Poisoned Honor
A RANMA 1/2 FAN FICTION
BY WILLIAM O'HALLORAN
AKA Nuki Mouse
Authors notes: This is a story based on characters owned and copy righted by Takahashi Rumiko and VIZ Communications. I wrote this story for entertainment purposes only and have not received any money for it, nor will I attempt to.
Encloses the thoughts of the character.
" " Enclose the spoken words of a character.
CHAPTER THREE: NOONTIME DEVELOPMENTS.
Nabiki entered the room that had served as Ranma and Genma's sleeping quarters ever since their arrival at the Tendo home. She surveyed with disgust the bloodstain sheets and futon pad that served as Ranma's bed. Burn it, the pad, the sheets, all of it! Thought Nabiki. I don't want to even sell it to a second hand dealer or a rag man! I WANT to burnt it, and imagine RANMA in it!
This line of thought startled Nabiki. Although she and Ranma had their differences, she knew that she never really disliked him. At least not until he tried to RAPE me and Akane! Actually Nabiki always had strong respect for Ranma's sense of honor, determination, and self reliance, as well as being thankful for the steady income she garnished from taking book on his fights, the profits from the soft porn photos, and the selling of his "secrets" to Kuno-Baby, Ryouga, and Shampoo, among others.
But his betrayal of Akane's trust and love, and subsequent rape attempts had utterly destroyed any good will she had felt for Ranma. And AKANE, just lying there, not even fighting back, she was so STUPID! Did she WANT to be RAPED? as Nabiki also felt an intense anger directed at her sister as well.
She realized that the hurt Ranma had caused Akane, or Akane's inaction, was not enough to account for her intense feelings of anger. I want to watch him roast, to slowly die of thirst, to... well, DIE! she savagely thought. He made me fell so violated and 'cheap' when he latched on and groped me like I was nothing but a sex toy for him! as she gritted her teeth. And THEN he chose Akane over... UHH! Nabiki's mind when momentarily numb.
Chose Akane over... over... ME? I di-- di-- didn't WANT him to RAPE ME! She thought. He's a... a... a... MONSTER! What he did, when he's always acted so noble, so brave before! I would have trusted him with my life, with my SECRETS! Until now I've never known him to lie or betray a trust, just look at him, Ryouga and P-Chan, he's never told Akane about THAT, she fumed. But he... he... he's a... HENTAI! A RAPIST!
STUPID, STUPID AKANE! STUPID RANMA! Nabiki mentally cried! Maybe Akane just finally pushed Ranma too far! I'M GLAD RANMA CHOSE HER OVER ME, SHE DESERVES HIM! Nabiki mentally screamed. WHAT AM I THINKING? AKANE DOESN'T DESERVE THAT! Nabiki was lost in thought for several minutes as she reassessed her feelings.
Do I hate Akane? She MY SISTER! I LOVE HER! Nabiki knew. But I am angry at her as well, why is that? Because she almost got RAPED? she asked herself. But so did I she thought faintly. I am mad about what HAPPEN! About Ranma glomping ME! BUT then he WENT to Akane, forgetting all about me, is THAT why am I mad? I don't want Ranma, especially not NOW! Decided Nabiki, as her thoughts started to clarified.
Did I want Ranma before this HAPPENED? Is that it? Did I LIKE Ranma, I mean REALLY LIKE Ranma? Was I jealous of Akane? Nabiki asked herself. Truthfully, what hurt worst, Ranma's glomping onto me, or him THEN choosing Akane over me? she asked of herself. BUT I DON"T WANT THAT HENTAI RAPIST! NOT NOW! But who do I want? Someone like Ranma? Like the way I thought Ranma was? And to think I once thought he was just like Kuno-Baby, only not as dumb!
LIKE KUNO-BABY? WHY is that Important? They are not alike at ALL! Nabiki told herself. Tatewaki, well he so, uhh, NOBLE, and BRAVE, a CONFIDANT who's word I have never doubted, always ready to defend his honor. He's always trying to help the weak, to... protect...? IS THIS KUNO TATEWAKI OR SAOTOME RANMA I AM TALKING ABOUT? Nabiki mind reeled.
I never seriously thought about them being alike, it just seemed so obvious that they WEREN'T. Kuno-baby is so obsessed with quoting Shakespeare or Byron, but Ranma is also obsessed with his curse. Tatewaki is free and generous with his gifts and money, Ranma was always quick with his help or aid. BUT KUNO-BABY HAS NOT CHANGED INTO A HENTAI RAPIST! Nabiki ended with a mental scream. No, Kuno just dumped me for the 'love' of his 'Pig Tailed Girl' and Akane! Kami! Don't fool yourself! Kuno dumped me FOR AKANE, long before Ranma arrived. Nabiki's thoughts continued bitterly.
FOR Akane! FOR Akane! Why are all the best ones FOR Akane? Kuno, Ranma, Ryouga, they all fall over themselves FOR Akane! STUPID Akane! Well, she can HAVE Ranma, I don't want HIM! Nabiki ranted. I only want some one who would care for ME, to protect ME... like they all protect Akane? DO I WANT A HERO? A stupid knight in shining amour to protect me? A St George to slay all my enemies? she wondered.
Maybe I just what some one to care for me the way they all seem to care for Akane, the way Ranma seemed to care for Akane This thought stunned her. Akane's always been the one who hated boys, who is so good at sports and fighting, who can't do any feminine task! Nabiki fumed. She hates Kuno-Baby, she hates Ranma, she ignores Ryouga, but she gets kidnapped by princes, and is fought over by every boy in the school her mental voice continued very quietly. Why don't anyone chase or fight for me like that?
At this point Nabiki mind started going numb on her confused feelings for Ranma, Kuno, and her newly discovered jealousy and envy of her sister Akane. As Nabiki continued to survey the guestroom, her eyes lighted on the pile of strange clothes in the center of the room.
Nabiki found them to be a set of bright red chinese silk blouse and matching pants, festooned with a floral orchid design.
Only Shampoo could get away with wearing THAT while sneaking around on the rooftops without tearing and staining the silk! Nabiki felt the cool soft fabric and marveled at the detailed design as she wondered how much she could get for it, retail. I wonder how I would look in it also crossed her mind.
As she further examined the clothes, a small white soapstone bottle fell free. Picking it up she recognized it as a chinese medicine or potion bottle. Looking around she found an even fancier green jade bottle near Ranma's futon. What was Shampoo was doing with these bottles? Nabiki thought, as she remembered the cat still under the bucket.
Nabiki slowly removed the books and tipped the bucket, expecting to see a very angry cat dart out, but instead found a limp form, covered in vomit and blood. Nabiki prodded the cat with her foot and got only a weak 'meowing' noise. Neko-Shampoo's eyes where half open and appeared to be glazed and unfocused. Sudden concern overcame Nabiki, as she squatted down and gently picked up Shampoo and carried her to the nearby futon.
The shifting motion triggered a spasm of nausea in the cat, resulting in mainly dry heaves and only a little vomit. As much as I dislike Shampoo, and would LOVE to get her fixed, I think she maybe really sick. Nabiki concluded. Uh... could she have a concussion? Nabiki thought, as she remembered hitting her on the head with the bucket. No, this is something more than that Nabiki realized as she thought of the two potion bottles.
Could she have OD'd on a potion or drug, something a human could take, but might be poisonous to a cat? Nabiki could feel a panic start to build as she realized that if Shampoo died here, under mysterious circumstances, Cologne and the entire amazon tribe would probably give them all the kiss of death. Dr Toufu! Kasumi should be calling him right now! He may know what to do! Thought Nabiki as she headed out the door and towards the kitchen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kasumi was walking towards her room to check on Akane when Nabiki came out of the guestroom and spotted her in the hall.
"Kasumi! Did you call Dr. Toufu already? Is he coming over here?" Cried out Nabiki when she saw her older sister.
"He'll be here as soon as he can" answered Kasumi. "WHY! Has something happen to Akane!" She asked, her eyes going big and round with concern at the fearful tone in Nabiki's voice.
"No, no, no, it isn't Akane! It's Shampoo! I... I... uh... think she is really sick, maybe even dying!" Responded Nabiki in a rush.
"Shampoo? What wrong with her? Did Ranma... uh… did he 'hurt' her?" Asked Kasumi.
Nabiki thought about it DID Ranma hurt her? He Did take her virginity, could he have also injured her in other ways? No, if anyone did hurt her, It was ME and that bucket, not Ranma! "I don't think it was Ranma, but I could have hurt her when I threw the bucket" Nabiki confessed after thinking about it. "But what I really think is that Shampoo may have OD'd on whatever was inside these bottles," as she held up the two potion bottles for Kasumi to see.
"You really think she may be dying?" inquired Kasumi, only to be answered by Nabiki's slowly nodding head. Oh my Kami! Thought Kasumi. What can we do? We can wait for Ono, but he maybe hours! I could call emergency, but what do I tell them? "Oh yes, emergency? I have a sick cat here that is really a female chinese amazon, that may have poisoned herself. Could you send an ambulance?" They'll send someone alright, with a straight jacket, looking for ME! Kasumi mused.
Maybe Cologne? I could call the Neko-Hanten. She would probably know what was in those bottles, but do I really want to face her NOW? There is no telling just what she may do if she blames US for Shampoo's condition! went through Kasumi worried mind. But… If I don't tell her, and Shampoo IS sick, wouldn't that be worse? …uh… I guess the best thing to do is to first call Ono again, then I can call Cologne, tell her what happen, and that Dr Toufu's coming here. Kasumi concluded.
"Nabiki, will you keep an eye on Akane for me while I make some more phone calls?" Kasumi asked in a gentle voice, trying to calm her sister. "Dr Toufu doesn't think we should leave her alone right now. Also, please be careful not to tell her anything that may upset her further" Kasumi continued, as she turned and headed back the way she just came.
* * * * * * * * * *
Kasumi had just reached the kitchen phone when she heard the melodious tones of the old bell hanging at the main entrance of the Tendo home, announcing a visitor.
Could that be Ono-chan already? She thought as she rushed to the door. She opened the door but instead of the good Doctor, Kasumi found the diminutive form of Cologne, the Amazon Elder, carefully balanced on her wooden staff. OH MY! … How could SHE know already?
"Good day, Kasumi, Is everything here OK? I must to talk to Akane and Ranma about a matter of some importance" Cologne said with a very serious expression on his face. "I must warn them, actually warn all of you, to be on guard against my great granddaughter" Cologne continued, as she hopped forward and tried to push pass Kasumi.
"Shampoo! Uh... what... ug... why?" blurted out Kasumi, with a very guarded expression on her face. "Are you here to threaten us?" she asked, stepping aside and allowing the Amazon to enter the Tendo home.
Cologne, after carefully looking at Kasumi's face and hearing the tone in her voice, thought to herself Drat that girl, Something tells me I may be already too late! "Has Shampoo been here already? Quickly, did she give either Ranma or Akane anything to eat OR drink?" Cologne demand.
"I... uh... don't really know if Shampoo gave Ranma anything! And I don't really CARE! Akane is in some kind of emotional shock and Shampoo seems to be very sick." Answered Kasumi, who then quickly informed Cologne of all the mornings events, while she lead the Elder to the Tendo family sleeping chambers.
"So Ranma's gone NOW! WE kicked him out! Akane is over in my room but Shampoo is in here." Kasumi concluded as she showed Cologne the door to the guest room.
Cologne quickly hopped over to the futon and started to examine her ward. "Quickly Kasumi, I need some hot water! It is the only thing I know of that may save her!!" she said as she gently cradled the body of Neko-Shampoo, with tears in her eyes.
"I... uh… it will be a minute," Kasumi replied, as she quickly thought OH NO! The hot water tank is still off and it's cold! And there's something wrong with the stove! Rushed though her mind. I need to heat some water FAST. But how? Maybe a fire? But where? …I could turn the hot water heater back on, I just need to start the gas again. THE GAS! It's off, that's why my stove won't work!
"I'll have to... um... heat some water up, Cologne. Our hot water tank is... um... cold," Kasumi nervously explained, as she ran to the kitchen, turned on the gas, and preceded to re-light her stove. It was a very anxious 5 minutes for Kasumi as she waited for her tea kettle heated up. Please, Kami-sami, don't let Shampoo die on us! I don't want those crazy Amazons after us AGAIN! And PLEASE! PLEASE! let Akane be OK!
Just as Kasumi determined, due to her long experience with Ranma's curse, that the water in the kettle was hot enough, the old bell at the front door rang out once again. Thank you Kami! That HAS to be Ono-chan this time! as she grabbed her kettle and headed for the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dr. Ono Toufu, his oversized doctor's bag in hand, quietly fidgeted as he waited for someone to answer the door.
I MUST remain calm, I CAN NOT overreact, I WILL maintain my composure. I MUST remain calm, I CAN NOT overreact, I WILL maintain my composure. I MUST… repeated over and over again in his mind almost like a Mantra.
The door opened, and there was his beloved Kasumi, holding a tea kettle and for once looking somewhat upset and slightly disheveled.
"Ka... Ka... KASUMI! HOW ARE YOU DOING TODAY!" He blurted out with an extremely large goofy grin on his face. Boy, that really sounded STUPID!!, WHAT a really BRIGHT thing to say! Ono cursed to himself.
Kasumi gave the Doctor a reproachful look. Oh Ono! Keep control! she tried to mentally project to him, but of course he couldn't hear her.
"Konniichi Wa, Dr Toufu. I am glad you came so promptly." Kasumi said as she greeted Ono quite formally, trying to hide the apprehension in her voice as she lead him into the house.
REMAIN CALM! DON'T OVERREACT! COMPOSURE! REMAIN CA… Raced through his mind, faster and faster. "Has there been any change in Akane condition?" asked the concerned Doctor in him, as he noticed the apparent worry and fear in Kasumi's voice and body language.
"Akane? She's... ah... the still same?" replied Kasumi as she sudden felt very guilty. Akane! Is she alright? I haven't checked on her lately! She may needed help! She may needed me! SHE's the one I should be worried about, not Shampoo! as Kasumi contemplated taking Ono to Akane first and to kami with Shampoo. NABIKI! That's right! She's with Akane! She would have gotten me if there was anything wrong!
"It's Shampoo, she seems to be very ill, her great grandmother is with her now and thinks she maybe dying! OH MY! I NEED TO GET THIS HOT WATER TO HER RIGHT NOW!" Kasumi suddenly remembered, as she brandished her teakettle and took off in a rush, gesturing for Ono to follow
I would follow you ANYWHERE Kasumi! thought Dr Toufu, as he trailed behind her, trying to keep his eyes off her 'attributes.' Hot Water? What for? Tea? Some kind of chinese herbal medicine? puzzled Ono, who then became more serious as he thought about Shampoo's illness. Cologne's knowledge of Herbal medicine and her ability as a healer rivals my own! There must be a legitimate reason for the hot water other than for tea he knew.
Shampoo… Shampoo… OF COURSE! Ono suddenly realized. She must be in her cat form! That's what the water's for! Although he knew of Shampoo's curse, he had never seen her close up while she was a cat, or seen her change forms before. This should be interesting! thought the analytical portion of his mind.
As they reached the guestroom Dr Toufu entered the room after Kasumi, and spied the still form of a Himalayan cat with lavender ear points, nestled in Cologne's lap. KAMI! Lavender must actually be Shampoo's natural hair color, I always assumed it was dyed. But where did that little set of bead earrings come from? wondered Ono.
"Doctor," Cologne said with nod of her head, as she acknowledged Dr. Toufu presence. With his skill and knowledge, we may just be able to save Shampoo's life! thought Cologne. Although it might just be fruitless, if Shampoo really did use 'The Forbidden Knowledge' to help her 'win' Ranma. as Cologne strongly suspected may be true.
"Honorable Elder" answered Ono, as he quickly set down his doctor's bag and retrieved his stethoscope. "May I… ?" as he reached out towards Neko-Shampoo, his actions silently asking for Cologne's permission to examine Shampoo.
Cologne quickly hugged her great-grand daughter, then laid her back on the futon for Dr Toufu to examine. "Please be quick, I think her best hope is to become human again!" begged Cologne as tears streamed down her face.
Dr Toufu bent over and placed the diaphragm of his stethoscope on the body of the cat. Shampoo's heart rate was almost too low and slow to hear, and she felt very warm to the touch. Ono held his finger by Shampoo's nose and discovered that the cat seemed to be hyperventilating.
Low pulse and pressure, fever, hyperventilating? It could be anything! Ono though as he continued his exam, and found a swollen bump on Shampoo's head, checked her eyes and noticed a wound on her right paw.
Possible concussion, film over the eyes, no reaction to light, deep laceration to right paw. Ono continued to mentally list her symptoms. I don't see any other physical injuries, but I wonder if it could be…? "Cologne, Shampoo's illness maybe pharmacological, She didn't use any… usual medications, did she?" The Doctor asked.
"Ever since her Jusenkyou curse, Shampoo has stopped using anything that may have an adverse effect on her cursed form, but…" Cologne answered with tears in her eyes and apprehension in her voice. "She may have used a... secret drug … to help her force Ranma, somehow, to marry her."
"What drug? If you know, Cologne, you better…" Ono began.
"If I knew, I would be doing something mmoore about it than just ca ..crying…" Cologne said as she started to sob. "Sshhee broke iinntoo my secret drug ccaabinettt, …sshhee took all... (sniff)... I don't Know wwhhicch one sshhee may have used, I hope that maaybee (sniff) cha--a--angiinng her back..."
Kami! I have never seen Cologne show any strong emotions before!, she claims to be almost 300, she must have dealt with illness and death before!" Thought Ono. But she maybe right, If we don't know the drug, Shampoo's only chance maybe to trigger her curse, if she survives the change… "Cologne, I agree with you… It maybe her only chance, but it isn't without risk, transformations take a lot of energy, maybe more than she has." Concluded Ono. "The decision must be yours"
Cologne took her great granddaughter in her arms once more and hugged her fiercely, before laying her cat form in the center of the futon, and stroking the smooth fur of her back one last time. Turning to Dr Toufu all she could do was nod her head in compliance.
"Kasumi, can you hand me your tea kettle? Please?" Ono asked, as he reached out towards her…
Dr Ono Toufu slowly poured the hot water on to the comatose body of Neko-Shampoo. The fir on her body rippled and the limbs began to distort, then .. nothing! The body was still a cat's. Dr Toufu, quickly checked Neko-Shampoo's vitals. Damn! well did I warned her..!
"Cologne, I'm sorry, but…" Ono started to say, as he removed a pillowcase and draped it over the still form of the cat
"I know, doctor, I can see auras quite well" Cologne interrupted "It's too late.." as she slumped down by the still form of Shampoo, looking every year of her age, tears cascading down her face.
"Ono, you don't mean she's dead!?" asked Kasumi blerted out and her hand quickly covering her mouth, eyes wide in shock at her ill-timed, inappropriate comment. "Can't you, um... revive? her, resuscitate her? "
"I am a not a vet, Kasumi, I don't even know were to start." was his only answer.
END PART THRE.