Disclaimer: The characters in this story don't belong to me but to Rumiko
Takahashi.
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Chapter 4: (---Title---)
"Akane, it's time to rise and shine," Kasumi gently shook Akane.
"Hold on, onee-chan, can't I sleep longer?" Akane grumbled.
"No. We've to start work immediately. And what's with the 'onee- chan'?"
Akane complained. "Whaddya mean? Can't I rest a little more? This bed is so comfy. I've never felt anything like it before-"
Sitting up in the bed, Akane rubbed her eyes. She focused her vision and gasped.
The sun was halfway up. Its glow assured one that all was safe and sound. The birds were singing a song of peace and joy. The trees were dancing happily to the brightening glow of the star.
All this could be seen outside the window which did not belong to Akane's room. Where was she?
She turned to the person whom she thought was Kasumi and queried.
"Kasumi, where are we?"
"I'm not Kasumi, you silly fool," Sayuri chided Akane; she laughed as she pushed back the bed covers.
Akane frowned. "Sayuri? What are you doing-" She paused. Memories came rushing through her head. She remembered where she was and what had happened. "Oh.sorry. I thought I was still at home."
"Getting homesick?" Sayuri took out Akane's uniform. "It's quite common whenever you are here for the first few days."
Akane swing her legs over the bed and placed them on the carpeted ground. "Really? Then how come everybody else seems so happy around here?"
Sayuri stopped what she was doing and turned around. "Once you meet the family, you'll warm up to them."
Akane smirked dryly. "I don't think so. You know I detest them."
Sayuri smiled challengingly. "You want to bet?"
Akane ignored her friend's childishness and changed the subject. "Is that going to be my garb?"
Sayuri nodded. "It's okay, isn't it?"
"I thought the dress code for maids and servants are black and white."
"I know. But Nodoka decided to design her own household's uniform," Sayuri explained. "She was bored with her son and husband absent and all."
Akane nodded.
She started, "You shouldn't have greeted me by my first name, Sayuri-chan."
Sayuri put on a guilty look. "Sorry. We weren't in public and it seemed all right."
"Apology accepted."
Akane inspected the uniform. It was pink- pink! - with a purple apron placed atop it.
"It's too.girlish."
"Too girlish? You mean it's too refined for a tomboyish girl like you!" Sayuri joked.
"It's not. I mean, look at you! You were wearing it yesterday and you're wearing it today. How can you stand it?"
"I don't know. I'm just used to it."
Akane shook her head in disgust. "Why must I wear it? I like my dress just nice."
"Get out of your dress. You'll get to wear it on your day off. Which was yesterday."
"We have day offs? On Fridays?"
"Yes. Now get out of that dirty thing and we'll wash it for you."
"You're not my servant."
"I know. I'm your maid."
"You're not my maid either," Akane said before adding, "Neither are you my slave."
Sayuri choked back a laugh. "You knew what I was going to say, huh?"
"Just past memories of the good old' days."
"Are you guys ready? I want to have breakfast!" Yuka fussed as she entered the room. "Hurry, Akane- I mean, Sazara-chan. Or else we'll miss out on the most important meal of the day," she warned.
"Coming, coming. Could you guys pass me the pathetic excuse of a uniform?"
"Sazara!" Yuka cautioned.
"Okay, okay, just pass me the uniform."
Akane approached the wall where she could dress privately behind a tall wooden board.
"We have a cap, too."
Akane sarcastically remarked. "I didn't notice."
"You didn't?" Yuka asked simply.
"She did, you buffoon," Sayuri scowled.
"But she said she didn't."
"She was being sardonic.
"Oh."
Akane interrupted the brawl. "Pass me the cap."
Yuka threw it over the board and Akane caught it.
"Stupid cap. Why must we wear this?" Akane muttered to herself.
"Did you say something, Sazara-chan?" Akane heard Sayuri open the door.
"I was saying that this cap is stupid!" Akane shouted.
Getting no answer, Akane peered from her spot.
And came face-to-face with a certain purple-haired amethyst-eyed Amazon lady.
"You don't like the cap?" Shampoo asked darkly.
"Yes," Akane answered without looking at her mistress.
Shampoo jerked out her hand and turned Akane's chin to face her.
"You're a maid, are you not? You were born to serve us. You wear the uniform Nodoka designed, yes? For you're a maid."
"Good morning, Lady Nodoka, lady Shampoo," Sayuri and Yuka greeted in unison; they curtsied politely, keeping their eyes on the ground the whole time.
Akane sneered. She was supposed to be a thief. But due to certain circumstances, she had to be degraded to a serving position.
"I was not meant to be born to serve," she spat out the word, "but to borrow things from others."
At her declaration, both Sayuri and Yuka looked up frantically. They waved their arms to advise her from telling their mistresses the truth about her.
"Did you just act smart?" Shampoo asked, her voice growing in volume. "Did you just answer me?!"
"I'm no mute, am I?" Akane folded her arms; she glared at the girl before her. "I can speak so why not answer?"
"Did you just answer me? Again?" Shampoo's eyes narrowed.
"Yes. Why? Do you have a problem?"
Shampoo threatened. "Are you asking for a fight?"
"I don't mind fighting. That is, if you want to."
Shampoo removed her gloves. "I'm usually a lady-"
"I don't think so."
"- but you have angered me to forsake my pride and fight you."
"You are on!"
Nodoka gasped. What was going on?
"What're they doing?" she asked the two maids beside her.
It was the dark haired girl who replied. "They're going to battle."
"Oh, my. I have to stop this."
Nodoka could see that Shampoo was furious. In fact, she could see that the other maid was pretty angry, too. But the maid was trying her best to be serene and collected.
"Shampoo, stop this!" Nodoka ordered.
Shampoo looked at her soon-to-be mother-in-law and mentally asked for her forgiveness. "I can't. She has accepted my challenge."
"Oh, my. What am I to do?"
Yuka and Sayuri stared on. The battle was starting and it was getting exciting.
"What do you think will happen?" Yuka asked.
"I just pray that Akane will leave the fight safely."
Right there and then, Shampoo charged. She cried out her battle cry and advanced towards Akane. Akane jumped up and over Shampoo.
"Hiyaa!" Akane cried as she punched Shampoo; first at the shoulder (which missed), and second at the arm (direct hit!).
Shampoo was angry. Unfortunately, the anger made her concentration waver. Sure, her speed was amazing and her strength was great. But she wasn't focused. Which was why she would have to pay later.
Shampoo aimed for the maid's chest.
Akane saw the annoying Amazon come towards her. The girl was trying to land a kick on her chest. She was smart, but Akane was smarter. Akane bent down and avoided the kick. She lunged forward and under the Amazon.
I did it! Shampoo thought with joy. I hurt the rude pussy!
Shampoo closed her eyes, savouring the feel of triumph and jubilance. After a moment, she thought herself a fool for she realised that there was nobody in front of her. The stupid maid had dodged!
Her mistress was distracted. Akane ran forward, her hand focused for Shampoo's back.
She hit Shampoo up towards the ceiling; then jumping, she kicked the girl back onto the ground.
"Victory!" Akane hollered as she gracefully landed on the carpet.
Yuka and Sayuri glanced in awe. Their friend had just won a battle against their mistress. What a good piece of gossip!
The two clapped. Which was followed by somebody else clapping; and someone else; and someone else.
Yuka and Sayuri looked at the door. All the other servants and maids were there. It was obvious that they enjoyed the entertainment. Yuka and Sayuri gazed at each other, and gave a sly grin.
Shampoo got up from her defeat. This wasn't the first time. Another girl had beaten her before. And now, it was time to do it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It was morning and Ranma was bored. He still had to get used to the fact that he was betrothed to somebody.
There was no love, unfortunately, but people said that if a couple spent time together, love would blossom.
Maybe he'd love Shampoo, maybe he wouldn't.
Ranma left his room and walked down the hallway.
He couldn't believe that this mansion was his house. He adored his mother, cared for his father no matter how many times Genma had sold him off for food, and he loved the people staying in the house. Except for Shampoo, of course. He didn't know much about her yet.
He decided to go to the library where he could divert his attention toward the many books.
Ranma walked past several maids who were whispering and tittering at the same time.
He turned left at the corner and passed a few servants.
Then he passed more maids.
And more servants.
And more maids and servants.
And- what was going on?
Ranma ran to the crowd of maids and servants who looked excited.
He stopped them and questioned.
"Where are you all headed to?"
The maids and servants stopped hesitantly.
"I asked you all a question. I expect to be answered," he said firmly. Really, the servants here were so frightened of him. He had to act strict and firm just to get them talking.
They remained silent. Then a young boy spoke up, an elated smile plastered on his freckled face.
"Didn't you know, sir? There's a tiff going on between one of us and one of your kind!"
All the servants and maids instantly turned to the little boy and reprimanded him for speaking so forward with their master. A maid or two even apologised for the boy.
Ranma held up his hand. "No, no. I want to know what's happening."
"You do?" the boy asked, glad that Ranma had come to his rescue. "Then follow us!"
The maids and servants moved falteringly with Ranma behind them. He came to a room in the servants' quarters.
Inside, he could see two people fighting. One was- oh dear, Shampoo and the other was- oh my, a maid.
Ranma gasped at the scene. The maid had dodged Shampoo's blow and had now hit her up into the air. The maid jumped up and kicked Shampoo back down.
"Victory for me!" The maid shouted happily. She landed on the ground, looking triumphantly at Shampoo who was bruised.
Ranma saw Shampoo swallow her pride down. Staggering, his fiancée struggled to balance herself as she stood up. Shampoo was walking slowly and methodically towards the maid.
Ranma realised what was going to happen. "Oh my kami.the Kiss of Death."
There wasn't going to be a moment of peace in the house if Shampoo was going to hunt the maid down. The maid and Shampoo would have to live under the same roof and survive each other.
Ranma had to stop Shampoo from kissing the maid.
Shampoo was getting closer to the maid. Reaching out automatically, Ranma removed his watch and threw it into the room.
Akane was frowning. Why was her mistress walking towards her? Hadn't the lady had enough?
Akane turned and saw the others staring in anticipation. They were also wondering what Shampoo was going to do once she'd reached Akane.
*Whish! *
Akane snapped her head towards the noise. Something was in the air.
The 'thing' came flying through the air. It was approaching the room with quick speed. What was it aimed at?
Akane's eyes followed the object.
The object sliced through the top part of the cupboard, sending it crashing down to the ground. The cupboard landed on the floor, shocking Akane as the tip of it came into contact with Shampoo's head, knocking her out.
Akane glared. Someone had interrupted and that somebody was going to have to pay dearly. She looked around the room and out the door, but it seemed that nobody had thrown the 'thing'.
Scowling, Akane left the room, with Sayuri and Yuka following her. The other maids and servants came rushing into the room to carry Shampoo back into her own room.
Nodoka gave a huge sigh of relief. It was all over and nobody was hurt. Well, Shampoo was unconscious but it wasn't because of the maid. Somebody had thrown a watch across the room, which cut through the maid's furniture and cause it to topple over and hit Shampoo.
Sighing again, Nodoka exited the room, following the servants who were carrying Shampoo. "What an exciting day."
Ranma was still amongst the crowd of servants and maids. After he'd jumped up and hurled his watch, he'd touched down and watched what happened. His watch had sliced the top of a piece of furniture, which fell down onto his fiancée.
He'd hurt Shampoo but at least he'd saved the maid.
Breathing in and out slowly, Ranma closed his eyes and massaged his temples.
"What an exciting morning present. Now, if only I could have my breakfast."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Sorry guys. Because of me, you guys had to skip breakfast," Akane apologised.
"Are you kidding?" Sayuri threw her hands into the air. "I would give away all my breakfasts just to get that kind of entertainment every morning!"
"Ditto," Yuka agreed as she neatened up the pillows.
They had started work and were in their master's bedroom. The three of them were tidying up the room. After that, they were assigned to polish the stairs.
"But thanks to you guys, I've learnt who's Shampoo and Nodoka," Akane wiped the floor with the rag.
"Yeah, you sure are a fast learner," Yuka joked.
They stacked up the books on their master's desk in an orderly manner.
Sayuri dusted the table. "You shouldn't be so harsh on the Saotomes, Akane. Not all of them are that bad. Except for Shampoo, and don't worry, she's not a Saotome."
Yuka corrected her friend. "Not yet."
Sayuri nodded earnestly. "Not yet. She'll be one soon."
"I hope the Saotomes' son, Ranma, will be able to stand her. She's very annoying," Akane grumbled. "I mean, can't she behave more ladylike? She'd to battle me this morning when I hadn't even warmed up!"
"Have you ever looked at yourself, Akane? You're just as unladylike," Yuka commented slyly.
"Yes, but I'm not about to marry somebody else, am I?"
"Makes no difference."
"Yes, it does."
"No, it doesn't."
"Does, too."
"Does not."
"Don't fight, children," Sayuri cut in. The trio looked at each other, their eyes laughing, and burst into laughter.
Saone and another maid rushed into the room.
"Saone, Hirake, what's the rush?" Sayuri asked.
Saone panted. "Lady Nodoka would like to see Sazara."
Hirake swept her black locks behind her neck, sweating furiously. "Yes. Now."
Akane plopped herself onto the bed, messing up the covers which her friends had just tidied, which earned her several complaints from the duo beside her.
"Whatever for?"
Saone leaned forward. "Something about wanting to ask you to restrain yourself the next time you see the lady Shampoo."
"Oh, that."
Yuka bit her lip nervously. "What if she's going to fire you?"
"I've only been here one day. She's not going to let me go."
"What if she lets you go. And without a reference?"
"I'll make her let me go with one," Akane ensured. She dropped her voice to a whisper which only her good friends could hear. "And it's not like I want to stay working as a servant."
Yuka and Sayuri nodded. "So either way, it's advantageous to you," Yuka said politically.
Akane pondered what her friend had just said. "I guess so."
Saone wiped away her sweat and clarified. "You know how to get to the lounge, right?"
"I've been there before."
"Okay, then you go. I'm supposed to take over your post for the meantime."
"What about.um, what's her name again?" Akane asked, motioning towards Hirake. Yuka mouthed out Hirake's name. "Oh, Hirake. What about Hirake?"
"She's supposed to clear up the dishes but Lady Nodoka insisted she accompany me up to pass the message to you."
"I'll take my leave now, then. Bye Yuka, Sayuri, Saone, Hirake," Akane saluted.
"Break a leg, Sazara-chan," Yuka wished Akane good luck.
"Ditto." The others said in unison.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ranma hurried towards the lounge. Mother wanted to meet him and discuss a subject with him.
He'd had a sumptuous morning meal and he couldn't wait for the next one. To while away the time, he thought that he'd meet Mother in the after breakfast.
He was late already. He knew that Mother would spend hours talking and if he didn't make haste, he would have a late lunch.
He walked down the hallways where he met Ginjin who was standing guard outside a door.
"Good morning, my lord," Ginjin greeted.
"Good morning."
Ranma picked up speed and walked faster.
The lounge was just around here. All he had to do was turn left, walk straight and then turn right. And right now, he was going to reach the end where her could turn left.
Each step seemed like an eternity. Each second seem to last forever. Ranma wasn't going to be but a few minutes late but it seemed that he'd be hours late.
Ranma was reaching the end! He walked faster. And...
At last! The end of the hall. Ranma walked forwards and-
Bumped into somebody.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There Akane was, walking slowly, taking her time to stroll to the lounge. She wasn't going to let a little lecture ruin her happy day. She'd experienced triumph against the evil lady Shampoo. And if Lady Nodoka was going to punish her, she'd make sure Lady Nodoka was the one who got punished.
Akane was arriving at the lounge. All she had to do was keep on walking forwards and make a right turn. And then, she'd arrive right before the door of the lounge.
Akane sauntered forward, enjoying the feel of her surroundings. The paintings were definitely wonderful; done by talented artists. She extended her hand to touch a painting with a sparrow on it. What a pretty bird.
Continuing with her mission to reach the lounge, Akane turned to walk on.
She could hear somebody approaching. The footsteps were quick. The owner of the footsteps was doubtlessly rushing.
Ignoring the noisy and disrupting footsteps, Akane tried to return to her past silent world where she appreciated the sparrow but to no avail.
Feeling upset, Akane walked faster, ready to scold the person for disturbing the peace.
She could hear the steps come nearer.
Akane moved forward and knocked into the person who'd irked her.
They both fell. Gaining her composure, Akane looked up and stared into blue eyes.
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A/N: Okay, I wrote: Akane stared into blue eyes. But don't get too excited. She doesn't fall in love with him at first sight. Cos all I wrote was she saw his eyes. I didn't say she stare into the 'most handsome blue eyes'. Or 'she stared deep into the most handsome sea-blue eyes'.
Oh, what am I rambling about?
Well, if there's any mistakes, tell me because I don't want there to be any spelling errors or something.
Got any great gifts from Christmas? If you didn't, then prepare yourself for the New Year: where the GST will increase to 5%. That is, if you're from my country.
So all of you should get out and buy the things you need while the GST is still 4%.
Still, Happy New Year!
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Chapter 4: (---Title---)
"Akane, it's time to rise and shine," Kasumi gently shook Akane.
"Hold on, onee-chan, can't I sleep longer?" Akane grumbled.
"No. We've to start work immediately. And what's with the 'onee- chan'?"
Akane complained. "Whaddya mean? Can't I rest a little more? This bed is so comfy. I've never felt anything like it before-"
Sitting up in the bed, Akane rubbed her eyes. She focused her vision and gasped.
The sun was halfway up. Its glow assured one that all was safe and sound. The birds were singing a song of peace and joy. The trees were dancing happily to the brightening glow of the star.
All this could be seen outside the window which did not belong to Akane's room. Where was she?
She turned to the person whom she thought was Kasumi and queried.
"Kasumi, where are we?"
"I'm not Kasumi, you silly fool," Sayuri chided Akane; she laughed as she pushed back the bed covers.
Akane frowned. "Sayuri? What are you doing-" She paused. Memories came rushing through her head. She remembered where she was and what had happened. "Oh.sorry. I thought I was still at home."
"Getting homesick?" Sayuri took out Akane's uniform. "It's quite common whenever you are here for the first few days."
Akane swing her legs over the bed and placed them on the carpeted ground. "Really? Then how come everybody else seems so happy around here?"
Sayuri stopped what she was doing and turned around. "Once you meet the family, you'll warm up to them."
Akane smirked dryly. "I don't think so. You know I detest them."
Sayuri smiled challengingly. "You want to bet?"
Akane ignored her friend's childishness and changed the subject. "Is that going to be my garb?"
Sayuri nodded. "It's okay, isn't it?"
"I thought the dress code for maids and servants are black and white."
"I know. But Nodoka decided to design her own household's uniform," Sayuri explained. "She was bored with her son and husband absent and all."
Akane nodded.
She started, "You shouldn't have greeted me by my first name, Sayuri-chan."
Sayuri put on a guilty look. "Sorry. We weren't in public and it seemed all right."
"Apology accepted."
Akane inspected the uniform. It was pink- pink! - with a purple apron placed atop it.
"It's too.girlish."
"Too girlish? You mean it's too refined for a tomboyish girl like you!" Sayuri joked.
"It's not. I mean, look at you! You were wearing it yesterday and you're wearing it today. How can you stand it?"
"I don't know. I'm just used to it."
Akane shook her head in disgust. "Why must I wear it? I like my dress just nice."
"Get out of your dress. You'll get to wear it on your day off. Which was yesterday."
"We have day offs? On Fridays?"
"Yes. Now get out of that dirty thing and we'll wash it for you."
"You're not my servant."
"I know. I'm your maid."
"You're not my maid either," Akane said before adding, "Neither are you my slave."
Sayuri choked back a laugh. "You knew what I was going to say, huh?"
"Just past memories of the good old' days."
"Are you guys ready? I want to have breakfast!" Yuka fussed as she entered the room. "Hurry, Akane- I mean, Sazara-chan. Or else we'll miss out on the most important meal of the day," she warned.
"Coming, coming. Could you guys pass me the pathetic excuse of a uniform?"
"Sazara!" Yuka cautioned.
"Okay, okay, just pass me the uniform."
Akane approached the wall where she could dress privately behind a tall wooden board.
"We have a cap, too."
Akane sarcastically remarked. "I didn't notice."
"You didn't?" Yuka asked simply.
"She did, you buffoon," Sayuri scowled.
"But she said she didn't."
"She was being sardonic.
"Oh."
Akane interrupted the brawl. "Pass me the cap."
Yuka threw it over the board and Akane caught it.
"Stupid cap. Why must we wear this?" Akane muttered to herself.
"Did you say something, Sazara-chan?" Akane heard Sayuri open the door.
"I was saying that this cap is stupid!" Akane shouted.
Getting no answer, Akane peered from her spot.
And came face-to-face with a certain purple-haired amethyst-eyed Amazon lady.
"You don't like the cap?" Shampoo asked darkly.
"Yes," Akane answered without looking at her mistress.
Shampoo jerked out her hand and turned Akane's chin to face her.
"You're a maid, are you not? You were born to serve us. You wear the uniform Nodoka designed, yes? For you're a maid."
"Good morning, Lady Nodoka, lady Shampoo," Sayuri and Yuka greeted in unison; they curtsied politely, keeping their eyes on the ground the whole time.
Akane sneered. She was supposed to be a thief. But due to certain circumstances, she had to be degraded to a serving position.
"I was not meant to be born to serve," she spat out the word, "but to borrow things from others."
At her declaration, both Sayuri and Yuka looked up frantically. They waved their arms to advise her from telling their mistresses the truth about her.
"Did you just act smart?" Shampoo asked, her voice growing in volume. "Did you just answer me?!"
"I'm no mute, am I?" Akane folded her arms; she glared at the girl before her. "I can speak so why not answer?"
"Did you just answer me? Again?" Shampoo's eyes narrowed.
"Yes. Why? Do you have a problem?"
Shampoo threatened. "Are you asking for a fight?"
"I don't mind fighting. That is, if you want to."
Shampoo removed her gloves. "I'm usually a lady-"
"I don't think so."
"- but you have angered me to forsake my pride and fight you."
"You are on!"
Nodoka gasped. What was going on?
"What're they doing?" she asked the two maids beside her.
It was the dark haired girl who replied. "They're going to battle."
"Oh, my. I have to stop this."
Nodoka could see that Shampoo was furious. In fact, she could see that the other maid was pretty angry, too. But the maid was trying her best to be serene and collected.
"Shampoo, stop this!" Nodoka ordered.
Shampoo looked at her soon-to-be mother-in-law and mentally asked for her forgiveness. "I can't. She has accepted my challenge."
"Oh, my. What am I to do?"
Yuka and Sayuri stared on. The battle was starting and it was getting exciting.
"What do you think will happen?" Yuka asked.
"I just pray that Akane will leave the fight safely."
Right there and then, Shampoo charged. She cried out her battle cry and advanced towards Akane. Akane jumped up and over Shampoo.
"Hiyaa!" Akane cried as she punched Shampoo; first at the shoulder (which missed), and second at the arm (direct hit!).
Shampoo was angry. Unfortunately, the anger made her concentration waver. Sure, her speed was amazing and her strength was great. But she wasn't focused. Which was why she would have to pay later.
Shampoo aimed for the maid's chest.
Akane saw the annoying Amazon come towards her. The girl was trying to land a kick on her chest. She was smart, but Akane was smarter. Akane bent down and avoided the kick. She lunged forward and under the Amazon.
I did it! Shampoo thought with joy. I hurt the rude pussy!
Shampoo closed her eyes, savouring the feel of triumph and jubilance. After a moment, she thought herself a fool for she realised that there was nobody in front of her. The stupid maid had dodged!
Her mistress was distracted. Akane ran forward, her hand focused for Shampoo's back.
She hit Shampoo up towards the ceiling; then jumping, she kicked the girl back onto the ground.
"Victory!" Akane hollered as she gracefully landed on the carpet.
Yuka and Sayuri glanced in awe. Their friend had just won a battle against their mistress. What a good piece of gossip!
The two clapped. Which was followed by somebody else clapping; and someone else; and someone else.
Yuka and Sayuri looked at the door. All the other servants and maids were there. It was obvious that they enjoyed the entertainment. Yuka and Sayuri gazed at each other, and gave a sly grin.
Shampoo got up from her defeat. This wasn't the first time. Another girl had beaten her before. And now, it was time to do it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It was morning and Ranma was bored. He still had to get used to the fact that he was betrothed to somebody.
There was no love, unfortunately, but people said that if a couple spent time together, love would blossom.
Maybe he'd love Shampoo, maybe he wouldn't.
Ranma left his room and walked down the hallway.
He couldn't believe that this mansion was his house. He adored his mother, cared for his father no matter how many times Genma had sold him off for food, and he loved the people staying in the house. Except for Shampoo, of course. He didn't know much about her yet.
He decided to go to the library where he could divert his attention toward the many books.
Ranma walked past several maids who were whispering and tittering at the same time.
He turned left at the corner and passed a few servants.
Then he passed more maids.
And more servants.
And more maids and servants.
And- what was going on?
Ranma ran to the crowd of maids and servants who looked excited.
He stopped them and questioned.
"Where are you all headed to?"
The maids and servants stopped hesitantly.
"I asked you all a question. I expect to be answered," he said firmly. Really, the servants here were so frightened of him. He had to act strict and firm just to get them talking.
They remained silent. Then a young boy spoke up, an elated smile plastered on his freckled face.
"Didn't you know, sir? There's a tiff going on between one of us and one of your kind!"
All the servants and maids instantly turned to the little boy and reprimanded him for speaking so forward with their master. A maid or two even apologised for the boy.
Ranma held up his hand. "No, no. I want to know what's happening."
"You do?" the boy asked, glad that Ranma had come to his rescue. "Then follow us!"
The maids and servants moved falteringly with Ranma behind them. He came to a room in the servants' quarters.
Inside, he could see two people fighting. One was- oh dear, Shampoo and the other was- oh my, a maid.
Ranma gasped at the scene. The maid had dodged Shampoo's blow and had now hit her up into the air. The maid jumped up and kicked Shampoo back down.
"Victory for me!" The maid shouted happily. She landed on the ground, looking triumphantly at Shampoo who was bruised.
Ranma saw Shampoo swallow her pride down. Staggering, his fiancée struggled to balance herself as she stood up. Shampoo was walking slowly and methodically towards the maid.
Ranma realised what was going to happen. "Oh my kami.the Kiss of Death."
There wasn't going to be a moment of peace in the house if Shampoo was going to hunt the maid down. The maid and Shampoo would have to live under the same roof and survive each other.
Ranma had to stop Shampoo from kissing the maid.
Shampoo was getting closer to the maid. Reaching out automatically, Ranma removed his watch and threw it into the room.
Akane was frowning. Why was her mistress walking towards her? Hadn't the lady had enough?
Akane turned and saw the others staring in anticipation. They were also wondering what Shampoo was going to do once she'd reached Akane.
*Whish! *
Akane snapped her head towards the noise. Something was in the air.
The 'thing' came flying through the air. It was approaching the room with quick speed. What was it aimed at?
Akane's eyes followed the object.
The object sliced through the top part of the cupboard, sending it crashing down to the ground. The cupboard landed on the floor, shocking Akane as the tip of it came into contact with Shampoo's head, knocking her out.
Akane glared. Someone had interrupted and that somebody was going to have to pay dearly. She looked around the room and out the door, but it seemed that nobody had thrown the 'thing'.
Scowling, Akane left the room, with Sayuri and Yuka following her. The other maids and servants came rushing into the room to carry Shampoo back into her own room.
Nodoka gave a huge sigh of relief. It was all over and nobody was hurt. Well, Shampoo was unconscious but it wasn't because of the maid. Somebody had thrown a watch across the room, which cut through the maid's furniture and cause it to topple over and hit Shampoo.
Sighing again, Nodoka exited the room, following the servants who were carrying Shampoo. "What an exciting day."
Ranma was still amongst the crowd of servants and maids. After he'd jumped up and hurled his watch, he'd touched down and watched what happened. His watch had sliced the top of a piece of furniture, which fell down onto his fiancée.
He'd hurt Shampoo but at least he'd saved the maid.
Breathing in and out slowly, Ranma closed his eyes and massaged his temples.
"What an exciting morning present. Now, if only I could have my breakfast."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Sorry guys. Because of me, you guys had to skip breakfast," Akane apologised.
"Are you kidding?" Sayuri threw her hands into the air. "I would give away all my breakfasts just to get that kind of entertainment every morning!"
"Ditto," Yuka agreed as she neatened up the pillows.
They had started work and were in their master's bedroom. The three of them were tidying up the room. After that, they were assigned to polish the stairs.
"But thanks to you guys, I've learnt who's Shampoo and Nodoka," Akane wiped the floor with the rag.
"Yeah, you sure are a fast learner," Yuka joked.
They stacked up the books on their master's desk in an orderly manner.
Sayuri dusted the table. "You shouldn't be so harsh on the Saotomes, Akane. Not all of them are that bad. Except for Shampoo, and don't worry, she's not a Saotome."
Yuka corrected her friend. "Not yet."
Sayuri nodded earnestly. "Not yet. She'll be one soon."
"I hope the Saotomes' son, Ranma, will be able to stand her. She's very annoying," Akane grumbled. "I mean, can't she behave more ladylike? She'd to battle me this morning when I hadn't even warmed up!"
"Have you ever looked at yourself, Akane? You're just as unladylike," Yuka commented slyly.
"Yes, but I'm not about to marry somebody else, am I?"
"Makes no difference."
"Yes, it does."
"No, it doesn't."
"Does, too."
"Does not."
"Don't fight, children," Sayuri cut in. The trio looked at each other, their eyes laughing, and burst into laughter.
Saone and another maid rushed into the room.
"Saone, Hirake, what's the rush?" Sayuri asked.
Saone panted. "Lady Nodoka would like to see Sazara."
Hirake swept her black locks behind her neck, sweating furiously. "Yes. Now."
Akane plopped herself onto the bed, messing up the covers which her friends had just tidied, which earned her several complaints from the duo beside her.
"Whatever for?"
Saone leaned forward. "Something about wanting to ask you to restrain yourself the next time you see the lady Shampoo."
"Oh, that."
Yuka bit her lip nervously. "What if she's going to fire you?"
"I've only been here one day. She's not going to let me go."
"What if she lets you go. And without a reference?"
"I'll make her let me go with one," Akane ensured. She dropped her voice to a whisper which only her good friends could hear. "And it's not like I want to stay working as a servant."
Yuka and Sayuri nodded. "So either way, it's advantageous to you," Yuka said politically.
Akane pondered what her friend had just said. "I guess so."
Saone wiped away her sweat and clarified. "You know how to get to the lounge, right?"
"I've been there before."
"Okay, then you go. I'm supposed to take over your post for the meantime."
"What about.um, what's her name again?" Akane asked, motioning towards Hirake. Yuka mouthed out Hirake's name. "Oh, Hirake. What about Hirake?"
"She's supposed to clear up the dishes but Lady Nodoka insisted she accompany me up to pass the message to you."
"I'll take my leave now, then. Bye Yuka, Sayuri, Saone, Hirake," Akane saluted.
"Break a leg, Sazara-chan," Yuka wished Akane good luck.
"Ditto." The others said in unison.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ranma hurried towards the lounge. Mother wanted to meet him and discuss a subject with him.
He'd had a sumptuous morning meal and he couldn't wait for the next one. To while away the time, he thought that he'd meet Mother in the after breakfast.
He was late already. He knew that Mother would spend hours talking and if he didn't make haste, he would have a late lunch.
He walked down the hallways where he met Ginjin who was standing guard outside a door.
"Good morning, my lord," Ginjin greeted.
"Good morning."
Ranma picked up speed and walked faster.
The lounge was just around here. All he had to do was turn left, walk straight and then turn right. And right now, he was going to reach the end where her could turn left.
Each step seemed like an eternity. Each second seem to last forever. Ranma wasn't going to be but a few minutes late but it seemed that he'd be hours late.
Ranma was reaching the end! He walked faster. And...
At last! The end of the hall. Ranma walked forwards and-
Bumped into somebody.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There Akane was, walking slowly, taking her time to stroll to the lounge. She wasn't going to let a little lecture ruin her happy day. She'd experienced triumph against the evil lady Shampoo. And if Lady Nodoka was going to punish her, she'd make sure Lady Nodoka was the one who got punished.
Akane was arriving at the lounge. All she had to do was keep on walking forwards and make a right turn. And then, she'd arrive right before the door of the lounge.
Akane sauntered forward, enjoying the feel of her surroundings. The paintings were definitely wonderful; done by talented artists. She extended her hand to touch a painting with a sparrow on it. What a pretty bird.
Continuing with her mission to reach the lounge, Akane turned to walk on.
She could hear somebody approaching. The footsteps were quick. The owner of the footsteps was doubtlessly rushing.
Ignoring the noisy and disrupting footsteps, Akane tried to return to her past silent world where she appreciated the sparrow but to no avail.
Feeling upset, Akane walked faster, ready to scold the person for disturbing the peace.
She could hear the steps come nearer.
Akane moved forward and knocked into the person who'd irked her.
They both fell. Gaining her composure, Akane looked up and stared into blue eyes.
--------------------++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++------------------ --
A/N: Okay, I wrote: Akane stared into blue eyes. But don't get too excited. She doesn't fall in love with him at first sight. Cos all I wrote was she saw his eyes. I didn't say she stare into the 'most handsome blue eyes'. Or 'she stared deep into the most handsome sea-blue eyes'.
Oh, what am I rambling about?
Well, if there's any mistakes, tell me because I don't want there to be any spelling errors or something.
Got any great gifts from Christmas? If you didn't, then prepare yourself for the New Year: where the GST will increase to 5%. That is, if you're from my country.
So all of you should get out and buy the things you need while the GST is still 4%.
Still, Happy New Year!