Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought
Chapter 7
Akane raced down the street to the animal shelter with a feeling of unbound joy. For much of the last week she had been miserable about what she had done to C-chan. Her feelings had only worsened with every day that passed. Each day when she went to the shelter to find that C-chan was still there, one day closer to the end, she had felt sick. It didn't help matters any that Akane found herself liking the little cat more and more with each visit. She couldn't have lived with herself if she let C-chan die in that place.
Fortunately, she didn't have to. Kasumi had been the major stumbling block to Akane adopting C-chan herself but now Kasumi had agreed to allow the cat to stay. Akane would do everything in her power not to violate the trust her sister had placed in her.
Finally, Akane arrived at the animal shelter and nearly crashed through the door with excitement. The man at the desk looked up at her curiously and smiled. "Hi Akane. What you doing here this time of day?"
Akane took a moment to catch her breath and walked over to the desk. "I came to pick up C-chan."
"C-chan? Oh yeah, that pink cat we had here. I'm sorry, we put her down about an hour ago," the man replied with a sad look.
In one second Akane's heart sank through the floor and deep into the earth below. "WHAT?" She screamed out in shock.
"Akira! Stop tormenting the poor girl!" Mai scolded as she stepped out from the back. "It's all right Akane, she's still here," Akane breathed a sigh of relief and shot Akira a dirty look as Mai circled the desk to be next to her. "Akira, can you go get some registration forms?" She asked.
"Yeah, sure," Akira replied with an amused smiled and went off to fetch the paper work.
"Don't mind him, he's got a sick sense of humor. Come on." Mai lead the way into the backroom with the various animals. "I hope you got your parents' permission on this."
"I do, I do." Akane replied quickly. The sound of her voice immediately gained C-chan's attention and she rushed up to the cage door to meet her savior. "I told you I'd get you out." Akane said as Mai retrieved the keys and unlocked the cage door. As soon as the door opened the cat jumped into Akane's arms, thankful to be free from that prison.
"You two look like you'll be happy together. Now, let's get those forms filled out so you can officially take her," Mai said then lead Akane back off to the other room.
Artemis watched this all with some satisfaction. By all appearances his new lady friend had found herself a nice home. With a frown Artemis realized it was not much thanks to him. His mood improved a bit when he listened in as Akane gave Mai the various information she needed including her home address. Maybe when he got out of this hole he could give her a little visit.
In any case, she may be out but that still left him locked up. It looked like he'd just have to swallow his pride and call for assistance. He winced at the thought of the teasing he would have to endure for this. Well, maybe something would come up in the next few hours.
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Kuno approached the gymnasium, a mix of anger and anxious anticipation on his mind. He was angry because Sasuke had overstepped his authority and tried to challenge the evil sorcerer himself. He was anxious because if Sasuke's plan, by some freak occurrence, did succeed it would leave Kuno looking like a fool who could not defeat his own enemies. However, if he could arrive in time to take advantage of his foe's weakness and land the blow that freed the goddess Kasumi from the bonds of the sorcerer, then her gratitude would know no bounds.
For a second he lost himself in a daydream... He was standing over the defeated body of the vile sorcerer. Kasumi was holding his hands in hers and staring up into his eyes with tears of gratitude in her own. "O my savior, how can I ever thank you for saving me from my foul imprisonment?" She turned her face from him and bit a knuckle. "You could not imagine... the things he made me do." A small sob escapes her and she buries her face in his manly chest.
"There, there fair maiden, the Blue Thunder will allow no one to ever again sully your pure and maidenly form." Taking her chin in his strong hand he tilts her face up and bends down. A close up formed of their two faces framed in red roses as Kuno lowered his head and took his reward. The scene shifted back to the real world where Kuno was laughing maniacally. "BWHAHAHAHAHAHHA! Yes, I will have the love of the fair flower Kasumi." Various students walking across the school yard suddenly recalled urgent errands in other parts of the school.
Kuno stepped through the door, presenting an air of dignity and power so formidable that the basketball team practicing there dared not even think of questioning his presence. He scanned the team, most of whom looking back at him curiously, and the building, searching for any sign of either Sasuke or his prey. "Where is that fool?" Kuno asked no one in particular. "His message said to meet him here."
Suddenly the whole building began to shake. Everyone looked around in startled bewilderment, many openly wondering if they were experiencing an earthquake. They received their answer with an explosion of wooden planks and the fountain of flying felines that burst forth from the stage. Everyone, save Kuno, scattered as the fur balls began to return to earth. Kuno, however, had his eyes locked onto the object of his unbound hatred, the foul magician who had so cowardly swept off with his love such a short time ago.
Kasumi was rocketing through the air, engaged in a struggle with the tiger. He let off a blur of blows, hissing and snarling all the while, and smashed the tiger into unconsciousness. That enemy finished off he spun around to land, but saw a new target. However, this one wasn't like the last. Kasumi mind filled with an anger as his new target brought out a stick to attack him with.
Ranma hit the ground just in time to see Kasumi descend on Kuno who had time only to shout out, "fiend, prepare to meet your-" then he was in a close quarters fight with a crazed martial artist. Kasumi destroyed Kuno's bokken with one blow then clawed at him furiously. Fortunately, Kuno lost consciousness before long, saving him from the severe pain he would surely have had to endure. With one final strike, Kasumi bashed Kuno into the gymnasium wall then sat back on his legs and began licking his hand and grooming himself like a cat.
"Oh brother, this is not good," Ranma said quietly as he stood up and tried to comprehend what was happening. Kasumi had flipped, that was for sure, but what was he dealing with? As Ranma studied Kasumi's actions he drew the only conclusion that made sense, Kasumi thought he was a cat, which meant what he was witnessing was the Nekoken. Ranma could only guess that when Kasumi's fear was pushed too far this must be the result.
"That's one hell of a phobia," Ranma commented and began to approach Kasumi. He really didn't know what to expect. Kasumi might attack him, he might be passive or he might run off. However, he had to do something. Kasumi couldn't be allowed to run around in this state of mind. Ranma just hoped that his experience with animals applied here as well because if it didn't he might be looking at a long stay in the hospital.
"Ah Kasumi?" Ranma asked as he approach, hoping that maybe he'd come out of it. However, Kasumi turned to look at him, still walking on all fours, apparently not comprehending what he said. Kasumi looked at him with a cautious uncertainty. "Okay, well, ah, now I'm not going to hurt you. Everything is just fine," Ranma said as he edged closer, for what ends he had no idea. Kasumi dropped down lower, readying himself to move. Ranma tensed up and stopped his approach, unsure how to proceed. Before he could act further Kasumi suddenly leapt directly at him. He closed his eyes, expecting the worst.
To his surprise nothing hit him. Instead, he heard the clang of metal and a startled growl from Kasumi. He opened his eyes to see Ukyo, battle spatula in hand, standing in front of him and Kasumi rolling back to his feet on the floor.
"You stay away from him! You want to tear someone up, try me!" Ukyo yelled out in challenge. Kasumi growled at her in fury and set himself to attack.
"Ukyo, are you crazy?"
"Don't worry about me." Ukyo replied then made a dash for the door. "Come on kitty, come and get me if you can." Ukyo taunted as she ran. Kasumi growled again then took the bait and raced after her, knocking the doors off their hinges as he passed by. After a second, Ranma followed.
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Ukyo was no fool. She had quickly come to the same conclusions as Ranma and that wasn't too good. She knew what Kasumi was capable of normally and now that he was using this Nekoken he would be even more formidable. However, he was thinking like a cat. If she could take advantage of that she just might be able to defeat him, assuming this wasn't all just some act, which would be just like Kasumi to try. Unfortunately, she had been caught unprepared and her mind wasn't providing any good suggestions on how to use this information. She risked a look behind as she ran off to the field and found Kasumi still in close pursuit. What she needed right now was a safe place to think and come up with some sort of plan. To do that, she'd have to lose the cat.
Ukyo flipped into the air and spun around, pulling out some of her tempura flakes. All she needed to do was raise enough dust to make her get away. Kasumi leapt into the air to attack causing Ukyo to miss-throw when she attempted to dodge away. She twisted and snagged Kasumi with a kick but to her dismay Kasumi shrugged it off without any discernible effect. In response Kasumi clawed at her with his hand and slashed cleanly through the fabric of her shirt, cutting it diagonally from top to bottom.
Ukyo cringed when she realized how close the blow had been to tearing into her flesh then cringed again as she had to pull her shirt together to cover herself. "Just great, just great! She must really love exposing me in public!" She mumbled as she landed and faced off with Kasumi. She managed one step back before Kasumi renewed his attack, pouncing on her like a mouse. Ukyo let out a startled yell but managed to kick Kasumi off. Unfortunately, by the time she reached her feet Kasumi was already diving down on her once more and, this time, Ukyo didn't get away.
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Ranma arrived just seconds later and found Kasumi jumping angrily up and down on Ukyo who was unconscious on the ground, raising a large dust cloud. He hesitated a second, trying to think up some strategy, but decided it best to get Ukyo out of harms way first and ran forward shouting. Kasumi, startled by his approach, leapt off Ukyo and ran towards the street.
Under different circumstances Ranma would have gone after Kasumi but Ukyo looked pretty roughed up and her shirt was cut in such a way that it took a fair bit of his will power not to look. If he left her like that who knew how she'd end up. Besides, he also had to see to both Sasuke and Kuno. Kasumi would just have to wait. Ranma quickly pulled off his own shirt and wrapping Ukyo in it carried her off to the nurse's office.
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Kasumi dashed through the streets of Nerima, avoiding crowds whenever possible. Those that did see him looked on in confusion and shock at a man running by on all fours. Kasumi was moving completely on instinct. He really didn't know where he was going, he just ran. When he finally arrived inside the yard of a large familiar building he felt somewhat secure, that was until a certain man stepped out onto the walkway. A feeling of rage that far surpassed any Kasumi had felt with Ukyo or Kuno filled him at the sight of this man.
The man walked out into the yard and stretched before he noticed Kasumi's presence. He had only to look at Kasumi's stance and the rage clear on his face to start backing off in fear. "Nice Kitty, Nice Kitty. You don't want to kill me do you? No, of course not." He said as he attempted to make his escape. Kasumi growled and leapt. The man barely managed a stifled scream of terror.
Mere seconds later, Kasumi stood on top of her fallen, severely battered foe and looked the house over. He felt a need to get inside yet he could find no entrance. Then he spotted an open window on the second floor. It was a simple matter to jump inside.
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Ukyo awoke to such pain that she dearly wished she could pass out again. Unfortunately, she didn't. She opened her eyes to find Ranma, shirtless, wrapping some bandages around her arm. She was quite shocked at the sight but quickly noticed that she was wearing his shirt, her own thoroughly torn apart. She took a moment to savor the attention he was giving her, but then finally spoke. "What happened?"
"You got completely clobbered by Kasumi, that's what. What the hell were you thinking? You saw what he did to that tiger and Kuno. He could have killed you." Ranma responded as he finished with the bandages and helped Ukyo to sit up.
"He was going to attack you." Ukyo replied.
"So, you get yourself ripped limb from limb to save me from being ripped limb from limb. It's a nice thought but I can take care of myself thank you."
Ukyo blushed at his remarks but her heart leaped as she interpreted his remarks to mean he cared for her welfare. Ranma walked off to another bed where Sasuke lay unconscious. He actually cares about me, even as a human, she thought with a growing sense of hope. Okay Ukyo, don't jump to any conclusions, but now is the perfect time to tell him. Ukyo gathered her courage together and opened her mouth to speak.
"You know, I really hate it when he pulls this kind of crap." Ranma said before Ukyo managed to say anything.
"What do you mean?" She asked reflexively.
"Trying to trick people like that, it's so damned low. I don't see why Kuno keeps him around. I can't stand people that try to deceive and take advantage of others like that!" He answered as he slapped a bandage onto Sasuke's head. "I mean look at what he did. He disguised himself as someone he thought Kasumi had a fondness for to gain an advantage. Sure he did a lousy job of it, but it's the thought that counts," he said in a bitter twist on the old saying.
With every word Ukyo's hopes were shattered even more. How could fate be so cruel, taunting her like this? It simply wasn't fair! She could never tell him now. If she did he'd hate her for sure. Ukyo's head slouched and she stared at the floor, trying to keep herself from breaking down into total despair.
"You all right?" Ranma asked causing Ukyo to look up at him in surprise.
"Ahhh, I'm fine."
"You should go home and get some rest. Don't worry about the shirt. Just give it back to me tomorrow. I got a spare in my locker."
"Thanks."
"Yeah, well, it's no problem. You should really end this feud with Kasumi. She's really not that bad you know."
"You don't know her like I do," Ukyo responded, her anger overpowering some of her depression.
"Maybe you don't know her as well as you think. Anyway, see you. I got to get going. The nurse will be back in a few minutes," Ranma said then turned and left. Ukyo could only close her eyes and wish that this nightmare would end.
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Nabiki lay in bed, attempting to catch up on the great deal of sleep she had lost the night before. Unfortunately, two things weren't helping her much. One was the heat. Even with her window open, and just her thinnest night clothing on she was finding it uncomfortably hot. Two was the fact that her sleep was haunted with those same blasted dreams that had made sleep so elusive before.
She tossed slightly in her bed, her clothing twisting around her body and her face contorting with the emotional torment she was enduring in her subconscious. "Please what little one?" He repeated. "Maybe this?" Nabiki twisted back the other way, her arm brushing against something that wasn't supposed to be there. Her eyes shot open and she brought her senses quickly to bear. She could feel warm breath against the back of her neck and she could hear the soft breathing that accompanied it.
Normally Nabiki wasn't prone to panic. Under even the worse circumstances she could usually keep her emotions well in control and deal with whatever problem she had to confront, calmly and rationally. However, this wasn't exactly a normal time for Nabiki. Her feelings were already so twisted that it took most her control just to keep from screaming out right now.
Nabiki gathered together her wits and risked a slow, very subtle look over her shoulder. The sight that greeted her caused Nabiki's mind to grind to a screeching halt. She could do little more than stare, wide eyed, at Kasumi's male form cuddled up next to her. Her mind just kept repeating, no, no, this can't be happening. When their eyes met Nabiki could feel her controls cracking. Then Kasumi seemed to smile and he licked her affectionately across the cheek.
That was it. Nabiki's mind could handle no more. Her eyes rolled back into their sockets allowing the relative tranquility of unconsciousness to consume her. Kasumi blinked, a little confused, but then just cuddled up closer and gradually dozed off.
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Mai bid Akane farewell as the happy girl left with her new pet. It always gave her such a warm feeling when she saw a person and an animal so much in love with each other. It was as if those two were meant for each other. Heaving a sigh she decided it was time to get back to work. First things first, she had to go and let the animal out of his cage.
In the shelter area there was a cage sitting on the floor. About two and a half feet square, it was usually used for transporting medium sized dogs to the vet. At the moment it contained another type of animal. "So big boy, if I let you out do you promise to behave?"
"Some people have no sense of humor at all." Akira managed to gasp out with difficulty seeing as he was currently rolled up into a remarkably small ball for someone of his size.
Akane practically skipped as she walked down the street. C-chan was safe, and she was all hers. Akane stroked the small cat who seemed content to just ride in her arms. Mai had warned her that C-chan might try to escape once they were outside, and had offered the loan of a carrying case. Akane had declined and was glad now that she had. The small animal settled into her arms as if she had ridden there her entire life.
A call from up the street pulled her attention away from the cat. She looked in the direction the hail had come from and saw two of her friends from school, Sayuri and Yuka. Waving to let them know she had heard them she walked up to where they had stopped to wait for her.
"Boy, did you see what the mysterious hunk did to Kuno in the gym?" Yuka asked. "He ripped his Bokken to shavings with one blow, and then did the same thing to Mr. Blue Thunder. God, he's such a dreamboat." Akane could not help but smile a little at this. She wondered what her friends would do if they found out their newest heartthrob was really a girl. Still, she wondered what Kuno could have done to make Kasumi shred him like that then shrugged the thought aside. She was sure Kasumi had a good reason.
"I didn't see it," she answered her friends question. "I had to get over to the shelter and pick up C-chan." Hearing her name the small cat pricked up her ears and gave an inquiring Mrem.
"How cute!" Both girls exclaimed together.
"I never imagined she was such a beauty Akane," Sayuri said. "I can't believe no one took her." A thought occurred to her at that point. "Hey, I thought you said your Aunt wouldn't let you keep her?"
"She did," Akane confirmed. "My sister Kasumi has this weird allergy, but I talked to Kasumi after school and she said if I promised to keep C-chan away from her she would have no problem with me adopting her."
"I don't know Akane," Yuka said. "If I tried to get around a direct order like that from my mother she'd tan my bottom." At Sayuri's skeptical glance she modified her statement. "Well maybe not now that I'm older, but I would definitely be hearing about it in great detail and at length. At the very least I'd have to take the cat back to the shelter."
"Aunt Nodoka's not like that," Akane said, but there was a hint of worry in her voice.
The three friends gossiped for a little while until their paths separated and they each headed off to their own homes. Alone again, Akane was no longer almost skipping. In her excitement over gaining Kasumi's blessing she had completely forgotten about Nodoka. Her Aunt was not unkind, but she took a very dim view of Akane, Nabiki or Ranma deliberately going against one of her rare decrees. Despite her brave words earlier she was not at all that sure that she would not be ordered to return her new pet.
She was almost home before a possible solution presented itself to her. She could take a page out of Ranma's book. After all, if he could hide that 'elephant' of his she should have no trouble with a little thing like C-chan. Then it was only a matter of getting Kasumi to present her case to Nodoka. Akane was sure that Nodoka would agree if Kasumi herself asked. That done, she could take a trip out her window with C-chan, visit the park for an hour and then come back home with her newly adopted pet. Aunty would never know that she had gone around her direct order. Satisfaction at a problem solved put springs in Akane's steps and she was sliding in her bedroom window within seconds.
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About that time Nodoka was getting ready for dinner. However, she was surprised to find the house rather empty. Soun was out at a community meeting and would be back soon but that didn't explain the others. Kasumi, Akane, and Ranma should have arrived home long ago and her good for nothing husband was nowhere to be found.
She sighed as she headed upstairs to wake Nabiki. She hoped Kasumi hadn't run into some new difficulty. No wonder the poor child was so confused about life, it had the nasty tendency of throwing her all kinds of problems. Nodoka just hoped that she could bring Kasumi around and repair the damage that had been done.
Nodoka knocked on Nabiki's door. "Time to get up," she said but received no response. "Nabiki? Are you awake?" she asked but again heard nothing. No doubt the girl was fast asleep. She must have been more tired than I thought, Nodoka thought. She briefly considered just letting her sleep but then she'd get no sleep that night so she opened the door and walked in.
It took a couple seconds to fully comprehend what she saw. When she did she nearly repeated Nabiki's reaction but instead managed to retain her senses. "Kasumi? Nabiki?" She finally managed to stammer out.
Hearing their names called out so loudly and with such emotion both siblings awoke. Kasumi's mind had finally cleared and his regular sensibilities had returned. Nabiki, on the other hand, almost immediately returned to her state of mind before her fainting spell as soon as she laid her eyes on Kasumi. Kasumi returned the look in confusion and could see that Nabiki was shaking like a leaf. Then both noticed Nodoka.
Nabiki could handle it no longer. She screamed at the top of her lungs, rolled out of her bed and away from Kasumi in a panic and dashed by Nodoka. She continued to run, and scream, until she finally ended up in the bathroom. She locked herself inside, collapsed to the floor, holding herself, and continued to shake as she tried desperately to control her tangled mess of emotions.
Nodoka had watched Nabiki run off then turned back to Kasumi, a look of utter disbelief on her face. Before she even opened her mouth Kasumi jumped to his feet and began to speak, his own emotions wildly unbalanced. "It's not what it looks like! I swear! We... I... ahhh... Nothing happened!"
"I hope not!" Nodoka exclaimed in response.
"It's... it's my phobia... it... it... it sometimes does this to me."
"It makes you sleep with your sister?"
"Nono! I just sometimes, sort of, ahhh... lose it." Kasumi winced at his choice of words as Nodoka scowled. "That's not really what I... well, maybe it was but... I start thinking like a cat and... and..." Kasumi tried to continue but his mind just wasn't producing the words. After a few moments he finally gave up and bowed his head, his face so red that one would swear he had sunburn.
Nodoka took a moment to calm herself and restrain any further outbursts. After taking in a deep breath she looked at Kasumi sternly. "I'll go prepare some tea..." Kasumi winced at the words.
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Ukyo arrived at the Tendo home still nursing several injuries, both physical and emotional. What am I going to do now, she asked herself as she climbed up to Ranma's window. There she paused to consider her options. If Ranma ever learned of her curse... Oh, she just couldn't bear that. Yet, to ensure he didn't meant leaving.
Ukyo closed her eyes to fight back the pressing feelings of helplessness. Maybe he was right, maybe it was really low to trick him like this and maybe she didn't deserve his love. No, it's not like she intended to deceive him. It was an accident. A voice in the back of her head quickly added, yeah, maybe at first but what about now? Ukyo fought for a counter argument but nothing could really justify it.
She turned away from the window. She'd leave and never come back. She'd go on with her life somewhere else. Now wait a second, what about Kasumi. She was the reason Ukyo was here in the first place. She just couldn't leave Ranma defenseless to that parasite. Kasumi would ruin him for sure. No, she couldn't leave. She had to stay and defend Ranma. If he found out, so be it, that would be her punishment. However, in the meantime she could do everything she could to ensure Ranma's future happiness. For all Ukyo's selfless arguments there was always another little voice adding, together with me.
Her mind made up she quickly entered the room and changed forms using a stash of water she had placed there before leaving for school that morning. No sooner had she done so then she heard the voice of her sworn enemy below thanks to her keener wolf hearing. She laid close to the floor to listen in and couldn't help but start snickering as the meaning of the conversation became clear. It looked like her plan hadn't been a total failure after all.
Her pleasure was brought short, however, when she picked up on Ranma's voice as he entered. Damn, Ukyo thought, forgot about that. Sure enough Kasumi immediately called on Ranma to validate her claims and explain the situation. What spirit was looking out for her anyway? Probably the same one who's trashing my life, Ukyo thought to herself.
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Kasumi heaved a sigh of relief as he made his way to the bath and a change of bodies. Thank the gods that Ranma had come home when he had. For some reason sitting there facing Nodoka, all he could think of was the scene he and Nabiki had presented. As a result he was totally unable to frame any sort of rational explanation. It did not help that his last recollection was of a Bengal tiger looming over him. Every time he cast his mind back in an effort to remember how he had ended up in Nabiki's bed that image filled his mind. He gave a shudder at the thought.
Sometimes his... other self did some truly odd things. The attack on Genma, who they had found just a few minutes ago, he understood. Down deep he was still extremely angry at him. Only his everyday human sensibilities and controls kept him from acting on that anger. Ukyo... Kasumi sighed as he admitted to himself that his old friend was attracting a great deal of Kasumi's anger as well. Kuno was also quite the nuisance although Kasumi hadn't thought him that much of a bother. Apparently his other self did though and it never needed much of an excuse.
Then there was Nabiki... They had been quite close as sisters go before Kasumi left. She had often been quite a fun playmate in Kasumi's youth. He guessed it had just carried over to today. It didn't take much that way either. Anyone he felt close to and trusted could usually bring him out of it. Unfortunately, Nabiki knew nothing of this.
Reaching the bathroom he tried the door and found it locked even though the occupied sign was not up. He knocked on the door and asked, "hello, is anyone in there? I need to get my female body back." The shriek that answered that innocent question nearly blasted him out of the laundry room. "Ah... sorry... I'll come back later then?" Once again a scream rang out from behind the door. Deciding to stop before his ears suffered anymore damage Kasumi left as quietly as he could.
Akane had been waiting anxiously for a chance to catch Kasumi alone. She had been intensely curious about all the yelling and shouting that had happened a little while ago. She had wanted very badly to find out what was going on, but she had not dared to leave C-chan alone in her room before her status was firmly established. She had peaked out her door a little while ago and seen her Aunt walking down the stairs, a downcast Kasumi close behind. Since then she had been listening intently at her door. At last she heard Kasumi's steps out in the hall and flung open her bedroom door. Kasumi, who had been lost in thought about how to make things up to Nabiki, fell into a defensive stance when Akane's door slammed open, but relaxed as soon as she saw it was only Akane.
"Can I help you Akane?" Kasumi asked and then could have slapped herself when she saw the look in Akane's eyes.
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"Are you insane?" Nodoka practically screamed, but almost immediately pulled herself together. "I'm sorry Kasumi...You took me by surprise...I have had a few too many surprises today I'm afraid...I am not really at my best." Drawing a deep breath to compose herself she focused on finding her center and when she was confident that she was calm continued. "Now, why on earth would you want to let Akane bring that cat home? After what happened today I would have thought you would never want to see another cat again."
Every time Nodoka said the C word Kasumi flinched. He tried to control his reaction as it would not help his argument any. "What happened today is the very reason I agreed to help Akane." Kasumi tried to calm himself. He had to remain calm if he was to make his points. "When Uncle Genma and I were traveling we encountered very few c..c.c.c.c"
"Cats?"
"Yes, them, Thank you. They were very...wild in the country. They would avoid people whenever possible...You very rarely saw one and then only at a distance. Here in the city, it is different...They...come up to you in the street...You could meet one anytime, be surprised at anytime." He paused, and tried to compose himself.
"The few instances you know about aren't the only ones...I have had...several encounters since I came back from my training trip." Kasumi closed his eyes and wiped the sweat from his face. He was looking very pale, but he continued. "This can't go on...I have to get at least some sort of control...I have to at least try to get to the point where I don't go into a blind panic at the very sight of one...That's why I agreed to Akane's request. If I know it is here, and if Akane keeps it out of sight then maybe I can learn to control my fear. It will be hard, I know, but I think I can do it."
Nodoka pondered this for a minute. "You make a very good argument Kasumi. Now, what's the real reason?"
Kasumi's shoulders slumped, and he gently murmured. "I don't want Akane to hate me."
"Akane would never hate you Kasumi. She's your sister. She loves you."
"Does she? She barely knows me. She's friendly, but I don't think it really goes deep. I don't want her to see me as the person that caused something she cares very much about to die."
"Things die Kasumi. Akane needs to learn that sometimes there is simply nothing we can do about it."
"But there is something I can do about this, and I have to do it." The expression on his face went reflective. "I remember when mother brought Akane home. I thought she was the most wonderful thing in the world. A living breathing doll just for me. By the time I was four Mother would trust me to sit and hold Akane while she cleaned. Soon I was changing her. When we would go on a picnic in the park after Akane was walking, mother would trust me to keep an eye on her and see that she did not hurt herself, or go too far. I loved Akane. It broke my heart when I went to live with you and Uncle Genma. I think I missed her even more than I missed my mother at that time." Kasumi looked at Nodoka with fire in his eyes. "I won't let my fear hurt Akane. I will control it. If I have to move to my own apartment then I will, but I won't cause the death of something Akane loves if there is a single thing I can do about it."
Nodoka sighed. "I see. I don't want to hurt Akane either dear. I had hoped that she would not get her heart involved with this little cat. I should have known better. Akane was never one for half measures; she always gives everything she has." Nodoka smiled at Kasumi. "I'm glad you love your sister Kasumi. I have spent the last few days fearing that Akane was going to have her heart broken. Several times I wanted to ask you if you could not bring yourself to live with your fear, but after I heard what happened today I had given up on that idea. Very well, Akane may adopt her pet."
Kasumi sighed in relief. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me; you're the one that has to deal with your fear, but Kasumi..." Nodoka leaned forward and placed a hand on Kasumi's knee. "You must not think of leaving here. This is your home."
"I know, but I'm nineteen, I have a job, and you must admit things are a little crowded around here."
Nodoka laughed. "Yes, just a little, but they're family and we love each other. You must admit though that moving out would be a waste. When you marry Ranma and the two of you take over the dojo you would just have to move back in." Kasumi just looked at Nodoka for a minute until she lost her straight face and smiled, a small laugh escaping her. "I know, I know...when pigs fly. I saw no point in arguing with my husband or your father but in truth I never really saw any chance. I'm surprised you agreed to that arrangement to tell the truth. I truly expected you to refuse point blank."
"To tell the truth I saw no reason to argue either. I thought if Akane and Ranma had a little time without any pressure they would soon find people they wanted to be with, maybe even each other." Kasumi shrugged his shoulders. "It's not like I had any other attachments after all." He could not quite keep a touch of sadness out of his voice.
"O my dear, you mustn't think that. You'll meet someone. Just wait, sometime when you least expect it you'll look up and there he'll be, your one and only."
"I suppose you're right." Kasumi said, turning his head away so Nodoka would not see the sudden tears that had filled his eyes. Nodoka, however, was no amateur at the game of parenting and reaching out and laying a hand softly on Kasumi's cheek turned his head so she could look him straight in the face.
"It would seem I have blundered, do you want to talk about him."
"Him?"
"The boy you're thinking of right now. The one that's making you cry."
"Really... It's Noth...I mean...there's no...who could expect...this body...O damn." With that Kasumi lost it and started to weep in earnest, he wrapped his arms tightly around his chest and started to curl up into a ball while sitting on his chair, but Nodoka quickly stood up and wrapping her arms around his neck pulling Kasumi tight against her chest. Kasumi buried his head in her chest and let all the suppressed grief from the last few months flood out of her. Nodoka stroked his head gently, and allowed him to cry himself out. "This is stupid," he gasped after a moment, "martial artists aren't suppose to cry."
Nodoka sighed. "Unfortunately I do not have to ask who told you such a stupid thing. Kasumi, martial artists are people and sometimes people need to cry. Now, tell me, what is it? Was it your curse, could he not handle it?"
"You...could say that, when... he... when I showed... him, well, Ranma's reaction when he found out we were engaged was raving approval in comparison."
"Kasumi, I know you won't believe me, but you will get over this, and you will meet someone else. Some where there is a nice boy who is just right for you."
Kasumi gave a rather shaky laugh. "A nice boy, I suppose." He managed to put a smile on his face as he drew away from Nodoka. Getting up from his chair he pulled himself up to his full height and gestured at his well muscled body. "But what would that nice boy think of my female form, and if I find a nice boy in that form what will he think of this form. It's all right." He said forestalling the comment Nodoka was about to make. "I know there is someone for everyone, and I'll meet my someone, someday. Thank you Aunty...I really needed that. I hadn't realized just how much till now." Wiping the remains of moisture from his eyes with the back of his hand Kasumi heaved a sigh. "I feel much better now...I guess everyone needs a good cry, once in a while. I think I'll go and let Akane in on the good news."
XXXXX
Ukyo raised her head from the floor where she had been listening to the conversation below. Well it looks like at least one man was able to see through Kasumi's facade. Maybe there was hope that Ranma would as well. She did not believe for a minute that Kasumi had given up on her efforts to get Ranma. She had put on a good act for Nodoka, but she had not fooled Ukyo. For a minute she growled over the fact that Kasumi had managed to con her way out of another compromising situation. It had still happened, however, and if Ukyo could find ways to show Kasumi's true nature, then they would remember this incident and the others, and they would gradually come to realize Kasumi's true nature.
A sudden shout of joy brought her attention back to the present. It looked like Kasumi had told Akane about Nodoka's decision. She curled her lips back from her fangs, yet another incident of Kasumi playing the saint. She was of mixed emotions considering Akane's new pet. While she resented the small cat for attacking her a week ago she could all too easily imagine herself trapped in a pound on death row so she was happy that Akane had managed to rescue her pet. As well, the cat might come in useful as a weapon.
She started as the door to the bedroom slammed open.
"Come on Ryouko, this is it." Ranma shouted from the doorway. Ukyo looked at him in puzzlement. "Sorry girl, guess you don't know your name yet." He laughed. "How could you? I just thought it up a little while ago." Calming down he motioned to Ukyo. "Heel! Let's go and introduce you to mom. This is the best chance we are going to get. She just let Akane have her cat. We may never have a better chance." They headed out of the room together and down the stairs. "Be on your best behavior now girl. We want to make a good impression."
Nodoka was sitting down in the kitchen finishing off her tea and thinking of her rather surprising encounter with Kasumi.
"Mom."
Nodoka looked up and saw Ranma standing in the doorway, and standing beside him was one of the biggest, nastiest looking dogs she had ever seen. I don't think I can take this right now, she thought as she drooped her head and covered her eyes with her right hand. A sudden weight in her lap made her look down at the large canine who had placed it's head in her lap and was now looking up at her with pleading eyes.
"Mom, I'd like you to meet Ryouko. She really nice and obedient and-"
Nodoka held up her hand to forestall Ranma's familiar line of patter. She had heard it a dozen times before. Looking down at the soft brown eyes, she spoke. "She's your responsibility. You take her to the vet."
"Done already."
Without breaking stride Nodoka continued. "You feed her, bathe her, de-flea her if necessary and see that she gets proper attention for all other matters." Before Ranma could throw his arms around her in glee she looked up at him and fixed him with a gaze that brooked no argument. "You also make up a sheet with a good description that I will look over when you are done. Then you will have copies made and posted in all the local stores and on all the poles for five blocks around where you found her. Agreed?"
A slightly subdued Ranma nodded his head.
"Fine." She looked down at the dog. "She is very handsome Ranma. I hope you don't lose her." She gave Ryouko head a gentle pat. "Now lady, if you would get your head out of my lap, I have an errand to run."
XXXXX
Akane jumped the last few feet to the ground, cushioning C-chan from the impact as best she could. Adjusting her clothes she thought, now, an hour in the park and I'll be back home with my new pet. She turned and almost bumped into Nodoka.
"Hello Akane, I was looking for you."
"Aa... hello Aunty."
"I find I need a favor dear."
Akane was feeling more than a little nervous by now. Surely Nodoka could not have missed seeing C-chan. "Of course Aunty, what can I do for you?"
"I was planing on giving the kitchen a good going over with Nabiki this weekend, but she is...indisposed and I have an errand to run. You would not mind would you?" Nodoka's tone might have been gentle but the glance she dropped to the small cat in Akane's arms spoke volumes.
Akane gulped. "Of course not Aunty, I would be happy to do that for you."
"I knew you would be. I'll have a list drawn up for you by tomorrow. If you get an early start I think you can be finished in a day. Well, I won't keep you any longer dear. Why don't you go and play with your new pet." Glancing down she looked at the little cat in Akane's arms. She smiled and gently scratched it between the ears. " She is very pretty. I'm glad you saved her."
Akane just stood there mouth open in shock as Nodoka walked away from her.
XXXXX
Some hours later Akira was locking up. "Another day..." He half mumbled as he grabbed up a clipboard with a list of the 'inmates'. He looked it over and smiled slightly at the line drawn through C-chan's entry. Sure, he could be a little abrasive sometimes but he was glad to see another animal with a good home. He twisted his neck as he remembered his punishment for a certain 'tasteless prank', as Mai referred to it.
He stepped into the holding area, still examining the list. One particular entry had the rather unfortunate listing of a 6 as the number of days spent here. Akira looked at the white tom in his cage and shook his head sadly. "Only got tomorrow left fella. Sorry about that." Although he knew the cat couldn't understand him, he could have sworn he saw it shake its head in sad acceptance. Just my imagination, he concluded as he hung up the clipboard and shut off the lights. "Nite fellas." He said as he closed the door.
Artemis looked around his cage in search of some escape. As with every other night nothing presented itself. His mind wasn't being all that helpful either. All the possibilities had been exhausted. Well, that's it, he concluded finally, there is no helping it. I'll just have to call in some help, as embarrassing as that prospect is.
Artemis sighed as he produced his communicator and called in the cavalry. Not long now, he thought as he sat on the floor and waited. However, after a short while he heard something. He looked up curiously at the window to see a dark form just outside. Closer examination quickly revealed it to be a cat, a cat with pink fur. Artemis stood in amazement and watched as his former fellow prisoner unlatched and opened the window.
C-chan took a moment to examine the interior of the building. Great, she mussed to herself as her eyes revealed to her only blurs in the darkness, I'm probably going to need glasses when I get back to normal. C-chan paused at that thought as it triggered a familiar recollection along with a large amount of detest. She tried to focus on it but the feeling slipped away.
C-chan shook her head in disappointment then returned her attention to the problem at hand. She concentrated with her other senses, something she had been getting quite good at lately, which helped to fill in the gaps her vision left. She made her descent to the floor safely then made her way to the shelves. They were out of her reach but she quickly thought of a solution to that problem. She walked over to a nearby pole, the same one Mai had used earlier to close the very window C-chan had entered through. She tipped the pole over to the shelves and amused herself with the thought of using an object of her captivity to make a break out.
The pole in place, it was no problem for C-chan to climb up and retrieve the keys. Moments later Artemis and her were dropping down to the ground outside. "Thanks a bundle. You saved me from a fate worse than death." Artemis said happily.
"What was that Artemis?" Minako said as she approached causing Artemis to wince. He looked over to see Minako approaching together with Usagi and Luna.
"Hiyah girls," Artemis sheepishly greeted.
"So, got yourself stuck in the pound did you. Should have known," Luna commented.
Usagi nodded as she stifled a yawn. "Yeah, and why didn't you call earlier? I'm missing a good deal of sleep because of you. You had us worried sick."
"It was nothing serious." Artemis started to explain. "Besides, I got out, see. Oh yeah, and I..." Artemis turned to introduce C-chan but found her walking off. "Hey, wait!"
"Been carousing with common alley cats have we?" Luna slyly asked causing C-chan to stop and turn back towards her. C-chan walked over, stared Luna sternly in the eyes then whacked her head into the ground with her paw. She then turned up her nose at the black cat who was now rubbing her face in shock and began walking off again.
"You shouldn't insult Artemis's new girlfriend Luna. I don't think she takes kindly to it." Usagi commented with a touch of amusement then yawned. "Let's get back to bed."
"But-" Artemis started to say but got picked up by Minako.
"Save it. You can tell us later. We'll all be in a mess of trouble if we're caught out this late." Minako said.
"Be seeing you!" Artemis called out to C-chan as he got carried off. C-chan looked back at him, wondering just what he meant.
She dismissed the thought and started to walk again but then stopped. Where was she going? She had slipped away from Akane while she slept, fully intending on leaving but where to? Her memories were still toast and without them she didn't know who she was, how to change back or how to get home. She drooped her head as she tried once more to force her mind to function properly but as usual nothing came of it. However, one mental image did come to mind, that of Akane and the security C-chan felt when close to her. This is totally silly, she thought to herself, I'm not a cat, I shouldn't be thinking like this. Despite her protests the feelings remained. Well, I got no where else to go right now, she finally thought and headed back off to the Tendos'.
End Chapter 7
And another one bites the dust. Special thanks to T. H. Tiger for his creative assistance.
Bye for now.