Chapter 34 Nodoka's Plan
That afternoon, after school, Nodoka and Ranma approached the gate to the Chinese Embassy. Nodoka asked one of the guards stationed there, Is the honorable Elder Khu Lon here? This humble person is most desirous of audience with her. As always, her Chinese was impeccable.
The attractive female guard bowed politely in response and said in perfect yet slightly accented Japanese, "Yes, Elder Cologne is within. May this humble person enquire as to the identity of such noble visitors?"
"Our pardon, I am Nodoka Saotome and this is my son, Ranma. We are friends of the honorable Elder," Nodoka replied.
The guard's eyes widened slightly and then she recovered her composure. Bowing deeper, she responded, "Please, forgive this unworthy one, Elder. I did not recognize you. The honorable Elder said that you would come and were to be extended all of the courtesies of a member of her clan. Please, follow. This humble person would be honored to escort you to her, honored Elder."
Nodoka blinked in surprise. She bowed slightly. "No forgiveness is necessary, as there was no insult. We would be honored by your escort," she replied. The guard turned and the three of them entered the grounds of the embassy. The young guard showed them to a small gazebo overlooking the luscious formal gardens, where Cologne was sipping some tea and reading some correspondence.
Nodoka bowed gracefully to Cologne and after a sharp glance from his mother, Ranma bowed as well. Cologne chuckled and asked, Would you like some tea? It is a blend I particularly care for from our province.
Nodoka smiled pleasantly and replied, Yes, that would be wonderful.
Cologne gave the necessary order and then asked them to sit down. Hello, grandson. I see your mother is attempting to teach you manners.
Ranma smiled ruefully and said in reply, Yes, she is, with much the same techniques that you used to do, grandmother. How are you feeling today?
The guard returned with a full teapot and two cups of tea and set them on the table.
Cologne cackled and replied, There may be hope for you yet, grandson. I find that I am feeling most of my years today. But I doubt that the two of you came all this way to enquire about my health. Let's pretend that we have satisfied all of the ceremonial proprieties and get down to the real reason for your visit. I find that as I grow older, I don't want to waste the time I have left.
Nodoka said, You were correct, this tea is quite good. We came here for several reasons, Khu Lon. The first was to clarify one of the things you told my son. I believe you told him there is no cure for his curse. Is that still true?
"Yes, unfortunately. While there are rumors of a spring of drowned man that would have cured him, we lost its location during one of the interminable wars we had with the people of the Musk Dynasty. The original map of Jusenkyo was badly damaged during the fighting two hundred years ago and no one has been able to locate all of the springs. There hasn't been a great desire for anyone to try to find out what all of those springs do either. Some of the other springs that were lost that contain curses that are extremely horrible," Cologne replied, "That is why I told Ranma what I did. I'm sorry, child."
Ranma squared his shoulders, and said, "Elder, I've actually come to terms with my cursed form. If I have to live with this for the rest of my life, I will. If other people have a problem with it, that's their concern, not mine."
Nodoka looked fondly at her manly son. He was indeed growing up. Then she said, "I have come to a decision about my husband. After thinking about everything he has done, I realized that whatever I had seen in him had vanished. After his near destruction of my son, his reckless disregard for the feelings of other people and his total contempt for women, I no longer wish to be his wife. I have started the necessary steps to remove that mistake. However, I don't believe that is sufficient. He deserves punishment as well, at least until he comes to understand the error of his ways."
"I understand, Nodoka," Cologne replied, "But what is it that you need me for?"
"Several things, actually. First and foremost, I ask you to release Shampoo from her kiss of marriage. Obviously, she has no desire to be his wife, either. She shudders every time he comes near her. Second, I have talked to Shampoo. She believes that you know of some pressure points that will lock a person in his cursed form. If that is true, I would ask that you perform that technique on my soon-to-be former husband," Nodoka said.
"I see no problem in releasing my granddaughter from her kiss of marriage. No one should be forced to wed you r husband. As to the second request, I do know a technique that will cause it to be difficult to change back. Only the Musk dynasty has a way of locking the curse permanently. That is a horrible thing to do, though. Are you sure that it is absolutely necessary? Are you sure you want to lock him into the panda form?" Cologne asked.
Nodoka smiled evilly. "Actually, I had a different curse in mind. He doesn't mind being a panda, after all. When he's a panda, all he has to do is laze around the house and eat and drink. However, there is a curse that he would absolutely hate. Ukyo suggested that as a matter of fact," Nodoka said with a wicked laugh. Cologne's eyes widened as she realized what Nodoka had meant.
"Mom, I'm still not happy with that. I at least had help adjusting. You propose to throw him to the wolves," Ranma said.
"I know, dear. Your heart is too kind, however," Nodoka said, "That's one of the things I love about you."
Cologne stared into space for several long minutes. "As you wish, daughter. I won't perform the technique myself, but I will agree to teach it to your son. As to the other need, I will obtain the appropriate spring water and have it shipped here," Cologne said finally.
"Uh, would you make sure there is enough for two people?" Ranma asked, slowly.
Cologne looked surprised, but then nodded in agreement. "Nodoka, I will come see my great granddaughter soon. Until then, still keep my presence from her," Cologne asked.
"Of course. When will we have what we need?" Nodoka asked.
Cologne frowned in thought. "It will take a little time to get the word back to the village and the water shipped here. I'd say probably a month. But that will allow me sufficient time to train Ranma. You will know when the water is here when I come to see my great granddaughter," Cologne said.
"Excellent. Once you have spoken to Shampoo, I'll meet with Shampoo and Ukyo and finalize our plans. Thank you for your assistance in this matter, Elder. Thank you for your hospitality," Nodoka replied. Nodoka rose, followed hastily by Ranma. They bowed in respect to Cologne, and followed the guard out of the embassy grounds.
Cologne sat there musing with a twinkle in her eye. 'I chose better that I knew when I allowed Xian Pu to follow Saotome here. I hope she has paid proper attention to the lessons Nodoka has taught her,' she thought.
As they made their way to the train station for the trip back to Nerima, Nodoka asked, "Ranma, why did you ask for enough water for two people?"
Ranma sighed, and then answered, "There is one more person who Pop damaged during our travels. While I can't fix the problem that he caused, I need to at least offer this option."
"Now I understand. It's another matter of honor, isn't it?" Nodoka asked. Ranma nodded wordlessly and then lost himself in his thoughts. He understood his mother's desire for vengeance; in fact, he shared it to a lesser extent. It still bothered him for some unknown reason. He sighed again, and decided to think about a more pleasant topic, so he lost himself in thinking about Akane.
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Two weeks into the school year found Kasumi upstairs in her room, attempting to work on her schoolwork. She groaned as she looked at the assignment she had received from her professor today. 'What possessed me to take English Composition as a freshman? What kind of idiot am I?' she thought, thinking of the story she was going to have to write. She threw herself on her bed in disgust. 'Writing a fantasy short story in English, UGH!!!' she thought.
Ranma peeked into her room. He had heard her groan as he walked past heading toward Akane's room. "Kasumi-chan, what's wrong?" he asked politely.
She rolled over and looked at him. Kasumi sighed, and said, "I might have been too ambitious my first semester back in school. I'm taking English Composition, and the sensei wants us to write a fantasy as a short story. I can't think of a thing to write about."
Ranma face-faulted. "Uh, Kasumi dear, how about a Japanese martial artist who falls into a cursed spring and turns into a girl when wet? Sounds like a fantasy to me," he said with a grin.
Kasumi just stared at him in shock. "Ranchan, I guess I got used to you. I didn't even think about that."
"Happy to be of assistance to the Fair Kasumi Tendo," he intoned in his best Kunoesque manner, "I live but to serve thee."
Kasumi began giggling. "Thanks, Ranchan, I needed that. I feel so much better now."
"You're welcome, Kasumi-chan. Now, I better find Akane. I really need her help on this history assignment," he said. 'I really like seeing her happy. Tofu has been good for her,' he thought, 'She laughs and giggles so much more now.'
Kasumi sat down at her desk and began typing her story into the computer. 'Hm, the easiest story is just to tell how we met Ranma,' she thought as her fingers went flying across the keyboard. She smiled as the story began to write itself.
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Later that afternoon, as Shampoo walked into the main room of Ucchan's, she was stunned to see her great grandmother sitting at the grill talking to Ukyo about the fine points of okonomiyaki cooking. Great Grandmother! she cried, happily, Why didn't you let me know that you were coming?
Hush child. Show some respect for your elders, Cologne chided. "Ukyo, may I steal my granddaughter away for a while?" Cologne asked.
Ukyo smiled and said, "Of course. Shampoo, why don't you two go upstairs and talk. You'll be a bit more comfortable, after all. I enjoyed our talk, Elder Cologne. I'd like to continue it when you have an opportunity."
Cologne cackled and said, "Certainly, child. Now, Shampoo, show me the way, dear." Shampoo led her great grandmother upstairs.
Ryoga walked out of the kitchen and hugged Ukyo from behind and kissed the back of her neck. Ukyo growled at him and said, "If you make me burn this okonomiyaki, I'll be mad at you."
Meanwhile, upstairs in the apartment, Cologne asked, Tell me what you have learned from these people, Xian Pu.
Shampoo pondered the question carefully. Her great grandmother would not have come all this way to ask that casually. She wasn't sure how she knew, but Shampoo realized that the answer she gave was extremely important to her great grandmother. Shampoo answered carefully, I have learned many things, Elder Khu Lon. One is that our culture, our traditions, are not the only way to lead an honorable life. Ranma and his mother, both have shown me that they value honor above all things. In spite of the many issues that fool Saotome created for his son, Ranma attempted to solve them as honorably as he could. His mother has had many long talks with me. She could have easily turned me away but she welcomed me into her family, treating me as an equal, but also as her daughter. She showed me that family and clan are important to her as well. The Tendo women and Ukyo are friends that I cherish. In many ways they would be worthy to be considered Amazon warriors. Another thing they have shown me is that it is possible to follow ancient traditions and yet live in a modern world. Our culture avoids that, and that may yet prove to be a mistake. I'm concerned that we may not be adaptable enough.
Cologne smiled proudly as she said, Well answered, Xian Pu. I too have often thought we were too rigid. While we must hold to our customs and traditions because that defines who we are as a people, we must also be able to survive in the modern age. While our villages are still quite isolated, eventually modern civilization will encroach upon us more and more. We have to be ready for that. What about your Airen?
Shampoo said simply, Losing to that fool has taught me something as well. One is that even the best martial artist can be beaten if they are too arrogant. I let my anger and my pride blind me and thus fell easy prey to an opponent who is nowhere near my equal. I lost to him before I even stepped on the challenge log. However, he is not worthy of my respect. He is lazy, dishonest, a drunkard and a cheat. He has an extremely poor opinion of women. He has done many dishonorable things in his life. He in no way deserves the honor of becoming an Amazon warrior.
Then it is a good thing that you cannot wed him. His prior marriage to Nodoka invalidated the kiss of marriage you gave him. I hereby declare that null and void, Cologne said, with a dry chuckle at the look of relief her great granddaughter gave her.
Shampoo asked, Does this mean I may return to the village?
Only if you wish, Xian Pu. If you wish to stay here to finish your education, that is your choice. I will be returning shortly to the village, but you may stay if that is your desire, Cologne replied.
I would like to stay if I could. I have come to love my new family and friends and would miss them greatly. I have even enjoyed school and I would like to go to college, Shampoo answered.
Then it is decided, child. You have my permission to tell Nodoka and her son about the kiss of marriage. Treat Nodoka as you would treat an Elder of the village. She has much wisdom still to teach you, Cologne said, I will see you again before I depart, great granddaughter, but for now, farewell. To her great pleasure, Shampoo hugged her and then let her go.
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That evening, Shampoo sat down with Nodoka and Ranma and discussed her conversation with her great grandmother. Nodoka smiled and said, "It has begun, then. It is my turn to take action. Ranma, say nothing about this, but tomorrow I will take steps to no longer be wed to your father. His name will also be taken off the clan roll because of his dishonorable actions."
Ranma sighed sadly, and said, "Mom, I understand why you're doing this. His attitude toward women alone would have been enough to turn your stomach. I can't turn my back on him completely, though."
"After you come back, can I tell him my good news, as well?" Shampoo pleaded, "I want him to know that I am not his, either!"
"Yes, child. That would be appropriate," Nodoka replied, "Tell Ukyo tomorrow at school that it has begun."
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Akane and Kasumi were watching television after dinner in the living room. Nabiki had gone out right after school with Mousse, while Gemna and Soun had gone out after dinner for a town council meeting. Shampoo and Nodoka had disappeared somewhere, while Ranma was in the dojo practicing.
Akane raised an eyebrow as Nabiki came tumbling in from another evening out Mousse, her face flushed.. She smiled to see Nabiki so happy. "Hey, Sis, that's what the fourth night in a row that you and Mousse have gone out? I'm glad to see you find someone," Akane said.
"What do you mean, Akane? We aren't going out on dates or anything. They're just business meetings. Mousse is just my business partner," Nabiki replied, somewhat defensively. 'And friend,' she thought to herself.
"Yeah, right. Do you always go out for a business meeting dressed to the nines like that in a fancy cocktail dress, and wearing makeup?" Akane retorted, grinning at her sister, "Don't pull my leg so hard."
"He's just a friend," Nabiki protested, blushing.
Kasumi giggled, and said, "I thought he was just a business partner, now he's a friend? I think my younger sister protests too much."
"I think you're right, Sis. I think Nabiki's smitten with him," Akane smirked.
Nabiki fled the room, her cheeks bright red, while her two sisters started giggling. Ranma came in from the dojo and asked, seeing Akane and Kasumi giggling their heads off, "What's so funny, you two?"
"Nabiki and Mousse," Akane said, "I'd say she's fallen for him, and just doesn't want to admit to herself yet."
"I think it's sweet," Kasumi said, still giggling.
Ranma rolled his eyes, muttering, "Women," under his breath. Then he smiled at his fiancée and asked, "I'm gonna go clean up. After I'm done, do you wanna go get some ice cream?"
"Only if it's my fiancé that takes me, not my girlfriend," Akane said, archly.
Ranma smiled and then asked, "How 'bout you, Kasumi-chan? I'd love to escort two such beautiful women out to the ice cream parlor."
Kasumi blushed prettily, and replied, "I haven't gone out for ice cream in a long time. I'd really like that."
Ranma went into the bathroom and cleaned up, then changed into a set of clean clothing. He returned to the living room and the three of them left, Ranma with a woman on each arm.
Author's Note: I know I took some liberties with the cursed Spring at Jusenkyo, but for the purpose of this story I needed there not to be an easily found cure. After all, since Ranma spent a month at the Amazon village, if there had been a spring of drowned man, then he would have used it.