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.

38. Chapter 38: Aftermath

Ranma ½

A Scary Thought:

What happened last time: Our little excursion to the hotel La Bac came to an end and now everyone needs a good breather.

Chapter 38

To say Soun was anxious was a little bit of an understatement. With the events of last night behind them, a good number of those who had ventured inside were taken to the hospital. Most of it was minor injuries, including those Soun had suffered, but the exhaustion was particularly nasty and he had found himself passing out before he could visit Kasumi. Now he off to do just that, but as he was prone to doing, his imagination was in overdrive and not feeding him comforting scenarios.

By the time Soun arrived on Kasumi's floor of the hospital he was in a half panic and seeing Cologne speaking to Dr. Tofu outside Kasumi room, he immediately assumed the worst and rushed over. "Doctor, how is my little girl? She's going to pull through, right? If you need anything, blood, kidney, liver, heart, you can have mine right now!"

"Calm down, Mr. Tendo," Tofu replied, trying not to be knocked over as Soun shook him by the shoulders. "As I told you last night, Kasumi is in no danger. She's just exhausted is all."

"You're... sure about that?"

"Positive," Tofu replied with a smile and Soun finally calmed and released him.

At Tofu's side, Cologne looked up at the doctor. "He is her father, he should know everything."

"What?" Soun said in renewed anxiety. "Tell me, what is wrong with my precious Kasumi?"

"It's nothing to worry about, Mr. Tendo, but Cologne is right you should know," the doctor replied. "I'm not exactly sure what caused it, but Kasumi is suffering from a very rare, but temporary, condition. It's most often referred to as healing sickness, because it most often occurs when someone received very large amounts of ki based healing energies."

"But... it's not serious, right?" Soun asked in a mix of hope and despair.

"Not at all," Cologne replied. "As said, it is temporary. It is probably the result of excessive use of the Ha Do power she can wield."

Reassured somewhat, Soun calmed and asked, "What exactly is this healing sickness?"

"Simply put, if a large amount of foreign ki is flooded into a person's body, that person's energy field is contaminated. The result is the person starts to produce less of their own ki in response, and when the foreign energy runs out, it is not replaced. It leaves the individual weakened for prolonged periods of time. However, the body will readapt over time, usually a few days to a few weeks depending of the severity. Unfortunately Kasumi has a rather severe case so I'd expect at least a week until she is fully recovered."

"But, she will fully recover, right?"

"Yes," Tofu replied. "In fact, I should be able to release her from here sometime tomorrow I would suspect. Being a martial artist of her level, she naturally has ki levels far greater than she needs for everyday activity. She just won't be up to her usual strength for a while."

Satisfied, and greatly relieved, Soun looked through the window in the door to Kasumi room and could see Shampoo already inside at Kasumi's bedside. "Shampoo is already awake?" Soun asked in surprise.

"Yes, quite surprising, I must agree," Tofu replied. "I was just discussing that with Cologne actually."

"Then, her poisoning wasn't serious?"

"No, it was very serious," Cologne replied. "In fact, she received a lethal dosage."

"Lethal?" Soun said in surprise.

"Well, we don't know that for sure," Tofu quickly interjected. "She's obviously quite well. We administered an anti-toxin as soon as the poison was identified, but she was recovering already. I am certain the lab just made some kind of error in the dosage level. In fact, her latest test shows it is completely clear of her system."

"A lab error could account for the poison's mysterious disappearance, but not for the rest of her recovery," Cologne countered. "All the injuries she received in the La Bac are healing remarkable fast. Her wrist, which was injured before has in fact already healed completely."

Soun nodded and pondered this. "There was that strange light..."

"That's what I'm thinking as well," Tofu added. "Near everyone seems to have gained some healing effect from it. Shampoo seems to have been the most pronounced though. It is a bit of a mystery, but in the end all seems to be well. I would have kept her in longer for observation, but she was insistent on seeing Kasumi immediately."

Nodding once again in understanding, Soun looked back inside. "Kasumi is still sleeping then. I suppose I shall come back a bit later."

"You're welcome to stay," Tofu replied. "I'll fetch you when she's awake."

"Thank you," he replied and headed off. He could wait a while, especially as Kasumi no doubt needed all the rest she could get by the sounds of it.

Soun was about half way down the stairs to the lobby when an unexpected blur ran straight into him. Thankfully, being a fairly capable martial artist himself he maintained his footing. Such could not be said for the blur who was now visible as a young girl that Soun vaguely recognized. The shock of impact apparently had stunned her and she was falling backwards when Soun managed to catch her.

"You have to be more careful there, miss," Soun said with a smile.

"I... sorry," the girl replied, taking a quick glance behind her to see that it would have had a rather long fall. "I was just going to see Kasumi."

"Kasumi? Oh yes, now I recognize you. You're Hinako, aren't you?"

Ms. Hinako looked back up at Soun, blinked for a second then nodded.

"I see you're fully recovered."

"Oh... ah... yes. And... you're Kasumi's father?"

Soun nodded. "Yes, although right now she's sleeping. Why don't we go to the cafeteria and get some lunch while we wait for her to wake up?"

"Uh... sure," she replied and smiled.

XXXXX

Far away, at a place called Manpukuji temple, Ukyo was regarding a small dumpling in her hand. "You really mean that this little dumpling can fix my energy system?"

"Of course," the priest replied as he sat down opposite her in one of the temple's back rooms. "The recipe has been handed down for generations. It was made specifically to address the side effects of the burning soul technique."

Ukyo looked at it skeptically. "The doctor said the only way to fix this was through some weird pressure point techniques that he didn't know."

"He was only partially correct. No physical treatment would repair the damage. However, there are forms of chi treatments that can, and those pressure point techniques are the most well known form of that. But, that dumpling is endowed with a very special aura that can affect your body's aura, regenerating it."

"An aura?"

"Yes, it is a particularly advanced recipe, and one of the few I have managed to personally master. Go ahead and eat it, you will feel its effects immediately."

Still skeptical, Ukyo decided she had nothing to lose and tossed the dumpling in her mouth. After a bit of chewing and a quick swallow Ukyo was just about to declare the whole thing a bust when sure felt a sudden fire in her stomach. She barely had time to react to this before the fire spread throughout her body and she felt like she would explode in flames, but she did not. Instead the fire within her quickly subsided and Ukyo took in a deep breath. "Woah!"

"I see you felt it."

"Yeah," Ukyo said hesitantly and looked are her hand. Clenching it firmly she could feel a change, as if just that bit of strength she had not had before had returned. "So, I'm all better now?"

"Yes. The dumpling's power takes only a few seconds to reach maximum potency. However, this has not addressed the fundamental issue with the burning soul, only repaired the damage. It took me many hours to make that one and every time you abuse your system like that you will need another such dosage to ensure you don't further damage yourself," the priest explained.

"I understand," Ukyo said after a second. "This is amazing. You said this was a recipe? Could you teach it too me?"

The priest closed his eyes and held his chin in thought. "It is possible. If you are truly a descendant of the founder than perhaps it is you then that the recipe book was meant for."

"Recipe book?"

The priest nodded. "A book of recipes left to us by a visitor to the temple who came here over a hundred years ago. It details not only the recipe for the dumplings but many others as well. Some are even said to perfect the burning soul."

"Perfect it?" Ukyo exclaimed in surprise. "Just who was this visitor?"

"Difficult to say," the priest replied, looking out a window. "Although the obvious assumption is that he too was a descendant of the founder since the burning soul was a technique limited to your family line. Stay here for a moment."

Ukyo watched as the old man got up and left the room briefly then returned with a small box. He placed the box down in front of Ukyo and then returned to his original position. "See this," he said as he opened the box and a golden light poured out. Ukyo shielded her eyes for a second until they became used to the light then looked on at what appeared to be an okonomiyaki shining with golden light.

"That's... amazing..."

"More amazing still, this okonomiyaki is in fact over a hundred years old."

"What?"

"Yes, but its aura maintains its freshness. Were you to bite into it, it would have the same taste it had when it was newly cooked. That visitor, a man from Osaka, was the one who gave us this, and it is this temple's greatest treasure," the priest explained then restored the top to the box.

"A golden okonomiyaki... my grandfather once told me about such a thing. He said his father, my great grandfather, could make such a thing. It must have been him."

"Hm, yes, that would confirm the theory," the priest said in agreement.

"And you say he left an entire recipe book here too? Why would he leave it here?"

Once more the priest looked off through the window. "He said the recipes contained within were both powerful and dangerous, but most important required a certain... spirit to use properly."

"Spirit?"

"Yes. Oh, the heart of the individual is more important than anything else in the recipes there in. It was his hope that only someone who could properly utilize these recipes would gain possession of the book. We have kept it secreted away for that reason. I mention it only to you as you are undoubtedly a descendant of both our founder and that visitor. Perhaps you are the individual he sought."

A perfect burning soul... with that I could use it without worry... Ukyo thought tensely. "Can I see this recipe book?" she asked eagerly.

"It is not quite that simple, even for you, one whose blood is the same as theirs. First, there must be a test."

"A test?" Ukyo asked, suddenly nervous.

"Yes, a cooking test."

"Cooking test..." Ukyo echoed in surprise then smiled. "I'm the best cook there is. Bring whatever test you have on. I'll defeat it easily."

The priest looked at Ukyo seriously for a moment. "You understand that this is no ordinary cooking test. Only the right kind of spirit can allow you to pass."

"Right kind..." Ukyo hesitated but then raised her clenched fist in defiance. "I don't care what kind of test it is. I'm prepared."

"Very well then. For this there is only one test, pass or fail all depends on this," the priest began to explain, Ukyo nodding all along. "I shall ask you to prepare me one dish, and only one, and that shall be what I judge you on."

"You name it, I can make it. I'm versed in every discipline. Okonomiyaki, pasta, pastry, meats, vegetables... I can do it all," Ukyo replied with a smile.

"I am sure. Then, I ask you to make me..."

"Yes?"

"Toast."

"Right, toast... TOAST?" Ukyo exclaimed.

"Yes, dry toast actually."

"WHAT?" Ukyo screamed as she jumped to her feet. "Any moron can make toast! Even Akane could probably make toast and she couldn't cook if her life depended on it! Is this your idea of a joke?"

"No, bring me toast... dry toast," the priest replied, unfazed by Ukyo's outburst.

Ukyo stared at the old man for a long moment, examining him intently. He's serious. He really just wants toast. What kind of idiotic test is this? she thought, barely holding her anger in check. "Fine!" she finally burst out to say. "I'll bring you the best damned toast you've ever tasted. Where's the kitchen?"

Calmly, the priest pointed through a nearby doorway, and Ukyo rushed off. As she did, the priest signed. "Not a good start."

XXXXX

"Rissse and ssshine," Sissithississ said and he opened the curtains within Lemon's room. Her reaction was less than amused.

"Go away. I'm tired!"

"It isss already noon, sssleepy head," Sissithississ replied as he sat down at the end of her bed and looked at her. "It ssservesss you right for running off on your own like that, essspecially ssso sssoon after you recovered."

Lemon responded by burying her head under her pillow and moaning.

"Ssso, am I to expect you to be yet another ssstep down on the marriage latter?"

"No," Lemon replied.

"Ssso then, what were you upto?"

Lemon took a moment then answered, "Nothing important."

To Sissithississ's ears the answer seemed dejected. Obviously, whatever she was upto didn't work, he concluded and stood up. "Well, you missed all the excitement around here. Kasumi was kidnapped!"

"What?" Lemon asked, and Sissithississ could hear some hope in her voice.

"Don't get too excited, she's already back."

"Ooooo..." Lemon moaned out and reburied her head.

The snake warrior shook his head and headed to the adjoining door. "You really are worrying over nothing. Kasumi, as near as I can tell, has no plans on marrying Herb. She already has several other suitors, one who is in fact her fiancé, although that's an arranged thing. Still, I'd say the odds of Herb actually marrying her are rather low at this point. And once she's spoken for, he's free to come back to the Musk with you."

Lemon grumbled under her pillows, clearly not convinced by the logic. However, Sissithississ had had his fill of trying to console her and headed into his room, leaving her alone. After several more minutes of silence, Lemon finally uncovered herself and was frowning in thought.

"Maybe I have been going about this from the wrong angle. If Kasumi marries someone else..." she thought aloud and began to consider her next plan of attack.

XXXXX

At Doctor Tofu's clinic, Frost was taking a much needed nap. It wasn't really what she wanted to be doing. No, she wanted to be over at the hospital making sure Shampoo was fully recovered, but Cologne had insisted. Although, that order had delayed talk on several issues. Shampoo still had yet to speak more than five words to Frost since the little incident with Kasumi, and no doubt everyone seeing her curse would raise a few questions too. However, Frost could hardly argue the point. She was completely exhausted mental, physically, and most definitely magically. Were not so much happening, she could well see herself taking a nice week long hibernation.

So, not long after getting into her room, and completing a quick task Cologne had set her, Frost's had passed out. She was just beginning to enjoy the rest when a knock at the door awakened her. She opened her eyes to find Cologne already entering the room.

"Feeling any better?" Cologne asked.

"I'm... fine," Frost managed to say as she drowsily got up. "I guess I used up more energy than I thought."

"More than you thought? You were dipping into your chi and you don't have a whole lot of that to spare. That was rather reckless of you."

"I know," Frost said with a bowed head.

Nodding, Cologne turned to other matters. "And did you send off my summons?"

"Yes Elder. She hasn't responded yet," Frost replied, looking back up. However, as she did she could see they were not alone. A new visitor was in the room. Her hair was topped with a high ponytail holding back her long curling blond hair. If that weren't enough to identify her, her near scandalous outfit made it clear who it was. She stood behind Cologne, a single figure raised to her mouth as a signal to remain quiet.

"Right..." Cologne started to reply then noticed a slight change in Frost's expression. "Siren, enough games."

"Aw! You've become a real stick in the mud since your hair went gray," the Amazon magus jokingly replied as Cologne turned to her.

Cologne sighed at seeming the teasing face of the Amazon's Arch-mage. "How long you been here?"

"Just a minute. I didn't wish to wake up our little overachiever here so I was waiting for you to show up," she replied. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your little call?"

"First of all, why didn't you tell me Frost had a curse?"

Frost cringed, but Siren's response was merely to wave off the matter. "It was nothing important to know."

"You assigned Frost to me for training yet didn't see fit to... ah never mind," Cologne replied with a moan, but looked back at Frost. "Don't think you're off on this matter. Despite Siren's little omission, you should have told me."

"Sorry, Elder," Frost replied, once more bowing her head.

Satisfied, Cologne turned back to Siren. "Come, we should go to the hospital. We can discuss matters along the way."

"Can I-" Frost started to ask.

"No," both older Amazon's replied sharply.

"But-"

"Cologne is right, you spent far too much of your energy. You need rest," Siren replied. "Besides, this is great opportunity for me to get some alone time with my dearest."

"Would you quit that?" Cologne moaned out in annoyance as Frost felt a sudden bit of queasiness at the mental image the remark produced.

"Bah, you both can't take a little joke," Siren complained as she turned to leave. "Well, I do have other matters to attend to, so let's get going." Shaking her head, Cologne followed.

After the two elders left, Frost laid back down. "I always knew she was a sicko," she muttered as she drifted back off to sleep.

XXXXX

Usagi awoke to the sound of voices, familiar voices. However, she really didn't dwell on the familiarity, but rather the fact that she was awake at all. I should be dead. Maybe this is the afterlife? she thought and risked a peek only to find herself in a hospital room. Somehow I don't think there are hospitals in the afterlife.

That thought calming her; she finally concentrated on the voices and recognized one as Mamoru's. She glanced across the room and could see him standing in the doorway speaking with the other voice. It too was familiar but not quite as easily recognized, as if something was slightly different about it.

This is an awful lot like how that dream started... Usagi thought with a sudden renewed worry, and with that thought finally matched the voice with a face. That's Seiya's voice! That's impossible. I must be still dreaming, she thought, closed her eyes again and willed herself to wake up, but nothing happened.

"What did they say?" Usagi could hear Mamoru ask.

"I can stay for a little while, at least until we get some answers," Seiya answered back. "Is she awake yet?"

A moment of silence passed and despite having her eyes closed, Usagi knew Mamoru was looking back at her. Just act like I'm asleep, that's the ticket. No demons can throw me into anymore pits if they don't realize I'm on to them, she thought. However, as she thought this she could hear Mamoru approach her bed side and tensed.

"Usagi?" he asked at last, a mix of concern and hope in his voice.

A second passed and another set of footsteps came into the room, also stopping next to the bed, and Usagi could feel two pairs of eyes on her. I think the jig is up, she thought and finally opened her eyes. To her relief, she was not confronted with two demons in Mamoru's and Seiya's forms, but the good old human variety. But, that did not explain why Seiya was here... or why he was a she at the moment, sporting quite a different hairdo than Usagi had ever seen her with in either form.

"Usagi?" Mamoru repeated in concern at her lack of response.

"I think she's a bit shocked to see me," Seiya offered and Usagi nodded mutely in response. "Well, it's a bit of a mystery to all of us, but never mind that right now. Are you okay?"

"I... how do I know I'm really awake?" Usagi finally asked and risked sitting up.

"Pardon?" Seiya asked.

"Those nanites, they apparently leave their victim in a dream like state," Mamoru explained, and looked at Usagi intently. "Usagi, you're awake, trust me. All the nanites were burned out of your system when... when your crystal shattered."

Usagi looked down at her chest where her broach containing the Silver Crystal would usually be, but found nothing. "It... I really did destroy it then," she said to the shock of both her guests.

"You did?" Mamoru asked in confusion.

Usagi looked at him for a moment in thought. As much as the content was like a dream, the feel wasn't the same. There was the firmness of the moment, not the haze of a dream. There was no denying that this was reality this time. Finally Usagi nodded, confirming what she had said. "I had to, to stop... me from hurting you all. But... I should be... dead, shouldn't I?" she asked, looking between Mamoru and Seiya for an answer.

"Oh, we got a lot of mysteries here," Seiya replied, "not least of which is how I got teleported to Earth."

"Teleported?"

"Sure seems that way," Seiya replied. "One minute I was all set to get myself a nice shower and the next... poof, I'm in the middle of a building I've never seen before and you're there. No warning, no nothing. Good thing it didn't happen a few minutes later or that could have been a little embarrassing," she joked, but Usagi seemed more nervous than amused.

"And... you're a girl..."

"Of course, I only used that male body here on Earth," Seiya explained. "On my planet there is no need for that."

"Oh... of course," Usagi echoed. "Um... so what did happen... exactly? I didn't... well, I was dreaming..."

Mamoru nodded a sat down in a nearby seat. "I don't know exactly how much you missed, but I can try explaining as much as I can."

"I think I'll leave that to you," Seiya said and waved a goodbye. "I'm going to tell the others you're alright."

"Uh... sure," Usagi said and watched as Seiya left then looked back at Mamoru. "Just... poof?"

Mamoru nodded with a weak smile. "Yeah, it has us all a bit confused. Do you remember anything?"

"I... not really. I remember destroying the crystal... and this voice... It's all very confusing."

Mamoru nodded once again, this time in understanding and began to relate his side the events.

XXXXX

Down in the hospital cafeteria, the rest of the Senshi were gathered together over lunch, waiting for news. Seiya arrived to this scene with a slight grimace at seeing Michiru examine her new look in the mirror with a frown. "The boxer look really isn't you, Michiru," Seiya said as she sat down to join them.

Tenderly toughing a rather noticeable bruise under her eye, Michiru nodded. "Yes, but a few more inches to the left and it would have been a broken nose. I'll take the bruise," she commented with a weak smile and closed her compact. "How is Usagi?"

"She just woke up," Seiya replied, "but she doesn't appear to remember much, and, no, she hasn't turned into any weird demon or such."

"That's good," Rei replied.

"That wasn't a likely result anyway." Ami pointed out. "All the Senshi who had their stars removed simply faded away unless Galaxia gave them those bracelets. Only non-Senshi changed. But, at least she is alright," Ami said. "We should go visit her when we're done." The suggestion gained several nods of agreement. "And what about you, Seiya? Are you staying?"

"For the time being," she replied. "I contacted Princess Kakyuu already, she said it was alright. Until I get some answers on how I got here, going back may be pointless anyway. Could find myself right back here again."

"Quite true, I've been reviewing my readings, but they are not very helpful," Ami said. "Unfortunately, whatever happened to Usagi seems to have overloaded most of my sensors, so they didn't record much."

"I think the answer on how you got here is fairly obvious," Setsuna suddenly said, gaining everyone's attention.

"What do you mean?" Seiya finally asked after a moment.

Setsuna eyes were distant as she considered how to respond. "I... have considered the level of power demonstrated by this... Rose woman, and Kasumi... and everyone else for that matter. None of them show the level necessary to shift the flow of time so. Only one person in this event had that power, and that was Usagi herself."

"What?" Several of the others exclaimed.

"I'm afraid the conclusion is inescapable. We were under the assumption that it was Usagi's kidnappers that caused time to shift, but it was not them at all, nor anyone else involved. Only Usagi had the necessary level of power. As such, she is also the most likely reason for Seiya's appearance here as well. The timing of her appearance was very... suspicious."

The others fell silent. The conclusion was obvious. "Then, what do we do?" Minako asked, voicing what everyone was thinking.

"I am not certain. Despite knowing it was her, we do not know how, or why she was capable of such of feat with her crystal destroyed," Setsuna replied then finally focused on the others. "We may need some more information, and there is only one place we can get that now: the Moon Kingdom."

"The Moon Kingdom?" Minako echoed in confusion. "It's destroyed, isn't it?"

"Everything above ground is in ruins, yes, but I have been there and the complex below the ground is still fairly intact. There is not much there, but the city's central computer is there. It was not functional when I was there, but it was my understanding that Sailor Mercury was most often in charge of it. She may be able to get it running again."

"Maybe," Ami replied. "I'm more into using computers than fixing them, but I'm willing to try. If we could get it working again, it undoubtedly would have a large storehouse of records from the Kingdom. We might just find some answers there."

"That's all well and good," Rei replied. "But how are we supposed to get there. The gateway of time is messed up, remember. We could barely teleport a few hundred feet. The moon is a bit further off than that."

"We don't need to teleport using the Senshi Teleport," Setsuna said. "The Moon Kingdom had several special transit points set up as gateways between Earth and the Moon. They use a separate system since they were made much later. Although a great deal of time has passed, they should still function, and there is one not far from Tokyo."

"Are we going to need... space suits or anything?" Makoto asked, but Setsuna smiled and shook her head.

"No. The habitation dome of the city is intact, which is a good part of the reason no one here on Earth has discovered the city yet as it keeps it invisible. However, I would suggest only a small group go. It would be needless to bring everyone especially as we will need to use some transport to reach the transit point."

"I can drive us," Haruka said. "I have room for about five. We'll need Ami and Setsuna obviously, so that leaves two spots."

"We should also bring Usagi," Setsuna suggested. "This does pertain to her, and her presence may be required. And if she is coming, I would suspect Mamoru would wish to as well."

"Right, when you want to do this?" Haruka asked.

"At the moment, there is no particular rush. We're all a bit battered. Perhaps in a few days," Setsuna replied and the others nodded.

"And what are we going to do about Kasumi?" Makoto asked. "She saw Haruka too, and if she remembers much about her time while she was controlled, she probably knows about Usagi as well. She can miss the obvious sometimes, but I doubt we can count on that."

"I'll go talk to her," Haruka said after a moment, although it was clear from her tone that she wasn't looking forward to it.

"You sure?" Makoto asked and Haruka nodded.

XXXXX

With each bite, Ukyo's tension was rising. She had just presented her toast to the old priest just moments ago, and as he ate it, quiet and unmoved, she felt like she was going to explode in anticipation.

"Well?" Ukyo finally demanded, unable to stand the silence any longer.

"It's... very good toast," he responded after a second, causing Ukyo to smile, but quickly lost her grin when he frowned. "But, it is lacking in one important aspect."

"What?" Ukyo blurt out, insulted. "Are you telling me that I can't cook toast?" She bellowed, standing up and overwhelmed with a battle aura.

The priest cleared his throat to ease his own tension, and simply looked down at the plate with a single piece of toast left on it. "Miss, how long did it take you to make me this?"

Ukyo's battle aura quickly diminished as she answered. "About... an hour..."

"And does it take an hour to make toast?"

"No, of course not. But, this was a test. I wanted it to be perfect," Ukyo replied defensively. "You didn't say anything about any time limits!"

"No, because there was no time limit," he quickly replied and looked up at her. "Tell me, how many batches of toast did you make?"

"Uh... five... six... lots," she admitted, her battle aura completely gone now.

"And, being honest, was this batch really that much better than your first?"

Ukyo considered then hung and shook her head.

"As I thought," the priest said with a sad nod and once more looked down at the toast. "The toast was perfect in every physical way, but that was not the property I was looking for. Over the years I have developed an ability to taste the very aura of a person through the food they make. The reason I asked you to make me toast is precisely because it is very simple. Complex recipes can cloud the taste of the aura."

"What's wrong with my aura?" Ukyo asked in some challenge.

"You have great spirit, and your ambition is nearly overwhelming. I also taste great anger there, but that is not the problem. No, it is the lack of... confidence that troubles me."

"Confidence?" Ukyo echoed. "I'm perfectly confident!"

"Are you?" the priest asked without looking at her. Ukyo opened her mouth to respond reflexively but stopped short and let herself think. The priest took her silence as an opening to continue. "I think you know the truth, if you just let yourself admit it. I don't know the reasons for it, but you have strong doubts about yourself. In fact, I suspect you would simply have given me your first batch of toast, confident that it was as good as such a simple thing was going to get if it were not for this issue."

Once more Ukyo hung her head, all the fight in her gone. "What does confidence have to do with anything?"

"As I told you before, the recipes in the book require a certain spirit to use. If you lack that spirit, the recipes would be useless to you. Oh, I am certain that you could match the physical aspects of the recipes precisely, but they would be no more than food then. It is the spirit of the cook that gives them their true power."

"Then... how do I get confidence?"

The priest finally looked up at Ukyo and shook his head. "Confidence is a difficult matter. To find such things it is not simply a matter of a set task. No, body and mind may be trained, but the heart... that is a mystery. How it responds is totally up to the individual. Confidence in particular is not something that can be taught, or trained in. You must find such a thing yourself."

Ukyo didn't like the answer, but she also couldn't fault the logic of it either. All she could do was contemplate it as the priest stood up.

"You are welcome to try the test again at any time, but realize that the results will be the same if your spirit remains as it is."

"I understand," Ukyo said at last and looked up. She opened her mouth to speak, but realized there was nothing more to say. Finally she nodded and quietly left the room.

XXXXX

It had been a very long night for Shampoo. For starters there was that whole La Bac thing. Then came several long hours of recovery at the hospital. That antitoxin may have been necessary but it had made her feel sick to the stomach. Add to that just general worry over Kasumi and Shampoo hadn't gotten much rest over all.

Still, despite denials on her part, fatigue had finally caught up with her and she was sneaking in a few winks with her head resting on the side of Kasumi's bed. However, the sleep wasn't all that restful, plagued by various incoherent nightmares.

Shampoo was awoke with the feeling of fingers gently being drawn down her cheek. Looking up, she was greeted by Kasumi's smiling face and was overcome by one of her usual urges. Kasumi quickly found herself in a powerful hug from her Amazon wife that temporarily knocked the breath out of her.

"Ah... Shampoo..." Kasumi gently hinted, but Shampoo seemed unaware of Kasumi's discomfort.

"Airen, Shampoo is so happy you is okay," Shampoo said then looked up at Kasumi in confusion as Kasumi was not returning the embrace. "Why you no hold Shampoo, Kasumi?"

"Gently..."

"Gently?" Shampoo echoed in confusion at the strange response. "Is all Kasumi can say at time like this?" she asked, now annoyed, releasing Kasumi.

"Gently!" Kasumi blurt out as her body was suddenly slack and unsupported and she fell backward, banging her head on the head board.

Shampoo winced and quickly rushed to check Kasumi's head. "Is so sorry," she murmured.

"It's alright," Kasumi said through a wince of her own. "My body just isn't too responsive right now." Convinced that no real harm was done, Shampoo returned to her seat and gave Kasumi an apologetic smile. "Don't worry about it," Kasumi said with her own smile. "I'm just glad to see you're okay. Should you be out of bed so early?"

"Shampoo feel fine," she replied. "Shampoo rest later. Wanted to see Kasumi."

Kasumi nodded in understanding. "Just don't overdo it," she cautioned and eased back into the bed, looking up at the ceiling. "I was worried about you. I thought you were-"

"Shampoo is much better now," Shampoo cut in to say, although to Kasumi's ears she could tell that it sounded a bit strained. "Kasumi no need worry about Shampoo."

Kasumi looked back at Shampoo, seeing her with a smile but weaker than her usual one. "Shampoo, I... I'm sorry you got mixed up in that," Kasumi said, but didn't get the response she was expecting. Shampoo smile immediately faded and she quickly looked off at the floor to avoid Kasumi's gaze. "Shampoo?"

After a few more seconds, Shampoo looked up at Kasumi, but Kasumi could tell she had brought up a matter which was troubling her. Before Kasumi could inquire further, Shampoo stood up. "Shampoo should go. Kasumi need sleep," she said and without giving Kasumi any chance to reply left the room.

"I think I said something wrong," Kasumi thought aloud, but without the strength to move, let alone stand or walk, there was nothing she could do about it.

XXXXX

Outside, in the hall, Shampoo closed the door to Kasumi's room behind her and leaned against the wall next to it, taking in a long breath and staring at the floor. Several more breaths followed, each one more unstable than the last until Shampoo looked up and scanned the corridor, stopping at seeing the doorway to the stairwell. With several quick strides, Shampoo made it to the door and entered.

Had she scanned the hall a bit more thoroughly she would have noticed Ranko who was sitting at the waiting area. She, however, had noticed Shampoo's prompt departure, and curiosity got the better of her so she followed. By the time she made it to the stairwell, Shampoo was no where in sight. But, with a quick deduction, Ranko decided Shampoo's likely destination was the roof as it was the only significant place she could have reached that quickly.

Walking up the stairs, Ranko reached the door to the rooftop but stopped at hearing something. Listening more closely she could hear the muffled sounds of Shampoo crying, apparently sitting up next to one of the stairway's outer walls.

What's gotten into her? Ranko thought in confusion as she continued to listen. Ranko was never good at hearing or seeing someone crying, and the sound of Shampoo doing so was unusually disheartening. Did something happen to Kasumi? No, she would have said something. Then what... Ranko thought, and decided to go out to ask.

Her hand was just reaching for the knob of the door when it was grabbed unexpectedly. Ranko, to her surprise, found Herb-chan next to her and had stopped her. "Where did you come from?" Ranko whispered.

"I was coming to see Kasumi," Herb explained in her own whisper. "And what do you think you're doing?"

"Can't you hear her?"

"Yes, and why do you think she chose to go out there?"

Ranko opened her mouth to impulsively respond, but checked herself and considered the question. As she did, she realized what Herb was driving at. "She doesn't want to be seen." Herb merely nodded in confirmation, letting Ranko go. "But..."

"If you go out there now, you will just embarrass her. I may not be an Amazon, but I understand the situation," Herb said and turned about. "Leave her be, she'll talk when she's ready."

Ranko watched as Herb headed back down and frowned. Doing nothing just didn't seem right in the circumstance, but unfortunately the Musk prince was probably right. With a sigh, Ranko followed, leaving the sound behind.

XXXXX

Back in her room, Kasumi was staring up at the ceiling in thought. She knew had upset Shampoo, but she couldn't figure out why. Shampoo usually was very vocal about any perceived insults, and it was unlike her to clam up like that. I suppose she might have done so because of my condition, but still... As she continued to think on the matter, a knock came at the door. "Come in," Kasumi called out, hoping initially it was Shampoo come back to speak, but instead finding someone who put her mind into a bit of a quite different emotional state.

"Hello," Haruka said from the doorway. She continued to stand there, uncertain, for a long moment as Kasumi looked at her in surprise. Finally, gaining no response from Kasumi, Haruka asked, "Can we talk?" Kasumi nodded slowly and Haruka fully entered the room, closing the door behind her.

"How long?" Kasumi asked suddenly

"Huh?"

Kasumi persisted. "Don't play dumb, Haruka. I saw you in that place, and as difficult as it may be to accept... How long you been doing this?"

"Umm... since a few months after you and I..."

"A few months after... I see. Then you and Makoto..."

"Yeah," Haruka reluctantly admitted, but Kasumi continued.

"...Are both part of the oddest fan club I've ever seen," Kasumi concluded and immediately caused Haruka to face fault.

"Fan club... yeah, it's odd alright," Haruka replied as she recovered and took a moment to collect herself. "Kasumi... I'm not looking for thanks or anything. I don't deserve it. I... have no excuses for what I did back then. It was callous, cruel, and completely undeserved. I wasn't thinking right at the time... not that that makes it right or anything. I mean, you didn't do anything wrong and I was just thinking about myself, and of course what I did was totally over the top, and totally inexcusable. There is nothing I can do to make up for that. I-"

"Haruka!" Kasumi interjected.

"Yes?" Haruka asked, her head bowed in guilt

"Are you trying to make me hate you again?" Kasumi asked with a frown.

"Uh... no."

"Then stop making such a big deal of it," Kasumi responded, looking away.

"But, I thought-"

"No, that was the problem, you didn't think," Kasumi retorted, her calm slipping for a second. "I am certainly not happy about what you did, but now I know the real reason for it... You could have just told me the truth. Instead you acted like a coward. You probably thought I'd reject you, and rather than risk that, you forced me to reject you so that you felt somehow in control. Am I right?" Kasumi asked as she looked back, her look harsh as she met Haruka's eyes.

"Something like that," Haruka replied and once more Kasumi frowned in displeasure. Kasumi had expected no less, but somehow she had wished Haruka had better reasoning than that.

After nearly a minute of silence between them, Kasumi finally asked, "Do you love Michiru?"

Caught off guard by the sudden switch of topic, Haruka hesitated, but quickly recovered and nodded. "Yes, very much so."

Kasumi's harsh look faded as she thought on this, and turned to look at the ceiling again. "My Uncle once told me, in his words, 'we are all entitled to one monumentally stupid mistake in our lives'," she said, thinking, although he must have used that up at least a half dozen times by now. "I also told Shampoo once much the same, and that it was the mark of our character how we deal with that. Do we repeat that mistake, or honestly regret it and try to correct it? So, I suppose I would be ignoring my own words if I could never look beyond that incident."

Haruka bowed her head once more, but some of the tension had left her. "I would never do something like that again." Kasumi nodded, but said nothing further. Nodding to herself, Haruka concluded that all that could be said had been said and turned to leave. She made it as far as the door when Kasumi finally spoke.

"Thank you," Kasumi said, causing Haruka to briefly look back.

"I... It was just something I had to do," Haruka replied before opening the door. Outside, she encountered Herb-chan who was looking displeased as usual. "She's all yours," Haruka said with a weak smile as she left, allowing Herb to enter. As she turned down the hall, another figure, that of Michiru caught her eye. Sighing, Haruka headed over to join her.

"Well?" Michiru asked.

"Well what?" Haruka replied evasively and gained a soft frown from her partner. "She seems to think me and Makoto are part of some fan club."

"Fan club?" Michiru repeated in surprise and some amusement. "I suppose that is lucky for us."

"Yes. Although, part of me wonders if she's just playing naive. Oh well," Haruka said to dismiss the topic and started down the hall.

"And?" Michiru asked, remaining at her original position.

Haruka sighed once again. "And... we talked."

Michiru smiled and finally joined Haruka. "Now, I assume things went well then." Haruka only nodded in response. "Now see, don't you feel better," Michiru said with a wide grin, but Haruka only returned a tired look.

XXXXX

"...but Uncle... uhhuh... I know... but... yeahyeah..." Kitsune muttered into the dorm phone as Saki entered. At noticing her, Kitsune gave a quick wave, but was too busy apparently to do anything more.

"Who you talking to?"

"...Yeah... hold on a sec," Kitsune continued then cupped her hand over the receiver. "My Uncle."

"Your Uncle?"

"Yeah, and it's kinda long distance," Kitsune replied and finally returned to the call. "...Look, I know I'm not supposed to... just listen for a sec... I didn't go in, I swear. It was the others that went in... uhhuh... well, just remember, if you ever get invited to any strange hotels, make absolutely sure to get some keys! Yeah, that's right, keys. Look, I have to go... Uhhuh, yeah, I'll see you in a few months hopefully. Bye." With one final sigh of relief, Kitune hung up the phone and smiled at Saki. "He's worried about me."

"I figured. I know English quite well, actually."

"Oh... anyway, how did things go?"

Saki let off her own sigh. "I've been in debriefing since I left you guys. I lost count of the number of officials I've been talking to, and I swear a good number of them weren't proper officials."

"Illuminati agents no doubt," Kitsune said with a confident nod.

"I don't really care at this point. I just need a long nap," Saki replied and continued on her way to her room, Kitsune following.

"So... debriefing. Which branch of the police did you work for again?" Kitsune asked, gaining a tired and annoyed look from Saki.

"At this point in time, I'm not sure I work for anybody," Saki replied evasively.

"Oh, come on now. Aren't we good buds? Or... maybe you're really working for them!" Kitsune suddenly accused.

"Yeah, that's right. They thought that whole hotel was a huge eyesore and made me bring you guys all over there to save on demolition fees," Saki replied.

"Really? Wow!"

"That was a joke!" Saki replied in irritation. "Look, I'm tired right now. We'll talk later.

"Right, right," Kitsune quickly replied, smiling nervously at being briefly fooled. "You go right on ahead. I got stuff to do, anyway. Later."

Saki watched as Kitsune left, and with another sigh entered her room and collapsed face first onto her bed. However, just as she was starting to drift off, a knock came at the door. "Now what?" she said in irritation and rolled over. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Chun Li. "Hey there, heard you got quite the work over."

"That doesn't even cover it," Saki replied. "You?"

"Oh, I've had my fair share of interviews, but been mostly checking out our three detainees," Chun Li replied as she took a seat next to Saki's bed. "They're pretty messed up."

"How so? Was Kasumi right?"

Chun Li looked off at the window in thought for a second. "I would have to say, yes, unless Bison is prone to breaking into tears."

"Oh."

"Yeah, she's pretty messed up. Can't imagine what it was like for her. I try to think of what it might have been like for me to have someone else controlling my body and making me into the very thing I despise... It doesn't sound pleasant."

"And what about your... twin?"

"I just talked with her. Took me about two hours to convince her I was the real deal and she was the clone. It looks like Bison gave her memories from about the time I entered that street fighting tournament. He must have some how scanned my mind somewhere because they are very complete."

Saki nodded and frowned. "She isn't going to... go on a rampage or anything, is she?"

"I can't be sure, but I doubt it. She's basically me, mentally speaking, and I don't see myself going on a rampage even under these conditions. No, she's messed up, and I can't blame her, but I think she's safe enough. I'm more worried about the lab guys going too far in examining her. Needless to say, they're quite interested in exactly what makes her tick. They gave her an x-ray and you wouldn't believe it but she could nearly pass for human even under that kind of scrutiny. Whatever technology was used to make her is radically advanced. It alters her structure within seconds, making her augmentations nearly invisible most the time."

"Weird. And the other one? Shadow is it?"

"Yeah. He was actually fairly accepting of what he is. Seems, unlike her, he was partially conscious thru the whole thing so he knows everything that was said. His technology isn't as advanced, but looks to be generally the same stuff. Those two got a lot of trouble ahead of them."

Saki nodded in agreement.

"I suppose I should let you get some rest. I could use some myself," Chun Li said as she stood back up, but paused and smiled at Saki. "You did pretty good."

"I hardly did anything," Saki replied with a frown. "Those guys were way beyond me."

"Don't sell yourself short. We wouldn't have even had a chance at them had you not found where they were, and you got the right team of people together. If you ever feel like changing jobs, I could certainly put a good word in for you with my bosses at Interpol."

Saki smiled. "I may just have to take you up on that. Still have no idea if I still have a job," she replied. "And, thanks for your help too."

"My pleasure," Chun Li said. "I'll probably be heading out in the morning, but I'm sure we'll meet again." With a final wave of her head, Chun Li left the room.

XXXXX

Ukyo was deep in thought, he eyes directed at the ground as she sat outside the temple. So what if he won't give me the stupid recipe book! I don't need it! I'm fine just the way I am! Ukyo protested loudly in her own mind, but the words did nothing to change her mood. It just rubbed her the wrong way that anything was beyond her reach.

However, she couldn't fault the old man's logic. Ever since Kasumi left all those years ago, Ukyo had never been able to shake the feelings of inadequacy. They only got worse and worse as time passed, no thanks to her father. Even after having finally beat Kasumi, when Ukyo wasn't fighting the thoughts, she still felt inadequate and that sooner or later Kasumi would beat her.

Damn it! Why do I feel this way? No matters what I do I always feel like it's not enough. I'm never good enough! Ukyo thought in increasing frustration. With a heavy sigh, she hung her head and attempted to relax.

Several minutes passed until a familiar voice gained her attention. "Hey Ukyo, there you are." Ukyo looked up to see Ranma walking into the temple grounds. "What you doing running off like that? You had me worried."

"I... sorry, but the priest said he can heal me, and I think he did," Ukyo replied as she got up to greet Ranma.

"Heal... wow, you mean someone around her fixed you up?"

"Seems like it," Ukyo replied with a slight smile.

"Great," Ranma said with his own smile. "You missed a lot of excitement back in Nerima."

"What happened?"

"Hmm, let's see. Kasumi beat Ken then got kidnapped along with Usagi by these two weirdo cyborg thingies... And then Shampoo got kidnapped too and we went into this death trap of a hotel and... well, it's all very complicated."

Ukyo temporarily forgot her troubles as she tried to puzzle through this new information. "Is everyone alright?"

"Oh sure... well, mostly. The Doc says they'll all recover though. Needless to say, I don't think Ken's going to be much an issue anymore. In fact, I think as soon as he can walk again he'll want to be as far from Nerima as possible, and if you're healed then I guess you're good to come on back."

"Yeah, guess so," Ukyo replied and looked back at the temple where the old priest was watching, a box in his hands. Taking the look as an invitation to approach, the priest came over and gave the box to Ukyo. "What's this?"

"Some more of my special dumplings," the priest answered. "I may not be at the same level as those from your family, but they will keep for some months at least. I have a feeling you may need them."

"Thank you," Ukyo said with a bow. "I have to be going."

"As I thought," the priest replied. "Remember, feel free to come back to me when you feel you are ready. The book will still be here."

"I understand," Ukyo replied with a nod, and with a bow of his own the priest left.

"Book?" Ranma asked curiously.

"It's not important right now," Ukyo replied as she returned to Ranma. "Let me just get my stuff and we can go."

XXXXX

Shampoo wasn't sure how much time had passed since she had come out on the roof, but it hadn't been a short time. She just couldn't help it. All that had happened lately... and then Kasumi apologizing to her of all things... it had all come together and suddenly overwhelmed her.

Shampoo rarely let herself lose her composure so badly. The last time that came to mind was the morning after the wedding when Kasumi had told her about her true self but even that was not like now. Then it was surprise and shock more than anything that had bypassed her emotional guards. How was one to ever expect something like that? No, this time it was different.

It wasn't even nearly dying that was bothering her. Although this had been the first time Shampoo had ever to truly faced a life and death situation where her life was on the line, she had not panicked. Sure, she had been afraid, but as the old cliché goes, only a fool knows no fear. In the end, she had kept her mind on topic and acted in an acceptable manner given the circumstances. It was not something she wanted to relive, but was only a minor contributor to her current mind set.

No, what was really bugging her was that she had gotten into that situation at all. Back when the principal had kidnapped her, Shampoo had found the whole thing more annoying than dangerous and in the end she almost could view the whole incident as amusing seeing as how she got some attention from Kasumi for the trouble. Then Ken came along and once more used her as a way to get at Kasumi. That time it was quite different. Much more was at stake that time, and because she couldn't defend herself Kasumi had been possessed by that Dark Ha Do and then kidnapped. And that wasn't the worst of it. It happened again, this time at that hotel and once again Kasumi was forced to come to her rescue, putting herself at risk.

This was not the way it should be, Shampoo thought to herself. Why did she have to apologize? It was my fault. I should be apologizing for being so weak. What made it worse was that Shampoo knew Kasumi wouldn't accept an apology on such grounds. She could remember others saying much the same. 'It wasn't her fault.' 'There was nothing she could have done.' Those words served only to anger her more. They were nothing more than excuses.

Despite having no resolution to the matter, time had allowed Shampoo to recompose herself and she was simply staring down at the rooftop. It was about this time when the door to the rooftop finally opened, prompting Shampoo to looked, quickly checking her eyes for any errant tears that may have remained.

"There you are," Cologne concluded as she came out into view. "What are you doing out here?"

"Shampoo was thinking," she replied as she noticed her great grandmother was not alone.

"There are much better venues for thinking, Shampoo," Siren said as she came into view.

"Elder Siren, what you do here?" Shampoo asked as she stood up.

"Cologne wants me to have a look at you. She's told me you've been through quite a lot. Just want to make sure you're alright."

"Shampoo fine," she replied in annoyance but Siren ignored her, stepped forward and ran her hand in front of Shampoo, apparently analyzing her.

"I'll be the judge of that if you don't mind," Siren replied absently as she closed her eyes and continued her analysis. "I assume, however, that you are not feeling any noticeable signs of trouble?"

"No."

"That's good," the elder magus said as she finished up and reopened her eyes and smiled. "I can't find anything worrisome. Looks like you're good to go."

"Shampoo already said that," the young Amazon replied again, this time even more irritated. A scolding look from Cologne quickly caused her to fall silent.

"Very well then, thank you for your assistance, Siren. However, since you are here, I should get you to look over Frost's enchantment formula for the Kaisuifu."

"Kaisuifu? Oh yes, that. She's really that close to repairing it then? I suppose I better take a look. It would be quite the nuisance if she blew up part of the city with an incorrect formula." With a quick nod to the other Amazons, the elder magus departed the way she came, leaving them alone.

"Alright, what is the problem?" Cologne said after a moment, eyeing Shampoo.

"It nothing," Shampoo mumbled.

"You know better than to hide such things from me, child. Now speak up," Cologne demanded.

Shampoo hesitated then finally sighed in defeat. "Kasumi is hurt because I wasn't strong enough... and don't say it wasn't my fault! I'm sick of everyone making excuses for it!"

Cologne let the outburst go by. "And what would you have done if you were stronger? It took over a dozen of us to recover Kasumi and you. Do you think yourself capable of more power than everyone else put together?"

"No," Shampoo muttered reluctantly in reply.

Cologne watched Shampoo for a moment, but the younger Amazon remained quiet. Sighing Cologne pressed on. "Shampoo, it is true that Kasumi seems to be attracting increasingly more dangerous foes. We can hope that this is the last of them, but truthfully we can only expect this trend to continue. You have bonded yourself to her and unfortunately that may well mean that you may be put in such a situation again."

"Can't I become stronger? I don't want to be just a burden to her. Isn't there something you could teach me?"

"Teach you? No single technique will compensate for the gap between you. Besides, if I had such a powerful technique at my disposal I would have taught it to her."

"Are you saying I can never be good enough?"

"No, in time you can make progress, but you have to give yourself that time. There is no quick fixes for this problem," Cologne answered.

Shampoo did not like the answer, but she knew it was the correct one. I just have to train harder, Shampoo thought with determination.

"Come, we should go inside. You should still get some more rest," Cologne said after a moment, and Shampoo nodded and followed as the elder lead the way inside.

XXXXX

Frost was once more in a deep, exhaustion induced sleep when she was once again rudely woke up, this time by Siren. "How am I supposed to get any sleep if you keep making me up?" Frost complained as she once more rose to a sitting position.

"Wasn't my idea," Siren replied with a bit of sympathy on her face before she grew more serious. "I hear you're almost ready to do some enchantment. Cologne wants me to check out your formula."

A brief look of annoyance crossed Frost face as she thought to herself, I'm perfectly capable of doing this without an error checker. However, despite this, she gestured to a nearby shelf, at the appropriate notebook. Nodding, Siren retrieved the book and began thumbing through it as she began to leave, but pulled herself up short.

"This is... an eighth circle enchantment," Siren remarked, her face hidden from Frost.

"Ah... yes. That is as simple as I could make it. It was ninth for a while there, but I tore out all that overhead of magical logic as it was getting overly complex."

"I see," Siren replied and closed the book. "Frost, you are not to proceed with this enchantment without my express consent."

Frost was taken aback by this. "Why?" she asked in irritation. "I know I've never done an eighth before, but I can-"

"This is not a matter for discussion," Siren interjected in an unusually harsh tone which silenced the young magus, but then turned back to Frost, a soft look on her face. "This is more serious a matter than you know. Don't worry. You'll get your chance, assuming this all is correct."

"But then-"

"Just don't worry about it right now. You can do all the preliminary preparations, but you are not to proceed with the enchantment without my permission. Is that clear?"

Frost scowled but reluctantly nodded. "Yes, Elder."

Nodding, Siren turned back to the door. "Good, now get back to sleep." Frost grumbled a reply which the arch-mage let pass without comment.

XXXXX

Cologne arrived at the clinic not long after to find Siren sitting in the waiting room, examining the note book. "So, any major errors?"

"It looks perfect so far," Siren replied then looked up. "But, it's an eighth circle."

"Eighth circle?" Cologne repeated, not grasping the significance.

"Circles one thru seven are magics which can be conducted freely by any magus in the order. Eight and up though are special and need special permission. This means I'm going to have to go before the high magus council and get permission for this," Siren explained as she began rubbing the bridge of her nose. "What a pain that will be. I hate going to them. Half of them can't even be bothered to attend meetings, and the other half are nothing but critical of everything you bring to them."

"So, you don't think they'll approve?" Cologne asked in concern.

"Oh, if I okay the formula, and they don't see any major faults, they have no choice but to approve, but they'll make it a total headache nonetheless. But, as irritating as that is, what is even more troublesome is what this means for Frost."

"And what exactly is that?" Cologne asked causing Siren to look at her and smile weakly.

"She's going to be raised to the rank of arch-mage." Cologne raised an eyebrow in surprise, to which Siren nodded in confirmation. "Oh yes, this will be fun. I'm tenth circle myself, but it will put her in the same category as me. I really don't know if she's ready for that. Although, to be truthful, I knew she was getting close before I sent her to you. Were I still teaching her, she'd probably have reached this point a year ago."

"An arch-mage," Cologne repeated with a shake of head. "Have you told her?"

"No, she doesn't need the stress just yet. I know her, when she gets flustered she gets sloppy. I've just told her not to proceed until I give her the go ahead."

"A wise precaution," Cologne conceded then switched topics. "And what of Shampoo?"

With a quick gesture, Siren whisked the notebook into another plane of existence for storage, and grew thoughtful. "She is certainly healthy, but I'm sure you knew that. My scan did show an anomaly though. It doesn't register as harmful, but it wasn't typical for her. I have seen something very similar though, in my youth, and somehow I guess you already know what that is. It was in your father, Cologne."

Cologne nodded and hung her head in thought.

"So, what is this all about?" Siren pried after a moment.

"I'm sure you're aware of our history, specifically the ancient allies we once had and who we are said to have bonded with us for a time."

"Of course."

"Just after the battle, a Sailor Senshi appeared who had recovered Kasumi. I did not see her personally, as I was still weakened, but several others did, and even talked to her briefly. As well, it has not escaped my notice that Frost has been interacting with these Senshi as well, although she has kept this to herself."

"So?"

"I have some limited familiarity with these Senshi, and their origins. I suspect that they could well be those allies."

Siren nodded. "I suppose that is possible. There are similarities from what I know, although that is hardly conclusive."

"No, not in itself, but now, with what has happened to Shampoo... You are familiar with where that comes from?"

Siren sat back and thought. "Ah yes, exposure to their Queen's energy would do that, and certainly fits," she said and then looked over at Cologne curiously. "Now, while that is all very fascinating, it is not what has you interested, is it?"

Cologne smiled slightly at being caught and shook her head. "No, truthfully I have little concern on Shampoo's health. That she may have just had her life expectancy greatly increased is no cause for worry. This merely adds more evidence that these Senshi may indeed be these old allies, as it coincides with their appearance. As well, that strange energy field had a definite magical feel to it, but well beyond anything I've seen, even from you, also consistent with the power of their Queen.

"What I am thinking about is actually Queen Tranquility. She was the last Amazon Queen, and the last place she was known to be was aiding these old allies in battle. She was assumed to have died with them, but we never could be sure as we never could recover her remains."

Siren nodded in understanding. "I see. So, you think they might know what became of her? That's quite the long shot. It's been a thousand years. They might not even have any record of her, let alone any memory."

"A long shot, yes, but even that is better than nothing."

"Do you have any idea of the kind of uproar finding the Queen would have within the council?"

"All too well," Cologne answered with a frown. "But, I also know that whether I act on this or not, this will be discovered by the others very soon, if they haven't already. They are not fools and recent events will no doubt peak their interest. They too will no doubt reason out the same thing I have soon enough."

"So, in other words, you're going to try and beat them to it?" Siren said with a slight chuckle. "You know, it is exactly this kind of political wrangling that convinced me I want nothing to do with that council." With a sigh, Siren stood up. "I should be off. I have to complete my review and deal with another council soon enough. That's more than enough headaches for the next week or so."

"I trust that you will keep this in confidence," Cologne said.

"I'm not interested in your little political games one way or the other. However, if they want to find out about this, they'll have to figure it out on their own." Siren began weaving a spell, but paused. "One thing, I said the anomaly was very similar to the pattern of your father but it isn't exactly the same. In fact, it is significantly more powerful. That could be simply due to your father's last exposure being hundreds of years previous, and Shampoo's being just a few hours old. However, it could well be more than that. Again, I sense nothing harmful, but do keep an eye on her."

"I will," Cologne replied with a nod.

"Good, I suppose we will be seeing each other again fairly soon, assuming the magus council doesn't find something important to stall thing on. Till then..." With those parting words, Siren finished weaving her teleportation spell and disappeared.

Cologne watched her leave and stood in silence for a moment as she considered the possibilities. It is a good thing I didn't mention I too was exposed to that energy field. She is going to be utterly insufferable when she finds out, Cologne thought with a sigh and headed out.

XXXXX

Herb-chan muttered to herself in irritation as she walking heavily up the stairs of the Tendo home to her room. She had managed only a few brief moments alone with Kasumi, enough only to exchange some pleasantries and some relief at her safety. Then, all too quickly the rest of the family and suitors arrived ruining any chance she had with Kasumi. Combine this with Herb finding her contribution to Kasumi's rescue woefully inadequate, and it had all left her in a rather foul mood.

The mood was not improved when she entered her room and found a completely unexpected guest looking out the window curiously. "Sorora!" Herb exclaimed at seeing her. "Where the devil were you? I called for you three times and-"

Without looking at the prince, Sorora spoke, "Do keep your voice down. We do not wish to draw attention." Herb fell quiet for the moment, allowing her to continue. "As I told you last time, I will call for you, not the other way around."

"But-"

"I'm not here to wipe your nose every time you get the sniffles. You have to solve your own problems. I have plenty enough of my own. I agreed to advise you when it came to your love life, not be your personal assistant," Sorora replied with a harsh tone, silencing the prince. After a moment, she continued, more softly. "Besides, I did come. Do you think that zone would have stayed intact as long as it did without my aid? No. It would have collapsed the moment Rose fell and both of them would have been tossed into the void. Beyond that, I also guided Sailor Uranus to her and back out. You should be thankful. That's far more than I ever intended to get myself involved."

"You... uh... I'm sorry," Herb fumbled out, finally causing Sorora to turn to her with a smile.

"Apology accepted."

"You... seen her then?" Herb asked cautiously.

"Kasumi? Of course. Your impression of her made me curious so I decided to take a look at her directly. She is quite the interesting woman, particularly for a human," Sorora replied, looking back out the window thoughtfully. "Her situation is also quite... complicated. More complicated than you are even aware. Tying yourself to her could get you into trouble, particularly with Garnet."

"I don't care," Herb replied reflexively.

"Don't care? Hmm, you don't, do you," she said as she once more looked over at Herb, a curious look on her face. "I wonder, is this an admirable quality, or just a sign of your foolishness?" she wondered allowed, but cut off Herb before she could respond. "It little matters right now. I will be keeping an eye on this Kasumi Tendo, but do not mistake that for me guarding her. As well, you still have some homework to do. If I judge right, the coming days would be a good time to complete it now that she has returned."

"I... I don't even know where to start! How do you expect me-"

"This is a task that you must complete on your own. You must learn some empathy. If you lack that, you might as well give up right now," Sorora replied. "As I said before, I don't expect a perfect answer, only a decent one. You are of my line and as such your mind is more than up to such a task, you merely need to apply it. You can only hope that Garnet's influence hasn't destroyed all the empathy you have."

Herb frowned in frustration, but stayed quiet. Satisfied at this, Sorora nodded to him. "One last thing, although I doubt I need to truly ask this, do keep an eye on her. She has unfortunately made herself known in the greater circles of power with this incident. Her safety could be at threat."

"Yet you won't protect her?" Herb asked in annoyance.

"No, I will not. Much like children, you humans must be allowed to grow on your own and that means facing adversity yourselves. I deal only with those matters you cannot. Unfortunately that means Kasumi, you and everyone else is essentially on your own."

Without giving Herb a chance to further respond, Sorora disappeared, leaving the prince alone in the room. After a few seconds, Herb hung her shoulders and sighed.

XXXXX

In a distant, secret location, a robed man entered a large cathedral like room. The lighting within gave the feel of candlelight even though the sources were artificial. At the far end of the room, standing at one of the rooms many bookshelves the man spotted his master reading and approached.

"Sire, I have news," the man and he kneeled before the much larger man.

Without looking up from his reading the man responded. "Good, tell me."

"The La Bac has been thoroughly destroyed. We have already begun a clean up operation on what remains, but many individuals were inside. News could spread."

"As little more than rumors," the man concluded.

"Yes. There are no signs of the doctor. However, all indications are that he was killed in the incident."

The man nodded. "Good, it saves me the trouble of having him executed," he said casually, and looked off to the side where a female secretary was sitting at a table. "Take a note. Remind all main branches about the meaning of class A protection. Apparently many seem to have misunderstood. I don't want a repeat of this violation."

"Of course," the woman replied with a smile and noted down the order.

The robbed man looked off at the secretary with some nervousness before continuing. "Sire, as to that. We were able to recover certain computer records which we could use to discover the identities-"

"Have those records brought directly to me, and all copies destroyed."

"Yes sire. I have a copy here in fact," the subordinate replied, taking a disc from his rob and handing it to the master. "I will ensure all others are destroyed as you say."

"Good. Is there anything else?"

"The others, Rose, Shadow and Shadow Lady are currently in Interpol custody. What should be done about them?"

"We have acquired the technology we require from them already. They are irrelevant beyond that. Have them watched, nothing more."

"Pardon, but would it not be better to... eliminate them? They have some knowledge of our organization."

The man briefly eyed his subordinate, causing him to bow deeper in apology. "If they become troublesome, that option remains open to us at any time. However, there are yet other things they possess that could be valuable, and besides, assassinations try draw needless attention. The Doctor was their primary contact. With him and the La Bac gone they are little threat."

"I understand," the subordinate replied, some relief in his voice.

"You are dismissed."

"Thank you sire," the subordinate said with deep bow and quickly exited the room.

As he left, the master eyed the disc in his hand, and moved over to another part of the room, this one decidedly out of place with high-tech equipment and monitors. Placing the disc into one of the drives, he pressed several controls until an image of Kasumi running through the halls of the La Bac could be seen. "So, this is the young woman that all the fuss was over," he said aloud before again altering the display to a later time. This time a video image from within the dimensional zone appeared. It was hazy and distorted, but in the distance the battle between Rose and Kasumi could be seen. The man frowned slightly and pressed some more controls to get a display of the power readings then smiled. "Yes, I see, she certainly is a special one. These readings rival my own."

Turning off the display suddenly, the man turned back to his secretary. "Have Kasumi Tendo also added to the class A protected list."

"Yes my lord," the secretary replied as she made another note. "Should I add her acquaintances as well?"

"Of course. I may have some interest in a person with her ability. I do not wish her harmed in anyway, and a person of her character would likely act to protect those around her."

"As you wish, Lord Gill," the woman replied with her usual smile and got up to get to work.

End Chapter 38

Next time in A Scary Thought: The Senshi visit the Moon for some answers. Meanwhile, Lemon makes her newest move which leaves Shampoo with a bit of a situation.

By the way, sorry about the delay on this one. Ran into a bit of a story issue with this chapter and it held me up as I had to ponder how it would play out. Still haven't firmly decided but the current text dodges the issues I was having for now.

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 cross over? Haven't decided, could just be me stealing ideas ^_^. Anyway, besides that we have Chun Li, Rose, Shadow Lady, Shadow, Gill and the previously shown Karin and Sakura which come from Street Fighter series (Rose, Karin and Sakura from Street Fighter Alpha 3, Shadow and Shadow Lady from Marvel vs Capcom, Chun Li from much of the Street Fighter series, and now Gill from Street Fighter III). As for Ranko, well she's from my other major fanfic, Most Unlikely of Friends, although you can largely consider her standard Ranma trapped in female form for most purposes. And lastly comes dear old Siren who is from Dreiser's story 'Black Rose Blue Thunder'. I won't be using her much but she fits a temporary need.

Good news, the website is back up as .com/hosted/derekloffin. Bad news, I still can't directly update it, so it's behind (well it was behind when I could directly update it, but now even more so). I will probably update it sometime down the line when they get some kind of public interface active, but for now it's there just for historical purposes. It needs quite the overhaul now.

And speaking of websites, my GOD, my fortunecity website is still kicking. I thought that thing was dead years ago! And hey, I get 100 megs there... Hmm, you know I hate ads and all, but there is some promise there, especially with the trouble anifics is having lately. Anyway, I haven't got the motivation to do major webpage editing right now, but I might just go back there should anifics not get their act together soon.

Well, that concludes things for this chapter. Later.

XXXXX

Hey folks, it is time for a very special Kitsune's Corner! That's right folks, I've got an extra special guest today, none other than Ranko, aka Ranma Saotome.

"Hey, how do you know that?"

I have access to all your hidden records. Unfortunately, those men in black over there seem ready to zap me the second this interview is over, but I'll take what I can get.

"Wonderful."

Right, so for starters, you are actually older than our Ranma, aren't you?

"Yeah, I come from a ways in the future, so I got about a year on him."

Good, good, so let me ask the question that is on all our reader's minds, since magic is out, have you ever considered surgery?

"Surgery?"

Yes, I've heard they've made wonderful leaps in surgical sex changes.

"WHAT?"

Come now, there is some really wonderful doctors out there and once they're done with you, they claim even other doctors will have a hard time noticing the difference.

"God NO!... Just no. Just thinking about that turns my stomach. I'd rather be a girl than some... weirdo."

Hey, I think I speak for all transsexuals out there... not that I am one mind you, but in any case, they are far from 'weirdos'.

"Whatever, but not a chance in hell. No way I'm letting some freak doctor mess with my body."

Okay, okay, fair enough. Onto other matters. Now, do you ever plan to make good on that promise to be at the other Shampoo's wedding?

"Hmm, well, it's not exactly easy to find yourself a trans-dimensional portal, but should one pop up, then yah."

Cool... I wonder what I'm doing in that dimension... but whatever, moving on... So, how do you feel about being just one of the crowd? In particular how do you feel about your old girlfriends being interested in other people?

"It is hard sometimes to be honest. Every time I see Kuno I feel like he's going to grope me, but he doesn't. It's weird. And, I suppose I do get a bit... jealous from time to time about the girls, but don't mistake that for any that love stuff... well, maybe with... Akane... but anyway, it's just kind ingrained impulse mostly, I suppose."

You know, take some advice, if you really are interested in Akane, and whether she bends that way or not, you'll never know unless you take some action.

"Yeah, I know. It's just... tough. I'm still considering... and waiting for the right moment."

Knowing you it will be a few years before you finish considering.

"Hey!"

Well, it's true. How long did it take you to admit anything to Akane before? Well?

"Er... uh..."

Exactly. Stop being such a social wussy and make a move. Anyway, that's enough for the day. Time for my brain wipe. Later all.