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. "No, no, 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, 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 who 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 killing them 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 escaped 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 pretty damn 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?" 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." The pixie flushed and 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." "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 her and Kodachi. Spitting out the water in her mouth Ranma pushed some loose strands of blonde hair out of her eyes. "Why'd you do that?" 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 normal." "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." "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. We gotta 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. "Wait," 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... ------------------------------------------------ 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. 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
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