Chapter 3

"You stand funny. Move feet more like this."

Akane copied Shan Pu's stance."Like this?"

"Not so bad. Now try defend from low strike." Before she finished speaking Shan Pu's fist was on its way toward Akane's gut. Even as Shan Pu struck Akane was moving away from the blow, her right hand slapping aside Shan Pu's 'Stone Breaker' fist; her own left hand moving in a 'Spear Point' strike for Shan Pu's temple. Shan Pu was faster. HER right hand rebounded from Akane's blocking strike to grasp Akane's 'Spear Point' just behind the wrist. Left hand coming up under Akane's elbow Shan Pu lifted and rotated the limb, hyper-extending it. Off balance Akane was helpless to resist as Shan Pu continued moving in the direction of her 'Spear Point' strike and Akane went sailing across the dojo to slam into the wall and fall limply to the floor. With an expression of disgust Shan Pu stalked over to the limp form lying on the floor like a pile of discarded rags.

"Stupid Akane. You no listen. Shan Pu tell and tell but you no listen. You lose center you lose battle." There was no response from the crumpled figure. "Hey . . .stupid girl . . .you no get hurt from little blow like that? Amazon man-child tougher than that." Cautiously Shan Pu toed the crumpled figure, suspecting a trap. "Ha . . .slow , clumsy and weak Akane. Real warrior not eeeeeeeeeeep!" Shan Pu squawked as the twisted figure suddenly erupted from the floor; one hand knifing between her legs, the other grasping her shoulder in a powerful grip as she folded in two. Before Shan Pu could recover from this sudden attack she found herself whirling around and around in a maneuver familiar to any devote of American Pro-Wrestling. Knowing she had only a moment before Shan Pu recovered and started playing temari with her head Akane took two quick steps toward the Dojo door and heaved. Shan Pu had a brief slithery sensation of silk as she and her dress parted company, cool air on bare skin, and a vision of the Koi pond filling her vision.

"Mrrrrrrooooooowwww!"

"Don't complain to ME. You lost fair and square."

"Mrrrrr. Rooooowwwwl!!"

"OH! You take that back." Akane stalked angrily forward, Shan Pu's dress draped over one arm. "I did NOT cheat. That was a perfectly legitimate ruse. It's not MY fault if you let your guard down.

"Rrrrrrr.Owwwwww. Mrrrroooowl?"

"Huh! I am NOT a pervert! What about when you tickled me half to death? I . ." Akane replied virtuously. " . . .was just keeping your clothes dry."

"Mraaa aaaa choooo!" Akane reached out and snagged the still spitting cat buy the scruff and hauled her out of the water.

"Come on out before you catch cold. You can complain later. And remember our deal. YOU win I wash your hair. I win and you teach me to cook." The small sopping cat gave a pitiful mewwl and looked at Akane with pleading eyes.

"NO I do NOT want any 'Secret Techniques'" Akane retorted. "Our deal was cooking lessons. Besides, why would I want to breath fire?" The tiny cat drooped dejectedly, a small tear of despair dropping from one eye as it was carried triumphantly inside toward the 'Kitchen of Doom'. Neither combatant sensed that they were being observed from a rooftop almost a thousand meters distant. The leotard clad figure swung idly back and forth in her swivel chair as the video recorder rewound. She would play the tape back later. This one from the giant Questar telescope and all the other tapes from hidden cameras inside the Dojo. But they didn't matter really. She had seen enough over the past week. She knew exactly what to do.

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Tendou Akane skipped along the street swinging her book bag, occasionally twirling in a joyful circle, enjoying the feel of her skirt swirling around her legs. Tossing her bag high into the air she spun in a huge circle watching her bag hang in the air, framed by blue sky and white, white clouds. She was sure that NEVER in all Japans long history had there ever been a bluer sky, fluffier clouds. Never had the smell of cherry blossoms been so sweet. She hugged herself in delight then snapped her arms out with a little squeal of fright and snagged her bag just before it hit the ground. Flushing a little in embarrassment she glanced around to see if anyone had observed her almost mistake. Seeing no one she giggled to herself as she realized it didn't matter if her bag smashed against the ground. If she embarrassed herself it was nothing and less than nothing. Her rice . . .her rice had been . . .her rice had been . . . OK! Sensi had said so. In her mind Akane played back the scene . . . the small wooden bowl . . .the white puffy grains . . .slightly sticky. Sensi taking the bowl . . .the chopsticks reaching down . . .a small clump of the white goodness passing Sensi's lips. And then the words . . .the words she'd longed to hear for so long:

"Tendou Akane . . .rice dish OK." She would have to something nice for Shan Pu she thought. The incongruity of the thought made her laugh out loud. Who would ever have thought that she would LIKE Shan Pu. But over the past week Shan Pu had gone from . . .well from whatever she'd been to being a friend. Or more than a friend. Almost like the sister she'd never had. She loved Kasumi and Nabiki; but Kasumi was more like a mother than a sister and Nabiki . . .well she loved Nabiki but she didn't always LIKE her. And she certainly didn't understand her. But Shan Pu . . .over the past several days . . . Shan Pu had treated her like an equal . . .like a martial artist. And she'd been so nice . . .There'd been a cooking lesson every day even when Akane lost (which had been often.) The only difference being that Akane had to wash Shan Pu's hair first when she lost. Even that had been fun with a lot of splashing and giggling and gossiping (about martial techniques). Akane had friends but Shan Pu was her first martial artist friend and that made her special. And the cooking lessons just made it better. She almost dreaded Ranma and the others coming home. But she had several weeks yet. Ranma's training trips always lasted a long time (privately Akane thought her father and Genmasan had wanted an excuse to get out of fixing the roof), Kasumi was visiting a sick friend in Hokkaidou and Nabiki . . .Akane frowned. She wasn't sure exactly where Nabiki was. Shrugging she dismissed the minor mystery. Nabiki had her own agenda. Still she had at least a few more . . .the sound of battle jerked her out of her musing.

"DIE . . .you cheating . . .!"

"Oh ho ho ho! The Black Rose is not so easily defeated." Kodachi? Akane pulled herself over the fence to see Kuno Kodachi facing off against an even dozen black clad figures. As she watched Akane saw Kodachi blind an opponent with a spray of black petals. Another two were felled with a quick double snap of her ribbon. Like black lightening Kodachi flashed among her attackers striking ,vanishing and reappearing to strike again. Her chilling laugh filled the air like a cold wind off a graveyard. Shivering in distaste at Kodachi's underhanded fighting (she winced at Kodachi flicked her ribbon in an opponents eyes before smashing them between the legs with a gymnastic club) Akane nevertheless admired her smooth flowing grace . . .like water over stones . . .like a forest fire sweeping all before it . . .like . . . With a shrill soprano scream Kodachi collapsed as one of her attackers smashed her behind the knee. At once the figures still standing swarmed the fallen Kodachi like jackals on a wounded lioness. For a moment Akane remained frozen, unable to believe that Kodachi had really been beaten . . .waiting for Kodachi to burst forth, laughing at how she'd tricked her enemies. Another moment passed with Kodachi still on the ground and the air filled with the sounds of fists and feet thudding into unresisting flesh.

"HEY!" Akane jumped down from the fence. "HEY . . that's enough. Stop that." No one paid any attention to her shouts. She did get their attention when she grabbed the first one and threw him half way across the field. One of the figures tried to shove Akane out of the way. His hand hit Akane on the breast. Her fist hit him . . . Screaming in a voice only dogs could hear he fell to the ground.

"HENTAIIIIII!!" Screaming the Tendou war cry Akane scattered the black clad figures like dandelion fluff in a typhoon. Chest heaving, hands fisted at her side Akane watched the last of the figures flee the field carrying their wounded with them.

"Kodachi? Hey . . .Kodachi. Are you all right?" Akane knelt in the dirt beside the tattered and bloody figure. Running her hands over Kodachi's prone figure she couldn't feel any broken bones . .. but there could be internal injuries.

"Kodachi . . .can you hear me? I'm going to get help. I'll be right back." A hand weakly grasped the hem of her skirt as she started to rise.

"Don't . . .don't leave me."

"I've got to get help. You could be bleeding inside. Or your back. You could have a back injury. I'll call an ambulance and . . ."

"no . . .no doctor . . .no hospital."

"That's crazy! You've got to go . . ."

"no hospital . . .my mother died . . .in hospital." Akane went cold hearing that faint whisper. HER mother had . . .

"please . . . i'm afraid." Akane couldn't resist the weakly pleading voice.

"Can you move your legs. Can you feel this?" Akane watched as Kodachi moved her limbs at Akane's command.

"OK . . ." Gently she bent to lift the fallen Kodachi in her arms. "I'll take you . . ." Akane thought a moment. They were near her home. "I'll take you home. You can call someone from there."

"thank . . .thank you." Akane started home at a slow jog. A brief sound caused her to look down in concern.

"Did I hurt you? Are you alright?"

"no . . .i'm fine." Kodachi looked up into Akane's concerned eyes. "i'm just fine." Kodachi replied, lowering her lashes to hide the gleam of triumph in her eyes.

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"What SHE doing here?" Shan Pu indicated the recumbent Kodachi with a jerk of her chin.

"Some goons beat her up. She was afr . . .ummm she didn't want to go to the hospital so I brought her here. I've called her home but no one answers." Shan Pu scowled. She was willing to bet there wouldn't be an answer from the Kuno estate for a good long while. She knew what Kodachi was up to, she just wasn't sure what to do about it. Before she could think of something Akane looked at her watch and gave an exclamation of disgust.

"OH RATS! Look at the time." Startled Shan Pu pulled away from contemplating Kodachi laying on a futon to look at the watch Akane had thrust beneath her nose.

"We're not going to have time to spar today . . .you have to get back to the Nekohaten."

"That OK. Shan Pu stay late today."

"Oh could you . . ." Akane started happily, then shook her head. "This is your busiest time. I don't want you to get in trouble with Cu Lon." Shan Pu started to disagree, then realized Akane was right. Missing the dinner crowd would lead to awkward questions from her great-grand-mother. She hadn't told Cu Lon about her arrangement with the voice because . . .because . . .She wasn't sure why . . .whether she was afraid Cu Lon would interfere. Or if she was more afraid that Cu Lon would approve. And until she decided she couldn't afford Cu Lon asking questions.

"You right Akanechan." Shan Pu smirked inwardly as she saw Kodachi's features tighten at Shan Pu's use of the familiar. "Shan Pu go now.." She paused as if realizing something. "But I come early tomorrow. Tomorrow Sunday. I come very early. We spend all day together." She shot a sly glance at the silently fuming Kodachi. "I teach new technique. One that make you fast. Plus we try new cooking. You ready for special fancy cooking."

"OH! Oh that would be great " Akane's face lit up with such innocent joy that Shan Pu grinned back in sympathetic response, forgetting her purpose for a moment. In fact she so far forgot her purpose that when Akane's face fell Shan Pu was genuinely distressed. "What the matter Akanechan. Why sad?"

"Kodachi." Akane stage whispered. "I still can't get an answer at her home. And it's getting so late. As hurt as she is I think she better stay the night and rest. And our practice is so noisy . . ." Out of Akanes sight Kodachi shot a look of triumph at Shan Pu.

"Shan Pu be very quiet. Quiet as grave." Akane completely missed the savage look Shan Pu shot at Kodachi. "If Kodachi still sick, Shan Pu know many remedy . . .old Amazon medicine cure all illness." Shan Pu stared directly at Kodachi . "Amazon medicine fix all problems . . .fix for good."

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"The Ginza? I don't know. Shan Pu and I usually practice . . .."

"OH . . .but you must let me . . ."

"What must let do?" Shan Pu hopped over the wall and stood in the Kuno compound garden staring at Kodach and Akane. "Find note Akanechan leave. Akanechan no have to do anything she not want to do." Kodachi's lips tightened infinitesimally but the smile never left her face (and never quite reached her eyes.)

"I was just asking Akane to let me take her shopping at the Ginza and then to lunch . . .in appreciation for saving my life yesterday."

"Window shopping and pork bun pretty cheap for saving life . . .but you know best what worth." Shan Pu grinned evilly at the dig. Kodachi took a deep breath, then another. She would not let this . . .this creature bait her. The stakes were too high. And once her darling Ranmasama were her's . . .she would take care of the Amazon . . .yes and that peasant cook person too.

"Not just window shopping . . .I wish for Akanesan to have some little token of appreciation, in remembrance of her heroism . . .to commemorate a deed worthy of the best Samurai traditions. Akane blushed at the praise . . .Shan Pu looked narrowly at Kodachi as she continued the fulsome praise.

"Naturally no material object can adequately recompense for so noble a life as mine . . .this is instinctively understood by the better clas . . .well this is understood by persons such as Akanesan." Kodachi looked pityingly at Shan Pu. "Not being Japanese YOU could not be expected to understand the natural bond that exists between those of the Samurai class. And after shopping I shall take my DEAR FRIEND to an eating establishment worthy of her grace and refinement."

"Look pretty good for so beat up just yesterday . . .You make very fast recovery. Please share secret." Before Kodachi could respond Akane broke in.

"Shan Pu . . .why don't you come with us?" Akane was oblivious to the look the two girls exchanged over her head. "I know we were supposed to practice . . .but I'd really like to get you something nice." Akane pressed her fingers together in a nervous gesture. "I . . .uh . . .well you've been so nice and I haven't . . .that is . . ." Before Shan Pu could answer, a phone rang. Kodachi dipped into a pocket and pulled out a cell-phone.

"MoshiMoshi. Yes, she's here." Kodachi handed the phone to a surprised Shan Pu. After a sharp rapid exchange in Chinese Shan Pu handed the phone back to Kodachi.

"Great-grandmother call. Many people in Nekohaten. Many take-out order. She say Shan Pu must come now. Help serve . . .help delivery." Shan Pu glared at Kodachi. "Very unusual number order this time of day . . .never have so many customer before . . ."

"How dreadful." Kodachi's voice dripped sympathy. "Now you won't be able to come with us. And I was SO looking forward to your company."

"That's terrible Shan Pu." Akane agreed, missing Kodachi's tone completely. "Maybe you can . . ."

"Yes, yes . . .but we better let Shan Pu go now. It wouldn't do for her to be late for work." Shan Pu shot Kodachi a snarling look that promised retribution and sprang over the wall. She didn't know how Kodachi had arranged it but she was sure Kodachi had something to do with this sudden upsurge in the Nekohaten's popularity.

"Shall we?" Kodachi gestured toward a door leading into the main house from the gardens. "I thought you might like some refreshment before we leave."

"What?" Akane was staring after the disappearing Shan Pu, a distressed look on her face. "Oh, oh yes. Thank you that would be nice." Akane paused a moment . . .then hesitantly broached a question. "Ummm . . .Kodachi . . .why are you doing this? I mean . . .I'm not exactly one of your favorite people . . .the last time I was here you tried to feed me to . . ."

"Oh ho ho." Kodachi covered her sudden confusion with a laugh, a technique that had served her well throughout her life. She hadn't expected Akane to question her . . .she was supposed to be blinded by Kodachi's generous condensation . . .what right did this peasant have to question her . . .

"Ah, I suppose I have no right to expect otherwise than you would be suspicious. There is always a natural antagonism between two beautiful" Kodachi repressed a gag reflex. "women such as ourselves." She glanced slyly at Akane and was gratified to notice a slight pink tinge on her cheeks at Kodachi's words. "Despite this inevitable conflict . . .it is only meet that I show my gratitude and honor your great skill and courage in saving the last daughter of the house of Kuno." Kodachi stopped and dropped to her knees lowering her head to the floor in a gesture usually seen only in old Samurai movies.

"I am greatly in your debt. Please allow me to do this thing for you." Tremendously embarrassed Akane tried to tug Kodachi to her feet, all suspicions forgotten; just as Kodachi had planned.

"Please get up. I didn't mean . . ."

"Thank you. You are very generous. And now . . .I have had prepared some tea and cakes that you may like. Our conveyance will be ready in a few moments."

As Kodachi poured tea into tiny china cups, and placed some small cakes onto delicate plates Akane let her gaze wander the spacious room. Delicate sixteenth century silk hangings clashed oddly with heavy western style furniture of some dark wood. Against one wall she saw a mostly complete set of haramaki style armor . . .rare and beautiful jade carvings, gold and silver ornaments filled every space in the room. It was an oppressive and overwhelming display that felt like a cross between a museum and a dentists waiting room. Directly across from where she sat Akane could see a set of six-paneled gold screens making up a willow-bridge painting, a conventional theme with weeping willows standing beside a curving wooden bridge. This set was particularly beautiful ,and caught her eye for some reason. The willow branches on the left screen were hanging straight while those on the right swayed, as if a breeze were blowing through them. To the left was the moon; on the right, no moon. Abruptly Akane realized the screens were depicting the transition from night to day, the breeze being the first breath of dawn. As she studied the screens she noticed the branches of the willows on the left were bare while those of the right hand screens were sprouting young leaves; winter passing into spring! Excitedly Akane began to look for other hidden things. Then it hit; water wheels turning under the bridge, the bridge itself, a traditional symbol of messengers from the other world, was curving in a great arc toward the viewer. Everything in the pictures was turning; dark to light, old to new, the moment before glory. Suddenly Akane realized Kodachi was staring at her, a strange look on her face..

"Please forgive me, " Akane said blushing at her inattentiveness . "But I was admiring those screens. They're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

"Thank you." For a moment Akane sat uncomprehending. "YOU painted that? It's so beautiful." Akane said excitedly. "You are extremely talented." Kodachi's features tightened and Akane suddenly realized she'd unthinkingly spoken as if she had a right to judge the worth of Kodachi's work or as if she were Kodachi's superior.

"Forgive me. Please forgive me. I only meant to say that I admired your work. How beautiful it is. And I wanted . . ."

"There is nothing to forgive." Kodachi made a dismissive gesture. "As the one who preserved the life of the daughter of house Kuno, who better has the right to judge her worth?" There was a slight edge to the words. Before Akane could respond the air shuddered as a Bell Jet Ranger dropped into the grounds with a great WHOP- WHOP-WHOP sound. Bundling her guest into the helicopter Kodachi gave the pilot orders and off they flew to the Ginza.

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"THIS is all you want?" Kodachi pointed to the small bundle in Akane's arms. The fruits of an entire mornings intensive shopping. Hours of Kodachi's efforts to entice Akane with clothing, makeup, jewelry . . .after all that to find Akane with . . .

"Brushes . . .you want . . .BRUSHES?" Kodachi's voice went up a little on the last note.

"Ummm . . .and ink too . . . and paper. See?" Akane pulled her prizes out of the wrapping and thrust them beneath Kodachi's nose. "But you don't have to worry, I've already paid for them." Kodachi held her temper with an effort. "But Akane - chan." She said with the sweetness of a spider asking a fly over for a bite of lunch. "YOU aren't supposed to pay . . .I AM supposed to get YOU a gift . . .for saving . . ."

"OH . . .well . . .about that." Akane stumbled a bit over her words. "Ummm . .if you don't mind . . .that is . . .if you could . . ."

"Yesssss." Get to the point you stupid bitch . . .and quit wasting my valuable time. She wanted to say. But of course she could not. The plan . . .the plan . . .the plan. Chanting this mantra, and thinking of her darling Ranmasama helped her tolerate . . .

" . . . .so if you don't mind . .. I mean if you have the time . .and. . ." Akane noticed Kodachi glaring at her with eyes that were beginning to glaze and finished in a rush. "WouldyoupleaseteachmetopaintIwontbeanytroubleandI'llworkreallyhardbutitwassob eautifulandI'dreallylikeyoutoteachmeplease." Black spots dancing before her eyes Akane sucked in a great gulp of air while Kodachi struggled to translate.

"You . . .want ME . . .to teach YOU . . .to paint?"

"And calligraphy too, if you don't mind?" Akane looked at Kodachi with such hopeful pleading in her eyes that only a selfish unfeeling monster could have resisted.

Teach YOU." Kodachi thought savagely. TEACH YOU . . .harlot, whore, man-stealing bitch. I'd rather see you in hell. TEACH YOU . . .you illiterate , ignorant peasant. The Kamisama himself couldn't teach you to find your bottom with both hands.

"You . . .surprise me Tendousan." Kodachi replied sweetly. "I never thought of teaching before. But if that is what you desire . . .I will try my poor best to . . ."

"OH, thank you Kodachi. Thank you." Akane said excitedly, grabbing Kodachi in a spontaneous hug. "You won't regret this."

"I'm sure I will not." Kodachi replied, controlling her revulsion at Akane's touch with comforting thoughts of Akane's death . "Now, I think we should have lunch."

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"Do you know anyone who eats here?" Kodachi's conversation with the owner of the Doi, a lavish restaurant in the eastern hills of Kyoto, was not going well.

"I am Kuno Kodachi. That I honor your establishment with my presence should be . . ."

"I am very sorry." Her soft voice did not sound in the least sorry. "But I must respectfully advise you to . . .forget it!" Stunned at the excruciatingly polite refusal Kodachi could only stare after the departing owner in mounting fury. Before she could act on that fury, an act that would likely have landed her in court or worse, Akane laid a hand on her arm.

"I'm sorry. I could have told you if I'd known what you wanted. You're ichigen, an out-of-towner. Most places in Kyoto are like this, wouldn't let the Emperor himself in without an introduction from a regular customer. Kodachi couldn't believe it. How dare they! This had never happened before. In Tokyo . . .

"You're not in Tokyo." Akane said sympathetically. Kodachi realized in startled embarrassment she'd spoken aloud.

"This is Kyoto. Here, things are a little . . .different." Akane thought for a moment. "Come on. I know a perfect place. The Doi's too stuffy anyway." Bemused Kodachi followed her new guide, only realizing later from Akane's statement that SHE must have eaten at the Doi before. Some time later Kodachi found herself in a older part of the city, not far(according to Akane) from the geisha district of Gion. Walking down the narrow streets Akane gave a little running commentary on what they saw. Kyoto had been, Akane said, the center of crafts such as woodwork, silk weaving and dying and lacquer ware. Even though most of the old city had been destroyed, in a deliberate act of self-hatred Akane knew of a few places that still kept the old ways. This was one of them. All of the shops were intensely specialized. Here Kodachi saw a store selling beans; in front of the shop were four trays, displaying black, white, red and purple beans. Nothing else. In another display window Kodachi saw a gourd-shaped vase on a red lacquer stand. From the vase a single flower stretched forth. Next to it hung a scroll with a whimsical paining of a flower. It was, Akane informed Kodachi, the shop of Kusakasama, one of Japan's premier scroll mounters. An expert in ancient script, and other antiquities. Kodachi was a Tokyo-ite, rarely leaving the environs of the metropolis. This walking tour of old Kyoto had all the fascination of an excursion to Mars. Finally they came to Imamiya Shrine where two old aburi mochi shops faced each other. Entering one of the shops Akane bowed and murmured something to the owner. As Kodachi watched rice cakes were put on bamboo skewers, covered with sweet miso sauce, then grilled over charcoal. Kodachi couldn't believe it when Akane motioned her to join her in a tatami room. Gingerly sitting on the old tattered mats and looking around at the shabby room and gardens she was appalled.

"I love it here." Akane suddenly announced, taking a bite of her sweet rice cake. "Tokyo smells of money . . .everything is polished and sterile. And the Kyoto city council has destroyed most of the old city in an effort to 'modernize'. But this." Akane waved at the old tattered room, the gardens worn with age and use. "This is beautiful . . .you can tell that it's loved and appreciated." Almost against her will Kodachi was drawn under the spell of the old town . . .eating the sweet rice cakes, talking leisurely of nothing at all. As the shadows lengthened and the soft golden glow of the setting sun was replaced by the silver light of the rising moon Kodachi realized how much she was enjoying this quiet moment, and made a mental note to ask the "voice" not to make Akane's death too painful.

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