Ranma 1/2

A Scary Thought

Chapter 25

It was early morning in Nerima, but one soul had not yet slept, and was presently in the last stage of her trip through denial, namely desperation. C-chan had spent about an hour wallowing in misery at her plight, than about an hour more devising some way to have some form of revenge on Frost. Finally, she had concluded getting back a Frost was not going to be easy. Reading the book she had been provided had quickly revealed that. She was locked in by magic's to never bring harm to Frost through action or inaction. It was a powerful binding spell she was under, and C-chan wasn't in the least qualified to attempt to circumvent it.

So now, desperation had taken hold and she was mulling over in her mind all the ways she could beg for her release. Unfortunately, she knew that Frost's personality was true to her name when she was in one of her snits, and that was certainly the case at the moment.

This is just can't be happening, C-chan thought in her misery. She can't expect to get away with it. Someone will stop her. They have to. Shampoo, Kasumi, they'll save me! Yeah, all I have to do is-

A laugh from Frost broke her train of thought. "You think Kasumi or Shampoo will save you huh?"

C-chan looked at Frost in shock as the magus sat up in her bed and smiled at the cat confidently. "You... you..."

"Read your mind? Not really. I just programmed a few alarms into the binding spell, dealing with certain trains of thoughts. Running off to Kasumi or Shampoo was pretty predictable," Frost said then yawned. "And you woke me up."

"What do you mean, alarms?" C-chan asked in shock, nearly falling of the table she was standing on.

Frost ignored the question, only saying, "There is no escape, Mousse. Accept it. As for telling anyone, I forbid it."

"You can't-"

Frost again laughed. "That's the whole point of this you twit. I don't just give an order and you consider obeying, you simply obey. Even general orders like that qualify. You are forbidden from telling anyone what happened to you. As far as anyone is concerned you are simply my familiar, got that?"

C-chan looked down at her front paws in frustration, then back up as a though occurred to her. "What about Akane?"

"What about her?"

"I'm her pet, or had you forgotten?"

Frost's smile disappeared. Mousse had finally brought up a valid point. She had considered Akane, but only in passing. She had not thought about how this situation would seem to Akane, even if Mousse did not reveal who she really was.

With the disappearance of Frost's smile, C-chan felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe Akane could save her a second time. However, realism did not let her get too confident. Frost was bright, and seemed dead set on this. She was not about to let C-chan go so easily. As such, C-chan was unsurprised, if disappointed when Frost snapped her fingers in triumph.

"Ha, nice try, but Akane won't be that big a problem. You are my familiar now. Who's to say that I just got you, or whether I've had you for months? She has no way of knowing. So, if it comes up, you've been my familiar for a while now. Better yet, I sent you ahead to look in on Kasumi. That'll explain things."

C-chan's head hung in defeat. Her last and only hope was that Akane would not accept this explanation, but C-chan was not overly confident of that. Akane, for all her good qualities, was not one to see that which was not thrust directly in her face. With herself being unable to tell her different, there was no reason why she would not believe Frost.

"Which reminds me. I can't go around calling you Mousse, now can I? Nope, and C-chan is Akane's name for you so that's out too. So, what to call you..." Frost pondered as she walked over to her bookshelf, grabbed a book and began leafing through it in thought. "I think something to do with the moon. It will go with that mark on your forehead."

Shaking her head, C-chan dropped down from the table and walked over to her new master. She would accept her fate, at least for the time being. In the meantime, till something came up, she might as well learn as much as possible. She would have to question Artemis later, although part of her was dreading it. The other cat would no doubt do something regrettable because of her new found ability to speak. Still, she had little choice. Maybe he would know something.

C-chan quickly doused the thought, remembering the built in alarm Frost had included in the spell. Curiously, Frost did not seem to notice, and continued with her search. For some reason thinking of Artemis did not seem to trigger any alarms. Still, thinking it better to be safe, she suppressed any thoughts of the other cat. To distract herself, C-chan instead decided to ask Frost some questions. "So, when did you get cursed anyway?"

"Years ago. About the third time I went to Jusenkyo, some idiot tourist splashed me. The jerk regretted it," Frost recalled with a smile, but did not look up from her book. "I guess he really did me a favor though. After I worked out the initial problems, this curse has turned out to be quite valuable."

"Problems?"

Frost frowned in annoyance, looking down at her familiar. "Awfully inquisitive, aren't we?"

C-chan returned the look in kind, and responded sharply, "Hey, you're the one that made me your damned familiar. I normally wouldn't give a damn, but I better know now. The way I read it, if you get hurt, I feel it. I can even die if you do. I'd better know if you have any special problems. What are you afraid of? I can't act against you, remember."

Frost's frown deepened as she accepted some of C-chan's logic. "Fine, but you will not allow anything I tell you about my curse to be revealed to anyone else, understood? That includes even telling anyone I have a curse."

"Alright," C-chan answered.

Nodding, Frost returned to her book and began to talk. "At first when I split into two, both 'me's were exactly the same, down to the thoughts we were having. It got really annoying really fast to have an exact duplicate of yourself saying and doing the exact same things at the exact same time you were trying to do them. The problem faded after about a day as individual factors began changing our responses, but till then I was driving myself insane. I finally made a work around by fixing it so that every time I split, a sort of mental reset magic is cast on one of us at random. That way we didn't have to go through that whole day getting on each other's nerves.

"I also added some magic to the basic Jusenkyo spell to create clothes for both of us during the splitting. Last thing I needed was to give some jerk a free peep show every time I'm splashed with cold water.

"While we're on the subject, as you already know, I can merge both of me back together, but not as easily as you used to change forms." Frost grinned down at C-chan, placing empathize on the word 'used to'. C-chan refused to rise to the bait, and Frost continued. "You see, we both have to be together, touching, or the hot water doesn't work. Merging can be a bit of a pain though," Frost remarked, rubbing her right eye and forehead with her hand. "It tends to give me a headache. Unfortunately, I haven't worked that one out yet. Best I can do is to take some aspirin beforehand. That seems to minimize it."

Frost ended her explanation there, and continued to look through her book. After a minute, a yawn overcame C-chan, reminding her just how little sleep she had over the last 24 hours. Ignoring her fatigue for a moment longer, she turned to another topic. "Okay then, just who's familiar am I?"

"Me, or either of my twin forms. The curse doesn't change anything. In fact, in splitting I may gain two bodies, but my best guess says my twin forms still share one soul. We're in constant mental contact. Not complete, and not exactly like telepathy, more like an awareness of the other. We don't seem to transmit memories well, and I'm not sure why. Our personalities, funny enough, seem to transmit the best. I haven't a clue why that would be. Most of the time, unless we've been separated for weeks, we don't even notice the mental link because our personalities are identical. It's weird too. My twin forms can get so accustomed to the link it's not uncommon for them to be talking together, get separated in the middle of the conversion, yet both keep it up, taking both twins' roles. When they get back together they even sometimes jump right back into the conversion in their proper roles without even noticing the difference. When I'm together, like I am now, it sounds creepy really, but in my twin form it's just natural."

C-chan nodded as she tried to stifle another yawn and failed. I didn't expect her to open up this much, she thought in passing, wondering if Frost had forgotten just whom she was talking to. Maybe it's the twin thing. I bet she's used to being in a constant conversation with someone. She probably doesn't even realize she's doing it.

"So, speaking of curses, you never did answer my question," Frost hinted, but C-chan was too tired to piece together what she meant, so Frost elaborated. "Your curse, mixed spring or double dip?"

C-chan grumbled for a moment, debating whether to tell her. Finally, she concluded Frost would likely just order her to tell if she didn't volunteer the info. "Double dip," she replied at last.

Frost let out a laugh, although such was not unexpected. "Oh that's good."

"It wasn't my fault the second time," C-chan protested. "I was thrown in."

"Thrown?"

C-chan started to respond, but thought better of it. In fact, the actual culprit had been Kasumi. It wasn't Kasumi fault, however. The whole thing started when Mousse met Kasumi and Genma on the road to Jusenkyo. He was simply out polishing his fighting skills in an effort to impress Shampoo. However, as unfortunately was all too common for him at the time, on his way home he had misread several signs and gotten himself headed in the completely wrong direction. It was Kasumi, while passing, who seemed to notice his frustration and asked if he need assistance.

It was a rare thing for a Mousse to have a gesture of kindness from a member of the opposite sex. Naturally he was not about to turn that help down, and since Kasumi was headed his way they traveled together for that time. Not long after Mousse left Kasumi's company, he had arrived at the village and had learned of the dangerous nature of Jusenkyo. At the time he couldn't learn exactly what that danger was, but he knew Kasumi was heading there so he had rushed there to warn her. After all, she was a rare sort and Mousse felt a kind of obligation to at least try and warn her.

Unfortunately, once he arrived and began his search for Kasumi, he soon walked right into one of the springs, unaware what it would do to him. That had been the spring of drown cat. Of course, not knowing the exact nature of the curse at the time, Mousse was quite panicked. When he heard Kasumi he could only think to rush to her for aid, jumping into her arms, unaware of her phobia at the time. The result was all too obvious. Kasumi screamed out in panic, tossed Mousse into the air and ran off. Unprepared for that kind of response, Mousse could not alter his trajectory sufficiently to land on the ground, and instead ended up in the spring Kasumi had been standing next to at the time, probably considering it as a means to a cure, namely spring of drown girl.

And thus was C-chan born. However, Mousse held no ill will towards Kasumi for his additional curse. It changed little in the end, and now knowing of her phobia her reaction was completely understandable. Still, Frost may not take it that way, C-chan thought, and decided instead to simple leave the details out. "Some one accidentally tossed me into the girl spring when I was still trying to figure out what had happen with the first curse," she said in answer to Frost's inquiry.

Frost again laughed, but didn't pry further. "You are so pathetic, Mousse. Didn't you even think to check on why they called it the 'Cursed Springs'?"

"I was in a bit of a rush at the time," C-chan countered, thinking on how to explain things without bringing up Kasumi.

C-chan's chain of thought was shattered as Frost called out in triumph, "Ah-ha! This one is perfect."

"Which one?"

"Your new name." C-chan mumbled in frustration, but that did not ruin Frost's mood. "It suits you just perfectly."

"I don't want a new name. My name is Mousse!"

"Not anymore it isn't. From now on you're Selene."

"Selene!" C-chan repeated in disgust. "That's a girl's name!"

"Yeah, and your point is?" Frost asked in a mocking tone. "You happen to be female now, or have you forgotten? It would be silly to give you a male name." C-chan hissed in anger, but Frost ignored her. "Selene it is. You'll answer to that from now on. In fact, you won't respond to your old name at all, got it."

"You can't do this. I'll never use that name, you hear?"

Frost merely smiled and returned the book to the shelf. She waited a moment for the cat to look away then called, "Selene?"

"What?" C-chan replied without thought, looking back at Frost. After taking a moment to puzzle over the large smirk that appeared on the magus' face, C-chan realized just what she was silently gloating about. C-chan's, or rather Selene's, face fell in defeat. She was getting to the point where she wanted to just cry.

"Alright you, enough of that. I'm not a monster you know. You play along and you may just find yourself back to normal before you know it. For today, I just have some particulars to work out. Co-operate and I'll let you move about as you please, otherwise I'll just have to keep you here."

"I don't seem to have much choice. I thought you said I have to obey."

Frost tossed her head from side to side for a second in annoyance then responded. "Okay, so I exaggerated a bit. For the most part I can't make you do something. This is not total control I have. I'm restricted, mostly, to giving you orders not to do things. There are a few exceptions. As my familiar I can give you a few rudimentary commands like come, which nicely includes the little naming provision as you had to know who I'm talking to, but overall if you don't want to do something, you don't have to."

Selene humph-ed, and looked away. "Gee, some options."

"Live with it," Frost replied in annoyance. "You should be glad I'm not telling Akane who you really are. I hear she absolutely hates boys, particularly perverts. Tell me, did you ever see her naked," Frost asked, a malicious gleam in her eyes.

Selene cringed at the thought. She had gone out of her way not to peep, but sometimes avoiding a look just wasn't possible. Not that it mattered whether she saw anything or not, she was sure Akane would assume the worst. Running in front of an oncoming train would probably be less painful. Sighing, Selene accepted that little gift for what it was. For now it seemed Frost had her over the proverbial barrel. She had little choice but to co-operate and hope for some chance later.

"Okay, Mousse, I suppose we should start with some ground rules," Frost started but noticed Selene not paying any heed to her. "Hey stupid! Listen to me when I'm talking," she ordered but still Selene failed to notice, causing Frost to realize something. "Ah hell, I was a bit too open ended on that. Selene!"

"What?" Selene asked in confusion. "I'm right here, I'm not deaf!"

"I changed my mind, I'll let you recognize your old name, you just aren't allowed to tell anyone you are Mousse, got it?"

Selene blinked, and suddenly realized what had been said a few seconds earlier, and the ramifications of that. God, I really didn't recognize my own name. She can even control my mind, she thought in even more misery than before, and hung her head.

Frost took that response as a yes. "Good. Guess I better watch how I phrase these orders. They're awfully literal. Could get messy if I miss word something." Frost went into deep thought, realizing that she would need some deeper planning.

As Frost pondered, Selene moaned, fully realizing just how deep a hole she was in. I'm doomed! If she can mess with my thoughts too... she thought, feeling ill. However, for the moment there was nothing to be done about it. She was at Frost's mercy. Finally, Selene decided she had enough of being awake in this living nightmare, and that the old fashion sleeping variety was more inviting. Frost was still deep in thought so the cat jumped onto the magus's vacate bed and quickly passed out.

XXXXX

The sun was bright today, its rays seeming to penetrate every pore of Kasumi's body. Despite the heat, Kasumi was at peace. Shampoo was lying next to her, her head resting between Kasumi's breast and arm, sleeping serenely. Kasumi looked down at the younger girl with a sense of wonder. The position did not appear that comfortable, at least to Kasumi, yet Shampoo was as contented as a child in her mother's arms, or, her lover's. Kasumi's blushed at that last thought, wondering where it could have come from. She quickly turned her thoughts elsewhere.

Kasumi's thoughts drifted away from Shampoo, and to the sky above. Raising her free arm she used a finger to trace a pattern through the stars. The contradiction of this action, being in broad daylight, did not occur to her. That the stars conveniently made the shape of Ranma's face made her wonder even less. His face did look nice though.

Ranma has his faults, she had to admit, but he had his charms too. Of course Ukyo would have a fit if Kasumi ever approached him, but Ukyo always was unstable. Even when they were children, Ukyo was always jumping from one extreme to the other. One second she was happy, the next angry. She was a very confused girl.

Kasumi sighed and traced out another face, then frowned in thought. Herb was another perplexing person. Never mind the gender issues, when they first met she had done her best to kill Kasumi. Now she had undergone a total reversal and was trying to marry her. Just to add to the fun, a number of complex issue swirled around the transformed Prince of the Musk.

Sighing, Kasumi rested her hand on her belly, and continued to stare into the heavens... Until, that is, a voice came down from the clouds.

XXXXX

"Kasumi, there's a call for you."

Kasumi awoke, but only partially, the world around her seeming more surreal than real. Shampoo still lay at her side, and the voice seemed like a distant echo, a trick of the mind. Above her the room light was on, but dimmed, sparkling off small reflective fragments in the ceiling. Almost convinced she was still dreaming, and feeling awfully tired, Kasumi nearly dosed off again but the voice repeated itself. This time it gained her full attention. Full awareness returned to her, and she looked across the room to see Cologne framed in the door.

"Now? What time is it?"

"About half past four I think," Cologne replied as Kasumi eased Shampoo to the side and got up. Shampoo murmured in discontent, and stirred in her sleep, her arm reaching out for the comforting presence that was no longer there. Kasumi slid a pillow under the arm that was reaching out. Shampoo gave a happy sigh as she clutched the pillow to her, and slipped back into a deep sleep.

"Who would be calling now?" she asked, more to herself than the elder, but Cologne answered anyway.

"Your school, apparently. The woman insisted on speaking to you."

"Is it some sort of emergency?"

Cologne shook her head. "I'm uncertain, the woman was weary, but did not seem anxious if that is a clue."

Pondering that for a second, Kasumi stretched to relieve a few tight muscles, and worked her arm to return feeling to it, Shampoo's position having pinched off the flow of blood to that extremity. Finishing with that, she headed out into the hall and downstairs, accompanied by the elder. She found the phone lying on the table below the wall mount and picked it up while Cologne stood aside and listened.

"Hello?"

"Kasumi Tendo?"

"Yes, Motoko, it's me."

"Good. I'm sorry to wake you so early in the morning, but there has been a special meeting called for all the school staff. It starts at five-thirty."

"Special meeting? What is it about? Why so early?"

"I'm not sure myself really. Shoji just called me up and told me to get everyone together." Kasumi heard Motoko give a deep yawn, and then she continued. "To be honest, he seemed a bit unnerved, but we didn't speak long, and I was too tired to ask any questions. Can you make it?"

"Of course," Kasumi replied then looked over to the wall clock to see the time as five minutes to five. "Oh, it's pretty close already. I better get ready. I'll see you there."

"Okay, bye."

"Bye," Kasumi said, then hung up the phone and looked at Cologne. "That was Motoko, the school secretary. There's a special meeting this morning."

"Indeed, well then you had best get ready."

Kasumi nodded, and headed for the stairs, then paused. "Oh, I don't want to wake Shampoo just yet. Could you be sure to tell her? I usually get her up."

"Of course."

Nodding once again, Kasumi changed direction and headed for the laundry room. Yawning, Cologne left Kasumi to herself, and headed back to bed. Kasumi appeared a moment later, fully dressed and combing her hair as she went through the front door. Once on the street, she pocketed the comb and headed down the road at a brisk pace, not even noticing that she had jumped up onto the fence.

A meeting this early? What could this be about? Kasumi wondered. No easy answers came. Each dorm had its own supervisor, and if there had been a problem with any of her students, she would have gotten the call directly from them, but no. It was the vice-principal who had called the meeting. Whatever could be bothering him so much that it couldn't wait?

Kasumi made it to the school grounds in just a few minutes, silently regretting not having taken a bit more time for a quick shower. She made a note to herself to take one after the meeting. She then noticed Hinako waiting at the entrance. Kasumi was a bit surprised to see Hinako in her adult form, especially so early in the morning. Even more interesting though was the fish bowl, complete with water and a pair of fish that she was carrying.

"Kasumi," Hinako called, and held up the fish bowl. "I have great news."

"News?" Kasumi asked as she approached, examining the two fish in the bowl. "Those look like-"

"Siamese fighting fish!" Hinako finished happily. "They're great. They never seem to run out of fighting spirit."

"So, you can maintain your adult form indefinitely?" Kasumi asked.

"Yes. I haven't changed back since yesterday afternoon."

Kasumi examined the fish more closely; watching as they perpetually circled each other. Her combat sense allowed her to feel the surge of hostility coming from the two fish. Despite that hostility, the fact that they were not currently trying to kill each other indicated that they were less aggressive then normal for this species. No doubt due to Hinako's tapping of their aura. Despite Hinako draining them, they appeared healthy enough, and still retained enough spirit to continue the current standoff. "Amazing. I would never have thought fish could have such large amounts of fighting spirit," Kasumi commented then looked up at Hinako. "Still, you might want to use some caution. You've never stayed in your adult form so long before."

"Oh, I'm just fine. I'm not draining all their energy, just enough to keep me as is."

Kasumi shrugged. Indeed, Hinako seemed fine, so Kasumi accepted the logic. Besides, if anything went wrong all she needed to do was get the fish away from her. "Alright then, I guess we should go inside for the meeting. Do you have any idea what this is about?"

"Nope," Hinako replied as the pair entered the building. "All I know is it better be good. I only had four hours of sleep."

"I didn't have much more myself. Of course, training with Uncle Saotome has made me used to it."

XXXXX

"You're mad at me, aren't you?" Lemon asked as she and Sissithississ left the police station. However, the man did not answer, instead rubbing his shoulder. "It was an accident, honest! Are you going to talk to me?"

Finally, after several more seconds of silence, Sissithississ sighed. "I know it wasss an accident, but to be honessst you are becoming accident prone. Thissss wassss the worsssst one yet. A riot in the middle of Tokyo international! You're lucky you got out of there in one piece."

Lemon hung her head at the scolding. "I'm sorry."

Sissithississ nodded then looked back at his companion. "Where exactly did you get my bail money anyway?"

Lemon smiled back. "Oh that, one of the nice officers gave it to me, and his wallet, and he offered me his gun too, but Mother said I shouldn't play with guns so I gave it back."

Sissithississ covered his face with his hand. "He saw you, didn't he?"

"Just for a second," Lemon admitted, causing Sissithississ to sigh once again.

Shaking his head, he continued on his way. I guess it's better than being stuck in some cell. "Look, I'd like to not cause any more trouble while we're here, sssso sssstay covered up. Assss issss we're looking at getting deported, and we haven't even been here one day yet."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that Sissy. I talked to the chief and he dropped all the charges when I explained everything."

"Did he ssssee you too?"

"No, I was extra careful with him."

"Okay then, what did you need the bail money for then?"

"I didn't," Lemon responded, producing a large wad of bills. "I still have it."

Sissithississ quickly grabbed the money out of the girl's hand and hid it in his shirt. "Don't wave around cash like that. People will think we robbed ssssomebody."

"Why would they think that, Sissy?"

The man grumbled, stifling the desire to spin on the girl and yell at her to stop calling him that. He resisted the temptation; it had done no good the last time, or the time before that. Besides, she would start to bawl and that was the last thing he wanted. He always ended up feeling like a world class heel when she did that, and quickly melted like butter in a blast furnace. After all, it was not like she did it on purpose to annoy him. No, she likely was not even aware of the connotations of the name. Still, he really wished she would stop.

Taking Sissithississ's silence as a cue to change topics, Lemon returned to the reason for their visit in the first place. "So, where should we start looking for Herb?"

Sissithississ shook his head. "I'm sssstill working on that. I don't even know why he came here. What could be of interessst to him here in Japan? It wassss awfully sssstrange for him to run off the way he did," Sissithississ noted.

The young prince had seemed completely normal, until the day his interview with Lemon was announced. Then suddenly, he and his two guardians had rushed off, saying only that they would be back in a short time. Even Sissithississ, most recent head of the snake clan in the wake of his uncle's death, who was no stranger to being patient and slow when necessary, could not accept one month as a short time. He had his own particular suspicion that perhaps the boy was afraid of getting married and had run off. Of course, he did not dare hint this to Lemon. If yelling at her was one way to get her upset, mentioning anything that would get in the way of her wedding was a far worse way to do it.

Still, those explanations presented by the Prince's servants did not have the ring of truth to them in Sissithississ mind. The Prince had always been a calm one, a contrast to his father whom the snake warrior believed to be a little short on sanity. Herb did not strike Sissithississ as one to dodge a wedding by running off. Early on he had suspected foul play, perhaps a kidnapping or worse. However, a continuous chain of leads quickly showed that conclusion to be false. The boy was traveling unhindered with Mint and Lime. The only odd thing was that everyone Sissithississ had talked to noted that Herb was going around dressed as if to conceal himself. However, perhaps that was simply because he did not wish to attract too much attention. He was a prince after all.

Sissithississ had even played with the idea that someone was impersonating the prince, concealing himself to prevent discovery. However, that was unlikely in light of the battle in that one village on the edge of Amazon territory. The few witnesses that were willing to talk had detailed the prince's power. Although a little subdued, Sissithississ knew of no other that could wield that kind of power save a member of the dragon clan, and Herb was the only current one not accounted for. Although Sissithississ was concerned about some accounts saying the prince had lost the battle, it nonetheless left little chance of the party in question being an imposter.

So, the trail had lead to Japan, and hopefully they would finally catch up with their quarry. Lemon was becoming increasingly impatient with the delay, and Sissithississ was running out of un-bruised skin. As Sissithississ thought about it, he recalled one particular detail. That man who fought Herb, he was supposed to be Japanese. Could he be the reason why Herb traveled here? Perhaps Herb was defeated and is planning a rematch, or revenge. In any case, better be on my guard around here. No telling what this man Herb fought may do.

Still, there seemed more to it. Herb had been overdue some time before meeting this Japanese man. Sissithississ shook his head. Nothing about this situation was simple to solve. Even his companion was something of a mystery.

Lemon was of the fox clan, a strange clan indeed. As far as Sissithississ could make out, all the true members of this clan were women, at least at birth. A few had been transformed magically, but all he knew of were born female. That by itself was strange. Stranger still was that they had their proverbial hooks in nearly every other clan save only the dragon clan, and the marriage between Herb and Lemon would soon correct that. Not a clan could say it was not linked to the fox clan. Every one had one or more members of the fox clan married into them. This was strange simply because it was customary to marry outside the Musk, not within it. Marriages within were rare. However, even Sissithississ's own brother was married to a fox clan member, which was mostly the reason Sissithississ had been conned into this escort mission. There was little doubt in Sissithississ's mind that the fox clan was playing a political game, building influence from within through these marriages to make up for their lack of males.

That bothered Sissithississ little. His own clan was not interested in power or position. Why he was not sure, although he was suspicious that they simply lacked any real ambition. They were content with things as they were, and did not seek to increase their status. If someone chose to decrease that status, they had best have a will made out, but none need ever fear a snake warrior if they choose to merely seek control over the Musk.

Dismissing such thoughts, Sissithississ brought himself back to the here and now and set about addressing Lemon's question. Perhaps seeking out this Japanese man would be fruitful. Now, what was his name again? Korumi... no, Kurumi... no, Kasumi? Yes, that was right, Kasumi Tendo. It's a strange name for a man, but whatever. I never did claim to understand the Japanese.

XXXXX

Kasumi and Hinako did not have to wait long for the others to arrive. However, none of the new arrivals had any more idea what the meeting was about than Kasumi or Hinako did. In fact, vice-principal Shoji had yet to arrive. Hiro took a seat next to the two women, briefly repeating the same questions everyone else had, before switching to speculation.

"Shoji hates getting up early. He must really have thought this couldn't wait."

"Funny, why isn't he here then?" Another teacher asked. Hiro could only shake his head.

"Has he ever called a meeting this early before?" Kasumi asked.

Hiro pondered that, and then began to shake his head before stopping. "Actually, come to think of it, when the new principal..." Hiro trailed off. "Oh no, hey does anyone remember when he was supposed to get back?"

"Who?"

"Kocho," Hiro answered, as the other instructors tried to remember Kasumi couldn't help but notice the expressions of great worry on most of their faces, but the need for an answer was taken away when the sounds of a ukulele out in the hall caught their attention. Kasumi and Hinako both scanned their fellow instructors, noticing looks ranging from mere disappointment, on the part of Hiro, to downright panic on most of the others.

"Aloha, everybody!" A man proclaimed as he stepped into the meeting room, strumming the ukulele in his hand. Kasumi blinked as she examined the newcomer. While the Hawaiian shirt, the deeply tanned skin, and the sunglasses were a little out of place. It was the miniature palm tree on the man's head that told Kasumi that this was a very odd man indeed. "Oh, is so great to see everybody again."

A collective moan went up from the teaching staff with the exception of Kasumi and Hinako. Kasumi leaned over to Hiro as the Hawaiian man went about the room, handing out flower necklaces and pineapples to the reluctant staff. "What's wrong?"

Hiro looked over at Kasumi in confusion, and then nodded. "Oh yes, you're new, of course. Kocho's been gone for almost three years. He's the principal."

"He is very strange, but what has everyone so upset?"

Hiro sighed. "You'll see soon enough."

Just as Hiro said this, the principal came up to Kasumi. "Oh, I see that we have some new faces about. Aloha wahini."

"I'm Kasumi Tendo," Kasumi introduced herself.

"Kasumi Tendo! You and your assistant deserve an extra good gift," the principal replied and headed into the hall, returning with a pair of large baskets full of various tropical fruits and other edibles.

"Why thank you," Kasumi replied as the man handed one to her. "But, why do I deserve this?"

"Why?" he repeated in surprise, and then laughed. "Oh, I may not have been around much, but I've been keeping close tabs on the place, my little wahini. You been doing a great job here I hear."

"I try," Kasumi replied, and the principal turned his attention to Hinako.

"Ah, and you must be Ms. Hinako. I heard very good things about you too... but, aren't you supposed to be... smaller?" He looked down doubtfully at the remaining basket in his hand, which contained an assortment of brightly wrapped coconut cream chocolates.

Hinako just smiled while taking the basket from him. "Usually, but that problem has been taken care of," she said.

"Wonderful!" he replied joyfully, then headed to the front of the room to address the group. "Ah, is great to be back. Hawaii be nice and all, but I be getting homesick. But, now that I be back, we be going to be making some big changes."

"Oh, here it comes," Hiro mumbled.

"But that can wait. I be announcing those to the whole school," he said with a huge smile.

"Where's Shoji?" one of the other teachers asked.

"Oh, he be taking the day off," the principal replied and sat down. "Now then, we better be get some business done. So, what all I be missing?"

Starting at the front, various teachers began to relate any significant events since the principal's departure. In the meantime Hiro leaned over to Kasumi. "He's actually more subdued than normal."

"He seems quite nice, actually," Kasumi replied with an agreeing nod from Hinako, whose mouth was full of chocolate. It seemed that merely being older had not diminished her liking for sweets, merely the enthusiasm with which she pursued them.

"Maybe? We'll see if it holds."

XXXXX

The meeting continued for about an hour, the principal talking with each teacher individual. However, he strangely skipped over Kasumi and Hinako. Simply congratulating them again on the good job they were doing. The meeting ended without incident, and that astounded even the pessimists among the instructors. So, after finishing with the last of the talks, the principal dismissed the group.

Kasumi was at the head of the group, wishing to wash up before class. Hiro joined her, looking curiously at the large basket she was carrying. "You sure seem to have gotten on his good side, and believe you me, that's a feat to be proud of."

"He's a bit... eccentric, I'll admit, but I'd don't see what all the worry is about."

"True, he is behaving himself," Hiro noted with a backwards glance, catching the principal talking with Hinako. "Maybe the time abroad did him some good."

"Perhaps. If you'll excuse, I ran out in a hurry this morning and really should get properly cleaned up."

"Of course, although I think you could get away with it," Hiro replied with a joking smile.

Kasumi smiled back and departed for the showers.

XXXXX

Herb was not in the best of moods. Beyond his usual early morning banter with Ranma, he had missed seeing Kasumi. Kasumi, Shampoo, Makoto, Ranma, Akane and Genma always trained in the morning, but not today. Only Ranma, Akane and Genma were participating this morning. Adding to that was being forced to wear these blasted clothes.

So, as he and Mint headed to the San Cheng Huang, Herb did little more than grumble to herself. Mint was not in high spirits himself, and having the Musk prince in a foul mood was not helping. "Herb-sama," Mint finally began to ask, "is there something about girls that make boys unhappy?"

Herb looked over at her companion, and then back at the street. "It is said that they tend to hold that power."

"Oh."

"Why?"

"Ukyo said I shouldn't follow her anymore." Herb merely grunted in response. "Do you think I can get her to change her mind?"

"I couldn't say," she replied as they arrived. "If this television is to be believed, you could try giving her something, a gift. Women are supposed to like that."

"Really?" Mint asked enthusiastically. "What kind of gift?"

"How should I know?"

"You're a girl."

Herb's fingers tensed in anger, and she started building up a chi blast. Her anger faded, however. As much as she hated to admit it, it was the literal truth, and she had been denying it too long. Finally her body had come out and forced her to face the fact of what she was, if only in body. "I am not the right... girl to ask. I happen to have the mind of a man, remember?"

"Oh, right, sorry," Mint apologized, and the two entered the restaurant. Makoto passed by on her way to school, and Mint turned to follow her, leaving Herb to be greeted by Cologne.

"Glad you could show up."

Herb growled back at the elder, and headed into the back. "I couldn't get these stupid things on."

"You'll get used to it."

"I don't want to get used to it," Herb retorted, heading off for the bathroom to get fully dressed for work. "How I let you all talk me into this..."

"You'll adjust. Now, where is your helper off to?"

"Probably questioning Makoto."

"About?"

"Stop prying old woman. We are not your subjects. Our business is our own."

Cologne huffed, but let the matter drop and started to prepare the kitchen for business. Herb came out a moment later, dressed in her usual work clothes comprising thin slippers, a red Chinese dress, and a flower in her hair that if she were smiling would probably have made her look quite beautiful, but the deadly frown that was stuck on her face ruined the image.

"Tell me old woman, what are your intentions?"

"Hmh?"

"Between myself and Kasumi?"

Cologne did not bother to turn to the prince, instead concentrating on her work. "I have no intentions."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"Believe what you will. My intentions are to have no intentions, at least for now. As long as Kasumi continues to honor my great granddaughter I have no need or desire to get involved. I have found interference tends only to throw unnecessary concerns and pressures into the mix. Currently, if Kasumi and Shampoo were to decide to marry you, then I would accept it."

"Really?"

Cologne nodded, although she still did not turn around. "Our people have been at peace for nearly a hundred years. To be honest, most thought your dynasty wiped out. Not until that... incident with another of your princes did we even learn of your people's survival."

"Incident? What incident? I know nothing of this."

Cologne shook her head. "It is unimportant. It was the fault of those involved, and only those involved, which you were not. In any case, that leaves me in the situation of having the future leader of the Musk, and the future leader of the Amazons married to one-another. It is both a troubling, yet promising situation. If it becomes more troubling than promising I may intervene, but till then I see no need."

"I care nothing for your political games!" Herb pronounced. "My only interest is Kasumi."

"As you have said before," Cologne replied and finally turned to the younger girl. "Tell me, if not political gain, what so interests you in Kasumi?"

Herb blinked for a moment, then turned away at that sudden scrutiny. "She... impressed me."

"Truly."

Herb crossed her arms defiantly. "I need not explain myself to you."

"Fine," Cologne conceded, and returned to her work. "However, I'd advise you to take careful consideration of my great granddaughter. Your interest may be Kasumi, but that brings Shampoo into the equation as well. If crossing me does not concern you then remember that Kasumi cares for her, and would not be pleased should you cause her harm."

Herb looked over her shoulder at the elder, considering the warning. In actuality the threat of crossing the elder was of some concern to her, but to have Kasumi angry with her... the thought seemed... unbearable.

"So, just where was Kasumi this morning anyway? She does not usually leave until after I have arrived for work," Herb asked. Her tone of voice carried the hint that in her opinion Kasumi made a special point to stay until Herb had arrived. Cologne looked over at the arrogant girl, a slight twinkle in her eyes, as she answered the question.

"Some meeting at the school. It was unexpected, and she had to leave early and... oh dear."

Herb looked at the elder inquisitively, wondering what the problem was. Her answer came in the form of a cry of panic from upstairs in Shampoo's distinctive voice.

"Aiyaa! Shampoo late!" Shampoo yelled out, and Herb could hear her racing down the second floor hall. She began hopping downstairs as she attempted to slip on her shoe in a hurry, and nearly came tumbling down the steps. "Great grandmother, why you no wake Shampoo up?"

"Sorry child, I completely forgot," Cologne admitted as Shampoo rushed by to retrieve her school bag. Shampoo did not remain to discuss the matter, and raced off, leaving Cologne to shake her head. "Memory is going with old age," she commented to herself, then returned to work.

XXXXX

Shampoo tore down the street, blazing by various merchants and passers-by. Bad enough Kasumi had up and left without so much as a 'see you later', but because of that she was going to be late. Of course, Shampoo had to wonder why she even cared. She did not like this whole school thing. The only thing that made her go along with it was Kasumi. However, in a way that just made it worse.

Fortunately Shampoo made good time and arrived at the school only a minute after the warning bell. Maybe I should get a bike, Shampoo thought to herself as she slowed to a walk and entered the school grounds. She did not make it far, though, before the roaring sound of helicopter blades came from above her. Wind buffeted her, and several other students who were on their way in.

"Now what?" Ranma exclaimed from behind Shampoo, having arrived just after her with Akane. "What kind of a nut flies a helicopter that low over a school?"

In answer to his question a large banner unraveled below the helicopter reading 'Welcome Headmaster'. Shampoo retreated to join Ranma and Akane, and together they examined the banner.

"What H... head..." Shampoo began to ask.

"Headmaster? Is that some kind of voodoo thing?"

Akane whacked Ranma's head with her book bag. "No you idiot. That's a headhunter. A headmaster is a principal I think." As soon as she said it, Akane looked back up tensely. "Oh no! Is he back already? I was hoping to get through high school without him."

Ranma nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the feeling is mutual. Obviously he hasn't gotten better." Ranma responded then noticed Shampoo looking at them in confusion. "We know him, and trust us; you don't want to know him."

Numerous whispers circulated among the gathered students for a moment before the door to the helicopter opened, and a blur fell out, shouting, "Aloha everybody!"

"Aloha?" Shampoo repeated in confusion, gaining only shrugs of equal bafflement from the others, even Ranma and Akane. Their bewilderment was only increased once they saw what had exited the helicopter: a large plastic snowman, topped with a palm tree.

"Oh, me seeing lots of infractions," the snowman said, and proceed to jump around at various students noting incorrect uniforms, non-standard school bags, and most particularly, unofficial haircuts. However, that lasted only a moment before his attention turned to Ranma and the two girls. With one great leap, propelled how, no one was quite sure, he landed squarely in front of Ranma. "Oh, boy with pigtail, you real bad kiki."

"Oh give it a break! What the hell are you supposed to be?"

"Hehe, you be seeing soon enough, now give me that pigtail!" the snowman shouted, producing a large pair of clippers and grabbing hold of Ranma's pigtail. Unfortunately for the snowman, both Ranma and a newly arrived Ukyo smashed the frigid nutcase into the ground.

"Hey, keep that hands off the hair, you freak!"

"Yeah, keep your hands off Ranma," Ukyo said in agreement, and then noticed Ranma giving her an odd sideways glance. "Umm, just trying to help out."

Ranma turned back to the broken snowman to see the principal, strumming his ukulele merrily, seemingly unaffected by the attack of a second earlier. "I knew it. New look, same old Kocho," Ranma said with a sigh.

"You should not treat your principal like that, kiki."

"Principal? Think again, you nut job! There is no way you're the principal. I don't care what official you paid off for the title!"

Getting up the principal ran over to Ranma with his arms held wide. "Oh, you have me all wrong. Here have a nice gift from the island." He handed Ranma a pineapple and quickly backed off. Before Ranma could realize the danger, the pineapple exploded, leaving him standing in the middle of a small crater.

"That... was... unfair. Should've... known... better," Ranma managed to get out before collapsing onto his face.

Ukyo took up the cause though, threatening the principal with her giant spatula. "You're going to pay for that you creep!" However, the principal seemed undaunted, and simply began doing the hoola. "Don't ignore me," Ukyo shouted and slammed the flat of her spatula over the principal's head.

"Ooo, bad wahini. Never hit the head," the principal cried and retreated towards the school. However, he stopped, turned and tossed an object. "Hey little, wahini, have some nice Hawaiian fruit!"

Not fooled, Ukyo brought up her spatula to deflect the incoming pineapple, but unfortunately it exploded on contact, covering the whole area in smoke. Amidst the coughing students, the principal appeared before Shampoo. "You be wahini named Shampoo?"

"Yes," Shampoo responded, and the principal took her by the arm.

"Good, Kasumi be wanting to talk to you."

XXXXX

The whole mood of the school had changed in mere minutes. At least that is what Kasumi perceived as she walked towards her class, and it had not changed for the better. Could this all be because of the principal? Kasumi asked herself. What did I miss?

Arriving at the class, she found most the students assembled, save Shampoo and Ms. Hinako. In addition to their odd absences, Ranma was laid out on the teacher's desk being fanned by Ukyo and Akane. "What happened here?"

"Tis a tragedy of unperceivable proportions!" Kuno declared.

"Our father is back," Kodachi continued. "Looks like the old freak hasn't gotten any better either. Look what he did to Ranma."

Kasumi walked over to Ranma in order to examine him, and then clued in fully on what was just said. "Your father? You mean the principal is-"

"Our father, yes," Kuno answered. "Oh, it is truly our family's shame for he is without sense or reason. His sole purpose in life seems to be to torment those around him." So saying, Tatewaki and Kodachi both hung their heads in shame.

"Yeah, Kasumi, you better be careful around him," Akane added. "He's very unstable to put it mildly. He's been gone for three years I think now, and the students still tell stories about him, and not good ones. No one has missed him one bit."

"Akane," Kasumi scolded, but Kuno rose to her defense.

"Nay, do not scold her, it is but the truth. Life has been peaceful these last few years. I fear now it will return to the old pandemonium that it once was. Nay, but matters are worse. In times of old we had only to deal with him at home, but now... now he is our principal!" Kuno proclaimed in disgust then shook his head as he began pacing the room.

"This guy sounds like a real piece of work," Saki commented from her seat.

"Piece of work doesn't even come close to describing him," Ranma replied as he got up at last, holding his head. "Look guys, we all have to be prepared for anything. We know him. He's bound to pull something. We have to be ready."

"Hard to be prepared when we don't know what to be prepared for," Saki responded then looked at Kasumi. "So, do you know anything Ms. Tendo?"

Kasumi took a moment to respond as she processed all this. "No, not really. We had an early morning meeting, but nothing much was mentioned. Oh, he did say he was going to make some announcements today to the whole school."

"That's it then," Kodachi said. "That is when he will make his move."

After saying this, the final buzzer sounded signaling the start of classes, and causing all the students to return to their seats. However, two people were still noticeable by their absence.

"Has anyone seen Ms. Hinako or Shampoo?" Kasumi asked.

"Shampoo was with us this morning," Akane replied. "I don't know where she went to after that."

And Ms. Hinako was here for the meeting. Why would she be so late? She's never late, Kasumi thought in concern. However, the P.A. coming on interrupted her train of thought.

"Attention all students, the principal has called an assembly in the main gymnasium. Please report immediately," Motoko's voice announced.

"This is it," Ranma said as he got up. "What ever he's up to, we'll find out there."

"All right now, enough speculation everyone," Kasumi said. "For now I advise you all to stay calm. I'm sure..." Kasumi began to say then trailed off as she realized she was not so sure after all. "Never mind. Let's just all head down."

XXXXX

"Aloha everybody!" The principal announced happily on the front stage as whispers went throughout the crowd. "Today me am having very exciting news for you all. As you know, me am coming back from Hawaii and me says to myself, you has to be bringing back an extra special present for all your kiki, yah."

"Present?" many students repeated cautiously. Ranma, Tatewaki, Kodachi, Nabiki, and Akane all seemed highly skeptical.

"And now, for moment you've all be waiting for..." the principal said, and then pulled a cord beside him that hung down from above. This unraveled a large poster with two heads, one presumably male and the other female. Any hope in the students left as they looked at the pictures, in particular the haircuts on the pictures. "From now on here is new school rules. All brothers get them buzz cuts. All sisters get them bowl cuts."

"You're crazy if you think I'm cutting my hair like that!" Ukyo yelled out angrily as she got up. "I'll cave your skull in first."

"Unthinkable," Kuno added, also standing.

"Hehe, if you think that bad, wait till you all see the new rules I be making. What this school needs is order." Any semblance of restraint in the students left as they began grabbing whatever was at hand and tossing it at the stage. "Oh, bad kiki," the principal said as he ducked behind his podium.

"I knew it," Hiro mumbled from beside Kasumi at the side of the gym. "The guy is still as loony as ever."

"It seems he is deliberately provoking the students," Kasumi observed as she considered whether to intervene or not.

"Exactly, he gets off on it I think. This is all he did last time he was here. It was all we could do to convince him to take that trip to Hawaii. To be honest, we hoped he'd never return."

As the barrage finally ended, the principal peeked up from behind cover only to be kicked in the head by Ukyo. "All right you freak, I've had just about enough out of you. Principal or not, I'm going to rearrange your face."

"Wait, wait, you no hear whole story," he frantically replied, temporarily stalling Ukyo. "You sees, me here's got this special coconut with letter inside. Any brother or sister that get that letter be exempt from all school rules. So, we be playing a little game. You finds the coconut that me did hide somewhere in the school, yah."

"Coconut?" Ukyo repeated along with many other students in the crowd. Looking to her side at the podium, Ukyo smiled and pulled out a coconut. "You mean this coconut. Hah, you thought we'd all tear off and not search-"

Ukyo did not get to complete her sentence as the coconut exploded in her hand, leaving her standing blackened and dazed, allowing the principal to make a get away to the end of the stage. However, before leaving he laughed and turned to the students. "You be all having three days to find the coconut. Me be waiting in my office." The principal then left the stage, ducking through a nearby door before anyone could get the chance to stop him.

"He is most assuredly quite mad!" Tatewaki concluded.

"I say heck with the coconut, let's just find him and turn him into pate," Saki added.

"You'd be surprised at how resilient the jerk is," Ranma said in response. "We'll have to find that coconut or we'll never get any peace."

"Right," most students agreed and began filing out of the gym.

Only a few stragglers remained, including Makoto, who looked to Kasumi questioning. "Kasumi..."

"Go on Makoto. It seems the principal wants you to go."

"Are you coming?"

Kasumi looked around, noticing most the teachers making a get away themselves. "In a moment maybe. Go on."

Nodding, Makoto and the rest headed out, leaving Kasumi alone in the gym. Thinking for a moment, Kasumi finally headed out the way the principal left.

XXXXX

The principal was laughing to himself as he watched the monitors he had set up in his mini-recreation of Hawaii. On the many screens, students were racing about the halls frantically, searching everywhere to no avail. One particular group was about to enter one of his so-called offices, one he had rigged with numerous tar sprinklers. "Yes my little kiki. You going to be getting a big surprise, hehe." A throat clearing itself behind him caused him to jump out of his chair and spin to see Kasumi. "Oo, you be one quiet one, Kasumi Tendo. What can me be doing for you?"

"Um, sir, not to be rude, but... but I don't think this is the way to go about getting order in the school."

"No?"

"No," Kasumi answered. "If you have any concerns, I'm sure myself or Ms. Hinako-"

"Oh, nonono Kasumi Tendo. You been doing a great job. Me be just wanting a bit more." Smiling the principal headed over to another monitor. "Actually, now that you be here, me have a special request. I let all the other teachers go home. They no understand. Now I be needing you to help."

"Help? Sir, I don't think I should be participating in this."

"Oh, sure you should," Kocho replied and turned the monitor to a different feed. Kasumi gasped as she saw a cage hung up in a tree. Inside the cage lay Shampoo, unconscious, with a pair of large clippers held open over her hair. The Amazon's limbs held firmly in place with chains, binding her should she wake up. "Me be finding this extra special student who be defying the rules."

"Shampoo!" Kasumi exclaimed, and then turned to the principal anxiously. "You can't! She... she's not a student. I brought her here."

"Oh, no. She be a student alright," Kocho responded. "But, if you be so concerned, maybe you get the coconut for the sister."

Kasumi looked at the principal, confused. "The coconut?"

"Yes little wahini. You gets the coconut for the principal, principal be letting go that there student. Deal?"

Kasumi looked back at the monitor, fully understanding how she had been trapped. Someone must have told him about Shampoo. Looking at the background she noticed a blurry figure, but despite the distortion she recognized her. Hinako? Why is she going along with this? Oh, he must be blackmailing her too. Tensing, Kasumi frantically considered her options, but at the moment there really was only one. "Okay, I'll get the coconut. Where is it?" After not getting an answer for a moment, Kasumi turned to look at Kocho.

"Um, me forget."

Sighing, Kasumi looking over at the school. Great, she commented sarcastically.

XXXXX

Herb was not having a good time. Actually, she never had a good time at work. Today was simply worse than most. Beyond having to wear these humiliating clothes, and serving multitudes of lowly commoners, she had to endure no less than three men making passes at her and it was not even noon. The last had driven her over the edge, and she had blasted him. Now she was relegated to washing dishes, although honestly, in some ways, this was better.

Over the last few weeks she had suffered humiliation on top of humiliation. Being trapped in this form, being defeated by Ranma, and having to deal with that Amazon witch were just the more notable things. And why? Herb asked herself as she dried a plate. Why do I tolerate this all? Why? Each incident itself had reasons, but taken as a whole, it was turning into a disturbing trend.

Herb tossed the plate she was currently drying onto a pile and moved onto the next, all the while staring off in to the distance, her mind's eye seeing vistas far different from the wall behind the sink. However, after a moment her eyes gained a different expression from the far off look that had filled them as her thoughts turned to Kasumi. Kasumi is so perfect. Meeting her was destiny proving we were meant for each other, Herb thought with a dreamy smile as she absently continued drying dishes. If only I could get her to see this, but how? In this blasted female body how am I to impress her? Herb's face shifted into a frown of thought. There has to be some way. Damn my upbringing. I haven't the slightest inkling of how to court a woman. Her frown deepening, Herb practically slammed the next dish onto the pile, promptly breaking it along with the one on the top of the stack. "Damn it!" she cursed at seeing this and began cleaning up the remains.

"I see even the dishes are not safe around here," Cologne commented from behind, causing the prince to look over her shoulder at her. "You would do well to control your emotions more. Losing control at little things is surely not going to impress anyone."

"I'm perfectly in control," Herb snapped, then looked back at the broken dishes and wondered at her own answer.

Behind her, Cologne smirked, and then turned her own attention to getting a bowl of ramen ready for a customer. In mid motion, however, her eyes caught the entrance of two people as they walked into the dining area. She was about to simply log them in as customers when she noted the light, Musk style armor the taller one was wearing. "Oh dear," she mumbled under her breath before looking at Herb and considering how to act. The decision took only a second as she quickly made her way to Herb's side. "I suggest you step into the back and change."

"What for?" Herb reacted sharply. "Because of the stupid plates. It was an accident. I'll be-"

"No," Cologne replied, covering Herb's mouth with a well-thrown dishrag. "We have some new customers, and you just might know them."

Puzzled for an instant, Herb only looked at Cologne in confusion, removing the dishrag from her mouth. However, the implication quickly hit her, and she dared a look about into the main room, before quickly ducking behind the counter. "Blast! How did they find me?" she asked herself.

Cologne shook her head. "Does it matter? They have. Quickly, change. I will attempt to discern their intentions."

Nodding, Herb obeyed and retreated to the changing room while Cologne headed into the dinning room to greet the two newcomers. She paused a moment, examining them, noting that the smaller one was most definitely not male which puzzled the elder. The Musk keep their women locked away from outsider eyes. Why send a woman on a mission to find the prince? She asked herself then proceeded to greet the larger of the two. "Hello, warrior of the Musk. I must say I am surprised to see one of your kind here in Japan."

Sissithississ looked down at the ancient crone before him. "Sssame here," he responded. "We were told that we could find a Kasssumi Tendo here."

Cologne nodded. "Indeed you could, although not at the moment. May I ask what your business with her is?"

"We are searching for our prince. We have learned that Herb had an encounter with this Kasumi so we thought he might know of the prince's whereabouts."

Cologne nodded. "I see. Your prince you say. Why are you in search of him?"

Sissithississ frowned at the question, wondering why the elder was being so inquisitive. He was about to question her on just that when Lemon interrupted. Stepping forward, she bowed in front of Cologne, holding her hands together just below her face she answered, "We're are searching for him to complete our marriage arrangements."

"Marriage arrangements?" Cologne repeated in surprise.

Sissithississ intervened. "Yes, this is Herb's fiancée, Lemon."

"Fiancée?" Cologne repeated again.

"Yes. Do you have a problem with your hearing? You seem to be repeating everything," Lemon asked out of honest concern.

Shaking her head, Cologne replied, "No. My apologizes. I was merely surprised."

"Why would such a thing surprise you?" Sissithississ asked suspiciously.

Cologne hesitated to answer. Damn, worked myself into a corner on that, she thought as she scrambled to find a neutral answer. However, such became irrelevant as Mint rushed in the door.

"I finished the..." he began to say before noticing Sissithississ looking at him and stopping cold.

"Mint!" Sissithississ said in surprise, then turned back to eye the elder. "Alright, where is the prince? If you have harmed him Amazon..."

"I am perfectly fine," Herb said from the door to the kitchen. She was once again dressed in her cloak and armor. "I was not to be interrupted."

No sooner had Herb finished speaking than she found Lemon on her knees in front of her, bowing. "Oh Herb-sama, we've been searching for you for months. I'm so happy to have found you at last."

Herb looked down at the girl in shock, and then noted the peculiar stares she was getting from the customers. Someone is going to recognize me here, she thought anxiously and quickly stepped back into the kitchen and out of sight of the customer. "Let us talk in the back."

XXXXX

"Any luck?" one student called down a hall to some others.

"No. There are dozens of offices. We don't know which one is which."

"Wonderful," Ranma mumbled. "It'll take hours to search all these, and the last two were booby trapped. By the time we find that stupid coconut he won't have to cut our hair, all these stupid traps will have done it for him."

"Well, we can't give up now," Ukyo replied. "I'm not going to let some lunatic with a hair cutting fetish beat me. Come on. One of these has to have the real coconut."

"That is if there even is a real one," Saki commented, peeking cautiously into the next office marked as the principal's. "This could all be just a big wild goose chase meant to wear us all down."

"True, but we know our father," Kodachi intervened as she joined the pink haired girl in scouting out the office. "He thinks of himself as smart and cunning, and delights in proving it. There will be a coconut somewhere about. Where is the question."

"If you know him so well, then why don't you know where it is?" Saki asked.

"I may know him, but his demented mind is beyond me. He could have hidden it anywhere. We'll just have to keep-" Kodachi began to say, before being forced to duck in order to dodge an incoming toy airplane. Another swooped down on Saki, and another on Ranma. Saki intercepted hers with her yo-yo, smashing it to pieces, while Ranma kicked his out of the air. Kodachi waited for hers to make a second pass before producing her gymnastic ribbon and catching the toy by the wing. She sent it hurtling into the nearest wall, and then stood twirling the ribbon around her. "This is most annoying."

"No kidding. I think the jerk has a second wave on the way."

"I got them," Tateshi said as he stepped forward. He quickly folded out a few hundred of his own paper airplanes of all shapes and designs, and fired them off to intercept the toy planes. A short, mid-air miniature dogfight ensured, and soon the toy airplanes were knocked from the air. "Guess that takes care of them. Any sign of that coconut?"

The party separated and quickly searched the room, but came up empty. Exiting, they meet up with the rest of their class out in the hall. "Alright, I'm sick of dealing with traps. One of these has to be the real thing. Any ideas?"

"That one," Shin said, pointing to the one at the end of the hall.

"Why that one?" Saki asked in reply.

"My snow-globe knows all!" Shin proudly announced, holding the globe up for all to see.

With a collective moan, everyone covered their faces. "Well, might as well give it a shot," Ranma said after a moment, and went over to the door, followed closely by Ukyo. "Has anybody seen Kasumi?" He asked as he approached.

"Not since the assembly. Think she took off?" Sempai replied.

"Kasumi isn't a coward," Ranma answered sharply. "I'm sure she's around somewhere. Now, let's see what's in here." Ranma turned the knob of the door, and quickly found himself buried under a pile of coconuts before he could even yell out in surprise. Everyone else backed off instinctively, expecting anything. However, nothing else happened, save Ranma pushing his head free of pile. "Would somebody help me out of here?"

XXXXX

Moments later, after Akane and Ukyo had dug Ranma out of the pile, much of the student body of Furikan was gathered in the hall, their collective hopes lifted at seeing the coconuts before them. Only Saki stood back, skeptical at their find.

"Alright, one of these has to be it," Ukyo said, then looked over the pile. "But... which one?"

"Let's just crack them all open," Akane suggested. "It shouldn't take that long with all of us."

"Right," several students replied, and started to move forward to grab a coconut. However, before they reached the pile, a figure jumped over the crowd, and in front of the pile. To everyone's surprise, Kasumi stood in a ready combat stance, defending the pile.

"Hey Kasumi, what are you doing?" Ranma asked in confusion.

"Isn't it obvious, she's in co-hoots with that nut-ball principal!" Ukyo replied as she stepped forward. "Out of the way."

"It's not like that Ukyo," Kasumi replied.

"Oh really, then get out of the way."

Bowing her head for a second, Kasumi responded, "I'm really sorry about this, but I need these coconuts." Looking up, Kasumi thrust her hand forward, saying, "dragon flash," and blinded everyone with a great blast of light.

Ukyo grabbed her battle spatula and swung wildly as she held her eyes, but hit nothing but air. By the time she recovered, Kasumi and the coconuts were gone, the window to the outside wide open. "Damn you Kasumi," she yelled as she leapt out the window in pursuit, failing to notice until it was too late that the school pool was directly below. "AHH! WATER!"

Ranma recovered only seconds after Ukyo, and rushed to the window just in time to see a group of spreading rings on the surface of the pool, but no Ukyo, or Kasumi for that matter.

XXXXX

Under the minimal concealment of a group of nearby bushes, Ukyo, or rather Ryouko cursed Kasumi, the principal, the school architect, and anyone else that came to mind. Not this time Kasumi. You almost had me believing I was wrong. HAH! You're not going to get away with it. I'm going to take you down no matters what it takes! Those thoughts comforting her somewhat, Ukyo continued to hide, waiting for her chance to retrieve her clothes from the pool.

End Chapter 25

If you've been paying attention, you should have pieced this together, but just to be clear, yes Mousse was the cat that caused Kasumi to go into her panicked run that resulted in Ukyo's curse. For those old readers of the original, this is something I added in for clarity as I never did get around to explaining that.

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.