%Chapter 27

XXXXX

"What a mess!" Derek shouted over the howl of the void. Around him was a tempest of clashing winds and interdimensional energies, all thoroughly run amuck. "Looks like our two young ladies are on their way but damn, they fought it tooth and nail. I knew they'd cause some damage, but nothing like this. Serena, damage report!" Derek asked.

Serena chuckled briefly then began analyzing their surroundings. "Class 4 disruption. Given your quota of power you can't fix it."

"Yeah, that I guessed. Fortunately I never intended to. Class 4... that'll do just fine. Time till breakdown?" He asked, kneeling down to inspect the guardian who was unresponsive on the ground.

"Approximately four cycles. If I'm right, you're planning to use this as our conduit? That will save us a little energy, but we can't control timing with the door locked," Serena responded causing Derek to scowl in thought and look to the sealed door.

"Yeah, that's a bit annoying but we can deal with it. Start up preparations here."

"Very well. However, there is a complication."

Derek looked down at his side and removed the harp which became animated as he did so.

"Yes," the harp responded in Serena's voice, although the actual sound came from the strings. "Our obscured element has gone from a potential problem to a certain one."

Derek sighed and placed Serena on the ground. "It never rains, it pours," he muttered as he stood back up. "Full projection, all elements," he commanded and once again the displays appeared before him, causing him to frown. "Okay, yeah, that is really bad."

"So, what shall we do about it?" Serena asked.

"You'll get started here on the conduit. I'll leave that in your hands. In the meantime, I see only one possibility here, playing a little chaos theory."

"Oh joy," Serena said with a chuckle.

Derek frowned and nodded. "Uh huh. Can't be helped. As you have been noting, my energy allowance is practically nil here, even with this savings. I'll be busy running the numbers. Just notify me when we get down to one cycle remaining."

"Understood," Serena said and turned her attention to her surroundings. "Beginning information uplink creation." Raising her hands the entire area was quickly enveloped in complex glowing symbols and diagrams.

XXXXX

Back in... well, reality is such a relative thing. Therefore, it would not be prudent to refer to either dimension as the real one. After all, surely the occupants of either one would likely argue the point. Soon Li was certainly in that crowd of people, although she was contemplating that very thing. This particular Soon Li, though, was of the unmarried variety, and at present she was standing back and watching the various reactions from those gathered at the supposed return of Shampoo and Akane. Supposed in that she, and now slowly everyone else, was starting to realize the truth.

"Why is her hair cut short?!" Ranma finally asked. "Tell me she got a haircut yesterday!"

"No such luck," Cologne replied as she gave both girls a more thorough exam. As she did, she began to frown.

Soon Li joined her, kneeling down next to her. "There is no mistaking it. I can tell from their muscle builds. These two have been trained for years in my style," she said quietly to which Cologne could only nod in agreement.

"What's going on? And why aren't they awake?" Genma asked.

"Put her down," Cologne instructed Soun, prompting him to return his daughter to the floor, Examining her more closely Cologne shook her head. "There is evidence of a recent fight here."

"Two actually," Soon Li amended. "One several hours ago, and another just moments ago." She turned to Perfume and began speaking with her in Mandarin. Perfume responded and Soon Li nodded. "The first several hours ago was against two girls, Natsume and Kurumi."

"We know them," Ranma said with several nods from the others. "They were here just a few months ago."

"Evidently they have arrived here in the other world as well," Cologne said. "As to the more recent battle, Perfume doesn't know," she added with a frown before turning to Ukyo. "Ms. Kuonji, please fetch me some cold water," the elder said. Ukyo obeyed, quickly returning with a glass of water. Cologne took the glass from her, saying, "This will be the acid test." With that she poured half the glass's contents over Akane. There were a number of gasps at seeing the results, and one shriek, followed by a thud, as Ranma reacted to this by passing out. Caught among Akane's clothes was now a comatose gray and black striped cat, which in fact was Akane. "This indeed is a problem," Cologne said with a sigh, pouring the remaining water on Shampoo, likewise changing her.

Instantly the air was filled with a barrage of questions and accusations, directed indiscriminately. Cologne and Soon Li largely ignored this, Cologne collecting the bracelets, freed by Akane's and Shampoo's transformations, into a small sack. Soon even Ranma, who was awaked by a bucket of warm water, and added into the confusion, though he noticeably kept his distance from the cat that used to be Akane. Finally Cologne called everyone to silence.

"Enough! Yelling about it doesn't solve the problem!" The elder ordered. Everyone paused, but just for a moment before resuming their arguments. After fuming for a minute, Cologne once more called out for a cease to the chaos, emphasizing her demand with a tap to a nearby stool, causing it to explode into shards. This had the desired effect, and everyone fell obediently silent. "Thank you, that's better. I'll repay you for the stool later, Ms. Kuonji," she said.

"What happened ghoul? What went wrong? If this is some trick of yours..." Ranma asked accusingly, and earned a rap to the head from Cologne's cane in response.

"That will be quite enough, Son-in-law. I am just as much in the dark as you are. However," Cologne said, looking back at Shampoo, "it would seem we have somehow brought the Akane and Shampoo from the other world here."

Even the obvious conclusion earned a number of shocked responses from those gathered. However, it was Ukyo who asked the question of main interest. "Where are our Akane and Shampoo then?"

Soon Li took the initiative on this question. "There are three possibilities I can think of. One, Shampoo and Akane were never in that place, and are someplace completely different. Two, Shampoo and Akane, at least the ones you knew, are... gone." Nearly everyone took that possibility badly, but Soon Li continued heedless. "The third possibility is that these two are Shampoo and Akane, or at least what remains of them. In a sense, they may have effectively become this Shampoo and Akane."

"Great, so what you're telling us is that either, one, Shampoo and Akane are God knows where, or two, they're... dead, or three, they've been effectively replaced by these two." Ranma said, and Soon Li nodded in confirmation. "That's nuts!" he yelled in frustration.

"Worst yet, in any of those three cases, these two are not going to be happy. We just effectively kidnapped them," Ukyo pointed out, causing everyone to stop and consider that for a moment.

Cologne nodded in agreement. "She is right, any way you look at it, they will not be pleased to wake up here."

"And not just that, we have just confirmed the other world is more than simply a dream. It is quite real. So now the other world's versions of us will be going through the same steps we have been going through," Soon Li added.

"Quite right, although we can't tell how much time will be passing for them compared to us," Cologne analyzed.

"I am going to guess given what we know, whichever world Akane and Shampoo are in, the time goes faster in that world," Soon Li conjectured.

"Assuming this is our Akane and Shampoo," Nabiki noted.

"So what do we do?" Ryoga asked.

Soon Li again stepped in to answer this. "Whether they like it or not, they stay, at least for now. We must discern what is actually happening, and which possibilities we can eliminate. Hopefully, it is not number two. If it is the first, then we let them go back to this world of theirs and search elsewhere for our Shampoo and Akane. The bracelets will hopefully allow these two to return. If it is the third, and they are our Shampoo and Akane..." Soon Li said, but then went silent.

"Well, they'll stay obviously. End of story." Ranma finished, but did not get much enthusiasm for his idea. "What?"

"Ranma, they're not going to enjoy that idea," Ukyo answered.

"Why not?"

"Just trust me, I doubt either will be overly happy about having their lives thrown on its ear after living in that other world. Shampoo for certain is going to be furious with the idea, and I even think Akane won't exactly be pleased either." Ukyo explained further, then cut off Ranma before he could respond. "Trust me on this, I was there, and it may have been similar to this world, but it was definitely different, and in some very important ways. Like for instance, do you think Shampoo will be happy being stuck here when she was probably a week or two from getting married to you? And Akane, she was..." Ukyo paused, giving Ryoga a quick look. "Well, she was dating Ryoga from what I remember, and was pretty happy about that."

"She was?" Ryoga asked in shock and hope.

"Yeah, I think so," Ukyo answered, and Soon Li nodded in confirmation. "And having that all changed so suddenly won't go over well."

Although Ryoga looked jubilant at the idea, Ranma looked struck. "You need not worry Son-in-law. There is an easy fix for that." Cologne said, and Ranma looked to her for the answer. "Akane can marry Ryoga, and you can marry Shampoo."

"Hey, I ain't marrying her, you hear!" Ranma retorted angrily.

"Oh come now Son-in-law. Your counterpart was wise enough to see reason, why can't you?" Cologne asked, but waved off Ranma's response. "Never mind, hopefully it won't come to that anyway. First things first, Soon Li, any idea why they haven't regained consciousness?"

Soon Li held her hand over the head of Shampoo's cat form and concentrated, eyes closed, for a moment. "Her mind is... very mixed up. I'm sensing a lot of chaotic electrical activity." Move her hand over to Akane's feline form she nodded. "Same with Akane."

"How did that happen?" Ranma asked.

"Something to do with the unusual transference maybe. They were moved phys... hmm... that could explain it," Soon Li said as she stood up.

"Explain what?" Nabiki asked.

"Remember how I said we could not fight the spirit of the bracelets because we would only be spirits while passing through the gateway. That applied to us, but not them. They passed through physically," Soon Li explained.

"Of course, and that means they could fight it," Cologne said with a sigh. "That might account for everything. Possibly."

"Possibly," Soon Li agreed.

"Does that mean they are our Akane and Shampoo?" Kasumi asked.

"It gives us an explanation that would explain the current circumstances if that is the case, but does not ensure such," Soon Li answered.

"Sure they weren't fighting each other?" Genma asked. "They don't exactly get along."

"I doubt that. From what I observed in this other world they would be the last two people to fight each other at this level. No, this explanation makes the most sense." Soon Li said. "Obviously, when they awaken we can confirm such, assuming they cooperate. Besides their mental confusion, there is no serious injuries. I also sensed the confusion was slowly abating, but it will take many hours yet."

"And what do we do when they wake up?" Ryoga asked.

Cologne pondered this a second before responding, "It would be wisest to ease them into the situation. They should wake up in the presence of someone familiar. That should be no trouble with Akane. Soon Li, would you-"

"Yes, yes," Soon Li replied tiredly, gaining a frown from Cologne, but the elder dismissed her adopted daughter's reaction for the moment.

"Good, we should also deal with these bracelets. Shampoo and Akane are not likely to stay here voluntarily. We will probably need to hide them where they can't get their hands on them."

"Couldn't we just tell them the bracelets were destroyed? They couldn't get mad at us about being stuck here then," Ranma suggested, but Cologne shook her head.

"No. I might get away with such a lie, maybe Soon Li as well, but I doubt all of you could cover that up."

"Shampoo is supposed to be a master of the Lightning style. That means she knows the art of focus, and that is an excellent tool for detecting liars," Soon Li added. "We must also consider that our counterparts may attempt what we have done."

"Then I will be in charge of the bracelets," Cologne said. "We have already confirmed I can't merge with my counterpart, if only I know how to get them, there is no possibility of this information being acquired."

"Right," Ranma said reluctantly.

"And what about our shapeshifting friend?" Nabiki asked.

Cologne frowned, but shrugged. "Until we have more information on him, or her, there is little we can do in that regard. We will simply have to be vigilant."

No one argued the point. Instead, a tearful Soun picked up his feline daughter along with her clothes, and together with Ryoga, Genma, and the other Tendos headed out. Only Ranma remaining behind. Mousse was about to pick up Shampoo, but instead got rapped on the head by Cologne.

"Now what, ghoul?" He asked angrily, and immediately received another rap to his skull.

"You can stay here with Perfume."

"Why?" Mousse asked, this time wisely keeping his anger in check.

"For your own safety. I want you as far from Shampoo as possible when she awakens." Cologne answered.

"Come on. Shampoo ain't that dangerous," Ranma said in annoyance.

"You know nothing, boy," Soon Li countered, glaring at Ranma. "You would do well to be very cautious around both of them. Those two have lived different lives, and as such you better be prepared for nearly anything. In particular, I'd caution you against angering them. They are both highly trained, Shampoo in Lightning style, and Akane in Wind style. If my experience is any judge, that makes them at least twice as powerful as any of you here, save only myself and the elder." Soon Li shot back, then noticing Ranma's expression, intensified her tone. "Don't look so smug either, I do not exaggerate in the least. If anything, I'm being conservative."

"She is right, Son-in-law. The storm styles are the most effective and powerful forms I have ever encountered. In fact I would go so far as to say that at this time there is no superior style to full storm style in existence. You all would do well to heed her warning," Cologne cautioned.

Ranma's expression finally changed, as he cast a glance at the departing Tendos, and then Shampoo. He shivered at the sight of her feline form and finally headed out as well, muttering, "Why did it have to be the cat curse?"

"This is not fair!" Mousse protested after Ranma's departure, but Cologne merely rapped him on the head again.

"What does fair have to do with it? I'm doing this for your own health, boy. Shampoo will not be in a good mood when she wakes up, and that mixed with your usual manner of behavior about her, might just get you killed, or at the least put in the hospital. Now stop complaining."

"And just where am I supposed to sleep then?" Mousse asked desperately, but to his surprise Ukyo spoke up.

"It's alright. I got room."

Mousse stared at Ukyo in a mix of shock and irritation, but finally was forced to relent. After watching as Cologne and Soon Li left with Shampoo, Mousse turned to Ukyo to vent his displeasure. "What did you do that for? You just gave her the perfect way to keep me away from Shampoo!"

Ukyo blinked in confusion, then stuttered out, "I... I... don't know. I did it without thinking. I'm sorry." Mousse huffed out his annoyance, while Ukyo went into thought about her actions.

XXXXX

It was later that evening when Cologne arrived at the Tendo home. She entered the home unannounced and simply bounced up the stairs where she arrived just in time to see Kasumi, looking unusually somber, leaving Akane's room. "Elder, what brings you here?"

"Just thought I'd check on Akane personally," Cologne replied, looking within the room. "Still asleep I see."

"Yes, although she has seemed to be in a bad dream at points," Kasumi replied just as Ranma came out from his room.

"It is much the same with Shampoo. Don't worry, it is a good sign. It means they are becoming more coherent. It will probably be sometime in the morning when they finally awaken," Cologne noted which brightened Kasumi's expression slightly.

"That's good. Excuse me, I will be back in a moment," Kasumi replied and headed off.

Cologne watched her leave then turned her attention to Ranma. "A moment... in private, if you please, Son-in-law."

Ranma frowned but nodded, gesturing inside his room. The two entered, Ranma closing the door behind them. "What now?"

Before answering, Cologne held out her hand. Ranma looked at her curious before offering his own open hand. Cologne dropped the mind protection charm into his palm, much to his confusion. "What's this for?"

"Keep it on you at all times, and tell no one of this meeting," she cautioned, then pulled out a strange collapsible wooden frame. Ranma watched in further confusion as the old Amazon hopped over to an empty part of the wall and expanded the frame. Once complete, it was the size of a door frame. Applying it to the wall, in an instant, a door appeared.

"What the...?!" Ranma exclaimed quietly.

"A little toy of mine. You've actually been inside before, Son-in-law. Come," Cologne said, opened the door and disappeared within. Ranma considered then followed.

Within was not another part of the Tendo home, but a large room that was familiar to the boy. A large artificial hot spring was at the center, feed from the mouths of several animal statues. "Yeah, I do remember this place," Ranma said with a scowl. "This is where I fought you for that fake phoenix pill."

"Exactly," Cologne replied. "In truth it is a small pocket dimension constructed by magic."

"Oh yeah, come to think of it, I wondered where this place went. Never seen it again," Ranma noted as he looked around.

"Yes, I haven't used it much. Haven't even bothered to reconfigure it since our little contest. However, nostalgia is not why I brought you here. Look there," Cologne said, pointing to a rock at the center of the hot spring. "Hidden in that stone is the bracelets."

"Hey, I thought we agreed not to have anyone else know that!" Ranma exclaimed.

Cologne nodded. "Yes, but in truth I never planned to keep this information to myself. If something should happen to me, then the bracelets could potentially be lost. No, someone else needs to know their location, and so I'm telling you."

"Why me?"

Cologne shrugged. "There is few better. I have given you the protective charm in hopes it will protect you from being possessed by your counterpart. I'm also going to leave the entrance here at the Tendos with you. Shampoo would know of it, and if our information is correct, knows the Nekohanten intimately in either world. However, since everyone thinks I am the soul party with the bracelets-"

"They'll still think you hid them there. Right, gotcha," Ranma said with a nod.

That settled, Cologne lead the way back out, and once back in Ranma's room, once more collapsed the door and put it inside one of the small cabinets nearby. "Do try to keep this a secret. Move it only if you must, and be very careful if you do to not draw suspicion from anyone."

"Right," Ranma said with a nod, then looked back at the door to the hall. "Do you... are they going to return to normal?"

"I wish I could say. Unfortunately, the answer is looking to be no."

"There has to be a way."

Cologne looked down to the floor. "The only possibility I have come up with is to allow them to return, then come back here normally. Redoing the transfer in this manner may restore them to their proper forms. However, there is obvious risks with such a method."

"Like they might not come back again, and next time we won't be able to get them back," Ranma concluded with a nod of confirmation from the elder. Ranma let out a frustrated growl and fell into silent thought.

"Well, I should be heading back. Remember our warning, though, Son-in-law. Akane should not be trifled with. It is very likely she will awaken confused and agitated, and she has considerably more ability than you are used to."

"Oh, come on, you guys are making a lot of this. Akane's decent but-"

"Trust me," Cologne interjected. "I did not exaggerate when I said the Storm Style is the greatest style of martial arts I have ever encountered, and I have encountered a great deal."

Ranma frowned once more but did not further argue the point. With that, Cologne headed out, Ranma seeing her to the stairs where Kasumi was finally returning. Ranma watched the elder Amazon depart before peeking in on Akane as Kasumi resumed her vigil. 'Things will... work out... they gotta,' he thought before returning to his room with a sigh.

XXXXX

The next morning, across town at the Nekohanten, Soon Li was sitting and waiting for Shampoo to come to. As they had already deduced, the young Amazon had been out for the better part of a day. Despite that, however, she seemed aware something was wrong. Soon Li had observed her in the grip of several nightmares, many of which involved being lost or displaced, if her mumbles during said nightmares were any indication.

Finally having had time to consider the situation, Soon Li regarded the sleeping girl with a keen interest. 'It is... strange that I never considered training anymore. It seems a gross oversight, especially now,' she thought. 'Perhaps that is part of the meaning of this whole incident? To bring them here to me? Perhaps. I do know the piece that their Soon Li was missing. She has never had the true opportunity to realize it... that is... perhaps for the best. But now...

'Don't get ahead of yourself,' Soon Li thought. 'There are still yet many questions to be answered, and many problems to be resolved.' Soon Li frowned with that thought but then took notice of a shift in Shampoo's chi pattern. The young Amazon was finally awakening, and thus it was time to get to work.

Shampoo's first conscious thought was one of relief. With a thought she willed a spark of electricity to cross her finger tips, and let out a nearly inaudible sigh of relief. 'Just a dream after all,' she thought but then frowned. Even before opening her eyes, her focused senses could pick out immediate discrepancies. Probably most notably, rather than her bed, she instead was lying on a mat on the floor. She opened her eyes to find herself in a darkened room. The window was covered, but light still shone through. A quick scan revealed the room to be one of those at the Nekohanten, Perfume's if she did not miss her guess. However, the furniture was all wrong.

Shampoo took a second to look around, confused. 'How did I ended up at the Nekohanten?' she wondered before sensing another presence in the room, Shampoo sat up to find Soon Li sitting on the floor nearby. However, looking at her, Shampoo soon realized Soon Li was also wrong. The older Amazon expression was stoic and unreadable. Her clothing too was unfamiliar. Seeing this Shampoo tensed.

"Soon Li, what am I doing here?" Shampoo asked, causing Soon Li to recite the speech she had been working on for this moment.

"Shampoo, I want you stay calm while I explain. I know this may sound strange, but believe me, it is true. You are no longer in what you knew as your world, or rather your universe. Sometime yesterday or the day before, the Shampoo of this universe, along with Akane Tendo disappeared. Our only clue to their whereabouts was a pair of bracelets we found in each girl's bed. Further investigation proved these bracelets provided a portal of sorts to your universe. We concluded that you and Akane were actually our Shampoo and Akane, and thus tried to 'rescue' them. However, it would seem we were at least somewhat mistaken, and instead ended up with you two instead of them."

Soon Li finally paused to take note Shampoo's reaction. The young Amazon was stunned speechless. 'Well, not exactly unexpected,' Soon Li thought as Shampoo tried to process the data.

Finally, after nearly a minute of silence, Shampoo spoke. "Why am I here?" she asked hesitantly.

"We are still uncertain what happened to our Shampoo and Akane. It was decided it would be best to keep you here until we can find that out."

"Keep us here," Shampoo repeated, some fear in her voice, and quickly rose to her feet. Soon Li did so as well, but otherwise kept her position, making no aggressive movements.

"Yes, I am sorry, but we have little choice. Until we find out what exactly is going on you'll have to stay. I'm also sorry to say, we hid the bracelets."

"Hid them!" Shampoo exclaimed in shock, and then looked down at the floor.

"Do you know anything of this world?" Soon Li asked after a moment, causing Shampoo to look up, wide eyed.

A moment passed, but Shampoo finally answered, "No."

Soon Li examined her closely. 'She could be lying, or simply feeling the anxiety of the moment,' Soon Li concluded.

A second after answering, Shampoo made her way quickly out the door. Soon Li made no effort to stop her and simply followed. When the young Amazon reached the hall, she broke into a dash, and headed directly downstairs and into the restaurant's kitchen. Shaking her head Soon Li ran after her.

Once in the kitchen, Shampoo stopped to eye Cologne who stood surprised at Shampoo's sudden appearance. However, the look on the elder's face was as foreign to Shampoo as the look Soon Li had. Instead of contempt, or resentment, or just plain disapproval, all she saw was concern. Shampoo was so unsettled by that, she had to get out of the room. She dashed out into the main dining area, and then stopped long enough to collect herself.

Soon Li arrived a moment later, followed closely by Cologne. Shampoo turned to face them, a look of near panic on her face. "Where is Akane?" She demanded.

"Akane Tendo is at the Tendos' at the mo..." Cologne answered, but trailed off as Shampoo once more ran off, directly out of the restaurant. Soon Li started to pursue, but Cologne blocked her path. "Don't bother. She is confused, and clearly panicked. She needs time to calm down, by herself. I'll call the Tendos' and inform them she's coming." Cologne turned and headed into the back long enough to place the call. A minute later she returned to talk to Soon Li. "Did you ask if she remembered anything of this world?"

"I did, and she said no, but she was very stressed about it."

"That's to be expected. This is not exactly a calming situation. Do you mean to say she would lie?"

"As Ms. Kuonji said, she won't like the idea of staying here. She might do anything to ensure that doesn't happen." Soon Li explained, and then headed off upstairs. Cologne looked at the empty doorway for a moment longer, a scowl on her face but headed on about her work.

XXXXX

A few minutes earlier Kasumi was in the kitchen at the Tendos' washing some dishes when the phone rang. Putting aside her chore for the moment, Kasumi headed off into the hallway to answer it. "Hello. Oh, grandmother Cologne, it is so nice to hear from you... Oh, she is... oh no, Akane is still-" Kasumi last statement was cut abruptly off with a crash from upstairs, and an outraged cry from Akane. "Oh, I was mistaken, Akane is awake... Oh yes, I'll be sure to tell her. Goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, Kasumi headed upstairs, following after the rest of the family who had already rushed up, save Nabiki whose turn it had been staying with Akane. Once there, the family was treated to the rather disconcerting sight of Akane with her older sister pinned again the hallway wall, holding her a full two inches off the floor.

"What are you getting mad at me for sis? It wasn't my idea to hide them!" Nabiki sputtered to Akane as the others arrived.

After noticing the presence of her other sister, her father, and the Saotomes, Akane considered Nabiki's words, then released her with a muttered apology. However, her anger remained, this time directed squarely at the three men present. "I suppose it was your idea then," Akane accused, stalking over to them.

Soun, involuntarily backed away along with Genma. Together the two men pushed Ranma to the front to explain. After giving the two parents a disapproving glare, Ranma turned his attention to Akane. "Look, Akane, it's for the best."

"BEST?! Who's best? Yours? What gives you the right to decide my life?" Akane shouted out angrily, bringing her face within an inch of Ranma's. "I want those bracelets NOW!"

'I really do feel a difference,' Ranma thought under Akane's menacing gaze. 'It is more like I'm facing Kirin or Toma than Akane.' Despite this, Ranma firmed himself. "I'm sorry Akane, that isn't going to happen." Reflexively, as he finished saying it, Ranma closed his eyes in a cringe of anticipation, but nothing happened.

Instead, when he opened his eyes he found the hallway empty, and everyone racing down the stairs after Akane. Ranma sighed in relief, and then joined the others as they headed outside. "Hey, Akane, where are you going?" He called out as he reached the door, causing Akane to stop and look momentarily back at him.

"I'm going to the Nekohanten to see Shampoo, to make sure she's all right." She answered, then jumped into the air but did not come down. This gave all but Kasumi pause as Akane just continue to rise up, gaining speed as she did so.

As everyone continued to gawk at Akane's display of skill, Kasumi called out after her. "Oh, I meant to tell you, Akane. Shampoo already left the Nekohanten."

"Where did she go?" Akane asked back, stopping in the air for a reply.

"She was supposed to be heading here."

Akane frowned and scanned the area, but found no sign of Shampoo. 'Shampoo should have arrived already if she was headed here,' Akane thought, then got another idea. Without further delay, Akane flew off for the canal.

Down below, his father finally knocked Ranma out of his amazed shock. "What are you waiting for boy? Get after her!"

"How the heck do you expect me to follow her when she can do... THAT?" Ranma asked, pointing the speck in the sky that was Akane.

Genma pushed Ranma on heedless of the complaint. "No excuses boy! It is high time you took some responsibility for your fiancée. Now is the time when she'll need you the most."

"He's right son, this is a crucial time that Akane will need your comfort." Soun added.

"Dad, hate to point this out, but that Akane isn't engaged to Ranma anymore. Matter of fact, it is Shampoo who is Ranma's fiancée, at least as far as they're concerned," Nabiki said, causing her father to sag his shoulders.

After a moment, Soun straightened once again. "Nonsense. Ranma is Akane's fiancé, and that is that. Now off with you son. No more dilly-dallying."

"Yeah, yeah," Ranma mumbled as he ran off in the direction Akane had headed. 'This is crazy! She can fly! I can't believe she can fly!' he thought as he departed. Below those thoughts, however, were ones that were far more unsettling to him, ones that told him he should heed their parents' concerns.

XXXXX

'I can't believe this is happening,' Akane thought as she continued to fly onto her destination. 'This is... the dream world? Or is it? Maybe it is the real one... or, no, I couldn't do this if it was... but I'm here... I'm getting a headache just thinking about it. Got to find Shampoo, and we can work this out. She'll be there, I'm sure of it.'

In confirmation of her assumption, Akane spotted Shampoo sitting on the canal next to the bridge. 'She always ends up here,' Akane thought with a smile, happy to see her adoptive sibling likewise unchanged. Nodding, Akane dove down to meet her, Shampoo taking notice of her as she did and getting up to greet her.

The moment she landed, the two girls embraced one and other. Nearly a minute passed, until finally they broke the embrace to look each other in face. "I don't suppose you have a better idea of what in the hell is going on?" Akane asked as lightly as she could manage.

"Hardly. Did you have that... well, I don't think it was a dream..."

"Where we were in the weird place, fighting that... thing, whatever it was. It was all made of light."

Shampoo nodded her head eagerly in confirmation. "Yes, that was it. Then it definitely wasn't a dream. Just what happened? I don't remember much of it past the beginning of the fight. It all becomes hazy after that."

Akane shook her head. "Same here. Let's just try to get some things straight here first, starting with the basics. What do you remember about this world and the other one?"

Shampoo hesitated a moment, then sat down on the bridge again. "Nothing more than before, I mean when we were in our world I mean. It is just like I went to sleep, and woke up here. How about you?"

Seating herself next to Shampoo, Akane nodded. "I feel the same way. None of my memories have changed at all... well, maybe a little, but not much. Apparently my curse is even intact, at least according to Nabiki. What happened then? This didn't happen before."

Shampoo could only shake her head. "I don't know. Maybe fighting that thing did something. Maybe we fought off the transference somewhat," Shampoo suggested, and then looked at Akane seriously. "Are we even in the other world?"

"What do you mean?" Akane asked in confusion.

"Soon Li was there when I woke up. My memories may be hazy, but I know Soon Li wasn't here when we left. Could we have ended up in yet another world?"

Akane thought about it for a moment then shook her head. "Let's hope not. I have enough confusion to deal with. She could have just arrived. Of course, I guess we can't rule that possibility out. I didn't stick around long enough to check things out."

Shampoo nodded in appreciation of that reaction. "Another thing that was weird. Soon Li said this happened within just the last two days. We've been gone more than a month!"

Akane shared in Shampoo's confusion at that. "Yeah, there is no way we could have been gone just a couple days, unless time doesn't pass at the same rate... Oh boy, this is entirely too confusing."

"Then we could have been gone for weeks already by the other world's standards," Shampoo pointed out, her eyes wide with the realization.

"Or less than an hour. Remember, when we were over here, no time... well maybe one night is all that passed over there. Argh, we have no real idea, do we? Oh God!" Akane finally blurted out in frustration, running her hands through her hair to try and relieve just the tiniest fraction of the tension she was feeling. "Oh God, oh God, what are we going to do? What are we going to do?"

Shampoo shook her head, unable to. "First we should just get a handle on what exactly is happening. Soon Li aside, does anything say we're not in the other world we knew?" Shampoo asked, and after a moment's thought Akane shook her head. "Then let's just assume we're there... here, you know what I mean. Apparently this all happened at most two days ago, so we haven't been gone long. However, that also means we..." Shampoo paused with a sudden thought that was so obvious, yet that up to this moment had eluded her. "The other world... our world, it exists!" Akane looked at Shampoo in puzzlement, and with a look of joy on her face, Shampoo took Akane by the shoulders to explain. "It's not a dream, it's not some fantasy, it's real! It's real! It has to be. That is the only way we could be this way."

Finally Akane understood, and nodded her head. "Of course, but that doesn't change the fact that we are stuck here."

That deflated Shampoo's joy, and as she released Akane, she nodded in acknowledgement of that fact. "You're right, and I was about to say, the time difference means we can't count on getting help. Weeks may have passed there and they haven't found a way across, or only hours or minutes, and they don't even know we're gone yet, and probably won't for some time."

"Maybe, maybe not, but you're right, we can't count on help, at least no time soon. We'll have to deal with this on our own for now. The only way we know of to get back is to get those bracelets, but they hid them, at least that is what they told me."

"Me too, and unfortunately I believe they did actually do it, and I also doubt we can find them easily."

Akane nodded, but smiled. "Then we'll just have to convince them to give us the bracelets." Shampoo looked at Akane questioningly, so Akane elaborated. "It is simple enough. Nabiki told me they're keeping us here till they find out what happened to their Akane and Shampoo."

"But we-"

Akane cut off the response with a raised finger. "Ah, but do we even truly know that. Our memories haven't changed. We haven't got their bodies either. For all we know there very well could be another Shampoo and Akane around somewhere." Shampoo looked skeptical to that notion. "Okay, so the odds don't favor it, but that doesn't mean we need to tell them a thing. As far as they need know, we have never been here, and don't remember anything of this world. You didn't say anything yet, did you?"

Shampoo shook her head. "No, but Soon Li did ask. I figured it best to just cover my options for the time. Good thing I did. But Akane, lying to everyone won't be easy."

"I know, but we can try. Beyond that, we can force them to bring up the specifics. Our memories of this world come from our use the bracelets, and for all we even know, that's the extent of our contact here. Unless they specifically ask about that, I think we can manage to dodge it."

"You know how hard lying to Soon Li can be. I don't think I've managed to get one past her yet," Shampoo pointed out.

"We haven't tried lately," Akane pointed out, but quickly frowned in thought. "Still, you're right, staying at the Nekohanten is not a good idea. If I guess right, Soon Li will probably stay there, and of course there is Cologne too. Best to have as little contact with them as possible. I'll have to get you in the house."

"That's not going to be easy."

"Oh no? I think it will. I'll just lay it out in no uncertain terms that you and I stay together, and that's that. It's either the Neko or the house for both of us, and there is no way my Dad is going to let me stay at the Neko. He'll give in. Besides, I also think we shouldn't let anyone get the impression we're comfortable here. We should make keeping us here as hellish as possible."

"I'll be all too glad to do that," Shampoo replied with a smile of her own. 'However,' Shampoo thought in rebuttal, 'we're not out of the woods yet. We have to be extra careful.' As that thought kept Shampoo's optimism muted, she noticed an arrival. Turning her head, she spotted Ranma running up to the canal wall, panting and sweating in exhaustion. "He must have run full tilt all the way here." She mused to Akane, causing her adoptive sibling to take notice of him as well.

'Damn it she's fast,' Ranma thought through his exhaustion. 'And she doesn't even look winded... damn,' he noticed as he finally caught sight of them. "Hey Akane, you know you could have waited!" Ranma yelled out as he made his final approach. The two girls eyed him for a moment, and then began speaking to each other, but unfortunately for Ranma in Mandarin. That gave Ranma cause to stop in even more wonderment.

Finally Akane and Shampoo stopped their conversation, and turned back to Ranma. "And who said you were invited?" Akane asked with her arms crossed. "The way we understand it, you're all holding us here against our will by hiding those bracelets. Now, the way that usually goes is that we are the victims, and you all are the kidnappers."

"Hey now, wait just a second! You're blowing everything out of proportion," Ranma argued, but neither girl looked impressed.

"Is that so? Then this is all a mistake and you'll let us go?" Shampoo asked.

"Well... yeah, of course... in a while."

"In a while!" Akane echoed in outrage. "Our family is probably worried sick about us, and you tell us it'll be a while!" Ranma opened his mouth to protest, but Akane waved him off, turning away to pace. "Yeah, yeah, you have to find out what happened to your Akane and Shampoo. Well, I'm sorry for you, but we have lives too you know, that are just as important to us. You have no right to hold us here."

"Hey now, you look here! I'd be all too glad to send you back and get my Akane back-"

"And Shampoo," Akane added, giving Ranma a flat look over her shoulder.

"Yeah, of course, her too, but can't you see. We don't know what happened to them. And until-"

"Yeah, yeah," Akane mumbled, cutting Ranma short, then turned to look at him. "Seeing as how you guys seem to hold all the cards, I guess we have no choice. Don't expect us to co-operate though."

Ranma frowned, and watched as both girls started walking up to the road. "We don't have to be enemies you know."

"Then you got an awfully strange way of being our friends," Akane countered, then began walking back toward home with Shampoo taking a position beside her. "Let's just go to the house. I'm still not in the best of shape and could still use some rest."

"Well, you shouldn't have... flown here then," Ranma pointed out, but Akane just shook her head.

"Well, if you hadn't kidnapped us-"

"It wasn't like that!" Ranma protested loudly, and received an angry glare from both girls. However, he maintained his stance, saying, "well, it wasn't!"

"Maybe not from your point of view, but it certainly is from ours. The least you could have done is get our sleeping arrangements straight. Neither of us has slept at the Nekohanten for, oh, at least 10 months, right Shampoo?"

Shampoo nodded. "Yes, not since the house was repaired." Noting Ranma's much confused look at hearing this, Shampoo explained. "We own the Nekohanten too. We did use it as a house for a while after returning from China while the actual house was being repaired from a fire."

Ranma nodded in understanding, and then pointed to both of them. "So, you both stay at the Tendos' now."

"Well duh Ranma! We are both Tendos last time I checked," Akane said with an annoyed shake of her head.

"Not here you're not," Ranma replied, but Akane quickly countered.

"No, your Shampoo and Akane may not be, but here, there, anywhere, we are both the daughters of Soun Tendo. Don't start thinking we're your Akane and Shampoo, because we're not, right?" Akane asked, looking over at Shampoo who nodded in affirmation. Akane turned back to Ranma and continued on. "That also means even though you guys seem determined to keep us here, we're not about to change how we live to suit you."

Ranma was momentarily perplexed, and then brightened with realization. "There's no way Mr. Tendo is going to let Shampoo-" he began to say, but Akane cut him off.

"I don't really care what he wants. Shampoo and I are staying together no matters what. He either accepts it, or we'll find somewhere else to stay till this mess is sorted out."

Ranma stopped dead in his tracks, and watched as the two girls continued on their way without him. 'Great, as if I don't have enough trouble. Now Shampoo is going to be staying at the house. And, of course, guess who's fault it will be. Just great!' Moaning, Ranma got back on his way, quickly catching up to the two girls.

XXXXX

Ukyo was sitting back and taking a brief rest between rushes at her restaurant later that afternoon. 'So much craziness...' she thought. 'Perfume, that dream world, Akane and Shampoo...' she thought.

"It's not fair! It's not fair!" Mousse complained suddenly, breaking Ukyo out of her thoughts.

'Oh yeah, and him,' she thought with a frown. "Would you shut up already, and stop whining! You're giving us both a headache!" Ukyo snapped at the annoying male Amazon in her presence, and Perfume could only nod her agreement with those sentiments. "You've been crying about it all damned day, and I'm really sick of it! Go annoy the mummy if you must, or just leave, but give our ears a break!"

Mousse did not take the comments well, and Ukyo found him in her face. "You're half the cause of my problems, so why shouldn't I annoy you?"

"Because I offered to let you stay here?! Fine, you if you're so damned determine to leave, I'm not stopping you! If you want to go, go! I don't really care!" Ukyo snarled back. 'Right now, I think I'd prefer it if Shampoo turned him into a lump of coal. How the hell I could ever be... in love with this jerk, even in another universe, is beyond me,' she thought.

Much to Ukyo's displeasure though, Mousse merely huffed, and sat at a nearby table to mope some more. 'Lovely,' she thought angrily, but merely sighed and dropped the matter.

With another moment of peace, Ukyo's mind turned to other matters. 'You know, this is my big chance. Akane and Shampoo are essentially out of the way. They're probably awake by now and plenty angry. That's leaves Ranma all to me... well, there is Kodachi, but next to her I can this locked up,' she thought, letting herself smile. 'Still, I could help them get back to that other world, just to clinch it... they'll be fine there, happier to. Yeah, that's the way to go.

'Now, how do I get my hands on those bracelets?' Ukyo asked herself, mulling over that one little crinkle in her master plan. 'There has to be a way.'

Just then the ring of the phone broke into Ukyo's chain of thought, and she got up to answer it. "Hello?"

"Ah good, Ms. Kuonji. I have some good news for you," came the voice of Cologne over the line, and indeed Ukyo brightened up with hope. "It seems my great granddaughter will be staying with the Tendos for the time being. Therefore, you can send Mousse and Perfume back here, should you wish."

"Thank God!" Ukyo exclaimed. "You wouldn't believe the guy! I mean, I swear, another day of his whining..."

"I understand completely. You just had a small taste of what it is like to be in Shampoo's shoes."

"Yeah, well, I think I have some sympathy for her then. I'll tell him right away."

"Good," Cologne replied, before giving her goodbye and hanging up.

Ukyo hung up the phone, and contained a shout of glee. After concealing her smile, she headed out into the main room to inform her two guests. "Good news you two, you're clear to return to the Nekohanten."

"Why?" Mousse asked as he stood up.

"Shampoo is staying with the Tendos, so that-"

"WHAT?! WITH RANMA?! THAT... THAT... I'LL KILL HIM!" Mousse shouted out, and before Ukyo could even think to react, Mousse was out the door and on his way to cause trouble.

"Great," Ukyo mumbled as she looked at the door. "There goes my translator. I hope Ranma gives the jerk a concussion."

"I hope so too," Perfume said, startling Ukyo.

"I thought you couldn't understand Japanese."

"I could not, but spent many weeks in other world, even if only seem like hour or two here. Also, other Perfume already know Japanese. I think it rub off on me," Perfume explained.

"Oh yeah, right. Didn't think about that. You could have said so early though." Perfume merely shrugged, so Ukyo dropped the matter and returned to her grill. "You can go to the Nekohanten too you know. I really can't be keeping on boarders here. My finances are rather tight. No offense."

"None taken. I will go. Thank you for... everything," Perfume replied, and gave Ukyo a departing smile. She turned to leave, but Ukyo spoke, pulling her to a stop.

"I'm sure you'll find someone nice."

Perfume nodded without turning back, and began walking out. "I already have," she said quietly.

Ukyo looked at Perfume's departing form for a moment in thought, having just barely caught her final words. After a moment's thought, she turned her attention to cleaning off the grill. "I think Nabiki is in trouble."

XXXXX

"Here you are Shampoo," Kasumi said as she handed Shampoo a bundle of bedding.

"Thank you, Kasumi." Shampoo replied with a smile that Kasumi returned. Kasumi took her leave of the two girls, and Shampoo closed the door to Akane's. "This world, that world, Kasumi is still the same."

Akane shook her to Shampoo's comment. "Close, but she's not our Kasumi. Kasumi should be married, but here she's not."

"Technicalities, technicalities," Shampoo countered, still smiling, but then became serious, putting the bedding on the floor then sitting down on Akane's bed. "Honestly Akane, I've been thinking. Do you really think either of us can keep up an antisocial act? It sounded easy enough in theory, but now that we're here... We may be here a long time. Maybe it would be better to be more... receptive."

"We talked about this. We can't let them think we're accepting this place. Above all else we must make them realize we don't want to be here, and we never will," Akane responded, taking a seat at her desk. After a few seconds though, Akane sighed. "However, I know what you're getting at. It's like an instinct. Even when I was talking with Dad I felt like giving way. And Kasumi... I guess being totally antisocial isn't feasible. But-"

"But we don't need to be nice either," Shampoo completed for Akane. "I can handle that I think."

"I wonder why all this is happening. Why did that man give us the bracelets in the first place? And... and... who won the fight anyway?" Shampoo looked at Akane, puzzled at the sudden switch in topics. "With Natsume and Kurumi, who won? I was out cold, remember?"

"Oh, sorry. We won, although just barely. For a moment at the end I thought Natsume was going to get back up, but whatever energy she had didn't last long. Also guess you didn't hear that Soun is letting them stay indefinitely."

"Really?" Akane asked rhetorically, and then smiled. "Gee, Dad gets one daughter out of the house, but gets two more, plus a third on the way, assuming it's not a boy. I wonder if they even know we're missing. For all we know as little as a minute has passed on that side."

"Hard to say. Just what are we going to do for now though? It is going to get really boring just sitting around the house waiting for everyone to come to their senses and let us go."

"I don't really know. Even going to school is kind of pointless. Look at the date. This is months in the future compared to our world. I wouldn't have a clue what is going on. Maybe we should try to see if that man is back."

"Why would he be?"

"I don't know, but we should try anyway. You never know."

Shampoo nodded in agreement. "Not for a while though. If we go hunting for him, they'll realize we have memories of this world. We should wait till they aren't watching us, because I'm sure they are now. In fact..." Shampoo said, then looked over her shoulder at the closed door and switched to Japanese. "Why don't you come in Nabiki? You can hear better that way."

A moment of silence ensued in which Akane looked at the door with a frown. Finally the door opened to reveal Nabiki indeed standing behind it, an empty glass in hand, and a poker face on. "And here I thought I was being quiet."

"You were, you just put too much force on the door. It was almost half a millimeter off its normal closed position."

"You noticed that?" Nabiki asked with an upraised eyebrow.

"I stared at a pin in a wall for several weeks. By the end of that time I could have told you if the pattern of dust on it was different," Shampoo answered, and Akane nodded.

"So, do you mind explaining yourself?" Akane asked, having crossed her arms and glaring at her sister.

Nabiki looked down at her feet for a second, then stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. "Well, I just wanted to find out if what I've been told about you two is true. I see at least the part about you knowing Mandarin is right."

"Yeah, that's right."

"And do you two always talk so no one else can understand you?" Nabiki asked.

"Under the circumstances I think we're perfectly in our right to have private conversations," Akane retorted causing Nabiki to raise her hands in a peace gesture.

"Okay, okay. No need to get hostile."

The comment caused Akane's anger to drain away instantly, and she cast her eyes to the floor. "I'm sorry about earlier. It was just that-"

"Never mind, you were confused and upset. Besides, you already apologized. It was half my fault for dumping it on you so fast. I should have expected you would have taken it badly. No harm done." Nabiki looked over at Shampoo with a speculative air about her, then back at Akane. "I must say seeing you two together like this, and being so civil is quite... odd. So, I guess it is all true. For what it's worth, it was mostly Cologne's, and Soon Li's idea to keep you here, although no one really argued the point."

"Yeah, great. I should have figured the old hag would be involved," Shampoo responded causing Nabiki to jerk her head back.

"Did you just call your-" Nabiki began to ask, but Shampoo quickly turned on her with a dirty look.

"She's not my anything!" Shampoo snapped at Nabiki, but calmed and looked off at one of the walls. "She's nothing but trouble, apparently in both worlds."

"Indeed," Nabiki absently commented. "Actually, I had some other thoughts on my mind."

"Like?"

"Like say trying to work this mess out. Listening to Daddy cry every night will get very tired, very fast, and I have no desire to have to endure that. So, I wanted to see if maybe you two could give the place a look over, see if maybe you can find something to tell us what happened that the others missed."

"Hard to tell you if anything is out of place seeing as how our room is nothing like this, but maybe Shampoo can pick something up," Akane said, giving a nod to Shampoo who began to look over the room.

'Pick something up,' Shampoo repeated mentally. 'I highly doubt that but I suppose it is worth a shot.'

After scanning the room visually and shaking her head, Shampoo took a quick smell and frowned. "Nothing, except... Ryoga sure spends a lot of time in here in his pig form. Seems a bit unusual," Shampoo remarked, looking to Nabiki.

"Ryoga? As a pig?" Nabiki said, a bit dazed but quickly grew wide eyed and clicked her fingers. "Wait, that explains a lot, particularly that piece of artwork you have on your ass."

Akane growled, looking down at the floor. "I was drunk, okay? And, what the heck are you talking about?"

"Ryoga is P-chan!"

"P-chan?" Akane asked with a mild shake of her head.

"Your pet pig. Oh man, I can't believe he got away with it all this time."

"Got away with what? What are you talking about?" Akane asked in frustration.

"Sorry. You see, in this world you... or rather this world's Akane had taken a little black pig as her pet. She lets it sleep with her every night it's here."

"But Ryoga changes into..." Akane began to say, trailing off as realization hit her. As the seconds passed she became increasingly stiff and tense.

Shampoo saw this and spoke up. "Are you sure? Perhaps it is just a coincidence."

"I doubt it. P-chan is as directionally challenged as Ryoga." Nabiki responded, giving Akane a quick look. "But then, I suppose this really doesn't concern you two. I'll leave you two be." Nabiki gave them both a smile and left the room.

A minute after she did, Akane finally burst, slamming her fist into the bed. "That... That..."

"Akane, Shhhhhh..." Shampoo warned, and Akane took heed. After panting in anger for nearly a minute, she once more slammed her fist into the bed, and let out a disgusted grunt.

"So that's it. That's why... oooh... We... I..."

"Come on, Akane," Shampoo lightly admonished before Akane turned to her.

"Did you know? You had to know."

Shampoo looked away for a moment to think then after a few seconds nodded. "I knew he was your pet."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Akane asked.

"I'm not sure. I don't remember that much. I didn't know you were sleeping with him though," Shampoo replied causing Akane to frown. "Maybe I was just hoping..." she continued, Akane's expression softening. "Besides, do you really think he... Ryoga, would really do anything?"

Akane grumbled, but shook her head. "No, he'd probably have a heart attack if he saw me naked."

"Exactly," Shampoo said with a nod and getting bolder leaned in. "And you mean to tell me you've never considered sleeping with Ryoga?"

"Well, I... this is different!" Akane retorted, blushing just slightly, but then let out a heavy sigh, and gained a determined look. "He can't get away with that!"

"Just remember it was this Ryoga, not the one you've been dating," Shampoo pointed out, although Akane seemed less than impressed with the argument. After a moment of thought, Shampoo came up at last with a possible distraction. "Come on, you want to go practice?" With a relenting look, Akane smiled and nodded.

XXXXX

'How the hell did she do it?' Ranma asked himself as he spun into a kick which cut a bottle cleanly at the neck. 'Something to do with the wind obviously, but how?' A wooden post met its fate from a punch. 'It can't be that hard if Akane can do it.' This time a cinder block shattered from a quick ax kick.

Having destroyed all his targets of opportunity, Ranma took in several quick breaths to restore his energy. "It's just a stupid, meaningless trick. So she can fly, big deal. Doesn't change anything."

"If that isn't missing the point, I don't know what is," Nabiki commented from the side, gaining Ranma's attention. "Akane and Shampoo are missing and in their place we have two look-alikes from another dimension, and what are you worrying about, whether you're the better martial artist. Talk about self-centered."

"I don't believe it for a second. They're Akane and Shampoo, our Akane and Shampoo. They've just forgotten or something. Sooner or later they'll remember," Ranma retorted, looking away.

"So, you do care."

"Of course I do," Ranma responded, and then quickly added, "just don't get any ideas that I love Akane or nothing."

"Must be Shampoo then," Nabiki said with a smile.

"Hey! I never wanted anything to do with her."

"Funny, you seem to be marrying her in this other world."

"So what? It's not real. It's just some crazy illusion concocted by that weird freak who gave them those bracelets. When I get my hands on that jerk, I'll rearrange his stupid face, which ever one he's using."

"Assuming it is a he. So far, all the ones we've seen are she's," Nabiki joked before shaking her head. "Still, I don't see how you can think this is an illusion anymore. Everything I've seen from them is pretty legit. That being the case, I think they really do see this world as the foreign one. Why don't you take a look for yourself. They're in the dojo right now."

"What a bunch of nonsense. I ain't buying it," Ranma replied, but his eyes darted to the dojo for an instant.

"Well, it's your choice to deny the facts. Why don't you go in there and see how good all that 'illusionary' training was for them? What's to lose? Just a little ego." So saying, Nabiki turned and left Ranma to his thoughts. After a moment of thought, Ranma slammed his fist into his palm, and strode towards the dojo.

As he approached the door to the dojo, he paused to listen to the back and forth sounds of a duel in progress. 'God damn it, what has happened to them?' Ranma asked himself. 'The only clue led to this dream world. If this was not them, then... no... this has to be was them. It has to be.'

Shaking his head to dismiss the thought, Ranma turned his mind to other matters. 'Alright, let's see what all this nonsense about Storm styles is about. Bunch of empty hype if you ask me,' he thought and, with a quick nod, walked into the dojo.

XXXXX

Inside, Shampoo and Akane took a break from their sparring. "I'm not feeling nearly as tired as I would expect," Akane commented. "Do you think it has something to do with being in this dimension?"

Shampoo shrugged. "Maybe, or maybe Happosai's training helped our recovery rates. You know him. We can clean his clock, and in less than a minute he's perfectly fine again. Maybe some of that's rubbed off on us."

Akane nodded, and then both girls noticed Ranma walk in. "Well, if it isn't the kidnapper," Akane said in greeting, causing Ranma to immediately darken.

"Would you quit it with the kidnapping stuff? We didn't kidnap you."

"Taking and holding us against our will. Right, it's not kidnapping. What would you call it then? Unlawful imprisonment maybe." Akane asked with a frown, folding her arms across her chest.

Put on the spot by Akane, Ranma did what came natural. "Look here you stupid tomboy, you're blowing everything out of proportion."

"I see some things don't change. You're still a loud mouthed jerk!" Akane shot back.

"Yeah, and you're still uncute." Ranma retaliated, and received a punch to the gut. However, to his surprise, said punch did not come from Akane.

"Would you two get along, especially you Ranma," Shampoo said with a glare towards the boy in question.

'Shampoo taking her side over mine. This is truly nuts,' Ranma rubbed his stomach, giving Shampoo a quick, then dropped the topic, and busied herself with working out a kink in her muscles.

"So, Ranma, what do you want?" Akane asked then smirked. "You want to see what two real martial artists are like."

"What?" Ranma nearly yelled out. "Now, you look here, it takes more than some cheap fancy tricks to be a good martial artist."

"Oh, is poor whittle Whanma feeling inferior," Akane teased.

"Akane," Shampoo admonished, but the damage was done. Ranm's knuckles were cracking with the tension in his hands.

"Alright, that's it. Let's go, right now."

Akane opened her mouth to respond, but Shampoo cut in, speaking in Chinese. "Oh no you don't, Akane."

"Why not? He's long overdue to be taken down about a dozen notches."

"True," Shampoo agreed but then countered, "But I know you. You don't keep your cool with him. I'll do it."

Akane grumbled, but could not fault Shampoo's logic. "Fine, go for it."

"What?" Ranma asked, and Shampoo looked at him with a smile.

"Seeing how you get along so well with Akane," Shampoo said sarcastically, "you can challenge me. Less chance of you getting hurt that way."

"Hey!" Ranma snapped, but quickly grumbled and nodded. "Fine."

"Then let's do this, outside though," Shampoo said.

"Whatever," Ranma responded and followed the two girls out.

XXXXX

"You two ready," Akane asked as she took a seat on the walkway.

"All right son, what is this all about?" Soun asked as he and Genma joined into watch the impending duel.

"He's just wants to prove himself against one of us. Take him apart Shampoo!" Akane responded, causing Ranma to glare in her direction.

'Akane cheering for Shampoo?! This is just too nuts,' Ranma thought, then looked back at his opponent. Shampoo stood ready in a loose stance, a coolly confident expression on her face. 'It is like back at the village... no, even more sure than that,' Ranma thought. 'She really thinks she has me dead to rights... why do I feel like she's right?' Ranma shook his head to banish the thought.

"I am ready. Ranma?" Shampoo asked.

"Ready. Let's go," Ranma responded, and then dropped into a defensive stance, waiting for any advance... and waiting... and waiting.

After two full minutes of nothing, Akane finally let off a sigh of frustration. "Shampoo, enough screwing around, just kick his ass already!"

Ranma shot Akane another quick glare at the comment. His eyes were diverted less than half a second. There was a gap of at least 5 meters between him and Shampoo, a gap large enough that even with his considerable speed he could not cross it that quickly. Unfortunately for him, Shampoo had no such problem. His eyes were just beginning to turn back in her direction when she seemingly disappeared from sight. Ranma's eyes failed to catch up quickly enough, and in that instant what felt like a wall of force slammed into him.

Ranma was stunned, not from the blow, but at being so easily outmaneuvered. He stumbled backwards, barely managing to maintain his footing, and finally his eyes caught up to Shampoo's image. It was still nothing more than a blur that rushed at him once again. Ranma desperately raised his guard, but was once more the recipient of a wave of force that sent him flying this time. He twisted about in midair, the force having sent him tumbling. The first thing his eyes caught on was the pond right in his flight path. "Ahhh!" SPLASH!

Ranma pushed himself to his feet, or rather her feet, and looked right into Shampoo's smiling face. "Ranma, you finished already? I expected to at least break a sweat."

"That's it! No more playing around! If you want to make this serious, fine!" Ranma yelled out, and jumped onto try land, directly in front of Shampoo. "Take this!" he called out as he unleashed his Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken.

Shampoo dropped back a pace reflexively, her eyes wide as Ranma released her full speed. However an instant later she had adjusted. 'You have to be kidding me,' Shampoo thought as her image of Ranma was moving painfully slow. Shampoo let herself relax and casually deflected Ranma's incoming fist. 'This is sad. I used to think Ranma was strong, but now... I could block every one of her attacks a dozen times over easily, maybe even two dozen,' Shampoo noted. 'Is it that she is just so inferior to me? No, it's not that at all,' Shampoo thought as she ducked under a kick and dodged behind Ranma, temporarily confusing Ranma with her sudden change in position.

'In the other world, Ranma has progressed with me. I can still beat him, but he we're really close. This Ranma hasn't had that training though. Relative to her I must have improved immensely. Her speed is about equal to Perfume's, which isn't bad I suppose. Maybe if my Ranma had been this good when I first met him I would have had trouble, but now, she's not even a threat.'

Shampoo dodged once more away from a spinning kick Ranma threw, the blow not even having a chance at striking her. In the time it took Ranma to complete the spin and reset his foot, Shampoo had already tried out several counters but didn't commit to any. 'This is no victory,' she thought, stepping back. 'I could knock him out at any time. He might as well be completely untrained,' she thought with a sigh.

As this ran thought through Shampoo's mind, Ranma tried to attack, jumping into the air to assault her with an aerial kick. However, Shampoo easily evaded the attack, executing a blazingly fast reverse tumble over the pond so rapid Ranma was shocked into temporarily stopping her attack.

Ranma watched that display in nothing short of awe. 'This is insane. Kirin, Toma, Taro, Happosai, Cologne... They are all fast, faster than me even, but this... this is inhuman,' she thought. 'I'm not even pressuring her with my attack. I might as well be standing still. And... and, how is she doing hit. This is totally inhuman!'

With that thought, Ranma's face sagged. 'I am was out of my league here. Cologne and Soon Li were right. Against this... at least using conventional methods...' Her face refirming, Ranma brought her hands together in front of her, summoning her ki into a single spot for the attack. She hesitated just a moment, looking at Shampoo in uncertainty. 'Damn it, I got to know!' So thinking, Ranma unleash a huge blast of Ki at Shampoo.

The blast of energy surged forth, a quite impressive one even for Ranma. For Shampoo's part the attack was unexpected. She blinked in shock at the wave of energy came at her. By the time she shook herself to take action, dodging was not a real possibility.

The blast tore clean through the stone fence opposite Ranma, leaving a torn up wake of scattered dirt and rock. As the energy flows eased, however, Ranma had his answer. Shampoo stood, arcs of lightning coursing over her, unmoved.

"No... way," Ranma mumbled.

"Shampoo!" Akane shouted out in alarm as she rushed between the two. As she did, Ranma realized why as Shampoo began to collapse. Ranma watched as Akane dashed to Shampoo's side and caught her as she fell, the Amazon girl breathing heavily. Akane clenched her teeth and glared back at Ranma. "Ranma! What were you thinking using an attack like that?!"

"I... sorry, I got carried away. Is she-" Ranma said, looking to the ground.

"I'm alright. It was my own fault," Shampoo replied. "Just took a lot out of me."

"He shouldn't have used that!" Akane complained but Shampoo shook her head.

"It's alright. Just... help me upstairs. I'll be fine. Just need to rest. Didn't have as much energy as I thought," Shampoo said, and after giving Ranma one last glare of disapproval, Akane helped Shampoo away.

As the girls departed, Soun and Genma walked over to Ranma. "Well, boy, that was quite the display," Genma said. "Such power is the stuff of legend. I couldn't even track most of that. Shampoo... she was like a... well, like a bolt of lightning."

"Yes Saotome. Even the Master..." Soun trailed off as glanced back at the house. "And to think, they're still recovering."

"Yeah," Ranma said but got a slap on the back from his father.

"Look at it this way, boy, you won!" Genma praised

"I won nothing," Ranma countered and walked off, finally coming to the fence and sitting next to it in thought.

XXXXX

How much time passed, Ranma did not know. It was at least long enough for everyone to lose interest in her and head off to do other things. All she could do was sit and stare at the ground. 'Nabiki's right, it's no illusion.'

The cry of, "Ranma!" finally brought her out of her private little world of remorse, and she looked up from the ground just in time to see Mousse leap over the fence and land on her. "Ranma, where are you hiding? Come out and face me! I won't let you get away with this!"

"Get off of me you jerk!" Ranma shouted out in a mix of pain and anger. Mustering her remaining strength, she tossed Mousse off her back, and rose slowly to her feet. "Now what do you want?"

Taking a second to recover himself, Mousse confirmed he was indeed facing Ranma, and then pointed an accusing finger at her. "I won't allow you to stay under the same roof as Shampoo!"

"Look Mousse, I'm not in the mood for your stupidity. Go away!" Ranma turned away and headed for the house, but Mousse called her to a stop.

"How dare you ignore me, Saotome! I've let you get away with far too much. Now you dare to make Shampoo stay here with you. I won't allow it!" Mousse fell back a pace to set up a fighting stance.

Ranma looked over her shoulder at the infuriated man, and then sneered. "Alright, fine. If you want your clock cleaned, I'll-"

"What the heck is going on out here?" Akane cut in to say, walking out from the house. She looked both Ranma and Mousse over, and then crossed her arms, awaiting an answer.

"Akane, this is none of your business. I can handle this," Ranma said, turning to face Mousse, who remained focused on her.

"You're in not much of a shape to handle anything."

"Akane-" Ranma began to protest, but Akane cut her off, walking in between her and Mousse.

"Look here Mousse, I don't know what you have against Ranma, and I really don't care. He's just been in a fight, so lay off."

Mousse looked at Akane in confusion, and then shook his head. "I don't care what he's been doing, I'm not letting him be with Shampoo!"

"What?" Akane asked in shock, then frowned. "Now you look here. What Shampoo does, and where she stays is her own damned business. If you don't like it, tough. It has nothing to do with Ranma anyway."

"But... but Akane-"

"But nothing. Look, I don't really care right now. We're not your Akane and Shampoo, so why don't you take up your problems with the situation with Ranma later, when he has actually done something."

"Ranma, what have you done to them!" Mousse asked after a few seconds. Ranma growled, and was about to respond, when once more Akane intervened.

"He didn't do anything to us," Akane added. "Go home Mousse or I'll send you home personally." Mousse was so surprised by the open threat from Akane, he broke out of his fighting stance to consider it. "Do I have to repeat myself, or is it that like Ranma here you'd like a demonstration to prove I'm not bluffing?"

Mousse expression finally broke and he looked away, fidgeting with his hand. "Err, no. I'll go."

"Good," Akane said with a nod, and in response, Mousse did as he said and left without further conflict. Sighing, Akane was about to return to the house when Ranma walked directly up in front of her.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?"

"Trying to help you out. I really should have let him pound you, but I wanted some peace and quiet to get some rest," Akane answered.

"That was my fight. You had no right to get involved. I don't need you protecting me!" Ranma said in anger, causing Akane to look back at her with a tired expression.

"Fine, next time I'll let you get knocked around. That way, I won't bruise your macho ego." Akane proceeded to walk around Ranma and head on into the house without further comment, leaving Ranma glaring at her.

Several minutes passed as Ranma continue to stare at the last place she had seen Akane, until finally her expression broke into one of despondency. 'Soon Li was right. I don't know either of them anymore. They might as well be strangers with familiar faces.'

After sighing, Ranma turned away only to find Cologne smiling behind her. "How long you been here?" she asked with a frown.

"Long enough. From your expression and your current state I take it you had a little match with one of them?"

"Shampoo," Ranma mumbled in confirmation.

"I did warn you," Cologne said. "Ah, Son-in-law, you must learn to accept defeat more easily. It often may be no fault of your own. You are simply faced with opponents whose skills far outstrip your own. You could say, to you, and to most, they are like forces of nature. Resistance is simply futile."

"I don't believe that! I don't care what silly tricks they know! I'll beat them! I will!" Ranma pronounced, her fist raised in defiance to no one in particular.

Cologne's expression changed to a more somber one. "That won't bring them back to normal," she said, causing Ranma's shoulders to sink.

"What are you doing here, anyway?"

"I am here to see my great granddaughter. She is in I assume?"

"Yeah," Ranma said with a detectable level of irritation in her voice. "She's up in Akane's room, I guess."

"I see. Thank you."

Cologne began to hop off, but after a few seconds, Ranma rushed up next to her. "Wait, gho... I mean Cologne, there has to be some tricks you know. I mean, you know about this Storm style stuff, right? And you have to know how to beat it, right?"

Cologne gave Ranma a long look then nodded. "I know about it. A great deal in fact, if not the actual style itself."

"Why not?"

"Tradition, practicality, and maybe just a little fear," Cologne answered, and noticing Ranma's confused look explained further. "It is tradition among the Amazons to pass down our techniques and styles only to the descendants of our own line, not to other families, and also not up the line, only down. It is not a strictly followed tradition, but still something we tend to do without thinking about it. It keeps the village from having only one set of styles with which someone must deal with. Each family has its own distinctive styles and techniques all its own, and only rarely are those techniques let out of the family.

"As for practicality, I am an old woman, and I was an old woman even when I first met Soon Li. I am too old to be a student, and besides I have other matters to attend to. It would also require me convincing Soon Li to teach it, which at the time she was not prepared to do." Cologne paused in thought about that. "Odd that she would teach Akane Tendo this style. Perhaps she was holding to the tradition herself," Cologne said with a thoughtful look before continuing.

"And as for the fear... Well, if you know what I know about Soon Li, and this style, you too would be fearful," Cologne said in conclusion, then returned to Ranma's other question. "As for how to beat it, I am not certain that is possible."

"It has to be possible. No style is invincible."

"Perhaps not, but this one certainly comes close. Even with only one of the two sub-schools Shampoo and Akane are extremely formidable. Of course, there are ways, but they will take even more time than learning the style itself. I know a few... tricks as you say that are helpful, and have much experience. The variety in my own fighting abilities could probably defeat them, but I am also 300 years old. I have had the time to achieve that level of ability. You have not." Cologne was about to continue on into the house, but Ranma blocked her path.

"Come on! Look, I'm willing here. I'll learn whatever you want. Just tell me how to beat them."

"You are stubborn," Cologne noted, then sighed. "Very well, for what little good it will do you, I will teach you what I can. However, not now. Tomorrow. Come to the Nekohanten after you are finished at school tomorrow and we will begin. Now, if you don't mind..."

Ranma nodded, satisfied by Cologne's response, and stepped aside, and allowed the old woman to pass. She waited a moment, then slamming her fist into her palm, Ranma headed off to the dojo to practice.

XXXXX

As the elder entered the Tendo home, she stopped at the common room table where Nabiki was currently sitting, apparently lost in thought. "Anything I should know about?" Cologne asked.

"Hmh?" Nabiki replied, looking up. "Oh... not really," she answered then seeing Cologne continued look, sighed and elaborated. "There isn't much to say, really. Akane didn't say much when she woke up till I told her we hid the bracelets, and then she flipped. When they came back they didn't say much either. Tried listening in on them, but they talk in Mandarin with each other... and my Mandarin is rather weak. Plus, they got wise to it."

Cologne nodded, "Yes, not unexpected, but also not telling. From the information we have, we know they spent many years travelling in China, so it is probably natural for them, rather than an indication of any deception. Anything else?"

Nabiki frowned in consideration. "Maybe. The subject of Ryoga came up. Apparently he is P-chan... You know about that?"

"Ryoga's curse, yes. Shampoo also once mentioned Akane kept him as a pet, but neither of us were very familiar with the particulars of the situation, and it little mattered. I take it though that they reacted to this?"

Nabiki nodded. "Akane certainly did, although she hid it pretty well. Still, I've been thinking on that, and it doesn't really mean much either, does it?"

Cologne shook her head. "No, not if she is dating the boy in her world. Either way she would find it upsetting, I suspect. Have they denied all knowledge of this world?"

"So far," Nabiki replied, causing Cologne to look aside in thought. "What?"

"That at least is likely a lie. We know they used the bracelets in that world and likely at least saw this one in a similar manner to our Shampoo and Akane. However, that too means little. Even if that is all they know of this world, they would likely hide it for fear of how we would react."

"Right," Nabiki agreed with a nod. "So, in the end, we know basically nothing of use."

"Indeed," Cologne said with a sigh. "I assume they are in Akane Tendo's room?"

"Yeah," Nabiki replied and with a nod of thanks, Cologne headed off.

Cologne approached the room quietly, stopped just outside the door, and listened to the muffled voices inside. It was nothing revealing however. They were merely reviewing the fight they had, just prior to being taken from their world.

Cologne listened for a moment, but hearing nothing of interested decided further delay was pointless. Putting on a smile, she steeled herself for what was to come. 'This is going to be difficult,' she thought before tapping on the door and waited for a response.

"Now what?" came Akane's annoyed voice from behind the door, then the call of, "come in."

Cologne took the invitation, and opened the door. Whatever emotion the girls had been displaying before quickly fell away. Instead, both stared at the elder as she entered, briefly stunned into silence. "Hello, I hope I am not interrupting anything." Cologne got no immediate response. Instead, both the girls remained where they were, Shampoo on the bed, and Akane on the floor with some blankets, both looking ready to get some sleep. Each girl just gave Cologne a wary look, and the level of tension in the room had risen sharply.

"What are you doing here?" Shampoo at last asked, rolling over in the bed to face away from the elder.

"Well, I was hoping to talk, and clear up some... misunderstandings."

"Humph. The only misunderstanding is yours for thinking we will ever stay here willingly," Shampoo replied.

"Perhaps," Cologne said with a nod, and then decided to take a different approach. "We seem to have not gotten off to the best of starts. I know you must think the present situation is unacceptable, but... it is only for a time."

"A time," Shampoo repeated with an irritated tone, Akane nodding in agreement.

Cologne sighed at her own choice of words. "Yes, quite open ended, isn't it?" Cologne turned away from the two girls in thought. After a moment, she closed the door and spoke, slightly quieter than before. "Then let's say a week then."

Suddenly both girls took special notice of Cologne, Shampoo turning back to look at her. "You are only going to keep us here a week?" Akane asked suspiciously.

"If we... no, no conditions. A week, then I will tell you where the bracelets are, and you may go home. I see little point in keeping you longer, if you don't want to stay."

"Even if you think we're your Akane and Shampoo?" Akane asked.

"I am of a different opinion than the others, particularly Ranma. No doubt he has shown his unwavering attitude about things. I am more practical. I see no reason to believe the Akane Tendo and Shampoo we knew in this world fell victim to something as yet unknown. No, it is my belief that either they are gone outright, in which case we have no right to hold you, or that they are some part of you. However, the major problem with that is that you are still your own, not ours. It is your choice in the end where you stay.

"I suppose you both believe this is some sort of plot of mine. From what I hear about my counterpart in this other world, I would not blame you. I can only give you my assurance it is not."

The plain and frankness of Cologne's statement caught both girls unprepared. Cologne looked between them until Akane finally regained her mental footing. "So, if we want to go home in a week, you won't stop us?"

"No, in fact I will do everything in my power to ensure you are allowed that chance. Just in case one of the others objects. Speaking of which, it may be best to keep this between us."

Akane once more stumbled mentally at this, but was quicker to recover this time. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"You will," Cologne assured her. "But, for now, feel free to do as you wish. I assume you girls are already planning some method of escape. Don't let this stop you. I am not here to distract you in an effort to head off such an attempt."

"You'll excuse us if we don't believe you. As you said, we've had some bad relations with our Cologne," Akane responded, and Cologne nodded.

"I understand. So, perhaps now we can talk?"

"I thought we were talking."

"About misunderstandings. Now, I wish to speak to you. In particular I wish to take this opportunity to get to know you, and your situation in this other world."

Akane raised an eyebrow at this. "Why should we?"

"Perhaps I can be of assistance in some way," Cologne answered, then looked to the floor. "In particular in regards to myself, or rather the other me. I have spoken with Perfume and Soon Li, both of whom have been to your world. The... version of me they describe I find quite puzzling. I simply do not understand her, or her actions. Of course, my knowledge of her is sketchy, but I am certain that she has made a grave error in judgement. I would like to rectify at least part of that if I can." Both Akane and Shampoo looked at each other in uncertainty, until Cologne pointed out, "what have you to lose?"

"Knowing you, I'm sure there is something I'm not presently aware of..." Akane said, but a shrug from Shampoo pushed that worry aside. "But, I guess it may be worth the risk. So, what do you want to know?"

"Thank you for your trust," Cologne said with an amused smile. "Just start from the beginning. I understand our two worlds roughly depart from each other about 10 years ago..."

XXXXX

Nabiki walked up the stairs to her room, a glass of orange juice in hand. 'So much interesting stuff happening... Oh, the possibilities. Would like to know what is really going on here, but not much I can do about that right now. In meantime, maybe I can make a bit of profit from the situation,' she thought with a smile on her face as she walked into her room.

However, all such thoughts ended quite abruptly when Nabiki noticed one of the drawers to her desk wide open, in particular the one with the lock on it. This caught Nabiki so by surprise she choked on her drink for a second, before recovering and rushing over to see if anything was missing, putting her glass onto the desktop. Indeed, several papers were missing, very... important papers.

"You no much different in this world, Nabiki," came a voice from behind her, as the door swung closed. Nabiki spun around to see Perfume standing in front of the now closed door, a bundle of papers in her hands which she was reading. "You hide your key in same place."

"Hey! Stop reading that! It's mine!" Nabiki cried out as she tried to snatch the papers away from Perfume, but the Amazon easily avoided her.

"Yes, and I also see you still have a much dirty mind," Perfume said as she dodged another attempt to retrieve the papers, this time putting the extra effort in to trip Nabiki up, and send her crashing face first onto her bed. Perfume then took quick advantage, and used Nabiki's back as seat, effectively pinning her to the bed. "In fact, you have even dirtier mind here.

"Look at this. You have Kodachi in this, and Ukyo. I no think they be very happy to find out you write about them so. Also have Ranma, Ryoga, and even Kuno and Mousse. You must really not have much social life. Then there is bit with Shampoo. Do you have any idea how big insult this is to Amazon woman? In village such talk would result in your death, or at least strict punishment."

On the bed Nabiki remained in a stunned silence. 'What is going on here? How...' Nabiki thought desperately, unsure how to proceed. "It's just a stupid story," she protested.

"Stupid? Hmm, well, plot is unrealistic. Demons? Seem rather... cliche is word? Though suppose gets to good bits quickly. Still, Nabiki no have better imagination than that? Take this part," Perfume said, showing one particular page to Nabiki, "do this really make Nabiki excited?"

Nabiki blushed as she read the page in question. "It's not really like that..."

"You really expect me believe that? No, did no think so," Perfume said with a low level of anger in her tone that caused Nabiki to look away. Perfume returned the page to its place, and then began leafing through them in thought. "Is curious though. Many time Nabiki mess up names. Say Nabiki when mean Ukyo or Shampoo, and other way too. I no psy... mind doctor, but is that no called... ummm, Freudian slip?" Nabiki did not respond save for tensing suddenly up. Perfume shrugged, and at last got off Nabiki, allowing her to get up. "I really should show this to Shampoo."

"NO!" Nabiki cried out, trying once more to take the story, but failing as Perfume easily dodged her. "Come on, it is just a stupid story. I don't let anyone else see it. She'll kill me if she sees it."

"If you is lucky it be quick. Very likely though it be slow and painful," Perfume responded without revealing to Nabiki the smile on her face, which she hid with the papers.

Nabiki quivered ever so slightly at that thought. "Look, what do you want? And, what are you doing in my room, going through my stuff?"

Perfume shook her head. "Nabiki in no position to question. You is in big trouble," Perfume said seriously, starting to walk to the door. "I show this to Shampoo, then-"

"Can't we make a deal here?" Nabiki said, desperately blocking Perfume's way.

"Deal? Shampoo is Amazon sister. Is my duty to let her know. Besides, I no like way you talk about Ukyo either," Perfume answered, and pushed Nabiki aside.

"I'll do anything, come on? Just don't show her, please!"

Perfume stopped, her back to Nabiki, and a wide grin on her face. "Anything hmm. I suppose would be shame for Shampoo to find out sister is such pervert. Maybe I deal with this then." Turning back to Nabiki, a look that promised trouble on her face, Perfume marched over to Nabiki. Nabiki cowered away two steps, but Perfume successfully backed her into the desk. A sudden motion on Perfume's part caused Nabiki to wince and shut her eyes, preparing for the worst. However, no hit came. Instead, when she opened her eyes one of the pages of the story was being held in her face. "We do this then."

Nabiki blinked in confusion. "You mean I-"

"Nono. You play part of Shampoo. I play your part. Okay?" Perfume asked with a sudden smile.

Nabiki remained in stunned silence for several moments, and then finally realized that Perfume was serious. "You got to be kidding!"

Perfume shrugged and turned to leave. "Okay then, I show this to Shampoo-"

"No!" Nabiki cried out once again, rushing around in front of Perfume. As she met Perfume's gaze, a moment of indecision gripped her. "You can't be serious... I barely know you!" Nabiki protested before a realization started to hit her. "Wait, we're you supposed to not know Japanese?"

Perfume smiled. "Yes, but get much insight thanks to bracelet. Nabiki for instance. We know each other quite well in other world," Perfume responded. "Very well in fact," Perfume continued, emphasizing the 'very', and smiling ear to ear.

"We do?" Nabiki asked in uncertainty, and some surprise. Perfume responded by nodding. "Why should I believe you?"

"I know many Nabiki's secrets. Like, know Nabiki like to..." Perfume paused and whispered it in Nabiki's ear, just to get that extra bit of intimacy. The vivid description elicited a pronounced response from Nabiki, causing her to visibly blush among other bodily responses.

"Okay, maybe you are telling the truth," Nabiki conceded, then gave Perfume a long look.

"So, we do then?"

"Can I think about this?"

"What to think about? You must be very lonely to need this sort of thing. Would no prefer real thing?" Perfume asked, moving in close to Nabiki.

"Well, um, maybe I would, but couldn't we do that other thing you just-"

"Next time maybe. First need be punished," Perfume said with a wide grin. "No worry Nabiki. I make it fun. Besides, is your idea."

"Yeah, but you're the one who will be doing it, not me."

Perfume took a quick smell of the air, and then smiled even wider. "Maybe is better that way. How know unless try?" The Amazon asked, pressing even closer to Nabiki, and began to trace her hand ever so gently across Nabiki's cheek, seemingly paralyzing her. "I is very sensitive girl. Know just right spots to touch, and just how much. Plus, I already know all the best spots for you."

It took a moment, a moment where Nabiki was lost in her own physical response to Perfume's touch, but finally a soft, mumbled, "kay," came from her lips.

"Good," Perfume said, immediately stepping back to allow Nabiki some breathing room. The sudden loss of Perfume's touch nearly caused Nabiki to tumble to the ground, but she managed to regain her balance. "You get stuff and I be here tonight. Is okay?" Nabiki only responded by nodding. Perfume proceeded to the door, stopping to tuck the story into her shirt. "I keep this for now... for reference. Bye-bye."

Nabiki stared at the door for a full minute after Perfume left, until finally she licked her dry lips and mouth, and swallowed loudly. "I just got steamrolled," she said to herself, then looked up at the roof in thought. "Now, what is it I need..."

XXXXX

"...Well, apparently we managed to win the fight, right Shampoo?" Akane said, and Shampoo nodded in confirmation. "And that brings us to about now. So, Cologne, what is it that you think you are up to?"

Cologne shook her head. "Please, don't confuse me with my counterpart. Like you two, I have lived a separate life from your Cologne for much of the past ten years. I can tell you the time seems to have done me more good than her," Cologne said with a solemn look, then lowered her head in thought. "Though, in truth, I must confess that had a similar thing occurred ten years ago here, I cannot say I would have behaved any better. For that, I suppose I should apologize."

Both girls were once again caught off guard by this Cologne, particularly Shampoo. "Apologize?" Shampoo repeated.

"Yes child, for you were certainly deserving of more consideration and better treatment than that. Let us just say in that intervening time I have come to understand that there is more than honor, and that in fact honor is often more trouble than it is worth. The family should be there to help you in such times, not abandon you when you become inconvenient.

"Do not take this the wrong way, but I believe, in a way, this experience has done you great good. I do not mean that as an excuse of my counterpart's actions, for you have persevered despite what she has done, not because of it. None the less, I believe the end result is a good one." Cologne looked up into the amazed face of her great granddaughter and smiled. "Don't look so surprised. How could I say anything else? You have become an exceptional martial artist, one I have little doubt would stand amongst the greatest in the village. It also seems you managed to obtain without even trying what the Shampoo here could not manage, namely Ranma's heart."

Finally Shampoo recovered from her shock, and shook her head. "Our Cologne doesn't see it that way."

"Then she is a fool, or too stubborn to admit it, or perhaps even both. Speaking of which, we were discussing her intentions. I'm afraid at the moment they elude me. However, I do believe she has some overall goal in mind. There are too many odd things that involve her. For instance, you might find this puzzling yourself, I never had the bracelet of friendship, nor did I know anything about it. I find it very interesting that she not only knew of it, but had one in her possession."

Akane sat up to take particular notice of that. "That is strange. Mousse said it took him years to hunt up the one he found."

"My resources are better than Mousse's, so no doubt I had the advantage, but still, I would suspect finding it would take some time. This likely means my counterpart spent a great deal of time in the search herself, for something that can only be used in one particular way. I find that very interesting."

"Do you think maybe she meant to give it to me?" Shampoo asked, wide eyed, but after a second of thought Cologne shook her head.

"I would not hazard that bold of a guess. No, I think a safer assumption is that she meant to use it as a bargaining chip of some kind. And of course that is not the only odd thing. Not being willing to give up the bracelet yet losing to you, Akane, and helping those two girls are both interesting actions on her part. It is a perplexing puzzle indeed. Let me give it some thought, and confer with Perfume and Soon Li. They both were in your world for a time, and may remember something more telling."

"Thank you," Shampoo said, gaining a smile from the elder.

"No need for 'thank you's great granddaughter. It is the least I can do to make up for present circumstances. If you do decide to leave, please be sure to talk to me, and I'll give you any conclusions I have come to. Anyway, I suppose I should be off and let you two rest. Good day to you both," Cologne said with a slight nod of her head and turned to leave. The two girls returned the good-bye, and watched the elder leave, then looked at one and other.

"I got to say, I didn't expect that at all," Akane said, and Shampoo nodded in agreement. "I don't suppose we could trade our Cologne in for her huh?" Shampoo merely smiled and shook her head. "Too bad." Akane laid back down, but Shampoo continued looking at the door for several minutes, until she too let herself rest.

XXXXX

As the day finally came to a close, and much of the Tendo home's occupants had settled in for bed, within Akane's room, Akane was still awake. Laying on the mat she had on the floor, without opening her eyes, she asked, "Is he still out there?"

"Yes," Shampoo replied as she attempted to sleep on the bed.

Akane sighed, considered for a moment, and then got up. Moving over to the window, she took in a deep breath, suddenly threw open the window and yelled, "RANMA!"

"GAH!" Ranma cried out as he lost his footing on the roof and nearly fell to the ground, but caught himself. Now hanging just outside Akane's window, he smiled nervously.

"Why don't you come on inside? Its warmer and you can get a better look," Akane said flatly.

"I wasn't-"

"Go to bed, Ranma," Akane ordered and promptly shut the window.

Ranma blinked several times in shock before hearing giggling within. He pulled himself back to the roof and let out a sigh before heading off for his room. As he jumped in through the open window another shadowy figure jumped to the roof top and moved over to another window, that to Nabiki's room and quickly likewise entered.

XXXXX

End Chapter 27

And to think, this isn't even half of the original chapter and according to word, this is already page 48… damn. Okay, time for a convenient chapter split.