A Ranma 1/2 Alternate Histories Company Presents:
Helping Myself.
By Felix Webster ( Felix Warstar )
Disclaimer: All original Ranma 1/2 Characters and Back story
Copyright Rumiko Takahashi. This is written for fun and not for any
profit so please don't sue as I'm a poor writer who one day hopes to
write something original and become a so called professional writer.
. . this is just practice.
Anyone new is mine but I'm not too fussy about where they go as long
as I know.
Amazon Dialect of Mandarin : [ ]
Chapter 2: [Version 2]
- The Village -
"You're *how* old!?!" Ryu stopped her movement and stared in
disbelief at the younger red haired girl.
"I'll be fourteen next month," Ranma replied looking a little hurt
her Cousin didn't remember.
"Two years. . Two years early. . ." Ryu muttered to herself trying
to put in proper perspective. "That's why they both looked so. . ."
"Sirs? Is there a problem?" the Guide asked as he walked back to the
pair.
Ryu shifted her *Uncle's* pack she commandeered and looked back to
Ranma after giving the Guide a small shake of her head, "Sorry Kiddo,
I guess I lost track of time while training."
"That's okay," Ranma smiled weakly. "I'm. . I'm just glad you showed
up when you did."
"Glad to help Kiddo," Ryu smiled back as she took a better look at
the younger girl. She had thought that Ranma's chest as a girl was
smaller than she remembered having after getting cursed. Fortunately
for Ryu they didn't get larger as she got older so she could grow
into them nicely.
"Sirs? We are close to the Amazon Village. I believe we in time for
annual tournament," the Guide stated with a smile then a small growl
came from his belly to show he was also hoping for food there too.
"Ah. . yeah, the tournament," Ryu replied as she looked towards the
main gates they were approaching with a slight dread. It was a
requirement to take this Ranma here but she worried what trouble was
coming this time around with Ranma being so young, Shampoo should be
too. . . right?
- - - -
Ryu and Ranma stood to the side and watched the Guide talk with a
very old woman that Ryu know all too well. She had to stop Ranma from
opening the famous Saotome mouth about the image of the 'shriveled
monkey' so not to get Cologne angry with them yet.
A few minutes later the Guide came back with a smile, "We are
welcome to stay for the Tournament."
"What did you tell her?" Ryu gave the man a serious look. She didn't
trust the old woman from experience and knew Cologne could get more
information out of almost anyone without them knowing it until
looking back on the conversation.
"Exactly what we discussed. You and your young Cousin travel in
China to improve your training. That young Miss Customer has recently
lost parent and needs the distraction to help with grief," the Guide
stated quietly trying to reassure Ryu.
"Thank you."
"It's my job to help customers enjoy their time in China," the Guide
smiled back. "So far I fail badly. . ."
"So what's up for today?" Ryu point to the activity around the lower
and wider of the two hanging log platforms as there seemed to be a
lot of teens surrounding it.
"Today is trails for those wishing become full warriors in tribe.
They fight each other and top four girls get honour of title and can
compete with other warriors next year in adult tournament," the Guide
explained and pointed at the higher and thinner log Ryu remembered.
"Is very proud and important day."
"So all those who want to be warriors get to fight today?" Ranma
asked looking slightly impressed then confused. "All I see are girls.
. where's the guys?"
"Ranma, remember what I told you about these people," Ryu corrected
quickly before someone heard the girl and took it wrong.
"Oh yeah. . right, I forgot," Ranma replied looking back at the
girls shaking her head still not sure about this.
"And remember not to pick any fights here," Ryu added firmly.
"I don't fight girls," Ranma responded just as firmly.
"Don't count on it," Ryu mumbled under her breath before pointing
out an area near the front of the spectator area. "Go find us a
couple seats and I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Sure," Ranma ran off towards the seats made of other logs to watch
the fights.
"Unfortunately most fights done for day as we come late," the Guide
apologized. "But last fight be on log soon."
Ryu turned to look at the two setting up to face off and almost
dropped her jaw when she recognized Shampoo standing on one side. The
girl was dress in a red pantsuit with her shorter purple hair done up
in two tight buns on either side of her head, "Okay. . so how is
Ranma going to mess this up?"
"Excuse me Child," a familiar scratchy voice said behind Ryu causing
her to spin and take a defensive stance then realize this Cologne
didn't know her. The woman raised an eyebrow at the speed the red
haired girl, "I didn't mean to startle you Child, I merely wanted to
ask you about your hair."
"My hair?" Ryu replied putting a hand to her long ponytail out of
reflex.
"Yes, I've known many people from Japan and I have never seen one
with hair of that colour," Cologne stated with a smile. "You and
your. . sister seem to have colouring similar to us Amazons. . ."
"We're Cousins," Ryu corrected quickly.
"I have doubts that Cousins could possibly look that much alike,"
Cologne gave a disturbing lopsided grin to Ryu.
"Are Mothers were Identical twins," Ryu replied evenly. "And the
colour comes from their side of the families."
"I see. . ." Cologne said then looked beyond Ryu before she could
finish. "I believe there is a problem."
- - - -
"You say again!!" the purple haired girl challenged Ranma in anger
as she had her face mere inches from the redhead's face.
"Look, all I said was that you two don't look so tough. Not that you
ain't good fighters. . just, I could beat ya easily," Ranma backed up
slightly warding off the girl.
Ryu had caught the response and rolled her head first to the heavens
then down in depression, "Was I really that stupid?"
"You challenge me?" the girl said as she narrowed her eyes at the
outsider. She was about to grab the girl but was stopped by her great-
grandmother who had just arrived.
"Child, you are in a very dangerous situation here, I suggest you
trend carefully," Cologne stated to Ranma as she held off Shampoo.
"Ranma! What did I tell you?" Ryu nearly screamed at the younger girl.
"It wasn't my fault! I was just sitting there when she came up and
asked me what I thought of the girls in the tournament!" Ranma
replied wide eyed pointing towards Shampoo.
"And you opened the famous Saotome mouth!" Ryu countered then turned
towards the old woman and other girl. [I apologize for my young
Cousin. . . She was raised by her Father away from most people so her
social skills are seriously lacking.]
Cologne look up surprised at the redheaded woman's flawless use of
the Amazon dialect then back at the younger girl's obvious lack of
understanding what was said, [That is unfortunate, but honour demands
she back up her challenge or apologize to Xain Pu.]
Ryu looked over shoulder at Ranma then back to Shampoo before
replying to Cologne, [Pride is unfortunately one of Ranma's worse
flaws, so she'll fight Xain Pu. . but only on one condition. . .]
[What condition?] Cologne narrowed her eyes at Ryu as the wheels
started turning quickly.
[No 'Kiss of Death' if Ranma defeats Xain Pu,] Ryu stated firmly.
[Both are too young to be forced to deal such matters so soon in
their lives. I promise no retaliation from Ranma if she should lose.]
[Yes. . both are very young for things like the 'Kiss of Death',]
Cologne agreed still trying to figure out this woman who knew too
much for a normal outsider. [I agree to the terms, as does Xain Pu. .
right Child?]
[I don't care about that silly tradition! I just want to show this
outsider who is stronger!] Shampoo stated giving the girl a hard look.
Ryu took Ranma a little distance away from the two and gave the girl
a very disappointed look, "Ranma. . You are going to have to fight
that girl, Shampoo, now. You really don't have a choice since you
insulted her honour."
"But. .but. . I don't fight girls," Ranma said quietly giving
Shampoo a glance before looking back at her Cousin. "I don't want ta
hurt her."
"Then take her out quickly so it hurts less," Ryu replied firmly.
"Either way you either have to fight her or we are going to be chased
back to Japan by most of the Village trying to kill us."
"WHAT!?!" Ranma sputtered in shock.
"The Village is a little old fashion about things like insults to
honour," Ryu explained. "And while I was discussing it with the Elder
that girl, Shampoo, challenged you to prove you were better on not."
"She challenged me?" Ranma looked back at Shampoo again then hung
her head shaking it slightly.
- - - -
"I agreed ta fight her. . but why do I have ta wear this thing!?!"
Ranma protested as she indicated the tight yellow silk pantsuit with
red edging she was wearing. "I can't even wear my boxers in this!"
"It's sort of a tradition here, and you don't want to insult them
more do you?" Ryu replied trying not to laugh at the fact she got
Ranma to wear the outfit.
Ranma jumped to her end of the log just before Cologne came up to
Ryu to chat, "I see you finally got your. . *Cousin* to wear
something other than that old Gi, although she seems a little
uncomfortable."
"She was raised as a boy by her Father," Ryu said calmly watching
Ranma start to stretch. "That includes what she has worn."
"How do you know our language and laws?" Cologne asked outright.
"Very few know about the 'Kiss of Death'."
"Actually a lot of cultures have a 'Kiss of Death'," Ryu replied
calmly but continued when she received a light glare from the woman.
"But I try to know the language and the laws of places I go in the
world, it's something I had to learn to do when I trained with Po. .
Uncle Genma as a kid 'cause he always forgot to."
Cologne was about to say something more on the subject but the fight
started on the log.
- - - -
[I hope you're prepared to be humiliated,] Shampoo said with a sneer
as she got into position.
"What she say?" Ranma looked over at the Guide who stood nearby for
this reason.
"She say 'Prepare for a good fight'," the Guide replied shifting his
eyes from side to side to see if anyone was going to call him on the
bad translation.
Ranma shrugged as she didn't think it had that kind of tone to the
words but she didn't know the language so she couldn't tell. She got
into a position of her own, which of course was to stand there with
her hands behind her back and her head tilted to one side smiling at
her opponent.
"Shampoo seems to be a little tired from her earlier fights," Ryu
commented as she watched Shampoo threw her foot forward in a round
house kick, only to be easily dodged by Ranma who simply leaned back.
"Why do you say her name like that? I know you can say her name
right as you have done so a couple times already," Cologne replied as
she cringed at Shampoo rubbing her leg to get the feeling back after
Ranma poked the extended leg in the knee joint.
"It's not an intended insult, It's just the closest we Japanese can
say those names in our language," Ryu explained as she shook her head
slightly at Ranma's antics. Ranma had dodged a punch by leaping it
and placing a hand on Shampoo's head to propel herself behind the
Amazon. "It's just easier to say it that way."
"I see. . ." Cologne said quietly as Shampoo tried a series of rapid
forward kicks to cover and area with attacks so Ranma couldn't dodge
them all without going off the end of the log. "I also see that the
girl wasn't boasting about her skill either."
"It comes from training day and night for over eight years with
nothing to distract you from learning the Art," Ryu replied as Ranma
blocked each kick by pushing it aside then put a straight kick up
between Shampoo's attacks and connected with the Amazon's chin. The
impact propelled the girl into the air and off the log to land hard
on the ground.
Ranma was down on the ground a moment later beside Shampoo looking
very concerned as she helped the girl to sit up, "You okay?"
Shampoo looked up in the eyes of the red haired girl a little
shocked, not by the fact she had lost to her but that the girl looked
sorry that she may have hurt her, [I. . I'm fine]
Ranma looked at Ryu for a translation when she notice both her
Cousin and the old woman quickly come up to them.
"She says she's fine," Ryu said with a small smile at the pair.
"Not knowin' what she's sayin' is gonna be a problem ain't it?"
Ranma asked as she looking between her Cousin and the purple haired
girl, who nodded at the translation.
"Um. . excuse me, I could be of help. . ." a tall boy in white robes
said nervously as he came forward and adjusted his thick glasses. "If
Xain Pu will allow it."
[I don't need *your* help!] Shampoo turned her head away sharply
then cringed at the pain that brought.
[Even I can see you really want to talk to this *strong* outsider.
I'm about the only one here who you can know not to betray your trust
in this,] the boy replied calmly which seemed to shock most around
who knew his problems with Shampoo.
Ranma looked confused at both Shampoo, who finally set herself to
sit up without Ranma's help, and the boy in the long robes. It seemed
the two had a history but she couldn't tell what kind with the boy
acting so calm and how this seemed to agitate Shampoo even more.
After a curt nod from Shampoo the boy turned to face Ranma and put
his hands into his long sleeves before giving a small bow, "I am Mu
Tzu.
.
but calling me Mousse will probably be easier until you learn the
language better. I'd be honoured if you allowed me to translate what
Xain Pu says to you."
"Um. . sure," Ranma shrugged.
- - - -
Ryu sat at the table assigned to her and tried not to laugh at the
antics coming from her younger self as Ranma described some of her
training journeys to the two Amazons. She was very surprised at how
controlled Mousse was being around his 'one true love', maybe this
Mousse smartened up quicker than her own did.
"The young ones seem to be enjoying each others company," Cologne
commented with a smile as she sat down next to Ryu. "I'm rather glad
that you insisted no 'kiss of death' or this starting friendship
between Shampoo and your sister wouldn't have happened."
"She's my Cousin," Ranma corrected as she sipped her tea but nodded.
"Yeah, it's a good sign."
[Elder. Many of us are wondering if you are going to allow this
outsider to compete tomorrow as you did her sister?] a green haired
Amazon woman, maybe nineteen or twenty in age, asked giving Ryu a
hard look before turning back to Cologne.
[That would be her choice, Poa Da, although I see no real problems
with the idea,] Cologne replied raising an eyebrow at the woman in
question.
Ryu looked at the Amazon and took the serious face aimed at her as a
sign that it wouldn't be such a good idea, [I don't think that would
be so good. . It's your warriors day to shine and I wouldn't want to
intrude.]
Powder stared at the outsider shocked, she wasn't expecting the
woman to know the language as her younger sibling didn't, [Then I
suggest you tell your sister to stop boasting about your skills.]
[She's my Cousin, not my sister,] Ryu corrected yet again then
glanced at Ranma for a moment before sighing. [And she should know
better than to brag. . at least about anyone other than herself.]
[I think we should let our guest enjoy watching the tournament
tomorrow, Poa Da, without undo stress,] Cologne gave the woman a
stern look after changing her tune due to finding out why Powder had
asked. [Children tend to talk like that about people they admire,
don't take it so seriously in the future.]
[As you wish Elder,] Powder replied then walked back to her group.
The rest of the night Ryu would constantly catch the green haired
Amazon looking at her intently.
"Pay her little heed, she is the strongest of her generation and
tends to look for greater challenges to improve her skills," Cologne
said with a small smile. "We're proud of her but she tends to be a
bit. . over zealous at times."
"I can see that," Ryu sipped her tea and kept her own watch on the
warrior.
"So, after your trip through China I would guess you will be
returning to your family in Japan," Cologne changed the subject.
"No. . . I don't have a wife. . I mean a life there anymore," Ryu
replied and wanted to slap her forehead at the slip. "Ranma has some
family obligations she has to deal with there though."
Cologne gave the woman an odd look at the slip but left it as she
sipped more of her own tea.
- - - -
The next day the tournament turned out to be very fun to watch as
the warriors faced off in competition. The trio of Ranma, Shampoo,
and Mousse had been inseparable all morning as they watched and
discussed each fight on the other side of the log. The only thing
which bothered Ryu was that every time Powder finished a fight she
would first glance over at the trio then glare at Ryu. After the last
fight, which Powder won of course, she followed the same routine
until she suddenly jumped off the log and landed in front of Cologne
and Ryu looking incredibly angry.
[I can not take the insults any more!] Powder nearly yelled at Ryu
who looked confused. [Outsider, I challenge you!]
Ryu turned to look at Ranma as the trio ran up to see what was
happening, "What where you saying!?!"
"Nothin'!" Ranma protested. "I was just comparing the Amazon style
to the Saotome style."
Ryu hung her head down and put a hand up to support it shaking
slightly as she asked, "What's my name Ranma?"
"What? It's Ryu Saotome. . oh. . ." Ranma replied then realized the
mistake.
"Every time you said Saotome-Ryu she thought you were talking about
me directly and not our style," Ryu voiced the problem before turning
and looking apologetic towards Powder. [There has been a
misunderstanding. . .]
[I. DON'T. CARE! My skills have been insulted by being compared to a
coward's, I challenge you to prove I am the stronger fighter!] Powder
interrupted not wanting to hear excuses.
"I'm sorry Child, I can no longer interfere in this," Cologne said
sadly when Ryu looked to her with a plea for help on her face.
Ryu turned and gave Ranma an angry glare, "Get our bags. After this
I doubt we're going to be welcome."
"Saotome Secret Technique?" Ranma asked wide eyed not believing her
Cousin would do that.
"No," Ryu replied before she jumped the huge distance to land on the
far side of the log.
Cologne grabbed Powder's arm before she could follow, [You know you
will lose this.]
[I know Elder,] Powder admitted with a sad smile. [But it has to be.]
[You've made your choice, I just hope you can live with it,] Cologne
let go of Powder and the Amazon warrior joined Ryu on the log.
- - - -
Ryu knew that Powder was tired from the eight earlier fights but the
woman stood trying hard not to show the fatigue. If Ryu could have
found a way to throw this one fight without causing more insult to
the green haired Amazon she would have thrown away all her training
in honour to do so, but no one here would have believed it so she had
to do this fast.
Powder's anger took over and her first move was bad enough to be her
last. Running forward she threw a punch at Ryu only to be launched
into the air by the same move that the younger Saotome had defeated
Shampoo with.
Ryu was off the log and in front of Ranma before anyone realized it
causing Cologne to gasp slightly at the speed. Bowing to Cologne she
looked apologetic at the Elder, which was mirrored in the old woman's
eyes, "I'm sorry Elder, she was too tired and not thinking straight
so it wasn't her fault."
Before Cologne could say anything Ryu felt a hand on her shoulder
and was turned around towards Powder. Putting a hand on each cheek
Powder kiss the redhead on the lips causing everyone's eyes to bulge.
Backing away Ryu turned and grabbed both Ranma and the backpacks as
she shouted, "RUN!!!!"
Powder blinked in confusion as she watched the two red haired
outsiders run out of the village gates at high speed.
[Poa Da, you've made your decision. Until you have finished this
your standing in the village is gone,] Cologne stated sadly as she
came up beside the Amazon and handed her a knife.
Reaching down Powder took the knife then grabbed her green hair at
the base of her neck and pulled the knife through leaving it short,
[I understand.]
Powder ran out of the village less than an hour later with her own
pack and a list of possible places to find the pair given to her by
Cologne from the Elder's talks with Powder's prey.
- - - -
Sakura look confused at her 'Poppa', "Why did you make Ryu's life
harder like that?"
"I could say it was for giving this world's Ryoga a curse," the man
in the ornate throne said with an evil smile. "But not everything is
my doing. . people have wills of their own that they tend to exert at
very annoying times."
"Um. . okay," Sakura replied and turned back to the screen with her
eyes wide not sure if the man was joking with her or not.
"Mu Tzu on the other hand was our little friend's idea though," the
man added looking confused himself at that situation. "I don't see
how a more controlled and sensible Mu Tzu will damage this string but
I think our 'friend' is starting to plan ahead now."
"That could be very dangerous," Sakura said worried that the man was
confused about anything.
"Yes. . . I could be," the man agreed as he turned his attention
back to the mists.
- - - -
Author's Notes: Chapter 2 is done! Yay!
If it wasn't obvious by the last part: Powder's action was not a
suggestion from my friend of evil ideas. . . No he suggested making
Mousse a less raving lunatic. I have no problems with this as I have
written Mousse more reasonable before and like him like that but that
wasn't all he suggested, the rest of that will come up later in the
story.
Hope you enjoyed this and all chapters to come.
Added note: I've tried to correct the Language thing but I'm
surprised at this being a problem but then again I'm use to posting
on RAAC in pure text format.
Helping Myself.
By Felix Webster ( Felix Warstar )
Disclaimer: All original Ranma 1/2 Characters and Back story
Copyright Rumiko Takahashi. This is written for fun and not for any
profit so please don't sue as I'm a poor writer who one day hopes to
write something original and become a so called professional writer.
. . this is just practice.
Anyone new is mine but I'm not too fussy about where they go as long
as I know.
Amazon Dialect of Mandarin : [ ]
Chapter 2: [Version 2]
- The Village -
"You're *how* old!?!" Ryu stopped her movement and stared in
disbelief at the younger red haired girl.
"I'll be fourteen next month," Ranma replied looking a little hurt
her Cousin didn't remember.
"Two years. . Two years early. . ." Ryu muttered to herself trying
to put in proper perspective. "That's why they both looked so. . ."
"Sirs? Is there a problem?" the Guide asked as he walked back to the
pair.
Ryu shifted her *Uncle's* pack she commandeered and looked back to
Ranma after giving the Guide a small shake of her head, "Sorry Kiddo,
I guess I lost track of time while training."
"That's okay," Ranma smiled weakly. "I'm. . I'm just glad you showed
up when you did."
"Glad to help Kiddo," Ryu smiled back as she took a better look at
the younger girl. She had thought that Ranma's chest as a girl was
smaller than she remembered having after getting cursed. Fortunately
for Ryu they didn't get larger as she got older so she could grow
into them nicely.
"Sirs? We are close to the Amazon Village. I believe we in time for
annual tournament," the Guide stated with a smile then a small growl
came from his belly to show he was also hoping for food there too.
"Ah. . yeah, the tournament," Ryu replied as she looked towards the
main gates they were approaching with a slight dread. It was a
requirement to take this Ranma here but she worried what trouble was
coming this time around with Ranma being so young, Shampoo should be
too. . . right?
- - - -
Ryu and Ranma stood to the side and watched the Guide talk with a
very old woman that Ryu know all too well. She had to stop Ranma from
opening the famous Saotome mouth about the image of the 'shriveled
monkey' so not to get Cologne angry with them yet.
A few minutes later the Guide came back with a smile, "We are
welcome to stay for the Tournament."
"What did you tell her?" Ryu gave the man a serious look. She didn't
trust the old woman from experience and knew Cologne could get more
information out of almost anyone without them knowing it until
looking back on the conversation.
"Exactly what we discussed. You and your young Cousin travel in
China to improve your training. That young Miss Customer has recently
lost parent and needs the distraction to help with grief," the Guide
stated quietly trying to reassure Ryu.
"Thank you."
"It's my job to help customers enjoy their time in China," the Guide
smiled back. "So far I fail badly. . ."
"So what's up for today?" Ryu point to the activity around the lower
and wider of the two hanging log platforms as there seemed to be a
lot of teens surrounding it.
"Today is trails for those wishing become full warriors in tribe.
They fight each other and top four girls get honour of title and can
compete with other warriors next year in adult tournament," the Guide
explained and pointed at the higher and thinner log Ryu remembered.
"Is very proud and important day."
"So all those who want to be warriors get to fight today?" Ranma
asked looking slightly impressed then confused. "All I see are girls.
. where's the guys?"
"Ranma, remember what I told you about these people," Ryu corrected
quickly before someone heard the girl and took it wrong.
"Oh yeah. . right, I forgot," Ranma replied looking back at the
girls shaking her head still not sure about this.
"And remember not to pick any fights here," Ryu added firmly.
"I don't fight girls," Ranma responded just as firmly.
"Don't count on it," Ryu mumbled under her breath before pointing
out an area near the front of the spectator area. "Go find us a
couple seats and I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Sure," Ranma ran off towards the seats made of other logs to watch
the fights.
"Unfortunately most fights done for day as we come late," the Guide
apologized. "But last fight be on log soon."
Ryu turned to look at the two setting up to face off and almost
dropped her jaw when she recognized Shampoo standing on one side. The
girl was dress in a red pantsuit with her shorter purple hair done up
in two tight buns on either side of her head, "Okay. . so how is
Ranma going to mess this up?"
"Excuse me Child," a familiar scratchy voice said behind Ryu causing
her to spin and take a defensive stance then realize this Cologne
didn't know her. The woman raised an eyebrow at the speed the red
haired girl, "I didn't mean to startle you Child, I merely wanted to
ask you about your hair."
"My hair?" Ryu replied putting a hand to her long ponytail out of
reflex.
"Yes, I've known many people from Japan and I have never seen one
with hair of that colour," Cologne stated with a smile. "You and
your. . sister seem to have colouring similar to us Amazons. . ."
"We're Cousins," Ryu corrected quickly.
"I have doubts that Cousins could possibly look that much alike,"
Cologne gave a disturbing lopsided grin to Ryu.
"Are Mothers were Identical twins," Ryu replied evenly. "And the
colour comes from their side of the families."
"I see. . ." Cologne said then looked beyond Ryu before she could
finish. "I believe there is a problem."
- - - -
"You say again!!" the purple haired girl challenged Ranma in anger
as she had her face mere inches from the redhead's face.
"Look, all I said was that you two don't look so tough. Not that you
ain't good fighters. . just, I could beat ya easily," Ranma backed up
slightly warding off the girl.
Ryu had caught the response and rolled her head first to the heavens
then down in depression, "Was I really that stupid?"
"You challenge me?" the girl said as she narrowed her eyes at the
outsider. She was about to grab the girl but was stopped by her great-
grandmother who had just arrived.
"Child, you are in a very dangerous situation here, I suggest you
trend carefully," Cologne stated to Ranma as she held off Shampoo.
"Ranma! What did I tell you?" Ryu nearly screamed at the younger girl.
"It wasn't my fault! I was just sitting there when she came up and
asked me what I thought of the girls in the tournament!" Ranma
replied wide eyed pointing towards Shampoo.
"And you opened the famous Saotome mouth!" Ryu countered then turned
towards the old woman and other girl. [I apologize for my young
Cousin. . . She was raised by her Father away from most people so her
social skills are seriously lacking.]
Cologne look up surprised at the redheaded woman's flawless use of
the Amazon dialect then back at the younger girl's obvious lack of
understanding what was said, [That is unfortunate, but honour demands
she back up her challenge or apologize to Xain Pu.]
Ryu looked over shoulder at Ranma then back to Shampoo before
replying to Cologne, [Pride is unfortunately one of Ranma's worse
flaws, so she'll fight Xain Pu. . but only on one condition. . .]
[What condition?] Cologne narrowed her eyes at Ryu as the wheels
started turning quickly.
[No 'Kiss of Death' if Ranma defeats Xain Pu,] Ryu stated firmly.
[Both are too young to be forced to deal such matters so soon in
their lives. I promise no retaliation from Ranma if she should lose.]
[Yes. . both are very young for things like the 'Kiss of Death',]
Cologne agreed still trying to figure out this woman who knew too
much for a normal outsider. [I agree to the terms, as does Xain Pu. .
right Child?]
[I don't care about that silly tradition! I just want to show this
outsider who is stronger!] Shampoo stated giving the girl a hard look.
Ryu took Ranma a little distance away from the two and gave the girl
a very disappointed look, "Ranma. . You are going to have to fight
that girl, Shampoo, now. You really don't have a choice since you
insulted her honour."
"But. .but. . I don't fight girls," Ranma said quietly giving
Shampoo a glance before looking back at her Cousin. "I don't want ta
hurt her."
"Then take her out quickly so it hurts less," Ryu replied firmly.
"Either way you either have to fight her or we are going to be chased
back to Japan by most of the Village trying to kill us."
"WHAT!?!" Ranma sputtered in shock.
"The Village is a little old fashion about things like insults to
honour," Ryu explained. "And while I was discussing it with the Elder
that girl, Shampoo, challenged you to prove you were better on not."
"She challenged me?" Ranma looked back at Shampoo again then hung
her head shaking it slightly.
- - - -
"I agreed ta fight her. . but why do I have ta wear this thing!?!"
Ranma protested as she indicated the tight yellow silk pantsuit with
red edging she was wearing. "I can't even wear my boxers in this!"
"It's sort of a tradition here, and you don't want to insult them
more do you?" Ryu replied trying not to laugh at the fact she got
Ranma to wear the outfit.
Ranma jumped to her end of the log just before Cologne came up to
Ryu to chat, "I see you finally got your. . *Cousin* to wear
something other than that old Gi, although she seems a little
uncomfortable."
"She was raised as a boy by her Father," Ryu said calmly watching
Ranma start to stretch. "That includes what she has worn."
"How do you know our language and laws?" Cologne asked outright.
"Very few know about the 'Kiss of Death'."
"Actually a lot of cultures have a 'Kiss of Death'," Ryu replied
calmly but continued when she received a light glare from the woman.
"But I try to know the language and the laws of places I go in the
world, it's something I had to learn to do when I trained with Po. .
Uncle Genma as a kid 'cause he always forgot to."
Cologne was about to say something more on the subject but the fight
started on the log.
- - - -
[I hope you're prepared to be humiliated,] Shampoo said with a sneer
as she got into position.
"What she say?" Ranma looked over at the Guide who stood nearby for
this reason.
"She say 'Prepare for a good fight'," the Guide replied shifting his
eyes from side to side to see if anyone was going to call him on the
bad translation.
Ranma shrugged as she didn't think it had that kind of tone to the
words but she didn't know the language so she couldn't tell. She got
into a position of her own, which of course was to stand there with
her hands behind her back and her head tilted to one side smiling at
her opponent.
"Shampoo seems to be a little tired from her earlier fights," Ryu
commented as she watched Shampoo threw her foot forward in a round
house kick, only to be easily dodged by Ranma who simply leaned back.
"Why do you say her name like that? I know you can say her name
right as you have done so a couple times already," Cologne replied as
she cringed at Shampoo rubbing her leg to get the feeling back after
Ranma poked the extended leg in the knee joint.
"It's not an intended insult, It's just the closest we Japanese can
say those names in our language," Ryu explained as she shook her head
slightly at Ranma's antics. Ranma had dodged a punch by leaping it
and placing a hand on Shampoo's head to propel herself behind the
Amazon. "It's just easier to say it that way."
"I see. . ." Cologne said quietly as Shampoo tried a series of rapid
forward kicks to cover and area with attacks so Ranma couldn't dodge
them all without going off the end of the log. "I also see that the
girl wasn't boasting about her skill either."
"It comes from training day and night for over eight years with
nothing to distract you from learning the Art," Ryu replied as Ranma
blocked each kick by pushing it aside then put a straight kick up
between Shampoo's attacks and connected with the Amazon's chin. The
impact propelled the girl into the air and off the log to land hard
on the ground.
Ranma was down on the ground a moment later beside Shampoo looking
very concerned as she helped the girl to sit up, "You okay?"
Shampoo looked up in the eyes of the red haired girl a little
shocked, not by the fact she had lost to her but that the girl looked
sorry that she may have hurt her, [I. . I'm fine]
Ranma looked at Ryu for a translation when she notice both her
Cousin and the old woman quickly come up to them.
"She says she's fine," Ryu said with a small smile at the pair.
"Not knowin' what she's sayin' is gonna be a problem ain't it?"
Ranma asked as she looking between her Cousin and the purple haired
girl, who nodded at the translation.
"Um. . excuse me, I could be of help. . ." a tall boy in white robes
said nervously as he came forward and adjusted his thick glasses. "If
Xain Pu will allow it."
[I don't need *your* help!] Shampoo turned her head away sharply
then cringed at the pain that brought.
[Even I can see you really want to talk to this *strong* outsider.
I'm about the only one here who you can know not to betray your trust
in this,] the boy replied calmly which seemed to shock most around
who knew his problems with Shampoo.
Ranma looked confused at both Shampoo, who finally set herself to
sit up without Ranma's help, and the boy in the long robes. It seemed
the two had a history but she couldn't tell what kind with the boy
acting so calm and how this seemed to agitate Shampoo even more.
After a curt nod from Shampoo the boy turned to face Ranma and put
his hands into his long sleeves before giving a small bow, "I am Mu
Tzu.
.
but calling me Mousse will probably be easier until you learn the
language better. I'd be honoured if you allowed me to translate what
Xain Pu says to you."
"Um. . sure," Ranma shrugged.
- - - -
Ryu sat at the table assigned to her and tried not to laugh at the
antics coming from her younger self as Ranma described some of her
training journeys to the two Amazons. She was very surprised at how
controlled Mousse was being around his 'one true love', maybe this
Mousse smartened up quicker than her own did.
"The young ones seem to be enjoying each others company," Cologne
commented with a smile as she sat down next to Ryu. "I'm rather glad
that you insisted no 'kiss of death' or this starting friendship
between Shampoo and your sister wouldn't have happened."
"She's my Cousin," Ranma corrected as she sipped her tea but nodded.
"Yeah, it's a good sign."
[Elder. Many of us are wondering if you are going to allow this
outsider to compete tomorrow as you did her sister?] a green haired
Amazon woman, maybe nineteen or twenty in age, asked giving Ryu a
hard look before turning back to Cologne.
[That would be her choice, Poa Da, although I see no real problems
with the idea,] Cologne replied raising an eyebrow at the woman in
question.
Ryu looked at the Amazon and took the serious face aimed at her as a
sign that it wouldn't be such a good idea, [I don't think that would
be so good. . It's your warriors day to shine and I wouldn't want to
intrude.]
Powder stared at the outsider shocked, she wasn't expecting the
woman to know the language as her younger sibling didn't, [Then I
suggest you tell your sister to stop boasting about your skills.]
[She's my Cousin, not my sister,] Ryu corrected yet again then
glanced at Ranma for a moment before sighing. [And she should know
better than to brag. . at least about anyone other than herself.]
[I think we should let our guest enjoy watching the tournament
tomorrow, Poa Da, without undo stress,] Cologne gave the woman a
stern look after changing her tune due to finding out why Powder had
asked. [Children tend to talk like that about people they admire,
don't take it so seriously in the future.]
[As you wish Elder,] Powder replied then walked back to her group.
The rest of the night Ryu would constantly catch the green haired
Amazon looking at her intently.
"Pay her little heed, she is the strongest of her generation and
tends to look for greater challenges to improve her skills," Cologne
said with a small smile. "We're proud of her but she tends to be a
bit. . over zealous at times."
"I can see that," Ryu sipped her tea and kept her own watch on the
warrior.
"So, after your trip through China I would guess you will be
returning to your family in Japan," Cologne changed the subject.
"No. . . I don't have a wife. . I mean a life there anymore," Ryu
replied and wanted to slap her forehead at the slip. "Ranma has some
family obligations she has to deal with there though."
Cologne gave the woman an odd look at the slip but left it as she
sipped more of her own tea.
- - - -
The next day the tournament turned out to be very fun to watch as
the warriors faced off in competition. The trio of Ranma, Shampoo,
and Mousse had been inseparable all morning as they watched and
discussed each fight on the other side of the log. The only thing
which bothered Ryu was that every time Powder finished a fight she
would first glance over at the trio then glare at Ryu. After the last
fight, which Powder won of course, she followed the same routine
until she suddenly jumped off the log and landed in front of Cologne
and Ryu looking incredibly angry.
[I can not take the insults any more!] Powder nearly yelled at Ryu
who looked confused. [Outsider, I challenge you!]
Ryu turned to look at Ranma as the trio ran up to see what was
happening, "What where you saying!?!"
"Nothin'!" Ranma protested. "I was just comparing the Amazon style
to the Saotome style."
Ryu hung her head down and put a hand up to support it shaking
slightly as she asked, "What's my name Ranma?"
"What? It's Ryu Saotome. . oh. . ." Ranma replied then realized the
mistake.
"Every time you said Saotome-Ryu she thought you were talking about
me directly and not our style," Ryu voiced the problem before turning
and looking apologetic towards Powder. [There has been a
misunderstanding. . .]
[I. DON'T. CARE! My skills have been insulted by being compared to a
coward's, I challenge you to prove I am the stronger fighter!] Powder
interrupted not wanting to hear excuses.
"I'm sorry Child, I can no longer interfere in this," Cologne said
sadly when Ryu looked to her with a plea for help on her face.
Ryu turned and gave Ranma an angry glare, "Get our bags. After this
I doubt we're going to be welcome."
"Saotome Secret Technique?" Ranma asked wide eyed not believing her
Cousin would do that.
"No," Ryu replied before she jumped the huge distance to land on the
far side of the log.
Cologne grabbed Powder's arm before she could follow, [You know you
will lose this.]
[I know Elder,] Powder admitted with a sad smile. [But it has to be.]
[You've made your choice, I just hope you can live with it,] Cologne
let go of Powder and the Amazon warrior joined Ryu on the log.
- - - -
Ryu knew that Powder was tired from the eight earlier fights but the
woman stood trying hard not to show the fatigue. If Ryu could have
found a way to throw this one fight without causing more insult to
the green haired Amazon she would have thrown away all her training
in honour to do so, but no one here would have believed it so she had
to do this fast.
Powder's anger took over and her first move was bad enough to be her
last. Running forward she threw a punch at Ryu only to be launched
into the air by the same move that the younger Saotome had defeated
Shampoo with.
Ryu was off the log and in front of Ranma before anyone realized it
causing Cologne to gasp slightly at the speed. Bowing to Cologne she
looked apologetic at the Elder, which was mirrored in the old woman's
eyes, "I'm sorry Elder, she was too tired and not thinking straight
so it wasn't her fault."
Before Cologne could say anything Ryu felt a hand on her shoulder
and was turned around towards Powder. Putting a hand on each cheek
Powder kiss the redhead on the lips causing everyone's eyes to bulge.
Backing away Ryu turned and grabbed both Ranma and the backpacks as
she shouted, "RUN!!!!"
Powder blinked in confusion as she watched the two red haired
outsiders run out of the village gates at high speed.
[Poa Da, you've made your decision. Until you have finished this
your standing in the village is gone,] Cologne stated sadly as she
came up beside the Amazon and handed her a knife.
Reaching down Powder took the knife then grabbed her green hair at
the base of her neck and pulled the knife through leaving it short,
[I understand.]
Powder ran out of the village less than an hour later with her own
pack and a list of possible places to find the pair given to her by
Cologne from the Elder's talks with Powder's prey.
- - - -
Sakura look confused at her 'Poppa', "Why did you make Ryu's life
harder like that?"
"I could say it was for giving this world's Ryoga a curse," the man
in the ornate throne said with an evil smile. "But not everything is
my doing. . people have wills of their own that they tend to exert at
very annoying times."
"Um. . okay," Sakura replied and turned back to the screen with her
eyes wide not sure if the man was joking with her or not.
"Mu Tzu on the other hand was our little friend's idea though," the
man added looking confused himself at that situation. "I don't see
how a more controlled and sensible Mu Tzu will damage this string but
I think our 'friend' is starting to plan ahead now."
"That could be very dangerous," Sakura said worried that the man was
confused about anything.
"Yes. . . I could be," the man agreed as he turned his attention
back to the mists.
- - - -
Author's Notes: Chapter 2 is done! Yay!
If it wasn't obvious by the last part: Powder's action was not a
suggestion from my friend of evil ideas. . . No he suggested making
Mousse a less raving lunatic. I have no problems with this as I have
written Mousse more reasonable before and like him like that but that
wasn't all he suggested, the rest of that will come up later in the
story.
Hope you enjoyed this and all chapters to come.
Added note: I've tried to correct the Language thing but I'm
surprised at this being a problem but then again I'm use to posting
on RAAC in pure text format.