As Kikuko and friends began another day of school, other morning
rituals were taking place in the Nerima district of Tokyo. Bright
sunlight fell on a large home in a residential neighborhood... the home
and attached dojo that Tendou Soun shared with his three daughters. All
but the eldest, Kasumi, were at school.
Father regarded daughter... She was tall, with long brown hair secured
with a white ribbon, and had expressive brown eyes. Though apparently
well suited to the Art to whom Soun devoted his life, her gentle
temperament and other obligations directed her away from the Tendou
School. Soun was well pleased with his eldest, even though she could
not share the greatest love left to him. He shuddered to think what
would have become of them without Kasumi, especially after his wife's
death ten years earlier.
Kasumi was finishing up washing dishes soiled at breakfast. She hummed
a cheerful tune as she performed a task her sisters thought drudgery,
one that she knew as an expression of the love she felt for her family.
After her mother's death a decade before, the task of being mother and
housekeeper fell on the eldest Tendou daughter. Though only nine at the
time, she threw herself into her new life, knowing that as long as she
did the housework, her mother's spirit would be perpetuated. Stacking
the last dish she heard the phone ring, as if on cue.
"I'll get it!" Soun called to his daughter. He wondered who would want
to talk so early in the morning...
"Hello!" "Nodoka... Who?" His face showed puzzlement for a moment, then
a smile as he remembered why that name sounded familiar. "What brings
you to call this morning, Mrs. Saotome?" His smile broadened as he
heard why she had called. "Their training mission is completed and
Ranma has returned home?"
As he continued to listen to the phone, his expression changed. The
smile dissolved, leaving a blank expression on his face. Tears began to
fall. "I... see. Please let me offer my dojo for services this Sunday."
He struggled even to think for a few moments. "Tell your son I have
a... business proposition to make regarding operation of the Tendou
dojo." He thought for a few moments more, trying to make some sense of
things through the pain he felt. "Perhaps you would like to come by
Saturday to prepare? We would welcome your company." His tears stopped
for a few moments. "Good, we'll see you then." He struggled to put the
phone on the hook, puzzled at its apparent increase in weight. When he
finally succeeded, he sat down to cry.
***
Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover
Episode 02: Three Days in Nerima, Three Sisters' Story
By Kevin D. Hammel
Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of
Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and
Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators and
their works. No infringement intended.
***
Kasumi looked down at her father, her eyes broadcasting the concern she
felt. "Father, what's wrong?"
Soun struggled with his emotions, then reigned them in a bit. "Saotome
Genma, my best friend, was killed a month ago in China..."
Kasumi thought she had heard him mention the man's name once or twice
in the past. "I'm sorry to hear that." So THAT was why the phone call
disturbed him so.
Soun dismissed his tears. "I offered our dojo for the service this
Sunday. His widow, Nodoka, and their son, Ranma will attend."
Despite the pain she knew her father felt, Kasumi had to smile. "That
was kind of you. I gather his wife will be coming Saturday evening to
help prepare?"
He looked into the young woman's eyes. "Yes, Kasumi. We must make sure
she feels welcomed."
Kasumi's smile faded to a more serious expression. "Of course." She
gave a slight bow before continuing. "All will be ready by Saturday."
She looked up again.
Soun rose and hugged her. "Thank you, Kasumi. I knew I could count on
you."
Kasumi wondered who would take care of the household when she left to
live HER life; not her mother's...
***
Breakfast dishes cleaned, it was time to do some housekeeping. Kasumi
got out a broom and began sweeping the floors, her usual thrice weekly
chore. Well before she needed to fix lunch, it was done. She looked at
the clock. Perhaps she would have time to visit her friend Ono Tofu,
the family doctor. Kasumi had borrowed a book from him and would have
plenty of time to return it.
***
On the way to the clinic, Kasumi looked back on all the times she had
visited it in past years. With a sister as active as the youngest
Tendou, Akane, visits to the doctor were frequent. Akane always seemed
to be dislocating or spraining something. Over the years, Kasumi had
become a friend of the doctor and enjoyed borrowing books from his
library. She was bringing one back with a plate of cookies to say
'thank you'.
Soon, she reached the clinic. The patients in the waiting room assured
her that the doctor had stepped out. Kasumi had to chuckle; she could
have sworn she heard Tofu, but... oh, well. Kasumi left the book and
cookies next door with her friends at the neighboring cafe, confident
he would get them.
The young housekeeper headed back home content. Life was good and she
was happy. Her family was comfortable, and she loved looking after
them... But something was missing in her life, something important. Oh,
well. If it really were important, she'd figure it out.
***
Lunch consisted of soup, rice, and a bit of fish, which Kasumi whipped
up in no time. Her father seemed to have calmed down since the phone
call; she hoped he would be all right. The two talked over their meal.
Kasumi glanced at her father. "So, father, how are you this afternoon?"
Soun looked up from his meal. "I'm fine, thank you." He gave his
daughter a game attempt at a grin. He was not fine, truthfully, but
coping.
His daughter returned a bigger one. "That's wonderful, father I'm glad
you're alright."
Soun's spirits picked up when he noticed his eldest had attempted to
cheer him up. "Thanks, Kasumi! Its hard to be upset looking at your
smile."
Kasumi laughed, her brown eyes twinkling, "Thank you!" Her gaze
returned to her food. What would become of her family if she ever left?
This was her life now; would it always be?
***
In the far distance, Kasumi could almost hear the chimes at Furinkan
High School releasing a horde of students back into the world. Among
them would surely be her sisters. Thoughts turned to trepidation; her
little sisters, Nabiki and Akane would soon shatter the tranquility
they treasured through the day. Racing footsteps announced the youngest
Tendou, sixteen year old Akane.
Though she had run home, Akane was not out of breath, merely
invigorated. She was quite a bit shorter that Kasumi, but wore her
black hair long much like her sister. "I'm home!" She shouted. Pausing
for a moment, her very stance told any that knew the Art that THIS girl
was heir to the Tendou School of Anything-Goes martial arts. Soun was
as proud of Akane as he was Kasumi.
A bit later Nabiki, the middle sister, returned from a profitable day
at school. She was more than smart enough to profit from the
instruction, but she found school to be a rich source of monetary
profit as well. Nabiki stood between Kasumi and Akane in height. Her
brown hair was kept short... It was less of a hassle that way. She had
more important things to do than fuss over a mane of hair like her
sisters. "I'm home!" Nabiki announced to nobody in particular.
***
In Juuban, Kikuko and Makoto found Michiru and Haruka waiting for them
after school. Michiru spoke first. "How would the two of you like to
come by our place for dinner tonight?"
"My mom is expecting me..."
"Well," Haruka offered, "We'll stop by your place on the way. How does
that sound?"
"Fine with me!" Kikuko replied.
Kikuko and Makoto started walking, the other two girls following behind
on a bicycle.
***
Nodoka heard conversation in front of her house. She saw Kikuko open
the gate, then race up the walkway. On the street were two girls
sharing a bicycle... one on the seat and the other seated on the
bookrack over the rear wheel. On the sidewalk, Makoto walked up at a
more normal pace.
"Mom, I got invited over for dinner with two of Makoto's friends. That
okay?" She noticed her mother looked terrible.
"Sure, I hadn't started cooking yet."
Kikuko looked at her mother with concern. "What's the matter?"
"I'll tell you later, Kiku-chan." Nodoka looked down for a moment to
compose herself.
"Thanks! I think I'd better change again..." Kikuko said, bounding up
the stairs.
Soon Makoto reached the doorway. "Kikuko probably went up stairs to
change..."
"Yes she did, Mako-chan." She looked at the other girls and waved. "Is
she revealing her secret to everyone?"
"No, of course not, Mrs. Saotome. There's a VERY good reason in this
case. It just shows how honorable your daughter is, you should be
proud."
"I am, very proud. Will you introduce me to your friends?"
"Certainly!"
Nodoka followed Makoto to the gate.
"Ten'oh Haruka, this is Kikuko's mother, Saotome Nodoka."
"Pleased to meet you." The blonde haired girl said with a smile.
Haruka's turquoise haired companion spoke next. "I'm Kaioh Michiru,
Mrs. Saotome."
"Pleased to meet you, too. I'm happy Kikuko's found so many friends at
school."
Kikuko came running out of the house, wearing one of Ranma's black
pants/red shirt combos. "Well, I'm ready to go, bye mom!"
"Bye, Mrs. Saotome!" Makoto said with a wave, then she turned to follow
Kikuko.
"It was nice to meet you." Michiru said in parting.
"Bye!" Haruka said with a wave.
The four girls went down the street.
It seemed that Kikuko was making more friends each day, Nodoka thought
with a smile, thinking about her own youth, and Genma. Tears washed her
smile away.
***
It took a good fifteen more minutes to reach Michiru and Haruka's home.
Kikuko noted the area was much nicer than that around her home. The
house was beautiful, well kept, and spoke of substantial income. A
voice she hadn't heard before interrupted Kikuko's thoughts.
A younger girl called out from the porch. "Welcome home, Papa and Mama!
Who's your friend from school?"
Kikuko turned to see a slight purple-haired girl, probably ten or
eleven, she guessed. "Hello, I'm Saotome Kikuko." She responded.
The girl introduced herself. "I'm Tomoe Hotaru." She replied with a
smile and a bow.
"Pleased t'... uh... I'm happy to meet you, Hotaru-chan!" Kikuko
replied, bowing slightly.
"Let's go in!" Hotaru turned and held the door open for the other four.
***
Kikuko, Makoto, and Hotaru sat in the living room while Michiru and
Haruka got things ready for dinner. The new guest took her time to look
around the home. Plush and comfortable furnishings spoke of wealth. The
most striking piece of furniture was a large grand piano in an
adjoining room.
Realizing she should be a bit more civil, Kikuko turned to her youngest
host. "So, Hotaru, how old are you?"
Hotaru looked thoughtful for a moment, then responded. "I'm, twelve...
I think, How old are you?" She asked, finishing with a smile for her
guest.
Kikuko was happy to return the little girl's smile. "Sixteen, just like
Mako-chan."
Hotaru's smile became a look of curiosity. "Why did Papa and Mama
invite you over? We usually don't have guests from the school."
Kikuko looked askance... papa and mama?
Makoto fielded Hotaru's question. "They wanted to learn more about
Kiku-chan, she's very unusual. Did you hear about the new Senshi?"
Hotaru looked concerned, then leaned over and whispered to Makoto. "We
shouldn't be talking about this with her here, you know!"
"Its okay, trust me!" Makoto responded, her warm smile reassuring the
child.
Kikuko was curious now. "So what did YOU hear about the new Senshi,
Hotaru-chan?"
Hotaru placed her hands on her hips, as she stood and confronted
Kikuko. "How do YOU know about the new Senshi, Kiku-chan?"
The redhead couldn't help but laugh. "I'm one of them."
"WOW!" The neo-Senshi's admission had clearly impressed Hotaru. "Well I
had a dream that six Senshi would be called, one for each of Jupiter's
large moons, one for Neptune's largest... AND one for Saturn's largest"
She concluded with a twinkle in her big purple eyes.
Makoto added her observations. "I had a similar dream, Hotaru-chan.
Kikuko actually had the spirit of the moon she's a Senshi of appear to
her."
Hotaru turned to Makoto with a look of expectation. "So, are you going
to teach Kikuko?"
Makoto nodded as a proud smile broke out on her face. "Yes, she's a
Senshi of one of my moons, after all."
Hotaru's face brightened even more. "I wonder what the Senshi of Titan
will be like? I can't wait to train her."
Kikuko looked at the little girl with a shocked expression. "So, you're
Sailor Saturn, Hotaru-chan?"
Hotaru turned back to Kikuko, curiosity again on her face. "Yes, what
moon are you Senshi of, Kikuko?"
The redhead recalled her henshin pen, showing it to Hotaru. "Io."
Hotaru was clearly impressed. "Oh, that's a very powerful moon."
A voice came from the edge of the room. "So THAT'S what's going on.
Dinner's ready, let's eat." Haruka said with a smile.
"Actually, you don't know the half of it!" Kikuko answered cryptically,
Makoto nodding her assent.
***
After five girls sat down, Michiru broke the silence as she ladled soup
into bowls and started them around the table. "So, Kikuko-chan, what's
the OTHER half of your story?"
Kikuko, who was already working on her soup, thought of speaking with
her mouth full, but decided politeness was a good idea. After a few
moments, she responded. "Well, first off, what planets are you two
Senshi of?"
"Neptune." Michiru answered with pride. "I had a dream much like Hotaru
and Makoto's. It seems there will be a Senshi of Triton, as well."
"Uranus." Haruka replied, then looked a little dejected. "Hmph. Just
because Titania and Oberon are too small..."
Kikuko breathed a sigh of relief. "I didn't want this information to go
any farther than I think it needs to..." She got up and went to the
sink with her drinking glass. "I suppose you have seen some strange
things in your life, so this shouldn't be TOO much of a shock." She
drew hot water from the tap, then poured it over her head to restore
his birth-form.
"The name my parents gave me was Ranma, and up until a month and a half
ago, I wasn't a girl..." Ranma told his story to another amazed
audience.
"So, let me get this straight..." Haruka said at last, "your mother
makes you go to school as a girl?"
"Yeah, I REALLY hated it, until I met Mako-chan." The boy and girl
exchanged smiles. Mom pointed out that this way I won't change by
accident very often; so I don't hate it as much as I would have."
Haruka decided she wanted to find out more about this intriguing
martial artist. "I believe we were talking about martial arts when we
were interrupted by the bell. Maybe we could arrange a time and place
to spar."
"Well, Mako-chan, Ami, and I are working out a 6 in the morning at my
house." Ranma looked at his other two hosts. "Michiru, Hotaru-chan,
would you like to work out with us?"
Hotaru looked down. "I'm not very strong, and P.E. class is really hard
for me."
"Well, strength really doesn't matter. I'm sure I can come up with SOME
kind of training to make you stronger, or at least teach you to dodge
attacks."
"Maybe sometime, Ranma, but not right now." Her eyes lit up. "How 'bout
if my new Senshi and I train with you?"
"Michiru?"
"I'll stay home and look after Hotaru-chan, I'm sure Haruka would like
to work out, though."
"I'd like t' train with you. I'll drop by tomorrow at 6."
"Good," Ranma said with a smile. "I look forward to seein' ya." His
expression became a bit embarrassed. "Uh, do you guys have some cold
water?"
"Sure Ranma!" Hotaru enthused. "I bet you want turn back into a girl
again!" She turned to Michiru. "May I please get Ranma some cold
water?"
"Certainly, Hotaru-chan."
Hotaru drew a glass of water, then presented it to Ranma, watching
expectantly.
Ranma grinned sheepishly as he poured the water over his head. The
amazing spectacle did not disappoint Kikuko's eager audience of one.
The older girl struggled to think of something to say to the child.
Well, she had noticed a piano earlier... "I noticed you have a piano.
Do you take lessons, Hotaru-chan?"
Hotaru shook her head in the negative. "No, Kiku-chan, Papa plays the
piano. Maybe she'll play something. I play the violin, but mama is much
better that I am!" She looked at Haruka then Michiru.
Haruka smiled at her adopted daughter. "Alright, Hotaru-chan." Turning
to Michiru, "and what about you?"
"We'd be happy to play something, after we clean things up a bit."
Michiru replied. "But we'll get done faster with a bit of help..."
***
Kikuko and Makoto sat with Hotaru watching Haruka and Michiru prepare
for their impromptu concert. Haruka sat before the keyboard of the
piano as Michiru tuned her violin. With a smile and a nod from Michiru,
they began.
Kikuko had heard music before, in shopping malls and markets, but never
like this. After a while, it carried her away from her troubles.
Closing her eyes, she saw patterns in the music, Michiru and Haruka's
Art.
Then, as a real happiness flooded her being, she saw HER Art in the
music, a beauty he had never stopped to notice. Splendor amidst the
strikes, leaps, and blocks. She had always reveled in the power, now
she gazed upon her Art with new eyes. And it beckoned her to join the
others. Almost without thought she began to flow with the music...
rising from her chair, eyes still closed.
Each note called a small piece of a kata from her soul. Each kata was a
unified whole; an individual move was out of place by itself... Just as
an individual note of the music would seem out of place. But the mosaic
of forms the Artist created with her body had its own unity... a new
kata taking shape from the broken pieces of the old. A kata never seen
before, and probably never seen again. The product of this night and
these three people.
Too soon, the music ended. Kikuko making a few more moves before
stopping, and returning to the world, but in a different state of mind
than she was before. She turned to Haruka and Michiru. "Thank you!" She
exclaimed with a bow and smile.
Haruka stood and returned both. "Thank you, Sensei. I can't wait to
train with you."
Michiru smiled at Kikuko. "And, in time, I would be happy to join you,
Sensei. It seems that you are a true Artist, Kiku-chan. There is more
to your Art than I had thought." She looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Perhaps there are other arts you might have a talent in. It would be
my honor to serve as your Sensei in my art." She concluded with a
slight bow. Thought clouded her expression again... "You have a
beautiful voice, Ranma. Have you considered singing?"
Kikuko looked thoughtful... did he want to do this? "Thank you, Sensei.
I'll think about it." She gave Michiru a bow of shared respect. Did she
want to? Yes! Looking up, Kikuko smiled.
"I'd like to learn when Mamma comes to your class, Kiku-chan!" Hotaru
said with enthusiasm.
Finally Makoto spoke. "Thank you, all three of you! But..."
Kikuko started to come down as she finished Makoto's sentence. "We need
to go home."
***
Back in Nerima, the Tendou family had gathered for their evening meal.
During a lull in conversation, Soun decided to let his younger
daughters know the news of the day. He steeled himself. "Today I
received a call from the wife of my old friend, Saotome Genma."
Nabiki and Akane stared at him blankly. Clearly they were too young to
recall his name. At last, Nabiki responded with a smirk. "Sorry, Daddy,
I don't remember him." Her eyes clouded a bit. "Is he rich?" It never
hurt to ask, but knowing her dad's deadbeat friends, it wasn't too
likely...
Akane glared at her older sister.
Soun's ashen look told Nabiki she might have asked the wrong question.
"He probably wasn't rich, except in spirit, Nabiki. He was killed in
China."
Nabiki's face turned a little red. "Sorry, Daddy. I didn't know..."
Soun continued, his face expressionless. "His son and wife will visit
us. His... widow... will come on Saturday, his son on Sunday." He
looked at Akane, his expression showing a little hope. "His son is
sixteen, Akane..."
***
In Juuban, a redheaded girl walking home from Michiru and Haruka's with
her friend Makoto, sneezed...
Makoto laughed. "Either you're catching a cold Kiku-chan, or somebody's
talking about you..."
Kikuko shot Makoto a quick questioning glance.
***
Akane couldn't believe her ears; no BOY her age could possibly interest
her... "Sorry Daddy, he sounds a bit too young for me..." She thought
for a moment about Kasumi. Big sister's friend Dr. Tofu... now that was
a man!
Akane caught the tail end of the father's announcement. "...so the
service will be in our dojo this Sunday." Soun looked down.
Dinner was completed in silence.
***
Kasumi was glad Akane helped clean up after dinner; it made the job a
lot easier. She had no doubt Akane was capable of most housekeeping
chores, save COOKING. Nabiki was certainly capable of paying for any
housekeeping chores she needed done...
***
Back in Juuban, Kikuko and Makoto reached the gate of the Saotome home.
"Do you want to stop in for a moment, Makoto?"
"I think I can always find time to visit with your mom!"
Kikuko unlocked the front door and opened it. "Mom, I'm home. I brought
Makoto with me."
There was no response, save the muted sound of footfalls from the
living room.
***
Entering the living room, the two friends beheld an amazing sight...
Nodoka, performing a Kata with a full katana. At first her movements
were full of emotion, but they became exquisitely controlled as the
forms progressed. Kikuko smiled with pride. At last she was finished,
gracefully sitting in a chair, her katana across her lap. Entering the
world again, Nodoka noticed her daughter and her friend. She offered
them a strained smile. "The service will be Sunday morning. I sought
some comfort in the Art, and found some small measure of it."
"Will the service be here?" Kikuko asked.
"No, at the home of your father's best friend Tendou Soun, in Nerima
district. He has offered his dojo for the service."
Ranma's eyes grew wide. "He has his own dojo?"
"Yes. He also said he wanted to discuss a business proposition with
Genma's heir regarding the operation of the Tendou dojo."
"He wants to talk to ME about running a dojo?"
"Yes, I'm sure RANMA will attend. But... son! Don't forget why we're
going there. By the way, he invited me to stay at their home Saturday
night to assist with preparations, so I won't be here when you get home
from school Saturday. I saw you with your friends earlier, all are
welcome, of course."
"It will be my honor to come, Mrs. Saotome." Makoto said, bowing.
Reality reined in Kikuko's speculation on her good fortune, her
expression darkening. Mother and daughter embraced, the two women cried
themselves out.
***
The mood was somber as the two friends walked to Makoto's home, hands
behind their backs. When they reached her apartment, there was not time
for pleasantries.
"Good night, Mako-chan, see ya tomorrow."
"Good night Kiku-chan, sure."
Kikuko headed home.
***
When she returned home, Kikuko went upstairs. Ranma came down and
dutifully did all his homework. When he closed his notebook at last, he
noticed his mother looking at him with a little hint of a smile.
"I'm proud of you son. So, schoolwork is important to YOU too?"
"Don't use the word 'too', mom. I guess last night I really realized
what I told Makoto, it's NOT too, I AM the same person. But... there
are certain things that are different about my other form, that make me
feel different." He offered his own pained smile. "I really do need to
know about those differences, I guess..."
"Yes, you do. How has school been for you?"
"Well, it's been tough, but it's also like I've been given a fresh
start, a clean slate, and I'm doing my best to make you proud!"
"Do you still resent my training?"
Ranma's smile vanished. "Yes, but not for the same reasons I did
before. When I started out to school Monday... It seems like a lifetime
ago... Just BEING a girl, and wearing that uniform upset me. I'm a boy,
and very much one, so you must have expected THAT." He looked at his
mother.
"Of course. Go on."
"Now, I realize I'm STUCK like this. Did you ever consider that? I'll
be a girl for the rest of my time at school, LONG after your training
is completed." He flushed slightly, "what if I find a girl I like? We
won't be able to do much at school..."
"Ah, but don't forget the problem you have with cold water, Ranma!"
"Yeah, but if we'd been a bit more up front about it, maybe the school
would've accepted my curse..."
"Ranma, this curse is part of your life, as is that other body. I
remain convinced this is for the best."
"Well, if you say so... I think I'll turn in. Good night!"
"Good night, son!"
***
Kasumi smiled as she sat on her bed enjoying a bit of light reading
before turning in. She had to admit that one of Dr. Tofu's medical
textbooks provided a nice nightcap. With a yawn, she set the book down,
hung up her robe, turned off the light, and went to bed. Soon she was
asleep.
***
Suddenly, Kasumi was in a gigantic classroom, filled with desks of
immense size. The instructor's desk, for example, was a large as a two-
story building. Hard at work on a massive blackboard was a huge man
dressed like a professor, with a lab coat over his suit and tie. The
board was full of diagrams from the textbook she had been reading. She
had dreamed of taking courses like this, but her family came first...
The giant looked down at Kasumi and took a folder from his desk and
lowered it to her level. Kasumi hesitated for only a moment... She sat
down on the folder and found herself lifted to the desktop.
Stepping off the folder to the desktop, Kasumi gazed in wonder at the
sight outside the window. A world shrouded in orange clouds, and a
gigantic ringed planet... Saturn... This world was... "Titan." Kasumi
said, as somehow she KNEW what it was...
"Yes, Kasumi. I am a Titan, and my world bears the same name." Suddenly
the giant was beside her, reduced in height to something closer to two
meters, from twelve. He glanced at her, eyes asking before voice. "Will
you help me, Kasumi?"
Kasumi looked at him with furrowed brow. "How can I help you, sir? I am
merely a simple housekeeper."
The giant nodded knowingly. "You keep your sisters and father going,
Kasumi. You're not a simple ANYTHING! The strength and resolve you have
shown as mother to your sisters would be welcome in my service. I
suppose you're wondering just what's going on, right Kasumi?"
"Yes."
His expression became serious. "Have you ever heard of the Sailor
Senshi, Kasumi?"
Kasumi's expression bordered on disbelief. "Yes, I have seen articles
about them in the newspaper. I'm not sure they're real, however. What I
DO believe is that I'm having a dream."
His expression remained somber. "Yes, you ARE dreaming, Kasumi. That is
the only time I can speak to you. In fact after tonight, I'll probably
never speak to you again, until... never mind... All that I ask is that
you become MY Senshi, Kasumi."
Concern colored Kasumi's response. "Why me?"
"We are trying to build a new team of Senshi, Kasumi. Trying to plot a
course through hazardous waters..."
"We?" Kasumi asked with a puzzled look.
The Titan replied. "Yes, we... myself and four spirits of Jupiter's
companion worlds and one of Neptune's. For now, three of Jupiter's
moons, and my world. We need a strong hand to guide these new Senshi,
Kasumi. Your experience as a mother to your sisters will prove
invaluable, as will your family bloodline. The Anything-Goes school is
especially attractive to us..."
Kasumi looked shocked. "So, you want to recruit my sisters as well?"
The Titan laughed. "I'm sorry, I can't say. You'll find out soon
enough!" His expression changed from mirthful to hopeful. "So, will you
help me?"
Kasumi looked concerned, almost frightened. "But IF I need to fight,
I'll need to defend myself and others. I know very little of the Art."
The Titan's expression became serious again. "Let me give you a taste
of what being my Senshi is like. There are, after all, other techniques
with which to fight besides martial arts!"
The young housekeeper looked down as her clothing shifted, her
nightgown becoming a white bodysuit with a purple skirt, collar, and
dress shoes with fairly high heels. A big light-blue bow was just below
the collar, and a light blue ribbon tied in a bow in back of her...
uniform. In the middle of the front bow was a topaz brooch. Her
reflection in the window showed a purple choker and a golden tiara,
also with a topaz gem set in it, and earrings completed her outfit. She
fingered the very short skirt and turned a bit red. She looked at the
Titan, her surprise and embarrassment evident... But the change wasn't
just her clothes; she could feel the power of the second largest moon
in the solar system fill her. She knew she didn't have to worry...
anymore.
His face showed helpful concern, like a Sensei. "Now, Sailor Titan, can
you think of something you can do to defend yourself?"
Embarrassment became concentration as the words came to her... "Flash
Point!" A blinding flash came from her outstretched hands and impacted
on the Titan's chest; releasing an explosive flash of energy and
blinding light. He was immune to his own attack, but Kasumi knew others
would not be so lucky...
The giant laughed, "You see, it's not too difficult." His expression
became serious again. "Will you help us... I know you would like to do
something more with your gifts, Kasumi. Let me help you... please?"
Perhaps THIS was what was missing from her life... "Yes, I will help
you!"
The giant faded from view. "Sailor Saturn has a Henshin Pen which will
trigger your change. She is looking for you, and will find you soon.
I'm proud of you, Lady Titan." With that, he faded from view.
Kasumi slept soundly, a smile on her face, until the alarm clock woke
her the next morning.
***
Nabiki tried to brush sleep from her bleary eyes, awakened by the usual
sounds of industry downstairs. Kasumi was probably working on
breakfast, and Akane was probably working out. Nabiki went to perform
her morning duties that consisted mainly of getting cleaned up and
dressed for school, eating breakfast, and checking the Nikkei 225 and
how her stocks were doing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
***
Across town, Ami and Makoto arrived to see Kikuko and Haruka already
engaged in a strenuous workout. Makoto realized that Kikuko was
fighting with a lot more of her abilities then she used when they had
sparred. Kikuko glanced over to the sidewalk for a moment, noticing
that her other students had arrived. The distraction provided an
opening for Haruka to tag her with a solid blow. Kikuko jumped back and
smirked at her opponent. "Hey! I never hit you, why the heck did ya hit
me?"
"Uh... sorry, Sensei. You seemed to be a bit distracted, so I took
advantage; your school is called 'Anything Goes' after all!" Haruka
replied, trying hard to suppress a smile.
"Point to you, Haruka!" Kikuko said, fighting a smile of her own. The
sole instructor of the Saotome School then turned to the recent
arrivals, no longer needing to hide her smile.
"Maybe you can train Ami, Makoto. That way you both can learn from each
other." After watching the two for a while, Kikuko assured herself that
Makoto knew what she was doing. With the beginner's training in capable
hands, Kikuko returned to training with Haruka.
A short while later, during a break, Kikuko watched Ami and Makoto,
noticing how quickly the smaller girl had picked up Makoto's kata. She
figured now would be a good time to train Ami a bit herself. "Makoto,
could you work out with Haruka a while, I'd like to train Ami in a few
simple techniques."
"Yes, sensei." Makoto went to train with Haruka, who proved an
excellent teacher.
"So, Ami, let's work on your dodges..."
Training stopped ten minutes earlier than yesterday, due to the larger
number of people who had to prepare for school. By the time they were
ready, Nodoka had prepared a simple breakfast for Kikuko and her three
guests. She was happy Ranma had found so many friends.
***
Kasumi seemed unusually subdued this morning, so Nabiki took a moment
to ask her big sister why. "Kasumi, is anything wrong?"
Kasumi's distracted face suddenly shifted to a more familiar, cheerful
expression. "No, Nabiki, nothing's the matter. Did you sleep well?"
Nabiki's face showed indifference, as usual. "Yes, Kasumi. I slept well
last night. Did you?"
Concern flashed across her older sister's face for a moment. "Yes,
Nabiki. I did."
Did Nabiki detect a little dejection in her face, soon painted over by
a smile?
Akane looked askance at the exchange between her two older sisters...
What were they talking about anyway? "Uh... I slept well, too!"
Nabiki smirked at Akane. "Why do you have to turn everything into a
competition, Akane?"
"That's nice, Akane." Kasumi replied in her usual pleasant manner. Had
it been just a dream?
Nabiki and Akane traded quizzical expressions.
Akane noticed Kasumi's smile fade a little, what was wrong with her
sister? She looked at her with concern. "Are you alright, Kasumi?"
Perhaps it HAD been just a dream. "I'm... fine, Akane. Don't let me
keep you from school."
On that thought, Akane rose... "Excuse me!" Soun nodded, excusing his
youngest. Akane grabbed her book bag as she raced out the door.
***
Nabiki surveyed the battleground from the gate of Furinkan High. Bodies
were strewn across the lawn. Akane had clearly been here already. A
solitary conscious figure struggled to his feet, still holding his
Kendo practice sword. He was Kunou Tatewaki, a student in Nabiki's
class. Tall, with black hair and brown eyes, clothed as a Samurai
instead of a student... he was almost cute, but he was almost crazy,
too.
The young man regarded Nabiki, an expression of calm assurance pasted
over the pain he obviously felt. "Greetings, Tendou Nabiki. Your sister
has bested the best of us again. Even I, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan
High School could not impede her entry upon this day."
Nabiki smirked at the Kendoist. Crazy he might be, but he was rich as
well. "Good morning Kunou-baby! I've got some photos for you... Let's
talk it over at lunch!"
The young man smiled. "Ah to be blessed with more images of the
wondrous Akane... It will be my pleasure to meet with thee, Nabiki!" He
bowed.
Nabiki almost offered him a grin. "Sure, anytime!" She walked into
school, trying to figure out how many yen she could wring out of him
THIS time...
***
It was lunchtime, and Nabiki was holding court with her favorite source
of income, Kunou Tatewaki.
Kunou looked at Nabiki with expectation. "Well, Nabiki, let me regard
the latest fruits of your clandestine labors."
The young businesswoman almost smiled at her favorite mark "Certainly,
Kunou-baby! I think you'll find these a steal at 5,000 yen for the
set."
The girl opened the envelope slowly, drinking in each drop of her
customer's anticipation. She removed the pictures one by one until ten
covered the table, spread to provide a good view of each.
The Kendoist gazed, enraptured, at the images. "Each one a treasure,
each one showing the beautiful tigress that is your sister. May I offer
you 3,000 for the set?"
The photographer turned merchant looked thoughtful. "Are you hard of
hearing? I asked for 5,000!" She didn't think he'd go for it, but 5,000
would position him for 4...
Kunou's eyes grew wide. "But that is robbery, Nabiki! 3,500, and not a
yen more!"
She had him, now to reel in the yen. "How about 4,000?"
Though doing his best to look thoughtful, he could not resist the call
of the photographs. "Done, Nabiki. It is as always a pleasure to do
business with you."
After passing a small stack of bills to the Tendou family photographer,
he bowed then left.
Nabiki gloated a bit after another successful deal, though it was easy
with Kunou.
***
When Nabiki got home things were back to normal, for the most part.
Daddy seemed to have gotten over his friend's death fairly well... at
least, he wasn't crying as much as he had been before. Kasumi was her
cheerful self, though Nabiki could detect she was still wistful about
whatever had happened last night. After wishing everyone a good night,
Nabiki went upstairs.
***
Unlike her sister, the books she studied were written in her own hand,
or at least TYPED by her own hand. She carefully entered all the
financial information for today's transactions at the dojo into a
laptop computer. Her father had made a mess of the books until Nabiki
took them over for him. By investing the dojo's profits in a
diversified portfolio, the business was now on sound footing.
After her data entry chores, she shut down the computer and prepared
for bed. She knew her part in keeping the family afloat was different
from Kasumi's, but no less important. She hoped she could figure out
what was bugging her big sister, but that would be much easier than she
had ever imagined.
Finally, it was time to sleep.
***
Nabiki found herself in an elevator moving up at incredible speed. She
held a paper in her hand and glanced at it. It was a resume; her entire
life reduced to a single sheet of paper. She caught a glance of herself
reflected in bright steel of the elevator. She was wearing a nice black
business suit, easily worth a hundred thousand yen. The skirt was a
little short, but it still looked great on her. All those leg lifts
amounted to something after all. She had always dreamed of making it in
business after completing her education.
Suddenly, the elevator stopped and the door slid soundlessly open,
revealing an office...
***
The first word which came to the young businesswoman's mind was
AWESOME. Not the office itself... Not the polished marble desk shot
through with streaks of silver... not the incredibly deep pile of the
black carpet... but the woman behind the desk, and the view out the
picture window behind her.
The woman wore a suit much like Nabiki's. Silver hair framed silver-
gray eyes. And behind her... through a picture window... a dark gray
world of ice and rock marked with brilliant white craters... beyond
that, the largest planet in the solar system... Jupiter.
The woman nodded to her, offering a practiced smile. "Welcome, Miss
Tendou. Please, have a seat..." a comfortable seat materialized in
front of the desk. In the blink of an eye, Nabiki found herself sitting
in it. "My name, and my world's, is Callisto. I'm glad you came to
investigate the position I need filled."
After taking a moment to compose herself, Nabiki spoke. "So, what type
of a position are you offering?" She had a feeling that this must be
the chance of a lifetime...
The woman gave her a quick visual appraisal before speaking. "Miss
Tendou... Nabiki. You might say I'm the CEO of the world you see before
you, Callisto. I'm looking for a COO, a Chief Operating Officer,
someone who will represent me on YOUR world. Interested?"
Nabiki fought the urge to say yes and returned Callisto's appraising
glance. "What's the starting salary?"
Callisto nodded knowingly, she had chosen well. "In yen, absolutely
nothing. Now in terms of power..."
Nabiki looked a little upset. "No salary? This position's going to have
to REALLY be something!" But somehow, she knew it was.
Callisto smiled as she replied. "You tell me, Nabiki!"
In a flash, Her beautiful suit was replaced by a bizarre version of a
girl's school uniform. It consisted mostly of a white bodysuit and
black-trimmed gloves. The skirt of her suit had become pleated, but
remained black. Also black were the collar she wore around her neck and
a pair of boots, trimmed in white. An orange bow decorated her chest. A
faceted, solid gold brooch decorated the bow's center. In the center of
the brooch was an elaborately engraved yen symbol, which brought a
smile to Nabiki's face.
Callisto noticed the girl's smile. "You might like to get a better look
at your new business suit, Sailor Callisto..."
A set of mirrors, like in a fitting room, materialized. Nabiki saw the
rest of her uniform... A tiara with another gold 'gem' and yen-
engraving, earrings with yen symbols, and an orange bow in the back of
her uniform as well. But the yen symbols had to go...
"Do you like your new suit Nabiki?"
Nabiki almost sneered. "Well, I admit to liking money, but those yen
symbols are a little much."
Callisto laughed. "So, you DON'T want to be 'Sailor Yen', Nabiki?" A
flash of light, and the monetary markings were gone.
"Any other alterations?"
Nabiki shook her head no.
Callisto's face showed a bit of expectation. "Good! Well, how do you
like it... now?" She hoped the girl would accept her offer.
After getting a good look at her new uniform, she grinned a bit at
Callisto. "Some of the accessories are a bit... way over the top. But
actually, I don't think I look too bad... Black is my color... and I do
keep in shape." She glared a bit at Callisto. "So, what do you REALLY
want me to do?"
Callisto looked with pride on the Senshi-candidate. "I chose YOU to
serve as my Senshi, Nabiki. You've probably heard of the Sailor
Senshi..."
A bit of surprise escaped Nabiki's guard. "Yes, I didn't know they were
REAL! Actually, I still don't know!"
Callisto's expression became serious. "The Sailor Senshi definitely are
real! You'll be in a new group selected to aid the others in the dark
times ahead."
The indifferent face returned to its mistress. "I don't know if I'm cut
out for the Super Hero biz. I'm not really the right type." She said
with some disappointment.
Callisto smiled at her. "I know; why do you think I picked you? Not all
of the current Sailor Senshi were fighters before they took on their
new roles, you know... You have the potential to be a true hero,
Nabiki; you simply must realize that heroes can be anyone from an
ordinary person to the most feared of warriors. In fact..."
The chime of the elevator interrupted the Moon Spirit's speech. The
door opened, revealing a man wearing a black business suit. His black
hair was long enough to be gathered into a ponytail reaching the middle
of his back. The most distinctive feature on his face was a pair of
dark sunglasses. Nothing could be seen beneath their impenetrable
black... WAS there anything beneath them? "Miss Tendou, please consider
a counter-offer for your services." The man said as he stepped from the
elevator, after a stiff bow. His voice was a cold whisper, unsettling
and chilling as a breeze blowing across a cemetery.
Callisto got up, and almost stomped over to the interloper, anger
increasing with each step. "What are YOU doing here? I thought there
were going to be SIX Neo Senshi, for the six largest moons! How in
HADES does your little joke of a moon even qualify for that group?"
"HADES is a very interesting word to use, Callisto." The man showed a
thin smile. "A very interesting word..."
Nabiki crossed her arms and watched the war of words with increasing
agitation. "Uh... excuse me, if this concerns ME will the two of you
please talk to ME!"
The two businesspeople turned to look at the object of their argument
with some chagrin. The man spoke first, "Pardon me for not introducing
myself, Tendou Nabiki." He glanced for a moment at Callisto. "If I
hadn't been so rudely interrupted..."
Callisto's anger flared white hot, "Rudely interrupted! You just barge
into my office when I'm conducting an interview and YOU CALL ME RUDE?"
"Sorry, Callisto," he said as he renewed focus on Nabiki. "Miss Tendou,
I am Charon and I would like to offer the position as MY Senshi. I
pilot the ferry, which carries souls across the River Styx to my Lord
Pluto's dark realm, collecting the toll of a coin for each I
transport... I am a true businessman, not a pretender."
"Don't listen to this idiot, Nabiki! Join me, please?" Her look of
earnest entreaty was hard for the girl to ignore, or refuse.
Charon spoke quickly, realizing how much more was on the line than a
Moon Spirit's ego. "Nabiki, I came here for a reason. I don't like to
meddle in the affairs of others, but times are desperate." He turned to
Callisto. "We have found an excellent candidate for the opening on your
staff, Callisto."
"But I want Nabiki, Charon, what makes you think that I'm going to give
her up?" Callisto shot back.
Charon shook his head slowly in the negative as he replied. "It's not
about getting the Senshi you want or ANYTHING like that. In this case,
the fate of the Sailor Senshi's homeworld hangs in the balance.
Besides, I think that you will appreciate the girl who was selected as
your new assistant, Callisto."
Callisto saw a vision of another girl, and in an instant knew all about
her. She WAS an excellent choice. "I see her Charon, she will be a good
choice. Take care of Nabiki, she's special."
She turned to Nabiki with a sad smile. "Nabiki, Charon and his patron
would not have gotten involved if the situation wasn't serious. I'll
let him talk to you now." In a flash of cold, black flame Senshi
candidate and Moon Spirit vanished from the office which itself soon
faded, the pretense Charon saw plainly needed no more. Callisto's face
betrayed sadness for a moment; then happiness chased the gloom away as
she thought of how to recruit HER Senshi. She hoped only Pluto would be
so bold as to snatch a Senshi candidate from her grasp.
***
Nabiki and Charon re-materialized on the deck of a large ship, near a
guardrail. The vessel was gliding slowly across glassy, deathly still
water. It was night, dimly illuminated by stars arrayed in strange
constellations not seen from Earth. Nabiki spoke; awe and a bit of fear
coloring her voice. "Where are we? Where have you taken me?"
After blinking in shock for a few moments, the girl felt anger building
inside as the scene they had just left replayed in her mind. She turned
to Charon, "What am I, a piece of meat? I guess us humans are so far
down the food chain from you that we're just toys you fight over like
spoiled children. Well, I'm NOT a toy!"
Charon's mouth betrayed an instant of emotion, then composed itself in
to a flat line again. After giving his Senshi candidate a curt bow, the
Moon Spirit spoke. "My apologies for what happened in Callisto's
office. The others had planned for the six largest unclaimed moons in
the Solar System to have a Sailor Senshi so their power could be used
for good in the physical world."
"Others?" Nabiki asked with an eyebrow cocked.
"The Planetary Spirits left Pluto out of their discussion as usual, so
I wasn't even offered the chance to court a Sailor Senshi of my own,
Nabiki."
"Well, you said they selected the six largest moons to have Sailor
Senshi, after all..."
Charon nodded slowly, a grin struggling to take hold on his face.
"True, and those six are excellent choices, but Pluto has a unique
position in the Solar System. Because it's at the edge, it stands as a
sentinel for the other eight worlds. Though smaller than each of the
Neo Senshi's moons, Pluto is a nexus of vast power. My world is even
smaller, but benefits from Pluto's unique position. It's really a pity
that the maxim 'bigger is better' is not always applicable when Magic
and Manna are involved."
Nabiki frowned for a moment as she considered the Moon Spirit that
might have been her patron. "What about Callisto? I know her moon is
third largest. Will she find a Senshi?"
"Certainly. A candidate has already been selected for the seventh Neo
Senshi. Will you consider being mine?"
Nabiki looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, maybe. Perhaps I need to
interview YOU for a while. First, will I get any special abilities?"
"Certainly, Nabiki. Let's see if you can figure this one out... think!"
The Sailor Senshi candidate thought, and the words came to her. She
raised her arms and intoned "Hour of Darkness."
At her command, a cloud of pitch-black fog appeared, obscuring Charon.
The neo-Senshi looked a bit disappointed. "What about Energy Blasts,
Lightning Bolts, stuff like that? The CAPITAL not the PETTY CASH!"
Charon almost smiled again. "You must learn how to harness and control
this power, as well as the gifts you inherited from you parents, before
you will be entrusted with more of the Dark Fire. But rest assured, you
will be given more power as your capacity to handle it expands."
Charon gave Nabiki a solemn look. "Do you want something more from your
life? Will you serve as my Senshi, Nabiki?"
Nabiki gave the matter some thought. This was something she NEVER would
have sought out, but it MIGHT prove interesting... Then there was the
strong feeling that her big sister might be at her side. "Yeah, I'll do
it." She said with confidence.
Charon faded. "You will find you Henshin Pen when you awaken, Nabiki.
To transform to Sailor Charon, merely hold it aloft and speak the words
'Charon Lumina Power Make up.' I trust you will know when to use it,
Lady Charon."
Nabiki thought.
She was moving up in the world, or was it BEYOND
it?
Nabiki forced herself awake. Absently reaching under her pillow, she
discovered something. Pulling back the cushion revealed a black pen
with a small sphere in orbit around stylized Roman 'P', symbol of
Pluto. A glance at the clock showed 1:00. She HAD to talk to her big
sister, NOW. Clutching the Henshin pen, she left to visit Kasumi.
***
Kasumi slept lightly after her nightmare the previous evening. She HAD
hoped it was something more, but wasn't too sure now. A tiny knock and
the creak of her door jarred her fully awake. "Who is it?" She
whispered.
"Nabiki, Big Sister." A familiar voice called from the darkness.
Why would Nabiki be here? Unless... "Why are you awake, Nabiki-chan?
Did you have a bad dream?"
Kasumi heard the door creak closed, then lost what little vision she
had to the room light. After blinking for a few moments, her sister
Nabiki came into focus.
Nabiki looked at her sister, fighting a smile. "Yeah, I had a dream,
Kasumi. What happened in yours?"
Kasumi decided to be careful, she didn't want Nabiki to think she was
crazy. "Well, it's hard to describe... it involved the planet Saturn,
and its largest moon, Titan."
As she listened to Kasumi, a smirk began to bloom on Nabiki's face.
"Well my dream was about Jupiter, and one of its' moons, Callisto. Then
it was about Pluto's moon, Charon. I was offered a... position as...
Sailor Charon..." She held out her pen for her sister to see. "This is
my Henshin Pen, Kasumi."
Kasumi examined the magic artifact her sister held. It provided
concrete proof of the reality of what both of them had experienced. "I
accepted the role of Senshi of Titan, Little Sister. Sailor Saturn has
MY pen. I hope I can find her."
"I hope WE can find her, we're in this together, Big Sis." Nabiki
looked thoughtful, "Did you get any idea why they wanted you?"
"Well, the Titan said that Father's school was important in my
selection."
Nabiki gave a final smirk. "And who's the best representative of
daddy's school?"
Kasumi smiled. "Akane!"
"I need to think about this, Kasumi. Good night!" Engrossed in
contemplation of her Henshin pen, Nabiki walked slowly back to her
room.
***
The alarm buzzed and Akane jumped out of bed and into a gi. She had to
get her training in before she left for school.
First, she started a quick run around the neighborhood. Akane liked her
morning runs, just her and 5 kilometers; things were quiet before the
city awoke for a new day. She wished it was always like this, but
morning was as fleeting as the last bits of sleep shaken off by her
exertions. Soon, it would be time to go to school, time to show a pack
of IDIOTS who the best martial artist in Nerima was... again. BOYS
seemed to be fairly stupid about such things, and needed repeated
demonstrations.
When she got home, she didn't take the time to change... Instead she
hurried to the dojo and launched into a kata immediately. She tried to
lose herself in the forms that comprised her Art, to find some peace...
At least for now.
Soon, her father was at her side, guiding her through a practice
session that was over all too quickly. A visit to the bathroom
completed her morning preparations. She went upstairs to don her
uniform and steel herself for combat.
***
Akane came down for breakfast after changing clothes and preparing
herself for school. Looking at her two older sisters, she assumed there
was a secret they were keeping from her. She looked at Nabiki with a
smirk. "What is it, Nabiki?"
Nabiki returned the smirk. "What is what, Akane? I can't even IMAGINE
what you're talking about," she lied.
Akane gave her sister a knowing look. "Come on, you two are hiding
something from me. It's written on your faces."
"Just like 'baka' is written all over yours, little sister?" Nabiki
helpfully offered.
Akane decided she wasn't going to get anywhere. "Be that way." She
pouted, then finished her breakfast. As she was about to get up, Kasumi
stopped her.
"Did you sleep well last night, Akane-chan?" Her eldest sister asked
with real concern.
Akane tried to get upset with Kasumi, but couldn't. "What's it with
sleep, Kasumi, please tell me!"
Kasumi gave her a serious look. "We'll talk about it TOMORROW Akane-
chan!"
"Uh, why tomorrow Kasumi?"
"You'll need to sleep on it, Akane-chan. Trust me."
"Yeah... right... Excuse me!"
Akane got up, grabbed her book bag, and ran out the door to school.
***
As she approached the school grounds, any composure gained earlier was
lost. As she approached the school, her mantra became "Hate Boys...
Hate Boys... I HATE BOYS!" She surveyed the battlefield for today's
conquest of the front gate at Furinkan High School...
Arrayed before her in profusion, were members of sports clubs. Waiting
behind the chattel was their ringleader, Kunou Tatewaki. Akane charged
into battle, chanting her "hate boys" mantra. Baseball players, soccer
players, hockey players, etc all were sent flying from the miniature
cyclone of fists and kicks that was the youngest Tendou. It wasn't long
before Kunou Tatewaki was all that stood before her and school.
Kunou looked at her with all the love he could put in a glance. The
swordsman KNEW he would woo her today. He bowed to properly deliver his
welcome. "Greetings, fair Akane, it is I, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan
High School. Rising star of the Kendo world. The fairest flower does
not do justice to your form or beauty, Akane. Let us engage in the
joyous battle of love." He looked up at his love to see a shoe rapidly
approaching his face, then he was rapidly approaching escape
velocity...
With a confident toss of her head, Akane walked without further
challenge to her first class.
***
When school was finally out, Akane walked right past Kunou, ignoring
all his entreaties. Boys... no matter what size, they're all the
same... She mused as she walked home. She still hoped she would find a
MAN someday.
***
"I'm home!" Akane announced as she removed her shoes. First she went to
the kitchen. "Need any help Kasumi?" She asked her older sister with
expectation.
Kasumi swallowed and turned with a smile. All attempts to teach her
little sister to cook had ended in... Disaster. "No, I'm fine Akane.
How was your day at school?"
Akane looked a little downcast. Kasumi NEVER seemed to need any help in
the kitchen. "Fine." Akane offered without animation. She left the
kitchen to find some amusement in the living room.
***
Television ate the time that separated her from dinner. There wasn't
much conversation tonight, so Akane went up to her room after the meal
was over.
***
First, Akane tackled the all the homework that had been assigned, which
took a few hours. She was tired after her work and knew sleep would
come easily. She prepared for bed and lay down.
Akane looked up at the ceiling and pondered her life. She knew many of
her friends went with boys on dates, some had even settled on a
boyfriend. Akane's problem was that she was good enough in the Art that
that baka Kunou had declared that one must defeat her to date her. This
had made her a prize to be coveted, not a person. Akane wondered if she
would ever find a man who saw her as a person, not as a prize. She knew
the only man she liked, Ono Tofu, saw her as a little girl, not the
woman she was becoming. He was stuck on Kasumi anyway. Akane sighed...
Maybe someday, but not today.
It was time for sleep.
***
Akane drifted off to sleep, and woke up in an elaborate dojo, much
grander than the one attached to her home. In it stood a woman wearing
a toga which wrapped around her and was belted at the front, like a gi.
She could sense an aura of power around her. The woman grinned and
walked toward her. "Welcome to my dojo, Tendou Akane. I am Europa, the
spirit of Jupiter's fourth largest moon."
An oil painting of the planet-sized moon appeared on the wall. Akane
gasped at its beauty. She looked down at herself, noting that she was
wearing a gi as well. It was yellow, as she preferred, and made her
feel very much at home. She returned the spirit's grin with a wary and
tentative one of her own.
Europa looked a bit more serious, her eyes still twinkling. "Two of my
sisters have selected Senshi to become their avatars on Earth, would
you like to be mine?"
Akane felt her gi changing to a different garment. When the
metamorphosis stopped, she looked down and was surprised. The gi itself
had been replaced by a white bodysuit with a short light-blue skirt.
Matching the skirt were a pair of dress shoes and the collar around her
neck. A big magenta bow decorated her chest, just bellow the collar,
with an opal brooch in the center. Long white gloves with light blue
trim were on each hand. A glance behind showed a magenta ribbon tied at
the back of her... uniform. She could feel a couple of other
accessories, namely a tiara, a choker, and pair of earrings. She just
stared at her clothes for a few moments, until Europa interrupted her
thoughts.
Moon-spirit gave Senshi-candidate a hopeful look. "Do you... like your
new clothes?"
Akane was fairly non-committal. "Well, I'm not too sure I want to be
recognized in this getup... Besides, High heels and martial arts don't
mix too well!"
Europa laughed. "I know! I don't know who designed the uniforms... or a
least, who picked out the shoes... Don't worry about anyone knowing who
you are, though. Nobody will recognize you through the disguise field
generated when you're in this form. Would you be willing to serve as my
avatar on your world?"
"Well, uh..." Akane seemed to be struggling with the answer.
Europa brightened. "Care to spar, Akane?"
Indecision turned to happiness as Akane answered "sure!"
It seemed Europa could dodge EVERY move Akane made. Maybe she had to
try a different strategy. She tried to mix her moves up with a few
feints, she even threw in a few gymnastics and dance moves from P.E.
class, but nothing could hit Europa. Suddenly, an attack came to her...
Directing two arms at Europa, she shouted " Pressure Wave!" which
directed a great river of water and ice at the moon spirit. Akane
paused for a moment, surprised and pleased with her new technique. It
was beyond the Art as she knew it; it was Europa's gift to her chosen
warrior, Tendou Akane... Sailor Europa.
Europa broke into Akane's thoughts. "That's the first of your new
techniques, Sailor Europa, if you'll serve as my Senshi. Our little
group could really use a martial artist like you, Akane."
Akane didn't think long about it this time. "Yes! It would be my honor
to serve as your Senshi, Europa." She wondered what OTHER techniques
she might learn, making her smile even bigger.
Europa and the dojo began to fade from view. "Sailor Jupiter is looking
for you. Good luck Lady Europa."
Consciousness began to slowly seep back into Akane's mind. She sat up
in her bed with a start. It was 1:37. Akane wished she could find some
answers... maybe THIS was what Kasumi had been hinting at. Akane hopped
out of bed and went to her big sisters door.
***
Kasumi wasn't surprised by the knock at 1:40... It was probably Akane-
chan. "Come in..." Kasumi offered. It WAS her littlest sister. "Perhaps
we should visit Nabiki."
"Yeah, Kasumi..." Akane readily agreed. She felt a finger tap her back,
then turned to see "Nabiki!"
"Well, when I heard noise coming from Kasumi's room, I figured you must
have had a dream, Akane." Nabiki said with a smirk. "So what did you
dream about?"
After sharing their dreams, the three girls could only wait... It
wouldn't be long.
***
Finally school was out on Saturday. Since his mother wasn't home, Ranma
had taken Makoto up on her offer of dinner.
"So, what time should we leave tomorrow?"
"Well, I figure we can treat it like a normal school day, meeting for
training, then getting ready. We can take the train over to Nerima; my
mom left me directions. I guess I'd better call Rei and invite her over
here, or cancel our session at the temple." Ranma said in a distracted
tone.
Makoto didn't have to ask what was on his mind, she also felt some of
what he did about what would happen tomorrow, but there was an
additional feeling, was it dread, anticipation, or both?
"Whacha thinkin about?"
"Well, I'm not sure, but I think something's going to happen tomorrow.
I don't know whether it's going to be good, bad, or both."
"I feel the same way."
"Do you want me to stay at your house, Ranma?" It's probably going to
be a rough night."
"Nah, I'm okay." Ranma answered with as much swagger as the short
sentence would allow.
The two friends parted, Ranma snagging a paper cup of cold water on the
way to the door. Kikuko's confidence didn't even last until she was
home.
(END)
********
First, my sincere thanks for reading!
Thanks also go to my pre-readers. Mike Koos who helped me define the
new Sailor Senshi... in the text with their abilities and descriptions,
and especially with his wonderful illustrations. Again, Louis-Philippe
Giroux pointed out some problems with characterization that I hope are
fixed. Nick Leifker also made a few suggestions about a scene in this
story.
From the FFML, John Walter Biles continued his C&C with some comments
about this chapter and the next. Eternal Lost Lurker made some points
about Nabiki, Kunou, and handling of same; I hope this revision is an
improvement.
One last note. This is version FIVE of this episode. Those who read the
previous ones will note a subtle change in Nabiki's dream...
Please let me know what YOU think!
Kevin D. Hammel
May 12, 1999
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khammel@mail.geocities.com
kevinsff@pacbell.net
http://www.geocities.com/~khammel/ff/
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geocities.com/~khammel)