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.

67. Chapter 67: Progress

Ranma ½

A Scary Thought:

What happened last time: Ranko had an unexpected meeting with some old friends, and Peach returned to Nerima to deal with Lemon's rampaging mother.

Chapter 67

XXXXX

Another new day brought Frost once more through her pocket dimension door to the San Cheng Huang. She couldn't help but yawn as she did just as Kasumi waved her over, apparently in a lull to their morning training. "Frost," she greeted. "You just get up?"

"Bit of a short sleep," Frost explained as she joined Kasumi and Shampoo. "I was up a bit late deploying sentry spells, and no, they didn't pick up anything."

"Oh, but they might," Kasumi consoled her.

"Maybe, but I'm not counting on it. They would pretty much need to see magic used in their presence, or very particular physical appearances, but since we're dealing with a shapeshifter the latter is very unlikely, and the former isn't too likely either," Frost explained with a sigh. "Still, maybe she'll mess up and we'll get a location on her."

Kasumi nodded. "Sorry for all the trouble."

Frost shook her head. "I was going to deploy them anyway, just gave me an excuse to do it quickly. No word here I'm guessing?"

Shampoo shook her head along with Kasumi. "Peach say caught scent, but lose it quickly. So Palm definitely nearby but no know where," Shampoo answered.

"Figures," Frost replied before looking about. "You busy?"

"Nothing too important," Kasumi replied and Shampoo likewise shook her head.

"Then I should probably analyze Shampoo body to figure out how... troublesome this situation is," Frost said.

"Oh, right. Do you-" Kasumi started to say.

"Should do this with some privacy," Frost quickly interjected.

"Right," Kasumi said with a nod, looking at the castle. "One of the castle rooms should do?"

"Yeah, they'll be fine," Frost said and Shampoo gestured for Frost to follow.

"I'll join you in a minute," Kasumi said and rushed over to the others for a quick talk as Shampoo and Frost started walking off.

"Don't really need her, but whatever," Frost mumbled before switching topics. "How have things with the... mother been?" Frost quietly asked, prompting Shampoo to frown.

"Fine," Shampoo answered.

"Fine?" Frost echoed skeptically.

Shampoo sighed. "Nothing interesting happen, just... Kasumi keep wanting me to check up on her. I understand, but..."

"Getting a bit annoying?" Frost asked and Shampoo nodded as they reached the castle entrance.

"Is all very pointless. Go in, say hello and leave. Feel very awkward."

"I bet," Frost replied as she looked back, seeing Kasumi jogging to catch up to them. "Hmm," she murmured as Kasumi joined them. "Right, let's do this. Shouldn't take too long."

Shampoo and Kasumi nodded and the three headed inside.

XXXXX

Ranma, having just finished his early morning set with his father, noticed Ranko by the two newcomers who were currently engaged with a light spar of their own. Curious, he joined Ranko. "Hey," he greeted.

"Hey," Ranko greeted in kind.

"Not joining them?" Ranma asked as he watched.

Ranko shook her head. "No point. I'm... not really at their level."

Ranma raised an eyebrow at that just as he noticed Herb walking over. "Seriously?"

Ranko sighed. "Yeah, seriously. If anything, I have lost ground on them since last time."

'No way, she's totally...' Ranma started to conclude before noticing Ranko's complete lack of any deception. 'She's totally telling the truth! Damn, how tough are these two? I have a tough time against her.' Now with his curiosity seriously peaked, he studied the pair intently. 'Something about them definitely is different... their beats are even hard to read.' Ranma frowned, glancing at Herb who seemed to be studying them as well, but betrayed no particular emotion.

"If you don't believe me, why don't you go find out yourself," Ranko said suddenly.

Ranma glanced at her, considered, and started marching forward. Herb took the opportunity to get a few steps closer to Ranko and quietly asked. "While I sense no deception, there is another reason you are avoiding contact with them, yes?"

Ranko tensed slightly. "Oh... right, you see through illusions too."

"Not exactly," Herb corrected. "I can sense an illusion in place on them, but not the truth beneath."

"Oh..." Ranko said in a mixture of relief, but also some worry. "They're... nothing to worry about. Just... seeing the real them would... cause a lot of questions."

"Hmm, very well," Herb conceded, watching as Ranma had apparently gotten Kane to agree to a quick match, and quick it was. Ranma found himself on the ground within seconds, and even as a third party observer, Herb could not fully understand how.

"Yeah... that's about what I expected," Ranko commented as Kane helped a flabbergasted Ranma back up. Two more brief bouts followed with little difference in their results. His ego bruised enough, Ranma dismissed himself after that and rejoined Ranko and Herb.

"That was... something," Ranma commented as he came up.

"Did warn you," Ranko replied. "If it is any consolation, I probably wouldn't do any better."

"I still cannot fully grasp what I just witnessed," Herb admitted.

"You aren't the only one," Ranko replied. "The styles they practice... are weird."

"Tell me about it," Ranma agreed. "Couldn't get any kind of read on her at all." After a moment Ranma looked back at them. "Don't suppose I could get them-"

"They won't be here that long," Ranko interrupted the thought.

"Too bad," Ranma said with a slight sigh. "Which reminds me..." he muttered as he walked off.

Herb frowned as he watched Shan and Kane start a spar, but simply shook his head and likewise walked off causing Ranko to smirk.

XXXXX

Shampoo stood within a small magic circle within one of the rooms of the castle, sighing with boredom as a ring slowly cycled, rising and falling around her. She herself was naked, although she showed no signs of this bothering her. In fact, Frost, who was standing nearby taking notes was probably more disturbed by the situation than her fellow Amazon, her eyes occasionally stealing a glance at Kasumi who was simply sitting nearby patiently, apparently unconcerned.

"Why couldn't they improve this stupid spell so you can have your clothes on?" Frost muttered quietly, but Kasumi caught such.

"Would that not make it more complex for little benefit?" Kasumi asked in confusion.

Frost winced at being heard, but nodded. "Probably," she conceded.

The scan continued for a moment longer before Shampoo suddenly asked a question. "What is it like talking to your twin?"

"Hmh?" Frost replied in surprise. "Uh... it is a bit weird sometimes, but I tended to... talk to myself a lot so is kinda like that, save it is someone else replying."

"Hmm," Shampoo responded.

"Why you ask?" Frost asked.

Shampoo considered but shook her head. "Nothing important... can't really say."

Frost frowned and looked to Kasumi, but the other woman was looking away in a slightly suspicious manner if Frost were to guess. Still, having no grounds to press, Frost decided it wasn't that important. "Alright, I think that's enough," she concluded. "You can get dressed again," Frost directed as she banished the magic.

Shampoo nodded and quickly began doing just that, but was still deep in thought.

"Something bothering you?" Frost asked.

Shampoo shook her head initially, but then paused. "I never actually felt you when you split."

"No, I guess not," Frost concurred before noticing Shampoo looking at her rather intently. Frost shrugged. "Okay, hold on," she said and pulled out a bracelet from her sleeve. Shampoo looks at the bracelet in some confusion before Frost twisted a small knob on it and an instant later two Frosts replaced the one. "There," one announced before looking back at Shampoo.

"What was that?" Shampoo asked.

"A tool I made while at Jasmine's. It allows me to transform without nearby water. Nothing terribly special," the other Frost explained. "I was thinking of making one for everyone, but the mana cost is too high. Okay for me if I use it only sparingly, but for most everyone else it would be too much for any practical use. Suppose I could do one for Herb, but I don't feel like it."

Shampoo smiled in slight amusement at this before examining the two more intently.

"Herb has been very helpful of late," Kasumi commented in his defense. "He has been a great help with many things that have come up."

One Frost just huffed while the other crossed her arms, neither apparently very convinced. "How do we feel to you?" one Frost asked.

"Like one spirit in two places," Shampoo answered.

"Figured," the other replied. "That would explain several things."

"Hmh?" Shampoo responded in confusion.

"We've both noticeably weaker than our merged form," the other replied. "Mana, ki, both about halved and our generation rate is also impaired. So it would make perfect sense that it is the same spirit doing the work for two bodies instead of one. It is why we generally don't fight like this."

The first Frost nodded. "Yeah. While we can get some initial advantage, we lose a lot of stamina. I found particularly against Jasmine it was most often more detrimental than helpful, although there are times, like if I want to get a complex spell off quickly..."

"Right," Shampoo said with a nod before touching her chin in thought. "Is that why I've noticed I recover ki so quick now?"

"Probably," one Frost acknowledged. "The spirit is what does the heavy lifting for both energies, so if your spirit is more powerful, it can likely produce more, more quickly. That said, your body is also a limiter so you probably aren't gaining that much out of it. We done?"

Shampoo nodded, and Frost quickly re-merged herself using another knob on the bracelet. Once back together, Frost continued on. "Also your total available energy is still limited by your body, although I notice you have a minor mana system now."

"Yes, Siren mentioned that too," Kasumi confirmed. "She did say it was nothing to get excited about though." Shampoo nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, but still means you're probably generating more than usual in total," the magus replied. "Probably partly what is driving your regenerative properties," she said before sighing. "Speaking of which, this is going to be tricky."

Frost took another seat as Shampoo did likewise. "Okay... so, yeah, that system of yours is... potent. Those pills are supposed to take about 1 day to break down, enough for the next pill in line to pick up the slack. Your system will break them down in a matter of minutes, maybe even seconds."

"Truly?" Kasumi asked and Frost nodded. "That is very potent."

"That's only half of it. That purging will affect even elemental toxins. You know, lead or the like. It breaks those down too."

Shampoo blinked. "How it do that?"

Frost shrugged. "God knows. I can only guess it is doing some weird atomic exchange nonsense. It isn't that odd for magics to completely transmute matter atomically, but it is surprising in this case. Point being though, anything toxic or foreign to your system is likely to get purged very aggressively from your system.

"The only exceptions I found were for naturally expected foreign matter... food and the like... and, well, reproductive material."

"Right," Kasumi said with a bit of strained smile.

"Yeah. As nice as that all is, you already knew that basically. So, onto the problem at hand. Sadly the scan didn't help matters at all. I have four ideas I was playing with and all of them are not looking so good."

Shampoo nodded sadly. "What are they?"

"First, as Siren suggested, improve the magic contraceptive to make it cheaper. That mana system is a bit helpful there as I could rig in an automated fortification, but ultimately that doesn't really change the fundamental cost."

"It that expensive?" Shampoo asked.

Frost nodded. "Oh yeah. It is probably several months' salary worth at least just for one ingredient. They're really rare and expensive to get. That's fine for a once in a while thing, but for regular use, not at all. Even if you had the funds, I don't think I could get the supply."

Shampoo frowned but nodded.

"On top of that, the spell is already very optimized, so I'm not seeing much route for improvement. So honestly, it seems like a dead end," Frost concluded before moving on. "Approach two is to fortify the daily stuff. In principle it isn't that hard, basically give the drug a magical shield to protect it from your purging effect. However, for something you take daily, that's very mana expensive... too mana expensive honestly, not to mention time consuming to do for each pill."

Shampoo sighed and nodded.

"Approach three is to flip the script and make an equivalent contraceptive for Kasumi," Frost said and Shampoo interest was briefly peaked at this but Frost shook her head. "Sounds nice, but is much harder than it seems. The daily stuff is... well, biology, and I'm not a biologist. There is pretty much no way I can make a male equivalent, and I'm not even sure one is possible for her given she changes sexes all the time. The magical one I could do, but it has all the same problems as using one directly on you, and in fact would still need fortification as she doesn't have a mana system to use."

Kasumi nodded. "That does complicate things."

Frost could only sadly nod. "Yeah. I haven't totally given up on that route, but I'm not optimistic. Lastly is the much stripped down approach. When it comes down to it, the magical contraceptive is just a glorified barrier magic inside your body. It is complex as it has to be there for months, but fundamentally it is pretty simple. There are more simple barriers that could be used for the same purpose for short periods, especially for you now as your body is automatically repairing itself."

"So what problem with that?" Shampoo asked, already prepared for disappointment.

"Two actually. First is self-repairing or not, the magic still has to be somewhat safe for obvious reasons. So, the balance of cheap and simple is tricky, and I suspect it will probably last no more than an hour. Which leads to the second problem, it is only an hour, meaning to cast it... well, someone has to cast it just before the act," Frost said with a slight wince. "And before you ask, no it isn't realistic to teach it to you. If I'm right, even stripped down to nothing, it will be a five circle spell. Spring took years to get that far, and, no offense but, she's more talented at magic than you."

Shampoo sadly nodded. "Right," she conceded with a sigh.

"It isn't hopeless. I might be able to make a tool to automate the casting, but that could be expensive in its own right. Auto casters like that usually are. At the least, it shouldn't be that mana intensive so if I can manage it, that minor mana system of yours should be able to handle it, assuming you don't overdo it."

Shampoo smiled lightly but once more sighed.

Frost looked between the two before asking, "Is it so bad?"

Kasumi shook her head. "Disappointing, but we've been managing. We have been together in my female form many times," Kasumi said, but Frost remained unconvinced, looking at Shampoo.

Shampoo noticed the attention and likewise shook her head. "Is fine. Can make do, just... is like being told you can't have your favorite food anymore. It suck," Shampoo explained.

Frost considered. "Well... even at worst, I'm sure I can make that stripped down option, maybe with some kind of on demand activation..." she said as she thought gaining Shampoo's full attention. "Uh... don't misunderstand. It would have to be a once... twice a month thing-"

"That do!" Shampoo eagerly said.

Frost withdrew slightly at Shampoo's excitement before nodding. "Okay. I'll concentrate on that approach then. You have a few weeks at least left in the current effect."

Shampoo beamed and even Kasumi smiled, causing Frost to feel a bit uncomfortable before she stood up. As she did, she was reminded of another matter. "So, how's the situation with the artifact?"

"It's been fine," Kasumi replied.

"And her?"

"Mother is fine," Kasumi answered casually, but Frost scowled at the reply. "Uh, something wrong?"

"Mother?" Frost repeated.

"Yes... oh, I mean, Kimiko-" Frost let out an annoyed growl, cutting Kasumi off. "I... I know, she's a... copy, but..."

"Yes, and you're getting too attached. Shampoo told me you have her going in practically every week to check on her. Is that true?" Frost asked accusingly.

"Well... yes," Kasumi replied, looking away self-consciously. "It... is not troublesome... is it?" Kasumi asked, looking to Shampoo for support.

"Not trouble... just awkward," Shampoo replied causing Kasumi to hang her head.

Frost let out another annoyed growl. "Okay, I understand, but this has to stop," she said and Kasumi continued to hang her head. The magus sighed. "How about this for a start, give her a new name?"

Kasumi looked up, puzzled. "A new name?"

"Something different, distinct from your mother. It may not seem like much, but it will let you separate the two in your head better," Frost argued.

Kasumi considered. "I suppose... but I couldn't just give her a name."

"Then ask her for one," Frost suggested and Shampoo nodded.

"Yes, Frost right. Ask her. She will agree," Shampoo said causing Kasumi to deflate some.

"I... perhaps you're right. It... has been difficult keeping myself from... confusing the two. If she agrees..." Kasumi finally conceded.

"I ask right now," Shampoo said and quickly rushed to a nearby couch where to lay down.

"You can do that?" Frost asked.

"Oh, Shampoo just needs to relax now to spirit walk... although she does sometimes fall asleep anyway," Kasumi explained.

Shampoo let out a huff, but did not otherwise argue and simply set herself to relaxing.

Frost watched for a moment before turning to Kasumi. "Well, while we wait, can I get access to the pocket dimension again? Was going to check on the hot water situation."

"Oh yes, of course," Kasumi replied.

With a nod, Frost turned slightly and commanded, "Open interface." With the command a display appeared before her and Kasumi rose to look at it as Frost started to go through it.

"This is the interface for the pocket dimension?"

"Yes," Frost replied as flipped through several displays, only briefly pausing at each. "It is a pretty standard addition to these things."

"Oh... would there be something similar for the artifact?"

Frost paused. "Perhaps, but opening it is the trick, and I doubt it would be this... user friendly. Sounds like that things was still in the process of creation, and not like it is a common magic, so any interface would be custom."

"Oh," Kasumi replied in some disappointment.

"Suppose we could try," Frost said and paused. "Uh... give me permission to access it?"

"Uh... just say you have permission?"

"Hopefully, yeah. That's usually enough, assuming you are recognized as its owner."

Kasumi nodded and did just that. Frost once more commanded, "Open interface," but nothing happened. "Core magic," she tried, but again nothing, causing her to frown. "Um... system controls," she said but again nothing happened. With a sigh, Frost shook her head. "Nope. So either you're not its recognized owner, or it doesn't have an easy interface, which again isn't that surprising. Only reason the pocket dimension has one is because it is a fairly common magic."

"Too bad," Kasumi said with her own light sigh.

"Yeah, would have been informative at least," Frost replied before returning to the pocket dimension interface.

Just then, Shampoo blinked and sat up gaining both women's attention.

"So?" Frost asked, but her fellow Amazon seemed uncertain.

"Uh... she say to call her... Guardian," Shampoo replied.

Both Kasumi and Frost took this in surprise.

"Guardian?" Kasumi confirmed and Shampoo nodded. "Why that?"

"I no know. She think then say that suddenly and be very insistent once suggest," Shampoo explained.

Kasumi looked to Frost who was frowning in thought. "That's an odd name to say the least," the magus commented but finally shrugged. "But... it works. Don't think you're going to confuse that."

"Well... yes, but..." Kasumi said, looking very uncertain. "If only I could talk to her again directly..."

"You haven't?" Frost inquired and Kasumi shook her head. "Suppose you got in there last time rather weirdly. Since you have a name... you can probably ask to enter."

"Just that easy?" Kasumi asked.

"It is like the permission thing. If it has a command, it should just recognize your intent I would think. Give it a whirl. You know how to get out, right?" Frost said.

"Yes, yes touch the artifact again. Is it... alright?" Kasumi asked in uncertainty.

Frost shrugged. "I honestly expected you to be pulled in there a few times already. From what we know I don't think it is a danger. If anything does go weird though, get out immediately."

Kasumi nodded. "Um... Guardian, can I come in?" Kasumi asked hesitantly.

In an instant, Kasumi found herself once more on the grass field with single lone tree. "Long time no see," a familiar voice greeted and Kasumi immediately spun to see the figure of her mother smiling at her.

"Moth-" Kasumi started to say.

"Eh!" the woman quickly caught her off with a raised finger. "None of that! Shampoo was just in here. We agreed on Guardian, right?"

"Uh... right. I'm sorry... uh... Guardian?" Kasumi said, head hanging low.

The Guardian nodded. "There, not so bad," she said and glanced to the side as Shampoo appeared. "Oh, back so soon?"

Shampoo nodded and joined Kasumi. "Is okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Is everything alright?" Kasumi asked.

"Outside you in... trance," Shampoo explained.

"Oh... I suppose that makes sense," Kasumi said. "Last time I was here only in my mind as well."

"Then don't let me keep you," Guardian said. "And Kasumi, I don't need to be checked on every darn week! Stop that!"

"I... I'm sorry," Kasumi said, once more hanging her head.

"Its fine, I understand, but stop it. I'm perfectly fine here. I don't want to see either you or Shampoo in here unless it is important, got it?" Kasumi looked up and nodded obediently, prompting the Guardian to smile. "Good. Now shoo! Off with you!" she said playfully, waving the pair off to the exit.

Reluctantly Kasumi returned to the artifact door and touched it, finding herself instantaneously back in the room within the castle, Frost examining her.

"Back are you?" Frost asked and Kasumi quickly nodded. "Good. Nothing troublesome on this side," she assured her as Shampoo rose from the couch once more to join them. "Obviously, since you seem to go into a trance, I'd advise against doing that anywhere in the open, and without supervision."

"Right, I'll keep that in mind," Kasumi said with a slight smile. "She said... I shouldn't come in unless it is important anyway."

"Good advice," Frost agreed. "Honestly, I'm reasonably confident this thing is not harmful, but playing with it is still risky."

Kasumi nodded in understanding. "I'll... be very careful."

Frost nodded along and looked back at the interface. "Well, I got other work to do that you don't need to stick around for."

"Right, let's go rejoin the others," Kasumi suggested and Shampoo and her headed out.

Frost watched them go before frowning in thought once more. "Guardian... weird name," she said idly before dismissing the matter and returning to examining the interface.

XXXXX

While all that was going on, Ranma had taken to a corner of the field outside the castle and was practicing. With precise motions he traced a simple symbol onto his forearm while simultaneously channeling his ki through it. It was an action he'd taken now over two dozen times and much to his frustration the results were anything but consistent.

This particular time he had to abort as he felt like his elbow was suddenly on fire. Fortunately, this was just a momentary feeling, but it was yet another unpredictable feedback effect. "Damn it," he grumbled as he flexed his arm to clear the feeling and then settled for another attempt.

It was about then he noticed the girl he had been introduced to as Shan approach him with a curious look. He glanced up at her but said nothing and simply returned to his efforts.

"What are you doing?" she asked curiously for a few steps away.

Ranma paused, already feeling goosebumps indicating another failure and aborted. After sighing, he looked up, shrugged, and explained. "I'm... side project... kind of. Trying to merge some magical technique into my own."

"Oh," Shan remarked and closed in a bit to look as Ranma tried once again.

"You don't seem that surprised," Ranma commented.

"We know someone who kinda does similar," Shan explained as she watched, but her words drew Ranma's attention.

"Really?"

"It doesn't seem to be the same though. He uses mana and ki together. It is weird," she explained further.

"Oh? How? I thought they conflicted," Ranma asked.

Shan shrugged. "Like I said, it is weird. He somehow makes it work," she replied.

'Maybe something like that technique Toma used?' Ranma thought but soon shrugged and dismissed the matter before returning to his tracing. "Sadly, I don't have much in the way of mana to use in any case," he noted openly.

"You don't actually need natural mana by the sounds of it, but I don't get it. It is a very... different way of doing things from what I'm used to," Shan explained as she watched Ranma intently.

Ranma glanced at her, but decided to proceed and got a more successful result this time, finishing the inscription only to have the feedback hit afterward as his arm suddenly dropped limp at his side, all the strength stolen from it. "Damn it!" he cursed as he rubbed the numb limb back to life. "I just don't get it!"

"Are you supposed to be crossing the flows?" Shan asked as Ranma flexed his arm to test its strength.

"Crossing what flows?" Ranma asked, puzzled.

"The energy flows in your arm. I see you're feeding off the main flow, but you are crossing over a secondary, and several minor flows," Shan explained, much to Ranma's shock.

"Uh... what? What flows? I double checked it against the chart-"

"A chart? Oh, that's probably why," Shan said. "All the charts I've seen only show primary flows, probably because they're the only ones that are pretty reliable to locate."

Ranma blinked at this. "And how do you locate them then?"

"I see them," Shan replied before seeing this only puzzled Ranma more. "Oh, it is part of my style. It is called the Art of Focus. It lets me see the flows of energy in... well, pretty much everything."

"You can see them?" Ranma asked and Shan nodded to confirm. "I don't suppose that's something easy to learn."

Shan smiled but shook her head. "No, sadly. It is probably the most advanced technique in the style... well, almost. Even my Ra... boyfriend took months to get there, and he's a really fast learner."

"Too bad," Ranma said and looked down at his forearm. "Secondary and minor?"

"Here, can I try?" Shan asked and Ranma offered his arm up, watching intently as Shan traced the same symbol to his arm, moved just slightly but he could immediately feel the difference in effect as on completion a slight surge in energy wrapped around his forearm. "There."

"It worked!" Ranma exclaimed as he examined his arm. The effect was fleeting, but that was expected from such a simple construct, but to see it work at all was startling. "You said these other flows aren't reliable to locate?"

Shan nodded with a sad look. "Yes. The secondary ones aren't too bad. They're specific to the person but once you know where they are, you could, at least in theory, memorize them. The minor ones are a real troublesome set though. Practical every movement you make and every shift in energy will realign those constantly. You can't really... map them."

Ranma frowned and held his chin in thought. "Right... that would explain things though. The energy is going to all the wrong places, and that's why it is so unpredictable. Say, these same flows are in the environment too, like around us?"

Shan nodded. "Yes, and just as unpredictable, but the flows aren't as strong... well, usually."

Ranma considered for a moment and nodded. "Might explain some of Rippa's issues. Of course it doesn't solve the fundamental problem."

Shan smiled and shrugged. "Can't really help there," she said and Ranma could only nod and begin thinking on the issue. After a moment, Shan looked back, noticing Shampoo and Kasumi returning outside and tensed slightly before turning back to Ranma. "Can I... ask a question?"

"Sure," Ranma answered absently.

"Ranko said you're engaged to Kasumi and-"

"And Shampoo, and Ukyo... and even Herb I guess technically," Ranma said with a sigh. "It is a mess."

"Sounds like it," Shan replied.

Ranma glanced at the girl. "You don't seem that shocked by the whole thing?"

Shan looked away quickly. "It's... ah... I mean... strange, sure, but..." she tried to explain but Ranma just smirked and shook his head.

"Yeah, just don't get the impression I like the situation," Ranma advised.

"So you don't want to marry them?"

Ranma frowned at the question. "It's... complicated. It isn't like I don't like them, I just don't like the situation is all."

Shan nodded. "So you do like... um... Shampoo?"

Ranma once more glanced at the girl, this time suspiciously. "I like her well enough," he replied honestly.

"But you don't... love her?" Shan asked, looking away.

'Why do I get the feeling there is far more to this question than I'm realizing?' Ranma thought, and considered calling out the feeling but decided against it. "Honestly..." he started, before looking at the girl in question. "I'm... not sure."

"Not sure?" Shan echoed in surprise.

"Yeah," Ranma replied, looking at Shan. "I'm not really sure with any of them," he said before once more getting suspicious. "Ranko put you up to this?"

Shan quickly shook her head. "Uh... nonono... I'm sorry, I guess this is awfully personal," Shan quickly apologized.

"So why ask?" Ranma inquired.

Shan hesitated, thinking. "Uh... truthfully... you and her remind me a lot of me and my boyfriend."

Ranma raised an eyebrow at this, but saw no sign of deception in the girl. "The guy you're getting married to?" Shan nodded. "Hmm, well, I wouldn't put much into our resemblance, if you ask me."

Shan nodded. "You're right... just... uh, never mind. Sorry, again."

"Don't worry about it," Ranma responded. "If you don't mind me asking, you really like this guy?"

"Yes!" Shan replied without any hesitation. "More than like."

Ranma smiled in amusement at that. "Well, there you go. Don't seem to me you have much doubts on the matter."

"I don't," Shan once more replied quickly.

'So what exactly is the deal then?' Ranma inwardly pondered but decided not to push. However, another question did come to him. "How do you know this guy is the one for you?"

Shan considered. "Hmm... I'd say because he's the man I want to spend the rest of my life with."

"That simple, huh?"

Shan nodded.

Ranma thought on the answer before getting up. "Well, it's getting late. I better go check in on Ukyo."

"I hear she's a bit extreme. Didn't get to meet her," Shan said.

"She's... yeah, a little extreme. She's going through stuff at the moment. Its complex," Ranma explained with a slight smile before heading off with a departing wave.

Behind him, Shan hung her head in thought.

XXXXX

Frost stepped out onto the deck and immediately set to work scanning the horizon through what would seem to be a mini telescope. Within mere moments, though she was already sighing in expected disappointment. "It's never that easy," she grumbled as she continued to look around.

"What isn't easy?" A familiar voice asked quietly from behind her, shocking Frost and causing her to spin about to see Ukyo sitting on one of the benches, looking at the various flowers that surrounded the deck absently with little interest.

"Uh... hey... long time no see."

"Mmm," Ukyo replied. "Sorry, guess I didn't say welcome you back yet... so uh... welcome back."

'God she's gloomy,' Frost thought as she examined the girl in front of her. 'What the devil happened?' she wondered but decided it best not to ask directly. "Uh... thanks. Good to see you too."

"Mmm."

Frost nervously looked about for a moment before deciding to turn away and continue her work. "I was just checking out the local ley lines."

"What for?"

"Hot water," Frost explained simply, although quickly realized out of context that made no sense, but surprisingly Ukyo simply murmured her apparent understanding and said no more. Frost stole a glance back, but the chef had apparently already lost interest and was looking the opposite way at another set of flowers. 'I think I prefer the old angry Ukyo. This one is kinda depressing just to be around.'

At that moment, Ranma opened the door to the deck and joined them, waving silently to Frost before turning to Ukyo. "There you are," he said, causing Ukyo to blush slightly and turn to him, although even this didn't seem to fully lift her heavy aura.

"I was just... thinking..." Ukyo mumbled.

Ranma nodded knowingly and sat down next to her. "You know, I still think you could take up Crystal's offer."

Ukyo looked away. "My cooking is aw-"

"Is great!" Ranma countered before she could finish. "It isn't perfect, but that doesn't make it not some of the best around. All you've been doing is cooking for those darn tests. Try out just cooking normally for a change, without all that pressure."

The chef hung her head in thought, mulling over the notion. Frost took a moment to put together what she just heard before deciding to add her own encouragement. "Yeah. Sometimes you just need to unwind and get back to basics. When I was fighting Jasmine and losing all the darn time, it was plenty frustrating and demoralizing so I needed breaks now and then to set my head straight."

Ukyo looked up, glancing between the two. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try," she conceded.

Ranma smiled. "Great! We can sort that after school," he encouraged before looking at Frost appreciatively. "What you up to?"

Frost looked back out at the city. "Trying to figure out the local ley lines to see if there is any extra power to be had."

"For?"

"For the pocket dimension," Frost answered, lowering the telescope to explain. "It turns out all the barrier reinforcement imbalanced the power supply. It was tuned for the original barrier, not the reinforced one, so now it's using up too much mana."

"That sounds bad," Ranma replied with a frown.

Frost shrugged. "Yeah, but not serious. It has a set of directives to manage low power situations, and it is just exercising them. You probably didn't notice, but the daytime is about a half hour shorter, and it is a bit colder there too. Hot water just seems to get hit particularly badly. It's stable though."

"Right, so you need more juice to make up the deficit," Ranma concluded.

"Exactly, but sadly, nothing easy to be had around here. Most the local lines are already tapped by the dimension, and the few that aren't I'm pretty sure are tapped elsewhere as they aren't stable. Doesn't give much in the way of options," Frost said with a sigh before going into thought. "Hmm... it is just hot water. Suppose I could brute force it... maybe use a primal elemental fire particle? No! What the hell am I thinking?! I'm not like those dopes at Mount Phoenix. That's total overkill, and dangerous to boot!"

"Yeah, let's not do anything dangerous," Ranma agreed. "Guess tapping into city power is out?"

"No, but not easy unfortunately. Place wasn't designed for it, so getting power to work would be a huge hassle," Frost replied.

"How about removing the reinforcement?" Ranma suggested.

"Doable, but given... things, probably best not to, just in case," Frost answered and Ranma nodded knowingly before taking interest in the telescope. "Hey, that thing sees ley lines?"

"Yes," Frost replied and immediately started to grow suspicious as Ranma's interest in it intensified.

"I don't suppose it sees energy flows in the body too?" Ranma asked, causing Frost to scowl.

"Correctly tuned, yes, but don't even go there. This is way too expensive a tool for me to lend out, and what would you need it for anyway? You aren't going to use it to fight someone?" Frost asked.

"Nono, I was just thinking of using it on myself actually," Ranma said, frantically waving off the magus' suspicions.

"Well, you're out of luck. Besides, don't you martial arts types just feel those out or something?"

"I wish," Ranma replied. "We can feel the general nature of our flows but nothing too specific and I need specific," he explained. "The glyphs helped explain some stuff, but now I need to figure out placement but apparently the energy flows are very unpredictable and not static."

"Oh... yeah, I've actually seen that," Frost agreed. "But, this wouldn't do you any good. Not like you can carry it around with you all the time and use it in a fight."

"True," Ranma said in disappointment. "It would be so much simpler if I could feel them out, but it's like looking for a particular type of hay in a haystack. Your feel for your own... energy... hmmm..." Ranma said as a thought hit him. "That... might work."

"Whatever," Frost replied and looked back out to the city. "I'm going to keep scanning and hope to find something to tap."

"Right," Ranma replied and stood up and looked back at Ukyo who had been quietly waiting. "Come on. We better get ready for school. We already missed enough, and I'm sure your record isn't that clean recently either."

"Uh... no," Ukyo agreed and stood up and the pair departed.

XXXXX

Hours later, the school day was coming to a close and the various students were at preparing for the trip home. "So, any news?" Akane asked as she retrieved her stuff. It was the first time in the day she'd managed to get close enough to him to not have anyone else overhearing.

Ranma shook his head as he likewise prepared for his trip home. "Nothing new," Ranma replied. "Did you notice-"

"Kasumi, yeah," Akane said with a face depicting a mix of emotions. "To think she was Peach the whole time."

"Yeah, if I didn't know Kasumi was at home, I might have just been fooled. Not only looks the part, but acts it well too," Ranma said with a shake of his head. "If Palm is half that good..."

Akane nodded in agreement before switching topics. "Say, those other two that were there this morning, do you know anything about them?" she asked as the two started walking to the exit

"Kane and Shan?" Ranma asked and Akane nodded. Ranma shrugged. "Not much other than they are frighteningly good as martial arts. Why?" he asked as he paused at the doorway.

"Maybe I was imagining it, but I felt like they were giving me odd looks the whole time."

Ranma smirked. "Probably imagining things," he replied before considering further. "Though... hmm... Why don't you ask Ranko about it? They're her friends."

"I don't want to be rude," Akane retorted but nonetheless considered the idea.

"Well, then let me be rude for you," Kodachi suddenly said from the side, startling Akane who had been oblivious to her presence. Without even letting Akane protest, Kodachi called out to Ranko who was just finishing at her own locker. "Hey, Ranko, Akane wanted to talk to you about those friends of yours!"

"Hmh?" Ranko replied in a bit of confusion as Akane impulsively slammed her face into her palm.

"She thinks they're rather sketchy," Kodachi explained with a smile as Ranko joined them.

Akane immediately interceded. "I did not call them sketchy!" she protested causing the gymnast to chuckle. After pouting for a moment she turned to Ranko. "I just... they seemed to be paying a lot of attention to me for some reason or another... but I'm probably just imagining it."

Ranko looked away quickly. "Oh... uh, that... it is probably a bit true at least," Ranko admitted.

"Oh?" Kodachi asked with a raised eyebrow.

"It's... Akane is a bit similar to someone they know," Ranko explained. "It's nothing to worry about."

"Similar to Akane? Shan saying I reminded her of her boyfriend," Ranma commented.

"Uh... yeah, I suppose you might," Ranko replied quickly.

"So just who are these friends?" Kodachi asked with a teasing grin.

Ranko thought and replied. "Oh, just some people I know from where I come from. Shan's getting married in a couple days and I'm invited so they came by to get me."

"Married?" Kodachi repeated in surprise but also excitement. "Are they older friends?"

"No, they're about our age, I think," Akane replied and Ranko nodded.

"Goodness me. Guess it isn't unheard of, but to be getting married so soon..." Kodachi said as she started contemplating.

Feeling unneeded in this conversation, Ranma dismissed himself and headed off. It was not long before he started his attempts at implementing his idea from earlier in the day. He spun a finger in the air, and then quickly began using that same finger to trace down his arm repeatedly.

'Yeah... this just might work,' he thought after several iterations.

He was completely oblivious to the small bird watching him leave the school grounds. Still, the small animal lost interest in him only to refocus on Akane, Ranko and Kodachi as the trio were now making their way from the school together.

XXXXX

"Shan, Kane, This is Kodachi and I think you already met Akane," Ranko introduced at the San Cheng Huang.

"Nice to meet you," both girls said in practical unison.

'Odd vibe I'm getting from these two,' Kodachi thought with the completion of their greetings. 'They're trying to mask it, but they're totally on guard. Of course, I suppose that isn't so uncommon around here,' she concluded and decided on shattering the ice good and quick as the best approach. "So, Shan, I'm told you're getting married. Congratulations!"

This had the desired reaction of startling Shan, and even Kane letting Kodachi pounce.

"So, spill! What kind of guy is he? How long you known him? Have you already gone all the way?"

"Dachi!" Akane complained in an attempt to intercede.

"No," Shan replied unexpectedly in a mixture of confusion and annoyance.

"Oh, one of those not before the wedding night types, hmh?" Kodachi pressed on despite Akane's efforts, and although Shan hesitated, she did ultimately nod in reply. "Well, don't you worry. You can vent all that bent up frustration soon enough! Makes me envious."

Akane let out a frustrated, "ugh!" but this only caused Kodachi to laugh.

Kodachi noted the on guard air of the two girls had relaxed some in just these last few moments. "So, when exactly is the big day?"

"Should start just when we get back, so a couple days from now," Kane replied.

"That is soon," Akane commented.

"Their ceremony is a bit different though, so will take two days to complete," Kane added.

"Two days?" Akane and Kodachi both said in surprise.

"Uh, yeah," Shan said hesitantly. "It is a more... traditional ceremony we decided to use."

"Hmm," Kodachi replied and held her chin in thought. "Interesting. Well, I've decided... We're going shopping!"

"Hmh?!" Everyone else said in surprise but Kodachi was undeterred.

"Yes. As way of celebration, let us all do some wedding gift shopping!" Kodachi declared confidently.

"You don't have-" Shan started to say but Kodachi quickly shook her head.

"Nonsense! I enjoy this sort of thing! Now, to the shopping district!" Kodachi ordered, and although slightly hesitant, the others soon followed as she led the way out of the restaurant.

While Akane rushed ahead to be with Kodachi and attempt to calm her some, the other three hung back enough to be out of earshot and Kane quietly said to Ranko, "Yeah... she's different."

Ranko just nodded knowingly.

XXXXX

At about that time, Ranma was sitting in the vacant entertainment room once more practicing. Repeatedly he would spin his finger in the air several times before then tracing that finger over his forearm. After five times, he rapidly finished his tracing with a quick glyph, but winced and aborted. Two more attempts though and he completed it with a grin on his face. "This just might work," he said before noticing he was in fact not alone after all. He frowned, but largely ignored his observer as he repeated the task.

"What are you doing?" Herb finally asked after two more attempts.

"Oh, isn't it obvious?" Ranma asked with a slight smirk, but Herb only glared at him. "Just applying an old training technique to a new problem."

"Old training technique?" Herb repeated.

Ranma continued on with another failure but quickly tried again. "Something Shampoo showed me actually, although she picked up the idea from Kasumi. An aid in ki control."

Herb considered. "Ah yes, using someone else's ki and attempting to control its flow in your body."

"Exactly. You can feel it a lot easier than your own," he explained as he completed another glyph successfully. "I need to track my flows, but normally it's kinda like trying to see the motion of water in a jug, it all looks the same. Toss in some dye though..."

"Ah, I see," Herb replied. "And you're adapting the Ha Do technique to supply yourself with the foreign ki necessary for the dying."

"Just need a tiny bit," Ranma concluded with another success. "And it is working... only problem is it looks like I have very limited space to work with. Still, this is a huge improvement."

"Hmm," the prince murmured with a nod. "Interesting. Could you not also further track the flows?"

Ranma looked up at the prince, considering. "Maybe. Might be able to use that to figure out the kind of side effects I'd be looking at," he thought aloud, and Herb nodded in agreement. "Not as easy though... hmm... unless I reverse it... might work." Ranma continued to consider this in silence for a few seconds before refocusing on the prince. "And what do you want, or are you just spying as usual?"

Herb frowned and huffed. After a moment he crossed his arms and looked away. "Just... looking for a distraction is all."

"Distaction?" Ranma asked curiously.

Herb hesitated, but then elaborated. "Kasumi and Shampoo have been here all day with little else to do..." he implied.

"Oh," Ranma said before returning to his practice. "Thought you'd be used to that by now."

"In limited ways, yes. Usually, however, they have other things occupying them, at least to a degree," Herb said.

"Yeah... well... is what it is," Ranma idly remarked. Herb frowned once more but said nothing. "You can always suggest a threesome," Ranma joked.

"Are... you serious?" Herb asked with wide eyes.

"No, but basically that's probably how this will go ultimately," Ranma replied before looking back at the prince. "This isn't a typical relationship. I'm still trying to bend my head around it." Ranma went through another loop of his training before muttering, "it was already complex before, but now I can't even tell you to buzz off."

Herb frowned once more, but could not dispute the words. "And you are comfortable with this?"

"Completely, no," Ranma replied without breaking from his trials. "Like I said, still bending my head around it," he replied but then sighed and ceased his current attempt to lean back and look at the ceiling with a sigh. After a moment he asked, "You love Kasumi."

"Yes," Herb confirmed without hesitation.

Ranma let out a weak laugh. "So easy for you..."

"And this still annoys me about you," Herb replied with a glare that Ranma paid no heed to.

"What about Shampoo then?" Ranma asked but this time Herb did hesitate. "Now that's a bit more my speed," he replied before Herb could.

"It is not the same with her," Herb argued as Ranma looked back at him.

"Sure. But that's more my issue, you see," Ranma explained. "I like them. Don't even like the idea of sharing them. Probably risk my life for any of them. And certainly find them attractive. Still, it doesn't seem to have that extra... fire I guess." Ranma sighed once more and returned to observing the ceiling.

Herb leaned back slightly. "I believe we already discussed this."

"Yeah... one of those two... Shan, yeah, asked and got me thinking again," Ranma replied. "Starting to wonder now if I would even know that fire if I was standing in it."

"Oh? What did she say that led to this?"

Ranma huffed but answered anyway. "That her soon to be husband is the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with."

Herb considered. "A simple enough way to think about it, I suppose."

"Yeah..." Ranma replied, refusing to elaborate further.

Herb let out a huff of his own and stood up. "I suppose I will leave you to your thoughts," he said with a critical look.

Ranma glanced at the prince before both noticed the sound of a pair of feet rushing down the hall. He and Herb both looked to the open door of the room to see Frost appear there.

"Finally, somebody," the magus said.

Both boys frowned in response, already concluding what they were about to hear was not good news from the magus' expression.

XXXXX

Slightly earlier, Akane loudly declared, "Absolutely not!"

"Why not? Kenzo's is perfect! It has a whole wedding night section," Kodachi complained with a mischievous grin.

"Yeah, I'm sure it does, but there is no way in hell I'm risking getting caught in there!" Akane replied with a scowl.

"Psh!" Kodachi dismissed with a wave of her hand. "I go there all the time and its fine," she argued but Akane continued glare and finally made her cave. "Fine. You're such a stick in the mud. I suppose you'd prefer something mundane like a fine china kettle, hmh?" she teased.

"I... well no, but... look, just something a little more low key," Akane argued back.

"Very well," Kodachi conceded. "How about something in black lace?"

Akane sighed and looked back at the others to see them trying to hold back laughter at the nature of the argument. "Whatever, fine, if Shan's okay with it?"

"I'm fine with it," Shan replied with a smile and giggle.

"Very good, then I know just the place. Don't worry, Akane, your reputation will only be slightly dirtied if you are caught within," Kodachi teased some more but Akane just sighed and motioned for Kodachi to lead on.

After a bit of a chuckle that even Akane let herself indulge in, Akane slowed to join the others and asked, "So, you haven't said much about this guy. Not to pry..."

"It's fine," Shan replied. "He's..." she said but simply trailed off with a smile.

Kane decided to speak up, explaining, "It was actually an arranged marriage to start."

"Ah, one of those, but seems you like this man?" Kodachi said from up ahead.

"Yes," Shan replied quickly. "He can be a bit... stupid sometimes, but he is a very good man at heart."

"Still, to get married so early..." Akane said with a slight frown.

"Early? It's been delayed 3 times already!" Shan complained to Kodachi's, Akane's and even Ranko's surprise. "It is so annoying! This time, I don't care if the world is about to end, we're doing it!"

Kane couldn't help but laugh at this. "She's a bit impatient."

Kodachi chuckled and looked back. "So long as he's on board with it, I'm sure it will work out."

"He is," Shan replied.

"Yeah, he's getting kinda impatient too, honestly," Kane confirmed which Shan nodded too.

"Is he a martial artist too?" Akane asked.

"Yes. He's very good too. Kinda arrogant sometimes though," Shan replied with smile.

"Kinda reminds me a bit of Ranma," Akane said with a slightly saddened look.

"I heard you were engaged to him?" Kane asked and Akane nodded.

"Yeah, but... it just felt wrong. I feel like he's my brother. I mean, I knew were supposed to get married the whole time, but I just couldn't view him that way," Akane explained.

"Doesn't help matters he was basically trying to cheat on you with me," Kodachi said with a flat look, much to Shan, Kane and even Ranko's surprise.

"Really?" Kane asked.

Akane shrugged. "Sorta... technically, but wasn't like I was against it. I wanted out of the engagement as much as he did. He just decided to use Dachi as his excuse. Stupid, but whatever, I wasn't broke up about it."

"Yes, but I found it quite annoying," Kodachi replied. "Still, he seems to have come around some at least and isn't being a total jerk to Kasumi."

"That whole thing is a mess," Akane said with a sigh. "Didn't mean to get Kasumi wrapped up in that dumb engagement." She shook away the thought. "They're working it out, so I think it best just to stay out of it."

"Yes, best not to rock the boat unnecessarily," Kodachi agreed before pausing and looking about. "Hmm, I feel like we took a wrong turn," she said as she took in her surroundings.

"We were just following... you," Ranko said but then started looking about. "I got a bad feeling," she said and this immediately put everyone on guard.

"I didn't sense anything," Shan noted as she scanned the area.

"Me neither, but looking now..." Kane said.

In answer to their suspicions, a bird flew down from above and landed in the street ahead of them, transforming into the figure of an unfamiliar red headed woman, but they all guessed her identity. Immediately, Ranko jumped in front of their group to take up a defensive posture. "Palm I take it?" Ranko asked.

Palm smiled menacingly. "Yes."

"What do you want?" Akane asked from behind.

"Hmph, satisfaction is all, and to send a bit of a message," she replied, and presented her hand in front of her, palm up, seemingly empty save a single pink flower petal. With a gentle blow, Palm sent the petal flying into the air and it rapidly began replicating itself.

Initially Ranko felt unthreatened, dismissing the attack as a distraction or magic, but quickly realized her folly as her lungs started to go on fire. "Crap!" she managed to get out as a coughing fit overwhelmed her. All around her she could see nothing but the petals as their replication was now so aggressive the whole of the street was filled.

Fortunately, as quickly as the attack began, a great wind filled the street from the opposite direction and blew all the petals away. Ranko, through her coughing, managed to look back and see both Shan and Kane thrusting their arms forward to generate the wind. However, looking forward once more she could see the petals fighting back.

Before Ranko could further consider the situation she felt herself being grabbed up and pulled back before being rocketed into the air. She quickly realized Kane had grabbed her and along with Shan they were rapidly retreating from the scene. 'Where are Akane and Kodachi?" she wondered, but her answer came when she looked at Shan who had both girls, one under each arm, and remarkably smaller than they should have been... and with whiskers on their faces as well as animal-like ears now sticking out from their heads. 'Oh hell!'

XXXXX

"You were lucky," Peach said as she neared the completion of her treatment of Akane.

The whole group was now at the restaurant within the pocket dimension, along with Kasumi, Shampoo, Herb, Ranma, Frost and even Lemon. Kodachi was sitting nearby, recovered but looking unamused while Kane was doing her own treatment of Ranko who was still struggling to breath without coughing.

"So much for her not going after others," Ranma said, annoyed.

Peach could only nod as she finished up. "There, all done."

"Thank god," Akane said as she felt her face and found it returned to normal.

"What, don't relish the idea of being a mouse?" Kodachi replied, but only in annoyance. "Can't blame you."

"It is good you retreated when you did or the transformation would have fully taken hold," Peach said, looking over at Ranko. "Seems she also knows about her, and put in a little extra to disable her."

Using winds to cycle into Ranko's lungs and back out, Kane frowned as she concentrated the extract. "Some simple irritants like pepper and such. Think I got most of it out," she said as Ranko let out some last coughs but otherwise seemed alright.

"That was dumb of me. Should have thought of that," Ranko self-admonished.

"It likely would not have mattered. From the description the magic she used was reasonably advanced. I doubt you'd have escaped its effect even being prepared for it. Your friends having some mastery of the winds probably saved you from the worst of it," Peach said before holding her chin in thought. "This is far more troubling than I was expecting. Granted this was not directly that serious, you all would have recovered in time, but it was dangerous regardless, and she may have been intending to kidnap you."

"I don't suppose us blowing it back in her face will stop her?" Kane asked but Peach shook her head.

"This level of transformation magic will have no effect on her. Likewise the irritants are equally harmless to her. She's likely long gone by now, but I'll go check the area to see if I can find anything. I may need to call in backup, but that's going to take days" Peach said in irritation before heading out.

"Now what do we do?" Ranma asked. "Peach can't protect everyone all at once, and we can't all hold up in here indefinitely."

"This very dilemma is likely exactly her goal in this attack," Herb replied.

"Send us a message, she said," Ranko recalled. "Well, guess that message is I'm willing to go after anyone, so what are you going to do about it?" Herb nodded in agreement.

"Days... they were here in a flash last time as I recall," Ranma said in irritation.

Herb closed his eyes. "Yes, but that was when one of their own was at threat. This time..."

Ranma let out a disgusted growl but could only nod in understanding.

Kasumi looked down in thought. "I don't know what to do."

"For now, all we can do is continue to wait. Matters have not yet gotten that critical. Still, I would advise as many as is practical to move here for their safety," Herb said before turning to Frost, "unless, you can create more of these barriers?"

Frost shook her head. "Not a chance. Best I can do on short notice are Fence class barriers. Those won't even slow a Kitsune of this level down. Not to mention, the amount of mana in the area isn't exactly high either to supply other stronger barriers even if I did have the resources and time to make them."

"So then that returns us to bringing people here," Herb concluded.

"Ugh, that's not practical for most. Maybe Uncle Tendo, Mom, Pops, Nabiki and Akane, but there are all kinds of others. She hit Kodachi after all," Ranma pointed out.

"She may have just been incidental, but I do concur this solution is definitely imperfect," Herb replied. "However, I see no other options at this point in time."

Ranma sighed. "Any disagreements?" he asked but no one spoke. "Alright, I'll call over to the dojo and give them the heads up."

"Before they attempt to move, let us wait for Peach to return. It is probably best that she escort them," Herb said and Ranma nodded.

"Right."

"Yeah, I'll have to get some clothes and such too," Akane said with a sigh. "What about you, Dachi?"

Kodachi closed her eyes in consideration. "I'll take my chances at home. If she chooses to attack me once more, at least you will know the extent to which she'll stoop."

The others nodded and started to break up into smaller groups to talk. Lemon remained on her own for some time, thinking before looking up with a determined look.

XXXXX

"It's alright, Kasumi," Nodoka assured her as the rest of the Tendos and Saotomes made themselves at home. "This is not your fault."

"Feels like it though," Kasumi remarked but put on a brave smile. "Hopefully it will only be for a short while."

"Think nothing of it," Soun said as he came out of his assigned room. "This is just a... mini vacation away from home, even an opportunity. I don't get to come over nearly often enough."

"Are you sure your work with the council won't be-" Kasumi asked, but Soun waved her off.

"Bah, that's nothing. There are no big meetings scheduled and I can always invite the others here if anything comes up that needs me," her father said.

"By the way, what do you do for food here? Do you use the restaurant kitchen?" Nodoka asked and Kasumi nodded.

"If it is very late or early, yes, but if it is in operation you can just ask for it from the head chef on duty. They'll see to it. There is also a kitchen in the castle if need be, but it is a bit inconvenient from here," Kasumi explained. "If you have any trouble, just ask Crystal. She said she'll be staying over as well for a few days just in case."

"Excellent," Soun declared.

"Wonder if it is wise to keep the restaurant running?" Nodoka thought aloud.

Down the hall, having apparently been listening in, Peach answered from one of the rooms. "Perhaps not," she said as she came out. "However, on principle I'd say to continue as normal. If nothing else it will frustrate her. I will do my best to secure your employees' safety. If she chooses to attack them, she will risk encountering me, and my back up should be here before she devises how to get around that issue."

All nodded in acceptance of this.

After some final words, Kasumi headed up to her own room, sighing as she came in. At the moment, the room was empty, Shampoo apparently off elsewhere, so Kasumi simply walked to the coach situated by the television and sat down dejectedly. She did not have long to wallow in her feelings though before a knock came at the door. "Come in," she called out, trying to reset her appearance and looking back only to discover Lemon. "Lemon!" she said in surprise.

Lemon hesitated at the door, but finally entered and closed it behind her. "Can... can we talk a moment?" she asked.

"Of course," Kasumi replied and gestured for Lemon to a seat nearby, but the kitsune shook her head and remained where she was.

"I'm sorry about what my mother is doing, she has no right," Lemon quickly said.

"You needn't be-"

"Of course I need to!" Lemon unexpectedly snapped before cringing and looking away. "She's my mother, and this situation is happening because of me," she continued more calmly.

"I suppose, but you didn't do anything to encourage it," Kasumi replied.

"That's beside the point!" Lemon complained before hanging her head. "Why are you like this?!"

"Like what?"

"Why are you not angry?!" Lemon finally asked forcefully as she looked up and glared at Kasumi. "Your life is being messed up and you're just taking it!"

"I... I'm not sure really," Kasumi replied. "I just... always feel like there is more I can do."

"Ugh!" Lemon groaned in frustration. "That doesn't mean you can't get mad. When people take advantage of you... when they make your life harder for no good reason, you shouldn't just accept that."

Kasumi blinked and nodded. "Perhaps, but that's just not the way I am," she responded before asking, "Is this about you?" Lemon was taken aback and looked away, but did not reply. "I don't even think we've even spoken to each other since... I suppose the bathroom at the school?"

"About then, yeah," Lemon muttered. "Why have you stuck your neck out for me? You know what I did, don't you?"

"I do," Kasumi answered. "But I also, at least somewhat, understand your reasons."

"That doesn't..." Lemon started to argue but aborted. "You're such an idiot!" she declared, but Kasumi could not tell if the insult was meant for her, or Lemon herself.

"No, I suppose having reasons alone doesn't excuse it," Kasumi responded. "I think you did make a mistake... many mistakes, bad mistakes, but were just that, mistakes. I don't think you're evil... just... desperate perhaps."

Lemon huffed and turned away to the door. "Don't think you're always right about people," Lemon remarked as she opened the door. "I'll do something about Mom," she said at last and rushed from the room before Kasumi could question her further.

XXXXX

"You still here, Dachi?" Akane asked as she came up the stairs, some luggage in hand, to find Kodachi observing.

"Peach wanted to secure the area, and was going to escort me once done with you lot," Kodachi said with a sigh. "Doubt it will matter ultimately, but I can't really argue."

"Right," Akane said and started down the hall, Kodachi quickly moving to take one of her bags to assist. "What a pain."

"Yes, quite," Kodachi agreed as they reached the doorway to a free room and entered. "With some hope, a brief pain."

"Yeah," Akane agreed as she set her bag on the bed and looked about in consideration. The look was enough to tell Kodachi there was another matter, so she closed the door and waited. "Did you... did you happen to see what happened?"

"Hmh? Of course," Kodachi replied, confused.

"I mean, after... while we were running away," Akane continued.

"I got a good look back if that is what you mean. Didn't see much other than a bunch of flower petals," Kodachi answered. Akane frowned, dissatisfied. "Why?"

"I was looking forward... maybe I just... maybe it was just something to do with all that was going on..." Akane hesitantly evaded.

"Spill!" Kodachi ordered impatiently.

Akane hung her head for a second before looking up. "I swear to god... Kane... she looked just like me!"

"She doesn't look a thing like you," Kodachi replied, further confused.

"Not normally, not but at that moment, I'm sure of what I saw. She was me!"

Kodachi puzzled over this, but Akane seemed certain. "You think she's a kitsune."

"I was thinking... but Peach hasn't said a thing, and Shampoo hasn't either, and even more importantly she was holding Ranko. If she was a kitsune, that would have totally screwed her up. Plus why transform to look like me in that moment? Doesn't make any sense!"

Kodachi held her chin in thought. "I... don't know. Perhaps something to do with the magic we were affected by meddled with your senses, or sense of recognition."

Akane's certainty drained some upon hearing the suggestion. "Maybe, but that's bloody weird, isn't it?"

"Yes, but like you say, it makes no sense," Kodachi replied and shook her head. "Whatever the case, she seems to be on our side. If you feel she is dangerous, or hiding something, you can mention it discreetly."

Akane frowned. "I don't want to be throwing around wild accusations that make not a lick of sense," she said and sighed. "I'll just... keep an eye on her."

"And Shan too, they are a package deal... Hmm, Kane... very close to your own name," Kodachi commented.

"Meaning?"

"Don't know," the gymnast replied with a shrug. "Probably just a coincidence."

"Hmm," Akane replied and Kodachi opened the door, effectively ending the discussion.

"I should see if Peach is ready to go. Do keep in touch though. Now you have me curious."

XXXXX

End Chapter 67

Next time in A Scary Thought: Herb, Ranma and Lemon set out to confront Palm on their own.

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! And today we have two special guests, namely Shampoo and Akane, but not our local Shampoo and Akane if you catch my meaning.

So, girls, for the sake of people unfamiliar with you both, why don't you give everyone the tldr of your situation?

"Tldr?"

Too long, didn't read.

"Oh."

I know, newer internet lingo, long past your original time.

"Makes me feel old."

"Yeah."

"Well, anyway, where to start?"

"How short you want this?"

Hmm... good question... How about three paragraphs or less.

"That's a lot to squeeze in... Okay, I'll take a crack at it:

"We, meaning the my family, won a trip shortly after Mom passed and ended up exploring China. Ended up at the village, stuff happened, Dad married Soon Li, me and Shampoo got into a bit of a feud which ended badly for her. We ended up adopting her and continued our trip around China looking for a cure... oh yeah, she got cursed in there. Obviously, that didn't succeed, the finding a cure bit, so we finally went home.

"Then Ranma came in, was initially given the choice between us. More stuff happened, he ended up choosing Shampoo. I'm dating Ryoga now."

"Yeah... dating..."

"Ahem, yes, and-"

Hold on! What was that?

"Nothing important."

Oh? I got a feeling you're hiding something.

"You're interrupting and I still have a paragraph and a bit left."

Fine. Go on.

"Okay... right, where was I... right dating Ryoga. Don't give me that look...

"Anyway, oh yeah, guess I should mention Ranko. See, our world is actually kinda connected to another one where Ranko came from. We were sort of the center of that, which is a whole thing I definitely can't fit in. But long and short of it is, more stuff happened, and most everyone from Ranko's world ended up merged with ours, but they don't really know it, and yeah..."

"Yeah... that would take a lot more to explain."

Can't argue with that.

"Didn't even get to the whole situation with Soon Li and those dang Executioners."

Serious business that.

"Definitely!"

So... still not coming clean, huh?

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Shampoo, care to comment?

"I'm sworn to secrecy... although I do find it very... vexing."

"You're not helping."

Hmm... okay, I think I have an idea, but I'll just leave that. Moving on... You guys mentioned you've taken on some knowledge of each other's styles via this unification thing. Anything else?

"Oh yeah... no secrets between us anymore."

"Mmhmm, not much privacy to be had."

That sounds like a bit of an annoying side effect.

"Yep. Probably why Ranma and Ryoga are having trouble stabilizing it."

Oh they can unite too?

"Yes, although only for about 10 minutes. We're at the max of 15 it seems."

"They're getting better at it, but Soon Li says since they are nearly as familiar with each other, it is causing them issues. Also seems that can't let go."

Let go?

"Yeah. When you first do it, while you are united, we both are kinda there still, but that holds you back. You have to fully embrace the unification and become one person. So, in a very real way, Shamne is a distinct individual from us. Ryoga and Ranma haven't managed that yet so they're still having issues."

Hmm, interesting. I could probably go on for days with questions, but that's probably best left for another time. One last one though: You mentioned Cologne from the other world already merged with her counterpart. What was that dimension like?

"Quite different, actually. Shampoo was already married there, although not to Ranma near as we could tell... some other guy. We didn't stick around long after we figured it out."

Not to Ranma?

"No, he and Akane were still engaged there."

What about Mousse?

"Didn't see him. Maybe he was around but didn't seem like, and no it wasn't him. Whoever it was that Shampoo was married to, seems he and Ranma had it out for Shampoo and he won. Don't know whether that was a fight, or something more elaborate or what."

"Everybody seemed pretty happy with the situation so we didn't pry."

Sounds like a world similar to Ranko's.

"Mmm... yeah, reasonably close, at least closer than ours or yours."

Right, alright. Think that's all I have for you. We'll see if my counterpart gets a crack at things, although that will probably be with someone else, but who knows. Till next time folks!