A Different Viewpoint: Curses and Demons, Chapter 27

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

A Different Viewpoint: Curses and Demons

Chapter 27

Warning, the following material contains sections not suitable for children.

Sailor Venus jumped lightly into her room through the window, followed a moment later by Sailor Jupiter, only to find Luna and Artemis, in cat form, waiting for them together on Minako's bed. Sailor Venus blinked in shock at the sight, then abruptly transformed back into Minako.

"Artemis? Luna? What are you two doing here... together?" Minako's eyes were wide with hope mixed with a healthy dose of worry. Both cats smiled reassuringly at her, causing the fear to fade and joy to surge wildly in her chest. Suddenly she was too choked up to speak, so Sailor Jupiter broke the silence.

"Well, whatever the reason, I'm glad to see you two." The tall Senshi said urgently. "Ami has been taken to the zoo. She got changed into her panther form in the rain, and some men from the zoo shot her with a tranquilizer dart and took her away." Both cats looked up in shock at the news, standing up on all fours.

"What?!?" Luna exclaimed. "How long ago?"

Artemis was frowning fiercely. "We'll have to break her out...."

Sailor Jupiter held up a hand for silence. "We've just been to the zoo ourselves, pretending to be reporters. The veterinarian there says that Ami hurt her neck somehow, and she's still unconscious from the sedative."

Minako chimed in helpfully. "He didn't seem to think it was too serious, but he said that they couldn't be sure that she hasn't hurt her spine until she wakes up. I thought that we should probably wait to rescue her until we know she can be moved safely."

Artemis frowned but nodded in agreement. "That's probably a good idea. We could bring Hotaru to heal her if she's hurt badly, but we shouldn't risk taking too many people if there's a chance of getting caught. What's the security like?"

Minako wrinkled her nose. "One camera on Ami, which is the biggest problem. I was thinking we take out the camera, teleport, grab Ami, and teleport out again."

Luna nodded. "It sounds feasible. Can you describe her location precisely?"

"Better than that." Jupiter said putting the video camera down on the bed. "We have it all on tape. Why don't we watch the tape and you can see for yourself."

Artemis nodded. "Good idea. We can use the VCR downstairs. Mina's parents aren't due back for another hour or so.

"OK." Jupiter nodded back. "You three go on down. I'll change and join you in a minute."

Minako picked up the video camera and went to open the door. "Alright, I'll set things up." As they went down the stairs, Minako was staring at Artemis and Luna expectantly. "Are you... did you two come here together because...?" She started again. "Are you two... together now?"

Artemis nodded. "Yes... as long as you agree to join us. We've decided that we'd like it to be the three of us, together... if you approve."

"Minako blinked, then beamed at them. "Do I! Absolutely! I love you both so much. It'll be wonderful, I know it!" She looked at Luna in confusion. "Luna... I thought you didn't... you know... like girls that way. What changed your mind?"

Luna shrugged helplessly. "That hasn't changed. I love both of you, but my... sexual orientation hasn't changed. I just... I want both of you to be happy... and that seems to require that I am happy too." She shrugged again. "So we'll have to give it a try and see how things work out."

Minako nodded firmly. "Everything will work out, because we care about each other. You'll see, we'll make it work."

Luna sighed. "I hope so."

Minako turned to Artemis curiously. "So... did Luna help you remember... you know... how to change into a guy?"

Artemis nodded with a smile. "She did!"

Minako beamed. "Show me! I've got to see what you look like as a guy!"

Artemis hesitated. "Let me see if I can do it again... it takes a lot of energy...." The little white cat concentrated hard and nothing happened for several long moments, then abruptly he grew into a tall bishoten young man with long white hair, wearing a tee-shirt and pants apparently borrowed from Mamoru Chiba. "Whew." Artemis wiped his brow tiredly. "I think twice a day is my limit."

"You're doing great." Luna told him proudly. "I could only manage it once when I first tried it."

Makoto suddenly realized that she was staring, her jaw slightly agape, at the incredibly cute guy that had just appeared in front of her and did her best to calm down., shutting her mouth and doing her best to look like she wasn't staring. "Wow!" She enthused. "That's really cool, Artemis."

Minako was doing her level best not to drool. "Oh... my...." She leered at him after gathering her wits. "Looking good, lover!" Minako winced at the slip. "Er... Artemis."

Luna smiled indulgently. "That's OK, Mina. I don't mind you two being affectionate. If this is going to work we have to be open and honest with each other."

Makoto blinked, glancing from Luna to Artemis to Minako. "If what is going to work? Is something going on between you three?" Luna, Artemis and Minako exchanged looks, and a quick agreement was reached.

Luna spoke up for the group. "Artemis, Minako and I have decided to pursue a relationship... between all three of us. I suppose it must seem strange too you...."

Makoto shook her head, beaming. "Oh no. I think it's wonderful. I think everyone else will feel the same. We were all worried that... well that everything wouldn't turn out with you three... so I'm really glad to see that it has." She looked around the group again. "So... if you don't mind me asking... how did this all come about?"

"It just makes sense." Minako answered. "I mean, we all love each other... and care for each other a lot. It doesn't make sense for one of us to be unhappy if we can prevent it."

Makoto nodded. "I understand. Not many people are so open minded that they could deal with something like this, but I think you three will do fine."

Luna blew out a breath. "I certainly hope so."

"Anyway..." Makoto began, changing the subject. "Let's check out that tape, see what we can figure out." Makoto's tape, while giving Artemis and Luna a much clearer picture of Ami's current situation, failed to uncover any new ideas, so it was decided that Luna and Artemis would check out the Zoo further when it opened the next morning, while Minako and Makoto would cover as best they could for Ami at school, then organize a rescue mission for that night. Their plans made, Makoto left for her own home, leaving Artemis, Luna and Minako alone.

There was an uncomfortable silence as they all absorbed the fact that they were, in fact, alone together. "So..." Luna broke the silence first. "What do you and Artemis usually do around this time?" Minako blinked. "Sunday afternoon? Usually we relax... get out of the house... go on a date... or sometimes we just stay in and... um...."

"Make love?" Luna gently suggested.

"Er... yes." Minako meekly answered. "Although sometimes we watch TV or play video games instead...."

"It's nothing to hide." Luna assured Minako. "Honesty and openness, remember?" She jumped up into Minako's lap. "What would you like to do tonight? Honestly?"

Minako petted Luna automatically. "Well... it's a bit late to go on a date... at least for the night before the first day of school." She giggled. "Well I guess it's not TOO late yet... but I'd rather stay in tonight, honestly."

Luna nodded. "And?"

Minako blushed. "Er... wouldn't you two like too... um... well... you know... I mean, I've had Artemis to myself for the last few months, so it's only fair that you two spend some time together."

Luna and Artemis exchanged a thoughtful glance, then turned back to Minako. "Well...." Luna replied. "I don't think we should worry about the past. Let's just start from scratch, tonight."

Minako swallowed hard. "Well, in that case... I think that all three of us would fit in my bed... we could take turns?"

Luna swallowed as well, then nodded. "That sounds... good. What do you think, Artemis?"

Artemis was looking a bit stunned, but quickly recovered. "I'll do my best, ladies, to accept your challenge." He replied confidently.

Luna and Minako both giggled at that, then glanced at each other with identical smiles, prompting another giggle. "Poor baby." Minako said with a laugh. "How terrible this must be for you."

"Forced into bed with two beautiful woman against your will!" Luna added with a snicker. "How I suffer for you." Both girls, (one currently a cat) broke out into laughter.

Artemis couldn't help but chuckle. "Somehow I think we'll work things out."

Minako stood up, picking up Luna carefully. "Come on, let's go to bed." Artemis rose and followed her up the stairs and they went into her bedroom together, closing the door behind them. Minako set Luna down on the floor and sat down on the bed. "Aren't you going ot transform, Luna?"

Luna coughed. "Actually I already have done so twice today. I don't think I could manage a third yet."

Minako blinked. "Oh. Want some cold water?"

Luna nodded, looking a bit embarrassed. "That would be a good idea."

Minako got up and walked around her bed to her night stand, where she kept a small pitcher of water and a glass. "I keep this in my room for Artemis... although I should probably have some hot water too. I just haven't figured out how yet." She filled the glass and brought it back, carefully pouring about half over Luna's head. Luna transformed immediately into a short naked girl, who broke out into a full body blush after just a few moments of having Artemis and Minako stare at her. Minako slipped back to the bed, setting the half full glass of water down on the headboard and started to pull her shirt off over her head. Tossing the garment to one side, she winked at Luna as she tugged at her bra. "Wouldn't do for one of us to be overdressed for this."

Luna climbed up onto the bed and sat down, looking exceedingly nervous. "Um... so how are we going to do this?"

Minako finished stripping and flounced down on the bed next to Luna, unashamedly naked. "How about we all get into bed. Artemis can be in the middle... and we see what happens?"

Luna swallowed and nodded. "Alright."

Minako rolled off the bed and pulled back the covers. "Go on, get in, Luna." She turned to Artemis with a raised eyebrow. "And what are you just standing there like a lump for? Hurry up and get undressed!" She stepped up to him, reaching for his shirt. "If you want, I'll help...."

Artemis fended her off. "Ah... that's OK... I can undress myself."

Minako pouted. "That's not as much fun...." She stepped into the taller man and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. Sticking her leg between his, Minako twisted, knocking him off his feet and swinging him around to slam Artemis into bed next to Luna, who had just finished slipping under the covers. "Grab him, Luna!" Minako yelled cheerfully. "You get the top half, I'll get the bottom!"

Luna blinked twice before shrugging and grabbing Artemis around the torso, pulling his head and shoulders over on top of her. "Why not?" She answered. "Although next time I get the bottom half." Luna began tugging at Artemis's shirt while Minako grabbed his legs, energetically pulling off his shoes and socks. Artemis relaxed and let them strip him, a far from unpleasant experience.

When Luna had finished pulling his shirt off over his head and tossing it aside, he found his head pulled slowly around for a kiss. Artemis felt Minako undo his belt and he turned over on his stomach to better kiss Luna back as the blond behind him struggled gamely to remove his pants. Artemis grabbed onto Luna's shoulders with both hands as they deepened the kiss, then wrapped her in his arms. Minako finally got his pants and underwear off, and Artemis pulled himself fully into bed, draping himself over Luna more completely as their embrace became more passionate. Minako got into bed behind him and shut off the night table light, plunging the room into darkness.

As Artemis and Luna got down to some serious foreplay, Minako cuddled up against them and pulled the covers up over the three of them. The blond Senshi of love lay on her side next to Luna and helped push Artemis up completely on top of the smaller girl.

"You first, Luna." Minako insisted quietly, stroking her hair gently as she lay beside the lovers. "I'll get my turn later." Artemis nodded, not speaking, and positioned himself above Luna expectantly.

Luna swallowed, then nodded. "I'm ready, Artemis. Come... come into me." Artemis responded to her command at once, lowering himself fully upon her slowly but inextolerably, until he was fully inside her. Minako swallowed in mixed anticipation and trepidation as Luna gasped at the intrusion, then sighed together with the smaller girl as Artemis slowly pulled out again. Artemis pushed forward and Luna moaned, sending shivers down Minako's spine. She continued lightly stroking Luna's hair with one hand, and put the other on the small of Artemis's back, feeling him going up and down, the muscles in his lower back flexing as he began slowly increasing his pace.

As Artemis began pounding into Luna, Minako's doubts began to grow even as she looked forward to having a man make love to her for the first time. Minako had never been in bed with a naked man before, and while she was finding the whole experience highly erotic, it was more than a little frightening as well.

<Am I ready for this? I wonder if it hurts? Luna seems OK... at least she doesn't sound like she's in pain... I think... but isn't it supposed to hurt the first time?> A sudden thought came to Minako. <What if I get pregnant? I don't have any condoms... am I... fertile tonight? I can't remember.> She shivered. <What am I going to do with a baby? I'm only sixteen years old. What should I do?> The sometimes Senshi of the planet Venus blinked. <Oh yeah, I know, I'll just turn Artemis into a girl when it's my turn. He shouldn't mind too much. Guys are supposed to have trouble... doing it more than once at a time, aren't they?>

Feeling better about things, Minako began to encourage Artemis on to greater efforts with her hands and voice. "Wow, Artemis, you're doing great... do it harder! Is it good, Luna? Does it feel good?" Luna murmured something that sounded affirmative through her panting, reaching out to brush Mina's hair gently as Artemis continued to pound into her. Minako started to finger herself, taking her hand away from Artemis's back to do so but continuing to stroke Luna's hair and face gently. As both Luna and Artemis neared climax, however, she withdrew her other hand as well, cupping her breasts as she masturbated next to the two lovers.

It took longer than she had expected, and Minako was nearing climax herself when Luna finally came, calling out Artemis's name loudly in a moan of ecstasy. Artemis came a few moments later, having been restraining himself with an effort up to that point. The lovers sighed in mutual relief and Artemis slowly rolled off Luna into the empty spot on the opposite side of her from Minako, annoying the blond Senshi slightly. She could hear him fumbling on that side of the bed and understood his choice of direction as he brought back a handful of tissues to carefully wipe down Luna and the part of the bed they had soaked with their lovemaking.

Luna just lay there, staring at the ceiling in wonder as Artemis gently wiped her dry. "Oh wow...." She said softly. "I had forgotten... how wonderful...."

Minako had stopped masturbating when Artemis had rolled off Luna, and ran the back of her hand along Luna's cheek gently. "You'd forgotten?" She asked curiously, her voice light and undemanding. "Yes." Luna answered quietly. "I haven't... done this since the time of the Silver Millennium. I had forgotten, until today how wonderful it was."

"Oh...." Minako took that in. "Was it Artemis? Back in the Silver Millennium, I mean."

Luna hesitated, then realized that there had been no suspicion or anger in the question, only friendly curiosity. "Yes. We were lovers... for a time, right before the end. We both forgot all that... until today." Luna turned on her side and faced Minako in the darkness. "I owe you... everything for bringing us back together, Mina." She put a finger to Minako's lips to quiet the blond Senshi's attempt to protest. "And I know you would ask nothing in return, which makes me love you all the more."

Luna hesitated again, not able to see Minako's reaction in the dark, until she felt something wet roll onto the tip of her finger where she had placed it against Minako's lips. "What I mean to say is...." Luna hurried on. "Is that I would be the happiest being in the world if you would stay with us... with me... forever and until the end of our days. Now more than ever I feel that this is right." Another drop of moisture touched Luna's finger, and she gently wiped Minako's face. "Tears. Mina?"

Minako took Luna's hand in hers and kissed it. "Tears of joy, Luna. I'm crying because I'm happy."

On the other side of the bed, Artemis yawned silently, resisting the sudden urge to go to sleep, and reached across to caress Minako's face as well. "I'm happy that you two are happy." He told them cheerfully. "And I'm pretty happy for myself as well!" He said with a bit of laughter in his voice. "I believe I'm ready for another go... you up for this, Mina?"

Minako nodded and lay on her back, although it was difficult for them to make out the nod in the darkness. "Come on over, Artemis. I've got something over here for you. <Heh. I'd love to see the look on his face when he finds out what I'm planning.>

Artemis climbed carefully over Luna, receiving and giving a loving caress as he passed, and positioned himself over Minako. "Ready?" He asked again.

"Mmm hmm." Minako answered sweetly, pretending to stretch while really reaching for the glass of water on the headboard of the bed. She felt around for it quickly as Artemis began to lower himself toward her waiting opening. <Where did that darn glass go? I've got to hurry....> In her haste, Minako felt the side of her hand bump the glass off the headboard. She tried to grab it before it fell but only succeeded in turning it on its side and spilling it's contents on her face.

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

Minako found herself standing naked in the bathtub and nearly slipped, catching hold of the shower rod a moment before falling and nearly pulling it loose. Quickly looking to her left she spotted her mother staring at her in disbelief, holding a white robe in one hand as she stood in the bathroom doorway.

"Mother!" Minako exclaimed in fright. "I can explain!"

Mrs. Aino raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh? This ought to be good."

Minako winced, then reached for a towel, wrapping it around herself. "Well... you see it's all because of this Chinese curse... there's these springs in China that change anyone who falls in them into whoever or whatever drowned there before them... so I turn into this girl named Akane whenever I get splashed with cold water... and I turn back into me whenever I'm splashed with hot water...."

Mrs. Aino blinked, then blinked again. "Ookaay...." She said slowly. "So this "Akane" threw your bathrobe over my head and jumped into the tub, spilling water all over the floor, not to mention letting Artemis get away?"

Minako blinked, then blinked again. "Er... you mean you didn't see her?"

Minako's mother sighed the sigh of the much put upon. "No dear, I'm afraid I didn't see your "Akane". What does she look like, by the way?"

The sarcasm in her mother's voice was acutely noticeable, and Minako winced, her mind racing. "Ha... ha ha. Got you mother... April Fools!"

Mrs. Aino sighed again. "It's July, Dear." She shook her head. "Chinese curse... Minako, where have you been? Your room is messy, Artemis needs a bath and your bed isn't even made...." She shook her head in resignation. "Never mind. It's the last day before school, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised." Minako's mother wagged her finger at her daughter. "But make sure everything is straightened up tomorrow, alright? And give your cat a bath... he smells like fish or something." Mrs. Aino closed the door to the bathroom and Minako sighed in relief.

A moment later the blond girl smacked herself in the forehead. "Dummy! Next time find out what actually happened before blabbing everything!" Minako rolled her eyes. "Well at least mom didn't believe me." She drained the tub and cleaned up the water on the floor before heading back to her room. Minako slipped through her bedroom door with some trepidation and was surprised to find it empty. "Artemis, Luna?" She called quietly. "Are you in here?"

Artemis peeked out from under the bed, and Luna opened the closet door to look out as well. "We're here, Minako." Artemis answered unnecessarily. "What happened? Did your mother find out...?"

Minako shook her head quickly. "No, apparently Akane threw my bathrobe over her head and got to the tub before she could see anything. Mom just thinks I'm being crazy because it's the last day before school. What did I miss? The last think I remember we were... you were, well... you know. I remember knocking over the water glass on the headboard...."

Artemis sighed. "I figured out it was Akane when she went all quiet on me... I think she was pretty shocked to find herself where she did, but she recovered OK. Your parents came home before I could go for hot water, though, and they saw me opening the door and came up here to check on you."

Luna continued the story from where Artemis had left it. "Artemis went into his cat form in a flash, and Akane grabbed me and jumped out the window just before your mother came in to check on you."

Minako blinked incredulously. "She just... grabbed you and jumped out the window?"

Luna nodded. "It was incredible! It was just... whoosh!... and we're hitting the grass outside. Then we heard your mother decide to give Artemis a bath, and Akane jumped back in here with me on her back, then went to rescue Artemis."

Artemis nodded. "I thought the jig was up for sure. Your mother had me trapped in the bathroom, and was about to rinse me off when the door opened. I barely managed to get away before she grabbed me again."

"At least our secret is still safe." Minako said with a sigh.

"What now?" Luna asked quietly.

"Well, Minako started thoughtfully. "Now that mother knows I'm here, we just have to be quiet."

Luna blinked incredulously. "You mean you want to go back to... what we were doing... after all that?"

Minako looked confused. "Don't you want to?"

Luna hesitated. "Well... I didn't mean it like that, exactly... but Artemis isn't exactly in the right form anymore, and your parents are home, and...."

Minako waved off Luna's concerns calmly. "I have enough cold water to change Artemis at least once more, and mom and dad never barge in on me if they know I'm home, so don't worry about it."

Luna glanced wide eyed to Artemis, who shrugged in confirmation. "If we're not too loud, they never check in here." The white cat affirmed.

"Besides..." Minako continued, pulling off her robe. "I'm still horny as heck!"

Luna's eyes went wide and she backed away slowly. "Er... you two do realize that I'm still straight, don't you?"

Minako looked disappointed. "Oh... and Artemis can't turn back into a guy again, huh?"

Luna waved a hand dismisively. "That's alright... you two have fun. I've had my turn tonight anyway."

Minako smiled and nodded. "If you say so, Luna, but if you change your mind, just jump on in!" The blond girl reached down to pick up Artemis and carried the moon cat over toward the bed and the pitcher of water. Luna sighed and resigned herself to a long sleepless night, suddenly wishing she had some hot water, whether for herself, or Artemis, or both, she wasn't quite sure.

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

Ami woke slowly to considerable discomfort. She had a headache, her neck hurt, and she was apparently laying on a cold concrete floor. Before she even opened her eyes Ami realized that she was still a panther, which didn't really surprise her. Opening her eyes, Ami realized that she was in a large cage, which also, unfortunately, was no real surprise.

<Is this the Zoo?> Ami wondered dully, still blurry with sleep. <Or am I somewhere else?> There were concrete walls on three sides of her cage, and it was barred on the fourth side, so Ami pushed herself up and walked slowly, if a bit shakily, over to the bars to look out. Outside the bars was a long hall, and she could see daylight peeking through the windows that lined it, daylight and trees. To her right the hall reached a dead end, but to the left it opened up into a lobby of some kind, and she could hear a great deal of activity going on in that direction. Ami could just see people wearing tan uniforms, collared shirts and work shorts mostly, moving about.

Noticing her, a woman came over to Ami's cage, and Ami was able to see a patch labeling her as a member of the Zoo staff on her left breast. "Well hello there." The woman said softly. "Look who's finally up and about. How are you feeling, girl?"

Ami sat back on her hind legs and frowned thoughtfully to herself, wondering what her strategy should be. <I am at the Zoo then. I suppose this is the veterinarian's office? How am I going to get out of here?>

The woman smiled at Ami and held up a hand, then slowly moved it back and forth. "Is your neck feeling alright? Can you move it for me?" She asked entreatingly. Ami caught herself following the woman's hand with her eyes automatically, and stopped herself, feeling a bit chagrined. The woman, however, was satisfied with what she had seen and nodded. "Good girl. Looks like you are feeling better, huh?" The woman smiled at Ami again and walked away down the hall. "Doctor, Doctor! Your patient has woken up and it looks like she's mostly recovered."

A distinguished looking older man with a well trimmed mustache walked over to join his colleague at Ami's cage, peering at the black panther within with clinical detachment. Ami met his gaze as well, studying the man as he studied her, then sighed and looked away, getting up again and walking around her cage slowly as she examined her surroundings in great detail. Ami noted a large sturdy looking bowl with water in it, reminding her suddenly of how thirsty she was. She leaned her head down to the water bowl automatically, then frowned, realizing that she didn't really know how to drink like a cat.

<Cat's lap up water with their tongues, don't they?> Ami remembered, and tried it. It was a messy way to drink, but she slowly got the hang of it, although not without getting her face fur soaked, and twice sneezing when she got water up her nose. All the while the veterinarians watched her, and Ami tried to ignore them. Assuaging her thirst took longer than she liked, and Ami wished several times that she could just pick the bowl up... but of course even if she could that would mean letting the people watching her know that she wasn't an ordinary panther.

<But would that be so bad?> Ami wondered. <How else am I going to get out of here, unless one of the others finds me....> She sighed and walked over to one corner of the room and laid down. <No. It would be foolish to reveal my curse unless there is no other way. I should use that only as a final option.>

The older veterinarian nodded in satisfaction. "Yes, she does appear to have recovered. No sign of pain or dizziness, and she appears remarkably calm to be in a cage. I'm starting to think that this animal is someone's idea of an exotic pet, don't you agree?"

The woman who had first noticed Ami waking up nodded. "I do. Her coat is obviously well groomed, her claws were all evenly cut, and her teeth are in excellent condition. That, and her demeanor now all points to her being privately owned. She's obviously used to captivity. Do you think the owner will turn up?"

The older vet shook his head. "Highly unlikely. I greatly doubt that this animal was brought into Tokyo legally, and with the missing girl... well, the owner is probably never going to want to be connected with this, what with all the criminal charges they are likely to face."

The woman nodded. "I see your point."

The older veterinarian sighed. "I hope they do catch whoever did this, but I doubt they will. Anyway, I think we'll leave her in there for observation for at least another day."

"Yes Doctor."

The Zoo's head veterinarian nodded at his assistant. "Make sure she eats something. I need to go on my rounds."

The assistant nodded. "Yes, Doctor."

Ami walked away, her brow knotting in frustration. <Another day in this cage? If I only had something to read!> She blinked in shock as she remembered another crucial fact. <Today's the first day of school! I'm missing the first day at school!!! What is mother going to think?> Ami sighed to herself. <Mother, after everything else that's happened, mother is going to be really worried with me missing. I've got to get out of here as soon as possible.> She frowned. <But aside from revealing my curse... which could be difficult in any case, how can I escape?>

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

At the Tendo home, it was half past ten, and Kasumi and Misty were bored. With Nodoka pitching in with the housework, even with the extra guests they had they had finished their normal daily routine much earlier than usual. The house was spotless, the laundry was done, and lunch was hours away. Genma and Sound were playing shogi, and Nodoka was sitting nearby the two men, occasionally running them tea or snacks, and looking quite content, but Misty and Kasumi had suddenly found themselves with nothing to do.

Before long the two girls found themselves in front of the TV, watching a cooking show with mild interest. It was a recipe they already knew, but it was always interesting to see what variations people came up with to add a bit of personal style. The cooking show changed to the eleven o'clock news, and of silent but mutual consent they left it on. Kasumi didn't tend to watch the news very often, but recent events had changed that, and they watched the program intently.

"Is there anything interesting on the news today?" Nodoka asked politely.

"Nothing yet, Auntie." Kasumi replied, beating Misty to it by a fraction of a second. "I was hoping that there might be some news of Master Happosai, or perhaps...."

"Oh my!" Misty exclaimed, interrupting her twin. "Kasumi, watch!" Kasumi and Nodoka both turned to the TV set, where a taped press conference from the City Zoo was being shown. After the interview was over, and the reporter summarized the event, speculating on the fate of the missing girl and not so subtly hinting a rather grisly demise. Kasumi and Misty shot each other identical worried looks.

"Do you think they know yet?" Misty asked her sister.

"I don't know." Kasumi replied. "We should probably call, just in case, don't you think?"

Misty nodded. "I think we should let Johnathon and the others know as well."

Kasumi frowned slightly. "But they're all in school right now... except perhaps...." She blinked and glanced at Nodoka, who was listening in confusion and stopped talking, not sure exactly how to explain.

Nodoka herself was trying to figure out what Kasumi and Misty were talking about without appearing rude by interrupting, and took Kasumi's pause as an opportunity to speak. "Excuse me, but I'm not sure I understand. What significance did that news broadcast have...." She blinked. "Is it something to do with the Senshi?" Nodoka hesitated. "I withdraw the question. If this has something to do with the Senshi I am probably better off not knowing."

The Kasumis exchanged another glance, then Misty put a hand gently over Nodoka's "It's alright, Auntie." The cat girl told her reassuringly. "If you understand the need for secrecy, that's enough." She paused before speaking again. "One of the Senshi fell into the spring of drowned panther, Auntie. I'm afraid that this report must have been about her."

Nodoka nodded slowly, trying to recall the details of the story. "I see... then the Zoo has her now?" She sighed. "What a terrible place Jusenkyo is. Ever since I learned of my husband's curse I've feared that something similar might happen to him... although I know it's silly to worry. Genma is far to skillful to ever be caught." She winked at Kasumi and Misty and lowered her voice. "Although from time to time I hoped someone would throw him into a Zoo pen. The man can be exasperating at times....." Kasumi and Misty both giggled and nodded in agreement.

Nodoka sobered. "We must see to rescuing the girl at once, of course. The Tendo and Saotome families owe the Senshi that much at least for the aid they have rendered us. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Misty and Kasumi exchanged yet another glance, then both girls shook their heads. "I don't think so, Auntie." Kasumi answered for the both of them. "Although this sort of thing isn't our strong suit. I'm sure Johnathon would know what to do."

Nodoka frowned slightly. "But Johnathon-san will not be returning here until after school. Might we not act in the meantime?"

Kasumi hesitated. "Well... perhaps we could go to the zoo... and see if... if Mercury-san is alright."

Nodoka nodded firmly. "An excellent suggestion. Perhaps once we arrive, an opportunity to assist will present itself." She turned away from the table to glance Genma, who was still busy cheating at shogi with Soun. "And it might be possible that my husband may be of some use in this situation."

End Chapter 27

You can find almost all the previous Chapters to this at: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/1449/fanfics.html

Oh.... and for those who'd like Akane's point of view...

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Akane Tendo found herself in the dark, in a bed, naked, and with a man straddling her, pressing her down with his weight. <What in the world?!?> She barely managed to resist her first impulse to throw the man into the nearest wall and instead took stock of her situation. <I'm in bed with a man...?> She tentatively placed one hand against the man's chest, and did her best not to gasp as he slowly pushed his way into her. <Oh god! Definitely a man!>

Akane again resisted an incredibly strong urge to hurl the man straddling her as far away from her as she could fling him. <Is it... Ranma?> She wondered desperately, but realized that the smooth chest under her hand could not possibly belong to the powerful martial artist. <I'm in Minako's room... I think.> Akane glanced around a bit as the man started slowly pulling out in order to thrust in further. <Who is this? And... who's next to me?>

Akane blinked in astonishment as a smallish woman, laying to her right, ran her fingers though her hair caressingly. <I'm in bed with a man and a woman!> She realized. <Is that Artemis? Who's... on... top... of... me?> Akane closed her eyes and contained her groan as the man pushed back into her again, coming up against a barrier inside of her and stretching it slightly before retreating again.

"Mina?" The man spoke up solicitously. "This will hurt... do you want to continue?"

Akane froze. <He doesn't know I've changed! Of course he doesn't know. My face is wet, but he's not holding a glass... I must have gotten changed accidentally.> She frowned. <It had better have been an accident.>

The man had stopped moving, his voice sounding slightly concerned. "Mina? We can stop if you want, there's no rush."

Akane cleared her throat and grunted quietly, not willing to speak. <No, Mina wouldn't do that to me on purpose... and if she did... well, it's her right, isn't it? I am hers. Isn't that what I said to Saotome-san? Didn't I mean it? If I have too... I can do this for her, can't I? I can handle the pain... but... but....> Akane hesitated. <He doesn't know it's not Mina... shouldn't I tell him?>

Artemis frowned in growing concern as the girl beneath him remained silent. "Mina?" He asked quietly. "Are you alright?" He reached down to touch her face gently and felt the dampness on her forehead. "Water?" Artemis froze. "Oh no... Akane... is that you?"

"yes." Akane answered in her smallest voice, wanting nothing better than to crawl into a small hole and die. Luna gasped in shock and horror, and Artemis rolled off of Akane in one swift motion and snapped on the bedside light. Akane swiftly grabbed the covers and pulled them up over her chest, her face flaming in the sudden brightness.

"Akane!" Artemis exclaimed in shock. "When did...? When did...?"

Akane swallowed. "Um... I came in... in the middle, I guess... just a little while ago." She glanced from face to face, recognizing Luna finally, although the smaller girl's hair was badly mussed. "H-hello, Luna." She turned to the white haired man. "Er... who are you?"

The bishoten man blinked. "Huh?" He glanced down at himself and blushed. "Oh right, you've never seen me in this form before." He bowed in apology. "I'm really sorry about this, Akane. I'm Artemis... this is my male form."

Akane blinked, taking that in for several seconds before understanding opened her eyes wide. "Oh! Artemis! Luna must have reminded you how to do that, I guess?"

Artemis nodded, looking decidedly embarrassed. "Just a little while ago, actually." He frowned slightly, confused. "What I don't understand, Akane, is why you didn't say anything? I almost... well, you know."

A small shudder ran through Akane and she nodded. "I know... believe me, I know. I was just so... confused... not to mention a bit scared. I was trying to think of what to do when you when you figured out it was me." She sighed. "Thank you for stopping. I'm not sure I'm ready to... to lose my virginity quite yet."

Artemis sat up and shook his head. "I'd never force myself on anyone, Akane."

Akane nodded. "I believe you, but thanks anyway."

"You're welcome." Artemis shrugged, then looked around. "Now where...?" He spotted the tipped over glass and sighed. "There it is, a glass on top of the head board. Mina must have knocked it over when she was stretching." He shook his head. "From now on, no more water near the bed."

Akane glanced around slowly, although she remained laying down. "Is there any hot water nearby by any chance? I can guess you would like to get back to... what you were doing."

Artemis blushed and started looking around for his pants. "I'm really sorry about this, Akane. Sit tight, I'll go get some...." He finally spotted his pants and leaned out of bed, stretching his arm out to grab them. Just then there was the faint noise of a door closing from downstairs, and the sound of voices. Artemis snagged his pants and slipped his legs out of bed to quickly pull them on. "That's Minako's parents!" He whispered loudly. "Everyone stay quiet!" He finished pulling on his pants and got out of bed, slipping over to the door silently while zipping them up. "Let me just see if I can sneak out to the bathroom...." He quietly opened the door a crack and peeked out, then quickly shut it. "Ach! I think they saw me!"

A female voice came from just outside the door. "Mina? Is that you?" Mrs. Aino waited a moment, then opened the door. "Minako-chan, are you here?" She went still as her eyes came across the contents of the room. "Minako... what in the world?" She walked into the room, shaking her head. "What a mess. What are you thinking, daughter?" Mrs. Aino reached down and picked up a discarded tee shirt, shaking her head woefully. "Clothes everywhere, and her bed isn't even made."

A white cat sauntered over and rubbed against her ankles, and Mrs. Aino smiled and picked him up. "Why hello, Artemis! Has Minako forgotten to feed you as well?" She brought the white cat up to her face and snuggled him. "Poor Artemis-chan, all neglected and alone in a messy room." Mrs. Aino recoiled from the white cat suddenly, blinking. "Whew! She hasn't bathed you in a while either I see! Have you been eating fish, Artemis-chan?" She got a good grip on the white cat as he tensed to leap away. "Ha! I don't know how you can always tell when I want to give you a bath, but you're not getting away this time!"

Mrs. Aino walked triumphantly out of the room, holding the squirming cat firmly. "Outside Minako's bedroom window, Akane set Luna on her feet from having been cradling the smaller girl in her arms ever since scooping her up and leaping out the window with her, only moments before Minako's mother had opened the door.

"That was... extremely impressive, Akane-san." Luna told the other girl quietly.

"Maybe." Akane ventured back. "But now what?" She gestured at their unclothed state weakly. "We can't go anywhere like this!"

Luna grimaced. "We have to rescue Artemis too... and quickly before Mrs. Aino tries to wash him!"

Akane tried to control her full body blush and failed. "I guess it's up to me, huh?"

Luna winced. "I know it's not fair to ask...."

Akane shook her head. "You can apologize for all this later. Climb on my back." She set Luna on the ground and squatted down, turning her back to the cat turned girl.

Luna blinked. "But...."

"Just get on." Akane growled. "I am not leaving you outside like this." Luna decided not to argue and climbed onto Akane's back. The youngest Tendo stood, braced herself and leapt through the window neatly, Luna riding her piggyback. Quietly dropping the smaller girl off, Akane rushed to the closet and rifled through it, pulling out the first robe she found and throwing it on in a rush. She slipped out of Minako's room as quickly and quietly as possible, which to Luna was impressively silent, at least for someone who wasn't a cat. Making her way silently toward the sound of running water, Akane stopped just outside the bathroom door, which was apparently closed so that Artemis couldn't escape.

"There we go, Artemis-chan." Minako's mother was saying. "Your bath is nice and warm, let's just give you a good rinsing in the sink first."

Akane's mind raced, but there was no time to plan things out, so she improvised. She opened the bathroom door part way, just enough for a cat to escape through, and crossed her fingers. Sure enough, Akane heard a scrabbling of claws, and a moment later Artemis came barreling through the door.

"Mrs. Aino's voice rose sharply in annoyance. "Artemis, no! Come back here! As Minako's mother opened the door fully to go after the escaping cat, Akane whipped off her robe in an act of desperation and threw it over Mrs. Aino's head. In a flash, Akane slipped by the surprised and blinded woman and leapt for the bathtub before she could get the bathrobe off her head.

<I hope the water's hot...> Akane thought.

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