Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happened last time: Shampoo and Ranma began their training for the martial arts dancing match.
Chapter 42
Three days had pasted since Ranma and Shampoo began their training, and given the time pressure involved, it would come as quite the surprise that they could both be found currently in class at school. Certainly neither had been enthusiastic about coming, but Nodoka insisted that Ranma attend at least one day of classes. As well, although she had little sway over Shampoo, the Amazon had decided to go along with it as well, particularly since her training was currently mostly dependent on Ranma. Despite this distraction, Ranma was using the time to think.
They were both making good progress with the Martial Arts Dance basics, Ranma having restored the majority of his earlier skill in the field, and Shampoo reaching a level that could at least be considered manageable. For her part, Shampoo had shown Ranma Kasumi's little chi training technique which Ranma had to admit was very handy. That, and Shampoo making significant advancement in her handling of the Dragon Fang Fist, and Herb's flying technique were all great, but it didn't address a fundamental issue. That issue was simply that even with all this, Ranma gave them less than a one in ten chance of victory.
We'll need a heck of a lot more to deal with either of them if we're to have any real hope of winning, Ranma thought as he watched Ms. Hinako writing on the chalk board. What I'd give for her power... Drain people of all their energy and all with just the use of a 5 yen piece. Sadly, he knew that was not about to happen. Not long after she had arrived Ranma had tried to emulate Hinako's techniques but it became quickly obvious that the physical actions meant nothing, and that her power was something particular to her. Asking Kasumi had only confirmed this as she had related Hinako's tale of being treated in the hospital in her youth.
Dismissing that thought, Ranma glanced over to Ukyo, considering. That burning soul thing would be great too, but it beats the heck out of your body and your energy system. Even if Ukyo was willing to teach it to me, I doubt I have enough time to master it. Nah, that's a dead end.
Sighing slightly Ranma turned and looked out the classroom window as he continued to think. Come to think of it, that energy system really seems like quite the sensitive thing. Ukyo messed hers up by overusing that burning soul. Kasumi messed hers up as well using that weird Ha Do thing. Hmh... too bad I know so little about it. Sounds like it could be quite useful. Frowning slightly at this thought, Ranma was about to look back at the board when he caught sight of Happosai jumping the fence and sneaking his way into the school yard. The sight of the old master immediately brought an angry scowl to Ranma's face. Now he shows up? If I wasn't busy with training, I'd beat his lousy head in for wasting my time like that.
Sniffing in annoyance, Ranma looked away, back at Hinako, trying to concentrate on class for the last few minutes of the day. Despite his efforts, he could not help but run over the various way he would like to beat on the old master. It was in this mixed state of mind while watching Hinako, that a thought hit him. Happo-goen-satsu ... Happo-Tsurisen-Gaeshi... Damn, it has been staring us all in the face and none of us picked up on it, Ranma thought in sudden realization of the connection. But that means, the person that gave Hinako her power was the old pervert. If that's right, that old geezer must know a ton about the body's energy system. He'd have to be an expert to do that kind of thing.
A wash of possibilities flooded Ranma's mind as his excitement level rose. This could be just what I need. Look at what happened to Kasumi and Ukyo... attacking that system... but how am I going to get it out of him. Wait, I do have one bargaining chip, Ranma thought with a smile as the bell rang signaling the end of the school day. Practically jumping to his feet, Ranma rushed over to Shampoo. "I have to do something for the match. It may take all day, but I'll be sure to meet you at the club tonight," he said, and rushed from the room before Shampoo could even respond.
XXXXX
Minutes later, Shampoo was at her locker, looking to Makoto's eyes to be very annoyed. Watching her from her own locker, Makoto could sympathize somewhat, having seen Ranma suddenly up and leave. She had not heard what the boy had said, but whatever it was had only served to make Shampoo angry. However, that did not seem to be the Amazon's only reason for being in a foul mood. Throughout the day, Makoto had caught Shampoo looking anxious, long before Ranma had quickly departed. Guess the pressure is getting to her, Makoto concluded in thought. "So, how's the training going?" she asked as she finished with her locker.
"Fine," Shampoo replied simply as she too finished with her own locker.
"Fine," Makoto repeated in her own mild annoyance which Shampoo seemed oblivious too. "So, you're going to be all ready for this contest then?" she asked, but Shampoo did not respond. Instead, the Amazon paused to look down a nearby hallway with a frown. Makoto followed her gaze but found the hallway empty. However, before she could puzzle out what had Shampoo's attention, Minako came by.
"Hey, you doing anything tonight?" Minako asked.
"I was going to head over to the San Cheng Huang to check out the new kitchen. They were suppose to have installed most of the equipment today," Makoto replied, noticing Shampoo was now walking down the hallway that had her attention earlier.
"You want to go out with us to a movie after? There is this..." Minako continued to ask, but Makoto missed most of it as she tried to figure out exactly what had Shampoo's attention.
"Yeah, sure," Makoto interrupted to say. "I'll meet you at the dorm later." Without waiting for Minako to respond any further, Makoto rushed to catch up to Shampoo, both curious, and feeling something was amiss. She caught up just as Shampoo turned and began going down a set of stairs. Makoto wondered at this, not having ever noticed that there was a floor below the one they were on. After descending, Makoto found Shampoo in yet another hallway, looking perplexed. Makoto too had to stop a moment as this particular section of the school looked rather beat up. "Never been in this section before," she commented, gaining Shampoo's attention.
"Why you follow me?" Shampoo asked with a suspicion in her voice.
"Just... curious is all."
Shampoo eyed Makoto for a long moment, before suddenly asking, "do you hear it?"
"Hear... hear what?" Makoto asked in confusion.
Frowning, Shampoo turned her attention back down the hallway. "Singing. Shampoo been hearing it all day."
"Oh. I sometimes get these songs in my head that I can't-"
"No," Shampoo replied sharply. "This no like that. Shampoo no know this song. No know girl who sing it either."
Further puzzled, Makoto fell silent to listen. However, all she could hear was the distant echoes of students ending their school day, and no singing to speak of. "You sure you're not just imagining it?" Makoto reflectively suggested, and got a dirty look from Shampoo in response.
After calming herself for a second, Shampoo started walking down the hall again. "Is more than just singing. Shampoo can... feel something there."
"Feel something?" Makoto repeated.
Shampoo shook her head. "Is only way Shampoo know to describe it."
Makoto nodded, more out of sympathy than understanding. I don't want to say it, but I bet she's thinking it too that she's hallucinating. The doc said that poison attacks your nervous system, and I think Kasumi mentioned Shampoo thought she saw something the other day too. I wonder if this is just a delayed reaction, Makoto thought, shaking her head as she watched Shampoo. When Shampoo glanced back, Makoto quickly masked the action by taking note of their surroundings. As they continued down the hall, it became more and more disused, beaten and generally dirty. Old cobwebs and a thick layer of dust covered the corners, and soon even the windows were boarded up, giving it a very haunted house look. "What is this?" Makoto asked and just then nearly tripped as she was looking up. Resetting her footing, she looked down to see an old toppled sign, so covered in dust that in the poor lighting it could be mistaken for the floor. The sign read 'Stop, keep out'. "Okay, where the heck are we?" Makoto asked.
"Shampoo no know," Shampoo replied as she looked on ahead. The rest of the hallway had it's windows complete boarded, affording little visibility. "But singing come from that way," she said after a moment and continued on.
"Hey, wait!" Makoto called out as she ran a few step to catch up. "This section may be closed off for a reason. Maybe it isn't safe."
"You go back if want," Shampoo responded without looking.
Sighing, Makoto decided to carry on. "Come to think of it, I think I remember some of the students talking about finding an old wing to the school when looking for that coconut. This must have been what they were talking about," she remarked as they continued walking. "A few even said they ran into a ghost."
"Ghost?" Shampoo asked, suddenly taking interest.
"Yeah, but most of the ones I heard said it was some old man. I bet they just ran into one of that wack-job principle's traps and got all scared," Makoto answered, but then as she recalled the conversations, one in particular came to mind. "But... there was one group that said they ran into a girl..."
"Hmm," Shampoo replied, and stopped, looking up at an aged sign. "Student Store Number 2?" Shampoo read allowed, and looked over at Makoto questioningly, who could only shrug. Nodding, Shampoo turned and entered. Makoto soon followed.
Within they found that the room was indeed another store, but it looked even older than the hall. Dust covered everything, and what little could be recognized looked to be decades old. "This must have been shut down years ago," Makoto said as they looked around. However, she was startled when a back wall slid back to reveal an old man.
"Looking for something?" the old man asked, his back to the girls.
Makoto took several seconds to reset her nerves, and make sure this man was indeed of the living variety, before responding. "Are you saying this store is open?" Makoto asked in shock.
"Of course it is," he replied plainly.
Looking at a nearby shelf, Makoto could see what appeared to be old buns, or at least that was her best guess as to what they were originally. "You're kidding, right? Most this stuff is older than I am! These buns here I wouldn't even feel are safe to feed to birds."
"They're perfectly fine," he responded dismissively. "Now, if you young'uns aren't here to buy anything, I'd suggest you be on your way."
No, he's not kidding, he's just insane! Makoto thought with a cringe. Of course, that's pretty normal for this school. "Come on Shampoo, let's..." Makoto started to say as she turned to leave, but quickly noticed that Shampoo apparently had been focused on other matters. At that moment she had pulled a notebook from a nearby shelf and was paging through it slowly, seemingly entranced by it. "Shampoo?" Makoto repeated as she walked over, but got no response. Peering around her Makoto could see that Shampoo's stare was nearly vacant as she looked at the book. "Hey, you okay?" she asked, glancing at the notebook to find it looked just as beaten and old as the rest of the store's contents, but was otherwise unremarkable.
"The badger of Mt. Kokkuri... looked to the sky and wept..." Shampoo started to say as if reading from the blank page.
"Huh?" Makoto asked, now becoming worried as Shampoo seemed even less responsive. "Shampoo?"
"Place where Crane and Turtle meet, go look there if you please..."
Grabbing Shampoo by the shoulder, Makoto began to shake her. "Hey, snap out of it! Shampoo!"
The response Makoto got was not one she was expecting. Shampoo finally looked at her, but her eyes seemed to be dead. As shocking as this was, the ghostly blue flames that appeared around Shampoo were even more unnerving. Startled, Makoto withdrew, and noticed the old man was also startled by the sight. Before she could say anything though, the man pushed aside a wall hanging and retreated into a secret passage. Great! Makoto muttered in her mind as she was now alone with Shampoo.
After a few seconds, Shampoo blinked, but her eyes remained dead. "Oh... my... goodness... this is an odd feeling..." she said, puzzling Makoto.
"Shampoo?" Makoto asked cautiously.
"This has never happened to me before," Shampoo said as she looked around with a look of wonder on her face. "I had forgotten the feeling..." she said but then looked back at Makoto. "Oh dear, my apologies. I seem to have possessed your friend."
"Possessed?" Makoto repeated in confusion and shock. "Who... what are you?"
"Oh, my name is Kogane. I suppose you would best call me a ghost."
"A ghost?" Makoto once more repeated. "Hey, you better let Shampoo go right this minute!" Makoto demanded suddenly, feeling that whatever was going on, that the threat for the moment was to Shampoo rather than herself.
"Of course..." Shampoo replied, but hesitated in thought before looking at Makoto and asking, "How?"
"How? How am I supposed to know?" Makoto replied in annoyance. "You possessed her."
"Well, yes, but I don't know how I did so," the possessed Shampoo replied.
Confronted with this truly bizarre circumstance, Makoto didn't know what to do. She was still having difficulty processing the fact that Shampoo was possessed and that she was now speaking to a self admitted ghost to form any plan of action. However, Kogane apparently did not have such difficulties. After only a few more seconds she brightened slightly as she got an idea. Without discussing it, she turned sharply to the nearest wall and walked straight into it.
Quite naturally, Shampoo fell backwards and to the floor, rubbing her face. As she did so, Makoto noticed that the blue flames had left, and Shampoo had let out an apparently Chinese angry curse at the injury. "Shampoo?" Makoto asked to confirm as she knelt down to help.
"What happened?" Shampoo asked as she looked over a Makoto, her eyes back to normal.
Before Makoto could respond, the ghostly visage of a brown haired school girl appeared through the wall. "Oh, good, that worked.," she said in a spooky tone, causing both girls to reflexively withdraw.
XXXXX
Over at the Tendo home, Happosai had just returned and was in his room sorting his latest batch of ill gotten gains, namely a large pouch of ladies undergarments. Humming happily to himself as he divided the goods by texture and size, he barely took notice as the door to his room opened.
"Ah, Ranma. Come to help your master sort through these have you?" Happosai said without looking at his visitor.
"Like hell!" Ranma responded angrily.
"No?" Happosai replied, looking back. "Perhaps you're hoping to fetch a pair or two for yourself then."
"Damn it, old man, is that all you ever think about?"
"Of course not," Happosai replied, and looked off to the side with a wide grin, which only disgusted Ranma further.
"Ugh... look, you old geezer, I came here to make a deal," Ranma said, returning Happosai's attention to him. "If I'm right, you're the one who gave Ms. Hinako her weird powers, right?"
Temporarily putting his recent acquisitions aside, Happosai pulled out a pipe and began smoking it. "You're brighter than you look, boy. That's right. Of course, never realized she'd go onto this anti-delinquent bent..." Happosai responded then looked at Ranma curiously. "You looking to have the same power?"
"It had crossed my mind," Ranma responded honestly.
"Forget it. The only reason I gave such a power to her is that she could never live without it, at least never outside a hospital... It also had a few fringe benefits-"
"Yeah, yeah, I figured that-"
"So, you're looking to take the power from her."
"No," Ranma replied, although curiosity temporarily took control. "Didn't you just say she couldn't live without it?"
"Not with her current level of freedom," Happosai answered. "But of course, removing it for a day or two wouldn't cause much harm... but if that isn't what you want, then what?" Happosai asked with a curious expression.
Nodding, Ranma answered. "I want everything you got on the body's energy system. To do something like that to Hinako, you must know a lot about it."
"You'd be right," Happosai said with another smile and took a puff from his pipe. "I take it you plan to use this in the battle you have planned... a bold idea. What are you offering in exchange?"
Smiling himself, Ranma pulled out a scroll of his own. "Remember that little technique of yours? Well, I got it deciphered." This immediately peaked Happosai's interests, as he tossed aside the pipe to move closer. However, before he could take more than a step, Ranma pulled out a lighter, and held it, light, beneath the scroll at just a safe distance. "Don't even think about it, old man. It goes up in smoke unless you agree to the deal."
Happosai stopped and considered. "You drive a hard bargain," he said as he thought on the matter for a long moment, until finally he concluded, saying, "Deal."
Over the next several minutes, under Ranma's watchful and cautious gaze, Happosai dug through his belongings, occasionally tossing out a scroll, or book until he had made a small pile. As he finished up, Ranma examined a few at the top of the pile, and nodded approvingly. "These look legit," he remarked as Happosai finished.
"Of course. Now, for your end of the bargain," Happosai said, stretching out his hand eagerly for the scroll. Reluctantly, Ranma tossed it to him, and with glee, the old man opened it and began reading. "Yes, yes... I'm starting to remember this now..." Happosai thought aloud as he read.
Meanwhile, Ranma gathered up the various papers into an available box nearby and began to leave, but paused at the door. "Oh, one last thing."
"Hmh?" Happosai murmured as he looked up from the scroll.
"Happo-Daikarin," Ranma said, and tossed a small sphere at Happosai. Instinctively, Happosai grabbed it, initially puzzled until he heard the slight hiss coming from it. Turning it around he was just in time to see a fuse finish burning its way into the sphere.
Outside the room Ranma cringed slightly as the sound of an explosion could be heard behind him. "Hmm, I suppose it has its uses," he commented as he headed off to the dojo for some heavy reading.
XXXXX
"I'm terribly, terribly sorry. I didn't-"
"Stop it!" Shampoo replied sharply to the ghostly Kogane as they, along with Makoto, walked down the street. Turning around briefly, Shampoo raised a finger in warning. "Stop apologizing to me. And stop crying! You're worse than Kasumi."
"Of course... sorry... oops," Kogane replied meekly, only causing Shampoo to toss up her arms in frustration and continue on walking.
From Makoto's point of view this exchange seemed particularly odd. Although she knew who Shampoo was talking to, she could not see Kogane so Shampoo appeared to be having an argument with thin air. Fortunately for Shampoo's public image, most passers by were not paying enough attention to notice the strangeness of this. Maybe asking her to come along invisibly was a bad idea. Of course, a bunch of people in a panic over seeing a ghost would probably be worse, Makoto thought with a shake of her head. Looking to where she figured Kogane was, Makoto smiled reassuringly. "Don't mind her. She's just got this anti-apology thing going."
"I see," Kogane replied as they continued on their way.
Makoto nodded, and was once more hit by the oddity of the situation. Here I am, talking casually with a ghost. This is weird even for Nerima and me, she thought. At least she seems harmless enough, if a bit spooky, but that's kind of a given, she joked with herself before deciding to rush a few paces to pull up along side Shampoo. "So, I'm guessing it was her you heard singing?"
"Yes." Shampoo replied. "But why? I have never been able to sense ghosts like this before. And why is it I can see her plainly even now when you can't?"
"Extension of the same reason I couldn't hear the singing I guess," Makoto replied. "At least you aren't hallucinating." Shampoo gave Makoto a brief nasty look, which caused Makoto to raise her hands defensively. "I'm just saying... I'm sure you were thinking it too," Makoto said. After a few seconds, Shampoo look softened and she was forced to nod in agreement. "As to why, that's hard to say, but... I do have this friend back in my old district, Rei, and she could sense stuff I couldn't. Maybe... what happened to you caused it. I mean, you were kinda close... you know."
Hanging her head slightly, Shampoo was once more forced to nod.
"Um... one other thing. Have you noticed that your Japanese seems to have suddenly gotten a whole lot better?"
Shampoo looked over at Makoto, puzzled and surprised, and then back at Kogane. "You're right."
"It is probably an after affect of being possessed," Kogane concluded. "I seem to be aware of many thing I should not be aware of as well."
"Is that permanent?" Makoto asked.
"I could not say. I've never possessed anyone before," Kogane replied.
"Right," Makoto said through a slightly strained smile. "I'm sure it's harmless enough, but we'll know for sure when we talk to Cologne and-"
"I haven't got time for that," Shampoo interjected.
"Why not?"
"I have to go talk to Azusa. I can't be wasting time on minor stuff like this."
Makoto frowned. "Minor stuff? I don't call this minor."
"You said yourself it is harmless enough. I only have a few days left to train, and I still don't know the first thing about how Kitsui fights."
Makoto opened her mouth to argue the point, but drew a blank. There could be any number of side effects we don't know about, but she has to know that already. She just doesn't care, Makoto thought, and sighed as they reached the road turning off towards the restaurant. "Fine, I'll tell Cologne. Just... don't do anything stupid."
Shampoo did not acknowledge the request, instead continuing on up the road without looking back. Makoto frowned once again in annoyance, before hearing Kogane speak.
"I will go with her," the ghost said, causing Makoto to start.
"Uh... right," Makoto replied, looking around herself in a vain effort to see the spirit. Failing at that, she decided it best to simply head on.
XXXXX
Not far ahead, Kogane floated up behind Shampoo. The Amazon looked behind herself briefly then back ahead. "Why are you following me?"
Kogane thought about this for a moment then shrugged. "I'm not sure. Perhaps I can be of help." Shampoo couldn't help but scoff at that notion, but being as Kogane was a ghost, there was little to do but let her do as she pleased.
The journey remained largely quiet from there. Shampoo had little interest in speaking with a ghost, and Kogane was apparently more than content with being silent. It took some time to reach Azusa's place. Shampoo vaguely remembered the place from the time she helped in the rescue of Ryouko. Despite this, it still took quite a bit of puzzling out the streets in this part of town to find the place once again. Finally though, as they neared their goal, a bit of morbid curiosity overcame Shampoo. "How did you... die?" Shampoo asked.
"I don't remember," Kogane responded without hesitation.
"You don't remember?" Shampoo echoed in shock. "How can you no remember something like that?"
"Memory doesn't work the same when you're a ghost," she explained. "I can't even remember my full name, or what happened yesterday. If it isn't very important, we forget. I suppose my death wasn't very important."
Shampoo cringed at this. "Don't say such thing... drat... Shampoo already forgetting Japanese."
"As am I forgetting the things I knew... but I'm a ghost, that comes naturally."
"Never mind that," Shampoo quickly said with a shake of her head, and stopped to look at her companion. "You can no just... forget death. It very important!"
"Well, I did," Kogane replied simply. "You have been touched by death."
Shampoo was once more shocked by this. "How did you..."
"You're blurry," the ghost replied which only puzzled Shampoo. "Your spirit and your body, they are dislocated... it makes you look blurry to me. And, besides, your friend earlier hinted that you had been."
"Dislocated?" Shampoo repeated, not particularly liking the sound of it.
"It's not harmful... I think..." Kogane said in uncertainty. "I know I've seen others like you... although I can't remember much beyond that." After a moment of trying to force the memories to the surface, she gave up and changed topics slightly. "Do you fear death?"
Shampoo nearly gave an impulsive reply of denial, but reconsidered and paused to think. "My death... a little. Kasumi's..."
Kogane nodded. "That's the one you care about. I understand. I have not been in love, it must be nice."
"Sometimes seems more trouble than is worth," Shampoo replied as she turned to continue on, but then said, "but yes, it is very nice."
With those words, Shampoo stopped in front of the walkway leading to Azusa's front door. Frowning in annoyance at what she had to do, she walked up to the door, and after a moment considering the forceful approached, opted instead for a simple knock. After about half a minute the door opened to reveal a butler. "Yes Mame?"
"Shampoo want see Azusa," Shampoo replied and with a nod the butler motioned for her to enter and called out.
"My lady, a young woman is here to see you," the butler called up the stairs.
"A young lady... It isn't Kitsui?" Azusa asked from out of sight.
"No my Lady."
Shampoo heard Azusa sigh in relief and saw her peek out from the top of the staircase. However, whatever relief Azusa felt was quickly replaced with anger at seeing Shampoo. "YOU!" she nearly shouted in outrage and rushed down the stairs.
As she did so, Shampoo became quickly aware of something. Azusa's hair was completely changed. When they had last met, Azusa had sported long well styled locks that were a rival for Shampoo's own. Now, however, her hairdo was closer to Akane's length, maybe even shorter, and far more simple in style. "What happen your hair?" Shampoo couldn't help but ask, temporarily pulling Azusa up short.
"None of your business," Azusa replied defensively.
Despite the evasive response, Shampoo's mind quickly snagged on the answer. Early when she arrived in Japan it was very easy to judge and view everything in terms of Amazon rules and customs. Overtime she had realized that foolishness of this in Japan, but in this one case it fit perfectly. In the village messing with a warriors hair was a high insult, and not wise unless you drastically overpowered your victim. In fact, there were many villagers that believed that when Shampoo had scarred Par Phume she had in fact been merciful. Shampoo did not share that opinion. However, given that Azusa had messed with Ukyo's hair, the conclusion wasn't difficult and Shampoo couldn't contain her laughter as she realized.
Azusa endured the laughter only for a moment. "Why are you here? Azusa doesn't like you. You're the one who hit Azusa."
Finally stifling her amusement, she got back on topic. "Shampoo want talk about fight with Kitsui."
"Kitsui? No way. Azusa does not want to talk about her," Azusa sharply replied.
"Shampoo need know how she fight."
"Why?" Azusa asked, although her tone made it clear she little cared.
"Shampoo have match with her in few days," Shampoo answered, and this time it was Azusa's turn to be amused.
Azusa giggled briefly and turned away. "All the better then that Azusa doesn't tell you. Go away."
I could just beat her within an inch of her life and force her to tell me, Shampoo seriously considered for a moment as she watched Azusa depart. However, the consideration was quickly quashed. She had no method to determine if Azusa was speaking the truth, and even if she did, stuff like that had a nasty habit of getting back to Kasumi. Funny how I always seem to be considering how Kasumi will react, Shampoo thought, but let it end at a thought and turned to leave.
Outside, Shampoo couldn't help but growl in annoyance. "Now what will you do?" Kogane suddenly asked, reminding Shampoo of her presence.
"Shampoo no know."
"Is she related to you in some way?" Kogane asked, puzzling Shampoo. "It is just that you both sound very similar."
Shampoo cringed, both at the comparison, and had how true it was. "Shampoo really need learn better Japanese, and no, we no related," she said.
"Oh," the ghost said, and turned back towards the house. "Hmm, that gives me an idea actually. If you really want to know something from her, I do have a suggestion."
Shampoo looked at Kogane curiously and soon smiled as she realized just what Kogane was thinking.
XXXXX
Inside the Tendo dojo Ranma had nearly the whole floor covered with the books and scrolls acquired from Happosai. However, the information overload was getting to him, and sitting in the middle of the mess, he was at a loss for where to start. Holding his chin in contemplation, he scanned over the various papers looking for some further inspiration.
"What are you doing, Saotome?" Herb-chan suddenly asked from the doorway, gaining Ranma's attention.
"None of your business," Ranma quickly replied, and tried to go back to his considerations.
Ignoring Ranma, Herb entered and knelled down to examine one of the nearby scrolls. "The body's energy system," she commented, but Ranma did not reply. "Do you honestly believe you can learn all of this in just a short few days?"
"Of course not," Ranma replied in irritation. "I just need to pick up a few things that can be useful."
Herb huffed at hearing this, standing back up. "Don't delude yourself, Saotome. Manipulations of the energy system are extremely advanced disciplines. You would be lucky to gain even a passing knowledge on the subject in the time you have, let alone anything useful, especially without someone to test on."
"Test on," Ranma repeated, realizing the truth of the words, and once more looked back at Herb. "You-"
"Forget it!" Herb quickly interjected. "Do not mistake my cooperation with you in past incidents as meaning we are allies. You are my enemy, an obstacle between me and Kasumi. Only Kasumi's desire to see you unharmed keeps me from... dealing with you more directly."
Ranma scoffed. "Same goes for you, dragon-boy. And don't think you intimidate me. I'm more than willing to take you on anytime."
"Don't underestimate me. You never have experienced my true power."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Ranma replied in dismissal. "If you haven't got anything useful to say, take a hike. I got some thinking to do." Herb scowled, but said no more and left. Ranma however had to give the prince one thing. He's right, I'm going to need someone to help me out with this stuff. Needs to be someone pretty good with Ki. Kasumi's still recovering so she's out. Suppose I could ask Ukyo, but that could get rather awkward, and besides I don't know if she's got any left overs of her problem left. Don't need to make her have a relapse or anything. Hmm... Finally, after another minute of pondering, a suitable subject came to mind. Nodding, Ranma stood up and quickly headed out.
XXXXX
Across the town a ways, a short time later, Ranko was lounging in her room at the dormitory, contemplating the pro's and con's of being lazy. Normally she would be busy with something, usually training, but with Kasumi laid up for the last while she had found herself with an increasing amount of free time on her hands. I can't wait for Kasumi to get better, she concluded finally and sighed with boredom.
About that moment, a knock came at the door. "Come in," she called out, expecting one of your dorm mates, but was instead surprised to see Ranma peek in. "Ranma, what you doing here?" she asked, sitting up on her bed.
"Actually, I came to ask for your help," Ranma replied, but after looking around briefly, changed topics. "Where's Ukyo?"
"Not sure. She's been going out on her own a lot lately," Ranko answered. "So, I'm guessing you need help with this Rippa character."
Ranma nodded. "Training, yeah. I got an idea, but I really need to test out on someone who's familiar with Ki use."
Ranko considered only for a second, before jumping up to her feet. "Well, let's get goin then," she said enthusiastically, surprising Ranma. "What? I'm bored stiff here," she quickly explained, adding mentally, I'm not going to mention I feel a bit responsible for getting you into this challenge though.
The two headed out, and once clear of the dorm, Ranko asked, "So, what you got planned."
"I got a bunch of info on the body's energy system. With all that has happened to Ukyo and Kasumi, and thinking about Ms. Hinako too, I figure I should be able to attack it somehow."
"Attack the energy system of the body?" Ranko repeated with some doubt. "That's a tall order. I know a bit about that sort of stuff, and it's certainly not an easy thing to learn. You only have a few days."
"I'm not looking to do anything fancy. I'm just looking to break something. That's always easier than trying to build, or reshape," Ranma explained.
"Still, even that won't be easy, especially since you don't want to kill the person... right?"
"Of course not!" Ranma replied in annoyance. "Look, I know you think I'm not some top tier martial artist, and maybe you're right. However, if I am going to get better, I can't just play around with the usual methods. Something like this is something I can really build on in the future."
"Yeah, I suppose so," Ranko replied, self consciously looking away at mention of the conversion from days previous. Looking to change topics, Ranko asked, "Not worried about sparring with a girl?"
"Phf, tell me who isn't a girl around here and knows how to use Ki well. The only person I can think of is Herb, and even he's a she most the time," Ranma replied. "Funny how that has worked out since Kasumi came here."
"Yeah, kinda odd," Ranko had to admit, giving her once more pause to consider the cosmic significance and impact of Kasumi's position in the world. Shaking her head to dismiss the notion, Ranko decided to focus on less metaphysical matters. "How is Herb doing?"
"Hmh?"
"I mean... with the being trapped as a girl thing?"
Ranma shrugged. "Fine enough I guess, considering. He's been able to transform back a few times with that instant stuff, which helps I guess. Got to give the guy credit though. I think I'd go nuts if that happened to me."
"Uh... yeah," Ranko replied, glancing away to hide any errant emotion on the topic. However, the attempt failed as Ranma looked over at her curiously, but chose to make nothing of it.
XXXXX
"Azusa!"
"Ukyo! Wait, what are you doing here? No... not that again! Not my hair!"
Shampoo awoke suddenly, and painfully, tumbling backwards from a collision with a wall. "Ow!" she complained bitterly just as Kogane reemerged from the same wall. "You need to find a better way to get out of people!"
"Sorry," Kogane replied with a bowed head, but the apology only served to anger Shampoo. "Did you get a clearer image this time?"
"I think so," Shampoo answered as she returned to her feet.
For the past hour, Shampoo had been repeatedly possessed by Kogane in an effort to make the memories she gained while possessing Azusa more clear. However, it still was making very little sense. One minute Azusa was in a fight with Kitsui, the next she was in some weird nightmare where Ukyo was stalking her with giant hedge clippers and hair dye. It was enough to make Shampoo actually feel sorry for the skater. Still, it left a rather glaring question, just what the heck happened out on that skating rink.
"Shall I-" Kogane started to ask, but Shampoo quickly raised her hand to ward her off.
"No!" Shampoo said. "I don't quite know what this is, but the extra possessions aren't making much difference. It's like the memories are jumbled up or something. Besides, you're beginning to forget, and one more run into a wall and I might break my nose. Let's just go to the dojo."
"Of course," Kogane said and followed as Shampoo lead the way to the Tendo residence.
On the way, Shampoo re-envisioned the whole scenario in mind several times. However, even by the time they arrived, Shampoo was still fighting for an answer. First she was fighting Kitsui, then the nightmare, and then she lost. Somehow the memory must have gotten messed up with some dream she had. That's the only explanation. Great, this won't help me at all. The important bit is... missing... Shampoo thought, but remembered back to what Minako had said and stopped in her tracks. "Oh no, the memory isn't jumbled or mixed up. Kitsui somehow put Azusa into that nightmare. Mikado said it. She wasn't hit but she simply lost her will to fight. It is because she was trapped in her own mind."
"I see," Kogane said with a nod, but noticing the tension on Shampoo's face asked, "You don't seem happy."
"Happy? Why would I be happy? This is terrible. I have no way of countering that type of attack. I have barely heard of such things, and only from master level warriors who are incredibly dangerous. How do I fight something like that?"
Kogane shrugged. "I wouldn't know. I'm not a martial artist."
"It's a mental illusion," came an unexpected answer as Shampoo neared the dojo. She looked up to see Herb-chan rounding the corner. "And who are you talking to?" she asked, looking around in some confusion.
Prompted by the question, Kogane willed herself visible, starting the prince. "This is Kogane, and yes, she's a ghost," Shampoo said. "Now, never mind her, what do you know about this?"
Herb took several seconds to comprehend the fact that she was witnessing a real ghost standing before her, and several more to try and comprehend how Shampoo could apparently be so relaxed about this. However, deciding that making an issue of it would be pointless, she finally addressed the question. "It's a mental attack technique. The victim is forcibly induced to experience hallucinations. If I overheard you right, you're talking about one of the most advanced forms, one that can force someone into a dream-like state. It is a very dangerous form of attack."
"Do you know a counter?" Shampoo couldn't help but ask, but was surprised by Herb's response.
"No."
"No?" Shampoo echoed in annoyance.
"I'm of the dragon clan. Our mind is extremely resistant to all forms of mental influence. There is basically no need to know a counter to it as it wouldn't work on me anyway. Perhaps, further in my training I might be taught one for safety sake, but it isn't exactly a high priority," the prince explained. However, the explanation only further angered Shampoo, and with a dismissive wave, she walked by the prince and continued on her way to the dojo. "Ranma is training with Ranko at the moment," Herb said, bringing her up short.
"What for?"
"He's trying to devise some attack against the body's energy system. I think he's a fool. He'll never put something together in the time he has," Herb said, causing Shampoo to frown.
"At least he's trying something," Shampoo suddenly responded and sharply, and started back on her way.
Herb hesitated, thinking for a moment, but called out. "There is a possibility." Shampoo stopped and looked back, prompting Herb to explain. "It is undeniably a chi form attack. Most likely it actually something like what Ranma is attempting, an energy system attack, where the victim's body state is manipulated by the chi of the attacker. I don't know any specific counters, but I can't certain image general principles of defense."
"Something I could learn in just a few days?"
"Difficult," Herb said after a moment of consideration. "I've seen your chi control. It's frankly rather poor. Still, you may be able to at least hinder the attack."
"Hinder," Shampoo repeated, not impressed, but with no other options at the moment, hinder was sounding rather good.
"I could help you with your chi control, and developing a counter as well," Herb suggested, to which Shampoo looked at her suspiciously. "What?"
"Is not like you to be this... helpful," Shampoo said.
Herb frowned, turned partially away, and crossed her arms. "I can be helpful if I want."
Shampoo smirked. "You don't fool me for a second. You're thinking you can get on my good side. Hoping I'll choose you."
Herb's shoulder's slumped slightly, but she quickly grew defiant. "So what? Isn't that the point. I'm offering to help. You make out like it's a crime."
"I just find it... amusing," Shampoo said. "I guess I don't have a lot of choice in the matter, so I'll accept your help."
"You could ask your great grandmother," Herb pointed out, but Shampoo shook her head.
"I can't go running to her every time I get into trouble. Besides, soon she'll be going back to the village and then what do I do when something comes along."
"And coming to me is somehow better?" Herb asked.
"Not really," Shampoo conceded. "But, you at least will probably be around for a while."
Herb nodded in agreement to this. "There is one thing I want in return though," she suddenly said, making Shampoo suspicious. "It's nothing... I just want you to answer a question for me."
"A question? What question?"
Herb hesitated, considering her words. "Why do you love Kasumi?"
"What?"
"You heard me," Herb responded in annoyance. "It's a simple enough question. Answer that and I'll help you out."
Shampoo looked at Herb suspiciously, but matters had not changed in the last few moments. She still needed the prince's help. "Fine, but after the fight. After that I'll answer, win or lose."
"Why after?"
"Because!" Shampoo argued back. "Take it or leave it."
"Whatever, that will do, but I expect you to keep to your word on this matter," Herb replied. "We better start. You haven't much time and you'll need every bit of it for this to have a hope of working."
"It's unfortunate that you aren't a ghost," Kogane suddenly said, reminding both of the ghost's presence.
"Why's that?" Shampoo asked with a confused look.
"Ghosts don't dream."
"That's nice, but I'm not a ghost," Shampoo replied.
"Yes, like I said..."
Shampoo sighed, unsure what to make of this new companion, or knowing what to do with her. Dismissing that matter for another time, she directed Herb to follow her to the back yard to begin..
XXXXX
Late that evening, Shampoo and Ranma were once more at the night club practicing. Ranma was taking a momentary break to watch Shampoo, and was quite impressed with her progress. She had not spilled a drop from either of the two drinks she was holding the entire night. Looks about time to upgrade to the next level of difficulty, Ranma thought as he ordered 2 more drinks from the bar.
Waiting for the drinks, Ranma let his mind wander to other matters, namely his idea for developing new a technique or two. He and Ranko had worked looked over the various paper for several hours, tossing back and forth ideas. There was no doubt that it was going to be challenging to develop anything useful in the time available. However, Ranma would not be deterred.
"There you are, Ranma."
Ranma turned, surprised, to find Rippa taking up a spot next to him at the Bar.
"Rippa, what you doing here? Spying on me?" Ranma asked.
"Always good to look in on the competition. Wasn't hard to deduce you'd come here. You always came here when you were training," Rippa said then motioned to Shampoo. "She's coming along pretty good, but she's still a world short from Kitsui's level."
"Don't underestimate her," Ranma replied, mildly irritated.
Rippa merely smiled. "Not at all. I'm sure she's one hell of a fighter. Unfortunately, that won't make a lick of difference against Kitsui. You know, there is still a chance to back out."
"Shampoo knows all about how Kitsui fights, and she's not backing down, and neither am I."
"Oh, does she now?" Rippa comment in mild surprise. "Brave of her. Kitsui's techniques are very potent in battles one on one."
"Of course, our fight is two on two," Ranma pointed out, but Rippa merely smiled.
"You're going to have enough trouble keeping yourself out of trouble, Ranma," Rippa said, but Ranma did not rise to the bait. Changing topic slightly, Rippa continued on. "Like old times, isn't it? You must admit, you advanced ten times as much when learning with us than you ever did at your uncle's dojo. Had you kept training with us, I bet you'd be far above any of the martial artists around here."
"You have no idea just how good they are. And, Uncle Tendo may not be the best teacher, but he's taught me well enough, thank you very much."
Rippa nodded. "Oh, I know a great deal about the locals. I made it a principle a long time ago to keep up on all the top fighters in the area. They are definitely a capable lot, but I'm confident I could take any of them in a fair fight."
"You never learn," Ranma replied. "There is nothing to see here, Rippa. So if you're through with the pre-fight posturing, I have training to attend to."
Rippa laughed. "I always liked you Ranma. It's too bad you're straight."
"Don't even start with that. My Mom nearly had a stroke when she found out you were gay last time," Ranma said with a sigh at the memory.
Rippa laughed once more, and gave Ranma a quick pat on the back. "See you around, Ranma. I hope you'll put up a decent fight. Wouldn't want you to be too embarrassed." With the final verbal gab out of the way, Rippa headed off, leaving Ranma with a frown. Seconds later, Shampoo arrived next to him just in time to see Rippa head out the door.
"It's nothing," Ranma said before she could ask. His drinks having arrived during the conversation, Ranma handed two more glasses to Shampoo. Already holding one in each hand, Shampoo looked at the new glass dubiously for a second before rearranging the glasses she was holding so that she could hold all four. "I know it's a bit awkward-" Ranma started to explain, but Shampoo shook her head.
"No, Shampoo want more."
"More?"
"Yes," Shampoo insisted. "Is too easy right now. Shampoo... ever since been with Kogane, Shampoo sense far more. Even without looking can feel people."
"Really?" Ranma asked, to which Shampoo nodded. "Well, if you think you can handle it, I was going to save the head balancing ones till last..." he said, ordering a couple glasses. "So, you don't just sense ghosts then?" he asked as he waited.
"No, is everyone. Is very strange. No even have to be looking and can sense them. Is... much clearer than combat sense," Shampoo explained.
Ranma pondered this for a moment. He had developed his own combat sense, and it acted mostly as a warning mechanism, a sort of general sense that things were about to get dangerous and that he should move. It was a combination of barely understood information from one's senses combined with a bit of logic and general combat instincts. Useful, but certainly not something you could call clear. Having only a vague description to go by, Ranma could only guess as to the extent of Shampoo's new sense, but it did seem a great deal more informative.
"Guess it only makes sense. People are just sorta ghosts with bodies... kinda," Ranma commented, getting a tired look from Shampoo in response. "Well, it's more complicated than that, I'm sure, but basically speaking..."
"That all fine, but no help with Kitsui. How fight someone like that?"
Ranma shrugged. "I thought you said Herb was teaching you something?"
Shampoo nodded, but without much hope. "He do, but Shampoo no think it enough. How can fight when trapped in dream?" Shampoo asked, but Ranma had no easy answer. As the extra drinks arrived, and Ranma moved to hand them out, Shampoo could do little more than sigh. All this training ultimately means nothing if I can't devise a proper defense, she thought. This new sense is interesting and all, but it doesn't really help when I'm one on one. I'm more than capable of keeping... hmm... but that's kinda the point, isn't it. I'll be in a dream. I wonder what happens to this sense when I'm in a dream. Ghosts don't dream, Kogane said. If Ranma's right and we're just likes ghosts with a body...
"Hey," Ranma said suddenly, causing Shampoo to realize she had been lost in her thoughts. "Something wrong?"
Shampoo quickly. "No, maybe something right."
XXXXX
End Chapter 42
Next time in A Scary Thought: The day of the match arrives.
Man I'm slow! Doesn't help that I got myself a new PS3, and have been burning through new WoW content. Gaming always seriously distracts me.
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.
I'm so far behind on my websites that I don't even feel they're worth mentioning anymore. If you do head there, consider them seriously out of date, and essentially dead.
Well, that concludes things for this chapter. Later.