Part 4 - Chapter 4

'Permission'

Flat on his back and try as he might, Bunpei couldn't resist the smile that came to his face. 'Ten minutes.' He thought jubilantly. 'I lasted ten minutes against Ranma Saotome.' His smile was one of self satisfaction. He had known he was outclassed within the first moments of the match and he didn't care. It was rare for Bunpei to meet better students of the martial arts and he savored those moments as any true student would. He didn't care because, outclassed though he was, he showed himself capable of defending himself.

Ranma reached down and lifted Bunpei to his feet. "Good job man." Ranma said admiringly. "You're about where Ryoga Hibiki was when he first came to Nerima." He said. "That ain't too shabby."

"Thank you Sensei." Bunpei replied. He grabbed the towel Ranma threw to him and wiped his face.

Ranma dried his ponytail with a towel. "You need a wash." He said to his long braid. He looked up. "Call me Ranma." He said.

"It's an honor." Bunpei replied. "You mind answering a question?"

Ranma laughed. "Which one?" He asked in amusement.

Bunpei laughed in return. "Yeah, I bet you get that a lot." He said. Ranma nodded. "Sorry."

"Don't be." Ranma replied. "Go ahead, ask." He said. "You've earned a question of two." He waved a hand. "Whaddaya wanna know?" Ranma's voice suddenly took on feminine tones.

"Well that answers one question." Bunpei muttered. "Actually what I really want to know is if you think getting," Bunpei waved his hand vaguely. "Cursed?" He said. "Helped your ability to manipulate chi?"

Ranma raised an eyebrow. "Doc Ono asked me the same question once." Ranma said. "Said it in almost the exact same way too." Ranma shrugged. "Yes and No I guess." Ranma said truthfully. "In one respect it at least makes you more sensitive." Ranma pulled at his pigtail. "Doc E thinks there might be something he calls a catalytic effect." He shrugged again. "I'm not sure what he meant by that."

Bunpei rubbed his bald head. "Doc E?" He asked.

"My stepfather, Dr. Epstein." Ranma said. "We call him Doc E." Ranma chuckled. "Some people call him lord dragon." He waved a hand. "Not important right now."

"Well if he means what I think he means." Bunpei said. "Are there any cursed springs nearby?"

Ranma tilted his head. "Been trying long?" He asked. Bunpei nodded. "I'll give ya my manual." He said. "try the techniques in there first."

"Thanks." Said Bunpei. "Mind another question?" He asked. "This Dai Lan that Suki told us about, who is she?"

"She's family." Ranma replied. "She's my eldest's chosen."

"Chosen?" Bunpei asked. "You mean like they're engaged?"

"More like they're already married." Ranam replied seriously. "All that's missing is the ceremony." Ranma smiled. "Kind of figured those two would end up together." He said. "They pretty much grew up together you know."

"No, I didn't know." Bunpei replied. "All I've heard for the last couple of weeks is Dai Lan this and Dai Lan that." He chuckled. "I think she has a little crush on her."

"More than a little." Ranma admitted. "She's a surprising girl, your daughter." He said. "A born warrior." Ranma said in admiration. "Haya and Dai Lan have become quite fond of her." He said. "So have I for that matter." Ranma looked at Bunpei. "She saved Dai Lan's life. My family owes your family a great debt." Ranma bowed.

Bunpei returned the bow. "My daughter's actions have brought great honor to my family." He replied. "That your son and his chosen consider her a friend is an even greater honor."

"More than a friend." Ranma said seriously. "They wish to share their lives with her." He shrugged. "It's a Joketsuzoku thing."

"Share their lives." Bunpei said slowly. "Like you and your wives?" He asked.

"Like me and my wives." Ranma concurred.

Bunpei was silent for a long moment. Finally he nodded. "I see." He said. "Now what?" He asked.

"That's up to you." Ranma replied. "You could forbid your daughter from associating with them, which would mean forbidding your daughter from associating with the entire Joketsuzoku clan."

"Oh like that would work." Bunpei muttered.

Ranma chuckled. "Or you could give your blessings." Ranma said. "It's really that simple." Ranma looked at Bunpei. "They really will love her you know." Ranma looked up as the door to the dojo opened and Tagaki Kasamura walked in. "Yes Tagaki?"

"Sorry to interrupt Mr. Saotome." Tagaki said. "But Mrs. Saotome said to tell you dinner is in fifteen minutes."

"Which Mrs. Saotome?" Ranma asked. "It's important to know what the threat level is before responding." He said in an aside to Bunpei. Bunpei chuckled.

"Um, Akane Saotome." Tagaki replied.

"Oops." Ranma said hurriedly. "We'd better get moving." He said. "Come on Bunpei." He said. "There's a shower in the guest room." With Ranma leading the way they re-entered the house. "Tagaki, why don't you take Sensei Oh to the guest room." He said. "I'll shower in my room."

"Sure thing Mr. Saotome." Tagaki replied.

Ranma clapped his hand on Bunpei's shoulder. "Welcome to the Joketsuzoku." Ranma said. "Welcome to the Saotome clan, brother-in-law."

Bunpei shook his head slowly. "You're assuming I'm giving permission." He pointed out. He rolled his eyes. "You really know which buttons to press." He bowed. "I would be honored to call you, brother-in-law."

Ranma returned the bow. "As would I." He waved a hand and hurried to his room.

"It's this way, Sensei Oh." Tagaki said.

Bunpei shook himself. "Thank you." He followed Tagaki. "Tagaki, huh?" He said. "Who do you belong to?"

"I'm Akama's boyfriend, sir." Tagaki said.

"Boyfriend?" Bunpei asked. He chuckled. "I'm almost surprised, I sort of expected something more formal, like Husband."

"Not yet, sir." Tagaki blushed. He stopped at a door. "This is the guest room."

Bunpei raised an eyebrow. "Not yet?" He asked.

"No sir." Tagaki looked at the ground. "Working on it." He said in a mumble. Tagaki opened the door. "It you need anything, just press the button next to the door." Tagaki pointed. "A Joketsuzoku will come to see what you need." Tagaki bowed and hurried away.

Bunpei quickly showered and dressed. A thoughtful expression remained on his face the entire time. He looked up when the door to the guest room opened. "Hey baby." He greeted his wife. He stopped at the expression on Katsumi's face. "They spoke to you too." He guessed.

Katsumi nodded. "They spoke to me too." She said. Katsumi spread her hands in a shrug. "Second wife." She said musingly. She sighed. "Do you know, I'm actually jealous." She said. "Remember Umiko?" She asked.

"How could I forget?" Bunpei replied. "Still think about her now and then."

"Me too." Katsumi said quietly. "I wonder if," Katsumi shook herself. "Too late now." She said. "Last I heard she was happily married and living in Itabashi." Katsumi sighed again. "So, we say yes?"

"We say yes." Bunpei agreed.

Suki sat between Hayaima and Dai Lan during dinner. Her parents hadn't said anything since the meal had started and the looks they were giving her were searching. Suki was so nervous she could barely eat. "Why don't they say something?" Suki mumbled.

"Relax Suki." Dai Lan said. "You're still here, aren't you?" She pointed out. "If they were going to say no they would have said it by now."

"Dai's right." Hayaima said. "Besides Mom's hair is pretty calm."

"I hope you're right." Suki said. "I hope you're both right."

"Relax." Dai Lan repeated. "Listen to your Tai Tai." She said in imperious tones. She smiled when Suki giggled. "Better." She said approvingly. "Now sit up and smile. Show you're proud to be Second Wife."

"Yes Tai Tai." Suki said in a louder voice. She looked across the table to her parents. Her parents were looking back. Nervous as she was she returned the look calmly and unflinchingly, even proudly. Suki saw her father say something to Ranma Saotome. Her father's head rocked backwards and a surprised look appeared on his face. Then she saw her father turn to her mother. He said something and then waved his hand toward Suki.

Katsumi Oh stood and looked at her daughter then fixed her eyes on Dai Lan. "What's the strongest oath among the Joketsuzoku?" She asked.

Dai Lan slowly stood. "We swear on our lives, Honored Mother."

Katsumi looked at Hayaima. "Do you swear on your life as well?" She demanded.

Hayaima stood. "I am Joketsuzoku." He said. "There is no stronger oath."

"Then do it." Katsumi Oh demanded. "Swear on your lives that you will treat her as your Mother was treated."

Hayaima and Dai Lan bowed very deeply. Hayaima looked at Dai Lan as they straightened and nodded. "On my life Honored Mother." Dai Lan said. "I swear I will be the best Tai Tai possible." She looked at Suki. "I will be her Akane and she will be my Ukyo." She looked at Katsumi. "I will watch her back, be her friend and love her as she will do the same for me."

"I will be her Husband. And I will be a good Husband." Hayaima said. "As the child of Ukyo Saotome, I could not wish for more." He said solemnly. "As the child of Ranma Saotome, I cannot do less." Hayaima bowed to his parents. "On my life, Honored Mother." He said to Katsumi Oh.

Katsumi nodded. "I just wanted to hear you say it." Katsumi said. "And we will be here to check up on you; often."

"You will always be welcome, Honored Mother." Dai Lan said. Dai Lan bowed. "Thank you, Honored Mother." She and Hayaima sat.

"Suki." Katsumi said.

"Yeah...?" Suki paused. "Yes, Honored Mother?" She said in a strong voice.

Katsumi pointed a finger."If it were anyone other than the Saotome's this wouldn't even be a thought, let alone a consideration. I hope you understand that." She said.

"I do, Honored Mother." Suki replied.

"I could get to like this." Katsumi said under her breath. "You're Joketsuzoku now." Katsumi said aloud. "I expect you to act like one."

Suki's eyes filled with happy tears. She bowed. "I will, Honored Mother." She said. Suki straightened. "Thanks, Mom." She said.

"Hmmph." Katsumi folded her arms across her chest. "We'll see if you're still thanking me a year from now." She said tartly. She sat down.

Akane leaned over. "Not bad Katsumi." Akane said in an appreciative whisper. "You have a gift."

Akama sighed. "Haya is so lucky." She said quietly to Tagaki. "If it weren't so romantic, I'd be jealous as hell." She said. "I wish I was so lucky."

"Huh?" Tagaki replied. "What do you mean, if anything you're luckier than Haya and Dai, you got two girls wanting to be second wife."

"Yeah, but they don't love me. Not really." Akama said sadly. She pointed with her chin. "Not like that."

"Well maybe if you tried loving them, they'd love you back." Tagaki said in annoyed tones. "You're so formal with them." He complained. "Everything is a ceremony."

"You don't understand." Akama shot back. "I have to be formal. I'm the heir."

"What about me?" Tagaki said. "You gonna get all formal with me, too?" He said. "Cause you're the Heir?" He said. "Come on Akama, lighten up a little." He said. "Didn't you say you wanted to have fun first."

"I can't believe you're talking to me like that." Akama's voice began to rise.

"Well somebody oughta." Tagaki's voice rose in response. "If I were Lo Shan or Mei Lin, I'd leave, and the hell with being Second Wife to the Heir." Tagaki's voice dripped sarcasm. "I want a girlfriend, not a Princess."

Akama stared at Tagaki for a long moment. She raised a finger, stopped and put her finger down. Her mouth worked and again she stopped. Akama licked suddenly dry lips. She bowed her head.

"Is everything all right, Honored Ones?" Lo Shan asked quietly.

"I think I need to wash my face." Akama said. "Would you and Mei Lin like to accompany me?" Akama stood and walked away. Lo Shan and Mei Lin looked at each other and quickly got to their feet and followed. To their surprise Akama passed the closest washroom and instead went to one on the second floor. Akama walked into the washroom and over to a sink where she splashed herself with cold water. She wiped her face and saw Lo Shan and Mei Lin in the mirror giving her worried looks. Akama turned and faced the two Chinese teens. Suddenly her expression crumbled. "Tagaki yelled at me." She wailed. "He's going to leave me."

Lo Shan and Mei Lin hurried over and started patting Akama in a soothing manner. "Shh. Shh." Lo Shan made soothing noises. "What this about?" She asked. "What you mean; he yell at you?" She asked. "Why you think he going leave?

Akama nodded. "He said, he said I'm mean to you, and, and if he were you, he'd leave." She stammered out. "He thinks I'm mean." Akama said hopelessly. "He's going to leave me." She wailed again.

"Shh. It be alright." Mei Lin said. "You not making sense." She said. "Why he think we should leave?" She asked urgently.

"T-tagaki said I'm too formal and I'm no fun anymore." Sniffed Akama. "Th-that I'm too busy being the Heir and, and all I said was that Haya was so lucky," Akama broke off. "He's right, isn't he?" She said at the expressions on the Chinese girls' faces. "He's right. I'll never be a good Tai Tai." She wailed. "Not like Dai."

"Tagaki say that?" Lo Shan asked in a hushed voice. Akama nodded. "That wonderful." She said fiercely.

"Wonderful?" Akama echoed tearfully.

Lo Shan nodded. "Don't you see, Honored One, he being Husband." She grabbed a tissue and started dabbing at Akama's eyes. "We must fix eyes before we go back." She said. "And you acting like Tai Tai." She said. "Like good Tai Tai."

"He is?" Akama sniffled. "I am?"

Lo Shan nodded. "Tagaki get mad because he think Tai Tai not being good to Second Wives." Lo Shan said firmly. "That what good Husband supposed to do." She smiled at Akama and for the first time there was true warmth in her smile. "And you upset because you worry it true."

"It is true." Akama said morosely. She grabbed Lo Shan's hand and then Mei Lin's. "But I'll try to do better." She said. "I-I can't choose now, but..." She stopped when Mei Lin put her free hand over Akama's mouth.

"Not speak of choosing." Mei Lin said. "We have plenty time. It enough you want learn love us." She smiled. "And you already very best Tai Tai." Mei Lin said. "Because you our Tai Tai." She led Akama to a seat in front of the vanity. "Now, let's fix face." She leaned over. "You not worry, Tagaki no leave." She said. "You see."

Tagaki looked up as Akama returned with Lo Shan and Mei Lin in tow. They quickly returned to their seats. "I wasn't sure you were coming back." Tagaki said cooly.

"Sorry Tagaki." Akama said meekly. "I had something I had to say to Lo Shan and Mei Lin."

"And that was?" Tagaki asked.

"Akama apologize." Lo Shan said. "And we accept apology."

Tagaki's eyes widened. "Akama?" He asked. "Not Honored One."

"I'm not so Honored." Akama said morosely. "You were right." She said. "Forgive me?"

"Please Tagaki." Mei Lin said. "Forgive Akama." She said. "She really very, very sorry." Mei Lin looked at the ground. "We sorry too. It very much our fault too." She said.

"How's it your fault?" Tagaki asked. "Akama was the one ordering you around."

"That may be true." Lo Shan said. "But she not ask for us." She pointed out. "Akama true Joketsuzoku did what duty expect of her." Lo Shan looked at Akama who was still looking down. "Duty not same as love." She said. "She love you, do anything to keep you with her." She reached over and placed a hand on Akama's shoulder. "We do anything to to help."

"You mean, all that stuff before was..." Tagaki began.

"To keep you with her." Lo Shan nodded. She looked at Mei Lin. "We not realize you already love her. We not realize how it look to you." She bowed again. "We sorry." She said contritely. "We very much like if we start over, try be friends."

Tagaki grunted. "Friends, huh?" He said.

Lo Shan looked up with a wry smile. "Good friends.

Tagaki snorted. "Yeah, I guess." He put his arm around Akama and pulled her closer. "I still don't like you ordering them around." He said to Akama. "If they're gonna be second wives, you're gonna have to treat them the way Dai Lan treats Suki."

Akama nodded. "I promise." She said. "On my life."

Lo Shan and Mei Lin looked at each other. Lo Shan leaned over. "So, we both Second Wife?" She asked in a whisper.

"We both Second Wife." Mei Lin whispered back.

Lo Shan nodded. She looked at Tagaki and Akama. She noted the happy smile on Akama's face and the serious look on Tagaki's. "Good." She whispered. "Because it going to take two Second Wives to keep them together." She smiled at Mei Lin's quiet snort of amused agreement. "Now what should we do about Suki?"

Soon after her parents left Suki found herself in a chair in one of the guest rooms being fussed over by Lo Shan and Mei Lin. Lo Shan was behind her brushing out her blond hair while Mei Lin was standing in front of her giving Suki a critical look.

"Wish we had more time." Mei Lin muttered. "Eyebrows need shaping." Mei Lin sighed

"Hey." Complained Suki. "Dai, I mean Tai Tai, said she likes me as I am."

"Of course she do." Mei Lin replied. "You very pretty, but that no mean you no try looking even prettier, yes?" Suki blushed and nodded. "Good." Mei Lin continued. "Okay, take off clothes."

"Excuse me?" Suki said.

"Take off clothes." Mei Lin replied firmly. "This first night together, must make it special." She said. "You think you just go to them like that?" She pointed to Suki's tunic and pants. "You think they be wearing dinner clothes?" Mei Lin shook her head. "No, they not." She walked over to a suitcase that was on the bed and opened it. Mei Lin reached in and took out a wrapped package. "I think this suit you." She looked over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. "Take off clothes." She ordered.

Suki stood and, with a little help from Lo Shan, started disrobing.

"I see eyebrows not only thing need shaping." Lo Shan giggled when Suki finished undressing. "Oh well, I not think Honored Dai Lan or Honored Hayaima complain." She giggled again as Suki blushed. "You have just enough time for quick wash." Lo Shan pulled Suki behind her and into an adjacent bathing area. "Use toilet first."

"I don't..." Suki began.

"Go anyway." Interrupted Lo Shan. "Not going to have chance later." She grinned. "Not if things go way they supposed to." She giggled at Suki's blush. "Hurry, hurry." Lo Shan clapped her hands. Suki jumped and raced away. "Don't get hair wet." Lo Shan called impatiently. Suki returned in mere minutes with a towel wrapped around her and back in the guest room. Lo Shan and Mei Lin quickly applied some scented lotion on to a blushing and breathless Suki . "Mei Lin have something special for you to wear tonight." Lo Shan said in suddenly warm tones.

Mei Lin opened the package she was holding and shook out the garment it contained.

"Ooh, that's so pretty." Suki said in admiration. The garment was white, translucent and embroidered in red. "Whoever made it is very talented."

"Thank you." Mei Lin replied. "I make it, plan to wear it if I chosen as Second Wife."

"I can't wear that." Suki replied. "It wouldn't be right."

"I insist." Mei Lin said. "And it be very right." She continued. "Consider it apology for doubting you." Mei Lin walked over with the nightgown. "I be very honored if you wear it." She held out the garment to Suki. "Please."

Suki looked into Mei Lin's eyes. "You sure?"

"I sure." Mei Lin smiled. Mei Lin helped Suki into the nightgown. "Aiyah." Mei Lin breathed. "I right, it suit you very much."

Lo Shan walked over holding a gauzy fabric. "A veil?' Suki asked.

"Veil." Lo Shan confirmed. She placed the veil over Suki's head. "We Joketsuzoku, make our own traditions. You bride, should wear veil. Yes?"

Suki felt her eyes tear. "Yeah." She husked. "Thank you."

Lo Shan and Mei Lin nodded. Then they each took one of Suki's hands and led her out of the room. They walked down the hallway to the room shared by Dai Lan and Hayaima. Lo Shan knocked softly. It seemed, to Suki, that an eternity passed before the door opened. Hayaima stood in the doorway. He was dressed in white silk pajamas. Lo Shan and Mei Lin bowed. "Your Second Wife, Honored One." Lo Shan said. She transferred Suki's hand from her own to Hayaima's. She and Mei Lin bowed again. "A true Joketsuzoku." Lo Shan added proudly. "We wish you all great happiness."

"Thank you." Hayaima replied and bowed in return. He quietly led Suki into the warmly lit bedroom. Behind him, Lo Shan quietly closed the door. Hayaima led Suki to where Dai Lan was sitting on the bed. As Suki approached, Dai Lan rose. She walked over to stand in front of Suki. Dai Lan too was wearing a white nightgown over which she wore a transparent red robe.

"Second Wife." Dai Lan said quietly.

"Tai Tai." Suki replied with a slight catch in her voice. Suki found herself begin to tremble as Dai Lan raised the veil. Dai Lan wrapped her arms around Suki and a moment later Hayaima wrapped his arms around the two of them. "Welcome, Suki Saotome." Dai Lan said.

"Saotome?" Suki asked in quiet surprise.

"Saotome." Hayaima affirmed. "You are Saotome." Hayaima smiled proudly. "Pops already put you on the family rolls." Hayaima's smile became gentle."We take these things very seriously." He said. "We Saotome."

"You belong to us, Suki." Dai Lan said. "And we belong to you." She brushed Suki's hair with a gentle hand. "It's a partnership, Suki. I will be your Tai Tai, Hayaima will be your Husband and you," Dai Lan smiled into Suki's eyes. "And you, will be Second Wife." She said. "We wish to share our lives with you."

"Now and forever?" Whispered Suki.

"Now and forever." Dai Lan replied. She smiled. "Come to bed, Second Wife."

Ranma looked up from the bed where he was resting bracketed between Akane and Ukyo. His cat-sensitive ears picked up the sounds of moaning coming from down the hallway. Ranma made to get up but was immediately stopped by Akane and Ukyo. Ranma was about to protest then lay back down. "Remind me to apologize to your dad tomorrow." He said to Akane. "How did he stand it?"

"I think he wore earplugs." Akane said sourly. She looked up as the door to the bedroom opened and Shingi padded in. Even in human form she moved like a cat. "Can't sleep baby?" She said. Akane patted the bed. "Come to Daddy." Shingi jumped into the bed and burrowed under the bed covers and curled up between Ranma and Akane. She poked her head out. "Everything is okay baby." Akane reassured the little girl.

Shingi wrinkled her nose. "You sure?" She rowled.

"We're sure, baby." Ranma began to purr reassuringly. Shingi's face almost immediately lost it's worried look and she began to purr in response. In a few minutes Shingi was asleep. Ranma blew out a breath. "At least I won't have to worry about Shingi for a few more years." He muttered. Ranma looked down at the sleeping Shingi. "Try not to grow up too fast, okay baby?"

"Speaking of babies." Ukyo said. "Isn't it time for you two to have another?" She asked. "Passed time if you ask me."

"Well." Akane said slowly. "I dunno." She said. "Besides, weren't you the one who said she wanted two?"

"So did you." Ukyo pointed out.

"I already have two." Akane said. "Three if you count Ranma."

"Hey." Ranma complained. Then he grinned. "Got you there, Uk-chan." Ranma pointed downwards with his chin to the sleeping Shingi. "We got two."

"I think you guys are cheating." Ukyo grumped cheerfully. "And if you remember, I said the second could be Akane's." She pointed out.

Ranma rubbed his chin. "Hmm." He murmured. "That'd mean the Tomboy would have to be a guy for at least, oh," He looked at Akane and raised an inquiring eyebrow. "Two weeks?" Akane lip curled in amusement. She nodded. "I like it." He said cheerfully.

"Thought you might." Ukyo replied. Then she sighed. "I don't feel right doing it here though." She said. "Can we go back to China?" She asked almost plaintively. "At least until I'm really pregnant?"

"I'm in." Akane said quickly. She and Ukyo turned their gaze on Ranma. "Please." They chorused.

Ranma chuckled. "Got to admit, I've missed the farm."

Akane and Ukyo looked at each other and pumped an arm each. "Yes." They exhulted. They quieted immediately as Shingi stirred. "Shh, baby." Akane said. "Go back to sleep." She stroked the little girl's head. Shingi fussed for a moment and then fell back asleep. Akane leaned her head close to Shingi's. "We're going home, baby."

End

Author's Notes: Sidestory is still not complete. Sorry. In the meantime, this is the end of Book 10. As usual, lots of unfinished business, loose ends and potential for future stories. Whether I write them or not is a different story. I'm taking a break from CT to concentrate on Queen Rat for now.

Sarge climbs up on his soapbox.

Recently a polygamist compound was raided in Texas. The children were taken away and the families disrupted. Now, and before anyone starts screaming, I am not in favor of child brides or religious cults, yet Couch Trips has been about just that. Most of the characters in CT had relationships, sexual relationships, way before they were eighteen and, whether you realized it or not, the 'Family' is really a cult. You have a mysterious patriarch, the Doctor, a charismatic leader, Ranma, and enabling females, Akane and Ukyo. There are mysterious ceremonies, secret meetings and, as the characters continually say; they make their own traditions. Cult. Just because you, the reader, know that their intentions are good and noble is besides the point.

So here's my point; Polygamy is, in itself, not intrinsically wrong, but wrong in the way it is practiced. And it will never be practiced correctly as long as it is illegal and secretive. Laws create crime, not the other way around, and laws are not always correct. Think Prohibition. In my opinion, polygamy, like gay marriage, should be legalized, so the practitioners can be protected by our legal system and get the government out of the bedroom once and for all.

Later all.