Chapter 6

  "Coward."

Hiroshi and Daisuke looked up in alarm.

"Coward." The appellation was repeated.

"Kuno." Hiroshi started, "Senpai." Daisuke finished.

"I don't think . . ."

    "Don't interrupt your betters." Kuno cut Hiroshi off.

    "Saotame, you coward. Tendou Akane is gone . . ."

Ranma flinched, but said nothing.

    "Beautiful, noble Akane. . .Like Diana the huntress GONE!!!"
Hunching his shoulders as if warding off a blow Ranma huddled against the tree. Sayuri placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Yuka turned on Kuno savagely.

    "KUNO! You unfeeling idiot! What do you think Kuno pressed past the enraged girl to stand over Ranma. "How dare you abandon Tendou Akane in her hour of need. Only an unfeeling cad would leave her alone in a foreign land. Alone among barbarians."

    There was a stunned silence. Even Ranma looked at Kuno with concern. Finally Sayuri broke the silence.

    "Kuno senpai,"she began gently. "Akane is . . .Akane is dead." She choked a little on the word. "She's not coming back senpai."

    "Idiot." Kuno seemed to like that word. "Dead?    Tendou Akane . . .dead? Do not be absurd. The sun may set, but will certainly rise again come the morn. Dead?" Kuno laughed at the absurdity. "Can the south wind die, will the roots of Fujisama fade? NO! I tell you these things will NEVER happen. Nor can it be that Tendou Akane, beautiful, fierce warrior, is dead. Dead in a foreign land in an absurd accident."

    "But, Kuno senpai," Hiroshi said helplessly. "We all saw it . . .and the authorities…."

    "Authorities?" Kuno snorted. "Foreigners, barbarians. Their veracity is suspect. Saw? What did you see. Pictures, phantasms, electronic ghosts." Kuno grabbed Ranma by the shoulder. "Ever have I known you for a foul sorcerer and coward. I go now to rescue Tendou Akane and prove my worth to her."

Ranma stood slowly and brushed himself off.

    "You really believe Akane is alive?"

    "Of course." Kuno replied with such confidence that it was hard to disbelieve.

    "Why? Why do you believe Akane is alive?" "God would allow no other outcome. Such a noble and proud spirit could never leave this world in so absurd a fashion."   Ranma looked at Kuno , awed by his logic.

    "Kuno senpai,"

Daisuki couldn't believe Ranma would use the honorific with such sincerity.

    "Kuno senpai . . .if you find . . .if you find her . . .bring her back safe . . .I . . .," Ranma ducked his head, unable to continue.

    "Do you REALLY think Akane's alive, senpai?"

    Kuno turned to Yuka. "Of course. My . . .father . . . has many friends in Hawaii. As soon as I heard this absurd story I called them and had them make inquiries."

    "AND!" Ranma wanted to pound the idiot.

Kuno ignored the screaming tension from those surrounding him.

    "It was immediately obvious to one of my superior uuuurrrrk...."

    Kuno dangled from Yuka's fist. Blushing, she bobbed her head in apology to Ranma before turning sweetly back to Kuno. "WHAT-DID-YOU-FIND!!!"

    Gurgling Kuno fumbled a fistful of fax-paper from his pocket and thrust them into Ykua's free hand. Dropping Kuno to the ground she rapidly scanned the flimsies.

    "THIS! . . .this is IT?" She started as Ranma jerked the papers from her hand and began reading.

    "It is enough." Kuno said simply. "I would teach you some manners," Kuno stepped back hastily as Ykua turned on him. "but I have a plane to catch." Straightening his clothes Kuno strode regally toward a waiting limousine.
"I'm so sorry Ranma," Yuka apologized. "Kuno is being more of a jack

    Ranma grabbed Yuka in his arms and twirled her around. "YES!!!"

    Ranma and Akane's friends watched in amazement as a newly energized Ranma bounded across roof tops toward the Tendou doujou.

    "What was IN that fax?"

    "Nothing Hiroshi," Yuka said sadly. "nothing at all."

*************************************************

    "It's nothing, Ranma." Nabiki said wearily.

    "LOOK, I don' care WHAT you think. Just gimmie the money for a ticket an' I'm outta here."

    "I don't have that much money."

    "It's aint' gotta be fancy, just enough to get me there."

    "Not even if we mailed you fourth class." Nabiki snapped, pressing her hands to aching temples.

    "Dammit, don't ya CARE about Akane!”

    Shan Pu stepped between the two. "Not good fight. Ranma, Nabiki love sister. Nabiki, Ranma upset by stupid Kuno."

    "It's NOT stupid. Just look at this!" He thrust the papers at Shan PU.

    "Shan Pu not read Japanese." She grinned at Nabiki.

    "Tell what say."

    "Quite and shy," Ranma read, running his finger down the center of the page. "Kept to herself . . .and here," he flipped to another page. "Almost didn't know she was here."    Ranma looked up at the two girls. "Quiet an' SHY?
AKANE!?

    "She was in another country." Nabiki replied patiently.

    "And her English wasn't the greatest. That would make anyone a little . . ."

    "NOT AKANE!" Ranma shouted, overwhelming logic with sheer volume. "Akane was never QUIET! Or SHY! Not when she was turned into a doll, or KIDNAPED or . . ."

Ranma was stuttering with his inability to express himself.

    "An' I think it's weird that the FIRST time 'AKANE' goes out much . . .it's to fly that stupid glider thing." He turned to Shan Pu. "Don't you think that's weird. That all these people talk about how quiet she was. An' that the only thing they remember her doin' is tryin' those gilder things."

    "That strange." Shan Pu agreed reluctantly. "But no prove . . ." Shan Pu trailed off.

    "I didn't want to mention this,"Nabiki pulled out a much folded newspaper. "There's been some . . .stuff going on." She handed the paper to Ranma.

    "WHAT . . .UKYOU!!!" He whirled on Nabiki. "Why didn' you tell me 'bout this?"

    "Nabiki no want upset Ranma. Not until…”

    "Upset!" Ranma's voice was a dangerous growl.   "Why should I be upset. Ukyou's in the hospital an' somone's goin' around writin' writin' Akane's name all over the town." Methodically he shredded the paper and dropped it on the floor. "That's it. I'm goin' to Hawaii. Sometin' going on and I'm gonna' find out what."

    Nabiki grabbed him by the arm as he started for the door. She was dragged several feet before he slowed to a stop.   "What about US?"

    "What about you?" Ranma frowned at Nabiki.

    "There's a crazy person on the loose. What about US, your mother, Kasumi, Shan Pu . . .me too I guess."

    "Nabiki right. Something happen HERE, Japan.   Ranma go Hawaii, maybe what someone want. Better Ranma stay here for now. Kuno stupid, but rich. He no need brain when can buy brain. Better Ranma stay here, find out what happen. Maybe answer here."

    Ranma took a deep breath and pinned Nabiki with a hard look. "Alright . . .I'll stay. For now. But I wanna' know what Kuno's up to."

    "I'll keep track of him . . .I'll try to, anyway." Nabiki added. "It's not like I've got spies all over the world." She appeared lost in thought for a moment. "OK, I think I can get what we need from Sasuki. He always liked Akane."

    "Where Kodachi? Maybe we looking for wrong crazy Kuno."

    "What'r you talkin' about?" Ranma looked impatiently at the two girls.

    "We think maybe Kuno go crazy . . .crazier." Shan Pu amended. "But maybe wrong crazy Kuno. Maybe sister do bad things."

    "She's in Australia." Nabiki answered. "A world gymnastic meet. I checked first thing. She was in front of ten thousand people when Ukyou was attacked."

    "Ucchan! I gotta' see how Ucchan's doin'"

    "They won't let you in." Nabiki called after the rapidly departing figure.

*************************************************

    Ranma stood looking down at the still form surrounded by wires, tubes and strange machines that whirred and beeped.
    

       "Sir!"

    Ranma turned slightly toward the angry whisper. "How's she doin'?"

    "What are you doing here? This is off limits to everyone except doctors."

    "Is she hurtin'?" Ranma ignored the angry nurse. "Does she need anything?"

    "I'm going to call security."

    "Yeah, OK." Ranma said absently, not taking his eyes from Ukyou's still form. "I wanna' see who's in charge here."

    Moments later the small room was suddenly filled with figures in white followed closely by other's in blue, with night-sticks. Ranma removed the batons, gently folded the security guards into neat packages and placed them outside the door.

    "Are you the doc?"

    "I am doctor Arishima. I demand you leave here immediately."

    "Is Ucchan gonna be alright?"

    "Are you a family member?"

"Uhhh, no I'm . . ."

    Then," Arishima interrupted prissily. "I can not help you. That information can only be given out to uuuulp."

    Arishima stumbled back from the crackling fire-ball that suddenly lit the darkened room.

    "I wanna' know if Ucchan's gonna' be alright." The fireball pulsed angrily.

    "I . . .I . . .I . . ." Arishima bolted from the room.

    "Her prognosis is good."

    The fireball winked out and Ranma turned to face a tiny white coated figure.

    "Hello. I'm doctor Na."

Ranma automatically took the proffered hand.
   

    "She looks very bad, but most of the lacerations weren't very deep." Dr. Na. talked quietly as she walked over to the sleeping Ukyou. " Whatever she was attacked with left a great deal of dirt in the wounds. One of our interns thinks it looks like claw marks from a cat. But I can't imagine a cat doing this kind of damage. And I don't know of any cats that can write kanji." Dr. Na gave a twisted smile at the thought, not noticing Ranma's sudden start of surprise. "There was a great deal of blood loss of course, as well as trauma induced shock. Right now infection is our biggest worry." She pointed to angry red lines that streaked Ukyou's arms and legs.
"We're treating her aggressively with antibiotics. So far she's responding very well to treatment."

    "Is she gonna be OK?"

    "If she continues to respond favorably to treatment," Dr. Na answered cautiously. "there is every reason to believe she will make a complete recovery. Of course she will need extensive re-constructive surgery."
Ukyou moved weakly on the bed as the voices penetrated her drugged sleep.

    "Noooo . . ." Dr. Na looked in alarm as Ukyou began to thrash about, threatening to tear the IV out of her arm.
"Didn' mean . . .'kane, no . . .no."

    "Ucchan" Ranma grabbed her wrist in a gentle hold before she could tear the needle free. "Ucchan, it's alright. I'm here. It's OK."

"No, no . . .sorry . . .forgive me . . .forgive . . ." Her voice trailed off into a drugged muttering as Dr. Na increased her morphine drip.

    "She's been like that ever since she got here." Na looked at the heart monitor, then checked the IV. "As soon as she begins to wake up, she starts fighting; her attacker I suppose. And she keeps saying she's sorry."

Ranma held Ukuyou's hand, feeling her relax under the influence of the drugs. "Does she say who attacked her?"

    "With as much stuff as we're pumping into her it's going to be a while before she makes much sense."

    "Look, whoever did this to her," Ranma swept a hand to indicate the patchwork that had once been his friend. "is still out there. I gotta know who did this."

    "I wish I could help. maybe in a few days "I ain't got a few days!"

    Dr. Na rubbed her aching eyes as she thought. "I doubt it means much, but I'll tell you what I can. She acts like she fighting something off . . .probably her attacker. And she's said some things that sound like names. Ummmm. Razan . . .Ryobun

    "Ranma?"

    "Yessss. That could be it."

    "That's me. What else."

    "OK . . .ummmmm, Colin . . . Colon? That mean anything?

    "Cu Lon," Ranma answered grimly. "Anymore?"

    "Oh yes. This one I'm sure of. Akane. She said this one very clearly. Akane. Does that help . . .you?" Dr. Na looked around to find the room empty, except for the sleeping Ukyou and the curtains fluttering in the breeze from an open window.

*************************************************

    Cu Lon replaced the receiver carefully in its cradle. "We are about to have a very distinguished visitor." She turned to Mu Tsu who was busily wiping tables. "Do you know anything about this, Mr. Part Time?"

    "I, Elder?" Mu Tsu looked directly at a potted plant as he spoke. "How would I know any 'distinguished' visitors?"

    Shan Pu didn't like the undercurrents of emotion she felt. Great grand mother had been increasingly tense for the past few days. It wasn't something an outsider could tell; only years of familiarity allowed Shan Pu to sense even this much. And Mu Tsu increasingly insolent, in a sneaky sort of way. As if he knew something no one else knew. Plus he was always watching her, finding excuses to touch her. Always by accident. And he just smiled when she pounded him.

    "Child."

    "Great grandmother?"

    "We are going to have a visitor in a moment. Zhu Liji, deputy minister of . . .education. From the Peoples Republic. I must ask you to be polite to him."

    "Shan Pu always nice, polite." Shan Pu absently elbowed Mu Tsu in the ribs, sending him to the floor.
Cu Lon grinned faintly at this, then turned serious again. "Listen to me child. No matter what this man says . . . or does. No matter what you will smile. No matter what I may do or say, you will remain quiet and polite. Do you understand?"

    "Shan Pu understand." She replied quietly. "No understand WHY; understand DO what great grandmother say."

    "I'll help too." Mu Tsu answered from the floor. "I'll do ANYTHING for my darling Shan PU."

    Shan Pu shuddered from an unexpected chill. She was slightly warmed when Cu Lon smashed Mu Tsu in the belly with her staff. Before she could speak the outside door opened and a heavyset man in an expensive imported suit came through the door. He had a round smiling face, like someone's favorite uncle. Cu Lon greeted him warmly and the stranger laughed at something she said. Shan Pu wondered why great grandmother had seemed so worried. For worry was the only word for it. Until the laughing, jovial man turned to her, and she saw his eyes. Cold, dead eyes. Eyes like a snake . . .or an executioner. Involuntarily she stepped back half a pace.

    "Ahhhh, little Shan Pu." He moved swiftly for such a big man. The hug and kiss were avuncular but left Shan Pu feeling unclean. "You have grown." He turned to Cu Lon. "You must be very proud. I am quite pleased with how she has turned out."

    Shan Pu stiffened. What right did this MAN have approving or dis-approving of HER or anything else. She waited for great grandmother to destroy his insolence. She felt uneasy when the man continued to breath.

    "You are very kind to say so. These are difficult times to raise children.

    Shan Pu's unease turned almost to fright at Cu Lon's diffident tone. Then Zhu Liji's arm squeezed her around the waist, and the angel-of-death brushed him with it's wings. As Shan Pu started to remove Zhu Liji's arm at the ankle she noticed Mu Tsu's expression. He looked . . .pleased. Shan Pu froze. If Mu Tsu was pleased at the thought of Shan Pu crippling Zhu Liji it must be a BAD idea.

    "Ah. But Shan Pu is obviously no child." Another squeeze.

    Shan Pu thought longingly of skinning knives and salt. "She is a beautiful young woman." For the first time there was an expression in his eyes. Shan Pu immediately wanted a hot bath and plenty of soap.

    "I can hardly wait for the ceremony."

    Ceremony? What ceremony? Remembering great grandmothers warning Shan Pu only smiled, vacuously.
"I'm tempted not to wait . . .but I know how young girls are. They like pretty things on their wedding day."

WEDDING!!!

     A life of martial training couldn't prevent a sudden start. Again there was a look of anticipation of Mu Tsu's face. Shan Pu schooled her expression.

    "Shan Pu like pretty things."

    "I'm sure you do, my dear. And you shall have them."

    "I am desolated to tell you this, honored deputy minister, but Shan Pu is already married." There was nothing but honest contrition to be seen on Cu Lon's face.

    "What?" Zhu Liji laughed. "Are you speaking of her marriage-by-combat? A quaint old custom to be sure, but hardly relevant in these modern times."

    "Ah, but I am also old," Cu Lon leaned heavily on her staff. "and it is the old ways that comfort me. They have served The People well for many years."

    Zhu Liji's face went cold and hard. "There are many people, not myself of course, who see the Amazons as a troublesome minority . . . perhaps even counter-revolutionary. If this thought should take hold in the central committee even I would not be able to stop events. The party takes a dim view of rebellion."

    "As well they should." Cu Lon nodded her head approvingly. "Many times The Chairman would discuss such things with us during the war." Artlessly her eyes strayed to a picture in the corner. One showing a younger Cu Lon, carrying a rifle standing next to a stocky figure in a quilted jacket. "The Amazon nation has always been grateful for his many kindnesses. The People were glad to help such a great man during the war; we fought common enemies after all. But it was gratifying indeed to have him recognize our ancient claims and laws. Indeed he often said that the lives of The People showed him what would result from the revolution." Cu Lon smiled mistily at her memories .

    Zhu Liji's lips tightened, but he could say nothing. What could he say to someone who had been there at the founding of his nation; had fought and suffered with the father of his country.

    "Yes, the old ways are a great comfort in my last years. And it is gratifying indeed when on old woman like myself can use the old ways to benefit an old friend and ally."

    "Benefit?" Zhu Liji asked cautiously.

    "Indeed. I am sure that it is a great trial to your government, doing business in this country. Without a 'friend' it can be frustrating trying to understand these people.

    Unconsciously Zhu Liji nodded. It wasn't frustrating it was maddening. Weeks, months even years could be spent on a project, only to have it all disappear at the last instant. _Yes_ meant _no_, _ right away_ was _never_ and these people NEVER said what they meant. Oriental inscrutability was all very well. The Chinese had invented it after all. But the Japanese had taken it to new levels. And their arrogance . . . Zhu Liji felt his jaw clench.

    " . . .People have no use for such things of course. But we would be greatly honored if you would allow us to give you whatever small help we can."

Zhu Liji pulled himself back to reality, furious at having let his attention wander.

    "Shan Pu's husband will be able to open many doors for your government."

    "It was my understanding that . . .this person was a vagabond, a wanderer of no particular family or wealth."

    "Who could have told you that?" Cu Lon wondered out loud, carefully not looking at Mu Tsu. "In fact he is the son by adoption to a very old, very well connected family."
   

    "Adoption? His parents are dead then?" Zhu Liji asked, hoping to catch Cu Lon in a lie.

    "By no means. This is another case of a family more comfortable with an older, less fast paced time. The Tendou's have no male heir. Many years ago they made Saotome Ranma their son by adoption. He was also to become their son-by-marriage." Cu Lon gave Zhu Liji a second to absorb that, then continued before he could interrupt. "Unfortunately that daughter, Tendou Akane, died recently. In that case I arranged for Shan Pu's claim to be upheld, with the provision that Shan Pu and Ranma remain in Japan to care for both families parents in their old age. Also they will see that the other two Tendou daughters are cared for until they also are married."

    There was a strangled exclamation from Mu Tsu, who wisely kept quiet after a look from Cu Lon.

    "I . . .see." Before Zhu Liji could comment further the door burst open and a familiar pig-tailed figure slammed into the room.

    "Old ghoul

    "Son-in-law!" Cu Lon said with every evidence of greeting a well loved child.

    "I AIN'T!"

    "Yes, yes. You're not waiting anymore." She turned to Zhu Liji. "Young bridegrooms are SO impatient." She chuckled a bit and Shan Pu blushed with every appearance of maidenly confusion.

    "Ranmakun," Cu Lon went on, interrupting Ranma as he attempted to speak. "This is Deputy Minister of Education Zhu Liji of the Peoples Republic, He's here to honor an old arrangement of marriage, to Shan Pu."

    Shan Pu paled and Ranma's head jerked around in surprise to look first at Shan Pu, then at Zhu Liji. "What . . .married to THIS old owwww." Ranma hopped, rubbing his foot where Cu Lon's staff had impacted.

    "I'm so sorry, son-in-law. Did I hurt you? Sometimes old women are clumsy. As I was saying, there was a very old arrangement. Made years ago while I was away on business or I would have seen that the matter was concluded properly. Sadly, however, the customs and laws of The People must take precedence over matters of the heart. Even the hearts of deputy ministers." Turning to Shan Pu she made a little shooing motion. "Now that Ranmukun is here he can walk you home. After that awful attack on poor Ukyousan I don't like Shan Pu to be out alone. She may be an Amazon, but she will always be a baby to me."

    "I wanna talk to you old-woman." Ranma hissed as Shan Pu was practically shoved in his arms.
"Of course, Ranmakun. I will come to see you later."

    Ranma wanted to protest, but could see the pleading in Cu Lon's eyes. That shocked him. He'd never imagined the old ghoul needing help of any kind. Maybe if he helped her, she'd be more reasonable talkin' to him. He glanced at Zhu Liji. And no way was he leavin' Shan Pu anywhere near that creep.

    "OK. But I'll be seein' you latter."

    Cu Lon nodded as Ranma left with Shan Pu. After a few strained pleasantries Zhu Liji also took his leave and Cu Lon almost slumped in relief. She'd bought a little time, that was all. But perhaps that would be enough. If she could convince son-in-law to support her story . . .and there had been enough truth in it to be supportable. Ranma was the key the Tendou's and the Saotomes would support whatever he did. And her proposal had merit. It would work. As long as they never found out about a tiny flash of light caught her eye. She bent to pick up a fleck of gold from the floor. Looking she could see a scattering of gold dust. And, in one corner, a piece the size of her thumb-nail. Her head pivoted to look at the calender. Almost eight days left until the transformation was stable.

    The bracelet shouldn't have started to break down this soon. The fact that it had could be good or bad. Perhaps she had done better than she knew and Shan Pu was stabilizing sooner than expected. Or perhaps Tendou Akane was stronger than Cu Lon had thought, was fighting the transformation Cu Lon almost hoped it was the latter. She admired strength. But her priority was to protect Shan Pu. She seethed inwardly, thinking about her precious great grand daughter married to that monster. She knew what Zhu Liji was like, what he did to young women. There were stories about what he did, trying to regain his youth and virility by bedding young women. Bedding them and worse. Perhaps he thought Shan Pu would last longer than the others. She carefully unclenched her jaw.

    Cu Lon had lived in horror of the day Zhu Liji would demand that old contract be honored. And she could have done nothing. The very laws that supported that marriage contract ALSO supported the independence of the Amazon nation. Defeating the marriage contract would mean attacking the very laws that protected The Peoples sovereignty.  She'd bought some time by using Ranma. She'd had Shan Pu's pack ready before she hit the ground after the challenge in the village. After all, Shan Pu couldn't marry while chasing a stranger all over China. And when Ranma's unique 'condition' was revealed Cu Lon thought to muddy the waters for a few more years. Long enough for a more permanent solution to present itself. She'd often thought of killing Zhu Liji but that presented it's own problems. Not the least of which was his ability to counter Mu Tsu's family, who were as much a danger to The People, in their own way, as any outsider.

"Mu Tsu!" She called, suddenly noticing his absence. "MU TSU!"

She hadn't felt him leave. Cu Lon suddenly felt the weight of her three hundred years pressing down on her.