"There she is.
Get her. GET HER!"
"Dodging, leaping and twisting
the small black cat sped through the gauntlet of grabbing hands to dash
down a side street.
"Dead end. DEAD
END!"
Panting heavily
the stocky man cautiously approached the black cat. On either side other
men , some wearing heavy gloves and thick jackets, cut off all avenues
of escape. One man in kendo armor complete with face-mask came up behind
the gasping man.
"Ya . . .ya
thin . . .think thas' the one Eiji?"
"'Course it
is Ikki, ya stupid . . ." Eiji paused to gulp air. "How many
black cats wi' gold collars ya thinks IN Nerima?" A few seconds
passed while Eiji gulped air.
Without warning he lunged forward. There
was a confusing tangle of man and cat, blood and fur.
"Aaaaaaaaaaa!" Screaming in pain Eiji lurched backward, frantically
trying to shake a black furry meat grinder loose from his arm. The crowd
of men scattered from Eiji's flailing form. Sensing an opening the small
cat dropped free and streaked for freedom.
"Ahhhh. SHIT!
Shitshitshit." Cursing and crying Eiji clasped his bleeding right
hand under his left arm. "My hand! That dammed cat chewed off my
finger."
"For twenty five million yen,"
Ikki brushed past Eiji on his way back to the street. "I'd chew
off my OWN finger." Running down the street looking for the missing
cat Ikki passed a series of posters placed every thirty meters or so.
LOST: Beloved pet. Please find our little
Velvet.
Female, black cat. Wearing gold colored collar. Twenty Five Million
Yen reward for safe return or information leading to return. Below
that was a phone number.
All of Nerima and by now probably half
of Tokyo were looking for that cat. And if Eiji hadn't been afraid of
a little blood, he thought disgustedly, they'd be rich men right now.
Forgetting about Eiji ,his best friend since childhood, Ikki sped on
down the street looking for a small black shape.
************************************************
"Do you understand
Mu Tsu?" Cu Lon watched the crowds of men, women and children rushing
around the streets of Nerima." Economy of force . . . why
exhaust ourselves when we can get others to work for us.
Others can betray us." Mu Tsu
looked with distaste at the rushing mass of people as he walked beside
the Matriarch. "This is a mistake what if she communicates
with one of these barbarians, tells them who she is, what we've done.
OR they may kill her before her transformation stabilizes. THEN where
will we be? It is unlikely she will have an opportunity
to communicate . . .unless you think they will provide her with ink
and brush as they stuff her in a sack on their way to collect their
reward? And they have twenty five million reasons NOT to harm her."
"Even so," Mu Tsu continued stubbornly.
"there are many things that might go wrong. Do you really think
these fools can catch her in the eleven days we have left? And what
if Saotome gets curious as to why we are so interested in this cat?
Especially when Shan Pu no longer has her curse. And how long can we
keep them from knowing Akane is missing?"
Cu Lon frowned inwardly.
The stupid boy was out- of-character again. Not that he'd ever fooled
her with his sincere-but-stupid act. It was the principle of the thing.
He should not allow his emotions to affect him so readily. He always
had lacked true discipline.
"It is not important
that they catch her; it is important only that they chase her so hard
that she had no chance to think, to contact son-in-law or the others."
Mu Tsu grimaced at Cu Lon's designation for Ranma.
"The posters lead to an old, established, Tai family with no connections
to either China or the Amazons. And I have taken steps," Cu Lon
continued. " to distract son-in- law."
************************************************
"Hey everybody." Nabiki shouted from in
front of the television. "It's the Ms. Fitness World Contest on
the news. Maybe we'll see Akane."
"Ahhh maaaaan."
Ranma plumped down on the floor. "What 'r they thinkin' of, pickin'
that tomboy. I'm much better built."
"Yeah, but YOU
are a guy." Nabiki glanced down at the fuming Ranma. "And
they were looking for that wholesome, girl-next-door-type."
"HEY, I'm wholesome!"
"Unless you
got splashed with hot water . . .in front of millions of TV viewers.
Then you'd be an international pervert."
"I don't never
get splashed with HOT water accidentally." Ranma insisted. "They
shoulda picked ME for that contest. I'm cuter, an' a better martial
artist an' . . ."
"Forget
it!" Nabiki said flatly. "Akane was a better choice. For one
thing, a company wants a RELIABLE spokesperson for their products. They
do NOT want grudge fights or deamons or weirdness. OR someone with the
manners of a starving pig " Nabiki glared at Ranma, daring him
to open his mouth. "There were only three other girls from Japan
who were chosen. Akane will be up against almost two hundred girls from
around the worl---"
"Tha's what
I mean." Ranma broke in, unable to keep his mouth shut." How
could they pick that gorilla-girl? She don't stand a chance against
all those other girls."
"You don't win
Ms. Fitness World by beating up the other contestants's. You have to
have poise, charm AND the ability to speak in public. Corporations are
NOT charitable organizations. They picked Akane as one of the Japanese
contestants because they felt she was the best choice to sell a product."
"I can sell
their stupid products." Ranma muttered.
"_This is good
stuff. Buy it_ " Nabiki mimicked nastily. "is NOT going to
make you salesman of the year."
"They didn't
give me a chance. I coulda been some one. I coulda been a contender."
Nabiki bopped Ranma on the head. "You've GOT
to stop watching those gajin movies on the late-show." Nabiki looked
at the TV. "Everyone . . .it's starting!" She turned back
toward Ranma. "Face it. Akane was the better choice. She's cute,
athletic , and most of all . . ." Ranma looked on expectantly
at Nabiki's dramatic pause. " . . .AKANE acts like a human
being."
"HEY!"
" If Akane wins this thing she can get MILLIONS
in endorsements. Plus it'll be a perfect jumping off spot for an Idol
career. She could be RICH!" The thought of all that Yen made Nabiki's
eyes moist with passion.
"Oh dear."
Kasumi patted the drool off Nabiki's chin with a clean handkerchief.
"Are you feeling alright?"
"OH my baby
girl is going to be a star!"
"You must be
very proud Tendou. You are truly blessed "
"I do hope we
can see Akanechan." Nodoka sat next to Kasumi. "I worry that
she's not eating well. If only phone calls were not so expensive. It's
a pity the connection was so bad when she called from the airport in
Hawaii. I could hardly understand her."
"She has written
to us," Kasumi put in. "And sent those very nice souvenirs."
"Still, I'm
not sure I approve of foreign travel for girls."
"Hawaii is a
very civilized place, Auntie." Nabiki said over her shoulder while
adjusting the TV volume. "Why I understand they even have indoor
plumbing."
"I'm sure it's
very nice." Sarcasm was wasted on Nodoka. "But it's not Japan."
" . . .marred with tragedy as one
of the contestants is killed during a hang gliding accident late yesterday."
"Oh, that poor
girl." Kasumi gentle heart ached. "Her parents must be devastated.
What a terrible thing to happen."
"This amateur
video was shot by a visitor to Sea Life Park on the eastern end of Oahu."
The NHK announcer
was replaced with the fuzzy image of a vast expanse of ocean that merged
into an impossibly blue sky. The picture panned around, then stopped
on a group of gaily colored shapes that darted and swooped through the
sky like giant butterflies. One of the hang-gliders dove toward the
sea and pulled up sharply, apparently attempting an acrobatic stunt.
One wing suddenly bent catastrophically upward and the glider tumbled
toward the sea; like a broken winged angel in a horribly slow motion
spiral. The picture shuddered at the cameraman started running, trying
to keep the glider in view as it disappeared below the cliff. After
a short sprint the camera again picked up the glider as it splashed
into the sea. Moments later the brightly colored glider sank beneath
the water, taking it's pilot with it. The news-studio replaced
the video-taped tragedy.
"An investigation
is underway into the cause of the accident. A spokesman for the 'Birds
of Paradise' hang gliding school had this to say. The NHK announcer
disappeared again, supplanted by a tired looking young man wearing a
blue jacket with 'Birds of Paradise' blazoned across the breast pocket
in gold lettering.
"We have the
area segregated into zones for beginning, intermediate and advanced
students. The young lady was still restricted to the beginners area.
Unfortunately she disregarded safety warnings and not only left the
area but attempted to loop a glider that was not rated for stunts."
He brushed his hands across his eyes, overcome with emotion.
"I . . .I'm
sorry. This is . . .we've never had an accident like this. She was a
special young girl. Always very friendly. And she showed a real aptitude.
She loved to fly. I guess she was just impatient to . . .she really
loved to fly."
Mercifully the interview
cut off and was replaced by the NHK announcer once again. "Authorities
in Hawaii have recovered the wreckage of the glider and are investigating
the cause of the crash. A search is still on going for the body of the
pilot who's name has not been released, pending notification of next-of-kin.
Ms. Fitness World organizers have announced that the contest will continue
despite the tragedy. A tape delay of today's contest highlights will
be shown at eleven o'clock. In other news . . ."
"Oh, who could that be?" Kasumi came gracefully
to her feet at the sound of a knock and went to answer the door.
"That's so sad."
Nodaka turned to her son. "I always worried about you while you
were away training." She hugged Ranma tightly. "I don't know
what I would have done if anything had happened to my precious baby-boy."
"Ahhhhh geeeez."
Ranma squirmed in embarrassment. "Ya' aint'gotta worry 'bout me
none. I can take care of myself."
"Don't get cocky
boy. You've still got a lot to learn."
"Hey old man,
you ain't got NO room to talk He broke off suddenly as Kasumi came back
into the room. A Kasumi who seemed suddenly aged and frail. Behind her
came a uniformed policeman carrying a black-bordered envelope.
"Forgive me
for disturbing you." He bowed formally. "I have news from
the ministry of travel that I must deliver to the head of the Tendou
household."
*************************************************
"Great grand
mother. Great grand mother. Just now, on the radio. There was a news
report about an accident.
"Yes child."
Cu Lon looked up from the small television set. "I just saw a bulletin
a minute ago. It is very tragic."
"Great grand
mother," Shan Pu looked deeply distressed. "may I be excused
from work tonight?"
"Certainly child.
Do you have something special planned?"
"I would like
to take a koden to the Tendou's. And, perhaps I can help with tsuya
. . .at least help Kasumi prepare food or maybe clean the house, run
errands."
"The thought
does you credit Shan Pu." Cu Lon smiled approvingly. "An obituary
gift is a good thought, but offering to help with the wake is very kind
and does you credit. You have my permission. Please convey my condolences,
personally and as Matriarch." Cu Lon thought for a moment. "In
my medicine chest there is incense wrapped in gold foil. It is very
rare. Please take it with the jade incense burner and offer it to the
Tendou's for shoko. There is enough for a traditional incense offering
for as many as twenty mourners if they so wish. Tell them this is my
gift to honor one who would have made a worthy Amazon."
"Hummmp."
Mu Tsu snorted. " Tendou Akane was your greatest rival. If RANMA
died I'd throw a party. Or are you planning on slipping a little something
in the food . . .perhaps to help Ranma overcome his sorrow?" Mu
Tsu smiled nastily, for about a tenth of a second. Between one heart-beat
and the next Mu Tsu was slammed against the wall. Darkness clouded his
vision he tried to take a breath, and failed, as an iron hand clamped
around his neck threatened to tear his throat out. Heart pounding in
his chest he scrabbled frantically at the hand. With great effort he
managed to focus on the face, inches from his own. Shan Pu's face, wearing
an expression he'd never seen before.
"Let him go
child." Cu Lon sounded as if she were asking Shan Pu to pour her
a cup of tea. "It would be bad karma to kill him now. You don't
want to mar the Tendou's time of mourning do you?"
Shan Pu opened her fist, dropping Mu Tsu to the ground gasping for breath.
Without even a glance back, she turned and left the room.
"I really should
let you marry her right now, boy." Cu Lon cackled. "But I
just had new carpet put down . . .and blood stains are so hard to remove."
Mu Tsu glared at
Cu Lon from the floor as he massaged his neck. When he could speak again
his voice was a hoarse whisper.
"Why are . .
.why are you supporting Shan Pu in this foolishness?"
"If it is foolish
of my great grand daughter to honor a fallen foe, to show compassion
to a grieving family, then I can only hope all of The People are as
foolish as she." Mu Tsu glared at Cu Lon but could think of no
suitable response.
"What? Nothing
to say?"
"I've got something
to say old crone." Mu Tsu's attempt to bait Cu Lon failed as she
looked at him as a nanny might look at a fractious child. Flushing with
embarrassment Mu Tsu struggled to his feet. "You think you've been
very clever. But when the American authorities fail to find a body
"Ah, but they
will find a body."
"You killed
your pawn?" Mu Tsu laughed in delight. "Now that is good news.
What do your friends think of you now? Killing your Akane look-alike
must have cost you a lot of favors."
"You really
are an idiot, aren't you?" Cu Lon remarked without heat. "
I do not kill for sport, only out of necessity. To protect what is mine.
I do not reward loyalty with treachery. If I did so I would find it
difficult to obtain loyalty in the future. The young woman who so skillfully
played the part of Tendou Akane, in a far off land where none knew her,
is alive and well and on her way back to China. In a few days the authorities
will find a badly decomposed body on the beach, unrecognizable except
for a few bits of clothing and jewelry. These things will positively
identify the body as that of Tendou Akane." Cu Lon looked at the
dumfounded Mu Tsu. "Bodies are easily come by finding a young female
corpse, not dissimilar to Tendou Akane, was a matter of patience and
planning."
*************************************************
Shan Pu hurried through the
gathering gloom toward the Tendou's. In her pocket she carried a slender
envelope with a traditional obituary offering of money and in her hands
a hot meal. The awful news had come just about the time Kasumi would
have been starting to cook supper. Shan Pu knew all too well the hideous
shock of that sudden knock at the door, the hushed whispers, crying
in the dark. When her mother died she felt like the world had come to
an end. She could only imagine what the Tendou's must be feeling with
the death of the baby of the family. And Ranma . . .despite his bravado
and skill, had led a very sheltered life. Shan Pu had grown up in a
warrior culture, existing on sufferance, surrounded by enemies. Death
was a daily companion; disease, starvation, accident, murder and war
all took a toll. And still death was a shock and a sorrow. How much
worse for a boy who wouldn't hit girls and thought of combat as a game.
The events on Mt. Phoenix had started his education in the realities
of life Shan Pu only hoped he could survive this lesson. Hurrying through
the twilight, lost in thought, Shan Pu never noticed a shadow, darker
than the rest, that seemed to flow along the ground after her. A shadow
that watched her with hot, hating eyes.
