SHINJI THE TIGER
by Gunman
Disclaimer: Don't own anything, like before.
Summary: Shinji and Ryoga meet the lovely amazon Shampoo where Shinji ends up battling the nearsighted fighter Mousse for Shampoo's hand.
This is still a response to Invincible Shinji's Romance Fanfic Challenge.
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Chapter 2
Meeting the Amazons
Since Ryoga had the poor sense of direction, Shinji had little choice but to take the lead. After three months on the road, even the incredibly patient Shinji found himself frustrated beyond belief at the lack of progress the pair had made.
When they got back to Jusenkyo for the third time, Shinji asked the guide directions to the nearest village. He told them it was to the south, just over a large river, about a two-to-three hour walk from the valley of cursed pools.
Shinji had thanked the man in his native Mandarin and left with Ryoga in tow.
However, the pair encountered a slight problem in their path.
That problem was a freak rainstorm that struck when they were only an hour from the village.
However, they had quickly discovered early on that in their animal forms both tiger and piglet could communicate with each other.
(This is ridiculous!) Piglet-Ryoga squealed.
(Would you just relax and bring your clothes over here.) Tiger-Shinji said as he tried to stuff the boy's trousers into the backpack.
Not an easy thing considering he now had no opposable thumbs. He was actually amazed that he could grab the umbrella and carry it with his tail.
It did make him wonder why Ryoga hadn't pulled it out when the sound of thunder rolled through the sky.
The black piglet bit into his clothes and drug them over to the tiger, who stuffed the yellow shirt and pants into the backpack. The tiger grabbed the backpack with it's mouth and flung it onto it's back.
(Come on. We're only an hour away from the village. Maybe we can get some help.) Shinji said.
(If they don't decide to eat me and make a rug out of you.) Ryoga said.
Shinji growled at that, making the piglet shrink under his intense gaze.
(Sorry) Ryoga apologized.
(That's supposed to be my line.) Shinji chuckled.
Shinji actually figured Ryoga would have been more optimistic about things, especially with what they had been through traveling around the Whole Freaking Planet thanks to Ryoga's poor sense of direction. He was also amazed that getting turned into animals didn't happen as frequently as they should have, but then again Ryoga being in the lead meant they didn't go near any bodies of water. He was amazed that after ten years of searching for his friend/rival Ranma the lost boy only seemed to get discouraged within the last three months. Part of Shinji wondered if his mood had had something to do with that.
During their travels Shinji had discovered a couple interesting things.
The big thing was that the pair could still communicate with each other in their cursed animal forms, which helped them out considerably during their travels as several people in different countries tried to eat Pig-Ryoga, only to have Tiger-Shinji arrive, snatch up the pigboy and carry him off to safety. However, they could only communicate in their cursed forms. If one of them was human the other one, as an animal, wouldn't have been able to understand them.
Another thing that Shinji discovered was that Ryoga's friend/rival Ranma was afraid of cats.
Wondering how Ryoga could have known that, the lost boy said that it had something to do with his father using a technique on him prior to the pair fighting. Something called The Cat's Fist.
Ryoga was wondering if now that Shinji was part tiger, would he be able to help him defeat Ranma by scaring the boy to distract him so that he could beat him. Of course he gave up that idea as he figured he would just be using Shinji like those people from his world did, and he wanted the pleasure of beating Ranma on his own.
He didn't tell Shinji any of this, but it did leave the boy to wonder how a person could develop a fear of cats because of a martial arts technique their father used on them at a young age.
Not that my own father wouldn't have given me a complex or two if he wanted. Shinji thought as the pair continued walking.
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Back in his own dimension, Gendo Ikari sneezed.
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But Shinji's musings were cut off as the pair approached the river, a shrieking meowing coming from said river.
Shinji looked over and saw that there was a white cat splashing wildly, struggling to keep it's head above water.
Now, Shinji wasn't a good swimmer, which he had told Ryoga on their journey. But the plight of others just jarred something inside him and before he knew it, Tiger-Shinji had quickly discarded the backpack and leaped into the rushing river.
Shinji quickly discovered that his new body was more adapt at swimming than his old one, and he quickly paddled to intercept the struggling white furred cat.
I hope she doesn't think I'm trying to eat her. Shinji thought as he opened his mouth and caught the cat gently between his teeth as the water pushed her towards him.
He figured the cat was a girl from the way she was crying out. It sounded a lot like him at times.
Careful not to bite Shinji lifted the white cat out of the water, his mouth around her small body, and swam back to shore. Gently, he deposited the white cat onto the ground as the piglet ran up to them.
(Shinji are you alright? That was amazing!) Ryoga said.
(Thanks Ryoga. And I'm fine. What about our friend?) Shinji asked.
The white cat coughed up some more water before struggling to look up at the tiger and the piglet.
(Who.. Who are you?) The cat meowed.
(I'm Shinji, and this is Ryoga.) The tiger growled to her.
(You... you have saved me. If there is anything I can do to repay you, please tell me.) She said as she struggled to sit up to properly address them.
(Actually, we were on our way to this village to get directions and supplies. We just came from the cursed valley of Jusenkyo.) Shinji explained.
(You're from the cursed valley?) The cat perked up. (So... that means you are human?)
(Uh, yeah. Ryoga and I are both human males. We fell into the cursed pools about three months ago and have been traveling around ever since.)
Ryoga looked away, glad Shinji didn't tell her that it was because of him that they were so lost.
(Why do you want to know?) Shinji asked the cat.
(Because I am a human female who was cursed only a few hours ago. My name is Shampoo, and you are heading to my village.) The cat said, her tail twitching as she stared at the tiger boy.
(Really?) Shinji grinned, thinking it lucky that they would at least know someone at the village, maybe to help them out. (Then could we accompany you there?)
(Of course. But...) She said as she stumbled over onto her side. (I am very tired from nearly drowning in the river. I... fell in after getting caught in the rainstorm, trying to jump over the river as a human. It was further upriver where the width was greater.)
(Oh. Well, I could carry you if you want. It's not a problem.) Shinji said as he grabbed the backpack in his mouth and tossed it onto his back. In the three months they had been traveling, Shinji had gotten adept at this little maneuver. He then lowered his head to allow Shampoo to climb onto it.
(How come she gets to ride?) Ryoga squealed as the tiger rose to his full height.
(Because she nearly drowned, so it wouldn't be right to make her walk.) Shinji replied and padded over to the bridge he and Ryoga were about to cross before encountering Shampoo.
The piglet just followed after his friend.
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It was less than an hour later as a large Bengal tiger wearing a backpack, carrying a white cat on it's head with a small black piglet following him walked into the village.
A strange sight to be sure, unless you were from this village in which case it was practically the norm.
(I have to admit, this new body does surprise me at times.) Tiger-Shinji said. (For one, I didn't know that tigers could swim so well)
(At least you turned into something cool.) Pig-Ryoga said. (I'm a pig, and a small one at that.) He grumbled. (I mean it's about as useless as turning into a chicken or a duck or something)
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Elsewhere, twenty miles above a random town, a duck in flight sneezed, which actually helped since it was about to fly into a tree branch.
Care to guess who this was?
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(Hey, ducks can fly and swim.) Shinji explained, having heard this complaint before on their journey. (If you had been turned into a duck, you could have saved Shampoo instead of me. Or at least helped.)
Ryoga actually considered that as the pair were directed by Shampoo through the village.
Shinji took note of the village, just looking around at the rather old-style houses and buildings. The village itself seemed to have a serious lack of technology, as if these people had never stepped into the 20th Century. It was like they had stepped backwards in time to the Qing Dynasty (circa 1680).
Yet despite this, the people, most of whom were apparently women, seemed rather content with what they had. It was something that Shinji envied about others. Their happiness.
In the technologically advanced city of Tokyo-3 he was never really happy. Though he knew it was more due to his job than his environment.
(Here!) Shampoo meowed, getting Shinji and Ryoga's attention. The small white cat was pointing to a house that was actually larger than several of the others.
Shinji walked up to the front door as Shampoo started meowing loudly.
Within a few seconds the door opened to reveal the rather odd occupant.
Shinji and Ryoga froze as a small wrinkled mummy balancing on a walking stick opened the door, gasping as she did.
"Yes? Can I help you?" the old crone asked before noticing the trio of animals before her.
(Great Grandmother, it's me! Shampoo!) The cat said, leaping at the ancient looking woman.
Great-Grandmother? Shinji wondered. She looked older than that.
"Oh! Affectionate little minx, aren't you?" the old woman said as she cradled the cat.
(I don't think she can understand you, Shampoo.) Shinji growled.
Shampoo looked at the old woman and realized that Shinji was right. She leaped out of her great grandmothers arms and into the hut.
The tiger, pig and old woman looked on curiously as the cat returned a minute later with a piece of paper and a pencil. Before their very eyes, Shampoo had written her name on the paper, then pawed at it intently.
"'Shampoo'. Shampoo?" the old woman gasped as she picked up the cat and lead the others inside. She put some water into a pot and started to boil it. As she waited the animals sat around the cooking fire that was in the center of the room.
She turned to address them.
"So, am I to assume that you are my great granddaughter." she said to the cat, who nodded fiercely. "I guess this means that your training in Jusenkyo caused this. And these two creatures are also from the valley of cursed springs." again the cat nodded fiercely. "And I would say they are friends as they allowed you to ride atop of them." again the cat nodded. "I see. Are they men or women?" he asked.
The cat meowed once, telling the older woman that it was the first choice.
"Men, then. So they came from Jusenkyo as well." she said as the cat nodded.
Shinji and Ryoga just looked at each other in confusion. Mostly from the fact the old woman was taking this whole thing so well. And she seemed rather perceptive about this.
"I am pleased to meet you. My name is Cologne. I am the matriarch of this little amazon village and great grandmother to Shampoo, who you have met." the old woman introduced.
The water came to a boil and the old woman used a ladle to scoop some water into a cup and placed it in front of the cat. Said cat stuck her paw into the cup and within seconds transformed from a small white furred cat, into a beautiful and athletic-looking 16 year old girl with long purplish hair wearing no clothing whatsoever, yet didn't seem ashamed about her curvy and athletic figure.
"YES! Shampoo is back!" the girl shouted, pumping her fist into the air while the pig and tiger looked away out of sheer respect.
Cologne noticed this, and grinned, as Shampoo hugged her great grandmother and scooped up some hot water for her two friends.
Putting the two cups in front of them, the tiger growled at the pig, who stopped just short of touching his cup. The tiger then took the cup of hot water with his mouth and lifted it upward, tipping it back to wash over him.
Shampoo watched as within seconds the large Bengal tiger was replaced with a handsome young man maybe a couple years younger than herself. He had short brown hair and deep blue eyes, his features clearly Japanese. He was dressed in a tight blue shirt that showed his lean but athletic body and black pants with shoes. It was an extra outfit that Ryoga had picked up on his travels and given to Shinji in place of his plugsuit.
Shinji had discovered that whether in a plugsuit or regular clothes, he could still change from Shinji to Tiger-Shinji without losing his clothes.
Shinji had been glad of that at least, Ryoga was still a bit upset but couldn't blame Shinji for that.
Cologne noticed that Shampoo seemed rather transfixed on the boy, a look of what she perceived to be attraction in the younger girls eyes.
They watched as Shinji, who had kept his eyesight away from Shampoo, picked up the smaller piglet and the water.
"Do you have a private room around here?" Shinji asked, still not looking at the still naked girl.
Cologne didn't hesitate to answer and pointed towards the back of the hut.
Shinji bowed and carried the piglet in the back. He returned a few seconds later, minus the piglet, the hot water and his backpack. He kept his eyes down until Cologne threw a blanket over Shampoo.
"May I ask what that was for?" Cologne asked after Shinji had thanked him for that.
Shinji then explained to the pair that Ryoga's curse, unlike his, didn't allow his clothes to vanish and return when he changed. As a result, if he had changed back into a human being, he would have been naked before the two women. So, for the sake of modesty, he had taken Ryoga to a private room where he could change back without unintentionally offending anyone.
Quite mature, this one. Cologne thought as the young man sat down. "So, how did you meet my great granddaughter?" she asked.
"Shinji save Shampoo from drowning in river when Shampoo fall in." the purple-haired explained in slightly broken Japanese. "Rain turn Shampoo into cat, cat fall into river, Shinji save Shampoo when become tiger. Him and pig friend accompany Shampoo to village. Offer to carry Shampoo." she explained in greater detail.
Shinji noticed that Shampoo's Japanese wasn't as developed as her animal-curse speak.
"I see." the older woman said, looking rather thoughtful. "Then I should thank you, young man."
"For saving your great granddaughter? It's wasn't a problem." Shinji smiled.
"Oh I'm grateful for that, but that isn't what I meant." Cologne cackled, causing the boy to look a bit confused. "I mean for getting her out of her marriage to that thick-headed Saotome boy."
At that moment, Ryoga chose to enter the living room where the trio sat. His ears caught the name 'Saotome' and Shinji found himself nearly bowled over as the lost boy slid up next to him.
"Saotome? As in Ranma Saotome? Japanese kid with a long black pigtail?" Ryoga quickly asked.
"Yes. Boy and father come to village three months ago, try to steal Shampoo food that Shampoo won in fighting match." Shampoo explained. "Shampoo think that boy was girl and challenge to fight. Girl defeat Shampoo, so Shampoo give girl 'Kiss of Death' and follow to place call Nerima in Japan. Shampoo then find out that girl not girl, but boy who also cursed like father. Father become panda, boy become girl with red hair." Shampoo fumed, wrapping the blanket around her tighter in anger.
Shinji and Ryoga were taking this all in, though in different venues.
"So, Ranma's a girl, is he? A redhead, huh? Well, that shouldn't be a problem to find in Nerima." Ryoga said, cracking his knuckles. Even he knew that redheads were a rarity in Japan.
Not if you can't find it, buddy. Shinji mentally commented. "And you said that he and his father were here three months ago? And that they have curses, like us? From Jusenkyo?" Shinji asked the woman.
"Yes." Cologne said. "They were training in Jusenkyo before passing through our village."
"A panda and a redhead." he mused.
"Well, thank you for the information." Ryoga said, stand up to leave. "We really need to get going."
However, Shinji quickly grabbed his arm and pulled him back down, all without looking away from the fire in the center of the room.
"Huh? Shinji?" Ryoga gasped as the boy slightly ignored him, looking deep in thought.
If Ranma and his father were in Jusenkyo three months ago, about the same time we were there, and they can turn into a redheaded girl and a panda, and it was a redheaded girl and a panda that knocked us both into those pools, turning us into a tiger and pig, then... oh boy!
"It was them." Shinji said.
"What?" Ryoga asked.
"It was Ranma and his father who are responsible for turning us into a tiger and a pig."
"Huh?" Ryoga gasped.
Referring to Ryoga as 'the lost boy' suddenly took on a new meaning for Shinji.
"Ryoga, if Ranma and his father were at Jusenkyo three months ago, they would have been there the same time we were, right?"
"Uh, I guess." Ryoga replied.
"And if their curses cause them to turn into a redheaded girl and a panda like the elder said, and it was a redhead and a panda who knocked us both into the pools that gave us our curses, then it was Ranma and his father who are responsible for what happened to us."
Ryoga's mind snapped at what Shinji was saying.
"You Mean I've Got Another Reason To Fight Ranma Now?" Ryoga nearly shouted.
"But boy say he not like be girl." Shampoo interfered. "Say that father take him on training trip. That why he in Jusenkyo."
Shinji looked at Shampoo as his mind went to work again. "So that means that his father, not Ranma himself, is more responsible for turning us into a tiger and a pig."
"What the heck are you saying?" Ryoga asked. "Just a second ago you said that it was Ranma who was responsible for giving us our curses."
"I said it was Ranma and his father, but if what Shampoo said is correct, that his father brought both of them to Jusenkyo to train, then the reason they were there in the first place was because of him, not Ranma. So, like I said, his father is more responsible for what happened to us than Ranma is."
Ryoga exhaled sharply. "Alright, so I'll fight Ranma for running out on our duel, and beat up Genma Saotome for turning me into a pig, and you into a tiger." he prioritized. "Though to be honest you got the better curse."
"Yes, much better." Shampoo smiled at Shinji.
"Indeed. If the boy turns into a tiger and you, great granddaughter, turn into a cat, then you are more perfectly matched than the Saotome boy." Cologne said.
Shinji's eyes knitted as he listened to them. Something in his mind was tingling at this.
"Yes, Shampoo find better husband." the purple haired girl smiled.
"Better... what?" Shinji gasped.
"Shampoo said that you saved her life from drowning. That's right isn't it?" Cologne asked.
"Uh, well, yes." Shinji replied, wondering where this was going.
"When you save the life of an amazon maiden, you free them of their previous obligation of marriage to another outsider, and thus take their place." Cologne explained.
"It amazon law." Shampoo added.
"You mean... because I... and she... took his... I'm Her Husband?" he shrieked while Ryoga looked shocked.
"Yes." the elder said. "When Ranma defeated Shampoo in fair combat three months ago, he was a red haired girl. By Amazon law Shampoo gave him the Kiss Of Death and tracked him down in order to kill him. But when she found out that Ranma was actually a boy, under amazon law, she had to marry him because he defeated her. After finding out about his curse, Shampoo came home in order to train some more, only to fall into the cursed pools of Jusenkyo.
"She was obviously turned back into a human girl by the Jusenkyo guide, and then turned back into a cat by the rainstorm on her way back. She fell into the river and would have drowned had you not saved her. By doing this, you freed her from her obligation to Ranma, and effectively took his place as Shampoo's husband. A much better choice I must admit." the old woman added.
Normally Shinji would have been at a loss for words at something like this, but there was something that stood out in his mind at what she had said.
But if she was there the same time as we were, we would have seen her. Unless we just missed her as she was heading back from Jusenkyo. She did say that she tried to jump across the wider part of the river on her way back, which would have been further up the river from where we were. "Wait, better choice?" Shinji asked. "What do you mean?"
"Let us just say that Ranma Saotome was proving to be a rather... reluctant husband for my great granddaughter. After hearing all this, I believe you will be much better for her." Cologne said.
"But... how do you know?" Shinji asked. "I mean... you really just met me, and even with your laws, how do you know I'm a good choice to replace Ranma as Shampoo's husband?"
"Because of what Shampoo has told me about Ranma and you."
Shinji looked at her curiously as if asking her to continue.
"Ranma has rejected Shampoo's many advances when she was in Nerima to get him to come back with her to our village. She even told me how he failed to help her out in a fight against a woman named Akane Tendo. But you, boy, instantly jumped into the river to save her. You did not know who she was at the time, yet you went selflessly to her aid. This tells me you have good character and I can tell that you are a strong fighter."
"Okay, hold it right there! How could you possibly know that?" Shinji asked.
The old woman grinned. "You don't get to be the elder of ours or any other Chinese village without being able to tell if someone is or is not a fighter. Our village values the art of fighting above all else, and while young I can tell you have strength and skill."
"Oh. Well you can thank Ryoga for that. He's a difficult trainer but I've learned a lot from him." Shinji said, blushing a little.
"Indeed." the old woman cackled. "Well, as I said I can tell that you are a strong fighter, and just by listening to you, I can tell you are not only strong, but well-mannered and respectful to others."
"I... you have my mother to thank for that." Shinji said with some sadness, which told Shampoo that no one had cared for the boy since her death, which was perhaps a long time ago.
"Shinji miss mother." Shampoo deduced.
"She... died when I was only four." he replied.
Shampoo moved towards the boy and gently put her arms around him, hugging him close as he just blushed at the intimate contact, fully aware that she only had a blanket between him and her.
Cologne could only smile at this, knowing that Shampoo was not only accepting Shinji as her new husband-choice, but it seemed her sensitive side was emerging as well. As though she was looking forward to caring for this boy.
He is perhaps two years younger than her. Shampoo must know this. Cologne thought. He is far more mature than she is, more intelligent. But he has strength as well. Shampoo has always wanted a strong husband and though she acts reckless at times, she is a good person. Shinji seems to be the balance she needs. I wonder, does she feel a connection with this boy? She does seem rather quick to accept him over Ranma.
"Shinji not be sad. Shampoo take care of Shinji now." the girl said as she held him.
A feeling of warmth flowed through him as she said that. He chuckled a little as he turned to look at her face-to-face. "As my wife, or my mother?" he asked.
Shampoo smiled. "Shampoo become mother later, to children of Shinji."
The boy was glowing after he heard that. "Uh... aren't we a little young for that?" he said, the hut all bursting into laughter that was long overdue in Cologne's mind.
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Shinji walked through the village just watching everyone working and playing with their family. He had been allowed some time to think alone about Shampoo's offer, weighing the pros and cons of it all. He looked around at the village. He smiled at seeing how happy everyone was.
I wish I could be happy like that.
"Something on your mind, son-in-law?" a croaking voice behind him called.
Shinji turned to see Cologne standing next to him. He wasn't surprised that he hadn't heard her.
"Son-in-law? I haven't married Shampoo."
"Yet." she grinned.
"You seem pretty confident in that." Shinji stated.
"Very. But pray tell, what seems to be the trouble?"
"I was just watching everyone, elder. They seem so happy." he said.
"Yes. They are happy because they have people to care for, and who care for them. Our lives are simple, but we have the most important thing there is: a family."
He sighed. "Must be nice." he said sadly.
Cologne noticed the tone of his voice. "Why so glum boy? You've got a wonderful young woman who is more than willing to be your wife and give you a family."
Shinji sighed. "I guess that's the problem, elder. Shampoo is willing to marry me because I saved her life, that's all. It's your laws that say that. So..."
"You wonder if she will love you truly on her own, or because of an obligation to our clans laws."
"Yes." he said with a deep sigh.
BOP!
"OWW!" Shinji hissed as he held his head where Cologne had struck him with her cane.
"Stop being such a wet blanket, boy! I know my great granddaughter and she is not so blind in her duty to her village that she would marry just anyone."
"But... you said that because I saved her life I replaced Ranma as her..." he said, but was interrupted.
"Yes you did. But the key to that rule is that because you freed Shampoo of her first obligation, she can choose whom to love without obligation."
"Without obligation? And she chose me?"
"Yes. Granted it was you who freed her from being engaged to a reluctant Ranma, to which I thank you as I saw little future in that union, but she can sense that there is a connection between the two of you. Maybe it has something to do with your curses that turn you into cats, maybe something to do with you're being the perfect match for each other."
Perfect match? Shinji wondered what Cologne meant by that.
"Or it could be because she senses that you are a person who needs compassion and love." she explained to him.
Shinji blushed at that, but couldn't argue.
"Shampoo is a very passionate person. She was anxious to marry Ranma because she felt he was the same as herself. She sensed that he too wanted love and affection, though it as obvious that he would not have reciprocated her feelings anytime soon. Despite her rather persistent advances and optimism she felt that her affections were wasted on him. She wants someone to care for, someone who will return her love, be her equal, and she believes that to be you, boy."
Shinji folded his mind deep in thought at what he was being told. On the one hand the thought of being cared for by someone like Shampoo made him feel warm all over. On the other, he was naturally worried about being hurt if he opened his heart to someone. Anyone, really.
"Under our clans laws, if an outsider male, that's you, saves the life of an amazon, such as Shampoo, then she is free of her prior marital obligation to another, which would be Ranma. At this point, she can choose to marry the outsider who saved her, or simply walk away with her thanks to him. That little detail is left for amazons alone to know."
"Amazon's alone? Then why are you telling me this?" he asked.
"So that you will understand Shampoo better." She replied.
"So you're saying... if she wants to marry the outsider, she has the support of amazon law, but the same is true if she chooses not to marry him?" Shinji reasoned.
"Precisely." Cologne smiled.
"And she wants to marry me." he stated, not asking. "Even if she did, it sounds as if your laws are set up to accommodate you and you alone."
Cologne just shrugged. "The same could be said of all laws created by separate villages to bodies of government to ancient kingdoms."
Shinji couldn't argue with that.
"But if Shampoo wants to marry you, then she has the support of our law and village. And whether or not you believe me, her affection is genuine."
"And I'd be a fool not to at least consider it. Or do I have a choice in the matter?"
"Little, actually. Though you could end up doing to her what Ranma did and spurn her advances. Of course, I doubt you are such a person as he." she said and then hopped away back to her hut.
Shinji watched her go and then sat down under a bushy tree.
His thoughts revolved around all that he had just been told. About Shampoo, and Ranma, and the clans laws. Everything.
The girls affection seemed genuine, though he was sure that Cologne was biased in her endorsement of Shampoo. Still... he liked the way he had felt when she held him.
The elder is right. I am a wet blanket. I'm so worried about getting hurt that I'll push away any possible honest, heartfelt relationship. I'm scared to take a chance, either from my getting hurt or from my hurting someone that I care for. He mused. Still... she is pretty and she does give good hugs. And it's not like I don't want to be cared for. But.. He suddenly paused. All this thinking was making him just a little sleepy.
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Shinji awoke hours later to see that the sunlight was starting to dim, indicating that it was nearly dusk and that meant dinner time. He tried to move, only to find that he couldn't. Looking right he noticed a mass of purple hair resting on his shoulder, a pair of arms wrapped tightly around his chest.
Shampoo. He thought as he shifted a little, causing the amazon maiden to stir.
"Mmm. Airen?" she said as she looked up to face a now wide awake Shinji.
"How long have we been like this?" he asked her.
"Not long. Great grandmother find Shampoo, tell her airen in forest. Shampoo come find airen asleep under tree. Shampoo keep airen warm, make sure other amazons not take airen from Shampoo." she said with a smile, and he noticed that she was now dressed in an loose fitting orange martial arts outfit. Much to his relief.
Shinji smiled back at her. She certainly was the loyal type. He pressed his forehead to the young, shapely maiden's brow as he stared into her eyes.
"Do you really want to marry me?" he asked her.
"Yes. Shinji make good husband for Shampoo." she replied.
He stared at her for a few seconds, remembering all that Cologne had said to him. "Shampoo would make a good wife for Shinji." he said, admiring her smile. "But I do want to get to know Shampoo better before I marry her."
"Then come! Shampoo make dinner for airen!" she cried as she quickly sprang to her feet and hurried off to prepare her village's finest meal. Shinji could only smile as he walked back to the village after the energetic amazon, musing how she probably was a good choice for a wife.
Suddenly, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up.
Danger! Shinji thought as he quickly dodged a knife that would have struck where his head was.
"YOU!" a sudden shriek called out.
"Huh?" Shinji gasped as he looked up and saw a man standing on a large branch of a nearby tree.
"You are the one who has taken my beloved Shampoo! For that you must die!" the man said.
"What are you talking about? I haven't married her yet. And who are you?" Shinji asked.
"YET? So you admit it! I am Mousse, and I am here to kill you!"
Shinji looked at the young man. He had long black hair, was dressed in a large white Chinese shirt, blue pants and slippers, and he had very thick glasses over his eyes.
He leaped into the air and let loose a fierce stream of chained weapons at Shinji from his oversized sleeves.
That's impressive. Shinji dodged them on pure instinct, his hit-and-miss training with Ryoga proving effective once again.
"I will defeat you, boy, and prove that only I am worthy of giving Shampoo the love she deserves!" Mousse cried out as he tossed more chains at Shinji, who kept dodging the chained weapons.
I really don't care why this guy is trying to kill me, I'm kinda used to it. He thought as he dodged the chains again. But I don't like his attitude. "I don't know who you are, but I've got the gist of what you are." he said as he rolled along the ground to avoid a spiked ball.
"And what am I?" Mousse asked.
"Someone who obviously cares more for his own opinion than that of others!" Shinji replied as he stood up.
"Shampoo values strength! Once I defeat you and prove myself, she will love my opinion over hers."
"What kind of thinking is that?" Shinji spat. "Shampoo's heart cannot be won like that. And she is the one who chooses who she wants to be with not you!"
"You are obviously a visitor to this province, so you do not know the rules. Or the laws. It is simple. I defeat you, you will lose favor in Shampoo's eyes, and she will look to me for happiness."
"What delusional world are you living in?" Shinji said simply.
"Pardon?" he asked, obviously confused.
"Shampoo can make up her own mind. If she chose me, I'd welcome it. With open arms. But if she chose not to, I could understand and accept that. But you obviously don't care about her as much as you say you do. Otherwise you would respect her decisions."
"What? How dare you! You question my love?"
"I question your intentions! You say you love Shampoo, but you're more interested in forcing your affection on her, without regard for what she might want. That proves you are unworthy of her!" he shouted, obviously pissed off at the man.
Behind a nearby tree, a certain purple-haired girl was watching and listening.
"Shampoo will be mine! And you will not stop me!" Mousse shouted as he landed on the ground and threw another chained weapon at Shinji.
"But I will. Because as a friend of mine once told me, it's a martial artists duty to help people. And though I may not be the best martial artist in the world, I'll be damned if I don't try my hardest to protect the people I care about!"
Shampoo gasped. Was Shinji talking about her?
"Noble. But it will not save you!" Mousse shouted as he leaped at the young man, throwing out his chains to pin the boy to the ground.
Shinji dodged the chains and leaped into the air, slipping past the weaponry and flew in to kick Mousse hard in the stomach.
Shinji landed on his feet, Mousse landed on his backside.
I don't know what kind of future Shampoo and I would have together, but I do know that it would be of our choosing. Shinji thought as he turned to face Mousse, who was slowly getting to his feet. "Shampoo chooses her own life, Mousse, and her own husband." Shinji stated.
"We will see about that!" Mousse shouted as he lunged at the boy.
Shinji and Mousse flew at each other, throwing punches and kicks with fierceness borne of intense training, or the strength of a tiger.
Shampoo just watched as her intended husband and annoying admirer continued to strike at each other. Their moves strong and polished. But while Mousse had years of experience on his side, Shinji had more... animal instincts to draw upon.
The pair landed only a few meters from each other. Both breathing hard, their faces lightly dotted with bruises. One of Mousses's glasses had a crack in it.
He's strong. Almost as much as myself. This won't be easy. Mousse thought.
He's tough. Tougher than I am. Shinji thought. He'll beat me... unless I take it up a notch!
Suddenly, it began to rain.
"What? No, not now!" Mousse shouted as he suddenly felt himself change from a nearsighted human being, to a small yellow duck. (Oh, great! Now how am I supposed to beat that boy like this?) The duck quacked.
(You're not) a voice growled.
(What?) The duck looked up, staring into the face of a large Bengal tiger.
RRRROOOOOOOAAAAAAAARRRRRRR!! the towering Tiger-Shinji bellowed at the duck.
Said duck just passed out, face-up to the sky.
Oh, man! That guy really packs a punch. I think he broke some of my ribs. I'd better get back to the hut before I get waterlogged. He thought as he padded off to the elders hut.
However, the rain was picking up intensity, and in the haze of the downpour Shinji figured he would be better off finding a dry place to sleep. He was also feeling rather exhausted after his fight.
Hmm? What's this? He paused as he caught sight of an abandoned house just on the edge of the village itself. The hut was rundown, half the building was crumbling, but there was a small part of the hut that was enclosed and shielded from the rain. It was almost like a small wooden cave. Perfect. The tiger thought as he padded over and slid into the small hut.
It wasn't large, but it was enough to get out of the rain.
I'll find the others in the morning and then get changed back. He thought as he settled himself in for a nap, his body too exhausted to argue.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Shinji awoke a couple hours later to the sound of rain and a gentle nudging at his whiskers. He looked over and saw a white cat sleepily nestled up against his face.
Shampoo. He realized. Must have gotten caught in the rain storm and just happened to find me.
Shinji just stared at the white cat for a little bit, just noticing how cute she was.
Suddenly, the white cat blinked it's eyes open.
(Husband, are you alright?) The cat meowed as she stood up.
('Husband'? You still want to marry me, huh?) The tiger growled softly.
(Yes.) She said, pawing at his face gently.
He actually smiled at being wanted by someone. (Well, I'm fine. But how did you find me?)
(I saw your fight with Mousse.)
Shinji's eyes widened. (You saw that?) That meant she had been here the whole time.
(Yes. And I heard you too.) She said as she licked his nose. (Thank you for welcoming my love with open arms.) She meowed.
She really was listening. She must have come back for me, saw us fighting, and stayed with me when I found this little dugout to get out of the rain. He thought with a smile. (Or open paws.) He said.
The pair laughed as the thunder cracked overhead. Shampoo jumped and cuddled close to Shinji's neck. The tiger put his paw next to the white cat, as if hugging her.
(Don't worry. It's just thunder.) He assured her.
(I was just startled.) She said with a yawn.
(Tired? Then let's get some sleep.) He suggested.
(Yes, husband.) She said as she settled in with her tiger-mate.
To be honest, Shinji liked that title.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Authors Notes:
Here's my second chapter of my 'Shinji the Tiger' story. Hope you liked it. It was a little longer than I anticipated, running from Shinji and Ryoga's travels to meeting Shampoo to Shinji's fight with Mousse.
And yes, this is my second Shinji/Shampoo story.
Originally I was planning on having Shinji become a tiger, travel with Ranma and Genma to Nerima, and hook up with Kasumi.
But when I realized that Ranma was afraid of cats, and Shampoo was cursed to become a cat, I figured it would be better to make this story a Shinji/Shampoo pairing.
(That just means I'll have to come up with another way for Shinji and Kasumi to get together. Maybe even a Shinji/Akane story. Hey, it's possible!)
If you liked this story please read and review.
But before that...
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
OMAKE!!
"Are you sure you want to do this, Shinji?" Ryoga asked.
"What? I've never had a pet before." Shinji said.
"Well, I just mean... a duck?" he gasped at the cage Shinji was poking pieces of bread through.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, I don't know. I just wonder why a duck was wearing those glasses. They seem pretty thick."
"Yeah. But it was either take them away so he couldn't leave, or clip his wings."
(QUACK, QUACK) the duck called out. (QUACK, QUACK, QUACK!!)
Translation: 'I'll get you for this, boy! Won't someone save Mousse! Shampoo help me!'
"I brought you those bread pieces you wanted, husband." Shampoo said as she entered his room.
"Thanks, hon." Shinji smiled. "I think he was getting really hungry. Just look at him going crazy."
(QUACK, QUACK!)
Translation: HELP ME!!