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 matters of Ranma 
taking Ukyo-wolf as a pet and Akane taking C-chan as a pet.  
That's right, I haven't mentioned her yet, C-chan is a pink furred 
cat who's lost her memory but at the very least knows she's 
human.  She's also met this other cat named Artemis who's 
taken an interest in her.

%Chapter 8

	Kasumi stepped into the teachers lounge as another day of 
work was coming to a close.  In her hand she held a folder 
containing the list of the students she would soon be supervising.  
The vice-principle had finished and given it to her just an hour 
ago and now was the first opportunity  she had to look it over.  
She made herself a cup of tea and took a seat at an empty table 
where she settled in and opened the folder.
	She leafed through the sheets of student record forms 
taking note of any that were odd.  Mostly she found only the 
usual unruly or slightly disruptive students but a few caused her a 
little surprise.  She continued on to find Akane, Ukyo, Ranma, 
and even Kuno's sheets.  She'd already been warned that they 
had decided to be a little liberal in regards to placing students in 
her class so she wasn't surprised to find Tatewaki as one of her 
students, even though he was a year ahead of most of the others  
What really surprised her was to find Nabiki's record.
	Kasumi looked at her sister's forms with a slight frown.  
Akane and Ranma she expected, they did have tendencies to get 
into the occasional fight although it was often instigated by the 
other party, but Nabiki wasn't like them.  Kasumi looked down 
the form to find the reasons for her assignment:  known 
connections to disruptive elements, known tendencies to 
manipulate disruptions for her own benefit, and possible 
instigator of fights and other unacceptable school behavior.  Oh 
well, that was Nabiki, always making the best of the worst of any 
situation, even when it was sometimes questionable.
	Of course Nabiki would likely be extremely displeased by 
this.  For the last week or so, ever since the little... incident 
Nabiki had been avoiding Kasumi whenever possible.  Even 
when they were forced together by something it was clear that 
Nabiki was very uncomfortable with her proximity.  Kasumi had 
never... well, actually no one had ever seen Nabiki in such a state 
of emotional distress.  She had recovered somewhat, but being 
overseen by Kasumi would cause a great deal of tension between 
the two of them.
	Kasumi sighed.  Sooner or later she'd have to work things 
out between herself and her sister so this really didn't matter that 
much.  She continued on through the forms  giving each one a 
brief glance before finally stopping at one particular sheet with a 
name she recognized from her past, Ryoga Hibiki.  Kasumi 
forced her mind to recall the person in question and after a 
moment managed to place him.
	It had been  shortly  before she and Genma had set off for 
China.  Kasumi was finishing up her last year of school.  One 
day Kasumi had met this boy on the road while on her way to 
school.  He was completely lost and confused, or at least at the 
time it had seemed that way, but later she learned that he simply 
had no sense of direction. Recognizing the name he gave as a 
school near her own she had offered to take him there and he 
thankfully accepted.  Once they arrived he had thanked her again.  
At the time Kasumi really had no associations in the area and this 
boy was the first.  He had seemed kind enough so she had 
suggested that they walk together each morning which he gladly 
agreed to.  From there she had developed a fairly strong 
friendship with him and was quite saddened when the time came 
to leave.  They had agreed to meet for one last picnic, but he had 
never made it.
	As she thought about this with a slight smile she 
suddenly realized something.  Ryoga was the boy she had seen 
on the street that day.  She could practically hit herself for not 
recognizing him especially with his dog there as well.  She was a 
most distinct animal after all.  Of course, she was distracted that 
day but, still, it was quite the mental slip.
	"Ah, a smile on the fair one's lips, that's truly a pleasant 
change."  Hiro said as he took a seat across from Kasumi.  "So, 
what sprightly thought has brought about this favorable change 
in your mood?"
	Kasumi greeted her fellow teacher with a friendly smile.  
"Oh, I just got my new class list."
	"And you're smiling?"  Hiro asked teasingly.
	"I do enjoy my work.  It's not as bad as it seems.  I think 
many people overestimate the little I do.  The students are really 
very quiet and courteous."

	"No snakes in the rope bag."
	"Clubs are grease free."
	"No glue on the ribbons."
	"Rings... check out."
	Haruka smiled in satisfaction.  Her fellow teammates and 
herself would not be caught unaware.  They were all well 
informed as to the habits of the Black Rose and she would not 
catch them napping.
	"Hey, where's Kimiko?"
	"She was in class today, maybe she's late."
	"Not hardly.  She was leaving the locker room just as I 
came in."
	"Where is she then?"
	"Ladies, ladies."  Haruka waited until the chattering girls 
quieted down and turned there full attention on her.  "As to the 
location of our esteemed captain, may I remind you that after 
months of trying she finally landed Kie."  At the mention of the 
captain of the boys' swimming team many of the girls sighed and 
there eyes went dim as dreams flicked through there heads.
	"Gods, he's so cute."
	"How did Kimiko land him anyway?  Couldn't have been 
her sparkling personality."
	"Well, you know what I heard..."
	"What?  What?  Tell us all girlfriend."
	"Well, wha...."
	"Ahem!"  Haruka loudly coughed, then glaring at the 
girls until they quieted she continued.  "As I was saying, seeing 
as how the boys' swim team is practicing at this very minute, I 
don't think it takes any great imagination to piece together where 
our captain is.  Now, speaking of practice, as your glorious 
second in command I will now lead the team in traini..."  Haruka 
trailed of as she noticed the girls had ceased to listen to her at the 
point where she had mentioned the boys' practice, and were all 
now busy discussing the merits of Kie's various teammates.  She 
developed a large sweat drop on the back of her head and then 
losing her temper yelled.  "HEY, I'M TALKING HERE, ALL 
RIGHT?!!  HOW DO YOU EXPECT TO BEAT THAT FIEND 
IN HUMAN FORM IF YOU DON'T PRACTICE?!!!"
	The girls, practically blown over by this outburst, quickly 
resumed their interrupted training session, but they did continue 
to cast wistful looks towards the door to the pool area.  There was 
much grumbling about their slacker of a captain, but it was 
clearly sour grapes as any one of them would have traded 
position with her in a second.  All those hunky guys, sigh.

	"Kie, don't you dare!  I'm warning you!"  Kimiko 
Shrieked and dodged out of the way of the water Kie had 
splashed at her.  Laughing she exclaimed.  "You'll have to do 
better than that if you want to get me wet, slowpoke."  She darted 
down the side of the pool forcing Kie to swim like mad in order 
to catch her.  She gave a grimace of discomfort as she felt an  
annoying itch in a rather delicate spot.  It had been growing 
worse for the past couple of minutes, and she desperately wanted 
to scratch it.  However, being in a room full of boys made that a 
little difficult, especially as she was the only girl in the 
swimming area.  Her leotard did nothing to hide her lush curves 
and many of the boys had not taken their eyes off of her from the 
time she had entered the pool area.  All in all it made it rather 
difficult for her to relieve the itch that was now on the verge of 
driving her insane.  She wanted desperately to rush back to the 
change room and indulge in a bout of intense scratching.  
However, she had only recently started to date Kie and with the 
coach late this was the perfect time to cement her hold over him.
	"Come on Kimiko, the water's fine, jump in why don't 
you."
	Kimiko eyed the water with calculation, desperately 
trying to stop her fidgeting.  Maybe the water would relieve the 
itch.  Another spasm made her decision for her.  With a loud 
splash she joined Kie in the pool, her hand already scratching 
even as she hit the water.  "EEYYYAAA!!!!"  Kimiko screamed 
in anguish.  Rather than soothing the itch, the water had 
intensified it ten fold.  It felt akin to having her skin crawling 
with ants and on fire at the same time.  Lost to all thought except 
for the one centered around stopping the now torturous itching, 
Kimiko drove her hand inside her suit and scratched like a 
maniac, to no avail.  Now desperate and lost to any sense of 
decorum Kimiko forced her leotard off and scratched furiously at 
the various inflicted areas.
	Kimiko's scream had attracted the attention of every boy 
that was not already watching her.  So, when the loss of her 
leotard and the water of the pool soothed the irritations to the 
extent that she once again became aware of her location she 
found herself floating in the pool, naked, and with her hands 
doing some rather crude things, all the while surrounded by the 
entire swim team and what ever other boys had been in the 
vicinity.  Worse, Kie was only a few feet from her and the 
expression on his face alternated between concern and lust and 
remorse for the lust.  With a shriek every bit as loud as the one 
that had accompanied her contact with the water, Kimiko burst 
out of the pool and ran sobbing through the crowd of boys and 
into the girls changing room.
	"Boy did you see that?"
	"See it?!  I saw everything, and I mean _everything_."  
Laughing the boy who had made this comment turned to a still 
stunned Kie who was just emerging from the pool.  "God, I wish 
I was in your shoes.  She must be really wild on a date.  Must 
bother you though."
	"Huu?"  Kie eyes turned towards his questioners still 
dazed from the event.
	"I mean, you must have to keep a pretty tight leash on 
her.  A girl like that, you let her out of your sight for a minute and 
she's doing some other guy."  That was as far as he got.  Kie was 
no martial artist, but his punch would have received rave reviews 
from any of the school's students who were.  The loud mouth 
arced a respectable distance before crashing to the ground in 
pain, and minus several teeth.
	One of the loud mouth's friends objected strongly to this.  
"Hey!!  No one sucker punches one of my friends and gets away 
with it."  That was as far as he managed to get before being 
decked by a sucker punch from one of Kie's friends. And the 
fight was on.
	Meanwhile the girls of the gymnastic team had to cancel 
their practice early and by mutual consent.  It seemed that the 
entire team was inflicted with an itch similar to Kimiko's, if not 
as severe.  Haruka quickly reasoned out the cause.  The Black 
Rose had struck after all, despite their best efforts.  She had not 
sabotaged their equipment, but had instead slipped some sort of 
irritant into the lining of their leotards.  Inactive at first, either 
their body heat or their sweat had activated it.  Rushing into the 
locker room the girls were too busy divesting them selves of their 
contaminated suits to notice the weeping Kimiko.  As soon as 
they gained relief, however, they congregated around her while a 
solicitous Haruka calmed her down and learned what had 
happened to her.  Her account was garbled but enough of an 
explanation was understood to turn her entire squad red with 
rage. As one they shouted.  "LET'S PUNISH THOSE ENEMIES 
OF WOMEN!"  Stopping only long enough to arm themselves 
from a bin of field hockey equipment they charged into the pool 
area and added to the mayhem that was already going on.

	Meanwhile, back in the teachers lounge, Mr. Hiro was 
shaking his head in denial.  "Don't underestimate yourself.  You 
seem to have a real talent for handling troublemakers.  Me, 
personally, I could not stand the thought of a room full of the 
worst trouble makers in the district under my supervision."
	"Yes, it can seem daunting at times, but that's not really 
what I was thinking about.  One of my students is an old friend 
of mine."
	"Really?  I guess that will make your job a little easier."
	Kasumi nodded,  then thinking of the last day she saw 
Ryoga, changed the topic.  "So, have you found a buyer for your 
uncle's restaurant yet."
	Hiro's upbeat attitude quickly shifted to a slightly 
depressed one.  "The only buyer I have at the moment is some 
high-and-mighty business mucky-muck.  He wants to buy up the 
whole area and put up some industrial park."
	"Oh."  Kasumi said, mirroring her friends frame of mind.
	"I suppose it's not that bad.  It's not like he's some 
overbearing land developer or anything.  He's offered a fair sum 
and all but I had a vision of seeing the old place open and 
running again.  To just have it torn down...  It seems so wrong."  
Hiro said as he shook his head gloomily.
	"Haven't you had any other offers?"
	"A few, but nothing really serious.  I guess it's the 
condition of the place.  It does need some refurbishing and the 
neighborhood isn't the greatest.  Everyone seems to write it off 
after just a glance."
	"That's too bad.  It was fine old place from what I saw.  
With a bit of work I'm sure someone could have it up and 
running."
	Hiro smiled slightly at Kasumi.  "You have a good eye, I 
just wish the other buyers did as well."  Hiro sighed then put 
back on a pleasant face.  "I'm depressing you and that's the last 
thing you need.  I hope the... feline hasn't been too much of a 
bother."
	Kasumi could not repress a slight shudder, but did her 
best to control her involuntary reaction, glad that Hiro was tactful 
enough to not use the C word.  "Akane has been keeping her 
promise well, but I still find the whole place to be very 
unnerving.  Just the thought of it being there...  I'll get over it, I 
hope."  Kasumi replied but her voice didn't reflect much 
optimism.
	"Well, good luck to you."  Hiro said as he got up.
	"You too."  Kasumi replied as another teacher rushed into 
the lounge.
	"Hey, there seems to be a riot by the gym."
	Kasumi let out a sigh.  Duty called.

	Sometime later Akane was sitting on her bed holding C-
chan in her arms.  On the floor in front of her sat the captain of 
the gymnastics team wearing a heavy cloak and staring down at 
the ground angrily.
	"But I hardly know anything about Rhythmic 
Gymnastics.  Are you sure-"  Akane began to say.
	"No way!  I just... no!  You have to take my place Akane.  
We can't let St. Hebereke win with such a dirty trick.  Come on 
Akane, you're the only one available." Kimiko pleaded.
	Akane hung her head to think.  "Well C-chan, what do 
you think?"  She asked her cat.  C-chan, who hadn't been paying 
much attention to the conversation, looked up at Akane and gave 
a neutral Mrew.  Akane sighed then nodded.  "Okay, I'll do it."
	"Oh thank you Akane!  Thank you!  You won't regret 
this."
	Akane dismissed the thanks with a wave.  "It's nothing, 
what exactly do I have to do?"  Akane listened as Kimiko 
detailed what Akane would be responsible for.  When the captain 
finally finished and left for home Akane sat down on the floor of 
her room and examined the equipment she had left.  She picked 
up a gymnastic club and tossed it in her hand.  "Well, this 
doesn't look so tough."  She said to C-chan who was now laying 
on the bed then tossed the club higher.  This time it landed on her 
head.  "Ah, who am I fooling?  I only have a week to learn all 
this.  I'm going to get myself trashed if I don't get a decent 
teacher."  Akane rested her chin on her hands to think.
	"I'm home."  Akane heard Kasumi call out.
	Akane made a quick check to ensure her door was closed 
then resumed her thought.  "I wonder if Kasumi knows anything 
about Rhythmic Gymnastics.  Couldn't hurt to ask."  Akane said 
then got to her feet and headed for the door.  "You stay here C-
chan."
	C-chan looked up briefly to acknowledge Akane's exit 
then dropped her head back to the bed.  It was funny, that name, 
Kasumi, it seemed vaguely familiar as did the voice.  If only she 
could get a look at this person maybe she could remember 
something.  Unfortunately, Akane was determined not to let that 
happen.  She had done a very efficient job of keeping C-chan 
completely away from Kasumi because of some allergy Kasumi 
had.  C-chan couldn't fault her for her vigilance but it was 
frustrating to be so near something that might return her 
memories yet be unable to reach it.
	C-chan let out a sigh of acceptance.  There was no point 
in complaining about something she couldn't correct.  She'd get 
her chance.  As she thought this she heard the soft creak of the 
window opening.

	"Hey Kasumi, can I talk to you for a second?"  Akane 
asked as she came down the stairs to meet Kasumi at the door.
	Kasumi looked up from removing her shoes to look at 
Akane with a second of fear.  Seeing the animal responsible for 
her feelings no where in sight she relaxed.  "Of course."
	"Do you know anything about Rhythmic Gymnastics?"
	"Rhythmic Gymnastics?"  Kasumi thought for a moment 
then shook her head.  "No, nothing really useful anyway.  Why?"
	"I volunteered to replace the team captain."  Akane 
replied, seriously doubting her sensibilities about making such a 
decision.  "She had a little-"
	Kasumi sadly nodded.  "Accident, yes I know.  I spent 
nearly an hour trying to break up that mess.  I dearly hope she'll 
be all right."
	"I think she'll be fine, given some time, but that doesn't 
solve my problem.  I'm supposed to compete in a week and I 
don't know much about this stuff."
	"Sorry Akane, it isn't my area of expertise.  I'm sure 
you're team mates will help."
	"I suppose, but one week?  I could really use something 
more."  Kasumi shrugged, unable to find a solution to Akane's 
quandary.  "Thanks anyway."  Akane said as she turned to walk 
back upstair in disappointment.  Kasumi headed off to the 
common room.
	"Hello Kasumi."  Nodoka greeted from the table.  
"You're a bit late today."
	"There was a bit of a... commotion at the school."  
Kasumi replied as she sat down across from Nodoka.
	"Oh?"
	"One of the girls from the gymn-"
	Suddenly a voice rang out from upstairs.  "AKANE 
TENDO, PREPARE TO DIE!!!"  Both Nodoka and Kasumi were 
quite startled by this.  Kasumi quickly jumped to her feet and 
began rushing for her sister's room to investigate, barely noticing 
Nodoka saying something she didn't quite catch.
	Kasumi raced up the stairs and came up to Akane's door.  
She could hear the sounds of a struggle inside plus what sounded 
like muffled shouts.  A sense of urgency overpowered the voice in 
the back of her head trying to remind her of something and she 
opened the door.  On the floor she found Akane wrestling with 
another slightly taller girl with long brownish hair.  However, 
before she made any further actions she realized something.  
They weren't shouting, they were laughing.
	Stunned by this realization Kasumi just stood and 
watched as the two girls playfully tried to gain an advantage in 
their duel.  Nodoka walked up beside Kasumi, a small frown on 
her face.  "Girls."  She said to gain their attention.
	Both girls stopped what they were doing and looked up at 
Nodoka.  "Yes Aunty/Yes Mrs. Saotome."  They responded 
simultaneously.
	"I thought we discussed this.  The dojo is for sparring and 
the bedroom is for sleeping.  However, I may be mistaken.  If you 
plan on sleeping in the dojo..."
	"Sorry."  Both responded and untangled themselves from 
their melee.
	It was about this time, now that the apparent danger had 
passed, that the voice in Kasumi's head managed to get her to 
listen to it.  The cat.  Kasumi, starting to sweat profusely, 
immediately turned and made a dash for the nearest exit to the 
outside.  Akane, her visitor and Nodoka watched this for a 
second in confusion then Akane and Nodoka realized the 
problem as well.
	"Where's C-chan Kodachi?"  Akane asked as she looked 
around her room.
	"Oh, your cat, under the hamper.  She's very protective."  
Kodachi replied, pointing to a nearby upside down clothing 
hamper.  Akane quickly lifted the basket up and pulled a 
confused and irritated but otherwise unharmed C-chan out from 
underneath a pile of clothes.  Nodoka nodded once Akane located 
her cat and left to find Kasumi.
	"I take it that was your sister?"  Kodachi asked.
	"Yep, she's kind of got a problem with cats.  Come on."  
Akane said then started to lead Kodachi to the dojo.
	Meanwhile Nodoka found Kasumi standing on the 
walkway outside the common room trying to calm her nerves.  
"She's has C-chan, don't worry."  Nodoka said as she returned to 
sitting at the table
	Kasumi noticeably calmed at hearing this then joined 
Nodoka.  "Who was that?"
	"She's Kodachi, one of Akane's friends."
	"Kodachi... Seems familiar..."  Kasumi said as she tried 
to recall the name.  She had definitely heard or seen the name 
before.
	"She was probably mentioned somewhere at the school.  
She's Tatewaki's sister."
	Kasumi nodded as she finally remembered seeing the 
name on Kuno's student form.  "Are the Kuno's family friends?  
I know Ranma is often visiting Tatewaki."
	"Yes, we met them several years ago... actually about a 
year after you went on your training trip.  As I recall we were 
visiting a park when Ranma wandered off.  When we found him 
he had gotten into a fight with Tatewaki, you know boys."  
Kasumi nodded.  "Anyway, amazingly, after they had thoroughly 
beat on each other, they actually hit it off.  We joined Tatewaki 
and spent the day with him, Kodachi and their caretakers.  Akane 
ended up talking with Kodachi most of the time and Ranma with 
Tatewaki.  Ever since then they have been friends, although I 
don't believe either of the girls have much use for the boys."
	Kasumi nodded then asked.  "Is it normal for Kodachi to 
make this kind of an entrance?"
	"I'm afraid so.  Like I said, she's a bit on the wild side.  
Her caretakers were never very good at discipline.  At one time I 
actually caught her with half a medicine cabinet on her."
	"Really?"  Kasumi asked in surprise.
	"Unfortunately yes.  It was back on Akane's eighth 
birthday party I believe.  Kodachi and several other of Akane's 
friend were over and as is usual they partook of a little to much 
food.  Kodachi offered to give Akane some of the stuff she had 
with her.  I think they were old medications from when her 
mother was sick.  How she got her hands on them I have no 
idea."  Nodoka shook her head at the memory.  "Anyway, I made 
sure to give those people a good piece of my mind on the matter."
	"I assume that she doesn't do that anymore."
	"Nono, of course not.  It is a good thing too.  Dr. Tofu 
said that should she have continued to use such things much 
longer it could very well have affected her health.  Fortunately, 
she had just started carrying them, and was fine when I 
discovered that she had them.  She had not at that time used any.  
To think that they let her have such things...  If their father were 
here I'd be sure to tell him just what I think of him leaving his 
children under such shoddy supervision."

	Akane walked into the dojo and allowed C-chan to jump 
to the floor.  "That was a really dirty trick you pulled Kodachi!"
	Kodachi, carrying several of the tools, walked in after 
Akane and waved off the remark.  "Bah!  I am the queen of 
practical jokes, but even I don't have divine knowledge.  She 
wasn't supposed to jump into the pool.  I mean really, leotards 
are not for swimming.  That's why they have swimsuits.  How 
was I supposed to know she'd do something so stupid?"  
Kodachi paused for a second then smile in amusement.  "It must 
have been a hell of a show though."
	Akane scowled.  "Yeah, well, it still was a stupid trick.  
Hope you're not planning on pulling something like that on me?"
	"Sorry, only one master prank per team.  However, if 
you're really interested I could make an exception for you."  
Kodachi with a huge grin.
	Akane let off a small laugh.  "No thanks.  How did you 
find out so quick that I'd be replacing her?"
	"Who else are they going to ask around that school of 
yours?  The talent pool is rather shallow there."
	"Hey, this isn't exactly my thing you know.  I've never 
even seen a Rhythmic Gymnastic match."  Akane said then 
turned just in time to catch a pair of clubs tossed to her by 
Kodachi.
	"Well then, we'll just have to fix that, won't we.  Can't 
have my competition boring the crowd into unconsciousness."

	Kasumi yawned as she approached her bedroom.  At least 
Kodachi wasn't something to worry about.  For a moment, after 
she heard her yell out her battle cry, she had thought yet another 
problem had come to make her life that much more complicated.  
Thankfully that was not the case here.
	Kasumi opened her bedroom door, walked in and nearly 
tripped over a small cabinet next to the doorway.  She looked 
around her room in confusion.  A dresser, a large bed, two end 
tables, and a desk now occupied the once barren room.  For a 
second Kasumi thought she had walked into the wrong room but 
then she realized what was going on.
	The furniture was all brand new, and the exact furniture 
she herself had picked out just a few days ago.  With nothing else 
to spend her money on Kasumi had finally decided to get some 
decent furniture for herself.
	"It arrived this afternoon."  Nodoka said as she looked in 
on Kasumi.  "We set it up as a surprise.  Hope everything is 
okay?"
	"Oh, it is.  Thank you."  Kasumi responded quickly as 
she ran her hand over the bedspread.
	"Have a good night then."  Nodoka said with a smile and 
left Kasumi to herself.
	A bit of playful excitement overcoming her, Kasumi 
plopped down onto the bed with a heavy bounce.  This was going 
to be so nice.  No sleeping on the floor for her anymore.  It had 
been ages since she had slept in an actually bed by herself.  The 
last thing that even came close was...
	Kasumi's excitement drained away at the thought.  She 
quickly pushed it aside and got back up to get ready for bed.  She 
walked over to the dresser and, as she expected, found her clothes 
all neatly folded in separate drawers.  She frowned as she 
realized just how little her wardrobe had changed even now that 
she was home.  This curse had done a lovely job of ensuring she 
basically remain as she was.  A casual inspection by most people 
and they'd probably think a boy lived here.
	"Come on Kodachi-"
	"I'm training Akane, or have you forgotten."
	Kasumi turned as she caught Ranma's and Kodachi's 
voices in the hall.  Something in Ranma's tone sparked a bit of 
curiosity in her and she stepped over to the door to listen.
	"Well, how about after the tournament, a victory 
celebration?"  Ranma asked.
	"With you?!  I think not.  Celebrations are supposed to be 
fun."  Kodachi replied.
	Kasumi heard a door open then close with a bit of a slam.  
She then heard a sigh of disappointment from Ranma and 
footsteps followed by another door opening and closing.  Kasumi 
looked down at the floor, perplexed.  What was that all about?  
Then it hit her.
	So, he's got a girlfriend... sort of, Kasumi thought as she 
returned to getting herself ready for bed.  Well, I didn't expect 
anything different.  This is what I originally wanted, right, 
Kasumi asked herself, for Ranma and Akane to be able to go 
about their lives without the pressure of the engagement hanging 
over them.  That was exactly right but Kasumi couldn't help but 
feel something.  It was an odd feeling, like maybe she'd been... 
abandoned.
	That's silly, she thought as she sat down on her bed.  It 
was his life to lead, not hers to lead for him and, besides, she 
never expected this to work out.  Kasumi took a moment to 
banish the thoughts and then laid down and tried to get some 
rest.

	Across the hall Ryouko hard caught the same bit of 
conversation and she now looked at Ranma with shock.  It just 
couldn't be.  Say it wasn't so.  He couldn't!
	"What's with girls, eh Ryouko?"  Ranma asked as he 
prepared for bed himself.  "I'd do anything for her and she won't 
even give me the time of day."
	Ryouko hung her head as the truth smacked her in the 
face.  It wasn't fair!  How could he like a girl who didn't even 
like him?  But maybe...  Ryouko's hope rose.  Yeah, Kodachi 
doesn't like him.  All I have to do is tell him how I feel and...  
But wait, what if she's just acting and she really does like him, 
playing hard to get.  No!  Ryouko hopes crashed back to earth.
	She couldn't give up, not without a fight.  She'd tell him 
how she felt.  Yes, that was it, she'd tell him and everything 
would work out, it had to.  She'd have to do it quickly though.  
She couldn't risk the situation changing and with Kasumi here to 
mess things up that was bound to happen soon.  
	When, how, and what about the her curse?  She couldn't 
tell him about the curse, that would destroy any chance she had 
but that left her with no real time to talk to him.  In the morning, 
by the time he had left, she barely had enough time to change and 
get to school herself.  During school was no good either.  She 
was in a different class and during lunch he was always with 
Akane and that blasted Kasumi.  After school was no good 
either.  She had to rush back and change before he got home.
	It was hopeless.  She'd never get to talk to him.  Despair 
pressed in on her.  No, she'd get a chance, she have to risk it 
sometime or she'  lose him for sure.
	
	Kodachi restrained a yawn as she thumped down the 
stairs with none of her usual grace.  She winced with each step, 
punctuating them with invective as she descended.  "Pink furred 
little monster!"  Thump.  "Vindictive..."  Thump.  "Spiteful..."  
Thump.  "Little..."  Thump.  "Hairball!"  Thump.
	Reaching the bottom at last she looked back up the stairs 
in the direction of Akane's room.  She smiled.  "I like that in a 
person.  You and I'll get on just fine C-chan.  We have a lot in 
common."
	Kodachi was accustomed to Akane's ridiculously early 
training regime.  Normally she just rolled over and caught 
another hour or so of sleep after Akane left.  She had rolled over 
this time as well, but five minutes after Akane had left and just as 
Kodachi was on the verge of rejoining the love of her life in the 
dream scape, C-chan struck.  She had practiced a little 
acupuncture on Kodachi's backside, landing stiff legged and with 
four paws worth of claws extended.  Kodachi had come out from 
under the cover as if shot.  Breathing hard she had scanned the 
room for her attacker, but C-chan had made good her escape, and 
short of tearing the room apart there was no way Kodachi was 
going to get near her.
	Fully awakened Kodachi had given in to the inevitable 
and gotten up. Now standing at the bottom of the stairs and 
trying not to think too much about her newest battle scars she 
became aware of the noise of combat.  Intrigued, as Akane's 
work outs had always consisted of a jog followed by a solitary 
kata in the dojo, she investigated.  As she entered the dining area 
there was a tremendous splash followed by course laughter.
	"You're woolgathering girl, and you call yourself a 
martial artist.  A true martial artist must always be able to put 
distract-"  SPLASH!!!  "Grouff!"
	"What was that you were saying Pop?"
	The sound of laughter drifted in from the yard, laughter 
that was not shared by Nabiki Tendo who had been sitting at the 
breakfast table.  Now flushing slightly she hurriedly placed an 
assortment of food on a plate and left the room.  Kodachi turned 
her head as she watched Nabiki leave.  Such behavior was so 
unlike Nabiki that Kodachi got caught up in watching her leave 
and walked right off of the small ledge that fronted the yard.  As 
soon as she set her foot down and found nothing Kodachi twisted 
herself around and prepared to tuck and roll.  She could not quite 
suppress a small exclamation of dismay however.  The next 
instant she found herself caught by a pair of muscular arms that 
arrested her fall and then lifted her up and set her on her feet.  
Kodachi found herself looking up at the most spectacularly 
handsome man she had ever seen.
	"Are you alright Kodachi?"
	As his deep voice vibrated a chord deep inside her all she 
could think was, he knows my name.  She just stood there gazing 
up at him, trying to memorize every one of his features for future 
reference.
	Kasumi looked at the dark hair girl in front of him with 
concern.  The trip had not been serious, and he had caught her 
before she could hurt herself.  Still, she just stood there looking at 
him with a glazed expression in her eyes.  Nodoka had told her 
about Kodachi's close call with medication, but that was years 
ago and Nodoka had said there was no harm done, surely that 
could not be the problem, could it?  He turned to Akane who had 
walked over from where she had been sparing with Ranma.  "Is 
she all right Akane?  It was not a serious fall but she seems to be 
dazed."
	Akane looked closely at Kodachi and then at her 
sister/brother.  Kodachi's glazed look was all to familiar to her.  
Kodachi was always one for extremes, and if Akane guessed 
right she had just found the newest in a long line of loves of her 
life.  She gently disengaged Kodachi's grip on Kasumi's arms 
and led the love struck girl over to the house.  Then, turning the 
girl so she was facing her, Akane snapped her fingers in front of 
her face.
	"Snap out of it Dachi."
	Kodachi blinked and then refocused on the real world.  
Seeing her beloved's face replaced by Akane's she started and 
stepped back a step hitting the back of her calves against the edge 
of the porch and sitting down with a thump.  She almost 
immediately shot back up hands going back to clasp her outraged 
fundament.
	"Well, I see that woke you up."  Akane laughed even if 
she was a little puzzled by Kodachi's reaction.
	Kodachi didn't care about that however.  She had far 
more important things on her mind.  "Who _ is _ that Adonis!!?"
	Akane blinked, this was extreme even for Dachi.  "Oh, 
that's my..."  Just in time Akane stopped herself.  She could not 
tell Kodachi that her Adonis was her sister.  They did not want 
any one knowing about her sister or uncle's curse, but Kodachi 
was her friend.  She could not let her go on thinking she was in 
love with Kasumi... or could she?  Suddenly remembering 
Kodachi's boast of the night before.  "I am the queen of practical 
jokes."  She had exclaimed and had not seemed in the least 
contrite about poor Kimiko.  Well, maybe it was time the Queen 
was dethroned.  "Him, he's my cousin, my cousin Kaneda."
	Kodachi eyes locked themselves once more on the figure 
of her interest as he twisted the front of his shirt to force out the 
water soaking it.  Kodachi let out a low moan of awe when 
Kasumi twisted the shirt enough to accentuate every muscle on 
his body.  "How cruel to be related to such a man."  She said 
causing Akane to chuckle for a second.  "You have to introduce 
me, properly."
	"Yeah, sure, later."  Akane replied, trying to control 
herself enough not to laugh.  Of course she'd have to let Kodachi 
off the hook soon or later but the longer the better, it would serve 
her right.  Besides, maybe this would get her to choose her 
boyfriends more wisely.  Akane grabbed up Kodachi's arm and 
forced her to avert her longing gaze as she lead her to the table 
for breakfast.  Kasumi, Ranma and Genma-panda soon joined 
them.
	"Did your training go well last night Akane?"  Nodoka 
asked after taking a sip from her tea.
	"Oh, well enough.  Kodachi a fairly good tutor."  Akane 
respond then noticed Kodachi's eyes drifting back over to 
Kasumi.  "Right?"  Akane asked her with a nudge to the ribs.
	Kodachi turned back to Nodoka with a start.  "Ah, yeah, 
of course I am.  No one better at Rhythmic Gymnastics than me."
	"We'll see about that."  Akane replied to Kodachi's 
boast.
	Suddenly Kasumi stood up.  "Oh my, I forgot!  I have to 
go.  I have a meeting to attend."  Kasumi rushed out of the room, 
Kodachi watching him go the whole way.  This one she just 
couldn't let get away.

%End Chapter 8

	Ah, another one to add to the pile.  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 but I just got a ftp 
service so my page will get updated more regularly now.  If you 
missed a chapter just check there, all chapters to date are stored 
there for your convenience.
	Bye for now.