No, he winced because the spell on the doorway told him the name and some other basic information on the person entering the store.
There was a curse on the family, but not magical in nature. Genetic. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, the problem with their brain chemistry could be overcome and they would live productive lives.
Unfortunately the Kuno family was wealthy enough to have influence, was known to be unpleasant to deal with, and they were Japanese. This last meaning that (among other things) mental aberrations were dirty laundry and shunning the family was the way things normally were taken care of. Except that that particular treatment was not effective.
Kodachi Kuno was looking over the store. Arrogance was showing on her face, disdain for the pedestrian wares on sale.
"Yes, Kodachi Kuno, this is indeed a store which specializes in magical items," the Wizard said when Kodachi opened her mouth. "Yes, indeed, I have items worthy of one of your ancestry and position as the Black Rose of Saint Hebereke School For Girls. No, this is not a bathrobe I'm wearing - it's simply a robe. Yes, I am a Wizard. No, I'm not reading your mind, just a brief scan otherwise I'd be sicking up about now. And yes, I do have something which could ensnare the heart of Ranma Saotome or at least let you know what you need to do."
Kodachi's mouth opened and closed a couple of times. "That is..."
The Wizard checked his clock and frowned. The front of his store moved from location to location. In fifteen minutes there would be a couple of college boys who would enter the store seeking a way of attracting cute girls to a party they were planning. He had to wrap this up quickly or miss that classic opportunity.
"10 yen, Miss Kuno," said the shopkeeper, pouring a measure of coffee into a styrofoam cup. "This is a rare coffee. One that in fact is the essence of what is coffee from a far off land of magic. One sip would cure a four day drinking binge and leave the drinker cold sober. To some people it would be deemed a curse for to drink of this strips away all illusion from your mind - and people are more comfortable with delusions and misconceptions and the veils over their eyes. To drink the entire cup is to bring the very essence of sobriety to you. Drink of this and all the veils will vanish from your eyes and you will see exactly what is necessary for you to accomplish your goals."
Kodachi looked at the unremarkable cup of coffee askance. How droll it wasn't as if she deluded herself at all. Still, if this was a game it was an amusing one.
See other episodes by Tin Saint Kestral
(Posted Tue, 29 Oct 2002 11:49)
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