Changes 3:
Unpredictable Re-Actions
by Jess Dougherty
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Disclaimer: Same as the last time, on the with reading...
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Mousse stood up and looked around his surroundings as he soon
realized he wasn't in Nerima anymore. The 'space' he was in at the
moment was wide and almost eternity in reach. It only seemed go on
and on in every direction. He could not tell which way was which.
Looking at himself, he realized he was dressed again in his old
cloths. Same long white Chinese robe, black loose pants, kung-fu style
shoes, but... one thing was different.
He hadn't realized it till just now, but his symbol that has been
woven into everyone of his robes was gone. The diamond symbol that
used to be on the center of his chest was no more. What was in its
place was some sort of unrecognizable smudge.
His eyes tried to focus in to the 'stain' but it seemed to moving
every time he almost got a close look. His right hand went to touch it
but it moved, always at the spot where he would connect.
Groaning in frustration he made several attempts more to touch and
when it seemed he was finally do it. He was hit in the hand by a
wooden knife.
"Ouch."
Rubbing his hand, he looked down and saw the wooden weapon. It was
familiar so he bent down to grab it. As he did, he never saw that the
emptiness surrounding him filtered as it waved and moved and started
to take shape. Rays of sunlight started to break in and the shadows
were moving and changing into blue skies, green trees and a most
beautiful sight of nature.
It was when he touched the knife and brought up with him as he rose
and straightened himself that he realized he was looking at the
ground. An actual dirt road, to be more exact.
"What the...?"
He turned every which way as the surroundings started to look
familiar, a real strong feeling of deja-vu taking its effect. But its
effect was taken away when he heard a noise.
Mousse got into a ready stance, the wooden knife being twisted into
combat mode in his hand, he waited.
The noise started to alter in a way, to the sound of... footsteps.
It went on as they immediately stopped and before his stood a nine
year old looking boy. He was wearing almost the exact same style of
cloths as the tall Mousse but his hair was loose while his was still
tied by the leather thong. The young boy wore glasses, while Mousse
wore nothing but his own, 'unmasked' face.
Mousse almost gasped when he saw that the boy he was staring at,
was himself. He wanted to move to him, or away from him but he
couldn't budge an inch. Then he heard something drop on the ground and
he looked down. The knife that had been in his hands had been dropped
and the boy still came.
Before Mousse knew what was happening, the moment the young boy
touched the blade, he and the boy merged.
Through the eyes of the boy he finally recognized this place, it
was the place his father always went to train by himself. The one
place that was sacred to his family as it had been the shrine built to
his ancestors from his father's side. He was at his dad's ancestral
home and before him stood his father.
To the right of the wall that his practice blade had hit and fallen
before, stood a man he had known all his life yet still knew very
little of when it came to his side of the family. And the art he was
passing on to him.
The art of his father had been passed down to him, as it had been
done for generations as its most closet and guarded secret. It was
once considered the yin/yang art many generations ago, the balance
between man as a weapon and the weapon as the man. Be they male or
female passed down as his father's own mother had passed the art to
his father and now to him.
His father, even now accepted students in the Amazon village but he
did not teach all that he knew to them.
His father, once known as Tsung Wufei, now Lei Wu, stood before
little Muu with a rather unusually long katana. Its handle made of
black onyx stone, carved into a roaring dragons neck and head. In all,
it was nearly six feet in length, and Muu could guess it was pretty
heavy just by looking at it.
His father stood in what looked like a Crane's fighting position
with the sword hung over his head. His knee bent over and across the
other leg and his right hand out. Then before Muu knew it, his father
started to glow in a golden aura.
It began to surround him entirely. His father raised the blade high
and began to say something, with each word expressing his true emotion
and determination. As his eyes almost seemed to blaze with life of
their own.
As he moved, Muu couldn't help but let his mouth hang open.
"Ryuu..."
Mousse's eyes widened.
"..Ken..."
He waited excitedly as the glow intensified greatly, rushing itself
into the weapon, now surrounding it. And brought it down in a mighty
swing as he yelled that last word out loud.
"..HA!!!!!!!!"
Mousse was at a loss of words as the aura flew from the blade into,
briefly, the shape of a dragon surrounding the sword and his father
into a small golden ki ball. As it launched itself and went faster
than anything he had ever seen in his young life. But to his inner
eye, it all happened so slow.
The ball turned again into an golden arc and went through a nearby
tree going straight threw and disappearing on the other side. Only to
have the tree a few seconds later fall, cleanly cut. The wow that
escaped from Muu's lips brought his fathers' attention quickly.
{Muu what are you doing over there?}
{Father, how did you do that?}
His father grabbed the back of his head in a casual manner with the
ever popular sweat drop rolling behind it.
{Uh, well... you see....}
{Tell me father, how did you learn to do that? Can you teach it to
me when I'm older?}
His father seemed to snap to attention quickly at his young son's
last question and began to explain what he had just done.
{I can't teach that technique son.}
Little Muu Zhuu was about to start to cry when he called upon his
trained discipline in order not to cry in front of his father. They
were not at the Amazon village at the moment, he was gladful at that.
Even though he was a low born male, he still wanted to show his dad
that he was a worthy student. {But why dad?}
His father was at a lost for words, trying to explain to his son
what he had thought most of his life as un-teachable. But then it was
as though he had tapped into a river of words and it came out like a
smooth river.
{You see Muu, because it can't be taught. This technique is the
most guarded part of our art. No one can learn it because we have to
find it. It comes from in here... but you have to find it.} He pointed
to his own heart as Muu watched in curiosity at what his father said.
Mousse stopped crying and looked at his uncle through tear filled
eyes. "Find it?"
{Yes, little Muu, this attack can only be discovered within
ourselves, once that is done we can learn to hone our control over it.
For when you find out how to do this technique, you can say that you
truly are a master of the Hidden Weapons Style.} His father smiled and
continued on talking. {What better weapon well hidden than within
yourself than the most devastating and resourceful weapon of all...
ourselves.}
Muu Zhuu looked at his father and smiled almost understanding his
father's words but it still was a little confusing. Somehow sensing
that his son was still a little overwhelmed, he kept on speaking.
{Our spirit little Muu, the one thing that makes us drive on with
hope even when all else fails. What makes TRUE warriors of legend so
grand. But you have to discover the key to it son before you can
unleash from you. Do you understand now?}
Mousse nodded as he finally understood what his father was saying,
he was starting to remember all the stories his father had told him.
Of the great male warriors of his village. The ones' who were treated
as equals and treated the Amazons themselves as equals even when it
was clear they were stronger in power. Equality, that was what he
wanted but then he thought of Xian.
His lil mind started to think of ways to discover this technique
to finally win her over. To show her that he was worthy of her and to
finally show her how much he loved her. How much he could make her
happy and protect her always, his...
He stopped his thoughts as he scratched his head, trying to think
of something new to call his warrior femme fatale. Then it hit him and
he accidentally let it slip out.
{...my goddess.}
His father threw back his head and laughed. All Mousse could do was
think of a way to find that move to win his Shampoo. And his vision
deemed more as his thoughts went deeper into his mind along with the
words his father had said and what he was thinking earlier go into his
subconscious.
He separated from the boy he used to be and was once again in the
void he had been standing in. Mousse finally realized this and started
to look around as it was a normal reflex.
As he looked around, he heard footsteps again and saw that it
again was the same apparition he had encountered a week ago in his
dreams. It was double, his subconscious.
{You've been doing some growing up since last we chatted Muu Zhuu,
and you seem to be heading the right way. Though it seems you still
may be a little lost.}
Muu was confused at what his inner double just told him and it
showed on his face as it contorted.
His double smirked. {What I meant to say is, your new found
knowledge on the past is true but the way you're heading may be
wrong. But that's my opinion.}
{What's that supposed to...}
Holding up his hands to stop Muu from any further talking that
might result in yelling stop. {Whoa there Muu. I'm just saying that
don't let this new found set of truth be clouded so easily by
your emotions. It'll set you back a few paces.}
Muu stared at his double considering this new set of knowledge but
he didn't know whether to follow him as he was confused of what to do.
His mind reminded him of so many unpleasant situations caused by
Xian Pu but his heart reminded him of the better things both before
and after coming to Japan. It was all confusing.
Muu stood there with his head casted down as he took this new bit
of information into consideration. then the whole area started to turn
white as it began dissolved away.
{By the way Muu Zhuu...}
Mousse looked up at the disappearing form of his older self as he
spoke.
{...remember what your father said, believe me when I tell you,
that your right now at the threshold of finding yourself. Your key.
Your true potential is about to be unleashed. Find it and be happy.}
With that last piece of advice it all was gone and he woke up.
***
Mousse awoke with a start as he raised himself up, his face
showing the new found truths he had uncovered. Replaying the memory of
his father from so many years ago only proved to him how much Shampoo
had been holding back. But he knew what his double meant by being
careful of letting his emotions get the better of him.
His love for Shampoo turned into a slave and now his new found hate
for her was turning him into cold man. His dreams of achieving the
status of a great warrior would be ruined if he let his hate control
and get the better of him.
If his anger gets the better of him than he'd probably become worse
than even Happosai, maybe even worse than Saffron.
He shuddered at the last thought.
_Worse than Saffron?_ His face was contorted with shock to realize
that his past week behavior since returning from Dr. Tofu's office was
rather uncalled for. The ignoring the presence of Shampoo, obeying her
orders only when her great-grandmother spoke to him. Then and every
once in while making her have accidents with the aid of a weapon here
and a weapon there.
Letting his face fall unto his hands he really started to regret
all of the events from the past week. As he had started to pay back
Shampoo in kindly as she had treated him for the past two years. But
the worst had been last night. He had slipped and given away probably
a little too much. He just hoped that she would just chalked it up to
beginners' luck or something or other.
Getting up, Mousse started to remove his cloths as he looked at his
clock and it had read half till five in the morning. It would soon be
time to open up shop, and he didn't wanna be late ever again. Like he
used too be.
His grey wool robe landed on the bed as his now bare muscle chest
rippled with every movement of his arms. Over the week he had been
putting himself into a more grueling form of training. Lifting rocks
the size of people and throwing them as far as he could. Weights on
his legs and arms in his speed and accuracy training.
What it paid off with after a week was a major improvement over
his old form. Looking over himself before going to the closet to
change into a clean grey silk robe, he had to compliment himself.
Walking over to the mirror in his room, he gave himself a once
over and was shocked at how much more defined he was now. He knew
giving himself some strict training like he used to was gonna improve
him but this was almost too much.
_Damn, gotta be almost in as good as shape as Ranma, maybe even
Ryoga now. Whoa! Calm yourself Muu, soon you'll get so work about all
this and go challenge Ranma for Xian's hand in marriage and go back to
who you used to be. Ha._
Smirking in the mirror he allowed himself a small shake as he gave
out a silent chuckle. He walked over to the closet and started to take
out the new grey silk robe he had bought with some saved pays he had
gotten in the past. The rest he had was enough for whatever he may
need anything more.
Mousse looked over himself to the mirror one more time and thought
one last personal thought.
_Maybe its time I expose my new little secret. Yeah, maybe it is
time, would be fun to see Khun Lon's and Xian's face to see me be able
to see normal again. Hah, it'll be a killer time, that I do know._
Mousse smiled and started to move again to getting some clothes for
the day as it seemed today would be the time for changes to begin.
***
Unknown to Mousse though was the same man known as 'Kaji' was
outside his window taking photos of a bare chested Mousse. His
employer had told him to keep tabs on the young man but couldn't do
so always. That is, until just yesterday when he got a scooter and
found Mousse's 'training ground.'
He had managed to take a few photos of the young man's grueling
training. He had made a pretty little piece of yen. And from what he
heard her saying, so will she. Since she plans on selling this piece
of info to a certain martial artist.
But last and not least, Nabiki had told him to take any photos he
could get of the young martial artist in any form or way unclothed. It
seems since the little rush of business a week ago, girls from the
high school were asking for pictures and info on the young man.
Kaji had hit pay dirt now getting his fiftieth shot of a bare
chested Mousse. He had to admit, he was a little jealous of the guy
in front of him. But hey, seems like every Super Martial Artist in
town was built like a major Olympic athlete. Hey, at least the money
was better than most jobs.
What made it even more profitable was when Mousse changed pants and
he got about ten of him in bare bottomed and then only in boxers. He
knew now that he'd defiantly ask more for these pics, considering how
much she was gonna make with the negatives alone, oh man.
Taking the last photo, Kaji started to descend himself as he got on
the ground and to his post. Seeing that Mousse hadn't left to train
today, he wondered what had happened to cause the sudden change. Until
it then hit him.
As he ran across the street, Kaji's mind ran with thoughts about
what his boss had told him. _Could the boss be right? Could today be
the day? Oh man, talk about the fight of the century. And I thought
those fights with that Ryoga guy were tough. Damn._
Kaji continued to watch the home of the young male Amazon along
with the others in the establishment. You never know what could happen
and more yen could come his way.
***
Another set of eyes that was also looking at Mousse belonged to a
certain deeply colored lavender Amazon. A pair of light violet colored
eyes looked on with a confusion in them. Her thoughts of late had been
turning to the young male Amazon before her and she couldn't stop.
Ever since he had totally changed on her, she started to get worried
if she was losing her best friend.
She knew how badly she had treated him these past two years, but
she hadn't expected this type of action from him.
He had started to become cold to her. Ignoring her, causing
accidents for her in work, and actually...
She stopped as her mind began to race to what had happened just
two nights ago.
She had been making out a delivery when she spotted Ranma, and he
was in heated argument with Akane. She sped her bike at them in hopes
that the problems would get worse. What she had not known was that a
call had been made by the Tendo's for dinner to be delivered since it
was Akane's turn to cook that night. And guess who was making the
delivery?
What happened next was not what she had expected.
"Nihao, Ranma. You take Shampoo on date tonight?"
She had said with her ever-present smile, as she threw her glare at
her rival but neither of the two had expected the flying bucket of
water, landing on top of her.
Looking up from her pile, of now wet cloths, Neko-Shampoo saw the
trail of smoke that Ranma had left. But it was the look on Akane's
face that kept her from gong after him. Following her gaze she came to
rest her cat eyes on the person who threw the water at her.
It was Mousse.
She would've gotten angry if it wasn't the way he was looking at
her. That same blue and frosty aura that had been on him days earlier
was surrounding him again. It made her shake all the way down to her
soul.
Without warning he threw another bucket at her but as she had
jumped out its way, he did the unimaginable. He had thrown three
shuriken, striking the bucket once, throwing and moving the still
falling bucket her direction. Yet still far away. The second only
brought it closer and the third impacting it to actually make it land
on top of her.
They were all thrown in so a consecutive manner and perfect way as
though the weapons were a part of him. It had been amazing to watch
but not feel, as the warm soup hit her. Then before she knew it, she
stood nude in the street for all to see. It had been humiliating but
what got to her more was when she had turned to glare at Mousse, he
had disappeared.
Akane had grabbed her dress and covered her as she began to talk.
"Uh Shampoo, since when has Mousse started to act this way? He's
nothing more than pervert if you ask me. Seems like Ranma and he
should get together and start..."
The rest of what she had said fell on deaf ears as she had
forgotten her anger and was concentrating on worry. Her friend, the
person she had gotten used to was gone now. He was now replaced by a
cold and calculating warrior. It scared her at some level considering
that she had never considered Mousse to actually hold anything back at
all whenever they fought.
Now, she wondered.
Coming back to the present, Shampoo noticed that Mousse was almost
finished getting dressed and would soon come out of his room. She too
got up and turned around to start helping out her grandmother open the
store. It was now about to be five fifteen in the morning and Cologne
had told her to try and get at least half an hour workout. To keep up
in fighting shape. But considering how many deliveries she made all
across Nerima and then attending people in the Nekohanten. She could
guess that keeping in shape was not a problem.
But her great-grandmother was right about keeping in fighting
shape, the last person had been too powerful for her to handle. Though
she shuddered again remembering the true power Ranma had held back
every time she had ever fought him, but unleashed on Saffron. The
power was awesome but it was for WHO he had unleashed that power for
that made her truly sad.
_He really loves Akane I guess. But if he's already chosen..._ She
looked up with fear on her face. _..and Muu Zhuu is now cold to me,
who is there for me to love, to... love me?_
Her shoulders almost slumped down but just as quickly threw that
thought aside. Her discipline taught to her but her grandmother came
back and gave her strength. Her body tightened with determination and
letting her Amazon heritage turn her hack into the warrior that she
was.
_No, Ranma is mine and Mousse is nothing. I will get what is mine
and nothing, especially some low Amazon male whose having an identity
crisis stand in my way._ Her right hand balled up into a fist and she
shook it before her. _I swear it to my ancestors._
And she walked off, becoming the same Shampoo she had always been
but with a little seed now implanted in her heart.
It was time to start open the business soon.
***
Cologne sat in meditation as she pondered the events of the last
few days around the place she had come to call home. Her mind was
troubled over the changes that had started to occur ever since the
morning with Mousse.
Her face contorted with every thought and prospect that this new
change in attitude for the young martial artist could mean but it was
almost fruitless. She had been keeping an eye on the young male ever
since that day she had seen that fire in his eyes. A fire she had not
seen in so long a time.
Determination, strength, power and character always came with that
fire she had seen. It was the very thing that had made the Amazons
accept laws of marrying outsiders thousands of years ago; almost since
the first tribes of the Chinese Amazons.
The last person she had seen it in was the man her blood sister,
Perfume, had found. She had been the only one to ever be able to beat
her, as Cologne had been the best ever. But it was always her elder
sister, though a year, could always get the best of her. She was an
Amazon warrior like no other. But that had changed when they were
in their mid-twenties.
Like her own great-granddaughter Shampoo, an outsider had come
along one day but during a raid by slave traders rather than chance
encounter. Her sister and herself had held out most, if not half the
invaders but one had managed to get the better of her for a moment.
Fatigue and being out-numbered can take its toll.
But then 'he' had appeared. Li Kai had been his name and he was a
traveling wander. Always in search of experiences to live and enjoy
whatever life had to give. He appeared in the thick of the whole thing
and defeated every one of the invaders.
From the look she could see on the stranger after the forces had
been thrown back, she knew he had fallen for her. She tried to defend
her sister if this man ever did anything to hurt her but when she made
a move to fight him, her sister had gotten in the way and made a
challenge since Cologne had been hit with an arrow in the shoulder.
The stranger had known of their ways and accepted the challenge on
a condition that had astonished every Amazon present. He had said that
if he won, it would be up to her, Per Phum, if she wanted to marry
him. And her sister considered it. She had never once been defeated by
any wandering male who came and fell for her before. Many had tried,
either by accident meeting or knowing her for a while. But none had
ever won. Now, she considered it.
The battle happened the next week and the stranger was there
present and punctual. It was over in a matter of seconds as Kai had
used a style never before seen. That same style that now became more
the part in her great-granddaughters study of the art. It was
incredible and many great generation came but all died so soon.
In the years to come wars came and destroyed much of the Chinese
jungles they had called home. But the style was taught to her side as
a just in case thing, she wished it had been otherwise but it was love
that had had nearly sixty years of life, that it flourished well
before death snuffed it out like a candle.
But now, it was almost different because she could tell that the
same confusion she was going through now was the same in Mousse
himself. She had studied him every time he did something wrong to her
great-granddaughter. It was hard but she had to know if he was indeed
stronger than her granddaughter.
If he was and still hadn't changed the way he was acting now and
somehow ended up marrying her. Bad things were sure to happen. She had
to know if Mousse was truly a good man or slowly becoming an
inconsiderate man. Today was her last day of observation. If he did
anything like had been doing this past week, she had no choice but to
throw him out of the Amazon tribe herself.
Cologne opened her eyes and slowly got up as she balanced herself
on her staff. Her eyes looked at the door before her and she started
to move toward it as she whispered something to herself.
{So the last test begins, and may the changes to come be bearable.}
With that, she left and the doors closed.
*****
Ranma and Mousse stood face to face across the street as the match
would soon get underway. School had been out for a half hour and now
any students coming to the Nekohanten to eat of just passing by stood
in the audience of the unexpected fight.
Shampoo looked from the sidewalk at the two combatants with some
type of confusion. The last few hours that had happened had not been
like she had expected. Today was going in all different directions and
ways than what she had expected.
Mousse was no longer being the jackass he had been the entire week
before. It had all started when they met at the beginning of the day.
He had entered the restaurant wearing no glasses and in a new grey
silk woven robe. Its sleeves long but ending at the wrist instead of
past it like he used to with his old white robes. Then he went up to
her and spoke.
As Mousse got close, Shampoo got tensed and into a loose fighting
stance, ready to surprise Mousse should he try anything. At most she
was expecting him to insult her then she could beat him and put him
back in his place but he didn't. He did something totally different.
{Xian, I'd like to apologize for acting like a complete jerk this
past week.} His head bent down went further as he went to one knee and
gave her a warriors' apology. One the most respectful signs of great
humility to her and her tribe. It was almost too much. {Please accept
my apology as a friend.}
Shampoo could only stammer as she said she had expected her apology
and got back up, bowed to her and turned around to do his chores. She
was totally at shock from what Mousse just did. For bowing to her on
one knee showed that he had respected her as a warrior. Now, also, he
wasn't being neither a jackass or a love sick idiot but a man. A true
man, like the type of male every Amazon wanted. A man she could learn
to love but she shook herself out of her stupor.
Turning around she tried to get back to work but occasionally,
she had to look back to him. Then someone shouted from outside the
cafe calling out for Mousse. It was a familiar voice as Xian tried to
remember for a moment where she had heard it.
Then it hit her, that voice... it was Ranma's.
Then her momentary memory flashback stopped as she once again stood
amongst the growing crowd that came to see the recent of infamous
martial arts showdown. But Shampoo had to admit something to herself,
something about this fight seemed... different.
She looked to Mousse and saw that his normally-goofy-battle-face
was not on him. It had been replaced by the new man she had come to
recognize as Muu Zhuu. Ranma looked like had been through hell the
past few days, no doubt under constant training, but for what? But his
face showed he was still as confident as ever.
"Well Mousse, ready to fight?"
Mousse stood there and stared at Ranma and looked toward Akane who
was not to far and standing next to her sister, Nabiki. He could tell
that she was really angry about Ranma coming here to fight him. She
still thought that he and Ranma could be good friends. And actually,
he had been putting some thought into it these past few days. Ranma
and him being friends that is. Unlike Ranma, he thought it could be a
possibility.
"Ranma, before we fight... I want to ask one thing out of this
fight."
Ranma grinned her ever present I-Can't-Lose grin and spoke out.
"Sure duck-boy, ask away."
Ranma stood in confusion as Mousse turned away from him and walked
back to the Nekohanten. The crowd parting as he walked through with
confidence, but mature and intelligent confidence, to where Cologne
stood watching.
He bowed before her and spoke in Chinese, not allowing anyone to
understand what he was saying. Ranma was confused, everybody stood
with question marks over there head, Nabiki was trying to listen
intently as she held out a tape recorder. The face on Shampoo's face
was the only thing indicating that she understood perfectly what was
being said.
{Honored Elder. I have a request to ask of you before I fight your
future son-in-law. I wish to...}
{You can marry Xian Pu if you win.}
{What?}
{WHAT?!?!?!} Came the reply of a very angry Shampoo from behind
them. But before she could say anything, Mousse continued.
For a brief moment, Mousse smiled a small smile at the irony of
what was happening. His past actions and recent revelation had finally
gotten him what he always wanted. Khun Lon had finally acknowledged
him as suitable material for a husband for her great-granddaughter so
he let out a small chuckle. The old Amazon looked at him, as did
Shampoo. Then he spoke.
{That is not what I wish to request of you Honored Elder.}
{What?!?!} Now it was Cologne's turn to be amazed at what had just
happened. Her approval had finally been give and Mousse had NOT
accepted it.
{What I wish to ask of you is that this contest NOT be acknowledged
as a fight for Xian's hand. I wish for this to be a simple contest
between martial artists of skill. That is what I ask.}
Cologne stared in shock at the announcement of this young Amazon
male as her respect for him that had diminished somewhat these past
two years, grow. She could see now that this young male, had truly
become what few highly skilled 'young' fighters could ever be, mature.
It usually took a major humiliating fight to do this, for others it
would cost them more. But very few rare occasions, both male and
female, ever did so on their own.
She nodded to his request and he got up and went back to face
Ranma. When he came close he looked at the young Saotome and noticed
that Ryoga and Ukyou were there, as well as the Kunon siblings. Mostly
everybody in the whole town was there now. He faced Ranma and smirked
a similar smirk like Ranma's.
"Well Ranma, let's get this show on the road."
Ranma's smirked deepened too as he got that familiar glint in his
eyes at the thought of an upcoming fight. "Bring it on Duck-boy."
Ranma jumped with flying dragon kick, his left leg extended out as
he flew through the air. Mousse jumping up and avoiding the strike to
the street to which sent pieces of road flying out. He let loose his
wrist chains from his left hand, as his right made sure his 'feathers'
were ready.
So the fight of the century began.
To be continued...
Unpredictable Re-Actions
by Jess Dougherty
*********************************************************
Disclaimer: Same as the last time, on the with reading...
***********************************************************************
Mousse stood up and looked around his surroundings as he soon
realized he wasn't in Nerima anymore. The 'space' he was in at the
moment was wide and almost eternity in reach. It only seemed go on
and on in every direction. He could not tell which way was which.
Looking at himself, he realized he was dressed again in his old
cloths. Same long white Chinese robe, black loose pants, kung-fu style
shoes, but... one thing was different.
He hadn't realized it till just now, but his symbol that has been
woven into everyone of his robes was gone. The diamond symbol that
used to be on the center of his chest was no more. What was in its
place was some sort of unrecognizable smudge.
His eyes tried to focus in to the 'stain' but it seemed to moving
every time he almost got a close look. His right hand went to touch it
but it moved, always at the spot where he would connect.
Groaning in frustration he made several attempts more to touch and
when it seemed he was finally do it. He was hit in the hand by a
wooden knife.
"Ouch."
Rubbing his hand, he looked down and saw the wooden weapon. It was
familiar so he bent down to grab it. As he did, he never saw that the
emptiness surrounding him filtered as it waved and moved and started
to take shape. Rays of sunlight started to break in and the shadows
were moving and changing into blue skies, green trees and a most
beautiful sight of nature.
It was when he touched the knife and brought up with him as he rose
and straightened himself that he realized he was looking at the
ground. An actual dirt road, to be more exact.
"What the...?"
He turned every which way as the surroundings started to look
familiar, a real strong feeling of deja-vu taking its effect. But its
effect was taken away when he heard a noise.
Mousse got into a ready stance, the wooden knife being twisted into
combat mode in his hand, he waited.
The noise started to alter in a way, to the sound of... footsteps.
It went on as they immediately stopped and before his stood a nine
year old looking boy. He was wearing almost the exact same style of
cloths as the tall Mousse but his hair was loose while his was still
tied by the leather thong. The young boy wore glasses, while Mousse
wore nothing but his own, 'unmasked' face.
Mousse almost gasped when he saw that the boy he was staring at,
was himself. He wanted to move to him, or away from him but he
couldn't budge an inch. Then he heard something drop on the ground and
he looked down. The knife that had been in his hands had been dropped
and the boy still came.
Before Mousse knew what was happening, the moment the young boy
touched the blade, he and the boy merged.
Through the eyes of the boy he finally recognized this place, it
was the place his father always went to train by himself. The one
place that was sacred to his family as it had been the shrine built to
his ancestors from his father's side. He was at his dad's ancestral
home and before him stood his father.
To the right of the wall that his practice blade had hit and fallen
before, stood a man he had known all his life yet still knew very
little of when it came to his side of the family. And the art he was
passing on to him.
The art of his father had been passed down to him, as it had been
done for generations as its most closet and guarded secret. It was
once considered the yin/yang art many generations ago, the balance
between man as a weapon and the weapon as the man. Be they male or
female passed down as his father's own mother had passed the art to
his father and now to him.
His father, even now accepted students in the Amazon village but he
did not teach all that he knew to them.
His father, once known as Tsung Wufei, now Lei Wu, stood before
little Muu with a rather unusually long katana. Its handle made of
black onyx stone, carved into a roaring dragons neck and head. In all,
it was nearly six feet in length, and Muu could guess it was pretty
heavy just by looking at it.
His father stood in what looked like a Crane's fighting position
with the sword hung over his head. His knee bent over and across the
other leg and his right hand out. Then before Muu knew it, his father
started to glow in a golden aura.
It began to surround him entirely. His father raised the blade high
and began to say something, with each word expressing his true emotion
and determination. As his eyes almost seemed to blaze with life of
their own.
As he moved, Muu couldn't help but let his mouth hang open.
"Ryuu..."
Mousse's eyes widened.
"..Ken..."
He waited excitedly as the glow intensified greatly, rushing itself
into the weapon, now surrounding it. And brought it down in a mighty
swing as he yelled that last word out loud.
"..HA!!!!!!!!"
Mousse was at a loss of words as the aura flew from the blade into,
briefly, the shape of a dragon surrounding the sword and his father
into a small golden ki ball. As it launched itself and went faster
than anything he had ever seen in his young life. But to his inner
eye, it all happened so slow.
The ball turned again into an golden arc and went through a nearby
tree going straight threw and disappearing on the other side. Only to
have the tree a few seconds later fall, cleanly cut. The wow that
escaped from Muu's lips brought his fathers' attention quickly.
{Muu what are you doing over there?}
{Father, how did you do that?}
His father grabbed the back of his head in a casual manner with the
ever popular sweat drop rolling behind it.
{Uh, well... you see....}
{Tell me father, how did you learn to do that? Can you teach it to
me when I'm older?}
His father seemed to snap to attention quickly at his young son's
last question and began to explain what he had just done.
{I can't teach that technique son.}
Little Muu Zhuu was about to start to cry when he called upon his
trained discipline in order not to cry in front of his father. They
were not at the Amazon village at the moment, he was gladful at that.
Even though he was a low born male, he still wanted to show his dad
that he was a worthy student. {But why dad?}
His father was at a lost for words, trying to explain to his son
what he had thought most of his life as un-teachable. But then it was
as though he had tapped into a river of words and it came out like a
smooth river.
{You see Muu, because it can't be taught. This technique is the
most guarded part of our art. No one can learn it because we have to
find it. It comes from in here... but you have to find it.} He pointed
to his own heart as Muu watched in curiosity at what his father said.
Mousse stopped crying and looked at his uncle through tear filled
eyes. "Find it?"
{Yes, little Muu, this attack can only be discovered within
ourselves, once that is done we can learn to hone our control over it.
For when you find out how to do this technique, you can say that you
truly are a master of the Hidden Weapons Style.} His father smiled and
continued on talking. {What better weapon well hidden than within
yourself than the most devastating and resourceful weapon of all...
ourselves.}
Muu Zhuu looked at his father and smiled almost understanding his
father's words but it still was a little confusing. Somehow sensing
that his son was still a little overwhelmed, he kept on speaking.
{Our spirit little Muu, the one thing that makes us drive on with
hope even when all else fails. What makes TRUE warriors of legend so
grand. But you have to discover the key to it son before you can
unleash from you. Do you understand now?}
Mousse nodded as he finally understood what his father was saying,
he was starting to remember all the stories his father had told him.
Of the great male warriors of his village. The ones' who were treated
as equals and treated the Amazons themselves as equals even when it
was clear they were stronger in power. Equality, that was what he
wanted but then he thought of Xian.
His lil mind started to think of ways to discover this technique
to finally win her over. To show her that he was worthy of her and to
finally show her how much he loved her. How much he could make her
happy and protect her always, his...
He stopped his thoughts as he scratched his head, trying to think
of something new to call his warrior femme fatale. Then it hit him and
he accidentally let it slip out.
{...my goddess.}
His father threw back his head and laughed. All Mousse could do was
think of a way to find that move to win his Shampoo. And his vision
deemed more as his thoughts went deeper into his mind along with the
words his father had said and what he was thinking earlier go into his
subconscious.
He separated from the boy he used to be and was once again in the
void he had been standing in. Mousse finally realized this and started
to look around as it was a normal reflex.
As he looked around, he heard footsteps again and saw that it
again was the same apparition he had encountered a week ago in his
dreams. It was double, his subconscious.
{You've been doing some growing up since last we chatted Muu Zhuu,
and you seem to be heading the right way. Though it seems you still
may be a little lost.}
Muu was confused at what his inner double just told him and it
showed on his face as it contorted.
His double smirked. {What I meant to say is, your new found
knowledge on the past is true but the way you're heading may be
wrong. But that's my opinion.}
{What's that supposed to...}
Holding up his hands to stop Muu from any further talking that
might result in yelling stop. {Whoa there Muu. I'm just saying that
don't let this new found set of truth be clouded so easily by
your emotions. It'll set you back a few paces.}
Muu stared at his double considering this new set of knowledge but
he didn't know whether to follow him as he was confused of what to do.
His mind reminded him of so many unpleasant situations caused by
Xian Pu but his heart reminded him of the better things both before
and after coming to Japan. It was all confusing.
Muu stood there with his head casted down as he took this new bit
of information into consideration. then the whole area started to turn
white as it began dissolved away.
{By the way Muu Zhuu...}
Mousse looked up at the disappearing form of his older self as he
spoke.
{...remember what your father said, believe me when I tell you,
that your right now at the threshold of finding yourself. Your key.
Your true potential is about to be unleashed. Find it and be happy.}
With that last piece of advice it all was gone and he woke up.
***
Mousse awoke with a start as he raised himself up, his face
showing the new found truths he had uncovered. Replaying the memory of
his father from so many years ago only proved to him how much Shampoo
had been holding back. But he knew what his double meant by being
careful of letting his emotions get the better of him.
His love for Shampoo turned into a slave and now his new found hate
for her was turning him into cold man. His dreams of achieving the
status of a great warrior would be ruined if he let his hate control
and get the better of him.
If his anger gets the better of him than he'd probably become worse
than even Happosai, maybe even worse than Saffron.
He shuddered at the last thought.
_Worse than Saffron?_ His face was contorted with shock to realize
that his past week behavior since returning from Dr. Tofu's office was
rather uncalled for. The ignoring the presence of Shampoo, obeying her
orders only when her great-grandmother spoke to him. Then and every
once in while making her have accidents with the aid of a weapon here
and a weapon there.
Letting his face fall unto his hands he really started to regret
all of the events from the past week. As he had started to pay back
Shampoo in kindly as she had treated him for the past two years. But
the worst had been last night. He had slipped and given away probably
a little too much. He just hoped that she would just chalked it up to
beginners' luck or something or other.
Getting up, Mousse started to remove his cloths as he looked at his
clock and it had read half till five in the morning. It would soon be
time to open up shop, and he didn't wanna be late ever again. Like he
used too be.
His grey wool robe landed on the bed as his now bare muscle chest
rippled with every movement of his arms. Over the week he had been
putting himself into a more grueling form of training. Lifting rocks
the size of people and throwing them as far as he could. Weights on
his legs and arms in his speed and accuracy training.
What it paid off with after a week was a major improvement over
his old form. Looking over himself before going to the closet to
change into a clean grey silk robe, he had to compliment himself.
Walking over to the mirror in his room, he gave himself a once
over and was shocked at how much more defined he was now. He knew
giving himself some strict training like he used to was gonna improve
him but this was almost too much.
_Damn, gotta be almost in as good as shape as Ranma, maybe even
Ryoga now. Whoa! Calm yourself Muu, soon you'll get so work about all
this and go challenge Ranma for Xian's hand in marriage and go back to
who you used to be. Ha._
Smirking in the mirror he allowed himself a small shake as he gave
out a silent chuckle. He walked over to the closet and started to take
out the new grey silk robe he had bought with some saved pays he had
gotten in the past. The rest he had was enough for whatever he may
need anything more.
Mousse looked over himself to the mirror one more time and thought
one last personal thought.
_Maybe its time I expose my new little secret. Yeah, maybe it is
time, would be fun to see Khun Lon's and Xian's face to see me be able
to see normal again. Hah, it'll be a killer time, that I do know._
Mousse smiled and started to move again to getting some clothes for
the day as it seemed today would be the time for changes to begin.
***
Unknown to Mousse though was the same man known as 'Kaji' was
outside his window taking photos of a bare chested Mousse. His
employer had told him to keep tabs on the young man but couldn't do
so always. That is, until just yesterday when he got a scooter and
found Mousse's 'training ground.'
He had managed to take a few photos of the young man's grueling
training. He had made a pretty little piece of yen. And from what he
heard her saying, so will she. Since she plans on selling this piece
of info to a certain martial artist.
But last and not least, Nabiki had told him to take any photos he
could get of the young martial artist in any form or way unclothed. It
seems since the little rush of business a week ago, girls from the
high school were asking for pictures and info on the young man.
Kaji had hit pay dirt now getting his fiftieth shot of a bare
chested Mousse. He had to admit, he was a little jealous of the guy
in front of him. But hey, seems like every Super Martial Artist in
town was built like a major Olympic athlete. Hey, at least the money
was better than most jobs.
What made it even more profitable was when Mousse changed pants and
he got about ten of him in bare bottomed and then only in boxers. He
knew now that he'd defiantly ask more for these pics, considering how
much she was gonna make with the negatives alone, oh man.
Taking the last photo, Kaji started to descend himself as he got on
the ground and to his post. Seeing that Mousse hadn't left to train
today, he wondered what had happened to cause the sudden change. Until
it then hit him.
As he ran across the street, Kaji's mind ran with thoughts about
what his boss had told him. _Could the boss be right? Could today be
the day? Oh man, talk about the fight of the century. And I thought
those fights with that Ryoga guy were tough. Damn._
Kaji continued to watch the home of the young male Amazon along
with the others in the establishment. You never know what could happen
and more yen could come his way.
***
Another set of eyes that was also looking at Mousse belonged to a
certain deeply colored lavender Amazon. A pair of light violet colored
eyes looked on with a confusion in them. Her thoughts of late had been
turning to the young male Amazon before her and she couldn't stop.
Ever since he had totally changed on her, she started to get worried
if she was losing her best friend.
She knew how badly she had treated him these past two years, but
she hadn't expected this type of action from him.
He had started to become cold to her. Ignoring her, causing
accidents for her in work, and actually...
She stopped as her mind began to race to what had happened just
two nights ago.
She had been making out a delivery when she spotted Ranma, and he
was in heated argument with Akane. She sped her bike at them in hopes
that the problems would get worse. What she had not known was that a
call had been made by the Tendo's for dinner to be delivered since it
was Akane's turn to cook that night. And guess who was making the
delivery?
What happened next was not what she had expected.
"Nihao, Ranma. You take Shampoo on date tonight?"
She had said with her ever-present smile, as she threw her glare at
her rival but neither of the two had expected the flying bucket of
water, landing on top of her.
Looking up from her pile, of now wet cloths, Neko-Shampoo saw the
trail of smoke that Ranma had left. But it was the look on Akane's
face that kept her from gong after him. Following her gaze she came to
rest her cat eyes on the person who threw the water at her.
It was Mousse.
She would've gotten angry if it wasn't the way he was looking at
her. That same blue and frosty aura that had been on him days earlier
was surrounding him again. It made her shake all the way down to her
soul.
Without warning he threw another bucket at her but as she had
jumped out its way, he did the unimaginable. He had thrown three
shuriken, striking the bucket once, throwing and moving the still
falling bucket her direction. Yet still far away. The second only
brought it closer and the third impacting it to actually make it land
on top of her.
They were all thrown in so a consecutive manner and perfect way as
though the weapons were a part of him. It had been amazing to watch
but not feel, as the warm soup hit her. Then before she knew it, she
stood nude in the street for all to see. It had been humiliating but
what got to her more was when she had turned to glare at Mousse, he
had disappeared.
Akane had grabbed her dress and covered her as she began to talk.
"Uh Shampoo, since when has Mousse started to act this way? He's
nothing more than pervert if you ask me. Seems like Ranma and he
should get together and start..."
The rest of what she had said fell on deaf ears as she had
forgotten her anger and was concentrating on worry. Her friend, the
person she had gotten used to was gone now. He was now replaced by a
cold and calculating warrior. It scared her at some level considering
that she had never considered Mousse to actually hold anything back at
all whenever they fought.
Now, she wondered.
Coming back to the present, Shampoo noticed that Mousse was almost
finished getting dressed and would soon come out of his room. She too
got up and turned around to start helping out her grandmother open the
store. It was now about to be five fifteen in the morning and Cologne
had told her to try and get at least half an hour workout. To keep up
in fighting shape. But considering how many deliveries she made all
across Nerima and then attending people in the Nekohanten. She could
guess that keeping in shape was not a problem.
But her great-grandmother was right about keeping in fighting
shape, the last person had been too powerful for her to handle. Though
she shuddered again remembering the true power Ranma had held back
every time she had ever fought him, but unleashed on Saffron. The
power was awesome but it was for WHO he had unleashed that power for
that made her truly sad.
_He really loves Akane I guess. But if he's already chosen..._ She
looked up with fear on her face. _..and Muu Zhuu is now cold to me,
who is there for me to love, to... love me?_
Her shoulders almost slumped down but just as quickly threw that
thought aside. Her discipline taught to her but her grandmother came
back and gave her strength. Her body tightened with determination and
letting her Amazon heritage turn her hack into the warrior that she
was.
_No, Ranma is mine and Mousse is nothing. I will get what is mine
and nothing, especially some low Amazon male whose having an identity
crisis stand in my way._ Her right hand balled up into a fist and she
shook it before her. _I swear it to my ancestors._
And she walked off, becoming the same Shampoo she had always been
but with a little seed now implanted in her heart.
It was time to start open the business soon.
***
Cologne sat in meditation as she pondered the events of the last
few days around the place she had come to call home. Her mind was
troubled over the changes that had started to occur ever since the
morning with Mousse.
Her face contorted with every thought and prospect that this new
change in attitude for the young martial artist could mean but it was
almost fruitless. She had been keeping an eye on the young male ever
since that day she had seen that fire in his eyes. A fire she had not
seen in so long a time.
Determination, strength, power and character always came with that
fire she had seen. It was the very thing that had made the Amazons
accept laws of marrying outsiders thousands of years ago; almost since
the first tribes of the Chinese Amazons.
The last person she had seen it in was the man her blood sister,
Perfume, had found. She had been the only one to ever be able to beat
her, as Cologne had been the best ever. But it was always her elder
sister, though a year, could always get the best of her. She was an
Amazon warrior like no other. But that had changed when they were
in their mid-twenties.
Like her own great-granddaughter Shampoo, an outsider had come
along one day but during a raid by slave traders rather than chance
encounter. Her sister and herself had held out most, if not half the
invaders but one had managed to get the better of her for a moment.
Fatigue and being out-numbered can take its toll.
But then 'he' had appeared. Li Kai had been his name and he was a
traveling wander. Always in search of experiences to live and enjoy
whatever life had to give. He appeared in the thick of the whole thing
and defeated every one of the invaders.
From the look she could see on the stranger after the forces had
been thrown back, she knew he had fallen for her. She tried to defend
her sister if this man ever did anything to hurt her but when she made
a move to fight him, her sister had gotten in the way and made a
challenge since Cologne had been hit with an arrow in the shoulder.
The stranger had known of their ways and accepted the challenge on
a condition that had astonished every Amazon present. He had said that
if he won, it would be up to her, Per Phum, if she wanted to marry
him. And her sister considered it. She had never once been defeated by
any wandering male who came and fell for her before. Many had tried,
either by accident meeting or knowing her for a while. But none had
ever won. Now, she considered it.
The battle happened the next week and the stranger was there
present and punctual. It was over in a matter of seconds as Kai had
used a style never before seen. That same style that now became more
the part in her great-granddaughters study of the art. It was
incredible and many great generation came but all died so soon.
In the years to come wars came and destroyed much of the Chinese
jungles they had called home. But the style was taught to her side as
a just in case thing, she wished it had been otherwise but it was love
that had had nearly sixty years of life, that it flourished well
before death snuffed it out like a candle.
But now, it was almost different because she could tell that the
same confusion she was going through now was the same in Mousse
himself. She had studied him every time he did something wrong to her
great-granddaughter. It was hard but she had to know if he was indeed
stronger than her granddaughter.
If he was and still hadn't changed the way he was acting now and
somehow ended up marrying her. Bad things were sure to happen. She had
to know if Mousse was truly a good man or slowly becoming an
inconsiderate man. Today was her last day of observation. If he did
anything like had been doing this past week, she had no choice but to
throw him out of the Amazon tribe herself.
Cologne opened her eyes and slowly got up as she balanced herself
on her staff. Her eyes looked at the door before her and she started
to move toward it as she whispered something to herself.
{So the last test begins, and may the changes to come be bearable.}
With that, she left and the doors closed.
*****
Ranma and Mousse stood face to face across the street as the match
would soon get underway. School had been out for a half hour and now
any students coming to the Nekohanten to eat of just passing by stood
in the audience of the unexpected fight.
Shampoo looked from the sidewalk at the two combatants with some
type of confusion. The last few hours that had happened had not been
like she had expected. Today was going in all different directions and
ways than what she had expected.
Mousse was no longer being the jackass he had been the entire week
before. It had all started when they met at the beginning of the day.
He had entered the restaurant wearing no glasses and in a new grey
silk woven robe. Its sleeves long but ending at the wrist instead of
past it like he used to with his old white robes. Then he went up to
her and spoke.
As Mousse got close, Shampoo got tensed and into a loose fighting
stance, ready to surprise Mousse should he try anything. At most she
was expecting him to insult her then she could beat him and put him
back in his place but he didn't. He did something totally different.
{Xian, I'd like to apologize for acting like a complete jerk this
past week.} His head bent down went further as he went to one knee and
gave her a warriors' apology. One the most respectful signs of great
humility to her and her tribe. It was almost too much. {Please accept
my apology as a friend.}
Shampoo could only stammer as she said she had expected her apology
and got back up, bowed to her and turned around to do his chores. She
was totally at shock from what Mousse just did. For bowing to her on
one knee showed that he had respected her as a warrior. Now, also, he
wasn't being neither a jackass or a love sick idiot but a man. A true
man, like the type of male every Amazon wanted. A man she could learn
to love but she shook herself out of her stupor.
Turning around she tried to get back to work but occasionally,
she had to look back to him. Then someone shouted from outside the
cafe calling out for Mousse. It was a familiar voice as Xian tried to
remember for a moment where she had heard it.
Then it hit her, that voice... it was Ranma's.
Then her momentary memory flashback stopped as she once again stood
amongst the growing crowd that came to see the recent of infamous
martial arts showdown. But Shampoo had to admit something to herself,
something about this fight seemed... different.
She looked to Mousse and saw that his normally-goofy-battle-face
was not on him. It had been replaced by the new man she had come to
recognize as Muu Zhuu. Ranma looked like had been through hell the
past few days, no doubt under constant training, but for what? But his
face showed he was still as confident as ever.
"Well Mousse, ready to fight?"
Mousse stood there and stared at Ranma and looked toward Akane who
was not to far and standing next to her sister, Nabiki. He could tell
that she was really angry about Ranma coming here to fight him. She
still thought that he and Ranma could be good friends. And actually,
he had been putting some thought into it these past few days. Ranma
and him being friends that is. Unlike Ranma, he thought it could be a
possibility.
"Ranma, before we fight... I want to ask one thing out of this
fight."
Ranma grinned her ever present I-Can't-Lose grin and spoke out.
"Sure duck-boy, ask away."
Ranma stood in confusion as Mousse turned away from him and walked
back to the Nekohanten. The crowd parting as he walked through with
confidence, but mature and intelligent confidence, to where Cologne
stood watching.
He bowed before her and spoke in Chinese, not allowing anyone to
understand what he was saying. Ranma was confused, everybody stood
with question marks over there head, Nabiki was trying to listen
intently as she held out a tape recorder. The face on Shampoo's face
was the only thing indicating that she understood perfectly what was
being said.
{Honored Elder. I have a request to ask of you before I fight your
future son-in-law. I wish to...}
{You can marry Xian Pu if you win.}
{What?}
{WHAT?!?!?!} Came the reply of a very angry Shampoo from behind
them. But before she could say anything, Mousse continued.
For a brief moment, Mousse smiled a small smile at the irony of
what was happening. His past actions and recent revelation had finally
gotten him what he always wanted. Khun Lon had finally acknowledged
him as suitable material for a husband for her great-granddaughter so
he let out a small chuckle. The old Amazon looked at him, as did
Shampoo. Then he spoke.
{That is not what I wish to request of you Honored Elder.}
{What?!?!} Now it was Cologne's turn to be amazed at what had just
happened. Her approval had finally been give and Mousse had NOT
accepted it.
{What I wish to ask of you is that this contest NOT be acknowledged
as a fight for Xian's hand. I wish for this to be a simple contest
between martial artists of skill. That is what I ask.}
Cologne stared in shock at the announcement of this young Amazon
male as her respect for him that had diminished somewhat these past
two years, grow. She could see now that this young male, had truly
become what few highly skilled 'young' fighters could ever be, mature.
It usually took a major humiliating fight to do this, for others it
would cost them more. But very few rare occasions, both male and
female, ever did so on their own.
She nodded to his request and he got up and went back to face
Ranma. When he came close he looked at the young Saotome and noticed
that Ryoga and Ukyou were there, as well as the Kunon siblings. Mostly
everybody in the whole town was there now. He faced Ranma and smirked
a similar smirk like Ranma's.
"Well Ranma, let's get this show on the road."
Ranma's smirked deepened too as he got that familiar glint in his
eyes at the thought of an upcoming fight. "Bring it on Duck-boy."
Ranma jumped with flying dragon kick, his left leg extended out as
he flew through the air. Mousse jumping up and avoiding the strike to
the street to which sent pieces of road flying out. He let loose his
wrist chains from his left hand, as his right made sure his 'feathers'
were ready.
So the fight of the century began.
To be continued...