Black Rose, Blue Thunder:
An Altered Destiny

By: Dreiser

-Three-

	Nabiki worked her way through the large crowd of people 
gathered in the front yard to Furinkan high curious as to what exactly 
they were looking at.

	"I hope Akane's not sunbathing again," said Nabiki lowly. "She 
started a riot last time she did that."

	After a minute she finally pushed her way through the crowd 
and was able to see what had captured their attention.

	It was Ranma and Kodachi lounging underneath the large oak 
tree in the front yard. Actually it was more like Kodachi lounging in 
Ranma's lap than anything else. The couple were involved in a very 
heated kiss that probably would have gone on for quite some time if 
Nabiki hadn't walked up to them and coughed loudly.

	Pulling away slowly Ranma poked his dark head around 
Kodachi and grinned. "Nabchan," he said sensuously. "I thought that 
was you. Wanna join in?"

	"No!" Nabiki replied hastily as she turned bright red. "I mean... 
no!" Calming herself Nabiki averted her gaze and scowled. "What are 
you two doing anyway? Don't you know that romantic interaction is 
against school rules?"

	"A pity," purred Kodachi. She smoothly curled out of Ranma's 
lap to lay draped on his side. "May I ask why that is? It seems like 
such a stifling rule to enforce."

	"Yeah, well," said Nabiki slowly still refusing to meet the 
couple's eyes. "It's all because of Akane."

	"Akane?" questioned Ranma, his cobalt eyes gleaming with 
predatory interest. "What about her?"

	"They sort of caught her... you know," said Nabiki as she 
flushed an even redder hue. "When her fan club found out about it they 
sort of destroyed the school in their misery. The school officials 
decided after that it was safer for Akane and anyone else not to kiss 
on school grounds. Hence the rule."

	"They destroyed the school?" asked Ranma in skeptic tones. 
He studied the lavish buildings Furinkan possessed and the many floors 
they had and said, "It looks okay to me."

	Scratching the back of her head Nabiki sheepishly said, "They 
did repairs. Besides, they didn't destroy all of the buildings anyway. It 
was just the north gym and locker rooms since that was where she got 
caught."

	"So," Kodachi murmured with a smile. "Akane is the 
adventuresome sort. How intriguing."

	"Oh yeah," said Ranma, matching her smile. He looked back 
to Nabiki then continued, "I've been meaning to ask you how this 
place got so plush. I haven't ever seen any high school this decked out. 
How do they afford it?"

	"Akane again," said Nabiki with a wry smile. "My Imotochan 
is famous in the athletics community and there are hundreds of people 
who want to sponsor her. She can't take on sponsors since she's still 
underage and isn't a professional athlete yet. So instead they give their 
bribes to the school and we end up with all these pretty buildings."

	Upon hearing this Ranma and Kodachi exchanged a look of 
certain wicked intentions while Nabiki observed them warily. "Okay," 
she pronounced carefully. "What scam are you planning now?"

	"Scam?" Ranma repeated innocently.

	"Whatever do you mean?" Kodachi continued as she formed 
an equally innocent expression. "Aren't we allowed to be curious about 
some events? Not all our interests are of the business nature Nabiki 
dearest."

	"Somehow I doubt that," replied Nabiki dryly.

	Ranma was about to make a reply when suddenly the 
automatic sprinkler system turned on causing Kodachi to now be 
draped on the figure of a gorgeous female elf.

	"That was most inopportune," noted Kodachi as she spat out 
some of the water that had also hit her in the face.

	"Got that right," Ranma said sourly. She then hastily pushed 
her wet blonde bangs out of her eyes. "I didn't want anyone to know 
about my curse until we came up with some way that we could profit 
from it." Looking to the crowd of students Ranma continued, "Do you 
think they noticed the change? Dachi was sorta blocking me."

	Before Nabiki could reply a thunderous crash sounded and 
they looked to see that the entire crowd of students had simultaneously 
fainted.

	Nabiki watched this and said wryly, "They noticed."

---

	Entering the smoky bar Soun reached for his pack of 
cigarettes as he said, "Is there some reason that we're coming here 
every night, Saotome? We never order drinks."

	"It's very simple Tendo," said Genma gravely while he took his 
place at their usual booth. "This bar doesn't have the dojo's ears."

	"Ears?" Soun asked in confusion.

	"Ears," confirmed Genma. He leaned across the table and 
continued, "That son of mine is a clever one. Too clever at times... we 
can't let him know too much."

	"Know too much?" repeated Soun again. While he lit his 
cigarette he rewarded Genma with a skeptical look. "What are you 
talking about? All we do here is conduct idle chatter. Why would 
Ranma be interested in that?"

	"Ah, but knowledge is power," said Genma wisely. "And my 
boy has enough of that already."

	"Enough what?" asked Soun blankly.

	Scowling slightly Genma replied, "Power! He has enough 
power already Tendo."

	"Nonsense," Soun dismissed with a wave of his hand. 
"Ranma's a teenager. What sort of power could he possibly have at his 
age? You worry too much Saotome."

	"You say that now," said Genma lowly. "But wait until the 
trouble starts. It always starts soon after we arrive. Usually within the 
week but they've been lucky this time."

	"Mmm hmm," said Soun as he blew smoke rings and averted 
his eyes to the ceiling of the bar. Whenever Genma would go into his 
rambling speeches about his son Soun tended to phase out of the 
conversation.

	"If only my eldest were here," Genma droned on. "If he was 
here I wouldn't have anything to worry about."

	"Your eldest?" Soun suddenly turned his attention back to his 
friend. "You have another son?"

	"Of course I have another son!" exclaimed Genma as his scowl 
returned. "I told you that in my postcard!"

	Soun could only blink at this revelation. Finally he snapped out 
of his daze and asked, "Where is he?"

	Sighing deeply Genma replied, "Lost."

---

	Sapphire eyes narrowed with cool decision. One of her targets 
had come into clear view and they were finally located in an area 
deserted of people. It had taken some time to get them alone. And 
alone was necessary because it meant a lack of witnesses.

	The last thing that she wanted was witnesses.

	"<Demon thief.>"

	A snarl curling on her lips the Amazon Enforcer of 
Joketsuzoku who was known as Perfume rose to her feet and 
produced one of her double bladed axes in her grip. With deadly 
precision she hurled the axe at her target which had stopped to gaze at 
something on the street.

	"<Die.>"

---

	Kneeling down to pick up the hundred yen piece she'd seen 
Kodachi blinked at the gust of air she felt pass over the back of her 
neck. Rising to her former height she stared at the fire hydrant wildly 
gushing water with some curiosity.

	"How odd," murmured Kodachi as she slipped the yen piece 
into her pocket. With a shrug she continued on her way back to the 
Tendo dojo not even bothering to make a closer study of the hydrant. 
A study which would have led her to discover the axe imbedded deep 
within it.

---

	Perfume stared in certain horror as the powerful rush of 
pressurized cold water flew across the street and directly at her 
perched position on top a nearby street light. The instant the cold 
water hit her form she shrank and her silken Chinese pantsuit fell to the 
street below.

	In her place was the brightly glowing bulbous form that on 
closer inspection was in reality the figure of a small winged pixie. 
Perfume tried to scowl but her ultra kawaii looks wouldn't allow it so 
instead she placed her hands on her hips in an irritated manner. 
Seconds later she spewed forth a series of vulgarities that came out 
sounding like melodic bells that were very pleasing to the ear.

	Shaking her golden head Perfume kicked the air with her green 
boot covered in a white powder puff at the end and in doing this some 
sparkle filled dust followed her action. She then sniffed in agitation 
before she flew off after the departing Kodachi. As she did so she left 
a trail of sparkling dust behind her as more bell sounds followed her 
speedy exit.

	It seemed that this mission wasn't going to be as easy as she 
thought it would be.

---

	Bringing up the spreadsheet Nabiki leaned back in her chair 
and exchanged a smile with Ranma. "Charging for an explanation on 
your curse has helped us exceed all our profit calculations for the 
week," she said proudly.

	It had been an hour since school had let out so Ranma and 
Nabiki were relaxing as they usually did. By calculating the profits of 
the day. 

	"Excellent," said Ranma in low charming tones. He scooted his 
chair forward to study the screen closer. "I just knew it would work. 
People are curious by nature and they were willing to pay any price to 
get their answers."

	"True," murmured Nabiki in agreement. She stared at the 
computer screen and continued, "We sold quite a few pictures too. 
Mostly of you and Dachi. A lot of the girls at our school seem to have 
fixated on you Ranma."

	"Mmm," said Ranma thoughtfully. Resting his chin on the palm 
of his hand he continued slyly, "I'm just the perfect figure of 
masculinity. Aren't I?"

	"Obnoxious much?" said Nabiki teasingly. "But you're right. 
They do seem to find you attractive." Forming a face of mock disgust 
she stuck her tongue out at him. "Don't ask me why."

	"Oh!" cried Ranma in exaggeration as he clutched his chest as 
if he'd been shot. "You wound me to my very soul! Why do the ones 
we love always hurt us so?"

	"Idiot," said Nabiki fondly. "Stop playing with me."

	His cobalt eyes darkened and drawing closer Ranma smiled 
and Nabiki shivered from feeling his breath hit her skin. "Do I have to? 
I like playing with you Nabchan."

	"As do I," purred Kodachi from the open doorway to Nabiki's 
room she was leaning against. "I take it that we had quite the 
impressive profit margin today?"

	"We exceeded all our projections," said Nabiki while she 
quickly moved away from Ranma's magnetic presence.

	"Indeed?" Kodachi quirked a raven eyebrow. "Well," she said 
mischievously. "I think we ought to celebrate such an event. Don't you 
Ranma darling?"

	"Oh yeah," said Ranma smiling. Rising to his feet he grasped 
Kodachi's waist and pulled her to him. "I say we go clubbing. We 
haven't done that in awhile Dachi."

	"An excellent idea my dearest," said Kodachi in sensuous 
tones. Looking to Nabiki she continued, "You'll be joining us of course 
Nabiki darling."

	"Clubbing?" repeated Nabiki skeptically. "I don't know you 
two. I have a lot of homework..."

	"Pish posh," dismissed Kodachi with a wave of her hand. 
"Then do it now. I simply refuse to accept no for an answer." She 
formed a sly expression and said, "We could use this time to find you 
some handsome male suitors."

	"No thanks," Nabiki said dryly. "I'm perfectly able to find 
handsome male suitors on my own Dachi. And besides that, my love 
life is doing just fine without your help."

	As they exchanged a humorous look between them Ranma 
and Kodachi said, "Right."

---

	With quiet ease Perfume landed on the window sill and 
inspected the small opening as the window wasn't fully closed. 
Narrowing her eyes Perfume lay her tiny body down on the wooden 
surface and wriggled under the window until she was inside Tendo 
Nabiki's bedroom.

	Both her targets were here along with their business partner. 
Apparently going through their profits like the blood thirsty sharks that 
they were. Her brow furrowing in anger Perfume formed a tiny snarl 
on her tanned features as she pushed off the window sill and flew 
forward to gain a better vantage point in the room.

	Unfortunately for Perfume as she did this she caught the 
attention of an always observant Nabiki.

	"A bug!" exclaimed Nabiki as she eyed the brightly glowing 
object flying across her room.

	"A bug?" repeated Ranma. Studying the suddenly frozen 
creature he looked to Nabiki who was pale for some reason. "What's 
the matter?"

	"I hate bugs," Nabiki said with disgust.

	"Then we shall have to get rid of it," said Kodachi.

	Perfume froze in sudden unexpected fear as the giant violet 
ribbon flew towards her at a mammoth pace. Her body seared with 
pain as her miniature form collapsed to the ground. Shaking as the pain 
invaded her system and filled her thoughts completely Perfume could 
barely access Kodachi's giant lumbering frame over her when a thick 
gooey liquid fell upon her. Struggling against the goo Perfume could no 
longer move as the noxious fumes filled her lungs and it was then that 
her prone form was scooped up in a downy white covering. Barely 
keeping consciousness Perfume protested her situation with a series of 
vulgar outbursts.

	Suddenly she was falling and panic gripping her mind Perfume 
tried to struggle against the thick wrapping but she couldn't break free. 
Instead she was met with a harsh landing and her mind noted with 
some curiosity that when she did land there had been a splash. Slowly 
water dripped into the covering and began to free Perfume from her 
gooey prison but then the loud sound of thunder met her ears. Her 
eyes widened as a giant whirlpool swept her into its volatile wrath. 
Releasing a series of wild protests Perfume futilely struggled against the 
current but it was too late. She was soon carried under and as she was 
dragged away the last thing that she saw was Ranma closing the toilet 
lid.

---

	"C'mon you guys," said Akane with a slight huff in her breath 
as she jogged far ahead of the rest of her fellow basketball players. "I 
haven't seen anyone move this slow since our last game against 
Crossroads. Don't tell me that you're turning into zombies like them? 
And we don't even have youma attacks for an excuse to slack off."

	"Captain," heaved her fellow forward Sugo Yumi. "Can't we 
hit the showers already? We've been practicing for nearly three hours."

	"Yeah," chimed in Wubei Tahashi, who was often called the 
queen of the jumpshots by the press. "It's just a pre-game. There's no 
reason to get so worked up."

	At this comment Akane paused in her jog and turned around 
to face the rest of the team. Over the din of silence the low murmur of, 
"Now you've done it," could be heard.

	"Uhm..." began Tahashi nervously. "I was only saying... I 
mean... I didn't..." Meeting solemn light brown eyes Tahashi 
swallowed the lump in her throat before she fell to her knees and cried 
out, "Gomen nasai Akane-sama!"

	Sighing at this Akane knelt down next to Tahashi and said, "It's 
okay. I know how frustrating it is to practice so much but it's how we 
maintain our skills while improving them. You do understand that 
right?" Tahashi nodded rapidly at this and now smiling Akane 
murmured, "That's good." She gently helped Tahashi to her feet and 
then looked to the rest of the team. "I also know that there's no sense 
in practicing when our bodies are already run down. What do you say 
we try out the newly installed Jacuzzis at the training center?"

	"Jacuzzis?" repeated the basketball players. Meeting each 
others gazes the same thought popped into most of their minds on 
hearing this suggestion...

	It was a chance to see Akane naked.

	Oh sure they had seen her naked before but it was an 
experience one liked to have again... and again and again and again 
and then some more. The response was instantaneous and before 
Akane had a chance to reply the entire Furinkan girls basketball team 
disappeared in a cloud of dust towards their school's illustrious sports 
training center.

	Akane watched this with wide eyes and shaking her head she 
wryly commented, "And here I thought they were actually tired." With 
a sigh Akane took after them in a burst of blurring speed. "Wait for me 
you doofs!"

---

	The dizzy flight of a winged pixie covered in toxic substances 
and other things too disgusting to mention was not noticed by the busy 
citizens of Nerima as they went about their daily business. This was the 
one of two things that Perfume was feeling grateful for. More attention 
would once again get her into trouble with people who were kill happy 
when it came to 'bugs' like herself. The other thing that she was grateful 
for was the fact that there appeared to be a sports center of some sort 
across the street. Perfume could practically feel the hot water hitting 
her skin as she fluttered carefully across the street and towards the 
building.

	That was when the gang of sweaty girls wearing basketball 
uniforms ran into her. Well, it was more like one player in particular 
ran into her. A player with very nice but sadly restrained breasts. After 
the aforementioned breasts ran into her Perfume fell to the ground only 
to nearly be smashed by the rest of the players.

	Somehow managing to remain unscathed Perfume lifted her 
weary blonde head at the loud thump made by the shoe as it stepped 
right next to her. She quickly grabbed onto one of the loose laces to 
the sneaker and allowed herself to be dragged into the building.

	When the girl stopped to get undressed in the locker rooms 
Perfume rested on the ground and contemplated her situation in silent 
rage. She would get her revenge upon both the demon thieves and 
their evil accomplice. How dare they do something so humiliating to an 
Enforcer of Joketsuzoku!

	Twitching Perfume couldn't help but spew forth yet another 
series of vulgarities which, as always, sounded like melodic bells. 
Grimacing at this Perfume cursed the damned kawaii form that she was 
stuck with. It made her job nearly impossible to do at times since many 
dared to question her skill as a fighter all because she turned into a 
'cute little pixie.'

	Still seething Perfume slowly floated into the air to hang onto 
the bottom of the towel that was loosely pulled around the girl's athletic 
frame. It was a very nice frame she noticed. Too bad she didn't have 
time for sight seeing for the entire place was filled with nice frames. 
When they finally entered the bathhouse Perfume wondered about the 
strange pool that was filled with bubbles but shrugged off her worries. 
It was bubbling so that meant it was hot and right now all she wanted 
was to submerge herself into the water then leave in her human form to 
get her revenge.

	So without further ado Perfume dove into the strange bubbling 
water to emerge across from the girl who had, quite literally, brought 
her here. Her companion wore a look of shock upon seeing her and 
narrowing her eyes at this Perfume did the only thing she could do in a 
situation like this.

	She retrieved a new pair of double bladed axes and demanded 
to know her exact location.

---

	Akane blinked as the buxom girl who had appeared out of thin 
air produced a pair of axes and demanded in rather stilted Japanese, 
"Where we? Is still Nerima?"

	"Yes," began Akane slowly as she studied the girl closely. 
"You're still in Nerima. But you're inside the Furinkan High's sports 
training center to be more specific." Tilting her head to one side she 
asked curiously, "Are you lost?"

	"Not lost," the girl replied shortly while sapphire eyes studied 
the other occupants of the Jacuzzi suspiciously. "Am on mission. Lose 
way but never lost. Amazon Enforcer never get lost. Is shameful if so."

	"You're an Amazon?" asked Akane, looking intrigued.

	"Yes," said the girl with a curt nod. "Am a Chinese Amazon 
from village of Joketsuzoku. Name is Perfume."

	"Nice to meet you Perfume," said Akane with a smile. "My 
name is Tendo Akane and these," she paused to gesture to the 
surrounding girls. "Are my fellow teammates of the Lady Destroyers of 
Furinkan high."

	"Tendo Akane?" repeated Perfume as her eyes narrowed. 
"This your name?"

	"Since I was born," Akane said playfully.

	Mulling over this all was silent in the steaming room until 
Perfume abruptly rose in the Jacuzzi to her full height and revealed all 
of her rather curvaceous assets. While everyone was gaping at the 
Amazon's perfect figure in mixed awe and lust Akane was focused on 
something else. The light brown sheen that covered Perfume's body 
and the stench that rose from her skin. It occurred to her that it was 
quite ironic that a girl with a name like Perfume could smell so badly.

	"I need talk to your kin," said Perfume. "Name is Tendo 
Nabiki. You take me to her now."

	"My Oneechan?" said Akane. "Why do you want to see her?"

	"Is business," replied Perfume tightly.

	Blinking at this Akane shrugged and said, "I guess that makes 
sense. Okay, I'll take you to her." Akane then followed suit and rose 
out of the Jacuzzi to give their gaping audience even more flesh to ogle. 
Grasping the Enforcer's shoulder to stop her from walking any further 
Akane said hesitantly, "There's just two things..."

	Turning around on feeling a gentle hand grasp her shoulder 
Perfume wondered why she felt so at ease with this girl who was the 
sister of her enemy. "What?"

	"First," said Akane as she took Perfume's hand in her own. 
"We get you all cleaned up and smelling nicer."

	Perfume turned bright red as she noticed the stench rising from 
her body for the first time. "Okay," she agreed a bit embarrassed. 
"What second?"

	"The second thing is we get you some clothes," said Akane 
smiling. With a friendly tug of her hand she then pulled Perfume along 
after her.

	The pair soon disappeared from the general view of the 
Jacuzzi occupants and when they did there was a general feeling of 
disappointment tinged with envy for the latest focus of Akane's 
attention.

---

	"So," began Akane with a smile. "What sort of business do 
you have with my Oneechan?"

	"Private business," said Perfume shortly.

	Once Perfume had bathed and been given one of Akane's 
spare basketball uniforms to wear the two girls left for the Tendo dojo. 
Currently they were leisurely making their way through downtown 
Nerima and Perfume was finding it increasingly difficult to avoid 
answering Akane's questions. The girl was so damned friendly that it 
somehow made her impossibly likable.

	Apparently, thought Perfume wryly as she observed several 
people walk into each other as their eyes were locked on Akane, I'm 
not the only one to notice it.

	Akane released a sigh. "I guess you're the strong and silent 
type, huh?" Her light brown eyes twinkling Akane wore an shrewd 
expression as she said, "Sometimes that can be really attractive in a 
person. Sometimes... but not now. Right now it's rather annoying."

	Freezing in her place Perfume narrowed her sapphire gaze as 
Akane whistled and skipped on ahead of her. After a few moments 
she turned and smiled widely.

	"Aww," said Akane teasingly as she placed her hands on her 
slim hips. "Don't be like that Perfume. It was only a joke. Don't you 
have those back in China?"

	Rolling her eyes Perfume walked past the other girl and smiling 
she said, "Yes. But not bad ones like that."

	"Hey!" Akane cried indignantly as she rushed after Perfume. "I 
resemble that!"

	The gathering crowd of shoppers watched the pair depart into 
the suburban area of Nerima and the voice of Akane was heard to 
smugly say, "I finally got you talking though. That's got to count for 
something."

---

	"I don't know," said Nabiki a bit nervously as she looked at 
the large shopping bag she held. "Did I really need to buy a new outfit 
just to go out clubbing?"

	"Certainly," said Kodachi in lofty tones. She gave Nabiki a coy 
smile as she tossed her raven hair over one shoulder. "We want you 
looking your best."

	"Yeah Nabchan," Ranma chimed in with a smirk. "You need to 
bait the hook to catch the fish."

	Narrowing her hazel eyes Nabiki asked, "What fish and why 
do I need bait?"

	"Now, now," Kodachi said in soothing tones as she patted 
Nabiki's arm. "Don't get upset. We're merely trying to help with your 
romantic troubles."

	"What romantic troubles?" retorted Nabiki.

	"Don't feign ignorance," said Kodachi. She hooked her arm in 
Nabiki's and continued, "We know better."

	"You know what?" asked Nabiki with increasing annoyance. 
"What are you both up to now?"

	"It's simple," said Ranma smoothly as he shot her a charming 
smile. "We're going to help you land a man."

	There was a moment of silence before Nabiki blinked before 
she roared, "You're what?!"

---

	A few blocks away Perfume frowned as she heard a shout 
echo throughout Nerima. Standing next to her, Akane looked around 
quickly as she said, "Oneechan?"

	Giving Akane a sharp look Perfume asked, "That was battle 
cry of your sister?"

	"Yeah," said Akane slowly. "That was Nabiki all right but I 
don't know it if was a battle cry. It sounded more like a death sentence 
to me."

	"Tendo Nabiki," hissed Perfume, her sapphire eyes narrowing 
decisively. "Demon thieves. I find you all."

	In an abrupt movement Perfume grabbed Akane's hand in her 
own then took off in the direction of the shout. This time she would not 
let her targets escape.

---

	Nabiki was slowly stalking towards her business partners who 
wore innocent expressions on their faces as they met her burning gaze.

	"You seem unduly upset, Nabiki dearest," said Kodachi. "Why 
is that?"

	"Say it again," hissed Nabiki.

	"Say what?" asked Ranma with a playful smile.

	"Say what you're planning!" Nabiki shouted.

	Meeting their eyes the couple shrugged then Kodachi said, 
"We plan on helping you find a boyfriend of sorts."

	"Or a boy toy if you want," added Ranma slyly.

	Her left eye twitching Nabiki said, "That's what I thought you 
said." She took in a deep calming breath before she snarled, "What 
makes you think I need help with that?!"

	"Your lack of dates," began Kodachi.

	"The way all the guys at school hide from you," continued 
Ranma.

	"And your repressed nature," finished Kodachi.

	There was another pause as Nabiki gaped at the couple 
before she roared, "I am not repressed!!"

---

	Across the street, Akane observed as her older sister 
continued her ranting at the couple. Frowning at this she tried to figure 
out why Nabiki was so upset but soon gave up on the task. Her 
Oneechan got upset about a lot of things.

	"Oneechan! Nabiki!" called Akane loudly.

	Just as her sister turned to face her way a large truck passed in 
front of them and caused the puddle of water in the street to splash 
upwards. Akane managed to escape dry but Perfume was another 
matter.

	Buried underneath her mound of clothes the Enforcer cursed 
her bad luck and vowed that despite her current state she wasn't going 
to lose her targets again.

---

	When the truck passed Nabiki looked at Akane who stood 
across the street. Akane was glancing around wearing a confused 
expression.

	"Perfume?" Akane said, shading her eyes. "Perfume! Where 
did you go? My Oneechan is here!"

	"Uhm... Akane?" said Nabiki slowly as she walked towards 
her younger sister. "Why are you calling out for some perfume?"

	Turning to her sister Akane rolled her eyes. "Silly. I met a girl 
named Perfume. She wanted to talk to you but now she's gone... I 
swear she was here only a moment ago."

	"Uh-huh," said Nabiki skeptically. "Are you back on those iron 
supplement pills again?"

	"That's not funny!" declared Akane huffily. Whirling around she 
headed towards the dojo as she muttered, "Why doesn't anyone 
believe me? I know she was here. I saw her naked for the Kami's 
sake! Had a gorgeous body..."

	"She's definitely taking those pills again," affirmed Nabiki to 
herself. "They always made her a bit loopy." She turned back to where 
her business partners were and instead found the street deserted. 
"Cowards," she said with a scowl. With a grumble she decided to 
head back home. "Repressed nature my butt. I'm not repressed."

---

	"Man," said Ranma lowly. "She sure has a temper on her. It's 
almost scary."

	The couple had wisely taken Nabiki's distraction with Akane 
as a chance to escape from her wrath. Currently they were perched on 
a high telephone pole watching the middle Tendo sister head back 
towards the dojo.

	"Quite," said Kodachi with a nod. "I think that Nabiki dearest 
needs our help even more desperately than I thought."

	"I dunno Dachi," said Ranma. "I don't think we should make 
her angry again. It doesn't make for good business to fight with your 
partners."

	Tilting her head to one side Kodachi lazily traced her fingertips 
up Ranma's chest as she purred, "I agree but I also think that it makes 
for good business to have happy partners. And besides, it would be 
fun to watch her primal instincts set free. Don't you agree, my 
dearest?"

	Ranma gave a soft chuckle. "I definitely agree with that. But 
how're we gonna get that to happen?"

	"Just this," murmured Kodachi as she retrieved a small brown 
pouch from out of nowhere.

	Eyeing the pouch Ranma broke into a wide grin as he said, 
"Oh yeah. That's gonna set her free for sure."

	"And take away that horrible repressed nature," added 
Kodachi with a sly smile.

	Matching Kodachi's smile Ranma looked at the brown pouch 
with her as they wondered what effect the highly susceptible love dust 
would have on their dear partner.

---

	The couple was unaware of the small winged pixie that was 
flying behind them as they headed back to the Tendo dojo. They 
figured that by this time Nabiki should've calmed down and they 
wanted to expose the love dust to her. That meant having to find her 
first. Perfume on the other hand, still was upset about being splashed 
but consoled herself with the reminder that she had managed to stay 
with her targets.

	Now all she had to do was regain her human form and her 
mission would be on its way to completion. Because this time she 
wasn't going to let anything or anyone get in her way of accomplishing 
her most sacred of duties.

	Relishing in her soon to be revenge Perfume released what 
was supposed to be manic tones of laughter but instead sounded like 
charming melodic bells. Forming a grimace she sped up her flight all 
while spewing vulgarities in reference to the displeasure she felt for her 
damned kawaii form.

	She was still flying discretely behind her targets as she took in 
their dwelling with narrowed eyes. It didn't surprise her at all that the 
thieves would live in such opulence. Making a closer study of her 
surroundings Perfume's sapphire eyes widened and she mentally 
cursed her carelessness.

	Without her own volition she flew forward to near one of her 
greatest enemies in her cursed form. The light was just as bright as she 
had remembered it. In a perverse way it reminded her of the light of 
God. Closer and closer she flew to her goal until suddenly she was 
upon it and she felt herself grow warm from its light.

	Her mind shouted at her to stop her approach but her body 
would not listen. Closer yet she flew until suddenly she was upon the 
light and once again the horrifying pain entered her system. The 
electricity flowed through her tiny frame and damning this stupidly 
kawaii form Perfume floated weakly to the ground with her wings 
crushed and body badly burnt.

	Perfume blearily focused her eyes upon her enemy from on 
high and before she lost consciousness she let loose a silent curse upon 
whomever had invented the bug zapper.

---

	"Oh my," said Kasumi softly.

	She had just finished sweeping the front walk and was about 
to dump the contents of the dust pan into the garbage when something 
caught her eye. Leaning in closer Kasumi carefully inspected the form 
of a very tiny and very dirty little woman with wings. Delicately lifting 
the winged woman out of the dust pan which was now resting on the 
kitchen counter Kasumi searched her memories. Her mother used read 
her stories with creatures like this in them but what had they been 
called? So much time had passed...

	"Pixies," she recalled in wonderment. "But I didn't think that 
they really existed."

	Quietly she moved towards the sink to lightly turn on the tap 
water so only a few drops escaped. Wetting the edge of her apron 
Kasumi gently wiped at the pixie's lovely face. Miniature eyelashes 
fluttered and the golden haired pixie released a soft moan that sounded 
like melodic bells.

	"Poor pixie," said Kasumi sympathetically. "You're so dirty. 
What could have possibly have happened to you? And how did you 
end up in my dust pan?"

	Suddenly the pixie's eyes opened and gazing up at Kasumi in 
certain fright she backed away to barely rest upon the tips of her 
fingers. Golden eyebrows furrowed and she paused to shake her tiny 
fist at Kasumi.

	"Tink tink tink!" the pixie declared imperiously before she 
slammed her miniature fist onto Kasumi's finger tip.

	Kasumi stared at the pixie for a moment before she frowned 
and said, "Who are you calling a beast? And what makes you think 
that I kidnapped you?"

	"Tink! Tink tink--" the pixie stopped abruptly in her speech to 
look at Kasumi with wide eyes. "Tink?" she asked in clear amazement.

	"Of course I can understand you," said Kasumi. "But I'm not 
sure that's a good thing considering how vulgar your language seems to 
be. You know that's hardly the way a nice pixie like you should be 
speaking."

	"Tink tink tink," said the pixie sarcastically. Shakily she rose to 
her feet and continued, "Tink? Tink tink."

	"Hot water?" murmured Kasumi looking thoughtful. She 
considered the pixie a moment before she smiled and said, "All right 
but only since you asked so nicely."

	"Tink tink..." the pixie muttered under her breath while she 
gingerly stepped off of Kasumi's hand to stand on the kitchen counter.

	"I heard that," reprimanded Kasumi cheerfully. "You really 
ought to stop using so much profanity."

	Flushing the pixie said sheepishly, "Tink..."

	"You're forgiven," said Kasumi easily as she turned on the hot 
water so it let loose only a few drops. She watched as the pixie slid 
down into the sink and questioned, "May I ask how a pixie like you 
came to Japan? I didn't know that any of your kind actually existed."

	Looking up the pixie sighed and replied, "Tink. Tink tink tink."

	"Jusenkyo?" said Kasumi while the pixie walked near the 
dripping hot water. "That makes sense I suppose. After all, Ranma 
does change into a girl elf."

	"Girl elf?" a harsh voice growled.

	Shifting her eyes forward Kasumi was met with the sight of a 
very naked girl sitting in her sink. The girl had long flowing chestnut 
hair that seemed to sparkle in the sun as it ran in curly waves down her 
back. Her body was toned to perfection and looked quite like those 
models of the human form that Kasumi had looked at in her medical 
texts. There was also something in the way her muscled tensed that 
made it clear she was a person to be reckoned with. But what really 
caught Kasumi's attention were those hypnotic sapphire eyes that she 
had seen only seconds ago in the body of an adorably kawaii pixie. 
Backing away unsteadily Kasumi said, "Oh my. Is that you Pixie-san?"

	"Name is Perfume," the girl responded sharply. "Am looking 
for girl elf. Where she?"

	Before Kasumi could formulate a reply the sound of a loud 
splash and disturbing peals of laughter met their ears.

	"The laugh of demon thief," hissed Perfume. Shoving herself up 
and out of the sink the naked Amazon ran out of the kitchen while 
retrieving her double bladed axes.

	Observing this with wide brown eyes Kasumi said the only 
thing she possibly could in situation like this.

	"Oh my."

---

	A now elfin Ranma was staring up at Nabiki who stood on the 
dojo roof glaring at both Ranma and Kodachi. Spitting out the water in 
her mouth Ranma pushed some loose strands of blonde hair out of her 
eyes.

	"What'd you do that for?" asked Ranma sourly.

	Tossing her head to one side Nabiki gave her usual arrogant 
smirk as she said, "That's what you get for trying to meddle in my life. I 
can get my own boyfriend."

	"Indeed?" Kodachi murmured as she inspected her business 
partner with careful violet eyes. "Then haven't why you gotten one yet? 
You enjoy being alone?"

	Nabiki was about to reply when an enraged voice shouted out, 
"Demon thieves! I finally find you!"

	Three pairs of eyes looked in the direction the voice came 
from to study the sleek and muscular body of a naked girl holding a 
pair of axes. After a moment, Kodachi smiled in sultry observation.

	"Well now," said Kodachi. "I'm not sure what I should be 
considering. Your beauteous assets so clearly shown or the fact that 
you called my dearest a demon."

	"Demon thieves," corrected Ranma with a smirk. "She said 
thieves as in plural. That means you too Dachi. Maybe even our sweet 
and docile Nabchan."

	While Nabiki scowled at this comment Kodachi quirked a 
raven eyebrow. Turning back to the naked girl she said, "I can 
understand the thievery accusation but why on earth would you think 
me or Nabiki dearest a demon? Ranma darling I can understand. His 
elfin form is often misconstrued as such but I look quite the normal girl 
you see."

	"You are demon thieves," the girl pronounced as she pointed 
one of her double bladed axes at the couple. "Who steal treasures 
from my tribe. Name is Perfume the Enforcer of Joketsuzoku and I is 
here to kill you."

	A long moment passed as the couple considered this grim 
declaration then in a lightning quick motion Kodachi produced a 
smoke bomb which she threw to the ground. While clouds of smoke 
filled the yard Ranma grabbed her girlfriend's hand as they made their 
escape.

	Meanwhile Perfume was swiping the dark clouds from her 
view and upon seeing the yard empty she let loose a loud scream of 
frustration before tracking their departing trail.

---

	Nabiki was standing on the roof to the dojo watching the 
scene take place and was surprised when a large cloud of smoke 
emerged from where her business partners had been. She observed 
curiously as Ranma leapt away with Kodachi only to be followed 
seconds later by the irate naked girl that carried a pair of axes. After 
nearly a week of dealing with the antics of the couple Nabiki should've 
been expecting them to be headed her way.

	She should've expected it but she didn't.

	And when they bounded past with the naked girl hot on their 
heels Nabiki barely had the time to dodge their quick moving forms. 
Unfortunately for her they kicked up quite the strong wind in their 
chase and this caused the normally agile Nabiki to lose her balance 
and fall off the roof. At the last second she managed to grab onto the 
edge of the roof which left her hanging rather haplessly outside of 
Akane's bedroom window.

	Akane noticed Nabiki hanging outside of her window and then 
opened it only to peer around her form to watch the naked girl pursue 
Ranma and Kodachi into the dojo.

	"I knew it!" she said triumphantly. Looking to Nabiki she 
continued, "Did you see that girl Oneechan? Her name's Perfume and 
she was the one looking for you earlier."

	"Akane," said Nabiki through gritted teeth. "I don't have time 
for chit chat. A little help here?"

	"Help?" Akane blinked. Studying Nabiki more closely she 
looked puzzled. "Uhm... Oneechan? What are you doing hanging 
outside of my window?"

---

	Humming a melodic tune Kasumi went about preparing dinner. 
It was getting late which meant that her father and Ojisama Saotome 
would be home soon from their nightly drink at the bar.

	Pulling out the skillet she wondered about hearing Nabiki 
shouting at the top of her lungs. "She's gotten so much more vocal 
since Ranma and Kodachi have moved in with us," said Kasumi 
smiling. "I think it's been good for her."

	Kasumi had just retrieved the bottle of vinegar that Akane 
often confused with white wine when Ranma came running through the 
kitchen with Kodachi right behind her. The pair went by in such a rush 
that Kasumi felt her heart stop from the surprise of it all and in the rush 
of wind that accompanied their speedy exit the bottle of vinegar 
slipped through her fingers.

	The crash of the bottle hitting the floor had only just accessed 
in her mind when the still naked Perfume rushed onto the premises and 
promptly stepped into the puddle of vinegar. Her eyes wide Kasumi 
observed as the Amazon Enforcer lost her balance and skidded 
around the kitchen before she hastily grabbed onto the rack with the 
pots hanging on them. Kasumi tried to tell her not to but it was too late 
and one after one the pots fell with a loud crash upon Perfume until she 
was buried beneath them all. Seconds later her pair of double bladed 
axes landed to imbed themselves into the large cauldron that sat on the 
top of the pile.

	When the chaos had finally cleared and the kitchen was silent 
once again Kasumi observed the twitching fingers of Perfume, the only 
part of her that was visible, in certain dismay. Like before she could 
think of only one thing to say about her current situation.

	"Oh my."

---

	"I simply cannot believe those Amazons sent that ruffian to 
finish us off," said Kodachi with a sniff. "Surely they didn't believe 
someone of such sloppy methodology could possibly end our 
existence. What sort of assassin announces that they're here to kill 
you? It gives the target perfect warning for escape."

	Kodachi was walking alongside Ranma who was floating 
slightly off the ground next to her girlfriend. After they had escaped 
from the dojo and the wrath of Perfume the couple began to wander 
aimlessly. Presently they walking the streets of downtown Nerima 
unaware of the stares that they were attracting.

	"Anger makes a lot of people stupid," said Ranma in thoughtful 
declaration. She tilted her golden head back and looked at the night 
sky. "I think it'd be best if we stayed away from the dojo until we can 
figure out what to do about her. She's obviously been tracking us for 
awhile."

	"You're right of course," murmured Kodachi. She frowned as 
she said, "This is most inconvienent. Now we'll have to put off our fun 
with Nabiki dearest."

	Chuckling at this Ranma hooked her arm in Kodachi's while 
she said, "We can test the effect the love dust has on Nabchan 
anytime, Dachi. Right now we need to figure out what's up with axe 
girl."

	"I just wonder why she was so upset," Kodachi mused. 
"Wasn't our business with the Amazons quite scarce?"

	"Yup," Ranma affirmed. "We visited two Amazon villages 
when we were in China. The first one was pretty smooth and the 
second one..." she trailed off sourly.

	"Your idiotic father sabotaged with his greedy love for food," 
finished Kodachi. "No doubt the axe wielding beauty was from the 
second village." Violet eyes lifted to meet cobalt ones. "What was its 
name, dearest?"

	"Joke something or other," said Ranma carelessly. She 
squinted her eyes and concentrated. "Joke on you? I dunno Dachi. All 
our scams sorta melt together after awhile and it's hard to remember 
what places we've hit."

	Tipping her head in slight acknowledgment of this Kodachi 
halted in her walk in front of a very posh looking hotel. A slow 
sensuous smile spread across her features as she studied the high class 
clientele coming and leaving the hotel. It was a virtual cornucopia of 
the rich and richer. She gazed upon it and could already imagine the 
limitless amount of scores they could make in such a place. For them 
any opulent environment served as their own personal Eden that was 
just full of apples ripe for the picking.

	All they had to do was figure out a way to get in.

	"Ranma darling," said Kodachi in sultry tones. "Get ready to 
use your womanly charms. I believe that I've found sufficient dwellings 
for the night."

---

	When Perfume regained consciousness she heard the muffled 
sound of three feminine voices. It didn't take long for her to figure out 
that she was the topic of conversation and stilling herself she kept 
focused on regaining her strength as she listened to any useful 
information they might give away regarding the demon thieves.

	"I don't trust her Oneechan," said the first voice. "She was 
running around with axes for the Kami's sake!"

	"So?" the second voice started. "Some people walk around 
with bokkens. What's the difference? She's a nice girl Nabiki. You just 
have to get to know her."

	A rude snort sounded at this and the third voice said quietly, 
"Her injuries are all my fault. I was the one who did this to her and it's 
my responsibility to take care of her."

	"But Kasumi--" began the first voice that apparently belonged 
to the one called Nabiki.

	"No," said the third voice in steely tones that didn't fit the kind 
girl named Kasumi that Perfume had met. "This was all my fault 
Imotochan. I have to help her."

	There was a long moment of silence then the sound of 
someone abruptly leaving and the second voice that Perfume now 
knew belonged to Akane said, "She took that really well. I swear she's 
getting more angry each day."

	"Akane," said Kasumi in a soft reprimand. "She's just a bit 
high-strung. That's all."

	"That's one way of putting it," Akane said dryly. "I have to get 
going Oneechan. The team is supposed to attend some sort of charity 
auction and they need me there. I think they're selling a date with me 
or something."

	Perfume heard the sound of Akane's lively footsteps exit the 
room and there was another pause then she froze as she felt gentle 
fingers brush some loose strands of hair from her forehead. As they 
did so she couldn't help but open her sapphire eyes to look up into 
Kasumi's gaze.

	"Oh my," Kasumi whispered. "You're awake."

	"Yes," said Perfume shortly while in a fluid movement she 
pushed herself up into a sitting position. When she did so the sheet she 
wore fell to reveal her still naked form. "You is the one called Kasumi? 
You cause my injuries?"

	Ducking her gaze Kasumi replied quietly, "I'm sorry. It was me 
who dropped the vinegar that you slipped in."

	"Kasumi defeat me," Perfume murmured.

	 While Kasumi continued to avert her eyes from Perfume's 
naked form the Enforcer contemplated the effects that this apparent 
defeat would have on her mission. Perfume never expected to gain an 
Airen in this way. Much less gain an Airen that possessed such a 
clearly gentle nature.

	"Pixie-san?" questioned Kasumi softly, her eyes still focused 
on the floor. "Are you all right? You're so quiet..."

	Lifting her gaze Perfume favored Kasumi with a dry expression 
as she said, "Name is Perfume, not Pixie-san."

	"I'm sorry," Kasumi flushed a light rosy hue that the Amazon 
Enforcer found very attractive on her. "I didn't mean to insult you--"

	"Is okay," interrupted Perfume as she delicately pressed her 
fingers against Kasumi's soft lips. When she slowly pulled them away 
she swore she could hear the other girl release a soft sigh. Moving 
forward in a fluid motion Perfume stopped when they were only 
millimeters apart. She then tipped up Kasumi's chin and said, "I am 
Amazon and you is outsider. And we has rules about outsiders what 
defeat Amazons in battle."

	"Rules?" questioned Kasumi as she nervously licked her lips. 
She wasn't used to someone invading her personal space like this. 
Especially someone as attractive as Perfume. It was strangely 
exhilarating. "What type of rules?"

	"All outsiders what defeat Amazon woman has either one of 
two things happen to them," Perfume informed while she maintained 
her near contact with Kasumi. She was finding being this close to the 
other girl unexpectedly erotic. "They receive kiss of death or kiss of 
life. Receive kiss of death the outsider is hunt down and killed but if 
receive kiss of life..."

	With Kasumi was hanging on her every word Perfume quickly 
darted forward to meet their lips in a passionate kiss that took Kasumi 
completely by surprise. It was her first true kiss and with it Kasumi felt 
a wave of desire the likes of which she had never imagined. After a 
moment she melted into Perfume's strong but gentle hold as she began 
to return the kiss with interest. And by the time they finally parted 
Kasumi gave the tiniest of moans.

	But then, all too quickly reality set in.

	"Oh my," whispered Kasumi. She was touching her lips lightly 
as she quickly backed away from Perfume as if she had been burned. 
Swallowing the large lump in her throat she hastily got up off the floor 
and began pacing. "Oh my. Oh my..." Kasumi repeated the words as if 
they were a mantra. Finally she paused in her erratic walk to look at 
Perfume as she asked, "Why did you do that?"

	"Is kiss of life," said Perfume in confusion as she languidly rose 
to her feet. Taking a hesitant step forward she continued, "You is my 
Airen now. You defeat me in battle."

	"Oh my," said Kasumi again. She held her hands up in a 
defenseless gesture. "Okay," she began slowly. "What does Airen 
mean exactly? Please say that it means we're friends."

	At this comment Perfume had to chuckle. "That not what it 
mean Airen but we could be friends." She formed a sly expression then 
added, "Among other things." In response to this Kasumi blinked. The 
Enforcer soon relented and said, "Airen mean special person. You 
defeated me. Now we is engaged under Amazon law."

	"Engaged?" repeated Kasumi numbly.

	"Is so," said Perfume with a nod. Despite her naked status she 
somehow produced a small booklet from out of nowhere and handed 
it Kasumi. "Read for yourself."

	Taking the booklet Kasumi read aloud, "The official Amazon 
law book." Quickly flipping through the pages she finally came onto the 
section that detailed what happened when an outsider defeated an 
Amazon warrior. When she finished reading she looked up at Perfume 
and said rather haplessly, "And you gave me the kiss of life?"

	"Yes," Perfume purred as she crossed the room to stand in 
front of Kasumi. While she wound her hands around the back of the 
other girl's neck Kasumi nervously moved backwards until she hit the 
wall with a thump.

	"Oh my," Kasumi said weakly. She directed her brown eyes 
up at the ceiling and murmured faintly, "I guess that I should be 
thankful I didn't receive the kiss of death."

	"You should," replied Perfume smugly. Her breath was hot as 
she lowered her lips towards Kasumi's. "Airen."

	Kasumi quickly ducked her head away from Perfume and 
managed to slip out of her grasp. "About that," she said nervously. 
"Don't you think that we should get to know each other before we do 
anything? It just isn't proper to just hop into... well. You know what I 
mean." After she said this Perfume stared blankly at her and Kasumi 
sighed. "I take it that expression means that you don't know." She 
looked up to solemnly meet their eyes. "I can't sleep with you."

	Sapphire eyes went wide and Perfume said in the barest of 
whispers, "Airen not want me?"

	Startled at the bleak and helpless tone of Perfume's voice 
Kasumi felt her heart constrict. She hadn't wanted to hurt the 
Enforcer's feelings. That was the last thing she had wanted to do. 
Perfume was the first person to pay her any attention in a very long 
time. All she wanted was for the situation to slow down. She wasn't 
ready for a physical relationship with someone she just met. And there 
was the fact that Perfume was female. Kasumi had never considered 
being with other women before and it would take some time to adjust 
to the idea. Some time but not much, she thought with a wry smile as 
she remembered the affect Perfume's passionate kiss had on her.

	"No," said Kasumi in soft reassurance as she crossed the room 
to touch Perfume's shoulders lightly. "It isn't that at all Perfume. I'm 
just... not ready to do that sort of thing yet. I think we should get to 
know each other better first." She then ducked her head to meet 
sapphire eyes. "Is that all right?"

	Perfume felt herself drown in the kindness of soft brown eyes 
and replied, "Yes. That all right."

	"Good," Kasumi said with a sigh. She smiled happily and then 
diverted her attention to the nearby closet where she pulled out a 
terrycloth robe and handed it to Perfume. When the Enforcer put it on 
Kasumi led her back to the futon where they both sat down. "So," she 
smiled again. "Lets talk. Tell me why it is that you're here."

	Returning Kasumi's smile Perfume immediately launched into 
the long and arduous tale of the infamous demon thieves.

To be continued... 

All characters in this fanfiction are from Ranma 1/2. This fanfiction was 
inspired by the works of the great goddess Rumiko Takahashi but the 
insanity behind it is purely my own. I'd like to thank Jim Robert Bader 
and my brother Patrick for listening to my goofy ideas. Also special 
thanks to Wade Tritschler for allowing me to be a part of his Altered 
Destinies project.

Send comments to: Dreiser1@ix.netcom.com

Chat with me on ICQ! My ICQ # is: 37674780 

Thanks to Red Death all my fanfics are archived at:
http://www.lvdi.net/~reddeath/dreiser.htm

Visit other Altered Destinies at:
http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/attenborough/249/index.htm

"Fourth floor. Ladies head gaskets, children's heroin, and men's rocket 
bras. Everyone gets off."
-Hopey Glass-