Heart of Fire, Soul of Ice
By: DemonSaya
Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 does not belong to me. I've merely kidnapped them and am holding them for a large sum of money. Rumiko Takahashi gets her characters back on weekends and holidays only. Other than that, I am in possession. If you would like to borrow one, please e-mail me.
Flame Policy: Trust me, just don't do it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Part 13: Ground Zero
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ranma woke to find the bed empty that morning. He looked around, surprised to find his fiancée standing beside the window. Her face was worried, and her hands were clenching the window frame tightly, as though it were her lifeline. His brow creased in worry and he propped himself up on his elbows. "Akane?" He questioned gently.
She looked towards him, her face tired. She looked far more mature than normal. Her brown eyes glinted with determination and spirit. She walked towards the bed and touched his face gently. "It's beginning." She explained quietly. Her face looked so tired.
He sat slowly, putting his arms around her. "Don't worry, sweetheart. It's gonna be okay." He stroked her hair, sighing heavily. He walked towards the window, looking out. The doors to the compound were open and the lights in the dojo were on. He took a deep breath upon seeing the people that were standing in the courtyard. Kiran, Laichi, Pantsuto Tarou, and many other's Ranma didn't even want to think about. He took a deep breath, looking towards Akane. Several people in the courtyard were sparring, and others were throwing chi attacks at walls.
Their parents were out there among it, along with Kuno, as well as Dr. Tofu. They looked confused, but rather determined. Obviously the Tendo's and Saotome's didn't need to go to the battle. The battle was being brought to them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Outside, all was a mass of battle cries and attack names. In fact, the noise was gradually getting louder, till it climaxed, louder than thunder. Two people stepped out of the house, one girl, now dressed in a fighting gi, the other, a boy dressed in a red mandarin shirt and black pants. Both of them looked solemn and determined. Their hands were meshed together tightly, holding to each other for strength and support.
They walked into the yard, and soon met up with their friends and families. All of them wore expressions of grim understanding, and something similar to tired acceptance. They were used to this insanity by now. It was common, in fact, they'd grown to expect it.
Ranma embraced his mother, and Akane's sisters looked a little teary eyed, but were biting their lower lip, trying to keep their emotions under control.
Ground Zero was here. This was where the other fighter's had been drawn. The battle was here.
The sound gradually died down as someone stepped forward, standing in front of the dojo. The man was rather effeminate, and was completely wrapped from head to toe in a cloak. "Welcome, everyone..." The voice spoke softly enough that it could barely be heard over the rumble. The man's voice was even feminine. He stood still, looking out at everyone. "Today, we shall begin a battle which shall determine who shall be the next ruler of the heavens. Whether it will be mortal..." He looked pointedly towards the group of six friends prepared to fight. "Or immortal..." The gaze switched to a man clad in solid black and wielding something that looked suspiciously like a scythe. "You shall determine. Only through strength of mind, and heart, and body, is it possible to win this."
Ranma looked down at Akane and saw she was very pale. His eyes softened and he squeezed her hand gently. It's going to be alright...he thought, nodding his head firmly. No one will get hurt.
The man looked directly at Ranma. "Now, as I'm sure some of you know by now...this is not a challenge, this is not an easy battle. This will cost most of the people here their lives. However, the final man..." His gaze flitted towards Akane and he smiled. "Or WOMAN...left standing...will be guaranteed not only more power than they can dream, but also...the opportunity to rise up and sit next to the gods."
"If any of you are not strong enough to handle such responsibilities...then they can leave now." Those were his final words.
Ranma felt a compelling urge to leave, and could tell by the expressions on everyone else's faces they did too. He growled, telling the voice in the back of his mind to shut up, because he was here to protect everything he loved, and nothing was going to scare him away. He lifted Akane's hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to it.
Akane struggled with the voice. She was frightened...she didn't want to have to deal with a battle she could die in...did she? How could she leave Ranma alone to fight by himself...? She felt his lips touch the back of her hand and her mind snapped into focus. She would remain no matter what. She wasn't weak minded.
A few people, however, did up and leave. The god of Battle gave an indulgent smile and waved his hand. "Let the battles...begin..."
With a flash of light, the dojo was turned into a fighting arena. The God of Battle stood at the edge of the place, looking on with a serious expression. Beside him was none other than Laichi, who was looking into the arena with a concerned expression. Ranma and Akane pushed towards the arena center, and felt the other's following them, and nervous chittering sounded from the crowd.
"Oh, my god!" Akane whispered, grabbing Ranma's sleeve. "That's..."
Ranma recognized the outfit almost immediately. His eyes widened and he sucked in a quick breath. "Kiran..." He whispered, grabbing ahold of the ropes around the middle of the arena. He looked towards the other man and frowned deeply. The other man was a strong looking fighter, with narrow eyes and a bright aura. "This looks like an even battle..." He said consolingly to Akane, giving her a gentle squeeze.
The man across from Kiran gave a wicked smile. "I'm Chen...master of the secret techniques of Choshiyen kendo..."
Kiran remained silent. His eyes looked towards Laichi, revealing a pain and sadness. "Wife..." He walked towards the edge of the ring and extended his hand to touch her face.
Laichi leaned into his hand, a tear steadily rolling down her face. "Husband..." She responded, clutching his hand to her face. "Be careful."
He kissed her forhead, then turned to face his opponent once again. "I am Kiran, of Nekonlon, China..." He said evenly. He stood ready, looking at Chen, his back to his beloved wife, when he saw Ranma and Akane at the edge of the ring, surrounded by their friends. He gave them a small smile, then looked towards the man, bowing.
The other man brought out a sword, not bowing and wearing a sinister smile. "Let's get started...all this talk is boring..." The man jumped forward, slashing down with his sword, expecting an easy win. It surprised him greatly when the sword bounced off spinning chopsticks and Kiran kicked him in the chest, hard.
Chen went flying back against the side of the ring, then bounced back towards Kiran, having already shaken off the blow.
Kiran's eyes narrowed. The man's strength wasn't so much his skill, but it was his sheer endurance, and muscle. He couldn't let himself get worn down in this fight, or he'd loose. If he faltered, he'd get a sword in his belly. His lips turned up into a partial smile as the man came at him again, and once again used the chopsticks to parry the blow, but also slammed his palm into Chen's face.
Chen blinked, staggering backwards, then examined his opponent carefully. Any slash or hits could be blocked by the speed of his chopsticks. That much was obvious. However...A stab...might get through the defenses...if it were fast enough...
A wicked grin lit up the mans face and he lunged forward, starting his original attack, just trying to taunt Kiran.
Kiran frowned. "You will not defeat me in such a manner..." He said softly. He spun upwards, using the chopstick as though it were a ton-fan (Iron bar), and hitting him in the chin.
Chen flew backwards and landed hard on the ground. Kiran stood still, hearing the silence, then he turned towards his wife. He smiled at her consolingly.
Behind him, Ranma and Akane smiled, relieved. They didn't want to see a friend of their's die. However, their relief was short lived. Chen was getting back up, and Kiran's back was to him. The man grinned wickedly and began a point blank thrust towards Kiran's chest.
"KIRAN, LOOK OUT!" Ranma's voice called above the noise of the crowd.
Kiran spun around only seconds too late. The blade pierced his chest, and went straight through, coming out through his shoulder. His eyes widened and he fell hard to the ground as the blade was ripped from his body.
Laichi's eyes widened and she jumped into the ring, screaming out to him. "Kiran! KIRAN!" She skidded to a halt beside his head, clasping at his hands, desperately. "Kiran...you promised..."
He looked up at her through dazed eyes, then looked towards Chen, who's hands were raised in victory. "I'm sorry, my love...I lost...because my opponent lacked honor...Forgive me...?" He lifted his hand to her face.
Ranma and Akane dove into the ring as well, and knelt by Kiran. Seconds later, they were joined by Dr. Tofu who looked at Laichi sadly and shook his head.
Laichi's eyes teared up and she leaned down, giving her prince a final kiss on the lips. When she lifted her head, his eyes had gone blank, and Laichi bit her lip, determined to be strong for him. She lifted her eyes to Ranma and Akane. "I beg of you...win this battle..." She whispered, her eyes suddenly hard. "Avenge my prince..."
Moments after she spoke, Kiran's body began to glow brightly red, and his spirit lifted from his body, glowing and beautiful. It floated towards the victor, and his aura changed from Yellow, to orange, as the spirits merged. Laichi's eyes grew wide and she began to cry once again.
Akane put her arms around the girl and guided her out of the ring and into the house. Ranma silently picked up Kiran's dead body and walked out of the ring, as the next pair took their places. The courtyard was deathly silent, now. No cheering, or jeering, even. They realized now...the battles were life or death. There would be no second chances.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ranma knocked gently on Akane's door, peering in at her, his face solemn. "Akane?" He asked softly, seeing her sitting on the bed, toying with the ring she still wore around her neck. She had tears in her eyes, and looked pale, her face drawn. "Are you okay, love?"
She lifted her eyes to his and stood, walking towards him and into his arms without so much as a word. She felt his arms around her and gave into a sob that had been trying to escape her. She clung to him, her breathing ragged, her eyes pouring forth tears. "Oh, gods..." She whispered.
He kissed her forhead. "It's gonna be okay, Akane..." He whispered, resting his cheek against her soft hair. "I promise you. I won't let anyone you love die..."
She lifted her eyes. "Oh, Ranma no baka! It's inevitable! Don't you see? The spirits said so themselves! One of the six of us are going to determine the battle, so in other words, everyone else is going to die before they make it to the final battle! Anyone else who fights is going to die!"
He bit his lip, nodding. "I'm scared, too, Akane. I'm scared that if you fight, you're going to get hurt, and die...I don't want to loose you."
Akane cupped his face with her hand. "I don't want to loose you either, Ranma...I need you beside me...I'm afraid, though...of more than just loosing you...These battles are barbaric...when Kiran died, his soul merged with Chen's, meaning...whoever wins the battles is going to determine what happens to the other's souls, whether they return or...don't..." She blinked her teary eyes. "Oh, god, Ranma...don't let them take my soul...please..." She threw her arms around him tightly, sobbing into his shirt.
He looked down at her, his eyes pained, and a frown forming between his eyebrows. Gently, he took her into his arms and lay on the bed, gently stroaking her hair, and listening to the sounds of the battles outside. He looked towards the window, his face serious. He was worried about Akane. She couldn't afford this mental breakdown right now. If she broke down, what would be there to support him when he needed it? So, he gently consoled her, promising that he would be there for her, no matter what, he'd always be there. Nothing would ever take him from her.
Slowly, his words worked their way into her subconscious, and she relaxed, giving into blissful sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mousse and Shampoo walked home a short time after the first fight, both feeling somewhat sick to their stomaches. He held her hand gently in his and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. He could tell she was frightened. After all, she'd seen when Ranma had first fought against Kiran, and Kiran hadn't been a weak opponent. In fact, he'd been pretty strong.
Shampoo nervously bit her lip, her hands shaking, her face pale. This was a frightening thing. She couldn't believe how barbaric it was. And that Chen had absolutely no honor! If she ever fought him, she'd tear him limb from limb! She closed her eyes, leaning her head against Mousse's shoulder. "Shampoo hate to admit it, but Shampoo is scared..." She said softly.
"I am too..." He said softly, putting his arm around her shoulders. "I'm afraid that I'm going to die, or you are...before we're married and know what it's like to be with each other..." He blushed, looking towards her. "It would truely be a shame for someone as beautiful as you to die a virgin." He said, smiling sheepishly.
She stopped, looking at him hopefully. "Mousse know he need only ask, and Shampoo will accept..." She said softly, smiling at him and touching his face in a tender gesture.
He stared down at her, his hands shaking. Gently, he took her left hand, and knelt before her. With a painful gulp, he started digging around in his robe for the little foil box. When he found it and brought it out, Shampoo was trembling as well. He looked up into her eyes and slowly opened the box, presenting it to her. "Shampoo...will you consent to be my wife..." He asked, his voice giving a little tremble. He knew she'd accept, but the actual asking was almost as trying as anything else he'd ever done in his life. It made him so tense!
She knelt before him, pulling the box from his hand and pulling the ring from it, putting it on his palm and tossing the box behind her. "Put where it belongs." She said, presenting him with her left hand. She watched his eyes widen and smiled gently. "Of course Shampoo marry Mousse. Hasn't she been pestering him about it for weeks?"
He gave a shaky smile and leaned forward to kiss her. His dreams were coming true in these few moments and he wanted them to last forever. However, reality decided to come and assert itself.
"Mousse! What are you doing?!"
The pair cringed at the sound of Cologne's voice. Mousse looked towards the old matriarch. "It's called kissing." He said, a stubborn set to his jaw. "I thought you knew about that kind of stuff. After all, aren't you the one who taught Shampoo about seduction?"
Cologne glared at the boy. "Impertanence will get you nowhere, Mousse. Now, Shampoo, what on earth are you doing and why aren't you persuing Ranma? I saw him disappear into the house with that girl, Akane. Why aren't you with him, rather than with Mousse?"
Shampoo frowned deeply. "Mousse love Shampoo...Ranma does not. Shampoo love Mousse, back...Akane love Ranma...Shampoo want to marry Mousse, not Ranma." She explained in broken Japanese. "Mousse...treats Shampoo like she only girl in world..." She turned back to her fiancee and gave him a shy, sweet smile. "Shampoo love Mousse..."
Cologne frowned deeply. "What are you talking about? It is tradition, Ranma defeated you, you must marry him, unless Mousse manages to defeat him to gain your hand."
Mousse lifted his eyes towards Cologne, a challenging fire in them. "Look, I've had enough of 'tradition'. This damn battle we're hip deep in is a 'tradition', and it got Kiran killed today. We're having to work alongside Ranma, Akane, Ukyou, and Ryouga...They're good people, yet you want to tear everyone apart, and force someone else on them." He stood, his eyes filled with challenge. "If you had your way, I'd probably wind up married off to Ukyou. Sorry, but I love your great-granddaughter, and I'm marrying her."
Shampoo stood alongside her fiancee, looking at her grandmother, and switched to her native tounge. "Grandmother...Since I stopped going after Ranma, since I opened my eyes...they've been treating me like a friend...and I like that. I don't want to be the way I used to be...even if it means you would...disown me..."
Cologne frowned deeply. "I see you two are united in the matter..." When they nodded, she sighed heavily. "Then there's nothing I can do about it. It is a little known law that if a couple is united in heart and mind, they can overturn a previous engagement...I release you from your obligation to marry Ranma." She frowned at Mousse. "If you hurt her...so help me god...I'll remove your intestine with a dull knife and use it to wrap sausage, do you understand me, boy?"
Mousse paled, nodding quickly. "Yes ma'am..." With a threat like that, who wouldn't?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
End Part 13
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Author's Notes: I warned you these battles weren't going to be happy. Don't worry though, it still has a happy ending. If it didn't, it would be very un-Saya-ish, ne? ^_^ Love, Peace, and Dougnuts! See you next chapter!
By: DemonSaya
Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 does not belong to me. I've merely kidnapped them and am holding them for a large sum of money. Rumiko Takahashi gets her characters back on weekends and holidays only. Other than that, I am in possession. If you would like to borrow one, please e-mail me.
Flame Policy: Trust me, just don't do it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Part 13: Ground Zero
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ranma woke to find the bed empty that morning. He looked around, surprised to find his fiancée standing beside the window. Her face was worried, and her hands were clenching the window frame tightly, as though it were her lifeline. His brow creased in worry and he propped himself up on his elbows. "Akane?" He questioned gently.
She looked towards him, her face tired. She looked far more mature than normal. Her brown eyes glinted with determination and spirit. She walked towards the bed and touched his face gently. "It's beginning." She explained quietly. Her face looked so tired.
He sat slowly, putting his arms around her. "Don't worry, sweetheart. It's gonna be okay." He stroked her hair, sighing heavily. He walked towards the window, looking out. The doors to the compound were open and the lights in the dojo were on. He took a deep breath upon seeing the people that were standing in the courtyard. Kiran, Laichi, Pantsuto Tarou, and many other's Ranma didn't even want to think about. He took a deep breath, looking towards Akane. Several people in the courtyard were sparring, and others were throwing chi attacks at walls.
Their parents were out there among it, along with Kuno, as well as Dr. Tofu. They looked confused, but rather determined. Obviously the Tendo's and Saotome's didn't need to go to the battle. The battle was being brought to them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Outside, all was a mass of battle cries and attack names. In fact, the noise was gradually getting louder, till it climaxed, louder than thunder. Two people stepped out of the house, one girl, now dressed in a fighting gi, the other, a boy dressed in a red mandarin shirt and black pants. Both of them looked solemn and determined. Their hands were meshed together tightly, holding to each other for strength and support.
They walked into the yard, and soon met up with their friends and families. All of them wore expressions of grim understanding, and something similar to tired acceptance. They were used to this insanity by now. It was common, in fact, they'd grown to expect it.
Ranma embraced his mother, and Akane's sisters looked a little teary eyed, but were biting their lower lip, trying to keep their emotions under control.
Ground Zero was here. This was where the other fighter's had been drawn. The battle was here.
The sound gradually died down as someone stepped forward, standing in front of the dojo. The man was rather effeminate, and was completely wrapped from head to toe in a cloak. "Welcome, everyone..." The voice spoke softly enough that it could barely be heard over the rumble. The man's voice was even feminine. He stood still, looking out at everyone. "Today, we shall begin a battle which shall determine who shall be the next ruler of the heavens. Whether it will be mortal..." He looked pointedly towards the group of six friends prepared to fight. "Or immortal..." The gaze switched to a man clad in solid black and wielding something that looked suspiciously like a scythe. "You shall determine. Only through strength of mind, and heart, and body, is it possible to win this."
Ranma looked down at Akane and saw she was very pale. His eyes softened and he squeezed her hand gently. It's going to be alright...he thought, nodding his head firmly. No one will get hurt.
The man looked directly at Ranma. "Now, as I'm sure some of you know by now...this is not a challenge, this is not an easy battle. This will cost most of the people here their lives. However, the final man..." His gaze flitted towards Akane and he smiled. "Or WOMAN...left standing...will be guaranteed not only more power than they can dream, but also...the opportunity to rise up and sit next to the gods."
"If any of you are not strong enough to handle such responsibilities...then they can leave now." Those were his final words.
Ranma felt a compelling urge to leave, and could tell by the expressions on everyone else's faces they did too. He growled, telling the voice in the back of his mind to shut up, because he was here to protect everything he loved, and nothing was going to scare him away. He lifted Akane's hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to it.
Akane struggled with the voice. She was frightened...she didn't want to have to deal with a battle she could die in...did she? How could she leave Ranma alone to fight by himself...? She felt his lips touch the back of her hand and her mind snapped into focus. She would remain no matter what. She wasn't weak minded.
A few people, however, did up and leave. The god of Battle gave an indulgent smile and waved his hand. "Let the battles...begin..."
With a flash of light, the dojo was turned into a fighting arena. The God of Battle stood at the edge of the place, looking on with a serious expression. Beside him was none other than Laichi, who was looking into the arena with a concerned expression. Ranma and Akane pushed towards the arena center, and felt the other's following them, and nervous chittering sounded from the crowd.
"Oh, my god!" Akane whispered, grabbing Ranma's sleeve. "That's..."
Ranma recognized the outfit almost immediately. His eyes widened and he sucked in a quick breath. "Kiran..." He whispered, grabbing ahold of the ropes around the middle of the arena. He looked towards the other man and frowned deeply. The other man was a strong looking fighter, with narrow eyes and a bright aura. "This looks like an even battle..." He said consolingly to Akane, giving her a gentle squeeze.
The man across from Kiran gave a wicked smile. "I'm Chen...master of the secret techniques of Choshiyen kendo..."
Kiran remained silent. His eyes looked towards Laichi, revealing a pain and sadness. "Wife..." He walked towards the edge of the ring and extended his hand to touch her face.
Laichi leaned into his hand, a tear steadily rolling down her face. "Husband..." She responded, clutching his hand to her face. "Be careful."
He kissed her forhead, then turned to face his opponent once again. "I am Kiran, of Nekonlon, China..." He said evenly. He stood ready, looking at Chen, his back to his beloved wife, when he saw Ranma and Akane at the edge of the ring, surrounded by their friends. He gave them a small smile, then looked towards the man, bowing.
The other man brought out a sword, not bowing and wearing a sinister smile. "Let's get started...all this talk is boring..." The man jumped forward, slashing down with his sword, expecting an easy win. It surprised him greatly when the sword bounced off spinning chopsticks and Kiran kicked him in the chest, hard.
Chen went flying back against the side of the ring, then bounced back towards Kiran, having already shaken off the blow.
Kiran's eyes narrowed. The man's strength wasn't so much his skill, but it was his sheer endurance, and muscle. He couldn't let himself get worn down in this fight, or he'd loose. If he faltered, he'd get a sword in his belly. His lips turned up into a partial smile as the man came at him again, and once again used the chopsticks to parry the blow, but also slammed his palm into Chen's face.
Chen blinked, staggering backwards, then examined his opponent carefully. Any slash or hits could be blocked by the speed of his chopsticks. That much was obvious. However...A stab...might get through the defenses...if it were fast enough...
A wicked grin lit up the mans face and he lunged forward, starting his original attack, just trying to taunt Kiran.
Kiran frowned. "You will not defeat me in such a manner..." He said softly. He spun upwards, using the chopstick as though it were a ton-fan (Iron bar), and hitting him in the chin.
Chen flew backwards and landed hard on the ground. Kiran stood still, hearing the silence, then he turned towards his wife. He smiled at her consolingly.
Behind him, Ranma and Akane smiled, relieved. They didn't want to see a friend of their's die. However, their relief was short lived. Chen was getting back up, and Kiran's back was to him. The man grinned wickedly and began a point blank thrust towards Kiran's chest.
"KIRAN, LOOK OUT!" Ranma's voice called above the noise of the crowd.
Kiran spun around only seconds too late. The blade pierced his chest, and went straight through, coming out through his shoulder. His eyes widened and he fell hard to the ground as the blade was ripped from his body.
Laichi's eyes widened and she jumped into the ring, screaming out to him. "Kiran! KIRAN!" She skidded to a halt beside his head, clasping at his hands, desperately. "Kiran...you promised..."
He looked up at her through dazed eyes, then looked towards Chen, who's hands were raised in victory. "I'm sorry, my love...I lost...because my opponent lacked honor...Forgive me...?" He lifted his hand to her face.
Ranma and Akane dove into the ring as well, and knelt by Kiran. Seconds later, they were joined by Dr. Tofu who looked at Laichi sadly and shook his head.
Laichi's eyes teared up and she leaned down, giving her prince a final kiss on the lips. When she lifted her head, his eyes had gone blank, and Laichi bit her lip, determined to be strong for him. She lifted her eyes to Ranma and Akane. "I beg of you...win this battle..." She whispered, her eyes suddenly hard. "Avenge my prince..."
Moments after she spoke, Kiran's body began to glow brightly red, and his spirit lifted from his body, glowing and beautiful. It floated towards the victor, and his aura changed from Yellow, to orange, as the spirits merged. Laichi's eyes grew wide and she began to cry once again.
Akane put her arms around the girl and guided her out of the ring and into the house. Ranma silently picked up Kiran's dead body and walked out of the ring, as the next pair took their places. The courtyard was deathly silent, now. No cheering, or jeering, even. They realized now...the battles were life or death. There would be no second chances.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ranma knocked gently on Akane's door, peering in at her, his face solemn. "Akane?" He asked softly, seeing her sitting on the bed, toying with the ring she still wore around her neck. She had tears in her eyes, and looked pale, her face drawn. "Are you okay, love?"
She lifted her eyes to his and stood, walking towards him and into his arms without so much as a word. She felt his arms around her and gave into a sob that had been trying to escape her. She clung to him, her breathing ragged, her eyes pouring forth tears. "Oh, gods..." She whispered.
He kissed her forhead. "It's gonna be okay, Akane..." He whispered, resting his cheek against her soft hair. "I promise you. I won't let anyone you love die..."
She lifted her eyes. "Oh, Ranma no baka! It's inevitable! Don't you see? The spirits said so themselves! One of the six of us are going to determine the battle, so in other words, everyone else is going to die before they make it to the final battle! Anyone else who fights is going to die!"
He bit his lip, nodding. "I'm scared, too, Akane. I'm scared that if you fight, you're going to get hurt, and die...I don't want to loose you."
Akane cupped his face with her hand. "I don't want to loose you either, Ranma...I need you beside me...I'm afraid, though...of more than just loosing you...These battles are barbaric...when Kiran died, his soul merged with Chen's, meaning...whoever wins the battles is going to determine what happens to the other's souls, whether they return or...don't..." She blinked her teary eyes. "Oh, god, Ranma...don't let them take my soul...please..." She threw her arms around him tightly, sobbing into his shirt.
He looked down at her, his eyes pained, and a frown forming between his eyebrows. Gently, he took her into his arms and lay on the bed, gently stroaking her hair, and listening to the sounds of the battles outside. He looked towards the window, his face serious. He was worried about Akane. She couldn't afford this mental breakdown right now. If she broke down, what would be there to support him when he needed it? So, he gently consoled her, promising that he would be there for her, no matter what, he'd always be there. Nothing would ever take him from her.
Slowly, his words worked their way into her subconscious, and she relaxed, giving into blissful sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mousse and Shampoo walked home a short time after the first fight, both feeling somewhat sick to their stomaches. He held her hand gently in his and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. He could tell she was frightened. After all, she'd seen when Ranma had first fought against Kiran, and Kiran hadn't been a weak opponent. In fact, he'd been pretty strong.
Shampoo nervously bit her lip, her hands shaking, her face pale. This was a frightening thing. She couldn't believe how barbaric it was. And that Chen had absolutely no honor! If she ever fought him, she'd tear him limb from limb! She closed her eyes, leaning her head against Mousse's shoulder. "Shampoo hate to admit it, but Shampoo is scared..." She said softly.
"I am too..." He said softly, putting his arm around her shoulders. "I'm afraid that I'm going to die, or you are...before we're married and know what it's like to be with each other..." He blushed, looking towards her. "It would truely be a shame for someone as beautiful as you to die a virgin." He said, smiling sheepishly.
She stopped, looking at him hopefully. "Mousse know he need only ask, and Shampoo will accept..." She said softly, smiling at him and touching his face in a tender gesture.
He stared down at her, his hands shaking. Gently, he took her left hand, and knelt before her. With a painful gulp, he started digging around in his robe for the little foil box. When he found it and brought it out, Shampoo was trembling as well. He looked up into her eyes and slowly opened the box, presenting it to her. "Shampoo...will you consent to be my wife..." He asked, his voice giving a little tremble. He knew she'd accept, but the actual asking was almost as trying as anything else he'd ever done in his life. It made him so tense!
She knelt before him, pulling the box from his hand and pulling the ring from it, putting it on his palm and tossing the box behind her. "Put where it belongs." She said, presenting him with her left hand. She watched his eyes widen and smiled gently. "Of course Shampoo marry Mousse. Hasn't she been pestering him about it for weeks?"
He gave a shaky smile and leaned forward to kiss her. His dreams were coming true in these few moments and he wanted them to last forever. However, reality decided to come and assert itself.
"Mousse! What are you doing?!"
The pair cringed at the sound of Cologne's voice. Mousse looked towards the old matriarch. "It's called kissing." He said, a stubborn set to his jaw. "I thought you knew about that kind of stuff. After all, aren't you the one who taught Shampoo about seduction?"
Cologne glared at the boy. "Impertanence will get you nowhere, Mousse. Now, Shampoo, what on earth are you doing and why aren't you persuing Ranma? I saw him disappear into the house with that girl, Akane. Why aren't you with him, rather than with Mousse?"
Shampoo frowned deeply. "Mousse love Shampoo...Ranma does not. Shampoo love Mousse, back...Akane love Ranma...Shampoo want to marry Mousse, not Ranma." She explained in broken Japanese. "Mousse...treats Shampoo like she only girl in world..." She turned back to her fiancee and gave him a shy, sweet smile. "Shampoo love Mousse..."
Cologne frowned deeply. "What are you talking about? It is tradition, Ranma defeated you, you must marry him, unless Mousse manages to defeat him to gain your hand."
Mousse lifted his eyes towards Cologne, a challenging fire in them. "Look, I've had enough of 'tradition'. This damn battle we're hip deep in is a 'tradition', and it got Kiran killed today. We're having to work alongside Ranma, Akane, Ukyou, and Ryouga...They're good people, yet you want to tear everyone apart, and force someone else on them." He stood, his eyes filled with challenge. "If you had your way, I'd probably wind up married off to Ukyou. Sorry, but I love your great-granddaughter, and I'm marrying her."
Shampoo stood alongside her fiancee, looking at her grandmother, and switched to her native tounge. "Grandmother...Since I stopped going after Ranma, since I opened my eyes...they've been treating me like a friend...and I like that. I don't want to be the way I used to be...even if it means you would...disown me..."
Cologne frowned deeply. "I see you two are united in the matter..." When they nodded, she sighed heavily. "Then there's nothing I can do about it. It is a little known law that if a couple is united in heart and mind, they can overturn a previous engagement...I release you from your obligation to marry Ranma." She frowned at Mousse. "If you hurt her...so help me god...I'll remove your intestine with a dull knife and use it to wrap sausage, do you understand me, boy?"
Mousse paled, nodding quickly. "Yes ma'am..." With a threat like that, who wouldn't?
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End Part 13
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Author's Notes: I warned you these battles weren't going to be happy. Don't worry though, it still has a happy ending. If it didn't, it would be very un-Saya-ish, ne? ^_^ Love, Peace, and Dougnuts! See you next chapter!