All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published
by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz Communications.
Sailor Moon was created by Naoko
Taeuchi.
Johnathon has come up with a plan to cure Ranma's cat-phobia. Will it work? Or will things just get worse? Oh, to understand this chapter, it's essential to have read chapter 4.
A Different Viewpoint pt 16
Three hours after the strategy session at the Cat Cafe, Johnathon was outside the Tendo dojo with Ranma and Akane. He was explaining to Ranma what to expect. "Kasumi is waiting inside in her cat form Ranma. She will do just as I did to help you acclimatize yourself. Even if you just get used to Kasumi, that will be an improvement."
Ranma nodded, a stubborn look in his eye. "I can do it Johnathon. I did it before, right?"
Johnathon nodded firmly. "Right. I know you can."
Ranma entered the dojo and grimly started to inch his way toward the cat. Akane and Johnathon watched for awhile as Ranma struggled with his fear.
After a few minutes Johnathon pulled on Akane's arm, getting her to follow him. "Ranma will be OK, I need to talk to you for a second." He escorted her out of earshot and quietly began explaining the rest of his plan to her. Johnathon took Akane upstairs and knocked quietly on Kasumi's door, then entered. When Johnathon opened the door Akane's eyes went wide.
Akane stared incredulously at what her eyes showed her. "Kasumi? What in the?..."
"Shh!" Johnathon shushed her and pulled Akane inside, closing the door behind them. Kasumi and a professional looking woman in her mid twenties were sitting on the floor with two white cats. One Akane recognized as Shampoo by the pink ears and feet, the other was plain white, although about the same size.
Akane spoke quietly. "Kasumi? What are you doing up here? If you aren't down in the dojo with Ranma, then who?..."
Akane was starting to look panicked, so Kasumi spoke softly to reassure her younger sister. "Don't worry Akane. The cat with Ranma is very well trained. She will behave just as I would. Ranma won't know the difference."
The strange woman nodded in confirmation. "I am Dr. Mizumi. Luna, and Artemis here, will serve as Ranma's cure, if all goes well. They are quite intelligent and will perform perfectly, I assure you."
Akane looked at Artemis and Shampoo in confusion. "But why is Shampoo here, and why are you letting Ranma think he's with Kasumi?"
Johnathon explained. "Shampoo is here as a template. We're going to make Artemis look as much like her as possible. Ranma will continue to get used to "Kasumi" and "Shampoo" until it is time for the second part of my plan. Let me tell you how it will work..."
In the dojo, Ranma fought with his fear, as he had done with Johnathon months before. It was both more difficult and easier in different ways. Ranma now knew that he had originally tricked his subconscious. Because of that it was difficult at first to get into the necessary mindset. At the same time he had done this before, and this was Kasumi! < Kasumi is the gentlest, nicest person I know, there is no reason in the world to be scared of her.> Ranma thought about Kasumi, and it got easier and easier to approach her. In just an hour Ranma had managed to sit down only two feet away and remain relatively calm.
Johnathon came to the door and nodded to himself. He walked in and picked up Luna. "We'll try again tomorrow Ranma. Let you sit by her for an hour or so, OK?"
Johnathon walked out and Ranma stood. "I can do this." It had been hard, but he had pulled it off. Ranma's confidence and determination soared. "I can do this!"
Johnathon stood at the gate with Ami, Luna, and a dyed and accessorized Artemis, who was looking remarkably like Shampoo's cat form. "I'll be back tomorrow." He told Kasumi and Akane. "Why don't we meet at my apartment around four o'clock after school to prepare for the next step. Now remember, it is imperative that Ranma doesn't find out until the right moment."
They nodded. Kasumi smiled at him. "Alright Johnathon-san, see you then."
Johnathon, Ami, and the two cats walked off. When they were out of earshot Artemis started to complain. "Must I really look like that girl?"
Johnathon nodded. "Yes. For the plan to work Ranma must think that you are Shampoo."
Luna smirked. "I think you look cute in pink."
Artemis scowled at her which just made her snicker louder. He looked up at Johnathon. "Oh very well, I guess I'll do it."
They headed to the train station to see Ami off to Juuban. Johnathon spoke reassuringly. "I'll take care of Luna and Artemis, don't worry."
"I won't" Ami said cheerily. "I think you will pull it off this time Johnathon. Your plan is a good one, though not with out its risks."
Johnathon sighed worriedly. "I hope you're right Ami, I've been wrong before."
Ami got unto the train and waved good-bye. "Good luck, Luna, Artemis, do your best!"
They watched her go and looked up as it started to drizzle. Johnathon quickly got out his umbrella and turned to Artemis. "I'd better carry you Artemis, we don't want that dye to fade yet."
Artemis sighed and let Johnathon pick him up. "I can't wait for this to end."
Johnathon patted his head, being careful not to drop the umbrella. "I really appreciate what you're doing, both of you. I really owe you for this."
Luna shook her head. "We're happy to do it. Right Artemis?"
The white cat sighed. "Sure, nothing better to do anyway."
"Artemis!" Luna snapped.
"Kidding! I'm kidding!" He looked plaintively at Johnathon. < Women!>
Johnathon smiled knowingly and nodded. "Of course you were Artemis. Of course you were."
The next day came and went smoothy. Ranma got further acclimatized with "Kasumi". Meanwhile the real Kasumi hid with Artemis and Shampoo, perfecting Artemis's disguise. The third day of Ranma's cat phobia training, Ranma picked up "Kasumi" and held her. Johnathon announced that on the fourth day Ranma would have to deal with two cats, Kasumi, and Shampoo.
"Shampoo?" Ranma looked nervous. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Ranma glanced over at Akane, who gave no sign of wanting to hit him.
Johnathon reassured him. "Don't worry, Akane will be nearby to make sure you don't go into the Cat fist, and to bring you out if you do." < Not to mention making sure you don't see through Artemis's disguise.>
On the fourth day of Ranma's cat phobia training, Ranma and Akane entered the dojo together. They spotted two cats curled up in the center of the dojo. Ranma had great difficulty even entering at first, but forced his fear down in a few minutes.
Ranma repeatedly told himself to be strong. < I'm Ranma Saotome, I learned the Hiro Shoten Ha in three days. I can learn to do this too!> Ranma entered and slowly approached the two cats.
On the fifth day Ranma managed to sit down between the two cats, only two feet from either, and stayed there for an hour. On the sixth day he held Kasumi while sitting next to Shampoo. He looked at Shampoo for almost an hour, under Akane's watchful eye.
Ranma was slightly puzzled. < Shampoo looks, different, I think, I can't say for sure why... Oh well, I probably just haven't ever gotten a good enough look before, I always freaked out too soon.> Ranma sat still, slowly petting Kasumi. < I can hardly believe how calm I feel, here I am, holding one cat and sitting next to a second.> Ranma shivered. < Kasumi and Shampoo, they're Kasumi and Shampoo, calm down!> He slowed his breathing and relaxed. < Yeah, no problem.>
The next day was Sunday. Ami showed up in her Dr. Mizumi disguise. Ami, Johnathon, Kasumi, Shampoo, Akane, Luna and Artemis all met at Johnathon's apartment for the final planing session.
Johnathon looked around after going over the final details one more time. "This is it. Make or break time. You all know what to do, right?"
The four girls nodded together. "Right!"
Johnathon smiled with determination. "Then let's do it!"
Ranma sat in the dojo, legs folded in the lotus position, upside-down. He concentrated on his breathing. < Today, Kasumi and Shampoo are going to come into the dojo, and approach me. They're going to act like normal cats. All I need to do is control my fear. I can do that much. I can't believe how nice Akane has been lately. Last night Akane actually told me she believed in me. Then she, she kissed my cheek. Akane! Man she's cute when she want's to be. It probably doesn't hurt that I've stopped insulting her. It definitely helps that crazy fiancee's haven't been showing up every day.> Ranma paused. < Actually, Shampoo has been over for several days in a row, and she hasn't tried anything. Has she finally given up?>
Ranma sighed. < Akane has been great about the Cat phobia training. She never makes fun of me, and has been real supportive. Well, Pop and Mr. Tendo are probably gonna announce the wedding date any day now. I guess I won't fight it. I'm going to marry Akane, and that's no bad thing.> Lost in thought, Ranma didn't notice the two cats enter the dojo. He finally noticed them when they were only a few yards away. Ranma was a bit startled but managed to control his outward reaction. He dropped into a normal sitting position and let them approach him.
The two cats came up and circled him a few times slowly. Ranma controlled his fear sternly and it eased. They moved in and rubbed against his legs. Once again Ranma pounded down on his fear. Finally, both cats climbed up into his lap and curled up. Ranma slowly relaxed. < I've done it. I fought this battle, fought my greatest fear, and I won!> Ranma slowly smiled. < I can stand Kasumi and Shampoo in their cat forms with no real problems at all.> Ranma was a bit sad then. < It's not going to be anywhere near as easy to get used to real cats. At least I won't freak out around Kasumi and Shampoo anymore.>
"Ranma!" Akane called him from the dojo doors. "Ranma, leave those cats there and come out here for a second. I want you to see something." At her voice Kasumi and Shampoo got out of his lap and moved a few feet away.
Ranma rose and shrugged. "I'd better go see what she wants. I'll be right back you two." Ranma walked to the dojo doors, looking for Akane. He spotted her standing with Johnathon and three other women. Akane, Johnathon, and a woman in a professional looking suit jacket and skirt were standing between him and the other two, so he couldn't see them.
Ranma walked up. "Hello. It's nice to meet you. I'm Ranma Sao..." Johnathon, Akane and Ami stepped aside and Ranma got a good look at the two women behind them, which caused Ranma to freeze in shock. Kasumi and Shampoo stood there. Kasumi had her usual pleasant smile and Shampoo looked a bit anxious, although she also had a tentative grin.
Ranma stuttered. "K-Kasumi, Shampoo, what are you doing out here? How did you get out here so quickly?" Ranma's mind refused to focus. They all walked over to him.
Akane took his arm. "They didn't Ranma, they've been out here the whole time." Her voice was quiet and calm.
Kasumi nodded. "That's right Ranma."
Shampoo bobbed her head in agreement. "Shampoo not go in dojo today."
Ranma blinked as he struggled to understand. "Then who?..." Akane turned him gently so he faced into the dojo and at the black and white cats sitting in the center. He stared at them, then at Kasumi and Shampoo. "What?... What?"
Johnathon put a hand on his other shoulder. "Those are normal cat's Ranma. You've been training with them for a whole week.
Ranma stammered. "N-normal, c-c-cats?"
Ami walked into his line of sight. "That's right. Luna is the black cat and Artemis is the white one." She walked over to Artemis and picked him up. "Artemis is a boy actually, and he didn't really enjoy us dyeing parts of his fur pink, or having to wear bells."
Ranma's eyes went wider. "Real cats, I was training with real cats."
Johnathon squeezed his shoulder. "That's right, and you still conquered your fear."
Ranma looked confused. "But I thought they were Kasumi and Shampoo... didn't I just trick my subconscious again?"
Johnathon shrugged. "Perhaps you did, and perhaps we just tricked it again, just now. Why don't you find out?" Ranma looked at the cats hesitantly.
Ami nodded encouragingly. "These are my cats. You've spent plenty of time with them already. Why not see if you can beat you're phobia, without tricking yourself."
Ranma turned to Akane. She touched his face gently. "I believe in you Ranma."
Johnathon's hand pressed down on his shoulder. "We all believe in you."
Kasumi nodded. "I know you can do it Ranma."
Shampoo spoke up fiercely. "Ranma do anything Ranma want. You strong fighter, Ranma, Shampoo believe too."
Ranma turned to Luna and Artemis and nodded, feeling his friends' support, his fiancee, who he loved standing at his side. < Akane loves me, and they all believe in me.> "I can do this." Ranma said quietly and went over to pick Luna up. It was hard, very hard, but his confidence, and that of his friends, pushed him past the towering wall of fear. Ranma stood, holding Luna in his arms, and gently stroked her head and shoulders. The wall of fear tried to close in but he forced it away with a wave of confidence. "I can do this!" He repeated. "I can beat the cat fear. I really can!" Ranma's voice rang with confidence.
Luna looked up at Ranma happily, a warm feeling filling her. < It was all worth it. Every moment was worth it. For Ranma's sake, and for mine.>
Artemis looked pleased as well. He winked at her. < We did it Luna.>
Later, they all sat down around the table. Luna and Artemis sat at Ranma's sides. Kasumi had made lunch and Ranma fed the two cats from his plate. Genma and Soun stared incredulously and even Nabiki had a look of respect on her face.
Nabiki nodded to Ranma. "You've finally done it Ranma, I'm impressed."
Ranma looked at her and frowned slightly. "I'm not sure I'm done yet Nabiki. I still feel the fear. I'm controlling it, but it's still there." Everyone but Ami, who didn't know better, was incredulous at Ranma's admission. "It's just like any other technique." He continued. "It needs practice to make it perfect." Ranma looked over at Ami. "Doctor, um, I wonder if I might be able to borrow Luna and Artemis for a few more days? I'd be glad to do something for you. I mean, I don't have much money but..."
Ami looked at Luna and Artemis who both nodded imperceptibly at her. "That's no problem Ranma. I'll come to pick them up in a week. You don't really need to do anything." Ranma frowned, not wanting to let it go at that.
Johnathon piped in with a suggestion. "Well perhaps there is something Ranma could do. Don't you have a niece, and some of her friends, who wanted to learn some martial arts? I've told you how good Ranma is..."
Ami looked confused for a moment then realized what Johnathon was saying. She considered it. < It wouldn't hurt to learn some martial arts, especially if Ranma is as good as Johnathon has said. Usagi and I especially could use some training.> She looked at Ranma, who looked pleased with the suggestion. Ami nodded slowly. "Perhaps, we can talk about it when I come back for Luna and Artemis."
Ranma smiled. "Thank you Doctor. I'd be happy to teach your niece and her friends something of the martial arts. It would be the least I could do."
Ami smiled back. "Thank Johnathon. He is the reason I came." Johnathon shrugged and blushed as Kasumi and Akane beamed at him. Ami rose. "I'm afraid I really must get going. I must return to Juuban. I have things I must attend to there."
Johnathon rose as well. "I'll see you to the train doctor." Ami nodded and Johnathon turned to Kasumi. "Would you care to go out tonight Kasumi? A walk in the park perhaps?"
Kasumi smiled. "I would love too Johnathon."
"Then I will be back soon." Johnathon left with Ami, walking toward the train station.
As they walked, Ami asked Johnathon. "She's your girlfriend?"
Johnathon nodded, smiling gently. "Yes, I'm a very lucky guy."
Ami hesitated then asked. "How did she get cursed."
Johnathon's face went black. "That's... my fault I'm afraid." Johnathon quietly told Ami a slightly edited version of Kasumi's kidnapping and rescue, and the reason's behind it all. They reached the station before he finished and he told the ending as they waited for her train to arrive. When Johnathon had finished his tale they stood silently for the five minutes it took the train to arrive.
When the train arrived Ami turned to Johnathon. "It really wasn't your fault Johnathon. I'm sure Kasumi doesn't blame you at all. I know I wouldn't." She stepped unto the train. "Take care, I will see you soon!"
"You too!" He shouted. "If you need help, just call. I'll come running!"
The train doors closed, but he could see her mouth the words. "We will, good bye."
Johnathon watched the train leave then he turned to head back to the Tendo's. He smiled. < I have a date with Kasumi.> Then he started running. The house was quiet when he arrived.
Shampoo had stood to go a little after Johnathon and Ami had left. "Shampoo going." She announced simply.
Akane looked up at her. "Thank for your help Shampoo."
Shampoo shrugged. "Was for Johnathon..." She looked at Akane and Ranma pensively. They had been sitting close to each other, at ease in each others presence. "Ranma, you love Akane, right?"
Ranma looked surprised but slowly nodded. It wasn't quite so hard to admit anymore. A few repetitions made it easier. "Yes. Yes I do Shampoo."
Shampoo looked sad but unsurprised. "Great grandmother return in four days. Shampoo still bound by law to marry Ranma. Shampoo no longer want fight losing battle, but no choice. When great grandmother return..."
Akane frowned for a moment at that, then looked sympathetically at Shampoo. "I'm sorry Shampoo, isn't there any way to get out of the law?"
Shampoo shrugged. "Can not marry one who is already married. Is why Shampoo bomb wedding." She turned to go. "Good bye." As she walked away her face grew black with despair. < That is it, I have done the only thing I could, and it may cost me everything.> She sighed softly to herself. < I am an idiot, why do I sacrifice myself for them?> Shampoo looked back for a moment. < They deserve happiness. I cannot save myself, but I can help them, and I cannot hurt Ranma.> Shampoo walked slowly to the Cat Cafe, trying not to think about the future.
Back in the dojo Ranma looked at Akane and frowned. "The old ghoul is bound to start trouble as soon as she gets back."
Akane nodded. "I'm sure she's come up with some sort of plan while she's been gone."
Ranma looked seriously at Akane. "I don't want to give her a chance to try anything. She's too smart. She might end up doing something permanent."
Akane half turned her head toward her father and and Mr. Saotome. They had returned to their shogi game, and were pretending not to listen. Akane sat quietly, thinking. Ranma laid back, his hands behind his head. He was also making a serious effort to think clearly. Johnathon returned and he and Kasumi went out for a walk without saying a word to spoil the silence. Nabiki went up to her room. The fathers went on playing shogi quietly. Ranma looked at Akane's back until she looked back and caught him staring.
Ranma looked up at the ceiling. < Why haven't those too meddling fathers gone and announced a wedding date? They've always jumped at any suggestion of us marrying like rabid dogs on a stake. At least until after the wedding fiasco... >
Akane's thoughts were much the same. < Why are they being so quiet?> She sat slowly petting Artemis's head. Akane looked again at Ranma. "What Shampoo said..." She spoke cautiously, testing the waters.
Ranma looked back at Akane, watching her for a reaction. "About how to get out of marrying her?"
Akane's face was expectant. "Yes, and that she doesn't want to fight anymore."
Ranma nodded. "Cologne won't let her give up so easily."
Akane sighed. "I, feel sorry for her. I mean she's been a lot of trouble, but now she's left with nothing for all her effort."
Ranma saw honest compassion in Akane's eyes. "Cologne's not going to help her feel better." He said with regret.
Akane frowned. < This is getting nowhere. Time to lay the cards down on the table.> "Ukyo's not fighting over you anymore, and Kodachi and Shampoo have given up."
Ranma nodded. "So much has happened. Ryoga's no longer trying to kill me, I haven't seen Kuno in weeks."
Akane continued the thought. "The obstacles are all gone, except Cologne."
Ranma scratched his head. "She's gonna be tough."
Akane looked hesitant. "Ranma, maybe we don't have to fight her."
Ranma looked at Akane questioningly. "What do you mean?" < I bet I know.>
Akane grimaced. < Don't you know?> "If we were... before she gets back if we were already..." She paused and looked imploringly at Ranma.
The look prompted Ranma to finish the sentence. "If we were... married when Cologne returns then Shampoo would be off the hook."
Akane nodded nervously. "It's not like we aren't eventually going to get married."
Ranma sat up and looked Akane in the eyes. "You're saying we should get married before Cologne gets back."
Akane slowly nodded. Ranma glanced back at his his pop and Mr. Tendo. They were still playing shogi, sort of, although it looked like they had been moving pieces randomly for some time.
Ranma looked back at Akane, who had followed the direction of his gaze and now grinned at him, sharing the joke. "Akane, I don't mind moving up the date that much. Especially if it ends Shampoo's problem, but do you really want this? If you are only thinking of doing this for Shampoo, I'll fight the ghoul, I'll do whatever it takes... You don't have to rush into this if you don't want to."
Akane shook her head. "I don't mind getting married so early anymore." After everything we've been through, I don't feel like I'm too young for this anymore. If we wait, who knows what might happen? I, I don't want to chance loosing you."
Ranma took her hand. "I don't want to loose you either. Alright Akane, if this is what you want..." Akane nodded happily, tears coming to her eyes. Ranma got on his knees in front of her. "Akane, will you marry me?" Akane smiled brilliantly at him, tears running down her cheeks. Ranma suddenly realized. "I don't have an engagement ring but..."
Suddenly Genma was pressing a box into Ranma's free hand. "Here you go son." He whispered loudly and teleported back to his shogi game. Ranma opened it and handed it to Akane.
Akane took the box, looking at the beautiful ring inside. "Yes, yes I'll marry you!" She put out her ring finger for him.
"Oh yeah." Ranma took the ring and placed it on her finger. He blushed and shrugged. "Um, did I do that right?"
Akane hugged him. "I don't care, I love you."
Ranma hesitated only a second before hugging her back. "I love you too." They held tight to each other, not wanting this moment to last.
Soun looked incredulously at Genma. "We didn't we try leaving them alone sooner?"
Genma shrugged. "Who would have thought it would work?"
They both whipped out large bottles of Sake. "To the union of our houses!"
Ranma reluctantly broke the hug. "Um, how about the day after tomorrow. Just in case the old ghoul comes back a day early."
Akane let out a deep breath. "Wow, there's so much to do! It will be difficult getting everything ready in time."
Soun stopped drinking for a moment. "Don't worry! We've got everything covered. Tuesday? Ha! The last wedding we prepared in four hours, didn't we Genma!"
Nabiki snorted in derision as she walked into the room, Ryoga in tow. "You! Hah! If I'd left it to you you'd have taken four weeks! Don't worry sis, leave everything to us, right P-chan?"
Ryoga nodded automatically. "Right, I won't fail you, Akane! Um, what are we doing again, Nabiki?"
Nabiki shook her head in exasperation. "Come with me, I'll explain everything."
Luna and Artemis looked at each other in bewilderment. This certainly was a strange household.
In a nearby park, Johnathon and Kasumi slowly walked, talking about many things. Eventually the conversation drifted around to the future.
Kasumi broached the question first. "Johnathon, what are your plan's for the future?"
He hesitated before answering. "A few months ago I couldn't have told you for sure. To tell you the truth, what happens next for me depends on one important thing."
Kasumi wrinkled her nose at him. "What's that?"
Johnathon smiled. "You, silly. Right now my future depends on you."
Kasumi blinked. "Really?"
"Really." Johnathon was silent for several long breaths. "I can only stay in Japan for so long, unless..."
Kasumi nodded expectantly. "Unless.."
Johnathon continued slowly. "Well, I've got a job, and I speak the language pretty well, but it would help if I was married to a Japanese citizen."
Kasumi nodded. "That makes sense."
He turned to her. "Kasumi." They stopped walking and looked at each other. "I want to stay because I love you. I don't want to marry you because it would make it easier for me to stay, but because I love you."
Kasumi didn't know what to say. "You want to marry me?"
Johnathon nodded firmly. "Yes. Kasumi, will you marry me?"
Kasumi still didn't know what to say. < What about father? Where would we live? How can I?> Kasumi looked at him. Johnathon waited patiently. He brought out a box with a ring and showed it to her. < He loves me, I love him, why am I hesitating?> "Yes. Yes, I will marry you." < I said it!>
Johnathon's face brightened. < She said it. Yes!"> He put the ring on her finger. It was silver and unadorned. "It's not much..."
Kasumi put her hand over his. "It's beautiful. It's perfect, I love it, and I love you."
Johnathon moved in and kissed her then, and she returned it like it was the most natural thing in the world. They held the kiss for a minute then broke apart.
Johnathon gently pulled her to a walk. "Lets keep walking."
Kasumi nodded, and they walked in comfortable silence for awhile. "I've been meaning to ask you something Johnathon."
Johnathon gazed at her patiently as they strode along. "Yes, what is it?"
Kasumi looked back, a questioning expression on her face. "Would you like me to use the water from the spring of drowned girl?"
Johnathon shook his head. "It's your choice Kasumi."
She persisted. "You don't mind that I become a cat? If I used drowned girl water, we'd match. I'd share that much with you."
Johnathon nodded. "That's true, but it is still your choice. I don't mind you becoming a cat. I love you as you are, I love you as a cat, and I'd love you as a half-cat. That doesn't matter to me."
Kasumi sighed and hugged his arm, leaning up against him as they walked. Johnathon quietly talked. "There is plenty of time to decide everything. We can get married whenever you like, although I wouldn't wait more than, oh nine months."
Kasumi blinked. "Why is that?"
Johnathon shrugged. "Heh, my passport expires in ten months, so unless you want to move, I'd suggest getting married before then."
Kasumi was quiet. "Oh." A minute passed and she spoke again. "I'd move to the United States, if you had to leave."
Johnathon smiled. "I think we can prevent my having to leave. I'll stay here in Nerima, I have lots of reasons to stay. < This may be the only place my curse would be accepted. I have friends and a job here. Taking Kasumi away from her family would hurt her, and I can't ever hurt her.>
Kasumi sighed. "There is something else."
Johnathon looked worried. "What is it Kasumi-chan?"
Kasumi looked hesitant. "If we got married, would you want children?"
Johnathon only hesitated a second. "I would love to raise a child with you Kasumi. I'm sure you would make a wonderful mother."
Kasumi sighed again. "The curse. If I get wet when I'm pregnant..."
Johnathon looked worried. "I, I don't know the answer to that."
Kasumi looked sad. "I do. Cold water will abort any pregnancy. It just won't work if I become a cat. As a half-cat, I may not loose... I may be able to carry to term."
Johnathon squeezed her to his side. "It doesn't matter. We will find a way. If nothing else we can adopt. Don't decide to curse yourself to become a half-cat just because of that. If you really want it, do it, but don't do it for me. I would not mind you as a half-cat. You're sure to be a sexy one. I'd be scared for you, however, and I hate being scared about you. It's not that it makes no difference to me. It does, but the positives and negatives are pretty equal in my book. We have the water, the choice can wait."
Kasumi looked into his eyes. "Are you sure?"
Johnathon smiled. "I am. Whatever you choose to do, I will not love you the less for it. I will be happiest with your choice if it is the choice that makes you happy. What makes you happy, makes me happy. If you're sad, I'm sad, so please be happy!"
Kasumi giggled. "I am, very much so. I'll wait on changing. I can always do so later if there is a need. In the meantime I will take full advantage of the fact I turn into a cat."
Johnathon blinked. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Kasumi giggled some more. "I'll tell you later."
Johnathon's eyes narrowed. "What?"
Kasumi broke away and ran down the path giggling.
Johnathon grinned and chased after her. "Wait! Come back here you!"
A half hour later Johnathon and Kasumi walked back into the Tendo home. When they saw each other Akane and Kasumi ran up to each other and started talking simultaneously. "He proposed!" They both announced, showing off their rings. "He did? It's beautiful! Oh congratulations!" The sisters hugged spontaneously.
Johnathon walked over to Ranma and sat down. They looked wryly at each other and grinned. A very drunk Soun cheered and yelled something garbled about a double wedding.
Johnathon laughed. "Why not! Hey Ranma, have you set the date?"
Ranma nodded nonchalantly. "Yup, Tuesday. That good for you?"
"Tuesday?" Johnathon's voice was artificially calm.
"Yup." Ranma shrugged.
Johnathon didn't bother to hide the sarcasm in his voice. "Hmmm, I'd have to ask Kasumi, but... I think we might want to wait a little bit longer than that."
Ranma grinned. "So you hope."
Johnathon looked worried. "What do you mean?"
Ranma shrugged again. "Oh, nothing really, except you don't know Mr. Tendo all that well."
Johnathon blinked. "Oh? I'm sure we'll be able to chose our own wedding date."
Ranma slapped him on the back. "Good luck!"
Johnathon frowned. Mr. Tendo had staggered over to Kasumi, congratulating her, but he kept going on about a "glorious" double wedding.
Johnathon stood up. "I'd better put on the brakes here." He walked over. "Heh, heh... Mr. Tendo..."
Soun Tendo beamed at him. "Call me father, my god man, no son-in-law."
Johnathon coughed. "Um, I think this Tuesday is rather sudden."
Mr. Tendo started to bawl, tears pouring from his face, incoherently babbling about his beautiful dream. Ranma watch interestedly as Johnathon tried to talk Mr. Tendo out of a double wedding. Ranma called Luna over and calmly stroked her while enjoying the spectacle. He called Artemis over and started petting him as well, building up his tolerance level by getting used to their presence.
Ten minutes Johnathon sat down again bewildered. "What just happened?"
Ranma shrugged. "You agreed to a double wedding with me and Akane."
Johnathon nodded slowly then shook his head. "I'm so confused. How did he do that?"
Akane plopped down on the other side of Ranma and giggled. "Tendo family super secret technique, Combat pleading!"
Ranma chuckled at that and Johnathon grimaced. "Ha ha, very funny, yuck it up why don't you."
Kasumi sat down softly next to Johnathon and kissed his cheek. "You've made father very happy Johnathon. Thank you."
Johnathon grumbled to himself but draped a hand over Kasumi's shoulders and drew her in. He stopped grumbling to kiss her on the forehead then started grumbling again.
Kasumi giggled. "You sound like Mr. Saotome when he's a panda.
Johnathon growled at her in his best panda imitation.
Kasumi giggled some more and extricated herself from his arm. "I've got to prepare dinner. You'll stay of course?" Johnathon nodded and Kasumi went into the kitchen.
Johnathon looked at Artemis. "I'd bet you'd like to get that dye washed off." Artemis meowed in response.
Ranma stood. "I'll do it." He carried the white cat to the bathroom.
Johnathon sat with Akane and Luna. "Congratulations Akane."
Akane smiled. "Congratulations to you too John-san."
Johnathon looked over at her. "Why Tuesday?"
Akane looked serious. "We wanted to get married before Cologne comes back and has a chance to ruin everything."
Johnathon looked curious. "Oh, Is that the only reason?"
Akane shook her head. "We love each other, it's enough."
Johnathon nodded. "I'm glad. Hmm, we will be related in two days, little sister."
Akane nodded. "That's right, big brother, hard to believe, isn't it."
"Yup." Johnathon had a thought. "I wonder where everyone will end up living?"
Akane shook her head. "I never thought of that. Ryoga's staying in Happosai's room. I guess Ranma will, um, move into my room."
Johnathon smiled. "Will I be moving into Kasumi's room? She could move in with me, but... I think she might want to stay near her family." He shrugged. "We'll see."
Akane nodded. "All too soon."
"That's the truth." Johnathon mused. "I wonder if keeping the drowned girl and boy water in Nabiki's safe is a good idea?"
Outside a small figure's eyes lit up at hearing that. While under the house another short figure in black also listened carefully.
Akane looked at Johnathon quizzically. "What brought that up?"
Johnathon shrugged. "Kasumi mentioned the water, I guess it's safe enough."
Outside, Sasuke passed Happosai as he was leaving to inform Master Kuno of the latest developments.
Happosai stopped him. "Tell your master that we may have a common interest."
"Oh?" The ninja looked curious. "And what may that be?"
Happosai winked at him. "Just tell him that we both wish to free the pig tailed girl from her curse, and that I'll see him at his mansion, tonight."
Sasuke nodded. "As you wish." Then he
bounded off.
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