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Chapter Six: Realizations
Tsim Sha Tsui district, Kowloon City, Hong Kong British Crown Colony, 10:15 AM:
The pair stepped off the Star Ferry, stepping onto Ocean Terminal on the way to their destination. They'd heard about a small tournament in the colony, and were arriving to see if the young girls Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung were there. The twins had taken time away from the Neko Hanten in order to go on a month-long training mission. They left a detailed schedule of where they would be in the event that Cologne or Shampoo would require them to return at immediate speed. Chances were that they'd not heard about the events in Nerima--you don't have much time for news or anything else when you're on a training mission--and from the way things were appearing in Hong Kong, no one in the colony was feeling the effects that were currently gripping the global theater. In short, the chances of Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung hearing about all the troubles were nil, or they'd have come home at quickest speed.
According to the itinerary, this week they'd be somewhere in Hong Kong--either HK Island, or Kowloon--there was nothing much to be said about the New Territories, even though they were closer to the homeland in style and language than the rest of this land of the United Kingdom. In any event, they checked as many areas as they thought they would be--parks in Chai Wan and Central, Victoria's Peak, the towers near Wan Chai, the beaches of Aberdeen and Repulse Bay, and even in the back streets of Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui. They'd come up with absolutely no luck, and time was running out--their friends would be checking in for the overnight stay at the hotel.
This was their last chance, and it better be the best, Shampoo realized.
"No, miss. I'm terribly sorry, but I have not heard of any martial art tournament occurring at Kowloon Park this weekend," the man explained in Chinese. Ukyo continued to look at her tourist map; this was Shampoo's element, and she didn't want to step into something that could be made worse.
Shampoo replied, "Perhaps in some other district, then?"
The man shook his head. "I can't say I keep up to date with martial arts tourneys, but the last one I know about was supposed to be three days ago at the park."
Shampoo frowned slightly at this. Finally, deciding to give up, she said, "Thank you for your time and patience, sir. My associate and I appreciate all the help you've given us."
"Glad to be of service, miss. Good luck at the tournament, if you find it."
"How...how did you know that I know martial arts?"
"The way you move is far too fluid and graceful to be attributed to normal movement. The way you move, I'd say your style is probably Shaolin or Wu Shu." Obviously in a joking tone, he said, "From the way you carry yourself, I'd even guess you're from the legendary Amazon village in western China." He laughed, adding, "Of course, everybody knows that's just a myth."
She smiled at that; the village handled its secrecy well. "Of course. Well, we must be going. Thank you for your time, sir."
Just before they left his presence, though, the man added one more bit of info. "If you wish, my car's right there, and I can give you a lift to the park if you'd like." The guy smiled with an easy grin. "It'd be just my luck to give small assistance to the two loveliest ladies in Kowloon."
Shampoo chirped a cheer of gratitude. "Thank you very, very much. It's so nice to see a gentleman. By the way, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Lao Shan Fu, and this is my associate, Kuonji Ukyo." She moved her hand forward.
The man took her hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you, Shan Fu. My name's Jacky Chan. My car's this way, ladies; if you'll follow me...." The gentleman led them to his car.
Five minutes later, they were at the entrance to the park. As the man drove off, and the two waved good-bye, Ukyo said to Shampoo, "Nice guy. And here I'd heard all HKers were rude."
The Chinese Amazon shrugged. "Shampoo no can say. First time here. Still, Ukyo right. Very nice man."
"One thing odd that I noticed--the way he said his name, as if we were supposed to recognize it or something."
"Perhaps. Maybe he important businessman in town. Maybe own ferry company."
It was Ukyo's turn to shrug, this time. "Yeah, you're probably right. But," her eyebrows furrowed in concentration, "I could've sworn I've seen him somewhere before. I just can't place the name or face."
"No worry about it," Shampoo said, smiling. "Ukyo probably have hard time remembering name some mornings."
"Shut up, you purple-haired hussy," Ukyo snapped, half jokingly.
*"You* shut up, Spatula Girl!" The humor quickly disappeared from Shampoo's face.
"Wench!"
"Moron!"
"Twit!"
"Lamebrain!"
"Shampoo no baka!"
"Kuei!"
"Baka gaijin!"
"Who you call gaijin, idiot! This China, stupid!"
*"No,* this is a British colony, you Chugoku no baka airhead! If you spent more time at school then than torturing Mousse or trying to get Ran-chan, then maybe you'd know that!"
*That* was the last straw. The reason she didn't attend Furinkan High is because she and Mousse were "home educated" by Cologne. In fact, both pupils had scored high enough on their graduation equivalency tests to outstrip any of the others, except Nabiki. In truth, Mousse, a year older than her, was currently attending Shokugakan University, and was even in some of the same classes as Nabiki and Kuno. She'd start classes there as soon as her airen did.
In any event, Shampoo was not going to stand for her great-grandmother's teaching skills being insulted. So, she attacked. As she did so, it became obvious that Ukyo was expecting this; she blocked Shampoo's kick, then leapt over the raised entryway and into the park. Shampoo easily followed, shouting, "Get back here now, Spatula Girl!"
Ukyo, on the other hand, wasn't stupid. Since Ranma and Akane's relationship had permeated, she'd dedicated herself to helping her best friend; if she couldn't be Ranma's wife, she at least was that. With Konatsu now making up the balance in her life, it made it even more so that she protect Ranma and Akane. Ryoga and Natsumi usually watched the Kunos, thus leaving Kurumi and her to take care of the Chinese lunatics. At least Mousse no longer attacked Ranma--after the wedding, he realized that Ranma had nothing to do with her schemes, and he went off to his current state of neutrality.
Towards the center of the park, Shampoo finally caught up with Ukyo, nailing her in the back with a well-aimed flying kick. Ukyo skidded on the grass for a foot or so before leaping back to her feet and throwing a rushing punch at Shampoo. This was fairly dangerous for the Japanese woman; she mostly used weapons over bare hands, and her gear was back in the hotel room. Shampoo, on the other hand, was used to either form of combat, and therefore had the advantage here, proven by the rapid blocking of Ukyo's punch. Shampoo grabbed the arm and tossed Ukyo towards a tree.
Ukyo spun around, ricocheted off the tree, and on a return trajectory, nailed Shampoo with a flying punch. As she landed, she rushed forward and grabbed a still dazed Shampoo....
....who immediately snapped out of her faked "daze" and let loose with a point-blank Cat Scratch Fever. Ukyo took a few blows but managed to throw a hard right that snapped Shampoo's head back. The pair leapt away from each other, and immediately went into defensive postures. The pair stared at each other for many minutes, analyzing the other's move and defenses, readying for the other to make the first move.
Ukyo's mind raced. {{I'm not letting her ruin this whole thing because of her brain-damaged love for Ran-chan! She's gonna hafta put it aside and think clearly, for a change!}}
Shampoo, on the other hand, was thinking more or less along similar lines. {{Why the hell is Ukyo acting like this? I said I made a truce with Akane, and I meant it! She's just being a sore loser, that's all--if she still wanted Ranma, she shouldn't have gotten engaged to Kenzan!}}
They were about to begin another round when wild applause erupted around them.
* * INTERMISSION * *
"Applause?" Libby groaned.
"Applause," Shampoo replied. "We didn't know it, but our fight carried us into the center of the tournament. Of course, everyone there was surprised at the level of intensity that Ukyo and I were tossing at. The only difference was that while they were doing it for sport, we were trying to rip each other apart."
Gil noticed that one. "And you consider her a friend?"
Mousse nodded. "All of us are friends; we all tried to kill each other at one time or another. Very hectic teenage years, but we survived in spite of it. Or maybe because of it."
As he said this, Shampoo reminded herself to call Ukyo when she got a chance. She hadn't talked to her old friend in ages, and perhaps Ranko's tale was a sign of that.
* * STORY * *
A young girl's broke out in Japanese, "Wow, Shampoo-sama! That really great!"
Another voice joined in. "Not know you coming to tournament." She then called out to the other combatant. "Ni hao, Ukyo-san. Nice see you."
Ukyo relaxed from her combat stance. "Oh, hello, Ling-Ling, Lung-Lung. How are you doing?"
"Fine, thanks. You?" Ling-Ling asked.
"Uh, I'm fine," Ukyo commented, glad to see that she and Shampoo wouldn't be continuing their little "debate". She relaxed, dusted off her clothing, and walked over to Shampoo and her friends.
Shampoo reciprocated the moves, eyeing Ukyo closely. {{Now *that's* a surprise. I had no idea she could fight that well without her weapons. Very impressive.}} Shampoo continued to watch her as a panther would her prey. Kuonji Ukyo had declared herself no longer in the race for Ranma's heart, but she was still every much a dangerous adversary. In fact, if she continued along her previous course of action, the Chinese Amazon would have no other choice than to remove--
Ukyo went up and hugged Shampoo. "Shampoo! That's great! You found them! Man, wait 'til I tell Akane. She'll be impressed!" She absently looked at her watch. "Hmmm....lunch time. I s'pose making some lunch is out of the question for a pair of die-hard chefs like us, huh?" She smiled at the Chinese girl, then whispered in her ear, "Look, Shampoo--I'm sorry about losing my cool. I'm just worried about Ran-chan. He's my best friend, and...." Ukyo's words trailed off as her eyes momentarily darkened with the love and worry she had for Ranma. Turning to Lung-Lung, she brightened up again. "Is there somewhere around here that serves decent enough food that won't offend chefs like us?"
As Lung-Lung blurted off a list of restaurants in the area, Shampoo spoke quietly in the Japanese girl's ear. "No, Shampoo should apologize for insulting you. Gomen ne sai."
Ukyo replied back, "Don't worry about it, sugar. That's what friends are for, ne?"
As the three girls began to chat along about other things, Shampoo was stupefied. Ukyo considered her a friend? Shampoo didn't think in that matter--she considered Akane somewhat of one, but not Ukyo. To her, Ukyo had always been a rival. Even now, engaged to someone else, she still was thwarting the Chinese Amazon's efforts...and that made her a rival. But now, with Ukyo's comment.... {{Perhaps, when we get back to Nerima, I'd better take a good look at my circle of friends. It's apparently bigger than I thought.}} She shrugged her shoulders again. {{Oh well, worst case comes to, it's just one more Wedding Invite that Ranma and I have to fill out.}}
Ling-Ling walked next to Shampoo as they left the park, speaking to her mentor in Chinese. "Shampoo, we're honored to have you with us, of course, but may I ask why you're here? I mean, is there something wrong in Nerima with your Honored great-grandmother? Or has it got to do with your airen, Ranma?"
"It has much to do with Ranma, Ling-Ling," Shampoo replied as the four left the park, heading for an Italian restaurant across the street. "He's in trouble, and I need your help."
"...And that's what happened." Shampoo completed her tale in Chinese, explaining the details to her 13-year-old charges. The twins looked a bit downcast at the news of what had occurred in their absence, as if it were their own personal failure. Ukyo quietly read the menu and focused her attention on the soft jazz playing in the background, staying out of what was clearly an Amazon matter.
"We'll be more than pleased to help you retrieve your husband, Shampoo," the aqua-haired girl said, with a slight smile on her face, then looked at her sister. The burgundy-tressed teen also nodded agreement, signaling that they were ready to go into action.
Shampoo then looked at Ukyo. "Ukyo, you too quiet. Something wrong?"
Ukyo didn't lift her head out from under the menu. "Naah, nothing at all. Personally, I'm leaning towards either the fettuccini Alfredo, or the spaghetti Carbonara. I was also looking at the ravioli Napoli, but it's probably too fattening for this old gal."
Shampoo wasn't up on foods that weren't of Chinese or Japanese origin. "Fuhetuchini what? Nani? Shampoo have no idea what Ukyo talking about."
"Have you ever eaten Italian food before?"
Shampoo's reply was a simple, "No. Never had need to."
"Tell ya what: I'll order for you. I think you'll enjoy it." To Ukyo's surprise, Shampoo smiled demurely, with a look in her violet eyes that felt a slight shame for being bested in even this trivial matter. {{So much for being a chef. No appreciation for the other arts besides the Art,}} Ukyo sighed. There were times, it seemed, that Shampoo's lack of understanding couldn't be ascribed to her lack of Japanese skills. {{The remote village she's from must *really* be remote. Some day, she's going to have to learn that there's a whole other world out there for a girl of her talents, one that she can't imagine now because all she sees is Ran-chan.}}
"Ling-Ling, Lung-Lung, have you been here before? Had Italian food before?" The others shook their heads in a negative response. Seeing her expertise coming into play--she might be mainly an okinomiyaki chef, but that didn't mean she couldn't do other foods--she deftly yanked the menus from the others. "I'll order. Ladies, it is high time you learned that there is more to the world than just China and Japan." On cue, the waiter came up, and Ukyo began making her orders.
* * *
A small hand tapped Ranma on the shoulder. "Ranma?"
He turned around, and looked at Shiva--since he told Nguyen that he wanted Shiva as his personal servant, the girl had moved into the same room as the redhead. Since she also knew his secret, and became more comfortable with his male form, he slept in that form again, with a pitcher of cold water by the bed, just in case. She, in turn, slept on a futon on the floor--Ranma had told her that she was more than welcome to sleep in the bed and he'd take the floor, but she insisted that he take the bed. After a second, he realized that she was right, it would be harder to be caught as a guy while in the bed.
{{Absolutely brilliant,}} he realized. {{To be honest, that's sad, too--this girl thinks constantly in tactics and schemes. To her, everything's black an' white. It wasn't so long ago that I saw the world in a similar fashion, just being reactive instead of *pro*active. In her case, it's the classic you're-either-a-friend-or-a-foe scenario. I hope the world's nicer to her after we escape....}}
A split second later, he rubbed his eyes, smiled, and spoke. "Yeah, Shiva?"
The girl had two trays of food. One was for her of course, the other for Ranma. She was completely in servant mode, tidying up around the bedchamber, making it nice and neat; Ranma decided to keep up daily appearances so no one would suspect their plans. Tonight would be the night they made their move for freedom, and the less it looked so, the better.
Ranma looked at Shiva once more. To the other residents of the Crystal Temple, she looked as passive as always. To the young man however, he saw a different image. He'd gotten to know the young girl quite well in the past couple of days, and what others saw as passiveness, he saw as something troubling her.
"Ranma," the girl spoke in a whisper, "I'm scared."
"You? 'Fraid?" He chuckled softly, then ruffled her hair, letting her know he was on her side. "Scared 'bout what?"
Looking into her green eyes, he understood the reason, but he let her say it, anyway. "We leave tonight."
"I know. Is that what scares you? Leaving this place?"
"Yes. This is home for me, Ranma. This has always been home for me. I don't know if I can leave. I don't like it here, I don't like the people I live with, but this is my home."
Ranma's blue eyes met hers. "Are you happy here?"
"No," she whispered.
"Do you want to be happy?"
"I want to be with you, Ranma." Ranma noted that this was the first time he'd heard a girl say that and not mean it in a romantic context. {{Behind every gray cloud....}} "I want to have friends and be happy."
"That's what I wanted to hear." Ranma looked at the clock--a crystal cuckoo--and read the time. {{Twelve, on the dot. Enough to make Nguyen think that his bride has very lazy sleeping habits,}} he thought, using it as an excuse to mask his own bad habit. {{I'm not the "early to bed, early to rise" kind of person, anyway. Besides, I'm not sticking around long enough to see that he tries to break his bride of her habits.}} He smiled inwardly, adding, {{That's Akane's problem.}}
She set his tray up for him, then sat down, diving into her own. Between bites, she commented, "So, will you still need a guy's outfit? I thought you were planning to escape as a girl."
Ranma swallowed, then replied. "I do. The reason I need a guy's clothing is in the event that I somehow change. I c'n adjust larger clothes to fit a woman's form, but smaller clothes can't be adjusted to fit my normal frame, ne?"
She grinned. "It'd look funny, that's for sure."
"Yeah, wouldn't it."
Without warning, the door began to open. Ranma had just enough time to thrust his hand in the water pitcher, beginning the three second transmutation. As the door opened, and the visitor stepped in, Ranma-chan breathed a sigh of relief. Not entirely for herself; she could fight her way out as a guy, if worst came to. Shiva, however, was a target for these animals, and they'd waste no time in going after her. So, it was gender-bending time for Ranma once more.
She noticed that visitor was none other than the woman named Mango. This was the first time that she really got a good look at the woman. She was Chinese, with short frost-white hair that draped down the sides of her face and down to her shoulders. Her turquoise eyes gleamed like a pair of gems; right now, they hinted at something that Ranma couldn't totally identify. Anger? Rage? Guile? No way to completely tell.
One other thing that she could tell, though, was that the woman was one of Shampoo's people--an Amazon. She moved with the grace and silkiness that was inherent in all the Amazons he'd ever seen. She was undeniably beautiful, but she didn't have the bouncy, cheerful warmth that Shampoo had--as cruel and violent as Shampoo got sometimes, she tended to show a softer side. Also, the fact that she constantly wore those Chinese short swords and was wearing the Amazon garb at the moment, was a dead giveaway.
Undaunted, the woman walked up to the bed. She spoke in a condescending tone. "Saotome Ranma, I would have a word with you." She then glanced at Shiva as if the girl was an insect. "Alone."
Shiva looked at Ranma, a question in her eyes: {{do you want me to leave?}}
Ranma made it clear. The redhead replied in an imperious tone, as if she knew she was lady of this Temple now. "Anything you have to say to me may be said in front of my assistant. Make it quick; I have other items on my mind which are of more importance." Ironically, Ranma realized that she'd never have been able to pull off this type of acting if it wasn't for all her previous exposure to Kuno.
"More importance, you say?" Mango's face read like that of a complete predator. "Such as, oh, escape?"
Shiva gasped, but Ranma held firm. Taking another acting cue, this time from Nabiki, she said in a cold, disinterested voice, "I *don't* know what you're talking about."
That elicited an emotional outburst. "Do you take me for a fool? I know of your plans, Saotome. Tonight, you intend to escape from this Temple, you and your 'assistant'." She said the last word as if the spoken syllables were pure anathema. "Well, I am here, believe it or not, to help you get away."
Shiva lost her nerve. *"What? You?!?! You've never helped me before, Lady Mango. Why help me now?"*
*"Be silent, traitor!"* the woman snarled. "It is only because of your benefactor, here, that you still live. Sit back and shut the hell up."
Ranma's blue eyes flashed in anger as she said, "Shiva's got a point, though. Why are you gonna help us? I'll say it up front: I don't trust you."
"Very well," Mango said as she faked a sigh, "You're a threat to me and all I've built here. If you're out of the picture, then I can resume my place at Lord Nguyen's side. I loathe having to be supplanted by a teenage bimbo like you."
"Listen, lady, I don't give a care about what you do with Romeo-with-a-bad-attitude. I want my freedom, and I'm taking Shiva here with me--no buts."
"No arguments there--take her. She's been nothing but trouble. Right about now, I'd let Rain snap her neck in two, or give Jack a time at his fun, but since you've agreed to get rid of this little brat for me, she's all yours."
"Gee, thanks for your benevolence." Ranma's voice dripped massive sarcasm. "But, what are you going to do about loverboy? With his eagerness to get at me, you'd think that he'd be camped out on the doorstep."
"Fortunately for both of us, he's not going to be here for a few days. He is personally leading troops into another area to capture. This time, he's going to try to annex a small country near here. As general of his forces and master of security here, it is my job to see that you do not escape. It also means that I know the quickest ways to escape."
Ranma didn't like the way things were going. She looked at Shiva, who gave her a glance that told her to be cautious. Expecting a trap, Ranma went in on her usual terms. "Okay. We'll play it by your book. But one false move, and I'll get you. You have no idea how surprising I can be."
Mango answered in a disinterested voice, "Your threats are meaningless against my skill. Still, I came here not to fight, but to offer you freedom. Which would you rather have?"
Ranma still didn't trust her. "Okay, you made your point. What do you want us to do?"
"Meet me tonight at 11:30 near the thirteenth floor of the central spire. From there, I can release you."
"Why there?"
"Look, would you rather be free, or making babies with my Lord? Make your choice. The incorrect answer will result in your death, Saotome," Mango growled. "Take your pick."
"Okay. 11:30 tonight." She turned to Shiva. "Do you know the way?"
Shiva nodded, then added, "I'll also have to get us those clothes, after all. I can wear my bodysuit, but you'll have to settle for some local clothing."
Ranma didn't take her eyes off Mango, but instead commented, "That's great, Shi-chan."
In a derisive tone, she canted, "Well, expect to see you there at 11:30, then, Saotome. *Don't* be late." With no further words to add, the woman walked out of the room. At the door, she turned, looked at the two girls, and cooed, "Remember: 11:30." She left the room, leaving Ranma and Shiva to look at each other, their faces masks of trepidation.
"Ranma, I don't trust her." Shiva moved away the rest of the plate; Mango's visit had left a bad taste in her mouth. "Not one bit."
Ranma, however, swallowed the rest of her food and got up. "Neither do I, Shiva, but she's holding our ticket outta here. We'll play her game for now, but we'll be careful. Can you get your hands on a small canteen?"
"Sure. Why?--oh, don't tell me. Just in case you have to go back to normal?"
"Yeah. If she's got treachery planned on the outside for us, I go male, and then take them out." She smiled, a sunny and reassuring grin that eased Shiva's anxiety. "We'll be safe, and we'll be free."
"What happens after that? Do we go back to your home?"
"Um, sure," Ranma said, an unnoticeable catch in her throat. In actuality, she hadn't thought that far. {{I didn't think about that--what am I gonna do about her afterwards? Hmmm...maybe I can ask Uc-chan and Konatsu to put her up at their place until she gets on her feet. I'm sure she can work at Uc-chan's. But I made a promise to this girl, and I intend to keep it. That's something that I'm going to hafta talk to Akane about when I get a chance--last thing I need is to show up with another girl...a *younger* girl...on my arm.}}
Ranma passed her tray and got up. She headed for the bath, calling out, "Don't worry, Shiva! I have a feeling that today will be the start of a new life for both of us!"
The gem gleamed for a second.
* * *
The rays of the late afternoon sun danced upon the facade of the Grand Emperor hotel, lighting it up with a glorious patina of gleaming sunshine as it towered majestically over the waters of the bay. There it stood, all fifty floors, a monument of steel, glass and concrete, stretching towards the sky as one of the pinnacles of the British Colony. This was where the Furinkan strike team had been put up for the night.
There were several reasons for this. The first was that all the hotels near the airport at Kak Tai were occupied with several people escaping the carnage that had occurred in Japan just a week past. Secondly, this hotel had a long-standing contract with the Windhams, so WindOps put the strike team up, hefting the sizable bill; a boon for Nabiki's already strained funds. Additionally, this hotel also sported one other item that was of more importance at the moment than simple room and board.
This hotel had a state-of-the-art multimedia conference room, years before the term multimedia would become the norm. This was justified by a US$10,000-a-day rental fee; another burden that WindOps picked up the tab for. The reason for the room was simple enough: John had just a few days to teach these idealistic punks and their caretaker the Art of War.
Now, from what he could guess, the ninjas he wouldn't have to worry about; nor would he the ones that had been labeled as "Chinese Amazons" (it was a term for the residents of Joketsuzoku, a rural village in China famous for its training of warriors, he was later told). Genma, could be counted on for his paternal instincts and all-out power, according to Kyle. He'd also been told that the clan leader of the Ghost Wolves, the Master Shinobi called Mist, would also be joining them, either here or in Hanoi--fortunately, he knew her personally. So, those aforementioned would be no problem whatsoever.
But that kid in the bandanna looked all-out too stupid, as did the goofball in the Coke-bottle lenses. The girl in the blue looked like a living Japanese Barbie doll, with the Ken at her side. Then there was the girl with the giant spatula--he just didn't want to know. Or how about the weirdo running around in the kendo outfit--he was a character, just as strange as the girl with the side ponytail, kimono, and insane laugh.
Then there were the Tendo sisters. Nabiki was obviously running the background show; she'd gotten them this far without WindOps support, so he knew she was smart; certainly smart enough to stay out of the fighting when it turned serious. Natsumi was one of the ninjas--nothing more need be said. But then there was the youngest, Kurumi--she was the junior master of the Tendo School, and apparently went on this Fool's Errand to try to prove herself...
...to the current Master, Akane. And, man, if she wasn't the most worrisome of all this group of misfits....
Currently, Akane sat at the head of the table in the conference room, in a silent mood. The rest of them were also silent for different reasons. They were silent because they were listening to the briefing being given by the Windham's drill instructor. The rest of them were silent, studying the data supplied to them by both the Windham operations department and declassified information from the American CIA--this, in addition to the map drawn for them by Cologne and Happosai, gave them just about all the recon information that they would require. The rest of them were silent because they were studying patterns and known weaknesses of the organization behind the abduction of Ranma. The rest of them were silent because of their promise to save their friend. Whether they realized it or not, they had all at this point all but placed Ranma and Akane in wedlock.
That was why Akane was silent. Because of this incident, people were beginning to accept Ranma and Akane's engagement and love for each other. Possibly more important than that, they were all beginning to actually become a group of friends. Sure, Ranma and Ryoga had made peace with each other, as well as she and Ukyo, but to see Mousse and Kuno (?!?) concerned about Ranma as well...truth be told, it both stunned her and filled her with a rapturous joy. And though, truth be told, Shampoo, Mikado, and Kodachi would be a problem after this, she wouldn't care. Ranma was her love, she loved him and would take on anybody to keep him--and if she'd heard correctly, Ukyo fought on Akane's behalf just this morning.
{{These are all our friends, our supporters, Ran-chan,}} she thought. {{Ryoga, who's always been there for us. Ukyo, who's your best friend and a good friend of mine, as well. Konatsu's here too; when he needed you, you were there, and now he's ready to return the favor. Azusa--sweet girl that she is, who's going in no matter what. Mousse, who has begun to consider us as people who care about him. Shinnosuke, my dear childhood savior and old friend, whose promised to help us, my love. My sisters, Natsumi, Kurumi, and Nabiki, who've vowed to keep us together and are doing the best they can to do that. Kuno, Kodachi, Shampoo, Mikado, Kaori--old rivals and enemies now here to help us, even if their motives aren't the most pure. Even your father--imagine that!--has joined us, along with a foreign shadow warrior of the light, and the most powerful ninja of all! They're here for you, Ranma, here for us.}}
She was called back to reality with a start. "Hey, Akane. You okay?" Ukyo asked.
"Um, just a little distracted." Nobody asked her why; they already knew. "What's the problem?"
"The problem is, little lady," John called from the other end of the table, his voice rising with each word, "that these are professional killers. I just spent twenty minutes explaining to everybody the information that we have on this organization. WindIntel has stuff that we can't pass on to the global intelligence agencies that supply us with info, simply because of this operation. We have information that could be used to stop this global crisis, but we have to hold onto it because of this bizarre crusade. *The world is getting closer to sliding into nuclear war every day because they're looking for this 'Crystal Temple' that we're about to assault. In short little lady, this group here is not only here to save your boyfriend. We're here to stop a goddamn apocalypse. Everyone else realizes that. No one else is daydreaming. Snap out of it."*
Ryoga snapped easily, coming to her defense as always. "You're outta line here, Twinmoon-san. You have no idea what Akane's going through--the pain, the sadness. Get off her case."
John relaxed from his attitude. "That's where you're wrong, kid--Ryoga, isn't it?--I understand what she's going through, believe it or not. My older brother was one of the hostages in Iran eight years ago. I had a nephew who was one of the Marines in Beiruit in '83. Both were killed by terrorists; dirty, stinking cowards--and that's what we're up against. It's one of the reasons I joined the Windhams when Kyle offered. A chance to fight them, and not be constrained by national policy or by the UCMJ, or by anything save the hand of justice.
"I know the sounds of sorrow. I lost people who were friends and teammates in the 'Nam--where we are going. I met my wife in that country, then watched her go through hell as her family died because of tyrants like this guy we're about to take on. I lost my brother and newphew to bastards like these. I know a lot about this kind of situation, all too personally."
He focused her attention back on Akane. "Listen, little lady--I'm going to say this once and once only. If you think about your fianc� like that, you'll only hurt yourself more. If you get distracted like that, they will kill you with perfect ease, and make no doubts about it--they will kill you. These people caused a death toll of over two million of your people, plus 15000 Americans assisting in the battle. Do you think they'll be any easier on you?"
Akane refused to look at him, suddenly preferring the black lacquered depths of the table's surface, only watch the millions of molecules that were joined together in unity, making this table. {{Joined together as one--not like Ranma and I. Am I out here on a fool's quest? Oh, Ranma, will I ever see you again? Will I ever get to see those beautiful blue eyes? Or that quirky smile of yours? Or be in your strong arms? No...don't let it be a 'no'....}} No one saw her bury her face in her hands, or heard the low sob that came from her lips.
Meanwhile, despite the unintentional thread of despair that had just been woven into Akane's mind, the mission briefing continued. "But...they spared us last time," Kurumi said, in a hushed voice.
"That's because we were no real threat to them last time," Konatsu answered. "This time, we'll be on their turf, invading their lands, hunting for what they think is theirs. We will definitely be upgraded to threat level, then."
"Correct, clan brother," Natsumi added, fully into her cold, detached aspect. "We must be willing to kill or be killed."
"Shampoo ready, as Amazon warrior. Same with Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung. Mousse not Amazon, but from village. He ready, too." Normally, any public acknowledgment of faith in her fellow villager was unheard of, but this was war--she knew him better than any other here, and had faith in his skills.
"Well, I'm *not."* Everyone looked at the person who said that. Undaunted, Ryoga continued. "I don't know how many times I've screamed, 'Ranma, prepare to die,' but looking at it now, I wouldn't have. An' it's the same reason why I won't, now." He sat back, and crossed his arms. "Mr. Twinmoon, Natsumi, Konatsu, Shampoo, Ling-Ling, Lung-Lung, and Mousse--you're trained to kill. I'm not. I'm a martial artist, not a killer. I'm sorry."
"Same here." Azusa spoke up. "I came to save Ranma, not to kill. That's not kawaii. I won't do it."
Ukyo was next to admit. "He's my best friend, but I can't kill."
"I'm no killer, either," Shinnosuke commented. "I made an oath to protect and save Ranma's life--not to destroy those of others."
The remainder of the group canted the same chorus, save Kodachi, who they knew wouldn't say a thing...she'd just do it and forget it later.
Without warning, Akane got up and walked out of the room. No one was sure, but they all thought she'd whispered one word, "Ai," as she stepped through the door. Everyone, however, did see the gleam on her cheeks--the sign of tears.
They all stood there, uncertain of what to do, until Kurumi mouthed a word, a lamentation of all she felt for her older sister's suffering and sadness. "Akane...."
Nabiki spoke. "Leave her be. She's obviously going through some rough times at the moment." She faced John, and gave the man her most frost-tinged glare. "Akane's still getting over the mother we lost eleven years ago. All this talk about death and killing--you just reminded her that the very person who now means everything to her in life may be dead as well."
"Perhaps she needs someone there to comfort her," Kuno said. Everybody stared at him, expecting him to "nobly" volunteer, then stared at him in unexpected surprise as he said, "Tendo Kurumi...your sister needs you. Go to her." Without a question, the youngest Tendo got up and went to her sister's aid.
Without further ado, the conversation continued. "I think I just changed my mind about my earlier words," Ukyo said. "If anyone's hurt my Ran-chan, they've just made an enemy of me."
"Shampoo kill anyone who hurt airen." The girl's violet eyes blazed fury.
"Then, on my oath as a martial art--aw, forget it...my duty as his *father, they will pay."* Genma had never sounded so cold in his life. It was almost as if he'd been taking lessons from Natsumi or Nabiki.
The rest of them continued the briefing. Nabiki wasn't paying attention anymore; she was watching Kuno with a curious expression. {{Everybody expected him to go after her, and offer himself as consolation. Yet he told Ku-chan to help her. What's going on? Has he finally admitted to himself that Akane loves Ranma and no other?}}
A voice at the back of her head said, {{And why are you so interested in that little bit of info? You won't make any money off it, Nabiki. Or is this the onset of something new?}}
Nabiki shook her head. Kuno was simply being magnanimous, that's all. There had to be another reason. Still, she decided, she'd talk to him after the briefing was over. She had to find out what his game plan was.
* * *
From somewhere else, they were being watched through a pair of binoculars. The figure that watch the group saw the minor argument, followed by the woman in Chinese clothes walk out as if she was told her husband had been killed. At this angle, it was difficult to read lips, or else the person concerned would have.
{{That child has to learn that this is no game,}} the person thought. {{If she wants her lover back, then she'd best be prepared to do whatever it takes, and not act like some lovesick puppy. Tendo Akane, please don't let me show you what you have to do in order to save your husband-to-be. I don't think I'd relish the thought. But if I have to, I will. That is my duty.}}
With that thought, the person disappeared in a cloud of mist. Very odd, considering that it was mid-afternoon on a sunny summer day in Hong Kong, and thus too hot for moisture.
* * *
As they filtered out of the conference room, Nabiki caught Kuno as he was headed off in a different direction. "Where do you think you're going?"
"It is none of your business, Tendo," he replied coldly.
She looked at him, a bit disturbed. Usually, that remark was common between them, and no big deal. Today, it hurt her; as to why, she had no idea. So she put it behind her, and went into her business-like manner. "Kuno, why did you...?"
To her surprise, Kuno sighed. Actually sighed; not one of his dramatic actions, but the melancholy sound of a man who has made great confessions to himself within the span of a few days. "Nabiki," he began, softly, "she loves him, doesn't she." It wasn't a question.
"Yes. They've always loved each other; right from the very beginning, I'd say. It just took them forever to get past the shyness and the fear of hurting the other for them to admit it."
"Fear of hurting each other?" He almost smiled at that.
"Emotionally, I mean. They're both very fragile, on the inside," she clarified, realizing the awkwardness of her ealier statement.
He walked on, motioning for her to join him, which she did--he needed someone, and she could help him. She wouldn't even charge. "Nabiki, I've come to the realization that Akane looks at me only as a friend."
{{I doubt you're even *that* lucky,}} she thought. "And?"
"I also realize now that Ranma loves her. I don't know what he's done with my beloved pigtailed goddess, or why he continues to keep such a bevy of enchanting women at bay, but he does love Akane, does he not?"
"Kuno-baby...Tatewaki...he loves her, and her only. Shampoo was an engagement that he didn't expect or want. Ukyo is his best friend, although she's always wanted more. He absolutely doesn't have a single shred of feeling for your sister, whatsoever."
"In that, I cannot say I blame him," Kuno remarked.
"So, what is it you *are* saying? What are you trying to tell me?"
"I...I'm...giving up on Akane. The last few days have made me realize that she's somehow incomplete without Ranma in her life. That there is a love there, a true bond of bliss betwixt two that should never be cut asunder. It would be a stain upon my honor if I did. Akane and Ranma belong together, and I can't--I won't--stop it. I don't like Ranma, I never have--but if he makes your sister happy, so be it."
Nabiki was impressed. Truly impressed. Kuno had just said the very words that she'd never, ever thought him capable of saying. In all honesty, she thought that Ranma and Kuno would go head-to-head on the real wedding day. Not anymore. "Kuno, I don't know what to say. You care about Akane enough to let her go. That touches me at the depths of my heart." She placed her hand on his shoulder. "It is a very noble thing you just did."
He murmured, "I suppose. I don't care about the nobility; I just want...believe it or not, I just want Akane to be happy. If that means Ranma, well, then it means Ranma." He stared out a window, looking at the bay, with the mainland in the distance. A ship sailed past another in the waters below. {{Two ships destined to meet, but never touch. A fitting analogy, one must admit. Still, there is hope for a soul such as I....}} He brightened a little, smiling at her. "Well, at least I have my red-haired pigtailed goddess. She is one beauty that I shall not lose voluntarily, I promise you that."
Nabiki smiled back, replying, "Now *that's* the Kuno-baby I know and love--" She stopped herself short on completing her sentence. {{What on earth did I nearly say?}} She frowned for a second, grasping for an explanation. {{I must be happy because I'm not gonna lose a paying customer. He was always the best stooge for pictures of Ranma.}} Something deep within told her otherwise, but she put it out of her mind, believing that the only other excuse would be that her lack of sleep from the last few days was finally catching up to her. She instead smiled again, then stated, "I'm gonna check on Akane. Natsu-chan, Ukyo, Ryoga, and Saotome-san must be there by now. Have to put in my appearance, too. Sure you'll be fine?"
"Hamlet and Lear survived worse; I thinks so mayst I," he replied in his stage voice. Then, once again letting his guard down, he flashed her a smile and said, "Arigato gozaimasu, Nabiki. I appreciate it."
"Sure. Not a problem."
As the pair wandered in opposite directions, thoughts came to their minds.
{{I'm glad he's smiling. He's cuter when he smiles....}}
{{That was kind of her to take such note of me. Perhaps she's not as bad as I thought....}}
Two minds abruptly paused and mused as to where those last thoughts arose from.
* * *
"Hey, you're cute. I haven't introduced myself. My name's Sanzenin Mikado, and I--"
*BAM!* As he bent down to take a hand in his own, he found his lips--and much of the rest of his face--come in contact with a juggling club.
"PeRhApS, lAtEr, tHeN...." he replied before he slumped to the floor.
There was the cackle of a hyena on speed, followed by the taunting, mocking voice, "You shall never touch me like that! I am saving myself for my beloved Ranma! He and no other shall touch me, cretin!"
As she walked away, a thought emerged in Kodachi's mind: {{Still, he *was* cute....}}
* * *
Nabiki stood in the doorway. "Hiya, everybody. Sorry I'm late, but I, um, had to return the conference room key. What'd I miss? Is Akane alright?"
"You missed nothing, Nabiki," Ukyo replied as she, Azusa, and Kurumi were watching TV in the room. Ryoga wasn't there; neither were Shampoo or the other Chinese members, Genma, Konatsu, or Twinmoon. Nor for that matter, was Natsumi.
"Hey, where's--"
"Saotome-san and Akane went to Victoria's peak, so they could talk and train. I think he wanted to have an 'in-law' talk with her to cheer her up," Kurumi replied. "She was torn up by Twinmoon-san's words. Onnechan, do you think that he's...?" The girls all had that question in their eyes. Was he?
Nabiki briefly wondered about that, too. {{Ranma, you'd better not be,}} she thought. {{I'd hate to lose your friendship, and to think of my poor sister....}} "No, not Ranma. Never Ranma. You all know him. He just can't be stopped. You know that better than anyone here, Ukyo."
"Yeah," she smiled, though her eyes were on the verge of tears. "My Ran-chan is *the* best. We're just a little worried about Akane-chan. She's taking this a little hard. Not that I blame her. I miss Ranma in the same way; so does Shampoo. I'm just worried that she may not be taking this seriously enough. Twinmoon-san's right. This could become a kill or be killed situation."
"I don't want you to think about that. We're all martial artists, here," the older Tendo returned. "We don't kill."
"Whaddya mean 'we', Nabiki?"
"You'd be surprised." Nabiki commented, enigmatically. "But that's another point. Where's Natsu-chan?"
"She, Twinmoon, and Konatsu went out to search for Mist, or whatever-her-name-is," Kurumi said. "Natsu-chan has the feeling that she's in town, and they wanted to make sure that she is. We fly to Hanoi tomorrow, and we want to make sure all of our people are here, right?"
"Yeah...oh, I gotta call the Japanese consulate and see if the documents I asked for came in. Let me know when Akane comes back, ne? She may need to talk to her big sister, and since Kasumi's not here, I'm stuck with the job." She turned in the doorway. "Just think--in a few days, Ranma will be with us again. Think on that, ladies. Think on that."
The younger women smiled as Nabiki left the door. They didn't see her facial expression as she left, nor did they hear her thoughts: {{I truly hope so. Ranma, please be alive. We've lost our mother. We couldn't stand to lose you too--because we'd lose Akane as well.}}
* * *
Sabot began to make his descent to the street below. He'd heard all that he wanted to hear. The person leading this rescue team was at Victoria's Peak. If they could kill this Akane person, that would destroy the cohesiveness of the team, perhaps break it altogether.
Sabot hand-picked a force of three teams to come to Hong Kong and destroy the people Nguyen targeted for death. What he found was a group of kids, a bunch of young punks that couldn't wipe their noses, much less mount a successful offensive against the Crystal Temple.
That changed when Sabot noticed the three Chinese Amazons. Then there was an American Green Beret. And the two ninjas, who were, surprisingly enough, Ghost Wolves. Six of the deadliest types of people around, which meant that this team could be capable of playing hardball. Sabot wasn't stupid, though; he knew the best way to kill the dragon was to cut off its head. Kill this Akane, and the team would snap, then remove the Ghost Wolves and the Windham amongst them. If they offered further opposition, then they would dispose of the rest of them. Sabot was not the type to kill if there was no need.
He leapt back down to the street, and gathered the rest of the strike force. They would wait until nightfall to strike. Within a few hours, Nguyen's little nuisance would be taken care of.
Akane would be dead.
