Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought
Chapter 13
The first rays of morning light came down on the streets of Nerima. With their usual ease they crept through the tiny cracks in the shades of the Tendo home to rest on the sleeping forms inside. Yesterday had been long and hard on everyone and it showed in the general disturbance of the bedding of all the home's occupants.
Nabiki tossed back and forth, haunted by probably the one thing that could break her well formed mental defenses. Her face contorted in torment as the images and sensations of something forbidden assaulted her in her dreams. Ranma muttered barely audible curses at the one that had stolen and vandalized his pet. In his mind he vowed to make the little klepto pay for her misdeeds. Ryouko laid restlessly beside him, the continuous low growl of an animal, helpless and scared, coming from her mouth. Akane slept in relative peace, dreams of her loving doctor and how she would win his heart consuming her. Shampoo's face shifted continuously from a peaceful, content smile, to a disturbed, almost frightened look. Kasumi was much the same, except that he remained more on the later than the former.
As usual the beams of sunlight brought Akane out of her slumber, she sat up and stretched with a yawn. Giving C-chan a brief stroke as she shifted to get up, she eyed Shampoo with a frown. She took a moment to examine the sleeping Amazon and thought, Shampoo and her great grand mother are causing Kasumi a lot of trouble, them and their stupid Amazon laws. That angered Akane a little. She was coming to really like her sister, and to admire her for more than just her skills. Such as how she handled adversity. There was no doubt in Akane's mind that Kasumi seemed to be cursed in more than one way, but despite that she was pushing on. If only she could borrow a little of her sister's courage and face Dr. Tofu...
Even with the engagement off she'd done nothing to get his attention. She seemed to be as paralyzed as when she was engaged to Ranma. Oh well, she thought with a shake of her head, I have other things to do. She stood up and looked back down at the purple haired Amazon. I guess you're just caught up in all of this, she thought, but I'm not just going to let you take over my sister's life. With that silent vow Akane quietly moved over to her dresser to prepare for the day, and the tournament.
XXXXX
Kasumi-kun sighed and leaned back in his chair, trying to calm down. He almost wished he could join Akane at the gymnastic tournament, but unfortunately he had other, more pressing concerns. He sighed again to release a bit of the building nervousness he was experiencing. He had been on edge ever since the Vice-Principle had left him in his office, and gone to get Miss Hinako. He had told Kasumi that he would inform Hinako of Kasumi's curse and current condition, and then bring her in to talk to him.
He had grown fond of Hinako in the very short time they had been together. Her older self was much more worldly than Kasumi. For the first time he had a female friend he felt comfortable talking to. It was just too bad she spent so little time in her adult form. Still, her younger form was so bright and cheerful that Kasumi could not help but smile at her joy in life. He had enjoyed the time they had spent together, and had been looking forward to working with her. Now there was a chance that all of that would disappear. The question was: would she be able to accept Kasumi's curse.
Lost in thought Kasumi started when the door opened and Hinako walked in. Looking at him with wide eyes she stepped closer, never taking her eyes off of his face. Finally when Kasumi's nerves were almost ready to shred she spoke. "Is that really you Kasumi?"
"I'm afraid so," Kasumi answered. "But, in this form I go by the name Kaneda," Kasumi added, noting to himself that he should begin to use the name more often himself. If nothing more, it would be to ensure he didn't slip and call himself Kasumi at an inappropriate time.
Hinako's eyes began to water, and with a wail she threw herself at a surprised Kaneda. "Big brother!" She said gleefully. Finally she released him and stepped back. Looking up at him with glistening eyes she said. "I'm so glad to meet someone like me! You have no idea how happy I am to find someone who can understand what it's like to be so different." Her eyes took on a calculating look. "Why don't we go out for ice-cream to celebrate?" She suggested.
"I think that sounds like a marvelous idea," Kaneda answered. "My treat?"
XXXXX
Later as they walked down the hall together, Kaneda felt a wave of relief as this first hurdle was successfully surmounted. Now, if only the rest of the people he had to deal with handled the change as well.
"Never! Never will I allow this abomination! Vile fiend! And shall ye now parade about, drawing another damsel into thy hell-spawned web! Not while the Blue Thunder draws breath!"
Kaneda raised a hand and covered his face in despair. Kuno stood in the middle of the hallway, a look of outrage on his face, wooden sword held menacingly high.
"Now speak, thou most wretched of beings, and speak ye true! What have ye done with fair Kasumi Tendo? Speak nave, did you burn with rage when you learned she had requested my presence in her class? Did you spirit her away that we two would not become as one and end your hold on her? Thou now shall swiftly, yea on your very leathery wings bring back the fairest flower of Furinkan High School's Faculty! And if one hair upon her head be harmed, yea if by even slightest trembling blush she do beseech my righteous wrath, I shall then verily and certainly and most FINALLY send thee back to the fiery lake from whence ye came! And if I leave a single bone of thine attached one to another then surely I shall hang my manly head in shame for all my days! But lo, my sword grows hungry for thy wretched hide! SPEAK HELLHOUND, OR FEEL IT FELL THEE NOW!"
Kaneda peaked out between his fingers. That's it? He was usually good for a least five minutes, he must be truly distressed to so quickly give Kaneda a chance to answer his query. Now, how best to reason with him? As Kaneda pondered one of the great unanswerable questions of the century, the need for the answer became moot.
"Delinquent! Happo-go-en-satsu!"
As the hall rang with Hinako's cry, and the glow of her attack filled the air, Kaneda reflected that it was just as well. Some things just could not be solved with a quiet word.
As the two friends left Kuno behind, a shadow of his former self, in the school yard a small device mounted high on the side of a tree began to send a message to its owner.
XXXXX
Shampoo sighed as she carried back a box of rice to Nodoka. Nodoka thanked her as she took the box, placing it in the hand basket she was carrying, then the two set out for the cashier. After paying for the various purchases they walked outside the store, retrieved a still very depressed Ryouko, and proceed to continue on through the market area.
Nodoka looked over at her human companion as they stopped briefly at a small shop. Shampoo had been exceedingly quiet throughout this whole outing. Nodoka was hoping to get a feel for the girl, yet all her attempts at striking up any sort of conversation had met with only the most limited of responses.
What little she had gleaned from her came from just observation. Judging from the thoughtful frown locked on her face ninety percent of the time she obviously was about as comfortable with this marriage as Kasumi. Still, she was not protesting it. She seemed to have submitted to her situation. It looked to Nodoka that if she wished to gain any knowledge beyond that she would need to ask her directly instead of dancing around the issue.
"So, Shampoo, how long have you been in Japan?" Nodoka asked, looking over the wares of a fruit stand.
"A few week," Shampoo replied as she stood to side and waited.
"Why haven't we seen you till now?"
Shampoo remained silent for a moment then finally answered, "Shampoo thinking."
"About?" Nodoka pried further, seeing an opening. Shampoo again went silent, hoping Nodoka would drop the subject. Unfortunately Nodoka looked back at Shampoo and repeated her query. "About?"
"About what happen," Shampoo finally answered, turning her head off to the side.
A rather evasive answer, Nodoka thought but decided to drop the subject. It served only to confirm what Nodoka had guessed already. She turned back to the stand, then after a moment moved on. "I'm still rather fuzzy on your marriage laws in your village. Exactly what status does a man hold when married?"
Shampoo returned her attention to Mrs. Saotome. "Man is husband of woman. If woman strong, man considered strong. He have much power among other men."
"And to other women?"
"No official power, but some power. Is like have very strong friend. You no strong, but since friend strong others treat you like treat friend."
Nodoka thought about this for a moment. "Is the same true for the weaker of a two female marriage?"
"Yes," Shampoo replied brusquely. She clearly didn't like where the conversation was going.
"So, if a woman were to take a wife with high status, she still would hold a great deal of unofficial power."
"Yes," Shampoo answered, but quickly continued, "but other woman must be there. If she no there is no power. Is also only... unofficial power, no official. Is much difference."
"I see." So, if Kasumi is not there, Shampoo loses that unofficial power, Nodoka thought. Much as a woman in Japan would lose status if her husband were not living with her and that brought up another question. "How exactly are men treated in your village?" Shampoo looked a little puzzled by the question. "It's an Amazon village. Amazons are not famous for their good treatment of males."
Shampoo looked angered by the claim. "Men no treated badly. Is big myth, made up by outsiders to make Amazons look bad. Outsiders no like idea of women lead." Shampoo took a second to calm herself then continued. "Is true men no considered equal women, but is no treat as slave if what mean. Men free do much what they want. May train, may travel outside village, may even marry outsider woman and bring into village if she strong."
Nodoka was mildly surprised by that and took a moment to think before pressing on, considering all the ways she had learned thru-out history that various dominant parties exerted their power. "Can they own property?"
"No, not really. Property considered owned by wife, or if no wife then mother. Is only official though. Is very rare for woman to take property away."
"Still, they can. Do they choose who they marry or is that purely the female's choice?"
"May choose. Sometimes parents choose, but woman never force man marry."
Nodoka nodded then frowned and asked. "Does not your laws call for the female to marry any man who beats her? I would assume in that case the man has no choice."
"Oh, yes, but is man who make choice to fight. He fight, he choose marry."
"And if a man doesn't want to fight?" Shampoo looked at Nodoka, again puzzled by the question. "How can a man gain a wife if he cannot defeat her?"
"Women can choose marry village man, no need be beat. Only need be beat by outsider. Even then sometimes choose lose."
Nodoka nodded, and turned to another vender to look and consider this information. A male's life didn't sound that bad, but she could see the difficulties. In particular she understood the difficulties Shampoo would face should she acknowledge the marriage as being to another woman. Without Kasumi there she couldn't even own property which at best meant she would be trapped living off a relative, assuming that was even an available option. That let out Kasumi being seen as a wife to Shampoo and not returning.
Seeing nothing of interest Nodoka moved on to the next stand. "Can a woman have more than one husband?" Nodoka asked, starting to probe another, less appealing option.
"No. Men is few in village. Woman no allowed have more one husband."
"Oh, why are there so few men?"
"Some no like idea of be in Amazon village. Outside world look much appealing to men so many leave. That leave few men, so make sure village no get smaller woman allowed only one husband. Is only allowable for women to share husband."
"Really? I suppose that is for times when there are particularly few males available."
"Yes."
Nodoka purchased a head of cabbage from another merchant as she thought about this. Well, leaving Kasumi male and Shampoo leaving was not really an option in any case. Finding a cure was unlikely and even if they did that would leave Shampoo's position in the village on unstable ground. If a villager were to find out, which Shampoo's great grand mother had already warned they likely would, then she'd lose her position. The fact that Shampoo could not remarry just made the option that much worse.
That left three options: have Kasumi return as a male, have Kasumi return as a female, or leave Shampoo out in the cold. All three were very unappealing. Kasumi living her life as a man was simply unacceptable. Having her forced into a marriage to another woman at all was unacceptable. Despite this, destroying someone else's life was unacceptable as well, not to mention unlikely to be allowed. Nodoka knew Kasumi well enough to realize she would likely never accept such a solution.
What was needed was another option. This matter of sharing a husband did show a little potential. It would at least make the situation more bearable. Kasumi could be restored to female form, and Shampoo could marry someone else and be left to live her life. However, it would not be a complete solution. It would still leave Shampoo with no power, effectively forcing Kasumi to return to the village. Beyond that, Kasumi could never officially marry only at best have an unofficial relationship.
Nodoka sighed. For now those were the only available options and they would have to work within them. Pushing aside the matter Nodoka turned back to getting to know the girl. "So, you are the best in your village," Nodoka commented after a minute.
"Best of age. Great grand mother better than Shampoo."
"Oh. You like martial arts?"
"Yes, want become as good as great grand mother. Make her very proud and become strong leader of village," Shampoo beamed.
"It sounds like you are well on your way. Being the best must make you very popular."
Shampoo's expression became more subdued. "Little," Shampoo replied in a mono tone.
Nodoka didn't know quite how to take Shampoo's reply. Something didn't ring right about it, but she couldn't figure out what. "Did you have any boyfriends?"
Shampoo scowled at this. "No," she answered, some anger slipping into her voice. "No have any boyfriend."
"Something wrong dear?"
"No."
Nodoka eyed Shampoo for a moment then looked away. She'd touched onto a sensitive topic, whether it was simply due to not having a boyfriend, or because of a failed relationship she could not discern. Pushing further would probably just anger her so Nodoka dropped the subject. She purchased one last item then set out for home.
Listening the whole time Ryouko had her interest peaked by Shampoo's last response. A boyfriend could be something of an issue. What exactly she wasn't sure. If she did have one, even if she didn't like him he could possibly be an aid to getting back at Kasumi. However, it was equally possible he could be a hindrance by trying to free Kasumi from the marriage. Of course, both options depended on whether he was available which he wasn't. Ryouko supposed that was for the best. The last thing she needed right now was more unknown variables to deal with.
Ryouko turned her mind to other matters, in particular her new hairdo. That brat would pay for this, but that didn't solve the more pressing problem. She couldn't stay a wolf forever. Sooner or later she'd have to approach Ranma. She'd already ruled out redoing it. That would work save the fact that her wolf form had grey fur and she had brown hair. Unlike her genetics, hair dye didn't change color thru a transformation, at least not in the proper way. So, no matters which color she used it would show. It looked like her only option was to wait for it to grow out, which meant keeping it a secret from Ranma for a heck of a long time.
Damn, she thought, I can't do that. The longer she was apart from Ranma the worse her chances got. It also left Kasumi with near free access to him to do god knows what. She couldn't let that happen.
Maybe I should just tell him and get it over with, Ryouko thought but her imagination quickly came up with Ranma's reaction. "You've been tricking me all this time! How could you? I never want to see you ever again!" Ryouko looked down at the ground, even more depressed. She just couldn't take that. Oh, what am I going to do, Ryouko asked herself in misery. If I could only tell him how I felt first, then maybe he could understand, but like this...
Ryouko shook her head then looked up idly at one of the shops they were passing and the large collection of hats inside. Oh yeah, sure, that'll go unnoticed, she thought sarcastically. Despite the thought her eyes locked on a rather large piece of headgear that just might do the job.
XXXXX
Kaneda sat in the teachers' lounge sometime later. Hinako had already headed off for home to prepare for the beginning of the class tomorrow. That left Kaneda alone to face his fellow instructors. The vice-principle had told a few others that had to know about the curse, and the reaction was understandably shocked. Those few still at the school at the end of the day were still giving him the occasional odd look. Hiro was the first to actually approach him.
He stood for a moment, looking at the strange man before him. Finally a smile broke on his face and he let out a short laugh. "This will certainly win you a prize for weirdness," he said as he sat down with Kaneda. "Ever considered show business? This would make a really neat magic act."
Kaneda smiled and shook his head. "No, I don't think so. Besides, with my present condition that's not really possible."
"So you really can't change back. You really didn't explain why."
"To change back I need to use hot water. I've become sensitive to the heat so I cannot come into contact with the water I need."
"How did that happen?"
Kaneda considered answering but then thought better of it. Trying to explain how he was married to a woman would get rather messy. "It would be hard to explain, and it is rather personal."
Hiro put up his hand in acceptance. "Then it's your business, and not for me to pry into," Hiro sighed and sat back in his chair. "Life can be a real load of trouble sometimes. You have this curse, Hinako is stuck as a pre-teen, I'm having trouble with the restaurant-"
"What sort of trouble? Still haven't found a buyer."
"No, I'm still considering that developer's offer, but I'm hoping for someone interested in reopening the place. Actually, the problem I'm having right now is vandals. I went to check on the place yesterday and found someone had broken in and messed up the place. Nothing was too badly damaged, thank god, but I really wish I had someone to look over the place. I'd do it myself, but my niece contacted me the other day. She is trying to talk a student at her school into attending your class. She asked if I would put her up for a few days if she could convince her to come. I agreed, but now it leaves me in a bind. I can't plan on moving down to the restaurant until I know what is going to happen in regards to the young lady." Hiro paused and looked at Kaneda. "Now, if some little street hooligan were to try to get in and ran into someone like you..." He said with a wide, devious grin.
Kaneda smiled, but shook his head. "I've already got somewhere to stay."
"Yes, well, it was just a thought. If you do know anyone who would be interested..."
Kaneda nodded then looked up at the clock. It was getting late. "I should be going. I hope you find a good buyer."
"Me too."
The two said their goodbyes and Kaneda headed off for home. He had made it only a few blocks away when he detected a presence nearby. He turned to find Shampoo's great grand mother behind him, smiling.
"Hello son-in-law."
"Must you call me that?" Kaneda asked as he continued on his way, the old woman hopping along beside him.
"Would you prefer that I call you daughter-in-law?"
Kaneda shook his head in mild annoyance. "No, but could you at least call me Kaneda?"
"An alternate identity... Hmm, very well, Kaneda."
"You have not told me your name."
"No, I have not," she said simply.
Kaneda looked over at her traveling companion. "Must you fight me on everything?"
"Must you?" She countered, but after a moment of mutual silence spoke. "You may refer to me as elder Cologne... or great grand mother, which ever you prefer."
"Elder Cologne, I have no real wish to fight you, but I will not be forced into this. For Shampoo sake you should at least understand. I cannot force someone to live the rest of their life with me. She would be no happier than I."
"I don't know about that. Such feelings can grow with time. Love, for all the grandeur we give it, is an emotion like any other. It can be built with time or triggered very quickly."
"But I'm not a man, despite this body," Kasumi retorted.
"And who ever said love was conditional on what you think you are? Whoever it was, he was a fool. Would you not agree that the purest form of love is that based on one's heart rather than one's body?"
"That's my point-"
"No child, you misunderstand me. You perceive yourself as a woman and therefore exclude all women as potential mates. Yet that is just a perception, particularly in your case. True love should not be based on one's gender, perceived or otherwise. It should instead be based on one's feelings for another, which ever sex they may be."
Kaneda looked away. This whole discussion was getting very philosophical and he didn't feel qualified to argue it.
Cologne smiled as she noticed Kaneda silence. "It is a difficult matter, I know, but never feel that yours is the one and only truth. There are always other opinions, and truth is mostly a matter of perspective. In any case, your point is really mute. What has been done is done. What we must now do is make the best of what we have." Cologne paused a moment then continued. "Have you ever considered having children?"
"Yes, of course I have."
"And, have you considered how the curse would affect such a thing?" Kaneda stopped dead in his tracks. He had never thought about that particular subject before, at least not in relation to his curse, but now as he did he could feel an overwhelming dread begin to take hold. Cologne stopped beside him. "From your reaction, I guess you have not."
"Are you saying I cannot have children?" Kaneda asked, already guessing the answer would be no.
"In practical terms, as a woman, no. You are most unfortunate in the curse you bear. Any other, non gender curse would not interfere in child bearing. The unborn child would simply take a form appropriate to the other body. However, as a male there is no appropriate form. The child would simply cease to exist. You might consider it the ultimate form of birth control."
Cologne little jest was lost on Kaneda as he stood in shock. He'd always perceived the curse as annoying and dreadfully inconvenient, but to find out it destroyed any chance he had of having children... Kaneda turned to Cologne, some desperation showing on his face. "But if I didn't transform-"
"Do you really believe you could avoid cold water for 9 months? Actually, it's more like 12 months thanks to the chaos your hormones are in thanks to the transformation. It would take several months at least to stabilize enough to even conceive."
Kaneda looked down at the ground for a moment then back up at Cologne. "There must be a cure. There must be a way."
"Perhaps, yet you are not likely to find it. In all my 300 years of life I have never heard of a single individual finding a cure. If you don't already know, the springs of Jusenkyo-"
"All mix, yes I know." Kaneda finished as he turned to look away. "It was the first thing I asked." Kaneda stared off blankly into open air as he digested this latest problem.
"Not all is lost. As a woman you may not have children. As a man however..."
"No! That's... That's..." Kaneda blurted out as he spun back around to Cologne. "I couldn't possibly..."
"Consider it," Cologne responded then turned and hopped off, leaving Kaneda alone in the street. After a moment he hung his head. Fate seems determined to tear apart any chance he had at happiness. Feeling a tiny drop of moisture on his cheek Kaneda raised a hand and removed it. After taking a second to compose himself he continued on for home.
A short distance away the sun glinted unnoticed off a pair of glasses. The owner quickly dropped out of sight.
XXXXX
The front door of the Tendo home opened with a shout of jubilation. In came Akane and Kodachi, both slightly worse for wear but happy, followed by Ranma who looked a little rejected. They made their way to the common room where Ryouko and Nodoka were.
Nodoka looked up at the two girls with a smile. "So, how was the tournament?"
"Great, we won!" Kodachi replied.
"Yeah, but I tied Kodachi in our match and we only lost by a few points." Akane quickly added.
"Yes, it was quite the exciting match. It was the best we've had in years. You should really join the gymnastic team you know."
"I don't think so," Akane said then the two sat down and began to recount the match in detail to Nodoka.
Ranma, having been there in person to see the events Akane and Kodachi were describing, walked off to the walkway by the pond. Ryouko walked over to join him and Ranma started to pet her, sighing and looking off at nothing in particular. Ryouko looked up Ranma in sympathy, alternating between cursing and thanking Kodachi for obviously spurning that which she'd give so much to have.
Ranma glanced back at the others as they continued to laugh and tease each other over various things that happened. He let out another sigh, this time one that admitted temporary defeat and he got up. "Come on girl. I think I'm going to go practice for a bit."
Ryouko obediently followed Ranma to the dojo. Ranma slid back the door to find Shampoo engaged in a kata, punching, kicking, and dodging an imaginary opponent. She cast Ranma a quick glance, but continued her exercise as he stood and watched. Ranma, who had seen Akane practice enough times to know, could see a distinct difference in the way this girl fought. There seemed to be a fierceness behind each blow that lacked in most martial arts training he'd seen. This girl was clearly trained for full out combat, where the victor could very well be the last person still breathing, rather than just martial arts duels.
Another thing he could see was that she was indeed formidable. Every move was complete, smooth, and well honed. He started to compare her to Akane and soon found the two to be very closely matched, although, if he had to lay a bet, his money would have to go on Shampoo.
Shampoo finally took full notice of the attention she was receiving and stopped to glare at Ranma. "What you want?" She asked, some anger slipping into her tone.
"Nothing, just watching."
Shampoo scowled angrily at his response. This jerk is gawking at me, she thought. Isn't he supposed to be engaged? Yeah, he's engaged to my... husband. Shampoo's angry scowl deepened and she started into another kata, ignoring her audience once again. She dearly wished she wasn't in this mess. She wished she had practiced harder like her great grand mother had told her to. She wished she hadn't accepted the challenge. She wished she hadn't underestimated him. She wished that he could just be a normal man.
Shampoo, in her growing frustration, threw a full strength punch into one of the dojo's walls, collapsing a good section of it. She looked down blankly at the broken wooden planks scattered about the ground outside.
"Do you mind not wrecking the place? We are supposed to be running a dojo here, and having large holes in the wall won't attract too many students." Ranma said snidely as he walked over. Shampoo turned her glare back on him, but he didn't seem to care. Instead there was a nagging sense of curiosity in Ranma. "I was going to get some practice in myself. Feel like sparring against a real opponent?"
Shampoo looked at this man, trying to contain her fury. He thinks he's better that me, she thought, clenching her fist at the idea. Fine, if he wanted a fight she would gladly provide it.
XXXXX
"Hey, do you know anything about this weird class they're starting at your school?" Kodachi asked as she walked into Akane's room.
"Yeah, Ka...neda is running it. Why?" Akane said as she followed Kodachi inside and closed the door. "Are you supposed to be in it?"
"Me, to be part of a class full of ruffians, ner-do-wells, trouble makers and hooligans... Of course they tried to get me in there." She answered with a broad smile. "Turned them down though, politely. However, I may reconsider." She added at the thought of Kaneda.
Akane laughed for a second as she looked around for C-chan. "You're lucky. I didn't get the choice since I'm going to the school already. I wouldn't have thought they'd even consider it at your school."
"Me neither, but apparently I make enough of an impression over there that they are actually willing to make a special exception. But you must admit, this whole class in general is unusual."
"Definitely, which makes me worried, in a way. I mean, its one thing to change our homerooms at Furinkan, but to transfer students from other schools. Anybody they're willing to go to that extreme with must be pretty bad… err…"
Kodachi only laughed at Akane unintentional slight. "Frankly I do find St. Hebereke rather… restrictive at times, no doubt why brother dear insisted I go there."
Akane smiled and nodded then frowned. "Where is that cat? Do you see C-chan?"
"Nope, probably catching a nap under the bed or looking for something to kill."
Akane gave her a disgusted look and checked under the bed. She shook her head. "No, where the heck is she?"
"She'll turn up."
"She had better, or I'm in big trouble. How did she get out?" Akane said as she got back to her feet, then frowned and covered her eyes with her hand. "Great, I forgot to tell Shampoo not to let her out."
"Shampoo?"
Akane gave up her search for the moment and sat on the bed. "Oh, just someone who's staying here for a while. Nobody to worry about."
Kodachi eyed Akane with some suspicion. There was obviously something more to be told on the subject, but experience told her Akane wasn't about to talk about it right now. Kodachi sat down at the desk and stretched out to relax some. "So, how's life free and clear?"
"Okay, I suppose," Akane replied with little enthusiasm
"You don't sound so pleased. What you need is a boyfriend?"
"Suuure, but it definitely will not be your brother."
"Who said anything about brother dear? I thought you had another man you had your eyes on?"
Akane turned to look at the wall, suddenly nervous. "Well, yeah, maybe."
"Then go ask the guy out."
"I couldn't. What if he said no?"
"Never know if you don't ask. Besides, no doesn't mean it's all over. It just means you have to work a bit harder."
"Oh yeah," Akane said as she looked back at Kodachi, "like I should be taking advice on love from you, Dachi."
"Hey, I resent that insinuation!" Kodachi shot back in mock hurt. "I just haven't caught the right guy yet... but I may have found him."
"Uhhuh," Akane said with a small chuckle. "Okay then, just how would you propose I ask him."
"Well," Kodachi began, as she got up and walked over to the closet. "For starters, you got to let him now you're available, and interested." She began routing through the contents of the closet as she continued. "All this nonsense about waiting for the guy to make the first move is so old fashion, not to mention painfully slow. Here we are." Kodachi stepped out holding one of Akane's more revealing sets of undergarments, a matching black set that Akane had bought on a whim, and then never had the nerve to wear. "This looks about right."
"Dare I ask? What do you want me to do with that?"
"You can always give him a nice surprise gift to open one night," Kodachi replied with another broad smile and a knowing wink.
"I think that's a weee bit forward, Dachi."
"Forward? Not at all. If you were being forward you wouldn't need this."
Akane was racked with laughter. "Oh yeah, I can just imagine what he'd think of me if I pulled that stunt."
"You are far too conservative for your own good."
XXXXX
Shampoo fell back several paces, breathing heavily. In the past few moments she had gone through a battle that made even her best fight with another villager seem like child's play. This man was good, very good. He could not match Kasumi, but he was making Shampoo work like she had never worked before. If it wasn't for the frustration she was feeling she might have been impressed. Instead, she was madder than hell.
Ranma carefully tested each of his muscles and joints as he waited for Shampoo's next attack. This was tough, but at the same time quite exhilarating. Akane could provide a good fight now and then, but when it really came down to it he could beat her in a fair duel. Here though he was going nearly all out, and he hadn't gained any real advantage. She had matched him move for move and made him pay for any mistakes he made while he did likewise.
He could sense that Shampoo was losing her cool. That was to his advantage in some ways. She was getting sloppy, and leaving more openings. However, she was also throwing a lot of force behind her blows, and any that connected would put him into some serious pain.
Shampoo finally rushed forward for a combo of two quick kicks and a spinning back knuckle. Ranma managed to dodge each attack, barely, then slipped in a kick to Shampoo's ribs. Momentarily thrown off balance by the hit, Shampoo was left open to a follow up and Ranma took advantage. He continued the spinning motion of his previous kick, went down low and back handed the back of Shampoo's knee, knocking her off her feet and to the ground.
Shampoo rolled out and away, but winced as she regained her footing. She had run through almost her entire arsenal and this man was still standing. About this time she wondered what was going through her head when she started to slack off on her training. At the time it seemed so pointless. She could defeat all her challengers handily, and quite frankly it was both boring and disheartening. Pushing her training further would have only made the others that much more out classed. Now, however, she had an opponent who was showing her the error of that decision.
There was one last thing she hadn't tried. It wasn't meant for sparring matches, but she was too mad to really care. It was the last technique her great grand mother had shown her that Shampoo had actually bothered with. She had never perfected it, but she could still use it.
Ranma watched in an odd fascination as Shampoo set herself back into a new fighting stance and started to dimly glow deep purple. The glow continued to grow until it outlined her like a fire. Ranma had heard of Ki techniques before, and even knew a few lesser ones, but had never before seen someone manifest an aura like this. He was so amazed that he didn't realize the danger he was in.
Before Ranma came out of his stupor Shampoo charged forward. Fortunately for him Shampoo didn't quite make it. Instead a hand caught her arm from the side and brought her to a sudden halt. Both Ranma and Shampoo turned to see Kasumi-kun standing with Shampoo's arm firmly held in his hand. If anyone had cared to notice they would also have seen Ryouko standing next to Ranma, lips pulled back from her impressive fangs, and fully prepared to jump either of the others should they make a move.
Shampoo stood for a moment, meeting Kasumi's eyes, her aura still glowing brightly. She had enough of a charge built up to blast Kasumi through the wall, but the calm disapproval in his eyes chased any further desire to fight right out of her. With an angry snort she let her Ki, or Chi, as she would refer to it, calm and the aura slowly dimmed and disappeared. Kasumi released his grip and without a single word Shampoo walked out of the dojo.
"Thanks," Ranma said as he walked over.
"I would advise you to stay clear of her for a time."
"No kidding," Ranma said with a nod, then noticed Kasumi's unusually downcast look. "Something wrong, besides the usual?"
Kasumi looked at Ranma, considering whether to discuss his latest problem. However, he just couldn't believe Ranma would understand what it meant to him. With a shake of his head he turned and began to leave. "It's nothing."
Now what's he up to, Ryouko asked herself then looked over at Ranma. To her displeasure there was a look of concern on his face. Don't fall for his tricks Ranma, Ryouko silently pleaded.
Ranma shook his head finally, and moved to the center to the dojo to continue his practice alone. Ryouko cast a dark look Kasumi's way.
XXXXX
The day passed in relative peace. Kodachi headed off for home. Akane luckily found C-chan walking down the hall by her room before Kasumi ran into her. Nabiki retreated to her room, as was becoming usual. Genma and Soun were relaxing and challenging each other in various games. Shampoo busied herself in any way she could find, and had taken to avoiding Kasumi. Whether this was due to the confrontation earlier or simply the whole situation in general, Kasumi couldn't be sure. He did hope that it wouldn't last. He would probably need her help to get out of this mess.
Kasumi spent the day alone, just thinking. His mind was working overtime, trying to find a solution to any one of the many problems that were assaulting him. For the marriage what he needed was a good Amazon law manual, but he had a feeling that if such a book existed, it was somewhere he would not be able put his hands on it. If he did find one against all the odds, he fervently hoped Cologne had missed something, some way they could escape this. For Ukyo, Kasumi could only hope that with enough time and patience she would come around. As for Kuno, well, maybe he'd come to understand the truth of things before long. It was a wild hope, he knew that, but a hope none the less.
The curse presented the greatest problem. Some careful thought lead to a few conclusions: One, avoiding cold water for twelve months seemed a very daunting, if not impossible task. However, he could simply hole up at home for the duration. It was a terrible inconvenience, but it was a possible solution. Was the risk justified though? After all it was not just him they were talking about here; there was the child's life as well. Could he justify jeopardizing an innocent life just to indulge himself? And of course, all that was useless speculation if he could not find a man who he could love, and who could accept his curse. Which brought him to the next problem, finding a cure, which so far wasn't looking like it would happen. The last... the last Kasumi didn't want to consider.
The night, finally upon the Tendo home, saw Kasumi headed off for bed. All that had happened lately had left him still very drained and tomorrow was going to be a long day.
With a weary sigh, Kaneda slid open the door to his room and flicked on the lights, or at least he tried to. They did not come on, and in a universal reflex, he flicked the switch several more times before deciding the lights were indeed burned out, and not just stubbornly refusing to come on. Oh well, he thought to himself, I can replace the light tomorrow. One of the nice things about this body is that it was handy for reaching things high up.
Quickly disrobing, he slid into his bed, and nestled down into the soft mattress, so welcome after years of rocky campsites. With a contented sigh, he put all the worries of the day behind him and set about falling into the welcoming arms of Morpheus.
Kaneda was just beginning to drift off, when he felt something stirring in his bed with him, before he could react, a slender arm slid over his torso, and he felt what was most definitely a female body cuddling up to his back.
"Shampoo! What do you think you're doing?" Kaneda shouted out, turning as he did so. He took the girl in his bed by the shoulders, and pushed her away from him. "You are supposed to be sleeping in Akane's room."
"Just who is this Shampoo person anyway, Kaneda-sama? And, why did you think she would be in your bed?" A voice that was most definitely not Shampoo answered him, its tone slightly accusing. Kaneda did recognize it however. She had heard that same voice not that long ago, and in circumstances almost as embarrassing as this one.
"Kodachi?" He exclaimed in shock. His surprise propelled him out of the bed almost like magic, and once his feet hit the floor he did not stop there, but stumbled backwards, all the while staring at the dimly seen figure reclining on his bed. He was not paying any attention to where he was going, and was unprepared when he backed into the chair for his desk. Both he, and it, fell to the floor with a noisy clatter.
Out in the hallway Nodoka was on her way to bed, and was being accompanied by Ryouko, who was on her way to Ranma's bedroom. Both of them stopped short when they heard the clatter from Kasumi's room. It was accompanied by a muffled expression of pain, and Nodoka quickly retraced her steps down the hallway. Ryouko was right on her heels. Reaching Kasumi's door, Nodoka turned the knob, and then knocked on the frame.
"Kasumi? Are you all right?"
All was quiet in the room then a rather strangled sounding Kaneda answered, "Aa... I'm fine. Just had a little accident. Everything is all right now."
"Well... if you're sure dear?" Nodoka said hesitantly, and started to back away from the door. Before she could release the knob, however, Ryouko shouldered her way past Nodoka's leg and with a werf of exasperation nosed open the door.
The scene that greeted their eyes caused Ryouko to smile a wide doggy grin, and Nodoka to go, "oh my," in a rather faint voice.
Kaneda was standing on the floor by his bed, his arms around Kodachi's waist. Kodachi was bent over the bed, her hands gripping the mattress firmly. Her backside was pressed firmly into Kaneda's boxers, and she was vigorously resisting Kaneda's efforts to pull her from his bed. Kaneda would pull, and the mattress would lift up. Then the weight of the mattress, combined with Kodachi's body mass would force them both back to their previous position. This imparted a motion to Kaneda and Kodachi's bodies that was suggestive to say the least.
When Kaneda heard the door swing open he froze in shock, staring at the two figures in the doorway with wide eyes. Then with a moan of mortification he exerted his full strength and pulled. This time Kodachi came fully away from the bed, and with her came the mattress, and all the bedclothes. Losing his balance because of the loss of resistance, Kaneda pulled the whole assembly over on top of himself and Kodachi. As the two people found themselves covered in bedding, the air filled with fluttering objects.
Nodoka and Ryouko stood there, staring at the mound in the middle of Kaneda's room, vastly different expressions on their faces. Then, Nodoka's attention was drawn to the fluttering objects. Reaching forward she plucked one of them from the air, and held it up so she could see what it was. She had no trouble identifying it. She had been wearing it only two weeks before. She looked from the pair of panties in her hand to the mound of bedding in the middle of the floor. Her expression firmed.
She spoke in a stern, no nonsense voice. "Kaneda, I will be in the kitchen making tea. Kodachi, you will go to Akane's room, now! We will talk about this in the morning, and you may be very thankful that you are no longer ten years old! As it is I suggest you give me no further excuse to turn you over my knee! This is completely unacceptable behavior for a young lady! If you persist in behaving like a spoiled child however, I may just start treating you like one!"
A pair of muffled acknowledgments came out from under the mound on the floor, and Nodoka turned and left the room. Ryouko quickly followed. She most definitely did not want to miss this conversation.
XXXXX
A few seconds after Nodoka had left, two rather bedraggled figures emerged from under the over turned mattress. Resolutely not looking at Kodachi, a grim look on his face, Kaneda started to dress. He stiffened when he heard Kodachi speak.
"Oh dear, how awful!"
"I'm glad you realize the seriousness of your actions!" Kaneda said repressively.
"What? That? Oh that's nothing, Aunty Nodoka is a pushover... well sometimes she is." Kodachi modified her statement slightly, remembering other times she had pushed the envelope a little too much. As Nodoka had implied, she was prepared to take corrective steps if she felt they were needed. Kodachi suddenly felt a little less certain of herself. Then she shook that off.
"I wasn't talking about Aunty, it's Akane I'm worried about. I've ruined her bra, and she does have a bit of a temper at times."
Kaneda could not help but look, and indeed, the over strained black garment that Kodachi had been wearing had given up the ghost, and was now hanging in two separate sections across Kodachi's chest.
"Sometimes it's such a curse, being so well built I mean. What do you think, am I too big?" Having asked this, Kodachi assumed a cheesecake pose, and thrust her chest in Kaneda's general direction, only to be disappointed when he did not react in the slightest to her display.
"I think you should follow Aunty's advice! Right now!" he said in a thoroughly quelling voice. Then having fully dressed himself, he turned and left the room.
XXXXX
"Come in and sit down, dear," Nodoka said from where she was heating water.
"About Kodachi-" Kaneda started to say as he sat down by the table, only to have Nodoka wave his explanation off.
"Don't worry about Kodachi. I'm fully aware her behavior leaves something to be desired. I try to be an influence on her, but I can do little. I'm very much afraid that she receives very little guidance from her guardians. It's a wonder she is not even worse. Anyway, she and I will have a talk tomorrow. No, it was something else I wanted to talk to you about. Why did you have all those panties under your bed?"
"Panties?" Kaneda said in a genuinely puzzled voice.
Nodoka lifted an eyelid in surprise and suspicion. "You did not notice the panties that were concealed under your bed?"
Kaneda's face twisted in a puzzled frown. "I don't... Wait, yes, you're right. That's what they were. I'm afraid I did not really notice them. I was too concerned with Kodachi's behavior to pay much attention to anything else..." Suddenly realization came to Kaneda and he looked in shock at Nodoka. "I didn't! You have to believe me, I have no idea..." Kaneda trailed off and he lowered his head in despair. "It's just one thing after another, isn't it? I keep finding myself in these compromising positions, and I have no way of proving to you that I had no knowledge of the reason."
Nodoka examined Kaneda for a long moment. Of course the facts were against him, but the look, the mannerisms... it all seemed genuine. "I believe you dear," Nodoka said in a soft voice. "I do not believe you to be that good a liar, despite your long acquaintance with your uncle."
There was a bang, and a pained whimper as Ryouko hit her head on the underside of the table. She popped out from under it, and directed a sorrowful look at Nodoka, before turning and directing a withering gaze at Kaneda. Then she turned and stalked out of the room, leaving the two humans staring after her.
"Now what was that all about?" Nodoka said. "That dog behaves most peculiarly at times. She is very sweet, but still she is a strange one." Kaneda could only nod his head, thinking to himself that Nodoka did not know the half of it.
"Now where were we?" Nodoka asked. "O yes, the panties. Do I have your word that you had nothing to do with them?"
"You do." Kaneda answered her quickly.
Nodoka thought for a moment then nodded. "Fine, we will leave that mystery for another day then." Kaneda gave her a thankful smile and started to get up, but Nodoka continued. "Please wait; there is something else I wish to talk to you about. I have not had a chance to do so in private before. I talked to Shampoo earlier today, and understand her a little, I think. Now I would like to know how you feel."
Kaneda returned to his sitting position and shrugged his shoulders. "I can not really say, this has been so sudden. I do know that I feel very badly for putting Shampoo in this position. If I had been more careful this would never have happened."
"Now you stop that." Nodoka admonished him. "I have heard the full story now, and I can not see how you could have done anything other than you did."
"I could have gotten some hot water for Uncle. They could hardly have asked to have him replace the dinner he ate in that case. At least not as the main entre," Kaneda said with a wry smile.
Nodoka smiled as well then said. "True, but then I am sure there would have been some other penalty for his actions. No, I'm afraid you are just going to have to accept that there was nothing else you could have done. In any case, you have to deal with what is, not what might have been. And what is, is that Shampoo is a fact of your life. Now I know that you wish to be a woman again, and I certainly can't fault you on that. That however does not alter the situation concerning Shampoo."
Kaneda sighed, "I know, but I really don't know what to do about her. I've ruined her life, and I have no idea of how I'm going to make it right."
Nodoka nodded once again. "I might have a possible solution, it won't solve all your problems, but it might be a start."
Kaneda perked up at this, "what is it?"
"It would seem that under Amazon law two women can share a husband. If you were to find Shampoo a boy she can love, then at least that would be one less problem you have to deal with. If she falls in love, she might not be so concerned with her status in the village. Of course, I realize you would not want to be part of such a strange relationship, but there is no reason why they could not live a life separate from you."
Kaneda was a bit startled by this revelation, but on consideration it did seem the best way to at least partially recompense Shampoo for his carelessness. "I suppose it is an option, of course it does not solve my current condition."
"No, but if Shampoo finds someone to love, then she might not be so adamant about keeping you in this form. Now, we have discussed Shampoo, but I really wanted to know about you. Kasumi, do you remember our talk that night you... I found you with Nabiki." Nodoka said, avoiding mentioning the reasons behind that incident which would only cause Kaneda more anxiety.
Kaneda cast his eyes down to the table and blushed. "I don't think I'll ever forget that night. Why?"
"Do you remember when I mentioned that there was someone out there for everyone, and you told me about the boyfriend who could not handle your curse?"
Kaneda suddenly looked uneasy. He started to speak and then stopped. He seemed to be suffering from a grave case of indecision.
Suddenly he sighed, and said. "I guess you know there was no boyfriend, it was Shampoo I was talking about, but I never meant that we were romantic," he hurriedly explained. Then he sighed again, "I have not had many friends in the last few years, and except for one girl, a long time ago, I had never had a female friend. Most boys either looked at me with contempt, or thought I was something I was not. The girls mostly all looked on me with suspicion. The only ones who were friendly consistently, were the children."
Kaneda stopped talking and sat looking at the table. Nodoka just sipped her tea and waited for him to start talking again. After a few minutes he did so.
"It was so very hard some times. Over the years I grew to truly love the art. For all his faults, Uncle Genma is devoted passionately to it, and he passed that love along with all his other training." Kaneda went silent again for a moment. "But, sometimes I would dream of having a friend, someone to talk to, some one who could understand me. I know it will sound strange, but when I met Shampoo, I thought I had found that person. I know you must think it foolish, but after the fight, while we ate and laughed together, I felt a closeness I had never felt before. Shampoo gave me friendship, and it had been a very long time since that had happened. I suppose in retrospect I should have realized that it was my masculine form, but at that time I was very new to that shape. And..." He hesitated for a moment, then blushed and continued, "I was a little unfocused as well. I was not used to alcohol." He sighed, "Another error on my part. Anyway, when I woke up the next morning and realized the mistake, I only thought of explaining to Shampoo the truth. Her reaction... hurt... very much. I don't want to feel like that again, but every time I look at her I remember it, and it hurts down deep."
He smiled wryly at Nodoka, "but I guess I don't have much choice. I have to try and correct the situation I have placed her in. I just hope I can fix the problem before she begins to truly hate me. I don't think I could take that."
Nodoka looked at him, a speculative look in her eye. "I see. Well, we can't solve all our problems tonight. I need my sleep, and I'm sure you need yours as well." Nodoka drained the last of her tea, and began gathering up the dishes.
"Please, let me."
"Don't be silly, there are only two cups. You go ahead. I'll only be a minute." When Kaneda hesitated, she waved her hands a him, "Go on, shoo." Kaneda smiled at her and left.
XXXXX
He had made it as far as the staircase, when a hand grabbed his shoulder and started to haul him towards the bathroom. The strength and tightness of the grip gave away the culprit as Ukyo, and Kaneda had not only expected this, he had wanted it.
Once inside the bathroom Ukyo turned to Kaneda, a look of disbelief and outrage on her face. "What is it about you, huh? I'm seriously beginning to think Kuno's right, and you are using some kind of magic! How the hell do you do it?"
Kaneda ignored the question, and switched to his own concerns. "How could you do it?" Ukyo failed to respond, whether through confusion or anger it was unclear. "The panties, why?" Kaneda elaborated.
Ukyo stared at Kaneda a moment then looked off to the side. "Why not? Definitely no worse than what you did to me. Didn't matter anyway. I swear, if they caught you stabbing someone they'd think someone else made you do it." Ukyo turned to look back at Kaneda in challenge. "Even so, I'll keep trying until they understand just who you are."
Kaneda could feel his anger seething below the surface. The temptation to simply lash out at Ukyo was almost overpowering, almost. However, Kaneda managed to keep his calm, all be it barely, and turned to leave.
As his walked back to his room the feeling that his whole life was out of control took hold. He was married to a woman, trapped as a man, being chased after by Kodachi, and her brother, even if he did find a way to change back he might never be able to have children and Ukyo was gradually chipping away at his reputation. Before too long Ukyo might just succeed. Despite what she believed, Kaneda knew that each of these incidents were filed away in Nodoka's mind. No matter how fair Nodoka wanted to be, each incident must be making it harder and harder for her to have faith in him. Eventually the balance would shift, she would begin to doubt, and once that happened, all the little incidents would be looked at in a whole new light. Kaneda would have lost his home and his family. Kaneda shook his head, his whole life was a disaster and he needed time to deal with it while not having more troubles dropped in his lap. That seemed an idle wish however. As long as he was here he had a feeling problem would pile on problem, but he could not run away. He had a job, and the beginning of a life here. He was not ready to throw it all away just yet.
XXXXX
Ukyo quickly returned to her wolf form and headed off to Ranma's room. The fact that Kasumi could somehow avoid blame no matter what the situation was incredible. It had seemed so perfect. Caught with Kodachi and having the trap sprung. Ryouko didn't think she could have managed to stage it better in any way, yet Kasumi had come out of it spotless. How did he do it?
The only other thought on her mind was a nagging little voice reminding her of her earlier trepidation about executing this plan. It had been set up for a while, yet she had been uncertain whether to spring it. Now, the decision had been taken out of her hands. In a way that left Ryouko feeling clean of responsibility, but that nagging voice wouldn't let her maintain a guilt free state of mind.
XXXXX
Kodachi, having gathered together the clothes she had come here in (which consisted of little more than sandals and a long overcoat), and rearranged the room back to it's original order, was now in the process of examining the large collection of ladies' undergarments scattered about the room. The variety and shear number involved left little doubt that someone had gone to a great deal of effort in gathering them for some reason. Kodachi face broke out in a huge, devious grin. "It would seem my dear Kaneda has a few little dirty secrets. A shame... But, if he's that desperate, perhaps all he needs is a little actual female contact."
Kodachi pushed aside the thought for the moment and headed off for Akane's room. She would have plenty of time to make plans later. She slipped open the door, and was beginning to make her way silently over to surprise Akane when she herself got a surprise. Something entangled her legs, sending her toppling towards the floor. Just before she hit an arm shot in front of her. Before Kodachi could react in any way, her attacker's arm crossed over one of her arms and her waist then quickly grabbed a hold of her other arm by the wrist and pulled it tight into her abdomen. Kodachi was then pulled backwards into her attacker's body, clearly female, and left effectively pinned, one arm trapped against the floor by her own body weight, her other arm held in a vice like grip, and her legs caught in a scissor hold. Kodachi then found the cold touch of a steal blade at her throat.
Despite this sudden and totally unexpected attack Kodachi kept up her appearance of cool cheerfulness. As long as she did nothing stupid she probably wasn't in any danger. Besides that, she had a good idea who her attacker was and wanted to meet her. "I guess you would be Shampoo," Kodachi stated.
"Who you?" Shampoo demanded.
"Dachi? What the..." Akane blurted out as she was brought rather suddenly out of her slumber. She looked over at the two other girls, saw her friend's present predicament and quickly sat up. "It's okay Shampoo, she's a friend of mine." Shampoo hesitated a moment, then finally withdrew her dagger and released Kodachi. Kodachi, having got back to her feet, turned to look at Shampoo while Akane switched on the lights. "Ah, Shampoo, this is Kodachi Kuno, and Kodachi, this is Shampoo."
"I see," Kodachi said idly as she examined the Amazon. "Do you always greet visitors this way?"
"Visitor who sneak around Shampoo at night, yes."
Aggressive little thing, isn't she, Kodachi thought. She didn't look like that much competition, seeing as how Kaneda already seemed to be wary of her. Besides, a little competition was a good thing. It made you work that much harder plus added to the excitement.
"I don't even want to know what you were up to." Akane said, having finally noticed Kodachi's lack of much in the way of clothing.
"Oh, I'll buy you a new-" Kodachi began to say as she handed Akane the broken bra.
"Don't bother. I'll go get you some bedding."
Akane exited the room leaving Shampoo and Kodachi alone together. Shampoo glared at Kodachi while she returned a wide grin. There were three males in this house that this woman could have been with, Shampoo's husband, Ranma and Akane's father. She couldn't care less about Ranma. The jerk could sleep with half the girls in the neighborhood if he wanted. It was highly unlikely she had been with her friend's father, and that left Kasumi... But, that was absurd. Kasumi was a woman. Kodachi couldn't possibly have been with Kasumi. Of course, Shampoo was married to Kasumi, and this woman was giving her the oddest smile.
Shampoo broke the look and dropped her head onto her pillow, staring off at a wall in irritation. Her emotions began to build as she thought of the multitude of unpleasant possibilities this would open. She didn't need this. This whole situation had been thrust on her, and the more she thought about it the more she hated it. All I wanted was something simple, she thought, but all I get is something that gets more complicated by the day. Shampoo pushed her face into the pillow, attempting to crush the onslaught of emotions bombarding her.
End Chapter 13
Bye for now.