Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought
Chapter 2
Nodoka placed a tray filled with cups of tea on the common room table then sat down. Also at the table were her husband, Genma, and Soun Tendo. Now that the children were off to school it was time to go over matters of importance.
Each person took a few sips from their cup. Genma gave his wife a worried questioning look which she only answered with an emotionless one. The matter of his treatment of Kasumi was still in her mind but she had already given him a thorough... talking to and she was now somewhat satisfied. The matter in question though was still unresolved.
Finally Genma put his cup down and gave Soun a concerned look. "Okay Tendo, what's this all about? If it's about Kasumi-"
"No! Your upbringing of my daughter is a problem that is now dealt with as best as possible. I have a good mind to throw you out, but seeing as how I was stupid enough to let you take her... No, this is something else entirely." Soun responded then put down his own cup and looked to Nodoka.
She laid down her drink then took a moment to decide how to proceed. "It's about Ranma and Akane. They... they..."
"They're ruining me Saotome!" Soun suddenly said as he broke into tears. "They're doing everything in their power to make sure this marriage doesn't happen."
"But... They seemed okay to me." Genma said in confusion.
"Oh, it's not that they dislike each other, it's that they view each other as brother and sister, not as man and wife." Nodoka responded then sadly looked to the floor. "It seems our efforts to get them together have failed."
"Surely it isn't that hopeless. Perhaps they just need some more time." Genma suggested.
Nodoka shook her head. "No, they have had lots of time and nothing is changing. They are merely becoming more entrenched in their positions against the marriage. They've given up active protest but the silent protest is even worse. We've tried everything we can think of but it has all been fruitless."
"I'm at my wits end Saotome!" Soun added, still a ragged mess of emotion.
"Well, if it doesn't seem to be working between them perhaps it's time to switch the engagement to someone else, perhaps Nabiki."
Nodoka again shook her head. "We've thought of that. Nabiki has essentially the same problem plus she isn't as close to Ranma as Akane. I very much doubt it would work out."
Genma nodded as he considered the situation. "Hmm, well I see only one other option, Kasumi."
"Kasumi? Isn't she a bit old for Ranma?" Nodoka asked but Soun seemed to brighten up at the idea.
"Kasumi, yes, of course. She's grown up away from Ranma, she's a martial artist, and she always was such an obedient girl. Yes, she'll most certainly agree!" Soun said as he became more and more enthusiastic about the idea.
"Good, problem solved." Genma added and the two men nodded in approval. Nodoka, however, shook her head, feeling that this could not work, but for now willing to take a wait and see attitude.
XXXXX
Kasumi walked aimlessly down the streets of Nerima, taking in old sights. It had been so long that she didn't recognize much. Nearly everything that was familiar had somehow changed. It was enough to make her feel out of place.
She stopped in front of the Doctor's office. She looked at it briefly, remembering the old doctor that had worked there. He had been quite old, probably near retirement when she last met him at her mother's funeral. It was very unlikely that he was still working there. Like so many other things, this too was unfamiliar.
Suddenly Kasumi felt a tap on her shoulder. It was so unexpected that she nearly jumped into the air with fright. She spun around to see a young man, wearing glasses and a huge grin. "Hello." He said with a touch of amusement in his voice.
Obviously a martial artist, she thought. No one could sneak up on me like that unless they were. Kasumi pushed aside the thought before she went into a full analysis of his ability. "Ah, hello." She replied, still a bit shaken.
"Can I help you? I was just about to open up for the day." He asked pleasantly.
"You're the doctor?" Kasumi asked, a bit surprised.
"Yes, you must be new around here. I am Dr. Ono Tofu." He greeted with just the slightest bow.
"It's good to meet you. I'm Kasumi Tendo."
He looked at her in surprise. "Kasumi Tendo? Akane told me all about you. Why don't you come on in?" The doctor gestured for Kasumi to follow him inside. They entered the clinic and stopped in the waiting room. "I heard you were off training with Ranma's father. How'd it go?" Dr. Tofu asked as he sat down on one of the waiting room benches.
Kasumi took a seat across from him. "Well... not that well."
"Oh, really, what happened?" Dr. Tofu, a bit surprised.
"Many things, most of which I wish never happened." Kasumi answered, the old uncomfortable feelings of anger rising to the surface for a second then subsiding. "Anyway, that's the past. How are you doing?"
"Very good actually."
"I assume my family still comes here?"
"Oh sure, I took over after Doctor Choi retired. Actually, it's mostly Ranma and Akane who come in. You know, various little injuries and such. So, how long are you in Nerima for? Just back for a visit or here permanently?"
"Permanently I hope. I suppose I'll be coming here from now on."
"Oh sure, I handle pretty much all the little mishaps that happen around the Tendo home." The doctor replied with a joking smile.
Kasumi returned the smile briefly. "So, Akane and Ranma come here often?"
"At least once a week," he answered.
Kasumi nodded as she thought about this. Part of her began to nag at her, pushing her to ask the question that was on her mind. The other part pointed out she wasn't supposed to be worrying about them. In the end the nag won, after all, what could it hurt?
"Are they getting along?" Kasumi asked.
"Ranma and Akane, oh sure."
"Hmm, they seemed a little, I don't know..." Kasumi fought for the words to describe the impression she had gotten from them.
The doctor nodded, as if knowing what she meant. "Oh, you mean about the marriage. Well, that is a bit of a different story." Dr. Tofu paused but Kasumi prodded him on with a look. Dr. Tofu considered for a long moment then continued. "You see they do like each other. They're close friends and even though they sometimes get into these little fights it's more just play then anything else, sort of like a minor sibling rivalry."
"But there is a problem?" Kasumi asked.
He paused for a second, again considering his words. "Well, I've known them for many years now and to be honest... they just don't get along as the... romantic sort. Like I said, they act like siblings, brother and sister. I think they're both very uncomfortable with this whole marriage thing. They don't say much about it anymore but whenever the subject comes up you can sense that they don't like it."
That explained things. So, the whole thing had backfired. For a moment Kasumi got a bit of satisfaction out of that but she quickly quashed the thought. No matters what happened to her it wasn't right to feel good about someone else's loss.
"That's too bad. Are they getting any better?" Kasumi asked.
"It's really hard to tell. They always avoid the topic. Give them some time and I'm sure they'll come around." Dr. Tofu responded, a slight bit of sadness in his voice. Kasumi could tell he wasn't too convinced by his own words.
Oh well, it wasn't her problem. What could she do about it anyway? Nothing. Kasumi nodded then stood up to leave. "I guess I should be going. It's been good meeting you Dr. Tofu."
"My pleasure. See you later then." Dr. Tofu replied as he too got up. Kasumi nodded, then waved and left.
Before long she found herself at home. She was ready to relax, maybe do a little exercise but fate had other ideas. She was barely in the door when Mr. Saotome and her father rushed up with serious but happy looks on their faces. A danger sense immediately went off and was confirmed when Nodoka walked up behind them, a look of 'sorry' on her face.
"Kasumi, come in, we have something to talk about." Her father directed, leading her to the common room. He gestured for her to sit down and she complied but her sense of worry was getting stronger.
"We have wonderful news for you." Her father continued as he sat down across from her, Genma standing behind him.
"Oh?"
"Well, I don't know if you're aware of this but Ranma and Akane aren't hitting it off quite as well as planned." Kasumi connected the dots and it wasn't a pretty picture. "So we were thinking that you-" he continued but Kasumi shook her head.
"Wait a moment father. You're not saying that you're switching this engagement to me, are you?"
"Well, yes." He replied, a bit startled.
"But..." Kasumi's mind fought for an escape. "He's so young. I mean, I'm 19, he's only 16-"
"What's a few years? You'll be getting a young man in his prime." Genma retorted.
Kasumi scowled at her former guardian but she found herself at a loss. "But, this is so sudden. Don't you think Akane or Ranma will-"
"Don't worry about it. They've been against this whole thing for years. Akane will be glad to be free of the engagement and Ranma will certainly get used to the idea." Her father said then looked at her as if pleading her to agree.
Kasumi looked into her father's eyes then down at the table in consideration. Okay, Akane and Ranma were having problems. Maybe this would be better. She really didn't want to marry Ranma but any marriage would likely be years off. This would take the pressure off of them. Without the marriage being forced on them perhaps they could open up with their feelings, that is if there was feelings to open up to. Finally she gave in with a small sigh and nodded. "Very well."
Her father immediately burst into tears of joy and took her in hug. Kasumi, on the other hand, was still a bit worried. She'd gotten herself into yet another fine predicament. She could only hope it turned out for the best.
XXXXX
"WHAT?" Ranma cried out as he heard the news. "You have got to be kidding!"
Equally shocked by the announcement was Akane. They, like Kasumi, had been wrangled into the common room as soon as they arrived home from school and given the 'joyous' news. However, unlike Ranma, Akane was dead silent, her feelings unreadable. Nabiki was leaning against the wall, a poorly concealed look of amusement on her face. Genma and Soun still had the look of eager happy parents while Nodoka was still unsure. Kasumi merely remained silent.
Genma slapped his son on the back in support. "Come now son, we know you've been against the engagement with Akane. Kasumi is a fine young woman. I'm sure you'll get along splendidly."
"Oh yeah, sure... you..." Ranma's statement went off into a mumble but he was obviously displeased. "Fine, it's not like I care or nothing." With this Ranma walked off towards the dojo in a slight huff. Kasumi watched him go then looked to her youngest sister, hoping to see something. Instead Akane looked back at her with a look that announced that she cared no more than Ranma did.
"I have homework to do." Akane announced then walked off for her room.
"Well, everything seems to be going pretty well, Tendo." Genma said.
"Agreed, Saotome. Maybe things will work out after all." Soun replied.
Kasumi looked at the two parents for a brief moment then headed off after Ranma. Maybe, just maybe, this whole situation would reveal some hidden feelings... Yeah, right, my luck isn't that good, she thought but decide to try to find out for herself. She found him, as expected, practicing in the dojo, a frown locked on his face.
"So, did you actually go along with this nonsense?" He asked with a short sideward glance.
"Well, ummm, kind of."
"Hmh, great." Ranma jumped into the air with a spinning kick.
"It wasn't exactly my idea."
"Oh yeah, sure. Whatever." Ranma responded as he jumped into another spinning kick.
Kasumi wasn't too sure if he believed her or not. "Ranma, if you want to stay with Akane-"
"I don't care. One Tendo sister is as good as another. You, Akane, Nabiki, what's the difference? Just another engagement I don't want."
Kasumi sighed. This was going no where extremely fast. She tried to think of some response but came up with a monstrous blank. If he was hiding his feelings, she wasn't about to bring them out. Well, it wasn't like she expected something instantaneous, though she would have preferred it. She turned and left, Ranma giving her a brief look, his frown still firmly in place.
Kasumi made her way to the carp pond and stood watching the fish. She considered the whole situation and shook her head. She'd once again jumped into the middle of things, trying to help everyone out. Still, what would it hurt? This was for the best. What was a bit of inconvenience to her when it could just help Ranma and Akane? However, as much as she tried to convince herself, she still felt like she was running head-on into trouble.
As if in response to her growing worry droplets of water began to fall from the sky. Kasumi managed to get out another sigh before she transformed.
"A bit glum sis?" Nabiki asked as she approached, protected by an umbrella from the rain. Kasumi looked over at his sister and attempted a smile but failed miserably. Nabiki, however, was perfectly capable of smiling. "Oh, don't let it get you down. Things will work out. Matter of fact, I have some good news for you. The school vice-principle is thinking of hiring you as an assistant physical education director." She said as she handed Kasumi a letter.
"Excuse me. Why would he wish to do that?" Kasumi asked in confusion.
"Oh, it's just an official title. I think he's more interested in what my teacher told him about that little show you put on with Kuno this morning."
"Why would that be interesting?"
"Well, it's pretty rare for Kuno to stand down from a fight. I'm guessing you're going to be the school's peace keeper. If you're interested he said to come see him tomorrow morning. It's all in that letter."
Kasumi opened up the letter and gave it a quick read. Sure enough, the vice-principle wanted him, or her rather, for an interview tomorrow morning about the job. Well, maybe things were brightening up a bit. He didn't have any plans for himself and this had just dropped into his lap. His luck couldn't be all bad, he supposed.
"Thank you Nabiki. I think I'll do just that." Kasumi brightened up a bit then headed off to the house.
Nabiki stood and watched Kasumi strode off. She continued to stare at the boy as he walked away, her eyes going progressively lower. With a sudden shake of her head Nabiki looked away. "Damn it! Where's an ice cold lake when you need it?" Nabiki's expression changed to one of disgust then anger as she too returned to the house.
XXXXX
Ranma paced back and forth in one of the Kuno mansion's many rooms, Kuno standing to the side. "Man Kuno, I don't believe this. I've been trying to get loose from Akane for years now and just when I think I might be free they stick me with another girl."
"This is interesting news. So, Akane Tendo is now free of her engagement with you?" Kuno asked.
"Yeah, but now I'm engaged to Kasumi." Ranma replied as he stopped and leaned against a wall in frustration.
"Did you say Kasumi?"
"Yes, Kasumi, why?" Ranma asked as he looked over at Kuno.
"Hmm, Kasumi Tendo..." Kuno replied absently, a far off look on his face.
Ranma examined Kuno's blank stare for a moment then smiled slightly, a plan beginning to form in his head. Kuno wasn't that bad of a guy once you got to know him. He was closer to Kasumi's age anyway and he seemed to like her... "Hey, Kuno, you wouldn't be interested in her or nothing, would you?"
Kuno snapped back to reality and gave Ranma a hard look. "That is my concern, not yours."
"Of course, of course, but if you were I just might be willing to help you out a bit, say like I am with Akane."
Kuno considered this for a moment then nodded. "I just may take your offer."
Ranma's smile widened as he walked over to Kuno. "Great! Okay then, we'll-"
"Brother dear, I'm home!" Kodachi called out as she stepped into the room. She stopped when she noticed Ranma and gave him a sour look. "Are you still lounging around here? Don't you have a home?"
Ranma suddenly became excited. "Ko... Ko... Kodachi! Ahhhh, how... how nice to see you!"
"Hmph, I bet." She replied as she began to turn to leave. Ranma quickly rushed over to her side.
"Wait! Ko... Kodachi, I'm... you wouldn't be interested in maybe, I don't know, going to be... I mean dinner-"
"Oh, I know exactly what you mean." She replied as she leaned in close to him, a seductive smile on her face. Ranma nervously swallowed and smiled as Kodachi neared. He then suddenly doubled over in pain after Kodachi slugged him in the gut.
"Keep your hormones to yourself." Kodachi said as she backed off a step, looking down at him with a look of disdain. She then turned to her brother. "I must practice for the upcoming tournament against Kolholz High. I do not wish to be disturbed." With that she turned and walked out.
Ranma finally recovered and stood up straight and gave a sigh of longing. "Hey Kuno, what's with your sister anyway? Why doesn't she pay any attention to me?"
"Perhaps because you make such a fool of yourself in her presence," Kuno answered. "So, shall we discuss the matter of Kasumi Tendo?" Ranma nodded then walked back over to Kuno.
XXXXX
Akane sat at the desk in her room, looking at her school books. She hadn't gotten a thing done in hours. She was too distracted to think. In the span of two days her whole life had been turned on its ear. She was now free of the engagement and her sister was back.
Akane was glad to have Kasumi back, and did feel sorry for what had happened to her. However, she also felt like she was second best now. At least with Ranma she always knew she had a chance. With Kasumi she didn't even have that much. Akane couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
Then there was the engagement. She'd been feeling twisted with the prospect of marrying Ranma. It felt so wrong. Akane was glad to be free of it. However, she also felt something else. For most her life she had known one thing, that she'd be married to Ranma. She hadn't liked it but it had been a constant that she could count on. Suddenly that constant was gone. It left her a bit lost. Still, she was free, now she could go after the man she was really interested in with no worries about that silly engagement getting in the way.
Her mind turned back to Kasumi. Akane may be free but Kasumi had taken her place in the trap. She had some sympathy for her sister's situation but what was to be done? Akane had been working at getting out of the engagement for years and only now had made progress, but only because her problem had been switched to Kasumi. It didn't look like there was much of a way for her to help her sister out.
"Maybe she'll get to like him." Akane said aloud to herself. It didn't give her much hope though. She shook her head and turned her mind to a problem she might be able to deal with, getting Dr. Tofu to notice her.
XXXXX
The next morning Kasumi woke up early to get to the school. She had to again scold herself for skipping practice. Even though she wanted to stay clear of Genma she did need a sparring partner. She made a mental note to set up morning practice sessions again with him. In that at least he couldn't cause any more damage.
Kasumi grabbed up a quick breakfast and a lunch prepared for her and dashed off to the school. She'd hate to be late for her own job interview. That wouldn't be the greatest of impressions to give a prospective employer.
The meeting with the vice-principle went quite well. As Nabiki had expected he was more interested in hiring her on as a peace keeper. Apparently the situation at the school was really out of control. He was desperate for something to keep things running smoothly. It really didn't matter to Kasumi, this job would give her something to do. The pay wasn't even that important, though it was certainly an added benefit.
A short time after the meeting Kasumi was standing out front of the school considering how to best approach the morning crowd. She didn't have long to think as the boys soon began gathering, many of them giving her odd looks. As always, reason was the best course. Failing that, well... Kasumi's was hoping she didn't have to get to that.
She pulled together her resolve and began to move to the head of the crowd. On her way Kuno arrived. Kasumi looked at him briefly and got an awfully odd impression. Was he looking at her in the same manner as he looked at Akane? No, couldn't be. She was just imagining things. She pushed the thought away and turned to face the crowd.
"Ah, hello, I am Kasumi Tendo, the new assistant physical education director. Now, as a matter of school safety, I must unfortunately ask you all to disband and go on to your classes." She paused and examined the crowd's response. Mostly it was confusion and a lot of mumbled questions. However, no one moved. Kasumi took in a breath then continued. "Is there some kind of problem?"
One of the rougher members of the crowd stepped forward. "Yeah, lady, there's a problem. We're here to get a date with your sister. What makes you think you're going to stop us?"
"Well-" Kasumi began but got cut off as Kuno suddenly stood in front of her, his bokken raised to the other boy in challenge.
"You sir, how dare you speak in such a belligerent manner to this fine woman. Have you no respect? I will not stand for your insolence!" Kuno spoke, getting angrier with every word.
The boy backed off in fear. "No, upper classman Kuno, wait, I didn't mean-"
"Enough! I will teach you a hard lesson in manners! Defend yourself!" Kuno began a charge but, like the day before, he suddenly found his hands empty. He turned to see Kasumi with his bokken.
"Please, there is no need for that." Kasumi said to him then looked over the crowd. "If there is some kind of problem, I will certainly address it."
Kuno turned and gave the crowd a hard, threatening look. Everyone fell back a pace. "I, Tatewaki Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, do hereby declare that all present here shall take heed of Kasumi Tendo's request and depart immediately. Do I make myself absolutely clear?" Kuno spoke out to the crowd. In response there was a few seconds of confusion, a couple of uncertain looks at Kasumi and Kuno, and a couple more mumbled questions. However, finally the crowd began to break up and walk off.
Kasumi smiled then walked over to Kuno, handing him his bokken. "Why thank you. That was most helpful of you."
"It was my duty and nothing more." Kuno replied with a slight bow.
Kasumi nodded then began to head towards the school but found Kuno blocking her path. "Of course, it would not do for such a fair woman as yourself to be without an escort."
"Oh, that will not be necessary. I am quite capable of taking care of myself." Kasumi responded as she tried to walk around him but again found him blocking her path.
"Ah, but you do not know of the dangers that abound in these halls."
"Yes, I'm sure, but I'm afraid I shall just have to get along on my own. Now, if you don't mind..." She replied, gesturing for Kuno to move off to the side.
"You are mistaken my fair educator. I, Tatewaki Kuno, shall protect thee."
Kasumi began seriously considering just letting him 'protect' her but that wouldn't do. He seemed to have taken a interest in her and that wasn't proper. He was a student, she was now an instructor. She'd just have to diffuse the situation.
"I'm afraid that is impossible. I realize you have some feeling for me but-"
"Oh, you are truly blessed with a deep understanding, but you need not hide your affections. I fear not the misconceptions of others. Fair educator, I shall date with thee." With that Kuno leaped forward in an attempt to hug Kasumi. He didn't quite make it. Instead, Kasumi instinctively went into action, striking in several key spots and hopping back out of his reach. The blows were precise and basically painless but they did their job, Kuno fell like a sack of grain.
Kasumi shook her head and found Nabiki standing beside her. "Not bad sis. You trounced him real good."
"I didn't mean to. Oh well, I suppose I'll have to take him to the nurse's office now." Kasumi said as she moved to pick Kuno's unconscious form up.
"Allow me." Nabiki said as she helped her sister and together they began to walk off to the school. Behind them Akane and Ranma were looking around, slightly confused.
XXXXX
Elsewhere in Nerima, a short time later, a figure stepped off a bus. On this person's face was a look of barely controlled rage. The person looked around then set out towards a certain school. There was only one thing on this individual's mind.
"Just you wait Kasumi, just you wait. You're going to pay for what you did to me." The figure mumbled, getting angrier with every minute, and with every step.
XXXXX
Back at Furinkan it was lunch time and, as usual, Akane and Ranma were sitting together by the soccer field. What was a bit unusual was that they weren't talking. It wasn't because they were angry at each other. They simply didn't know what to say.
They hadn't discussed the breaking of their engagement yet. Each perceived the other as not wanting it and since he/she also didn't want it there wasn't much to say. Funny thing was, both wanted to say something, yet neither was willing to take the initiative.
The silence between them started to grate but before either was finally driven into action Kasumi appeared next to them and sat down.
"Oh, hi Kasumi. How's your first day at work?" Akane asked, glad to finally have a save avenue to speak.
"Quite well actually. That boy, Tatewaki, was actually very helpful this morning." Kasumi responded as she pulled out her lunch.
"I bet. I think he's taken a little bit of an interest in you." Ranma said.
Kasumi looked down at her food but just stared as she contemplated her newest situation. "Yes, it would seem so."
Ranma smiled and pushed on. "You know, Kuno isn't that bad. He's got his quirks, sure, but underneath it all he's a real softy."
Akane rolled her eyes then gave Ranma a suspicious look. "Hah, that sounds like the same junk you handed me, Ranma! I know he's your friend and all, but let's be honest. He's got a few screws loose. Let me guess, you're trying to set her up with him now that she's engaged to you."
"Well I-"
"You can be such a brainless, thoughtless jerk sometimes!" Akane said as she stood and walked off, a bit miffed.
Ranma watched her go with a scowl then turned to see Kasumi giving him a suspicious look. After a second of nervousness Ranma looked down at a nonexistent watch and jumped to his feet. "Hey, look at the time, I got to go. See you later maybe." Ranma raced off before Kasumi could respond.
Kasumi continued to sit and returned to eating her lunch. This was another sign that their relationship was hopeless. It looked like Ranma was trying alternative measures to stop the marriage. She supposed it wasn't that bad. After all, he was only encouraging another relationship, something many people do all the time. Still, she couldn't help but feel like Ranma believed she was a burden to him, just like Akane probably felt.
Kasumi shook her head and finished off her lunch. She began to get up but stopped when she sensed something approaching. She twisted just in time to catch a bouquet of red roses. She looked at them briefly then looked at the young man approaching her, one Tatewaki Kuno. Kasumi let out a sigh as she reached her feet.
"My dearest Kasumi Tendo, we meet again."
"Yes. You appear to have dropped these." Kasumi said as she attempted to hand back the bouquet.
Kuno waved off the flowers. "There are a token of my affection, and yours to keep."
"I couldn't possibly, that would be highly inappropriate." Kasumi said as she again tried to give back the flowers but Kuno refused to take them.
"True love knows not the boundaries of our primitive society's arbitrary rules."
Kasumi was beginning to get a little desperate. She didn't want to hurt this poor boy's feelings yet she couldn't let this infatuation of his continue. "Now, you are just going to have to understand that I do not hold that kind of feeling for you. I'm afraid we could simply not have a relationship at this time."
"If you mean the engagement which has been forced upon you, fear not for I shall surely free you from it."
Kasumi was momentarily surprised that he knew about it then she realized that Nabiki or Ranma might have told him. "Well, there is that but I am afraid there are more personal reasons as well. You do understand?"
Kuno looked back at her blankly, contemplating what she said. Finally he gave a small nod. "I see."
"Good. I have to be on my way." She said in relief and finally managed to hand back the flowers. She set out back for the school but she could see Kuno was still struggling with something. She looked back at him, briefly considered talking further to him but dismissed the idea. He'd just have to work it out for himself.
XXXXX
Kuno watched Kasumi walk off towards the school. He was a perplexed. Personal reasons? What could those possibly be? There was nothing inadequate about him. She was most certainly mistaken.
Kuno noticed Kasumi looking back at him, as if hesitating. Ah, so she was interested. Of course, she merely feared confronting her true emotions. Well, he could help remedy that.
Kasumi continued on her way and began to round the corner of the school. Kuno made up his mind and chased after her. He lost sight of her around the school for a second but quickly closed the gap. To his surprise he found her gone. He looked about in confusion. There was no place she could have gone. The only person here was some strange man he had never seen before.
Kuno looked at the man with a growing suspicion. He had most certainly done something to the fair Kasumi Tendo. Well, he would be sure to bring him to justice!
XXXXX
Nabiki looked down at Kasumi's male form from the window above her, idly putting her cup back onto it's base. How clumsy of me, and how unfortunate that the water in that cup hit Kasumi, Nabiki thought sarcastically. She then noticed Kuno turn the corner and look around in confusion. Then he looked at the male Kasumi with the angry frown that he reserved for only hated foes.
Nabiki felt a twinge of guilt but then dismissed it and moved away from the window. Just bad timing. Kasumi can handle herself, himself, whatever.
XXXXX
Kasumi was rather confused himself. She, at the time anyway, was walking along, when suddenly she was hit by some water from above. He was about to look for the source of the unexpected down pour when a yell from behind caught his attention.
"You sir! What have you done with Kasumi Tendo?"
Kasumi turned to see Kuno, enraged and battle ready. Kasumi was momentarily further confused at Kuno's anger then he realized that he was a he, not a she, and Kuno knew nothing of the curse.
Kasumi quickly started to think of a way out of this new situation. There was no nearby source of hot water to demonstrate the curse and he doubted Kuno was in the mood to let Kasumi just go off and find some. There was also no quick means of escape. He had two options left, attempt to reason with him or fight him. Hopefully reason would work.
"You're mistaken, I've done nothing. You see-"
"Silence! I will not hear your foul lies or stand here while you try your evil trickery! Return her at once or face my wrath!"
Reason was looking pretty hopeless. "No, you don't understand. If you could allow me-"
"Never fiend! I shall smite you and bring Kasumi Tendo back to safety! Defend yourself!" Kuno rushed forward with a slash from his bokken.
Kasumi hopped over the attack and flipped backwards to gain some distance. As he landed Kuno continued his assault with a thrust and spinning slash. Kasumi dodged these but quickly realized that this wouldn't be quite the blow out their other meetings had ended in. He was moving quicker, more precise and not pulling his punches in the least. Kasumi attempted to grab the bokken away from him but found he could not get a safe grip on it. Kasumi dodged a quick set of thrusts then leaped up onto the wall and used it to spring high into the air. He landed facing the infuriated Kendoist. It looked like Kasumi would have to get serious.
XXXXX
Back up in the room where Nabiki was, several female students were gathering around the windows to see the fight.
"Wow, look at that guy!"
"Oooh, he's a real hunk!"
"I wonder who he is? Do you think he has a girlfriend?"
"I hope not!"
Nabiki tried to shut out the comments and concentrate on other things. Unfortunately the other girls had other ideas.
"Hey Nabiki, get over here! You got to see this guy who's fighting Kuno! He's gorgeous!" One of Nabiki's friends said.
"No thanks." Nabiki replied.
"Oh, come on!" Suddenly Nabiki found herself being dragged to the window by her friends. "You don't know what you're missing!"
XXXXX
Back down at the fight Kasumi was again considering options, this time for how best to end the fight. It was quickly getting down to one possibility. Kasumi really didn't want to hurt the boy but Kuno was leaving him no choice.
Kasumi dodged another set of bokken strikes, one of which sliced cleanly through a tree. He flipped over the fallen tree then decided to give into the inevitable and set himself into an offensive stance.
"I'll ask you one last time to end this. I do not wish to harm you." Kasumi said as Kuno stepped over the tree.
Kuno smiled confidently, apparently unworried that he hadn't managed to score a single blow. "I will only end this when you return the maiden you have kidnapped! Prepare yourself for the end!" Kuno dashed forward with a blur of bokken thrusts. The speed of the attack was actually rather impressive but Kasumi still managed to avoid every one of the blows. However, this battle was going on too long. It was time to end it before someone got seriously hurt.
Kasumi faked a trip and fell back. Kuno took the bait and raised his bokken back for a strike on his seemingly prone opponent. "I have you!" He managed to shout before Kasumi pushed himself back up and struck in a quick series of precise attacks. Kuno froze in mid motion then went limp and began to fall. Kasumi managed to catch him, his unconscious face resting on Kasumi's chest. Kasumi couldn't help but blush. Being a man didn't make this position seem any less awkward. Well, back to the nurse's office, he supposed.
XXXXX
Ranma watched the whole fight from afar. He frowned at the display of martial arts talent that Kasumi had put on. He'd never seen Kuno that outmatched. Sure, Ranma could beat him every time but it wasn't that much of a mismatch. It was enough to make Ranma quite jealous.
In any case, this whole curse thing would be a problem. He'd just have to keep it a secret from Kuno. It shouldn't be that tough. This was Kuno he was dealing with. Kuno had his points but calm rational thought wasn't one of them.
Ranma had to feel somewhat sorry for Kasumi though. Now she had to deal with Kuno in two different ways, as an enemy and as an overzealous lover. It was certainly going to be interesting.
XXXXX
In one of Furinkan's many bathrooms Nabiki was dumping a bucket of cold water over her head. After a brief few seconds to calm herself she threw the bucket aside in frustration and looked at the mirror. She turned pale with disgust then angry. With a shake of her head she headed back to class with one thing on her mind, this was all Kasumi's fault.
XXXXX
Later Kasumi, back to normal, was waiting outside the school for her sisters and fiancé. She'd had a long day and hoped that she wouldn't have to repeat the performance any time soon.
Akane and Ranma soon arrived, followed by Nabiki who gave Kasumi a scowl then walked off without further word. Kasumi looked at Akane and Ranma in question about this but both just shrugged. Dismissing the thought for later Kasumi and the others followed after Nabiki.
"I heard you had a bit of a fight with Kuno." Akane said with a bit of amusement.
"Yes, I'm afraid so."
"Too bad I missed it. I would have loved to see you in action as a boy."
"I would much prefer to stay out of action, in either form. I do hope he'll be okay."
"Kuno's tough, he's taken far worse than what you gave him. He'll be up and throwing roses by tomorrow." Ranma replied. "He sure is the heroic sort, isn't he?"
"Oh Ranma, give it up!" Akane shot back in annoyance.
"What?" Ranma asked innocently.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about!"
"No I don't."
"Oh please. You're about as subtle as a rocket launcher." Akane replied then turned to look away. Ranma did likewise. Kasumi looked between them then shook her head.
XXXXX
On the school's rooftop the figure from the bus watched Kasumi depart. Striking now wasn't right. Too much interference. Besides, this was going to be something special, something to pay back the Tendo girl for all she had done. Tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. Tomorrow would be the day for vengeance.
End Chapter 2
That's it for Chapter 2. I'm converting these slowly so be patient. You can find chapters upto 32 on my website, or you can wait for me to edit to post the rest.
Bye for now.