Cologne explained the options for the five youngsters present.
The first was the most simple, being that if the mindlink was shutdown, then it would no longer be a problem. This had the simplest problem as well as Cologne knew of no reasonable fix for this and didn't expect any present to have a better idea.
The second choice was that they get excused by the amazon council, which would be unlikely because options three and four were valid alternatives. Why grant immunity when they can just join the tribe instead?
Option three was that they all get inducted as amazons. Akane had personal issues with this because it reminded her of the whole 'defeat Akane to date her' thing from when she met Ranma. Ukyou helpfully pointed out that Ranma had already defeated all four girls anyways. Kodachi was disappointed that it meant marriage instead of just sleeping with anyone strong enough to tame her.
It also had the disadvantage of throwing the whole fiancee mess into a tumbled heap as the only way Ranma could be an amazon was to acknowledge his marriage to Shampoo, which of course the other girls would also have to acknowledge. Shampoo was willing to share though, which only led to the final option.
The fourth and final option was simply a big group marriage. All options seemingly lead to this one, though there were some problems in this regard. Notably among these was Akane shuddering in revulsion at the idea of being married to Kodachi. If she wasn't willing to take the group deal package, then she basically had to give up on Ranma.
So, at this point, Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou were discussing what options three and four meant for them. Ranma wasn't participating because he was lost in thought, wihch was understandable given he had fours girls' voices in his head.
What got their attention was that Kodachi wasn't paying attention anymore either, which was surprising as the possibility of molesting her wives had apparently appealled to her for reasons they didn't want to think about. Instead the girl was staring in wonderment at Ranma who was still thinking hard about how to cure the mindlink problem. The fascinating part for that was simply the way he was currently thinking about various demons and other supernatural forces he'd met and if they'd be of any use. The latest supernatural thought was of particular interest as it seemed like a solid idea to Ranma.
Well I guess I could call Urd. Seems like this whole blond genie business is kinda wierd now that I think about it. Suppose I'll have to call in some of my favor to get this fixed, but it shouldn't be a problem.
Urd, the Norn? As in one of the three weavers of fate? What sort of favor would she owe my Ranma-sama?
Oh, you know her Kodachi? Where did you meet her? I didn't think she liked you girls.
Meet her? Am I to presume this means you have met her? That she actually exists?--Huh? Who are you talking about Ranchan? Why wouldn't she like us?
Oh, ya don't know her. It's kinda complicated. -- This could really be a problem if the girls can just listen to me think about this. Kinda like the whole problem with Shampoo not being able to keep her secrets.
You expected me to know a mythological being? One from as far away as Europe?--That doesn't answer my question Ranchan.--My airen has problems with such secrets? What sort of problem would there be if we were to know of such things?--Huh? Is Ranma trying to keep a secret from me?
Uh, well, oh yeah, this is a problem. Well, yeah it kinda is a problem if you girls know this secret. Not like an amazon death squads problem, but like an all engagements over and I leave forever kinda type problem.
What? End the engagements and leave?--Secret knowledge of a woman that would have such an effect? I hope there is a suitable explanation for this.--Leave forever? Not if I have anything to say about it.--Surely you're not serious? I can see how the secret of knowing such a creature might have repurcussions if shared, but surely you're not serious?
...this sucks... let's see... can't even forget about it and drop it... oh well...
Cologne was understanding of the five teens stopping to have a mental conversation. Still, it was a bit of a surprise for her when Ranma flicked his wrist to make a flip cellphone appear in his hand. The way he dialed it with one-handed and put it to his ear in a smooth motion spoke of familiarity with the device.
...I wonder what I'll have for dinner?...
"Hiya, I kinda have a problem here. Oh, hi Bell, didn't expect to get you."
The girls were still staring at Ranma expectantly, though the mental conversation had ground to a halt as Ranma was clearly ignoring them. All four were surprised that he had a cellphone, though Kodachi was merely curious to know his number.
Ranma blushed and rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment with his free hand. "Oh, sorry. I thought, ya know, I didn't wanna be a problem. Uh, sure, I might have some free time coming up."
Bell has a boyfriend, so don't even go there.
Ukyou couldn't help but grin as Akane suddenly gave a start as Ranma apparently preempted her own thoughts.
Ranma shifted uncomfortably as he prepared himself to interrupt Bell and get down to business. "Look, some blond genie screwed things up over here. Gave me some kinda mind link to four girls and we ain't got no off switch for it. -- It gets better, Shampoo has Ancient Amazon secrets in her head, and if they get out, we got ourselves a nice blood bath kinda thing. Ain't got a lot of time to fix this, so I'm willing to use up some favor, but I think there was something off about that genie."
Ranma paused to listen to the reply, simultaeneously addressing the curiousity of four girls. Bell is even nicer than Kasumi. I used ta go visit her temple when I needed to think. Her cookies are awesome. Good singer too.
His internal monolouge cut off in surprise at something the woman on the other side of the phone call said. "Nah, I don't want ta be a bother Bell." After that he waited for a response only to apparently get nothing. "Bell?"
Kodachi had a good vantage point from looking at Ranma to see the mirror over the kitchen's hand-washing sink shimmer and shine as a woman floated through it. Clad in a pleasant housedress, the slender beauty floated to a gentle rest standing on the floor. "Yes Ranma-kun?"
Ranma and the other three girls not already facing in that direction turned to look at the newly arrived Norn. Ranma seemed surprised for a reason that confused the telepathically linked girls. "Bell? Uh, you don't have to, ya know, get involved."
The slender brunette with the long ponytail strode up to Ranma and gently tapped him on the nose. "You haven't been by in a very long time Ranma-kun. One might think you were avoiding me."
Bearing a contorted grin, Ranma nervously stammered a excuse, "Aheheh. Uhm, no. I was just, uhm, busy."
Smiling pleasantly, the slender brunette seemed pleased with the weak excuse. "Good." The matter apparently settled, she brushed the young man's bangs out of the way to rest her hand on Ranma's forehead. "This should only take a moment Ranma-kun."
Her expression turning peaceful as she closed her eyes, Ranma in turn looked nervous as a pretty young woman was so familiar with him in the midst of his ever so violent and jealous fiancees. After what was a tense but short moment for everyone else, Belldandy relaxed a bit and opened her eyes to stare at Ranma. "Yes, very crudely done, but with a lot of power. I'll be sure to have the event investigated. First though I'll fix the problem if you're ready."
Getting a hesitant nod from Ranma, Belldandy placed her hands lightly on his temples while holding his bangs back. "Relax Ranma-kun. If you worry so much it will be difficult for me to work."
Gulping nervously, Ranma managed not to glance over at his fiancees lest even that set them off. Normally he wasn't that worried about their reactions, but if they flew off the handle with Belldandy there, it would pretty much be all over. As bad as it could be, they had behaved themselves recently, and the best thing to do was to just get it over with.
Besides the fact the new arrival was floating, the glowing array of lines that blossomed below her on the floor was clear evidence she wasn't some normal woman.
Then the light show ended. The strange new woman stopped touching Ranma. Tensions eased back down to acceptable levels. Ranma relaxed from being ready to stop an attack going towards Belldandy from almost any angle.
Satisfied with her work, Belldandy smiled at Ranma. "There, a relatively quick fix. You should be able to communicate with the girl of your choice now, either listening or talking. I believe that is much more in line with the intent of the wish. When you visit soon I shall teach you more about using it properly. I can also tune-up your powers then, but if you have any problems simply contact me." Is this alright? Try answering just me.
Staring in surprise that no one had caused a fuss yet, Ranma closed his eyes briefly to try and get it right. Like this? Looking around, Ranma realized he wasn't listening to the girls' thoughts. "Did ya here me think that?"
Getting head shakes and negative replies from the girls, Belldandy nodded before speaking up. "Very good." Then suddenly she looked a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry Ranma-kun, but I didn't have time to bake cookies. When you come to visit I'll be sure to have some ready."
Ranma rubbed the back of his neck, uncomfortable with the concern. It was part of the reason visiting her felt like he was imposing too much. "That's alright, I'm just happy you fixed this mind link mess."
Waving as she left with a smile, Belldandy floated back through the mirror, tucking her legs up like she was hopping through to the other side.
See other episodes by Valor Phoenix
(Posted Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:19)
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