Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I do not claim any rights to any of the characters or concepts created or owned by Viz Video or Rumiko Takahashi. This is just the work of one fan to the others. The only characters or concepts that I claim are the ones I created or introduced. That said, I bring you:
For Love and Money, Chapter 34
Home is wherever the heart is.
Amaya walked quietly alongside Xaph Ti Pyn, and basked in the energy of the young girl. She had thought much about the previous night, and had to admit just how tempted she was to accept the offer from the Tofu's. It was honestly insane that she had been offered this chance. But her duties to the Teahouse and her young wards had to come first. Honestly, she was not sure what to do.
Perhaps this was a matter she should ask Mother and her sisters about. Even if she was sure she already knew what Michi would say about all of this. Honestly, that one was such a pervert.
Not that she was one to speak, after all. She had not stopped considering it since Lady Tofu had made her very generous offer.
Amaya resolved to speak to Mother, and to seek her wise advice and counsel.
Also, if there was anyone who would have…. Advice…. On how to best handle the new duties that this arrangement would entail, surely Mother would know.
Mother always knows best after all.
Tachi sat quietly as she waited outside of Mother's chambers with Quang Pu at her side. The lady Tendo and Quang Pu had been summoned to the Teahouse, and Tachi had been invited to attend as well. She glanced aside at Amazon, and could easily read the worry on the young girl's face. She wasn't really sure what to say, but this was one of those times when, as an adult, it was her duty to guide those that had yet to walk the long and winding path of adulthood.
"What is on your mind, Qiang Pu? If there is something that this One can help you with, then she would be most honored to share whatever minor wisdom she might have to share." Tachi asked as she watched Qiang Pu.
Qiang Pu chewed on her lip and tugged on the end of her ponytail in a fit of uncertainty for a moment, then sighed. "How… should Qiang Pu deal with Xaph Ti Pyn? Qiang Pu…. I… don't know what to do."
Tachi thought about that for a moment before she addressed the young Amazon. "This One thinks that you have an opportunity here, to get to know Xaph Ti Pyn. To get to know your sister, and to find out what kind of person she is "
Qiang Pu hunched over as her fists clenched tightly. "How…. How can Qiang Pu face Xaph Ti Pyn? Is person who…. Who stole who she was. Who killed person she was."
"Yes, you are the person who ended the threat that Xaph Ti Pyn, daughter of the traitor Rai Zur posed. You are the one who undid a lifetime of brainwashing and hatred. You are also the one who freed Xaph Ti Pyn, daughter of Ranma and Xian Pu from the prison she had been locked away in her entire life.". Tachi paused and smiled sadly. "Many of us have had to kill someone, to free another. In my case, I had to kill the man who was named Shiro to free the woman who would be named Tachi." She said directly for once, as she dropped the formal mask she had worn almost always since she had entered the Teahouse.
Qiang Pu stared at Tachi, as what the older warrior had said truly sunk in. She was pulled from her thoughts as Amaya entered the waiting room with a shy and uncertain girl behind her. Qiang Pu looked away in shame for a moment, before the words that Tachi had broken her traditional mannerisms to impart resurfaced.
This was a chance to get to know her sister. To know the person her sister had become, and would be for the rest of her life. A chance to ease the guilt that ate at her for so many things. Qiang Pu looked at Xaph Ti Pyn, and tapped the spot next to her. Qiang Pu couldn't stop from smiling as Xaph Ti Pyn looked at Amaya before she quietly sat down next to Qiang Pu. There was something adorable about how the other acted.
The overly cocky, aggressive certainty was gone. The casual disregard for others was no longer present. She just… felt like a younger girl. A little sister.
With barely any hesitation, Qiang Pu gently but firmly turned Xaph Ti Pyn so that the other girl was sitting with her back to her before she started to mess with Xaph Ti Pyn's hair. The unique scent of the various herbs that had been used to make the special shampoo were still there, even if they had faded somewhat. Perhaps it was a smell that she would come to associate with this girl, with her little sister. With her sister Xaph Ti Pyn.
Tachi and Amaya exchanged a meaningful look as they each settled in on opposite sides of their young charges. Regardless of why Mother had summoned them here, what was happening between the two young girls was a special occasion, one that was needed for both of their sakes.
After a bit of time, Nabiki walked out looking a bit more drawn and pale than she had for a while, and she gave the two Lilies of the Teahouse a strained smile. "Mother Konatsu would like to see you two." She said before she knelt down and pulled the two girls into her arms with no hesitation at all. Tachi and Amaya exchanged a quick look before they stood and made their way quietly into Mother Konatsu's chambers, leaving Nabiki with the two young girls.
The two Lilies bowed to Mother Konatsu before they sat on the opposite side of the low table from Mother Konatsu and then Amaya poured tea for all of them before Mother Konatsu started to explain why they had been summoned.
"This One has heard from Ranma and Douglas, and the news is not all good. Ranma will be returning to us soon, but she has been locked in her cursed form, and the means to undo the lock might have been lost. On top of that, the situation in the area is even more dire than the earliest reports have indicated. The Amazon's Council of Elders was lost, and they are establishing a new council. Most of the warriors have been either slain, injured, or have vanished. Ranma has dealt with the ones that were directly responsible, or at least most of them, but there is a chance that there are others who are working behind the scenes to pull the strings. Now, they have also found unexpected allies who we do not know how far they can be trusted, but Ranma is willing to believe in them. It has necessitated that plans that we had considered must be moved forward, and actions will have to be taken sooner rather than later." Konatsu said as she looked at a folder and opened it to pull some documents from within.
"This One has decided that it is time to expand our activities to China, and establish a new House. These actions, these events, can never be allowed to happen again. One of Us has agreed to become the Mother to this new House, and she will need as much support as we can give her. When Ranma arrives, she will be accompanied by a group of representatives from the region, and we will set the final terms of our alliance at that time. There are many things that will need to be arranged, both for their visit and when they return to China, and this One may have favors to ask, favors that will not come easy." Mother Konatsu said before she looked at the two Lilies.
Tachi bowed deeply, and spoke softly. "This One has already pledged her support to her Sister when the time comes, Mother. A strong arm and a sharp sword will be needed when the local gangs are introduced to the new ways, and shall need to be reminded at least once that this is a ….. Civilized… agreement."
"This One regrets that she needed to ask this of you, Tachi." Konatsu said, then looked at Amaya. "This One knows that there are things that you wished to speak to this One about, but can they wait for just a short period of time, Amaya? This One promises that she will devote as much time as is needed to help you once we have determined the details of what needs to be done."
Amaya licked her suddenly dry lips and bowed. "Thank you, Mother."
Konatsu smiled warmly as she pulled pen and paper from her low desk and started to work with her two Lilies to set up what would be needed for the short term so that Ranma's homecoming and the visit from the dignitaries would go as smoothly as possible. There would be more than a few details that would need to be worked out, but if there was one thing that Konatsu had learned, it was that as long as this family of hers worked together with a shared purpose, there was almost nothing that was outside of their abilities.
Amaya shifted a little and Konatsu looked at her. "What is on your mind, Amaya? Is there a question that this One might be able to answer?"
Amaya licked her lip nervously. "When… We open this new House, they will need my skills, at least for a time.". She said with confidence. "I will need to find another to handle a task I have taken on…."
"This One thinks that it will be at least six months, possibly a year, until they will be in a place where they might be in need of your particular skills, Amaya dear." Konatsu said with a soft smile. "You shall be able to continue the training of the young ladies in your charge until then, at the least."
Amaya blushed and bowed her head. "This One is most appreciative of your wise understanding. Thank you, Mother."
Konatsu nodded before she took another delicate drink of her tea. "We will also have to be prepared to help the pair of young ladies from China that have found refuge here. Among those that were lost are Khu Lon and Xian Pu. Those losses …. They shall be particularly hard to deal with, for all that know them. Especially our two young guests. One, or both, of them will need to return to China sooner rather than later…"
"What is to become of Xaph Ti Pyn." Amaya said in a cold, calm tone of voice, then ducked her head in shame at her outburst and the emotion behind it.
"We will tell the representative of the Council the truths of Xaph Ti Pyn. She is the daughter of Xian Pu and Ranma Tendo through a surrogate. That she has had her memories of her earlier life sealed, so that she could live her life as the person she was always meant to be." Mother Konatsu said in a matter of fact tone of voice.
"What will become of her, Mother?" Amaya asked in a worried tone of voice.
"This One does not know that answer, Amaya. But this One can speculate that she will more than likely be entrusted to the village, if Ranma and Nabiki see fit to allow that to happen, seeing as they are now the closest she has to relatives left in this world." Konatsu answered with calm sincerity, knowing full well how attached the African-American Geisha had become to Xaph Ti Pyn.
Amaya bit her lip and bowed her head. "Thank you, Mother."
Konatsu looked at Tachi. "Would you be so kind as to see to our guests, Tachi, while this One speaks to Amaya?"
Tachi bowed and left the room with swift, graceful steps as she went to tend to their other guests.
"What is on your mind? If this One has any humble advice to share, she would be happy to impart whatever small bits of wisdom she may have." Konatsu said as she refilled their tea.
"This One has had… a very strange offer presented to her. One that she is not sure how to respond to." Amaya said as she turned her cup of tea and stared into the depths of her cup.
"So, the Lady Tofu finally worked up the nerve to approach you directly." Konatsu said with a soft, knowing smile.
Amaya knew that she blushed brightly at that,and that neither the makeup nor her dark skin hid it from the Mother of the Teahouse. "You knew." Amaya sighed. "Of course you knew."
"The reason that this One knew was that she approached this One." Konatsu said casually.
Amaya really wished that if she was going to combust, it would happen sooner rather than later. "She… Approached you, Mother?"
"She did. Kasumi Tofu is a very responsible, and outwardly very traditional woman. Now, she is a Tendo, so who knows what sort of person truly hides under that outward image. This One has learned many things in her life, and one of those is that the more repressed and conservative a Tendo seems, the deeper and more powerful the passions that they hide are. And Kasumi is the most conservative and traditional of the three." Konatsu said as she watched Amaya and smirked a little.
"She even offered to buy your contract from the Teahouse, if that was what was required." Konatsu said, and watched as Amaya's eyes widened. "It was an impressive offer, perhaps this One should share it with her companion?"
Amaya looked at Konatsu wide-eyed and swallowed hard, torn by conflicting urges, then her eyes drifted down on their own to the slip of paper that Konatsu casually placed in front of her. As Amaya read the number, her eyes snapped up and met the impassive look in Konatsu's eyes.
"That… That is…." Amaya said before she was gently interrupted by Konatsu.
"Everything that she has, save for a small amount that I imagine is set aside for gifts for those that are closest to her, yes." Konatsu filled in for Amaya.
Amaya paled and bit her lip. "I… This One could never accept that much from her…"
"This One agrees. It is far too paltry an amount." Konatsu said as she took a sip of her tea and watched the conflicting emotions that rushed across Amaya's face. "Calm yourself, please. This One would never insult your mistress in that way. She would never look down on one who cherished one of her precious daughters so much."
Amaya shifted a little. "But she is not my mistress. This One has not even answered her yet…."
Konatsu smiled and refilled their tea again. "You would not have come to speak to this One if your mind had not already been settled. Now, what else is on your mind?"
"When… When Xaph Ti Pyn returns to China…. This One wishes to accompany her, just until she is settled….". Amaya said as she slowly turned her cup in her hands.
"As this One expected. You are worried about this new arrangement, and your other students, then?". Konatsu asked as she settled back. When Amaya nodded, Konatsu smiled. "This One would expect it will take a few months, six perhaps, before things will be ready for either of our young guests to return to China and the village. That should be time for The ladies Yaayaa and Hina to become established. And, you should speak to the Tofu's and see what they say."
Amaya nodded and shifted a little nervously. "Mother… This One has another matter she… wishes she did not have to discuss with you, but perhaps you might have…. A little wisdom to share…."
Konatsu smiled and looked at Amaya. "And what is this wisdom you seek?"
Amaya blushed and leaned in to quietly ask about her…. Other concerns.
A short time later a very embarrassed Amaya left Mother Konatsu's chambers with a book clutched tightly to her chest titled. "A modern woman's pillowbook: An illustrated guide to sapphic love."
Tachi sat quietly across from Nabiki as the two young girls played some game that Xaph Ti Pyn had been taught by one of the other young girls that worked in the common area of the Teahouse. Tachi could still not believe just how different the young girl was now compared to how she had been before. The differences always made her wonder just what Xaph Ti Pyn might have been like if Rai Zur had not been a psychopathic bitch
Tachi shifted her attention back to Nabiki as the other woman took another drink of the sake that Tachi had poured for her. Nabiki had been an absolute rock throughout everything that had happened, and to the outside world she always presented the image of the implacable Ice Queen. An unwavering, infallible force of nature that never knew doubt or uncertainty. The woman who was always in control and always had the correct answer to any problem. Tachi understood just how that impression could develop, since she had been present for several of Nabiki's hiring days early on.
She knew more than most that Nabiki kept an unshakable image at all times. That Ranma and the rest of her family shored up the weak spots, and that without Ranma, Nabiki worried that she would not be able to hold everything together. Of course, Tachi knew that Nabiki was truly a force of nature. That her reputation was deserved, and that the only person who truly doubted Nabiki's capabilities was Nabiki herself.
It was often the case with the overly capable. And that was the reason that she was here today, to carry out part of the agreement that she had with Ranma. To be the person who helped shore up Nabiki when the Tendo doubted herself. For those times that her husband or wife, depending on the temperature of the water, was not able to do it themselves.
And that was what precisely she would do.
"This One thinks that you are worrying too much, Nabiki. Ranma will be home soon, and then you two will find a solution to what should be done just like you always have. Together. And regardless of what decision is made, then all of those who have found our footing next to you will stand by whatever decision has been made. That is, after all, what family does. And, if this One can be so bold, no amount of distance or circumstance can ever separate those that have found where their heart belongs." Tachi said before she refilled Nabiki's cup once more.
Nabiki sighed and smiled at the aloof Lily, and then watched the two young girls getting to be young girls for once. She would make sure that their wishes would be respected, and may the Kami have mercy on any that objected.
Yaayaa laid in her bed, hooked up to all sorts of wires, tubes and other things, and found it hard to sleep. Tomorrow would be a very special day. From when she woke up in the morning, until it was time to sleep, she would be allowed to swap places with Hina. For a full day, she would be able to run and walk. She wouldn't have to worry about the stuff that they had to stick and poke her with, or any of the stuff that grossed her out.
For a full day, she could be the new her. The person that she had started to see as the real her. Not this…. Broken thing that only half worked anymore.
Tomorrow they would work on how she spoke, and her habits. Honestly, she felt that she was getting the better part of all of this tomorrow. Hina had to learn how to be boring old Yaayaa, while she got to just do pretty much anything whatever came natural to her!
Yaayaa snuggled Doll-Hina tight and started to run through the breathing exercises that the strange little woman with the white hair and red eyes had taught her. She didn't think it would work, as she yawned. After all…
How could you remember stuff…
When you were so tired….
Hina cracked open an eye and smiled before she gently pulled the blankets back over them both. It was good that Yaayaa finally settled down and went to sleep.
Tomorrow was going to be a big day, after all.
The next morning, Kasumi answered the door after she had started breakfast, and smiled as she saw a bashful Amaya on the other side of it. "Good morning, I wasn't expecting you. Did you want to come in? I was just getting breakfast going." Kasumi said with her usual gentle smile as she stepped back to let Amaya in.
Amaya bobbed her head and stepped in and left her shoes lined up neatly alongside the others. "This One is sorry that she came over unannounced, she just… Wanted to talk to you and Doctor Tofu, if that is okay?"
Kasumi smiled and nodded as she walked back towards the kitchen with Amaya following behind her. "Of course, Amaya dear. You are always welcome here. Honestly, you can even think of this as your home… If you want…" Kasumi said as she suddenly grew a little bashful, having forgotten her manners for a moment.
Amaya blushed and smiled as she watched the color creep up the eldest Tendo sister's neck. Kasumi was adorable when she was like this. Adorable, cute, kind… And oddly sexy, as well. Without saying a word, she stepped up beside Kasumi and started to help with breakfast preparations without any direction or prompting. The only thing that drew an immediate reaction from her was when Kasumi impishly bumped her hip against Amaya's, and drew an immediate blush from the shorter geisha.
Kasumi had to drag her attention back to the miso and fish more than once.
When the rest of the Tofu's made their way to the table, the younger members of the house were overjoyed to find Amaya there, waiting for them alongside their mother. Tofu just gave the pair of them an amused, knowing look before he settled in with his breakfast and a pile of papers. Kasumi had to admit, it made it much easier to handle her children with the competent little geisha there to help, and they saw the children off a little earlier than normal that morning.
The pair of women cleared the table, then Tofu put his papers away and looked at them both. "Should I leave, or am I allowed to be here for whatever it is that brought Amaya over this early?" He asked in a tone of voice that spoke of affection, and no small amount of amusement.
Kasumi blushed brightly. "You… Don't have to go anywhere, Tofu. It's not like I was going to put her over the table and have my way with her, or anything…." Kasumi said as she fiddled with the end of her hair where it lay draped over her shoulder. Amaya just went still as she blushed bright red, knowing full well from what Kasumi had said that the Lady Tofu had been thinking of doing just that.
Tofu couldn't help it, his wife and her companion were just too cute when they were flustered. "And here I thought you were going to have something for dessert. You know, something dark, thick, and very juicy…." He coughed, as where HIS mind had gone became all too evident. All three adults looked at each other, and laughed as the two ladies gathered tea and brought it back to the table. Kasumi sat down next to Tofu, while Amaya sat across from them. The pair of Tofu's waited patiently while Amaya gathered her thoughts, as it was clear that something had to be on her mind.
"This One… Wants very, very much to accept the stunning offer that you have offered her, Lady Tofu…." Amaya started to say, then looked down nervously.
"What is it, Amaya dear? If you have any concerns, or are not sure about this… Then please, you can always talk to us, okay?" Kasumi said gently, without any trace of disappointment in her voice, just genuine care and concern.
Amaya bit her lip and continued to look down. "It is nothing about you, or Lord Tofu. It is…" Amaya looked up, as the tears welled up in her eyes. "When…. When Xaph Ti Pyn goes to China… This One will accompany her… I… This One does not intend to stay there for good.. Just… Until the girls are settled in again…." Amaya said and reached up to wipe her eyes. "So… So… If you would be willing to wait for me…."
"Amaya, of course we would wait for you. That said… I don't know if we will have to." Kasumi said as she smiled softly.
"What… What do you mean?" Amaya asked, then accepted the handkerchief that Tofu offered her.
"What my darling wife means, Amaya, is that there is no reason we WILL have to wait for you." Tofu added, then smiled as Kasumi moved to sit next to Amaya and wrap her in her arms.
"We will go with you. All of us, we will go with you. The Village will need all the help they can get… And it will do the children good, to get to experience another country, another way of life." Kasumi said as she gently comforted the smaller woman.
"We had already discussed this, you see." Tofu said as he calmly cleaned his glasses. "Mother Konatsu has already agreed that it would be a good idea for an outside clinic to be established, and for the healers and doctors in the area to receive a bit more formal training, along with the facilities to make a real difference."
"But…. But why would you do this? There is no guarantee it will be safe there…" Amaya said in a conflicted voice.
"Because we want to, dear. And because it is the right thing to do." Kasumi said as she gently held Amaya. "Because no matter where you go, home is where the heart is."