Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought
Chapter 14
Makoto Kino paced nervously in the hallway, waiting for her new teacher and suspected Youma. Ami's sensors had not been able to identify the method of energy drain. However, it had clearly shown the amount of energy involved to be less than what had been drawn by the Youmas they had encountered early in their careers as Sailor Senshi. So, at her current level of power Mako should be easily able to deal with it. That is what she had told the others, and what she had believed at the time. Now, waiting was giving her a chance to worry. She was so far away from any help. What if the Youma had been holding back? Forget that they never had before. What if this one had used only a fraction of its power? She had made such an issue of her ability to handle this on her own...
"Miss Kino?"
Mako started as a masculine voice interrupted her circular train of thought. Looking up, and then further up, she stared into a pair of beautiful brown eyes.
"Miss Kino?"
Mako blinked, and realized she had been staring for several seconds. "Yes, that's me. I'm sorry, I'm afraid my mind was on something else." All the while she was talking she was drowning in those eyes. They seemed to focus on her and her alone. They seemed to say, you are the most important person here to me. Of course she was the only person here, but that was the impression they gave.
"Miss Kino?"
Mako blushed, as she realized that she had drifted off again. "I'm so sorry. I'm waiting for my new teacher. The vice-principle said she would be along to take me to my new class."
The brown eyed man grimaced. "I'm afraid he forgot again. My cousin is off for a little while. I'm taking over for her until she's back. I'm Mr. Tendo."
"Not here? But, she has to be," Mako blurted out. Then blushed as she realized how she sounded. "I'm sorry, I'm sure you're a very good teacher. It's just that my counselor had so much good to say about your... cousin? She's your cousin?" Mako stared at him in surprise. He was related to the Youma. That was terrible. Before her brain got in gear she blurted out. "Are you sure she's your cousin?" Her brain caught up with her mouth, and she blushed even deeper than she already was. "I'm sorry," she repeated for what seemed the millionth time. "Of course you're sure she's your cousin."
She was so caught up in her own gaff that she did not notice his discomfort at her direct question or his relief when she answered it herself, as if he were glad to not have to tell a lie.
"It's understandable for you to be nervous Miss Kino," he said in a warm gentle voice. "I know how hard it is to be uprooted and have to leave familiar friends and family. I'm sure you'll soon make new friends here. I hear you are staying with Mr. Hiro until you find a place of your own. I hope you can find a nice family to board with. It must be very hard to be on your own."
"I'm used to it," Mako answered. "I've been on my own since my parents died a few years ago."
His eyes softened even more. "I'm so very sorry," he said, and Mako sensed that he actually was, and was not simply mouthing the expected words.
This man could not possible be related to a Youma. It must have replaced his cousin, like the Youma that had taken Naru's mother's place. Or, maybe it hypnotized him and the other people involved like Chibi-Usa had Usagi's parents when she had first come to the past.
"Thank you," Mako said. "I'm over it now," she lied. He looked at her with those gentle eyes, and she knew he felt her concealed pain, but he merely said:
"Why don't we go to class now?" He started walking down the hall, and she hurried to catch up. She could not help sneaking glances out of the corner of her eye at his profile. I wonder if he has a girl friend, she thought. He's not that much older than me, she thought with a growing smile. He was even tall enough for her to gaze up into his eyes when they embraced. Teachers were forbidden to date students, but as soon as she dusted this Youma she would no longer be his student. Mind filled with happy thoughts she walked down the halls toward their destination.
The walk proved to be all too short. Mako had just been about to accept his proposal when her daydream was interrupted.
"Miss Kino?"
Mako came back to the ordinary school hallway. It seemed dim and dingy after the bright images in her imagination. "Sorry," she said then blushed at the image she was projecting. He must think her a perfect fool.
"We're here. Ready to meet your new classmates?" He asked with a bright smile.
Mako waited for him to open the door, and then realized that the question had not been rhetorical. He was offering to let her set her own pace. Once again she told herself this man could not possible be a Youma or a Youma sympathizer. "Yes, I'm ready," she answered his question.
He smiled at her and opened the door with a flourish. Noise crashed out from the inside, and Mako realized that the door was very thick, and apparently soundproofed.
"I Kuno Tatewaki demand an answer! Where is the foul sorcerer hiding?"
"Delinquent, I told you to return to your seat." Mako stood on her tiptoes and peered over her new teacher's shoulder. A tall handsome youth was standing in the middle of the classroom. He could have been any male student, except for the bokken he was waving around. He was apparently directing his words at a... twelve year old. Mako blinked and looked again. The girl was either flat chested to the extreme, as well as being excessively short, or she was indeed pre-teen. That was only the start of the bizarre events.
A dog's bark drew her attention to the back of the room. There, a black and white dog was voicing its disapproval of the Bokken waver's actions. A dog in the classroom? Mako thought in confusion. Maybe it's a seeing-eye dog, she thought, thinking back to night before when she had seen a special on them, and the way they were used in America. No, that was not it. The boy who was sitting beside the dog, and was obviously her master, did not look handicapped at all. Indeed he looked most handy indeed. If Mako had not already been committed to a relationship she would have most definitely been interested.
Suddenly a bright light brought her attention back to the front of the room. She stared in shock as the handsome Bokken waver suddenly shriveled, and the apparent 12 year old suddenly grew in size and dimensions.
"Youma," Mako hissed under her breath. Then, she whirled and raced down the hall and around the corner. Less than a minute later the pretty sailor soldier, Sailor Jupiter, came back around the corner, and nearly ran down Mr. Tendo. She stopped just in time, and moved to the side in order to go around him. She had a Youma to dust. Then all thought of the Youma fled her mind.
"Miss Kino?" This time there was no polite inquiry in his voice. This time it was an order to explain herself.
Jupiter was in no condition to offer any explanation. She stared at him in shock. All she could think of was, He can see me? He can see who I really am! She stared at him is stupefaction. He waited a minute for her to reply, all the while looking up and down the hallway. Finally he seemed to lose patience. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her around the corner she had just come around.
He continued to pull her down the hallway a short way before stopping in front of a girls' washroom. "For heavens sake Miss Kino, your file said you had a hero complex, but I never imagined anything like this. I know the Sailor Senshi are very great heroes, but this is no way to honor them. I'm sure they would be shocked if they knew you were disguising yourself as... Sailor Jupiter is it?"
Jupiter could only nod, still too shocked at his effortlessly piercing a disguise that had held under scrutiny from some of the strongest of their many foes.
He drew a breath and calmed down. Then, he spoke in a rush. "I'm sorry, it's partially my fault. I should have explained the situation to you before I brought you here. The young girl you saw in the class room is my assistant, Miss Hinako. She is a master of a Ki technique that allows her to drain the battle aura of unruly students. A side effect of the training she underwent is that she appears to be a child when uncharged. When she drains energy she stores the extra by altering her form to the older appearance you saw. It caused no harm to the student affected; they are merely lethargic for a short time afterwards. I try to keep peace with out resorting to her talent, but the nature of the class means that she has to use it on occasion." He finished his hurried explanation, and took a deep breath, then continued more slowly. "So you see, there is no need to rescue Mr. Kuno. He will be his old declaiming self in no time." He directed a pleading look at her. "Please give us a chance. Don't let my error spoil your first day." He looked at her with those gentle eyes and she could not doubt his sincerity.
He opened the door to the washroom and started to lead her inside, then he seemed to catch himself, he stepped back and motioned her to go in. "Please, I don't want to be harsh, but I must ask you to change back to your school uniform. We are fairly liberal on some matters, but I really think it would be best if you did not attend your first day at school as Sailor Jupiter."
Mako was mortified. His tone was one of an adult gently guiding a child who was making a fool of itself. He thinks I'm crazy, she thought to herself. She was confused as well. He had seen through the masking effect so completely that he did not even seem to be aware it was there. Was he an innocent with a talent, or was he an evil general who was playing a deeper game. Jupiter could not believe he was evil. She decided to trust her feelings. "I'll be right out," she said, and went into the bathroom. Inside she transformed back into her student uniform and after waiting for what seem a sufficient length of time, went back out. What a way to start things off, Mako thought with a sigh.
XXXXX
"Hello class, I would like you all to welcome Miss Makoto Kino who will be a new member of our class."
As Mr Tendo introduced her, Mako looked over her new class mates from where she stood beside him. She was relieved to see that the bokken wielding student seemed to be fine. He was a little thin looking, but other than that healthy. As well, the attitude of the other students seemed to bear out Mr Tendo's assertion that this was normal. They were ignoring the drained student and were instead looking at her with curiosity. Some of the boys with appreciation, and some of the girls with calculating looks. Mako was used to that. She was well aware of her attractiveness. She returned some of the appreciative looks, and smiled a friendly smile at the girls. She was no threat to them, not unless they tried to stake a claim on Mr. Tendo.
"Miss Kino?"
"Huh, oh, sorry, please excuse me." Mako had let her mind wander yet again.
Mr. Tendo merely smiled at her, but she noticed his smile was showing a bit of strain that had not been there earlier. She decided that she had better start paying closer attention.
"As I was saying Miss Kino, you may take the seat between Miss Kuonji and Miss Tendo." He gestured towards the back of the room at an empty desk between two other girls. One of them had her brown hair cut short and square across the back, and had an expression of complete indifference on her face. She did not seem to be paying any attention to what was going on in the class. Instead she was looking across the room, apparently out the window. She did not even glance Mr. Tendo's way when he mentioned her name. The other girl was an attractive girl a little shorter then Mako. Mako could not see how she had styled her hair, as she was wearing a baggy hat of some type. Mako could see what Mr. Tendo had meant about being liberal about some things. She saw just how liberal when she spied another student, this one male, with the arms of his shirt ripped off, his hair unkempt, and with a generally annoyed expression on his face. After a quick shake of her head she started to make her way down the aisle to her new desk. Suddenly she stopped as a thought occurred to her. If Miss Hinako was draining energy, that meant she was what Ami had sensed. If that was the case... Her eyes widened. If that was the case she would not be leaving in a few days as she had planed. Oh my god, she thought. I'm stuck here for the rest of the semester.
"Miss Kino?"
"Ah, sorry," Mako repeat yet again, and quickly rushed the remaining distance to her seat. She smiled as best she could to those still watching her then tried to concentrate on class.
XXXXX
"Oh Mako, we're so sorry." Usagi said over the communicator. Mako nodded, and sighed as she glanced down at her untouched lunch. "Are you absolutely sure?"
"Fairly sure," Mako answered. "No one seems in the least surprised by her ability, and that student did recover completely. If she is a Youma, she's a real weird one."
Usagi was about to reply when Ami's voice cut her off from the side. "Unfortunately these latest readings and Mako's description bare out the explanation the teacher gave her. The odds are exceedingly low that she is a Youma."
Usagi somberly nodded to the unseen Ami and turned back to look at Mako. "Well, don't worry Mako, we'll think of something."
"Actually, I was thinking, we still don't know what's up with that cat or that house, and there's something else too. My teacher, he saw right through my disguise and didn't even seem to notice. He... ah, actually thought I was just suffering from an extreme form of hero worship and was dressed up as my favorite Senshi."
Usagi looked momentarily surprised, then a wide smile broke out on her face and she fell over laughing. "Usagi!" Minako said from the side, but the laughing girl could not bring herself to stop, not that she gave any indication of trying overly hard to do so. Mako blushed once again at the reminder of how foolish she had looked, then perked up when Minako took over the transmission. "She'll calm down in a second, but, did I hear you right? He knows who you really are?"
"Nono, he thinks I just dress up as Sailor Jupiter," Mako corrected, blushing even deeper.
Minako blinked then broke into a short burst of giggles herself, but quickly gained back her control. "Sorry, sorry, yeah, that is weird, awfully embarrassing too I bet." Minako broke into another short fit of giggles. "Sorry, sorry. That is really strange. No one has ever been able to do that, not even one of us."
Mako nodded. "That's why I was thinking that maybe this won't be too bad after all. I really should check this out and that other place too. This may not be a Youma threat, but we should find out what is really going on."
"I agree." Ami said, stepping into view. "Under the circumstances it would seem the wisest course of action. Are you going to be okay though? I don't believe you planned for an extended stay."
"I'll manage, don't worry. Tell you what, let's meet after school at Rei's and we can discuss everything in person."
"Right, we'll be there." Minako replied, and then looked off to the side. "Assuming Usagi the hyena here gets a hold of herself. See you then."
Mako signed off then sighed once more. At least this trip wouldn't be a total loss, but being stuck here wasn't exactly a promising prospect. She looked off across the field to where a number of other students were gathered. She was looking at a long stay. Being anti-social would make it that much more difficult, so she decided to get up and see if she could get to know a few of her new classmates.
She was about half way across the field when one student she recognized from class came rushing her way. It was a girl, rather ordinary looking except for the cameras and tape recorder she carried around with her. Actually, Mako had been wondering what someone so innocuous was doing in the class. Perhaps now she could find out. The girl came to a halt in front of her and immediately started introductions.
"Hey, you're Makoto, right? My name's Kitsune Maruda, nice to meet you," the girl said, offering her hand.
"Oh, sure, you too," Mako replied, and gingerly took the girl's hand after a moment of surprise at the gesture.
After a vigorous handshake, the girl smiled broadly at her. "I'm just trying to get to know everyone. So, I believe you're here for unnecessary roughness, am I right?"
"Sort of."
"Ah, don't worry about, so is half the class. Hey, since you missed the first day, why don't I give you the run down?"
"Sure," Mako replied with some enthusiasm. This was just what she needed.
Maruda lead her off to the side and started to point out various groups and single students. She dismissed the bulk of the students right off the bat. "Those are mostly nobodies, just regular everyday students," she said. "Most of the interesting people are in our class. That one over there," Maruda pointed out the boy who had been drained earlier. "He's Tatewaki Kuno, head of the school's kendo club. He's a real blowhard, just can't seem to keep his mouth shut. I've only been here since yesterday, and I've already seen Miss Hinako drain him four times."
"Man that's weird," Kitsune said in an aside. "I think she must be some sort of government project. I'm checking my sources."
She went back to her introductions. "The kid next to him Ranma Saotome. He's supposedly the best martial artist around these parts. I'm still looking into that. Those two are good friends apparently. That girl over there, she's Sakura. I haven't seen much from her, but from what I have managed to find out, it looks to me like she'll give Ranma a good run for his money in the martial arts. Actually, that's one of the odd things about this class. Did you know that almost half the class is martial artists, and we're not just talking Karate here. Matter of fact, I think Kuno's style is about the only normal one around. All the others are some really strange ones, like that kid's. He's the master of Indiscriminate Martial Arts Graffiti."
Mako looked at the boy Kitsune was pointing at, and sure enough he was presently engaged in making a mural on the side of the building at a lightning pace.
"Say, are you a martial artist?" Kitsune suddenly asked.
"Well, I know a few moves. Nothing unusual though," Mako answered, still watching the artist at work.
Kitsune eyed Mako suspiciously for a moment then continued on with the tour. "Anyway, where was I, oh yeah. That one over there is Nabiki Tendo. She's obviously our teacher's cousin. Stay well clear though if you want to keep your money. She's the best con-artist in town, maybe the whole country. She may have some organized crime connections so don't go getting her mad at you. You'd probably regret it."
Mako looked down at Kitsune skeptically. "Organized crime? Come on."
"Okay, I'm not sure, but I've heard some rumors... Oh yeah, I haven't worked it out yet, but she's got some problem with the teach."
"Really? Yeah, I did notice she kept trying not to look at him."
"Exactly. I got a couple theories... but they're still in the preliminaries. That girl there is her sister Akane. She's another martial artist, same school as Ranma I hear. Matter of fact, up till recently the two were engaged, but it was suddenly called off when her other sister Kasumi came back. You heard about her right? She was supposed to be our teacher, but she's off sick or something. You know, isn't that odd. I mean, they're a martial arts family, but they just happen to have two teachers in the family, both the same age. Kind of weird if you ask me."
"Yeah," Mako agreed. Maybe this wasn't so simple after all... Nah, that was silly.
"Anyway..." Kitsune said and continued on.
XXXXX
A short distance away Kaneda was standing with Ms. Hinako observing the various students. "Do you get the impression that some of those reports were a little down played?" Hinako asked as she watched a boy, a large sledge hammer in hand, yelling out that he would strike all his foes down with his thunder.
"A few, yes," Kaneda answered with a nod. "But, it is about what I expected. To transfer students here they must be really disruptive in one form or another." He scanned the rest the crowd. Other than the one boy, it was peaceful for the moment. It looked about right to get some lunch. Unfortunately, both Akane and Ranma had already had theirs and were now busy with their friends. Kaneda had been too busy to join them. "It's seems quiet for now. Why don't we take one last look around then meet in the cafeteria for lunch."
"Sure," his assistant replied and merrily skipped off.
Kaneda headed off in the opposite direction. He didn't get too far before he noticed Mako talking with Kitsune. Oh dear, that's the last thing that girl needs, he thought then headed over.
Kitsune caught sight of him and spoke quickly to Mako. "I got to get going. I'll chat with you later. Oh yeah..." Kitsune leaned in close to Mako and said in a very quiet voice, "be careful huh. Keep your eyes and ears open... and don't trust anybody."
Mako blinked in surprise at the odd warning, but before she could ask for some clarification Kitsune rushed off. She watched her go then turned to look right into Kaneda's eyes with a strangely familiar look.
"Miss Kino?"
"Hmm, yes?" She said, still with that odd look on her face.
"Are you getting along well?"
Mako shook herself, and blushed. "I'm sorry. Yes I'm getting along fine."
"I see you were talking with Kitsune. I hope she hasn't been filling your mind with her little theories."
"Theories?"
"Well, she's a bit suspicious of everything. Don't worry though. Just keep that in mind while talking with her. Her theories can get a little... wild."
"I noticed," Mako said. He nodded and began to walk off to continue his inspection of the area. Without much thought Makoto rushed back to his side. "Have you had lunch yet?"
"No, actually, I haven't. I was just about to."
"Mind if I join you then?" Mako asked eagerly.
Kaneda looked down at Makoto, detecting that something was amiss here. That look on her face was awfully familiar. Had Kaneda thought about it a little longer he would have remembered it was the very same look Kodachi had given him when he stopped her from falling the other day. However, he dismissed it as just a girl looking for some friendly company. "I usually have lunch with my sister anyway so that shouldn't be a problem."
"Great! Let's... sister? Does your-"
"Oh, sorry, I meant Kasumi's sister of course," Kaneda quickly corrected, and scolded himself for the slip. Makoto looked at Kaneda for a moment then seemed to accept the fix. The two finished the look over the area then headed for the cafeteria where they met with Ms. Hinako. After getting their meals, they took an open table near the windows. All started into their lunches, Kaneda keeping a watchful eye on those students gathered from his class, Makoto keeping a loving eye on Kaneda, and Ms. Hinako just gobbling down her food.
Mako let out a barely audible sigh as she watched the latest love of her life. Too bad he was the teacher. Hey, he's not the teacher, not normally anyway, Mako thought. "How long is your cousin going to be out for?"
Kaneda's calm disappeared at the question, and he cast a nervous glance Ms. Hinako's way. "Ummm, well, she's... really having... some troubles right now. We're not too sure when she'll be back."
"Oh," Mako almost moaned in disappointment. That would put a real crimp in things. "That's too bad. I guess that means you'll be running the class for a while, huh?"
"Yes."
"It's really fortunate that you're a teacher too."
"Oh, it's really nothing. It's not as hard as many make it out to be. Besides, I'm just a home-room teacher and physical education instructor... Well, that is to say my cousin was the home-room teacher and physical education instructor. Neither her nor I would normally be qualified to be a home-room teacher, but as you know, this class is an experiment. Miss Hinako," here Kaneda nodded at her assistant, who ignored her in favor of the bowl of ice cream in front of her, "is actually much more fully qualified then I am in that regards. She has her teaching certificates. I don't have any at all. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Fortunately, the only real teaching I have to do is the physical education, and I am qualified for that." Kaneda rather diplomatically did not mention that his real job was to keep a tight rein on Mako and the other students so the real teachers could do their jobs.
"Yeah, but I heard she's real good at keeping the peace. Actually, my councilor said she was the best they've ever seen."
"Oh, I guess she's fairly good at what she does. I couldn't really say." Kaneda replied, caught between his inherent modesty and the need to be positive towards his 'cousin'.
"What's she like?"
Kaneda grimaced at that question. "Kasumi... she's... ah... well... about my age, and she's a martial artist, like me, and ah..."
Mako's interested peaked at the mention of martial arts. Kitsune had mentioned that most the class was martial artists. Of course, it was probably just coincidence, but you never knew. Besides, that meant they had a common interest. "Martial artist! Hey, I know a bit of martial arts. What style do you use? Where do you train?"
"My cousin and I use the Saotome school of Anything Goes Martial Arts. We mostly trained on the road. I did train in a few other styles though," Kaneda answered then regretted it slightly. If Makoto pried much further he might be caught. Time to turn this around. "And you?"
"Oh, we're... I'm mostly self taught. I've taken a few classes here and there in various styles, but I was never that serious. Actually, Rei, she's a friend of mine, is more into formal martial arts than me."
"Perhaps you should consider further training, if only to learn some discipline."
Mako blushed for yet another time. "I guess I do get carried away sometimes, but I haven't hurt anybody who didn't deserve it."
Ms. Hinako, who had finished her lunch and had been watching the exchange with an odd fascination, finally spoke up. "It's your instructor's duty to deal with delinquents Miss Kino. You'll have to learn that. Your records are fairly clean, but there have been more than a few incidents."
"Yeah, well... those were mostly misunderstandings. I mean, they didn't see what started those fights. I don't go around bullying people, if that's what you mean."
"No Miss Kino, of course not," Kaneda jumped in to say. "If anything, perhaps you are a bit too eager to be the hero." Kaneda paused for a moment, remembering the earlier incident. "Sometimes discretion is better than force."
"I guess maybe you're right. I'll try to be more... reserved." Ms. Hinako nodded in acceptance then headed off to continue her lunch hour rounds. Mako took a long sip of her drink to calm her nerves. This was too embarrassing. She was being admonished by a pre-teen and Mr. Tendo. "Mr. Tendo, I really will-"
"Please, call me Kaneda. I'm not used to this Mr. Tendo stuff. No too long ago I was the one in your position." Mako repeated the name softly, admiring the sound it made until he spoke again. "Don't worry about Ms. Hinako. She can be a little harsh sometimes. I'm sure you'll do your best. So, what's your goal in life?"
"Goal? Oh, well ah..." Mako drifted into deep thought. To help lead the Earth into a new utopia... True enough, that was her future, but she'd humiliated herself too much already today. Something a little more conservative... "I planned on opening a restaurant of my own someday. I'm a real good cook you know. Maybe I could... make you something sometime?"
"Perhaps. A restaurant hmm... I've worked in few restaurants. It can be rather diverting."
"Oh I just love cooking. That's why I'm so good. Actually, if I had the money I'd open a restaurant right now, but I don't. Besides, I'm a good cook, but I've never run a business before. I'd probably bungle it."
"Running a business can be difficult, but it doesn't take a genius. I'm sure you'd learn."
Mako smiled. "Thanks. I guess you already have your life planned out."
"Not... really. I could go on teaching, but I don't know. I've spent most my life in training. I don't even really know why anymore. I suppose it's useful sometimes, but I don't know if I'll be able to make a living around it." Kaneda looked down at the table top, deep in thought. "So much in my life is crazy right now. I don't know if I'll even be able to choose what I do." Kaneda looked up and suddenly realized he'd been talking to Makoto as if she were a confidant instead of a student. She had a very sad and sympathetic look on her face, but he hadn't wished to unload his problems on her.
"Maybe if you're life is real crazy right now you should try and get away from it for a while," Mako offered.
"I wish I could, but I have too many responsibilities. It's really nothing you should worry about."
Mako pushed on though. This was a great opportunity to get close to him. She couldn't just let it go away. "Maybe you just need a change in scenery, like a vacation, or better yet a new home." After saying it Mako wanted to slap herself. She'd just told him to move away. Even worse, the suggestion seemed to have interested Kaneda.
He thought for a moment. Getting out of the dojo would at least lessen some of his problems. No dealing with that dratted... fur ball. She wouldn't have to worry about Ukyo. Being discovered by Nodoka in yet another compromising position was far less likely. It did seem like a nice option. It would have to be some place close by.
Kaneda began to dismiss the thought. That was just too drastic. He couldn't run away from his problems. Just as he thought this, his tactical sense said, who is running? You just need a breather. A couple weeks, maybe a month, then you'd come back and be rested up. Trying to face off against everything all at once is suicide. Cut your load and deal with it a bit at a time.
Sensible enough. Maybe that is all he needed, some space to breathe. He could come back after a short time. It wouldn't be permanent. Now, where was the question. Something immediately popped to mind. "Mr. Hiro has that restaurant..." He said softly to himself.
"Mr. Hiro has a restaurant?" Mako asked excitedly. "I didn't know that."
Kaneda looked at Makoto in momentary shock. He had forgotten once again that she was there. "Yes, actually he does. It belonged to his uncle. He's actually trying to sell it at the moment."
"Really... Is it nearby?" Mako asked, somewhat nervous.
"Oh, yes, it's by the market place, only a few blocks from here."
Mako breathed a sigh of relief. You nearly messed that one up, she thought. "You thinking of buying it?"
"Oh, nono, I don't have enough money. He, however, needed someone to look over the place until he can find a buyer."
"Well, that's perfect!" It was indeed. If she played her cards right, she just might have found herself a place to stay too.
"Yes, maybe it is. Thank you Miss Kino. I think I shall take your advice after all."
Mako beamed, until the loud cry of, "RAPE," rang out from across the room. Both spun, Mako in shock, Mr. Tendo in readiness. The sight that greeted their eyes caused them to relax, and to watch in fascination, as a girl, only slightly taller than Ms. Hinako, and no more imposing, started using everything within reach to attack that poor unfortunate boy with the dog. Kaneda sighed and rushed over to break up the assault. Mako shook her head in bewilderment as the boy protested his innocence, while the girl continued to accuse the boy of molesting her. The boy tried to demonstrate that he had only nudged her, but the demonstrated caused the girl to launch into a new attack, using a nearby table.
"This is an awfully bizarre place," Mako commented then returned to her lunch.
XXXXX
Ryoga groaned in pain as he finally came to. Stupid girl, he thought. He hadn't done anything to her. He rubbed a large bump on the back of his head, and winced in pain. He'd be sure to avoid her in the future. He opened his eyes and looked around to find himself in the nurse's office with an ice-pack on his head. Just as he began to get up his teacher walked in.
"I'm dearly sorry, Ryoga. I hope you're not too badly hurt," Kaneda said, then gently pushed Ryoga back down onto the bed. "You really should rest."
"I'm fine, re-"
"No, I insist. You really shouldn't be moving right now," Kaneda said, and Ryoga reluctantly complied. He'd suffered far worse blows than this in his time, and really didn't feel like laying about, but if the teacher insisted...
Sensing Ryoga's compliance, unwilling though it might be, Kaneda released him, and walked over to a bowl of water to wet a cloth down. "I am really sorry about that, Ryoga. I realize you didn't do anything. Kotori is just a little touchy, and tends to over-react."
"No kidding." Ryoga mumbled. Kaneda walked back over to him and began applying the cold, wet cloth to his forehead. It did tend to relieve the throbbing in his skull. "Sir, may I ask what happened to Kasumi?" He asked after a moment, causing Kaneda to stop and look anxious.
"Kasumi... she... she... had some pressing concerns to attend to." It was at least true, if misleading.
"She's all right, isn't she?" Ryoga asked in concern, and started to get up once again only to be pushed back down.
"Please, you should lie down. She is just fine. I can assure you of that." Kaneda relied quickly, allowing Ryoga to relax. This is miserable, Kaneda thought as he continued applying the cloth to Ryoga's head. I wish I could just tell him the whole truth. Unfortunately I can't prove it, and the last thing I need is to make him think I'm crazy. "She was looking forward to seeing you again."
"She was?" Ryoga asked, again trying, and failing, to sit up. "I was really sorry I missed her before she left. You see, I got kind of delayed and-"
"She knows."
"She's not angry or-"
"Oh heavens no," Kaneda quickly answered.
A moment of silence pasted before Ryoga again spoke. "When is she going to be back, if I may ask?"
"Uh... well, soon she hopes, but she can't be sure."
"Oh, umm, if she needs any help, I'd gladly-"
"I'm sure you would, but unfortunately she has to do this on her own." Kaneda replied, letting some of his own feeling slip into the statement, and gaining a slightly confused look from Ryoga because of it. In fact, Kaneda did wish he could ask for help. Right now he could really use it. But, how ever would he explain. No, unfortunately this is how things had to remain.
Ryoga continued to examine his teacher. He had just got the oddest impression off of him, but he couldn't tell what exactly. As he lay back trying to solve this little quandary, he started to notice how nicely Mr. Tendo was treating him. Actually, it was uneasily too nice coming from another man. Ryoga got even more uneasy at this strangely caring attention he was receiving, and decided it was time to get out here. With a quick motion Ryoga rolled off the bed and to his feet.
"Mr. Tendo, I'm really feeling much better now, and I really have to be going." He said, and dodged past his teacher and out through the door before Kaneda could manage any protest.
"He was in an awful rush." Kaneda said to himself then shrugged off the thought.
XXXXX
The rest of the school day passed. Five fights broke out, two more drainings occurred and eight more raving speeches. It was a relatively peaceful day, for Kaneda's class. Nabiki, however, was still far from enjoying her experience. Stuck for the rest of her foreseeable high school stay in a class headed by Kasumi as a man... It was just too much. The only bright side to this was that with the influx of new weirdoes into the school her business prospects were looking up.
As she thought this on her way out, one of her new classmates rushed up to her side. Nabiki recognized her immediately as Yotogi Shinja. There was basically two types of people in this new class, those who were physical trouble makers, and those who had more interesting methods. From her scrawny build and pasty complexion, Yotogi had to be one of the latter. What exactly she did Nabiki didn't know yet. Now was a great time to find out.
"You're Nabiki right?" Yotogi asked, skipping introductions. Nabiki nodded silently. "Great. I hear if I need something and have the money you're the person to come to, right?" Again Nabiki nodded. "Good, you see, I got some film I want developed, and, well, my own facilities aren't set up yet. I'm just boarding near here you see. Anyway, I need this done, nice, discretely and with all hopes quickly. So, I was thinking you-"
Nabiki nodded and cut in. "No problem. I have my own little private set up. How many pictures you need?"
"Actually, several rolls. That okay?"
"Fine by me, but it's going to cost you."
"How much?"
Nabiki stopped in the hallway and pulled out her abacus. She could use a calculator, but physically sliding the beads on an abacus gave you a real feel for the numbers. "Development and secrecy cost you 200 yen each shot usually. Since you're going bulk I'll give you a wee discount at say... 3,000 yen a roll."
"3,000 yen..." The girl scowled and lowered her head to consider, but not for long. "Sure thing. You have a deal." Yotogi pulled out two handfuls of film and handed them to the moderately surprised Nabiki. "Payment on delivery?"
"Right. 10 rolls, that's 30,000 yen. You can cover that?" Nabiki asked skeptically.
"Don't worry, I got the money." She counted off several bills, and handed them to Nabiki, "what say, half now, the other half on delivery?" Nabiki nodded and took the money. "When can you have them done by?"
"After school tomorrow, soon enough for you?"
"Great, thanks." Yotogi waved a quick goodbye and ran off on her way.
Nabiki watched her go then smiled. A good little haul, and beyond that, these pictures would likely reveal just what the little lady was up to that got her stuck here. Those two distracting thoughts on her mind, Nabiki headed on home in a much improved mood.
XXXXX
Some hours later Mako was on a little excursion. By her side Artemis was doing little to hide his growing excitement about where they were going. She had already met with the others at the temple. It was a long trip there, one that she certainly couldn't repeat very often, so she had better get used to being on her own here. It had been decided that since Mako prospects of getting out of the class were slim anyway, she might as well do as she suggested and check out the other mysteries around this area. Artemis offered to join her for the duration of her stay, supposedly to help with the investigation, but more likely to get closer to his lady friend. Matter of fact, they were headed to the house with said cat in it at that very moment.
"This is the place, Makoto," Artemis said at last and jumped up onto the wall. "Maybe I should do some..." Artemis trailed off as he eyed something. "On second thought, maybe I should stick with you."
Mako jumped and grabbed the top of the wall. Pulling herself up high enough to scan the yard, she looked to see what had spooked the white cat. The huge pinkish dog she spotted gave her a good clue as to Artemis' sudden change in heart. "Yeah, you better. Say, this place is awfully big for a normal residence. These people must have some serious money. Maybe too much, if they go around getting their pet's hair done like that, poor thing."
"Maybe, let's go around and see if we can get in more directly."
Mako dropped back to the ground with Artemis. "And just how am I supposed to explain why I need to get in?"
"We'll think of something, come on." The two rounded the outer wall until they came up to the main gate.
Mako looked at the sign and then went wide eyed at what it read. "Tendo school of Anything Goes Martial Arts! Hey, my teacher is Kaneda Tendo, and he told me he knows this style. This must be where he's living."
"Hmm, I somehow doubt that's a coincidence. There has to be something really weird going on here."
"No joke. Hey, since I'm here anyway, he said I should take some more martial art classes. This sounds like a dojo. Maybe I can sign up here."
"Great idea! That'll be the perfect cover." Artemis said quickly, and then stopped to think a second. "I guess we better be on our guard though. I really doubt this is a threat, but you never know."
Mako nodded her reluctant agreement, and opened the gate. The building inside looked innocent enough and she didn't get any weird vibes off the place. After a quick look over the yard, and no obvious signs for further caution both entered and began approaching the house. Mako reached the door and was about to knock when she caught two voices.
"But Kasumi, this really isn't necessary," a woman said.
"Auntie, it's not like it's permanent. I just need a little space for a while," Kaneda responded.
Mako blinked in confusion. Why was this woman calling Kaneda, Kasumi? No, wait a minute; maybe she just heard it wrong. Yeah, that must be it.
Kaneda stopped near the other side of the door and continued. "Mr. Hiro just needs someone to look over the place, and maybe get it going so he can interest some buyers."
"You're going to run that restaurant by yourself?" The woman asked.
"Not all by myself. I figured I could get some help. Perhaps I can get Shampoo to help out."
"And that's another thing, why must she go with you?"
Kaneda began moving off. "Auntie, I can't just ignore her."
"Of course I know that, but is it really wise to be living alone with her?"
"I can take care of myself. I have been doing so for years. I think we really need to get to know each other and maybe..." The conversation faded as they walked away. Mako pulled back from the door and stood thinking. Who was this Shampoo, and did she hear that name right? Maybe he did have a girlfriend.
Artemis looked up at Mako and noticed the sudden nervous look on her face. "What was that all about? Why are you nervous?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing, just... That was my teacher."
"I thought you said his name was Kaneda?"
"I did. You heard Kasumi too?"
"Sure did. Probably just a slip of the tongue." Artemis offered in explanation.
"Yeah, sure, that's probably it... or maybe... no, couldn't be. I'm sure there's some logical explanation for it."
"Right," Artemis said with a nod, but his feeling that this was nothing serious was diminishing quickly. "Now then, perhaps you should knock now."
Mako smiled in slight embarrassment, having realized that she had just spent several minutes eavesdropping on her teacher, and quickly knocked as suggested. A few seconds later a girl Mako recognized as Akane from her class opened the door.
"Oh, hello. Can I help you?" Akane asked.
"Umm, yeah, I was just coming by, you know, to see Mr. Tendo, and I saw that you run, well not you but-"
"I know. I'll go get him. Wait here." Akane said then headed off down the hall.
"You keep them busy. I'll look the place over." Artemis said then started off for the stairs.
"Be careful." Mako warned then stood waiting. Kaneda soon came down the hall, smiling in his usual manner at Mako. She nearly let a sigh escape her at the sight of the man headed her way. "Hello Mr. Tendo."
"Makoto, it's nice to see you. You wanted to see me?"
"Oh yes, I... I was going to ah... I wanted to take some classes here, that's it."
"That's sounds like a good idea. My father runs the dojo, I'll go fetch him." Without thinking, already slipping into a by now familiar daydream, Mako fell into step behind Kaneda as he walked down the hall. He turned and looked at her briefly, then continued on. "You should be fine here. Akane and Ranma both train here."
"That's great. What about you?"
"Me... Actually I train with my uncle. He teaches a similar style, but it is different. I do occasionally spar with Ranma and Akane, but I don't attend many of the classes. That doesn't bother you, does it? I could attend more often."
Mako looked at Kaneda in mild surprise. He's so nice, she thought. No other teacher she knew would join a martial arts class just to make a student more comfortable. He was so perfect. She couldn't ask for anyone better. Now, if only she could ask him out... Unfortunately he was the teacher.
Mako brightened with an idea. "Hey, is your cousin Kasumi here? I'd really like to meet her."
Kaneda nearly jumped at the question. "Kasumi... well, ah... she's... she's not here, no. I'm really sorry."
"Oh, that's okay. When will she be back?" Mako asked, not noticing Kaneda's reaction.
"Ahh, umm... It may be a while. She's... out of town." Mako nodded in acceptance of the answer, but Kaneda could only force a smile. He really hated lying so blatantly to someone, but to tell her the truth would be too confusing and hard to accept. It was better this way.
They walked into the common room where Soun and Genma were engaged in a game of shogi, and Nodoka was sitting at the table with a smile on her face, but one that betrayed a little sadness. Kaneda introduced Mako to Soun and then helped her fill out a registration form.
XXXXX
Up stairs Artemis crept over to Akane's room. He had checked all the other rooms on this floor, and so far nothing seemed amiss. One room had much of its contents packed, but Mako had mentioned that her teacher planned to move out for a while. The other rooms seemed typical for ordinary humans. Nothing indicated anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps it was just coincidence.
Anyway, it was time to pay his old friend a visit. Using some of his slightly enhanced lunar cat ability, Artemis leapt up to the doorknob and opened the door a crack. He then landed and pushed his way inside, to be quickly met with a pink flash. The two cats tumbled back into the hallway until C-chan ended up on top of Artemis, pinning him to the ground.
"Hey beautiful, it's me, Artemis. You remember me right?" Artemis squeaked out in shock and fear. C-chan examined him closely for a moment then let him loose. "Glad to see you still have your spunk." He noted as he stood back up. C-chan scanned the hallway for a second then, motioning for Artemis to follow, headed into Akane's room.
"Nice place you have here. This girl taking good care of you?" Artemis asked, but as expected gained nothing more than a look from C-chan in response. He sat back and watched as she leapt up to a shelf and pushed a large wooden board off it and onto the bed. She then signaled him to join her.
Artemis momentarily remained paralyzed by nervousness. Does she want me to... Nono, she probably just wants to show me something, he thought with a mix of relief and disappointment. He jumped up on the bed and looked at the board, quickly realizing that it was a one of those spirit boards children sometimes play with. C-chan then pointed out the letters to say, 'yes it is nice, and I'm just fine'.
"Hey, this is perfect. Now we can talk. Did you get your memory back?"
'Yes,' C-chan responded, then paused a second to think. 'It is a long story. Have you been to Jusenkyo?'
"Hmh? What is that?"
'Never mind, too hard to explain.' She replied then thought again for a moment. 'How do you talk?'
Artemis started to reply then stopped and thought on the question. "I don't really know, I just do. All lunar cats can."
'Could you teach me?'
Artemis paused to think. This would be awesome. He would have the perfect excuse to see her everyday this way, and if he succeeded, well, that would be even better. The fact that his odds of success were near zero was not really all that important to mention. "I can certainly try. You never know."
'Good.'
"Tell you what, I'll come by tomorrow, say about this time, and we can start. I have to meet someone right now. That okay?" C-chan nodded to Artemis' delight and he made off for the door. "Great! I'll see you tomorrow then." Artemis said and began to leave but C-chan meowed out to gain back his attention.
'Just stay clear of Kaneda. He is afraid of cats.'
"Oh, right, sure. I'll remember that. Bye."
C-chan watched the lunar cat leave then frowned. If he wasn't from Jusenkyo then just how in the hell could he talk? And, just what was a lunar cat anyway? She'd never heard of one. With some time maybe she'd get some answers, but for now she had other pressing matters.
XXXXX
Down stairs Mako was finishing off her papers and getting ready to go. She thanked Kaneda's father then got ready to leave. However, there was one other matter she wished to address. "Um, Mr. Tendo." She said to gain Kaneda's attention.
"Yes."
"Just before I rang the bell earlier, I heard you saying that you were thinking of moving out to Mr. Hiro's restaurant for a while. I was just thinking that if you wanted to get the place running or anything I'd be glad to help out."
"That's very kind of you Makoto, but you do have school work to-"
"Oh, that's no trouble. I really do love cooking, and I really should get some experience in a real restaurant if I plan to open one of my own. I asked and he said it was fairly big, so I could move in... of course if that's okay with you. I wouldn't be any trouble. Like I said I've lived on my own for quite a while now. I'm really tidy and everything." Mako finally finished with a blush. She had meant to go about it a bit more subtly, but fortunately Kaneda didn't seem to mind her forwardness. Instead he actually smiled.
"I'm sure you are. All right then, but I will be watching your school work to ensure it doesn't suffer any."
"Oh it won't, it won't," Mako blurt out happily.
"Good, I'll hold you to that. I'm going to be moving in tomorrow. I've already made some arrangements. I'm sure my friends would be willing to help you with your stuff as well if you need it. Oh yes, there will be another girl there. Her name is Shampoo. She's out at the moment, so I'll have to introduce you two tomorrow. Is that all right?"
"That's fine." Mako replied, even happier about Kaneda's reference to this Shampoo. A girl, not girlfriend, or anything, just a girl. Probably another cousin or something. Strange name though.
Mako shrugged off the thought and headed off for home... well, her now very temporary home. Artemis joined her at the gate, and his exhilarated mood reflected her own. "Nothing unusual Artemis?"
"Nope, not a thing. A typical everyday home. Luna has it all wrong. There's no threat here, especially not from C-chan."
"I agree. It must be just some weird mistake." Mako said with a dreamy, far off look on her face. After a few seconds she came out of it. "Oh yeah, I'm going to be moving in with Kaneda at a restaurant nearby."
"Hey, great thinking. You can get some good info on the place that way, not to mention some free eats for me."
"Artemis," Mako scolded lightly.
XXXXX
Shampoo came up the adjoining street just in time to see Mako and Artemis pass, and she eyed them in confusion. Hadn't she heard two people talking? She shook her head and continued on her way, ignoring the whole thing. She couldn't be wasting her time on stupid, pointless mysteries about people she didn't even know or care about.
She walked on for the Tendo residence, mulling over all that had happened lately. She didn't even notice her great grandmother beside her till she spoke. "Troubled child?"
After a second of shock, Shampoo responded, forcing a smile on her face. "No great grandmother. Everything is fine."
"You expect me to fall for that pitifully inadequate act. I assume something about your husband is bothering you."
Shampoo let the false smile droop into a frown. "Husband... some husband."
"Give it time."
"Time? She just started some new job at the school. That doesn't exactly sound like she's giving in to the whole thing."
"But don't you see, it doesn't matter. The longer he remains as he is, the more he will become accustomed to it. It does not matter if he does so here or in China. Eventually he will come around."
"I don't care about that," Shampoo blurt out, then wanted to retract the statement.
"What do you mean?"
"It's just that I was hoping for at least something. I was hoping it was just the law that scared her off, but that's not it at all. Hmh, she already has a fiancé and I think she even has female lover too." Shampoo face changed into an angry scowl.
"What?" Cologne asked, shocked herself.
"There was a girl over a few nights ago, a friend of Akane's, but she wasn't over visiting Akane."
"Are you certain of this?"
"No," Shampoo conceded.
"Then let's not jump to any rash conclusions. Besides, if it is true he may be closer to accepting his situation that I thought. In the meantime I wish to see a little more resilience out of you. I know it's there. If you walk around being so gloomy all the time you'll do nothing for your situation. You should stop avoiding him as well."
"I haven't-" Shampoo started to protest.
"Don't lie to me. I have been watching, and you have been. I know this is a difficult situation, but you'll need to take some action to fix it. As for his denials, don't let them get to you. People are full of self deception. This one is no exception. I must be off." With that Cologne bounced off over the roof tops, leaving Shampoo standing in front of the door to the house.
Shampoo took a moment to compose herself, and forced a smile on her face again. On into the lions' den, she thought ruefully as she opened the door and walked in. Immediately she picked out a discussion between the adults and her husband in the common room.
"I have to point out father that in my present condition I certainly cannot marry Ranma. Besides, this does not mean the engagement is canceled. I just need a little space for a while."
Now what, Shampoo thought in frustration and made her way to the common room.
"I suppose your mind is thoroughly made up then?" Nodoka asked as Shampoo turned into the room.
"Yes, I... Oh, Shampoo, hello," Kaneda greeted. "I need to talk to you."
Shampoo was almost driven to run away at the statement, but Kaneda's expression stifled her worry. It had a semi-hopeful look to it, but none of the fear or sadness of his admission from over a month ago.
"I am going to be moving out for a little while to help a friend look over his restaurant that he is trying to sell. I was hoping to get it up and running, and that you would help. Is that okay?"
Shampoo stood for a moment, too stunned to move. This was a sharp reversal of the trend that she had been encountering around here. Maybe great grandmother was right after all. With a small, but honest smile Shampoo nodded.
End Chapter 14
I'm actually not sure if Makoto has taken Martial Arts courses, or even if Rei has (stupid NA dub…). If anyone happens to know for sure don't be afraid to speak up.
Bye for now.