Palm (AST)

Palm is a member of the Fox Clan, Eyebrights wife and Lemon’s mother.
==Appearance==
==Personality==
The time Palm spent with her kidnappers has left her mentally broken. She hardly ever leaves the protection of the clan she's in, and she has a deep irrational, hatred of humans. Even in the Musk she hardly ever ventures out and practically refuses to interact with anyone who isn't a kitsune. When she does, you can just feel the disgust pouring off her. However this hatred is merely a mask for her fear which is why Peach didn’t believe that she would just take Lemon and run away. Palm just wouldn’t be able to live among humans. Despite her irrationality Palm does have some standards some going after uninvolved parties is something she wouldn't do.
==Biography==
===History===
Palm is from a European clan of kitsune when she was young she was kidnapped by a group of humans. To say this was a rough time in her life would be a gross understatement. She was their captive for decades, and the full list of things they did to her would take likely hours to repeat and wouldn't be pleasant to listen to. Through all of it, she never broke. She put on a wonderful act. Made her captors think she was completely shattered when in fact she was just biding her time, waiting for the right moment. Then, it happened. Her current captor of the time got sloppy, too trusting of her, and let her have just a bit more freedom than he should have. She capitalized, slowly neutralizing every contingency he had until he had nothing left and then pounced when he was off guard.
While Palm is a mate of Eyebright like his other mates she mostly played the role of the a concubine. She went to the fox clan conceived Lemon while Peach kept her distance and then returned to her home clan. However for whatever reason she she ended up with the Musk.
===Plot===
Palm has her clan thoroughly convinced that while angry she had accepted Lemon’s punishment. That is until she slipped away from them and headed to Japan. Knowing of her hatred of humanity Peach believed she planned on killing Kasumi and arrived before her. With her target warned Palm was forced wait until Kasumi left the protection of San Cheng Huang. As she was figuring out where she would stay for the night Palm sensed something. She initially thought it was Palm only to realize it was something she had never witnessed before. The figure joined her on the roof of Furinkan, but luckily dismissed her as she was in the form of a bird. Realizing it would be best to avoid whoever this was Palm flew into the air and off into the night.
Palm almost followed Ranma to the San Cheng Huang but opted instead to follow Akane, Kodachi and Ranko who went out shopping with Shan and Kane. After manipulating the group into getting lost and out of the way of witnesses she revealed herself. Immediately, Ranko jumped in front of their group to take up a defensive posture. Palm told them that all she wanted was satisfaction and to send a bit of a message. She presented her hand in front of her, palm up, seemingly empty save a single pink flower petal. With a gentle blow, Palm sent the petal flying into the air and it rapidly began replicating itself. Initially Ranko felt unthreatened, dismissing the attack as a distraction or magic, but quickly realized her folly as her lungs started to go on fire. Fortunately, Shan and Kane were quick to generate wind in order to blow the petals away, before grabbing the three and flying away.
Lemon wanted to confront her mother and asked Ranma and Herb to escort her. Palm somehow discovered what she was up to and showed up at the San Cheng Huang disguised as Peach. Finding Kasumi on the deck she told her that she was on patrol and left an illusion to take her place when Kasumi asked why she wasn’t at school with the others. She then asked Kasumi why she wasn’t inside and when she assured her that she was still inside the barrier Palm asked the whereabouts of Ranma and Shampoo who would be able to tell she wasn’t Peach. Kasumi hoped that Palm would at least be receptive to talking, but she told her not to get hopes up. The two had a bit of small talk where Kasumi asked Palm about the fox clan. 
 
Palm ended up asked Kasumi why she was helping Lemon since she tried to have her killed. Kasumi gave the kitsune a decidedly rare scowl of displeasure at the suggestion that she simply dispose of Lemon. She told Palm that Lemon just made a mistake. Unimpressed by this answer Palm huffed at this. She pointed out that that Lemon was nothing but a burden; she even went so far as to ask if Kasumi was getting some other use out of her, something sharply denied. Calming down Kasumi asked Palm if this was about Lemon’s mother knowing they had issues with each other, when she didn’t answer Kasumi continued on saying that Palm being so... hurt could explain much of Lemon's outlook as she was no doubt taught by her mother. The kitsune studied Kasumi for a moment, and then told her that she sounded like Eyebright. Palm asked Kasumi one last question if she would risk her life for Lemon if it came to it. Kasumi didn’t even let Peach finish before affirming that she would. Kasumi betrayed some shock when Peach said that the rumors about her were true, but said nothing. With that Palm left claiming that she had to continue her rounds.
 
Heading toward Ranma, Lemon, and Herb she separated Lemon from them by putting the three in a conceptual space. Unlike Ranma and Herb, who had been caught in some kind of forest, the twisting world brought Lemon to a sunny open field. She rushed towards her mother when she appeared demanding to know what she was doing. Palm calmly replied that she was dealing with matters her way since no one else seems to be willing, before taking Lemon by the shoulders and asking how she was. She ignored Lemon calling her out for causing trouble and simply asked if she had been hurt. Finally releasing her when Lemon told her she was fine. Palm started ranting about how the clan had given Lemon away only to be stopped by her daughter who pointed out that it was her punishment.
 
Palm sneered in disgust at this, but Lemon didn’t back down as she only had herself to blame for her current circumstances. She also pointed out that it was her father’s decision, but Palm just Tched at this. Unsure how to precede Lemon tried a different approach and revealed that she was also on a mission. She was surprised to learn that Palm already knew about it, though Eyebright hadn’t told her the details. This at least gave her an in to try and convince her mother not to hurt Kasumi as she was important to the clan's future. However it turns out that Palm wasn’t after Kasumi. Taking her daughter by the shoulders once more Palm told her that she would take vengeance for the disgrace forced upon Lemon. Leaving Lemon behind, confused, Palm returned to the woods and vanished before Lemon could even manage a, "Wait!" Naturally, Palm did not return, leaving her daughter to her confusion, but soon Lemon's eyes grow wide in realization.
Palm set up the conceptual space to mess with everyone’s emotions and waited until in a fit of rage Ranma left Herb alone saying that they should split up. This allowed Palm to confront the prince. It turns out that Palm was actually after him not Kasumi and he was who she felt was truly responsible for what happened to Lemon. Herb was quick to point out that Eyebright needed him just as much as he needed Kasumi, unfortunately Palm wasn’t there to kill Herb she was there to make him suffer. Palm explained to Herb how her conceptual space was created and when she finished she produced a horn from nowhere and blew it.
 
Herb braced herself as demonic like dogs, and a black horse came out of the woods and stopped next to Palm. Palm quickly mounted the beast and smiled at the transformed prince. Herb tried to put on a brave face, but Palm was happy for her to stay and attempt to fight off dogs. It quickly became apparent that going on the offensive was not an option as the demonic dogs were like wisps of smoke that any form of attack simply passed harmlessly through. Sadly, while they might be immaterial when attacked, the same could not be said of their attacks. The prince then tried to attack Palm, but such was as futile as attacking the hounds due to her ability to control the space around her. In the end Herb was forced to flee for her life. Of course, with Palm admitting Herb's death was not the objective, Herb had considered simply stopping and taking her chances, but quickly dismissed this. Maiming, wounding, torture... those all didn't need her to die. It could well be Palm's aim to do Herb such harm that while she would live, she would indeed wish not to.
 
Palm would systematically appear before Herb forcing her to switch directions. She ignored Palm's taunts, instead concentrated on continuing ahead, and trying to think of a plan besides continuing to flee and hoping that rescue from outside could arrive. As she gave chase Palm once again called Herb out for what she did to her daughter. Herb remained focused on ensuring the hounds stayed behind her, only pausing when Palm accused him of driving Lemon to her actions by boxing her in. When a frustrated Herb denied this Palm’s reply was harsh and swift, pointing out that Herb had tossed Lemon aside to chase after a woman he not only barely knew but was already engaged to another. Herb tried to counter that Lemon had other options while Palm conceded this, she still pointed out that Lemon's actions were the result of sheer desperation.
 
Herb tried to argue that he wasn’t aware of the consequences that Lemon would face, however Palm didn’t accept that. Herb continued to argue before realizing that she was being led into a trap. Palm gave Herb an out, telling her that she would free her if she renounced her male form entirely and fully embrace the role of Kasumi’s dutiful bride. Herb just scowled, but Palm left the offer open. At that moment the hounds finally caught up with Herb, and it was all Herb could do to raise an arm to shield herself. In an instant she felt intense pain as the hound snapped down on the limb, and she could hear the crunch of her own bones. Herb knew at that moment it was over, so took the only course of action left to her and shut out all sensation as the rest of the pack descended upon her.
 
Herb took in a sharp breath and sat up sharply, her body shaking. She looked down to see both her hands intact before noticing the shadow of Palm's horse over her. Seeing her confusion Palm coldly reminded Herb that she wouldn’t die. Before Herb could respond, Palm raised her horn to her lips and blew once again. As before, shadowy figures appeared in the woods and slowly stalked forward. Herb could only curse her circumstances before once more attempting to flee. That was all Herb could do, loop after loop Herb did her best to delay the next one. The worst thing about it all was not the pain, or the fear, but that she was not able to deal with it. Intellectually she understood, under these conditions while it was painful, it was ultimately meaningless. She'd always come back. But knowing this did not change her feelings. Every loop felt like the first. Every chase was a matter of life and death. Every attack the horror of it felt fresh and new. And, no matter how many times it repeated, she just couldn't get used to it in the slightest.
 
Knowing that the current loop was already a lost cost rather than dwell on the inevitable, Herb used the one mental trick left at her disposal and preoccupied her thoughts with other things. Namely her previous argument with Palm. Herb was able to admit to herself that Palm had been right. Her thoughts then moved on to Sorora's words from long ago. that she may have to give up something precious to her. At the time she really didn't grasp what Sorora was speaking to, and right now she truly still did not. Herb's footing gave way with a bad step, and she found herself falling to the ground. Recovery was impossible so she gave up even trying, simply panting on the ground as her consciousness continued to slip.
 
Palm and the hounds surrounded their prey, she asked if Herb was giving up or was just ready to beg for release. Herb considered the proposal but an impatient Palm didn’t give her a chance to answer. Only a moment later it was over, only to begin anew. Herb stood up, looking at Palm, but her eyes seemed like glass, with little recognition behind them. The kitsune frowned surprised Herb had been broken so easily. When Herb didn’t answer Palm just sounded the horn again. Herb barely responded, but did turn away on instinct and began a new attempt to escape. It was at this point that Ranma arrived the enchantment Palm had placed on him having been broken by Lemon. Seeing the vacant expression on Herb’s face nearly stunned him.
 
Ranma attempted to get Herb to snap out of it. Unfortunately Herb gave no reply and seemed to lose interest in Ranma, returning his full attention ahead. He started in Shock when Palm’s voice came from his side telling him that this was none of his concern, but kept his pace as he looked over at her. Ranma attempted a quick jump kick at her, but found himself flying radically off target. After admonishing himself for thinking it would be that easy, Ranma flickered once more and joined Herb again, a sick feeling entering him as he started to put two and two together about what she did to Herb. Knowing that running wasn’t a real option Ranma looked back at the hounds before refocusing on Palm. As he was contemplating his next move, Herb finally spoke. telling that attacking was useless in broken speech. 
 
While happy that Herb was at least still there, Ranma told her to save her energy. Amused, Palm unexpectedly reined her mount in and raised her hand. In response the hounds halted their advance. She told Ranma that Herb was correct as the world was hers to command. Ranma huffed and came to a halt as well, noticing Herb do likewise. He then fired off a blast of ki at the distant hounds. None reacted, and the blast hit true but did nothing as the form of the struck beast simply scattered like smoke only to reform. Ranma responded to Palm’s continued taunts by calling her a coward. Scowling at this Palm corrected Ranma, telling him that this wasn’t a fight it was retribution. Ranma wasn’t buying it and just called Palm a sicko, stating that there was nothing noble about her actions. Ranma to goad until he suddenly found Palm right in front of him, a look of unbridled rage in her eyes as she stabbed her hand through his chest.
 
Ranma let out a pained groan and desperately reached out at her, able only to barely touch her face before strength left his arm. Palm withdrew her hand, now covered in Ranma's blood and shoved the boy backward to the ground. From her vantage point, Herb could see the life leave Ranma, a large hole in his chest right where his heart would be. Despite this alarming sight, the prince gave no indication of a reaction, and simply watched. As Ranma seemingly took in one last breath, the wound quickly sealed and repaired itself, even his clothing being restored and Ranma took in a new shocked breath before bolting upright.
 
It took awhile for Ranma to come back to his senses, when he did a smug Palm asked him if he still wanted to fight. In response Ranma steadied his breathing and forced a smile onto his face, before telling Palm that she had already lost. Palm was trying to figure out what he was talking about when she seemed to notice something. She looked about sharply, then to the opposite side, as if trying to trace a sound. She spun about, still confused when she raised her hands to her head and started to make confused grunts. Ranma rushed back to a confused Herb. Telling her that she would explain later, he had her sense where Lemon was. As their brief conversation had been underway, Palm's confusion had graduated into panic as she desperately held her head and she began to hyperventilate. However, before Ranma and Herb could begin their run, she screamed out and lashed out, her arms changing into long slender rope like appendages that slashed through the trees around her. Both Herb and Ranma managed to duck under the wild attack, and bolted the second she paused to scream again.
 
As they ran, Ranma looked back to see the kitsune repeat her flailing assault on the trees around her, but they were now out of range. However, while the assault itself did not reach them, a nauseating sensation washed over him. Ranma powered through the sensation, but soon found the very ground seemed to be swelling and dipping erratically. Both he and Herb stumbled and fell to the ground as the sensation worsened and the world started to bend entirely around them. Unfortunately for Ranma, this collapse was not easy on him either. The nausea only intensified and vertigo assaulted him, forcing him to close his eyes in a desperate attempt to manage it. Fortunately, though, the effect did pass, and he finally opened his eyes to see he was once more on the rooftop, apparently having never left. Collapsed next to him was Herb, apparently having been feeling the same effect, and Lemon was just a few short feet in front of him. Just as relief was starting to set in, a loud scream came from behind him, and only pure instinct saved him.
 
Palm was still thrashing behind him, but now, outside the conceptual space, all four were now confined to the rooftop, a much smaller space, and one which put them all within each other's easy reach. Ranma barely dodged another sweeping attack, and in the next instant had to snatch up Lemon as she too nearly became a victim. Herb fortunately seemed to have regained enough sense to dodge on her own, carrying all three out of harm's way for the moment. Palm continued attacking randomly around her, forcing them to continue to dodge as the rooftop was quickly laid to waste. Luckily just as Ranma was about to grab Lemon and jump off the roof a new voice could be heard.
 
Ranma looked back in confusion to see a new woman on the rooftop standing over what looked like a pool of water on the roof itself. Ranma puzzled at this until he saw her gesture up and the pool rise off the roof, and reveal itself to instead be a decorated mirror with several charms attached around it. The surface of the water grew still turning into the mirror-like surface, but from within Ranma could see Palm in a great void continuing to silently lash out at the nothingness around her.
==Abilities==
Palm has a five tails: Illusion, Power, Time-Space, Alteration and her newest is Transformation. While powerful she's also highly inexperienced and poorly trained. She’s no match for Peach and a few of the fighters in Nerima could give her some trouble. Despite her lack of skill she’s still powerful enough that fighting her in incredibly risky. In fact she proved even more powerful then even theorized when she trapped Ranma and Herb in a conceptual space. Palm’s greatest assets are her mental fortitude and patience something that allowed her to survive decades of captivity and torture.
==Relationship==
===Peach===
Peach and Palm don’t get alone with each and they reason for this is simple. They're kitsunes, both mating with the same male. However while Peach openly hates Palm, Palm barely interacts with her.
==Notes==
Palm wasn’t kidnapped by the Organization since it happened centuries before it existed.
Category:A Scary Thought
Category:Musk Dynasty
Category:Original