Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happened last time: Palm made her first move, putting the pressure on.
Chapter 68
XXXXX
The morning practice session was unsurprisingly far less enthusiastic from normal. Ranma was off by himself, continuing his tracings. Herb was nearby but engaged in some simple magic practice, running through drills Sorora had instructed him on. Only Makoto and Akane were sparring with each other, with the rest of the group save the adults, who were currently elsewhere entirely, meeting off to the side out of earshot.
It was this scene that Lemon watched intently, trying to muster up the courage to finally act. As Ranma began conversing with Herb as both continued their practice, Lemon found the strength and approached them. What they were discussing went unheard as they noticed her approach and both turned to her curiously.
"Can we... talk for a moment?" Lemon asked. Herb said nothing, merely ceasing his practice to regard her.
Ranma likewise stopped his practice and nodded. "What's up?" he asked casually.
Lemon paused in consideration, stealing a glance back at the others before returning to the two boys. "I... I need an escort, outside."
"What are you planning?" Herb asked bluntly.
Lemon looked down. "I want to try to talk to Mother, to call her off."
"You really think that's going to work?" Ranma asked in doubt.
Lemon looked back up sharply. "I have to try at least."
Ranma considered for a moment, glancing back at Herb who gave no input on the matter. Finally he put up his arms and shrugged. "Well, I'm game. Sticking around in here is getting us nowhere."
"You're reckless, Saotome," Herb remarked but with a sigh nodded. "Very well. I will accompany you as well. However, if we wish her to approach us, we should keep our party restricted to no more. We two should be enough for any random encounters."
"Right," Ranma agreed. "So when we doing this?" he asked and seeing Lemon's intense look got his answer. "As soon as possible, huh. Alright."
As Ranma stood up, Lemon suddenly asked, "Are you sure? She might... she might attack you."
"Yeah, she might," Ranma replied. "And if she does, we'll just have to manage. Besides, I'm getting annoyed with this whole affair. I'll take the risk."
Herb also rose to his feet and nodded. "Just so. We are not helpless. Also she will likely not wish a prolonged engagement as it will attract Peach's attention."
"And we can always make a run for it if all else fails," Ranma said with a smirk.
Lemon nodded, accepting their arguments. "Alright," she said. "Just let me fetch my cloak and we can go."
As the kitsune rushed off, Ranma turned to Herb. "Give it much chance of success?"
Herb shrugged. "Who is to say? Palm's motivations are still quite the mystery. If nothing else, perhaps we can gain some info on her if she does come to speak with us."
"True," Ranma agreed before noticing Lemon return from the castle with her cloak in hand, already making her way to the portal door. "I'll let Kasumi know and meet you at the door... Assuming Peach lets us," he said and Herb, nodding, headed off to join Lemon as Ranma spoke with Kasumi.
XXXXX
Together with Kasumi, Shan, Kane, and Ranko, Ranma completed his explanation to Peach of the plan. Peach bore an unreadable expression as she considered it.
"I take it you don't approve?" Ranma asked with a frown.
Peach huffed lightly. "My approval is not the issue. There is some merit to the idea. And given current circumstances attempting to engage her in discussion may be the best option. I just wish there were a better way."
"You got one, we're all ears," Ranma replied and reluctantly Peach could only shake her head.
"I do not. Very well, proceed, but with all due caution. If she becomes hostile, retreat. If you must, abandon Lemon," Peach advised.
"I suppose she wouldn't hurt her own daughter," Kasumi thought aloud.
"Exactly. If she uses anything major, I should be able to sense it and will come, but I'll keep my distance to encourage her to appear. Regardless, retreat if threatened."
"Right," Ranma agreed with a nod.
"Do try to be careful," Kasumi said.
"Don't worry, we'll be fine," Ranma assured her and headed off.
Peach lingered a moment before turning to Kasumi. "I suppose I should mention I called in some old favors and have some assistance on the way. The first should arrive later today... not my preferred picks, but they'll have to do."
"Hmh?" Kasumi murmured curiously but Peach just shook her head.
"They are a troublesome local pair, who neither get along with each other, nor are particularly trustworthy, although for completely different reasons," Peach said with a deep sigh. "I was really hoping not to have to get them involved, but my hand has been forced. Don't worry, I'll deal with them when the time comes. Not looking forward to it," she said, muttering the last in obvious discontentment. "I should be off. Remember-"
"Stay in the barrier, I know," Kasumi said with a weak smile, receiving a nod of approval from the kitsune before she departed.
"Are they going to really be alright?" Shan asked in concern after the kitsune left earshot.
Kasumi considered as she turned back. "Herb has been practicing magic for a while now and is getting quite good from what I've observed. As for Ranma, his particular style allows him to actually hurt Kitsunes. Peach did say Palm was not much of a fighter, so I think they'll be okay, at least for a minor engagement."
"Maybe we should go after them," Kane offered. "If we use our unification-"
"Woah, woah, woah," Shan quickly interrupted. "Did you forget we're not supposed to use that unless really necessary?"
"It was fine earlier," Kane argued back.
"In the pocket dimension, yeah, but that would be out in the open," Shan argued back.
"Is there a problem with using it in the open?" Kasumi asked as Kane frowned in defeat.
"Yeah, she's right. We... don't know what's going on in your universe. If there are executioners here too, we might attract one with it. The risk isn't that high, but she's right, it is still too risky."
"Executioners?" Kasumi echoed.
"They are super serious business and we want nothing to do with them. Best not to chance it," Shan explained.
"Yeah," Ranko agreed. "Lemon has been pretty good and, like you said Kasumi, I highly doubt her Mother would do anything to her at least, so if something does go wrong, she can at least tell us about it."
The others accepted this logic before Kane glanced over to Makoto and Akane who were now taking a break from sparring. As she did, Akane quickly looked away, causing Kane to echo the response. "Has... um, Akane been acting a bit weird since yesterday?"
Kasumi looked over before asking, "Not to my knowledge."
"Hmm, probably just my imagination."
"She did see us pull off that gust yesterday," Shan suggested. "Bet she's just a bit curious is all."
"Yeah, guess so," Kane said, put at ease by the thought.
"You also have been watching her," Shampoo offered.
"Uh... yeah, guess I have," Kane said with a cringe before shrugging and letting out a laugh. "I'll try to be a bit less nosey."
XXXXX
Across the field, Akane stole another glance at the distant gathering before deepening her frown.
"What has you so tense today?" Makoto asked as she went into some final cooling down exercises.
Akane considered before answering, "I just... don't trust those two."
"Why?" Makoto asked, halting her exercise.
"I... I saw something yesterday... maybe I was mistaken but... we don't know hardly anything about them, and they just conveniently show up right as Palm does... And you must have seen how strong they are. I saw how they took on Ranma yesterday. He was no match for them."
Makoto had to nod to that. "Yeah, they had him pretty badly outmatched, but they're friends of Ranko's, right? I'm sure she would have warned us if they were trouble."
Akane reluctantly nodded to this. "I suppose you're right, but..." she started before looking back once again, seeing the group break up. "I need... something more."
Makoto crossed her arms and considered. "Well, I can admit they are definitely a bit odd, and truthfully, we don't know that much about Ranko either. I don't think they're any trouble, but if you're worried about them, I can always keep a lookout."
Akane smiled at this. "Thanks. Maybe it is nothing... it's probably nothing, but I just want to be sure."
"Can't be too cautious with all this kitsune nonsense going on," Makoto replied and Akane nodded.
That discussion done, the pair exchanged a few brief words over their mutual training and parted ways in preparation for going to school. Makoto, however, once at her room, took the opportunity to discreetly use her communicator and contact Ami.
"Mako? Something wrong?"
"You going to be by soon?"
"Sorry, I've been a bit delayed," Ami responded. "I heard about Palm from Usagi."
"Yeah, was calling partly about that, but something else too," Makoto replied.
"Oh?"
Makoto considered for a second before explaining. "There is a pair of girls here, friends of Ranko's apparently."
"Oh yes, Usagi mentioned them too."
"Right, well, I'm not sure why exactly, but Akane's got a bad vibe from them," Makoto explained.
Ami considered and brought out her computer. "I did try to do some scans when I was informed, but remotely I wasn't very successful. However, I was just looking for signs of a kitsune nearby. Do you want me to scan for anything strange from them?"
"If you could, that would be great! Can you even find them remotely?"
Ami nodded. "They are in the restaurant now, right?"
"Yeah."
"I did leave a remote scanner there, just in case. Let's see. Hmm... that's Crystal, and that void is Ranko... Hmm... actually it is weak but there are two odd magical signatures in the building."
"Magical?"
"Yes... not very strong. It is more consistent with a magic of some kind rather than a magical being like Lemon."
"One of those curses?" Makoto suggested but Ami shook her head.
"No, not strong enough. The curses are surprisingly powerful. I can't be sure what it is without a closer examination, but it is definitely an oddity. Hmm... actually, now that you mention it... it's hidden, but I think there is a curse signature here. It's... strange though, it is on both, but I'm only getting the one signature."
Makoto puzzled at this. "Uh... maybe like Frost's twin curse?"
"Perhaps, but they aren't twins, right?"
"No, definitely not," Makoto answered.
Ami shook her head. "I... don't know what this is then."
Makoto frowned. "It is sounding like Akane might be on to something," she concluded
"Yes, perhaps so. I can rush over if-"
"No, not yet. Let's not make a big to-do about something that could be nothing dangerous. Last time we started jumping to conclusions..." Makoto hinted.
Ami smiled knowing. "Ah, yes, very true."
"I'll keep an eye on them. I'll call if something more comes up," Makoto said.
"Alright then. If I notice any other odd readings I'll call you."
Makoto nodded and the pair quickly gave their mutual goodbyes. 'Maybe I should tell Kasumi?' she pondered but shook her head. 'Not yet. They've been nothing but helpful and it is really not a good look to go accusing them of stuff. Maybe they just got some mixed up history they don't want others knowing about,' she concluded and set about preparing for school.
XXXXX
"You sure we shouldn't at least follow them?" Kane asked as the group broke from breakfast.
Kasumi smiled and shook her head. "As Ranma said, they want to encourage contact. If Palm sees you at all nearby that will make her more wary to approach," she explained and the pair had to nod sadly in agreement.
"Right," Shan said. "Honestly, I'm not sure we'd do that well against her anyway. Never fought a kitsune before. Not sure what would even work."
"They very difficult to hurt," Shampoo said. "Most normal attack do no damage."
"Really?" Kane asked and Shampoo nodded.
"It is something to do with their shapeshifting nature. Normal physical attacks don't seem to do much to them at all. Energy based attacks work to some degree, but still weakened," Kasumi explained.
Both visitors sighed and nodded in understanding. "Yeah, that would weaken us too. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how things go," Kane said. "Must be getting boring stuck here all day for you both."
Kasumi gave a strained smile in response. "It isn't so bad. I don't want it to become something long term though. That said... it is getting rather... repetitive."
Everyone nodded in sync to this. "I know," Shan suddenly said. "You haven't tried sparring with us yet. Want to give it a go?"
Kasumi smiled but shook her head. "Thank you for the offer, but I don't think so. I don't think my heart is much into it right now," she answered before Shampoo suddenly stepped.
"I do!" the Amazon sharply declared.
Kasumi looked at her wife in surprise before nodding. "Is that okay?" she asked the pair.
"Why not?" Shan replied with a smile. "Bit of a... mirror match, right?"
Shampoo nodded enthusiastically before turning to Kasumi. "You come watch?"
Kasumi considered but shook her head. "I think I'll just go outside and relax for a while."
Shampoo deflated slightly at this but nodded. "Okay," she conceded before turning back with excitement. "Always dream of match against Soon Li. Is next best thing."
With that the trio headed off back to the pocket dimension while Kasumi headed upstairs and out onto the deck. In truth she was curious herself how she might fare against the pair, although her own assessment of their abilities put them a fair bit above her own. However, right now, she was simply too distracted with worry to focus properly.
'There is no telling who she might attack next,' Kasumi thought as she looked up at the sky. 'And there is nothing I can do but sit here and wait,' she continued in frustration.
As Kasumi pondered this, a bird flew overhead before circling and descending. Kasumi watched it as it landed on the deck and shapeshifted into the form of Peach who sighed. "Peach, aren't you at school with the others?" Kasumi asked.
"I was, but I figured I would try a patrol. I have an illusion taking my place. Shouldn't you be inside?" Peach asked.
"I'm still inside the barrier," Kasumi replied.
"And Shampoo?"
"She's sparring with Shan and Kane," Kasumi answered.
Peach frowned but nodded. "What of Ranma?"
Kasumi shook her head. "I haven't heard anything. It hasn't been that long."
"Right, suppose not," Peach conceded and looked out over the city.
"I do hope Palm is receptive, at least to talking," Kasumi said.
Peach considered before huffing. "Not impossible, but I would not get your hopes up."
"I suppose not, but I just wish this situation would end without anyone getting hurt."
Peach nodded.
"Can I ask you a bit more about your people?" Kasumi asked.
Peach regarded Kasumi for a second before shrugging and sitting down. "If you wish."
"How did you come to join the Musk?"
Peach leaned back. "The short version is that Mandrake, Garnet's father, discovered us not long after the Musk started using Jusenkyo to... augment their warriors. It was already showing negative signs on the population, decreased control and mental acuity. Seems Mandrake was looking for something to use as a firm excuse to abolish the practice and our clan was the perfect excuse for such. A small lie, that we were using foxes for similar reasons, and repeated exposure to the spring water had locked us out from having male children. Naturally, for a society heavily focused on their males, that was very unwelcome news."
"I see. So Mandrake used that lie to stop the practice," Kasumi concluded.
"Exactly. We also got absorbed in at the same time. Eyebright knows the particulars, as he was the one to negotiate the whole thing."
Kasumi considered for a moment before asking, "So, I heard you... well, the Musk, not so much the kitsunes, use a magic to maintain their animal enhancements, the same one the Dragon clan uses?"
Peach nodded. "Yes, in lieu of the spring. It was used exclusively by the Dragon clan before, but there was little reason to limit it so they extended the practice. It doesn't work on kitsunes, sadly, as it would be invaluable to maintain our bloodline's potency."
"Yes, so I heard. That must be a real problem."
Peach huffed. "Our reproduction has dropped like a stone, so yes, especially for pure bloods."
"Do you know much about that magic, the Dragon clan one I mean?"
Peach shook her head. "Not really. As I said, we don't use it. Eyebright is more knowledgeable about it, most likely, but I've never actually observed the practice, only heard of it. Why?"
Kasumi hesitated. "Uh... no particular reason, just curiosity."
Peach studied Kasumi for a moment. "May I ask you, Kasumi, why are you entertaining this farce with Lemon?" Kasumi could only blink, puzzled at the question. "She attempted to kill you... or rather have you killed, did she not? Why bother to keep her around? Simply dispose of her and save yourself the trouble."
Kasumi gave the kitsune a decidedly rare scowl of displeasure at the suggestion. "She no doubt made a mistake in judgment, but I've seen no real evidence she's some monster."
Peach huffed, unimpressed. "So? She is nothing but a bother to you. Why shield her at all? Or, are you perhaps getting some other use out of her?"
"I am most certainly not!" Kasumi replied sharply. "It is true, I suppose, she does some odd tasks around the house, but nothing is forced upon her. It is more to fill her time than anything else as it is dangerous for her to be outside unguarded."
Peach huffed. "Exactly. She's nothing more than a drain on your time and resources."
"I don't see it that way," Kasumi replied with a continued frown.
Peach shrugged. "Suit yourself."
"Is this about her being Palm's daughter?" Kasumi asked, but Peach remained silent. "I know you said you have an issue with her, but that's no reason to be so harsh with her daughter. If anything, Palm being so... hurt could explain much of Lemon's outlook as she was no doubt taught by her mother."
The kitsune studied Kasumi for a moment. "You sound like Eyebright," she said and sighed. "But, let me ask you this, if it came to it, would you risk-"
"My life for hers, I would," Kasumi replied, looking away quickly. "Perhaps it was foolish..." she continued before going quiet.
"Hmm," the kitsune responded. "I'm thinking the rumors have truth to them." Kasumi betrayed some shock upon hearing this, but said nothing. "Interesting. I suppose I should continue my rounds," she said before standing up once more and without another word changed once more into a bird and flew off.
Kasumi hung her head slightly. 'She probably knows about the incident and that was all to provoke me into admitting it,' she thought with a sigh, but then frowned. 'I got the impression earlier she already knew..." Kasumi considered this, but shrugged off the thought and dismissed the matter. 'Maybe Lemon will be successful... can only hope.'
XXXXX
Sometime later, the trio of Lemon, Ranma and Herb could now be found atop the roof of a local apartment building. It wasn't the tallest in the neighborhood, but tall enough to allow good visibility while also being accessible. After walking about the area for several hours with no success, they had collectively agreed to simple wait here for Palm to come, if she would.
Lemon was currently sitting on the wall surrounding the rooftop, looking out through the safety fence at the city below, while Ranma and Herb sat against the rooftop stair enclosure. Ranma, at that moment, was looking to the sky in boredom, while Herb traced out some patterns in the air in front of him.
"You doing anything useful or just goofing around?" Ranma muttered.
Herb ceased his actions and simply huffed. "I would do something useful if Sorora would teach me actual useful magics."
"What the hell is she teaching you then?"
"Fundamentals," Herb replied with annoyance. Ranma smirked, but said nothing to this. "She claims she is building up to something, but refuses to divulge what exactly. Given how rarely she visits, it is... frustrating."
"I hear ya," Ranma replied, looking down at Lemon briefly before returning gaze to the sky. "Still not much to show for all I've done."
"You seem to be making some progress," Herb replied but Ranma frowned.
"Yeah, but still not sure it will amount to much. Got it working, but there isn't much room to work with to do anything complex, and it still is all internal, never mind the speed problem," Ranma explained with a sigh.
"You're developing something fairly new. It is to be expected to be reasonably slow going."
Ranma nodded. "Yeah, I suppose, but it is still annoying." He checked on Lemon once again before resuming his examination of the sky. "You know, I'm a bit surprised those two guards of yours don't put up more of a fuss about you going out on your own all the time."
"They actually do, but know not to speak of such things openly. Circumstances simply have not favored them being involved."
"Right. Still got to be irritating for them."
"Yes, but they are understanding. While they are my guards, they more serve as..." Herb started but trailed off, frowning.
"Friends?"
Herb closed his eyes for a moment but gave a single nod. "Perhaps saying they serve was a poor choice of words in that context."
Ranma let out a laugh. "Yeah, poor choice indeed, but I get it." As Ranma said this, he noticed a shift in the sky above, the weather rather suddenly shifting for the worse. "That was fast... you might want..." he started to say but then rethought things and looked around.
Herb too seemed to have noticed as he was already rising to his feet. "I do believe we have caught her attention," he concluded as both boys got up and looked about. In mere moments there entire surroundings had shifted, like the whole of the city had suddenly been assaulted by some particularly aggressive vegetation which was now growing everywhere.
"What the hell?!" Ranma exclaimed as trees and bush quickly sprouted up through the concrete of the ground beneath them, forcing them to move as they shot into the sky. "Is this some kind of crazy illusion?"
"No illusion," Herb replied as he too dodged a sprouting tree before looking about. "Lemon!"
Ranma looked around as well, and sure enough the kitsune was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it, I don't see her either," he called out, before scanning back to Herb noticing the distance between them had somehow increased. Where before they had been just a few strides apart, now they were at nearly ten times that distance. "She's trying to separate us!" he called out and tried to rush to Herb, but quickly found he was making no progress. Like he was caught in one of those nightmares, no matter how fast he ran his target seemed to simply slip further and further away. "Oh no you don't!" he defiantly declared and slipped into the flicker step.
For him, the whole of the world seemed to freeze, although he knew it was more truthfully just moving at a far slower pace than normal. Colors distorted around him, but this was something he was more than used to by now as he used the added speed to finally close the gap. Half way, he noticed Herb too had apparently come to the same conclusion and same idea as he too began to run his way, and with their matched improved velocity, they came together before the flicker ended.
Ranma let out a heavy breath as they came out of it, flickers requiring him to hold such for their duration. "God damn!" he declared as carefully took in their surroundings once again.
"Indeed!" Herb agreed. "It seems to be settling now, but we could have been easily separated. I can't even feel Lemon nearby."
"Great, just great! Some guards we are," Ranma complained as he looked about. "What the hell is this? Another pocket dimension?"
"No, there was no portal," Herb answered.
"So... maybe like that weird looped city spell Peach used?" Ranma asked.
Herb considered but shook his head as well. "No. This is... more advanced. I'm honestly shocked Palm has such power at her disposal. If this is what I think it is..."
"Spill!" Ranma demanded.
"It may be a conceptual space."
"A what now?"
"A kind of... altered reality."
Ranma blinked in confusion. "So like the shadow world where Jasmine was taken?"
"No. That is a subdimensional plane."
Ranma frowned. "So, more like that weird staircase place Kasumi and I were trapped in?"
Herb considered but shook his head. "Similar but not the same."
"God damn it. How many versions of weird spacial crap do these mage types have?!"
"That is not a matter I can speak to, and also irrelevant. We are dealing with this one right now," Herb replied calmly, but just as he did, he groaned as he felt the distinct sensation of a downpour beginning. "Naturally," he, or rather she, bemoaned as the Jusenkyo transformation took hold.
"Yep," Ranma agreed. "So, now what?"
"I'm not sure," Herb responded. "But if this truly is a conceptual space, I believe we are on our own and retreat is no longer an option."
Ranma sighed. "Wonderful!"
XXXXX
For her part, Lemon had been caught just as off guard as the boys, although her response was simply to stay where she was. Unlike them, who had been caught in some kind of forest, the twisting world had instead brought Lemon to a sunny open field, the roof wall she had been using to sit now converted into a simple stone at the field's center.
'I didn't know Mom could do this,' Lemon thought as she looked about. 'Can't see Herb and Ranma. What should I do?'
Any consideration on that was brought to a quick end as Palm came out from the woods, dressed oddly in a black coat, white pants and with a black helmet like cap and white gloves that seemed almost like a uniform, but bore no insignias or decorations consistent with such.
"Mother!" Lemon called out. "What are you doing?!" she demanded as she rushed to join her.
"Dealing with matters my way since no one else seems to be willing," Palm replied calmly and took Lemon by the shoulders. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," Lemon replied with a frown. "At least I was until you started causing trouble!"
Palm seemed to ignore the outburst. "Have they hurt you at all?"
"No!"
Palm considered this and slowly released her daughter. "I see. Ridiculous, giving you over to-"
"That's not important! It's my... punishment," Lemon replied, looking down.
Palm sneered. "Punishment," she echoed in disgust.
Lemon looked back up. "I know you don't like it, I don't either, but I... did do it, so this is the result. Father decided."
Palm let out a, "Tch!" to this before looking away.
Lemon hesitated, unsure how to proceed. "It isn't just a punishment. He... has me doing something for him."
"So he told me, but not exactly what," Palm replied.
"He told you?" Lemon asked in surprise.
"Yes, but I won't pry. I know it was something that must not be discussed."
"Then you know it is important. You can't attack Kasumi-"
"Kasumi?" Palm echoed before smirking. "Oh, yes... her. No, no, you're right, can't exactly go after her now can I. Eyebright is quite insistent she is important to the clan's future."
Lemon blink in confusion. "But... I thought you were here..."
Palm simply smiled. "I will admit, I had to have a talk with her, but she is every bit the weak hearted fool Eyebright claimed."
"Then why..."
Palm continued to smile and took her daughter by the shoulders once more. "Don't worry. I will take proper vengeance for this disgrace they have forced upon you."
"But, if not Kasumi..."
"The one really responsible for this mess," Palm answered, growing serious. "I have to go."
Leaving Lemon behind, confused, Palm returned to the woods and vanished before Lemon could even manage a, "Wait!" Naturally, Palm did not return, leaving her daughter to her confusion, but soon Lemon's eyes grow wide in realization.
XXXXX
Oblivious to all of this, in the pocket dimension, Shampoo had concluded the latest sparring match with Shan. They had all gone about as well as she had expected, in that she had been outmatched every time. Still, each match had shown her something new and knowing this other girl was in fact just another version of herself had made her particularly excited.
"Soon Li's training is very powerful," Shampoo concluded.
"Yes, but you are very skilled as well," Shan replied. "It is a bit complicated, but I know you're far stronger than my other self."
Shampoo considered, trying to puzzle out the situation. "The you who come from Ranko's world?"
"Yes," Shan replied.
Shampoo nodded in understanding. "You no fight with any of Great grandmother's techniques."
"Uh... no," Shan replied
Shampoo did not miss the nervousness on the pair as the subject came up. Although they had explained much of their history, there was clearly a point they were dodging. 'Something with Great grandmother I'm guessing,' she thought but decided it was not worth prying.
"You trained a lot with her though," Kane quickly said.
Shampoo nodded. "Mostly train with Kasumi now," she explained. "Wish could learn your technique though."
"You might not," Kane replied unexpectedly. "Even knowing these techniques can be dangerous. Those executioners we talked about aren't just after Soon Li and her siblings, but anyone who knows the techniques."
Shampoo eyes widened at this. "So you two be in danger?"
Both girls nodded. "Us, Ranma and Ryoga too. We didn't know about that until all of us had already been trained in it. Can't go back now," Kane explained.
As Shampoo considered this she noticed the door to the dimension open and Kasumi enter. Kasumi quickly noticed them and walked over. "How is it going?" she asked.
Shampoo balled her fist in front of her excitedly. "They very strong," she declared.
"I suspected as much from what I've been told and seen," Kasumi said. "These styles of yours are quite special."
"All the elemental fury styles are," Shan explained. "Infernos, the one Tae-il uses, is just as crazy strong, although different too, more like magic, although it uses lots of chi based techniques as well. Haven't seen the other two, but they are supposed to be equally matched.
"That said, judging from Shampoo, I'm guessing you all are pretty strong in your own right. I had to actually amp it up pretty high to match her," Shan said which Shampoo responded to with a bright smile.
"We've been exchanging a great deal of knowledge since beginning our training sessions together," Kasumi explained. "I believe I've shown Shampoo every technique I know."
"Still need much practice," Shampoo added.
"We all do. I'm still struggling with the dance techniques Ranma showed me," Kasumi said.
"Ranma still working on those," Shampoo noted.
"Yes, he was having difficulty explaining them," Kasumi replied with a smile.
As Kasumi said this, the door to the dimension once more opened. The group turned to see Peach enter and approach them. Shampoo took little note of this, but did notice that Kasumi seemed to tense.
"I finished escorting everyone back. Anything to report here?" Peach asked.
"Uh... no," Kasumi replied.
"Something wrong?" Peach asked.
"No, not really," Kasumi answered.
Peach shrugged and looked at the others. "I take it Lemon's group has yet to return?"
"No, not yet," Kasumi replied.
"I probably should check in on them," Peach said and turned to leave, but as she did Kasumi finally overcame her reluctance and spoke out.
"Did you truly mean what you said about Lemon?" Kasumi asked.
Peach turned back to her, puzzled. "Said about Lemon? You'll need to be more specific. I'm not sure what you are referring to."
"Earlier, you said I should... get rid of her," Kasumi explained, but this seemed to only puzzle the kitsune more.
"Earlier?" she questioned but then grew tense. "Ah hell, are you sure it was me you were talking to? Was Shampoo there?"
"Uh... no," Kasumi said in realization, looking at her wife. "Shampoo was in the pocket dimension at the time."
Shampoo nodded in confirmation causing Peach to growl. "Damn tricky little... wait didn't you sense any hostility from her?"
Kasumi thought and shook her head. "Not really."
Peach fell into thought. "Tammy playing a joke maybe... How long ago was this?"
"A few hours ago," Kasumi answered.
"Then definitely not Tammy. Oh yeah, and she's a terrible shapeshifter, you'd have noticed for sure with the true sight spell. Has to have been Palm, then what was she... what else did you discuss?"
"Uh... we talked about your clan's history, and some other things. She was mostly telling me things."
"Sounds like she tried to provoke regarding Lemon at least," Peach said and Kasumi nodded.
"She did not seem mad about my response though. Actually I was more upset at her," Kasumi said with a look to the ground in thought. "I don't understand."
"Nor do I. She may have been hiding it well, but it all seems... did she ask about Lemon otherwise, where she was?"
Kasumi thought. "Not directly. She did ask about Ranma. Maybe she was trying to figure out what they were up to?"
Peach considered. "Perhaps. Could have just been gauging if it was a trap of some sort. Still, if true, it doesn't explain... Unless you are not the target," Peach concluded and quickly turned back to the door. "Stay here! I'll deal with this."
"I'm not the target?" Kasumi called out after her but Peach did not elaborate, simply rushing off out of the dimension. "Then who would be..."
"Ranma?" Shampoo proposed as she moved to join Kasumi.
Kasumi shook her head. "No, the only logical one... is Herb."
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End Chapter 68
Next time in A Scary Thought: Herb find himself in a tough spot.
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'. Gee, I used her a fair bit now, guess I have to retract my former statement. 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.
So one might ask, is this telling of the killing accurate? Pretty much. It's messed up. This is even down to Saki for whatever reason not visualizing her father's face. We see him from the back while alive and we see his head roll over and his eyes face Saki, but never his full face. It is an interesting detail in the manga.
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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