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 25
Skuld nodded absently and reached for the kettle. "Oh right, hot water...."
Belldandy intercepted the kettle adroitly just before Skuld poured. "Urd." She said, slightly reprovingly. "It's really not all that funny."
Urd flushed guiltily and nodded. "Sorry Belldandy."
Skuld blinked twice, then glared at her oldest sister. "Urd!"
Haruka chuckled as comprehension came over her face. "I don't know..." She whispered quietly to her lady love. "Seems like it'd be pretty funny to me."
Michiru caught on immediately and elbowed her lover in the ribs. "You just want to see Setsuna naked." She whispered back crossly. "Sometimes you're as bad as any man...." The green tressed of Neptune hesitated, looking at the floor. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
Haruka shrugged. "Forget it, I was acting like an idiot." She leered just slightly at Michiru. "It's not Setsuna that I'd really like to see...."
While Michiru and Haruka exchanged some casual banter, Hotaru gathered up Setsuna's clothing and nodded to Skuld. "I'll take you to the bathroom, all right?"
Skuld nodded. "Lead the way!"
As Hotaru led Skuld away, Artemis coughed politely for attention. "Beldandy-sama, we appreciate your coming. It happens that we were just talking about you before you arrived."
Belldandy bowed slightly. "I was happy to come. I understand you must have questions that were not asked at Jusenkyo. My sisters and I will help you if we can."
Artemis hesitated. "Actually, I do have a question, although I'm not sure how pertinent it is to our situation."
Belldandy nodded. "Please go ahead."
The small cat nodded back, clearing his throat. "Well... back in the Silver Millennium, it was rumored that Beryl's rise to power, and the powers of the Senshi, were in some part due to the gods...."
Belldandy blinked. "The Silver Millennium? That was before the end of the great war.... Yes I believe that what you say is true. Back then it was not permitted to directly interfere in mortal affairs, but the forces of darkness did bestow great power on Queen Beryl, and so to counter that act, Queen Serenity and her Senshi were given equal power from the forces of light...." Belldandy trailed off. "Or so I was told."
Artemis looked interested. "You weren't around at the time?"
Belldandy shook her head. "No, like many of you, my sisters and I were reincarnated into this time, after the godswar."
Luna nodded in understanding and spoke up. "I see. So you are helping us because this demoness attacked us? To balance things out again?"
Belldandy nodded. "Essentially yes, although it's not quite that simple...."
Luna sighed. "Nothing ever really is."
There was a pause as the room absorbed this, then Makoto spoke up quietly. "Why?" Everyone looked at her questioningly. "Why now? Why didn't you come before?" She shook her head. "It's not that I'm not grateful, but why do you help us now, after everything else we've faced?"
Belldandy hesitated for a long moment, then turned to face Makoto calmly. "You have had help, all along. All of your foes, up to this point, were forces set into motion from long ago, or were from different worlds. The power you were given long ago was all the help we could give you, lest the forces of darkness have even further license to interfere. Further aid from us would have simply escalated matters, until the very fabric of reality would be endangered."
Makoto sighed heavily. "I get it. Its just...."
Belldandy knelt down in front of the larger girl and slowly enveloped her in a hug. "It's been hard, hasn't it? Fighting to save your friends, your world, over and over again. It wasn't fair to ask so much of you, was it?"
Makoto hugged Belldandy back automatically. "No... it's all right. I don't mind for myself... it's just, can you help the others? Mina and Ami, Haruka and Setsuna?" She blinked. "Oh! And Mamoru... I'd take their curses myself if I could...."
Belldandy sat back, smiling sadly. "Jusenkyo magic is extremely powerful. I'm not sure if there is any way to remove a curse entirely, at least not without great cost, perhaps greater than the curse itself." Makoto looked hopeful but Belldandy shook her head. "I don't want to mislead you. Kasumi Tendo and Ranma Saotome both were able to escape their curses, would you pay the price they did?" She sighed. "Even if you could, the drowned twins spring is gone, so that option is no longer available."
Minako spoke up. "Is there another way to split us? I mean, getting my Akane a body of her own would be great! That way she wouldn't have to feel guilty about stealing my life... she's not... or at least I don't mind sharing my life with her... but she's so unhappy about it." Mina hesitated. "Well, it does kinda stink to miss so much when she's in my body, but I don't blame her for that." She sighed. "I'm rambling again. Is there anything you can do, Belldandy?"
The goddess frowned thoughtfully. "That is a problem. Only one of you can be active at one time, so you and Akane only experience a part of your existence." She tilted her head, still thinking hard. "I'll have to think about this one for a while... there may be a way... I just have to think of how to do it." The goddess of the present thought hard for several long seconds while the rest of the room waited expectantly. "I think I may have thought of a way." She finally said. "Although it would have a price."
"What is it?" Minako asked excitedly. "Can you spilt us after all?"
Belldandy shook her head. "No, but I should be able to create a spell that will enable the two of you to remember each other's actions. Only one of you will be active, but I could have your memories transfer to the other personality when you transformed."
Minako blinked. "So when I get splashed Akane would know where she was, and what I was doing?"
Belldandy nodded. "That, and I believe a bit more. Since you would remember all that had happened while your other half was active, you should not experience any cessation of time. You would be able to fully experience everything either one of you does."
Mina blinked again, smiling. "That sounds great, Belldandy! That way neither of us would miss out on anything. Akane won't have to feel guilty about stealing my life if I don't actually miss anything." She looked worried suddenly. "You said there would be a price?"
Belldandy nodded. "For one thing, you would have no privacy from each other. For another, even though you'd remember what your other side did, it wouldn't be you making the decisions, and the memories might seem a bit strange."
Minako frowned thoughtfully. "I think... it'd be worth it." She nodded firmly after another moment. "Yes, I'm sure of it. After all, half a loafer is worth more than no shoes!"
Ami, still taking notes, wrote down a side note to pass to Minako later. (Half a loaf is better than no bread.)
Akane Saotome nodded. "I think she'd feel the same. I would if I were her."
Minako nodded confidently. "I think it's a great idea. Can you do it right away?"
Belldandy shook her head. "I think it would be best to sleep on the matter before you make your decision. That will also give me some time to prepare the spell."
Minako looked disappointed. "You can't do it now?"
Belldandy hesitated, then nodded. "I believe I could, although something so complex should not be rushed." Belldandy gave Minako a serious look. "I have to be careful not to overload your senses with the spell, and ensure that the transition goes smoothly."
Minako looked worried. 'Will that be a problem?"
Urd patted her on the shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry kiddo, Belldandy hasn't messed up a spell since before she was Skuld's age. She knows what she's doing."
Mina looked relieved. "Really?"
Urd nodded. "A goddess isn't allowed to lie, Mina. Don't worry, Bell's just being extra careful."
Minako nodded. "OK. I guess I should let my Akane know what's going on before I decide, anyway. It wouldn't be fair to make the decision for her without asking." She stood up. "I'll go to the bathroom and change. Be right back!"
Urd cleared her throat. "I'll come along and explain things to your Akane. Best to let her know before thrusting her into a crowd."
"I'll join you...." Akane said, starting to get up as well.
Urd held up a hand, palm outwards. "One shock at a time I think. You can talk to your twin soon enough."
Akane nodded slowly. "All right."
Urd and Minako passed Skuld, Hotaru, and Setsuna on the way out. At Setsuna's questioning look, Minako explained as simply as possible. "I'm going to bring Akane out."
Setsuna nodded her understanding. "Fine, hurry back."
Urd followed Mina into the bathroom and shut the door behind them. "So... she began with interest. When are you planing on making your move?"
Minako hesitated. "I was hoping for tonight, but I'm still not sure what my 'move' should be. I don't really like the idea of betraying Artemis, and I'm not even sure that I could manage to seduce Luna if I tried. I'd probably make a fool out of myself."
Urd wrinkled her nose. "Well, seducing a woman is a lot like seducing a man... you offer them something they can't refuse... although I admit it's easier to seduce men than women, mostly. How did you seduce Artemis?"
Minako blinked, then blushed. "It's kind of embarrassing."
Urd smiled reassuringly. "I'm the goddess of love remember? I've heard it all. What happened?"
Mina hesitated. "Artemis had just gotten his curse. I hadn't seen him for weeks and we were walking home when it started to rain. I stuffed Artemis under my shirt to keep him dry, but a big truck splashed me, and Artemis transformed...."
Urd blinked twice. "So... he became a naked girl while inside your shirt?"
Minako blushed, then nodded. "My shirt and skirt both got ripped off, and I was laying there underneath her in just my panties...."
Urd grinned. "So you jumped her bones right there?" Wow, pretty gutsy move, girl!"
Minako shook her head. "Oh no! I transformed to Sailor Venus and carried her home... and after I changed back I realized how excited Artemis was... and then I seduced her... him. Well, he was a she right then...."
Urd nodded. "Well, that would do it alright." She looked thoughtful. "Well, why not try it again? It worked once, it could work again."
Mina blinked. But... it was an accident. I didn't do it on purpose... at least not the getting splashed and getting my clothes ripped off part."
Urd smiled slyly. "Ah, that's the trick isn't it. I think I can help you out a bit there...."
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Urd came back out into the living room several minutes later with an animated looking Akane Tendo. Skuld and Ami were huddled together over the Mercury computer and the others were talking with Belldandy when they came in.
Akane looked about her, confused for a few moments before her eyes finally came to rest on Belldandy. "Oh, there you are!" She said in surprise. "I didn't expect you to be so small...." She flushed. "Not that you're small, Beldandy-sama, I was just...."
Belldandy giggled. "It's alright, Akane-san. This my normal size... or at least it was before Jusenkyo. I left the... rest of me home today."
Akane nodded, though she was obviously still a little confused. "Of course, Jusenkyo." She smiled hopefully. "Urd-sama told me that you might be able to help Minako-san and me?"
Belldandy slowly nodded. "I should be able to enable you two to remember what the other one does. From the time I complete the spell you will have a continuous train of memory, although only one or the other of you will be active at any one time." She smiled reassuringly. "This is as much up to you as it is up to Minako, so we will not press you to make a decision. I suggest you give it some thought and sleep on the matter. I will return here tomorrow morning to receive your decision."
Akane hesitated. "Well... it sounds like a good idea, but I guess it would be best to give it some thought before deciding."
Belldandy nodded. "That is wise of you, Akane. Now, before I go, is there any other way I can help you?"
Akane thought carefully. "Well... if that spell works, then I can't think of anything else I'd ask for." < I will not ask for anything... this is Mina's life, not mine!> Belldandy nodded with a slight knowing look in her eye. There was a pleasant silence in the room.
Setsuna was the first to speak again. "Well then." She said firmly. "Back to the other matter at hand. Dealing with the Demoness Mara and Happosai. Whether or not they are still together or working separately, they are still a formidable threat. We have to deal with them, and the sooner the better."
Ami spoke up. "Skuld has given me Mara's quantum signature, so if she comes within scanning range of my computer, or powers up, I should be able to detect her."
"I've also enabled Ami's computer to send me a message if you need our help." Skuld reported helpfully.
"If you do locate Mara." Belldandy added, "You should contact us immediately so that we can capture her."
"Capture her?" Haruka questioned angrily. "After everything that Demon has done? Why not just destroy it?" Haruka held her angry expression through the uncomfortable silence that followed. "Well?" Haruka asked again, "Isn't that what we do? Monsters, Youma, Demons, call em what you like, they attack people, we turn them to ash. She's the one who was behind that last batch of youma attacks, then she comes after us, and you want to capture her?" Haruka raised a sarcastic eyebrow. "This demon has escaped you once already, hasn't she? What's to keep her from escaping again?"
Belldandy closed her eyes and sighed quietly, but didn't speak. Skuld flushed bright red in mixed anger and embarrassment. "It won't happen again! We won't let her escape this time!"
Setsuna spoke up quietly. "Exactly how did she escape, Skuld-chan?"
Skuld choked. "It... it was my fault... we had her trapped on a demons CD... and I thought I could rehabilitate her... I put her on my computer so I could talk to her... and I thought it was working. I thought she wanted to change... but... but...."
Setsuna finished for her gently. "She escaped."
Skuld choked. "I... I left my computer on... somehow she managed to get into the net... and before I could track her down she managed to get someone to perform the proper spell to bring her back into this world."
Ami spoke up. "The net... you mean she downloaded herself off your computer onto the internet?"
Skuld nodded, looking guilty. "Yes.... Still, she shouldn't have been able to regain her true form unless someone on the outside helped her. Someone who knew enough about magic to cast the spell that brought her back."
"Gosenkugi!" Akane Saotome exclaimed. "He must have been the one who freed her!"
Akane Tendo started at hearing the familiar voice and stared bug eyed at her twin, having missed seeing her when she had first come into the room, being so focused on what Urd had just told her about Belldandy's spell.
Akane Saotome went on, not noticing her twin's sudden shock at seeing her. "Gosenkugi's always been into magic. Curses, voodoo, other stuff like that." She looked thoughtful. "After he captured Happosai... I guess he must have felt he could do anything after that... even summon a demon."
"After all," Broke in Akane Tendo, "Happosai is practically a demon himself."
Akane turned to face Akane. "Right." She said.
The two walked together to a corner of the room, Akane Tendo whispered first. "I didn't realize you were here."
Akane Saotome took a deep breath before answering. "I guess we really should talk, shouldn't we?"
There was a long pause as they examined each other.
"So...." Akane said hesitantly.
"So...." Akane returned, equally unsure of where to begin. "Er... how was the wedding?" She finally asked.
"Oh!" Akane blinked twice, then answered. "It was very nice. Kuno tried to crash, but Ranma wouldn't let him interrupt the ceremony." She sighed. "I guess we should have taken him more seriously. We might have prevented all of this from happening if we had."
The other Akane shook her head dismissivly. "How could you have known, Saotome-san?" It's not as if we ever paid Kuno much attention. He really wasn't much of a threat anymore, was he?" She blushed slightly. "Can I call you Saotome-san, Akane?"
Akane Saotome nodded, looking pleased. "I'd like that, Tendo-san. I am a Saotome after all." She cocked her head slightly. This is weird... let's drop the honorifics please?"
Akane Tendo laughed. "If we do that, we'll sound like father and Mr. Saotome!" The Akanes both laughed at that image.
Akane Saotome spoke again first. "Speaking of marrying Ranma... what about you? I know you love him. I was you, after all."
The younger Akane shook her head. "Uh uh. I'm not going to marry him, Ranma's yours."
Akane the older frowned a bit deeper. "But you are me... you love him as much as I do. It's not fair to you to have to give him up."
Akane Tendo shook her head again. "It's not fair to you to have to share him...." She looked away. "I'm not sure I could stand to share Ranma with anyone... even myself."
Akane Saotome nodded. "I understand how you feel. Ranma would too. He... and she, had to share me on our honeymoon night. It wasn't easy for them... or for me for that matter."
Akane Tendo glanced at her older self, blushing and looking a bit scandalized. "Did you really... with both of them?" She swallowed. "Not at the same time?!?"
Akane Saotome was blushing as much as her younger self but burst out with laughter at the last question. "Don't I wish! Oh no, I've never gotten Ranma and Ranko to do that... at least not yet. I've never even had Ranko in bed with us since our honeymoon night... I guess you know she's with Ukyo."
Akane Tendo nodded, frowning. "I heard... are you and her really planing on... trading partners?"
Akane Saotome nodded back calmly. "Yes we are. I miss Ranko, and Ukyo... well, you shouldn't tell ether Ranma this, but I think she's always preferred Ranma's boy half."
Akane Tendo swallowed. "So... you are... we are... lesbians?"
Akane Saotome shook her head. "No. Bisexual. I like Ranma's girl side and boy side equally."
Akane Tendo shook her head. "I don't know... that's just... Ranma. He's still a boy... even when he's a girl, right?"
Akane Saotome shrugged. "I know what you're saying, but it's not true. You... I never really let myself think about how attracted I... we were to Ranma's girl side. I never wanted other people to think I was different. I could never admit to myself that sometimes I found a girl as attractive as any boy... but I do. We do."
The younger girl swallowed again. "Are you sure?"
Akane Saotome nodded soberly. "I am. I've had plenty of time to think about it... I think what happened with Ukyo was what finally convinced me. I was shocked to find myself with Ukyo instead of Ranko that night, but after we separated, I realized that I was attracted to Ukyo too. Not the way I am to Ranma or Ranko, but I do find her very attractive. I don't think it's out of the question for us to end up together again...." She blushed bright red. "I didn't mean to say so much... you must think I'm a terrible pervert now."
Akane Tendo wrinkled her nose. "Well... if you weren't me, I probably would... but I almost think I can understand... I guess I never really let myself think about it before, but... I think I do understand... at least a little bit." She frowned. "Still, that doesn't mean it's OK for you to sleep with Ukyo... again. Trading off Ranma and Ranko... well I can see that, even though it's really weird, but Ukyo? That would be cheating on Ranma. It wouldn't be right."
Akane Saotome shrugged. "Well it would be, unless... unless it was all four of us together at the same time...." She winked at her younger self. "Or all FIVE of us."
Akane Tendo took a step back, making a warding gesture with her hands. "Don't even joke about that! It's not going to happen!"
The older girl raised an eyebrow slightly. "I thought you said you understood. Don't you want to be with Ranma? Not to mention Ranko... I won't, I couldn't stand in your way. You don't have to... share them if you don't want to but... can't we work something out?"
Akane the younger frowned. "If it was just me... if I wasn't sharing this body, this life, with Minako... maybe I'd consider it. But I can't take her life away. This spell of Belldandy's... if it works, well, I'll be glad, because it won't be so bad for her. At least she'll remember the time she loses... but it's still her life. I am her curse. She's not my curse, I'm hers. If I'm her curse, then I should be completely hers, body and soul. That's the only way I could live with myself. Everything I do will be for her. That's the way it has to be. I can't take her away from her life just because I want one of my own." She smiled slightly. "It's not so bad. Minako has nice friends, and Artemis is sweet... I won't be so unhappy being a part of all that. It'll be kind of neat, being one of the Senshi. I'll have to train hard so that I don't let them down."
Akane Saotome sighed. "Tendo, this isn't what Mina wants, and she told me so herself. She wants to share her life with you evenly... and if that means having to share my life with Minako as well as you... so be it. Ranma and Ranko... and I, will be unhappy if you force yourself to stay away just for Mina's sake." She held up a hand. "But you don't have to take my word for it. When Belldandy finishes her spell, Mina should be able set you straight herself."
Akane Tendo sighed. "We'll see what happens. I'm not promising anything, but I'll think about it."
Akane Saotome nodded. "I can live with that. For you though, I am promising something. Ranma is waiting for you, and he'll wait as long as it takes. When you want to join us, you'll always be welcome. I promise you that."
The younger Akane sighed, and nodded. "I know. Maybe... someday?"
Akane Saotome looked thoughtful. "You'll have a very long time to think about it, Tendo. Minako says she'll still be around a thousand years from now. I'd guess the Senshi don't age like normal people."
Akane Tendo blinked. "A thousand years? You're kidding?"
Her older self shook her head. "Nope. She told me she went to the future and saw herself... a thousand years from now." She held up a hand. "I know it sounds crazy, but I'm sure she's telling the truth."
Akane Tendo blew out an astonished breath. "Whew... that's a long time. it's hard to believe... but... it would change things wouldn't it?"
The older girl nodded. "I'd say so. Talk to Minako about it... after Belldandy does her thing. I think you'll be able to work something out that will make both of you happy."
Akane Tendo sighed. "I hope you're right." She hesitated. I really should change back into Minako so she can be with her friends... I guess... I'll be seeing you later?"
Akane the older nodded. "We'll see each other again, I'm sure." She gave her younger self a stern look. "But don't think of them as Mina's friends. They're your friends too, or would be if you let them."
"All right." The younger girl said with a nod. "I'll try... but for now let's get back inside."
As the two Akanes confronted each other, the conversation went on in the living room.
"So now we know how the demoness escaped." Setsuna stated calmly. "The question is, what do we do about her now?"
"You can't kill her!" Skuld insisted. "If you kill Mara, Belldandy might... Belldandy might die too!"
Setsuna blinked and turned to Belldandy. "Is that true. Why would you be in danger?"
Belldandy sighed. "It would not necessarily be me, but if Mara is destroyed, a god or goddess will die as well. As Mara is a Demoness First Class, Unlimited, it is possible that I would be the one that would die if she did." Belldandy saw the looks of confusion and explained. "After the great war, a doublet system was put in place to keep the war from restarting. If a god or demon dies, their counterpart will also die. This system has kept another war from devastating reality for millennia, so if Mara is killed, one of us will die as well."
"If that's the case...." Makoto spoke up. "Then we'll just have to capture her then." She glared at Haruka as the other girl began to protest. "Usagi might not be here, but we all know what she'd say about this, and I think she'd be right." The tall girl sighed. "You and Michiru have gone your own way before, because you thought your own way was best, but it wasn't, was it? I think we should trust the goddesses. That's what Usagi would do."
Ami nodded in agreement, and in a moment, Hotaru did as well. "I think Makoto-san is right, Haruka-papa." The Senshi of Destruction stated quietly.
Haruka sighed and lowered her head. "Alright! I know when to admit that I'm wrong. We'll capture the demon." She shot Belldandy a questioning look. "As long as you're sure you can hold her once you've caught her?"
Belldandy sighed lightly. "We will see to it that Mara does not interfere with your lives again. That much, I think, we can promise." Urd and Skuld looked startled at Belldandy's words, but no one else noticed.
Haruka shrugged. "I guess that will have to do."
Michiru spoke up. "What about Happosai? Is there any way of locating him?"
Ami shook her head. "Not unless he's emitting a powerful battle aura, and even then it will be difficult, as we haven't ever gotten any good reading on him. It might be possible to locate our uniforms, but only at a very close range. By themselves they give off only a very faint signature."
Setsuna nodded. "So we will follow Akane-san's advice and watch the news for signs of him, so we can track him down when he strikes." She looked at Belldandy for confirmation. "Is there anything you can do to help?"
Belldandy nodded. "I will do what I can to locate him for you, although so far he has proven most adept at not being found."
Akane Saotome sighed, having finally rejoined the group with her twin. "I can believe that. Happosai has forgotten more techniques than most people know. He's probably using his invisibility technique to avoid being found. I doubt we'll see or hear anything about him until he goes back to his old tricks... but that shouldn't take very long. He won't be able to avoid temptation forever."
Makoto cracked her knuckles in anticipation. "And that's when we'll get him."
Setsuna frowned worriedly, thinking to herself. < That's when we'll try. I hate not knowing.>
To Akane Tendo's surprise, the Senshi, inner and outer, wouldn't let her change back into Minako right away. They all wanted to talk to her, and reassure her individually and as a group, that they didn't see her as a curse, but as a friend. It was slightly overwhelming, being surrounded by a group of strangers who genuinely cared about her. She couldn't understand why they were being so nice, and why they didn't resent her for taking their friend's place.
Finally she couldn't stand it anymore and asked them point blank. "Why are you being so nice to me? Don't you resent me taking Minako away from you?"
Makoto spoke first in response moving over to Akane's side and putting an arm around the smaller girl. "You're our friend Akane, or at least we want you to be. We don't resent you for taking Mina's place because it's NOT YOUR FAULT!" She stressed the last three words loudly, then smiled to let Akane know it wasn't her she was shouting at. "It's Happosai's fault, and Mara's, not yours. You are an innocent victim in this, and you're every bit as alive and human as anyone else is... and everyone deserves to be happy."
Belldandy spoke up at this. "I think Kino-chan is correct in this, Akane. All living things deserve happiness, although not everyone gets the happiness they deserve. You are a real person, despite sharing someone else's face and someone else's body. You are no less real, no less human, no less deserving than anyone else."
Everyone chimed in their agreement, causing Akane to blush in embarrassment at the attention. "You're all so wonderful. Thank you. Thank you for everything...." She smiled sadly. "I'm very sorry I have to leave you so quickly, but I must bring Minako back now, all right?" I promise you'll see me again soon." She slipped out of Makoto's hug, smiling at the other girl happily, then went out of the room at once, heading for the bathroom.
Just under a minute later, her hair and her face damp, Minako walked back into the room. "Hi everyone!" She said merrily. "I'm back! What did I miss?"
While the others filled her in, the Goddesses said their good-byes. "We'll come back tomorrow at five pm." Belldandy stated. "Is that agreeable?"
"That should be fine, Belldandy." Setsuna answered for the group. "Everyone should be able to make it here by then with no difficulties."
Skuld beamed at Ami as she handed back her mini-computer. "You have my e-mail address now, so be sure and let me know if you need us." She dropped her eyes slightly. "Or... or even if you just want to talk... I don't have many people I can... you know... talk computers and stuff with like I can you...."
Ami beamed back at the young goddess. "I'll write to you tonight Skuld-chan, I really..." she blushed. "I mean Skuld-sama... I really enjoyed talking with you today."
Skuld had started to bristle at being called 'chan' but then she smiled, realizing that her new found friend meant well. "That's OK Ami-chan... you can call me 'chan' if you want. We're friends now, right?"
Ami nodded vigorously. "Yes! Yes we are... thank you Skuld."
Urd grinned at Minako and winked slyly, and Minako winked back, remembering their plan. (Although something was starting to bother her about it.)
The goddesses left through their different transport mediums, and the Senshi got up to say their good-byes as well. There was much to do before school started the next day, and before long everyone was going their separate ways.
Before they could leave, Minako intercepted Luna and Mamoru Chiba. "Mamoru-san, can I borrow Luna for a little bit?" She asked politely.
Mamoru blinked. "Well, if that's OK with Luna?"
Minako smiled earnestly at Luna. "Can we talk? I have a lot to talk to you about, and I think we've let this go for too long."
Luna sighed. "Alright. I suppose we should have a talk." She glanced over at the young man, and he nodded.
"I'll see you later, Luna. Stay dry, OK?" He said.
Luna nodded and she and Minako started walking off. Artemis came up behind Mamoru a few moments later and whistled worriedly. "Oh oh... now why am I feeling that someone's about to step on my tail?"
Mamoru shook his head in sympathy. "I don't envy you right now, Artemis." He glanced down at the cat. "Hey, want to hang out with me for awhile?"
Artemis looked up in interest. "You mean do the male bonding thing? Bar hopping, Sake, the night life...."
Mamoru chuckled. "I was thinking more along the lines of soda, pretzels and TV."
"I'm in." Artemis responded immediately., fading into step with the tall young man automatically. "Although if Luna drops in on us, I'm going out the back window."
"It's a deal." Mamoru told his white feline companion.
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Back in her room at Keichi's place, Urd was scrying Minako and Luna as they walked down the street together. "Well then..." She said quietly, getting up to go outside. "I'd better get started."
The goddess of the past wandered out into the yard and slowly started to move her hands in an intricate pattern, speaking slowly and precisely the words of an ancient incantation. as her power built she slowly levitated from the ground, her hands going wide as her feet left the ground.
"Urd?" A sweet and familiar voice called out from the house. "Why are you calling up a storm?" Belldandy walked out to join her elder sister, a curious expression on her face.
"Er..." Urd hesitated, letting the spell die. "I was just... um, doing a favor for a friend...."
Belldandy blinked. "Is that what you were talking to Minako-chan about?" The goddess of the present looked mildly confused. "But why would she want it to rain? Does she want an excuse to become Akane again?"
Now it was Urd's turn to blink. "Become Akane again? Oh! Her curse! Darn it, of course! I should have realized, that won't do at all."
Urd dropped back to the ground, letting the spell she had been casting evaporate on the wind. "Back to the drawing board I guess...."
Urd walked back into the house, muttering to herself. "What was I thinking? I knew she had a curse too, of course it wouldn't work like we planned...."
Belldandy, trailed behind her older sister, still trying to help. "Perhaps if you could explain what you were trying to do...?"
Unnoticed by the two goddesses, the tiny weather spell frayed and slipped away into the upper atmosphere where it encountered a bit of chaos floating harmlessly in the air above Juuban. The Chaos factor interacted with the decaying spell, filling in the gaps in its matrix in such a way as to complete the spell, if poorly, and abruptly. The clouds above Juuban began to gather and darken.
******************************
Minako Aino walked along with Luna in silence for the first few minutes, neither of them sure exactly how to start. Finally, Minako spoke. "He loves you, you know."
Luna stopped in shock. "He... you mean Artemis? Is that why you wanted to talk to me? Did he ask you to do this?"
Minako shook her head. "Artemis has no idea I'm talking to you about this... well, actually he's probably guessed by now, but he didn't ask me to do this. This was my idea. I just... I feel really guilty about... about acting without thinking... about hurting you." Luna tried to say something, but Minako rambled on quickly, trying to get it all out at once. "I know... I think somewhere in the back of my mind I've known for a long time that you two were meant to be together... but... I... I seduced Artemis anyway."
Luna stood there, flabbergasted. "You... YOU seduced HIM?" After a moment she shook her head. "No... no. It doesn't matter... it shouldn't matter.... Why are you telling me this?"
Minako hesitated. "Because... because you two should be together. He loves you... and you love him don't you?"
Luna took her time responding, giving the matter serious thought. "Does it matter if I do?" She finally said. "He loves you too, Mina. Every bit as much as he may have loved me, perhaps more, he loves you. We made no promises, he and I, no declarations of everlasting love. He didn't betray me by being with you, even if it did hurt. It wasn't your fault Minako... Mina-chan... and I suppose it wasn't Artemis's fault either." She sighed. "Still, you two are together now, and that's good. You're happy together, aren't you?"
Minako was still hesitant. "We are, mostly, but... we both feel guilty about you."
Luna shook her head. "Don't be. You can't just chose to fall in love with someone, and when you do, you can't chose to stop loving them. Who's to say that you and Artemis weren't always meant to be together? Just because we're both moon cats doesn't mean it had to be him and me." Luna suddenly looked concerned. "Is this because Artemis is female when he's human? Are you two having trouble?"
Minako looked startled. "What? Oh no. It's not like that. I like guys, sure, but Artemis's girl form is very attractive..." She trailed off. "Anyway, this isn't about Artemis being a girl. He'd probably prefer it if he turned into a guy... I mean a male human, but I don't mind."
The moon cat winced. "Right... listen, Mina, I've been a bit silly about all this myself... there was something I've been meaning to tell Artemis about... well, it was wrong of me to keep it from him... and I really had no right to be so mad...."
Minako was confused. "What are you talking about, Luna?" The Senshi of Love brightened. "Wait, don't tell me you found someone? You met someone too?"
Luna shook her head. "No! No that's not it...." She hesitated a moment. "Well, there was a moment when I thought...." The moon cat shook her head. "No, I really didn't meet anyone like that... nothing serious anyway. What I was trying to say is that Artemis can turn into a male human if he wants to. We were able to do it back in the Silver Millennium. I recently remembered how myself... but I didn't tell Artemis right away. I know I should have, but... well...." She sighed. "I was angry with him. I shouldn't have been, but I was."
Minako blinked, then scooped Luna up for a hug. "Luna! That's great! You were jealous! And Artemis can turn into a guy... and you were jealous! That's so great!"
Luna struggled in Minako's grasp. "Why is it great that I was jealous?"
Minako stopped dancing and lifted Luna up so that she and the black cat were face to face. "It's great because it means you still care about him. You still love him! Don't you see, Luna? It's not too late, it can still work!" She kissed the moon cat on her furry mouth. "I love both of you, Luna, don't you know that? If you two could be together, I'd be the happiest person in the world!" She started spinning around again, then suddenly felt a drop of rain on her face.
Minako looked up. < Perfect timing, Urd-sama.> "It's going to rain, Luna. I'll carry you inside my blouse so that you don't get wet, OK?
Luna blinked. "What? Wait a minute Minako, that's not...."
Mina pulled the front of her blouse out of her skirt and deftly stuffed Luna up inside.
Luna's voice came out, slightly muffled. "This really isn't necessary, Mina. I can just change into my human form, and when the Jusenkyo curse kicks in I'll still be dressed."
Mina, hugging Luna to her belly, peered down the front of her blouse at the black cat within. "Really? How does that work? Do you have clothes in your dimensional pocket?" She blinked at the rain that was coming down harder now. "I don't think you have the time now. You'd change as soon as you came out of my blouse...." Mina groaned in consternation. "Oh darn it, I forgot! Even if you change, I'll turn into Akane before I can...."
Akane Tendo blinked twice, wondering why she was looking down her blouse at a black cat. "Er... hello?" She said hesitantly. "Luna? It is Luna, isn't it?"
Luna sighed, then nodded up at Akane. "Yes, Akane-san. I'm sorry about this. Minako put me under her shirt so I wouldn't get wet in the rain."
Akane nodded. "I was wondering about that..." She paused. "Is this a cat thing, or is there any special reason you don't want to get wet?"
Luna sighed. "Yes. Actually, I have a Jusenkyo curse, exactly like Artemis, the spring of drowned girl. Happosai splashed both of us the night he stole the water Johnathon brought back from Jusenkyo. I think he was only testing the water to use on Ranma later... he ended up using the water from the spring of drowned man on himself..." Luna shrugged. "It's water under the bridge, so to speak."
Akane giggled, then squeezed Luna to her stomach slightly. "Could you... hehe... could you stop moving so much?" Akane asked, suppressing a laugh. "Your fur tickles!"
Luna chuckled, but held herself still. "Sorry, Akane-san."
Akane smiled down at her and adjusted her grip on the cat, bringing her up a bit so that she rested just under her breasts. "That's OK. I'll do my best to keep you dry until we find some cover. Now just tell me where we are, and where we're supposed to be going."
Luna hesitated a moment, thinking. "We're about halfway between Hotaru's home and Minako's. Just keep going down this street for a while, until you get to a park, then turn right."
Akane nodded and started to walk. "OK." She walked in silence for a ways then spoke up again. "How long has it been?"
"Since you changed into Minako last?" Luna asked. "Around twenty minutes." She said, answering her own question. "We just left the meeting, then the rain came up suddenly...." Luna sounded annoyed. "I never noticed it coming. Do you think that has something to do with the curse?"
Akane blinked. "It could be. That would explain how Ranma was always getting splashed, but never had much problem dodging any other sort of attack. I mean, I never used to get splashed like that, not unless I was standing next to Ranma... it has to be the curse, doesn't it?"
Luna sighed. "It must be. I'll just have to be more alert in the future."
Akane laughed. "Good luck. Being alert never seemed to help Ranma much though." She started walking faster as the rain began to shoot down harder. "I don't think Jusenkyo's done with us yet. It's getting pretty wet out here."
Luna sounded resigned. "In here too. I'll probably change in another minute or two at this rate."
Akane frowned. "Not if I can help it. Hang on!" She broke out into a run, bounding first onto the fence, then onto the rooftops. "Ah!" Akane exclaimed enthusiastically. "I think I recognize that street up ahead. Minako's house is just another half mile or so... I think."
Luna curled up in as small a ball as she could against Akane's stomach. "Hurry, I don't think it will be much longer before I change!" She could feel more and more water seeping through Minako's blouse as Akane ran pell mell across the roof tops. "Akane, I don't think we're going to make it, you'd better take me out of your blouse."
"What?" Akane asked over the sound of the rain. "I can't hear you!"
"Akane!" Luna shouted. "Get me out of your blouse before I...." Luna was suddenly aware that they had come to an abrupt halt. The sound of the rain was muted, and she stopped talking. "Akane... what?"
Akane's hand squeezed her a bit tighter. "Not now, Luna." Akane whispered just loud enough for the cat to hear her in the suddenly quieter surroundings. "People are watching."
Luna instantly went still, listening very carefully to the noises around them. She could hear the sound of the rain splattering against something above them, and assumed that they were under some sort of overhang. Akane stood there quietly for several minutes, and Luna didn't make a sound. The very obvious sound of a bus's hydraulic brakes was the next thing she heard.
Akane took her hand off Luna for a moment. < Probably waving to the bus driver.> Luna guessed.
"I'll catch the next one, thanks!" Akane said in a polite tone, and Luna then heard the bus pulling away. "It's safe to talk now, Luna."
Luna blew out a relieved breath. "Whew, that was a close one. Is there someplace dry you can put me down?"
"Sure, hold on a second." Akane carefully brought Luna down out of her blouse and set her down in the driest corner of the bus stop. "We're so lucky this was here." Akane said brightly, waving around at the enclosure.
"Luck?" Luna said questioningly, looking around slowly. "Skill is more like it. We've come nearly all the way already! I'm amazed at how fast you must have been going, Akane. You covered an incredible amount of distance in a very short time. I don't think the girls move that fast even in their Senshi forms."
Akane blushed at the praise. "Oh, I'm not THAT fast." She frowned. "Ranma's still faster than I am." She reluctantly admitted.
"That's true." Luna replied. "But it's still an incredible feat. Besides, Ranma is... well...."
Akane laughed. "Ranma is Ranma. There's no other way to explain it."
Luna concentrated and expanded, transforming into a human female with long black hair, wearing a tee-shirt, gym shorts and tennis shoes.
Akane whistled, impressed. "Cool. No water needed, huh?" She blinked in confusion. "Wait, how can you do that? Artemis couldn't change without water...."
Luna blinked. "Oh! That's right, I told Mina, not you. This is not my curse form, but an alternate form of my own. The cursed form is different... here, I'll show you." Luna stepped out into the rain, shrinking slightly in height, and gaining around the bust line. Her hair got a bit shorter, and her face changed significantly, rounding out and becoming more girlish, though Akane could still see a faint resemblance as Luna stepped back into the bus stop.
Akane's eyes widened as she took in the new change. The resemblance to both Artemis and Ranma's cursed forms was unmistakable. If not for the different hair colors, they could easily pass for sisters. Akane furrowed her brow. "So... you are some sort of... were-cat, or something... and you have a Jusenkyo curse that turns you into a different girl?"
Luna nodded slowly. "Something like that, although it doesn't have anything to do with biting people or the phases of the moon... it's just a magical ability all moon cats have... had anyway. Artemis and I had forgotten a lot of what we could do back on the moon. I only recently remembered how to use this ability, and I haven't told Artemis about it yet." She flushed guiltily. "I was a bit angry at him... but I did plan on letting him know today."
Akane hesitated, then decided not to bother Luna for the details. "All right. Is that why you have clothes on now? One of your magical powers?"
Luna nodded. "Actually yes. Both Artemis and I have a natural ability to store items in an extra-dimensional space. Apparently I can call upon that ability when I transform to store the clothing I'm wearing as a human, or to bring them back when I need them. The Jusenkyo curse interferes with that unfortunately. When I get splashed with cold water I don't control the transformation, so if I get splashed without any clothes on I can't access my dimensional pocket to get them."
Akane slowly nodded. "OK, now I get it. That's why Minako put you in her blouse, because you would have ended up as a naked girl if the curse had caught you as a cat, right?"
Luna nodded back. "Exactly. I've already been caught that way several times, and it's terribly embarrassing!"
Akane blushed. "I can imagine! As a matter of fact I don't have to imagine. Shampoo has gotten caught out without her clothing several times, although she never really seemed to care what other people think about her. Still, with your curse, it must be more difficult to avoid." Akane brightened slightly. "Still, aside form that, your curse isn't all that bad, is it? You still are a girl when you're cursed, so it's not all that different."
Luna shrugged. "I am one of the lucky ones when it comes to the curse, at least compared to most of the others." She sighed. "Still, it hasn't been a picnic for me."
Akane sighed as well. "Well I guess that's why they call them curses."
Luna took one of Akane's hands in her own, reassuringly. "We'll survive. Come on, the rain's dying. I'll walk you the rest of the way to Mina's house."
End Chapter 25
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