Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought
Chapter 9
Earlier Morning: Hikawa Jinja shrine
"Usagi! Would you please try to stay awake for more than five minutes! We only have a little while to discuss this and you're snoring is distracting us," Rei yelled.
"Hu...wha..." Usagi forced opened her bleary eyes and stared at Rei. "Just a little longer mom, I'll get up... Owww!"
"Pay attention, meatball head," Rei hissed at her after giving her a whack across the back of the head.
"Gees Rei, why'd you have to go and do that?" Usagi rubbed the back of her head while glaring at Rei. "I was having the most wonderful dream, and you had to go and spoil it"
"This is serious! You know Ami has been scanning all week trying to discover if Artemis's friend was another moon cat, so pay attention or else." Rei picked up the wash bucket and mimed throwing it at Usagi.
"All right, all right, I'm up. Gees, you're such a grouch, Rei."
"I AM NOT A GROUCH!" Usagi was blown over by Rei's yell and fell off the back of the narrow stool she had been sitting on. As she flailed about, trying to get back on her feet, Rei turned to Ami and said. "Go ahead Ami. Some of us are interested in what you have to say."
"Yes Ami, did you find anything?" Artemis eagerly asked.
Ami started to go over her findings. "The results were very inconclusive. There is definitely something strange in that area. I get strong pulses of magic registering at random times and places. All I can say for sure is your friend is not like you or Luna."
"Well I could have told you that. Ill bred little tramp..." Luna muttered, still smarting from the smack C-chan had given her.
"Don't be like that Luna." Usagi had finally gotten back up and now scolded Luna. "You did say some nasty things about her after all," Usagi admonished the sulking black cat, secretly glad to have a chance to do the lecturing for once. "She had a right to defend her honor."
"Well I still say she's an agent of some evil organization. They knew Mr. Hormone there would be a sucker for a pretty face and they were right. He was so busy trying to impress her he spent days locked up in that horrid place. What if Minako had needed him? He was so busy trying to UUMMPP."
Artemis looked over at Ami after he had placed a paw over Luna's mouth. "Please, go on Ami."
"Thank you Artemis, as I was saying, you and Luna have a very distinctive energy reading. My computer is calibrated to read you both and I can find nothing similar to either of you in that district."
Rei frowned. "Do you think the magic you're registering is evil? I did a fire reading and got a very strange result. There is a great disruption coming to that area but I could get no feeling as to whether it was good or evil. If only we were closer so we could personally monitor the situation."
"Uh guys..." Every one turned to Makoto who had been unusually silent all through the meeting. "I, uh, had to go see my student advisor today. They're worried about that fight I had last week."
"What, no way was that your fault Makoto! Those grotty boys were just asking for what you gave them," Usagi said in outraged tones.
"Thanks, I know, but it's just one more fight on my record." Makoto sighed. "My advisor said she was very worried about my temper. She's afraid I lack control."
"That's silly Makoto. You're one of the nicest people I know," Ami said.
Makoto threw her a grateful glance. "Thanks, but you have to admit it looked bad when I clobbered those boys the other day. The councilor didn't see the start. All she saw was me beating up three boys. Then there are all those absences. Ami might be able to get away with a missed period because of Youmas but my reputation makes the teachers note every time I'm even a minute late for class."
"But your reputation is just a rumor among the students. We know you weren't actually kicked out of your last school for fighting," Rei said growing angry at the thought of Makoto being unjustly accused.
"The problem is that teachers hear rumors too. They've been watching me closely ever since I transferred to Usagi's school. I'm afraid fighting Youmas interferes with my studies at times, and it shows up in my work and in my attendance."
"I'd be happy to help you, Makoto," Ami offered.
"Thanks, I may take you up on that," Makoto said with smile. "In any case, that's not why I brought up the matter. The advisor mentioned a project their running at another school. It's a class for students whose physical ability makes it hard for them to conform to student life."
"In other words," Rei said angrily, "it's a class for bullies. You can't let them send you there Makoto! You haven't done anything to deserve that."
"Ya," Usagi chimed in. "No way will we let them railroad you. We'll get a petition going."
"Aa, Usagi-" Makoto tried to break into Usagi's rant, to no avail.
"We'll hold protests. I know, we'll have a sit in. No way are they going to send one of our friends off to some grotty reform school."
"USAGI!" Makoto yelled in Usagi's ear.
"EEE!" Usagi yelled and jumped into Rei's lap in shock.
"Do you mind meatball head," Rei said with a frosty voice before pushing Usagi off her lap.
"Why did you yell at me Makoto," she whined. "I was only trying to help."
"I already told the advisor I didn't want to go," Makoto explained. "I can't afford to get too far away from my duties as Sailor Jupiter. She said I didn't have to go if I didn't want to. It was completely voluntary and if I did not want to go I did not have to."
"What?" Usagi, Rei and Minako screamed as one.
"Then why did you even bring it up," Usagi continued. "You had us all upset over nothing," she whined again.
Makoto rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. "Aa, well... you see... the school she wanted me to attend was in the same district as the pound Artemis was at, and where those readings Ami is getting come from," she explained.
Makoto took a second to compose herself before continuing. "I've been thinking about it. Don't you think it's a little peculiar all these things happening in the same place at one time? First Artemis finds a cat who is as intelligent as he and Luna even if she can't speak. Then, when Ami investigates she finds strange readings in the same area. Now there is this new program that is collecting all these physically strong people in a single class in a school in the same district. As well, according to my advisor the teacher who will be in charge of this class has reduced the violence at this school by over eighty percent since she started."
"Hmm," Ami considered. "You have a good point. If this teacher was draining energy the way the dark kingdom generals use to, you would expect the students to be tired and lethargic. She may be a Youma."
"Then let's dust her!" Usagi yells, jumping to her feet. "Moon..."
"Hold it meatball head, we can't go off without evidence," Rei yelled, pulling Usagi back down to her stool.
"Rei's right Usagi," Ami said. "We have only coincidence to go on. The teacher could very well be very good at her job. There is no real evidence at the moment to suggest that she might be a Youma. I think we should investigate... I think I should go over there tonight and take some readings from closer in. I may be able to get a clearer idea if I can get more detailed scans."
Artemis hopped up onto Ami's lap and said, "Good idea Ami. I'll come and keep you company. Things are quiet here, and if Minako can spare me..." He directs a questioning look at Minako.
"What? O sure, no problem. As a matter of fact, maybe I should come along as well. You know what you're like Ami, once you get your nose buried in your computer you won't notice a Youma if it stood in front of you and yelled."
Luna was not so easily swayed. "You just want to visit that Alley Cat. You couldn't care less about Ami."
"It's true, I want to see C-chan again. She saved my life after all." Seeing Luna about to object he continues. "I know, I know, you were coming to let me out, but she had no way of knowing that. I owe her. She is intelligent." Here he glared at Luna who sniffed and turned her back on him. "She has no memory of who she is."
Usagi interrupted him. "I thought you said she couldn't talk? How do you know she lost her memory?"
"When you spend four days sharing adjoining cells with nothing to do you can get really good at twenty questions," Artemis replied.
"Just as well you weren't in the same cell or you would have found something else to play," Luna said with a disparaging sniff.
Artemis scowled, but said nothing to her. He turned back to the girls and went on with his reasoning. "It can't be a coincidence that Ami is picking up strange readings from the same place I found her, there has to be a connection. I'm the best one to go with Ami. I can blend in, no one will notice me, and C-chan should trust me, and she may be the key to this mystery. You can't go Luna. C-chan would never trust you."
"I think it's sweet, you wanting to go and protect your girlfriend," Usagi gushed, "I think you should go. As Sailor Senshi it is our duty to see that the path of true love runs smooth, just like with me and Mamoro."
Everyone big sweated. Minako finally recovered and said. "All right, it's settled. I'll meet you after school tonight Ami and we'll go and see if we can discover what's going on." She gave Usagi a wink and continued. "And, Artemis will come along to question his friend." Luna gave a sniff of disgust at this but said nothing further.
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Ukyo dashed from her classroom as if life itself depended on it. In fact she was urgently seeking out Ranma. Today was one of those rare days when she could catch him alone without Akane or Kasumi nearby. Kasumi would surely do everything she could to mess things up and although Akane hadn't done anything she would still be a problem. She was Kasumi's sister and still believed in this act her sister was putting on. She would be an unpredictable complication that Ukyo couldn't risk. In any case, none of that mattered today. Akane was spending the afternoon in training and wouldn't be with Ranma, giving Ukyo a window of opportunity should she reach Ranma before Kasumi could. Apparently, she was going to get lucky this time. She rounded the corner to Ranma's locker and there he was, with no Kasumi or Akane in sight. Ukyo skidded to a halt next to him, causing him to start from her sudden appearance.
"Ukyo!" He blurted out before composing himself and edging away a bit. "What are you doing here?" He asked as he returned his attention to his locker but he clearly still had his guard up.
Ukyo frowned for a second. Damn that Kasumi anyway, because of her Ranma had a wonderfully bad impression of me, she thought bitterly then tried to compose herself and speak. "Well, I... umm... came to see you," Ukyo answered.
"Me? What for?" He asked as he finished stowing his school supplies and closed his locker.
"Ahhh... To talk to you... sort of." Ukyo scowled and tried to calm her nerves which were getting rapidly shakier by the second.
"Okay. So, what did you want to talk about?" Ranma asked and started walking down the hall.
Ukyo hesitated a second then made a quick few steps to catch up and started walking beside him. "I... kind of... wanted to tell you I... I... I..." Ukyo's nerve faltered under the pressure. Too soon, too soon, she thought, need to work up to it. "I wanted to thank you for... taking care of me that time."
"Didn't you already do that?"
"Sort of but I want to do it again, properly."
Ranma looked at Ukyo with questioning eyes. "Right, sure, whatever, you're welcome. Look, I really got to get going home."
"Oh, I can walk with you, it's on my way."
"It is? Where exactly do you live?"
Ukyo turned away and bit her lip. Stupid, stupid, shouldn't have brought that up, she scolded herself. She turned back to Ranma and said the first thing that came to mind. "I... live with my parents."
Ranma looked at Ukyo in confusion. "They live close by? But I thought Kasumi and you met in-"
"We moved." Ukyo quickly added.
"Oh. So, you get along then? I kind of got the impression you weren't on speaking terms with your parents."
Ukyo looked away, this time slightly angry. That was true, she and her father had not really spoke to each other for a couple years now. Yet another thing she could thank Kasumi for. All he could talk about was Kasumi. Kasumi this... Kasumi that... Oh, how wonderful Kasumi is. It was enough to drive Ukyo up the wall at the time and now the very thought of it made her feel sick. How could her own father ignore her like that? She did everything she could to gain his respect... his attention. She spent hours learning to improve her cooking, hours more training to the point of exhaustion in the family's special style of fighting, everything, but he never seemed impressed. He always compared her to Kasumi and she always got ranked second best to that... that... that...
Ranma started to notice Ukyo's face was twisting in anger. Way to go smart guy, now you got her mad, he thought. "Ah, sorry to bring that up," he said nervously, causing Ukyo to start. She turned to look at him, remembering just then that she had been walking with him.
"It's all right." Ukyo replied with a forced smile. What was I doing again, she asked herself as they continued down the hall on their way to the main entrance.
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A short distance away Kasumi was coming down an adjoining hall on her way to meet Ranma. She still had some work to do here and the vice-principle had informed her that her assistant would arrive sometime this afternoon. She would have to meet this woman and welcome her to the school. If they were to work closely together they would have to get to know each other well. She'd have to tell Ranma this since he usually waited for her.
Kasumi mussed at that. A formality of their 'engagement'. She wondered if he had ever even considered giving this engagement a real chance. Probably not, she concluded. He seemed to like Kodachi, heaven knows why. Of course, when she looked at herself in a hallway mirror she could see why he wasn't really interested. Would others see her the same way, as some kind of tomboy? Unfortunately she had to conclude yes.
If only she could change her style a bit. It wasn't that she liked looking this way. It was necessary for the curse. Even a new more feminine haircut would look exceedingly silly when she transformed, the same went for girl's clothes. The only way she could get away from being seen as... strange in one form was to look a little odd in the other. Unfortunately, it was much more acceptable for a woman to dress in a masculine manner then the other way around. It was a compromise that did nothing for her social life however.
Kasumi sighed and pushed away the thoughts. She couldn't keep feeling sorry for herself. She had to press on and live life instead of complaining about it.
Kasumi pulled to a sudden stop when she nearly tripped over a bucket of water. She shook her head in irritation, both at her own lack of attention and some student's thoughtlessness at leaving the bucket in the middle of the hall. She picked it up and headed off to properly dispose of its contents.
XXXXX
Ahead and around the corner, Ukyo and Ranma were fast approaching. Ukyo had finally broken her mental block and was now trying to figure the best way to tell Ranma how she felt. Finally, she decided to just spit it out and be done with it.
"Ranma, I really have to tell you something."
"Yeah?"
"I... I... lo- AHHHH!" Ukyo shouted out suddenly as a bucket worth of cold water came flying her way. Fortunately she acted quickly enough to avoid getting hit, diving off to the side and hitting her shoulder rather roughly against the wall. She looked up to see Kasumi, holding a bucket, and Ranma tangled together by the corner. Ranma had been looking at Ukyo as he had rounded the corner and Kasumi had been lost in her own thoughts. Ukyo, of course, thought of none of that. "YOOOOOUUUU!" Ukyo snarled out as she leapt to her feet.
Kasumi, who up till now hadn't noticed Ukyo, looked over at her in confusion. Seeing the fury written on her face, the puddle of water on the floor, and knowing that she was holding a bucket she quickly wished she hadn't gotten out of bed this morning. "Ukyo, it's not what you think. I didn't see Ranma and-"
"THIS IS HOW YOU KEEP YOUR PROMISES, YOU... YOU... YOU..." Ukyo drew her battle spatula and readied herself for the attack. Then she caught the confused look on Ranma's face and her outrage gave way to extreme anxiety. She looked between Ranma and Kasumi, fumed, lowered her weapon then began to run off. "You won't get away with this Kasumi!" Ukyo shouted over her shoulder.
"What was that all about?" Ranma asked. Kasumi gave Ranma a nervous smile and shrugged. "Guess we better get going before she decides to come back."
"Actually, I have some work to do here. You'll have to go on without me."
"Sure," Ranma said then dashed off the remaining distance to the exit, giving a wave goodbye. Kasumi watched him go then turned to head back to the office, her mood far gloomier now than a mere few moments ago.
Time passed as Kasumi caught up with some back paper work and socialized a little with the other instructors. She had just finished the last few papers and had gone to get herself some more tea in the lounge to pass the time when the vice-principled walked in followed by a little girl with long brown hair.
"Ah, Kasumi, here you are. I was looking for you. Your assistant just arrived."
"Oh, where is she?"
"Right here," the vice-principle replied and stepped to the side to fully reveal his young companion. "Ms. Hinako Hinomiya, this is Kasumi Tendo."
The little girl jumped forward and shook Kasumi's hand vigorously. "Nice to meet you."
Kasumi looked at the little girl, understandably shocked. "I expected someone a bit... older," she finally managed to get out.
"Oh, I look really young for my age," Hinako responded with a happy childish grin.
"Indeed." Kasumi took a second to re-examine this... girl but every indicator, from appearance to behavior, said she could be no more then 12 years old. She looked at the vice-principle questioningly but he smiled, completely sure of himself and, apparently, the identity of this girl. "Ah, well then, I suppose we should go somewhere and talk."
"Oh, goody, goody, goody! Can we go to a restaurant, I'm really hungry?"
"I... suppose." Kasumi answered, still shaken that this was her assistant. "I think I know one you might like."
"Great! Let's go," the little girl replied cheerfully.
XXXXX
Kasumi walked down the hall, her eyes turning every few seconds to her companion. Ms. Hinako skipped merrily along beside her, seemingly with no more care than a child of her apparent age. Kasumi expected any moment a crowd of teachers to jump out and shout, "Gotcha," but that didn't happen. How could this girl possibly be a teacher? It was beyond reason. Then again, how could a woman change into a man spontaneously? Perhaps a similar fate had befallen this girl.
"So, Ms. Hinako, have you always looked this... young?" Kasumi asked.
"Oh yes. You wouldn't believe the discrimination," Hinako responded, her skip changing into a more subdued walk. After a second she began skipping merrily again. "I don't have that problem anymore, nope."
Kasumi smiled just to remove a bit of her nervousness. She opened the front door of the school to allow Ms. Hinako through then began to follow her outside. She made about 3 steps when her sense of danger rang out. She dodged to the side just in time to avoid Ukyo's battle spatula which imbedded itself in the ground. Ukyo jumped down and retrieved her weapon, staring at Kasumi with all the anger of her previous battles with Kasumi and more.
"I should have known you'd try something that low, Kasumi Tendo. Now you're going to pay." Ukyo pronounced and lifted her spatula to the ready.
Kasumi backed off, trying to distance herself from Ukyo while at the same time drawing the inevitable confrontation away from Ms. Hinako. "Ukyo, you don't understand-" Kasumi began in vain hope of solving this nonviolently.
"I understand perfectly! You just can't stand the thought of me and Ranma together! Well, I'm not going to let you interfere anymore." Ukyo rushed forward and sliced down with her spatula. Kasumi caught the spatula between her hands and struggled to match strength with Ukyo.
"Hey you, you can't do that to your teacher!" Ms. Hinako shouted causing both girls to turn their attention to her.
"Not now kid, you have no idea what she's like." Ukyo said then turned her attention back to Kasumi. "You better run off. You don't want to get hurt."
"Oh, you really are a delinquent, a disrespectful delinquent at that." Ms. Hinako replied then started rummaging through her pocket. After a second she came up with a 5 yen coin. "I'll teach you."
"Huh?" Ukyo looked back at the girl in confusion.
"Happo-Go-en-Satsu!" Ms. Hinako yelled out as she held the 5 yen piece between her index and middle finger, the hole directed at Ukyo. Kasumi's danger sense rang out strongly and she released her grip on the spatula and rolled aside as Ukyo stood in shock. A flash of light forced Kasumi to cover her eyes but then quickly subsided. She unshielded her eyes to find a woman standing in Ms. Hinako's place and Ukyo, or at least some...thing that looked like Ukyo, crumbling to the ground.
The woman stepped forward to the crumbled form and smiled. "Now, delinquent, you will show proper respect to your elders." Ukyo could only respond with a weak mumble that Kasumi couldn't make out.
Kasumi returned to her feet and examined the woman. Same clothing, hair style, roughly the same features given the massive age difference... "Ms. Hinako?" Kasumi asked in uncertainty.
The woman turned and nodded. "Yes, sorry it took so long. I usually keep my coins more easily available for faster access." She replied in a much more mature fashion.
Kasumi blinked in shock then looked down at Ukyo. "Will she be all right?"
"She'll recover in a little while. I only partially drained her. Shall we be going?" Kasumi again blinked but when Ukyo managed to reach a sitting position, all be it with great difficulty, she nodded and continued on her way with her new assistant.
Ukyo watched them go with a strange feeling in her. She wanted to be infuriated. She should have been infuriated. However, she was too damned weak to be infuriated. She struggled to her feet then set off on her way to the Tendos'. This wasn't over, not by a long shot. However, she was already late and she was in no condition to do anything about it today.
XXXXX
In his mind he was a tiger stalking the jungles of his imagination. Lightly he leaped over the wall. Pausing to wipe the mud from his face he continued. There, there was his objective. Quickly he dashed across the open area and made it to cover. Looking all around he confirmed that his presence was as yet unsuspected. Cautiously he climbed till he reached the window to his love's chambers. "Damn," he exclaimed when he saw the drawn curtains. But wait, all was not lost. There was a narrow gap between the two halves of the window covering. Pressing his face tight to the glass he was able to make out a narrow band of the room on the other side of the glass. Sliding his head along the window he was able to shift his narrow field of vision, swinging it across the room until it reached the bed. Yes! She was there in all her sky clad glory. Her delicate form sleeping on top of the bedspread, her breath gently raising and lowering her chest. O how he longed to feel that sweet breath caressing his features as he lightly licked her face. Every thing about her was perfect, even the way her cute little nose played peek a boo with the tip of her pink tail.
"Scat!"
Artemis started and almost fell. Looking down he saw an attractive brown haired woman. She was frowning up at him.
"I said Scat!" When Artemis still did not move she reached down into the garden and picked up a hose that had been laying in among the plants. Artemis, realizing what was coming, tried to escape but he had left it too long. The stream of water caught him in mid leap and sent him tumbling across the lawn.
Disoriented Artemis staggered to his feet and turned to flee. He ran into a solid obstruction, and once again fell. Looking up he found himself gazing into the jaws of death. He had just run into the leg of one of the nastiest looking dogs it had ever been his misfortune to see up close. He could not help himself. He screamed, not like a cat but like a human. Terrified he bolted and this time he made it to the wall. Up and over he went and was lost to sight.
Ryouko stared after him, replaying the sound he had made as he had looked her in the teeth. There was something strange in that noise. She had never heard a cat make a noise quite like that before. She had thought she had heard every panic stricken noise a cat could make. She seemed to inspire them to heights of eloquence for some reason. This was diff...
"Ryouko, come over here girl." Ryouko looked over to where Nodoka was standing near the washing line. She obediently trotted over to where Nodoka was standing and was rewarded by having her ears scratched. Ryouko felt a twinge of guilty pleasure as she leaned into Nokoka's hand. She was a girl, not a wolf. She should not degrade herself this way. A Mmmm of appreciation escaped her, however, as Nodoka's hand found a particularly sensitive spot. Maybe it was undignified but damn it felt sooo good. She almost fell over when Nodoka went back to hanging up the laundry. Sighing she slumped down and idly watched Nodoka work.
Nodoka, as was her habit, spoke to Ryouko as she worked. "You certainly put the fear of God into that cat, girl. I don't think he'll be around again any time soon. Between me and you we'll keep Kasumi safe." Ryouko started at this. Damn, another chance blown, she thought. After what happened earlier she was just itching for some way to get back at Kasumi. Thankfully the effect wore off after just a few minutes but for those few minutes she had been so weak she could barely manage to walk. What if something had happened while she was in that condition? She would have been utterly helpless. She hated that feeling. It was bad enough when she thought she was trapped in this form but even then she had some defenses. That wasn't the case this time.
Ukyo turned her mind from complaining about the problem to dealing with it. How am I ever going to show them the true Kasumi if I keep missing the obvious things, she thought. There has to be some way to show them what sort of person Kasumi really is. A noise of dismay from Nodoka redirected her attention back towards Ranma's mother.
"I swear," she was saying. "That laundry machine must eat delicates. I may have to go back to hand washing things. I know I put a dozen panties in here and now there are only eleven." Nodoka searched through her laundry basket for a little while longer before giving up and hanging the ones she had found up to dry. Ryouko went back to her brooding.
XXXXX
A very unhappy Artemis made his sodden way down the street accompanied by Minako who was trying to conceal her mirth from the deeply offended cat. They finally reached the alley where Sailor Mercury was concealed. Ami did not even notice their arrival. She was too busy scanning the interior of the Dojo. Finally she looked up from her computer and said. "I'm getting a constant low reading on the same frequency as those spikes we discussed this morning. It is a constant background noise and is so weak that it can only just barely be detected. My guess is that it is the inactive stage of whatever is causing the spikes."
Artemis came out of his sulk long enough to ask, "do you think Makoto might have been right about all the events happening in this district being connected: C-chan, those spikes, and that special class at the high school?"
Ami looked thoughtful for a minute before replying. "I would have to say there is a very high probability that C-chan is related to at least those energy spikes. As a matter of fact I'm sure of it. On my previous scans I had noticed that a large number of the spikes occurred in a relatively small area. That area is as near as I can tell the grounds of the house C-chan is living in. There is also a pattern here that occurs no where else. Every day in the morning and in the evening there is a spike. It is always within minutes of the same time each day. However, I can't come to any conclusion regarding the special class at the local high school without more proof."
"Do you think we should have Makoto enroll in that class after all then?" Minako asked.
Ami shook her head. "I hesitate to suggest it. We have no evidence at all that there is any connection and without at least a little proof I don't see how we could justify asking Makoto to throw her life into turmoil." Ami looked thoughtful for a minute. "I think we should gather more data first. I will plant a monitor on the school grounds and keep a scan going that will indicate if any energy drain takes place there. If these spikes are an indication of some new sort of Youma activity we will be able to move quickly then."
"Sounds good to me. Let's plant the monitor and get home, I need a warm towel badly," Artemis said grumpily.
Minako could not help but tease him a little. "What, you're going to leave your girlfriend a prisoner? Have you no adventure? Have you no passion?"
"What I have is the start of a cold. My 'girlfriend' has all the protection she would ever need, believe me. Now, let's get going before I start to sneeze," with that Artemis stalked off, tail high, gathering what dignity he could muster looking like a drowned kitten.
XXXXX
C-chan could not help but feel a little sad as Akane carried her down the stairs. She had finally come to the conclusion that she would never recover her memory if she stayed locked up in Akane's room for most of every day. She had decided that she would have to run away during their daily visit to the park today. It pained her to think of the hurt Akane would feel, but she had no choice. So, with a heavy heart she began to run through her plans once she was free. First she would have to double back and try to get close to Akane's sister Kasumi. There was something about that name. She was sure she had heard it before. Just hearing it brought memories to the surface of her mind. If she could just see Kasumi, touch her even, she was sure it would help her recover her memory.
"Akane."
Both Akane and C-chan looked over to where Nodoka was standing. She had just come in from hanging the laundry and she held the basket in one hand. Having attracted Akane's attention she continued to speak. "Akane, do you remember that talk we had about spaying C-chan?"
C-chan was not sure of the meaning of the word spay but from the conversations she had overheard at the animal shelter it was something that new pet owners were encouraged to have done to their pets, as a matter of responsibility. However, from the way Akane's arms tensed when Nodoka mentioned the word she at least did not believe it to be a simple thing.
"I'd really rather not do that to her Aunty."
"I understand dear, but not doing it raises concerns, and I'm afraid one of those is about to come up. I would not let C-chan run free today if I were you."
"Why not?" Akane asked.
"I caught a Tom cat trying to find his way into your bedroom just now. I'm afraid little C-chan is going into heat. If you are not careful in the park you could be hunting for homes for a basket of kittens."
C-chan felt a shock run through her at this. Unconsciously she cuddled deeper into Akane's arms. Maybe I'll stay a little longer, she thought to herself. After all, I can feel my memories sitting there. Maybe what I really need is peace and quiet to recover. Trying to crawl even farther down into Akane's embrace her decision firmed. Yes, that's what I'll do. I'll stay here in peace and quite. And solitude, she could not help but add.
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Michiru and Haruka sat together at a table in a beach side cafe, dressed appropriately for the beautifully day and location. They looked off at Hotaru who was soaking her feet in the surf, peaceful looks on their faces as they enjoyed the good weather and scenery. "Such a nice change of pace." Michiru idly commented as she took a sip of her drink.
Haruka nodded. "It's best to enjoy such things when we have the chance. At anytime we could be called on."
"True, but not today," Setsuna said, appearing seemingly from nowhere to stand behind the others to look out over the ocean. The other two women looked back at their new visitor.
"It's been a while. Where have you been hiding?" Haruka asked.
"I still have other duties to attend to, even at times such as these. Hotaru seems well."
"Yes, but I have the funny feeling you aren't here for just a visit." Michiru commented then looked at Setsuna seriously. "Is there-"
"No. Your services are not required this day," Setsuna answered before the question could be asked. She paused a moment to scan the horizon then looked at the two women. "Have you two plans this evening?"
"Not really," Haruka answered.
"Good. I think you should take Hotaru to a place I just found. It seems to be a fine restaurant. You are sure to find something of interest." Setsuna dropped a piece of folded paper onto the table. "That's the address. I'd join you, but, as I said, I have other duties." Without waiting for a response Setsuna turned and began to walk away.
Michiru and Haruka exchanged confused glances then Haruka picked up the piece of paper. She unfolded it and looked over the writing. "Why do you think she wants us to go here?"
"I do not know. I doubt she even knows. But I doubt it's anything dangerous."
"Do you think we should go?" Haruka asked, handing the paper over to her companion.
"When that one drops us such an obvious invitation, I think we should accept."
XXXXX
Kasumi walked down the street on her way home, shaking her head in wonderment. Ms. Hinako had explained her condition once they were at the restaurant and what a mess that was. Some odd old man that she could barely remember had come to her in a hospital when she was very young. At the time she was quite ill and weak but that old man had somehow given her a new constitution by allowing her to use this power. The only price to this was that although she was indeed quite old her body regressed to this younger form once she used up the battle aura she had drained off.
Kasumi could now see why she held such promise. With such an ability she could quite literally drain the fight right out of someone. It was a rather crude method, and something Kasumi wasn't too sure she approved of but it was effective. Used properly and only when necessary it could be a very valuable tool.
Kasumi hopped up onto the fence to walk past a small crowd walking the opposite way. She smiled with some embarrassment as some boys in the group looked up at her and gave her odd looks. She scolded herself as she hurried on for so flaunting her skills. Every time she did something like that she got those same looks. It seemed like everyone thought she was some kind of weird woman to be avoided.
Kasumi didn't have time to regress further into self pity. Her danger sense again rang out for the second time that day. She dodged off the fence and down to the now open street. She turned, expecting to face Ukyo but instead looked at the wrinkled, tiny form of an old woman balanced on the end of a long wooden staff that was in turn balanced on top of the narrow fence.
"Who are you?" Kasumi asked, this time absolutely sure she had never before encountered this woman. The old woman replied with a smile that seemed to split her face. Then, she leapt forward, striking with her staff. Kasumi blocked each blow but with great difficulty. The speed of the attacks increased, pushing Kasumi right to her very limits. Just as she thought she would be overwhelmed the old woman withdrew and again balanced on her staff, smiling.
"Very good. You are impressive," she said.
"Who are you?" Kasumi repeated as she held a defensive stance.
"We'll discuss that later." The old woman suddenly rushed forward with a single strike. Somehow Kasumi managed to grab the end of the staff before it made contact with Kasumi's chest. "Very impressive," the woman said then pulled her staff free of Kasumi's hand, struck once at each of Kasumi's arms in spots Kasumi knew would temporarily disable her, then stuck again at the spot on Kasumi's chest. The old woman pulled back and smiled once more. "A little work and you'll do just fine. We'll meet again, very soon." The old woman said then hoped up to the fence, onto a roof and then into the air and out of sight.
Kasumi watched her go with increasing confusion. Once her arms recovered she touched the spot on her chest where she had been struck. "I have a bad feeling..." She said as she continued on her way.
XXXXX
"Dr. Tofu?" Kasumi called out as she entered the clinic and found the waiting room empty.
"Back here. Be out in a second." He replied from one of the other rooms.
Kasumi sat down in one of the empty waiting room chairs and nervously touched the spot the old woman had struck. There was no doubt in her mind that the woman had done something to her. She had very purposefully aimed for this point and the blow was not one meant to cause physical damage. Kasumi had trained enough in pressure point attacks to know one when she saw it and this was one. The fact that Kasumi hadn't noticed any effects yet only added to her worry.
Dr. Tofu came out from the back room, his usual friendly smile on his face. "So, how can I help you Kasumi?"
"I need to know something." Kasumi began then recounted her attack to the doctor, with as much accuracy as she could remember.
His smile vanished once he realized the possible implications. "You were right to come to me right away. Come on, we'll see what we can find." He led her into the examination room. About half an hour later, after a thorough check over, and much consulting of obscure manuals he poured himself a cup of hot water, then walked over to a chair across from Kasumi and sat down.
"I think I know what it was, but there is only one way to be sure," Dr. Tofu said, the solemnity in his voice causing Kasumi to sink deeper into uneasiness. "Here, take this." He said, offering Kasumi the cup. Kasumi reached out, touched it, and snatched back her hand with a yelp of pain. The cup felt like a red hot skillet and when she looked down at her hand she was momentarily surprised to find no charred skin, just redness.
"I was afraid of that," Dr. Tofu said as he sat the cup on a nearby table. "The Cat-Tongue point."
"Cat Tongue point?" Kasumi asked in a distracted tone of voice as she tried to shake the pain out of her hand.
"It's a rare and difficult to manipulate point that regulates the sensitivity of the human body to heat. By setting it into dis-balance one's body will become hyper sensitive to even moderate temperatures above normal body temperature. In effect, your whole body turns as sensitive as a cat's tongue."
"But why..." Kasumi began to ask but the reason became quickly clear. She shook her head in denial. "No, this can't be. It must wear off."
"No, it does not." A voice said from the doorway. Both Kasumi and Dr. Tofu turned to see the old woman, balanced on her staff, grinning at them. "There would be little point in me using the technique if it did."
"Who are you?" Kasumi asked.
"Why have you done this?" The doctor asked.
"One question at a time, please. I'm getting on in years and can't always be keeping up with you youngsters." The woman hopped over to them then smiled at Kasumi. "You haven't met me before, but I believe you know a relative of mine."
"Relative?" Kasumi asked in confusion.
"Shampoo," the old woman responded. The name immediately sent Kasumi into shock. "Yes, I see you remember her. She's my great grand daughter."
Kasumi became nervous as she began to recall her encounter with the Amazon. After a second she looked at the old woman in confusion, and was noticeably less composed. "But, you must know-"
"About your curse and how it works, of course. I am well aware of the powers of the springs of Jusenkyo."
"But then-"
"It is unimportant. Whether you are male or female is purely subjective now, particularly since you'll be living your life as a man from now on."
Kasumi blinked and tried to sort through all the thoughts that were rushing through her head. After a moment she touched the point where she had been struck and fully understood. "You can't. I'm a-"
"Not anymore," the old woman said firmly. "It's best that you just accept your situation."
"I will not!" Kasumi responded. "I will not live some lie."
"Ah, but it's not a lie in your case, is it, or did the curse forget a few parts?" She asked with a chuckle.
Kasumi blushed and turned away to conceal her shaky emotions. Dr. Tofu took this moment to step in. "What exactly is this all about?"
The old woman looked at the doctor with mild surprise. "She hasn't even told you?" Dr. Tofu shook his head and the woman turned back to Kasumi. "I'll leave that explanation to her, but before I leave, where is my great grand daughter?"
Kasumi looked up in confusion. "What? I don't know. I haven't seen her."
"Odd, she should have arrived some time ago." The woman said with a frown but her face quickly smoothed over, and returned to a passive expression. "It matters not. She'll arrive soon enough." Despite her words Tofu detected a small expression of anxiety and uncertainty before she regained her calm demeanor. "I would suggest you take care of matters while you still retain your female form." She said then hopped out before either person could respond.
Dr. Tofu looked over at Kasumi who was staring at the doorway, still shaken. "Do you want to talk about this?" He asked. Kasumi looked at him with uncertainty. "I am your doctor. I'll keep anything I hear between us and if something did happen with this Shampoo-"
"No!" Kasumi blurted out then looked down at the floor to collect herself. She took a moment to consider then with a sigh nodded. "I suppose you should know. It will help you to understand the situation I am in," Kasumi said then started into her tale.
Dr. Tofu stayed silent and listened attentively to what Kasumi could remember of the events surrounding her encounter with Shampoo. Once she finished he nodded and sat back, beginning to understand the predicament.
"Her great grand mother must believe something did happen that night and intends to..." Kasumi said.
"See you marry Shampoo." Tofu completed and Kasumi nodded. "Are you absolutely sure-"
"Yes! Nothing happened!" Kasumi responded vehemently.
Tofu nodded then thought for a moment. "Well, it would seem your only option is to talk to this Shampoo and straighten this whole mess out. Once it becomes clear that nothing transpired you should be able to convince her great grand mother to undo the Cat Tongue point."
"Is there nothing you can do?"
"I'm afraid not. This point is beyond my ability to manipulate safely. I do know of a one time cure that might work but I would save that for a time when it is important that you have your true form." Kasumi nodded and then hung her head. "In the meantime I would take her advice and sort things out. Have you told the people at the school about your curse?"
Kasumi shook her head. "No, but you are right, I will have to now. Fortunately, I have recently come to believe they are familiar with the unusual." Kasumi said with a weak smile. She stood up and looked at the doctor with the best smile she could manage under the circumstances. "Thank you Dr. Tofu."
"It's no trouble." He said and escorted Kasumi to the door. After watching her go he poured himself a cup of tea and sat down to think about what he had heard. He had over the last nine years learned to read between the lines when listening to his patients' stories. Sometimes what they did not say was as important as what they did say. Kasumi had given him the facts as she knew them, he was sure of that. He was also sure that she was hiding something, maybe just from him, but maybe even from herself. It was not unusual for a patient to deny something they found unpleasant to consider. He went over Kasumi's story in his mind trying to remember how she had looked while telling her tale, how she had phrased the words, where she paused and where she rushed through a section of her story. He pondered for a while then thought to himself, it could be, it just could be. Then he smiled a sad little smile, and would that not put the fox among the chickens if it was.
End Chapter 9
Now it's heating up. C&C is, as always, very welcome.
Bye for now.