Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happen last time: The magical gathering has begun and Lemon's scheming has been revealed to Herb.
Chapter 46
XXXXX
How long had it been? Seiya could not say for certain. Several days at least. How much longer was this going to continue? That was another question she had no answer for.
Even her current whereabouts was a minor mystery. Her best guess was the former Moon kingdom. She could not be certain though as she could not even get out to look at the sky. Instead, she was trapped inside an auditorium of some kind. Its design was similar to that she had witnessed when first coming to the Earth system, her group having briefly stopped here to survey the location, but then the entire kingdom was a ruin. That this building could now be not only standing, but perfectly intact was reason enough to doubt her location. Unfortunately, she was not going to get any easy answers, especially with only two companions, neither of which was talking.
The first such companion was known well by Seiya, Usagi. However, given her current state, her presence was not comforting. She was suspended in the air, seemingly stopped completely in time. There was no signs of life at all from her, not a blink, not even a breath. However, Seiya did not believe her to be dead. Surrounding her was a barrier of some kind, preventing any approach, likely the same kind of barrier that prevented Seiya from exiting the structure.
Seiya had spent much of her first day attempting everything she could think of to free Usagi but to no avail. Whatever had ensnared her seemed to be completely impervious. Seiya had completely exhausted herself and had seen not the slightest effect. Worse still, the attempt had done something to her. After collapsing from the exertion, she had found herself back in her normal clothes, her Senshi outfit gone, and no longer responding to the transformation command.
That lead to Seiya's second companion, and the one she suspected was deeply involved in her and Usagi's current situation. She had no name for this woman. She appeared to be older, perhaps in her mid twenties, wearing a nondescript blouse and pants. Her hair was tightly woven together giving her a slightly regal look. She had been sitting on the stage of the auditorium since Seiya's awaking there, and had said and done nothing since. Unlike Usagi, though, she was clearly breathing although she never opened her eyes. Whatever barrier held Usagi, it protected this other woman as well. Seiya's only clue to her identity was the feeling she gave her. It was nearly identical to Galaxia and Eris. Despite attempting to both demand answers from the woman, and simply talk, she had not responded.
So it was that Seiya had spend the while simple walking the perimeter of her cage, pondering what to do, and finding no answers. It's weird though, she thought on her two hundredth lap of the day, I should be hungry or something by now, but I'm not. It was a thought she had pondered numerous times now. However, it was yet another part of her situation she had no answers for.
Fatigue taking hold, Seiya stopped and took a seat, one that placed her in front of Usagi. She looked up at Usagi unresponsive face and clenched her teeth in frustration before sighing, and hanging her head. Several minutes passed as she sat and ran through all the usual thoughts, making sure for the twentieth or so time that she had tried everything, before something at last broke the monotony.
"Ah, it is soooo good to be free again. That was incredibly annoying," a familiar voice said as it came up a nearby hallway. Seiya naturally jumped to her feet and watched as Eris entered the hall. The newcomer soon looked Seiya's way and smiled. "Hey, Starfighter, how has it been?" Eris asked with a smile.
Pent up frustration exploded, and Seiya jumped several rows of seats to grab Eris by the throat and toss her into a wall. "I want answers!" Seiya demanded in a near yell. Strangely the outburst did not seem to concern Eris, at least as far as one could tell with her wearing the mask.
"Rhadamanthus, don't tell me you've been keeping my little friend locked up here this whole time," Eris asked, looking to the woman on the stage.
"It was necessary," the woman replied, for the first time opening her eyes and looking over. "This is your doing, Eris. Had you left well enough alone, she would be on her way home now. You gave us no choice but to intervene while she was still present."
"Of course I did, that was the point," Eris calmly replied.
Rhadamanthus signed and stood up. "Could you at least put something on?"
Eris turned back to Seiya. "What do you think? Personally, I think clothes are pointless when you can withstand any environment."
"Is this some game to you?!" Seiya yelled, but once more Eris seemed unfazed.
"I treat everything as a game," Eris replied. "But, I suppose since it seems to make you all so uncomfortable..." With that, Eris casually swept aside Seiya hand while simultaneously willing clothes into existence on her person. What came to be, however, seemed to do little to improve the situation as the outfit looked like one a harem girl would wear, with fabric so thin one could easily see underneath. "There, better now?"
"Hardly," Rhadamanthus replied, and with a wave of her own hand, kept the style, but increased the fabric's density to the point that it finally concealed that beneath.
"Fine," Eris said with a huff.
"Now that you are here, I can finally move," Rhadamanthus said, looking to Usagi. "Containing her is difficult."
Seiya turned on Rhadamanthus with an angry glare. "I knew it," she said, but the woman seemed as unconcerned at Seiya's anger as Eris had been seconds earlier. "What are you doing to her?"
"Containment only. She is unharmed. By now, you should already be aware that you have no means to force us to grant her freedom," Rhadamanthus replied calmly. "I would suggest you cooperate. With Eris here, I can expand the barrier. The others should be arriving in another day, and then we can begin."
"Begin what?" Seiya asked with scowl.
"Her judgment," Rhadamanthus replied simply, giving Seiya pause. "Eris, since this is your mess, I suggest you deal with her." So declaring, the woman returned to the stage and her original position.
Seiya gritted her teeth, but she knew all too well that Rhadamanthus was right, she simply lacked the means to force the matter. Glaring at Rhadamanthus for another moment, she finally turned to Eris, who was simply smiling. "Now what?"
"Well, we got a day to burn. We could talk," Eris suggested. "So, what you been up to? I personally have been caged in a field just like that for the last week or so. Very annoying."
"Why?" Seiya asked in confusion.
"Weren't you listening?" Eris asked. "You were supposed to be long gone from here. The second you left, they were planning to take Usagi. I threw a little wrench in their works. They considered it a violation of the rules, so I got caged up so I couldn't cause any more trouble. I just got let loose, but like you I'm stuck here till the judgment is complete at least, perhaps longer should the others get annoyed about me skirting the rules."
Seiya pondered this for a moment, uncertain whether to trust Eris or not. For the moment, she chose to reserve judgment and turned to look at Usagi. "So, she's alright in there?"
"Perfectly. As I said, it is annoying, but not harmful. Aware of everything, but unable to make any decisions based on that knowledge. Add in a little physical statis-" Eris explained, before Seiya cut in.
"Wait, she's aware of everything?" Seiya asked in shock.
"Oh yes. She knows we're talking right now. She knows you are here. She knows everything. She simply can't act on that knowledge. She can't even become frustrated or angry, at least until she is freed. It is a very advanced prison," Eris answered, then looked at Seiya curiously. Seiya noticeably paled as this sunk in. "Oooo, what did you tell her?" Eris said with a brimming smile.
"I thought... I thought she was asleep, or unconscious..."
"Oh no, she'll remember everything," Eris said in delight as Seiya paled even further. "You spilled your guts, didn't you? Several days alone, nothing else to do, oh yes, that must be it," Eris said and laughed in amusement.
Seiya renewed her anger and turned on Eris. "This is all your doing, you wanted this?"
"I wanted it, certainly, but this was purely luck I assure you," Eris replied as she walked the area. "I'm not that good at arranging events. I expected them to imprison you like Usagi, but I'm guessing Rhadamanthus did not have the energy to spare to do so. How fortunate."
"What is it you want?"
"Me?" Eris asked, and turned to Seiya suddenly. "Simple, I want Terra back. He was mine long before she took him from me," she replied seriously.
"Terra?"
Eris turned back to Usagi. "You know him as Mamoru. He is the star seed bearer of this planet, Terra, or Earth as it is more commonly known today."
Seiya's anger abated as things started to fit together. "You love him," she concluded.
"Of course. I have loved him for nearly 30 thousand years," Eris replied and turned back to Seiya. "We were a together long before she ever took an interest in him. We still would be if he had not chosen to be reborn to aid her. I have had to wait all this time for this moment, when finally we can be together again. I'm not about to stand down simply because she's in the way."
"And you're using me as a wedge," Seiya concluded with a frown.
"Most definitely, but this is for a mutual good. Mine, yours, even hers. You asked about the dream, didn't you?" Eris asked, and seeing Seiya shy away got her answer. "Yes, I thought as much. Now you know, she has feelings for you. Perhaps not as developed as those she has for him, but they are there." In a flash of motion, Eris appeared next to Seiya. "And, ask yourself, what do they really have? Memories from a life a thousand years ago," she said, and looked back and continued, now speaking to Usagi. "Did you even seriously like him before those memories were forced on you? Have you ever considered that it is that long dead princess Serenity trying to live her life through you, instead of a choice the Usagi of today made?"
Seiya grabbed Eris by the shoulder and spun her to face her. "That's enough! She's confused enough as is."
"Life is confusion. If one doesn't consider everything, how can one make a proper choice?" Eris asked, looking back at Usagi, but seeming to drop the matter. "Come, let us go for a walk then. We have other matters to discuss. I'm certain you want to know why she's here in the first place, and that is a long story."
"And what about my powers? Rhadamanthus deactivated them, didn't she?" Seiya asked as she followed Eris to a doorway.
"No, she did not. That we will have to discuss as well," Eris said, and it was not a reply Seiya was encouraged by.
XXXXX
Herb was pissed. The Kitsune's description was unmistakably a match for Lemon. She had long suspected Lemon had mystical powers given her energy field, but had not considered something quite like this. It had not taken much longer to figure out, as Shampoo already had, that being a shape shifter, and having motive, that Lemon was the likely culprit in sending Frost after Kasumi.
As she marched toward Lemon's current home, exactly what would be the result was hard to say. It was in such a state of mind that she arrived, and approached the stairs leading to the second floor where Lemon could be found. However, as she started up, she looked up and seen an unexpected sight, that of Sorora.
The woman look at him, as if considering. Herb paused for a moment, before walking up to the landing next to her. "What do you want?" Herb asked coldly.
"Just curious is all," Sorora responded, and without another word vanished.
What the devil, Herb thought in annoyance, and turned to continue up to the second floor, but then stopped. Was that a warning? she wondered as she grappled with her emotions. Still pondering this, she continued on to the hotel room. By the time she reached the door, her anger was under control, and she stifled the urge to slam on the door, and instead merely knocked.
As expect, Sissithississ was the one to answer. "Herb-sssama, isss sssomething the matter?" the snake clan warrior asked as Herb silently entered.
"Where is Lemon?" Herb asked, unreadable.
"Asssleep asss usssual," Sissithississ replied.
Herb looked to the adjoining door, considered, then turned to Sissithississ. "Were you aware of Lemon's true nature?"
"True nature?" Sissithississ asked in honest confusion.
"That she is a kitsune?" Herb explained, surprising the Musk warrior.
Finally, after a moment, Sissithississ shook his head. "No, I did not, but that explainsss a great deal. I take it ssshe hasss been up to sssomething that let her little sssecret out?"
"Yes, a lot of things it seems. I wish to know everything you know about her, and what she has been doing," Herb said.
"Asss you wisssh," Sissithississ replied.
XXXXX
Across town, with evening falling, things were already getting interesting at the San Cheng-Huang. Already three people had showed up at the door. The last two Kasumi could only guess were a mother daughter pair, although the mother was acting more like the daughter and vice versa. In fact, the two looked so close that it almost seemed they were twins, but one was still a child.
Still puzzling over that, Kasumi heard a knock at the door. Confused, seeing only a dark figure outside, Kasumi exited. Once outside, Kasumi came to a sudden halt at recognizing the figure, not as a person, but as a large pitch black horse. She quickly scanned the animal, seeing that it was no normal horse. Its hoofs were clan in flames, and its eyes glowed in similar light, while smoke seemed to bellow from its nostrils. It snorted suddenly at Kasumi, causing her to cough before looking up at the rider.
In sharp contrast to her mount, the woman atop was brightly dressed, with blond hair and a brimming smile. "Sorry about that, Mittens here tends to be rude. This is where the gathering is taking place, correct?" she asked.
"Ah, yes, but I don't think we have accommodations for your horse," Kasumi said in uncertainty as she nervously smiled at the animal.
"Oh, that's not a problem," she replied as she dismounted. Once on the ground the horse glowed and seemed to shrink and jump up to the woman's shoulder. "See, he changes into a-"
"CAT!" Kasumi exclaimed in panic as she retreated as far back as she could.
The woman eyed Kasumi in confusion. "Most people are scared of the Nightmare form. You're weird," she finally declared before going inside.
I'm weird?! Kasumi thought in mild annoyance. However, with the animal gone, she soon calmed, and let out a sigh just as another group of four arrived.
"Alright everyone, just act natural," the lead woman said as she pulled her wide brimmed pointed hat down to conceal her face.
Kasumi looked at the newcomers curiously for a second before asking, "Kitsune, what are you doing?"
At the head of the group, Kitsune started at being discovered, but quickly recovered. "I'm afraid you're mistaken, ma'am," she said in a lower toned voice. "I'm... uh... Mirdle... Silverfire, yep, yep, that's it, and we're just here for a visit," Kitsune lied. However, what little worth said lie had was completely negated by the presence of her companions. Saki, Sampai and Gosunkugi stood behind her, all plainly dressed, and in the former two cases looking thoroughly embarrassed.
"You could have just asked to come see, Kitsune," Kasumi replied. "Everyone is welcome."
"Oh..." Kitsune said, thought for a moment, then seemed to regain her energy. "Alright everyone, this only means we'll have to dig that much deeper. On we go!" she declared and marched inside.
Behind her Saki shook her head sadly and followed. "I'm just here to keep her out of trouble," Saki said as she passed.
"And I'm with Saki," Sampai added as he passed.
"Um... and I'm... Kitsune wanted me to take... pictures," Gosunkugi said in uncertainty. "Is... that alright?"
"Just no flash, please," Kasumi answer with a reassuring smile.
"Right, no flash," he repeated and rushed ahead to catch up.
Looking around to ensure there was no more guests for the moment, Kasumi returned inside. She paused inside the entry way to survey the rooms. The Amazons were still largely gathered in the dining room and were now apparently being questioned by Kitsune and her group. In the karaoke bar area, the magi had gathered and were chatting idly. As Kasumi consider her next course of action, Shampoo came down the stairs, looking worn out, muttering to herself in Mandarin.
"Problems?" Kasumi asked, gaining Shampoo attention.
"Mother drive Shampoo mad," Shampoo explained simply. "Nothing ever good enough for her."
Kasumi could only smile reassuringly at this. "Where are your parents now?" she asked as she looked around.
"Up stairs. Mother talk to your father," Shampoo said with a sigh.
"Oh?" Kasumi said in a bit of nervousness. Why is it I feel I would prefer to be having a discussion over tea with auntie right now, she thought. So thinking, her mind returned to her discussion earlier with her father, and her smile faded.
"Kasumi okay?" Shampoo unexpectedly asked in concern.
Kasumi considered her reply. "Yes," she said at last. "Just... I guess I can't expect everything to go perfectly."
Shampoo puzzled at this, but did not get to question further on the matter. Instead, her attention shifted as Ranma came up to the restaurant.
Ranma entered, examining the dining room curiously. "Ranko said something was up," he commented idly before noticing Kasumi and walking over. "What's going on?"
"A great deal it seems," Kasumi replied, likewise looking to the dining room, then to the Karaoke bar. "We have a number of Amazons, and mages, and Shampoo's parents, and-"
"I get it, I get it," Ranma said, waving his hands in defeat. "So, I take it having that get together anytime soon is out?"
Kasumi opened her mouth to reply, but was unexpectedly beat to the punch. "Do not trouble yourself about the goings on here, young man," Siren said as she came inside, gaining everyone's attention. "As far as I have been told, neither the Amazons nor the magi should require Kasumi or Shampoo's presence here."
"Siren, you're back," Kasumi said in greeting. "Is everything going well?"
"So far. Frost will be at it till at least late tomorrow though," the magus replied.
"Right, so... um... what do you want to do?" Ranma asked with a sheepish smile.
Shampoo frowned and rolled her eyes, while Kasumi thought. However, once more Siren spoke. "A get together? As in a date? Perhaps you should come see the enchantment. Frost is a natural weaver. Watching such a person cast a spell of this level can be quite interesting."
"A natural weaver? Like a natural magic user?" Kasumi asked, but Siren shook her head.
"No. Natural magic users are creatures of magic. Think of a natural weaver more as a naturally gifted individual. For instance, with training anyone can play the piano, but some people have a natural gift for such and their music can thus have a certain quality to it that a normal individual lacks," the Arch-mage explained.
"Well, we can certainly do that, if you guys want?" Ranma asked. Shampoo considered then nodded, while Kasumi simply smiled. "I'll talk with Ukyo too. I'll figure something out for the rest, alright?"
"I think that should be okay," Kasumi said, looking to Shampoo who simply shrugged.
"Alright, then I'll see you guys later," Ranma said, then paused. "Uh, try to keep this quiet from the parents. You know how they can be..." he hinted and Kasumi smiled knowingly. With one last nod, Ranma departed.
At his departure, Shampoo turned to Siren. "Elder Siren, Great grandmother talk for long time. What they discuss?"
Siren considered but finally shook her head. "That is something you'll have to ask her yourself," she replied. Both Shampoo and Kasumi wondered at the response. Sensing this, Siren quickly added, "Cologne has been here a long time. They have a great deal of council business to catch up on."
Shampoo nodded, accepting the explanation, but Kasumi was not so sure. However, rather than dwell on the matter, she simply nodded and changed subjects. "Elder, Jasmine was able to identify the spell on Shampoo as coming from a kitsune."
"A kitsune, interesting," Siren thought aloud.
"She say is young kitsune," Shampoo added.
"A young one? Yeah, that would fit with that complexity. In that case, why don't I see about getting that spell off of you. Now that you know what to defend against, at least, it is worth the effort. Besides, I doubt a young Kitsune can go around en-spelling people that often anyway."
"Why not?" Kasumi asked.
"Just a matter of energy. Magic isn't free. Sure, we can bend external energies into the equation, but when it comes right down to it, you still have to spend some energy yourself. Kitsunes, as I recall, even though they are creatures of magic, have terrible mana generation for their early life," Siren explained. "Come, let's sit down and I can get to work."
XXXXX
Across town, Lemon was feeling the effects of that very limited energy regeneration. She had started this quest with substantial reserves, but since coming to Nerima, she had burned through them, and even her backups. That would be of little concern save one issue, Lemon could not as of yet fully control her power. This was making it extra difficult to get in proper rest to recover. Although she was doing her best to keep it secret from her guardian, in fact she was incredibly tired.
So it was that she was sleeping in her room, but nightmares were making such not as restful as it should have been. It was one such nightmare that finally awoke her. Its topic quickly faded. Shaking her head to banish the last traces of the images in her mind, Lemon sat up and considered a drink before attempting to continue sleep.
Such was a short consideration as voices from the adjacent room caught her ear. She quickly identified the two parties as Sissithississ and Herb. Herb rarely came to visit, so Lemon quickly became excited and moved to the door to listen in. However, as she did, her excitement began to change into worry.
"I am certain ssshe wasss not intending you any difficulty," Sissithississ said.
"What her intentions were in my regard is highly questionable, but not the subject of importance. It is her actions against Kasumi that I am interested in," Herb said in an annoyed tone. "Bad enough she involved Ukyo."
"I thought you were pleasssed about that?" the snake warrior asked, giving Herb pause.
After a few seconds, Herb replied. "A naive early assessment on my part. That I could perhaps forgive, but attacking Kasumi, even indirectly..." At hearing this, Lemon tensed. "I would not be in the least surprised if the clan's leaders planned to mystically control me, or perhaps even worse, replace me outright."
Sissithississ considered this. "To be honessst, I have wondered about the fox clan'sss motivesss myself. If they truly are ssshapessshiftersss..."
Lemon withdrew from the door and bite her lower lip to stifle any noise she might make. They know what I am, and they know I tricked Frost, she thought in a near panic. She quickly ran over her options, but only one presented itself.
In the other room, Herb and Sissithississ were still unaware of Lemon's listening in. "Ssso, what do you plan to do?" Sissithississ asked.
Herb let out a low growl then answered, "I don't know." Shaking her head, she paced the room for a moment, once more pondering Sorora's brief appearance and its meaning. "I..." she began to say, then paused as something felt off. A quick check of her senses, and she realized the sense of energy from the adjacent room was now gone. Quickly, she rushed to the door and tossed it open to reveal the other room now empty. A quick survey revealed an open window.
"Ssshe mussst have heard usss," Sissithississ said, but Herb raised a hand to silence him.
Concentrating, she scanned the area with her sense, looking for the slightest sign of magic. "Found her," she said and quickly raced off.
Sissithississ was about to do likewise when he paused and noticed Lemon's cloak still sitting on a chair nearby. Oh great, he thought with a heavy sigh.
XXXXX
Several blocks away, Lemon was doing her best to remain out of sight. At the sound of a couple rounding a nearby corner, she darted into an alley and hid. By this point, panic was in full force. She was already dredging up a number of gruesome outcomes should Herb or Sissithississ find her.
I got to get away and think, she thought as she considered her next move. She dashed down the alley to the next street over, and finding it vacant, began heading down it, her destination as yet undetermined. However, what little plan she had was destroyed when Herb dropped down from above.
"Stop!" the Musk prince ordered, but Lemon did the exact opposite, and with a cry of terror, bolted. Herb growled and raise a glowing hand towards the fleeing fox girl, but stopped. "Damn it," she cursed, dispelling the energy and made chase.
Ahead, now realizing she had no hope of escaping by just running, Lemon gambled on another strategy. Turning down another street, her eyes caught on the sign of a local restaurant. Without further thought, Lemon raced to the building and inside.
The results of this were immediate. Several dozen patrons and staff immediately were transfixed on Lemon as she came in. "You have to help me," Lemon said desperately. "There are people following me, you have to stop them."
Herb arrived just in time to see Lemon slip into the kitchen. "Would you-" she started to yell, but suddenly found several men jumping her.
About a minute behind, Sissithississ arrived at the restaurant to see a bright light show beaming through its front windows every few seconds, before finally a person was thrown out said windows. "Let me guesss..." he said with a sigh and rushed the remaining distance to the doorway. Inside, Herb was being assaulted by everyone within, and although she had a considerable physical advantage, the shear number of attackers was overwhelming her. Frowning, Sissithississ waded into the battle. Being well accustomed to crowd control, he efficiently disable the restaurant goers and staff sufficiently for them to continue the pursuit.
"Damn it all," Herb cursed once more as they raced out the back door, and Herb tried to feel out Lemon once again. "Is she trying to make me even madder at her?"
"Ssshe'sss probably panicked," Sissithississ offered.
Herb did not respond, instead frowning deeply as she concentrated. After a moment, she opened her eyes in puzzlement. "I can't find her."
"I think I know why. We mussst find her quickly," Sissithississ said, and looked around. Taking several samples of the air into his mouth he paused and then pointed up the street. "That way. Her ssscent is ssstill ssstrong."
Nodding, Herb dashed up the street. At the corner, she stopped, waiting for Sissithississ to catch up. The snake warrior once more began sampling the air before directing them to the right. Not far up this street, the pair noticed another street sign, that for an all night grocery. Herb sighed, already anticipating the worse, but instead, found a man rushing out the door and looking back.
"Where the devil did that come from?" he exclaimed in a panic.
"Where did what come from?" Herb asked as she neared, gaining the man's attention. Without word, he pointed into the store. Both Musk warriors followed the direction and looked within.
"I thought asss much," Sissithississ said openly before knocking the man cold without warning. "Jussst in cassse," he explained as the pair headed inside.
Within, laid out on the floor the half fox, half human form of Lemon was breathing heavily. As they approached, her transformation continued to degrade. "Ssshe'sss out of energy," Sissithississ concluded as they stood over her. These were the last words she heard as she passed out. "Ssshe hasss been tired for sssome time now. I thought ssshe wasss ill."
Herb knelt down and examined the Kitsune. "More like she's completely dry," Herb said as Lemon form reverted completely to that of a fox.
"What ssshould we do?" Sissithississ asked.
Herb thought on this for a long moment, before looking back. "Take her to Kasumi's," she said.
As Sissithississ moved to pick up the fox, below a shelf nearby a small marble like object pulsed softly, unnoticed by everyone.
XXXXX
Inside the San Cheng-Huang, Gosunkugi was currently in the process of taking photos of anything remotely interesting. Having already gotten the evil eye from several Amazons in the dining room, he had decided his health better served by checking out the Karaoke bar. He was in the process of focusing in on two women chatting at a table when he felt strangely cold.
"Hateful..." A ghostly voice said next to his ear, causing him to jump in shock. He spun around, after recovering his nearly dropped camera, to see the the ghostly form of Kogane looking at him apologetically. "Sorry, standard ghost greeting," she said with a bowed head.
While Gosunkugi was still in shock over this, Kitsune rushed over. "Kogane, great, you made it," Kitsune said with a smile. "Now, we can get some real answers."
"Anything to help," Kogane replied then looked at the still stunned Gosunkugi. "Is he going to be alright?"
Kitsune looked over at the boy then slapped him. "Hey, pull it together!"
Holding his cheek, Gosunkugi at last snapped out of it, and pointed at Kogane. "She's... She's a..."
"Ghost, yes, last week's news," Kitsune replied dismissively. "Now, we got work to do. Kugi, you're into the whole voodoo thing right?"
"Voodoo? Well, some," Gosunkugi replied. "It's mostly curses and... Wait, you know about her?" he asked in surprise.
"Yes, Miss Tendo asked me to find any info I could on her. It's not a big deal," Kitsune answered impatiently. "Now, can we get back on topic? I need evidence people!"
"Of magic?" Kogane asked.
"Nonono," Kitsune replied. "Magic is like last month's news. Nono, this is much bigger, much more important," Kitsune declared enthusiastically.
"And what is that exactly?" Saki asked and she and Sampai joined the group.
Kitsune looked around cautiously, then motioned for everyone to lean in close. Once they did so, she once more ensured no one was listening, then declared, "Elvis impersonators are actually Bigfoot."
Needless to say, this stopped everyone but Kitsune cold for a moment. Kitsune, unfazed by this, stood up straight and nodded self assuredly. However, to the surprise of the others, Saki was next to straighten and said, "Okay, let's get this on."
"Saki?!" Sampai whispered in shock, but was ignored.
"Sampai, you're good with computers, so go check out the Karaoke machines to see if any recent Elvis music has been played. Saki, you take cover. Kogane and Gosunkugi, you two prowl around here and see if you hear about any interesting disguise magics. You might want to focus on that Lich and Gorgon in the corner. As for me, I'll be doing interviews. Alright, let's go!"
"Lich and Gorgon?!" Gosunkugi repeated nervously, looking over to where Grenda and Devlin were seated, although to his eyes they seemed a normal Japanese man and woman.
Kitsune rushed off once more, leaving Gosunkugi in confusion, while Sampai quickly went to talk with Saki.
"You can't be taking her seriously, can you?"
Saki looked at Sampai evenly, considered, then replied, "After what I have been witness to the last few months, frankly, Bigfoot impersonating Elvis seems downright mundane. I mean, seriously, one of our group is a ghost."
Sampai impulsively looked over to Kogane who gave him a creepy smile in return. Turning back, he said, "Right, point taken." Defeated for the moment, Sampai headed off for his assigned task.
Still in shock over all of this, Gosunkugi hesitated until Kogane came up next to him. "Shall we go?" she asked.
"Uh, yeah," he replied, giving the ghost girl a weak smile, which she returned.
Across the room, Siren concluded her treatment of Shampoo, and, as if tossing a scrap of a paper, she finished the dispelling. "Feeling any different?" she asked. Shampoo blinked for a moment, then confused, she nodded. "Like a fuzzy feeling you never realized was there is now gone? It is common for this type of enchantment."
"Thank you, Elder," Shampoo said with a smile of appreciation.
Siren returned the smile. "Now that we know our little trouble maker is a kitsune, I can make you a ward for that before I leave."
Mention of this caused Shampoo to frown before her attention shifted. Beside her, Kasumi followed Shampoo's gaze to see Cologne coming down the stairs. Behind the elder several other older women followed plus one youthful woman who seemed quite out of place.
"Finally done are they," Siren commented as she rose to her feet.
The group scanned those gathered in both rooms before heading towards Kasumi with Cologne in the lead. "I trust everything is going well so far?" Cologne asked.
"So far, yes," Siren answered.
Cologne nodded in approval then turned to Kasumi. "Some introductions are in order. Kasumi, these are elders Cao Yun, Be Dea, Guan Li and So Pu of the council," Cologne said, gesturing to each in turn, concluding with the youthful looking woman.
Kasumi bowed politely to the elders. "It is an honor," she said.
"We actually met before," So Pu said.
"Oh," Kasumi said with a touch of nervousness.
"Yes, you were a little drunk at the time. I was actually the one to marry you," So Pu said with a smirk, causing Kasumi to blush. Her attention then turned to Shampoo. "Shampoo, I hear from Cologne that you have acquired some new unusual talents. We should... hmm..." So Pu started to say but her attention diverted to the outside mysteriously.
The others took the cue to likewise look outside but initially saw nothing. Shampoo, however, found her own sense now telling her of Herb's approach along with two others. A few seconds later, this was confirmed visually as, in a rush, Herb appeared, followed closely by a larger man Shampoo did not recognize. However, what that man was carrying immediately caused Shampoo to scowl.
Herb entered the restaurant, followed by his companion, and they headed straight over to Kasumi's group. "I assume that is our kitsune," Siren commented as she looked at the fox creature in the arms of the other man. "What happened?" Siren asked with a frown as she approached.
"She attempted to escape," Herb explained. "We didn't harm her. She just... didn't have enough energy."
"Kitsune?" Cologne asked curiously.
"We learned a kitsune was the one responsible for the spell on Shampoo," Kasumi explained. "But, Herb, how did you find her so fast?"
"Because she is his fiancee," Cologne commented as she too looked over the animal, causing Herb to look away nervously. "Correct?"
"Fiancee?" Shampoo and Kasumi echoed in confusion.
"Oh, you haven't met yet?" Cologne asked, and gaining blank looks from both girls continued. "Sissithississ was it?" she asked and gained a nod from the man. "Yes, well, he and Lemon here came to the restaurant, the former restaurant I should say, some time ago. I thought her rather odd at the time."
"I wasss not aware ssshe wasss not human," Sissithississ said.
"I see, well-" Cologne started to continue but was interrupted with the arrival of Jasmine.
"What is going on?" Jasmine asked with a frown as she approached. "An alarm went off. Someone is in distress?"
"Yes, the kitsune here," Siren replied, and Sissithississ turned to show the Grand magus.
Jasmine approached and started examining the fox girl. "Her energy levels are beyond danger levels," she said, then looked at Herb questioningly. "This kitsune, she is from the Musk?"
"Yes," Herb answered, a little surprised.
Jasmine's frown deepened. "Bring her with me, quickly. She must received a mana infusion soon," Jasmine ordered Sissithississ and began to return to the stairs, the snake warrior following as directed.
"Will she be alright?" Kasumi asked.
"Don't know yet," Jasmine replied without looking back.
With their departure, all attention turned to Herb. "What? I did not know her true nature either," Herb argued.
"I suspect you didn't," Cologne agreed. "Nonetheless, is it safe to assume this Lemon has been up to more mischief than simply en-spelling Shampoo?"
Herb hesitated, looking to Kasumi, before answering, "At the very least she aided Ukyo in discovering and learning those forbidden techniques."
"And trick Frost?" Shampoo asked angrily.
"It is possible," Herb answered. "Sissithississ said he could not confirm her location on that night."
Shampoo clenched her fists, and looked at the stairway angrily. Kasumi, on the other hand, was confused. "Why would this Lemon be so angry at me?"
"As I mentioned earlier, she was supposed to be Herb's fiancee," Cologne answered. "No doubt she sees you as a significant obstacle since Herb has declared his intent to marry you instead. Although, you'd think she'd use more direct methods of influence."
Siren raised an eyebrow at this suggestion and approached Kasumi. "Maybe she did try," she commented as she touched Kasumi's forehead. After a few seconds she pulled a glowing orb from Kasumi and examined it. "Yes, an incomplete enchantment."
"When did that happen?" Kasumi asked in shock. "I don't remember running into anyone like who Jasmine described."
"Probably because your mind was so overwhelmed by the encounter that it didn't properly record the memory," Siren explained. "Definitely a similar magic pattern, but fractured. Looks like she messed up when trying to en-spell you. Tell me, Kasumi, do you remember any instances where you were inexplicably overwhelmed with desire?" Siren asked with a teasing smile.
Kasumi blushed and thought. "Well... I... um... maybe, the once at school, when Tatewaki and Kodachi's father first arrived."
"If I recall correctly, that is also the first day Lemon arrived," Herb said. "She probably went right after Kasumi after talking with me."
With this new point of reference, Kasumi thought hard then went wide eyed in realization. "I remember now. I... I ran into her in one of the bathrooms. I... don't even recall what she said, but she was very upset."
So Pu shook her head. "This is all very interesting, but does it really matter? Clearly this creature is trouble."
"I agree, and there is no debate about its involvement tricking Frost," Guan Li, an elder not that dissimilar in appearance to Cologne, save being slightly taller, said with a frown. "I received several reports from our observers here sighting the culprit. Although most did not see her clearly, the effects on those that did makes it clear they suffered from the enchanting effect consistent with a kitsune."
"Wait, I don't... think... we should jump... to any... conclusions," Kasumi hesitantly said as Guan Li gave her a hard look.
"Do you mean to protect this creature, Kasumi Tendo?" Guan Li asked accusingly. "Do you have any notion of the disastrous outcome, not only for yourself, but Frost and Shampoo as well that her deception could have caused? You narrowly escaped death at Frost's hands, and I have little doubt should that have been the outcome, Shampoo would have sought vengeance against Frost. The confusion over the whole thing could just as easily turned against Shampoo too."
"I... suppose that is true," Kasumi replied meekly, but Cologne stepped in.
"Such, however, did not come to pass," Cologne said, silencing Guan Li for the moment. Her attention then shifted to Herb. "And what of you, Herb. Have you nothing to say?"
"I never sanctioned her actions, nor do I excuse them," the prince replied. "However, I do believe she is a legitimate member of the Musk. The entire fox clan has many mysteries about them, many consistent with a clan of kitsunes."
"Truly?" So Pu said with mild surprise.
"The Dragon Lord must be aware though," Cologne said. "He is more than experienced enough to not be fooled by their magic."
Having not considered that till this moment, Herb fell into thought. "I must agree, although he has never even hinted at such to me," Herb said after a moment.
"He does know," an unexpected reply came as Jasmine once more came into the room. "I have stabilized her, but she will not regain consciousness until at least early tomorrow."
Guan Li turned to Jasmine. "You know the Dragon Lord of the Musk?"
"Yes," Jasmine answered, offering no more. "Before any of you start readying the pitchforks and torches, you should know, the moment she entered this building she fell under my protection. I will not tolerate any attempts to harm her."
Guan Li sneered, but said no more.
"Where is she now?" Cologne asked.
"In a room in my pocket zone. Sissithississ is watching her," Jasmine answered. "I have placed a seal on her powers for the moment, mostly for her own good as she clearly doesn't have proper control of them."
"Then this matter can wait for now," Cologne said, eying Guan Li who simply huffed. Nodding, Jasmine turned and returned the way she came, while Cologne changed topics. "Now, we must speak to the other Amazons. I'm sure Siren has already informed you that they are being recalled?" Cologne asked Kasumi, who nodded. "Yes, well, it is getting late, and we shouldn't keep them all waiting much longer." With a look to the other elders, the group turned and headed into the dining hall, Siren trailing behind, leaving Herb, Kasumi and Shampoo.
"You no say anything about fiancee!" Shampoo accused Herb after the others left earshot.
"She was never my official fiancee," Herb argued. "We were simply to be introduced. I still had the option to reject her and choose another," the prince explained, then looked away. "I'm not even sure why she would be so set on being with me. We never met before."
"Your rejection is probably something she never anticipated," Kasumi offered, bowing her head in thought. "If she helped Ukyo train, perhaps Ukyo knows something about her," she thought aloud, causing Shampoo to frown.
"Kasumi, why you defend her?" Shampoo asked, giving Kasumi pause. "Elder is right, is only luck that save you. If Ranko no be there..." Shampoo said, looking pained at even considering such an outcome.
"I... know that. I just..." Kasumi tried to say, but found words failing her. Kasumi and Shampoo shared a look for a moment, but Shampoo finally looked away, unconvinced.
"Shampoo go check on mother," she said suddenly and before Kasumi could say anymore, walked off.
Kasumi hung her head in defeat, sighing sadly before noticing Herb was still there. "I must... apologize for Lemon's actions," Herb said after a few seconds. "I should have handled the situation better. I should have sent her back to the Musk, or at least kept a closer eye on her. You can be assured, this won't happen again."
"Herb," Kasumi said in a pleading tone. "Don't..."
"I won't harm her," Herb replied. "But, I agree with Shampoo. Her actions should not be so easily overlooked." Seeing that Kasumi deflated at the response, Herb looked away. "I should check in with Sissithississ. He may know more," she said, and departed.
Watching him go, Kasumi thought to herself, I wonder if he has figured out what this is all about? She dismissed the question for the moment, and with another sigh, decided to sit down and think.
Why do I seem to be the one person on her side, and I barely know her, Kasumi asked herself. After a little over a minute being lost in thought, an unexpected companion joined her.
"You look rather conflicted, Kasssumi Tendo," Grenda said as she took a seat opposite her.
Kasumi looked at the gorgon in surprise. "This situation is rather... complicated," she said. "Do you know much about kitsunes?"
"General knowledge only," the gorgon replied. "Ssshapessshifters, powerful magic usersss, it isss sssaid at the highessst level they rival the godsss. They are closer to foxesss than humansss, although that little mattersss with their ssshapessshifting ability. Then there isss the curssse of courssse."
"Jasmine mentioned that, why were they cursed?" Kasumi asked.
Grenda let out an annoyed buff of air. "Don't know. Probably angered sssome god or another because they ssshowed them up and got that curssse for it," she said with an angry grumble.
"Why would a god do that?" Kasumi asked in confusion.
"Becaussse they are a bunch of world classs jerksss? Don't know the legend of Medesssa?" Grenda asked.
Kasumi shook her head and tried to think. "Medusa? I'm not very familiar with Greek legends. Wasn't she an evil monster than turned men to stone?" Kasumi began to say, then realized just who she was talking to.
The gorgon chuckled at seeing Kasumi's hesitation. "Oh, don't worry, it isss not sssurprisssing you remember it that way. We gorgonsss, though, have our own ssside of the ssstory," she said. "The basicsss are thisss: Medusssa and her sssisssters were born of the blood of godsss, but looked every bit asss human as you at first. Medusssa ssserved as priessstesss to Athena for much of her early life," Grenda began, saying the god's name with a particular disdain.
"Whether due to sssimple chance, or perhapsss her divine blood, Medusa was particularly beautiful it isss sssaid. It seemsss that ssshe even caught the eye of Possseidon," Grenda continued, once more practically spitting out the name of the god. "He proposssitioned her, but ssshe refusssed him. Being a god, he wasss pretty full of himssself and couldn't take no for an anssswer. Ssso, he raped her."
"That's terrible," Kasumi said.
"Jussst getting ssstarted. Asss bad asss that wasss, he did ssso in Athena's temple. Whether ssshe wasss sssimple ssstupid, thinking Medusssa wasss with him voluntarily, or jealousss of Medusssa'sss beauty and usssing thisss asss an excussse remainsss a question, but either way, Athena cursssed Medusssa to look like... this, or worssse," Grenda said, gesturing to herself. With a sad smile she added. "And if that were not bad enough, her sssissstersss begged Athena to undo the punissshment. For their effort, they too received a sssimilar curssse." Grenda once more grumbled.
"Why would she do such a great injustice?" Kasumi asked.
"Becaussse ssshe isss a bitch?" Grenda offered. "Don't even get me ssstarted on the whole Perssseusss thing," she added with an angry shake of her head. "Point isss, godsss are ssself centered jerksss. Would not sssurprissse me at all that the kitsssune curssse isss sssimilarly undessserved."
Kasumi hung her head for a moment to think, before asking, "Is there no cure?"
"Perhapsss, but without Athena adminissstering it, there isss little chance of finding sssuch. Again, probably the sssame for them," Grenda answered.
Thinking on this, Kasumi found her own anger rise some, and reflexively shook her head. "These gods don't sound at all... nice."
Grenda chuckled, easing the tension some. "Yess, but their day is passst. They are sssimply magical creaturesss too. A thousssand yearsss ago they were unbelievably powerful. Today, with magic knowledge ssso much improved, they aren't ssso ssspecial anymore."
Kasumi nodded then looked up. "Thank you miss Grenda, I think that has given me some... insight," Kasumi said and stood up. "I know it is unlikely, but if you should ever need my help finding such a cure."
"Hard to sssay if my people would even want to be cured at thisss point. Mossst have become so hating of humansss that becoming human once again would probably be ssseen asss an even worssse outcome," Grenda replied with a sad smile. "Ssstill, thank you for the offer."
Nodding sympathetically, Kasumi headed off to find Shampoo. It did not take long, as Shampoo was in the second floor hallway standing to the side watching a building confrontation between her mother and Kasumi's father.
"I would most certainly not do such a thing," Soun protested.
"Of course," Comb replied, unconvinced. "It is just curious is all. You and this Nodoka in the same home all these years..."
"Mother!" Shampoo finally exclaimed.
Comb finally seemed to drop the issue. "Yes, I suppose that is not my concern," she said before noticing Kasumi. "It is getting late. I suppose we should consider finding a place to stay."
Under Comb's gaze, Kasumi clued in and quickly said, "I'm sure we can find room for you here."
"Yes," Comb replied simply. "Come, husband, we should see to dinner," she said and headed downstairs, her husband offering a smile in apology before following.
Shampoo's held her head, making several comments in her native tongue before looking to Soun and unexpectedly bowing in apology. "Please no mind Mother. She... she... crazy," Shampoo said, not quite satisfied with her descriptor, but could think of nothing more appropriate.
Soun, who was still a bit shaken by the confrontation, was caught off guard by Shampoo's candor. "Not at all," he said quickly. "I should probably get home myself. It is a wonderful place you have here. You... both should be quite happy here," he said, bowed and like Shampoo's parents, departed.
Shampoo watched him leave curiously before turning to Kasumi. However, it was Kasumi who was the first to speak.
"Shampoo, I know you are angry with Lemon, and you have every right to be. I just think we should give her a chance to tell her side of things," Kasumi said quickly.
Unexpectedly Shampoo nodded. "Shampoo already think on this and will give her chance," she said, surprising Kasumi. "Was thinking, what if no listen to Frost, or if Kasumi no listen to Shampoo... Shampoo no like, but is... proper thing do."
Kasumi smiled in appreciation. Shampoo echoed the smile weakly before noticing a presence. She looked behind her to the stairs but saw no one. With the feeling gone, she dismissed the matter and turned back to Kasumi.
"Why don't we go get something to eat too?" Kasumi suggested, and Shampoo nodded.
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About that time, across town, Ami, Minako and Makoto were in a rush. Just moments ago Usagi had sent them all a message to come to the park. There was no details, and now she was not responding to her communicator. Needless to say, this was both confusing and worrying for the girls.
When they arrived things became even odder when they noticed Haruka's car parked nearby. A quick look around and they spotted not only Haruka, but Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna and even Rei.
"What is going on?" Minako asked as she approached the others.
"Usagi said she needed to see us, all of us," Michiru replied. "We haven't heard from her since. I assume she called you too?"
"Yes," Ami replied.
"We tried contacting her, but she isn't responding," Makoto added as she scanned the area.
Minako suddenly brightened. "I know, its an anniversary and Usagi is trying to surprise us," she optimistically suggested.
"And what anniversary would that be?" Setsuna asked skeptically.
Minako thought, but came up empty. After a second, she laughed with a touch of nervousness. "You know her, she probably got her dates mixed up."
Before they could further consider that possibility, Usagi finally appeared in the park and beckoned the others to come over. Seeing her eased everyone's tension and as a group they headed over.
"Usagi, what you doing calling all us out here all of a sudden? You had us worried. We thought you might be in trouble," Rei said in annoyance.
Usagi smiled calmly back, giving everyone an odd feeling. "It really is nice being able to talk to you all again," Usagi strangely responded.
"Usagi?" Makoto said in confusion and concern.
"I'm sorry, everyone, but you are right to be worried for Usagi," Usagi said, and to explain the statement, her form began to shift. Naturally, this was a shock to the others and they withdrew several steps.
When the doppelganger's shift finally completed, Michiru said in recognition, "Quaoar?!"
"Yes, sorry for the deception," she said as she waved her hand towards Ami. Ami blinked then shook her head as her mind cleared. "Usagi has been with us for the last while, but tonight we must decide her fate. So, I've brought you here to help."
XXXXX
End Chapter 46
Next time in A Scary Thought: The senshi must rush to aid Usagi, while Shampoo has some odd late night instruction.
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. Be Dea comes from D B. Sommers fic Shampoo ½, and if you haven't read it, do so, now! I've also previously mentioned Perfume from same fic (although this story has two Perfumes being mentioned, the other being from my own Most Unlikely of Friends). 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.
XXXXX
Hey folks, it is time for Kitsune's Corner! That's right, I'm back! Wade's been ignoring me for far too long, but now I'm back! And today we have... uh... who do we have again? Oh right, Yotogi Shinja.
"Those Hentai doujins you promised better be ready the second I leave."
Yeah, yeah. Is that all you ever think about?
"Mmmmmm... pretty much, yes."
Don't you have any aspirations in life?
"Of course I do. I got big plans."
Why do I have a bad feeling about this...?
"I'm going to be a porn star!"
…Okay, I... I... don't even know how to respond to that.
"What's wrong with being a porn star? Its honest work, gets you a fair bit of fame, and all the sex-"
Hey, I will not have you endorsing this kind of thing on my program! I mean, seriously, that's just... ugh! Let's just move on, shall we. So, you're room mates with Ami, right?
"Yep. That girl needs a good-"
What did I just say?
"What?"
Don't act all innocent! I know you were about to drop something sexual in there.
"Well, you have to admit, she is a bit of a shut in. All she does is read books and do school work most the day. So boring! You should have seen her face when I slipped some of my more juicy stuff from my personal collection into her biology text. Took her nearly the whole chapter to realize I'd messed with it. Ah, that was great."
You're just evil! You can't unsee that stuff you know.
"Speaking from personal experience?"
I still hate you for that. Those were very important surveillance photos you messed with.
"Of the local McDonalds?"
That's just a front... why am I even talking with you?
"Don't ask me, you're the one who bribed me to come in."
Okay, okay, one last thing. Despite all your bluster, I actually haven't seen you with an actual boyfriend.
"Well, that's... I'm between men at the moment."
Uh huh, seems you and Kodachi should compare notes on how NOT to catch a man.
Okay, enough is enough. Collect your ill gotten gains out in the hall. As for everybody else, I'm still trying to get Shin in here, but frankly, he creeps even me out with all that Snow Globe stuff. We'll see.