Cologne (AST)

==History==
As per her canon counterpart, Cologne was away from the village when Kasumi and Genma showed up. When she returned and learned of Shampoo’s defeat as well as Kasumi’s true gender she sent Shampoo out to retrieve Kasumi, with following shortly afterwards.
After tracking Kasumi down Cologne attacked her and though impressed by her skills struck the "Full-Body Cat's Tongue". Cologne’s aim was to force back to China to marry Shampoo and trapping her in her cursed form was so Shampoo didn’t lose her status in the village. Much to her shock though Kasumi hasn’t been in contact with Shampoo so she set off to find her. Cologne found Shampoo near the tendo dojo and the pair came to speak with the Tendos and Saotomes, revealing that she was married to Kasumi.
Ranma, Akane, Kasumi (currently trapped in male form) and Shampoo would leave the adults to talk about this while heading off to rescue Ryouko (Ukyo in her wolf form) from Azusa. Nodoka expressed her frustration at Cologne forcing Kasumi into a marriage, only for her to explain how same sex marriages work in Joketsuzoku. Though she is an elder she is just as bound to the law as anyone else. Cologne was forcing Kasumi to remain male since it was the best interest of Shampoo.
Realizing that had been manipulated into looking like the bad guy Nodoka asked Genma to explain exactly what happened. Kasumi joined in when he returned with Cologne filling in the part that Kasumi memories were cloudy about. After they were finished with the situation not easily resolvable, it was decided Shampoo would stay with the Tendos in Akane's room. With everything that had happened Kasumi decided to take a walk.
The next day Cologne met Kasumi after school to once again try and convince her to give up and accept being Shampoo’s husband. She cruelly informed Kasumi that because of her curse she couldn’t get pregnant. Meaning that impregnating another women is the only way she can have a child. A few days later, Cologne met with Shampoo and Shampoo made clear her frustration with the situation, although Cologne tried to calm her.
Since she was keeping a careful watch of the Tendos, and Kasumi Cologne was aware of Ukyo’s curse as well as the fact that she was pretending to be Ranma’s pet. She confronted her after she accidentally challenged the Golden Pair with Kasumi, to offer to train her.
The day of the match Cologne advised Ukyo not to use what she learned during the fight so that Kasumi wouldn’t have time to develop a counter. After her and Kasumi’s victory Cologne gave Ukyo an amulet to use as leverage for her upcoming match against Kasumi. She then went to challenge Kasumi on Ukyo’s behalf telling her that she had the Phoenix Pill. Though it later turned out to be a fake and the real one was still in China.
Cologne feeling something amiss decided to follow Kasumi to the ski lodge. She found him as he was talking to Mousse and tried to convince him of the pointlessness of continuing to fight. Mousse tried to come to Kasumi’s aid but Cologne called him out on trying to manipulate her in order to get Shampoo. Going to the lodge to see the others, Dr. Tofu also soon arrived and explained he had brought Frost to the mountains. Shampoo and Cologne both recognized the name, although Dr. Tofu was surprised they had not known she was in Nerima. They quickly explained that Frost was likely a danger to Kasumi and everyone split up to find Kasumi before Frost could.
They would ultimately fail, although did managed to keep Kasumi away from Frost long enough for Shampoo to arrive and explain matters to Frost properly. Frost would then use her magic to cancel out the effects of the cat tongue point, curing Kasumi.
Cologne goes to the restaurant after Kasumi and Makoto went to school to tell Shampoo that she had purchased the business and started immediately making plans for improvements. Shampoo was worried about this, but Cologne assured her she'd work things out with Kasumi as Mousse was soon to make a move. She was proven right when Kasumi returned home and confirmed that she had encountered Mousse. Cologne went upstairs with Kasumi to explain matters.
She informed Kasumi that she is now a full Amazon and thus must follow their laws. There is also added scrutiny since Shampoo was Cologne’s successor meaning that Kasumi had to be extra careful. Cologne admitted she went to far in trapping Kasumi in her cursed form and offered her training as an apology so that she wouldn’t be easily defeated in the future.
Returning downstairs they found the others discussing possible names for the restaurant. They ended up taking Frost suggestion of San Cheng Huang. Kasumi would ask Shampoo if she wished to go with Mousse's option, but she flatly rejected such. Cologne accompanied Shampoo and Kasumi to the school where Kasumi was to talk with Mousse and watch as a brief duel resulted with Kasumi winning. Seeing that Kasumi had mastered the Dragon Fang Fist, Cologne offered to show her the Dragon Fang Strike.
When Kasumi requested that Shampoo go to school, an idea given to her by Nodoka it ended up causing a heated argument that only ended when Cologne intervened. Cologne explained to Kasumi that in Amazon culture anything beyond the basics are imparted by their chosen mentor. So by suggesting that Shampoo go to school Kasumi inadvertently treated her like a child.
When a date was set up by Kasumi and Ranma’s parents Cologne warned Makotop to leave an increasingly irritated Shampoo alone, and ended up greeting Ranma when he came to pick Kasumi up. Later when Shampoo was brought back to the San Cheng Huang by Kasumi having been accidentally subjected to a fear spell by Frost Cologne realized that she would need to stay with Shampoo as the the sleeping spell Frost cast was not sufficient to keep her calm.
Many days later, Kasumi got wrapped up in event with the arrival of Herb. On her return to Nerima, Shampoo would greet Kasumi happily, questioning her, along with Makoto and Cologne, as to where she went, but Kasumi largely dodged answering. Kasumi would introduce Herb to Shampoo before going for a bath. She asked Cologne to tell her when Nodoka came however she claimed that she was indisposed when she arrived allowing her to catch Kasumi and Shampoo in a compromising position. She also claimed that she didn’t notice sneak into the bath.
After Nodoka told an embarrassed Kasumi that she accepted the fact that she was gay, but was leaving it up to her to tell Soun, Cologne tied to get Kasumi to on the bright side. At least she was now aware of the relationship. When they learned that Kuno, Ranma, and Herb were all arguing over Kasumi Cologne would accompany her to the Tendos. They arrived to find Herb fighting with Ranma and Cologne stopped Kasumi before she could jump in.
As the confrontation began to break up, Cologne was left with nostalgia of her own youth. She assured Akane who was worried about Kasumi being forced to marry someone against her will that she planed on making whoever does challenge her have to truly earn such a victory. The next morning as everyone was sparing Cologne agreed with Kasumi’s assessment of Shampoo and Makoto’s skill. Cologne was reminded of Shampoo’s confrontation with Par Phume, though she didn’t go into any details she explained to Kasumi that she was the reason that Shampoo wasn’t training up to her full potential.
She also advised her to up her training since if Herb might try and take advantage of the kiss of marriage. Makoto and Cologne ended up eating out so that Shampoo could set up a private dinner between herself and Kasumi. This gave Cologne the change to ask Makoto about her linage wanting to know more about her unusual aura. She gave her, her condolences upon being told that her parents were dead.
Makoto was left in awe how much Cologne could put away. Cologne wanting to get the opinion of an outsider asked Makoto about Herb. Makoto believed that despite his circumstances he was a jerk. She then asked about jusenkyo. She was shocked to learn that both it and the Amazons seemed to have a relationship with the Silver Millennium.
After Kasumi threw Haruka out in a fit of rage she explained to those remaining, including Shampoo, that Haruka and her had history, although given that Kasumi had no knowledge of Haruka's true gender, everyone choose to not correct her. Shampoo in particular, who did not initially recognize Haruka, was quite angry with her, but was soon clued in by Makoto. To change subjects, Cologne told everyone about a beach location that she had just acquired which the girls quickly wished to visit for access to said beach.
There Ranma decide to set Happosai up with her in the hope it will stop him from going after the other younger female beach patrons. Unfortunately Happosai is far from impressed with Ranma's choice so refused to hand over a a bracelet which Cologne recognizes as the same bracelet that was stolen from her village to her. Stating he planned on giving it to his future wife. Happosai quickly left, but Shampoo and Ranma stayed to get an explanation from Cologne. She explained the nature of the pills, but Happosai had lingered long enough to hear this and set off to make use of them. Shampoo and Ranma would go off in pursuit while Cologne contacted Frost.
Some days later Cologne gave Kasumi a number of scrolls wanting to see how far she could get on her own with them. She was interrupted from watching Pretty Sammy by Herb’s scream (though she claimed that she was meditating) it turned out that she was having her period. She, Shampoo, and Makoto bailed leaving Kasumi to explain menstruation to her. Though she returned when Herb started throwing a tantrum over having to wear female undergarments, getting her to explain why she was so reluctant to do it.
When Herb arrived for work he asked her what her intentions were between him and Kasumi, and didn’t believe her when she said she didn’t have any. She didn’t really care though, as long as Kasumi continued to honor Shampoo Cologne had no need or desire to get involved. Cologne found herself almost mentioning Lao, but stopped herself. She then asked Herb what he saw in Kasumi, but he didn’t feel the need to explain himself to her. Conceding Cologne returned to work, but not before reminding Herb that Shampoo was involved as well.
When Lemon and Sissithississ arrived at the restaurant Cologne was happy as that meant the Herb would no longer be washing the dishes. She greeted the two giving Herb a chance to change out of his uniform. She was shocked to learn that Lemon was Herb’s fiancée and ended up working herself into a corner. Luckily Mint walked in with Herb shortly afterwards.
Sissithississ reminded the shocked Herb about the marriage interview that prompted his initial trip to Jusenkyo. Who informed the two that he had already chosen to marry. This prompted Lemon to grab him by the waste and sob uncontrollably, speaking incoherently through the tears. The close proximity, not to mention the crying, caused Herb to cringe and try to withdraw unsuccessfully.
An embarrassed Sissithississ was able to convince her to let the prince go. Calmed down somewhat Lemon asked if she had displeased him somehow, but since this was the first time they had met that was impossible. Before Sissithississ could stop her she pulled off her hood. While Cologne was left in awe at her beauty Mint was not so restrained, forcing Sissithississ to knock him out before he could do anything. 
Much to their surprise Herb seemed completely unaffected as he demanded why Sissithississ attacked his guardian. He tried to explain Lemon's enchantment magic, but Cologne and Herb mistook it for Mint and Lime’s usually reaction to girls which Herb didn’t consider justification for attacking them, though he at least calmed down. This prompted Lemon to once again kneel before her feel and make her claim.
Herb explained how he wanted to marry Kasumi Tendo, naturally this required that he explain her curse as they thought Kasumi was a man. This sent Lemon into another fit of sobbing this time directed at Sissithississ. She was afraid that she would, be turned into a boy, Sissithississ tried to calm her down by her clan only does that at birth, but it didn’t help as she was convinced the would. Herb tried to help by claiming that he’d forbid it, but as a prince he had no authority to such a thing.
Relenting Herb agreed to make her his second wife, before remembers Shampoo, thus she’d be his third. Lemon nearly yelled, and if Sissithississ's ears had not deceived him, she sounded almost outraged. Herb explained how Kasumi already has as Amazon wife. Now that he knew why Cologne was there Sissithississ agreed with her that Lemon needed some time to herself, so told her to wait outside while he talks to the prince. She tried to protest, but the snake warrior insisted causing the girl to go quiet, bow her head and withdraw.
Once Lemon was gone Sissithississ revealed that he had figured out that Herb was cursed. Seeing Herb tense he assured him that he had no intention of using it against him, or telling anyone else. Herb reluctantly explained how he got trapped, while Cologne explained that the Kaisuifu was destroyed and they were waiting for it to be repaired. Sissithississ tried to convince Herb to at least marry Lemon first, but Herb had no interest in appeasing her as that would only make his claim to Kasumi weaker.
Sissithississ agreed to stay in Japan, especially since he didn’t want to go through the effort of convincing Lemon to leave. Cologne wondered if he could be trusted, but Herb wasn’t worried since the snake clan weren’t a very ambitious lot. Cologne returned to San Cheng Huang only to find no one there. Two days later Ukyo showed up looking for Kasumi. She seemed different so cautious Cologne told her she wasn’t there, but did not give her any specifics. She later she went to where Kasumi said she would be training. They informed the elder of Ukyo's apparent attempt to learn her family's forbidden techniques. She in turn informed them that Ukyo was already on the hunt for Kasumi and would likely soon appear.
Sure enough, not long after, Ukyo would arrive and challenge Kasumi. Everyone would gather to observe the duel, and Kasumi's eventual defeat. This ultimately led to a heated discussion between Shampoo, Kasumi, Nodoka and Cologne which would ultimately conclude with Shampoo stomping off, before Kasumi was forced to declare Ukyo her new wife.
The following day, Cologne waited for Kasumi to wake up so that she could ask her where she learned the Ha Do Ken. Kasumi explained that while training with Dhalsim she was reflecting the darkness in her heart in the Cave of Ancients. While meditating she was able to watch Ryu perform the Ha Do Ken due to the residual ki he had left in the cave when he had trained there. She found the technique troubling especially after Kasumi told her of her fight with Herb having thought that he had been the one to destroy the mountain. Telling Kasumi told to get on with her morning exercises Cologne was left alone to think.
When Shampoo awoke she spoke with Cologne, further venting her annoyance with the situation, but Cologne simply told her Kasumi had accepted what was unavoidable at this point, forcing Shampoo to reluctantly agree. She would then ask Cologne about a contraceptive and receive one, but be told it would take a month to take full effect, much to her displeasure. When Cologne began a lecture on the topic, she slipped out and found Kasumi, apparently convincing her to head out.
Kasumi and Shampoo returned to the restaurant after Kasumi had fainted. Cologne would assure Shampoo that Kasumi was in good health, but Shampoo was still worried. Once more the topic of marrying Ukyo came up, Cologne noting that the marriage was little more than a title and would likely no impact Shampoo's relationship with Kasumi. A phone call would come in with an insistent girl asking for a delivery order. Shampoo would attempt to refuse, but Cologne told her to take it, before heading out herself.
After learning that Frost attacked Kasumi though she didn’t believe Frost acted because of her own malice, given that neither she nor Shampoo were really accepted in Nerima she need proof. She also needed to show it wasn’t Shampoo who indeed made the false accusation. Going to Tofu’s clinic she asked Mousse about what happened while Tofu went to get Frost revealing that she was already aware of his curse.
Mousse though angry at Cologne for refusing to help him told the truth about what happened. Cologne’s contemplation of this revelation was interrupted by Mousse wanting to know what she was going to do about Frost. Cologne wasn’t Mousse’s keeper, he had made his bed and now had to live with it. Though she did advise him to get on Frost’s good side by telling her he had told Cologne the truth.
Cologne wanted to meet with all of Kasumi’s suitors and as a sign of good faith to get him to go, she gave Herb some packets of instant nyannīchuan to temporarily bypass the lock. Cologne would then go to the school to meet up with Shampoo telling her to fetch Kasumi and meet her at the water way for some training. Shampoo had been talking to Ranko prompting Cologne to ask her how she knew is Amazon techniques after asking for the whereabouts of Ranma, Tatewaki and Ryoga. Ranko brushed it off as something she picked up and Cologne decided not to enquire any further.
At the water way, Shampoo would fawn over Kasumi until Cologne arrived and asked her to attack her as means of a demonstration. Shampoo obliged and Cologne demonstrated the particulate control technique, using sand under her control to block Shampoo's attacks, eventually disarming her ending the demonstration. On seeing Kasumi attempt the technique herself, Shampoo got excited as Kasumi appeared to be doing well, but ultimately Kasumi's control was insufficient. Cologne would leave Kasumi to practice while instructing Shampoo to continue practicing the hover technique.
Meeting Kasumi’s suitor at the Kuno mansion though she had to resort to summoning Ryoga. To unsettle them Cologne gave a strategic information omission on Mousse's condition to explain why he was no longer a contender for Kasumi's hand in marriage, before explaining how she had no preference for any of them men. Kasumi had already agreed to marry Shampoo so anything else was icing on the cake. She was there to warn them that Kasumi would not stand for Shampoo being forced into any further marriages, which included using Ukyo as a loophole.
With that out of the way she reminded them that Shampoo was also part of the deal as well as Kasumi herself said, this was Shampoo’s choice. After seeing their reactions Cologne turned to speak to each individually. She explained to Kuno that he wasn’t acting any different then Mousse, Herb meanwhile had been nothing but dismissive to Shampoo. As for Ranma and Ryoga she advised them make up there minds about weather they are going to get involved in this or not. Finally Cologne stated that she would not stand idly by if any of them do anything to impede Shampoo’s happiness.
After Ranko explained about Copycat Ken Cologne joined Ranma and Kasumi who learning of her condition tried to get Ukyo to lay low at her family shrine. When Kasumi was kidnapped after her fight with Copycat Ken. Ranma had to be held back by Tofu while in the waiting room. Luckily Cologne was there as well to help calm him down. It was learned Shampoo's wrist had a minor fracture and she would require a brace for a few days. They were interrupted by the arrival of Chun Li who had come to interrogate Copycat Ken herself. She was nearly attacked by Ranma who mistook her for Shadow Lady. Cologne was quick to point out that despite their similar appearance Chun Li didn’t match the description of the woman who kidnapped Kasumi.
She also revealed that Ken was unlikely to be the shape changer who tricked Frost as he required a cloth to change and the other one did not. Chun Li introduced herself and asked Tofu for Ken’s blood work. She recognized the drug in his system confirming that Shadowloo was involved. Tofu confirmed that Ken did have an injection mark causing Cologne to recall that Kasumi had one as well the day Frost went on her rampage. She had initially thought the fainting was the result of overusing the Ha Do Ken.
Unfortunately that meant that Ken was just as much of a victim as Kasumi and thus had no information on the location of Shadowloo’s hideout. Assuring a still suspicious Ranma that finding Kasumi is her top priority especially since finding her imposter would prove her innocence Chun Li headed out. Seeing how frustrated he was Cologne told him to go home as there was nothing they could do but wait. Ranma reluctantly agreed.
They finally caught a break when Sampei called to tell everyone to meet at Hotel La Bac. Saki explained that she believed that Kasumi, Usagi, and Shampoo were in there. Unfortunately Cologne ended up being unable to help. It turned out the building was protected by an anti magic field that also affected chi. Since Cologne’s advanced age meant she uses her aura to off set most of the effects of that age. The disruption to her aura left her greatly weakened.
The next day, Shampoo had apparently already recovered enough to go to Kasumi's room at the hospital and wait for her to awaken. Cologne and Tofu were discussing her amazing recovery when he was confronted by Soun demanding to know if his daughter was okay, going so far as to volunteer his various organs in case she needed a transplant. After calming him down Tofu assured Soun that Kasumi was in no danger. However after some prompting from Cologne he admitted that she was suffering from healing sickness. Luckily it wasn’t a serious case. 
Satisfied, and greatly relieved, Soun finally noticed Shampoo and suggested her recovery was due to the strange light they witnessed, that caused by Usagi's crystal shattering. Later she went to Tofu's clinic to see if Siren had answered the summons she asked Frost to send. Frost had been sleeping off her exhaustion when she arrived and haden’t heard anything, though it turned out that she was already waiting there. Cologne was quick to call Siren out for not telling her about Frost’s curse. Frost cringed, but Siren's response was merely to wave off the matter. Knowing that there was no point in arguing Cologne turned to Frost to inform her that it didn’t mean she was off the hook.
The two elders went back to the hospital to discuss things leaving Frost there. They found Shampoo on the hospital roof walling in guilt over what had happened. Cologne wanted Siren to examine her to see if anything was wrong, and after find nothing amiss that needed mention at the time, Siren headed off, leaving Shampoo the opportunity to talk to Cologne and after being pressed by Cologne, she would admit she was feeling inadequate. Shampoo would ask if there was something she could be taught to no longer be a burden to Cologne but Cologne would say no single technique would allow that and even if such a thing existed, she would have already taught it to Kasumi, adding there was no quick fixes for this issue. Hearing this, Shampoo vowed to train harder.
She arrived back at the clinic to find Siren looking over Frost’s notes. It turns out that the enchantment planned for the Kaisuifu repair was of 8th circle and would require special permission. This also meant that Frost would be rising to the rank of arch-mage. The conversation moved back on to Shampoo, Cologne already knew that she was fine she was worried if the energy that had healed her was dangerous. While Siren did find an anomaly it didn’t register as harmful, but it wasn't typical for her. It was the same energy signature that Cologne’s father had.
Telling Siren about how the Sailor Senshi had helped them, Cologne wondered if they knew what happened to Queen Tranquility’s remains. Such a find would stir quite an uproar within the council and knowing it was only a matter of time before the other members discovered this information Cologne could only hope to beat them to it. Wanting nothing to do with such political wranglings Siren left to complete her review and contact the magic council. Though before she left she warned Cologne that Shampoo’s energy pattern was significantly stronger then that of Cologne’s father so she should keep an eye on her.
After Siren left Cologne was glad she didn’t tell her that she was also exposed to the energy field. Knowing that she was going to be utterly insufferable when she finds out. It had been an easy enough matter to deduce the most likely individual to be a Senshi, and no less easy to slip a detection spell onto the young Usagi without her awareness.
When Karin finished repairing the San Cheng Huang Shampoo would note how large it was and wondered if they had enough to run it, and Cologne conceded they would have to hire additional staff. Later Cologne secretly observed the Sailor, Mercury, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto, and Usagi as they teleported to the moon the crystal she’d borrowed from Frost glowing confirming her suspicions that they were the old allies of the Amazons. With that she went to go get the spell deactivated.
Later she after find that Kasumi wasn’t in the restaurant Cologne went to go look for her as she still had a lot of recovering to do. When she found her she realized that she was spying on the date between Shampoo and Kuno. Though she initially tried to deny the obvious she quickly realized how pointless that was. Cologne was surprised that Kasumi would give into feelings of jealousy so easily, to the point of wondering if she was completely free of the after effects of this dark and light ha do.
Kasumi tried to explain her self, but could only hang her head in shame. She had always assumed that with a husband in the mix that she would step out of the relationship. Now that she’s decided to embrace the relationship, she didn’t know how to handle this new feeling.  Amused at Kasumi showing such a human emotion Cologne assured her that she had nothing to worry about. During Shampoo and Ranma’s match with Rippa and Kitsui Buyou Cologne and Herb provided commentary explaining the techniques the twins used. 
Later Cao Yun, Be Dea, Guan Li and So Pu came to Japan to tell her that they had grown tired of her antics and So Pu had been selected to be her replacement. While she wasn’t surprised, she was shocked that that So Pu was the one chosen to be her successor. Yes she thinks primarily of the village, not her own petty desires, and has a great deal of experience. It’s just, till now, she showed no real interest in leadership. She was a neutral member, and when she turned, the council turned with her. Cologne asked them not to tell the others so they just said they had come there to observe Kasumi. Cologne introduced her fellow elders, to Kasumi. They were interrupted as Herb returned with an incapacitated Lemon who had drained all her energy attempting to escape him and was now unconscious in her fox form.
Upon being told that they had discovered that a Kitsune was the one who enchanted Shampoo, Cologne realized this was his fiancée. Surprised that Kasumi weren’t aware of this she explained how met Lemon and Sissithississ. They were interrupted by the arrival of Jasmine who after inspecting the fox, quickly directing her to be taken elsewhere for treatment. With further explanation of the events around Lemon most everyone concluded she was indeed the culprit in tricking Frost, causing Kasumi to wonder why she was so angry with her. Cologne pointed out that as Herb's fiancée she saw Kasumi as an obstacle. Though she wondered she was using such indirect methods. Siren examined Kasumi and determined that she did indeed have an incomplete enchantment placed on her. She asked Kasumi if she was ever inexplicably overwhelmed with desire causing her to remember that time Lemon confronted her in the shower.
Guan Li saw all of this as unimportant given how dangerous Lemon was. Kasumi didn’t want to any conclusions causing the elder to call her out for trying to protect Lemon. She pointed out the irrevocable damage she could have caused. If Frost had succeeded in killing Kasumi Shampoo would have sought vengeance against Frost. The confusion over the whole thing could just as easily turned against Shampoo too. Kasumi didn’t really have an answer for this, so Cologne stepped in and reminded Guan Li that is didn’t happen.
The conversation then moved to Herb and what he planned on doing. Herb had no excuse for Lemon’s actions, but the fact she was a member of the Musk led to many more question. He realized that the fox clan has many mysteries about them, many consistent with a clan of kitsunes. Cologne realized that Garnet must be aware of this as he is to experienced to be fooled by their magic. Something Herb had not considered until now.
Jasmine would soon return saying the Lemon was in serious condition but stable and should recover, and confirmed that the Dragon Lord of the Musk did indeed know. Ignoring Guan Li’s question of how she knew Garnet Jasmine informed the group that Lemon was now under her protection. Guan Li reluctantly agreed and Jasmine turned and returned the way she came. With that the elders left to inform the other Amazons that they were being recalled.
The next day Cologne rescued Shampoo and Ukyo before they could be kidnapped by a group of kitsune. Creating an opening so that the two could flee top the restaurant. Surprised by their level of skill Cologne was forced to get serious before she could make her own escape. She made her way back to the restaurant where her identity was confirmed by Soap and Shampoo.
Herb would note that the fox clan, likely all kitsunes, were rumored to be the Black Ops of the Musk. Explaining why she had so much trouble. 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. Cologne advised against it but wouldn’t stop them.
Eyebright planned distracting Jasmine giving his wife Peach the opportunity to kidnap Herb. However this failed due to the intervention of Ranko. 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. So there was only two ways this would be allowed to end, Herb surrendering or dying. Kasumi realizing the situation was otherwise intractable declared 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.
The day after Frost’s rose to the rank of archmage Cologne gave Kasumi a small marked stone she said was to be used if things go particularly wrong. She didn’t go into details not wanting it to be overheard, but just said that Frost would know more about it. when Kasumi mentioned how unusual it was for Shampoo to still be sleeping Cologne explained that she was likely suffering from spiritual exhaustion due to all that happened.
As Cologne was talking to her about her current situation Kasumi mentioned what So Pu had said earlier and was afraid that she was right about her negative influence on Shampoo. Cologne admonished Kasumi for her arrogance in thinking she controlled Shampoo's thoughts. Cologne pointed out Kasumi had only offered her an option and that So Pu's conclusions shouldn't be so easily accepted in that while taking the harsh approach may be easier, to train oneself you must often take the hard path. At this point Shampoo who Cologne knew had been listening in decided to join them.
Cologne noted that Shampoo was likely to find herself with some new power as her dormant genes had been awakened. Shampoo said she felt no different, but Cologne she probably would notice and simply to be on the lookout for something and not let it get to her, making her over confident. Cologne asked what their decision was and both said they had agreed to the arrangement, reluctantly. With that, they decided to head off to meet with the others.
Later Cologne introduced Kasumi to Crystal the woman who had been managing their beach and mountain locations and would be taking on the role of San Cheng Huang’s general manager in Cologne’s absence. Much to her frustration Siren intentionally let is slip that Crystal was a demon forcing her to quickly explain that Crystal was harmless. With that the elders were ready to depart. Cologne asked Shampoo to keep up her training which Shampoo said she would. As the various amazons filed through the portal back to China Siren asked Cologne if she was getting taller. She told her no, but Siren also said she noticed some purple.
Whispering in her ear she asked her how close she was to Hotel La Bac. Growling in frustration Cologne stepped through the portal.
Category:A Scary Thought
Category:Cologne