By: Dreiser
-Twenty One-
Ukyo was hot.
They might have been given the best cabin for their honeymoon but even the best cabin in Joketsuzoku didn't have air conditioning.
Stretching her body which lay snugly in between her Airen she kicked away the blue silk sheet that was barely covering them and groaned, "I hate the heat."
"Really?" Ranma questioned lazily. He had his chin in the palm of his hand and was smiling down at the two girls as he played with Shampoo's lavender hair. "I kind of like it."
"Me too," said Shampoo in muffled tones from where she was draped on Ukyo's stomach.
"Well I don't," complained Ukyo. "I hate being all sweaty and gross. That's the worst part of training."
Scarlet eyes peeked through mussed bangs and Shampoo said slyly, "What we just finish doing six times make you sweaty. You hate that?"
"Seven," corrected Ranma cheerfully.
"That right," Shampoo smiled. "Seven times." She looked back to Ukyo and said, "Well?"
"Uhm..." began Ukyo haplessly. "That's different. It's a good kind of sweaty."
"A good kind?" asked Shampoo skeptically as she raised an eyebrow. "I no understand. I thought you hate all kind of sweaty. Explain difference."
"Yeah Ucchan," Ranma snickered. "Explain."
Scowling slightly Ukyo glared at Ranma before she formed a mischievous expression and her hand darted under the covers causing him to gasp in delight. "Still want me to explain?" she said sensuously.
"No..." said Ranma breathlessly.
"That's what I thought," murmured Ukyo. She then turned her gaze to Shampoo. "I think we have much better things to do than discuss the weather, don't you?"
"Yes," purred Shampoo. "I think so too."
Smiling widely, Ukyo moved her attention back to Ranma while Shampoo slid underneath the sheet and said, "Eight."
Sakura was in darkness.
Slowly she felt it alleviate into the creeping influx of light as her soul was torn in a painful separation from the oni Ganglot's. Her entire body ached, but in a strangely pleasant way, as Sakura blearily opened her green eyes to look upon the worried features of Kodachi.
"Dachi," rasped Sakura as she weakly lifted her hand to touch the gymnast's face. Kodachi intercepted her hand and pulled to her lips for a soft kiss. "Did it work?"
"Yes," whispered Kodachi tearfully. "You did it, my darling. You succeeded just as you said you would."
"Heh," Sakura chuckled before she gave a harsh cough. "Like there was ever any doubt." A beam of sunlight passed over her eyes and she winced at the contact. "Why's it so bright out? Isn't it night?"
Kodachi tenderly wiped Sakura's forehead that was covered with small beads of perspiration and murmured, "It's the early morning my dearest. You have been resting for nearly twelve hours."
"Twelve hours?" repeated Sakura in a daze. "But how is that possible? It should've taken days for me to wake..."
"It was Ganglot's doing," Kodachi replied quietly. "In the separation she gave you some of her powers. They were meant to aid in your recovery."
"Swell," said Sakura sourly as she coughed again. "I separate with her and still I gotta deal with her crap."
"Sakura darling?" asked Kodachi softly.
Meeting violet eyes Sakura cupped the gymnast's face in a weak hold as she said, "It's just me and you from now on Dachi. I don't want anything to do with her."
"But my dea-" Kodachi began.
"No!" Sakura interrupted with a shout before she began coughing. When she stopped she said more gently, "I gotta have time Dachi... to get rid of her... of her influence and to find myself again. To do that I can't see her, hear her, or even think about her. Can you understand that?"
"Yes," whispered Kodachi with raw emotion. "I can understand completely."
Natsume was confused.
She stared at the Lore Master known as Silk who had appeared out of nowhere at the campsite that she and Kurumi had made slightly outside of the village. But the confusion that she felt was quickly masked with annoyance.
"What do you want?" asked Natsume sharply.
Silk chose to ignore the question and instead walked around the fire to stand across from Natsume. Her hands now linked behind her back she said, "Please call your sister."
"No," said Natsume icily. "You tell me what this is all about. Then I'll call her."
"Please," said Silk in a soft plea. "Call her. I cannot explain anything until she is here."
Stunned at the tenderness in Silk's voice and the love in her gaze Natsume stared at her in shock. "Do as she says Natsume," said Happosai as he appeared next to Silk. "This is something that you both need to hear."
With a silent nod Natsume disappeared into the woods in search of her twin to leave Happosai alone with Silk. "I don't need your help," Silk began harshly. "I'm perfectly capable of telling my children the truth."
"You may be capable of telling them but without me here they won't listen," said Happosai calmly.
"You're an evil man," hissed Silk. "Just because you helped to care for my children doesn't make you any better than Cologne and Lotion. You still hid them from me."
"Call me whatever you like," said Happosai as he formed the smallest of smiles. "But it won't change the fact that all of my girls love me. They'll always be my disciples and nothing you say can change that."
While Silk grimaced at this statement the soft sound of Natsume and Kurumi's approach met their ears. Looking up they saw the twins entering the camp. Kurumi halted in front of the fire and smiled upon seeing Silk.
"Silk-san," Kurumi greeted politely. "I didn't expect to be seeing you so soon. What are you doing here?"
"She wouldn't say," said Natsume tightly. "At least not until I retrieved you."
"Really?" asked Kurumi curiously. She blinked then turned back to Silk and continued, "What's going on?" When Silk didn't reply she looked to Happosai. "Master," she said slowly. "Is something the matter? You both look so serious."
Taking a step forward Happosai began, "I haven't been entirely honest with you girls. Over the years I've kept secrets from you, in hopes of protecting you. You no longer need my protection so it's time that the truth came out."
"Master," said Kurumi with obvious surprise. "What are you talking about?"
"Your mother is alive," said Happosai quietly.
A moment of echoing silence passed as the twins wore faces of complete shock. Then finally, Natsume said in numb tones, "What?"
"He said that your mother is alive," Silk said as she took as step towards the twins. "And I know this to be true because I am your mother."
"No," whispered Natsume in disbelief. Slowly she shook her dark brown head back and forth as she repeated in a strained mantra, "No, no, no..."
Meanwhile Kurumi remained still before she lifted her gaze and looked into Silk's face to see herself there. Studying Silk with a quiet intensity she said, "You're our mother?"
"Yes," replied Silk hoarsely. "I am."
"NO!" Natsume roared as she pushed past her sister to grab onto Silk's lapels. "I won't believe it! You can't be our mother! Our mother died! She loved us and she would have never abandoned us!" Now shaking uncontrollably, Natsume released Silk from her hold as she collapsed to her knees. "It's not true..." she whispered. "You can't be her. You can't."
"Natsume," said Silk painfully as she took a step closer only to have the girl lift her head and bore a gaze of intense hatred into her.
"Don't," hissed Natsume. "Don't you dare say anything more. You've done enough. I won't let you sully our mother's name anymore with your lies."
"They aren't lies Natsume," said Happosai. He walked to his disciple and stood before her as their eyes met. "Silk is your mother and she never abandoned you. You were taken from her, the both of you. The tribal Elders and myself did it. You were seen as a threat to the tribe's safety and because of this you were hidden from her. Silk thought that you were stillborn. She never knew that you existed..."
"No," said Natsume dully. "No... this can't be true. Say this isn't true, Master. Please!"
"I'm sorry," murmured Happosai. For the first time in years his eyes reflected genuine sadness. "But it is."
"Mother," said Kurumi softly.
All eyes turned to Kurumi as she took a hesitant step towards Silk as she stared at the Amazon in certain wonder. A slow joyous smile spread across Kurumi's pretty features before she propelled herself at Silk for a fierce embrace. Clutching to the Lore Master's sides, hot tears rolled down Kurumi's face as she buried herself in Silk's arms.
"Mother," Kurumi said in choked tones of reverence. "I've missed you so much..."
"My baby," sobbed Silk as she pulled Kurumi even closer to her while rocking her back and forth. "I missed you even more. I'll never let you go again, I promise."
Watching this scene with solemn eyes Happosai looked to the numb form of Natsume who sat staring at the ground with a look of dull shock on her features. Touching her shoulder softly he looked into her eyes when they lifted.
"Go to her," Happosai advised. "For your entire life she has been kept from you. Don't let her slip away now that you finally have her back." Before he slipped away into the woods he looked back and repeated, "Go to her."
There was a long moment of silence then Kurumi slipped out of Silk's embrace and knelt at her sister's side.
"Natsume," began Kurumi quietly. "We finally have what we've always wanted. A family... a sense of self. We'll know who we are now. Where we came from. Don't ruin that because of a false grudge. It was all lies, Natsume. Lies."
"Please," whispered Silk as she joined Kurumi to kneel in front of Natsume who stared listlessly at her. "Please don't shut me out. I love you so much..." Her hand shaking Silk hesitantly reached out to cup Natsume's cheek. "I don't think that I could survive finding you only to lose you again."
Closing her eyes Natsume released a shuddering sigh before she lowered her head as the tears flowed freely. When Natsume lifted her gaze moments later she wore a face of aching need. Her lower lip trembling and her eyes shining with tears she said quietly, "Mother?"
"Yes," whispered Silk fervently as she pulled Natsume into her arms. "Yes, that's right."
Now sobbing uncontrollably Natsume curled up into Silk's lap as the Lore Master and Kurumi hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry Mother," sobbed Natsume. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," returned Silk through her own tears. "Don't be sorry, baby. We're together now."
The three of them continued to embrace in a moment of intense bonding as they cried for the years they lost and the lies they were told. And from the bushes Happosai watched it all take place with a definite sense of satisfaction.
Akane was laughing.
Laughing so hard that her sides were hurting and tears streaked her cheeks. The wait for Ganglot to wake up was a long and tedious one. In the midst of it Atsuko came up with the idea to spar with Ryoga to see just how far he'd progressed in the martial arts.
Now, Ryoga was a good martial artist. Admittedly some could say that he was a great martial artist. But the last time he sparred with his mother he'd been thirteen. At thirteen he wasn't nearly as strong as he was now and because of this Atsuko had always gone slightly easy on him.
That wasn't the case now that he was sixteen.
"Mom," groaned Ryoga from high tree branch that he'd been thrown into. As he stuck his head out of the leaves it could be seen that his hair was full of tiny branches and a bird nest rested haphazardly on his head. "Are you trying to kill me or what?"
"Feh," Atsuko shook her head sadly. "You've gotten lazy, Ryo. I might have to train you all over from start."
"I haven't gotten lazy!" said Ryoga in offended tones as he started to climb down from the tree. "It's just that I'm not used to fighting someone with super strength."
"Lazy little Ryo," said Atsuko as she folded her arms over her chest. She looked to Akane, who was still giggling against her will, and said, "Sad, yes? Soon he be fat with big pot belly. So very sad..."
Akane laughed even harder upon picturing Ryoga with a pot belly and jumping down from the tree he landed next to her then eyed her warily. "Thanks Akane," grumbled Ryoga. "You're a big help."
"I'm sorry Ryochan," said Akane as she wiped her tears away as she giggled some more. "It's just that in all my life I never saw anyone land in so many trees."
"Funny," said Ryoga sourly. He was about to say more when the eggs in the nest hatched to reveal several wildly chirping birds.
"See?" said Atsuko smugly. "Even little birdies agree that you've gotten lazy."
"Mom!" Ryoga said in exasperation. "For the last time, I haven't gotten lazy! I just-"
Ryoga's next words were cut off as suddenly out of nowhere a bird descended upon him and started pecking him in the face. Releasing a sharp cry of surprise Ryoga ran into the distance with the bird chasing him while it squawked in outrage while the newborn birds kept chirping.
Looking from Akane, who was collapsed on the ground laughing her head off, to Ryoga who was trying to keep the bird away from his face while climbing up a tree, Atsuko heaved a sigh.
"Guess that mean no more training for today," said Atsuko with a shrug.
Nabiki was curious.
For the fifteenth consecutive time an Amazon warrior was eyeing her with interest and for the fifteenth consecutive time when she met their gaze they quickly averted it. She supposed she should be grateful that they weren't challenging her to duels or chasing her around like they'd done to Kuno. Giving a small shrug she continued walk through the village towards the high logs that were placed for mid air combat training. As she approached she could hear the sounds of Perfume training with her double bladed axes. There was a moment of silence then a loud thunk sounded and seconds later the figure of Perfume was standing before Nabiki.
"Airen," chided Perfume with a smile. "You no can sneak up on me, no matter how quiet you are."
"One day," said Nabiki as she wagged her index finger at the Enforcer. "I'll be able to sneak up on you. Count on it."
"That so?" Perfume said in a low purr. In a smooth movement she pulled Nabiki to her as her smile widened. "I guess I have to be on the look out then."
"Definitely," replied Nabiki. Releasing a quiet sigh Nabiki buried her face in the crook of Perfume's neck and played with the soft strands of chestnut hair.
Her sapphire eyes lidded Perfume kissed the top of Nabiki's auburn hair and murmured, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," said Nabiki. She released another sigh as she felt Perfume snugly wrap her arms around her waist. A long moment passed before she said with quiet humor, "I'm too comfortable. You make me feel lazy."
"That so?" asked Perfume as she formed a pleased smile. Pulling Nabiki even closer she continued, "That not so bad. Sometimes it's good to be lazy. You need to take rest."
"I guess," said Nabiki with a low chuckle. She lifted her hazel eyes to meet Perfume's sapphire ones. "Perfume baby," she began softly. "Why do they stare at me?"
Blinking in confusion Perfume asked, "What you mean, Airen? Who stare at you?"
"The villagers," Nabiki murmured as she buried herself back into Perfume's protective hold. "Every time I leave the cabin they all stare at me. Why is that? Is it because I'm an outsider?"
Smiling as she understood her Airen's question Perfume pulled back to meet their eyes. Lightly caressing Nabiki's cheek Perfume said, "No worries. They only stare at you because they curious." She paused to slyly add, "That and because you so beautiful."
A hot blush tinged Nabiki's cheeks. She averted her eyes for a moment then faced the Enforcer and tapped her on the nose. "But that's not the whole story is it, Bobo?"
"No," said Perfume as she smiled. "It also have to do with my status as tribal Enforcer. They wondering how it was that you defeated me. No offense, Airen, but you not looking much like a warrior..."
"Oh yeah?" asked Nabiki playfully. She tipped her head to one side and said, "What do I look like then?"
"You look like a very beautiful," Perfume paused to kiss Nabiki soundly. "Smart," she paused again to bring about another kiss. "And dangerous woman." She finished with an ardent kiss that caused Nabiki to sigh when they separated.
Breathing at bit raggedly Nabiki looked into sapphire eyes as she said, "I'm dangerous, huh?"
"Very dangerous," said Perfume sensuously. "You make my heart race to point of having an attack."
"What a way to go," Nabiki murmured as she captured Perfume's lips for yet another passionate kiss.
When they parted Perfume chuckled and said, "You hear me complaining, Airen?"
"Nope," said Nabiki with a grin. She paused before she added mischievously, "And that better stay true."
"That so?" said Perfume as she quirked an eyebrow.
"Hey," Nabiki said playfully. She then wound her fingers around the back of Perfume's neck. "I'm the one who defeated you, Bobo. That means I'm the lady in charge."
Considering this for a moment Perfume formed an evil grin as she said, "You really think so?" She moved her hands down the length of Nabiki's body and continued, "But I know something that something that few do."
"What's that?" asked Nabiki.
"This!" cried Perfume as her hands dove towards Nabiki's midsection. In seconds the middle Tendo sister was laughing hysterically as she hunched over Perfume's relentless hand that were tickling her mercilessly. "I know ultimate spot to tickle you!"
"Stoooop," wheezed Nabiki through her laughter. "I surrender. You win, Perfume baby."
"I thought so," said Perfume smugly as she pulled Nabiki up to meet their faces. Pushing back some loose strand of hair she smiled and said, "Wo ai ni."
Burying her face in Perfume's neck Nabiki asked in soft and hesitant tones, "Is that an apology for almost tickling me to death?"
"No," said Perfume. She ran her fingers through Nabiki's auburn tresses. "Just the truth."
Smiling at this Nabiki snuggled closer to her companion and repeated quietly, "Wo ai ni."
Shampoo was hungry.
She quickly stole the last of Ranma's grapes as the pigtailed boy looked at her with wry humor. Ranma sat in front of her surrounded by the messy blue silk blanket. He was searching through the contents of the basket of fruit that the villagers had given them. Ukyo meanwhile, was crouched in the corner of the room going through the assorted presents they'd been given.
"Hey Shamchan," called Ukyo as she turned around to hold up a small brown pouch. "What's this thing for?"
Squinting her scarlet eyes Shampoo said, "Can't tell from here. Come closer..."
"Uh-huh," drawled Ukyo. In a languid movement she rose to her feet to reveal her naked body in all it's beauty. As she walked towards her Airen she said, "You sure that you just don't want to get your hands on me again?"
"Why I want that?" asked Shampoo coyly. "We is married now and they always say married couples no have any sex. Isn't that true?"
"Too late for that," Ranma commented with a snicker. He took a loud bite out of an apple and said, "I'd say that our twelve practice rounds destroy that belief."
"But we're still on the honeymoon," reminded Ukyo as she smoothly sat down next to him. Looking to Shampoo she handed the pouch to the Amazon and said, "What is it? Some kind of herb?"
Peering into the pouch, Shampoo said, "Is love dust."
"What?" said Ukyo. She blinked as Ranma handed her an orange and began to slowly peal it. "What's that for?"
"Is aphrodisiac," Shampoo smirked. "Apparently someone think my Airen no can get and keep it up."
"I'm insulted!" exclaimed Ranma humorously as he wore a face of mock horror. He shook his apple at the ceiling and said, "Is there no propriety in the world anymore?"
"Apparently not," Ukyo chuckled at his antics. She threw the orange peal across the room only to watch as Shampoo stole several of her orange slices. "Of course, my lovely Shamchan," she began dryly. "You can have some of my food. All you need to do is ask."
Smiling impishly, Shampoo devoured the last of the orange slices and wiped her chin. "Thank you, Ucchan."
"You're very welcome," said Ukyo as she formed a long suffering expression. Looking to Ranma she moved to sit in his lap. "Did she steal all your fruit too?"
"Yup," said Ranma easily. He pulled Ukyo closer to him and smiled as he saw Shampoo snuggle into Ukyo's lap while she went through the bowl of fruit. "It seems that our Shamchan has a voracious appetite about a lot of things."
"Airen, complaining?" Shampoo mumbled through her mouth full of banana.
"Us?" Ranma and Ukyo said innocently.
The pair exchanged a look before they both turned back to Shampoo and Ukyo said, "Never."
Shaking his head vigorously, Ranma said, "No way."
"You're silly," said Shampoo with a chuckle. In a slow movement she curled in Ukyo's arms and sighed. "This nice."
"Very nice," murmured Ukyo.
"When are we supposed to leave again?" asked Ranma lazily. "I don't think I really want to go home."
"Yuck," Ukyo formed a face of distaste. "Me either. Going home means going back to school and all the Nerima chaos that seems to follow us."
"Us?" Ranma and Shampoo repeated dubiously.
"Fine," relented Ukyo with a sigh. "Follows me."
"No worries, Ucchan," said Shampoo as she turned in Ukyo's lap to face her Airen. "I be there to help you."
Peering around Ukyo's head, Ranma looked at the Amazon with curious cobalt eyes and asked, "What do you mean, Shamchan?"
"Great Grandmother say she enroll me and Perfume in school before we leave," said Shampoo triumphantly. "So I'll be at school with my Airen when we get back. I'm a foreign exchange student for Furinkan High."
"That's one heck of a foreign exchange," said Ranma with a snicker. "We definitely got the good end of the deal."
"Got that right," said Ukyo as she smiled. All was silent for a moment before she said, "I've gotta question for the two of you and I want you to answer honestly, okay?" "Sure," said Ranma with some surprise.
"I promise always be honest with my Airen," said Shampoo as she turned to face Ukyo.
"Okay," said Ukyo as she sighed. Looking from Ranma to Shampoo she paused then asked, "Where are we gonna live when we get back home?"
There was a long pause of complete and utter silence as Ranma and Shampoo met their eyes. After a moment they said together, "I don't know."
Releasing another sigh Ukyo said, "Same here."
Kuno was hiding.
"Are they gone?" Kuno whispered to Kasumi as he slowly stuck his head out from under her bed.
Scanning the village with careful brown eyes Kasumi looked back to Kuno and said, "I think they've given up."
"Impossible," said Kuno as he scooted out from under the bed to sit on the floor. "I don't mean to sound obnoxious but they've been chasing me nonstop since last night. Why would they be giving up their infernal pursuit now?"
"Because Cologne-san is lecturing them," informed Kasumi. The group of Amazon girls who'd been chasing him had their heads hung low as Cologne appeared to be giving them what could be called a mild rant.
"Truly?" asked Kuno as he moved behind Kasumi to poke his head out the door. Frowning as he watched the girls being lectured he said, "I hope they are not in any trouble."
"I thought that you didn't like them," murmured Kasumi as she met his eyes in a curious gaze.
Sighing at this, Kuno gave a sheepish smile and rubbed the back of his head. "I admit that I found their attentions most... disturbing," he said slowly. "But I never wanted them to be punished for their actions. All I wanted was for them to leave me in peace."
"I understand," said Kasumi softly. She offered him a gentle smile then walked outside to sit on the porch. Looking back at him, she said, "Come and sit with me. Now that you can finally come outside, that is. It's a lovely day."
"That it is," Kuno said as he looked at Kasumi with thoughtful eyes. "It's very lovely, indeed."
Genma was in trouble.
He heaved a sigh as he looked at Nodoka and said, "I don't see how we're can tell the boys the truth without a riot breaking out."
"Atsuko will be with us," replied Nodoka. "She can handle any threats of possible violence. But I doubt that it will come to that. Our Ranma is very mature for his age." She paused then said dryly, "Nothing at all like you were."
"Funny," Genma grumbled. "I still don't see why I have to be there. You know they'll just blame me for it."
Chuckling softly, Nodoka said, "You're far too paranoid for your own good. Besides, have you ever been blamed for something you didn't do?"
"Well, no... but there's always a chance of it happening!" said Genma sourly as he formed a scowl.
"Stop worrying so much," Nodoka advised. "We aren't even telling the boys the truth until we go back home. I don't like waiting but with all that's going on..."
"Too many surprises all at once is never a good thing. You're wise indeed to keep this quiet, Nodoka-san."
Nodoka whirled around to look at the ancient figure of the Lore Master, Lotion, and released the breath she hadn't known she was holding.
"You," hissed Nodoka as her eyes narrowed.
"Me," repeated Lotion. She tilted her head to one side as she gave a quiet sigh. "I suppose that Silk has told you of our actions from long ago involving her children?"
"Of course she did," Nodoka growled and her hands immediately went to her katana. "And you're lucky that I've been able to restrain myself from killing you."
To Nodoka's surprise, Lotion chuckled at this, and said, "You were always impetuous. But killing me wouldn't solve anything, child. It would merely complicate things more and you have enough problems on your hands."
"Problems?" asked Genma curiously.
"Yes," said Lotion as she looked to him. "Surely you don't think that telling Ryoga and Ranma they're brothers is your only problem? What about Ukyo's loyalty to the demon Happosai? Or my nephew Mousse's quest to destroy Nabiki? And lets not forget about Sakura's increasing instability due to her relationship with Ganglot." She gave another chuckle and turned to hop away as she said, "Yes. There are many problems remaining for you to solve."
There was a long moment of utter silence when Genma turned to Nodoka and said bleakly, "We're doomed."
Nodoka's only response was a dim nod of her head.
Ganglot was awake.
Her golden eyes opened to blearily take in her surroundings. She quickly recognized her bed chamber and wondered when she'd been brought here. Pushing herself up into sitting position, Ganglot stared at her hands.
Just a short while ago she didn't have these. Well, she did but they weren't truly hers. They were only hers because of the magical link she had to Sakura. But these hands...
These hands were hers. This body was hers. This mind was hers. All of it was hers.
"I'm back," said Ganglot with a breathless happiness. A wide smile crossed her lovely features and with a loud cry of joy she leapt to her feet then shouted, "I'm back!"
Little did she know that her cry of joy would echo across the entire area thanks to her restored abilities. Seconds later, she watched as Atsuko rushed into the room followed by Akane and Ryoga. The latter of which had several twigs in his hair for some reason.
"Mama?" asked Atsuko as she took a slow step forward. "Are you okay, Mama? You not feel sick?"
"I feel fine my child," said Ganglot. She fell down on the bed with a loud thump and laughed. Turning her gaze to Ryoga she said, "You seemed shocked, Grandson. Did you expect me to be in lesser moods about this grand event?"
Ryoga stared at Ganglot blankly before turned red and said quickly, "Yes, no, I mean..." He paused to close his eyes then said, "I thought you'd be more... tired."
"Tired?" repeated Ganglot with a chuckle. "Certainly I should be but I'm not. That's all thanks to you and being back in my temple." She smiled again as she looked at the jeweled ceiling to her bed chambers. "How I love this place."
"What do you mean, thanks to Ryochan?" asked Akane. She touched his arm softly as she stepped forward.
Continuing to look all around her as she rose to her feet in a dreamlike state, Ganglot replied distractedly, "He is of my blood. Ryoga, like his mother, brings me strength with his proximity. Blood brings strength in my line of oni. We are linked and made more powerful through our relations."
Akane blinked at this and said, "What?"
"It's very simple," Ganglot paused to give Akane a fixed stare. "You saw how my Atchan defeated the one called Mousse in his dragon form. She was able to do so because of mine and Ryoga's close proximity. In normal circumstances she would've given him a good run before she could beat him." She looked to Atsuko and asked, "Isn't that right?"
"Is so, Mama," said Atsuko with a quick nod. "I think maybe take half hour or so to beat big scaly chicken but only take few minutes. Could feel myself get stronger."
"You see?" said Ganglot as she looked to Akane. "She gained strength through our presence. It's our link."
"What about Sakura?"
Everyone slowly looked to Ryoga who had been previously silent. The lost boy wore a look of concern on his features as he continued, "Will she be linked to us?"
"Yes," murmured Ganglot. She looked away from Ryoga to gaze out the nearby window. "I could not take that away from her. She needs us... our strength to survive right now. If she didn't have it she would surely die." Turning back to Ryoga she said, "Give her your support, Grandson. If you must choose sides then choose hers. She needs you most."
"Mama..." Atsuko said softly. "What're you saying?"
"Sakura needs all of you to survive," said Ganglot as she crossed the room to sit in a bed full of pillows. "I do not. She resents me very much and you must allow her to do so. If not she will never reach her next level of life."
Staring at Ganglot with wide confused eyes, Ryoga said haplessly, "I don't understand what you mean."
"Sakura is weak from the separation," Ganglot said solemnly. "And she will not want to stay in this temple. That means she will need to gain strength from you and the bond that you now share. Since I will remain here, in my temple, to recover I don't need your help." She paused to look out the window once more. "Sakura's mind is also as weak as her body. She isn't sure who to trust anymore. You will have to reassure her that she is first in your loyalties. Which won't be hard for you, Grandson, since it is already true."
At this comment, Ryoga's eyed widened and he stammered, "But I-I... didn't... it's..."
"Don't apologize," said Ganglot as she held up her hand to silence him. "You haven't known me for very long and you've known her most of your life. I understand the situation all too well but you must make sure that Sakura understands it also." She narrowed her eyes and said in low dangerous tones, "Sakura holds a power unknown because of our separation. Seeing that she doesn't misuse it will be your task, Grandson. If you can do it, that is."
"I can!" Ryoga affirmed fiercely.
"Good," said Ganglot with a smile. "Then all of you go to her. I'll be fine here, by myself." When they paused to look at her with doubtful eyes she sighed and said, "Go."
The group turned to leave the room and watching them, Ganglot smiled before she turned to look out the window. After a moment she murmured, "Alone again."
Mousse was angry.
The attack of that crazy woman had left him in bad shape and after a day of rest he still wasn't feeling up to par. And he was getting impatient from waiting. He wanted to destroy Tendo Nabiki and he wanted to destroy her now.
It no longer mattered to him if Perfume would hate him for it. It had gone beyond that. Tendo had humiliated him once too often and now he wanted her destroyed. If Perfume hated him for it, that was fine. He could find ways around that. There was a reason they called him a master of dark magic, after all. And it wasn't because he did parlor tricks.
A simple spell and Perfume would forget all about Tendo and her love for her. Then she would be his. It was all so simple that Mousse wanted to cry from it.
All he needed to do was recover enough so he could set off for his homeland and begin another attack. He would destroy Tendo then grab Perfume and make his escape.
It was the perfect plan.
Too bad he had to wait for its completion. Mousse hated waiting. He always had. When he wanted something he made up his mind immediately and went after it. Why waste time when you know what you want? That was his theory.
So Mousse wasted no time. He pursued his wants quickly and fiercely until he gained them. For over half his life he had pursued Perfume and just as he was getting close to making her his own she came along.
Tendo Nabiki.
Forming a twisted smile, Mousse held his bruised ribs and thought of her smug features. She thought she was better than him because she had Perfume. Well, he would change that all very soon.
Soon Perfume would be his and Tendo would be dead. Mousse had no doubts about that.
It was his destiny.
Joketsuzoku was crowded.
The entire village was gathered in the center square to observe the departure of the outsiders. The figure in the crowd that intrigued them the most was the legendary oni Ganglot who was hanging back on the edges away from most of the gathered people. Apparently the demon was only to bring the outsiders back to Japan then would be returning to reside in her temple. The last news brought little comfort to the residents of Joketsuzoku who didn't know what to make of the oni who'd been spoken of in so many of their tales.
Most of the tribe decided to just stay away from her.
"You're staying here?" asked Ukyo with wide eyes.
"For now," began Kurumi. "We want to stay here with Mother and learn about our past..."
"And being an Amazon," finished Natsume. "You do understand, don't you little Ukyo? We'll return to you one day but for now we want to be with our mother."
"Yeah," Ukyo murmured as she ducked her head. "And I support y'all but it's just..." She looked up with slightly teary eyes. "I was getting used to having you back, y'know? It's hard letting you go again but I understand why."
"We'll be back," Kurumi assured as she moved to pull Ukyo into a hug. "We promise. Right, Natsume?"
"Right," Natsume replied as she replaced Kurumi to hug Ukyo close. "And we never break our promises."
"You better be back," said Ukyo who sniffled quietly before wiping her eyes. "Or I'll kick both of your butts."
At this comment, the twins could only smile.
"Ucchan not happy," said Shampoo quietly.
She and Ranma were watching their Airen from a safe distance as Ukyo chatted with Natsume and Kurumi. When they saw the sad expression flit over the okonomiyaki chef's face they immediately became concerned.
"Something's wrong," Ranma replied solemnly. He darted his gaze to the nearby Happosai and said, "You know what's up, you disgusting old pervert?"
While Shampoo snickered, Happosai lifted his gaze to blow a smoke ring from his pipe. "I'm going to have to teach you a lesson in respect when we get back," said Happosai.
"Right," said Ranma with a derisive snort. "You want to steal my underwear too? Just answer the question. What's wrong with Ucchan? I know you got it figured out."
"Natsume and Kurumi have decided to remain here," said Happosai quietly. "With their Mother."
"Their Mother?" echoed Ranma and Shampoo.
"Yes," said Happosai. "And before you ask, their Mother is the Lore Master, Silk."
"Auntie Silk? Aiyaah," breathed Shampoo in shock. "I not know Auntie Silk have any children."
"Neither did she," Happosai replied.
Before Shampoo could ask him about that, Happosai darted away to leave the couple alone. Looking to Ranma the lavender haired Amazon said, "We getting much surprises."
"Yeah, you could definitely say that Shamchan," said Ranma warily as he scratched his cheek. "I just hope that this is the last of them because I don't think I can take anymore."
"I feel fine," groused Sakura.
The street fighter was giving Ryoga a friendly glare as she cut off his litany questions about her physical health. Next to her, Kodachi smiled softly at his attention as she allowed Sakura to rest against her body for support.
"Sorry," said Ryoga sheepishly. "I'm just-"
"Worried, yeah, yeah," Sakura gave a wave of her hand. "I know the speech. I've heard it about twenty times today." She paused to give a small smile that reflected a bit of her former cheer. "I never would've thought this group was full of a bunch of hypochondriacs."
"It's because we all love you so," purred Kodachi as she snuggled even closer to the other girl.
"Sweet talker," Sakura said with a chuckle. She looked back to Ryoga and said, "I feel fine. In fact, I'm feeling better just talking to you. I guess I missed having your sorry butt around, Ryochan."
For a reply, Ryoga managed a weak smile before he looked to Akane who looked just as concerned as him.
"We telling them that soon?" asked Atsuko. She had a very nervous expression and said, "Do I have to be there?"
Nodoka sighed at this while Comb, Silk, and Soun snickered as Genma looked at Atsuko sympathetically.
"Yes, you have to be there," said Nodoka wearily as she rubbed her forehead. She peered at Genma and asked, "Have you two always thought along the same lines or was it something that just developed over the years?"
"I think it just developed," Genma offered.
"It's best to tell them sooner than later," said Soun wisely. "Clearing the air will be good for all of us. Trust in that, Atsuko, and all will be well."
"Listen to Soun," said Comb cheerfully as she slapped Atsuko on the back. "What the worst that can happen? They get angry with you? Kids always do that."
Eyeing her friend warily, Silk said, "I think it's a bit more complicated than that, Comb."
"Bull," Comb said with a snort. "They have to tell the boys the truth and tell 'em quick. Just spit it out already."
"Spit it out?" repeated Atsuko as she got a strange gleam in her eyes that usually meant she had an idea.
And on seeing the gleam the entire group gave Comb a simultaneous death glare. Swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat Comb thought that maybe this was one of those times she should've kept her mouth shut.
"Do you feel well enough to summon us home?" Cologne asked in low tones.
"I do," replied Ganglot. She eyed the Matriarch with quiet humor and said, "Thank you for the concern."
"It's not for you," Cologne sniffed. "If you're not well enough to transport us and we depart there's a chance that some of us won't make it back in one piece. I'm sure you realize that teleportation is a tricky business."
"Quite," Ganglot said dryly. "I assure you that I'm feeling strong enough to teleport here and back. I trust you told the Council to keep away from me and my temple?"
"I did," said Cologne. "It wasn't a difficult task seeing as none of them wanted to go near you anyway."
Wearing a smirk Ganglot said, "Another cheap shot. Will you ever tire of insulting me?"
"Not as long as my brother remains dead," Cologne retorted in sharp and vicious tones. She turned to hop away and said, "Now take us home, oni."
Watching this departure, Ganglot murmured, "Some things never change and some wounds never heal. But you know that all too well, don't you Cologne?"
As before, those wanting to head back were gathered in a tight group after they said their good-byes with Ganglot standing in the center. The oni tilted her silver head back and closed her golden eyes to extend her arms high into the air. A bright blue glow encompassed all of those in the group and suddenly in a flash of blinding light they were gone. Leaving behind them only a few strands of wafting blue smoke in the center of the village of Joketsuzoku.
The Amazons watched this departure with wide eyes when only seconds later the Ganglot returned to slump in the center of the village on her knees. They stared at her with shock until Lotion hopped forward to stand in front of the legendary oni who appeared utterly drained.
"Ganglot?" asked Lotion softly.
The oni didn't reply as her silver head slumped lower. Finally, Ganglot lifted her blurry golden eyes which widened as she said in certain surprise, "Rogaine?"
Before Lotion could reply, the oni collapsed in a heap and the Lore Master turned to the crowd and called, "Comb! Come and help me with her. She's delirious."
"Elder?" asked Comb slowly. The purple haired Amazon was confused about her loyalties to her Elder and to Silk not to mention the idea of helping the legendary oni.
"Comb," repeated Lotion lowly. "Look at her. She's no threat to us. Pick her up, we must take her home. You'll care for her until she's well enough to do so on her own."
Looking back at Silk who gave a silent nod, Comb dashed up to Ganglot then nervously gathered the oni in her arms. When she did so, Comb noticed just how frail Ganglot really was. With her eyes closed and her face peaceful she hardly seemed like the evil oni of the legends. In fact, Ganglot seemed fragile and in desperate need of care. Something that called out to Comb as the healer of the tribe.
"Comb!" called Lotion. "Follow me. We must get her home quickly. She gains strength from her temple." Snapping out of her momentary daze, Comb nodded before she followed after Lotion and wondered just what she had gotten herself into now with her latest patient.
To be continued...
All characters in this fanfiction are from Ranma 1/2. With the exceptions of: Sakura who is from Street Fighter; Perfume who is borrowed from the Most Unlikely Of Friends by Wade Tritschler; Ganglot who is an original creation by yours truly. This fanfiction was inspired by the works of the great goddess Rumiko Takahashi, Wade Tritschler, Jim Robert Bader, and many other cool folks.
Author's note: It's back! Well, this took a long time to write due to lack of ideas and no time. This is my quiet chapter so look for more action next time. I'll try to have twenty two out soon but from now on all my chapters are going to be a hell of a lot shorter.
Send comments to: Dreiser3
Thanks to Red Death all my fanfics are archived at: ~
Chat with me on ICQ! My ICQ # is: 37674780
Next up: The gang is home in Nerima but things are hardly back to what they like to call normal. Sakura can't seem to return to her old life and to solve this problem she decides to join the annual street fighting tournament.
"And every dream is just a dream, after all." -Heather Nova-