Ranma ½

A Scary Thought:

What happened last time: The crew were forced to enter Kasumi's mind to retrieve her proper self, and succeeded, merging all the personalities in the process. However, Shampoo discovered something quite concerning within.

Author Note: I think for my sanity, I'm going to change my writing style a bit from here on to better match my other stories. In particular thoughts will be marked in single quote like 'this'. Constantly switching styles is rather annoying and I keep forgetting which style to use so this should make it easier.

Chapter 59

XXXXX

"Hey," Ranma said after knocking on Ukyo's closed door. "You alright?"

There was a moment of silence, and then Ukyo replied. "I'm fine. I'm... sorry I left you hanging in there..."

"It's fine. Kasumi's awake and back to normal," Ranma replied.

"That's... good," she replied.

"You need to talk?" Ranma asked, but already knew the sort of answer he would receive.

"I... no," she replied, causing Ranma to nod in acceptance of his own conclusion.

"Alright," he said and left, although quickly found Herb glaring at him. "What?"

"That's all you're-"

"Yes, that's all," Ranma replied sharply, returning the glare. "You don't know the history between those two like I do, so just drop it."

Herb examined Ranma. "So you know what happened to her?"

"I have a good guess, and if I'm right, her whole world view just took a major hit. Besides, do you really think she would have helped any in there?" Herb thought for a moment then looked away. "Exactly. In any case, Kasumi should never have been in that situation to start with. Why the hell did you not get more help?"

"As I said-"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, sensitive matters and all that BS," Ranma said, sighed and started to walk by.

"I... can illuminate a bit more, with certain omissions, which ultimately little matter," Herb said suddenly, pulling Ranma to a surprised stop. The two looked at each other, and Herb continued. "I don't think you would have been able to change anything, but perhaps added perspective would have helped."

Ranma looked puzzled by this and Herb gestured for him to follow. "Come. I'll check on Lemon, and then we can discuss matters."

XXXXX

"It is late. Will you not stay the night?" Kasumi asked a smiling Rose.

"Late? More like early. The sun is soon to rise," Rose weakly joked before shaking her head. "Thank you for the offer, but I must be off. I came simply to repay a debt and I have other obligations I am neglecting."

Kasumi nodded. "Thank you."

"I didn't do as much as I had hoped, but should you have need of me, please do not hesitate to contact me," Rose said, prompting Kasumi to look down at a card she had been given earlier.

"May I ask, Shadow and Shadow Lady..."

Rose frowned. "They departed... without permission, before myself. I have been in contact with them intermittently, and they are well, although obviously both still struggle to a degree with their existence. As to where they are at this moment, I cannot say. They appear to be travelling together... which does bring to mind another matter.

"You said during our last encounter that Bison was dead. I'm afraid that assessment was premature."

"What?" Kasumi exclaimed in surprise. "That can't be!"

"I don't think your assessment of my memories was wrong," Rose added quickly. "No, I think it is more that he is a resilient enemy that even Akuma could not kill so easily. Somehow, his broken spirit yet kept a thread to this world and managed to return yet again," she explained before smiling and shaking her head. "Do not fear, I shall not repeat my mistake. Confronting him would be but folly. Besides, I sense his fate is sealed, by the hands of the many enemies he has made for himself over the years. So I am content to lend the more well-meaning of those aid from the sidelines, as it seems are our two shadowy acquaintances.

"Still, should you happen to cross paths with him before he meets his fate, I highly advise you steer clear. You are vulnerable to the influence of the Dark Ha Do, even more now that you have merged with a personality that so readily uses it. He would doubtless exploit that."

Kasumi nodded sadly. "Yes. I'll keep that in mind. Is there any way to fight this?"

"I don't know," Rose said with a shake of her head. "Ryu, a man I'm sure you have some knowledge of, has fought with the influence of the Dark Ha Do for years, and never fully purged it. Still, if anything can be learned from him it is that standing resilient to its allure and rejecting it can harden you against it. If you should cross paths with him, perhaps he would have more wisdom on the topic to share.

"One thing to your advantage, I think you will find the power of your centering far easier to obtain now. Your other personalities would always have been disturbing it, but now they are with you. Once you find a new balance, I think you should be able to use that power with far greater ease."

Kasumi considered this and nodded.

"One last thing, do discuss this... thing within you with Shampoo and probably your magical endowed acquaintances. It seems involved in what happened to you, and I can't say to what end," Rose warned to Kasumi's puzzlement.

Kasumi looked back at Shampoo who was waiting, seeing her concerned face, then looked back to Rose and nodded. "I will," Kasumi said.

With that, the two exchanged their final goodbyes and Rose departed the restaurant. Kasumi quickly turned to Shampoo. "What did she mean?"

Shampoo looked down, briefly uncertain, and then began to explain.

XXXXX

Lemon was sitting quietly in her room, thinking, when Herb entered the open door. She looked at the prince only briefly before looking away at seeing his frown.

"I was told you were unharmed," Herb said. "Was that correct?"

"Yes," Lemon answered quietly, tensing as Herb approached.

Herb stopped a few paces from her. "Good. Then I trust you understand the foolishness of running off on your own like that?" he asked, and Lemon could only nod. "Were it my choice, I would have probably abandoned you, but fortunately for you, it was not. You owe Kasumi your life. Keep that in mind."

"Why... why would she..."

"That is her way," Herb replied as he turned away but paused. "A way that cost her quite dearly and could have cost far more if we were not lucky. Don't make her pay such a price again," Herb warned and left.

Lemon hung her head and she cast her mind back.

XXXXX

"Father!" Lemon cried out, and Eyebright looked at her, his expression blank. "You can't just leave me with her!" Lemon came up just short of her father, pleading in her eyes, but he shook his head and reached out, touching her upon the forehead. At that moment, the world around them froze.

"I'm sorry, Lemon, but you have to stay here," Eyebright's words came through to her mind, letting some sympathy through with them.

"Why?" she thought back.

"You know your crimes, my daughter."

"But... I don't understand! I was to marry Herb. You yourself said it was my duty to help the clan! I was just-"

"Enough!" Eyebright admonished, silencing her. "Indeed that was your task, but you went about it poorly, and this is what you have wrought." As Lemon struggled, Eyebright gave a mental sigh. "You need not fear so. Kasumi will do you no harm," he signaled, letting out a mental laugh. "In fact, she'll probably go out of her way to make you more comfortable if I have her character right."

"But..."

"This is the way of things for you now. You must learn to accept it. Besides, there is yet another task I have for you here."

"Task?"

"One that could well be the key to our clan's future. I need you here ready to act when I contact you. Do you understand?"

"I... I don't understand. What task?"

"I cannot give you the details for if you knew them others might learn of them. No, you will simply have to trust me. Can you do this?"

"I... yes, I suppose so..." she replied weakly.

"Good. Now, reset your appearance, my daughter. Let's not give them any cause for suspicion of our little talk, shall we?"

XXXXX

Indeed, the brief secret mental discussion had gone unnoticed by all it seemed. Still, it left Lemon confused.

'I still don't understand,' Lemon thought with clenched fists while she glared at the floor. 'What does he want from me? And what about Kasumi? I don't understand her either. She should hate me. Yet she risked everything to save me. She's a fool! A fool I owe my life to,' she thought and sighed.

Just as she was contemplating this, she felt a new presence and looked up to see a ghostly image of Eyebright. "Father?"

Eyebright raised a finger to his mouth to silence her, after she nodded, he spoke quietly. "I hear that you had a close call. Good to see you well. I trust you'll be more cautious in the future?" he asked to which Lemon nodded. "Good, then I have a task for you."

Lemon reluctantly nodded and listened.

XXXXX

Come the morning, Grenda arrived at the restaurant and quickly was directed to the pocket dimension where she found Kasumi mediating between Ranma, Herb, Shampoo and Makoto who all seemed to be directing their ire towards Genma who was hiding behind Kasumi.

"Just give us a few minutes with him, Kasumi. He's had this coming," Ranma said with a sadistic smile.

Grenda looked at the scene and decided to hang back, simply crossing her arms to observe.

"Now, now, I know Uncle Saotome has done many irresponsible things in the past-" Kasumi tried to argue.

"Deliberately subjecting you to repeated psychological torture hardly qualifies as simply irresponsible," Herb countered.

Kasumi opened her mouth, paused, and then conceded the point. "Well... true, but in his defense I was being rather stubborn."

"What, stubborn?!" Makoto exclaimed.

"Yeah, yeah, Kasumi's right," Genma quickly said from behind Kasumi. "I tried to stop, but she insisted on continuing."

"You what?!" Ranma exclaimed this time. "Why would you do that to yourself, Kasumi?"

"I... I was being stubborn. The book did make it sound like a good technique."

"The same book he didn't read?" Ranma asked with a flat look.

"Uh... yes."

"Did you read it?" Herb asked.

Kasumi smiled nervously. "Uh... no. I got excited on reading the starting bit, and just assumed Uncle read it."

"So it is still ultimately his fault!" Makoto accused. "You were the adult in the situation! You should have said no!"

Genma nervously cringed and quickly went down into a groveling position. "I'm sorry!" he repeated continuously.

After just a few moments, the teens' anger shifted to simple disgust. "Bah! You're the worst, Pops!" Ranma declared before turning away. With this, the others seemed to lose their desire to take immediate action as well and stood down.

With a few last words of admonishment, Genma managed to retreat intact, giving Grenda the opening to finally approach.

"I dare say I think him worse than my own father," Herb said before taking notice of Grenda. "What word?" he asked before noticing Grenda looking at Makoto and Ranma. "They have been informed of most of the situation, save the particulars of our allies."

"I see. Very well," Grenda said. "Then let me first start by saying, do consider this matter of the utmost secrecy and do not spread around what happened. I will explain more in a moment.

"First though, Kasumi, you look to be back to your old self?" Grenda asked and Kasumi nodded.

"Yes, thanks to the others, and an old friend," Kasumi replied. "There was actually a matter we wished to discuss with you about that, but perhaps you should go first."

Grenda frowned but nodded. "Okay then. Let's just start with this, I'm sorry. I grossly misjudged the situation and were we not very lucky, we may well have all paid with our lives for my mistake," she said, bowing apologetically.

Kasumi shook her head. "We all misjudged it to varying degrees. Shampoo and Herb tried to warn me there was more danger than I understood, but I... didn't appreciate the warning for what it was."

"Even we misjudged it," Herb admitted as well. "I was worried more about the long term. I never expected to encounter such a powerful foe."

"In all my time dealing with the organization, that creature was unmatched," Grenda said as she returned to her regular posture. "It is hardly surprising then, I suppose, that we were all caught off guard. Still, your long term concerns are all too valid I'm afraid."

Grenda sighed and took a moment before continuing. "This organization is a relatively powerful one. Normally their individual operations are quite small, perhaps a half dozen people with at most two hunters. Naturally, they deal with buyers and sellers both who are quite powerful individually in their own regard, so it would not be uncommon for such people to attempt to overpower an individual operation for their own ends. The organization's method to combat this is to reprise with a vicious counter assault. Those who cross them soon regret it.

"Now, as I said before we attacked, my hope was that by simply storming their operation and recovering a recent acquisition with minimal other damage they would drop the matter, chalk it up to a bad hunt, and concentrate their energies on moving their operation before a larger attack could come. I'm confident had things gone to plan they would have done just that."

"But it didn't go to plan," Herb said and Grenda nodded.

"Not at all," Grenda agreed. "This is the sort of thing that will make them furious. Fortunately, we have control of the site, and no communications got out, and our enemy conveniently did away with all the witnesses. So, we have a chance to control the scenario. With that in mind, Devlin and I will take responsibility for the attack," she explained before amending, "if you wish?"

Kasumi shook her head. "I have no objection, but will you not both be in danger?"

Grenda smiled weakly. "The organization hates my guts already, and Devlin has been on their... list for a while as well. So, it is no real change for me, and Devlin has been prepared for quite a while for this eventuality. Do not worry for us. Still, are you sure? Already word is spreading and many would celebrate your involvement."

"I don't see it as something to celebrate," Kasumi replied somberly.

Grenda nodded, and scanning the others and seeing no argument, continued. "I think that is the wisest move. So, with that in mind, should anything make you suspicious that someone is inquiring or searching into your involvement with this, immediately contact Jasmine and she'll contact me. This place can keep you protected for a time at least, so make use of it."

"We will," Herb said.

"What of Ken?" Kasumi asked suddenly.

"Ah yes," Grenda said and sighed. "She was pretty messed up, but she'll pull through. Unfortunately, there is lasting damage. It seems she somehow over stressed her energy system. It did a lot of damage. Most of it will recover, but unfortunately her mana system has completely collapsed."

"Collapsed?" Herb repeated in confused shock.

"It isn't quite as bad as it sounds, although still bad. If such a thing were to happen to Lemon for instance, she'd be dead. However, Ken is mostly human, and had only a minor mana system to start with. Her ki system is damaged, but recoverable, and that is the important one for her continued life. Still, without her mana system, she'll never be able to shapeshift again," Grenda explained, causing the others a variety of grim reactions.

"Funny enough, she is taking it remarkably well. From my understanding, it has long been her goal to destroy that place, and that it is now gone seems to have given her satisfaction. Still, long term, losing such a key part of herself will inevitably take a toll on her," Grenda added. "I was planning to send a message to the Japanese Kitsune clan and see if they have any knowledge of her or her mother. It is very odd to have a stray like her, and I suspect she fell through the cracks somehow. If so, they may be willing to take her in. In the meantime, may I request she be allowed to stay here? Since she was the one to lead us to the location, and she's now pretty much helpless-"

"Of course," Kasumi quickly answered.

"Good. Well, that's about all I had to say. What was your concern?"

Kasumi looked to Shampoo, prompting the amazon to speak.

"Shampoo find strange... door in Kasumi," Shampoo said, causing Grenda to frown.

"You found a door in her?" Grenda repeated in confusion.

"We were in a shared dreamscape, one of Kasumi's creation," Herb explained. "That is where Shampoo found it."

This caused Grenda to puzzle even more. "Like... a real door?"

"Door like," Shampoo said before shaking her head. "It there yet not."

"Okay, and this door led somewhere?"

Shampoo nodded. "Was giant field, with nothing but tree, flowers and grass. It real though, not dream."

"And... my mother," Kasumi added.

Grenda continued to puzzle over this. "O... kay."

"Kasumi's mother is dead," Ranma said. "For around ten years now. Yet Shampoo says she was real in there. She had a body, spirit, everything."

Grenda raised her hand. "Okay, this is a lot to process. Give me a moment," she said and went into thought for a few seconds before going wide eyed. "Aw, crap. Shampoo, can I extract the memory of this door from you? I want to see it."

"Uh... okay," Shampoo said.

"Don't worry, it won't hurt or anything," Grenda assured her, and touched her forehead and chanted quietly for a few seconds before directing her free hand to an open spot. There a ghostly image of the marble structure appeared and everyone turned to it. Genda immediately groaned. "Double crap, that's about the right size," she muttered as she looked down at the structure's base.

"Right size?" Ranma echoed.

"Devlin noticed a void in the room we found Kasumi in, a spot where the concrete was lighter, something clearly having been resting in that spot for some time. That space is perfect for this thing's footprint," the magus explained with a sigh. "Which means she probably picked it up in there somehow."

"What is it?" Makoto asked as she looked it over curiously.

"Got me. Doesn't look or sound familiar at all. By all the properties you mentioned, I can only guess it is some powerful artifact, but what artifact and what its true purpose I can't say," Grenda replied.

"We need to get it out of her," Herb quickly said, but Grenda shook her head.

"I scanned her before she left the facility, and found nothing. Whatever this is, it is in deep. Messing with an unknown like this is unadvisable. Here, let me run some more scans on you and see if it is doing anything obvious," Grenda said and began casting various spells on Kasumi as the others continued examining the image.

About that moment, Devlin arrived with Frost, the pair approaching the group curiously. "Hmm, what's this about?" Devlin asked.

"I think we found our void object," Grenda replied, gesturing to the image.

"Oh, where?" Devlin said, looking at the image along with Frost.

"In Kasumi... somewhere, somehow," Grenda said as she finished her scans. "Well, good news, I don't sense it drawing any strength from you. Come to think of it, you were actually in reasonably good shape when we found you. It might have actually healed you too."

"Too?" Devlin asked in confusion and the others brought him up to speed as Frost puzzled over the image. "O... kay."

"That's what I said," Grenda said with a frown. "Any ideas?"

"Sounds a bit like a dimensional door, but a very advanced one. Of course that begs the question of a door to what exactly. You say this... mother figure had a spirit and body?" Devlin asked and Shampoo nodded. "Did the spirit feel young, really old...?"

"Feel normal to Shampoo," Shampoo replied. "Shampoo and Kasumi have body there too."

"Spontaneous homunculus creation? That's... impressive," Devlin thought aloud, looking back to the image.

"Are we sure it was a homunculus?" Grenda asked. "We could be dealing with a trans-dimensional door."

"Possibly I suppose," Delvin said. "But you'd think the mother would say something if that was the case."

"Come to think of it," Kasumi said, gaining everyone's attention. "She was rather... young. She actually looked about as young as she did in that old photo of her."

"Then if she was trans-dimensional, she really should have mentioned something. Doubtful she would even recognize you if she was that young," Devlin analyzed.

"What about a shapeshifter?" Herb suggested. "One that could read Kasumi's mind?"

"Possible," Devlin said with a nod. "Still, shapeshifters like that with mind reading abilities are generally quite old. Usually several hundred. Not impossible, but doubtful. Of course, homunculi should have young spirits, and you said it felt normal to you," Devlin said, looking back to Shampoo who nodded in confirmation. "None of our theories are fitting very well here. Whatever it is, it must have some pretty advanced functions."

"But... you don't think it is my real mother, right?" Kasumi asked tensely.

"No," Devlin replied easily. "Revival of the dead after such a period is not possible. At best you can make a good copy, but the new copy has a new spirit. It can be reasonably convincing to some, but in time the differences in spirit start to shine through and you'll notice behavior patterns that just aren't right. Well, unless her spirit was contained somewhere, like Kogane who is floating around as a ghost. However, in this case there is no evidence of this."

As Kasumi absorbed that, Frost suddenly spoke. "This looks sorta familiar," she said, gaining everyone's attention. However, no sooner did she gain such than she became nervous. "Uh... I mean..." she said, her eyes darting to Makoto and Ranma.

"Is this something to do with our friends that wish to remain nameless?" Grenda asked.

"Uh... yeah," Frost admitted.

Grenda nodded. "I suppose that makes a bit of sense, since that demon was likewise an old enemy of theirs. Maybe it stole this from them somewhere along the line?" Grenda thought aloud but Frost simply shrugged.

"I can't say, but its design is similar to other objects I've seen of theirs."

Grenda nodded. "Then I guess it falls to you to do some research here. In the meantime, there were a number of documents we found there that might mention it, so I'll prioritize getting those cracked."

"Magically encrypted?" Devlin asked and Grenda nodded. "Yeah, that'll take a while. I'd suggest, Kasumi, you not tinker with it, though. Since it seems like it may be stolen goods, it may be perfectly safe, but since we don't know its purpose, we can't assume such."

"What about her?" Kasumi asked in concern. "I mean... she's probably... no definitely isn't my mother, but she's someone, right?"

Devlin nodded. "Yes, I suppose. Which one of you left first?"

"Kasumi," Shampoo answered.

"What happened to her pseudo body when she did?" Devlin asked.

"Disappear completely," Shampoo answered.

Devlin nodded once again. "Then it was likely a projection, meaning it wasn't a real biological body, but a simulation of one. If so, physically, assuming she's still within, she'll be fine. Such projections shouldn't need food or water, or even air for that matter."

"Are you sure?" Kasumi asked and both Devlin and Grenda nodded.

"And likely if she was a projection, she very well may be turned off now that you're not there," Grenda added. "Still, we don't know exactly what she is. Shampoo, can you still feel this thing inside Kasumi?"

Shampoo looked at Kasumi, frowned, and then nodded. "Yes, but... is very... it there yet not."

"Think you could spirit walk back inside?" Grenda asked.

Shampoo's frown intensified. "Not sure."

"Would that be safe for Shampoo?" Kasumi asked.

"Don't see why not. Worst it could do is damage her pseudo body, but she'd always have her real body outside to jump back to. Still, I wouldn't go in there unprepared. At the least, I'd suggest getting some info. If it is a mind reader of some kind, getting some info to test that would be best," Grenda replied.

Herb thought for a moment. "Whatever info that would be, to be a proper test, would need to be a question we don't know the answer to until later."

"Exactly. Find someone who knew your mother in life and get a question from them that she could answer, but you couldn't, but don't get the answer. That way if it is a mind reader it too won't know the answer and will either be stumped or make something up. Best I suppose to get a number of questions like that if you can, just in case there is legitimate reason she wouldn't remember one," Grenda explained,

"Hoping it is a mind reader. If it isn't, that'll complicate things," Devlin added.

"Yeah," Grenda said with a frown. "Do take care when interacting with it. It might be harmless, or it might become dangerous if its existence is challenged. Like I said, you should be fine, but don't push things too much. If it gets hostile, get out of there."

Shampoo nodded, while Kasumi frowned. "I'd rather... Father not know."

"How about Mom then?" Ranma suggested. "She and your mom knew each other pretty well from what I understand. I'm sure she can keep it hush hush from your dad."

Kasumi thought about this and nodded. "That may work."

"Okay, well, you okay to take over your monitor duty once again, Grenda?" Devlin asked.

"Yes. Thanks for filling in," Grenda answered, looking at Frost.

"No problem. I should head off, and start prep for the troubles ahead. If you need me..." he said and headed off with a wave.

"I'll try to get you as much info as I can before we depart. Frost?" Grenda said.

"Uh... right, I'll see what I can dig up too," Frost quickly replied. "But, with less than a week..."

"Yeah. You may be stuck with that thing in you for a while, Kasumi," Grenda cautioned and Kasumi nodded.

"So far it doesn't seem to be causing me any problems," she noted.

"Yes. Hopefully it stays that way."

XXXXX

"Saki!" Sampei called out.

The girl in question turned back from the edge of the rooftop of the girls' dorm where she had been looking out at the sky, curious as the boy rushed over to her, followed slowly by Kitsune who looked amused. "What's up?" she asked curiously.

"You have to help me! Please be my fiancee!" Sampei pleaded, instantly dropping to his knees and begging.

Naturally, Saki raised a confused eyebrow at this, and frowned. "Uh... no," she responded quickly.

"Please! Just for the day!" Sampei continued, further confusing the girl.

"Uh... back up and explain!" Saki demanded.

Kitsune chuckled as she finally joined them. "He's got a marriage interview and he wants to sabotage it by having you play at being his fiancee."

"Oh," Saki said before frowning in confusion once again. "Wait, marriage interview?"

Sampei hung his head. "Yes, my family is very insistent. I've been trying to avoid it, but..."

Saki, still puzzled, looked to Kitsune for more clarification but she just shrugged. She turned back to Sampei and asked, "Why would your family be so insistent on this?"

"Uh... they're... they want me to carry on the family business," Sampei reluctantly explained.

Saki looked confused by this, causing Kitsune to brighten in realization. "Oh, you don't know Sampei is from a pretty rich family?"

"WHAT? Seriously?" Saki asked in shock.

"Not super rich or anything," Kitsune amended. "But, they do own a pretty big business from what I heard."

Sampei reluctantly nodded. "Yeah, and they're trying to join together with another family of similar status, and want me to marry for that."

"So, kinda like a political marriage then," Saki said to which the others nodded. "Ugh... well, do you know the girl?"

"No," Sampei admitted. "But it doesn't matter. You're the only one for me, Saki! Please help me!"

Saki groaned and started rubbing her forehead. "This sounds like nothing but trouble."

"Hey, why don't I do some snooping and figure out who the girl is?" Kitsune suggested. "Maybe she's a super-hot super model or something?" she added with a bright smile.

"Do I look that shallow to you?" Sampei asked, glaring up at the girl.

"I don't know... sometimes," she murmured in response, causing Sampei to deflate and Saki to laugh.

"Alright, alright, when is this interview?" Saki asked.

"Uh, in a few days," Sampei answered with hope in his eyes.

"I'll consider it," Saki conceded, causing the boy to jump to his feet and take Saki's hands into his own enthusiastically.

"Oh, thank you so much!" he exclaimed before Saki gave him a level look and he withdrew. "Sorry!"

Kitsune chuckled at the scene before switching topics. "Say, Saki, I never did hear about what happened with your grandma."

Saki's mood deflated some at mention of this, causing both the others to notice. "Uh... nothing much. It seems legit from what I can tell," Saki said, turning away to once again look at the sky.

"So your mom really is an Amazon? What was she doing in Japan?" Sampei asked.

"Seems some years ago, the Amazons sent out a group into the world to get up to speed on various matters. Shampoo's mom was one of that group, and so was mine. Mine ended up in Japan," Saki explained.

"So, why didn't she return like Shampoo's mother?"

Saki frowned. "That's where things get a bit mysterious. She did return, with Dad, but refused to acknowledge he defeated her, likely because he didn't. Weird thing is, Shampoo's mom was in a similar situation, but gamed the Amazon rules by saying she lost in a game of chess to him. My Mom could have done something similar, but refused, but also insisted they had to marry. Grandmother could never get out of her why she was being so stubborn on the issue.

"So, since the marriage was strictly disallowed by Amazon law, they moved back to Japan," Saki continued and sighed. "And I was born about 6 months later."

"Oh..." Kitsune said, cluing in.

"Yeah, which actually explains a lot. Mom always seemed to treat me harshly, but not so with my sister. I never understood the difference, but I think that is why. She probably felt her pregnancy with me forced her to marry Dad. Miyuki was born a bit later and apparently didn't have that association in my Mom's head so she treated her quite a bit better."

"Wait, you have a sister?" Sampei said in surprise.

"Yeah," Saki said. "I haven't seen her in many years though. Don't even know where she is. She got adopted into some wealthy family and after that I lost all contact," Saki explained and sighed, looking down. "That's... kinda why Mom... killed Dad." Both Sampei and Kitsune cringed at hearing this, but Saki let out a small laugh to break the mood. "Way that sounds, it kinda makes it sound like Dad is the villain, but trust me, he wasn't. The whole situation was a bit of a mess. Mom wanted the adoption, but Dad I think was a bit more mixed. He was talking about money a fair bit, so maybe he just wanted to get more money out of the family, or maybe it was an excuse to try and cancel the whole thing, I don't know. Will never know now."

Sampei scratched his cheek. "You know... I just assumed..."

"That my Dad was some abuser?" Saki asked, causing Sampei to cringe once again but she smiled and brushed it off. "Don't worry, you're not the only one. Hey, he was no saint, but he never laid a hand on either of us," she said then laughed. "Mom would have broken him like a twig if he had. No, if anyone in my family was abusive it was her," Saki said then sighed. "I hate saying this, because I really wish it was untrue, but she killed him, and she has no excuse, and she's never tried to make an excuse for it either."

"That's... heavy stuff," Kitsune said somberly.

Saki nodded. "Yet, funny enough I just can't let her go even knowing that," she said and took a moment. "Grandmother apparently also thinks she's guilty as heck and said as much. She pretty much disowned her. Amazon or not, they don't condone such things. Still, she did say she'd like to rebuild something with me, so gave me two offers."

"Offers?" Sampei asked.

"One, apparently she's looking for a new student to pass on her techniques to. Mom was her old one, but never finished the training. Mom taught me pretty much everything so I could pick up with Grandmother's teachings pretty easy," Saki explained.

"Wait! Does that mean you'll become an Amazon, full time! Move to China?!" Sampei asked, shocked.

"Potentially, but it isn't a requirement. She said I would be welcome, but she just wants to teach me, if I'm willing. I'd said I'd think on it."

"And the second offer?" Kitsune asked.

Saki sighed once again. "The second is to spring my Mom... sorta. Apparently the Amazons have enough pull to have Mom released to their custody. Not sure how exactly that works, but Grandmother seemed very confident it would. Anyway, Mom would be stripped of her Japanese citizenship, deported and never be welcome in the country again, but she'd be free... sorta. The Amazons would then decide on a punishment, but Grandmother says she can arrange for that to be a... non-lethal one. She'd likely be stripped of all her status and magically bound to the village to labor for the rest of her life, but she'd be sorta free and alive." Saki frowned. "She said I should only do it for my own peace of mind, not for Mom."

"Really heavy stuff," Sampei echoed Kitsune, and Saki nodded.

"Yeah. I said I'd consider that one too. Right now, Mom's death sentence is essentially indefinitely delayed, but it could be restored, although I have a promise they'll permanently remove it should I continue cooperating with the agency. Since it seems an awful lot like they're putting me out to pasture, that may happen soon, or... not at all given I may have crossed them indirectly. Even if they do stick to it, though, she'll be in jail till the end of her days."

"Agency eh..." Kitsune said with a happy smile.

Saki gave her a sideways look, sighed and nodded. "Yes, I'm with law enforcement, Kitsune. Just don't go spreading it around, okay?"

"Okay, but I want all the details!" Kitsune demanded.

Saki groaned but nodded. "Fine, fine."

Kitsune did a little happy dance before noticing Sampei's look was still rather down. "Hey, Sampei, buck up! Saki agreed to think on it. And say, maybe if you're super lucky, this girl is Saki's sister!"

Saki laughed. "That would be a one in a million kinda thing," she said with a smile.

"Never! Saki is the only one for me!" Sampei declared with confidence. "No offense to your sister, I'm sure she's nice, but you're the one I truly long for!"

"Please dial it down a few notches," Saki said with a smile while rubbing her forehead once more.

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Kasumi was taking a moment. Within one of the San Cheng Huang's common areas, this one dedicated to entertainment, she sat on the coach opposite the television and simply relaxed. She closed her eyes and simply let time pass. After a short while, though, she heard a knock on the door frame and opened her eyes to see Ms. Hinako in her adult form.

"Am I disturbing you?" she asked.

"No," Kasumi replied. "I'm sorry about missing school," she said but Hinako shook her head.

"I heard something about what happened. You should take all the time you need. I can handle things there," she said and stepped in, closing the door as she did. "Are you well enough to... discuss something of a personal nature."

Kasumi blinked in confusion but nodded.

"Good," Hinako said, taking a nearby seat and pondering for a moment before speaking further. "It... No, perhaps I should explain first. You know, this form is more representative of my true age, correct?"

"Yes, of course," Kasumi replied.

"Yes, and as you know only recently have I discovered a way to maintain it for significant periods, although I must ration such."

Kasumi nodded knowingly. "Unfortunately the side effect of using the fighting fish for long periods does seem rather severe."

"Yes, quite annoyingly, but still it is a marked improvement over my previous situation. As you might guess, my condition has caused my... personal life to be rather difficult. Most men who discover my condition are turned off, and the few that aren't... have quite the opposite reaction." Kasumi tilted her head in confusion at this. "Let's just say, those men I refer to the authorities."

Kasumi considered for a second then went wide eyed. "OH!"

"Yes. Needless to say, finding someone that can accept me for what I am without making it very awkward is... well, near impossible." Hinako paused for a long moment before continuing. "That is, until recently. I found someone who has accepted me, and I have grown quite... fond of."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful," Kasumi said with a smile but quickly noticed Hinako's nervousness. "Is it someone I know?"

"Uh... yes, you know them very well," Hinako said, playing with her hands to ease the tension. Kasumi thought about this before giving Hinako a shocked look. Hinako responded quickly by waving her off. "Nono, not you!"

"Oh thank goodness," Kasumi said.

"I'm sorry. I'll just come out and say it. It's your father," Hinako said and practically cringed.

"Father?" Kasumi echoed in surprise.

"If you want me to stop there, that's fine, I totally understand, and I'll just drop the whole thing-"

"No," Kasumi quickly interjected, although she now felt awkward. "Uh... how..."

"I met him at the hospital after that whole hotel incident. We had a drink together and... well, since then I've been making various excuses to see him," Hinako explained.

"Is he-"

"No, I don't think so," Hinako quickly answered. "I... have been reluctant to proceed any further as he is your father, and honestly was looking for an excuse to put him out of my mind, but he always seems to avoid giving me any, even though he is unaware." Hinako bit her lip for a second then grasped her hands together in front of her in a pleading posture. "Kasumi, please give me your permission to pursue your father!"

Kasumi was simply too stunned to speak. 'Why now of all times? Why just after mother... no, she's some kind of fake,' Kasumi thought and shook her head clear of the thought, giving Hinako the wrong impression. Kasumi quickly spoke though before it could take root. "Nono, it is just another matter... I... um... I need a moment to think," she said.

"Of course, of course," Hinkao said and returned to fidgeting.

Kasumi looked down at the floor, and considered. 'Whoever... whatever that woman was, she's not my real mother, so just put that out of your head. Just... think about this as if that never happened," she thought and took some time to organize her thoughts.

After a full two minutes Kasumi finally looked up. "I... I have no objections."

Hinako went wide eyed in hope but quickly asked, "Are you sure?"

Kasumi nodded. "It is hardly my place to dictate my father's relationships, and I have no reason to object to you personally either. While I suppose I might find it a bit awkward, my mother has been gone for over a decade now, and I feel Father has every right to move on."

Hinako nodded enthusiastically. "Kasumi, you don't... thank you so much!"

"You should not get too excited," Kasumi quickly cautioned. "I can't speak for Akane or Nabiki, and certainly not for Father either. You said it yourself that he seems to be unaware of your interest in him."

Hinako deflated some at this and nodded. "Yes, of course, but this is the first step. Don't worry, I'll... I will speak with your sisters as well. Do you think... no, never mind."

"No, I think I would prefer to speak to them first, actually," Kasumi said to Hinako's surprise. "If you don't mind?"

"No, of course not," Hinako said quickly.

"It may be a little while. I have a number of other things I must attend to first."

"Of course, take all the time you need," Hinako said and stood up. "I'll wait to hear from you then?"

"Uh, yes, I suppose so. It won't be long," Kasumi replied and stood up as well. "Assuming they do not object, I will leave Father to you."

"Yes, uh... thank you so much," Hinako said with a bright smile that Kasumi couldn't help but share.

XXXXX

Not long after, Kasumi said her goodbyes to Ms. Hinako at the front door of the restaurant and watched her depart before sighing. "Yet another situation..." she mumbled before turning to see Crystal hanging to the side, waiting. "Yes?"

"Not more bad news, I hope?" Crystal asked as she joined Kasumi.

"No, more just... complicated news," Kasumi replied.

"Sometimes that's worse than bad news. Bad news you can usually just accept and move on. Complicated news means you have to deal with it," Crystal said with a slight wince to which Kasumi nodded. "How are you feeling?"

Kasumi sighed. "Honestly... spent."

Crystal nodded knowingly. "I can bet. You should take a day or two off. It doesn't serve you to push yourself. Your mind needs rest just as your body does."

Kasumi nodded. "Yes. It has seemingly been one thing after another lately. I just haven't had an opportunity to... absorb it all. Perhaps you're right. I'll see if the school can do without me a bit longer."

"Good, and if you do, I have the perfect thing for you to unwind," she replied with a smile and gave Kasumi a pair of tickets. "My family works there, and I get special access privileges now and then because of that. Why don't you go, and take Shampoo with you?"

Kasumi looked the tickets over in mild surprise. "Your family works here?"

"Oh yes, and not just them. It is a favored business for many of my kind," she said.

"I see," Kasumi replied. "I'm not sure Shampoo will be interested."

"Can't hurt to ask," Crystal replied.

"I suppose not. Thank you," Kasumi responded.

"She's in the kitchen, by the way," Crystal directed and Kasumi nodded and headed that way.

'Seems rather... childish for her, but I suppose...' Kasumi thought as she entered the kitchen where the staff was going about their usual prep duty, and Shampoo was apparently familiarizing herself with the operations. On seeing Kasumi, Shampoo rushed over.

"Airen!"

"Shampoo," Kasumi greeted and offered up the tickets. "Crystal suggested I take the day off and gave me these..."

Shampoo took one of the tickets and looked at it before going wide eyed with excitement. "Aiyah! Truly! Shampoo have always want go!"

"Uh... really?" Kasumi asked in surprise and Shampoo vigorously nodded. "Well... uh, okay."

"They're good for any day you like," Crystal said from behind.

"We go tomorrow then?" Shampoo asked excitedly.

"I... I suppose that should be fine," Kasumi replied.

Shampoo smiled happily before growing serious. "We have get there as soon as open, and need plan to visit as much as possible."

"I have a map if you need," Crystal suggested to which Shampoo once more nodded vigorously. Crystal gestured for her to follow and the two quickly headed upstairs together, leaving Kasumi behind, still surprised.

After a moment she looked down at the remaining ticket in her hand. 'I didn't think she'd be into Disneyland of all things,' she thought but shrugged and decided to follow the pair upstairs to help make plans.

XXXXX

End Chapter 59

Next time in A Scary Thought: As Kasumi and Shampoo are away for the day, unexpected happenings continue.

For those a bit confused on the crossovers: Usagi, Rei, Minako, Makoto, Ami, Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna, Luna, and Artemis are all from Sailor Moon. Kitsune has her ties to the X-files, but only in that she's a fanatic of similar interests rather than appearing in said show. Saki and Sampei are from Sukeban Deka. You may also notice Frost borrowing a spell from here or there; in particular Gargoyles and Illusionaries are two prime targets. Speaking of Gargoyles, if you're a fan of the series you may have already figured this out, but La Bac is Cabal spelt backwards. Also Gen-U-Tech is also a business from Gargoyles. Does that mean this is a Gargoyles crossover? At this point, probably not. I have tried to square the circle of Gargoyles time travel mechanics with my story and it just isn't working and unfortunately they are too key to Gargoyles continuity to just ignore so most likely Gargoyles will remain just a shout out kinda crossover but not official. Anyway, besides that we have Chun Li, Rose, Shadow Lady, Shadow, Gill and the previously shown Karin and Sakura which come from Street Fighter series (Rose, Karin and Sakura from Street Fighter Alpha 3, Shadow and Shadow Lady from Marvel vs Capcom, Chun Li from much of the Street Fighter series, and now Gill from Street Fighter III). As for Ranko, well she's from my other major fanfic, Most Unlikely of Friends, although you can largely consider her standard Ranma trapped in female form for most purposes. And lastly comes dear old Siren who is from Dreiser's story 'Black Rose Blue Thunder'. I won't be using her much but she fits a temporary need. Be Dea comes from D B. Sommers fic Shampoo ½, and if you haven't read it, do so, now! I've also previously mentioned Perfume from same fic (although this story has two Perfumes being mentioned, the other being from my own Most Unlikely of Friends). Garnet was first mentioned by Jim Bader in A Very Scary thought I believe, but whatever the case I don't believe he ever actually appeared in any of Jim's stories, although I could be wrong. As already mentioned, Miku, Neru and Haku are vocaloid character, but just cameo's for them.

On a side note for those crossovers, it recently came to my attention that some believe I am crossed with Negima. I'm actually not, but out of curiosity I checked out Negima and could certainly see the similarities (a lot of them in fact, and was quite surprised seeing as I had never even heard of Negima until it was mentioned). That got the proverbial wheels in my head turning about potential crossovers so... maybe, but don't count on it. As Uq Holder, Negima's continuation, is still in progress and throwing in all kinds of new curve balls, I'll probably be forced to steer clear.

Speaking of things I'm not crossed with, two notable ones are Ah My Goddess and Tenchi! Jim liked to use the latter a great deal, and I believe he might have used the former too, although less sure on that, but either way I have decided both are ultimately incompatible with my vision of my story world.

Oh, something new cross over wise to speak about this chapter, and that is Miyuki. Not long ago I discovered there is a Sukaban Deka manga and it has a LOT more content than the anime covered. Now, for the most part I'm ignoring the manga canon particulars as they already contradict the anime canon which I used for the basis of the cross over. However, I will be taking some inspiration from it. The first bits being for Saki's backstory and the existence of her sister Miyuki. While there is obviously nothing in the manga about the mother being an Amazon, it actually fits reasonably well with what is there, so with a bit of a massage that is what we have here.

And something else new... damn Capcom for continuing to use Bison! Mucking up all my plans! No, seriously, it is a minor thing, but figured I'd note this chapter that Bison managed to pull a typical villain trope out of his ass and survive dying somehow. No plans to use him, as his fate is sealed in the Capcom canon, but we're not there yet so he is kicking around somewhere.

Website... does my website even exist anymore? Well, I have it on my hard drive still, but that hardly counts. Needless to say, if you do stumble on it, it's hopelessly out of date.

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