A Scary Thought

by Derekloffin

What happens when Kasumi is the one coming back from a training trip rather than Ranma? Well, read on to find out. Chapter 33 new content not on my webpage yet.

18. Chapter 18: A cold wind blows on in

Ranma 1/2

Altered Destinies: A scary thought

Chapter 18

Kaneda, or rather to be more accurate Kasumi had gone through her share of misery: Her up-rooting and moving in with the Saotomes, the death of her mother, being trained in the cat fist, and who could forget falling into the Nanniichuan. Normally though, Kasumi usually bounced back, and could hope. Not this time. Now it seemed, hope was gone, and how could one possibly bounce back when one was not even the correct gender anymore?

It was this that Kaneda was thinking while lying in bed at night. It had been a week since finding the out the phoenix pill was a phony. Now, every day that passed came with a stronger sense that Kasumi Tendo was no more. All that seemed to be left was Kaneda. At this point, Kaneda could truly feel empathy for Shampoo's impression of things, that there seemed to be no good alternatives or endings anymore. Things just seemed to go from one disaster to another.

That was the truly sad thing about all this actually, that Shampoo had been dragged into it with Kaneda. One stupid misunderstanding mixed thoroughly with one curse had lead to one marriage, and one hell of a mess. It was bad enough that he had gotten married while drunk, but worse still he married another girl, a girl who really needed something stable. That had been the height of folly on his part. In a way, Kaneda almost wished Shampoo had struck him down that morning. At least she would have been free from all the madness Kaneda had brought into her life.

However, she did not. She left him alive in defiance of her law because of her feelings. Those same feelings were now tearing her up. Not only did she have to wrestle with the idea of being married to a woman, but with herself over how to act in regards to the marriage, either to try and maintain it, or destroy it. She had made the temporary choice of siding with him, but Kaneda could sense she dearly wished for her husband to come back to her, even though he had never really existed in the first place.

Kaneda's thought sequence was interrupted at that moment. Shampoo walked into the room. She wore a look of honest concern and sadness, which with the oversized shirt she donned, was about all she was wearing. Kaneda not being clothed much himself, having on only an undershirt and some boxer shorts, couldn't help but blush when Shampoo walked over to the bed, and sat next to him. He was still finding his male reactions extremely embarrassing, and never more so then when it was reacting to Shampoo's presence.

Seeing that face of hers so close up almost hurt. The expression seemed to mar her beauty, making Kaneda wish he could just take away these worldly concerns from her. She didn't deserve to be held back by such worries about her life and future. He wanted to tell her it would all work out, but in truth he couldn't promise that. Instead, all he could offer was support, so he sat up and pulled her into a hug.

Shampoo melted into the embrace, softly cooing, "Kasumi." Kaneda also felt her warmth, and allowed himself to get briefly lost in it. It was much easier than having to worry about his own life. Here he felt like he belonged.

"Kasumi!" A voice cried out angrily, causing Kaneda to break the embrace and stare across the room at the woman now standing in the doorway. "So, this is what you have made of yourself. You're a disgrace!"

"I... I... Mother, I..." Kaneda stammered at the women who he now recognized as his mother. However, she just glared back at him in contempt.

"You dare defend yourself when I find you like this, in the arms of a woman! You obviously were never a daughter of mine," her mother said, the words stinging like acid, and then she turned and began to leave. Kaneda got up and moved toward her, to plead with her to return, that it was a mistake, but the door closed in his face just as he reached it. He tried the handle, but he couldn't turn it. He pounded on the door, and cried out.

"Mother!"

XXXXX

"Mother!" Kaneda shot bolt upright in his bed, breathing heavily. He scanned his darkened room. Everything was normal, save himself. Just a dream, he consoled himself, but he felt anxious, too anxious to sleep. With a sigh he got up, put on some light clothes, and headed out the door. A short walk would relax him.

He got a momentary shock when he opened his door and saw Shampoo. She looked almost exactly like she had in the dream, as if she had been plucked from it just now. It took Kaneda's sensibility a second to remind him that she always dressed like that at night, and this wasn't a repeat of the dream.

"You is okay, Kasumi?" Shampoo asked.

Kaneda took a moment to respond. In truth, he did not feel okay, but there was little Shampoo could do to correct that. Instead, he opted to answer the question in regards to his physical condition. "I'm all right. I just need a walk, that's all. Go back to bed." Shampoo reluctantly nodded, and returned to her room, stopping at her door long enough to watch Kaneda go down the stairs. Kaneda stopped in the kitchen to eye Makoto, who was standing, smiling innocently, in front of a one of the cabinets. "You should be in bed too Makoto. You do have school tomorrow."

"Ah, I was just getting a quick drink of water," Makoto lied, and Kaneda knew it, but something told him not to investigate the matter further, or he'd regret it. Instead he merely nodded, and headed for the main door.

"All right then. I'll be back in a little while."

"Sure, okay, no problem," Makoto said with a rapid nod of her own. She watched him leave then released Artemis from the cabinet. "That was too close. You better get going."

"Right, talk to you later." Artemis replied, and discretely exited through a window. Makoto got her drink of water, just for appearances, and headed back to her room. Shampoo was back in her bed by now, so Makoto silently returned to her own, only to find out Shampoo was awake.

"You should no keep cat here," Shampoo said quietly, causing Makoto to freeze in her tracks.

"How'd you know?" Makoto asked, but Shampoo did not answer. After a moment she dropped the subject, and laid down to get some sleep. Neither noticed the dark figure peering in through the window, hidden in the darkness on the roof of the building across the way.

XXXXX

"That swine. I can't believe this! He dares to keep two women in his clutches!" Frost said then changed tone just slightly. "Typical male sleeze! No doubt he toys with the hearts of others too. Humph! You have to put a stop to that." Frost smiled and nodded with some giddiness. "No problem. Don't you worry Shampoo, I'll kill this creep and you'll be free. This is my chance to prove myself. When I take down this fiend... You wait Kasumi Tendo. When I'm through with you, you'll wish you were never born!"

Frost rubbed her hands together gleefully as her strategy formed in her mind. Kasumi would fall victim of a little 'accident', courtesy of Frost of course. That way, no blame could possibly go Shampoo's way, and she'd be free to return to the village. The fool had even provided Frost with the perfect opportunity to strike. Late at night, with no one watching, what could be better? Plus, Frost was perfect for this task. He may have been able to defeat Shampoo after a full day of tournament on a log, but defeating Frost who was fresh, on open terrain, and best yet wouldn't give him the chance to retaliate was a totally different matter.

Frost descended to the ground then began shadowing her prey, carefully waiting for her chance to strike. It was going to be glorious! She would step out into the open just long enough to gain his attention then ZAP, he would be a dead man. Frost rolled the scenario over several times as the minutes passed, the target of Frost's aggression passing down several streets, taking a wide circular path if Frost guessed right. Well, this will be the lecher's last nightly stroll, Frost thought confidently.

Finally, in a heavily darkened street, Frost decided it was time. She leapt from the shadows and pointed her finger at her foe. "Kasumi Tendo, prepare to die!" She shouted then intoned her attack "FULMONOS VENITA!"

Kaneda heard the yell, mildly surprised he had not noticed the person before, and turned to face his attacker. He blinked, waiting for some sort of attack, but the girl stood still, just pointing her finger at him. Seeing nothing coming, and sensing no danger, he took a moment to examine his opponent. The voice said she was female, and although the dark cloak she wore concealed her body well, it hinted at the general shape of a girl. She stood only a little taller than Ms. Hinako, and had Kasumi been in a lighter mood he might have found it comical that this little girl was challenging a man at least a foot taller than her. Next he noticed the skin of her hand. It was almost white. Not Caucasian white, but really white, almost as if she had dipped her hand in paint. Some sort of body paint, or perhaps she is an albino, Kaneda thought absently. He concluded the latter when the girl finally drew back her hand in confusion, and removed the hood of her cloak, revealing the white hair and face beneath its shadowed covering.

"Now what? That should have worked! Wait a minute, I didn't pronounce it quite correct... Now how did it go again? I just looked it up earlier..." Frost muttered to herself and began reciting the phrase again, but never arriving at quite the right way of saying it. Finally, just as Kaneda was thinking she had completely forgotten about her opponent, she took notice of him, and snarled. "Don't you go thinking I'm through with you! I'll just use another spell. Now... I know!"

"Three suns aligned," Frost began, talking in plain English, touching her forehead with both hands then stretching her arms out. "Pour forth their light, and fill the archer's bow with might." Frost swung her hands forward, outlining the form of a bow in the air, then pulling back an imaginary arrow, aiming directly at the much confused Kaneda. Unfortunately for Frost, again nothing happened.

After sweating nervously for a moment, Frost dropped her pose, and yelled out in frustration. "NOW WHAT? I KNOW I PRONOUNCED THAT ONE RIGHT!"

"Excuse me, but I really don't have time for these little games. I have to get home. I suggest you head home too, little girl," Kaneda said, as he began to leave.

Frost fumed. "I'm not a little girl!" She shouted after Kaneda, stamping a foot on the ground, but he failed to heed her cry. "You just wait, Kasumi Tendo! I'll be back, and then... then you'll... you'll... Oh why do I bother? I just made a complete fool of myself," Frost said in embarrassment, and walked off to think.

XXXXX

The next morning, just before dawn, children were on their way to school, and Frost was still wandering aimlessly. She didn't bother taking note of those passing her by, or those staring at the stranger in the cloak. Instead, she alternated between trying to figure what went wrong, and admonishing herself over the utter and complete failure her attack had been.

"I mean, I tried the spells earlier. They should have worked," Frost explained then changed tone to respond to herself. "Well, they obviously didn't, did they, so you fucked up!" Frost hunched her shoulders suddenly, readying herself for a corrective blow that would never come, then continued, back in her original tone. "It's not my fault. The arrow spell should have worked for sure. There is no reason it should have failed," she offered in her own defense, but then shook her head and once again changed tone. "Excuses, excuses, one and one always adds to two, so don't say it suddenly adds to three today. You messed up, plain and simple." Frost nodded solemnly in acceptance of that. "Yeah, I guess so, and now Shampoo has to stay with the creep. God only knows what sick, perverted crap he's forcing on her... Damn, idiotic laws!" Frost commented, then switched voices again. "You failed Frost, big time, and made a total ass of yourself in the process. Now he knows you're here... total fuck up!"

Frost once more cringed in preparation for a corrective measure for her language then signed in frustration. After a moment she noticed a shop keeper eyeing her warily. "What the hell are you looking at, male? Do you want to be a toad?" The man quickly shook his head, and withdrew inside his shop. Frost glared at his retreating form. "Moronic Japanese society, letting males run businesses. Guess I should expect nothing less of a male dominated society. I'll be glad to go home..." Frost trailed off a a clap of thunder caught her attention, and she was soon in the middle of a downpour. "Great! Just... bloody great! Even the gods are against me here. I got to find a place to stay."

The Amazon ran off down the street, whenever possible keeping under the awnings of the local shops, all the while cursing the duplicity of males and the stupidity of a society that would let them have control. As the rain soaked through her cloak, she thought back to the day when she had learned the truth about boys.

XXXXX

Three boys in the Amazon village were doing what most fourteen years old boys do, hanging around together, shooting the bull, while carefully keeping out of sight of any adult who might decide they needed something to occupy their excess of free time. In this particular case they were standing around the now darkened and deserted market. One of them was the center of the other two's attention.

"I can't believe you're going out with her. Aren't you afraid you'll catch something?" One boy asked.

"Don't be stupid. She doesn't have a disease. That's the way she was born," the central boy responded.

"She may not have disease, but she doesn't have much else either. I mean talk about flat. It would be like stepping out with my eight year old sister," the other two boys gagged at the image, until the boy they were talking to laughed.

"She may not have much, but she does have something I want."

"What?" Both the boys asked simultaneously.

"Shampoo," The boy with the coke bottle glasses answered simply, his voice filled with longing. The other two boys looked at each other, and shook their heads in disgust.

"Give it up. You are never going to get near that girl. Sucking up to her friend isn't going to do you any good at all."

"Ahh, but you are forgetting Frost isn't just a clumsy, flat chested, undergrown, pale skinned, sun avoider. She's also a magus. She's found a spell that will cure my eyesight, and when she does, Shampoo will be mine," He said the last while laughing rather maniacally. His friends big-sweated, but then their expressions changed, and they stared in panic at something behind Mousse. They started to edge away from what they thought was about to become ground zero.

"Hmm?" Mousse pushed his eyeglasses up his nose and stared at them. He turned and looked behind him, following the direction of their gaze. The sight that greeted him caused him to rear back, making a warding gesture as he spotted a small figure, tears streaming down her cheeks standing a few feet away. "F. . .Frost, I didn't hear you come up."

"I wanted to surprise you," the white haired girl said in a strangled voice. "I finished your cure." She held out a small vial, then let it drop. Mousse followed its descent, frozen in shock, right up to the point where it struck a rock and shattered. Then he lifted his eyes, saying, "Frost I can explain..." only to find that there was no one there any longer. "Frost," he murmured

XXXXX

As memory flooded through her, Frost stopped trying to keep under shelter. She ran through the rain, just as she had run through the village all those years ago. But, this time, she was strong. It was only rain that washed down her cheeks, not the tears of a silly little girl who did not know any better then to trust a man.

Finally she stopped to catch her breath, and eyed a sign across the road. "Dr. Tofu... nurse wanted... hmmm, nurse huh." She mumbled, considering. A second clap of thunder made up her mind for her, and she ran across the road, and knocked on the door, pulling her cloak in tighter to warm herself. "Won't be too bad. I studied medicine. Not my forte, but..."

Frost fell silent as the door opened to reveal Dr. Tofu, in a robe, and rubbing his eyes. "Can I help you?"

Frost took a moment to conceal her disappointment at being greeted by a male, then spoke. "Could I speak to the doctor please?"

"You are," Tofu said with an amused smile, then noticed Frost's sudden disheartened look.

"You're the doctor, are you... never mind. I have to go." Frost said then turned just in time to see the rain double in strength. She frowned angrily, looked up at the skies, silently cursing them, and then turned back to Dr. Tofu. "On second thought... I... You're looking for a nurse."

"Oh yes, come in, come in." Dr. Tofu replied excitedly, leading Frost in out of the rain. Frost reluctantly obeyed, all the while promising herself to one day have a chat with whatever mischievous force was forcing this on her.

XXXXX

The school day was winding to a close, and as tomorrow was to be a holiday, it was a time for loosening up, at least in Ms. Hinako's opinion. Especially as tomorrow there would be a festival with fishing ponds and ice cream, and shooting games and ice cream, and fortune telling booths and ice cream, and, well, you get the picture. However, as she looked across the table in the teacher's lounge at Kaneda she could swear it was a time to cry. He had been sporting that look all day, a look of depression so deep that you could not help but feel for him. Even now it seemed infectious, draining away all Hinako's usual energy. Even the thought of ice cream was losing its ability to cheer her up. She decided it was time to take some action.

"You look bummed," Hinako final commented, gaining some of Kaneda's attention. He looked at her for a moment in mild confusion, until she elaborated. "Sad, depressed, you know."

"I guess I am," he admitted, and resumed looking at the table top.

Mr. Hiro, who was sitting with them, took a moment to ensure no one was in earshot then spoke. "Kasumi, why don't you get away from things for a while? Tomorrow's a holiday. Why don't you let me take you up to the mountains for some skiing?"

"Yeah, that's sounds great!" Hinako seconded. In a show of extreme self sacrifice, she shoved the thought of all that wasted dairy product from her mind. Cheering Kaneda up was more important, but Kaneda shook his head.

"I don't even know how to ski."

Hiro shook off the complaint. "It's easy to learn, and fun. After all that's been happening lately you really need a distraction right now. It certainly couldn't hurt."

Kaneda thought for a moment then nodded. "I suppose I do."

"Then say you'll come. We'll make a day of it, and you can get away from your troubles for a while."

"Hard to get away from being a man in my present condition," Kaneda pointed out soberly, causing both Hiro and Hinako to look disappointed. However, after another moment of thought he nodded. "I suppose I can come. Like you say, it can't hurt."

"Great, then we'll see you tomorrow. I'll arrange some rides, and we can meet here in the morning, say around ten. That all right?"

"Sure," Kaneda answered, managing a slight smile then got up. "I should get going."

Hinako and Hiro gave their goodbyes, then after Kaneda left the room, looked at each other seriously. "I don't think he can stand up to this much longer," Hiro said, and Hinako could only nod in solemn agreement. The thought of what she was giving up for her big brother made her feel all noble inside. Then her face twisted as a thought occurred to her.

"Mr. Hiro?"

"Hmm?"

"The ski resort will have ice cream, won't it?"

"I would think so. Why?"

Hinako didn't answer; instead she hopped down from her chair and dashed from the room. She called over her shoulder as she left. "Got to go and pack. See you later." Hiro watched her go, shaking his head in amusement. He sometimes wondered how he had managed, after nearly sixty years of living a completely regulated life, to end up associated with two such unusual people as Kasumi and Hinako.

"Just lucky I guess," he said to himself with a smile.

XXXXX

Just outside the school gates, Kuno stood ready. Today was the day he would bring the tyrant Kaneda to his knees, and force him to return Kasumi Tendo. Kuno would settle for nothing less, even if it meant his life was forfeit. Kasumi had been gone too long. If he could not retrieve her now, then he did not feel himself deserving of life.

At last his target came out from the school, head held low. No doubt weighed down with the burden of his evil, Kuno thought, and drew his bokken. He took up a pose of challenge. "Kaneda Tendo, stand now and face me. I shall not allow this travesty to go on. You will return Kasumi Tendo at once or you will face me in combat to the death!" Kuno pronounced as Kaneda came to a stop at the end of Kuno's weapon. Kaneda looked up at him, and without a word passed by. There was no fight. There were no speeches. There was nothing but Tatewaki Kuno standing in a state of complete shock and confusion.

It took him several minutes to come back to himself enough to sort through just what had happened. It was that look Kaneda had given him. It was the look of the tormented, the look of someone who had all but lost hope, and simply wished for some measure of peace. It was that look that had drained the fight right out of Kuno better than any draining Ms. Hinako had ever inflicted on him. Kuno was so perplexed by this that he did not even take note of his sister's arrival.

"Brother dear? Hello? Anyone in there?" Kodachi asked as she waved her hand in front of his face, but gained no response. Kodachi stepped back and examined him with her arms crossed. "He must be thinking. Can't allocate enough brain cells to monitor his senses. Oh well."

Kuno gave his sister a grief glare, but nothing more, his thoughts still consuming him.

"Dachi, what are you doing here?" Akane called out as she approached from the school, Nabiki close behind her.

Kodachi turned and smiled at her friend. "Came to give my new school a look over."

"New school? Dachi, don't tell me you got transferred."

"Purely voluntary I assure you. I've been a good girl." Kodachi protested innocently, gaining a skeptical look from both Tendo girls. "Mostly anyway," Kodachi amended then clapped her hands together in delight. "Now, point me at my darling Kaneda."

"Dachi, I told you to give him a rest. He's been feeling really lousy since the fight."

"Exactly why I'm here, to comfort his troubled soul, and ease the worry from that noble brow," Kodachi countered, a dreamy look in her eyes, which faded into seriousness. "That, and that little prank I pulled on my dear instructor." Both girls again eyed Kodachi, who threw up her hands innocently. "It was an extremely little prank. Just a little rumor I happened to start regarding her sex life, or rather lack there of."

Akane nodded, with a slight smile slipping onto her face. "Of course. Trust me though Dachi, Kaneda is in no mood to be dealing with you. Don't give me that hurt look. You know what you get like. He needs some time to get back to himself. Speaking of which, Nabiki, what are you doing tomorrow?"

As the discussion had up to now been focused on Kaneda, Nabiki's guard immediately went up. "Why?"

"Well, I was thinking we could take Kaneda out somewhere to cheer him up. He could really use it."

"I... I can't. I'm busy." Nabiki responded, and began discretely putting some distance between herself and her sister.

"Nabiki, you've been avoiding him practically since he got here. You'd think you didn't like him or something," Akane noted, causing Nabiki to nervously sweat, Akane hitting a little too close for her liking. "Can't you free up some time tomorrow."

"It's... kind of important." Nabiki said, having to restrain herself from simply running away. "It's... It's... It's got... It's got nothing to do with him."

Akane frowned, Nabiki was never this nervous. The fact that she was now raised Akane's interest. "What do you have to do? Maybe I can help you."

Nabiki shook her head adamantly. "Nono, it's... it's... ummm..."

"Nabiki, there you are. Why have you been avoiding me?" Tsubasa called out as he ran up. Nabiki looked over her shoulder at the approaching boy and almost moaned. Ever since that date of several weeks ago, this boy had been making a nuisance of himself. Every day she'd find some love letter, flower, or other such nonsense either in her locker, or on her desk, and sometimes both. He was even trying out various costumes to try and gain her interest. Of course, Yakuza, tax collectors, and accountants didn't exactly appeal to her. The ATMs were just plain annoying.

At present, thankfully, he was sporting the much more reasonable selection of a leisure suit, complete with tie, and dress shoes. His hair was styled to fit the outfit, simple and business like. The bulk of it was held back in a loose pony tail. The effect was quite impressive actually, giving him a serious high rolling businessman type look, but Nabiki was not much moved. The effect was spoiled slightly by the fact he had to look up to meet her eyes, and the expression in his was anything but business like.

To make the situation worse, Kodachi naturally had to open her mouth. "Why Nabiki, it's your 'little' boyfriend. Am I to understand you plan to take him out yet again?" Kodachi asked with a sly smile, that Nabiki was sorely tempted to wipe off her face forcefully.

"A date? Oh, wonderful! This time I'll show you a really good time. Let's say we..." Tsubasa said joyfully, and began to drag Nabiki off.

Akane eyed her companion after her sister's departure. "Dachi, that wasn't exactly nice. That guy has been a pest to Nabiki for weeks now."

"Oh pish-posh, she was obviously up to something. I wouldn't be surprised if your dear sister is angry at Kaneda for being in the class, and is simply being rude. I think she deserves it. Besides, that young man looked so desperate for her attention my charitable instincts were quite inflamed," Kodachi said with her usual smile, then ignoring Akane's skeptical look, she started walking toward the school. "Come Akane, if I'm going to be stuck going to this common little school, you must show me around."

Still standing in thought as the two girls left was Kuno. He continued to stand there for several more minutes until finally he returned to reality, and put away his weapon in a slow deliberate motion. He then looked to the sky for a moment, and took in a deep breath. "Could it be..." He mumbled, then turned and set off on his way home to consider further.

XXXXX

The next day Kaneda arrived outside the school with Shampoo, Makoto, and Akane. Akane was of the opinion that the former two's presence kind of defeated the purpose of the trip, but kept that to herself. Both had professed an equal desire to cheer up Kaneda, so when they found out about the trip to the mountains they all insisted on coming. Fortunately, for the moment anyway, Kaneda seemed to be glad for the moral support. Now, Akane thought, if only we can all keep on our best behavior... Hiro and Hinako arrived shortly after, and together they were off.

XXXXX

Across town at Dr. Tofu's office Frost was busy reviewing the doctor's inventory while he was out on an errand. She was also busy muttering various colorful descriptions of said doctor, Kaneda, and just various men in general for putting her in the situation of being relegated menial work. In the back of her mind, she was busy working on solving the problems she had encountered with her magic earlier.

Now, believe it or not, Frost was normally quite the little sorceress. She had been studying the craft ever since she was 7 years old, and had shown ability in it far beyond her years. She even had developed as far as to apprentice under the village's top Magus. However, due to her lack of control, she got demoted slightly and now studied under Cologne, who knew a fair bit of the craft herself although she was not a full magus like Frost, but rather treated it like a hobby. Of course, with 300 years of knowledge to back her up, that was one heck of a hobby.

In any case, magic was Frost's thing which made her a rarity in a village of warriors. Where as most other girls her age were busy practicing various forms of applied mayhem out in the training grounds, she was stuck in doors, pouring over old tomes, scrolls, and books of all kinds. It was a supremely solitary lifestyle, not prone to developing one's martial arts talents, not that she was totally useless in that regard. No, she had some martial arts talent. No apprentice of Cologne's could get away without some physical training. She could not hope to challenge Shampoo however, and that meant Kasumi was down right out of the question.

Another thing that tended to suffer was her social life. Her condition, in addition to her trade and limited time out in public had gained her the dubious prestige of being the village's bogeyman... errr, woman. She did not mind that too much. It at least kept the nosy and annoying younger kids from disturbing her studies, and most of the older ones knew what she really was and treated her with her due the few times they saw her. The problem that limited ability in the martial arts presented was that Frost always felt inferior. Her magic had its points, but usually without a fighter to protect a magus while they did their thing, the magus was toast. It was warriors like Shampoo who gained all the true respect, admiration, and fame. Magic users like Frost were the ones overlooked and forgotten. At least that is how Frost saw it.

Frost did not resent this system however. She herself admired the village warriors for their prowess, more in fact than any achievement she had ever made. Highest on the list was Shampoo. Shampoo was the peak of perfection for a warrior of her age, at least in Frost's eyes. Maybe she was influenced by her cousins Ling Ling and Lung Lung who also admired Shampoo, but Frost always felt Shampoo was the best there was, someone to be looked up to. Someone who endured a great deal of adversity, even a similar social difficulty that Frost faced, yet still came out shining. She never admitted to this feeling of course. For a girl two years Shampoo's elder, Frost had no doubts that her peers would find it unusual that she admired the younger girl.

Yes, Frost was eighteen, despite any conclusions one might make due to her small stature. Frost seemed to have extremely bad luck, even when it came to genetics. This leads back to her problem. Right now, she was out to prove herself. She was going to rescue Shampoo from this travesty of justice, and on her own too. That would show everyone just what she could do. Her magic was particularly handy for this, should she get it working. The fool was clearly reckless, and did not know the true danger she posed. A magus of her level could strike someone with as much power as some of the greatest martial arts attacks. If he did not realize that, then she would destroy him in a single hit. The only problem was... it was not working.

That was annoying Frost to no end. Sure, her offensive magic was a little rusty, seeing as how she had little use for it normally, but she had practiced. The mispronunciation was understandable, and completely correctable. The problem with the other spell was still a mystery, and Frost was unwilling to trust her magic until she solved the problem.

Finally, a voice calling out from the door broke through the doldrums. "Dr. Tofu?"

"He's not here," Frost called out as she continued her work. A moment later a man walked into the room, wearing what appeared to be a martial arts gi, a cloth over his scalp, and a pair of glasses held in place by a string. Frost looked back at him contemptuously. "I said-"

"Yes, I heard. Are you his new nurse?" The man asked, gaining another annoyed look from Frost.

"Gee, what gave me away? Of course I'm his new nurse! Who are you?" Frost asked with a scowl, causing the man to pull back a few inches.

"I'm Genma Saotome. I work here."

"Oh, so you're the assistant. Well then, assist already! I'm supposed to be a nurse, not some stock boy. You do this," Frost said, shoving the inventory clipboard into Genma's hands. Genma shrugged and obeyed, grabbing up the first bottle and looking it over.

"What is this?" He asked, just as Frost was leaving.

Frost stopped, turned around and looked at the bottle in annoyance. "It's Echinacea."

"Oh, and this?" Genma asked, showing Frost another bottle.

The Amazon growled in frustration, grabbing the clipboard back off Genma. "Get lost you incompetent fool! I'll do it!" Genma shrugged, and grabbed up a nearby broom and headed back out into the waiting room. "Men, worthless idiots, the lot of them," Frost commented as she continued her work. "When I figure out what went wrong with my spell then I'll rid this world of at least one male."

Frost sighed and picked up another bottle with the depiction of a rising sun on the label. She marked down the contents, and returned it to its spot on the shelf and continued onto the next. She made another two notes, before stopping and looking back at the label. "Three suns aligned..." She mumbled then moaned at her own stupidity, slapping her forehead for effect. "Since when is this a trinary solar system? Three stars aligned! That's it. Alright Kasumi Tendo, I'm coming for you now! This time there will be no mistakes!" Frost jumped to her feet then stopped cold as if a little voice was talking to her. In fact a little voice was talking to her, or rather the spell she had cast to keep track on Kasumi as a precaution. Of course, no one but her could hear it, so it made for a peculiar sight. "What do you mean he's not there? Where did he go then?" She asked in frustration, and seemingly listened to a response. "Then what the heck good are you?"

"Is there some problem?" Genma asked from the waiting room.

"No! Now, leave me be!" Frost yelled back then concentrated on her own thoughts. "I'll just have to wait till he returns." Frost shook her head vehemently, changing tone. "Nono, fool, don't you see. He's making his get away now that you're here. He's run off with Shampoo, and probably the rest of his victims, so if you don't find him quick, god only knows what he'll pull." Frost's expression changed from fierce to frightened as she considered that. "Oh no, I can't let him. I have to find him now, but who would know where-"

"Are you sure-"

"Yes I'm sure!" Frost yelled once more, annoyed at the disruption of her thoughts then paused. "Genma Saotome," she repeated, and with a snap of her fingers a scroll appeared in her hands. She quickly unraveled it, and looked down at where a signature was written. She reviewed it, and then rushed into the other room in a flash. Genma was startled to find the scroll thrust in his face. "Is this your signature?" Frost asked forcefully.

Genma swallowed nervously, and scanned the document. It did not take him long to see that it was a copy of the marriage certificate the Amazons made him and Kasumi sign, and sure enough his signature was on it. He looked into Frost's angry glare, debating the positives and negatives of lying or telling the truth. She did not seem much a threat physically, but something told him to be afraid, very afraid. Given the presence of other Amazons here in Nerima, he concluded any lie would soon fall apart, so opted for the truth.

"Uh, yes, it is."

"So, you're the man that was with Kasumi hmmm?" Frost asked, once more snapping her fingers and returning the scroll to where ever it came from.

"I suppose I was," Genma offered lamely, and started looking for a quick escape.

"So, you were in cohorts with Kasumi in forcing Shampoo into that marriage."

"Well, I wouldn't say-"

"I would!" Frost countered, then grabbed Genma by the collar and hulled him down to look into her eyes. "I'm not without mercy, even for males such as yourself. So, in that spirit, and seeing as how Kasumi is the true offending party here and you were just an accomplice, I'll give you one chance to save your life. Where can I find Kasumi Tendo? Take strong note that if you lie, you will meet a very dire fate."

Genma looked into Frost's pink eyes which seemed for just a second to glow hot red, and the feeling of fear intensified ten fold. He decided to obey one instinct that had saved his hide more than once, grovel. "Uhhh, she went to the mountains, to ski I think. One of the local ski resorts I believe. Don't hurt me. Please."

"Ski resort huh. All right then, I'll let you live." Frost released Genma and rushed to the doorway, only to stop at seeing the sunlight striking the ground. She eyed it wearily then looked up at the sky, shielding her eyes. "Damn!" She cursed, cringing again, and shaking her head. "How am I going to get there now?"

Just then Dr. Tofu drove up, and parked his car. "Oh Frost, sorry for taking so long. There was quite a line up." He said as he approached, then noticed the shaken look on Genma's face. "I see you met Mr. Saotome."

"Yes, we've been getting along capitally, haven't we Mr. Saotome?" Frost replied, eyeing Genma who nodded rapidly in confirmation.

The doctor shrugged, and turned to Frost. "Oh, okay then. Glad to hear it. Now then, I got some stuff for you."

"Stuff? What sort of stuff?" Frost asked, as she was handed a bag.

"Oh, just some sun block, and a pair of sunglasses. I figured you might need them. After all, I'm sure you don't want to be cooped up in doors all day." The doctor answered, and headed into the back to drop off his other parcels. Frost looked through the bags contents in suspicion as the doctor continued talking. "I don't know what sort of stuff you use back at the village, so I just got the most powerful formula I could find."

"Actually, I didn't use anything back at that village. I just avoided the sun." Frost responded, eyeing a bottle of sun block. "What do I do with this anyway, drink it?"

"Oh no, you rub it on your skin." The doctor corrected, as he came back out from the back. "You've never been out in the sun at all?"

"A couple of times," Frost answered honestly, and then noticed the slightly sympathetic look Tofu was giving her. "What?"

"Nothing. Of course, I wouldn't recommend heavy exposure, but that should be enough for some casual exposure."

Frost frowned in suspicion, and read the label thoroughly. It seemed legitimate enough, so after a moments more hesitation, she opened the bottle and began slowly applying the lotion to her exposed skin. "So, this stuff blocks out the sun huh?"

"That's what they claim." Tofu answered, and got an idea. "Say, why don't you go try it out. Take the day off."

Frost eyed the doctor for a moment, in a mix of surprise and suspicion. I just started here and he's giving me the day off, she thought in confusion, looking once more outside, her eyes stopping on the car when an idea hit her. "That would be nice. You wouldn't mind giving me a ride somewhere would you?"

XXXXX

Across town a ways, Kodachi was at home tending one of her gardens at the Kuno mansion. It was a relaxing hobby that served well to distract her from those times she wanted to throttle her brother for being an idiot. Today, however, was not one of those times. In fact, her brother had pretty much locked himself away since yesterday.

Kuno had some odd behavior at times, but lately he was becoming a real puzzle. It was all because of the missing Kasumi Tendo. Kuno was regularly very unflappable, but since the disappearance of Kasumi he was becoming increasingly anxious. However, as of yesterday he took a totally different course which left Kodachi confused.

You know, I don't believe I have even met this Kasumi yet, Kodachi thought with a frown. She was certainly real enough and not some figment of her brother's imagination. Akane had spoken of her many times. She was even supposed to have returned to Nerima, but Kodachi had still yet to see her. Hmm, Akane told me why she wasn't about, but I've gone and forgotten, Kodachi thought as she trimmed a rose bush. I suppose, for brother's sake I should inquire further before he does something truly stupid.

As Kodachi contemplated this, she noticed Ranma walking by on one of the walkways. He waved at her, and she returned the gesture with a flat look that stole any of his optimism for a time. She watched him continue to walk until he came to room Kuno had sealed himself in and entered.

"Sasuke!" Kodachi called out as she continued her gardening.

"Yes, mistress?" Sasuke said as he appeared and bowed down before Kodachi.

"Why is Ranma here?"

"Master Kuno asked for him," Sasuke replied causing Kodachi to raise an eyebrow curiously.

"He did, did he? What about?"

"I do not know, mistress, but he did seem quite insistent on speaking with Ranma immediately."

Kodachi nodded and frowned. "No doubt he plans to make more trouble for my darling Kaneda. Very well, off with you."

Sasuke nodded and disappeared in his usual ninja way. Kodachi put down her clippers and headed over to the room the two boys now occupied. She had caught a glimpse of Kaneda the other day, and it was clear even to her that he was weighed down with something. If she could intervene on this occasion, perhaps she could at least keep Kaneda's spirit from getting any lower.

As she approached she could make out Ranma's muffled voice. He sounded a bit anxious as he spoke, but she couldn't make out the words well enough to say what he was speaking of. She paused next to the door to try and listen in, but Ranma had apparently finished, and the room was filled with nothing but silence.

Suddenly Kuno burst from the door and shouted, "Sasuke!"

"Yes master," Sasuke said as he reappeared at the end of the hall.

"Call transportation for the mountains at once!"

"Yes master," Sasuke replied with a nod and disappeared to fulfill the request.

Kodachi examined her brother closely noting he did not have his usual angry feel about him. Instead he seemed unusually motivated. "What are you up to now, brother dear?" Kodachi asked as Ranma joined them.

Kuno turned to finally notice her. "Ah, sister, you too should come. No doubt you will wish to hear this from your 'Kaneda' as well."

Kodachi sighed. "Brother, you really should give up this whole misbegotten quest of yours. Kaneda, while being very stuff of fairytales that any woman would gladly give herself too, is not some evil warlock."

Quite to Kodachi's surprise, Kuno laughed. "Indeed you are right, sister. I have been a fool," he said without a trace of sarcasm.

Kodachi stared at him seriously for a moment then at Ranma, but neither boy offered up any answers. "Very well, I shall accompany you, if nothing more than to keep you out of trouble."

XXXXX

Sometime later, up in the snow covered mountain slopes, Kaneda was not having much luck at skiing. He was in the process of recovering from his fourteenth spill into the snow. Skiing actually was not that difficult, it was just that his attention tended to wander. He had to admit, it was distracting, but not in the way he had hoped. He was cold, embarrassed, sore, and still depressed.

To their credit, Makoto, Akane, and Shampoo were being civil, and Kaneda could console himself in at least knowing that Shampoo was not any better and even Makoto was only an amateur. This way he did not look too silly. Still, he could do with a few less falls.

Kaneda dug himself out of the snow, and decided to rest briefly and just watch his companions. Hiro was helping out with Shampoo and Makoto, while Akane was just shaking her head as she watched Ms. Hinako gobble down her fifth sundae. Kaneda could only agree with the sentiment, and began rubbing his face to return some feeling to the cold flesh. The rough feel under his fingers gave him cause to stop and sigh.

"Wonderful. I'm going to need to shave pretty soon," he commented to himself, silently wondering what other male attributes would soon make their presence known. With another sigh, he climbed his way back to his feet, and reset himself to try again. After readying himself, he gave a gentle push on the poles and was once more in motion.

XXXXX

A short distance down the slope Nabiki was having her own brand of luck. Tsubasa had actually come up with a good suggestion for once, getting out of the city. He was even paying, which for Nabiki was enough to override any normal need to rid herself of the little fungus. Instead, she was up in the mountains, finally relaxing away from all her normal everyday problems... save maybe Tsubasa, but he was merely annoying, not truly disturbing.

Of course, she thought to herself, psince I'm feeling so good, something is going to go wrong. It was a private little joke she had with herself. She did not really believe her life was one long series of problems. Even with all her recent difficulties, there were still moments of peace. If only she could increase their frequency a little.

Nabiki stopped her descent down the slope to take in the scenery and think. She really had to get over this thing with Kasumi. It had gone beyond simply embarrassing to the down right distressing level. Okay, sure he was handsome, but damn it he was her sister. Why couldn't her damned mind, or body, or whatever was causing this take the hint, and stop plaguing her with thoughts about him?

She just could not get him out of her head. The blasted dreams, and those stupid pictures were bad enough, but when she found herself slipping into fantasies about him... Well, it was sickening beyond words. Even having him out of the house was only helping a little. Everyday coming to school and having to be with him for several hours on end was nearly as bad, if perhaps even worse. Plus, if he or anyone else ever found out... Oh, she'd never live it down.

Nabiki shook away the thoughts then started as a yell came from behind her. She looked over her shoulder, and moaned as she spotted Kaneda out of control on the slope. "Naturally," she mumbled as she watched him approach. She should have had plenty of time to avoid him, but she froze, as if caught up in a trance of morbid curiosity, waiting to see what the inevitable outcome was going to be. This of course resulted in her acting as a very effective speed bump, causing both to crash into the snow.

A moment of collective struggle, and wiping away snow ensued, before Kaneda finally got a good look at who he had crashed into. "Nabiki? What are you doing here? Why didn't you move?"

Nabiki took a moment just to admire his face before responding. "I was... ahh, just up here with Tsubasa. I guess you caught me just... by surprised."

"Oh," Kaneda responded with a nod, ad pulled both to their feet. "Are you okay Nabiki? You look flushed."

"I'm fine, just fine."

Kaneda nodded in acceptance of the answer then started to head off, only to stop, and begin removing his skies. "I think I've caused enough damage this way. Nabiki are you going anywhere near the ski rental area?" Kaneda asked, but got no response. "Nabiki?"

Nabiki shook her eyes away from Kaneda's rear. "Yeah, yeah," she answered quickly, then rushed by Kaneda, grabbing up his skies as she passed. "I got to go. Tsubasa's waiting."

"Are you sure it's no trouble?" Kaneda called after Nabiki, but his sister continued on her way without heeding him. Kaneda watched Nabiki for a moment in confusion. "Nabiki has certainly changed into a very odd person," he commented to himself, then began walking up the hill. He made it about half way back up when she noticed Mousse confronting a group of skiers. With an amused shake of his head, Kaneda walked over. He was well aware of Mousse's uncanny knack for mistaking anyone and anything for something it clearly wasn't.

"Mousse, are you looking for me?" Kaneda asked, causing Mousse to blink and look Kaneda's way. He reset his glasses on his face, peering at the confused skiers then rushed to Kaneda side. "You really should keep those on."

"It's a bad habit I developed. Hard to break." Mousse replied, as the skiers shook their heads then skied off. "I'm sorry about the pill. I thought for sure..."

"It's all right Mousse. You tried, and I'm thankful for that."

Mousse nodded, and clenched his fist in determination. "Well, don't worry. I'll go back to China, and I'll get the real pill for you, and then-"

"Somehow I doubt it will be that easy. She seems to have thought of pretty much everything," Kaneda cut in to say then sighed as he felt the approach of the person in question.

"And you'd be quite right, Kasumi." Cologne said as she hopped up next to Kaneda. "The real thing is in the possession of Cao Lon, who has specific instructions to keep it well guarded and away from everyone. She will only give it to myself. Now, Mousse, if you believe you could defeat an elder, then I freely invite you to try. I'm sure my old friend would find you amusing enough for a few minutes," Cologne said with a wide smile.

Mousse shook in anger. "This is just like you, you old ghoul!" He blurted out and received a sharp rap to the head from Cologne's staff for the insult.

"Have you no respect for your elders, boy?"

"For you, no!" He exclaimed. "This is just like with Shampoo, you trying to manipulate things."

Cologne only laughed. "I had no need to manipulate Shampoo. She rejected you on her own. I merely explained things to her."

"Like I am going to believe that!" Mousse counted but Kaneda laid a calming hand on his shoulder.

"Let it be Mousse. This is not your fight," Kaneda said.

"You just can't let her get away with this!" Mousse said in outrage, glaring at Cologne, to which Cologne merely continued to smile.

"Oh, I have a feeling our dear Kaneda still has some fight in him. However, it really is pointless my dear. You should just give in, and end this meaningless effort at resistance."

Kaneda shook his head. "Give in to what? I'd be trapped this way, not to mention living a lie. Now, unless you have some other reason for being here...?" Kaneda asked.

Cologne's smile left, replaced with a slightly serious look. She considered then shook her head. "Nothing definitive. Just... be on your guard." Kaneda sighed and began walking off on his own. After watching him depart, Cologne shook her head. "Stubborn thing."

"This is wrong, don't you know that?"

"Oh, how so? I am merely trying to make the best out one royal mess. Besides, is what you no doubt plan any better?" Cologne asked, gaining a nervous look from Mousse.

"It's legal, and will fix this whole status mess." Mousse answered.

"Certainly, and get you Shampoo in the process." Cologne said with a frown then began to walk off. After a moment of uncertainty, Mousse followed.

XXXXX

Up the slope, Akane, Makoto and Shampoo were gathered at the lodge with Hiro and Ms. Hinako. The three teenage girls were all presently in the process of wondering where Kaneda had gotten off too. "Maybe we should go look for him." Makoto suggested, but Hiro shook his head.

"Let him be. He's probably just off somewhere having some fun for once," Hiro suggested, although he personally did not think he was correct. However, needlessly bothering him with their worries was not the point of coming here.

The girls reluctantly nodded, and sat back to look around, when Akane spotted Cologne and Mousse approaching. "What's she doing here?" Akane practically growled. Everyone turned to see the newcomers, among which only Makoto wondered at the anger that Akane was showing. "You better not be here to cause trouble," Akane said to Cologne when she reached earshot.

"No, I am not."

"You see Kaneda, Great Grandmother?" Shampoo asked.

Cologne nodded. "Yes, he was down the slope a ways. He is fine I assure you." Cologne added the last at receiving numerous suspicious glares. "We merely spoke."

"I bet," Akane mumbled. "Can't you leave him be for a day."

Cologne looked at Akane seriously. "I would have, but in fact, I came up here to check on things. I had a disturbing feeling this morning. It felt almost as if something or someone had disturbed the local energy fields. I cannot be certain, for it was only a mild disturbance, and very brief. It could be nothing, but it is always best to check."

The others took in the explanation with skepticism, but also some worry. The way Cologne said it sounded deadly serious, and honest. Shampoo in particular felt a growing dread building within her.

Makoto also was wondering at this. She was no stranger to picking up on bad vibes. Sure, some of the other senshi were better at it, but she had her own ability, an ability she once thought beyond that of humans. Now she was hearing about a disturbance she had been completely unaware of from this old woman. More and more, she was beginning to think she was nothing special anymore.

Everyone was so caught up in thinking about this that no one noticed Dr. Tofu walk up until he called out a greeting. "Akane, how good to see you here."

"Oh, hello Dr. T... Tofu." Akane replied, shaking a little with surprise, and suddenly blushing. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, nothing much. Frost just wanted to see the mountains, so I-"

"Frost?" Cologne, Mousse and Shampoo said simultaneously in surprise, all turning their complete attention on the doctor.

"Yes, didn't you know she was here? I guess maybe she hasn't seen you yet. She came in just last night. She's working as my new nurse," Dr. Tofu explained, and noticed a great deal of tension on the Amazon's faces. "Is something wrong?"

Cologne nodded, and quickly began scanning the horizon. "Indeed there may be. Frost is an Amazon magus, and something of a prodigy at that. She is very dangerous, particularly if you do not act immediately once she reveals herself, and her appearance tends to make people who do not know her slow to do so."

"What are you talking about? Who's this Frost, and what's all this talk of danger?" Makoto asked, getting to her feet in readiness to act.

"Frost is an Amazon like Shampoo. However, she also has something of dislike for men." Cologne answered, casting Mousse a knowing look. Mousse cringed, but said nothing, and let Cologne continue. "It is possible that should she have learned of the wedding between Shampoo and Kaneda, and the events surrounding it, she might get a decidedly bad impression of Kaneda. She might even take it upon herself to end the marriage."

"So, that means..." Makoto asked, fearing the answer.

"That means she may very well be out at this very moment hunting Kaneda with the intention of killing him."

Immediately all those still seated were on their feet. "We got to stop her!" Akane said, gaining seconding nods from all those gathered.

"Agreed. I may perhaps be wrong, and her intentions may be benign, but we cannot take that risk. Kaneda's way of facing an opponent will leave him wide open for her attacks. We'll have to split up and look for him. Come, follow me. I shall lead you to where we last saw him," Cologne instructed and began hopping off, with the others in close pursuit.

As they ran, Cologne continued on. "Remember this, Frost is a proficient magus, easily capable of killing someone in a single attack. Do not confront her unless absolutely necessary, particularly you men. She may tolerate limited interference from a woman, but not from a male. Above all else, do not give her time to weave a spell. Once she has, your fate is sealed. When you find Kaneda, bring him to me at once. That will be our only chance." Everyone nodded in grim understanding.

XXXXX

In the woods, off to the side of the main run, Kaneda was leaning against a tree thinking, totally unaware of the danger he was now in. In fact, he was considering Cologne's words, and surrender. More and more it seemed the only way. Perhaps if he gave in, agreed to be Shampoo's husband, then maybe Cologne would agree to restore his ability to transform. It was a solution he did not want to settle for, but it might just be the only way.

His thoughts were disrupted with the passing of Ryoga, who failed to even notice him. Instead, Ryoga's eyes seemed glued to the ground, as if he lacked the strength to even lift his head and watch where he was going. He's lost, Kaneda thought then quickly raced after him, pulling up to walk beside him. "Ryoga?"

Ryoga jumped just slightly at the sudden use of his name, and looked up at Kaneda. He seemed momentarily perplexed, but once his mind turned fully on, he withdrew a step. "Mr. Tendo, what are you doing here?"

"I have a suspicion you don't even know where here is at the moment," Kaneda commented with a warm smile.

"Of course I do. I'm..." Ryoga began to say, but, looking at his surroundings, he slumped his shoulders and nodded. "Lost, again. Where are we? We are near Nerima, aren't we?" Ryoga asked, somewhat hopeful.

"Well, yes and no, but we should be able to get you back quick enough. Perhaps you should come with me."

"With you?" Ryoga asked nervously, and Kaneda nodded. Ryoga looked about, considering his options then looked back at Kaneda. There was little other choice if he wanted to get back any time soon. "Okay, but there is one thing I have to say first, sir."

"Yes?" Kaneda said.

Ryoga gathered his courage for this. "I don't go in for guys," Ryoga finally blurt out after a minute, gaining a very confused look from Kaneda.

"Pardon me?"

"I like girls you see, not guys. I mean, I'm sure you're nice and all, but I'm not interested in that sort of thing," Ryoga explained quickly.

"What?" Kaneda asked in even more confusion, unable to grasp what Ryoga was saying.

At this point Ryoga became somewhat confused himself. "You mean, you're not... But, you've been treating me so..." Ryoga explained, trailing off as he tried to find the words.

Kaneda blinked as he tried to puzzle out what Ryoga meant himself, but had it revealed for him. "So, here I thought you just limited your perversions to women, but now I find out you even seek relations with other men too, huh. Disgusting! The world will be far better off without you." Frost said as she came out from the woods, a wicked gleam in her eyes that set both Ryoga and Kaneda on guard. Neither had noticed a trace of her approach, which itself was disturbing to both, particularly Kaneda. The encounter at night was somewhat understandable, but in deep snow in broad daylight was certainly not.

"You again. Who are you?" Kaneda asked, setting himself into a defensive position.

"My name is Frost."

"What do you want?"

Frost grinned, practically as if she was delighted Kaneda had asked the question. "I've come to kill you Kasumi Tendo, and this time there will be no errors. FULMENOS VENITE!" Frost once more pointed her finger at Kaneda, and Kaneda prepared to receive an attack. Unlike last time however, Kaneda sensed a very real danger, but before he could even think of moving, a bolt of lightning blast forth from Frost's finger to strike Kaneda square in the chest. Kaneda was sent flying backwards, his mind horribly stunned from the electricity playing havoc in his neural pathways. He crashed into the snow limply, not even aware of himself, or capable of rolling away from any follow up assault.

Ryoga watched this all in total confusion, and was even more confused when Frost called Kaneda, Kasumi. He continued to just stare at Kaneda's fallen form, unable to kick his mind into gear and act. Meanwhile Frost was jubilant, happily waving her arm to the air in triumph. Neither party noticed the approach of Ms. Hinako and Akane, who were both running desperately to reach Kaneda's side.

Once Akane was within reach, she immediately slide to a halt into the snow, and held Kaneda's head. "Kasumi, Kasumi! Wake up! Wake up, please!" She pleaded, as Ms. Hinako arrived.

Kaneda responded by blinking, and looking at Akane in confusion. "Akane?"

"Yes, it's me. Are you all right?"

"What are you doing here?" Kaneda asked back, seemingly not hearing the question presented to him.

Akane looked at Kaneda in confusion. "I came here with you, remember."

Kaneda returned the look of confusion. "You did? I don't remember you coming to India with us."

Akane's concern rose sharply at this. Does he have amnesia, she thought in panic. "Kasumi, you're not in India. You're in Japan."

"I am?"

Akane did not get the chance to answer. Frost finally noticed Kaneda was talking, and began to approach. "Hey, he's still alive! He's stronger than I thought. Now, step away from him. I don't want to hurt you."

Akane's panic turned to anger, and she yelled at her sister's attacker. "No way! He's my sister! I'm not going to let you kill him!" Akane jumped to her feet, positioning herself as a shield for Kaneda, and readying to fight Frost.

Frost reacted badly to that. "Sister? So, he's an enchanter too, and not very good at it I see. Can you not see he's a man? Now, step aside, or I'll move you forcibly." Frost warned, unimpressed with Akane's show of defiance, but found Ms. Hinako facing her. "What do you want?"

"Akane, Ryoga, take Kaneda and run. I'll handle her," Ms. Hinako instructed, much to Frost's confusion. Akane hesitated, but Hinako became more forceful. "Now!" The force in her instructor's words caused Akane to remember Cologne's warning, and obey Hinako's instructions. Ryoga too finally shook himself free of his own bewilderment, and helped Akane pick up Kaneda, and both began moving off.

"Now wait just one minute!" Frost yelled out, starting to move past Hinako, but the disciplinarian cut her off.

"Oh, you are the worst delinquent yet, and you will have to be punished! Happo Goen-Satsu!" So saying, Hinako pulled out a five yen piece, and proceed to do her thing. As was usual, a glow surrounded her and Frost, but to Hinako's surprise, the glow was wrong. It had a decidedly twisted essence to it, and it was not taking well to the drain on it. A distasteful wash of energy hit Ms. Hinako, causing her to stagger. Instead of the usual rush of energy that hit her, she actually felt weaker. A second wave of the energy hit, draining even more of Hinako's strength away, finally forcing her to suspend her attempt at draining Frost, and collapse into the snow, coughing and weak.

Frost was temporarily stunned by the drain, and crumbled herself into the snow. However, she regained her strength quickly, and managed to reach her feet. She eyed the coughing little girl in the snow for a moment, a sympathetic look on her face, but then remembered her goal. "I am sorry, but I have a task here that I must perform." Frost said with determination then slowly began pursuing the now distant trio of Kaneda, Ryoga, and Akane. In the snow, Hinako could only watch the albino depart, too weak to even call out a challenge.

XXXXX

A short distance away, Ryoga and Akane were not making good time carrying Kaneda's dead weight. However, they had gone long enough for Ryoga to final ask the obvious questions. "What the heck is going on? Why did that girl call him Kasumi? For that matter, why did you call him Kasumi?"

"I am Kasumi," Kaneda responded weakly, the question seemingly very strange to him. This caused Ryoga to frown angrily.

"Do I look stupid? I knew Kasumi, and Kasumi was most certainly a girl. You're a man!" Ryoga said harshly, but Akane quickly rushed to Kaneda's defense.

"No, you don't understand Ryoga. He's..." Akane paused a moment to consider whether to reveal the truth or not. One thought to their situation told her that now was no time for lies. "He really is Kasumi. Kasumi got a curse in China that changes her into a man when she's hit with cold water. Hot water normally reverses it, but she got struck with this special pressure point attack that makes him totally intolerant to heat. He can't change back now."

Ryoga looked at Akane, then Kaneda skeptically. It sounded just a little too outrageous for him to take, and he even was beginning to wonder if Frost was right and Akane was somehow enchanted. However, the thoughts were cut short when Kaneda began to speak.

"Ryoga, you're here too. How nice. It's been so long... or has it," Kaneda said as a spark of his memory came back. He furrowed his brow in concentration, but could not order his thoughts. "I can't seem to remember much right now."

Ryoga examined Kaneda closely, pondering the possibility. He did look something like Kasumi, and come to think of it, when he was fighting Ukyo his style was very reminiscent of Kasumi's. Actually, even the way he talked, and his mannerisms...

"Stop right there! You can't get away from me!" Frost yelled out from behind as she ran up through the snow.

Ryoga and Akane looked back at Frost moderately shocked at how fast she had caught up. Sure, Kaneda was a load, but he had not slowed them up that much. She somehow had the advantage in speed which seemed ludicrous looking at her body. Still, they both realized they had no hope of escape unless they could slow her down. With a determined glare, Ryoga released Kaneda into Akane's hands then rushed Frost. "Run," he shouted over his shoulder, and Akane obeyed, using every ounce of her strength to carry Kaneda away from the fight.

Frost took the sudden assault with a panic. She was not ready, so she took her only option. With a frightened cry, she turned and bolted away from the boy. Ryoga was momentarily pleased at that, showing that Frost did not consider herself a match for him in a close in fight. However, to Ryoga's surprise, Frost was badly outpacing him. He briefly cursed the snow for holding him up then noticed the reason for Frost's speed. She was leaving no tracks. In fact she seemed to be almost floating over the snow. Where as he had to plow through it, sinking in up to his knees, she was walking on top of it as if it were pavement. No wonder she can move so much faster, he thought just as she turned and pointed her finger at him.

"Enough of this, FULMENOS VENITE!" Frost said, and once more a bolt of lightning struck out, this time at Ryoga. Ryoga attempted to leap away, but the bolt was simply too fast, and struck him solidly in the chest. As with Kaneda, Ryoga was sent flying, his mind overwhelmed by the electricity arcing over his body. He crashed into the snow, his brain deciding it best to just pass out rather than deal with the pain and misfiring neurons.

Akane looked back over her shoulder long enough to notice Ryoga go down, and Frost take a moment to regain her strength from her attack. Her fear and panic renewed themselves at seeing the ease of his defeat, and Akane redoubled her efforts at escape, giving a silent prayer for Ryoga and Hinako to be okay. Frost wasted only moments before racing after her.

Frost's fatigue was starting to catch up with her. Running in pursuit, and away from Ryoga had taken its toll, and now she found her pace greatly slowed. She was not used to this level of physical exertion, but Akane fortunately was. The advantage to Akane was minimal though given the drag the snow was producing. However, hope appeared in the form of Makoto and Kodachi. The girls appeared on the horizon, already in an all out run to reach Akane and Kaneda. Both girls rushed to aid Akane in carrying Kaneda, and increased the pace.

"Dachi, what are you doing here?" Akane asked, winded.

"My darling brother had the sudden urge to come here and see Kaneda after talking with Ranma about something. I came up to make sure he didn't do anything too foolish, but I see we have greater worries," Kodachi answered, casting a quick glance over her shoulder. She herself was amazed that tiny girl could have felled Kaneda. That was enough to dash any thought she had of facing the girl. Best to just escape.

"Talked with Ranma? About what?" Akane asked after a moment to catch some breath.

"Heaven only knows. We should worry about that later."

"Right, right," Akane said with a nod.

"Stop! Stop!" Frost shouted out from behind. "Damn it, does he have all of you under his control? All right, fine. I can deal with this." Frost came to a halt, and stretched her arm out in front of her. "No place to hide, so slip, and slide." So pronouncing, the snow began shifting into a solid sheet of ice which quickly spread forth until it extended below the girls' feet. The result was that all three girls suddenly found they had no traction, and crashed to the ice. Each slipped uncontrollably across its surface, unfortunately all moving away from the still badly dazed Kaneda.

"All right, enough of this chase, Kasumi Tendo. It ends here and now." Frost said in triumph, causing confusion in Kodachi and Makoto.

"Kasumi?" Both girls repeated in confusion, then watched in horror as Frost gestured for Kaneda to approach and in response Kaneda's prone form began sliding towards her. In desperation at seeing this, Makoto fumbled for her transformation emblem, fully ready to use in, even if that meant her secret being truly revealed to all those present.

Fortunately for her, that became unnecessary. To the shock of pretty much all three girls, not only because of his sudden appearance, but also because of his actions, Kuno rushed into the fray, swinging his bokken in a wide arc in an attempt to strike Frost. "Back foul witch! I Tatewaki Kuno shall never allow you to harm the fair Kasumi Tendo!"

"Hey," Frost yelled out in surprise, barely dodging the attack, and once more forced to retreat. "What is this? Does this man have everyone around here wrapped around his finger?"

Kuno was not really in the mood to answer her. He maintained his wild attempts to strike Frost, giving the girls time to try moving. Unfortunately, all found this ice to be particularly slippery, and could find no leverage with which to get to their feet. "Akane, you wouldn't mind explaining why everyone is calling Kaneda, Kasumi would you?" Kodachi asked as she futilely endeavored to get up.

"It's kind of a long story, Dachi," Akane replied, her own attention on Kuno's effort to fight off Frost. Like Ryoga, the snow was slowing him to the point that Frost had a distinct speed advantage. Finally she gained enough space to spin back on him and raise her finger to point at him. Akane was about to call out a warning, but she was already too late. A bolt of lightning took Kuno out of the equation instantly, and sent him through the air, landing right next to Akane by chance, and in the process pushing her the remaining distance to the far edge of the ice.

Frost leaned over, bracing herself against her knees, her strength nearly gone. "This could be a lot easier," she mumbled, as she panted, bringing in desperately needed air.

Across the ice, Akane got to her feet then looked on in dismay as she noticed just how large the sheet of ice was. It would take her precious minutes to round it, especially since she too was suffering from fatigue. Desperately, she began to move as fast as she could manage. Akane's hope nearly drained away when Frost began to move once more, but then returned when she spotted Shampoo running up, Dr. Tofu a ways behind her.

To Frost's immense dismay, Shampoo immediately took position to shield Kaneda. "Not you too Shampoo," Frost moaned, this time preparing her spell in advance then closing the distance. "Step away from him. I don't want to hurt you."

"Frost, you can no do this. Shampoo no let you!" Shampoo shouted back, fear evident in her voice. She was considering her options, but there was not many. With her spell readied, Shampoo dared not move. The motion would likely cause Frost to release the magic. No, all she could do was protect Kaneda with her own body, and hope the plan she and Dr. Tofu had quickly developed on the way would work.

Frost looked on at Shampoo sadly. "Shampoo, be reasonable. This is the man that forced you to marry him then ran off on you on the first night, destroying your life. He's toying with the hearts of other women, and even a man, and here you are protecting him. He even has people believing he is a woman. Don't you see how absurd this all is? He must have you under an enchantment. Trust in me, and move away from him. Once he is destroyed his magics will be destroyed as well."

"No Frost, you is wrong. Kasumi really is woman!"

Frost shook her head with even more sadness. "Shampoo, look at him. He's obviously a man."

"Nono, you no understand." Shampoo began to explain, when Dr. Tofu came to her aid, carrying a bottle in one hand.

"Frost, wait, I can explain. Please, can you just give me one moment? I can prove it to you." The doctor said. Frost frowned in thought. It could be a trick, but her spell was armed and ready. Shampoo was still blocking her shot though, and Frost had no desire to fire on her. In frustration, she gave in.

"Okay, fine, but no funny stuff. If I see even a hint that you're-"

"I understand," the doctor replied, then slowly walked over to Kaneda and Shampoo. He gently sat Kaneda up then looked him in the face. "Just stay still Kasumi. I have to use the old man Tokyo pressure point." He explained, but Kaneda just looked at him in puzzlement.

"Do I know you? You seem familiar. And that pretty girl with the purple hair, I think I know her too."

"Yes, well, umm, just bear with me," Tofu said then applied the necessary maneuver to activate the point. Taking a brief few seconds to ensure Frost was not reacting badly to his activity, Tofu undid the top of the bottle, and very slowly up ended it over Kaneda. Hot liquid poured down over Kaneda, replacing him with Kasumi, and causing Frost to stiffen in shock.

"You... he... she... he really is a girl," Frost stammered out, then, her concentration disrupted, her spell fizzled, and she crumbled down into the snow, still staring in bewilderment at Kasumi. "He... she has a Jusenkyo curse?"

"Yes," Shampoo answered simply, then, no longer sensing Frost to be a threat, walked over to be next to her. "When Shampoo find out in morning, Shampoo tell her go. That why Kasumi leave, not because she bad. You understand."

"But the marriage..."

"She no know about that. She get much drunk. No understand what happening," Shampoo explained then turned to notice Cologne, Mousse, and Ranma running up. They arrived, looked briefly at Frost then started to examine the various injured, in particular Kasumi. Frost was too stunned to really take notice of them.

Frost mind was tripping over this latest information. She really did not want to accept it after gearing herself up so. "Why does she stay this way then? If she is naturally a woman..."

Cologne took the initiative on this question. "That is my doing. I used the cat tongue point on her."

Suddenly Frost's anger returned, but this time directed at Cologne. "WHAT?" The outburst gained a frown from the elder, and caused Frost to reconsider and calm herself slightly. However, elder or not, Frost's anger at the new information remained. "Elder, how could you do such a thing? Trapping a woman in the body of a male!"

"You don't understand child, it was necessary. This marriage between Shampoo and Kasumi is still in effect, and unless he remains a male, Shampoo loses her status to him."

Frost scowled in rejection of the explanation. "That is unacceptable! To force a woman to take the body of a man is... is... wrong, just plain wrong."

"Circumstances demand it."

"Circumstances be damned!" Frost yelled back, returning to her feet. "I have no wish to see Shampoo lose her status, but this is no solution."

"That is not your place to decide." Cologne responded.

"No, it is Shampoo's place." Frost shot back, then turned to Shampoo. "Shampoo, please do not tell me you are going along with this."

The collective attention of all those gathered suddenly fell on Shampoo, causing her a wholly unusual bout of self consciousness. She looked about at those around her, in particular Kasumi. Kasumi looked back at her, still somewhat confused, but somewhat recovered thanks to her transformation. In her mind Shampoo weighed the choices. On the one hand, keep Kasumi as she was, or take the risk of her own life being destroyed. She warred with the option, but then she remembered Kasumi's promise, and renewed her choice from before.

"Shampoo no want Kasumi trapped like this either," Shampoo said at last, gaining a triumphant smile from Frost which she directed back at the elder.

"See there, even Shampoo doesn't want it," Frost said, but Cologne shook her head.

"She is too close to this for her own good. The risk is just too great."

"Great grandmother," Shampoo pleaded, and for the first time Cologne had some doubt.

The elder Amazon frowned in thought then shook her head. "I understand your feelings Great granddaughter, and I sympathize, but you risk too much for this woman. You are far too willing to lay aside your own life on some vague hope that she will protect you."

"Shampoo trust her."

"Elder, you cannot mean to continue this nonsense," Frost protested, but gained nothing from Cologne in response. Frost then turned to the others. "Is there anyone here who supports this?" She asked, but gained only negatives, then turned back to Cologne. "Undo this elder," she said, as close to a commanding tone as she dared.

Cologne eyed the others, and Kasumi, then turned away. Frost must be truly passionate about this to try giving me an order, she thought in wonder. All Cologne's reason said one thing, but her feelings were beginning to switch sides on her. Finally, with a shake of her head, she settled for a mild compromise with herself. "Aid her yourself if you wish, but I will not be apart of this. It is a foolish risk to take, and I would be negligent in my duties as not only the matriarch, but as Shampoo's guardian to be party to it."

Many of those gathered sighed in disappointment at Cologne's answer, but Frost saw the slight loophole that opened. She looked at Kasumi in determination. "Fine then, I'll fix it myself." At that statement Cologne looked back with interest as Frost walked over to Kasumi, and laid her hands on her. She concentrated for over a minute, causing Cologne to frown. "For now I know heat is your bane, and now I cure you of this pain," Frost pronounced slowly. A mild reddish glow slowly encompassed both girls then quickly subsided, Frost dropping into the snow from fatigue. "It is done."

Cologne frowned even deeper at this, then hopped over to Kasumi's side. After a brief examination, she looked back at Frost. "You made that up just now?" Cologne asked in astonishment

"Wasn't that hard," Frost responded, and climbed back to her feet. Cologne continued to look at Frost in disbelief until everyone else gathered around Kasumi to inspect her themselves.

"She's cured now?" Akane asked tensely, and Cologne gave the young Tendo a reluctant nod.

"Indeed she is." Cologne looked back to see Frost walking off on her own, unnoticed by the others. "You're far better than even I believed. That should have taken you weeks to come up with the correct spell." Cologne said quietly to herself then taking one last look at the festivities now surrounding a still somewhat confused Kasumi, she let out a small laugh. "Things just became a great deal more complicated."

Just outside the crowd of people now surrounding Kasumi, Makoto and Kodachi were standing in mute shock. They looked at each other, each empathizing with the intense embarrassment the other was no doubt feeling at this moment. They both looked back at Kasumi for a second then covered their eyes, each trying to hide the sudden burst of emotion each was now feeling.

XXXXX

The day was getting on, and night was already upon them. Kasumi had recovered fully, and fortunately so had Hinako, Ryoga and Kuno given some time and appropriate medical attention. Hiro and Hinako were off preparing for the return trip, while Makoto and Kodachi were busy dealing with their own embarrassment. Soon they all would be returning home, but first Kasumi felt the need to do something. "WOHOO!" She yelled out merrily as she leapt into the warm waters of the lodge's hot spring. At this time, she really did not care about appearances. All she felt like was enjoying herself.

"I'm a girl again!" Kasumi said as she resurfaced, then grabbed Shampoo in a joyous hug, spinning her around. "I'm a girl again!" She repeated, repeating the process with Akane, and finally Nabiki. Akane shared in her joy, but not Nabiki who looked ready to scream at being touched, but she managed to contain herself. Even Shampoo could not feel depressed at the development. Seeing Kasumi happy seemed to make her happy. Finally Kasumi calmed herself, and settled for a long soak, something she had been missing for a long time. Far too long.

Across the divider, Ranma, Kuno, Ryoga, and Mousse were soaking and recovering themselves. All of them could feel a sense of pleasure themselves at Kasumi's return to normal. All that is save Mousse. Oh, he was pleased by the development, but he was too deep in thought to really be happy about it. His chance at Shampoo had finally arrived. When he had learned of the wedding to a man, he had nearly gone off in a vindictive rage like Frost, but then he stumbled on the truth when he learned the man's name. He already knew Kasumi well enough that a plan had formed in his mind that would get him all he desired. Now with her back to being female, he could put his plan into action. He had been waiting a long time for this, and at last it seemed in his reach.

However, it could wait till tomorrow. He was sure what he had planned would leave Kasumi somewhat confused and he did not feel like ruining her mood. She deserved a day of rest, but tomorrow was the day. Tomorrow he would get Shampoo... and Kasumi too if he played things right. Not a bad deal, he thought.

XXXXX

Several kilometers away, Frost was not sharing in the general mood of happiness. Nope, what she was experiencing could only be called annoyance, annoyance at having to walk home. She was cold, wet, and tired to boot. All she really wanted was to crawl into a nice warm bed and forget this day ever happened. At her present rate of progress, however, she would take another day to get even close to said bed, which was enough to make her curse her own stupidity at not seeking out some transport.

Not wishing to dwell on such things, as they at present were not correctable, she turned her mind to other matters. "So, Shampoo's married to a girl. Hmmm, it still doesn't seem fair. Kasumi still forced her to marry him," Frost said, then switched tones. "HER!" Frost nodded then continued on in her original tone. "Right, right, her, whatever." Switching tones once again Frost admonished herself. "It makes all the difference. You heard, it was all an accident." Frost shook her head and changed tone again. "Oh yeah, sure it was. I just bet. Heaven only knows what havoc the male biology is playing on Kasumi's mind. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if he wanted it to end that way." Frost once more shook her head, and changed tone. "You're imagining things Frost. You just have to face the facts." She considered that, then shrugged. "Yeah, well, we'll see."

Frost sighed then noticed the few specks of white filling the air. "Oh, come on. Haven't you jerks up there had enough fun at my expense?" She asked, and as if in response the snow intensified. Frost glowered for a moment then just sighed in misery, pulling her cloak in tighter to her body. "One of these days..."

Just then, she heard a car coming up. It had happened several times, this being the main road to the mountain and all, so she basically ignored it. That was until it beeped its horn, and came to a stop. "Hey, Frost, there you are. I've been looking all over for you," Dr. Tofu said, as he got out of the car, and walked over to her side. "You shouldn't be out in weather like this. You'll catch cold. Besides, it'll take you days to get back to Nerima this way."

"Don't you think I know that?" Frost snapped back then contained herself, settling for merely glowering at the stupid man.

Dr. Tofu put up his hands to ward off her anger. "No need to be upset. We're not holding it against you or anything. You just thought you were doing Shampoo a favor, right? Come on, I'll drive you home."

Frost eyed the doctor for a long moment in consideration. She really detested being in debt to a man, but present circumstances seemed to be working against her. After a minute she finally caved in and nodded. "Alright."

"Great, come on. Maybe when we get back you can tell me about that magic-"

"Don't press your luck." Frost said forcefully, causing the doctor to quickly raise his hands again in submission.

"Right, right. Just a thought."

End Chapter 18

Finally, I can talk about Kasumi again. I was getting tired of talking about Kaneda.

Okay then, that's the... Hey Frost, what can I-

ZAP!

AHHhh... CRASH!

Frost: That'll teach ya. And what are you all looking at? Go do something constructive! Read a book!