Life After Molmol (Love Hina Post-Series, Rated T, K/N)

[Gojirob]

Again, a look of shame from one formerly so brassy was an eerie mirror to Mitsune as the trickster spoke.

"Hina attended a wedding of a couple from a family she was acquainted with. Several months prior, this nice young couple met me. We palled around, and I took a fancy to the groom. But I cared for the bride, too-she had been my friend. To prove that, we took pleasure in exchanging catty remarks about our appearances. Usually I came out on top-experience will out. One day she got me---I'm not used to that. I mean, she got me good. So I changed my standard Human appearance to hers-and hooked up with her husband."

Mitsune wasn't liking this story at all.

"Over a comment? And don't bring up the deed to the Sou again."

"I won't. Because a piece of land is actually an understandable goal compared to my reasons. So months after this one-night stand, I show up at the wedding-with the results of that encounter. She knew her man had been duped by an expert, but it still created distance between her, him-and the child they kept as their own. After that stunt, there are yokai who won't deal with me anymore. Hina felt outraged, and tricked me into entering a fox fur farm. Literally to save my skin, I had to give in to her. I tried apologizing to the people who had been my friends. They wouldn't hear from me, and they did not let me see my child. I have two worlds I am never welcome in."

Mitsune turned away as though getting something, though not on a conscious level.

"Just like I have my folks and now the people at the Sou, right? But Naru has Keitaro, and she gets a pardon for all the stuff she's pulled."

"Not from herself she doesn't. Her love for that man will grow every day she's alive. And every other day-she will recall, however briefly, how she once treated him-and how she hasn't always been a little treasure in other instances. This will cause her pain and shame that even I probably can't understand. But it's okay. Keitaro will make it his mission to make her forgive herself. Be there for that, Mitsu. Maybe you'll get a love like that, but even if you don't, there is beauty and joy in just witnessing it. I could have. Maybe I'd be an Auntie, instead of a non-entity to that little baby-formerly little."

An envelope materialized in the trickster's hands.

"This is the photo I promised when we started. Open it up when you like."

Mitsune shook her head.

"I'm not dumb. I think I know what's in there."

"But you have to know for sure, don't you?"

The fox-woman vanished quickly, and Mitsune Konno headed back to the only home she had, for however long that might be. Just shy of the Hinata-Sou, she stopped, sat, and gave in to a curiosity that would never be quite as sharp ever again.

"Please. So predictable. Magical Photoshop."

Yet she couldn't take her eyes off the twenty-plus year old photo.

"I mean, let's not mince words. She was a Kitsune. It's not a word without meaning. Their games are legendary. Like any mortal grifter, she spotted a mark and played her for fun and profit."

She was talking entirely to herself, and not caring.

"If I allow myself to fall for this, I am as prize a chump as I ever accused Keitaro of being."

The photo started to crumple in her anxious hands.

"To her, it's all just a prank. To her---"

Her tears began anew, and she sobbed openly.

"---it's all just one big joke."

The picture now on the ground showed the Human form of the Kitsune, along with the young couple who were soon to become Mr. and Mrs. Konno, parents to a daughter they always seemed anxious around, even when she had been well-behaved. The girl learned from this that it often didn't matter how you behaved-the goody-goody often got punished along with the naughty ones. Had this attitude reminded her parents of that earlier betrayal, increasing the distance between them? Or was she being played by someone cagey enough to move her along into jumping to conclusions?

Mitsune Konno, who would be a good while before once more using her well-known nickname, didn't know the answer to this. She only knew that she felt like hell, and that she wanted to go home. Just outside the door to that home, she stopped, and thought about what she might say. She also heard all those wonderful difficult friends of hers going through a hell of their own.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Su, you can't leave!"

Shinobu felt responsible for this. She had ripped into the exasperating but loving princess with a vengeance after their imprisonment in Molmol.

"We don't want you to go."

Naru felt responsible for this. Maybe Kitsune had been right, she thought, and her pursuit of old dreams had given her an unfair advantage, making a girl like Su believe she had to go all-out to even stand a chance with Keitaro.

"Please. Stay. For your Onii-Chan?"

Keitaro felt responsible for this. He wondered if he just should have been more patient with a girl he secretly thought of as a wonder of the modern world.

"You have passed our tests. More lessons must follow, but you have shown that you can recognize right from wrong in the ways that we ask. Do not leave our lives. Do not leave mine."

Motoko did not feel responsible-in her mind, she *was* responsible. That it had come this far was a disgrace as great as lying to her sister about entering University at Todai. Only Mutsumi kept silent, feeling as sad as the others but for the moment, having nothing to add as Su responded.

"You've all said that you don't hate me. That you hate what I did. But in Molmol, we are taught that a person is their actions. They cannot be separated. If I made you this angry once, I could do so again, and then you might even really hate me, and I can't bear that thought. Please don't ask me to."

Shinobu shook her head.

"Su, we hated those things you did because we love you, and we couldn't reconcile the two. We were afraid that either you really were that way, or that you somehow could never understand why we were upset. You've proven that you care about us. You just didn't understand the connection between all these things. That's all we needed to know."

Su was still despondent.

"But that's just it, Shinobu. I don't understand any of that on an important level. I know I'm missing something. I hate that. I usually just know whatever I need to know. I can't even start Motoko's new lessons without this thing. It would be like entering a room before the house is even built."

The lobby door's opening could not have been more dramatic, even though, for once in her life, Mitsune Konno had no intention of making a big entrance.

"I think I can help with that."

Nobody was challenging her presence or making snarky remarks just yet, so she did not stop.

"Su-you just have to accept that, just because you can do something, doesn't always mean you should. In fact, a lot of times, you really probably shouldn't. ‘Because I Can' is fun, and it leads to great things. But it also can lead to hurt people and hurt feelings."

She looked directly at Naru, who nearly choked up from the blatancy of the simple message : I now understand. She looked back at Su.

"You have to accept that, just because a situation is comfortable and easy for you, it may still not be to everyone's liking. A lot of times, someone will be nice and keep doing things for you, wondering when you're going to realize you're pushing things too far."

She looked at Keitaro as she kept on.

"It can even cause someone to think that you weren't interested in being an even closer friend, when you're too busy playing your own game. You may end up missing a chance for something really nice, maybe forever."

His look and blush told her that he got the message. Mitsune turned back to Su.

"Su, there are certain things you never do to people, and especially not to your friends. They may forgive you, but you don't want them to have to. Even if you have every right in the world on paper to do it, certain things are always wrong, even if you meant no harm."

It was hardest for her to look at Shinobu, but she found that courage.

"You have to think of others, and how something you do might seem to them, or how it really is to them. Not always, and not for everybody, but certainly for your friends on most occasions. Now, did you radio ahead to Molmol while we were in transit, to tell them you were going to take Keitaro as your husband?"

"Yeah-actually I used a sat-phone. Was that wrong?"

"It's called an ambush. Did you know that miscommunication and an ambush attack helped start the Pacific War?"

No student of history, Mitsune still knew it was vastly more complicated than that. But for then and there, none challenged her representation, for it seemed to be getting through to Kaolla Su as none of them had.

"I know about the Pacific War. 4300 elite Molmolian Guard soldiers died turning Japan back. The Americans got snippy when we wouldn't let them have a base there, either. The Pacific War is why I was sent here-to see if both cultures had changed. And they have! Japan has instant ramen, and America has chili cheese fries!"

The princess would be a work-in-progress for some time to come. But Motoko seized the moment for all it was worth.

"Kaolla Su-do you understand what Kitsune has told you?"

No one saw Mitsune wince at the mention of her nickname, but she would address that quietly at another time.

"I do, Motoko! You can't just do anything you want, even when you think you might be able to. Why didn't any of you tell me that?"

Motoko smiled at the other friend she hoped was not leaving.

"Because-sometimes, in order to solve the riddle of the knot, you need not a scholar with a scroll but an Alexander with a sword to cut through it."

Mitsune smiled back.

"Alexander, huh? Well, I always wanted to play the hero."

Mitsune began her comeback, opening her arms in front of Shinobu, who characteristically bolted into them.

"I'm sorry-you were hurt, and I was so horrible."

She squeezed the girl hard.

"Hey-you were just handing back some of the poison I planted. Karma, ya know?"

Letting her go, she looked at Keitaro. He nodded, and put his hands behind his back.

"I'm ready."

He was expecting a punch for a punch. That was not what he got.

"I seriously doubt that."

She seized him by both sides of the head, and kissed him hard. Just to be sure, after releasing the stunned Keitaro, she winked at Naru.

"He's all yours. I just had to clear up an old misconception on his part."

She pulled his cheek.

"You, pal-are cute. And one more thing?"

When she bowed, Naru was briefly afraid of another type of kiss, but that fear was short-lived.

"Landlord Urashima-Dono, if your gracious offer to train me as Ryobo and work off my debts is still in effect, I choose to accept this now-with maybe another year of debt payment added on for all the local taverns. I-do not wish our grandmother's name to be associated with debt-skipping."

"I welcome you to the employ of our grandmother's inn, Konno-Chan. And-please forgive-"

"Ehhh! You were defending yourself. End of story. In fact, if someone ever swings at you like that again-including your young and lovely fiancée-you better hit back or I will clobber you---Manager-San."

Mitsune turned and gave a brief hug to Mutsumi.

"Are you here for good this time? I need an edge against these violence-prone women."

"Oh-I know how to deal with them. So how was that kiss?"

"Eh-like kissing your little brother-after he's gone all geek studly."

"I'm older than yo---oh the hell with it."

Motoko released Su from a tighter-than-normal embrace, and she and Naru faced the returned Mitsune directly. Mitsune opened her arms, and so did the women who were like her own sisters.

"I'm ready."

"As am I."

Mitsune calmly smiled, nodded, and pulled back both fists, driving them into her sisters' exposed faces, knocking them cold.

"I seriously doubt that."

Just as calmly, she picked the two up and laid them on the couch to recover. Only then did she sit down, as Keitaro checked on those she knocked out. She smiled at their resident chef.

"Shinobu-anything to eat? I'm starved!"

 

[Gojirob]

Chapter Eight - Raiding The Icebox

------------------------------

HINATA-SOU, LATE DECEMBER 2000

Mutsumi Otohime had been at the Hinata-Sou long before all but two of its current residents, and yet she was also its newest resident. Her part in the fractious love affair between Keitaro Urashima and Naru Narusegawa could not have been more fundamental, and yet since her return, she had also been a tangential figure. This was understandable.

Of all who lived there, her ties to her family were likely the strongest of all, with nary a sign of strain or stress, and she was not only easily able to return home at any time, she was encouraged to do so, yet allowed to go back to the Sou whenever she saw fit. Arguably, there was nothing preventing Keitaro from visiting home, and Naru's strains with her family were never as great as for her to be truly unwelcome. Shinobu's parents were largely reconciled and talk of separation or divorce ended. Kitsune had been sent there as a pre-emption to true banishment, a safety valve meant to stop her leaving on the heels of a confrontation. Motoko's family shrine was open to her at any time. Wherever it was Su came from, she had mentioned missing it and her family, but never had she spoken about being unable to go back.

But Keitaro's parents, while loving their son still felt in a mostly unspoken way that his successful entry into Tokyo University stood somewhat in spite of them. While Naru had reconciled with her mother, stepfather and step-sister Mei, she had functioned so long without them, Keitaro intruding on the onsen (prior to their recent start as a couple) was more comfortable for her than dinner-table chit-chat at what had been home. Shinobu's parents argued to get along, and while for them, it was functional and healthy, to the young girl, it was a painful reminder of a time when her paternal grandmother had filled her head with nightmares of being bounced from relative to relative, divorce being unthinkable to the old woman. Kitsune had developed her freelance writing as a means of not calling back home and dealing with her parents' polite ‘not-anxiety-dear' approach. For Motoko's part, she'd had a dream about the chance to go back home and face her sister-instead, she'd opted to carnally service Keitaro's two nameless college chums in the onsen while Kaolla Su churned out endless clones of Sama-Chan-one of whose back they used for their activities. Su in fact had plans to not only go home, but to merge her two homes and families into one, never quite realizing that it had always been the fluidity of their circle and locales that had made them special. Only Mutsumi had no qualifiers on her ability to make the trip between her two homes-which she already saw as one in any event.

Her second home had been the more interesting places to be of late, no questions asked. One storm had just passed, and another was starting to build, though there was not a cloud in the sky. That first storm went by the name of Kanako Urashima, sister of the man who had caused a shift in all their lives, a sudden and savage rival for his hand. But while she saw her adoption by the Urashimas as an out to one of the rules of civilized Human conduct, her brother had taken his early instructions to heart and thought of this girl first and last as his sister. Sadly for her, the love he had given her as such that caused her to fixate on him also made their love and marriage impossible in his eyes. Had he been any less a brother, the little girl, frightened after two successive adoptions, would never have fallen for him, but then he could have seen her outside of their familial relationship. Yet for all its complications, Mutsumi silently mused, the story of their love fit perfectly in with the atmosphere of the Hinata-Sou.

If Keitaro had elected to understand his sister's near-rampage through the lives of his charges at the Sou, most there were simply happy to see her go. Openly hostile to all her perceived rivals, she had played bizarre games with them as well using her eerie ability to mimic almost anyone at anytime with laser perfection. While one game involving speculation about her brother's physiology had been kind of fun (especially for Mutsumi, who normally would never be mistaken for a man), for the most part, it was a wearying exercise in figuring out her true motives and trying to deal with her mercurial behavior. In short, Su did not find her fun, Shinobu saw nothing of Keitaro in her, Kitsune found her agita-inducing, and Haruka was not all that delighted to see her niece. Secret instructions from Grandma not to rein the girl in had Haruka considering the unthinkable and telling the old woman to stuff her fabled tests-if in fact that was what it all had been. Nearing Thirty, Haruka still found that she was no more in the loop than was her cousin and nephew.

Mutsumi and Naru perhaps understood what it was like to be a little girl struck by the kindness of little Keitaro, and so lent her more understanding. Motoko respected an able fellow warrior, and was secretly glad her brother had been taught none of her techniques, almost as glad as she was that neither of their clans shared the superstition about unsheathing a sword without also drawing blood. Yet Motoko tried to be about method as much as power and Kanako's methods did not always sit well. For Naru's part, her lack of confidence when confronted by a rival perhaps made Kanako's activities seem bearable. Mutsumi saw a deep connection between Kanako and one of the residents-but that resident was not Keitaro, and this deeply confused her. Until Kanako moved to leave. The reason why she chose the one to do this in front of was as big a puzzle as her early motives had been.

"Exactly what part of go to hell were you failing to get?"

Kitsune turned away from an Urashima she had no mixed feelings about, only to find her already waiting at that turn. She did not look nor was she impressed.

"My Marine buddy said that, when his father faced the Vietcong, they would pull the same perspective trick you just did to stay out of sight in the jungle. Learned a way to beat it. Wait here, Kanako-I'll fetch a flamethrower."

The dark-aspected girl extended her hand.

"I wish us to be friends, Mitsune. I realize now that my approach left much to be desired."

"Huh. Tell me something I don't know."

"Very well. Your Marine used you as his ‘beard' against his service's exclusionary rules, to avert suspicion of his true sexuality. That is why he, unlike other men, never objected to your refusal to..."

Kitsune's fist punched forward, as it had a million times at Keitaro and Haruka, real and imagined respectively. This was the first time in any such case it was a complete miss.

"Get out, Kanako. Your family name may get your step-cestuous stalker ass in that door, but I don't have to and don't want to talk to you."

"We are sisters, Mitsune."

"Why? Just because you lived here-past tense? NO! Those ladies are my sisters. As far as I'm concerned, you are the same as those barrels of gunpowder you tried to take us out with-except they had a longer fuse. Leave us be with the Urashima whose greatest crime is doing what a boy does best. How he's even your adopted brother is beyond me. But as much grief as I've given him, he rose up immeasurably in my eyes when he didn't choose his nutty sis!"

"He did not choose either of us. Mitsune, there is a connection between us you are failing to see. Like you, my parents often saw me as a source of anxiety they were better off placing in Grandma's care."

Kitsune snorted.

"Yeah, well, I didn't want to make my folks the parents of both sides at the wedding. I never put up ‘Tiger Beat' posters of my brother."

"No. You did that to mine. Little Sarah's camera caught quite a bit, didn't it? Kei-Kun's choice is no longer at issue, here. I am speaking to you, and I wish to be your friend."

Kitsune gave her the finger.

"Remember me? Tied up and tortured because you thought certain I was the promise girl?"

"There is a reason I felt certain it was you beyond age and timeframe. Besides, you did confess to loving my brother."

"Baka! I'd have confessed to being Jack Bauer to get you to stop. But there is something I do love and adore about Keitaro. The fact that, somehow, despite having a sister like you, he somehow turned out mostly normal. Lady, you are NUTS!!!!"

"I am crazy, as they say, like that proverbial animal. Will you allow me to expound on the connection between us?"

"Hey, sure thing. Just hold your breath till that happens, okay?"

With a genuinely sad look, Kanako folded into the shadows and vanished. Mutsumi turned to Kitsune.

"You know, I haven't been here all that long, either. At least not recently."

Kitsune smiled.

"Yeah, but you're for real, Mutsumi. A girl I regard as a real sister thinks the same of you, and that's good enough for me. The biggest pain you give me is being put in second place rack-wise, and that's just genetics."

"Mmm. Thanks. But maybe you could have been nicer to her? She was extending the hand of friendship-specifically to you."

"The only thing I'll ever do for her is thank her for showing me what a dream Keitaro is. I'll take a perv over a maniac any day. The perv wants to play with my boobs-and who can blame him? The maniac wants to play with my head-maybe while it's not even on me anymore."

Shinobu passed by as Kitsune added on a thought.

"I know its him and Naru from now on, but do you suppose a guy like Keitaro and a girl like me could ever----"

"No."

Shinobu barely caught Kitsune's glare as she kept on. Mutsumi noted the bitterness in both their aspects. Waxing hypothetical didn't really seem Kitsune-like, and casually adding on comments like that one didn't seem Shinobu-like.

In the living room/common area, Mutsumi saw Su standing in front of a flat-panel television screen. She caught sight of what looked like the image of a naked Naru pounding with abandon on an equally nude Keitaro. Su giggled at this oddity.

"Boy, you two really went at it."

Onscreen, the nude pair turned their heads at this, and stopped to ask if Su was there. Su visibly gulped, and shut her viewer off entirely. Only the sight of that same pair, clothed but kissing the day away in the open-door onsen entrance stopped Mutsumi from enquiring about the device. Given experience, Mutsumi knew that a Kaolla Su-invention that was shut off was a blessing that should not be questioned.

Mutsumi and Su stared at the new couple with a mix of delight and envy. Then, Mutsumi noticed that not only did Su's face contain a lot more envy than delight, that face had been joined by three others. Living on an island at the mercy of the ocean's moods, Mutsumi knew better than most how to read the vibe of the surrounding area for not just signs, but messages, almost to the point that she could read actual thoughts.

Motoko.

*My will is iron. That fool will occupy no more of my thoughts. But-do I occupy any of his?*

Kitsune.

*Look at him. All calm. She's letting him touch her chest, but the only heavy breathing is hers. Way to diagonally snake the serpent, Naru. Pretty sneaky, Sis.*

Su.

*Well, there you go again. Wonder if I could make her run off, this time? This has gotta end. I'll be 14 before too long, and the time for producing heirs-lots of them over lots of attempts---has to be taken into firm and serious considera---SQUIRREL!!*

Even Haruka.

*Little creeps-awaking something this in your old Auntie. Seta said he'd be in Hokkaido this weekend. Now he'd damn well better be.*

Shinobu.

*Sempais will be hungry soon. I should cook them something. What's that fish that you have to prepare just so, or its poison? No---be happy for them. Their kids will call me Auntie Shin---gee Mom, Auntie is so cute for a Christmas Cake-why didn't she ever get married? Why, dear, because your Mommy exploited a repressed childhood memory to fix the game. Now, be good and push old Auntie Shin around in her walker-chair. IDIOT! You could have a girl who'd kill to be with you, and you pick one who tries to kill you?*

There was a lot to be read in Shinobu's face. Just past the sunlight she was better able to see past than some, Mutsumi saw Kanako standing next to another shadow.

*Another chance will arise, Onii-Chan. You and I are never done.*

The other shadow moved around Kanako, who showed disdain.

"Yet more of your irresponsibility. Small wonder Mitsune disdains me as well."

The red, furry looking object moved away, and Kanako folded into shadows that somehow had her rejoining a Grandma anxious for a report.

Mutsumi saw all this, and realized that a second, more powerful storm would soon rock their world, and she wondered if that storm and its aftermath could possibly be powerful enough to blow away her second family. In eight months time, that storm would at last rise.

--------------------------------

HINATA-SOU, AUGUST 17TH 2001

The storm had nearly passed, and though brief in duration, it would never be forgotten by any of them. The one who had done the most to bring this about was also the one who had taken the brunt, fairly or otherwise, of the storm, and she was also the one most ready and eager to move on from it. Mitsune Konno was very ready to write a new chapter in her life, but she had words aimed at her friends' hearts, for good and ill, and she would be heard.

"Care to explain what you just did?"

"That is, before we pass summary judgment?"

Mitsune calmly waved Keitaro off. Naru had her up against the wall, and Motoko had her sword against the prodigal daughter's throat. Despite this, she smiled.

"Wow, it's good to be back. If I have a regret, it's all those years I bet on dice, mahjong and horse races, when I could have bet on you two. I mean, do you even realize this is very nearly your reaction to everything?"

"We were ready to embrace you, and welcome you back, and you cold-cock us?"

"You should explain yourself and apologize immediately, Kitsune!"

"It's Mitsune. As for an apology, you got it, and this one's from the heart."

The angry pair let her free, her smile never leaving her face.

"I apologize---"

She turned away from the angry pair, and looked instead at her new boss.

"---to my brother, Keitaro Urashima. I'm sorry that it took me getting the treatment to show that it's no way to treat another Human being, especially someone you supposedly care about."

Her ‘brother' seemed chiefly worried about the wrath of their ‘sisters', even if he was not the target of said wrath.

"Ki-Mitsune, you did ambush them when they were glad to see you."

Su nodded, looking confused.

"And you just told me that ambushes are wrong."

Even if she was (temporarily?) dropping her nickname, Mitsune was still playing her own game.

"Keitaro was trying to defend himself, something I wish he'd done a lot earlier on. I think maybe his not doing it fed our worst tendencies, though we're all so full of it, it's really hard to tell if it would have made a difference. I made Shinobu cry, and that gets her a full pass. Su I gave some bad signals to, and it helped amp up what didn't need amping up."

She looked at Motoko.

"Stealing is always low. Would it help any if I said that I needed strong sake to sleep through the happy humpers going at it last night? I knew they'd be at each other, as soon as they got back from Todai Gate, and my social life is enough of a drag without hearing peals, squeals and moans. In short. Aoyoma-San, I am lately made pathetic, and in trying to drown that out, I did something even more pathetic. Would it also help if I said that you're going to see a change in me, and that, for whatever you can name and for a thousand things neither of us can remember, I'm sorry?"

Motoko met her gaze with eyes of steel, and Mitsune never once flinched. The warrior sheathed her sword, and this time successfully embraced her friend.

"I would have bought you a bottle, you know. Maybe shared it as we drowned our common sorrow."

"Nah-I owe plenty enough. But try and save that sword for the real thing, okay? And who's sorrowful? Our brother and sister have found each other. Last I checked, that's cause for a small party-very small in my case."

"A-heeee-m!"

Naru cleared her throat and shrugged.

"I may as well skip to the part where I forgive you."

But Mitsune held up an opened hand and shook her head.

"The hell you will. Hasn't it become obvious that you skipping over my pissing you off is what led you to throw down ultimatums?"

Naru looked confused.

"I always tell you when I'm upset. When have I ever held back on letting anyone know that?"

From her future husband to her oldest friend and on down to Su, absolutely everyone except Naru and Mitsune started looking away and whistling at that point.

"Hey! Well, that does prove my point."

"It proves that you tell them when you're really and truly upset-except for Su, who we all agreed to leave to Motoko."


Mitsune had meant no sarcasm, but her words caught Motoko like an honor dagger in the gut. For the edification and education of Kaolla Su had been left to her, and it was now a task she felt she had famously flubbed. In the excitement of Mitsune's return, she had willingly forgotten the grim task that awaited her.

"Su-my princess, we must talk alone in your room."

"But Motoko, this is getting good!"

"We must talk-about an important aspect of your new lessons."

Reluctantly, the ganguro-seeming royal left to talk with one of those she loved so much, she had finally exceeded the patience of her dearest friends. In mere moments, she would need those friends as never before.

 

[Gojirob]

Not taking full note of their friends' departure, Naru and Mitsune continued an important squaring-off.

"What are you getting at?"

"Naru, if all the crap I've been pulling has upset you for so long, why did I only just hear about it this morning?"

"I've told you to stop it in the past-I can't even count how many times."

Mitsune was not having any of it.

"No, chiefly you raised your voice, called my name and rolled your eyes. I never knew I got to you beyond the moment. Maybe I should have, but I can't always know that, Naru. It almost feels like you never bothered with me, because maybe I wasn't worth it."

Naru stormed up and looked her straight in the eye.

"Sometimes, frankly, you weren't. Do you have any idea how many bars I dragged your sorry ass out of? How many all of us have? How many shops, taverns, restaurants stop each and every one of us either demanding payment or warning us against bringing you in there? The kinds of things people casually say about you behind your back? It gets wearying trying to answer or refute it all, particularly when any and all words to the wise bounce more often than your chest."

Mitsune's head had been cleared by the fire she had walked through, and she was not backing down.

"Then say that! If you can't get through to me, then tell me that you can't get through to me. If I'm being impossible and won't listen, tell me how angry that makes you. If---"

Her voice broke for a moment, but picked up again as she looked at Keitaro.

"---if you think that my playing you for the rent makes me a little whore, scream it in my face. I may as well have you do something in my face."

"Don't involve him-"

"Naru, I've got this. Mitsune, I never thought of you that way. You mainly asked for delays, not---err-exchange for services-except for one boob grab. You talk about being disregarded, but I felt like I was the one who wasn't taken seriously."

"Yeah---well-I'm paying for that now, right? Bottom of the list. Your list."

Naru got right back in.

"Well, what are we supposed to do? Are you honestly telling me that a more direct approach on each and every last time you've been a pain in the ass would have made a bit of difference?"

Mitsune folded her arms.

"I don't know the answer to that. Probably not. But maybe I wouldn't have gotten so defensive if we hadn't suddenly shifted from ‘Oh That Kitsune' to ‘Throw The Bitch Out' in one motion. Narusegawa, why didn't you just tell me that I injured you aboard the airship? Did you think that I was so heartless I wouldn't care that I hurt the best friend I ever had, or probably ever will have? I'm sorry for that, and I'm sorry for playing a stupid game just to lamely try and put myself back in play with Keitaro. I'm sorry for putting myself between you and your damn dream out of greed and petty jealousy. I'm sorry for going out of my way to make myself an embarrassment. But couldn't you have at least tried for me? For your sister? When did I become so far gone that it wasn't worth the effort, except in an all or nothing confrontation that was almost destined to go bad?"

This seemed to hit Naru right between the eyes.

"I-don't like to draw that kind of line, unless I really have to. I did it with Keitaro, and I don't know how many times I came close to letting that end things. I did it back at home, when I felt like my step-family had my Mom's attention over me, and I ended up here. You are a pain in the ass, Mitsune, but I love you, you're precious to me, and when normal talk couldn't get through to you, I worried that tough love would mean losing you forever."

Mitsune shook her head.

"That almost happened anyway, Naru. You always try and retreat from a fight, even when it demands to be fought. I used to wonder why you went so all-out on entering Todai, when you already had the best prelims in all of Japan. I see it now-you were trying your best for the toughest exam anybody knows to not be even the slightest challenge-because you worry that you can't rise to that challenge without breaking something. But it never works, does it? You and Keitaro. Reconciling with Little Mei. Entering Todai. Telling your slacker bitch sister where to stuff her lazy drunken debtor ass. Keitaro's initial image of you may be fists flying. Mine is of that sudden pick-up in pace you do, as you try to out-run life. Our guy here isn't the only one who has to change. Not by a long shot."

Naru felt close to exhaustion, but gave the words needed to end this crisis.

"I'm sorry I didn't at least try to avoid making today all-or-nothing."

"I'm sorry I ever made you believe that all-or-nothing is what it took."

Naru saw the look on Mitsune's face, and shook her head.

"What happened to you while you were away? Did someone hurt you?"

"Ummm-like I said, the way things went today---"

"Mitsune---its more than that. I can always tell. What happened?"

Mitsune Konno was decidedly unsure about speaking on her bizarre encounter with the Kitsune. So she prayed her friends-her family would forgive just one more lie.

"Karma. I ran into that blonde Frenchman Pierre, while he was looking for Haruka. We went to Goro's Tavern, and wouldn't you know, he ducked and stuck me for the bill. Heh. Guess I got Kitsuned. Had to wash a lot of dishes-and I had a lot of time to think. I mean, he really got me good. The justice of it all had me reconsidering a lot of things."

Naru ran over and hugged her.

"I'm sorry that happened. But if it helped you to come back to us like this-I guess we won't hunt that creep down like the dog he is."

Mitsune looked over at Mutsumi, who caught that she wished to talk to her alone.

"Yeah, no point in that. I was banned from Goro's anyway, and he's-he's probably not even in Japan right now."

The embrace was tender and spoke of forgiveness. Shinobu smiled more broadly than anyone, and squeezed the hand of Keitaro, who was sitting down on the couch.

"I guess we finally have peace, eh Sempai?"

"Shinobu-Chan, I openly defy anything to go wrong as of now!"

As the returned Mitsune ducked to the kitchen with Mutsumi for a more truthful talk about Konno's time away, the embodied foolishness of Keitaro's words burst forth from Su's bedroom.

"I HATE YOU, MOTOKO!!!"

The normally unflappable, seemingly never sad nor angry princess of Molmol burst out of her room, the shocking words still hanging in the air, and with more to follow as she looked around at the other residents.

"I HATE YOU ALL! I HATE YOU FOREVER!!!"

A Kaolla Su almost unrecognizable burst out of the lobby doors. Out of Su's room slowly walked a dazed and psychically battered Motoko. She turned to the one she had never been able to push away.

"Urashima-Keitaro---I need your---"

She fainted and fell forward, face-first into his lap-and associated regions. Keitaro first yelped, and then nodded.

"Well-this is--certainly a---change of pace."

When the room fell silent, Shinobu, who was now squeezing his hand ever tighter out of nerves and shock, spoke to him. Her words were poorly chosen, though forgivable.

"Sempai--you want to borrow my skillet? It's no trouble."

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sarah, get her legs!"

"Dad, she's too strong!"

"Will you two let me go?"

Haruka tried to swat at her husband and step-daughter, till finally they worked her over to the couch, where they literally sat on her.

"What gives you the right to prevent me from checking up on them at the Sou, during their worst crisis ever?"

Father and child responded as one.

"You did."

"Yeah, before you went to the doctor's office earlier."

"And I quote my loving, gentle wife: They have to do this on their own. I stopped wiping Keitaro's decades ago, it's time I stopped wiping for the girls-ladies."

"Mom--you didn't actually wipe for them, did you? I mean, as for Kitsune, who hasn't? But the others..."

Haruka calmed down and then offered prayers that the nephew she had said she had confidence in was up to the job of repairing their family.

"Nori honey-let me up. I'm good."

"Sorry, m'dear. Every archeologist worth his salt knows a trap."

"Yeah, Mom. No way we're getting off you."

"One word, guys-Mummification. Starting with cerebral removal through the proboscis."

The pair gave up their sacred mission without another word. Haruka mused before putting it out of her head.

*Ehhh-probably by now, he's fallen face-first into one of their private regions, and that will let everyone know things are back to normal.*

------------------------------------------------------------

Naru was blocked from reaching Motoko, keeled over face-first in a place Narusegawa had clearly called dibs on.

"Hang on there, girl. One, the samurai is the offending party-wish I'd thought of that tack, been drunk often enough---two-well, one pretty much covers it."

Naru smiled at Mitsune, then looked at her fiancé.

"Keitaro-you and Mitsune take her out to the onsen-do what you have to, but don't leave her alone. Shinobu and I will go after Su."

Mitsune was for the foreseeable future trying not to be the one who stirred the pot. But her ‘bass-ackwards' alarm clicked on with a vengeance.

"Umm-you are sending out a boy-your guy-to help me undress a girl who is the most modesty-aware creature on the planet Earth, and again said boy has been both the object of her wrath and the subject of several disturbing pieces of character-insert fiction on her part."

Naru stared at her. Mitsune shrugged.

"Old me, alright? I've evolved. Besides, you know what my point is."

Naru nodded.

"I do-and I've evolved, too. I trust him, you and her. Mitsune-she didn't fall into your crotch, calling your name."

Mitsune was impressed by this, but the day had left her so numb, saying so was beyond her.

"That had been a private fantasy of mine, dammit. Okay, sparring partner-let's strip us a samurai."

Keitaro was already leading the shaken Motoko slowly to the onsen door, and Mitsune found the tender sight forced a smile out of her.

*He doesn't have to go for nailing all of us-he's had us all by the short ones for a while now.*

Mutsumi joined the pair helping Motoko. Shinobu asked Naru a question as they went after Su.

"Sempai-modesty aside, wouldn't Sempai Keitaro be a better choice to go after Su? She loves him as much as Motoko. You were the rival that beat her, and I've been rotten these past few days."

"Point taken, kid. But Shinobu-did you hear her voice? That was pure love twisted into pure hate. I have a feeling I know what Motoko said to her, and Su would like as not prefer us to either of them, right about now."

Shinobu heard these words, and now had a feeling she herself might be the best qualified to help Su. She hoped.

*Oh, Su. At least I was braced for it-a little. There was no way you could have been ready for it.*

To the surprise of both women aiding Keitaro, Motoko waved them off in favor of his help alone. He helped her out of her long robes, and undid her body wrap. No thundering warnings emerged from the born warrior, no ki-based attacks, nor a sudden realization followed by horror. The only noise that came from Motoko as he sat her down was a word that could have easily come from Kaolla Su or Kanako.

"Onii-Chan? Will you bathe with me? I am cold."

"No. But from outside the water, I will hold your hand. I'm here for you, Motoko."

"Onii-Chan-I failed her. I wasn't strong, like you."

There was a towel draped across her shoulders, and his head was turned to deny him a direct view. But he kept to his pledge, holding her hand firmly in his.

"Motoko-what happened?"

---------------------------

Nearer the onsen entrance, Mitsune shrugged.

"So why are we here?"

Mutsumi shushed her down a few octaves.

"For him. Naru trusts him, but without us ‘standing watch', he'd be too nervous to help Motoko, and he is the one she needs right now."

"In other words, we're here for character support."

"Remember, you said it-I didn't-Kitsune."

"It's Mitsune, alright?"

"So you said. You also fed us a whopper about where you were. Goro's banned you months ago-I remember because I had to drag you home. As for Pierre, Auntie Haruka said he married a wealthy countess from the Low Countries over a year ago."

Mitsune decided it was time to have the talk Su's tantrum had interrupted.

"First, swear to me that you will not accuse me of making this up. I may be crazy, Mutsumi, but this once, I will swear that I am not lying."

"Okay. I swear. Mitsune, tell me. Because it's obviously killing you inside."

Mitsune Konno then related to her the bizarre episode with the real Kitsune, and all she had said and revealed. Mutsumi did not dismiss the tale of the distraught Mitsune.

"Well, I did see a Kitsune hanging around here a few times. But the only time I ever got a clear view of it was when Kanako left. I can read lips from a fair distance, but all I could make out was Kanako calling it reckless, or something like that."

"Then you believe me?"

Mutsumi put a hand on her shoulder.

"I don't think you're lying."

"But you do think I'm crazy, right?"

"Not-really. Mitsune, you had just drunk hard sake made from grains that may be unique to the Aoyoma shrine. Sake meant to spur vision quests made by warriors. You were hurt and grieving. I don't think you're either lying or insane."

"You're saying that maybe I was just overwrought?"

Mitsune pulled the folded envelope containing the picture of her parents with the trickster.

"These are your parents with her?"

"Well-one of them. That's the question, isn't it?"

Were Mutsumi the world's most insensitive clod, she could still have easily read Mitsune's pain. She was not this, and so her friend's pain was practically radiating through her.

"So she was real. If you had this, why ask me?"

"Simple. Suppose I pulled it out and the envelope had nothing, or there was no envelope?"

Mutsumi put her hand on Mitsune's shoulder.

"It might prove nothing, or it might prove that a trickster can really play with your head. My family accepts the spirits that surround us, but doing business with them is reserved for something critically important. They're just too mercurial-not to mention often cruel. My grandmother once said that they tend to have a sense of entitlement. They are often our ancestors, or had dealings with them."

Mitsune was glad to hear this, though it told her nothing she hadn't thought of already. Sensing this, Mutsumi asked a touchy question.

"What will you tell the others?"

This one, she knew without having to think.

"Nothing. I told you because you seem like you're in touch with the mystic side of things-and because we frankly haven't known each other long enough for me to have pissed you off the way I did nearly everyone else. Don't take that as you not being a good friend, Mutsumi. Just by hearing me out, I think you kept me from actually going crazy."

"Are you afraid they wouldn't believe you?"

"They might not. This still-foxy but former fox has a credibility gap with her nearest and dearest. Something I plan to change. But I think I could convince them-show them that I'm sincere. That's not what worries me."

She closed her eyes, and the cheery look of one being closed was nowhere in evidence.

"Mutsumi, I live a life without excuses. Maybe I can't live one without apologies anymore. But I don't like excuses. Maybe it's part of why I joined in the anvil chorus on pounding Keitaro early on. I thought he was using his clumsiness as an excuse for copping a feel or seeing some flesh. Or maybe I was just a cruel bitch, and maybe I still am. But if so, that's because of who I am. If Mitsune Konno is an irresponsible leeching lazy trampy pain in the ass, it's because that's who I choose or chose to be. Not because my real Mom is some kind of evil spirit. To quote the sailor, I am what I am. I don't want anyone excusing me."

Mutsumi sighed, looking over to see Motoko and the lovingly cautious Keitaro talking in the distance.

"Mitsune-the woman you described didn't sound evil. She sounded sorry. Also, have you called your-have called the Konnos to try and confirm her story?"

"I got my-I got Mom on cell-phone. I didn't have many minutes left, naturally. Wasted them all hearing her denying even knowing such a person-but in that way she has that makes me think ‘unspoken subject'. I didn't even mention the mystic stuff, or my birth-which by the way does kind of coincide with what she claimed. I would have been born awfully close to their wedding date. They were always anxious around me-and I always felt like I'd done something wrong in a just because kind of way."

"Do I need to say it?"

Mitsune shook her head.

"I know. A good con artist makes you mentally suggest your way into their lie. I don't want this to be real, Mutsumi. But I also can't take not knowing for sure."

"There is one person who would know, and who I believe would tell you the truth about this woman. Grandma."

The idea that anyone could solve this riddle seemed to take Mitsune by surprise.

"Yeah. She supposedly caught and then used her to cast the spell on the Annex. Then I'll call her. Haruka or Keitaro must have a number where she can be reached."

Mutsumi raised a finger.

"Yes-but do you really want to know for certain?"

"Huh? I just said I did."

"Mitsu-if Grandma does know, wouldn't you want to know why she never told you? Also, consider this-Kanako seemed to know of the Kitsune, and her mastery of disguise is nearly supernatural as well. Keitaro told me that the parents whose deaths caused the Urashimas to adopt her were not her birth parents-and that he didn't really know who was. And if the Kitsune produced one child by a foolish act-who's to say that you were the first?"

Mitsune's eyes seemed to glaze over, but she shook it off.

"She uses latex and rubber, and kit-bashes household stuff for all that. Besides, her brother can always see through them, even when she dressed up as Naru. Maybe-maybe fox-lady just showed her some tricks to add on."

Mutsumi knew that Kanako was not Mitsune's favorite person-far from it. Besides the attacks and near-torture, the fact that Kanako's behavior had somehow evaded the scrutiny that had hit so many others in their circle so hard just did not sit well.

"Keitaro can see through her likely because of his nature. At least some of the things she does can't be shrugged off as stage tricks. But all that aside, Mitsune-can you take finding out? That a woman we all revere kept you in the dark, whatever her reasons? That a girl you can't stand might be the only blood relation you have willing to regularly talk with you? Because I have Grandma's number."

Mutsumi handed Mitsune the cell phone. After ten seconds, she received it back.

"Nah. That little psycho is Keitaro's problem, and---"

With uncertainty in her voice, Mitsune looked at Motoko rising from the onsen, Keitaro helping cover her as he must have once done for Kanako.

"-right now he has enough problems right here."

Mitsune did take the shoulder she was offered. While it would be unfair to say that Naru was soon to pull away from them, her new love would mean less time for some of her old friends, and as this inevitably occurred, Naru's oldest friends would form a deep lasting friendship of their own.

 

[Gojirob]

"Onii-Chan? Are you there?"

*Call me Urashima, Motoko. Hell, call me pervert, or dead pervert, or Grand Despoiler Of Young Women. But Onii-Chan? That's not you.*

"Onii-Chan is here, Motoko-Chan. As he promised you."

"Why won't you sit here with me?"

*Because at some point, you are going to snap out of this, and when that happens, I want sight of the onsen door, not your-unbelievably hot-body.*

"We are not small children, little sister. Propriety must be maintained."

*Not to mention my manhood. I really doubt Naru's request extends quite that far.*

"Motoko-chan---please tell me what happened, between you and Su."

Her breath was caught in her sob as she spoke.

"Onii-chan held the heart of a dear young girl in his hand, and gently guided her to wisdom."

Shinobu.

"But this vile unworthy failed in the same task."

"I don't understand."

"Just as Onii-Chan finds he cannot hold me now, so Motoko decided that she must follow Onii-Chan's good example with Shinobu-Chan, and explain to our little sister that Motoko cannot be her teacher, so long as our common affection stirs possibilities. Our little heart needs a teacher, that she may remain with us. For the greater love I hold her in, Motoko must sacrifice, possibly forever, the idea that we could be something more."

Keitaro shuddered at what it must have cost her to do that, and the rage that must have overtaken Kaolla Su when she heard this from one she obviously worshipped.

"My little sister is wise and strong. Our little sister needs one who is only a teacher, and a teacher must sometimes scold and say no."

The tears now flowed from her eyes. *Those eyes*, he thought. *I may as well be these girls' gynecologist, for all I've seen, but it's always their eyes.*

"It hurts, Keitaro. I thought somehow she'd understand why I was doing this, why I was drawing this line. I have never seen her truly angry before."

He recalled Haruka's words, that they would be more naked in his eyes than ever before.

"Motoko, we're raised to understand, and to accept. Su has been trying to re-invent the world since before any of us met her. I don't even know how exactly she arrived here."

"I recall when she arrived. I instantly and completely despised her."

Caution aside, that made Keitaro turn his head and look at her directly.

"Come again?"

Her blush was actually a welcome sign that she was coming out of it, so he turned around again as she responded.

"She was chaos embodied. As close to a wild savage as I had ever encountered. She was at the opposite end of everything I despised about my gender. Away from the staid submissive who worshipped the idea of surrendering to male power, she was the uncaring lunatic who would give men what they wanted for kicks and giggles. I never mentioned that, did I? I once had as little use for my fellow woman as I did for any man. I regarded Naru and Mitsune as sisters lost to either a philosophy of playing man's game of power or-well, really almost no philosophy at all. Shinobu was like a beautiful crystal, destined to shatter at the first strong wind. It's so odd. I yelled at her then, quite often. My verbal thrashing of Su equaled any physical beating I have ever given you. But where you were fooled, she never was, and saw my soft core. The day came that Tsuruko paid me the briefest of visits-and she knows as many verbal ki attacks as she does physical ones, and how to deliver them in almost no time at all. To my surprise, that night-I slept like a baby, despite my wounded pride. Do I need to say what I awoke to?"

He smiled, and could almost feel her snuggled against him, waking to find wild hair in his eyes and the face of an angel at rest.

"You noticed that one of your legs felt about seventy-five pounds heavier?"

"Keitaro, you and she are the current extent of my emotional development. I am so stunted in even truly contemplating such matters, I am not even sure if I am also attracted to other women. It wouldn't bother me, but I simply don't know. Until your-generosity-inspired me-I had scrupulously avoided even allowing my hands under the covers as I slept."

*There's no need to be quite that comfortable around me, Motoko.*

"Hey-the one with the blue-haired witch was always one of my favorites."

"I know. You blindly panicked until Naru found it in my portable player. Yet that is how far back I was. But wherever I stand in my journey, and whatever my desires might truly be in the end, I know certain things. Among them is that I love Kaolla Su, and for her I would do absolutely positively anything---anything at all----"

Her voice was broken by another sob, but this time it was a heartier one.

"---except provide her with a sensei so compromised by that love that she fails to truly teach and test her. Perhaps in Molmol, teachers there know some island secret that makes such a thing possible. But this islander does not see it, at least for the present. Yet I did not show the deftness you apparently did with Shinobu...why are you laughing?"

"Ask Shinobu about that. Now, Naru just told me about the pictures Su wanted to send me while I was in America. Aside from wanting to jump the ocean and a continent to hunt and kill me, just how did you shut that down?"

"There was no speaking to her about modesty. She argued that you already knew her body. Apparently, she sheds pajamas in the night no matter who she sleeps with. There was no talking to her about propriety or the law-besides, she was kicking all of us in the head as she missed you ever more. It was only by telling her that you knew of her love well enough that the pictures would be redundant that we finally talked her down-and by this I mean, she was sleeping on the roof, waiting for your return. Even Kanako soon learned not to disguise herself as you, after a time."

He helped her up, and quickly covered what was in the end still distracting him.

"In other words, you found a way. You will find it again, like you always do. You and I together with all our family will take this seemingly hopeless situation and turn it into a fighting chance."

"You want me to go after her, don't you? Urashima-I don't know if I can. I don't know if I can face her anger once again."

He placed his closed fist against the top of her chest, just below the neck.

"You will go after her-or I swear, Aoyoma-San, I will strip you of that towel, throw you over my shoulder while we search, AND call our elder sister and tell her of your failure of nerve in such a vital moment."

She visibly gulped.

"You wouldn't tell Tsuruko, would you?!"

A loss of modesty and dignity simply did not carry the terror it once did for her. Tsuruko's scorn still did, but again, not as much as it once did. There was one thing that struck fear in her soul, and that was failing the one who had smashed through the thick ice surrounding a cold soul and taught her once more what love was, especially in front of the one who had waited patiently for the rest of the thaw.

"Let's go and get our girl back, Urashima."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If finally trusting her man and her friends was a source of calm to Naru, the frantic search for Kaolla Su was not. How many little kids didn't return from things like these? Part of the reason she had always had trouble accepting her true love was a healthy cynicism about the state of the world. In short, not all men were Keitaro Urashima, and some lived solely for the moment that a little treasure like Kaolla Su fell into their hands.

"Is this it, Kami? Is this my hell, for turning to rage for handling my loved ones? Every time it seems peace is at hand this day, we get an explosion on another front. I know a lit a few of those. But let the others go. Let him go. Maybe he'd be better off with Shinobu-someone who worshipped him from the start."

"Hey! I'm right here!"

Naru gulped and looked over at the young friend she'd forgotten about.

"Sorry, kid. Any luck?"

"Sempai-I haven't left your side since we left the Sou grounds."

Naru realized that self-absorption was not something she could afford, especially in a situation like this.

"I might advise splitting up, but we can't discount the possibility of traps."

"You think Su set traps?"

They had barely moved a pace ahead when the explosions started occurring. A booming angry voice came from every direction at once.

"Stay away, the both of you! I don't want to go back to the Sou, so someone else can say horrible things to me!"

Naru was now getting annoyed, her concern for Su aside.

"Su! I'm not immortal---"

"You probably are after last night! You got enough of his DNA in you."

"Uhhhh---yeah. But-I'll bet I'm strong enough to run through those explosions, so shut them down now!"

"Sempai---don't give her time to prepare! Why do all of you dance around her like this?"

"Hush, Shinobu. She doesn't really want to hurt us."

"She didn't really want to make us angry as sin in Molmol. Stop treating her as some fragile priceless vase and show her you mean business."

Naru shook her head and began a speed run towards where both the voice and the loudest hum were coming from.

"I warned you Su! Now Keitaro is going to be very angry with you."

"Is that the same boy you were about to leave to Shinobu? If I wait long enough, Naru, maybe I'll be the one you hand him off to!"

As Su taunted her, Naru was indeed closing in on the master inventor.

"Su, this may surprise you, but I am so awfully tired of talking about our feelings. You got some bad news-all of us have. But we're here to help you, and---I've got you."

Leaping over at Su's position, Naru grabbed her head-only to have that head come off in her hands. It was still speaking, and smiled as it spoke.

"Get ready for a surprise!"

Naru barely threw the head away before a very large explosion sent her flying back towards the Sou. As she went, she thought of her one true love.

*Never mind how does he survive this---how does he keep from throwing up?*

Shinobu twitched as she saw Naru fly off.

"Su-of course you realize, this means war."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back at the onsen, Motoko had finished redressing. Keitaro thanked Mitsune and Mutsumi.

"I know she needed me. But usually, this is seven kinds of forbidden ground. So you two being here meant a lot in keeping me even."

Mutsumi spoke in terms Mitsune would surely understand.

"Ever since I've known you, Keitaro, you've been there for whoever needed you. I can't see that changing, even under threat of beatdown or embarrassment. I remember when I told you I was afraid of the boogeyman, and you didn't call me a liar or laugh at me."

Mitsune showed she got the message, but inside was still afraid of the others seeing her possible condition of birth as an excuse-or even worse, letting her use it as an excuse.

"Urashima has proven time and again to be a good, reliable, and discreet friend. Wait-was is that in the sky?"

"Let me look-I've gotten good at distance spotting, after all my tumbles. Oh-boy. Motoko-forgive me!"

He reached out and grabbed her chest, even lightly squeezing.

"Urashima?"

He now realized that they had become close at the wrong point to save one they loved. Her confused but calm reaction to his intrusion made him switch to Plan B.

"Knock me into the sky towards that gleam!"

She did so, again quite calmly.

"You could have just asked."

Mitsune shrugged.

"Well, at least you're paid up for the next two months' rent."

Motoko glared.

"Shut up, you. Must you make..."

Crashing into the onsen was a couple on fire. Steam coming off them, Motoko out-bid and out-did Mitsune.

"Oh-so her, you'll sit naked in the onsen with. I see how it is."

Mutsumi grinned.

"Well, she did call dibs."

Mitsune nodded as they went inside to fetch the duo some clothes.

"Which she rubs in our faces at like every opportunity. Now, if he wants to rub something in our faces..."

"We shall consider it for Urashima's thirtieth birthday."

Mutsumi added on.

"We're not going to do that thing with the bikinis under the towels again? Because it's frankly gotten old."

"So we'll ditch the bikinis. By that point, no one in this group will be that firm anymore except Sarah."

"Speak for yourselves."

Keitaro checked on Naru.

"You all right?"

She kissed her rescuer, then smiled slyly.

"How did you manage that little maneuver at that height?"

He grinned wickedly as well.

"Blame Shinobu. She figured out the logistics that time when we got blasted away by Su's machine. She said it all very matter of factly, mind you, and I think it was to keep her mind off of possibly plummeting to our deaths."

"She's a bright kid. Oh, God-Keitaro she's still up there-and Su's gone nuts. Hey-if you have to catch her-don't---ummm---"

"Hey! No way would I do that---it's too soon."

"Like that stopped you even once last night."

Their clothes arrived, and the group went to fetch back their two youngest members.

---------------------------------------------

Shinobu stepped forward, only to see Keitaro.

"It's all right, Shinobu. We're letting her sleep here tonight, till she calms down."

"Okay, Sempai."

Shinobu then decapitated him in one skillet hit, sending the head flying through a nearby tree. The explosion that followed knocked an indignant Su to the ground.

"That was mean! Suppose that had been the real Keitaro?"

"Easy. He would have forgiven me-and his head would have stayed on."

Shinobu tossed her skillet up, catching it by its lip, and knocked remotes out of both of Su's hands with just the handle.

"I'm not going back!"

Devices were produced, and just as quickly knocked from Su's hands.

"You are going back, because we love you, YOU NINNY!!"

Su scrambled for another tree, only for Shinobu to leap over her and smash every last gadget hidden around the area.

"Oh-No. It's not gonna be like that."

"Hey-Shinobu!! Stop!!! My Clothes!!"

Shinobu stripped Su and shook out her clothes, revealing endless devices, weapons, and even rocket-powered roller skates. Only when the clothes were ‘emptied' did Shinobu hand them back to a mortified Su.

"My stuff-you did it again."

Shinobu smashed everything in sight, before turning back to a Su shivering from more than just the morning air.

"I'm going to save Motoko some trouble and give you your first lessons right here and right now."

Su's eyes and face turned confused, and frightened.

"Shinobu? Please. I'm all upset now."

Shinobu nodded, then took a swing at Su with the skillet. She ducked with an audible yelp.

"First lesson: It doesn't work on me. I'm Kawaii too. I'm your friend, Su, but I can guarantee I've never been in love with you. So don't try the sweetly confused thing with me. You are sweet, and I know you're often confused-but I also know that you play it or all it's worth."

Su ran up and got in her friend's face.

"I HATE YOU! You started this whole bad thing going! Why don't you run back to the inn, and wait for Naru to die or something?"

Shinobu stunned her by slapping Su across the face.

"Second Lesson: DON'T BE SUCH A STINKING SPOILED BRAT! If you will recall, Princess, I started acting like a brat after you breezily pulled us all into a place where your word is law. First lesson again, Kaolla Su---it doesn't work on me. I'll hurt your feelings deliberately to get through to you. So behave yourself and give me other options."

"You-hit me. Shinobu, how could you?"

Shinobu pointed at the sky.

"Where is Sempai Naru? WHERE IS SHE, SU?"

"I-I don't know."

"Is she alive?"

"I don't know. Probably-yipes!"

Another skillet swing was barely ducked.

"Shinobu!"

"She's-probably alive. A woman I call Sempai and you've called Onee-Chan, and alongside whom we've whined and grown and fallen in love with the same man is-probably alive."

Shinobu began a series of movements with the skillet that had Su on her toes, till one stopped just short of slamming her full in her terrified face.

"Lesson Three: Your inventions are dangerous. They are wonderful things, Su, but so are Motoko's swords, and so was an antique pistol O-Sempai Seta showed us once. So are my best chopping knives. If not used with forethought----are you listening to me?"

"Y-yes!"

"Good. Any object-even to your amazing intellect-if not used with forethought and patience-can be deadly-and like Kitsu-like Mitsune said-nothing should be done just because you can, or because you're in a bad mood."

"You mean like hitting people with a skillet?"

"That-and setting up booby traps rather than just hiding out till you calm down. Don't you get that challenging Sempai Naru is the surest way to start a fight, rather than being left alone?"

Su was practically in a fetal ball on the ground.

"You don't understand. Motoko told me she doesn't love me anymore. That she never can."

"Is that really what she said?"

"We-eell---she said that she couldn't be my teacher while maybe someday being my bride as well, and that being my teacher was more important than us loving each other for real."

Shinobu shrugged.

"Sounds a lot like she was trying to be the best teacher she can be. Sounds like she worried that being anything more to you would get in the way of what a teacher has to do."

"That's not fair! She said I wasn't being punished anymore, and not ever being mine when I love her is a huge punishment!"

*She's good. But I mustn't break down now. She'd have all of them by now, but I'm not falling for it.*

"Fourth Lesson: You once and for all have to start thinking of others when you do and say things. That you love and care about us is evident in everything you do, Su. How you go about it sometimes makes that hard to see-and I remain convinced that you do know what you're doing somehow. For example-that ‘skirt' you had me try on just before Todai---you knew it was like having me walking up to Sempai naked, right?"

"You said you wanted extreme measures."

"We are vague sometimes. And you seize upon that vagueness. Uh-uh. Using that kind of leeway is what mythical tricksters and comedic delinquents do-not friends."

Su still did not look convinced.

"You don't know how much hearing that we were never going to be together hurt."

"The hell I don't! Why in blazes do you think that Sempai took me to dinner tonight?"

"Ummmm-to get those wonderful chili-cheese fries?"

*I knew she'd love them.*

"No. To tell me he and Sempai Naru have become engaged. To thank me for helping them where I have-and to---damn-and to tell me No when I offered to become his mistress. I reacted-minus WMD's---pretty much just the way you did to Motoko."

"Did you hit him with the frying pan?"

"No. No frying pan."

"No tigers, pistols, heavy weights or pointed sticks? No fresh fruit?"

"Su-don't make me go all Naru on you again. Weren't you even listening to me?"

"yeah. You were lecturing me again. I'm wrong, and you're right, okay?!"

Shinobu shook her head, and tossed away the skillet.

"I was afraid it was going to come to this. Su---come at me. We're having a throw down."

Su chuckled.

"Shinobu, don't be ridiculous! I've been trained by Motoko, and by the Molmol Royal Elite, whose fathers turned----"

"Whose fathers turned my countrymen back. I know. You told us-if you even remember that, with your at-will ADD. Well, back then, my country, like many a great country, was full of itself and maybe needed its butt kicked-just the way I'm gonna kick yours-and then you will listen, Princess."

 

[Gojirob]

Su smiled, and came flying feet-first at Shinobu's head. Shinobu, for her part, simply sat down as Su went tumbling past her. Getting up, Shinobu gestured for Su to try again, a half-grin on her face.

"I will wipe that right off of you!"

A full-on charge was tried next, and Shinobu was smashed into-until she flipped around, seizing the momentum and again sending Su into a tumble.

"If you like, we can postpone this until we can get Sarah and maybe Mei Narusegawa to help you out."

Su tried a series of punches, all of which were blocked by Shinobu before they even came near her. Two fingers to Su's chest were all she needed to take the Princess down yet again. Su lay stunned.

"How are you doing this? You don't have any training."

"Maybe I'm just naturally better then every last man, woman or child who lives, ever has, or ever will live in the kingdom of Molmol."

Hitting the ground like a springboard, Su almost seemed to bounce right up to Shinobu, finally pushing her down-until Shinobu's feet caught Su gently but firmly in the stomach, sending her sprawling once again. Shinobu then kicked each butt-cheek twice with just enough force as to leave no doubt.

"Here Endeth The Lessons."

"What lesson? I didn't learn anything!"

Shinobu helped her up.

"I know. You never learn anything, because you never listen. You never keep anything in, Su, except for what you yourself come up with. I knew I could beat you, despite your training, because in all the time I've known you-you don't listen to anything past what you wish to hear. You don't see past yourself. If you did, then you would realize that kicking a man in the head is painful for him, even if he is Immortal. If you did, you would never have used a trap on Naru you saw in a movie-and it wasn't even one of his better ones. If you could allow yourself to see even the tiniest bit past you-you would see how painful it must have been for Motoko to draw the line she did-instead of shouting out how you hate her, and all of us."

"It hurt her to do that? But she did it anyway? And-are you saying that Keitaro feels pain when I kick him?"

Whenever dealing with Kaolla Su, Shinobu found it useful to recall the first time Keitaro had shown her the 1971 film version of Willy Wonka. In short, Su-was a dream come true, maybe with a few odd turns for those who didn't obey the rules---and then came the boat ride. Of late, Su had been all ‘Wonkatania' boat ride and no Candy Room.

"Yes to all of those. I've been where you were, Su."

"You have? When? Ohhh-earlier tonight, like you said."

*My Word. I've struck oil.*

"Exactly."

"But Shinobu-you still aren't listening. If Motoko's love isn't strong enough to make her unable to put it aside, that means she doesn't really love me at all. If she did, there's no way she'd be able to separate the two."

"Or maybe---it's so strong that in order to honor it, she must put it on indefinite hold."

Su shook her head.

"But Motoko's so wonderful. If she can even put our love on hold for a short time, she must think I'm just an obligation, and that means I maybe never had her love to start with."

Shinobu had to reason through what had been said, even if, as she told Mutsumi, spending time in Su's head was painful.

"Motoko is wonderful, isn't she?"

"She sure is."

"But she isn't perfect."

Su grabbed at her, this time successfully.

"You take that back!"

"I won't. And you know why?"

"Ummm-No."

Shinobu took Su's hand.

"Because if she were, Su, she would have recognized that maybe a day like today-or a week like we've been having-wasn't the best time to tell you news that was bound to upset you."

"But how would she know this would upset me?"

"It's part of thinking about others, Su. In fact, maybe Motoko thought of herself first when she decided to tell you about this tonight. Just like I thought of myself first when I lashed out at everybody. We're allowed to do it, and sometimes we even have to. But even if we love and care for others, we have to try and walk past our own nose. I really think you do get it, and that you have for quite some time. It just maybe wasn't comfortable for you, to dwell on a subject that you weren't a genius in. Well, none of us are, especially in this household. Su-understanding this in a major way will be a greater challenge for you than any hundred videogames-are you up to it?"

"Greater than all the Final Fantasy games combined-even since the Famicom?"

"Well, I wouldn't go that far-but it could come close."

Su sprang up, looking almost happy.

"I guess-when I didn't think about how hard it might have been for Motoko to say that-I might have hurt her more."

Shinobu knew that Su would be an ongoing struggle, and that no one breakthrough or series of them would change that in and of itself. But having finally said some things outright and clearly, she felt a corner had been turned.

"We're young, Su-we make mistakes like that."

"Did she have a shoulder to cry on?"

"She fell right into Sempai Keitaro's----yeah, his shoulder. Right on his shoulder."

They began at last to walk back.

"Shinobu-what made you so sure that I sort-of got that I wasn't really hearing people?"

Shinobu chose to reveal a secret.

"Sempai and I are very close. He sometimes treats me as though I were a younger brother, which is to say, he and I will tell each other things that we normally could not, allowing for propriety and gender. Nothing that would upset Sempai Naru-I think. But it is a part of our friendship that makes not having him as more almost completely bearable, even now, when the wounds are freshest. For example, he told me how one day while his leg was broken, he simply watched Auntie work, and recalled how beautiful he always thought she was. I told him of how, when he met my father that Christmas, it felt like an alignment in my soul. He didn't work that job long, but it meant that the two men I love best of all had talked and laughed together over hot cocoa I had brewed---"

Su saw Shinobu wipe tears away, but then continue.

"---well, that's the sort of things we share. It could be serious, it could be silly. But it's all allowed. So one day, after an onsen beatdown-you and Sarah really outdid yourselves-he tells me that he can no longer be sure that his intrusions on our person and modesty-"

"I never cared about that! I like when he sees me and touches me. I wish he did it more often. My blood Onii-chan always paid more attention to Amalla."

"---don't interrupt. Thanks! He says that he can't be sure he doesn't plan it all, maybe in his subconscious. He took one of Sempai Naru's computer model charts, and plotted out what the odds were that all those times were just coincidences. He saw that it was highly improbable that these things just happened. He even said that, being the pervert he was always accused of being, he would have to leave us. Thinking fast, I turned the model on its head and plotted out the odds of all of us being so unwilling and unwitting victims of his supposedly perverted behavior---"

"You did hit him with the pan after we got back from Molmol and he fell into your boobs---"

"---that all of us being mere ‘victims' would be just as improbable. Meaning that, at some point, his desire to see and touch us met up with our desire to be seen and touched by someone we could trust. The reactions-the over-reactions-were mainly cultural. Otherwise, how do you explain Motoko and Naru not finally killing him, his status aside? In your case, I saw how gingerly everyone walked around you, and decided that you must use that eggshell-walking to your advantage, even if innocently."

Su actually seemed to be taking it all in.

"Wow-that's a lot. You're really smart."

"I have to be, Princess-after all, I still have to join my Sempai at Todai. Plus, Sempai Naru was sickly as a little girl-she could have a relapse."

"That's---heh-not funny-heh---ehhh-do you really think she might?"

"No. There's a better chance of you taking the Sou to Molmol."

"Why is that so wrong? All I wanted to do was keep my best friends around me and around each other forever."

Shinobu took her dear friend's hand, then released it and caressed the face she had slapped.

"But Su-that would keep that circle static and unchanging. If our circle never changed, if we never ran into old friends and met new ones, would we have met? Would Sarah be with us, or even Sempai Keitaro? Would I have met Arlo tonight?"

"I never saw it that way before. Who's Arlo?"

"He's a boy coming over to see me in two weeks-and you know the rule---"

"I know! No giant glass pinballs. Sheesh! I even hear that from Motoko!"

The two parties met up as the Sou came in sight, and Motoko and Su raced into each other's arms.

"If you doubt my wisdom in handling this matter, do not ever doubt my love."

"I won't. Cause you love me so much, you had to hurt you and me to help me stay."

Motoko shot a look at Shinobu, who nodded, taking credit for this. Motoko smiled at her in deepest gratitude. Shinobu noted that both her sempais were wearing different clothes.

*Even in the air-like rabbits.*

"Umm-Shinobu?"

"Mitsune?"

"Not to be too selfish, but I haven't eaten all day. You got anything?"

"I do. Come on and help me, because we're all getting some."

"I was hoping for Keitaro to say that, but okay."

Su ducked for her room, proclaiming the need to show them something. She emerged to the living room with a box covered by a blanket. Shinobu and Mitsune emerged from the kitchen with serving trays and steaming bowls.

"Hey, folks-I give you-Shinobu's Beef Barley Soup!"

"It may not be traditional, but this seems to be a day for new things. Eat up, everyone."

Keitaro was the first to comment.

"Shinobu-this is even better than the restaurant I got you the recipe from!"

Naru was not shy about it.

"It really is extraordinary, kiddo. You've outdone yourself."

Su was eating it up at a fast pace.

"This is worth getting hit, stripped, taunted, lectured and my butt kicked."

The stares at Shinobu didn't last. The soup was that good. Motoko nodded.

"Very nearly a---I will say it-transcendent soup, Shinobu."

Mitsune was on her second bowl.

"I'd chew shoe leather right now-but this stuff ain't shoe leather. Congrats to our resident chef."

Shinobu revealed her secret.

"I was so tired and overwrought this morning that, when preparing the initial stock, I absolutely pulverized the ingredients. Rather than waste the powder that resulted, I added it back in, and I really like the extra strength it gives the flavor."

Mitsune wiped her mouth and burped unapologetically

"In other words, you took a mistake, threw it in anyway, and made a good thing even better. Sounds like our guy here."

Naru laughed.

"Sounds like all of us."

Motoko went one step further, mixing languages just a bit.

"One could even call such a process the recipe for-Hinata Soup."

Shinobu nearly fainted.

"I love that! A soup in honor of this place-not to mention Grandma."

Su raised her hand, stunning almost all present.

"Can I go now? Did I ask permission right?"

Motoko's sudden hug told her yes.

"Wow, thanks. Okay-well I kind of did like Shinobu. I took all my wrecked stuff in my room, merged the surviving chips and components, and made---"

All braced themselves for absolutely anything, knowing also that this was pointless as Su pulled back the blanket.

"---this Karaoke machine!"

All stared at the ornate, lit-up device, which, knowing Su, had undreamed-of abilities. Their faces lit up after one of the hardest days ever. Su looked concerned.

"But only if you want to use it. I don't want to force anybody."

Half of them hugged her, and the other half fought for the mike. The long day had at last gotten better, but nor was it all done just yet.

 

[Gojirob]

Chapter Nine - A Mutsumi Night's Dream

------------------------------------------

IN TRANSIT BETWEEN MOLMOL AND JAPAN, AUGUST 2001

The charter plane was a bit on the cramped side. Naru Narusegawa sat uncomfortably near to people she no longer felt as close to, save one, who she had finally chosen to spend her life with, or soon would. Her love Keitaro Urashima slept soundly, and she realized he had already elected to forgive every last wrong that had placed them in the insanity that had marked the end of July and the beginning of August. She prayed that September of 2001 would somehow be more peaceful, but her mind was not much on either prayers or peace. She looked at one snuggled up on the left side of her man.

*Okay, Kanako. I get it. He gets it. Do you? At long last, are you even capable of getting it? As far as he is concerned, you are a kid he knew and met, then largely parted ways with. But you remembered his promise, I didn't-and you adored and held him close-while I---damn it! I may not deserve him, but don't you ever again mistake that for him not choosing me! I'll crow it over all of you, if you make me. And if I have to demand of my new husband that he banish his own sister-don't force me to make that demand, Kanako. Even a bludgeon eventually hits the wind.*

In a front row seat was one who looked too self-satisfied, feeling no pain for the pain she inflicted, for the grief she kept on generating, all for kicks and fun. Naru had never before wanted her difficult sister to just go the hell away-maybe even to Hell itself.

*I trusted you. Not to do any chore, or to remember to pick up something I asked for, or to pass up a chance to make us all squirm. No, I trusted you to be there for me when it counted. I wouldn't even have cared if you found a barrel of Molmolian Banana Wine and just sat out the whole thing. But no. You were there to scam for real estate-to use my nature and his to make sure our dream never came true-probably to get the Inn in a quickie divorce, right? Because we both know you never cared one bit for him. You've shown that by word and deed, and he even said so when he showed me his journal. When the fox gets hungry, eh, Kitsune-or is that Brutus? Well, Caesar and Calpurnia survived your dagger in the back. Brutus may find herself out of Rome-or maybe I'll just choose to give you some sake, and then hang you upside down. Maybe, when you need to take a pee I'll let you down-or maybe I'll just laugh evilly, shrug and say ‘Hey, I'm in character'.*

More complicated were her feelings for a woman who in theory had the power to end the nightmare they'd found themselves in, save for the love she felt for the land's mercurial ruler-and perhaps for the man Naru now firmly claimed as her own.

*I know you can never bring yourself to shut Su down in any real way, Motoko, but did you even raise your voice to her when she held us all captive? Did you say anything as those grinning ghouls shoved loaded guns in our face, or did you just cave in to pressure from that two-faced little girl? Where's that righteous fury that was just as blind as mine, when the target was a well-meaning idiot, instead of a megalomaniac who saw us all as some kind of-I don't know, some kind of potential harem, or dollhouse accessories? It would cost you too much internally to renege on your claim that you had resolved your feelings for Keitaro, so just what the hell were you doing there? He said you didn't put up much of a fight in that absurd theater Su and Kitsune set up. So why even bother? Su's fight was a dishonorable one, Samurai-so why did you even get on that ridiculous stage?*


The beauty snuggled against Keitaro's left side was someone Naru would have once defined as both sweet and wild, the embodiment of the tale of the strawberry on the branch over the cliff and pit patrolled by two hungry tigers. Covetous and vicious had largely replaced those words in her mind. Naru had actually taken pleasure in forcing one of her bodyguards off the plane, both for lack of room and by pointing out that his firearms were illegal in Japan, unless he were on a plane specifically sent to transport Molmol's rulers. One grinning female guard had her gun kicked out of her hand and her sunglasses broken-possibly along with her nose. Without missing a beat, Naru walked up to the beaten guards and mockingly went ‘click-click'. While walking away, she just as mockingly told their arriving back-up to ‘be certain' if they also pulled their weapons on her. They did not.

*What's with you, Su? Those guards acted like they were formed from the worst attitudes of all the world's militaries. Remember me? Onee-Chan? If I'd been loose for five seconds on that airship, all those psychos would not have stopped me from tearing one of those three symbols off and putting it back where the sun don't shine. I cannot reconcile the kid I love at home with the dictator who thought grabbing me with a metal turtle was part of a game. Maybe I don't want to anymore. No. Change that. I don't want to ever again. I told the Japanese embassy everything that happened, and they are not pleased about their airspace being violated. So it ends, Princess. No more inventions, except for however you get back home. No more hops, except the one out the door...NO! Su! I love you, kid. But can you really have no notion of what you did-or is that how you skate by, making us believe you don't?*

Naru was about to contemplate another puzzle, when said puzzle woke up and looked at her with pleading eyes, sincere, deep and as confused and angry as her own.

"Sempai-I'm so sorry. I'm responsible for all this."

*The one person I just automatically assumed was not in on this. Great.*

"Explain yourself."

Shinobu looked badly overwrought, like she hadn't really slept much at all.

"We went down to Todai so I could confess my love to Sempai Keitaro. I didn't want to steal him from you-much-but they all went down with me---I don't know why they went down with me, but it wasn't to stand with me as I confessed-and they promised!"

Naru was now officially angry at her friends-if that's what they were.

"They lied to you? I mean, what exactly did they say about why they went down there?"

"For Shinobu. A hand-pledge and everything."

"What about when you got to Molmol? Why didn't you just bail on them?"

Shinobu looked down.

"I still wanted to trust them. And then the explanations for why we were there kept changing. It was the deed. It was to escape Su. It was because we had no choice but to work with Su. I didn't even hear that thing about making it all a challenge for you till Kitsune spouted it."

Naru forced Shinobu to look her in the eye. She had not been told almost any of this, and had been cut out of the loop in several deliberate and manipulative ways. She had been afraid that Keitaro's ‘perverted nature' might make him vulnerable to making a mistake. As it turned out, he had been one of the only ones Naru could trust.

"Why did you pull that slimy maneuver with the cab ride, when all of you left the Sou?"

Shinobu winced. That had not been one of her better moments.

"I still wasn't trying to steal him. I was just making sure you two couldn't finalize things before I confessed."

"I could still slap you for that, Shinobu. That was as dirty a trick as I will ever allow, even from you."

The girl showed her sorrow, and Naru wanted that to be that. But questions still remained.

"Why did you hit him?"

"You have the nerve to ask me that?"

"Yeah. Because you've never done it before. I'm working hard on never doing it again. But yours had to hurt more, because there is no way he could be expecting it. Never from you-and from behind? Sure as hell not as part of Su and Kitsune's sick game-and that's what it was, Shinobu. Try and dress it up anymore in romantic clothing, and I will even hate you."

Naru felt horrible on one level, given who she was going after. But the target had presented itself, and she wondered if any of the others would even try and offer up anything remotely resembling an apology.

"You want to know why I hit him? Not because of their lame plans---whatever those happened to be. I hit him because I hated the both of you. I hated him for choosing you instead of me, and I hated you because I kept wondering why he ever would, given how you've treated him, I---"

Shinobu closed her eyes.

"---I'm a horrible, ungrateful wretch. I am so sorry for---everything. Just knowing you two is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I'm lashing out while lecturing you on doing the exact same thing. That, and I know how they all can be, and I still listened. Sempai, what's happening to me?"

She reached out and squeezed the girl's hand. This wasn't her enemy, and treating her as such was like as not the second worst thing Naru ever saw herself doing.

"I forgive you, and I don't even see that much to forgive you for. He does love you, Shinobu, so he'll forgive the frying pan if you just ask. As to what's happening, Shinobu?"

Naru forced out a smile for one that needed and deserved it.

"Our Shinobu is growing up. It's a wondrous thing to behold."

The girl smiled.

"Maybe-maybe everyone else was driven just as crazy by their love for Sempai Keitaro."

"No! Don't compare our motives to theirs. They had every chance to come out and say to him how they felt. But Su is always playing a game, this time with us as the pieces. Motoko is in torment over her love for him, so she drags everyone else into her torment. Kanako is always hiding something---she cannot be trusted-and you should have known that-sorry. And I honestly don't know if Kitsune feels anything beyond the present moment, if all that drinking didn't numb her even for that. You were led on-to some extent, and Mutsumi was with me. I'm not forgiving anyone else but Seta-Auntie reallllly nailed him hard on that---until they walk up to me and offer it up free and clear. No hints. I am so upset right now, I might even let Grandma have it, back at the Sou."

Shinobu's look turned massively skeptical.

"Uh-huh. Yeah."

Naru shrugged.


"Ok, no one's that brave. But I was angry enough to think about it. No more tests or scams. It's us from now on. Shinobu, I need to hear you say it."

"It is you and him from now on. Perhaps someday soon, you and he will even marry."

As Naru smiled, Shinobu mentally added on.

*Of course, even a happily married man needs a place to go to keep him happy.*

The pilot announced that they were approaching an airfield near Tokyo International. Su stirred briefly.

"Wassat?"

Shinobu spoke softly.

"It's okay, Princess. We're just re-entering the world where, you know, sane people write the rules and can't just lock people up on a whim."

Su fell back to sleep. Naru briefly became concerned that she had given Shinobu the wrong advice, and was feeding something ugly in both of them. Then Kitsune stretched and awoke.

"So---the two crashed and burned lovebirds gonna try for a successful re-entry tonight?"

Very briefly, before angry vengeful thoughts re-claimed her, Naru prayed for this time of troubles and fury to be already passed.

At first, as she stood before a Grandma who seemed more theatrical than usual, Naru thought that time was now gone away.

She was wrong, and her last great self-growth before adulthood was nearing its painful but necessary start. The cost of her life's approach was nearing due, and in this she was hardly alone.

But even huge debts can be paid, and even deep old wounds patched and their healing started after far too much neglect.

We have now spoken enough of the war between the sisters at the Hinata-Sou.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HINATA-SOU, NEARLY ONE WEEK LATER

One or two stiff gusts still remained, but the storm was largely spent, and friends all the stronger for walking through the unforgettable fire now literally prepared to sing of their joy-with the aid of some pop standards and the first safe sane invention to emerge from Kaolla Su's mind in no one knew how long. But one who it would have been thought would be the first to jump on the free-form fun of karaoke shook a hand in the air.

"Look-I wanna do this-hell, I need to do this. But I can't, on the off chance there's any other baggage to be unloaded, any more laundry to be aired."

Naru felt like she had talked her feelings and those of the others to death and back again, with some odd reincarnations thrown in for good measure. Despite this, she said what was on all their minds.

"What happened to us these past few days?"

Shinobu shrugged.

"Our first fight."

Motoko shook her head.

"Until this time, it was always us against them."

Mitsune nodded.

"Whoever the them was-we were always us."

Mutsumi, who had largely avoided the conflict, tried anew in aiding its penultimate resolution.

"You've had two intruders break into your circle these past three years-both named Urashima. One came to stay, and became a part of that circle. Another seems largely to have come and gone-not holding my breath on never seeing her again. Maybe this was inevitable from the moment Keitaro made his choice-or any choice, really."

"Mutsumi, this isn't Sempai's fault! You and he were the only ones who kept their heads during all this."

"She did not say it was Urashima's fault, Shinobu. But his presence, his absence, and then his choice provided the outer conflict for these years. That outer conflict artificially strengthened our unity, and caused us to gloss over a thousand other concerns. Many a strong coalition has collapsed when the fog of war is replaced by the harsh light of day. Happily, we had something more than mere alliance."

Su seemed openly sad.

"I don't ever want to fight like this ever again. I want to learn all I can about the things you told me about, so no one gets angry at me again."

Naru pulled the girl close, and playfully ‘noogied' her.

"Silly! Of course we'll be angry with you again, and you with us. We're not going to make the same old mistakes-but we'll make brand new ones. You can't walk away from that."

Keitaro grabbed her up as soon as she wriggled free of Naru.

"See Su, this is another reason why the Sou could never go to Molmol. Even in a closed situation, people change. Sometimes, those changes bump up against each other. When that happens with continental plates, you get earthquakes."

The predatory Su was gone for now and simply seemed like a child who liked being held by a beloved older sibling.

"So this fight was an earthquake?"

"Mmmm...more like the aftershock to a series of earthquakes. The initial quakes weakened the buildings and roads. The aftershock showed us just how fragile what we had was."

Motoko added to this.

"And conversely, how precious the basic structure had become to us. The building is in need of strengthening and now some rebuilding as well. Part of our conflict derived from ignoring the state of disrepair that is now apparent."

Mitsune seemed most sober of all about this.

"Then we have to make a pledge to never let this happen again-by always communicating. Maybe we can't keep it 100%, but I have a feeling we better damn well try. And one more thing we better damn well do."

She grabbed the karaoke microphone.

"Start singing-cause if I can't get blasted drunk, then I am gonna mangle me some pop standards! Su? What does the Japanese selection list on this thing look like?"

Su jumped up, overjoyed to have an invention no one was upset about.

"It's huge-all the classics and a ton of contemporary stuff."

All seemed pleased at this, except a skeptical Shinobu.

"Su? How do you define what a classic is?"

"Huh?"

"I just mean---what are some of the selections on the Japanese list?"

"Well, only the classics, like I said---every anime and sentai theme for the past forty years. Isn't that great?"

Mitsune found the list on the machine's readout.

"People-we have no crooners or idols not involved in television themes. What about say, the American list, Su?"

"Their cartoons aren't as interesting-except for that one about the cavemen. So to round it out, I downloaded some weird stuff. People with names like Joel, Streisand, Collins, McLean, and some guys from New Jersey who sing during all four seasons. Lots of others---but---America and the rest of the West is just weird."

Motoko held her hand to her head, but finally smiled.

"If offered a choice between The Monkees and the sugar-raising theme to Steel Angel Kurumi, then I must reluctantly say: Go USA."

"No TV themes?"

Shinobu tried to comfort Su.

"We're gonna leave all those for you alone, Su. We know you'll make them great."

"Oh, we all will, Shinobu. See, I programmed it to cause the singer's voice to merge with the voice of the original artist as it plays back. Nobody needs to feel embarrassed. It's like the angel said: Don't worry that it's not good enough, for anyone else to hear, just sing a song."

Naru shook her head.

"What angel said that, Su?"

"Her name was Karen. I think she was related to the Christian Messiah, because she was a carpenter too. That was the only American music I really understood. I have to go there someday and find out how they recorded an angel's voice like that."

If the princess's astounding naiveté had been infuriating them these past few weeks, in this instance, it could not help but bring tears of joy. Naru went first, and knew well what song she would sing. Her eyes never left her man as she crooned, augmented by the voice of an angel gone too soon.

"Such a feelin's coming over me ; There is wonder in most everything I see

Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes ; And I won't be surprised if it's a dream


Everything I want the world to be ; Is now coming true especially for me

And the reason is clear, it's because you are here ; You're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen


I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation ; And the only explanation I can find

Is the love that I've found ever since you've been around ; Your love's put me at the top of the world


Something in the wind has learned my name ; And it's telling me that things are not the same

In the leaves on the trees and the touch of the breeze; There's a pleasin' sense of happiness for me


There is only one wish on my mind ; When this day is through I hope that I will find

That tomorrow will be just the same for you and me ; All I need will be mine if you are here


I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation ; And the only explanation I can find

Is the love that I've found ever since you've been around ;Your love's put me at the top of the world."

 

[Gojirob]

Keitaro went next, but Naru stopped him.

"Sing one for everybody. You and I can settle up later."

Bypassing the theme for ‘ZyuRanger', Keitaro went all the way to Long Island, New York for his inspiration.

"She can kill with a smile; She can wound with her eyes
She can ruin your faith with her casual lies; And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child; But she's always a woman to me

She can lead you to live; She can take you or leave you
She can ask for the truth; But she'll never believe you
And she'll take what you give her as long as it's free
She steals like a thief; But she's always a woman to me

Oh, she takes care of herself; She can wait if she wants
She's ahead of her time; Oh, and she never gives out
And she never gives in; She just changes her mind

She will promise you more; Than the Garden of Eden
Then she'll carelessly cut you; And laugh while you're bleedin'
But she'll bring out the best; And the worst you can be
Blame it all on yourself; Cause she's always a woman to me

She is frequently kind; And she's suddenly cruel
She can do as she pleases; She's nobody's fool
But she can't be convicted; She's earned her degree
And the most she will do; Is throw shadows at you
But she's always a woman to me."

The women of Hinata-Sou all took turns hugging the perverted intruder after that one. Mitsune chose an odd one-Keitaro would have pegged her for ‘Fun Fun Fun' by The Beach Boys, but instead she chose a song covered by a native New Yorker.

"I was born from love; And my poor mother worked the mines
I was raised on the Good Book Jesus; Till I read between the lines
Now I don't believe I want to see the morning; Going down the stoney end
I never wanted to go; Down the stoney end
Mama let me start all over; Cradle me, Mama, cradle me again

I can still remember him; With love light in his eyes
But the light flickered out and parted; As the sun began to rise
Now I don't believe I want to see the morning

Going down the stoney end; I never wanted to go
Down the stoney end; Mama let me start all over
Cradle me, Mama, cradle me again

Never mind the forecast; 'Cause the sky has lost control
'Cause the fury and the broken thunders; Come to match my raging soul
Now I don't believe I want to see the morning; Going down the stoney end I never wanted to go
Down the stoney end; Mama let me start all over
Cradle me, Mama, cradle me again."

Mutsumi helped Mitsune sit back down. Her tears were evident. Mutsumi turned to the others as she saw their concern.

"She just really likes Barbra Streisand."

After a moment for Mitsune to splash her face, Shinobu whispered to Su. Su nodded gleefully.

"Well, really, it's Swedish. But it's in there-along with a song about a fishing village that froze to death."

"We'll---stick with the---other-Swedish songs, Su."

Shinobu then put a finger on Keitaro's nose.

"Time for us to turn the tables, Sempai!"

The two waited for the intro beat to take over, and then began their ‘vengeance'.

"You're so hot; Teasing me; So you're blue but I can't Take a chance on a kid like you
It's something I couldn't do

There's that look; In your eyes I can read in your face; That your feelings are driving you wild
But boy you're only a child

Well, I could dance with you honey; If you think it's funny
But does your mother know that you're out?
And I could chat with you baby; Flirt a little maybe
But does your mother know that you're out?

Take it easy: Take it easy; Better slow down boy; That's no way to go
Does your mother know?

Take it easy; Take it easy; Try to cool it boy; Take it nice and slow
Does your mother know?

I can see; What you want; But you seem pretty young
To be searching for that kind of fun; So maybe I'm not the one

Now, you're so cute; I like your style; And I know what you mean
When you give me a flash of that smile; But boy you're only a child

Well, I could dance with you honey; If you think it's funny
Does your mother know that you're out? And I could chat with you baby
Flirt a little maybe; Does your mother know that you're out?

Take it easy; Better slow down boy; That's no way to go
Does your mother know?

Take it easy; Try to cool it boy; Play it nice and slow
Does your mother know?

Well, I could dance with you honey; If you think it's funny
But does your mother know that you're out?; And I could chat with you baby
Flirt a little maybe But does your mother know that you're out?"

Both girls practically fell onto Keitaro, who looked at Naru.

"They're just out of my league."

Naru nodded.

"You'll have to settle."

"Know anybody?"

"Just this one chick. I hear she's nuts, though. Violence-prone."

"She doesn't sound so ba...."

Each of the young girls seized Keitaro's head in turn and planted a kiss on his lips. Shinobu then bonked him on the head.

"Don't flirt with her while we're flirting with you, Moron!"

"Yeah, Onii-Chan---think of how other people feel for a change!

Keitaro looked at Naru.

"Tickle-fit?"

"It is called for."

"Hey!"

"nooooooo...."

The two would-be Abba members encountered their Waterloo at the hands and fingers of their not-so mature elders. Shinobu yelped.

"Motoko, Mitsune, I'm being molested!"

"It is wrong to brag on your good fortune, Shinobu."

"Besides, our samurai got hers earlier."

As she finally made Su pay-in a mostly playful manner-for all of Molmol and years of antics, Naru looked over at her man and the increasingly not-childlike young woman he was standing over. There was every chance of their relationship going out of control, and there was no chance at all of that happening, all at the same time. Naru came again to realize the ultimate price of her earlier abuse. His most tender relationship would never be with his wife, but with a woman that he, out of profound and deep loyalty to both ladies, would never touch. Her hard feelings softened when she realized their own love seemed tender to those watching it from the outside, and so it was for the love all there felt for one another.

*We've really got something here, and we maniacs nearly blew it up. Damn it all to hell. Mitsune's right-we have to be a lot more careful from now on.*

She looked down to see Su smiling at her.

"You tickle a lot better than Motoko!"

The warrior met the princess's stuck-out tongue with the same facial gesture, and a new path began to emerge for both of them. Naru looked at the sweaty, giggling Shinobu.

"Should I leave you two alone?"

Shinobu shook her head.

"You try and run out that door, I won't just hit you with the skillet, I'll fry you up and serve you with fish heads. He's all yours, lady---Sempai is just too high maintenance for a sweet young thing like me."

Naru honked her nose.

"He'd make an old woman out you in a week."

Shinobu turned and looked at Keitaro again.

"Well, we should put that to the test, shouldn't we?"

The two sisters hugged, another honk indicating firmly that this was not an option. Motoko took the mike next.

"I choose to sing from the works of Springfield."

Su raised her hand.

"Negi Springfield?"

Everyone else in the room looked at her, and spoke as one.

"Who?"

"In any event, Kaolla Su, I meant Dusty Springfield. Naru-know that in this, I speak of feelings of the heart, and not warnings or hints of my intent. Our brother is smart, and loyal, and has chosen. This is settled."

Naru shook her head.

"Geez, just sing, would you?"

Mitsune clapped.

"Yeah, get on with it. Belt out ‘Son Of A Preacher Man' girl!"

"Not my choice in this matter. I choose something a bit more-effusive."

Motoko began, her grace in motion rarely more in evidence.

"I don't know what it is that makes me love you so; I only know I never want to let you go
'cause you've started something; Oh, can't you see? That ever since we met; You've had a hold on me; It happens to be true
I only want to be with you

It doesn't matter where you go or what you do; I want to spend each moment of the day with you
Oh, look what has happened with just one kiss; I never knew that I could be in love like this
It's crazy but it's true
I only want to be with you

You stopped and smiled at me; And asked if I'd care to dance
I fell into your open arms; And I didn't stand a chance
Now listen honey; I just want to be beside you everywhere
As long as we're together, honey, I don't care; 'cause you've started something
Oh, can't you see? That ever since we met You've had a hold on me; No matter what you do
I only want to be with you

Oh, oh, you stopped and you smiled at me; And asked if I'd care to dance
I fell into your open arms; And I didn't stand a chance
Now hear me tell you; I just want to be beside you everywhere
As long as we're together, honey, I don't care; 'cause you've started something
Oh, can't you see? That ever since we met; You've had a hold on me
No matter what you do; I only want to be with you; I said no matter, no matter what you do
I only want to be with you."

She looked at Keitaro, and then at Naru, who sighed.

"Last liplocks till the wedding, girls."

Motoko then kissed Keitaro for the second time.

"You who are not my destination-thank you for being my journey. Of all the moments we have shared, good and bad---"

She took his hand and squeezed it.

"I shall first remember the feel of the hand that was my lifeline."

Mutsumi's turn had come, but she seemed reluctant.

"I'm---not sure."

Mitsune pushed the mike into her hands.

"C'mon, you sure as hell got the lungs for it."

Mutsumi thought for a moment, then chose.

"You've mostly sung so sweetly of the shy, awkward romantic boy we all seem to have fallen for---but for myself, I prefer---"

She seized Keitaro by the head, and held him into her chest for ten seconds.

"Air!"

"---I prefer to celebrate his fun, perverted side."

Keitaro looked at Naru.

"That was hers."

"Yeah-it was. You get off with an arm punch."

"Looks like he was getting off just then."

"MITSU!"

"Ah, there's the old flavor. Mutsumi-take it away."

The lady with the pipes-not to mention a fair singing voice-started in.

"Told you once before; And I won't tell you no more
Get down, get down, get down; You're a bad dog baby
But I still want you 'round

You give me the creeps; When you jump on your feet
So get down, get down, get down; Keep your hands to yourself
I'm strictly out of bounds

Once upon a time I drank a little wine; Was as happy as could be, happy as could be
Now I'm just like a cat on a hot tin roof
Baby what do you think you're doin' to me

Told you once before; And I won't tell you no more
So get down, get down, get down; You're a bad dog baby
But I still want you 'round around; I still want you around

I don't give a damn; And I'd like you if you can to
Get down, get down, get down; You're bad dog baby
But I still want you 'round

Once upon a time I drank a little wine; Was as happy as could be, happy as could be
Now I'm just like a cat on a hot tin roof; Baby what do you think you're doin' to me

Told you once before; And I won't tell you no more
So get down, get down, get down; You're a bad dog baby
But I still want you 'round around; I still want you around."

She swatted Keitaro across the nose.

"Bad Baby, Bad Dog Baby!"

Motoko once again took up some of Mitsune's former mantle.

"Finally, someone says it!"

Keitaro looked at her.

"What, finally? This is just the first time I've heard it put to song!"

Naru chuckled to herself as Keitaro began to sing the song just for her alone.

*I'm gonna have to watch all of them like hawks-thank you, Kami.*

When Keitaro fell to one knee before her, she thanked that same party yet again.

"Love me or leave me, make your choice but believe me
I love you; I do, I do, I do, I do, I do
I can't conceal it, don't you see, can't you feel it?
Don't you too? ; I do, I do, I do, I do, I do

Oh, I've been dreaming through my lonely past
Now I just made it, I found you at last

So come on, now let's try it, I love you, can't deny it
'Cos it's true; I do, I do, I do, I do, I do

Oh, no hard feelings between you and me
If we can't make it, but just wait and see

So Naru, let's try it, You love me, don't deny it
'Cos it's true; I do, I do, I do, I do, I do
So love me or leave me, make your choice but believe me
I love you; I do, I do, I do, I do, I do
I can't conceal it, don't you see, can't you feel it?
Don't you too? ; Say I do, I do, I do, I do, I do."

He smiled at her, but it was not quite met back. He grew impatient.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"Do you?"

She shrugged.

"I'm thinking it over!"

At Keitaro's direction, the two younger girls held her arms while he tickled her.

"Say it!"

"Keitaro!"

"SAY IT!!!"

In an unthinking moment, she moved to end the tickling. Keitaro caught the full of the punch, which immediately had her gasping at what she had again done.

"No-please-I am trying. I-"

Her panicked eyes sought immediate exit-only to find every possible avenue of escape blocked by her sisters.

"Uh-uh-uh! Onee has to answer Onii's question!"

"Don't dream of it Sempai."

"Not happening, girl."

"Face your worst moment, Narusegawa."

Mutsumi struck the hardest blow of all.

"You run off now-he's fair game, and that's not a joke."

Keitaro now grabbed her, and held her from behind, as she sobbed lightly.

"Why do you put up with me? Why can't I ever drive you away, you love-struck idiot?"

He turned her head and kissed her.

"We put up with each other. That's part of the deal. As to why you can't drive me away?"

He pushed her down, back onto the couch and leaned over into her face.

"You're not that strong."

Having met her own Waterloo, Naru never again tried to run away from her own heart. Instead, she embraced and kissed it like never before. She answered his question a second time.

"I Do."

Su jumped up and clapped her hands.

"One more song! All of us this time."

The exhausted group gave in reluctantly as Su pulled out another invention. Their clothes all changed to brightly colored pastel suits straight out of the 1970's.

"I watched this documentary series on the satellite dish. It was about a family that came together like ours did here. After some fighting, they got along so well, they even seemed to forget they weren't a family at the start! It ended kinda sad, though."

Shinobu saw that this had gotten to her friend.

*Wow...maybe she's MY oldest friend. Am I even old enough to have an oldest friend?*

"How did it end, Su?"

"Well, this cousin of theirs came to live with them, and some poor rabbits got chemicals spilled on them-and then they all went away."

Mitsune rolled her eyes.

"Geez-what was their story?"

The LED display projected on the nearby wall the different parts to be sung, and the moves to be emulated. Whatever Kaolla Su did and did not understand-and this was quite a bit-she had chosen her song very well indeed. Appropriately, Naru and Keitaro sang lead.

"Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na

Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na


Autumn turns to winter,

And winter turns to spring.

It doesn't go just for seasons you know,

It goes for everything.


The same is true for families,

When love begins to grow.

You gotta take a lesson from Grandma Nature,

And if you do you'll know.


When it's time to change, then it's time to change

Don't fight the tide, come along for the ride, don't you see

When it's time to change, you've got to rearrange

who you are into what you're gonna be.

Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na

Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na


Day by day, it's hard to see the changes you've been through

A little bit of living, a little bit of growing all adds up to you

Every boy's a man inside, a girl's a woman too

And if you wanna reach your destiny, here's what you've got to do


When it's time to change, then it's time to change

Don't fight the tide, come along for the ride, don't you see

When it's time to change, you've got to rearrange

who you are into what you're gonna be.

Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na

Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na."


They spun, fell, sung, mistook words, stumbled on each other's parts, and barely averted several wardrobe malfunctions. They proved how really horrendously tired they were, after what would always rank as one of the longest and harshest days of their long and happy lives. But they had fun, almost as much fun as Motoko would have, weeks later, explaining to Su the true nature of the ‘documentary' she had seen.


But now the long day was done, and while as was said, a few stiff gusts still awaited, the family of Hinata Urashima was headed for bed. Keitaro gained a sudden nervous look, and spoke quickly.


"Mitsu-you'll be taking over Auntie's old room. With your things gone, some of the stuff she left should fit you till you can go shopping. Naru-upstairs!"


"Hey, cool down, lover. We have time."


He picked her up physically, rapidly ascending the staircase.


"We really don't. Su? How long did you program these clothes to last for?"


They were inside and their bedroom door closed when the Princess responded.


"Twenty Hours, Keitaro! Or was that..."


The ladies looked themselves over. They were all together in the all-together.


"...twenty minutes?"


Motoko smiled. At least she didn't have to undress before bed.


"Urashima may not be able to outrun fate-but perhaps he is learning to anticipate it."


Shinobu chuckled.


"We all know each other pretty well by now-why'd he run off like that?"


Mitsune gave a brief rueful comparative look at Mutsumi, confirming once and for all that the steam of the onsen had nothing to do with Otohime's supremacy in certain matters.


"Our brother's a smart man, kid. He knows we tend to lean on old familiar habits. Sudden Su-induced nudity is just as likely to be blamed on him, in the heat of the moment."


"So we haven't really changed? What was that song we just belted out? What was all of this about then?"


"Change is a slow process, Shinobu. In many ways, we are all still as children..."


Motoko grabbed up the already-napping Su. Lessons and restrictions would begin soon enough.


"...and children need to sleep."


Each headed for their rooms, and upstairs, even the ‘happy humpers' as Mitsune had called them were fast asleep, their snuggled presence against each other proving for the moment as great a joy as unraveling the sexual tension that had built since a nude young woman entered the onsen and reached for a washcloth that wasn't.


Motoko wrapped her little heart in one of her own childhood robes and lay down at last.


"To sleep...perchance to dream."

 

[Gojirob]

Motoko Urashima awoke to find that her husband had already risen.

*He is enthusiastic about his katas. And I think Tsuruko has warmed to him.*

The smell of breakfast grains awaited her, as did the sight of her husband and sister sparring in the shrine's dojo area.

"You are doing well, little brother! Keep it up!"

"I will shang my chi for the merest hint of my onee-chan's possible approval."

*Already calling him little brother? That's not like---*

"Wife! Stop thought-speaking so loudly while we are in pitched combat!"

"Sorry, Ur-Keitaro!"

Tsuruko looked over at her with contempt.

"Oh, it is *you*. My brother's wife."

"Umm-he's your brother-in-law. I'm your sister."

"Brother! Silence your concubine's sharp tongue before I do!"

"Motoko-The head of our clan has ordered your silence-you will obey."

The two finished, and bowed to one another.

"You did well, my brother."

"I had an excellent teacher, Onee-Chan."

"Brother-have your serving girl clean up the battle area."

"Tsuruko, I am your---"

Tsuruko covered her ears as though in pain.

"Brother, IT'S speaking to me again. Punish its unforgiveable familiarity while you have your oatmeal."

Motoko entered into the toughest battle of her life against the absurdly-trained Keitaro. That is to say, the toughest battle of her life. Not his. With one hand, he battled her to a standstill. With the other, he ate breakfast and looked over the morning paper. Motoko collapsed from exhaustion.

"How-did you-get this good?"

"Oh, I did seventeen movie training montages when I arrived. Nothing better for strengthening mind body and soul."

"That's-that's ridiculous---"

Tsuruko ran in, bowling over the barely-risen Motoko.

"Oh, Brother, A Tragedy! My husband has left this world in some undefined cutaway moment it will take us twenty episodes and an omake epilogue to fully understand. I am widowed and alone."

Motoko reached out to her.

"I am so sorry, Tsuruko. He was a good man."

Tsuruko shook her head.

"We never even had time to hire a seiyuu for him. Brother, will you stand by me in this darkest of all times?"

He held Tsuruko close.

"Of course, Onee-Chan. Were I not your brother, I would offer you more than mere words of comfort."

"Why, Brother-I never knew you returned my feelings. This could even turn into a decent ecchi video, if we play our cards right."

Motoko shook her head.

"He's NOT your brother! He's my husband, and I'm your sister. The only thing making your love forbidden is me!"

The pair stopped.

"She's right-I forgot about all that. Tsuruko?"

"Yes, Keitaro?"

"Wanna kill her?"

"Oh, for a long time now. But what about the ecchi part?"

"Not to worry. Most of those vids don't feature actual brother/sister-just cousin, in-law, step, adopted, or ‘grew up raised as'. Very few of them deliver the goods."

"The porn industry has no honor! Oh-Motoko?"

"Yes, Onee-Chan?"

"Say hello to my husband for me. Tell him I waited at least six months, for appearances' sake."

Motoko saw both of them raise ki attacks. She saw the swords descend towards her.

"Oh---boy."

The white light faded. Motoko heard a slightly older woman yelling at her.

"Nurse Aoyoma! Doctor Pierce just asked you a question."

"C'mon, Motoko-3-O silk. Snap it up!"

"Sorry, Doctor-Major Houlihan."

Motoko saw the room full of wounded soldiers.

*I hope this is a Henry Blake episode.*

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kessu walked the halls of the star-Sou JSDF Hinata's Journey. As usual, Captain Harukathryn Janeway was arguing a point with her First Officer.

"Mister Setoakay, there is only one Captain aboard this ship-and I say we're having taiyaki every night this week!"

"Careful, Captain-remember, half this crew were trained chefs before we came here, not archeologists like us."

"Sukiyaki then?"

"To break it up."

Naomi MacDougal brought up the rear of her feuding folks.

"Do you guys ever argue about us getting home?"

Kessu waved at her friend.

"Hi. Harriet. How'd your date go?"

Harriet Kitsune did not look happy.

"He turned out to be Galactus in disguise. I told him-we save planets for a living, he eats them. It would never work out."

"What about that other guy you were seeing?"

"He was a Cylon. Damn, I have rotten luck with guys."

Kessu checked out the galley.

"Hi, Shinoblix!"

"Oh, Hi, Kessu. Oh---QaNako erased all my recipe files. Now, Keitom Parishima and I will have to engage in a series of pointless bonding adventures to obtain more. But it beats them grimming up my character, I guess."

"But aren't you hot for him?"

"Yeah-but for some reason it all seems so slashy."

Deciding to see her friend as well, Kessu walked down to Engineering, where he was talking with Be'lannaru Torresegawa, the half-Klingdere Engineer. She punched Parishima.

"Moron!"

She kicked Parishima.

"Fool!"

She threw Parishima bodily.

"Expletive Untranslatable, Sounds Vaguely Yiddish!"

She kissed Parishima full on the lips, finally injuring him with her head ridges.

"Okay-I like that idea."

"What idea, guys?"

"Oh, hi, Kessu. Tuvoko-will you tell her?"

The fiery warrior devoted to emotional control and peace nodded.

"Indeed. Kessu-I have rated that you are no longer needed."

Kessu found herself inside an escape pod. Parishima shrugged.

"Sorry, Kessu. But we need to replace you with Mutseven Of 49DDD and her really tight catsuit."

The busty former MechaniGirl waved.

"With Cat-Ears!"

"Be'lannaru, don't let them do this!"

Torresegawa winked at her.

"Don't worry, Kessu-you get to save us all by blowing up, and then someday you'll come back as an inexplicably murderous, bitter old hag!"

As they prepared to blast her off, Kessu shouted.

"Wait! Is this because I went all Dark Phoenix when we visited MolCompa?"

They all responded as one as the button was pushed.

"Yes!"

As she flew out into endless space, Kessu resolved herself and accessed the food replicator.

"Computer---Bananas."

"Unable To Comply."

Her shriek was somehow heard even through the vacuum of the soundless void. And that's just silly.

----------------------------------------------

Mitsu Konno saw Shinobu walk into the Sou. She looked unkempt.

"What's wrong, Shinobu?"

"Oh, Mitsu Ryobo-San! The evil spirits are out there in the city, wrecking relationships!"

"Wrecking relationships, you say?"

"Yeah. It's a lot like Sae from Peach Girl, only more-so and without any redeeming backstories."

*Sounds like my people are at it again, attacking the Humans. When will they learn?*

Mutsumi walked in, nodding.

"I was only meeting my brother for lunch, but the spirits said I was probably lying about that, so they told him I cheated on him. He thought I meant checkers, and now he won't speak to me!"

Motoko was crying.

"They painted my sword psychedelic colors-because they heard that a warrior's best relationship is with their weapon."

Su looked outside at the swirling chaos.

"Mitsu-maybe you and I should take a look out there-ya know?"

"Great idea, Su."

"Not a great idea! Mitsu, you and I have a date for lunch."

"Sorry, Keitaro-but I won't be long."

"Oh, let her be forever, Keitaro! My fabulously wealthy parents will pay for a faboo lunch at the very best places!"

"I guess I will, Naru-since Mitsu is always doing this to me. Hmmph!"

The pair walked out, while Su and Mitsu went in the other direction.

"She's so cheap, Mitsu! Why do you always let her get so close to Keitaro? He's your boyfriend."

"She's her own worst nemesis, Kaolla Su. Mine awaits me in Tokyo City-or rather it awaits---"

Summoning up energies of the good tricksters of legend, Mitsu took on her even hotter superhuman form.

"KITSUNE KAMEN! THE MASKED FOX!"

"Umm-that's what Kitsune Kamen means-just like Zorro in Spanish."

"No time for that, Su. Now run into the city and be danger bait!"

"Gotcha!"

Flying along, the mighty Kitsune Kamen disrupted the work of the spirits that were part of her tragic mixed heritage.

"No, Sir-your girlfriend couldn't possibly be pregnant right after last night. It takes a while longer than that."

"No, Ma'am-your husband is an empty husk of a man. He can barely satisfy you, let alone participate in an orgy."

"I think you two may be a couple from another manga-misunderstandings like this are just par for the course, when he's afraid of shoes, and she's a dragon cast in Human form."

A voice boomed out.

"So, once again you undo my designs, Kitsune Kamen!"

"Well, if it isn't my evil half-sister Disguisa, Mistress Of Disguises!"

Disguisa shook her head.

"Why do you always add that last part? I mean, I'm already called Disguisa. I think most people just see the next part as implicit."

"Enough talk! We fight!"

"Not so fast, sister! For I have your little friend."

"Good work Su."

"Thanks, KK!"

"Ehhh-you wouldn't dare drop her."

Disguisa did just that. Su plummeted faster than the popularity of a mangaka who bails before finishing the series.

"Now you can save her, or...owww! Aren't you even going to try and save her?"

Kitsune Kamen punched at her half-sister.

"She'll go through a series of humiliating and disgusting mishaps, then complain to me at the end of the adventure, but she'll live. Now, stop disrupting established relationships, Disguisa!"

"I do no such thing. I merely cause people to raise logical questions about their unworkable relationships. Men very often find me a better match for their friends than their current girlfriend."

"But most women consider you an unwanted element in something that was moving along just fine without your ironic commentary."

"You win this round, Kitsune Kamen. But like Elmyra Duff, I'll keep returning despite my lack of popularity!"

Flying back to the Hinata-Sou, Kitsune Kamen resumed her mortal form as conservative Ryobo Mitsu Konno. Su was awaiting her.

"Mitsu! I fell into sewage, was attacked by dogs, and got mistaken for an eco-terrorist!"

"Oh, that wacky Su!"

"Hello, I'm right here."

Inside, Naru was her usual self.

"Hmmph! Look who bothered to show up, after missing all the excitement."

Keitaro hugged his true love.

"Oh stop it Naru. Sure she's a bit unreliable and inattentive, but we all can't be like the wondrous beautiful Kitsune Kamen."

Mitsu turned and winked. Keitaro stared.

"Who were you winking at?"

When all had left but her, Mitsu received a phone call.

"It's Disguisa, sister dear. You want a happily ever after? Check the writing credits on this piece."

Mitsu opened up her own manga, looked where she was bid, and then shrieked in purest horror.

"Go Nagai and Yoshi Tomino?!!!!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The young girl again heard those heartbreaking words.

"Shinobu Maehara will not be my mistress."

But now those words were changed as well.

"She will be my wife."

They were back at the Sou, not the restaurant.

"But what about Naru?"

He laughed.

"Naru Narusegawa? You mean that crazy violent girl who was placed into an insane asylum, before I ever came back here?"

"Yeah. That would be the one. What about Kanako?"

"My sister who works in Hollywood doing special effects? Haven't seen her in years-her or her husband."

She asked about the others, and one and all, they were nowhere to be found or seen.

"Why are you asking me all this, Shinobu? It's been you and me since we were kids. Now, on our eighteenth birthday, no law can hold us back any longer."

"Our eighteenth birthday?"

Delighted, they walked upstairs together, and it happened. Her mind fought against the limits of imagining something she had never actually done before. In the afterglow, she further imagined their lives together.

"This is so wonderful. I am so happy. Just wait until I tell-until I tell---"

Who would she tell? Who would she talk to? Who would she seek advice from? Who could she rely on to always come through for her? Who could she feel good and safe around? After all, this man was not her Sempai. He was just a boyfriend, a lover--, maybe a husband. All great things, and surely she loved him dearly and truly and forever. But did gaining the one she loved mean forever losing him in the very special way that she had come to love him?

"I-want him back. I don't want the perfect uncontested boyfriend. I want a sweet awkward fool who never gets how much I really care, because he's too busy thinking of helping me, and too damned forgiving of my flaws and weaknesses. I want the infuriating guy who makes me blush, and who falls into my boobs, and who apologizes far too often when he's the one who's owed an apology. So---please bring him back."

She closed her eyes, and the young woman again heard those wonderful words.

"Shinobu Maehara will not be my mistress."

She smiled and felt tears of joy fall from her eyes as she responded.

"I understand completely---Sempai."

-----------------------------------------------

Mutsumi led them all into the onsen, where their man was waiting for them. The towels dropped. He was theirs, and they were his, with no dominance or selfishness, and no limits on behavior. Everything was allowed, and flesh met flesh in endless combinations.

No questions were asked, and no one was shamed. The youngest were among the boldest, and the oldest the most patient as things built to a crescendo-not of sex, but of their love-though sex was had a lot, to be certain.

When all was done, they rose from an onsen that now really needed cleaning, dressed and ran outside to the sandbox. There they reverted instantly to five year olds, all at the same time, and their innocent play was as joyful as the joining of their more mature bodies had ever been.

*But we're still fighting over Keitaro.*

Even that was fun and playful, and he was far less nervous than normal. Naru was hale and hearty, and Shinobu not intimidated by an age difference. Among rambunctious five year olds, Su hardly stood out at all. Motoko was not yet of age to be tasked, and Mitsune's touchy-feely grabbiness was just par for the course.

*Kami, let this moment last forever.*

Yet one by one, their parents came for them. Finally, three remained, and they stood to make that fateful promise-only to have the Urashimas and Narusegawas snatch their children up before it could be done. Sad faces were seen and little waves receded in the distance as little Mutsumi was left alone in the sandbox, her only wish being to see her friends again. The world grew cold as they left her, and the little girl began to cry. Finding the courage to rise from the sandbox, she became an adult again, willing now to live in a world where feelings so deeply felt can't always be expressed, but are nonetheless very real. In the distance, she glimpsed preparations for a wedding. She smiled wickedly.

*Well, this is MY dream, after all...*

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Gojirob]

Naru tiptoed toward the one she had offended. She adjusted her spectacles, and wished she could manage contacts, like him.

"Ummm-Urashima?"

"What is it now, idiot? And at least try calling me Keitaro."

"I'm realllly sorry-for sliding into the onsen like that."

She felt herself fly back from a casual punch. She never even saw him form a fist, nor did he look up from his studies to do it.

"That's for reminding me of it. You plan these things, don't you?"

"No! I just---just-"

The indignant look on his face was both terrifying and alluring at the same time.

"You just keep pushing me further and further away from the kind of pure status a woman of means and culture wants maintained in her future husband. Is that your plan, pervert? To make sure I have to settle for a future salarywoman like yourself-if you even do that well?"

*'A woman is the place the world begins.' So why do I always feel like the other end?*

Naru felt a blow to the back of her head.

"Is this voyeuristic monster bothering you again, Keitaro? I should make her incapable of pumping out potential hellspawn."

The young man was lithe and tough, almost looking like a samurai's bow and arrow in one being. Keitaro waved him off.

"I can handle this molest-happy fool, Moto. By the way, your brother called. Said he was coming over."

"Noooo---not Tsurito! Narusegawa-do I terrify you?"

"Alll---the time---errrr, Moto. I live in fear of life and limb because of you."

"Oh, why am I asking? A cowardly Peeping Godiva like you jumps at every last shadow."

As Naru tried to walk away, she heard one young boy talking to another.

"It wasn't until 1920 that American Men were finally granted the vote, and only in the past decade has their military even allowed men into combat, for fear of reproductive injury leading to a population decline...oh, hi, Sempai!"

The fresh, sweet smile of cutie Shinobi Maehara was a rare bright spot in this place.

"Hi. Shinobi! How's your stud..."

Two feet bounced off of Naru's skull amid gleeful laughter.

"Wow, you're tough. How are they hanging, Onee-Chan?"

"Konga Ru! You shouldn't speak to Sempai like that-especially not about her---ooohh."

"It's-okay-Shinobi. They're hanging well, Ru."

"Can I see them? I'll bet my sister the queen has bigger ones. I wish I'd been born to her. Hey-maybe I can make that happen!"

The boy with the wild look and sun-bleached hair pulled an invention from his loincloth.

"This device will either regress me back to before my current incarnation-or---"

Naru saw Shinobi's and her own shirt disappear. Shinobi shrieked.

"Eeekk! Do not gaze in lust upon that which feeds the world! Ohhhh-I'm looking!!"

Naru tried to calm the young boy.

"Shinobi-they're just boobs. Help me find something to cover myself-"

Konga Ru shrugged.

"Maybe I can adjust this thing to do dry cleaning."

"Waahhhhhh!! I've disobeyed one of Kami's laws! She'll send me to Hell with Lilith and all her fallen angels!"

A burp and the smell of beer came through. Naru, who had just found a t-shirt, felt her hand placed on something bumpy. A sly, well-muscled man smiled. Only the friendly if clumsy ‘Mutt' Otohime had a bigger overall package-not to mention accessory. Matsui ‘Loki' Konno had one of his wanton eyes hidden, as always.

"Okay. I've just allowed you to handle my area of true worth. That's good for a month's rent, right?"

Cries echoed all around Naru.

"Loki-hold her!"

Shinobi was crying his pretty little face off.

"I saw them! I SAW THEM!!! SEMPAI'S A JERK!"

Moto pulled out his sword.

"Is that how you get off? Exposing your ‘power' to babies?"

Loki was no longer smiling.

"That poor kid may never recover."

Keitaro ground his fist into his hand.

"You think that just because this is a boys' dorm, you can come in here and do whatever you want?"

She found herself to be quite durable, but all these boys were insanely strong, able to hit with skill and speed rather than just being able to lift heavy weights and supports. Konga Ru just kept jumping on her head, not in anger, but that didn't seem to help much.

"YOU MADE SHINOBI CRY!!"

"Please-Urashima-you have to understand!"

Seemingly disinterested in her torture, her Uncle Noriyasu sat back in the distance, smoking a cigarette while chastising his girlfriend (but never call her that to his face) for her horrendous driving habits.

"What do I have to understand, Naru, huh? That we used to be able to walk safely in our own home, till Grandma made her only mistake ever and placed you and your pervy hands in the midst of our happy lives?"

"Grandma?"

"Yeah, that doesn't change. It's always Grandma."

She reached out to him, the boy she still felt closer to than many of the friends that had mocked her lack of dominance over what they had crudely called the ‘hairballs'. Sadly, as she tried to get herself back up off the floor, a tug caused Keitaro's pants to come down.

"You're not wearing any---"

A kick sent her flying through the roof. As she flew ever further into the sky, she looked up at the heavens.

"O-kay! I GET IT! I think I kind of got it already..."

She awoke in her bed, next to Keitaro, who looked at her very sadly.

"I still can't believe you stayed, after all we put you through-especially early on. Why, what with Ru and Sam McDougal alone..."

Naru smiled. Tasked with the burden she had placed upon Keitaro, she now got to reap its ultimate reward.

"It's like I told you, Urashima-you're not that strong. None of my boys are. Now get ready for some good lovin."

And for the moment before the dream ended, she felt a bit of the good side of seeing things from another perspective.

*Cultural Dominance. I could come to like it.*

---------------------------------------------------------------------

He saw her rise from the bed, just a little scared.

"I want to have it. It is ours."

Keitaro reached to take Naru's hand, but it turned into Motoko's as she rose.

"Both our lives will change. Mine will only be the most obvious."

As she stumbled but did not fall, she shifted into Mitsune.

"Kind of should have been more careful. Not that I actually would have been."

As she turned to look at him, she became Mutsumi.

"It may have to become his or her dream instead of ours now. They do cost money."

She pulled him close, and became Shinobu.

"We didn't do anything I didn't want to. I'm scared, but I can't not treasure the result."

He cupped her cheek, and that cheek now belonged to Su.

"You will be the greatest father ever. Can I still call you Onii-Chan?"

All of a sudden, they were all there, and all pregnant. The evidence of his huge irresponsibility and thoughtlessness stared him in the face. He grew badly frightened, and he saw the ladies rise up as though to punish him. But this he stopped.

"Even if this is all real-three years ago, I thought that entering Todai and gaining your acceptance were both impossible. If those things can be done, then I vow to make this work. Because we will make it work. It won't be a dream at first-but it can become one. Will you stand with me, fool and jerk though I am?"

Shinobu rose up, her stomach already visibly larger. She handed him a document.

"This is your quest. If you want our love and forgiveness, fulfill it."

Keitaro took the document, and found a place that could aid him in fulfilling the quest his wives had demanded as penance.

"So---you want 10 barrels of pickles, and 100 gallons of Butter Pecan Ice Cream?"

----------------------------------------------------------------------

It was the year 2100. The old woman in the bed smiled at the young woman before expiring. The woman, somewhere around her late 20's, tried her best to sob. After so many goodbyes, it was getting hard to manage it, even for one she had held when the old woman was brand new to the world.

"Goodbye, Sarah."

She walked over to another room where someone else she knew was leaving this world, and there saw a handsome young man standing by another elderly lady's bedside.

*She still has the sweetest look.*

It obviously hurt the younger man to see the dying woman this way, but he kept as much of this back as he could.

"I will always think of you as you were that first night we met."

"And-to me---you will always be---sempai---ohhh-I feel-"

The two funerals were held the same day. The survivors walked off together.

"Keitaro, do you dye your hair?"

"Hydrogen Peroxide. It's too hard to explain why I'm buying silver dye."

Back at his apartment, she lay back in bed and waited for a moment that had been a century in the making. Keitaro looked at her. They had first discussed this thirty years before, when Naru's old illness had suddenly kicked up again. It had seemed at the time too much like a desperate option, based on their common status, which was rapidly leaving them alone and having to lie as a matter of course. Sarah's granddaughter thought her long dead, and her daughter in turn thought her just an old family friend.

"You sure you wanna do this?"

It was at Su's ‘investiture as Goddess' that Grandma pulled them both aside and said that their happiness was more important to her than any law-except writing her more often.

"I'm sure. It's too hard hooking up, only to watch them age. Besides, everyone who might to know to object is gone-and I think that I have always loved you."

They kissed, and his delight in simply being around her was apparent. As he prepared to finally consummate a very old love, she held him back for one last question.

"Keitaro?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think-sometimes---?"

"Yeah?"

She smiled.

"---just for fun, do you think that sometimes, you could still call me Auntie?"

------------------------------------------------------------------

Haruka Urashima-Seta awoke in her bed, next to her husband, who was not her nephew, despite the comparisons she had made. Her dream had been a disturbing one for her-and it was not even the first one she'd ever had on the subject.

"What happened?"

She broke down and told him, and he smiled.

"Hey, you're only eight years his senior, and at times you've been very close. Look, if it really bothers you, go and see your friend. You were talking about it anyway."

"You're right. Hey, sorry to wake you."

He kissed her.

"Just to get myself tired again, I'm gonna take a brief walk. You okay?"

"I am now. Thanks, Nori-Chan."

Noriyasu Seta got dressed, and walked out into the early morning air by his home. He kept walking, judged the distance by the sound of his footsteps, and when he was far enough away to be 100% sure, he offered up an extra, more privately kept opinion on the subject matter of his new bride's dream. This opinion was concise and to the point.

"Eeeeeeewwwwwwwwwww!!!"

 

[Gojirob]

Epilogue - The Woman Who Digs Her Family

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KINGDOM OF MOLMOL, AUGUST, 2001

Haruka Seta, nee' Urashima, held her man in a tight grip, fully intending to never let him go.

"Ohhhh...Haruka."

"Yes, Noriyasu?"

The door to their room was closed, and Sarah sent off to sleep with Su and Motoko. They were all alone for many miles. Their activities would not be heard.

"I think...you better stop."

Haruka leaned up close and smiled in Seta's goofy face.

"I may just never let you go."

Haruka, you see, was holding her man tight. But she was not embracing him.

"Ruka, it hurts!"

For you see, Haruka was holding her man-by his manhood, and not at all in a tender way. Noriyasu Seta was learning just how tough an immortal's nails can feel, as they slowly close around a region the toughest of men get antsy about.

"Even if you kick me square in the jaw, I'm not letting go."

"You know I wouldn't-even if that would stop you."

Gambling hard against an angry woman, Seta called her bluff.

"Unless you want this to be a very technical kind of marriage, I have to ask you to let go."

She did, but a quick close of her hand like an arcade's mechanical claw reminded him of his constant peril.

"Why in the hell did you have to involve him?"

"I needed his help in getting the artifact---"

Her disdainful look was followed by another claw motion.

"Don't make me call Old Hank, Seta! He's over 100, but he'll whip the truth out of you if I ask him to."

"Do you have to remind me about you two?"

"Hey...he's as Human as the next man."

"But I was the next man!"

"Geez-you never figured that out that we tricked you? I don't have a grandpa complex. You were-the first man-and one of the only ones, too."

"Thanks-but you're not gonna call him, are you?"

Haruka sighed. Old Hank was the supreme legend of all archeologists, and the subject of multiple feature films. He was also Seta's sempai, and the terror displeasing the old man held for Seta made Motoko's relationship with Tsuruko seem like Shinobu's relationship with Keitaro.

"Not if you tell me the real reasons why you grabbed up my nephew, moments from achieving his childhood dream."

"Well, his being immortal does mean I'd have someone sure to reach Toudai alive."

"That's a start. But I always know when you're holding back."

He sighed.

"I had reasoned out that Kaolla Su was Molmolian royalty by the marks on her head. Since the Molmol Military was not in a mood to listen to me, and I knew Su was sweet on him, I figured he might be able to speak to her at best, or serve as a distraction at worst."

She nodded.

"Keep going."

"Why? I've told you everything."

It was possible, maybe even likely, that some of the Urashimas' ‘family secret' had been transferred to Seta by his times with Haruka-particularly one just two months before. But for all this, he was not an Urashima, and as Haruka began to punch at him, he was reminded of this anew.

"You allowed those two kids to have their dream transferred over to this madhouse, where that lovable little lunatic went nutsier than usual!"

Each punch came ever closer to its mark, the same area Haruka had targeted just a minute ago.

"That caused the fax to feed those lonely girls' dreams with the idea they could still step in and take him!"

If bluffing, she seemed quite serious as each blow was barely dodged.

"You single-handedly managed to roil up underlying tensions that could have..."

She stopped just shy of hitting her target, in part because an inner voice told her not to, and in part because only the arena for the madness could be laid at his feet.

"...that could have erupted at almost any time, over anything. Honey-I don't want to be upset with you. But those are my kids, and they really don't need any help in the crazy making department."

He got up, and held her as he often did when her rages were all spent.

"Why was this time so different than every other crazy time?"

"That I can answer. Kei and Naru were never so determined to reach the finish line. Su was never more out of anyone's control. Kitsune was never so blinded by her feelings for Keitaro, to the point where angling pushed her past simple pain in the ass into intestinal blockage territory. Motoko's still so knew to admitting her feelings-or that she even has them-that another chance at Keitaro was irresistible. Poor Shinobu has always felt crowded out, and trusted the wrong people to help her say what she wanted to. She still came very close to back-stabbing Naru, though. When she told me about the airship, I actually grabbed her skillet and broke off its handle on a rock, in front of her. She didn't complain. She gets it. But I wonder if the others do. It's like-what was usually fun and games, or part of how they got along, turned from slapstick and misunderstanding to just plain cruel and vicious. Now it has me worried-Hey!"

She pointed at him.

"You STILL haven't told me the real reason you absolutely had to grab him. Hubby, there's one more, and I want to know it."

Seta finally gave in.

"I wanted him at Toudai to challenge me for the right to finalize our love there. I knew at least you and Naru would follow. I had to beat him in front of the two of you. I wanted to be that superhero sempai in Naru's eyes one last time, and I---"

His face had the look it had when she mock-threatened his manhood.

"---I had to beat him in front of you. I had to finally, once and for all, win you from him."

She shook her head.

"What in the hell are you saying?"

"Ever since you mentioned this determined little boy, I've felt like I was in competition with him. He's far from all you ever talk about, and you're not all he talked about while we were in America. But any time one of you mentions the other-it became clear that you were talking about something more than a cousin, nephew, or even a sibling. Each of you was talking about your first love. But beating the nervous kid I found when I finally met him would have meant nothing. So I took him, trained him to his best potential-and only then was I ready to best him and really claim your love, once and for all."

She smiled, sniffed, and wiped a tear from her eye.

"That is, without a doubt, the sweetest---"

And Then She Belted Him Across The Chops.

"---and at the same time the DUMBEST thing I have ever heard from you. Keitaro and I---"

Seeing that her new husband was unconscious, she also saw just how much he looked like someone else. Haruka placed him in bed, put a pillow beneath his head, and tucked him in before kissing him on the cheek.

"Keitaro and I have got to resolve some things."

Wandering out to the beach to work out some thoughts, she was surprised to see her nephew digging for artifacts at a time she was certain he'd be going seismic with Naru. She thought back to the first time he had ever called her ‘Auntie'. She then asked him a tender question as typical of their relationship as it would be unexpected by one who didn't know them.

"What the hell are you doing?"

The talk that followed would speak of family secrets, and of feelings she hadn't always made clear to him, but that he knew of anyway. It also spoke of the war to come between the sisters of the Hinata-Sou. By the time all was done, she had never felt closer to her nephew, and also dared to think that her feelings for him were now completely resolved.

To be fair, she was much closer to her nephew.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MID-TOWN TOKYO, THE MORNING OF AUGUST 18TH, 2001

"I'm here to see Doctor Kashigawa."

The secretary was an older American woman, somewhat heavyset, but inherently friendly looking.

"Oh-you must be Emily's friend. She said she was looking forward to seeing you."

"Well, this isn't a social visit. But I will be glad to see her. Is she the group therapist I saw listed on the placard?"

The woman laughed.

"No. Doctor Hartley still handles that, and Emily would never think of infringing on Sempai Bob's territory. She was named for his wife, after all."

Haruka shook her head.

"I never knew that. But then, she and I were never as close as we could have been."

"Another one, huh?"

"Eh?"

The woman extended her hand.

"I'm Carol, by the way. As for Emily, let's just say I sometimes think she spent her childhood drumming up future business for when she became a psychologist."

An older, mostly balding American man walked up to the desk.

"Carol, is my salaryman group here yet?"

"Waiting in your office, Bob."

"D-Did you confiscate all their sharp objects?"

"All the metal ones. Though I think Samara-San may try to commit seppuku with a piece of really stale baguette."

The man shook his head.

"You can leave Chicago..."

Haruka chuckled.

"Hard times?"

Bob looked at her.

"Ever run a long group therapy session?"

Haruka thought it over.

"For about the last eight or so years."

Bob nodded.

"That-that's a pretty long one."

Bob disappeared into his office. A moment later, Haruka heard a voice that used to give her hives.

"Urashima!"

Short-cut hair, elegant clothes, as always she looked like a woman most men would bypass Haruka in favor of-just as they always had, when those men were boys-and the two women were girls.

"Kashigawa. Repairing the mental wounds you inflicted on the greater Tokyo area?"

"It does pay the bills. It finally replaced the nose you broke!"

Carol nodded before speaking.

"You two are really good friends, aren't you?"

Doctor Kashigawa shrugged.

"You know me too well, Carol. Hold all my calls. If Urashima is giving in and actually taking me up on my wedding gift, it must be juicy."

Once inside, Kashigawa opened her arms.

"C'mon-we've been there and back."

Haruka did in fact hug her, a thousand old insults exchanged coming to mind and only making them feel all the closer.

"Now, 'Ruka-your Granny never thought much of psychiatry, and neither did you. So what brings you here?"

Haruka sat down on the couch.

"Emi-I think I may be losing my mind."

"That covers a lot of ground. Is it your new marriage?"

"No-my marriage is something I'm afraid of losing in all this, though."

"Okay-being a mother for the first time?"

Haruka rolled her eyes.

"Try for the fifteenth time. Ryobo, remember?"

"Not quite the same thing."

"Yeah---but it's not Sarah. We've been good for a long time, and now we're even better."

"Granny Hina okay?"

"Oh, sure. She gets to make all these plans and schemes and remotely puppeteer all of us while traveling the world. Why wouldn't she be fine?"

Kashigawa wrote in her notes.

"No resentment there, huh?"

Haruka pshawed.

"Definitely something there, but that's not what's bugging me. Emi, I've been having dreams about being with this guy I know."

"Right after finally marrying Seta?"

"I'm not proud of it. But the dreams still come."

"Dreams will come, Urashima."

Haruka looked out the office window. It had a nice view of the city.

"I know that. If it were a movie star or fantasy figure, I'd have no problem. I'd just ask Nori to dress up as them. He's always game for mixing things up. But it's a real guy---someone I've known since we were kids."

"Someone I'd remember?"

Haruka clammed up and sat down after that. Emily Kashigawa sighed.

"May I remind you that we aren't catty teens anymore, and that I won't run out and tell everyone we know?"

Haruka nodded, and gave in.

"Yeah. It's just-I never thought I'd be in this kind of position. Emi, the guy in my dreams?"

She breathed in before speaking.

"It's my nephew."

Kashigawa wrote something down, seemed to be recalling something, and then looked at Haruka while shaking her head.

"Little Keitaro? Kei-Kun, The Baby Boob-Grabber? You---you have a thing for a boy who must be what, sixteen years old?"

Haruka shook her head as well.

"I trained him to grab all of you like that. And Emi? He's twenty-two."

"No---no, he's not. Maybe---maybe eighteen."

"Twenty-Two."

"-a big for his age going-on nineteen-"

"Twenty-Two. Emi, I'm thirty, and he's eight years younger than me."

Kashigawa continued to shake her head.

"Which would make him---oh, my God! A baby I cooed at and tickled is twenty-two, and one of my oldest friends has turned into an incestuous pedophilic stalker with latent maniacal tendencies---"

Kashigawa caught Haruka's glare.

"-err-but she's good people. So? Can I see a picture?"

Haruka produced a photo of the two couples at Toudai in Molmol.

"Ooooh-our little pal seems to have filled out-to say nothing of the rest of his body. Who's that with him?"

"That's Naru---his---his fiancée. Seta is sempai to both of them."

"Naru Narusegawa?"

"You know her?"

"I know of her. When I first set up practice, the girls of the Hinata-Sou used to provide me with an endless stream of boys and men-some girls, all badly traumatized. Dried up suddenly about three years ago---wait-you don't mean?"

Haruka nodded.

"Grandma made him landlord. They tried their damndest to get rid of him. He was forever walking in on them while they were nude---"

"In a hotel with an onsen? Imagine that."

"Emi, don't apply logic to their relationship."

Kashigawa shrugged.

"Okay I won't. Besides, it's not those girls he conquered that concerns me. It's the aunt he appears to have done that to. How long have you had this itch---I mean these dreams?"

"They've really only gotten explicit of late."

"Of late? Does that mean you've dreamed of this geeky little hunk before?"

Haruka sank on the couch a bit.

"Really-all my life."

Kashigawa phrased her next question carefully.

"How many of them have been explicit?"

"None-till last night."

"How far?"

Haruka was actually blushing.

"Just shy of it."

"So what happened?"

"We-were like those Highlander stories-like we were some kind of long-lived---errr-"

Kashigawa raised an opened palm.

"Listen, ‘Ruka. The day we had that big fistfight over who Juni liked better? We both hit each other in the nose. An hour later, I practically had my face iced over, trying to keep the swelling down. The only thing you faced was Grandma Hina ripping you a new one. We all kind of got what you were-that, and we---kind of dropped Kei-Kun a few times when we played beach-ball with him."

"Why were you holding him for beach-ball?"

"Well, he was the ball. It was those damned Jell-O shots. He seemed to like it-but this one time a little girl crawled over and bit me on the ankle for doing that---noooo! You're kidding!"

Haruka nodded.

"And she was sickly back then, to boot."

They got back on subject.

"Emi, I'm starting to have sex dreams about a kid who I was supposed to protect from lecherous old perverts-like me."

"Backtrack a bit. Was this or was this not the first really explicit dream?"

"It was the first one where we got naked, or in the clinch."

"Okay. What happened in the others? Near misses?"

Haruka shook her head.

"They only recently took on even a romantic air, let alone a sexual one. Usually, it's just been us being happy together. When I was a kid, and school got me down, he'd be there in my room, and we'd play board-games. When I was a teen, we'd walk down to the flavored ice stand. It's never even been a steady thing. Sometimes, I'd have these dreams when we hadn't seen each other for years. The arcades, the boardwalk, a long bike ride. All of it always innocent."

She wasn't quite fighting back tears, but her rise in emotion was apparent.

"When I lost my folks, Grandma did her best-I mean even above and beyond what everyone knows and loves about her. But she is of a different generation, and sometimes, I still felt so damned alone. The rest of the family tried to help. But I didn't want to belong to all of them. With me and Keitaro, it was like we had our own little family-just us two. Yeah, he'd break down and cry and give up like every five seconds, but every other five seconds he'd just keep on. We had each other, and that was all we needed-except for food, clothing, a roof over our heads---you get the picture."

"You know-all of us envied you having him."

"None of you envied me anything."

Kashigawa laughed.

"Baka! Two things a girl that age always thinks will solve all her problems is a boyfriend and a baby. In him, you had both. So what do you think changed in your relationship?"

"I guess it all started when he came back to manage the Sou."

Haruka thought back.

"They could not stop beating on him in those days, and he could not find his way past doing something that embarrassed and humiliated himself and everyone else. Bonus points if it involved Shinobu."

"Shinobu the screamer?"

"How---?"

Kashigawa nodded.

"Three or so of your former residents also made their way here. Shinobu Maehara's lungpower and tear duct capacity is a thing of legend. Did you know that some people don't think that anyone really lives at the Hinata-Sou? They say it's haunted. That a group of wailing banshees there eternally torment a poor lost soul, and their wails can be heard even at Fuji's summit."

"Aren't banshees Irish? Anyway-they pound on him-and they demand of me that I throw him the hell out."

 

[Gojirob]

Haruka grinned.

"I could not have been more delighted."

"That these psychos were pounding on your nephew?"

"He could take it. It was always mental strength he lacked. A woman's raised voice held more terror for him than any physical torment. Heh. Naru still doesn't know that, for about a year before he left for America-his pain threshold had gotten so high-he had to force himself to cry during her beatings."

"Don't ever tell her that. People hate it when they learn their partner's been faking it."

"Anyway, my delight came from the fact that these whiny brats-who I love dearly-finally had their comfortable wool festival broken up. Grandma had dropped a sausage bomb in their midst, and this one was not going away-until he did-in which case they all fetched him right back."

Doctor Kashigawa chuckled.

"True love, huh?"

"Oh, you wouldn't have survived saying that during the first year-maybe even during the second. But it became pretty clear that he was now ‘their pervert'. One time, they took down another group of girls bothering him at the beach. Stripped and then tied them up by their bikinis, even gave him permission to look. He promptly cut them down, of course-at which point they offered to have him move in with them, away from the ‘witches'. He never even considered it-and then the girls beat him for looking at the ones they stripped-that they had given him permission for-etc."

"And-you're the one who came to see a psychiatrist? Haruka, it sounds a lot like you're very fond of all these kids."

"Shinobu, everyone just wants to protect. Su's the same, except they also want to maybe one day figure her out. Motoko tried to build a shield against the world of men-but Kei was always breaking things. Kitsune is Kami's vengeance on me for Grandma-that's why I gave her my old job when I left. Naru---Naru---"

Kashigawa noted some of Haruka's body language.

"Naru apparently has you forming a fist."

Haruka punched the couch.

"One day, I came home to find he had a black eye from her. Do you have any idea how hard she must have gone at him, to leave a mark that's visible? I came that close to batting her around myself-but I knew he would have felt more pain than she would have."

"And you care about his pain."

"You don't hold a baby and then stop caring because they're too big for that now."

"Ruka, I've certainly heard about this girl in passing from others. Let me hear your take on her."

Haruka raised a finger.

"Too late, shrinker. I already tumbled to the thought that Naru and I are a lot alike, and that Kei and Seta are too. We're good with that. I thought I'd put all this behind me."

Kashigawa shrugged.

"Ruka, I think I nailed something down here. Your dreams haven't been predatory---they've been progressive. What were some of your more recent ones?"

"Shopping-dancing. Grabbing some taiyaki and lemonade. Happy stuff."

"What changed between those dreams and the big one?"

Haruka had seen this before, but never quite so starkly.

‘The baby had become a man. The man chose his wife-and it wasn't me."

She lay back.

"Ok. Completely pathetic now."

"Why? Because a surrogate mother figure is a bit jealous that her son chose her daughter?"

"Emi-I have a man. A frustrating one, but one I love. I have a nephew, and he's chosen a girl of like nature. I'm deliriously happy for all of us. In that light, I'd like these dreams of abusing my love for him to go away."

Kashigawa nodded.

"I rather think they will. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they were done with. You may still dream of your nephew-but I think the cycle of dreams may have ended last night. Ruka, feelings get released-they don't get resolved entirely. The man you call your nephew is less than a decade your junior. You've both watched each other grow-that's incredibly alluring. Never discount that. You say the boy has become a man. In that dream-what were you about to do?"

"I was-about to be with him-the way a woman is with a man-because that's what we both are now. And I called him dense."

"Your dream wasn't some carnal desire to make your Grandma cry-it was celebrating your first love finding his own happiness. The imagery in the dream was just you realizing that while you would probably never be with him-now you could. Sometimes a possible if unrealized relationship can be as powerful as a consummated one. Because they are also transformative. Like alchemy, you've watched your little man turn from lead to gold, and you feel golden as a result. Let yourself feel that way---and if you happen to get a little dream action from it-eh. Never hurts."

The phone buzzed.

"That would be Carol. Our time is up. You, Mrs. Seta, just used up a very expensive wedding gift."

Another quick hug, and the two parted company. As she left the office, Haruka heard Doctor Hartley say to Emi that he missed someone called Carlin. Outside the building, her cellphone rang.

"You're sure? That moron---and the moron that married him. Thanks, Doctor."

She rang her new-likely temporary-home.

"Sarah-you and your Dad meet me at the Sou. Oh? Try and stop me, little lady. And tell him the doctor's visit was a very positive one."

Her purpose all her own, Haruka calculated the time needed for her new family to hook up with her old, and decided to do some shopping. She would be one of two or three stiff gusts to still strike the Hinata-Sou.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE HINATA-SOU

"Five in the afternoon? That has to rival some of my best."

"You look disappointed."

Mitsune in a borrowed bathrobe shrugged at Naru, wearing just an oversized T-Shirt.

"I was hoping to get a start on my training as Ryobo."

Keitaro, wearing the other half of what Naru wasn't, yawned and stretched.

"Mitsu, we just went through the longest day I can ever remember, and that includes my leg and all the failed Todai entrance exams combined. Your training can wait for tomorrow. As Grandma always says, if you took that kind of sleep, then that's what you needed."

"But I kind of wanted to start working down my debt-clock, so to speak."

The earnestness in her eyes secretly did for him what a thousand snarky rubs never could have. But all he did was place his hand on her shoulder.

"Your debt-clock started counting down as of yesterday. When that day comes, we'll celebrate that and the day we almost fell apart together---errr-yeah."

Naru placed a hand on the other shoulder and offered a smile.

"It's over, Mitsu. We've all eaten of humble pie."

"You weren't the one who was almost thrown out."

"You weren't the one who almost threw her sister out."

Mitsune tried to smile.

"Say-any of that humble pie around? I'm starved."

Shinobu emerged from her room, happily wearing proper pajamas-but not quite having adjusted them for where they clung to her emerging figure.

"Sorry-all the barley soup and eggs are gone-I didn't cook much yesterday."

Keitaro picked up the phone and called for Okonomiyaki from a delivery place, along with a large Margarita Pizza. While he did this, Motoko emerged with Su. Her robe was open, but revealed only her body wrap. She gave a surprised Keitaro a look that seemed to say : *You have seen more.*

"It was as Urashima said. So great a battle as that was bound to leave us brutally exhausted. Sisters-and brother-we have cause to look back in both shame and pride. We had a great deal to settle-and almost lost a great deal more by avoiding directly dealing with it for so long. Mitsune-if I, in the process of explaining myself, portrayed myself as the purer party in all this, rest assured, it was not a lie I myself believed."

"I'd just as soon say goodbye to saying sorry, Motoko. But it isn't done. We still have two or three more strong gusts coming through."

Mitsune had said that very absently, a fact Naru noted.

"And you know that-how?"

Since she suspected, but did not know for certain, it was not precisely a lie.

"Don't know. It's like-I can feel something coming in the air tonight. Oh, Kami. Guess my punishment for taking the sake doesn't end, does it?"

Luckily for her, Shinobu spoke up.

"I just hope, if I ever do anything that wrong again-it still doesn't involve anything like that cab ride."

Keitaro, who had been on his way to Molmol with Seta, naturally hadn't known of this.

"Cab ride?"

Shinobu looked at him, and felt a twinge she was still new at fighting down.

"When the fax from Grandma came through, we all piled in to go after you. My head wasn't on straight-I just wanted to get to you. But we kind of made sure Sempai Naru wasn't aware of the fax, or in the cab, and we told her to take care of the place and---"

Shinobu thought that the prior night's talk was as bad as things would ever get between her and Keitaro. The look on her sempai's face-one of the purest disappointment imaginable---was one she swore deducted points from her very soul.

"Never again, alright?"

"Keitaro, stop it! She and I had this out. Can't we have done?"

He honked the girl's nose.

"I'm not upset. But as sempai, I demand better of her, even in her worst moment."

Shinobu hugged him after that-but he had no idea just how much she wanted to mount him, right then and there. The moment of being shamed had somehow done more for her desire than a thousand comforting words and pep talks-and those had never been slouches.

"As sempai, you have that right, and I will live up to your highest expectations."

Naru noted the near-ecstasy Shinobu was in, even if her man didn't.

*Someday, I'm gonna have to have a long talk with that girl. Then again, he gives such good shame.*

As Mutsumi entered, Mitsune motioned for everyone to gather in the living room.

"Sorry to break this April-May hugfest up, but since everybody's here, I have some ideas for this place that are best heard by all concerned. Okay?"

The last but not least member of the Sou flew in from the onsen, and settled on, of all people, Motoko. Su squealed in delight.

"Tama-Chan!"

Mutsumi smiled broadly.

"I think the bad vibes coming from here kept Tama-Chan away. Maybe it is all nearly over."

The small turtle's facial muscles always seemed capable of actually forming a smile, and this evening was no different. Mitsune swore she could feel the tiny creature's joy, but put that aside for more practical matters.

"During our little set-to-before he clobbered me-our brother pointed out to me that this place has been on the edge of profitability for some time-even with yours truly excluded. I'd like to change that-and it uses an untapped resource to do it."

Su raised her hand.

"Isn't that illegal? And I think it's unfair to expect Keitaro to keep all those guys in line, and making sure they pay up."

Mitsune-and nearly everyone else-had been expecting something from Su, so she was quick but firm.

"Not that resource, Su. I meant taking in outside tenants for the warmer months. Maybe May through October-the times themselves aren't important-but that would also create a natural customer base for the Tea Room."

Keitaro raised not an objection, but a concern.

"If there's one thing I know about, it's privacy concerns. We do have unused rooms on both floors-but there's bound to be people seeing our bodies and our business. People we don't know, and who-no offense-are more like than not to file assault charges or lawsuits."

"Gotcha there, Bro---and also way ahead of you. In fact, you two happy humpers showed me the way. We take one of the floors just for us-and we double up for those four or five months. Be a bit of a pain-but we could also waive any talk of rent increases. It'll be kind of like what Kanako proposed-only without a creepy incestuous ulterior motive."

Naru saw the doubt on Keitaro's face.

"Hey-I think she has a good idea."

Shinobu nodded.

"I could double up with Su, Mutsumi or Motoko. Especially in non-school months."

Mutsumi showed her agreement.

"That even leaves one room a single. If one of us needed space, or if you two fought, there's a safety valve."

"Urashima, is there a reason why this could not occur?"

Keitaro shook his head.

"Technically, no. But practically-this place probably has not been up to code for some time-and if we get some bureaucrat in here, checking every last centimeter in the hopes we have to bribe them for something-I don't see how we can make it. The idea itself would make this place a going concern again, and give us some real reserves. But in order to make that happen by next spring or summer-we'd need seed money for deep repairs and renovation-likely including the Tea Room once we got inspectors in here. Money like that doesn't just come falling from the sky."

It is a truism that, for good or ill, Keitaro Urashima never learns to avoid making certain statements. For at that moment, a mechanical turtle clad in golden and jeweled plating flew in from the outside. Su jumped up and grabbed it.

"Mecha-Tama Aurum! I gave this to my brother and sister to deliver official correspondence."

The shell popped open-which notably creeped out Tama-Chan, who had seen the same thing happen to cartoon turtles. A folded-over envelope popped out, and the royal construct departed. Su opened it.

"It has your Molmolian army bonus checks in it."

There was one check for everyone present, plus four or so more again, which confused some people. Mitsune shook her head.

"Su, you said that I wasn't getting one."

"Uh-huh. Technically, that's still not your bonus. It's payment for collateral damage-sorry about your room."

Mitsune stared at the excess of zeroes.

"It's okay kid-that was Kitsune's room. I'm Mitsu-Ryobo. I don't need reminders of drunkenness and chundering. Though I do plan to tie one on when we have our anniversary to-do."

Keitaro, Mutsumi and Naru stared harder at their checks.

"Su, we never signed up-we were on the other side, remember?"

Su grinned rather sheepishly.

"I---kind of signed you up, Onii-Chan-so that you would have to obey my orders. That was wrong, wasn't it?"

Motoko shook her head.

"She will be the death of me. Su-why did you get a check?"

"Errr---because I was such a good recruiter, signing up all those people?"

"You mean either at gunpoint or fraudulently?"

"We have an aggressive recruitment program."

Motoko snatched the check from Su's hand, and gave it to their landlord.

"Our princess donates this towards the restoration of the Hinata-Sou."

"Yeah-I guess I do-all of it?"

Shinobu stared at her check.

"Su, I told you to deduct the cost of what I broke in your room."

"It is deducted."

"But this is soooo much money."

"Well, did you think I was going to have my friends play a game like that without paying for it?"

Mitsune looked at hers.

"It's enough for me to kick in the upgrade fund-and pay the taverns off. I doubt they'll let me back in, but that's no big. Also-I think I owe us a trip to the boardwalk arcades this Sunday."

Keitaro shrugged.

"You could pay the Sou off, and just pay the taverns piecemeal."

"Thanks, Bro-but I know my own worst habits. We'll keep to the year for my debts here-like you said, I'll be stuck here anyway."

The pleased look on his and Naru's face made Mitsune feel actual self-worth. It had been a while.

"Sempai---count my money in towards the restoration-minus the rent for this year."

"It's a no-brainer for me. I love this place. I met my two best friends here."

Keitaro waved a hand.

"Thanks, Mutsumi. Thanks to all of you. There's now more than enough money for the upgrades and repairs-maybe even for a few fun things. But I want to go one step further."

Naru sat down, and folded her arms.

"No way, pal! You can't have them all!"

The ‘all' stared over at her, and her defiance deflated.

"Gotta work on those trust issues. Oh---wait! Keitaro, that's a wonderful idea!"

Mutsumi's hair-ends seemed to vibrate-among other things.

"The best idea in almost twenty years."

Mitsune caught it next.

"Why not? We wouldn't want things to get boring around here-what with little Bro showing onsen restraint and us all good with him being here."

Shinobu looked confused, till she looked at Keitaro.

"It is OUR dream. Just like you said on the airship."

Su looked about her.

"Am I being punished again?"

Motoko whispered and Su perked right up.

"Wow! Then all your bad memories of Molmol would become good ones."

"More like---they'd have a good ending, Su. Motoko-since we don't want to offend the fates again, will you lead the prayer?"

"I am honored to do so, Urashima."

Motoko fell to both knees, and as she spoke, each member of the household began to join her.

"We do not demand of the fates, nor do we beseech your favor, save in this one thing. We ask that you take no offense in our proclamation of desire and intent---"

They joined hands.

"---that all here, and perhaps more who we do not yet know or who do not yet stay here-will one day soon join our sisters Naru and Mutsumi and our brother Keitaro as students at the great and prestigious Tokyo University. It is our every intent, and we shall fight to overcome all obstacles-but by this we mean no hubris. Let no spirit or power take offense, and for challenges you offer us in this struggle-we humble ones express our gratitude. So Kami Be Invoked."

"So Kami Be Invoked."

Keitaro remembered his four-year-old self simply crying out ‘No Matter Who No Matter What' and hoped that these qualifiers would move them out of fate's specific crosshairs. But there were some crosshairs he himself would never leave, as a weight fell upon his back.

----------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Gojirob]

"Onii-Chan---how about we go in the onsen?"

"Let me get my trunks, Su."

"Why? I like seeing your thing---and you think I'm cute. You can just give whatever I stir up to Naru."

Motoko decided to play Solomon.

"Kaolla Su may sit in the onsen with Urashima fully nude---"

"Yay!"

"Motoko!"

"Wait! She may do that---only if they are divided by rocks, and not at all touching."

Keitaro picked up what she was doing, and smiled.

"Sounds fair."

"No it doesn't! I like being with Keitaro! I won't try and steal him from Naru ever again. What point is there in him being out there with me if there's all these barriers, clothes, rocks-whatever?"

Keitaro sat her down, and Motoko kept a listen as he spoke.

"We have to live by certain laws and rules, Su. At one time, a man who married a woman wanted to know with absolute certainty that he was the first one to ever be with her, or to see her unclothed. Otherwise, not only he wouldn't want to marry her, but no man of worth might."

"But that sounds-almost like property."

Motoko cut in.

"It was a two-way street as often as not. A man who had been with low women or who had shamed women would not be considered a worthwhile catch. It was always easier for rumors to begin than to ever be squelched. Much as we once rejected our brother for his clumsy nature and claimed it to be mere perversion."

Su smiled, and the other two felt uneasy.

"Well, since Keitaro has seen all of us naked, and we've seen him, then we all have to get married-and since that's not legal in Japan, we'll have to move---"

Motoko and Keitaro glared, and Su bit her lip.

"Can't blame a girl for trying."

Keitaro continued.

"Naru might not see it that way. Nowadays, things aren't quite as strict-but if say, Shinobu met a boy from a strict family, they might not even like knowing that I live here-let alone what we've all seen and touched on each other."

"But you'd never touch anyone besides Naru-I should know."

If Motoko had any regrets about not being the one her ‘brother' chose, they would in the coming years be sublimated somewhat by their sparring sessions, and by these tandem lessons to a girl who had once loudly expressed her desire to marry them both.

"The members of this hypothetical family might fairly say that we can offer no guarantees of this. Again, the mere fact of seeing each other in various states of undress-mostly total-might itself force the boy to appease his family and end the relationship entirely."

Su hung her head.

"Poor Shinobu. How will we tell her?"

The teacher pair felt pressure behind their eyes.

"She will get over it, Kaolla Su. But we live in a world where we must be wary of the judgment of others. It is even possible that, were Urashima to do as you ask, certain people might even try to remove you from living here. We already have to re-register you as it stands."

Motoko knew this to be extremely unlikely, since Su's family approved of her life and likely had even more liberal bathing habits. But that thought brought the lesson home.

"Okay-bathing suits-maybe a towel across my chest and shoulders?"

Keitaro played an unfair card.

"But you look so cute in that bathing suit. Besides, if we love each other, how can clothes or rocks really separate us?"

The smile on her face said that the battle had been won. This battle, anyway. As he changed, Su asked Motoko one final question.

"Umm-about that strict family?"

"Yes?"

"Do people like them get to always say what's right for everybody else, even if they're not so strict?"

"They don't really, Su. Real life is messy, and goes on around us all, strict or otherwise. In a way, even the loose look to the tight to make sure that things don't get completely out of control. Change is slow-and that is how we tend to like it-in this country and the world at large."

Su went out to the onsen after ducking into her room.

"Bathing suits don't matter, as long as we're together. Besides-Onii-Chan is still Onii-Chan. Something is bound to come off of someone!"

When Keitaro went out, Motoko joined him.

"Still don't trust me?"

"You, Urashima, are a puppy dog. It's Little Miss Strip Chess that bears watching."

---------------------------------------

In the kitchen, a lesson of a different sort came up.

"So?"

"So?"

Naru nudged an increasingly nervous Mitsune.

"So I've dished on some juicy details from the other night-keep your promise."

Mitsune had forgotten this particular dodge on her part.

*Great-like my little lies haven't bitten off enough of my skin.*

"Naru-you know how you'd feel if Kei did this with one of his pals."

"He doesn't have any man as close to him as I am to you. Maybe Seta-but I don't see that happening. I'll even allow for that-if you'll just keep your promise."

Not long before Grandma left and Keitaro arrived, Naru had picked up a drunker-than-usual Kitsune from ‘meeting' with her Marine pal. It was a real bother, one Naru said she would forgive if Kitsune merely told her what it was like ‘to be a woman'.

"I don't know-considering that I have the hots for him, too-maybe we better not compare notes. I-I messed things up pretty badly between us. Maybe-maybe getting me all hot and bothered isn't a good idea."

The then-trickster had grabbed Naru by the cheek, and promised to do so ‘when they had notes to compare'. That marker had been called, and like many a debt of late, Mitsune found herself coming up critically short.

"I've already dished! If you're suddenly all shy about details, then just give me basics. Did it hurt?"

"Kind-of. Not-so much. You know---that's such a personal thing from woman to woman. It varies. A lot."

"Did he use protection?"

Mitsune just sat there, beginning to feel sick to her stomach. Naru kept up her interrogation.

"Any-alternative positions?"

"You know how guys are. They want it all. Gotta hold something back for next time."

When Mitsune would no longer look her in the eye, Naru knew, though she could not believe.

"No way."

"Why are you doing this to me, Naru?"

Naru knelt down beside the sitting Mitsune, and drew her close.

"You're not serious, are you? Is this like when you convinced me you were really a guy?"

Expecting chortles and gotchas, Naru instead felt tears on her shoulder.

"What do you want from my life? Do you want me to say it?"

"Mitsu-"

"Fine! You and Kei slid into home plate before your oh-so sophisticated Onee-Chan. I'm a---I still can't say it."

Naru pulled back and looked her in the eye.

"Why would you think that would matter to me?"

"I'm supposed to be so cool, so worldly. Instead, I'm a big chicken who always stops short of pop and play."

"But all those guys---"

"A lot of evenings spent alone getting blasted. A lot more since the guys I did know figured out that I drew the line."

"There's no guy you even wanted to do it with?"

"Yeah-your guy. You don't know how many times he helped me upstairs-and nothing. One time, I even threw up on myself just to force him to undress me. I even grabbed myself a handful. He shook like a leaf, but he did what he had to-and nothing more."

She almost chuckled.

"After he left-all worked up-I heard Motoko spotting his excitement, and then pounding him for it. I was jealous-because at least they were getting some kind of action."

Naru held her closer.

"Was it religious?"

"Who? Me? No. I-was born very close to my parents' wedding. I always got the impression that they had to put some things off because of how I showed up. I always felt like I'd done something wrong, just by being born. Naru, I could never make a kid feel that way. Even if Keitaro had just taken the cue to try and plow me when I left myself open, I don't think I could have-and I'm in love with hhhh--im!"

Naru felt her own tears starting, and fought to keep control.

"He wouldn't think any less of you, and neither do I. For pity's sake, you keep the one supremely responsible thing you were doing a secret? Hey-what about protection?"

"It has a failure rate. It wasn't me being responsible, Naru. I was scared. Listen-did you two use it?"

"We---we're planning to."

"You---you will-or I will climb into bed with you and sing Phil Collins all night. You two have a dream-don't trade it in for a violent little nearsighted whiner we'll all love anyway."

As they talked and laughed a little more, the humor of the moment caught up with them, as the cautious Mitsune urged restraint on the reckless Naru.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the onsen door open, Shinobu and Mutsumi observed Su snuggled up against Keitaro.

"I couldn't do that with him. Su's content to just be next to him. I'm not. Not anymore."

Mutsumi looked at her younger friend.

"I could. But that's because I remember when we were girls and boys almost in name only."

"Have I lost anything, Mutsumi?"

"Not unless Kei's been keeping something from us."

"How did I know you were going to say that?"

Mutsumi smiled.

"Oh, you're so serious! Shinobu, I've had years to accept that it wasn't me and him. You only had that confirmed recently."

Shinobu sighed.

"It isn't just Sempai anymore. Mutsumi-I've thought about it, just like anybody else. Lately, though-it's all I can think about. It doesn't help that the man I love is actively loving another while I try to sleep-but that aside, what was once a stray thought is now 90% of my thoughts."

Mutsumi stroked her hair.

"Part of growing up, my lovely girl. Guys think they have it bad, thinking about it almost 100% of the time, but the truth is, that keeps them on an even keel. When they really think about it hard, what's higher than 100%? But us? When we shoot from 90 to 99, it feels like an earthquake. You think it was just romance had all of you stabbing Naru in the back like that?"

"Hey! Mmmm---I guess I deserve to hear about that for a while."

"Actually, both you and Motoko deserve to hear about it forever. She's supposed to have honor, and you're supposed to love both sempais enough to bypass any such scheme. But Su and Kit-Mitsune caught it because they had done so much else to put people off. You and Motoko had good track records, and the smarts to apologize early and often."

"Sempai Naru was that upset?"

"She wasn't happy-and none of that is my point, Shinobu. What all that points to is just being cognizant of what your feelings can drive you to. Keitaro literally loves you too much to let his attraction override his common sense. Not every guy will act that way, if they know you are interested."

Shinobu got off subject, just a little.

"His common sense? Tell me there aren't men twice his age who don't date girls younger than me."

"And are those men anybody you'd ever even want to know?"

"No. But I resent this line that says : Jail, scorn, abuse-all for two people who love each other showing it in the way God made us to show it."

"Oh, Shinobu-treasure these times-they will not come again. The man you moon over and watch scary movies with will soon have a wife-maybe kids. You will have suitors galore and no time for old sempai---"

"That won't happen-I won't allow it. I cannot imagine him not being some part of my life. He's my best friend, Mutsumi. Even if not for sex, he takes me seriously. But sex is still on my mind, and I think that either thinking about it or loving sempai or both are going to drive me flat out of my mind. When does it stop?"

"Oh, she wants it to stop. Shinobu, I would lay odds that there is no age a woman can reach that puts her beyond the feel of the urge driving her to distraction."

The onsen trio came back in, and quickly got dressed. Mitsune and Naru emerged from the kitchen. A knock came on the lobby door, which Keitaro answered.

"Yes, I---"

A fist came through the doorway, knocking Keitaro flat. Haruka emerged, grabbing her nephew back up---and then kissing him long and hard and deep full on the lips before releasing him to an equally stunned Naru. Shinobu looked at Mutsumi.

"Point conceded."

It looked to all present like Haruka had lost her mind. She pointed at her doubly assaulted nephew.

"Get out of my dreams."

She pointed at her future niece.

"My nephew is not a punching bag."

She pointed at her replacement.

"My nephew is not an ATM."

She pointed at the young royal.

"My nephew's head is not a trampoline. I have already instructed my daughter that it is also not a testing ground for the durability of ancient artifacts."

She pointed at the samurai, who stopped her.

"He is also not a practice mokujin."

"Bright girl. I might also add that he is not an emotional clearinghouse---"

She looked at Shinobu, who shrank from her gaze.

"---nor is he to be casually labeled a ‘jerk' by a little jerk who never seems to get he's trying his best with an emotional minefield!"

She pointed back at her nephew, who feared for his safety on a few levels.

"You could have done a lot more to stop all this---"

She gestured at the rest.

"-but leave it to these geniuses to exceed even our culture's rules about using such adversity to become stronger. Do you know what it actually takes to elicit my sympathy? I don't have any real sympathy!"

Having gotten most of her nearly-decade long burden off her chest, she added something recent.

"Now---kiss and make up---end this unseemly conflict."

Mitsune actually smiled.

"About twelve hours too late, Auntie. We got there late last night."

Keitaro shook his head.

"Auntie-you didn't drive all that way for that, did you? I'd feel terrible if you did."

Haruka sat down, stunned.

"You bums actually did it. Without me. I-I can stop worrying. Wow."

"Auntie?"

"Yes, Mutsumi?"

"I-I feel kind of left out."

Haruka puzzled for a second, then caught on.

"Take some iron supplements-and wear a freaking bra!"

Mutsumi looked confused.

"Alright for the supplements. But I always wear a bra."

All heads turned in her direction at that, and then towards Shinobu, who nodded.

"They require their own wash load. At times, it frightens and saddens me."

Mitsune fought down so many slingshot comments, it was painful. Haruka gestured for her blood and his fiancée to sit down next to her.

"Naru-let me make up for what I did to Keitaro, just before."

"Ummm-how will you---mmmmmm-"

Naru pushed the kissing fool off of her.

"AUNTIE!!"

Haruka laughed, and then put her arm around her nephew.

"You did a good job, kid-and now the news-"

Seta and Sarah burst in.

"Stop her! Don't let her solve the conflict of your lives, or you'll never be able to stand on your own two feet!"

"Mom, you promised you'd stay out of----aaaaghhhhh!!"

In a heap on the floor, Sarah looked up to see a smiling Su, who hugged the stuffings out of her.

"I've had a really bad couple of days."

"Air-AIR!!!"

Mutsumi picked a stunned Sarah up.

"Su, you're suffocating her!"

"Still---need-air."

Haruka raised her hand.

"Man O'Mine? They went and solved it themselves. Now can I tell them the news?"

Sarah looked worried-although that could have been from oxygen deprivation.

"You're not breaking up already, are you? Geez, you two are worse than these two."

Naru felt a chill.

"You're not dying, are you?"

This time, she kissed her future niece on the cheek.

"Kind of exactly the opposite, kid. I'm pregnant."

A gleam passed between her and Keitaro, but only Seta knew to catch it.

"So, nephew-"

Haruka patted her stomach.

"You gonna take responsibility?"

Keitaro openly freaked.

"AUNTIE----"

He calmed down and shrugged.

"No way. It was only once, and you said you were on the pill."

Laughter passed all around, except for Su, Sarah and Naru.

"Isn't that against the law?"

"I'm being traumatized again!"

"You-YOU TWO TOGETHER ARE EVIL!!! How can you joke about something so---oohhhhhhhhhh!!!"

Seta leaned in close to Naru.

"You know, technically, this does free us up."

"Double Trauma!"

"Will you all just stop joking like that? I---eeeeeeeeeee!!"

Haruka could not resist the opening Naru gave them. She looked at Keitaro.

"Emotional, isn't she?"

"Yeah-she's always been that way."

"Are you sure you want to marry her?"

Just to save himself, Keitaro got back up, held and kissed his flustered fiancée.

"It seems like the logical thing to do."

Seta and a still-frowning Sarah sat down by Haruka.

"Kei-you ready to step up and be an uncle? It's only fair."

"Yeah. I had a good teacher."

Calmer now, Naru asked a question.

"How?"

"Geez, kid. You don't know that yet?"

Before another word could leave Naru's lips, Haruka continued.

"Well, in a way, you and Kei helped set this up. Seeing you two get serious stirred the pot something fierce. We got together about two months ago."

Shinobu shook her head.

"All that craziness in Molmol didn't affect the baby?"

Haruka took the girl's hand, as well as her nephew's.

"Kid takes after its cousin. Shin-chan? Make sure and help my hopeless replacement out? She's gonna need it."

Mitsu took up the challenge.

"Hey-hey! I'm gonna make them forget you so fast, that rugrat of yours will call me Mommy!"

Haruka reminded her of her place.

"At least the kid will never go hungry that way."

Sarah stared at Haruka's stomach with joy.

"Onee-Chan Sarah! I like that. But won't the kid be confused that its uncle calls its Mom Auntie?"

Haruka drew her little one close.

"I lived with it just fine. In fact, it helped make life interesting."

"Okay. But didn't we all part ways five seconds ago, and now we're having a reunion?"

Sarah was hit over the head with a paper plate by her new cousin.

"It's the Sou, Sarah. You never really leave it."

"Huhn. I guess I can't hit you anymore. Bad example for the baby."

Sarah leaped onto Kei's back, and kissed him on both cheeks repeatedly.

"Hey-that's actually kind of fun."

*Wonderful* thought Haruka.

 

[Gojirob]

As the delivery food arrived, Naru talked with Seta.

"Should we trust those two?"

"Maybe-maybe not."

He mussed her hair.

"After all, they've been flirting a lot longer than we have."

*He is sooooo goofy* thought Naru. *But a girl never does get over her Sempai.*

Shinobi had pulled Haruka aside for a couple of reasons, one of which she gladly accepted.

"After it's weaned, sure. We'll take a free babysitter."

"Thanks, Auntie. And-Alice-San says hello. We ate at her new restaurant last night."

"Guthrie-Dono? Oh, I almost forgot her. Lousy thing on my part. Thanks, Shinobu."

"Guthrie? That's her surname?"

"It is now. She chose it after-ehhh-"

"She told me all about it, Auntie-I made the same proposal to your nephew that she did to her sempai. He said No, of course."

Haruka pulled the girl's cheek.

"Because he loves you, hotshot."

While this choice was not surprising, Haruka was prouder of her nephew than ever.

"Oh, and Auntie? Arlo-San will be coming to see me here in about two weeks-to meet everyone. I hope it goes well."

Haruka seemed thrown off.

"Shinobu! A boy that young? He must be what, twelve?"

"Sixteen."

"No, he's not sixteen. Maybe thirteen, going on-"

"Auntie, he's a year older than me."

Haruka's heart sank. The babies were all growing up before her eyes.

*You in there-have a really long childhood! Got me?*

As they saw Kei pounded by the affections of Su and Sarah, Shinobu shook her head.

"Mine or not. Loving that man is going to make me crazy."

"Join the club, kid. Join the club."

Outwardly, Shinobu laughed and smiled. Inwardly, you guessed it:

*Eeeeeeeeewwwwwww!!!*

--------------------------------------------

Mitsune felt a presence. A moment later, Mutsumi and then Motoko felt it as well. Motoko moved Su and Sarah to the onsen doors, and then whispered to Shinobu and Haruka, who whispered to Seta.

"Just sign here, sir."

The food deliverer was about to hand Keitaro a pen. Shinobu knocked it from his hand. Motoko and Mitsune each grabbed one side of the ‘man'. Haruka and Seta stood front and back of him.

Naru and Keitaro thought they had all lost their minds.

"Guys? We order from this place a lot. I know this fella."

Motoko mouthed a word at Naru, who frowned.

"Yeah, you know them, Keitaro. You should---he's your sister."

Like something out of a Scooby-Doo cartoon, Keitaro unmasked the ‘deliveryman'.

"Kana-Chan! What are you doing here-and what were you trying to do?"

The look on her brother's face told Kanako she had reached the end of his patience.

"I should think that was evident, Kei-Kun. As I once said, you and I are never done. I find your recent engagement unacceptable."

"Then you leave me with no choice. I have no sister-she is no longer welcome where I am, or in my home."

The pen, now smoking, seemed to speak of Kanako's intent. But one wasn't buying it.

"What's with you and banishing sisters? Keitaro, there's something you're not seeing."

Haruka cut Mitsune off.

"Look, I told Keitaro this might have to happen. This kid has never listened and never will."

"You, Auntie, never wanted me as part of this family!"

Haruka got up in her face.

"Wrong as usual! You have always only wanted to be in a world containing only you and Keitaro. You wanted to draw a line around him and you, just like these girls wanted to draw a line around themselves and the rest of the world. News flash, kid-it doesn't work! I tried reaching out to my new niece-but she had no use for anyone but the brother she wanted to play house with."

Mitsune looked at Kanako with new eyes.

"You're both still missing something. Kei-how did she get by you? You've always been able to see through her disguises."

Most everyone took note of this.

"That's right. I never knew exactly why-but this is the first time she's ever really fooled me that I can recall."

Mitsune looked at Haruka.

"Also, angry-lady? When in the last several years have you known this girl to so much as take a squat without the say-so of you-know-who?"

Mitsune nodded at Naru, and then Kanako.

"Used to be, you committed the biggest blunder a master of disguise possibly can with him. A disguise artist asks to be seen as someone else. But you always wanted Keitaro to see you as something other than a sister. So at the same time you played dress-up as Naru or Freddy Krueger or whoever, you were making two requests of him. But this time, despite wanting to kidnap him out of love-he couldn't see through you. So it follows that you actually have given up on him-"

Mitsune wrapped up her Holmesian monologue with a shocker.

"---and that you're here because Grandma sent you to do this."

Haruka shook her head.

"Why, Kanako?"

Seta scratched his head.

"Because she made the same mistake you did, honey. Grandma thought that the girls were still in conflict. That she needed to stage Keitaro's kidnapping to reunite the Sou."

Keitaro frowned deeply, and picked up his cell phone. Haruka stopped him.

"No, nephew-this one's mine."

Kanako protested as she dialed.

"I have admitted nothing! Kuro-now!!"

Shinobu pointed to a black cat happily moving between three dishes-tuna, water and milk.

"We remember your reign here, Kanako."

Kanako looked at her pet sadly.

"traitor."

Haruka got through to her intended party.

"It's me. No---no. They solved that all by themselves-yesterday. Now listen, old woman---we love, worship and adore you, and given your word alone, we'd all march into hell. And maybe these two-and maybe me and Seta-certainly all these girls-needed a kick in the soft underbelly. But do you honestly believe that another staged drama is what they needed after that little megalomaniac nearly blew everything up?"

Haruka covered the phone and looked at Su.

"No offense, honey. I love you."

"None taken, Auntie. Love you too."

Haruka resumed her confrontation.

"You will do whatever it is you see fit to protect, engage and move forward the growth of the children under your charge? Two pieces of news, Grandma. One : So Will I-even if it means going against you. As for Two---you're six to seven months away from becoming a great grandmother."

Haruka smiled smugly, then suddenly frowned.

"No, it's not Kei and Naru! They just started the other night-no, I wasn't watching! Mom-I'm gonna be a Mom, and I'd rather have you with me than against me. I want all my family there. With my luck, your lovable idiot grandson will end up delivering it. But with all that-I will never again simply throw in with any secret plans. The kids are alright, and they're growing up without us. They still need instruction, but they-but we-no longer need to be tricked."

When they hung up, everyone in the room bowed before Haruka. Her nephew spoke first.

"Lady-you have guts."

He helped a woozy Haruka to the couch.

"Yeah-and I very nearly just threw them all up. Kei, did I just do that?"

Kanako moved out of her captors' grip.

"You did indeed. I am glad that I will not be returning to her for now."

"Huh?"

"I too, Auntie, directed our grandmother that this would be the last such effort I would take part in. Having fought to accept my brother's love for another, this was difficult to undertake. It broke my heart to do it, as it did for you."

Haruka shrugged.

"Actually, I enjoyed it. Telling her off and winning? Kissing Kei till his lungs came out? Telling these psychos what they are? Getting knocked up before marriage and already being married when you find out? Niece-I'm liking life."

Kanako looked at her brother, and then at Haruka.

"How come when I express romantic affection for Kei-Kun, it's creepy, but she's blood, and she gets to soul-kiss him?"

Haruka put on a pair of sunglasses, and kissed her nephew on the cheek.

"Because I make this look good!"

Naru shook her head.

"Nah. It's still creepy."

Keitaro gave his sister a hug.

"Sorry about all that. Been a little on edge."

"Understandable, Kei-Kun. My plan called for overwhelming a disunited group. They were nowhere in evidence."

"Will you stay with us, or go back to Grandma?"

"Neither for now, brother. You see-I have of late located my birth mother. I wish to spend time with her. Kuro-is not fond of her, though. Will you take care of her?"

Motoko nodded at her fellow warrior.

"We all will."

"Your birth mother? Wow, Sis. I'm-very happy for you."

"You will still see me, Kei-Kun. I am and shall always be yours. And I know now that those my brother has chosen to spend his life with are people of a good character."

Mitsune walked up to one she had declared a living source of grief, and lightly embraced her as well.

"Well, since I'm calling him brother too, I guess that does make us sisters, after all. And hey, Kanako? When you see your Mom?"

"Yes, Mitsune?"

The woman who would change truly, deeply and sincerely, and yet would always remain at her heart Kitsune, smiled.

"Tell her-I feel fine."

"I think that she will be very glad to hear that. As am I. Everyone-some aspect of what I did in the past was Grandma's will. But for certain parts I cannot ascribe to her plans-I beg forgiveness. You must have all thought that perhaps I was insane."

"My sister? Never."

"Not my future sister-in-law!"

"My niece is alright!"

"We never thought such a horrible thing."

"A warrior would never so badly underestimate another."

"Like I said-all we sisters are a little crazy."

"You are the sister to my two oldest friends-how could I think that?"

"I said you were probably clinical. Maybe you should take your bonus check and seek help."

All looked at Su. Kanako shrugged.

"The princess of Molmol is nothing if not honest."

Keeping to what Motoko called her hit-and-run nature, Kanako left amidst shadows. When they cleared, Shinobu saw what looked like two foxes in the distance.

"Mitsune? Did she just...?"

"Latex and rubber cement, kid. She's a disguise artist, remember?"

*Maybe someday, Mom-Sis. But I have promises to keep.*

The real food delivery arrived. After they ate pizza and the Japanese ‘answer' to pizza, Seta pointed with dread to a certain device that began chirping.

"People-we have a fax."

Haruka folded her arms.

"I'm not touching it."

Mitsune shook her head.

"Yeah. Been there."

Naru pointed.

"You are the owner."

"Yeah-but for how much longer?"

"Sempai-we will follow you out that door, if need be."

"Wearing only my body wrap, if that's what it takes, Urashima."

At nods from all, Keitaro activated the printer. There were quite a few pages.

*Including names of reputable contractors. How does she always know?*

"It's from Grandma alright. Everyone assemble. This could be it."

"Kei?"

"Not a word, Auntie. It needed to be said, and you were the only one who could have said it."

He kissed her on the lips---lightly and quickly.

"You get out of my dreams, too, lady."

Both spouse and future spouse let that one go, and all sat to hear Grandma's words, for good or ill.

 

[Gojirob]

"My beloved children. The time for games is at last done, though, I pray, never the time for fun. I suppose if my hand is too evident, hiding it with feints and tricks not only serves little purpose, it also insults those I have raised to be so strong as to finally snap back at me. By standing on your own and solving your own problems, you have exceeded my best expectations for you. You do an old woman proud."


Keitaro made a play of adjusting his glasses, but no one was fooled.


"So let me speak to each of those children in turn. To my great-granddaughter Sarah-try not to hide how much you care with quick remarks. Be a help to your cousin Kei, and a good Onee-chan to that child I fear will be smothered by all the love surrounding it. You have been with us long enough to know-names and blood matter, but so does the family we choose. In my mind, there is no distinction between them."

*I have a Grandma-a real Grandma. I will be worthy of you*


"To my absent Kanako-try and understand her. When she had you, she had been hurt, just as she later caused hurt. Learn the joys of her world, and of being free. Let those shoulders laden with so many disguise uniforms be fitted with only your own robes, as you at long last find out who you are. It is all I or your parents have ever wanted for you. Remember that they are bakers, and when you and your brother did not turn out according to recipe, it took them a time to adjust. Do not mistake that adjustment for resentment."

*I once did, grandmother-even at this remove, I do so no longer.*


"To my laughing grandson, the absent-minded archeologist. You treat her right, boy. What she lost as a child she regained only with little Kei and yourself. Remember that with Ruka-Chan, the second warning is actually the direst, and the time to move to appease her. Do not disappoint me, Noriyasu. You stand at the center of five other lives beloved to me, and to you I leave the burden of occasionally putting aside your own self. "

*These girls can all tear me apart-but only displeasing that old woman really scares me.*


"To my lively granddaughter Kaolla Su. Remember that a ruler is first and foremost a servant, and must live as an example. To create is a terrific thing, but remember that terrific derives from terror. You need not crash into someone child, to let them know you love them. It is as I once told a writer from New York who was staying here : With Great Power, There Must Also Come, Great Responsibility. I never learned what he might have done with my words. Never lose that wild core of yours, that volcano of energy that warms the cold Earth around us."

*I will, Grandmother. My Uncle Benpar often said the same thing-huh-why didn't I remember that till now? Oh well.*


"To our sweet and wonderful Shinobu. It never surprised me to learn that you so deeply loved my grandson. I saw so much of him in you-including the foolish ability to vastly underestimate your own strength and worth. You may worry that your recent actions taken to declare your heart's intent to the one that holds it makes you less than what you were. In fact, you have become more. As you leave the child behind, you and we may miss her. But we will all love the woman you become even more. A child walks in our grasp and under our gaze. A woman walks alongside us, and is one of us. Move on from your sempai, for your sempai he will remain-and this is a wonderful thing. Do not let your love become a tragedy. Let the love of Keitaro Urashima and Shinobu Maehara be the place her heart started, not where it stopped."

*I have been privileged to love three Urashimas in my time. I cannot imagine my life without them. But Grandma---can I have him anyway? Ohhh-move one-move on-slowly.*


"To our Trickster, for we always need the Trickster. Mitsune, you now stand as one of the pillars of the home I built. You may worry about where you started from, or some unknown part of the past altering that which you truly are. Even in a society as ordered and structured as ours, we still remain largely who we choose to be. Because order and structure can lead to hidebound foolishness and even national hubris, we need the trickster as much as the manager. Turn to all you know for aid in growing into both these roles, for they are truly one. And do not let the fact that Konno-San and Konno-Chan cannot figure you out be confused for not being able to love you. I have heard them say you remain their finest wedding gift, wrapping aside. Step up to all that you are, and all that you can be, and you will never need to be concerned about being taken seriously."

*If I am ever once taken 10% as seriously as we all take you at all times, I will know my life is just about complete, Grandma.*


"To the Guardian of The Aoyoma Method and Path : Motoko, life is an opponent that pops out at you, despite your best efforts to anticipate it. You try to grab at it, only to find it soft and undefined. Suddenly, it hardens and comes at you. You try and erect a shield, but it seeks any opening it can find. In its quest to find you prone and unready, it is unrelenting. It will even try to take you from behind. You must not show fear, but resolve that you must accept life inside you. In its thrust and motions, you will find the means to go on, and seek your position in things. Give life a chance, and you may even find that it is you who are seeking life out."

*It becomes obvious that our grandmother sacrificed a career in stand-up comedy. Hmm-I must ask Urashima for a copy of that page.*


"To gentle Mutsumi, I offer no advice save that to always be yourself. It is advice you have followed since you were but a little girl of four, barely in your first training bra. I see no need for you to change that successful approach now."

*Oh, that's right. I think Mother had it bronzed. Love you, Grandma.*

"To my daughter and granddaughter both. I think that the dour uncaring look you always tried to maintain has left your face at last. You have over these years built a family with these girls, and with the first boy to see your worth and touch your orphaned heart. Now you have a true family of your own, Haruka, to replace the one you lost so unfairly. But continue to connect with the one you built within the walls of our home. You are free of having to be impartial, so speak your mind. Never again feel afraid that love leads to loss. Always maintain your connection to the boy who was your best friend, boyfriend, brother, cousin, and nephew. For at your hardest, he has his grandfather's ability to see through to the heart within. At last, hear my command : Be Happy Haruka. Oh Kami, Guide Her To Happiness Always."

*Well, I was deeply connected with him just a while ago. Any deeper, and you might have to have a long talk with your grandchildren, Hinata. But Happy? Yeah, I think I can do that. I'm finally ready to try.*


"To she who would become my granddaughter. I hope that you have at last found another use for him, Naru. I think that you will find it more gratifying than punching him could ever be. He can be a fool, and he can give up far too easily---but you are his match in that, and in many other flaws. The trick will be to alternate your souls' rhythm so that when he is nervous, you are calm, and when you are spoiling for a fight, he is firm in urging peace. Finding that balance will see you through to the end of many hard days-and besides, it's fun. Do not let the perfect become the enemy of the possible. Do not let your expectations ride you over a cliff. I will tell you a secret, Naru : You are even stronger than you believe. You will fulfill my wishes by being his strength when he needs it, as he was yours when your incredible power threatened to overwhelm your tiny body. Share in what he has, and let him share in what you have, and together your only illness will be suffering the envy of others, and your only weakness the weakness you cause in others as they stand stunned at your joy and unity in true love, tested in fire, ice, and everything in between. Stand proud, Naru, now, on the day you take my family's name, and every other day of your long, long-long-we'll have to have a talk about that-lives."

*Lady-you are the best-and you sure as hell know how to produce the best. I will pay him back for every bit of payback. More, I will work to keep well this place you made, where a sick little girl found hope and love to replace the fear.*


"I hope that my grandson will forgive me, for what I must now say. Three years ago, I saw a boy who had repeatedly failed to enter Todai, and who was nervous around girls to an unholy extent. I studied my dear boy's situation, and I determined----"

Keitaro stopped.

"No way."

"What does it say?"

Naru took the pages from him, and he nodded his assent for her to pick up the reading.

"----I determined that he would soon get his act together, and very likely overcome his nerves based on the first kindness he was shown by a girl. He could not see it, but he was well on his way to having his next attempt be a successful one, and like as not in the company of a wife smart enough to recognize his worth. But I also saw the girls I loved so well living in my dorm. One was a chronic over-preparer, yet not at all prepared to face the possibility of failure. One was mightily skilled, yet so afraid of men a turtle emblem affrighted her. One did not yet see that the party must eventually end. One loved her friends very well but not always wisely-and I feared she might one day destroy the world, if not the universe. The last was a treasure beyond price, but also a fragile flower doomed to die outside the hothouse. Even the girl I myself had raised had forgotten her heart. The way to save that one was to bring a large piece of that heart back again. And he would be the means to save them all. A boy they could not turn away, or injure so badly that he would have to leave. Given time, he would provide his own kick in the pants. I needed him to be their grab at the boobs. Only a quiet explosive like him could pierce their barriers. So to that end, I directed my child and my child's loving spouse to throw their child out of their home, knowing where he would have to come. I also knew this would end his ability to pull himself up, depressed over having been removed from his parents' home. More, simply coping with my girls would put him off his mark as well. Finally, I knew that seeing Naru again would push him back to the memory of the girl from his childhood, and that this too would serve as a stopper to his steady progress. Kei-Kun, forgive me. But your sisters, whether they knew they were or not, needed you, and I would not be there to guide them any longer. Grandson, whether you forgive me or not, let it now be said-given the obstacles you had placed in front of you, you have performed brilliantly and made your grandmother very very proud indeed."

Naru put the pages down. Keitaro sat stunned, but finally managed to speak.

"You know that's not the way it happened. Either she's joking with us, or trying to make me feel good. We all saw how I was when I arrived. Maybe this is even just Grandma's wishful recollection of her only grandson's stumblebum entrance to her inn."

His first love shook her head.

"Auntie thinks it's true, Kei. I remember how worried Grandma was about this bunch facing the real world."

His sweetest love smiled.

"For love and college, you had me thinking thoughts I never had before, Sempai."

His most reluctant love nodded.

"You must admit, Urashima-it sounds like something she would do."

The one determined to win his love and respect chimed in.

"Face it-we scared off everyone else, male and female. I'd have probably drunk myself blind by now."

His wildest love looked giddy.

"She sent you here just for us, Onii-Chan. That's so wonderful."

His gentlest love had not been among the ‘saved'. But she spoke as well.

"I can't imagine my life if she hadn't sent you down to play with me."

His newest cousin threw in her two cents.

"So-all of you were the dorks, and he was the cool one? No offense, Kei-but that doesn't quite add up."

"That's because it's not true, Sarah. Either Grandma's mistaken or pulling my leg."

Finally, his true love set the tone.

"Hey! I think it's true-and even if it's not---"

She kissed him.

"-let's just pretend it is. Because it feels right to me."

He kissed her back, and smiled.

"For you-I'd pretend to be an aircraft carrier."

Seta rubbed his head.

"I wonder if I was part of Grandma's plans?"

His wife punched him in the arm.

"You? You were an accident-"

She patted her stomach.

"That stopped waiting to happen."

She kissed him.

"But who's complaining?"

The next day, the Setas planned their lives and activities based on the new arrival. The residents of the Hinata-Sou would enter a long busy period of intense study, training and construction on an inn resistant to being blown up, but not to dry-rot and humidity. Despite a new comfort zone, Keitaro would find himself still getting the occasional bucket thrown at him. Yet for then and there, Naru finished reading the heartfelt words from the founder of the Sou.

"Always remember, my children-your strength lies in each other, and in that, you are each as powerful as all the others put together. You have earned the right to call yourselves family, regardless of who marries or chooses who. Fear less simplistic labels, and think instead of the center of your own hearts, and what you call yourself there. Let no conflict sunder you, let no obstacle forever stymie you, and let no culture, ours or another, place barriers between you and those you love best of all. In moments we are called on to fight, let us all be Motoko Aoyoma. In moments we choose to be better and yet never sacrifice fun, let us all be Mitsune Konno. When called on to serve with joy and verve, let us all be Shinobu Maehara. When we seek to know true inner peace, let us all be Mutsumi Otohime. As we seek to create and not destroy, and to be unashamed in our love, let us all be Princess Kaolla Su. When hard times force our hearts closed, let us find courage to open them once more, and in that moment all be Haruka Urashima. When we find that strength and durability to doggedly pursue our fondest dreams with all of our might let our focus be that of Naru Narusegawa and Keitaro Urashima."

Naru understandably stopped to catch her breath.

"Tomorrow, the world begins, and it is yours to define and shape. Take care of each other in it, and trust in yourself as well, for I have raised no weaklings. Keep to our best traditions, and challenge our worst not with words that can be disregarded, but with how you live your very lives. Yours always until we meet again----"

Naru put down the pages as she finished the story of how her family at the Sou first came together.

"-----Love, Hina."

-----------------------------------------------

END BOOK ONE

------------------------------------------------

 

[Gojirob]

Author's Notes

About two years ago, I finally broke down and read a story I'd heard about for years. Despite some slapstick anime footage I'd seen on YouTube, it was a much deeper story than I ever could have thought. It was not just about a bunch of psychos slamming on a wimp. I never had a greater and more pleasant total surprise than loving Love Hina.

Then came Molmol. I hated Molmol. I still do. It was hard even re-reading it for refs in this, so blindly furious it makes me. Mine is a minority opinion. I've accepted that. And I have analyzed what happened, to see what buttons it pushed. None of it helped. I'd heard that Akkamatsu-San was anxious to be done with LH, and I thought that maybe that made Molmol rushed, but this is still just my opinion. I loved it all, especially the epilogue. But not Molmol. I'll try and keep it short and harsh.

I felt and still feel that Kitsune's behavior jumped from the fun and merely irresponsible into the slimy and vicious. I feel that Su's actions bordered on the unforgivable. Motoko had already declared, and trying to steal Keitaro made her not merely a flawed Samurai, but a villain. Kanako? We'd just spent an entire volume dealing with her. After she *hit Keitaro from behind after never deliberately hitting him before during the entire manga* I was even angry with Shinobu. Shinobu! Apologies to the brilliant mangaka and to those that have no problem with this arc, but to actually be angry at Shinobu blew my mind. I will also add this : Had Akkamatsu-San simply added a panel where Naru angrily tells a sheepish Kitsune and Su that they would be scrubbing the onsen with toothbrushes for a month, I would never have felt the need to write this story. I've never been a fan of sitcom forgiveness/amnesia for wrongs, and to let those two skate by without even a comment seemed wrong. Maybe there's a culture barrier thing in there, but that is how I felt. Also-half the time I could not tell their motivations for doing the things they did, and Kitsune's ‘final' explanation was both arrogant and unbelievable (IMHO, of course)

So a fic was inevitable, but I knew better than to write a simple revenge or bash fic, and more, I didn't want to write it. I like these characters, even pain-in-the-ass Kitsune. Slowly, it came to me. I could write a fic in which the characters' ways of doing things got bashed. We know they changed. In the epilogue, Shinobu is more like early Naru was, and Kitsune is now Ryobo, as per Haruka's wishes. You can't tell me she took that job and still behaved the same as she once did. Also, all of them were now Todai students. So how did we get from onsen-bashes and wacky painful episodes to the almost event-free wedding? That was a story I wanted to write, and more, I could put the characters through hell without doing it for vengeance sake. This also enabled me to get inside the characters' heads, and show why they did what they did. I still went harder on Mitsu and Su, but now it served an evolutionary purpose. Motoko and Shinobu still had things to answer for, but their characters seemed a map to letting them off less harshly. Su and Kitsune had finally been too much like themselves, and it would light a fire around them. Add to that, people living together for a really long time just have issues that can only be glossed over for so long.

So here we are with a fic I hope kept true to the spirit of LH and yet explored some things that the manga probably would not have. I hope that my approach was thorough, and I hope that while harsh, it was never merely vicious. I hope that all who read it enjoy it, and that my lapses in understanding Japanese culture are forgivable, as are the one or two crossovers I popped in here as cameos or refs. Very obviously, I did not create those crossover elements, the songs I used, and Love Hina itself. I humbly thank Ken Akkamatsu, and hope on the off-off-off chance he ever reads this, it does not offend. Many thanks to all readers and especially reviewers.


I will stop and explain three refs : The names of the girls who left the Sou before Kei got there were taken from very young girls in anime who suffered tragic fates similar to the ones they avoided in this story. Ashura was taken from Space Runaway Ideon; Kanae from Elfen Lied; Jung from Blue Gender. Each fate broke my heart a little bit-having several nieces and nephews will make you feel for little ones-and since they avoided those fates here, it was kind of my homage to them.

Thanks again, and I hope to have Book Two started fairly soon.

‘Goji' Rob Morris, May, 2010