All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published
by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz
Communications. Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Taeuchi.

                                A Different Viewpoint pt 38

    With the school year over, Ranma, Akane and Johnathon immediately
prepared to leave for Ryogensawa, not even waiting to find out how their
final exams had gone.  They set out that very afternoon, intending to
return in three days.

    Nabiki seriously debated talking to Dr. Tofu about her plan, but put
it off.  <Shampoo's not fully recovered... I'll wait until Ranma
returns.>

    The small group took the train to Ryogensawa, and hiked into the
forest from the station.  When they had gotten far enough into the woods
that they wouldn't be seen by people, Johnathon poured cold water from
his canteen over his head.  He explained as they walked.

    Johnathon spoke quietly as they went further into the woods.  "Since
there's so many giant animals around here, I figured I could use my cat
form to our advantage.  My senses are a lot better as a cat.  I can help
us to avoid the animals."  Akane and Ranma led the way, Johnathon
trailed behind and kept alert.  Ranma spotted two traps before they had
gotten more than a mile in and avoided them.  Akane had noticed one
herself and steered the group around it.  It was getting dark when
Johnathon's ears perked up as he heard a large animal heading their way
through the brush.  He slipped up to Akane and Ranma.

    Johnathon's voice was a low whisper.  "There's something big, coming
fast, from that direction."  The half-cat pointed to the right, where a
gnarled clump of small trees and bushes overshadowed on all sides with
much larger trees, blocked their line of sight.  "Lets hide quickly."
Johnathon suggested.

    Ranma nodded and started leading them toward a different stand of
trees, larger, and not quite as close together, off to the left.  In his
haste he failed to notice a trap.  The ground collapsed under him and
Ranma was barely able to leap away.  A huge deadfall crashed down on top
of the new pit, barely missing him and Akane, who had been close on
Ranma's heels.  Ranma landed half a dozen feet away and spun to see if
Akane was alright.  She was sitting down, having fallen backwards to
avoid the tree trunk that had collapsed inches in front of her.

    Johnathon suddenly glanced back behind them as he heard the noises
of movement suddenly increase in volume.  Whatever was moving around
nearby, was now coming right for them.  Johnathon and Ranma both rushed
to Akane's side and hauled her to her feet in mid running step.  The
three martial artists raced for the trees, all efforts of stealth
forgotten.  They reached the stand of trees and hid behind one giant
trunk, just as a weasel the size of a luxury car rushed into sight.  It
investigated the deadfall, then ran on, just passing their stand of
trees.

    When the monstrously huge member of the rodent family went out of
sight, the three from Nerima breathed a sigh of relief.  After a short
pause, Ranma and Akane once again led the way forward, while Johnathon
went back to playing rear guard, listening even more intently then
before to the sounds of the forest.

    The small group had a few more close calls as they hiked deeper into
the woods, including a running fight with a group of rabbits the size of
compact cars.  When they finally came into sight of Shinosike's house,
Johnathon came to a halt and stepped back among the trees.  The half-cat
got out a small camp stove and started to light it.

    "I'd better change back before meeting your friends.  I don't want
to start a fight."  Johnathon explained as he brought out a metal cup
and filled it with water from his canteen.

    Ranma nodded in understanding.  "Akane and I will go ahead.  We'll
let Shinosike know you're coming."

    Ranma and Akane headed for the house, and Johnathon squatted down
over his stove, waiting for the water to heat.  He heard very light
footsteps coming up behind him, just before their owner came into view
of the half-cat.  Johnathon's enhanced hearing had been barely enough to
pick up the quiet pace of an experienced woodsman.  Johnathon ducked his
head and pulled his jacket collar up.  He hunched over his camp stove,
checking the temperature with one hand while holding his jacket over his
head with the other.

    "Hello?"  The voice was that of a young man, standing behind him,
but Johnathon didn't dare turn around to answer.  He coughed, not
wanting to reveal his slightly inhuman voice.

    "Excuse me?"  Came the man's voice again.  Johnathon nodded and
coughed again, trying to stall for time.  The water was almost hot
enough now.

    The man behind him put a hand lightly on his shoulder.  "Hey, are
you alright?"

    Johnathon nodded again.  "Just a second."  He rasped.  <The water
had better be hot enough now!>  Johnathon lifted the cup quickly and
splashed his face.  It seemed to take longer than normal but the change
came in seconds.  Johnathon turned to face the young man, letting his
jacket drop to his shoulders.  "Hello, is your name Shinosike?"
Johnathon took a good look at the young man, who held a push broom in
his left hand.

    The young man looked confused.  "Um, yes, I'm Shinosike... What just
happened?"

    Johnathon blinked innocently.  "Hmm?  What do you mean?"

    Shinosike frowned.  "Who are you anyway?  Do I know you?"

    Johnathon smoothly stood and bowed slightly.  "I am Johnathon
Dwire.  I'm afraid we haven't met before, although friends of mine have
told me about you."

    Shinosike scratched his head.  "Oh?  Well, why don't we go over to
the house, and we can talk."

    Johnathon nodded.  "That's a good suggestion. Lets do that."

    They walked over to the house and went in the front door.  Ranma and
Akane were sitting across a table from an older man.

    Shinosike blinked.  "Hello."  He turned to Johnathon.  "It seems I
have three more guests!"

    The old man jumped up and punched Shinosike into the wall.  "I'm not
a guest, I'm your grandpa!"

    Shinosike got up and rubbed his jaw.  "Oh, right."  He blinked, then
took a careful look at Ranma and Akane.  "Um... am I related to you two
as well?"

    Akane laughed easily.  "No, Shinosike.  I'm Akane and this is
Ranma.  We were here a few months ago."

    Shinosike's grandfather nodded.  "They helped save your life, boy!
You should be grateful!"

    Shinosike blinked again.  "You did?  Um, thank you!"  He turned to
Johnathon.  "This is... um..."

    "Johnathon Dwire."  The tall english teacher supplied helpfully.

    "Right."  Shinosike nodded.  "Did you help save my life too?"

    Johnathon shook his head, trying not to smile.  "We just met.  I
came with Ranma and Akane."

    The old man nodded.  "Akane tells me that you have come for the
water of life."

    Johnathon nodded back.  "Yes.  My wife, Akane's sister, Kasumi,
needs it.  She has a... curse.  Two curses, actually.  The water of life
can reverse the effects of one of those curses."

    The old man blinked.  "Oh?  What kind of curse?  And how do you know
the water of life can reverse it?"

    Johnathon glanced at Ranma and Akane, then shrugged.  "A curse from
the cursed springs of Jusenkyo.  Have you heard of them?"

    The old man hesitated.  "I have, and I have recently found out that
the legends are true.  Unfortunately, I do not believe that the water of
life will lift such a curse, although I couldn't say for sure."

    Johnathon shook his head.  "No, I'm afraid not.  The water is to
deal with the other curse, the cat's tongue pressure point."

    The old man looked interested.  "I was not aware that the water of
life could cure Shiatsu points."

    Johnathon nodded.  "It doesn't, however, it can treat the symptoms.
The Cat's tongue makes heat intolerable to the victim, and hot water is
what is needed to reverse a Jusenkyo curse.  The water of life, however,
negates pain as well as heals injury.  Hot water of life can be used to
transform my wife back to her human form."

    The old man nodded in understanding.  "I see!  This is very
interesting.  The water of life has returned to the pools, but it can be
used but sparingly, or it will vanish once more.  For the ones who saved
my Shin-boy's life, I think we can spare some.  This is a worthy cause.
I have a cask for personal use.  You may take that with you.  It is
getting late, however.  Why don't you spend the night and leave in the
morning?"

    Akane bowed to the old man.  "Thank you sir.  We accept."  Ranma and
Johnathon bowed as well.

    The old man clapped his hands together happily.  "Wonderful!  It is
always nice to have company.  I will start dinner.  Akane my dear, would
you care to assist?"

    Johnathon jumped to his feet.  "Oh no!  Allow me!  I love to cook!"
Ranma sighed in relief.  Akane frowned but didn't comment.  Johnathon
glanced at Akane and looked slightly guilty.  "Akane, why don't we both
help cook?"

    Akane smiled gratefully.  "Sure, I'd like that."

    Johnathon kept Akane from making too many mistakes, and Akane did
her best to control her impulses.  The surreptitious addition of a
couple drops of the water of life made the meal a delicious one.  Night
came and went, and with the dawn, the three from Nerima were ready to
return home.  Saying their farewells and professing their thanks, they
set out, hurrying home.

            **********************************

    At the Tendo Dojo, Nabiki decided to go talk to Dr. Tofu.  <Ranma
and company are returning in another day or so, but there is no reason
to put things off any longer.>  Nabiki called out to Kasumi as she
passed the kitchen door.  "Hey, Kasumi.  I'm going out."

    Kasumi stuck her head out and smiled.  "Alright, I'll be starting
dinner at six, so be back by then."

    Nabiki nodded.  "Sure thing, sis."  She walked to the door and out,
then started heading for Dr. Tofu's clinic.  When Nabiki arrived, she
waited for the doctor to finish with the last patient before bothering
him.

    As the final patient left, Dr. Tofu came out with a smile.  "So,
Nabiki, how can I help you?  No further side effects from the hypnosis I
hope?"

    Nabiki blinked.  <Hypnosis?  Oh yeah, Ranma got hypnotised.>  "Um,
no, doctor.  That's not why I'm here.  I wanted to talk to you about
something else."  She hesitated.  "Um, why don't we go have lunch and
talk."  She tried to keep from grimacing.  "My treat."

    Dr. Tofu blinked in surprise.  "Why don't we go dutch, Nabiki."
Nabiki nodded gratefully.

    Soon they were in a small cafe booth.

    Dr. Tofu looked calmly across the table.  "So Nabiki, what do you
want to talk to me about?"

    Nabiki sipped her coffee, then put the cup down.  "Doctor, how do
you feel about Shampoo?"

    Dr. Tofu blinked in surprise. "Shampoo?  Well, she's a nice enough
girl.  She was an efficient nurse... when she worked for me.  Why do you
ask?"

    Nabiki took another sip of coffee to cover a nervous twitch.  "She's
quite good looking too, isn't she?"

    The good doctor raised an eyebrow at that.  "That's safe enough to
say, I suppose..."  He took a long look at the middle Tendo sister.
"Nabiki, what are you hinting at?"

    Nabiki put her coffee mug down slowly.  "Doctor, have you thought
about marriage?  Since that time your mother came here..."  She broke
off, not sure quite how to proceed.

    He stared at Nabiki, the mention of marriage had his eyes wide in
shock.  He recovered quickly though, and straightened his gi.  He gave
Nabiki a questioning gaze.  "Why are you asking?"  He paused to consider
his next words.  "I believe you may be aware that I had certain...
hopes... that are no longer possible at this point."  He looked at her
sideways,  "Are you suggesting Shampoo, as a possible marriage
candidate?"

    Nabiki quickly took another sip of coffee.  "Ah, well you've got to
admit, she has a great set of hips.  I'm sure your mother would be
satisfied on that account."

    The doctor's eyes were wide at the suggestion, "Nabiki! I, I..."
Still he had to acknowledge the idea. He paused in consideration and
shrugged.  "Isn't Shampoo bound to marry Ranma?"

    Nabiki put aside the mug, and took a firmer tone.  "Yes, but it is
possible for her to marry another.  Pantyhose Taro apparently discovered
this.  If he had defeated both Ranma and Shampoo in combat, then he
would of been considered her husband, having proven himself the more
worthy suitor."

    Dr. Tofu looked thoughtful at this information.  "So, that's what he
was up to.  Yes, I remember now.  Nabiki, are you suggesting that I
defeat Shampoo, and Ranma in combat, then claim her as my bride?"
Nabiki hesitated to speak, but he shook his head,  "No, you don't need
to say anything else, Nabiki, I believe I know what your getting at.
I'm surprised this didn't occur to me earlier."  He sighed, his eyes
becoming calm and thoughtful, and slightly sad.  "If Shampoo was too
marry another, she would be freed from the danger of being punished for
her failure to marry Ranma.  Cologne would then give Kasumi the Phoenix
pill, since her heir and Granddaughter would then be safe."  He smiled
wryly at Nabiki.  "You've put a lot of thought into this, haven't you,
Nabiki Tendo?"

    Nabiki flushed slightly and looked away.  "Doctor, I... I'm.."

    He interrupted, shaking his head.  No, don't apologize, Nabiki.  It
is a good idea.  Thank you for telling me all this."  He stood, putting
several bills on the table.  "I have to think about this.  That should
take care of my half of the bill."

    Nabiki nodded mutely.  Dr. Tofu smiled at her, but Nabiki didn't
look up to see it.  He sighed again, and nodding to himself, turned to
walk away.  A waitress came by a minute later to see if the young lady
wanted anything else.

    She heard quiet sobs as she approached, however, and decided to
leave her alone for awhile.  <Poor girl. she must have been dumped by
the man with her.>  When the girl came up to pay the bill, the waitress
was surprised to see no sign of distress whatsoever on the girl's face.

    Nabiki paid the bill and left, her emotions once again firmly under
control.

                *************************************

    Back at the house, Kasumi was worrying about Johnathon, and getting
rather tired of her state of virtual house arrest.  <I haven't been out
of the house since the day Cologne gave me the Cat's tongue, except once
to meet the Sailor Senshi, as a cat.>  Kasumi sighed.  <Johnathon will
be home in another day.  Perhaps I can go out then... and perhaps not.
The water of life is not infinite.  Johnathon will probably want me to
stay safe at home, and I can't really blame him.  I'm not much of a wife
to him stuck as a cat.  It's dangerous going to Ryogensawa as well.  For
his sake, I shouldn't take chances.>  Kasumi sighed again.  <But it's
been so long since I was able to visit the market and shop.  I miss it,
and it's frustrating to be trapped here.>

    The day passed quietly, her father had gone to visit the Saotome's
and Nabiki had been out all day.  The house was quiet, even C-chan spent
most of his time napping.

    Kasumi finished the last of her chores, and knew that she would have
nothing to do for hours.  <Johnathon will be back tomorrow.  I really
should fix something special, but... We're all out of ingredients.
Nabiki or Father would go for me, but...>  Kasumi's resolve wavered, it
was a cloudless sky outside, and she hadn't been out in so long.  <I'll
just be very careful.>  She promised herself.  Writing a short note in
case her father or Nabiki returned home early, Kasumi headed for the
market.

    Nabiki returned to the Tendo home half an hour later to find a house
empty except for a sleeping kitten.  The note Kasumi had left got her
worried right away, but Nabiki gave her sister the benefit of the
doubt.  Half an hour passed, and it started to get dark.  Nabiki was
really worried now, but decided to give Kasumi a few more minutes.  Ten
minutes passed, then twenty, and it was getting quite dark.

    Nabiki shook her head.  <She's in trouble.>  Nabiki went to the
phone.  <Kasumi should have been back by now.>  Nabiki called the
Saotome house first.

    Nodoka answered.  "Hello?"

    Nabiki quickly explained.  "Auntie Saotome?  Kasumi went to the
market while I was out, and she hasn't come back.  I'm getting really
worried."

    Nodoka's voice was calm and comforting.  "We'll come right away.
Stay at home for now, Kasumi might come back while you're gone if you
leave now.  We'll start from here, and search the market ourselves."

    Nabiki took a deep breath.  "Right, I'll be here."

    Nodoka hung up and Nabiki started dialing again.  Somehow, Nabiki
was not surprised to get no answer at Dr. Tofu's.  She debated calling
the Cat Cafe, then called the Ucchan's while she was thinking about it.

    The phone was picked up almost right away.  "Ucchan's! Can I help
you?"  The okinamiaki chef immediately volunteered to help search for
Kasumi, and promised that Konatsu would assist as well.

    Nabiki waited another five minutes before finally resolving to call
the Cat Cafe.  She sighed in relief when Shampoo answered the phone.
"Nihou!  Cat Cafe,  you want order?"

    Nabiki  spoke quickly.  "Shampoo! I'm glad it's you.  Kasumi went to
the market over an hour ago, and she hasn't come home.  Could you
help...?"

    Shampoo interrupted in a rush.  "Aiyah!  This not good!  Kasumi in
much danger of cold water.  Market not safe place for cats what not know
how to be cat.  Shampoo go right now!"  There was an abrupt click as
Shampoo hung up the line in a rush.

    Nabiki blew out a breath, more worried then before, thanks to
Shampoo's disturbing assessment.  "Damn, I can't just wait here when
Kasumi might be in trouble... but someone needs to be here in case she
makes it home."  Nabiki quietly swore to herself.  She got out the phone
book, turning to the page holding the number for animal control.  <Just
in case>

    Shampoo hurried into the kitchen after hanging up the phone.  She
poured a large glass of water.  <Best way to find cat, is be cat.>  She
poured it over herself and an instant later crawled out of her clothing,
even as the glass fell to the floor.  <That stupid Moose could help, if
he wasn't still recovering from the fight yesterday.>  Shampoo jumped
out of a window and headed for the marketplace at high speed.

    Nabiki hung up the phone.  No black cats had been found recently,
and Nabiki was out of options.  She slowly walked into the living room.
Near the table, the kitten, C-chan, stirred at Nabiki's entrance.  The
kitten had been asleep for some time. and it was feeling wide awake
now.  It went over to Nabiki, meowing at her for attention.  She sat
down and picked up the kitten.  "Hello C-chan.  At least your here,
safe."  C-chan meowed interrogatively, and Nabiki petted it in
response.  "Sure, Kasumi will be fine.  She has you to look after,
right?"  <Kasumi, please be alright.>

    Shampoo found her first clue after only a few moments of searching.
A single shoe was on the side of the street.  Shampoo checked it out.
It appeared to be one of Kasumi's, it was wet, and there was a small
amount of water in the sole.  Shampoo smelled it carefully.  The scent
was faint because of the water, but it was there.  It was indeed
Kasumi's shoe, but where was the rest of her clothing, and where was
Kasumi?  Shampoo noted that the pavement was just slightly damp near the
shoe and the water spot corresponded pretty well to how a pile of
clothing might fall.

    <Someone noticed the discarded clothing and picked it up.>  Shampoo
reasoned.  <Most likely, Kasumi headed home from here.>  Shampoo started
heading for the Tendo Dojo, moving slowly and trying to pick up Kasumi's
scent.  Shampoo started to get worried as she recognized the area she
was moving through.  <This is were that large dog stays.  I hope Kasumi
didn't run into him.>

    Half an hour earlier, Kasumi was hurrying home when she got splashed
from above.  Someone dumped a bucket out of a second story apartment
window without looking.  Kasumi instantly changed into a cat, her
clothes and groceries dropping to the ground in a heap.  She was
shocked, and almost angry.  The cat crawled slowly out of the bundle of
clothing and paced around nervously, too stunned to immediately head
home.  She remained by her clothing until an elderly woman came out of
the apartment and picked up her clothes and the groceries, carrying them
into the building.  Kasumi now had to comfort her self with the notion
that the old woman would find her identification in her purse, and
return her things home eventually.

    She headed for home then finally, trying to avoid thinking of
Johnathon's reaction when he arrived home from Ryogensawa.  <He'll scold
me at first... he won't yell, and he'll apologize afterwards for
complaining... but he'll be disappointed.  Nabiki will scold me, and
father will cry...>

    Kasumi was lost in thought when a ferocious bark startled her
several feet into the air.  It was almost to late to run, the dog was
nearly on top of her when it rushed her from an open doorway.  Kasumi
landed and dashed away, a hair's breath to the side of the mutt's
slavering jaws.  Only her practice sessions with Shampoo, Luna and
Artemis, and later with just the two moon cats, kept her alive in the
first few seconds.  Fear leant her speed, however, and she began to gain
ground.  Though she was too frightened at the time to tell, the dog was
a pit bull, vicious, and faster than he had a right to be.  She ran,
through almost thirty seconds of adrenaline pumping terror, in the first
direction that presented itself.  Her initial rush began to fade, and
Kasumi realized the animal was gaining on her, so she took the only sane
route available, and went up a tree, climbing frantically to avoid the
massive mutt's attack.

    Now, at the top of a small tree, Kasumi sighed tiredly.  <Won't that
horrible dog just go home?  How long is he going to stay down there?>

    She'd been in the tree now for what seemed like hours.  The pit bull
wasn't showing any sign of becoming bored and leaving.  Kasumi sighed,
<Go away doggie!  My family is going to be worried about me!>  Even had
the dog been able to read her thoughts, she doubted it would care.  <I
really wish I could go home now.>

    Kasumi's ears picked up at a strange sound.  Strange at least, in
it's proximity to the dog below.  A cat was meowing nearby.  Kasumi
surveyed the street for the sound... sure enough, a small white cat with
pink socks and ear tips was licking it's paw in the middle of the
street, seemingly unaware of it's danger.

    The pit bull glanced up at the small black cat in the tree, then at
the tempting new target.  The white cat had walked closer, and was now
examining a bit of grass at the side of the street.  Giving in to the
temptation, the dog started stalking forward, and when it felt it was
close enough, leapt at the seemingly innocuous feline, jaws agape,
drooling for her tender flesh.

    At the very last instant, Shampoo dodged away, raking the dog's
tender nose as she easily sidestepped the larger animal's rush.  The pit
bull yelped in surprise, and slowed it's motion, uncertain for a
moment.  Shampoo didn't hesitate, however, and took the attack to the
mutt, her fur on end, hissing and spitting, she tore into the dog.
Though it must of outweighed her at least 20-30 times, it couldn't touch
her, and soon the animal, scratched and limping, was running terrified
of the small pink and white demon.

    Shampoo sat back and carefully licked a few specks of blood from her
paw as she watched it tear around the corner.

    Kasumi made her way down the tree, jumping down the last six feet.
She walked up to Shampoo with a grateful purr.  Shampoo meowed at her
questioningly and walked around her, checking her over.  Satisfied that
Kasumi was unhurt, Shampoo used her head to indicate that Kasumi was to
follow her.

    Kasumi nodded and Shampoo led the way back toward the Tendo dojo,
purposely taking a circuitous route to avoid other hazards.  Kasumi
noted the route and kept careful track so she would remember, easily
guessing Shampoo's reasons for such a roundabout path.  When they
arrived at the Tendo home, they found the gate wide open and Nabiki
waiting just inside the fence, holding C-chan.

    "Kasumi!"  Nabiki was ecstatic.  "Shampoo!  Thank you!  You found
her!"  Nabiki sighed in relief.  "Come on in you two.  Shampoo, I'll get
you some hot water and something for you to wear.  We still have one or
two of your dresses around here."  Nabiki led them inside, holding the
door for them.  "Kasumi, I was really worried.  You should know better
then to go out by yourself.  You should have stayed her and waited for
one of us to go shopping for you."

    Kasumi nodded sadly.  <Nabiki is right, I did know better.  Feeling
cooped up was no excuse.>

    One by one, the searchers called in, or came to the Dojo.  Nabiki
thanked Ukyo when she came to the Dojo with Kasumi's shoe.  "Thanks
Ukyo, Shampoo just brought Kasumi home."

    Ukyo smiled in relief.  "Oh good.  When I found this shoe I was
afraid something bad might have happened."

    Shampoo came out then from the direction of the bathroom.
"Something bad almost do happen to Kasumi."  She said informatively.
"Big dog try eat Kasumi, Kasumi was stuck in tree."

    Ukyo and Nabiki both gulped at that, and they both looked quickly at
Kasumi as if checking to see that nothing was missing.  Ukyo shook her
head.  "Boy, It can be dangerous being a cat, huh Kasumi?"

    The little black cat nodded.

    Shampoo shrugged helplessly.  "It not easy live with curse.  Shampoo
know."

    Nabiki looked at the amazon with mixed emotions.  <In a way, Shampoo
is the cause of Kasumi's problems, but somehow, I can't blame her for
it.>  "Shampoo, thanks for bringing her home."

    Shampoo shook her head in dismissal.  "Is not important.  Shampoo do
anytime."

    Kasumi looked up at the girl and purred her gratefulness.

    Ukyo nodded.  "Well, all's well that ends well.  I've got the dinner
rush coming, I should probably go and get what business I can."

    She and Shampoo turned to go.  Shampoo turned one more time at the
door. to speak.  "Shampoo must also return to restaurant, see Kasumi
later."  She bounded off over the wall, not bothering with the gate.

    Moments later, as Ukyo walked out, Nodoka arrived.  She looked glad
to see Kasumi safe, if stuck in cat form again.  "Oh good, I'm so glad
you're alright.  Genma and Soun will be by soon, so we can wait here for
them."  She paused to kneel by Kasumi and look her in the eyes
politely.  "I stopped by that nice Dr. Tofu's office while I was looking
for you.  He should be told your alright."  Saying this, she stood, and
looked at Nabiki expectantly.

    Nabiki gave her a blank look for a moment, before saying.  "Oh, I'll
call him."  She headed for the phone.

    Nodoka looked after Nabiki then at Kasumi and sighed.  Kasumi seemed
to share the sigh, and she shrugged as she looked up at Nodoka again.
Nodoka said quietly to her.  "I know you've been handling these things
Kasumi, but Nabiki should at least know how to welcome a guest
properly."  She looked thoughtful.  "Perhaps... I could help you teach
your sisters?"  She paused and bowed contritely.  "Of course I don't
mean to intrude..."

    Kasumi nodded enthusiastically at Nodoka's suggestion.  <What a good
idea.>  The two ladies, (one feline), followed Nabiki inside.

    Nabiki was just hanging up the phone.  She turned to shake her head
at the two of them.  "No answer.  Oh well."  She frowned.  "I'm sure
he'll check in sooner or later."

    Fifteen minutes later Soun and Genma walked in.  They both broke
into relieved grins when they saw Kasumi sitting safely of the kitchen
counter watching Nodoka as she demonstrated a recipe.

    "Time for a drink to celebrate!"  Genma declared,  and the two men
went into the living room to get seriously drunk.  Genma made sure too
keep sober enough to enjoy his wife's cooking though.

    Dr. Tofu arrived half an hour later, followed by Ranma, Akane, and
Johnathon.  He had met the others as they were getting off the bus from
their trip.  The four of them heard Genma and Soun 'celebrating' and
went around the back to see them.  As they came around into the back
yard, Johnathon spotted his wife.  He was ecstatic to see her safe and
sound, even if she was a cat.

    He shouted, "Kasumi!", happily and headed towards her.

    As he did so, a menacing voice came down from the outer wall.
"Dwire!  For all that you have done to my beloved Shampoo, I will make
you pay!  For the humiliation you've dealt to me, I will destroy you!"

    Everyone looked up to see Mousse standing there, obviously enraged.
Johnathon then had to dodge a volley of knives.  He quickly shucked off
his pack, which was bulging with the cask of water he'd brought from
Ryogensawa.  He then tossed it towards Akane, even as he dodged a flung
chain.  "Here, Akane, keep that safe!"

    Mousse spotted the rapidly moving black object.  <I have you!>  He
thought as he tossed a pair of weighted chains to ensnare his enemy.  He
then yanked it towards himself.  <Has he lost weight?>  Mousse heard
Ranma, Akane, and his foe shouting at him.  "No, don't!  Drop it!"  and
"I'm here, leave that alone!"  came from different parts of the yard.
Disregarding their obvious diversion, Mousse yanked his opponent high
into the air.  Leaping to meet his target, he brought out a pair of
giant maces, bringing them swinging into his target.  <Wow... I killed
him?>  Mousse was just stunned enough that he failed to realize his
danger until the three furious martial artists hit him from all sides as
one.

    Mousse collapsed under the triple assault.  Johnathon rushed to the
koi pond where the remains of the backpack had fallen, but he could see
it was no use, the cask had been shattered.  He leapt at Mousse's fallen
form screaming.  "You blind idiot!"  Ranma and Akane grabbed him to
restrain him.  The pair looked across at each other, surprised at the
effort it was taking to restrain him.  Johnathon was straining, his face
red and eyes flaring.  He was shouting almost incoherently.  "You've
destroyed Kasumi's cure!  I'll kill you!!"

    Akane almost lost her grip as Johnathon smashed her in the chest
with a flailing elbow.  "Oof!  John-san, calm down!"

    Dr. Tofu started to move in behind Johnathon to apply a sleep
Shiatsu, even while a part of him wanted to let him at the unconscious
male amazon.  Kasumi beat him to it though.  She leapt over to Mousse's
chest and meowed worriedly at Johnathon.

    That seemed to reach him, because he stopped struggling.  "Kasumi."
He said it quietly so that only Akane and Ranma (and Kasumi probably)
could hear it.  He said a little louder.  "OK." His voice was trembling
with adrenaline.  "Alright, you can let me go.  I won't attack him."
They released his arms and, as if his strings had just been cut, he
dropped to his knees.  Kasumi ran to him, and he scooped her up,
bringing her to his chest, slowly, as if it was the most important thing
he had ever done.  He cradled her gently, like a piece of fine china
3000 years old.  Then, though no one could see his face, he lowered his
head, and began to cry.

    Dr. Tofu took Ranma and Akane, (who was about to lay a shaky hand on
Johnathon's shoulder), by the arms and led them back away from the
scene.  They turned away and followed the doctor inside.  Everyone left
Johnathon and Kasumi alone and gathered in the living room.

    Dr. Tofu sat down and looked at Ranma.  "That was the water of
life?"  He asked quietly enough that Johnathon wouldn't hear him.

    Ranma nodded.  "Yeah, I'm afraid so."

    Akane nodded sadness and anger mixed on her face.  She rubbed her
chest absently.  "According to Shinosike and his grandfather, that was
the last of it for awhile.  There's only so much that they can take from
the springs at one time,  It'll be at least a month before we can get
any more."

    Everyone looked aghast at the news.  Nodoka looked horrified.  "A
month!?"  She put a hand over her mouth and looked anxiously at the back
porch after her outburst, but heard nothing.  She said much softer,
"Kasumi will be stuck as a cat for a month?"

    Ranma and Akane slowly nodded.

    Dr. Tofu stood up suddenly, his face a mask of determination.  "Not
if I can help it."  He looked strongly at Ranma who blinked, never
having seen the doctor's face so composed.  "Ranma, meet me at the Cat
Cafe tomorrow at noon."  He looked around at the rest of them,  "You all
should be there as well."

    Soun and Genma stood together.  "Right!  We'll make the old woman
give us the pill!"

    Soun added.  "My baby won't have to go through this any longer!"

   Genma nodded.  "I'm right behind you old friend."  <If were going to
confront Cologne, I'm _way_ behind you.>

    Dr. Tofu looked calmly at them.  "Just be there.  I'll explain
tomorrow."  He turned then to go, only pausing to bow slightly to
Nodoka.

    Akane was puzzled.  She looked at the ground as everyone else
watched the doctor leave.  <What is he up to?>  She heard a slight sound
behind her, <Was that a sob?>  and turned to see the source.  Nabiki was
sitting there, also watching the doctor leave, and her face looked
funny.  <Is she sad?  Nabiki?  Why?  Is it because of Kasumi?>  Akane
watched her sister compose herself, hiding behind the mask of aloofness
once more.  <That must be it, right?>

    Outside, Johnathon stayed there, quietly crying, his heart pounding
louder to Kasumi then any other noise.  Gently, like rain on a spring
day, Kasumi could feel his tears on her own face.  She wanted to cry
too.  <Please, don't feel this way... please. I'll be alright.>  Not
having ever seen her husband like this, she was torn up as well.
Uncertain how she could cheer him up, she tentatively licked his chin.

    Johnathon froze, then chuckled. He held Kasumi tighter, and squeezed
her to his chest.  "Oh, Kasumi.  I wish... I wish..."  Slowly he
released his hug and let her down.  He left one hand on her shoulders
and back, stroking her gently.  "A month Kasumi, a whole month."

    Kasumi shook her head, and nuzzled firmly into his hand.  Johnathon
scratched her behind the ears. "Can you make it?  Kasumi, can we make
it?"  She looked up at his face and slowly, but firmly nodded.

    Johnathon nodded back, his eyes becoming calm once more.  "You're
right, we can, and we will, my love.  We can, and we will."  He repeated
more softly to himself.  He noticed Ranma and Akane peeking at them from
the porch, and Mousse beginning to stir.  He stood slowly, and booted
Mousse into the pool with his foot after turning to walk inside.  "It's
late Kasumi, let's go to bed."  He set her down.  She nodded, and the
two walked together into the house and up the stairs.

    There was a chorus of sad sighs as the Tendos and Saotomes watched
them head upstairs.

    Moments latter a small white duck burst out of the pool and quacked
angrily.  Akane and Ranma looked at each other, nodded, and grabbed the
fowl.  Next thing Mousse knew, he was wrapped up in his own chain, and
apparently making a new field goal record.

    Akane walked back into the house looking a bit happier.  Suddenly
something occurred to her.  "Hey, has anyone seen Ryoga?"

    Nodoka, Soun, and Genma all turned to each other questioningly.  "I
thought he was with you?"

            *****************************************

    Somewhere, on the streets of Hiroshima, Ryoga wandered, calling,
"Kasumi?  Where are you?"

            *****************************************

                        End pt 38

The rest of this series can be found at:
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/1449/