More than meets the eye (30/7/2007)
Author's note
The plot thickens…..
Chapter 10: Trust
Three days later…
Kasumi yawned as the hired car ferrying the family finally reached the Tendo residence late at night. She was thoroughly exhausted from three days of constant swimming lessons. She may have learnt faster from Akane but her younger sister still had the advantage of stamina and endurance due to years of training physically. The elder Tendo wanted nothing more than to lie in her own bed and go to sleep until late morning. She knew she would have to set her alarm clock this time instead of relying on her own biological clock due to exhaustion.
She had sat in the front passenger seat next to the driver in a red Toyota Hilux. Her father, Uncle Genma and Nabiki sat in the back seat, still half asleep since the plane trip. Akane and Ranma had opted to seat in the open trunk of the pickup truck along with the rest of the luggage as it was a clear and starry sky. It had been a fun filled trip that was strangely tiring for everyone, even the fathers although all they did was play shogi and occasionally tried to contrive traps to make Akane and Ranma sleep together but these schemes were normally nipped in the bud by Kasumi. Threatening to leave Akane in the kitchen with no supervision whatsoever for one week was very effective in making the two leave Ranma and Akane alone.
The driver turned to Kasumi when he stopped the car in front of the Tendo residence. "Kasumi, we have reached your home. Wake your family to take your luggage," Ironhide's hologram said. His form was that of a fat old Japanese man in flannel long sleeve shirt and long pants.
Kasumi smiled. "Thanks for the ride Ironhide. I didn't expect you to be back so soon."
"Apparently, Jazz and Hound were quite …. persuasive when talking with Prime to meet back in Nerima as soon as possible. For what reason I cannot fathom, nor do I understand why Ratchet and Optimus took the time to collect some Earth organic food while in Hokkaido," Ironhide grunted. "This reconnaissance is getting boring, I want to shoot something, not go sniffing grass and snow like Hound."
"Trust me Ironhide, you won't regret your early return the next time," Kasumi said. She then proceeded to rouse the rest of her family who groggily woke up and carried their bags into the house. She made sure that they simply didn't fall asleep on the doorstep and even had to half drag Ranma and Akane into their rooms. She had to make sure each entered their respective rooms when she caught the fathers attempting to guide Ranma into Akane's bed. Kasumi reminded herself to prepare raw bamboo shoots for Genma in the morning and no breakfast at all for her father.
When she was sure her family were fast asleep in their beds, she went out to see Ironhide. "Well that's it then. I hope you'll be able to find the Key soon. When do you think I can meet Optimus and Bumblebee again?"
"Not long. You can continue to visit Bumblebee in the junk yard if you want, just make sure you aren't alone if Prowl doesn't come by at night," Ironhide suddenly stiffened and looked around him.
Kasumi became concerned. "Is everything alright Ironhide?" Kasumi asked.
A look of intense concentration crossed the hologram's face before he turned back to Kasumi. "I don't know. For a moment, I almost felt we were being watched but I can't sense anyone now."
Kasumi took a deep breath and then tried expanding her chi senses. Her training wasn't very extensive when she was young but it was enough to sense anyone in the surrounding houses. Although she sensed nothing, she was worried and trusted Ironhide's judgement.
"I will park here for tonight and leave at dawn. Sleep in safety Kasumi, the presences I felt was strange, neither Decepticon nor human. Go now, I will be your guard," Ironhide said as his hologram went back into the driver's seat. Kasumi looked around uneasily then went back to her house.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
When Kasumi woke up, one of the first things she noticed was a note underneath her medicine bottle. "Sorry couldn't be there last night. Can't see you till tonight too. Keep Prowl company."
Breakfast was as normal as the Tendo household could be, with Ranma and Genma loudly sparring in the morning, her father reading the newspaper while smoking and the middle Tendo sister groggily eating her breakfast and drinking Kasumi's special coffee brew. The elder Tendo was slightly tensed beneath her smile though. Like Ironhide, she just couldn't seem to shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen. For the first time, she wished that she could share her secret with at least Ranma or Akane.
She decided not to go marketing today and planned to use the remainder of her father's lottery prize for a takeout. She was still feeling sore from muscles unused to exertion due to her swimming lessons and was not really in a position to carry heavy loads back from the market to her home, even if she could take a lift from Prowl or Bumblebee.
Kasumi sighed as she thought of the yellow Autobot. She wished that there was a way to communicate with Bumblebee or for that matter the other Autobots. But Hound had assured her that at no time would Kasumi be unwatched by the Autobots. All she had to do was ask for them and one of them would listen and answer her call. So far she hadn't tried and didn't want to call the Autobots just on account of loneliness. Despite their friendship, she knew that the war touched their hearts deeply and she wanted them to concentrate yet be happy on Earth at the same time.
She then heard a car horn from outside. Judging by the sound, she thought it would be Prowl. Sure enough when she went outside to look out the doorway, she saw the familiar police car parked there. The hologram looked at her.
"Kasumi come quickly, there's someone you need to see," the hologram said.
Kasumi became concern at Prowl's tone of voice. Without further ado, she climbed into the passenger seat and the police car drove away from the Tendo household.
"Prowl, what is the matter? There's something dreadful written on your face. Where are we going?" she asked.
"Nerima General Hospital. The Chinese Amazon Shampoo, who is one of your friends I believe, suffered serious injuries though from what I do not know, they didn't report the incident to the police," Prowl said.
The elder Tendo sister paled. Shampoo was one of the strongest martial artist in Nerima. For her to be put in the hospital ….
"Prowl, please stop by the market. I want to buy some fruits," she said. "It's quite near the hospital."
Later, armed with a big basket of fruits, Kasumi exited the police car and entered the hospital. Unbeknownst to both of them, three sets of eyes observed them.
Kasumi went to the receptionist and asked for Shampoo's room. The nurse asked if Kasumi was related to Shampoo and would have denied her the information had Cologne not come into the waiting room and noticed Kasumi. "My dear Kasumi, what are you doing here? Is Son-In-Law injured?"
Kasumi was startled then bowed to Cologne. "Actually I heard on my way to the market that Shampoo had been injured. I came to see if there is anything I can do for you and her," she said while bowing and offering the basket to Cologne.
The Amazon Elder accepted the gift graciously. "Come Kasumi, you can have a word with Shampoo. She's out of the critical stage now and is recuperating nicely. Just so you know, this happened the same day your family went to Okinawa."
They entered the hospital room occupied by Shampoo. The beautiful Chinese Amazon turned excitedly towards the door, most likely expecting Ranma but was slightly disappointed to see Kasumi instead. Kasumi's heart went out to the Amazon when she saw her injuries. Nearly the entire right half of her face was bandaged, including her right eye while her right arm was in a cast. She was wearing a hospital gown but bandages seem to run from her neck down to her body. Her legs appeared unharmed. Standing by the hospital bed, like a vigilant watchdog, stood Mousse.
"Hello nice girl. Thank you for seeing Shampoo. Husband come see Shampoo later yes?" she asked.
Kasumi smiled, sat on a chair and took Shampoo's uninjured hand in hers. "I'm sure Ranma will come along right after school. He and Akane will be very concerned about you."
The Amazon's eyes narrowed. "Shampoo no want kitchen destroyer. Kitchen destroyer no want to see me too," she said defiantly.
"Now now Shampoo, my little sister may be a lot of things but spiteful and vengeful she is not. She doesn't like anyone getting hurt, well, seriously injured anyway, even you. So don't go opening your wounds by attacking her when she and Ranma comes by after school," Kasumi said sternly despite her smiling face.
Shampoo was about to protest when she saw Kasumi's smiling visage and any defiance or stubbornness she had melted away. "Yes nice girl. Thank you for telling Husband to see Shampoo later. Nice girl feeling well yes?" she asked, suddenly remembering Kasumi's trauma previously and her subsequent holiday to erase the memory.
"I am fine Shampoo, very happy indeed except for the fact that you are injured. You look like a big cat came out of nowhere and tried to eat you," she joked. But she suddenly felt the room's atmosphere became heavy as Cologne and Shampoo's smile fell and she could feel the knuckles in Mousse hand crack as the half blind boy clenched his fists.
"Yes Kasumi, a very big cat attacked me indeed, and to top it off, it felt like a metal cat as well," Shampoo said softly in Mandarin.
"Shampoo! Hold your tongue, nobody is supposed to know that," Cologne hissed and then noticed the look on Kasumi's face which showed she understood Mandarin. What was odd was the now artificial smiling expression she had now.
"Oh my, we must call in the army SPCA then to catch that big bad pussycat," she said jovially as though Shampoo had spoken to her normally.
Inside though, it was as though her blood had run cold at the thought of a big giant metal cat attacking the Amazons. The description could only mean one thing.
'Decepticons. I've got to tell Prowl.'
"Kasumi, this is not a matter I want publicly known. This information must be kept within these four walls. This is a private matter for the Chinese Amazon tribe to handle. The wrath of our tribe will soon descent on the perpetrator," Cologne hissed.
The elder Tendo sister looked at the Amazon Elder. "With all due respect Cologne, I believe I should warn at the very least the people I care about. I know you don't want people to know that your tribe's best warrior can be defeated by an unknown assailant but I don't want my family to be surprised by such an attack. Six days ago I was willing to warn you about Happosai. Please let me warn my family. Even if I don't tell them, Ranma and Akane are going to know the instant they see Shampoo. Are you going to keep them away from Shampoo to hide your secret?" Kasumi asked. Shampoo became sad at the thought that her matriarch might forbid Ranma from seeing her to preserve the Amazon pride.
Cologne looked closely at Kasumi. 'Kasumi dear, I know you mean well but there is something that is troubling you that you are not telling us. And something tells me it is bigger than Happosai,' she thought. But she could not refute Kasumi's logic and plea.
"Very well Kasumi, but only to your family and close friends, including Ranma and his fool of a father," she said, believing that Kasumi would keep her word.
'I'm sorry for deceiving you Elder but the Autobots are my close friends too,' she thought as she bowed to Cologne. "Is there anything else I can do Elder? I know I'm only an outsider but please do not hesitate to call on my family for help. You and I both know that Ranma will not hesitate to help you out of any trouble. I only pray that you do not take advantage of his good nature in future."
The old woman smiled. "Thank you Kasumi, I will remember your promise. Your visit alone has done much good, there is little more I can ask of you."
Kasumi then said, "Then I take my leave of you. Shampoo, get better soon alright?"
The purple haired Amazon smiled brightly. "Nice girl always the best. Later Shampoo make big delivery so Nice girl no need to cook for weeks yes?"
"Thank you Shampoo but you don't need to cook for me that much. I have to train Akane to cook properly one of these days."
"Shampoo see no hope for kitchen destroyer."
GLARE
Shampoo gulped at the cold look that Kasumi was giving her now. "Everybody has hope and a choice to change for the better Shampoo. Even Happosai," she said quietly before she left the hospital room.
Mousse gulped at the icy glare that Kasumi had given Shampoo. "Is it just me Elder, or has Kasumi changed a little too much in the last week? Don't get me wrong Elder, she HAS changed for the better tremendously but it just doesn't feel right unless it was love. But she hasn't acted lovesick at all," Mousse said in Mandarin.
The Amazon Elder noted Mousse's observation as she continued to stare at the closed door. "Mousse, I want you to follow Kasumi now and for the next few days. Report to me everything that she does and everyone that she meets. Take heed that neither she nor Son In Law knows of your presence," Cologne replied.
"Is that necessary Elder? I don't want to intrude on her privacy," even Mousse blanched at the idea of stalking Kasumi.
Cologne sighed. "Neither do I Mousse, believe me when I say it give me no pleasure to order you to do this. But I have suspicions that if proven, could mean danger to not only our tribe here, but also Kasumi's family, Japan and as well as the rest of the Chinese Amazons in China. I must put my fears away. Now go Mousse," she ordered, for once not giving him a bash on the head to make him move. Mousse sighed, nodded then leapt out of the window to follow Kasumi.
The first thing he saw was Kasumi exiting the hospital gate and entering a police car. He noted a strange symbol on the car's and etched it into his memory. 'Kasumi has police contacts? This definitely bears investigation,' he thought as he used his Amazonian super speed techniques to tail the car
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Prowl, I think the Decepticons just attacked Shampoo. You have to tell Optimus that the Decepticons are definitely in Nerima, hiding somewhere. We've got to find them before anyone else gets hurt," Kasumi quickly said to Prowl's hologram.
" 'We' as in the Autobots will do so. You on the other hand will keep your head low and make sure that you don't travel anywhere alone as always. It's possible that because the Amazons are one of a few group of human martial artists that can hurt a Decepticon with their techniques, the Decepticons might try to neutralise them before making whatever move they're planning. But it seems odd that Shampoo was left alive. Did she describe what she was attacked by? And why do you think it's a Decepticon?" Prowl asked.
"She described her attacker as a big metallic cat. From her injuries, it must have been as big as a tiger," Kasumi replied.
"Ravage!" Prowl hissed. "Tonight we will meet at the steel factory. Bumblebee will pick you up at ten p.m. We may need your help to find the Key soon. Warn your family but do not tell them the exact nature. That they have warning of a new threat in town should suffice."
"Prowl, I'm worried for my family. I feel at the very least you should communicate the Decepticons existence to the Chinese Amazons. They are an ancient people that could help out and are honourable enough to do so. I also wish to warn Ranma and Akane at least," Kasumi said,
Prowl sighed. "You are in a difficult position keeping our secrets Kasumi, do not think I'm unaware of it. All I can ask for is your trust in us that we can keep this war secret and quiet without sparking an international crisis, with Tokyo as ground zero of an alien war. I don't think the Amazons are to be trusted though but I will help you plea with Optimus to let in Ranma and Akane into our secret. I doubt Optimus will object if you vouch for their honesty."
"Thank you Prowl. Sigh, it appears that our feast will have to be postponed," Kasumi said sadly.
The policeman hologram's shoulders slouched. "I'm going to turn that cat into mince meat for that!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dinner was a tense affair as everyone started coming to terms that something new and dark had come to Nerima. Ranma and Akane true enough, practically raced down to the hospital once Kasumi explained that Shampoo had been hurt. Even Nabiki looked a little worried as she wasn't accustomed to not knowing everything and envisioned herself as an information broker who knew everything there was to know about Nerima. To her disgust, her father and Uncle Genma actually seemed happy that Shampoo had been hurt and wouldn't be bothering Ranma for awhile and had actually scolded Ranma for wanting to see Shampoo, calling him a traitor and adulterer. This earned Genma a trip to the koi pond while Kasumi pulled her father aside and actually gave him a good scolding. Soun Tendo had forgotten how much Kasumi resembled his deceased wife right down to his wife's rarely displayed righteous anger.
"Neh, Kasumi one-chan, are you still seeing your boyfriend tonight?" Akane asked Kasumi.
Kasumi blushed at Akane's choice of words. "He isn't my boy friend Akane, just a very good friend."
"Whatever. It's just that I know you're busy all day and can only spend free time with him at night but do you think it's wise to keep on going out every night, especially with Happosai out there and now this serial killer in Nerima?" Akane asked.
"I've made it clear Akane, that I trust my friend with my life and honour," Kasumi said.
"But what if your friend isn't strong enough? I mean, didn't he only beat Happosai by banging his car into him?"
"Actually he kicked Happosai into the air far further than you've ever hit Ranma," Kasumi retorted. "Akane-chan, I appreciate your concern but I won't forsake my friendship with him now. Please understand and respect my decision," Kasumi said quietly.
Akane sighed. "I hope you know what you're doing One-chan."
Ranma for once was silent and brooding. Kasumi could only guess what he was thinking.
"Ranma, it isn't your fault what happened to me and Shampoo," she said.
The pig tailed martial artist's head jerked up in surprise. "What are you talking about Kasumi? What do you mean it's not my fault?"
Kasumi sighed and put down her bowl of rice. "Ranma I know you have been brought up under the notion that all women need to be protected by men. For you, this means every woman you know, from Akane to Kodachi. To have two girls you know being attacked under your nose must have been hard on your ego."
Ranma's eyes went wide. That was enough for Kasumi to know that she had hit the mark. Then a depression aura comparable to Ryoga's enveloped Ranma.
"But Kasumi, it just doesn't seem right for both of you to be hurt on my watch. I mean, I'm the best martial artist there is here and yet you were kidnapped under my nose and Shampoo was mauled by some beast thingie," Ranma said.
Kasumi decided that she wouldn't debate about Ranma being the best martial artist in Nerima because chances were that he was right about that. "You may be the best in martial arts but there's still a lot to be trained in your mind Ranma. Happosai is far more experienced in manipulating people and not even I suspected the depth of his perversity until he showed his true colours. Nobody is to blame for his schemes Ranma, least of all you. If it were not for you, he may not even have bothered to scheme so deviously so in a way, we all owe you our honour. As for Shampoo, she was attacked while we were away in Okinawa and Cologne and Mousse were nearby. Therefore you are NOT in anyway to blame for not being able to protect her either."
"Please Ranma, do not constantly blame yourself for other people's misfortunes. Not all of them were caused by you, least of all what happened to Shampoo and me. If you still don't believe me, I'm still in the process of convincing my friend to see you and Akane. He will also assure you that you are blameless for the recent events."
Nabiki's ears perked up. "Really Kasumi? What about me? I really need to get to know your friend," the inquisitive girl said.
Kasumi's eyes twitched. "Not anytime soon Nabiki."
"But why only Ranma and Akane get to meet with him? I can be a better judge of character than both of them," Nabiki protested.
"They don't need to be judged Nabiki, least of all by you. Nabiki, don't pry into my secrets, because they are not my secrets to begin with but someone else. I don't think mother would like it if you continued to do so for your own personal gain," Kasumi said quietly.
Those words drove straight into Nabiki's heart. She hated to invoke the memory of her mother to Nabiki but in spite of her icy heart and greedy nature, Nabiki also missed and loved her mother as much as Kasumi and Akane. In recent years, she had changed into her current character to forget the memory of her mother's death, a move that Kasumi severely disapproved but now regretted not doing anything to prevent it. Now she was being told straight out that her current attitude was wrong and her mother would be disappointed in her.
The middle Tendo daughter became expressionless. She put down her rice bowl and prepared to leave the table. Kasumi became concerned and stood up to take her hand. "Nabiki ….."
Nabiki shook Kasumi's hand off. "Fine Kasumi, keep your secrets. They're probably dull and won't fetch a dime anyway," she said curtly before stomping off to her bedroom, leaving a sad Kasumi behind.
Xxxxxxxxxx
At 10 pm, Kasumi stood outside waiting for an Autobot to pick her up. To her delight and joy, she saw the familiar yellow Nissan drive up to her singing a song.
I miss you like crazy
Even More than words can say
I miss you like crazy
Every minute of every day
Girl I'm so down when your love's not around
I miss you, miss you, miss you
I miss you like crazy
"I missed you too Bumblebee," she said as she sat in the driver's seat. Like her previous ride, Bumblebee allowed her to control him and drive to the steel factory for their rendezvous.
"So….. how….. was your…. trip? Was…. Jazz …. a ….. nuisance?" Bumblebee asked.
Kasumi decided not to recount Jazz little presentation of her measurements comparisons to Bumblebee. "He's not too bad, a very nice person actually. Just a little too keen on women though."
Bumblebee snorted. "If….. you say …… so."
On the way to the factory, an enormous Peterbilt Carrier eventually appeared and drove by their side. Kasumi smiled and waved at the holographic driver who looked like a distinguished middle aged man, Caucassian, and had a nice beard. The closest celebrity resemblance she could think off was Jeremy Irons from the fantasy film "Eragon" she had watched a few months ago. The driver also smiled and waved to Kasumi. Eventually the two came to the steel factory and drove in once Kasumi managed to get the gates opened.
Once the two were inside, she patiently waited for the rest of the Autobots to enter the factory before she closed the factory gate. She then hurried into the abandoned manufacturing plant. Only when she had also closed the door of the manufacturing plant did the Autobots transform into their humanoid forms. No matter how many times she saw them transform, it always impressed Kasumi to no end that such innocent cars could change into those gentle giants.
As before, Optimus Prime knelt so that Kasumi wouldn't have to crane her neck to high to look at his face. "Ah Kasumi, it is good to see you again. You are looking especially well, it seems Okinawa agrees with you," the Autobot leader said.
"Yes, it was a fun trip, although the highlight of the trip was actually meeting with Jazz and Hound there. I have yet to thank you for allowing Hound to be our mode of transportation in Okinawa," Kasumi said while bowing.
Optimus waved his hand in dismissal. "A simple favour which coincided with our mission. He also described your plans to cook us a Japanese feast."
Kasumi's face lit up. "Oh please Optimus, say yes to this? I'm not really of much use to your quest to locate the Key or fight the Decepticons, the least I can do is make your stay on Earth memorable and I would like to welcome you to Earth with a proper welcome feast," Kasumi pleaded and even adopted puppy dog eyes that she saw Ranma sometimes did when going to the ice-cream parlour to get discounts and free deserts.
The elder Autobot felt his spark melt at the sight of Kasumi's big shivering eyes and her incurably cute pouting lips. "Fear not Kasumi, we've already compiled your shopping list and stored them away pending your feast."
Ratchet chuckled. "Be prepared to be blown away Prime, it appears we're going to get to taste nearly every type of food that can be considered Japanese cuisine."
"Now that is something worth travelling one thousand light years," Prowl said as he rubbed his hands envisioning the future feast.
Bumblebee's radio sounded, "Amen to that brother, Amen!"
Ironhide couldn't stand it any longer. "By the Matrix, aren't we here to discuss about the Decepti-creep that just showed its face in Nerima! I can't believe we're discussing about food which we don't even need instead of a war that could tear this planet apart!"
Kasumi sighed as Ironhide reminded her of the true purpose of their meeting tonight. "Sorry Ironhide, I'm just so happy to see you all again, guess I got carried away and forgot about my troubles."
"There is nothing to be sorry Kasumi. For you to try make us feel at home in an alien world puts us in your debt. Now tell us what happened," Prime said.
The girl then recounted her discussion with Cologne as well as her observation of Shampoo's condition. When she mentioned about the black metal cat description, she observed most of the Autobots tensing up.
"You know who the attacker is don't you?" she asked quietly.
Optimus nodded. "Unfortunately we do. Jazz, if you please," he gestured to the transformed Mazda. Jazz lifted his right arm and a holographic image emerged. It was that of a panther that seemed to be made out of metal. The holographic image expanded to life size and Kasumi realised in horror that it was far larger than even a lion, and was practically the size of a small horse.
"Decepticon code named Ravage. Intelligence, Infiltration and saboteur expert. Prefers a bipedal form of feline adopted from the planet Regula Seven as its natural robotic form. Current transformation disguise unknown. Though primarily a scout and spy, he is also known to attack organic species for meat which he developed a taste for previously. His steel jaws are as powerful as one of your great white sharks. In previous encounters, he is also armed with explosives for sabotage purposes. Despite his small size, he is a ferocious fighter with all the savagery and cunning of his adopted robotic form," Jazz recited.
"But if Ravage can bite off steel plates like a great white, why didn't he kill Shampoo? It seems like he only scratched Shampoo in her face and torso and maybe bit a chunk of her right arm," Kasumi wondered.
"That is what worries me. They want to rouse the Chinese Amazons for some reason. I cannot understand why. But it is clear that we Autobots must not encounter the Amazons. Prowl, Bumblebee, take heed that you do not run into them when escorting Kasumi. We can't take the chance that they will somehow identify you and expose us all. Kasumi will be in danger too should they decide that she is an accomplice to our race. That we must avoid at all cost," Optimus ordered. The two Autobots nodded and saluted their leader.
Bumblebee slammed his right fist into his left palm. "Maybe…. we …. should hunt…. down …. the Decepticons …. rather than … look for. … the Key …. first."
Optimus shook his head. "We can't let any humans get caught in our cross fire. You all know what will happen if the Decepticons fight. They will fight in crowded places shielded by innocent bystanders where they can shoot freely whereas we cannot. I will not have a repeat of the battle of Illeria again."
"Our time is running out Prime. What worries me is that we've absolutely no idea what the Decepticons are up to. It's clear they haven't found the Key yet but the are taking every precaution to hide their presence. What is Megatron up to? A trap?" Prowl pondered.
"No, I don't believe Megatron is behind their plan. This total silence seems to be more of Starscream's or Soundwave's strategy. Which means we won't know anything until they finally make their move," Ironhide said.
Hound, who was silent till now said, "Prime, I would like to request permission to go to China and scout the Chinese Amazon territory. I may be able to pick ip more details on their culture and knowledge than Bumblebee detected. Somehow the Amazons are connected to our search for the Key as well as Megatron. I believe their attack on the Chinese Amazon warrants a second check on their territory."
Kasumi's heart fell at the possibility of Hound leaving Japan. "But Ranma said that the Amazons lived in fairly primitive environments. How are you going to disguise yourself as a vehicle when they don't use any?"
Bumblebee coughed. "Jeeps …… vans ….. four wheel drives ….. they do….. use."
Optimus pondered over Hound's suggestion. "It won't do any good if they don't use any electronic equipment for you to hack Hound. You'll be endangering yourself by being alone, and I can't let any of you take that chance. No, if we're going to infiltrate their territory we will need human help, and our choices are limited in that option. No offence Kasumi."
"None taken Optimus. Speaking of which, I want to ask if I can introduce my sister Akane and her fiancé Ranma to you. These two are the most honourable people I know in Nerima and I know they can keep your secret even under torture. Please Optimus, I don't feel comfortable leaving the rest of my family unaware of the real threat to our life now. At the very least, these two can look out for the right enemies rather than picking fights with the wrong people," Kasumi pleaded.
"I agree with Kasumi and I trust her choice of trusted friends. We are going to need more human allies Optimus, especially when we need to look for the Key," Prowl supported Kasumi.
Jazz also piped up, "As do I Optimus. That Ranma character displays strength that can possibly fight a Decepticon and I would rather have him on our side."
"He …. is an honourable … man. As is his ….. fiancée ….. Tendo Akane," Bumblebee said.
Optimus was surprised at how most of his troops seem to be supporting Ranma and Akane as extra confidantes. "Hound, Ironhide, Ratchet, what say you?"
"Aye Optimus, it is a wise decision on Kasumi's part," Hound said.
Ironhide shrugged. "Doesn't matter as long as he doesn't get in my way of blasting Decepti-chops."
"I too trust Kasumi's judgement. She is an excellent judge of character and I will follow it," Ratchet said.
"The vote is unanimous then. Kasumi, you may bring only Ranma and Akane to the steel plant tomorrow. I only pray that they are not overwhelmed by our presence," Optimus said.
Kasumi's face practically glowed and she threw herself at Optimus' head and hugged it. The Autobot leader blinked in surprise but eventually smiled and relaxed. He extended part of his hand and gently petted the girl's back. "You must've felt terribly alone bearing our secret with no one to share. I'm sorry for giving you this burden."
"No Optimus, I was truly honoured that you chose me alone to be your friend. It's just that after Shampoo was attacked, I wished for others to be warned as well. Otherwise I would cherish our secret friendship. But it would be selfish and cruel of me not to tell my own family on what is going on. Know that if anything bad comes out of this, I will take responsibility for my actions today," Kasumi vowed.
"I won't hold you to that promise Kasumi. You are the best friend an Autobot can have and nothing will change it, even a mistake or bad decision on your part," Optimus gently said.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cologne looked at the piece of paper in front of her. For once, she looked as old as her age of three hundred years plus and Mousse had never seen her so worried before.
"Respected Elder?" he asked.
The Amazon Elder looked up then hopped over to her writing table. Extracting a piece of paper and pen, she quickly penned a letter, sealed it in an envelope and to Mousse's astonishment, marked the envelope with a magical Jade Seal that would enchanted the envelope to be unbreakable and assure that only the Amazon Tribal Elders could open it. Such a seal were normally used in times of war to ensure the security of the message.
"Mousse, you will leave Japan tonight and recount all that you have seen to the Elders Council. Protect this letter with your life and ensure that it reaches them without delay," she said.
"But what about Shampoo?! I want to stay here and protect her…"
"This goes beyond the safety of Shampoo impudent male. This concerns the safety of the Chinese Amazons, no, perhaps the entire world. Now go before we're all doomed," Cologne said tiredly.
"Doomed? From what?" Mousse asked, bewildered at his sudden orders.
Cologne looked at the piece of paper that Mousse had observed the seven Autobots in the warehouse bearing a common mark. He couldn't get close to hear what they were saying but had noted their strange markings.
"Demons from the sky," Cologne said as she burned the paper with the Autobot insignia drawing into ash.
To be continued……
Song acknowledgements:
I miss you like Crazy by the Mofatts
Thanks for all of your support. Reviews and flames are welcome as always.