Guardian One-Half

by TheDevian

While being chased through town one day, Ranma somehow managed to avoid the walkway washer woman, and his fate subtly changed. My apologies to anyone who has been waiting on the next chapter of my first story, Nodoka 2/1, my editor got sidetracked, and while I was waiting on him to catch up, I started this "short story" idea that grew well out of hand.

6. Chapter 6

I own nothing, I have nothing, I am ...nothing.

Chapter 06 - After Math

Another day, another chapter corrected. Would have been sooner, but the uploader was not working for me again... Glad to see that some of you are still enjoying this, and I hope this will not be an exception.

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Ranma finally made it home, only somewhat worse for wear, at least physically. Hinako's draining of Ryoga had lasted a lot longer than her previous one, though it still wore off long before he had finished the assignments she had given him too do. The rest of their time, she had spent singing or otherwise making an annoyance of herself, while at the same time, casually threatening to drain him if he did not keep working.

It was starting to get late, but he saw that there was still a light on in the dojo, so he went to investigate. Seeing Kasumi, in her gi, doing the kata he had taught her the other day almost perfectly, filled him with both pride, and annoyance. As a friend and instructor, he was proud of her for doing well, but he was also miffed at being tricked the way he had, and of all people, for it to have been Kasumi to have done it is what hurt him the most. He tried to push back the pain, as he had always done, and focus on the work she had done.

Once Kasumi finished the form, Ranma made his presence known. "Oi, Kasumi-san, good work, that was almost perfect. Would ya like ta wait 'til tomorrow, or ya want me ta show ya another one tonight?"

"Oh, Ranma-kun, you are home! How did it go, were you able to help 'my friend'?"

"No, don't think so, an' I gotta pretty bad feelin' about what'll come a' it later... but all that trouble is just part a' my life, would a' happened no matter what I did. Does explain why sensei stopped botherin' me part way through th' week... But why'd ya do all this? Ya knew I didn't wanna do that..."

Kasumi started to panic, she was not expecting a reaction like this, maybe a bit annoyed, but not this hurt. "Oh, Ranma-kun, I'm sorry! I guess I did not understand, I thought you just didn't want the other students to know that you were being tutored, so they would not make fun of you?"

"No, it was so they wouldn't think I was a pervert! So ta keep people from thinkin' I'm a pervert, who is tryin' ta date my teacher, ya make it look like I was on a date with that teacher, I am not sure how that is helpin'... Not ta mention how many people from our class we ran inta, I only hope they keep their big mouths shut."

"But, it was not... I mean, if you explain..."

"Me explainin' stuff don't do no good ...it seems. Come on, let's show ya th' next kata, so ya can start learnin' that too."

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

As soon as Ranma arrived at school, the pointing and whispers began, avoiding the usual morning activities, he ran straight for their classroom, looking for his two 'buddies'.

"Hey, guys! I thought you promised me you would not say anything!"

The two boys looked at each other, then back at Ranma, and chimed in together. "We didn't actually agree, but..."

"We didn't tell anyone, anyhow!"

"If not you guys then ...oh no!"

Just as Ranma's head dropped, Sayuri and Yuka walked into the room, followed closely by Akane.

"...and then Ranma-kun told us not to tell you, Akane!"

"RAAAAAAANNNNNNNMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Walking over to his desk, Akane's aura was almost hot enough to ignite the dry ceiling materials. "WHAT WERE YOU DOING LAST NIGHT?"

"Nuthin'! Kasumi-san asked me ta-"

"Don't you DARE try to blame Onee-chan for you being perverted! I heard ALL about it!"

Turning to Akane's 'friends', Ranma whispered a sarcastic, 'thanks a lot!', before turning back to his flaming fiancee. "Than whatcha askin' me for? It ain't like yer gonna listen ta me anyway!"

"Ranma no ...BAKA!" Akane did not even waste her time pulling out her favorite weapon, and just wound up her punch.

"I knew this was gonna happen!"

"At least you got some, and by the hottest Sensei around!"

"You PERVERT!"

"I whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...?" Ranma's voice trailed off as he flew through the open window, unable to see most of the girls in the classroom fuming, and the guys ranging from jealous to amazed, many of whom would have removed body parts to spend an hour alone with their teacher in her adult form!

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Almost back from picking up some ingredients for her grandmother, Shampoo listened to her instincts and looked up to saw her wayward husband flying overhead. Peddling as hard as she could, she yelled as she approached the front of the shop. "Grandmother, delivery out front, Shampoo leave now, go after Airen. Make stupid Mousse do carry!" Tossing the crate, the young Chinese woman bounced her bike onto a fence, hopped over a shed, and soared onto the nearest rooftop, trying to close the gap between the two. Only one person would do that to her husband, and being the one to catch him and tend his wounds would surely win her some points!

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Ranma was nearing the dojo, when he twisted his body to use wind resistance to start to slow his fall, when he sensed a familiar projectile coming his way and braced for impact. Instead of being rammed by the bicycle, as he had expected, he had been plucked out of the air, and deposited into Shampoo's lap. "Aiyaaaaa! Shampoo save Airen from pervert-girl, sooooo happy! Want go have fun with Shampoo?"

Angling down several sloped roofs, and off of the Tendo gate, Shampoo gently landed her bike, and hugged Ranma tightly. "What angry-girl angry about today?"

Ranma tried in vain to extradite himself from the vice that held him. "Oh, you know, the usual stuff..."

"Airen say how love Shampoo then?" The always optimistic young warrior bounced as she practically cheered with excitement, which had the desired effect of catching her husband's eye, for however briefly it may have been. It was the little moments that kept her from feeling as if she was completely wasting her time. Most men stared at her with obvious desire, they were easy to read, and she craved the attention, if only to reassure herself that she was as desirable as she thought. Most men, and even some women, were happy to oblige, but not her husband, his clues were much more subtle. She had to look closely to try to read the signs, and she could admit to herself that she occasionally misread those clues, he certainly did not make it easy.

"Not exactly..." Ranma was a bit more distracted by Shampoo's jiggling figure than usual, but he was able to tear his eyes away, and was trying to think of a way to escape, without offending the girl who had just saved him from what could have been a semi-painful landing.

"Then say how bad is cooking?"

"No, not this time... Look, Shampoo, I got somethin' I got ta do, so, uh, do ya mind?"

The bubbly warrior's happy aura competed with Akane's earlier angry one. "Shampoo no mind, have all time for Ranma."

He was afraid she had not understood what he meant, and his fears were confirmed when she tried to follow him into the house, blissfully smiling away. There was no way she was going to leave until she found out what has caused this latest spat, there was little in this world that was more 'newsworthy' to her than another fight between the pair, and she wanted to hear every last detail, preferably without having to pay Nabiki for them.

"Ranma-kun, you're home early, and Shampoo is with you! Welcome, would you like some tea?"

"Thanks Kasumi-san."

"You are welcome, Ranma-kun." Kasumi led the way to the kitchen, followed by a depressed Ranma, who was in turn followed by the effervescent adolescent, Shampoo. "You are sure home early, did you forget something?"

"Other 'an stayin' in bed, ya mean?"

Shampoo perked up, if that was what Ranma had in mind for the day, she was completely overjoyed to be available. Great-grandmother would just have to do without her for the day! At least being shorthanded ought to keep Mousse out of her hair in the meantime. This was quickly turning into her best day in a long time.

"Could things really have been that bad?"

"Didn't even make it ta homeroom before the rumors were so bad Akane sent me flyin'. Was startin' ta try an' control my fall, when Shampoo here caught me." When Ranma mentioned her part in the story, Shampoo beamed with pride. "Don't know if I'm goin' back today... gotta blow over ...eventually."

Kasumi was a bit disappointed, but could not really blame the lad, it was not his fault how he was raised, and while she did not know what it was like to have a whole campus spreading rumors about her, she was certain that it was not a pleasant experience.

"Oh yes! Ranma stay here, with big sister and Shampoo! Make too too much happy!" Anything was better than sending him back to the school with the violent one and her most bitter rival! Besides, what could be better than to spend the day together? Doing her best to look as cute as she could, Shampoo looked up into Ranma's eyes. "Or strong husband wish take dutiful wife on date, yes?"

"No! Um, I mean, I'm in enough hot water as it is... Er, staying here's fine, but where are our fathers?"

"Oh, grandfather was excited about something, and insisted they go train together..."

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Happosai was happier than he had been in a long time, someone in the Tendo-ke was developing an interest in the finer things in life, and it was time for him to step up his game! He needed to fine even sexier samples, something that will really help grow the interest in his new apprentice! ...whoever it was. He was going to drag those two worthless ingrates all over Japan if that was what it took!

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

"Say, 'in hot water', husband want bath? Shampoo want help!" Ranma started to worry about the direction this was taking, and wondered if he would have been better off going back to school...

Kasumi blushed as she remembered washing Ranma's back the other day, and would never admit that she wanted to do it again. "Oh my! But, that isn't proper!"

"No more have mixed bath in Japan?"

"We DO, but it's not exactly common any longer, not since the war..."

"That is pride of Japan, let others tell what do, how act?"

Kasumi could not think of an argument, to that, mixed bathing HAD long been a tradition in their country, especially among close family, but despite her curiosity, she still had misgivings... "Well then, you will need a chaperone, yes, that is it!" Kasumi got up to fetch a glass of cold water.

"But, but, but... I-" Ranma had been counting on Kasumi to save him, and was disappointed that she caved on him so easily, not that he was able to present a decent argument. Debating was not really his strong suit, no matter how much he tried, especially when a woman was involved, he knew he had no hope.

Shampoo was so unused to not being attacked or completely rejected, that she took this as tacit approval, only jumping back as the water came down over her husband's head. Activating Ranma's curse was fine to her, but her own had to be avoided at all costs. Grabbing one of their hands in each of hers, Shampoo quickly ran for the changing room.

"No, wait, what? ...Oh my."

Shampoo threw off her dress in one quick motion, and started to work on Ranma's shirt fasteners. "Is called 'Onee-chan' is correct? Shampoo call too, is okay?" The slightly older woman stared at her with wide eyes, nodding to both of her inquiries. "Then Onee-chan must hurry or Shampoo have all fun. Like helping, yes? Want help Airen, need hurry. Can't go in bath with clothes! Need Shampoo help too?"

"No, but, Ranma-kun..."

Having finished removing all of Ranma's clothes, Shampoo started to drag him into the furo. "Should hurry, if want help!"

Flustered by the brazenness of the younger girl, Kasumi warred with herself internally for a moment before fumbling with her own clothing fasteners, and putting on a towel to maintain her modesty. As she entered the furo, she saw Shampoo rubbing her body all over Ranma 'washing' his cursed body in places without water. For his part, Ranma was still doing his best impression of 'Deer in Headlights', and was stiff as a board, not even blinking. "Oh my, that isn't proper!"

"Husband need loosen up! Have two too beautiful womans, here for helping. Should enjoy!"

"Shampoo! What are you doing?"

"Shampoo helping husband be happy! Is too too nice! Onee-chan know what mens and womens do together, yes?"

Blushing ever harder, Kasumi just could not look away. "Of course, but, Ranma is a girl now... and, and ...that is not proper! You're not married!"

"Shampoo no care what body is Airen, Shampoo happy just be with! What not proper? Ranma is Shampoo husband, Onee-chan is nice friend, Shampoo let help!" The young Chinese warrior's smile was so wide, it threatened to split her face in half. "No have to play..."

"That is not what I meant..." Kasumi knew it was not right, they should not be doing what they were, but young warrior looked so happy, she was having trouble saying 'no', she did so enjoy helping... But, NO, she was supposed to be there as a chaperone, and Ranma was clearly distressed and panicking, she should be stopping this, not helping... Stop, help, stop, help, stop, help ...! "AAAAAHHHHHHH!"

Kasumi suddenly jumping up and running away screaming, gave Shampoo enough of a pause, that Ranma was able to break free of her grip and make a break for it himself, running to his room to get clothes...

Shampoo thought they were all having fun together, and was quite surprised by their reactions, though her frustrated pout was adorable, if only there had there been anyone around to see it. Not bothering to get her clothing, Shampoo gave chase, bouncing after them as they ran! She did have to wonder why she had the sudden desire to speak in French... "Most womans be discouraged by now. Lucky for Airen, Shampoo no is most womans!"

"Where Shampoo little pocket monster go, Shampoo here for collecting!" Looking around, she was not seeing anyone until she came to the guest room he shared with his father, the door to which was barricaded, preventing it from being opened ...normally. A blocked door had never been an obstacle to Shampoo though, and even if it were, 'obstacles were for killing', so with a touch, she blew a hole in the wall. "Shampoo is locksmith of love, yes?"

As the hole in his wall opened, and the nude form of Shampoo stood behind it, Ranma bolted for the now open window. Shampoo put her hands on her hips, pouting again. "Is possible be too too cute?"

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Eventually, the game of cat and mouse ...and mouse, came to a close, with Ranma getting away long enough for Shampoo to catch Kasumi instead. Ranma got concerned, and had to see if she needed a rescue, never sure if he could trust the voluptuous vixen, and not willing to take the chance with Kasumi, who could not defend herself.

"Airen, come out now, want see what Shampoo do if no..." Shampoo held Kasumi down on the living room cushion, holding her other hand above her in a threatening manner.

"Oh my..." Kasumi's eyes went wide in surprise.

"Wait, stop! What're ya doin', Shampoo?"

Shampoo looked hurt, when Ranma jumped out to save Kasumi, while ignoring her all morning. "Shampoo see how husband play. Let see what do if Shampoo do ...this!"

Ranma dove to place his cursed body between the two young women just as Shampoo made a big show of tickling the both of them at high speeds. "Shampoo make pay for ignoring devoted wife, when only want make nice-nice! Why husband no play with wife? Shampoo only want make Ranma happy!"

Neither Ranma nor Kasumi were finding it easy to breathe under the specialized attack, their laughing filled the room, barely able to hear as Shampoo continued her assault. "Shampoo practice long, hard, and if this only way can make happy, then Shampoo do!"

Unable to take any more, Ranma-onna decided that their only defense, was a good offense, and launched a chestnut-speed counterattack! "Ya wanna 'play', fine! Nobody beats Ranma Saotome!"

Before long Kasumi had joined them, and all three of them were tickling each other and laughing, when out of the blue, they heard a, 'BWEEEEEEE!' as a small black projectile hit Ranma in the back. "Hey! Whaja-do-that-for?"

Shampoo picked P-Chan up by his 'collar', looking him in the eyes. "Stupid Pig-Boy! Why try ruin Shampoo fun?"

The small black piglet's eyes had gone a bit lower, and he was now spouting twin blood streams from his nose, before he was kicked into another prefecture.

Ranma watched as his rival faded into a pinpoint in the sky. "Well, that guy won't be back any time soon!"

Kasumi was shocked! "Oh my, how could you be so cruel to a defenseless pet?"

Shampoo gave the older girl an incredulous look. "Ryoga no is defenseless, and deserve for hurting husband! ...Wait, no know about that one's curse?" Shampoo looked at Ranma who was desperately shaking his head, before realizing what just happened ...and that Shampoo was still naked! He hung his head, turning away.

"You both knew, this whole time?"

"Why do ya think I always try an' keep 'em apart? I made a promise ta not reveal another warrior's weakness, before th' bastard used it ta sneak inta Akane's room... That's what starts all those fights!"

Kasumi was not sure what to think about this, her world was doing flip-flops, and many of the arguments she had witnessed were coming into new light, and she was not sure who was the most at fault, nor how to make things right...

"Why keep word, when Pig-Boy show no honor?"

"Cuzz, I gave my word."

"Stupid Ryoga broke first."

"That's not th' point!"

"Who else knows about this?"

"What was that, Kasumi-san?"

"How many other people knew about this?"

"I thought pretty much everybody but Akane did, I mean, just look at th' bandanna. It's obvious! That's why th' jerk's always tryin' ta kill me, it was ...kinda my fault." Ranma's voice grew weak at the end.

Kasumi looked concerned, wondering what could make anyone allow such a transgression to occur. "What do you mean, 'your fault'?"

Ranma explained how Ryoga had followed them to China after missing the duel, and how while chasing his father in a blind rage, he had not seen him, and accidentally knocked the Lost Boy into a spring. Shampoo giggled while listening to the story, making her nude body do ...interesting things, not that Ranma was watching, no, not at all... Kasumi was less amused. "That is a horrible story, but I do not believe that you were really at fault ...for that much."

"Try tellin' that ta Ryoga."

"Oh, I plan on it..." The aura Kasumi was giving off almost matched when she had learned about her father's 'deal' with the Chardin clan, and both Ranma and Shampoo backed away. "Oh, Shampoo? You should probably get dressed ...and Ranma, not telling Akane, in this case, is a larger stain on your honor, if you ask me." Shampoo pouted, but ran off to reclaim her forgotten dress in the changing room, while Ranma hung his head in shame.

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

After retrieving her cheongsam, Shampoo found the others in the kitchen, where Kasumi had been waiting on her before serving lunch. Ranma and Kasumi had discussed various topics, from Ryoga and Akane to Hinako and the school. Shampoo was just happy to not have anyone upset at her, though she did take a bit of interest when the topic of Ranma and his teacher came up. Despite the opinion of certain people around town, Shampoo understood the value of learning things outside of the martial arts, even if she had little respect for the ki vampire. She wanted her husband to be strong, but her grandmother taught her that one could be both strong and knowledgeable at the same time.

Truly, it was only her immigration status that had prevented her grandmother from entering her into the same class as her husband, or she would be right there beside him! Admittedly, she had not planned to be in Japan that long, but even if she were not wanting to learn anything new, once they realized they would be staying for a while, she would have done it just to be closer to Ranma! She lamented the fact, as it gave the other main contenders a leg up, made worse with Akane and him living together as well. Although, she lamented, that could harm the girl's cause as much as it helped.

'Wait, what was that? Were they were talking about how to tell the Kitchen Destroyer about Ryoga's curse?' Shampoo perked up, she really wanted to see the look on her face when the other girl found out! "Ooooooo, let Shampoo tell! Husband no stain honor, and no is like Akane believe Ranma anyway!" '...and Shampoo get have fun!'

"Well, I suppose that WOULD take care of the problem..." Kasumi hesitated, something about that choice did not feel right to her.

"Ya think Akane'd believe ya either? I've tried ta hint at it, I mean, I call Ryoga 'P-Chan' an' stuff all th' time!"

"Is that what that was all about?"

"No is need, Shampoo prove! Just find Pig-Boy first..."

"Well, it SHOULD be me that tells, but I guess it doesn't matter who does it, I'll be th' one Akane blames anyway."

Kasumi frowned, not liking the idea of Ranma not taking responsibility for his part in this mess, though she did agree that he did not deserve the brunt of the blame. While what Ranma did was wrong, what Ryoga had been doing was much worse, and she knew Ranma regretted his part in the situation, but if Ryoga actually felt remorse over it, he would not still be posing as a pet.

"Let Shampoo help! Shampoo make sure wrath of too too violent girl be pointed in right direction..."

"I dunno, whatcha think, Kasumi-san?"

"I do not know, you will do it nicely, will you not?"

"It be nice." '...for Shampoo.'

The young woman looked so pleased, that Kasumi could not resist, and relented. "Then, if Ranma-kun does not want to do so, just be careful. Akane-chan is a very sweet girl, but is just a bit of ...violent maniac."

Giggling once again, Shampoo patted Kasumi on the back. "Onee-chan speak true! Now that decide, what we play next?"

That last question, reminded Kasumi of the time, and the fact that she had hardly done any of her chores! "Oh my! Look at the time, I need to get back to work, so much to do, just yell if you need anything!" Kasumi started clearing the table in a rush, when Ranma jumped up, and inched closer to the door.

"...And, um, I should, uh, really get back ta trainin', don't ya know..."

Shampoo shot a dirty look at Ranma, disappointed that he would not stay and help. She was torn, she wanted to spend as much time with Ranma as possible, and help him train, but could not leave Kasumi to do all of that cleaning on her own, not after they slowed her progress. "Shampoo decide, help Airen, by help Onee-chan!"

"Oh, Shampoo, you are a guest, you do not have to help. You two have fun training."

"No, Shampoo do husband part, while training. Onee-chan no should do all alone, no is right! Much to do, Shampoo help!" She had looked off to where Ranma had been, sad that he left, but glad to be of help to him. One day she would figure out what her husband liked, and then she could give him what he needed!

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Ranma felt like a heel, leaving the way he had, he couldn't secretly help them, if they knew he was there helping. But he also knew that with Shampoo there, he would have to be more careful, it would be much harder to mask his presence from her. The Chinese warrior's eyes and ki senses were much more finely tuned, he should probably try to focus on other rooms again, but that would not be as much of a challenge.

He decided to start off easy, and cleaned the living room, and ran to start the laundry while they were still doing the dishes, and felt he was ready for the real training. Doing his best to mask his ki, he snuck back into the kitchen, and saw Kasumi washing and Shampoo drying the dishes. Every time Shampoo turned to get another dish, Ranma would sneak behind her, grab a dry dish, and quickly put it away.

Before long, he was grabbing several dishes at a time, putting them all away before Shampoo had turned around, and she was starting to notice they were missing... "Wait, Shampoo sure was more dish here..."

"Hummm?"

"Is ...nothing." Shampoo kept glancing around, trying to figure out what was happening, being very careful of noting where she placed each dish, before turning to see it gone. "Know Shampoo put glass there, is gone! Is Shampoo go crazy?"

"Do not worry, that is just mother, helping us out."

"'Mother'? Shampoo thought was..."

"Dead? Yes. Eight years now, but mother's spirit has been helping me for a while now."

'Maybe Shampoo no is one who is crazy... but, what happen then?' "That sweet. Shampoo miss mother too."

"Oh, Shampoo, you lost your mother as well? I am so sorry!"

"Was too too little, no remember well. Grandmother tell of mens what want easy brides, fine brides no so easy... Mother defend village children school, include Shampoo. Shampoo father get childrens to safety while mother hold back bad mens. By time elders arrive, most mens dead, but was too late for mother."

"Oh, I am sorry, that is so sad."

"No, Shampoo proud! Wish mother live, but die defending others, is much honor! Mother defeat many to protect village, is big hero. Is happy story, many childrens live, because mother strong warrior, Shampoo be like mother too!"

Kasumi had taken Shampoo into a warm embrace. "You can be proud of your mother, and I can still be sorry for your loss. From what I can tell, you are very much like your mother, you are indeed a very strong warrior."

"Onee-chan is too too kind, Shampoo have long way go. Great-grandmother always tell Shampoo."

"Well, I think you are, and I feel certain everyone else around here does as well."

Shampoo smiled, blushing at the compliment. By the time the two young women turned around, they saw that all of the dishes had been washed, dried, put away, and the entire kitchen was sparkling. Kasumi did a small prayer, thanking her mother, that Shampoo tried to mimic, it was important to honor one's mother after all.

The two young women moved from room to room, cleaning, and seeing things seemingly being cleaned before their very eyes. Shampoo had been constantly trying to figure out what was happening, while Kasumi appeared to mostly ignore the strangeness, although even she was amazed to see that the laundry had not only been washed, but hung on the line to dry. At one point, while cleaning the guest room, Shampoo had felt something hit her arm, and upon checking, it seemed damp. She followed the path of the drop and met Ranma's eyes as he clung to the ceiling, a few beads of sweat still clinging to his face.

The surprised look on Shampoo's face told him he was busted, but he made gestures to keep it a secret, and she had managed to hold in her gasp, saving her questions, of which there were likely to be many. Ranma bolted from the room as soon as he saw that Shampoo was not going to give him away, planning to have a talk with her soon.

Kasumi was pleased, they had finished much faster than she could have ever expected, she was not used to getting helped herself, and it felt odd to her, even while she was grateful for it. "Thank you, Shampoo, your help was indispensable. I do not believe we could have finished that in time without you."

"Onee-chan is too too welcome. Nice to husband, nice to Shampoo, always happy help!" Shampoo beamed with joy, she would become the Tendos' maid, if it meant she could spend everyday with Ranma like that!

"Would you please go find Ranma-kun while I go make some tea for us?" Shampoo had raced out of the room before the last syllable had left Kasumi's lips, with only one thought on her mind, 'Get Ranma!'

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Ranma had gone back to the dojo, figuratively kicking himself for his failure, vowing to train even harder. He had been nervous about Shampoo's keen senses, and was trying too hard to mask his presence only to get spotted by more mundane means. He poured all of his frustration into speeding though a repetitive kata, moving so rapidly that even once Shampoo had entered the building, she could barely see her husband at all.

She wondered if his speed really could have improved so much over the last month? She would have to learn more. Ranma had always been better than her, but at this rate she would get left in the dust! "Airen? Onee-chan say come for tea, but first Shampoo have question..."

"It's my new speed trainin', I try ta help Kasumi-san, without being seen."

"Is THAT what go on? Shampoo impressed, but Onee-chan think mother helping, is nice?"

"I'm not sure, I think so, but, if I tell that I am helpin', then I can't really test my speed ...and not as fun if there ain't no risk a' bein' caught." Ranma threw a mischievous grin her way, before prostrating himself. "So, please, don't tell anyone!"

Shampoo's grin widened as well, looking at her husband. "Seem Shampoo have upper hand now! Ranma invite Shampoo for training, let help too. No even date, just spend time with Shampoo, and lip be sealed."

"Ya wanna train together? I guess that's not so bad... Ya gotta make me a promise too then."

"What husband want?"

"Just keep yer clothes on..."

Shampoo pouted, leaning in close, with her hand on the top fastener on her dress. "Shampoo curse body not only kitty scare husband? ...Or is think Shampoo ugly? Shampoo disgust Ranma? Shampoo think cry!" She turned her head away, hiding it in her hands, smiling, but making sniffing sounds.

"No! That's not it! Yer cute, too cute, it's just, Akane, an' all that, I dunno, just don't cry!" Ranma was backing up in a mild panic though Shampoo would not let him get far.

Shampoo had to fight to not squeal in delight when Ranma called her 'too cute', and continued to hide her face until her smile was hidden. "So what choose? Play nice with Shampoo, or go talk with Onee-chan?"

Ranma backed into the wall before drooping in defeat. "Fine, if ya keep it from the others, I gotta 'nuff problems with that this week..." Shampoo smiled and nodded. "Why ya gotta pull these tricks?"

"Trick? Shampoo only ask be treated like no is hated! You ask Shampoo favor, is wrong to ask one back? Shampoo love Ranma, today best day of life! Is wrong want husband want spend time with wife?"

"Oh my."

"That's only cuzza those dumb laws..."

"No! Law mean Shampoo marry Ranma, no mean must love! Shampoo love Ranma for Ranma!"

"How can ya say that? Ya barely know me!"

"Shampoo know! Everything about Ranma, Shampoo love! What Shampoo know, Shampoo love, what no know, learn love! If husband no good, no need keep after make babies. If no love, great-grandmother find other way out for Shampoo, like kill husband, no spend so much time to train and win over. Great-grandmother and Shampoo agree, Ranma worth try! Shampoo never want see Ranma hurt, even if mean Shampoo exile, or executed!"

"WAIT! Whaja mean ...'executed'?"

"If husband live, and Shampoo no win over, even grandmother no can save. Council have shampoo punished, but Ranma no worry about that, Shampoo only want Ranma happy, just know Shampoo make husband most happy! Shampoo and Ranma care about all same things!"

"How can I NOT worry 'bout that, knowin' ya could die? I don't wanna marry nobody, but ya shouldn't die cuzza it! That ain't right!"

"How awful!"

"No is Airen problem! Ranma choose Shampoo for Shampoo, not for 'dumb laws' as say. Shampoo laws no mean nothing to Ranma, yes? Why start now?"

"'Cause 'fore it was just yer forcin' yerself on me, but now it's different! I don't wanna see ya get hurt!"

Shampoo's heart swelled knowing he cared about her to some degree, it was a start! She had always felt that was the case, but it was always nice to hear it in his own words. "Airen protective nature, this why Shampoo love. Is strong, kind, handsome, and always help people. Everything Shampoo want in husband ...and self. Everything stupid Mousse not."

Ranma was embarrassed by the praise, and turned to face away. "Okay, fine, just promise ta keep my secret."

Shampoo erupted in joy, and could not decide if she wanted to jump for joy, or glomp Ranma. "Shampoo promise!"

"What secret is that, Ranma-kun?"

"About me helpin' ...Kasumi-san! ACK! When ja get here?"

"When Shampoo-chan said that today was the best day. Your tea was getting cold, so I came to check on you... Why would you want to keep helping someone a secret?"

"Well, um ...helping is its own reward, ne?"

Kasumi beamed. "Why yes, yes it certainly is."

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

After tea, Kasumi mentioned something she wanted to do before Akane got home, and that reminded them of the time. Shampoo decided that it had been such a nice day, that she did not want to ruin it by seeing Akane until she had found Ryoga, and made her preparations.

Bowing, Shampoo headed for the door to get her shoes. "Come Nekohanten anytime, Shampoo always make sure visit extra special!"

Ranma felt a chill run up his spine, though Kasumi just smiled and waved. "Bye bye Shampoo-chan, see you soon!"

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Hinako had been disappointed by Ranma's absence, she had felt so certain that she had gotten through to him and they had made progress. Never one to give up easily, she decided that it was time to make another home visit. Maybe she could find out why he had skipped school, or at least get more insight into the root causes of the problems.

She was always impressed by the size of the Tendo estate, even more so when she compared it to her own studio apartment. Even after being turned down, she had held out hope of living there, but after going with them to China, she was starting to learn that while Soun was a very nice, if overly emotional, man, he was also a rather detached and neglectful parent and guardian. She had lost much respect for the man on that trip, and was mildly grateful to the children for interfering in her plans that day. She knew she was considered 'Christmas Cake' already, however her younger self was still growing, which could still give her a second chance if worst came to worst.

For now she had more important things on her mind. Knocking on the door, she heard a voice from within. "Akane-chan, would you please get the door?"

"Okay, Kasumi-nee-chan!" Akane opened the door, and her mood dropped the moment she saw who was on the other side. "What do YOU want?"

Back into her child form, Hinako was bursting with energy, also known as a 'sugar rush', from the several pieces of candy she had eaten on the way over. "I am here to find out why my baaaad student, Saotome-kun, skipped school."

Normally, Akane would be inclined to step aside, and let Hinako punish Ranma to her heart's content, but in light of the recent rumors, she was not feeling so generous that day. "Oh NO! Didn't you two see enough of each other LAST NIGHT? First dad, now Ranma? Go find your own man! If anyone is going to punish Ranma, it is ME!"

"Akane-chan, who is it?"

Slamming the door in her teacher's face, Akane replied to her sister. "Nobody, just a strong wind."

Akane started to go back to her manga in the living room, when a knock was heard again, this time harder, and louder. "Are you sure?"

Opening the door, Akane just slammed it back in her teacher's face again. "Just a female dog!"

"That certainly did not sound like Bess..." Hearing the knock again, Kasumi dried her hands and went to check for herself, to send the dog home. She was quite surprised to see the young teacher, and had to ask. "Did you just get here?"

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

"Welcome back Granddaughter, I do hope you have a good reason for skipping out on your work all day."

Stepping over an unconscious Mousse, the young woman beamed at her matriarch. "Aiyaaa! Grandmother, Shampoo have most wonderful day! Was soooo worth whatever stupid Mousse had do! Spend whole day with husband, never be so happy! Even get promise train together!"

"At least it is Monday, and not too busy, but the dinner rush will be starting soon ...and then afterward, you can tell me all about it!" Cologne cackled as she hopped back into the kitchen to do her preparations for the next rush. "Now get in here and help me."

"Yeeees!" Shampoo bounced into the kitchen, grabbing an apron, and washing her hands. "Should see Airen now, is too too fast! Maybe get more fast than grandmother!"

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Kasumi had served tea to Hinako while she continued her dinner preparations. They talked about Ranma, why he had not been at school, and the general relationship between him and their family. Kasumi's tendency to understate the situation did require the educator to ask for clarification at points, trying not to be rude, or asking anything too personal, too often. Knowing how the girls felt about her and their father, she tried to avoid any direct questions about the man, but did learn a few things by proxy.

Kasumi explained what she knew of their father's plan to merge the schools by marrying their children together, including her guilt over her part in pushing Ranma and Akane together. She explained what she knew of the other girls who were after Ranma, for various reasons, leaving out some of the more personal reasons for Shampoo she had just learned. She was not aware of why the Kuno girl was after Ranma, only that he was clearly not interested, and had turned her down flat, on many occasions.

She then started to get into it, and started listed all of the horrible things she had known about Genma, and the awful things he had done to Ranma before they had arrived at the Tendo home. She started with the Neko-ken training, the multiple engagements, how the man almost never planned ahead or read things through, and how they ended up in Jusenkyo, and Shampoo's village. By the time she was done, her aura had grown to impressive proportions for someone with so little training, and the look on her face scared little Hinako.

"Sensei, it seems as if we are going to have an extra portion of dinner this evening, would you care to stay?"

Hinako's growling stomach answered for her, and she could only nod.

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

The family had gathered for their evening meal, and the reactions were varied. Hinako was energetic, and occasionally tried to start a conversation with Ranma, who in turn, looked nervous. Akane did not look happy, and would occasionally shoot dirty looks at either Ranma or their teacher. Nabiki looked on with a mild amusement and a lopsided grin, just waiting for the fireworks to break out, and Genma was just thrilled that it was dinnertime. "Ah Kasumi-chan, you have outdone yourself! This all just smells wonderful!"

"Why thank you, Oji-san, that is very kind of you to say." Kasumi was serving the food, and had just come to Genma's place, when she tipped a glass onto the large man's lap. "Oh my, I am terribly sorry, honored uncle Saotome. I suppose you will be needing something different this evening." She pulled out a large platter of bamboo from behind her back, and placed it on the floor, outside of the door.

Genma looked at the hot tea kettle on the table, then back at Kasumi's stern glare, promptly giving up, he never could stand up to a strict woman.

-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-

Thank you for reading, let me know what you think. ;)

Tune in next time for 'The Panda in the Doghouse' or 'Who's in Hot Water Now?'