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Ranma 1/2: New Challenges
All That We Have Known
Chapter 5
The day of the challenge match arrived, and the crowd gathered
in the appointed place. This being Nerima, that meant the appointed
place was a empty, conveniently placed, nearby lot, which had seen a
great majority of the epic martial arts struggles that tended to pop up.
The gathered crowd consisted of the Tendos, Saotomes, the
Ucchan group, and the Nekohanten gang, plus one other. Nabiki had
invited Kuno when he found out about it. Ranma didn't want him to show,
but Nabiki said he was going to come, regardless, so she had done it in
a way that would ensure he wouldn't interfere. When Ranma asked what she
meant, she simply smiled and winked.
He wisely decided not to pursue the issue.
Shampoo and Mousse were already waiting at one end of the lot,
as well as two other women Ranma didn't recognize. But they were dressed
in robes similiar to Shampoos, the one that was almost like Cologne's
that she had worn during Kenji's memory restoration. He guess they were
more Chinese Amazons.
Mousse started foreword when the crowd took their places at the
sideline.
As he walked up to them, Ranma loosened up his arm that, until
a couple of days ago, had a cast on it. He couldn't believe how fast it
had healed; probably thanks to that new technique Happosai had taught
them. When the doctor examined his arm during the last checkup, he had
to double and triple check his readings. The bone had completely mended
itself. When the doc and his family asked how, Ranma said nothing. For
now, he and Akane decided to keep the technique to themselves.
Mousse reached the center of the field and raised his arms,
signaling for quiet. As he spoke, Ranma couldn't shake the feeling that
something was wrong. It wasn't the kind of premonition that he was about
to be attacked, that was different. No, this was something else, a sense
of something out of place. He shook his head and tried to dispel it.
[No, Shampoo wouldn't engage in any kind of foul play, would she? I'll
just have to keep an eye on the fight]. He tuned back in to what Mousse
was saying.
"...between Shampoo and Akane," the nearly blind boy was saying.
"Observing the match are Lotion and Floss of the Joketsuzoku. The
combatants can fight only with what they bring to the match. No outside
help of any kind is permitted. The match will be over when one of the
combatants are either dead, unconscious, leaves the area, or if one
forfeits the fight. Now we shall begin. Warriors, prepare yourselves."
[So that's who those two women are,] Ranma thought. [I guess
with Cologne gone, they needed some people from their tribe to make the
contest official.]
He turned to Akane who was dressed in her combat gi. It was
similar to her practice gi, but with some slight differences; she was
wearing some leather padding underneath it in various places. Not enough
to hinder movement, but just enough to help cushion some blows.
She smiled at him and he smiled back. There was no need for
words, since they had said everything to each other that morning.
Instead, he wrapped her in a big hug, followed by a deep kiss (To give
her a bit of a ki charge). When they parted, they bowed to each other
and she headed out into the field, opposite of Shampoo.
Ranma tried to ignore the sensation of his heart and stomach
sparring inside him.
Turning back, he noticed Kuno staring at him with his mouth
open. A quick poke from Nabiki though, and he closed his mouth and
turned away.
Ranma shrugged slightly in response, then slowly scanned the
faces of his friends and family. Soun wasn't crying like he expected him
to be, rather he was doing his best to act brave. His mom and dad were
standing side by side looking mainly confident, but with a bit of worry
thrown in. Ukyo was talking to Kenji and Yuri, apparently explaining
things to them. Tofu was standing next to Kasumi with his arm around
her. Ranma had heard that they'd grown closer after their first date
went well.
And Nabiki was checking things in a notebook. [Probably
checking the bets,] he thought to himself, slightly disgusted. [Her
sister is about to engage in mortal combat and she still thinks of
money. Oh well, no use thinking about that now.] He turned his attention
back to the field.
Shampoo removed her and handed it to one of the Amazons with
her, revealing her combat body suit and leather breastplate underneath.
The other Amazon handed her a pair of bonbori and then moved off the
field.
Mousse backed up when the two warriors assumed ready positions,
then gave the signal to begin.
For a few seconds, neither one moved. Then, by some unspoken
signal, the two charged each other. Akane feigned a punch, but then
dropped to the ground with a leg sweep. The Amazon jumped back, then
forward swinging the heavy maces.
Akane had no choice to but to retreat until she found an
opening, though Shampoo wasn't giving her any. Ranma's heart dropped as
he saw her slowly forced back. If she went back much farther, she would
leave the lot and lose.
A gold aura suddenly flared to life around Akane. With a couple
of quick punches, she destroyed the two bonbori and backed Shampoo off.
The aura promptly faded afterward. Ranma was hoping she wouldn't have to
use the Tora Dokiken until later in the match to surprise Shampoo and
finish it quickly. Now that her opponent knew about, Shampoo would be
much more careful.
"No..." Ranma heard Soun mumble. "How could she know that?"
Ranma moved to his side. "What are you talking about?" he
whispered. But the elder Tendo didn't respond, so fixed on the match he
was. [I'll have to ask later,] Ranma thought. [But he looks like he
recognized the Tora Dokiken technique.]
Akane took a kick to the side and felt pain lance through her
body. She grabbed a hold of the leg and leaped sideways to deliver a
quick double kick to her opponent's face before flipping the leg and
sending Shampoo to the ground. The Amazon was back up in no time,
countering and dodging Akane's moves.
[She's not holding back,] Akane thought grimly. [I suppose with
her honor and Ranma on the line, she can't afford to.]
Akane ducked under a roundhouse. Shampoo didn't complete the
turn, but instead planted her hands on the ground and flipped her other
foot up, striking Akane's face with her heel. The other girl hit the
ground, then rolled away from a strike that was intended for her
stomach. Akane did a kippup to return to her feet. [I can't afford to
hold back either.]
They collided again in a flurry of punches and kicks, and Akane
realized she was receiving more than she was giving. As Shampoo's latest
attack spun her away, Akane feigned dizziness, hoping to draw the Amazon
in.
It worked.
As Shampoo came at her, Akane waited until the last possible
second before activated the Tora Dokiken again. She easily blocked
Shampoo's attack and delivered a quick, yet devastating six hit combo
that sent the Amazon reeling.
The young Tendo didn't pursue. She was probably in the same
shape as her opponent, if not worse, and she needed to catch her breath.
Shampoo couldn't know it, but Akane figureed that she probably only had
enough ki left to do one, maybe two more of those. When Shampoo got up,
she wisely kept her distance as the two circled each other.
Shampoo had a bloody nose and Akane could tell she was sporting
some kind of chest injury. [I'm not doing too hot myself,] Akane
realized. Her arm was sore, as was her leg from an earlier kick. Shampoo
could probably tell that was causing her to limp slightly. It was also
causing her some pain whenever she stepped, but she wasn't letting that
show.
Suddenly, Shampoo's aura flared purple briefly as she brought
her hands in front of her, palms outward. A small purple ball formed in
her hands and from that shot several purple comet-like lances. Akane
dove forward and rolled trying to avoid the ki attack. One of the lances
managed to strike her back and Akane cried out when it burned her.
[Ranma said that a ki-attack was like a punch!] she thought.
[But that actually burned me!]
When she finally got back to her feet, Shampoo was letting
another wave of the lances go. Akane was closer to Shampoo now and
dodging the second wave seemed almost impossible. Instead, she made a
quick decision.
The flaxen outline popped into existence once more as a
speedier Akane bulldozed through the multiple ki blast. Where the lances
struck the golden aura, they simply fizzled. Akane closed the distance
and began her attack, but Shampoo managed to dodge the few punches she
threw until the Tiger effect wore off.
Shampoo jumped back in and attacked in full force, not caring
about her own defense and it was all Akane could do to deal with the
attacks. Then one after another, punches and kicks got through Akane's
own defense and she was sent tumbling away to land face down in the
dirt. With a cry, Shampoo leapt into the air and came down on Akane, her
feet outstretched and poised to crush her opponent once and for all.
Time slowed to a virtual standstill for Ranma. Dread welled up
in him when he realized Akane wasn't moving. [No! Get up Akane! Move you
stupid tomboy!] he wanted to yell. He watched as Shampoo continued her
descent, her intent clear.
Akane flared to life, rolling on to her back and bringing her
hands up.
"Moko Takabisha!"
Shampoo was clearly surprised by the move, and there was
nothing she could do about it. The ki ball slammed into her stomach,
shattering the chestplate, sending the Chinese girl twisting out of the
air as Akane struggled to her feet. The youngest Tendo limped over to
the fallen form of her opponent, holding her stomach and breathing
raggedly.
The Amazon wasn't moving.
Akane nudged Shampoo with her foot, then turned her onto her
back. Her eyes were closed. Akane felt her opponent's neck for a pulse,
then looked up and nodded at Mousse, who was clearly feeling torn up at
the abuse Shampoo had suffered. He stepped foreword and examined Shampoo
while Akane staggered back. He got up and nodded to the two Amazons.
Ranma was elated. She had won! He was about to run over to her,
but before he could, something else happened.
In the next instant, a nearby pile of rubbish burst open and a
ribbon snaked out, wrapping itself around Akane's neck. With a jerk,
Kodachi dragged Akane to her and grabbed her with her free hand.
Well, the hand wasn't exactly free. It held a small knife which
she place near Akane's throat to stop the rush of people, Ranma
included, from getting to her.
"Let Akane go, Kodachi," Ranma growled. A chilling laugh was his
only reply.
"Oh, my Ramna-sama, it's okay!" Kodachi purred. "I know this
witch has you under some sort of mind control. Once she is out of the
way, we can be together. Isn't that what you truly want?"
"Just let her go, and we can talk about this," Ranma tried to
reason with her. [Yeah right, like she's the reasonable type.] Actually,
looking at her he had to wonder what her state of mind was. Though she
was wearing a light green leotard, it was covered in filth. Her eyes
looked slightly wilder than usual.
Kodachi seemed to think about it for second. "I'm afraid I
can't do that Ranma-sama. I know you may not love me now, but I am
better for you! I can offer you so much more than this wench." Ranma
tried to step slowly towards her, but she pressed the knife into Akane's
neck, drawing a faint amount of blood. A look of terror passed over
Akane's face, even as tears began to leak out of her eyes.
"Sister, do not do this, tis not an honorable thing," Kuno
addressed her, stepping foreword.
Kodachi's face lit up. "Brother dear! I'm so glad you came!
Don't worry, you can have this girl when I'm through. Isn't that what
you want?"
Kuno seemed to hesitate. "I had no idea you were this far gone.
My own madness has blinded me to it. I do desire Tendo Akane, but only
of her own free will. Doing this will gain neither of us what we want."
"Then what of your pig-tailed goddess?" she countered. "Once I
have Ranma-sama, she will be yours!"
Kuno shook his head. "Nay, I cannot. `Tis dishonorable. A woman
is to be won through bravery and poetry, not deceit and hostage taking.
Besides, Tendo Nabiki has already promised to reveal the pig-tailed
one's secrets to me, of how Saotome holds her so that I may free her."
Ranma risked a glance back at Nabiki, but she merely smiled at
him. [What is she thinking?] He turned back. "Alright Kodachi, it's your
show. What do we do?"
Kodachi's face lit up. "Excellent! You will come away with me,
my darling Ranma-sama. You see, this knife has been coated with a
special poison that took me several weeks to cultivate. You'll notice
I've already cut the wench. If she doesn't receive regular doses of a
special serum, she'll die in 30 minutes."
Ranma blood ran cold and anger flashed through him. He wanted
nothing more than to rush foreward and tear Kodachi apart, but he
realized that doing so would kill Akane. He dropped his head in defeat.
"I'll come with you, just, please give her the antidote."
"In due time," she said while slightly moving the knife away.
"Still, maybe I should just kill her now. That way you would be totally
free of her control."
From out of nowhere, an arrow struck Kodachi's arm, causing her
to scream and release the knife. Akane thrust her elbow into the stomach
of the girl behind her and limped away at her best speed.
Ranma enveloped Akane in a hug as she collapsed in his arms,
sobbing. "Akane!" He looked up at the demented gymnast, who was rapidly
making her escape. "Who shot that!?"
"I did," Yuri said, stepping foreword, holding a small bow. "I'm
sorry."
Ranma's eyes blazed. "What!? WHY!? Akane'll die with out the
antidote!"
Ukyo was suddenly next to him, holding a vial. "You mean this?"
Ranma stared at it while Tofu made his way foreword. "Let me
see it." She handed it to him and he sniffed the contents. He then
picked up the knife and sniffed it as well. "It's going to be okay
Ranma. I recognize the poison and this is the antidote. Tip her head
back. Akane, you need to drink this." She nodded slightly and he drained
the contents into her mouth. After it went down, she passed out.
"Akane!?" Ranma was nearly hysterical. "AKANE!"
"She'll be okay, Ranma," said Tofu. "She's just passed out from
the shock, and the fact that she's weak right now. It would be best if
you took her to my clinic. Now."
Ranma needed no encouragement and was gone before Tofu stopped
speaking. The rest of the group followed at their own best speeds.
A few minutes later, Akane was sleeping soundly in a hospital
bed in Tofu's clinic. Tofu took some more time to examine her, before
declaring that she would be alright. It took some nudging to convince
Ranma to leave Akane alone so she could rest.
As he walked back into the reception area, he saw Yuri standing
there talking with Ukyo. The room quieted of the low-toned conversations
when they saw him.
"How?" he asked at last, his thoughts whirling in a jumble.
"Why?" He suddenly felt very exhausted and collapsed in a chair.
"Perhaps I can explain best." A small ninja clad in black
stepped foreword.
Ranma stared at him. "Sasuke?"
"I had been very worried about mistress Kodachi for some time,"
he explained. "She had been acting slightly different than usual, ever
since she got word of you of the fact that you and Akane-san were acting
more... affectionate than usual. She found out... because I told her."
"WHAT!?" Ranma tried to jump out of his chair, but a pair of
strong arms held him down.
"Let him finish, boy," his father said form behind him. Ranma
reluctantly leashed his anger.
Sasuke gulped and continued. "As I said, I feared she was
slipping farther into her madness and might do something truly drastic.
I, I could not take it anymore. So, I spied on her working in her
greenhouse. It was easy enough to figure out what she planned, since she
talked to her plants and told them all about it. I tried to get away to
warn you, but one of the plants grabbed me and held me. Kodachi found me
and had a few more vines tie me up. When I finally broke free, I grabbed
the antidote and ran as fast as I could over here. But I was too late to
stop her."
"That's when he came up to Yuri-chan and I," Ukyo said next. "He
briefly explained he had the antidote. The only thing was, we needed to
get Kodachi away from Akane. Yuri said she could do it with the small
bow she was carrying and Kenji backed her up."
Kenji spoke up. "I apologize for gambling with Akane-san's
life, Saotome. But my sister's an ace shot. I've seen her hit moving
target's at twice the range with pinpoint accuracy."
Ranma sat still for a few seconds while absorbing this all in.
It had all happened so fast and there were so many things that could've
gone wrong. If Sasuke hadn't broken free in time or what if Yuri had
missed. Wait a minute, something was wrong. "Hey what about what Kodachi
said about Akane needing regular doses?"
"That was a lie," Sasuke answered. "I believe she would've given
Akane the antidote the first time, then used regular doses of something
else to keep her immobile and weak. After all, she realized if Akane
died, she would lose you."
"Hmmm, that's interesting," Nabiki commented. "She wanted Ranma
and thought Ranma loved her, yet the fact she knew she needed Akane
alive to keep you means that she knew you loved Akane. Maybe she wasn't
totally crazy."
"Yeah, I guess so..." was all Ranma could say before lapsing
into silence.
"If you'll excuse me now, I must atone for my actions," Sasuke
said solemnly.
"What you do you mean, son?" Soun asked. "You saved my little
girl's life!"
"But I betrayed the house of Kuno, that's an unforgivable sin
for one of my family," he replied.
"You are right when you say there must be an atonement," came a
voice from the door.
"Master Kuno!" Sasuke cried. Nobody had noticed the kendoist
come in.
"But it is I must make the atonement, old friend," he admitted,
downcast. "I let my sister's madness continue unchecked for too long.
I... nearly became as bad as her. I wish to repair the damage my family
has caused." He turned to Ranma. "I will no longer pursue Tendo Akane,
since by family honor you are engaged to her." He glanced sidelong at
Nabiki. "It would be dishonorable if I continued to woo an enaged woman.
But if I ever hear that you have mistreated her, or obtain proof of your
black magics, the wrath of the Blue Thunder shall come down upon you."
Ranma nodded. "So what made you accept this so easily all of a
sudden?"
"Ease is not the word, knave!" Kuno countered forcefully. "The
love I carry for Tendo Akane will burn always, but the nobler gesture is
to give up that love in the face of honor. There is one who made me
accept that fact." He turned to his manservant. "Now, Sasuke, come. We
must find my sister. I suspect she will return home and I would have
thee at my side when I confront her."
"Master Kuno?" Sasuke looked dumbstruck. "You still want me?"
Kuno smiled a gentle smile. Truly a strange sight. "What would
the noble House of Kuno do without you? You acted very nobly in a dire
situation. Now, let us be off. I will make amends for the suffering
House Kuno has caused this day, this I promise."
Sasuke joined his master and they were gone.
"Well that was strange," Ranma said at last.
Ukyo echoed that statement. "You can say that again, Ranchan.
He seemed almost... tolerable. What'd you do to him, Nabiki-chan?"
The middle Tendo sported an innocent look. "Moi? What makes you
think I had anything to do with him?"
"'Cause you're the one that's always hangin' around him," Ranma
stated.
Nabiki smiled, but was stopped from saying more by a new figure
that appeared in the clinic doorway.
"Greetings, Mousse-san," Nodoka offered. "How is Shampoo-san?"
"She'll be fine, at least physically," Mousse replied. Everyone
understood that. She had just lost Ranma and was beaten by Akane, a girl
that she considered inferior. Mentally, she would be feeling very down.
Mousse cleared his throat and continued. "I've just come to say
a few things. By Amazon law, Akane has proven herself the better
warrior. She has won the possession rights to Ranma and Shampoo's
marriage to him is annulled. We'll be around for a few more days until
Shampoo is well enough to travel, then we'll return home. I don't know
if we'll ever come back, so we'll most likey sell the Nekohanten."
"I might be interested in that," Nabiki spoke up from her corner
of the room. "But instead of buying it outright, I can run it for you.
We'd split the profits. That way you can continue to receive income and
I'll place it an account for use if you do come back. Or you can simply
withdraw from it in China."
Mousse bowed to her. "Arigato Nabiki-san, we might take you up
on that. For now, I must return. I must help Lo Shun and Fu Los pack."
Ranma felt compelled to speak. "I'm gonna miss ya, Mousse. You
gave me some great fights."
Mousse frowned. "I guess I shall miss you, after a fashion.
Don't make the mistake of thinking we are any sort of friends, however,
since you caused Shampoo much misery. But I do not think I hate you
quite so much as when I first met you." Ranma smiled slightly and
nodded, then Mousse was gone.
Tofu cleared his throat. "Now, we've all had quite a day and I
think everybody should go home to get some rest. I'd like to keep Akane
here to keep tabs on her."
Ranma stood up. "Then I'm staying, doc. Kodachi's still out
there."
Tofu nodded. "I thought you'd say that."
Nodoka walked over and hugged her son. "I am proud of you,
Ranma, of the way you handled today's events. I know you will take good
care of Akane-chan."
"Ah, momma..." Ranma tried to fend her off, embarrassed.
She turned from him. "Come, Genma. You may walk me home." She
retrieved her husband, who gave Ranma a short nod, then left.
"My baby has a fine protector in you," Soun added. "I trust you
with her care."
Ranma placed a hand behind his head. "Uh sure, thanks Tendo-
san."
He nodded, then walked out with his two older daughters. The
Ucchan trio approached him to give their support as well, before they
too, left.
When everyone was gone, Tofu set up a cot next to Akane's for
Ranma and gave him some blankets before heading to his room upstairs.
Ranma draped one of the blankets over his iinazuke and moved a couple
hairs out of her face. She was soundly asleep now, the day's events
exhausting her.
He pulled up a chair next to her and began his protective
vigil.
Kodachi swore and grimaced as she pulled the small arrow out of
her arm. [Those harlots will pay for this! When I find out who hit me
with this, they will die!] She pulled some cloth out of a pack she had
hid earlier and bandaged her arm while considering her next options.
She would never be welcome anywhere now, that was for certain.
Almost certainly the police would be after her, and her darling Ranma-
sama was too far under the witch's control. She would have to go to plan
B. That would require her to get some items from home and that would
probably require dealing with her brother.
[No matter, he's easy enough to handle,] she decided. [You will
be mine yet, my darling!]
Laughing to herself, she disappeared into the night.
Back at the Nekohanten, Mousse had placed Shampoo back into her
bed after Lo Shun had changed her into more comfortable clothes. Then,
her and Fu Los, who had come only to watch the fight, departed to report
back to the council. Mousse and Shampoo would follow when she was able.
While Ranma kept vigil over the woman he loved, Mousse did the
same. [Oh Shampoo, why can't you just accept me? Don't you know how much
I love you? You are too full of Amazon pride . Couldn't you just drop
you guard long enough to give me a chance?] He sighed.
"Why can't we ever be together?" he voiced his thoughts out
loud.
"Because stupid duck-boy never strong enough for Shampoo," the
woman in the bed mumbled as she recovered.
"Shampoo!"
She sat up slowly and silenced Mousse. "No say anything,
Mousse. You half-blind, short-sighted, and stupid." Mousse's spirits
sank, and Shampoo sighed. "But Mousse has also been good friend and
warrior. Shampoo enjoy times we fight side-by-side."
Mousse looked up. "Shampoo? Then is there a chance for us?"
Shampoo shook her head and laid back down. "Maybe when duck-boy
see Amazon future as I have seen, then know what must do. Right now,
Shampoo must head back to village and assume matriarchal duty training.
Would appreciate it if had someone Shampoo could count on by side, as
friend."
"I would be honored to be your friend, Shampoo. I hope to be
worthy of your love someday."
Shampoo closed her eyes and nodded. "Now go, Shampoo need
rest." Mousse dropped his head and left.
As he closed the door, Shampoo mumbled quietly. "Someday..."
She had lost Ranma for good now. Though some small part of her
realized awhile ago that he may not love her, her stubborn streak had
refused to give up. Now she had to look elsewhere for a husband. [But I
wanted Ranma...]
For a year, the Amazon had used all her tricks and surprises to
prove she was the best wife for Ranma. Yet, in the end, Akane had won.
With a potion? No. She won because she didn't jump all over Ranma, nor
coddle up to him.
Shampoo tried to turn over onto her side, but pain in her arm
and torso forced her to remain on her back. And why was she feeling this
way? Because a girl Shampoo had often scoffed at and made fun of, even
tried to kill, had beat her soundly in a fair fight. In two weeks,
Shampoo had learned to use the Megami Ha, or Goddess Blast; a powerful
ki technique she found in one of her great-grandmother's books.
Yet in that same amount of time, Akane had learned Ranma's ki
blast, a new technique that made her glow gold, and train her speed and
strength to practically match Shampoo.
It seemed that Akane, when properly motivated, could advance in
the martial arts almost as fast as Ranma.
On the outside, Shampoo maintained a fierce warrior image.
Nothing could get to her, and there was nothing she could not do. She
had worked hard to become one of the best warriors of her generation,
and she was full of the revered Amazon pride.
But on the inside, there was a little girl that never fully
grew up. As she grew into a warrior, she retained a child's heart. One
that tries to take what it wants, without concern for anyone else. One
that whines, cries, and throws a fit when what it wants gets taken away.
And both her great-grandmother and Ranma were taken away.
She was a fierce warrior, pride of the Joketsuzoku, and she
needed no one.
She was Shampoo, all alone, and she cried herself to sleep.
------------------------------------------------------------
Author's notes:
To all you Shampoo fans, don't get mad at me. I said I like all the
characters and that includes our favorite purple-haired Amazon. I just
think she needs to do some growing up, as do all the characters. She's
kind of a hyprocrite in that she gets annoyed at Mousse who says he
loves her and pursues her. Yet she pursues Ranma in almost the same way
(glomping, saying she's the best one for him, etc.). Oh, and she uses a
few dirty tricks in her pursuit that Mousse doesn't. Everybody has their
flaws, this is just one of Shampoo's.
Hopefully, she will become a better person.
Find my stories at: www.geocities.com/kaiphantom2000
DISCLAIMER: What do you want me to say here?
Ranma 1/2: New Challenges
All That We Have Known
Chapter 5
The day of the challenge match arrived, and the crowd gathered
in the appointed place. This being Nerima, that meant the appointed
place was a empty, conveniently placed, nearby lot, which had seen a
great majority of the epic martial arts struggles that tended to pop up.
The gathered crowd consisted of the Tendos, Saotomes, the
Ucchan group, and the Nekohanten gang, plus one other. Nabiki had
invited Kuno when he found out about it. Ranma didn't want him to show,
but Nabiki said he was going to come, regardless, so she had done it in
a way that would ensure he wouldn't interfere. When Ranma asked what she
meant, she simply smiled and winked.
He wisely decided not to pursue the issue.
Shampoo and Mousse were already waiting at one end of the lot,
as well as two other women Ranma didn't recognize. But they were dressed
in robes similiar to Shampoos, the one that was almost like Cologne's
that she had worn during Kenji's memory restoration. He guess they were
more Chinese Amazons.
Mousse started foreword when the crowd took their places at the
sideline.
As he walked up to them, Ranma loosened up his arm that, until
a couple of days ago, had a cast on it. He couldn't believe how fast it
had healed; probably thanks to that new technique Happosai had taught
them. When the doctor examined his arm during the last checkup, he had
to double and triple check his readings. The bone had completely mended
itself. When the doc and his family asked how, Ranma said nothing. For
now, he and Akane decided to keep the technique to themselves.
Mousse reached the center of the field and raised his arms,
signaling for quiet. As he spoke, Ranma couldn't shake the feeling that
something was wrong. It wasn't the kind of premonition that he was about
to be attacked, that was different. No, this was something else, a sense
of something out of place. He shook his head and tried to dispel it.
[No, Shampoo wouldn't engage in any kind of foul play, would she? I'll
just have to keep an eye on the fight]. He tuned back in to what Mousse
was saying.
"...between Shampoo and Akane," the nearly blind boy was saying.
"Observing the match are Lotion and Floss of the Joketsuzoku. The
combatants can fight only with what they bring to the match. No outside
help of any kind is permitted. The match will be over when one of the
combatants are either dead, unconscious, leaves the area, or if one
forfeits the fight. Now we shall begin. Warriors, prepare yourselves."
[So that's who those two women are,] Ranma thought. [I guess
with Cologne gone, they needed some people from their tribe to make the
contest official.]
He turned to Akane who was dressed in her combat gi. It was
similar to her practice gi, but with some slight differences; she was
wearing some leather padding underneath it in various places. Not enough
to hinder movement, but just enough to help cushion some blows.
She smiled at him and he smiled back. There was no need for
words, since they had said everything to each other that morning.
Instead, he wrapped her in a big hug, followed by a deep kiss (To give
her a bit of a ki charge). When they parted, they bowed to each other
and she headed out into the field, opposite of Shampoo.
Ranma tried to ignore the sensation of his heart and stomach
sparring inside him.
Turning back, he noticed Kuno staring at him with his mouth
open. A quick poke from Nabiki though, and he closed his mouth and
turned away.
Ranma shrugged slightly in response, then slowly scanned the
faces of his friends and family. Soun wasn't crying like he expected him
to be, rather he was doing his best to act brave. His mom and dad were
standing side by side looking mainly confident, but with a bit of worry
thrown in. Ukyo was talking to Kenji and Yuri, apparently explaining
things to them. Tofu was standing next to Kasumi with his arm around
her. Ranma had heard that they'd grown closer after their first date
went well.
And Nabiki was checking things in a notebook. [Probably
checking the bets,] he thought to himself, slightly disgusted. [Her
sister is about to engage in mortal combat and she still thinks of
money. Oh well, no use thinking about that now.] He turned his attention
back to the field.
Shampoo removed her and handed it to one of the Amazons with
her, revealing her combat body suit and leather breastplate underneath.
The other Amazon handed her a pair of bonbori and then moved off the
field.
Mousse backed up when the two warriors assumed ready positions,
then gave the signal to begin.
For a few seconds, neither one moved. Then, by some unspoken
signal, the two charged each other. Akane feigned a punch, but then
dropped to the ground with a leg sweep. The Amazon jumped back, then
forward swinging the heavy maces.
Akane had no choice to but to retreat until she found an
opening, though Shampoo wasn't giving her any. Ranma's heart dropped as
he saw her slowly forced back. If she went back much farther, she would
leave the lot and lose.
A gold aura suddenly flared to life around Akane. With a couple
of quick punches, she destroyed the two bonbori and backed Shampoo off.
The aura promptly faded afterward. Ranma was hoping she wouldn't have to
use the Tora Dokiken until later in the match to surprise Shampoo and
finish it quickly. Now that her opponent knew about, Shampoo would be
much more careful.
"No..." Ranma heard Soun mumble. "How could she know that?"
Ranma moved to his side. "What are you talking about?" he
whispered. But the elder Tendo didn't respond, so fixed on the match he
was. [I'll have to ask later,] Ranma thought. [But he looks like he
recognized the Tora Dokiken technique.]
Akane took a kick to the side and felt pain lance through her
body. She grabbed a hold of the leg and leaped sideways to deliver a
quick double kick to her opponent's face before flipping the leg and
sending Shampoo to the ground. The Amazon was back up in no time,
countering and dodging Akane's moves.
[She's not holding back,] Akane thought grimly. [I suppose with
her honor and Ranma on the line, she can't afford to.]
Akane ducked under a roundhouse. Shampoo didn't complete the
turn, but instead planted her hands on the ground and flipped her other
foot up, striking Akane's face with her heel. The other girl hit the
ground, then rolled away from a strike that was intended for her
stomach. Akane did a kippup to return to her feet. [I can't afford to
hold back either.]
They collided again in a flurry of punches and kicks, and Akane
realized she was receiving more than she was giving. As Shampoo's latest
attack spun her away, Akane feigned dizziness, hoping to draw the Amazon
in.
It worked.
As Shampoo came at her, Akane waited until the last possible
second before activated the Tora Dokiken again. She easily blocked
Shampoo's attack and delivered a quick, yet devastating six hit combo
that sent the Amazon reeling.
The young Tendo didn't pursue. She was probably in the same
shape as her opponent, if not worse, and she needed to catch her breath.
Shampoo couldn't know it, but Akane figureed that she probably only had
enough ki left to do one, maybe two more of those. When Shampoo got up,
she wisely kept her distance as the two circled each other.
Shampoo had a bloody nose and Akane could tell she was sporting
some kind of chest injury. [I'm not doing too hot myself,] Akane
realized. Her arm was sore, as was her leg from an earlier kick. Shampoo
could probably tell that was causing her to limp slightly. It was also
causing her some pain whenever she stepped, but she wasn't letting that
show.
Suddenly, Shampoo's aura flared purple briefly as she brought
her hands in front of her, palms outward. A small purple ball formed in
her hands and from that shot several purple comet-like lances. Akane
dove forward and rolled trying to avoid the ki attack. One of the lances
managed to strike her back and Akane cried out when it burned her.
[Ranma said that a ki-attack was like a punch!] she thought.
[But that actually burned me!]
When she finally got back to her feet, Shampoo was letting
another wave of the lances go. Akane was closer to Shampoo now and
dodging the second wave seemed almost impossible. Instead, she made a
quick decision.
The flaxen outline popped into existence once more as a
speedier Akane bulldozed through the multiple ki blast. Where the lances
struck the golden aura, they simply fizzled. Akane closed the distance
and began her attack, but Shampoo managed to dodge the few punches she
threw until the Tiger effect wore off.
Shampoo jumped back in and attacked in full force, not caring
about her own defense and it was all Akane could do to deal with the
attacks. Then one after another, punches and kicks got through Akane's
own defense and she was sent tumbling away to land face down in the
dirt. With a cry, Shampoo leapt into the air and came down on Akane, her
feet outstretched and poised to crush her opponent once and for all.
Time slowed to a virtual standstill for Ranma. Dread welled up
in him when he realized Akane wasn't moving. [No! Get up Akane! Move you
stupid tomboy!] he wanted to yell. He watched as Shampoo continued her
descent, her intent clear.
Akane flared to life, rolling on to her back and bringing her
hands up.
"Moko Takabisha!"
Shampoo was clearly surprised by the move, and there was
nothing she could do about it. The ki ball slammed into her stomach,
shattering the chestplate, sending the Chinese girl twisting out of the
air as Akane struggled to her feet. The youngest Tendo limped over to
the fallen form of her opponent, holding her stomach and breathing
raggedly.
The Amazon wasn't moving.
Akane nudged Shampoo with her foot, then turned her onto her
back. Her eyes were closed. Akane felt her opponent's neck for a pulse,
then looked up and nodded at Mousse, who was clearly feeling torn up at
the abuse Shampoo had suffered. He stepped foreword and examined Shampoo
while Akane staggered back. He got up and nodded to the two Amazons.
Ranma was elated. She had won! He was about to run over to her,
but before he could, something else happened.
In the next instant, a nearby pile of rubbish burst open and a
ribbon snaked out, wrapping itself around Akane's neck. With a jerk,
Kodachi dragged Akane to her and grabbed her with her free hand.
Well, the hand wasn't exactly free. It held a small knife which
she place near Akane's throat to stop the rush of people, Ranma
included, from getting to her.
"Let Akane go, Kodachi," Ranma growled. A chilling laugh was his
only reply.
"Oh, my Ramna-sama, it's okay!" Kodachi purred. "I know this
witch has you under some sort of mind control. Once she is out of the
way, we can be together. Isn't that what you truly want?"
"Just let her go, and we can talk about this," Ranma tried to
reason with her. [Yeah right, like she's the reasonable type.] Actually,
looking at her he had to wonder what her state of mind was. Though she
was wearing a light green leotard, it was covered in filth. Her eyes
looked slightly wilder than usual.
Kodachi seemed to think about it for second. "I'm afraid I
can't do that Ranma-sama. I know you may not love me now, but I am
better for you! I can offer you so much more than this wench." Ranma
tried to step slowly towards her, but she pressed the knife into Akane's
neck, drawing a faint amount of blood. A look of terror passed over
Akane's face, even as tears began to leak out of her eyes.
"Sister, do not do this, tis not an honorable thing," Kuno
addressed her, stepping foreword.
Kodachi's face lit up. "Brother dear! I'm so glad you came!
Don't worry, you can have this girl when I'm through. Isn't that what
you want?"
Kuno seemed to hesitate. "I had no idea you were this far gone.
My own madness has blinded me to it. I do desire Tendo Akane, but only
of her own free will. Doing this will gain neither of us what we want."
"Then what of your pig-tailed goddess?" she countered. "Once I
have Ranma-sama, she will be yours!"
Kuno shook his head. "Nay, I cannot. `Tis dishonorable. A woman
is to be won through bravery and poetry, not deceit and hostage taking.
Besides, Tendo Nabiki has already promised to reveal the pig-tailed
one's secrets to me, of how Saotome holds her so that I may free her."
Ranma risked a glance back at Nabiki, but she merely smiled at
him. [What is she thinking?] He turned back. "Alright Kodachi, it's your
show. What do we do?"
Kodachi's face lit up. "Excellent! You will come away with me,
my darling Ranma-sama. You see, this knife has been coated with a
special poison that took me several weeks to cultivate. You'll notice
I've already cut the wench. If she doesn't receive regular doses of a
special serum, she'll die in 30 minutes."
Ranma blood ran cold and anger flashed through him. He wanted
nothing more than to rush foreward and tear Kodachi apart, but he
realized that doing so would kill Akane. He dropped his head in defeat.
"I'll come with you, just, please give her the antidote."
"In due time," she said while slightly moving the knife away.
"Still, maybe I should just kill her now. That way you would be totally
free of her control."
From out of nowhere, an arrow struck Kodachi's arm, causing her
to scream and release the knife. Akane thrust her elbow into the stomach
of the girl behind her and limped away at her best speed.
Ranma enveloped Akane in a hug as she collapsed in his arms,
sobbing. "Akane!" He looked up at the demented gymnast, who was rapidly
making her escape. "Who shot that!?"
"I did," Yuri said, stepping foreword, holding a small bow. "I'm
sorry."
Ranma's eyes blazed. "What!? WHY!? Akane'll die with out the
antidote!"
Ukyo was suddenly next to him, holding a vial. "You mean this?"
Ranma stared at it while Tofu made his way foreword. "Let me
see it." She handed it to him and he sniffed the contents. He then
picked up the knife and sniffed it as well. "It's going to be okay
Ranma. I recognize the poison and this is the antidote. Tip her head
back. Akane, you need to drink this." She nodded slightly and he drained
the contents into her mouth. After it went down, she passed out.
"Akane!?" Ranma was nearly hysterical. "AKANE!"
"She'll be okay, Ranma," said Tofu. "She's just passed out from
the shock, and the fact that she's weak right now. It would be best if
you took her to my clinic. Now."
Ranma needed no encouragement and was gone before Tofu stopped
speaking. The rest of the group followed at their own best speeds.
A few minutes later, Akane was sleeping soundly in a hospital
bed in Tofu's clinic. Tofu took some more time to examine her, before
declaring that she would be alright. It took some nudging to convince
Ranma to leave Akane alone so she could rest.
As he walked back into the reception area, he saw Yuri standing
there talking with Ukyo. The room quieted of the low-toned conversations
when they saw him.
"How?" he asked at last, his thoughts whirling in a jumble.
"Why?" He suddenly felt very exhausted and collapsed in a chair.
"Perhaps I can explain best." A small ninja clad in black
stepped foreword.
Ranma stared at him. "Sasuke?"
"I had been very worried about mistress Kodachi for some time,"
he explained. "She had been acting slightly different than usual, ever
since she got word of you of the fact that you and Akane-san were acting
more... affectionate than usual. She found out... because I told her."
"WHAT!?" Ranma tried to jump out of his chair, but a pair of
strong arms held him down.
"Let him finish, boy," his father said form behind him. Ranma
reluctantly leashed his anger.
Sasuke gulped and continued. "As I said, I feared she was
slipping farther into her madness and might do something truly drastic.
I, I could not take it anymore. So, I spied on her working in her
greenhouse. It was easy enough to figure out what she planned, since she
talked to her plants and told them all about it. I tried to get away to
warn you, but one of the plants grabbed me and held me. Kodachi found me
and had a few more vines tie me up. When I finally broke free, I grabbed
the antidote and ran as fast as I could over here. But I was too late to
stop her."
"That's when he came up to Yuri-chan and I," Ukyo said next. "He
briefly explained he had the antidote. The only thing was, we needed to
get Kodachi away from Akane. Yuri said she could do it with the small
bow she was carrying and Kenji backed her up."
Kenji spoke up. "I apologize for gambling with Akane-san's
life, Saotome. But my sister's an ace shot. I've seen her hit moving
target's at twice the range with pinpoint accuracy."
Ranma sat still for a few seconds while absorbing this all in.
It had all happened so fast and there were so many things that could've
gone wrong. If Sasuke hadn't broken free in time or what if Yuri had
missed. Wait a minute, something was wrong. "Hey what about what Kodachi
said about Akane needing regular doses?"
"That was a lie," Sasuke answered. "I believe she would've given
Akane the antidote the first time, then used regular doses of something
else to keep her immobile and weak. After all, she realized if Akane
died, she would lose you."
"Hmmm, that's interesting," Nabiki commented. "She wanted Ranma
and thought Ranma loved her, yet the fact she knew she needed Akane
alive to keep you means that she knew you loved Akane. Maybe she wasn't
totally crazy."
"Yeah, I guess so..." was all Ranma could say before lapsing
into silence.
"If you'll excuse me now, I must atone for my actions," Sasuke
said solemnly.
"What you do you mean, son?" Soun asked. "You saved my little
girl's life!"
"But I betrayed the house of Kuno, that's an unforgivable sin
for one of my family," he replied.
"You are right when you say there must be an atonement," came a
voice from the door.
"Master Kuno!" Sasuke cried. Nobody had noticed the kendoist
come in.
"But it is I must make the atonement, old friend," he admitted,
downcast. "I let my sister's madness continue unchecked for too long.
I... nearly became as bad as her. I wish to repair the damage my family
has caused." He turned to Ranma. "I will no longer pursue Tendo Akane,
since by family honor you are engaged to her." He glanced sidelong at
Nabiki. "It would be dishonorable if I continued to woo an enaged woman.
But if I ever hear that you have mistreated her, or obtain proof of your
black magics, the wrath of the Blue Thunder shall come down upon you."
Ranma nodded. "So what made you accept this so easily all of a
sudden?"
"Ease is not the word, knave!" Kuno countered forcefully. "The
love I carry for Tendo Akane will burn always, but the nobler gesture is
to give up that love in the face of honor. There is one who made me
accept that fact." He turned to his manservant. "Now, Sasuke, come. We
must find my sister. I suspect she will return home and I would have
thee at my side when I confront her."
"Master Kuno?" Sasuke looked dumbstruck. "You still want me?"
Kuno smiled a gentle smile. Truly a strange sight. "What would
the noble House of Kuno do without you? You acted very nobly in a dire
situation. Now, let us be off. I will make amends for the suffering
House Kuno has caused this day, this I promise."
Sasuke joined his master and they were gone.
"Well that was strange," Ranma said at last.
Ukyo echoed that statement. "You can say that again, Ranchan.
He seemed almost... tolerable. What'd you do to him, Nabiki-chan?"
The middle Tendo sported an innocent look. "Moi? What makes you
think I had anything to do with him?"
"'Cause you're the one that's always hangin' around him," Ranma
stated.
Nabiki smiled, but was stopped from saying more by a new figure
that appeared in the clinic doorway.
"Greetings, Mousse-san," Nodoka offered. "How is Shampoo-san?"
"She'll be fine, at least physically," Mousse replied. Everyone
understood that. She had just lost Ranma and was beaten by Akane, a girl
that she considered inferior. Mentally, she would be feeling very down.
Mousse cleared his throat and continued. "I've just come to say
a few things. By Amazon law, Akane has proven herself the better
warrior. She has won the possession rights to Ranma and Shampoo's
marriage to him is annulled. We'll be around for a few more days until
Shampoo is well enough to travel, then we'll return home. I don't know
if we'll ever come back, so we'll most likey sell the Nekohanten."
"I might be interested in that," Nabiki spoke up from her corner
of the room. "But instead of buying it outright, I can run it for you.
We'd split the profits. That way you can continue to receive income and
I'll place it an account for use if you do come back. Or you can simply
withdraw from it in China."
Mousse bowed to her. "Arigato Nabiki-san, we might take you up
on that. For now, I must return. I must help Lo Shun and Fu Los pack."
Ranma felt compelled to speak. "I'm gonna miss ya, Mousse. You
gave me some great fights."
Mousse frowned. "I guess I shall miss you, after a fashion.
Don't make the mistake of thinking we are any sort of friends, however,
since you caused Shampoo much misery. But I do not think I hate you
quite so much as when I first met you." Ranma smiled slightly and
nodded, then Mousse was gone.
Tofu cleared his throat. "Now, we've all had quite a day and I
think everybody should go home to get some rest. I'd like to keep Akane
here to keep tabs on her."
Ranma stood up. "Then I'm staying, doc. Kodachi's still out
there."
Tofu nodded. "I thought you'd say that."
Nodoka walked over and hugged her son. "I am proud of you,
Ranma, of the way you handled today's events. I know you will take good
care of Akane-chan."
"Ah, momma..." Ranma tried to fend her off, embarrassed.
She turned from him. "Come, Genma. You may walk me home." She
retrieved her husband, who gave Ranma a short nod, then left.
"My baby has a fine protector in you," Soun added. "I trust you
with her care."
Ranma placed a hand behind his head. "Uh sure, thanks Tendo-
san."
He nodded, then walked out with his two older daughters. The
Ucchan trio approached him to give their support as well, before they
too, left.
When everyone was gone, Tofu set up a cot next to Akane's for
Ranma and gave him some blankets before heading to his room upstairs.
Ranma draped one of the blankets over his iinazuke and moved a couple
hairs out of her face. She was soundly asleep now, the day's events
exhausting her.
He pulled up a chair next to her and began his protective
vigil.
Kodachi swore and grimaced as she pulled the small arrow out of
her arm. [Those harlots will pay for this! When I find out who hit me
with this, they will die!] She pulled some cloth out of a pack she had
hid earlier and bandaged her arm while considering her next options.
She would never be welcome anywhere now, that was for certain.
Almost certainly the police would be after her, and her darling Ranma-
sama was too far under the witch's control. She would have to go to plan
B. That would require her to get some items from home and that would
probably require dealing with her brother.
[No matter, he's easy enough to handle,] she decided. [You will
be mine yet, my darling!]
Laughing to herself, she disappeared into the night.
Back at the Nekohanten, Mousse had placed Shampoo back into her
bed after Lo Shun had changed her into more comfortable clothes. Then,
her and Fu Los, who had come only to watch the fight, departed to report
back to the council. Mousse and Shampoo would follow when she was able.
While Ranma kept vigil over the woman he loved, Mousse did the
same. [Oh Shampoo, why can't you just accept me? Don't you know how much
I love you? You are too full of Amazon pride . Couldn't you just drop
you guard long enough to give me a chance?] He sighed.
"Why can't we ever be together?" he voiced his thoughts out
loud.
"Because stupid duck-boy never strong enough for Shampoo," the
woman in the bed mumbled as she recovered.
"Shampoo!"
She sat up slowly and silenced Mousse. "No say anything,
Mousse. You half-blind, short-sighted, and stupid." Mousse's spirits
sank, and Shampoo sighed. "But Mousse has also been good friend and
warrior. Shampoo enjoy times we fight side-by-side."
Mousse looked up. "Shampoo? Then is there a chance for us?"
Shampoo shook her head and laid back down. "Maybe when duck-boy
see Amazon future as I have seen, then know what must do. Right now,
Shampoo must head back to village and assume matriarchal duty training.
Would appreciate it if had someone Shampoo could count on by side, as
friend."
"I would be honored to be your friend, Shampoo. I hope to be
worthy of your love someday."
Shampoo closed her eyes and nodded. "Now go, Shampoo need
rest." Mousse dropped his head and left.
As he closed the door, Shampoo mumbled quietly. "Someday..."
She had lost Ranma for good now. Though some small part of her
realized awhile ago that he may not love her, her stubborn streak had
refused to give up. Now she had to look elsewhere for a husband. [But I
wanted Ranma...]
For a year, the Amazon had used all her tricks and surprises to
prove she was the best wife for Ranma. Yet, in the end, Akane had won.
With a potion? No. She won because she didn't jump all over Ranma, nor
coddle up to him.
Shampoo tried to turn over onto her side, but pain in her arm
and torso forced her to remain on her back. And why was she feeling this
way? Because a girl Shampoo had often scoffed at and made fun of, even
tried to kill, had beat her soundly in a fair fight. In two weeks,
Shampoo had learned to use the Megami Ha, or Goddess Blast; a powerful
ki technique she found in one of her great-grandmother's books.
Yet in that same amount of time, Akane had learned Ranma's ki
blast, a new technique that made her glow gold, and train her speed and
strength to practically match Shampoo.
It seemed that Akane, when properly motivated, could advance in
the martial arts almost as fast as Ranma.
On the outside, Shampoo maintained a fierce warrior image.
Nothing could get to her, and there was nothing she could not do. She
had worked hard to become one of the best warriors of her generation,
and she was full of the revered Amazon pride.
But on the inside, there was a little girl that never fully
grew up. As she grew into a warrior, she retained a child's heart. One
that tries to take what it wants, without concern for anyone else. One
that whines, cries, and throws a fit when what it wants gets taken away.
And both her great-grandmother and Ranma were taken away.
She was a fierce warrior, pride of the Joketsuzoku, and she
needed no one.
She was Shampoo, all alone, and she cried herself to sleep.
------------------------------------------------------------
Author's notes:
To all you Shampoo fans, don't get mad at me. I said I like all the
characters and that includes our favorite purple-haired Amazon. I just
think she needs to do some growing up, as do all the characters. She's
kind of a hyprocrite in that she gets annoyed at Mousse who says he
loves her and pursues her. Yet she pursues Ranma in almost the same way
(glomping, saying she's the best one for him, etc.). Oh, and she uses a
few dirty tricks in her pursuit that Mousse doesn't. Everybody has their
flaws, this is just one of Shampoo's.
Hopefully, she will become a better person.
