"All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published
by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz
Communications. and are used here without permission or license. No
claims to the above copyright are made by the author of this work. This
work is for non-commercial use ONLY, and is produced for the enjoyment
of fans only. This work is the expression of the author and the
depiction of the Ranma 1/2 characters herein are in no way represented
to be a part of Ranma 1/2 as depicted by the original author and
copyright holder(s)."

During the last Chapter, Ranma and the other Martial Artists from Nerima
had defeated the small army that had been pursuing them after Kasumi's
rescue.  As the Egyptian cultists headed back to their village, Ranma
and Company head back to their camp.  And now, on with the story.

                    Confrontations and Expectations Pt 5
                    (A continuation of A Different Viewpoint)

    Everyone was quiet till they got back to their campsight.

    "Lets sleep here tonight."  Ukyo suggested.  "And move on in the
morning."

    The ten from Nerima were to tired to argue.  They set up the two
tents they had brought and prepared for nightfall.  Kasumi went thought
their supplies and cooked supper.  Johnathon finally changed back to
human, having been a half-cat now for almost a full day.  After eating
everyone quietly sat around the campfire.  Slowly things started to feel
more normal as one by one they started to talk.  Genma and Soun started
talking about the fight.  They slightly exaggerated their own role of
course.  Everyone else knew that in a week they would remember a
thousand warriors and be sure that they had been responsible for winning
the day.

    Ranma was quietly talking to Akane, who was listening and responding
in kind.  This came as a bit of a shock to Mousse, Ryoga, Shampoo, and
Johnathon.  The four of them, and Kasumi had missed recent developments
in their relationship.  Kasumi just smiled and hugged Johnathon with one
arm.  After a while Akane walked over to Ryoga and sat down next to
him.  Ryoga kept his eyes firmly on the ground in front of him.  He
couldn't bring himself to look at her.

    "Ryoga."  Akane spoke his name quietly, without anger.  "What you
did to me was dishonorable.  I was very angry with you, but you saved my
sister, and risked your life."  Akane paused, gathering her thoughts.
"I'm not angry with you anymore Ryoga.  I'm not sure I'm ready to
forgive you completely... but I think I will eventually.

    Ryoga started to stand.  "Thank you for your kindness Akane.  I
don't even deserve partial forgiveness for what I did.  Don't worry, you
will never have to see me again."  He took a step to go and was yanked
off his feet.

    He looked up at and angry Akane.  "Oh no.  You are not getting off
that easily."

    Ryoga looked at her with a confused expression.  "Akane?  What?  I
don't..."

    Akane glared at him for a few seconds, then her gaze softened.  "I'm
not sure either, but if you wander off, this won't be finished.  You are
going to stay where I can find you until I'm ready to forgive you.  You
owe me Ryoga, and you will stay around until that debt is paid."

    Ryoga stared at her for awhile.  Everyone else watched as Ryoga go
down on his knees and bowed.  "I will do as you ask Akane, I swear it."

    Akane nodded.  "Good, for starters, no more fighting with Ranma.
He's the one who got me to forgive you."

    Ryoga looked up at Ranma, who was sitting on the other side of the
fire.  Ranma shrugged.  Ryoga nodded slowly.  "I will do as you ask."
He repeated.  "My feud with Ranma is over."

    Akane nodded again, firmly.  "Alright, now stay put or I'll turn you
into a pig and tie you to a tree."

    Ryoga gulped.  "Yes Akane."

    She grimaced.  "And cheer up!  I'm not going to eat you!"  Akane
stomped off to Ranma and sat down.

    Ryoga sat quietly.  He felt strangely numb.  Not depressed, or sad,
or anything really except...  <Hope.  I feel hopeful.  Why?>  He could
feel the stirring of something inside.  Ryoga wasn't sure, but
everything seemed, real, again.  He no longer had his rage to sustain
him.  He had lost any hope for Akane's love weeks before.  Now, however,
he felt, somehow, at peace.  <Maybe.  Maybe I can start over.>  Ryoga
looked around at the others.

    Johnathon and Kasumi looked happy to be together.  Kasumi was
leaning into Johnathon's side comfortably.  Akane had imitated her
eldest sister with Ranma.  Ranma looked a bit confused but happy at the
same time.  Soun and Genma had stopped talking about the fight.  Instead
they were looking at the too couples and whispering loudly to each
other.  Ryoga couldn't make out what they were saying, but it didn't
take a genius to figure out that they were making wedding plans.  Ukyo
was looking at Ranma and Akane.  She looked away and noticed Ryoga was
looking at her.

    Ukyo looked depressed.  Ryoga moved over to sit my her.  "It's
obvious, isn't it."  She said quietly.  "They love each other."  She
looked at Ryoga.  "Why didn't I see it sooner?"

    Ryoga looked away.  "You did see it.  You just didn't want to
believe it."

    Ukyo shrugged grudgingly.  "I guess, wait, you're talking about
yourself aren't you?"  Ryoga didn't answer but Ukyo nodded.  "Yep,
that's us, a couple of fools.  Now, what do we have to show for our
foolishness?"

    Ryoga tilted his head.  <Ukyo's starting to sound like me?>  He
looked at her, a wry half smile on his face.  "Life sucks sometimes,
huh."

    Ukyo looked back.  "You said it.  Hey, why are you grinning?"

    Ryoga kept smiling.  "You sound like me."

    Ukyo looked angry.  "I do not.  Take that back!"

    Ryoga shrugged.  "Why?  It's true!"

    Ukyo started to glow.  "Ryoga you jerk!"  There was a loud smack.

    Ryoga pulled the giant spatula off his head.  It was slightly
dented.  "Ouch."

    Ukyo blushed.  "Um, sorry."

    Ryoga shrugged and bent the spatula back into shape.  "That's OK, do
you feel better now?"

    Ukyo looked confused for a second.  "Why would I?"  She paused.
"Yeah, a little bit."

    Ryoga smiled slightly.  "I'm glad.  There are enough depressed
martial artists out there.  Next you'll want to learn the Shi Hi
Hokodan. (Depression blast)"

    Ukyo punched him lightly in the shoulder.  "You idiot."  They sat in
comfortable silence then, neither having anything to say.

    Shampoo and Mousse talked quietly in Chinese.  Shampoo was looking
at Akane and Ranma.

    Mousse asked gently.  "{What's wrong?  You seem troubled.}"

    Shampoo did not look back at him as she replied.  "{Ranma and Akane
will marry, probably soon.}"

    Mousse was delighted but confused.  "{Why are you so calm about
it?}"

    The Chinese girl sighed.  "{Ranma loves Akane, not me.  I don't
think there is anything I can do to change that.}"  Mousse was quiet,
and barely caught her whisper.  "{Or if I even wish to.}"

    Mousse remained silent.  <But what about Cologne?  She will not be
happy.>

    It started to get dark.  Johnathon got his sleeping bag out, then
paused.  He walked over to Ranma and Akane.  "Um, guys?  Did you bring
any extra tents or sleeping bags?"

    Ranma paused in thought.  "No.  Why?"

    Johnathon blinked.  "Any blankets?"

    Ranma nodded.  "A couple, we've been using them for extra warmth at
night."

    Johnathon nodded slowly.  "Yes, it has been getting cold at night.
No extras huh?"

    Ranma suddenly realized what Johnathon was getting at.  "Oh!
Kasumi, and Mousse, Shampoo and Ryoga!"

    Johnathon nodded somberly.  "Didn't bring any supplies, at it's
going to be real cold tonight too."

    Ranma frowned.  "And the tents are too small to hold everyone.
There was just enough room before.  Too little actually.  Pop and Mr.
Tendo filled up most of our tent."

    Akane looked thoughtful.  "Well... there is a little room in the
tent I've been sharing with Ukyo.  We could fit in one more, two if we
squeeze."

    Johnathon frowned.  "Well, I hate to suggest it but..."

    Ryoga and Ukyo came over.  "What's the conference about?"  Ukyo
asked.

    Johnathon pointed at the tents.  "Two, two man tents, and ten of
us."

    Ukyo shivered.  "Oh yeah, and it's getting cold too."

    Ranma looked at Johnathon questioningly.  "You had an idea?"

    Johnathon frowned again.  "Um, yeah.  A couple cats, a pig, and a
duck don't take up much space..."

    Ryoga blinked.  "Well, I'm willing.  I promise not to sneak into
your sleeping bag Akane."

    Akane grinned.  "That's intelligent of you."

    Ryoga looked away.  "I'll tell Mousse and Shampoo.  I don't think
they will mind to much."  He walked over to the two Chinese Amazons.

    Ukyo counted on her fingers.  "That makes two girls, four small
animals, and four guys.  There is no way you guys will all fit in that
tent."

    Akane smirked to herself and walked over to her pack.  <Why not?  I
trust him, so why not?>

    Ranma shrugged.  "I guess one of us will keep watch all night."

    Johnathon looked skeptical.  "That doesn't sound fun."

    Akane came back, canteen in hand.  She poured just enough water over
Ranma's head to change him.  There's no problem if it's three girls,
three guys."

    Ranma looked shocked.  "Akane you don't mean..."

    Akane nodded.  "You're a girl now, right?"

    Ranma started to protest.  "I'm a guy!"  He looked down at himself.
"OK, I'm in a girls body, and there isn't enough room in the tents,
but..."

    Akane shrugged.  "Is it OK with you Ukyo?"  <I trust him, I trust
him.>

    Ukyo nodded.  "Not a problem Ran-chan, just us girls right?"

    Ranma sighed.  <Akane suggested it, so I'm not gonna get hit.  Oh
well, they trust me, It'll just be hard to get to sleep.>  "OK, if you
two don't mind, I guess there's no problem."

    Akane looked at him calmly.  "I know you well enough by now to trust
you Ranma, so there isn't a problem."  <See?  I told him I trust him,
it's true, right?>  Akane turned and walked over to her older sister.
"Hey sis!  Do you want to sleep with me in my sleeping bag?"

    Kasumi looked over at her little sister with a pleasant smile.
"Certainly Akane.  It is going to be cold tonight.  But isn't your
sleeping bag a bit small for both of us?"

    Akane showed her the canteen.  "Not if you're smaller."

    Kasumi was a bit taken back by that.  "Oh... my... I suppose.  It's
a good idea Akane-chan."  She sighed in resignation.  "Go ahead."

    Akane poured water over her sisters head, then bent down to pick her
up.  "He heh.  If Ranma does try anything, he'll be quite surprised."

    Ukyo volunteered to take Shampoo.  Shampoo shrugged and splashed
herself, and Mousse.  Mousse and Ryoga would sleep in the tent with
Soun, Genma and Johnathon.  The five men went to their tent, and so did
all the girls except Ranma.

    Ranma sat outside the tent thinking.  <All three of my fiancees, and
Kasumi, in one tent.  And two of them are c-cats.>

    Akane called out to her fiancee.  "Ranma, you'll catch a cold out
there, come in."

    Ranma-chan hesitated.  "Are Kasumi, and Shampoo?..."

    Akane's voice was quiet.  "Their both out of sight, and they'll stay
out of sight till morning.  OK?"

    "OK."  Ranma slipped into the tent and crawled into her sleeping
bag.  She forced herself to go to sleep.  <I am tired.>  Soon everyone
was asleep.

    Kasumi woke first the next morning.  She was used to getting up
early to take care of her family.  This morning, however, was very
disorienting.  Kasumi could see very little.  There was a faint light
coming from in front of her.  She was curled up against something large
and warm.  It smelled familiar.

    Suddenly Kasumi remembered.  <I'm a cat.  I spent the night in
Akane's sleeping bag.>  Careful not to wake her younger sister, Kasumi
crawled out of the sleeping bag.  Ranma-chan's face was the first thing
she saw as she emerged.  She and Akane had ended up facing each other
during the night.  Their faces were only inches apart.  <I wonder how
they will react when they walk up?>  Kasumi slipped out of the tent and
walked over to the men's tent.  She slipped inside and climbed up unto
Johnathon's sleeping bag.  He woke instantly at the slight weight on his
legs.  Kasumi clung to his bag and her claws came out involuntarily.

    Johnathon realized who had woken him and sat up slowly.  "Ah,
Kasumi-chan?  Could you retract your claws please?"  Kasumi would have
blushed if it was possible for a cat to do so.  She relaxed the muscles
in her paws and retracted her claws.  Johnathon crawled out of his
sleeping bag, picked Kasumi up and went outside.  "I talked with Genma
and Soun last night about our supplies.  We used up a lot of water
yesterday.  We only have a little left.  The nearest source of water
besides the hidden village is two days down the mountain."

    "Meow?"  Kasumi sounded concerned.

    Johnathon reassured her as best as he could.  "Well, we should have
enough to drink, barely.  Unless it rains and we collect some water, we
won't have water to spare for everyone to transform."  Kasumi rubbed her
head reassuringly into Johnathon's chest and purred.  "Thanks for your
support Kasumi-cat-chan"  He frowned.  "We're low on food too.  If I was
still a half-cat I could hunt something down... Oh well, two days on
short rations won't kill anyone."  Johnathon sat on a boulder and waited
for everyone to wake up.  He held Kasumi gently and stroked her slowly.

    Kasumi luxuriated in the sensation.  <This feels very good.  I
wonder if father would approve?  Is this proper behavior?>  Kasumi was
always concerned with "proper" behavior.  It was hard to concentrate on
the question with the strong feelings coming from being petted.  She
relaxed into Johnathon's hands.  Kasumi decided that for now, she didn't
really care to analyze whether this was proper behavior or not.

    Johnathon stopped petting her when Ukyo woke up, bringing Shampoo
out with her.  Kasumi was both disappointed and relived, a strange
feeling.  Ukyo and Johnathon fixed a sparse breakfast, and soon everyone
else was awake.  They set off down the mountain pass soon after.  Ranma
and Akane walked well ahead of the rest.  Ranma was avoiding the two
cats, and Akane was keeping her company.  Kasumi was a bit depressed
about Ranma's fear of her.

    Johnathon picked up on her feeling somehow and tried to reassure
her.  "Ranma got used to me when I was a cat.  I'm sure he'll be able to
adjust to you as well."  Kasumi meowed in an agreeable tone.  "As a
matter of fact, I am in the middle of formulating a plan to cure Ranma's
cat-phobia permanently.  Or at least ameliorate it."

    Kasumi looked up at him questioningly.  "Meow?"

    Johnathon shrugged.  "I'm not sure if its possible, but I know some
people who have some very well trained cats."  <I don't think I'll
mention that they can talk.>  Kasumi seemed to want to hear more, but
Johnathon demurred.  "I can't say anything for sure.  We'll see what
happens when we get back to Japan."

    The next two days went quickly.  The group got to the small Chinese
village they had stopped at before heading up into the pass.  They got
rooms at the small inn there.  Everyone got to change back to normal,
and they purchased clothing and supplies for their trip back to the
coast.  Shampoo and Mousse assured everyone that they would be able to
arrange transportation back to Japan.  Johnathon and Soun were both
relived.  Neither of them had sufficient funds to purchase plane tickets
for ten people.

    The drive back to the coast was enjoyable.  Johnathon drove in his
rented jeep with Kasumi, Akane and Ranma.  The rest rode in the van
driven by their guide.  The mood in the jeep was cheerful.  It felt like
one long double date.  The long hours in the jeep kept Akane and Ranma's
rivals and fiancees at a distance.  As he drove, Johnathon shared his
experiences as a cat with Kasumi.  Ranma, Akane, and Kasumi told stories
about events in Nerima and China revolving around Ranma and Akane.

    Johnathon was amazed at some of the stories.  Especially the story
of Saffron and his people.  If not for all the incredible things
Johnathon had already seen, he wouldn't have believed a word.  As it was
he was just astounded.

    "Akane was dehydrated down to doll size?  I can't believe you
managed to save her, Ranma."  Johnathon was sincerely impressed by the
tale.

    Ranma was quiet, reminiscing.  "I didn't know if I would that time.
For awhile I thought I'd lost her."

    Akane smiled gently.  She remembered that day, that moment vividly.
As she had been starting to recover, she had heard Ranma's anguished
cry.  "If only I had gotten the chance to tell her I loved her!"  He had
denied it afterward, but she had felt that he had spoken his true
feelings that day.  It hurt that he denied it, but lately Akane had
started to hope it wouldn't be too much longer before he could open up
to her.

    Ranma looked at Akane, remembering his words that day.  <It hurt,
denying the truth afterwards.  It was like an instinctive reaction to
prevent...  To prevent what exactly?  To keep from having to marry
her?>  Ranma paused.  <That's not such an important thing anymore, is
it?  I am going to marry Akane, eventually.  I know that now.>

    Akane looked wistful, slightly sad perhaps, after hearing the tail
of her rescue from death and being a child's toy.  Ranma looked at
Johnathon and Kasumi.  Johnathon had just turned up the radio, having
heard the beginning of a good song.  Neither of them were paying any
attention to what was happening in the back seat.  Ranma decided
suddenly to open up to Akane, at least a little.

    Ranma leaned over toward the youngest daughter of Soun Tendo.  "Hey,
Akane?"

    Akane looked at him with interest.  "Yes Ranma?"

    Ranma took a breath to steady himself.  "Back after I defeated
Saffron, when I thought you were dead?"

    Akane blinked.  "What about it Ranma?"  Her voice was soft.  <Is
he?>

    Ranma gulped nervously.  "I just wanted you to know, that I, that
I..."

    "That you what Ranma?  Akane prompted.

    "That I meant it."  Ranma finished, amazed that it had been so easy
to say in the end.

    Akane's eyes went wide in surprise and for a moment Ranma thought
she might be about to turn away.  Instead she smiled at him.  "Thank you
Ranma, that's nice to hear."  Ranma turned red and started to turn
away.  Akane reached out and lightly pulled his chin so he faced her.
"I love you, too."  Ranma froze in amazement.  Time seemed to pass in
slow motion.  Their faces gradually got closer together.  They paused
for a long moment, an inch apart.  Both of them had somehow expected to
be interrupted by now.

    Johnathon turned down the music, the song over, but didn't glance
back at his passengers.  Kasumi didn't turn around and scold them for
inappropriate behavior or being slow learners.  Nabiki and her camera
were in Japan.  The others were in the van.  Akane turned her head a
bit, and they kissed.  For the first time, they kissed for real.  They
held the kiss for several long seconds.

    Johnathon spoke up from the front seat.  "Hey!  There's a gas
station!  I'm going to call Nabiki, if they have a phone."  When he
glanced back at them, Ranma and Akane were nervously sitting on opposite
sides of the back seat.  <Oh darn, I thought they might be finally
getting along.>

    Akane nervously stuttered.  "Call, N-Nabiki?  Whatever for?"

    Ranma nodded at that, pretending to be casual.  "Yeah, we haven't
done... I mean, what do we have to tell her?"

    Johnathon looked puzzled.  "That we've rescued Kasumi of course.
What else?"  Ranma and Akane both blushed, but Johnathon had turned
around to pull into the gas station and missed it.  "Strange kids."  He
got out to fill the tank and Kasumi went ot find a phone.  Ranma and
Akane sat quietly.

    "Do you think they noticed?"  Ranma asked Akane nervously.

    "No I don't think so."  Akane answered and scooted over closer to
Ranma.

    "That was nice."  He murmured quietly.

    Akane flushed but nodded.  "Why didn't we do this sooner?"  She
asked, as much o herself as to Ranma.  As if in answer to the question
the van pulled up, holding their fathers and friends.

    Ranma looked up at the sky.  "Do you really need an answer to that?"

    Akane chuckled.  "No, not really."

    In the Tendo Dojo, Nabiki nervously sat at the table with Nodoka.
They were both pretending to watch TV.  If someone had asked, however,
neither one could have told what it was they were watching.  When the
phone rang Nabiki jumped up and had to keep herself from running.  It
was probably just Dr. Tofu.  Since everyone had left, the doctor had
taken to camping out in the Tendo's living room all night, just in case
the kidnappers stuck again.  The Doctor had been informed of the
kidnapping of Kasumi the day after Ranma and company had left.

    Nabiki had called him, she still wasn't sure why, except she felt
lonely and scared in the big house.  Even with Nodoka for company.  Dr.
Tofu had come over almost immediately and stayed that night in the
living room.  They had talked for a long time.  Nabiki had let her iron
defenses down that night and ended up crying into his shoulder.  Dr.
Tofu had been a pillar of strength and comfort for her that night.  The
next morning Nabiki had acted like nothing had happened.  Dr. Tofu never
brought it up once.  Something Nabiki was very grateful for.

    Dr. Tofu had come to the Tendo's after work every night since to be
there in case he was needed.  Nodoka had been happy to have him over as
well.  She found him to be a kind and gracious guest, as well as a
reassuring presence to have in the house.

    Nabiki picked up the phone on the fourth ring.  "Hello?  Who is it?"

    A familiar voice was on the other end of the line.  "Nabiki.  It's
me, Kasumi!"

    Nabiki almost screamed.  "Kasumi!"

    Nodoka shot to her feet and started over.  "What?  Who is?..."

    Kasumi was speaking to Nabiki.  "Yes, it's me.  I'm fine, everyone
else is alright."

    Nabiki sighed in relief.  Nodoka came up to her, her eyes full of
questions.  Nabiki looked at Ms. Saotome and smiled.  "It's Kasumi.
She's fine, so is everyone else."  She spoke into the phone.  "Big
sister, I was so worried.  They rescued you?  When are you coming home?"

    Kasumi smiled to herself at the emotion in Nabiki's voice.  <It
seems that every cloud does indeed have a silver lining.>  Hearing her
sisters voice alive with emotion almost made everything worth while,
almost.  "Yes, everyone was very heroic.  We are on out way to the coast
now.  I'm not sure how long it will take..."  Nabiki heard someone in
the background talking to Kasumi.  "Oh, Nabiki, Mousse says it will be
about a week.  We will be taking a ship in a few days."

    Nabiki turned to Nodoka.  "They're coming home in a week.  They're
taking a ship."  To Kasumi.  "Are you really alright?"  Sis, are you
really OK?"

    Kasumi was quick to reassure her younger sister.  "I was not
mistreated.  I'm not hurt.  I'm fine Nabiki.  I'll tell you all about it
when we return."  Kasumi was an expert at hiding her problems.  She
managed to fool Nabiki yet again.  "Nabiki, here's father.  He want's to
talk to you."  Soun babbled into the phone for awhile.  Kasumi managed
to get the phone away before he babbled the truth about what had
happened to her.  <Time enough for that after we return.>

    Johnathon took the phone finally.  "Nabiki?  It's Johnathon."

    Nabiki's voice was calm now.  "Yes Johnathon?  If you are worried
about plan B, don't.  Your packages are fine.  I'll give them back when
you return."

    Johnathon nodded to himself.  "Good, no need to keep them secret
anymore.  I've already told a few other people.  We'll discuss it when
we return."

    Nabiki handed the phone to Nodoka, who was anxious to talk to
Ranma.  After she had ascertained that her son had acted in a manly
fashion she hung up the phone.  "They had to get going.  They will call
again tomorrow."  Nabiki nodded and the two women smiled happily at each
other.  Suddenly Nabiki stepped forward and hugged Ranma's mother, who
received her calmly.  The two women were both surprised at their
reactions.  It didn't matter, nothing mattered except their families
were safe.  They were coming home.

    Nabiki broke the hug after a few minutes.  "I'll call Dr. Tofu with
the news."

    As Dr. Ono Tofu set the phone back in it's cradle he sat down in
relief.  <Kasumi is alright.  Everyone is safe.>  He had been in
concealed agony ever since he had heard of Kasumi's kidnapping.  Tofu
had been incredible angry and frightened at the same time.  He had
controlled his reaction for Nabiki's sake.  It had helped him to help
her with her own fear and anger.  Things had changed since he had very
nearly revealed Johnathon's secret in public and ruined Johnathon's and
Kasumi's date.

    Dr. Tofu had been spending a lot of time in meditation, attempting
to overcome his fixation on Kasumi.  Dr. Tofu had finally recognized
that his obsession with her was unhealthy, and he had been striving to
overcome it.  He wasn't sure how successful he had been.  <I wonder if I
will ever get the chance to find out?>

    The next week passed swiftly for all.  Almost everyone was anxious
to get back to Nerima and get on with their lives.  Johnathon was
worried about losing his job.  Ranma and Akane were worried that their
fathers would try to marry them as soon as they got to Tokyo.  Mousse
was worried about how Cologne would react to Shampoo giving up on
Ranma.  Ukyo worried about her restaurant, about the school she was
missing, and tried not to think about Ranma and Akane.

    At Akane's suggestion Johnathon started tutoring her, Ranma, and
Ukyo in English, to fill their spare time.  As a side benefit they would
at least be ahead in one subject when they got home.  Akane decided that
Ryoga should join the class and everyone was surprised at how quickly he
picked it up.  Kasumi joined in as well.  "For something to do."  Which
got knowing glances from just about everyone except Johnathon.  It had
been years since she had taken English but it started coming back
quickly.

    The trip went by uneventfully.  Almost before they realized it they
were walking up to the Tendo Dojo.  There they parted ways.  Mousse and
Shampoo went to the Cat Cafe.  Ukyo went to her restaurant.  Johnathon
went to Furinkan high school.

    He tried to reassure Kasumi.  "I've got to see if I can keep my
job.  I'll come by with news as soon as I can."

    Everyone else went inside the Tendo yard and up to the door.  Nodoka
greeted them, a happy smile appearing on her face as soon as she saw who
it was.  They all moved into the living room and sat.  Nabiki appeared
at the stairs and ran down.  She embraced her older sister then sat
back, wiping a tear from her eye.  Everyone but Nodoka stared in
astonishment.  Kasumi smiled happily at her middle sister.  Nabiki
caught herself and quickly reverted to her emotionless act.

    Nabiki spoke earnestly.  "Now that you're finally back, tell us
everything that happened."

    Kasumi spoke first about her kidnapping and captivity.  "As far as I
could tell I was drugged and unconscious for most of the time.  When I
woke the first time I was in that little stone cell.  Aside from getting
meals three times a day, nothing happened at all.  I was very happy when
Johnathon arrived at my window.  It was quite boring in there!"  Kasumi
went on to describe her cell, and the thoughts she had in her long
moments alone in the cell.  It helped her to talk about it.  Everyone
listened politely until she had finished talking.

    Ryoga spoke next, telling of his, Shampoo's and Mousse's trip to
China in Johnathon's pack.  Everyone got a laugh out of Johnathon's run
in with the Chinese customs official.  Everyone was silent as he
described Johnathon's capture by cultists and what he knew of
Johnathon's conversation with Cliopatra.  Ryoga told them about
Johnathon's decision to use the drowned cat water, then paused.

    Nabiki nodded at him, eager to hear more.  "OK, so what happened
next?  How did you rescue Kasumi?"  She noticed how pensive everyone had
gotten.  Especially Ryoga and Kasumi.  "You used the water right?  You
used it on Cliopatra and held her for ransom or something..."

    Ryoga struggled on.  "Johnathon intended to.  I think he was
planning on holding it over her head, literally, till she let Kasumi
go.  He probably intended to have Shampoo and I take Kasumi and go while
he stayed behind to threaten Cliopatra, but, but..."

    Nabiki almost shouted.  "But what?  That didn't happen?  You rescued
Kasumi.  You all got back, right?"

    Kasumi patted Ryoga on the shoulders.  "Yes Nabiki, we did all get
back safely, thanks to Shampoo.  Shampoo knew that someone would have to
be sacrificed with Johnathon's plan.  She also knew that they couldn't
get me past the traps alive without Cliopatra's help.  She decided to
give me the choice about what to do.  She came to me in cat form,
carrying a note, and the drowned cat water.  A human couldn't get past
the traps but a cat could.  Shampoo's note told me the facts and I chose
to..."

    Nabiki interrupted looking horrified.  "No, Kasumi!"

    Kasumi nodded.  "Yes, I changed myself into a cat, and Shampoo led
me to Johnathon room."

    Nabiki looked furious.  "Why that scheming little Amazon bi..."

    "No!"  Kasumi said angrily.  Nabiki froze in shock.  "It was my
decision.  Shampoo saved... her actions kept anyone from dying or being
sacrificed.  It was the right choice to make, and we both made our own
choices."

    "And you chose to sacrifice yourself, Kasumi, to save the rest of
us."  Johnathon's voice caused everyone to look around at him.  He
shrugged.  "The door was wide open."

    Nabiki glared at him.  "How could you let..."

    Kasumi stopped her sister once again with a firm look.  "Johnathon
didn't know what Shampoo planned."

    Johnathon looked sad then wistful.  "I managed to keep my job.  I
mentioned to the substitute that he would be getting several students
back.  For some reason he immediately remembered a job offer at another
school, I wonder why?"  There was some restrained laughter at this.

    Kasumi looked at Johnathon.  "Why don't you tell everyone about what
happened after Shampoo woke you up that night in the pyramid."

    Johnathon sat down next to Kasumi and did so, going over the whole
escape, meeting up with Ranma and company, and the battle.

    When he was finished Nabiki was incredulous.  "That was all?
They're going to make her a scullery maid?"

    Johnathon nodded.  "She was high priestess, now she's nothing.  I
think death might have been kinder, but she deserves to suffer some
indignities, for the rest of her life."

    Nabiki nodded slowly.  "I understand, I guess."  She smiled evilly
then.  "I hope she has a good long life then."

    Johnathon finished his tale, right up to everyone arriving at the
Tendo's.

    Nabiki got up.  "I have something to get from my room.  I'll be
right back."  She walked quickly upstairs.

    Everyone started quietly talking.  Nodoka went over to her son.
"Ranma, you were very brave and manly.  I am very proud of you."  She
looked at Genma.  "You behaved honorably as well, husband.  I am
pleased."

    Genma tried to act modest.  "It was my duty as a martial artist."
Nodoka tolerated his posturing and smiled at her son.

    Nabiki came down the stairs with two thermoses.  She set them down
in the middle of the table.  They had the words "Man" and "Woman" on
each respectively.

    Ryoga pointed.  "Those are the same kind of thermoses."

    Johnathon nodded.  "They are exactly what you think.  Water from the
springs of drowned man and woman."

    Nabiki spoke up.  "Johnathon left them with me for safety."

    Ranma blinked.  "Why didn't you tell us about them earlier?"

    Johnathon looked at him seriously.  "No one wished to follow in my
footsteps once everyone knew the curses mixed.  If anyone had wanted to
do so, I had them.  If not... Those two thermoses are dangerous.  Who
knows what could happen if someone got a hold of them."

    Ranma thought about it and nodded.  "I can see your point.  An
accident could be bad.  I wouldn't want for anyone else to be cursed."

    Johnathon nodded.  "Or for a cursed person to become worse off.  I
think they should remain locked up until we decide what to do with
them."  He looked at Kasumi.  "The option is open to you Kasumi.  I
personally preferred becoming a cat to becoming a cat demon.  It's been
a lot of trouble so far, for me, and for all of you."

    Kasumi looked at the thermoses thoughtfully.  "I would prefer to
think about it, and leave my options open."

    Johnathon nodded in agreement.  "That's a good idea.  Do you want to
keep the water here, or should I put that water in my safe deposit box?"

    Nabiki volunteered.  "I have a safe in my room.  That way they will
be safe as well as nearby."

    Johnathon shrugged.  "That sounds fine to me.  Anyone else?"

    Akane looked over at him.  "They're yours Johnathon, it's your
decision isn't it?"  The others nodded.

    Johnathon smiled.  "I have no use for them.  Keeping them in
Nabiki's safe is fine, as long as no one else finds out about them."  He
stood then, bowing to the group.  "I'm afraid I must go now.  I have
urgent business to discuss with friends in another section of Tokyo.
It's important I that I see them as soon as possible."

    Kasumi looked up at him.  "Come back soon.  Take care."

    "I will."  Johnathon left for the subway station.  He had some
favors to ask, from a group of girls and the two cats that were their
guardians and advisors.  <I wonder how the Sailor Senshi are doing?>