Chapter 5: "Revelations and Rivalries"
Disclaimer: Guess what, I don't own Ranma 1/2.
Wow, chapter 5 already! This fiction has already exceeded my own expectations. I really thought I would only get to chapter 4 before it was over, but the more I write, the more I think up. I really think this fiction will go past 100,000 words in the end, it would definitely be the best thing I've done in awhile if it did. Also, thanks for all the reviews from the people that have bothered reviewing! The story has had over 4,000 hits and 45 reviews! Please keep telling me how I'm doing, it really helps me come up with more stuff. Again, thanks for all the support! Now, on with the chapter!
Another Disclaimer: This chapter does have underage drinking. I don't condone it, but it is in this fiction. Don't like it, don't read it.
Italics are thoughts
Bolded is Chinese
"What...the...HELL!" The voice of the flustered Saotome was cut short as the head of the massive serpent crashed into the ships' deck. Barley dodging, Ranma hops behind a lone crate on the deck hoping to buy enough time to formulate a plan. He had just finished a strenuous duel with Ryoga when the ship was attacked by Faustosen , the massive sea dragon, and he had also witnessed the Captain eaten before his eyes. Shaking all other thoughts out of his mind for the time being, he focused entirely on defeating his serpentine opponent. Hearing another loud crash, he pokes his head from behind his hiding place in time to see Ryoga fly into the steel crane, bending it over.
"That was close, think Ranma, think..." Cringing, he decides to use his only trump card, a special attack he developed secretly away from the Captain's criticism. He had planed on using it against Mousse, as he was the only person Ranma felt deserved the extreme punishment.
"Oh well, guess now is as good a time as any to practice it." He hoped onto the top of the crate only to see the massive dragon moving towards a winded Ryoga. To Ryoga's credit, the dragon did look like it had taken a few hits, but the lost boy seemed to be in dire straights.
"Hey fish-face! How about fighting me?" Faustosen snapped his head away from his downed pray to look at the confident Saotome. Narrowing his eyes, it snorted and turned back to the lost boy, it's mouth drooling.
"Damn it! Hang on Ryoga!" Ranma launched himself into the air, using his chi to enhance his altitude. Going horizontal over twenty feet in the air, he whipped his body causing it to spin. Like a top, he reached the zenith of his leap. Quickly producing his adopted bonbori, which he had kept hidden, he focused all of his available chi into them. Erupting in flames, he held them out from his body using his revolution to put power into them.
"FLAMING PINWHEEL COMBO!" Ranma's battle cry made the dragon look upwards at the tornado of flames that was Ranma. All too late did Faustosen realize what was happening. Ranma released one of the bonbori at the creatures head. It looked like a wheel of flames burning across the air towards the dragon's head. At the same time, Ranma shifted the other bonbori downward and rocketed towards the deck of the ship. Using Amaguirken speed as soon as his feet hit a solid surface, he dashed beneath the dragons head. Faustosen, distracted with the incoming bonbori, failed to notice the pig-tailed youth get inside his guard. Shooting upward, the flame-engulfed bonbori connected with the creatures jaw, snapping it's head upward at the same time the other bonbori impacted with the top of it's head. A sickening crack followed the assault as the dragon's skull cracked under the pressure of the two strikes. As Ranma sidestepped from under the creatures falling head, he picked up his other bonbori as it had bounced off from Faustosen's skull.
"Wow...it worked?" Ranma seemed to be quite surprised as he walked over to Ryoga who had collapsed on the deck. Poking the fallen serpent, Ranma put his bonbori away before leaning down to the lost boy.
"Hey Ryoga, how you doin'?" He looked him over, and noticed a large welt forming on his side. "Looks like you broke a rib or two there."
"Ha, it's not...that bad." Ryoga was in pain, but he wouldn't lose face in front of his rival, he refused! Well, that was his idea until Ranma poked his side. Letting out a yelp of pain, he threw a half-hearted punch at the pig-tailed boy from his prone position.
"Thought it didn't hurt?" Ranma chuckled as dodged the hit.
"It doesn't as long as you don't bother it!" Ryoga winced.
"I'll go get someone to check that out. Just don't try to move while I'm gone." Ranma said as he stood back up.
"Hey Ranma...the Captains...?" Ryoga's voice faded off as Ranma walked away. The young martial artist stopped and looked over at the dead sea dragon. He was about to say something when a glint of polished steel caught his eye. He turned towards it, looking at the body of the fallen dragon.
"What...about...tha...Captain?" A muffled voice answered Ryoga's question. Shocked, Ryoga looked around him looking for the source of the voice. Wide-eyed, Ranma watched the body of the beat start to move as it something inside of it was moving. Suddenly, a large blade thrust through the underbelly of the dragon, slicing upward. Contents and fluids spilled out onto the deck, along with a very irate old man.
"Damned overgrown earthworm!" Giving the lifeless body a kick, he spit on the creature. "Thought I'd never get out of there. Good job to whoever killed tha beast."
Blinking several times, Ranma and Ryoga could only stare in disbelief at the cursing captain. Looking at each other, they both sighed.
"Oh well, we wouldn't be that lucky." Ryoga laughed as he massaged his side.
"I'll ignore that comment fer now you whelp. Don't wantcha dying on me deck." Turning towards the bridge, he motioned for some of the crew to get down to the deck. Arriving, they all nervously eyed the dead dragon before being directed by the Captain to take Ryoga to the infirmary.
"Well, you get yerself patched up and then we'll have a nice feast to celebrate." The Captain started to walk off when Ranma coughed to get his attention. He stopped, but didn't turn around.
"Aye...yeah, you've got yerself a few questions. I'll tell ya what I know at dinner." He grumbled before heading off to his room, cursing about vile earthworms all the way. Ranma accepted this, and helped the crew get Ryoga to the infirmary.
Back on the "Hong Kong Maru"
"Uh...nice to see you...Ukyo..." Shampoo wasn't sure how her old rival would react, but prepared herself for anything. She didn't see the chef's trademark spatula, but was weary none the less.
"You didn't answer my question Shampoo! What are ya doing here?" Ukyo, tensed up. Of all the people she thought she would run into, the purple-haired Amazon was dead last on her list. And what the hell is wrong with her? She actually called me Ukyo, she's never done that. At least she's not getting antsy, still have to watch her though.
"Look Ukyo, Shampoo not here to fight. Shampoo not even know you on boat." Shampoo certainly didn't want to pick a fight, and Ukyo didn't exactly look like she wanted one either. Ha, she must be doing what I'm doing, running from our problems... Even indirectly thinking about Ranma made Shampoo cringe. Ukyo picked up something on the Amazon's face, it seemed all to familiar to her. Although, that horrible scar was new to her.
"Oh...you and Ranma had...the talk, huh?" Watching Shampoo look away, Ukyo new she hit a sore spot.
"Well, you came to get something to eat right? I can take my break now so we can...catch up." Shampoo considered it for a moment, before nodding slightly. Well, never thought I'd have lunch with Shampoo. Wonders never cease it seems... Letting Shampoo pick out a table, Ukyo hurriedly prepared two okonomiyaki and informed her boss she was taking her lunch break. She was surprised at the Amazon's current state of mind. All the memories Ukyo had of her were either of her happy or angry, never like this. I know that look...it's the look of defeat... Ukyo managed to put on a smile as she sat down at Shampoo's table.
"So...how did Ranma tell you?" Ukyo asked.
"Ranma...took me out and I didn't listen to the whole point." Shampoo re-counted the short conversation she had with him and her subsequent flight to confront Nodoka.
"Wow, good for you!" Shampoo blinked at the sudden happy chef.
"I mean, you went to go and tell off that bitch right!" Shampoo was shocked at the strong language Ukyo had chosen, but finally broke a smile.
"Shampoo did." She paused and her smile got a bit larger. "And Shampoo punch her lights out too." This was met with a cheer from the exuberant chef. She pumped her fists and a fire burned in her eyes that Shampoo hadn't seen since Nerima.
"You go girl!" Shampoo laughed at the happiness of her lunch companion. She couldn't help but giggle a bit herself.
"It all didn't go well though. Shampoo pay for it in spades." Ukyo calmed down and sat back down. Her eyes involuntarily shifted to the scar on Shampoo's face. Shampoo noticed it and brushed her hair out of her face so Ukyo could get a better look.
"Shampoo got careless, Akane got lucky. At least Nodoka's sword can't hurt anyone else." Shampoo said in a half-chuckle as she ran her fingers over the large scar.
"Akane did that? She always was a little..." She resigned the last of that sentence to low mumbles. Shampoo couldn't help but smile.
"Ranma is only one at fault. He let family run his life, should have just told us both at once." Shampoo had been thinking of that, it would have been much easier and would have eliminated misunderstandings. Of course, he would have been beat to a pulp, but it would have been the more honorable thing.
"I think...he told us individually because he really didn't want to go through with it..." Ukyo shuddered. "I'm not trying to say what he did was right, but I mean, he was without a family for so long. He had to take this chance or he would have had to toss his family aside."
"That no excuse! That make him less of a man if he can not stand up for what he want!" All the pent-up frustration she had to endure, leaving a city she had grown to love, the fact she would never marry, all of it focused on one target to hate: Ranma Saotome.
"I'm not saying forgive him or anything, I'm just saying put yourself in his shoes. All his life was spent with that idiot of a father, always bowing to his will as a kid, you can't really blame him for wanting a stable family." Ukyo still felt the need to defend him, even though Ranma had rejected her.
"Whatever, Ranma not worth our time. Shampoo better off without him, many better men back in Joketsuzoku." Suddenly, Shampoo got an idea, she didn't know if Ukyo would go along with it, but it was worth a try.
"Ukyo, what you're plans now that we no longer fight over Ranma?" Shampoo asked.
"Uhhhh...well, I was planning on hitchhiking on this ship until it gets to Singapore in a few months. Why?" Ukyo was comfortable with the Amazon, but was still weary.
"Why not come with Shampoo to Amazon Village? You good fighter and village need more businesses. Great-grandmother always lecture Shampoo about economy of village and importance of growth." It would also be better to have a friend around in a village full of enemies...
Ukyo blinked. Of all the things she expected Shampoo to do, offering her a place in the Joketsuzoku never occurred to her. "Well...I don't know..." The idea of a warrior society where women ruled was a nice little dream. A monopoly on the fast food industry was also a big plus.
"Come on! Shampoo not have many friends in village, most warriors resent Shampoo for being the best fighter. You good fighter, almost as good as Shampoo, would help village to have new blood." She felt a bit of pride that she remembered one of Cologne's lectures about village politics. Ukyo would make a good addition to the village, even if she would half to fight most of the other warriors to be accepted, that was something she would have to mention...once Ukyo accepted that is.
"Well...I guess I could...Yeah, it might be fun." She flashed Shampoo a genuine smile before finishing off her lunch. Shampoo smiled and clapped her hands.
"Good! We go talk to great-grandmother now!" Not waiting for acknowledgement, Shampoo jumps up and grabs Ukyo's hand, dragging her towards the Amazon Elder's cabin before she could change her mind.
A flurry of kicks, chains, and daggers; long hair flowing while fists blur in a graceful dance of death. Mousse flew around the ship's dojo practicing an advanced kata. Finally coming to the last of the moves, he stops to catch his breath. Without the evil Saotome looming over his Shampoo, he found he can completely focus on his art. In just a few hours, he had improved more than he had in the last week. Smiling to himself, he dropped into another stance and began once again.
Back in her room, Cologne had set up several odd devices. The most prominent was a large pot containing water. On both sides there were large handles with hand grips. The thought of how much her great-granddaughter could improve had her rubbing her hands together in glee. Ranma may be more powerful than Shampoo now, but that is going to change drastically. My great-granddaughter has more talent that even myself, maybe even more than him. She could only imagine how the younger Amazon would rule the village, the Amazon's haven't had a unifying leader in generations. At that moment though, Cologne was slightly annoyed that Shampoo was taking so long to get back. She was eager to start the young girls training as soon as possible. She then heard the door open and shut, so she headed out to the living area to scold her charge for her lateness.
"Great-grandmother! Shampoo have surprise for you!" Shampoo had dragged Ukyo all the way to the cabin, despite the chef's protests that she still had work to do. Once inside, Ukyo could only gasp at the cabin. Darn it, they get this while I sleep in a crummy hammock with fifty sweaty guys sharing the same room!
"Shampoo, quiet down. I'm quite capable of hearing you." Cologne hopped into the living room but was caught off-guard by the presence of Ukyo.
"Ah, Miss Kuonji, to what do I owe the pleasure?" She glanced over at Shampoo with a concerned face, but quickly smiled when she saw how happy her great-granddaughter was.
"Uh, Shampoo offered to let me go to Joketsuzoku with you two. She made it sound so good, that I couldn't refuse. I really don't have anything better to do since Ranma..." Her voice trailed off and storm clouds were already forming abound Shampoo's face. Deciding it was best to defuse the situation, Cologne spoke up.
"Well Miss Kuonji, I don't have any objections to you becoming a member of our village. We do need more outside blood, but I want you to realize that many of the others might look down on you because you're a foreigner. It's really a steep mountain to climb. You would also have to live by our laws, of course." Cologne was happy to see that Shampoo became cheerful again and let another slight smile appear on her face. Well, a good friend is just what Shampoo needs right now. Maybe this will help her get over her hatred of Ranma faster. Ukyo is also a competent fighter, maybe she would make a good training partner for Shampoo?
"I expected I'd have to learn some laws. I really don't know if I want to go along with the whole 'Kiss of Death' or 'Kiss of Marriage' thing though..." She really didn't want to have to kill anyone on a whim or marry someone for that matter. She glanced up long enough to see the confused looks on the Amazon's faces and shrugged.
"Child, I don't think you quite understand our customs...The 'Kiss of Death' and 'Kiss of Marriage' are completely optional. It's just a matter of personal preference. Some families care to enforce them, but no one is forced too." Now it was Ukyo's turn to be confused. She glanced over at Shampoo looking for a more thorough explanation.
"Then why did Shampoo try to kill Ranma for all those months? Why did she keep calling him her 'Airen' and try to get him to marry her if she didn't have too?" Shampoo turned away but not before giving her great-grandmother a pleading look. Cologne mearly shook her head.
"Shampoo decided to avenge her honor herself by killing Ranma-Chan. When she was defeated by Ranma, she decided to marry him, it was all her own personal choice. At any time she could have decided to give him up, just as she did when we left." As Cologne explained, Shampoo just kept an indifferent look, inwardly annoyed at being reminded of Ranma. Oh well, some things may require more time...
"Wow...I never knew any of that. I don't think Ranma did either. We all thought it was because Shampoo had some sort obligation to marry him. I had no idea that..." Ukyo was cut short by Cologne, she had taken pity on Shampoo by cutting the conversation short.
"In any event, that is the explanation of those two particular laws. I have some books on our customs I'll have you read. Now, there is a custom you have to go through to get into the village..." Shampoo cringed, she was gland that she had shifted the job of informing Ukyo to the Elder Amazon.
"You have to beat a warrior in the village. We should get to China by the end of the week, Joketsuzoku a few days after that. You have until then to at least get to Shampoo's current fighting level." Ukyo was about to protest until she was cut off again, this time by Shampoo.
"Ukyo no need to worry, Shampoo will help with training." She glared at her great-grandmother daring her to object. She was a bit un-nerved when the old woman smiled at her.
"Excellent idea Shampoo. Miss Kuonji can be your training partner and you can help her improve." Turning back to Ukyo, Cologne continued. "Now, in order to get the true training you need, I would like you move up to our cabin and quit your current job on the ship. After all, you won't be needing it after another week. I will take care of your expenses since you will soon be a member of our village."
"Aiya! Great-grandmother always have best ideas. Ukyo, we go get your things to move here!" Ukyo barely had time to bow to Cologne before she was pulled out the door by the purple-haired Amazon. Chuckling to herself, Cologne hopped over to her bags and dug out a translated version of the "Amazon's Code of Laws". She left it on the couch before getting out additional training equipment to get Ukyo up to Shampoo's level. Well, this is the best thing that could have happened to Shampoo. Not only has the village gained a talented fighter, Shampoo has gained the one thing she never had growing up. She may grow more on this trip than I first thought. Now, if only a certain dense boy could come to terms with things, then I could retire in peace...
Back to the Cerberus: Dinner
The large galley was bustling with activity. Seated at the head of the table was the scruffy captain smoking his trademark cigar, bragging about his latest 'victory' over the sea demon. Ranma had to jump in to correct several things about the captains story from time to time. Ryoga pointed out that the only thing the Captian had gotten right so far was that the dragon had eaten him, after that it was a fight between Ranma, himself, and the unfortunate reptile. The crew joined in the story telling, adding things and glorifying their actions, Ranma and Ryoga were beginning to get embarrassed by all the attention, when one of them asked Ranma how he had beaten the beast.
"Ah, it was easy. Ryoga distracted it for me so I could use my new finishing technique." He rubbed his nose, slightly turning it upwards as his chest puffed with pride. "Yeah, that thing had no chance against my 'Flaming Pinwheel Combo'."
"I was meaning to ask you about that." Ryoga spoke up over the chattering of the crew. "When did you get so good with those bonbori? You never used them during our fight." Ranma thought he saw the Captain pale when he heard that he had used bonbori, but quickly chalked it up to the lighting in the galley.
"It was my trump card! I didn't want to show it to the whole world, but that thing forced my hand. I'm glad I held onto them, they really are a good weapon to use."
"Yeah, and they remind you of Shampoo!" Ryoga snickered. The blush on Ranma's face followed by curses only encouraged the crew to join Ryoga in his laughter, but the Captain only sat pensively, as if he was too shocked to move. Ranma noticed this and was about to say something until one of the crewman interrupted him.
"Here you go kid!" He produced a bottle of wine and set it down in front of Ranma. "After that fight today, you deserve this!" The crew started to cheer and pound the table urging him to drink some. Ranma looked over at Ryoga who only shrugged. Fighting down his common sense, he took a small sip...things quickly got more interesting after that...
Later That Night: Ranma's and Ryoga's Cabin...
"I don't believe you Ranma..." Ryoga muttered to himself as he helped his inebriated friend into his hammock. To say that it was an interesting evening would be an understatement. After drinking half of the wine, which was later proved to be home-brewed moonshine, Ranma had insisted on singing several 'songs of the sea', as the Captain called them, with the crew. After the impromptu karaoke session, Ranma preceded to extol how good of a friend Ryoga was. Once Ranma had said he admired him, Ryoga knew his friend was clearly too much out of his mind to be of sound thought, and had insisted he turn in for the night. He had been calm and non-combative as Ryoga helped him to his room, seemed Ranma was a happy drunk.
"Ha, you're gonna feel this in the morning Ranma, that'll teach you to drink so much." Ryoga turned in as well, keeping an eye out to make sure Ranma didn't fall out of his hammock by accident.
"Heh, Shampoo..." Ranma muttered from above Ryoga. He tried to listen to his conscience, but in the end Ryoga decided to get some info out of Ranma that he could use later.
"Hey Ranma, how do you feel about Akane?" Ryoga asked.
"Uggg...violent tomboy. Always hitting me with that damned mallet." Was the reply.
"So you don't like her?" Pushing his luck, Ryoga continued.
"Huh? Like her? Uh...sure. Just...hic...don't wanna marry her." Ranma shifted around, but settled back under the blanket that was draped over him.
Ha! Thank the heavens for that! Wondering how much info Ranma would give out, Ryoga again continued. "What about Ukyo? You must like her as a fiancée', right?"
"Ucchan? Yeah...I...hic...guess I sorta like her. She's cuter than that tomboy...hic... My best friend in the...hic...world." Ranma was half asleep at this point, the toll of the day taking out it's vengeance on his ability to stay awake.
Huh, so Ukyo is just a friend to him, eh? Poor girl. "Hey Ranma, how about Shampoo?" There was a long silence. At first Ryoga thought he had went to sleep, but then a whisper of an answer floated down to him.
"Absolutely...love her...my most...important person..." A content sigh was all that came from Ranma as he finally slipped off to sleep, leaving a shocked Ryoga to sort out what he had just heard.
And...end chapter! I know you guys hate me, but I really wanted to do that! So, Ranma admitted that he loves Shampoo, too bad he doesn't know he did it. I do apologize to those who wanted to see a big Shampoo/Ukyo fight. I figure without Ranma between them, they would actually get along. Ukyo just seems to be able to fit as an Amazon, at least to me. I wouldn't leave you guys wanting though, I'll be sure to put in a nice long sparring match between Shampoo and Ukyo to satisfy your need for a catfight. This is a short chapter, but I needed to address some things in it before I moved on to a larger one. Next chapter will be huge! Many secrets will be revealed and the fur will fly, trust me. Also, don't forget to review! Till next update, see you guys.