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.

19. Chapter 19: Mousse's challenge

Ranma 1/2

Altered Destinies: A scary thought

Chapter 19

It was just a pleasant new day in Nerima for most of the residents of that battle plagued zone. It was a glorious new day in Kasumi's considered opinion. She was finally back to being her good old, quite thoroughly female, self, after weeks of being stuck as a man. She could not remember feeling so happy in recent memory. Sure, her problems were not all solved, not by a long shot, but at least one was done away with. Even Kodachi and Makoto had found out the truth, so the necessity to tell them was gone, although Kasumi did want to break it to them in a slightly more controlled way. Oh well.

The morning sun was just coming up, and Kasumi was already busy cooking up some breakfast. She was also reflecting on life with a great deal of renewed optimism. She had not realized just how many people she could count as dear friends. Even Tatewaki had rushed to her aid, which was surprising to say the least, considering how she had thought he had felt about her male half. According to Ranma he had finally come to believe something was up that he was missing, and had discerned the truth after questioning Ranma. So many others had been there for her when she needed them as well: Ryoga, Hinako, Akane, Makoto, Kodachi, Shampoo, and Dr. Tofu. If it was not for them, she was sure she would be dead now, but here she was quite alive.

A bit of Kasumi's revelry was lost when she thought about Frost though. Cologne had warned her before leaving that Frost was not through, only confused for the time being. The new Amazon on the block was certainly trouble. It was not that she was out to cause it. No, it was more that she seemed to have a limited view of life, and had rather nasty ways of punishing what she regarded as infractions. Kasumi would have to tread lightly around her.

However, for the time being, things were looking up. For once she had a feeling of hope that she would indeed get out of the mess she was in. Things were going to go her way from now on. She could feel it.

Finally Shampoo came downstairs, followed by Makoto, who looked like she had not gotten much sleep. "Good morning you two," Kasumi called out cheerily, as the two girls took one of the tables at the center of the dining area.

Shampoo nodded her reply, while Makoto gave Kasumi a melancholy look. "Ah, good morning Kan... Kasu... ah Ms. Tendo," Makoto greeted then covered over her eyes to cover the embarrassment of her slip.

Kasumi came out into the dining area carrying breakfast with her. "You can call me Kasumi, Makoto. It's all right. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you earlier, but at the time I had no proof."

"I understand," Makoto replied as her meal was laid out before her. Instead of dwelling on the matter of her former hopefully to be boyfriend who was in fact a woman, Makoto concentrated on her food. How many times has this sort of thing happened, Makoto thought to herself. Too many, she finally concluded after a moments more thought.

Kasumi herself was thinking about missing her morning practice. Dr. Tofu really did worry too much. She felt fine, but she supposed it was best to obey the doctor's advice and rest for a day at least. It was not like she was missing too much. As she thought about this, another thought came to mind. "How are your martial arts lessons going Makoto?" Kasumi asked, gaining back Mako's attention.

"Oh, fine... I suppose."

Kasumi looked at Mako quizzically. "Is there some problem?"

"Well, to be honest, it's a little light for me. I mean I'm sure your... Dad is a great martial artist and all, but... he... his teaching style... it's..."

Kasumi nodded as she caught Mako's meaning. "Father can be a little bit too soft sometimes. If you really want more intense lessons, I could perhaps arrange for you to train with Mr. Saotome. If nothing else, he does push you, and he doesn't have father's reservations about training women." Kasumi paused a second then turned to Shampoo. "You could join in too, if you wish. I'm sure you'd have an easier time practicing with someone to spar against."

Shampoo looked up from her own meal, and started to shake her head. "Shampoo no-" Suddenly she found Mako's elbow in her ribcage, cutting the statement short. Shampoo glared briefly at the girl, but said nothing, letting her speak.

"Sounds great. We'll come," Mako said.

"Oh good. I'll arrange it with Mr. Saotome later," Kasumi replied as she finished her food, and got up to leave. "I suppose I'd best be going. I'll see you at school Makoto."

Makoto and Shampoo gave their respective waves then Makoto found herself at the business end of Shampoo's angry glare once again. "What for you do that?"

"Didn't hear you complaining too much. Besides, you don't see me moping so much about it that I have to go ruin Kasumi's mood. It's not like it's going to... no wait. It might just hurt. Anyway, I think you can be at least cooperative. I still can't believe you two are actually married."

Shampoo glowered for a moment then gave in. "It not Shampoo's idea to marry girl. He man when-"

"Yes, I know, I know. I had it explain four times to me last night. You have some pretty silly laws in that village of yours."

"They is no silly!" Shampoo shot back, but Makoto just shrugged it off. The conversation ended at that point, and after preparing her lunch for the day and getting properly dressed Makoto set off for school herself, leaving Shampoo alone. The young Amazon spent several minutes simply sitting at a table, staring at the wall opposite her, thinking about the situation. She had trust in Kasumi, but she could not help wishing that Kasumi would fail and that she would gain the husband she so wanted.

The thoughts were ended abruptly with the chime of the door indicating someone was coming in. Shampoo turned to the door, and began to say, "we closed," but stopped before even starting at seeing whom it was. "Great Grandmother, what you do here?"

"Hello Shampoo, I decided it best to give the place a look. After all, it seems this is going to be our home for the time being-"

"Our?" Shampoo asked in confusion.

"Yes. We have much to do, because if your wife thinks her problems are over, she's dearly mistaken. They have only begun." Cologne said, as she headed into the kitchen, Shampoo worriedly getting up and followed her. Cologne scanned the kitchen then noticed Shampoo's anxious expression. "Now, don't you worry about Kasumi's reaction. I'll patch things over with her. After everything is explained I'm confident she will freely invite my aid. After I tell her about my little purchase I'm sure she will be more receptive."

"Purchase?"

Cologne stopped examining the kitchen once again to look back at her Great granddaughter. "Why yes. I now own this place."

Shampoo stopped in shock at that. "You buy restaurant?"

Cologne nodded, and hopped over to the counter to inspect it close up. "Yes... Nice and clean, plenty of space," Cologne mumbled then hopped into the back. "Yes, this will do quite nicely. Tell me, is there any extra accommodations upstairs?"

Shampoo nodded. "Is three bedrooms. Kasumi use one. Makoto and Shampoo use other. Last one need repair. Used for storage now. It full of boxes."

"Well, we can move those. Bathroom?"

"Upstairs. It small, but..." Shampoo did not bother completing the sentence as Cologne headed upstairs to check it out herself. Shampoo followed, and after a moment's inspection of the bedroom and bathroom, Cologne came out into the hall.

"It could use a little renovating. Get the room fixed, and perhaps add in a proper bathing room downstairs. There is enough room I think there. However, all in all it's adequate. Well, come along. We have to make some arrangements, first of which is to put up a proper sign on this place. Why haven't you three gotten around to naming this place yet, anyway?"

"Did no see point. It supposed to be bought by new owner who probably change name anyway," Shampoo explained.

"I see. Well, now we own the place, so we can name it properly. We can decide on that later though when the others are here. However, we'll have to see about getting some carpenters in here, and some..." Cologne said fading as she went back downstairs.

Shampoo was too stunned for a moment to follow, but finally rushed after her great grandmother. "You sure you want do this without talk Kasumi first?"

"I doubt she would have any complaints, but I'll withhold final approval for the work until I speak with her. Oh yes, by the way, if I guess right, your friend Mousse-"

"Mousse no Shampoo's friend," Shampoo pointed out with some mild anger.

"Yes, well, anyway, I believe he plans to make his move today. That will no doubt cause your wife some confusion, so be prepared."

"Move, what move? What he try now? He no going to hurt Kasumi-"

"Not unless it is necessary. I think he'd much prefer for her just to accept it."

"Accept what..." Shampoo trailed off as she realized what Cologne meant, and her eyes went suddenly wide in fear. "You no think-"

Cologne looked back at Shampoo with a calming gaze. "Don't trouble yourself with it. I'll deal with it should that become necessary. Daughter-in-law has much to be explained to her." She paused a moment in thought, then chuckled. "However, knowing Mousse's blunt methods I doubt I shall have much need to intervene. Now, to work, girl. You've been slacking off far too long. I want to have all the preparations made by the time Kasumi returns."

XXXXX

There was a collective look of shock on the faces of the three girls who were on the other end of the transmission with Makoto. Even Ami was struck speechless for at least a minute. Finally she managed to overcome her surprise enough to give Makoto a reply. "So, Kaneda is really Kasumi... That's very... interesting."

"Interesting," Mako repeated, looking ready to cry. "But, he was so nice! Why is it that this sort of thing always happens?"

"I couldn't really tell you," Ami answered honestly, then shook her head in wonderment. "Complete physical reconfiguration, absolutely amazing."

"The Sailor Starlights could do it," Minako noted, and Ami nodded.

"Yes, but they were alien, not to mention carrying star seeds. For a normal human to have such a power, or curse rather, is very odd indeed." Ami then got an idea, and began rapidly typing on her mini computer. "However, that does go a long way to explaining the periodic energy bursts. A transformation like that could very well produce that effect."

"People draining away your battle aura, using ki, and now having curses. That place must be really exciting. I almost wish I was there," Minako said with an amused grin.

Usagi shook her head. "Speak for yourself. I'm getting used to all this boredom. After saving the planet several times over, and the galaxy a few times, I think we deserve a rest."

Makoto nodded in understanding, but then looked off to the side thoughtfully. "Yeah, well, the longer I'm here, the more I think we aren't so special anymore. I've seen stuff that-"

Luna, final frustrated with all the idle chatter, cut in. "Yes, yes, but I think you're all taking this a little too lightly. Ami, why don't you tell everyone what you found on Jusenkyo."

"Oh yes, of course. Well, I did find some notes on these transformation curses, although they were vague enough that at first I didn't believe them. However, now... Well, anyway, there was one other thing I found that was a somewhat surprising. There was mention here and there of a creator. Nothing specific, but when I hunted around, I found a link to our Henshin sticks. Apparently this creator made them."

"Made them?" Came the confused voices of several of the girls.

"Why would some person from Earth be involved in making our transformation artifacts?" Minako asked.

"Not just involved, whoever it was apparently was solely responsible for their creation. I can only hypothesize that the transformational property of the magic of Jusenkyo was a sort of model for the Henshin sticks. Either that or perhaps this person created Jusenkyo for some other purpose. Of course, this creator could very well have been one of us Sailor Senshi. I would have to confer with Setsuna, but you all know how useful she tends to be on information."

Everyone nodded, then Minako spoke. "Hey, maybe that's why Kaneda... ah, Kasumi I mean, saw through your suit's disguise magic, Mako. Perhaps the two magics are related somehow."

Luna perked up at that. "Good thinking Minako. Ami, can you confirm that?"

Ami took a moment to work with her computer before responding. "I'll have to take some additional readings, but it's definitely a good possibility. Mako, you said this Mr. Saotome had a curse as well. Perhaps-"

Makoto immediately shook her head. "Oh no. I already made a big enough fool of myself in front of Mr... I mean Ms. Tendo."

Luna nodded in agreement. "Yes, and besides, we shouldn't risk it. You were lucky Kasumi simply believed it was a costume rather than the real thing." In the background, Usagi could be heard snickering, but the others ignored her from long practice.

"Well, at least that's a couple of mysteries solved, and we have a good lead on another. I guess we better get going. Our lunch break is nearly up here. Good luck with C-chan, Artemis. Oh, and be careful Mako."

"I will. Talk to you later," Mako replied, and signed off, Artemis giving a wave of his own in the background.

After a moment's more typing, Ami looked up, realizing something. "C-chan... Didn't Artemis say she had some involvement with Jusenkyo?"

Usagi nodded. "Yeah, he did."

"Well, that could very well mean C-chan is in fact not a cat. Actually, I'm almost positive of it now. Makoto said this Mr. Saotome had an animal curse, and his mind was intact. If C-chan was really a human that would explain her unusual intelligence."

Both Usagi and Minako nodded in acceptance of the reasoning then looked down in surprise to see Luna laughing. "What's so funny?"

"That fool Artemis is chasing after a human, that's what. Oh, is he in for a shock," Luna explained then burst into a fresh set of laughter.

"Oh, yeah, you're right. I guess we better tell them," Minako said.

Luna broke out of her laughter, and quickly intervened. "Don't you dare! I don't want any of you to go and tell him. I want him to figure it out himself. If nothing else, we can see if he's actually bothering to think over there, or is just goofing off. Besides... It's hilarious," Luna said, breaking into a fresh set of laughter.

"Yeah, I guess that is kind of funny," Minako admitted with a smile, then looked thoughtful. "I don't know though. With the way you Luna cats can sometimes take on human form that could be rather interesting. I mean, maybe that is how your kind was first created."

That stole all of Luna's amusement, and she looked at Minako with a worried expression. Suddenly an image of Artemis resting in the lap of some beautiful maiden, who was cheerfully feeding him fish by hand, popped into her head. She continued to dwell on that thought as the girls said their good byes and departed back for school. Finally, after a minute, she shook her head and laid back on the ground in a huff. "Humph, stupid... Like I really care. She can have the jerk," she mumbled angrily, but with a hint of sadness underlying the anger.

XXXXX

Back at Furinkan High, Makoto sighed after turning off her communicator. Most of the mystery of this place had been solved, although she had to admit the solutions brought into question much of what she had once believed. Now it looked like she would just have to endure the rest of the semester here. Well, on the bright side, she had not made any overt advances on Kaneda, and totally embarrassed herself. Also, running the restaurant was kind of fun. She supposed it was not that bad, but still.

"I guess I better be off," Artemis said as he got up to leave then paused at noticing Makoto's glum expression. "Cheer up. It's not that bad."

"At least your girlfriend didn't turn out to really be a boy," Makoto replied then decided to change topics slightly. "How are things going with C-chan anyway?"

"Well enough. I'm supposed to meet her later. We were supposed to meet yesterday, but she said she had something to do. I think she's making real progress though," Makoto raised a skeptical eyebrow at that. "With single syllables," Artemis amended, and departed.

Makoto watched him leave then turned her attention to other matters. Across the way Akane was chasing after Kodachi, apparently trying to desperately gain the gymnast's attention. I guess Kodachi is a bit upset too, Makoto hypothesized, and took note of Kitsune having a discussion with one Gosunkugi, the resident wannabe conjuror. He could take a few lessons from Frost, Makoto mused, but quickly dismissed the idea with a shudder. Then again, I don't think she'd be overly receptive to a male student.

Wanting a distraction, Makoto got up, and headed over. "Hey Kitsune, any news?"

Kitsune turned immediately to Makoto in excitement. "Do I ever have news! First off, like I was just telling Gosunkugi here, a Chinese Vampire just took up residence at the office of one of the local doctors, ah... Doctor Ono Tofu I believe is his name, female one too. Get this; she's trying to pass herself off as an albino. Please! I have several eyewitness reports of her walking through snow without leaving a single footprint. Dead give away of the undead."

"Wasn't she out during the day though?" Makoto pointed out. "Aren't vampires supposed to melt in sunlight or something?"

"Oh, that was in ancient times Mako. Now, in the twentieth century they've gotten around those problems. Sun block for instance is an excellent protective mechanism. Besides, that pale, dead complexion is obviously due to low hemoglobin levels coupled with lack of exposure to sunlight, two more definite signs of vampirism. Here, it's all in the latest issue of the Lone Gunman," Kitsune said, handing Makoto a small paper booklet from one of her bags. "It has all the details. Oh yeah, there's also a great article in there on the Sailor Senshi."

Makoto's eyes suddenly went wide at this. "What? What kind of article?"

Kitsune took back the booklet from Makoto long enough to find the correct page, then returned it. "It's all right there. It examines two of the leading theories around what they're really up to."

"What they're really up to?" Makoto repeated in some confusion.

"Oh yeah. One theory has it that they are really from the Moon kingdom, during this period called the Silver Millennium. It says Sailor Moon is really the princess of this kingdom, and the others are part of her council. The kingdom was supposedly destroyed several hundred years ago, but the Senshi survived by being reincarnated in the modern world. It also holds that they are destined to lead us to this utopia call Crystal Tokyo sometime in the future."

Makoto looked at Kitsune in utter shock, and not a little fear. If she came that close to the truth, could her secret identity be far behind. However, Kitsune continued on. "I'm not really sure on that one though. Sounds pretty unlikely, more like a fairy tale than real life. The other concept is much more realistic. It says they're really a secret government group created to hunt down aliens on Earth, and systematically either remove or eradicate them, so that the general populous doesn't find out. They set up this other thing as just a cover story to conceal their real activities."

Makoto again looked at Kitsune in shock, but this time from disbelief. How could anyone think that was what the Senshi were doing? Oh sure, they dealt with their share of aliens, but to protect the world, not to try and cover up their existence. After a second she shook her head. It was nothing to worry about. After all, this was Kitsune she was dealing with.

XXXXX

"Come on Dachi, it was just a joke," Akane said desperately in an attempt to obtain any sort of response from her friend. However, as she had been doing all day, Kodachi remained silent, not even so much as acknowledging Akane's presence. Akane lowered her head in thought. She must be really mad, she thought then looked back up with an idea. "Would you even have believed me if I had told you?"

Finally Kodachi took notice, stopping her aimless walk around the schoolyard, and looked at Akane. "No, but that's not the point. If you had told me, then at least you would have tried, and I would have nothing to complain about. However, you didn't. Instead you let me make a complete fool of myself by swooning over your sister, which was no doubt very uncomfortable for her as well. That goes far beyond any allowance as a simply joke."

Akane looked down at her feet. "I said I'm sorry."

"Sorry doesn't quite cover it I'm afraid," Kodachi responded then started staring of at a group of boys gathered by the soccer field. "I suppose being stuck here for the rest of the semester won't be so bad. Perhaps I'll have a chance at finding a decent man, who hopefully is in fact a man." Kodachi said the last with a slight sigh.

A moment of silence passed, until finally Akane pleaded once more with Kodachi. "Come on Dachi, aren't you going to forgive me?"

Kodachi considered that for a full minute, and then answered. "Perhaps, but I shall have to think up an appropriately appalling punishment for this misdeed." Akane looked on with some nervousness as Kodachi went into thought on that. Finally a smile broke across her friend's face. "Kenzo is always saying he'll give me a discount if I ever wanted to make a large purchase."

"Kenzo? Who's Kenzo?" Akane asked, but Kodachi ignored her for the moment, and instead turned to examine her.

"Yes, that just might be the thing. Of course, I'd have to get some custom made stuff. The normal equipment certainly wouldn't be strong enough for you."

Akane looked at Kodachi as the gymnast continued to size her up, and suddenly felt very self-conscious. "Dachi, what are you talking about? What equipment?"

In response Kodachi merely smiled in a predatory fashion that only made Akane's anxiety worse. "I'll tell you all about it when I'm ready, don't you worry."

"Dachi, stop teasing me and tell me what... uhoh!" Akane said just as a figure jumped out from around the corner, a gymnastic baton in hand aimed directly at Kodachi's head.

Fortunately, Kodachi needed nothing more then the sudden switch of Akane's expression from anxious to surprised to realize some danger was threatening, and dodged out of the way. She turned around to see one person she had not counted on, but on hindsight should have known would try something. "Why Kimiko, how nice to see you. You're still not upset over that little thing with the itching powder are you?"

"Die Kodachi Kuno," shouted Kimiko in response, and she leapt to the attack, forcing Kodachi into a retreat. Kodachi managed to dodge several more attempted baton beatings as she nimbly evaded the Furinkan gymnastic team captain's attacks. Finally, however, without a weapon of her own, Kodachi had to make a move to get away.

"See you later Akane, perhaps tonight," Kodachi called out, ducking under another swing from Kimiko then racing off in an attempt to allude her attacker.

Akane watched her leave, and shook her head. What in the heck was Kodachi talking about, she asked herself, but the answer did not come. Instead, she noticed Ranma walk up next to her. "I'm afraid Kodachi is a little busy, Ranma," Akane said, guessing at the motive for his presence.

"Kimiko finally decided to get her revenge, huh?" Ranma noted, gaining a confirming nod from Akane.

After a moment, Akane turned to Ranma. "Ranma, do you know a Kenzo?"

"Kenzo? Not personally, but there is this adult oriented shop downtown call Kenzo's," Ranma replied, causing Akane some confusion.

"What do you mean adult oriented?"

"Well, you know... They sell... you know, stuff, adult stuff," Ranma tried to explain, but Akane looked only more confused. "Gees Akane, don't you get out? I'd think hanging out with Kodachi you'd know about that sort of stuff. She goes there about once a week."

"She might, but I don't, and obviously she's never taken me before. Just tell me what kind of equipment it sells."

Ranma looked at Akane curiously for a moment. "Why do you want to know anyway?"

"Just tell me!" Akane repeated in frustration, prompting Ranma to finally lean over to whisper it in her ear. Akane's eyes immediately went wide in shock. She looked at Ranma to confirm he was not joking, then nervously gulped. "She wouldn't dare."

"Who wouldn't dare what?"

"Never you mind!" Akane snapped then dropped into nervous thought. Okay, Dachi is loose and all, and a little wild, but she would never pull something like that on me, would she, Akane asked herself, and began to blush furiously at the idea. "Nah, she's just teasing... she better just be teasing." Taking a deep breath, Akane calmed herself.

"Teasing? Who? And why would someone tease you about something you don't even get the gist of? Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?" Ranma asked, returning some of Akane's anxiety.

"Just shut up Ranma! She would never pull a stunt like that. She knows she'd never get away with it."

"Who? Are you talking about Kodachi?" Akane waved off the question without answering, and began walking off. Ranma pursued and continued to question her, gaining only evasive responses. After several minutes of that, Ranma at last gave up, and decided to go talk with someone more responsive. He crossed the school grounds, heading for the Kendo club's meeting room, and spotted Kuno just coming out. "Hey, buddy, what have you been up to in there? You've been spending all of your free time in there."

Kuno looked over at his friend, a very unusual expression of deep contemplation on his face, and nodded. "Indeed, I have, for I have been in deep meditation, considering matters of importance. Come, join me whilst I search out our most noble and beautiful of instructors."

Ranma gave Kuno a slightly confused look, but nodded and fell into pace with him as they began walking. Kuno seemed incredibly reflective these last few days, particularly since finding out Kasumi's secret. Kuno was not one for much reflection, and certainly not one to look so reflective in public. To everyone else, he was 'The Blue Thunder of Furinkan High', or whatever other title he fancied at the time. In private he tended to be far more down to earth as it were. Now it seemed the public persona was giving way to that private one Kuno kept so well hidden.

"Saotome... Ranma, what do you truly feel about your engagement to Kasumi?" Kuno asked suddenly.

Ranma hesitated to answer. "Well, I... ah, she's nice enough and all, but me and her... It was just our parents' dumb idea."

"It would seem you have never tried to make this engagement work. If memory serves, no sooner were you engaged than you came to me in an attempt to sabotage said engagement."

Ranma stared at Kuno for a moment in surprise, and just a bit of guilt. "Ah, well, I suppose you could interpret it that way."

"Indeed," Kuno replied, catching some of Ranma's expression. "I bear you no grudge. I realize that you desire some measure of freedom in your life, particularly in the matter of whom you shall have as your future wife. Make no mistake, I do not take kindly to being used as a tool, but I am willing to forgive this transgression. I am more concerned about the affront to your fiancée."

Ranma suddenly showed a great deal of interest in his feet. "I already apologized to her. I realize I do stupid things sometimes, but there was no harm done really. I don't think she wants the engagement any more than I do."

Kuno nodded. "I am most pleased to hear that. Kasumi Tendo deserves nothing less than the most fair of treatment and consideration." So saying, and seeing Kasumi across the way, Kuno quickened his pace slightly to join her. Ranma looked at his friend for a moment, slightly relieved, and slightly perplexed, then followed, catching up just in time to see Kuno kneel before Kasumi, pulling out his Bokken and presenting it to her across his open palms.

"Kasumi Tendo, I have come before you to plead for forgiveness. My actions, and lack of vision have caused you great difficulty."

Kasumi looked mildly shocked, and took a moment before speaking. "Tatewaki, it's-"

"Hear me out. A creature of loveliness such as yourself not only of the body, but of the soul, deserves nothing less than the most considerate of treatment. Thus, I offer you my blade as my pledge to you that I, Tatewaki Kuno, shall never again wrong you." Kuno bowed slightly deeper, and again held out his Bokken with both hands, holding it across his open palms.

Kasumi looked at the wooden blade for a second then shook her head. "I could not. It is yours. I forgive you."

"You are truly a woman of unmatched heart," Kuno replied, then sheathed his weapon, and stood before Kasumi. "However, Bokken or no, let it be known that this blade shall never be raised with such haste again, for the Blue Thunder is no more. Only Tatewaki Kuno remains." The last was said almost as if in mourning. Ranma and Kasumi exchanged questioning, surprised looks then both looked back at the Kendoist.

After several seconds of silence from Kuno, he finally began speaking. "For truly I have seen the light of truth. A woman of your refinement deserves more than a simple title. You deserve nothing less than the fullness of my person, for that, and that alone, is true love." Both Kasumi and Ranma felt relieved in some measure at a little of the Kuno they knew reappearing. After bowing once more to Kasumi, Kuno grabbed Ranma by the shoulder, and began leading him off. "Come Ranma, I have need of a witness, for there is one other I must speak to this day, and a sad duty it shall be."

As they left, Kasumi watched, a slight smile appearing on her face. Her smile quickly turned into a sigh as she saw Kodachi dodging an attack by Kimiko a short distance away. "No rest for the weary," she said, as she set out to break up the quarrel.

XXXXX

"Akane, I don't see why you're getting so worked up over this. Kodachi is obviously just playing around with you. You know how much she's into pranks. She's just trying to psyche you out," Nabiki explained to her sister. Akane nodded, somewhat comforted by the explanation.

"Of course, yeah, you're right. Well, I'm not going to let her get to me anymore." Akane announced in defiance. Kodachi would have to do a whole lot better than that to get her.

"Don't look now, but your boyfriend's coming."

Akane looked up from her contemplation to see whom Nabiki was referring to, and immediately scowled at the sight of the approaching Kuno. "Now what? Like I'm really in the mood to deal with him," the youngest Tendo moaned out, but resigned herself to the inevitable speech of undying love and what not.

In a rather unusual gesture, Kuno bowed deeply to Akane, keeping his eyes averted from her face. "Oh, Akane Tendo, how it doth pain me to see you on this day, for I have come with news that will most surely strike down to your very soul, but... but there is no other way."

"This ought to be good," Nabiki whispered to Ranma, as Kuno took a moment to collect himself.

Finally Kuno stood up to his full height, and faced Akane. To everyone's collective shock, he actually bore silent tears. "Akane Tendo, I may no longer seek your hand." The previous shock was amplified a hundred fold at that statement. Even Nabiki was dumbstruck by the declaration. "By your reticence, I know your pain, but truly this is the only way."

Akane managed to at last close her jaw and speak. "What are you trying to pull Kuno?"

"Dearest Akane, do not suspect me of base deception, nor deny to yourself the truth. I have found my true path, and it lies not in the past, but in the future," Kuno said sadly then looked off to the sky. "I must shed my indulgences of that past, and face my future anew, and sadly that cannot be with you."

"Wha... But-"

Kuno raised a hand to fend off Akane's words. "No, speak not, for the pain is too great in my heart, as surely as it is great in yours. Our ways part this day, and I free you to seek your true destiny with another. For my destiny lies not with you, but with your sister, Kasumi Tendo, and for her am I promised." Kuno looked back at Akane to see her staring at him in utter disbelief. "The path of true love never did run smooth. Take that to heart when you reflect on this day. Good bye, Akane Tendo." So saying, Kuno nodded to Nabiki and Ranma, who were also stunned speechless, then proceeded to head off.

A full minute passed before anyone spoke. "Kuno... he... I don't believe... he... he... DUMPED ME!" Akane sputtered out at last, unable this time to keep her jaw closed. "I can't believe he dumped me." She repeated in her disbelief then began walking off in the opposite direction.

Nabiki and Ranma exchanged looks of wonderment. "Have you seen any pods at the Kunos' lately Ranma?" Nabiki asked.

"Sorry, nope."

"That's what I was afraid of." Nabiki mumbled, gaining a further confused look from Ranma. "Never mind. I have to go. I may just have a crisis on my hands here." Nabiki ran off in yet another direction, leaving Ranma by his lonesome.

"The world's coming to an end, that's it for sure. This is the first sign. Kuno actually gave up on a girl." Shaking his head, Ranma too wandered off.

XXXXX

"HE DID WHAT?" Yoko and Hinichi exclaimed in disbelief.

"He dumped Akane... well sort of. He said he could no longer seek her hand or something like that, but that basically amounts to him giving up on her," Nabiki explained.

Both girls blinked for several moments as they tried to get over their own surprise then rapidly began digging out ledgers. "This could be disastrous boss. The odds on that happening so soon were bloody long, but I think we had a taker." Yoko said as she hunted through her books.

Hinichi nodded. "Yeah, we could be looking at taking a severe bath here if someone made a serious bet. The earliest we had that happening was 5 months from now, no where near this soon."

"Tell me about it." Nabiki said in agreement, and began helping the other two girls look for the bet. "Let's just pray the bet was small." After going through those books on their persons, the trio headed off for their other records stored away in Nabiki's locker. Several more minutes were spent searching those when Tsubasa, complete in a gray British design business suit with monocle and cane, walked up. Nabiki looked him over in annoyance. "And just what are you supposed to be?" She asked, then immediately held up her hand to forgo the answer. "Never mind. I don't want to know. I'm kind of busy at the moment, what do you want?"

"Just to know if you had a good time yesterday. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to you after that thing with your sister. What was that all about anyway?"

Nabiki shook her head; her attention wrapped up in another book. "Nothing to concern you with, and I had... a nice time."

Tsubasa broke out in an overjoyed smile. "You did? Really? Truly? No fooling?"

"Yeah, yeah, now if you don't mind..."

"Would you like to go out again tomorrow then?"

Nabiki stopped her searching to look at Tsubasa seriously. This whole thing had gone just a shade too far. One date was tolerable. Two dates was extreme. Three was absolutely out of the question. "I can't."

"Well, it doesn't have to be tomorrow, maybe the day after?"

"No, really, I'm busy." Nabiki answered with a shake of her head, trying to hide in her book, but Tsubasa pressed on.

"The day after that then?" He asked hopefully.

Finally Nabiki resolved herself to do what she knew had to be done before this ridiculous situation went any further. Tsubasa was a determined guy if nothing else. It would take extreme measures to make him give it up. Handing her book off to Yoko, she looked Tsubasa straight in the eye. "Tsubasa, I can't fool you any longer. I've just been using you to avoid something. That's all. It's nothing personal. You just happened to be available. I have never had one iota of interest in you. There is absolutely nothing between us."

Tsubasa's happy, hopeful expression changed to that of a crushed man. The sight was even enough to gain a pang of severe guilt from Nabiki, particularly when tears began to form in his eyes. "Okay, if that's... that's the way you... you... feel... WAHHH!" Tsubasa finally shattered completely, bursting into a fountain of tears, and ran off down the hall.

Watching that sight was almost enough for Nabiki's calm to crack. She had to forcibly restrain the urge to rush after him and apologize. This is what had to be done, she told herself, but when she turned back to her friends all her confidence in that was lost. Both girls looked at Nabiki in disapproval. Hinichi in fact seemed almost angry.

"That was low, Nabiki," Yoko admonished.

Hinichi nodded, giving Nabiki a dark stare. "Yeah, with all due respect boss, that was bloody cold. I thought I knew you better than that. It seems what the others say about you isn't too far off."

Nabiki bowed her head, unable to take the harsh criticism from one of her closest friends. "Come on Hinichi, what did you want me to do? Lie to him?"

"You didn't have to make him cry!" She snapped back. "You know what it takes to make a guy cry?"

Nabiki winced under Hinichi words, but thankfully Yoko stepped. "Lay off, Hinichi. I think she gets the point. Besides, maybe she's right." Hinichi glared over at Yoko, but after a moment relented, and returned to her books in a slight huff. Yoko then turned her attention to Nabiki. "Boss, maybe you should go talk to the guy anyway."

Nabiki looked back up, some of her confidence back, and shook her head. "Yeah right, you know darn well what he'll think if I do that. I show the guy the least bit of attention and he's ecstatic. If I go chase after him now he'll get all the wrong ideas."

Yoko nodded. The reasoning was sound, even if it did not leave her with the best of feelings. However, Hinichi suddenly looked over at them eagerly. "You just may want to reconsider that boss."

"Why?"

"Because I just found out who made a rather sizable bet that Kuno would dump Akane, and guess who."

Nabiki and Yoko looked at Hinichi in disbelief, and Nabiki grabbed the book to confirm it for herself. After seeing the name and amount bet, Nabiki quickly became light headed. Both girls rushed to their friend's aid, keeping her from falling. "Boss, you all right?" Yoko asked.

"I'm ruined!" Nabiki cried out.

"Now, now boss, let's not panic. I mean, like you said, the guy is a hopeless romantic. I'm sure he'll drop the bet if you ask him." Yoko suggested, causing Nabiki to regain her strength.

"Yeah, right, good thinking. I'll just..." Nabiki trailed off as she thought about the implications. "Oh man! Why me?"

"I suggest you get going boss before he gets entrenched in bitterness," Hinichi said. Nabiki looked at her sorrowfully, then reluctantly nodded and headed off after Tsubasa. After watching her leave, Hinichi turned to Yoko. "That's better. Sometimes she just needs a good kick in the butt to do what's right."

"Yeah, I guess. You know he has been hanging around us a lot, taking pointers and all. Do you think maybe he actually knew Kuno would do this?" Yoko asked. Hinichi considered that for a second then together both girls shook their heads. "Yeah, dumb luck, has to be."

XXXXX

"Tsubasa, wait!" Nabiki cried out as she rounded the corner, just in time to see Tsubasa entering a door. The dapperly dressed boy turned a tear-streaked face toward her, but then ducked his head and rushed into the room in front of him. Nabiki cursed, and gave chase.

Not bothering to note the placard above the door, she burst in, and confronted a startled Tsubasa. "I told you to wait..." She started to yell out, but then gritted her teeth, and smiled, "please, I'm sorry, I can explain." Nabiki noticed they were not alone. Two other boys were standing facing the wall, their faces turned toward Nabiki, looks of embarrassment and shock writ large across their expressions. "Well, what are you looking at? Can't you see this is a private conversation? Get out of here!"

The two boys hastily zipped themselves up, and made a dash for the door, leaving Nabiki staring dumbfounded at the two urinals that their bodies had concealed to that moment. Slowly she panned her vision around the room she and Tsubasa were standing in, a blush slowly growing on her face.

"Maybe you'd better leave as well," Tsubasa choked out, his back toward her.

Nabiki was sorely tempted, but the thought of her accounts payable stiffened her spine, even as the sight of Tsubasa's bowed shoulders struck a nerve in a softer part of her anatomy. "I'm sorry Tsubasa," she repeated. "It's just when I saw how you had wiped me out, I guess my temper got out of control. For just an instant I had this notion you had used me. It was silly I know, but there you have it. You just happened to walk up at the wrong moment." Nabiki crossed her fingers behind her back, and hoped she had played this right, or else she was in big trouble.

"Wiped you out?" Tsubasa said in a questioning voice. "I don't understand. How could I wipe you out?"

Nabiki contrived to put on a brave face, letting just a hint of a tremble appear on her chin. "It's not your fault, I was careless, and didn't balance my bets very well. When you hit that long shot on Kuno, well, I'm afraid it going to take everything I have to make good. I'll even have to sell my new stereo, but don't worry, I'll make good on what I own you. A Tendo always honors her debts." Nabiki drew in her cheeks slightly, and tried to appear as wan as she could manage, all the while chanting a mantra, buy it, buy it.

Tsubasa stared at her, trying to understand what she was talking about, but then a part of her conversation made it through the translation process. "You mean you really do like me?" He asked, hope blooming on his face.

Nabiki bit the bullet. "Of course, I was just momentarily upset. You know how girls are sometimes?"

Tsubasa eagerly nodded his head, even though he again had no idea what girls were sometimes like. All he could think of was that she still liked him. A smile washed across his face, and he beamed at her. He had to do something to show the joy he felt, and her words of explanation provided the perfect way. "Tear up my betting slip." He said, "I could never take money from my girlfriend."

"Are you sure?" Nabiki asked, allowing a look of worship to appear in her expressive eyes. Tsubasa seemed to grow three inches under that look.

"Of course, I don't even want to know how much it was," then, unable to restrain himself, he caught Nabiki up in a fierce hug, surprising her with his strength.

"Whoohooo, way to go my man!" The sudden cheers from a variety of throats caused Tsubasa to break away from Nabiki, and they both discovered they had acquired an audience. Nabiki looked in shock at the half dozen boys who had entered the room. Her reputation was dead. She would never shake down another student as long as she was at Furinkan. Then to her surprise, Tsubasa gently moved her aside and stepped out in front of her. Producing a notebook from his jacket, he looked at the boys in front on them, and meticulously leafed through the small book, ignoring the catcalls and well wishes from the older boys.

"Ah, here we are. The Soccer team. I see you made a collective bet on yourselves last week. A bit foolish of you. Are you here to pay?" Tsubasa directed a frosty grin at the larger boys, who suddenly looked like they would rather be anywhere else.

Nabiki stood back and watched in numb amazement as Tsubasa expertly shook down the other six boys, extracting a promise of eight percent interest on the amount they owed, to be paid promptly in one week, with substantial penalties if not forthcoming. She felt a very uncharacteristic burst of affection in her breast, hastily suppressed, as she hurried forward to prevent a loophole in Tsubasa's otherwise excellent payment plan.

XXXXX

Kasumi sighed as Kimiko and Kodachi finally parted company without further incident. However, it was a stop gap fix. Kimiko was out to avenge her previous humiliation, and sooner or later she'd do so. Kasumi made a note to herself to speak the Furinkan Gymnastic captain's teacher regarding this. Hopefully she could end this before anything drastic happened.

Another problem aside for the day, Kasumi once more scanned the schoolyard for trouble. For once, it was quiet. Kasumi smiled in some relief at that then smiled even broader at spotting Ryoga together with his dog, Shirokuro. Now that she was once more a she, she could at last have a full-fledged conversation with her one time friend. It would be nice, especially considering how badly her friendship with Ukyo had turned out.

Kasumi walked over to find Ryoga just finishing off his lunch. In his typical fashion he had cooked what looked to be field rations on a portable stove, and had a sheet lain out on the ground with which to sit on. Kasumi mused at that for a moment, knowing Ryoga always prepared for long trips into the unknown. "Hello, Ryoga."

Ryoga, who up to that moment had not noticed Kasumi's approach, jumped up to his feet in surprise. He then nervously put a hand on the back of his head and laughed. "Oh, Kasumi, you surprised me."

"Do you mind if I join you?"

"Oh, sure, sure!" He responded enthusiastically, directing Kasumi to sit on the sheet. She graciously accepted, and sat opposite him.

"I am sorry I couldn't tell you earlier, Ryoga," Kasumi started, but Ryoga waved that off.

"Oh, that's nothing. I understand. I'm still finding it hard to believe you have this curse. How did you get it?"

"It was at this place called Jusenkyo in China. It is a valley full of springs, cursed springs actually. If you fall in one, you take on the curse of that spring."

Ryoga nodded solemnly. "Is there no cure?"

Kasumi shook her head sadly. "At the moment it would appear not. I even thought of using the spring of drowned girl, but apparently the curses mix, at least according to the guide. He said that some time ago something happened to the magic of the land, changing the nature of the curses so Jusenkyo itself could not be used as a cure. He mentioned other cursed springs that had not been so tainted, but he didn't know the location of any."

"And this curse is why you're... married to Shampoo?"

"Yes, it was all a big misunderstanding." Kasumi explained somewhat nervously.

Ryoga again nodded then looked down at the ground, concealing his face. "But, it is legal and all, and you can't get married-"

"No, well, it is legal by Amazon law, but I apparently can get married, if only to one man between us. Matter of fact, I'm engaged."

Ryoga looked up in surprise. "Engaged?"

"Yes, although it is an arranged married our fathers worked out. Originally Akane and Ranma-"

"Ranma? He's who you're engaged to?" Ryoga asked in further surprise, gaining a nod from Kasumi. "But... He's no older than I am. I thought you wanted to marry someone older than you."

Kasumi nodded then looked thoughtful. "I did, I suppose, at one time. I'm not so sure-"

"At last I've found you, Kasumi Tendo!" Mousse exclaimed as he jumped down next to Ryoga. "I have news of the utmost urgency, Kasumi Tendo!"

"Who the hell are you talking to? Do I look like Kasumi? She's over there!" Ryoga yelled at the Chinese boy, causing him to fall over in shock. Mousse replaced his glasses on his face then moved up to examine Ryoga at close range.

"And just who are you?" Mousse asked suspiciously, but Kasumi intervened before the confrontation went any further.

"That's my old friend, Ryoga, Mousse. You had something to tell me?"

Mousse turned to notice Kasumi then briefly returned to glaring at Ryoga who returned the look in kind. Neither boy was very happy with the presence of the other, but at last they ended their staring contest, Mousse facing Kasumi. "Yes, I have news of the solution to all your problems. Well, those concerning the marriage at least. I have the perfect method for restoring Shampoo status."

"You do?" Kasumi asked in surprise, gaining a nod from Mousse.

"Yes, and it's so simple. All you have to do is marry me."

The statement momentarily stunned Kasumi, and by the time she came back to herself to respond, Kuno had beat her to it. Appearing seemingly from no where, the Kendo expert was immediately in between Kasumi and Mousse. "You sir, what is the meaning of this? If my ears do not deceive me you dare to trick Kasumi Tendo into a false marriage!"

"Hey you, back off. This is none of your business!" Mousse shot back, trying to push Kuno aside, but then had to face Ryoga.

"Yeah, he's right. What're you trying to pull?"

"And just what concern is this of yours?" Mousse asked, but Kasumi cut in before he could get a response.

"That is quite enough, all of you!" Kasumi said, now standing, then turned to Mousse. "Mousse, please explain what you mean. How can marrying you fix Shampoo's status?"

Triumphantly, Mousse pushed aside both other boys. "Like I said, it's simple. The lesser female in your type of marriage-"

"What? What prattle are you speaking? Kasumi is married?" Kuno cried out in shock.

Mousse looked back at Kuno in annoyance. "Yes, you idiot. Get with the program would you. She's married to Shampoo."

"You dare insult-"

Kasumi quickly interjected. "Tatewaki! Mousse! That is quite enough! Tatewaki, I'll explain later. Mousse, continue."

Kuno fumed for a moment, but remained silent, allowing Mousse to go on. "Like I was saying, the lesser female in your type of marriage loses her status as a form of deterrence for such marriages. The village does not want two warriors to be effectively removed from the gene pool. However, with a male in the marriage, children are much more likely and therefore there is no reason for that deterrence. In such a three way marriage neither female loses her status."

"I was never told about this. I knew I could marry, but it was never said that would restore Shampoo's status," Kasumi said aloud to herself.

"Cologne probably didn't want you to know," Mousse offered then was pushed aside by Kuno.

"Do not listen to this nave, Kasumi Tendo. Choose me instead!"

"Tatewaki, I can't-"

Mousse once more pushed Kuno out of the way and cut off Kasumi. "That's not the way it works! He's not an Amazon male."

"And what difference does that make?" Ryoga asked.

"She may only choose to marry an Amazon male, whereas outsider males must defeat an Amazon warrior in fair combat in order to marry them. That's the law."

"But I'm not an Amazon warrior," Kasumi pointed out, but Mousse shook his head.

"No, now you are. You are married to Shampoo in the superior position, so you take on her status, including being considered a full Amazon warrior."

"What?" Kasumi blurt out before regaining her composure. "I'm an Amazon now, but that's silly."

Mousse shrugged. "Silly or not, it is what the law says. As a male it didn't matter, but now that you are a female you are considered a full Amazon."

Shaking her head in confusion, Kasumi took a moment to collect herself. "I need to think about this, Mousse." She said to forestall the situation.

"There is no time, Kasumi. Being an Amazon means you have to obey the laws. The longer you're in that position, the more risk there is. Shampoo will be in danger this way. If you marry me you need not worry about that."

"Obey Amazon laws! You mean if I am defeated by a man I must marry them, and if I am defeat by a woman I must... oh no!" Kasumi blurted out once more then took a deep breath. "Mousse, I can't make a decision like this right now." To further press the issue the school-warning bell rang, signaling the end of lunchtime. Mousse frowned, but then nodded.

"Very well. Meet me here at five o'clock with your decision. Make the correct choice." Mousse leaped to the school wall, then off into the street and out of sight, leaving Kasumi with Kuno and Ryoga.

Kuno was the first to speak. "Listen not to that fraud, Kasumi Tendo. This is no doubt some trickery of his to force a marriage upon you."

"I agree," Ryoga said with a nod. "I don't trust that guy. Maybe he's telling the truth, but that's no reason why you should marry him, Amazon or not."

"Yes, well, I need to think about this. You two should return to class." Kasumi directly, and reluctantly both boys headed off, Ryoga accompanied by his dog. After a moment, Kasumi sighed and followed a worried expression on her face. It was going to be a long day.

XXXXX

At the entrance to the school Kuno stopped to consider himself. So, if I defeat Kasumi Tendo in combat, not only do I get her, but this Shampoo as well, he thought. Indeed, a most interesting situation, which is worthy of further consideration. With a small grin Kuno proceeded on his way.

Ryoga was not far behind, thinking himself. Kasumi is engaged to Ranma. Maybe that means I could... And it would solve her marriage problem... hmmm. Dropping his head in further thought, Ryoga continued on.

Mousse practically leapt for joy, and in fact would have, if it had not been for the overhead sign he had been walking under. Rubbing his sore head, he could not keep the smile from his face. Yes, it was all coming together. Kasumi was not under the sway of that old Ghoul. She was in fact in opposition to her. She would do what was best for Shampoo, and marry him. There could be no doubt whatsoever of that. Shampoo would be his at last, and also, in time, Kasumi, who he was confident, would grow to love him as much as Shampoo did.

XXXXX

The school day over and her duties at Furinkan complete, Kasumi was on her way home in a rush. She had to confirm what Mousse had told her; not only for the solution possibilities, but also for the severe problems it may indeed entail. Mr. Hiro had wished to talk to her, and Ms. Hinako wanted to review some new student data, but those things would just have to wait. This was more pressing.

Of course, once she arrived home and found Cologne around a table with Shampoo and Makoto, plus numerous carpenters taking measurements, Kasumi realized that perhaps Hiro had something equally pressing to discuss. "What is going on here?" Kasumi blurted out before thinking.

"Ah, daughter-in-law, how nice to see you," Cologne greeted. "We were just discussing what we should name the restaurant."

"Pardon?"

The elder looked over at Kasumi curiously. "I take it you did not talk with Mr. Hiro. Well then, welcome to my latest acquisition. Of course, we'll need to make a few modifications. That's what these men are here for."

"You bought the restaurant." Kasumi concluded, and Cologne nodded.

"Yes, but I do not plan on withhold its use from you. In fact, I bought it to give to you. Think of it as a wedding gift if you wish."

Kasumi winced slightly at the reference, but decided not to make an issue of it. Now was not the time. "That's very generous of you, but... Elder, we need to speak."

"Of course, of course. No doubt you've been talking with Mousse. Come, we can talk upstairs." Cologne said then turned to Shampoo and Makoto. "Keep up with the suggestions. We'll decide on one a little later."

Both girls watched the elder and Kasumi head off upstairs before talking. "Do you really think Kasumi will go along with this after what that old woman did to her?" Mako asked, but Shampoo could only shrug.

XXXXX

"All right, is it true I'm considered an Amazon now?" Kasumi asked as soon as they entered her room.

"Yes," Cologne responded simply, and tossed Kasumi a book. "As such, you better start memorizing those rules."

After looking at the book for a moment, Kasumi stared at Cologne in disbelief. "But, I'm not an Amazon!" She protested. "Why should I have to obey your laws, especially here in Japan?"

Cologne's eyes locked with Kasumi's in seriousness as she answered. "Because you hold all of Shampoo's future in your hands, and thus you can damage it if you are careless. Japan or China does not matter. Our laws do not recognize national boundaries even if yours do."

"And what Mousse said..."

Cologne nodded. "If he told you marrying a male would restore Shampoo's status to her, yes it is true. He also likely told you about the restrictions on outside marriages, that a defeat is required, which is also true. We do not casually allow outside blood into the tribe. They must prove themselves to be more than just sweet talkers." The elder Amazon turned away to pace the room. "This is precisely why I wanted you to be a male. As a man you need not worry about the laws. As a female you put everything at risk."

Cologne stopped to look back at Kasumi. "Shampoo has told you about the situation back at the village surrounding this mess. Many villagers won't like the idea of a half-male woman who is the heir to the matriarchy. Others will take advantage of this to depose my family from that position. They'll likely use any excuse to make sure you don't reach that position, and you breaking the laws is the perfect excuse."

"But, I don't want to be matriarch." Kasumi pointed out, but Cologne shook her head.

"Even the potential for you to take the position will be enough to gain you unwanted attention. They'll put you under a microscope to look for a way to ensure it doesn't happen, and there is not one thing I can do about it. After all, it is well within their rights to call for a punishment if you break the law. A normal Amazon like Shampoo might get away with some infractions, but you won't."

"Can't I tell them I won't take the position?"

"Shampoo was named as my successor some time ago. When you married her, even her future position transferred to you. There have been disputes on this matter in the past, so our people make it very difficult to adjust matters without good reason. Despite your origins, I truly have no good reason to take that position away from you. So, that leaves your only option as renouncing your Amazon warrior status. Just realize you do that for Shampoo too in effect. Even if you did restore her status, not much of it would be left. Regaining her position would be very difficult indeed, perhaps impossible."

Kasumi shook her head in frustration. "Why must I always be tied to Shampoo?"

"That is the cost of a marriage. You bind your life to another, what effects one, affects the other. You have to live with that, and so must Shampoo now that she's sided with you." Cologne took a moment to pause and let Kasumi absorb that. "It is not hopeless. The elders must have a legitimate excuse to punish you. Obey the laws and they have nothing. They could yell about it, but little more. And yes, if you marry a man, at that point the threat is over. Shampoo will be the matriarch, not you. But till then, the risk exists. I would not be surprised to learn there is already a spy nearby looking in on you."

"Spy?" Kasumi repeated in surprise.

"Oh yes. Maybe more than one. Like I said, this is a wonderful opportunity for many of the opposing families. It is a great chance to switch the matriarchy to a different family, one more sympathetic to their goals. Normally they wouldn't bother, not having enough support, but with others just afraid of the notion of you becoming matriarch, they have the necessary support. They won't let a chance like this go by."

Kasumi bowed her head in despair. "As if I didn't have enough troubles."

"Well, that's the situation my dear. However, it is not all that bad. You are fortunate that a fair percentage of the laws don't even apply here. Most the others you aren't likely to encounter. That leaves a very small number indeed, most important of which are the laws regarding defeats. The simple solution to that is not to be defeated, to which goal I offer my own services." Kasumi looked up at the elder questioningly. "I know we didn't start off on the best of terms, but I give you my word of honor now that I will not attempt to trap you as a male again. I also apologize for attempting such in the first place. As I said, it seemed simpler at the time, but perhaps Frost was right, it went too far. I would hope you would see fit to see past these matters and allow me to aid you. I can train you, giving you the skills necessary to ensure you won't be defeated."

Kasumi considered a moment, but found she truly didn't hold any bitterness towards the elder, despite the trouble she caused. "That would be very helpful." Kasumi conceded. "But, I would prefer to stay away from fights altogether."

"That will be difficult. Amazon law is not to forgiving to those who dodge challenges. It would be best to prepare."

"I suppose you're right." Kasumi said with a nod, some weight lifted from her shoulders. "What should I do about Mousse then? He is right, the longer I wait-"

"The more risk," Cologne concluded. "In the end it is your choice, but remember, you choose for Shampoo as well." Kasumi nodded in understanding, and Cologne turned to leave. "Oh, if you do decide against it, realize he does have the right to challenge you."

"Would he do that?" Kasumi asked.

"I would say yes. I assume you agreed to meet with him."

Kasumi nodded and answered. "Yes, at five at the school."

"Then I suggest you prepare yourself for that eventuality." Cologne said in departing.

Kasumi rubbed her eyes and sat on the edge of her bed to think. There really was not much to consider now that Kasumi thought about it. She made a promise, and that included Shampoo's chances at marriage, which meant the choice was hers, not Kasumi's, even if officially it was the other way around. Kasumi was about to get up when a loud angry voice caught her attention.

"Kasumi Tendo, how dare you even consider such a thing!" Frost roared out as she stormed into the room, and subsequently forced Kasumi back onto her bed.

"Frost-" Kasumi tried to explain, but the diminutive Amazon magus cut her off.

"Quiet you! I won't stand for this you hear! Don't think just because you're really a girl I'm not keeping my eye on you! I'll never allow a marriage between you and that pond scum Mousse! He's been nothing but trouble for Shampoo since they met, and I personally think he's the main causal factor in much of her troubles today! Do you really think I'd let that jerk force her into a marriage with him?"

"Frost, I had no intentions of-"

"Damn rights you better not have!" Frost yelled out then began waving a threatening finger in Kasumi's face. "I'm not about to let this idiotic marriage that you stuck Shampoo with ruin her life! I'll die before I let that happen, but I'd sooner you take that honor!"

"Frost-"

"Quiet," Frost barked in command, causing Kasumi to reflexively obey. "I'm not finished! You owe me big Kasumi Tendo, and I'm calling that in right now. You're going to keep Shampoo as far from that jerk as is possible!"

After a moment of silence, Kasumi risked responding. "Why do you hate him so much?"

"Because he is a total and complete asshole! He's the worst kind of human filth! He's a self-interested bastard who has no care for anyone but himself. If he does actually help you, you can bet you're a secondary interest to something important to him. And worst yet, he gets away with it!" Frost practically yelled out the last, then turned away from Kasumi before continuing. "I've had to sit by and watch as that creep gets all the sympathy, none of which he deserves! He's the one that has efficiently destroyed Shampoo's already dismal social life. The guy is so jealous half the time he'll chase off any guy who even thinks about looking her way. If anyone deserves sympathy, it is Shampoo for putting up with the jerk!

"I mean, she just can't win. If she ignores the creep, everyone calls her cold and mean, even though it's not her fault the moron can't take a hint. If she shows the guy any sort of concern, everyone jumps to the conclusion she loves the idiot, and is simply too cowardly, or proud, or some other nonsense to admit it, and they use that as an excuse to rag on her. Where is the justice?"

Kasumi was a surprised to hear Frost choke a bit on the last words, almost as if she had worked herself to the point of crying. She did not get to confirm that observation though, as Frost took a moment to calm down, then turned back to Kasumi. "Shampoo deserves far better than to be saddled with that jerk."

"You don't have to worry Frost. The choice is Shampoo's as far as I'm concerned, and I'll stand by any choice she makes."

Frost sniffed at that skeptically. "Well, you better be telling the truth, or no one will be able to protect you. No one." With that, Frost turned and left the room. Kasumi breathed a sigh of relief at having the Amazon finally leave, and got up to return downstairs herself.

XXXXX

"How about Kasumi's?"

"Ah, a fine name."

"Oh please! If you're going to name the place after someone, why not Shampoo's."

"Silence foul witch! How dare you even dirty this holy ground with your presence!"

"Why don't you shut your hole!"

"If you weren't a woman..."

"If you weren't a moron..."

Cologne noisily cleared her throat to cut off the impending confrontation. "I believe we can rule out a name based on someone for the moment. It would, in fact, be unfair to the other ladies running this place, do you not agree?" Reluctantly Frost and Kuno nodded in agreement, but continued to glare at each other.

Kasumi looked in on the scene, Shampoo and Makoto were now joined by Ryoga, Ranma, Kodachi, and of course Cologne, Frost, and Kuno. I'm already drawing a crowd, Kasumi thought with some wonder. How did it always happen that when she was about to get into trouble of some sort half the population of Nerima was already aware of it? Well, that was of little importance at the moment.

"Ah, daughter-in-law, we were just considering some of the suggestions for your new establishment's name." Cologne said in greeting, as Kasumi worked her way over to sit at the table with Makoto and Shampoo.

"Shampoo like Kawai Café."

"I don't think so," Makoto responded.

"Why, what wrong with it?"

"It just sounds so... childish," Makoto explained gaining an angry frown from Shampoo. "Not that you're childish or anything," she quickly amended, putting her hands up to fend off any attack.

"How about Jusenkyo Café? It's got an exotic ring to it," Ranma suggested, gaining an open laugh from Kodachi.

"It is just like you, Ranma, to name something after a land of curses."

"I know, the Golden Wok!" Ryoga said in triumph, but Kasumi shook her head.

"I'm afraid not Ryoga. That's the restaurant we went to after school, remember."

Ryoga thought for a moment then bowed his head. "Oh yeah."

"You two went out to a restaurant commonly after school?" Ranma asked suspiciously.

Kasumi looked back at her fiancé in confusion. "Is something wrong with that?"

"No, no, not if you're dating."

Kasumi blinked in confusion at that, and Ryoga went into a bout of nervous laughter. "It wasn't a fancy restaurant Ranma. Ryoga and I are just friends, right Ryoga?"

Ryoga abruptly ended his laughter at the question, and with a marked amount of nervousness, mixed with just a bit of sadness he nodded. "Yeah, right, we're just... friends." With the exception of Kasumi, Ryoga was the object of everyone's speculative stares for several moments.

Makoto was next to add a suggestion. "How about the Hot Pot?"

Kuno shook his head. "An establishment of this prestige requires a more notable title. Gong De Tian, after the Chinese goddess of Luck."

Frost smirk from the corner. "Not bad stick boy, but there is more than one lady here. I say the San Cheng-Huang, the three goddesses of protection. Little more fitting I think."

"That sounds like a very nice name," Kasumi acknowledged, and Makoto and Shampoo nodded their agreement. Even Kuno gave the name his grudging respect.

With a nod of her own, Cologne approved the name. "Good, then I'll have them make it up. Now, if you people don't mind, we have some business to conduct and you're taking up space. Wait outside if you must."

Kodachi nodded and walked outside, while the three boys and Frost remained a moment. "Kasumi, what are you going to do about Mousse?" Ranma took the initiative to ask. "Kuno said he proposed to you."

"He did, but the choice is really Shampoo's." Kasumi answered, looking back at her wife. "Shampoo, the choice is yours. It is risky not taking the offer, but I am willing to try."

Without the slightest hesitation Shampoo shook her head. "Shampoo no want marry Mousse. Better be in trouble with village than married to him."

Kasumi nodded. "All right then, I will tell him no."

"An enlightened choice," praised Kuno as he turned and left. Ryoga and Frost also nodded and walked out, leaving Ranma.

"If you need any help with the guy..." Ranma offered, but Kasumi shook her head.

"I'll handle this myself Ranma, but thank you for the offer. I'll be fine," Kasumi assured him, and Ranma followed after the others in acceptance of that. Kasumi watched him leave then turned to look into Cologne's curious face. "Is something wrong elder?"

"No, not really. You have gained quite the following haven't you? You certainly won't be wanting for choices should you decide to marry."

Kasumi looked at the elder in mild surprise, then look back at the door. "I understand what you mean with Kuno, but the others..."

"Your fiancé is certainly not open about it, but I sense a certain interest that could be built on. Even that Ryoga boy seems more than a little engaged."

"Ranma has other interests, and Ryoga is simply a friend," Kasumi protested.

"Perhaps now, however I doubt that young lady is going to give much of her attention to Ranma in the near future, and I think your friend has a desire to go further, if not the courage." Kasumi frowned at the idea, but Cologne waved it off. "We can deal with that later. For now, our concern is Mousse. I hope you are recovered enough to face him should you have to."

"I will manage," Kasumi replied.

XXXXX

"It never ends," Akane mumbled to herself as she climbed the stairs on her way to her room. After almost an hour practicing herself into exhaustion, and a long bath after that, she still felt down. Now Kodachi had told her about this proposal, and the possible repercussions of that, so she had to go lend Kasumi her support for this. That was not really what was bothering her though. What was bothering her she would never admit, even to Kodachi.

She walked into the room, and spotted C-chan lying on the bed. She immediately sat up upon noticing Akane's entrance. Akane let herself smile at that, and sat next to the cat and petted her. "At least you're glad to see me." C-chan meowed out, almost in question to the statement, causing Akane to stop and ponder her pet's unnatural ability to understand her. She did not dwell on it long though. After all, C-chan was just a cat in the end.

Instead, Akane laid back on her bed, and just started talking to the one person she could be sure would keep the secret. "Just feeling left out, C-chan. I mean, when you get dumped by Kuno, it's hard not to feel unwanted. Well, it wasn't like we were dating, so I guess I really shouldn't say he dumped me, and it's certainly not like I wanted his stupid attention, but still... I suppose it's sort of like with Ranma. I didn't want to marry him, but at least he was always there should I change my mind. Now he's gone, and now so is Kuno.

"Can you believe me? I'm moping over Kuno. I mean really, good riddance. The guy was a total nuisance. He never could take the hint that I wasn't interested. Really, how far do you have to go to tell a guy no? Ah, who cares, I don't have to worry about him anymore anyhow. Still...

"You know, there was a time when half the guys at school would die to have a date with me. A real bunch of jerks really, trying to beat me up to get a date. Talk about idiotic. But, now... there's no one. I'm not even that special anymore apparently."

Akane sighed and sat back up to see C-chan looking at her sadly. "Hey, it is not like I really care in the long run. I wasn't interested in any of them anyway. The person I'm interested in is no silly boy." Akane let her eyes droop as she thought about it. "Yeah, but to him I must just seem like a little girl. I'm so darn gutless I can't even tell him." She shook her head in dismissal of the subject then got to her feet. "I guess I better get going. It's nearly five and I want to see what the heck all this fuss is about. That Mousse better not try anything, or I'll... Humph, I should learn, Kasumi can handle her own problems."

Akane looked down at the cat that still watched her with an unhappy look. "Sorry C-chan, I'd take you along, but you know how Kasumi would react. You have to stay here." Giving the cat one last pet across her head, Akane left. C-chan watched after her for several moments, listening intensely then when she heard the front door open and close, she went about her own duties.

She leapt to the window and with a now well practiced motion, unlocked it, and slid it back to allow her passage outside. It had taken her quite some time to manage the simple task in her cat form, without leaving any noticeable trace of her activity. Now, however, it was easy. She made her way outside, closing the window behind her, and started on her way. There was little time.

"C-chan! Wait up! Where are you going?" Artemis called out, causing C-chan to stop in frustration. She turned to eye the other cat in a way that communicated her displeasure. "Sorry, I didn't realize you were in a hurry. I thought we were going to have our lesson today." C-chan shook her head, and continued on. "Well then, where are you off to? Maybe I can come along?" C-chan once more stopped and shook her head. Artemis had his uses, but he had this nasty tendency of being very annoyingly persistent in the face of her disinterest.

Artemis moaned in disappointment, restraining himself from asking why, a largely pointless question since she could not tell him even if she was inclined to. She had done this to him numerous times over their association, giving Artemis a nasty case of curiosity. What the heck was she doing? Damned if he did not want to know.

With a reluctant nod, Artemis let C-chan go on her way. "Maybe tomorrow then?" She shrugged, without looking back at him. After a moment of consideration, Artemis decided to ignore the old proverb, and started following her discretely. Today he was going to find out what she was up to.

He followed her as she ducked under the house, and headed to the opposite side. She then got up on the stone fence, and started following it. After taking it around half the house, she jumped off into a nearby tree in the yard, then high up into its branches and out of sight. Artemis climbed up after her carefully, trying his best to go unnoticed. What is she hiding up in the tree, he wondered.

About half way up, Artemis' paw caught on something. By the time he looked down to see what, a branch snapped upwards, and he found himself dangling in mid air. A moment later C-chan appeared, frowning at him. "I was curious," he said in his defense. With a shake of her head, C-chan turned and descended out of the tree. Artemis managed to track her as far as the stone fence, but then she disappeared behind it. Heaving a heavy sigh, he looked up at his captured paw in despair. "This is going to take hours to get out of."

XXXXX

Akane arrived at Furinkan on time to see a large crowd gathered. "Rumor mill must be working overtime," she noted, then spotted Kodachi together with Ranma, Kuno, Ryoga, and Makoto. As she walked up, she noticed Kodachi was in the process of once more rejecting Ranma.

"Ranma Saotome, I consider it quite insulting that you still attempt to gain my favor in the face of your engagement to Kasumi," Akane overheard Kodachi say as she approached.

"How many times do I have to say that was our dumb parents idea?" Ranma protested loudly. "She doesn't want it. I don't want it. It ain't going to happen, so what the problem?"

"The problem, dear Ranma, is I really have no interest in you," Kodachi replied flatly. "Why don't you just take the most blunt of hints and spend your time in something a little less pointless. Perhaps you should marry Kasumi. She's probably the only person on earth who would have the disposition to tolerate you... but no, that would be cruel of me. I should not wish more misfortune on the poor girl's head than she already possesses. Why not marry that flea trap you hang around with. She at least seems to have some modicum of affection for you. The two of you would make a lovely pair."

Ranma fell silent at last, shot down, and turned to see Akane. "Hi Akane," he greeted weakly, causing the others to notice her as well. "Here to see the fireworks like everyone else?"

Akane nodded then looked around. "Where's Kasumi? Has Mousse got here yet?"

"Kasumi's talking with Shampoo's Great grandmother, and no, Mousse hasn't arrived yet," Kodachi answered, and walked off with Akane a short distance to talk discretely. "So, I hear brother dear actually came to his senses. Is that true?"

"Apparently."

Kodachi frowned at noticing Akane lack of spirit in the response. "You don't seem all that pleased."

"Got other things on my mind, that's all," responded Akane with a dismissive shake of her head.

"Good. I'd hate to think you actually had some interest in him."

"WHAT? WITH KUNO?" Akane blurted out in protest. "Dachi, I'd sooner marry Ranma's pet Ryouko than Kuno!"

"Okay, okay, you convinced me," Kodachi said then looked off at the crowd for moment to see if anything was happening. After noting nothing of consequence, she returned her attention to Akane. "Well, since brother dear won't be pestering you any more, how would you like to come over for the night? It has been quite a while since you've slept over at my place. After all, it's only fair after the number of times I've been over at your place."

Akane nodded absently. "Yeah, sure, I guess... so." Akane paused a second, and looked at Kodachi nervously. "Why exactly?"

"Just for fun. Why else. I can even show you some stuff I bought downtown this afternoon."

"Downtown..." Akane repeated then looked even more nervous as she asked, "what stuff?"

Kodachi grinned, and waved her hand in dismissal. "I can show you later. Here comes Kasumi." Akane continued to eye Kodachi skeptically.

She wouldn't... she's just joking around... right, just joking around, Akane thought to herself in her uneasiness. She turned her attention to her sister, reminding herself that she would not let Kodachi catch her with some stupid prank. Kasumi came onto the school grounds, accompanied by Cologne, Shampoo and Frost, and stopped a moment to look at the gathered crowd. After shaking her head, she and the others walked over.

"You always seem to draw quite the audience, don't you Kasumi," noted Ukyo who appeared from within throng.

"Ukyo, what are you doing here?" Kasumi asked anxiously.

Ukyo responded with a devious grin. "Just curious really. Oh, don't worry about me. I won't sink to your level and interfere." Ukyo returned to the crowd, her reassurance doing little to calm Kasumi.

"And just who is she, and what did you do to her?" Frost asked in a threatening tone.

"She's Ukyo, and I... well I can't say."

"I see," Frost responded, nodding her head with her eyes narrowed in Kasumi's direction.

Before the matter could go any further, Cologne cut in. "Daughter-in-law, you just concentrate on Mousse. We'll ensure there is no interference. Are you certain you are up to handling this now? If Mousse does challenge you, we could delay-"

"No, it is alright. I am fine. With what I've seen of his style plus what you have told me, should it come to that, I will win," Kasumi answered confidently, giving a reassuring look to Shampoo who smiled back.

"Good. I like to know my newest pupil is confident in her ability. Don't let it go to your head though," Cologne warned, causing Kasumi to look at her in some confusion.

"I would never do that." The eldest Tendo stated as if it were obvious. Cologne watched her for a moment, and for a reason she could not at the time discern, she believed Kasumi would indeed never let herself get that confident.

At last, another figure approached the gathering that of an Amazon male named Mousse. His confidence was unshaken by the crowd, or the presence of the other Amazons. Whether that was due to his mental control, or simply because he did not see them was not known. Noticing his approach, the spectators formed a semi-circle around Kasumi as she faced the nearing Mousse.

"I am here Kasumi Tendo," Mousse announced, and for a change he said it to the correct person despite his glasses resting on his forehead instead of on his eyes. Kasumi returned the greeting, betraying none of her readiness of combat. "So, have you made your decision?"

Kasumi nodded. "I have, although the decision was never mine to make. It was Shampoo's and she has said no, and thus I must also say no."

For the first time, shock showed on Mousse's face, which shifted into desperation. "Kasumi... but, why?" He asked then he looked at Cologne darkly. "She did it again. She even got to you, which I can barely believe. Don't you see how she twists everything? She twisted Shampoo, and now she's gotten to you too."

Kasumi shook her head sadly. "Mousse, I understand you want to help, but Shampoo simply doesn't want this, and I can't make that choice for her, even if you are right."

Mousse looked at Kasumi for a moment grimly then shook his own head. "So you are willing to risk everything of Shampoo's. I can't allow that."

"Mousse, please-" Kasumi started to say, but Mousse ignored her.

"Kasumi Tendo, I challenge you."

"Mousse, don't do this. I don't wish to hurt you."

"Nor I you, but you leave me no choice. Either face me, or concede."

Kasumi bowed her head and sighed. It always seemed to end up this way she mused then looked back up at Mousse in determination. "Very well." Kasumi pulled back into a combat stance, and likewise Mousse brought his arms together in front of him, his hands concealed in the sleeves of his robe.

To the side, many spectators tensed particularly those who knew Kasumi personally. However, Cologne watched quietly, smiling just slightly at the look in Kasumi's eye. It was one of absolute cool determination. That look said one thing, that no matters what it would take, she would win. "This'll be short." She remarked as Mousse made the first move.

The move was quick, even by Mousse's standards, and on the mark. He knew he was in for a fight. He had seen Kasumi in battle, and she was nothing short of spectacular. Her skill exceeded even Shampoo's, and by a fair margin. Realistically, if he would only let himself think about it, he would realize he was badly outmatched, but he could not do that. That would be to admit he would never possess Shampoo, and that was unthinkable.

His first spread of chains met nothing but open air, Kasumi having leapt into the air so quickly. Mousse took precious time reacquiring her, having lost her from his limited field of vision when she had moved so fast. By the time he did, she was already descending on his position. With a quick jump, he pulled away, releasing another spread of chains at the point of her landing. Kasumi dodged through these, grabbing the last as it passed her clean by. Determination firmly locked in her eyes her aura glowed strongly, and she drew back a single fist.

Mousse knew the attack, and sensed Kasumi's strategy to pull him into range. With a quick motion he released the held chain, and fell back. The effort bought him but one second. Kasumi used the now slack chain like a whip, wrapping it around Mousse's body with one quick snap of her wrist then pulled with all her might. Mousse lost his footing, flying straight at Kasumi and her glowing fist, but in one last desperate effort managed to pull a medieval Knight's shield out of his sleeve, and held it out to take Kasumi's blow.

With a flash of light, the metal shield met the ki charged fist. A whitish blue explosion of energy surrounded them both, causing all that were watching to withdraw several steps, shielding their eyes. The energy soon dissipated to reveal Kasumi standing over Mousse, the shield destroyed utterly, and the Amazon male unconscious. Kasumi had a sad look on her face, but otherwise looked untouched. Needless to say, the crowd was awestruck, even those familiar with such techniques.

"Most impressive. A full potential Dragon Fang Fist," Cologne remarked as she walked up, those gathered nearing themselves to get a better look.

"Is he going to be all right?" Kasumi asked as Cologne leaned over to examine Mousse's unconscious form.

"Yes, given a bit of time to rest," Cologne concluded then joined Kasumi. "It seems you have mastered the Dragon Fang Fist. I guess I'll have to show you the Dragon Fang Strike now. Come, we have much to discuss, in particular your training schedule." After giving Mousse one last look over, Kasumi nodded and followed as Cologne walked off.

The crowd soon began to disperse many remarking on the spectacle they had just seen. Finally, all that remained was Frost, Shampoo, and the still unconscious Mousse. Shampoo stood over Mousse a long time as Frost watched silently from the side. Shampoo looked over at Frost, and walked over.

Looking down at the diminutive, white haired Magus, she said, "I wanted to thank you."

Frost was momentarily puzzled. "Thank me, for what?"

"For coming here to help me. You didn't have to, yet you're here. No one has ever really gone out of their way to help me before," Shampoo explained, causing Frost to look down at the ground.

"Maybe. I nearly killed your wife though."

"Yes, but you helped her in the end." Shampoo took a moment to pause, then continued. "Give her a chance. She's a good person. You'll see. She was right. It was all a misunderstanding. She never meant to hurt me."

"I guess, we'll see."

"You're staying then?" Shampoo asked hopefully. "There are so few people I know here."

"And even fewer you can talk to," Frost noted, looking at Mousse, then back at Shampoo. "Not that we ever did get to talk much. I'm staying for a while at least. I have no reason to go back at present. Besides, with this whole mess I just might be needed," Frost said with a slight smile, which Shampoo returned. "Go on, I'll worry about him."

"No hurt him Frost."

"He isn't worth the energy," Frost replied. Shampoo nodded in acceptance, and headed off.

Sometime passed before Mousse finally came back to his senses. At first, he did little more than lie on the ground and ponder his defeat. However, Frost standing over him interrupted his thoughts. She gave him a disgusted glare, her pink eyes seeming to glow red in the confines of her sheltering hood, then spoke. "At least it seems someone saw through this act of yours."

"Leave me alone, Frost," Mousse moaned as he got to his feet.

"Maybe when you decide to leave Shampoo alone, but not before." Mousse shook his head at her, and began walking off. "You're a total fool if you think Cologne is the cause of your problems. You're the cause of your problems and no one else. Face reality and maybe you could turn this pitiful life of yours around. Try and pull a stunt like this again and you'll die."

Mousse pulled to a stop to look back at Frost. "What makes you so sure that Shampoo and I being together would never work?"

"Because I know you and her, and besides, I'd never let you live to see the wedding night," Frost responded, her tone as icy as her name. With a quick turn of her heel Frost walked off, holding back the urge to argue with the boy, or to do something she had promised not to do, namely turn him into a toad, and step on him. She sighed, when would Shampoo realize there was only one way to deal with the fool. She grew thoughtful. Or was there, she would have to look at her books, she thought. Maybe she could discover some way of controlling the fool. That would not violate her promise to Shampoo. Mousse watched her go then shook his head. This was not over. He would get Shampoo yet, and even Frost would not stand in his way.

End Chapter 19

Well, that concludes things for this chapter. Thanks to Eimii for the name of the restaurant, and everyone else that contributed suggestions. Special thanks as always go to T. H. Tiger for creative assistance in writing this thing. Chow.