---
No Title 2, Chapter 11, Jasmine Whispers
By Rojan (Samrjk@yahoo.com) or at the aol address
10/1/01
---
This is the unofficial contiuation of Micheal Chen's No Title
Auth notes.
Its not easy to write this bad boy. I even had several writer's blocks in the
process. I was planning to go one way but it never came out right. This is
easily becoming one of my largest works to date.
---
I don't know, I am making this up as I go
-Idiana Jones
March 25, 1985
Soun Tendo stood at the edge of the bedside. He stared down the path of the
bed, up towards the figure lying inside the covers. He had the look that he was
up a many sleepless nights. Bags had formed under the eyes and were easily
noticable to anyone who saw it. Many of his friends noticed the change these
past few days. They knew him as a strong willed person, capable of doing
anything. Now he looked on the brink of breaking down. Anyone who mentioned
the person next to him, he would suck in the air as if someone gave him a
glancing blow to the chest. Everyone knew he was bottling what emotions that
were building like a large storm on a dam. Soun only thought of his three
daughters, Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane. Every time he saw the trio, he felt like
sending them away. Not because he hated them, but because of how much they
reminded him of her. He returned his attention back towards the figure. The
doctors knew it was too late. They all respected Kimiko Tendo. Soun thought
about leaving that scene. He cared so much that he didn't want to see the last
breath of life leave her. He closed his eyes tightly to the scene. He shock
his head side to side and let out a deep breath. It would take a miracle to
save her, he thought. The pain of his wife dying before their children hurt.
He crouched next to her. He pulled her hair away from her cheek and kissed it
lightly. He slowly rose to his feet. He felt as though nothing but nothing
would come from his mouth except the little words, "I love you". He picked up a
compact disk case off the night stand. He knew it was her favorite song, and he
wanted to play it for her one last time before she left. He looked across the
label. It said, "God's Cd". He poped it in the stereo and left the room. Its
harmonious tune played into the air as it drifts down. He knew Kami was coming
to take her away to a better place. He left that room, not having the heart to
stay and watch that last breath go away.
Soun could only think of the first day he meet that wonderful girl.
He was still living in this same dojo as the son to Akira Tendo, master of the
Stone fist style. It was a day that he was never going to forget. He went and
trained for hours on end. He was going to be the best at what he was going to
do. Until his greatest rival came on that day. He boasted that he could defeat
anyone in his school until Valentines Day came. Soun had sat down in his desk,
already waiting for the day to end. His rival came into the room. His rival
had causally walked across the floor to the teacher's desk. Soun had regarded
the new person with great interest. He could tell by the steady stance and the
walk and poise of a person born and trained in the arts. Like Akane, he jumped
at the chance to show off his skills and to become better at what he was. His
rival was introduced and was told to sit behind Soun. He had asked the person
to spar with him after school. It was agreed and they meet in the center of the
foreground area of the school. The person whipped out the weapons of choice.
Two perfect bokkens grasped and in a ready stance. Soun tightened the binds to
his fists and even giving them a test punch into his palm signaled that he was
ready. The match began and ended quickly though, too much of Soun's dismay that
he had lost so easily. He trained over a year. Several times it had ended the
same. Until finally exactly a year later he took his revenge. It was so
satisfying to have finally defeated his most heated enemy. And yet looking at
her fallen figure, he felt sadden to have had completed his task. He had scoped
her up and had even taken her back for medical treatment. When she came to, she
didn't seem angry, much to Soun's relief, but rather pleased. She had glommed
onto him and kissed him full on the lips. Soun struggled in vain as he yelled
for anyone, a doctor, nurse or even a panda. Since then that day had become
special to him.
Kimiko knew what was going to happen. All the doctors told her it to be true.
She would wait for it. No regrets for leaving this plain behind. Of course she
would miss her family deeply, but her Soun was a man among men. He would take
care of their daughters through death. A figure appeared to the final melody of
the song. The figure was of a young boy. He looked to have years of excercise
and strength. He had an unatural handsome face. His wings illuminated lightly
in the darkness. Kimiko knew this would be the person to take her to Kami's
place.
"Hello Mrs.Tendo, I am Toshi. Mrs. Tendo, for your years of kindness and caring
soul, you will recieve one wish. This wish can be anything you desire. You can
cure your... condition", the figure said. Kimiko looked onward at the figure.
Of course the cure was appealing. To not have to leave the people she loved and
cared for was a miracle in its self. But she knew it wasn't Kami's way. If
Kami wanted her to stay, he would have done so. "I want you to look after my
daughters. I do not know how this is going to effect them, but I want another
person to look after them.", she said slowly. He closed his eyes after the last
word was spoken. He flexed his arms It was a low sound that couldn't be seen or
heard and yet it could drop people to their knees. The flash of the wings
seemed to be torn to shreds as the figure plumated downwards to the ground onto
his knees. His strength passed away as he strungled with the two lonely words,
"Wish granted".
---
It was a strange day for Kasumi. It wasn't a happy, sad or neutral day, it was
full of memories. She has been doing the same routine for the almost as long as
she could remember. Today she was going to be a meloncholy day. She arose out
of her bed with a cheery smile and a stretch into the air. The floor boards
were cold. She quickly took her shower. She dressed in her favorite light blue
dress and walked down the creeky old stairs down. A new set of cherry blossoms
aline the trees as she prepared for her special morning ritual for today. She
was going to talk with her mother in spirt. Its funny how she has never lost
faith in hope and for the future after Kimiko died. Most would call Kasumi
couragous for what she has done for her family. She was as scared as anyone,
unsure of what the future would hold and bring. She was the bind of her family.
If nothing else, she desires a fairy tale ending. Kasumi places a few objects
in her bag, such as a cloth, a set of mother's favorite flowers and some
inscense. The walk never took long for her. She thought over several things
that she wanted to 'discuss' with mother. Such as the revalations of what has
happened to the family. She arived to a dusty, old copper gates with two angels
craved in holding two horns. She walk into the cementary. The soft ground gave
way a little as she strolled over the area. Head stones seem to scroll by as
she looked around to find the familiar sight. The head stone was craved in a
rose with the words "let Kami guide your way". She pulled out the old dust rag
as she went over it. The dust seemed to vanish if it wasn't really there
anymore.
Carefully, she pulled out the some inscense and places it in the silvery pot in
front of the headstone. It was iginted and the objects whisps the smoke into
trails of powder. "I have wonderful news today. Nabiki has gotten better with
her struggle against depression. Akane is even routing for her even though she
knows about Nabiki's affections for her fiancee. I understand and wish her the
best that she can. Ranma though is on middle ground. He cannot decide. I have
gainned some more respect for him. He resisted Nabiki's charm even though it's
about ready to fall." said Kasumi.
---
Nabiki had awaken earlier than she had to for a long while. She tossed the
sheets across the floor as she shrugged out the kinks of her back. She was
thinking about the past, when her own mother was very strict on the set of
martial arts trainning for her own daughters. Sure father was an heir to an
anything goes style, but it was mommy who taught her own brand of love for the
art. Nabiki had wanted to emulate her parents as closely as possible, that is
until the passing of Kimiko. She was crest fallen to see her iron willed father
break down into his current form. She swore against the art. She didn't want
to become this weak version of her beloved father. She wanted to caste off the
feelings of what she felt, weakness. I want to be strong again, Nabiki thought.
She slide open the white closet door. Her eyes went over the contents until it
landed on a dusty white cardboard box. On the side, she saw old drawings
scribbled across the side. Three stick figures in a basic kata. She openned
the four overlaying top to reveal a worn black gi. She smiled as she ran her
hand across the top. She lifted it up into the air into the sunlight. Such
praise her mommy handed out to each of us. I was to be the best, my only rival
was Kasumi, she thought. Kasumi was alwas the better fighter, in fact she was
almost alwas better in whatever mommy did. It only brought out her competive
spirt against the older girl. She slipped out of the long shirt and stood in
front of her full length mirror. She had slipped on the old gi top on. The gi
was a bit tight around the chest and hips but she decided it will have to do.
She hadn't purchased any new work out clothing. She dropped down into the dojo.
She threw abit of punches at her invisible enemy. The sweat started to build as
old reflexes reawakened themselves. She was fast and she knew it. It was more
of the fact that she was very rusty.
A low laugh came from the corner of the dojo. It was Ranma. He was wearing a
smirk as he strolled across the floor. "You look so sweet trying to train," he
said in a jovial manner. "Ranma, you are such a jock, a flatter, and a lecher,"
she said while smiling herself and sticking her tounge out to emephis her point.
"Oh yeah?", he said. Just looking at each other was the silent challenge issued
by Nabiki and Ranma.
---
A lone boy walked across the street to the dojo to where crazyness seemed to be
abundant. He was clothed in a black pants, and white t shirt. Even thought it
didn't look like it, but he was carying a faded picture. "This must be the
place," he thought. He knocked slowly at the door. When there was no response
he knocked again. He still got the same response, so he thought to open the
door. He made his way into the dojo. He smiled a wide grin as he saw who it
was. "Hey Nabiki Chan, it's me Kosuke." he said while raising his arms
motioning for a hug. "Kosuke, it is really you" Nabiki ran accross the floor
to him. The two embraced for a couple of seconds. Ranma only found himself
starring and a bit of glarring at the sudden new commer. "What brought that on?
Who does he think he is, strutting himself unannounced like that" , he thought.
"Nabiki chan, you are.. look at who, you've grown up." "Same to you Kosuke.
You were like a brother of this family," said Nabiki. "It's been a while. I
remember taking care of you. You were alwas the one looking for adventure. I
had to save you from a dog or two while you were exploring." "Well we did grow
up with each other." Nabiki said thoughtfully. By this time Akane had overheard
the situation. "Hey 'uncle' Kosuke, when did you get here?" Akane asked.
Kosuke said that he had only gotten here a few seconds ago. Eventually all the
Tendo sisters had expressed their happiness that Kosuke had come. Kasumi was as
sweet as ever as she offered him a cup of tea. Akane wanted to have a small
chat with her older sister. She had motioned to Nabiki out into the hall.
"Nabiki, do you still have a slight crush on uncle Kosuke?" she said with a
smirk. "No, its just that its so good to see him." Nabiki was trying her best
to mask her emotions. There were only two people who could make her lose face
and one of them was Kosuke. Sure, Kosuke was the cute older brother to all the
sisters. Nabiki had meet the boy at the funeral of her mommy. She had been
crying for along time. The little Nabiki could only watch her mother being
lowered into the earth. A little boy with clear water blue eyes walked to her
side. "Why are you sad?", he said. "My mommy passed away." Nabiki said through
sobs. "Don't be sad," he said as he offered a tissue. And from that point on
her and Kosuke had grown up looking after one another. In fact he was there for
most of junior high until he had to leave with his father. By that time, Nabiki
took up the mask of her ice maidan image. She only casted it off only once to
beg Kosuke to stay. He only smile and shook his head. "We will meet again. I
will be back."
Kosuke was sipping his tea as the older girl picked up her own cup. "Have you
meet anyone yet?" he asked. "No, not really. I just recently found out that
Tofu has a crush on me." Kosuke chukled a bit. "Tofu has alwas had a crush on
you. He would twist up his desk into hearts whenever you came into the room.
The teachers had to make sure Tofu never had the same courses as you. The
teachers even had a signal to warn about your coming to one of Tofu's classes."
"You should have told me this." she said with a fake pout. "I never had the
heart to. Tofu swore me to secrecy until you knew of it. You had a spell over
half the male population at the school. They would line up and bow to you.
That's why every time you entered the school, a wave of floral petals would
flood out like water. Boy, the janitors hated to clean it up, but they could
never bring themselves angry at you. There was even a date Kasumi club. Its
not as vulgar as it sounds. The club never went into anything perverted or even
went close as to discuss your measurements. It was more a manners class and
information on what was your likes, and dislikes. All the boys thought of you
as an angel, they wanted to be as close as they good to being one themselves for
a kiss." Kasumi blushed a bit to hear of this club described to her. "Did you
ever join this club?" she asked. "No I never did. You were alwas an angel, and
I decided that I wanted to be myself if I ever wanted to win your heart. Hey
why don't we asked Tofu to join us later and catch up on old times." Kasumi
blushed a bit to hear another close friend had told of his greater affections
for her. He sipped his tea again. "So what has little Nabchan been doing? Has
she found a boyfriend yet and what about Akane chan as well?", he asked. "Well
we have had a big problems with engagements and boyfriends. Nabiki recently
almost commited suicide. She was saved by Akane's fiancee. Nabiki has started
to enjoy the persents of Akane's fiancee. There in lies the problem. Its a
love triangle." Kasumi recalling the events. "Maybe I have an idea. I need to
talk to Nabiki about this though." he said. He finished the last of the tea.
--- A week later
Ryouga was tired. He had been traveling all through parts of the world. He was
dirty, weary and very much didn't want to be turnned into some dish that
involved pork. Darn village of french chefs masters of the spin cutlet. "Where
the hell am I no..." Ryouga never got to finish that last pharse as a shoe hit
him squarely behind the head sending him into a couple of garbage cans. Ryouga
was about to unleash his fury for being treated like an old ally cat when he saw
where he was. It was the Tendo dojo. He looked up to see where the shoe was
tossed. It was a boy and it wasn't Ranma. Poor Ryouaga's mind thought of two
options, either it's Ranma trying to confuse him or its a suitor for Akane. Of
course, its a darn suitor for Akane and I won't allow it. This is all Ranma's
fault somehow Ryouga thought. Ryouga launched himself at the unknown boy. The
boy jumped back and roundhouse kicked the boys head into the wall. Ryouga just
shrugged the boy off and went after him again. The boy's thoughts were that he
was a demon or someone close to it. That kick would have knocked out most
people. Ryouga was unleashing a couple of jabs and then crossed over with a
cowboy punch. The boy block, spinning behind Ryouga and kicked out his leg.
And with Ryouga off balanced he tossed the boy into the rock outside.
Ryouga woke up to find himself restranted. "What in the hell were you trying to
fight with me buddy" Kosuke said. "You bastard, you are trying to go out with
Akane aren't you?" "No, I really wouldn't, not that it's any of your bussiness.
She is more like a little sister to me. What does she have to do with anything.
Are you her secrete boyfriend?" "N.. no, so you are her older bro?" Generally
yes, she is not blood, but she is as close as it comes to. Does she love or
have any feelings for you?" "Well she thinks of me as her friend so.. maybe."
"I have an idea. Do you want to go out on a date with her? Just a warnning, I
will kick your ass if you screw up any of my instructions. Do we have a deal?"
The only thing going on in Ryouga's mind was that a chance, a single chance to
go out with Akane is like a miracle come true. Kosuke was puzzled in the blank
stare Ryouga was giving off. "I will do it. What do I have to do?" "I want
you to take her out this saturday but do not tell her fiancee."
---
Ranma had just gotten up to a bad day. He had let one little thing slip from
his lips and that ended up that Akane was so angry that she had accepted
Ryouga's invitation. Of course Ranma was a bit angry as well. What the hell
did Akane think when she accepted. That tomboy thinking she can kiss every boy
and get away with it, while if another girl looks at me I get punted through the
air. And to make it worse, that Kosuke guy had asked Nabiki to a date as well.
He hated almost everything about the boy. He was arrogant, a bit stuck up and
he alwas seemed up to something. In Ranma's experience that alwas lead him to
trouble. Old friends my butt Ranma thought. Maybe I should follow them, it's
not that I like Nabiki in that way, but I just hate those stuck up guys like
that. Ranma had been prepared for that date. He had carried several costumes
and ninja equipment borrowed from Ukyou. He had waited for the two to leave.
He had followed close up on roof tops. He never let the two get out of his
sight until they had reached the old standard the movie theater. They had sat
down to watch a comedy. Ranma had clung to the ceiling trying to over hear
anything he could. Kosuke had whispered something into Nabiki's ear. She
giggled as a reaction. Ranma could was shocked to the point where he losed his
grip and crashed onto several people's popcorn bags. The date carried on for
another two hours. Everything from the restuarant to the walk home. Ranma did
not get the best out of it. Everytime something would happed to him every step
of the way. But he smiled to know that Nabiki had a good time and wasn't abused
in anyway. He crawled up to his window sill and looked out at the world below.
A knock came out the door. "Come in," Ranma said. The door openned to reveal
Nabiki was in her short blue dress. She sparkled as she walked across the room
in the low moon light. Her hair bobbed up and down. Ranma was in a bit of a
trance himself. Ranma realized that he stil had several momentos of the places
he has been to. He tried to quickly shake off the branches, popcorn, dirt and
anything else. Nabiki look so beautiful. He was getting another feeling of the
shock that Akane had given him. "Ranma, thanks for watching out for me in that
date of mine." Ranma had almost tossed himself out that window. "I..
ImsosorryIdidn'tknowpleaseforgiveme." he said while tripping over each word.
"It's alright, its sweet of you. Kosuke was very kind to me. He grew up with
all of us. Like Akane, I had a crush on him. And yet again, Kasumi was totaly
innocent of not knowing she had snared another boy one of her sister had a crush
on. I grew out of that crush though. Kosuke had left with his father. I cried
for days. I cared for him that much. It was another nail in the coffin that I
tried to burry my former self behind the mask."
"I had no idea. To me he was pompus and arrogant." Ranma said. "No, that
crush had died a long time ago. This was more of a get together like brother
and sister. " "Nabiki, please tell me, why did you fall in love with me?" "I
fell in love with your eyes and calm soul. No one else except maybe Kosuke and
Kasumi has. You were alwas so sweet to me. You cared about me when no one
else. You saved me from those jerks who tried to beat me up. You know what
Kosuke said to me in the theater?" "No I do not." "He said to me that my heart
was pure again. That my own feelings weren't of lust and neither was yours,
Ranma." Ranma only thought that it feels real. He couldn't describe the
feeling. Ranma had only a rough concept of love. He sort of knew the several
different types of loves. Love for one's family, friends and for one special
person were all different forms but love none the less. Ranma only leanned
close to the girl. He had slowly went into a hug around the girl. The girl
whom had changed and yet seemed more of a person than anyone could imagine. Any
lingering thoughts were quickly shattered as he took the biggest gamble known to
any person. He had given up on a sure thing to go with this charming girl who's
crooked smile was winning him over. She was so warm. He stroked her hair. Her
perfume was intoxicating to him. The two hearts beat slowly together, both not
wanting to end this feeling of ecstasy. Ranma kissed the girl in his arms. The
kiss lasting several seconds. The girl's eyes open very wide and a deep blush
nearly covering her whole face in the low light. "Does this mean..?", Nabiki
asked. Ranma only nodded.
---Auth notes
Sorry to end it like this. But I will probably resolve what happens to the rest
of the characters like Akane, Ryouga, Kosuke, Tofu and Kasumi.
No Title 2, Chapter 11, Jasmine Whispers
By Rojan (Samrjk@yahoo.com) or at the aol address
10/1/01
---
This is the unofficial contiuation of Micheal Chen's No Title
Auth notes.
Its not easy to write this bad boy. I even had several writer's blocks in the
process. I was planning to go one way but it never came out right. This is
easily becoming one of my largest works to date.
---
I don't know, I am making this up as I go
-Idiana Jones
March 25, 1985
Soun Tendo stood at the edge of the bedside. He stared down the path of the
bed, up towards the figure lying inside the covers. He had the look that he was
up a many sleepless nights. Bags had formed under the eyes and were easily
noticable to anyone who saw it. Many of his friends noticed the change these
past few days. They knew him as a strong willed person, capable of doing
anything. Now he looked on the brink of breaking down. Anyone who mentioned
the person next to him, he would suck in the air as if someone gave him a
glancing blow to the chest. Everyone knew he was bottling what emotions that
were building like a large storm on a dam. Soun only thought of his three
daughters, Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane. Every time he saw the trio, he felt like
sending them away. Not because he hated them, but because of how much they
reminded him of her. He returned his attention back towards the figure. The
doctors knew it was too late. They all respected Kimiko Tendo. Soun thought
about leaving that scene. He cared so much that he didn't want to see the last
breath of life leave her. He closed his eyes tightly to the scene. He shock
his head side to side and let out a deep breath. It would take a miracle to
save her, he thought. The pain of his wife dying before their children hurt.
He crouched next to her. He pulled her hair away from her cheek and kissed it
lightly. He slowly rose to his feet. He felt as though nothing but nothing
would come from his mouth except the little words, "I love you". He picked up a
compact disk case off the night stand. He knew it was her favorite song, and he
wanted to play it for her one last time before she left. He looked across the
label. It said, "God's Cd". He poped it in the stereo and left the room. Its
harmonious tune played into the air as it drifts down. He knew Kami was coming
to take her away to a better place. He left that room, not having the heart to
stay and watch that last breath go away.
Soun could only think of the first day he meet that wonderful girl.
He was still living in this same dojo as the son to Akira Tendo, master of the
Stone fist style. It was a day that he was never going to forget. He went and
trained for hours on end. He was going to be the best at what he was going to
do. Until his greatest rival came on that day. He boasted that he could defeat
anyone in his school until Valentines Day came. Soun had sat down in his desk,
already waiting for the day to end. His rival came into the room. His rival
had causally walked across the floor to the teacher's desk. Soun had regarded
the new person with great interest. He could tell by the steady stance and the
walk and poise of a person born and trained in the arts. Like Akane, he jumped
at the chance to show off his skills and to become better at what he was. His
rival was introduced and was told to sit behind Soun. He had asked the person
to spar with him after school. It was agreed and they meet in the center of the
foreground area of the school. The person whipped out the weapons of choice.
Two perfect bokkens grasped and in a ready stance. Soun tightened the binds to
his fists and even giving them a test punch into his palm signaled that he was
ready. The match began and ended quickly though, too much of Soun's dismay that
he had lost so easily. He trained over a year. Several times it had ended the
same. Until finally exactly a year later he took his revenge. It was so
satisfying to have finally defeated his most heated enemy. And yet looking at
her fallen figure, he felt sadden to have had completed his task. He had scoped
her up and had even taken her back for medical treatment. When she came to, she
didn't seem angry, much to Soun's relief, but rather pleased. She had glommed
onto him and kissed him full on the lips. Soun struggled in vain as he yelled
for anyone, a doctor, nurse or even a panda. Since then that day had become
special to him.
Kimiko knew what was going to happen. All the doctors told her it to be true.
She would wait for it. No regrets for leaving this plain behind. Of course she
would miss her family deeply, but her Soun was a man among men. He would take
care of their daughters through death. A figure appeared to the final melody of
the song. The figure was of a young boy. He looked to have years of excercise
and strength. He had an unatural handsome face. His wings illuminated lightly
in the darkness. Kimiko knew this would be the person to take her to Kami's
place.
"Hello Mrs.Tendo, I am Toshi. Mrs. Tendo, for your years of kindness and caring
soul, you will recieve one wish. This wish can be anything you desire. You can
cure your... condition", the figure said. Kimiko looked onward at the figure.
Of course the cure was appealing. To not have to leave the people she loved and
cared for was a miracle in its self. But she knew it wasn't Kami's way. If
Kami wanted her to stay, he would have done so. "I want you to look after my
daughters. I do not know how this is going to effect them, but I want another
person to look after them.", she said slowly. He closed his eyes after the last
word was spoken. He flexed his arms It was a low sound that couldn't be seen or
heard and yet it could drop people to their knees. The flash of the wings
seemed to be torn to shreds as the figure plumated downwards to the ground onto
his knees. His strength passed away as he strungled with the two lonely words,
"Wish granted".
---
It was a strange day for Kasumi. It wasn't a happy, sad or neutral day, it was
full of memories. She has been doing the same routine for the almost as long as
she could remember. Today she was going to be a meloncholy day. She arose out
of her bed with a cheery smile and a stretch into the air. The floor boards
were cold. She quickly took her shower. She dressed in her favorite light blue
dress and walked down the creeky old stairs down. A new set of cherry blossoms
aline the trees as she prepared for her special morning ritual for today. She
was going to talk with her mother in spirt. Its funny how she has never lost
faith in hope and for the future after Kimiko died. Most would call Kasumi
couragous for what she has done for her family. She was as scared as anyone,
unsure of what the future would hold and bring. She was the bind of her family.
If nothing else, she desires a fairy tale ending. Kasumi places a few objects
in her bag, such as a cloth, a set of mother's favorite flowers and some
inscense. The walk never took long for her. She thought over several things
that she wanted to 'discuss' with mother. Such as the revalations of what has
happened to the family. She arived to a dusty, old copper gates with two angels
craved in holding two horns. She walk into the cementary. The soft ground gave
way a little as she strolled over the area. Head stones seem to scroll by as
she looked around to find the familiar sight. The head stone was craved in a
rose with the words "let Kami guide your way". She pulled out the old dust rag
as she went over it. The dust seemed to vanish if it wasn't really there
anymore.
Carefully, she pulled out the some inscense and places it in the silvery pot in
front of the headstone. It was iginted and the objects whisps the smoke into
trails of powder. "I have wonderful news today. Nabiki has gotten better with
her struggle against depression. Akane is even routing for her even though she
knows about Nabiki's affections for her fiancee. I understand and wish her the
best that she can. Ranma though is on middle ground. He cannot decide. I have
gainned some more respect for him. He resisted Nabiki's charm even though it's
about ready to fall." said Kasumi.
---
Nabiki had awaken earlier than she had to for a long while. She tossed the
sheets across the floor as she shrugged out the kinks of her back. She was
thinking about the past, when her own mother was very strict on the set of
martial arts trainning for her own daughters. Sure father was an heir to an
anything goes style, but it was mommy who taught her own brand of love for the
art. Nabiki had wanted to emulate her parents as closely as possible, that is
until the passing of Kimiko. She was crest fallen to see her iron willed father
break down into his current form. She swore against the art. She didn't want
to become this weak version of her beloved father. She wanted to caste off the
feelings of what she felt, weakness. I want to be strong again, Nabiki thought.
She slide open the white closet door. Her eyes went over the contents until it
landed on a dusty white cardboard box. On the side, she saw old drawings
scribbled across the side. Three stick figures in a basic kata. She openned
the four overlaying top to reveal a worn black gi. She smiled as she ran her
hand across the top. She lifted it up into the air into the sunlight. Such
praise her mommy handed out to each of us. I was to be the best, my only rival
was Kasumi, she thought. Kasumi was alwas the better fighter, in fact she was
almost alwas better in whatever mommy did. It only brought out her competive
spirt against the older girl. She slipped out of the long shirt and stood in
front of her full length mirror. She had slipped on the old gi top on. The gi
was a bit tight around the chest and hips but she decided it will have to do.
She hadn't purchased any new work out clothing. She dropped down into the dojo.
She threw abit of punches at her invisible enemy. The sweat started to build as
old reflexes reawakened themselves. She was fast and she knew it. It was more
of the fact that she was very rusty.
A low laugh came from the corner of the dojo. It was Ranma. He was wearing a
smirk as he strolled across the floor. "You look so sweet trying to train," he
said in a jovial manner. "Ranma, you are such a jock, a flatter, and a lecher,"
she said while smiling herself and sticking her tounge out to emephis her point.
"Oh yeah?", he said. Just looking at each other was the silent challenge issued
by Nabiki and Ranma.
---
A lone boy walked across the street to the dojo to where crazyness seemed to be
abundant. He was clothed in a black pants, and white t shirt. Even thought it
didn't look like it, but he was carying a faded picture. "This must be the
place," he thought. He knocked slowly at the door. When there was no response
he knocked again. He still got the same response, so he thought to open the
door. He made his way into the dojo. He smiled a wide grin as he saw who it
was. "Hey Nabiki Chan, it's me Kosuke." he said while raising his arms
motioning for a hug. "Kosuke, it is really you" Nabiki ran accross the floor
to him. The two embraced for a couple of seconds. Ranma only found himself
starring and a bit of glarring at the sudden new commer. "What brought that on?
Who does he think he is, strutting himself unannounced like that" , he thought.
"Nabiki chan, you are.. look at who, you've grown up." "Same to you Kosuke.
You were like a brother of this family," said Nabiki. "It's been a while. I
remember taking care of you. You were alwas the one looking for adventure. I
had to save you from a dog or two while you were exploring." "Well we did grow
up with each other." Nabiki said thoughtfully. By this time Akane had overheard
the situation. "Hey 'uncle' Kosuke, when did you get here?" Akane asked.
Kosuke said that he had only gotten here a few seconds ago. Eventually all the
Tendo sisters had expressed their happiness that Kosuke had come. Kasumi was as
sweet as ever as she offered him a cup of tea. Akane wanted to have a small
chat with her older sister. She had motioned to Nabiki out into the hall.
"Nabiki, do you still have a slight crush on uncle Kosuke?" she said with a
smirk. "No, its just that its so good to see him." Nabiki was trying her best
to mask her emotions. There were only two people who could make her lose face
and one of them was Kosuke. Sure, Kosuke was the cute older brother to all the
sisters. Nabiki had meet the boy at the funeral of her mommy. She had been
crying for along time. The little Nabiki could only watch her mother being
lowered into the earth. A little boy with clear water blue eyes walked to her
side. "Why are you sad?", he said. "My mommy passed away." Nabiki said through
sobs. "Don't be sad," he said as he offered a tissue. And from that point on
her and Kosuke had grown up looking after one another. In fact he was there for
most of junior high until he had to leave with his father. By that time, Nabiki
took up the mask of her ice maidan image. She only casted it off only once to
beg Kosuke to stay. He only smile and shook his head. "We will meet again. I
will be back."
Kosuke was sipping his tea as the older girl picked up her own cup. "Have you
meet anyone yet?" he asked. "No, not really. I just recently found out that
Tofu has a crush on me." Kosuke chukled a bit. "Tofu has alwas had a crush on
you. He would twist up his desk into hearts whenever you came into the room.
The teachers had to make sure Tofu never had the same courses as you. The
teachers even had a signal to warn about your coming to one of Tofu's classes."
"You should have told me this." she said with a fake pout. "I never had the
heart to. Tofu swore me to secrecy until you knew of it. You had a spell over
half the male population at the school. They would line up and bow to you.
That's why every time you entered the school, a wave of floral petals would
flood out like water. Boy, the janitors hated to clean it up, but they could
never bring themselves angry at you. There was even a date Kasumi club. Its
not as vulgar as it sounds. The club never went into anything perverted or even
went close as to discuss your measurements. It was more a manners class and
information on what was your likes, and dislikes. All the boys thought of you
as an angel, they wanted to be as close as they good to being one themselves for
a kiss." Kasumi blushed a bit to hear of this club described to her. "Did you
ever join this club?" she asked. "No I never did. You were alwas an angel, and
I decided that I wanted to be myself if I ever wanted to win your heart. Hey
why don't we asked Tofu to join us later and catch up on old times." Kasumi
blushed a bit to hear another close friend had told of his greater affections
for her. He sipped his tea again. "So what has little Nabchan been doing? Has
she found a boyfriend yet and what about Akane chan as well?", he asked. "Well
we have had a big problems with engagements and boyfriends. Nabiki recently
almost commited suicide. She was saved by Akane's fiancee. Nabiki has started
to enjoy the persents of Akane's fiancee. There in lies the problem. Its a
love triangle." Kasumi recalling the events. "Maybe I have an idea. I need to
talk to Nabiki about this though." he said. He finished the last of the tea.
--- A week later
Ryouga was tired. He had been traveling all through parts of the world. He was
dirty, weary and very much didn't want to be turnned into some dish that
involved pork. Darn village of french chefs masters of the spin cutlet. "Where
the hell am I no..." Ryouga never got to finish that last pharse as a shoe hit
him squarely behind the head sending him into a couple of garbage cans. Ryouga
was about to unleash his fury for being treated like an old ally cat when he saw
where he was. It was the Tendo dojo. He looked up to see where the shoe was
tossed. It was a boy and it wasn't Ranma. Poor Ryouaga's mind thought of two
options, either it's Ranma trying to confuse him or its a suitor for Akane. Of
course, its a darn suitor for Akane and I won't allow it. This is all Ranma's
fault somehow Ryouga thought. Ryouga launched himself at the unknown boy. The
boy jumped back and roundhouse kicked the boys head into the wall. Ryouga just
shrugged the boy off and went after him again. The boy's thoughts were that he
was a demon or someone close to it. That kick would have knocked out most
people. Ryouga was unleashing a couple of jabs and then crossed over with a
cowboy punch. The boy block, spinning behind Ryouga and kicked out his leg.
And with Ryouga off balanced he tossed the boy into the rock outside.
Ryouga woke up to find himself restranted. "What in the hell were you trying to
fight with me buddy" Kosuke said. "You bastard, you are trying to go out with
Akane aren't you?" "No, I really wouldn't, not that it's any of your bussiness.
She is more like a little sister to me. What does she have to do with anything.
Are you her secrete boyfriend?" "N.. no, so you are her older bro?" Generally
yes, she is not blood, but she is as close as it comes to. Does she love or
have any feelings for you?" "Well she thinks of me as her friend so.. maybe."
"I have an idea. Do you want to go out on a date with her? Just a warnning, I
will kick your ass if you screw up any of my instructions. Do we have a deal?"
The only thing going on in Ryouga's mind was that a chance, a single chance to
go out with Akane is like a miracle come true. Kosuke was puzzled in the blank
stare Ryouga was giving off. "I will do it. What do I have to do?" "I want
you to take her out this saturday but do not tell her fiancee."
---
Ranma had just gotten up to a bad day. He had let one little thing slip from
his lips and that ended up that Akane was so angry that she had accepted
Ryouga's invitation. Of course Ranma was a bit angry as well. What the hell
did Akane think when she accepted. That tomboy thinking she can kiss every boy
and get away with it, while if another girl looks at me I get punted through the
air. And to make it worse, that Kosuke guy had asked Nabiki to a date as well.
He hated almost everything about the boy. He was arrogant, a bit stuck up and
he alwas seemed up to something. In Ranma's experience that alwas lead him to
trouble. Old friends my butt Ranma thought. Maybe I should follow them, it's
not that I like Nabiki in that way, but I just hate those stuck up guys like
that. Ranma had been prepared for that date. He had carried several costumes
and ninja equipment borrowed from Ukyou. He had waited for the two to leave.
He had followed close up on roof tops. He never let the two get out of his
sight until they had reached the old standard the movie theater. They had sat
down to watch a comedy. Ranma had clung to the ceiling trying to over hear
anything he could. Kosuke had whispered something into Nabiki's ear. She
giggled as a reaction. Ranma could was shocked to the point where he losed his
grip and crashed onto several people's popcorn bags. The date carried on for
another two hours. Everything from the restuarant to the walk home. Ranma did
not get the best out of it. Everytime something would happed to him every step
of the way. But he smiled to know that Nabiki had a good time and wasn't abused
in anyway. He crawled up to his window sill and looked out at the world below.
A knock came out the door. "Come in," Ranma said. The door openned to reveal
Nabiki was in her short blue dress. She sparkled as she walked across the room
in the low moon light. Her hair bobbed up and down. Ranma was in a bit of a
trance himself. Ranma realized that he stil had several momentos of the places
he has been to. He tried to quickly shake off the branches, popcorn, dirt and
anything else. Nabiki look so beautiful. He was getting another feeling of the
shock that Akane had given him. "Ranma, thanks for watching out for me in that
date of mine." Ranma had almost tossed himself out that window. "I..
ImsosorryIdidn'tknowpleaseforgiveme." he said while tripping over each word.
"It's alright, its sweet of you. Kosuke was very kind to me. He grew up with
all of us. Like Akane, I had a crush on him. And yet again, Kasumi was totaly
innocent of not knowing she had snared another boy one of her sister had a crush
on. I grew out of that crush though. Kosuke had left with his father. I cried
for days. I cared for him that much. It was another nail in the coffin that I
tried to burry my former self behind the mask."
"I had no idea. To me he was pompus and arrogant." Ranma said. "No, that
crush had died a long time ago. This was more of a get together like brother
and sister. " "Nabiki, please tell me, why did you fall in love with me?" "I
fell in love with your eyes and calm soul. No one else except maybe Kosuke and
Kasumi has. You were alwas so sweet to me. You cared about me when no one
else. You saved me from those jerks who tried to beat me up. You know what
Kosuke said to me in the theater?" "No I do not." "He said to me that my heart
was pure again. That my own feelings weren't of lust and neither was yours,
Ranma." Ranma only thought that it feels real. He couldn't describe the
feeling. Ranma had only a rough concept of love. He sort of knew the several
different types of loves. Love for one's family, friends and for one special
person were all different forms but love none the less. Ranma only leanned
close to the girl. He had slowly went into a hug around the girl. The girl
whom had changed and yet seemed more of a person than anyone could imagine. Any
lingering thoughts were quickly shattered as he took the biggest gamble known to
any person. He had given up on a sure thing to go with this charming girl who's
crooked smile was winning him over. She was so warm. He stroked her hair. Her
perfume was intoxicating to him. The two hearts beat slowly together, both not
wanting to end this feeling of ecstasy. Ranma kissed the girl in his arms. The
kiss lasting several seconds. The girl's eyes open very wide and a deep blush
nearly covering her whole face in the low light. "Does this mean..?", Nabiki
asked. Ranma only nodded.
---Auth notes
Sorry to end it like this. But I will probably resolve what happens to the rest
of the characters like Akane, Ryouga, Kosuke, Tofu and Kasumi.
