Wow.. I actually finished a chapter in record time.
(less than 6 months!) Not only that, it's actually
longer than what I usually write. *shrugs*
Anyway... as promised...(did I promise?) here's the
next chapter of my insomnia induced ficcie.
Enjoy!
Standard disclaimers apply, see store for details.
~~~~~~~~~~**********~~~~~~~~~~
3x3½ Eyes
Chap. 2
Piece of Cake, Simple as Pai
By Liz Munn
*Poke*
"...."
*Poke*
"... Grrr"
*Poke*
"Ranmaaa..."
*Poke*
"QUIT THAT!"
*...*
"..."
*... Poke*
"ARRGGHH!"
Ranma couldn't help but smirk as he leaned back,
avoiding a punch aimed squarely at his nose. Funny...
to think, the same boy that had just died only a few
moments ago was here fighting like nothing had
happened. Life continued on as if he hadn't been
brutally crushed by that tour buss.
Although, he had to admit, it had been a frightening
experience.
Ranma couldn't let anyone, especially Ryouga, know
how worried he had been. Hell, he couldn't understand
it himself; after all it was only Ryouga. Ryouga, the
constant thorn in his side; Ryouga, his rival in love
and martial arts; Ryouga, the one who wished him death
at every corner. Still, it sent shivers down him
whenever he would think back to earlier, back to when
that damn tour buss painfully colided onto the Lost
Boy's body, sending a large spray of blood around him
and at his face like a garden hose. Instantly he knew
which bones had been broken just by the sound, and
from what he gathered, there had been multiple
fractures on the same bones. It was also at that
moment that he shut himself off from the world. He
did not notice Akane's screams, nor the group that had
gathered to pity the broken body lying on the middle
of the road. All he could think about was that his
rival was dead. No longer would he wander back into
town to spar, nor would he be of any obstacle to Ak...
err... anyone. No longer would Ranma have someone to
pick on, to tease with his clever disguises. No
longer would he have his best rival or his worst
friend. Dispite all that had been said, this thought
saddened him to no end. At first, he was like Akane,
thinking that Ryouga just couldn't be dead. The boy
broke boulders with his finger for crying out loud.
Heck, he survived Akane's cooking; didn't that count
as something?
But as he stood there, listless, blinking at the
apparently lifeless body before him, he just couldn't
ignore the facts before him. Ryouga was dead, and it
had been his fault? It had to have been, if not for
him, Ryouga wouldn't have persued him all the way to
downtown in this stupid chase. Ranma was the one
leading Ryouga here, so it had to have been his fault.
All. His. Fault.
So involved in his self-guilt, Ranma had not noticed
the "dead" body of Ryouga stagger up, leaning on the
tour buss for support. He also hadn't noticed the
boy's wounds closing up rapidly, not even leaving a
scar in its place. In fact, the next thing he knew
was a cold splash of water hitting him from the side,
bringing him back into reality. The old ghoul was
calling them all back to the Nekohatten to discuss
things further. What was there to discuss? Ryouga
was dead and there wasn't a damn thing they could do
about it. At least, that was until he noticed said
deceased had just jabbed his elbow down on Ranma's
head.
It wouldn't have done any good to scream like a girl,
what if his mom was around? Instead, Ranma prefered
to stagger back, pale-faced and point an accusing
finger at the "Dead" boy. He saw this on TV once: The
dead comming back to life. Next thing you'll know,
Ryouga would be moaning, arms sticking out in front of
him and repeating "Braains... must have brains!"
"You ain't eating my brains, man!"
Everyone blinked at Ranma's outburst. After a few
seconds of total confusion of everyone around him,
Akane sighed and walked toward the babbling pig-tailed
boy, only to thwap him with her fist behind his head.
Ryouga blinked as well, but only for a few moments.
Sighing in aggitation, he merely rolled his eyes and
growled at the pig-tailed boy.
"I am not a zombie, Ranma! At least not that kind..."
He scoffed, only to smirk shortly afterward; it
wouldn't do to leave an open insult unnattended. It
was just too easy to avoid. "Plus, it isn't as if you
had any brains in the first place."
Of course, this would've started yet another brawl
had it not for the joint effort of
Akane and Cologne's "influence" to stop the brawl
peacfully and head to their destination. Said
influence being rendering the two martial artists
unconsious.
As they all reached the Nekohatten, Cologne ordered
Mousse to prepare some tea for their guests. As they
waited, Cologne looked around her, observing the young
ones' expressions.
Ranma had yet to let off his constant harrasment of
Ryouga, continuing to poke at the lost boy for some
odd reason. In fact, son-in-law had even gone so far
as to tug on several of Ryouga's limbs, and even
expressed some amazement as nothing happened. It was
as if he was expecting some sort of reaction or
detachment. Cologne sighed inwardly. That boy was
always a mystery to her.
Akane had kept a reasonable distance from Ryouga.
Yet, even with this considerable distance, she seemed
to defend the fanged boy more than usual. Each time
Ranma would appear to insult Ryouga, Akane was quick
to deter this behaviour by use of a blunt object.
Before she had just let them be, after all, what harm
could it have done? Now it appeared she knew better
and was cautious never to allow a second incident of
earlier's dilema.
Shampoo, her dear, superstitious, great granddaughter
would just not stop glaring at Ryouga, almost daring
him to attack the Amazon. An amazon was not to show
fear, even less an Amazon Warrior. Fear was to be
converted to anger to your opponent, and it showed
with Shampoo's expression. Cologne would have to have
a talk with her granddaughter about this and soon.
Sanjiyan's were honored creatures within her tribe.
Any insult to them would look very much down upon by
the Elders of the Tribe.
Mousse had responded the oddest of them all. He had
been the first to react to the incident, by detouring
traffic away from the chaos. It shouldn't have
suprised Cologne much; Mousse had always had a cool
head on his shoulders when it came to serious matters.
Only when driven by anger or love did he lose this
"calmness" and attack with full fury, not giving a
moment's thought to any bystanders. Still, Cologne
had noticed that on their decent to the Nekohatten,
Mousse had positioned himself between Ryouga and
Shampoo. Perhaps it was to protect his "love" from
the zombie, or by chance the other way around. Could
he have known about the Sanjiyan tribe? Impossible.
Only the elders of the tribe were privy to that
information, and yet the information given was very
vague. She would have to interrogate Mr. Part-time
later. That boy knew more than that he was letting
on, she could feel it.
Mousse, at that moment, entered the dinning area,
carrying a large tray with teapots and cups.
Cologne's suspicions were confirmed slightly as she
had been served first and then Ryouga afterwards. It
had always been a custom with Mousse to serve by order
of Respect when attending guests. Before, it had been
Shampoo that had always been served second, no matter
who the guest; an elder, or fellow Amazon merchant.
Yes, definitly would she speak with him afterward, but
first, onward to more important matters.
"I believe I speak for everyone here, when I ask on
how you have aquired the sign of the Wu, Ryouga-boy."
"Excuse me, but what exactly is this Wu thing, and
how did Ryouga survive that... that..." Akane broke
off from her question to look down slightly. The
memories, still fresh in her mind, had caused her to
shake slightly. Ranma frowned, his previous actions
forgotten for the moment, then looked up at Cologne,
glarring slightly as well.
"Yeah Old Ghoul! What the hell is that weird writting
on Ryouga's head? I mean, is it some new technique or
something that makes people super extra strong or
something? I mean, if it's like that incident with
the Martial Arts Calligraphy thing, then no sweat...
all I gotta do is hit the jerk and all is back to
normal, right?"
Ryouga merely sighed and took a sip of his tea.
"If only it were that easy, Saotome. If only..."
Ranma just blinked and crinkled a brow.
"What the hell are you talking about? It's gotta be a
new technique... right Old ghoul?"
Cologne took a sip of her tea and chuckled slightly.
Would there be any benifits in telling this moltove
group of martial artists one of the deepest secrets of
the Amazon tribe? The amazons did not keep the secret
of the Sanjiyans just for their own benifit. They
knew there were individuals out there who would do
anything for their powers. Not that it would have
done any good since the race had mysteriously
vanished, but she knew that would not halt anyone
determined to find their secrets or their treasures.
Taking in a deep breath, Cologne figured it would not
harm them if they knew only just a little bit. They
wouldn't know the whole story, but enough to desist
from their brash questioning.
"Before I tell you about the sign of the Wu, it
important that I explain those who are responsible for
such a deed. The sign of the "Wu" is not a "new
technique"as you had insisted, son-in-law, but rather
a curse. A curse brought upon by a group of
tricloptic demons that had lived peacefully countless
years ago. They were called Sanjiyans"
"A sanji huh? You mean those gold-haired super
powered fighters in Dragonball Z?" Ranma asked,
scratching slightly behind his head.
Cologne sighed. This was going to take a while.
~~~~~
Ukyou Kuonji raised a brow as she blinked slightly at
the radio. There had been an automobile accident near
the Juuban district involving a pedestrian. What was
odd was that the body was nowhere to be found.
Witnesses had sworn to Kami almighty that they've seen
the victim get up from the ground, dust himself, wipe
blood away from his eyes and walk away. A little
while later, the Sailor Soldiers visited the scene
claiming they had sensed a youma in the area.
Turning off the radio, Ukyou could only let out a
sigh. It seemed that even the neighboring cities were
beginning to become as weird as Nerima itself. Not
that it mattered, let them deal with it their own way;
she had a business to run at the moment.
Looking up, Ukyou smirked at Konatsu attending the
tables. She had learned her lesson way back not to
have the cross-dressing ninja anywhere the register.
It had taken nearly two weeks to regain the profit
loss by Konatsu's "good nature selling". Still, he
had proven himself to be of great help. Now... if
only Ranchan would visit every once and a while, then
her day would be complete.
And what of her fiancee? Ranchan was way overdue for
a visit. He had mentioned earlier that Akane was
planning on cooking later tonight, so it was certain
that he would come.
"Um... excuse me, you Kuonji Ukyou?"
Blinking out of her thoughts, Ukyou looked before her
and saw a raggedy, wide-eyed girl looking up at her.
Perhaps some street urchin looking for a free handout.
Not likely. Sure she'll give an okonomiyaki if the
girl asked, but would ask as payment to help Konatsu
with the dishes. She ran a business here, not a soup
shop.
"Yeah... that's me. How can I help ya, sugar?"
Ukyou blinked as the girl's forlorn expression
brightened to one of the widest, most sincere grins
she had ever seen in her life. Aw heck, she deserved
that free meal. Something about that innocent smile
made her feel disgustingly fuzzy.
"Pai so glad! Say you make best Okonomiyaki in all
Japan. Pai not know what Okonomiyaki, but Pai trust
what he say. Pai look all over for him, but not can
find. Pai not know what else do."
Ukyou was now becoming a bit defensive against the
girl. Not because of the truthful compliments, but on
whom this "he" person this girl kept babbling about.
Could it be another of Ranchan's fiancees? Well, not
if this "cute fiancee" had anything to say about it.
"Tell me sugar... who's this guy you keep talking
about. Maybe I can help you find him," (over my dead
body! Ranchan's mine, sugar! Neither you, nor that
innocent smile is going to take him away from me.)
Ukyou didn't think that the girl's, what was her name
again? Pai? Anyway, she didn't think Pai's smile could
get any wider, but she was proven wrong as she saw her
expression brighten even more so as she looked up at
Ukyou tearfully.
"Is true? Can tell Pai where Ryouga go?"
RYOUGA? Ukyou couldn't help but laugh, releasing the
nervous energy within her. Of course, Pai did not
understand why the chef before her was laughing so she
simply tilted her head questionably at the okonomiyaki
girl.
"What funny, Ukyou-san?"
Ukyou shook her head and wiped a tear from her eye.
She thought... but it... oh it was just too much.
"I'm sorry sugar. It's nothing. *Ahem* So, why are
you looking for that jackass Ryouga? Let me guess, he
owes you money, right? Nah... that's more Genma-baka's
style."
Pai blinked for several moments then slumped down
onto the stool.
"Pai look for Ryouga. Ryouga promise Pai help find
rest of statue that help Pai wish come true. Maybe
Ukyou-san know statue? It call the Ningen statue..."
Pai was interrupted slightly when one of Ukyou's
customers began to choke on his okonomiyaki.
"Konatsu! Help that man, will ya, sugar?"
Konatsu simply nodded and began to thwap at the
customer's back, attempting to clear up the breathing
passageways. He had kept an eye on this customer when
he had first entered the shop. Everything about him
reeked of mystery and suspicion. Still, he had kept
his opinions to himself. It wouldn't do to have
Ukyou-sama angry with him again. He remembered a
similar incident a few days ago, but in that time he
had attacked the mysterious person with several
shiruken. It was only a little while later that he
learned that he was a Health Inspector doing rounds on
the restaurants of the neighborhood.
The mysterious man held a hand up, signaling he was
breathing fine. Konatsu fetched a glass of water for
the customer, bowed in apology, then went back to his
orders, continuing to keep an eye on the suspicious
customer. He would protect his Ukyou-sama from
whatever came at them: Health inspectors and all!
"Then what happened, Sugar?"
During the time that Konatsu was helping the customer
breath, Pai had begun to tell the story about their
accidental trip to Hong Kong. She told her about Ling
Ling and Mrs. Huang and how nice they were. She then
had begun to tell Ukyou about Chou, and how he had
betrayed them.
"Then Ryouga begin to glow all green! Pai not see
anything like it ever! Ryouga yell out something and
big green ball shoot at Chou and the statue.
Everything grow all white. Was last thing Pai
remember. Next thing happen, Pai lying on bed. Ling
Ling-san and Huang-san look over Pai. Water all
around. Huang-san say Ryouga broke water pipe, but it
okay can fix easy. When Pai look for Ryouga, not can
find anywhere. Maybe get lost? Pai then remember
stories Ryouga tell Pai about Nerima and Tendo Dojo
and Ucchan Okonomiyaki and Nekohatten. Pai think if
come to Nerima, Pai can wait until Ryouga return. Not
think so?"
"Sounds like a good plan. Ryouga's always managing
to find his way back here somehow. He'll be back in
no time sugar. In the meantime you look kinda
hungry."
Pai shuffled slightly on the stool. She looked down,
slightly embarrassed.
"Pai not have money for pay."
Ukyou simply grinned and waived her hand about.
"I'll put it under the Jackass's tab, don't worry!
Plus, I'm not about to let anyone who complimented on
my cooking to walk away hungry."
Pai blinked at Ukyou then began to giggle. Ukyou
merely smirked then chuckled.
~~~~~
He ate his okonomiyaki with much slowness, ignoring
the wretchedly foul taste of the human food. He much
preferred the taste of raw flesh. Raw human flesh.
He smiled wickedly. Patience was definitely a virtue,
plus, it made the flavor last so long in his mouth.
So that girl was looking for the Ningen statue as
well? Hmmm.. She did look delicious, and that chef
looked even tastier. Ah... screw patience!
Adrenaline gave the flesh a certain tang he had been
craving all day for. Now... to rid of that annoying
ninja. Oh yes... dinner was about to be served.
~~~~~
"So... what you are saying is that Ryouga is now
immortal?"
Cologne nodded. It had taken quite a time to explain
to everyone the story of the Sanjiyans. It did not
help that Ranma kept trying to pick a fight with the
"Wu". After much interruptions and clarifications did
they all finally grasped the concept of what the
symbol meant and who were the cause of it.
"Yes, Ryouga is now cursed with the power of the
void, which gives him the ability to regenerate wounds
rapidly, rendering him immortal. My question now is
how have you come upon such a power, boy?"
Ryouga merely sighed and leaned back, folding his
arms before him.
"Pai. Her name is Pai. How could I have known who
she was at the time? All I did know was that she was
a girl in trouble. Some jerks decided to pick on her,
seeing as she was all ragged and dirty. It didn't take
long to dispose of the bastards. It was then that she
told me her name. She was looking for a guy named
Fujii Yakumo to help her on her quest. Seeing as I
couldn't help her any further I expressed to her my
farewells and was about to continue on my... err...
training trip... yeah."
Ranma chuckled, earning a glare from Ryouga, and a
bop on the head by Akane.
"*Ahem* as I was saying, I was about to continue
onward when one of the punks awoke and snatched a
staff Pai had carried with her. The idiot began to
swing it around randomly, desperate to regain some
lost pride. It was when he knocked the head off the
staff did things turn serious. I still don't quite
believe what happened, but a demon shot out with a
bright light. Head of a human, body of a bird. It
looked at the punk-kid and let out an ear-piercing
scream. It was about to slash the idiot when I
intervened. Bastard or not, it was a human life.
Plus, I wasn't about to let a Demon run around loose.
The funny thing was that Pai began to yell at it,
almost as if she knew the creature, but maybe it
didn't recognize her or something because it raised a
claw to attack her. I didn't think, I just ran and
pushed her out of the way, taking the brunt of the
impact."
Ryouga paused slightly, trying to remember what
happened next, but try as he might nothing came to
mind except pain. A world of pain like he had never
known before. Then the pain gave way to darkness,
sleepiness then nothing. Shaking his head he took in
a deep breath and continued.
"When I awoke the creature was gone. There was blood
everywhere, but no dead bodies anywhere. Pai was
lying over my arm, sleeping. I don't know how long I
was out, but when I woke I had no scratches or
anything, except this damn writing on my forehead."
For a long while, nothing was said. Akane gave a
slightly proud look at Ryouga at his heroics.
Shampoo's glare had reduced slightly, but she still
kept a cautious attitude toward the lost boy. Cologne
had listened intently at Ryouga's story. It was just
like the boy to practically give his life for anyone
in need. But, would he live regretting his decision
now that he is immortal. Immortality: A blessing to
some, but like every new toy, it gets tiresome after a
while. Mousse had kept quiet all this while. His
expression was neutral, not expressing any surprise on
anything. It was getting on Cologne's nerves very
rapidly.
Ranma just smirked and swung his arm around Ryouga's
shoulders.
"So you saved this girl from demons, but where is she
now? Don't tell me you ditched her afterward."
Ryouga was about to respond that ditching people was
Ranma's forte, but stayed silent this once. He had
been wondering on the whereabouts of Pai. He was about
to respond to the questioning idiot with a jab to the
head when the door to the Nekohatten slammed open.
"I'm sorry, but the Nekohatten is closed for today."
Cologne automatically announced to the intruder. She
turned around to chase away the annoyance when she got
a good look of the visitor.
"K... Konatsu?" Akane stood rapidly then rushed to
the ninja, kicking down the chair to the ground.
Ranma and the others soon followed afterward. Konatsu
leaned against the doorway, a puddle of blood
beginning to form by his feet. His eye was swollen
shut and the side of his head was heavily bruised...
as if smashed with a large object. His left arm hung
motionless by his side, his right hand, oozing with
blood, clutched just below the left shoulder. The
battered ninja looked up, as if searching for
something, then rested his eyes on Ryouga then Ranma.
Akane motioned for Konatsu to sit down, but he simply
shook his head.
"Ukyou-sama.... Demon." His voice was raspy; it was a
strain to hear. He tried to clear his throat, but the
task proved more painfully than he had previously
thought. He clutched his neck, showing off slightly
several claw marks. If one didn't know better, they'd
assume that a bear had clutched the ninja's neck.
Cologne had quickly ordered Mousse to fetch the first
aid, then hopped before the wounded ninja.
"Calm down boy! What happened? What has befallen the
Kuonji girl?"
Konatsu shook his head. It was all his fault. He
knew that man was suspicious enough to warn Ukyou-sama
about.
"A demon attacked Ucchan's. Said something about a
the missing piece of the Ningen statue and the Wu who
knew of it's location. It's got Ukyou-sama and a girl
named Pai hostage."
Ryouga blinked then growled. At least he knew now
where Pai was. All eyes were upon him, but he didn't
care at the moment. He slipped off his bag and
reached in, looking for something. A second later, he
pulled out a wrapped up ball. Tugging off the cloth,
he held up a stone figure of a head with three eyes.
Konatsu blinked with his only working eye and looked
up at Ryouga.
"Is that...? Hurry Ryoga-san! You must get that to
Ukyou-sama! Please! The demon said that if he didn't
get what he wanted... Ukyou-sama would die by
sundown."
(less than 6 months!) Not only that, it's actually
longer than what I usually write. *shrugs*
Anyway... as promised...(did I promise?) here's the
next chapter of my insomnia induced ficcie.
Enjoy!
Standard disclaimers apply, see store for details.
~~~~~~~~~~**********~~~~~~~~~~
3x3½ Eyes
Chap. 2
Piece of Cake, Simple as Pai
By Liz Munn
*Poke*
"...."
*Poke*
"... Grrr"
*Poke*
"Ranmaaa..."
*Poke*
"QUIT THAT!"
*...*
"..."
*... Poke*
"ARRGGHH!"
Ranma couldn't help but smirk as he leaned back,
avoiding a punch aimed squarely at his nose. Funny...
to think, the same boy that had just died only a few
moments ago was here fighting like nothing had
happened. Life continued on as if he hadn't been
brutally crushed by that tour buss.
Although, he had to admit, it had been a frightening
experience.
Ranma couldn't let anyone, especially Ryouga, know
how worried he had been. Hell, he couldn't understand
it himself; after all it was only Ryouga. Ryouga, the
constant thorn in his side; Ryouga, his rival in love
and martial arts; Ryouga, the one who wished him death
at every corner. Still, it sent shivers down him
whenever he would think back to earlier, back to when
that damn tour buss painfully colided onto the Lost
Boy's body, sending a large spray of blood around him
and at his face like a garden hose. Instantly he knew
which bones had been broken just by the sound, and
from what he gathered, there had been multiple
fractures on the same bones. It was also at that
moment that he shut himself off from the world. He
did not notice Akane's screams, nor the group that had
gathered to pity the broken body lying on the middle
of the road. All he could think about was that his
rival was dead. No longer would he wander back into
town to spar, nor would he be of any obstacle to Ak...
err... anyone. No longer would Ranma have someone to
pick on, to tease with his clever disguises. No
longer would he have his best rival or his worst
friend. Dispite all that had been said, this thought
saddened him to no end. At first, he was like Akane,
thinking that Ryouga just couldn't be dead. The boy
broke boulders with his finger for crying out loud.
Heck, he survived Akane's cooking; didn't that count
as something?
But as he stood there, listless, blinking at the
apparently lifeless body before him, he just couldn't
ignore the facts before him. Ryouga was dead, and it
had been his fault? It had to have been, if not for
him, Ryouga wouldn't have persued him all the way to
downtown in this stupid chase. Ranma was the one
leading Ryouga here, so it had to have been his fault.
All. His. Fault.
So involved in his self-guilt, Ranma had not noticed
the "dead" body of Ryouga stagger up, leaning on the
tour buss for support. He also hadn't noticed the
boy's wounds closing up rapidly, not even leaving a
scar in its place. In fact, the next thing he knew
was a cold splash of water hitting him from the side,
bringing him back into reality. The old ghoul was
calling them all back to the Nekohatten to discuss
things further. What was there to discuss? Ryouga
was dead and there wasn't a damn thing they could do
about it. At least, that was until he noticed said
deceased had just jabbed his elbow down on Ranma's
head.
It wouldn't have done any good to scream like a girl,
what if his mom was around? Instead, Ranma prefered
to stagger back, pale-faced and point an accusing
finger at the "Dead" boy. He saw this on TV once: The
dead comming back to life. Next thing you'll know,
Ryouga would be moaning, arms sticking out in front of
him and repeating "Braains... must have brains!"
"You ain't eating my brains, man!"
Everyone blinked at Ranma's outburst. After a few
seconds of total confusion of everyone around him,
Akane sighed and walked toward the babbling pig-tailed
boy, only to thwap him with her fist behind his head.
Ryouga blinked as well, but only for a few moments.
Sighing in aggitation, he merely rolled his eyes and
growled at the pig-tailed boy.
"I am not a zombie, Ranma! At least not that kind..."
He scoffed, only to smirk shortly afterward; it
wouldn't do to leave an open insult unnattended. It
was just too easy to avoid. "Plus, it isn't as if you
had any brains in the first place."
Of course, this would've started yet another brawl
had it not for the joint effort of
Akane and Cologne's "influence" to stop the brawl
peacfully and head to their destination. Said
influence being rendering the two martial artists
unconsious.
As they all reached the Nekohatten, Cologne ordered
Mousse to prepare some tea for their guests. As they
waited, Cologne looked around her, observing the young
ones' expressions.
Ranma had yet to let off his constant harrasment of
Ryouga, continuing to poke at the lost boy for some
odd reason. In fact, son-in-law had even gone so far
as to tug on several of Ryouga's limbs, and even
expressed some amazement as nothing happened. It was
as if he was expecting some sort of reaction or
detachment. Cologne sighed inwardly. That boy was
always a mystery to her.
Akane had kept a reasonable distance from Ryouga.
Yet, even with this considerable distance, she seemed
to defend the fanged boy more than usual. Each time
Ranma would appear to insult Ryouga, Akane was quick
to deter this behaviour by use of a blunt object.
Before she had just let them be, after all, what harm
could it have done? Now it appeared she knew better
and was cautious never to allow a second incident of
earlier's dilema.
Shampoo, her dear, superstitious, great granddaughter
would just not stop glaring at Ryouga, almost daring
him to attack the Amazon. An amazon was not to show
fear, even less an Amazon Warrior. Fear was to be
converted to anger to your opponent, and it showed
with Shampoo's expression. Cologne would have to have
a talk with her granddaughter about this and soon.
Sanjiyan's were honored creatures within her tribe.
Any insult to them would look very much down upon by
the Elders of the Tribe.
Mousse had responded the oddest of them all. He had
been the first to react to the incident, by detouring
traffic away from the chaos. It shouldn't have
suprised Cologne much; Mousse had always had a cool
head on his shoulders when it came to serious matters.
Only when driven by anger or love did he lose this
"calmness" and attack with full fury, not giving a
moment's thought to any bystanders. Still, Cologne
had noticed that on their decent to the Nekohatten,
Mousse had positioned himself between Ryouga and
Shampoo. Perhaps it was to protect his "love" from
the zombie, or by chance the other way around. Could
he have known about the Sanjiyan tribe? Impossible.
Only the elders of the tribe were privy to that
information, and yet the information given was very
vague. She would have to interrogate Mr. Part-time
later. That boy knew more than that he was letting
on, she could feel it.
Mousse, at that moment, entered the dinning area,
carrying a large tray with teapots and cups.
Cologne's suspicions were confirmed slightly as she
had been served first and then Ryouga afterwards. It
had always been a custom with Mousse to serve by order
of Respect when attending guests. Before, it had been
Shampoo that had always been served second, no matter
who the guest; an elder, or fellow Amazon merchant.
Yes, definitly would she speak with him afterward, but
first, onward to more important matters.
"I believe I speak for everyone here, when I ask on
how you have aquired the sign of the Wu, Ryouga-boy."
"Excuse me, but what exactly is this Wu thing, and
how did Ryouga survive that... that..." Akane broke
off from her question to look down slightly. The
memories, still fresh in her mind, had caused her to
shake slightly. Ranma frowned, his previous actions
forgotten for the moment, then looked up at Cologne,
glarring slightly as well.
"Yeah Old Ghoul! What the hell is that weird writting
on Ryouga's head? I mean, is it some new technique or
something that makes people super extra strong or
something? I mean, if it's like that incident with
the Martial Arts Calligraphy thing, then no sweat...
all I gotta do is hit the jerk and all is back to
normal, right?"
Ryouga merely sighed and took a sip of his tea.
"If only it were that easy, Saotome. If only..."
Ranma just blinked and crinkled a brow.
"What the hell are you talking about? It's gotta be a
new technique... right Old ghoul?"
Cologne took a sip of her tea and chuckled slightly.
Would there be any benifits in telling this moltove
group of martial artists one of the deepest secrets of
the Amazon tribe? The amazons did not keep the secret
of the Sanjiyans just for their own benifit. They
knew there were individuals out there who would do
anything for their powers. Not that it would have
done any good since the race had mysteriously
vanished, but she knew that would not halt anyone
determined to find their secrets or their treasures.
Taking in a deep breath, Cologne figured it would not
harm them if they knew only just a little bit. They
wouldn't know the whole story, but enough to desist
from their brash questioning.
"Before I tell you about the sign of the Wu, it
important that I explain those who are responsible for
such a deed. The sign of the "Wu" is not a "new
technique"as you had insisted, son-in-law, but rather
a curse. A curse brought upon by a group of
tricloptic demons that had lived peacefully countless
years ago. They were called Sanjiyans"
"A sanji huh? You mean those gold-haired super
powered fighters in Dragonball Z?" Ranma asked,
scratching slightly behind his head.
Cologne sighed. This was going to take a while.
~~~~~
Ukyou Kuonji raised a brow as she blinked slightly at
the radio. There had been an automobile accident near
the Juuban district involving a pedestrian. What was
odd was that the body was nowhere to be found.
Witnesses had sworn to Kami almighty that they've seen
the victim get up from the ground, dust himself, wipe
blood away from his eyes and walk away. A little
while later, the Sailor Soldiers visited the scene
claiming they had sensed a youma in the area.
Turning off the radio, Ukyou could only let out a
sigh. It seemed that even the neighboring cities were
beginning to become as weird as Nerima itself. Not
that it mattered, let them deal with it their own way;
she had a business to run at the moment.
Looking up, Ukyou smirked at Konatsu attending the
tables. She had learned her lesson way back not to
have the cross-dressing ninja anywhere the register.
It had taken nearly two weeks to regain the profit
loss by Konatsu's "good nature selling". Still, he
had proven himself to be of great help. Now... if
only Ranchan would visit every once and a while, then
her day would be complete.
And what of her fiancee? Ranchan was way overdue for
a visit. He had mentioned earlier that Akane was
planning on cooking later tonight, so it was certain
that he would come.
"Um... excuse me, you Kuonji Ukyou?"
Blinking out of her thoughts, Ukyou looked before her
and saw a raggedy, wide-eyed girl looking up at her.
Perhaps some street urchin looking for a free handout.
Not likely. Sure she'll give an okonomiyaki if the
girl asked, but would ask as payment to help Konatsu
with the dishes. She ran a business here, not a soup
shop.
"Yeah... that's me. How can I help ya, sugar?"
Ukyou blinked as the girl's forlorn expression
brightened to one of the widest, most sincere grins
she had ever seen in her life. Aw heck, she deserved
that free meal. Something about that innocent smile
made her feel disgustingly fuzzy.
"Pai so glad! Say you make best Okonomiyaki in all
Japan. Pai not know what Okonomiyaki, but Pai trust
what he say. Pai look all over for him, but not can
find. Pai not know what else do."
Ukyou was now becoming a bit defensive against the
girl. Not because of the truthful compliments, but on
whom this "he" person this girl kept babbling about.
Could it be another of Ranchan's fiancees? Well, not
if this "cute fiancee" had anything to say about it.
"Tell me sugar... who's this guy you keep talking
about. Maybe I can help you find him," (over my dead
body! Ranchan's mine, sugar! Neither you, nor that
innocent smile is going to take him away from me.)
Ukyou didn't think that the girl's, what was her name
again? Pai? Anyway, she didn't think Pai's smile could
get any wider, but she was proven wrong as she saw her
expression brighten even more so as she looked up at
Ukyou tearfully.
"Is true? Can tell Pai where Ryouga go?"
RYOUGA? Ukyou couldn't help but laugh, releasing the
nervous energy within her. Of course, Pai did not
understand why the chef before her was laughing so she
simply tilted her head questionably at the okonomiyaki
girl.
"What funny, Ukyou-san?"
Ukyou shook her head and wiped a tear from her eye.
She thought... but it... oh it was just too much.
"I'm sorry sugar. It's nothing. *Ahem* So, why are
you looking for that jackass Ryouga? Let me guess, he
owes you money, right? Nah... that's more Genma-baka's
style."
Pai blinked for several moments then slumped down
onto the stool.
"Pai look for Ryouga. Ryouga promise Pai help find
rest of statue that help Pai wish come true. Maybe
Ukyou-san know statue? It call the Ningen statue..."
Pai was interrupted slightly when one of Ukyou's
customers began to choke on his okonomiyaki.
"Konatsu! Help that man, will ya, sugar?"
Konatsu simply nodded and began to thwap at the
customer's back, attempting to clear up the breathing
passageways. He had kept an eye on this customer when
he had first entered the shop. Everything about him
reeked of mystery and suspicion. Still, he had kept
his opinions to himself. It wouldn't do to have
Ukyou-sama angry with him again. He remembered a
similar incident a few days ago, but in that time he
had attacked the mysterious person with several
shiruken. It was only a little while later that he
learned that he was a Health Inspector doing rounds on
the restaurants of the neighborhood.
The mysterious man held a hand up, signaling he was
breathing fine. Konatsu fetched a glass of water for
the customer, bowed in apology, then went back to his
orders, continuing to keep an eye on the suspicious
customer. He would protect his Ukyou-sama from
whatever came at them: Health inspectors and all!
"Then what happened, Sugar?"
During the time that Konatsu was helping the customer
breath, Pai had begun to tell the story about their
accidental trip to Hong Kong. She told her about Ling
Ling and Mrs. Huang and how nice they were. She then
had begun to tell Ukyou about Chou, and how he had
betrayed them.
"Then Ryouga begin to glow all green! Pai not see
anything like it ever! Ryouga yell out something and
big green ball shoot at Chou and the statue.
Everything grow all white. Was last thing Pai
remember. Next thing happen, Pai lying on bed. Ling
Ling-san and Huang-san look over Pai. Water all
around. Huang-san say Ryouga broke water pipe, but it
okay can fix easy. When Pai look for Ryouga, not can
find anywhere. Maybe get lost? Pai then remember
stories Ryouga tell Pai about Nerima and Tendo Dojo
and Ucchan Okonomiyaki and Nekohatten. Pai think if
come to Nerima, Pai can wait until Ryouga return. Not
think so?"
"Sounds like a good plan. Ryouga's always managing
to find his way back here somehow. He'll be back in
no time sugar. In the meantime you look kinda
hungry."
Pai shuffled slightly on the stool. She looked down,
slightly embarrassed.
"Pai not have money for pay."
Ukyou simply grinned and waived her hand about.
"I'll put it under the Jackass's tab, don't worry!
Plus, I'm not about to let anyone who complimented on
my cooking to walk away hungry."
Pai blinked at Ukyou then began to giggle. Ukyou
merely smirked then chuckled.
~~~~~
He ate his okonomiyaki with much slowness, ignoring
the wretchedly foul taste of the human food. He much
preferred the taste of raw flesh. Raw human flesh.
He smiled wickedly. Patience was definitely a virtue,
plus, it made the flavor last so long in his mouth.
So that girl was looking for the Ningen statue as
well? Hmmm.. She did look delicious, and that chef
looked even tastier. Ah... screw patience!
Adrenaline gave the flesh a certain tang he had been
craving all day for. Now... to rid of that annoying
ninja. Oh yes... dinner was about to be served.
~~~~~
"So... what you are saying is that Ryouga is now
immortal?"
Cologne nodded. It had taken quite a time to explain
to everyone the story of the Sanjiyans. It did not
help that Ranma kept trying to pick a fight with the
"Wu". After much interruptions and clarifications did
they all finally grasped the concept of what the
symbol meant and who were the cause of it.
"Yes, Ryouga is now cursed with the power of the
void, which gives him the ability to regenerate wounds
rapidly, rendering him immortal. My question now is
how have you come upon such a power, boy?"
Ryouga merely sighed and leaned back, folding his
arms before him.
"Pai. Her name is Pai. How could I have known who
she was at the time? All I did know was that she was
a girl in trouble. Some jerks decided to pick on her,
seeing as she was all ragged and dirty. It didn't take
long to dispose of the bastards. It was then that she
told me her name. She was looking for a guy named
Fujii Yakumo to help her on her quest. Seeing as I
couldn't help her any further I expressed to her my
farewells and was about to continue on my... err...
training trip... yeah."
Ranma chuckled, earning a glare from Ryouga, and a
bop on the head by Akane.
"*Ahem* as I was saying, I was about to continue
onward when one of the punks awoke and snatched a
staff Pai had carried with her. The idiot began to
swing it around randomly, desperate to regain some
lost pride. It was when he knocked the head off the
staff did things turn serious. I still don't quite
believe what happened, but a demon shot out with a
bright light. Head of a human, body of a bird. It
looked at the punk-kid and let out an ear-piercing
scream. It was about to slash the idiot when I
intervened. Bastard or not, it was a human life.
Plus, I wasn't about to let a Demon run around loose.
The funny thing was that Pai began to yell at it,
almost as if she knew the creature, but maybe it
didn't recognize her or something because it raised a
claw to attack her. I didn't think, I just ran and
pushed her out of the way, taking the brunt of the
impact."
Ryouga paused slightly, trying to remember what
happened next, but try as he might nothing came to
mind except pain. A world of pain like he had never
known before. Then the pain gave way to darkness,
sleepiness then nothing. Shaking his head he took in
a deep breath and continued.
"When I awoke the creature was gone. There was blood
everywhere, but no dead bodies anywhere. Pai was
lying over my arm, sleeping. I don't know how long I
was out, but when I woke I had no scratches or
anything, except this damn writing on my forehead."
For a long while, nothing was said. Akane gave a
slightly proud look at Ryouga at his heroics.
Shampoo's glare had reduced slightly, but she still
kept a cautious attitude toward the lost boy. Cologne
had listened intently at Ryouga's story. It was just
like the boy to practically give his life for anyone
in need. But, would he live regretting his decision
now that he is immortal. Immortality: A blessing to
some, but like every new toy, it gets tiresome after a
while. Mousse had kept quiet all this while. His
expression was neutral, not expressing any surprise on
anything. It was getting on Cologne's nerves very
rapidly.
Ranma just smirked and swung his arm around Ryouga's
shoulders.
"So you saved this girl from demons, but where is she
now? Don't tell me you ditched her afterward."
Ryouga was about to respond that ditching people was
Ranma's forte, but stayed silent this once. He had
been wondering on the whereabouts of Pai. He was about
to respond to the questioning idiot with a jab to the
head when the door to the Nekohatten slammed open.
"I'm sorry, but the Nekohatten is closed for today."
Cologne automatically announced to the intruder. She
turned around to chase away the annoyance when she got
a good look of the visitor.
"K... Konatsu?" Akane stood rapidly then rushed to
the ninja, kicking down the chair to the ground.
Ranma and the others soon followed afterward. Konatsu
leaned against the doorway, a puddle of blood
beginning to form by his feet. His eye was swollen
shut and the side of his head was heavily bruised...
as if smashed with a large object. His left arm hung
motionless by his side, his right hand, oozing with
blood, clutched just below the left shoulder. The
battered ninja looked up, as if searching for
something, then rested his eyes on Ryouga then Ranma.
Akane motioned for Konatsu to sit down, but he simply
shook his head.
"Ukyou-sama.... Demon." His voice was raspy; it was a
strain to hear. He tried to clear his throat, but the
task proved more painfully than he had previously
thought. He clutched his neck, showing off slightly
several claw marks. If one didn't know better, they'd
assume that a bear had clutched the ninja's neck.
Cologne had quickly ordered Mousse to fetch the first
aid, then hopped before the wounded ninja.
"Calm down boy! What happened? What has befallen the
Kuonji girl?"
Konatsu shook his head. It was all his fault. He
knew that man was suspicious enough to warn Ukyou-sama
about.
"A demon attacked Ucchan's. Said something about a
the missing piece of the Ningen statue and the Wu who
knew of it's location. It's got Ukyou-sama and a girl
named Pai hostage."
Ryouga blinked then growled. At least he knew now
where Pai was. All eyes were upon him, but he didn't
care at the moment. He slipped off his bag and
reached in, looking for something. A second later, he
pulled out a wrapped up ball. Tugging off the cloth,
he held up a stone figure of a head with three eyes.
Konatsu blinked with his only working eye and looked
up at Ryouga.
"Is that...? Hurry Ryoga-san! You must get that to
Ukyou-sama! Please! The demon said that if he didn't
get what he wanted... Ukyou-sama would die by
sundown."