Tsundere35
Thunder in the Mountains
By
Jim R. Bader
DISCLAIMER: Ranma 1/2 cast members were created by Rumiko Takahashi and remain the sole property of both her and those to whom she leased out the creative rights. This fanfic is not intended for the purpose of monetary gain and so is purely the work of the author using characters from Takahashi-dono's series. I am not getting any compensation or royalties for this, so please do not sue me…
"Tell me the truth, Child," Umi said firmly, "How long do you mean to keep this up?"
"Excuse me?" Ukyo asked, glancing up from the grill.
"You know what I mean," Umi replied, "The deception you're practicing. The lie that you're living. How long do you intend to keep denying yourself and refuse to be what you are, who you were born to be."
"For the rest of my life, if necessary," Ukyo said, turning back to the task of cooking up okonomiyaki, "And I know what you're going to say, Auntie. I shouldn't be wasting my life because of a mistake that Dad made when he engaged me to a guy who didn't even know that I was a girl when we were playmates. All these years I blamed Ranma because of what his Dad did…but now I realize it was just my pride that was making me deny my womanhood. It's just…I feel so stupid…!"
She slammed a spatula against the rim of the stove, startling the customer who was sitting on the other side of the counter. She looked up belatedly and said, "Sorry…it slipped," and promptly scooped up his order and deposited it before him, saying, "Enjoy your meal, Sir."
Ukyo started as she felt Umi's hand upon her shoulder, and her elder said, "You're not the only one who's made foolish choices with her life, Ukyo. I could write a book on the number of mistakes I've made. So you don't need to beat yourself up just because you're somewhat less than perfect."
"I'm not worried about being perfect, Auntie," Ukyo said, staring down at her work as her hands absently went through the motions of preparing another okonomiyaki, "I just…feel like I'm being left out somehow. For the first time in my life I feel…almost like I belong to a family. I started out joining the Tendo dojo because it gave me an excuse to get close enough to Ranchan so I could get to know him better. But over the past few weeks I've started feeling like an imposter…like I'm a fake and a fraud who's taking advantage of everybody's good nature."
"You're afraid that they'll find out that you're a girl," Umi said, "But how will that affect your relationship with Ranma?"
"That just the thing," Ukyo heaved a heavy sigh, "He's just the same as he was when we were kids together. I like him…a lot…but to him I'm just his old buddy. While with Kasumi…" she heaved another heavy sigh.
"I know what you mean," Umi replied, looking away, "I had the same problem years ago when I saw the man I cared for turning away from me to another woman. It's why I never married…I never could get over the blow to my pride that came from losing."
"I don't know how you got over him, Aunt Umi," Ukyo said, "But I'm thinking that it's probably hopeless. I don't see any way that I'm going to get between Ranchan and Kasumi. And the worst part is…I don't think I even want to try. I like Kasumi. I could never do anything to willingly hurt her."
"She does seem like the type of person who is easy to like," Umi conceded, "Certainly nothing like her mother, who had a way of getting on my nerves quite frequently. There's no shame in conceding the field to such a formidable opponent. But are you certain that you want to? Your claim is just as valid as her own…"
"This has nothing to do with claims and family obligation and stuff like that," Ukyo said as she flipped her newest creation onto a different plate, "It's about doing what's right. I couldn't live with myself if my happiness had to come at someone else's expense, especially someone who's never done anything to me worth hurting them about."
"What about some of the other girls?" Umi asked, "Even if you surrender your claim one of them might not be so willing to back off and surrender the field to Kasumi."
"Well, everybody knows that Nabiki's hurting for the guy," Ukyo shrugged, "She tries to hide it but you can tell how much it eats her up to see her sister get so close to a guy she actually likes. And that Kaori…what a Bitch…" Ukyo derisively snorted, "If I even thought she had a chance at breaking them up I'd stay and fight just to keep her mitts off of Ranchan."
"What about the Kuno girl?" Hitomi gently asked.
"That's…a little harder to figure out," Ukyo scowled, "Kodachi's crazy, there's no mistaking that. And unpredictable as hell…but there's no question where she's aiming her ribbon of fate. Trouble is I think it's Kasumi who needs to watch her ass around that girl. She's nuts."
"She does seem unusually devoted to the idea of pursing a relationship with the older sister," Umi remarked, "Which is curious since Kuno Hitomi was best friends with Tendo Kimiko…like they're carrying on the affections of their mothers, which I'll admit wasn't as intensive as young people seem to want these days. But…sometimes I have wondered…"
"I don't dislike Kodachi," Ukyo said, "But I don't trust her either. Still that's Ranchan's business to sort out…not that I expect him to be able to handle himself around that lady since he's pretty much like putty in the hands of a manipulative woman."
"Which you most certainly are not," Unit noted.
Ukyo sighed, "Am I being naïve, Auntie? I mean…I've trained myself for years to seek revenge against the guys who wronged me...and now I feel like I'm the Jackass because I could have had a chance with Ranma if he knew I was a girl. But I didn't want to ruin things once I saw how it was with him and Kasumi. Only that Kodachi might steal them both away, and I've done nothing to prevent it."
"Other than be a good friend," Umi noted, "And stood by their side when they needed a strong ally. Nothing wrong with that in my opinion."
"Yeah, but what have I got to show for it all?" Ukyo said, "I feel like I'm just a bystander watching things happen from the sidelines."
"So you no longer have a reason to stick around," Umi said, "So are you ready now to return to Kyoto?"
"No," Ukyo said, "That really would be admitting defeat. And I've…well…I actually like being a part of this dojo. I'm learning a lot from Sensei Comb, and…it's like I've got people I can trust at my back in a fight. And I'm starting to think I could really get to like it here."
"But if they find out that you deceived them about your gender it could be a problem," Umi noted, "So, what do you plan to do about it?"
"Other than go to China and find one of those cursed pools and throw myself in?" Ukyo smiled weakly, "I don't really know. I mean…so far I've been lucky, but sooner or later something will happen and I'll give myself away. And then everybody's gonna feel like I've been playing them along. I don't even know if explaining why I've gone in drag will make sense when I'm forced to explain it."
"Why not ask Comb for ideas?" Umi asked, "She knows the truth about you, and I'm pretty sure Silk does as well. One thing that bloody Amazon is always good for is ideas, and she's sneaky enough to probably already have figured out a way of breaking the news to your classmates. The real problem is going to be the fathers…especially Soun-chan."
"Yeah, and I'm not sure how Mister Tendo is going to take to the news that I'm really Ranma's secret fiancée," Ukyo poured the batter down and prepared to whip up another okonomiyaki, "I suppose I should thank Pops Genma for not spilling the beans, even if that louse is the cause of this whole stupid problem."
"Saotome Genma has done a lot of foolish things in his time," Umi agreed, "Hard to believe that there was a time when girls like Hitomi, Nodoka, Comb and Atsuko used to fight over his worthless hide. Of course back then he was a lot slimmer and even had a little hair on top."
"Yeah, just what is it about that guy that makes somebody as smart and sensible as Comb-Sensei go all mushy whenever his name gets mentioned?" Ukyo wondered, "I sure can't see the attraction."
Umi paused and glanced off into the distance, "I suppose it's just something his son inherited from him, a phenomenon I've observed over time called the Saotome Touch."
"The Saotome touch?" Ukyo repeated.
"I can't really explain it or put it into words the way Comb or Silk can," Umi replied, "It's just…like he has this strange power to excite certain impressionable women by approaching them in a way that appeals to their Motherly instincts. I may not be one of his former fan club, but I know well enough that Genma is a fierce, formidable fighter whenever he stands his ground and puts up an honest fight. If he stopped running from danger all the time I doubt that even I could take him in an honest fight."
Ukyo blinked, "But when have you ever fought somebody honestly, Auntie?"
"I don't know," Umi smiled back, "I can't even remember that far back."
"So it's something Genma does that even he doesn't know about," Ukyo thought about it, "Kind of like the way Ranchan can say or do the right thing that turns people around when at first they come after him. Like Kaori when she was going to press her suit, only she backed down suddenly and insisted on instead challenging Kasumi to a competition."
"Or how you changed your mind about him the minute you found out what he was really like and not the clouded memories you've carried with you all of these years," Umi said, "I've watched that boy do things that make me think he really is a lot like his father…but more like Nodoka in a lot of other aspects. He's crude, ill mannered and abrasive…but he never goes out of his way to deliberately hurt someone. He'll taunt and tease his opponents but he won't seek a dishonest advantage. And he's a lot braver than Genma on his best day. Even when he's up against somebody tougher than himself he doesn't flinch from doing the right thing."
"I guess that's because he's a hero," Ukyo mused, "But what does that make me?"
"His best friend," Umi said, "And if I judge things right he's going to need you more than you could know in the days ahead. Especially since Cybele chose to reveal herself, which means that things are about to get tough all around since that Demoness lives to destroy the happiness of ordinary mortals."
"So what should I do, Auntie?" Ukyo asked, "I want to help Ranchan…but I…"
The door to her shop opened up and a voice said, "Well, for a start, you might try being honest with yourself, Kuonji-san."
Ukyo turned and said, "You? " her tone went hard, "What do you think you're doing here…?"
"I was thinking about trying out some of this cuisine you sell since I've heard good word-of-mouth praise regarding its flavorful appeal," said Senzenen Mikado, "But I'm mostly here to give you and your friend, Saotome Ranma, a friendly warning."
"A warning you say, Senzenen-san?" Umi asked, signaling to Ukyo not to reach for her baker's peel as she did not perceive hostility emanating from the young man before them.
"It's been a few days since we last met at the Shiratori manor," Senzenen replied, "And I thought you should be appraised regarding recent developments. It seems your friend, Kuno Kodachi, and her brother, Tatewaki, stirred up a legal hornet's next by summoning the press and making allegations against the President of Shiratori Industries that have cast Azusa's father in a very untenable position."
"So?" Ukyo asked, "You were there, you heard the Butler's confession."
"I did indeed," Mikado sat down at the counter and leaned forward, "To say the least it has been an interesting few days. The Board of Regents have called upon their Chairman to give an accounting for his conduct and his PR representatives have been slaving overtime to do damage control and to repair the breach. For a while there it was looking as though he would be forced to resign his post…but then a very curious thing happened."
"Those Lawyers we met the other day," Umi said, "They got involved…and suddenly the problem went away."
"That is it exactly," Senzenen looked up at the older woman, "By the way, did you know that there is a striking resemblance between the both of you? I was noticing it a few days ago but thought not to make an issue about it. Then this very morning an envelope was delivered to my house detailing some curious facts that someone thought to bring to my attention."
"Anonymously of course," Umi said, studying the young man warily, as though seeking to fathom his true motives.
"It seems you are more than a bit familiar with this law firm that chose to intervene on behalf of Company President Shiratori," Senzenen duly noted, "Or perhaps I should say that dangerous looking lady who was clearly orchestrating everything from the sidelines." He turned the focus of his gaze back on Ukyo and said, "I must say, I was quite appalled when I finally made the connection. You had me fooled completely, which is not an easy thing to do for a man who prides himself on knowing a beautiful woman when she is in my presence."
"So you know," Ukyo said, her hand already touching the handle of her baker's peel.
"I should have known three years ago," Senzenen replied, "You have made quite the fool out of me. But then again, I suppose I did that to myself, so we are even."
"Not hardly, Sugar," Ukyo unslung her peel and held it at the ready, "You still owe Makoto-chan for that kiss you gave her."
Senzenen sighed, "Strike then if it will satisfy you. I won't raise a finger in my own defense, nor move from this spot if you deem this the best way of making peace between us, Kuonji-san."
"You're being awfully nice about this," Umi said, "One might actually suspect you actually mean it."
"I am not so great a fool as you may imagine me to be, Miss Umi," Senzenen replied, "Someone provided that information to me with a purpose in mind. They wanted me to have an unfair advantage over the both of you, first by making me aware of your daughter's true identity…"
"I'm her niece, you Jackass," Ukyo glowered.
"My pardon," Senzenen said, "I misspoke myself. I meant to say…Niece."
Umi stared at the young man and went pale, though Ukyo did not see this, her focus remaining on Senzenen, who none the less saw the confirmation and nodded grimly.
"Among the documents sent to me was a photo copy of a hospital certificate of live birth naming one Kuonji Ukyo…female," Senzenen replied, "The curious thing is that one of the names on the document was deliberately falsified. Accompanying this was a signed affidavit by the man calling himself your father that accompanied his will, spelling out in detail the private matters of a gentleman's agreement concerning the betrothal of said girl to one Saotome Ranma."
Ukyo looked shocked, "What do you mean calling himself my Dad? And who found out about Dad's putting it into his will that I have to marry Ranchan in order to inherit the family business?"
"Who indeed," Senzenen said, looking at Umi, "I think we've already established that. Which means that she is an even more dangerous lady than you implied when you named her a Demon."
"Cybele," Umi said tightly, "Nothing ever good happens when she gets involved. So what became of the child, your former partner?"
"Current partner," Senzenen sighed, "And before you say it, I know. How could I ever look on her again without thinking of what horrible childhood trauma must have been worked on her to drive Azusa into the state that she is in? Yet I have been given no choice in the matter. My own father came down on me and insisted that we could not break up the partnership. Short of being disowned of my own considerable inheritance I have to keep on playing the role of the dashing Idol of the Skating Arena."
"But that's insane!" Ukyo protested.
"You expect me to disagree?" Senzenen's voice became serious and sober, "Kuonji-san. It may be that I do owe you some measure of restitution for having subjected you to the punishment of our match three years ago. But now I sincerely need a favor from you…and from your witless iinazuke, who must be ten times more blind than I for failing to see a woman who pines for him the way you do."
"What kind of favor?" Ukyo asked, her tone as neutral as it was edgy.
"I had thought to cancel our match after the business with Azusa was brought into the light," Senzenen replied, "But I am being told in no uncertain terms that the match must proceed ahead. So you and I are fated to meet each other once more in the arena. And I cannot go easy on you either since the pressure being placed upon me is such that I must be as convincing in my performance as ever I was before my eyes were opened."
"So you can't throw the match," Umi said, "But you want my…Niece to…defeat you?"
"If at all possible," Senzenen said, "Then take Asuza and get her to the help she so badly needs. If you do that then we'll be able to escape the hellish bargain that's been imposed upon the both of us. Or…if you are unable to do that much, then let us hope that your boyfriend is as much of a man as you believe him to be."
"Let me get this straight," Ukyo said, "You want us to beat you?"
"In front of everyone," Senzenen said seriously, "End the unbroken streak of victories that the Golden Pair have racked up, and do so in a public place where there will be plenty of witnesses who will affirm before everyone that we have been good and truly defeated. If that happens then our contract will be voided, and even my father won't be insisting that we stay together. And if Azusa can be removed from a situation in which she is as much of a victim as anyone…then I will be at liberty to insure that villain who claims to be her father pays for his crimes against all women."
Ukyo raised both eyebrows, hearing a tone in the young man's voice that she never would have expected to hear before. Senzenen sounded angry…truly mad enough to want to hit something, or someone, and clearly not knowing where else to lash out than to go before a formerly bitter rival.
"What do you have in mind, Sugar?" Ukyo asked, still wary but now feeling less inclined to want to bash his brains in.
"Go find your partner, Tendo Nabiki," Senzenen urged, "Explain the situation to her. Enlist her aid and listen to what she advises. I had the impression that one is clever enough to see a means by which victory may be achieved since she had the wit to take on the Paper Master and turn her strength against her."
"Nabiki's good at sensing and exploiting weaknesses," Ukyo agreed, "But shouldn't I include Comb-Sensei in this as well?"
"Do whatever you think is for the best," Senzenen said as he got up to leave, even as Umi handed him a plate of okonomiyaki, which he declined with some reluctance, "Thank you, but I will try one made by Kuonji's hand at a time when I feel at liberty to truly enjoy it. Until then may you both be well. Oh…and Kuonji-san?"
"Yeah, Sugar?" Ukyo asked.
He paused at the doorway and smiled, "Now that the scales have fallen from my eyes and I have had a better look at you I realize that fool is a compliment that I have paid myself. Be on guard during our match, for it may well be that your tender lips shall be my nine hundred and ninety-ninth to claim…"
He shut the door just in time to narrowly avoid the spate of hurled spatulas that impacted around the doorframe.
"That…JACKASS!" Ukyo fumed, "And here I almost started to think he might actually have human feelings beneath all of that arrogance!"
"He does seem to be trying, though," Umi said, looking thoughtful as she glanced over one shoulder, realizing that Cybele had been using the young man as a not-so-subtle means of sending her a message.
"Very trying," Ukyo snarled, "Watch the shop for me. I'm going out."
"To find your friend, Nabiki?" Umi asked.
"Yeah, and to see if she really is as smart as I think she is," Ukyo said, "Even if she'll likely beat me up when I tell her the whole story."
"You never really know," Umi mused.
"Huh?" Ukyo asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Only that, if she is a really good friend, it might surprise you to learn how she reacts when the truth comes out," Umi replied, keeping the rest of her thoughts to her own private counsel as certain suspicions of her own were about to be tested for their validity…one way or another
Nabiki felt tired but more emotionally drained than physically as she stepped into her room and closed the door behind her, then paused and glanced around before saying, "Okay. Where are you hiding this time? I know you're in here, Siren."
She saw movement and turned her head, finding a doll-sized version of the blonde haired Archmage sitting on the edge of one of her shelves kicking her feet idly while smiling at Nabiki from a distance.
"Not too shabby," she said, "Your senses are a lot sharper than they were."
"Don't patronize me," Nabiki turned around, "And I repeat…what are you here for?"
Siren smiled, then hopped off the shelf, only to grow to full size before her feet could touch the carpet. She straightened out and said, "Did you get my little present that I left here the last time?"
"The Grimoire?" Nabiki replied, pointing at a book sitting on her desk with a latch upon it, "I finished reading it last night. You can take it away, I don't need it any more."
"That was fast," Siren said as she waved a hand and caused the book to jump off of the desk and fly into her hand, "And I take it you memorized the contents."
"More like it felt as though it were being burned into my subconscious, Nabiki averred, "Lotta mumbo jumbo in there about patterns of force and the shape of the Universe and stuff like that."
"It's a basic primer," Silk made the book disappear, "I'll take it back and deposit it where I got it."
"And where is that?" Nabiki asked.
"Unseen University, of course," Siren answered, "I'm good friends with the Librarian over there. Nice fellow…needs a bit of a shave. But if you ever meet him absolutely do not use the 'M' word."
"'M' word?" Nabiki responded.
"He hates that," Siren replied, "Drives him into a proper froth. Better you call him an Orangutan or Primate…words that have a certain dignity. But never the 'M' word. Not unless you want him to pull your arms out of their sockets."
Nabiki blinked.
"Imagine a library so vast that it houses all the known books on magic and the occult that have ever been created," Siren replied, "As knowledge tends to warp the field of time and space, so too does the Library bend the dimensions like the event horizon of a black hole, causing their library to reach out and touch all corners of creation. And a single caretaker who managed them all…paid specifically in bananas."
"Oh," Nabiki decided to pretend she knew what all of that meant rather than actively try to seek a more detailed explanation.
"Anyway," Siren continued, "I left a scroll behind that can serve as a primer. Nothing too fancy, just a detail on how to work up a proper mental barrier so as to insulate yourself against possession."
"And what makes you so sure that I'll read it?" Nabiki asked.
"Fine, then don't," Siren replied, "But it is there in case you need it."
Nabiki frowned, knowing that she was being goaded, but knowing as well that she had far too much curiosity not to want to study the contents of that scroll, just as she had all of the other books, tapestries, scrolls and spell books that she had been left to study in her own time over the course of the past few weeks. And while she kept insisting that she was not interested in being a mage, the truth was that she felt compelled to at least know more about what a mage was, if only so that she could figure out a way of deterring the Archmage from paying her these unscheduled visits.
"Siren-san," she said aloud, deciding to take advantage of the woman's presence, "What do you know about Earth Dragons and familiars?"
Siren arched an eyebrow, "Why would you be interested in that?"
"I'm not," Nabiki said, "But tell me something…are they dangerous?"
Siren shrugged, "Depends on what you mean by dangerous. Familiars are created specifically by Mages as spiritual guides and protectors, often using a portion of the Mage's life essence in their creation. They are loyal unto death and extremely useful in enhancing a Mage's raw elemental power. But…an Earth Dragon? That's a pretty advanced form of familiar. Who would you know that would have anything to do with that?"
"Nobody," Nabiki said, "I was just asking."
"Oh…well," Siren said with an odd look, "I wouldn't recommend doing it unless you are prepared to take on the responsibility for care and feeding of a familiar while it goes through its teething pains growing up. Once it matures in a few days it will be pretty much self-sufficient, and at that point it will be a powerful servant and an ally. It will do your bidding and act to protect you in ways that you can hardly imagine. The downside is that if you die the familiar dies also…but if the familiar dies you will feel its pain and take damage accordingly, but most likely will not die. That's the double sided coin that comes with earning a familiar."
Nabiki stared at the blonde haired Archmage, whose normal tone and manner was soft, teasing and even flippant. But right now she sounded serious, even sobering, as though she wanted Nabiki to take serious her implied warning seemed coached to get her to believe exactly what the Amazon was saying.
"Um…well…maybe I do know somebody who might be…interested in getting a familiar…" she grudgingly admitted.
"Be careful about venturing into realms of natural magic that require discipline, patience and respect for the forces involved," Siren said, "Magic is the stuff of life, but if you are not ready to handle it then the power can strike at you. I know you are reluctant to trust me, Tendo-san, but I speak the unvarnished truth when I tell you to respect the power that a mage must draw upon and channel to affect their will upon reality. Even if you refuse to accept what I offer to teach you the power must still be respected or it could destroy you. And considering that Demons like Cybele do not care a whit if you wish to go blithely about your way without studying about magic, and really would prefer it if you did not…still the power demands respect. After all, there are curses and spells flying all over the place, and if you do not duck fast they are likely to find you. Am I being clear enough about that?"
"Ah…sure," Nabiki said a bit tightly, "I think we're on the same page on that subject."
"Good," Syren's tone became light once more, "And while we're on the subject of your first encounter with the Great Enemy of your family, I wish to compliment your performance against the Paper Master."
"Oh?" Nabiki said, "You caught that?"
"Very clever use of logic to fathom that a Paper Master is vulnerable to the element of water," Siren smiled, "Of course it helped that you took her by surprise, and that was a very young Paper Master, nowhere near as experienced as some that I had to face back in my younger years when I was just starting to find my way in the realm of magic."
"You mean…there's tougher Paper Masters than that?" Nabiki asked.
"Oh yes," Siren assured, "And a more experienced opponent would have thought to harden the outer later of the Paper fibers so as to diminish the penetration of the water molecules. Paper Magic involves a kind of touch-telekinesis using the medium of Paper to channel your will, shaping the plant fibers in a kind of expression of thought. It is based on Chinese Alchemy and uses the element of Wood, which differs from normal Earth magic in that it is a living or formerly living thing that is being worked upon."
"So how do you defeat that?" Nabiki asked.
"By breaking the concentration of the Paper Master," Siren answered, "Paper magic is dangerous. A Master can harden any sheaf of paper in their hand to a degree that it becomes hard and sharp enough to cut through metal, wood, stone and-naturally enough-normal human flesh. That woman in particular seems to have a liking for swords, shields and throwing objects. Being able to keep a sheet of paper charged long enough that it can be tossed at a distance means that she must be well above the apprentice level, possibly Acolyte class. Of course she is also very young…probably a law student doing her internship with the firm and not yet up to the stage of a fully licensed lawyer."
"You sure about that?" Nabiki asked, "Because she seemed pretty competent when she went up against Comb-Sensei."
"Comb is a formidable sword Master, it is true," Siren said, "But she was actually taking it easy with the girl, no doubt because she did not believe her to pose a genuine challenge for a former heir to the Matriarch of the Joketsuzoku."
"Doesn't sound much like the Comb I know, holding herself back like that," Nabiki said.
"You've only known her for a little over a Month," Siren smiled, "Hardly long enough to make such sweeping declarative statements about her nature and the competency that she can display when truly provoked. Also keep in mind that she has reason not to give away the full extent of her prowess in a public place where Cybele might be watching."
"Okay," Nabiki said, "So how do you go about breaking the concentration of a Mage?"
Siren laughed, "How cleverly you turn that question around. Obviously by providing a distraction sufficient to induce a loss of concentration, which in my case would involve our beloved Matriarch."
"Shampoo's great-grandmother?" Nabiki asked, "But according to Shampoo and Comb-Sensei she's old and ugly, virtually a shrunken doll-like figure with one foot in the grave."
To her surprise she saw the blonde heave a sigh, "Tendo-san…you really must learn not to judge matters by appearance alone. I well remember Cologne when she appeared as young as I do to you even now. I look back on those days and I marvel how very young and foolish the both of us were, her for giving her heart to a worthless perverted stump of a man who was destined to betray her trust and cause Cologne endless grief. Or me…because I was too foolish and blind to understand the complexity of my own feelings."
"In…what way are we talking about here?" Nabiki asked.
Siren smiled, "I thought the world of Cologne, but I was proud and stubborn and could never admit that she was a better fighter than me. I did not know back then my true potential for magic, and I felt intimidated by my best friend and childhood sparring partner, who I was always quick to challenge for any reason."
"You liked her?" Nabiki asked.
"More properly stated," Siren said, "I loved her. And I still do. I have known many lovers of either gender in my time, but Cologne was my first true obsession…my amorata and my idol. I was many times worse than Kodachi with her obsession with your sister and I'm quite certain that I made of myself a total nuisance. So much so that Cologne at some point chose to hide from me her true appearance in an effort to stifle, thwart and deter me from my obsession."
"You couldn't take no for an answer, huh?" Nabiki asked.
"A trait that unfortunately runs in my family," Siren replied, "I have a grandson who is obsessed with Shampoo. As his Elder I have denied him the right to court her, but he ignores me. Cologne herself has warned him off, but he refuses to take any counsel from us, even when I've threatened to turn him into things that would make it difficult for him to pursue a relationship with a member of our species. He finally got fed up and ran off to join a circus so as to hone his skills in the hopes of one day proving his love to Shampoo by challenging and defeating her in battle."
"And does he have any chance of it?" Nabiki asked.
"Not a prayer in the world," Siren replied, "Oh, he is a dangerous fighter, a practitioner of what he calls 'Dark Magic," which is nothing more than minor illusion tricks, slight of hand and misdirection. Not actual Thaumaturgy. But since the first time he was defeated by Shampoo at the age of four she has left him behind and progressed at a rate that gives no hope for him to ever catch up with her. Looking upon him, however, has allowed me to better gauge what a pain in her rear I must have seemed like to Cologne two hundred years back when she began practicing her old age disguise as a deterrent. But do not be deceived when you meet her. She is far more limber and adept than she lets on, and her Warrior skills are beyond anything that you have so far witnessed."
"Uh…this guy, your grandson," Nabiki said cautiously.
"Mu-Tzu," Siren informed her, "But you may call him Mousse."
Nabiki cocked an eyebrow, "You guys really do adopt some weird names, you know."
"Says one whose name means Fluttering," Siren replied, "As in a butterfly whose wing flaps can cause tidal waves on the other side of China."
"Touché," Nabiki conceded, "Is he any kind of threat to Akane?"
"If he finds out about her relationship with Shampoo…then the answer is yes," Siren answered, "But I will intervene if it comes down to him posing a nuisance to your sister. He knows better than to defy me. For example, if he does not heed my warning then I could cast a spell on him to make him fall in love with his own worst nightmare."
"And who is that?" Nabiki asked.
"My most recent apprentice," Siren smiled, "Frost is her name, and a very talented young lady she is. A bit willful and stubborn and insecure about her appearance, but ferociously good when it comes to potions and spells. I graduated her to the Intermediary phase just last summer and left her to do her own studies as she tends to be a bit of a loner."
"If you already have an apprentice then why are you interested in me?" Nabiki asked.
"Because you are different from Frost in a number of very important respects," Siren replied "And your potential is even greater than her own. Of course it will be some time before you could hope to catch up with her…if you have any inclination to change your mind about studying to be my apprentice."
"Yeah, like that will ever happen," Nabiki sniffed, "But what you're saying is that there's a lot of magic floating out there. So it makes sense to learn a few things about magic to defend myself. That is…unless you have ulterior motives for coming after me and visiting me in my own room."
"Are you implying that I might be sizing you up?" Siren chuckled softly, "I'll admit you are a fetching young thing and I'd wager you'd be worth a tumble or two. But I'm under a restraining order against making out with girls young enough to be my own great-granddaughters."
Nabiki felt slightly flustered and glanced away, "I wasn't meaning it like that…"
"Oh please," Siren laughed, "You've been wondering if I were about to pounce on you from the very first time we met, and on some level you seem a bit disappointed that I have just placed that option off the table."
"You've got a pretty high opinion of yourself, Lady," Nabiki snorted.
"As a matter of fact I do," Siren said, "And it's entirely justified. But you really wanted to ask me a very different sort of question just now. You are not as good at hiding your feelings as you seem to imagine."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Nabiki said gruffly.
"Far be it from me to advise you about your love life, Tendo-san," Siren averred, "But as much as it will pain you to hear this, I do not believe that you will find success in courting Saotome Ranma for yourself. And this is not from any perceived lack of merit or quality in you since you are, as I have just stated, a very attractive young girl, one whom Ranma might well have sought as a companion but for his turning his affections towards your sister."
"And Kodachi," Nabiki said with bitter emphasis.
"If you had moved aggressively to approach your sister with the intent of sharing him, then you might still be admitted to his bed as one of his Concubine Wives," Siren said, "I do not believe your sister would deny you if so asked. Clearly she has discovered a capacity to love a woman like Kuno Kodachi, and how much less would she care to share a bed with her own beloved younger sister?"
"I don't think I'd like intruding like that," Nabiki said, "And I'm not as confident as you are that Kasumi would like sharing."
"Young people," Siren heaved a sigh, "No one ever behaves sensibly at your age. I should know, I was the same way back then, and I only came to my senses after it was too late to act upon my impulses."
"Maybe so," Nabiki said, "But I have my pride, and I'm not begging for scraps here or taking anyone else's leftovers."
"Then you and your friend, Kuonji-san, should get together and commiserate," Siren mused.
"Ukyo?" Nabiki looked startled, "What about him? Why should he have any idea of what I'm going through now?"
To her surprise Siren's musical laughter filled the air, and then the Archmage said, "What have I been telling you about looking beyond appearances to see what is really before you? A Mage must learn never to be fooled by surface impressions, and to call into question things that other people take for granted. In short you have a great deal more in common with young Kuonji than you ever might imagine…"
And with that the blonde enchantress blinked her eyes and her body dissolved into mist, which same flowed out through a crevice in the window, leaving Nabiki behind to wonder just what that was all about.
"Hah," she said to herself before turning away, "You just love being all so wise and mysterious, Lady. But I'm not buying your act."
Just the same she turned and studied the scroll that was laying on her desk, then out of curiosity went over to pick it up, undid the bindings and stared at the paper, then murmured a few words as she had been taught to do, which caused the ink marks to begin flowing and altering until they resolved themselves into coherent lettering instead of incomprehensible jibberish.
"I'm not giving in either," she glanced at the window before turning back to read the lettering, committing everything to memory before she rolled the scroll back up again and looped the ribbon that came with it about the thing, saying the chant that would return it to its previous condition.
And then she turned around and flopped down onto her bed, cupping her hands behind her head and staring up at the ceiling while she thought a moment about everything that the Archmage had just told her.
And wondered…her mind turning inwardly as the unbidden image appeared before her of Ukyo, and contrasting the youth in her mind with something that had been nagging her in the back of her thoughts for quite some time now, leading her to call into question everything that she knew so far to date about Saotome Ranma's childhood friend…
And started to put things together in her mind, like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, slowly coming together to form a very disturbing picture.
As tired as she was, just on the threshold of falling asleep, it suddenly hit her with a clarity that caused her to sit bolt upright in bed with a sharp exclamation of, "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL…?!"
"So…you is all right with strange letter marks?" Shampoo asked as she and Akane sat on the porch outside of Atsuko's magic-created House, staring off into the hot springs garden area as they both had bath robes on and were practically alone for the first time since early that morning.
"Yeah, I think so," Akane replied, staring at the lettering flowing over one arm, "Feels a little weird, but not in a bad way. Kind of like a tingling just beneath the skin."
"Aiyaa," Shampoo said, "Well…if Silk and Shampoo mother think is no big problem…and Oni-mother no think you is in danger, then Shampoo try no worry. Just as long as you no worry, Airen."
Akane frowned, staring of into the distance, then decided to ask the thing that had been in her mind since returning from one one-say training mission. Taking a deep breath she began, "Shampoo?"
"Hai Airen?" Shampoo asked.
"You keep calling me your Airen…even though I've told you not to," Akane noted.
Shampoo winced and glanced way, "Shampoo sorry…Akane. But is how Shampoo think of you. Is no wish to be burden, but Shampoo think of Akane is Airen. Sorry no please you. Shampoo try remember."
"That's just it," Akane said, "You think of me as your wife. You decided to start calling me that over a month ago after our first meeting when we had that fight. You made the decision that you would accept me as your Airen and gave me the Kiss of Life."
"Shampoo remember," the Amazon smiled, "Never she forget."
"But why?" Akane asked, "Why me? I mean…you've seen what I'm like. I'm bad tempered, clumsy, I can't cook to save my life…"
"Shampoo know all that," the Amazon said softly, "But Airen is still Airen and Shampoo no regret her decision."
"You accept me as I am?" Akane asked.
"What you is I love," Shampoo replied, "All rest Shampoo learn to love. Is Amazon way, and Shampoo believe is good way."
Akane blinked her eyes, hearing in that simple declaration a whole hearted statement of sincere intention. Whatever doubts she had about Shampoo's commitment to her decision it was obvious that the Amazon took her declaration seriously and was not about to be deterred for any reason.
"You really sure you want me as I am?" Akane asked, "You could be letting yourself in for a lot of disappointment?"
"How?" Shampoo asked, "No disappointed now. What make you think Shampoo change mind?"
"It's just that…" Akane struggled to put her feelings into words, those thought that had occurred to her while hitting her head against a rock during the Bakusai Tenketsu training.
She was startled to feel Shampoo's hand close upon hers and looked up to see the other girl smiling at her with something in her crimson eyes that seemed to look down to the depths of Akane's very being.
"Shampoo miss Akane," the Amazon informed her, "Only one day and it feel like month to Shampoo. All time train to skate Shampoo keep thinking about Akane, wonder how Akane do. Know it very hard training, much, much hard than learn skate. But when see Akane again Shampoo heart feel light as air. No want be away from Akane, no even if Shampoo mother say we separate or train apart."
"Ah…" Akane felt her breath catch in the back of her throat and she glanced away, saying, "I…ah…kind of…well…wanted to know…how did you do in training?"
"Shampoo get by," Shampoo said softly, seeing the struggle of emotions and feeling her heart skip a beat, though she tried to warn herself against building up too many expectations.
"Ah…how about that Ranma?" Akane said, feeling frustrated with herself as she knew she was deliberately trying to change the subject, "Kodachi and Kasumi at the same time? Sure didn't see that one coming."
"Aiiyaa," Shampoo said, "Owe Nabiki sister thousand yen note. Much sure it take another moon before Ranma cave in like that."
"You think that's bad?" Akane chuckled, "I owe her chores for a week."
There was a long awkward pause, then Akane ventured again, "Kodachi's been after Kasumi since the day they first met. But I never believed that Kasumi would ever…"
"Aiyaa," Shampoo averred, then paused before adding, "But no as surprised as Airen. Shampoo see many girl back home pretend no like other girl, then next you hear noises in bushes and it no be rabbit making funny sound."
Akane paused again before saying, "You're more used to that than I am. To me…it still seems…a little weird…"
"Why so?" Shampoo asked.
"I don't know," Akane slowly kidded her legs, "Maybe because everybody else thinks its weird."
"Everybody else stupid," Shampoo sniffed, "Is love. What matter body?"
"Are you saying you'd make out with an ugly girl then?" Akane asked.
"Ah…is all question no relevant," Shampoo stared off seemingly at nothing, "Girl Shampoo like no ugly."
Akane furtively glanced sidelong at the profile of the girl at her side. Shampoo had that kind of haunting classical beauty that was only accentuated by her exotic hair color and features. Her attractiveness was made all the more poignant by the strangely wistful expression that she had adopted, and in that moment something clicked inside her mind, and she felt her heart skip a beat with unexpected excitement.
"Shampoo," she murmured softly.
The Amazon turned to her, their faces much closer now as she said, "Hai, Airen?"
"Aaaahhh…" the intelligible words that were on the tip of her tongue melted away as she stared into the depths of those crimson eyes and found herself being lost within their depths. There was no dissembly or evasion in the other girl's expression. Just simple, unreserved acceptance and affection.
"Akane," Shampoo said gently, "Shampoo understand. You no have to try make you do what you no want to do. Shampoo know…she sometime try too hard. But she only want to see you happy."
"But that's just it," Akane said, "I'm not happy…because I see you…I see you trying…and it hurts." She took a moment to frame her thoughts, and when she spoke again there was a deeper passion to her tone than Shampoo, or anyone else, had heard from her in a very long time.
"You say you want me to be happy," Akane said, "But I don't even know what that means anymore. Since I met you my whole world has been turned upside down and inside out and I just…I just…"
She felt a hand upon her knee and looked up in surprise. And there was the purple haired girl leaning closer to her, looking Akane intensely in the eyes with deep compassionate smolder and a wealth of desire so palpable that it hurt to look upon her.
"Airen," she said softly, "Shampoo no make mistake when she choose to give kiss of life. You is serious you want to know if Shampoo is right for Akane. But Shampoo no have doubt. She like you because you no rush in to make choice. Maybe you no want Shampoo in beginning, but Shampoo is patient. She wait long time for Akane…because you is worth wait. Shampoo know that."
Akane felt stumped by that. She quite literally did not know what to say. At first she had thought this girl was a walking tidal wave, an irresistible force of nature, and not someone who could be dissuaded to take "no" for an answer.
But here she was saying that she was willing to wait? That Shampoo was quite willing to stake the whole rest of her life behind a chance that Akane might one day yield to her petition.
And when had Akane ever committed herself behind something or someone with this much total dedication?
"Shampoo," Akane felt confusion prompt her in desperation to ask a question that had been in the back of her mind, "You've been with…another girl before…right?"
"Hai," Shampoo replied, "But Akane already know it."
"Yeah, but…" Akane bit her lower lip then took a deep breath and asked, "What's it like? Being with another girl, that is."
Shampoo gave her a quixotic look then inclined her head to one side and said, "You ask this because not know? Or you ask because you want Shampoo to tell you?"
"Ah…well…" Akane felt as though she were on a ledge about to fall in to a very deep hole. But she had come too far already to back down, so she said, "How is it…different from…well…from like being with a guy?"
"Hmm…" Shampoo seemed to consider the question as though it were an academic problem, "No really know about guy. Shampoo curious, but no have chance to learn. Yet. But as for girl…" she smiled, "Is Amazon secret. Akane want to know…is no something describe. Only do."
"Ah…" Akane fidgeted, feeling the sensuous smolder emanating from the girl at her side. It was impossible to be that near to the beautiful Chinese girl and not feel…something churning deep from inside her. And her swirling emotions was mirrored by the flowing tingle of the tattoo traveling beneath the surface of her skin. She tried to think of some way of summarizing her thoughts and feelings on these issues.
But to her surprise Shampoo got up off of the porch and said, "You tell Shampoo when you ready decide. No want Akane be forced by Amazon rules. Shampoo mother very wise, tell Shampoo is no good if no come from you heart. But Shampoo teach Akane what she want know if Akane trust Shampoo to know place. Is no bad thing love girl. Akane find that out if she no afraid she like it."
Akane blinked her eyes as she watched the other girl begin to walk away, but then she stood up herself and said, "Hey! Wait a minute! Are you saying I'm scared?"
The purple haired girl paused, "Aiyaa?"
"You're calling me a coward," Akane said, "You think I'm afraid of you."
"Shampoo know you brave, Airen," Shampoo said, "No mean say you afraid. "
"But you're thinking it, aren't you?" Akane stated, "Because I…I…I'm not sure just what it is I want…"
Shampoo gave her an indulgent look and said, "No one tell you what you want, Airen. Akane know…or you no know. Shampoo just say…"
"Yeah, I heard you already," Akane said, "So fine. You want to show me something. Show me."
"Aiyaa?" Shampoo asked in surprise.
"Don't 'Aiyaa' me," Akane said, "You're saying I'm afraid to find out if I…well…if I can be with a girl or not. Well…I don't really know what being with a girl really means. So if you want to convince me it's all great and fun and not fattening and whatever it is you expect of me…"
Shampoo slowly turned around, smiling all the while. And then she undid the sash binding the silken bathrobe that she was wearing and parted it at the front, exposing her body to full view with her beautiful breasts poking out as though a second set of eyes were aiming themselves indirectly at Akane.
Whose mouth fell open, and then she swallowed and said, "I take it back. I'm intimidated."
Shampoo allowed the robe to fall around her ankles, then stepped forward in all her unclothed glory.
"Ah…wait a minute…" Akane gulped, "Shampoo…I…"
"You understand?" the Amazon said, "Akane still no ready. You curious but no ready. When you ready find Shampoo and she make you very ready."
With that Shampoo turned completely around, bent down at the hip and thrust her rear end directly at Akane. She somehow contrived to wiggle it, giving a generous view of the space between her curvaceous hips and thighs. And then she scooped up the bathrobe in her arms but did not deign to put it back on as she walked around with exaggerated motions of her hips and disappeared into the house of the Hbikis.
Leaving Akane standing there feeling flustered, confused, and yet strangely amused by it all, as though she had just watched a highly entertaining performance put on for her benefit by a consummate master of surprise who seemed always to find ways of playing against Akane's expectations.
"Well, I'll be…damned," she said murmured faintly, "She did it to me…again."
Yet still she could not help smiling, feeling somehow lighter in mood than before, as though she were coming to realize that maybe life was not so difficult, and the possibilities that lay before her made it worth sticking around to see what happened next in the continuing drama that was the Tendo dojo…
"What, is that it?" Ryomi snorted, "They talk, she flashes her tits, and then walks off? What a rip off!"
"What did you expect them to do at this stage of their relationship?" Atsuko murmured to her daughter, "Despite the way they act they're still just kids, and as a mother I'm kind of cheered to know that they seem to be really thinking about it before acting."
"Yeah, but it's like watching a soap opera with those two," Ryomi said, "If she likes her then why doesn't she just do it?"
"Would you do it if you were in her place?" Atsuko asked.
"Ah…well…I don't really know," Ryomi admitted, "Never done it with either a guy or a girl. But I suppose…if I had a sex bomb like that coming onto me…"
"I'm filing that bit of information in my head for much later," Atsuko smiled, "Of course when I was that age I was pretty wild in my habits, and I'd probably jump the both of them if I was in the mood. First time for me was when I got myself with Ryo-chan. Well…unless you count that one time when we all got sauced on that crazy wine, and Comb and me, not that it counts since neither of us remember much about how it happened…."
"You and Comb-Sensei, mom?" Ryomi blinked,
"Hey, we were drunk," Atsuko said, then paused before adding, "Reeeaal drunk. Like I'd better not catch you ever getting that drunk if you know what's good for your bottom."
Ryomi blinked, "But…all you ever do is fight over stuff…"
"Yeah, but at our age that almost counts as having a relationship," Atsuko turned away, "They'll do it when they're good and ready, and not a minute before. But I'm more worried about your brother…"
"Ryo-kun?" Ryomi asked, "What is that?"
"Because when it comes to women he's even more of a goofball than his father," Atsuko sniffed, "And I've started to see something…it's got me a little worried."
"Worried like…how?" frowned.
"Come take a look," Atsuko waved a hand and caused the air in front of her to ripple and shimmer like a mirror, and suddenly they both saw Ryoga talking with Kaori. They were in another part of the garden and it was obvious from their positions that they were having a serious conversation, and one that made Ryomi's eyebrows shoot up to her bangs.
"My brother…is talking to a pretty girl….alone…and without suffering a nose bleed?"
"Exactly what I meant," Atsuko frowned, "I don't sense any harm in their approaching each other this closely, but I am little worried that our little Ramen Princess is coming on to Ryo-kun in a way that makes me wonder if she knows just what she's doing…"
They fell silent, watched and listened as Ryoga-without looking directly at the brown haired girl at his side-was saying, "…You have no idea what it's been like for me since that day. The things I've seen, the places I've been to, the people I've met…"
"My heavens," Kaori said, "I had no idea that life was like that for you, Hibiki-san. It must have been awful."
"Oh…it hasn't all been bad," he said with a wistful smile, "I've seen and done a lot of things, been to places I've never even thought to travel. Sometimes I even get to help people who are in need of a guy like me. I've had plenty of adventures, so I don't want you to get the impression that all I ever do is sit around and mope and feel sorry for myself."
"I would not imagine you that way," Kaori said, "But…I could hardly fault you for it if you did."
"Well…I can't say that it's been any sort of a picnic, Daikoku-san," Ryoga shrugged, "But I have had my moments."
Kaori looked away, a pained expression crossing her ethereally beautiful features, "It is almost like something out of a story or some tragic heroic legend. A hero cursed who must find his way to happiness and a fulfillment of his destiny. But…to turn into a pig when you get wet…and to have no sense of true direction…"
"You make me sound like a character from one of those old stories," Ryoga replied, "But really, it's not all bad. I've met a lot of people in my travels, and some were much worse off than me when I found them. I try and make things a little easier by the time I leave them, but I really just want to find a way of removing this curse so that I can at least try and find a normal life. It doesn't help that I have trouble finding my way…but lately that hasn't been as much of a problem. Funny thing is, since meeting up with Mom and Ryomi-chan I always seem to find someone who can help me get back to the dojo."
"So it is not so bad when you have a companion who can steer you in the correct direction?" Kaori asked.
"Yeah," Ryoga mused, "You know…this is probably the longest period of time that I've spent in one place in the last three years. Somehow this place…the Tendo dojo…it's become like a second home to me. And I haven't been able to find my real home for the longest time."
"Perhaps because this is where the people who most care for you live," Kaori suggested.
"You think so, Daikoku-san?" Ryoga asked.
Kaori averted her face to hide the fact that she was blushing, "I know that it is. You have good friends here, and people who care for you and…I even believe that being here makes you feel better about your life…"
"That's very kind of you," Ryoga said, "You really are a very nice person. Ranma's very lucky to have you for an iinazuke."
Kaori's pleasant mood evaporated and she scowled, "If I am so lucky then why is my promised husband now with two other women?"
"Because my brother is a jerk," Ryoga scowled, "If he even really is my brother. And despite what Mom says I'm having trouble believing that Ranma and me could even be related."
"Why would your mother lie to you about a thing like that?" Kaori asked.
"I have no idea," Ryoga said, "Of course…if Saotome Genma really is my father that would mean that I was just as much a rightful heir to the Saotome Ryu as Ranma himself."
Kaori looked startled, "You are? Ah…yes…that would make sense, wouldn't it? And…though you may not be legitimate…your mother claims that you are somewhat older than your brother…"
He failed to notice the reflective train of her spoken thoughts and instead suffered a belated reaction of, "Wait a minute. Are you saying that Ranma is with…two women?"
"Yes," Kaori said bitterly, "My chief rival, Tendo Kasumi. She and that Kodachi woman ambushed Saotome Ranma and were having their evil way with him when Nabiki-san and I walked in to discover them shamelessly doing something so brazenly immoral upon the floor of the family furo…"
"Ranma and Kasumi?" Ryoga was in shock.
"They made some lame excuse about him walking in on them and falling to hit his head," Kaori continued, "But that is no kind of first aid treatment that I have ever even read about, outside of one of those Shojo-Ai Hentai novels…not that a properly bred woman such as myself would ever read something trashy like that…" she hastily averred.
"Ranma!" cried, then snarled, "Please excuse me, but I suddenly have an urge to bash his face in!"
"But…wait!" Kaori cried out, albeit a bit belatedly as she saw him misjudge his direction in his haste to find the household, and then she winced as a splash came from the koi pond, at which point she sighed, "Oh dear…"
Ryomi put her hand over her mouth to stifle the laugh that she might otherwise have emitted, and when she had herself back under control she still chuckled a bit as she said, "Oh man…way to blow off the moment, Ryo-kun!"
"Go find your brother and help him out, Ryo-chan," Atsuko said as she banished the illusion, "And try to keep him away from the Tendo place, even if you have to knock his lights out. There's no sense in having him spoil things for the Trio when they're deep into the moment. I owe Kimiko's memory at least that much, if not Nodoka or Hitomi."
"You really must have had some times in your day, Mom," Ryomi said, "From the sound of things you actually seem nostalgic."
"In your dreams, Pipsqueak," Atsuko said gruffly, then smiled and said, "Still it is kind of fun to see how things have gotten carried on from the old days. Comb's kid is really something else, and that Akane is turning out to be more of a chip off the old stone temple than I'd ever have imagined. But Ryo-kun and this Daikoku girl? Now that I did not see coming."
"Hey, she's rich, pretty and a really strong fighter," Ryomi said, "Ryo-kun could do a lot worse than her in a girlfriend. Not that I'd know what to make of having Kaori for a sister."
"Getting ahead of things a bit are we?" said Comb as she strode up from down the hallway, "You heard your mother. Go and help your clueless brother. Us old folks have adult things to talk about."
"Sure," Ryomi said cheerfully as she hopped away out of the Oni-created house and out into the garden, "Have fun reminiscing about the old days."
Comb waited until the younger girl had vanished before saying, "A good kid. You must be very proud of her."
"Of both my kids," Atsuko said, turning to her erstwhile rival, "Yours is just full of surprises. And I take it by now you've heard about what Kodachi did with Ranma and Kasumi…?"
"An ambush worthy of an Amazon," Comb replied, "But this brings to mind another subject, one that we have put off discussing, but which I have consulted with Silk about and must now be brought into the open."
"Uh-oh," Atsuko said, "When you get serious like that it always means trouble."
"Trouble indeed," Comb replied, "In the form of the one significant rival we both knew in the old days…the one we have avoided mentioning save only in passing."
"Nodoka?" Atsuko's tone dropped a few degrees in temperature, "What about her?"
"She is still alive," Comb replied, "Silk has confirmed that with her scrying. In fact she has even managed to locate an address at which our rival can be contacted. But Silk said something that concerns me greatly, which would also account for why Genma keeps insisting that she is no longer among the living."
"I'll bite," Atsuko turned around to fully regard the other woman, "I can think of a lot of reasons why I'd be just as happy if 'Doka' kicked off sometime during the past seventeen or so years, which is the last time I set eyes on her. But what has she done this time that's got you all upset?"
"Only this," Comb replied, "And these are Silk's words, not mine. When the Woman of the Blade returns to Nerima it is a Man of Manly principles whom she does seek. And if she finds not this man to be of stature to her liking she will cut him down and his seed will be spent for nothing."
Atsuko blinked, "What the heck does that mean?"
"Your guess is as good as mine," Comb replied, "Perhaps we ought to consult with Siren and see what she makes of this. But of one thing I am absolutely certain."
"Yeah?" Atsuko asked.
"Genma is afraid of her," Comb stated flatly, "So afraid that the thought of her coming to Nerima makes him run into the koi pond, and after that he will only play with the tire and pretend not to know human speech. But you, being of Oni blood, speak the language of all animals."
"Well…yeah, kind of comes in handy at times," Atsuko shrugged, then paused and said, "Oh wait…you mean…?"
"The Panda form is not a shield from you," Comb said grimly, "And between the both of us we ought to be able to worm out of him the truth before it all becomes academic."
"Academic?" Atsuko replied.
"Silk says that Nodoka is on her way here even as we speak," Nodoka answered, "Someone sent her a letter informing her of where her son and husband are to be found, along with certain information that could be disadvantageous to the both of them."
"And three guesses who that helpful somebody is," Atsuko scowled, "Okay. I'm game. Let's go find Gemi-bear and get him to confess his sins for the good of his immortal soul…not to mention the rest of him."
"So glad that we see eye to eye on this, At-san," Comb said with a grim smile on her lovely features, "And after he confesses…"
"We'll torture him some more, just for laughs," Atsuko grinned back.
"Great minds really do think alike," the purple haired doctor averred, and then both of them turned away and prepared themselves for battle, intending to pool efforts once again in the name of a common purpose, and unconsciously responding to one another in a friendlier manner than either would admit to while stone cold sober…
Continued.
What terrible dark secret is Genma hiding about Nodoka? (Hey, if you know the series then I don't have to tell you what that is) And what does this signify for Ranma, who is presently engaged in some indisputably MANLY affairs? And will Shampoo ever finally score with Akane? Be here next time for, "Magical Twilight Girls Rock Concert," or, "Love and Rockets Among the Runes."
Be there!
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