Broken Mirror Reflecting
By: Sister Shadow / Li
Disclaimer: I don't own any anime, only the plot ideas and original characters.
Summary: When the soul to be reincarnated as Tendo Kasumi is unable, another is offered the chance. She accepts, and as a result, possesses the memories of her past lives, most recently an American anime otaku. Knowing the events and people to come, she waits to see what the future brings while trying to forget something from her distant past.
-0-0--0-0-
Chapter One: Offer, Rebirth and Family
-0-0--0-0-
Part One: Destination
-0-0-0-0-
In what would be called a ghost town, a caved-in old warehouse sat nearly submerged in the polluted river that had once made this place prosper. A preserved skeleton could be found there, the body of a young woman in her early twenties. She was dead, yes, but still there and willing to chat, if you wanted. If one was attune to the spiritual plane, that is.
Her current form held no gender, or had any descriptive features, and no color. It was only the vaguest outline of human form, her body, only unique in the place where one would have eyes: they were a bright, brilliant blue.
She remembered not how her living self had come to be here, or her name or past before death. All she could bring to mind was the endlessness of her time in the warehouse and something called the 'Internet' and computers. It must have been very important to who she was before for her to remember now.
The spirit knew no time, only this place. She had seen this place weather many storms, only to be claimed by the river that had once made this area a port of call. No one had come, living or otherwise, for her body or her soul. But there was one thing, er, person, who appeared at random times to stare, poke and prod at her using fingers, sticks and speech without much of a reaction. Having no memory of human socialization, she felt the best thing to do was ignore him, which didn't work very well. He didn't go away and stay gone, but kept coming back.
Like now, for example.
With a loud bang and the dramatic addition of illusion-smoke and imagined neon lights in varying shapes, he announced his arrival. The additions immediately disappeared after a few moments for the effect to take place. Holding them up more, she assumed, would tax him. (Where'd that thought come from?)
Instead of his usual casual smirk, he wore a half-grim, half-grinning expression. Unlike her, he was in full, fluorescent color. Pale hair that brushed his shoulders, without a strand out of place, framed his face and bright eyes of undeterminable color. This dress, though, threw the whole attractiveness of his features off; yellow just did not go with fuchsia.
"I've talked to some friends of mine, sister, and they have an offer for you that you can't refuse," stated the spirit. He had yet to give his name.
Maybe his curiosity was rubbing off on her, but she just couldn't resist, though skeptical. "What kind of offer?"
The spirit's grin widened as he regarded her, as if sharing a private joke with himself mentally. "The kind of deal that will give you both your body and your memories back."
"Mine is unusable," she pointed out the obvious, not trusting him in the least. "Unless your 'friends' have the power to wake the dead or turn back time, I am stuck in this state until someone comes for me."
The multicolored man regarded her for a moment, face blank, before breaking out into a wide grin. "I knew you were just what we need!"
She stared at him as if he were insane, which his outfit and attitude agreed with. He had the decency to look a tad sheepish. "Er, anyway. My friends can't change what happens here, but they cangive you a new start!"
"Reincarnation? And I would remember…" The offer was tempting, but not something she really wanted. "No, thank you. I'd rather wait for my Messenger, all the same."
He frowned at the unisex spirit, brows furrowed and disappointment evident in his eyes. "Haven't you realized? I am your messenger."
"What?" She met his gaze, searching for any sign of deception. There was none. "Then why… Why have I been here all this time?!"
His expression changed into an almost blank mask; answering her questions was business. "We have been waiting for an opening for you. This offer is the first one we know you'd like."
"Oh, so… I have to be reincarnated, no matter what?" she asked, already resigning herself to the answer, which she only wanted to confirm her thoughts.
"I'm afraid so." His voice held a sincere apology. Why was he sad for her?
"How long would I have to wait for another offer?" Spirits can touch inanimate objects; she leaned against a half-submerged wall of the warehouse, knees near her chin.
Her face was turned away; she only heard his answer. "Estimated, maybe another few decades or so."
"Then I accept this offer, whatever it is." Determinations shone in her blue-eyes-things. She wasn't going to be stuck here any longer.
Her messenger grinned and said, "Good." He clutched her shoulder in a friendly manner, grip surprisingly solid. "Now, here's the deal..."
He explained to her that a body in another dimension needed a host spirit since the one for it had been captured and therefore unable. This person, a Japanese female to have two sisters, was an important member of the Larger Plan, which would otherwise destroy their universe if she simply didn't exist. Wherever this was, she thought, I will be glad to be doing something useful.
"I just hope I may help in this other world you have described to me," she admitted, standing next to him.
"Oh, you will," the astral figure said, smiling a mysterious smile. "All you need now is to go there. Your new identity is waiting."
He gripped her arm tightly, and where he held burned. After a near eternity without pain, the spirit only felt a mild sense of curiosity at the burning sensation. While not in a corporal form, she felt her body twisting and reshaping itself into something else, something much smaller and compressed.
Finally, it stopped, and she realized she could no longer move. She had no arms or legs, torso or even a head. All of her was now a compact round gem held in her Messenger's hands.
"Sorry about that," he apologized. "It's the only way for you to travel."
'I'm alright,' she said, though she didn't know how. Telepathy or something else?
He blinked in surprise. "Learning already. Yes, you are what we need…"
'What do you mean?' she asked, curious at why he repeated himself.
"Nothing, never mind. Just relax, now. It'll all be over soon…"
'Ah…"
She was floating, out of his hand, light as a bubble in the wind. She was a bubble in the wind, all round and clear and sparkly. Blue, though, reflected off her dome, not rainbow colors.
"Remember, even in chaos there is order. Have fun in Nerima, Tendo Kasumi-san." He called up after her, his familiar smirk back in place.
Her last sight was of the mangled body of her former identity. Then she dreamed of comforting warmth.
-0-0-0-0-
Let me tell you, readers, that it is never a good decision to trust someone so annoying when they offer change out of the blue. Sure, I remember everything from my life, and the one before that... and the one before that... and the one before that (you get the idea), but I also felt everything all at once. I hardly remember what happened after that.
When I came to, though, it was to what can only be called the 'light at the end of the tunnel'. But in reality, Tendo Kasumi's body was just being born. I, unsurprisingly, had the overwhelming urge to cry, and did so. My new mother, Tendo Soun's wife, held me after the midwife was done checking the baby body over. I was starting to regret agreeing to this even more.
How was I, an only child, going to handle two sisters and a depressed father when oka-sama (I decided to call her that for no apparent reason) died? I couldn't even take proper care of my father's family's collection of pets, even though they depended on me only for food. And another mother?
I missed mine. And my father. And my family. They were dead, though, and had been for a long time. They evacuated the town as any sane person would. I only stayed behind to find my wayward best friends, like-siblings who were more trouble than they were worth. They're dead, too. Everyone was. I wonder how much time really passed while I was stuck there haunting the place my body lay?
And I'm thinking about things I shouldn't be. Let me guess: you don't know what the heck I'm talking about.
I'm angry, annoyed, confused, sleepy, and ranting at people who did nothing but join me in my new adventure. I'll apologize when I feel better.
It was nice being cooed over for a change. Mother was smiling tiredly and holding my body tenderly. Soun was crying, ranting on about how lucky he was to have such a beautiful wife and child, though I didn't know that until later. And here I thought he'd only turned crybaby after the death of his beloved.
"What a beautiful girl she'll grow up to be," commented my mother in Japanese. Which I didn't understand. It was just a jumble of sound to my ears, but I knew she was talking about me.
"Our little heiress," cooed my father. He was immediately backhanded by his wife. I guess aggression ran in the Tendo females, all except me. I really don't know how I'm going to have the innocence and obliviousness that series Kasumi had.
Who or what captured her spirit anyway. And why?
"Our little princess," father corrected himself. Oka-samasmiled in approval. I personally wondered when they would begin to spoil me, and if my new self would like it.
Sure, I would always be the core me, but with my child's mind my personality would develop according to the environment in which I was raised. Kind of like planting seeds, (what you're born with) and nurturing them until they become whatever they do. At least I'm flexible and can adapt easily. I can make Soun and oka-sama's first experience with a child a bit easier, too.
Did I mention I'm more like Nabiki than Kasumi? Kami help Nerima. I may turn the place upside-down even before Ranma and the rest arrive.
I was so tired and content in my mother's arms, I fell asleep right then and there. I was set for the moment.
-0-0-0-0-
Being a baby is hard. I gave into my crying urges more often than not. Though I must say, by the time I could walk I was potty trained. Mother bragged to her friends, and so did father. He wanted to begin me in martial arts at one and a half, but Oka-sama persuaded him otherwise. Which I'm glad for. I don't think I have enough dexterity for anything he could teach me yet, let alone the attention span.
Everything was perfect, until Soun decided to go on his first training trip in over five years. Though his wife opposed it, she eventually yielded. I was surprised to learn there were many students learning Anything Goes, and that they helped each other when their master was gone.
My mother carried me to see my father and his current apprentice (a special one wanting to broaden his horizons) off. Father gave a teary goodbye, for both his child and his adoring wife, whom with he shared a long, loving kiss. (Ew!) I didn't cry, just goo-ed at him cutely and got my message to come back soon to his family across.
As their backs turned into dots in the horizon (dramatic as Ranmaverse can get), the students bowed to him as one. It inspired a sad smile to my mother's lips.
She said to me, "Never marry a martial artist. They'll love their sport more than they would you." I took her words to heart, even though I didn't particularly agree with them. Father loved her very much, certainly more than Genma-baka loved Nadoka-san. How they became a couple I'm dying to uncover.
Truly, I do not intend to find anyone here. In all my past lives that I can remember, I was either dumped early on, murdered by my spouse, or otherwise perished in a way related to those I loved. Not to mention there was always four key people involved, however unintentional.
I stayed in the dojo and watched the twenty or so students practice with fascination. Reading and seeing were entirely different things, I decided. It was much more amazing to be up close, with a chance to learn just as those you observed were than to sit at home and read out of a manga or watch it animated by amateurs.
The youngest student, a scrawny nine or ten year old who looked more geeky than anything else. (I have nothing against them, really. I was one.), approached me after going through a series of kata. His belt said midlevel, so I assumed he was bullied and in the past and was now looking for a way to get stronger in order to protect himself.
He bowed politely before speaking. "Tendo-sama," he addressed me respectfully.
"Goo." Translation: What the Heck! Who in their right mind bowed to a baby?! I hope he's not a pedophile or something, but I doubt it. If Father's students so much as had an ill thought toward me or anyone else he loved and trusted, they were out. I've seen it happen.
I seriously have no idea what Japanese babies said. I was American, the last time around. An otaku in love with Ranma and the like, too. (The manga, not the person.)
"I wish you good luck in the future." I wasn't sure what he said next, but it appeared to be a blessing in Chinese. I really need to learn that language, since I already knew English (American and British variations), Latin, German, Spanish and a few others not so fluently.
Then the boy, who I later found out was named Li Mien, exited the dojo to begin his chores. The other students either didn't notice me or just ignored the baby and went about practicing in synchronized motions.
Mother found me soon after that, took me to the living room and dressed me up in cute baby clothes that I soon grew out of in the next two weeks. She was pregnant again, though, and Nabiki would be able to wear them next.
Life wasn't interesting at the Tendo School, not since father was gone and mother took care of me as the students did themselves. I did wonder, however, how I would do in school. But that was years away; I had plenty of time.
Oh, did you know that Kasumi had a photographic memory? Who would've thought? And since she had it, so do I. Or maybe it's just a side effect of being a grown woman trapped in a baby's mind.
Who knows? I certainly don't.
-0-0-0-0-
Tendo Kumiko was worried for her baby. Not the one currently kicking in her stomach like pangs of hunger, but her darling eldest, Kasumi. The twenty-two month old had yet to say anything other than the occasional baby babble, but even that was beginning to become rare.
Kasumi became expressive in other ways, however. When she wanted a story, she'd pick up a book and waving it right under her mother's nose. When hungry, she'd wait patiently in the kitchen for something to eat. If she became upset or offended, which wasn't often, she'd sit in a corner quietly and sulk.
Soun noticed nothing wrong, and somehow always got a smile out of his favorite daughter no matter what he did. She giggled with her parents and the kind students that sometimes played with her after practice. They all found her silence normal, not unnatural.
If she had something to say, she'd speak up, right? Kumiko wasn't so sure.
Unlike what her mother thought, Kasumi just wasn't used to speaking Japanese. She would also follow her mother around almost anywhere, even to bathe, wanting to have stories to tell her younger sisters in the future. The child knew everything about her mother, includingoka-sama's well-hidden secret hobby.
Kumiko practiced Magic, or something similar.
Kasumi didn't know when it started, but she guessed in her mother's late teens, unless her family passed down the secrets. Curious but not sure what to make of it, Kasumi would sometimes peek at Kumiko's doings when the door to her secret room was ajar. It was interesting, but the girl wasn't sure if she wanted to know more than she already did, which wasn't much. Just the thought of turning into a female Gosunkugi gave her the shudders.
This time, when she went to the secret room within Akane's future bedroom, still eastern style, oka-sama tried to see why I would not speak. She came out with only a vague answer: I wasn't ready yet. Discouraged from approaching the subject publicly, Kumiko resigned herself to the facts.
A month before her second birthday in the fall, Kumiko hit six months of pregnancy. Three more and her first younger sister, Nabiki, would be born. Kasumi couldn't wait see what the Blackmail Master was like as a kid.
She was beginning to noticed her thinking and reaction patterns changing into what she considered 'series Kasumi'. Sure, she was more assertive and knew what she wanted, but so did series Kasumi, who got what she wanted in a polite, motherly way. Now-Kasumi wondered how she'd turn out in this environment. Would she be as cunning and subtle as her counterpart had been as she grew up- again? Or stay mostly the same, only more passive?
She didn't know, but did wonder often.
Pondered in passing: were any other anime from her former world here? She could be surrounded by all those possibilities and not even be aware. But now it was the time to focus on her new family, and maybe later on other places and people.
It was interesting, though, that she never got the name of the one who sent her here.
-0-0-0-0-
Part Two: Family Planning
-0-0-0-0-
Otou-samareturned from his training trip ten days before my second birthday. He immediately did everything he could for his pregnant wife and me, crying all the while. I was happy enough to just toddle over to the dojo and watch the students practice like I always did as oka-sama and otou-sama caught up in private.
In secret for the past eight months, I'd begun teaching myself to walk and move again. Though not too hard, in the end I can only do a faction of the things I used to. I have more dexterity in this young form, but that doesn't make up for the height difference or the ever-changing-ness of my body. In front of others, though I tried to be as average a baby as possible.
Otou-samasaw me sitting comfortably on a random mat, staring with what I guess was as much of a look of concentration on my face as any baby could have. Crying tears of what I supposed was joy (his fits were beginning to get annoying again after the long time apart) and cradled me in his arms. I stayed very still, frightened that he might accidentally hurt me if I moved; he was so overcome by emotion.
"Oh, Kumiko-chan! Kumiko-chan!" sobbed my oh-so-darling father, finally setting me down. On a chair no less. I wasn't going anywhere, that's for sure. "Something wonderful has happened!"
"What, dear?" oka-sama asked from the kitchen. Even seven months pregnant and she insisted on continuing to cook. I have long since known where the original Kasumi come about her love of the culinary arts, and Akane her stubbornness. Where in the world did Nabiki get her cunning?
"Kasumi-chan," began my father, "has shown an interest in martial arts! To satisfy my darling daughter's needs, I must begin training her immediately!"
Oka-samaentered the room, her clutched wooden spoon looking more like a dangerous weapon than a cooking utensil. I could feel her anger, and I imagine otou-sama did as well, since he'd begun to cower away from the dark haired woman.
Why such a wonderful woman like my mother married the spineless Soun in the first place is a question I plan to ask in the future. Probably love, or an arranged marriage. Most likely love. People do many stupid and moronic things when they're in love, and don't I know it. In a few of my past lives, I've been one of them. Usually at the moronic end of the spectrum, though, which I've found to be both embarrassing and annoying.
"We've spoken about this, husband," said oka-sama with forced calm. I don't think she wanted to have a (mostly one-sided) fight with him when he'd only returned that morning. "Kasumi will decide for herself when she's older. The same goes for any of our other children." She patted her stomach fondly, and I imagine Nabiki kicked in return.
"But, my dear, I was only ten when my first Master began my training. If I'd begun sooner-"
Oka-sama cut him off. "Kami-sama, Kasumi's not even two!"
"Exactly," said otou-sama, this time with more conviction and a lot less tears. "The younger she is, the more she's likely to retain later in life. Think of it, Kumiko! Our little girl will be strong! And it makes a father proud to think of it."
Mother was silent for some minutes, and I knew she was likely to give in, at least a little. True as it is that I'm interested in martial arts and the like, I don't want to hurt anyone, and neither would cannon Kasumi.
"Fine, dear," oka-sama said. Soun burst into tears of happiness. "She shall begin instruction at three."
I don't think my ecstatic father heard her last part as he picked me up and settled me on his shoulders, hands firmly in place to keep me from falling. "Let's go pick out a cute training outfit, Kasumi-chan!" my father said proudly, smiling.
Oka-samacame running after us, stirring spoon dropped in favor of a mallet similar to what Akane would wield in the future. Maybe she'd inherit mother's ability to access hammerspace, or perhaps just the mallet.
Probably just the mallet, I decided as Kumiko chased after her husband and me.
I did what any other otaku-reincarnated-anime-character would do in my current situation: I laughed.
-0-0-0-0-
Father received a postcard from Genma a week before my second birthday announcing important news: he was engaged. Soun, overjoyed, invited the happy couple to a home cooked at our house at celebrate.
Kumiko wrinkled her nose a little when Father announced this. It seemed she didn't like the man one bit. She found him a vile, cowardly, cheep, manipulative moron and pitied anyone engaged to him, though she used more polite words in my presence.
Four days before my birthday was the set date, and since Saotome Genma was never one to turn down a free meal, I knew he would be there. Nadoka seemed a nice enough woman by Ranma-induced Nerima standards, and I wondered what she would be like younger and without the seppuku contract behind her.
At five o'clock sharp, there was a knock at the door which otou-samaanswered. In came a younger, non-cursed panda-man with thinning hair and a round belly, followed by a pretty, demure woman who I assumed was Nadoka. She radiated grace and dignity despite her timid exterior, and my pity for her turned to respect from just watching. Genma wasn't handsome or charming enough to have more than one fiancée, let alone someone like her.
Already seated at the table, I blinked curiously at them, getting a feel of their character differences from each future self. Nadoka was the most different, being curt and polite, speaking only when spoken to. I couldn't tell if she even wanted to marry the man.
Genma appeared unchanged, even with his thinning hair and better build. He didn't gorge himself at dinner, either, though he did eat a sizable portion. He wasn't rude to oka-sama, even when she nearly sneered at him when he made a lude comment in front of me.
I watched Nadoka the most, eating as all children did with my chopsticks in a vice grip, using them as a shovel. I think it unnerved her a bit, though she was good at not showing it or anything really. She wore a kimono, like in the series, but held no katana and showed no signs of clumsiness. Like I'd thought reading/watching the series, it seemed the way she acted around 'Ranko' was an act.
The talk lulled as the food intake stopped. Nadoka-san primly wiped her lips with her napkin and set it across her plate area, clearly done like the rest. It was silent except for the clatter of dishes and the rustle of clothing as people shifted.
"Has your training progressed, Saotome-san? It's been so long since we've seen you," Mother commented, sipping her tea with a curious expression.
"Well, yes." Genma looked a bit uncomfortable, and began to sweat.
"Come now, my friend. Please elaborate." My father refilled his and his friend's sake dishes as he said this.
"It is not polite to talk of such things in front of women, my friend. It will upset them," Genma said, glancing sidelong at his fiancée.
Soun looked uncomfortable as he agreed, fearing Kumiko's temper, and suggested they take their discussion to the dojo.
Hesitant, Saotome only agreed when oka-sama said in vague terms, "You men talk about whatever you wish, outside of our presence. There are things that only another woman can appreciate."
Kumiko only wanted Genma and his nastiness to go away. Preferably back in whatever ditch he crawled out of.
Father nodded in agreement, leading the father-to-be of Ranma into his spotless dojo. Perhaps they would spar after being reacquainted, or start up a game of Go that one would try to cheat the other at. More likely than not they would get bored soon enough and eavesdrop on the woman's conversation, which I was already shamelessly doing. Everyone ignores a baby once they get over the cute-cutchy-coo thing.
My mother turned to the tense Nadoka and asked, "Are you alright?"
"Ah, yes, Tendo-san." She did not look up from the most interesting tea she had ever seen.
"Are you sure? You look a bit pale…"
And she did, though not in a sickly way. She was stressed-pale from containing too much emotion.
"I'm quite sure, thank you, Tendo-san," Nadoka nearly snapped, icily polite.
Oka-samawas not affected by her tone and tried to stimulate their brief conversation in a different direction. "So, Shikage-san," Kumiko addressed Nadoka by her maiden name, "how did you and Saotome-san meet?"
I listened intently, eager to finally know how in the world this strong-willed woman fell in love with such an unworthy man.
Nadoka-san sneered a bit, as if the taste of something foul plagued her. She nearly spat out, "My parents arranged me to marry Genma-san. I have no choice."
Mother wanted to protest, say that love concurs all and if she did not love this man, she did not have to marry him, but stopped herself. I do not know why, but perhaps it is because she realized you could not reason with a person who has obviously resigned herself to whatever fate waits, no matter their opinion of it.
For the best, I thought at the time. Hope was all I could do.
Sooka-sama said nothing, gathering up the dirty dishes instead and taking them to the kitchen. It took three trips to clear the table, with no offer of help from our female guest. Kumiko returned to the kitchen a final time started the water to wash. This left me alone with Nadoka-san.
She was silent, studying the wood grains of our table. Much more interesting than the baby who would not stop staring. Analyzing, more like.
In the series, she was a strong but desperate woman who would do anything to see her son. She is strong in real life, too, but young. So young and emotional. She cannot be more than a few years over twenty.
I could tell, somehow, that she wanted to cry. I wish she would let herself, though she is much too proud a person. Like mother, like son. I hope that even without her to guide him, Ranma will turn out better than his old man; more like his loving mother. Like, if not better, than the Ranma from both my world's anime and manga.
But he isn't even born yet. I am much more concerned with Nadoka-san's well being.
Oka-sama returned after an eternity of twenty minutes, which consisted of me staring at our guest who instead looked at nothing, letting herself be lost in though for a time. Otou-sama and Genma reentered the room soon after my mother, laughing and jostling each other like college boys. Neither quieted until my mother cleared her throat.
"Yes, Kumiko-chan?" Soun asked, sweating a bit. Genma glanced at his friend, wondering why the man appeared to be scared of his docile, if somewhat outspoken, wife. (Kumiko was always good at hiding her emotions, something Nabiki indeed would inherit.)
"It is late, my husband. We should be putting Kasumi-chan to bed soon." In the presence of the soon-to-be Saotome couple she couldn't say what she wanted to say, which was something like, "I'm tired of his presence; make them leave."
"Y-yes! Of course, my wife." He scurried over, clumsy as a martial artist could be under the irate woman's gaze, to where I sat dozing, leaning half on the table to keep from falling over. He gently picked me up and cradled me against his chest; I sleepily clung to my father's shirt, giving into the urge that insisted I sleep. It was nearly 22:00 hours; my young body could not stay up this late naturally.
Asotou-sama carried me away, I noticed an odd look on Nadoka-san's face: a look of suppressed longing. I knew, then the reason she would go through with her arranged marriage to the 'honorable' Saotome Genma. So simple, what she wanted but could not get without a husband.
All Nadoka wanted was a child. No wonder she loved Ranma so much and seemed to disregard Panda-man at every turn.
Curled up in my crib-bed in the corner of my parent's room, I cuddled my favorite plushy (Kurei, a black dog doll given to me by my mother's parents for my first birthday) on the edge of Reality and Dreamland.
'Poor Nadoka-san. I hope everything works out for her, in the end… Only a year or so until she gets her wish…' I fell asleep with that thought.
-0-0-0-0-
My second birthday came and went as a quiet, personal affair, just like the first. My presents were adequate and mundane for my new age of two; picture books, toys and stuffed animals of all sizes. Oka-sama's cooking on that day was delicious, as always, and quite a treat since Soun insisted his wife take it easy for the remaining time of her pregnancy.
Of all the things that stuck in my photographic memory that day, an odd exchange between otou-sama and oka-sama was the most noted. It began near the end of my present pile, with only gifts from my parents and grandparents left. Father unwrapped my parent's joint present for me; a box of frilly baby dresses and ribbons that my mother would no doubt dress me up in later.
Mother was the one to open her parent's gift for me: a set of English learner's tapes to play while a child sleeps. I don't know how effective they would be on a real child, but at least now I have a future excuse for knowing English.
A letter fluttered out from between the set of packaged tapes asoka-sama moved to separate them. She immediately picked it up, handing the gift to my grim faced father, clutching the paper tightly in both hands. I couldn't see what it said, from where I sat on the floor surrounded by my gifts, but I could guess that it wasn't good news from the way oka-sama stiffened and shook.
"They, they…" she murmured to herself. Father, hands free after setting the tapes in my pile of toys, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Kumiko-chan…" He never calls her that in public, only in private. He has nicknames for her, calls her 'my beloved wife', and goofs around in the presence of others, but with trusted family he can be serious and direct. I like that about him. Too bad it's something I think dies with oka-sama.
"It's alright, Soun," she said, shrugging off his hand. "I'll be fine."
"What do they want, Kumiko? Do they…like last time?" His eyes widened, and he seemed afraid of what his parents-in-law wanted. The letter was in my gift; did that mean it had something to do with me?
"No! No, my husband, all is well. They just…" She trailed off, placing a calming hand on otou-sama's upper arm. Reaching her arms around his torso, she pressed up against his in an as intimate a hug as her belly would allow. "They just want to see our child, that's all. Maybe someday, but now…"
"No," Soun agreed. "It is too soon."
They drifted off into silence, rocking together to unheard music, sharing a moment that I was hesitant to interrupt. They had so few of them, with a household to manage and a dojo to run, with so little time for each other. I stayed as silent as possible, since leaving the room unnoticed was impossible.
Unfortunately, the precious moment ended all too soon for them when Li Mien, father's only Chinese student, walked in on them. He carried a wrapped parcel, no doubt another birthday present for me, and looked perfectly ashamed to interrupt.
"I-I'm sorry!" he said, bowing repeatedly, and leaving his gift behind in his mad dash for the door.
Oka-samaand otou-sama shared a perplexed expression, wondering what in the world had just happened. They exchanged a glancing, wondering if the other knew, before noticing that neither did, and bursting out in laughter. I giggled too, just because they looked so cute together.
So was my third year in this life begins. I wonder, what does the future hold? A birth, of I have no doubt, and perhaps friends. Family and friends…
Somehow, this feels familiar, as if I've had this wondering, pleasant yet rueful feeling before. In one of my other lives? The only explanation.
-0-0-0-0-
Starting in the beginning of January, oka-samahardly left her room. She was well along in her pregnancy, otou-sama said, and any undue stress might hurt herself or the baby. Kumiko agreed with him only because she was too tired to argue.
When I say her room, I mean the guest room containing the secret altar, mini-library on the occult, and various other items needed to cast spells or perform rituals. I wasn't inclined to go near that small space, fearing one of her book-towers would fall on top of me, though I stayed with her often enough for my crib to be moved in there.
I would be getting my own room, my own bed, oka-sama told me, as soon as my baby brother or sister came. I stared up at her, silent as ever, but knew she knew I understood.
When I wasn't cuddled with my mother, feeling Nabiki-chan kicking away, I watched my father with his students.
He was a good instructor, becoming a completely new person in the presence of his students, spending enough time with each until he knew they understood. He was gentle but firm with the new students, strict yet friendly with the older, more experienced learners. I enjoyed watching how he taught; it made my respect for him increase significantly.
On a cold day in February, father outside shoveling snow, when oka-sama muttered to herself in a more aggravated voice than normal, "Stupid Soun." Though my mother did refer to my father in a less than flattering way in my presence, something in her tone caught my attention. This went beyond mere annoyance; otou-sama had done something that deeply upset his wife.
She stroked my hair absently, looking my not really seeing my face. "Why did he have to sign that treaty…?"
Treaty? What treaty?
"I don't want any of my children forced into marriage for the sake of honor," Kumiko said with conviction. Now I knew what father had done.
A marriage contract between the families of Tendo and Saotome would join the two styles of Anything Goes. But at what price? The happiness of the children, perhaps. Or their chance for true love. If I didn't know what I do, if I wasn't who I am, I would hate him for arranging such a thing. Actually, I am profoundly grateful to him.
'So the first stone of the foundation is laid. Only seventeen more years until it truly begins.' So far in the future. What will happen to us up until then?
Oka-sama continued to mutter to herself, cradling me to her side. I snuggled in and soon fell asleep, grateful to my mother, too, for her warmth and love.
I awoke, two week later on the third of March, to my mother's panicked cry of, "The contractions are starting!"
In a blur, we were rushed into an ambulance, my father clutching my mother's hand, and away to the nearest hospital.
My first sister was coming, and I had no time to think.
-0-0--0-0-
A/N: This is the start of the rewritten version of my story Broken Mirror Reflecting. This time, I actually have a plan! In addition, her childhood with go faster, with the help of a year skip. I plan to introduce Ranma in chapter seven, or perhaps six. No definite, but that's what's planned.
Hope you enjoy this new try!
Sister Shadow/ Li
Posted: 12/15/07