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 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 matter of Ranma 
taking Ukyo-wolf as a pet.  Oh yes, there's also C-chan, a certain 
pink furred cat presently on death row... I mean at the animal 
shelter, who can't remember who she is.  With her is a certain 
talking cat by the name of Artemis.  Oh, I guess I should mention 
that Kasumi, Ukyo, and Ranma just got trapped in a room full of 
cats by Sasuke and that they are now face to face with a rather 
large tiger.  And then, there's the minor detail that Kasumi is 
growling like a cat.

%Chapter 7

	Akane raced down the street to the animal shelter with a 
feeling of unbound joy.  For much of the last week she had been 
miserable about what she had done to C-chan.  Her feelings had 
only worsen with every day that passed.  Each day when she 
went to the shelter to find that C-chan was still there, one day 
closer to the end, she had felt sick.  It didn't help matters any that 
Akane found herself liking the little cat more and more with each 
visit.  She couldn't have lived with herself if she let C-chan die in 
that place.
	Fortunately, she didn't have to.  Kasumi had been the 
major stumbling block to Akane adopting C-chan herself but 
now Kasumi had agreed to allow the cat to stay.  Akane would 
do everything in her power not to violate the trust her sister had 
placed in her.
	Finally, Akane arrived at the animal shelter and nearly 
crashed through the door with excitement.  The man at the desk 
looked up at her curiously and smiled.  "Hi Akane.  What you 
doing here this time of day?"
	Akane took a moment to catch her breath and walked 
over to the desk.  "I came to pick up C-chan."
	"C-chan?!  Oh yeah, that pink cat we had here.  I'm sorry, 
we put her down about an hour ago."  The man replied with a sad 
look.
	In one second Akane's heart sank through the floor and 
deep into the earth below.  "WHAT?!"  She screamed out in 
shock.
	"Akira!!  Stop tormenting the poor girl!"  Mai scolded as 
she stepped out from the back.  "It's all right Akane, she's still 
here."  Akane breathed a sigh of relief and shot Akira a dirty look 
as Mai circled the desk to be next to her.  "Akira, can you go get 
some registration forms?"  She asked.
	"Yeah, sure."  Akira replied with an amused smiled and 
went off to fetch the paper work.
	"Don't mind him, he's got a sick sense of humor.  Come 
on."  Mai lead the way into the backroom with the various 
animals.  "I hope you got your parents' permission on this."
	"I do, I do."  Akane replied quickly.  The sound of her 
voice immediately gained C-chan's attention and she rushed up 
to the cage door to meet her savior.  "I told you I'd get you out."  
Akane said as Mai retrieved the keys and unlocked the cage door.  
As soon as the door opened the cat jumped into Akane's arms, 
thankful to be free from that prison.
	"You two look like you'll be happy together.  Now, let's 
get those forms filled out so you can officially take her."  Mai 
said then lead Akane back off to the other room.
	Artemis watched this all with some satisfaction.  By all 
appearances his new lady friend had found herself a nice home.  
With a frown Artemis realized it was not much thanks to him.  
His mood improved a bit when he listened in as Akane gave Mai 
the various information she needed including her home address.  
Maybe when he got out of this hole he could give her a little visit.
	In any case, she may be out but that still left him locked 
up.  It looked like he'd just have to swallow his pride and call for 
assistance.  He winced at the thought of the teasing he'd have 
endure for this.  Well, maybe something would come up in the 
next few hours.

	Kuno approached the gymnasium, a mix of anger and 
anxious anticipation on his mind.  He was angry because Sasuke 
had overstepped his authority and tried to challenge the evil 
sorcerer himself.  He was anxious because if Sasuke's plan, by 
some freak occurrence, did succeed it would leave Kuno looking 
like a fool who could not defeat his own enemies.  However, if he 
could arrive in time to take advantage of his foes weakness and 
land the blow that freed the goddess Kasumi from the bonds of 
the sorcerer, then her gratitude would know no bounds.
	For a second he lost himself in a daydream...  He was 
standing over the defeated body of the vile sorcerer.  Kasumi was 
holding his hands in hers and staring up into his eyes with tears 
of gratitude in her own.  "O my savior, how can I ever thank you 
for saving me from my foul imprisonment?"  She turned her face 
from him and bit a knuckle.  "You could not imagine... the things 
he made me do."  A small sob escapes her and she buries her 
face in his manly chest.
	"There, there fair maiden, the Blue Thunder will allow no 
one to ever again sully your pure and maidenly form."  Taking 
her chin in his strong hand he tilts her face up and bends down.  
A close up formed of their two faces framed in red roses as Kuno 
lowered his head and took his reward.  The scene shifted back to 
the real world where Kuno was laughing maniacally.  
"BWHAHAHAHAHAHHA!  Yes, I will have the love of the fair 
flower Kasumi."  Various students walking across the school 
yard suddenly recall urgent errands in other parts of the school.
	Kuno stepped through the door, presenting an air of 
dignity and power so formidable that the basketball team 
practicing there dared not even think of questioning his presence.  
He scanned the team, most of whom looking back at him 
curiously, and the building, searching for any sign of either 
Sasuke or his prey.  "Where is that fool?"  Kuno asked no one in 
particular.  "His message said to meet him here."
	Suddenly the whole building began to shake.  Everyone 
looked around in startled bewilderment, many openly wondering 
if they were experiencing an earthquake.  They received there 
answer with an explosion of wooden planks and the fountain of 
flying felines that burst forth from the stage.  Everyone, save 
Kuno, scattered as the fur balls began to return to earth.  Kuno, 
however, had his eyes locked onto the object of his unbound 
hatred, the foul magician who had so cowardly swept off with his 
love such a short time ago.
	Kasumi was rocketing through the air, engaged in a 
struggle with the tiger.  He let off a blur of blows, hissing and 
snarling all the while, and smashed the tiger into 
unconsciousness.  That enemy finished off he spun around to 
land, but saw a new target.  However, this one wasn't like the 
last.  Kasumi mind filled with an anger as his new target  
brought out a stick to attack him with.
	Ranma hit the ground just in time to see Kasumi descend 
on Kuno who had time only to shout out, "fiend, prepare to meet 
your," then he was in a close quarters fight 
with a crazed martial artist.  Kasumi destroyed Kuno's bokken 
with one blow then clawed at him furiously.  Fortunately, Kuno 
lost consciousness before long, saving him from the severe pain 
he would surely have had to endure.  With one final strike, 
Kasumi bashed Kuno into the gymnasium wall then sat back on 
his legs and began licking his hand and grooming himself like a 
cat.
	"Oh brother, this is not good."  Ranma said quietly as he 
stood up and tried to comprehend what was happening.  Kasumi 
had flipped, that was for sure, but what was he dealing with?  As 
Ranma studied Kasumi's actions he drew the only conclusion 
that made sense, Kasumi thought he was a cat.  Ranma could 
only guess that when Kasumi's fear was pushed too far this must 
be the result.
	"That's one hell of a phobia."  Ranma commented and 
began to approach Kasumi.  He really didn't know what to 
expect.  Kasumi might attack him, he might be passive or he 
might run off.  However, he had to do something.  Kasumi 
couldn't be allowed to run around in this state of mind.  Ranma 
just hoped that his experience with animals applied here as well 
because if it didn't he might be looking at a long stay in the 
hospital.
	"Ah Kasumi?"  Ranma asked as he approach, hoping that 
maybe he'd come out of it.  However, Kasumi turned to look at 
him, still walking on all fours, apparently not comprehending 
what he said.  Kasumi looked at him with a cautious uncertainty.  
"Okay, well, ah, now I'm not going to hurt you.  Everything is 
just fine."  Ranma said as he edged closer, for what ends he had 
no idea.  Kasumi dropped down lower, readying himself to move.  
Ranma tensed up and stopped his approach, unsure how to 
proceed.  Before he could act further Kasumi suddenly leapt 
directly at him.  He closed his eyes, expecting the worst.
	To his surprise nothing hit him.  Instead, he heard the 
clang of metal and a startled growl from Kasumi.  He opened his 
eyes to see Ukyo, battle spatula in hand, standing in front of him 
and Kasumi rolling back to his feet on the floor.
	"You stay away from him!  You want to tear someone up, 
try me!"  Ukyo yelled out in challenge.  Kasumi growled at her in 
fury and set himself to attack.
	"Ukyo, are you crazy?!"
	"Don't worry about me."  Ukyo replied then made a dash 
for the door.  "Come on kitty, come and get me if you can."  
Ukyo taunted as she ran.  Kasumi growled again then took the 
bait and raced after her, knocking the doors off their hinges as he 
passed by.  After a second Ranma followed.

	Ukyo was no fool.  She had quickly come to the same 
conclusions as Ranma and that wasn't too good.  She knew what 
Kasumi was capable of normally and now that he was using this 
Nekoken he would be even more formidable.  However, he was 
thinking like a cat.  If she could take advantage of that she just 
might be able to defeat him, assuming this wasn't all just some 
act,. which would be just like Kasumi to try.  Unfortunately, she 
had been caught unprepared and her mind wasn't providing any 
good suggestions on how to use this information.  She risked a 
look behind as she ran off to the field and found Kasumi still in 
close pursuit.  What she needed right now was a safe place to 
think and come up with some sort of plan.  To do that she'd have 
to lose the cat.
	Ukyo flipped into the air and spun around, pulling out 
some of her tempura flakes.  All she needed to do was raise 
enough dust to make her get away.  Kasumi leapt into the air to 
attack causing Ukyo to mis-throw when she attempted to dodge 
away.  She twisted and snagged Kasumi with a kick but to her 
dismay Kasumi shrugged it off without any discernible effect.  In 
response Kasumi clawed at her with his hand and slashed cleanly 
through the fabric of her shirt, cutting it diagonally from top to 
bottom.
	Ukyo cringed when she realized how close the blow had 
been to tearing into her flesh then cringed again as she had to 
pull her shirt together to cover herself.  "Just great, just great!  
She must really love exposing me in public!"  She mumbled as 
she landed and faced off with Kasumi.  She managed one step 
back before Kasumi renewed his attack, pouncing on her like a 
mouse.  Ukyo let out a startled yell but managed to kick Kasumi 
off.  Unfortunately, by the time she reach her feet Kasumi was 
already diving down on her once more and, this time, Ukyo 
didn't get away.

	Ranma arrived just seconds later and found Kasumi 
jumping angrily up and down on Ukyo who was unconscious on 
the ground, raising a large dust cloud.  He hesitated a second, 
trying to think up some strategy, but decided it best to get Ukyo 
out of harms way first and ran forward shouting.  Kasumi, 
startled by his approach, leapt off Ukyo and ran towards the 
street.
	Under different circumstances Ranma would have gone 
after Kasumi but Ukyo looked pretty roughed up and her shirt 
was cut in such a way that it took a fair bit of his will power not 
to look.  If he left her like that who knew how she'd end up.  
Besides, he also had to see to both Sasuke and Kuno.  Kasumi 
would just have to wait.  Ranma quickly pulled off his own shirt 
and wrapping Ukyo in it carried her off to the nurse's office.

	Kasumi dashed through the streets of Nerima, avoiding 
crowds whenever possible.  Those that did see him looked on in 
confusion and shock at a man running by on all fours.  Kasumi 
was moving completely on instinct.  He really didn't know where 
he was going, he just ran.  When he finally arrived inside the 
yard of a large familiar building he felt somewhat secure, that 
was until a certain man stepped out onto the walkway.  A feeling 
of rage that far surpassed any Kasumi had felt with Ukyo or 
Kuno filled him at the sight of this man.
	The man walked out into the yard and stretched before he 
noticed Kasumi's presence.  He had only to look at Kasumi's 
stance and the rage clear on his face to start backing off in fear.  
"Nice Kitty, Nice Kitty.  You don't want to kill me do you?  No, 
of course not."  He said as he attempted to make his escape.  
Kasumi growled and leapt.  The man barely managed a stifled 
scream of terror.
	Mere seconds later Kasumi stood on top of her fallen, 
severely battered foe and looked the house over.  He felt a need to 
get inside yet he could find no entrance.  Then he spotted an open 
window on the second flow.  It was a simple matter to jump 
inside.

	Ukyo awoke to such pain that she dearly wished she 
could pass out again.  Unfortunately, she didn't.  She opened her 
eyes to find Ranma, shirtless, wrapping some bandages around 
her arm.  She was quite shocked at the sight but quickly noticed 
that she was wearing his shirt, her own thoroughly torn apart.  
She took a moment to savor the attention he was giving her, but 
then final spoke.  "What happened?"
	"You got completely clobbered by Kasumi, that's what.  
What the hell were you thinking?!  You saw what he did to that 
tiger and Kuno.  He could have killed you."  Ranma responded as 
he finished with the bandages and helped Ukyo to sit up.
	"He was going to attack you."  Ukyo replied.
	"So, you get yourself ripped limb from limb to save me 
from being ripped limb from limb.  It's a nice thought but I can 
take care of myself thank you."
	Ukyo blushed at his remarks but her heart leaped as she 
interpreted his remarks to mean he cared for her welfare.  Ranma 
walked off to another bed where Sasuke lay unconscious.  He 
actually cares about me, even as a human, she thought with a 
growing sense of hope.  Okay Ukyo, don't jump to any 
conclusions, but now is the perfect time to tell him.  Ukyo 
gathered her courage together and opened her mouth to speak.
	"You know, I really hate it when he pulls this kind of 
crap."  Ranma said before Ukyo manage to say anything.
	"What do you mean?"  She asked reflexively.
	"Trying to trick people like that, it's so damned low.  I 
don't see why Kuno keeps him around.  I can't stand people that 
try to deceive and take advantage of others like that!"  He 
answered as he slapped a bandage onto Sasuke's head.  "I mean 
look at what he did.  He disguised himself as someone he thought 
Kasumi had a fondness for to gain an advantage.  Sure he did a 
lousy job of it, but it's the thought that counts." 
	With every word Ukyo's hopes were shattered even more.  
How could fate be so cruel, taunting her like this?!  It simply 
wasn't fair!  She could never tell him now.  If she did he'd hate 
her for sure.  Ukyo's head slouched and she stared at the floor, 
trying to keep herself from breaking down into total despair.
	"You all right?"  Ranma asked causing Ukyo to look up 
at him in surprise.
	"Ahhh, I'm fine."
	"You should go home and get some rest.  Don't worry 
about the shirt.  Just give it back to me tomorrow.  I got a spare 
in my locker."
	"Thanks."
	"Yeah, well, it's no problem.  You should really end this 
feud with Kasumi.  She's really not that bad you know."
	"You don't know her like I do."  Ukyo responded, her 
anger overpowering some of her depression.
	"Maybe you don't know her as well as you think.  
Anyway, see you.  I got to get going.  The nurse will be back in a 
few minutes."  Ranma said then turned and left.  Ukyo could only 
close her eyes and wish that this nightmare would end.

	Nabiki lay in bed, attempting to catch up on the great deal 
of sleep she had lost the night before.  Unfortunately, two things 
weren't helping her much.  One was the heat.  Even with her 
window open, and just her thinnest night clothing on she was 
finding it uncomfortably hot.  Two was the fact that her sleep was 
haunted with those same blasted dreams that had made sleep so 
elusive before.
	She tossed slightly in her bed, her clothing twisting 
around her body and her face contorting with the emotional 
torment she was enduring in her subconscious.  "Please what 
little one?"  He repeated.  "Maybe this?"  Nabiki twisted back the 
other way, her arm brushing against something that wasn't 
supposed to be there.  Her eyes shot open and she brought her 
senses quickly to bear.  She could feel warm breath against the 
back of her neck and she could her the soft breathing that 
accompanied it.
	Normally Nabiki wasn't prone to panic.  Under even the 
worse circumstances she could usually keep her emotions well in 
control and deal with whatever problem she had to confront, 
calmly and rationally.  However, this wasn't exactly a normal 
time for Nabiki.  Her feelings were already so twisted that it took 
most her control just to keep from screaming out right now.
	Nabiki gathered together her wits and risked a slow, very 
subtle look over her shoulder.  The sight that greeted her caused 
Nabiki's mind to grind to a screeching halt.  She could do little 
more than stare, wide eyed, at Kasumi's male form cuddled up 
next to her.  Her mind just kept repeating, no, no, this can't be 
happening.  When their eyes met Nabiki could feel her controls 
cracking.  Then Kasumi seemed to smile and he licked her 
affectionately  across the cheek.
	That was it.  Nabiki's mind could handle no more.  Her 
eyes rolled back into their sockets allowing the relative 
tranquility of unconsciousness to consume her.  Kasumi blinked, 
a little confused, but then just cuddled up closer and gradually 
dozed off.

	Mai bid Akane fare well as the happy girl left with her 
new pet.  It always gave her such a warm feeling when she saw a 
person and an animal so much in love with each other.  It was as 
if those two were meant for each other.  Heaving a sigh she 
decided it was time to get back to work.  First things first, she 
had to go and let the animal out of his cage.
	In the shelter area there was a cage sitting on the floor.  
About two and a half feet square, it was usually used for 
transporting medium sized dogs to the vet.  At the moment it 
contained another type of animal.  "So big boy, if I let you out do 
you promise to behave?"
	"Some people have no sense of humor at all."  Akira 
managed to gasp out with difficulty seeing as he was currently 
rolled up into a remarkably small ball for someone of his size.
	Akane practically skipped as she walked down the street.  
C-chan was safe, and she was all hers.  Akane stroked the small 
cat who seemed content to just ride in her arms.  Mai had warned 
her that C-chan might try to escape once they were outside, and 
had offered the loan of a carrying case.  Akane had declined and 
was glad now that she had.  The small animal settled into her 
arms as if she had ridden there her entire life.
	A call from up the street pulled her attention away from 
the cat.  She looked in the direction the hail had come from and 
saw two of her friends from school, Sayuri and Yuka.  Waving to 
let them know she had heard them she walked up to where they 
had stopped to wait for her.
	"Boy, did you see what the mysterious hunk did to Kuno 
in the gym?"  Yuka asked.  "He ripped his Bokken to shavings 
with one blow, and then did the same thing to Mr. Blue Thunder.  
God, he's such a dreamboat."  Akane could not help but smile a 
little at this.  She wondered what her friends would do if they 
found out their newest heartthrob was really a girl.  Still, she 
wondered what Kuno could have done to make Kasumi shred 
him like that, then shrugged the thought aside.  She was sure 
Kasumi had a good reason.
	"I didn't see it."  She answered her friends question.  "I 
had to get over to the shelter and pick up C-chan."  Hearing her 
name the small cat pricked up her ears and gave an inquiring 
Mrem.
	"How cute!!"  Both girls exclaimed together.
	"I never imagined she was such a beauty Akane."  Sayuri 
said.  "I can't believe no one took her."  A thought occurred to 
her at that point.  "Hey, I thought you said your Aunt wouldn't let 
you keep her?"
	"She did." Akane confirmed.  "My sister Kasumi has this 
weird allergy, but I talked to Kasumi after school and she said if I 
promised to keep C-chan away from her she would have no 
problem with me adopting her."
	"I don't know Akane."  Yuka said.  "If I tried to get 
around a direct order like that from my mother she'd tan my 
bottom."  At Sayuri's skeptical glance she modified her 
statement.  "Well maybe not now that I'm older, but I would 
definitely be hearing about it in great detail and at length.  At the 
very least I'd have to take the cat back to the shelter."
	"Aunt Nodoka's not like that."  Akane said, but there was 
a hint of worry in her voice.
	The three friends gossiped for a little while until their 
paths separated and they each headed off to their own homes.  
Alone again, Akane was no longer almost skipping.  In her 
excitement over gaining Kasumi's blessing she had completely 
forgotten about Nodoka.  Her Aunt was not unkind, but she took 
a very dim view of Akane, Nabiki or Ranma deliberately going 
against one of her rare decrees.  Despite her brave words earlier 
she was not at all that sure that she would not be ordered to 
return her new pet.
	She was almost home before a possible solution presented 
itself to her.  She could take a page out of Ranma's book.  After 
all, if he could hide that `elephant' of his she should have no 
trouble with a little thing like C-chan.  Then it was only a matter 
of getting Kasumi to present her case to Nodoka.  Akane was 
sure that Nodoka would agree if Kasumi herself asked.  That 
done, she could take a trip out her window with C-chan, visit the 
park for an hour and then come back home with her newly 
adopted pet.  Aunty would never know that she had gone around 
her direct order.  Satisfaction at a problem solved put springs in 
Akane's steps and she was sliding in her bedroom window 
within seconds.

	About that time Nodoka was getting ready for diner.  
However, she was surprised to find the house rather empty.  Soun 
was out at a community meeting and would be back soon but that 
didn't explain the others.  Kasumi, Akane, and Ranma should 
have arrived home long ago and her good for nothing husband 
was nowhere to be found.
	She sighed as she headed upstairs to wake Nabiki.  She 
hoped Kasumi hadn't run into some new difficulty.  No wonder 
the poor child was so confused about life, it had the nasty 
tendency of throwing her all kinds of problems.  Nodoka just 
hoped that she could bring Kasumi around and repair the damage 
that had been done.
	Nodoka knocked on Nabiki's door.  "Time to get up."  
She said but received no response.  "Nabiki?  Are you awake?"  
She asked but again heard nothing.  No doubt the girl was fast 
asleep.  She must have been more tired than Nodoka thought.  
She briefly considered just letting her sleep but then she'd get no 
sleep that night so she opened the door and walked in.
	It took a couple seconds to fully comprehend what she 
saw.  When she did she nearly repeated Nabiki's reaction but 
instead managed to retain her senses.  "Kasumi?!  Nabiki?!"  She 
finally managed to stammer out.
	Hearing their names called out so loudly and with such 
emotion both siblings awoke.  Kasumi's mind had finally cleared 
and his regular sensibilities had returned.  Nabiki, on the other 
hand, almost immediately returned to her state of mind before her 
fainting spell as soon as she laid her eyes on Kasumi.  Kasumi 
returned the look in confusion and could see that Nabiki was 
shaking like a leaf.  Then both noticed Nodoka.
	Nabiki could handle it no longer.  She screamed at the top 
of her lungs, rolled out of her bed and away from Kasumi in a 
panic and dashed by Nodoka.  She continued to run, and scream, 
until she finally ended up in the bathroom.  She locked herself 
inside, collapsed to the floor, holding herself, and continued to 
shake as she tried desperately to control her tangled mess of 
emotions.
	Nodoka had watched Nabiki run off then turned back to 
Kasumi, a look of utter disbelief on her face.  Before she even 
opened her mouth Kasumi jumped to his feet and began to speak, 
his own emotions wildly unbalanced.  "It's not what it looks like!  
I swear!  We... I... ahhh... Nothing happened!"
	"I hope not!"  Nodoka exclaimed in response.
	"It's...it's my phobia... it... it... it sometimes does this to 
me."
	"It makes you sleep with your sister?!!!"
	"Nono!!!  I just sometimes, sort of, ahhh... lose it."  
Kasumi winced at his choice of words as Nodoka scowled.  
"That's not really what I... well, maybe it is was but... I start 
thinking like a cat and... and..."  Kasumi tried to continue but his 
mind just wasn't producing the words.  After a few moment he 
finally gave up and bowed his head, his face so red that one 
would swear he had sunburn.
	Nodoka took a moment to calm herself and restrain any 
further outbursts.  After taking in a deep breath she looked at 
Kasumi sternly.  "I'll go prepare some tea..."  Kasumi winced at 
the words.

	Ukyo arrived at the Tendo home still nursing several 
injuries, both physical and emotional.  What am I going to do 
now, she asked herself as she climbed up to Ranma's window.  
There she paused to consider her options.  If Ranma ever learned 
of her curse... Oh, she just couldn't bear that.  Yet, to ensure he 
didn't meant leaving.
	Ukyo closed her eyes to fight back the pressing feelings of 
helplessness.  Maybe he was right, maybe it was really low to 
trick him like this and maybe she didn't deserve his love.  No, 
it's not like she intended to deceive him.  It was an accident.  A 
voice in the back of her head quickly added, yeah, maybe at first 
but what about now?  Ukyo fought for a counter argument but 
nothing could really justify it.
	She turned away from the window.  She'd leave and 
never come back.  She'd go on with her life somewhere else.  
Now wait a second, what about Kasumi.  She was the reason 
Ukyo was here in the first place.  She just couldn't leave Ranma 
defenseless to that parasite.  Kasumi would ruin him for sure.  
No, she couldn't leave.  She had to stay and defend Ranma.  If he 
found out, so be it, that would be her punishment.  However, in 
the meantime she could do everything she could to ensure 
Ranma's future happiness.  For all Ukyo's selfless arguments 
there was always another little voice adding, together with me.
	Her mind made up she quickly entered the room and 
changed forms using a stash of water she had placed there before 
leaving for school that morning.  No sooner had she done so then 
she heard the voice of her sworn enemy below thanks to her 
keener wolf hearing.  She laid close to the floor to listen in and 
couldn't help but start snickering as the meaning of the 
conversation became clear.  It looked like her plan hadn't been a 
total failure after all.
	Her pleasure was brought short, however, when she 
picked up on Ranma's voice as he entered.  Damn, Ukyo 
thought, forgot about that.  Sure enough Kasumi immediately 
called on Ranma to validate her claims and explain the situation.  
What spirit was looking out for her anyway?  Probably the same 
one who's trashing my life, Ukyo thought to herself.

	Kasumi heaved a sigh of relief as he made his way to the 
bath and a change of bodies.  Thank the gods that Ranma had 
come home when he had.  For some reason sitting there facing 
Nodoka, all he could think of was the scene he and Nabiki had 
presented, as a result he was totally unable to frame any sort of 
rational explanation.  It did not help that his last recollection was 
of a Bengal tiger looming over him.  Every time he cast his mind 
back in an effort to remember how he had ended up in Nabiki's 
bed that image filled his mind.  He gave a shudder at the thought.
	Sometimes his... other self did some truly odd things.  
The attack on Genma, who they had found just a few minutes 
ago, he understood.  Down deep he was still extremely angry at 
him.  Only his everyday human sensibilities and controls kept 
him from acting on that anger.  Ukyo...  Kasumi sighed as he 
admitted to himself that his old friend was attracting a great deal 
of Kasumi's anger as well.  Kuno was also quite the nuisance 
although Kasumi hadn't thought him that much of a bother, 
apparently his other self did though and it never needed much of 
an excuse.
	Then there was Nabiki...  They had been quite close as 
sisters go before Kasumi left.  She had often been quite a fun 
playmate in Kasumi's youth.  He guessed it had just carried over 
to today.  It didn't take much that way either.  Anyone he felt 
close to and trusted could usually bring him out of it.   
Unfortunately, Nabiki knew nothing of this.
	Reaching the bathroom he tried the door and found it 
locked even though the occupied sign was not up.  He knocked 
on the door and asked, "hello, is anyone in there?  I need to get 
my female body back."  The shriek that answered that innocent 
question nearly blasted him out of the laundry room.  
"Ah...sorry...I'll come back later then?"  Once again a scream 
rang out from behind the door.  Deciding to stop before his ears 
suffered anymore damage Kasumi left as quietly as he could.
	Akane had been waiting anxiously for a chance to catch 
Kasumi alone.  She had been intensely curious about all the 
yelling and shouting that had happened a little while ago.  She 
had wanted very badly to find out what was going on, but she 
had not dared to leave C-chan alone in her room before her status 
was firmly established.  She had peaked out her door a little 
while ago and seen her Aunt walking down the stairs, a 
downcast Kasumi close behind.  Since then she had been 
listening intently at her door. At last she heard Kasumi's steps 
out in the hall and flung open her bedroom door.  Kasumi, who 
had been lost in thought about how to make things up to Nabiki, 
fell into a defensive stance when Akane's door slammed open, 
but relaxed as soon as she saw it was only Akane.
	"Can I help you Akane?"  Kasumi asked and then could 
have slapped herself when she saw the look in Akane's eyes.

	"Are you insane!?"  Nodoka practically screamed, but 
almost immediately pulled herself together.  "I'm sorry 
Kasumi...You took me by surprise...I have had a few too many 
surprises today I'm afraid...I am not really at my best."  Drawing 
a deep breath to compose herself she focused on finding her 
center and when she was confident that she was calm continued.  
"Now, why on earth would you want to let Akane bring that cat 
home?  After what happened today I would have thought you 
would never want to see another cat again."
	Every time Nodoka said the C word Kasumi flinched.  He 
tried to control his reaction as it would not help his argument 
any.  "What happened today is the very reason I agreed to help 
Akane."  Kasumi tried to calm himself.  He had to remain calm if 
he was to make his points.  "When Uncle Genma and I were 
traveling we encountered very few c..c.c.c.c"
	"Cats?"
	"Yes, them, Thank you.  They were very...wild in the 
country. They would avoid people whenever possible...You very 
rarely saw one and then only at a distance.  Here in the city, it is 
different...They...come up to you in the street...You could meet 
one anytime, be surprised at anytime."  He paused, and tried to 
compose himself. 
 	"The few instances you know about aren't the only 
ones...I have had...several encounters since I came back from my 
training trip."  Kasumi closed his eyes and wiped the sweat from 
his face.  He was looking very pale, but he continued.  "This 
can't go on...I have to get at least some sort of control...I have to 
at least try to get to the point where I don't go into a blind panic 
at the very sight of one...That's why I agreed to Akane's request.  
If I know it is here, and if Akane keeps it out of sight then maybe 
I can learn to control my fear.  It will be hard, I know, but I think 
I can do it."
	Nodoka pondered this for a minute.  "You make a very 
good argument Kasumi.  Now, what's the real reason?"
	Kasumi's shoulders slumped, and he gently murmured.  
"I don't want Akane to hate me."
	"Akane would never hate you Kasumi.  She's your sister.  
She loves you."
	"Does she?  She barely knows me.  She's friendly, but I 
don't think it really goes deep.  I don't want her to see me as the 
person that caused something she cares very much about to die."
	"Things die Kasumi.  Akane needs to learn that 
sometimes there is simply nothing we can do about it."
	"But there is something I can do about this, and I have to 
do it."  The expression on his face went reflective.  "I remember 
when mother brought Akane home. I thought she was the most 
wonderful thing in the world.  A living breathing doll just for me.  
By the time I was four Mother would trust me to sit and hold 
Akane while she cleaned.  Soon I was changing her.  When we 
would go on a picnic in the park after Akane was walking, 
mother would trust me to keep an eye on her and see that she did 
not hurt herself, or go too far.  I loved Akane.  It broke my heart 
when I went to live with you and Uncle Genma.  I think I missed 
her even more than I missed my mother at that time."  Kasumi 
looked at Nodoka with fire in his eyes.  "I won't let my fear hurt 
Akane.  I will control it.  If I have to move to my own apartment 
then I will, but I won't cause the death of something Akane loves 
if there is a single thing I can do about it."
	Nodoka sighed.  "I see.  I don't want to hurt Akane either 
dear.  I had hoped that she would not get her heart involved with 
this little cat.  I should have known better.  Akane was never one 
for half measures, she always gives everything she has."  Nodoka 
smiled at Kasumi.  "I'm glad you love your sister Kasumi.  I 
have spent the last few days fearing that Akane was going to 
have her heart broken.  Several times I wanted to ask you if you 
could not bring yourself to live with your fear, but after I heard 
what happened today I had given up on that idea.  Very well, 
Akane may adopt her pet."
	Kasumi sighed in relief.  "Thank you."
	"Don't thank me, you're the one that has to deal with 
your fear, but Kasumi..." Nodoka leaned forward and placed a 
hand on Kasumi's knee.  "You must not think of leaving here.  
This is your home."
	"I know, but I'm nineteen, I have a job, and you must 
admit things are a little crowded around here."
	Nodoka laughed.  "Yes, just a little, but they're family 
and we love each other.  You must admit though that moving out 
would be a waste.  When you marry Ranma and the two of you 
take over the dojo you would just have to move back in."  
Kasumi just looked at Nodoka for a minute until she lost her 
straight face and smiled, a small laugh escaping her.  "I know, I 
know...when pigs fly.  I saw no point in arguing with my 
husband or your father but in truth I never really saw any chance.  
I'm surprised you agreed to that arrangement to tell the truth.  I 
truly expected you to refuse point blank."
	"To tell the truth I saw no reason to argue either.  I 
thought if Akane and Ranma had a little time without any 
pressure they would soon find people they wanted to be with, 
maybe even each other."  Kasumi  shrugged his shoulders.  "It's 
not like I had any other attachments after all."  He could not quite 
keep a touch of sadness out of his voice.
	"O my dear, you mustn't think that.  You'll meet 
someone.  Just wait, sometime when you least expect it you'll 
look up and there he'll be, your one and only."
	"I suppose you're right."  Kasumi said, turning his head 
away so Nodoka would not see the sudden tears that had filled 
his eyes.  Nodoka, however, was no amateur at the game of 
parenting and reaching out and laying a hand softly on Kasumi's 
cheek turned his head so she could look him straight in the face.
	"It would seem I have blundered, do you want to talk 
about him."
	"Him?"
	"The boy you're thinking of right now.  The one that's 
making you cry."
	"Really... It's Noth...I mean...there's no...who could 
expect...this body...O damn."  With that Kasumi lost it and 
started to weep in earnest, he wrapped his arms tightly around his 
chest and started to curl up into a ball while sitting on his chair, 
but Nodoka quickly stood up and wrapping her arms around his 
neck pulling Kasumi tight against her chest.  Kasumi buried his 
head in her chest and let all the suppressed grief from the last few 
months flood out of her.  Nodoka stroked his head gently, and 
allowed him to cry himself out.  "This is stupid," he gasped after 
a moment, "martial artists aren't suppose to cry."
	Nodoka sighed.  "Unfortunately I do not have to ask who 
told you such a stupid thing.  Kasumi, martial artists are people 
and sometimes people need to cry.  Now, tell me, what is it?  
Was it your curse, could he not handle it?"
	"You...could say that, when... he... when I showed... him, 
well, Ranma's reaction when he found out we were engaged was 
raving approval in comparison."
	"Kasumi, I know you won't believe me, but you will get 
over this, and you will meet someone else.  Some where there is a 
nice boy who is just right for you."
	Kasumi gave a rather shaky laugh.  "A nice boy, I 
suppose."  He managed to put a smile on his face as he drew 
away from Nodoka.  Getting up from his chair he pulled himself 
up to his full height and gestured at his well muscled body.  "But 
what would that nice boy think of my female form, and if I find a 
nice boy in that form what will he think of this form.  It's all 
right."  He said forestalling the comment Nodoka was about to 
make.  "I know there is someone for everyone, and I'll meet my 
someone, someday.  Thank you Aunty...I really needed that.  I 
hadn't realized just how much till now." Wiping the remains of 
moisture from his eyes with the back of his hand Kasumi heaved 
a sigh.  "I feel much better now...I guess everyone needs a good 
cry, once in a while.  I think I'll go and let Akane in on the good 
news."

	Ukyo raised her head from the floor where she had been 
listening to the conversation below.  Well it looks like at least 
one man was able to see through Kasumi's facade.  Maybe there 
was hope that Ranma would as well.  She did not believe for a 
minute that Kasumi had given up on her efforts to get Ranma.  
She had put on a good act for Nodoka, but she had not fooled 
Ukyo.  For a minute she growled over the fact that Kasumi had 
managed to con her way out of another compromising situation.  
It had still happened, however, and if Ukyo could find ways to 
show Kasumi's true nature, then they would remember this 
incident and the others, and they would gradually come to realize 
Kasumi's true nature.
	A sudden shout of joy brought her attention back to the 
present.  It looked like Kasumi had told Akane about Nodoka's 
decision.  She curled her lips back from her fangs, yet another 
incident of Kasumi playing the saint.  She was of mixed emotions 
considering Akane's new pet.  While she resented the small cat 
for attacking her a week ago she could all too easily imagine 
herself trapped in a pound on death row so she was happy that 
Akane had managed to rescue her pet.  As well, the cat might 
come in useful as a weapon.
	She started as the door to the bedroom slammed open.
	"Come on Ryouko, this is it."  Ranma shouted from the 
doorway.  Ukyo looked at him in puzzlement.  "Sorry girl, guess 
you don't know your name yet."  He laughed.  "How could you?  
I just thought it up a little while ago."  Calming down he 
motioned to Ukyo.  "Heel!, let's go and introduce you to mom.  
This is the best chance we are going to get.  She just let Akane 
have her cat.  We may never have a better chance." They headed 
out of the room together and down the stairs.  "Be on your best 
behavior now girl.  We want to make a good impression."
	Nodoka was sitting down in the kitchen finishing off her 
tea and thinking of her rather surprising encounter with Kasumi.
	"Mom."
	Nodoka looked up and saw Ranma standing in the 
doorway, and standing beside him was one of the biggest, 
nastiest looking dogs she had ever seen.  I don't think I can take 
this right now, she thought as she drooped her head and covered 
her eyes with her right hand.  A sudden weight in her lap made 
her look down at the large canine who had placed it's head in her 
lap and was now looking up at her with pleading eyes.
	"Mom, I'd like you to meet Ryouko.  She really nice and 
obedient and-"
	Nodoka held up her hand to forestall Ranma's familiar 
line of patter.  She had heard it a dozen times before.  Looking 
down at the soft brown eyes, she spoke.  "She's your 
responsibility.  You take her to the vet."
	"Done already."
	Without breaking stride Nodoka continued.  "You feed 
her, bathe her, de-flea her if necessary and see that she gets 
proper attention for all other matters."  Before Ranma could 
throw his arms around her in glee she looked up at him and fixed 
him with a gaze that brooked no argument.  "You also make up a 
sheet with a good description that `I' will look over when you are 
done.  Then you will have copies made and posted in all the local 
stores and on all the poles for five blocks around where you found 
her.  Agreed?"
	A slightly subdued Ranma nodded his head.
	"Fine."  She looked down at the dog.  "She is very 
handsome Ranma.  I hope you don't lose her."  She gave Ryouko 
head a gentle pat.  "Now lady, if you would get your head out of 
my lap, I have an errand to run."

	Akane jumped the last few feet to the ground, cushioning 
C-chan from the impact as best she could.  Adjusting her clothes 
she thought, now, an hour in the park and I'll be back home with 
my new pet.  She turned and almost bumped into Nodoka.
	"Hello Akane, I was looking for you."
	"Aa... hello Aunty."
	"I find I need a favor dear."
	Akane was feeling more than a little nervous by now.  
Surely Nodoka could not have missed seeing C-chan.  "Of course 
Aunty, what can I do for you?"
	"I was planing on giving the kitchen a good going over 
with Nabiki this weekend, but she is...indisposed and I have an 
errand to run.  You would not mind would you?"  Nodoka's tone 
might have been gentle but the glance she dropped to the small 
cat in Akane's arms spoke volumes.
	Akane gulped.  "Of course not Aunty, I would be happy 
to do that for you."
	"I knew you would be.  I'll have a list drawn up for you 
by tomorrow.  If you get an early start I think you can be finished 
in a day.  Well, I won't keep you any longer dear.  Why don't you 
go and play with your new pet."  Glancing down she looked at 
the little cat in Akane's arms.  She smiled and gently scratched it 
between the ears.  " She is very pretty.  I'm glad you saved her."
	Akane just stood there mouth open in shock as Nodoka 
walked away from her.

	Some hours later Akira was locking up.  "Another day..."  
He half mumbled as he grabbed up a clipboard with a list of the 
`inmates'.  He looked it over and smiled slightly at the line drawn 
through C-chan's entry.  Sure, he could be a little abrasive 
sometimes but he was glad to see another animal with a good 
home.  He twisted his neck as he remembered his punishment for 
a certain `tasteless prank', as Mai referred to it.
	His stepped into the holding area still examining the list.  
One particular entry had the rather unfortunate listing of a 6 as 
the number of days spent here.  Akira looked at the white tom in 
his cage and shook his head sadly.  "Only got tomorrow left fella.  
Sorry about that."  Although he knew the cat couldn't understand 
him, he could have sworn he saw it shake it's head in sad 
acceptance.  Just my imagination, he concluded as he hung up 
the clipboard and shut off the lights.  "Nite fellas."  He said as he 
closed the door.
	Artemis looked around his cage in search of some escape.  
As with every other night nothing presented itself.  His mind 
wasn't being all that helpful either.  All the possibilities had been 
exhausted.  Well, that's it, he concluded finally, there is no 
helping it, I'll just have to call in some help, as embarrassing as 
that prospect is.
	Artemis sighed as he produced his communicator and 
called in the cavalry.  Not long now, he thought as he sat on the 
floor and waited.  However, after a short while he heard 
something.  He looked up curiously at the window to see a dark 
form just outside.  Closer examination quickly revealed it too be a 
cat, a cat with pink fur.  Artemis stood in amazement and 
watched as his former fellow prisoner unlatched and opened the 
window.
	C-chan took a moment to examine the interior of the 
building.  Great, she mussed to herself as her eyes revealed to her 
only blurs in the darkness, I'm probably going to need glasses 
when I get back to normal.  C-chan paused at that thought as it 
triggered a familiar recollection along with a large amount of 
detest.  She tried to focus on it but the feeling slipped away.
	C-chan shook her head in disappointment then returned 
her attention to the problem at hand.  She concentrated with her 
other senses, something she had been getting quite good at lately, 
which helped to fill in the gaps her vision left.  She made her 
descent to the floor safely then made her way to the shelves.  
They were out of her reach but she quickly thought of a solution 
to that problem.  She walked over to a nearby pole, the same one 
Mai had used earlier to close the very window C-chan had 
entered through.  She tipped the pole over to the shelves and 
amused herself with the thought of using an object of her 
captivity to make a break out.  
	The pole in place, it was no problem for C-chan to climb 
up and retrieve the keys.  Moments later Artemis and her were 
dropping down to the ground outside.  "Thanks a bundle.  You 
saved me from a fate worse than death."  Artemis said happily.
	"What was that Artemis?" Minako said as she 
approached causing Artemis to wince.  He looked over to see 
Minako approaching together with Usagi and Luna.
	"Hiyah girls."  Artemis sheepishly greeted.
	"So, got yourself stuck in the pound did you.  Should 
have know."  Luna commented.
	Usagi nodded as she stifled a yawn.  "Yeah, and why 
didn't you call earlier?  I missing a good deal of sleep because of 
you.  You had us worried sick."
	"It was nothing serious."  Artemis started to explain.  
"Besides, I got out, see.  Oh yeah, and I..."  Artemis turned to 
introduce C-chan but found her walking off.  "Hey, wait!"
	"Been carousing with common alley cats have we?"  
Luna slyly asked causing C-chan to stop and turn back towards 
her.  C-chan walked over, stared Luna sternly in the eyes then 
whacked her head into the ground with her paw.  She then turned 
up nose at the black cat who was now rubbing her face in shock 
and began walking off again.
	"You shouldn't insult Artemis's new girlfriend Luna.  I 
don't think she takes kindly to it."  Usagi commented with a 
touch of amusement then yawned.  "Let's get back to bed."
	"But-"  Artemis started to say but got picked up by 
Minako.
	"Save it.  You can tell us later.  We'll all be in a mess of 
trouble if we're caught out this late."  Minako said.
	"Be seeing you!"  Artemis called out to C-chan as he got 
carried off.  C-chan looked back at him as he ran off wondering 
just what he meant.
	She dismissed the thought and started to walk again but 
then stopped.  Where was she going?  She had slipped away from 
Akane while she slept, fully intending on leaving but where to?  
Her memories were still toast and without them she didn't know 
who she was, how to change back or how to get home.  She 
drooped her head as she tried once more to force her mind to 
function properly but as usual nothing came of it.  However, one 
mental image did come to mind, that of Akane and the security 
C-chan felt when close to her.  This is totally silly, she thought to 
herself, I'm not a cat, I shouldn't be thinking like this.  Despite 
her protests the feelings remained.  Well, I got no where else to 
go right now, she finally thought and headed back off to the 
Tendos'.




%End Chapter 7

	And another one bites the dust.  That's the end of the first 
story arc.  Don't worry.  I'm just feeling the need to post this to 
the RAAC and now seemed right.  Chapter 8 is on it's way.  
C&C is, as always, very welcome. 
	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 is check 
out Sailor Moon.
	If you wish to check out my other works look at:
	http://www.mala.bc.ca/~tritscwa
	I'm presently off for the summer so don't expect my 
webpage to be too recent, I have no home ftp service (sympatico 
is pitiful but it's free so...).
	Bye for now.