All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz Communications.
A Different Viewpoint: Curses and Demons: Deus Ex Machina part 3
Chapter 20
Almost all of the Senshi had gathered to say good-bye.
Kasumi was reassuring a worried looking Sailor Moon. "Don't worry Usagi-chan. I'm sure Nabiki won't betray your secrets to anyone."
Ranma rolled his eyes at overhearing that. "For a price...."
Kasumi frowned slightly at the pigtailed youth. "Now Ranma, that's not a very nice thing to say."
"Even though it's true." Akane put in. "You know that's why we haven't told her any of this before. I don't like to say bad things about our sister, but she doesn't have the best reputation for keeping secrets. I think she's gotten a little bit better recently, but if someone offered her enough money, I'm not sure what she would do."
Kasumi sighed. "I will have a talk with her when we return home. If she promises not to tell anyone about the Senshi, I know she will keep her word." Kasumi smiled sadly. "She keeps her word you know, always."
Akane nodded after a moment's thought. "That's true, Nabiki always keeps her word."
Usagi looked hopeful. "You can convince her to keep our secret,can't you Kasumi-san?"
Kasumi nodded. "I will do everything I can to do so, Usagi-chan."
Usagi beamed. "Thank you Kasumi!"
Michiru and Ami came up then, Sailor Mercury going over to Skuld, who was waiting somewhat impatiently to take the others back, while Neptune went over to her future Queen. Ami pulled Skuld aside a bit and they went into a huddle while Michiru simply walked up to Usagi and explained. "Sailor Moon, Mercury wanted me to tell you not to try transforming right now without your uniform. Specifically, not to change back to your normal form while wearing anything other than your senshi Uniform."
Usagi blinked. "Why is that?"
Neptune shook her head. "I'm not sure myself, but Ami was going on about unstable molecules and extra dimensional spaces."
Johnathon looked interested. "Really? I've got to listen in on this...." He wandered over to where Ami and Skuld were conferencing and joined them. The two girls had their heads together over the Mercury computer going over equations and he peered over their shoulders to see if he could figure out anything. The equations were pretty much incomprehensible to him, but he didn't let that deter him. "Can I help, ladies?"
Michiru raised an eyebrow as Johnathon listened to a detailed explanation of the physics involved from Ami. "Does he really understand any of that stuff? Most of it is way over my head."
Kasumi smiled proudly. "Johnathon is quite knowledgeable about science. He has finished his undergraduate studies in Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy before finally deciding to major in English."
Michiru blinked at this. "Oh... why such a big change?"
Kasumi wrinkled her nose. "Johnathon told me he didn't have the math he needed. He was slightly weak in Algebra and Calculus."
Ranma and Ranko both nodded sympathetically. "I know what you mean!"
Michiru shrugged. "I never liked algebra much myself, but Ami's a wiz. How can he help?"
Kasumi shook her head. "I didn't say he couldn't do the math, just that he was weak in Algebra and Calculus. His math skills are actually quite good. As long as it has a scientific, real world application, Johnathon can figure it out, and quickly too. He says he just has problems with pure theoretical math." She smiled fondly. "He can be terribly arrogant sometimes, but he really does have reason."
Akane raised an eyebrow. "Arrogant? Johnathon? I've never known him to be arrogant. Now Ranma is arrogant, but Johnathon?""
Kasumi nodded. "Oh yes, that is one quality our men share, Akane. Both of them are extremely confident in a few areas. Confident and arrogant. Of course, that's because they are almost as good as they think they are. Ranma is arrogant about his martial arts, where Johnathon is arrogant about his tactical abilities, and his talent for problem solving."
Akane nodded slowly. 'You're right. He's always taking charge when things get difficult... I never really minded, he always seems to have a plan. The Senshi listen to him, even our fathers...." She blinked. "He really IS arrogant!"
Kasumi giggled, nodding. 'He is!" her eyes twinkled. "He'd be the first to admit it too."
Akane shook her head. "Ranma would never admit that he's arrogant."
Kasumi raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? He might surprise you. Ranma... and Ranko have been doing a lot of growing up recently."
Akane looked thoughtful. "They have, haven't they."
Mercury and Johnathon came walking back their way, still talking, while Skuld worked busily with the Mercury computer.
"So do you wear a watch?" Johnathon asked her as they came into earshot. Ami nodded. "Which wrist?" She pointed to her left wrist. He started taking of his own watch. "So wear this on your right wrist and try changing back to normal. Worst case scenario in that case is I lose a watch... our you lose your outfit, but at least they wouldn't be interacting."
Ami nodded. "It should be safe enough. I'll buy you a new watch if this one doesn't make it."
Johnathon shrugged. "It was my idea. I can afford a watch. I don't buy expensive ones anyway, not with my luck."
Ami laughed. "I suppose not. Although I do notice it's waterproof."
Johnathon chuckled. "A necessity with this curse, as you'll soon discover for yourself."
Mercury took the watch and put it on her right wrist. "OK, I'll try it." She hesitated, blushing. "Um..."
Johnathon blinked twice. "Oh... right. can't do it while dressed. I knew that." He turned away from her and turned towards the others. "Alright, lets give Mercury some privacy, OK?"
Ami walked over. "Michiru, could you hold my Yukata for me? I'll want at least one other witness to this."
Michiru nodded and went to her side. Everyone else politely turned their back and Ami removed the Yukata and handed it to Michiru. Wearing only a watch and a nervous smile she transformed. With a mild flash of light she was back to her normal self, fully dressed in the outfit she had been wearing before turning into Sailor Mercury.
She checked her right wrist and frowned, there was no sign of Johnathon's watch. "OK, now that other way." She pulled out her Heshin pen and called out her command phrase, twirling around with a flash of light... which produced a naked Sailor Mercury. She checked her right wrist again and sighed. "It looks like you're going to need a new watch, Johanthon-san."She took the Yukata from Michiru and put it back on. "Michiru, did you see anything happening to Johnathon's watch when I transformed?"
Michiru blinked then blushed. "Ah... no... I... um... missed it."
Ami blushed herself. "Oh well, no harm done I suppose." She went over to Sailor Moon and the rest of the inner Senshi. "It seems that normal material doesn't survive the transformation back to our normal forms, only the special material in our uniforms."
Usagi blinked. "What does that mean?"
Ami sighed. "Anything you are wearing besides your Senshi uniform when you transform back to normal will be destroyed."
Usagi's eyes went wide. "Isn't that dangerous?"
Ami shook her head. "No, from Skuld's and my calculations, it is a breakdown on the molecular level. Kind of like a transporter on Star Trek, Usagi."
Usagi's eyes widened. "Oh, I get it!" She wrinkled her brow, thinking hard. "So that means... um, that means...."
Ami sighed. "That means that if we transform into Senshi without our uniforms, We'll be WITHOUT our uniforms."
Makoto groaned. "Oh no. You mean we'll end up butt naked, right?"
Ami nodded. "Unless we get our uniforms back, or find some other way to transform."
As most of the other Senshi absorbed this rather shocking bit of news, Venus had approached Urd on her own and asked to speak to her privately. They had gone around behind the Guide's hut and Urd had waited patiently for almost eleven seconds while Minako fidgeted, obviously trying to think of what to say.
"Well spit it out, girl!" Urd demanded impatiently. "What's the matter?" Her gaze softened as Minako flinched. "Hey now, tell me all about it, kiddo. How can the goddess of love help out her favorite Senshi?"
Venus blinked. "I'm your favorite?" Urd winked. "Sure, I like your style, kiddo. We have a lot in common, you being the "Venus of Love" and all. What's got you so down? The curse?"
Venus shook her head. "It's not that. Not only that, anyway. I just... I'm a lousy Venus of Love. I screwed up. Artemis and Luna were meant for each other, I know it, but I let my libido do the walking for me, and it's all messed up. Now they'll never get together!"
Urd looked interested. "So, you seduced one of them? Which one, Artemis or Luna?"
Venus blinked. "Um... Artemis."
Urd nodded, then sat down, patting the ground next to her. "OK then, tell me all about it, and don't leave out any of the juicy details. The Goddess of Love is on the case!" Following quite a bit of exposition, Urd sat back and mused to herself while Venus waited anxiously for her advice. "Let me see if I have this right. You love Artemis, who loves Luna, but who also can't resist your ample charms. Luna loves Artemis, but feels betrayed cause he fell for you first, right?" Urd nodded thoughtfully. "You care for Luna a lot, don't you?"
Minako nodded firmly. "I love her! I hate to think I may have stolen her one true love!"
Urd raised an eyebrow. "Do you love her the same way you love Artemis?"
Venus blinked. "What? No!" She hesitated. "Well... maybe... I mean I do love her, but she's a girl, and anyway she doesn't love me like that. She probably hates me! Besides, she likes guys."
Urd shrugged. "Artemis is a girl right now, right? If Luna still wants him I doubt she's really only into guys, and I really doubt she hates you. Sound's like she's a bit mad at Artemis, but not at you."
Minako wrung her hands. "But what do I do?"
Urd looked thoughtful again. "Well then, Artemis loves both of you, and you love both of them... so all you have to do to bring them together is to seduce Luna like you did Artemis."
Minako sat there blinking in astonishment for half a minute before responding. "You're kidding!" She finally shouted, sounding scandalized.
"Nope." Urd shrugged. "I'm serious. Listen, what you really want is to get Luna and Artemis back together, right? So if you seduce Luna you have several possibilities. Either she rejects you and thinks your a slut, or she accepts and you become lovers. If she becomes your lover either you can get her and Artemis to accept a three way relationship, or you'll lose Artemis. If you lose Artemis all you have to do is dump Luna, and the jilted pair will fall together," she snapped her fingers "just like that. If she rejects you in the first place she'll think you're an even worse slut than she thought before, and try to get Artemis away from you, so you kick him to the curb and watch her scoop him up. If you luck out and manage to keep both of them at the same time...." Urd grinned sexily. "Then you just have to hold on tight!"
Mina looked incredulous. "Will that really work?"
Urd shrugged. "Why not? As long as you play your part to the hilt, and are willing to pay the price if you have to.... If they're really meant for each other you'll have ensured that they get together, one way or the other, and you may even get lucky enough to get included in the bargain. Who knows?"
Minako rose to her feet. "I'll do it! I'll seduce Luna and get her and Artemis back together, even if I have to sacrifice this beautiful young body of mine to do it!"
Urd clapped appreciatively. "You go get em, girl!"
Mina's eyes gleamed. "All I have to do is seduce Luna! When we get back I'll... uh...." She turned back to Urd. "Um, Urd-sama, how do you seduce another girl, anyway?"
Urd blinked. "Huh?" Recovering instantly Urd hopped up and slapped Mina on the back. "Not to worry! I'll talk you through it when the time comes. Now you'd better get back to your friends. Looks like they're about ready to leave. Don't worry, I'll come to you when you need me."
Mina nodded. "Alright. Us Goddess of Love have to stick together, right?"
Urd winked. "You bet, kiddo."
When Venus got back to the others, only the Senshi and the Goddesses were left. Skuld was leaning wearily against her gigantic older sister, and Tuxedo Kamen and the other Senshi were waiting with varying levels of patience for her and Urd to join them. Rei glared at Minako darkly. "Are you ready to go, finally?"
Minako nodded cheerfully. "I am now!"
Rei sighed. "Great. OK, we're going to the shrine, right?"
Usagi nodded. "Right, everyone concentrate on Rei's shrine." She waved to the Goddesses. "Thanks again Belldandy, Urd, Skuld. Please drop by anytime!"
Skuld nodded tiredly. "I'll come by to pick up all the Yukata's tomorrow." She yawned. "After I recharge a bit."
Usagi joined hands with Rei and Mamoru, and all of the others joined the circle a moment later. Everyone concentrated and there was a multicolored flash of light. When it faded the Senshi came down lightly in Rei's grandfather's shrine yard. It was now after dark there, and they looked around quickly for witnesses, but thankfully no one was about. Quietly they moved toward the shrine.
"Everyone change back." Rei whispered loudly. "Before someone sees us!" Putting action to words Rei did just that, reverting to her normal form. Everyone had glanced at her when she had spoken, and she immediately blushed bright red, realizing what she had just done even without looking down to check. Mamoru Chiba immediately looked away with a blush. Next to her, Usagi immediately began shucking out of her own Yukata. When she had gotten it off she put it on over Rei's shoulders, then quickly started to pull off her shoes and socks.
"Didn't you remember what Ami told us, Rei?" Usagi asked innocently. "You just disintegrated that nice outfit you had on." She finished getting fully undressed, then transformed back to her normal form as well. "Ta da!" She twirled, fully dressed again in the outfit she had been wearing days earlier on the plane, before she had first changed to Sailor Moon. "You see, I knew leaving my outfit on was a good idea!"
Rei slipped her arms into the Yukata and belted it up, all the while glaring at the future queen of Crystal Tokyo. "Usagi...!" A tongue war immediately followed, while the others changed. Mamoru politely turned his back as the Senshi removed whatever normal clothing they had been wearing before changing back into their mundane selves. Mercury, Pluto and Neptune had it easy, just having to remove their Yukata's and change back into their regular clothing. Jupiter took the longest, having to remove her Yukata, shorts, socks and shoes before changing back, then having to get dressed again in the same outfit, as she, like Rei, had stripped before transforming days earlier back on the airplane in China, so that she could wear off the plane the same outfit she had worn getting on.
As she finished getting redressed, Makoto wondered if she'd be forever doing this before and after fighting Youma. Remembering some of their earlier fights, she grimaced, knowing that sooner or later she'd have to make a choice between saving a life and showing up at a fight clothed. Makoto knew that if it came down to a choice between a life and her modesty, her modesty would get thrown out the window. She wouldn't be terribly happy about it, but that would be a price she'd have to pay if things came to that.
< Hopefully.> Makoto thought to herself. < I won't need to change into Sailor Jupiter that badly until after Ami gets this problem figured out.> Everyone else folded up their borrowed Yukatas and gave them to Rei, then quietly left, promising to return the next afternoon for a Senshi meeting if it was at all possible to do so.
Usagi, at least, didn't think it would be. She expected to get grounded again for another month at least, and didn't expect to see any of her friends any time soon, at least not outside of school. Mamoru went with her toward her parents house, and everyone else left as well, wishing Usagi luck. Makoto stayed behind, as she needed to borrow something to wear. After a bit of searching, Rei found a large baggy sweater. Baggy for her at least, it fit snugly on Makoto's larger frame.
"Hey!" Makoto grinned as she checked her reflection in the mirror of Rei's room. "This fits great! Can I borrow it sometime?"
"You already are." Rei pointed out. "But sure. Just be sure and wash it before you bring it back."
Makoto raised an eyebrow. "Hey, I'm not Usagi, you know?"
Rei sighed. "Right... sorry."
Makoto's face fell. "Oh, hell, Usagi. She's going to be grounded forever!"
Rei shook her head. "I told her not to come. She knew what would happen. We all did." Rei sighed again. "It's the others I'm really worried about. Setsuna, Haruka, Ami, Mamoru, and especially Mina!"
Makoto nodded somberly. "They took those curses for us! We owe them our lives, or at least our humanity."
Rei sighed a third time. "We can never pay them back, not for this... but there has to be something we can do for them!"
Makoto put a strong hand on her friend's shoulder. "We can be there for them, and if they need help, we give it. That's all we can do."
Rei stopped herself from sighing yet again and just nodded. "I suppose you're right." Her face grew determined. "So that's what we have to do! Be there for them! School's starting in one more day, so we've go to be ready." She started to pace back and forth. "We'll need umbrellas, and a couple thermoses, some extra clothing...."
Makoto started to nod to herself. "Yeah, we can make sure they all get to school OK, and change them back if there's an accident."
Rei nodded back. "And cover for them when they need it." She frowned. "We've got to go see Minako before school too, and have a talk with... er... Akane. I mean, she doesn't even know who we are! If Mina gets splashed, who knows what Akane might do?"
Makoto frowned. "Go home maybe?"
Rei frowned back. "I'm not so sure. She knows she's a copy right? If you knew you were someone's clone, would you really go where to where you could run into them?"
Makoto shook her head. "I don't know... maybe? I hope I would... I mean, It'd be nice to have someone around... like a sister or something."
Rei continued to look worried. "I'm not so sure it would be the same with Akane. I mean, how would you feel, knowing that the man you love has married someone else?"
Makoto grimaced. "Oh yeah, that wouldn't be good." She nodded to herself. "OK then, lets go see her tomorrow morning before the meeting, and have a talk with Akane. Better if its just the two of us rather than everybody at once."
Rei nodded. "OK, I'll come by your place first, around eight? Then we can go to Minako's from there."
Makoto nodded. "See you then." She yawned. "Speaking of my place, I'm going home. It's been a really long week." Rei nodded with a smile. "Get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."
Makoto smiled back and headed for the day. "Goodnight Rei." She opened the door and started to leave, but hadn't gotten nine steps when she felt a wet drop on her cheek. "What? Makoto looked up to the cloudy skies above. "Oh no!" She stood there in the yard looking up in horror as it started to softly rain. "Why?" She asked plaintively. "Why now?" She blinked painfully as a drop of water went into her right eye, then looked away from the sky, instead focusing on Rei's door. "Rei!" She came back into Rei's bedroom. "Rei! It's started raining!"
Rei's eyes went wide and she snatched up the Yukata she had just removed in order to get ready for bed, holding it in front of of her. "What? Raining?" She paled. "Oh damn it!" She swore in English. "What perfect timing!" Forgetting modesty for the moment, she tossed the Yukata to one side and started rooting through her chest of drawers for some clothing.
Ignoring Rei's nudity, Makoto started going through the dark haired priestess's closet herself. "Where do you keep your umbrella? I'm going to go look for them."
Rei pulled out some underwear and started quickly dressing. "I'll come too. I don't think anyone has had time to get home yet."
Makoto pulled an umbrella out of Rei's closet. "No, one of us should stay here. Everyone should realize they can come here if they get into trouble. I'll go looking for them, you stay here and get some hot water ready."
Rei frowned but didn't protest. "Fine... but go after Mina first!"
Makoto was halfway out the door. "I know!" And then she was gone.
Rei sighed, then more carefully finished putting on her bra. "Darn it." She swore again, shocking herself with her own venom. "What rotten luck!"
Makoto ran through the rain, not bothering to take the time to put up the umbrella, heading as fast as she could along the route to Mina's house. When the rain got strong enough to obscure her vision, Makoto put up the umbrella and continued to run, looking right and left down every cross street as she did so. When she arrived at Minako's house without spotting the girl, she stopped, trying to think of what else she could do. < Minako's parents are most likely asleep by now, but Artemis was presumably dropped of here by Skuld almost half about hour ago.>
"The window!" Makoto ran around to underneath Minako's window. Sure enough it was open a crack, but it was also disappointingly dark inside. < I bet Artemis is in there. I'd better tell him what's going on.> She wrinkled her nose at the jump she'd have to make. 'Man, acrobatics is much more Mina's style. That looks tough!" She grimaced, glancing both ways. "Well at least there's no one around to see..." Pulling out her transformation pen she quickly changed into her Senshi form, then jumped lightly up to Minako's window, still carrying the umbrella. Makoto peeked in, then pulled the window open so she could climb inside. "Artemis?" She whispered loudly. "Artemis are you here?"
A white cat came out from under the bed. "Makoto, is that... whoa!" Artemis stared wide eyed at the nude form of Sailor Jupiter.
"Hey!" Makoto grabbed a pillow off the top of the bed and tossed it at him. "Pervert. What do you think you're staring at?"
Artemis dived back behind the bed. "Sorry, sorry!" There was a pause. "Hey, wait a second, you're the one who came sneaking in here in her birthday suit. Why is it my fault?"
"I had to transform to get up here." Jupiter explained tersely. "It's the second floor you know!"
"Keep it down!" Artemis warned. "Do you want Mina's parents up here?"
Makoto winced. "Not really. Have you seen Mina yet? It started raining after we got back and I'm worried about her."
Artemis sighed. "Me too, but I've been trapped in here! Skuld-san dropped me off in my cat form, so I was able to get up here easily enough, but now that it's raining, I'm stuck."
Makoto blinked. "Huh? Why would the rain stop you? You'd just turn into a girl...." She paused and glanced at the window. "Oh!"
Artemis sighed. "Do you understand? The rain wouldn't catch me until I jumped down out of the window, the eve keeps the rain a foot or so away, so it's not like I can just stick my head out and get it wet. Minako's bedroom door is closed, so I couldn't go out that way either."
Jupiter raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
Artemis coughed. "OK, maybe I could handle the bedroom door, but have you ever tried to use a sink as a cat? I don't recommend it. I certainly couldn't manage the front door like this, so yes, I was definitely stuck in here."
"Alright, alright already, I get the picture." Makoto grumbled. "Now stop griping about it and get off your ass so you can help me find Mina... or Akane Tendo, whatever." She started going through Minako's closet, pulling out a brown trench coat after a bit of searching. "Why does she have...? Jupiter shrugged, slipping the coat on. "Never mind." Finding a tee-shirt, shorts, socks and shoes piled in one corner, Makoto grabbed them up in a bundle. "Come on Artemis, we're going."
"What?" Artemis protested, taking the chance of peeking out from behind Minako's bed. "What are you...?"
Jupiter held up the bundle. "I'll bring these outside for you when you change. Now lets go!" She went to the window, holding the umbrella in one hand and the bundle under her arm, then promptly leapt out of the window. She turned back toward the window, setting the umbrella down over the bundle of clothing, the waving to Artemis, who had appeared in the window. "Go ahead and jump! I'll catch you!"
Artemis narrowed his eyes. "I'm liable to gain a hundred pounds mid leap you know."
The strongest of the Senshi waved that consideration off. "Not a problem. Your girl side is a light weight. Go ahead, I'll catch you, trust me!"
Artemis sighed. "Oh well, here goes nothing!" Gathering himself, the moon cat launched himself at Sailor Jupiter.
Jupiter watched as time seemed to slow as Artemis leapt for her. When the white cat didn't change immediately, Makoto started to relax, getting ready to catch him as a cat. When Artemis finally transformed, about a foot and a half away from her and still moving fast, she was off balance and unprepared, and wasn't able to recover in time.
"Whulp!" Makoto went down hard, Artemis on top of her.
The white haired girl landed relatively lightly with Jupiter breaking her fall and recovered first. "Are you alright?"
Makoto grunted. "I'm fine. I told you I'd catch you." She blinked. "Um, Artemis?"
Artemis looked down at her. "Yes?"
"Take your hand off my breast, please." Makoto looked pointedly at the offending appendage.
"Oops." Artemis pulled her hand away, noticing at the same time that her impact with the larger girl had caused Sailor Jupiter's trench coat to fall open, and she was currently straddling the larger girl in a very compromising position. Artemis blushed bright red and immediately pushed himself up and off of Jupiter. "Sorry! She waved her hands frantically. "I didn't mean to... do anything!"
Jupiter sat up, pulling the coat closed as she did so almost absently. "Hmm?" She shook her head dismissivly. "Forget about it. Let's just find her." Jupiter stood up and went over to the umbrella and bundle of clothes. "Now hurry up and get dressed so we can start searching again." Artemis went over to the clothing and picked up the tee-shirt while Makoto shucked out of the trench coat. "You can use Mina's coat, I'll carry the umbrella."
Just as Jupiter was about to change back to her normal self, the sound of running footsteps stopped her. Both girls turned to look as a middle aged man in jogging attire ran by, nodding to them as he passed. "Hello again Atlanta. Out enjoying the rain with a new friend, I see?"
The man jogged on and Artemis laughed shakily. "Er... yeah. Yukasu-san, just out enjoying the rain."
The man jogged on and Jupiter blinked in astonishment then looked down at herself to check. "Did he just?"
Artemis nodded. "Yup."
"And we're" Jupiter stammered.
"Buck naked in the rain." Artemis summed up.
Jupiter winced. "That's what I thought." She transformed back to her regular identity and tossed Artemis the trench coat. "Out enjoying the rain?" Makoto quoted. "With a new friend?"
Artemis busied herself with getting dressed. "Er, well its not the first time Yukasu-san has caught me out of doors in the rain you see... so after the second time I told him that I liked to run in the rain... er... naked."
Jupiter sighed. "Well at least he's not some pervert, he just think's we are." She held up the umbrella for the transformed moon cat while Artemis finished dressing, then spoke up again. "OK. You head toward Ami's house, I'll head for Dr. Tomo's place, and we'll meet back at Rei's in half an hour?"
Artemis nodded. "Right." The two girls hurried off in opposite directions in search of their teammate and friend.
Blocks away, a wet and miserable Akane Tendo trudged grimly through the rain, looking in vain for a familiar landmark or an open business or restaurant where she could go inside and perhaps find some hot water. The light orange summer dress she wore was no protection from the elements, but at least it was a relatively warm night out.
< At least I'm back in Japan... I think, unless all the streets signs are in Japanese because I'm in a Japan town somewhere?> Akane shook her head. "No, I've walked to far already for that. I'm in Japan alright... if only it wasn't raining so hard, maybe I'd be able to spot something I recognize." Akane patted herself down futily for the fourth time. "It's a pretty dress, but why aren't I carrying a purse? No ID, no money... what was she thinking?" Akane sighed, then looked up at a street sign. "Wait a second... I recognize that street name. I'm in Tokyo... I hope I'm in Tokyo. All I have to do is call home collect, and get Ranma to...." She shook her head. "No. No way am I asking Ranma for help!"
Akane swallowed. "He's already got an Akane, doesn't he? They're... they're even married." She frowned. "When did that happen? How long has it been since I fell in that spring, anyway? Weeks? Months? Years?" Akane wrinkled her nose. "Well, not more than a year or two. Akane... the real Akane, and Kasumi looked about the same as I remember." Akane glanced up at the sign, then started walking, going down the new street. "I should be able to find something open along here... although with no money...." She sighed. "But even if I do find some hot water it'll last exactly as long as it takes to get wet again, which in this rain will be a few seconds at best. So even if I get inside somewhere I won't... she won't be able to get home without... without turning back into me."
Akane shivered. "It's getting colder. If I don't get out of this rain before long I'll catch a cold... or at least I'll give my other self a cold. Damn it, Akane, you're not being fair to the poor girl you're cursing. I may not know where she lives, but I can get her to people who can help her, if I wasn't being so stubborn about it." Akane Tendo took a deep breath. "Fine, I'll call home... I'll call the Tendos, and get them to take care of... of Sailor Venus." She started looking around for a phone, and it wasn't too much longer before she noticed one. "Oh well." She sighed. "Here goes nothing."
At the Tendo home, Kasumi picked up the phone on the second ring. "Hello? She brightened. "Yes! I will accept the charges for Akane V!" Kasumi paused. "Akane? Are you alright? We just heard from Rei that you might have gotten lost."
On the other end Akane blinked. "Rei? Who...?"
Kasumi blinked herself in realization. "Oh, of course, you haven't actually met yet...." The eldest of Soun Tendo's daughter's shook her head. "She's a friend of ours, Akane, and she's worried about you."
Akane frowned to herself. "Worried about Sailor V you mean."
Kasumi heard the venom in Akane's voice but chose not to comment on it. "We're worried about both of you, Akane. Now where are you? Everyone is out looking for you."
Akane blinked again. "Really? Everyone?"
Kasumi nodded, still holding the phone. "Everyone we could get, at least everyone who knows... who you really are."
Akane was silent for a moment. "It's a secret, right? I guess we shouldn't be talking about it over the phone?"
Kasumi blinked. "Oh my! You're right, Akane!" She paused. "Why don't you just tell me where you are, and I'll have someone come get you, alright?"
Akane went silent for several seconds. "Alright." She said finally. "Just... just don't tell Ranma where I am."
Kasumi's voice sounded like she was startled by the request. "Akane? I'm not sure I understand, but... I won't tell him where you are. He's out right now looking for you, anyway. Please, where are you?" After getting the cross streets and telling Akane to wait where she was, Kasumi hung up the phone and dialed Rei's shrine. "Rei? She's alright. She called here just a little while ago.... Yes she sound's fine, just a little upset...."
Rei grabbed a pad of paper and a pen. "She's where? OK... OK, got it. I'll go out and get her right now. Everyone else is accounted for, except the people looking for Mina... Akane I mean. Alright, I'll tell her. Thanks Kasumi." Rei put down the phone and turned to Ami, who was huddled under a couple big fluffy towels. "Hold down the fort here, OK Ami? I'll go get Akane... Mina... whoever." She groaned. "This is so confusing!"
Ami sighed. "It certainly is. I'd better call my mom and tell her I'm here." She looked out into the rain. "I'll never make it home in this. Not human anyway, and I don't think my mother would react well to a black panther at her front door."
Rei hesitated. "Makoto took my umbrella, but you could borrow grandpa's."
Ami shook her head. "I doubt I'd make it that far, even with an umbrella, and I'd just end up losing your grandfather's umbrella, not to mention another change of clothing."
Rei shrugged. "You can stay as long as necessary, Ami, but don't worry about losing my stuff. I'll walk you home myself if you like, and that way if you transform I can always change you back."
Ami smiled. "Sure, that's a good idea." She glanced into the rain again. "You had better go get Akane now. I'll wait for everyone here."
Rei nodded. "Right, I'll be back soon." The black haired priestess ran out into the storm, not bothering with an umbrella herself. A few minutes later she ran up to the corner of the cross streets Kasumi had given her, and started looking around. She spotted Akane almost immediately, the dark haired martial artist was waiting in the small overhang over the phone, looking completely miserable. Rei jogged to her side with a wave. "Akane!" She stopped in front of her friends cursed form. "Akane, I'm glad you're OK." She bowed formally in greeting. "I am Rei Hino." Rei smiled warmly at the cursed girl. "I hope we can be friends."
Akane looked wearily at the girl, blinking some water from her eyes, then smiled back slightly. "I'd like that." Her smile faded almost immediately. "I'm sure you want your real friend back though, as soon as possible. I've borrowed her body long enough."
Rei hesitated for a long moment, then shook her head. "Nope. Minako can wait. You don't have to change back into her unless you want to."
Akane blinked incredulously. "You're kidding! I'm... I'm a curse, stealing your friends body away from her... and you're telling me I don't have to change back into her? Why?"
Rei smiled sadly. "You're a person cursed to share a body with my ditzy friend. You may have been... created by a curse, but that's certainly not your fault!"
Akane blinked. "Oh." She hesitantly smiled back at Rei. "That's nice of you to say." She stepped out into the full force of the rain. "Why don't we go someplace dry?"
Rei grinned. "That's a great idea. Come on, I'll take you to my place."
Akane nodded. "Lead the way." Rei nodded back and did so, leading Akane back the way she had come. "First," Akane began, "tell me about... about who I am... about who this dress belongs to. Who is she really?"
Rei was silent for several long seconds. "Her name is Minako Aino, she is sixteen years old. She goes to high school with her friends, Usagi, Ami and Makoto. She's good at volley ball and acrobatics. She used to fight crime, first in England, then in Japan as the mysterious Sailor V. Later she joined the Sailor Senshi as Sailor Venus, and has been helping them... us, save the world, or at least Japan, ever since."
Akane stopped, causing Rei to stop as well or leave her behind. "So that would mean that you're... one of the Senshi?"
Rei nodded with a grin. "Sailor Mars, at your service."
Akane shook her head incredulously. "When I curse somebody I don't fool around, do I? I still can't believe I'm really Sailor V. I mean I saw the uniform, but... wow." She started walking again, and Rei strode along at her side again.
The raven haired priestess shook her head. "You don't have to be all that impressed. You had a pretty exciting life yourself you know."
Akane raised an eyebrow. "I guess you know the... the real me. But it's not like I ever saved the world or anything."
Rei laughed. "Not yet, maybe, but you, at least the other you, did! You, Ranma, Johnathon-san, and all your friends got together and helped us stop an invasion of Youma just a few months ago."
Akane stopped dead again. "You're kidding!" Rei shook her head solemnly and Akane blew out an astonished breath. "You're not kidding. Wow." She and Rei started walking once again. "How did we... that is, you and the original me, meet?"
Rei looked thoughtful. "Well, Johnathon-san introduced us to you and Ranma first, because you had figured out he was helping us with the Youma attacks, and you wanted to help."
Akane's eyes narrowed. "Johnathon? Who is that?"
Rei blinked. "You don't know? Johnathon Dwire... well he's officially Johnathon Tendo now I guess."
Akane's eyes went wide. "John-san! He was my English teacher for awhile, and Daddy was training him. We sparred a couple days a week...." She shook her head. "He got cursed trying to help Shampoo, and finally left... months ago... almost a year. He came back?" Akane raised an eyebrow. "Johnathon Tendo? How in the world did that happen? Did he get adopted by Daddy or something?"
Rei laughed. "No, not really. He married Kasumi a couple months ago."
Akane's eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her head. "He did what? No way!" Her face slowly grew thoughtful. "Well, they are pretty close in age I guess... and he was always hanging around whenever Kasumi was there...." She shook her head. "So he came back, and married my big sister?" She shook her head in disbelief. "How much time has it been since I... since I drowned, anyway?"
Rei blinked. "I don't know, exactly... but only a few months, I think. I think Johnathon came back just before the school year ended, and the school's starting up again the day after tomorrow."
Akane's eyes went wide again. "So little time... and I... she... Akane, got married to Ranma?"
Rei nodded solemnly. "Yes, just a couple weeks ago, although it sure seems like longer!"
Akane sighed. "So... I finally married him. What happened to Ukyo and Shampoo?"
Rei wrinkled her nose. "Well, Ukyo... I'm not sure, she went to China with you... Akane Ranma, Johnathon and everyone...." She hesitated. "I'm not sure if I should be the one to be telling you about all of that."
Akane frowned. "All of what?" She waved a hand dismissively. "No, never mind. I won't press you about it. I suppose I'll find out sooner or later." Akane sighed. "What a mess. I'm sorry you have to put up with all of this, Rei. It must be really uncomfortable, having to try and explain all these personal details." She smiled weakly at the other girl. "Rei, I'm not going to do anything about it... but I've got to know at least... what happened. If you don't want to tell me, I'll understand, but I still have to know."
Rei took a deep breath. "OK, I'll explain what I can, but it's really complicated, and I don't know everything that happened." She took another deep breath, fortifying herself. "OK, Shampoo is the easiest to explain. Dr. Tofu challenged her and beat her in a fight, and later challenged Ranma and beat him as well, so she's engaged to Dr. Tofu now. I guess they're waiting until she turns eighteen to get married."
Akane whistled. "Dr. Tofu and Shampoo? No there is one match up I never would have seen coming. I wondered what had happened to the doctor, with Johnathon marrying Kasumi and all...."
Rei interrupted. "Oh? Was there something going on between Kasumi and Dr. Tofu?"
Akane sighed. "Not really. Dr. Tofu was crazy about her for the longest time... and I mean that literally. He'd go nuts every time she walked in the room. Kasumi just thought he was being silly... I don't think she ever found out how he felt about her."
Rei looked impressed. "Wow, and he never told her? Poor guy!" She smiled reassuringly. "Well, if it helps, he and Shampoo looked pretty happy together when I saw them."
Akane smiled slightly. "Actually it does help. I'm glad that they can be happy." She hesitated. "So... Ukyo?"
Rei swallowed nervously. "Well... that's a bit more complicated. Um... well, it all started when you and Ranma went on your honeymoon. Kasumi was taking you up to your rooms at the hotel you were staying at, but apparently Tatewaki Kuno had trapped the doorway with a bucket of water from the spring of drowned twins. Somehow both Ranma and Kasumi got splashed. I think it was because Kasumi was opening the door for you guys or something like that. Anyway, both she and Ranma got split into their different forms."
Akane blinked. "Wait a second, you said THEIR different forms. So Ranma got split into a guy and a girl?" Rei nodded. "And Kasumi got split into two Kasumis?"
Rei nodded again. "Sure, girl and cat...." She stopped at the sight of Akane's paling face. "Oops.. I guess Kasumi got cursed after you got drowned at Jusenkyo, huh?"
Akane nodded weakly. "I'd say so! Kasumi got cursed? Twice? How in the world did that happen?!?"
Rei held up her hands. "This is a lot to absorb all at once. Maybe we should slow down a bit."
Akane took a deep breath. "No, no I'm alright. That was just a bit shocking. How WAS Kasumi cursed, anyway?"
"Well...." Rei began. "That's a long story."
Akane sighed. "I can believe it. So much has happened!" She looked at Rei somberly. "Lets just walk for awhile. You're right, I do need a bit more time to absorb all of this."
Rei nodded in understanding. "Sure." The two girls walked on in silence, the rain drowning out the other night noises. Rei turned to go up the steps to the shrine, and Akane followed her wordlessly. When they finally arrived at her room, Rei opened the door for Akane. "Come on in."
Akane looked impressed. "You live here at this shrine?"
Rei nodded. "I'm a shrine maiden here. I help out my grandpa when I'm not at school... or fighting monsters." She let Akane go in first and followed her, closing the door behind them. "Akane, this is Ami Mizuno, Ami, this is Akane Tendo."
While Rei made the introductions, Ami stood up from where she had been sitting on Rei's bed and bowed slightly, a pleasant smile on her face. "Akane, it is nice to meet you again... for the first time."
Akane laughed. "Again, for the first time. That's a good way of putting it! It's nice to meet you too, Ami, although I suppose the circumstances could be better."
Ami nodded quietly. "You are my friend, Akane, or at least I hope you will be again. Let's not let the circumstances change that, alright?"
Akane hesitated. "You're friends with the original Akane. Are you sure you want to be friends with me too? I'm not really the same person."
Ami bowed and smiled warmly. "I'm sure that I want to be your friend. The Akane I know is a warm, generous, brave person. If you are anything like her, I want to be your friend too."
Akane bowed back. "Then I hope I live up to your expectations."
Ami smiled. "I'm sure you will. You two look cold. The furo's all warmed up, why don't you take a soak, get the chill out and change into some dry clothes?"
Rei was nodding enthusiastically. "That's a great idea, Ami! I'm freezing!"
Akane went slightly pale. "Yes... I think so too." She said quietly. "A hot bath is a good idea around now."
Catching her tone of voice, both Senshi realized what was wrong. "Oh no!" Ami was contrite. "I wasn't thinking, Akane. Hot water would turn you back into Mina, wouldn't it?" She sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that I wanted you to leave."
Rei took hold of Akane's wrist "You don't have to change back if you don't want to. We've got plenty of towels and a heater. You can just dry off and warm up."
Akane shook her head, suddenly smiling again. "No, it's OK. A hot bath does sound great, even if I won't actually get to enjoy it." She took a slow breath. "Don't look so sad, OK? It's not like I'll be gone forever. I'm just a splash away."
Rei nodded. "Come on. I'll show you the way to the furo." As they entered the furo room and started undressing, Rei looked at Akane seriously. "I'm going to ask Mina to change back into you later. We still need to talk, and you need to know a lot more about Minako, and about all of us." They finished getting undressed and started cleaning up in preparation for getting in the furo, then walked over to the furo together. Rei got in first, holding up a hand to help Akane in. "I'd better hold on to you, in case Mina gets too disoriented when you change."
Akane nodded, taking Rei's hand and stepping slowly into the water. "That's a good id...."
Waist deep in the furo, still holding Rei's hand, Minako Aino blinked in astonishment. "Where...?" Rei was about to explain when Minako answered her own question. "I'm in the furo with Rei." The blond haired girl's eyes glittered. "I must be dreaming!"
Rei blinked twice. "Er...."
Minako stretched sexily and stepped into the water fully. "What a great dream!" She exclaimed happily, then gazed thoughtfully at Rei. "Wow, Rei, you're ever prettier in a dream than you are in real life!"
Rei blinked again. "Um... thanks?" She started to speak again. "Mina, this isn't really...." Rei's eyes went wide as she felt a hand on her thigh. "Minako, what are you... ah... Mina... I don't think...." She gasped in surprise as Mina's hands started to wander a bit too freely. "Oh dear...."
End of Chapter 20
I hope you liked it! Please C&C, it's why I write!
Links to other sites on the Web
Previous Chapter
Main Page
Next Chapter
© 2000 tagan1@hotmail.com