Kasumi awoke to the sound of drops on her tent roof.
She had thought that they might have been able to set off that very day to discover the great views of Japan, but if it was going to be rainy, perhaps it would be best to wait for tomorrow to continue their adventure.
Of course, there was no guarantee that today would be only one rainy day. On the other hand, perhaps it won't be all that rainy today.
That's what she forgot to bring: a portable radio. They could get weather reports and even a vague idea of where they were, based on what local stations they could reach.
She made a mental note to buy a radio at the first chance.
She popped her head out of the tent.
It didn't seem like it was particularly rainy at all at first, until a large drop fell square onto the top of her head. Ah, it's because they were camping under trees. A moderate drizzle falls onto trees, the moisture gathers at the ends of branches and falls down in much larger drops.
So was it the kind of weather that it was all right to travel in? Apart from a water-resistant jacket and a collapsible umbrella, she didn't have much in the way of rain gear. Her packing had perhaps not been so thorough as it should have been. Okay, besides the radio, buy some rain gear. Cold weather gear might also be wise-while it would be summer soon, it was still cold in the mountains, and it's possible that they could find themselves in higher elevations on their wanderings. She didn't even have a pair of gloves with her.
As to whether it was okay to travel in the rain-she'd need to leave that to the wandering expert.
The wandering expert was terrified.
Camping with Kasumi had been different-fun, even. Having company when you're used to being alone in the wilderness was a novel experience.
And the optimistic spirit in his character (yes, he did have one) told him not to worry about his curse. It hadn't rained so far, so that means it wouldn't rain at all, ever, for the rest of the trip.
The optimistic spirit was under the Svengali-like influence of the self-deluding spirit, it would seem.
But the truth could not be denied. There was rain today. One false move and he'd become P-chan.
If he were alone, no issue at all. If he were around strangers, a bit embarrassing, but again, all right.
Around people he knew? Potentially humiliating and life-destroying.
Around Akane's older sister? The phrase, 'the end of the world' did not seem like much of an exaggeration.
Breaking camp today was out of the question. He would need to think of some excuse to keep them in camp for at least one more day.
Because certainly there would be no rain tomorrow-or for the rest of the time he and Kasumi travelled together. Ryoga growled at himself. That spirit of self-delusion was nothing if not tenacious.
Stay in camp, and devote today to creating strategies to make certain Kasumi never finds out.
Because working on false alibis in advance was definitely in no way a massively dishonest and manipulative way to manage human relations.
Maybe he should be honest and upfront about it. Maybe he should confess everything and try to make amends. She might be okay with that, right? Confessing wouldn't necessarily lead to him becoming a pariah and becoming unwelcome in the rest of human society. Right?
No, the risk was too great. For now, dishonesty was the best policy.
"Ryoga-kun? Are you awake?"
Her voice brought him out of his own head. "Kasumi-san?" It seemed rude, somehow, to speak without opening the tent, but opening the tent led to the risk of getting splashed.
"You probably already know that it's raining, so I was thinking it would be a good idea not to move our campsite today."
The best possible thing for her to say! "Uh, yeah. I agree with you. Best to just stay put and hope for better weather tomorrow."
"Hmm. The thing is, I wouldn't mind exploring around the local area a bit. If we found a town, there are a few things I'd like to pick up. Also I might write a quick letter or call home if there's a phone booth. I think if we used our umbrellas, we wouldn't get too wet."
There was a profound difference of opinion between Jusenkyo-cursed people and uncursed people as to what constituted "too wet." What's "not too wet" for most people was "disastrously too wet" for the Jusenkyo-cursed. He might be able to stay uncursed for a lengthy walk in the rain, but the slightest mistake would result in catastrophe. "Ah. That sounds... fine. But I'm not certain it's the best idea."
"Why not?"
"Well-there's the chance we could get lost on our way back. If we didn't have our equipment, we'd be in big trouble."
Ryoga heard the smile in Kasumi's voice. "I thought about that, and I've come up with a solution. As we walk out, we'll post markers, which we can use to find our way back. I thought, since you have so many of those bandannas, we could tie those to trees, and get back without any problem."
"Oh, that's… a really good idea. But…" Quick, think of a reason we can't go!
"Are you feeling alright Ryoga-kun? You aren't ill, are you?"
The perfect excuse had been served up to him on a platter. "My head does hurt a bit." Ryoga smacked himself on the side of the head to cause pain, so that technically he was telling the truth.
He wasn't expecting the tent flap to unzip and for Kasumi to crawl inside. "Let me feel your forehead." She took his temperature manually. "Possibly a small fever. It's difficult to tell without a proper thermometer."
Ryoga's face was flushed. The second morning in a row where his first encounter with Kasumi happened when he was in his underwear. True, he was also still in his sleeping bag this time, so she couldn't tell, but it was still embarrassing.
"I think I might have to rely on your judgement, Ryoga-kun. Do you think you need to see a doctor?"
"What? Oh no, of course not! I'll just get some rest and I'm certain I'll be better tomorrow!" Provided it isn't raining tomorrow. The illness might just linger a bit in that case.
"Do you think you'll be alright by yourself? I'd hate to think I left you behind if you were poorly."
"No-it's nothing worth getting excited about. Wait, what do you mean 'by yourself'?"
"I want to make a quick trip to see if I find a town nearby."
"No, I can't let you go by yourself."
"But if you're sick, you shouldn't come with me."
"Then, why go at all?"
Kasumi looked slightly embarrassed. "I got to thinking about what we talked about last night. I do feel a bit guilty about not having spoken to my family yet, and I'd like to fix that as soon as possible. Today, hopefully."
"Maybe it's not such a big deal and they can wait a bit more…"
"No. I'm going to try and find a town. You stay here and rest."
"Just-I am worried about you getting lost."
"Well, if you're feeling well enough to get out of the tent every now and then, you can keep the campfire fed, so I can see the smoke rising off it. That will help keep me from going astray."
He could tell she was determined. Her smile was soft, but there was iron beneath it. "I don't like it. If you don't find a road after walking for half an hour-you've got to come back, okay?"
"I will, I promise. Don't worry. It'll be fine."
It would have been fine if she had returned within an hour of leaving, but she hadn't. Not yet. Please let it mean that she actually did find a road.
He came to the epiphany that there was something that scared him even more than telling Akane he was cursed: telling Akane he had lost her sister.
So instead of worrying, he sat by the fire, under his umbrella, coming up with idiotic excuses.
"Sorry, Kasumi-san, walking in the rain violates the tenets of my religion." Awful.
"I've got a deep-seated phobia of rain. I'll fall apart." Appalling.
"Rare disease. If rain falls on me, my skin turns dark black. Also I get a snout, and my body gets much smaller." Moron. That's basically confessing anyway!
"Didn't I tell you that I'm a fortune teller? Anyway, the readings I did indicate that we should definitely stay inside today." Terrible. Also, the best idea so far. Worth giving a try.
He sat and watched the fire, trying to keep calm. She'll be fine. She's an adult. She can take care of herself.
There were other voices in his head that were not his. "You lost Kasumi? How could you do that? I hate you! Never come back here again!"
"Call yourself a martial artist? Forget it piggy, you're no rival. You're nothing to me anymore."
"We're ashamed of you, son."
Ryoga re-weighed the pros and cons and risks.
The risk of her getting lost was much more catastrophic than the small chance he'd be exposed. He had to find her.
Just as soon as he filled his vacuum flask with hot water.
Nodoka had let herself in to the entrance. "Hello? Is anyone at home?"
She heard what sounded like a loud splash of water. 'Goodness, that must be a large koi to make that much noise jumping.'
"Is that... Nodoka-san?" Soun's face peeped from around a corner.
"Good to see you, Soun-kun." She looked at the sodden creature behind her husband's friend. "Oh, and good to see you too, Panda-san."
Genma held up a sign. "Hello, someone else's wife-san".
"What brings you here?"
"Oh, did Ranko-chan not pass the message on?"
"No… I'm sorry, he…" Genma whacked Soun with the sign. "...she must have forgotten."
"Never mind then. I talked to her and to Akane recently-they told me that Kasumi is away for an indefinite period?"
Soun nodded. "I'm afraid so. She also said not to follow her, which makes me a bit concerned."
"I wouldn't think there's anything to worry about. Kasumi has good instincts. She'd do well in any situation. Actually, I'm more concerned about what's going on in this house. How are you eating?"
"Haha-I have to admit that we've been eating instant ramen quite a bit. And Ranm-" WHACK. "Ranko has been avoiding the house quite a bit for some reason."
"With just instant noodles to eat, I can hardly blame her. Well, no need to worry. In Kasumi's absence, I can help you with meals. "
The panda held up a new sign "Thank god for that!"
Soun broke down crying. "That's wonderful news! I'd be beyond happy to enjoy your cooking!"
Nodoka shook a hand. "I apologize. I think you misunderstand my intentions. I'm going to help you learn to cook."
"Me? Cook?"
"It's an important life skill. Besides, someday, Kasumi will find a husband and move out, and what will you do then?"
That was a possibility Soun hated thinking about. "Oh. So, cooking lessons. I'm thrilled to learn?" he said in a very un-thrilled voice.
"Pandas can't cook: it's a health code violation."
"Of course! I wasn't expecting you to cook, Panda-san." She handed him a broom "Pandas can clean, though."
The bus driver was more than happy to let her off at the place where her path from the campsite intersected with the road. Kasumi kept a close eye, so she could identify the place exactly-she had tied three bandanas to the branch to make it more easily visible.
As it turns out, the place was even easier to find than expected, as Ryoga Hibiki himself, umbrella opened, was standing next to that tree, waiting.
"Just next to that boy, please, ma'am."
"Will do. Nice of your boyfriend to wait out in the rain." The driver brought the vehicle to a stop.
"I'm afraid that isn't the case, he…"
The driver opened the door. "No? Well, keep at it, tiger, you'll get him!"
"No, you're misunderstanding, what I meant was…" Kasumi was cut off as the door closed and the bus pulled away again.
Kasumi sighed. It was annoying when people got the wrong idea. Though, it was a stranger, so no real harm if she mistook the situation.
"Welcome back. Can I carry the bags?"
"Yes, please. They're not heavy but they are a bit bulky." She handed two shopping bags to Ryoga, while holding a third, somewhat smaller one.
"So. The marking system worked."
"Yes! I'm very pleased that you were able to meet me. I'm quite impressed. I hope you weren't waiting for too long."
"No, not really." Six hours had never passed so slowly before. "So, you found a town?"
"Yes! Shitara. Aichi prefecture. You were right about it before."
"I was?" Ryoga chuckled nervously. "Don't count on it happening every time."
"You certainly did find us a beautiful place. Did you know we're very close to a national park."
"Kasumi?"
"Yes?"
"I don't think we should get separated again like we did today. I know that you're responsible for yourself, but I…" I feel responsible for you, too. I was worried. You've got a whole family depending on me keeping you safe.
"I got something for you in town. I noticed that you didn't have much rain gear, either, so I bought you a water resistant jacket and rain pants. So with those and your umbrella, you should be able to stay dry even on a day like today."
"Really?"
"Yes! You can try them on once we get back to camp. Hopefully I got your sizes correct."
"That would make life easier." 'It would make hiding the curse easier.' was what he left unsaid. "Thank you. If you tell me how much it cost, then I'll pay you back."
"Don't be silly. I bought it for you."
It had been a long time since anyone had bought him a gift. "Thank you very much."
"It's the least I can do for you taking me on the trip of a lifetime." She looked around and gave him a softer smile than earlier.
She's really something. She's going to make some lucky person really happy.
"Oh, I was going to ask. Did you have a chance to call your family?"
"Yes! I had a nice conversation with Akane, so nobody there should be worried anymore."
"Tendo dojo, Akane speaking."
"Akane-chan! It's so good to hear your voice."
"Kasumi! Where are you? Are you all right? When are you coming home? I miss you a lot!"
"You don't need to worry, I'm just fine. I don't want to tell you exactly where we are because I'm afraid that father will get some silly notion about rescuing me. I'll say it's Aichi prefecture. I've sent a postcard with the name of the town, because we'll be gone by the time you receive it."
"'We'? Are you with somebody?"
"Yes, Ryoga-kun."
"Ryoga's with you?"
"Yes. And I think that also answers the question on when I'm coming home."
Akane chuckled. "Honestly. But it's a huge relief to know that you're with Ryoga. He's very reliable. I won't have to worry about you if he's around."
"Yes, he's quite capable. He is proving to be an excellent travel companion. But enough about us, how's everything going on at home?"
"Everything's fine! We've got the chores all sorted out. Ranma's handling the laundry, Mr. Saotome and I are doing house cleaning, and dad is doing the cooking. At least, that's the plan as of right now."
"Goodness. And what is Nabiki's job?"
"Nabiki is doing…" Akane trailed off. "Wait, how did Nabiki manage to sneak out of doing anything?"
"She has a talent. I hope you can get everything worked out. It would be nice to know the house can be taken care of in my absence."
"Yeah."
"Oh, that reminds me, I should apologize-I borrowed your camping equipment without asking. Hopefully you won't need it for the next while."
"That's all right, I don't think I'll need it, I don't have any camping plans at the moment. I wouldn't have known it was gone if you hadn't said anything." Akane paused for a moment. "Wait, you have my camping equipment?"
"Yes. Tent, sleeping bag, some cooking equipment, survival gear…"
"Hold on. That doesn't add up. Why would you have my camping equipment with you if you just happened to get lost?" Akane audibly gasped. "You didn't just happen to get lost. This wasn't an accident, was it? You planned it! You planned to get lost with Ryoga! Oh my god, Sis!"
Akane could hear the smile in Kasumi's voice. "Sorry, there was a bit of static and I couldn't hear that last bit."
"Boy, you are really something." Akane smiled. "All right, I get the picture, I'll mind my own business. For now. You both are going to be telling me quite a story when you get back, and believe me I will be wanting the whole story. With pictures!"
"I'll plan on it. I'm sorry that I was so sudden in leaving."
"No, now that I'm reading between the lines, I think I understand you completely. I just hope that you'll be happy. I'm sure you will-you both will. I can't wait for you to get back. And in the meantime, write!"
"I'll send postcards at every opportunity. I love you, Akane."
"Love you too, sis. And, congratulations!"
Akane couldn't hide her smile as she walked out to the garden, where Ranma was practicing. He paused as he saw her approach.
She looked around to see if anyone else was there.
"What's goin' on?"
"Kasumi just called."
Ranma grinned. "That's great news! Is she coming back soon?"
"I doubt it, but…" She lowered her voice to an almost-whisper. "That's not the important thing right now. I've got big news, but you have to keep it to yourself. You can't tell anyone, okay? Not your dad, not my dad, and especially not Nabiki."
"Okay, Okay, I promise. What is it?"
"I'm not completely certain-but I think that Kasumi eloped... with Ryoga!"
The weather report on the radio promised clear skies tomorrow, so they would be off to their next destination, wherever that might be.
As she was about to fall asleep, a stray thought popped into Kasumi's head.
"Why did Akane say 'congratulations'?"