Nabiki - New Horizons
                   Chapter 24 - Ups and Downs
                        by G.L. Sandborn




     Happy.  That's the only way Kasumi could describe how she
felt.  Totally and completely happy.
     Going through her usual morning routine of fixing breakfast
for six people, including her husband and herself, getting a jump
on the laundry, and making a shopping list for the day's meals,
she was practically bursting with happiness.
     Tofu, that wonderful, darling, husband of hers had confirmed
for her what she already knew.  She basked in the warm glow of
what she felt her entire existence was meant for.  Only the
coming months could possibly be better than this.
     She idly rolled the soft-boiled eggs onto a folded towel and
thought how her happy news was going to make everyone else happy
as well.  How she'd longed for this day, did everything she could
imagine for this day, and even prayed almost daily at the local
Shinto shrine for this day.  Today, she would proclaim herself a
complete Japanese woman.
     She carried a pitcher of juice into the main room where the
first of her extended family were going through their daily
rituals; her father with his face buried in the newspaper and
Genma Saotome sneaking bits of breakfast she'd already brought
out.  Such actions usually drew a sharp rebuke from her but it
didn't bother her today, nothing bothered her today.  She was in
too good a mood.
     Her husband greeted her back in the semi-privacy of the
kitchen, his arms gliding gently around her still-slender waist.
     "You are such an irresponsible man," she chided with a
mischievous look.  "Staying home so late in the morning.  What
will your patients think?"
     Tofu Ono chuckled softly.  She could feel his chest vibrate
with his amusement as she hugged him tightly to her body.  He was
a good husband, a thoughtful husband, and most of all, a
supportive husband.  She silently thanked the powers that brought
them together.
     "I'm just glad Reiko was able to go in a little earlier than
normal," he said nuzzling her sweet-smelling hair.
     "It was a treat for her to be able to walk Miki to school,"
Kasumi said with a sigh.  "Just like the other mothers."
     "She's really fitting in," Tofu agreed.
     "She works all day down at the clinic then comes home to
help me around the house.  It feels like I only have half as much
to do each day."  Kasumi snuck a quick kiss before releasing her
husband.  It wouldn't do to be caught in the kitchen like that. 
Ranma and Akane were coming down soon and Ranma, especially, had
a nasty habit of poking his head in the kitchen to check on
breakfast.
     "You're going to need that help in a couple of months."
     Kasumi scoffed at her husband's suggestion.  In a few
months, indeed.  She would handle her housework like every
Japanese housewife before her; with skill, planning, and
ingenuity.  "Now go wait in with the others," she scolded softly. 
Her growing smile betraying her playfulness.
     Tofu adjusted his glasses and bowed a gentle acknowledgment,
his own smile indicating how much he enjoyed his wife's little
domineering game.
     "Where's breakfast?" Genma called.  Only the shadow of a
frown fluttered across her face before disappearing.  Not even
the self-centered Genma Saotome could break her happy mood today.
     "We're waiting for Ranma and Akane," she gently replied.
     Genma's grunt for a response only elicited a sigh of
resignation.  He'd recovered well after his flight from Nodoka
and three months serving as a pet/mascot for an American military
unit down in Okinawa.  Perhaps too well.  Still, at times like
this, she couldn't help but think how much better things would be
around the house if her father hadn't found him.
     Further musings were interrupted by the sounds of feet on
the stairs.  Finally, they were coming.  She wouldn't have to
wait much longer.  She wasn't certain she *could* wait.
     Entering the room carrying a tray containing bowls of rice
and soft-boiled eggs, she glided around the table.  Her father
even noticed, enticed by the smells, and put down his paper.
     She placed the tray on the table and glanced once at her
husband.  Tofu nodded and smiled.  This was it.
     Taking a deep breath she said: "I have news."
     For a stunned moment, she could have sworn she heard another
voice saying the exact same thing at exactly the same time.  But
that couldn't be.  She was the only one in the room with
something this important.
     Turning towards the sound of the other voice, she saw Akane
leaning against Ranma and giggling.
     "You go first, Oneechan," Akane said between giggles.
     There it was.  Her big chance.  All she had to do was make
her announcement.  She may have been an Oneechan but she was also
a surrogate mother and that instinct instinctively took over. 
Her little sister had something to say.  A mother always lets the
child speak first in a family gathering.  That just gets the
trivia out of the way before the really important stuff.  Yes,
that's what she would do.  After whatever trivia Akane had to
say, *her* announcement would seem like a blockbuster.
     "That's okay," Kasumi said with a motherly smile.  "Mine can
wait."
     Akane, apparently not waiting for Kasumi to change her mind
or someone else to otherwise jump in and spoil the mood, leaned
forward, her eyes blazing with excitement.  "We're not absolutely
sure because all we used to check was a drug store test kit
but..."  She scanned the table like she was checking for
appropriate anticipation.
     There was plenty to go around.  Soun stared wide-eyed at his
youngest daughter, while his anxious fingers slowly crumpled his
newspaper.  Genma froze in mid-bite, his chopsticks full of egg-
covered rice hovering dangerously close to his mouth.  Ranma just
stared with a stupid grin at his food.
     "I'M PREGNANT!"
     Like a painting come to life, everyone seemed to talk and
move at the same time.
     "Way to go, boy!" Genma reached over with his free hand and
pounded Ranma on the back.  "About time."
     "My little girl - my baby - is having a baby," Soun wailed,
his newspaper now little more than a softball-sized lump of
paper.
     Tofu slowly turned his head to look up at Kasumi.  Her smile
was gone.  In its place was a look of stunned astonishment.
     "Finally, an heir to the Tendo-Saotome School of Anything
Goes Martial Arts," Soun said with a sob.
     "That's the Saotome-Tendo School, old friend," Genma
corrected.
     "Not unless you want to go back to your wife."

     Kasumi endured the continued congratulations and
celebrations, her mind fitting into place the few remaining
pieces of what she was hearing.  The parts were coming together
but what they formed looked hideous.
     "Kasumi?  You should be proud of your little sister," Soun
said, his tears reduced to mere trickles.  "Break out that
special bottle of sake.  It's in the cabinet on the bottom shelf. 
We have a special couple here to toast."
     She fought a frown her father's way before looking over at
her sister.  Akane was giggling and carrying on with Ranma and
his father.  They all looked so happy, so complete.
     She tried to force a painful smile at her little sister but
found even that difficult to do.  All she could manage was a
flicker of a smile and a nod of acknowledgment.  Her magic moment
had been stolen.  Her plans dashed.  It wouldn't matter now what
she said.  This was Akane's moment; everything in the room now
focused on the youngest Tendo.
     Akane looked up directly at Kasumi.  "Oh, that's right. 
What's your news?" she asked innocently, totally oblivious of the
gaping wound in her Oneechan's heart.
     "It's not important," Kasumi gasped, trying to maintain her
control.  "It will keep."
     Before anyone could ask anything else, she turned on her
heel and abruptly fled back into the kitchen.  Behind her, the
excited voices of the fathers echoed throughout the house.  Every
laugh, every word of congratulations was like a knife plunging
into her heart, over and over again.  
     Akane, Akane, Akane, it's always Akane.  She's the heir to
the family home.  She's the center of their universe.  She hasn't
even been married as long.  How is it *she* gets to have a baby
before..?"  
     Only the kitchen counter halted her flight, her hands
dropping to grip its edge.  Nabiki married a rich man and had the
first baby.  Akane will inherit the family lands and is now the
center of attention with her own pregnancy.  Where did that leave
Kasumi?  Chucked back into the kitchen for some alcohol to
celebrate news that was supposed to be hers?  She was pregnant
too.  Wasn't her baby as important as Akane's?
     A pair of strong hands on her shoulder turned her around and
drew her into an embrace.  The comforting smells and feel of her
husband's strong body finally permitted her to release her caged
feelings.
     Burying her face in his chest, her fingers gripped his black
gi jacket.  "It's not fair," she moaned barely above a whisper. 
"This was supposed to be *my* big day.  Don't I deserve as much?"
     "Shhhhh, it's going to be okay, Kasumi."  Tofu's arms
tightened around her, pinning her arms to his body.  She trembled
with frustration, her moans muffled by his clothing.  "We'll just
announce it after the excitement about your sister's condition
calms down."
     "It won't be the same."  She sniffed back her tears with a
loud snort.  "Why is it always Akane this and Akane that?  Is
this the way it has to be?"
     "I... I don't know," Tofu admitted, rubbing his chin on the
top of her head.
     "I don't want my baby to be a poor relation," she whispered.
"It's bad enough we're living in *her* house.  Now I see how
little they really think of me.  All they want from me is to cook
and clean.  I'm nothing more than a replacement for Mother.  Am I
not special too?"  Her body shuddered at the notion of her own
insignificance.
     "You'll always be special to me," Tofu whispered in her ear. 
"And our child will be special to us."
     Kasumi worked her arms free and quickly encircled his neck. 
"Maybe... maybe Nabiki was wrong.  Maybe staying here wasn't such
a good idea after all."
     "Let's not think about such things.  I'm certain this will
all work out in time."  Tofu looked over the top of his glasses
deeply into Kasumi's eyes.  
     She saw his determination not to allow anything to hurt her
further.  She hugged him and thought how lucky she was to have
such a husband.
     "Kasumi?  Where's that sake?" Soun called from the main
room.  "We have some serious celebrating to do."
     Kasumi gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and fought the
urge to respond.
     Tofu understood.  "I'll take the sake in.  You go lay down. 
I'll tell them you weren't feeling well."
     Kasumi sniffed once again and smiled sadly at her husband. 
He was such a rock.  She pulled him into a lingering kiss, forced
a smile and quietly disappeared down the hall to their room.
     Tofu fished out the aging bottle and carefully worked the
stopper out.  Gathering up a bunch of cups, he bravely trooped
back out with the others.  He would put on a good show,
congratulating Akane and Ranma, before departing to his clinic. 
Kasumi would be okay, he thought, if she just has a little time
to calm down.  They would break the news to her father later
today, when things returned to normal.
     Of course, there was Kasumi's suggestion of moving out to be
considered.

*****

     Nabiki emerged from the boarding ramp into the chaos that
was Narita International Airport.  Despite her relaxing flight
and the fact she'd arrived Sunday afternoon, there was a sense of
unease about her.
     She deliberately avoided calling the Tendo household either
before or immediately upon arrival.  No sense in complicating
matters.  This was a business trip.  She had serious work to do. 
If there was time afterwards, before her flight home, she'd spend
it with her family.  But for now, her obligations to her business
partners come first.
     Nabiki cleared customs, brow-beat a baggage handler to haul
her single suitcase to the taxi and soon found herself heading
for her hotel.  With a sigh, she settled back in the clean, soft
seat.  This was so unlike Honolulu taxis that were well used,
smelled funny, and often contained trash left over from previous
occupants.  Tokyo taxis were almost perfect in every way and a
joy to ride in.
     She leaned against her hand and stared out the taxi's window
at the city that was once her home.  Everyone seemed to be going
somewhere in a hurry, their rapid scurrying about causing her to
wonder if she actually ever felt at home in such an environment. 
The conjecture was all the more poignant considering how
comfortable she'd become in her Hawaiian ways.  She'd become too
Western.
     That thought depressed her a bit.  Before she'd met Jeffrey,
her whole world was out there among her countrymen.  She dreamed
of ways she'd succeed in business, mostly in finding someone else
to do the actual work, and how she'd live on her marginally
larger income.  Naturally, she anticipated an ever-growing
financial situation; one that would allow her the lifestyle she
desired.  But, until Jeffrey, she had no clear idea how to
realize such a goal.
     With the money she'd accumulated, thanks to her husband's
help, she was on the verge of accomplishing everything she ever
dreamed of.  If all went well tomorrow, she'd be the
international player in the business world that she always wanted
to be.  THEN, she'd be able to hold her head up around Jeffrey. 
No more would she feel like it was always *his* money, *his*
house, *his* corporation.  She'd be an equal.
     Her lips drew themselves into an involuntary smile at the
sound of the word: equal.  That was always her first goal with
her husband; just to be his equal.  She knew in the long run his
gigantic head start made catching him financially impossible but
having important investments and corporate partners of her own
would put her on the same footing.  It was the dream she'd had
ever since she found out how much he was worth.
     Of course, there was Sodoshi to consider.   A slight shudder
ran through her body, causing her to ask the driver to turn down
the air conditioning.  Her daughter would just have to adjust to
being the only child of the two most successful people in the
islands.  Yes, her daughter would eventually be grateful for such
notoriety.  It would help her later in life should she want to
marry.  Naturally, only the best young men would be considered,
Nabiki would see to that.  She would prove herself a good mother
by providing everything her daughter desired.  Not like her own
mother.
     Thoughts of her own mother caused an involuntary frown. 
Every fight they ever had scrolled through her mind like the
trailer of a bad horror movie.  Their fights were legendary in
the Tendo family; at times getting so bad little Kasumi would
lock herself in her room and Akane would just cling to her
mother, crying.  Nabiki usually found herself kneeling in a
corner of her room to contemplate the wisdom of harmony and
parental authority.  It often had the opposite effect.
     Her eyes closed and her brow furrowed.  How she hated all
the fights.  All she wanted was to be left alone.  Even at age
seven, she knew what she wanted and giving in to her mother's
repeated efforts to form her into a perfect little Japanese woman
was not going to make her own dreams come true.  Dreams like...
Jeffrey and his vast fortune.
     The reminder that her mother, even after death, made the
ultimate sacrifice for her and Sodoshi caused a tightening of her
jaw.  She now owed her mother more than she could ever repay in
this life.  Despite her outward Western appearance, deep down,
Nabiki was still Japanese and the rules of giri still applied. 
She would be repaying her mother until the end of time for what
she did.
     The taxi jerked to a halt in front of her hotel causing
Nabiki to sigh and gather her things.  How long has it been since
she visited her mother's grave site?  Six years?  No, more like
seven or eight.  She vowed to rectify that before catching her
flight home.  There were things she needed to say and her
mother's monument seemed like the right place to say them.
     Nabiki paid the cab driver and nodded as a bell boy picked
up her suitcase.  She would resolve this later, after her
meeting.  For now, she had a proposal to review and a
presentation to go over.  Tomorrow would prove to be a most
pivotal day in her life.

*****

     Jeff couldn't help but notice that his daughter was less
talkative than usual.  All the way over to the gymnastics center,
she sat motionless and silent, staring out the window.  At first,
he thought she might just be trying to focus on the events ahead;
sort of like getting her 'game face' on.  But after several
unsuccessful attempts to draw her out, it was obvious there was
something seriously wrong.
     "I just want you to know that no matter how it goes today,
your mother and I are really proud of you," Jeff said, hoping it
would draw some sort of response.
     Sodoshi slowly turned her head and regarded her father like
he was insane.  "Why would I not want to win?" she asked.
     "Winning is nice," he said, maneuvering his big Jeep
Cherokee into the gymnastics center parking lot.  "But you're too
young to worry about winning or losing.  Your mother and I just
want you to have fun being with your friends and doing something
you enjoy."
     Sodoshi continued to stare at her father as he pulled into a
parking spot.  "I'm going to win," she said flatly.  
     Jeff caught her determined expression and sighed as he
turned off the motor.  He turned slightly in his seat.  "Sodoshi,
is there something going on that I should know about?"
     "No."  She turned away and looked out the window at the
other competitors filtering into the gymnastics center in little
groups of two and three.
     Something in the way she answered didn't feel right.  "I
think it's very good that you *want* to win but I was hoping you
wouldn't put such pressure on yourself so soon.  Is there some
reason you feel you *have* to win?"
     Sodoshi pouted at the floor, her little feet nervously
making tiny circles.  "I don't know."
     Jeff studied his daughter for a few moments more.  She
should be giggly and happy today.  This was her big chance to
show off in front of...  That's when it hit him.  "You're upset
about Nabiki," he said.
     Sodoshi just shrugged and continued to flex her toes so that
her little sandals slapped against her heels.  The way she
avoided his suggestion made it obvious he was on to something.
     "I explained it to you earlier, sweet heart.  Your mother
had to go back this week to meet with some very important
people."  He tilted his head a little more trying to see if his
daughter understood.
     "More important than me?" she asked more to her feet than to
Jeff.
     "Of course not.  Its just that this trip came up
unexpectedly.  She wanted to be here but her business partners...
her friends asked her to go immediately.  Don't you sometimes do
things for your friends?"
     "I guess so."  Sodoshi frowned at her feet.  "Daddy, are you
sure she didn't go home again?"
     Jeff chuckled, hoping it would convince the child her fears
were unfounded.  Stroking her long hair, he smiled and said:
"Your mother was really upset she couldn't be here.  I know it
was a hard decision for her to make but she *owed* her friends
this trip."  He knew how his daughter had been taught the ways of
giri and how she understood the importance of balancing
obligations.
     Sodoshi sighed.  "Okay, Daddy."
     "That's my girl," Jeff said, hugging his daughter.  "She'll
be at the next event."
     Sodoshi just nodded and cast what looked to Jeff to be a
forced little smile.  She might not be totally accepting the
situation but at least she was dealing with it.
     She gathered her gymnastics bag, got out of the car and
silently began walking towards the gym entrance.  Jeff followed
at a respectable distance, greeting other parents as they filed
into the gym.
     Sodoshi would be alright, he thought.  All she needed was to
get inside among her friends and Nabiki's absence would be all
but forgotten.
     Inside, he turned towards the bleachers and quickly spotted
a familiar face.
     "Rachel," he called over the noisy crowd.  His secretary
responded with a wave, scooting over to make room on the rapidly
filling bleachers.
     "About time you got here," she chided with a wide grin.  "I
almost gave your seat away."
     Jeff slid onto the hard wood.  "I see you're on the club's
mailing list."
     Rachel responded by holding up an envelope.  "Wouldn't miss
it for the world.  Is our little champion ready?"
     "I hope not overly so," Jeff said casting a nervous look
towards the gathering crowd of tiny gymnasts.  "She's awfully
determined to win today."
     He felt Rachel's hand on his shoulder.  "It'll be fine," she
said, her head tilted enough to see his face.  "She's just a
determined young lady.  That's good in many ways.  It'll help her
get through the tough times of growing up."
     Jeff snorted.  If only Rachel knew the full extent of
Sodoshi's coming 'hard times'.
     Rachel interrupted his thoughts with a giggle.  "Wow,
there's a mob for you.  Think she's their mother?"
     Jeff looked the direction his secretary indicated in time to
see Jade escorting a half dozen younger versions of herself into
the gym.  "Believe it or not, I know that mob.  At least, I know
its leader."  He waved to catch Jade's attention and watched her
do a 'herding cats' routine trying to get all her younger
siblings moving in Jeff's direction.  They looked to range in age
from early teens to just barely able to walk, about two or so. 
The other thing he noticed was they were all wearing clothes made
out of the same material.
     Rachel also must have noticed.  "Does she make their
clothes?" she asked.  "The little ones look so cute."
     Jeff couldn't answer.  His eyes and mind were stuck on his
housekeeper.  Wearing a white blouse with strategically placed
pockets that was rolled and tied just below her breasts leaving
her midriff bare, he couldn't help but stare.  Her extra-short
shorts barely covered the necessities while best displaying a
pair of long, shapely legs.  He swallowed hard as his eyes roamed
back up her body, confirming the importance of the blouse pockets
for hiding her unencumbered breasts.
     She greeted Jeff and went through a series of introductions,
naming each of her siblings who responded with a respectful bow
as their names were called.  He barely noticed.  His mind was
elsewhere.
     A jab in the ribs reminded him he needed to reciprocate and
introduce his secretary, who quickly made friends with the
youngest Sao children.
     "Jade see Sodoshi," the Chinese girl squealed, pointing out
the reason for their attendance to a couple of her little
sisters.  Every time she moved, Jeff felt himself begin to sweat. 
Parts of her anatomy played peek-a-boo with each shift of her
body.  His second thought was that if this is what Shampoo looked
like, Ranma was an idiot.  His first thought forced him to close
his eyes and think of his wife.
     The Sao family took the row immediately in front of Jeff and
Rachel; an act Jeff was profoundly grateful for.  At least he
wouldn't be tempted by her back - her barely covered by an almost
transparent bit of fabric back.
     Rachel took time out from entertaining the two youngest
children to give him a funny look.  "What's the matter with you?"
she asked.
     "Huh?"  Jeff blinked her direction like he didn't understand
the question.  "Nothing."
     "Don't tell me..."  She paused, glancing between Jeff and
Jade.  "You men are all alike," she finally said with a disgusted
look and shake of her head.
     "Well, it's not my fault," he said in protest, leaning
closer to keep their conversation semi-private.  "I just never
saw her like this."
     "Yeah, well you better snap out of it.  You have a wife and
daughter," Rachel hissed.
     Jeff nodded.  She was right.  Okay, so his housekeeper had
inadvertently dressed to 'turn heads'.  And so what if she had a
body to pull it off.  That wasn't any reason for him to act like
a hormone-driven teenager.  After all he was old enough to be
her... older brother, or something.  He rolled his head back,
closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  Finding a better focus
than Jade, he switched to concentrating on the program he held in
his sweaty hands.  Reading the advertisements alone was as good
as a cold shower.  One of the ads, for a romantic cruise around
the islands, led him to vow to take Nabiki just as soon as she
returned.
     He was further thankful when Jade changed seats to sit next
to Rachel.  The two women happily chatted about everything from
how Jade made all the clothes for her siblings to how exciting it
was to be there for Sodoshi's first gymnastics meet.  Two of
Jade's oldest little sisters, twins by the look of them, kept up
a steady conversation in Chinese; obviously talking about the
gymnastics equipment by the way they were pointing and nodding.
     Another 'gymnastics father' behind him, distracted Jeff
talking about how nice the gym looked since they remodeled and
all.  The man's daughter was also in Sodoshi's group and he was
really pleased to finally meet Sodoshi's dad and, oh by the way,
if he ever considered a new driveway, Jeff couldn't do better
than his company.  Jeff smiled and accepted the man's business
card, making certain to note his companies were always on the
lookout for reputable firms to do business with and he would most
certainly see to it Mr Gaffney got the card.  The man practically
bounced for joy in his seat, having made getting up so early on a
Saturday morning so potentially profitable.
     Rachel tugged at Jeff's sleeve.  He leaned over and she
whispered: "Can't take you anywhere, can I?"
     "I can't help it if the guy's using the meet to do a little
networking," Jeff whispered back.  
     Rachel just chuckled and shook her head.  She was used to
seeing Jeff politely endure interruptions by eager potential
jobbers whenever they were together.
     The howl of feedback from a microphone being turned on drew
their attention to the gym floor.  A nicely tanned petite blonde
woman in jogging shorts and a gymnastics club t-shirt beamed a
smile at the gathered audience.
     "Good morning and welcome to our annual beginners gymnastics
meet.  Our guests this year are from the Hawaii All-Star
Gymnastics Center."  She paused for a polite round of applause to
ripple around the gym.  "This is not going to be a traditional
gymnastics meet in which scores are kept and winners announced. 
Instead, we will be evaluating our students' performances to
determine what level of competition they will compete in for the
upcoming season."
     Jeff glanced at his daughter and saw her shocked expression. 
He knew she was counting a lot on this competition to win
something for her mother.  This change of format torpedoed such
plans in a devastating way.  He glanced around but saw no way of
even getting out of the bleachers, much less down to his
daughter, to explain again how unimportant it was at this point
for her to 'win' anything for either of them.  He swallowed hard
and hoped their little talk in the car would suffice.
     The blonde lady made a few other comments, mostly about the
new look of the gymnastics center and finally announced they were
ready to start.
     Rachel nudged Jeff's arm.  "What's the matter now?"  She'd
obviously noticed his expression
     "I was just thinking about Sodoshi," he said, adding a
reassuring smile.  Rachel didn't look much like she believed he
was telling her everything.
     Rachel turned to Jade and held a brief conversation.  Jade
nodded and glanced briefly at Jeff before turning back to watch
the opening march-in.
     As the teams filed past, it was obvious Sodoshi was taking
the news hard.  Her head hung like a chastised child as she
plodded along.  She never looked up, even when Rachel and Jade
led an impromptu cheer.
     Jeff tried to think of something to help but from where he
was, there was little he could do outside of watching and hoping
she would perk up once competition got underway.
     The teams divided up into three groups, each going to one of
the three scheduled events.  Because the girls were considered
too young, the uneven-parallel bars were not going to be used
today.  Good thing, Jeff thought, none of them could even reach
the lowest bar and the thought of a little girl falling from the
highest sent shivers through him.
     Sodoshi's group started on the vault.  It looked like a
simple event and for the girls, it seemed more like fun than
competition.  One after another ran the length of padded
approach, leaped onto the springboard and did simple straddle
jumps from a vaulting horse about three feet off the floor.  Most
made it without mishap, if you count landings on all fours error
free.  Despite the odd accidents, each little girl sprang to
their feet, raised their arms in the air and generally looked
like miniature replicas of their favorite Olympic gymnasts.
     When he wasn't casting worried looks at the still sullen
Sodoshi, Jeff clapped along with the others and listened to
Rachel's expert running commentary.  It seems she was once a
child-gymnast herself and continued to watch the sport on TV
every chance she got.  Jade was busy translating for her siblings
and explaining what they were watching.  Despite not knowing
exactly what was going on, they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
     Sodoshi's turn was something quite unexpected.  Jeff had
seen his daughter jump over much higher things in his back yard
and her Shinobi training, what he'd been able to do behind
Nabiki's back, had removed most of her fear of high places.  He
was certain she'd do well at this event.
     When Sodoshi stepped onto the mat, he could tell there was
something wrong.  Her expression was still unhappy and her
actions lifeless.  She raised her arm indicating she was ready. 
Jeff held his breath as she rocked back and forth a couple of
times, gauging the distance.  With a little hop, she began her
run.  It wasn't the fastest he'd ever seen her run but he figured
she knew what she was doing.
     Sodoshi hit the springboard perfectly, planted her hands on
the smooth leather surface of the horse and surprised everyone,
including the spotter, by doing a handspring.  Her little legs
whipped high over her body, a tiny puff of chalk rose from where
her hands slapped the horse giving her a little boost.  The
assembled gasped as her body arched gently through the air and
groaned when she landed almost flat on her back.  The loud
'thunk' of her body impacting the thick pads caused Jeff to
swallow hard.  It looked painful.
     Sodoshi staggered to her feet, all hopes for a smile gone
with the landing, and raised her hands in a half-hearted manner. 
A ripple of polite applause accompanied her exit.  Showing no
signs of injury, she paused only briefly as her coach chastised
her, apparently for trying such a complicated vault on her first
try.  The girl's head sank further.
     "Show off," one of the mothers behind Jeff said under her
breath.
     "There's always one who thinks she's better than the rest,"
another said a little louder.
     Jeff could feel the back of his neck growing red as he sat
quietly enduring the careless talk behind him.  He also felt
Rachel sliding closer and her arm linking with his.  She pulled
him closer and whispered: "It's okay.  She'll do better next
time."
     Jeff turned his head just enough to see his secretary's
reassuring smile.  "I just hope she doesn't get hurt," he
whispered back.
     Rachel's other hand patted the arm she was hugging.  "She's
just nervous, that's all.  She'll relax now and do just fine. 
After all, this isn't a competition."
     "I'm afraid that's the problem.  She was counting on winning
something for Nabiki today."
     "Oh," Rachel said softly.  "So that's why she's acting like
she's not enjoying this."
     Jeff nodded and sighed.  It was so hard watching his child
and not being able to help.
     Jade asked Rachel if anything was wrong.  Rachel's answer,
must have satisfied his housekeeper because she nodded and turned
back to watch Sodoshi's second try.
     Once again, the little girl stepped onto the approach and
signed her readiness with a raised hand.  Jeff held his breath.
     Her approach this time was much slower, almost lethargic. 
She looked like she wasn't even trying.  Her vault confirmed it. 
Bouncing off the springboard, she lazily planted her hands on the
horse, split her legs apart and easily cleared the obstacle,
landing perfectly without a hop or wobble.  However, instead of a
triumphant pose, she just raised her hands, more like a surrender
than victory.  Without waiting for the judges, she slunk off the
mat and headed back to her group.  Once again, she was
intercepted by one of her coaches.  Jeff could tell she wasn't
happy.  Sodoshi just nodded and went over to sit on the floor
with the rest of her team.
     "I've got to do something," Jeff muttered trying to stand. 
Rachel's fingernails dug painfully into his arm, effectively
pinning him to his seat.
     "You go down there and the girl will never learn how to
handle adversity on her own," Rachel warned.
     "But..."
     "But nothing."  Rachel leaned closer.  "I know this business
with Nabiki has her bothered but she has to learn how to deal
with it.  If you go running to her side every time she misses her
mother, she'll just keep using you as a crutch."  She hugged his
arm and smiled reassuringly.  "Trust me.  I know about these
things."
     Reluctantly, Jeff gave in to his secretary.  Slumping back
onto the hard wooden bleacher, he felt her hands relax.  She was
right, of course.  He couldn't always be there when his daughter
went through some disappointment.  If she didn't learn how to
handle it, Shinobi or not, there would always be a weak spot in
her personality.
     Jeff sighed again and glanced over to where Jade was
supposed to be.  To his surprise, the seat was empty.  He quickly
looked around.  Her brothers and sisters were still there,
obediently sitting all in a row and watching the competition with
apparent interest.  Maybe she had to use the rest room, he
thought.  Anyway, he had more important things to consider than
an absent housekeeper.

     Jade slipped away from the others using skills taught to her
by her mother.  It wasn't hard.  Jeffrey and his secretary were
engaged in a serious conversation, the crowd was more interested
in watching their children compete and her siblings knew enough
to ignore her disappearances.  She worked her way around to the
end of the bleachers.  A quick glance back at the stands,
revealed Jeffrey looking around like he just noticed her absence. 
She smiled to herself.  
     From the shadows of the bleachers, she watched Sodoshi
carefully.  All the child did was sit forlornly on the floor next
to her animated teammates and look miserable.  
     Jade's eyes narrowed.  There wasn't much time.  She had to
catch the child alone for her plan to work.

*****

     Amongst the bustling sidewalk traffic, Nabiki paused in
front of the headquarters of the Konosawa Group.  It didn't look
as imposing as she'd expected.  Certainly it was modern and well
maintained but not as overwhelming as she'd led herself to
believe.  She smiled slightly in relief.  This was going to be
easier than she thought.
     Presenting herself to the young lady at the reception desk,
she was quickly seated in a comfortable reception area and served
tea by another young woman who couldn't be much out of high
school.  Her smile faded only with the thought of how this young
lady was likely marking time in a nowhere job waiting to be
matched for a lifetime of having babies and tending house; doing
all the things expected of a Japanese woman.  What a sad
existence.  No excitement, no adventure; just a boring,
predictable life of domestic drudgery.  Such a waste.  She should
be going to school; preparing for a career.  Perhaps some day she
too could be presenting a blockbuster plan to potential business
partners.
     Their eyes met only briefly.  Her expression was curious. 
It was the look of someone who couldn't understand what a woman
was doing there; what a woman expected to accomplish in such a
male-dominated world.
     Nabiki inwardly bristled at such thoughts.  She was as good
as any man in this business.  She had advantages far beyond those
of other women and she didn't mean her fortunate marriage either.
     Adjusting her skirt, Nabiki checked the shine on her
conservative black heels, the simple tan nylons, and the
appropriate cut of her business wear.  Yes, she was as ready as
any man to face potential business partners.
     Her wait was thankfully short.  Exactly at the appointed
time, the young lady returned to escort her to the meeting room. 
Nabiki maintained her professional image by saying little but
acknowledging everything said to her as they made their way down
a short hallway, ending at an impressive-looking set of double
doors.  Knocking softly, the lady was rewarded by a sharp
acknowledgment from inside.  Swinging open one of the doors, the
young lady stepped aside and bowed several times in a perfect
office lady manner.
     Nabiki remembered to thank her guide as she glided past.  It
was always a good policy to treat the help well.  You never know
when you'll need their assistance and good treatment usually
gains you a future ally.
     Inside, Nabiki found herself facing an impressive-looking
wooden conference table with three serious Japanese businessmen
seated on the far side.  None of them smiled but all three bowed
politely, as much as their seated positions would allow, and the
middle one indicated a comfortable-looking seat on her side of
the table.
     Thanking them, she slipped into the soft swivel-seat,
placing her small briefcase on the table.  She opened the case
while casting cautious glances at her hosts.  The middle one,
clearly the oldest, had to be Mr Konosawa.  The other two she
concluded were assistants of some sort; possibly accounting or
marketing people.  In any case, it was obvious she had to do her
best work aimed at Mr Konosawa.  He was sure to be the decision-
maker in this situation.
     Clearing his throat, the younger man on the left welcomed
Nabiki to the meeting and introduced his companions.  As she
expected, the man was the company's Marketing Manager while on
the right was the company's chief accountant and the older
gentleman was indeed Mr Konosawa; the head of the firm.  A most
impressive lineup to be sure.
     Nabiki smiled and nodded at the introductions.  There was
the usual trading of business cards; an act that caused her to
smile even more because she'd remembered to get the back of her's
printed in Japanese.  The men nodded knowingly at this
appropriate inclusion.  She'd effectively broken the ice,
clearing the way for a proper business meeting.
     "Gentlemen," she began after pulling out of her briefcase a
thick folder containing her proposal.  "I wish to thank you for
this opportunity to present what I believe will be a most
profitable partnership for both our companies."
     The men nodded their approval but remained silent. 
Undaunted, Nabiki spent the next half hour setting the stage for
the meat of her proposal; discussing her little company and
laying out the various projects they had in the works (at least,
they were projects the girls had talked about) and various
unrelated subjects.
     Just as she was getting warmed up, she noticed the men's
smiles had evaporated, replaced by blank, unreadable expressions. 
Nabiki paused, swallowed and tried probing with her other senses
in an attempt to determine just what was going wrong.  What she
got back wasn't exactly a warning tingle but rather something
like a vague, uncomfortable feeling.  What was wrong with these
guys?  She'd followed the proper protocol; engaging in light
discussion before approaching the point of the meeting.  She'd
even made the appropriate observation on how much nicer the
weather was in Tokyo than Hawaii this time of year.  Still the
men continued to look less than enthusiastic.  Perhaps it's
because she wasn't talking about things the men were interested
in.  Yes, that must be it.  Now what do men like?   Well, Jeffrey
likes golf.  Of course, golf.  Why didn't she think of this
before.
     She began by discussing the country club where she and
Jeffrey were members.  However, the more she talked, the more
uncomfortable the men appeared.  Now what?  So she couldn't tell
a Driver from a golf cart.  Big deal.  Surely the men would
understand what she was talking about.
     The Marketing Manager cleared his throat during a pause in
one of Nabiki's stories.  "This is all most interesting but we
are most anxious to hear Mr Lawrence's proposal."
     "Oh, well, I just happen..."  Her voice tailed off.  She
froze holding her stuffed folder.  What was it the man said?
     "Yes?" the Accounting Manager prompted, noticing her
hesitation.
     Nabiki shook her head trying to clear her thoughts.  "I'm
sorry.  What was it you asked?"
     Mr Konosawa's expression never changed.  "We would like to
hear the proposal Mr Lawrence sent with you."
     Nabiki gasped.  She couldn't believe they thought she was
here on behalf of her husband.
     "You *do* have a proposal?" the Marketing Manager asked with
a frown.
     Her eyes darted from man to man.  "Of course I do, but I
think there's been a misunderstanding.  I'm not here to represent
my husband or his company.  I represent Tri-Lei Investments."
     The men glanced at each other before leaning together,
holding a semi-private conversation.  With Mr Konosawa's grunt of
approval, they straightened up and faced Nabiki again.  Her
warning senses began to tingle alarmingly.
     "Are we to understand that Tri-Lei Investments is *not* a
part of Lawrence Inc?" the Marketing Manager asked incredulously.
     "Certainly not."  Nabiki tried to hide her indignation.  She
wasn't totally successful.
     "I see."  Mr Konosawa's low voice was tinged with
disappointment.  "I'm sorry but we do not normally do business
with people unfamiliar to us.  We know well the reputation of
your husband and were most anxious to hear any proposal his
company felt would benefit by our humble partnership."
     There was an uncomfortable silence as Mr Konosawa struggled
to find exactly the right words.  He was obviously trying to end
the meeting in the most graceful manner possible.
     Nabiki, seeing the reason for her entire trip slipping away,
wasn't going to wait.  "If you will just take a moment to review
my figures," she said anxiously while pulling out her proposal
summary.  Along with her summary, a bright pink piece of paper
seemed to leap from the folder and skittered across the table,
ending directly in front of Mr Konosawa.  All eyes turned to the
ejected document.  Nabiki's jaw dropped when she saw what it was.
     Mr Konosawa slowly picked up the bright pick piece of paper
and began to examine it with a thoughtful expression.  The two
other men leaned over slightly to get a better look.
     Nabiki tried to laugh off the hot pick intruder to her
business meeting.  "Well now, how did that get in there," she
said with a nervous chuckle.
     "You have children?" Mr Konosawa asked, never taking his
eyes off the picture drawn in crayon.
     "Yes, a daughter.  I can explain --" Nabiki sputtered,
fighting an urge to snatch the offending piece of paper out of
the old man's hands.
     "From the looks of this picture, a very young daughter."  Mr
Konosawa looked up at Nabiki.  She swallowed hard at the sight of
his cold eyes.  "A young child needs her mother," he said  before
standing up.  His two companions followed suit, their expressions
serious and filled with disappointment.
     "If you would just give me a moment to explain..."  Nabiki's
plea ground to a halt when Mr Konosawa bowed, indicating the
meeting was over.  This couldn't be happening.  She had done
everything right.  Why should a child's drawing cause such a
calamity?  
     Mr Konosawa walked around the table and paused just over
Nabiki's shoulder.  She continued to stare at the chair he
occupied only moments before.  This couldn't be happening, she
repeated to herself.  
     "Go home, Mrs Lawrence.  Leave business to businessmen."  He
dropped the paper on top of Nabiki's proposal folder and led his
entourage out the door.  The click of its latch sounded like a
shot; one aimed at her entire company.
     With trembling lips, her eyes crept across the table to fix
on the childish rendering of a small figure holding something
large, gold and round high above its head.  A taller figure next
to the first reached for the gold object while wearing a broad
smile.  The taller figure's hairstyle was unmistakable; it was
meant to be Nabiki.  That could only make the smaller figure her
daughter.  That assumption was confirmed by a simple message
scrawled in blue crayon across the bottom.  Nabiki closed her
eyes, her jaw setting itself to stop from trembling.  She
couldn't shut out the words on the paper, words that mocked her
attempt at big business.  Worse yet, it poignantly reminded her
what she'd sacrificed to make this meeting.  Through eyes blurred
with newfound regret, she read: 'I will win for you, Mommy.'

*****

     Jade hid in the shadows waiting for her opportunity.  The
back doorway to the locker room was perfect; out of Jeffrey's
sight but still able to keep an eye on his daughter.  She knew
Sodoshi would eventually escape her coaches, if only for a
moment.  The child was that skilled.
     After what seemed to be an eternity smelling the sweat of
little girls and listening to a cacophony of voices, young and
old, Jade saw little Sodoshi make her move.  Without a word, the
child slipped away from the others and made her way to the locker
room.  Jade's lips curled into a satisfied smile.  Her mother's
training had paid off again.  She'd accurately anticipated where
the little girl would go.
     Silently, she slipped through the back door and into the
locker room.  Instantly assaulted by intensified odors of sweat
and mildew, she followed Sodoshi until the child disappeared into
a stall.
     Jade waited patiently for Sodoshi to return.  The child
couldn't stay in there forever.  Glancing around to make sure
they were alone, she eased back into the shadows like a cat
laying in wait for her prey.
     Her wait was short.  A flush soon announced Sodoshi's
reappearance.  Still adjusting her leotard, the girl wandered to
a point opposite Jade's hiding place.  Jade pressed back deeper
into the darkness and held her breath.
     Sodoshi jerked to a stop, still looking straight ahead. 
"You're good," the girl said.
     Jade smiled.  Yes, she was right.  This girl is special. 
"What give Jade away?"
     "I could *feel* you," Sodoshi said with a hushed voice.  Her
head turned towards Jade.  "Just like Daddy said."
     Jade straightened up and stepped into the light.  "Daddy
very good.  Can teach Sodoshi much."
     Sodoshi's head dropped and she pouted at the floor.  "I
thought you were going to teach me."
     "Can not."  Jade crossed her arms and glared at the girl. 
"You dishonor mother.  Jade cannot teach one who dishonors
mother."
     "But you promised!" the girl sputtered, her eyes round and
fearful.
     "That before Jade see how Sodoshi honor mother today."
     "It's not my fault!  They won't give any awards.  How can I
win something for Mommy?"  Sodoshi waved her arms in protest.
     "You not honor mother by cheap trophy.  You honor mother by
effort.  You no fighter," Jade declared emphatically.  "Fighter
*never* give up.  You give up easy."  She turned to leave the way
she'd entered.
     "Wait," Sodoshi called, scurrying to catch the older girl. 
She grabbed at Jade's arm.  "Please don't go.  I'll try harder."
     Jade paused, her hand on the door, and regarded Sodoshi with
a critical glare.  "If warrior leave room, then Jade teach. 
Little girl stay *here*."  She struck a locker with her fist and
shot Sodoshi her most serious look.
     The child got the message.  Nodding, Sodoshi nervously
tugged at the leg openings of her leotard.  "Okay.  I'll try
harder."
     "No!"  Jade's emphatic denial caused Sodoshi to look up in
anxiety.  "Not try.  DO.  Try mean can fail.  Always DO!"
     "You sound like Daddy," Sodoshi lamented.  "He says the will
is my most powerful weapon."
     Jade relaxed slightly and smiled.  "Yes.  Father very wise. 
You must listen to father."  She reached over and stroked the
girl's dark hair.  "Show Jade and father.  Be warrior."
     The little girl's smile slowly returned.  "Hai!"  
     Sodoshi turned and practically sprinted towards the other
door.  Jade watched her disappear before sighing with a shake of
her head.  Sodoshi may have the gift but is still too much a
little girl.  This was going to take more effort than she had
thought.

     Jeff looked up from his program to see Sodoshi returning to
the competition floor.  She was just in time for her group's turn
at the Floor Exercise.  Squinting, he couldn't be sure but she
seemed to be in a more positive frame of mind; even going so far
as to rejoin her friends, giggling and doing all the goofy things
little girls do when excited while still under adult control. 
Maybe a potty break was just what she needed.
     He was so intent on trying to figure out what got into
Sodoshi, he almost missed Jade's return.  In fact, if Rachel
hadn't said something, he might have missed it altogether.  As
the two women leaned closer to each other, he only caught part of
what was said.  Jade appeared to be describing how clean the rest
rooms were; not something guys usually think about but apparently
important to the women.
     After a couple of uninspiring routines by a couple of other
girls, Sodoshi took her place at the edge of the spring floor. 
The rest of the gym might have been buzzing with random
conversations about other gymnasts but to Jeff the place seemed
to hold its collective breath for what was to come.    
     Unlike the other girls, Sodoshi started in the corner of the
competition area and, without the aid of music, began her first
tumbling pass.  Where others confined themselves to a simple
cartwheel or forward roll, Sodoshi performed two complete
handsprings, sticking her landing like a pro.
     "Wow," gasped Rachel.  "She's been practicing."
     "I've never seen her do even *one* handspring before," Jeff
admitted.  "What's gotten into her?"
     Jade just sat like a proud mother with a little smile on her
face.  Her siblings duplicated her pose, as if they too were in
on whatever was happening.
     Sodoshi finished her little thirty second routine with a
perfect hand stand that rolled out into a cute finishing pose;
sitting with her legs split wide enough for her body to be close
to the floor, her chin on a supporting hand.
     Spontaneously, the Lawrence party sprang to their feet,
clapping and cheering.  Rachel added a whistle that had everyone
in the vicinity covering their ears.  They were loud, they were
enthusiastic, and they were annoying to everyone else in the
stands.  Jeff didn't care.  As far as he was concerned, his
daughter just scored a perfect ten.
     To Jade-led chants of: 'Doshi', she paused long enough to
wave their way before being mobbed by her friends.  No doubt
about it, she was clearly the best this day.

*****

     Despite her crushing morning, Kasumi just couldn't stay in
her room all day.  There were things to do.  She had duties to
perform.
     Slipping on her comfortable slippers, she quietly left her
room and headed for the kitchen.  There were probably dirty
dishes to clean and she still had to go shopping for dinner.  She
admonished herself for giving in to her emotions and running away
like that.  It wasn't Akane's fault she was pregnant too.  It was
just a coincidence Akane announced her pregnancy moments before
Kasumi; shattering the magic moment.  Still, why didn't it make
her feel any better, Kasumi wondered?  And why did the whole idea
of Akane being pregnant leave her uncomfortable?
     Nearing the kitchen, Kasumi heard water running.  Who was in
*her* kitchen?  It couldn't be Father.  He and Mr Saotome always
went for a walk after breakfast.  A peek around the final corner
revealed Akane in front of the sink wearing one of Kasumi's old
aprons.
     With a sigh of resignation, Kasumi gathered herself and
silently entered the kitchen.
     "Thank you for doing the dishes," she said softly, her
expression never changing even when she noticed the water slopped
on the floor.  She'd clean that up later, she thought.
     Akane just looked over her shoulder and smiled.  "I wanted
to help out.  Tofu said you weren't feeling well."
     "I'm better now," Kasumi said, putting on her own apron. 
"Why don't you go sit down and I'll finish the dishes."  She
grimaced at the broken dish Akane had stacked on the counter. 
Now she'd have to go find a replacement on top of everything else
she had to do today.
     "That's okay," Akane replied, turning back to the soapy
dishwater.  "I need to do more things like this."
     "A woman in your condition should take care of herself,"
Kasumi said, almost biting her tongue to keep from saying what
else was on her mind.
     "I'm okay."  Akane continued her dish washing, but a little
slower and with a frown.
     Kasumi gave up and began drying the dishes, making careful
note of those she'd have to wash again later.  She noticed her
sister's frown but refrained from saying anything.  She had to
work out her own feelings before confronting her sister.
     Akane finally stopped in mid-wipe, her lower lip grasped
tightly in her teeth.  That was too much for the brooding Kasumi.
     "What's the matter?" she asked, figuring it was probably
something trivial.  It was always something trivial with Akane. 
If it wasn't how she'd dropped the futons on the grass when
trying to air them out, it was over-starching Ranma's underwear.
The girl always had some trivial failure to confess to.  It was
becoming so... tedious.
     After several false starts, Akane finally found the strength
or courage to answer her sister.  "I'm just not sure I'll make a
good mother," she blurted out, twisting the dish rag into a thin
rope.
     "You'll do fine," Kasumi said flatly.  She'd grown tired of
her sister's whining about her homemaker abilities.  It was all
she could do to hold her tongue when Akane launched into one of
her self-pity routines.  Today was no exception.
     Akane sighed and leaned on the counter.   "I know I should
be able to but after watching Nabiki, I'm not so sure."
     "What's Nabiki got to do with it?"
     "I always thought *she'd* be a terrible mother."  With a
dismissive snort, she added: "I was certain she'd *never* have a
baby."
     "Your sister has grown up," Kasumi said tersely, fighting
the urge to add a more personal thought.
     "Okay, she had some difficulties at first but she's become
such a wonderful mother to Sodoshi that I'm wondering if I'll be
able to do as well."
     "Then why did you become pregnant in the first place?" 
Kasumi tried to hide her irritation but feared she'd been too
obvious.
     Akane just shrugged.  "I don't know," she admitted.  "It
just sorta... happened.  I mean, it's kinda cool and all but, the
more that I think about it..."
     "You sound like someone having regrets."  Kasumi's voice
dropped even lower, almost a growl.  She didn't like what she was
hearing; especially after what happened this morning.
     "In a way, I am."
     Stunned, Kasumi's jaw dropped.  "You can't be serious," she
gasped.  "A baby is the most wonderful thing a woman can produce
in her life.  You're acting like its an inconvenience of some
sort.  You've been given a precious gift.  How dare you think
that way!"  Kasumi, her hands balled into fists by her side,
stepped towards Akane. 
     The younger Tendo sister instinctively backed away, her
hands held up in defense and her eyes round with surprise.   
"But --"
     Despite Akane's attempt to protest, Kasumi was in no mood
for excuses.  "After everyone's made such a fuss over you and
your baby, I can't believe you'd say something like that."
     "I'm a little scared of... you know..."  Akane hung her head
and winced.  "It'll hurt."
     "Pain is the gift all mothers give for their children,"
Kasumi gasped, clutching the dish towel to her chest.  "It's part
of having a baby.  I can't believe you didn't think about it,
even a little bit."
     Akane continued to back away.  "I'm scared, Kasumi.  I've
heard some of the other girls talking about what it's like
and..."  She choked and made a tiny gesture with her hands.  "You
remember what Mrs Lawrence said about giving birth?"
     "Mrs Lawrence was making a joke."  Kasumi glared at her
sister.  She couldn't believe the girl was taking this so poorly.
     "I'm not so sure," Akane lamented, leaning against the
counter.  "Sure, I like the attention and it *is* kinda exciting
and all but I'll have to quit my classes.  Oneechan, I remember
how miserable Nabiki was.  It almost broke up her marriage. 
After all I went through for Ranma, I don't want anything to
threaten what we have."
     "You're being ridiculous," Kasumi growled.  "Having a baby
is *not* going to threaten your marriage.  Grow up!"
     "That's easy for you to say."  Akane pouted.  "You're not
pregnant."
     Kasumi's jaw trembled as she glared at her little sister. 
Something snapped.  "You selfish little....  You don't deserve a
baby!  You won't love it.  You won't care for it.  You're too
selfish and childish to have a baby.  You're... You're..." 
Kasumi's voice finally gave up but she continued to glare at her
sister, her eyes wild with anger.
     Reduced to a little girl being scolded by her mother, Akane
could do nothing but hold her hands up in front of her face and
tremble.  Kasumi had *never* scolded her like this.  She was
always the quiet, motherly person who found the good in everyone
and everything.  Akane couldn't understand what precipitated such
an outburst.
     "I didn't mean it that way," Akane finally gasped.
     Kasumi squeezed her eyes shut, her lips trembling.  "I've
got to get out of this house," she said slowly in a voice barely
above a whisper.  "I've got to get away from this family."
     "I'm sorry, Oneechan," Akane whimpered.  "I didn't mean..."
     Her words died as Kasumi bolted from the room.  Only the
pounding of her feet marked her flight, ending with the slamming
of a door.  Through the thin walls of the Tendo house, Akane
could hear her sister sobbing.
     Slowly, Akane removed her apron.  "I'm sorry, Oneechan," she
repeated to herself.  "You're right.  I can't cook, I can't
clean, and I can't do laundry.  What ever possessed me to think I
could be a mother as well."  She slowly made her way to the
stairs leading to her room.  "Maybe I don't deserve a baby."

*****

     Nabiki lay motionless on her hotel room bed staring at the
ceiling.  For the last two days, she'd tried to regain some of
her confidence with other potential partners but found it
impossible.  No matter who she tried, she was met with rejection. 
After the Konosawa Group, she tried other, much smaller
organizations.  All rejected her and her proposal.  They were
willing enough to get involved with one of her husband's
companies but her own little company had no track record; no
history of success.  Worse yet, she got the feeling they were
reluctant because it was a company of women.  She had only a few
days left before she'd have to return home.  If she didn't find a
Japanese partner soon, her whole plan would come apart.
     With a deep, cleansing sigh, she rolled over onto her side
and stared at the clock.  It was a little past midnight.  That
would make it... sometime in the morning back in Hawaii.  Maybe
there was only one way out.  Instinctively, her hand reached for
the phone then paused, hovering over the receiver.
     No, she couldn't call Jeffrey for help.  She couldn't run to
him every time she had a problem.  She couldn't use his name or
money to bail herself out every time she got in trouble.  That
would prove she couldn't do it on her own; that she was a
business failure.  
     Sighing heavily, she punched her pillow into a more
comfortable shape.  Why can't expensive hotels have comfortable
pillows?
     Plopping her head into the well-beaten pillow, she stared
out the window at the thousands of lights coming from businesses,
homes, and other buildings that seemed to stretch all the way to
the horizon.  She wondered just how many people were still awake
and how many were wrestling with problems of their own.
     Maybe they too were having some doubts.  Maybe they were
doubting their own abilities.  Maybe they weren't as good as they
thought.  Maybe...
     Nabiki jolted herself upright, her hands gripping the sides
of her head.  "NO!" she gasped.  "I won't believe it.  I'm not
this helpless."
     Whipping off the covers, she bolted from the bed.  Stomping
over to the balcony, she slid the glass door open.  The cool
evening air enveloped her body as she stepped onto the open
balcony, the wind of the twentieth floor whipping around her and
causing her thin nightgown to mold itself to her front while
gracefully trailing out behind her.  She gripped the handrail and
glared into the darkness.
     Trembling more of frustration than the chilled air, she
yelled into the darkness: "I AM NOT A FAILURE!  Do you hear me? 
Nabiki Tendo is NOT a failure!"  Her voice echoed eerily off
nearby buildings until it was lost among the late evening traffic
on the street below.
     With a satisfied grunt, she turned on her heel and stomped
back into her room; her balcony address to the world at an end. 
She would show them.  She'd show Jeffrey.  She *could* make it on
her own.  She didn't need her husband.  She didn't need anybody.
     "Think, Nabiki, THINK!" she snarled while pacing the floor. 
"You've been in tough situations before and you've always found a
way out."
     Her eye caught on her business plan papers spread on the
small hotel desk.  With an determined expression, she snapped on
the light and glared at the documents, like they'd somehow
betrayed her.  The answer had to be here, she thought.  There had
to be some angle she could exploit.  
     What ever happened to the girl who could 'charm the siding
off a bank'?  Where was the most feared financial force of
Furinkan High?  Had she lost so much of what made her special? 
Had she become so comfortable with her husband's millions she no
longer had the fire that made her so dangerous rivals would
rather flee than face her wrath?
     "Who can I count on?" she asked herself, pulling out the
chair and sitting down.
     Her first instinct was to call on her Shinobi contacts but
quickly dismissed the idea as it smacked of the path her old
nemesis, the Snow Fox Clan, had taken.  She wasn't ready to deal
with *that* just yet.
     "No, there has to be a better..."  Her voice ended with a
surprised expression that slowly grew into one of her most
satisfied smiles.  She had an idea.  It would be risky; as much
for her personally as for her project.  She'd have to make a
visit that might prove more dangerous than returning home in
failure but with a little cooperation and a lot of luck, she
might just pull it off.
     Opening her notebook, she began writing out a plan.  It was
an ambitious plan, to be sure, but the more she wrote, the more
she became convinced she was on the right track.
     "Everyone wins," she said with a satisfied smile when the
basic outline was finished.  "Besides, it repays a debt I owe and
wraps up a loose end."
     Slowly, she turned her head towards the city lights once
again.  Her eyes narrowed into predatory slits.  With a single
declaration, she re-staked her claim.  
     "Look out, Tokyo.  I'm back."