Disclaimer : Ranma1/2 belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
'Italics Thoughts'
":Chinese-Amazon dialect:"
"Normal Speech"
(Sound Effects)
Note: I'm quite happy that I've only gotten two flames. But what sets me off are people that don't think for themselves. Ok I agree the Amazons tend to mess around, but seriously if you think about it. Have they done anything really bad? Has Shampoo used anything that has seriously hurt any one in any way. Sure she's used potions and magic on Ranma, but has it really ever been more than just to get a little affection from Ranma or to show herself the better choice. The same goes for Cologne, she's either used it to train Ranma to be a better fighter or to prove that Shampoo really isn't such a bad choice. Shampoo even gave Akane the kiss of death, if the amazons were really serious about things like that. Then why is Akane still alive? Here goes another question, if the Amazons are so against men having any power in their Village, then why is Mousse allowed to train and fight? Yeah they treat him like mud, but seriously the guy is a goof ball. He doesn't even treat Shampoo with any respect, the one he 'claims' to love. He gets punished because it's his own fault, really who mouths off to the leader of their own village without at least getting a nice bump on the head for it. Murderers, rapists, and slavers? WTF, I have no idea where people get that from? What I think is that people get that idea from FanFics written in that way and not from the Anime or Manga itself.
Plus Shampoo really does love Ranma read Vol.20 7-8 if you must. The Amazons in fact seem to have helped Ranma a lot in fact. If they wanted breeding stock, then why help him get his strenght back. Yes Cologne wanted to use it to make him marry Shampoo, but why not just take him and leave. They seem more interested in getting him to "choose" Shampoo than really forcing him. Someone explained Akane's reasons for hitting Ranma as semi-reasonable. Sure I'll bite, but then I can use the same thing with Shampoo. Of course Ranma is only married to her by her law, so I'm sure she'll just let him run around doing his own thing. Plus understand this is not an Akane bashing story, Ranma has just fallen out of love with her. He still cares for her but no longer wants to be with her. Any way that's my two cents about that.
Author's Ramblings: I just had to leave that there, since people still don't seem to get the idea that Amazons just might not be all that bad. They seem to treat Shampoo's dad with some respect and not like some thrid-class citizen. I'm thankful for all the reviews, be they flame or constructive criticism, since these help me see what people generally think about this story. Johnny G, well what I understand 'ara ara ' to be is 'oh my'. Kasumi seems to use it some what. Ara by itself means oh or ah. It's used in the first episode and if my memory serves me right, when Ranma beats Shampoo in his male form for the first time. So I don't see anything wrong with it. I hope that answers your question. Any way enjoy the story.
The Way Things Are ?
Chapter 3:
The Ramen was of the usual quality that came out of the Neko-Haten. Which means Ranma really enjoyed it. All that could be heard in the cafe was the soft sound of slurping and swallowing. Ranma had finished long before Cologne and Shampoo even had their third mouthful of ramen. She and her great-grandmother gave each other a humorous look at Ranma's eating methods.
': Oh Ranma you're so silly when you eat like that. But that grin on your face makes it all the worth while. :'
Shampoo sighed and continued eating her food as she stared lovingly at her Airen. Ranma could feel some one staring at him and turned his head to look Shampoo directly in her eyes. He blushed slightly at the look she was giving him. She saw this and gave him a wink before blowing a kiss at him. Ranma's face became as red as his shirt as he quickly looked the other way. Shampoo had a hard time keeping in her giggles at her airen's antics.
': He's so cute when he gets all flustered like that.:'
Cologne had a hard time keeping her laughter in from looking at these two. Ranma was shy and Shampoo was so out-going and affectionate. Genma had really done a number on his son. Ranma and Shampoo would make such a great couple. A pair that could not only rule the Amazon tribes with a iron fist, but stun and amaze the world with what they would be able to do. But there his dumb father had thrown a really big wedge. Engaging him to multiple girls. At first Cologne didn't think this was such a great obstacle, since Amazon men where allowed quite a few wives. But as that number increased and increased to a near total of 80 girls. She nearly flipped and wanted to strangle the fool for his extreme careless behaviour in this matter.
': That fool has no idea how deep he really has dug his grave. Here before me is the greatest martial artist that has ever lived, given that he lacks certain qualities. But nothing that couldn't fixed by Shampoo warm and comforting hand.:'
Both Cologne and Shampoo finished their ramen with a contented sigh at a good meal. Shampoo cleaned the table, taking the bowl back to the kitchen. She returned in a flash with a grin on her face as she sat next to Ranma. Ranma expected her to glomp all over him at this moment, but she just sat there with a pleasant smile on her face.
" Don't worry Ranma," Cologne said with a smile on her face," my great-granddaughter knows when to behave."
" Could have fooled me," he said in a whisper.
Shampoo gave him a light tap on his head in reward for his remark about her. But her frown quickly changed into a full-blown smile as she saw his embarrassed face.
"Ranma no worry Shampoo behave when Airen and great-grandmother talk ! "
"Quite right," she said ," now Ranma what is it exactly that you wanted to discuss with me? "
" Well as you know elder, my father has gotten me into a really big mess, and I need your help in fixing it," he said his a frown.
" I have to ask Ranma. Why me?" she replied
" The real question elder is...Who else? You're the only person I can really trust with this. Every one else just falls short."
"What about your mother Ranma? Would she not be a better choice?"
Ranma's neutral expression suddenly changed into a pained one.
"She only sees Akane as the perfect fiancée, not as I would see her. My mother has her own ideas of how I should live out my life, even if it means my unhappiness."
"That might be true Ranma," her face scrunched up," But you must know that even with me, that I'll have conditions if I give you help."
"I know that elder, but with you at least we can make compromises and come to an agreement. With my mother it's either her way or death." one could see saying this about his mother hurt him greatly.
Cologne let out a heavy sigh and Shampoo put a comforting hand on his shoulder, showing her support to Ranma. What surprised her and her great-grandmother was that Ranma seemed to lean into Shampoo's hand and started crying. She looked up at her great-grandmother with a confused expression. Cologne mouthed ' Just hold him' to her. Shampoo left her chair to stand behind him and held him in her warm embrace. Her arms circled his chest and her chin rested on his shoulder.
"Wo ai ni Airen," she said softly into his ear," Shampoo always here for Ranma."
He leaned into her embrace, fully accepting it. Ranma and Shampoo stayed like that for a while, just enjoying each others warmth. Cologne knew that the first step in winning Ranma's heart had been taken by Shampoo. Ranma opened his eyes expecting to see disgusted faces at his behaviour, but all he saw was Cologne with a pleasant and accepting smile.
"Thank you Shampoo," he said with a smile while wiping his tears away, " Thank you Cologne, you have no idea how long I've had to keep that in."
Shampoo just smiled at this and kissed him on his forehead. Ranma's face was shoved into her abundant cleavage while she kissed him. His face turned a bright blood red and a little blood was trickling out of his left nostril. This just made Shampoo bounce around in glee and Cologne laugh loudly. Ranma had a hard time keeping his eyes off Shampoo's assets while she literally bounced around.
"I see you like what you see son-in-law," Cologne said grinning.
Ranma blush seemed to reach down to his neck and steam was coming out of his ears. This only helped in making Shampoo and Cologne laughed louder.
"OK, I think both of you have made enough fun of me for a bit." he said with a healthy blush still on his face.
"Quite right son-in-law," the humor still hadn't left her face.
Both of them calmed down and Shampoo returned to her chair next to Ranma. She wrapped both of her hands around his hand and placed them on her lap. He turned to look at her, but she gave him a caring smile, so he let it slide for now. This made Shampoo blush, she couldn't believe her Airen was letting her hold his hand like this. Shampoo knew she would have a permanent smile plastered on her face for the rest of the day.
" It's time now to move to what you came here for...My help," she said with a grin," So, what is the first problem you need help with son-in-law?"
" My first problem is the multiple fiancées that my father has engaged me too."
There was a short silence before Cologne answered.
"At first Ranma, I thought I could help you with this when I first arrived ," she said with a sigh
Ranma looked surprised at this.
"But with the seer number of people that your father engaged you to makes this impossible."
"What do you mean elder?" Ranma had an even more confused expression on his face.
"Well son-in-law, in Amazon culture it's very natural for a man to have at the least three or four wives. But that's only for a normal male member, and you are far from normal my boy. If I had to guess you probably have every single Amazon woman after you. But the truth behind this tradition is that 90 percent of children born in our tribes are female Ranma. Having multiple wives is not a privilege but a necessity," she ended with a big smile.
"Before anything else elder, I need to know how men are treated in your village. I don't want to be a thrid class citizen and be disrespected because I'm a guy." Ranma said with a concerned look.
This made both Cologne and Shampoo laugh out again.
"Where did you get that stupid idea from Ranma?"
"Well amazons have always been known to suppress men."
"Oh yes, male-tainted history," she said with a sour face," No Ranma, men are treated with great respect. We could never treat our husbands and sons badly, if that was the truth then our culture would have died out long ago. There are so many female fighters because there are so many women. Also losing a husband or son in battle is very traumatic for the tribe. So the women train harder and longer so not to lose their loved ones."
Shampoo nodded her head and winked at Ranma. His jaw almost made a crater as it hit the floor.
'No way in hell can that be true. Could the amazons really be that loving and supportive?'
"I know what your thinking Ranma," Cologne's smile still didn't fade," And yes it's quite true. We treat our men with great love and respect. Amazons are a very passionate people Ranma, in fighting and in love. You're probably also wondering why other Amazon girls haven't shown up yet?"
Ranma nodded franticly at this.
"Well , Ranma this is because you are not an Amazon yet. You have not accepted Shampoo's hand in marriage yet. Lawfully no other Amazon woman may try to wed you until Shampoo gets married and gives her consent to the other party. So you're safe for now Ranma." she was trying not to laugh.
Ranma's face went from red to white then back to normal.
' Damn these amazons are nuts. I don't know how I could handle an entire group of Amazon woman trying to get me to marry them. At least it's only Shampoo for now.'
Both of the amazons smiled at this. Seeing him relax was really funny, since both of them knew he was already engaged to two other amazons. Shampoo had given them her consent for them to chase him after she married him. Ranma looked between the two of them and knew they were hiding something unpleasant, well at least to him.
"Ok, what are both of you hiding?" he was getting really nervous here.
Both of them burst out laughing at this. Shampoo was the first to recover. Cologne was still trying to get her laughter under control.
"Ranma no remember Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung ?" she said with a sneaky smile
"OH HELL NO! " he screamed, turning to Cologne with a really concerned face.
"Oh don't look so surprised son-in-law," She almost burst out in laughter again when looking at his face," Shampoo gave her consent to them the last time they left."
" You must be joking! "
Shampoo shook her head and said, "No, Shampoo say yes too too long ago."
"Bu bu bu but they're too young! " He wasn't finding this funny at all.
"Bah, useless Modern day culture Ranma. In our tribe a girl is considered to be ready when she reaches puberty, and both of them are well into that, " Cologne was thoroughly enjoying this.
Ranma's brain was seriously on the edge on shutting down. He could see both Shampoo and Cologne were having fun with this, but neither on them looked like they were lying to him in any way.
"But this is not the primary concern right now Ranma. You can deal with this at a later stage," she smiled at him and he seemed to calm a little.
"Yes, you're right elder," he sighed and got his nerve back.
"Now that you understand a little more of our culture Ranma, you can see why I wasn't too worried about your situation. Yet as the number increased to what it is today, it makes it impossible. No man, not even you Ranma , could ever handle 80 women. Given that some of them are really fickle engagements. But that would still leave you with a number you couldn't possible marry. Plus I doubt that any of them would move to China in order to marry you, since Japan outlawed multiple marriages a while back. "
"That's nice and all, but how does that help me exactly? " Ranma asked
"I was only stating a fact son-in-law. Now onto your problem," she sighed, " the only real way I can see you getting out of this predicament is by removing yourself from your family ledger. Your father buried both of you so deep in this that either or both of you would have to commit seppuku. "
"Yeah, I know most of that, so you're not helping a lot here elder," Ranma wasn't happy at all.
"I know that son-in-law, but to put it plain and simple. Right now I can't see any way out for you, and believe me Ranma, I've been thinking about this for quite a while now." she said with a frown.
" That idiot, why do I have to have such a useless father? He only cares for his own stomach! "
"I don't know Ranma, but I will provide what help I can. I know you don't consider yourself being able to remove your name from the Saotome ledger. Though it might be the only other choice after seppuku, son-in-law."
Ranma almost broke down again that day after hearing that. Why did he have to pay for all of his father's mistakes. Did he always have to sit with the burden at the end of the day while Genma ran free?
'I really do love mom. but am I willing to destroy my happiness for her honor...and mine?'
" Ranma I know you have a great sense of honor but such a thing in the real world are just unreal. Make your own code of honor, son-in-law. Create your own path with your own hands. Don't follow some one else's code just because it's the only one you know."
"What you you mean elder? " he said with a really confused face.
"The truth son-in-law is that you've been under that fool's "honor" for your entire life. He has always dumped his responsibilities on you, never taking any of the blame. It's well beyond time that some one pointed it out for you Ranma."
"What are you suggesting elder?"
"That you stop accepting all the blame and let others start taking responsibility for themselves. You've let other people control you far too much Ranma. I hate to say this but you've even let me have to much control over your actions. But the difference between me and the others are that I've really only done this for your benefit. I know I'm combining my own goals with it but nothing comes without a price. Even with my price is it really that bad? You get a loving wife that would sacrifice herself before letting harm come to you and my wealth of fighting knowledge. So I ask you again, is not my price better than all others? " she finished with a cheerful face.
This caught Ranma completely off guard. His mouth was gaping.
' Does she really mean that? She wants nothing more. Well, I'd probably have to go to China. Which really isn't bad, it is really a beautiful place. But what's this about a loving wife?"
"Elder? Doesn't Shampoo only come after me because of the kiss of marriage and what about all the potions she used on me? "
" What exactly do you mean Ranma? " she asked with a confused smile.
"Well, since I defeated Shampoo, wasn't she forced to give me the kiss and keep her honor that way? "
"WHAT? " both amazons screamed.
"You believe Shampoo was forced to give you the kiss? "
"Well, yeah." he said with a confused expression
" Didn't any one ever explain this to you Ranma?"
"Explain what elder? "
Cologne turned her head towards her great-granddaughter," Did you not explain any of this to him? "
"Shampoo no can explain then, no know Japanese well then," she said with a angry face as she looked at her Airen," You no read book Shampoo leave? "
"You mean that book with the Amazon law in it? " Ranma asked with his head tilted to the one side.
Shampoo nods at him.
"Well… no! I really didn't have any time to."
"Son-in-law, there has been a major misunderstanding here. You see, in Amazon law the kiss of death or marriage isn't compulsory. It's given and taken freely. An Amazon can not be forced into it, they choose it of their own free will. But with that same free will they can revoke either one easily. Why do you think Akane is still walking around freely after she received the kiss of death? Ranma, the potions were more fun and games than any thing else. None of them are permanent or have dangerous after-effects. Shampoo was also trying to get a little affection out of you son-in-law! We would never force some one into loving another. Slavery is sickening to us."
Ranma smiled shyly to that. But realized something at the same time. Shampoo was never forced to come after him. It was all done by her own free will. His heart soared at that. He quickly left his chair to stand in front of Shampoo.
"Is this all true Shampoo? Did you really do it because of your own free will?" he looked straight into her eyes.
" Yes Airen, Shampoo love Ranma. Never stop love Ranma. When Shampoo first see Ranma. She know something special about too too cute boy. But Shampoo no show then, cause want challenge girl that defeat her. Shampoo have great honor as Amazon of tribe. She think girl only defeat cause Shampoo too too sore after log fighting. But then Shampoo lose again. But lose to boy Shampoo find already have special place in heart," she said this while moving both of her hands to her heart," Shampoo too too happy . Shampoo find man that she love."
Shampoo had a soft blush on her face and he could see that she was a little scarred about admitting her feelings to him. What happened next surprised both amazons beyond understanding. Ranma moved from his chair and hugged Shampoo while kissing her all over her face. Tears of joy were flowing from his eyes. Shampoo was stunned for a few seconds before capturing Ranma's lips with her own. The two of them were having a complete make-out session in the middle of the Neko-Haten. Things were really getting heated between Shampoo and Ranma when Cologne hit them both on the head with her staff. Ranma and Shampoo looked up at Cologne with embarrassed smiles.
"Well son-in-law , it seems that all your objections to this union has vanished," she said with a happy smile.
"Kind of, I still have some things that I'd like to know about, but if you're talking about expressing my feelings for Shampoo. Then yes I have no objections."
Ranma smiled at Shampoo with loving eyes. Shampoo was very happy but still confused.
"Ranma? When Ranma fall in love with Shampoo?" she asked warily
"Well to tell you the truth Shampoo, I've been in love with you since the first time I saw you on the log fighting. You looked so beautiful performing your techniques! I used to believe woman couldn't fight, but when I saw you. I knew that was a lie. No one can be so graceful without proper fighting skills." he said with a blush on his face
She couldn't believe it, her airen has been in love with her this long. Why didn't he tell her sooner?
"Why you no tell Shampoo? " she said with anger
"Well, I believed you only wanted me because your law stated so Shampoo."
"Ranma is silly, Shampoo sorry if make airen feel so, " she said while giving him a warm hug.
Cologne still had a hard time believing what she was seeing right in front of her. Ranma was not only willingly accepting affection from her great-granddaughter, but giving Shampoo some in return. The two truly made the best couple she had ever seen. She thought even after the discussion she would have a hard time getting those two together, but here in front of her were her prays answered.
"So, what now elder?"
"Well son-in-law, we go to a chapel and get you two hitched."
"Wha wha wha WHAT? "
"What's wrong son-in-law?"
"While I have no objection to marrying Shampoo, but does it have to be so soon? I mean, well, I'm not really ready for marriage yet. And when I marry Shampoo, I want every one to know. If we did that now chaos would follow! The other girls would blow their tops! Plus, I don't want to hurt Ukyo in that way. She means too much to me." he said with a sad face.
"What do you say Shampoo, " Cologne said looking at her great-granddaughter," Will you allow Ukyo Kounji to court your husband? "
" Shampoo and spatula girl fight for Ranma every day. She strong warrior," she paused for a few second," She make Ranma happy. What make Ranma happy make Shampoo happy. Spatula girl make good friend to Shampoo. Shampoo say yes great-grandmother!"
Ranma was completely shocked at what just happened. He only thought he might get to explain to Ukyo how he felt and that she would except it. But now here Shampoo just said that if Ukyo wanted to marry Ranma, then Ukyo had her blessing. Right then and there Ranma's brain had it's fill of weird things for the day and promptly shut down. Both amazons saw Ranma lose consciousness and Shampoo caught him in her arms, keeping him from hitting his head on the floor. She thought this was really funny and her great-grandmother was laughing as well. Shampoo would never forget this day, the day where her airen said he loved her.
"Shampoo, take your husband to your room and make him comfortable."
Shampoo's face became as red as a tomato when her great-grandmother said this. Cologne hit Shampoo on the head with her staff.
" My, my, my, aren't we the ever eager one," she laughed," No Shampoo, just take him to your bed so he can rest. This day has been both great and exhausting for him. He needs to rest for a while."
Shampoo shifted her husband's weight in her arm and turned to leave.
"And Shampoo…" Cologne said
"Yes great-grandmother?" Shampoo turned her head to look at Cologne.
" It's a lot more fun if he's awake, if you want to try something like that at this time of day!" she said with a wink at Shampoo.
Shampoo's blush covered most of her body and steam was coming out from under her collar. She left the room a little faster after her great-grandmother's words.
"Those two will never ease to amaze me!" she though for a second ," I wonder how long it will be before I can look forward to great great-grandchildren…"
Shampoo's door was already open as she walked through with Ranma in her arms. Quietly closing the door behind her, she placed her airen on her bed, making him as comfortable as possible. She was about to get up to go and talk to her great-grandmother when Ranma wrapped his arms around her. He was drawing her in to lie on top of his chest. Shampoo accepted fate and placed her head on his chest. Breathing deeply, Shampoo took in his scent. No one smelled like her airen, his scent was absolutely intoxicating. His slow and steady breaths were slowly lulling her to sleep. Just before she completely greeted the sand-man, a final thought entered into her head.
'' : Perfect... I love you so much Ranma:'
All that could be heard through the window was the sound of a gentle breeze, as the two snuggled closer to each other.
...to be continued.
Author's Notes:
Well that's done on on to Chap3 of FMU. It should be out in the next few days. I hope you enjoyed the story and continue to read as more will be posted.
OokamiShiroi out.