Soun and Genma were perplexed by this strange costumed figure waving a bokken at them. This had not been in the plans at all but after having been the cause of and an occasional recipient of the chaos that occurred around Ranma, the two masters of Anything Goes decided that it would be far better to deal with the issue in the only way they knew how. The one most likely to make the situation even worse.
"Listen boy, I don't know why we've caught your attention but I'm going to have to ask you to leave. No? Soun if you wouldn't mind."
Figuring it would be best to just frighten off this Tuxedo Kendo so they could return back to their original plan, Soun activated his patented Demon Head technique, and roared out "Leave us before we punish you!" and watched with great pleasure as the boy gave a girlish shriek and jumped back in fright. Glad the problem was over with Soun released the technique and he and Genma turned their back on the terrified Black Thunder to get back to acquiring that alcohol. Unfortunate because Kuno's mind had just made one of those fantastic leaps of logic and his terror had turned to rage.
"You are a truly foul sorcerer Genma Saotome, turning another man into a demon in your twisted plot to ensnare the Tendo daughters for your own vile purposes. I will not allow it to occur and shall end your evil tonight."
Genma and Soun had turned back around, wondering what the fool was going on about now to see the kendoist charging. He was quick and Soun was hard pressed to avoid his strikes and Genma was able to dodge but closing with the boy would be difficult as Genma could feel the Ki radiating from the weapon. While unfocused it was strong and Genma knew that a solid blow would make any further movement the rest of the day painful. Not knowing his attacker, Genma couldn't utilize his more effective techniques and his Crouching Tiger would likely be ineffective considering the rage in the boy's eyes. Still if he was willing to take the blow...
Then out of the corner of his eye Genma caught a flash of blue black hair. Realizing that even if he were to overcome this obstacle, that even more would prevent him from carrying out his plan, Genma sighed. At least he had a decent sparring partner to kill the time. If they were lucky maybe they'd lose him in an hour or two.
---
Akane's back was against the wall and she worried that she'd been spotted, she had no hint to the fact just a vague suspicion. She had been unsure if Kuno would prove sufficient to the task and peeked around the corner to see. It looked like he was able to keep the two old men from ruining everything. Much as the sight of Kuno filled her with disgust and outrage, she was glad that he was serving a purpose other then harassing her for once.
Now came the difficult part where she kept an eye on Kasumi and Ranma and wasn't seen in return. Akane walked into the restaurant and asked for a single seat and hoped she'd be lucky enough to be placed somewhere close where she could easily observe. The good news was that Akane had arrived at the restaurant first so she didn't need to worry about being spotted, she could hide behind her menu and when they sat down most of their attention would be focused on each other rather then their surroundings. Though that thought made Akane slightly uncomfortable, she decided not to dwell on it.
By the time the waitress had arrived to give Akane her glass of water, Ranma and Kasumi had arrived and were led directly to the booth across the room from Akane so she could see though not hear what the two were talking about. Akane hoped this would be good enough and wished that she knew how to read lips like Nabiki. Ranma was different from most boys but Akane would watch like a hawk and if Kasumi looked upset or Ranma reverted to his natural perverted tendencies Akane would go and save her sister.
---
Ranma was confused, and not the bad What the Hell Just Happened kind of way he generally spent his life in, having to deal with bizarre consequences to bizarre situations. No it was the far more unusual, for the part-time nature spirit, Who Is This Person? Typical for a new person but rather odd when reapplied to someone he thought he knew. It was bad enough dealing with the emotional conflict from his feelings for the free spirited Kasumi from his dreams and the demure homemaker who only cared for others. Ranma had thought the two inseparable and for Kasumi to come down wearing her skin tight dress had thrown him for a loop. For a brief moment he had allowed himself to hope that the Kasumi of his dreams was real. Ranma looked appreciatively at well toned legs. Kasumi must have noticed that she was having such an effect on Ranma as she got a faint tinge of red in her cheeks and without a word accepted Ranma's hand as he escorted her out her home and to their date.
Not for the first time and certainly not for the last, Ranma wished he were in his cursed form so he could know what Kasumi was feeling. Drawing on the techniques he'd picked up he decided to go with a simple one and see what happened. "You look very nice Kasumi." Ranma didn't know why but Kasumi seemed dissatisfied with it.
"Thank you Ranma, that is very kind of you."
Kasumi had looked nice her entire life in those plain dresses she had been wearing before. She had been hoping for a little more. Putting a hand on the back of his head Ranma nodded, "Just the truth." Man he was screwing this up, which was the plan; if he'd just remember that.
The uncomfortable silence continued until they arrived at the restaurant and Kasumi was pleased by how nice the place looked. She had read a review about it in one of her magazines once and had wanted to go but her duties at home had prevented her before. Ranma had even made a reservation so they were able to get their booth without having to wait. As they sat down and got their drinks, Ranma water and Kasumi strawberry lemonade they sat across from each other and waited. Kasumi could tell that Ranma felt slightly nervous with the way he shifted around in his seat and decided she should try starting a conversation herself. "So what are your plans for the future Ranma?"
"Uhm, well I've spent practically my whole life on the road training to be a martial artist, that I can't really think of doing anything else. It's a part of who I am, if you know what I mean. I could be something else, and I'm sure I'd be the best but dumb as my old man is I do love the Art."
"That's nice Ranma, I know what you mean about doing something so long that it becomes a part of you. Ever since Mom died I've been caring for Nabiki and Akane the best way I know how and now its hard to think of myself outside that role. Of being free enough to act without worrying what others would think of me."
For a moment both thought to a dream with an angel and Ms. Ahobaka and smiled. They spent the rest of the time making small talk about their day, how Kasumi had made a certain dish for breakfast that Ranma had greatly enjoyed and a promise for a lesson on how to make it himself. The food was actually quite nice and despite tempting fate with his drink, Ranma was able to make it through the whole meal without getting splashed. After dinner, Ranma paid with a loan he had managed to acquire from Nabiki for his night's activities and the two left the restaurant, unaware that the whole time Akane had been watching and was tailing them to the next stop on their date.
---
Ranma was feeling a lot better about the date and decided he'd have to thank Akane when this was all over. Other then his spying on the couples when he had been a spirit he hadn't been to the movies. Genma had felt the time was far better spent in training and he was unsure what to go to. Getting Kasumi's opinion was great. As the couple stood in front of the theater Ranma nodded to the choices, "So which do you want to see?"
Kasumi wasn't sure herself, she only time she went to the movies was with Nabiki on her birthday and she usually chose the film. "Oh my. I don't know whichever one you like." The uncomfortableness from before the dinner was back as both were unwilling to make a decision and Akane in the background wanted to slam her head in the wall watching the two dither.
"Maybe we should just skip the movie." They both said it at the same time in sync and the tension disappeared as quickly as it had come in a fit of giggles from Kasumi and Ranma grinning, showing his own relief. Kasumi hadn't wanted to go to the theater, so who was he to force the issue. Knowing what to do now, Ranma grabbed Kasumi's hand and led her to the near by Ai Densetsu Park. It was only fitting that as they were running through the grass, the sprinklers came on soaking Kasumi and activating Ranma's curse. Ranma gave out a cry as he transformed into a spirit, his clothes flying right into Kasumi before going to the ground. Ranma let Kasumi go quickly as Kasumi bent down, showing a fine view of her ass to Ranma again, and gathered his clothes before doing to sit down on a park bench.
"I'm sorry it turned out like this Kasumi, I wanted it to be perfect for you. Now your beautiful dress is ruined."
"It's alright Ranma, it was a wonderful dinner and you've been a true gentleman, I couldn't ask for more then that." Much as Kasumi might want to. It wasn't a cold night but the water was going to have her shivering soon. She should probably gather Ranma's clothes and head home, the date a successful failure so that the other sisters could have their dates and delay this silly arranged marriage until a more permanent solution could be found. She was about to say so when felt hands on her shoulders that passed through the wet cloth as if it wasn't even there. A strange pressure on her lips that was warm and soft with a hidden firmness under the surface and too soon it was gone. Kasumi tried to keep the contact but once it was gone she realized she'd just been kissed and blushed.
"I wanted to at least end the date right." Kasumi blushed even more and stunned gathered the clothes and the two headed home.
---
Akane was disappointed when Ranma changed into his cursed form as she couldn't follow the couple anymore with out fear of revealing her presence. The worst part being she couldn't be sure to move to the place Ranma wasn't looking with him invisible. Somewhat sure she could trust Kasumi and Ranma not to do anything they shouldn't and trusting the date was pretty much over with anyways she left before she could wonder what would make Kasumi's face so red.
---
Kuno was a broken mess, his bokken improbably halfway through a steel dumpster that had spilled trash across his body. His protective crotch cover now pointing straight down though he had made a good showing of himself as Soun was holding the side of the alley with one hand on his head from where he had gotten struck by the bokken and Genma leaning with both hands on his round gut. The boy had been surprisingly skilled though too specialized for him to stand a chance against the two. Genma also thought he might have come up with a way to utilize a variant of Kuno's technique. Though if it would prove useful enough to actually use in combat would have to wait till he tested it out on Ranma. That way he might be able to gain an effective counter as well from Ranma. Then this fool wouldn't pose a threat the next time he took an interest in Ranma's engagement.
"Come on Soun, the date is likely over by now. Operation: Snuggle Bunnies was a failure. Lets just go get some sake and get drunk." The only bright point to this whole operation being that now Genma knew that all the daughters were in on this scheme to prevent the joining of the Tendo and Saotome schools. He would have to reveal his plans to Soun out of sight of them or else more obstacles would be placed in his way. There was no point in revealing the matter to Soun, he would yell at his daughters until they pouted and then would weep until he gained their apology. Best to leave that alone, since Soun already suspected the matter and that would be more suitable then dealing with the aftermath of those concerns being confirmed.
Staggering away the two old men went to the bar to numb the pain. Providing Genma with the added benefit that out of his son's spiritual influence he got one of the best night's of sleep in months.
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(Posted Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:44)
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