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 as a pet and Akane taking C-chan, a 
pink furred cat who's lost 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.  Ryouko (that's Ukyo-wolf's name) has just 
been saved from Azusa, but unfortunately her hair is now pink.  
Oh, I guess 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 12

	"Great, my sister is a lesbian!"  Nabiki said aloud to 
break the silence.
	"Nabiki!"  Nodoka, Soun and even Akane scolded in 
reflex.  It didn't help, Kasumi wanted nothing more than to cry at 
the moment.
	"Well, how else do you want to explain it?"  Nabiki shot 
back, sarcastically, then started.  The remark had been her usual 
off the cuff response to being surprised.  Now however, she was 
considering some of the ramifications of this, particularly in light 
of Kasumi being in her bed.  Nabiki immediately paled at the 
thought.
	"Let's not jump to any conclusions."  Nodoka said, but 
found it hard to take her own advice.  She turned to look grimly 
at Kasumi.  "Kasumi, would you please explain this?"
	Kasumi merely sat, returning Nodoka's look blankly for a 
moment.  Finally he shook himself and lowered his head, 
directing his gaze at the table and trying to think of just how he 
would explain.  My god, why did I do such a thing, Kasumi 
asked herself.  "I... I... ummm...  It must have been what I 
drank."  Kasumi finally answered as he looked up.  "I've never 
been... ahh... drunk before."  Kasumi said, cursing the way it 
sounded.
	The response to this was varied.  Akane seemed to accept 
the answer.  Ranma was shaking his head, wondering how the 
hell he'd gotten himself engaged to such a person.  Nabiki was 
unconvinced, which frightened her even more.  Genma appeared 
to accept the answer, though Kasumi believed this was to 
preserve his own life since blame would inevitable start coming 
his way.  Ryouko savored the sight of Kasumi squirming.  
Shampoo seemed a little disturbed, and Cologne just sat there 
enjoying the reaction to her bombshell.
	The reactions that troubled Kasumi the most, however, 
were that of his father and Nodoka.  Both wanted to believe it, yet 
their uncertainty was showing.  If much more happened Kasumi 
honestly feared being disowned.
	"Very well," Nodoka said finally.  "Perhaps you should 
continue."
	Kasumi tried to collect himself and continue, but his 
shattered nerves combined with clouded memories really didn't 
allow that.  Cologne took Kasumi's confused frown as a cue and 
spoke up.  "The young man was a little... inebriated.  However, I 
have done some extensive interviews with those involved.  I 
believe I can help fill in the gaps."
	It was the truth.  Kasumi's recollections were simply too 
incoherent to continue the story himself.  With a reluctant nod 
Kasumi differed to Cologne.  Cologne smiled at that and as she 
started back into the tale Kasumi knew this was just the 
beginning.  With every word another memory was triggered, and 
Kasumi felt like a noose was wrapping that much tighter around 
his neck.

	Suddenly Kasumi's instincts snapped him out of his daze 
and a rush of adrenaline washed the effect of the alcohol 
temporarily out of his system.  Looking up he spotted the large 
woman Shampoo had defeated approaching them, a large vicious 
looking club in one hand, and an even more vicious look in her 
eyes.  Kasumi once again plucked Shampoo away from the 
warmth of his body, but this time he swung her around behind 
him.  Having placed her in a protected position he faced the 
approaching Amazon who lifted her oversized mace and snarled 
at Kasumi.
	<"Get out of my way outsider or get hurt.">
	Kasumi did not understand her words but the tone and 
actions were universal.  He adopted an defensive stance and 
waited.  Eyes as cold as ice chips looked into the Amazon's, and 
she saw havoc written in large letters there.  Her expression 
broke, and her scowling look changed to one of wide spread 
happiness.
	<"He shields his love from harm.">  She shouted, and the 
surrounding Amazons cheered.  Turning she leered at Kasumi.  
<"Too bad the skinny girl won.  You're in for a lifetime of bony 
elbows and hips.  Now, I could have really kept you warm on 
those cold night.  Well, your loss.">  With a shout to some 
friends, she disappeared into the crowd.
	Kasumi blinked and stared after her.  "What just 
happened here Shampoo?"  He asked, but turning he saw that 
Shampoo has disappeared.  Kasumi felt a wave of fear roll over 
him.  The big woman had been a distraction.  "SHAMPOO," he 
screamed, spinning in place and trying to find Shampoo's 
distinctive hair in the crowd.  "SHAMPOO," he bellowed again.
	<"Why would you want a little girl like Shampoo 
outsider.">
	Kasumi spun at Shampoo's name but she was not there.  
Instead there was an older woman, only an inch or two shorter 
than Kasumi.  She strolled up to him and ran a finger slowly 
down his chest.  <You're such a big boy.  Surely you want 
something more than a little girl like Shampoo.">  She plastered 
herself tightly against Kasumi and wrapped her arms around his 
neck.  With a low moan she rubbed herself up and down 
Kasumi's front, and then moved in for the kill.  Slowly, languidly 
she raised her face to Kasumi's, only to see that he was not 
paying the slightest attention to her.
	The adrenaline had temporarily held off the effects of the 
monumental amount of alcohol Kasumi had consumed.  Now it 
was flushing out of his system fast, and as it went Kasumi once 
again began to feel the effects of over indulgence.  His mind 
began to cloud and his thinking to slow.  "Shampoo!"  Kasumi 
cried out once again while trying to free himself from the 
embrace of the Amazon vamp.  Finally, frustrated by her refusal 
to release him, Kasumi reached around behind himself and 
caught her wrists in his hands.
	<"That's nice dear hold me nice an...  Wait, what are you 
doing?  Let me go.">
	Kasumi was pleased to note that his new body easily 
forced the woman's arms out from around his neck.  Holding 
both of her wrists in one of his large hands he looked around for 
Shampoo again.  The seductress was not finished yet however.  
She reached out a foot and began to stroke Kasumi's thigh.  All 
the while looking at him with heavy lidded passion filled eyes.  
Annoyed at her continued distraction Kasumi swept her up into 
his arms.  With a gleeful cry she snuggled up as best she could 
with Kasumi still holding her wrists.  She settled for rubbing her 
body against his chest, and murmuring sweet nothings into his 
ear as Kasumi carried her along.

	"Wait!!" Kasumi held up a hand to halt Cologne's 
narrative.  He had a hand pressed to his forehead and was 
frowning with the effort of remembering.  "This woman, is she 
about this tall?"  Here he held a hand at eye level.  When 
Cologne nodded, he continued.  "Long blond hair, very large... 
eyes?" Kasumi blushed, at his slip.
	"Indeed, Tonic does have blond hair, and very large... 
eyes." Cologne smirked at her.  "Is your memory returning then?"
	 "Not exactly, a little earlier today I had a flash of 
memory.  It was of a woman acting much like what you 
described.  I could not place it at the time."  Kasumi tried not to 
look at anyone else.  He was all too aware of how deeply Cologne 
was digging his grave.  Suddenly a thought hit him.  He directed 
a hard look at Cologne.  It might be that Cologne's story was 
being slanted to show him in as bad a light as possible.  If he was 
disowned, she might believe there would be nothing to keep him 
in Japan.  That, if he lost his home he would willingly come with 
her and Shampoo to China.  Well, he was warned now.  He 
would take her words with a grain of salt.  Anything he did not 
remember would be suspect.  "Please, continue." Kasumi said to 
the elder Amazon.
	"As you will, now where was I?"
	"Kasumi had just swept this blond with the big... eyes up 
into his arms." Nabiki said.  Kasumi winced.

	Tonic snuggled happily into Kasumi's arm's.  No man 
could resist her charms, she thought.  Her self assurance and 
contentment ended with a splash, however, as Kasumi reached 
his destination and dropped her into a watering trough beside the 
well designated for animal usage.

	"Way to go sis!"  Akane shouted out loud, laughing at the 
image Cologne had so vividly described.  Ranma and Shampoo 
joined in the laughter, and the adults smiled as well.  Only 
Ryouko looked sour.  It was obvious that some of their doubts 
concerning Kasumi had been allayed.  Kasumi wished he felt as 
confident.  His belief that Cologne was slanting the story had 
been severely compromised.  After this how could he know if 
Cologne was telling the truth?  What memories he did have were 
bad enough.   Once again he felt fear over what he might hear 
concerning that night.
	"If I may," Cologne said.
	After the young people had stopped laughing, she 
continued the story.

	With a scream of outrage Tonic popped out of the water, 
and produced a truly impressive sword from her cleavage.  
Kasumi had already walked away, calling for Shampoo.  She 
gave an angry snarl and started to go after him, but a laughing 
group of villagers descended on her.  She was rapidly striped of 
her weapon and after a little bantering from the crowd she 
stepped forward.  Raising a hand in the air she muttered, 
<"fidelity">
	The crowd boo-ed her and then yelled out, 
<"FIDELITY,"> at the top of their lungs.

	"Just what is going on here?" Nodoka asked.
	Cologne sighed at being interrupted yet again.  "As you 
now know, defeating an Amazon means she must marry you.  
We are not fools however.  The punch that Kasumi drank is a 
traditional beverage, drunk at all weddings, not just challenge 
weddings.  It loosens the guard most people place on their 
thoughts and actions.  It allows their true nature a chance to come 
out.  In challenge weddings it is traditional for the villagers to 
_test_ the groom."
	"And if he fails," Nodoka asked.
	Cologne shrugged her shoulders.  "Accidents happen.  
We live in a mountainous region, sometimes people get drunk 
and walk off cliffs.  Now if I might continue," she said with a 
touch of impatience.  When no one said anything, she continued.

	Kasumi ignored the commotion behind him, he had to 
find Shampoo.  She was under his protection and he had let harm 
befall her.  He ducked out of the main thoroughfare, such as it 
was, into the area behind the village.  Surely they would try to get 
her away from the crowd.
	He walked through the back yards of the village calling 
Shampoo's name.  A clatter and a cry of pain drew his attention.  
It was getting harder and harder for him to think.  His training 
and willpower had kept him going far longer than he should have 
been able to.  Weaving slightly Kasumi reached the area where 
the noise had come from.  The sound of weeping could clearly be 
heard.  "Shampoo, is that you?"  He asked in a slurred voice.
	Kasumi tried to force aside the fog that was clouding his 
mind.  Focusing with all the concentration he was able to bring to 
bear he made out the huddled form of a small child weeping 

bitter tears as she grasped her knee.  Her pants were torn and the 
cloth stained with blood.  Kasumi struggled to focus, fighting the 
confusion in her head.  "Not Shampoo... little girl... where's 
Shampoo?"
	Kasumi turned to resume his search, and paused.  "Not 
right.  Martial artist protects the innocent.  Couldn't protect 
Shampoo.  Shampoo gone, don't know where."  He tossed back 
his head and screamed.  "WHERE ARE YOU SHAMPOO?!"  
Then, his head fell forward and he muttered.  "Gone, all gone."  
Focusing on the crying child Kasumi bent over to pick her up and 
almost fell over.  Bracing one hand against a nearby house he 
tried again, and picked up the young child with one hand.  Then 
cradling her in one arm he began to make his way towards the 
lights of the party, pressing his free hand against the building he 
passed to keep himself upright.  "Solright now."  Kasumi 
murmured to the child who's tears had stopped.
	"Protect the innocent...Your innocent, aren't you?  Course 
you are... little girl like you.  I was a little girl once, you know.  
No more, no more, little girl all gone.  Wore away.  Little girls 
don't go on training trip... That what everyone say... Proper girl 
stay home, marries husband, raise children.  Don't go on training 
trips... Nope!  Never do that...  Guess they right...  Not girl no 
more...  Even got a girl friend, how about that?  She gone now, 
don't know where.  Where you go Shampoo?  You not 
Shampoo... but innocent.  Gotta protect.  What martial artist do, 
you know... protect.  Not girl no more, lost somewhere.  Lost girl 
friend too.  Just can't keep...  All left is protect."

	Kasumi felt shame.  These were his most hidden thoughts 
and fears, things he had never shared with anyone.  To have them 
revealed in front of everyone like this... was mortifying.  Then he 
felt a soft hand on his own, he looked up, and into Nodoka's 
eyes.  They were damp with unshed tears and her grip tightened.
	"I am so sorry Kasumi, I never knew, and I should have."  
Here she directed a hard look at Genma, who cringed.  Looking 
back at Kasumi she continued, "can you forgive me?"
	Kasumi was surprised at the guilt in her eyes and he tried 
to reassure her.  "Please, it's all right.  I must have been feeling 
sorry for myself back then.  It was not really that bad.  Most of 
the time I was very happy.  It was just that sometimes I felt such 
a stranger."
	"You are no longer a stranger dear, please believe me.  I 
don't think I could bear it if we were to make you feel like less 
than you are.  Please, trust us."
	Kasumi returned the pressure Nodoka was putting on her 
hand, feeling strength flowing into him from the words she 
offered.  Firming his back he turned to Cologne and said "Please 
continue."
	"Yes, please do." Nodoka said, "and this time let us wait 
until the end, no matter what may be revealed."
	Cologne nodded at her, and started talking again.

	Kasumi became aware that she was surrounded by quiet 
villagers.  A matronly woman stepped forward and gently took 
the child from Kasumi's arm.  Kasumi stood swaying in the 
street.  Then, the crowd parted and in the opening Shampoo 
stood, a look of anticipation on her face.  Kasumi gave a cry and 
staggered over to her.  Catching her up he hugged her fiercely 
with all his might.  She returned the hug and gently stroked his 
back.  "Lost you.  Thought you gone.  Thought I failed, glad you 
alive."
	Behind Kasumi the child, walking quite well for someone 
with an injured leg, stepped forward.  Holding up her hand she 
cried out in a piping voice, <"compassion.">  This was echoed 
by the crowd.
	Another voice cried out, <"love.">  The crowd hesitated 
for a moment and they all stared at the couple embracing 
oblivious to the crowd of people looking at them
	<"Love,"> repeated one of the villagers.
	<"Love,"> several more chimed in.
	Finally, the entire crown roared out, <"LOVE.">
	Kasumi, softly stroking the purple haired tresses resting 
below his chin, heard none of this.  He was lost to anything other 
than the girl in his arms.  Finally, Shampoo pulled herself free 
and took him by the hand.  She lead him down the street, the 
crowd parting before them, many of the villagers murmuring 
blessing and ribald statements as they passed.  Past the crowd 
and up the street they went, finally pausing before a small shrine.  
A village elder stepped forward flanked by several other elders.  
Several warriors stepped forward as well, bracketed between 
them were the guide and Genma.  The elder rattled off several 
sentences to Genma.  The guide responded to her, and then 
translated for Genma.
	"She say, is boy adult in your country, or he need 
permission to wed from guardian.  I say, boy man now.  Very bad 
they find out he not boy.  If he boy he marry, if he girl he die.  I 
say he ok, he marry.  You want say anything?"
	Genma had a rather dazed expression on his face and 
merely muttered over and over again.  "Kasumi will beat me.  
Nokoka will kill me.  Soun will break all my bones and then kill 
me.  I'm doomed."
	Impatiently the elder snapped at the Guide.  <"Well, we 
don't have all day here.  There is wine to be drunk, food to eat 
and a bride to be deflowered.  What does the idiot say?  Not that 
it matters, but it is so much less messy if we do this by the 
book.">
	<"The gentleman can think of no reason why he would 
stop this wedding.">
	<"Good, then we can do this officially.">  She doffed her 
head piece and replaced it with a mao cap.  <"By the power 
invested in me by those jackasses in Beijing I pronounce you 
man and wife.  Sign here.">  She produced an official 
government form and with a little help from the guide and 
Genma they managed to get Kasumi's signature down on paper.  
Shampoo added hers and then leaped at Kasumi, glomping him 
fiercely and kissing him passionately.  After a second or ten 
Kasumi's arms come up and he hugged her tightly, returning her 
kiss with interest.

	"That is the end of my part of the story."  Cologne said, 
ignoring the looks that the others were directing at Shampoo and 
Kasumi.  "I believe Kasumi may carry on from here."
	Kasumi was still feeling a little shell shocked.  "I...I don't 
remember... any of this."  He turned to Shampoo with a look of 
fear.  "Shampoo, did..."
	Shampoo took a second to comprehend Kasumi's implied 
question then quickly spoke up.  "No!  Is all right.  Kasumi very 
tired.  Go back to wedding hut, fall asleep.  Nothing happen."  If 
something had...  Shampoo shuttered slightly at the thought.
	Kasumi felt a wave of relief crash over him.  His certainty 
in what had happened that night had received several severe 
blows.  To learn that the worst had not in fact happened was a 
great relief.  Strengthened by that knowledge he turned to the 
others to continue the story.  "If I recall I was not feeling very 
well the next morning."

	Something small and furry had crawled into Kasumi's 
mouth and used it for a lavatory.  Then, impressed no doubt by 
the fixtures, it had told all its little furry friends who had also told 
someone, who told someone, who told someone, and so on, and 
so on.  In short, he felt like crap.  He sat up and immediately 
regretted it.  Obviously the little furry finks had flushed.  He 
cradled his stomach with his hands until it stopped threatening to 
chuck it all and go live in a nice monastery monk.  When an 
inspection with his fingers confirmed that he was not in fact 
blind, he proceeded to the next job of the day, forcing his eyelids 
open.  A bit of rubbing and a little manual labor later he managed 
to get them opened.  He immediately closed them and waited for 
the blast front to hit.  When nothing happened he cracked them 
open the smallest bit possible and stared out at the new morning.  
After deciding that a nuclear bomb had not in fact gone off, and it 
was simple the morning light that was attempting to drill a hole 
through his head, he went on to the next order of business.
	Where was he?  In a hut first of all, more than likely one 
in the village of the Amazons.  Very nice people really.  Very 
good losers.  He thought back fondly to Shampoo.  He had a 
friend.  It had been a long time since he had a friend.  He had 
enjoyed himself last night.  For the first time in a very long time 
he had not had to worry about enemies and lechers.  He had been 
free to simply enjoy himself.  He winced as a fresh spike 
hammered into his head.  Maybe I won't enjoy myself quite so 
much next time, he thought ruefully.
	Feeling a little better he looked around at his 
surroundings.  Some very attractive and expensive things were 
hanging here and there, scattered across shelves and tables.  He 
could swear that was a bowl of diamonds sitting on the table just 
next to him.  Just then the morning sun found a new hole to use 
as an entrance.  A small beam of light shot through and struck 
the bowl.  Kasumi winced and turned away from the dazzle.  
Yep, diamonds or really good lead crystal.  Blinking his eyes to 
clear away the tears he spied his bed mate.
	Shampoo, well that's certainly a lovely sight to wake up 
to, he thought.  Must say it's a treat not to have to share a bed 
this big with more than one person.  Most of the time when they 
had stayed under someone else's roof Kasumi ended up spending 
the night in a bed with all the daughters and young children of 
the house.  Sitting up fully he stretched out his arms and worked 
the kinks from the night before out of his back.  As he did so he 
pulled the covers off of Shampoo who murmured in 
discontentment for a moment before snuggling up to Kasumi, 
giving a small sigh of satisfaction as she did so.  Kasumi gazed 
down at her fondly.  It was nice to have a friend, and one who she 
had so much in common with too.  Giving another loud yawn he 
scratched his chest lightly and prepared to get up.  Something 
else was already up he noticed.  Why couldn't his new parts stay 
quiet?  He remembered the embarrassment of his first morning as 
a male and how he had been sure he would explode before the 
water would boil.  He could not bear to touch himself, but he had 
gotten used to it.  He had no choice but to do so.  Like it or not it 
was his body now and he would have to live with it.  Suddenly 
Kasumi's thoughts crashed to a halt.  Wait a minute, if I'm male 
why am I sleeping with Sham....Aggg.

	Kasumi blushed, and turned to Shampoo.  "Could you do 
help me with the next part please?  I'm not sure what it was you 
said to me back then.  Could you please fill in your words for 
me?"  Shampoo nodded in agreement, and Kasumi resumed the 
story.

	Kasumi resisted the urge to scream as Shampoo's small 
hand reached across his belly and gripped.  <"This bride is very 
happy that her husband has gotten up early in the morning.">  
She said with a grin.  Straining she tried to remember the words 
she had learned from the Guide while she had been hiding from 
her husband so the villagers could test him.  "You be friend, 
Shampoo thinking."  Pleased that she had managed to get it right 
she ran a finger up and down Kasumi's chest.  Suddenly shy she 
dropped her head and asked. <"Would you like to finish the 
wedding ceremony now.  You were too tired last night.  I would 
like to make you happy.  I never though I would find someone 
like you.">  Lifting her head she continued.  <"Please make 
lo....">  She trailed to a halt as she saw she was alone in bed.  
<"Where...">

	Shampoo blushed furiously as she said the last little bit.  
To think that she had behaved that way towards another woman.  
That she had asked one to...  No!  She had not done anything to 
be ashamed of.  She lifted her head and glared at the others 
around the table, and then blinked when she saw that all of them, 
even Great Grandmother were all looking at Kasumi, who was 
still telling the story.

	Kasumi was frantically trying to get the fire built up in 
the cooking pit so he could heat some water.  Pouring all but the 
minimum amount of water out of the copper pot he placed it 
directly on the embers.  When he heard Shampoo slid out of bed 
he glanced over and flushed as the naked Amazon walked 
towards him.  O my, O my , O my, he thought, blowing 
frantically on the embers and feeding small pieces of tinder to 
them.
	Finally the water reached a temperature that would cause 
the change.  Turning he faced his `bride' who had been watching 
him with extreme confusion.  Kettle dangling from his hand he 
said. "Shampoo, I'm sorry, but you have to know this."  With 
that he upended the kettle over his head.
	Shampoo stared in shock as her husband's body shrank 
and shifted.  Where before there had been her love, now there 
was a strange woman, a little taller then her and just as well 
muscled.  The woman said one word, "Jusenkyo."
	Kasumi fearfully watched Shampoo as she said that word.  
She lived close to that cursed place.  Surely she must know of it.  
She watched as shock gave way to horror and then red rage.  
Kasumi felt her heart break as Shampoo snatched up one of her 
bonbori and lunged across the floor.  Kasumi shut her eyes and 
bowed her head.  She would not dishonor herself by resisting her 
rightful punishment.  A tear ran from each tightly shut eye and 
left a streak down each cheek.  She waited for the blow that 
would take her out of this life and reunite her with her mother.
	Instead of the sound of a blow the noise of someone 
weeping filled the room.  Kasumi opened her eyes and looked at 
Shampoo who knelt on the floor, hugging herself and rocking 
back in forth in anguish.  Kasumi extended a hand in trepidation, 
wanting more than anything on earth to be able to gather the 
weeping girl into her arms.  She let her arm fall.  It was no good.  
She was the cause of Shampoo's grief there was nothing she 
could do to help her.  Shampoo, wiping a hand across her eyes to 
clear away the tears, rose from the floor.  She crossed over to the 
far wall where a book shelf stood containing several dozen 
tattered pamphlets.  Selecting one she opened it to a certain page 
and carried it across to Kasumi.  Not looking at her former 
husband she extended her arm and handed the document to 
Kasumi her thumb marking the pertinent paragraph.
	Kasumi quickly noticed that there was a Japanese 
translation on the opposite page.  Reading the section indicated 
by Shampoo she saw.  If an Amazon warrior is defeated by an 
outsider woman she must give her the kiss of death and then kill 
without delay.
	"That's barbaric," Kasumi exclaimed.  She looked across 
at Shampoo who gazed back with pain filled eyes.  Seeing that 
Kasumi understood she made an imperative gesture indicating 
that Kasumi should leave.  She continued to gesture.  Indicating 
with two fingers on a table top that Kasumi should run far, far 
away.
	"I understand," Kasumi picked up a bucket of cold water 
and changed back into her male self.  Finding his clothing and 
the back packs that someone had placed in this room he prepared 
to leave.  He turned one last time to look at Shampoo but she did 
not acknowledge him.  She stared fixedly at the back wall of the 
hut ignoring her husband.
	A small tear trickled down Kasumi's cheek and he turned 
to leave.  He paused at the doorway as a great emptiness took a 
hold of him.  He looked back at Shampoo who was staring 
blankly off to the side and found himself dearly wishing he could 
stay.  For a brief time she had loved him and he had felt happy 
and contented.  However, that could never be now.  She no doubt 
felt used and something of a fool.  At the very least he could tell 
her, tell her that it wasn't just an act.  "I'm sorry, I did like you, 
very much."  He said.  Shampoo looked back at him for a second 
but he really couldn't tell if she understood.  Nothing more I can 
do here, he thought then turned and quickly left.

	"And that is the last I saw of Shampoo until today."  
Kasumi said, but even as the others started discussing his story, 
his mind slipped back to his last sight of China.

	Kasumi looked back at the departing shore line as the 
ship carried them away from China and towards home, finally.  
This trip had lasted too long.  She had very nearly lost the last 
trace of femininity she possessed.  To think she had been so 
warped by Genma's training and her curse that she had actually 
told another girl that she had feelings for her.  Well, at least 
Shampoo had shown common sense in her rejection of that 
perversity.  Thank god she had not done anything during the 
night she had spent with Shampoo.  She still had no memory of 
any event after the aborted attack.  Shampoo's disgruntled 
opponent from the tournament was the last thing she clearly 
remembered.  She had no need of memory from that night 
however. She had been too upset at first to think rationally, and 
still had to much alcohol in her system to really think clearly for 
awhile after they had left the village.  As she had moved farther 
away from the village however she went over the memories she 
did have with a rational mind, unclouded by emotions and 
alcohol.  There had been no physical evidence of any intimacy 
between her and Shampoo, so they had done nothing more than 
share a bed.  She shuddered.  My god, what if I had though?  
What if I had gotten her pregnant?  Could she do that?  Just how 
complete was the curse?  It had certainly had her acting a 
complete fool.  What other masculine traits would she manifest?
	Turning her back on China, she moved to the other end of 
the ship.  Better to forget where she had been.  It was time to start 
thinking of where she was going.  If she was ever to be the 
person her mother had wanted she would have to work at 
suppressing the effects of her curse, and Genma's training.  She 
would not give up without a fight.  She resolved to shove all 
memory of the past two weeks away.  She would not let it ruin 
her life.  She was a woman.  She would find a kind man who 
would understand to be her husband.  She would have children 
and grandchildren and eventually the memory of a purple haired 
Amazon would be like a dream lost in the misty past.  She looked 
out over the bow of the ship waiting for the first sign of home.

	Kasumi finally brought himself back to the present.  
Around him nearly everyone was talking:  Cologne with 
Shampoo, Nodoka with Genma and Soun, and Ranma with 
Akane.  Only Nabiki kept her peace, yet she kept casting glances 
Kasumi's way with a peculiarly haunted expression.
	Finally Cologne and Shampoo finished speaking and 
Cologne looked over the room's occupants.  She cleared her 
throat to gain their attention then spoke.  "Now, as you now 
know the marriage is valid.  Kasumi will have to return to China 
with us."
	"That is unacceptable."  Soun responded firmly.  "I will 
not have my daughter forced into this.  She was clearly not in her 
proper mind when this marriage occurred, be it legal or not."
	Cologne sighed as she looked at Soun's unyielding face.  
"You will have to accept this in time.  For the moment can we 
not at least agree that Kasumi is married to Shampoo."
	Kasumi wanted desperately to deny this, but 
unfortunately the facts were against him.  However, his father did 
not seem ready to submit.  "Father, I too do not wish to admit it, 
but the facts are the facts.  Denying them will serve only to 
distract us with the semantics while we should be trying to solve 
the real problem."
	"But Kasumi-"
	Nodoka broke in.  "Kasumi's right.  It is merely an 
official title, and nothing more.  I can see no real useful purpose 
in denying it."  Soun finally lowered his head in defeat and 
Nodoka turned to Cologne.  "However, make no mistake, even 
though we acknowledge the title does not mean we will allow 
Kasumi to be taken back to China to be forced to live out her life 
in this fashion."
	Cologne nodded.  "As you wish, but I think you will 
eventually change your mind.  In meantime, Shampoo is without 
a place to stay and I have not the room for her where I am staying 
at the moment.  Would it be allowable for her to stay here?"
	"I suppose."  Nodoka responded.  "But, she will be 
sleeping in Akane's room."
	"Acceptable.  I must be going."  Cologne said as she sat 
up and re-balanced on her staff.  She gave the families a slight 
nod then hopped out into the yard and then out of sight.
	The gathering quickly broke up.  Akane started to lead 
Shampoo upstairs while Nodoka came over to talk to Kasumi.  
"It's all right Kasumi.  We'll find some way of changing you 
back."
	Kasumi looked at Nodoka for a second in confusion then 
remembered his other problem.  "I'd almost forgotten about that.  
I hope you're right."  Kasumi replied with a sigh.  "Mrs. 
Saotome... I-"
	"There's no need to explain Kasumi.  We can all do some 
strange things when we've had too much to drink.  We'll work 
this all out somehow."
	Kasumi took some reassurance from Nodoka's words, but 
everything that had happened today had left him mentally 
drained.  "I think I'll go for a short walk.  I really need to clear 
my head."  Nodoka nodded in understanding and Kasumi headed 
off.  Ryouko watched him leave in a mix of emotions.  One thing 
was for sure, there was no way she was letting this incident drop.

	Some time later Kasumi had returned to the house, but 
was resting on the fence to think.  "I'm married to a woman.  I'm 
trapped as a man."  He mumbled to himself.  "Mother would 
never understand this."
	"What I never understand is how the hell you get away 
with this crap!"
	Kasumi let out a small moan as Ukyo sat down next to 
her.  "Not now Ukyo."
	Ukyo ignored him, looking out into the night.  "You 
know, I already had you figured as a user, and a liar, but I never 
figured you as a drunkard and pervert."  Kasumi clenched his 
fists, trying to contain his growing anger, his knuckles turning 
white with the strain.  "To think I exposed myself to you.  You 
must get some perverse sexual pleasure out of it all, huh?  Maybe 
ruining other people's lives and toying with their emotions turns 
you on."
	Ukyo smiled then turned to look at Kasumi.  The sight of 
Kasumi shaking with barely controlled emotion and his eyes 
clamped shut, glistening with tears, broke Ukyo's smile.  So, the 
pond scum has feelings, Ukyo thought as she returned her gaze to 
the night sky.  Turning away didn't help the growing feeling of 
guilt inside of her.
	Damn it, he's destroyed my entire life.  Why should I care 
if I hurt his precious feeling, Ukyo asked herself.  She 
immediately answered her own question.  Because, it's low, 
something he'd do.  I'm supposed to be better than that.  I won't 
let myself drop to her level.
	Ukyo growled in frustration then turned back to Kasumi.  
"Sorry," she said grudgingly after a moment.  Kasumi stared at 
Ukyo in shock.  "I'm just a little mad at the moment."  She 
continued, then grabbed a lock of her pink hair and glared at it 
bitterly.
	"Thank you," Kasumi managed to get out after few 
seconds.
	Ukyo released the hair to glare at Kasumi.  "You want to 
thank me, then go away.  Why don't you just go back to China 
with this girl and show that you do actually give a damn about 
the hurt you've caused people."
	"I can't do that.  It would-"
	"Why not?!"  Ukyo nearly yelled out.
	"It would be a lie."  Kasumi said more forcefully.
	"What lie?!  She knows exactly what you really are."
	"The marriage," Kasumi corrected.  "She did not know I 
was a woman then, and I certainly wasn't thinking straight at the 
time.  Only some law says we are married, but neither of us 
would have agreed if we knew the truth at the time.  I can't just 
lock someone in that kind of relationship.  Could you?"
	"You're dodging the whole issue!  You haven't got a 
choice, or don't you get that.  It's either go back or leave her life 
in ruins.  Or, is that what you want to do, like you did to me?"
	"No!  I never meant-"
	"Don't hand me that garbage!  If you never meant it then 
why didn't you come back huh?  I could have been on someone's 
dinner plate thanks to you.  So, where the hell were you?"
	"I didn't know."
	"Didn't know..." Ukyo echoed in disbelief.  "You just 
love dodging your responsibilities, don't you?"
	"Ukyo, there is nothing I can do about your curse."
	"I don't exactly see you trying much, do I."  Ukyo shot 
back.  "All you seem to be trying to do is destroy any chance I 
have with Ranma."
	"The water was an accident."  Kasumi protested.
	"Yeah sure, just like knocking me into the spring in the 
first place was an accident.  I'm not a fool, so stop insulting me 
with your lies!"  Finally frustrated and angered to her limits Ukyo 
dropped off the fence to walk away.  "I won't let you take the last 
piece of happiness I have.  If that means keeping you trapped the 
way you are, or knocking you out and sending you back to China 
myself, I will.  I'll never let you marry Ranma and destroy his life 
too."  Ukyo said then with one last defiant stare marched off for 
the house.
	"Great, this is all I need!"  Kasumi said aloud.  He had a 
moment of hope with that apology that he could get through to 
Ukyo.  However, now she had turned into an added obstacle to 
his cure, and he was sure that she would be a formidable one.  
Why is it every time I seem to be making some progress with her 
things get even worse, Kasumi asked himself.  The answer would 
probably never come.

	"Here, this is my room."  Akane said as she led Shampoo 
inside.  To Akane's surprise C-chan leaped immediately into 
Shampoo's arms and startled to snuggle up there.  Shampoo was 
a little startled by this and held the cat tentatively, unsure how to 
respond to the animal's sudden affection for her.  "That's really 
odd.  She's never done that with anyone else."  Akane 
commented, then started to gently take the cat from Shampoo.  
"Come on C-chan.  You shouldn't jump at people like that."  C-
chan gave a meow of protest, but final submitted and let Akane 
take her.
	"Cat seem... oddly familiar."  Shampoo said, eyeing the 
feline suspiciously.  She dismissed the strange feeling and 
examined the room.  Her eyes quickly picked out the various 
signs that revealed the room to be that of a martial artist, but that 
was to be expected.  The room was slightly larger than the one 
she occupied at the restaurant, and this one she had to share with 
only one person instead of three.
	"I got a tournament tomorrow so I was thinking of 
turning in early.  You don't mind, do you?"  Akane asked.
	"Is okay."
	"Good.  I'll be right back with a sleeping bag that you can 
use."  Akane left, making sure to close the door to keep C-chan 
inside.
	Shampoo sighed and sat down on the bed.  She had come 
here to sort out everything that had happened between herself and 
Kasumi.  She had not quite been prepared to hear that Kasumi 
had basically forgotten most of it.  As if this situation wasn't 
troublesome enough.
	Shampoo suddenly found C-chan on her lap.  <"What did 
I do to make you like me, huh?">  Shampoo asked the cat, then 
began idly petting it as she continued to talk.  <"Why couldn't I 
have a nice, simple, normal life and be married to a real man?  
No, I guess that would be too easy, considering my luck with 
men.">  Shampoo scowled at that thought then noticed C-chan 
purring contentedly as she tried to snuggle in even closer to 
Shampoo.  Again a feeling of familiarity was triggered and 
Shampoo picked up the cat and held it in front of her face to 
examine it.  She didn't know anyone with a pink cat, or even a 
cat that looked generally like this one.  Before she could arrive at 
any sort of answer to her quandry Akane returned with a sleeping 
bag.
	"Something wrong?"  Akane asked as she set the 
sleeping bag on the floor.
	Shampoo frowned, but then set C-chan down on the floor.  
"No, cat just seem strange."
	"Well, she is acting kind of weirder than normal.  Maybe 
she thinks she knows you."  Akane offered in explanation.
	"Shampoo no know silly cat.  Shampoo no really know 
any cat, certain no pink cat."
	"Like I said, she thinks she knows you.  She took a hit to 
the head, so maybe she's a little confused."
	Shampoo looked at the cat, but then pushed away the 
feeling.  Whatever it reminded her of probably wasn't a cat, 
perhaps some other animal she had once seen.  In any case, it 
was unimportant.  Shampoo set about getting ready for bed.
	Akane, who was also preparing for bed, found C-chan 
staring at Shampoo's back as she started to undress.  She 
grabbed up a pillow and dropped it on the seemingly mesmerized 
animal, startling her and gaining her attention.  "Silly cat.  Trust 
me, she's from China.  You've never seen her before."  C-chan 
cast another glance at Shampoo then laid herself on the floor to 
look inconspicuous.

	Much of the night three people got little sleep.
	Kasumi's mind kept returning to the night at the village 
and what he had done.  Despite knowing he was intoxicated at 
the time, his actions still left him in a mess of emotions.  More 
then ever Kasumi wondered how far he had slipped into 
manhood.  Something else also greatly troubled him.  How could 
he deal with Shampoo?  Ukyo was right, he was basically 
trapped in this situation.  What could he do?
	Shampoo's mind was much the same, wondering just 
how to approach the situation from this point on.  That first night 
her feelings had seemed so sure.  She loved that man that night, 
yet now she was questioning herself.  Was she so desperate to 
gain love that she had blinded herself to Kasumi's true nature?  
Then again, was there ever any clues to pick up on that Kasumi 
was a woman and not a man?  Did it really matter?  Shampoo 
struggled with those questions.
	The other person was C-chan, laying at the foot of 
Akane's bed as usual but her attention solidly locked on 
Shampoo.  Now, her memories restored to her, she was working 
out her plans for the future.  She'd lost a lot of precious time, but 
now she could act.

%End Chapter 12

	Finally, that day is over.  What has it been, 4 chapters?  
Well, it's done, now onto recovery time.  Things are slowing 
down a little, not because of lack of ideas, just division of labour.  
I'm writing MUOF, AST and now Odd outcome as well, all at 
the same time.  Anyway, Chapter 13 will come along hopefully 
soon.  C&C is, as always, very welcome, even flames.
	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.
	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.