Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happen last time: Kasumi and Ranma were captured by the Kitsunes while Shampoo and Ukyo managed to escape. Now Kasumi and Ranma are confronted by the mysterious Eyebright.
Chapter 50
XXXXX
"So… you're not a kitsune?" Ranma asked in uncertainty of his and Kasumi's newest guest.
The red haired man, who had introduced himself as Eyebright, chuckled. "Oh no, I'm a kitsune, and all male," he replied. "Please, sit."
Without thought, both Kasumi and Ranma sat down once more at the table, only after doing so realizing they had not actually taken the action of their own accord. However, even knowing this, they found they could do nothing but watch as Eyebright walked forward and took another seat himself. "I assume you have been told a bit about our people."
"We were told that kitsunes only bear female children now due to a curse," Kasumi responded.
"Yes, for about two thousand years now," Eyebright said with a smile and served himself a glass of wine from the pitcher on the table. "Quite the nuisance that."
"That means you-" Ranma began to say.
"That I am over two thousand years old," Eyebright concluded for him. "Yes. It also means I, unlike Lemon, am a full nine-tailed kitsune and have been for quite some time. My children you have been facing till now are either half-breeds or in Lemon's case not even a full one tail, none with even a tenth of the experience I possess. So I trust you understand the gravity of the situation I present to you," he said with just a hint of menace.
"All those are your children?" Ranma asked.
Eyebright shrugged and took a sip of his drink. "It all gets a bit messed up in the current situation. In truth, most are not my children directly, but all tend to refer to me as father. Our ancestry is a bit muddled up by comparison to you humans, particularly complicated by the curse. Several are my grandchildren, or great grandchildren, or both depending which side you go down. Lemon though is my daughter. So, shall we start there? Where is she?" Eyebright asked. "Oh, and don't think of lying. I've already placed a spell of truth on you both. Lies and withholding of important information will be impossible. Do yourself a favor and don't try to fight it."
Ranma and Kasumi exchanged looks before Kasumi spoke up. "She's in my restaurant, the San Cheng-Huang, or more precisely within the pocket dimension that Lady Jasmine has within my restaurant."
"Jasmine?" Eyebright repeated with an upraised eyebrow. "Hmm, interesting, and her condition?"
"She was drained of energy when Herb brought her there, but Jasmine has treated her and she has recovered. Jasmine sealed her powers, however, for her own safety… as she says it," Kasumi said, frowning as she found herself forced to say the last bit.
"Likely true," Eyebright concluded, frowning and taking another sip of his drink. "So, why is it that her powers were drained?"
"I don't know the full reason. We know she drained some of her power attempting to escape from Herb and Sissithississ," Kasumi replied.
"Escape, why?"
"Herb suspects Lemon is responsible for an attack on me that occurred some time ago. A shapeshifter took the form of my wife, Shampoo, and deceived Frost, Shampoo's fellow Amazon and magus, into thinking I raped Shampoo. Frost attacked me because of this. Lemon learned they suspected her after learning a kitsune had enchanted Shampoo," Kasumi explained, inwardly marvelling at how true it was that she was forced to tell all.
"Hmh… and what grudge does my daughter bear you that would prompt such a thing?" the elder kitsune asked.
"Herb has decided he wishes to marry me before marrying her," Kasumi answered.
Eyebright nodded knowingly. "Ah, yes, that makes some sense."
"Is it true you would force her to turn into a man and take a wife if she fails to marry Herb?" Kasumi quickly asked before Eyebright could put another question to her.
The kitsune studied Kasumi for a moment before replying. "You seem genuinely concerned about that. Unusual, especially considering what Lemon supposedly did," he said before pausing then answering. "Yes, that is a strong possibility."
"But why?"
"We have little choice. I am but one of a handful of true male kitsunes left, yet our bloodline must continue. So, the only choice now is to, however painful it is, have our daughters take the role of the males. Believe me, I certainly take no joy in such a thing. We kitsunes normally only have one wife, and I have nearly two dozen now just to try and avoid that fate for many. Unfortunately, that option has been unavailable for some time and Lemon can be no exception. She will have to take her chances. In truth she has a fifty fifty chance of being the male, not that it matters much. The female in such relationships is little happier than the male," he explained.
"Is there no other way?" Kasumi asked. "Perhaps she can find a human-" she started to suggest before Eyebright laughed.
"You read too many fairy tales. We kitsunes live potentially thousands of years. A human lifespan is but a short time to us. Even if she could find love with a human, he would soon wither and die before her. And, it isn't like that is a likely thing to start with. We may take the forms of humans, even be able to interbreed, but we don't view humans as our own kind. Our relationships with humans are more often things of necessity than of love."
Kasumi bowed her head. "I see."
"It is more than even that. Because of our longevity, we actually only can breed every few years, and under current circumstance, as you might guess, our partnerships aren't exactly all that… productive shall we say. A true kitsune like Lemon is thus a valuable commodity and should not be wasted in breeding with a human... no offense," Eyebright said. "The only reason I entertained a relationship with Herb is he is of Dragon's blood. This means half kitsune or not, his children would be powerful in their own right, heirs to the throne, and not least of which, Herb will likely live to be comparable age to Lemon due to that same blood. If he has chosen otherwise though…"
Waving the matter off, Eyebright sat back and took another sip of wine. "There is little to be done there, but let's return to the here and now, shall we. Jasmine is here for some purpose, what is it?"
"Frost is to complete a spell to make her an archmage. Jasmine is here to oversee that," Kasumi answered.
"The Amazon magus, I see. That makes sense. So that must be the spell my girls observed at the school. Just to confirm, it has no connection to Lemon?"
"No," Kasumi replied. "The spell was planned long before we even knew about Lemon."
"And Jasmine said she's keeping her safe," Ranma added in some annoyance.
"Again, likely true," Eyebright conceded before leaning back, taking in more of his drink and thinking. "Hmm, we do have quite the mess here don't we."
"What happened to Shampoo and Ukyo?" Kasumi asked.
"The other two woman escaped with the aid of Cologne from what I hear," Eyebright answered. "Gave my girls quite the schooling in the process, but they will recover. Still, that leaves us with a rather delicate situation." Taking another sip of his drink while Kasumi and Ranma exchanged looks of relief at the news, Eyebright once more thought for a moment. "I'll be straight with you. Given what I know of my daughter, and the situation, I cannot exclude Lemon as a suspect in the incident you described. I assume she has been caught in other deeds as well?"
Kasumi nodded. "She enchanted myself, Shampoo and Ukyo at least."
"In an attempt to break you and Herb up I'm assuming?" Eyebright replied.
"Yes," Kasumi answered.
Eyebright sighed. "I blame her mother, filling her head with all her nonsense…" he commented with a shake of his head before noticing the slightly puzzled looks he was getting. "Kitsunes and humans don't have the best of histories with each other. Lemon's mother is one who tends to blame the whole species for the acts of a few."
"Acts?" Ranma echoed.
Eyebright frowned. "I would think Jasmine would mention such a thing."
"She did," Kasumi replied. "Some humans hunt them to kill, to enslave… or as material…" she said, cringing at the last.
"That is the gentle way of putting it," Eyebright responded his frown deepening.
"Hey, we aren't like that," Ranma complained.
"Oh, I'm sure, that doesn't change the way Lemon was brought up though. It doesn't excuse her actions, which I must emphasise were not sanctioned, but it does perhaps explain them," Eyebright said before finishing his drink and standing up. "Well then, I suppose I had best do some negotiations and clean up this little mess. Assuming everyone is reasonable, you should be both free in a few hours. My apologies for the inconvenience."
"Whatever," Ranma said with a sigh as Eyebright turned. However, the kitsune stopped and turned back, not from insult, but looking curious.
"Just what magic is this Frost weaving?" the elder kitsune asked.
Kasumi opened her mouth to reply, but stopped herself. Wait, if he is their father, that means he is of the Musk. If he finds out that we are repairing the Kaisuifu… she thought before feeling herself struggle. The spell… she realized as she fought.
Eyebright frowned at seeing Kasumi fight to keep quiet. "What are you hiding?" he asked as Kasumi found herself increasingly stressed to stay quiet. "It is pointless to resist. The compulsion only amplifies with time. It actually can become quite painful if you don't submit."
Such proved true as Kasumi found a slight burning sensation across her body that began to steadily grow.
"She's repairing the Kaisuifu," Ranma said at last. Kasumi looked over at Ranma in surprise but his apologetic look told her all she needed as the feeling faded from her.
"Kaisuifu?" Eyebright puzzled. "I have little care for that artifact. Why would you be so worried about me learning about such?" he asked, once more renewing the feeling Kasumi was having.
Ranma once more opened his mouth to reply but Kasumi shook her head. "Kasumi!" Ranma pleaded as he saw her in increasing pain.
"Well boy?" Eyebright asked, looking to Ranma.
Ranma shook his head. "That's all I really know. I'm not sure what she's trying to hide," Ranma responded honestly.
"Whatever it is, you really don't want to tell me," Eyebright marvelled before tapping his chin in thought. "Enough!" he said finally, freeing Kasumi of the pain. "I don't need to hear you say the words, I think I know what you are trying to conceal. You there, boy, someone is trapped in their cursed form, aren't they? Who?"
"Herb is," Ranma responded before Kasumi could warn him off.
"Herb?" Eyebright said with a smile. "I'm thinking he is not in the form of an animal is he?"
"No, he's trapped as a girl," Ranma replied, puzzled as Kasumi hung her head in defeat.
Eyebright laughed. "Oh I see now," he said in amusement before turning his attention back to Kasumi. "You are interesting, Kasumi Tendo, to protect him so. Do you have feelings for him perhaps?" he asked, his eyes sparkling. Kasumi was compelled to look up and her eyes too sparkled for a few seconds before he broke the look. "No, that's just the kind of person you are. Even more interesting.
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid this changes everything. Oh don't worry, you both will be still freed, but my goal has changed. Where is Herb now?" Eyebright asked Ranma.
"I don't know. He is usually at my home or at Kasumi's restaurant."
Eyebright nodded. "Thank you. It has been interesting meeting you both, but I have business to attend to." With that Eyebright headed for the nearest door and walked through, but unlike all the times Kasumi and Ranma had attempted the same, he did not simply reappear elsewhere in the zone.
Finally, a feeling of binding left Kasumi and Ranma both and Ranma turned to Kasumi. "What was that all about?"
"I thought you knew, but I guess not. Because Herb is trapped in female form, he can be forced into a marriage. Since he is heir to their throne…"
"Oh!" Ranma said in sudden realization. "Oh, I ah…" Ranma stumbled in apology.
"It's alright. I don't think I could hold out much longer against his magic and you didn't know," Kasumi said before hanging her head. Ranma watched her for a moment, seeing her clench her fist in frustration on the table.
"Don't worry, we'll work it out somehow, just got to get out of here," Ranma said looking around. Yeah, like we haven't been trying, he thought before getting up to renew his efforts.
XXXXX
In the courtyard of a large manor in Nerima, Eyebright stepped out of a glowing portal to be greeted by numerous kitsune women, Peach being the first to approach. "What news, my husband?"
"Lemon is in no immediate danger. It seems she has acted rashly and gotten herself into a bit of a spot, but nothing serious," Eyebright replied. "The events you have observed are merely coincidental to this."
"We still have to rescue her," one of the younger kitsunes stated, but to her and the others' surprise, Eyebright shook his head.
"No. I have learned of a new situation that takes precedence. Unfortunately, for us to proceed we will have to leave Lemon to her fate."
"Father!" several of the girls exclaimed in shock and protest.
"Girls," Peach cautioned. "Hear him out."
The others grumbled but fell silent as Eyebright continued. "Do not fear. My plan should keep Lemon safe even though she will have to be given up. In the meantime, we have to gather everyone we can. We cannot let this opportunity pass."
"And exactly what opportunity is this?" Peach asked. "It must be quite important to risk Palm's anger at abandoning her daughter," she said with a joking smile.
"Prince Herb apparently had an accident at Jusenkyo and is currently trapped as a female," Eyebright stated, bringing shock to the women. They soon began exchanging looks in realization of the potential. "Yes, so, shall we get to planning?"
With no objections, Eyebright motioned for the girls to come closer and began detailing his intent.
XXXXX
Oblivious to all the recent commotion, Makoto arrived at the girls' dorm just in time to see Kitsui exiting, holding an ice pack to the side of her head and grumbling. Makoto gave the departing dancer a curious look but was forced to leave the matter a mystery as Kitsui offered no explanation.
Shrugging this off, Makoto headed to the TV room to find several of the girls watching television. "Hey everyone," she greeted, and got waves and various greetings in return. "You guys hear about Frost's enchantment?"
"Bits and pieces," Ami replied from the corner where she was reading a book. "She is ready to complete the repairs and is in final preparation?"
"Yeah, and apparently we all can go and watch. It's supposed to be quite the show," Makoto replied.
"When is she going to start?" Minako asked.
"Later tonight, but I don't know the exact time. I'm guessing whenever she's ready to go," Makoto answered. "You all coming?"
"Most likely," Yotogi replied. "Not much else of interest. TV sucks tonight," the girl complained.
"Well, we can all head over to the restaurant in a few and wait there. You can even try out the new Karaoke equipment," Makoto said with smile before noticing one party absent. "Where's Usagi?"
"She was in her room," Minako said, looking back at Makoto with a particular look that spoke to more. Makoto looked to Ami noticing she too giving her telling look.
"Oh," Makoto replied with a frown. "I'll go tell her." Leaving the group behind, she headed to Usagi's room, but found it empty. "Now where'd she get to?" Makoto said with a bit of worry.
"She went to the roof," Luna replied, slipping out from under Usagi's bed. "She said she needed some air."
"Some air?" Makoto repeated with a scowl. "What's going on?"
Luna opened her mouth, but then closed it and looked to the floor. "I promised not to say… but, you should talk to her, if you can get her to talk that is."
"Right," Makoto replied and quickly headed to the stairs to the roof. Something obviously isn't right, she thought as she climbed the stairs.
The girls' dorm, like the boys, had a flat roof which the occupants could use when the weather allowed it. There was some patio furniture and some outdoor lights, but little else, and with night falling, the temperature was not the most comfortable at the moment. The only covered area was that directly in the stairwell which Makoto arrived at, wondering just what exactly was going through Usagi's mind at the moment.
I guess she was hit by it all a bit more than we thought, Makoto concluded as she opened the roof door and stepped out. She rounded the corner to see Usagi at the far end, her back to her, looking off over the city. There Makoto paused in consideration of her approach. However, she did not get long to do such when she took notice that she was not the only visitor on the roof. Sitting on the edge railing, also apparently unnoticed by Usagi, was a man that Makoto recognized with a frown. Ixion, Makoto mentally noted, what's he doing here? She realized she had gone undetected by the Ascended Senshi, and decided to remain that way, hiding herself behind the roof entrance enclosure.
Odd, I don't sense him like I did the others, Makoto pondered. Then again, we were with a fake Usagi for about a week and didn't notice a thing. I guess they can hide it when they want too.
A moment after she realized this, Usagi finally sighed and started to turn, finally noticing the man watching her with a start.
"My apologies," Ixion said. "I didn't wish to disturb your thoughts."
"How long...?" Usagi started to ask.
"Just a moment or two," Ixion answered.
"Oh... uh... so... ah..." Usagi began causing Ixion to finally chuckle.
"You have a great deal on your mind. Let me unburden you a little. I have considered, and decided that at this time I shall not seek to renew our relationship," he started but paused on Usagi's confusion at this. "Oh, but of course, you aren't aware at all. Not surprising, you have probably no memory of me, so removed as you are from Cosmos. Mamoru was aware, but Eris probably told him. I guess it never came up. I had assumed... my apologies," Ixion said.
"I'm... sorry, I don't remember...," Usagi admitted, looking down. "Then, you don't... have feelings for me anymore?" she asked to which Ixion lowered his head.
"I see you've heard from Eris on that matter," Ixion replied.
"Seiya actually, although Eris told her," Usagi answered.
Ixion nodded. "Whatever feelings I possess don't matter. I choose not to complicate your life further at this time. If you seek to rekindle things later, I will be here, but I have waited millenia. I am well practiced at it. I can certainly wait longer."
"So, it is true, they don't go away, ever?" Usagi asked, looking back up.
To this, Ixion shook his head. "Both a gift… and a curse."
Makoto listened to this, pondering its meaning. It took a moment, but finally it hit. Seiya loves Usagi… and is always going to love Usagi. Then he… oh brother, she thought with a frown.
Usagi lowered her head again and sighed, before pacing. "What am I supposed to do?"
"I cannot tell you that," Ixion replied.
"Mamoru, Seiya…you, Eris… I got this weird power… Chibi-usa might not even be born now…" Usagi said as she paced, prompting Makoto to grow concerned, but she kept her place of hiding.
"You truly have a lot on your mind," Ixion analyzed.
Usagi stopped and nodded. "That is just the start. And what am I supposed to tell the others? I… I was so close to doing something when Seiya… I don't know what, but if you all didn't stop me…" Usagi admitted, looking to Ixion who merely lowered his head sympathetically. "I don't think they'll understand."
"That I cannot speak to," Ixion replied. After another moment of silence he changed topics slightly. "I came to tell you that, and that I will be staying about to keep an eye on things," he said. "I can't do much, but I don't trust Eris. You've heard about her previous relationship. Unlike me, she has little patience, and wishes to start it up anew, and you're an obstacle to that."
"But, she can't attack me, right?" Usagi said in uncertainty.
"Directly, no. But, she can certainly make your life complicated. Just be on your guard."
"I… will," Usagi replied, lowering her head for a second, before looking up once more. "About Chaos-"
"You did what you had to do. Chaos was mad. It is… difficult to accept, even now, but she was lost to us long ago. While you may bare her power, you are not Cosmos and not responsible for what became of Chaos," Ixion assured her.
Usagi considered this for a moment then nodded.
"She will probably still be reborn. It may take longer, but it will probably happen. Perhaps born anew she will be freed of this madness."
"Hopefully," Usagi agreed.
"I should be off," Ixion said, standing. He pulled a card out from his shirt and offered it to Usagi. "Take this. I have made some arrangements to hold a place of residence here. You can contact me at the number there if you need."
"Uh… thank you," Usagi said, accepting the card.
Nodding with a smile, Ixion suddenly vanished, leaving Usagi momentarily puzzled. She looked around, but finally lowered her head, sighed, and began walking towards Makoto without looking up.
Makoto dodged back, considering. Frowning, she set herself in front of the doorway to the stairwell and waited until Usagi rounded the corner and finally noticed her. For an instant, Makoto considered simply playing naive, but dismissed such, and kept her frown in place.
"Ah, Mako," Usagi said in surprise, trying to put on a cheerful look. "What you doing? You looking for me?"
"I heard everything, Usagi," Makoto said causing the other girl to cringe. Makoto opened her mouth to continue, but thought better of it, and simply looked down instead, reconsidering her words. "I know there is a lot going on, but you can always come to us," she said at last, looking up, but Usagi shied away.
"It's not that I think you won't listen. It's..." Usagi started to reply, then seeming to gain some courage looked at Makoto and asked, "If I chose Seiya, would you be okay with that?"
Makoto was stunned by the question. "Well... ah..."
"See," Usagi said.
Makoto once more reflexively opened her mouth to argue, but stopped herself. "Okay, okay, maybe I'd... we'd... okay, it would be rather jarring. But, if that's truly what you want-"
"You might, but Rei, or how about Setsuna? She wants to maintain the future as it was," Usagi argued, once more shying away.
"I really thinking you'll choose Seiya?" Makoto impulsively asked.
"No... yes... I don't know," Usagi said and started pacing. "I just... I don't know what to do and I know you guys mean well and all, but... I'm not even sure you should have released me."
"Usagi, I don't care if you did do something! I know you. If you messed up you would have figured a way to fix things," Makoto argued with new vigor. Usagi stopped her pacing and looked to Makoto in thought. Thinking a second herself, an idea hit Makoto. "Okay, fine, you got a lot on your mind and you think we all are... too invested in how things were. I disagree, but fine. You can't just bare this all yourself. You need to talk to someone."
"If not you guys-" Usagi started to ask desperately.
"Kasumi," Makoto answered, giving Usagi pause.
Usagi took a second and shook her head in confusion. "Kasumi wouldn't even understand most of it."
"Then tell her all of it," Makoto said carefully.
"All of it?" Usagi repeated.
"Everything, who you really are, who we are... everything," Makoto clarified much to Usagi's shock.
"Uh... what?!" is all Usagi could reply in her shock.
"I trust Kasumi. I know she wouldn't misuse the knowledge. She practically knows anyway, and so does Ranko, and probably with that spirit sense thing Shampoo has she can probably figure it out too if she ever runs into one of us at the wrong time," Makoto explained before pausing and briefly reconsidering. However, with a nod to herself she continued. "We have been working so hard to keep our secret, but it is becoming a serious inconvenience and is starting to be a serious hindrance. There has been a number of times I wish I could transform but couldn't because of Kasumi, or Shampoo, or something else. So let's just tell them.
"And when we do, Kasumi is just the sort to hear you out without making any preconceived ideas of how you should proceed. She isn't invested and can give you clear advice."
Usagi blinked in surprise, then hung her head in thought. "The others..."
"You leave them to me. I'll convince them," Makoto assured her, prompting Usagi to looked back up at her friend.
Usagi considered for another moment, then nodded. "Okay," she said, finally smiling a little, the tension already visibly easing from her body.
"Great," Makoto said, returning the smile. "Now, enough heavy stuff for you for the night. I came up here to ask you if you wanted to watch Frost due her enchantment. It is supposed to be quite the sight."
"Sure," Usagi said brightly.
"Good, now let's get back inside," Makoto said, gesturing for Usagi to take the lead. Inwardly though she sighed. This is going to be a tough sell, she thought, but nodded with determination.
XXXXX
About that moment, at the entrance to Furinkan High School, Eyebright walked alone casually onto the grounds, a smile on his face. Once within the walls of the school yard, he spotted a familiar figure leaning against the corner of the school that lead to the fields. Eyebright paused at this, his smile slipping slightly, but then approached, stopping next to the woman.
"I already know what you're going to say, and you already know how I will respond, so this conversation is really rather pointless," Eyebright said, and not getting any response from the woman, turned to look at her squarely. "You should support me in this. You want him gone as much as I do, Sorora"
The dragon woman, looked away, frowning. "I am making headway with Herb. This will just complicate things."
"Really?" Eyebright asked in honest surprise. "That means he's contacted you, and you know what that means as well," he pointed out. After getting no response, Eyebright turned away. "I have no intention of harming him, but I cannot let this opportunity pass on some vague hope that things will work out. I must take action."
"And that action could well undo all the progress I have had with him, but I see you are correct. This conversation is pointless. I just wish you had chosen another way," she replied and walked off. Eyebright watched her briefly before letting out a sigh and continuing on his way.
XXXXX
At the field, unaware of these events, Frost was finally at the center of her great spell, laying down the last set of symbols. At the edge of the barrier, however, Siren's attention was to the outside. Selene took notice of this, and having no current task, walked over to the archmage.
"What's wrong?" she asked the magus.
Siren looked back at the cat, considered a moment, then replied. "There has been a bit of an incident. It seems we've gone and run afoul of a pack of kitsunes. Last I heard, they had confronted Kasumi, Shampoo, Ukyo and Ranma. Kasumi and Ranma were in their hands."
Selene went into wide-eyed shock. "What?! When? Is Shampoo alright?"
"She's fine. She and Ukyo escaped and are currently at the restaurant," Siren replied. "We don't know the condition of Kasumi or Ranma," she quickly interjected answering Selene's next question. "However, indications are they are merely being held."
"I have to-" Selene started to say as she began to move to the barrier but Siren stopped her.
"And do what? In your current state you're no match for these creatures," the archmage pointed out, causing the cat to look down in anger.
"This is all Frost's fault! If she hadn't pulled this stupid stunt I could help them!"
"Unlikely," Siren replied to the cat's confusion. "Kitsunes are high level magical creatures. Your fighting technique is of little use against them even when you were human. Besides, we don't even know where they are keeping Kasumi and Ranma. There is little to..." The magus said before trailing off and once more turning her attention outside. There, in a flash of light, Jasmine appeared and approached.
"Any trouble here?" the Grand magus asked.
"None to speak of," Siren replied.
Jasmine turned away to look around. "Odd, I sensed... oh great..." she muttered as she caught sight of someone approaching. Siren also quickly noticed and frowned at the sight of a red-haired man approaching with a smile on his face. "Do not get involved unless your barrier is attacked," Jasmine quickly cautioned and walked forward to meet the man.
Behind them, Selene also took notice of the man. "What is going on?" she whispered involuntarily.
"That is a kitsune," Siren replied. "And not just any kitsune. He's a true male, which means he's a fully realized nine tails, and very experienced," she explained, waving a hand to raise another barrier just behind her. "No need for Frost to be aware of this just yet," she mumbled as she turned back to watch.
"Jasmine," the man greeted warmly as came to a stop several meters from the Grand magus. "What a coincidence for you to be here... although I suspect you were encouraged to come at someone else's request?"
Jasmine ignored the implied question and merely replied, "It has been a long time, Eyebright. I'm puzzled why you are here, however, and not at the restaurant. If you wish to retrieve your daughter, she is safe and well enough. You can claim her if you wish."
"Yes, I'm sure she is, but I've come by some more interesting information," Eyebright replied. "As such I have to make a formal request of you. I've confirmed that Herb is currently within the restaurant that you have under your protection."
At mention of the prince's name, Jasmine visibly stiffened. Eyebright paused for a second before continuing on. "It is thus my request that you surrender Herb to me. In... her current condition, as a loyal member of the Musk, I must make every effort to safeguard her."
Jasmine huffed at this. "Spare me the pretense. We both know what you are gunning for. And we both know I can't hand him over to you, regardless of his or her status."
Eyebright let out of false sigh of regret. "That's too bad, but hence why am I here. I'm afraid I will have to insist," he said with a sudden menace.
"Ah hell..." Jasmine managed to say before both suddenly vanished.
"What just happened?" Selene asked in confusion and shock.
Siren scowled and replied, "The kitsune just pulled Jasmine into a battle, and they both moved to a phantom realm to fight it."
"A what?" Selene asked in further confusion.
"Think of it as another dimension, close to our every day one. It is a place where they can use the full extent of their power without fear of harming innocents or the surrounding area," Siren clarified.
"Are... are you going to do something," Selene asked.
"No," Siren answered. "She told me to stay out of it, and that is what I plan to do. Besides, starting a battle with a high ranked member of the Musk is not a wise idea politically without direct threat to me. The real interesting thing, though, is this is just the side show. I just lost contact with all my sentries at the restaurant. That is where the main show is about to take place."
"Shampoo is there! We have to do something!" Selene exclaimed.
"We cannot. We will hold here. It is too dangerous to move under these circumstances. Cologne and the other elders are with Shampoo. They are more than capable of defending themselves should it come to that," Siren said.
"Will it come to that?!" Selene asked in a near panic.
Siren slowly shook her head. "I don't honestly know."
XXXXX
At the restaurant, Jasmine's sudden departure had not gone unnoticed. Devlin and Grenda were already conversing quietly while the Amazon elders watched, together in their own group with the other martial artists nearby. "Something is up," Cologne commented, gaining several agreeing nods. "Well ladies, I hope you all are up for a little exercise tonight."
"The younger Amazons will be of little worth in a battle with kitsunes," Cao Yun pointed out.
"Yes," Cologne agreed. "We might have to see to their safety," she plotted, giving Shampoo a quick glance. "Of course, some will choose to fight regardless."
Guan Li nodded in agreement with this and let out an annoyed huff. However, before any further words could be spoken on that matter, So Pu looked away to the door. "We have visitors..." she commented.
The elders' attention likewise shifted to the door, and Shampoo too could feel just what So Pu was, and it gave her pause.
"What is it?" Herb asked, noticing Shampoo's tension.
"Many come... very powerful... must be very old spirits," she explained.
"More kitsunes..." Ukyo concluded with a frown then grew worried at the exact nature of Shampoo's description. "Wait, you mean... like way older than the ones we already met?"
Shampoo nodded in reply. "They here too, Shampoo sense them, but many other, much older, even older than elders Shampoo think."
Herb tensed at hearing this and looked to the doorway in anticipation.
Devlin and Grenda likewise noticed something, and with a sigh, Devlin took the lead and headed out the door, with Grenda close behind. This prompted the Amazon elders to likewise head outside, while everyone else quickly moved to the windows to peer out, save Herb.
Standing just at the base of the walkway that lead to the entrance of the restaurant stood a beautiful red haired woman, by all appearances in her mid twenties at most. On nearby rooftops and walls awaited many others like her. Devlin took this in, sighed once more and approached the woman. "Hello," he greeted.
"Hello," the woman replied and bowed. "My name is Peach. I have come on behalf of my husband, Eyebright. May I enter?"
"If you don't plan to cause any trouble," Devlin replied.
"Not while inside," she replied with a smile as she looked up but continued to bow.
Devlin let out his third sigh, but then gestured for her to enter.
Nodding, Peach stood back up straight and walked onto the grounds. By this point, Shampoo and Ukyo had come to the doorway to listen in as Peach came up to the Amazon elders.
"First, let me apologize for the earlier incident. Lemon used an emergency beacon, and the nature of her emergency was undetermined by us when we arrived. The girls encountered earlier from my pack acted rashly, believing Lemon was being forcibly held and was in immediate danger. We have since learned that is not the case. As such," Peach said, and with a click of her fingers a flash appeared in front of her, and was quickly replaced with a very confused Kasumi and Ranma.
"Kasumi!" Shampoo called out in relief and rush ahead, only to have Ukyo blow by her so quickly it left the Amazon spinning.
"Ranma, thank god you're safe," Ukyo exclaimed as she grabbed Ranma up in a hug.
"Ukyo?" Ranma responded, still confused. "Wait... this is the restaurant... we're out?" he asked as he looked around.
Suddenly noticing the scene she was presenting, Ukyo blushed and withdrew while Kasumi went to the dizzy Shampoo's side.
"Yes, and I'm sure you can confirm that these are in fact the real deal this time," Peach said, to which So Pu nodded. "Good. I release these two with no consideration. They should never have been taken in the first place. But, I would ask that you try to understand our confusion over the situation."
Cologne took the lead. "I suppose such is understandable. However, you must know what your pack member has done."
"Yes, I'm aware of the accusations against her. May I see her?" Peach asked.
Devlin nodded. "You are welcome to do so. I'll bring you to her," Devlin said, modestly confused by the turn of events.
Peach graciously bowed and followed as Devlin lead her inside. As she went up the stairs, Kasumi finally turned to the others.
"This isn't about Lemon anymore," Kasumi quickly said.
"Oh?" So Pu asked.
"They're father... um... Eyebright, he forced us to reveal Herb's curse, and current situation," Kasumi explained, to which all the elders paused in thought.
"Ah, now I see," Cologne said as she looked back inside. "Well, that does change things quite dramatically."
As Kasumi considered her next words, she finally took note of the other kitsunes still yet waiting outside. "There are so many..."
"Yesss," Grenda said. "Perhapsss you would all be ssso kind asss to explain?"
"Herb is a prince of the Musk, but is currently trapped in female form," Cologne replied. "As I recall my Musk law, he... or rather she, has no official power in this form, and thus can be... forcibly married."
"Wonderful," Grenda sarcastically commented.
"Elder, what should we do?" Kasumi asked.
Cologne frowned in thought but gave no reply. Kasumi let this go for a moment, sharing looks with the others before noticing the return of Peach and Devlin.
Stepping back outside, Peach once more addressed the Amazons. "She was not forthcoming on the matter, but she has admitted she was the one responsible for the deception that prompted the attack on Kasumi Tendo," she unexpectedly said. While the elders puzzled as to her intents, Peach turned to Kasumi and Shampoo and once more bowed. "My most humblest apologies. Know that Lemon's actions were neither sanctioned by my pack, nor are they excusable. In light of her admission, I have been authorized to see this incident resolved, and given the gravity of the transgression, only one punishment seems suitable."
"Now wait just-" Kasumi began to say but Peach continued on heedless.
"I formally declare that the life of Lemon is now the property of Kasumi Tendo to do with as she sees fit," Peach said, giving everyone pause.
"Wait, what?" Ranma asked in confusion.
Peach stood up straight and explained. "It is customary in our pack that for any transgression amends must be made. Normally such is done through the service of the transgressor for a period of time, but in extreme cases such as this, the very life of the transgressor is given over as compensation."
"You mean for me to kill her?!" Kasumi asked in outraged shock.
"That is up to you. If you feel it is necessary to take her life, we will fully understand that and accept it. Her fate is yours to decide as the most wronged in this incident," Peach replied, but Kasumi remained confused, finally prompting Cologne to speak up.
"She means that Lemon is now effectively your slave, Kasumi, and you may do to her anything that you deem necessary without ramifications from their pack," Cologne explained.
Kasumi blinked but was too shocked to speak any further.
Peach turned back to the elders. "I hope this resolves the issue to your satisfaction. My pack does not wish hostility with the Amazons. Let it be known that whatever other objectives we may have here, no Amazon shall be harmed by us. Do you have any further complaint on this or any other matter?" Peach asked with a smile.
Cologne looked at the kitsune with a continued frown, then looked back at the other elders. While there was a mix of expressions, none spoke. Turning back to Peach, Cologne replied, "This is satisfactory."
"Good," Peach said pleasantly, bowing once again, before turning to Devlin. "Now, I have one other matter to discuss, and that is the status of princess Herb."
"Princess...?" Devlin repeated before realizing. "Oh right... she's fine."
"Yes, I'm sure. But, I have orders from my husband, and as leader of our clan within the Musk, he has insisted that Herb to released to us for her own safety. He has already made this request formally of Jasmine, but unfortunately there appears to be disagreement. While they attempt to work it out, I have been tasked with likewise making the request of you," Peach said, maintaining her pleasant smile the whole time.
Finally, Herb made an appearance at the door. "Like hell I am going with you," she exclaimed.
Devlin shrugged. "Well, you heard the lady, she wants to stay, and I'm not authorized to hand her over anyway."
"That's too bad," Peach said with a false sigh. "Then, I suppose our business is concluded. I will say, however, that we will be taking Herb. We have no quarrel with the Amazons or anyone else within this establishment, and will make every effort to avoiding bringing harm to anyone. Good day." With that, Peach bowed once more and headed down the walkway and out onto the street.
"We are so screwed..." Devlin commented. "Grenda, be a dear and reinforce the barrier while I go see if I can get some volunteers."
"Right," Grenda replied and immediately began an enchantment.
A bit confused, Kasumi followed Devlin. "What is going to happen?"
"Right now, Jasmine has been forced into a magical duel with this Eyebright. He probably just means to keep her busy, and as powerful as she is, he's more than capable of doing so. So, we're pretty much on our own. From what I sense out there, there is numerous ancient kitsunes. Peach alone I'm thinking is eight, maybe even nine tails herself. That's way more than enough firepower to forcibly bring down the barrier and overwhelm me and Grenda," Devlin explained as he walked up the stairs, Kasumi and several of the other following.
"Oh dear, how long do we have?" Kasumi asked.
"Well, on the plus side, they are going to have to do it delicately since they don't want to hurt anyone. So, that means they'll have to dismantle the barrier rather than blow through it. That gives us maybe an hour with reinforcement. Unfortunately, Jasmine will most likely still be involved in the duel. In fact, I suspect she could be kept in check indefinitely," the lich answered.
"And volunteers?" Ranma asked.
At the top of the stairs, Devlin stopped and turned to them. "The other magi. I'm going to see if any are willing to lend a hand. However, only a few are really up to this kind of combat, so I'm not expecting much. Realistically, we can't hold them off." Turning back on his way, he commented, "If you have any bright ideas, now is a great time to put them to use."
Kasumi blinked as all this started sinking in. She quickly rushed back down stairs to where the elders were now coming back inside. "Elder-" Kasumi started, but Cologne interjected.
"I know what you are going to ask, Kasumi, but unfortunately I can't help under these circumstances," Cologne said to Kasumi's shock.
"Yes," So Pu commented, looking back outside. "They acted very... strategically surrendering Lemon. In doing so, and apologizing, they essentially took us out of the picture. This is now a Musk internal affair."
"Yes, and we can't risk a war with the Musk over such a thing," Cologne concluded.
"So you'll do nothing?" Herb asked in anger.
Cologne shrugged. "I have nothing against you, young prince, but I must think of the village. Interceding here to keep you would easily be seen as a hostile act, especially given how far they have gone to remedy the previous conflict. And, as powerful as we here are, I fear those arrayed against you are in the same class. This would inevitably get messy."
As Herb glared at the elder, Sissithississ walked in, gaining Herb's attention. Before he could even ask though, the snake warrior raised his hand and waved Herb off. "Sssorry, your Highnessss, but I'm afraid I can't get involved. My clan, asss you well know, avoid involvement in thisss kind of thing. Beyond that, I have no particular desssire to run afoul of the fox clan now."
"But surely your father-" Kasumi began to suggest to Herb, but she shook her head.
"My father cares nothing for this sort of thing. He'd probably find it quite amusing," Herb said, adding mentally, And contacting Sorora will just make that much more certain.
Kasumi looked around at everyone gathered, desperate for any ideas, but none were forth coming. After lowering her head a moment to think, she finally looked back at Herb. "Even if it means nothing ultimately, I'll do everything I can to prevent this."
Behind her, Ranma nodded. "Count me in too. I don't particularly like you, but no one deserves to be forced into a marriage like this."
"I help too," Shampoo quickly said.
"Me too," Ukyo said, giving Ranma a short glance.
At this point Cologne cleared her throat, gaining their attention. She eyed Kasumi for a moment, then said simply, "I must advise you not to get involved... but I won't stop you either."
"Thank you Elder," Kasumi said, but Cologne shook her head.
"Don't thank me. They likely plan on some interference. Note how they said they would make every effort to avoid hurting anyone. They know your strengths now, and I'm sorry to say they are well short of what is needed to stop them," Cologne explained. With a sigh she walked away.
"Hate to admit it, but she's right. Those other ones had us easily matched, and these new ones are even more powerful still," Ranma said. "We need some sort of plan."
"Herb, if you returned to male form, not locked, they would no longer be able to do this, correct?" Kasumi asked.
"Correct, but without the Kaisuifu-"
"You still don't know!" Kasumi asked in shock gaining a puzzled look from the Musk warrior. "Oh dear, we never did get to tell you. That's what this is all about. Frost is about to complete the repair."
"Now?" Herb asked hopefully and Kasumi responded with a nod.
"Not long from now, it was supposed to be tonight, so she should be near finished," Kasumi explained.
Herb tensed in thought. "That could work... where is she?"
"At the school," Ranma answered. "If we could get there..."
"Wouldn't they just overwhelm us outside?" Ukyo pointed out.
Kasumi nodded in agreement. "Yes, but Siren did have a barrier of her own there. If we could reach them and enter the barrier."
"That just might work," So Pu unexpectedly said, gaining their attention as most had assumed she had left with Cologne. "Sorry, couldn't help but listen. The barrier at the enchantment site is Siren's. An attack on it would be seen as an attack on her. That would get us back involved."
"So, if we get within, they may not attack at all," Kasumi said with new hope.
"Perhaps. It would certainly complicate things for them. They went to great pains to placate us. This would be a direct act of aggression against one of our senior members," So Pu replied. "Still, even if they do stop their attack, there is the little matter of getting there. They will have no doubt set up teleportation barriers, so you'll have no choice but to cover the distance, and they will surely try to stop you."
"Still, it is something," Kasumi said and gained nods from the others.
"We also have an ace in the hole," Ranma said with a smirk, causing a bit of confusion. "Ranko, she's the bane of all magic, remember."
"Aiyah, Ranma right, and kitsune magic creature," Shampoo said with a bright smile.
"Right, of course," Kasumi said, even more optimistically.
"Let's make some calls. If we can scare up enough bodies, maybe we can just get in their way enough to make this work," Ranma said, and with nods from the others, headed off. The others followed, but So Pu motioned to Kasumi.
"Yes Elder?" Kasumi asked, letting the others go ahead.
"There is another option I would speak to you of, one you probably won't like, but nonetheless, you should know" So Pu said.
XXXXX
End Chapter 50
Next time in A Scary Thought: Kasumi and company make a desperate attempt to get to Frost.
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 crossovers, 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 crossovers 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! Our guest, or rather guests, today are Claigin Jingeyder and Nobu Hayao. Hello gentlemen. Now, you two are both some of my classmates... err... hmmm... now I distinctly remember Claigin, but Nobu... hmmm... I don't see you here... are you sure you're in this story?
"Yes... barely."
Really, where?
"Chapter 14!"
Really?! I'm sure I...
"I'm the boy with the arms of his shirt ripped off and the unkempt hair."
...really... I don't remember... oh, what do you know, here you are... And that's it?
"... Pretty much."
So, yeah... ummm, so what's your thing?
"I'm wearing a dress at this very moment..."
...Wow, I didn't even notice...
"Yeah, that's the problem, no one notices me! Not at this school! I'm like totally unremarkable next to you bunch! This is sooo not fair!"
So, you're sorta like Tsubasa?
"No! That moron dresses up to fool people. I'm a non-conformist!"
Oh... okay... umm... yeah. Hmmm... I really don't know where to go from here.
"Oh, just go back to ignoring me. Everyone else does."
There there, come on now, I'm sure you'll get a bigger part sooner or later.
"Not a chance. I'm doomed to be a background fixture for the rest of my life."
Okay... uh... well, moving on, Claigin-
"Hail!"
Uh, hail to you too. So, you're not actually Japanese.
"No. I'm originally Norwegian."
I see... Forgive me, blonde hair, buff build, northern European, carries around a hammer... are you going for a Thor look here?
"...Uh... of course not... that's purely coincidence."
Right, of course. But you do carry around that sledge hammer all the time.
"Yes, but mighty hammer must never leave my side!"
Mighty Mjolnir?
"Yes... I mean no, of course not!"
Uhhuh.
"He's a total Thor wannabe."
"Silence you! You had your chance to speak!"
Okay boys, let's just relax.
"If I come dressed as Loki tomorrow, how much do you want to bet he'll try and smite me."
No bet.
"I resent that implication!"
"You're right, I apologize. After all, Mjolnir is a short handled hammer. Only a fool would replace it with a long handled sledge hammer."
"Are you calling me a fool?!"
"I thought you said it wasn't Mjolnir?"
"Well... I... you're trying to trick me! Wait... maybe you are Loki."
"...Sure... why not. Better than being ignored all the time."
"You fiend!"
Alright, alright, that's enough for the day you two. Move along. Till next time folks!