Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happen last time: Things took a bad turn as Herb's unfortunate curse was revealed to the leader of the Fox Clan of the Musk, and now finds himself the target.
Chapter 53
XXXXX
Kasumi knocked on the open door before entering Ranko's room at Tofu's clinic. Inside she found Ranko laid out on the bed, Shampoo's mother sitting at her bedside examining her.
"Hey... Kasumi," Ranko greeted weakly before moaning.
"How are you feeling," Kasumi asked as she approached.
"Terrible," Ranko replied honestly. "Can... barely move. Even talking... is tiring."
Comb nodded. "It's the healing sickness," she said as she stood up. "It will take some time to pass, but you will recover."
"Healing... oh right. You had that... didn't you?" Ranko asked.
"Yes," Kasumi replied before noticing Comb looking at her seriously. "Yes?"
"I'm quite impressed with your healing technique. It is more advanced than we use at the village."
"Oh?" Kasumi responded. "Oh yes, as I recall you were trained as a doctor?"
"Yes, both is the chi arts and conventional," Comb replied. "You will have to demonstrate this technique to me," she stated and without another word exited the room.
"Uh, okay," Kasumi said as Comb departed. "I'm still not sure how she feels about me," she commented before turning back to Ranko, taking Comb's seat from before. "She is right though, it will pass in time. It will probably be a week or more though before you're back in fighting shape."
Ranko groaned. "That sucks... but guess it is what it is."
"I'm puzzled how Eyebright managed to hurt you so badly," Kasumi thought aloud.
"It has happened... before. Don't think my immunity works against... raw energy or something. He is definitely a... serious customer."
Kasumi nodded. "From what I have been told, you were likely fortunate. His attack was precisely controlled. I'm guessing it was... retaliation for Peach."
"I can believe it," Ranko replied. "How is... she anyway?"
"Apparently, much like you. She will make a full recovery, but she is bedridden for now. Jasmine said you should, umm, avoid doing that in the future. If you had held her much longer..."
"Right," Ranko acknowledged but seemed relieved.
A moment passed in silence before Kasumi said, "I am sorry."
"Don't be."
"This whole situation..." Kasumi said before shaking her head. After a second though, her eyes went wide for an instant. "I forgot. Are you... alright?" Ranko looked at Kasumi with an upraised eyebrow. "Sorry, I don't mean physically. I mean, obviously you're not alright that way. I mean... Herb may well get cured. I hadn't thought on it, but you and he-"
"Forget it," Ranko cut her off. "I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
"I chose this. Okay... I was kinda pressured into it, but still. I'm fine."
Kasumi examined Ranko for a moment then nodded before looking up as another knock came at the door. this time Ranma.
"Hey!" he greeted as he came in. "You look terrible."
"I feel terrible too," Ranko replied but smiled. "I'll be fine... in a week or so."
"Right, well, if you need anything, just call," Ranma said.
"Thanks," Ranko said before groaning. "I think I should get some sleep."
"Yes," Kasumi agreed and got up. She and Ranma their goodbyes and headed out into the hall.
"So, I'm guessing that little talk we had was in reference to this... proposal?" Ranma said, unsure in his description.
Kasumi nodded. "Yes. It was only meant to be temporary, but apparently is now much more permanent."
Ranma sighed and crossed his arms. "I hate politics. Did you tell Shampoo?"
"Yes, I discussed it with her at the restaurant before our attempted escape. She obviously didn't like the idea, but agreed," Kasumi said then sighed.
"Yeah, I saw her pouting in the waiting room," Ranma remarked. "Can't blame her."
Kasumi nodded in agreement. "I really don't know what to do now."
Ranma shook his head and shrugged. "Wish I could tell ya. All I can say is we'll make it work, somehow."
Kasumi smiled weakly at the assurance. "I suppose that is all we can hope," she said before coming sharply to attention.
Ranma quickly followed her look to find Herb approaching. "Hey, what the hell, are you nuts? You should be-"
"Save it," Herb retorted. "I won't have them intimidate me."
"Still, you should be more careful," Kasumi advised but Herb shook her head.
"I really don't care at this point," Herb replied. "Let them come."
Ranma shook his head and groaned. "Whatever," he said with a wave of his hand and headed off.
"We should talk," Herb said to Kasumi.
"About? We don't seem to have much choice," Kasumi responded.
Herb looked down. "I know, but... This is not the way I wanted things to turn out."
"I agree, but I don't see any viable alternatives," Kasumi replied.
Herb growled but did not argue the point.
"Let us return to the school. We can discuss things after Frost finishes the enchantment. At least then you can be restored to... semi-normal," Kasumi suggested.
Herb let out a bemused laugh.
With no further argument on the matter, Kasumi headed down the hall to the waiting room where Shampoo was.
"I'll be there in a minute," Herb said, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms with a scowl on her face.
Kasumi arrived at the waiting room, finding Shampoo already rising to meet her, and Ranma just leaving out the front door. However, they did not get any opportunity to greet each other as Shampoo turned sharply back to the door. "What is..." Kasumi started to ask but her answer came in the form of So Pu coming in through the door, in a spirit form.
"I trust there is no permanent damage?" she asked as she floated up, but Shampoo ignored the question and stepped forward.
"Why you do it?" Shampoo asked with a glare.
"You'll have to be more specific, dear. I'm not a mind reader, contrary to popular belief."
"You take position from Great grandmother," Shampoo explained in irritation.
"Oh, that," So Pu replied. "And here I thought you had so little interest in taking over," she mused, turning away.
"That's not the point!" Shampoo snapped.
"Indeed," So Pu conceded, paused, then in an instant swung on Shampoo, a blade of light in her hand sweeping just short of Shampoo's head. Shampoo hopped back and blinked, her earlier harsh expression replaced with surprise.
Kasumi watched the seeming attack in puzzlement, her own hostility sense untrigger so thus unsure what to make of it.
So Pu did not press on however, instead lifting the blade to a vertical position and explaining. "I didn't get to show you this last night. It is a spirit blade, one of many forms a spiritual weapon can take. Harmless... to you. To extra dimensional spirits it is quite nasty though."
"What-" Shampoo started to ask, but So Pu cut her off.
"Tell me, in that instant, what were your thoughts. Actually, no, don't bother. I can already guess. You asked yourself if you overstepped your place. You worried that you pushed too far. That sort of thing?" she asked but did not wait for an answer. "A year ago you would have thought how dare she! She has no right! You would already have been analyzing if you could retaliate while now you probably were looking for a way to calm the situation down."
Shampoo opened her mouth to counter, but soon closed it and looked away slightly.
"That is why," So Pu explained then pointed her blade at Kasumi. "No doubt it is her influence. I can see it on Cologne too."
"I could no defeat you," Shampoo retorted.
"No, but that's not the point," So Pu continued, lowering the blade. "The point is your initial response is now passive, not aggressive. Oh, she hasn't totally passified you to be sure, but there is a definite change. If I were to guess, you now filter all your consideration through how she will respond, and you're already at the point of simply thinking like that directly."
Shampoo glared at the elder but did not argue.
"Don't get me wrong. I'm not against such things. In other situations such an approach is often optimal, but for our leader... no. Such is totally inappropriate. So you see, it does not matter if Kasumi or you take the position eventually, I find both results unacceptable. And as I said, even Cologne seems to be bending. It was time to make a change."
"Odd then that you wish me to be the leader of the Musk, or perhaps that was part of your plan?" Kasumi asked calmly gaining a chuckle from the elder.
"A side benefit," So Pu admitted. "I was here just to keep tabs on Herb, but I think it best I wait outside," she said and started to turn for the door but stopped. "One last thing. I know this much about you, Kasumi Tendo, you want to make a difference in this world. It is true you will be a figurehead, but a figurehead can have quite a lot of impact in their own way." She did not wait for a response and simply vanished.
Shampoo growled and clenched her fists. "She..." she snarled out before feeling Kasumi hold her by the shoulder and calming and looking to her. "Is no fair."
"I know," Kasumi said with a sigh and headed over to a nearby chair to sit. Shampoo followed, seating herself next to Kasumi. After a moment of silence between them, Shampoo leaned her head onto Kasumi's shoulder. Kasumi likewise leaned her own head over, resting it on Shampoo's.
"Should just run away," Shampoo suggested.
"It would be nice, but where would we go?" Kasumi replied wistfully.
"Canada."
Kasumi couldn't help but chuckle at this, before sighing once more. "If only it was that easy."
At that moment Herb entered the room, giving the pair only a brief look before saying, "We should get going."
XXXXX
With a final satisfied, "Hah!" Frost finished her preparations. "Perfect, now... hmm," she said as she looked around for her teacher, finding Siren already approaching with Selene at her side. However, that is not what caught her attention. Instead, her gaze swept over the area, even up to the sky in confusion. "What's with the new barrier?"
"Yes, about that," Siren said as she stopped next to her student and clicked her fingers. In response, the illusion surrounding them lifted like a curtain revealing the entire field now surround in onlookers.
Seeing this, Frost's eyes went wide. "What... is going on?"
"We have to talk."
XXXXX
Shortly after Kasumi arrived taking note that Frost was already quite animated at the center of the field, pacing and gesturing rapidly as she talked with Siren. Kasumi could not make out the conversation, but Shampoo sighed next to her. "I go talk with Frost."
"Okay," Kasumi replied, spotting Ranma and Ukyo and choosing to join them.
Shampoo approached the center, now clearly hearing the near panic in Frost's voice.
"You can't be serious! Why didn't you tell me this earlier?! I can't-" Frost exclaimed in increasing tension.
"Frost, calm down," Siren urged, but Frost ignored her.
"I'm going to mess it up! I'm going to be a complete embarrassment! I'll never live this down! I'll be a laughing stock of the whole magical community!"
Shampoo frowned and finished her approach, stopping just short of the young Amazon Magus. "Frost."
"What?!" Frost said in a fluster, turning to Shampoo and was promptly slapped. "Ow! What was that for?!"
"For being stupid!" Shampoo declared, but after a second added more quietly, "And for Kasumi." Frost deflated at the looking down at the ground. "You were tricked. That is end of it, okay?"
"Okay," Frost agreed meekly.
Shampoo seized Frost by the shoulders, prompting the magus to look at her. "You is a great Magus, Frost. Now you show all these people what you can do, yes?"
Frost lifted her head slight, but then shied away. "I..." she started before looking to the crowd and going to a whisper. "You know how I can get..."
Shampoo frowned before a new voice came in. "She's right, Frost," Tofu said from their side. Both looked to the doctor. "You have never backed down before. You got this."
Frost looked away, clenching her teeth, before turning back to Shampoo and nodding. "Right," she said finally as Shampoo released her. "Alright, alright, all of you out of here. I have to get into the mood."
"You're good then?" Siren asked.
"Yes, yes, yes... just... give me a moment."
"Very well. Go whenever you're ready," Siren said in acceptance. "Come on, let's leave her to her work."
The others headed off to the side lines, leaving Frost at the center psyching herself up.
XXXXX
Saki arrived at the field to observe this, shaking her head and then sitting behind a group of her classmates. I still can't believe the wackiness I've managed to get myself messed up in, she thought before noticing someone pausing next to her.
She looked over to see a wrinkled old women who reminded her of Shampoo's Great Grandmother. Unlike her, the woman used no staff though to get around and simply stood next to her, looking out at the field. Saki could not help but look the old woman up and down before she finally seemed to take notice and glanced at Saki.
"Sorry," Saki mumbled quickly, looking away.
"Not at all," the old woman replied. "Saki, right?"
Saki's brow furrowed and she looked back at the woman. "Yes."
The woman nodded. "Guan Li," she said and with a flick of her wrist produced an envelope. She presented such to Saki without word.
Saki eyed the envelope then the woman before accepting. "That's your name I take it?"
"Yes," Guan Li replied. "Come see me at the restaurant if what is in that letter interests you." Without saying anything more, the elder turned and walked off.
Saki watched her leave with a frown. What was that about? she wondered just as Kitsune dropped down on her other side.
"What's up?" Kitsune asked.
"Nothing much," Saki replied, examining the envelope briefly before giving into curiosity and opening it. Within was nothing more than a photo. Saki's raised an eyebrow as Kitsune looked it over.
"What's that?" Kitsune asked. Saki removed the photo and turned it to its correct orientation before visibly stiffening. "Something wrong?" Kitsune asked, looking over the photo. It depicted a two people: the old woman who had just departed, and a much younger woman who had the same color hair as Saki. Kitsune looked at Saki quizzically.
"That's my mother," Saki said through gritted teeth.
"Oh... take it you aren't on good terms?" Kitsune asked.
"Absolutely not," Saki replied, but calmed. "Does that mean..." she thought aloud, looking back up at where Guan Li had departed.
XXXXX
Not far away, Usagi walked up with Makoto and sat down with her friends. "We're meeting hopefully tomorrow to talk it over," Makoto quietly said.
"I'm... sorry," Usagi replied, hanging her head, but Makoto shook off the apology.
"Don't be. Sometimes you do need fresh perspective," Makoto assured her.
"We also have a number of other concerns that need to be dealt with at the same time," Ami added. "This simply gives us the excuse we need to push things along."
Usagi looked up and put on a smile. "Thank you." At that moment she took full notice of the field in front of her. To her eyes, she could clearly see the massive intertwining lines and symbols laid out over the field. "Wow!"
"Wow?" Makoto asked, puzzled, following Usagi's gaze but seeing nothing but the open field with Frost standing at the center, preparing herself.
"You likely can't see it," Ami explained. "Usagi I guess can. I'm told those with a certain level of magical sensitivity can see it."
"Can you?" Makoto asked.
"No," Ami answered. "Frost explained it to me a while back though. I believe if we were to... you know, we probably all could, but as we are, apparently not. I assume Usagi can because she has gained... new sensitivity."
"I can see it too, barely," Minako said to Makoto and Ami's surprise. "Not sure why. Couldn't see it earlier, but now that it is night, it is like these really faint glowing lines all over the place."
"Strange... I guess you're more sensitive to magic than us," Ami concluded, touching her chin.
As if cued by this Frost let out a deep sigh and spread out her arms. Everyone around took noticed and focused on the young Magus. She remained in this pose for several seconds before opening her eyes, crossing her arms, and then sweeping them over the field slowly.
The effect was dramatic as elaborate lines of bluish light appeared for all with the pass of Frost's hands until a giant circle line drawing was now around the magus, reaching nearly to the crowd observing around her. The drawing was inscribed nearly everywhere with runes and small pictures, including numerous subordinate circles within the grand one.
Frost paused for just a second as the whole of the circle came into being before rapid moving her arms and hands in complex gestures. This was soon followed by her moving the whole of her body. In response, several of the smaller circles began to rise and spin slowly. Soon all the circles had risen to various heights around Frost and were all slowly spinning at various speeds.
Frost continued her complex motions and with them now the circles began to reorient themselves, many moving to a vertical position while circles within them began the same process.
"This is rather complicated," Minako whispered gaining agreeing nods from the others. However, as she glanced at the others, she took particular note of Usagi who seemed transfixed on the display in front of her. "Usagi?"
Initially Usagi did not show any signs of hearing the inquiry, but just as Minako was about to repeat herself, Usagi snapped out of it. "Sorry, I just... I feel like I've seen this before," she explained as the enchantment ritual in front of them continued to rise into the sky. "I mean... not this exactly... like I've seen something like this before." As she finished her eyes grew wide. "I have seen this before... I mean, Frost do something like this before."
"But you haven't," Minako replied in confusion.
Usagi frowned, continuing to stare at the spectacle in front of her. "It's..." she started before pausing for a long moment. "Sedna." The others looked at each other in confusion before Usagi elaborated. "I think Frost is Sedna."
This shocked the others, causing them all to look to Frost in surprise.
XXXXX
At the center of the grand circle, Frost had completely lost herself in her incantation. Forgotten was the crowd of onlookers. All the mattered at the moment was the magic.
Siren smiled as she observed. "This is when she really does shine," she commented gaining several agreeing nods from the Amazon elders around her.
Kasumi, not far away, also caught the comment and could not help but agree. It is almost like a dance, Kasumi thought, shifting her attention skyward where the circle of magic had risen, now spinning like a complex set of clockwork. As the spin sped up, the magical inscription began to shrink and descend into Frost's upraised awaiting hands. By the time it reached them, it was no larger than a volleyball, and spinning so fast it nearly appeared as one. The instant it reached Frost's palms, she quickly slammed it into the awaiting kettle just in front of her.
A wave of air flew over the crowd as the kettle glowed gently before returning to normal and silence fell over the area. Frost slouched her shoulders, clearly spent, and with that Jasmine and Siren arose together, nodded to one another and approached. Siren spoke to Frost with a smile while Jasmine did a quick enchantment of her own, and raised a miniature version of the magical circles out of the kettle with one hand and compared it to another in her other hand. Satisfied, Jasmine cast away both, gripped Frost but the shoulders and took position behind her.
"Hear me all here gathered," she loudly pronounced. "As a representative of the council of magic, it is my honor and pleasure to officially recognize this young Magus, Frost, to the rank of Archmage of the eighth circle!"
With that, the crowd erupted into cheers and clapping, several soon breaking from their positions around to approach as well for closer congratulations. At the center of all of this Frost looked thoroughly overwhelmed.
XXXXX
Nearly an hour later, with the festivity having moved to the restaurant, and all attention on Frost, Herb had found it finally possible to slip away without being missed. It was no easy feat, being at least of secondary focus given all the recent events, but with so many in the restaurant, and the shift in attention, she had finally managed it.
With the immediate threat gone, the plan was to do one last thorough check of the correctness of the kettle's new magic before administering the cure to Herb's current condition, likely in the morning. This suited Herb's plans for the moment as she left the safety of the restaurant, following her quarry.
Said quarry was one of the many kitsunes still mulling about the area. This particular one had paid him no mind, simply walking away from the restaurant absently. Even their group had been permitted to join in the festivities, but most had left much earlier. This one was one of the late leavers, giving Herb the appropriate conditions. Her target did not travel far, cutting down an alleyway and entered a conspicuously out of place door in the middle of the alley.
That must be it, Herb though, dropping down from the rooftop where she had been and going up to the door. The instant she reached it, however, it opened on its own. Herb dropped back a step in shock, but with nothing else coming of the event, reset her demeanor, putting on her most regal look, and marched in.
Within she found a scene not dissimilar to what Kasumi had described of their prison. Elaborate sets of staircases and doorways around the whole area at impossible positions and angles, all right out of a surrealist painting. The main difference from the description was the centerpiece, now looking like a courtyard of a Japanese palace, complete with trees, fountains, and other aesthetic amenities. The many kitsunes were all gathered, chatting amongst themselves or simply lounging.
At the center of it all, was Eyebright, sitting at a table and partaking in drink. He raised his latest of such to Herb and called out, "Welcome, your Highness. Come, join me."
Herb frowned but walked forward anyway, finally stopping and sitting opposite the male kitsune who poured him a drink.
"Whatever brings you here?"
Herb looked around him to find the other kitsunes mostly disinterested in the current conversation, before turning back to Eyebright. "I've... come to surrender myself."
"Surrender yourself?" Eyebright repeated with an upraised eyebrow. "Truly? How very... noble of you," he remarked, his eyes narrowing and flashing for a moment. "Yes, truly... hmh," he concluded to the oddity.
"Is that all you have to say?" Herb asked in annoyance.
"No, I'm just honestly surprised. You're doing this for her sake, aren't you?" Herb looked away, which was sufficient of an answer for the kitsune. "You really do like her. You do know she doesn't share that feeling, right?"
"Yes," Herb replied, looking down.
Eyebright chuckled then shrugged before taking another sip of his drink. "Too bad I have to spoil your act of selflessness. I refuse."
"What?" Herb asked in honest surprise.
"That So Pu is a dangerous one, but she also has given me an offer I simply can't refuse. Even assuming the Amazons wouldn't take this the wrong way; their power in my plans is just too valuable an asset to give up."
Damn it, I had not thought this properly through, Herb chided herself as she grit her teeth.
"Oh don't be that way. Think about it, do you honestly think Kasumi would accept this? She's a selfless sort. One of those annoying do gooders that goes to the ends of the Earth to do what they think is right. At best she'd give up and be broken. Do you really want that for her?"
Herb blinked in shock then looked down and shook her head. "No."
"No," Eyebright repeated. "Look on the bright side, young prince. The situation isn't ideal for you, but you have the perfect opportunity now to move ahead in your relationship. In my experience it is far easier for humans to simple accept what is and learn to find happiness in it than it is to build happiness anew. Don't you agree, So Pu?" Eyebright suddenly asked.
Herb, having sensed nothing of the Amazon in question looked around in shock as a single laugh could be heard. Standing just to Herb's side was now the transparent image of So Pu. How long has she been there? Herb thought.
"I'm not so sure, but I've never been one for relationships," So Pu replied.
Eyebright smiled and took another sip of his drink before looking back to Herb. "She's been following you the whole time, but don't worry, that didn't change my answer any. Why are you here, So Pu? You don't honestly think you could overpower us all, do you?"
So Pu laughed and shook her head. "Hardly. I doubt I could overcome even a single one of you. I've never been much the fighter, and most my tricks are useless against ones as old as you. I was just curious is all."
Eyebright nodded, satisfied. "Well then, unless you plan to share a drink..." he hinted, but Herb closed her eyes and stood up.
Without another word shared between them, Herb headed out the way she came, soon finding herself back out in the alley. Once there, Herb turned sharply on So Pu's projection which was still accompanying him. "Why not stop me?"
"Hmh?" So Pu remarked confused for a second. "You misunderstand me, Herb. This all isn't about forcing you to do my bidding. I'm simply taking advantage of the situation which you have presented to me. Had Eyebright accepted your offer, I would have allowed it, and even had the Amazons cooperate, but he is right. Kasumi would never accept it." She smiled. "I'm not a monster. I will not force you to cooperate, just encourage it."
Herb frowned but nodded in acceptance of this.
"Nonetheless, I would advise you to keep to the restaurant. While I am confident that Eyebright will stick to the deal, there might be a bitter one of his subordinates that might take an opportunity for a bit of... mischief." With that warning, So Pu vanished.
Herb paused in the alleyway for a several minutes, deep in thought. Finally she looked up with an even look. You want this... then that is something maybe I can leverage as well, even if just a little, she thought and with a nod headed off back to the restaurant.
XXXXX
End Chapter 53
Next time in A Scary Thought: With a new day Herb makes up his mind and a countdown begins.
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! So, who's on the docket today...
"Nobody."
Nobody?
"Yeah, sadly you've burned through all the characters I wished to touch on, so time for a Hiatus.
Noooooooooo! What about Jasmine? Eyebright? No? Damn it!
"Yeah, sorry, just too early for anyone else."
Fine, be that way. I'll just go crawl into the bathtub and cry.
"Hey, I liked that movie, but appealing to it won't change the situation. I will say this, if anyone out there has any suggestions in this regard, feel free to present them. Maybe there is someone or some topic that is nagging at people that I'm not aware of and could have Kitsune here shed some light on. Till then though..."