Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happen last time: Kasumi, Ranma, Shampoo and Ukyo found themselves the target of some new guests in Nerima.
Chapter 49
XXXXX
The park is normally a place for relaxation and fun. Such was the last thing on the minds of the four martial artists currently in a back to back defensive formation as four seemingly young redheaded woman approached them. Most would think these women little threat to the foursome, but they knew better. With one opponent approaching from each of the four different directions, Kasumi, Ukyo, Ranma and Shampoo each turned to face one.
"If fight, no let speak spell," Shampoo quietly directed.
"Noted," Ranma replied over his shoulder. "At least we aren't under a spell already."
"Don't be so sure. Why did we come through here in the first place?" Ukyo asked, causing Ranma to frown.
"Excuse me," Kasumi greeted, breaking ranks just slightly. "If this is about Lemon, she hasn't been harmed."
The four girls stopped their approaches a few feet off. "That's good to hear," the one facing Kasumi replied.
"Then perhaps we could just talk-" Kasumi continued.
"Oh, we'll talk, but on our terms. You four are coming with us," another of the four said.
"So, you plan on using us in exchange?" Ranma asked.
"If necessary. Come along quietly and you won't be hurt," a third ordered.
"Yeah, that's not happening," Ukyo replied.
"Ukyo, we shouldn't escalate-" Kasumi started to say quietly, but was interrupted by the girl in front of her.
"Have it your way," the redhead said, and with a gesture all four charged in.
The defensive formation quickly broke apart as each martial artist engaged one of the kitsunes. Any notion they may have had of an easy fight was quickly dispelled, each fighter taking several initial blows, surprised by the prowess of their respective opponents. Despite their diminutive appearances, the four redheads quickly proved to have the skills, speed and even strength to match their opponents.
Shampoo was the first to forced to her next level, unleashing her locked ki to match the speed of her attacker. However, this only momentarily shifted the flow of battle in her favor before the kitsune seemed to likewise respond and match Shampoo's boost.
Not far away, seeking an early resolution to her fight, Ukyo followed Shampoo's lead and unleashed the power of her Burning Soul. This startled her opponent, giving Ukyo the opening she needed to land several solid blows. The kitsune crumbled. However, as Ukyo turned to consider moving to Ranma's aid, she realized her sense of threat had not diminished. She dodged away just in time to avoid an ax kick to her head.
"What the hell..." Ukyo mumbled as she turned back to her opponent.
"Nice try, but we don't go down that easy," she taunt before rushing on the attack once more.
Forced back onto a bridge spanning a pond, Kasumi was regarding all this and her own opponent with wonder. They may look young, but they are no amateurs, she thought. "We don't need to fight," she tried to negotiate, but in response barely dodged a kick to the head.
"I'm afraid any hope of this ending peacefully already left," her opponent said, pressing her attack.
Kasumi continued to give ground, fully understanding why both Ukyo and Shampoo were having difficulty as she too was pressed right to the limits of her ability. Like the others, she too considered calling on one of her trump cards, the Ha do, but unlike them quickly dismissed such. It is just too big a risk, she concluded, and unfortunately I can't yet call on the centering at will. Strange though, they aren't trying to use magic on us. This is probably some kind of test of our abilities, Kasumi thought.
At the pond's side, Ranma was debating on how best to even attempt to end the duel. As he dodged to the side from a kick intended for his face, he cast a glance at the others to see none of them were doing any better. As much as I'd like to believe I'm at Ukyo's level, no. They're deliberately keeping this fight to our level, which isn't good. Probably means they are a lot stronger still, he thought with a frown as he refocused on his own opponent. Okay then, let's see just how observant you are.
As with Rippa, on Ranma's next attack, which the kitsune blocked as expected, Ranma pulled out a little of her energy. However, he immediately regretted it and had to quickly stop. Likewise, his opponent seemed aware of the attack and jumped back several feet to reassess. As an uncomfortable tingling passed through Ranma's body, the kitsune smiled.
"Doesn't taste too good, does it? Guess you didn't know mana and ki don't mix well," she explained.
"Duly noted," Ranma replied. Although, that should work both ways, but it definitely won't go unnoticed, he contemplated. Still, that just might give me an opening.
The brief interlude ended with the kitsune going once more on the attack. Ranma let himself give ground, and as expected the kitsune dialed back the level of her attack to match Ranma. Using the deception, Ranma waited until the kitsunes grabbed one his punches and struck. While she was intent on punishing a seeming reckless attack, the contact was enough for Ranma to surge his ki into her system.
The effect was immediate, the kitsune let out a pained and startled grunt, releasing her hold on Ranma's arm. He pressed on, though, striking the off balance redhead in the center off her chest, once pushing his energy into her system. She cried out and fell back. At that instant though, he hesitated from delivering a finishing attack. That was sufficient time for the kitsune to leap backwards.
Crap, Ranma cursed mentally. This no time to be chivalrous! He quickly jumped into the air after her, realizing as he did so that both were now bound to splash down in the pond. As he considered whether that was a deliberate tactic, or merely recklessness on his opponent's part, he descended on her, the pair hitting the water in quick succession.
Across the way, Shampoo was frustrated with the situation. Her opponent had not only matched her, but had pushed even further and put Shampoo back onto the defensive. Possibly even more frustrating, though, was that like Ranma, Shampoo realized that the kitsune was likely holding back even now.
As Shampoo considered her situation, she spared a moment to look to the others' situations. Her attention quickly focused on Ranma, the one among them who seemed to be getting any ground. However, she did so just as he emerged from the water. At that instant, he was dragging back under.
"Ranma!" Ukyo called out, diverting Shampoo's attention for an instant.
Ranma re-emerged with a gasp. "I'm alright," he replied and began swimming to the shore but from below the water, his kitsune opponent burst out and seized him.
Shampoo watched this, puzzled, but was quickly forced to return her attention to her own battle. Ukyo was likely not afforded any time to consider going to Ranma's aid as her own opponent pressed the attack.
Kasumi was also giving Ranma's turn in fortune some consideration. As he was once more dragged below the water surface, she decided to take action. Seemingly dropping her guard, she let her opponent push her back to the bridge railing, only to quickly use the railing as a pivot point to kick the kitsune back. The attack was of little consequence, but it did both force the fox girl back, and push Kasumi over the rail. Flipped, she righted herself and landed on the water surface and began running to Ranma.
"Ranma, hold on! I'll be right-" Kasumi called out, but suddenly, instead of the water's surface supporting her, her foot fell straight in. She barely managed a quick exclamation of surprise before she too slipped below the water.
"Kasumi!" Shampoo called out in shock, batting aside a punch from her opponent. The kitsune seemed surprised by this, giving Shampoo an opening to kick the fox girl in the belly. Shampoo used the opportunity to rush towards the water.
At that instant, Kasumi struggled back to the surface as if fighting a powerful undertow, while simultaneously Kasumi's kitsune opponent jumped into the water. Shampoo pulled up short of the water at the sight of this.
Ukyo chanced another look back and saw Ranma dragged once again below the surface with a startled cry. Seeing this, Ukyo's emotions got the best of her and she unleashed the full power of her burning soul. With a cry equal mixes of pain and anger, she hit her kitsune opponent, sending her flying. Free to act, she let the effect fade and rushed to the water's edge.
"No!" Shampoo warned just as Ukyo reached the water.
Ukyo heeded the warning, stopping just short of the water. Damn it, my curse, she thought in frustration.
Shampoo rushed over to Ukyo and unexpected grabbed the other girl by the elbow. Insistently pulling at her, she said, "We have go!"
"What?!" Ukyo exclaimed, jerking her elbow free of Shampoo's grasp. "I'm not just going-"
"No!" Shampoo cut Ukyo off, quickly looking back to see her own opponent had chosen to aid the other Ukyo had been fighting. Satisfied, she turned back and pointed. "Look Kasumi!"
Puzzled, Ukyo did so and after a second realized. Looking back at Shampoo, she asked, "Both of them?"
Shampoo quickly nodded and motioned for Ukyo to follow. "We need go now!"
Ukyo looked back at the struggling Ranma, hesitating. However, when Ranma called out, "Guys, could use some help here," Ukyo frowned and turned away.
Before any of the kitsunes could intervene, Ukyo and Shampoo rushed from the park.
"You damn well better be right about this," Ukyo warned as she ran up next to Shampoo.
"Is sure," Shampoo assured her as the pair turned down a side street in an attempt to throw off any pursuit.
Several blocks and turns later the two girl girls were called to a halt.
"Hey, way to leave us hanging, you guys," Ranma complained as he and Kasumi ran up from an adjoining street.
Ukyo and Shampoo fell back into defensive postures.
"What's wrong?" Kasumi ask, startled by the reception.
"Oh, drop the act. We aren't fooled," Ukyo replied.
"I don't know-" Kasumi tried to reply but Shampoo cut her off.
"You make stupid mistake. Kasumi have curse," Shampoo said, pointing to the still female Kasumi. "And Shampoo know is no Ranma either."
Ukyo nodded, silently thinking, Ranma knows about my curse and wouldn't ask for help from me in the water.
Kasumi examined them for a moment then sighed. She looked to Ranma and shrugged. Nodding in apparent agreement, both shifting shape to yet another pair of red headed women. "That is unfortunate," the former Kasumi remarked.
At that moment, the other kitsunes appeared, one pair blocking each of the other two possible roads. Shampoo and Ukyo cautiously looked to each group.
"We wanted to take you relatively unharmed. You can still surrender," the former Kasumi said.
"Where Kasumi and Ranma?" Shampoo demanded.
"They're fine. You will be joining them soon enough. You just have to decide which way that's going to happen," the kitsune replied. As Shampoo and Ukyo scanned their surroundings, the kitsune continued, "come now, you could barely match us one on one. It is now three on one."
"Indeed, hardly seems fair," came the unexpected voice of Cologne. The elder stood, balanced on her staff, behind the former Kasumi and Ranma kitsunes. "It seems Siren was right."
"Great grandmother," Shampoo called out.
The kitsunes turned to the elder, but in a flash she rushed by them to be next to Ukyo and Shampoo. "Kasumi and Ranma?" she asked simply.
"They... take," Shampoo suggested, uncertain.
Cologne nodded as the lead kitsune again spoke. "If you want to be our fifth hostage, that's fine, old woman."
Cologne smiled confidently. "We shall see," she said, then quietly instructed, "When I make an opening, run for the restaurant, and don't wait for me."
Reluctantly, the two girls nodded in acceptance. In response, the fox women tensed in readiness.
Several seconds passed like this until Cologne made her move. Rushing the lead pair in a flash, she struck one sending her airborne, while the the second moved to counter. Cologne blocked the incoming kick and countered with a staff blow that sent the kitsune slamming into the wall.
The path clear, and the other kitsunes already moving to catch them, Shampoo and Ukyo bolted. As they did, the kitsunes converged with surprising speed. Cologne struck the first two quickly, using their collapsing bodies to momentarily impede the others. However the kitsune she sent skyward earlier drove in with a kick. Cologne blocked it with her staff, but the force of the blow snapped the wood, allowing the kick through.
Cologne was caught off guard by this, the kick landing squarely on her chest, causing her to involuntarily cry out. The kitsune pressed on, her fist quickly coursing with energy which she then unleashed against the stunned amazon elder. This too connected, blasting Cologne back into the wall which shattered under the force.
"Great grandmother!" Shampoo called out, looking back and slowing, Ukyo seized her by the arm and pulled her on.
"You heard her, run!" Ukyo reminded the young amazon. Reluctantly, Shampoo turned away and increased her pace.
Behind them, the kitsunes momentarily paused to reassess. The kitsune who struck Cologne quickly pointed to the fleeing girls. "Get them," she instructed.
The others nodded and started to pursue when the pile of rubble that had covered Cologne exploded. In an instant, all the fox women found themselves knocked back as a form flashed by them to take position between them and the fleeing duo.
The kitsunes reset and examined the figure before them. Despite the dust still hanging in the air, partially obscuring the person before them, it was clear it was not the same old woman they had faced earlier. Uncertain, and feeling great power before them, they held their ground.
The figure took this opportunity to examine the broken piece of wood in her hand. "Bother," she said in a more youthful version of Cologne's voice. "That was my favorite walking stick." Tossing it aside, she stepped into clear view, revealing a much taller and much younger woman, her hair a bluer shade of Shampoo's.
"What the..." the lead kitsune said in confusion, realizing quickly, due to the similarity of voice and clothes, the figure before them was in fact the same old woman they had just been fighting.
The young Cologne turned to the kitsunes and smiled. "You should feel honored. It has been over 20 years since I've been forced to use this technique. Now then, let's not put it to waste, shall we." With that, Cologne beckoned her opponent to attack her.
"Forget the others. Take this one down," the leader said after a second to Cologne's satisfaction, and with that, all six kitsunes rushed in.
XXXXX
Across town, and completely oblivious to the rising conflict taking place, Ranko was instead busy with the mundane, namely homework. Sitting alone at a table in the shared study room of the girls' dorm, Ranko frowned in concentration as she puzzled her way through the mystery's of English vocabulary.
"What do I need this for, anyway?" she muttered.
"It is rather useful if you plan to travel abroad."
"Yeah, but I..." Ranko started to reply to the voice over her shoulder, then stopped short in recognition. With a heavy sigh, she glanced over her shoulder to see the smiling face of Kitsui. "I'm not interested," Ranko said with a straight face, and turned back to her homework in an attempt to ignore the girl.
Undeterred, Kitsui pulled up a chair next to Ranko and sat down. "That just makes it challenging."
Once more Ranko sighed and turned to Kitsui with a glare. "Look, I'm used to pushy girls. Don't think that's going to get you anywhere."
"They weren't me," Kitsui said with a smile.
"Yeah," Ranko groaned out and once more tried to ignore the girl. After nearly a minute of trying to concentrate on her homework and failing, Ranko looked back at Kitsui in annoyance. "Are you just going to sit there staring at me?"
"Adoring is the more apt word," Kitsui replied.
"Well, you're wasting your time," Ranko said.
"Oh?" Kitsui asked.
"Yeah... I... already got someone I like," Ranko answered, looking back at her homework.
"Liar," Kitsui said playfully.
"It's true."
Kitsui studied her for a moment. "Maybe half true at most. You like her, but she isn't interested in kind... I'm good with that kind of thing. You, I'm not so sure." Ranko tensed, but did not reply. "Okay, for the sake of argument, who is she?"
"I don't have to tell you."
"Hmm, another challenge," Kitsui said, leaning back. "Is it someone I know?" she asked, studying Ranko. After a few seconds she concluded, "Yes, I do. Interesting."
"How-"
"Read you like a book, remember?" Kitsui teased before continuing on. "Since you don't know who I know very well, I suspect that means this girl was at the dance match. Hmm, Kasumi? No. Shampoo? No. Hmm... Akane? Mmm... yes." Ranko involuntarily blushed at being discovered. "Akane Tendo huh," the dancer continued as she pondered the possibility.
"You happy now?" Ranko complained.
"No," Kitsui said, her own cheer seeming to diminish.
"And why's that?" Ranko asked.
"Because it isn't a lost cause," Kitsui complained with a sad sigh.
"What do you... how would you-"
Kitsui gave Ranko a flat look. "Please, do you think you're the only one I can read?"
"So... Akane..." Ranko said suddenly finding herself in a mix of uneasiness and excitement.
"She's not exactly an easy target, but there is something to work with there," the dancer explained.
"You and her-"
"Oh nonono..." Kitsui replied. "My sampling of various partnerships didn't get into full swing until a couple months after I met Akane. That was when Rippa and Ranma first started their little feud."
Ranko nodded in relief. However, her mood soon shifted to depression. "Who am I fooling? I'm not the romantic sort."
"Giving up already?" Kitsui asked in annoyance, gaining Ranko's full attention. "So disappointing. You don't give up before even getting started. That's defeatist talk!"
Ranko blinked at this, then nodded.
"Right, that's more like it. Now, have you told her yet?" Kitsui asked and Ranko responded with a shake of her head. "Good, good. You see, Akane is kinda like an glacier when it comes to romance. She wants to move at it really slowly and if you push her too fast, well you get lots of icebergs falling on you."
"Uh... right," Ranko replied.
"Now, you don't have to worry about her freaking out or anything. I told her about myself and she was cool with it. So, what you should do, when the opportune moment arrives, is do just that. Don't mention any interest in her, just your sexual preference."
"Why not?"
"Because you want her to set the pace. You set the pace and you'll mess it up, at least at the start," Kitsui explained, now seeming excited herself and leaning forward, with Ranko doing likewise. "Then, it's a waiting game. Akane's kind of thick, but she'll pick up the cues eventually."
"Cues?" Ranko asked in confusion.
"That you like her, silly," Kitsui replied. "Now, this is the risky phase. Someone could come in and steal the girl."
"What?" Ranko nearly exclaimed before being quieted by the dancer.
"Yes, sorry, but it's a risk you'll just have to take. As I said, she's a hard target. Getting her in bed, I could probably swing, but getting a lasting relationship going with her isn't going to be easy. And if it happens, well, sucks, but you'll just have to accept it. Trying to intervene will just kill any chance you have.
"Still, assuming that doesn't happen, and the events play out, sooner or later, Akane will give you an opening. It will be subtle, but obvious."
"Subtle but obvious?" Ranko repeated in confusion.
"Err, okay, bad terminology. I mean, it will be obvious it has happened, but not obvious that it means 'come on'. When it does, then it is time to start stepping up. At that point, you'll have to make your move, but again don't rush on ahead. She's a glacier, remember, so slow and steady."
"Right!" Ranko said with confidence.
"And if that doesn't work out, I'm always available," Kitsui said teasingly as she stood up straight.
"Are you sure she'll make a move?" Ranko asked in uncertainty.
"No. You'll have to set your own time limit on it. It depends on your patience," Kitsui replied.
"And you think I got a real chance?"
"Sure," Kitsui answered. "Not going to lie to you, it isn't a great chance or anything, but it is a chance." Standing up, Kitsui looked out into the hall. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to check out the other prospects."
"Just avoid Kotori," Ranko cautioned.
"Why?"
"She'll beat you at the slightest provocation."
Kitsui considered this. "Sounds like a challenge..." she said with a smile as she headed out.
XXXXX
Back at the restaurant, Shampoo and Ukyo were in the midst of a thorough grilling on the events by the Amazon elders. "I don't remember anything else," Ukyo insisted after the latest barrage of questions.
Huffing, Elder Guan Li crossed her arms in disappointment. "You're not taking this seriously enough," she commented much to Ukyo's anger.
"What?!" Ukyo yelled in outrage as she jumped out of her seat. "You got a lot of nerve saying that!"
Guan Li was about to respond in kind when So Pu raised her hand. "Enough," she said simply, and with a slight growl, Guan Li kept her peace. "I think our concern right now should be Cologne. She has yet to return."
"You think Great grandmother get caught too?" Shampoo asked anxiously.
"Assuming they have been simply caught," Guan Li muttered causing Shampoo and Ukyo to tense.
"I would not worry," Devlin commented from the side. "It is pretty typical kitsune strategy to use spacial traps. The young man and lady are most likely in one now, for use as bargaining chips."
"So you say," Guan Li replied as So Pu looked to the door. "Is it Cologne?"
"No," she answered.
A moment later the female Herb came in the front door of the restaurant. She barely made it two steps inside before Guan Li confronted her. "And what is your part in this, Musk Prince? Is this your means of stealing Kasumi Tendo away for your own devices?"
"What?" Herb asked in confusion.
"Why would he be involved? He is the one who revealed the kitsune to us in the first place," Cao Yun pointed out.
"What's going on?" Herb asked in growing annoyance. "What happened to Kasumi?"
"We were attacked in the park by a bunch of kitsunes," Ukyo replied with a bowed head.
"They take Kasumi and Ranma," Shampoo added.
Herb tensed and rushed over to the group. "Are they alright?"
"That we don't know," So Pu replied. "Cologne helped them escape, but hasn't returned herself."
"We should gather the others and prepare for battle," Guan Li said.
"And escalate this to a full fledged war?" Cao Yun countered.
"It may already-" Guan Li started to counter when once more So Pu raised a quieting hand.
"Cologne is approaching," So Pu said.
Hearing this, Shampoo rushed to the door and outside, but paused at seeing a quite unexpected sight, that of the still youthful Amazon elder. "Great grandmother?" Shampoo asked in uncertainty, her eyes disagreeing with her spirit sense.
"It's me, Shampoo. Just a technique I have yet to show you," Cologne explained as she approached. Stepping back inside together, the other elders gave Cologne a mix of intrigued and startled looks. "They took a bit of effort to overcome," she explained simply.
"And them?" So Pu asked.
"I let them go," Cologne replied as she joined the group. "There was little sense in pushing things further."
"Little sense?" Guan Li repeated.
"So little trust in my judgment, Guan Li?" Cologne asked, causing the elder to huff and turn away. The elders momentarily quiet, Cologne turned her attention to the teenagers who were all still marvelling at the sight before them. Clasping her hands in front of her in a prayer like gesture, she began to explain. "It is an ancient Amazon technique used to store energy." As Cologne said this, her features began to rapidly age as her height likewise decreased. Within but a minute, the elderly Cologne once more stood before them. "Many of us know it. It unleashes our true battle potential."
"Then... then is this, or your young form your true one?" Herb asked.
"Neither," Cologne replied. "My true appearance without the technique would be somewhere in between. You see, this form is used to store the energy, while the youthful one is used to wield it. In my native form, even after 300 years, I still retain far more youth than this."
"300? Come now Cologne, like you're that young," Cao Yun said with a smirk.
"Fine, 400, but that's all I'm giving you," Cologne replied in amusement before Guan Li scoffed.
"Yes, yes, enough of you giving away our secrets," Guan Li complained. "We have a serious matter at hand."
"That we do. Those young ladies were formidable fighters. I was quite impressed," Cologne remarked as she pulled a new staff into existence.
"We should have stayed and fought," Ukyo said, slamming her fist into her palm.
"Such would have been useless effort for you all. They are shapeshifters. Physical injury means little to them. Without knowing how to properly counter such you would be simply wasting your strength," Cologne explained. "Besides, I doubt it would have allowed you to recover either Kasumi or Ranma."
Frustrated, Ukyo looked away.
"They truly were able to match you in battle?" Herb asked.
"Match, oh no," Cologne replied with a smile. "But they did force me to get serious, which for a mere six of them is impressive."
Herb frowned at the roundabout gloat but let it pass. "I never knew... but there are rumors."
"Rumors?" Guan Li repeated.
"Each clan in the Musk tends to have certain specialties. The Fox clan didn't seem to have one, but some some thought they were in fact the... Black Ops, if you will, of the Musk."
"Given their strength and experience, I suspect that is potentially correct. I suspect everyone of them was over a hundred, some perhaps over two," Cologne replied. "However, on the plus side, I do not think any of these were full kitsunes like Lemon. While they had magical ability, I saw no evidence of levels similar to her's."
"Small comfort," Guan Li bitterly commented.
"Oh, they are hardly anything to worry too much about," Cologne dismissed before noticing the approach of Jasmine.
"You've returned I see," the Grand Magus commented.
"Yes, and none the worse for wear," the elder replied before giving the magus a slight apologetic bow. "It seems it is us, not you, that have brought trouble."
"Yes," Jasmine replied evenly. "I would appreciate that you not escalate the situation any further."
"You do not-" Guan Li started to say, but Cologne cut her off.
"We will endeavor to do so," Cologne replied, giving Guan Li a harsh look afterwards.
Jasmine nodded. "Very well, I will deal with the situation myself. I would ask that you and your company not leave this building until I okay it."
"And what of those Amazons outside now?" Cao Yun asked.
"I will ensure they are brought here safely," Jasmine replied as she turned and departed.
"I do not like this situation one bit," Guan Li grumbled as she too walked off.
"Is there nothing we can do?" Ukyo asked.
Cologne shook her head. "I'm afraid not. For now, let us leave this in Jasmine's hands. I think there is little need to seriously worry. If those kitsunes had meant you harm, you all would be dead. No, evidently they meant only to capture you, and perhaps test your strength while doing so."
The answer did little to satisfy the others, but with no other options they could do little but nod in acceptance..
XXXXX
In a small open lot, the six kitsunes from earlier were gathered. Any passer by would have quickly noticed their groans of pain and discomfort as they tended to various minor yet humiliating wounds.
"Damn old woman!" one cursed as another wrapped a bandage around her arm. "What the hell was she?!"
"You got me," another commented through a wince as she tried to walk.
At this moment, another red headed woman entered the lot, causing the others to quickly rise as best they could. "So this is where you lot are," the newcomer said, giving them a look over. "A bit battered are we?"
"Shut up, Peach!" the leader of the group snarled. "Where the hell were you?"
"I was checking out the situation myself. Do you even know who you were fighting?" Peach asked, and getting no reply shook her head and smiled. "Well I do, and you are damned lucky. That was Cologne, the Amazon Matriarch, their most capable fighter."
"Amazon..." the leader of the group echoed in shock.
"Yes, and the others may be Amazons too. You may have really put our collective foot into it this time," Peach commented, her smile turning to a frown.
"We didn't know," one of the others commented.
"You should have investigated more thoroughly. Well, no changing things now. That you are all still breathing is a good sign, I suppose," Peach commented before turning back to the exit of the lot. "Come, father will be arriving shortly. Let's just hope you haven't gotten us into a full scale war."
With numerous pained and self admonishing sighs, the kitsunes followed Peach out into the street.
XXXXX
"This has to be it," Ranma thought aloud as he opened the latest in a seemingly endless set of doors. However, looking through he let out a deep sigh of defeat. "Damn it!"
Walking through, Ranma came out onto a spiral staircase leading down. With another sigh he began heading down. Well, haven't been here yet, so maybe... Ranma thought before noticing a very peculiar sight and stopping.
Standing on the same stair as he was, was Kasumi. This was not the peculiar part though. That she was standing perpendicular to him was the cause of concern.
"Please tell me you are walking on walls, Kasumi," Ranma requested, looking down at the equally puzzled Kasumi.
"I'm afraid not," Kasumi replied.
Once more Ranma sighed and began rubbing his forehead. "I have a headache. This place makes no sense at all."
Curiously, Kasumi took a few steps forward, but gravity for her remain stubbornly in contradiction to that which Ranma was experiencing. "What do you suppose happens if we touch each other right now?" she wondered.
"I don't even want to think about it," Ranma replied.
Kasumi smiled sympathetically. "Perhaps we should take a rest?"
"Yeah, this getting us nowhere," Ranma said in agreement, looking around.
The pair had found themselves in one of those crazy optical illusion paintings, this one complete with stairs, doors, ramps, and numerous other things. However, this was no optical illusion as the pair, beyond standing perpendicular to each other, were both standing inverted over the open room that seemed to mark the center of this place.
With a nod of mutual intent, Kasumi and Ranma jumped up, or down depending on your point of view, towards the room. In mid air the world seemed to spin and both landed safely in the room, standing properly upright.
Set in the room was a table and four chairs, with cups and plates, a covered platter and a jug. While innocuous enough, they had already learned it, much like their surroundings, was far from plain. Such became quite obvious as Kasumi poured herself a glass of simple water, then Ranma proceeded to pour himself a glass of orange juice, both from the same jug. "This is just too weird," Ranma mumbled as he lifted the platter lid to see a number of rice balls.
"At least they seem to want us comfortable," Kasumi optimistically said as she sat down.
"Yeah, sure," Ranma replied as he took one of the rice balls and also sat, putting the platter lid back down. "Do you think Ukyo and Shampoo are alright?"
"Given that they are not here, I can only hope so. You said you never resurfaced from the water, so the Ranma I went to help was in fact one of them. That fooled me, but judging from Shampoo's reaction at the time, it didn't fool her. I suspect they didn't count on that. Perhaps it gave them an opportunity to escape," Kasumi suggested to which Ranma could only nod hopefully.
"How long do you think they plan on keeping us here?" Ranma asked.
"Probably until they retrieve Lemon safely... hopefully," Kasumi answered.
"Hopefully," Ranma echoed, knowing well what Kasumi was hinting at.
Silence gripped the pair for several minutes until Ranma turned to another topic. "Seems our dates never work out."
Kasumi chuckled and nodded. "Yes, does seem that way."
"Yeah, Mousse, Ukyo, Frost casting that spell on Shampoo... that was quite the mess. Actually, this one doesn't seem quite so bad," Ranma joked to which Kasumi smiled with a bit of a blush and nodded. After another moment of silence, Ranma switched topics slightly once more. "You know, Shampoo told me if it really came down to it, right now, she'd choose Herb."
Kasumi blinked in surprise then paused in thought. "I suppose that makes sense. She and he have a lot in common, even if they are from opposite viewpoints."
"Yeah, that's kinda what she said," Ranma noted.
"But, of course, she hasn't chosen yet," Kasumi added. "And, she's been a lot more positive to you of late."
"Is that so?" Ranma said getting a nod of confirmation from his fiancee. "She also said, if you chose, you'd choose me."
Kasumi blushed and looked away. "I suppose that is true as well," she admitted after a moment.
"And what about the others?" Ranma asked.
Kasumi pondered for a second. "Tatewaki tries, but... I still don't see myself with him, and I don't think Shampoo does either. I have spoken a bit to Ryoga, and he's sweet enough, but... I just don't see him that way, and besides, he has enough troubles in his life without being involved with the chaos that seems to surround me."
"And Mousse?"
"Shampoo has absolutely rejected him," Kasumi replied.
"Hates him that much?" Ranma asked, but Kasumi shook her head.
"I'm sure if you asked her, she'd say that, but I think the truth is more complicated. I don't think she has any romantic feelings for him, but she doesn't hate him either. At times, I think she actually pities him, or perhaps views him as a little brother," Kasumi said, looking up in thought. "Although, now that you mention him, I haven't seen him in some time."
"Yeah, me neither. Maybe he gave up?"
"Perhaps, although if he truly has been pursuing Shampoo since they were both three, I have my doubts," Kasumi responded.
Ranma nodded in agreement with that. "Maybe... maybe you should tell them," Ranma suggested, but quickly looked away, feeling a bit foolish for his statement.
However, Kasumi thought on the matter. "Hmm, perhaps I should," she said, surprising Ranma. "Frost once said, during the last date actually, that I was keeping Shampoo on hold while I moved on and that was not fair. I think she was right. And, perhaps much the same can be said now. I'm just not sure they will listen."
"I think Kuno might, this time," Ranma replied, gaining a curious look from Kasumi. "I know he's been thick headed in the past, but he's been dropping clues with me that he thinks my odds are better with you than his. I'm guessing, at some level at least, he already knows."
Kasumi thought on this a moment and nodded. "Unfortunately, I've had little contact with Ryoga on this matter. But, perhaps he too I could speak to. Which leaves just Mousse, but I'm not certain I can even contact him, or that he will listen."
"Can't hurt to try," Ranma replied.
"True," Kasumi agreed. "Still, that leaves you and Herb. Sooner or later we will have to make a choice."
"You could always let us have it out," Ranma suggested with a devious grin.
"Ranma!" Kasumi gently admonished. "I really don't want a fight over this."
"I know, I know," Ranma replied quickly. "I could win though."
"It is not a matter of who could win," Kasumi explained. "It is a matter that I would simply feel... off about the choice being made in such a manner. Is it difficult enough to conceive of this... multi directional relationship being stable without that complicating things."
Ranma frowned sadly, sympathizing with Kasumi's point.
"How about you?"
"Hmh?" Ranma said in confusion.
Kasumi self consciously looked away but explained, "How do you feel about... us?"
Suddenly put on the spot, Ranma grew nervous. "Well... I... uh..." he stuttered before innerly scolding himself and resetting. "It is kinda... weird, I guess. I... do like you, and Ukyo too, and even Shampoo some. Just divided between all three of you..."
"Yes, it always comes to that, doesn't it," Kasumi agreed. "Shampoo wants to be with me. Ukyo wants to be with you, but doesn't like me. And, me, I'm in the middle, but even more so are you."
Ranma nodded sadly. "You know, Shampoo said that... about Ukyo actually, that she'd just have to deal with it."
Kasumi was a bit startled by this, but with a frown of thought, nodded. "I suppose Shampoo would say that."
"Yeah, she's kinda harsh about it, but she's kinda right too. Sooner or later, we're just going to have to make a choice and deal with the fallout. Sure it won't be perfect, but we can't expect that anyway, no matters how long we wait," Ranma said, causing Kasumi to deflate some. "I'm sure it won't be that bad, whatever choices you make. Things will work out."
"Maybe," Kasumi said with a sigh.
"You never did say what you think of Herb yourself," Ranma said after another moment.
"My initial impression of him was not very good. Although, to be fair, I suspect he was in a rather foul mood at the time, being trapped as a girl and all," Kasumi responded. "Of late in particular, he seems to have... changed."
"Yeah, I have been kinda noticing that myself," Ranma said with a frown.
"Oh my, I don't think he has even been told about the enchantment yet," Kasumi said in a sudden change of topic.
"Yeah, let's just hope he doesn't try to pull a stunt," Ranma said, still frowning.
"I don't think he will. If he truly wished to force the matter, he could easily have done so using the instant spring powder. I believe he knows that will not succeed," Kasumi pointed out. "You really don't like him, do you?"
"Not particularly," Ranma said plainly. "He's always acting superior... just annoys me."
"He is a prince. It is likely how he has been expected to act till now," Kasumi said, but this did not satisfy Ranma.
"You think you liked him," Ranma muttered, betraying some bitterness.
Kasumi quickly waved her hands defensively. "That's... well..."
Ranma frowned, but quickly shook his head. "Forget that... I didn't mean that. I mean..."
"Oh you meant it."
"I didn't!" Ranma insisted before realizing it had not been Kasumi who had replied to him, but rather a male voice. Both Kasumi and Ranma turned towards the newcomer, seeing a handsome red headed man. "Shoot," Ranma said as he quickly jumped to his feet and into a defensive stance. However, his initial reaction quickly was forgotten. "Hey, why are you a guy?"
The man chuckled. "Oh, this is no disguise, at least not the type you're thinking," he replied with a smile. "The name is Eyebright. Let's chat."
XXXXX
End Chapter 49
Next time in A Scary Thought: "We're sending somebody in to negotiate." Hmm, this might end badly. Let's hope everyone keeps their heads.
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.
XXXXX
Hey folks, it is time for another Kitsune's Corner! With me today is resident class graffiti artist, Izou Horagashi.
"Hey."
Don't overwhelm us all with your enthusiasm there Izou.
"I'm only here as it is a contractual obligation."
Fine, be difficult! Okay... umm... I got to ask, seriously, martial arts graffiti?!
"It is an ancient and important martial art."
That is a load of rubbish! Even Tsubasa beat you up!
"Yeah, but he'll never do it again."
Oh, why is that?
"Martial arts graffiti is all about psychological warfare, control of information, and the expression of one own spirit."
Right... so, what, you threatened to paint something embarrassing of him in public, didn't you?
"Well, I suppose you could put it that way."
I knew it. No wonder most the class hates you.
"Most?"
Yeah, well-
"I'll have to work harder if everyone doesn't hate me."
You want everyone to hate you?
"Damn rights. Much easier to work that way. No idiots bothering you for favors, or trying to talk about the latest boring event in their lives..."
And no one to help when you're in trouble.
"Nah, people are fools. They'll still help you out."
Yeah, you go on and test that theory.
"Out of curiosity, who doesn't hate me?"
Hmm, says here Kasumi and me.
"Yeah, well, hard to make Kasumi hate me... but you? Hmmm..."
Yeah, I'm pretty mellow myself and... what's this... You pervert!
"What?"
It also says here that those pictures that Happosai pasted all over Ranma's room he stole from you.
"Oh, that's where they went. That why I always find him rummaging through my stuff. What? I'm an artist. We do nudes all the time."
Just nudes?
"I've been known to do a few doujinshi. Yotogi keeps pestering me for male stuff, but that doesn't interest me."
Okay, I guess I just have to know. Let's see this stuff.
"Okay... let's see here... ah, this is a good one, made it about a month ago."
Right... let's see... HEY, is that me?!
"Oh yeah, I suppose you could interpret it that way."
How many of these-
"Oh it was a full run, about a thousand I think. I made a good bit of-"
You... CUT! Come here you! I'm so going to-
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Please stand by, we are experiencing some technical difficulties...
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We're sorry for the interruption, we now resume regular programming.
Cross my name off that list... Get that jerk out of my studio! Ugh, now I feel all dirty.
"I did warn you when you started this whole thing that ignorance might be bliss."
Shut up! Where are the guys with the flashie thingies. I do NOT want to remember this.