Nabiki - New Horizons Part 5 - Matrimony, Tendo Style By G.L. Sandborn Under Doctor Tofu's constant care, Jeff recovered quickly. Less than a month after the assassination attempt, Jeff was back to doing all the things Tofu warned him against - jogging, shopping, romantic afternoons with Nabiki. At Kasumi's gentle urging, Nabiki and Jeff agreed that it was time to fulfill Nabiki's promise and hold a 'family' Shinto wedding ceremony. For Nabiki, this was supposed to be the opportunity she dreamed of all through high school. The last chance to 'put the bite' on all those who made her life miserable at Furinkan High School, her final revenge. Somehow, that no longer seemed important to her. Embracing the shinobi philosophy, and following her own advice to the late Sodoshi Tanaka, she was going to provide a surprise for all her former classmates. A surprise neither would ever forget. It wasn't as if they weren't recognized as a married couple, their American marriage was already accepted in Japan. It was just that Nabiki felt it important to clearly establish her Japanese relationship to Jeff. To do that, they went so far as to get their joint koseki properly registered. The registration process, itself, turned out to be a comedy of errors. First, they wanted Jeff's family background detailed back 10 generations. That took almost a week and a ton of money to gather. Secondly, they refused to accept Nabiki's chosen name; Tendo-Lawrence. It seems they had a problem with hyphenated names. In the end, Nabiki was forced to either accept 'Lawrence' as her last name or have Jeff change his to 'Tendo'. That set off a negotiation battle lasting two hours and having all the civility of an American labor union vs. management contract meeting. In the end, Nabiki relented, officially, and accepted 'Lawrence'. However, Jeff had to give Nabiki control of two small corporations and agree to allow her to use Tendo-Lawrence in all Japanese business dealings. For awhile, Nabiki was convinced she got the best of her husband - until she found out that Jeff was going to divest his portfolio of both failing, unprofitable, and essentially worthless companies anyway. As Nabiki was caught with stock worth less than the paper it was printed on, Jeff proved, once again, he was his wife's equal in business negotiation. Clearly, she had a lot to learn about corporate trading. Still, she took it well - Jeff only had to sleep out in the dojo two nights before being welcomed back in Nabiki's bed. Kasumi cheerfully took control of the ceremony preparations. Refusing to use any of Nabiki's money, she threw herself into preparing a lovely little ceremony complete with paper decorations and traditional trappings. Happily humming to herself, Kasumi hung the last of the paper decorations and stepped back to assess her work. "Looks nice, Oneechan," Nabiki called from the dojo's main door. Kasumi slowly turned to smile at her younger sister, a smile that dissolved into a slight frown of concern when she saw Nabiki's face. Over the years, Kasumi had developed the ability to 'read' her sister's emotions. She could tell Nabiki was troubled by something. "I think the family shrine would look best over there," Kasumi noted with a serious expression and pointing to the far corner. In reality, she had already decided where to put the family shrine. Her suggestion was more a prompt to get Nabiki to open up. "Really, it's fine where it is," Nabiki finally replied. With a satisfied sigh, Kasumi sat on one of the front row chairs and looked long and hard at her little sister. They had never been real close, their relative ages being what they were. Kasumi had developed more of a relationship with Akane than her younger sibling. Still, over the last year, much had happened to bring the two girls closer together, primarily caused by the traumatic events that recently surrounded the family. Nabiki rarely sought out her older sister for much of anything, considering her too much like her mother for Nabiki's taste. Tonight, however, Nabiki felt the need for her sister's company. There was something she needed to say - if she could just find the words to say it. Kasumi gently patted the chair next to her as an invitation for Nabiki to sit awhile and talk. Like the simple act of sitting down was a great effort, Nabiki slid into the indicated seat, her hands tightly clasped together, her eyes searching the floor to avoid looking at her sister. Many had labeled Kasumi 'simple minded' because of her apparent contentment with domestic life. Nabiki never bought such an obvious mischaracterization. "I really want to thank you for agreeing to have this ceremony," Kasumi began. "I'm sure mother would have been very happy with your decision." "That's what I wanted to talk to you about," Nabiki replied, her eyes finally catching on the family shrine. "I guess it's really *I* who should be thanking you for all this." She waved her hand briefly to indicate the decorated dojo. "Nonsense," Kasumi dismissed her sister's assertion. "You didn't *have* to do this for mother. I know how you two never really got along." That drew Nabiki's attention as she turned suddenly to look directly at her sister. What Kasumi had said was, of course, true. Nabiki and her mother *did* have many disagreements, even considering Nabiki's young age. Often, these led to Nabiki being sent to her room, kneeling in a corner, and contemplating her actions. So she worked hard at avoiding her mother. She took to hanging out with her friends more, staying away from home more, and even spending more time at school to avoid having to deal with her mother. That all changed the night her mother went into the hospital for the last time. Suddenly, seeing her mother was the most important thing in her life - an obsession that could only be quenched by one thing - a visit to the hospital. She remembered sneaking out one night and traveling halfway across town, on her own, to try and get past the nurses to visit her mother. It didn't work. A seven-year-old mind, even one as calculating as Nabiki's, didn't stand a chance against the efficient nursing staff of the hospital. Caught and held far from her mother's room, Nabiki had to endure the indignity of listening to the head nurse call home for someone to come get her. It was Kasumi who made the late-night trek, foregoing homework and housework, to retrieve the brooding Nabiki and drag her reluctantly home. It was Kasumi who always cleaned the house, made the beds, did the laundry, shopped for the food and prepared, as best she knew how, the daily meals, all while trying to keep up with her own studies. No, Kasumi was no simpleton. No one could have continued to get the kind of grades she did under those circumstances unless they were exceptionally bright. Perhaps, that's what bothered Nabiki so much. Kasumi continued to excel in school despite all the distractions while Nabiki had to struggle for every grade point, excelling only in mathematics. All the while, Nabiki was playing, having a good time with her friends, avoiding any responsibilities at home. She owed her older sister - owed her big. That fact tore at her constantly. She *hated* owing anybody. Even after she started doing the family books, she still saw Kasumi doing the bulk of the domestic chores, never complaining, never looking to avoid the work. Now, Nabiki had another guilt to bear. While Kasumi did all the work and deserved all the rewards for such, it was Nabiki who found the ideal husband, one rich enough to have relieved Oneechan from ever having to cook a meal or wash a sock again. Instead, Nabiki was going off to live a happy, carefree life while her older sister continued to slave away, trying to make the Tendo house a home, doing the job her mother would have done. There was no way she could repay her sister for ten years of her life. There was no way she could ever repay her sister for anything. "Kasumi," she gulped, fighting back a tear. "I... I just want to ... you know..." Words failed the usually eloquent Nabiki. "What?" Kasumi actually looked like she didn't have a clue as to what her sister was talking about. Perhaps she had been doing the domestic thing so long that she failed to grasp just how vital her contribution to the family was. "You know, mother really is proud of you," Kasumi said sweetly like she was simply relaying something their mother had told her that afternoon. It shocked and surprised the usually unflappable Nabiki. With a move that amazed even herself, Nabiki threw her arms around her older sister, kissed her on the cheek, and whispered through her impossibly emotional hug: "Thank you, Oneechan. For everything you've done for me. I know I didn't deserve it but without you... I love you, Kasumi." With that, Nabiki bolted for the dojo's door, disappearing into the night as she headed back to the residence. Stunned, Kasumi could only hold her fingers lightly over the spot where her sister, only moments before, had kissed her, something Nabiki had *never* done before. Her startled look slowly dissolved into a satisfied smile. Kasumi grinned broadly now as she looked at the family shrine. With a satisfied sigh, Kasumi walked to the door and switched off the lights, content with the knowledge that all was as it should be. Jeff tried to sleep but found it difficult with Nabiki's half of the bed empty. The desk lamp shining in his eyes didn't help. Tiredly, he rolled onto his side and eyed his wife with curiosity. She was sitting at her old desk studiously writing with practiced strokes. Her face was a study of intense concentration as she worked on page after page. Slowly, Jeff raised himself up onto one elbow and cleared his throat. Nabiki's reaction was that of someone caught cheating on a test, embarrassment etched on her tired face. "Whatcha doin Nabsie?" Jeff asked with a yawn. "Makin a list and checkin it twice?" A short, embarrassed smile flickered across Nabiki's pretty face as her hands slowly moved to cover her work. "Nothing, my love. Go back to sleep." Her voice sounded unnaturally soft and far away. "I'll be to bed soon." "Nabiki, you've been up late every night this week," Jeff said as he started getting out of bed. "I said I'll be to bed soon." Her voice sounded a bit panicked as she quickly scrambled to cover the papers on her desk. She ended with a 'look' of warning in her husband's direction. Jeff immediately took the hint and quickly slid back under the covers with concerned expression. "Is there something I should know about?" He asked punching his pillow more out of frustration than a need to make it more comfortable. Nabiki was keeping secrets from him again and he didn't like it. "It's nothing... really." She stopped covering her papers and resumed looking guilty, her eyes darting from her husband to the desk in front of her. Slowly, her fingers flexed on the papers. Tiny beads of sweat began to form on her brow. Her secret surprise was at stake. No one, not even her husband, must know its details. "Really, Jeff..." She paused looking like she wanted to say more but exhaustion and fear of discovery prevented her. "I'll be to bed soon." The last she almost whispered. Jeff stared at his wife for several seconds before finally nodding agreement and covering himself with the sheets. Turning onto his side and facing the wall, he offered one last thought. "Ok, Nabs. Just don't stay up too late. Morning comes early around here, you know." Nabiki nodded and returned to her writing. She had only this night to finish. She *had* to have the notes done by morning or her surprise would be ruined. Diligently, she worked on into the night, pausing only occasionally to check that Jeff was still sleeping. She didn't like hiding things from him like this but it was very important to her... most important to *her* purpose for the ceremony. The 'wedding' day dawned as usual in the Tendo household. Kasumi cooking, Akane working out, and Nabiki in the toilet throwing up. Jeff was more than a little concerned about his wife's repeated morning 'activities'. Kasumi kept assuring him that Nabiki was just nervous. Outwardly, Jeff accepted Kasumi's explanation but harbored his suspicions that he knew the truth, his wife was in the first stages of pregnancy. Still, he declined to confront her with his suspicions. No point in starting a war on his wedding day. "You alright?" he asked intercepting Nabiki coming back to their room. "You look like hell." "Fine." she grumped sarcastically. "Just fine. I *enjoy* my mornings in there." She waved a hand towards the toilet room. "You try staying up all night before your wedding..." It was obvious she wasn't fine. Looking like someone who was exhausted and still nauseated, she was anything but fine. Still, Jeff wasn't going to risk his wife's wrath on their second wedding day. He wanted a marriage based on trust. You don't get that by questioning and confronting all the time. They dressed for the ceremony - she in Kasumi's room and he in 'their' room. Jeff only needed the guidance of Soun Tendo about how to wear the traditional formal wedding kimono. Nabiki, however, needed a cast of thousands. Short of such, she settled for her older sister. "I can't believe I'm wearing this ridiculous outfit," Nabiki moaned as she struggled to get into her wedding kimono. "Now, Nab-chan," Kasumi cooed. "You promised to do this for mother, remember?" "I know," Nabiki sighed as she remembered making the promise back in Hawaii. "It's just I don't want to wear all this... this... stuff." She flapped her arms as much as possible in the constraining garment. "Couldn't I just wear a regular kimono?" Kasumi stopped pinning the hem of the elaborate wedding kimono, sat back on her heels and looked at her younger sister with displeasure. "Honestly, Nabiki. You make this sound like you're making some great sacrifice," she scolded. "It's only for a few hours. Then you can get back into whatever you want." "What about the hirooen - the reception?" Nabiki sniffed. "You know I have to appear there still dressed like this." She shook her head again. "A couple of hours." She snorted more disdainfully than before. "Nab-chan, a change of attire between the ceremony and the hirooen is not considered a breach of tradition," Kasumi sighed as she went back to pinning Nabiki's wedding kimono. "Just don't appear at the hirooen in jeans or those awful shorts you're always wearing." Their discussion was interrupted by Akane's arrival. Wearing a beautiful blue and gold kimono, her hair done to perfection, she swept into the room like a ray of sunshine. Kasumi smiled at the sight of her and sighed happily. Nabiki just looked bored. "So what's taking so long?" Akane chirped. "Having troubles getting Miss Money-britches into her kimono?" She was clearly enjoying the opportunity to return some of Nabiki's earlier barbs. "You like this, you wear it," Nabiki growled indicating her uncomfortable wedding garment. "It's no piece of cake getting into this... costume." "I thought you were looking forward to wearing a traditional wedding kimono?" Akane's sly grin told Nabiki she knew more than she was letting on. "That was before I found out how hot and heavy it is. This thing weighs more than *I* do." "I donno. You're starting to put on a little weight there." Akane poked Nabiki's stomach. "That's it," Nabiki growled. "Just as soon as I can get out of this outfit, I'm gonna make your life sooooo miserable." Akane chuckled at the 'threat'. She knew Nabiki wasn't serious. At least, she hoped so. Between the two sisters, they were able to finish preparing Nabiki, right down to the application of the traditional 'white face'. "Are the guests arriving?" Nabiki asked absently with a small smile. If everyone she invited showed up, her surprise would be complete. She knew they would be expecting this to be her 'revenge' on all who shunned her in high school. She also knew, they would figure the customary 20,000 yen wedding gift to be Nabiki's final insult. After all, *she* was the first to get married. *She* was the one marrying a rich man. *She* didn't need the money. And they fully expected her to rub their noses in it. That wasn't Nabiki's plan. She had grown since graduation. Both marriage and the recent 'shinobi' trouble had aged and matured her. She had one more step to take before she could fully cut loose her petty past. She would use the wedding to restore her honor among her contemporaries and establish, once and for all, the kind of woman she wished to be. All she wanted from them now was their respect. If she could just survive this damn kimono. "There's going to be a full house, Nabiki," Akane assured her older sister. "It looks like the entire school decided to come." "They'd better," Nabiki swore softly. She meant it too. The Tendo sisters finished dressing their sister and stood back to admire their handiwork. Nabiki had been transformed from a thoroughly modern young lady to a white faced, tightly trussed, traditional Japanese bride - and she didn't like it one bit. "I can't believe how hot it is in here. And this stupid thing on my head..." She tried to get her arms up high enough to adjust the irritating headgear. "No no no," Kasumi cautioned slapping Nabiki's hands away from her head. "You'll knock it off." "Yeah, you don't want to uncover your 'horns of jealousy'," Akane snickered. "I'd bop you but I can't get my damn hands up that high," Nabiki growled, her face wrinkled in a snarl. "Stop that," Kasumi groaned. "You'll get creases in your makeup." Nabiki just rolled her eyes and suffered more as Kasumi fixed her pasty white face. When finished, Nabiki looked like a perfect Ningyo doll. Actually, she moved with about as much grace as a doll, clumsily. "Come on, sweetie," Akane chuckled when she saw how much trouble her sister was having walking. "We'll help you down to the ceremony." "By the way," Nabiki thought out loud. "Why exactly is it so difficult to move in this?" "Traditionally, so the bride can't run away," Kasumi answered helping her sister towards the door. "You're kidding. Does anyone in their right mind think I'd run away from *this* kind of money?" The two other sisters just exchanged knowing looks. Under all that makeup and clothing was still the same old Nabiki. With some trouble, they were able to get her out into the hallway where they encountered Jeff coming from his dressing room. His bemused expression forewarned them of one of his quips. Nabiki shot him a quick 'look'. "One word," she warned. "Just one word, and you'll need Doctor Tofu again." "If she can just get her hands up high enough," Akane said giggle. Jeff opened his mouth and quickly closed it again. he thought. It took about ten minutes and the help of the resident fathers, Soun (sobbing all the way) and Genma (luckily, still in human form), to get the bride down to the first floor of the residence. "How many steps did you build into this place?" Nabiki snapped. "Fear not, daughter," Soun sniffed back some tears. "We'll get you to the dojo in time." "In time for what?! New Years?" Akane, watching all the trouble her sister was going through just to get off the second floor of the residence, quietly vowed to get dressed downstairs when *her* time came. With Akane and Jeff's help, Nabiki was maneuvered onto a large pillow in front of the window looking out towards the main gate. As her mother's mountain tradition dictated, Nabiki would remain there on display until time for the ceremony. With Jeff standing by her side, the wedding couple watched as their guests arrived. Akane continued to fuss with her sister's kimono, Kasumi having disappeared to get dressed herself. She wanted her sister to look perfect while on display. "I feel like a damn department store window exhibit," Nabiki growled while trying to maintain her static display position. "At least you're sitting down," Jeff taunted. He wasn't really being cruel, just keeping up the game of 'one upmanship' they had begun in courtship. "On my legs," Nabiki's eyes rolled her husband's direction. "I'll be lucky if I can stand after all this *sitting*." Clearly, Nabiki was still up to playing 'the game' with her husband. Holding hands with his bride, Jeff was beginning to get into the spirit of the event when he spotted the first of the unwelcome guests. His hand tightened painfully in Nabiki's. "Careful, Jeffrey," she said as she winced. "You're breaking my hand." "Who invited them?" he growled staring at the arriving pair. Nabiki quickly scanned the milling guests until her eyes caught the arriving Kunos. She winced again, this time out of irritation. "Well *I* didn't invite them. I gave the invitation list to..." She paused and both she and Jeff turned to a slowly retreating younger sister. "AKANE!" they both yelled. The guests nearest the window flinched at the outburst - in spite of the fact they should've been prepared for such at a Tendo wedding. "What?!?" she protested, freezing only a meter from the door and freedom. "You said invite 'everybody'." "But *not* the 'head cases'," Nabiki snarled. "And *they* are the biggest 'head cases' in Nerima." "Yeah, but they're rich." Akane still looked startled as she tried to explain her reasoning. "They're sure to bring more than the minimum 20,000 yen. Besides, Tatewaki *was* one of your classmates." "Akane, all they gave us at the first wedding was trouble and a cheap toaster," Jeff said with a scowl. "I'm sure they'll behave themselves this time." Akane sounded more hopeful than certain. "They better," Jeff growled turning back to the window. Jeff's attention was drawn from the Kuno's to another strangely dressed pair. The girl, with long purple hair, was dressed in a beautiful Chinese dress slit practically to the waist, exposing an indecent length of shapely leg. The guy was wearing long, formal white robe that hid his hands, only his black slippered feet were visible below the robe's hem. What was even more unusual, he wore thick lensed glasses. "Now *there's* and unusual pair," Jeff remarked with a touch of mirth. "Although, the girl's not bad." he added under his breath. Akane and Nabiki face-faulted. "Uaaah, Akane," Nabiki said with a worried tone. "Did you invite Shampoo to my wedding?" "I'm not sure," Akane said softly with a shy ducking of her head. "I sent out a lot of invitations. I might have sent one to Shampoo..." "Have you lost your mind?! Do you have any idea what'll happen when she sees Ranma?!" Nabiki forgot all about her makeup as she scowled at her sister. "Is there something I should know?" Jeff finally asked, certain he was voyaging into the uncharted waters of family secrets. The two sisters exchanged worried looks before Nabiki finally answered. "You know about Ranma's... er, little problem," Nabiki started softly. "Yes..." Jeff knew he wasn't going to like what was coming next. "Well, he also has a few other... complications." "Complications?" "Three to be exact." Nabiki paused to look at Akane. "Three more? Worse than the 'changing' thing?" Jeff was genuinely interested... and confused. Ranma changing into a girl each time he got wet was bad enough. Jeff couldn't imagine anything worse than that. "Kodachi, Ukyou, and Shampoo," Akane added with a snort of disgust. "All want Ranma." "All... *want*... Ranma?" Jeff asked dumbstruck. "He's got three girls after him?" "Well, four - if you count Akane," Nabiki grinned with a mischievous look. "I'm *not* after Ranma," Akane bristled. she thought with some satisfaction. "And they're all coming?" Jeff was beginning to understand the danger. Any one of these guests could become a problem should they catch sight of Ranma. "I think so..." Akane blushed slightly. "At least, two of them have already arrived. Ukyou will probably be coming too." She had sent out so many invitations that she'd lost track of just who had been invited. There had been two lists - one for those that should be invited and the other for those who should not be invited. It was beginning to look like, somehow, the lists got intermingled and Akane wound up sending invitations to just about everyone. Inadvertently, she may have presented her sister with a wedding disaster greater than Hawaii. Nabiki decided decisive action was necessary. "Akane, go get Kasumi. We'll have to deal with this quickly." She tried to smile at the crowd outside the way Kasumi had showed her as Akane scrambled to find their older sister. "Jeff-chan, it's worse that you think. They all hate each other as well. They're liable to destroy the entire compound trying to kill each other and claim Ranma." Jeff began wondering if this wedding was such a good idea to begin with. "And that's only the half of it," Nabiki continued. "There are others who want Ranma dead." "Dead? Why?" "I donno. Maybe just because he's Ranma." "That's enough to justify killing him?" "For Ranma, that seems to be all that's necessary." To the gathered crowd outside, Nabiki looked perfect in her attire and expression. Jeffrey looked like someone who just ate some bad sushi. With everyone present, Nabiki quickly made her assignments. Which wasn't easy considering she had to remain fairly still to be admired by the milling crowd outside. Jeff got the Kunos (much to his irritation), Kasumi drew the Chinese pair, while Akane wound up having to hunt for Ukyou. After a short search, Jeff found the Kunos standing under one of the family's cherry trees near the dojo. They were both formally and traditionally dressed in their silken finest, looking like Japanese royalty. Whatever Jeff might have thought about them, personally, he had to admit, they had style. Jeff thought with a sigh. "Welcome Kuno Tatewaki and Lady Kodachi," Jeff said formally as he approached the pair. "Salutations, Lawrence-san," Tatewaki Kuno replied with a formal bow. Jeff noted his bow was fairly moderate, indicating Kuno's acknowledgment of his new status. Quite an accomplishment considering their earlier meeting. Perhaps he had finally gained some respect of the former upperclassman. Kodachi silently duplicated her brother's formality. Jeff couldn't help but notice how beautiful Kodachi looked in a formal kimono. If she wasn't so crazy, she would most certainly attract the attentions of some handsome young man. "Kuno-san, I want you to understand I hold no malice towards you or your sister for what happened in Hawaii," Jeff began, his voice calm and controlled. He was going to be careful with these two. The last thing he wanted was to create a scene. "However, I hope there will not be a repeat of the unpleasantness we experienced at the first wedding." "I recall the incident," Tatewaki replied in an equally measured voice. He was here only because he received a formal invitation and honor dictated he accept such a request. He wasn't happy with Jeff's bringing up the past and willingly said so. "I believe *I* was the offended party." Jeff glanced at Kodachi. The frown on her pretty face told him she, too, recalled Hawaii as being the victim of Jeff and his friends. He decided to try the 'high road' approach. "Kuno-san, both Ranma and Akane are going to be here today. I understand your infatuation with Akane." He didn't really but figured the acknowledgment would go a long ways towards bridging the gap between them. "I need your assistance with a problem." Tatewaki's face lost all expression as he stared at the young American. Jeff had seen this face before. It accurately reflected Kuno's brain seizing up, caused, no doubt, the by the thought of Jeff requiring *his* help. All that was missing were the faint wisps of smoke coming from Mr. Blue Thunder's ears. In any case, Jeff pressed on. "As one honorable man to another, I hope you will help a couple of former classmates honor Nabiki's late mother with this Shinto ceremony by preventing any embarrassing... interruptions." Jeff's approach apparently struck a cord in the senior Kuno sibling as he considered the request for only a moment before agreeing. After all, his assistance would put the requirement of a future favor on the American - an opportunity not to be missed. "While my affections for the lovely Akane Tendo are no concern of yours, gaijin...." The elder Kuno crossed his arms and assumed, what he believed to be, a noble stance. "I will honor your request and grant you my assistance in memory of the woman who gave life to my beloved Akane." Kodachi shot her brother a disgusted look before nodding her agreement as well. She still had plenty of time to turn Ranma to hers. Besides, the pushy Tendo girl was doing this for her mother. Somehow, that made it easier to accept. Satisfied, Jeff pressed on to close whatever divisions remained. "You honor this humble dwelling with your presence, noble Kuno." Jeff bowed deeper this time. "On behalf of my wife, Tendo-Lawrence Nabiki and myself, I welcome you to our wedding ceremony." Both Kunos returned Jeff's bow and, with enigmatic smiles, departed for the dojo, apparently convinced Jeff Lawrence was acknowledging their elevated social status. As the couple wandered away, Jeff overheard their final hushed comments. "Tendo-Lawrence? What a ridiculous name." "Shush, sister dear. We're guests here." Jeff discharged a deep breath as he leaned lightly against the cherry tree, relief washing over every fiber of his body. Both Tatewaki and Kodachi were highly unstable individuals. Still, they *did* hold to a code of honor that should guarantee their proper behavior for the next few hours - as long as no one finds a way to 'set them off'. Jeff crossed his arms and looked casually around. Most of the guests were former high school classmates of his wife's, a few *he* even recognized. He had to grin quietly to himself when he caught the arrival of the trio of 'samurai' who used to torment him every day. Their last meeting obviously had a profound affect on the trio because as soon as they spotted him, they practically skidded to a halt, bowed waist deep, and quickly moved on to the dojo. Jeff watched with his best 'Shogun' look, what we'd call an 'alpha dog' stare in the West. Inside, he was chuckling to himself. Kasumi found the Chinese pair near the small koi pond, apparently arguing over something important. These two, more than any of the other guests, were the least knowledgeable about Japanese Shinto wedding customs. Subsequently, they were the most dangerous in this situation, the most likely to set off after Ranma and ruin all of Kasumi's careful wedding plans. She knew the challenge of what she was about to do but also knew the importance of preventing disruption of her sister's wedding ceremony. With a deep breath and a sense of purpose, she approached. "Ohayo, Shampoo-san," Kasumi greeted the Chinese couple with a formal bow. Kasumi's politeness was totally lost on the touchy Amazon who spun around with surprise, her 'discussion' with Mousse having been interrupted before resolution. "Have invitation," she said defensively. "Mousse, show." Her bespectacled companion immediately produced Akane's formal invitation from the sleeve of his robe. "Have gift too," Shampoo said with a small frown. "Mousse?" Without expression, Mousse produced an appropriately decorated envelope with his other hand. Kasumi allowed the couple to exchange a short, sharp Chinese conversation before proceeding. Obviously, there was some disagreement over an aspect of their presence. "I welcome you both to our home." Kasumi paused to swallow. "This ceremony is in honor of our mother and, because you are not Japanese, you might not fully understand its importance." "Shampoo understand honoring ancestors," she replied cutting off Kasumi. "Shampoo thought this was wedding. What has honoring ancestors to do with wedding?" Kasumi smiled warmly. This was going to be easier than she thought. All she had to do is explain the linkage between her sister's wedding and how it honors their late mother. Sounded simple. "Nabiki requested this ceremony for her mother," Kasumi summed up with a smile. She was certain this would explain everything to Shampoo's satisfaction. Obviously, something got lost in the translation. "Nabiki mother dead over 10 years," Shampoo's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "How she ask mother about ceremony?" Kasumi blinked in surprise. Something was not fitting together. Her simple solution was slipping away. "No, no, this ceremony is *in honor* of her mother." Shampoo eyed the eldest Tendo daughter with increased suspicion. "In honor?" "Hai, in memory of her mother." "In memory of?" "Hai." Kasumi finally felt secure that Shampoo understood. "Shampoo understand honoring ancestors. Shampoo not understand what this has to do with wedding." Kasumi was in trouble and knew it. It might have been the language barrier. It might have been the cultural barrier. It might have been that Shampoo simply didn't *want* to understand. Kasumi's face did a single twitch. "This.. Ceremony.. Is.. In.. Honor.. Of.. Nabiki's.. Mother." Kasumi felt talking slower to the barely bilingual Shampoo would help. "In honor?" "Hai." "Like in memory of?" "Hai." "Shampoo understand honoring ancestors. Shampoo not understand what this has to do with wedding." Kasumi almost slapped her forehead out of frustration. She couldn't believe that Shampoo didn't understand the relationship between the wedding and the memory of her mother. Kasumi decided to try explaining to Shampoo's escort, Mousse. Turning to the Chinese male, Kasumi's head lowered slightly and moved back and forth as she tried to see through the thick glasses he wore. She wanted to make sure she had eye contact with the white-robed Chinese Amazon consort before explaining. Something that was proving harder than it sounded. "Mousse, could you explain to Shampoo about how this ceremony is in honor of Nabiki's late mother." Kasumi was practically pleading now. "No talk to Mousse," Shampoo snapped. "Talk to Shampoo. Shampoo Amazon warrior." Kasumi thought rashly before her usual control took hold once again. "All I am saying... is that this Shinto wedding ceremony... is being held to honor... Nabiki's late mother... ...and we are hoping... there will be no trouble... ...due to the fact... that Ranma Saotome... will be in attendance." Shampoo blinked several times as she stared at the smiling Kasumi. "Shampoo understand honoring ancestors, Shampoo not understand what this has to do with wedding." Many heard the splash and saw the placid looking Kasumi briskly striding away from the koi pond. Few noticed that the Chinese girl was suddenly gone. Jeff almost tripped over a small white cat that was running through the compound pursued by the white robed Chinese fellow. "I didn't know the Tendos had a cat," Jeff mused as he watched the cat scramble out the main gate, still followed by the Chinese guy. "Perhaps it's the Chinese guy's lunch or something." Jeff quickly caught up with Akane as she searched for the elusive Ukyou. "Well, the Kuno's are taken care of," Jeff sounded pleased with himself. "How're we doing about the girl with the oversized spatula and overdeveloped hots for loverboy?" Akane shot Jeff a thoroughly disgusted look before returning to scanning the crowd for her rival. Jeff got the hint and quickly mumbled something about checking on Nabiki before retreating back to the residence. Akane shook her head. she thought with mild irritation. Akane and Ukyou spotted each other about the same time. Akane didn't immediately recognize her rival without her usual bandolier and oversized spatula. Dressed in a beautiful orange and red kimono, Ukyou looked stunning... too stunning. Akane forced a smile and acknowledged Ukyou's arrival. The air suddenly took on the unmistakable odor of kitty litter. "Ohayo, Ukyou-san," Akane called tersely, the strain of her greeting obvious. Ukyou returned the greeting with a genuine lightheartedness. And why not? Her business was doing well, Ranma stopped by regularly (if only to eat), and this wedding was for the middle Tendo sister to an American, not her beloved Ranchan to her rival, Akane. Not wanting to allow Akane to direct the discussion, Ukyou quickly produced her gift envelope and presented it to Akane. "My sister and I thank you," Akane said pleasantly enough with a small bow. "I am honored with the invitation," Ukyou returned with an equally deep bow. "Your presence is welcome." "I eagerly look forward to this ceremony." "Your kimono is lovely." "How kind of you to notice." "Ranma will be here today." "It will be nice to see him again." "Yes, well, my sister hopes that there be no... problems today as the ceremony is in honor of our late mother." "Please assure your sister I am here to help her celebrate her good fortune in finding a suitable husband." The two girls smiled sweetly at each other for several seconds. So sweetly that two nearby diabetics passed out from being too close. Warily, the pair parted, each reluctant to take their eyes off the other or otherwise drop their guard. [MEOW!] "How'd it go?" Nabiki asked without moving her lips. Kasumi had just fixed her makeup for the last time and followed up with vague suggestions as to the next step in makeup, paint, should Nabiki not cooperate. For some reason, Nabiki got the impression her older sister was in no mood to quibble. Jeff straightened his kimono, nodded to some classmates in the window, and replied that all the loose ends had been tied up and they were free to have a quiet ceremony, in spite of the size of the crowd. He also noticed Shampoo and Mousse returning. For some reason, Shampoo looked... damp. Jeff had little time to ponder the meaning of the moist girl from China as Soun Tendo tearfully announced the Shinto priest was ready to start. To the sounds of the priest's prayers, Jeff and Nabiki took their place in front of the family shrine, which had been specially moved to the dojo for the ceremony. Both Jeff and Nabiki performed as they were told, heads down, never speaking, following the priest's instructions to the letter. This made the priest nervous. He knew the Tendos well, having been the family priest for many years. 'Normal' had a totally different meaning to them than the rest of the world. His eyes kept darting around as he prayed, looking for the first 'Tendo-normal' thing to happen. He didn't have long to wait. They had just gotten to the part where Nabiki is supposed to pick up a cup of sake from the floor when the whispering started. "Why Shampoo have to sit next to violent Tendo girl?" "Shhhhhh!" "Don't you shush Shampoo." "Look, knock it off. This is a Shinto ceremony. We're supposed to be quiet." "Butt out, spatula girl!" "Hey! Leave Ucchan alone!" "Thank you, Ranma. But I can take care of myself." "Will you please be quiet!" "Brother, dear, please don't pull that thing out here. It's most annoying." "You heard the lady, bub. Put that thing back in your pants." "Ooooh. Nice bokkan." "I can't believe this is happening... again." "Oh to defend the honor of my lovely..." "Put a sock in it, Romeo!" "Ranma, darling. Doesn't this ceremony give you ideas?" "Yes son, doesn't this at least make you *think* about marriage?" "Shut up, Pop!" "Please! I beg you. Be quiet!" "Will you guys knock it off?" "I'll knock it off..." Jeff and Nabiki slowly turned to each other, their 'here we go again' looks betraying their thoughts. The Shinto priest just prayed louder. "Well... they're *your* family," Jeff whispered out loud. "At least *my* family doesn't come armed with guns," Nabiki snapped back recalling the Hawaiian wedding. "Look, do you mind?" the priest interrupted in a loud whisper. "I'm trying to conduct a wedding here." "Sorry," Jeff and Nabiki said together as they resumed their previous proper positions. Further discussion was interrupted by the doors of the dojo being flung open. Everyone froze as a lone figure wandered in, dazed and confused looking. Only Ranma groaned which caused a peculiar reaction from the lone figure. Peculiar only to Jeff, that is. "Ranma Saotome!" the figure yelled. "You can no longer run! Now you DIE!" "Excuse me," Jeff called trying to get the lone figure's attention. The priest prayed a little louder. "Ryouga, you idiot. We're having a wedding here. Can't this wait?" Ranma grimaced at having to intellectually deal with his old school rival. It was much easier just punching him out. "You'd wed the girl you've caused so much torment to?" Ryouga screamed. "Excuse me!" The priest's prayers became louder still. "I'm NOT marrying Akane! Nabiki's getting married!" "Don't lie to me, Saotome!" "EXCUSE ME!!!!!" The dojo fell silent, except for the priest who was still praying - loudly. All eyes were on Jeff Lawrence. Nabiki reached out and nudged the priest who abruptly stopped praying with a confused look. "Duck now?" he asked with a worried voice. "Not yet," Nabiki answered. "Ranma? Do you mind?" Jeff asked while indicating the open dojo door. Ranma looked confused at first. Akane's elbow in his ribs explained everything. "Huh? Oh, sure. No problem," he said sheepishly before bounding outside. Ryouga, Shampoo, Mousse, Ukyou, and the Kunos followed close behind. Nabiki grinned at the priest, who looked like the last survivor of an earthquake, and suggested they pick it up at the sake sipping part. Shaken from his shock but feeling slightly relieved that 'it' finally happened, he reluctantly resumed the ceremony, sounds of a battle royal outside causing him to speak a little faster. The sake cup was filled. Skillfully, Nabiki demonstrated her balance and pure heart by being able to pick the full cup from the floor without falling over or spilling a drop. Facing the shrine, she bowed as deeply as her kimono allowed to honor her family, pausing several seconds to give silent thanks to her mother, and raised the cup to her lips. As all good sake does, it burned as it slid down her throat. With a little smile, she turned to hand the cup to Jeff. She was almost enjoying the formality of it all. Almost. There was still the little matter of the hot, uncomfortable, confining, irritating, annoying, overweight, wedding kimono from hell. Breaking tradition slightly, Jeff failed to take the cup completely from Nabiki's hands but placed his fingers lightly over hers and pulled the cup, still in her hands, to his lips. He drank slowly, his eyes locked with hers. He wanted to symbolize his life was as much hers as hers was his. Nabiki wasn't beyond breaking a little tradition herself. Instead of looking obediently at the floor, as custom dictated, she looked her husband squarely in the eyes. Clearly, this was to be a partnership. No one person lording over another. Jeff knew it. Nabiki knew it. The priest was just catching on as Jeff gently took the empty cup from Nabiki and handed it to him. the priest mused. Few in the audience were paying attention to the wedding, as they were watching intently the fight outside. The apprentice priests had to practically shove full cups of sake into their hands so they could all drink to the marriage of Jeff and Nabiki. Had this been a normal day, Nabiki would have been cleaning up with the betting pool. An embarrassing pause caused Nabiki to ask the priest what came next. "Beats me," he mumbled. "You guys have been making it up since the troublemakers left." "How about: 'You may now kiss the bride.'?" Jeff suggested. "Ok. You may now kiss the bride," the priest said with a chuckle and a resigned shrug of his shoulders. "I always wanted to say that." Nabiki and Jeff melted into an embrace, his lips gently caressing her brightly painted ones. Their cheeks slid together as the kiss deepened, much of Nabiki's white makeup transferring onto Jeff's face. As they broke their kiss, she noticed the makeup mess and started to giggle. Jeff, figuring between the white face and ruby lips, he had almost as much makeup on as his wife, began chuckling too. The priest, with a small smile of his own and shake of his head, turned to the shrine and shrugged his shoulders. "Hey, they're your kids," he mumbled before taking what was left of the sake and retiring for the hirooen. Kasumi and her father shared crying towels as they were lost in the emotion of the wedding. It wasn't exactly as she planned but it was pure Tendo from start to finish. In any case, she was certain her mother would have approved... or at least understood. Genma skulked around behind the milling guests, gathering up their sake cups and gleefully draining the contents before carefully stacking the empties for return to the rental place. By the time he had finished with the cups, he was one mellow martial artist. Ranma returned from the fracas outside, only slightly worse for wear. As to the other participants... all anyone found was a cat, a duck, and a little black pig that Akane called 'P-chan', much to Ranma's irritation. Ukyou and the Kunos had completely disappeared. No one thought to ask where. Such things were simply the norm in Nerima. The hirooen went even better than the wedding. At least this time, there were no battles. Kasumi outdid herself with the food and entertainment, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and best of all, at least for Nabiki, she was able to shed the annoying wedding kimono and slip into something more comfortable. Like the wedding, the hirooen was less than fully traditional. There were the usual toasts and testimonials, mostly terse and fairly neutral tales of Nabiki. Yuka and Sayori gave the most moving testimonials, as they were the closest to friends Nabiki had in Japan. None had more than blandly nice things to say about Jeff as no one really knew much about him. But since the occasion required at least a short bit of praise for the groom, a few were tapped to make the short speeches. Soun blubbered through his part and Genma, became so tongue tied, all he could do was mumble something reasonably appropriate about the pair before sitting down and resuming his sake consumption. In the end, as darkness fell, Jeff and Nabiki made their rounds, thanking each for coming. In spite of the couple's genuine gratitude, few responded with more than distant politeness. Soon after the wedding couple had disappeared to do their final clothes change, Akane and Ranma took charge of handing out the wedding couple's gifts to the guests. Here, Nabiki sprung her surprise. Included in the usual gifts of rice cakes, match books, and embroidered napkins was a special envelope, the contents of which even Jeff didn't know. An envelope that was Nabiki's parting farewell to her classmates. The curious among them opened theirs in the light of the dojo. The shock and surprise on their faces quickly dissolved into excited conversations. All was not lost on the watching Jeff Lawrence. Standing in the darkened room where Nabiki was previously on display, Jeff casually sipped a soft drink and watched the reactions of their guests. "Have any of them opened their envelopes?" Nabiki asked as she wandered into the room to stand by her husband. "It would seem so," Jeff answered taking another sip of his drink. "By the way, what exactly was in those envelopes." Nabiki smiled to herself as she slipped her arm through her husband's and snuggled close. She could see on the faces of her former classmates their surprise and happiness. The guys seemed to be debating something and the girls were showing each other the contents of their envelopes and crying. "Something very special," Nabiki said softly. "Something that was very important to me." Jeff looked at his wife, a slight scowl of concern crossing his face. He could read nothing in her expression but could feel her happiness and contentment in the way she held his arm. "What was in the envelopes, Nabs?" he asked softly. His voice neither demanding nor overly curious. "Is that what you've been working on every night for the last week?" Nabiki smiled to herself and took a deep breath. "You remember before we were married? The first time, I mean." Jeff nodded with a faraway smile of his own. He was briefly reliving the craziness and excitement they shared in the courtship. "I told you I wanted to make my own fortune - my own way." She rolled her head slightly to look at her husband. Jeff remembered how determined she was to become financially independent before she knew of his wealth and how equally determined she was to prove she could be as successful as her husband after the discovery. If anything, Nabiki was no 'golddigger'. All she ever wanted was an opportunity. "Do you remember what you gave me as a wedding present?" She smiled, her eyes shimmering in the faint light of the room. Jeff quickly ran through the many things he had given his wife before the wedding. He slowly turned his head to look at the milling guests outside as the realization of what his wife had done hit home. "Tiger Electronics," he said absently. "Hai, Tiger Electronics." Nabiki closed her eyes and snuggled contentedly into her husband's arm. "Nabiki, that stock was worth... well, millions, anyway," "I know." "And you just *gave* it away?" "Jeffrey, when I left that school, people thought I was a cold, heartless, daughter-of-a-yakuza. I wasn't liked by anyone, much less loved. Everyone believed I was only interested in myself... and what I could get from them." She rubbed her cheek against his arm as if to wipe away a bad memory. "When I met you... all I wanted was your money. I didn't care about you personally, just like I didn't care about them." Nabiki shifted to allow her arm to slip around her husband's waist. Jeff reciprocated by enveloping her lithe body with his free arm, hugging her to him. She responded by burying her face in his chest, nuzzling for a comfortable position. "But you were different. You cared about *me*, not what favor I could do for you and how much it would cost, but about me personally. *No one* had ever done that." She paused to enjoy a particularly happy memory of their courtship. "What you gave me with that company was what you thought I always really wanted, a chance to be a major player in a corporation. In a way, you were right and I loved you for that. It became my most precious material possession... next to this." She held up her left hand so the diamond wedding ring glittered in the dim light. She looked out at her former classmates once again, her face a study of intense pleasure and happiness. "What I gave them is a future, maybe a chance at a home of their own or a secure retirement or something for their children or help when they get sick." She looked wistfully at a couple of girls crying over her gift. "Perhaps, even the chance for some girl to find a husband of her own." Jeff looked at the hugging girls outside the dojo and imagined how liberating Nabiki's gift was to them. What she had given them was exactly what she claimed it to be, a future. Those who chose to hang on to the stock would most certainly be more comfortable in only a few years. That was the reason he gave the stock to his wife in the first place, its fast rising value. "I also gave them my apologies... the notes I wrote..." She paused staring at a trio of girls she recognized from her own class, hugging and giggling out by the gate. "I'm not sure it's enough... I'm not sure it'll *ever* be enough... everything I did to them..." The girls continued to excitedly giggle, holding Nabiki's undivided attention. She almost looked like she wanted to join the girls in their celebration, to give up everything she had, just to be accepted and treated as one of the group. Such, of course, was impossible. Her marriage to Jeff saw to that. "It was very generous, Nabiki. Very Japanese. Very... Tendo." Jeff hugged his wife's young body to his. Contentedly, he canvassed every reason he had for asking her to marry him in the first place. In the beginning, she was a selfish, self-centered, and obsessed with money little girl. In the last two months, she had grown into a caring and purposeful woman, freely embracing her shinobi heritage and acknowledging her fatuous past. He liked the change. "You don't think they'll think I'm trying to *buy* their friendship, do you?" she finally asked looking up. She asked as if it were something that just occurred to her. Something that could adversely affect how some saw her 'penance'. "Some may," Jeff said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Some will never accept the new you, preferring to cling to their more familiar fears. I wouldn't worry about it." He took another drink from his glass before Nabiki gently stole it for her own refreshment. "You're still Nabiki Tendo, financier, entrepreneur, and wife to some crazy guy from America." "And right now," she swallowed some of Jeff's soft drink. "That crazy gaijin is all I have left." "So now you're broke," Jeff declared looking down at his wife. "Hai," she answered softly. "And that is the way it should be." She slowly looked up again and smiled her crooked little smile as their eyes locked. Jeff could see the tiny flames of resolve glowing in her eyes, a fierce determination that was notably Nabiki. "But that doesn't mean I intend to stay that way. With the wedding money, after paying off all the expenses, I expect to have several hundred thousand yen left over. That money will seed my own financial empire." Her smile turned mischievous as her eyes narrowed. "Some day, you'll come to *me* for loans." Jeff had no doubts. Because all his money was tied up with professional investors and multinational corporations, there was little left for her to use in her own investment schemes. This wedding cemented her relationship with her high school classmates, honored her late mother, and provided her the financial springboard she needed to building her own fortune. As their lips met, he could feel the excitement surging through her body. This was her new horizon, her next plateau to conquer, and he loved her more than ever because of it. Now, if he could just figure out how to tell her she was pregnant.