Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happen last time: Siren arrived, announcing that Frost can begin the enchantment. She also happened to bring along Shampoo's parents, among others.
Chapter 45
XXXXX
"So, Saotome, what is it that couldn't wait? I promised to go see Kasumi's new place and don't want to keep her up late," Soun asked as he sat opposite Genma at the table in the Tendo common room.
Across from him, Genma's attention seemed firmly locked on the table top. "It... well... that's kinda what I wanted to talk to you about," Genma responded, but his demeanor was not going unnoticed.
"What is it, Saotome?" Soun demanded. "It's about Kasumi and Ranma, isn't it?" he quickly concluded. "We'll just have to set the boy straight and-"
"No... well, kind of about that in a roundabout way, but not really," Genma interjected, further puzzling his friend.
"Well, spill it out," Soun said after a moment of Genma's silence.
Genma opened his mouth several times as he attempted to form his thoughts into the delicate balance of words that would not get him Soun's ire, but no such sequence of verbiage was coming to him. Honestly, he wanted desperately to keep his mouth shut on the matter. However, his conversation with his son earlier was still fresh in his mind.
"Look Pops, if you don't take the heat for Kasumi, you KNOW this isn't going to end well," Ranma had said, and Genma could not argue his logic.
Sometimes, Kasumi, I wish you knew about all the little things I end up doing for you, he thought as he finally collected his courage. "It's about Kasumi."
"Hmh?" Soun replied, a bit confused.
"More accurately, it is about Kasumi and Shampoo."
"Oh... what foolish arrangement are those Amazons trying to get my Kasumi into now?" Soun asked with a frown.
Once more Genma opened his mouth, paused, then decided to just say it. "I don't know how to sugar coat this, Tendo, so I'm just going to say it straight. Kasumi and Shampoo are sleeping together."
"Hmm, I see," Soun said with a nod before the statement truly hit him. "What?!" he suddenly exclaimed. "You mean they are just-"
"No, I mean they're intimate," Genma said, and began counting the seconds. Soun blinked several times in shock, and Genma managed to reach about six before the inevitable happened, and a cry of anguish erupted throughout the house.
XXXXX
After stifling an annoying itch in her nose that threatened to force a sneeze, Kasumi smiled as Shampoo's parents approached. Siren had quickly dismissed herself, leaving Kasumi and Shampoo alone with the parents.
The mother was unmistakably related, the hair being a dead giveaway. Although it was styled with braids, and generally shorter, the color was a near exact match for Shampoo's. The father was quite a different matter, looking like someone you'd find in a stereotypical Chinese curio shop. With darken round glasses, a thin mustache and goatee and wearing a rather nondescript set of clothes, the dark haired man looked totally out of place next to his wife.
"Kasumi, this Shampoo's parents, Comb and Brush," Shampoo introduced, mother and then father respectively.
"It is an honor to meet you," Kasumi said, bowing in respect, gaining a nod from the father, but an unreadable look from the mother who was the first to respond.
"So, you must be the one that ran off on my daughter," she said plainly, straining Kasumi's smile.
This is not a good start, Kasumi thought but Shampoo quickly moved to Kasumi's defense.
"Mother, that no matter anymore," Shampoo complained, but her mother looked unimpressed.
"Yes, yes, of course, of course," she said in seeming dismissal of the topic. "So then, it is true that you have decided to honor your marriage to my daughter?"
"Uh... yes," Kasumi quickly said as she collected herself.
"I see. That's good, after all, it was your fault she has been dragged into this whole affair," the mother replied, once more straining Kasumi's smile.
"Mother!" Shampoo warned.
Unfortunately, the woman paid Shampoo little mind and simply pressed on. "Or perhaps this was your intent all along. So tell me, just how many time have you bedded my daughter?"
"Ah..." Kasumi fumbled desperately, but no answer was required, as Shampoo cursed in her native tongue, grabbed her mother by the arm and pulled her aside. Very quickly the two entered a heated argument in Mandarin.
"Do not mind my wife," the father said after a moment. "She... likes to judge people when they are... umm... unbalanced."
"I see," Kasumi replied with a heavy sigh, then turned fully to address the father. "I am sorry about what happened that night. Had I known the consequences I would have stayed," Kasumi said slowly in Mandarin.
"Ah, you know Mandarin?" the father asked in surprise.
"I have been practicing," Kasumi answered.
He nodded in reply. "Then I offer you my forgiveness for such. I know how odd the laws of the village can be. It is no surprise to me that you fled. It is enough for me to know that Shampoo approves of you and the situation is now resolved."
Kasumi bowed in thanks just as the argument between Shampoo and her mother apparently came to an end. The mother gave Kasumi a brief probing look, but said nothing. Instead Shampoo said, "Come, we show parents restaurant."
"Oh, of course," Kasumi agreed, thankful for something divert attention from her for the moment.
XXXXX
Back at the other side of town, Herb had just returned to the Tendos' after a brief meeting with her two subordinates. The pair had been largely left unsupervised of late, but surprisingly were staying out of trouble. Mint was still moping over Ukyo's rejection, and maybe was a little resentful towards Herb, although he did not openly express such. Lime, on the other hand, was quite happy. His job at the school had afforded him several encounters with the opposite sex, including the infamous Yotogi, although the latter's advances were enough to make even Lime nervous.
All of that little concerned Herb though. Right now her own mind was preoccupied with her own love life, in particular Shampoo. After the dance match, Herb had come for agreed upon payment for her aid.
"Why you want know something so obvious?" Shampoo had asked.
"Don't try to change the subject," Herb had cautioned.
"Fine. Is silly question anyway. Kasumi defeat Shampoo. Is law."
"That's a lie and you know it," Herb had accused. "If the law was so important to you, you would have killed Kasumi the moment you learned her true identity, or at the very least accepted Ukyo without complaint," Herb had continued, cutting off any counters.
The Amazon had displayed a number of feelings, and aborted several replies before finally retorting, "Shampoo no know! Is that what want hear?" she had asked angrily.
The conversation had deteriorated from there. In the end, Herb had learned little. In fact, all she could manage to do was to keep Shampoo from getting angrier by dropping the matter unconditionally. What a waste, she thought as headed to the kitchen. If Shampoo can't figure out why she's in love, how does Sorora expect me to figure it out.
Sighing at that thought, Herb dismissed the matter. She made it as far as the door to the kitchen when the pathetic weeping of Soun Tendo caught her ears. "Now what?" she mumbled as she changed destinations for the common room. She stopped, out of view, as Genma began to speak.
"Come now, Tendo, it isn't that bad," Genma consoled his friend.
"My daughter is sleeping with another woman, and you say it isn't bad?!" Tendo replied in a mix of anger and sorrow. "I should have done more. I should have known those Amazons were up to no good," he continued to whimper.
"Now Tendo..."
"I failed," Soun moaned. "If I'd just taught Ranma to be more of a man..."
Genma cleared his throat noisily. "Well, I hardly think that factors in here," he said.
What fools, Herb thought with a smirk and a shake of her head, before she heard Soun get to his feet.
"There's no choice then, I just have to march over there and bring Kasumi home. It is the only way to straighten her out," Soun declared.
Before Herb could consider her own response to this, Genma intervened. "Stop right there, Tendo," Genma said with surprising force, causing Soun to stop as directed. "Do you honestly think she would agree to that?" Genma asked.
"Well..." Soun started to reply, doubt plain in his tone.
"No, she won't. If you attempt something that thoughtless, you'll just alienate her. Believe me, I know this all too well," Genma said. Soun appeared to take the words to heart, and after a few seconds, sat down once more.
"You're right," Soun admitted sadly. "Is there nothing we can do?"
"Even if we ignore the matter of Kasumi's feelings, there is still her personal moral code to consider. She feels she owes Shampoo. Asking her to abandon Shampoo would be like asking her to violate that code. I know from personal experience that is not a wise thing to do."
"You speak wisely, Saotome," Tendo conceded. A moment of silence gripped the pair. Herb nearly decided to leave before Soun once more spoke. "Where did we go wrong, Saotome? What does she see in that girl?"
"I have a few thoughts on that matter," Genma replied, peaking Herb's interest. "I suspect it all goes back to that incident."
"That incident?" Soun echoed in confusion.
"With Haruka... oh right, you haven't heard about it," Genma replied.
"Spit it out, Saotome! Did this Haruka do something to my little girl?" Soun demanded.
"It's rather complicated," Genma began, pausing a moment before continuing. "Haruka was the first person Kasumi really dated. Let's just say it didn't end well."
Herb stifled her own grim laugh at Genma's understatement, having heard Kasumi tell the tale directly.
"The fiend! Did he hurt her?" Soun asked.
"Not physically, no. No, in some respects it was worse."
Soun naturally took this poorly. He slapped his hand angrily on the table. "Tell me you didn't let him get away with it!"
"I'll tell you, Tendo, I was ready to give him a firm thrashing for breaking Kasumi's heart so," Genma declared, but then gave a weak laugh. "That is until I found he was a she."
"What?" Soun exclaimed.
"Yes. I went hunting for him the next day to have it out with him. Finally found him at one of the local schools, out running the track with the others girls." Genma paused as he thought back. "And no, Kasumi didn't know. Even I was fooled the one time I met her. She makes quite the convincing man."
Soun stumbled for words for several seconds before finally asking, "What did you do?"
"I figured there was more to the situation than I realized, so I decided it best to stay out of it," Genma answered. "Point isn't that Haruka was a woman though. Really, that breakup strongly affected Kasumi. She always had some insecurity, and that just amplified it. In a funny way, although she'd never use such, I think that Amazon law gives Kasumi a feeling of safety, knowing Shampoo can't abandon her like Haruka did."
Soun thought on this for a moment. "There is much to consider... Haruka... wait, was there not a Haruka at the hospital visiting? Could-"
"That was her," Genma answered. "I believe that she and Kasumi have come to some understanding."
Once more Soun fell into thought.
"Look on the bright side, Tendo. Those Amazon laws that got this whole mess started actually help us. Kasumi is sure to choose a male partner if for no other reason to restore Shampoo's status. Plus, that whole curse thing does make getting some grand kids out a bit difficult. With Shampoo in the mix it isn't as big a problem."
Soun huffed, clearly not pleased, but did not argue the point. After another moment of silence he spoke, "Kimiko warned me that our daughters may not turn out as I envisioned them. Thank you, Saotome. I have much to consider."
Soun once more got up, and slowly exited the common room. Genma remained seated and sighed in relief. "Went better than I thought," he commented, and still eavesdropping, Herb had to agree.
Still, perhaps I should head over to ensure nothing serious happens because of this, Herb thought. Or, take advantage should something occur, she added deviously. So convinced, she headed off.
XXXXX
Back at the restaurant, Siren could not help but shake her head as she watched. Shampoo's tour for her parents had barely started before it got derailed at the kitchen. Comb apparently had some suggestions in regards to the new menu. Although Kasumi had taken these suggestions graciously enough, Shampoo soon took exception when said suggestions kept coming, and with increasing magnitude. Another argument with her mother soon resulted.
It was amusing and sad at the same time, at least in Siren's opinion. Shampoo's father and Kasumi could do little more than try to stay out of the matter. However, if things continued as they were currently going, both would likely be dragged into it on their respective partner's side.
"Mistress Siren," a familiar voice called out as it rushed over. Said voice belonged to Siren's other student, twelve year old Spring. "I think the Grand magus may be here," she said, pointing outside to a pair of people approaching.
Looking herself, Siren confirmed the strong magical presence coming from the pair. A closer examination was even more interesting, as Siren peered through the magic surrounding them. "They are definitely something," Siren observed as she headed to greet them at the entrance. "And, Spring, I thought I told you to stop calling me Mistress. Many might misinterpret that."
"Sorry," the girl replied. "I'm just nervous. I've never been around other magi than you and Frost."
"Hence why I brought you," Siren noted. "But, there is nothing to be nervous about, at least for you. Frost and myself are a different matter," she added with a smile just as the pair came in the front door.
To most they appeared a fairly regular Japanese couple. The man was dressed semi formally in a simple gray suit while the woman wore a simple blouse and long dress. To Spring's eyes, the only unusual quality beyond their magical auras was the woman's dark sunglasses.
"Hello," Siren said with a small bow.
"Hello," the man replied, bowing in kind. "You must be Siren. My name is Devlin, of the tenth circle, and my companion here is Grenda."
"Of the eighth circle," Grenda added with a bow of her own.
"And this is my student, Spring," Siren replied. "So neither of you are the Grand magus then," she concluded.
"Isn't she here yet? Just like her to keep us waiting," Grenda complained.
Devlin chuckled. "We're her other appendices," he noted. "She said to meet here at this time, but as usual she doesn't keep to even her own schedule. Purely a trait born of arrogance rather than incompetence, I assure you."
Siren nodded knowingly, her own council instructor having similar qualities. However, the wait was only momentary as a new person soon was spotted coming up to the entrance. This woman looked clearly European, with long brown hair. Similar to Devlin, she wore a woman's suit with only an odd flower in her hair giving her some flair. The woman entered and nodded to everyone.
"About time," Grenda once more complained, but the woman ignored her, instead looking to Siren.
"Siren, of the tenth circle," she formally introduced herself. "And this is Spring, of the fifth circle," she added, prompting the young spellweaver to nervously bow.
"Jasmine, of the twelfth circle," the woman replied in kind, startling Siren. "Something wrong?"
"Uh, no. I just didn't expect a twelfth... it is an honor," Siren answered.
"Even we have to take apprentices now and then," Jasmine calmly replied. "Speaking of, where is Frost?"
"She resides elsewhere. Did you receive my request-"
"Oh yes, you wished her to complete the preliminaries without being informed of her audience. Yes, that is fine. This is to be the meeting point though, correct?"
"Yes," the Amazon magus replied and looked back. Lucky you, Kasumi, Siren thought before calling out, "Kasumi, could I see you for a moment."
The call brought the ongoing argument between Shampoo and her mother to an end, allowing Kasumi to escape. Kasumi excused herself and joined those at the door. "Hello," Kasumi greeted with a bow.
"Kasumi, this is Jasmine and her apprentices Devlin and Grenda. Jasmine is the Grand magus I spoke to you earlier about," she introduced. "Jasmine, Kasumi here is this restaurant's owner. She probably has some questions, and I should get Frost started." Jasmine nodded, and gestured for Siren to proceed. Nodding in reply, Siren turned to depart, pausing to address her student. "You stay here with the others and make sure they stay out of trouble. I'll be back later this evening."
"Yes Mis... Siren," Spring replied, and headed back to the restaurant area while Siren left.
With their departure, Jasmine turned to Kasumi. "So then, what are your concerns?"
"Nothing in particular. Siren said these generally are civil."
"For the most part," Jasmine confirmed. "Just in case I will be casting a protective charm on the building. Oh, not to be rude, but the one named Ranko, I must ask that she not be present for the duration," Jasmine explained. "Although I would enjoy studying her, the other magi may perceive her as a threat due to her anti magical properties."
"I see," Kasumi reluctantly replied. "I suppose you are right. Ranko!" Kasumi called out. From the kitchen area, Ranko joined Kasumi, but paused in shock at seeing the new guests. "Is something wrong?"
Ranko pointed between Grenda and Devlin in uncertainty, but seeing Kasumi's lack of concern, shook her head. "I guess not."
Kasumi puzzled over this odd reaction for a second, before dismissing it and speaking. "Ranko, Jasmine here has requested that you avoid the restaurant for the sake of the other guests. They are all magic users so..."
Ranko, still preoccupied examining Devlin and Grenda, who merely smiled back in return, finally shook her head to reset herself and looked to Kasumi. "Uh, it's alright, Kasumi. I don't mind," she said. "I'll... be over at the dorm should you need me," she said and headed to the entrance, giving one last look at the newcomers before departing.
Kasumi waved goodbye, and then returned her attention to Jasmine. "Is there a private room I can setup in?" Jasmine asked.
"Oh yes, this way," Kasumi directed, leading the way to the nearby stairs. Once on the second floor, they entered a vacant room. "Will this do?"
"Yes," the Grand magus answered. "You two, go run the grounds while I do this," she ordered and obediently Devlin and Grenda headed off. "Just a standard bit of security," she explained before approaching a nearby wall.
Kasumi watched as Jasmine began magically tracing a door on the wall. After a minute of this, drawing some further runes, and some low chants in a language Kasumi did not recognize, a new door grew out of the wall. Finished, Jasmine opened the door, revealing not the next room over, but an outdoor scene in what appeared to be a small picturesque valley. At one end was a waterfall cascading down into a small lake which bordered one side. Opposite the lake, a forest acted as the second border, with sheer cliffs making up the rest. Built into one of these cliffs, next to the waterfall, was what looked to be a castle. Unlike traditional castles, however, it seemed to be literally grown out of the stone. Trees, smaller bushes, and vines also were grown together in specific structures.
"It is small I know, but I was in a rush. It should suffice," Jasmine said, her seeming disappointment contrasting with the awe that was now gripping Kasumi.
"You... made this?" Kasumi asked after a moment.
"Of course. I have dozens of them. Any high level mage would," the Grand magus replied dismissively before closing the door. "Now, most our guests will come here directly, as for any others, just direct them here."
"Of course," Kasumi managed to respond, still a bit stunned at the display.
"One last thing, your hand please," Jasmine directed, and Kasumi offered her hand as requested. After drawing another rune on Kasumi's hand, the magus explained, "This gives you some control over the portal and protective charm, as well as other benefits. Should you require the magic removed, come here and command such, the magic will interpret your intents correctly. Of course, please only do such in an emergency."
"Of course," Kasumi repeated once more just as she heard footsteps coming up. She turned and tensed in shock at what entered the room.
The two newcomers were already known to Kasumi as Devlin and Grenda. However, unlike before when they seemed to be just a pair of normal people, now they looked anything but. Their original images were now simply ghostly, revealing another image beneath. Devlin appeared to be a skeleton, clothed only is a light robe covering his shoulders and arms, but leaving much of the rest of his form clear to see. Under the bones, in place of a circulatory system was a bluish flame, with a central core that pumped like a heart. Grenda looked more to be a giant snake with arms, her glasses now opaque goggles, and her hair actually tentacles that constantly moved as if alive. Like her companion, she wore a robe, specially modified for her reptilian body.
"Uh..." is all Kasumi could manage to say at the sight of the two.
Jasmine turned to them, seeming unaware of Kasumi's shock. "You two finish already?"
"It'sss not that big of a place," Grenda complained, now clearly with a hiss to Kasumi's ears. "You put a true sssight ssspell on her, didn't you?"
Jasmine looked puzzled briefly, before finally noticing Kasumi's expression. "Oh right, sorry about that. Don't worry, they are harmless enough."
"Yeah, I haven't tried to start a zombie apocalypse in... months," Devlin replied then laughed with a strangely disturbing reverberation, before being jabbed in the shoulder by Grenda. "No sense of humor," he muttered.
"You're..." Kasumi started to say as she tried to collect herself.
"A lich," Devlin replied.
"And a gorgon," Grenda added.
Jasmine shook her head in mild annoyance. "Don't let appearances fool you. The general public has a nasty habit of grossly demonizing anything that isn't themselves. I, in particular, seem to get assigned all the odd cases," she explained. "To everyone else they appear and sound as normal due to an illusion. Other high level magi, however, will have true sight spells active at all times and will see and hear them as they truly are. You have such a spell on you now and it will operate while you remain within the confines of the protective charm I've placed on this building. Well, and Ranko evidently is unaffected by the illusions too, although that should not be surprising given her unusual power."
"Are... the other guests going to be like this?" Kasumi asked with a brave smile.
"Some. Most will be human though," Jasmine answered. "We still have preparations within to complete. If any-" Jasmine started to say as she turned back to the door, before Kasumi cut in.
"Oh wait... um, sorry, I was actually going to ask a favor," Kasumi said, pulling the Grand magus to a halt.
"If you are going to ask about your curse, can't help you. Breaking that one is magic's holy grail of disenchants. It is beyond even the top level magic users on the planet currently," Jasmine cautioned.
Kasumi pondered that in wonder for a second, before shaking her head. "Uh, no. Actually, it is about my... wife, Shampoo. She has been enchanted by a creature. Siren already said it was a simple enchantment that she could break, but should be identified first so that we can deal with the creature that cast it on her."
"And you need it identified?" Jasmine asked to confirm, completely unfazed by the stated relationship, and Kasumi nodded. "Very well. You two, get started. This shouldn't take long."
Devlin and Grenda headed through the magic door, while Jasmine followed Kasumi back downstairs. There, unexpectedly, Kasumi found Herb and her father also now present.
"You must be Herb," Jasmine said, gaining Herb's attention. Jasmine paused to examine the boy turned girl for a moment, nodded in seeming approval and turned back to Kasumi. Herb frowned at the unexpected observation, but said nothing.
After quickly greeting Herb and her father, Kasumi directed Jasmine to Shampoo, and the Grand magus began an examination.
The examination was brief. After only a minute, Jasmine stood up straight and concluded, "Kitsune."
"Kitsune no magus," Shampoo said in annoyance, getting a frown of confusion from Jasmine.
"I think she means the magical fox called a Kitsune," Kasumi explained to Shampoo, before turning to Jasmine. "She has a classmate named Kitsune."
"I see. In any respect, this is definitely the work of a Kitsune, a young one too. Most likely she's not even a full one tail yet, probably the enchantment tail."
"How do you know this?" Herb asked.
"Simple enough. The magic is primitive, practically entirely instinctive in design. Even Kitsunes learn as they age, growing out a full tail every hundred years. Only a Kitsune that is very young would use such a simple form. Because of that, she is most likely not even grown into her first tail, and to enchant someone, that tail must bare the power of enchantment. Finally, all Kitsunes, for nearly two thousand years, have been born as female due to a curse on their race. Obviously, being less than one hundred years of age puts her well within this time frame," Jasmine explained.
"I see," Kasumi said. "Why would a Kitsune wish to en-spell Shampoo?"
"Who knows. Some are mischief makers. It could just be a joke," Jasmine offered.
"And how would we find this Kitsune?" Herb asked.
"It shouldn't be too difficult," Jasmine replied. "Kitsune's of this age are very limited in power. Although they have shape-shifting potential, it requires a lot of energy to maintain, energy they can't expend for long. Most likely she is either in her natural fox form, or using a low energy default human form. Said human form would most definitely be red haired, and with the enchantment tail, so beautiful to most that it would be mesmerizing. In fact, using that beauty is how they en-spell you. She would also be quite young in human form, a teenager, or in her mid twenties at most, and naturally, female."
The description gave Herb pause, and her expression darkened. "Very interesting. You'll have to excuse me," she said and departed before anyone could question her.
"Yes, well, I'll leave that to you. I'm sure Siren can remove the enchantment given a bit of time. If you do happen to find the kitsune it could do so as well, much more quickly. Now, I have business to attend," Jasmine said, and bowing slightly, headed back upstairs.
"Kasumi, she say kitsune is shape changer," Shampoo pointed out. Initially, Kasumi did not catch on, so Shampoo continued. "Shape changer is one that trick Frost."
"Oh... yes, but let's not jump to conclusions. We thought much the same of Ken," Kasumi cautioned, but Shampoo seemed unconvinced. "Oh, did anyone tell Herb that the Kaisuifu is to be repaired?"
"We didn't get to it," Comb answered dismissively. "So then, aren't we supposed to be getting a tour?"
"Oh, right. Of course," Kasumi said. However, as she did, she once more took notice of her father and realization hit her. Oh dear, completely forgot, she thought nervously. She quickly considered her options, but soon concluded there was no sense in delay, especially in current company. "Could you all give us a moment? I must talk with my father."
Comb sighed in annoyance, but gestured for Kasumi to proceed.
Soun followed as Kasumi lead him into a backroom, out of view of the others. As she did she noticed his unusual silence, and unreadable expression. Not sure what to make of that, Kasumi paused, but finally began, "Father, there is something I have to tell you."
Soun nodded, but cut in before Kasumi could continue. "I already know about you and Shampoo."
Kasumi nearly panicked at hearing this. "How...?"
"That's not important right now," he replied, and lay a hand on Kasumi's shoulder. "First, tell me this is truly what you want. This is not something you are doing because you are being coerced."
Kasumi hesitated, still in shock at yet another surprise in a day full of surprises. Finally, after several seconds to collect herself, she nodded. "This is what I want."
Soun nodded, his expression still unreadable. "Then... that is what is, and I'll have to learn to live with it," he said after a moment. Finally, his expression broke into a sign of resignation.
"Father?" Kasumi said, feeling suddenly guilty, but Soun shook his head.
"No, it is alright," Soun said, and forced a smile onto his face. "We have a tour to get through, right?"
"Right," Kasumi echoed. Soun headed back to the others, while Kasumi stayed for a moment, thinking. I suppose, expecting him to be happy about it was probably a bit naive, she thought. Sighing to relieve some stress, Kasumi finally followed.
Back with the others, Comb eyed Soun as he returned. From his demeanor both before and after the talk, it was clear it was a matter of deep importance that was bothering the man. Taking some initiative, Comb approached him. "We have not been properly introduced, I am Comb, Shampoo's mother," she said, and gestured over her shoulder at her husband, "and that is my husband, Brush."
"Soun Tendo," Soun replied, a bit startled, but managed to collect himself and bow to each of them. "It is good to meet you both."
"And convenient... we should talk," Comb said with a smile that inexplicably made Soun nervous.
XXXXX
About that time, at the girls' dorm, Ranko arrived at her room to find it already occupied by Ukyo and Ranma. Ukyo was in deep contemplation, sitting on the edge of her bed, while Ranma stood nearby, turning to notice Ranko's arrival.
"Hey Ranko, aren't you supposed to be with Shampoo?" Ranma asked.
"There is a bit of an event going on over there," Ranko answered with a slightly concerned look on her face. "A bunch of mages and... stuff and going to be there. So, you know, super anti-magic power kinda makes them nervous I guess." Ranko said, considering her own words for a moment longer before adding. "Ah, oh yeah, Shampoo agreed to your little date thing, before I left... no magic involved."
"Uh, yeah, I was just talking about that with Ukyo," Ranma said, looking back at the martial arts chef.
Ukyo shook her head, wondering at the series of events that had lead her to this point that she was actually seriously considering a multi-way date which included Kasumi of all people. Of late though, she could simply could not seem to find the same consuming anger she had for the Tendo girl. Part of her was still thoroughly convinced that Kasumi was just scheming and laughing behind everyone's backs as they bought into it, but that voice had lost much of its influence by this point. With one last sigh, Ukyo nodded. "I'll... do it. I still... oh never mind."
Ranma looked at Ukyo in surprise, having expected more of a battle. "Really? You sure?"
"I'm sure," Ukyo replied. "So, when we doing this?"
"Uh... I hadn't really thought much on that," Ranma replied and looked to Ranko. "So, what exactly is happening?"
"I... don't really exactly know. Something to do with Frost casting a spell... circles... I don't know. It is supposed to be some big event and the restaurant is hosting it, I guess."
Ukyo piped in with the answer. "Frost is supposed to be repairing that kettle for Herb. She must be going to complete it finally."
"Man," Ranma moaned. "That means he's going to be a guy a lot more, and he's always way more annoying when he's a guy. Course, I guess it might mellow him out some. Stuck as a girl..." Ranma shivered. "Don't even want to imagine that... uh, not that I have anything against girls or nothin," he quickly added when Ukyo gave him a hard look.
"Yeah... that would be tough," Ranko agreed, looking away and to the floor.
Ranko shift in mood went unnoticed by Ranma, however. "I guess I better head over and find out what is what. I'll get back to you with a time when I know, okay Ukyo?" he asked as he moved to the door.
The chef merely nodded and shared a departing smile with Ranma before he left. Her attention then turned to Ranko whose gaze was still fixed on the floor boards. "What is biting you?" she asked, causing Ranko to start before resetting and turning to Ukyo.
"Uh... nothing, just thinking is all," Ranko replied. "Well, got homework to do..." she quickly added, and set to work. Ukyo frowned, unseen by Ranko, but said no more.
XXXXX
At the Doctor's clinic, Siren arrived and made her way to Frost's room. However, instead of finding Frost within, she found the pinked haired human female form of Selene currently engrossed in a thick tome. Curious, Siren peeked over the girl's shoulder to read along. Nearly a minute passed with Selene unaware of her audience before Siren finally spoke.
"Mystic stalking Shampoo I see," she teased causing Selene to start, nearly dropping the book. Fortunately, she manage to recover, and spun to face Siren.
"I wasn't stalking-" she began to protest, but Siren cut her off.
"Shampoo's complete life history magically recorded in a book and you reading through all the juicy bits? Come now, Mousse, when are you going to get over this little obsession of yours?"
"It's not an obsession! Wait... you know?" Selene asked in a mix of surprise then growing anger. When Siren smiled in response, Selene growled in frustration. "You..."
Siren lifted the hair on Selene's forehead to reveal the crescent moon symbol before replying, "Got you with the old familiar gag, huh. That's a classic."
"This isn't funny," Selene snapped back at seeing Siren's amused expression.
"I find it quite amusing," Siren teased. "So, what she fool you with? Oh wait, no glasses, let me guess..." Selene scowled and looked away as Siren shook her head before once more touching Selene on the forehead, and seemingly pulled a small globe of energy out. Selene stepped back in shock as Siren expanded the globe to reveal an intricate spinning mass of magical symbols. "A novel approach, but really Mousse, didn't I warn you about this?"
"My vision is fine!" Selene complained. "If you had just-"
"So soon you forget your grandmother's fate," Siren scolded before banishing the globe. "Even with this, Frost has bypassed your eyes completely, and since they aren't doing any work anymore, they'll soon grow even weaker than they were. If you lose the spell for any reason, you'll be left practically blind," Siren continued, giving Selene a stern look who withdrew under the gaze. "Nothing is without its price, but I suppose you are willing to take the gamble." Seeing Selene was not about to argue, Siren moved to other matters. "So, where is Frost?"
Selene reflectively looked out the door. "She should be back soon. She went out with the doctor to eat."
"Oo, on dates now are they?" Siren said with a brimming smile. "Probably good for her. She always could use a good kick in the butt when it comes to men."
"Yeah, well, I don't know about that," Selene replied, finally putting the tome away. "She seems depressed lately."
"Oh?"
Selene shrugged. "I don't know what is with her. Like I really care. She said something about her sentry spell failing or something," she explained.
Siren thought on this for a moment. "As I recall, the only sentry spell she has going is on Shampoo... Ah yes, I bet she'd be a bit depressed if that one turned off on her."
"Huh? Is Shampoo in trouble?" Selene asked in sudden concern.
"Not at all. More likely the anti-voyeur rule kicked in," Siren replied, puzzling Selene. "You're a smart girl, you'll figure it out."
Selene bristled at the gender reference, but having no recourse with the Amazon Magus, dropped the matter. A short few seconds later, the loud creak of the front door notified them of a new arrival, and the voices of Kin, Tofu, and Frost speaking quickly identified same. Selene reverted to her cat form while Siren headed out to meet them.
"Elder!" Frost said in surprise at seeing Siren. Siren nodded her greeting and looked curiously at the others. Frost mentally stumbled, but quickly began introductions. "Dr. Tofu, Elder Kin, this is Siren, by teacher."
"Pleased to meet you," Kin replied with a bow, echoed by Tofu.
Siren returned the gesture before addressing Frost. "So, as you probably already guessed, I'm here to give you the go ahead. Are you ready?"
Frost hesitated, thinking for a moment then nodded. "Yes, everything should be ready."
"Oh, is she to be fixing up that kettle then?" Kin asked, to which Siren nodded. "Wonderful, I haven't seen a good enchantment in ages. Son, we'll have to attend."
"First things first, have you got a spot available to lay this all out?" Siren asked the younger magus.
"Yes," Frost replied.
"Well then, get your stuff together. I figure it will take you about two days to lay it all out and check it all. Time's wasting," Siren directed, prompting Frost to rush away to her room. Siren then turned to the doctor and his mother. "You might want to keep hush hush on the whole audience thing. She is going to have a much larger audience for the main event and she's easily flustered."
"Ah, say no more," Kin replied with a knowing nod before bowing and heading on.
"Is she going to be okay?" Tofu asked.
"She can manage. She'll have to. But, a little moral support would certainly help," the elder magus hinted. Tofu smiled in acknowledgment and headed on after his mother, while Siren rejoined Frost.
Inside Frost's room, Selene had jumped up onto one of the shelves and was arguing with Frost. "You promised!" she insisted.
"I said I'd consider it," Frost countered as she put supplies together in a bag.
"What's this now?" Siren asked. Selene opened her mouth to reply, but found her voice suddenly lost. Siren eyed the cat for a moment, then looked seriously at Frost. "You banned him from speaking about it, didn't you?"
"I... might have," Frost replied without looking back, but, sensing she was not going to get off that easily, sighed, and turned to face her teacher. "He's trapped in that form because of the Chiisuiton's magic."
"I see," Siren said, and, after giving Selene a look, took pity on the transformed boy. "Don't you think this little game of yours has gone on long enough, Frost?"
Frost eyed the cat for a second, then looked back at Siren in contemplation. Finally, with a dismissive wave of her hand she answer, "Fine. I'll undo the lock with the Kaisuifu when it's fixed." Turning away, she added in mumble, "Doesn't matter much now, anyway."
"Really? You're not playing with me, are you?" Selene asked in a mix of hope and skepticism.
"Yes, really," Frost replied in annoyance. "Now, make yourself useful. You can help me lay out the spell," she said as she finished gathering materials and turned to Selene. "But, don't forget, if this spell messes up, that will be another several months before I can make another attempt and you'll still be stuck that way."
Selene tensed at the implication, then in determination. "Right!" she said and jumped down to the floor to follow and Frost headed out. Behind them, Siren shook her head in amusement and likewise followed.
XXXXX
End Chapter 45
Next time in A Scary Thought: Kasumi finds herself overseeing lots of new guests, but what happens when Lemon's activities since arriving are finally revealed?
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. As already mentioned, Miku, Neru and Haku are vocaloid character, but just cameo's for them.
On a side note for those cross overs, it recently came to my attention that some believe I am crossed with Negima. I'm actually not, but out of curiosity I checked out Negima and could certainly see the similarities (a lot of them in fact, and was quite surprised seeing as I never even heard of Negima until it was mentioned). That got the proverbial wheels in my head turning about potential cross overs so... maybe.
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.
It has been a massively long time since I last updated. Been busy with a lot of real life matters. Can't promise any speed up, although having finally joined the smart phone age, I'm finding my writing time slightly improved.