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.
A Different Viewpoint: American Vacation: Chapter 13
The trip to the Tendo Dojo was filled mostly by Umino's ramblings. Naru only laughed at some of the rumors the bespectacled young man had to report about the Nermia area, while Usagi became increasingly nervous, knowing how close to reality some of the more outrageous sounding rumors actually were. What was worse than Umino's rumors was Naru's worried looks in her direction. It was obvious her old friend wanted to ask her something, and equally obvious Naru didn't want to do so in front of her nominal boyfriend.
That, at least, was a nice change. Naru and Umino were a lot more comfortable with each other than they had been two years ago. Usagi couldn't help but notice the fond looks Naru directed Umino's way from time to time. Usagi was pleased that her friends had gotten so close. If only she hadn't had to distance herself from them so much!
When they arrived in front of the Tendo Dojo, Naru's mother stopped the car. "I'll be doing some shopping in town. I will be back to pick you up after class, all right?"
As they walked through the Dojo's main gate Naru pulled Usagi aside. "Usagi, tell me the truth. Is what your mother said about you and Diana true?" As the future princess of Crystal Tokyo gaped in bewilderment, Naru stammered on. "It's not that I think there's anything wrong with it or anything... it's just... why didn't you tell me? Is that why you've been hanging out with Ami and Makoto and the others? Are they...?" Naru blushed. "I know it's none of my business, but you could have told me, Usagi. I wouldn't have minded."
Usagi shut her gaping mouth finally and put a hand on her friend's arm. "Naru-chan, it's not what you think." Naru glanced down at Usagi's hand and the blond girl pulled it away guiltily. "No! I'm not coming on to you or anything Naru, I'm not like that!" Naru's face turned a bit red and Usagi sped up. "Not that I don't think you're attractive or anything... I'm just not into girls that way. I like boys! I love my Mamo-chan!"
Naru's gaped at Usagi then blushed a deeper red, pointing subtly behind her. "Um... Usagi-chan...."
Usagi continued, not noticing Naru's paling face. "Not that there is anything wrong with it. Haruka and Michiru are very nice, and I think its great that they like each other, but that's not...." She finally trailed off as she noticed the shadows behind her. Usagi spun around and blanched as she spotted the small crowd that had been attracted by her loud whispers.
Haruka walked up, grinning. "I'm glad you approve, Usagi-chan."
Mamoru Chiba was looking mortified, while 'Diana' was standing next to him with one hand on her forehead as if she was feeling an oncoming headache. Ami and Makoto were both blushing slightly, while Minako was giving Usagi and enthusiastic thumbs up, much to 'Atlanta's' dismay.
Naru sighed. "I was trying to tell you."
Usagi blushed bright crimson and debated the benefits of running and hiding versus having a heart attack right on the spot. Seeing Luna, aka Diana, standing there made up her mind for her. Heedless of her earlier speech, Usagi ran over to her transformed cat and hugged her.
"Lu... Diana! I was so worried! Are you all right? Did you find someplace to stay? Oh god I missed you!"
Luna pried her excitable charge off her with some difficulty. "I'm fine, Usagi. You don't have to worry about me." She tapped the blond on the forehead. "Now calm down, you're making a spectacle of yourself. Straighten up and try to act with some dignity please."
Usagi backed off a few steps, blushing a bit again. "Oh... right." She put a hand behind her head and laughed nervously.
Naru watched the scene with narrowed eyes. < Why don't I think Usagi-chan is telling me everything?> She sighed, her shoulders slumping a bit. < As if that's a big change.>
Nabiki came around from behind the Dojo and cleared her throat. "People, people, everyone into the Dojo, before our instructor decides to come looking for all of us. We don't want to have to cancel class do we?" She grinned slightly to herself as she turned to go back herself. < What a fascinating group this is! I can't wait to get to the bottom of this particular situation.>
**************************
At the Dwire's home, everyone was gathered around the table for dinner after another day of sightseeing with Johnathon's folks. Kasumi had finally managed to fix dinner as she had promised earlier, and Clara and Paul had been very enthusiastic about the food.
Everyone was about finished when Paul Dwire spoke up. "So, what do you all have planned for tomorrow? Clara and I have to work most of the day, unfortunately."
Johnathon answered. "Michael suggested that we all go on a little camping trip. He's coming by tonight to make plans for the trip."
Paul nodded. "Sounds like fun." He turned to Kasumi. "Clara and I used to hike and camp out all over in this area, back when we first met. There is some beautiful country out there."
Kasumi smiled and nodded. "Johnathon has told me. I am looking forward to seeing it."
Paul Dwire started relating a story from back when he had first met his wife and everyone sat back politely to listen. (Akane only had to elbow Ranma twice.)
Dinner had been early that afternoon and Michael came in the front door by a bit after five. He, Johnathon, and Ranma started discussing the preparations needed for the trip, deciding on what they would need to bring.
"Well, what do you all say to a little shopping trip?" Mike asked them. "We can pick up some things for our camping trip tomorrow." They all looked interested. Mike nodded to himself. "I've got a gift certificate for the Oudoorsman nearby, you can use it."
Johnathon nodded, but Kasumi started to say, "Oh, we couldn't really...."
Mike shook his head. "No, please feel free. I won it, I don't really have a use for it myself, I already have all the camping gear I need." He walked into the house. "We can take my car, alright?" Johnathon squeezed in the back with Ranma and Akane after opening the passenger door for Kasumi. Mike apologized a few minute later as he started driving. "Sorry it's so cramped. So what would you guys like to eat on the trip?"
Ranma spoke up. "How about some Hot Dogs! With relish and mustard. And some burgers... some hogi's maybe, and that Pizza stuff, since it supposed to be like Okinamiyaki, of, and maybe that hobo stew John mentioned, and some apple pie, and...."
Mike laughed and asked. "You want to carry all that?"
Kasumi spoke up. "Would you like some help with the menu, Michael-san?"
He nodded. I'd appreciate it Kasumi, thank you."
She smiled shyly. "You said that you have all your gear already?" He nodded. "Then perhaps we should stop by your apartment and let Johnathon and the others go to the store while we work on the food."
Mike nodded. "That sounds like a...." He paused as if just realizing something, and gulped slightly. "Ah, a good plan." He drove in silence then until they reached his apartment. He handed John his car keys. "Have fun, and don't forget to drive on the right side now!" Everyone laughed.
Mike and Kasumi watched the others drive away. He coughed, nervously. < We're alone... and Kasumi suggested it... they won't be back for over an hour... does she want to...?> He shivered slightly. < Can I resist her again? Do I want to... John said she could make her own choices... oh boy.> "Shall we go inside?" He said, trying to keep his voice level. She nodded serenely. He opened the door for her and motioned for her to enter.
Kasumi could tell Michael
was nervous. She was feeling a little awkward herself. <
Oh dear, I hope I don't hurt his feelings too badly. He seems very
tense.> She entered as he indicated, and studied the decor as he
moved past her into the apartment. He had just the bare essentials
in the living room, and in his bedroom, which she could see through the
open door, was just a futon, a small chest of drawers, desk, phone, computer
and chair. < They match at least.> She acknowledged.
She moved after him into the kitchen, which she was surprised to find
was much better equipped. Spice rack, knife set, cupboards full,
and she approved the selection of pots and pans she saw. "So you
like to cook, Michael-san?"
He nodded. "It's more of a hobby really. When I feel like it, I like to see the faces of people I care for, enjoying a meal I have prepared."
She nodded, smiling warmly at him, feeling comfortable with him for the first time since the 'incident'. "Oh, I agree completely." A few moments passed in silence, but Kasumi could sense that Mike was much less tense.
Mike finally broke the silence. "It seems we have a few things in common, Kasumi."
She smiled fondly at him. "Do you think so, Michael?"
He nodded seriously. "Yes, beyond our mutual love for my brother I mean. I think... that we are a lot alike."
Kasumi smiled again, finding herself pleased with the comparison. < He's so sweet.> "You flatter me, Michael-san." She said demurely, trying not to blush.
"Oh no, I hardly think so, you seem like a very open and giving person, Kasumi. I can see why my brother fell in love with you. Your kindly nature is impossible to miss." Mike said sincerely. < I hope she understands why I don't want to sleep with her... I really don't want to hurt her feelings.>
"Oh my... Michael-san, your praise... it is too much." Kasumi sighed, trying to think of a nice way to say it without hurting him. "Michael... I hope you can forgive me for my... actions yesterday. It was an impulsive decision, and I think it... was a bit rash. I hope you can understand?"
Mike quickly answered. "Oh, of course, Kasumi." Still he wondered. < I'm just a little disappointed I think... oh heck that's silly. I'm glad she's changed her mind.>
Kasumi noted the slightly blank look his face got before he smiled at her again. < Oh my, he does look a little disappointed. I won't bother him about it though, it's a natural reaction.>
"Well." He said after the short pause, "What shall we prepare for the trip?" They discussed the menu for a few minutes. Much of what they finally decided on, Mike had available. The few remaining items, Mike said. "I can get these in a few minutes. I'll just make a quick run down to the store."
Kasumi nodded. "Alright, I'll prepare a few things while you're gone."
He nodded and got up from
the kitchen table they were sitting at. Kasumi had to laugh a bit
as she heard his feet start running as soon as he got outside. "How
literal. So much like his brother." She got up and started
to prepare the meals she could. She left the canteens for last, but
it didn't take her that long to get the simple meals ready. She shook
her head
at her procrastination. < Don't be silly, Kasumi, if I'm careful
it will be fine.>
Indeed she was careful, but
one of the canteen's lids was difficult to turn. As she tried to
force it, it slipped from her
grasp. < Now that was silly of me.> She thought too
late, as the canteen spilled all over her blouse. Kasumi moved rapidly
towards the sink as it began to sink through. < And here I thought
Ranma was just too careless, I really am a water magnet.> She reached
the faucet and turned on the hot water, holding the shirt away from her
body with the other hand. She reached her hand under the faucet,
but... "Oh dear..." < Still cold.> She finished her words in her
head as she transformed. < Oh my, this is unfortunate. At least
Michael isn't home yet.> She crawled out of her clothes, and leapt
up onto the counter, and waited for the water to heat up.
A minute later she stiffened
as she heard the keys jingling in the lock. She pushed her head underneath
the water flow.
< Oh please hurry...> She wished the transformation, but the still
warming water took several seconds to activate her transformation.
It seemed an eternity to Kasumi. < Oh my, Oh my, Oh my....>
Mike came in the door backwards,
carrying an armload of groceries inside. He shut the door and turned
around, to be greeted to the sight of Kasumi's shapely rear end, bent over
in front of him. Her head swiveled round at his gasp, and she smiled
anxiously at him. He noted absently that she was wearing her shirt,
but her skirt was around her ankles, and her panties
were halfway down her legs.
"Oh My." Kasumi said.
***********************************
"How did you manage to get splashed in the middle of a camping store, Ranma?" Akane asked her fiancee incredulously. "Honestly, I can't take you anywhere." She laughed at his sour expression.
"Hey, it's not my fault, that guy with the fishing pole broke the sprinkler above me as I was passing... I didn't have a thing to do with it."
Johnathon just shook his head, chuckling a bit with Akane. "Well, better you than me, Ranma. If I'd gotten splashed there'd have been a panic."
Akane sobered at that thought. "Wow, that could have been pretty dangerous. John-san, they had guns for sale in that store! In a camping store no less!"
Johnathon sighed. "This is America, Akane, it gives us the right to bear arms, right in the constitution."
Ranma glanced at her uncovered limbs for a moment. "Huh?"
Akane just sighed. "Forget it Ranma, it's not important. Let's find a place to change you back before we get to Mike-san's apartment."
Johnathon pointed at a nearby restaurant. "You can change in there, Ranma."
A few minutes later Ranma came running out of the restaurant in a hurry. He jumped into the car. "Step on it!"
Johnathon blinked. "What's wrong?" He queried. Ranma just groaned and pointed back at the restaurant.
An angry looking older lady was exiting the restaurant, yelling, "Come back here you peeping tom!" And waving her purse in an agitated fashion.
Johnathon sighed. "You went into the ladies room to change?" He started to pull away from the restaurant as he spoke."
Ranma groaned. "The men's side was busy, so I figured..." He gestured at the vanishing lady. "Then she just walked in on me."
Akane laughed softly. "Only you, Ranma, could get into this much trouble so fast." Ranma scowled, but didn't comment. Johnathon drove for a few minutes without any noise from the back seat. Akane sighed. < Sorry Ranma.> She thought, < I know it's not funny to you.> They were passing a shopping area near Mike's apartment. Ranma's stomach grumbled out loud, and Akane pointed to a string of fast food places. "John-san, pull in here, my treat."
John looked at his watch, but didn't argue. < I'm sure Kasumi's fine... Mike wouldn't do anything without her consent... it's just...> He shoved away his worries and pulled into the restaurant's drive through.
Ranma, as usual eating enough for a small army. "Tanks, kane." He mumbled through his bites.
Akane nodded back, not bothering to reply, as she was also rather hungrily enjoying American fast food. John headed back towards Mike's apartment.
He pulled into the driveway and they all got out. John walked up to his brother's door and knocked. Over a minute later, Mike answered the door. "Ah, come on in guys, we're finished with the supplies. You get everything we need for the trip?" They nodded. "Great." Mike said quickly. "Why don't you bring in your packs then, and we'll store the food, then you can head back to my folk's house to get some sleep. We can leave for Muir woods in the morning!"
Johnathon noticed Kasumi coming out of the kitchen with a few canned goods, and wearing one of Mike's shirts. "Ah?! Kasumi?"
Kasumi smiled pleasantly at him. "Oh Johnathon dear, I spilled on my good blouse when I was filling the canteens. Your brother was good enough to lend me this while my blouse dries."
Johnathon looked at her, eyes wide. < Is Kasumi's secret out?> "Oh, alright." He said shortly, not sure how to ask with Mike still in the room.
Akane and Ranma watched the two. Akane was startled to see her big sister in another man's shirt, Ranma, who this sort of thing happened to all the time, was wondering what Kasumi had made in the way of food.
*****************************
Later that night, in the Dwire's quest room, Johnathon sighed after hearing Kasumi's explanation. "So he still doesn't know? This is starting to get silly. I'm starting to think that there is more to the Jusenkyo curse than a tendency toward getting splashed and changing. It always seems to happen at the worst possible times."
Kasumi nodded in agreement. "It's like the curse wants Michael to know about it...."
Johnathon frowned. "It is like that, isn't it. I wonder. It might actually be more than that." He paused. "This may sound strange, but what if the Jusenkyo curse is well... somehow aware? I've always found it strange how everyone who has ever tried to cure a Jusenkyo curse has just either gotten cursed themselves, or worse. I'm afraid that if Mike finds out, that's what will happen to him. He's bound to try and go to the springs, no matter what I say, and I'm convinced that he'll just get cursed, as will anyone else that tries to help us." Johnathon nodded. "I'm more convinced than ever that we should keep this secret from him, and anyone else that might try to do something about it. Enough people are cursed all ready as it is."
Kasumi nodded. "I will do my best, Johnathon. Hopefully there won't be any rain on our tri...."
Johnathon winced. "Don't even say it! The forecast is clear, right? Just think positively. We'll bring some umbrellas and rain gear, just in case."
**********************************
Michael had planned everything for the trip into Muir woods. They were to drive up most of the way and hike the last few miles. They planned to stay overnight, then hike back the next day. The trip in the car had been pleasant, especially the last part, as they passed into the woods, going under the increasingly tall trees. As they drove further into the park they started passing redwoods. Akane, Ranma and Kasumi looked on at the huge trees with mild awe.
"Wow." Ranma spoke in Japanese, sounding impressed. "Those trees are bigger than the ones in Ryogensawa."
Akane elbowed him. "English, Ranma, while we're here."
Michael shrugged. "No big deal. I could follow most of that." He nodded at the redwoods. "So is this "Ryogensawa" anything like what we've got here?" Ranma choked, imagining giant animals on the scale of the redwoods.
Johnathon quickly jumped in. "No, not really. The only thing similar is the trees."
Ranma hesitated, still speaking in Japanese. "There aren't any giant animals here, are there?"
Michael blinked. "What?"
Johnathon turned to answer. "There aren't any really dangerous animals out here, Ranma."
Michael nodded. "It's pretty safe. Even if we do see a bear or something, it will probably just stay away from us."
Ranma grinned. "Smart bears."
Michael spoke up after a minute. "What kind of dangerous animals were there in Ryo... Ryogensawa anyway?"
Ranma hesitated again, trying to remember their names in English. "Uh... squirrel, rabbit, duckbilled platypus?"
Michael blinked to himself, then laughed. "That's funny! Dangerous squirrels! Ha!"
Ranma looked annoyed and was about to respond heatedly when Akane jabbed him in the ribs again, laughing along with Michael artificially. "Ha, ha. Yes, very funny Ranma!" She shot her fiancee a warning glare. Ranma finally got the hint and quieted down.
Before long, Michael had pulled to a halt in a dirt parking spot at the far end of the park road. Everyone piled out and started unpacking their gear for the hike. As they were only going to be camping out for a couple days, they didn't have too much to carry. Ranma had brought his pack, and was carrying the bulk of the food and equipment. Michael had packed a pair of frame packs for himself and Johnathon and a pair of day packs for Kasumi and Akane.
Johnathon hefted each pack thoughtfully and handed his heavier frame pack to Akane, who took it with a nod. Michael blinked, glancing from his six foot two twin to the five foot two Akane. Johnathon picked up the larger and heavier of the two day packs, handing the smaller to Kasumi.
"We can trade your pack back and forth as we go, Mike." Johnathon said matter of factly. "I'll take it first if you like."
Michael hefted his pack thoughtfully, glancing uncertainly at Akane, then handed it to Johnathon. "Sure bro... whatever you say."
Everyone shouldered their packs and set off. It was quickly evident that at the pace they set. (Which was determined by Kasumi's normal walking speed.) that no one was having any trouble with their load. They hiked up into the hills, leaving (to Ranma's mild disappointment) the redwoods behind.
After several miles, reaching the top of a hill, Michael called a halt. "Let's take a five minute break."
Ranma grinned, dropped his pack at the base of a tree, then leaped twenty feet straight up onto one of its lower branches. Another leap and Ranma reached the tree's top and started looking around.
Michael gaped in stunned amazement at the spectacle. "What in the world?"
Johnathon walked up behind his brother, taking off his own pack. "Hard to believe, isn't it?"
Michael turned to him, wide eyed. "How? How in the world can he do that?"
Johnathon shrugged. "Martial arts training. Ranma's been training all his life."
Michael frowned. "Sure, but that?" He pointed up the tree. Kasumi and Akane, ignoring Ranma's antics, were unpacking some snacks from the pig tail boy's pack.
Johnathon pondered for a moment. "Michael, how much do you practice a day?"
Michael hesitated. "Well... I guess about an hour a day. It varies."
Johnathon raised an eyebrow. "That much? OK, we both started training when we were eight, right? How much time on average, would you say we practiced per day in the time between now and then?"
Michael hesitated again, thinking. "Martial arts practice? I guess around fifteen minutes a day, average."
Johnathon nodded. "Yeah, that's about right. We were both better than everyone we met, so why practice more, right? Akane, on the other hand, practiced anywhere from two to four hours a day, since she was six years old. Nowadays she practices around six hours a day. Ranma, now he has been training since he could walk, an average of ten to fourteen hours a day, every day. He's lived, breathed, and walked martial arts for his whole life. Is it so strange that he's capable of more than you or I?" He looked at Ranma and said quietly to his brother. "No, I can't believe it either." They shared a chuckle.
Kasumi's voice broke up their conversation. "Everyone, snacks!" Michael and Johnathon turned towards her. Only one of the two was startled when Ranma landed lightly in front of them, heading eagerly for the food. Minutes later, the snacks having disappeared with remarkable rapidity (for anyone who didn't know Ranma, that is) the group set out once more. It wasn't until they reached a mildly bubbling stream that they once again pulled to a halt.
"We'll ford the stream here." Michael announced
calmly while turning to face the others. The four expressions of
worry he found there were puzzling to say the least. The concern
on Akane's face vanished as soon as she noticed Michael's look. Kasumi's
expression became her normal pleasant smile so naturally that Michael wondered
if he had misread her. The slightly wry look on his brother's face
never changed, but Michael knew him better than anyone. Ranma's pretend
disinterest
was as comical as it was transparent.
The stream was neither deep nor swift, but it was
a good thirty feet across and almost guaranteed to cause someone with a
Jusenkyo curse to transform if they were to wade across it. As Michael
looked on in puzzlement his four guests were all exchanging quick, meaningful
looks full of worry and confusion. Taking a few steps closer, Johnathon
spotted a few boulders mid stream he might be able to reach with a good
leap, while Ranma would have no trouble at all. Kasumi, on the other
hand, was almost certain to get wet on the crossing.
Long seconds passed in silence and Michael cleared his throat. "Is anything wrong?"
Johnathon shook his head, finally hitting on a course of action, any course of action. "No, nothing is wrong." He turned to Kasumi, glancing down at her long skirt and light boots. "Gee, Kasumi, those boots are brand new, aren't they?"
Kasumi blinked in mild confusion and was about to correct her husband when she caught his look. "Oh! Oh, yes Johnathon, they are."
He nodded and spoke quickly in Japanese. "Get Akane to carry you across. Me and Ranma should be able to use those boulders."
Akane blinked. "Me?" She glanced at the stream then spoke in Japanese as well.. "Oh, I get it." She turned to Kasumi. "It doesn't matter if I get wet, I'll get you across, OK big sister?"
Kasumi nodded, smiling. "Why thank you, Akane-chan. That's very nice of you." Akane stepped up and scooped up her older sister, day pack and all, in her arms.
Ranma watched Akane for a second, then ran ahead, leaping over to the boulder then the rest of the way across the river with his customary effortlessness. Johnathon followed, hitting the boulder cleanly then taking a single step before jumping again, so as to keep his momentum. Michael watched the Nermia crew's antics with mild confusion. Seeing the path Ranma and Johnathon took over the river, he followed a few seconds later, making the rock barely with the first leap he paused, getting his balance back before jumping again. Weighed down by his pack he realized almost immediately that he was going to fall short.
Michael splashed down a couple of feet behind his brother, going deeper into the river than her expected, sending up a large wave. Michael tripped backwards as he landed, and ended up crawling from the stream, stoking wet and wiping the water from his eyes.
There was a crackle as someone disappeared into the bushes on the far side of the stream and Michael looked around in confusion. "Johnathon? Hey, where did he go?" Michael looked around, and spotted Akane with her back too him, still holding Kasumi, but no one else. "Ranma? John? Hey Akane, where did they go off too?"
Akane turned toward him, and started crossing the stream again. "Where? Um...." <That was close, if I hadn't turned, Kasumi would have gotten splashed... and I don't think I could've carried her out of sight fast enough.> "Ranma and Johnathon... went ahead... to... light a fire!" Akane nodded brightly. "So we can all dry off. I'm sure they're not too far away."
Kasumi glanced down at her younger sister. "Oh? Oh! Yes, a fire sounds like a good idea."
Akane finished crossing the stream and put Kasumi down on the far side. "Yes, it looks like I got a little wet myself." Akane tugged at her shirt, feeling the damp cloth where Michael's splash had drenched her. <Too close... much too close.>
Michael stood and adjusted his pack. "I'm sorry Akane. I guess I splashed you when I fell in. I suppose I shouldn't have tried it with a full pack."
Akane laughed slightly. "That's OK, Michael-san. I'm starting to get used to getting splashed." As Michael tried to puzzled that comment out, Akane and Kasumi started walking slowly towards the woods. "Well, lets go find them so we can dry off, all right?"
Michael nodded and hurried after them. "Right, I'll lead the way. It shouldn't be too hard to track them in these woods." Trying to ignore his soaking wet condition, Michael led the way into the woods. Akane and Kasumi exchanged a thoughtful glance, then followed. They kept to a slow pace, walking leisurely, and hoping that Ranma and Johnathon would have time to get a fire started, and more importantly some water heated before Michael found them.
Michael was true to his word, finding Ranma and Johnathon's trail with little difficulty, and leading the two girls from one clue to another. Trampled leaves, a broken branch... sometimes it seemed he was leading simply by intuition, but he always came across another clue before they had gotten too far.
Michael spotted the smoke first, and stepped up the pace. "Hey, I bet that's them!" Kasumi and Akane glanced at each other uncertainly, then came to a mutual decision.
"Stall." Akane whispered to her older sister. "I'll warn the guys."
Kasumi nodded, then frowned, thinking hard. <Now how should I....> Kasumi stopped and glanced at a log she had just stepped over. <Ah!> With a little cry, Kasumi threw herself on the ground with an exaggerated thump. "Ouch!"
Michael turned around immediately, and headed for her. "Kasumi, are you all right?"
Kasumi shook her head. "I'm not sure...." She looked at her left leg. "I might have injured my leg."
Michael crouched down to take a look. "Let me see. Tripped over the log huh? Does it hurt?"
Kasumi pursed her lips thoughtfully. "I'm not sure... I haven't tried moving it yet."
Akane winked at her sister. "I'll go get the guys. You take care of Kasumi, Michael." Without waiting for a reply she ran off toward the smoke.
Michael glanced up at her retreating back. "Right." He shrugged and went back to Kasumi's leg. He took hold of her ankle and pressed it lightly in a number of different spots. "Does this hurt? Tell me if anything bothers you."
Kasumi watched Michael examine her leg with interest, and made appropriate comments. "No, no, that doesn't hurt. Um... that's fine, yes...." After a while, she smiled. "I think I'm OK, thank you Michael."
Michael stood and reached down to help her up. "Why don't you try walking on it?"
Kasumi let him pull her to her feet and wobbled a bit dramatically. "Oh my... I'm not sure I should walk just yet." <At least for another minute or two.>
Michael took Kasumi's left arm and put it over his shoulder. "Hold onto me, I'll support you."
Kasumi leaned heavily on Michael and limped forward with his help. They moved forward together slowly, Kasumi being careful to maintain a steady limp. By the time they reached the clearing the smoke was rising from, Kasumi was nearly walking on her own, having gradually taken her weight off Michael. Johnathon, Ranma and Akane were there, watching them with relieved expressions. Ranma had his shirt off and was drying it over a small fire while Johnathon put a canteen away in his pack.
"Kasumi, are you alright?" Johnathon hurried over. "Akane said you hurt your ankle?"
Kasumi smiled at Michael and shook her head. "I'm all right. It feels much better now." She let go of her human crutch and took a few artificially careful steps. "Yes, I'm fine now. Thank you Michael-san."
Johnathon sighed in relief, and winked at his wife. < No, thank you, Kasumi.>
Michael looked around at the clearing. "Well, this seems like a nice enough spot. Why don't we pitch our tents right here?"
Everyone nodded. "Great idea, Mike-san." Akane answered. "The sooner I can get changed out of these wet clothes, the better." Before long, everyone was dry, the tents were set up, and Kasumi had fixed lunches for everyone.
As the group ate, Michael spoke up. "Well, we still have most of the day left. I made some plans. There's a good section of stream a quarter mile up that is known to be a likely spot for finding gold."
Ranma looked interested. "Gold? Where? How does we find it?"
Akane laughed. "I bet Nabiki would have been interested, if she was here."
Michael dug through his pack, bringing out a couple pie pans. "We use these. It's called "panning" for gold for a reason."
Johnathon tried not to panic. "Oh yeah, we went panning for gold the last time we came up here."
Michael glanced at him and shrugged. "We did find a few ounces, didn't we?"
Johnathon waited for Michael to look away, then caught Ranma's eye and shook his head emphatically. "Not that much, less than an ounce I think."
Ranma blinked in confusion. "So... how we find gold with that?"
Johnathon coughed. "Oh, its simple really, you go through the stream bed, and sift through the rocks by washing all the lighter stuff away with the pan. Gold's heavy, so it stays at the bottom of the pan, while the water washes everything else away."
Ranma grimaced. "Oh."
Akane spoke up. "I'd like to try it, Michael-san. But I think Ranma would rather go exploring the woods or something."
Ranma nodded quickly, and Johnathon spoke up. "Why don't you and Akane go panning, Michael. Kasumi, Ranma and I will walk around the woods, and do a little sightseeing."
Michael blinked, then shrugged, giving Akane a grin. "Sure, but you guys will be sorry if me and Akane strike it rich while you're off hiking."
Akane smiled back. "Do you think we'll really find something valuable?"
Michael shrugged. "You never know."
He stood and handed Akane a pie pan. "Come on. I'll show you the best spots."
As Akane and Michael headed off to go gold hunting, Ranma frowned and stared into the fire. "Hmph."
Johnathon stood, stretched, and helped Kasumi to her feet. "Ranma, you coming?"
Ranma shrugged. "Nah, you two go on. I'll be fine. Its your honeymoon, right?"
Kasumi glanced at her husband, who shrugged noncommittally, then back at Ranma. "Are you sure? We wouldn't mind your company."
Ranma shook his head, then went back to staring into the fire. "Nah. I don't really feel like it. You two go on." He glanced over at the couple and grinned. "It's not like you guys get to be alone that much. Go on, I mean it."
Johnathon grinned back. "OK, Ranma. It would be a nice change." He put an arm around Kasumi's shoulder. "You know, the wood here are quite nice. Very few people around this time of year, too. I think I remember a few places nearby I'd like to show you."
Kasumi put her arm around his waist. "All right. Let's go."
The newlyweds walked off into the woods. Ranma waited for them to get out of sight, then he started digging through his pack hurriedly, looking for a particular outfit, and something to use as a pan.
Akane and Michael reached a frothy section of stream that the lanky American judged to be a "likely" spot. He waded into the stream and scooped up some silt off the bottom, then started swishing his pie pan around, showing Akane how to get the lighter material to float off while keeping the heavier stuff at the bottom of the pan.
"See?" Michael showed Akane the few dark looking pebble he was left with when he had finished. "That's how it's done. We go through all the stuff at the bottom, and if we're lucky, we'll find some gold."
Akane waded in next to him and filled her own pie
tin. "Like this?" She started shaking the pan in a rough circle,
a bit too
forcefully.
Michael shook his head, demonstrating the right way. "Not so hard, you've got to sift a bit slower, so you don't accidentally throw the good out with the bad. Slow it down... yeah, a bit more." He nodded. "Now you've got it."
As Akane and Michael panned for gold and talked, a pair of eye watched them from a nearby tree, taking mental notes. < Ha! No way Akane is going to find anything like that. I bet I could do it twice as fast, and not miss a single nugget. I'll make a bundle before we leave here, and I can pay Nabiki finally!>
Michael and Akane worked their way steadily up the stream, checking different spots as they went. Before long they noticed they weren't alone. Up the stream half a dozen yards, a short, busty red haired girl wearing green shorts and a red and white shirt was busily panning away with what appeared to be some expertise.
Akane's eyes narrowed and she stalked up to the red head. < Ranma! Who do you think you're kidding?>
Ranma waved cheerfully and spoke with her high pitched 'I'm a girl now, see?' voice. "Hello! You are here to pan for gold too, yes?"
Akane glared at her fiancee and growled under her breath. "Why yes... and what do you think you're doing?"
Ranma blinked and opened her eyes as wide as they would go, putting on her cutest expression. "Me? I just am having fun, yes? Look for gold in stream, yes?"
Michael walked up with a slightly puzzled expression. "Hello. The more the merrier." He looked at her for several seconds. "Haven't I seen you somewhere before, miss...."
Ranma tittered. "Hibiki. Hitomi Hibiki. You say that to all the girls, yes?"
Akane rolled her eyes then sighed. "Oh bother." With a shrug, Akane smiled wryly at Ranma. "Sure, why don't you help us pan for gold? It's more fun with company, right?"
As they panned and talked, Ranma spun a tail about "Hitomi Hibiki." for Michael, mostly talking about her "older brother" Ryoga. Time seemed to pass quickly, and after a couple hours in and around the stream, the sky started to darken, and Michael decided that it was around time to get back to the camp. They hadn't found any gold, although Akane had collected several very pretty stones with flecks of what Michael thought were fools gold. They said good-bye to 'Hitomi' and started back to camp. Akane looked up at the sky in some concern, as clouds had gathered in the time they had been panning in the stream. Before they managed to reach camp, it started to rain.
They got to camp and rushed into one of the tents, finding the whole place deserted.
Michael frowned. "I wonder where the others are? I hope they didn't get lost."
Akane just shrugged, more concerned with whether Johnathon and Kasumi had remembered to bring an umbrella with them.
A quarter mile away, a damp half cat carried his wife's clothing under one arm, while holding Kasumi's small furred body to his chest with his other arm, trying to keep her from getting any more wet.
"Now what?" Johnathon growled to himself. "We can't go back to camp like this." He sighed. "And I left all my gear there. How are we going to change back?" Kasumi meowed quietly, and rubbed her head up against his chest, trying to comfort him.
"Now what?" Just outside of the camp, Ranma
chewed on her lip while hiding behind a tree. She had run into camp
before Akane and Michael could get there, grabbed a thermos she had left
there and a change of clothes, and run out into the woods to change clothes
and bodies before coming back into camp as herself. But before she
could do so, the rain had started. Even if she did change back into
a guy, it wouldn't last more than a few seconds. Unconsciously echoing
Johnathon Dwire, she
shook her head. "What am I going to do now?"
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