Ranma 1/2
	Altered Destinies:  A scary thought

	What's happened so far:  Kasumi Tendo and Ranma 
Saotome were switched at an early age and raised by the other's 
parents.  Now Kasumi is cursed to change to a man and has just 
recently returned to Nerima with Genma after a training trip in 
China.  She is now engaged to Ranma, who isn't pleased, has 
attracted Kuno's attention, and isn't pleased, and has to deal with 
a very upset Ukyo who turns into a wolf (which is often mistaken 
for a dog) and guess who's fault that is.  Then there's the matters 
of Ranma taking Ukyo-wolf (otherwise known as Ryouko) as a 
pet and Akane taking C-chan, a pink furred cat who has just 
recently regained her memory, as a pet.  Of course there are other 
problems as well, like a certain group of costumed young super 
powered heroines taking an interest in the events at Nerima, 
Kodachi taking an interest in Kasumi-kun, Ms. Hinako arriving 
as Kasumi's assistant and Kasumi is stuck as a man due to the 
cat tongue point.  Ukyo, who is now suffering from a serious case 
of pink hair, has vowed to keep Kasumi trapped as a man.  I 
should mention that Kasumi is married to Shampoo, they have 
the papers to prove it, and he even kissed her (while thoroughly 
tanked though).

%Chapter 13

	The first rays of morning light came down on the streets 
of Nerima.  With their usual ease they crept through the tiny 
cracks in the shades of the Tendo home to rest on the sleeping 
forms inside.  Yesterday had been long and hard on everyone and 
it showed in the general disturbance of the bedding of all the 
home's occupants.
	Nabiki tossed back and forth, haunted by probably the 
one thing that could break her well formed mental defenses.  Her 
face contorted in torment as the images and sensations of 
something forbidden assaulted her in her dreams.  Ranma 
muttered barely audible curses at the one that had stolen and 
vandalized his pet.  In his mind he vowed to make the little 
klepto pay for her misdeeds.  Ryouko laid restlessly beside him, 
the continuous low growl of an animal, helpless and scared, 
coming from her mouth.  Akane slept in relative peace, dreams of 
her loving doctor and how she would win his heart consuming 
her.  Shampoo's face shifted continuously from a peaceful, 
content smile, to a disturbed, almost frightened look.  Kasumi 
was much the same, except that he remained more on the later 
than the former.
	As usual the beams of sunlight brought Akane out of her 
slumber.  She sat up and stretched with a yawn.  Giving C-chan a 
brief stroke as she shifted to get up, she eyed Shampoo with a 
frown.  She took a moment to examine the sleeping Amazon and 
thought.  Shampoo and her great grand mother are causing 
Kasumi a lot of trouble, them and their stupid Amazon laws.  
That angered Akane a little.  She was coming to really like her 
sister, and to admire her for more than just her skills.  Such as 
how she handled adversity.  There was no doubt in Akane's mind 
that Kasumi seemed to be cursed in more than one way, but 
despite that she was pushing on.  If only she could borrow a little 
of her sister's courage and face Dr. Tofu...  
	Even with the engagement off she'd done nothing to get 
his attention.  She seemed to be as paralyzed as when she was 
engaged to Ranma.  Oh well, she thought with a shake of her 
head, I have other things to do.  She stood up and looked back 
down at the purple haired Amazon.  I guess you're just caught up 
in all of this, she thought, but I'm not just going to let you take 
over my sister's life.  With that silent vow Akane quietly moved 
over to her dresser to prepare for the day, and the tournament.

	Kasumi-kun sighed and leaned back in his chair, trying to 
calm down.  He almost wished he could join Akane at the 
gymnastic tournament, but unfortunately he had other, more 
pressing concerns.  He sighed again to release a bit of the 
building nervousness he was experiencing.  He had been on edge 
ever since the Vice-Principle had left him in his office, and gone 
to get Miss Hinako.  He had told Kasumi that he would inform 
Hinako of Kasumi's curse and current condition, and then bring 
her in to talk to him.
	He had grown fond of Hinako in the very short time they 
had been together.  Her older self was much more worldly than 
Kasumi.  For the first time he had a female friend he felt 
comfortable talking to.  It was just too bad she spent so little time 
in her adult form.  Still, her younger form was so bright and 
cheerful that Kasumi could not help but smile at her joy in life.  
He had enjoyed the time they had spent together, and had been 
looking forward to working with her.  Now there was a chance 
that all of that would disappear.  The question was, would she be 
able to accept Kasumi's curse. 
	Lost in thought Kasumi started when the door opened and 
Hinako walked in.  Looking at him with wide eyes she stepped 
closer, never taking her eyes off of his face.  Finally when 
Kasumi's nerves were almost ready to shred she spoke.  "Is that 
really you Kasumi?"
	"I'm afraid so," Kasumi answered.  "But, in this form I 
go by the name Kaneda."  Kasumi added, noting to himself that 
he should begin to use the name more often himself.  If nothing 
more, it would be to ensure he didn't slip and call himself 
Kasumi at an inappropriate time.
	Hinako's eyes began to water, and with a wail she threw 
herself at a surprised Kaneda.  "Big brother!!"  She said.  Finally 
she released him and stepped back.  Looking up at him with 
glistening eyes she said.  "I'm so glad to meet someone like me!  
You have no idea how happy I am to find someone who can 
understand what it's like to be so different."  Her eyes took on a 
calculating look.  "Why don't we go out for ice-cream to 
celebrate?"  She suggested.
	"I think that sounds like a marvelous idea." Kaneda 
answered.  "My treat?"

	Later as they walked down the hall together, Kaneda felt 
a wave of relief as this first hurdle was successfully surmounted.  
Now, if only the rest of the people he had to deal with handled 
the change as well.
	"Never!!!  Never will I allow this abomination!!!  Vile 
fiend!!!  And shall ye now parade about, drawing another 
damoselle into thy hell-spawned web!  Not while the Blue 
Thunder draws breath!"
	Kaneda raised a hand and covered his face in despair.  
Kuno stood in the middle of the hallway, a look of outrage on his 
face, wooden sword held meanacingly high.
	"Now speak, thou most wretched of beings, and speak ye 
true!  What have ye done with fair Kasumi Tendo?!  Speak nave, 
did you burn with rage when you learned she had requested my 
presence in her class?!!  Did you spirit her away that we two 
would not become as one and end your hold on her?!  Thou now 
shalt swiftly, yea on on your very leathery wings bring back the 
fairest flower of Furinkan High School's Faculty!  And if one hair 
apon her head be harmed, yea if by even slightest trembling blush 
she do beseach my righteous wrath, I shall then verily and 
certainly and most FINALLY send thee back to the firey lake 
from whence ye came!  And if I leave a single bone of thine 
attached one to another then surely I shall hang my manly head in 
shame for all my days!  But lo, my sword grows hungry for thy 
wretched hide!  SPEAK HELLHOUND, OR FEEL IT FELL 
THEE NOW!!!!"
	Kaneda peaked out between his fingers.  That's it?  He 
was usually good for a least five minutes, he must be truly 
distressed to so quickly give Kaneda a chance to answer his 
query.  Now, how best to reason with him?  As Kaneda pondered 
one of the great unanswerable questions of the century, the need 
for the answer became moot.
	"Delinquent!!!  Happo-go-en-satsu!!"
	As the hall rang with Hinako's cry, and the glow of her 
attack filled the air, Kaneda reflected that it was just as well.  
Some things just could not be solved with a quiet word.
	As the two friends left Kuno behind, a shadow of his 
former self, in the school yard a small device mounted high on 
the side of a tree began to send a message to its owner.

	Shampoo sighed as she carried back a box of rice to 
Nodoka.  Nodoka thanked her as she took the box, placing it in 
the hand basket she was carrying, then the two set out for the 
cashier.  After paying for the various purchases they walked 
outside the store, retrieved a still very depressed Ryouko, and 
proceed to continue on through the market area.
	Nodoka looked over at her human companion as they 
stopped briefly at a small shop.  Shampoo had been exceedingly 
quiet throughout this whole outing.  Nodoka was hoping to get a 
feel for the girl, yet all her attempts at striking up any sort of 
conversation had met with only the most limited of responses.
	What little she had gleaned from her came from just 
observation.  Judging from the thoughtful frown locked on her 
face ninety percent of the time she obviously was about as 
comfortable with this marriage as Kasumi.  Still, she was not 
protesting it.  She seemed to have submitted to her situation.  It 
looked to Nodoka that if she wished to gain any knowledge 
beyond that she would need to ask her directly instead of dancing 
around the issue.
	"So, Shampoo, how long have you been in Japan?"  
Nodoka asked, looking over the wares of a fruit stand.
	"A few week."  Shampoo replied as she stood to side and 
waited.
	"Why haven't we seen you till now?"
	Shampoo remained silent for a moment then finally 
answered.  "Shampoo thinking."
	"About?"  Nodoka pried further, seeing an opening.  
Shampoo again went silent, hoping Nodoka would drop the 
subject.  Unfortunately Nodoka looked back at Shampoo and 
repeated her query.  "About?"
	"About what happen."  Shampoo finally answered, 
turning her head off to the side.
	A rather evasive answer, Nodoka thought but decided to 
drop the subject.  It served only to confirm what Nodoka had 
guessed already.  She turned back to the stand, then after a 
moment moved on.  "I'm still rather fuzzy on your marriage laws 
in your village.  Exactly what status does a man hold when 
married."
	Shampoo returned her attention to Mrs. Saotome.  "Man 
is husband of woman.  If woman strong, man considered strong.  
He have much power among other men."
	"And to other women?"
	"No official power, but some power.  Is like have very 
strong friend.  You no strong, but since friend strong others treat 
you like treat friend."
	Nodoka thought about this for a moment.  "Is the same 
true for the weaker of a two female marriage?"
	"Yes," Shampoo replied brusquely.  She clearly didn't 
like where the conversation was going.
	"So, if a woman were to take a wife with high status, she 
still would hold a great deal of unofficial power."
	"Yes," Shampoo answered, but quickly continued, "but 
other woman must be there.  If she no there is no power.  Is also 
only... unofficial power, no official.  Is much difference."
	"I see."  So, if Kasumi is not there, Shampoo loses that 
unofficial power, Nodoka thought.  Much as a woman in Japan 
would lose status if her husband were not living with her, and 
that brought up another question.  "How exactly are men treated 
in your village?"  Shampoo looked a little puzzled by the 
question.  "It's an Amazon village.  Amazons are not famous for 
their good treatment of males."
	Shampoo looked angered by the claim.  "Men no treated 
badly.  Is big myth, made up by outsiders to make Amazons look 
bad.  Outsiders no like idea of women lead."  Shampoo took a 
second to calm herself then continued.  "Is true men no 
considered equal women, but is no treat as slave if what mean.  
Men free do much what they want.  May train, may travel outside 
village, may even marry outsider woman and bring into village if 
she strong."
	Nodoka was mildly surprised by that, but pressed on.  
"Can they own property?"
	"No, not really.  Property considered owned by wife, or if 
no wife then mother.  Is only official though.  Is very rare for 
woman to take property away."
	"Still, they can.  Do they choose who they marry or is that 
purely the female's choice?"
	"May choose.  Sometimes parents choose, but woman 
never force man marry."
	Nodoka nodded then frowned and asked.  "Does not your 
laws call for the female to marry any man who beats her?  I 
would assume in that case the man has no choice."
	"Oh, yes, but is man who make choice to fight.  He fight, 
he choose marry."
	"And if a man doesn't want to fight?"  Shampoo looked 
at Nodoka, again puzzled by the question.  "How can a man gain 
a wife if he cannot defeat her?"
	"Women can choose marry village man, no need be beat.  
Only need be beat by outsider.  Even then sometimes choose 
lose."
	Nodoka nodded, and turned to another vender to look and 
consider this information.  A male's life didn't sound that bad, 
but she could see the difficulties.  In particular she understood the 
difficulties Shampoo would face should she acknowledge the 
marriage as being to another woman.  Without Kasumi there she 
couldn't even own property which at best meant she would be 
trapped living off a relative, assuming that was even an available 
option.  That let out Kasumi being seen as a wife to Shampoo 
and not returning.
	Seeing nothing of interest Nodoka moved on to the next 
stand.  "Can a woman have more than one husband?"  Nodoka 
asked, starting to probe another, less appealing option.
	"No.  Men is few in village.  Woman no allowed have 
more one husband."
	"Oh, why are there so few men?"
	"Some no like idea of be in Amazon village.  Outside 
world look much appealing to men so many leave.  That leave 
few men, so make sure village no get smaller woman allowed 
only one husband.  Is only allowable for women to share 
husband."
	"Really?  I suppose that is for times when there are 
particularly few males available."
	"Yes."
	Nodoka purchased a head of cabbage from another 
merchant as she thought about this.  Well, leaving Kasumi male 
and Shampoo leaving was not really an option in any case.  
Finding a cure was unlikely and even if they did that would leave 
Shampoo's position in the village on unstable ground.  If a 
villager were to find out, which Shampoo's great grand mother 
had already warned they likely would, then she'd lose her 
position.  The fact that Shampoo could not remarry just made the 
option that much worse.
	That left three options: have Kasumi return as a male, 
have Kasumi return as a female, or leave Shampoo out in the 
cold.  All three were very unappealing.  Kasumi living her life as 
a man was simply unacceptable.  Having her forced into a 
marriage to another woman at all was unacceptable.  Despite 
this, destroying someone else's life was unacceptable as well, not 
to mention unlikely to be allowed.
	What was needed was another option.  This matter of 
sharing a husband did show a little potential.  It would at least 
make the situation more bearable.  Kasumi could be restored to 
female form, and Shampoo could marry someone else and be left 
to live her life.  However, it would not be a complete solution.  It 
would still leave Shampoo with no power, effectively forcing 
Kasumi to return to the village.  Beyond that, Kasumi could never 
officially marry, only at best have an unofficial relationship.
	Nodoka sighed.  For now those were the only available 
options and they would have to work within them.  Pushing aside 
the matter Nodoka turned back to getting to know the girl.  "So, 
you are the best in your village."  Nodoka commented after a 
minute.
	"Best of age.  Great grand mother better than Shampoo."
	"Oh.  You like martial arts?"
	"Yes, want become as good as great grand mother.  Make 
her very proud and become strong leader of village."  Shampoo 
beamed.
	"It sounds like you are well on your way.  Being the best 
must make you very popular."
	Shampoo's expression became more subdued.  "Little," 
Shampoo replied in a mono tone.
	Nodoka didn't know quite how to take Shampoo's reply.  
Something didn't ring right about it, but she couldn't figure out 
what.  "Did you have any boyfriends?"
	Shampoo scowled at this.  "No," she answered, some 
anger slipping into her voice.  "No have any boyfriend."
	"Something wrong dear?"
	"No."
	Nodoka eyed Shampoo for a moment then looked away.  
She'd touched onto a sensitive topic, whether it was simply due 
to not having a boyfriend, or because of a failed relationship she 
could not discern.  Pushing further would probably just anger her 
so Nodoka dropped the subject.  She purchased one last item then 
set out for home.
	Listening the whole time Ryouko had her interest peaked 
by Shampoo's last response.  A boyfriend, that could be 
something.  What exactly she wasn't sure.  If she did have one, 
even if she didn't like him he could possibly be an aid to getting 
back at Kasumi.  However, it was equally possible he could be a 
hindrance by trying to free Kasumi from the marriage.  Of course, 
both options depended on whether he was available which he 
wasn't.  Ryouko supposed that was for the best.  The last thing 
she needed right now was more unknown variables to deal with.
	Ryouko turned her mind to other matters, in particular her 
new hairdo.  That brat would pay for this, but that didn't solve 
the more pressing problem.  She couldn't stay a wolf forever.  
Sooner or later she'd have to approach Ranma.  She'd already 
ruled out redoing it.  That would work save the fact that her wolf 
form had grey fur and she had brown hair.  Either way it would 
show.  It looked like her only option was to wait for it to grow 
out, which meant keeping it a secret from Ranma for a heck of a 
long time.
	Damn, she thought, I can't do that.  The longer she was 
apart from Ranma the worse her chances got.  It also left Kasumi 
with near free access to him to do god knows what.  She couldn't 
let that happen.
	Maybe I should just tell him and get it over with, Ryouko 
thought but her imagination quickly came up with Ranma's 
reaction.  "You've been tricking me all this time!  How could 
you?!  I never want to see you ever again!"  Ryouko looked down 
at the ground, even more depressed.  She just couldn't take that.  
Oh, what am I going to do, Ryouko asked herself in misery.  If I 
could only tell him how I felt first, then maybe he could 
understand, but like this...
	Ryouko shook her head then looked up idly at one of the 
shops they were passing and the large collection of hats inside.  
Oh yeah, sure, that'll go unnoticed, she thought sarcastically.  
Despite the thought her eyes locked on a rather large piece of 
headgear that just might do the job.

	Kaneda sat in the teachers' lounge sometime later.  
Hinako had already headed off for home to prepare for the 
beginning of the class tomorrow.  That left Kaneda alone to face 
his fellow instructors.  The vice-principle had told a few others 
that had to know about the curse, and the reaction was 
understandably shocked.  Those few still at the school at the end 
of the day were still giving him the occasional odd look.  Hiro 
was the first to actually approach him.
	He stood for a moment, looking at the strange man before 
him.  Finally a smile broke on his face and he let out a short 
laugh.  "This will certainly win you a prize for weirdness."  He 
said as he sat down with Kaneda.  "Ever considered show 
business?  This would make a really neat magic act."
	Kaneda smiled and shook his head.  "No, I don't think so.  
Besides, with my present condition that's not really possible."
	"So you really can't change back.  You really didn't 
explain why."
	"To change back I need to use hot water.  I've become 
sensitive to the heat so I cannot come into contact with the water 
I need."
	"How did that happen?"
	Kaneda considered answering but then thought better of 
it.  Trying to explain how he was married to a woman would get 
rather messy.  "It would be hard to explain, and it is rather 
personal."
	Hiro put up his hand in acceptance.  "Then it's your 
business, and not for me to pry into."  Hiro sighed and sat back in 
his chair.  "Life can be a real load of trouble sometimes.  You 
have this curse, Hinako is stuck as a pre-teen, I'm having trouble 
with the restaurant-"
	"What sort of trouble?  Still haven't found a buyer."
	"No, I'm still considering that developer's offer, but I'm 
hoping for someone interested in reopening the place.  Actually, 
the problem I'm having right now is vandals.  I went to check on 
the place yesterday and found someone had broken in and messed 
up the place.  Nothing was too badly damaged, thank god, but I 
really wish I had someone to look over the place.  I'd do it 
myself, but my niece contacted me the other day.  She is trying to 
talk a student at her school into attending your class.  She asked 
if I would put her up for a few days if she could convince her to 
come.  I agreed, but now it leaves me in a bind.  I can't plan on 
moving down to the restaurant until I know what is going to 
happen in regards to the young lady."  Hiro paused and looked at 
Kaneda.  "Now, if some little street hooligan were to try to get in 
and ran into someone like you..."  He said with a wide, devious 
grin.
	Kaneda smiled, but shook his head.  "I've already got 
somewhere to stay."
	"Yes, well, it was just a thought.  If you do know anyone 
who would be interested..."
	Kaneda nodded then looked up at the clock.  It was 
getting late.  "I should be going.  I hope you find a good buyer."
	"Me too."
	The two said their goodbyes and Kaneda headed off for 
home.  He had made it only a few blocks away when he detected 
a presence nearby.  He turned to find Shampoo's great grand 
mother behind him, smiling.
	"Hello son-in-law."
	"Must you call me that?"  Kaneda asked as he continued 
on his way, the old woman hopping along beside him.
	"Would you prefer that I call you daughter-in-law?"
	Kaneda shook his head in mild annoyance.  "No, but 
could you at least call me Kaneda?"
	"An alternate identity... Hmm, very well, Kaneda."
	"You have not told me your name."
	"No, I have not."  She said simply.
	Kaneda looked over at her traveling companion.  "Must 
you fight me on everything?"
	"Must you?"  She countered, but after a moment of 
mutual silence spoke.  "You may refer to me as elder Cologne... 
or great grand mother, which ever you prefer."
	"Elder Cologne, I have no real wish to fight you, but I 
will not be forced into this.  For Shampoo sake you should at 
least understand.  I cannot force someone to live the rest of their 
life with me.  She would be no happier than I."
	"I don't know about that.  Such feelings can grow with 
time.  Love, for all the grandeur we give it, is an emotion like any 
other.  It can be built with time or triggered very quickly."
	"But I'm not a man, despite this body."  Kasumi retorted.
	"And who ever said love was conditional on what you 
think you are?  Whoever it was, he was a fool.  Would you not 
agree that the purest form of love is that based on one's heart 
rather than one's body?"
	"That's my point-"
	"No child, you misunderstand me.  You perceive yourself 
as a woman and therefore exclude all women as potential mates.  
Yet that is just a perception, particularly in your case.  True love 
should not be based on one's gender, perceived or otherwise.  It 
should instead be based on one's feelings for another, which ever 
sex they may be."
	Kaneda looked away.  This whole discussion was getting 
very philosophical and he didn't feel qualified to argue it.
	Cologne smiled as she noticed Kaneda silence.  "It is a 
difficult matter, I know, but never feel that yours is the one and 
only truth.  There are always other opinions, and truth is mostly a 
matter of perspective.  In any case, your point is really mute.  
What has been done is done.  What we must now do is make the 
best of what we have."  Cologne paused a moment then 
continued.  "Have you ever considered having children?"
	"Yes, of course I have."
	"And, have you considered how the curse would affect 
such a thing?"  Kaneda stopped dead in his tracks.  He had never 
thought about that particular subject before, at least not in 
relation to his curse, but now as he did he could feel an 
overwhelming dread begin to take hold.  Cologne stopped beside 
him.  "From your reaction, I guess you have not."
	"Are you saying I cannot have children?"  Kaneda asked, 
already guessing the answer would be no.
	"In practical terms, as a woman, no.  You are most 
unfortunate in the curse you bear.  Any other, non gender curse 
would not interfere in child bearing.  The unborn child would 
simply take a form appropriate to the other body.  However, as a 
male there is no appropriate form.  The child would simply cease 
to exist.  You might consider it the ultimate form of birth 
control."
	Cologne little jest was lost on Kaneda as he stood in 
shock.  He'd always perceived the curse as annoying and 
dreadfully inconvenient, but to find out it destroyed any chance 
he had of having children...  Kaneda turned to Cologne, some 
desperation showing on his face.  "But if I didn't transform-"
	"Do you really believe you could avoid cold water for 9 
months?"
	Kaneda looked down at the ground for a moment then 
back up at Cologne.  "There must be a cure.  There must be a 
way."
	"Perhaps, yet you are not likely to find it.  In all my 300 
years of life I have never heard of a single individual finding a 
cure.  If you don't already know, the springs of Jusenkyo-"
	"All mix, yes I know."  Kaneda finished as he turned to 
look away.  "It was the first thing I asked."  Kaneda stared off 
blankly into open air as he digested this latest problem.
	"Not all is lost.  As a woman you may not have children.  
As a man however..."
	"No!  That's... That's..."  Kaneda blurted out as he spun 
back around to Cologne.  "I couldn't possibly..."
	"Consider it," Cologne responded then turned and hopped 
off, leaving Kaneda alone in the street.  After a moment he hung 
his head.  Fate seems determined to tear apart any chance he had 
at happiness.  Feeling a tiny drop of moisture on his cheek 
Kaneda raised a hand and removed it.  After taking a second to 
compose himself he continued on for home.
	A short distance away the sun glinted unnoticed off a pair 
of glasses.  The owner quickly dropped out of sight.

	The front door of the Tendo home opened with a shout of 
jubilation.  In came Akane and Kodachi, both slightly worse for 
wear but happy, followed by Ranma who looked a little rejected.  
They made their way to the common room where Ryouko and 
Nodoka were.
	Nodoka looked up at the two girls with a smile.  "So, how 
was the tournament?"
	"Great, we won!"  Kodachi replied.
	"Yeah, but I tied Kodachi in our match and we only lost 
by a few points."  Akane quickly added.
	"Yes, it was quite the exciting match.  It was the best 
we've had in years.  You should really join the gymnastic team 
you know."
	"I don't think so."  Akane said then the two sat down and 
began to recount the match in detail to Nodoka.
	Ranma, having been there in person to see the events 
Akane and Kodachi were describing, walked off to the walkway 
by the pond.  Ryouko walked over to join him and Ranma started 
to pet her, sighing and looking off at nothing in particular.  
Ryouko looked up Ranma in sympathy, alternating between 
cursing and thanking Kodachi for obviously spurning that which 
she'd give so much to have.
	Ranma glanced back at the others as they continued to 
laugh and tease each other over various things that happened.  He 
let out another sigh, this time one that admitted temporary defeat 
and he got up.  "Come on girl.  I think I'm going to go practice 
for a bit."
	Ryouko obediently followed Ranma to the dojo.  Ranma 
slid back the door to find Shampoo engaged in a kata, punching, 
kicking, and dodging an imaginary opponent.  She cast Ranma a 
quick glance, but continued her exercise as he stood and watched.  
Ranma, who had seen Akane practice enough times to know, 
could see a distinct difference in the way this girl fought.  There 
seemed to be a fierceness behind each blow that lacked in most 
martial arts training he'd seen.  This girl was clearly trained for 
full out combat, where the victor could very well be the last 
person still breathing, rather than just martial arts duels.
	Another thing he could see was that she was indeed 
formidable.  Every move was complete, smooth, and well honed.  
He started to compare her to Akane and soon found the two to be 
very closely matched.  Although, if he had to lay a bet, his money 
would have to go on Shampoo.
	Shampoo finally took full notice of the attention she was 
receiving and stopped to glare at Ranma.  "What you want?"  
She asked, some anger slipping into her tone.
	"Nothing, just watching."
	Shampoo scowled angrily at his response.  This jerk is 
gawking at me, she thought.  Isn't he supposed to be engaged?  
Yeah, he's engaged to my... husband.  Shampoo's angry scowl 
deepened and she started into another kata, ignoring her audience 
once again.  She dearly wished she wasn't in this mess.  She 
wished she had practiced harder like her great grand mother had 
told her to.  She wished she hadn't accepted the challenge.  She 
wished she hadn't underestimated him.  She wished that he could 
just be a normal man.
	Shampoo, in her growing frustration, threw a full strength 
punch into one of the dojo's walls, collapsing a good section of it.  
She looked down blankly at the broken wooden planks scattered 
about the ground outside.
	"Do you mind not wrecking the place?  We are supposed 
to be running a dojo here, and having large holes in the wall 
won't attract too many students."  Ranma said snidely as he 
walked over.  Shampoo turned her glare back on him, but he 
didn't seem to care.  Instead there was a nagging sense of 
curiosity in Ranma.  "I was going to get some practice in myself.  
Feel like sparring against a real opponent?"
	Shampoo looked at this man, trying to contain her fury.  
He thinks he's better that me, she thought, clenching her fist at 
the idea.  Fine, if he wanted a fight she would gladly provide it.

	"Hey, do you know anything about this weird class 
they're starting at your school?"  Kodachi asked as she walked 
into Akane's room.
	"Yeah, Ka...neda is running it.  Why?"  Akane said as 
she followed Kodachi inside and closed the door.  "Are you 
supposed to be in it?"
	"Me, to be part of a class full of ruffians, ner-do-wells, 
trouble makers and hooligans...  Of course they tried to get me in 
there."  She answered with a broad smile.  "Turned them down 
though, politely.  However, I may reconsider."  She added at the 
thought of Kaneda.
	Akane laughed for a second as she looked around for C-
chan.  "You're lucky.  I didn't get the choice since I'm going to 
the school already.  Do you see C-chan?"
	"Nope, probably catching a nap under the bed or looking 
for something to kill."
	Akane gave her a disgusted look and checked under the 
bed.  She shook her head.  "No, where the heck is she?"
	"She'll turn up."
	"She had better, or I'm in big trouble.  How did she get 
out?"  Akane said as she got back to her feet, then frowned and 
covered her eyes with her hand.  "Great, I forgot to tell Shampoo 
not to let her out."
	"Shampoo?"
	Akane gave up her search for the moment and sat on the 
bed.  "Oh, just someone who's staying here for a while.  Nobody 
to worry about."
	Kodachi eyed Akane with some suspicion.  There was 
obviously something more to be told on the subject, but 
experience told her Akane wasn't about to talk about it right 
now.  Kodachi sat down at the desk and stretched out to relax 
some.  "So, how's life free and clear?"
	"Okay, I suppose."  Akane replied with little enthusiasm
	"You don't sound so pleased.  What you need is a 
boyfriend?"
	"Suuure, but it definitely will not be your brother."
	"Who said anything about brother dear?  I thought you 
had another man you had your eyes on?"
	Akane turned to look at the wall, suddenly nervous.  
"Well, yeah, maybe."
	"Then go ask the guy out."
	"I couldn't.  What if he said no?"
	"Never know if you don't ask.  Besides, no doesn't mean 
it's all over.  It just means you have to work a bit harder."
	"Oh yeah," Akane said as she looked back at Kodachi, 
"like I should be taking advice on love from you Dachi."
	"Hey, I resent that insinuation!"  Kodachi shot back in 
mock hurt.  "I just haven't caught the right guy yet... but I may 
have found him."
	"Uhhuh," Akane said with a small chuckle.  "Okay then, 
just how would you propose I ask him."
	"Well," Kodachi began, as she got up and walked over to 
the closet.  "For starters, you got to let him now you're available, 
and interested."  She began routing through the contents of the 
closet as she continued.  "All this nonsense about waiting for the 
guy to make the first move is so old fashion, not to mention 
painfully slow.  Here we are."  Kodachi stepped out holding one 
of Akane's more revealing sets of undergarments, a matching 
black set, that Akane had bought on a whim, and then never had 
the nerve to wear.  "This looks about right."
	"Dare I ask, what do you want me to do with that?"
	"You can always give him a nice surprise gift to open one 
night." Kodachi replied with another broad smile and a knowing 
wink.
	"I think that's a weee bit forward Dachi."
	"Forward?  Not at all.  If you were being forward you 
wouldn't need this."
	Akane was racked with laughter.  "Oh yeah, I can just 
imagine what he'd think of me if I pulled that stunt."
	"You are far too conservative for your own good."

	Shampoo fell back several paces, breathing heavily.  In 
the past few moments she had gone through a battle that made 
even her best fight with another villager seem like child's play.  
This man was good, very good.  He could not match Kasumi, but 
he was making Shampoo work like she had never worked before.  
If it wasn't for the frustration she was feeling she might have 
been impressed.  Instead, she was madder than hell.
	Ranma carefully tested each of his muscles and joints as 
he waited for Shampoo's next attack.  This was tough, but at the 
same time quite exhilarating.  Akane could provide a good fight 
now and then, but when it really came down to it he could beat 
her in a fair duel.  Here though he was going nearly all out, and 
he hadn't gained any real advantage.  She had matched him move 
for move and made him pay for any mistakes he made while he 
did likewise.
	He could sense that Shampoo was losing her cool.  That 
was to his advantage in some ways.  She was getting sloppy, and 
leaving more openings.  However, she was also throwing a lot of 
force behind her blows, and any that connected would put him 
into some serious pain.
	Shampoo finally rushed forward for a combo of two quick 
kicks and a spinning back knuckle.  Ranma managed to dodge 
each attack, barely, then slipped in a kick to Shampoo's ribs.  
Momentarily thrown off balance by the hit, Shampoo was left 
open to a follow up and Ranma took advantage.  He continued 
the spinning motion of his previous kick, went down low and 
back handed the back of Shampoo's knee, knocking her off her 
feet and to the ground.
	Shampoo rolled out and away, but winced as she regained 
her footing.  She had run through almost her entire arsenal and 
this man was still standing.  About this time she wondered what 
was going through her head when she started to slack off on her 
training.  At the time it seemed so pointless.  She could defeat all 
her challengers handily, and quite frankly it was both boring and 
disheartening.  Pushing her training further would have only 
made the others that much more out classed.  Now, however, she 
had an opponent who was showing her the error of that decision.
	There was one last thing she hadn't tried.  It wasn't 
meant for sparring matches, but she was too mad to really care.  
It was the last technique her great grand mother had shown her 
that Shampoo had actually bothered with.  She had never 
perfected it, but she could still use it.
	Ranma watched in an odd fascination as Shampoo set 
herself back into a new fighting stance and started to dimly glow 
deep purple.  The glow continued to grow until it outlined her 
like a fire.  Ranma had heard of Ki techniques before, and even 
knew a few lesser ones, but had never before seen someone 
manifest an aura like this.  He was so amazed that he didn't 
realize the danger he was in.
	Before Ranma came out of his stupor Shampoo charged 
forward.  Fortunately for him Shampoo didn't quite make it.  
Instead a hand caught her arm from the side and brought her to a 
sudden halt.  Both Ranma and Shampoo turned to see Kasumi-
kun standing with Shampoo's arm firmly held in his hand.  If 
anyone had cared to noticed they would also have seen Ryouko 
standing next to Ranma, lips pulled back from her impressive 
fangs, and fully prepared to jump either of the others should they 
make a move.
	Shampoo stood for a moment, meeting Kasumi's eyes, 
her aura still glowing brightly.  She had enough of a charge built 
up to blast Kasumi through the wall, but the calm disapproval in 
his eyes chased any further desire to fight right out of her.  With a 
angry snort she let her Ki, or Chi, as she would refer to it, calm 
and the aura slowly dimmed and disappeared.  Kasumi released 
his grip and without a single word Shampoo walked out of the 
dojo.
	"Thanks," Ranma said as he walked over.
	"I would advise you to stay clear of her for a time."
	"No kidding," Ranma said with a nod, then noticed 
Kasumi's unusually downcast look.  "Something wrong, besides 
the usual?"
	Kasumi looked at Ranma, considering whether to discuss 
his latest problem.  However, he just couldn't believe Ranma 
would understand what it meant to him.  With a shake of his 
head he turned and began to leave.  "It's nothing."
	Now what's he up to, Ryouko asked herself then looked 
over at Ranma.  To her displeasure there was a look of concern 
on his face.  Don't fall for his tricks Ranma, Ryouko silently 
pleaded.
	Ranma shook his head finally, and moved to the center to 
the dojo to continue his practice alone.  Ryouko cast a dark look 
Kasumi's way.

	The day passed in relative peace.  Kodachi headed off for 
home.  Akane luckily found C-chan walking down the hall by her 
room before Kasumi ran into her.  Nabiki retreated to her room, 
as was becoming usual.  Genma and Soun were relaxing and 
challenging each other in various games.  Shampoo busied 
herself in any way she could find, and had taken to avoiding 
Kasumi.  Whether this was due to the confrontation earlier, or 
simply the whole situation in general, Kasumi couldn't be sure.  
He did hope that it wouldn't last.  He would probably need her 
help to get out of this mess.
	Kasumi spent the day alone, just thinking.  His mind was 
working overtime, trying to find a solution to any one of the many 
problems that were assaulting him.  For the marriage what he 
needed was a good Amazon law manual, but he had a feeling 
that if such a book existed, it was somewhere he would not be 
able put his hands on it.  If he did find one against all the odds, 
he fervently hoped Cologne had missed something, some way 
they could escape this.  For Ukyo, Kasumi could only hope that 
with enough time and patience she would come around.  As for 
Kuno, well, maybe he'd come to understand the truth of things 
before long.  It was a wild hope, he knew that, but a hope none 
the less.
	The curse presented the greatest problem.  Some careful 
thought lead to a few conclusions.  One, avoiding cold water for 
nine months seemed a very daunting, if not impossible task.  
However, he could simply hole up at home for the duration.  It 
was a terrible inconvenience, but it was a possible solution.  Was 
the risk justified though?  After all it was not just him they were 
talking about here, there was the child's life as well.  Could he 
justify jeopardizing an innocent life just to indulge himself?  And 
of course, all that was useless speculation if he could not find a 
man who he could love, and who could accept his curse.  Which 
brought him to the next solution, finding a cure, which so far 
wasn't looking like it would happen.  The last... the last Kasumi 
didn't want to consider.
	The night, finally upon the Tendo home, saw Kasumi 
headed off for bed.  All that had happened lately had left him still 
very drained and tomorrow was going to be a long day. 
	With a weary sigh, Kaneda slid open the door to his room 
and flicked on the lights, or at least he tried to.  They did not 
come on, and in a universal reflex, he flicked the switch several 
more times before deciding the lights were indeed burned out, 
and not just stubbornly refusing to come on.  Oh well, he thought 
to himself, I can replace the light tomorrow.  One of the nice 
things about this body is that its handy for reaching things high 
up. 
	Quickly disrobing he slid into his bed, and nestled down 
into the soft mattress, so welcome after years of rocky campsites.  
With a contented sigh, he put all the worries of the day behind 
him and set about falling into the welcoming arms of Morpheus.  
	Kaneda was just beginning to drift off, when he felt 
something stirring in his bed with him, before he could react, a 
slender arm slid over his torso, and he felt what was most 
definitely a female body cuddling up to his back.
	"Shampoo!!  What do you think you're doing?!"  Kaneda 
shouted out, turning as he did so.  He took the girl in his bed by 
the shoulders, and pushed her away from him.  "You are suppose 
to be sleeping in Akane's room."
	"Just who is this Shampoo person anyway, Kaneda-
sama?  And, why did you think she would be in your bed?"  A 
voice that was most definitely not Shampoo answered him, it's 
tone slightly accusing.  Kaneda did recognize it however.  She 
had heard that same voice not that long ago, and in 
circumstances almost as embarrassing as this one.
	"Kodachi?!"  He exclaimed in shock.  His surprise 
propelled him out of the bed almost like magic, and once his feet 
hit the floor he did not stop there, but stumbled backwards, all 
the while staring at the dimly seen figure reclining on his bed.  
He was not paying any attention to where he was going, and was 
unprepared when he backed into the chair for his desk.  Both he, 
and it, fell to the floor with a noisy clatter.
 	
	Out in the hallway Nodoka was on her way to bed, and 
was being accompanied by Ryouko, who was on her way to 
Ranma's bedroom.  Both of them stopped short when they heard 
the clatter from Kasumi's room.  It was accompanied by a 
muffled expression of pain, and Nodoka quickly retraced her 
steps down the hallway.  Ryouko was right on her heels.  
Reaching Kasumi's door, Nodoka turned the knob, and then 
knocked on the frame.
	"Kasumi?  Are you all right?"
	All was quiet in the room, then a rather strangled 
sounding Kaneda answered, "Aa... I'm fine.  Just had a little 
accident.  Everything is all right now."
	"Well... if you're sure dear?"  Nodoka said hesitantly, and 
started to back away from the door.  Before she could release the 
knob, however, Ryouko shouldered her way past Nodoka's leg 
and with a werf of exasperation nosed open the door.
	The scene that greeted their eyes caused Ryouko to smile 
a wide doggy grin, and Nodoka to go, "oh my," in a rather faint 
voice.
	Kaneda was standing on the floor by his bed, his arms 
around Kodachi's waist.   Kodachi was bent over the bed, her 
hands gripping the mattress firmly.  Her backside was pressed 
firmly into Kaneda's boxers, and she was vigorously resisting 
Kaneda's efforts to pull her from his bed.  Kaneda would pull, 
and the mattress would lift up.  Then the weight of the mattress, 
combined with Kodachi's body mass would force them both back 
to their previous position.  This imparted a motion to Kaneda and 
Kodachi's bodies that was suggestive to say the least.
	When Kaneda heard the door swing open he froze in 
shock, staring at the two figures in the doorway with wide eyes.  
Then with a moan of mortification he exerted his full strength and 
pulled.  This time Kodachi came fully away from the bed, and 
with her came the mattress, and all the bedclothes.  Losing his 
balance because of the loss of  resistance, Kaneda pulled the 
whole assembly over on top of himself and Kodachi.  As the two 
people found themselves covered in bedding, the air filled with 
fluttering objects.
	Nodoka and Ryouko stood there, staring at the mound in 
the middle of Kaneda's room, vastly different expressions on 
their faces.  Then, Nodoka's attention was drawn to the fluttering 
objects.  Reaching forward she plucked one of them from the air, 
and held it up so she could see what it was.  She had no trouble 
identifying it.  She had been wearing it only two weeks before.  
She looked from the pair of panties in her hand to the mound of 
bedding in the middle of the floor.  Her expression firmed.
	She spoke in a stern, no nonsense voice.  "Kaneda, I will 
be in the kitchen making tea.  Kodachi, you will go to Akane's 
room, now!!  We will talk about this in the morning, and you may 
be very thankful that you are no longer ten years old!  As it is I 
suggest you give me no further excuse to turn you over my knee!  
This is completely unacceptable behavior for a young lady!  If 
you persist in behaving like a spoiled child however, I may just 
start treating you like one!"
	A pair of muffled acknowledgments came out from under 
the mound on the floor, and Nodoka turned and left the room.  
Ryouko quickly followed.  She most definitely did not want to 
miss this conversation.

	A few seconds after Nodoka had left, two rather 
bedraggled figures emerged from under the over turned mattress.  
Resolutely not looking at Kodachi, a grim look on his face, 
Kaneda started to dress.  He stiffened when he heard Kodachi 
speak.
	"Oh dear, how awful!"
	"I'm glad you realize the seriousness of your actions!"  
Kaneda said repressively.
	"What?  That?  Oh that's nothing, Aunty Nodoka is a 
pushover... well sometimes she is."  Kodachi modified her 
statement slightly, remembering other times she had pushed the 
envelope a little too much.  As Nodoka had implied, she was 
prepared to take corrective steps if she felt they were needed.  
Kodachi suddenly felt a little less certain of herself.  Then she 
shook that off. 
	"I wasn't talking about Aunty, it's Akane I'm worried 
about.  I've ruined her bra, and she does have a bit of a temper at 
times."
	Kaneda could not help but look, and indeed, the over 
strained black garment that Kodachi had been wearing had given 
up the ghost, and was now hanging in two separate sections 
across Kodachi's chest.
	"Sometimes it's such a curse, being so well built I mean.  
What do you think, am I too big?"  Having asked this, Kodachi 
assumed a cheesecake pose, and thrust her chest in Kaneda's 
general direction, only to be disappointed when he did not react 
in the slightest to her display.
	"I think you should follow Aunty's advice!  Right now!" 
he said in a thoroughly quelling voice.  Then having fully dressed 
himself, he turned and left the room.

	"Come in and sit down, dear," Nodoka said from where 
she was heating water.
	"About Kodachi-" Kaneda started to say as he sat down 
by the table, only to have Nodoka wave his explanation off.
	"Don't worry about Kodachi.  I'm fully aware her 
behavior leaves something to be desired.  I try to be an influence 
on her, but I can do little.  I'm very much afraid that she receives 
very little guidance from her guardians.  It's a wonder she is not 
even worse.  Anyway, she and I will have a talk tomorrow.  No, 
it was something else I wanted to talk to you about.  Why did you 
have all those panties under your bed?"	
	"Panties?"  Kaneda said in a genuinely puzzled voice.
	Nodoka lifted an eyelid in surprise and suspicion.  "You 
did not notice the panties that were concealed under your bed?"
	Kaneda's face twisted in a puzzled frown.  "I don't...  
Wait, yes, you're right.  That's what they were.  I'm afraid I did 
not really notice them.  I was too concerned with Kodachi's 
behavior to pay much attention to anything else..."  Suddenly 
realization came to Kaneda and he looked in shock at Nodoka.  "I 
didn't!  You have to believe me, I have no idea..."  Kaneda trailed 
off and he lowered his head in despair.  "It's just one thing after 
another, isn't it?  I keep finding myself in these compromising 
positions, and I have no way of proving to you that I had no 
knowledge of the reason."
	Nodoka examined Kaneda for a long moment. Of course 
the facts were against him, but the look, the mannerisms... it all 
seemed genuine.  "I believe you dear," Nodoka said in a soft 
voice.  "I do not believe you to be that good a liar, despite your 
long acquaintance with your uncle."
	There was a bang, and a pained whimper as Ryouko hit 
her head on the underside of the table.  She popped out from 
under it, and directed a sorrowful look at Nodoka, before turning 
and directing a withering gaze at Kaneda.  Then she turned and 
stalked out of the room, leaving the two humans staring after her.
	"Now what was that all about?"  Nodoka said.  "That dog 
behaves most peculiarly at times.  She is very sweet, but still she 
is a strange one."  Kaneda could only nod his head, thinking to 
himself that Nodoka did not know the half of it.
	"Now where were we?"  Nodoka asked.  "O yes, the 
panties.  Do I have your word that you had nothing to do with 
them?"
	"You do." Kaneda answered her quickly.
	Nodoka thought for a moment then nodded.  "Fine, we 
will leave that mystery for another day then."  Kaneda gave her a 
thankful smile and started to get up, but Nodoka continued.  
"Please wait, there is something else I wish to talk to you about.  
I have not had a chance to do so in private before.  I talked to 
Shampoo earlier today, and understand her a little, I think.  Now 
I would like to know how you feel."
	Kaneda returned to his sitting position and shrugged his 
shoulders.  "I can not really say, this has been so sudden.  I do 
know that I feel very badly for putting Shampoo in this position.  
If I had been more careful this would never have happened."
	"Now you stop that." Nodoka admonished him.  "I have 
heard the full story now, and I can not see how you could have 
done anything other than you did."
	"I could have gotten some hot water for Uncle.  They 
could hardly have asked to have him replace the dinner he ate in 
that case.  At least not as the main entre," Kaneda said with a 
wry smile.
	Nodoka smiled as well, then said. "True, but then I am 
sure there would have been some other penalty for his actions.  
No, I'm afraid you are just going to have to accept that there was 
nothing else you could have done.  In any case, you have to deal 
with what is, not what might have been.  And what is, is that 
Shampoo is a fact of your life.  Now I know that you wish to be a 
woman again, and I certainly can't fault you on that.  That 
however does not alter the situation concerning Shampoo."
	Kaneda sighed, "I know, but I really don't know what to 
do about her.  I've ruined her life, and I have no idea of how I'm 
going to make it right."
	Nodoka nodded once again.  "I might have a possible 
solution, it won't solve all your problems, but it might be a start."
	Kaneda perked up at this, "what is it?"
	"It would seem that under Amazon law two women can 
share a husband.  If you were to find Shampoo a boy she can 
love, then at least that would be one less problem you have to 
deal with.  If she falls in love, she might not be so concerned with 
her status in the village.  Of course, I realize you would not want 
to be part of such a strange relationship, but there is no reason 
why they could not live a life separate from you."
	Kaneda was a bit startled by this revelation, but on 
consideration it did seem the best way to at least partially 
recompense Shampoo for his carelessness.  "I suppose it is an 
option, of course it does not solve my current condition."
	"No, but if Shampoo finds someone to love, then she 
might not be so adamant about keeping you in this form.  Now, 
we have discussed Shampoo, but I really wanted to know about 
you.  Kasumi, do you remember our talk that night you... I found 
you with Nabiki."  Nodoka said, avoiding mentioning the reasons 
behind that incident which would only cause Kaneda more 
anxiety.
	Kaneda cast his eyes down to the table and blushed.  "I 
don't think I'll ever forget that night.  Why?"
	"Do you remember when I mentioned that there was 
someone out there for everyone, and you told me about the 
boyfriend who could not handle your curse?" 
	Kaneda suddenly looked uneasy, he started to speak and 
then stopped.  He seemed to be suffering from a grave case of 
indecision.  
	Suddenly he sighed, and said.  "I guess you know there 
was no boyfriend, it was Shampoo I was talking about, but I 
never meant that we were romantic." He hurriedly explained.  
Then he sighed again, "I have not had many friends in the last 
few years, and except for one girl, a long time ago, I had never 
had a female friend.  Most boys either looked at me with 
contempt, or thought I was something I was not.  The girls 
mostly all looked on me with suspicion.  The only ones who were 
friendly consistently, were the children." 
	Kaneda stopped talking and sat looking at the table.  
Nodoka just sipped her tea and waited for him to start talking 
again.  After a few minutes he did so.
	"It was so very hard some times.  Over the years I grew to 
truly love the art.  For all his faults, Uncle Genma is devoted 
passionately to it, and he passed that love along with all his other 
training." Kaneda went silent again for a moment.  "But, 
sometimes I would dream of having a friend, someone to talk to, 
some one who could understand me.  I know it will sound 
strange, but when I met Shampoo, I thought I had found that 
person.  I know you must think it foolish, but after the fight, 
while we ate and laughed together, I felt a closeness I had never 
felt before.  Shampoo gave me friendship, and it had been a very 
long time since that had happened.  I suppose in retrospect I 
should have realized that it was my masculine form, but at that 
time I was very new to that shape.  And..." He hesitated for a 
moment, then blushed and continued, "I was a little unfocused as 
well.  I was not used to alcohol."  He sighed, "another error on 
my part.  Anyway, when I woke up the next morning and realized 
the mistake, I only thought of explaining to Shampoo the truth.  
Her reaction... hurt... very much.  I don't want to feel like that 
again, but every time I look at her I remember it, and it hurts 
down deep."
	He smiled wryly at Nodoka, "but I guess I don't have 
much choice.  I have to try and correct the situation I have placed 
her in.  I just hope I can fix the problem before she begins to truly 
hate me.  I don't think I could take that."
	Nodoka looked at him, a speculative look in her eye.  "I 
see.  Well, we can't solve all our problems tonight.  I need my 
sleep, and I'm sure you need yours as well." Nodoka drained the 
last of her tea, and began gathering up the dishes. 
	"Please, let me."
	"Don't be silly, there are only two cups.  You go ahead.  
I'll only be a minute." When Kaneda hesitated, she waved her 
hands a him, "Go on, shoo."  Kaneda smiled at her and left. 

	He had made it as far as the staircase, when a hand 
grabbed his shoulder and started to haul him towards the 
bathroom.  The strength and tightness of the grip gave away the 
culprit as Ukyo, and Kaneda had not only expected this, he had 
wanted it.
	Once inside the bathroom Ukyo turned to Kaneda, a look 
of disbelief and outrage on her face.  "What is it about you, huh?!  
I'm seriously beginning to think Kuno's right, and you are using 
some kind of magic!  How the hell do you do it?!"
	Kaneda ignored the question, and switched to his own 
concerns.  "How could you do it?"  Ukyo failed to respond, 
whether through confusion or anger it was unclear.  "The panties, 
why?"  Kaneda elaborated.
	Ukyo stared at Kaneda a moment then looked off to the 
side.  "Why not?  Definitely no worse than what you did to me.  
Didn't matter anyway.  I swear, if they caught you stabbing 
someone they'd think someone else made you do it."  Ukyo 
turned to look back an Kaneda in challenge.  "Even so, I'll keep 
trying until they understand just who you are."
	Kaneda could feel his anger seething below the surface.  
The temptation to simply lash out at Ukyo was almost 
overpowering, almost.  However, Kaneda managed to keep his 
calm, all be it barely, and turned to leave.
	As his walked back to his room the feeling that his whole 
life was out of control took hold.  He was married to a woman, 
trapped as a man, being chased after by Kodachi, and her brother, 
even if he did find a way to change back he might never be able 
to have children and Ukyo was gradually chipping away at his 
reputation.  Before too long Ukyo might just succeed.  Despite 
what she believed, Kaneda knew that each of these incidents 
were filed away in Nodoka's mind.  No matter how fair Nodoka 
wanted to be, each incident must be making it harder and harder 
for her to have faith in him.  Eventually the balance would shift, 
she would begin to doubt, and once that happened, all the little 
incidents would be looked at in a whole new light.  Kaneda 
would have lost his home and his family.  Kaneda shook his 
head, his whole life was a disaster and he needed time to deal 
with it while not having more troubles dropped in his lap.  That 
seemed an idle wish however.  As long as he was here he had a 
feeling problem would pile on problem, but he could not run 
away.  He had a job, and the beginning of a life here.  He was not 
ready to throw it all away just yet.

	Ukyo quickly returned to her wolf form and headed off to 
Ranma's room.  The fact that Kasumi could somehow avoid 
blame no matter what the situation was incredible.  It had seemed 
so perfect.  Caught with Kodachi and having the trap sprung.  
Ryouko didn't think she could have managed to stage it better in 
any way, yet Kasumi had come out of it spotless.  How did he do 
it?
	The only other thought on her mind was a nagging little 
voice reminding her of her earlier trepidation about executing this 
plan.  It had been set up for a while, yet she had been uncertain 
whether to spring it.  Now, the decision had been taken out of her 
hands.  In a way that left Ryouko feeling clean of responsibility, 
but that nagging voice wouldn't let her maintain a guilt free state 
of mind.

	Kodachi, having gathered together the clothes she had 
come here in (which consisted of little more than sandals and a 
long overcoat), and rearranged the room back to it's original 
order, was now in the process of examining the large collection of 
ladies' undergarments scattered about the room.  The variety and 
shear number involved left little doubt that someone had gone to 
a great deal of effort in gathering them for some reason.  Kodachi 
face broke out in a huge, devious grin.  "It would seem my dear 
Kaneda has a few little dirty secrets.  A shame...  But, if he's that 
desperate, perhaps all he needs is a little actual female contact."
	Kodachi pushed aside the thought for the moment and 
headed off for Akane's room.  She would have plenty of time to 
make plans later.   She slipped open the door, and was beginning 
to make her way silently over to surprise Akane when she herself 
got a surprise.  Something entangled her legs, sending her 
toppling towards the floor.  Just before she hit an arm shot in 
front of her.  Before Kodachi could react in any way, her 
attacker's arm crossed over one of her arms and her waist then 
quickly grabbed a hold of her other arm by the wrist and pulled it 
tight into her abdomen.  Kodachi was then pulled backwards into 
her attacker's body, clearly female, and left effectively pinned, 
one arm trapped against the floor by her own body weight, her 
other arm held in a vice like grip, and her legs caught in a scissor 
hold.  Kodachi then found the cold touch of a steal blade at her 
throat.
	Despite this sudden and totally unexpected attack 
Kodachi kept up her appearance of cool cheerfulness.  As long as 
she did nothing stupid she probably wasn't in any danger.  
Besides that, she had a good idea who her attacker was and 
wanted to meet her.  "I guess you would be Shampoo."  Kodachi 
stated.
	"Who you?"  Shampoo demanded.
	"Dachi?!  What the..."  Akane blurted out as she was 
brought rather suddenly out of her slumber.  She looked over at 
the two other girls, saw her friend's present predicament and 
quickly sat up.  "It's okay Shampoo, she's a friend of mine."  
Shampoo hesitated a moment, then finally withdrew her dagger 
and released Kodachi.  Kodachi, having got back to her feet, 
turned to look at Shampoo while Akane switched on the lights.  
"Ah, Shampoo, this is Kodachi Kuno, and Kodachi, this is 
Shampoo."
	"I see," Kodachi said idly as she examined the Amazon.  
"Do you always greet visitors this way?"
	"Visitor who sneak around Shampoo at night, yes."
	Aggressive little thing, isn't she, Kodachi thought.  She 
didn't look like that much competition, seeing as how Kaneda 
already seemed to be wary of her.  Besides, a little competition 
was a good thing.  It made you work that much harder plus added 
to the excitement.
	"I don't even want to know what you were up to."  Akane 
said, having finally noticed Kodachi's lack of much in the way of 
clothing.
	"Oh, I'll buy you a new-" Kodachi began to say as she 
handed Akane the broken bra.
	"Don't bother.  I'll go get you some bedding."
	Akane exited the room leaving Shampoo and Kodachi 
alone together.  Shampoo glared at Kodachi while she returned a 
wide grin.  There were three males in this house that this woman 
could have been with, Shampoo's husband, Ranma and Akane's 
father.  She couldn't care less about Ranma.  The jerk could sleep 
with half the girls in the neighborhood if he wanted.  It was 
highly unlikely she had been with her friend's father, and that left 
Kasumi...  But, that was absurd.  Kasumi was a woman.  
Kodachi couldn't possibly have been with Kasumi.  Of course, 
Shampoo was married to Kasumi, and this woman was giving 
her the oddest smile.
	Shampoo broke the look and dropped her head onto her 
pillow, staring off at a wall in irritation.  Her emotions began to 
build as she thought of the multitude of unpleasant possibilities 
this would open.  She didn't need this.  This whole situation had 
been thrust on her, and the more she thought about it the more 
she hated it.  All I wanted was something simple, she thought, 
but all I get is something that gets more complicated by the day.  
Shampoo pushed her face into the pillow, attempting to crush the 
onslaught of emotions bombarding her.

%End Chapter 13

	Another day gone.  Man, this is going a bit slow, but it 
can't be helped.  Got three projects going, plus school.  Anyway, 
enough excuses.  C&C is, as always, very welcome, even flames.  
Come on people!  I mean it!   Anything is good!  I'm open to 
suggestions and ideas you know.  The plot is fairly dynamic.
	Special thanks to T. H. Tiger for his creative assistance 
which has been and continues to be extraordinarily helpful.  
Mental torment is our game.  Everyone better watch out.
	For you heathens who don't know who Artemis and the 
others are check out Sailor Moon.  No, I haven't forgotten them.  
They will make an appearance next chapter.
	If you wish to check out my other works look at:
	http://www.mala.bc.ca/~tritscwa
	Well, I'm back at school now (got to get an education and 
all) so my webpage will be up to date.  If you missed a chapter 
just check there, all chapters to date are stored there for your 
convenience.
	Bye for now.