Ukyo Kuonji (AST)

== Appearance ==
Ukyo has long brown hair which hangs loosely down to her shoulders. She wears a set of dark brown and purple travel clothes similar to Kasumi's own but more feminine in appearance. This outfit is equipped with a bandolier holding several small throwing spatulas, she hold various other other cooking implements and ingredients in her tunic, while her larger combat spatula is worn across her back.
== Personality ==
Ukyo of AST has a strong inferiority complex, which targets her aggression primarily on Kasumi, the believed source of her woes. She is quick to anger, and often shows an unreasonable mindset believing Kasumi's every action is merely a cloak for something nefarious. However, in recent times this has been to fade, and since her anger to Kasumi was used as a shield for her feelings of inadequacy, she beginning to have strong doubts in herself. Even after having finally beat Kasumi, when Ukyo wasn't fighting the thoughts, she still felt inadequate and that sooner or later Kasumi would beat her. Her one continued shield against these feelings is her feelings for Ranma who she loves.
== History ==
Raised as an okonomiyaki chef by her father, Ukyo first met Kasumi at age 6 when she had wondered towards her father's yatai. At the time she had been a rather pathetic sight, just staring at the food from across the street and looking hungry. When her father gave her a free sample, it seemed innocent enough to Ukyo. When Kasumi started helping out with the work Ukyo was actually modestly happy, after all it was an opportunity to play more. Kasumi was even something of a friend for a time, until Ukyo's father took more interest in Kasumi than her. It just got worse from then on, but Ukyo didn't blame Kasumi, at least at that time. She was too young then to have learned the depths of perfidiousness to which Kasumi was capable of delving.
Ukyo only began to realize the full extent of the issue when, during the local youth cooking tournament, her father withdrew her and replaced her with Kasumi during the final matches. Participating in that tournament had been a point of pride of Ukyo and being replaced had infuriated her. She finally saw just how much her father's attention had changed. Still, had it all ended at that, Ukyo probably could have gone on with her life, but it didn't.
Even when Kasumi finally departed, Ukyo could not get out from under the older girl's shadow. Her own father would sing Kasumi's praise at nearly every opportunity. If that was not bad enough, Kasumi was often held up as an example Ukyo should strive to emulate. Kasumi had not been perfect, but in Ukyo's father's eyes she was, and it was that image Ukyo had to compete with. So, of course, in the end she failed to live up to the paragon. Despite all her training, all her attempts to live up to perfection, she fell short. In the end, she was forced down the one avenue left to her, find Kasumi and defeat her, and that was when her whole current mess started. So for ten years Ukyo trained, and pushed herself to and beyond her body's limits in order to prove that she was Kasumi’s better.
This caused her to end up at Jusenkyo where she would be knocked into the spring of drowned wolf, although often mistaken for a dog despite its size, by Kasumi in the middle of a neko-ken induced panic. She managed a narrow escape from nearly being eaten by the Jusenkyo Guide, and wondered around for a week trapped in that form unaware that she could transform back. She only found out because of an accident in the middle of a crowded public street. That had been such a drastic see-saw of emotions. First, absolute joy that she was human again. Then complete, utter and total humiliation when she noticed about a hundred people staring at her because of her lack of any clothing. She had just wanted to turn herself into a little ball, crawl into some small dark corner and cry.
Now convinced more then ever that Kasumi is an ambitious and scheming monster Ukyo tracked her down to make her pay. She eventually finds herself outside Furinkan High School and after stalking Kasumi for a few days she attacked her. Kasumi, however, doesn't remember Ukyo, much to her annoyance. Once Kasumi finally does recall Ukyo's name it just made her angrier as she had no idea why Ukyo was upset. It didn’t help matters that Ukyo was to blind by rage to tell her Ukyo loses sight of Kasumi and storms through the school looking for her.
Two ended up fighting at an event set up by Nabiki. Kasumi and Ukyo find themselves evenly matched, despite Ukyo chaining herself to Kasumi so that she can't "run away". The fight soon leaves the school grounds and heads over to a local park during which time they both fall off of a bridge. Ukyo could only watch in rage hidden in the shadows as Kasumi walked away with her sisters and Ranma.
Ukyo waited until nightfall to attempt to face Kasumi once more, but presence of a cat caused Kasumi plow through her in her attempt to escape. While Kasumi realized that Ukyo transforms into a dog she initially mistakes her for a neighbours dog before discovering that Ryoga's cursed form is actually one that Ranma has adopted as her pet. With Kasumi aware of her curse, Ukyo continues to be loggerheads with her rival, especially when she begins sharing a bed with Ranma whilst in his wolf form. while she plans on eventually telling him the truth Ukyo refused to leave him alone under the same roof as Kasumi. And when Kasumi tried to sneak her out the ensuing struggle caused her to not only lose her shirt, but end up on top of Ranma, waking him up and giving him quite a view.
Ukyo was furious when Ranma brushed the whole incident so attempted presented Kasumi’s ripped shirt to him as proof. Unfortunately this ended up backfiring as Ranma just thought she ripped it. When he revealed he was taking her to the vet Ukyo refused to back down refusing to give Kasumi the satisfaction of scaring her off. When they arrived Mikado was dragging Azusa out as the nurse yelled at them. Ukyo felt a deep primal fear at the look Azusa gave her as it reminded her of the guy who tried to cook her. She was very happy to learn that she transforms not into a dog but a wolf.
Invigorated by this revelation Ukyo decided to get her life back together the first step being going back to school. Ukyo enrolled in Furinkan High and predictably much to her frustration she was placed in Kasumi’s class. Confronting Kasumi she assured her she was just there to learn even promising to tell Ranma about her curse.
Ukyo spent the rest of the day contemplating her next move. During lunch she opted not to go and eat with Ranma upon seeing Akane and Kasumi join him. It was her that she met Sasuke who used her as cover to spy on Kasumi. After being told that he was there to look after her on behalf of Kuno Ukyo was about to explain the curse to him but stopped as she saw it as an opportunity get back at Kasumi. She gave Sasuke to step up and take out Kanade himself even telling him about how Kasumi was afraid of cats.
This unfortunately ended up backfire on him. While building up the courage talk to Ranma he found a note saying that Kasumi had been kidnapped. Using the knowledge of Kasumi's ailurophobia Sasuke devices a plan to lead Kasumi to the basement of Furinkan High where he has placed a large number of domestic cats and even a Tiger.
This results in Kasumi's mentality to be reduced to that of a wild cat. With Kasumi now seemingly unstoppable, Ranma did his best to try and get her back to her normal self. When Kasumi jumped at Ranma she was stopped by Ukyo. After taunting the crazed Kasumi Ukyo ran desperately trying to figure out of this. Making her way to the field Ukyo realizing she had no other choice and attacked.
She awoke in Ranma’s shirt to find him wrapping some bandages around her arm. When she asked him what happened he started chastising her for being so reckless. Blushing at the thought that Ranma cared for her welfare she was about to tell him about her curse only for him to start complaining about how low Sasuke was for trying to trick them like that. So Ukyo kept her silence afraid that he would hate her. After making sure that she was okay and telling her the nurse would be back in a few minutes Ranma went home.
She arrived back home a little after Ranma and heard him explaining to his mother what happened as she had found Kasumi curled up in bed with Nabiki. When Ranma heard that his mother was letting Akane keep C-chan he saw that as the best opportunity to ask if he could keep Ryouko. By this point Nodoka was done and just told Ranma that she was his responsibility. She also made sure he put up missing pet fliers.
Ukyo was devastated when she overheard Ranma being turned down by Kodachi. However her hope rose as Kodachi clearly didn’t return his feelings, only dash again at the though she might just be playing hard to get. In the end Ukyo refused to give up and became more determined then ever to tell Ranma her feelings. The only question was how.
Ukyo waited for a time when Akane would be training with Kodachi to get Ranma alone. Ranma was immediately on guard when Ukyo showed up on causing her to curse Kasumi for giving him a bad impression. Ranma called down a little when Ukyo said she just wanted to talk however nerve faltered just as she was about to make her confession. They two made small talk Ukyo trying not to slip up and Ranma trying not to make her made.
Ukyo had finally broken her mental block and was now trying to figure the best way to tell Ranma how she felt when she was forced to dodge a bucket of cold water. Kasumi had thrown it out not knowing the two were there. Naturally Ukyo thought she did it on purpose and ended up running off in a rage when she remembered Ranma was still there.
Ukyo attacked her after school only to be drained by Hinako and left there. To weak to be angry she forced herself back to the dojo. She arrived just in time to run into Artemis who had been run off by Nodoka. She was distracted from wondering if she heard a human scream come from the cat by Nodoka calling her over.
Ukyo as Ryouko watched Ranma train with Akane cursing Kasumi for ruining her chance to confess to him. As she walled off into the yard she was stolen by Azusa who lied to Genma and told him she was hers. Ukyo tried to protest only to be drugged and dragged off.
Ukyo was kept perpetually drugged as Azusa dyed her fur pink and covered her in bow ties. By the time Ranma had come to rescue her she was left in a state that could best describe as a mixture of complete catatonic shock and over boiling fury. After Ranma left her in his room to calm down she snuck out and made her way to furo. Something in the transformation process warped the dye that Azusa used turning her hair into multiple shades of pink. Ukyo could just look at herself in the mirror her only thought being that curse would be obvious to Ranma now.
She was brought out of her horror by the arrival of Kasumi. Her anger at her rival allowed her to go from despondent to rock certainty in the space of a few seconds. Informing Kasumi that she hadn’t won yet, and happy to see that Ukyo was feeling better Kasumi nodding his head at the defiant girl and left. As she listened to the explanation of how Kasumi was married to Shampoo Ukyo in her cursed form savored the sight of her squirming. She happily confronted her as soon as she changed back calling Kasumi a drunken pervert. Ukyo calmed down upon seeing how upset Kasumi was, but still told her that she had ruined Shampoo’s life and had to make it right; while telling her that she wouldn’t let her ruin Ranma’s life as well.
Knowing that she couldn’t stay in her cursed form forever and that the longer she waited the worse it would get Ukyo tried her best to think up a way for Ranma not to figure out the truth. She was brought out of her musings by watching Ranma and Shampoo spar which Kasumi put a stop to when things got out of hand. Her anger at Kasumi allowed her to put her troubles into the back of her mind for awhile.
With renewed focus she hid a bunch of panties under Kasumi’s bed which were discovered when Kodachi snuck into her room. Much to Ukyo’s frustration Nodoka ignored Kodachi’s prescience and believed Kasumi when she told her she didn’t knowhow the underwear got there. Ukyo showed no remorse when Kasumi confronted her and just vowed to keep doing it.
When everyone went to the skating ring Ukyo showed up and attacked Azusa as she was demanding to know where Charlotte was from Shampoo. Azusa, panicked by Ukyo's particularly forceful assault, hid behind a recovered Mikado, prompting a negotiation between the parties. Mikado proposed a formal paired skating duel. In her rush to get to Azusa, Ukyo agreed, inadvertently selecting Kasumi as her partner, believing Ranma was still behind her at the time. 
Frustrated at this development Ukyo told Kasumi to stay out of her way. As she was leaving Kasumi asked her if she knew how to skate, but she continued on without answering. She finally broke down once out of sight as she believed that Kasumi would sabotage her. She was stopped by Cologne who offered to train her.
For several days Ukyo would disappear part to talk Ranma out of chaining Ryouko up during the day. Luckily though he was worried that his pet might get into trouble Ranma was reluctant to take that step himself, and reference to the fact that you couldn't tie up a wolf, plus the fact that she always returned, had convinced him to let matters stay as they were. Coincidentally she ended up going to the rink to practice the same time as Kasumi.
Ranma who was there as well decided to help her train much to Ukyo’s joy. She gladly let Ranma lead the way, and quickly forgot her own troubles, basking in Ranma's presence. Though she immediately came out of her trance when Ranma asked her about her hat. She ended up telling him that it was to hide a bad haircut. The two sparred for a little while with Ukyo easily besting Ranma. When Ranma noticed her pink eyebrows she brushed that off as part of the haircut as well.   
Ranma got a reluctant Ukyo to agree to train with Kasumi. Though she ended up just attacking her, and knowing that further negotiation was pointless Kasumi decided to play along. The day of the match Cologne advised Ukyo not to use the Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken during the fight so that Kasumi wouldn’t have time to develop a counter.
The Announcer says that Ukyo is the winner of the Tokyo Restaurant Clash Invitational three times running, with an undefeated record. Hearing this for the first time Kasumi attempted to congratulate her. All this did was remind Ukyo of how much her father ignores her so Kasumi backed off and just warned her to stay away from Mikado. Having no interest in working together with Kasumi Ukyo immediately punched him in the groin and attacked the Golden Pair herself.
This proved to be a mistake, for while the shock of this gave her a momentary advantage. She proved to be no match for Azusa’s superior skating skills. Seeing this Mikado skated up to Ukyo and offered her a shot at Azusa outside of the ink if she kissed him. When she refused he attempted to do so by force and ended up being receiving a hard rabbit punch for underestimating her.
Resuming her attack on Azusa she still proved to be no match. Azusa decided to go on the offensive when Ukyo called her a coward and her situation got worse once Mikado returned and the two worked together too slowly wear her down. She was rescued by Kasumi before Mikado could go in for the kill. Realizing that fighting the two by herself was pointless Ukyo agreed to work with Kasumi. She went after Azusa while Kasumi dealt with Mikado.
Shampoo decided to intercede at this moment. It worked, but quickly put Shampoo into Mikado's sights who would steal a kiss from her. This infuriated Kasumi, causing him to knock out Mikado front tooth. A furious Mikado attacked Kasumi in a blind rage while using a whimpering Azusa as little more then a weapon. Ukyo seeing Kaneda's predicament went in to rescue him allowing Mikado and Azusa to use the Couple Cleaver. Azusa couldn’t handle the spin and ended up loosing her grip on Kanada. Kasumi chooses to save Ukyo and so flips her under himself, so he takes the hit to the wall instead of Ukyo.
Ukyo's mind tripped as she realized just what Kaneda had done. As she checked over him she realized that he hat had fallen off in the struggle and that Ranma could no see her pink hair. Those two things left Ukyo stunned utterly, unable to even ponder action. Luckily her hair turned out to be multiple shades of pink instead of just one color giver her plausible deniability. With renewed vigor she jumped to her skates, took one second to mentally prepare herself and charged at the Golden Pair.
With her hat gone Azusa was somehow able to realize that she was Charlotte and began hugging her. When Ukyo denied it she realized that it was because of Ranma so she skated off to tell the crowed. In desperation Ukyo ended up destroying the rink, then used the Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken to knock Azusa out. It was only then that she remembered her curse. Kasumi was able to pick her up and clear the ring before she fell in.
After her and Kasumi’s victory Cologne gave Ukyo an amulet to use as leverage for her upcoming match against Kasumi. She then went off to gleefully claim her prize for winning the match which was subject Azusa to the same humiliation she subjected her to. She showed no sympathy to the distraught Azusa pointing out that unlike Ukyo, her hair would be fixed in a week. Making sure she promised not to tell anyone about her curse Ukyo let Azusa go.
Ukyo avoided Ranma ever since the incident at the rink. While she tried hard to convince herself that he had not made the connection between her own pink streaked hair, and Ryouko's solid pink fur, grave doubts had lingered, causing her stomach to knot in anxiety. Finally, unable to bear the uncertainty, she approached him while he was alone in the kitchen. Ranma stared at her for a minute or two before resting his hand on top of Ryouko's head. Tension seemed to flow out of Ukyo at the touch of Ranma's hand, and the knowledge that her secret was still safe was a balm that settled her roiling stomach.
The fight between her and Kasumi started with traditional hand to hand combat and they only decided to use the techniques they learned when they proved to be evenly matched. Over a hundred blows met one single ki changed fist the result of which was rather devastating to both parties. Ultimately the two fought to a standstill, they'd get up, rush each other, fight for about 2 seconds, then BOOM, they were back where they started. The only thing that seemed to change was that it took a little longer for each to reach the other with every exchange.
Ranma eventually stepped in to stop the fight. Taking Ukyo aside he attempted to convince her end things peacefully. Not wanting to alienate Ranma Ukyo agreed to stand stood down and give over the pill willingly. However, it was discovered to be a fake and that the real one was still in China. 
When Saki got the jump on Ranma Ukyo immediately attacked her. Since she had done little more then embarrass him Ranma could only stare in confusion wondering why she was so angry. When this was pointed out to he by Kasumi she quickly calmed down and left after giving Saki a veiled threat. Ukyo learned about Ranma’s date with Kasumi when he expressed to Ryouko how nervous he was about it.
Setting about ruining she followed the two of them to the restaurant Ukyo disguised herself as a shelf and ended up putting something into her food; only for Kasumi to see her and not eat it. When Mousse attacked Ranma Ukyo attacked Kasumi blaming her for it happening. Shampoo entered the fray on Kasumi's side. In an effort to stop the fighting, Frost cast a fear spell, but inadvertently hit only Shampoo. Shampoo would panic and run off, which did end up having the result of ending the fight, although not in the intended way.
Those at the restaurant would split up to find Shampoo, Ukyo eventually discovering her in an alley, hiding. Kasumi, in male form, managed to coax her out and Frost cast a sleeping spell on her meant to remove nightmares, calming her. Kasumi would take Shampoo back to the San Cheng Huang, but soon found the sleeping spell alone was not sufficient to keep Shampoo calm and was forced to stay with Shampoo.
On her way to the Tendo Dojo while trying to built up the courage to confess her love to Ranma she was splashed by the Old Washer Woman both unaware that her regular pail had been replaced with the Chiisuiton. Ukyo didn’t discover that she was trap until after she arrived home. Ranma decided to finally confirm his suspicions by accidentally dropping a cup of hot tea on Ryouko while he was relieved when nothing happened Ukyo was horrified. After getting over her initial shock the first thing she did was rush to the furo and jump in not caring that Soun was already in there. When she didn’t change back she ran out to find the only person she could think of who could be responsible, Kasumi. 
Frantic Ukyo attacked Kasumi outside of the San Cheng-Huang. She tried to calm Ukyo down, but was eventually forced to use a paralysis point on her. Kasumi ended up taking Ukyo to Frost when she tried to change her back so they could talk only for it not to work. Frost was able to discern the nature of the lock and after recovering the Chiisuiton, used it to track the Kaisuifu necessary to unlock Ukyo's curse.
The group traveled in relative silence, but as they neared their goal Frost finally asked how Kasumi knew the Musk. Despite having to recall something less than stellar in her past to the two she got along with the least, Kasumi relented. Frost was shocked to learn that Prince Herb was female. She quickly realized that he had a curse and fell victim to the Chiisuiton. While Ukyo didn’t believe she was telling the whole truth.
They arrived at near the same time as Herb’s group and ultimately get into a conflict over the artifact, due to Frost’s antagonism. During the conflict, Ukyo would manage to unlock her curse, but Frost would destroy the Kaisuifu before Herb could do likewise. Infuriated by this, Herb attempted to kill Frost. Kasumi tried to calm Herb down while Ukyo and Frost dealt with Lime and Mint. Lime pretty much ignored Ukyo’s attacks as he attempted to get to the magus and even Frost’s spells did little more then disorient him for a second. Finally Ukyo attempted to distract him long enough for Frost to built up her power. She would have failed if not for Mint, he started developing feeling for her after learning that she was a cursed victim and him arguing with Lime about hurting her provided Frost all the time she needed.
Kasumi managed to shock him out of this using a powerful Ha-Do-Ken. With Herb calmed enough to negotiate, Kasumi got Frost to agree to repair the artifact, giving Herb new hope. She then tended to the injured Ukyo who reluctantly thanked her for her help. Kasumi did her best to heal everyone but Ukyo still found herself having trouble getting to sleep, both due to her injuries and the fact that it had been awhile since she had slept in her human form. The reason for which she was very guilty about. Finding Frost in the same predicament the two talked for awhile.
Ukyo asked her various questions about the Jusenkyo, Magic, the Musk. She had noticed Mint giving her all sorts of odd looks, and hanging around her, hearing from Frost that he was from the wolf clan caused Ukyo to realize he had developed a crush on her. Frost had no knowledge of the technique that Kasumi had used to defeat Herb though.
The next day though she tried to hide it as long as she could the lack of sleep combined with the extremely high expunger of energy quickly caught up with Frost. So while Ukyo looked after her Kasumi called Hiro to ask him to pick them up. During the ride Ukyo noticed that Herb had developed feeling for Kasumi from the way he was looking at her.
It turned out that Herb, Mint, and Lime had used up all of their funds. Kasumi offered to allow Lime and Mint to stay at the dorms while Herb would stay at the dojo. Mint asked if he could stay with Ukyo but she flat out refused. She was surprised that he didn’t put up a fuss. 
Ukyo, or rather Ryouko, arrived at the Tendos to find Ranma talking with Kuno. Much to her frustration Kuno suggested that Ranma was starting to develop feelings for Kasumi. The problem was that Ukyo agreed as the signs were becoming uncomfortably clear. Her main concern was that this would him in conflict with the others. Her fears proved well founded when Herb having found out about the engagement attacked him.
While following Ranma she overheard Kodachi agreeing to go on a date with him if he got Kasumi to agree to go on a date with her brother. As she was debating what to about this latest development she was interrupted by Mint who asked her to marry him. Taken off guard by the forwardness of the Musk wolf boy Ukyo shot him down. She tried to explain to him that he wasn’t in love only to grow frustrated when she couldn’t explain why he wasn’t and told him to leave her alone. Though Ukyo felt like she kicked a puppy when Mint turned and walked away, his head hung low, she quickly dismissed the thought.  
Upon the Headmaster, Kocho Kuno return he began terrorizing students (whilst dressed as a snowman) by handing out demerits for uniform infringements. He then encounters Ranma and attempts to cut his pigtail, but is quickly smashed into the ground by Ranma and Ukyo.
His snowman costume destroyed and his true appearance is revealed. Principle Kuno gives Ranma a present as an apology in the form of an exploding pineapple. After escaping Ukyo’s wrath he would approach Shampoo and trick her into joining him by saying Kasumi wanted to talk with her. Distracted, the others did not notice this. Kasumi arrived to find Ranma was laid out on the teacher's desk being fanned by Ukyo and Akane. It was here that they noticed Shampoo’s absence.
As they were warning Kasumi about how deranged the Kuno patriarch was everyone was to the main gymnasium. After gathering all of the students the Principal reveals another present for them. The boys would get buzz cuts and girls would get bowl cuts. This ruling receives an extremely negative reaction from the students.
Ukyo goes up to the stage to smash his face in and calmed her down by explaining that there is a special coconut that has a "Get Out of Rules Free" card, which will excuse the student who possess it from having to get a hair cut. She quickly grabs the coconut the Principal is holding (believing it to be the one he mentioned beforehand), but it turns out to be a dud.
Saki suggested that they just rush him, but Ranma and Kuno knowing how resilient he was advised against it stating that it would be a waste of time. The students worked together to find the coconut growing increasingly frustrated at the various traps set up to stop them. Ranma decided to take Shin’s advice on where to go next and ended up buried under a pile of coconuts.
Just as they were about to start cracking them open Kasumi arrived to stop them stating that she needed coconuts. After blinding them all Kasumi took them and ran off. Refusing to allow her to escape Ukyo jumped out the window to remember the pool. Making her way to the bushes, Ukyo, or rather Ryouko cursed Kasumi, the principal, the school architect, and anyone else that came to mind. Her only thought of comfort as she waited for her chance to retrieve her clothes from the pool was the thought of taking Kasumi down.
She returned in time to hear Ryoga suggest that they find Kasumi and find out what was wrong and was quick to call them out for so casually dismissing what Kasumi just did. Furious she decided to go and find Kasumi and deal with her herself. Kasumi tried to get Ukyo to leave her alone when she found her, but when Ukyo refused and attacked her anyway she was easily able to defeat her and leave. Ukyo was left devastated at such a humiliating lose.
Depressed Ukyo wondered around aimlessly for two days Kasumi defeat her with such minimal effort brought back memories of the pain of her youth when her father would show such open favoritism towards Kasumi. Unable to figure out what to do with herself now that all the time and effort she spent to prove she was better had been rendered meaningless. Finding herself in a coffee shop she wrote a letter to Ranma confessing both her feelings and her curse only to regret it the moment she put in the mailbox.
Unfortunately the mailman refused to give her the letter back. She was contemplating beating him up and taking it when he demanded a bribe when Lemon showed up and convinced him to give it to her. Introducing herself Lemon asked for Ukyo’s help in dealing with Kasumi only for her to refuse. While she sympathized with Lemon’s plight she just wasn’t a match for Kasumi. Lemon refused to accept that and after explaining the politics of her clan and what would happen to her if she didn’t marry Herb she offered to train Ukyo herself, or more accurately offered Sissithississ to do it on her behalf. Her reasoning being that if Herb saw Ukyo defeat Kasumi he would lose interest. 
While she didn’t really trust Lemon Ukyo reluctantly went along with her plan a she saw it as the only was she could finally defeat Kasumi. The problem was what form of training she could do that could match up to the training Kasumi receives from Cologne. Lemon asked if her style had any hidden or secret techniques, causing her to remember the forbidden techniques she was told about by her father and grandfather when she was a child. Lemon pounced on this and convinced her to learn them. With renewed confident Ukyo went to home for the first time in months.
Ukyo did her best to ignore her father as she searched for the map to the Kounji family shrine. Hidenori realized that she wanted to learn the forbidden techniques to defeat Kasumi, called her out for being so reckless. Ukyo in response accused him of just being afraid that she will finally be able to defeat his precious Kasumi, before telling him to get out of her way. Her father held his ground for an instant, but finally moved aside. Ukyo gave him one last glare then left.
Making her way to the Kounji family shrine only to find nothing, Ukyo initially thought her father had intentionally given her the wrong map, until Sissithississ pointed out the giant boulder blocking the entrance. Unfortunately not only did it weight about two hundred tons it was also warded, making it impossible for them to either move or destroy it. A frustrated Ukyo in avertedly started copying Sissithississ’ accent, before apologizing. He managed to calm her down and get her to realize that this must be a test of some kind, but in her impatience she just attacked it and ended up being sent hurtling backwards.
Lemon watched over Ukyo as Sissithississ left to fetch firewood. When she came to Ukyo’s first idea was to go and get Lime, but Lemon advised her against it being familiar with Magic. She explained that when Ukyo attacked the rock, she felt how it was attuned to her or at least her family. This gave Ukyo an epiphany while she couldn’t move the rock the cliff itself had no protection allowing her to clear a path. By this point Sissithississ returned and congratulated her on her success.
The three searched through the various scrolls held within the shrine while most of the techniques she already knew, there were a few interesting knew ones. Sissithississ was surprised to find a scroll containing the techniques of the Seven Lucky Gods. They decided to move to the roof next where they encountered a trap. Luckily Sissithississ was the one who set it off so was able to ignore the poison needle. Finding the forbidden scrolls Ukyo spent the night decoding them.
Feeling that the Nanban Mirror held monetary value Nabiki refused to give it back to Cologne. Later that night she woke up to see her sister longingly looking at her with exposed fangs and glowing eyes and started screaming. The others quickly rushed to her room to find out what was going on. However seeing now danger Ranma called her out over panicking so much over a nightmare. Kasumi was gone Nabiki took that as a sign that Ranma must have been right and the vampire was just a bad dream.
However Ukyo who was in her cursed form at the time detected the scent of Kasumi and set off to confront her. Finding her on the roof Ukyo quickly attacked her not realizing that she was from the A Very Scary Thought universe. Despite Kasumi trying to defuse the situation peacefully Ukyo continued to attack however the enhanced senses granted to her due to being a vampire made all of Ukyo’s moves appear to be in slow motion. Since Ukyo refused to explain why she was attacking her Kasumi was forced to use her superior strength to immobilize her.  
Ukyo struggled the best she could before Kasumi once again instinctively used her power to hypnotize Ukyo. Releasing her grip on Ukyo Kasumi finally began to come to light with her situation. Unfortunately the repeated use of her powers caused Kasumi to be momentarily taken over by her vampire instincts and leaned in to drink Ukyo’s blood. Ukyo was brought out of her hypnosis by Ranma coming to check what was going on. This caused Kasumi to come back to her senses as well and fly away in shame.
Ukyo tried to convince Ranma that it was Kasumi who had attacked her, while he believed it might have been a vampire the fact that she was wearing a dressed made him believe that it couldn’t have been Kasumi. Seeing the mark of Ukyo’s neck Ranma took her to Dr Tofu’s office to get checked out while thanking her from protecting his house from the vampire.
The downside of the Burning Soul is that it takes a heavy toll on the user's body. The first time Ukyo was successfully perform it she was certain she would die as it basically felt like she was setting herself on fire. Her training consisted of activating the technique for longer and longer intervals, but even using the heat resistance technique she had mastered she had only built up enough tolerance to last a few seconds. It reached the point where Sissithississ eventually put a stop to it stating that it wasn’t training, but torture.
He also suggested that she take a bath due to the smell caused by her excessive sweating. Lemon who had been cooking also agreed. To weak to argue Ukyo agreed to at least take a warm one. However Sissithississ had already figured out that she had a jusenkyo curse. After mastering the Burning Soul she began training in the various other techniques she had found.
For the first time in many weeks Ukyo was feeling optimistic, confident that she could finally defeat Kasumi. Finding herself outside, looking up at the emerging stars. She asked Sissithississ why Lemon was so determined to marry Herb. He explained the nature of the Musk and the Fox clan. In return he asked why she was so determined to defeat Kasumi. Ukyo’s response was that she was sick of living in her shadow, and get her back for what she did. When Sissithississ aske what Kasumi did, she refused to answer. The three remained at the shrine for a week as they left Ukyo smiled at the thought of standing over Kasumi's defeated form, once and for all proving who was the best.
Ukyo wasn’t surprised to find her father with Kasumi. He tried to once again warn her about how dangerous the techniques she had learned were, only to be cut as she had long since grown tired of him telling her she couldn’t handle things. Hidenori tried a different approach and called his daughter out for trying to kill Kasumi, but Ukyo had no intention of killing Kasumi just kick her around a little. She then gave her father her battle spatula stating that she didn’t need it anymore.  
Kasumi and Ukyo didn’t bother with any small talk. The two started off on relatively even footing. However Kasumi soon found herself unable to take any offensive measure, while at the same time her defenses were being consistently overwhelmed. Seeing just how much Ukyo has improved, causing her to resort to using illusions. Seeing that Ukyo had been using chopsticks Kasumi was finally able to get through to her defense. Ukyo used an area wide attack to draw her out forcing Kasumi to start resorting ki attacks only for Ukyo to negate using the heat resistance technique she had learned while mastering the Burning Soul.
With her physical and ki based attacks negated Kasumi began utilizing more creative illusion and in response Ukyo finally used Burning Soul for the first time. Though completely overwhelmed Kasumi managed to unleash a Hiryuu Shouten Ha. Even that proved to be little more then a distraction forcing Kasumi to flee, where she came across a cat.
The two once again entered a stalemate as the possessed Kasumi-neko ignored Ukyo’s attacks as she spammed the Burning Soul. This time Ukyo was the one forced to flee, but when that option became unavailable she made one last desperate attack knocking kasumi-neko out. sadly as she was celebrating her victory Kasumi-neko rose and much to everyone’s surprise began powering up a Ha Do Ken. The spectators heeded Herb’s warning and ran all except Hidenori who watched as his daughter remain unmoving, apparently paralyzed by the danger.
His telling her to run seemed to break her out of her shock, while she agreed to herself that he had a point she refused to show weakness. When Kasumi-neko unleashed her attack Ukyo attempted to extinguish it resulting in an explosion that left her lying on the ground, bruised and burned but still breathing. As Kasumi-neko approached the barely conscious Ukyo Hidenori, Ranma, Tatewaki, Herb and Genma jumped in to stop her. Ukyo could only weakly prop her head up allowing her to see Kasumi to attack the closest intruder which happened to be Ranma.
In order to rescue him Ukyo performed Burning Soul one last time and at the end of the exchange Ukyo was left victorious. Several minutes later as her father tended to her wounds he called her out for rushing into things without thinking of the consequences. Ukyo discovered what he was talking about when Kasumi declared her, her new wife.
It was agreed that Ukyo would stay at the dojo until things worked out. The next day Ukyo awoke with a cold sweat from a nightmare about her marrying Kasumi. She was greeted by Ranma who asked if she had seen Ryoko before much to her confusion commenting on her hair almost being back to normal. Ukyo watched from the common room Soun, Genma, and Hidenori spent the day arguing. The speech ranged from calm discourse to heated yelling matches.
Ukyo began to worry when they began to d more of the fore then the later. Ranma eventually joined her and revealed that he had found and read her letter. Her reaction was immediate. First she withdrew, fearing she would be yelled at, but then she jumped to her feet, and frantically began to trying to explain herself. While upset Ranma had pretty much figured it out awhile ago. As of now he was more worried about what their fathert’s would decide.
Ukyo didn’t hide the fact that she wouldn’t mind being forced to marry Ranma very well. Her train of thought was derailed when Ranma reminded her that Kasumi was apart of the equation. She was adamant about not marrying her. Now knowing the cause behind Kasumi’s animosity Ranma asked if she was sure Kasumi intentionally pushed her into the spring. At this point Ukyo wasn’t so sure anymore. With that Ranma got her to at least agree to get along with Kasumi. Left alone in the common room Ukyo wondered what was worse, being married to Kasumi, or Ranma being out of reach. However, after a second she concluded that either way, she wanted a say in the matter.
It was ultimately decided by the fathers to add Ukyo to the group marriage, causing a furious Ranma to storm out of the room. Nervous by this reaction Ukyo made herself scarce for awhile, Ranma ended up catching her after she launched Happosai in the sky. Ranma had noticed how distant she was being and assured her that he wasn’t angry for what she did. Ukyo tried to respond but finally fell silent from lack of words. Growing series Ranma asked Ukyo again if she was okay with the marriage. She answered that she was, even if it meant marrying Kasumi, she wanted to be with Ranma. Ranma wasn’t so sure when Ukyo asked him the same thing, but he was willing to give things a try.  
Ukyo ended up being roommates with Ranko, who wasn’t very good at hiding how nervous she was around her. While initially suspicious she decided to let Ranko have her little secrets, as long as she stays out of her business. Later while plucking flowers to way the benefits of married to Ranma if it meant being married to Kasumi when she was attacked by Kasumi-Ken. Though confused at such a drastic change in personality Ukyo easily defeated her.
Making her way to the dorms she was surprised to find Kasumi there. If it wasn’t for Sakura being there to back her up she wouldn’t have believed Kasumi when she explained who Copycat Ken was. Kasumi tried to get her to realize how serious the situation was, but Ukyo dismissed her as she had already defeated Ken, and didn’t believe he could copy her techniques. However there was also Shampoo to think about, but as they argued Kasumi noticed that Ukyo was shaking.
She was taken to Tofu’s clinic where he determined that her overuse of the Burning Soul had damaged her energy circulatory system. This was causing small amounts of ki to be released uncontrolled into her body, which reacted by shaking. Unfortunately all he could recommend to fix it was for her to not use her ki for at least a month. He also gave her some pills that would help with her the tremors. By this point Ranma and Cologne had heard what happened and were worked together with Kasumi to try and get Ukyo to lay low at her family shrine. Ranma assured her that he would bring her everything she needed. 
Ukyo was slowly going insane being stuck out in the middle of nowhere with only a bi-daily visit from Ranma to keep her company wasn't. She was going stir-crazy on top of being generally angry at the situation to start with. It didn’t help when Ranma showed up after having his own run in with Ken. While he was quick to assure her that he was fine only a great force of will on her part kept her from activating her burning soul and working out her anger by shattering the nearest solid object. After explaining everything that was going on he made sure that she was okay. Seeing how depressed she was he impulsively asked her out on a date in an attempt to cheer her up.
In another attempt to become Herb’s bride Lemon ended up going to the shrine under the guise of keeping her company. She was planning on waiting for the right moment to use her charm to get Ukyo to say that she had defeated her. Unable to even do her regular training, Ukyo had little to do but read books or talk with Lemon. Unfortunately since they came from such different worlds it was near impossible to maintain a conversation for long on a subject matter that both had interest in. It didn’t help that Ranma was a day late, unaware that Kasumi had been kidnapped, Ukyo was about ready to leave despite the danger.
Lemon attempted to knock her out with a frying pan, when it didn’t work she played it off as an accident lowering her hood so Ukyo would believe her. Realizing that she wasn’t strong enough to defeat Ukyo she opted to seduce her instead. While Ukyo had some attraction to women, Lemon still had to fully reveal herself to her , for her charm to work.
While wrapped in a single piece of silvery fabric that concealed all the private bits, but just barely. Lemon informed a stupefied Ukyo of the curse of the Fox Clan. She ultimately couldn’t go through with it and ordered Ukyo to forget she was ever there. It is unknown how long Ukyo stood there but she was eventually broken out of her stupor by the Cooking Priest. Despite her best efforts Lemon’s charm was still in effect so Ukyo had no idea what she had been doing. So brushed it off to ask the priest what he was doing there. Learning that he was the caretaker she informed him that it was her families shrine. Realizing that she had been using the burning soul the priest adviced her to return with him to the Manpukuji Temple where she could be treated. After leaving a note for Ranma Ukyo agreed.
The priest gave Ukyo a dumpling made specifically to address the side effects of the burning soul technique. This made Ukyo skeptical as Tofu told her it could only be fixed with special pressure point techniques. The priest explained that while no physical treatment would repair the damage. However, there are forms of chi treatments that can, and those pressure point techniques are the most well known form of that. The dumpling itself is endowed with a very special aura that can affect the body's aura, regenerating it.
Deciding she had nothing to lose Ukyo ate the dumpling, and the effects were almost instantaneous. Since this didn’t address the fundamental issue with the burning soul, only repair the damage Ukyo asked if the priest could teach her the recipe for the dumpling. Since she was a descendant of the temples founder the priest was inclined to agree, going so far as the tell her about the recipe book left by an old man from Osaka over a hundred years ago. If she proved herself worthy he would give it to her. 
He then showed her temple's greatest treasure, an offering of Okonomiyaki that the man had also left. Removing the lid off the small box it was contained within. The century old Okonomiyaki is shown to have been kept fresh by the powerful battle aura that it has been infused with. As Ukyo recoils in shock from learning how old the Okonomiyaki is, the priest reveals his suspicions that the man was also a descendant as the recipe book is said to contain recipes on how to perfect the burning soul, a technique limited to Ukyo’s family line.
This causes Ukyo to decide that it must've been her great-grandfather who made the Okonomiyaki as her grandfather he was the only member of the Kuonji School of Okonomiyaki who could make such things. She asked why he would leave the book here and not give it to his son; the Priest told her that it was because of the dangers of the knowledge within. Eager to learn a perfected version of the burning soul that she could perform without worry, Ukyo was ready to start learning, but first there must be a test. While initially nervous, she became confident upon learning that it was a cooking test.
The priest was quick to call her out on her arrogance, telling her that this was no ordinary test, but Ukyo remained defiant that she would pass. Much to her surprise though after everything he said he only asked her to make him a piece of dry toast. She nearly attacked him thinking it was some, joke but he was serious. Barely holding her anger in check Ukyo rushed off to the kitchen. 
Despite this it took Ukyo an hour before she was confident in her dish, which is why she ultimately failed. The reason he asked Ukyo to make is precisely because it is very simple. Her earlier confidence was nothing more than bravado. While she had a great spirit, Ukyo lacked confidence. While she tried to protest his assessment, she really couldn’t. The priest explained that the recipes in the book require a certain spirit to use. Ukyo lacked that experience, thus it would be useless to her. The Priest informs Ukyo that while her food is good, it is the spirit of the cook that gives them their true power.
The fight gone from her Ukyo asked how she could get confidence, but her couldn’t really give her a definitive answer as to find confidence is not simply a matter of a set task. Ukyo didn't like the answer, but she also couldn't fault the logic of it either. As she was contemplating it, the Priest left telling her that she was welcomed to try the test again at any time, both of them knowing that the results would be the same. After awhile Ukyo left as well.
Making her way back to her family temple Ukyo tried built up her confidence by telling herself that she didn’t need the book as she was fine the way she was. Sadly the words did nothing to change her mood as she couldn't fault the priest’s logic. She was brought out of the musing, by the arrival of Ranma who called her out for suddenly disappearing like that. She told how the Manpukuji priest healed her, while he explained everything she had missed while she was gone including Ken’s defeat as well as Kasumi, Shampoo, and Usagi’s kidnapping.
Ukyo temporarily forgot her troubles as she tried to puzzle through this new information. He assured her that everyone was alright and now that everything was dealt with she could return. The priest had followed back to the temple as well to give a box of dumplings and a reminder to come back to him when she feels that she is ready.
Since returning home Ukyo has done little more then contemplate the issue of her recent test and failure. She had come to fully accept the old monk's assessment, but was baffled as to how to deal with correcting it. Now matter how many times she asked herself how do you find confidence in yourself, she found no real answers.
Another issue she faced was that after learning of her returned Kasumi asked to speak with her to inform her about how Shadow Lady had induced the Nekoken during their duel. Amazon laws regarding defeats had several conditions under which a defeat could be legally challenged and voided. One of those was third party interference. Kasumi had made it clear that Cologne believed that Shadow Lady's interference was grounds enough to void her loss to Ukyo. However, unexpectedly, Kasumi had not yet challenged the defeat. Instead, she had said the decision was Ukyo's.
What was more annoying then the fact that nullifying the law would most likely get her engagement to Ranma called off as well. Was Kasumi’ parting comments telling Ukyo that she believed Ukyo would have won regardless. The acknowledgment left Ukyo puzzled and wondering to what Kasumi's angle was. She was brought out of her musings by the arrival of Ranma. With all the drama she had forgotten that Ranma had promised her a date. Caught off guard she could only draw a blank when he asked where she wanted to go, so he suggested the local fair.
Ranma found himself suffering a bit of a beating to his male pride. Due to Ukyo consistently matching or beating him at every one of the games. It got so bad the he had banish the thought of challenging her to a game he knew she couldn’t play because of her curse, realizing that it wouldn’t mean anything if he didn’t win fairly. Ukyo seeing his frustration deliberately lost the rifle game, which Ranma was quick to call her out on, finding her deliberately, limiting herself to make him feel better insulting. As Ukyo hung her head in shame Ranma cheered her up by pointing out that a couple months ago he wouldn’t of been able to keep up with her this much.
After they got something to eat Ranma finally asked Ukyo why she seemed so distracted lately. Remembering what the Cooking Priest told her Ukyo asked Ranma if he was confident in himself. After thinking about it for a second he replied that he knew his strength. Seeing Ukyo’s confusion he explained that that he knew his limits and his potential, while he wasn’t arrogant to claim he could measure up to either her or Kasumi, he was confident that he would eventually; it was all a matter of training.
This just saddened Ukyo since she honestly couldn’t say the same thing about herself. Even after finally defeating Kasumi she still felt this sense of inadequacy.  Ranma examined Ukyo closely, seeing the confusion that was overwhelming her. He explained the difference between confidence and arrogance. He told her that confidence wasn’t a matter of being strong. It was just a matter of being sure of yourself. Looking up at Ranma she asked him how you find confidence in yourself. Sadly that he couldn’t answer, it was just something she had to do for herself. It was obviously not the answer she was hoping to get, but she couldn't dispute it. In order to cheer her up Ranma opted to continue their date.
On the day Ranma and Shampoo had her match between Rippa and Kitsui Buyou Ukyo showed up an hour earlier before everyone else to the dance floor. Though she watched by herself and didn’t join the others when they arrived. When the battle ended in a tie she gave Ranma and Rippa one of the dumplings to help them recover. Shocked at the sudden surge of energy the sprung up within him he told Ukyo she should get the recipe. This caused the chef to deflate a little, nod and leave before he could turn to notice.
Ranma went to Ukyo to ask out on a group date, with him, Shampoo and Kasumi so that they could hash thing out together. Though part of her was still thoroughly convinced that Kasumi was just scheming and laughing behind everyone's backs as they bought into it, Ukyo agreed wondering at the series of events that had lead her to this point that she was actually seriously considering a multi-way date which included Kasumi of all people.
Ranma having not expecting things to be so easy hadn’t actually planned anything yet. Luckily they were distracted by the arrival of Ranko. They asked her about what was going on at the restaurant, but she hadn’t really been paying attention and only knew it had something to do with Frost. Ranma he went to check up on things himself. He didn’t notice Ranko’s reaction when he wondered if Herb’s time as a girl had mellowed him out but Ukyo did, though Ranko brushed her off when she asked about it.
The next day after school Shampoo Ukyo, Kasumi and Ranma would watch Frost world briefly in the field. Siren spoke to them, telling them she had put a barrier in place so people wouldn't interfere or notice. She also advised them not to mention the consequence of Frost completing the spell, namely being raised to the rank of Archmage. Siren also removed the magic from Ukyo allowing her to remember an encounter with Lemon the kitsune had told her to forget. They would then set out on their date.
On their way, Ukyo would explain what she knew of Lemon's situation, seeing Kasumi's determination to see the bright side in everybody; Ranma decided to give her a hand and asked why she was so determined to marry Herb. Ukyo explained that she ran the risk of being cursed to be a male and married off and that kitsune were cursed to never love other women. Kasumi would also mention that other may be hunting Lemon as well as kitsunes were considered valuable. After this they would decide to head to Pierre's to get some clothes for Ukyo.
During their travel, Shampoo would ponder the similarity between her own situation and Lemon's. Ukyo also said that she believed Lemon did not likely intend to hurt Shampoo or Frost, although the same could not be said of Kasumi. It was here that Ranma noticed they were going the wrong way. They were about to turn around when Shampoo noticed they were suddenly very alone in a park. After noticing this, four red haired women started approaching them from various directions, Kasumi noting this was likely a 'situation'.
Shampoo quickly advised the others that if they thought they should prevent their opponents from speaking any spells. Ukyo even suggested they may already be under a spell as they may have been lead to this location. Kasumi attempted to negotiate with the women, but there was little to negotiate as they simply demanded the group surrender and come along. Ukyo refused flatly and their opponents soon started a fight to subdue them.
Each member of the group was quickly isolated and engaged one on one, and was unable to gain any real advantage despite using some of their most advanced skills. Shampoo in particular realized that even at this their opponents seemed to be holding back which was very frustrating to her. Ukyo followed suit using the Burning Soul to knock her opponent out. She was about to go aid Ranma only to realize her sense of threat had not diminished. She dodged away just in time to avoid an ax kick to her head.
At the moment, Ranma would pursue his opponent into the water and was dragged under. He would soon reappear, but this caused Shampoo confusion. As Ranma tried to recover, he was once more dragged under prompting Kasumi to go to his aid and be likewise dragged under unexpectedly. Shampoo would rush to her aid, but as Kasumi reemerged, Shampoo pulled up short in shock. Ukyo then moved to aid Ranma, but Shampoo warned her off, saying they had to go. When Ukyo protested, Shampoo pointed to Kasumi and Ukyo understood, and after confirming it was both, Ukyo ran off with Shampoo, despite Ranma calling for aid.
Their run was brief, however, and Kasumi and Ranma caught up to them on a side street, finding Shampoo and Ukyo immediately defensive. After some confusion, Ukyo and Shampoo called them out, noting how Kasumi was cursed yet still female despite her dip in the water, and Shampoo knew Ranma wasn't who he appeared either. 'Ranma' and 'Kasumi' dropped their act, revealing they were indeed shapeshifted kitsune, and with the reappearance of the original 4, Shampoo and Ukyo found themselves in a bad situation. Just then, Cologne appeared, giving the girls an avenue of escape. While Cologne remained behind to engage the kitsunes, Ukyo and Shampoo fled for the restaurant.
Back at the restaurant the Amazon elders questioned Shampoo and Ukyo about the events, Shampoo wondering if Cologne had been captured. Herb showed up and learned of the events, and shortly after it was confirmed Cologne had escaped as he rejoined them, now in her youthful form, So Pu and Shampoo confirming her identity. Cologne explained she had been forced to get serious, but had overcome them, and further explained as shapeshifters, physical attacks were of little use against them. Herb would also note that the fox clan, likely all kitsunes, were rumored to be the Black Ops of the Musk. Jasmine then joined them, asking them to not further escalate the situation and ensured them she would bring any remaining Amazons outside safely within the barrier currently erected at the restaurant. Cologne also ensured them the kitsune did not seem to mean serious harm.
Sometime later, the restaurant would be surrounded by a large group of kitsunes which both Shampoo and So Pu sense, Shampoo noting many were powerful, very old spirits. Devlin, who had been left in charge as Jasmine departed suddenly, went out and met Peach, the leader of the group of Kitsunes, and Peach asked to see Lemon. Devlin would allow it. Peach apologized for the earlier incident and freed Ranma and Kasumi. Ukyo unexpectedly outdid Shampoo in enthusiasm for their return, rushing to Ranma's side, sending Shampoo into a spin, but Kasumi did quickly join her. Peach then asked to see Lemon who Devlin escorted her to. With the kitsune gone, Kasumi warned them that this was no longer about Lemon, and that Eyebright, Lemon's father, had forced them to reveal Herb's curse and that he was now the target. Cologne explained to the others that being trapped in female form, Musk law did allow Herb to be forced into a marriage which would give the husband Herb's position as heir to the throne.
Peach returned and unexpectedly confirmed for everyone that it was indeed Lemon who had tricked Frost. Peach further apologized, disavowed any participation in Lemon's actions, and gave the life of Lemon to Kasumi as way of compensation. This confused Kasumi, thinking she meant for Kasumi to kill Lemon, but she clarified that Lemon's fate was for Kasumi to decide now, and Cologne further clarified that effectively Lemon was now Kasumi's slave. Peach confirmed this resolved the conflict between them and the Amazons and Cologne was forced to confirm it was. Then as earlier warned the topic turned to Herb and Peach requested they had over the princess. Naturally this was refused by Herb herself who finally appeared. Peach put on a false sense of disappointment and said they would be taking Herb, and departed to rejoin the other kitsunes.
Devlin quickly started making directions, confirming Jasmine was engaged with Eyebright at that moment, and the barrier would not hold indefinitely so they had only about an hour. As he went off to seek reinforcements for the coming battle, the others discussed what to do. The Amazon elders had little choice but to remain out of it. Herb also confirmed his father, while he could intervene, likely wouldn't, and would instead find it amusing. Kasumi vowed to help Herb, and Ranma, Shampoo and Ukyo all did likewise. Ranma would also suggest Ranko was an ace in the hole, to which Shampoo agreed as kitsunes are magical.
With the arrival of Rippa as back up, Shampoo, Kasumi, Ukyo, Ranma, Rippa, and Herb convened in the pocket dimension to do the last bit of strategy. They would make a break for Siren's barrier by Frost, and with the repair of the kettle could restore Herb's male form preventing any forced marriage. Since Siren was an Amazon, the kitsune's could not attack Siren's barrier without provoking a response from the Amazons. Devlin gave each a magic potion to drink which would allow them some added protection from the kitsunes as well as allow them to at least hurt them in physical combat for the duration of the effect.
Teesha, another mage present who was helping, used her power to create numerous homunculi duplicates of each to act as distractions, and the group divided into pairs to accompany some of the duplicates to make the deception more convincing. Herb ended up being paired with Ukyo and since he was their target naturally the two got into a significant battle against their kitsune pursuer. It had taken some effort, but they had managed to overwhelm her and knock her out, but not before losing all their homunculi. They came across Kasumi and Ranma a few short blocks from Ranko's meeting spot.
It turned out Peach had snuck on small portal onto Herb, and had used it to catch up to him. He sensed her presence just as they were about to continue on. The foursome of Ukyo, Herb, Kasumi and Ranma stood in shock before perhaps their worst case scenario: face to face with Peach, in all likelihood, the most powerful kitsune in the bunch save only Eyebright himself. Kasumi told Herb to run while they hold her off, but much to her surprise Peach made no effort to stop him.  They realized why when after Herb disappeared around a corner behind them, he came running up the opposite direction. Ranma was the first to realize that they had been placed back into a looped space.
Peach taunted the group telling them that they only way out was knocking her unconscious. Ukyo was the first to attack angered at being underestimated, only for Peach to promptly shatter the moment her fist made contact. As Ukyo went into shock thinking she had killed someone. The shattered remains then rapidly grew into copies of Peach. With that Ranma, Kasumi, and Herb joined the fight as well. It was quickly apparent that that they were completely outmatched and that Peach was merely playing with them. Kasumi took advantage of her not taking them seriously to call forth the Light Ha Do. In Peach’s arrogance she let Kasumi strike, who did so with such force that the she as well as all the other duplicates dematerialized instantly.
This gave the others a chance to regroup; Ukyo wondered when Kasumi had gotten so strong. This surprised Ranma who had told her what happened at Hotel La Bac, but apparently he hadn’t gone into full detail. By this point Peach had rematerialized, so Kasumi asked them to give her an opening. As with all their attempts previously, though, Peach easily dealt with even their combined attacks. Despite Ukyo's Burning Soul increased speed and strength, Peach proved that much faster and stronger, easily dodging the chef's initial attack and tripping her up, while simultaneously evading several energy bolts from Herb. Even Ukyo and Herb working together to fill the air with their attack proved useless. However this spray of attacks and debris gave Kasumi the opportunity to attack only to realize that she was an illusion. The real Peach shapeshifted back to human form on a nearby rooftop.
Impressed that Kasumi was able to figure it out Peach was about to change her strategy only to be suddenly attacked Rippa. Peach had little opportunity to assess the new threat as Shampoo dropped on her from above with an energized fist. Peach was easily able to overpower her. They explained that she had used her spirit senses to find her way into the looped space area, and thus could sense the true path out. Again Ukyo attacked to prevent Peach from trying to stop them. By this point Peach had grown tired of dealing them and shapeshifed into a crystal like structure. Then as Ukyo cried out in pain tossed her aside. In order to demoralize them even more she humiliated them by immobilizing them in the air and destroying their clothing. Shampoo, along with Herb remained defiant despite this.
Kasumi, who had fooled Peach with a soul illusion, managed to sneak in an attack, but it too failed. As Peach asked if that was all she had, Kasumi use a flash of ki to blind her long enough for Ranko to make her final approach and grab her. The effect of contact with the kitsune was dramatic, quickly defeating her. Kasumi decided to take her with them as she appeared injured by the contact and they raced off the remaining distance to Siren's barrier. Along the way, they managed to cobble together some clothing, although Ukyo was still beat red with embarrassment as she could barely manage a bikini like setup. Just short of the barrier, Eyebright suddenly appeared and confronted them, effortlessly defeating Ranko. However, before he could move on the rest, Jasmine appeared as well and blocked him. This gave the others the chance to enter the barrier.
Kasumi moved to help Ranko, laying the incapacitated Peach down. Eyebright, frustrated with the situation, declared he was committed and that although he would not attack further, there was only two ways this would be allowed to end, Herb surrendering or dying. He explained that he could not let Herb return to the Musk alive given all that had happened, and sooner or later they would kill him before he could return. Kasumi, currently in male form, realizing the situation was otherwise intractable, confirmed with a look to Shampoo and then declared his intent to take Herb as his wife by Amazon law.
Eyebright was confused by this, no knowing the law, but So Pu arrived and explained it to him, that while Kasumi was in fact a woman, by Amazon law her legal gender was still undecided so Kasumi could exercise the male marriage right. With Herb a provisional Amazon until declared otherwise, the kitsunes could not attack him without provoking an Amazon response. Eyebright was angry with this, but So Pu quickly diverted his anger by making a proposal that caught Kasumi of guard. So Pu correctly analyzed that Eyebright was intending a coup against Herb's father, and offered Amazon assistance in such, declaring herself to be the soon to be Matriarch of the Amazons. This was even more a shock to the others, but Cologne confirmed it. Eyebright stood down and agreed to talk, calling off further hostilities for the day. Shampoo attempted to speak with Cologne, but she said they would have to discuss such later, directing them to stay within the barrier, and telling Siren to get them some clothes before departing to be part of the talk with Eyebright.
An hour later Cologne returned and explained that they had come. First she explained that she had been voted out of the Matriarch position due, in part, to the situation with Kasumi and Shampoo. The council members believed Kasumi was trying to seize power in the village by exploiting the marriage law, despite evidence to the contrary. Since Cologne ended up taking a rather passive response to Kasumi, instead of continuing with her original aggressive one, she had lost support.
In regards to Herb, they had reached a provisional agreement. The Amazons would aid in the coup, and in exchange Kasumi would take the official title of Dragon Lord, although the true power would remain with Eyebright. This all angered Shampoo who felt she had been tricked, although Cologne said she had asked So Pu not to mention the situation. The final approval for the agreement remained with Kasumi and Herb, but with the alternative being Herb's likely death, there was little alternative.
Everyone got it into their head that since Herb was staying at the restaurant Ranma should to, this meant tat Ukyo was invited to live there as well. Ranma helped her move in after school where they were confronted by Crystal. Having done her research Crystal congratulated her for winning the Tokyo Restaurant Clash, three times in a row. Seeing the grill set up in the kitchen Ukyo eyed her suspiciously and told her that she wasn’t really doing that anymore. Ranma suggested that Ukyo should consider the position before going off to organize his room.
Later Ukyo was checking out the pocket dimension left to Kasumi by Jasmine and ended up interrupting Lime and Mint were moving in. Mint quickly offloaded his goods onto the already overloaded Lime and rushed over, ignoring the other boy's annoyed call after him. Herb’s order and a cold look from the chef put a stop to his subordinates awkward attempts at flirting. Ukyo asked him if Mint’s attraction was because of her curse. He told her that despite Amazon propaganda the Musk do greatly respect strong women, and her curse and her strength together are likely the cause of his interest. He offered to order him to leave her alone, but she wasn’t ready to go that far just yet. 
As Herb headed off she was confronted by Lemon who attempted to apologize, only to be cut off by Ukyo who didn’t want to hear it. When Lemon couldn’t muster up a defense other then she didn’t go through with it Ukyo left. Lemon lifted her head to watch Ukyo leave, tears threatening to fall down her cheeks, but the chef saw none of it and departed.
Later learned of Lemon’s kidnapping and Kasumi’s subsequent new personality Tex that showed up after her rescue, when she was attracted by the commotion over everyone trying figure out how to deal with it. Rose who had also been led to the San Cheng Huang after sensing Kasumi would be in some form of deep distress could not locate her normal personality, much to everyone's alarm. She suggested Kasumi might be hiding and offered to send them into Kasumi's mind to locate her. Ukyo who became confused when she was one of the people chose by the spell Rose used to determine who could enter Kasumi’s mind. Ranma pointed out that if Genma could get in, Kasumi must be pretty chill with the whole thing. In the end Shampoo, along with Herb, Makoto, Ukyo, Genma and Ranma all went in.
Once in the shared dreamscape, Shampoo quickly sensed something odd, although had difficulty describing it. She was directed to seek out the oddity while the others searched for Kasumi. The others had varying success finding Kasumi's other personalities, Ukyo ended up in jusenkyo much to her frustration. Her travels soon brought her to a particularly familiar locale, that of the very spring that cursed her. She was about to turn around when she saw Kasumi’s memory of what actually happened that day. i.e Mousse in his cursed form rushing up to Kasumi causing her to run away in fear right into Ukyo. rushing up to Kasumi causing her to run away in fear right into Ukyo. The revelation that Kasumi didn’t even know she was there was too much for Ukyo. Finding herself back in the real world she rushed out of the room without a word.
Ranma went to make sure Ukyo was alright who apologized for running off, though she didn’t let him in. He assured her that Kasumi had been rescued and asked her if she needed to talk leaving when she declined. Knowing it would cause her nothing but added trouble to skip yet another day of school. Ukyo forced herself to get out of bed and go to school. Since she was lost in her own little world she missed the sudden downpour of cold water. Naturally the sudden appearance of a huge wolf caused a panic. Just as she was considering how to recover from this mess, Rippa showed up and she decided retreat was her best option. He was easily able to catch up to and subdue her. Ukyo could do nothing but lie helplessly in the street as animal control was called.
She regained the use of her body while locked in a cage with no means of escape all she could do was wait for the afternoon team as the clerk left for the day. Luckily it turned out to be Akira who recognized her and called Ranma. A very downtrodden Ukyo, now collared and leashed was brought before Ranma. The mere sight of this was enough to make Ranma cringe. Akira allowed Ranma to keep them but advised him that he should get his own so that this doesn’t happen again. In fact he admitted that the only reason Ranma wasn’t being fined was that he didn’t want to deal with the paperwork.
Ranma took Ukyo to Tofu’s clinic where he had left her a spare set of clothes. The trip was not a pleasant experience for either of them. Ukyo informed Ranma that she wasn’t mad though it was clear that she was talking more to herself then him. Ranma let her rant to herself in silence and when she was done suggested that she tell more people so that things like this didn’t happen again. She agreed, but only if he punched out Rippa.
The business with Kasumi has pretty much killed Ukyo’s last line of mental defense, causing her to spend hours in the kitchen remaking toast. This is where Ranma found her when after the restaurant closed for the day. Confused he tasted her latest batch and told her that not only was it the most perfectly evenly toasted bread he’d have ever seen, it tasted fine. Ukyo told Ranma about what the Cooking Priest told her. Ranma tried to assure Ukyo that she was an excellent cook, but she just looked away, and did not argue the matter. He told her to call it a night as clearly this route wasn't what she needed to work on.
When Kuno took the others on a cruise Ukyo decided to go back to the temple to train. Ranma found Ukyo furiously cooking away at the stove, a pile of various minor dishes scattered on various tables and counters about the room, clearly all rejected. Her focus was such that she took no notice of him, so he leaned against the door frame and waited as she finished her latest creation, a pasta dish of some description that Ranma didn't recognize. Soon she was finished and laid out the meal meticulously, ensuring everything about its consistency and presentation was perfect, and then stood back to examine the work and immediately frowned in disappointment. Ranma broke Ukyo out of her hyper critical analysis of her work by revealing he was there.
Ukyo quickly became self conscious about the state of the room; Ranma assured her that there was nothing to explain. He then called her out for not noticing that everyone had been shipwrecked. Ukyo went ghostly pale and started stammering causing Ranma to let her off the hook. He knew they had kept her in the dark and was just teasing. It took Ranma nearly a half hour to help Ukyo clean the room at which point the pair rejoined Rippa and the priest who were deep in conversation by this point, but quickly went quiet as they approached, Mint hovering nearby. After some quick goodbyes the threesome headed out, Ranma and Rippa hanging back slightly as Mint led the way and Ukyo followed behind him.
Ukyo was sitting on one of the benches, looking at the various flowers that surrounded the deck absently with little interest, when Frost stepped out onto the deck and immediately set to work scanning the horizon through what would seem to be a mini telescope. Frost couldn’t help but think how gloomy Ukyo was as she examined the girl in front of her. Frost wondered in she should ask what happened to her but decided to against it and just told her that she was checking out the local ley lines for hot water. She quickly realized out of context that made no sense, but surprisingly Ukyo simply murmured her apparent understanding and said no more. Frost stole a glance back, but the chef had apparently already lost interest and was looking the opposite way at another set of flowers. Seeing how depressed Ukyo was Frost found herself wishing the old angry one was back.
At that moment, Ranma opened the door to the deck and joined them, waving silently to Frost before turning to Ukyo. Ukyo to blush slightly and turn to him, although even this didn't seem to fully lift her heavy aura. This caused Ranma to suggest that she take Crystal up on her offer. Cutting Ukyo off before she could say anything telling her that her cooking was great, sure it wasn’t perfect but it was still some of the best around. Ukyo needed to start cook normally for a change without the pressure of the tests. Frost agreed that sometimes you just need to unwind and get back to basics. Ukyo looked up, glancing between the two and conceded. They agreed to sort things out after school.
==Abilities==
Beyond her original techniques and abilities common to the other timelines, AST Ukyo has expanded her skills in combat and cooking substantially.
In cooking Ukyo as diversified greatly from cooking only Okonomiyaki, shown to being able to cook cakes and other goods with a similar level of expertise. However, it has been shown that her food apparently lacks feelings of confidence, not particularly important for general consumption, but those with the ability to sense such things can detect this missing element.
In combat Ukyo's has learned a number of new techniques not possessed by other versions of herself. These include:
*The Burning Soul: By igniting her very aura, Ukyo can multiply all her physical attributes by up to 10 fold. The technique is, however, incredibly painful, and prolonged use can even damage the energy system of the user. The technique is considered forbidden due to it potentially killing the user.
*The Skillet Touch: A technique used to protect the user from the heat of various cooking surfaces and tools that was adapted to allow the user to literally catch ki based energy blasts. Combined with a energy snuffing aura based on the Burning Soul, the user can extinguish near any ki technique.
*Aura Extinguishing: A technique whereby the user spreads their aura around another and extinguishes the opponents aura, killing them. Ukyo has never used it in this manner, instead limiting its use to a combination with the Skillet Touch to allow her to extinguish Ki technique, but she does still technically possess the ability.
*Chopstick Defense: The defense seen in use by Kirin of the Seven Lucky Gods Martial Artists. Here the user uses a pair of chopsticks to catch any incoming attack capable of being caught. The speed of the technique seems to be greater than the Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken.
*Aerial Strike of a Thousand Chopsticks: Again a technique used by Kirin, this time an attacking form where Ki chopsticks are tossed at the opponents in a machine gun like barrage. Individually not that damaging, but as the name implies there is approximately one thousand such attacks, and their combined effect is quite strong.
*Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken: The common speed technique of Cologne. As with other users of such, Ukyo is able to punch effectively with hundreds of strikes in the time it would take for a single normal punch.
Beyond these techniques, Ukyo has also shown some awareness of pressure point techniques, enough to defend against them, although no signs of employing such herself.
Category:A Scary Thought
Category:Ukyo Kuonji
Category:Kuonji Clan