More than meets the eye (27/11/2007)
Author's notesBetter make the chapters dedicated to my aunt to three chapters, Chapter 31, 32 and 33 since this isn't the last chapter yet. Again, to those who prayed for my aunt, I thank you all.
Kinda making Nabiki and Kuno do 180 degrees turn here but I guess for the sake of Nabiki and Kuno lovers, I'll try to leave them on a more positive note.
Chapter 32: …….the better they getLife went on normally in Nerima, as it often did after a major incident ended.
It had been three months since Kasumi, Ranma, Akane, Ryoga and Ukyo returned to Nerima following their adventures in China. The Amazons had yet to come back to Nerima although the Cat Café remained their property. So far they still showed no sign of selling it. For a while, Kasumi was corresponding with Elder Cologne through e-mail in order to maintain their friendship but had been unable to contact her for a month now. The Amazons' city was nearly restored to its former glory and despite their terrible losses during the war, they actually lost only a quarter of their forces, although that by itself already meant at least a few thousand. To further cement the political alliance between the PRC and the Chinese Amazons, their women warriors were currently filling the gap left by the Decepticon's bloody invasion which nearly cut China's military in half. This would ensure that the PRC would never try to invade the Amazon's territory and absorb their culture into mainstream China.
The Elder had also sent pictures that made Kasumi smile: Mousse had finally asked Shampoo out after months of waiting and the Amazon girl actually agreed. The pictures Cologne secretly took of her great grand daughter showed scenes of the two together on their first date, which turned out very normal; nothing happened like Mousse loosing his glasses and trying to glomp on the telephone pole thinking it was Shampoo.
In fact, the Amazon male wasn't wearing glasses anymore: he had taken a trip to Chengdu and finally got himself contact lenses. 'That must have helped tremendously', Kasumi thought to herself.
Ryoga surprised everyone one month after their return, by joining Furinkan High School. Despite being on the road for most of his life, the young martial artist managed to scrape through some entrance exams and end up in the same grade as Ranma, Akane and Ukyo. The lost boy, after considerable advise from his parents as well as Kasumi, finally gave up his wandering lifestyle for an education. At Kasumi's behest, Ryoga was permitted to stay at the Tendo residence, albeit in a large tent at the garden as the lost boy was more comfortable with the outdoors. This ensured that Ryoga would not get lost going to school as Ranma and Akane would accompany him to school. Nabiki was rather angry when Kasumi revealed that she was charging Ryoga a rather modest amount of rent rather than the exorbitant price that Nabiki would have proposed, especially when the Tendo land was good property. But Kasumi rebuked Nabiki, saying that now Ranma had a sparring partner and that Ryoga would also take his share of the household chores as penance for freeloading in the past, as well as compensation for pretending to be Akane's pet.
Since their return, Nabiki, Soun and Genma found to their dismay that Kasumi had ceased becoming a submissive daughter. She still did much of the household chores but she did not do everything anymore, especially cooking breakfast and dinner. Akane now cooked breakfast and dinner for the family regularly. She no longer ruined every meal she cooked and most of it was passably edible, which for Akane, was a great feat. Ranma kept a close eye on Akane when she cooked. After discussing with Ranma and Akane, the Tendo sisters agreed that Ranma's role was that of an observer and teacher, he was not to cook at any time beyond helping with preparations. As Ranma himself was already a good cook, this meant he had plenty to teach Akane and the Tendo household would not want for good dishes. Akane and Ranma would normally plan what to cook for the next day or even a week ahead before passing the list to Kasumi who would do her usual rounds of shopping. During school, she still cooked lunch for her fathers but these were simple affairs and not really reflective of her culinary expertise.
If Kasumi was honest with herself however, she would admit that the reason she let Akane take over most of the cooking duties was not to teach the youngest Tendo daughter discipline in the kitchen: it was simply because cooking brought painful memories which Kasumi had yet to heal. The unfulfilled promise to cook a feast for the Autobots ate her every time she stepped into the kitchen.
In addition to Akane and Ranma taking over kitchen duties, including its maintenance and cleanliness, the rest of the household were now accountable for their own rooms. Whereas before Kasumi went into every room to clean, vacuum, pick up laundry, make the beds, or fold the futons in Ranma and Genma's case, the room owners now had to clean their own rooms. This meant that Soun and Nabiki had to make their own beds every morning, change their own bed sheets should it become dirty while eating snacks, sweeping and vacuuming their floors, even cleaning their own windows. Their laundry, instead of leaving it in their room, now had to be deposited in laundry room every day. Genma tried to make Ranma clean the room everyday but Akane retaliated by providing only bamboo shoots for Genma. These changes were actually very small and merely meant that the family now had to wake up earlier to take care of their own rooms whereas previously they just got up, dressed and went on with their daily lives while leaving their rooms as pigsties for Kasumi to clean up earlier. Still for Nabiki, it was not a pleasant change as she always had problems waking up each day and now she had to wake up earlier and do her chores before bed. She hated it but grudgingly acknowledged that sooner or later she was going to be staying on her own once she started going to university and Kasumi was training her to be independent in household duties as well.
She continued to take care of the rest of the house. Ryoga took the responsibility of cleaning the dojo, with Ranma occasionally helping. The two continued to have a fierce but friendly rivalry, particularly since Ryoga had ceased becoming P-Chan to get close to Akane. Since they spent most of their time together, this meant Ranma could finally make sure that Ryoga was constantly human. Ryoga still had not revealed his deception to Akane though. A silent agreement had sprung up between the two that the past was now the past. Ryoga was no longer out to get Ranma or Akane. He was now aiming to be a normal teenager with a major interest in martial arts, an objective shared by Ranma and Akane.
As a result, Kasumi found herself with a lot of free time as her household duties had effectively been reduced by half. With her newfound spare time, she spent much of her day at the local library, trying to find out what sort of career opportunities she could pursue. She had a vague idea of somewhere along the lines of medicine but also wanted to see if there were paths along the lines of engineering, which she felt she had gained a healthy interest in due to her…… adventures.
Despite the major improvements in her life and that of the household, everyone was saddened that Kasumi was no longer a bright smiling and optimistic woman. A constant cloud of sadness seemed to accompany Kasumi everywhere. She was still friendly, kind, compassionate and helpful to everyone, from Saotome Genma to Kuno Kodachi. But she no longer smiled. Even though most of her smiles had been fake before, they still projected warmth and the intention of making the recipient feel better. Now it was gone, as well as the laughter that accompanied it. Only occasionally did she smile, such as when someone made a particularly good joke but it was always a sad smile, like that of a child looking at his favourite toy but knowing he would never be able to obtain it. She did not project an aura of gloom and doom to her surroundings but for the remaining Nerima Wrecking Crew, it pained them that Kasumi had gone through so much only to gain so little.
Two months ago, an alliance was made between the most unlikely persons in Nerima. The objective of this alliance: make Kasumi smile. No matter the cost.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kasumi tiredly entered the house. It had been a long day for her and she was suffering a small headache. Reading a book on cardiology that was as thick as a bible would do that to you. She had decided to take a break from career planning and wanted something relaxing to read. Why she chose such a complicated book for light reading, nobody knew but she had been so engrossed in it, the librarian had to chase her out after 7pm. She had been reading since 1pm. The girl had been so engrossed that she hadn't even taken the time to eat lunch and was now deadly tired as well as hungry.
"Ranma, Akane, I'm home! Is dinner ready?" she called out.
Silence met her question.
Her eyes narrowed as she realized that the house was too quiet. Her headache vanished and was replaced with battle alertness. Her right hand went into her handbag and cautiously held the lightsaber that was concealed as a torchlight. This was the only weapon Optimus Prime had left her as a gift, and probably now the only evidence that the Autobots had been to planet Earth.
She heard a noise from upstairs, like that of something dropping and then the shuffling of feet. Warily, she slipped off her shoes and quietly walked up the stairs. The sound seemed to be coming from her room. A cold, almost detached calmness enveloped her very being, the result of her training with Arcee and Chromia. She took out the lightsaber, quietly put her handbag on the floor then cautiously approached her bedroom door. She did not ignite it yet, but held it in front of her, ready to turn it on at a moment's notice.
Then she felt the presence, a familiar presence of someone who definitely did NOT have the authorization to go inside her room. She burst into the room, lightsabre held high over her head ready to strike. At the same time, her hand flipped on the light switch.
"TATEWAKI KUNO! WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU You you……….," Kasumi choked on her words as she beheld the sight in front of her.
There was a female dummy that was almost the same size and proportions as Kasumi standing in the middle of her room. The dummy was clad in the most beautiful evening gown she had ever seen. In fact, it was the very one she was admiring and considering to buy for Akane, when she bumped into Ukyo on the very day they were attacked by the Amazons. She had only seen it through a glass window at the time but now in front of her eyes, the magnificent gown rendered her speechless. Elegantly designed somewhere along the lines of the gown Belle wore in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the colour was sapphire blue and the length of the dress went down all the way to her feet. It was a shoulder less design but did not expose her cleavage at all, though the material hugged the figure and left virtually nothing to imagination. White Opera gloves as well as a transparent and silky gauze shawl accompanied it. But what made the gown truly unique was the fabric, which looked as though it was studded with some sort of stardust that sparkled in artificial light. Yet the stardust seemed to be a part of the fabric instead of being sewn on like tiny diamonds.
To accompany the gown, a pair of diamond earrings were attached the dummy's ears, and beautiful Versace shoes adorned its feet.
For the first time in her life, Kasumi's mouth was wide open in shock. It wasn't a face vault, just a plain shocked expression in the form of an open mouth. There would have been little difference if one were to compare her with a goldfish gasping for air now. She was simply overwhelmed that a two hundred thousand yen dress was currently in her room. She maybe a sensible woman but still a woman nevertheless, and a feminine one as well despite being taught to fight like a soldier only three months ago. It took a moment before she put her hands over her mouth.
So shocked was she that she didn't even notice the male figure that was standing near her window. The figure cleared its throat, shaking Kasumi out of her shock and she turned her head slightly to face that of Tatewaki Kuno.
"Tendo Kasumi, it is my great honour, pleasure, privilege, to present to you, your birthday present. Please accept it along with an invitation to join the Furinkan High School Prom that will be held in three days time," Kuno said formally and respectfully. He was dressed in his usual samurai wannabe garb but with a nice looking haori and without the bokken. Kasumi felt some small pride that the Kunos had regained some sanity every since the Happosai incident.
She finally found her voice. "Kuno…. I'm flattered to receive such a gift from you but I must say, I have no desire to date anyone now. Please do not hurt my feelings by pursuing the tactic you've long used at Akane," she said softly. Her hand was still holding the lightsabre in case Kuno tried anything.
The wannabe samurai shook his head. "Oh you've mistaken my intentions. I am merely here to lure you into your room for the surprise. I didn't buy nor contribute a single cent to this amazing gown; it was the beauteous and magnanimous Tendo Akane along with the foul but worthy adversary Saotome Ranma who bought this magnificent gift."
Her mouth dropped again. "But…. But….. how could they afford it? And where are they?"
"Right behind you sis," she turned around and sure enough she saw her sister, Ranma and even Nabiki, smiling behind her. To her surprise, the Amazons were also behind them: Elder Cologne, Mousse and Shampoo. Also present was Ryoga and Ukyo.
Nabiki expression then soured. "Kuno baby, WE ALL chipped in for this, not just my sister and her fiancé." She then turned to Kasumi. "The new principal made a stupid rule that everybody has to contribute a chaperone to keep us in line. You're an adult so you can be our chaperone."
"But what about Father and Uncle Genma? Shouldn't they be the one instead of the older sister?" Kasumi weakly said, still overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the gift.
Ranma's gave an evil grin. "They don't know and they don't need to know. I spoke to mother about this and she agreed to make sure that they stay in her house on the few days coinciding with prom date. To give me and Akane quality time she says. Though to be honest, I think she expects me to date all three of you for the prom," Ranma shivered as he said that.
"You always were a chicken Ranma, when it came to women," Ryoga sneered.
"Who's a chicken, you little piggy?" Ranma retorted, making Ryoga's face become ashen all of a sudden.
Before another free for all could break out, Cologne pogoed forward to Kasumi. "Well met again Kasumi. It's been too long, and e-mail correspondence just doesn't replace your wonderful company."
Kasumi smiled and straightened herself to bow to the Amazon Elder. "Hello Cologne, it's so good to see you again. But please, what is going on?"
"To put it simply, we've all collaborated to make you happy. Ukyo remembered you eyeing this dress some time ago and suggested that Ranma, Akane, Nabiki, Ryoga and herself chip in to buy the dress. And when I returned to Nerima, I put in my contribution as well," Cologne said.
"But… how can Ranma, Akane, Ryoga and even Ukyo afford it?" she didn't try to allude Nabiki's questionable methods. "Oh Cologne, Ukyo, don't tell me you cut into your business profits just for me?"
Ukyo said, "Honey, it's my business, my money and I can damn well do what I please with it, including helping buy that fine dress you liked."
"But I intended it to be for Akane," Kasumi complained.
The youngest Tendo sister said, "Sister, I don't do the dress justice, and besides, they didn't have my size. Plus, I've already picked out my dress and it's not that."
"Please accept it Kasumi, all of us, even Nabiki, worked our fingers to the bone to even meet the deposit level," Ranma pleaded.
"Worked…. When did you all find time to get jobs?" she asked in astonishment. She would have noticed if they were all taking night jobs or something.
"Mostly in helping me construct the new Amazon embassy. I'm sorry for not telling you Kasumi, but I've been in Tokyo for quite some time now. I've opened a formal Amazon embassy in Shibuya business district and have been working closely with the Japanese government. It's complicated but despite being part of the PRC, we're also a sovereign country of our own. Good labour is hard to find so I decided to hire Ranma, Ryoga and Akane to be labourers."
"Then most of it is really your money then…." Kasumi said.
Cologne shook her head. "They earned their wages fair and square. Nabiki even worked as our accountant and project manager to make sure everything was on schedule. Kasumi, the Chinese government may have rewarded you greatly," at this comment, Nabiki's eyebrows were raised but both Cologne and Kasumi pretended to notice, "but the rest of your family and friends have yet to repay their gratitude to you for changing their lives for the better. You were eyeing this gift Kasumi. You may have lied to both Ukyo and yourself that you only wanted it for Akane but the truth is you desired it. And we decided to fulfil your desire."
"What about school then? Did you spend the last few months being child labourers instead of concentrating on your studies?" Kasumi's eyes narrowed.
"Sis, you were too busy engrossed in housework and library trips to notice the rest of us not being at home until late evening. That's where we've been. OK, we lied a little when we said we were spending our afternoon at cram school, but we did make sure we studied late into the night to pass our finals. Turns out that this lunk head isn't such a lunk head after all and is more smarter than he lets on," she said proudly while dramatically knocking Ranma's head, which sounded only hollow.
"Hey cut it out, I never said I was dumb, its just that everything they taught was so boring and I'm not cut out for reading anything other than martial arts scrolls," Ranma protested while playfully swatting Akane's hand aside.
Kasumi eyes widened again. "How long has this been going on?"
Ranma went from jovial to serious in an instant, an amazing feat for one such as him. "Since we all got tired of seeing you replace Ryoga as the most depressed person in this house."
Most of them glared at Ranma for putting his foot in his mouth again but strangely enough, what he said hit the nail on the head and nobody could deny it. The damage was done though and everybody panicked when they saw Kasumi tear up.
"I'm sorry everyone, for wallowing in self-pity for these last few months but…… God I miss the Autobots," she leaned against the wall and furiously tried to stop her tears from flowing.
Kuno frowned and whipped out his bokken out of nowhere. "Who is Autobot? Is he the fiend that broke your heart? Fair maiden, tell me where he is, and though he is at the world's end, nothing will stop the righteous fury of the Blue Thunder of Furinkan from smiting that evil fiend for breaking the heart of fair maiden Tendo Kasumi!" he shouted in righteous fury. The Japanese aristocrat was the only one in the house who did not know about Kasumi's adventures with the Autobots.
Ranma sighed. "Kuno, thanks for being the distraction and bait for Kasumi today but I'm afraid you've outstayed your welcome. Don't worry I'll make it up to you later," he said before he punted Kuno out of the window. He knew he would have to punish himself by being Ranma-chan for Kuno the following day for that punch. But he liked the Autobots as well, and Kuno without knowing it, had insulted the very Autobot that was special in Kasumi's heart.
Nabiki crossed her hand. "Listen here sister and listen well. We didn't sweat blood to buy this dress so that you can say sorry and return it to the shop, where it'll go to some cheap whorish Paris Hilton snotty heiress wannabe to wear to her daddy's party and attract the richest and ugliest man there. We worked to buy it because we love you. You are our sister and we thought we would get you a nice gift. I may not like how you've run the show since you came back, but I've realized that what you've been doing is correct. We needed a change, even if we didn't want it. Nobody has changed more than you Kasumi and its all for the better. I should know, I was the one who had no idea of what was going on until you came back. I've seen the change in you Kasumi. The only change that we didn't approve off was your perpetual depression."
"I don't know how you can feel love for a mechanical being that's three times your size, but I say its time to get over him. He's not coming back and the sooner you accept that, the easier it'll be for you to move on. Wasn't it you who insisted on all of us moving forward and not back? Or are you going to be a hypocrite and eat your own words?" she said in an icy tone. The rest of the NWC began to feel angry at the middle Tendo daughter but she didn't care.
"Get a move on in life Kasumi. The past is dead, look to the future," Nabiki finished then went into her room and slammed the door.
All was silent for a while before Cologne spoke up, "Kasumi, I think I speak for everyone when I say that Nabiki is an ass……………." she paused for a while before finishing, "…… an ass. But what she said was true, you must stop moping and being depressed. Because doing both will not bring Bumblebee back to Earth."
"Please sister, accompany us to the prom? It would mean a lot to Ranma and me if you could see how far we've come together after all this time," Akane said as she grabbed Kasumi's arm. She then sighed. "We won't force you, you know. If you still want to return the dress, we'll do it. But one way or another, we want you for the prom. Or none of us are going."
"Or I go alone!" Nabiki shouted from her room.
Kasumi looked at all the faces before her. She saw the love and hope in their eyes, that she would come to witness the culmination of all the chaos that had engulfed her family since Ranma arrived. She saw the glittering dress in her room. Then she thought of Bumblebee.
"No matter where I go, you will always be my love. You ….. completed me after so many years of loneliness. And for that, I will love till the day I die. I swear that one day, by the grace of your God, I will return."
'Can you ever come back Bumblebee? Oh Lord, will you ever let me ride with him again?' she silently asked.
Ryoga sighed and said, "It's your choice Kasumi. Just make the right one will you? I'll be in the dojo," then he walked off to clean the dojo.
"Yeah, I'll come too," Ranma said as he followed him. After a moment, Akane let Kasumi's hand go and went after Ranma. Ukyo sighed then went down the stairs to leave the house. Leaving Cologne, Shampoo and Mousse.
"Shampoo, Mousse, return to the embassy," Cologne said. The two Amazons looked thoughtfully at Kasumi before they walked away. After they did, Cologne took Kasumi's hand. "Come on dear, I'll make you a nice cup of tea."
Kasumi laughed softly. "I'm sorry Cologne. I guess, I'm not over what happened three months ago."
Cologne sighed as she led Kasumi downstairs into the living room. "Truth be told, neither am I. I could more or less guess what the world's governments would decide but I also hoped that out large friends would be allowed to stay."
She sat Kasumi at the living room then went to the kitchen to make a pot of tea. Five minutes later, the two of them were sipping tea while watching the fat koi fish in the pond swim lazily.
"I won't ask them to return the dress. I can't imagine how hard it was for Ranma, Akane, Nabiki, Ryoga and Ukyo had to work to pay for it and I won't let it go to waste. I just wish they had spent it on something other than an unmarried housewife," she said quietly.
"You deserve some happiness Kasumi. And don't try to lie to me, you love that dress, I could see it in your eyes the moment you saw it," Cologne accused Kasumi.
"Yes, it is like a Cinderella gown. They don't make much of this design anymore, most other gowns seem to scream sex to every male in its vicinity. This one is just…….. beautiful. I just hope Akane picked a design as nice and decent," she said.
"Take my advice Kasumi. Go to the prom. Wear the gown. Enjoy the party. It's a prom, it can't be boring. And who knows, you might meet somebody interesting."
Kasumi sighed. "You do know these is high school prom we're talking about? At most, those kids would be eighteen. And most of them I heard are part of the Hentai gang that used to attack Akane. Hardly a place to pick up male friends let alone suitors."
"You could try for the single fathers. There's a fair number of them so I heard," Cologne suggested.
"Cologne…."
The old woman chuckled. "I was just kidding. At the very least, let Ranma or Ryoga dance with you. They've actually been taking dancing classes especially for this occasion. Actually, there is one more reason why I am here, along with Shampoo and Mousse. You see, the Cat Café has always been successful and through it, Chinese Amazon culture has already become famous, though more as a side effect of Ranma's antics. From a strictly financial point of view, it is a successful business with enormous potential for expansion. Once the embassy becomes fully functional, we will have an influx of Chinese Amazons that will come and spread our culture primarily through our food if not our martial arts. After all, we have to give the primarily male dominated Japanese martial arts arena a run for their money."
"Are you going to be the ambassador? But then who will manage the Cat Café? Mousse or Shampoo? Perhaps both?" Kasumi queried.
"Sadly no, they both lack management and leadership skills. That's why I've appointed a new manager for the Cat Café. He will take over management of the Cat Café and supervise Mousse and Shampoo. This still leaves the role of chief cook unfulfilled though. I don't suppose you would like the job?"
The brown haired girl shook her head. "I'm afraid not elder. Even now I still have chores to do in the afternoon, not to mention studying and as such, I can't spare the time to take the job. But wait a minute, did you say "He" will manage the Cat Café? A man is going to run your most successful business?"
Cologne sighed. "That was the only annoying condition that your Japanese government imposed on us. They want a Japanese to run the restaurant and report on our profit and business, and to top it off, they want the manager to be a man. Stupid myopic chauvinistic politicians," Cologne cursed.
"Oh dear, I hope they at least let you interview the person and see whether he has not only the qualification to run the business, but the tact and diplomatic skills to cooperate with you," Kasumi said, concerned for the new person as any male dealing with Amazons were bound to be in a pickled.
"Actually he is a qualified person, I've already met and interviewed him. My gripe is due to my prejudice towards males, not towards that person in question. In fact, he is a very nice man, courteous, perfect command of Mandarin, learning our customs in record time, and to top it off, is a decent martial artist as well."
The Tendo daughter became concerned. "Elder, I hope you're not planning to make him go what Ranma went through."
"You mistake my intentions Kasumi. Besides, I'm already in the process of abolishing the Kiss of Marriage, Kiss of Death and a myriad of other similar laws to prevent any other outsider from going through Ranma's ordeal. I'm just saying that this guy fit the job description to a tee. I have no doubt he will be a great manager and will be able to take the Cat Café business to the next level."
Kasumi smiled. "Seems like your nation is about to make its mark on the world, rather than just Nerima. I can see it now: Cat Café outlets in every nation, manned and guarded by Chinese Amazon warriors, promoting feminism everywhere."
"Nah, I don't intend to take it that far, just Japan. I may have absolved the Kisses for Ranma but I've lived here long enough to call it home. Life would be too boring without Ranma in my life. Plus I get to keep an eye on you my dear."
The Tendo girl smiled and poured Cologne some more tea. "I'm honoured that you would be so concerned about me but really Elder, I will be alright. I will admit that I have yet to overcome the loss of the Autobots, but I know that I have to move on," her smile fell. "One day, as much as I don't want it, the memories will fade. I may not remember Bumblebee's face, or the touch of his hand, or the transformation into the Toyota Cellica, Optimus Prime's deep blue eyes, Jazz's hentai antics………. But even when I forget the memories I shared with them, I will always treasure them in my heart. And know that Bumblebee…… was my first love."
There was a brief silence as both contemplated the adventures they had with the Cybertronains, which was by far, the most exciting, dangerous as well as the life altering experience they had ever experienced, even for Cologne who was more than two centuries old. Kasumi sighed and wondered what it would be like if Bumblebee had been human. An image came to her, of the dream she had with Bumblebee after the Matrix saved her, Bumblebee and the rest of the Autobots at Chengdu military base. She could almost envision Bumblebee undergoing a transformation, his metal exterior vanishing and replaced with flesh and blood. She could almost make out his human face then ……………
Cologne cleared her throat. "Well Kasumi, I'm glad that we could have this talk. Just so you know, the Cat Café will be catering for your prom. That means that you will also see my, Mousse and Shampoo at your prom. Your prom's theme may be "Red Carpet Ballroom" but Nabiki managed to convince the organising committee to let our Café supply our Chinese Amazon cuisines instead of western dishes. Let's have some fun shall we Kasumi? Ranma's 'fiancee' problem maybe over but that doesn't mean he can't attract some entertaining trouble.
The Amazon Elder's eyes suddenly gleamed. "You can even meet the new manager of the Cat Café. His name is Minami Kotaro. Did I mention he is extremely handsome as well?" she winked at Kasumi.
Kasumi's smile faltered. "I appreciate the thought Elder, but I don't think now is the time for relationships for me. I have to charter my own life now, and I don't think I should be looking for a man to provide that life for me. I'll be taking a leaf out of Amazon independence in this matter."
Cologne sighed. "Kasumi, even Amazons believe that nobody is complete without our soul mates. Granted, we hunt and capture ours instead of dating them but we still aim for our one true loves in the end. Please don't mope forever Kasumi. Again I repeat: Come to the prom and have fun. Dance with Ryoga and Ranma. Enjoy the food. See the fruits of your labour as Ranma and Akane dance together. I daresay you will witness even Mousse dancing with Shampoo if he ever scraps enough balls to do so."
The Elder Tendo daughter looked to the stars twinkling in the heavens. Somewhere out there, Bumblebee and the Autobots were out there, rebuilding their civilisation. She wondered whether Bumblebee would have wanted her to pursue a new relationship if they were truly separated forever until death claimed both of them. It was easy to say that he would have rather let Kasumi be in the arms of another man than suffer a lifetime of loneliness but this thinking, logical as it may sound, ran counter with Kasumi's firm belief that Bumblebee was her soul mate. They had persevered against impossible odds and found love in the strangest of circumstances. After all they had gone through, she still couldn't believe that God finally decided that she had enough blessings and promptly withdrew them.
She mentally slapped herself and sighed. 'Oh God, I'm sorry for blaming you. After all you've done, I'm still ungrateful to you,' she mentally prayed.
"Very well Elder, I will see you at the prom. Thank you for your contribution to the gown. Will you stay for dinner? I can cook something since you've travelled all this way to deliver the gown," Kasumi said despite her reservations on cooking.
Cologne shook her head, stood up and balanced herself on her staff. "No Kasumi, you do not need to give me any gratitude. Anyway, I have much work to do, both for the embassy as well as the prom's feast preparation. Take care of yourself Kasumi. Be happy. Its what he would have wanted."
The Tendo daughter sighed and stood up to see her guest out. When they reached the front porch, she surprised the Amazon Elder by giving her a hug.
"Thank you Elder, for coming. I've missed you."
"As have I Kasumi. See you at the prom," Cologne patted her hand. The ancient woman then opened the door and pogoed out of the house.
Kasumi then went back into the house and to the kitchen where Akane was preparing to cook dinner with Ranma. The two were quite surprised to see Kasumi enter the kitchen and looked questioningly at her.
She smiled at them. It was still a sad smile but tinged with gratitude towards her family and friends, which made it more bearable to the couple. "Ranma, Akane, thank you for your gift. Why don't you both go and relax for a while? I think I better cook soon otherwise I'll loose that skill forever."
Their faces lit up when they heard Kasumi say that she was going to cook.
"WOOHOO! NO TOMBOY COOKING TODAY!" as always, Ranma had to put his foot in his mouth. Kasumi sighed as she saw Akane see red.
"RANMA NO BAKA!" she shouted as she grabbed Ranma and threw him out of the kitchen door and into the living room. She sighed as she picked up an apron, which felt slightly alien to her as she had not worn it for so long, even when preparing lunch snacks for her father and Genma. She put on the apron and started her preparations to cook, pausing only when she heard the television at the living room come alive with a new report.
"Tokyo University Observatories say that the meteor shower observed two days ago will finally enter Earth's atmosphere on Saturday, three days from now. The meteor shower despite consisting of a large number of meteors, is not deemed to be a danger to the planet as sources say that the meteors are small and will burn up in the atmosphere in a spectacular display of light and fire. Tokyo residents will be in for a treat as they watch this wonder of nature blaze through the sky on Saturday……"
To be continued……….
Author's notes
Sigh, I wonder if I've given too much away with that last paragraph. Once again, just as I decide this is the last chapter, I write and write and make it too long again. Oh well, good news for you guys as it means the story is still going on. I swear to you guys though, we ARE at the end now. Try not to speculate what I'm going to do in your reviews, some of you probably will guess correctly and spoil the story for the rest of the readers. Like when Hinatafanboy actually predicted that I would drop Kasumi into the Spring of Drowned Megatron one chapter before it happened.
Nevertheless, as always, long and insightful reviews are very much appreciated. My thanks to Galen, Isumo, Screaming Dean, Elconquistador, Musichowler, Mr Thumbsup, Dragonman 180 and other reviewers for your support once again. To those who've yet to say anything about my story, I still wish to hear from you all despite, or rather because, we are nearing at the end. It's been quite a ride and I want to hear from the rest of you.
Goodnight and God bless you all.