Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happen last time: The Senshi found themselves arguing for Usagi's release, and succeeded with a little help from Eris. Meanwhile, newcomers have come to Lemon's aid and are plotting.
Chapter 48
XXXXX
Early in the morning Kasumi entered Jasmine's pocket world, stopping once more to marvel at her surroundings. The sounds of battle prompted her to turn and see two men, both looking rather battered, facing off a distance away. One was a larger balding man covered in tattoos, clearly visible given his topless appearance. His opponent was younger with spiky red hair and a tattered cloak.
"Nothing to worry about," Siren said as she approached. "Just a little sparring."
The two men suddenly rushed each other, exchanging blows both physical and magical. The speed and nature of the battle surprised Kasumi. "I thought magi fought using mostly their magic from range," Kasumi said as she continued to watch.
"It is the most common way, yes, but not a requirement. High level magi need to learn direct combat skill as well," Siren explained before motioning for Kasumi to follow. "Come on, you're here to see Lemon I presume."
Kasumi nodded and followed. "Are they going to be okay?" Kasumi asked.
"Oh sure. This place has safeguards to protect against serious injury," Siren assured Kasumi.
Kasumi took another moment to look over the area as the pair approached the castle. "It is... impressive."
"I have a few of these kicking around myself. Cologne even has one as I recall. Uses it for training sometimes," Siren said with a smile.
"Oh," Kasumi replied with a nod before switching topics. "Ms. Siren, do you happen to know much about Shampoo and her mother?"
Siren chuckled as they reached the front of the castle. "Yes, I know about that. You're wondering why they don't get along?" she asked and received a nod. "That's a bit complicated. To understand it, you have to go back a ways," she started to explain as she lead the way inside.
"Over twenty years ago, the council decided that the village was falling behind on affairs of the outside world. In an effort to remedy this, they sent many young Amazons out into China to seek knowledge and training. Among them was Shampoo's mother.
"Comb was always good at medicine so she studied such at one of the universities. That's where she met Shampoo's father. When she came back to the village, she was married, pregnant with Shampoo, and with a head full of a lot of new ideas.
"You have to understand, we Amazons, since we generally live so long, had gotten into the habit of having children quite late. Comb had Shampoo when she was in her late twenties, and that was considered scandalous. Oh, and as for Brush, although he's a very able martial artist, he didn't defeat Comb in combat. Instead he apparently beat her at Chess," Siren said with a smile at the memory.
"Chess? Does that count?" Kasumi asked in surprise.
"No," Siren answered. "Technically it has to be a physical conflict. But, if you don't contest it to the council, it effectively does count. Still, it was considered gaming the rules at the time, but it was let pass.
"As you might guess, add that together with Comb questioning a lot of Amazon customs and laws, and she and Cologne didn't exactly see eye to eye. They got into more than their fair share of arguments.
"Where this relates to Shampoo is that Shampoo was essentially brought up and trained by Cologne. Naturally, Shampoo saw things Cologne's way. So, when she and her mother were together, Shampoo ended up as a proxy for Cologne's thinking," Siren said.
"I see," Kasumi said, bowing her head in thought.
"Yes, and unfortunately, Comb... well, she's not exactly taking the high road in this. She butts heads with Shampoo so often that I think it has simply become pattern for her, and Shampoo," Siren concluded.
"Hmm," Kasumi said, causing Siren to pause and look at her.
"I personally would advise you stay out of it. It is down to a dull roar lately and neither side is going to budge for a while. Shampoo might even take it rather badly if you start doing something she construes as taking her mother's side on things," Siren cautioned.
Kasumi looked up in surprise at this, but after a second had to nod in agreement.
The pair proceeded on down a hall until they spotted Sissithississ sitting next to a door. He nodded in greeting to the pair as they approached.
"How is Lemon?" Kasumi asked.
"Awake," Sissithississ replied. "Hasssn't sssaid much though. Ssshe'sss probably ssscared. Jasssmine isss with her right now."
"May we..." Kasumi hinted.
Sissithississ eyed the pair. "Go right in, jussst remember the rulesss."
"Oh, don't worry, snake boy," Siren said with a grin. "I got no gripes, and Kasumi here isn't exactly the vengeful type."
We hardly know each other though, Kasumi thought, but decided not to argue the point.
The snake warrior nodded to the pair and gestured for them to proceed. The pair entered to find Jasmine sitting on a bed within, her back turned to them, leaning over. Kasumi raised herself up a bit to see Lemon, in human form, crouched in the corner next to the Grand Magus, using the bed as cover.
Jasmine turned a curious eye back at them, before turning back. Kasumi and Siren waited a moment until the Grand Magus completed what she was doing, got up and approached them. "Kasumi. Siren," she greeted simply.
Both nodded, acknowledging the greeting, before looking over the bed at the kitsune. "Is she alright?" Kasumi asked.
"Past the danger point, yes," Jasmine answered. "If you mean to speak with her, I would not bother. She hasn't said a word in hours to anyone. In fact the only thing she has said at all was to ask where she was," Jasmine noted as she briefly looked back. "Come, leave her be for now. I doubt she finds your presence comforting," Jasmine said and directed them back out in the hall.
"I wouldn't hurt her," Kasumi assured Jasmine.
"Even if I trusted you, she has no reason to," Jasmine pointed out. "She already has good cause to feel trapped. Best not to push her even further."
"Of course," Kasumi conceded. "What is to happen to her?"
Jasmine shrugged. "While I am here, she is under my protection. But that ends tomorrow. At that point, it is up to you all. I will unseal her tomorrow morning, but she is still very low on energy. She can't even shape shift properly. It is doubtful she can make her way home on her own."
"I can speak to the others, and they-" Kasumi started to say but Jasmine interrupted.
"It's not just you and your associates, Kasumi Tendo. Her identity has been revealed. Kitsunes are valuable to certain unscrupulous individuals," Jasmine explained.
"I hate those individuals," Siren said in mild jest.
"I don't understand," Kasumi said in confusion.
"Kitsunes, for a variety of reasons, some deserved, many not, are often hunted. Sometimes for slaves, even more often for material, and even more often than that simply to eliminate them," Jasmine explained, causing Kasumi to pause.
"Slave... material..." Kasumi repeated in shock.
Siren sadly nodded. "Oh yes, there are some real pieces of work out there. Anything to make a buck."
"That'sss probably why I wasss sssent with her," Sissithississ said from his seat.
"Yes, but with her identity out in the open, I would worry for her safety even with your protection," Jasmine replied. "Of course, she might go under the radar, but it is certainly a risk."
Kasumi nodded in understanding, frowning as she considered this.
"How is Frost doing?" Jasmine asked.
"On schedule," Siren replied. "She should be ready to go late tonight."
"Very well," Jasmine said with a nod then looked back at Kasumi. "Your concern for this kitsune is... curious, Kasumi Tendo. I would caution you, though, she isn't the only one at risk here."
"What do you mean?" Kasumi asked in puzzlement.
"Kitsunes are a tight-nit community," Jasmine answered and started to leave. "I would be on your guard."
Kasumi puzzled over this, watching Jasmine head off, before turning to Siren, questioningly.
"I'm not that familiar with kitsune culture," Siren said. "But, if she feels it is something to be cautious of, I'd take that advice," she added.
XXXXX
"Where have you all been all night?" the dorm supervisor demanded at the door to the girls' dormitory.
Standing just outside, Usagi, Minako, Makoto and Ami all looked to each other in uncertainty. "Um... you see..." Minako began.
"Sorry ma'am," a police woman in darkened sunglasses suddenly came into view to say, presenting her ID. "There was an incident last night. These young ladies witnessed it and have been down at the department giving statements," she explained.
"Incident?" the supervisor asked in shock.
"Nothing to worry about, Ma'am. It's all cleared up now and these young ladies were of great help," the police woman explained. "It is a bit of a sensitive matter though, so I would caution you not to question them on the matter."
"Oh... well, in that case I guess it is understandable," the supervisor said. "I do wish you would have at least called, but I suppose you were busy. Alright then." With a reluctant nod, the supervisor headed back inside, allowing the girls to give a collective sigh of relief.
"Thanks, Eris," Minako said to the police woman.
"Not a problem," Eris replied, her police woman disguise fading away back to her harem girl look. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have to report back and then have much to do." Without waiting for a reply, she suddenly soared away into the sky and quickly out of sight.
Once more the girls sighed, Artemis and Luna joining them. "Is it all over now?" Makoto asked.
"Somehow I doubt it," Ami replied and lead the way inside. "Funny, I've been up all night yet I don't feel in the least sleepy."
"Me neither," Minako said in agreement. "Maybe they did something to us?"
"Maybe," Ami responded. "We should all get ready for class regardless," she suggested before heading for her room. Minako and Makoto held back however.
Leaning in, Minako whispered to Usagi, "So, uh, have you tried it out yet?"
"Tried what out?" Usagi asked back in whisper, briefly confused before realizing and quickly shaking her head. "Of course not!"
"Why not? Think of all the possibilities," Minako said in excitement.
"I'm trying not to," Usagi said quietly.
"Yeah, I don't think Usagi should just use it for silly stuff," Makoto said, joining the others in whisper. "If she really has that kind of power, it is a big responsibility."
"Yeah," Minako sadly conceded. "But, wouldn't it be awesome. Poof, your own instant cruise ship!" Makoto gave Minako a flat look with crossed arms. "It's just an idea," Minako said. "Anyway, Ami's right. Better get ready for school."
"Yeah," the others girls agreed and split up to go to their rooms.
Inside Usagi's room, she found it empty for the moment. Luna followed her in. Usagi closed the door behind her, gave a heavy sigh, and dropped onto her bed.
Luna looked at Usagi curiously. A great deal had happened to the young girl over the last while but till now she had shown little sign of it affecting her. Seeing the first signs of this facade cracking, Luna asked, "Are you alright, Usagi?"
"Not really," Usagi admitted, falling back to lay on the bed and stare at the ceiling. Luna jumped onto the bed, and looked at Usagi, noticing the girl seemed drained. After a moment, Usagi said, "I... I'm not sure you should have let me go."
"What?" Luna asked in shock, this being the last thing she expected to hear. "Usagi, they were planning to keep you in that... prison for who knows how long. You can't honestly say that you thought that was right."
Usagi closed her eyes. "I didn't want to say it to the others, but I was very close to doing just what they were worried about. At least I think so," she said, further shocking Luna.
"What do you mean?" the luna cat asked tensely.
"I..." Usagi started to say, but stopped and rolled away from Luna. "It's complicated."
Luna was momentarily stunned. "Does this have to do with Seiya?" Luna asked impulsively, trying to peek over Usagi's head to see her expression but failing. "Usagi?" Luna asked in concern.
"I should get ready," Usagi said suddenly and got up. As she headed over to the closet, Luna held her head in thought. Usagi pulled out her school uniform and added, "Luna, please don't tell anyone."
Luna tensed once again, not sure exactly what Usagi was referring to, but she had several guesses and they were all not good. However, reading Usagi's body language, decided to nod. "Alright, but if something is really bothering you, you should talk to someone."
Usagi paused to consider this then nodded after a second. "Maybe."
XXXXX
A short time later, at the dance hall, Kitsui sat and sighed in depression. "This sucks," she mumbled.
As with the previous day, Shampoo was trying to meditate, but the attitude of her instructor destroyed her concentration. "Stop complain! You supposed teach Shampoo, not seduce Ranko anyway!"
"Yeah... but it just seems so... irrelevant now..." Kitsui murmured, playing absently with her fingers causing Shampoo to growl in annoyance.
"You is impossible!" Shampoo complained, getting up and glaring at the dancer.
Kitsui waved off the criticism. "It doesn't matter anyway, your rhythm is way off today. You might as well just take the day off."
"Rhythm?" Shampoo asked in exasperation.
"You're all muddled up today. Well, you've been muddled up since I met you, honestly, but today seems worse than usual," Kitsui explained before brightening. "Say, you know where Ranko lives, right? If she's not going to be coming with you anymore, I could always-"
"Stop try change subject," Shampoo complained.
Kitsui sighed once more, straightened up and explained. "I told you this during the fight. You are all innerly conflicted and stuff. You're not naturally a broody person, but you're acting like it."
"I no broody," Shampoo denied but a look from Kitsui made her reconsider. "Maybe little... angry lately... Is hard not to be! Shampoo's mother come yesterday, and stupid kitsune girl..."
"Troubles?" Kitsui asked to which Shampoo nodded. "Don't take them so seriously. Relax. Have Fun. Embrace the good things in your life. As long as your inner rhythm is all muddled up you will have real trouble with my techniques," she said, quickly adding, "and no, I'm not a counselor."
Shampoo took a nearby seat and hung her head. "Guess have been... dealing with lots lately."
"Can't help you much there. All I can say is focus on the good. Now, Ranko..."
Shampoo sighed, giving Kitsui a flat look, but finally conceded. "She live at girls' dorm near school."
"Near Furinkan you say... I'll have to pay her a visit," Kitsui said with a growing devious smile. After a moment though, she took notice of Shampoo's off mood once more. "Why don't you and that wife of yours go on a date... or skip the date and get to the good stuff?"
"We is going on date... just more than just us," Shampoo replied.
"Oh?" Kitsui asked in confusion before realizing herself. "Oh yeah, Rippa mentioned that mess. I guess you're life it a bit on the complicated side... But hey, look on the bright side, you get a free pass to mix it up some," she said with a teasing smile. "Of course, I guess you already mix it up some with Kasumi as is."
"Hmh?" Shampoo said in confusion.
"You know, girl, guy," Kitsui hinted, but quickly noticed Shampoo withdrawing the tiniest bit. "Woah! You haven't been with Kasumi as a guy yet?"
"As guy?" Shampoo repeated in shock.
Kitsui became even more surprised as she read Shampoo's reaction and jumped to her feet. "You've only been with Kasumi as a guy?! What are you thinking, girl?!"
"Is not way supposed-" Shampoo started to argue weakly but was cut off.
"If she was a guy, yeah, but she isn't," Kitsui quickly replied, causing Shampoo to look away. "Hey now, I thought you loved this girl?"
"Shampoo do," Shampoo replied vehemently, looking back at Kitsui. However, under Kitsui's gaze, she lost some nerve and once more looked away. "Is just... if Kasumi is man too..."
Kitsui shook her head and sat down again. "Take some advice, don't let that get in the way. Something like that getting in the way is just a wedge asking to split you apart," Kitsui cautioned, regaining Shampoo's full attention. "Besides, it is so much better with a girl," she said with an joking grin.
Shampoo blinked and considered. "Shampoo no think that way..."
"Want some pointers?" Kitsui suddenly asked. "I know all the positions."
Shampoo withdrew and shook her head. "Shampoo... do for self..."
"Your choice," the dance replied in disappointment. "Now, back to Ranko. She doesn't have a girlfriend, does she?"
Shampoo rolled her eyes but shook her head. "Not that Shampoo know of."
"Great!" Kitsui said with a big smile, and rubbed her hands together in glee. After a moment she noticed Shampoo giving her a hard look. "What? Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything... extreme. Besides, that would be no fun. Rippa is right, I like newbies, and introducing them to the finer things is what I like the most. It's too bad you're married, we could have had such a great time."
Shampoo frowned and shook her head before looking up at the clock. "Shampoo should go. School soon."
"Right, tomorrow then. And like I said, loosen up. Try to enjoy this date of yours," Kitsui advised as the pair got up.
"Will try," Shampoo replied, bowed slightly to Kitsui and headed off.
XXXXX
The school day went smoothly for the most part, although to those that noticed, it was not due to it being a normal day. Ranma was one such person to notice. From Gosunkugi falling asleep every few minutes, to Usagi being unusually attentive as if trying to busy herself, it was clear a number of hidden things were going on.
Having more than his fair share of issues, Ranma decided not to involve himself for the moment. Instead, with the school day coming to a close, Ranma headed out to the fields to join Kasumi and Shampoo who were watching Frost continue her work.
Stopping some distance from the field where the others were gathered, Ranma silently watched for a minute as Frost went about her task, but quickly grew puzzled. "I don't see anything," he commented, getting agreeing nods from Kasumi and Shampoo. "So, it's not just me."
"I'm more puzzled as to why no one seems to care. I've been watching all day and no one has approached the field at all. You would think someone would be at least curious," Kasumi said.
Ukyo was next to join the group, likewise watching the display in confusion. "So, she's casting a spell?"
"Apparently," Ranma replied, noticing Siren now approaching them.
"Elder Siren," Shampoo greeted.
"Just Siren," the magus lightly complained.
"Sorry," Shampoo replied.
"It's alright," Siren dismissed and joined the group in watching Frost. "Kind of boring for you types," she commented.
"So... something is happening?" Ukyo asked.
"Oh yes, but if you have no sense for magic you can't perceive it. Don't worry though, the final enchantment is visible to all," Siren explained.
"Ms. Siren, have you cast some spell?" Kasumi asked.
Siren blinked, confused by the vague reference, but then clued in. "Oh, you mean to protect the area, yes. There is a barrier in place. It diverts people from entering the area, or even taking an interest. I made sure to omit those who already know about Frost's abilities from the interest part, although you'll notice even you don't approach," Siren said with a smile.
The group shared a look in realization of this. "I had not even noticed," Kasumi remarked as she took note of the distance she was keeping.
"That's the idea," Siren pointed out.
"If Frost complete spell, then be-" Shampoo started to say, but Siren waved her off.
Leaning in and whispering, Siren said, "Don't mention the whole archmage thing. You know how flustered Frost can get. I want her to get through all the preliminary work before I have to tell her. Safer that way."
"So, she doesn't know?" Kasumi asked.
"No," Siren replied, looking back at Frost. "The actual enchantment is the most interesting to watch, but the least prone to error since it is all laid out by then. If she knew now, she'd be second guessing everything. Oh, and if it for some reason comes up, don't mention the kitsune either."
"Kitsune?" Ukyo asked in confusion.
"Oh, yes, Lemon," Kasumi replied to Ukyo's further confusion. "We believe we learned who tricked Frost. Herb has a fiancee that also happens to be a kitsune."
Ukyo blinked in shock. "Lemon? She's a kitsune?"
"Oh yes... you know her, don't you?" Kasumi asked.
"Yeah... I didn't know she was a kitsune though," Ukyo replied, frowning in thought. Unexpectedly, Siren turned to her and touched her forehead. "Hey!" Ukyo complained.
"Just a moment," Siren replied as she concentrated. "Hmm, yes, seems she got to you too," the magus commented before pulling a glowing energy mass from Ukyo and then crushing it with her palm. Suddenly, Ukyo staggered and memories unlocked within her. "It was a memory block. You remember anything?" Siren asked
"I..." Ukyo started to say as she tried to sort out her thoughts. "Lemon, she was at my family shrine... when Ken was here," she said then blushed. "I think she tried to seduce me."
"What?!" Ranma exclaimed but got a quieting gesture from Siren.
Siren returned her attention to Ukyo. "Did she?" the magus asked seriously.
"Uh... no, she... left. I'm not sure why," Ukyo answered, frowning as she continued to sort through the unlocked memories.
"That's good, because that would be very bad if she had. Kitsune enchantment that deep can't be so easily removed. That would actually cause a chemical shift in the brain that goes beyond the magic, very much like a drug. You would become entirely dependent on it," Siren explained, causing Ukyo to pale. "Curious, I wonder what she was up to, and why she stopped?"
"Is Ukyo alright?" Ranma asked in concern.
"Oh yes. That limited enchantment was no more troublesome than the one on Shampoo. The memories should clear up more over time," Siren replied and looked back at Frost. "I'd best get back before Frost starts getting curious herself. You should all come by later, though. It will be quite the event."
"Perhaps we will," Kasumi said with a smile and Siren departed. Looking back at Ukyo, Kasumi optimistically said, "at least Lemon did reconsider."
"Reconsider?" Ukyo echoed in anger. "Where is she? I want to have a talk with her!" Ukyo said making clear said talk would not be a pleasant one.
"She's at the restaurant, and she's basically off limits," Kasumi replied, quickly raising her hands defensively. "It's Jasmine's decision. Everyone within the restaurant is under her protection."
"Jasmine?"
"She's overseeing things for the guests who will be observing Frost's enchantment," Kasumi explained.
"Is very powerful magus," Shampoo added.
Ukyo frowned, but dropped the matter.
Off to the side, Ranma gave a slight sigh of relief at the avoided conflict. "Hey, since we're all here, why don't we head off now," he suggested to change topics.
"Oh, yes, right," Kasumi said, reminded of the date.
"Guess we might as well," Ukyo reluctantly agreed, still eying Kasumi wearily.
Unnoticed by the group, a lone figure sat atop the school and watched patiently. As the group started their departure, the figure nodded and got up, but took a moment to eye the field. There, Siren seemed to notice this and looked up and at the school, but the figure had already left.
"Hmm," Siren said, frowning. However, after giving the area another scan found nothing further. "Strange..." she commented, Selene noticing such.
"Something wrong?" the cat asked.
"Not sure. Someone penetrated my barrier without permission, but just briefly," Siren replied. "Could be one of the magi taking a peek... Hmm..." she analyzed aloud before looking off at the departing Kasumi and company. Considering for a moment, she turned to the cat. "Perhaps we should put up a few extra protections, just in case."
XXXXX
A distance away, the figure reappeared in an open lot where several others were gathered.
"What did you learn?" One of the others asked.
"There is some spell being assembled in the field. I'm not sure of its purpose, but there is a high level magus there," the other answered.
"I don't like this one bit," another said.
"Right, it is time to move. Have you found a potential target?"
"Yes, two in particular. They were both at the field and the business," the original one replied. "There is two others with them. They aren't easy targets though."
"Which makes them more valuable," the other answered. "It is time to lay our trap."
With a collective nod the group headed off together.
XXXXX
Unaware of those now stalking them, Ranma, Kasumi, Ukyo and Shampoo were finishing off an early dinner. Sitting within a booth, Ranma and Ukyo sat on one side and Kasumi and Shampoo sat opposite them. Ukyo in particular was still sorting through her memories which were becoming clearer by the moment.
"I'm going to strangle her," Ukyo declared.
"I don't think that is necessary," Kasumi said, getting a glare from Ukyo. "After all, she did stop," Kasumi added quickly.
Ukyo continued to glare at the nervously smiling Kasumi for a moment, but finally looked away. "I suppose," she conceded.
"What do you think she was up to, anyway?" Ranma asked.
"She was trying to knock me out earlier, so she was probably trying to get me give up to her. The way this funky law works, that would make her the head female, right?" Ukyo replied.
Kasumi nodded. "Yes, it would," she confirmed.
"And to marry Kasumi, Herb would have to marry Lemon... not bad," Ranma analyzed.
Shampoo huffed at hearing this, and took a sip from her drink. "And she just think we accept?" she asked with a scowl.
Ukyo shook her head. "I kind of doubt she planned to give you that option."
As Shampoo continued her dark look at hearing this, Kasumi quickly added, "Yes, but it didn't come to that."
Ranma watched this all play out with a bit of an inner laugh. Kasumi's determined to see the bright side in everybody, he thought. Deciding to give Kasumi some back up, Ranma asked, "Did she ever mention why she is so determined to marry Herb?"
Ukyo thought for a moment. "Yeah. She did mention something about them potentially cursing her or worse..."
"Curse her?" Kasumi asked.
"To be a male. I'm guessing that is the only way they get males now if they truly don't have any naturally born," Ukyo explained.
"Well that sucks," Ranma commented.
Kasumi lowered her head. "Yes, and it is more than simply having a curse. I can't carry a child due to my curse. I assume the same would apply to them."
"Actually," Ukyo said, "she did say something when she was... trying to seduce me. She said that the curse that makes them all female also makes them find no happiness with another woman." Thinking for another moment, Ukyo realized, "I think that's why she stopped."
"Because she realized she would never love you?" Ranma asked in confusion.
"Maybe," Ukyo said in uncertainty. "It seemed more like she realized that I wouldn't be happy," she suggested, dropping her head in contemplation of this.
"So, they would curse her to be a man, and stick her with someone they know she'll never love, and probably that kitsune will never love them either," Ranma analyzed, looking to the others for any disagreement but got none. "I'm glad I'm not a kitsune," he weakly joked after a moment. Even Shampoo's hard look seemed to soften some at this point, although she remained silent.
After another moment of silence between them, Ranma asked, "So, what are we going to be doing with her?"
"I don't know," Kasumi answered. "I had assumed getting her back to her clan would be best. Now, I'm not so sure. But, Jasmine also said others may be hunting for her."
"What do you mean?" Ukyo asked.
"Apparently kitsunes are... valuable... in various ways," Kasumi hesitantly said, causing Ukyo to frown.
"What that mean?" Shampoo asked.
"As... slaves... or worse," Kasumi replied causing Shampoo to likewise frown. "Although, we may be alright in that regard if word that she is a kitsune did not travel far."
Luck, around here, we don't get any of that, Ranma inwardly joked. "If any guys like that come around here, we can kick their asses, so we should have enough time to figure something out," he suggested. Kasumi and Ukyo lightly nodded in response while Shampoo continued being quiet.
"Alright, if we're going to watch Frost do her thing, we still have several hours to kill. Any ideas?" Ranma asked as he finished off his drink.
Shampoo looked to Ukyo and smiled. "Why no go Pierre's? Ukyo need new clothes."
"Hey, what's wrong with my clothes?" Ukyo asked in annoyance.
"Nothing," Shampoo replied, looking away, "if like same thing all time."
Ukyo fumed for a moment, but then looked away self consciously. "That's... for practical reason."
"Actually, that may be all the more reason to go," Kasumi said. "Pierre is quite able, and he knows about my curse already. He may be able to make you something suitable as well."
Ukyo frowned, but after a moment of thought reluctantly conceded. "Fine. I suppose it won't hurt to ask."
XXXXX
A short time later, the four were walking the streets of Nerima. Shampoo was lingering back, in deep thought.
She hated to admit it, but hearing about the potential outcome of failure for Lemon was all too familiar. A life in a loveless marriage, Shampoo thought. That could have been Kasumi and I, and I do not want to even image what that would be like. Shampoo frowned as this train of thought was leading her down a path she did not like. It became even more certain though when she remembered Jasmine's words to her.
"If it makes any difference, I don't think she meant to hurt you or Frost," Ukyo suddenly said from Shampoo's side.
The Amazon looked at Ukyo in surprise, but the chef kept her attention firmly ahead. "How know that?"
"She isn't exactly one to think through her plans. I doubt she even considered the potential consequences for you two. I mean, her whole plan with me challenging Kasumi was to get Herb to lose interest," Ukyo continued to explain, and let out a laugh. "Didn't exactly turn out that way."
"And Kasumi?" Shampoo asked dubiously.
"Oh, Kasumi was definitely in her sights," Ukyo answered. "That much Lemon's going to have to own."
Shampoo huffed and looked ahead to Kasumi. "Kasumi no even seem mind," Shampoo remarked, but Ukyo offered nothing more on the topic.
As the foursome turned into a park, Ranma looked to Kasumi. "Isn't the train the other way?" he asked in confusion.
"Hmm, yes," Kasumi answered, looking around before giving an embarrassed smile. "I guess we took a wrong turn. We should be fine though. We have plenty of time."
"Yeah," Ranma replied and changed course to another exit from the park.
Behind them, though, Shampoo looked around in concern. "Why no one else here?" she asked.
The group paused and looked about noticing the same thing. "Yeah, that's odd," Ranma agreed.
"No... is not just people, is nothing," Shampoo said in alarm. At this the others looked around more seriously. After only a few seconds, Shampoo turned suddenly to look at the entrance they had come from to see a redheaded young woman approaching them. A second later, she looked around to see two more, and then a second after a fourth, all red haired.
The others quickly took notice of this as well and took up defensive postures. "I think we may be in a bit of a situation," Kasumi said.
"You think?!" Ukyo echoed in irritation.
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End Chapter 48
Next time in A Scary Thought: Kasumi and company face off with their unwelcome visitors.
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.
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Hey folks, it is time for Kitsune's Corner! And my guest is... umm... hmm... let's see here... no did him already... hmm... no, too soon... nah... ah, he'll do.
BEEP... WHIRL... THUD
"What the-"
Sorry there Mr. Sissithi, had to use this transporter thingermergigger. You got a moment?
"Apparently I do now."
Great! So, yes folks, we have Musk warrior Sissithississ...iss...iss?
"Jussst the 3 hisssesss."
Right. All your clan named like that?
"Thankfully not."
Okay, says here that this is actually your second story. Hmm, but I don't see another one...
"That one got trassshed at the development phassse. It wasss a ssstory sssubmisssion that another author had requesssted of his readersss of hisss ssstory. However, sssaid sssubmisssion requessst was over a year old and my firssst appearance got hence trassshed for lack of interessst... and probably becaussse that ssstory wasssn't that hot to ssstart with. I got revived for thisss ssstory for convenience sake."
And we're all glad for it.
"Be ssseriousss, they don't care."
Yes, well... moving on... since you're my first Musker, why don't you tell me about the place? Is it true you're former Amazons?
"Not that rumor again! No! The Musssk isss 15,000 yearsss old, far older than the Amazons, who if you're going to trussst their own numbersss are a mere 5,000 yearsss old."
Hmm... so, how do you guys get along with the Amazons anyway.
"Barely had any contact over the lassst thousssand yearsss. Before that, we often would have territorial disssputes and we alssso had a bad habit of allying ourssselvesss on opposssite sssides of bigger conflictsss in the area."
Last thousand?
"The Musssk got nearly dessstroyed about one thousssand year ago. Only relatively recently have we even had contact with the outssside world again."
Hmm... thousand... anyway, so the way I understand it, the Musk is divided into clans?
"Yesss. Each clan isss represssented by a different animal. Wolf, Tiger, Dragon, Sssnake and Fox are sssome of them, although of courssse we now know the Fox clan is actually the Kitsune clan."
So yours is poisonous snakes?
"Both poisonousss and conssstricking actually. Our martial artsss ssstyle alssso usssesss both philosssophiessss."
And the Dragon clan is always in charge?
"That it isss. Hissstorically the individual clansss had more importance in overssseeing variousss territoriess. However, sssince the collapssse, it is all the Dragon clan."
Okay, last question, how exactly do you treat your women anyway?
"Mossstly how the ressst of the world treatsss them. I will admit, however, that our government isss overwhelming dominated by men, ssso we do tend to show favoritisssm. It isss no worssse than the Amazonsss treat their men though."
Hmm, still, no offense, but I'll think I'll put the Musk pretty low on my 'places to visit' list. It has been great having you Mr. Sissy... err... Sissithississ... honest, slip of the tongue... stop looking at me like that!