"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)."
 Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Taeuchi.


                            A Different Viewpoint Pt 23

    Johnathon blinked in surprise.  "Artemis?"

    The white moon cat shrugged.  "The cat's out of the bag, so to
speak, Johnathon."

    The half-cat teacher nodded.  "I see."  Kasumi looked up and meowed
at him.  Johnathon looked back down at her.  "Yes, I knew, Kasumi.  I'm
sorry I didn't tell you earlier.

    Artemis broke in.  "Please don't be mad, Kasumi.  He couldn't tell
you without breaking his word."  Kasumi shook her head and meowed a soft
negative.

    Johnathon smiled.  "That's my Kasumi-chan."

    Artemis looked at Johnathon.  "Go ahead and tell her, Johnathon,
it'll come better from you."

    Johnathon Dwire nodded, and sat down in front of his small, feline,
wife.  "Both Artemis and Luna are Moon cats.  They are also the Sailor
Senshi's mentors.  I met the Senshi months ago.  They had been fighting
a demon.  I tried to help, and got knocked through a stream of water
from a fire hydrant."  He shrugged.  "They discovered my secret, and I
discovered theirs.  In the process I met Artemis and Luna.  After we all
returned from China, and you were cursed, I came up with an idea.  I
determined again to try to cure Ranma's cat-phobia.  I contacted the
Senshi, and asked Artemis and Luna for their help.  They agreed to help,
and the rest you know."

    Kasumi looked at Artemis and meowed questioningly.  Artemis
blinked.  "You want to know why we agreed to help?"  Artemis coughed
softly.  "Well, I could just say It was the right thing to do, but...
Actually I kinda wanted to spend some time with Luna..."  He looked
embarrassed.  "Not that I've managed to get anywhere."

    Johnathon chuckled at that.  "Actually the reason I asked them was
the same reason I tried it myself months ago.  They are intelligent and
could avoid setting Ranma's cat-phobia off, while still letting Ranma
get acclimatized.  Since he thinks they are normal cats his subconscious
can't create a loophole.  He has to face his fear head on.  In fact,
that's very important.  If Ranma finds out that Artemis and Luna are not
normal cats, it could undermine his training.  Therefore we have to keep
this secret."  Kasumi nodded in understanding.

    Johnathon stood in a smooth motion.  "We'll talk more later.  For
now, we have to deal with Happosai."  Tthey went out then to rejoin
Ranma, Akane, and the Senshi.  Everyone was sitting in a loose circle
around Happosai, looking stumped.

    Johnathon looked curious.  "Any ideas?"  There was a general shaking
of heads at that.

    Mercury shrugged.  "We could send him to the south pole, but he
would get back eventually."

    Johnathon looked at her questioningly.  "You could?"

    Mercury nodded.  "We could teleport him there, but..."

    Johnathon stopped her.  "You can teleport?"

    Mercury nodded again.  "It's difficult, but we can do it."

    Johnathon blinked.  "Then how about sending him to a deserted island
somewhere?"

    Mercury shook her head.  "We've never been to a deserted island
before.  We wouldn't know where to go."

    Johnathon sighed.  "That's no good.  We can't just let him go, but
we can't hold him here forever."

    "Indeed, you can not."  An old but familiar voice said with
authority.  Everyone turned to see Cologne standing in the doors to the
back yard, holding her staff.  Shampoo stood behind her.  Ranma,
Johnathon and Akane began to get into defensive stances.  Cologne shook
her head.  "There is no need for that, children.  I am not here to
fight."  They relaxed a little.  Cologne looked down at the bound and
unconscious Happosai.  "Shampoo has informed me of what, Happosai has
done.  My own memories from the Cat Cafe confirm it.  He must be
punished for this."  She looked around at the group.  "For this purpose
only I propose a truce."

    The Senshi glanced around, looking uncertain.  Ranma, Akane and
Johnathon all looked at Kasumi.  Kasumi looked around at them, and
nodded.

    Johnathon spoke for them.  "Very well Cologne.  What do you have in
mind?"

    Cologne brought out her pipe and began to smoke it.  The embers in
the base glowing redly as she drew oxygen over them with a long pull.
She hopped over to Happosai and tapped the glowing ember against his
back.  "That moxibotion point will make him as weak as a baby."  Cologne
looked around at the group again for a response.

    Ranma nodded.  "It's fitting, losing his strength takes away his
threat and punishes him at the same time."

    Cologne nodded.  "I know the cure, but he'll never get it away from
me.  I highly doubt he'll find any other cure."

    Johnathon looked down at the Amazon matriarch.  "I agree, the
punishment is fitting."  His eyes narrowed.  "Cologne, Kasumi is now a
cat, and she will remain one until she gets the Phoenix pill.  Can you
not relent?"

    Cologne turned away.  "I'm sorry, but I will not."  She shook her
head.  "This is Shampoo's life I am trying to save.  I have no choice."

    Johnathon's lip curled back in a snarl, but before he could say a
word he felt a tug on his pant leg.  He looked down.  Kasumi was looking
up at him.  His wife, now stuck as a cat, shook her head and meowed
quietly.

    Johnathon sighed and looked up at Cologne.  "Go ahead and go,
Cologne.  We won't attack you, but you are not welcome."  He looked at
Shampoo.  "You are welcome, Shampoo.  Stay if you wish."

    Cologne looked at her heir and nodded curtly.  "I will await you at
home, girl."  She pogoed off and they all watched her go.

    Johnathon looked at Venus.  "You can let him go now.  He's no longer
a threat."

    Venus blew out a relived breath and the energy chain vanished.
"That was starting to get tiring."

    Sailor Moon stood.  "Well, it looks like our work here is done!"
The other Senshi took their cue and stood as well.

    Akane smiled at them.  "Thank you so much for your help!"

    Mercury smiled back.  "Not at all.  We were glad to help."

    Jupiter laughed.  "It was quite a fight!  But I wouldn't have missed
it!"

    Mars glowered.  "I could have missed it."  She shrugged and grinned
at Akane, Ranma and Johnathon.  "Seriously, if you need our help again,
we'll come."

    Ranma stepped forward.  "Well, the same goes for me.  If you need
help, I'll come running."

    Akane nodded.  "We owe you a lot.  I want to pay some of it back."

    Johnathon bowed to the Senshi.  "You know you can always call upon
me."

    The Sailor Senshi looked at each other and nodded.  Sailor Moon
spoke for them.  "We'll take you up on that.  Until that time,
farewell."  She paused and looked at Kasumi.  "If I ever find a way to
cure you, I will be back.  I promise."  Kasumi nodded.  The other Senshi
nodded as well.

    "We will return."  Venus promised, and they all turned to go.  With
a bound the five Senshi leaped over the outer wall.

    "Diana" stood.  "I'll be going as well."  She looked at Artemis.
"I'll bring Luna back tonight if you wish?"

    Ranma looked at her.  "She's your cat right?"  "Diana" nodded.
Ranma smiled.  "I would appreciate that.  I'm almost over the cat fear.
A few more days should do it."

    "Diana" nodded again.  "Very well, if you think so.  I'll go get
her."  She looked at Johnathon.  "Johnathon-san, could you walk me to
the train?"

    The half-cat nodded.  "Just let me get some hot water first.  I
don't want to walk around town like this."  Johnathon quickly went into
the bath and dunked his head in the furo.  He felt the change and stood,
then grabbed a towel as he went back out.  Toweling his head he went
over to "Diana".  "I'm ready."

    She nodded.  "OK, let's go."  The two of them walked toward the
train station together.

    Johnathon looked over at Luna.  "You've almost completely gotten
acting human down.  Still, we'll have to be careful not to let Ranma
find out who you are, Luna."

    She nodded somberly.  "Well, as long as he doesn't get a good look
at my face if I get changed, I don't think he'll notice."

    Johnathon nodded agreeably.  'That should do.  If you aren't wearing
the pony tail and keep him from seeing your face, he won't figure it
out."  Johnathon chuckled.  "Besides, if you get accidentally changed as
a cat, you'll be naked.  Ranma will be too busy trying not to get hit by
Akane to get a good look."  As they passed a deserted lot on the way to
the train station they spotted the now normal looking girls that were
the Sailor Senshi.

    Minako waved them over.  "Luna!  How is Artemis doing?"  She asked
quickly.

    Luna cleared her throat.  "Well, besides turning into a girl, I'd
say he's fine.  I'm going to go back with Johnathon and stay awhile.
That way Ranma can finish getting rid of his cat-phobia."

    Usagi moaned.  "Oh Luna, how much longer?  I miss you!"

    Luna smiled at her charge, shaking her head.  "Oh you meatball head,
It'll only be for a couple more days."  Luna started fumbling with her
clothing.  "There's no one around.  Ami, Rei, could you summon up some
hot water so I can change back?"  Luna was getting tangled up in her tee
shirt.  "Um, Usagi, give me a hand with this?  I still haven't quite
gotten the knack."

    Makoto chuckled.  "I'll help you Luna."  Johnathon coughed and
turned his back, while Usagi and Makoto quickly stripped Luna.

    Luna shivered, crossing her arms over her chest.  "It's getting
chilly.  Change me back."

    Rei and Ami transformed, and were pleased to discover their costumes
were intact.  They carefully combined their powers for a geyser of hot
water and soaked Luna.  The moon cat shrunk instantly and they shut it
off.

    Luna shook out her fur and stretched.  "Oh, it is good to be me
again.  Being human is awkward at times."

    Johnathon turned to look at her.  "Well, I have to admit, cats are
more graceful."

    Makoto walked up to Johnathon and handed him a pile of tee shirts.
"Here, thank Akane for us OK?"

    Johnathon nodded.  "I will.  You girls had better get going.  It's
getting dark."  He looked down at Luna again.  "Want a ride?"

    Luna shook her head.  "I think I'll walk.  I was human for a long
time."

    Johnathon nodded.  "I understand."

    Ami and Rei changed back to normal and the girls headed off for the
train station.  Johnathon and Luna watched them go, then headed back for
the Tendo Dojo.

    Johnathon looked down at Luna, remembering an important detail.  "I
think I should warn you.  Kasumi apparently caught Artemis talking.  So
she now knows about you two."

    Luna groaned.  "That imbecile.  I've got to keep my eye on him."
She shrugged.  "I'll talk with her when we get back.  Perhaps I can help
her become adjusted to being a cat."

    Johnathon smiled sadly.  "Thanks, I'm sure she'll appreciate it."

    Luna looked hesitantly up at him.  "Johnathon, what about you?  You
just got married.  Are you going to be alright?"

    Johnathon nodded, his eyes sad but fierce.  "I knew what I was doing
when I married Kasumi.  That's one thing at least, that I don't regret."

    Luna gave him an understanding look.  They both were silent the rest
of the way back to the Dojo.  Johnathon let them in and they headed to
the living room.

    While Johnathon had been gone, Ranma, Akane and Shampoo had been
quietly talking about the past year.  They were subdued and shied away
from bringing up anything related to their current problems.  When
Johnathon returned they all looked over at him, relived for any
distraction.

    Shampoo spoke.  "Johnathon ask, Shampoo to bring book of Amazon law,
right?"

    Johnathon blinked.  <Oh yeah.  Better be careful.>  "Oh, yes,
Shampoo.  I did want you to bring it.  I thought you could let Ranma
take another look at it, just so he understands the law fully."

    Ranma shrugged.  "I've seen it.  There's not much there, in the
Japanese translation.  Just, kill the girls, marry the boys."

    Johnathon sighed.  "Ah, oh well, I quess I asked you for nothing,
Shampoo."  <Or so I want youto think.>  He shrugged.  "I quess I didn't
really understand."  The three teenagers looked at him strangely.
Johnathon coughed.  <I hope this works.>  "Um, Shampoo, I was wondering
if you could help Kasumi adjust to being a cat.  Show her the ropes, you
know?"

    Shampoo smiled.  "Shampoo happy to help!"

    Johnathon grinned.  <OK, now for the plan.>  "I was hoping you would
say that.  I'll be right back."  Johnathon went out to the pond and
grabbed a bucket.

    Shampoo's eyes went wide.  "What Johnathon doing?"

    Johnathon filled the bucket and tossed the contents at her.  "No
time like the present!"  Shampoo crawled out of her clothing and meowed
angrily at him.  Johnathon shrugged.  "Sorry Shampoo.  Why don't you
take Kasumi, Artemis and Luna out to the Dojo.  Ranma, you should go
too.  Get used to being around a lot of cats.  I'll fix dinner for
everyone.  That way we can eat when you've finished practicing."  He
looked seriously at Shampoo.  "Please Shampoo, take care of Kasumi.  I
want her to be able to take care of herself as a cat.  I need your
help."  Shampoo turned her head to the side, looking at him intently.
Then she nodded solemnly.

    Ranma collected Luna and Artemis.  "Sure, four cats at once will
increase my tolerance.  Let's go."

    Akane started to follow, and Johnathon put his hand on her
shoulder.  "Akane, could you help me get ready for dinner?"

    Akane turned back towards him with a grin.  "Sure Johnathon!"

    He smiled.  "OK, great.  Why don't we start by..."  He paused to
listen.  Ranma and the four cats had gotten out of earshot.  Johnathon
whispered to Akane.  "Watch the Dojo and tell me if they start coming
out."

    Akane looked puzzled.  "John-san, what are you going to do?"

    He shook his head.  "Don't ask, it's best if you don't know."  Akane
started to protest, but Johnathon interrupted her.  "Trust me please,
for Kasumi's sake?"  Akane hesitated, then after several seconds,
nodded.  Johnathon pointed.  "Now please, watch the Dojo."  Akane nodded
again, and went to do so.  Johnathon ran up to Kasumi's room, now his
and Kasumi's room, and went into his pack.  He rifled through it quickly
and brought out a small camera.

    Johnathon hurried downstairs, and put his camera on the table.  Then
he began carefully searching Shampoo's clothing.  In an inside pocket he
found the Amazon law book.  He opened it to the first page and picked up
his camera.  Checking the light, he nodded to himself, satisfied.
Johnathon snapped a picture of the first two pages then turned the
page.  Twenty two pages and photos later he finished.  Carefully,
Johnathon placed Shampoo's book back where he found it and put her
clothing back the way it had been laying.  He ran upstairs, hid the
camera, ran downstairs and went to Akane.

    Johnathon lightly tapped Akane on the shoulder.  "Never mind, Akane,
come help me in the kitchen please."

    Akane looked at him questioningly.  "Did you...?"

    Johnathon ignored the question.  "Why don't you show me around the
kitchen, and we'll decide what to make."

    In the Dojo, Shampoo had taken charge.  She had gotten Kasumi's
attention and pointed at herself.  Then Shampoo promptly pounced on
Artemis.  Artemis was surprised to be bowled over.  Shampoo let him up
and and pounced at Luna, who dodged.  Shampoo chased Luna around until
she caught her in the corner and pounced on her.  Shampoo let Luna up
and Luna pounced back.  Shampoo ran away from Luna and right over to
Kasumi.  Kasumi's eyes went wide as Shampoo pounced on her, followed by
Luna, who bowled both of them over.  Kasumi squirmed out from under the
other two cats and Shampoo tossed Luna off a second later.  Shampoo
started stalking Luna, purring playfully.  Luna's eyes widened, and she
ran, Shampoo hot on her heels once more.

    Kasumi and Artemis watched Shampoo chase Luna all around the Dojo
with interest.

    Ranma watched all four cats looking puzzled.  "Hey, Shampoo, what
are you doing?"  Kasumi meowed at Ranma suddenly, and nodded.
"Kasumi?"  Ranma blinked.  "Do you know what Shampoo's up too?"

    Kasumi nodded again, then turned toward Artemis.  Kasumi purred
playfully in imitation of Shampoo and promptly pounced on the white
cat.  Artemis was surprised to be again knocked over.  This time he
reacted better, rolling out from under Kasumi and pouncing her back.
Kasumi fled and the chase was on.  Soon all four cats were racing around
playing a complicated game of tag.  Ranma watched in amusement until
they started using him for a hiding spot, tree, and springboard.  Ranma
grimaced but controlled his reactions.  The game went on, over, and
around him for the next ten minutes.  Kasumi finally collapsed at his
feet, meowing piteously at him in between gasping breaths.

    Ranma picked her up gently.  "All tired out, huh?"

    Kasumi nodded, shuddering gently in his arms, then sighed.  <It's
been a long time since I did anything so... active.  I haven't been able
to just, play, since mother died.  It was... fun!>  Kasumi smiled to
herself.  <I'm glad Shampoo came here tonight and showed me about being
a cat.  It's quite tiring though.>  Kasumi sighed again.  <Johnathon
wants me to learn to take care of myself as a cat.  I must do as he
asks.  I don't want Johnathon to be worried about me all the time.>  She
shrugged.  <Still, it is nice to not have to be a responsible adult for
awhile.>

    Shampoo, Artemis and Luna played tag for a few more minutes than
stopped.  Shampoo looked up at Kasumi and meowed.  Kasumi nodded and
jumped down out of Ranma's arms.  Shampoo walked up to Kasumi and nodded
back, then looked up at Ranma.

    Ranma smiled at Shampoo.  "That looked like fun, Shampoo, but I
think Kasumi's a bit tired."

    Kasumi shook her head in a negative.  Shampoo looked like she was
thinking.  Then she motioned with her head for Kasumi to follow her.
Shampoo led Ranma and the other three cats out of the Dojo.  Artemis and
Luna exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what the Chinese Amazon,
turned cat was up to now.  Shampoo lead Kasumi into the back yard and
began demonstrating how to climb trees.  After around twenty minutes of
that, Johnathon opened the rear shogi doors.

    "Dinners ready!"  Johnathon grinned at his wife, who was sitting
fifteen feet up a tree.  Ranma jumped up and helped Kasumi down, and he
and all four cats came inside.  Shampoo went over to her clothing and
looked at Johnathon.  He nodded and picked up Shampoo's clothing.  "I
made sure the furo was warm, Shampoo, follow me."  Johnathon took
Shampoo to the bath and laid her clothing down inside the inner door.
Shampoo went into the bathroom and Johnathon closed the door behind
her.  "I'll save you a plate, Shampoo!"  He called, then went back to
the kitchen.

    Johnathon collected the dinner he had prepared and shook his head.
<I'm going to have to teach Akane something about cooking.  I can't
believe she kept giving me the wrong ingredients.  It's lucky I kept
checking them.>  He brought the food out to the living room.  Four
plates for him, Ranma, Akane and Shampoo.  Then he brought out three
bowls for Luna, Artemis and Kasumi.  Laying the bowls down he looked
uncomfortably at the woman he had married.  Kasumi caught his look and
shook her head softly.  She looked at the bowls on the floor and
nodded.  Kasumi went over to Johnathon and put her paw on his leg and
meowed softly in a reassuring tone, then nodded again.

    Johnathon knelt and softly stoked her head.  "I made you chicken
Kasumi.  I always liked it when I was a cat."  Kasumi nodded and purred,
rubbing her head against his hand.  Johnathon suddenly had to fight the
urge to cry.  "I'll get the drinks, Kasumi.  Would you like some milk?"
Kasumi nodded and Johnathon turned away, hiding his tears.  Quickly he
went back into the kitchen and got three bowls of milk.  Johnathon
composed himself and went out once more.  Laying the bowls down he sat
at the table.  "It's pretty simple tonight, but I hope you like it."
Shampoo came in and sat down.  Her hair was damp, but otherwise she
looked just as she had half an hour ago.

    Ranma looked over the food.  <Akane helped with this?  Looks
alright.>  He steeled himself and announced.  "Let's eat!"  He tried a
bite.  "Not bad!"  Ranma rapidly began demolishing his food.

    As they ate Akane noticed first.  "Happosai!  He's gone!"  Everyone
turned to look.  Indeed the diminutive master had vanished in the middle
of the noise and commotion of dinner.

    Ranma frowned.  "Well, at least he's not much of a threat now."

    Akane sighed.  "I hope this is the end of it.  Somehow I wouldn't
bet on it though."

    Dinner finished up with a somber mood.  Shampoo rose.  "Shampoo must
go home.  Great grandmother wait up for her."

    Johnathon smiled at her gratefully.  "Thanks for helping, Kasumi,
Shampoo.  I really appreciate it."

    Shampoo shook her head.  "Is nothing, Shampoo glad to help, Kasumi
is good person."  She nodded to Kasumi, then bounded off quickly.
Kasumi watched her go with fondness.  Akane looked after Shampoo with
regret and confusion.  Johnathon looked at his wife and sighed very
quietly.  Ranma tried not to get hit by Akane, and didn't look at anyone
for a few moments.

    Everyone started cleaning up.  There was a lot of yawning and
stretching going on as everyone realized how tired they all were.  It
was only a few minutes before everyone decided it was time for bed.  It
had been a long tiring day.  Ranma took Luna and Artemis to his room,
and Akane went alone to her own.

    Finally Johnathon looked at Kasumi.  "Shall we go to bed?"  Kasumi
just looked quizzically at him. Johnathon smiled softly at her.  "Come,
my wife, will you join me?"  Kasumi nodded, and they headed up the
stairs to her room.  Johnathon opened the door for her and closed it
behind them.  They both went to the bed and sat down.  Johnathon looked
at his wife of one day.  <A cat, perhaps forever, does it matter?>
"No."  He said out loud."  Kasumi looked up at him, startled.  "No, it
doesn't matter."  He repeated softly, looking at her with genuine
fondness.  "Kasumi, your form does not matter to me.  You are my wife,
and I love you, no matter what."  Kasumi moved to her husband's side and
rubbed her head against him.

    "I'm glad you feel the same way."  Johnathon said lightly.  He
shrugged.  "I am tired, so I'm going to go to sleep.  Why don't you find
where you'll be most comfortable."  Johnathon quickly undressed to his
boxers and slipped under the covers.  Kasumi watched him shyly and moved
up to the head of the bed.  She curled up on the pillow, facing her
love.  Johnathon turned on his side so he was looking back at her.  They
shared a look of longing, both remembering the night before.  Johnathon
reached out to stroke her head and shoulders.  "I'll never forget,
Kasumi, that night."  She sighed into his hand but looked troubled.
"This is not forever, Kasumi."  He continued.  "We will be together
again, as we were last night, someday.  Until then, just your presence
is enough."

    Johnathon started to close his eyes.  Kasumi purred and closed her
eyes as well.  "Goodnight, my love."  He whispered.  Kasumi fell asleep
gradually, comforted by the presence of his hand against her.  Johnathon
stayed awake.  <I just wish we could have had more time.>  He felt a
wave of sadness washing over him.  <Am I so petty?  Are my feelings for
her so superficial that I need her to be human?>  Johnathon couldn't
sleep with the question.  He gazed at his wife, now a small black cat,
sleeping peacefully on his pillow.  <Our pillow.  I do love her, as she
is.  Kasumi shines through, no matter her form.  I love her spirit, her
very nature is something I love about her very much.>

    Johnathon sighed.  <I love her beautiful body as well.  I can be at
least that honest with myself.  Last night was the most wonderful
experience of my life.  I can't lie to myself, I want Kasumi to be
human.  My whole being yearns for her.>  Johnathon slowly smiled.  <OK,
fine, I admit it.  I love that gorgeous body of hers, I'll miss it
but...>  He smiled wider.  <But it was not why I married her.  It's
true, I have always loved Kasumi for more then just her beauty.  That
hasn't changed, and it never will.>  Johnathon yawned.  <You really are
a fool.>  Part of him said, from deep inside.  <Yup.>  He replied to
that part of himself.  <I am a fool.  A fool, head over heels in love.>
A minute later Johnathon Dwire was asleep, his inner doubts resolved, at
least for awhile.

                        End pt 23