Embracing Curse
Chapter six:
Akane Tendo's Diary, August 30th:
Isabella-chan left very early this morning, just like last time. Her second note was similar to the previous one: she apologized for her absence, said that her parents wanted her to do chores, and that she would return as soon as possible, which she did, this evening.
During breakfast, I told Kasumi-chan and Nabiki-chan about Isabella-chan and Aelfred-san being cursed by Jusenkyo.
"That's the reason she was so preoccupied last night," I said, "I'd like to talk about this with them as soon as they're both here."
"No problem," Nabiki-chan chuckled, "I'll have two pails of water ready, one soak and they'll have no choice but to spill the beans."
"Allow me to specify," I grumbled, "I'd like to talk about this with them delicately."
"I'm not sure if I can be of much help by saying I'm used to these transformations thanks to Ranma-kun," Kasumi-chan said worriedly. "The best I can do is cook a special dinner for our guests; and it has to be a plentiful one since Ranma-tachi will be coming back from that trip. I better go buy ingredients." Her tone changed from concerned to characteristically cheerful. Everybody thinks Kasumi-chan is only good for housework, I used to do so myself; the truth is, her strength lies in making people feel comfortable through her service. To Kasumi-chan, a good meal or a clean place are no small matter, every little detail is put into consideration. I remember several occasions when she would cure me from a case of the blues by bringing me a glass of iced tea, a cup of hot cocoa, or just a smile.
I remembered that Cologne-sama knows about Isabella-chan and Aelfred-san, so I went over to the Neko-Hanten after helping Kasumi-chan clean up the kitchen.
Granny lit her pipe and puffed on it. We watched the smoke rings a little before she finally spoke.
"I met Aelfred years ago, he came to China during his first trip to the orient. He learned a lot from us amazons, and I learned plenty from him as well. That boy was full of surprises, I'm sure he still is."
"That he is," I replied with half a giggle, "Tell me, was he already cursed, even at that young age?"
"Yes, child, he tried his best to keep it a secret from me, but circumstances forced him to do otherwise. Said curse is an important part of his life, so it was easy for me to recognize it in little Isabella when I met her."
"And do you know what their transformations are?" I asked, "Which Jusenkyo pool they fell into?"
"There is logic to your deduction, Akane, but neither Aelfred nor Isabella have been to the cursed springs, not that I know of. No, their curse is something entirely different."
"Is it something worse?" I gasped.
"It is different," Granny reiterated, "it would be unfair to either them or son-in-law to say that one was given a worse fate."
"I understand," I said, even if what I had just heard increased my curiosity ten-fold. "Please tell me, Cologne-sama, what is their curse?"
"I cannot tell you, Akane, I'm sworn to secrecy," Granny answered. "I promised Aelfred not to reveal anything all those years ago, and little Isabella reminded me last night." She rubbed her chin and hummed. "Actually, she commanded me not to speak, that girl is surprisingly imposing."
"Hai, she switches from playful to authoritative in a flash," I replied. "I don't want you to break your promise, Granny, but can you give us a hint as to what to expect from Aelfred-san and Isabella-chan? How should we react once they reveal their secret to us?" Cologne-san thought her answer over carefully.
"React naturally, that's the best advice I can give you. Also, don't think that they've betrayed you because they kept something hidden. I can assure you that Aelfred is trustworthy, and the same goes for little Isabella, we had a very pleasant and revealing chat last night." She wouldn't tell me anything more, so I thanked her and came home.
Something terrific happened this afternoon, Otousan and uncle Genma finally came home. They looked awfully tired, as if they'd run all the way back, and I think I saw arrow holes on their backpacks. Something tells me that tab was not completely covered. No matter, it's great to have them back.
My sisters and I brought them up to date, we told them about Aelfred-san and the match he had with Ranma-kun. Uncle Genma grumbled and said, or rather wrote since he was in panda form, how he was going to have to train Ranma-kun from the beginning once more, that it was very shameful for a member of the Saotome school to put up such a mediocre performance against a foreigner. I know uncle Genma was a serious problem with keeping inner monologue inside. But writing down his thoughts is a bit exaggerated, wouldn't you say?
Nabiki's voice journal, August 30th:
(grumble) I don't know whether I should laugh or cry. The good news is: everyone will get the chance to meet Guiseppe-kun; the bad news, Guiseppe-kun will meet everyone. Let me start at the beginning.
I recognized the sound of Guiseppe-kun's limo as it turned round the corner, so I was the one to welcome Phillipo-san as he came to the door.
"Konnichiwa, Phillipo-san," I greeted, "What news do you bring from your boss?"
"As usual, Signor Fideto is occupied with his finances," he answered, much to my dismay. Can't my lover a single day off? Kasumi-chan invited him in and we went over to the table. Everyone was there, including uncle Genma, who hadn't changed back from being a panda, and Happosai. Phillipo-san introduced himself and stated his business. "My errand is to bring an invitation to you, Signorina Tendo. Signor Fideto cordially requests yours and your sisters' presence for dinner tomorrow night." Phillipo-san then turned to daddy. "That was the plan originally, now that you are here, Signor Tendo, it's only proper that we have your prior consent."
"Arigato, Phillipo-san, and please send my thanks to Fideto-san as well," daddy replied, "I'd like to meet him first, have a private conversation and get to know who he is."
"Otousan, don't make this difficult for Nabiki-chan," Akane-chan said in my defense, "Why not come with us? Surely Guiseppe-kun can afford one more guest, or two, if uncle Genma wishes to come."
[Of course I want to!], that freeloading bear immediately wrote.
"Make that three," Happosai butted in, "As oldest member of the household, I am obligated to attend." Noticing the eagerness all around, daddy finally agreed.
"I appreciate Fideto-san's generosity," Kasumi-chan said, "though I'm afraid I won't be able to come. I found out Dr Tofu's refrigerator broke down, and promised to fix his meals for him until it's repaired."
"Tell him to come over," Akane-chan suggested, "I'm sure he'll appreciate the gesture."
Ugh, I'm getting nervous all over again. Tousan's okay, he'll probably just humiliate me at the regular father/daughter level, but if uncle Genma comes along, they'll try to make out with the crystal and silverware. Oh, who am I kidding? Daddy's likely to pull off something like that all by himself. Dr Tofu could make a good impression, if it wasn't for Kasumi-chan. I can already see him sticking asparagus into his ears. And don't get me started on Happosai! (sigh) Why fret? They're coming and there's nothing I can do about it, so I better concentrate on having a good time.
A seamstress came along with Phillipo-san, she took our measurements once everything was settled. Guiseppe-kun is going to send new dresses to all three of us this time. (chuckle) Akane-chan's eyes lit up like a flare, I knew she was jealous of all those gowns I got.
"I shall inform Signor Fideto then," Phillipo-san said as he got ready to leave. He then pointed his thumb at uncle Genma and offered to send someone to take care of our pet panda. (giggles turning into laughter) I swear, I don't know how I kept myself from suggesting an electric cattle prod.
We received another guest right after Phillipo-san was left, (sigh) Isabella. The first people she saw upon entering were daddy and uncle Genma.
"So you're Catherine's father." She circled daddy, looked at him up and down and said, "Hmm, nope, it must come from your mother then." Kasumi-chan explained what little she could while the little nut turned her attention to uncle Genma. "And this is…?"
"He's our uncle, Saotome Genma," I told her, "Ranma-kun's dad." She looked at the panda with wide eyes and said.
"Great costume! Very realistic. Where did you get it?"
[During a trip to China] his sign read.
"Well it's great for a joke." We went outside for our girls' chat. "By the way, Catherine, I caught glimpse of a limo leaving. Whose was it?"
"Guiseppe-san's, he just invited Nabiki-chan out to dinner," Akane-chan answered before I could stop her. Isabella shook her head and grumbled. I did the same, mentally, because I knew what was coming.
"Catherine, I must insist, be careful. I've met a lot of rich guys in my life and they're all the same; a little fun, and once they start feeling bored, they discard you like an old sock."
"Hai, you told us that already," I replied tiredly, "Would it make you happy if I cancelled the date?" I only said that to humor Isabella, her answer was going to have no effect on my decision at all. Her response, however, was totally unexpected.
"Oh no, of course not, I only want you to keep emotional distance. Go to dinner, have fun, enjoy the gifts and attention. And hey, if you feel like having sex, go right ahead. You're seventeen, you're old enough to know what you're doing." I swear, those were her exact words. I was speechless then and I still haven't recovered from the impression.
"Eto…don't take this the wrong way, Isabella-chan," Akane-chan mumbled, "but you sound as if you were experienced in the matter."
"Well, duh, you two would-" Isabella clapped her hand onto her mouth, she was obviously going to let out something important, but wasn't careless enough to satisfy my curiosity. "Umm, say! Have Ranma and Aelfred come back yet?"
"Ie," Akane-chan answered, "Haven't gotten word from them since yesterday." She leaned against a column and took a pensive pose. "Isabella-chan, what are you and Aelfred-san keeping from us? Is it really that terrible?" The girl paced about and lay down on the grass, looking at the stars above.
"Terrible? It depends on how you look at it I guess," she said at last, "Believe me, it's eating me up inside, I can't wait to share this secret, especially with you, Catherine. But I have to wait for Aelfred; first, because it unavoidably reveals something important about him; second, I need his advice in the matter." That's all she said and we didn't question her further. I hope Ranma-tachi hurry back. I also hope this secret doesn't turn out to be a major disappointment, it's happened before you know.
Seeing Isabella made us think how cool and comfortable the lawn was, so Akane-chan and I laid down also. I don't know how much time we spent there, half or one hour, until Kasumi-chan came up to ask Akane-chan a favor.
"Could you please take this dish to doctor Tofu? I'd go myself if I wasn't so busy."
"Certainly, onee-chan," Akane-chan replied.
"Can I come?" Isabella asked, "I'd like to meet the doctor after hearing all those great things you've said about him." She stepped inside and met uncle Genma in human form. "And you are?"
"Saotome Genma," he stated proudly. Isabella checked him out from head to toe.
"Put your disguise back on, now you really look like a joke." (giggle).
Akane Tendo's diary, August 30th (continued):
Dr. Tofu was very happy when he got Kasumi-chan's present, well, happier, he was already cheerful after getting the invitation.
"I'll be glad to come," he told me, "I have a lot of free time actually. Remember those cases of anemia? They stopped just as fast as they appeared."
"Yeah, I know," Isabella-chan replied, "Vanished just before I could look into the problem." I know I'm getting repetitive, I just can't help wondering about this girl. What was she going to look into? Did she by chance study medicine? I then noticed that Dr Tofu was looking at Isabella-chan a tad strangely. We asked him what was wrong.
"Not wrong, just odd," he said, "Isabella-chan, you don't seem to…" I may never know what he was going to say, for Kasumi-chan entered the clinic at precisely that moment.
You know, I'm starting to notice that every time onee-chan sends Dr Tofu a gift, she forgets a little something, and has to take it herself. This time it was dessert. Does she really forget, or does she do it on purpose in order to have an excuse to see him? If so, why bother? Anyway, back to the story.
As always, Dr Tofu's glasses fogged up as he shifted into clown mode.
"Oh yes, dinner, it was delicious, Kasumi-san, arigato," he stuttered, and he hadn't even tried it yet. Now it was Isabella-chan's turned to be confused. For a moment, I thought about giving myself a little satisfaction by keeping her in ignorance, but my conscience wouldn't let me.
"Dr Tofu is in love with Kasumi-chan," I whispered into her ear, "but he's too shy to let her know."
"I get it," she replied with a snap of her fingers, "and I've seen worse." Her cellular beeped and she answered. It was her parents, telling her to come home. "You children have fun tomorrow, I'll go visit you the day after and we'll talk about it." I said that I was looking forward to it and saw her out the door.
I just thought of something, I don't recall Isabella-chan carrying a cell-phone at her waist before it rang.
"Never before have I imagined myself dining in a place such as this," Soun said as the group entered the fancy restaurant, "without fear of the check coming that is."
"Hai," his age old friend agreed, "Ours was a misunderstood youth, Soun, these people cannot realize how a travelling martial artist must rely on his wits when resources are scarce."
"You speak the truth, Genma." the moustached man chuckled, "Do you remember that wedding at Kyoto? Everyone thought we were either on the groom's or the bride's side."
"Sure I do, best party we've ever been to." He got closer and whispered into Soun's ear, "And it would've ended well if it hadn't been for sensei."
"I heard that," the old man huffed, "and it wasn't my fault, they were the ones who got stingy with the sake."
"Remember, this dinner is very important for Nabiki-chan," Akane warned sternly, "so don't do anything ecchi, Happosai."
"Do you truly believe I would behave like that in such an elegant place?"
"Hai!" the two shorthaired girls snapped.
"I make a solemn promise." Happosai raised his right hand and crossed his heart with the left. "You won't see me sneaking under tables and dresses, stealing underwear."
"Good," Nabiki stated.
"I'll be getting addresses. As you know, you get bigger bounties from houses, and these ladies must keep very expensive and rare garments." The brown-haired girl rolled her eyes.
"I suppose that's still better." She glanced up ahead and saw the one she'd been so impatient for. "Guiseppe!"
"Nabiki, my beloved, you look absolutely stunning," the millionaire greeted as he kissed her hand, "Your sisters are a pretty sight as well." Nabiki was dressed in glittery silver, Akane wore pastel violet, and Kasumi's outfit was deep indigo. Fideto told the truth, each girl was a vision of loveliness.
"These are among the best gifts we've ever gotten, Fideto-san, domo arigato," Kasumi said courteously, "Dr Tofu, please have a seat."
"Yes, Kasumi-chan, whatever you say!"
"Eto, that's the dessert cart, the table's this way."
"I'm delighted we finally had the opportunity for this reunion," the black-haired man said once they were all seated. "Isn't someone missing? Where is Signor Ranma?"
"An unexpected mission came up and he had to leave town," the blue-haired girl answered. That's actually a good thing, she thought, the last thing onee-chan needs is plates and forks flying about.
"Really? Well, that is a shame," he replied as he took a sip of wine. Fideto then noticed that three more people were missing. "What happened to Signore Tendo, Saotome and Happosai?" They searched the place and found them, disguised as waiters. Nabiki slapped her face.
"Looks like the lecherous collector's put his plan into work. Guiseppe-kun, try to ignore what you see."
"I will, but I'd like to find out more later. Now, what should we talk about?"
"How about your business?" Akane proposed, "What on earth can keep a man busy all day long?"
"Hmm, I wanted to avoid talking shop," the Italian man sighed, "alas. Most of my money comes from inheritance; I don't mean to brag, but my family was part of nobility during the middle ages."
"Really!?" Nabiki grinned giddily, "Duchess Nabiki, I like the way that sounds."
"I'm afraid that will have to remain a fantasy," Fideto corrected, "One of my ancestors swallowed his pride and became a merchant, a smart choice since titles were not worth what they used to. Good decisions, that's what we've been doing for generations and our fortune has grown tremendously." The millionaire took Nabiki's hand. "Hearing this makes you happy, doesn't it?"
"My, what ever led you to believe that?" the moneymaker teased.
"Aren't you afraid of having too much?" the longhaired girl inquired, "More possessions means more to be responsible for."
"I'm aware of that," the black-haired man replied, "but I'm not afraid, in fact, I have a new acquisition in mind. You own a dojo, correct?"
"Hai," Akane answered warily, "and it's not for sale, at any price."
"Akane, we must at least listen and try to be flexible," her father said, popping out of nowhere.
"Daddy, keep helping uncle Genma, we'll handle this." Nabiki sat up and cleared her throat. "Gomen, Guiseppe-kun, but the dojo is too important to us."
"Oh no, you've got me all wrong," Fideto cleared out, "I don't want to buy, I want to sponsor. I am a fan of both combat and competition, and always wanted an opportunity such as this. So I'd like to invest, if Signor Tendo agrees of course."
"Well, now that you've explained yourself, it does sound like a good proposal," Akane considered, "We'll tell Otousan later, when he's not too busy."
"Shouldn't we inform Ranma-kun instead?" Kasumi questioned, "After all, he's going to inherit the dojo once you two become married." Their host started coughing all of a sudden. "Fideto-san, are you all right?"
"Yes, umm, my drink just went down the wrong pipe, that's all." There was a worried look in his eye however. "Ah, here is our dinner at last."
"You will enjoy it, Fideto-san, Kasumi-chan is and excellent cook."
"Don't be silly, Dr. Tofu, we're dining out," the eldest Tendo sister giggled.
Akane Tendo's diary, August 31st:
Our meal was delicious, the ambiance was excellent, and Nabiki-chan looked happy. Not 'I made a great profit' happy, I'm talking 'happy' happy, authentic bliss.
Well, that's it, all three of us are wedded off, so to speak. Kasumi-chan with Dr Tofu, Nabiki-chan with Fideto-san, and me with Ranma. I always thought Nabiki-chan would never get married, that she would become a rich spinster, living in a huge mansion, with a lot of male models as servants.
Dinner was almost perfect, just one little incident towards the end. Happosai found the cocktail waitresses' dressing room, with predictable results; the old hentai escaped with the usual angry mob behind him. Otousan and uncle Genma were making a run for it as well, along with all the food they could carry. I was expecting something of the sort, but it doesn't take away any of the embarrassment.
Nabiki-chan took advantage of otousan's sudden absence to spend a little more time with Fideto-san. She stayed in the limo while Kasumi-chan and I got off. I got close and whispered into her ear.
"Beware, Nabiki-chan, Fideto-san seems a little eager about what's going to happen."
"I noticed, silly," she whispered back, "And if he's lucky, he'll get a lot more than expected."
…Should I try and be as bold as onee-chan? If I was, maybe there wouldn't be so much tension between Ranma and me.
Nabiki admired the city from the penthouse balcony.
"Ara, it's breathtaking! I never thought Nerima could look like this at night."
"I travel a lot," Fideto said as he came up, "and know where to find the most beautiful views in the world. For example, from a castle I own in Lisbon. Would you like to visit it someday?"
"Hai, I'd enjoy that very much," the brown-haired girl responded as she leaned back against her lover's chest.
"Would you like to own it?"
"Nani!?" Her eyes went wide and she turned to face him, "What are you saying?"
"Everything you've seen can be yours," the millionaire answered, "and much more, all it will take from you is one word."
"Guiseppe-kun, I…" Nabiki had to sit down, "I expected this, just not so soon."
"Neither was I, but I can't wait any longer." Fideto took her hands and picked her up. "Please stay with me, Nabiki, forever."
"Forever is a long time," the brown-eyed girl replied, "and therefore, a big decision." She shook her head and turned away. "Kuso, you purple-haired baka, all this doubt is your fault."
"Who are you talking about?"
"No one of importance…but she does drive her point across." Nabiki sat down again and asked her boyfriend to do the same. "Guiseppe-kun, that night, when we first met, you sneaked into my room while I was in the furo. I was standing there naked and vulnerable, and you struck me with roses and a dress. Since then, you've done nothing but impress me, which means that I am at my weakest at this moment, or would be, if I was like any other girl."
"I should've known better, huh?" the black-haired man replied with a tone as guilty as a fox in a hen-house.
"Don't feel bad, it's a trick I've used many times before. But I must know. Is this for real or am I a cheap thrill? "
"You are wise, Nabiki, and brave, few people have dared question my intentions." Fideto took a deep breath. "I have been with many women, all of them treated like mere objects of desire. But each affair was really part of a search, the search for something real and definite." He took her hands and held them tightly. "The moment I saw you, I knew you were the one. Nabiki, please say yes." The Japanese girl looked at him sweetly and gave him a kiss.
"Hai, I'll be with you forever." Fideto didn't know what to do with all that glee. He embraced and kissed Nabiki with passion. She relaxed and let her body sink into the wondrous sensation as his lips moved towards her neck.
Several hours later, Fideto and Phillipo were taking the sleeping girl to her home. The majordomo was about to use the key he took out of Nabiki's purse when the door opened, it was Kasumi.
"Do you know what time it is?" she scolded, "You're lucky otousan hasn't arrived yet, Fideto-san."
"My apologies, Signorina Kasumi, it never occurred to me that we would make like teenagers and lose track of time." The millionaire glanced at the beauty in his arms. "Please allow Phillipo and I to carry Nabiki to her room, then we'll be right off."
"All right," the longhaired girl consented, "Don't take too long and take care you don't wake Akane-chan."
Fideto entered Nabiki's room and let her down gently on her bed. He stood beside her and ran his finger down her face as he smiled gently and victoriously.
"The curtains are taken care of, sir," the gray-haired servant informed, "Not to doubt your experience, but is it wise to leave Signorina Tendo here?"
"There is an obvious risk, but it will all work out in her best interest. Now, please leave us." The majordomo bowed and exited the room. The Italian man undressed Nabiki and tucked her in. "Sleep well, my dear," he whispered as he kissed her lips, "tomorrow you enter a whole new world."