Nabiki Tendo (Love Note)

**Nabiki Tendo** (天道 なびき *Tendō Nabiki*) is the middle daughter of Soun Tendo, making her the younger sister of the female protagonist Kasumi and the older sister of Akane who eventually becomes the Second Cupid. After accidentally touching the Love Note, she tries to find a way to use its power only to switch to helping her sister evade L once he revealed himself. She eventually gained possession of the note by accident.

## Appearance

Nabiki has chin-length brown hair that she wears in a bob cut. As the middle sister, she is midway in height between her sisters, which also characterizes her personal style. Aside from the Furinkan High School uniform for female students, she tends to wear a tank top and shirt with shorts or sweater and jeans at home. Nabiki has a more extravagant sense of fashion than either Akane or Kasumi, although regularly borrows their clothes.

## Plot

Nabiki was looking for something to wear. Having exhausted her own closet of choices, and even Akane's, she had moved onto Kasumi's. Rummaging through the top shelf, Nabiki happened to touch the Love Note right before Trista demonstrated to Kasumi that no one could see and hear her.

Going back to her room Nabiki eavesdropped through Trista's entire explanation to Kasumi of the note. Of course, at the first available opportunity, Nabiki sneaked back into Kasumi's room to take a closer look at the notebook. She read carefully through the instructions, as well as marveled over just how many names Kasumi had written within.

She pondered all the ramifications of what Kasumi had been doing before what she could do with the book in evidently entered her mind. Nabiki discretely removed a page from the back of the note where it would be unnoticed and replaced the notebook in its original hiding spot.

Several days later, and with a numerous names on her test piece of the notebook, Nabiki was pondering all the possibilities now open to her. She was at school at the time, taking her lunch break, and sizing up all the various people around her. However, as she was pondering the possibilities, the commotion of students around the television became evident. Struck by curiosity like so many others, Nabiki walked over to take it in, and watched the whole L broadcast. Once it was over, her upbeat mood was completely drained away.

After the broadcast, Nabiki headed off to the library to borrow one of their computers and look up L. Now that the police were looking into things with such a high profile detective Nabiki could no longer use the Love Note. That brought her thoughts back to Kasumi.

Over the next several days, Nabiki did as she originally intended, which was stay out of it. Kasumi was apparently blissfully unaware of events around her, and the danger she was now in, but Nabiki said nothing, which wasn't made easier by having to act unaware of the love goddess following Kasumi throughout the house.

Nabiki had been on her way home when she noticed a rather out of place man in a suit questioning Jin Itsuki, who just happened to have himself a new girlfriend. Discretely approaching, Nabiki stopped at a nearby stand and listened in as they asked him if he knew anything about Cupid.

That night, she returned home and spoke to Kasumi in the kitchen. This served only to confirm that Kasumi was completely oblivious to the situation. Even when she dropped the hint that everyone was trying to figure out who Cupid was, Kasumi seemed more worried about the falsely accused than herself.

Knowing that it was up to her she manipulated Kasumi into going out to see a movie with Ranma, leaving the upstairs empty, affording her easy access to the notebook. She had already used the remaining amount of her previously gathered page to work out the details. Testing around school and the neighborhood was a bit risky, but necessary. However, as of now she was ready to put it all together. By the time Kasumi and Ranma returned home, Nabiki had all the pages she needed for her plan to succeed, and Kasumi, as usually, was completely oblivious.

The father of one of Nabiki’s classmates worked in the police force. She used him to get to the director. She then used the director to hit a bunch of normal officers so L couldn’t trace it back to her. In the end she caused hundreds of members of the department to fall in love, including the entire Cupid task force.

She realed the fact that she new about the note to Kasumi after this. She wasn’t that worried about L figuring that her dealing with the police was the end of the matter. Though she did warn Kasumi to no longer use the book as she needed to lay low.

Upon being told by an upset Akane that Shampoo was staying at the clinic Nabiki realized that Kasumi suddenly not seeing Tofu sticks out. With Ranma being in love with her, the others might start suspecting her of being Cupid. So to give Kasumi a good reason to no longer visit him she wrote his and Shampoo’s name in the book, figuring that everyone would assume it had been going on for a while.

Nabiki became worried when Hinako discovered the principle set up cameras in the girl’s locker room and took down all of his surveillance after thoroughly thrashing him. Knowing that the Principle wasn’t a pervert she wondered if it was L who set those cameras up.

Nabiki became suspicious upon learning that the Nekohanten got a new waitress do wrote Maho’s name in the note telling her to call her at a specific time. Kasumi found her while she was waiting When Maho didn’t call her Nabiki realized it was a fake name and that she must be working for L. This caused Nabiki to begin to panic and neither Kasumi nor Trista could calm her down. She finally relented when Trista discovered no surveillance but was still worried about the fact that L tracked them so far.

It was decided that it was best for the two to do nothing for now and hope that L loses interest. Kasumi could not fully hide her disappointment. The use of the note had become something of a routine for her, and having been denied it she was coming to miss it. With that Kasumi accidentally gave ownership of the note over to Nabiki, by telling her to keep it figuring she would hide it better. A confused Nabiki could only shake her head when Kasumi left to go prepare dinner.

Trista informed her that she was the new owner when she finally noticed that she was still there. While initially annoyed that Kasumi had forgotten everything she realized this was a good thing since her sister couldn’t mess up her plans.

Nabiki was shocked when Ranma and Kasumi returned to the dojo only to tell her that they had met L. Seeing Nabiki’s pale face caused Kasumi to wonder if her sister was sick. Ranma dismissed Nabiki’s question of what the three talked about. As he left Nabiki said she’s take a nap while Kasumi went to prepare dinner. Trista commented about how lucky Kasumi was, but to Nabiki luck didn’t even cover it.

She was able to make it to her room before showing just how anxious she really was. Panicking at the fact that as the holder of the book she was holding the bag now, Nabiki felt it was time to take more drastic measures. Though she managed to calm herself down enough not to take one of Trista’s eye.

Since they all expressed a desire to aid in his investigation L invited Kuno, Kodachi, Ranma, Ryoga, Akane, Soun, Genma, Nabiki, Kasumi, Ukyo, Shampoo, Mousse, Cologne, and Tofu to a high rise building. He met with Cologne first figuring it was best to meet with her before the others.

Those first meeting the man paused in some wonderment, particularly noting his odd sitting posture. However, this lasted only a moment before they all began to take seats. Though he still had doubts Ranma confirmed to Nabiki the only one aware that Trista was there that he was the man he met. L introduced himself as Ryuzaki and Kuno was the first to express gis doubt that L was who he claimed he was. L confirmed who he was, but also eased there doubts stated that even if he wasn’t he was at least speaking on behalf of L.

L agreed to allow them to help him, but he didn’t sugar coat the fact that fact that they were all still suspects, though he didn’t reveal his exact suspects. Nabiki kept her face neutral at this revelation. With that he laid down what he had deduced so far noting. L eyed each member of the group in turn, pausing particularly on Kasumi who was all smiles and seemed absolutely riveted on the conversation.

The first was that there were Two Cupids. Many repeated in surprise. Nabiki in particular could not help but frown at this revelation. Much to Nabiki’s annoyance he explained how Kasumi clued him in on how Cupid needs a name and face to affect you. As he was talking the second Cupid revealed themselves on Cupid’s arrow. The others wanted to rush to put a stop to it, but L protested that it was to dangerous to intervene the others rushed. The second Cupid introduced themselves as the real Cupid telling L that they would offer him a gift of their benevolence.

When the people gathered at the station started trying to batter there way in L called to have all broadcasts cut realizing that Cupid was still affecting them. With nothing else to to Ranma, Ryoga, Mousse, Akane, Shampoo Ukyo, Kodachi and Tatewaki went to the building to do what they could. Even Soun elbowed Genma and the pair joined in as well. Before they left L told them to everything that Cupid provided. Kasumi called out to them to be careful while beside her, Nabiki simply crossed her arms, a frown firmly locked on her face.

It had been hectic few days at the Tendo home affording Nabiki little opportunity to get away from things and just think with a clear head. When she finally found a moment of peace to contemplate her situation, it didn’t lead her to any pleasant conclusions. Much to her annoyance Trista felt this was a good thing forcing her to explain that either L believed the third cupid wasn’t a different person or he’d capture them which would be equally bad.

Trista suggested that she could give up the note, but that didn’t guarantee she wouldn’t get caught and left her powerless and ignorant in the situation. She also wasn’t willing to make the deal for the eye. After thinking it over Nabiki came up with a plan to work with L to find the new Cupid, then using them to get his name and put him out of action for good.

Nabiki enticed someone to send L a copy of a letter stating that the Cupid from Cupid’s Arrow was an imposture. She offered their cooperation in capturing this new cupid as well as proof of the destruction of their power once that is accomplished. After reading it L once more gathered with the various residents of Nerima to tell them what had happened. He also informed them of his theory that the Cupid they knew from before was in fact two people. There were various degrees of surprise at hearing this. Nabiki remained quiet throughout the discussion.

Given the seriousness of the situation L was inclined to agree so he told them to wait until he had more precise instruction on what to do. There was a variety of low key grumbles in response to this, but little else. Communicating with L was tricky. She had to puppet a studio technician and get him to make her up a very thorough voice distorter. With the help of that, and a prearranged phone number to call, Nabiki had used recorded responses to L’s various questions, which was a slow process as the responses were impossible live. She couldn’t risk speaking to him directly. He was too crafty and might get her to give something up in the moment.

L played for the others an audio of not only him denying Cupid’s request, but a recording of the second Cupid denying the new ones legitimacy. After hearing it several were shifting into various disquieted positions and expressions. Ranma pointed out how this was also going to provoke Cupid’s fan club, but L had been expecting that even providing his address to the various news agencies. When Ranma called him out on his recklessness he assured him that he had made numerous security modifications for exactly this sort of scenario, and the police, while not part of the investigation, will nonetheless serve as crowd control. It would also allow him to use his equipment here to find a suspect pool from the gathered crowd.

Nabiki seemed skeptical given the number of people who most likely would come, but L believed that Cupid would stand out amongst the crowd. He asked them to stay at the building. They had come and gone numerous times and might be in danger as they could have been seen. The various Nerima residents looked at each other in consideration before Cologne took the initiative on behalf of herself, Shampoo and Mousse. This got the others to agree as well. He had Watari prepare them rooms as they waited for the official broadcast.

Communicating with L was tricky. Nabiki had to puppet a studio technician and get him to make her up a very thorough voice distorter. With the help of that, and a prearranged phone number to call, Nabiki had used recorded responses to L’s various questions, which was a slow process as the responses were impossible live. She couldn’t risk speaking to him directly. He was too crafty and might get her to give something up in the moment.

As everyone was packing up to head to L’s building, knowing that using the Love Note would be to dangerous Nabiki came up with a plan for Trista to puppet her body while she was there. She repeatedly went over her plan with Trista causing her to become annoyed stating that she wasn’t that absent minded. Putting the note into her suitcase Nabiki joined the others, passing clear through Trista without the slightest hesitation.

As expected it didn’t long for the worshipers of the third Cupid to find L’s building, with the more bold individuals shoving or otherwise attacking the other shutters in futility. Akane started to freak out a little when L told them they might be there for at least a week, which his assurance that it might be longer did nothing to calm her down. Trista just pulled out a book happy that she had brought reading material while Kasumi asked him if his divide would work.

A jealous Ranma pulled a reluctant Kasumi back towards the table with the others while suggesting that L get back to work. L watched the pair for a moment, then looked to Nabiki who was paying little mind to anything but her book. Dr Tofu also gave L a hard look as well, but quickly found something else to interest him when L noticed him. Shampoo held herself back, but was nonetheless annoyed at Ranma’s attentions to Kasumi. L pondered this as an opportunity but quickly dismissed it. With Akane in the room, as well as Mousse and Tofu, that angle would likely simply devolve into a fight.

L asked Kasumi if Akane and Shampoo would be okay. She told him that they usually get into such arguments much faster and were actually on rather good terms today. Crisis seemingly averted he asked Kasumi to discuss her insights into Cupid with him. Kasumi beamed as Trista, in earshot, just rolled her eyes. Within the building, Mariko was displayed on one of the monitors. To all the other occupants of the room, this was hardly notable, but Trista chose this moment to put aside her book and walk over to said monitors for a quick scan of them. However, she just as quickly shrugged and headed off to the bathroom. L silently watched this, but Kasumi quickly took back his attention.

The protesters eventually bombed there way in causing the sprinklers to start finally revealing Ryoga’s curse to Akane. It was many hours later, deep into the night, when L finally gave the occupants of the building the go ahead to exit feeling it was safe to let them go back home. Ryoga opted to stay behind along with Ranma who realizing that Akane had figured out he knew chose not to risk it, but the Tendo family and Genma did return home. Trista told Akane who was still muttering to her self about killing the two to get over it. Akane asked if she knew, and while she didn’t she did see it as a big deal so just told Akane to keep her complaining to a dull roar. Akane muttered unintelligibly before entering her room and slamming the door closed.

Once secure within, Trista freed Nabiki from her control. As Nabiki was getting used to having her body back Trista bragged about how she didn’t forget. Nabiki never expected finding the third Cupid would be so easy and while Mariko’s knowledge of Ranma may make her dangerous, she wasn’t planning on giving her the opportunity hoping to use her to eliminate L.

Catching sight of Mariko Nabiki followed her into a restaurant and went she went into bathroom Nabiki picked up her note which she left the counter by the sink and began began leafing through it. It took nearly a minute for Mariko to finally realize what was happening. She tried to stop her only to have a paper thrust in her face. Nabiki told her to read it before returning to her examination. Mariko calmly obliged. As Mariko finished reading, she looked at Nabiki in shock, finally noting the distinct lack of compatibility lines on her.

Leading her to one of the stall so the two could talk in private Nabiki explained how Mariko going to L’s allowed her to spot her. Trista and Sira greeted each other with Sira letting Trista believe that she had also dropped her book. When Nabiki noted Mariko’s confusion at the scene Sira explained that you could a love goddess when you touch their note. When Nabiki asked why Sira was acting so nonchalant she told truthfully that she didn’t care about what was happening as it was all the same.

Mariko accused her of knowing that something was up, but Sira countered that she warned Mariko and she didn’t listen. Gaining Mariko’s attention a furious Nabiki called her out for escalating the situation when she cooling it off. Mariko was confident that L wouldn’t be able to find her, causing Nabiki to just shake her head at the cheerleaders’ stupidity. Nabiki was about to ask about the limitations of the Love Goddess eyes, but changed it to how bad were the side effects. Mariko admitted that she gets maybe two days before her lust goes out of control. This was all Nabiki needed for her to decide not to get them, before asking about their limitations.

Mariko explained what she knew with Sira explaining the rest. While getting a picture or video of L would be hard it wasn’t impossible. She told Mariko to go order her food while she gave Sira some instructions. Looking over the goddess Nabiki asked why she looked so old. Sira groaned but Trista spoke up to explain how she broke the rules twice. Sira complained that the Queen retroactively changed them. Seeing that Sira at least knew her stuff she asked her about the rules of the note. Knowing Trista Sira obliged.

After Sira answered all her questions Nabiki asked her why she was really there. Sira knowing that the jig was up explained how the queen gave her a quest. While she didn’t go into any details she told Nabiki that her task didn’t interfere with her at all. Nabiki looked at the goddess in suspicion but decided to trust her. She told Sira to let Mariko know that she was borrowing her note and sent her on her way. After jokingly saluting Sira warned Nabiki that using plain paper to write commands has it limits. While Nabiki heeded her warnings she still had Trista that she was on the up and up when she left.

Nabiki came up with a plan to use Mousse to place cameras in L’s building in order to get a picture of him. As she left the depot she was trying to figure out a way to encourage L et call another meeting when she found something poking uncomfortably into her back. Before she could act a male voice told her told her to turn into the next ally.

With a a mix of panic and frustration Nabiki did what she was told while casting a subtle glance at Trista who was looking at the situation with some clear concern. Knowing that Trista couldn’t help Nabiki tried to figure out what to do only for the man to tell her that he just wanted to talk. Refusing to let her turn around to see him, he told her that he knew she was Cupid and warned her that her place had been bugged. Nabiki became confused when he suggested she take precautions wondering if he was on her side.

She asked why he was helping her only for Trista to tell her that he took off already. Unfortunately his head and face had been covered so she wasn’t able to get a good look at him. The pair quickly returned to the Tendos, but Nabiki hung back, letting Trista investigate the house while she lingered a few buildings away. It was not long before the love goddess returned, to tell her that practically every room had a mic in it.

Chastising herself to thinking L didn’t have other people working for him, with so many new unanswered questions Nabiki felt that it was time to seriously make up a contingency plan.

With dinner recently complete the group was loosely engaged with the television for a time before going their separate ways, although Nabiki's mind was certainly elsewhere. The stress of pretending that she wasn’t aware of L’s listening devices was starting to get to her. Then there was the matter of her helper, she decided to cross that bridge when she came to it right now L was the bigger issue.