
both's attention. Out of the corner of their eyes they could see a
shaft of wood driven into the ground by their heads that had not
been there a minute before. Following the shaft they looked up to
see a dark cloaked figure carrying a sickle, the end of which was
driven into the ground next to their heads. The fire flashed,
revealing a white face and glowing reddish eyes hidden in the
cloak.
Both girls screamed out in fright, and quickly put several
feet between themselves and their uninvited guest. As they sat
together, shaking in fear, the cloaked figure shook its head. It
then raised a hand and pulled back the hood of the cloak. The
long snow white hair braided to beyond the waist, the extremely
pale skin, the noticeably short stature and the seemingly glowing
pink eyes gave away her true identity.
<"Frost!"> Both girls yelled out in anger when they
recognized the girl.
<"What? Did I give you two a little fright?"> Frost
asked with a disapproving frown. <"You two can be so pathetic
sometimes.">
<"Bug off Frost! Who asked you anyway?!"> Perfume
yelled back. <"Why don't you go spook someone else? We've
long since given up our warrior rights. You don't need to keep
rubbing it in.">
Frost frowned deeper for a moment then calmed and
looked apologetic. <"Sorry. You dropped this in the field.">
She said, and tossed the sickle to Lotion. <"In the future I'd
advise you to be more careful with your tools.">
<"Uh... Thanks. Where have you been anyway? Haven't
seen you around much.">
Frost eyed Lotion for a moment, then turned away. <"I
was on a little expedition."> She answered and walked off into
the woods.
After a minute both Amazons began to relax. Lotion
shuddered for a second then grabbed up a bag that was next to
the fire. <"Gees, for a second there I thought she was death.">
Lotion commented, as she spread some of the bag's contents, a
mixture of various incenses to repell insects, onto the fire.
<"No way. Frost isn't death. Death's much taller. Nope,
she's a vampire. Got to admit, she does look it, and you never
see her during the day. She could be lurking out there right now,
planning to suck your blood any moment now."> As Perfume
said this she pressed into Lotion personal space, causing the
other girl to withdraw in mock fright. Perfume was about to
press the matter when she nearly jumped out of her shoes.
<"Maybe."> Frost said from just over Perfume's
shoulder.
<"Frost!"> Both girls exclaimed again.
Frost ignored their complaints and stood up. <"I meant
to ask, where is elder Cologne?">
<"She's gone off to Japan I think, right, Perfume?">
Perfume nodded in confirmation. <"Yeah.">
<"Oh. I guess I'll have to talk to Shampoo about getting-
"> The white haired Amazon began to say as she turned to leave,
but Lotion cut in.
<"She's not here either.">
Frost spun to look at the two Amazons. <"Where did she
go?">
<"Didn't you hear? Her new husband ran off on her on
the first night. She's off chasing him. I think elder Cologne is
helping her.">
As Lotion finished she noticed a very disturbing look
beginning to form on Frost's face. <"NEW HUSBAND?!
WHAT DO YOU MEAN NEW HUSBAND?!"> Frost roared
out after a moment, grabbing Lotion by the collar.
Despite the pronounced size difference between Frost and
Lotion, Lotion being probably a half foot taller, Lotion was still
severely shaken. <"Well... ah... this guy came to the village
and... and he beat her-">
<"WHAT?!!!!!!"> Frost roared out in fury, scaring both
girls. After taking a moment to calm herself Frost continued her
questioning. <"You mean to tell me that some... man defeated
Shampoo and forced her to marry him?!">
<"Well, ah... sort of, I guess."> Lotion responded
meekly.
<"And he had the unmitigated gall to... to... to... SLEEP
with her, then RAN OFF like some... some... some..."> Frost
released her grip on Lotion and started running off. <"I'LL KILL
HIM!! HE'S A DEAD MAN!">
Lotion and Perfume watched Frost leave, both confused
and frightened by what just happened. <"I think she's upset.">
Perfume finally said.
<"Yeah, no kidding. And he struck me as such a nice
boy too. Too bad. Where were we...">
%End Chapter 17
Ah, better. Now, if I can keep up this pace... C&C is, as
always, very welcome, even flames. Come on people! I mean it!
Anything is good! I'm open to suggestions and ideas you know.
The plot is fairly dynamic.
Special thanks to T. H. Tiger for his creative assistance,
which has been, and continues to be extraordinarily helpful.
Mental torment is our game. Everyone better watch ou .
Cross-over spoilers: Artemis, Mako, Usagi, Rei, Minako,
Ami, and Luna are of course from Sailor Moon. Sakura is from
street fighter, and Kitsune... well, she's not really from anywhere,
but she does have a basis in an extremely odd show. Ahem,
anyway, all other students to date are just weirdoes either from
Ranma 1/2 or from our twisted imaginations
If you wish to check out my other works look at my new
webpage:
http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/attenborough/249/in
dex.htm
All previous chapters can be found there for your reading
pleasure.
Another thing. I know people have a nasty knack of not
reading this stuff, but I'll try and gain a response anyhow. The
restaurant still is as of yet unnamed, so the suggestion box is still
open. Any suggestions would be appreciated. They may be
basically anything (it's not going to be purely a Chinese
restaurant like the Nekohanten was).
Okay, this is the end, stop reading.
Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought
What's happened so far: Kasumi Tendo and Ranma
Saotome... Why do I bother. That's what the previous chapters
are for, so you read them, if you haven't already. Anyway, for a
quick update, Kaneda (that's Kasumi in male form for you
unenlightened) went through a series of quick crisis in the last
chapter. First off Makoto found out he was married. Then he
had to negotiate with Shampoo to get access to the Dragon Fang
Fist, which he used to hold Ukyo to a stale mate in their duel.
The last crisis, and still quite unresolved was when he discovered
the Phoenix pill in fact was never here, leaving him with
seemingly no hope of changing back to normal. Oh, I guess I
should mention a certain Amazon named Frost found out about
Shampoo's wedding, and had a mild fit about it.
Now, for those getting lost, here's a little program to keep
track of things:
Ranma is chasing after Kodachi who in turn is after Kasumi-kun.
He's also friends with Kuno who has his sights set on Kasumi-
chan and Akane, but unfortunately hates the guts of Kasumi-kun.
Kodachi is friends with Akane who herself is after Dr. Tofu but
hasn't gotten around to doing anything yet. Right about here is
where we get the mysterious curse victim C-chan who is Akane's
pet and has some interest in both Kasumi and Shampoo, and pink
little Ryouko who is actually Ukyo who loves Ranma and hates
Kasumi with a passion. Then we have Shampoo who is married,
yes married, to Kasumi, with mixed feelings on the whole matter.
She also is developing a unhealthy dislike of Makoto and
Kodachi (unhealthy for them that is). Oh, and of course there is
poor old Nabiki who through unfortunate circumstances has
ended up with an annoying attraction to her brother... er, sister,
Kasumi-kun. Makoto has also taken a severe liking of Kasumi-
kun giving the poor girl... well, boy at the moment, even more
trouble. Now Mousse is on the scene, and of course he's
interested in Shampoo. Well, I think that basically covers it for
now. On with the story.
%Chapter 18
Kaneda, or rather to be more accurate Kasumi had gone
through her share of misery. Her up-rooting and moving in with
the Saotomes, the death of her mother, being trained in the cat
fist, and who could forget falling into the Nanniichuan.
Normally though, Kasumi usually bounced back, and could hope.
Not this time. Now it seemed, hope was gone, and how could
one possibly bounce back when one was not even the correct
gender anymore?
It was this that Kaneda was thinking while lying in bed at
night. It had been a week since finding the out the phoenix pill
was a phoney. Now, every day that passed came with a stronger
sense that Kasumi Tendo was no more. All that seemed to be left
was Kaneda. At this point, Kaneda could truly feel empathy for
Shampoo's impression of things, that there seemed to be no good
alternatives or endings anymore. Things just seemed to go from
one disaster to another.
That was the truly sad thing about all this actually, that
Shampoo had been dragged into it with Kaneda. One stupid
misunderstanding mixed thoroughly with one curse had lead to
one marriage, and one hell of a mess. Bad enough that he had
gotten married while drunk, but to have married another girl, a
girl who really needed something stable. That had been the
height of folly on his part. In a way, Kaneda almost wished
Shampoo had struck him down that morning. At least she would
have been free from all the madness Kaneda had brought into her
life.
However, she did not. She left him alive in defiance of
her law because of her feelings. Those same feelings were now
tearing her up. Not only did she have to wrestle with the idea of
being married to a woman, but with herself over how to act in
regards to the marriage, either to try and maintain it, or destroy it.
She had made the temporary choice of siding with him, but
Kaneda could sense she dearly wished for her husband to come
back to her, even though he had never really existed in the first
place.
Kaneda's thought sequence was interrupted at that
moment. Shampoo walked into the room. She wore a look of
honest concern and sadness, which with the oversized shirt she
donned, was about all she was wearing. Kaneda not being
clothed much himself, having on only an undershirt and some
boxer shorts, couldn't help but blush when Shampoo walked over
to the bed, and sat next to him. He was still finding his male
reactions extremely embarrassing, and never more so then when
it was reacting to Shampoo's presence.
Seeing that face of hers so close up almost hurt. The
expression seemed to mar her beauty, making Kaneda wish he
could just take away these worldly concerns from her. She didn't
deserve to be held back by such worries about her life and future.
He wanted to tell her it would all work out, but in truth he
couldn't promise that. Instead, all he could offer was support, so
he sat up and pulled her into a hug.
Shampoo melted into the embrace, softly cooing,
"Kasumi." Kaneda also felt her warmth, and allowed himself to
get briefly lost in it. It was much easier than having to worry
about his own life. Here he felt like he belonged.
"Kasumi!" A voice cried out angrily, causing Kaneda to
break the embrace and stare across the room at the woman now
standing in the doorway. "So, this is what you have made of
yourself. You're a disgrace!"
"I... I... Mother, I..." Kaneda stammered at the women
who he now recognized as his mother. However, she just glared
back at him in contempt.
"You dare defend yourself when I find you like this, in
the arms of a woman! You obviously were never a daughter of
mine." Her mother said, the words stinging like acid, then she
turned and began to leave. Kaneda got up and moved toward
her, to plead with her to return, that it was a mistake, but the door
closed in his face just as he reached it. He tried the handle, but
he couldn't turn it. He pounded on the door, and cried out.
"Mother!"
"Mother!" Kaneda shot bolt upright in his bed, breathing
heavily. He scanned his darkened room. Everything was normal,
save himself. Just a dream, he consoled himself, but he felt
anxious, too anxious to sleep. With a sigh he got up, put on
some light clothes, and headed out the door. A short walk would
relax him.
He got a momentary shock when he opened his door and
saw Shampoo. She looked almost exactly like she had in the
dream, as if she had been plucked from it just now. It took
Kaneda's sensibility a second to remind him that she always
dressed like that at night, and this wasn't a repeat of the dream.
"You okay Kasumi?" Shampoo asked.
Kaneda took a moment to respond. In truth, he did not
feel okay, but there was little Shampoo could do to correct that.
Instead, he opted to answer the question in regards to his physical
condition. "I'm all right. I just need a walk, that's all. Go back
to bed." Shampoo reluctantly nodded, and returned to her room,
stopping at her door long enough to watch Kaneda go down the
stairs. Kaneda stopped in the kitchen to eye Makoto, who was
standing, smiling innocently, in front of a one of the cabinets.
"You should be in bed too Makoto. You do have school
tomorrow."
"Ah, I was just getting a quick drink of water." Makoto
lied, and Kaneda knew it, but something told him not to
investigate the matter further, or he'd regret it. Instead he merely
nodded, and headed for the main door.
"All right then. I'll be back in a little while."
"Sure, okay, no problem." Makoto said with a rapid nod
of her own. She watched him leave, then released Artemis from
the cabinet. "That was too close. You better get going."
"Right, talk to you later." Artemis replied, and discretely
exited through a window. Makoto got her drink of water, just for
appearances, and headed back to her room. Shampoo was back
in her bed by now, so Makoto silently returned to her own, only
to find out Shampoo was awake.
"You should no keep cat here." Shampoo said quietly,
causing Makoto to freeze in her tracks.
"How'd you know?" Makoto asked, but Shampoo did
not answer. After a moment she dropped the subject, and laid
down to get some sleep. Neither noticed the dark figure peering
in through the window, hidden in the darkness on the roof of the
building across the way.
<"That swine. I can't believe this! He dares to keep two
women in his clutches!"> Frost said, then changed tone just
slightly. <"Typical male sleeze! No doubt he toys with the
hearts of others too. Humph! You have to put a stop to that.">
Frost smiled and nodded with some giddiness. <"No problem.
Don't you worry Shampoo, I'll kill this creep and you'll be free.
This is my chance to prove myself. When I take down this
fiend... You wait Kasumi Tendo. When I'm through with you,
you'll wish you were never born!">
Frost rubbed her hands together gleefully as her strategy
formed in her mind. Kasumi would fall victim of a little
`accident', courtesy of Frost of course. That way, no blame could
possibly go Shampoo's way, and she'd be free to return to the
village. The fool had even provided Frost with the perfect
opportunity to strike. Late at night, with no one watching, what
could be better. Plus, Frost was perfect for this task. He may
have been able to defeat Shampoo after a full day of tournament
on a log, but defeating Frost who was fresh, on open terrain, and
best yet wouldn't give him the chance to retaliate was a totally
different matter.
Frost descended to the ground, then began shadowing her
prey, carefully waiting for her chance to strike. It was going to be
glorious! She would step out into the open just long enough to
gain his attention, then ZAP, he would be a dead man. Frost
rolled the scenario over several times as the minutes passed, the
target of Frost's aggression passing down several streets, taking a
wide circular path if Frost guessed right. Well, this will be the
lecher's last nightly stroll, Frost thought confidently.
Finally, in a heavily darkened street, Frost decided it was
time. She leapt from the shadows and pointed her finger at her
foe. "Kasumi Tendo, prepare to die!" She shouted, then intoned
her attack "FULMONOS VENITA!"
Kaneda heard the yell, mildly surprised he had not
noticed the person before, and turned to face his attacker. He
blinked, waiting for some sort of attack, but the girl stood still,
just pointing her finger at him. Seeing nothing coming, and
sensing no danger, he took a moment to examine his opponent.
The voice said she was female, and although the dark cloak she
wore concealed her body well, it hinted at the general shape of a
girl. She stood only a little taller than Ms. Hinako, and had
Kasumi been in a lighter mood he might have found it comical
that this little girl was challenging a man at least a foot taller
than her. Next he noticed the skin of her hand. It was almost
white. Not Caucasian white, but really white, almost as if she
had dipped her hand in paint. Some sort of body paint, or
perhaps she is an albino, Kaneda thought absently. He concluded
the latter when the girl finally drew back her hand in confusion,
and removed the hood of her cloak, revealing the white hair and
face beneath its shadowed covering.
<"Now what?! That should have worked! Wait a
minute, I didn't pronounce it quite correct... Now how did it go
again? I just looked it up earlier..."> Frost muttered to herself
and began reciting the phrase again, but never arriving at quite
the right way of saying it. Finally, just as Kaneda was thinking
she had completely forgotten about her opponent, she took notice
of him, and snarled. "Don't you think I'm through with you. I'll
just use another spell. Now... I know!"
{"Three suns aligned,"} Frost began, talking in plain
English, touching her forehead with both hands, then stretching
her arms out. {"Pour forth their light, and fill the archer's bow
with might."} Frost swung her hands forward, outlining the
form of a bow in the air, then pulling back an imaginary arrow,
aiming directly at the much confused Kaneda. Unfortunately for
Frost, again nothing happened.
After sweating nervously for a moment, Frost dropped her
pose, and yelled out in frustration. <"NOW WHAT?! I KNOW
I PRONOUNCED THAT ONE RIGHT!!">
"Excuse me, but I really don't have time for these little
games. I have to get home. I suggest you head home too little
girl." Kaneda said, as he began to leave.
Frost fumed. "I'm not a little girl!" She shouted after
Kaneda, stamping a foot on the ground, but he failed to heed her
cry. "You just wait Kasumi Tendo. I'll be back, and then... then
you'll... you'll... Oh why do I bother. I just made a complete
fool of myself." Frost said in embarrassment, and walked off to
think.
The next morning, just before dawn, children were on
their way to school, and Frost was still wandering aimlessly. She
didn't bother taking note of those passing her by, or those staring
at the stranger in the cloak. Instead, she alternated between
trying to figure what went wrong, and admonishing herself over
the utter and complete failure her attack had been.
<"I mean, I tried the spells earlier. They should have
worked."> Frost explained, then changed tone to respond to
herself. <"Well, they obviously didn't, did they, so you fucked
up!"> Frost hunched her shoulders suddenly, readying herself for
a corrective blow that would never come, then continued, back in
her original tone. <"It's not my fault. The arrow spell should
have worked for sure. There is no reason it should have failed.">
She offered in her own defense, but then shook her head and once
again changed tone. <"Excuses, excuses, one and one always
adds to two, so don't say it suddenly adds to three today. You
messed up, plain and simple."> Frost nodded solemnly in
acceptance of that. <"Yeah, I guess so, and now Shampoo has to
stay with the creep. God only knows what sick, perverted crap
he's forcing on her... Damn, idiotic laws!"> Frost commented,
then switched voices again. <"You failed Frost, big time, and
made a total ass of yourself in the process. Now he knows you're
here... total fuck up!">
Frost once more cringed in preparation for a corrective
measure for her language, then signed in frustration. After a
moment she noticed a shop keeper eyeing her warily. "What the
hell are you looking at, male?! Do you want to be a toad?" The
man quickly shook his head, and withdrew inside his shop. Frost
glared at his retreating form. <"Moronic Japanese society, letting
males run businesses. Guess I should expect nothing less of a
_male_ dominated society. I'll be glad to go home..."> Frost
trailed off a a clap of thunder caught her attention, and she was
soon in the middle of a downpour. <"Great! Just... bloody great!
Even the gods are against me here. I got to find a place to
stay.">
The Amazon ran off down the street, whenever possible
keeping under the awnings of the local shops, all the while
cursing the duplicity of males and the stupidity of a society that
would let them have control. As the rain soaked through her
cloak, she thought back to the day when she had learned the truth
about boys.
Three boys in the Amazon village were doing what most
fourteen years old boys do, hanging around together, shooting the
shit, while carefully keeping out of sight of any adult who might
decide they needed something to occupy their excess of free time.
In this particular case they were standing around the now
darkened and deserted market. One of them was the center of the
other two's attention.
<"I can't believe you're going out with her. Aren't you
afraid you'll catch something?"> One boy asked.
<"Don't be stupid. She doesn't have a disease. That's
the way she was born."> The central boy responded.
<"She may not have disease, but she doesn't have much
else either. I mean talk about flat. It would be like stepping out
with my eight year old sister."> The other two boys gagged at
the image, until the boy they were talking to laughed.
<"She may not have much, but she does have something I
want.">
<"What?">
<"What?">
<"Shampoo,"> The boy with the coke bottle glasses
answered simply, his voice filled with longing. The other two
boys looked at each other, and shook their heads in disgust.
<"Give it up. You are never going to get near that girl.
Sucking up to her friend isn't going to do you any good at all.">
<"Ahh, but you are forgetting Frost isn't just a clumsy,
flat chested, undergrown, pale skinned, sun avoider. She's also a
magus. She's found a spell that will cure my eyesight, and when
she does, Shampoo will be mine."> He said the last while
laughing rather maniacally. His friends bigsweated, but then
their expressions changed, and they stared in panic at something
behind Mousse. They started to edge away from what they
thought was about to become ground zero.
<"Hmm?"> Mousse pushed his eyeglasses up his nose
and stared at them. He turned and looked behind him, following
the direction of their gaze. The sight that greeted him caused him
to rear back, making a warding gesture as he spotted a small
figure, tears streaming down her cheeks standing a few feet
away. <"F. . .Frost, I didn't hear you come up.">
<"I wanted to surprise you."> The white haired girl said
in a strangled voice. <"I finished your cure."> She held out a
small vial, then let it drop. Mousse followed its descent, frozen
in shock, right up to the point where it struck a rock and
shattered. Then he lifted his eyes, saying, <"Frost I can
explain..."> only to find that there was no one there any longer.
<"Frost,"> he murmured
As memory flooded through her, Frost stopped trying to
keep under shelter. She ran through the rain, just as she had run
through the village all those years ago. But, this time, she was
strong. It was only rain that washed down her cheeks, not the
tears of a silly little girl who did not know any better then to trust
a man.
Finally she stopped to catch her breath, and eyed a sign
across the road. "Dr. Tofu... nurse wanted... hmmm, nurse huh."
She mumbled, considering. A second clap of thunder made up
her mind for her, and she ran across the road, and knocked on the
door, pulling her cloak in tighter to warm herself. <"Won't be
too bad. I studied medicine. Not my forte, but...">
Frost fell silent as the door opened to reveal Dr. Tofu, in a
robe, and rubbing his eyes. "Can I help you?"
Frost took a moment to conceal her disappointment at
being greeted by a male, then spoke. "Could I speak to the
doctor please?"
"You are," Tofu said with an amused smile, then noticed
Frost's sudden disheartened look.
"You're the doctor, are you... never mind. I have to go."
Frost said, then turned just in time to see the rain double in
strength. She frowned angrily, looked up at the skies, silently
cursing them, then turned back to Dr. Tofu. "On second
thought... I... You're looking for a nurse."
"Oh yes, come in, come in." Dr. Tofu replied excitedly,
leading Frost in out of the rain. Frost reluctantly obeyed, all the
while promising herself to one day have a chat with whatever
mischievous force was forcing this on her.
The school day was winding to a close, and as tomorrow
was to be a holiday, it was a time for loosening up, at least in Ms.
Hinako's opinion. Especially as tomorrow there would be a
festival with fishing ponds and ice cream, and shooting games
and ice cream, and fortune telling booths and ice cream, and,
well, you get the picture. However, as she looked across the table
in the teacher's lounge at Kaneda she could swear it was a time
to cry. He had been sporting that look all day, a look of
depression so deep that you could not help but feel for him. Even
now it seemed infectious, draining away all Hinako's usual
energy. Even the thought of ice cream was losing its ability to
cheer her up. She decided it was time to take some action.
"You look bummed." Hinako final commented, gaining
some of Kaneda's attention. He looked at her for a moment in
mild confusion, until she elaborated. "Sad, depressed, you
know."
"I guess I am," he admitted, and resumed looking at the
table top.
Mr. Hiro, who was sitting with them, took a moment to
ensure no one was in earshot then spoke. "Kasumi, why don't
you get away from things for a while. Tomorrow's a holiday.
Why don't you let me take you up to the mountains for some
skiing."
"Yeah, that's sounds great!" Hinako seconded. In a
show of extreme self sacrifice, she shoved the thought of all that
wasted dairy product from her mind. Cheering Kaneda up was
more important, but Kaneda shook his head.
"I don't even know how to ski."
Hiro shook off the complaint. "It's easy to learn, and fun.
After all that's been happening lately you really need a
distraction right now. It certainly couldn't hurt."
Kaneda thought for a moment, then nodded. "I suppose I
do."
"Then say you'll come. We'll make a day of it, and you
can get away from your troubles for a while."
"Hard to get away from being a man in my present
condition." Kaneda pointed out soberly, causing both Hiro and
Hinako to look disappointed. However, after another moment of
thought he nodded. "I suppose I can come. Like you say, it can't
hurt."
"Great, then we'll see you tomorrow. I'll arrange some
rides, and we can meet here in the morning, say around ten. That
all right?"
"Sure," Kaneda answered, managing a slight smile, then
got up. "I should get going."
Hinako and Hiro gave their goodbyes, then after Kaneda
left the room, looked at each other seriously. "I don't think he
can stand up to this much longer." Hiro said, and Hinako could
only nod in solemn agreement. The thought of what she was
giving up for her big brother made her feel all noble inside. Then
her face twisted as a thought occurred to her.
"Mr. Hiro?"
"Hmm?"
"The ski resort will have ice cream, won't it?"
"I would think so. Why?"
Hinako didn't answer, instead she hopped down from her
chair and dashed from the room. She called over her shoulder as
she left. "Got to go and pack. See you later." Hiro watched her
go, shaking his head in amusement. He sometimes wondered
how he had managed, after nearly sixty years of living a
completely regulated life, to end up associated with two such
unusual people as Kasumi and Hinako.
"Just lucky I guess." He said to himself with a smile.
Just outside the school gates, Kuno stood ready. Today
was the day he would bring the tyrant Kaneda to his knees, and
force him to return Kasumi Tendo. Kuno would settle for
nothing less, even if it meant his life was forfeit. Kasumi had
been gone too long. If he could not retrieve her now, then he did
not feel himself deserving of life.
At last his target came out from the school, head held
low. No doubt weighed down with the burden of his evil, Kuno
thought, and drew his bokken. He took up a pose of challenge.
"Kaneda Tendo, stand now and face me. I shall not allow this
travesty to go on. You will return Kasumi Tendo at once or you
will face me in combat to the death!" Kuno pronounced as
Kaneda came to a stop at the end of Kuno's weapon. Kaneda
looked up at him, and without a word passed by. There was no
fight. There was no speeches. There was nothing but Tatewaki
Kuno standing in a state of complete shock and confusion.
It took him several minutes to come back to himself
enough to sort through just what had happened. It was that look
Kaneda had given him. It was the look of the tormented, the look
of someone who had all but lost hope, and simply wished for
some measure of peace. It was that look that had drained the
fight right out of Kuno better than any draining Ms. Hinako had
ever inflicted on him. Kuno was so perplexed by this that he did
not even take note of his sister's arrival.
"Brother dear? Hello? Anyone in there?" Kodachi asked
as she waved her hand in front of his face, but gained no
response. Kodachi stepped back and examined him with her
arms crossed. "He must be thinking. Can't allocate enough
brain cells to monitor his senses. Oh well."
"Dachi, what are you doing here?" Akane called out as
she approached from the school, Nabiki close behind her.
Kodachi turned and smiled at her friend. "Came to give
my new school a look over."
"New school?! Dachi, don't tell me you got transferred."
"Purely voluntary I assure you. I've been a good girl."
Kodachi protested innocently, gaining a skeptical look from both
Tendo girls. "Mostly anyway," Kodachi amended, then clapped
her hands together in delight. "Now, point me at my darling
Kaneda."
"Dachi, I told you to give him a rest. He's been feeling
really lousy since the fight."
"Exactly why I'm here, to comfort his troubled soul, and
ease the worry from that noble brow." Kodachi countered, a
dreamy look in her eyes, which faded into seriousness. "That,
and that little prank I pulled on my dear instructor." Both girls
again eyed Kodachi, who threw up her hands innocently. "It was
an extremely little prank. Just a little rumor I happened to start
regarding her sex life, or rather lack there of."
Akane nodded, with a slight smile slipping onto her face.
"Of course. Trust me though Dachi, Kaneda is in no mood to be
dealing with you. Don't give me that hurt look. You know what
you get like. He needs some time to get back to himself.
Speaking of which, Nabiki, what are you doing tomorrow?"
As the discussion had up to now been focused on Kaneda,
Nabiki's guard immediately went up. "Why?"
"Well, I was thinking we could take Kaneda out
somewhere to cheer him up. He could really use it."
"I... I can't. I'm busy." Nabiki responded, and began
discretely putting some distance between herself and her sister.
"Nabiki, you've been avoiding him practically since he
got here. You'd think you didn't like him or something." Akane
noted, causing Nabiki to nervously sweat, Akane hitting a little
too close for her liking. "Can't you free up some time
tomorrow."
"It's... kind of important." Nabiki said, having to restrain
herself from simply running away. "It's... It's... It's got... It's
got nothing to do with him."
Akane frowned, Nabiki was never this nervous. The fact
that she was now raised Akane's interest. "What do you have to
do? Maybe I can help you."
Nabiki shook her head adamantly. "Nono, it's... it's...
ummm..."
"Nabiki, there you are. Why have you been avoiding
me?" Tsubasa called out as he ran up. Nabiki looked over her
shoulder at the approaching boy and almost moaned. Ever since
that date of several weeks ago, this boy had been making a
nuisance of himself. Every day she'd find some love letter,
flower, or other such nonsense either in her locker, or on her
desk, and sometimes both. He was even trying out various
costumes to try and gain her interest. Of course, Yakuza, tax
collectors, and accountants didn't exactly appeal to her. The
ATMs were just plain annoying.
At present, thankfully, he was sporting the much more
reasonable selection of a leisure suit, complete with tie, and dress
shoes. His hair was styled to fit the outfit, simple and business
like. The bulk of it was held back in a loose pony tail. The effect
was quite impressive actually, giving him a serious high rolling
businessman type look, but Nabiki was not much moved. The
effect was spoiled slightly by the fact he had to look up to meet
her eyes, and the expression in his was anything but business
like.
To make the situation worse, Kodachi naturally had to
open her mouth. "Why Nabiki, it's your `little' boyfriend. Am I
to understand you plan to take him out yet again?" Kodachi
asked with a sly smile, that Nabiki was sorely tempted to wipe
off her face forcefully.
"A date?! Oh, wonderful! This time I'll show you a
really good time. Let's say we..." Tsubasa said joyfully, and
began to drag Nabiki off.
Akane eyed her companion after her sister's departure.
"Dachi, that wasn't exactly nice. That guy has been a pest to
Nabiki for weeks now."
"Oh pish-posh, she was obviously up to something. I
wouldn't be surprised if your dear sister is angry at Kaneda for
being in the class, and is simply being rude. I think she deserves
it. Besides, that young man looked so desperate for her attention
my charitable instincts were quite inflamed." Kodachi said with
her usual smile, then ignoring Akane's skeptical look, she started
walking toward the school. "Come Akane, if I'm going to be
stuck going to this common little school, you must show me
around."
Still standing in thought as the two girls left was Kuno.
He continued to stand there for several more minutes until finally
he returned to reality, and put away his weapon in a slow
deliberate motion. He then looked to the sky for a moment, and
took in a deep breath. "Could it be..." He mumbled, then turned
and set off on his way home to consider further.
The next day Kaneda arrived outside the school with
Shampoo, Makoto, and Akane. Akane was of the opinion that
the former two's presence kind of defeated the purpose of the trip,
but kept that to herself. Both had professed an equal desire to
cheer up Kaneda, so when they found out about the trip to the
mountains they all insisted on coming. Fortunately, for the
moment anyway, Kaneda seemed to be glad for the moral
support. Now, Akane thought, if only we can all keep on our
best behavior... Hiro and Hinako arrived shortly after, and
together they were off.
Across town at Dr. Tofu's office Frost was busy
reviewing the doctor's inventory while he was out on an errand.
She was also busy muttering various colorful descriptions of said
doctor, Kaneda, and just various men in general for putting her in
the situation of being relegated menial work. In the back of her
mind, she was busy working on solving the problems she had
encountered with her magic earlier.
Now, believe it or not, Frost was normally quite the little
sorceress. She had been studying the craft ever since she was 7
years old, and had shown an ability in it far beyond her years.
She even had developed as far as to apprentice under Cologne,
who knew a fair bit of the craft herself although she was not a
full magus like Frost, but rather treated it like a hobby. Of
course, with 300 years of knowledge to back her up, that was one
heck of a hobby.
In any case, magic was Frost's thing which made her a
rarity in a village of warriors. Where as most other girls her age
were busy practicing various forms of applied mayhem out in the
training grounds, she was stuck in doors, pouring over old tomes,
scrolls, and books of all kinds. It was a supremely solitary
lifestyle, not prone to developing one's martial arts talents, not
that she was totally useless in that regard. No, she had some
martial arts talent. No apprentice of Cologne's could get away
without some physical training. She could not hope to challenge
Shampoo however, and that meant Kasumi was down right out of
the question.
Another thing that tended to suffer was her social life.
Her condition, in addition to her trade and limited time out in
public had gained her the dubious prestige of being the village's
bogeyman... errr, woman. She did not mind that too much. It at
least kept the nosy and annoying younger kids from disturbing
her studies, and most of the older ones knew what she really was
and treated her with her due the few times they saw her. The
problem that limited ability in the martial arts presented was that
Frost always felt inferior. Her magic had its points, but usually
without a fighter to protect a magus while they did their thing,
the magus was toast. It was warriors like Shampoo who gained
all the true respect, admiration, and fame. Magic users like Frost
were the ones overlooked and forgotten. At least that is how
Frost saw it.
Frost did not resent this system however. She herself
admired the village warriors for their prowess, more in fact than
any achievement she had ever made. Highest on the list was
Shampoo. Shampoo was the peak of perfection for a warrior of
her age, at least in Frost's eyes. Maybe she was influenced by
her cousins Ling Ling and Lung Lung who also admired
Shampoo, but Frost always felt Shampoo was the best there was,
someone to be looked up to. Someone who endured a great deal
of adversity, even a similar social difficulty that Frost faced, yet
still came out shining. She never admitted to this feeling of
course. For a girl two years Shampoo's elder, Frost had no
doubts that her peers would find it unusual that she admired the
younger girl.
Yes, Frost was eighteen, despite any conclusions one
might make due to her small stature. Frost seemed to have
extremely bad luck, even when it came to genetics. This leads
back to her problem. Right now, she was out to prove herself.
She was going to rescue Shampoo from this travesty of justice,
and on her own too. That would show everyone just what she
could do. Her magic was particularly handy for this, should she
get it working. The fool was clearly reckless, and did not know
the true danger she posed. A magus of her level could strike
someone with as much power as some of the greatest martial arts
attacks. If he did not realize that, then she would destroy him in
a single hit. The only problem was... it was not working.
That was annoying Frost to no end. Sure, her offensive
magic was a little rusty, seeing as how she had little use for it
normally, but she had practiced. The mispronunciation was
understandable, and completely correctable. The problem with
the other spell was still a mystery, and Frost was unwilling to
trust her magic until she solved the problem.
Finally, a voice calling out from the door broke through
the doldrums. "Dr. Tofu?"
"He's not here." Frost called out as she continued her
work. A moment later a man walked into the room, wearing
what appeared to be a martial arts gi, a cloth over his scalp, and a
pair of glasses held in place by a string. Frost looked back at him
contemptuously. "I said-"
"Yes, I heard. Are you his new nurse?" The man asked,
gaining another annoyed look from Frost.
"Gee, what gave me away? Of course I'm his new nurse!
Who are you?" Frost asked with a scowl, causing the man to
pull back a few inches.
"I'm Genma Saotome. I work here."
"Oh, so you're the assistant. Well then, assist already!
I'm supposed to be a nurse, not some stock boy. You do this."
Frost said, shoving the inventory clipboard into Genma's hands.
Genma shrugged and obeyed, grabbing up the first bottle and
looking it over.
"What is this?" He asked, just as Frost was leaving.
Frost stopped, turned around and looked at the bottle in
annoyance. "It's Echinacea."
"Oh, and this?" Genma asked, showing Frost another
bottle.
The Amazon growled in frustration, grabbing the
clipboard back off Genma. "Get lost you incompetent fool! I'll
do it!" Genma shrugged, and grabbed up a nearby broom and
headed back out into the waiting room. "Men, worthless idiots,
the lot of them." Frost commented as she continued her work.
"When I figure out what went wrong with my spell, then I'll rid
this world of at least one male."
Frost sighed and picked up another bottle with the
depiction of a rising sun on the label. She marked down the
contents, and returned it to its spot on the shelf and continued
onto the next. She made another two notes, before stopping and
looking back at the label. {"Three suns aligned..."} She
mumbled, then moaned at her own stupidity, slapping her
forehead for effect. <"Since when is this a trinary solar system?
Three stars aligned! That's it. All right Kasumi Tendo, I'm
coming for you now! This time there will be no mistakes!">
Frost jumped to her feet then stopped cold as if a little voice was
talking to her. <"What do you mean he's not there? Where did
he go then?"> She asked in frustration, and seemingly listened to
a response. <"Then what the heck good are you?!">
"Is there some problem?" Genma asked from the waiting
room.
"No! Now, leave me be!" Frost yelled back, then
concentrated on her own thoughts. <"I'll just have to wait till he
returns."> Frost shook her head vehemently, changing tone.
<"Nono, fool, don't you see. He's making his get away now that
you're here. He's run off with Shampoo, and probably the rest of
his victims, so if you don't find him quick, god only knows what
he'll pull."> Frost's expression changed from fierce to frightened
as she considered that. <"Oh no, I can't let him. I have to find
him now, but who would know where-">
"Are you sure-"
"Yes I'm sure!" Frost yelled once more, annoyed at the
disruption of her thoughts, then paused. "Genma Saotome," she
repeated, then with a snap of her fingers a scroll appeared in her
hands. She quickly unraveled it, and looked down at where a
signature was written. She reviewed it, then rushed into the other
room in a flash. Genma was startled to find the scroll thrust in
his face. "Is this your signature?" Frost asked forcefully.
Genma swallowed nervously, and scanned the document.
It did not take him long to see that it was a copy of the marriage
certificate the Amazons made him and Kasumi sign, and sure
enough his signature was on it. He looked into Frost's angry
glare, debating the positives and negatives of lying or telling the
truth. She did not seem much a threat physically, but something
told him to be afraid, very afraid. Given the presence of other
Amazons here in Nerima, he concluded any lie would soon fall
apart, so opted for the truth.
"Uh, yes, it is."
"So, you're the man that was with Kasumi hmmm?"
Frost asked, once more snapping her fingers and returning the
scroll to where ever it came from.
"I suppose I was." Genma offered lamely, and started
looking for a quick escape.
"So, you were in cohorts with Kasumi in forcing
Shampoo into that marriage."
"Well, I wouldn't say-"
"I would!" Frost countered, then grabbed Genma by the
collar and hulled him down to look into her eyes. "I'm not
without mercy, even for males such as yourself. So, in that spirit,
and seeing as how Kasumi is the true offending party here and
you were just an accomplice, I'll give you one chance to save
your life. Where can I find Kasumi Tendo? Take strong note
that if you lie, you will meet a very dire fate."
Genma looked into Frost's pink eyes which seemed for
just a second to glow hot red, and the feeling of fear intensified
ten fold. He decided to obey one instinct that had saved his hide
more than once, grovel. "Uhhh, she went to the mountains, to ski
I think. One of the local ski resorts I believe. Don't hurt me.
Please."
"Ski resort huh. All right then, I'll let you live." Frost
released Genma and rushed to the doorway, only to stop at seeing
the sunlight striking the ground. She eyed it wearily, then looked
up at the sky, shielding her eyes. <"Damn!"> She cursed,
cringing again, then shaking her head. <"How am I going to get
there now?">
Just then Dr. Tofu drove up, and parked his car. "Oh
Frost, sorry for taking so long. There was quite a line up." He
said as he approached, then noticed the shaken look on Genma's
face. "I see you met Mr. Saotome."
"Yes, we've been getting along capitally, haven't we Mr.
Saotome?" Frost replied, eyeing Genma who nodded rapidly in
confirmation.
The doctor shrugged, then turned to Frost. "Oh, okay
then. Glad to hear it. Now then, I got some stuff for you."
"Stuff? What sort of stuff?" Frost asked, as she was
handed a bag.
"Oh, just some sun block, and a pair of sunglasses. I
figured you might need them. After all, I'm sure you don't want
to be cooped up in doors all day." The doctor answered, and
headed into the back to drop off his other parcels. Frost looked
through the bags contents in suspicion as the doctor continued
talking. "I don't know what sort of stuff you use back at the
village, so I just got the most powerful formula I could find."
"Actually, I didn't use anything back at that village. I
just avoided the sun." Frost responded, eyeing a bottle of sun
block. "What do I do with this anyway, drink it?"
"Oh no, you rub it on your skin." The doctor corrected, as
he came back out from the back. "You've never been out in the
sun at all?"
"A couple of times." Frost answered honestly, then
noticed the slightly sympathetic look Tofu was giving her.
"What?"
"Nothing. Of course, I wouldn't recommend heavy
exposure, but that should be enough for some casual exposure."
Frost frowned in suspicion, then read the label
thoroughly. It seemed legitimate enough, so after a moments
more hesitation, she opened the bottle and began slowly applying
the lotion to her exposed skin. "So, this stuff blocks out the sun
huh?"
"That's what they claim." Tofu answered, then got an
idea. "Say, why don't you go try it out. Take the day off."
Frost eyed the doctor for a moment, in a mix of surprise
and suspicion. Then, an idea of her own hit her. "That would be
nice. You wouldn't mind giving me a ride somewhere would
you?"
Sometime later, up in the snow covered mountain slopes,
Kaneda was not having much luck at skiing. He was in the
process of recovering form his fourteenth spill into the snow.
Skiing actually was not that difficult, it was just that his attention
tended to wander. He had to admit, it was distracting, but not in
the way he had hoped. He was cold, embarrassed, sore, and still
depressed.
To their credit, Makoto, Akane, and Shampoo were being
civil, and Kaneda could console himself in at least knowing that
Shampoo was not any better, and even Makoto was only an
amateur. This way he did not look too silly. Still, he could do
with a few less falls.
Kaneda dug himself out of the snow, and decided to rest
briefly and just watch his companions. Hiro was helping out
with Shampoo and Makoto, while Akane was just shaking her
head as she watched Ms. Hinako gobble down her fifth sundae.
Kaneda could only agree with the sentiment, and began rubbing
his face to return some feeling to the cold flesh. The rough feel
under his fingers gave him cause to stop and sigh.
"Wonderful. I'm going to need to shave pretty soon." He
commented to himself, silently wondering what other male
attributes would soon make their presence known. With another
sigh, he climbed his way back to his feet, and reset himself to try
again. After readying himself, he gave a gentle push on the poles
and was once more in motion.
A short distance down the slope Nabiki was having her
own brand of luck. Tsubasa had actually come up with a good
suggestion for once, getting out of the city. He was even paying,
which for Nabiki was enough to override any normal need to rid
herself of the little fungus. Instead, she was up in the mountains,
finally relaxing away from all her normal everyday problem...
save maybe Tsubasa, but he was merely annoying, not truly
disturbing.
Of course, she thought to herself, since I'm feeling so
good, something is going to go wrong. It was a private little joke
she had with herself. She did not really believe her life was one
long series of problems. Even with all her recent difficulties,
there was still moments of peace. If only she could increase their
frequency a little.
Nabiki stopped her descent down the slope to take in the
scenery and think. She really had to get over this thing with
Kasumi. It had gone beyond simply embarrassing to the down
right distressing level. Okay, sure he was handsome, but damn it
he was her sister. Why couldn't her damned mind, or body, or
whatever was causing this take the hint, and stop plaguing her
with thoughts about him?
She just could not get him out of her head. The blasted
dreams, and those stupid pictures were bad enough, but when she
found herself slipping into fantasies about him... Well, it was
sickening beyond words. Even having him out of the house was
only helping a little. Everyday coming to school and having to be
with him for several hours on end was nearly as bad, if perhaps
even worse. Plus, if he, or anyone else ever found out... Oh,
she'd never live it down.
Nabiki shook away the thoughts, then started as a yell
came from behind her. She looked over her shoulder, and
moaned as she spotted Kaneda out of control on the slope.
"Naturally," she mumbled as she watched him approach. She
should have had plenty of time to avoid him, but she froze, as if
caught up in a trance of morbid curiosity, waiting to see what the
inevitable outcome was going to be. This of course resulted in
her acting as a very effective speed bump, causing both to crash
into the snow.
A moment of collective struggle, and wiping away snow
ensued, before Kaneda finally got a good look at who he had
crashed into. "Nabiki? What are you doing here? Why didn't
you move?"
Nabiki took a moment just to admire his face before
responding. "I was... ahh, just up here with Tsubasa. I guess
you caught me just... by surprised."
"Oh," Kaneda responded with a nod, then pulled both to
their feet. "Are you okay Nabiki? You look flushed."
"I'm fine, just fine."
Kaneda nodded in acceptance of the answer, then started
to head off, only to stop, and begin removing his skies. "I think
I've caused enough damage this way. Nabiki are you going
anywhere near the ski rental area?" Kaneda asked, but got no
response. "Nabiki?"
Nabiki shook her eyes away from Kaneda's rear. "Yeah,
yeah," she answered quickly, then rushed by Kaneda, grabbing
up his skies as she passed. "I got to go. Tsubasa's waiting."
"Are you sure it's no trouble?" Kaneda called after
Nabiki, but his sister continued on her way without heeding him.
Kaneda watched Nabiki for a moment in confusion. "Nabiki has
certainly changed into a very odd person." He commented to
himself, then began walking up the hill. He made it about half
way back up when she noticed Mousse confronting a group of
skiers. With an amused shake of his head, Kaneda walked over.
He was well aware of Mousse's uncanny knack for mistaking
anyone and anything for something it clearly wasn't.
"Mousse, are you looking for me?" Kaneda asked,
causing Mousse to blink and look Kaneda's way. He reset his
glasses on his face, peering at the confused skiers, then rushed to
Kaneda side. "You really should keep those on."
"It's a habit I developed. Hard to break." Mousse
replied, as the skiers shook their heads then skied off. "I'm sorry
about the pill. I thought for sure..."
"It's all right Mousse. You tried, and I'm thankful for
that."
Mousse nodded, then clenched his fist in determination.
"Well, don't worry. I'll go back to China, and I'll get the real
pill for you, and then-"
"And you'd be wasting your time and efforts Mousse."
Cologne cut in, hopping up next to Kaneda. "The real thing is in
the possession of Cao Lon, who has specific instructions to keep
it well guarded and away from everyone. She will only give it to
myself. Now, if you believe you could defeat an elder, then I
freely invite you to try. I'm sure my old friend would find you
amusing enough for a few minutes." Cologne said with a wide
smile.
Mousse shook in anger, but Kaneda laid a calming hand
on his shoulder. "Let it be Mousse. This is not your fight."
"You just can't let her get away with this!" Mousse
countered, glaring at Cologne, to which Cologne merely
continued to smile.
"Oh, I have a feeling our dear Kaneda still has some fight
in him. However, it really is pointless my dear. You should just
give in, and end this meaningless effort at resistance."
Kaneda shook his head. "Give in to what? I'd be trapped
this way, not to mention living a lie. Now, unless you have some
other reason for being here...?" Kaneda asked, and after getting
no response from Cologne, began walking off on his own.
After watching him depart, Cologne shook her head.
"Stubborn thing."
"This is wrong, don't you know that?!"
"Oh, how so? I am merely trying to make the best out
one royal mess. Besides, is what you no doubt plan any better?"
Cologne asked, gaining a nervous look from Mousse.
"It's legal, and will fix this whole status mess." Mousse
answered.
"Certainly, and get you Shampoo in the process."
Cologne said with a frown, then began to walk off. After a
moment of uncertainty, Mousse followed.
Up the slope, Akane, Makoto and Shampoo were
gathered at the lodge with Hiro and Ms. Hinako. The three
teenage girls were all presently in the process of wondering
where Kaneda had gotten off too. "Maybe we should go look for
him." Makoto suggested, but Hiro shook his head.
"Let him be. He's probably just off somewhere having
some fun for once." Hiro explained, although he personally did
not think he was correct. However, needlessly bothering him
with their worries was not the point of coming here.
The girls reluctantly nodded, and sat back to look around,
when Akane spotted Cologne and Mousse approaching. "What's
she doing here?" Akane practically growled. Everyone turned to
see the newcomers, among which only Makoto wondered at the
anger that Akane was showing. "You better not be here to cause
trouble." Akane said to Cologne when she reached earshot.
"No, I am not."
"You see Kaneda, Great Grandmother?" Shampoo asked.
Cologne nodded. "Yes, he was down the slope a ways.
He is fine I assure you." Cologne added the last at receiving
numerous suspicious glares. "We merely spoke."
"I bet," Akane mumbled. "Can't you leave him be for a
day."
Cologne looked at Akane seriously. "I would have, but in
fact, I came up here to check on things. I had a disturbing feeling
this morning. It felt almost as is something or someone had
disturbed the local energy fields. I cannot be certain, for it was
only a mild disturbance, and very brief. It could be nothing, but
it is always best to check."
The others took in the explanation with skepticism, but
also some worry. The way Cologne said it sounded deadly
serious, and honest. Shampoo in particular felt a growing dread
building within her.
Makoto also was wondering at this. She was no stranger
to picking up on bad vibes. Sure, some of the other senshi were
better at it, but she had her own ability, an ability she once
thought beyond that of humans. Now she was hearing about a
disturbance she had been completely unaware of from this old
woman. More and more, she was beginning to think she was
nothing special anymore.
Everyone was so caught up in thinking about this that no
one noticed Dr. Tofu walk up until he called out a greeting.
"Akane, how good to see you here."
"Oh, hello Dr. T... Tofu." Akane replied, shaking a little
with surprise, and suddenly blushing. "What are you doing
here?"
"Oh, nothing much. Frost just wanted to see the
mountains, so I-"
"Frost?!" Cologne, Mousse and Shampoo said
simultaneously in surprise, all turning their complete attention on
the doctor.
"Yes, didn't you know she was here? I guess maybe she
hasn't seen you yet. She came in just last night. She's working
as my new nurse." Dr. Tofu explained, then noticed a great deal
of tension on the Amazon's faces. "Is something wrong?"
Cologne nodded, and quickly began scanning the horizon.
"Indeed there may be. Frost is an Amazon magus, and
something of a prodigy at that. She is very dangerous,
particularly if you do not act immediately once she reveals
herself, and her appearance tends to make people who do not
know her slow to do so."
"What are you talking about? Who's this Frost, and
what's all this talk of danger?" Makoto asked, getting to her feet
in readiness to act.
"Frost is an Amazon like Shampoo. However, she also
has something of dislike for men." Cologne answered, casting
Mousse a knowing look. Mousse cringed, but said nothing, and
let Cologne continue. "It is possible that should she have learned
of the wedding between Shampoo and Kaneda, and the events
surrounding it, she might get a decidedly bad impression of
Kaneda. She might even take it upon herself to end the
marriage."
"So, that means..." Makoto asked, fearing the answer.
"That means she may very well be out at this very
moment hunting Kaneda with the intention of killing him."
Immediately all those still seated were on their feet. "We
got to stop her!" Akane said, gaining seconding nods from all
those gathered.
"Agreed. I may perhaps be wrong, and her intentions
may be benign, but we cannot take that risk. Kaneda's way of
facing an opponent will leave him wide open for her attacks.
We'll have to split up and look for him. Come, follow me. I
shall lead you to where we last saw him." Cologne instructed
and began hopping off, with the others in close pursuit.
As they ran, Cologne continued on. "Remember this,
Frost is a proficient magus, easily capable of killing someone in a
single attack. Do not confront her unless absolutely necessary,
particularly you men. She may tolerate limited interference from
a woman, but not from a male. Above all else, do not give her
time to weave a spell. Once she has, your fate is sealed. When
you find Kaneda, bring him to me at once, that will be our only
chance." Everyone nodded in grim understanding.
In the woods, off to the side of the main run, Kaneda was
leaning against a tree thinking, totally unawares of the danger he
was now in. In fact, he was considering Cologne's words, and
surrender. More and more it seemed the only way. Perhaps if he
gave in, agreed to be Shampoo's husband, then maybe Cologne
would agree to restore his ability to transform. It was a solution
he did not want to settle for, but it might just be the only way.
His thoughts were disrupted with the passing of Ryoga,
who failed to even notice him. Instead, Ryoga's eyes seemed
glued to the ground, as if he lacked the strength to even lift his
head and watch where he was going. He's lost, Kaneda thought,
then quickly raced after him, pulling up to walk beside him.
"Ryoga?"
Ryoga jumped just slightly at the sudden use of his name,
and looked up at Kaneda. He seemed momentarily perplexed,
then once his mind turned fully on, he withdrew a step. "Mr.
Tendo, what are you doing here?"
"I have a suspicion you don't even know where here is at
the moment." Kaneda commented with a warm smile.
"Of course I do. I'm..." Ryoga began to say, then
looking at his surroundings, he slumped his shoulders and
nodded. "Lost, again. Where are we? We are near Nerima,
aren't we?" Ryoga asked, somewhat hopeful.
"Well, yes and no, but we should be able to get you back
quick enough. Perhaps you should come with me."
"With you?" Ryoga asked nervously, and Kaneda
nodded. Ryoga looked about, considering his options, then
looked back at Kaneda. There was little other choice if he
wanted to get back any time soon. "Okay, but there is one thing I
have to say first, sir."
"Yes?" Kaneda said.
Ryoga gathered his courage for this. "I don't go in for
guys." Ryoga finally blurt out after a minute, gaining a very
confused look from Kaneda.
"Pardon me?"
"I like girls you see, not guys. I mean, I'm sure you're
nice and all, but I'm not interested in that sort of thing." Ryoga
explained quickly.
"What?!" Kaneda asked in even more confusion, unable
to grasp what Ryoga was saying.
At this point Ryoga became somewhat confused himself.
"You mean, you're not... But, you've been treating me so..."
Ryoga explained, trailing off as he tried to find the words.
Kaneda blinked as he tried to puzzle out what Ryoga
meant himself, but had it revealed for him. "So, here I thought
you just limited your perversions to women, but now I find out
you even seek relations with other men too, huh. Disgusting!
The world will be far better off without you." Frost said as she
came out from the woods, a wicked gleam in her eyes that set
both Ryoga and Kaneda on guard. Neither had noticed a trace of
her approach, which itself was disturbing to both, particularly
Kaneda. The encounter at night was somewhat understandable,
but in deep snow in broad daylight was certainly not.
"You again. Who are you?" Kaneda asked, setting
himself into a defensive position.
"My name is Frost."
"What do you want?"
Frost grinned, practically as if she was delighted Kaneda
had asked the question. "I've come to kill you Kasumi Tendo,
and this time there will be no errors. FULMENOS VENITE!"
Frost once more pointed her finger at Kaneda, and Kaneda
prepared to receive an attack. Unlike last time however, Kaneda
sensed a very real danger, but before he could even think of
moving, a bolt of lightning blast forth from Frost's finger to
strike Kaneda square in the chest. Kaneda was sent flying
backwards, his mind horribly stunned from the electricity playing
havoc in his neural pathways. He crashed into the snow limply,
not even aware of himself, or capable of rolling away from any
follow up assault.
Ryoga watched this all in total confusion, and was even
more confused when Frost called Kaneda, Kasumi. He continued
to just stare at Kaneda's fallen form, unable to kick his mind into
gear and act. Meanwhile Frost was jubilant, happily waving her
arm to the air in triumph. Neither party noticed the approach of
Ms. Hinako and Akane, who were both running desperately to
reach Kaneda's side.
Once Akane was within reach, she immediately slide to a
halt into the snow, and held Kaneda's head. "Kasumi, Kasumi!
Wake up! Wake up, please!" She pleaded, as Ms. Hinako
arrived.
Kaneda responded by blinking, and looking at Akane in
confusion. "Akane?"
"Yes, it's me. Are you all right?"
"What are you doing here?" Kaneda asked back,
seemingly not hearing the question presented to him.
Akane looked at Kaneda in confusion. "I came here with
you, remember."
Kaneda returned the look of confusion. "You did? I
don't remember you coming to India with us."
Akane's concern rose sharply at this. Does he have
amnesia, she thought in panic. "Kasumi, you're not in India.
You're in Japan."
"I am?"
Akane did not get the chance to answer. Frost finally
noticed Kaneda was talking, and began to approach. "Hey, he's
still alive! He's stronger than I thought. Now, step away from
him. I don't want to hurt you."
Akane's panic turned to anger, and she yelled at her
sister's attacker. "No way! He's my sister! I'm not going to let
you kill him!" Akane jumped to her feet, positioning herself as a
shield for Kaneda, and readying to fight Frost.
Frost reacted badly to that. "Sister?! So, he's an
enchanter too, and not very good at it I see. Can you not see he's
a man? Now, step aside, or I'll move you forcibly." Frost
warned, unimpressed with Akane's show of defiance, but found
Ms. Hinako facing her. "What do you want?"
"Akane, Ryoga, take Kaneda and run. I'll handle her."
Ms. Hinako instructed, much to Frost's confusion. Akane
hesitated, but Hinako became more forceful. "Now!" The force
in her instructors words caused Akane to remember Cologne's
warning, and obey Hinako's instructions. Ryoga too finally
shook himself free of his own bewilderment, and helped Akane
pick up Kaneda, and both began moving off.
"Now wait just one minute!" Frost yelled out, starting to
move past Hinako, but the disciplinarian cut her off.
"Oh, you are the worst delinquent yet, and you will have
to be punished! Happo Goen-Satsu!" So saying, Hinako pulled
out a five yen piece, and proceed to do her thing. As was usual, a
glow surrounded her and Frost, but to Hinako's surprise, the
glow was wrong. It had a decidedly twisted essence to it, and it
was not taking well to the drain on it. A distasteful wash of
energy hit Ms. Hinako, causing her to stagger. Instead of the
usual rush of energy that hit her, she actually felt weaker. A
second wave of the energy hit, draining even more of Hinako's
strength away, finally forcing her to suspend her attempt at
draining Frost, and collapse into the snow, coughing and weak.
Frost was temporarily stunned by the drain, and crumbled
herself into the snow. However, she regained her strength
quickly, and managed to reach her feet. She eyed the coughing
little girl in the snow for a moment, a sympathetic look on her
face, but then remembered her goal. "I am sorry, but I have a
task here that I must preform." Frost said with determination,
then slowly began pursuing the now distant trio of Kaneda,
Ryoga, and Akane. In the snow, Hinako could only watch the
albino depart, too weak to even call out a challenge.
A short distance away, Ryoga and Akane were not
making good time carrying Kaneda's dead weight. However,
they had gone long enough for Ryoga to final ask the obvious
questions. "What the heck is going on? Why did that girl call
him Kasumi? For that matter, why did you call him Kasumi?"
"I am Kasumi." Kaneda responded weakly, the question
seemingly very strange to him. This caused Ryoga to frown
angrily.
"Do I look stupid?! I knew Kasumi, and Kasumi was
most certainly a girl. You're a man!" Ryoga said harshly, but
Akane quickly rushed to Kaneda's defense.
"No, you don't understand Ryoga. He's..." Akane
paused a moment to consider whether to reveal the truth or not.
One thought to their situation told her that now was no time for
lies. "He really is Kasumi. Kasumi got a curse in China that
changes her into a man when she's hit with cold water. Hot
water normally reverses it, but she got struck with this special
pressure point attack that makes him totally intolerant to heat.
He can't change back now."
Ryoga looked at Akane, then Kaneda skeptically. It
sounded just a little too outrageous for him to take, and he even
was beginning to wonder if Frost was right and Akane was
somehow enchanted. However, the thoughts were cut short when
Kaneda began to speak.
"Ryoga, you're here too. How nice. It's been so long...
or has it." Kaneda said as a spark of his memory came back. He
furrowed his brow in concentration, but could not order his
thoughts. "I can't seem to remember much right now."
Ryoga examined Kaneda closely, pondering the
possibility. He did look something like Kasumi, and come to
think of it, when he was fighting Ukyo his style was very
reminiscent of Kasumi's. Actually, even the way he talked, and
his mannerisms...
"Stop right there! You can't get away from me!" Frost
yelled out from behind as she ran up through the snow.
Ryoga and Akane looked back at Frost moderately
shocked at how fast she had caught up. Sure, Kaneda was a
load, but he had not slowed them up that much. She somehow
had the advantage in speed which seemed ludicrous looking at
her body. Still, they both realized they had no hope of escape
unless they could slow her down. With a determined glare,
Ryoga released Kaneda into Akane's hands, then rushed Frost.
"Run," he shouted over his shoulder, and Akane obeyed, using
every ounce of her strength to carry Kaneda away from the fight.
Frost took the sudden assault with a panic. She was not
ready, so she took her only option. With a frightened cry, she
turned and bolted away from the boy. Ryoga was momentarily
pleased at that, showing that Frost did not consider herself a
match for him in a close in fight. However, to Ryoga's surprise,
Frost was badly outpacing him. He briefly cursed the snow for
holding him up, then noticed the reason for Frost's speed. She
was leaving no tracks. In fact she seemed to be almost floating
over the snow. Where as he had to plow through it, sinking in
upto his knees, she was walking on top of it as if it were
pavement. No wonder she can move so much faster, he thought
just as she turned and pointed her finger at him.
"Enough of this, FULMENOS VENITE!" Frost said, and
once more a bolt of lightning struck out, this time at Ryoga.
Ryoga attempted to leap away, but the bolt was simply too fast,
and struck him solidly in the chest. As with Kaneda, Ryoga was
sent flying, his mind overwhelmed by the electricity arcing over
his body. He crashed into the snow, his brain deciding it best to
just pass out rather than deal with the pain and misfiring
neurons.
Akane looked back over her shoulder long enough to
notice Ryoga go down, and Frost take a moment to regain her
strength from her attack. Her fear and panic renewed themselves
at seeing the ease of his defeat, and Akane redoubled her efforts
at escape, giving a silent prayer for Ryoga and Hinako to be okay.
Frost wasted only moments before racing after her.
Frost's fatigue was starting to catch up with her.
Running in pursuit, and away from Ryoga had taken its toll, and
now she found her pace greatly slowed. She was not used to this
level of physical exertion, but Akane fortunately was. The
advantage to Akane was minimal though given the drag the snow
was producing. However, hope appeared in the form of Makoto
and Kodachi. The girls appeared on the horizon, already in an all
out run to reach Akane and Kaneda. Both girls rushed to aid
Akane in carrying Kaneda, and increased the pace.
"Dachi, what are you doing here?" Akane asked, winded.
"My darling brother had the sudden urge to come here
and see Kaneda after talking with Ranma about something. I
came up to make sure he didn't do anything too foolish, but I see
we have greater worries." Kodachi answered, casting a quick
glance over her shoulder. She herself was amazed that tiny girl
could have felled Kaneda. That was enough to dash any thought
she had of facing the girl. Best to just escape.
"Talked with Ranma? About what?" Akane asked after
a moment to catch some breath.
"Heaven only knows. We should worry about that later."
"Right, right," Akane said with a nod.
"Stop! Stop!" Frost shouted out from behind. "Damn it,
does he have all of you under his control? All right, fine. I can
deal with this." Frost came to a halt, and stretched her arm out in
front of her. {"No place to hide, so slip, and slide."} So
pronouncing, the snow began shifting into a solid sheet of ice
which quickly spread forth until it extended below the girls' feet.
The result was that all three girls suddenly found they had no
traction, and crashed to the ice. Each slipped uncontrollably
across its surface, unfortunately all moving away from the still
badly dazed Kaneda.
"All right, enough of this chase Kasumi Tendo. It ends
here and now." Frost said in triumph, causing confusion in
Kodachi and Makoto.
"Kasumi?!" Both girls repeated in confusion, then
watched in horror as Frost gestured for Kaneda to approach and
in response Kaneda's prone form began sliding towards her. In
desperation at seeing this, Makoto fumbled for her transformation
emblem, fully ready to use in, even if that meant her secret being
truly revealed to all those present.
Fortunately for her, that became unnecessary. To the
shock of pretty much all three girls, not only because of his
sudden appearance, but also because of his actions, Kuno rushed
into the fray, swinging his bokken in a wide arc in an attempt to
strike Frost. "Back foul witch! I Tatewaki Kuno shall never
allow you to harm the fair Kasumi Tendo!"
"Hey," Frost yelled out in surprise, barely dodging the
attack, and once more forced to retreat. "What is this? Does this
man have everyone around here wrapped around his finger?!"
Kuno was not really in the mood to answer her. He
maintained his wild attempts to strike Frost, giving the girls time
to try moving. Unfortunately, all found this ice to be particularly
slippery, and could find no leverage with which to get to their
feet. "Akane, you wouldn't mind explaining why everyone is
calling Kaneda, Kasumi would you?" Kodachi asked as she
futilely endeavored to get up.
"It's kind of a long story Dachi." Akane replied, her own
attention on Kuno's effort to fight off Frost. Like Ryoga, the
snow was slowing him to the point that Frost had a distinct speed
advantage. Finally she gained enough space to spin back on him
and raise her finger to point at him. Akane was about to call out
a warning, but she was already too late. A bolt of lightning took
Kuno out of the equation right quick, and sent him through the
air, landing right next to Akane by chance, and in the process
pushing her the remaining distance to the far edge of the ice.
Frost leaned over, bracing herself against her knees, her
strength nearly gone. "This could be a lot easier," she mumbled,
as she panted, bringing in desperately needed air.
Across the ice, Akane got to her feet, then looked on in
dismay as she noticed just how large the sheet of ice was. It
would take her precious minutes to round it, especially since she
too was suffering from fatigue. Desperately, she began to move
as fast as she could manage. Akane's hope nearly drained away
when Frost began to move once more, but then returned when she
spotted Shampoo running up, Dr. Tofu a ways behind her.
To Frost's immense dismay, Shampoo immediately took
position to shield Kaneda. "Not you too Shampoo." Frost
moaned, this time preparing her spell in advance, then closing the
distance. "Step away from him. I don't want to hurt you."
"Frost, you can no do this. Shampoo no let you!"
Shampoo shouted back, fear evident in her voice. She was
considering her options, but there was not many. With her spell
readied, Shampoo dared not move. The motion would likely
cause Frost to release the magic. No, all she could do was
protect Kaneda with her own body, and hope the plan she and Dr.
Tofu had quickly developed on the way would work.
Frost looked on at Shampoo sadly. "Shampoo, be
reasonable. This is the man that forced you to marry him, then
ran off on you on the first night, destroying your life. He's toying
with the hearts of other women, and even a man, and here you are
protecting him. He even has people believing he is a woman.
Don't you see how absurd this all is. He must have you under an
enchantment. Trust in me, and move away from him. Once he is
destroyed his magics will be destroyed as well."
"No Frost, you is wrong. Kasumi really is woman!"
Frost shook her head with even more sadness.
"Shampoo, look at him. He's obviously a man."
"Nono, you no understand." Shampoo began to explain,
when Dr. Tofu came to her aid, carrying a bottle in one hand.
"Frost, wait, I can explain. Please, can you just give me
one moment? I can prove it to you." The doctor said. Frost
frowned in thought. It could be a trick, but her spell was armed
and ready. Shampoo was still blocking her shot though, and
Frost had no desire to fire on her. In frustration, she gave in.
"Okay, fine, but no funny stuff. If I see even a hint that
you're-"
"I understand," the doctor replied, then slowly walked
over to Kaneda and Shampoo. He gently sat Kaneda up, then
looked him in the face. "Just stay still Kasumi. I have to use the
old man Tokyo pressure point." He explained, but Kaneda just
looked at him in puzzlement.
"Do I know you? You seem familiar. And that pretty girl
with the purple hair, I think I know her too."
"Yes, well, umm, just bear with me." Tofu said then
applied the necessary maneuver to activate the point. Taking a
brief few seconds to ensure Frost was not reacting badly to his
activity, Tofu undid the top of the bottle, and very slowly up
ended it over Kaneda. Hot liquid poured down over Kaneda,
replacing him with Kasumi, and causing Frost to stiffen in shock.
"You... he... she... he really is a girl." Frost stammered
out, then, her concentration disrupted, her spell fizzled, and she
crumbled down into the snow, still staring in bewilderment at
Kasumi. "He... she has a Jusenkyo curse?"
"Yes," Shampoo answered simply, then, no longer
sensing Frost to be a threat, walked over to be next to her.
"When Shampoo find out in morning, Shampoo tell her go. That
why Kasumi leave, not because she bad. You understand."
"But the marriage..."
"She no know about that. She get much drunk. No
understand what happening." Shampoo explained, then turned to
notice Cologne, Mousse, and Ranma running up. They arrived,
looked briefly at Frost, then started to examining the various
injured, in particular Kasumi. Frost was too stunned to really
take notice of them.
Frost mind was tripping over this latest information. She
really did not want to accept it after gearing herself up so. "Why
does she stay this way then? If she is naturally a woman..."
Cologne took the initiative on this question. "That is my
doing. I used the cat tongue point on her."
Suddenly Frost's anger returned, but this time directed at
Cologne. "WHAT?! Elder, how could you do such a thing?!
Trapping a woman in the body of a male!"
"You don't understand child, it was necessary. This
marriage between Shampoo and Kasumi is still in effect, and
unless he remains a male, Shampoo loses her status to him."
Frost scowled in rejection of the explanation. "That is
unacceptable! To force a woman to take the body of a man is...
is... wrong, just plain wrong."
"Circumstances demand it."
"Circumstances be damned!" Frost yelled back, returning
to her feet. "I have no wish to see Shampoo lose her status, but
this is no solution."
"That is not your place to decide." Cologne responded.
"No, it is Shampoo's place." Frost shot back, then turned
to Shampoo. "Shampoo, please do not tell me you are going
along with this."
The collective attention of all those gathered suddenly fell
on Shampoo, causing her an wholly unusual bout of self
consciousness. She looked about at those around her, in
particular Kasumi. Kasumi looked back at her, still somewhat
confused, but somewhat recovered thanks to her transformation.
In her mind Shampoo weighed the choices. On the one hand,
keep Kasumi as she was, or take the risk of her own life being
destroyed. She warred with the option, but then she remembered
Kasumi's promise, and renewed her choice from before.
"Shampoo no want Kasumi trapped like this either."
Shampoo said at last, gaining a triumphant smile from Frost
which she directed back at the elder.
"See there, even Shampoo doesn't want it." Frost said,
but Cologne shook her head.
"She is too close to this for her own good. The risk is just
too great."
"Great grandmother," Shampoo pleaded, causing
Cologne some doubt.
The elder Amazon frowned in thought, then shook her
head. "I understand your feelings Great granddaughter, and I
sympathize, but you risk too much for this woman. You are far
too willing to lay aside your own life on some vague hope that
she will protect you."
"Shampoo trust her."
"Elder, you cannot mean to continue this nonsense."
Frost protested, but gained nothing from Cologne in response.
Frost then turned to the others. "Is there anyone here who
supports this?" She asked, but gained only negatives, then
turned back to Cologne. "Undo this elder." She said, as close to
a commanding tone as she dared.
Cologne eyed the others, and Kasumi, then turned away.
All her reason said one thing, but her feelings were beginning to
switch sides on her. Finally, with a shake of her head, she settled
for a mild compromise with herself. "Aid her yourself if you
wish, but I will not be apart of this. It is a foolish risk to take,
and I would be negligent in my duties as not only the matriarch,
but as Shampoo's guardian to be party to it."
Many of those gathered sighed in disappointment at
Cologne's answer, but Frost saw the slight loophole that opened.
She looked at Kasumi in determination. "Fine then, I'll fix it
myself." At that statement Cologne looked back with interest as
Frost walked over to Kasumi, and laid her hands on her. She
concentrated for over a minute, causing Cologne to frown. {"For
now I know heat is your bane, and now I cure you of this pain."}
Frost pronounced slowly. A mild reddish glow slowly
encompassed both girls, then quicky subsided, Frost dropping
into the snow from fatigue. "It is done."
Cologne frowned even deeper at this, then hopped over to
Kasumi's side. After a brief examination, she looked back at
Frost. "You made that up just now?" Cologne asked in
astonishment
"Wasn't that hard." Frost responded, then climbed back
to her feet. Cologne continued to look at Frost in disbelief until
everyone else gathered around Kasumi to inspect her themselves.
"She's cured now?" Akane asked tensely, and Cologne
gave the young Tendo a reluctant nod.
"Indeed she is." Cologne looked back to see Frost
walking off on her own, unnoticed by the others. "You're far
better than even I believed. That should have taken you weeks to
come up with the correct spell." Cologne said quietly to herself,
then taking one last look at the festivities now surrounding a still
somewhat confused Kasumi, she let out a small laugh. "Things
just became a great deal more complicated."
Just outside the crowd of people now surrounding
Kasumi, Makoto and Kodachi were standing in mute shock.
They looked at each other, each empathizing with the intense
embarrassment the other was no doubt feeling at this moment.
They both looked back at Kasumi for a second, then covered their
eyes, each trying to hide the sudden burst of emotion each was
now feeling.
The day was getting on, and night was already upon
them. Kasumi had recovered fully, and fortunately so had
Hinako, Ryoga and Kuno given some time and appropriate
medical attention. Hiro and Hinako were off preparing for the
return trip, while Makoto and Kodachi were busy dealing with
their own embarrassment. Soon they all would be returning
home, but first Kasumi felt the need to do something.
"WOHOO!!!" She yelled out merrily as she leapt into the warm
waters of the lodge's hot spring. At this time, she really did not
care about appearances. All she felt like was enjoying herself.
"I'm a girl again!" Kasumi said as she resurfaced, then
grabbed Shampoo in a joyous hug, spinning her around. "I'm a
girl again!" She repeated, repeating the process with Akane, and
finally Nabiki. Akane shared in her joy, but not Nabiki who
looked ready to scream at being touched, but she managed to
contain herself. Even Shampoo could not feel depressed at the
development. Seeing Kasumi happy seemed to make her happy.
Finally Kasumi calmed herself, and settled for a long soak,
something she had been missing for a long time. Far too long.
Across the divider, Ranma, Kuno, Ryoga, and Mousse
were soaking and recovering themselves. All of them could feel
a sense of pleasure themselves at Kasumi's return to normal. All
that is save Mousse. Oh, he was pleased by the development, but
he was too deep in thought to really be happy about it. His
chance at Shampoo had finally arrived. When he had learned of
the wedding to a man, he had nearly gone off in a vendettive rage
like Frost, but then he stumbled on the truth when he learned the
man's name. He already knew Kasumi well enough that a plan
had formed in his mind that would get him all he desired. Now
with her back to being female, he could put his plan into action.
He had been waiting a long time for this, and at last it seemed in
his reach.
However, it could wait till tomorrow. He was sure what
he had planned would leave Kasumi somewhat confused and he
did not feel like ruining her mood. She deserved a day of rest,
but tomorrow was the day. Tomorrow he would get Shampoo...
and Kasumi too if he played things right. Not a bad deal, he
thought.
Several kilometers away, Frost was not sharing in the
general mood of happiness. Nope, what she was experiencing
could only be called annoyance, annoyance at having to walk
home. She was cold, wet, and tired to boot. All she really
wanted was to crawl into a nice warm bed and forget this day
ever happened. At her present rate of progress, however, she
would take another day to get even close to said bed, which was
enough to make her curse her own stupidity at not seeking out
some transport.
Not wishing to dwell on such things, as they at present
were not correctable, she turned her mind to other matters. <"So,
Shampoo's married to a girl. Hmmm, it still doesn't seem fair.
Kasumi still forced her to marry him."> Frost said, then
switched tones. <"HER!"> Frost nodded then continued on in
her original tone. <"Right, right, her, whatever."> Switching
tones once again Frost admonished herself. <"It makes all the
difference. You heard, it was all an accident."> Frost shook her
head and changed tone again. <"Oh yeah, sure it was. I just bet.
Heaven only knows what havoc the male biology is playing on
Kasumi's mind. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if he wanted
it to end that way."> Frost once more shook her head, and
changed tone. <"You're imagining things Frost. You just have
to face the facts."> She considered that, then shrugged. <"Yeah,
well, we'll see.">
Frost sighed, then noticed the few specks of white filling
the air. <"Oh, come on. Haven't you jerks up there had enough
fun at my expense?"> She asked, and as if in response the snow
intensified. Frost glowered for a moment, then just sighed in
misery, pulling her cloak in tighter to her body. <"One of these
days...">
Just then, she heard a car coming up. It had happened
several times, this being the main road to the mountain and all,
so she basically ignored it. That was until it beeped its horn, and
came to a stop. "Hey, Frost, there you are. I've been looking all
over for you." Dr. Tofu said, as he got out of the car, and walked
over to her side. "You shouldn't be out in weather like this.
You'll catch cold. Besides, it'll take you days to get back to
Nerima this way."
"Don't you think I know that?" Frost snapped back, then
contained herself, settling for merely glowering at the stupid
man.
Dr. Tofu put up his hands to ward off her anger. "No
need to be upset. We're not holding it against you or anything.
You just thought you were doing Shampoo a favor, right? Come
on, I'll drive you home."
Frost eyed the doctor for a long moment in consideration.
She really detested being in debt to a man, but present
circumstances seemed to be working against her. After a minute
she finally caved in and nodded. "All right."
"Great, come on. Maybe when we get back you can tell
me about that magic-"
"Don't press your luck." Frost said forcefully, causing
the doctor to quickly raise his hands again in submission.
"Right, right. Just a thought."
%End Chapter 18
Finally, I can talk about Kasumi again. I was getting
tired of talking about Kaneda. C&C is, as always, very welcome,
even flames. Come on people! I mean it! Anything is good!
I'm open to suggestions and ideas you know. The plot is fairly
dynamic.
Special thanks to T. H. Tiger for his creative assistance,
which has been, and continues to be extraordinarily helpful.
Mental torment is our game. Everyone better watch ou .
Cross-over spoilers: Artemis, Mako, Usagi, Rei, Minako,
Ami, and Luna are of course from Sailor Moon. Sakura is from
street fighter, and Kitsune... well, she's not really from anywhere,
but she does have a basis in an extremely odd show. Ahem,
anyway, all other students to date are just weirdoes either from
Ranma 1/2 or from our twisted imaginations
If you wish to check out my other works look at my new
webpage:
http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/attenborough/249/in
dex.htm
All previous chapters can be found there for your reading
pleasure.
Another thing. This is your last chance to make
suggestions on the name of the restaurant. Any suggestions
would be appreciated. They may be basically anything (it's not
going to be purely a Chinese restaurant like the Nekohanten
was).
Okay then, that's the... Hey Frost, what can I-
ZAP!!!
AHHhh... CRASH!!
Frost: That'll teach ya. And what are you all looking at?
Go do something constructive!
