Kio turned over on her futon to silence the small buzzing annoyance sitting on the floor next to her. Opening her eyes, she realized that the sound was coming from an alarm clock, which read 5:00. With a quiet groan, so as not to wake Akane who was still sound asleep across the room, Kio padded downstairs and out to the Dojo. The morning was bright, and clear, and felt clean from the dew resting on the grass. Kio took a deep breath and began a slow rhythmic kata. As she moved, her mind wandered to the events of the past week. All of a sudden, she had a home, of sorts, and a surrogate family. The Tendos seemed so wonderful, if a bit odd, but her life had been erratic enough that something as minor as a few Chinese curses couldn't faze her.
After talking to Kasumi yesterday, she had realized that the new term at the high school started the next day, or today. Kio was going to go enroll permanently with the other students and try to have somewhat of a normal existence, insofar as that was possible. That's why she was up extra early today - she wanted to surprise her new family by cooking them breakfast. Kasumi certainly deserved a morning off, as it seemed no one noticed all the work the poor girl had to do in a given day. She had nothing special planned, just a simple meal, but even that would be a welcome break for the eldest Tendo daughter.
Finishing the last leap on the kata, Kio landed on one foot, and held her balance for a moment before lowering herself to the ground. She sat on the floor, breathing deeply, and tried to clear her mind and find a focus. As her turbulent thoughts settled down, her minds' eye was suddenly bombarded with a series of images that left Kio stunned.
They passed too quickly to be recognized, just sensed. There was great violence, and pride, and a feeling of impending doom and looming fate that left Kio breathless. Then there was a feeling of a great weight upon her, and the distinct presence of someone in the room. Then it was all gone, and she was sitting alone.
She shook her head and tried to make sense of what had just happened, but the images were slipping away as fast as they had come, like sand through her fingers. Kio looked and saw the sun rising higher and realized that she would have to hurry to get some breakfast ready if she wanted to be on time. As she shut the doors to the dojo, she could have sworn she heard a sigh from inside. "Must have been the wind..."
Kasumi was startled by a soft knock at the door. "I wonder if there is trouble..." The door opened slightly and Kio appeared, peeking in around the doorframe.
"Can I come in, Kasumi-san?"
"Oh, good morning, Kio-chan. Is anything wrong?"
"No, not at all Kasumi-san - I have a surprise for you though...." Kio walked in the door carrying a tray laden with breakfast foods.
"Oh...my."
"I saw this on a movie once, breakfast in bed...but I suppose since you aren't in bed anymore, it will just have to be breakfast in bed*room*." With a huge grin on her face, Kio set the tray down and bowed to Kasumi.
"Kio, who did all this?"
"I did, Kasumi-san, don't you like it? I suppose I should have asked first, but, I wanted to thank you, for taking me in..."
"No, no, Kio, I am just...surprised. I don't know what to say...." Kasumi looked down at the tray. It had everything she would have prepared, rice and soup, and....
On the tray, next to the rice bowl, was a single flower. Just a white blossom from the tree outside, but seeing the tray sitting there, exactly as it had been those many years ago....
Kasumi stood in the kitchen humming. She was determined to fix breakfast for her okassan, and it had to be perfect. The rice was done, and the soup was about ready to be poured. She set everything on the tray, with her mothers' favorite bowls and the lacquered chopsticks Kasumi had always admired. She looked down at the finished tray, and frowned. There was something missing, something that would make it.... perfect. She ran outside and picked a budding blossom from the tree next to the pond. Placing it on the tray, she nodded in satisfaction, and headed up the stairs...
Kasumi shook her head and realized that Kio was looking at her, a very concerned expression in her eyes. Kasumi reached a hand up to touch her cheek when she realized it was damp with tears. She looked at Kio, who was kneeling on the floor next to her.
"Thank you, Kio-chan. This is the most wonderful thing that anyone has done for me in a long time. Thank you." Seeing the gentle smile of the girl before her, the sadness that had been in Kasumi's heart from the memory of the last day of her mother faded.
"Are you certain that you are all right, Kasumi-san? Generally breakfast does not make people cry."
Kasumi laughed. "I am fine. I was just remembering my mother. That always makes me sad and happy, all at once."
Kio nodded her head in agreement. "For me as well, Kasumi-san." With that, Kio rose and turned to go.
"Kio?"
"Yes, Kasumi-san?"
"Please, call me oneechan."
Kio looked at her wistfully. "Arigatou, Oneechan." And she closed the door behind her.
Later that morning, Kio joined Ranma and Akane on their ritual walk to school. Ranma was up on the fence, and Akane was pointedly not looking at him. Kio lagged behind, and kept glancing over here shoulder, expecting to see someone there. Just as Akane was about to ask her what was wrong, a familiar bicycle bell sounded in the distance. The vague outline of a mallet formed in Akane's hand, and she scowled as the purple haired Amazon leapt off her bike to glomp onto Ranma. "Nihao arien! You take Shampoo on date, yes?" Akane was about to mallet Ranma into the stratosphere when she happened to notice Kio standing behind her.
She was standing stock still, her eyes open as wide as they could go, her mouth working slightly, staring at the Amazon. Akane's mallet vanished as she approached the girl. "Kio?" she asked softly. Kio didn't seem to hear her. The feeling that she had had in the dojo earlier was back, but a thousand times stronger. She could feel it take a grip on her mind. "No please no I can't not now not here not in front of Ranma please I..." Kio's eyes slid shut, and she bowed her head.
Then she began to glow.
It was neither the red aura that Akane emitted when she was angry, nor the powerful battle aura that Ranma showed. It was a strange, ethereal blue light, which swirled around her, like shadows through dark water. Kio rose up a foot off the ground, and hovered there. Ranma had peeled Shampoo off of him and was now standing warily next to Akane. He looked ready to rush forward at any moment. His sense of danger was going full tilt, but at the same time he could not seem to move. Suddenly, the blue swirling aura seemed to leap up into the air and then pour themselves down Kio's throat as she let out an ear-piercing scream. That noise seemed to unfreeze Ranma as he rushed forward with a yell "KIO!" Before he could reach her, he crashed into an invisible wall that surrounded her in a pale blue egg as she slowly sank down so her feet touched the ground.
And then she opened her eyes.
The eyes that Ranma had seen that night on the roof, a mossy hazel, and seemed to deepen with her smile, now flashed a cold ice blue. Akane stepped forward to where Ranma still sat on the ground. She reached her hand towards the blue egg "Kio?" Abruptly the egg vanished and Kio spoke.
"Kio is not here"
The voice that came from her lips sounded like Kio's, only older, with a harsher edge to it. The girl-who-was-not-Kio's eyes swept over the figures in front of her and settled on the purple haired girl.
"Xian Pu." Shampoo started at the use of her Chinese name. "Your behavior here is not that of a true Amazon. You are disgracing yourself and your tribe."
Shampoo bristled. "Who you to say Shampoo not fit Amazon?"
The blue eyes flashed. "I am your Ancestor. I have been summoned because your village needed you to return to them. Where is the elder Koh Lon?"
Shampoo glared at the Ancestor, but after a moment was the first to lower her eyes. "Great-grandmother at Nekohanten." "Then take us there." Shampoo nodded and turned to walk away.
As Ancestor passed Ranma and Akane, Ranma reached out and grabbed her arm. "Wait! What are you planning to do with Shampoo?"
Ancestor eyed him coldly. "This is not a concern for outsiders - even you, groom."
"It is my concern. Shampoo is my friend." Ranma locked eyes with the girl before him, and this time neither quailed until she answered. "Fine. You may come. But she..."
Ancestor looked past Ranma's shoulder to see Akane standing warily behind him. She moved towards Akane when Ranma stepped between them, his arms crossed over his chest. Akane stepped up and placed a hand on his arm, gently nudging him to one side so she would stand face to face with Ancestors. Ranma looked at her cautiously, but stepped aside.
Ancestor looked at Akane. She extended at tentative hand towards her. "May I touch you? I need to see....."
Akane looked at the familiar face warily. For some reason, she trusted the girl before her, even though it was not the same person she knew. She nodded and bowed her head. Ancestor placed her hand upon her scalp and closed her eyes.
Heartbeat
Akane felt herself shudder as an icy coldness penetrated her head in a rush, entering all the crevices of her mind. Her memories of Ranma swam to the surface of the cold sea. She could see him practicing in the backyard, as she watched intently from her bedroom window. Shampoo glomping him, after smashing him with her bike. Herself next to Ranma walking on the fence on the way to school. Fighting off enemies who had kidnapped her. His smile. Holding her in his arms as he leapt from roof to roof. And she saw his smile. His blue eyes gazing at her when he thought she wouldn't notice. And his smile.
Akane blinked and realized that someone was supporting her. She opened her eyes further and saw that her arm was being gripped by Ancestor and Ranma was rushing to her side, concern written all over his face.
"Akane, are you alright?" She nodded and he turned on Ancestor. "What did you do to her? If you hurt her I'll...."
"She is fine, groom. She is strong." Her gaze shifted to Akane, "I am sorry, child. I did not mean to let it happen that quickly. Thank you for letting me understand."
Ancestor turned and walked toward Shampoo. She stopped halfway there, and regarded Ranma and Akane still standing still on the sidewalk.
"You are coming?"
It was not really a question. Ranma stared back into ancestor's eyes, and for a moment, the stone face grimaced in pain, and in that moment Ranma could see Kio there, rather than the glowing blue of Ancestor. Then it was gone, and a pair of frozen blue orbs stared back at him.
Ranma unconsciously took Akane's hand in his own as they headed off down the sidewalk towards the Nekohanten.
Cologne's head jerked up from the pot of ramen she had been preparing. All of her battle senses were running at full tilt, warning her that something very powerful was heading her way. She walked out into the dining room just in time to see Shampoo enter, still holding the door open for others. "Xian Pu, what exactly is going on......" Cologne stopped talking as Kio walked through the door. Cologne could sense the power emanating from the slight girl before her. Ancestor opened her mouth and addressed the gaping woman.
"Koh Lon"
Ranma's eyes flew wide open as he saw the old ghoul do something he never thought he would see. She bowed. She bowed as deeply as she could without prostrating herself on the floor.
"Ancestor, what do you wish of us? Why have you retuned in the guise of this outsider to come here?"
"I have been summoned in order to bring you and the warrior Xian Pu back to the village. You are both needed there."
"Can you tell us what the problem is?"
"The Yào-mo-ren have returned"
Cologne's face went completely white at the mention of these "Yào-mo-ren". Then she nodded. "Yes we must go at once. Shampoo, tell Mousse to come here. He will need to take care of the restaurant until we return."
"You will not return."
Cologne spun to look at Ancestor. "Why will we not return?"
"Shampoo no want to leave arien"
Ancestor turned and looked coldly at Shampoo. "I was told of your exploits with your Arien. I have also come to see why you had been so long in returning with your husband to the village."
"I am NOT Shampoo's husband!" Ranma yelled. Everyone turned to look at him. He glared at Ancestor, and then heard a voice inside his head.
Remain quiet, Ranma, this will work out for you, I promise
Ranma whispered "Kio?" but the voice was gone, and he was still staring into the cold possessed eyes of Ancestor.
"Why is he your husband, Shampoo?" Ancestor asked.
"Ranma defeat Shampoo in battle. By law he is Shampoo's husband!"
"But he says he is not."
"Not matter!" Shampoo said, getting annoyed. "Law say he husband. HE HUSBAND!"
"Not if he does not love you, and wish to return. Besides, this time, even if he wished, he could not return with you. Neither can Mousse."
"What?"
"Hey, why can't Mousse go with them? He's an Amazon too, right?" asked Ranma. He was generally ignored.
"Do you know why that law began?" Shampoo looked down at her toes, and quietly shook her head. Ancestor turned to Cologne. "You never told her?"
"I had no answer for her, other than that we needed strong men to breed stronger children. Is it not thus?"
Ancestor stared at the pair and slowly shook her head. "Two amazons who do not know why their tribe came into being. I suppose I will have to tell you the story, so that you understand why you cannot claim Ranma, and also what you will be fighting when you return home.
"Do you know what the Yào-mo-ren do, elder?"
"They are a form of demon that can steal the life right out of a person. They are extremely dangerous because if they touch you, they have you."
"Correct, to a point. They do steal the spark of life, but only that of men. Because they are male, they can only absorb the life of a male. Therefore women are not as affected by them, but they are still demons and extremely powerful. With women they can cause an extraordinary amount of pain, but it does not immediately kill.
"Did you ever wonder why the amazons came into being? It is because many many years ago, when China was still developing, the tribe was a normal tribe in many respects. It had more place for women in its society than most, but men were not seen as lesser. Men and women in the tribe were equal, in that they each had their tasks to perform. Both men and women were trained in martial arts, it just happened that fighting more often was the work of men because they were naturally stronger than the women"
Shampoo opened her mouth to speak but a sharp poke from Cologne's cane shut it just as quickly.
"One day, a man came to the village and demanded that the rulership of it be turned over to him, due to some claim of linage. He also wanted to have all the rights a lord would have, including that of free reign over any and all women of the town. The people of course protested, and since his band was small, quickly dispatched them. The man swore revenge, but no one paid him much mind. A year later, an army of the Yào-mo-ren stood at the border of the town with the man and announced that they would have revenge over the town by taking all that was dear to them. The men gathered together to fight the demons, but as soon as they were touched, they fell, lifeless. Soon every warrior lay fallen, and all that was left were the women and the children. A few of the women has seen their sons and husbands fall, and grabbed whatever weapons they could and began to attack the demons. The demons pressed forward and tried to pull the life out of them, but it could not come. However the traditional weapons of the tribe were having no effect The women pulled back, and then suddenly the demons stopped. They just stood in the middle of the square. Then they turned into a vapor and started to swirl about the village, and began to seep into the houses where the children were hidden. Their cries could be heard echoing off of the mountains surrounding, and the women could do nothing to stop them."
Tears were coursing down Akane's face, and even as Ranma took her hand again, she could see his other fist clenching in indignation.
"One of the women, cradling the body of her dead son, and letting her tears fall onto herself and the babe in her arms suddenly stood and launched her spear into the heart of one of the demons. It wailed and vanished. The rest of the women began throwing their spears as well, and they all began to push the demons back. One of the women was a skilled sorceress. She had been trying the whole time to ward off the demons, but they had been too strong for her to defeat. Now that they were weakened, she threw up the strongest ward she could, encompassing the whole valley and driving the demons off, destroying many of them in the process. She threw her whole life force into the protection, and used her soul to seal it closed, so died in the process. She was the only woman to fall that day."
Even Ancestor turned her head down and took a shaky breath. Then she looked up at the people surrounding her.
"Her name was Ju-shuen, and the resulting band of women decided to re-name the village after her. Since there were no men left, the resulting tribe decided that if women were the only ones who could defeat the demons, they needed to become warriors. However, they knew that if they didn't have children, the tribe would die out. They took in battered women from all the surrounding villages, and adopted them as Amazons. Problems arose when men started to come to try and live in a tribe made entirely of women. They thought of it as some sort of paradise. They soon discovered that if they wanted to remain there, they would have to allow the women to fight and not get in the way of tribes business. It started out that way because the women feared that the demons would return and steal the ones they loved, so all energy needed to be devoted to training the women. Eventually, it just became a female dominated society, and because men were not invited to fight, they became less in the eyes of the tribe. Most of the women were emotionally scarred either from seeing the battle themselves, or having been tortured by men who had been their husbands. As people began to forget where they came from, the tribe changed into what it is today."
There was a moment of silence as people began to digest this wealth of information. Ranma was the first to speak.
"Um, but why does any of this mean I don't havta marry Shampoo?"
"The law of marriage was created because the women needed fine warriors to train them in the arts so they could become stronger. A man who was a warrior also did not need to be protected from worldly enemies. However, it used to be that men would only come to Jusenkyo to seek out the Amazons. Legends of a village entirely of women caused some problems. The penalties for any man who lost his challenge were enough to scare the weak hearted. And the promise of marriage was enough to lure the men who were up to the challenge. However, a challenge needed to be made by the man towards the woman he wished to marry, or vice versa, and the challenged needed to accept. It was a form of courtship, not of bondage." She looked pointedly at Shampoo. "The kiss of marriage could not be received by accident. Your claims on Ranma are void, since the challenges were not issued and accepted by both parties."
Silence reigned in the room as everyone considered what had just been said.
Shampoo hung her head sadly. In one moment, she had lost claim over Ranma, her arien. If he were not under law to return, he would have to come willingly, which he had made clear that he would never do. She had seen Jusendo - and knew that he loved Akane. But yet she still loved him... and her heart was breaking over the loss of him.
Cologne also realized that she had been beaten - with no bond of honor over an Amazonian law, Ranma would never return with them. She worried less for herself than for Shampoo. But now was not the time to brood. There was a battle to be fought.
"Why have the Yào-mo-ren returned?" Cologne asked.
"It is 5 thousand years since their first appearance. The wards that had protected Jusenkyo are almost gone. The demon lord has come and confronted us, and all he would say was that the women will pay once again for their disobedience. They wish to take the lives of those we love to try and break the spirit of the women warrior. But, unfortunately there is more..."
"What is it?"
"They have declared this to be the final battle. The man who entered the village those five thousand years ago was a powerful sorcerer. He wished to use the magic that flows beneath the soil of Jusenkyo for his purposes. The women denied him that, because to take ownership of magic, one must either have it given freely, or defeat the previous owner and claim it for themselves. Upon his death, he became lord of the demons he created, and has spent the last years trying to take the land that will grant him life again."
"Why may we not return here?" asked Shampoo quietly.
"If the battle is lost, none shall return, for all shall perish. If the battle is won, then you must remain to fulfill your destiny as leader of the Amazons. The tribe needs to be led not by the council of matriarchs, but by one who can understand that the world is not always as it is inside our valley. Despite your fierce clinging to certain aspects of Amazon law, you have seen that some things are above any written law. The Amazons have for too long closed their hearts to desires normal for any woman in order to prepare for this battle. When the threat is gone, men may once again walk freely, and regain a place among the members of our tribe."
"That not possible! Men would take tribe over, not let women retain position of power!"
"Xian Pu, how many men do you know that can defeat you?"
"Only one -ari...Ranma"
"Do you think that any of the men in your village could take on all the women? That is what they would have to do. The power of man and the power of women are not contradictory forces. They compliment each other. In many battles, has not Mu Tzu helped you and Ranma defeat your foes? Only when working together can the power of the Amazon be complete." Ancestor stood and looked at both Cologne and Shampoo. "Time is growing short. The battle will begin, and both of you are needed to fight. One warrior can tip the balance. Go and prepare yourselves."
"Wait!"
Everyone in the room was startled as three voices spoke that word at once. Akane and Ranma looked at each other, and then towards the stairs where Mousse was standing. Mousse spoke first.
"Would you just leave me behind? I will fight to protect my village and my love! You cannot exclude me from this battle!"
Ancestor approached Mousse and placed a hand on his arm.
"Mu Tzu, you are a brave and skilled warrior and a fine man, but the fact that you are a man will be a hindrance in this fight. There are enough men already trapped in the village that must be protected. You must remain here, so that you will not be in danger from something you cannot fight." She leaned up close to his ear and spoke softly, so that no one else could hear. "Xian Pu needs to focus on the battle ahead. She would lose if she were worrying about you too. Love is too often a distraction, rather than a help."
"She-she-she loves me?" he answered just as quietly.
"No, not yet, but that is because her thoughts were on Ranma. She never had a chance to see how gentle you could be, and because you could never go all out against her, how strong. Give it time. If the battle is won, you will return home, and will be needed to help rebuild the tribe. I give you my word - I will send you home."
Mousse nodded quietly and stepped aside so that Ancestor might approach Ranma and Akane. "Well, Ranma? What is your protest?"
"Let me come with you. I can help."
"But you are a man."
Ranma picked up a glass of water that was sitting on the table and overturned it onto his head.
"Not anymore." Ranma-chan said.
Ancestor shook her head as she looked at the redhead. "No matter what body you hold, you are still a man, and have a man's heart and soul. It is the life in you that the demons want, and you would still be a man in their eyes. I thank you for your offer"
Ancestor turned to Akane as she spoke quietly. "And what about me? Can I help?"
Ranma spun and stared at her. "What are you thinking? You could get killed! You heard how dangerous these things are!"
Ancestor raised a hand. "Silence, Ranma. She has made a legitimate request."
"Akane, you also have the heart of a warrior. However, you are not of the Jusenkyo tribe. This battle will be a matter of honor for the tribe and us. It needs to be fought, and won, by true Amazon blood. You are a formidable opponent, but you still have a way to go in your training. I cannot bring you with us now." Ancestor leaned in close to her as she had done with Mousse. "However, in moments of great need, even Amazon pride can be sacrificed. If your help is needed, know that I will accept your offer. For now, keep Ranma from tearing down Nerima with worry, and stay with him. If you went, he would follow, and then surely die." Akane's eyes went wide, and then she nodded and stepped back.
Cologne and Shampoo returned. Shampoo was dressed in her armor, just as she had been when she first came to Nerima.
"Are you both ready to go?" They nodded. "Good. We will leave now."
"But what about Kio?"
"Kio made a pact with the Amazons. She knew the danger she faced. I, and therefore she, must be present for this battle. Her strength is considerable, and she will fight well. Do not fear..."
Ancestor grimaced once again, and in that blink Ranma could see the green of Kio's, the real Kio's eyes. Then she spoke, and it was the voice of his friend, strained and broken.
"Thank you...Ranma.... Akane.... for everything. I'll be fine.... don't worry.... I go.... to uphold my...honor"
Blink
Ancestor's cool blues regarded them both as she nodded. "Yes, that one is strong...it is time to go."
Shampoo ran up and grabbed Ranma in a fierce hug, not a glomp, tears streaming down her face. "Wo ai ni, Ranma. And goodbye." She turned to Akane and bowed. "Goodbye Akane. Violent Girl, sometimes friend, but love Ranma too, yes?" Akane blushed but took Shampoo into a hug as well.
Cologne faced them "Goodbye, Ranma. You were always an amusing opponent."
Mousse approached Shampoo. "Xian Pu, I..."
"I know, Mu Tzu. I will see you again, either at home, or in the afterlife." Shampoo reached up and kissed Mousse on the cheek before stepping back next to Ancestor. A blue aura flared up around them and burned so bright that Ranma, Akane and Mousse had to shield their eyes. Then the trio of Amazons was gone, without a trace.
Ranma and Akane walked home together. The sun was setting, casting an orange and pink light over the pair, who were both lost in their own thoughts. Akane reached out and grasped Ranma's hand in her own. He started and stared at her for a moment, then they continued home, each glancing towards the setting sun and hoping their friends were all right.
After talking to Kasumi yesterday, she had realized that the new term at the high school started the next day, or today. Kio was going to go enroll permanently with the other students and try to have somewhat of a normal existence, insofar as that was possible. That's why she was up extra early today - she wanted to surprise her new family by cooking them breakfast. Kasumi certainly deserved a morning off, as it seemed no one noticed all the work the poor girl had to do in a given day. She had nothing special planned, just a simple meal, but even that would be a welcome break for the eldest Tendo daughter.
Finishing the last leap on the kata, Kio landed on one foot, and held her balance for a moment before lowering herself to the ground. She sat on the floor, breathing deeply, and tried to clear her mind and find a focus. As her turbulent thoughts settled down, her minds' eye was suddenly bombarded with a series of images that left Kio stunned.
They passed too quickly to be recognized, just sensed. There was great violence, and pride, and a feeling of impending doom and looming fate that left Kio breathless. Then there was a feeling of a great weight upon her, and the distinct presence of someone in the room. Then it was all gone, and she was sitting alone.
She shook her head and tried to make sense of what had just happened, but the images were slipping away as fast as they had come, like sand through her fingers. Kio looked and saw the sun rising higher and realized that she would have to hurry to get some breakfast ready if she wanted to be on time. As she shut the doors to the dojo, she could have sworn she heard a sigh from inside. "Must have been the wind..."
Kasumi was startled by a soft knock at the door. "I wonder if there is trouble..." The door opened slightly and Kio appeared, peeking in around the doorframe.
"Can I come in, Kasumi-san?"
"Oh, good morning, Kio-chan. Is anything wrong?"
"No, not at all Kasumi-san - I have a surprise for you though...." Kio walked in the door carrying a tray laden with breakfast foods.
"Oh...my."
"I saw this on a movie once, breakfast in bed...but I suppose since you aren't in bed anymore, it will just have to be breakfast in bed*room*." With a huge grin on her face, Kio set the tray down and bowed to Kasumi.
"Kio, who did all this?"
"I did, Kasumi-san, don't you like it? I suppose I should have asked first, but, I wanted to thank you, for taking me in..."
"No, no, Kio, I am just...surprised. I don't know what to say...." Kasumi looked down at the tray. It had everything she would have prepared, rice and soup, and....
On the tray, next to the rice bowl, was a single flower. Just a white blossom from the tree outside, but seeing the tray sitting there, exactly as it had been those many years ago....
Kasumi stood in the kitchen humming. She was determined to fix breakfast for her okassan, and it had to be perfect. The rice was done, and the soup was about ready to be poured. She set everything on the tray, with her mothers' favorite bowls and the lacquered chopsticks Kasumi had always admired. She looked down at the finished tray, and frowned. There was something missing, something that would make it.... perfect. She ran outside and picked a budding blossom from the tree next to the pond. Placing it on the tray, she nodded in satisfaction, and headed up the stairs...
Kasumi shook her head and realized that Kio was looking at her, a very concerned expression in her eyes. Kasumi reached a hand up to touch her cheek when she realized it was damp with tears. She looked at Kio, who was kneeling on the floor next to her.
"Thank you, Kio-chan. This is the most wonderful thing that anyone has done for me in a long time. Thank you." Seeing the gentle smile of the girl before her, the sadness that had been in Kasumi's heart from the memory of the last day of her mother faded.
"Are you certain that you are all right, Kasumi-san? Generally breakfast does not make people cry."
Kasumi laughed. "I am fine. I was just remembering my mother. That always makes me sad and happy, all at once."
Kio nodded her head in agreement. "For me as well, Kasumi-san." With that, Kio rose and turned to go.
"Kio?"
"Yes, Kasumi-san?"
"Please, call me oneechan."
Kio looked at her wistfully. "Arigatou, Oneechan." And she closed the door behind her.
Later that morning, Kio joined Ranma and Akane on their ritual walk to school. Ranma was up on the fence, and Akane was pointedly not looking at him. Kio lagged behind, and kept glancing over here shoulder, expecting to see someone there. Just as Akane was about to ask her what was wrong, a familiar bicycle bell sounded in the distance. The vague outline of a mallet formed in Akane's hand, and she scowled as the purple haired Amazon leapt off her bike to glomp onto Ranma. "Nihao arien! You take Shampoo on date, yes?" Akane was about to mallet Ranma into the stratosphere when she happened to notice Kio standing behind her.
She was standing stock still, her eyes open as wide as they could go, her mouth working slightly, staring at the Amazon. Akane's mallet vanished as she approached the girl. "Kio?" she asked softly. Kio didn't seem to hear her. The feeling that she had had in the dojo earlier was back, but a thousand times stronger. She could feel it take a grip on her mind. "No please no I can't not now not here not in front of Ranma please I..." Kio's eyes slid shut, and she bowed her head.
Then she began to glow.
It was neither the red aura that Akane emitted when she was angry, nor the powerful battle aura that Ranma showed. It was a strange, ethereal blue light, which swirled around her, like shadows through dark water. Kio rose up a foot off the ground, and hovered there. Ranma had peeled Shampoo off of him and was now standing warily next to Akane. He looked ready to rush forward at any moment. His sense of danger was going full tilt, but at the same time he could not seem to move. Suddenly, the blue swirling aura seemed to leap up into the air and then pour themselves down Kio's throat as she let out an ear-piercing scream. That noise seemed to unfreeze Ranma as he rushed forward with a yell "KIO!" Before he could reach her, he crashed into an invisible wall that surrounded her in a pale blue egg as she slowly sank down so her feet touched the ground.
And then she opened her eyes.
The eyes that Ranma had seen that night on the roof, a mossy hazel, and seemed to deepen with her smile, now flashed a cold ice blue. Akane stepped forward to where Ranma still sat on the ground. She reached her hand towards the blue egg "Kio?" Abruptly the egg vanished and Kio spoke.
"Kio is not here"
The voice that came from her lips sounded like Kio's, only older, with a harsher edge to it. The girl-who-was-not-Kio's eyes swept over the figures in front of her and settled on the purple haired girl.
"Xian Pu." Shampoo started at the use of her Chinese name. "Your behavior here is not that of a true Amazon. You are disgracing yourself and your tribe."
Shampoo bristled. "Who you to say Shampoo not fit Amazon?"
The blue eyes flashed. "I am your Ancestor. I have been summoned because your village needed you to return to them. Where is the elder Koh Lon?"
Shampoo glared at the Ancestor, but after a moment was the first to lower her eyes. "Great-grandmother at Nekohanten." "Then take us there." Shampoo nodded and turned to walk away.
As Ancestor passed Ranma and Akane, Ranma reached out and grabbed her arm. "Wait! What are you planning to do with Shampoo?"
Ancestor eyed him coldly. "This is not a concern for outsiders - even you, groom."
"It is my concern. Shampoo is my friend." Ranma locked eyes with the girl before him, and this time neither quailed until she answered. "Fine. You may come. But she..."
Ancestor looked past Ranma's shoulder to see Akane standing warily behind him. She moved towards Akane when Ranma stepped between them, his arms crossed over his chest. Akane stepped up and placed a hand on his arm, gently nudging him to one side so she would stand face to face with Ancestors. Ranma looked at her cautiously, but stepped aside.
Ancestor looked at Akane. She extended at tentative hand towards her. "May I touch you? I need to see....."
Akane looked at the familiar face warily. For some reason, she trusted the girl before her, even though it was not the same person she knew. She nodded and bowed her head. Ancestor placed her hand upon her scalp and closed her eyes.
Heartbeat
Akane felt herself shudder as an icy coldness penetrated her head in a rush, entering all the crevices of her mind. Her memories of Ranma swam to the surface of the cold sea. She could see him practicing in the backyard, as she watched intently from her bedroom window. Shampoo glomping him, after smashing him with her bike. Herself next to Ranma walking on the fence on the way to school. Fighting off enemies who had kidnapped her. His smile. Holding her in his arms as he leapt from roof to roof. And she saw his smile. His blue eyes gazing at her when he thought she wouldn't notice. And his smile.
Akane blinked and realized that someone was supporting her. She opened her eyes further and saw that her arm was being gripped by Ancestor and Ranma was rushing to her side, concern written all over his face.
"Akane, are you alright?" She nodded and he turned on Ancestor. "What did you do to her? If you hurt her I'll...."
"She is fine, groom. She is strong." Her gaze shifted to Akane, "I am sorry, child. I did not mean to let it happen that quickly. Thank you for letting me understand."
Ancestor turned and walked toward Shampoo. She stopped halfway there, and regarded Ranma and Akane still standing still on the sidewalk.
"You are coming?"
It was not really a question. Ranma stared back into ancestor's eyes, and for a moment, the stone face grimaced in pain, and in that moment Ranma could see Kio there, rather than the glowing blue of Ancestor. Then it was gone, and a pair of frozen blue orbs stared back at him.
Ranma unconsciously took Akane's hand in his own as they headed off down the sidewalk towards the Nekohanten.
Cologne's head jerked up from the pot of ramen she had been preparing. All of her battle senses were running at full tilt, warning her that something very powerful was heading her way. She walked out into the dining room just in time to see Shampoo enter, still holding the door open for others. "Xian Pu, what exactly is going on......" Cologne stopped talking as Kio walked through the door. Cologne could sense the power emanating from the slight girl before her. Ancestor opened her mouth and addressed the gaping woman.
"Koh Lon"
Ranma's eyes flew wide open as he saw the old ghoul do something he never thought he would see. She bowed. She bowed as deeply as she could without prostrating herself on the floor.
"Ancestor, what do you wish of us? Why have you retuned in the guise of this outsider to come here?"
"I have been summoned in order to bring you and the warrior Xian Pu back to the village. You are both needed there."
"Can you tell us what the problem is?"
"The Yào-mo-ren have returned"
Cologne's face went completely white at the mention of these "Yào-mo-ren". Then she nodded. "Yes we must go at once. Shampoo, tell Mousse to come here. He will need to take care of the restaurant until we return."
"You will not return."
Cologne spun to look at Ancestor. "Why will we not return?"
"Shampoo no want to leave arien"
Ancestor turned and looked coldly at Shampoo. "I was told of your exploits with your Arien. I have also come to see why you had been so long in returning with your husband to the village."
"I am NOT Shampoo's husband!" Ranma yelled. Everyone turned to look at him. He glared at Ancestor, and then heard a voice inside his head.
Remain quiet, Ranma, this will work out for you, I promise
Ranma whispered "Kio?" but the voice was gone, and he was still staring into the cold possessed eyes of Ancestor.
"Why is he your husband, Shampoo?" Ancestor asked.
"Ranma defeat Shampoo in battle. By law he is Shampoo's husband!"
"But he says he is not."
"Not matter!" Shampoo said, getting annoyed. "Law say he husband. HE HUSBAND!"
"Not if he does not love you, and wish to return. Besides, this time, even if he wished, he could not return with you. Neither can Mousse."
"What?"
"Hey, why can't Mousse go with them? He's an Amazon too, right?" asked Ranma. He was generally ignored.
"Do you know why that law began?" Shampoo looked down at her toes, and quietly shook her head. Ancestor turned to Cologne. "You never told her?"
"I had no answer for her, other than that we needed strong men to breed stronger children. Is it not thus?"
Ancestor stared at the pair and slowly shook her head. "Two amazons who do not know why their tribe came into being. I suppose I will have to tell you the story, so that you understand why you cannot claim Ranma, and also what you will be fighting when you return home.
"Do you know what the Yào-mo-ren do, elder?"
"They are a form of demon that can steal the life right out of a person. They are extremely dangerous because if they touch you, they have you."
"Correct, to a point. They do steal the spark of life, but only that of men. Because they are male, they can only absorb the life of a male. Therefore women are not as affected by them, but they are still demons and extremely powerful. With women they can cause an extraordinary amount of pain, but it does not immediately kill.
"Did you ever wonder why the amazons came into being? It is because many many years ago, when China was still developing, the tribe was a normal tribe in many respects. It had more place for women in its society than most, but men were not seen as lesser. Men and women in the tribe were equal, in that they each had their tasks to perform. Both men and women were trained in martial arts, it just happened that fighting more often was the work of men because they were naturally stronger than the women"
Shampoo opened her mouth to speak but a sharp poke from Cologne's cane shut it just as quickly.
"One day, a man came to the village and demanded that the rulership of it be turned over to him, due to some claim of linage. He also wanted to have all the rights a lord would have, including that of free reign over any and all women of the town. The people of course protested, and since his band was small, quickly dispatched them. The man swore revenge, but no one paid him much mind. A year later, an army of the Yào-mo-ren stood at the border of the town with the man and announced that they would have revenge over the town by taking all that was dear to them. The men gathered together to fight the demons, but as soon as they were touched, they fell, lifeless. Soon every warrior lay fallen, and all that was left were the women and the children. A few of the women has seen their sons and husbands fall, and grabbed whatever weapons they could and began to attack the demons. The demons pressed forward and tried to pull the life out of them, but it could not come. However the traditional weapons of the tribe were having no effect The women pulled back, and then suddenly the demons stopped. They just stood in the middle of the square. Then they turned into a vapor and started to swirl about the village, and began to seep into the houses where the children were hidden. Their cries could be heard echoing off of the mountains surrounding, and the women could do nothing to stop them."
Tears were coursing down Akane's face, and even as Ranma took her hand again, she could see his other fist clenching in indignation.
"One of the women, cradling the body of her dead son, and letting her tears fall onto herself and the babe in her arms suddenly stood and launched her spear into the heart of one of the demons. It wailed and vanished. The rest of the women began throwing their spears as well, and they all began to push the demons back. One of the women was a skilled sorceress. She had been trying the whole time to ward off the demons, but they had been too strong for her to defeat. Now that they were weakened, she threw up the strongest ward she could, encompassing the whole valley and driving the demons off, destroying many of them in the process. She threw her whole life force into the protection, and used her soul to seal it closed, so died in the process. She was the only woman to fall that day."
Even Ancestor turned her head down and took a shaky breath. Then she looked up at the people surrounding her.
"Her name was Ju-shuen, and the resulting band of women decided to re-name the village after her. Since there were no men left, the resulting tribe decided that if women were the only ones who could defeat the demons, they needed to become warriors. However, they knew that if they didn't have children, the tribe would die out. They took in battered women from all the surrounding villages, and adopted them as Amazons. Problems arose when men started to come to try and live in a tribe made entirely of women. They thought of it as some sort of paradise. They soon discovered that if they wanted to remain there, they would have to allow the women to fight and not get in the way of tribes business. It started out that way because the women feared that the demons would return and steal the ones they loved, so all energy needed to be devoted to training the women. Eventually, it just became a female dominated society, and because men were not invited to fight, they became less in the eyes of the tribe. Most of the women were emotionally scarred either from seeing the battle themselves, or having been tortured by men who had been their husbands. As people began to forget where they came from, the tribe changed into what it is today."
There was a moment of silence as people began to digest this wealth of information. Ranma was the first to speak.
"Um, but why does any of this mean I don't havta marry Shampoo?"
"The law of marriage was created because the women needed fine warriors to train them in the arts so they could become stronger. A man who was a warrior also did not need to be protected from worldly enemies. However, it used to be that men would only come to Jusenkyo to seek out the Amazons. Legends of a village entirely of women caused some problems. The penalties for any man who lost his challenge were enough to scare the weak hearted. And the promise of marriage was enough to lure the men who were up to the challenge. However, a challenge needed to be made by the man towards the woman he wished to marry, or vice versa, and the challenged needed to accept. It was a form of courtship, not of bondage." She looked pointedly at Shampoo. "The kiss of marriage could not be received by accident. Your claims on Ranma are void, since the challenges were not issued and accepted by both parties."
Silence reigned in the room as everyone considered what had just been said.
Shampoo hung her head sadly. In one moment, she had lost claim over Ranma, her arien. If he were not under law to return, he would have to come willingly, which he had made clear that he would never do. She had seen Jusendo - and knew that he loved Akane. But yet she still loved him... and her heart was breaking over the loss of him.
Cologne also realized that she had been beaten - with no bond of honor over an Amazonian law, Ranma would never return with them. She worried less for herself than for Shampoo. But now was not the time to brood. There was a battle to be fought.
"Why have the Yào-mo-ren returned?" Cologne asked.
"It is 5 thousand years since their first appearance. The wards that had protected Jusenkyo are almost gone. The demon lord has come and confronted us, and all he would say was that the women will pay once again for their disobedience. They wish to take the lives of those we love to try and break the spirit of the women warrior. But, unfortunately there is more..."
"What is it?"
"They have declared this to be the final battle. The man who entered the village those five thousand years ago was a powerful sorcerer. He wished to use the magic that flows beneath the soil of Jusenkyo for his purposes. The women denied him that, because to take ownership of magic, one must either have it given freely, or defeat the previous owner and claim it for themselves. Upon his death, he became lord of the demons he created, and has spent the last years trying to take the land that will grant him life again."
"Why may we not return here?" asked Shampoo quietly.
"If the battle is lost, none shall return, for all shall perish. If the battle is won, then you must remain to fulfill your destiny as leader of the Amazons. The tribe needs to be led not by the council of matriarchs, but by one who can understand that the world is not always as it is inside our valley. Despite your fierce clinging to certain aspects of Amazon law, you have seen that some things are above any written law. The Amazons have for too long closed their hearts to desires normal for any woman in order to prepare for this battle. When the threat is gone, men may once again walk freely, and regain a place among the members of our tribe."
"That not possible! Men would take tribe over, not let women retain position of power!"
"Xian Pu, how many men do you know that can defeat you?"
"Only one -ari...Ranma"
"Do you think that any of the men in your village could take on all the women? That is what they would have to do. The power of man and the power of women are not contradictory forces. They compliment each other. In many battles, has not Mu Tzu helped you and Ranma defeat your foes? Only when working together can the power of the Amazon be complete." Ancestor stood and looked at both Cologne and Shampoo. "Time is growing short. The battle will begin, and both of you are needed to fight. One warrior can tip the balance. Go and prepare yourselves."
"Wait!"
Everyone in the room was startled as three voices spoke that word at once. Akane and Ranma looked at each other, and then towards the stairs where Mousse was standing. Mousse spoke first.
"Would you just leave me behind? I will fight to protect my village and my love! You cannot exclude me from this battle!"
Ancestor approached Mousse and placed a hand on his arm.
"Mu Tzu, you are a brave and skilled warrior and a fine man, but the fact that you are a man will be a hindrance in this fight. There are enough men already trapped in the village that must be protected. You must remain here, so that you will not be in danger from something you cannot fight." She leaned up close to his ear and spoke softly, so that no one else could hear. "Xian Pu needs to focus on the battle ahead. She would lose if she were worrying about you too. Love is too often a distraction, rather than a help."
"She-she-she loves me?" he answered just as quietly.
"No, not yet, but that is because her thoughts were on Ranma. She never had a chance to see how gentle you could be, and because you could never go all out against her, how strong. Give it time. If the battle is won, you will return home, and will be needed to help rebuild the tribe. I give you my word - I will send you home."
Mousse nodded quietly and stepped aside so that Ancestor might approach Ranma and Akane. "Well, Ranma? What is your protest?"
"Let me come with you. I can help."
"But you are a man."
Ranma picked up a glass of water that was sitting on the table and overturned it onto his head.
"Not anymore." Ranma-chan said.
Ancestor shook her head as she looked at the redhead. "No matter what body you hold, you are still a man, and have a man's heart and soul. It is the life in you that the demons want, and you would still be a man in their eyes. I thank you for your offer"
Ancestor turned to Akane as she spoke quietly. "And what about me? Can I help?"
Ranma spun and stared at her. "What are you thinking? You could get killed! You heard how dangerous these things are!"
Ancestor raised a hand. "Silence, Ranma. She has made a legitimate request."
"Akane, you also have the heart of a warrior. However, you are not of the Jusenkyo tribe. This battle will be a matter of honor for the tribe and us. It needs to be fought, and won, by true Amazon blood. You are a formidable opponent, but you still have a way to go in your training. I cannot bring you with us now." Ancestor leaned in close to her as she had done with Mousse. "However, in moments of great need, even Amazon pride can be sacrificed. If your help is needed, know that I will accept your offer. For now, keep Ranma from tearing down Nerima with worry, and stay with him. If you went, he would follow, and then surely die." Akane's eyes went wide, and then she nodded and stepped back.
Cologne and Shampoo returned. Shampoo was dressed in her armor, just as she had been when she first came to Nerima.
"Are you both ready to go?" They nodded. "Good. We will leave now."
"But what about Kio?"
"Kio made a pact with the Amazons. She knew the danger she faced. I, and therefore she, must be present for this battle. Her strength is considerable, and she will fight well. Do not fear..."
Ancestor grimaced once again, and in that blink Ranma could see the green of Kio's, the real Kio's eyes. Then she spoke, and it was the voice of his friend, strained and broken.
"Thank you...Ranma.... Akane.... for everything. I'll be fine.... don't worry.... I go.... to uphold my...honor"
Blink
Ancestor's cool blues regarded them both as she nodded. "Yes, that one is strong...it is time to go."
Shampoo ran up and grabbed Ranma in a fierce hug, not a glomp, tears streaming down her face. "Wo ai ni, Ranma. And goodbye." She turned to Akane and bowed. "Goodbye Akane. Violent Girl, sometimes friend, but love Ranma too, yes?" Akane blushed but took Shampoo into a hug as well.
Cologne faced them "Goodbye, Ranma. You were always an amusing opponent."
Mousse approached Shampoo. "Xian Pu, I..."
"I know, Mu Tzu. I will see you again, either at home, or in the afterlife." Shampoo reached up and kissed Mousse on the cheek before stepping back next to Ancestor. A blue aura flared up around them and burned so bright that Ranma, Akane and Mousse had to shield their eyes. Then the trio of Amazons was gone, without a trace.
Ranma and Akane walked home together. The sun was setting, casting an orange and pink light over the pair, who were both lost in their own thoughts. Akane reached out and grasped Ranma's hand in her own. He started and stared at her for a moment, then they continued home, each glancing towards the setting sun and hoping their friends were all right.
