"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)."
    Luna and Artemis are characters from Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon.

    Obligitory warning.  Lime flavor and slightly dark coming up.  This
isn't a darkfic, but it does get darker before the dawn.

                    A Different Viewpoint 18

    The five martial artists, Ranma, Akane, Ryoga, Shampoo and
Johnathon, all headed for the Cat Cafe.  Each was quietly lost in their
own thoughts.

    Shampoo was torn between her duty to uphold the laws of her tribe
and her love for Ranma.  <Why don't I just let great grandmother
succeed?  If she does, I'll marry Ranma.  Isn't that what I always
wanted?>  She shook her head.  <But this way, I'll never have his
heart.  Even if I win, I lose.>  Shampoo's logical side spoke up.  <It's
still better than the alternative!  Exile, death, or life as a cat!  Why
am I helping Ranma to kill myself?>  A small voice inside her told her
why.  <It's the honorable thing to do.>  Again her logical side fought
back.  <Ranma's kind of honor, or Johnathon's, not yours!  The honor of
friendship, of sacrificing one's self for one's friends?  I go against
tradition for this!>  Shampoo closed her eyes.  <I do.  I don't know
why, but I do.>

    Akane was thinking about Shampoo.  <Why?  Why is she helping us?
What Cologne did to Kasumi was wrong but why is Shampoo helping us?
She's dooming herself!  Is this some sort of trick, or is she doing this
because she really does love Ranma?  Oh Ranma, what are we going to do?
What am I going to do?>

    Ranma was in a black rage.  <That ghoul!  She won't get away with
this!>  His anger slowly tempered itself as he thought about Shampoo's
actions.  <She's changed since we first met.  The old Shampoo would be
helping the old ghoul.  Now, however, she's willing to become a cat
forever because, because...>  A small voice deep inside whispered.
<Because she loves you.>  Ranma's anger dimmed further as it slowly
turned into despair.  <I can't let her do this.  I can't let Shampoo
sacrifice herself for me.  But what can I do?  What about Akane?>  His
face hardened in determination.  <No!  There has got to be another way!>

    Johnathon had already realized the impossibilities of the
situation.  <It's just not going to happen.  One way or another we have
to prevent Kasumi and Shampoo from being permanently cursed.  If a third
option isn't found, that will cost Ranma, Akane and Shampoo their
happiness.  There has got to be another way!>

    Of all of them, Ryoga was having the easiest time dealing with the
stress.  <This kind of pain, I've felt many times before.  It's nothing
I can't deal with.>  Ryoga felt detached and in control for once.  <How
strange, me being the calmest person in a group.  Who would have
thought?>  He looked around at his friends.  <I wonder if any of them
would like to learn the Shi Hi Hokodan?  Their current depression could
level half of the city if they could harness it.>

    When they got to the Cat Cafe, Cologne was waiting for them
outside.  As the five martial artists approached, the few bystanders
walking by quickly started to leave the area.  There was something
dangerous in the air that even the most dense could feel.  The ancient
Amazon elder was perched upon her staff, waiting.

    Cologne gauged the strength of the battle auras approaching her and
was impressed, if not surprised.  <I may very well not live to see
tomorrow.>  Cologne was faintly surprised at her own calm.  <Very well,
I have accepted this price.  If I need to, I will pay it.>

    As the five young martial artists approached within easy speaking
distance, they stopped.

    Johnathon Dwire stepped in front of the rest and put his hand out
halting the group.  "We talk first."  The four behind him said nothing,
although Ranma had to grit his teeth to restrain himself.  Johnathon
looked squarely at Cologne.  "Cologne, you have cursed Kasumi Tendo, my
fiancee.  Also we have been informed of the consequences to Shampoo
should Ranma and Akane marry."

    Cologne nodded.  "It is simple.  Ranma must marry Shampoo.  Then
both her and Miss Tendo will be saved."

    Johnathon looked at Ranma and nodded to him.  Ranma stepped forward
with determination.  "Old ghoul, I challenge you!  Fight me.  If you
win, I will do as you ask and marry Shampoo.  If I win you'll give
Kasumi the Phoenix pill and..."  Ranma paused.

    Inside, Akane was screaming.  <No Ranma!  Don't do this!>  She held
the words inside somehow, thought her heart was breaking.

    Cologne cackled, it was an unpleasant sound.  "And?  What of my
great granddaughter?  Regardless of what I do, she is doomed if she does
not marry you Son-in-law.  I will not accept your challenge.  Even you
must realize that there is no choice.  It is on your head that the fate
of Shampoo and Kasumi Tendo rest."

    Ranma was silent.  <On my head.  It's my responsibility, I, I
must...>

    "Bullshit!"  Johnathon's voice echoed into the quiet like a
gunshot.  "You've orchestrated this all to force Ranma into marrying
Shampoo.  It doesn't have to end this way.  You say there's only two
options.  That Ranma must marry Shampoo or she and Kasumi be cursed
forever!  But there is another option!"

    Everyone looked at him with wide eyes, some hopeful, some angry.  He
stood calmly.  "We do nothing.  If no one gets married, Shampoo still
has a chance.  Nothing has been done for a year.  There's no time limit
on your Amazon law right?"  Now everyone was staring at him in various
states of disbelief.  Johnathon looked around at them.  "Ranma, Akane,
you are only seventeen years old.  You can wait can't you?"  They nodded
slowly, unsure of his purpose.  "Shampoo, Cologne, if they don't marry,
you can still obey your laws and try to win Ranma, so Shampoo doesn't
have to be punished.  You don't win, but you don't lose either."

    Everyone was silent.  Akane finally spoke up.  "But that changes
nothing!"

    Johnathon nodded.  "That's right.  At this point, any change is for
the worse, so no change is best."

    Cologne looked... annoyed.  "But the choice must be made!
Postponing it does nothing but drag out the conclusion."

    Johnathon sighed.  "Perhaps, but anything can happen with time, even
a happy ending.  If we all work toward the solution we can beat this.
Nothing is impossible."  Inwardly he winced.  <Boy, that was corny, I
hope they bought it.>  Johnathon looked around at them once more.  Ranma
and Akane looked hopeful.  "We can find a way, if we all work
together."  They nodded.  Shampoo was looking at him questioningly.
"I'll do everything I can to help you Shampoo.  We all will."  He looked
at Ryoga who simply nodded his agreement.  Johnathon came around full
circle to Cologne.  "Don't you see?  It doesn't have to end in tragedy,
Cologne.  Give Kasumi the Phoenix pill and we can put all of this aside
and..."

    Cologne cut him off with a harsh cackle.  "Fools!  Children!  You
speak of happy endings as if we were all part of some fairy tale!
Nothing will change with time!  There are no miracles to save the day.
You but postpone the inevitable!"

    Johnathon took a deep breath.  "Cologne, don't do this.  Give us the
pill..."

    She interrupted again.  "I think not.  I'll not sit ideally by for
another year, and another.  If you wish your Kasumi cured, you will
accept the inevitable!"

    Johnathon Dwire closed his eyes.  When he opened them his stare was
cold, his aura menacing.  Slowly he drew his left hand out of his jacket
pocket.  He had left his hand in his pocket since they had left the
dojo, carefully holding upright the glass of water he had poured at the
Tendo home.  Deliberately, he poured it over his head and dropped the
empty glass to the ground.  The tall black felinoid's hands dropped to
his sides and his claws came out.

    Johnathon's voice was softly menacing  "Kasumi made her decision
before we came here tonight, old woman.  One life for three, she told
me.  She will live as a cat, so that Ranma, Akane, and Shampoo have a
chance at happiness.  I will not go against her wishes.  If you will not
cure her, then I no longer have any reason to go on living.  I no longer
fear either death, or you."

    On either side, Ranma and Ryoga's auras flared.  They went into
ready stances on either side of him.  A second later Akane joined them,
just as ready to fight.

    Cologne considered the odds.  <I cannot win this fight, and there is
no purpose in doing so.>  Her decision made, Cologne moved like
lightning.  She dived into the Cat Cafe and down through the trap door.
They followed in a rush, but she was nowhere to be found.  The five
martial artists stood in the Cat Cafe and slowly let their anger fade.

    Johnathon signed.  "That's it then.  Cologne won't surrender the
Phoenix pill."

    Akane hesitated before speaking.  "John-san, did you mean what you
said?  That you've lost your reason for living?"

    He looked at the her and considered it.  "Kasumi has become the most
important thing in my life.  I would die for her in an instant, if in
that way I could save her."  Johnathon smiled sadly.  "I'll live for her
as well, if she needs me, and I'll never give up hope.  I won't just
give up and die if she's permanently cursed, but I'll never stop wanting
to help her."  He shrugged.  "I wasn't exactly intending to die, so in a
way I was bluffing... but I was willing to."

    Akane looked at him in understanding.  "Johnathon, Kasumi does need
you.  Please be there for her."

        Johnathon looked right into her eyes, his catlike features
serious.  "Always."  He turned toward the door.  "I'm going to see her
now."  Everyone started to follow him except for Shampoo.

    The Chinese girl stood alone.  "Shampoo stay, wait for great
grandmother."

    Johnathon looked at her and nodded.  "I understand.  Tomorrow could
you come by the Tendo's after school is over?  And bring your book of
Amazon law?"

    Shampoo blinked.  "What for?  Shampoo can no show laws to anyone
outside of tribe unless they apply to them."

    Johnathon frowned.  "I see.  Well, I understand, but could you come,
and bring the book anyway?  I'll explain tomorrow."  <As soon as I can
think of something plausible>

    Shampoo nodded.  "Shampoo not understand, but do as asked."

    Johnathon turned to go, then paused.  "Oh yeah, I almost forgot."

    Akane looked at him curiously.  "What?"

    He looked pointedly at his furred hands.  "Shampoo, could you get me
some hot water?"

    Shampoo almost smiled.  She went into the kitchen and got a kettle.
She noticed Mousse, locked in a cage as a duck.  "So that where Mousse
has been!"  She smiled at him, took the kettle and left the kitchen.

    Ranma looked questioningly at her.  "Did you say something about
Mousse?"

    Shampoo handed Johnathon the kettle and blinked.  "Yes, Shampoo find
Mousse in cage."

    Ranma sighed.  "Left him there, huh."  Shampoo nodded, and Ranma
shook his head in exasperation.  "Oh brother.  Let him out OK Shampoo?"

    Shampoo nodded again.  "Alright."  Johnathon paused to put on his
shoes and they headed for the Tendo dojo.  Shampoo went into the
kitchen.  "Shampoo will let Mousse out!"  She announced to the duck, who
happily quacked at the news.  She shrugged.  "Eventually."

    The four that had left Shampoo in the Cat Cafe arrived at the Tendo
dojo with little conversation.  They all headed into the living room.
Soun, Genma, Nabiki and Kasumi looked at them expectantly.

    "Well,  what happened?"  Nabiki demanded.  Akane and Ranma looked at
each other worriedly at this.

    Johnathon noticed their hesitation and spoke up.  "We didn't get the
Phoenix pill.  It's been decided to postpone Ranma and Akane's wedding."

    Soun growled.  "Postpone!  For how long?"

    Johnathon shook his head.  "Until we can find a solution to Shampoo
being exiled, killed or permanently cursed.  Cologne won't give up the
pill until that happens.  If Ranma and Akane marry, she'll never give us
the pill, it would be too late for that."

    Soun started to cry incoherently.  The only word anyone could make
out was, "Kasumi!"

    Nabiki frowned.  "So until you find a way out for Shampoo, or Ranma
marries her, Kasumi stays cursed?"

    Johnathon sighed and nodded.  Kasumi smiled brightly.  "Then we will
just have to help Shampoo.  I'm sure you can find a way Johnathon!"

    Johnathon felt like he had just gotten a car or two strapped to his
back.  The load was immense.  He smiled and nodded, hiding his anxiety.
"Sure, I'll think of something."

    Soun's crying slowed but he didn't stop entirely.

    Kasumi sighed.  "Johnathon, could we talk?  Privately?"  Johnathon
nodded.  Kasumi smiled.  "Why don't we go up to my room."  She looked at
her youngest sister.  "Akane dear, could you make sure we're not
disturbed?"

    Akane nodded.  "Sure!  I'll make everyone dinner!"

    A deathly chill went through the room and Johnathon and Kasumi
headed upstairs for Kasumi's room.  They went inside and closed the
door, shutting out the sounds of pleading.  Kasumi sat on her bed and
Johnathon took the chair in front of her night stand.

    "What is it Kasumi?"  Johnathon asked with a concerned expression.

    Kasumi sighed.  "Johnathon-san, about the wedding..."

    He interrupted.  "Yes, I know Ranma and Akane won't be able to join
us, but we still can..."

    Kasumi broke in.  "Johnathon, I won't marry you."

    Johnathon Dwire froze.  "Kasumi, what?"

    The eldest daughter of Soun Tendo looked at the floor, unable to
meet his gaze.  "I can't marry you Johnathon.  The wedding is off."

                    End part 18.... Just kidding...


    Johnathon stared at his suddenly ex-fiancee and his heart turned to
ashes.  "Kasumi, why?"

    The anguish in his voice tore at her heart, but Kasumi remained
firm.  "I won't let you marry a cat Johnathon.  Soon enough that's what
I'll be.  I can't avoid cold water forever, Ranma's proved that.  I
won't be able to change back.  I can't let you do it."

    Johnathon scowled.  "Kasumi, don't say that.  Your curse doesn't
matter to me.  Besides, we will get the Phoenix pill eventually."

    Kasumi looked wistfully at him.  "What if you don't?  What if I am
stuck as a cat forever?  Don't tell me you'd love me the same as a cat.
It's just not true and I know it."

    Johnathon looked away.  "I, I won't lie to you, Kasumi-chan.  It's
true that as a cat, I love you differently then when you are yourself,
your human self."

    She nodded sadly.  "We could not truly be man and wife, such a
marriage would be a sham."

    Johnathon shook his head.  "No!  Even if just in spirit, I want you
to be my wife.  Even if you are a cat, you are still the one I love.  I
would prefer to stay at your side, all my life, no matter your form.  I
can see nothing else I'd rather do."

    Kasumi's eyes were moist.  "Johnathon..."

    He looked back at her, the hint of tears in his eyes as well.
"Yesterday, I was willing to wait...  Kasumi-chan, tell me, is there any
other reason you do not wish to marry me?  Because if there is not, I
still wish to have you as my wife.  I don't see my life in any other
way."  He paused.  "Yes, yesterday I was willing to wait, but today
things are different.  I want, I wish to remember you like this forever,
I want to..."  He closed his eyes.  "Kasumi, I'm not sure how to say
this..."  He opened his eyes.  Kasumi was smiling at him, her eyes were
full of tears but her smile lit up the room like the sun.

    Kasumi nodded softly.  "Say it.  Johnathon, I want you too."

    He smiled back, his heart aching.  A tear started to fall from his
eye.  "I want our marriage to start right.  On our wedding night, I want
to make love to you.  Even if it's just the once, it matters, it's
important."

    Kasumi nodded.  "Yes, Johnathon, it is important, and for as long as
we have, we'll make each day count."

    Johnathon froze again.  "Kasumi..."  His voice was gentle with love
and hope.  Somehow her smile became even more dazzling, it was like his
soul was on fire from it.

    "Yes Johnathon, I will marry you."  Kasumi's eyes glinted.  "Tonight
if it's possible."

    Johnathon's face took on a crafty look.  "Oh, it's possible.  Come
on, we've got to tell everyone, and get married!"

    They hurried down the stairs together.  Kasumi went to her father.
"Father, please stop crying.  I've got a wonderful announcement to
make!"

    Soun's sobbing came to a halt.  "Y-yes, Kasumi?"

    Kasumi beamed at her father happily.  "Johnathon and I are getting
married, tonight!"  Soun immediately started to cry again.

    Johnathon sighed.  "Well, at least he sounds happier.  Nabiki, can
you get that priest tonight?"

    Nabiki pretended to look indignant, but couldn't hold it.  "It'll
cut into my profit margin, but..."  She broke into a delighted grin.
"I'll get him over here in an hour.  Sis!  Congratulations!"

    The next hour passed in a haze for the bride and groom.  Seemingly
without transition Johnathon found himself in a tuxedo standing next to
Kasumi.  His bride wore a beautiful western wedding dress and he was
nearly mesmerized by her.  In front of them was a priest, behind them
was Genma, Soun, Ryoga and Nabiki, who was busy snapping photos.  On one
side was Ranma, appointed as best man, on the other Akane served as maid
of honor.  The wedding was simple, the words familiar.

    It was as if in a dream that Johnathon heard himself say the words.
"I do."

    The priest turned to Kasumi.  "And do you, Kasumi Tendo, take this
man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

    Kasumi was beaming at Johnathon.  "I do!"

    The priest smiled.  "Then by the powers invested in me, I now
pronounce you man and wife."  He paused.  "You may kiss..."  Johnathon
and Kasumi had beat him to the punch and were kissing passionately.
"the bride."  He finished with a chuckle.  "Didn't need my permission
for that, did you?"  He chuckled again.  "Congratulations."  He shook
his head, the newly married couple hadn't heard a word.  "Looks like I'm
no longer needed.  Be happy you two."  He went over to Genma and Soun.
"So, where's the sake?"

    When they finally broke the kiss, they noticed Nabiki standing
nearby, waiting to talk to them.  "Since Kasumi can't leave the house
safely, we're going to give you two your honeymoon here, by going over
to Aunty Nodoka's house for a few days."

    Akane shot a glance at Ranma.  "Ranma and I will be staying, in case
of..."

    Johnathon nodded.  "Cologne.  Thanks, that's fine."  He looked at
Kasumi.  "I think, we'll hardly notice you."

    Kasumi smiled.  "Johnathon-san, let's eat supper first."  Johnathon
blinked.  Kasumi giggled and whispered in his ear.  "You'll need your
strength."

    He blushed and Nabiki laughed.  "Go for it you two!"  She turned to
the fathers and Ryoga.  "Come on you guys!  Lets get out of here and
give the newlyweds some privacy!"

    Soon they had indeed gone and Johnathon and Kasumi headed up the
stairs together, leaving Ranma, Akane, and the two cats downstairs.
Johnathon let Kasumi open the door to her room.  Then he swept her off
her feet, carrying her inside and closing the door with one foot.  He
carried her to the bed and laid her down.

    Johnathon sat next to her.  "Kasumi?  Are you ready for this?"

    She nodded.  "Yes.  Somehow I thought I'd be nervous, but I'm not,
not at all."

    Johnathon smiled.  "I'm nervous, but that's not going to stop me."

    Kasumi moved in for a kiss.  "I most certainly hope not!"  They
kissed, and they started fumbling with each others clothing.

    Downstairs Ranma and Akane sat uncomfortably.  Ranma indelicately
brought up the subject that had been on their minds.  "Do you think they
are?..."   Akane blushed and nodded.  Ranma shrugged.  "If Cologne
hadn't come back early, tomorrow we would have... gotten married."

    Akane nodded again.  "It's alright.  We wanted to wait for a while
longer, didn't we?"

    Ranma looked at her with an unreadable expression.  "Sure.  We're
still in high school, no reason to rush."

    Akane sighed.  "Ranma, about what happened tonight."  Ranma
continued looking at her, not sure what to say.  Akane struggled on.
"Shampoo, what are we going to we going to do about her?  Ranma, what
are you going to do?"

    Ranma looked trapped.  "Akane, I, I don't know."

    Akane looked at him earnestly, her gaze unjudging.  "Ranma, she
really does love you, and she'll..."  Akane started to cry.  "She's
willing to sacrifice her life for you Ranma.  Kasumi is too, for both of
us.  Ranma, what if Cologne's right?  What if there really is no other
way to save Shampoo?"

    Ranma looked away.  "Akane, I..."

    Akane controlled herself with an effort and stopped crying.  "Ranma,
please tell me the truth.  I need to know."

    Ranma lowered his head.  "Akane..."  He seemed unable to speak.
<How can I say it.  I can hardly think it, but if there's no other way
to save Shampoo and Kasumi.  I'll, I'll...>

    Akane moved over till she was leaning against his back.  "Ranma,
it's alright.  I, I can take it.  You'll have to marry her, to save her
and Kasumi... Ranma, you'll have to!"

    Ranma shuddered.  "Akane, I, I, love YOU!"  He closed his eyes.
"But... you're right, if we can't find another way, I will have to marry
Shampoo."  He turned around and looked at her.  "Akane, I don't want
this.  It's you, you that I love.  I've loved you, for a long time now.
I don't want to lose you."

    Akane put her head against his chest.  "I don't want to lose you
either, Ranma."  They sat silently after that, there was nothing left to
say.  After half an hour they finally stirred.

    "It is getting late."  Ranma noted.

    Akane sighed.  "We'd better get some sleep.  Tomorrow is going to be
interesting."

    Ranma nodded.  "Yeah."  He stood up.  "Hey Luna, Artemis, come on.
You can sleep in my room."  The two cats responded to their names and
followed Ranma.

    Akane stood and headed for her room as well.  As she closed her door
a shadowy figure entered the Tendo home.  He had listened in on the
wedding ceremony, and chosen now as his time to strike.  Quietly he
snuck upstairs and slipped into Nabiki's room with the ease of long
practice.  Long practice at sneaking into girls bedrooms that is.
Happosai crept over to the safe and carefully checked it.  Wired with
alarms and made very sturdy it looked like a tough nut to crack, but
he'd cracked tougher ones.  Happosai started to check it for weak
spots.  He put his hand out to check the door and received a nasty
electric shock.  The old letch tore his hand free with a small cry of
pain.

    Happosai swore quietly to himself.  "Damn that girl.  She's gone too
far, electrocuting innocent old men."  His twisted little mind was now
firmly convinced that Nabiki was at fault for his recent shock.
Happosai remembered what she had said after the ceremony.  "The Saotome
home eh?"  Happosai slipped out of the Tendo Dojo as quietly as he had
entered.  "Soon, I'll have everything I wish for."

    In Kasumi's bedroom the newlyweds lay entangled with each other
under the covers, their clothing scattered about on the floor.

    Kasumi sighed contentedly into her husbands chest.  "That was
wonderful Johnathon."

    He smiled down at the top of her head.  "You are wonderful."

    Kasumi sighed again.  "I was thinking, Johnathon."

    "Yes?"  Johnathon slowly stretched his limbs.  "What about?"

    Kasumi slowly stroked his chest.  "Two things actually."  Johnathon
was silent but smiling.  "You know..."  She continued quietly.  "There
is an option if I can't change back to human."

    Johnathon blinked.  "You mean, the water of drowned girl?"

    Kasumi sighed.  "Um hmm.  If I'm going to be stuck in a cursed form,
I might as well be able to talk and, um, do other things."

    Kasumi's husband grinned.  "Sounds like you want to do some "other"
things right now."

    Kasumi nodded,  "Mmm hmmm!"

    Johnathon grinned wider and started to snuggle down for a kiss.  "Oh
yeah, what was the second thing you were thinking about?"

    Kasumi blushed.  "Oh, well, I was just wondering what it'd be like,
being a half cat, with you..."  She paused.  "I was wondering if you
wanted to try it... that way."

    Johnathon's eyes went wide.  "You mean...?"

    His wife nodded.  "The water is off in the house, but you could get
some from the pond and come back..."

    Johnathon gulped.  "Oh my."

    Later that night, Happosai, master of anything goes martial arts,
crept once again into a young women's bedroom.  This time the lady in
question was present.  He smiled evilly upon seeing Nabiki's sleeping
face.  Pulling out an incense burner, he lit it and let the smoke drift
over her.

    He grinned in anticipation.  <It wasn't easy to get, but this magic
hypnosis incense is exactly what I need to get what I want.>  Nabiki
wrinkled her nose a bit when she breathed in the fumes but she did not
wake.  Happosai quickly extinguished it, careful not to breath any of
the fumes himself.  <This special incense will cause anyone who breaths
in the fumes to become highly susceptible to suggestion, if it works
like it's supposed to.  Now for the real reason for my visit here.>
Happosai fought off a sudden temptation to use Nabiki's trance for
actions best not mentioned, before continuing.  "Nabiki, listen
carefully, you need to open your safe.  What's the combination?"

    Nabiki mumbled quietly in her sleep.  "Secret, only I know."

    Happosai continued, subtly.  "No, someone else knows, they're going
to get into your safe and steal..."  He left it to her to fill in the
blank.

    "No, it's mine..."  Nabiki murmured, starting to stir.

    Quickly he reassured her.  "No, no one will steal it, because you'll
open it first, open the safe and kept it safe."

    Nabiki breathed slowly.  "Yes, I'll open the safe."

    Happosai grinned.  <This is too easy!>  "What was the combination?
You didn't forget did you?"

    Nabiki shook her head very faintly.  "No, I remember, fourteen,
thirty two, twelve, twenty seven."

    "That's good Nabiki, that's very good."  Happosai grinned
maliciously and he started to speak carefully.  He slowly implanted a
number of entertaining subconscious suggestions that he would happily
enjoy to the fullest... later... For now, Ranma and Akane were alone in
the house, it was most definitely time to act.  <I'll get my precious
Ranma-chan, all to myself.>  Happosai turned to go, then hesitated.  <It
wouldn't hurt to test out my subconscious suggestions first.  Afterwards
I can just make her forget what happened...>  Lechery won out over
common sense.  <I'll just stay for a few minutes.>

    Much later, Happosai crept back into Nabiki's room in the Tendo
Dojo.  It was only a couple of hours till dawn and he was in a bit of a
hurry.  He immediately went to the safe.  Happosai used the combination
and opened it easily.  Various valuable items lay there, but only two
interested him.  <Ooh!  Pictures of my sweet Ranma-chan... not now you
idiot, later!>  Only two items interested him.  He gingerly removed the
two thermoses and placed them on the floor.  Happosai took a good look
at each and grimaced.  <There are no labels!  How am I supposed to tell
them apart?>  He hefted one then the other indecisively.  <One has
drowned man water, one has the water from the spring of drowned girl,
but how to tell them apart?>

    Happosai considered the problem.  <I want to use the girl water on
Ranma, so she'll remain a cute girl forever.  Once I've done that, I'll
use the incense to make her completely girl, and she'll be all mine!
All I have to do is awaken Ranma's hidden girl side.  I just need to
find out which bottle is which.>  He grimaced and shrugged.  <Only one
way to find out.>  Happosai made his way stealthily to Ranma's room.  <I
wonder if Akane likes girls?  She'll soon be engaged to one!>  Happosai
crept in silently, closing the door behind him.  He slipped over and
jabbed Ranma's sleep shiatsu spot to ensure he would sleep thoroughly.

    Happosai opened one of the thermoses.  <How to do this.  I could
test it on Akane, if she stays female it's right, if she turns male I
use the other one on Ranma.>  He frowned.  <But turning sweet little
Akane-chan even partially male seems a shame.  Although it would be
amusing...>  Happosai paused in thought, then suddenly turned around.
Two cats lay on the floor, one white and one black.  Happosai
considered.  <Test subjects?  Why not?>  He walked quietly over and
poured just enough water to soak one cat on the white cat.  In an
instant it grew.

    Luna screeched and clawed as she was suddenly smothered by something
quite heavy.  The weight left her and and Luna blinked her eyes at the
sight of a naked teenage girl awkwardly trying to roll over.  A small
figure cackled and walked away towards Ranma's futon.

    Luna looked around wildly.  <What is going on?  Where is Artemis?
Where did this strange girl come from, and what is that little man doing
with that cylindrical object?>

    With a lecherous giggle Happosai pulled back the covers over Ranma.
He slowly brought the thermos over Ranma's head, enjoying the suspense.

    Luna decided that the strange girl was not currently a threat.  She
leapt at the little man, who was obviously up to no good.

    Artemis had woken to Luna's screech and the pain of small claws
digging into his side.  He quickly rolled to his feet, or attempted to,
as his body wasn't working properly.  Artemis thrashed about in a panic,
strange sensations going through his body.  <Everything is off!  My legs
look wrong, and the room is too small, and...>  He saw a tiny Luna run
past him and slowed down.  Artemis took a second look at his front
legs.  <Hands, arms, I'm, I'm...>  Artemis's realization was cut short
by a yowl from Luna.

    Luna had jumped on a little figure and was clawing and tearing.
Artemis tried to go to her aid and managed to fall flat on his face.
The little man, distracted by Luna, accidentally dropped the thermos he
was holding.  Miraculously it landed upright.  His hands free, he
grabbed the cat and threw it off his back, and right into the thermos.
Luna crashed into the thermos, knocking it over and getting drenched in
the process.  She grew instantly and Happosai screeched and grabbed for
the water, but it had all drained out.

    Angrily he turned on the gorgeous naked female that had ruined his
plans.  "Sweeto!"  Happosai's anger vanished as he planted himself
firmly into Luna's ample bosom, which had not existed until mere seconds
before.

    Artemis watched all this incredulously.  <Luna has been turned into
a human girl?>  He slowly got up on all four limbs.  They were different
lengths, but he managed and took a quick glance down at himself.  He
confirmed the sinking feeling he had had for the last few seconds.  <I'm
a human too... and a female one at that!>  Artemis hissed angrily at the
little man who was even now attacking Luna, and clumsily tried to pounce
on him.

    Luna had been stunned by her collision with the thermos and her
sudden transformation.  She was aware first that her perception had
changed.  The room had shrunk, and it was darker.  Second, she noticed
that her limbs were awkwardly long and strange.  And third, a small
creature had grabbed her and was giving her the most peculiar sensation.

    Luna's reality took a sudden shift as she realized the truth all at
once.  <I've become a human girl, and the small man I attacked is
nuzzling me in between my breasts!>

    Then, before Luna could react, the strange girl that had been laying
on her, pounced on the small lecher, knocking him off her.

    Happosai turned toward Artemis and flipped the girl into the wall
with his pipe.  He approached the girl, to asertian whether she was
conscious or not, and to take a good look.  She was exotically
beautiful.  Her hair was a silky white, her body perfectly proportioned
to the old lechers eyes.  She was unconscious from her flight into the
wall.  Happosai sensed the black haired girl attacking and easily
dodged, tapping her sleep spot.  She slumped and Happosai started to go
back to Ranma.

    He looked at the sleeping martial artist thoughtfully.  <My plans
are not going quite as I wished.  All is not lost, however, I still have
my second plan.  At the least, Ranma will act and think like a girl, and
be mine, forever.>

                        End Chapter 18

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