A Scary Thought

by Derekloffin

What happens when Kasumi is the one coming back from a training trip rather than Ranma? Well, read on to find out. Chapter 33 new content not on my webpage yet.

65. Chapter 65: A Busy Day

Ranma ½

A Scary Thought:

What happened last time: Frost returned from her training and retrieved the crew who were having an impromptu vacation on Toma's Isle.

Chapter 65

XXXXX

Frost awoke and sat up slowly with a yawn before glaring at her clock. However, her expression changed to a more relaxed one with a realization. "Oh right," she muttered, smiled and got up to prepare for the day.

Yesterday had been an eventful first day back, but honestly, compared to the life she had been living, it was almost relaxing. In truth, Jasmine kept a tight ship as it were, but was not one to maintain any kind of enforced schedule. No, it was Frost's own enforced regiment that had made those days annoying. If she wasn't readying for a duel that day, she was plotting up new strategies and testing them out, and what little free time that was left to her was spent on her various other tasks which honestly had become more of a pleasant distraction from the repeated dismal failures.

'I'm so glad I'm done with that nonsense!' she thought as she finished dressing and headed out into the doctor's clinic. There she was brought up short at finding Mousse already doing some inventory. "Oh, you work here now?"

"And stay here," he replied.

"Hmm... that's... convenient," Frost replied, gaining a suspicious look from Mousse. "You're not using my room, so, you're using one of the clinic rooms?"

"Generally, yeah," Mousse replied. "He is never super busy here," he explained, to which Frost nodded.

The magus considered as she headed out into the main room of the clinic then into Tofu's back room where he usually was hanging out. Sure enough the doctor was preparing tea.

"Good morning," he greeted and quietly returned the greeting.

"Anything important happening today?"

"No, not really. Um... is that um... dragon okay on the roof?"

"Yeah, sure, why?" Frost asked.

"Oh... I just thought it might be a bit... distracting," the doctor replied with a weak smile.

"It's fine. I'll deal with it later," she said. "I'm probably going to be busy all day so..."

"That's fine. Sure you have a lot of catching up to do," the doctor replied and with a nod Frost headed back the way she came, the doctor thinking to himself, 'Well, I suppose it will be a less intrusive replacement for the door...'

Frost once more passed by Mousse and paused. "If you want... I have room in my place."

Mousse eyed Frost suspiciously before she gestured eagerly for him to follow. "Oh... fine, let's see it," Mousse said, taking the hint.

The pair returned to Frost's pocket dimension where Frost secured the door and Mousse simply crossed his arms and waited. "Alright, didn't get the chance to ask last night, so what all has been happening?"

"As they said, not much, but I assume you mean with the Senshi specifically, right?" Mousse replied

"Of course," Frost answered.

"Not much movement on that front either, honestly. Ami and Minako did choose to head back to their old school though, so getting together with them is a bit trickier," he explained, causing Frost to frown but nod. "It shouldn't be too bad, just not convenient as they're across town now. Usagi and Makoto stayed, and Usagi's still working on her meditation technique last I heard... hasn't made any contact yet."

"Meditation?"

"Guess you didn't hear... she's been training with Kasumi in an attempt to contact her previous incarnations, or something like that," Mousse explained.

"Oh, but no luck so far?" Frost asked and Mousse confirmed not with a shake of his head.

"Artemis is also back with Minako, but Luna is still around. Oh, and Mamuro, Usagi's boyfriend, is back from the US and is staying not that far away."

"Right," Frost said with a nod.

"Did you fix their armor?"

"Have the fix, yes," Frost replied. "Still have to install it, of course."

"You can probably catch them at the restaurant."

"Right," Frost said before eyeing Mousse. "And... you?"

"Hmh? Oh," he replied before pulling out the medallion he had been given. "Nothing, thankfully."

Frost stepped forward and examined the medallion. "You've been transforming a fair bit? No reactions?"

"Yes, and no, no reactions," Mousse answered.

"Then there is no point in wearing it anymore," Frost said and held out her hand where Mousse soon placed the medallion after taking it off.

As Frost tossed the medallion onto a nearby shelf, Mousse frowned. "Any hope of replication?"

"Well, yeah, but not a useful one," Frost replied with a sigh. "I ended up bringing it up with Jasmine and we figured out it is your very particular mix of situations that is needed for it to work. Has to be both curses, your Moon Kingdom genes, and the familiar magic. That's not exactly something we can generalize." Frost crossed her arms. "Kasumi, Ukyo, Genma, Herb, even me... none of us have the Moon Kingdom genes and they're essential. Never mind the different curses."

Mousse blinked. "You?"

Frost looked puzzled for a second before frowning once more and reluctantly explaining, "I was adopted into the village. Guess you didn't know."

"Oh... no, I didn't."

"Hmph, they don't exactly advertise it," Frost said. "Point being, though, I don't have them either. So, it is basically a weird curiosity... well, mostly."

"Mostly?" Mousse asked but Frost hesitated before responding.

"It is just a theory... a wild theory maybe. Jasmine says my knowledge of magic is... unnatural, and here I am coming up with a 1 in a billion kind of magic that fixes your curse?" she suggested, causing Mousse to consider. "You know something else, my adoption... you know where I was originally found... Jusenkyo. The guide figured I'd been abandoned there due to my condition and took me to the village, but what if there is more to it than that. Even the armor magics... I found them way too easy to figure out, almost like I'd..." Frost trailed off, unwilling to draw the thought to its conclusion.

Mousse sighed and nodded. "I see where you're going with this. Sedna was the one that made Jusenkyo, made the armors... you think you might actually be her somehow?"

"Maybe!" Frost exclaimed but then hung her head. "I don't know. I don't have any armor or anything, I checked, but don't you think it is pretty weird?"

Mousse had to nod to this in agreement. "I suppose. They did say they didn't see Sedna at that meeting with the Ascended, so she is unaccounted for. Maybe she chose to be reborn."

"Exactly!" Frost eagerly agreed.

"Still, shouldn't you have some special power then?" Mousse asked, deflating Frost.

"Uh... yeah. That's where this theory hits a snag. I checked every way I can think and nothing. I got natural mana, sure, but nothing too far outside the norm. Maybe... I... er, Sedna sealed her power away or something, I don't know," she thought aloud before throwing her arms up in frustration.

"Could just ask them," Mousse suggested. "They may very well know."

"Yeah," Frost said but seemed unconvinced. "But, I get the impression they aren't sure either."

Mousse frowned. 'That's not the real reason you don't want to ask though, is it? You're worried they'll give you a flat no,' he thought but held his peace.

"Ugh... whatever, never mind that for now. What about everything else? Any suspicious people about? Anyone asking about Lemon?"

"Hmh? Don't think so," Mousse replied, confused.

Frost seemed confused by Mousse's confusion before cringing. "Oh right... crap, you don't even know about that do you... ARGH! I'm an idiot."

"Know about what?" Mousse asked with a scowl.

Frost hesitated but finally sighed. "Guess I might as well tell you... was hoping to get your help anyway. Do you know about the... little incident with Lemon... where she got kidnapped?" Mousse blinked and shook his head. "Well, she did, just before I left."

Mousse considered this. "Is that what had everyone on edge around then?"

"Probably," Frost answered and explained the whole incident to Mousse.

"Bloody hell!" Mousse said as the explanation ended.

"Yeah. And now two new people potentially to look out for," Frost said. "Devlin told me about them, and gave me a copy of a recording of them. They're nasty business and they might just have enough info to figure out Kasumi and them were involved."

"That's not good."

Frost grimly shook her head. "No, it's not. I was hoping to set up some new sentry spells around town... discretely. Think you can help me with that?"

"Uh... sure. I can help. Are you going to warn them?"

Frost considered. "I'm not sure. If Devlin is right, it could just be a warning and they have dropped the issue, and a telling them isn't going to help much honestly. Kinda feel like it would just make them needlessly anxious and if someone is watching, that might clue them in."

Mousse frowned and hung his head in thought. "I suppose so. Maybe it is better to leave them in the dark for now, unless something comes up of course."

Frost nodded in agreement. "Guess I'll head over there and see if I can catch Usagi. Got an idea for their pocket dimension too," she said before heading to a nearby cupboard and beginning to remove various things. "If you're free tonight, I can probably have the first batch of sentries ready by then."

"Sure," Mousse replied.

XXXXX

The journey to the restaurant was brief, and relatively silent, Mousse accompanying Frost. On arrival, Frost was shocked to see the front of the restaurant already packed.

"Yeah, this is why I figured I should escort you. Let's head around back," Mousse directed and led the way. "Place is super busy in the morning and evening, so it's better to use the back entrance, but it's been a while so the staff might have an issue if I don't vouch for you."

"Right..." Frost replied, continuing to gawk at the crowd. "Doing good business."

"During the rush hours, yeah, but Kasumi says it does die down significantly in off hours," Mousse replied. "Say, I know it's been a while, but how did you forget I didn't know about this whole... mess?"

Frost frowned as they turned the corner and came up behind the restaurant. "It may have only been a few months for you lot, it has been nearly two years for me."

"What?!" Mousse exclaimed in confusion.

Frost sadly nodded and sighed. "Jasmine's pocket dimension isn't temporarily in sync with the outside world, so time passes faster inside than out."

"That's... pretty wild," Mousse said, wide eyed.

"Yeah. It wouldn't have been so bad if she hadn't... never mind," Frost said as they reached the back door.

Mousse considered asking further but shrugged and dismissed the matter before leading the way in. In the back hall, he waved to a staff member monitoring the back hall. "Hey!"

"Hey Mousse," the man waved back.

"This is Frost, she's a friend of Shampoo's," Mousse said and the man nodded.

"Right, we heard she might be coming back. Head right on up," the man directed.

Mousse turned to Frost. "You don't need me anymore. Nothing much changed upstairs. I'll head back."

"Right," Frost replied and Mousse headed out. "Lots of people trying to sneak in the back?" Frost asked the man.

"On occasion, or slip upstairs," the man explained and Frost nodded and headed up.

'I might be able to do something about that,' she thought as she got to the second floor and headed to where the pocket dimension door was located and entered. Within she found Kasumi, Shampoo, Genma, Makoto, and Akane who appeared to be finishing up their morning spar. Kasumi waved Frost over and she approached.

"All settled back in?" Kasumi asked.

"For the most part," Frost replied and looked about. "Where's... your other suitors?"

"Oh, Ranma and Herb? Herb is about somewhere. He generally only practices with Ranma now and then. Ranma went off to fetch Ukyo along with Rippa," Kasumi answered.

Frost nodded and looked at the castle. "Usagi here by chance?"

"Oh yes, she's in the castle," Kasumi answered and looked at Akane before returning to Frost. "We were just breaking up for the day. We should probably get cleaned up."

"Guess I'll head out then," Genma said with a sigh. "Probably quicker."

"Most likely," Kasumi said with a smile, before noticing a slightly confused look from Frost. "For the bath. There is one in here, but it seems to require some magic as it no longer has hot water."

"Oh... probably. I'll check it out later, maybe it is something I can adjust," Frost replied as Genma led the way out, followed by Akane and Shampoo, Makoto lingering behind.

"You get the... thing done?" Makoto asked.

"Yes," Frost answered.

"Seiya's too?"

Frost nodded.

"Okay, I'll go grab her. She's downstairs working. Will it take long?"

"Not that long," Frost replied and Makoto nodded and rushed to join the others as they departed. "As the owner of the magic, I'd also like your permission, Kasumi, to add a couple new doorways."

"New doorways?" Kasumi asked.

Frost nodded. "Yes. I figure a portal to my pocket dimension, and one for Ranko specifically."

"You can make a door for Ranko?" Kasumi asked in surprise.

"Now that I know how her power works, yes, I think so. I actually devised it while I was away, but wasn't sure it would work until I tested her. It is the same sort of principle I used on the dragon... although there are a number of complications, but nothing that can't be overcome."

"Oh... then of course. She'd be thrilled to have access. She's complained a number of times that she can't join us in the mornings."

"Great!" Frost said enthusiastically.

"Frost!" a new voice called out, causing the magus to turn in surprise to see a familiar young Amazon running over from the castle. "It's great to see you!"

"Spring?! What are you doing here?" Frost asked in shock.

Spring joined the pair, beaming. "I've been staying here for a while... I guess it was after you left."

"Yes, it's... to do with Shampoo actually, at least in part," Kasumi replied.

"Hmh?" Frost responded.

"I'll let her explain," Kasumi quickly said. "I should join the others for the bath."

"Right..." Frost said, crossing her arms and watching as Kasumi headed off. "What's this about Shampoo?"

Spring hesitated. "I... it is better if she explains," Spring replied, causing Frost to scowl.

"Okay, but I better get that explanation," Frost replied.

Spring nodded. "Oh, Elder Guan Li is here as well... sorta, I guess not right now, but she'll probably be back soon."

"What's she here for?" Frost asked in even more confusion.

"Training Saki I think," Spring replied and seeing Frost's continued confusion, added, "Oh, yes, the Elder is her grandmother."

"Ah..." Frost responded with a slow shake of her head. "Whatever..."

"I should contact Siren," Spring said quickly.

"Yeah, you do that," Frost replied and the young magus headed off. Frost watched her leave, tilting her head slightly as she considered the situation before shaking off the thought and setting off into the castle herself.

XXXXX

Saki panted to regain her breath as she managed to gain some distance, while simultaneously admiring her opponent. Said opponent was Guan Li, the elder looking thoroughly amused as she idly played with her own yoyo. 'Damn she's good,' Saki thought with her own slight smile before once more going onto the attack.

Each of her yoyo strikes were expertly deflected, and her kicks and punches also connected with nothing but air. However, as the exchange proceeded, she finally saw her opening as she ensnared the line of Guan Li's yoyo and she could strike out with her own. Then, just as she set the weapon into motion, Guan Li fired off another yoyo from her free hand, deflecting Saki's, and nearly striking Saki in the face. However, as if by magic the yoyo stopped dead just a short of its mark then retracted.

"Impressive," Guan Li commended as she and Saki separated and relaxed. "It has been a long while since I've been forced to deploy my second."

"You can use two at once?" Saki asked to which Guan Li nodded.

"Of course. In fact, I would recommend such to you. Each has different properties that I find quite helpful for switching up tactics," the elder explained. "That one you have, provided by your employer?"

"Yeah," Saki replied as she examined her yoyo. "I've had others, but this one has held up pretty well."

"It has a good balance of properties from what I've seen," Guan Li replied as she walked off to a nearby log to sit. Saki soon joined her. "Still, you might wish to consider something more specialized as a second. Perhaps one with some blades."

Saki cringed. "I don't think so."

Guan Li chuckled. "Soft Japanese sensibilities... but very well. Then perhaps simply a heavier model for more impact."

"I'll consider it," Saki conceded. After a short silence between them, Saki switched subjects. "Uh... thanks for helping with... the families."

Guan Li chuckled. "All I did was impress upon them the value of having a positive connection to the Joketsuzoku."

"That's all? They went from really hostile to me, to suddenly being all inviting."

"Of course," Guan Li said with a sly smile.

Saki looked at her grandmother skeptically, but decided to just drop the matter. "Still, I don't know what to do about Miyuki and Sanpei."

"Hmh?"

Saki leaned back. "Well, for starters, I have no idea what to tell Miyuki about Mom."

Guan Li huffed. "The brutal truth if you ask me," she replied with a slight harshness.

Saki winced. "I... I don't know."

"Shielding her from it will never ultimately work. However, if it troubles you, perhaps it is best to consult her adoptive Grandfather. He's aware of the situation," the elder suggested.

Saki frowned. "I can already guess what his opinion on the matter is. No way, no how does he want Miyuki to know anything about her mom."

"Hmh, in some respects I can see the argument even if I disagree, but I still recommend speaking to him. He is her guardian now, so it is best to have him involved and while she may be your sister, he has been her family for far longer now and knows her better I suspect," Guan Li responded. "What other issue do you have?"

Saki sighed. "Sanpei's hyper focused on me, but Miyuki... well, she actually really likes him."

"Ah, I see. Well, you could both marry him," Guan Li said with a shrug much to Saki's shock.

"No way! You guys may be okay with that in your village, but that's a total nonstarter here in Japan!" Saki complained.

Guan Li once more shrugged. "I supposed the law here is a problem, but you could always have something less official," she argued only for Saki to cover her face. "Very well, if that is truly not an option... What are your feelings for this boy?"

Saki looked back at the elder then hung her head. "I... I mean, I like him..."

"But not as a husband?" Guan Li said, and after a moment Saki nodded. "I see. Then I recommend simply explaining this truth to him. From what I've seen of this boy, while he will be hard to convince, I think ultimately he will understand."

"Hmm."

"It does make me wonder though if you have someone you do have interest in," Guan Li idly commented, getting a sharp look from Saki. "Your handler perhaps... Jin was it?"

Saki blushed and immediately responded, "What?!"

Guan Li smiled slightly. "An idle thought. Pay it no mind."

"How do you even know about him?" Saki asked.

"When you were discovered in the area, I had the Amazons watching Kasumi for my family look into you thoroughly," Guan Li explained. "He came up pretty quickly."

"Oh... I guess that's why you knew I was here," Saki concluded and the elder nodded. "Still... rather rude to spy on me."

"My apologies, but it had been some years since I last saw you. I wanted to know what kind of person you had turned into. I must admit, I had almost concluded you were going down a dark path like your mother when I heard of your imprisonment. I see now, that conclusion was far too hasty."

Saki nodded. "I suppose I wasn't exactly looking the best for a while there," she admitted before frowning. "Last saw me..." she echoed in sudden realization. "We met before? I don't recall that."

Guan Li shook her head. "You wouldn't."

Saki frowned but accepted this. Again silence fell between them for a moment before Saki asked another question. "Do you... know much about my Dad?"

Guan Li shrugged. "A little, but not much I'm afraid. I met him very briefly when your mother brought him to the village to be introduced. However, their stay was short, no doubt because of my inquiries about if he had defeated her or not."

"Definitely not," Saki concluded and the elder nodded in agreement. "Over the last while, I've been thinking back... I can barely even visualize him. It is almost like I didn't know him."

Guan Li closed her eyes and nodded. "That is expected, your memories being sealed and all."

Saki blinked in shock at hearing this, repeating the answer in her head before turning sharply on the elder. "What? What do you mean?"

Guan Li calmly opened her eyes and looked at Saki. "I see you've never been told."

"What do you mean my memories were sealed?!" Saki insistently asked, rising up with clenched fists.

"Calm yourself, I will explain," Guan Li said, and Saki relaxed slightly. "What is your first memory after... the incident?"

"The inci... oh... uh, I was in the hospital. Had to go through a bunch of physio."

"Why? What happened?" Guan Li asked.

"I don't remember," Saki impulsively responded before pausing on that thought. "I... don't remember at all. What happened?"

Guan Li sighed. "You were completely catatonic and unresponsive. The doctors tried everything they knew, and nothing was helping. It was only when I sealed your memories that you finally came out of it."

"You... wait, that's when you last saw me?" Saki asked in surprise to which Guan Li nodded.

"Yes. I came the moment I heard. I wasn't about to take the Japanese authorities' word on the matter so I investigated it myself," she replied before closing her eyes and hanging her head. "Sadly, I learned, if anything, they were too gentle in their assessment of the matter. I actually was planning to take you to the village with me, but given your trauma, and your absolute insistence on being with your mother, I decided to let the matter lie for a time. Perhaps a bad choice in retrospect. By the time I came back to it, it became difficult to find you, and by the time I did... well, you were jailed."

Saki took this all in but shook her head. "I... I don't understand. Why... I... Catatonic?"

Guan Li looked at Saki in surprise. "You truly don't know. I see, you've never looked into the incident. I thought for certain you would have reviewed the case given your current employment."

Saki blinked and shook her head. "I... no, I... was... too scared honestly."

Guan Li nodded. "I suppose I should have expected such."

"What happened?" Saki asked.

The elder sighed. "Do you truly wish to hear this?"

Saki hesitated. "I..." she started but paused once again. Finally though, she steeled herself and nodded. "Yes. Tell me."

"Very well," Guan Li replied and gestured for Saki to sit once more, which she obliged. The elder took in a long breath, considered then began. "I suspect you think that you simply heard of the incident after it was discovered, or perhaps were in the home asleep or the like, am I right?"

Saki's eyes widened at the mere implications of this. It was all the response Guan Li needed. "Sadly, no. You were right there. I can't say exactly what happened. All I can say is how they found you," she explained before hesitating, considering her words. "The authorities found you... sitting in your father's lap. You and he had apparently been reading a book together in the living room."

Saki covered her mouth as her breathing intensified and Guan Li paused. "It doesn't get more pleasant from here, I can assure you," Guan Li bluntly cautioned and Saki stood up and took a few paces to distance herself.

Although she didn't want to believe it, her imagination was already piecing the scene together for her. Despite this, no actual memories surfaced. Saki shook her head violently. "No, that can't be. I don't remember-"

"Sealed," Guan Li interrupted. "You can confirm all I have told you in the police report. You were so unresponsive at first that the authorities thought you too had been killed, but fortunately not."

"No... no, I don't believe this," Saki denied as she continued to shake her head and once more started to pace.

"It's the truth," Guan Li calmly said.

"There is no way..." Saki said as she continued to breathe hard.

Guan Li shook her head. "I wish I could say it was false. She's... of my blood after all. I still can't believe she turned into such a monster."

"Don't say that!" Saki sharply said as she spun on Guan Li, but the elder did not waver.

"I see your attachment to her still runs deep," she said, and Saki merely grit her teeth. Silence passed between them and Guan Li considered. "Would you... like to remember yourself?"

"What do you mean?"

"I said the memories were sealed, not erased. That seal can be removed," the elder explained. Saki remained tense as she took this in. "The seal includes much of the memory of your father, an unfortunate casualty of the process," she added after a moment.

This seemed to shake Saki free of her mental block of the moment. "Is it... difficult?"

"Not at all," Guan Li replied. "I designed the seal to be removed one day when you were capable of absorbing it. The process is surprisingly quick and easy... well, easy for me."

'Easy for you,' Saki echoed grimly in her mind. She thought for a long moment with a scowl on her face before finally nodding. "Do it."

"Very well. First, sit down," Guan Li calmly instructed and Saki obliged. "I'll start with a simple peak behind the veil as it were and we'll see how things go from there. Alright?" Saki nodded. "Good, now, listen carefully," the elder said and then began to hum a tune.

Saki frowned. The tune could barely be called that. It was disjoint and hard on the ear, and for an instant she considered Guan Li was messing with her when suddenly it hit her.

What exactly she couldn't really comprehend in the moment. Her sense of the world around her faded, and even her sense of her own being. Finally though she began to pull her thoughts together and before her was a scene. She could smell the distinct, nearly overwhelming odor of blood all around her. A child's book in front of her was stained in an abundance of the substance. Even her own arms and hands were covered, but all this was secondary to the object rolling to a halt just a few feet in front of her on the floor. As the scene became clearer and clearer in her mind, Saki could feel the horror of the situation engulfing her as she stared at the familiar face in front of her.

"SAKI!" Guan Li yelled and Saki snapped back to reality, breathing intensely and continuing to shake. "Calm your breathing. You're safe. You're here. Focus on me."

Saki desperately tried to obey the instructions, focusing on the elder who looked truly concerned for her as she held her hands. As she calmed she realized her throat was already sore, clearly having been screaming just moments earlier. As she tried to regain her focus, tears began to stream from her eyes. "Oh god..." she managed to get out.

"Breath, it is all in the past. Let it fade for now," Guan Li continued to instruct and as the moments passed Saki slowly felt herself calm. Indeed, the memories were already becoming indistinct and fuzzy. "Better, better... here, for your eyes," she said, handing the girl a handkerchief.

Saki took the cloth and quickly used it to dry her eyes and face. "It is true," she said quietly.

"Yes, sadly," Guan Li replied. "How are you? Everything still working?"

"Huh?"

"Feet, legs?" Guan Li asked and Saki tested her limbs and they responded. "Good. Better than I feared."

"That's better?!" Saki exclaimed.

"You could have completely relapsed," Guan Li explained. Saki swallowed nervously at hearing this. Guan Li grabbed a nearby bottle of water and gave it to Saki. "Drink, your throat-"

"Yeah," Saki quietly agreed and took several long gulps of the water within.

"Unfortunately, that was just a peek. I see it is still too much for you," Guan Li analyzed. Saki considered for second but was forced to nod in agreement. "Not surprising I suppose. Doubt even I could process such an event successfully on the first try."

"Yeah... I'm starting to see why the younger me couldn't take it. I can't take it," Saki said and looked down at her hands which still were slightly shaking and summoned up what memory she had remaining. "There was lots of blood..." she said then shook her head as the rest stubbornly remained out of reach.

"As I said, let it fade for now," Guan Li advised but Saki persisted until a realization hit her.

"I think I know why I can't remember his face," Saki said grimly and gritted her teeth. Guan Li could only sadly nod. Finally Saki shook her head and turned to other matters. "That... humming... it's the key?"

Guan Li nodded. "Yes. I chose a very... disharmonic key. You won't hear it by accident. I have taught it to a few trusted relatives, and have even made up a few music boxes with it as well just in case something should happen to me. As bad as the memories are, I think robbing you of much of your youth is worse. You'll want it back one day... as painful as it might be."

Saki nodded and hung her head.

"It may not be that long actually. I see you're already recomposed. For a first exposure to such a trauma, it is a good sign I think."

Saki shook her head. "I feel almost sick," she muttered.

Guan Li nodded. "This... more than anything, is why I disowned her. There was no uncontrolled moment of passion. There was no attempt to shield you from it. There was no attempt to remove you from it. No, she timed that attack to coincide exactly with your presence and left you there."

Saki looked up in shock at hearing this, almost impulsively wanting to deny it, but let herself consider. As she did she could only accept the words as likely true. Saki once more grit her teeth. "Why? Why does she hate me so much?" Saki asked, tears beginning to come forth once again.

Guan Li took the handkerchief from Saki and dried them herself as she replied. "I cannot say for sure. I'm sure you can guess at part of it."

"Because... of me she felt she had to marry dad," Saki replied and Guan Li nodded as she finished up.

"Yes, but that alone I think isn't enough," Guan Li said and leaned back. "Saki, how long before the incident did you train with her?"

Saki frowned in confusion at the sudden swing in topic. "Uh... a couple years I guess."

"And after that, you were entirely self-taught until coming to me, right?"

"Yeah," Saki answered.

"Then, perhaps it would surprise you to learn that I suspect you already match or exceed your mother's skill."

Saki blinked in surprise at this. "What? No-"

"Yes," Guan Li insisted. "It isn't flattery. It is the truth. She was capable enough, but never anything special as it were. It took her over a decade of my training to get where she was. You have achieved the same level in far less time. I would say you have a true talent for this, one she lacked, and I suspect she already knew it."

"Are you saying she's jealous?" Saki asked with a frown.

"Not exactly. More like her pride was injured that the child she rejected was the child that was showing her up. If Miyuki had shown such promise, I think she would have been very happy, but you..."

For the first time since the conversation began, Saki felt a twinge of anger, not at the elder, but at her mother.

"Once she had deemed you a negative, anything positive from you was an affront to her very being. She needed you to be the failure she had deemed you to be. That said, I don't think she really thought about this directly. More likely it influenced her decisions without her truly articulating the thought," Guan Li explained before looking off to the woods. "She was always full of pride, sometimes very undeserved, a common issue in the village but I never thought she would take it this far."

Saki slumped over and simply shook her head.

"Let her go, Saki. You have saved her life. It is more than she deserves. If it is family you want, I have a whole family back at the village that would gladly have you. In fact your aunt was bugging me to come along."

"My aunt?" Saki repeated, looking up.

"Yes. She resembles you far more than your mother in my mind, although her personality is another matter. She can be annoyingly... chipper. Ever since we rediscovered you, she's been pestering me to meet you, but she's not the only one who is interested."

Saki considered that. "You sure they won't be disappointed in a jailbird like me?"

Guan Li chuckled. "Not at all. We're not exactly an ideal bunch, and besides, I looked into your record much closer since you were rediscovered. I know what truly landed you there."

Saki looked away and pouted slightly. "Don't know what you're talking about."

Guan Li grinned and nodded. "I'm sure."

Saki let herself smile for an instant before asking, "Sure you're not just trying to rope me in?"

Guan Li chuckled. "Oh, I would certainly love for you to stay. It has been ages since I've had a good student to pass on my knowledge. Most nowadays are training in the newer ways. A shame really, but understandable. However, the choice remains yours. Village life is not for everyone and I would certainly understand if you felt your path lie elsewhere."

Saki considered for a moment but shook her head. "I... can't really decide that right now."

"There is no rush," the elder replied and stepped back. "Sadly, I must return, and I don't think you're quite ready to open that seal, at least without supervision."

"No, definitely not," Saki agreed.

Guan Li nodded. "Then let that be for now. On my next visit I'll bring one of the music boxes, with appropriate safeguards in place. We can try again, if you wish."

Saki considered once more then nodded and stood up herself. "Thanks... for everything."

Guan Li huffed. "Don't. As I said, when I left you behind, I think I made a grave error. If not that, my raising of my child was apparently grossly flawed."

Saki shook her head. "I'm not going to hold that against you."

"You need not. I hold it against myself," Guan Li replied but shrugged then considered and produced a yoyo and offered it to Saki. "Here. Take this as your second."

Saki took the offer. "Uh... thank you," she said as she felt the new weapon. "It is heavier."

"Yes, and quite sturdy, at least a match for your current one I believe you will find. Get some practice in using it, both by itself and in pair with the other. I'll expect some good progress in our next training session."

Saki let herself smile. "You bet," she said and with a mutual nod the two began their return to civilization. As they walked, Saki switched topics. "Why do you think I'd be interested in Jin?"

"Oh, no? Did he not defeat you on your first meeting?" Guan Li asked curiously.

"What? How did you... wait... he did sorta..." Saki replied suddenly feeling very unsure of herself which only caused Guan Li to laugh.

XXXXX

Elsewhere, walking along a path, Rippa was laughing so hard he was crying as Ranma glowered. "Oh god, how do you find yourself in these screwed up situations, Saotome!" Rippa managed to get out through laughing fits.

"Kasumi seems to attract them if you ask me," he replied. "Never mind that. Whole mess was stupid."

Rippa calmed himself. "I was getting worried you'd miss it."

"It?" Ranma asked but immediately clued in. "Oh, the tournament, is it on?" Ranma asked in sudden excitement.

"Yep, in just a few days too. Since you're back, guess I'll get you an invite, assuming you're still interested," Rippa replied.

"Damn straight I'm interested!" Ranma replied sharply, clenching his fist in front of him. "I'm up for some fresh challenges. Even on that stupid island all I got to fight was that lame bird bozo. He was no challenge at all."

Rippa chuckled but nodded. "Sounds like. How about your girlfriend?"

Ranma rolled his eyes. "He's not my girlfriend, and do you have a death wish? If he hears you call him that..."

Rippa laughed and waved it off. "I don't know, you two seem pretty tight lately," he commented, getting only a scowl from Ranma prompting another laugh. "And as to the death wish, that's your fault you know! Thanks to you, I learned how effective a good ripping can be to a fight. So, I got this from you."

Ranma frowned but didn't argue the point. "Whatever... no, Herb's... more into watching. Seems to get more out of it that way, at least so he says."

"Oh, well in that case, I can get him a spectator pass easy enough, assuming you're fine having him see you get humiliated in the ring."

Ranma once more rolled his eyes at the taunt, but then nodded. "Yeah, sure, why not."

"Don't suppose you have any interesting progress?" Rippa asked but Ranma shook his head. "Yeah, same. I can get individual motions to work, but it just all fades away so fast."

Ranma nodded. "Yeah, that's the problem, and screwing with my own circuits isn't much better. Sure I can get some effects, but the recoil... hardly makes it worth it," he said with a sigh.

"That bad huh?"

"I tried bolstering my eyesight, and started acting all drunk apparently. Barely remember," he said with a groan. "Boost my strength and a moment later my coordination goes to crap. Messing with your energy system is very unpredictable!"

"Sounds dangerous too. What if something vital is affected unexpectedly?"

"Exactly!" Ranma affirmed with a disappointed shake of his head. "Have had some more success messing with other people's systems since I actually want the recoil effects there, but even that is touchy. I'm working mostly blind here and I don't like it. The only reason I've made any progress is I found some good notes among the old geezer's stuff, but even that has only taken me so far."

"Maybe now that Frost is back, maybe she has something that could help out," Rippa suggested.

Ranma considered. "Yeah... guess I can try asking," he said before seeing their destination ahead. "Finally. Why does this damned place have to be so far out of the way?"

Rippa looked ahead to the temple and shrugged. "That's where they built it. She comes here often, I take it."

"Yeah. I really wish I could tell her this priest was full of it, but..." Ranma said and sighed.

"He can really taste your aura?" Rippa asked dubiously.

"So he claims, and... yeah, it seems like it is legit."

Rippa frowned skeptically. "How do you know?"

Ranma paused by the entrance of the temple to explain. "One of the first times I came here, he suggested I just eat her cooking all day. By the end of the day I was all irritable, almost like I was feeling a tiny bit of what she was." Rippa remained unconvinced. "Yeah, I know, coincidence maybe. But then he just had me eat normal cooking the next day, and I was fine. I've repeated it several times, and it is the same every time, even when I don't know who cooked what I'm eating. A single meal, or even two, no problem, easily ignored, but after a whole day... you start to feel it. Of course, I can't actually taste it, and I know everything she's doing is perfectly correct from a cooking perspective, but... there's just something wrong with it."

"Weird," Rippa conceded.

"Yeah," Ranma agreed and continued on. Not long after the head priest greeted the pair with a smile.

"Ah, Ranma, I had heard you were missing. It is good to see you back and well," the priest said.

"Yep, just a little stupid adventure. How's she doing?" Ranma asked, causing the priest's smile to crack slightly. "That good huh?"

"Uh... yes, I assume you're here to... encourage her return?" the priest asked.

"Yeah, the usual place?" Ranma asked and gained a nod from the priest. "Alright, I'll go get her."

"You know, Saotome, doesn't seem like she's making much progress," Rippa commented, pulling Ranma up short.

"No, she isn't," Ranma replied, looking at the priest but he couldn't argue.

"Maybe time for a change in approach?"

"If you got one..." Ranma replied with a sigh and headed off, leaving Rippa in thought.

A short walk later, Ranma came to one of the indoor kitchens that Ukyo preferred to use here. Sure enough, just outside, waiting, or perhaps standing guard, was Mint. This was not at all unusual for Ranma who walked up to the Musk warrior. "Going about as well as usual?" he asked, and Mint could only nod. "You know you don't need to accompany her here."

"I know. I just... I figured since you were gone..."

"Yeah, yeah," Ranma replied. "Head up front. I'll get her. We'll meet you there," he instructed and diligently the Musk warrior headed out leaving Ukyo to Ranma.

With him gone, Ranma peeked within and found Ukyo was furiously cooking away at the stove, a pile of various minor dishes scattered on various tables and counters about the room, clearly all rejected. Her focus was such that she took no notice of him, so he leaned against the door frame and waited as she finished her latest creation, a pasta dish of some description that Ranma didn't recognize.

Soon she was finished and laid out the meal meticulously, ensuring everything about its consistency and presentation was perfect, and then stood back to examine the work and immediately frowned in disappointment. "It looks perfect but I know it is wrong," she muttered to herself.

'It is no small wonder she had no confidence when she's so hyper critical of her own work,' he thought. "Hey Ukyo," he finally greeted, causing the girl to start in surprise.

"Ranma!" she replied quickly before looking around the room sheepishly. "I... uh..."

"You don't need to explain that," he replied before walking over to her. "What you do need to explain is how you completely didn't notice everyone was shipwrecked."

"WHAT?!" Ukyo exclaimed as she went ghostly pale.

"Yep, and you were so lost here that you weren't even aware," Ranma said with a slight shake of his head.

"I...I...I..." she stammered but Ranma smiled and waved it off.

"Don't worry about it. I'm just teasing. They said they kept you in the dark as they figured there was nothing you could do about it and didn't want to have you worried for nothing."

Ukyo frowned in annoyance but nodded. "Right... probably right... but, you're fine, right?"

"Yeah, everyone is fine," Ranma added, causing Ukyo to nervously scratch her cheek with her index finger. "Come on, it's time we head back."

"Uh... of course," she agreed, hanging her head. "Just... need to clean up... and stuff."

"I'll help," Ranma said and the two set to work doing just that.

Nearly a half hour later the pair finally rejoined Rippa and the priest who were deep in conversation by this point, but quickly went quiet as they approached, Mint hovering nearby. "There the two love birds are," Rippa teased.

"Sorry for the wait," Ranma replied.

"Nah, gave me plenty of time to chat," Rippa replied.

After some quick goodbyes the threesome headed out, Ranma and Rippa hanging back slightly as Mint led the way and Ukyo followed behind him. "Chat?" Ranma asked quietly.

"Yeah... this and that. Did give me an idea though," Rippa replied.

"Oh?"

"Yeah... one you'd probably want to stay ignorant on, but if you want me to give it a whirl...?" Rippa hinted.

Ranma considered then shrugged. "Hell, why not. I don't have anything better."

Rippa smiled. "Right, may take a bit to set up though, but I think it has a good shot at success."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Ranma replied.

XXXXX

Seiya stepped out to join Usagi, finding Makoto had also returned by this point. Frost soon joined them. "So, all good now?" Makoto asked.

"Yes, no complications," Frost assured them. "Why don't you both give them a try?" she suggested and after exchanging looks, Usagi led off by transforming.

"It really does work!" Sailor Moon exclaimed happily as she examined herself. "Everything look right?"

"Everything seems fine to me," Makoto answered, and the others nodded in agreement.

Seiya followed suit and transformed to the same result and the two senshi looked mutually pleased. "Alright, guess this is the good news, so... bad news?" Sailor Star Fighter asked.

Frost deflated slightly. "Yeah, sadly, it isn't all good news. For you, it is not too bad. You'll be running at about 90% of what you're used to. That's due to the change in energy cores. The old system was just WAY more efficient, so even with all the extra power you have, this one isn't able to make as much use of it. As you continue to ascend, it should eventually reach equality, but it will be a while."

Star Fighter nodded. "90% is better than 0%. I'll take it, but I'm guessing that means it is totally out of the question to replace the other Senshi's cores preemptively."

"Yeah, they'd drop to probably around 10 or 20%," Frost replied. "Best to wait till they need it."

"And me?" Sailor Moon asked with a neutral expression.

"You're... a bigger issue. Now power wise, you're... well, maxed out. You're actually probably even more durable than you were before, although the armor has an upper limit so not that much more, despite the huge increase in available energy. That said, you'll regenerate very quickly too, so if someone doesn't breach the armor in one shot, they probably can't. You'll regenerate faster than they can damage it. Which is good," Frost said, gaining frowns from the others. "And then there is the bad news.

"Sadly, pretty much every offensive function you have needs your crystal, which is destroyed," Frost explained, causing Sailor Moon to hang her shoulders. "Sorry, nothing I could do about it. I tried routing around. I tried replacing... it all was no good."

"Pretty much?" Star Fighter hinted and Frost nodded.

"Yeah, there are a few left, backups by the looks of it. One is a... disc attack of some kind, another is a sonic one..."

"I haven't used those in ages," Sailor Moon said with a sigh then thought and lifted her hand to her head. "How... I don't have a tiara in this form."

"Just touch the moon symbol, it will appear," Frost prompted and indeed on touching her forehead moon symbol, her old tiara appeared in her hand.

"Oh... well, guess it is better than nothing," she commented, experimentally motioning to return the tiara to her head and finding it disappearing just as it had appeared. "Sonic?"

"That's from the jewels in your hair apparently," Frost replied.

"Oh right... I think I used those... once... I don't even know how to turn them on," Sailor Moon commented, looking at Makoto who could only shrug.

"Maybe Luna knows how they work," Makoto offered.

"Never brought them up," Sailor Moon said but nodded.

"Anything else?" Star Fighter asked.

"Offensive wise? I don't think so, at least not beyond basic physical boosts," Frost replied before remembering something. "Oh, there were a few other functions I found, but they were deactivated for some reason. There is an invisibility function, an overcharge function, which won't work with the new core sadly, some sort of neural link..."

"Invisibility?" Makoto said and the other Senshi nodded in interest.

"I can turn it on and we can try it out. Not sure why it was off," Frost said and with an enthusiastic nod, Sailor Moon motioned for her to try. After gaining access to Sailor Moon's armor controls, she altered a setting. "Alright, it's on, give a whirl."

"How do I do that?" Sailor Moon asked.

"Just say 'invisibility'," Frost prompted and Sailor Moon did just that.

However, she looked herself over and nothing seemed to have changed. "Nothing happened," she said as she looked up and noting Seiya was now looking away, and both Makoto and Frost looked a bit uncomfortable. "What?"

"So that's why it is off," Frost said.

"Huh?"

Makoto rubbed her temples as she shielded her eyes. "You're... clothes are invisible."

"Just to us though, not you," Frost replied and with a squeak of embarrassment Usagi made a quick effort to cover herself. "Don't worry, it only affects your outer clothing, your underwear is still fully visible."

"Frost!" Sailor Moon complained.

"Right, let's turn that off," Frost said and after another bit of fiddling did just that. "Okay, I'm guessing the other functions weren't quite up to standard either... let's leave them off too."

"Yeah, probably for the best," Star Fighter said with a sigh.

Blushing furiously, Sailor Moon decided to revert to normal, and Star Fighter soon mirrored the act. "There is no other... surprises, is there?"

"Nono," Frost replied quickly. "It's fine. I just wonder why Sedna left these half-baked functions in there. Kinda sloppy work."

"Who knows," Seiya replied. "That it?"

"Yeah, pretty much," Frost replied. "I heard Ami and Minako returned to your old school."

"Yes," Usagi said.

"Any word on that workshop Ami was looking for?" Frost asked.

Usagi thought and looked at Makoto who shrugged. "We haven't heard anything, but we can ask. She may not have bothered telling us if there was no way to access it yet even if she found something," Makoto said.

"And how have things with your... powers been?" Frost asked.

Usagi smiled weakly before turning slightly away. Makoto took this as the prompt to speak. "Nothing too extreme, but there have been a few incidents."

"Incidents?" Frost asked.

Seiya chuckled. "Well, there was the time she got everyone drunk."

"I didn't mean it," Usagi complained.

"Uh, I can only guess what prompted that," Frost said and the others gave no further clarification.

"Although, in a way it was good as it made us aware of Shampoo's issue," Makoto said to Frost's puzzlement.

"Hmh?"

"I'm sure she'll explain soon enough. It is... sorta a good thing, but annoying."

"I should get back to work," Seiya prompted and the others nodded and soon the party broke up, leaving Frost once more in the dark. However, such was soon to end as just as she exited the room she found Shampoo already waiting for her along with Siren.

"And there is our new little Archmage," Siren greeted. "9th circle I hear too, congratulations!"

"Thanks," Frost replied and was led promptly right back into the room by the pair. "So what's going on?"

"Yeah, well, let's get this clear first, I know all about Usagi, Makoto and them being the Senshi," Siren said after closing the door and securing it with a quick spell.

"I'm guessing Cologne does too," Frost suggested and Siren nodded in confirmation.

"Yes indeed she does. I learned it through her actually, and I'm also aware of the speaking stone's contents as well, although that is not relevant right now. What is relevant is Shampoo has a bit of a problem," Siren said and looked at the young Amazon in question. "Shall I explain?"

"Yes please," Shampoo said with a sigh.

"Right, so I'm sure you're aware that some of Shampoo's old moon kingdom blood has been reactivated," Siren said.

"I suspected," Frost replied.

"Yes, normally it wouldn't be that important, but apparently it didn't just activate the normal stuff. Apparently there is an even more potent older version of this, something from Cosmos's time," Siren explained.

"Oh... right, I seem to recall they mentioned something about that. The people of the old kingdom... got... powers..."

"Exactly, and don't get confused. Her spirit power is a separate thing entirely. That's not biological," Siren continued and looked back at Shampoo. "No, it was actually staring us in the face the whole time, we just didn't notice. I'm sure you recall she was poisoned back at the hotel, also injured at the time?"

"Nearly died from the sounds of it," Frost replied and Siren nodded.

"Yes, and right after, the poison was promptly removed and the injury all healed... yeah, it might have seemed like just a coincidental thing, but no, as we now know, it was more than that."

"Oh?"

"I heal really fast," Shampoo muttered.

Frost blinked. "Isn't that... a... good thing?" Frost said, remembering Makoto's words.

"You'd think," Siren said with a slight smirk but shook her head. "In reality though, it is actually just as much a nuisance."

Frost considered this and, thinking more on the earlier discussion, clued in. "You didn't get drunk because whatever was making the others drunk you recovered from super quickly," Frost quietly analyzed and Shampoo nodded.

"Exactly. Alcohol is a foreign substance, just like the poison, so her body purged it. That's why they contacted me as it was very suspicious," Siren said. "Sure enough, she purges pretty much anything remotely toxic or foreign from her body in a matter of minutes. It's impressive, but also very troublesome."

"Ugh... okay, I get it. Sure poisons and such are purged, but so are beneficial drugs as well," Frost replied and Siren nodded.

"Exactly, including a certain daily regiment of pills that she's been using," Siren said with a broad grin.

Frost took a second to get the clue, but finally did. "Oh! That's not good."

"No. Makes them totally ineffective," Siren replied.

"Wait, you've been with Kasumi..."

"Yes," Shampoo replied with a frown and crossed her arms angrily.

"You're not-"

"Nono," Siren headed off the question. "She's not pregnant. She's just annoyed because Cologne didn't inform her that her wedding night contraceptive was still in effect." Sure enough, Shampoo grumbled at this. "Now, now, she was just trying to have you be responsible. We both know you probably would have been a lot more reckless had you known, and besides I think Kasumi appreciated the time."

Shampoo huffed but didn't argue.

"Wow, I didn't know it lasted that long," Frost replied.

"Yes, fortunately. That's actually why I left Spring here. The magic of that version is potent but limited. She's been regularly fortifying it to keep it going beyond its normal wear off time. However, that won't last much longer. The base magic is going to start breaking down in a month or so and no amount of fortifying can change that," Siren explained. "Of course there are other potential problems too, but so far we haven't encountered any of those."

"Right..." Frost replied as Siren pulled out a scroll and unrolled it, producing a floating image of an intricate magical pattern.

"This is the formulation for the other contraceptive. As you can see, it isn't exactly something she can use regularly," Siren said as Frost examined it.

"Oh... oh... oh yeah... ew... that alone is expensive," Frost agreed, cringing as she examined it.

"Yeah, tell me about it," Siren replied as she too gazed at the spell. "That's why I make it last so long. The ingredients are ugly to get your hands on."

Frost withdrew with a frown prompting Siren to roll the scroll back up and hand it over. "I haven't the time to try and tweak it, so here you go."

"Oh great," Frost said sarcastically as she took the scroll. "You expect me to redesign this to be cheap?"

Siren chuckled. "No, although if you can... no, rather, the optimistic approach is to leverage something specific to Shampoo's new condition that you can make use of. Certainly won't be easy. You probably won't get much out of that, but it may help."

Frost frowned but nodded. "What about more... conventional means?"

Siren shook her head. "Normally I'd suggest it, but her body is interpreting even that stuff as foreign."

"Oh... that's extra annoying," Frost replied.

"Yes," Shampoo muttered.

"Yeah, it isn't super-fast, but still risky. On top of their particularly active... physiques shall we say, it is not a good combination. On the bright side, they do have at least the curse to work with."

"Is not the same," Shampoo muttered with a sigh.

"I'm sure, but you may have to make due... or just take your chances," Siren said with a smile.

Shampoo sagged her shoulders, and looked up at Frost with a sort of puppy dog expression. "I'll... see what I can come up with," Frost quickly said, restoring some of Shampoo's vigor.

"The fortifying spell is on there too, which will buy you a bit of time," Siren pointed out.

"Right."

Shampoo nodded and after a few last words, she departed, leaving Siren with Frost. "At least she heals quickly," Frost noted.

"Which is not as useful as you'd think," Siren replied. "She can't just produce biomass from nothing, and that healing still requires energy, so..."

"Oh yeah."

"Yes, and on top of that, Kasumi has taught her some healing techniques as well, so she's not really getting much out of the automatic version either. I mean, it isn't worthless by any means, but in day-to-day affairs rather irrelevant."

"Hmm, kinda surprising a power like that is so counterproductive," Frost remarked and Siren nodded in agreement.

Siren smiled broadly. "So, how was training with the big bad?"

"You know who she really is?" Frost asked.

Siren grinned. "Oh yeah. I didn't meet her personally until your ranking exam, but I knew her by reputation. She only recently changed her common name to Jasmine. I mean, don't get me wrong, I know most of the legends are exaggerated or mixed up, but she's still got a rep."

"Yeah," Frost said with a sigh. "She's a total cheater!" she finally exclaimed after a moment.

"Oh?"

"We were supposed to have fair duels where I could use any magic I knew, and she was restricted to circle 7 or less, right," Frost frantically started explaining. "That's hard enough, but then I find out she's been cheating the whole damned time!"

Siren laughed. "What'd she do?"

Frost frowned. "We were doing the duels in this magical battlefield of hers. Turns out the battlefields were anything but fair. She had them rigged to give her every possible advantage in the duels. Subtly of source..."

"Of course," Siren echoed with a chuckle.

Frost growled. "That's just so... UGH!"

"So how'd you figure it out?"

At this question, Frost went suddenly quiet, causing Siren to eye her suspiciously. "You did figure it out... right?"

Frost hesitated but after groaning shook her head. "No."

"How did you win then? She spill the beans?" Siren asked in surprise.

"I nuked the entire battlefield," Frost replied.

"You... nuked the field?"

"Well, not literally, but yeah, effectively," Frost answered.

Siren raised an eyebrow at this. "How did you live through it then?"

"I didn't," Frost answered much to Siren's shock. "Hey, the rules said I had to defeat her, not survive!"

Siren considered then gave a quick nod. "Fair enough."

"Yeah, that's what she said," Frost muttered. "I only found out afterwards what she had been pulling. I'm so mad... I wasted so much time."

"Yes, so I figured. Well, she is a trickster type, so to be expected."

Frost muttered at this but said nothing. At that moment a knock came at the door.

"Uh... Mist... uh... elder... um..." Spring said from outside, stumbling as she tried to correct herself each time.

Siren sighed, "Just Siren!" she complained, "and yes, you can come in."

Spring opened the door and joined the pair. "Sorry," she said.

"I don't need any special modifiers, just plain Siren will do," Siren instructed and Spring meekly nodded.

"Are we heading back now?" Spring asked.

"Not yet. I'm going to hang around and wait for Guan Li. So maybe a bit yet," Siren answered.

"Oh, okay," Spring replied.

"Have you congratulated your cousin here?" Siren asked.

Spring blinked and started. "Oh... I'm sorry, congratulations, Frost!"

"Yes, 9th circle too. Giving me some competition. I might have to consider doing that 11th, as much as it annoys me," Siren joked.

"Do you actually have a plan for one?" Frost asked.

"Several actually. Full layouts too. All I'd need to do is get approval and formalize one of them, but then I'd have to join the council and all that nonsense... ugh. I'm sure Howl would love to get rid of me though."

"Howl?"

"He's my Grand Magus, who is annoyed at me because I always show him up," Siren said with a wide grin.

Frost thought about this. "Howl, as in-"

"Yes, and no. Same name, probably inspired, but they're quite different when you actually meet him. Castle doesn't walk though, so disappointing, just teleports."

Frost nodded in acceptance of this.

"Is that the..." Spring asked as she took note of the scroll Frost was holding.

"Yeah," Frost replied with a bit of a sigh. "Not sure what I can do with it," she said, unrolling it once more to produce the magical pattern once more.

"Right, well, I'll leave that to you. Oh right, I do have something for you though," Siren said and produced a small amulet. "A graduation gift of sorts," she said and handed over the amulet.

Frost looked it over and intoned an analysis magic to show the formulation on it. "A light blocking spell."

"Very specific and tuned to keep you from burning," Siren said.

"Oh... uh... thanks," Frost said, giving a slight smile, but then frowning and banishing the analysis. "You know, you could have just given me sunblock and such."

Siren smirked. "You think we didn't try? We live out in the middle of nowhere. Getting a steady supply of the stuff, at the proper potency while also being safe was a total nightmare. Your mother tried, I tried, Cologne even tried. Best any of us could get was some real sketchy stuff I wouldn't trust using for any length of time."

"Oh... guess I didn't think about that," Frost muttered.

"No, but you're right in a way. We all probably gave up a bit easy. I got it into my head to make that, but ran into a bunch of little issues every time I thought it was near completion," Siren explained and Frost could only nod in agreement.

"Yeah, I tried myself a few times," Frost said. "Uh... thanks again. This will help."

"Of course, you're welcome. Now, I'm going to go get some breakfast, Spring?"

"I already had some," Spring replied.

Siren nodded and looked at Frost who had already gone back to examining the scroll. Deciding not to disturb her, she shrugged and headed out.

"Hmh..." Frost muttered as she looked over the magic. "Maybe I cut this out... no..."

"Siren said you made 9th circle?" Spring asked.

"Huh? Oh, yeah," Frost replied. "Working on my 10th actually, but that's a long ways off. How you doing?"

"Oh, I'm still working in 5th. I tried looking that spell over, but..."

"Well, this is a 7th so no surprise you couldn't make much out of it," Frost replied as she continued her examination.

"What's this for?" Spring asked, pointing to one particular circle.

"That's a mana balancer. Need those for the higher complexities... hasn't Siren told you about that?" Frost asked, suddenly focusing on the younger magus.

"Oh... she's been... busy with various things," Spring explained.

Frost looked at Spring intently for a moment before huffing and falling into thought, much to Spring's confusion.

"Hasn't... Herb been studying magic supposedly?" Frost asked.

"Oh, I think so, I haven't really talked with him much," Spring replied.

"And this fortifying spell is just 4th... hmm..." Frost muttered.

"Hmh?"

Frost looked back at Spring and replied, "It's nothing. Say... if Siren is so busy, maybe I should be teaching you instead."

"Oh, you'd do that?"

"Sure," Frost replied with a scheming look that Spring completely missed. "Yeah, why don't you suggest it to her," she said.

"I will!" Spring said excitedly and exited the room, causing Frost to smirk.

XXXXX

A short time later, as Frost was about to declare short term defeat with the scroll, Herb looked within the room. "There you are," he said.

Frost acknowledged him with a mere, "Hmph," but he seemed unfazed by this and came in, followed by Lemon. Frost found this curious enough to finally roll up the scroll and look at the pair.

"You two making more trouble?" Frost asked with a flat look.

"Hardly," Herb replied. "I just had a matter to discuss with you... a curiosity."

"A curiosity?" Frost replied before. "Maybe asking about dear old grandma?" Herb puzzled at this. "Oh you didn't know? Jasmine's your grandmother."

Herb let a brief look of shock cross his face before hiding it. "I... did not."

"Figures the Musk wouldn't talk about the women in the family much," Frost replied with a frown.

"Honestly... no, they don't, and it is perhaps even worse in the royal family. I don't even know my mother, let alone my grandmother." Frost sniffed, but betrayed just a bit of regret over the statement. "If we are discussing such matters, Sorora did inform me that she is in contact with Jasmine on occasion."

"Yeah, she mentioned that. They're not exactly close though," Frost replied. "Seems more like they just mutually hate your dad and occasionally share info."

"Yes, that is the impression I got as well," Herb replied. "However, that is not what I wished to discuss." Herb produced a canteen, sloshed the contents slightly and offered it to Frost. "That is a small sample of the water from the island. Do you think you can identify the magic on it?"

Frost took the canteen, examined it for a moment before opening it and chatting a quick spell over the opening. With the chat, the magic pattern appeared in the air above them. "Hmh... definitely a curse. Lots of obscurement, and I see what looks like a few booby-traps too. Nasty work."

"Right," Herb agreed and then produced a fruit. "Now, can you see if this has the same magic?"

Frost took the fruit from him with a curious look. "This from the island?" she asked and Herb nodded. "I think I see where you're going here," she said and chanted another spell over the fruit and after a bit more struggle than with the water a faint magical pattern finally appeared. "Yes, indeed, there it is."

"It was in the food?" Lemon asked in alarm.

"It's fine. This is much too weak to be effective and what little power this has will fade in a few days, tops," Frost said in mild annoyance. "But..."

"For a fetus, more than enough, correct?"

"Yeah," Frost replied as she set down the fruit on a nearby table. "Okay, yeah, curious, I guess that explains how the two things were linked. Why didn't you bring this up when we were there?"

"I considered it," Herb replied. "However, the situation with the islanders, and those of the villages on the islands they pass is... unique shall we say, if decidedly awkward. Revealing the source of the problem could upset the balance of that situation in unknown ways. Besides, I have a feeling the upper ranks are well aware of the source. The magic probably contaminates any food grown on the island making this knowledge rather academic rather than helpful."

"I suppose," Frost conceded. "Is that all?"

"No, that was just a side curiosity actually," Herb responded before looking at Lemon. "Could you bring out the curse on Lemon now?"

Frost frowned but quickly grew intrigued and got up to do just that. "If you're thinking..." she muttered before starting the analysis magic. A moment later another magic pattern appeared and Frost maneuvered it over to be next to that still in the air for the water.

"What do you think?" Herb asked.

"Definite similarities," Frost replied as she scanned between the two. "Here, and here... these are very particular patterns."

"They're the same?" Lemon asked in shock.

"No, but very possibly the same caster, or at least someone taught in a very similar manner."

"Could one be a copy?" Herb asked but Frost shook her head.

"No. The obscurement would make that impossible, and these patterns are too organic despite being different," Frost analyzed as she pointed out several points in the spells. "What clued you in?"

"A very particular extra condition that Toma mentioned, that those afflicted would be unable to love a man in female guise."

"Right, practically a reflection of the Kitsune curse," Frost replied. "And before you even think about it, absolutely not. Mixing these two curses wouldn't be a cure, it would be a disaster for whoever did such."

Lemon withdrew slightly upon hearing this.

"Yes, I expected as much, but still, to find they have a very similar source, if not perhaps the exact same caster, that is useful information, correct?" Herb suggested and Frost nodded.

"Yeah. Jasmine told me all about this curse and they know very little about it. Any clue to its source would be a big help. Don't suppose they know who cast it?"

Herb shook his head. "I was hoping Shampoo would learn such, but unfortunately no."

Frost glanced at the prince, realizing that was likely the point of discussion they had the other day. "Too bad. Still, I can pass this along," Frost replied and Herb nodded. After one last look between the magics, Frost motioned for them both to shrink and grasped them in her hand where they disappeared. "Can I keep the water as well? Best to send it along for further analysis. They might even be able to dismantle the magic since it is raw."

"By all means. It is of no use to me," Herb replied. "I was going to have you dispose of it afterwards anyway as it is dangerous."

Frost nodded and sealed up the canteen once more. "Wasn't expecting you to care that much," Frost commented as she banished the canteen to a pocket space.

"Honestly, I don't really. Kasumi however..." Herb replied and departed.

"Hmph," Frost replied before noticing Lemon lingering. "Yes?" she asked harshly.

"Uh..." Lemon said with a cringe, glancing at the door in consideration before seeming to gather her nerve. She bowed deeply, saying, "I'm really... really sorry for... everything."

Frost snorted at this. "Save it," she replied coldly. Even bowed as she was, Frost could see Lemon shrink even more. Frost opened her mouth to say more, but thought better on it, and just gave a disgusted grunt. "Just... stay out of trouble," she said at last and decided to head out.

Lemon looked up as the magus left, a mix of worry, but also some relief on her face.

XXXXX

It was some time later when Frost finally succumbed to the need for food and headed out into the restaurant, by this time, the morning rush had passed, and it had quieted down substantially allowing her to easily reach the kitchen to find someone she knew. Crystal was the first to approach her, and simply directed her to take a free seat.

"You sure it is alright?" Frost asked as she was led into the dining area.

"Quite sure," Crystal assured her. "Kasumi has said that anyone from her regular group is free to have regular meals here at no charge... within reason of course."

"Of course," Frost echoed as she sat down and was given a menu.

"If it is a matter of some concern, take it this way, I'm sure all the free labor you're providing is more than enough compensation," Crystal assured her before heading off.

"Probably true," Frost replied with a sigh before looking over the menu. She was just starting to consider when Siren sat down opposite her with a big smile that, if Frost were to guess, was a bit more strained than usual. "Yes?" Frost asked without looking away from the menu.

"What's this I hear about you and Spring?"

"Nothing... she just happened to comment that you were rather busy, and that seemed to be getting in the way of her training," Frost replied, flipping the menu over to look at the other side. "I figured, if you're so busy..."

"Are you implying something?" Siren asked, her smile beginning to slip.

"Implying? Heavens no," Frost said, but put aside the menu. "What would make you think that? Do you have a guilty conscience or something?" Siren's smile now vanished and she simply glared at Frost. "I mean, it isn't at all suspicious. It isn't at all like the council had to practically demand you train me. And it isn't like I find it curious that you suddenly started training Spring the moment you sent me away to Cologne. Nothing suspicious at all about that. And ditching Spring here, practically the second I'm out of the picture, to cast a simple spell every now and then that you probably could have had Herb do, after all he's apparently been training in magic. 4 circles is hardly something that would give him any issue I suspect, but hey, I guess he is of the Musk after all. Nothing suspicious at all."

Siren crossed her arm and what had been a neutral glare before was now edging towards seriously unamused. "I think you're reading far too much into things," she replied.

"Yes, surely all just odd coincidences," Frost said with a smile but quickly let it fade. "Seriously, I know you'd much prefer to train Perfume, but that's no excuse. Spring may not be that talented, but she's more than willing while Perfume isn't."

Siren looked away. "She's just being stubborn."

"Maybe, but you're not exactly showing her the benefits," Frost quietly countered.

"With her condition she'll need to learn," Siren said.

"And why haven't you done anything about it already then, hmh?" Frost asked, which caused Siren some pause. Frost pulled out the amulet she had been given earlier. "Look how long this took you. I mean, I like it, thanks, but how long has it been?"

"It was delicate work. That balance had to be just right, you know that," Siren said but Frost pushed on.

"I do, but even that doesn't account for all this time. I could have probably gotten this out now in a few months tops. We both know the real reason you are so... restrained," Frost replied diplomatically, gaining a look from her former teacher. "You're worried you'll have another incident like Mousse's-"

"Don't even go there," Siren snapped, but quickly calmed and shook her head. "Okay, yes, she lost her vision because I screwed up. I'm not going to let that happen again."

"Which is fine, but you're overcompensating," Frost countered. "That's why you haven't done anything for Perfume, you're worried what side effects will occur. However, how do you expect to win her over to the idea if even you aren't willing to try and fix her problems?"

"You know Mousse's vision has already deteriorated," Siren retorted.

"Yeah, I'm sure it has. I warned him about it years ago when I first proposed giving him that fix. He didn't care. Why should he? How often does he actually use his normal eyes now?" Frost replied. "Sure it isn't perfect, I'd love to do it better, but sometimes you just have to forge ahead with what you got."

Siren closed her eyes in thought and after just a few seconds smiled again. "So exactly how much time did you spend with Jasmine, anyway, thinking you're up to giving me lectures."

"Entirely too much," Frost replied with a sigh.

Siren reopened her eyes and relaxed. "I bet. As to Spring, she is spoken for."

"Good to hear."

At that moment Frost noticed the approach of another familiar face, that of Guan Li. "Ah, is this where we are gathering," the elder said as she took a seat next to Siren. "Wonderful, I could use some food. Frost, it is good to see you have returned."

"Thank you," Frost replied. "I didn't know you had a relative here."

"Yes. I've been visiting now and then to give her some instruction," the elder replied. "She is quite promising, but never mind that. I wish to hear of your time. I've been told some interesting tidbits of information about your new instructor."

Siren smiled and stood up. "I'll leave that to you two, as I've already eaten. When you're ready to depart, we can be off."

"Of course, I won't be long. Wouldn't want to hold you up too long," Guan Li replied and Siren departed. "I must say, it will be good to have a second accomplished mage in the village. Siren can be quite fickle."

Frost nodded in agreement to that and took note of a waitress coming over before she and the elder sent in their orders.

XXXXX

"And you call yourself an Archmage," Siren teased Frost as the latter sat exhausted on a chair.

"I just... got a little excited is all..." Frost said, looking pale.

Siren closed the door she was working on and called out. "Alright, tell her to come on through."

Kasumi acknowledged this and passed through the entry door briefly before returning and joining them.

"You have to be more careful with your mana levels," Siren cautioned. "Don't have to do everything today you know."

"I know," Frost muttered.

"Thanks for... uh... filling in," Kasumi said with a smile.

"Not a problem," Siren replied with a smile just as the door opened and Ranko peeked out. "Well, don't just stand there, come on in."

"It really worked!" Ranko marveled as she stepped into the pocket dimension. "But how? I don't get it."

"I just adapted the emergency exit mechanism a bit," Frost explained tiredly. "Or rather Siren did, I ran out of..."

"She ran out of gas half way," Siren said with a chuckle. "However, to be more precise, these pocket dimensions are normal spaces, just situated out in extra dimensional space. You'd never be able to get here with normal 3 dimensional movement, and usually due to this we use portals to access them. However, portals are teleportation magics, and thus can be interfered with, so generally pocket dimensions are equipped with an emergency exit mechanism that creates a sort of corridor through this extra dimensional space... let's just say it reorients you so that you can move through this extra dimension."

"I still don't get it," Ranko said with a shake of her head.

"Perhaps an analogy," Siren suggested conjuring up two pieces of paper. "Let's say you were two dimensional and existed on this piece of paper. Then we have this other piece of paper, held behind the first, representing this pocket dimension. Obviously, if you move along the paper normally, you'll never reach the other paper and vice versa. However, if an outside force turned the paper you're on..." she explained, turning the paper as described so it now was perpendicular to the other. "Now, if you move along the paper, you move closer. Then we just turn it back..." she said and turned the paper back so that it was touching the other as one flat plane. "You're now able to move onto the other paper. Simple as."

"And you don't need magic for that?"

"Directly, no. You can apply this extra dimensional rotation through matter. All you have to do is apply the force to that matter, and since your power apparently only reaches about a foot, that magical force is safe from your interference, while you get affected by it from the matter. Well, it isn't quite that easy. There has to be a bridge of extra dimensional matter to standard three dimensional matter, but the theory is the same. The magical force never touches you directly," Siren explained.

"Is that why it felt a bit... wonky in there?" Ranko asked, looking back at the door.

"Yes, it would. Your senses are not liking the twisting force so are somewhat aware something isn't quite right, but not able to pin it down. One of the reasons these doors are only used in emergencies. It isn't harmful, but I wouldn't recommend long stays as you can get ill from the sensation," Siren concluded and Ranko nodded but smiled.

"But I can use it any time I want?"

"Yes indeed. Frost just had to adjust the force vectors and such to ensure a proper distance was always maintained, with a bit of extra gimme just in case. Not just you, obviously, anyone can use it, although it isn't as convenient as the portal, and is a bit more mana expensive so I'd still recommend others use the portal for regular travel. Oh, I should note, obviously this only applies to the path between here and the restaurant, Frost's portal to her pocket dimension is a remote one. There is no physical connection there, although I assume you have an emergency exit on it as well, just grounded to the doctor's place?" Siren asked, looking at the younger magus

"Yes," Frost replied, "but, no point adapting it. Way too much magic in there to risk it."

"Is there any magic in here I need to worry about?" Ranko asked.

"Only if you jump up about 400 feet to the sky dome," Siren said with a smile. "The perimeter is pretty far out of normal reach, and at worst you'd just turn off the lights. The actual integrity bubble is outside that and you'd have to smash through the sky dome to get to it, and I trust you aren't that foolish."

"I'll... try not to," Ranko said with a smile. "But, this is great, I can finally train with you guys!"

"Yes," Kasumi agreed. "Thanks again."

"All I did was finish what she started," Siren said and motioned for Guan Li and Spring who were sitting a ways away to join her. Saki who was with them joined them as they walked over. "Now then, we've lingered long enough."

"Yes. Thank you for everything," Kasumi said and smiled particularly at Spring. "And thank you Spring for helping out."

"It was no problem," Spring replied with a shy smile.

"Yes," Siren said and looked back at Frost. "But it has put you a bit behind in your instruction, hasn't it. We'll have to make up for lost time when we get back."

"Yes!" Spring said enthusiastically.

Siren nodded and opened a new portal. "Try to stay out of too much trouble," Siren said with a parting wave and headed out. Spring likewise waved and headed out, while Guan Li turned to Saki.

"And do keep up with your training. You should perhaps consider joining this lot if they are open to the idea," Guan Li said.

"Certainly, if she wishes," Kasumi replied easily before Saki could even consider.

Saki cringed a little. "Probably still a bit out of my pay grade."

Guan Li shrugged. "One can advance the most in the presence of those who have already learned the lessons you have yet to learn. Do not let a bit of wounded pride in being shown up, hold you back."

Saki nodded. "Right."

With that, Guan Li waved as well and headed through, Siren closing the portal after she was safely through.

Saki looked at Kasumi who was eyeing her curiously. "Maybe I will come over... to try it out," she said and headed off herself with a wave.

"She going to be okay?" Ranko asked, pointing at Frost.

Kasumi turned to the magus who still looked exhausted. "You probably should head home and get some rest."

"Yeah... guess I overextended myself a bit today. Used a lot of mana yesterday too," she groaned as she forced herself to stand. "Okay... see you... whenever I'm up to it," she said as she headed off and used the portal door to her pocket dimension to return.

"She has been doing a lot today," Kasumi commented before turning to Ranko. "I suppose you'd like to have a tou-" she started but winced and looked at her hand.

"What is it?"

"I think I just received an urgent message," Kasumi answered.

XXXXX

Elsewhere in Nerima, a jogger was passing through the park as night had fallen. His nightly exercise would likely have gone by as normal if not for the sudden appearance of a bright light to the side of the back path he was on. He paused, jogging in place and gawked as the point of light turned into a burning tear in the very fabric of space that stretched out vertically. So shocked was he that he could do nothing more than watch and jog in place as it continued to grow.

Finally he was startled out of his stupor when a pair of fire coated hands punched through the center of the tear and pulled to either side, tearing it wide. With that, a figure of brilliant fire burst through and hovered in the air as the tear rapidly closed behind them.

"Right! It is this one for sure!" the figure of fire declared and swept their hand in an arc in front of them causing an arc of fire to appear in the path. It split apart and fired off in all directions. In just a moment, though, a single fragment of the projected fire returned. "YES!"

The jogger continued to gawk at this, now concluding that simply continuing his in-place jogging was probably ideal as he had yet to be noticed. This was of course a poor conclusion to reach as the figure did finally take notice of him. He swallowed as the figure looked at him and smiled.

The next thing he knew, everything about this moment in time reverted to normal. There was no fiery floating figure, nor any tear in space. No, he was simply on the empty path in the park, jogging in place.

"Need more fluids. Must be dehydrated," he muttered and decided to continue on and forget he saw anything, completely missing the slight flicker of motion in the nearby bushes.

XXXXX

End Chapter 65

Next time in A Scary Thought: Some old acquaintances arrive at the San Cheng Huang and a new threat appears.

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.

XXXXX

It's time for another installment of Kitsune's Corner! Today I have So Pu in the studio.

"This better be good. I'm very busy."

Don't worry. Now, Soap-

"My name is So Pu!"

Oh, of course, sorry. Just says here-

"I don't care what it says there. Use my proper name."

Right, right, sorry.

"Stupid traditions."

What's with that anyway?

"I honestly don't know. And they are finding ever more clever ways to hide it too."

Like not even being Chinese?

"Exactly. I mean, sure, we have a lot of foreign speakers in the village, but do you know how annoying it is to explain that to official registrars?"

I can guess.

Sigh

Okay, let's first cover some more general topics. Just what are your feelings on Cologne?

"Hmh? Oh, I suppose given our recent history one might get the impression we're antagonistic, we're not. Honestly, I much preferred letting the kids run things, and was content to live my life, but given recent developments, I found I couldn't sit back anymore."

So, I'm guessing that you were neutral before?

"Yes. Cologne had her little group of supporters, and opposed to her were her detractors, and yes, I would have fallen into the third group, those not aligned to either faction in the council. As to the shift, there was enough uproar in the council that the usual neutrals started to side with her detractors. In a way I helped her, stepping up as a potential candidate, and that got most of the neutrals to side with me, even some of the usual detractors. If I hadn't, Be Dea and her bunch would likely be taking over, and honestly I don't think she's up to it."

Leaves a bit to be desired?

"Yes. She talks a big game, but the truth is she's really not up to holding the position and I think even she knows it, which is probably why she quieted down pretty quick when I stepped up. Still, I fully expect she'll start being a nuisance to me soon enough. It's in her nature, but I can appreciate it. It will keep me honest as it were."

Interesting. Yes, well, putting that aside... I wanted to ask about some spirit stuff.

"Alright. What do you want to know?"

Okay, so I'm still fuzzy on this whole spirit business... everything has a spirit?

"Well, everything is a rather nebulous term, but if you mean every object, yeah, as far as we know."

Are the spirit and the soul the same?

"The concepts are pretty similar. Spirit users generally don't use the terminology of the soul as it has all kinds of religious baggage, but yeah, for most purposes, a soul is a spirit."

And spirits have strength, but it isn't measurable? I don't get that.

"Yes, that is where things get mighty confusing for everyone. Spirits don't have any truly measurable qualities. I think the best analogy is to art... what makes one painting better than another? Clearly a child's scribbles are seen as worse than a master's articulate masterpiece, but ultimately it is an arbitrary and unquantifiable difference. Spirit strength is similar. While an ancient spirit may over power a young spirit in most everything, there are these weird times this isn't true. On top of this, you can't really say how different they are."

Yeah, that is confusing.

"We're taught to view everything in terms of this... solid reality, but spirits don't play by those rules. Motivation is a big part of their strength. A spirit which desires something can greatly increase its relative power, and a spirit that isn't motivated at all can seem very weak."

Hmm... still don't get it, but let's move on. So, what do you know about Fae?

"Oh those. Yeah. Just think of them as minor divinities."

Minor divinities?! Woah, back up. There are real divinities?

"Aren't you a conspiracy nut? Wouldn't this be something you assume is true?"

Absolutely not! We all know gods are just ancient aliens!

"Oh right, you're one of those. Sorry, my mistake. But, yes, there are divinities."

How does that work?

"Divinities are collective consciousness spirits. Basically, you get enough people to believe in something, and that thing can actually manifest."

Seriously? Is it that easy?

"No, that's a requirement, not a sufficient condition. We honestly don't know the exact conditions necessary to manifest a divinity, but it requires a lot of shared belief and a pretty cohesive belief at that."

Then poof, instant god?

"Not exactly but essentially. Fae are formed via a similar process, but on a smaller scale."

Wait, didn't Grenda say gods are magical?

"Yes, their avatars are, and most spiritual creatures do tend to favor magic as their chief means of power. There is an abundance of it not tied to any other creature which competes for it, making it ideal for this purpose."

Hmm... so what happens when the belief goes away?

"The divinity loses much of its spiritual power... its divine authority if you will. Its avatar will still have any strength they were imbued directly with, but the spiritual backup as it were is essentially gone. This is why the old gods don't make a big fuss anymore as their divine authority is really weak now."

Divine authority?

"Think of that as a really potent version of spiritual power. You know gods have various aspects, yes? A god of the harvest for instance. Such gods have spiritual power that allows them to... change the rules of the world temporarily in regards to their aspects. It's the same sort of thing I do but on a much more massive scale... at least it was, not anymore. None of the current divinities have much strength anymore so while they could still put on a show, it isn't that impressive anymore."

Hmm, but what about the really big religions we have around today? Surely those divinities are still powerful.

"I'm sure they would be, but you'll notice something about all those huge religions, they've very fragmented. Remember I said cohesive belief. When people can't agree on the particulars and take their belief in different directions you lose that cohesion. This messes up the process. In fact, while it could be coincidental, there is a theory out there that someone who didn't like divinities started to sabotage them by encouraging this very fragmentation."

Hmm... I like this theory. I may have to explore it. But, let's not get too distracted. So, Fae are just minor versions of divinities?

"Yes. They aren't a species per say, but rather a collective of minor divinities."

So how is Jasmine both human and Fae?

"You can be considered Fae either by being inhabited by a Fae spirit, or born of Fae magic, or both. Jasmine's still biologically human, but also a Fae. Like I said, they aren't a species."

Okay, I guess that makes sense. So, Grenda is a god?

"No. She's a demi-god. In this case the distinction is important. Gods have divine spirits backing them up, even if depowered. Demi-gods are creatures born of the avatars or meddling of the gods and don't have that divine spirit backing them up. They do, however, have empowered biology. I should mention Jasmine is a full Fae, with the spirit, so you could say she's a god in a way."

And there is... demi-Fae too?

"Essentially, but no one really uses the terminology. Fae are much weaker spirits so most of their power comes from their empowered biology, so demi-Fae or full-Fae, there isn't much practical difference."

Right. Now gods do have kids though, right? Are those demi... or full?

"Two divine avatars mating can result in either one. Historically, such unions are actually believed in by the people rather than actually happening most of the time, so you end up with a child who is also a full god, but in truth, if there was any physical mating, it was not the real point of creation of said god, but rather just a bit of theater that gods engaged in. However, if the avatars themselves decide to just get together and are biologically capable of having kids, then you get a demi-god. That's surprisingly rare though, mostly due to biological incompatibility."

Okay, okay, this is a lot of info to process... one last thing, is that the only way gods come to be?

"No. Some do the process in reverse. Some creatures are so impressive in their natural power they get a following, and the divine spirit joins with them later giving them the true divine authority. And of course, you have the 'gods in name only' who are strong enough to seem godly, but in truth are just powerful beings with no divine spirit giving them true divine authority."

Ahha! I knew it! Aliens!

"Uh... perhaps."

Mmhmm, mmhmm... right, right.

"You know, with that obsession of yours, I'd have thought Seiya would be of more interest to you."

Hmh, why?

SHUFFLE SHUFFLE

WHAT?! Why wasn't I informed about this?! There is a real live extraterrestrial here in the neighborhood and I'm only now finding out about it! I have so many questions!

RED FLASH

Wha... what was I talking about?

"Nothing important. We done?"

Um... I guess so.