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.

23. Chapter 23: Haruka's secret

Ranma 1/2

Altered Destinies: A scary thought

Chapter 23

Yotogi was ticked to say the least, and she was going to make damned good and sure everyone knew that. She had been betrayed in the highest order, and whoever was responsible was in for holy hell. Her first targets were her fellow residents of the new dormitory that had been forced upon her. So, kicking open the front door, suitcases in hand, Yotogi yelled, "alright, who did it?"

Down the hall, standing outside the door to her new room, Kitsune calmly looked over at the irate newcomer with a curious expression, and asked, "Do what?"

"Rat me out! It was you, wasn't it?" Yotogi accused, dropping her bags and marching over to Kitsune. "You're the one always sneaking around, putting your nose into other people's business."

"Too true," Kitsune confessed. "However, you'll also note I am no patsy. What you do with your private time is exactly that, private. I would never tell the teachers."

"Then who was it then?" Yotogi asked angrily, gaining only a shrug from Kitsune in response. At that moment Makoto came out of another of the rooms and was elected Yotogi's next target of opportunity. "Ah, it was you! You're the one that lives with the teacher. I bet you told her!"

"Told her what?" Mako asked in honest confusion.

Yotogi scowled as she examined Mako's expression, then turned away and returned to her bags. "Never mind, I guess it wasn't you. When I find out who did rat me out though, I'll have their head!"

Yotogi passed by the two girls, and kicked open another door in the hall before entering in a huff. "What was that all about?" Mako asked Kitsune.

"Oh, you really don't know? Well, don't ask me how she did it, because even I can't figure that out, but she arranged things so she could stay at one the local hotels, the type that you pay by the hour for." Mako stared back at Kitsune blankly for a moment, not getting the hint, but then it finally clicked.

"Ohhh!"

"OH? OH?" Yotogi yelled from her room then came back into the hallway, looking like she was going to cry. "I was in heaven, shear bliss, and some jerk ruined it!" Looking up at the ceiling, Yotogi gained a starry eyed look. "You can't understand the pure joy of being in such surroundings for someone like me. It was more happiness than I could stand, almost." Yotogi let out a sigh then noted the presence of yet another girl. "Ha, it was you, wasn't it? You were jealous!" Yotogi concluded, grabbing the smaller girl by the collar.

"That was a mistake," Kitsune said as Yotogi became one with the floorboards.

"PERVERT! DON'T TOUCH ME!" yelled Kotori, before rushing back into her room and slamming the door behind her.

"Hey, I may be a pervert, but I'm not that kind of pervert, you know!" Yotogi replied as she got back to her feet, holding her head. "I pity the poor girl that gets stuck sharing the room with her."

"Speaking of which, why are so many rooms assigned?"

"New students," Kitsune answered. "They should be here pretty soon. In fact, it's one of those poor suckers that got the particular honor Yotogi just mentioned. I bet Nabiki is already taking bets on when the first hospital visit will be."

"As long it isn't me," Yotogi said then returned to her room leaving Kitsune and Makoto alone in the hall.

"Don't know why she's so angry. It's mostly because of her pulling that stunt that we're being shacked up here. They don't trust us anymore," Kitsune explained. "However, I guess in all things there is a silver lining. I got assigned to Saki's room."

"How's that good?"

"I get to keep a real close eye on her," Kitsune replied, then leaned in close to whisper to Makoto. "I didn't tell Yotogi, but I have my suspicions about Saki. She may be an informant. I even heard they have this secret police agency called the Sukuban Deka and she just could be a part of it, either that, or she's being groomed for a high ranking position in the Yakusa, in either case, it should be interesting keeping an eye on her."

"Oh, come on, Kitsune. Like they would actually do that."

"You go on being naive. Someday I'll get to the truth, and pull the lid off this whole thing," Kitsune replied confidently. "I'm going to get to the facts. The truth is out there, somewhere."

Mako was sorely tempted to reply, 'but not anywhere near here,' but she kept her silence. Kitsune took her leave with a short goodbye, and Mako decided she had best be getting back to the restaurant herself. She had already gone over her break time to check out the new dorm, and would be expected back. Although it was a nice enough place, Makoto was glad she had managed to keep her current residence. Being stuck under the same roof with all these people would be enough to drive one insane.

Smiling a bit at that thought, Mako turned to head out, but heard a car pull up outside, and several familiar voices talking as the doors opened. "It can't be," Makoto said aloud, but was proved wrong when the front door opened, and three very familiar girls came in, carrying with them several bags of luggage.

"Hey, Mako! Surprised to see us?" Usagi called out.

"Usagi, Minako... AMI? Don't tell me-"

"Yep, we're the new students," Minako responded as the group walked over and exchanged warm greeting with Makoto.

After the pleasantries, Makoto stood back, still astonished. "Okay, for me it at least made some sense, but you guys aren't the types to end up here, especially you Ami," Mako said as she looked behind them. "Rei isn't-"

"No, it's just us," Minako replied.

"So, what happened?" Mako asked in confusion.

Usagi laughed nervously then bowed her head. "We sort of pulled one too many lates."

"And were talking just a bit too much in class," Minako chimed in to say.

"And Usagi was snoring rather loud," Ami added.

"It wasn't my fault!" Usagi complained. "I didn't get any sleep the night before."

Makoto raised her hands to fend off any further outbursts from Usagi. "Okay, okay, okay, but what about you Ami?"

"She spoke up in our defense," Minako answered for Ami, gaining a puzzled look from Makoto. "Well, it was sort of the last straw."

"Yes, it seems our teacher was having a bad week in general," Ami explained. "Apparently her car got stolen, which lead to a break in at her house since she had left her keys in the car. Plus, while being forced to walk home she apparently got caught in a rain shower, and caught the flu. On top of that, she lost her boyfriend."

"You should have seen it Mako. It was like Volcano City! Poor Ami got chewed out before she had a chance to finish her first sentence," Minako said with an exploding gesture of her arms.

"I was merely trying to defuse the situation," Ami explained, looking mildly pained by the memory.

"Well, anyway, I guess she tossed our names on the transfer list like yours. We decided it was best to go, at least for a while, since you're here and all. Besides, she's wasn't looking too pleased with us," Minako finished with a shake of her head. "So, looks like we'll be spending the rest of the semester with you after all."

"Yeah, looks like it," Makoto agreed. "Gee Ami, I'm sorry."

"It's alright. One of the good things about this situation is that because it is nominally voluntary, it does not constitute a black mark on our records. Apparently it's one of the ways they encouraged some of the worst cases to 'volunteer'. Besides, this way at least I can get a closer analysis of these curses you've told us about," Ami said with the best smile she could muster then looked around. "Where is Artemis anyway?"

"Oh, he's probably off with C-chan somewhere. Did you bring Luna along?" Makoto asked, and gained a nod from Usagi.

"She insisted on coming. I wanted to leave her behind, she can be such a nag sometimes, but she wouldn't have it. She's out with Haruka and Michiru right now."

"Haruka and Michiru are here too?"

"They drove us here," Ami replied, then looked behind. "Here they come now."

Sure enough, the two girls in question walked into the building side by side, Luna just in front of them. As usual, Haruka was dressed up in such a way that only the closest observer would realize her true gender. "So, are you bad girls going to play nice from now on?" Haruka asked teasingly as they walked up.

"They'd better. Miss Hinako won't yell at them. She'll just drain their energy, and trust me, you don't want that," Makoto replied with a visible shiver. "Reminds me way to much of getting zapped by a Youma." Makoto suddenly brightened, and she said, "Say, since you're all here, why don't I take you over to the San Cheng Huang to check it out. I'm sure I can swing you a free dinner."

"The San Cheng Huang hmm," Michiru thought out loud. "I suppose we could come along. I hear it is quite a nice little place."

"It better be," Mako said in mock fierceness, "I'm one of the cooks."

"Really? We really must keep closer tabs on you five. We didn't even know you were at another school until today."

"Well, you should come to our meetings once in a while and you'd know this stuff," Luna pointed out as she looked around. "I see that lazy oaf Artemis isn't around. I bet he's gallivanting around with that alley cat, isn't he?"

"She's jealous," Usagi said bluntly, but with a grin on her face, gaining a sharp reply from the cat.

"I am not!"

"Yeah, well if you don't keep it down, you're going to have some of the other tenants wondering. I'm sure Kitsune would have a field day with a talking cat," Makoto warned with a smile, then gestured toward the rooms. "Why don't you guys drop off your stuff and we can get going."

The girls nodded, and with Makoto's, Haruka's and Michiru's help, went about doing exactly that. Ami was greeted by Yotogi at the door to her new room. Yotogi spent a few seconds leering at Haruka, but then as her gaze swept downward, her face fell, and she disappeared back inside her room muttering about fakes. Minako got a helping hand from her roommate, the bandana clad Sakura. Usagi, however, had a slightly colder reception at the door to her new room.

"Who are you?" Kotori asked suspicious through the partially opened door.

"Ah, I'm your new roommate," Usagi replied, taken slightly off guard by the close examination she was being given. After a moment, Kotori reluctantly opened the door to allow Usagi in, but continued to eye her as she walked in.

In the hall, Makoto watched this with a wince. "Poor Usagi."

XXXXX

The San Cheng Huang was busy. Very busy. Too busy in fact. Makoto was late, which left the others scrambling to keep up. They were managing, except Kasumi found it impossible to get the time to change back to normal. It had long since become her firm opinion that the weather just waited for her to go outside. She had been out no more than a minute, putting out some garbage, when a downpour hit.

Kasumi-kun was presently bussing a mess of dishes that had stacked up, when Makoto finally walked in. "Sorry I'm late," she called out as she retrieved an apron. "I met up with some of my friends from my old school at the dorm. I invited them over. I hope that is okay?"

"It's fine Makoto," Kasumi replied as he finished with the dishes. "I should have guessed you would know the new students when I saw in their records they came from your old school."

"Mind if I do the cooking for them?"

"Of course, go right ahead. I better go out and help Herb. Shampoo is out on a delivery, and I think she's... he's getting a bit short tempered." Makoto nodded in understanding, and went to work, while Kasumi-kun headed out into the dinning area.

XXXXX

Out serving customers, Herb was indeed nearing the end of her patience. The humiliation of acting as a common servant was bad enough, but to have to endure the attention of every man in the building was almost too much to take. However, despite all that, she was not about to let it get to her. If that blasted Amazon could hack it, she could easily do the same. She would not give Shampoo the satisfaction of knowing she was in the least bothered by the difficulties of the job, especially not by throwing in the towel, and quitting.

She looked over at the newcomers, a group of women, mostly Shampoo's age except one who appeared slightly older, and one man about the same age as the older woman. At least there is only one guy to deal with, she thought as she steeled herself, and pasted a false smile on her face. As she walked over, the older woman dismissed herself and headed off to the washrooms. "Hello there, is there anything I can get you to start off?"

Haruka was the first to take special notice of the girl. She was quite the unusual sight. Her silvery white hair was held in a simple ponytail that went along with her face, which was left natural, a rare thing these days for a woman. Beyond that, despite her attempts to hide it, she looked very uncomfortable in the Chinese dress she was wearing. However, simple appearance aside, she was still quite cute.

"Well, what does a pretty girl like you recommend?"

Inwardly Herb growled, but outwardly she kept her calm. "Oh... it's all good," she answered through clenched teeth.

Haruka gave Herb a smile and set down her menu. "Well then, why don't you just choose for me," she replied with a sort of suaveness that not only caught the other girl's attention, but made Herb's calm finally give, forcing her to clench her fists to keep from reacting with more open violence. Haruka did not notice this, although Minako sensed some building of tension between them, and intervened by giving her own starting orders which prompted the others to do so as well. The temporary distraction served to keep Herb's anger in check for a moment, but only until she was about to leave and Haruka called her to a stop.

"Better make mine a double sweetie," Haruka said, remembering Michiru wasn't here to order. However, the reaction she got was unexpected to say the least. Herb pulled to a stiff halt, and looked over her shoulder at Haruka with a look that said, 'you're this close.' Emphasizing that message was the slight glow in Herb's eyes. "Something wrong?" Haruka asked out of a small measure of surprise at the sudden hostility she was receiving.

"Not at all. Two, right," Herb replied with a devious smile, then continued on her way, discretely raising her hand behind her and aiming at Haruka. "Nothing at all," she repeated under her breath as she let a short burst of chi loose at the 'boy', unseen. A satisfied smile crossed her face as the welcome sound of Haruka being knocked off her chair filled the room.

Just as she entered the kitchen though, she found herself facing off with Kasumi-kun. The look on Kasumi's face already indicated he was displeased, so Herb sighed in preparation for a lecture on her behavior. However, to her surprise, Kasumi only gave her a brief look then nodded, sending Herb on her way. Herb watched in no small measure of surprise as Kasumi headed out into the dinning room without so much as a disapproving look. She must not have seen it, Herb concluded after a second and continued about her work.

Such a conclusion was incorrect though. Kasumi had seen the whole thing. He simply felt Haruka deserved it. He had been watching for over a minute, having nearly entered the dinning room earlier but had seen... him. Now he was deciding what to do. Seeing Haruka hit on Herb, having enough nerve to do so while his newest girlfriend was just a few steps away in the washroom, proved to Kasumi that he had not changed in the least. I wonder how many times he did that to me, Kasumi thought with a frown.

He was considering just throwing Haruka out. It was Kasumi's restaurant after all. Haruka had no right to be here after what he'd done. However, seeing who he was with was enough to stall that idea. Makoto's friends. They must be. They're the only new students coming. How did they ever get involved with him? Kasumi thought, not coming to any quick answers. However, seeing the other woman come out of the washroom gave Kasumi a new idea. Nodding to himself, he walked out and intercepted the woman just as she was about to enter the main dinning room.

"Excuse me Miss, I need to talk to you," Kasumi said as he walked up, causing Michiru to come to a stop.

Michiru took in the man in front of her with a small amount of awe. She had seen them all, from big to small, and in her considered opinion this one here had them all beat. He was built like a top fighter, and had size enough to command some real respect, yet carried himself in a decidedly gentle manner that served to give him a very positive air. Some days I truly wonder about my choices in life, Michiru thought jokingly to herself, and made a mental note to mention that in passing within hearing of Haruka. The big blonde was always so much fun to tease, and the effort she'd put into proving Michiru wrong would be very pleasant indeed. "Do you, now? Well then, by all means, go ahead."

"It's about your... friend."

"My friend?" Michiru asked curiously, mildly surprised at the unusual method that this particular boy was using.

"Haruka," Kasumi responded, further heightening Michiru's interest.

"Haruka?"

"Yes, I just had to warn you about him."

"Him?" Michiru repeated, hiding her amusement at the mistake. "What exactly do you have to warn me about?"

XXXXX

About that time Makoto was serving her friends an opening appetizer. Most were graciously partaking of the food, in particular Usagi who had already stuffed her face. However, Minako was stopped cold as her eyes caught on something across the room that was far more interesting than food.

"Oh... my... god! Who is that?" Minako asked, practically leaning over the table to get a better look, her eyes wide with excitement.

Ami, Usagi and Makoto turned to take a look, while Haruka just shook her head in amusement. While Usagi and even Ami got absorbed by the image they were seeing, Makoto could only smirk. "Oh that... that's... ah... just a guy who shows up here now and then," Makoto replied deviously as she looked at Kasumi-kun.

"Oh, please, PLEASE tell he's available," Minako said as she clasped her hands together in hope.

"Well, that all depends," Makoto responded, barely able to contain her laughter. At least I'm not the only one, she thought. Oh well, I better let her off the hook.

Makoto was about to reveal the 'man's' identity, but fate intervened when Usagi spoke up. "Michiru sure seems to have his attention."

This naturally got Haruka's attention. Her eyes went wide in surprise, and she spun in her seat to look for herself. What she saw did not please her in the least. Why that... that... Fuming, Haruka stood up and marched over.

"Uh oh," the four girls said together as they watched a confrontation starting to brew.

XXXXX

Michiru and Kasumi were both unaware of Haruka's approach. In fact, both were confronted with an enigma in the other. Kasumi had told Michiru about Haruka's earlier flirting with Herb, but Michiru brushed it off, saying, "oh, 'he's' always doing that." Needless to say, Kasumi was confused to find this girl to be so easily accepting of Haruka's activity. Further, this lady had a nasty habit of trying to get too close. Kasumi had enough troubles with women with this curse, he didn't need another woman coming on to him, so as discretely as possibly he kept his distance, hoping she'd get the point.

Michiru, on the other hand, was confused by Kasumi. He had not made any kind of play for her. That was yet another unusual thing about this man. Even more unusual was that even when Michiru tried to push the matter, even with as slight a gesture as walking forward a step, he would back off an equal step. Even men that were involved tended to hold their ground. This one seemed almost nervous about the gesture. Maybe he's just shy, Michiru thought, although the conclusion did not satisfy her.

Further thought on the matter got cut short when Michiru finally saw Haruka practically stomping up, in one of her usual territorial moods. I'm going to have to make her apologize. He hasn't even tried anything yet, Michiru thought as Haruka stopped directly behind Kasumi and cleared her throat noisily. However, such trivial concerns were tossed aside when she noticed the extreme shift in Kasumi's mood, as he tensed up with anger. It was not anger at an unwelcome interruption. No, this was the kind of anger reserved for something extremely personal.

Even Haruka, despite still facing Kasumi's back, felt the shift, and for a fraction of a second actually had second thoughts about confronting this guy. However, without logical basis for it, Haruka dismissed the thoughts as quickly as they came. This big macho punk is in for a rude awaking if he thinks he can carry on with Michiru.

Uncertain how exactly to handle the situation unfolding in front of her, Michiru just watched as Kasumi turned slowly to face Haruka, strategically aligning himself to be between her and Michiru. The gesture was not lost on Haruka who darkened that much more, missing the subtler element that Michiru caught. It was not the motion of your typical possessive guy. It was a movement to protect against danger. How does this man know Haruka, and why doesn't she recognize him? Michiru puzzled, realizing the earlier warning had been genuine rather than an attempt to come on to her.

"What do you think you're doing?" Haruka asked dangerously.

"I was just talking to her," Kasumi responded with an equal amount of danger in his tone.

"I'm sure. Why don't you just get lost? She's not interested."

"That's her decision to make, not yours," Kasumi replied, causing Haruka to darken even more.

At this point Michiru decided it was time to intercede before things got messy. Her timing was just a bit too slow though. Haruka had enough. Whether it was just the extreme anger that was passing her way, or simply being one of her less patient days, she made a move to get by Kasumi to Michiru, trying to push the bigger man aside as he did so. What followed happened so quickly that no one in the room could fully track it. Haruka felt a twist to her arm, a sudden loss of balance, and an instant later found herself laid out on the floor. The shock of it all was so much that Haruka just laid there for a moment, trying to fathom how she had been so easily manhandled. This moment of inactivity was short though. Soon, Haruka's ego demanded retaliation, so she shot back to her feet.

"Haruka," Michiru said in a fruitless attempt to calm the situation, but the other girl was too furious to really hear her. Instead Haruka threw a punch at her adversary. Although the attack was far more measured that the previous one, Haruka had as much success with this one as with her first. Kasumi easily snatched the attack out of the air with one hand, and struck Haruka in the ribs with his other. The wind knocked out of her, Haruka could do little as Kasumi forced Haruka's seized arm up behind her back, and lifted her off the floor by it. Pain shot through Haruka's arm as it was forced to carry the weight of her entire body at an angle it was never meant to be in, causing her to let out a short cry. Before she could mount any sort of counter attack, Haruka suddenly found herself airborne, flying straight out the front door and into a pile of trash across the street.

XXXXX

Much of the patronage watched this whole thing in shock. The many regulars were completely unaccustomed to that level of hostility from the man they knew as Kaneda. Makoto was no better, as it just seemed so wrong to her for Kasumi to behave that way. She and her friends could only watch dumfounded as Kasumi took several deep, quick breaths to calm himself, then muttered a brief apology to Michiru before leaving for the kitchen.

"Wow, I've never seen Haruka utterly overpowered like that," Usagi commented, gaining agreeing nods from Minako and Ami. "Makoto, just who is that boy?"

"That's Kasumi," Makoto replied absently, still trying to understand Kasumi's actions.

"His name's Kasumi, huh?" Minako said with a smile. "That's a nice... wait a minute. Mako!" Minako nearly yelled as she placed the name with the earlier report Makoto had given them then hung her head. "Oh, life isn't fair!"

XXXXX

Outside Haruka was stunned. That jerk tossed me out like a bag of garbage! she thought angrily, and pushed herself back to her feet, preparing to head back in for round two. Such was not to happen though for as soon as she reached the door, Michiru was there to stop her.

"Alright you, you've caused enough trouble for one night," Michiru warned, blocking the doorway.

"But Michiru-" Haruka protested as she tried to dodge around the other woman to no avail.

"Not another word. You successfully managed to embarrass us all with that unnecessary stunt. He wasn't even doing anything."

"He... he wasn't?" Haruka asked in surprise, not sure whether Michiru was telling the truth, or lying to avoid a scene.

"No, he wasn't," Michiru replied, removing a banana peel from Haruka's shoulder while holding her noise. "We should get you home and clean you up. You're a mess."

"But-"

"No but's. I'll see you in the car," Michiru retorted, shooing Haruka towards the vehicle before heading back inside, dropping the banana peal in the garbage can as she passed. She stopped by the table, giving her fellow senshi a sheepish kind of smile. "Sorry about everything. I better get Haruka home before she gets any fool ideas. Makoto, sorry about missing your dinner. I'm sure it would have been wonderful. Maybe some other time. We'll talk later, okay?"

"Sure," was all Makoto could think to reply. Michiru gave her goodbyes and headed out.

"I thought you said Kasumi was very non-violent," Luna asked, from the bag she was being kept in.

"Usually she is. The only time I've seen her act anywhere near like this was when that Mikado guy kissed Shampoo."

"Perhaps she had been possessed by a youma?"

"Luna! We've barely been here one hour and already you're talking about youmas!" Usagi cried out.

"Well then, how do you explain it?"

"Well I... umm... maybe she just doesn't like pushy... um... men," Usagi suggested. "I mean, Haruka's not a man, but she sort of looks like one, and acts like one, even though of course she isn't, but someone could think that, wrongly of course, but they wouldn't know that, and-"

"Usagi, you're babbling. We get the point," Luna replied. "Alright, I guess it isn't anything serious enough to worry about just yet. Makoto, just be sure to keep an eye on her. No sense in being careless."

"I will Luna," Makoto replied, although she already fully intended to find out just what was going on.

XXXXX

It was sometime later when Makoto finally got her chance. The restaurant was already closing up for the night and Herb along with Makoto's friends, were on their ways home. Kasumi had remained elusive for about an hour after the incident, only finally reappearing once Usagi and the others had left. Even Shampoo, who had missed the actual incident but was filled in by Cologne, was wondering about the whole thing. So, when Makoto decided it was time to approach Kasumi, Cologne and Shampoo were both paying close attention.

Without so much as a word from Mako, Kasumi spoke up, "I suppose you wish to know why I reacted so...emotionally to that man that was here?"

Makoto paused, consider whether to correct the gender of the person in question, but decided against it for the moment. "Yes, actually I was. I mean, if you don't want-"

"No, you have a right to know. You see, I knew him, from a few years ago, and suffice to say, I do not have a positive impression of him." Kasumi took a seat as she remembered that time, the thoughts bringing a pained look to her face. "We first met when I was on my way home from school..."

XXXXX

A sixteen year old Kasumi was walking down a nondescript street alone. It was not particularly late, but the street was relatively deserted. For Kasumi it was a time to be alone with her thoughts. It was not that she had anything pressing to think about. Actually, life was a bit boring at the moment. However, Kasumi was in the process of deciding what to do once the semester was over, and all the options deserved some time to consider thoughtfully, without Genma interrupting her for training, or having to pay attention at school.

In any event, Kasumi was not far into those thoughts when she noticed a group of boys loitering about on the street. Not long after she noticed them, they noticed her, and she found herself the recipient of numerous whistles and sly comments. Kasumi took no heed of them, and walked by peaceably, but the group had other ideas and followed behind her. It was not long before the boys were bracketing her on either side. Kasumi did not need any of her enhanced battle senses to know these boys were in an aggressive sort of mood.

Down the road a short way, a tall blond haired boy, of around Kasumi's age came into the street, and watched as Kasumi walked by, apparently also noticing the boys' posture, and began to follow at a discrete distance. Not much further along, one of the boys finally made a proposition.

"Hey baby, up for a little excitement? I know I am. Maybe some group activity?" the boy asked, casting an amused grin back at his companions.

"No, I don't think so. My Uncle would certainly not approve, and I cannot honestly say such things interest me either." Kasumi reply politely as she continued to walk.

"Never know unless you try. You might like it."

"There are many things I haven't tried that I am quite certain I would not enjoy," Kasumi responded.

Again the boy grinned. "I really think you could use some loosening up babe. Why don't you come with us?" To punctuate his request, the boy stepped into Kasumi's path, forcing her to stop.

"I'll have to ask you to move. I don't wish to be late," Kasumi asked, already guessing her request would be ignored.

As she suspected, the boy just shook his head, while the others surrounded them both to watch the confrontation. "And what are you going to do if I don't?" he asked with a confident smile.

"I would really like to avoid a confrontation."

"Do you hear that guys? A confrontation she says," the boy mocked, causing the others to chuckle. After a moment of laughter, he turned back to Kasumi. "Well, I guess you're out of luck there."

Kasumi sighed. "Yes, I suppose so," she said quietly, and on the first sign of movement from the boys did her thing.

The tall blonde was on the fast approach when something happened. What was hard to say as the boys were blocking his view, but a second later every one of the boys seemed to lose their ability to stand, and collapsed outward from Kasumi, managing only involuntary grunts as they hit the cement, forcing the air briefly from their lungs. Kasumi stood in the middle, sighing again, then turned to notice him.

"I... was going to offer my help," He explained in answer to Kasumi's questioning look, "but I guess you really didn't need it."

"No, but thank you anyway, for the thought," Kasumi replied with a warm smile. Taking the smile as an invitation to approach, he walked up, stepping over the fallen boys. "That's some skill you have there. I didn't even see what happened."

"They were not trained fighters. Their guard was wide open. It was a simple enough task to disable each with a single blow."

"Simple?" He repeated in amazement as he continued to examine the boys. "Maybe for you. Still, would you at least allow me to escort you the rest of the way? No telling what these fellas might try once they come to. My name is Haruka by the way."

Kasumi once again smiled. "I'd like that, thank you, Haruka." Kasumi answered with a slight bow. Nodding Haruka gestured for Kasumi to lead the way, and the two walked off, leaving the boys unconscious in the street.

XXXXX

"...So, that is some serious style you know. How long have you been studying the martial arts," Haruka asked some time later.

"Since I was about eight. My Uncle is the one who introduced me to it."

"Really?"

"Yes. It is the style he and my father practice, the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts."

"Anything Goes? Strange name for a style."

"It is the school's way. Use any and all means at your disposal to achieve victory. I personally try to avoid the more... radical techniques though," Kasumi replied.

"Well, it certainly works. You said your Uncle is your teacher, not your father?"

"Yes, although he is not really my Uncle. It is a long story. I live with him now and that is why he is teaching me," Kasumi answered. After noticing a frown on Haruka's face she elaborated. "It is not that my father and I have any difficulties. He and my Uncle made an agreement to join our two families through marriage. It was decided that Ranma, that's Uncle's Genma son, should live with my family to get to know Akane, my little sister. In exchange, Genma took me with him."

"Strange arrangement," Haruka replied with his frown still in place. "If you don't mind me asking, what about your mother, and this Ranma's mother? They agreed to this."

"Yes... well, at least the part about me living with my Uncle and Ranma with my family. I don't think my mother would have approved of my training in the martial arts."

"Would... oh..." Haruka said, noticing the sudden, but slight droop in Kasumi's posture. "I'm sorry, but I don't think she would have taken your being a martial artist badly. You're obviously very good at it."

"Maybe," Kasumi replied then noticed they had reached their destination. "This is where I am staying. Thank you for walking with me."

"No trouble at all," Haruka replied with a smile. "Well, I guess I'll be going then."

"Goodbye," Kasumi said with a slight bow, which Haruka returned. After taking a few steps to leave, though, Haruka turned back.

"Say... would you like to get together again sometime? I mean for lunch or something."

Kasumi paused for a moment then smiled brightly. "I would like that."

XXXXX

Kasumi sighed at the memory, the others already guessing what happened afterward. "We met quite often after that. I suppose I wanted the company at the time. However, for me at least, it soon became more than that."

"So, what happened?" Makoto asked, inwardly wondering how Haruka had kept her true gender a secret.

"We became... close, at least I thought so. We went out together quite a bit: Dinner, the park, even some motor sports that Haruka seemed to like. That went on for over a month. Then... Haruka was taking me home after we had been to a local fair..."

XXXXX

The night found Kasumi in rather high spirits. The fair had been very enjoyable, Haruka and her sharing much of the time rather intimately, at least for Kasumi. Were it not exceedingly improper in Kasumi's mind, she might have been tempted to seize Haruka's arm, and walk the rest of the way home snuggled next to him. However, Kasumi restrained any such desires, and merely walked along side him, a faint smile on her lips.

They reached Kasumi's residence a short time later, and as had become customary after their trips, Kasumi turned to Haruka, and bowed slightly. "I had a wonderful time this evening," she said with her eyes directed downward, somewhat shyly. Kasumi waited for a moment for the customary reply Haruka would give, but received none. Confused, Kasumi turned her eyes upward to Haruka seemingly mulling over something mentally. Before Kasumi could ask what exactly Haruka was thinking about, Haruka made a gesture that pretty much revealed the answer.

Taking the stunned Kasumi by the chin, Haruka leaned forward and kissed her. The shock Kasumi felt was momentary, and soon faded into a blissful feeling. As quickly as it started though, it ended. Haruka broke the kiss, then after a second more of thought, muttered a quick goodbye and hurried off down the street.

The smile on Kasumi's face stayed there all night.

XXXXX

Makoto, and Shampoo both understood at that moment why Kasumi's reaction to Haruka had been similar to her reaction to Mikado. Makoto, though, was still trying to reconcile this Haruka with the one she knew. "I take it things did not work out," Makoto assumed, and gained a nod from Kasumi.

"No. I did not see him for a week after that, and only then because I went looking for him..."

XXXXX

Kasumi was very confused at the moment. After such a positive turn to things, Kasumi simply did not understand why Haruka was seemingly avoiding her. Kasumi had even gone so far as calling Haruka's home several times the day before, but received no answer. That was easily explainable; maybe he was busy that day. However, even when she finally caught sight of him outside one of the local malls, she had nothing but trouble getting to him. It almost seemed like he was deliberately dodging her.

That's silly, Kasumi thought, as she wove her way through the crowds. He's probably hasn't even seen me. Kasumi made her way through the mass of people as best she could until she reached one of the open areas by the elevators. Across on the other side she could see Haruka standing with another girl. Was he meeting a relative? Kasumi wondered.

Such thoughts were crushed rather brutally when Haruka kissed the girl, and not in a way one kisses a relative either. Kasumi watched in shock, finding it suddenly difficult to breathe properly. A second more of seeing the two together was all it took to force Kasumi to look away. It's... it's a mistake. Maybe... maybe I just saw wrong. Maybe it's not even him, Kasumi thought desperately, but found she could believe herself. Taking a quick glance back, Kasumi immediately turned away again, seeing the two still close together. "No," Kasumi muttered in denial then hurried off, back into the crowds.

She did not make it far. A need to know for certain, plus the whole emotional devastation of the incident forced Kasumi to stop and turn back. She managed to pick up on Haruka's trail, catching him leaving from one of the exits, and followed quickly after her. It took several minutes for Kasumi to finally build up the courage, not to mention reassemble herself emotionally, to close the gap and confront Haruka.

"Haruka, wait!" Kasumi called out, causing the boy to stop. Kasumi closed the remaining distance, still breathing irregularly from pent up grief, and stood behind him. "What... what were you doing with that girl?"

A moment of silence followed before Haruka responded. "What do you care?"

"But... but, I thought..."

"You thought I cared about you?" Haruka said, then let off a small laugh. "Yeah, right. I got someone new now, so... why don't you just take off." Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Kasumi could only look at Haruka's back in shock for several seconds, before finally she could hold in her feelings no longer. Breaking into tears, she turned and ran, hoping futilely this was all some bad nightmare.

XXXXX

Kasumi fell silent after telling the tale, taking a moment to banish the troubling memories. Makoto did not really notice, being deep in thought, trying to puzzle out the reasoning behind Haruka's actions. Sometimes she can be excessively serious, but that was unwarranted and downright cruel. How could she do something like that? Makoto examined Kasumi, considering whether to mention the gender thing. Maybe, but not before I find out Haruka's side of things.

"Is horrible man. Worse than Mousse. Shampoo glad Kasumi throw man out in street. If she no do it, Shampoo would have," Shampoo announced, slamming her fist into her palm. "If Shampoo-"

"Shampoo, I don't want you getting involved with that man, or hurting anyone on my account. What is done is done. If he shows up again, I will deal with him," Kasumi said, causing Shampoo to look away with a frown. "I mean it Shampoo."

"Why Kasumi defend this man?"

"I'm not defending him," Kasumi said a little too loudly, then quieted down. "I just don't want you getting into trouble over him." Shaking her head, Kasumi headed for the kitchen. "He simply isn't worth it," she said as she left the room.

"Indeed," Cologne remarked then turned her attention to Makoto. "Miss Kino, perhaps you were sparing Kasumi, which is probably a good idea at the moment. However, do you have something to tell us?"

"Pardon?" Makoto asked in a small measure of confusion.

"Come now, you don't get to be my age without learning a few things, and one of them is to not trust appearances."

"Oh, you know," Makoto replied.

"Know? What know? What you talking about?" Shampoo asked in irritation.

"Haruka is not really a boy, and I don't mean there is any sort of curse involved either."

Shampoo blinked for a second, remembering a past encounter, and finally placing a name with the face. "This boy is really girl. Shampoo think know this woman. Meet them after Shampoo quit restaurant Shampoo was working at."

"Could very well be. I wouldn't know. In any case, Haruka is one hundred percent woman, despite any misconceptions her form of dress may cause."

Cologne nodded. "As I suspected. Well, such matters as these will work out in due time. In the meanwhile, I have news for you both. Business has been good enough that I have invested in another location."

"You bought another restaurant?" Makoto asked in surprise.

"More a small beach side bistro. Not nearly as large as this place but-"

"Beach side?" Makoto and Shampoo asked in tandem causing the elder to smile.

"Yes, beach side, with free access to said beach as well. I take it you two like this idea?"

"Yes!" Both responded enthusiastically.

"Well then, you had better both prepare. We'll be trying it out tomorrow."

XXXXX

Michiru sat back and watched as Haruka paced and brooded. They had been back at their place for several hours now, and other than Haruka taking a shower, all she had been doing was walking the place aimlessly. "You're taking this awfully personally," Michiru concluded, but gained no response. "I was just one little fight, and I told you he didn't try anything."

Haruka grunted a brief response, but continued pacing. After watching this for another minute, Michiru sighed and headed for the phone. A few short minutes later, after looking up the correct number, Michiru placed a call to the San Cheng Huang.

"Hello? Ah yes, could I speak to Makoto please. Thank you," Michiru said to the unfamiliar woman on the other end of the line then waited. A few seconds later Makoto answered.

"Hello?"

"Makoto, it's Michiru."

"Oh, hi. Guess you're calling about earlier."

Michiru took a brief look into the other room to see Haruka punching at the air. "Yes actually. I was wondering if you knew who that boy was. Haruka claims not to know him, but I think there was something personal going on there."

"Ahhh... yeah, well, that's sort of right. I... It's kind of hard to explain, and even harder to believe. Umm, say, why don't you meet me at the beach... Oh drat, I don't know its name. It's right near here though," Makoto said, then call off in the back ground, the sound muffled apparently by her hand on the receiver. A moment later she came back. "Remember that race Haruka was in near the ocean? We're just a half mile down the coast from the track."

"Yes, I believe I can find it. Tomorrow I assume."

"Yeah. When I see you I'll explain. Oh, and I don't think Haruka-"

"Should be there, yes I agree," Michiru completed Makoto's thought, "Very well then. I'll be there around noon. Is that alright?"

"Should be. We're opening a new location there, so just look for it if you can't find me. See you then."

"Bye," Michiru replied and hung up the phone. A second after doing so she turned to find Haruka standing no more than a foot away from her.

"You're going to see him?"

"Are you jealous?"

"Of that jerk? No way!" Haruka responded as Michiru walked passed her.

Michiru smiled. "Good, then you have no problem with it and won't have to come."

"What? Now hold on! You can't just expect me to sit here-"

"I'm afraid you will have to. After the shameful display tonight there really is no other choice," Michiru responded, and turned, raising a finger, to silence any further protest. "I'm really going there to meet Makoto anyway. There is something more to this, and I want to know what that is, especially since you don't seem to know anything."

"I don't!" Haruka responded, feeling as though she was being accused of selective forgetfulness. "I've never seen this guy before in my entire life, I swear. What would I have to hide?"

"I didn't say you were hiding anything," Michiru replied, this time in a tone that seemed to reassure her companion. "However, he certainly seemed to know you, and had no use for you at all. I think it is best I find out why."

Haruka grumbled but otherwise did not respond, at least openly. Yeah, well I don't trust this jerk as far as I could spit. There's no way I'm just going to stay here and let him pull god knows what. Nodding to herself, Haruka started planning for her next encounter.

XXXXX

News of the new location was enough to bring Kasumi's sisters, Makoto's friends, and even Ranma in on the occasion. Any chance for a free visit to the beach was not to be missed. Herb also was along for the trip, partly because she was an employee, and partly because she wanted to keep as close to Kasumi as she could, making sure none of Kasumi's false suitors attempted anything.

Artemis and Luna had come along for the ride, kept discretely away from Kasumi, and the former was catching hell from the latter at every available moment. When C-chan appeared with Akane, things became that much worse for poor Artemis, as the two female cats immediately noticed each other. C-chan tossed her head up in disregard of the other cat, and instead headed to a nice shady spot to watch Kasumi and Shampoo discreetly. Luna returned the sentiments, that is until she noticed Artemis creeping off to join C-chan.

"Hey, where are you going? We're not finished here!" She said as loudly as she could without being noticed. When Artemis did not initially respond, Luna's anger grew. "Don't you pretend not to hear me. I asked you a question."

Artemis finally stopped, drooping his shoulders. "Oh, come on Luna. It's a nice day. There's nothing happening. Can't we talk shop later?" Artemis asked.

"So you can be with her, is that it?"

"Well, the shade was kind of inviting, and you haven't seen how Kasumi can get when she sees a cat, so I thought-"

"Oh, don't give me that. That's just a lame excuse to get near her."

Right now I prefer strong and silent, to loud and angry, Artemis thought to himself, but thought of something better to say. "Well, we still don't know her whole story, so what's wrong with me getting to know her better? You certainly don't get along with her, so that leaves me to find out what the real deal is, now doesn't it?" Before Luna could make a response, Artemis rushed the remaining distance to C-chan.

Luna scowled then looked back at the others to see Usagi smiling back at her in a smug superior sort of way. I am not jealous, Luna repeated to herself, remembering Usagi's earlier comment, and to prove it to herself, marched over to C-chan and Artemis. Why would I be jealous of some human playing at being a cat? She probably won't even give that lazy bum the time of day. Her confidence in that waned slightly at seeing Artemis speaking quietly to C-chan, and her responding with slight body gestures, that were perfectly innocent, but to Luna seemed anything but. Oh, he's going to pay for this, Luna thought angrily, but forced herself to be calm, and just sit next to the other two cats. She was not about to prove Usagi right.

Artemis paused briefly in his conversation to watch Luna cautiously, half expecting her to start another rant, but instead she simply looked away from him, acting as if something on the beach had caught her interest. Breathing a sigh of relief that he had at least been momentarily spared, Artemis returned to his small talk with C-chan.

XXXXX

"Shampoo, you didn't need to cook me anything," Kasumi said politely as Shampoo offered her some strip beef with a pair of chopsticks.

"Shampoo no mind," she replied as she stuck the meat in Kasumi's mouth with a smile.

"Yes, but this looks very awkward," Kasumi replied after swallowing the offering then looked around her to ensure no one was watching. Ranma and Herb certainly were not. They were too busy with each other. The two had no sooner reached the beach than taken up positions opposite each other, sitting on the beach towel a few short feet away, glaring at each other with contempt. Kasumi suspected were it not for the promise she had demanded of them after their first fight, they would already be fighting one another. Kasumi sighed, but then was distracted as Shampoo offered her another piece of meat.

Off to the side Nabiki watched Ranma and Herb as well. "I say they go at it in the next five minutes," Nabiki concluded after a minute.

Akane shook her head as she too watched. "No, I think they'll stick to their promise."

"Not likely," Nabiki said in disagreement, then nodded as she noted Herb shifting just slightly. "Anytime now."

"Kasumi is to be my bride Saotome, and no other shall have her," Herb finally announced, looking at Ranma with a challenging stare. "None of you are worthy to claim her. Only I will have that honor."

Ranma simply shook his head in response. "She's not yours to claim. Besides, what makes you think she'd want anything to do with a jerk like you? You practically tried to kill her the first time you met, and now you lay claim to her like she was a chair or something."

"You dare insult my claims to Kasumi! That battle served only to prove her prowess in combat as well as her strength of character to me. I consider her far more a being that any one of you. I simply know we are meant to be. It was fated that we meet, and it is fated that we be together. Nothing will change that, especially you."

"Yeah, we'll see about that. I'm not very impressed with high and mighty words. Besides, you're not even a guy, and Kasumi already has a wife."

Herb visibly twitched at that, insulted, but any further reaction she would have had was cut off when she felt something grab onto her chest. Looking down in surprise she found Happosai nestled against her, rubbing his face gleefully between her breasts. "How sweet," the old pervert said in contentment, as Herb remained paralyzed with shock.

Ranma reacted instinctively at seeing the old freak, and struck out with a fist. "Die old man!" he shouted, but the battle cry was wasted as Happy easily dodged, and leapt away, laughing for all to hear. "Get back here!" Ranma yelled as he attempted to chase the master down.

Herb remained in shock for a second more then frowned deeply. How dare he presume to act as my protector, Herb thought. Who does he think I am to need one like him? I would have dealt with that... that... thing myself! However, as she continued to fume over that, another feeling hit her, one that made her feel somewhat amazed at the quickness of Ranma's reaction, and even a little flat... Herb quickly looked away, and rubbed her face with both hands as she tried to banish the thought. Frost better fix that damned kettle soon, Herb thought, both as a threat, and as desperate hope.

Ranma was too preoccupied to notice Herb's reaction to his actions. Helping Herb had simply been a side affect of his real goal, which was putting his fist into Happy's face. However, his efforts were coming up short, as the aged master managed to cop quick feels from both Nabiki and Akane, before finally turning his attention to Shampoo. "Shampoo, baby!" Happosai cried out happily as he jumped for her, dodging a tackle from Ranma in the process. Shampoo turned to look in surprise, and was readying herself to respond, but Happy was deflected by an interceding hand.

"Master, that is highly inappropriate behavior," Kasumi scolded as she lightly tossed the master backwards, into Ranma's awaiting grasp. Ranma did not get a chance to do anything with the opportunity before being knocked onto his back by Happosai, who then turned to regard Kasumi warily.

How does she keep doing that? I can't even sense her movements, Happosai mentally noted, chalking it up to Kasumi's calm manner, compared to Ranma's open anger. The girl's battle aura was so minuscule; it might as well have been invisible. Dropping the matter until some time when there were fewer bikini clad pretties around, he put on a hurt face. "Can't an old man have a little fun in the last years of his life?"

"Not at the expense of a woman's dignity I am afraid," Kasumi responded.

Ranma pushed himself back to his feet, shaking out the cobwebs in his head. "Yeah, you old geezer! Why don't you act like you have an ounce of respect for women and stop this lecherousness?"

"That's no fun at all," Happy protested, crossing his arms over his chest. "Besides, what better way is there to show one's appreciation of the fairer sex?"

"A hundred or so," Ranma replied, then suddenly had an idea. "Say, why don't you get yourself a girlfriend?" Happosai ignored Ranma. "I know someone who just might be interested. You'd like her, she's got long hair and great big, ahem, eyes."

"Who, where, how much?" Happosai asked eagerly, hanging from Ranma's front, holding him by the collar.

"Why don't I take you to see her? I bet you two will hit it off," Ranma said, then mentally added, or kill each other. Either way you're out of my hair for the day.

"Ranma my boy, you're starting to shape up. You're much better than those two ingrates, Soun and Genma. Just let me get ready and we can go." Happosai merrily skipped off, not noticing Ranma smirk.

"What you up to?" Shampoo asked.

"Oh, just going to introduce him to your Great grandmother. He apparently has something against her, but whether they end up fighting or patch things up, it's a good thing."

Shampoo shrugged, accepting the logic then noticed Michiru walking with Hotaru up the shore. Putting the bowl of food she had been serving Kasumi down, she got up and joined Ranma. "Shampoo go with Ranma. Make sure new location not damaged. Is okay?"

"Okay then," Kasumi replied, herself not noticing Michiru's approach, more relieved to have Shampoo stop with the public attention for a while. Shampoo and Ranma headed off to the beach side cafe to wait, while Michiru and Hotaru joined the other senshi.

"Michiru, you made it. Hey Hotaru, decide to come along huh?" Makoto greeted first, followed by the other senshi.

"I figured since I was coming to the beach anyway, I might as well bring Hotaru along," Michiru replied, then looked around. "Is that boy here?"

"Ah... sort of, but not exactly. That's kind of part of the explanation." Turning, Makoto pointed out Kasumi. "She's right there actually."

"She?" Michiru repeated in confusion, looking over at Kasumi. "Okay, there is a resemblance, but that is definitely not the boy I was talking to last night."

"No, then she was a boy," Makoto answered, causing Michiru to look back at her in even more confusion.

"It's like with the Sailor Starlights, only different," Usagi explained. "She's got some kind of weirdo curse she got in China that changes her into a boy, right Mako?"

"Right, and that is why Haruka did not recognize her, I mean him, well, at the time anyway. You know what I mean."

Michiru nodded then looked back at Kasumi. "I think I do. Luna was right; we really should keep in better contact with you five. We're missing out on all these interesting things."

"There is more to it than a simple curse. Makoto has found evidence that suggests the cursed springs of Jusenkyo, and a nearby Amazon village may both be linked to us. It is really quite fascinating," Ami added, gaining an interested look from Hotaru, but Michiru remained fixated on Kasumi.

"I'm sure it is Ami," Michiru replied without looking. "However, at the moment I am more interested in finding out what history this woman has with Haruka."

"Then you should go and talk with her," Makoto responded. "It's... a bit of a doozy, but after being with her for over a month, I'm sure she's telling the truth. Go talk with her. Oh, but try to avoid talking about Haruka being a girl. Kasumi doesn't know, and she has enough troubles without finding that out."

"What kind of troubles?" Hotaru asked curiously.

"Try five would be boyfriends just for starters," Mako replied in a semi-joking manner.

"Five?" Michiru repeated. "She's quite popular."

"With the guys and the girls," Minako added with a smile that betrayed a little disappointment.

Michiru nodded. "I see. Hmm, Hotaru why don't you stay here? I'm going to go talk to her."

"Haruka isn't going to be happy," Hotaru warned.

"Oh, she already isn't happy. Let me worry about that," Michiru said with a smile, and proceeded to head over, leaving Hotaru with the others. "Hello, nice to see you... again," Michiru greeted as she came up, gaining Kasumi's attention. Kasumi's immediate response was to sigh, and hang her head as if tired. Michiru sat down on the beach blanket next to her. "Makoto told me about your curse, and that I assume is why Haruka did not know you."

"It is," Kasumi replied simply. "I am sorry about the incident last night."

"Don't be. S... Haruka was being unnecessarily bothersome. However, I would like to hear what brought on all this hostility you have for... him."

Kasumi nodded in understanding. "I suppose so. Very well then. I have already told Makoto, so I guess I should tell you too." Kasumi's face took on a grim look, and she added. "It is perhaps best as well that you understand what sort of a man he is."

XXXXX

The senshi watched the initial exchange between Kasumi and Michiru, and after things seemed to be going alright decided to head into the water, and were soon after joined by Akane and Nabiki. Happosai arrived soon after, dressed up in a colorful suit, complete with a box wrapped up with a ribbon, and followed Shampoo and Ranma as they lead him off. Herb in the meantime glowered over being ignored, but more particularly about having a perfect chance at having Kasumi to herself ruined with Michiru's presence. Adding to her frustration was these annoying cramps she was having every now and then. In an effort to distract herself, and burn some time until she could get her chance with Kasumi, Herb sat down at the senshi's spot, and picked up a book Ami had left.

XXXXX

Happosai was practically skipping his way to the new location, so distracted by the idea of a girl to himself that he wasn't even attempting to grope Shampoo. It had been an eternity since he last had something resembling a girlfriend, and that had blown up in his face. It was all her fault really. What else did she expect from him? Still, sometimes he wished he had a second shot at it.

Oh well, such things are in the past. Right now is the time to catch something fresh and sweet, Happosai thought, nearly frothing at the mouth at the concept.

"We're here," Ranma announced as they arrived outside the beach location of the San Cheng Huang.

"She's here?" Happosai asked expectantly. "Tell me, what does she look like? Is she young?"

"Oh, she definitely young at heart," Ranma replied and lead Happosai inside. Cologne was out in the main dinning hall, and only gave them a passing look. "Well, there she is."

Happosai jumped out from behind Ranma with the cry, "here's your darling Happy, sweetie!" Having his eyes closed with glee, he did not notice the response the name of Happy caused in Cologne, who immediately smashed him into the floor with her cane.

"I knew I recognized this old fool from somewhere!" Cologne snarled.

"Great grandmother know old lech?" Shampoo asked

"Unfortunately yes," Cologne answered just as Happosai sprang back to his feet as if unhurt. "This is the demon thief I told you about Great granddaughter, the one that cowardly stole many of our village's great treasures."

"Stole! I never stole anything," Happosai responded with a tear in his eye. "They were mementoes of my visit."

"Taken without permission of course," Cologne shot back as she took another strike at Happosai, but he managed to avoid this one. "I'm truly surprised you're still breathing after so many years."

"The years have been kind to me, not to you though, you old mummy."

Snarling once again at the insult, Cologne made another attempted attack at Happosai, which missed, but did catch the box in his hand, breaking it open, and sending its contents to the floor. Cologne stopped her attack as her eyes took in what appeared to be a bracelet with three smooth gemlike objects imbedded in it then went wide eyed. "Get that bracelet!" she shouted as she dove for it.

Ranma and Shampoo, who both had been merely watching the mini battle from the side were slow to react to the sudden order, slow enough that Happosai had plenty of time to dodge by Cologne and retrieve the bracelet. He then dodged Ranma and Shampoo's delayed efforts, and ended up in the door way.

"This is mine! I'm saving it for my future bride, and you certainly can't have it."

"Give that to me you old fool! You don't know what you're dealing with!" Cologne warned as she tried to inch within striking range, but Happosai did not heed her, and instead raced out the door and down the street. "Damn! That's the last thing this world needs."

"What wrong Great grandmother? What so special about bracelet?" Shampoo asked.

"That is no normal bracelet. It contains three magical pills, very rare magical pills. These pills have the ability to instill an incredibly strong feeling of love in whoever swallows one of them. The first person they see they will fall madly in love with."

"No joke?" Ranma asked in disbelief.

"I only wish it were. Such magicks are extremely rare, and definitely not the thing you want someone like him to be in possession of. We must retrieve them before he learns their power."

"Too late," Ranma commented, noticing a shadow outside the door. In response, all three rushed to the door to see Happosai had doubled back, and was now laughing as he raced across rooftops destined for the beach. "Oh hell, he heard everything you said I bet."

"This is a disaster! Quickly, follow him, and stop him if you can. I will contact Frost. If worst comes to worst, she might be able to counter-act the effects of the pills," Cologne instructed. "One more thing. Each pill's duration is different. One lasts only a moment, another a day. The last is for a life time. I am afraid I cannot remember which is which, so assume all are dangerous. If either of you do swallow one, cover your eyes at once. The effect only happens if you see someone of the opposite sex."

"Gotcha. Come on Shampoo," Ranma replied and raced off down the road. Shampoo paused a moment then followed, an idea taking form in her head.

XXXXX

To say Michiru was having a hard time swallowing what she had just heard from Kasumi would have be an understatement. She simply could not believe it. Sure, the time frame placed the event before she had met Haruka, but she could not believe that the woman she knew now was ever like the one that was just described to her by Kasumi.

The odd thing was though, that the early part of the story made sense. That seemed well within Haruka's capabilities. Further, as tough as it was to accept, she had a feeling, deep in her gut, that this Kasumi was no liar. This of course left Michiru in a bit of a quandary as she didn't want to believe, but somehow knew Kasumi was telling the truth.

Haruka must know something about this. Surely there is something missing to this picture. That is the only explanation. That thought satisfied her for the moment and Michiru returned to regarding the woman across from her. In some ways she reminded Michiru of Haruka. In others she seemed more like herself. Then there was the manner about her that was foreign to both Michiru and Haruka. This girl definitely deserved more investigation.

"I must say, I have troubles with your story," Michiru said at last, which only caused Kasumi to nod. "To my experience, Haruka is not capable of such a thing."

"I thought so as well until it happened," Kasumi replied. "He is not to be trusted."

Reluctantly nodding, more to placate Kasumi than in agreement, Michiru replied, "well, I suppose I shall find out." Turning to scan the beach for the moment to think, Michiru noticed the others coming out from the water, and heading back to their spot. She also noticed the white haired girl from last night close the book she had been using for the last while, put it down on the beach blanket, and walk over towards Michiru and Kasumi. "If it is not overly forward, what is this girl's relation to you? She has been watching us rather intently the whole time."

Kasumi looked over and spotted Herb, the answered, "she is actually a he, and he wants to marry me."

"Oh," was all Michiru could think to reply as Herb arrived at their spot. "I must say you have an interesting life Kasumi."

Kasumi nodded then looked up at Herb. "Yes Herb?"

"I do not see why we must stay here," she replied.

"Shampoo wanted me to come."

"Shampoo did you say?" Michiru asked in surprise.

"Yes," Kasumi replied to Michiru, then looked back at Herb. "You can go back to the restaurant if you want. We should be heading back soon anyway."

Herb shook her head, and sat down. "I'll wait."

Shrugging her shoulders, Kasumi returned to Michiru. "You know Shampoo?"

"We have met," Michiru responded, remember a glimpse of the purple haired girl as she arrived. "Friend from China?" Michiru asked Kasumi.

"Sort of," Kasumi replied evasively, which Michiru noticed and took note of. However, before she could explore the point any further, said same girl, and another boy she had not seen before, came rushing up the beach towards them. Kasumi and Herb also noticed this and turned to them as they approached. "What's wrong?" Kasumi asked after noticing the tension both were feeling.

"That old freak is the trouble..."

XXXXX

Off with the senshi, the girls were setting themselves out for a bit of relaxation in the sun, unaware of the building trouble across from them. Ami in particular picked up the book Herb had been studying, a book on number theory she had borrowed from the library. It was a bit advanced, even for her, but it was always good to know everything she could. You never knew when it could come in handy. Besides that, she was thinking of minoring in mathematics at university.

She was, however, puzzled as to why that girl had taken such an interest in the book. Mathematics usually did not catch people's attention, particularly stuff this high level. Wondering at that, she opened the book and noticed the scrap of paper she was using as a bookmark and work sheet had much more writing on it than before. Taking a closer look, she noticed the bookmark was now three full chapters ahead of where she had left it, and was covered in derivations.

"What is it Ami?" Usagi asked as she looked over the girl's shoulder. "Ew math! What did you bring that to the beach for?"

"I was just catching up on some extra reading," Ami answered absently as she tried to work her way through the derivations on the paper, frowning all the while. After a moment, she started shaking her head. "This is incredible. How did she work this out?"

"Work what out?" Usagi asked.

"This formula here. This is... this can't be..."

"What is it?" Usagi asked out of curiosity, noting the tone of disbelief in Ami's words.

"This is Fermat's last theorem."

"So?" Usagi asked, the name totally going over her head.

"Isn't that the math problem everybody has been trying to solve for like centuries or something?" Minako asked, gaining a nod from Ami.

"Yes, and they finally did solve it just a few years ago."

"So, what's the big deal?"

"The proof is very large, and incredibly complex. There are probably less than a handful of people on the planet who could understand it completely. I myself have only been able to work through the first quarter of it or so, but I had run into a block." Ami turned the paper around for the others to see. "She corrected many of the errors I missed, and even managed to get past the block I was having so much trouble with."

Minako, Hotaru and Makoto crashed to the ground in shock. Even Usagi understood that was something of an impressive feat, and looked over at the girl in question. "She must be some kind of genius or something."

Makoto shook her head. "That's no she Usagi. That's a he."

"Another curse?" Usagi asked in surprise, then before getting an answer noticed the sudden far off look that emerged on Ami's face as she turned to look at Herb.

"That's really a boy?" Ami asked, a speculative look appearing on her face.

"Uh, yeah," Makoto replied nervously, unused to this sort of reaction from Ami. "He's trapped as a girl right now, at least until Frost can repair that kettle thing."

Ami was only paying slight attention, the rest of it directly solidly at Herb. The other exchanged looks of confusion, except Usagi who proudly pronounced, "Ami's in love."

XXXXX

"Are you certain of this?" Kasumi asked as she stood up and scanned the beach for Happosai.

"That's what the old lady said. We have to find that letch before he gives one of those pills to some poor girl," Ranma responded, which was seconded by both Shampoo and Herb, although each for different reasons.

"Then I would suggest you start your search over there," Michiru suggested with a pointing finger. The group turned to look and saw a group of women screaming out in surprise as a flash jumped between each one of them. "He certainly is fast for an old fellow."

"You don't know the half of it. Get him!" With that cry, Ranma and Herb charged off towards the commotion, followed closely by Kasumi and Shampoo. Michiru remained behind, and noticed the conversation had caught the attention of the three cats who now made their way over.

"We better go warn Usagi and the others," Artemis said. "No knowing what that old freak will pull."

"Artemis, do you really expect us to believe this old man is than much of a danger," Luna asked skeptically.

"Luna, picture Rei's grandfather about 100 times worse. I've been around here longer. Trust me, this guy can't be trusted."

"Then I suggest we get them to transform," Luna replied, and noticed Artemis suddenly panic. "What?"

"I haven't told her about that," Artemis replied with a gesture to his side.

"Ah, Artemis, your lady friend already took off," Michiru pointed out, causing the white cat to look around him in surprise and see that Michiru was right.

Artemis continued to look around in confusion, wondering what had prompted the pink cat to take off so quickly. "Yeah, well, anyway... transform! Nonono, have you forgot Kasumi can see right through their magic barriers," he pointed out.

"What?" Michiru asked in surprise.

"Oh yes, I forgot. We'll explain later Michiru, as soon as we figure how she does that. But we still should warn them."

"Right, you two keep them out of trouble. I'll see if I can lend a hand," Michiru replied, and headed off after the others, while the two cats dashed off in the opposite direction towards the girls.

Up the beach a short ways, Akane watched in confusion as the gang raced by her, with an unusual air of seriousness about them. "Now what's up?" she asked openly as Nabiki came over to join her.

"Don't know. Let's go and find out," Nabiki replied and the two ran after the others. They caught up in time to see Ranma attempting a diving tackle of Happosai, who evaded this, and the chi blast from Herb that followed it. Shampoo tried next, attempting a flying kick at the old man, but he easily dodged by leaping to the side, kicking Ranma in the face in the process. "Hey, what's going on here?"

"Nabiki, Akane, be careful!" Ranma warned, just as the old freak landed. "Give us that bracelet old man!"

Happosai responded by sticking out his tongue then took one of the pills off the bracelet at random. "Now then, let's see how brave you are boy when I have this."

Ranma cringed along with Shampoo and Herb, and all three backed off, while Kasumi attempted to circle around. Akane looked at the pill in confusion, not understanding why such a small thing had elicited such a reaction from the three.

"What are you all afraid of?" Akane asked.

"Akane, just trust us and stay back." Ranma warned again, as he looked for an opening.

Confident that he had his opponents at bay, Happosai began juggling the pill in his hand. "Yeah, I thought so. Not so brave now."

"I'll show you brave. Put that pill down and fight fair you old goat!"

"Have you been taught nothing by those two ingrates for students I had? The Anything Goes style means exactly that, anything goes. So why don't you stop whining and come and get me, if you can. I'll try and pick a nice girl for you."

Ranma sneered as he finally lost his cool and attacked. The old man was ready, and casually sidestepped a jumping kick that Ranma attempted, and used his pipe to knock Ranma into the air. Unfortunately for him, this gave Kasumi the opening she needed, and she caught him with an unexpected kick from behind, making the master airborne as well. Herb then took the opportunity and struck the old man with a well place chi blast that left him charred and blackened as he hit the water.

"Hah! Take that!" Herb taunted, then noticed, beyond all reason, somehow Happosai was not only conscious, but swimming quickly back to shore. "He's inhuman! Well, this time I'll-"

"No!" Kasumi cried out, and ran ahead, into Herb's line of fire and towards Happosai.

"Kasumi, what in the devil are you doing?"

"I don't want him killed," she said over her shoulder, then waded into the waves to intercept the old man, in the process transforming into her male self.

Michiru, who had just come up, marveled at this. Remarkable, she thought to herself, then noticed Happosai and Kasumi meet in the water. The old man attempted to dodge Kasumi, but she successfully caught his shirt, and lifted him out of the water as he struggled.

"Put me down. Is this how you treat your master?" Happosai wailed as he futilely tried to free himself from Kasumi-kun's grasp.

"To be accurate, you are not my master. You refused to train me, remember?" Kasumi replied.

"Oh yes, that's right," Happosai answered back, stopping his struggles for an instant. "Still, I stand by my decision. After all, only a real man is up to the challenges of the Anything Goes school. You on the other hand can't even keep your shorts on."

"What?" Kasumi gasped as he looked down to confirm that he was still fully clothed. That distraction was enough for Happosai to make a quick get away. However, Kasumi was quickly back on him, while those on the shore also prepared to intercept him.

Great, all these others I can handle, but that Kasumi keeps getting by my guard. I need to distract her somehow, Happosai thought as he neared the shore, and avoided a chi bolt from Herb. He wove his way through attacks from Shampoo and Ranma then jumped over Akane, avoiding her attempt to seize him. Another bolt from Herb nearly scored, but the old man deflected it with his pipe, much to the dragon prince's surprise. The short exchange left Happosai falling through the air towards open ground, but also left him wide open for another interception by Kasumi. Looking around quickly, one target presented itself, and with a precise toss the pill was thrown.

Kasumi jumped out of the water, and was about to rush to a position to catch the old man when he send the pill through the air. Desperately changing his moment, he leapt to snag it, but it was just out of reach. The effort wasted, Kasumi turned his attention to landing, but found himself on a direct course for Nabiki. Nabiki also noticed this and managed only a brief gasp of surprise before the pill landed in her mouth, and Kasumi crashed into her.

"Nabiki, don't swallow!" Ranma yelled out, as he and the other rushed forward, allowing Happosai to make good an escape.

The warning was futile as the collision had forced her to do just that. "What the heck was in that pill?" Nabiki asked as she tried to disentangle herself from Kasumi, her eyes for the moment shut to avoid getting sand in them.

"Whatever you do, don't... look," Ranma warned a second too late, as Nabiki finally freed herself from Kasumi, and opened her eyes in the process, to stare directly into Kasumi-kun's face.

"Ah, Nabiki?" Kasumi asked, noticing Nabiki was frozen in place. An instant later Nabiki flew forward at Kasumi, knocking him backward to the ground, and began to kiss him on the lips.

"Well, so much for being related making a difference," Ranma noted then noticed Shampoo steaming at his side at the sight before her.

"Oh Kasumi, I've wanted to admit it for so long. I love you," Nabiki said between kisses, as Kasumi tried to fend her off.

After a second, Kasumi managed to push Nabiki away from her, and grabbed each of Nabiki's wrists to fend off further advances, but unfortunately this left Nabiki open to kiss Kasumi, which she did, until Kasumi forced her out of range. "Nabiki, I'm your sister!"

"I don't care anymore! Take me right now!"

"No!" Kasumi squeaked out, and rolled out from under Nabiki. "Could I get some help please," he cried out as he dashed along the sand on hands and knees to avoid Nabiki's grasp. Ranma moved into action at the request and seized Nabiki around the waist, and lifted her over his shoulder.

"Let go off me you! I want to be with my Kasumi! Let go!" Nabiki hollered as she kicked and punched in Ranma's grasp.

"Cut it out, would'ya. Jeez, how are we going to explain this to Mr. Tendo. He's going to freak!" Ranma exclaimed as he tried to minimize the damage he was receiving.

"Never mind that, where did the old geezer go. He's still got two more of those things," Herb noted.

"You will have to find him on your own. I had best take Nabiki to Cologne," Kasumi said as she walked over to Ranma. "I just hope this is one of the temporary ones. I don't believe father could take the strain if it was the lifetime pill. Here Ranma, just give her to me."

After receiving a knee to the face, Ranma gladly handed Nabiki over to Kasumi. Instantly Nabiki latched onto Kasumi around the neck, and sighed in contentment. A second later she was unconscious after Kasumi discreetly tapped Nabiki's sleeping point.

"Don't worry Kasumi, we'll find him," Akane assured Kasumi then took on a nervous and unsure smile. "And I'm sure the master wouldn't have used the lifetime pill."

"That's if the freak even knew which one is which, which he didn't," Ranma replied, then headed off. "Come on, we're wasting time."

Kasumi watched as the others fanned out, except for Michiru who remained with him. "Does this sort of thing happen often around here?" she asked jokingly, gaining only a sigh from Kasumi in response.

XXXXX

Kasumi and Michiru arrived at the beach location a short time later with Nabiki. Frost had already arrived, and the moment the group entered the restaurant, Frost tensed up.

"My God, I can feel that enchantment from here," she exclaimed as she got up to look over the three. "Nabiki?" she asked as she examined the girl in Kasumi's arms.

"Master Happosai gave her the pill, and she looked at me. We couldn't warn her in time," Kasumi replied, and lowered Nabiki into a chair for both Cologne and Frost to examine. "Is there anything you can do?"

"I'm not a miracle worker you know," Frost shot back, then returned to examining Nabiki. After a minute she nodded and stood up straight. "Temporary. I bet it was the day pill."

"Thank goodness," Kasumi said with a relieved sigh. "So, she should be back to normal by tomorrow."

"This time tomorrow to be accurate, if they meant a full day. On the other hand they could have meant from morning to night, or perhaps-"

"Frost! Worst case scenario please?" Cologne said.

"This time tomorrow would be the worst it could be."

"Thank you," Cologne replied, and looked at Kasumi. "Did you manage to capture him?"

"No, he's still on the loose. I should get back there and help."

"Do that. I'll deal with your sister. Frost, go with them. If he is foolish enough to show his face you should be able to capture him, assuming you have been keeping up with your containment spells."

Frost smiled nervously, and rubbed her hands together behind her back. "Sure I have."

"Yes, well, get going."

Frost and the others nodded and headed off, leaving Cologne shaking her head.

"Kasumi, we really should talk about Haruka," Michiru said as they left.

"What about him?"

"Well, for one, I think you have the wrong impression of... him."

Kasumi shook his head. "No, I think you are the one with the wrong impression. I'm not trying to hurt you, because he had me fooled for sometime as well, but he is definitely not to be trusted."

Michiru shook her own head in response. There has to be some explanation for this. I have to get Kasumi and Haruka together some how to work this all out.

XXXXX

Happosai was on the prowl. He had only two pills left, which meant two chances at eternal bliss. Problem was everyone was out looking for him now. Even those other girls that had accompanied Kasumi here were in on it now, and for some odd reason they gave him a slight case of the willies, as if they were not quite as powerless as they seemed. Add to that Kasumi would soon return and that left him with little time to get the job done.

As he dashed from garbage can, to cooler trunk, to tree, he made certain not to be seen, while at the same time kept an eye out for a potential target. Then it caught his eye. Lounging under an umbrella, a pair of sunglasses on, and to all appearances asleep was Shampoo. The opportunity, combined with the fact she was dressed in a two piece bikini that left so much skin showing it might as well not have been there, was to inviting to pass up. Happosai rushed over and prepared for his first conquest.

He'd just got into range, and had the pill ready when he heard a snap, and found himself suddenly hanging upside down in the air, held by his feet by a rope. "Ah, I've been tricked."

"You think Shampoo stupid?" Shampoo asked as she removed her shades and stood up with a devious grin and relieved Happosai of the bracelet he had in his hand then quickly tied him up, while leaving him hanging. She then examined the bracelet briefly, noticing only one pill remained, then eyed Happosai. "Where other pill?"

"I lost it," he replied innocently. Of course, Shampoo was not about to take him at his word, and moved to search him, the prospect of which cause Happy to leer and comment, "oh yea mama, come to papa!" Shampoo withdrew in disgust then spied a couple of crabs crawling on the beach nearby. Picking them up, she returned to looking at Happosai with a devious smile, then dropped them down his pants. In seconds Happy was giving of a variety of odd sounds and frantically trying to get the crabs out from under his clothes, in the process freeing several dozen panties, bras, and girly magazines. However, no pill. Scowling at coming up empty, Shampoo mused for a second then shrugged.

"One all Shampoo need. Hope is right one." Nodding Shampoo looked back at Happy. "Shampoo leave you here till find Kasumi. Then we find where hidden other pill." Shampoo proceeded to walk down the beach, pill in hand. But first, Shampoo give pill to Kasumi, she thought happily to herself. If it had half the effect the other one had on Nabiki it would be perfect.

Kasumi could always be so elusive. Okay, so this whole affair was a misunderstanding, but since then it had grown into so much more, especially for Shampoo. Shampoo knew, somewhere deep inside Kasumi loved her back. This pill would be just the nudge she needed. Justifying her decision with that thought, Shampoo continued her search, until a newcomer to the beach came into view, one Shampoo recognized from a stormy night some time ago, "Haruka."

Up at the street side, Haruka was scanning the horizon for any sign of either the boy or Michiru with no luck. "Where are they?" she asked aloud in frustration then noticed a familiar face looking back at her. "Well, well, well. Long time no see," she said to herself and headed over. "Well, if it isn't the little Chinese spitfire. You took off rather quickly on us last time we saw each other."

"Shampoo had things to do, and now Shampoo no want talk to you," Shampoo said with a sniff, and continued along the beach, trying to ignore Haruka.

What the heck is going on lately? What did I do? Haruka thought in confusion then followed Shampoo. "Hey, what are you angry with me for."

"You be mean to Airen," Shampoo replied simply.

"Mean? Airen? What's that? My Chinese is kind of rusty."

"Shampoo no want talk to you. Go away."

"Hey now, come on. How can I figure out what I supposedly did wrong if you won't tell me?" Haruka asked.

"No know, but Shampoo still no want talk," she replied, then noticed a commotion behind her. She and Haruka stopped to look behind them, and noticed Happosai running gleefully after Usagi.

"What the heck?" Haruka asked, concern for her princess in her voice. She was about to take action, but then noticed the waitress from last night and a boy chasing after the old man. She concluded Usagi was in no immediate danger, and decided to wait till she discovered what was going on.

"Haruka, Shampoo, somebody, help me!" Usagi pleaded as she reached them, and dashed around them to hide. "He's got one of those pills and is after me!"

"Pills?" Haruka asked in confusion, and noticed the man in question had just been jumped by his two pursuers. Unfortunately, both were quickly dealt with, Ranma knocked for a loop by Happy's pipe, and Herb being doubled over by a kick to her abdomen. Having disposed of those two, he set his eyes on the others.

"Nothing is going to stop me this time. Out of the way. She's mine," Happosai warned with a determined look on his face.

"I don't want to be in love with some wrinkled old man!" Usagi cried from her hiding place behind the other two girls.

"Don't worry Usagi. I'll take care of this old fart," Haruka replied confidently, not quite knowing what Usagi was talking about, but determined to stop him on general principle.

Smiling with an equal amount of confidence, Happosai made his move. Jumping in, he grabbed hold of Shampoo's leg as she attempted to kick him then used it to vault into Haruka's chest, knocking her off balance. However, his plan of action past that point got sidetracked. Even though he had a perfect bead on Usagi, he suddenly discovered this man was really a woman, and the allure of being on a woman's chest was too much for him. Usagi temporarily forgotten, Happosai adjusted his aim, and popped the pill into Haruka's mouth.

The changing of targets had slowed Happy slightly, giving Shampoo the necessary time to recover, and punch the old man's head into the sand, where she then proceeded to stomp on him further until he was completely buried. "Stupid old man!" she shouted as she finished the job, and looked over at the stunned Haruka. "You swallow pill?"

In response, choked for a second then swallowed. "What was in that?"

"Oh no, don't look Haruka. Cover your eyes," Usagi warned. "It's a love pill. The first person you see you'll fall in love with."

"Uh, Usagi, I'm looking at you and I don't feel any different," Haruka replied.

"Yeah, but I'm a girl. If you see a man..."

"Look Usagi, do you really expect me to believe some pill can make me love the first person I see? Especially if it's a man?" Haruka said derisively. "You've been watching a few too many movies."

"Haruka it is the truth. Just trust us."

XXXXX

At that very moment, Kasumi, Michiru and Frost arrived on the beach, and instantly Kasumi spotted Haruka and frowned. Noticing Haruka was with Shampoo was enough to throw any idea of tact out the window, and he marched over, ready to lead Shampoo away from that horrible 'man'.

Michiru quickly caught onto Kasumi's response and prepared herself to prevent another conflict between them. I should have known Haruka would not leave well enough alone, she thought as she chased after Kasumi.

Haruka and the other girls remained unaware of the approaching danger, as Haruka tried to figure out just what sort of game these two girls were playing with her. Magic love pill, she thought disbelievingly, then felt a presence approaching her from behind. Usagi noticed the on coming Kasumi, and opened her mouth to warn Haruka off, but it was too late as the other girl was already turning.

Kasumi arrived just in time to look Haruka directly in the face. The reaction he got, however, was utterly unexpected. Haruka's eyes glazed and in a motion that caught Kasumi off guard because of its lack of hostility, he found Haruka pressed up against him, kissing him passionately on the lips.

Michiru stopped cold at the sight, shocked beyond ability to think. Shampoo and Usagi both watched with a morbid sense of curiosity at what Kasumi's reaction would be. Both Ranma and Herb, who were just recovering from their attack, stood in shock at the sight of Kasumi-kun seemingly being kissed by another guy.

What the hell is this? Now the guys can't keep away from her male side? Ranma thought, with a disgusted look on his face. This can't be natural!

After several seconds Haruka's mind finally reset, and she withdrew from the kiss in her own measure of disgust. "What the hell?" she asked aloud, then noticed Michiru staring at her. Her eyes then turned to Kasumi and filled with fury. "Why you..." Further discussion was forgone as Haruka took a swipe at Kasumi, trying to somehow make up for the extreme embarrassment she was feeling, having kissed a boy in such a way right in front of Michiru.

Kasumi own mind kicked back into gear at the attack, allowing him to avoid it. Angry, and more than a little confused, he retaliated with a kick that caught Haruka under the chin and sent her sprawling. Haruka came back by tackling Kasumi, but he rolled with it, and leg tossed Haruka over him.

Still too shocked to do little more than watch, Shampoo, Michiru and Usagi stood by and watched as the confrontation escalated. None of the three noticed a thin wire being lowered from an overhanging tree. Nor did they notice as the sticky end stuck to the round pill Shampoo had apparently lost during the brief fight with Happosai. A second later it was whisked into the branches and out of sight, no one the wiser.

The fight between Haruka and Kasumi soon drifted off, as Haruka attempted to switch it into a mobile duel, as a direct confrontation was not going her way. This caused those watching to follow, leaving the tree unattended.

"Ah hah!" Mousse proudly announced as he dropped from the tree, pill held high. "This is the ticket to my happiness. Once I give this to Kasumi, she'll gladly marry me."

"Over my dead body," came a reply from behind him. Mousse turned just in time to see Frost raise a finger and intone her lightning spell. Having no chance to dodge, he took it full in the chest, and collapsed unconscious to the ground. "I knew it was just a matter of time till you pulled something like this," she said as she walked over and took the pill from Mousse's slightly charred hand. "I think I will just keep this. Since the day time and moment pills are accounted for, that means this must be the life time one. This could be very useful." Nodding, Frost kicked some sand into Mousse's unconscious face then walked off, leaving him twitching on the ground.

XXXXX

The fight was not going well, and as loath as she was to admit it, Haruka was utterly outmatched. She was already running on the last of her endurance, yet this boy was barely scratched. Haruka had managed only a few lucky blows early in the fight that scored well. Since then she had been mostly taking damage. Finally, it was just too much for her. Kasumi tagged her with a shot to the ribs that doubled Haruka over, and finished her off with an elbow to the back of the neck.

Haruka collapsed to the ground, her energy gone, and with it her strength to continue the fight. Who is this guy? No one, at least no human, has ever beat me this easily, Haruka remarked in her mind, but a memory surfaced that contradicted that conclusion, and as it did, a set of similarities began to appear as well.

Kasumi stepped back from his fallen opponent, shaking in confusion, and in some anger. There was no doubt about it. Besides the very fact that the pill was supposed to work for the opposite sex only, there were those two very out of place bumps on Haruka's chest which Kasumi had felt during their earlier clinch. As the fight had progressed, Kasumi had confirmed the conclusion. Haruka was a woman.

Given her own experience in life, Kasumi was nearly ready to attribute this to a curse, or some similar phenomenon. Such an explanation was dispelled though when Kasumi felt a sudden splash of hot water, which rained down on Haruka as well, doing nothing more than getting the girl's clothes wet, and visually confirming what she already knew. Kasumi looked behind her in surprise to see Michiru lowering a bucket.

On the ground, Haruka managed the strength to look up at last, mostly to see what had just happened, then laid eyes on Kasumi-chan. "Kasumi?" Haruka asked in shock and surprise, gaining the other woman's attention. Whatever fight Haruka had drained away and was replaced with nervousness and anxiety, which multiplied ten fold when Kasumi's expression changed to a scowl. "I... what..." Haruka tried to say, but her mind was empty.

Instead of responding, Kasumi simply turned and marched away, leaving Haruka lying in the sand. Michiru watched her leave, and then turned back to Haruka. "Speechless?" Michiru asked, and appropriately Haruka could not reply. Shaking her head, Michiru hauled Haruka back to her feet, and helped her off.

Shampoo joined a very quiet Kasumi, and walked home with her. Makoto soon did the same, after excusing herself from the other senshi. The other senshi watched the whole thing, still slightly amazed at it all, particularly Hotaru who had missed Haruka's defeat of yesterday. When the excitement at last ended they offered their assistance, which was politely rejected by Michiru, then headed off themselves along with the others, Ami giving Herb a departing look.

XXXXX

The ride home was quiet, very quiet. Haruka's attention seemed thoroughly glued to the road, and Michiru knew the other girl was attempting to dodge the subject. Not content though to continue with the silence, Michiru final broke it. "Have you nothing to say about her?" Haruka seemed to wince, but otherwise didn't respond. "Do you know Kasumi or not?" At the mention of Kasumi's name, the strength appeared to drain out of Haruka's body, and her eyes took on a decidedly pained look. "You... loved her, didn't you?"

Haruka eyes glazed over, and unable to keep her concentration any longer she pulled the car over, the memories flooding over her.

XXXXX

"You thought I cared about you?" Haruka said then let off a small laugh that took every bit of her acting skills to make. "Yeah, right. I got someone new now, so... why don't you just take off." The sound of silence behind her didn't last, and like a sharp stake being driven through her heart, Haruka listened as Kasumi broke into tears and ran off into the distance.

It was all Haruka could do to not look. The tears running freely from her own eyes would blow her whole plan apart. However, as the sound of Kasumi faded, it suddenly didn't matter. Haruka turned, ready to chase down the other girl, but could not see her anywhere. "Kasumi," Haruka said in a hurt whisper. With a sudden burst of anger at her own actions, Haruka smashed her fist into the street wall. The pain not seeming enough, she repeated the action, again and again, until finally, blood running freely from her wounded fist, she stopped. She cradled her injured hand, forcing herself to feel the pain, as some measure of atonement.

XXXXX

Michiru watched Haruka for a moment as for a very rare time indeed, tears came to the macho girl's eyes. After sniffing and rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand in an attempt at hiding her emotion, Haruka finally answered, "yes."

"Then why?"

"She didn't know what I was," Haruka answered at first, then shook her head. "I just... I just wasn't ready for that. Not then. It... it scared me. I thought it would be the best solution if I just got her to dump me."

"So, you found some willing girl and deliberately kissed her so Kasumi could see. Then to top it off, all but slapped her when she came to you. Is that about it?"

"Pretty much," Haruka responded with a downcast look.

"I must say I believe that is one of the most thoughtless pieces of irrational behavior I have encountered in my life," Michiru replied bluntly, frowning to emphasis her displeasure.

"I know," Haruka agreed. "I wish I had never done it. I should have told her the truth, but I was too scared."

"Perhaps you should tell her that."

Haruka looked up and shook her head violently to that suggestion. "I can't face her, not after what I did. Besides, she won't listen, and she has every reason not to."

"Haruka, you must."

"I can't Michiru. I just can't."

"No, you must! How are you or her ever going to have closure to that part of your lives if you won't work it out with her."

Haruka continued to shake her head. "No, I couldn't. I already caused her enough pain. I don't want to mess up her view of things anymore. Let her hate me, I deserve it after all. If I tell her how I felt... It'll just muddle her up more, and by the looks of things she is muddled up enough as is. No, I just can't do it."

Michiru continued to frown, but knew this was one point Haruka was not going to give in on easily. "I think you are making a mistake, but in the end it is ultimately up to you." However, that does not mean I cannot do something about it, Michiru silently added, already laying out some plans in her mind.

XXXXX

"I knew he'd try and pull something like this," Frost said aloud as she walked into her room at Dr. Tofu's. "He's all high and mighty on words, but at the first opportunity his so called morals go out the window." Clutching the last and most potent love pill in her hand, Frost smiled deviously. "Maybe that idea I had might work. If only I had something on the little twerp."

"Yeah, for some damnedable reason he always get sympathy," Frost noted in another tone of voice. "If there was just someway I could stop that."

"At the same time keeping him under tight control," Frost continued back in her original tone, walking over to a nearby self and removing a book. "Maybe if I turned him into a toad."

"No good," Frost said, again in an altered tone, slamming the book closed. "Too expensive a spell. Besides, if I got found out I'd be in for hell. Got to be some other way." Rubbing her chin in thought, Frost began pacing the room. The completely silent opening of the door did not manage to catch her attention, nor the person who entered. "If only I could get him to agree... but he's not that dumb."

"Dumb no, but quite easily distracted."

"Yeah," Frost said in agreement. "If I divert his attention sufficiently I bet I could get him to agree to it."

"Sounds like a plan."

Frost stopped her pacing and wrung her hands together happily. "Now, I just need the proper conditions, and something..." Frost stopped suddenly and looked behind her, then nearly fell over. "What are you doing here?"

"Talking with myself. What does it look like?" the other Frost answered.

"Did anyone notice you come in?" the first asked, rushing by her counterpart, and discretely closing the door. "Seriously, what are you doing here? I could be in real-"

"Not anymore. I would have thought you would have known?"

"I have been a bit distracted lately with all this Kasumi nonsense, and keeping Mousse out of the equation." Frost said with a sigh.

"I gathered. Bad news though. The village knows now. It's being talked about all over that Shampoo has taken Kasumi as her wife."

"How did they find out about that?" Frost asked in surprise.

"I don't know for sure, but they did. It has half the village up in arms over the whole thing." Frost looked startled at being told this, but the other shook her hand. "Right now it's nothing to worry too much about. All talk. You know how it is. That's how I managed to get away. A bunch of the elder families have decided to send... observers. I managed to get Cao Lon's permission to represent our family."

"Who else is coming?"

"I don't know. Though, I could hazard a few guesses," the other Frost responded in a knowing tone, causing her counterpart to nod in understanding. "Do you realize how difficult it was to track you down? I was trying to home in on your curse, but got mixed readings. There are at least five other cursed people around here."

"Yeah well... wait, five?" Frost said in surprise. "Kasumi, her Uncle, Herb, and Ukyo, that's four. Who the devil is the fifth?"

"Herb?"

"Yes, Prince Herb of the Musk. He's, or rather she is trying to get Kasumi to marry him, and of course Shampoo would get stuck with the deal."

"I've obviously missed a lot, but that can wait. I don't know who, but I could tell you what. Kasumi and Herb are out, and the Uncle is that panda, correct?"

"Yes, and Ukyo is a wolf."

"Then that leaves the cat."

"Which cat?"

"The one that lives where all the others do. That dojo."

Frost frowned and nodded in thought, "C-chan huh? Who in the heck would that be?"

"I couldn't say, but I think we better find out. Who knows, maybe that is the person that told the village."

"Could very well be. We can figure that out soon enough, now that we're back together."

"Darn rights," the other Frost responded to her cursed twin. "With both of us here, we're sure to clean up this whole mess in no time."

XXXXX

It had been an exceedingly long day, and Kasumi was exhausted both physically, and mentally. Dealing with the most recent surprise discovery had left her wanting to do little more than go home and go to bed. Two pills were accounted for, but the third and most potent had gone missing. Shampoo insisted on going back to the beach to look for it. They had spent well over an hour there looking fruitlessly until word got back to them that Frost had already dealt with it. Shampoo seemed disappointed at that, although Kasumi never did find out why. After that, and setting up the beach location for operation, Kasumi had no energy left. So, when she arrived home, she went straight to her room, and prepared to pass out.

Opening her door, she was treated to a surprising splash of cold water, and the loving embrace of her sister. "Kasumi, I've been waiting all day for you," Nabiki greeted happily, pressing herself up close to Kasumi, and resting her head against his chest.

"Nabiki," Kasumi-kun protested tiredly, but then became a lot more agitated when he noticed one particular fact. "Where are your clothes?"

"I don't need clothes," Nabiki responded, then noticed Shampoo glowering behind Kasumi. "Oh, don't worry Shampoo. I don't mind threesomes."

Kasumi covered his face with a sigh. "Why me?"

End Chapter 23

Well, that concludes things for this chapter. Special thanks as always go to T. H. Tiger for creative assistance in writing this thing, and all my other pre-readers. Later.