"And so, this is what it has come to... Your great-grandmother's legacy
lives on. Are we fools to have challenged her? Is this how we are reprimanded
for seeking our hearts when the laws spoke otherwise?"
"Don't say that," she chided, her voice a little harsh though her eyes
never ceased gazing at him lovingly. "We didn't come this far just to let
everything go to waste. Things will work themselves out in the end; they *have*
to. Just keep on believing that."
"You're filled with confidence, as you always were. It's comforting, but
I'm not still uncertain..."
Truth be told, she did not feel as secure as she must have sounded to
Mousse's ears. More than anything, she wanted to release all her fears, and
submit herself into the mutual reassurance she so terribly desired. But this
time, she couldn't; she had to be strong for him-- for both of them. Shampoo
refused to let Mousse know that for the first time in all the plans she'd
created, all the strategies she'd ever utilized, there was a feeling of dread in
her heart that made itself impossible to elude. For some reason, she couldn't
keep herself from suspecting there was something they had overlooked.
No, Mousse would never know. Intentionally, she drew the blame upon
herself to distract him. "I'm sorry to have brought these troubles upon you,
Mousse," Shampoo said. "I didn't know that something like this would happen.
I'm glad you're with me... though you deserve someone better..."
He reached up to Shampoo and drew her down into a gentle kiss. "I don't
believe such a woman exists."
Descendants
(a sequel to Here Comes Neko!)
A Ranma Nibunnoichi fan fiction
by Luna Hinomura
Chapter 5: The Best-Laid Plans
If Chen Fang had intended for visitors to wait for what seemed an
indefinite period of time in order to test their patience, Lan would have tended
to believe the lady Chen had succeeded. With each passing moment, she became
increasingly anxious, but took care to not let her internal conflicts become
apparent in her countenance. Fortunately, the effects of the long wait were
beneficial in one aspect-- Jing had relaxed a bit since their arrival. One of
Chen Fang's servants had met them at the door and led them into the sitting
room, where they still remained.
Lan would have liked to go wandering and poking about in the room,
anything just to move and free herself of boredom. She did not, and satisfied
herself with simply observing what she could from where she sat. Jing was not
faring much better than she, although the anticipation and anxiety affected the
servant girl to a much more significant extent.
When one of the doors leading into the room suddenly creaked open, Lan and
Jing both started. The two turned, their eyes expecting Chen Fang to come into
view. For a moment, no one stepped through the door. The moment passed in but
a heartbeat, though it seemed to last forever to the two eager girls. When a
figure entered into the room, it turned out to be the same aged manservant who
had greeted them earlier.
"Chen Fang Gu'niang will see you now," he said with a bow, and moved
aside, to let people behind him pass through, "with her apprentice, YiJie."
From the corner of her eye, Lan could see Jing stiffen at the mention of
Jie's name. The movement caught her attention, and her eyes shifted to look at
the servant girl before focusing on her cousin. Though she hadn't moved her
head, she wasn't sure if Jie had noticed the momentary glance, or if it had
offended him. His own gaze upon the two of them was intense and piercing, and
caused Lan to be ill at ease. She shrugged off the sensation, remembering that
his personality itself could also be described as intense.
As Jie entered, he nodded silently to both Lan and Jing in greeting. Chen
Fang entered next, directly behind Jie. The two pairs of hosts and guests bowed
to each other. The formality seemed stiff and unnecessary to Lan, but she knew
that preserving such traditional practices was one of Chen Fang's odd hobbies.
In order to present herself as likeable as possible to the lady Chen, Lan strove
to leave her with a respectable and lasting impression.
"Please, take a seat," Chen Gu'niang recommended, gesturing towards the
chairs they had been occupying before Chen Fang and Jie's entrance.
Lan did as she was told, and Jing selected the chair next to her, pulling
it a little farther back, so as to seem not in attendance. Chen Fang took her
usual seat, but Jie deigned not to be seated; instead, he stood behind the
lady's right shoulder.
Uncertain of how to begin, Lan was grateful when Chen Gu'niang took the
initiative. "So you have finally come to see me," she spoke. "I had begun to
wonder if you would reply to my summon. Though you waited longer than expected,
you are here at last."
"Apologies for the delay," Lan replied smoothly. "My father's health is
deteriorating as of late, and both my days and nights have been occupied by
caring for him."
"An admirable cause," Chen Gu'niang praised.
"Thank you."
"Still," continued Chen Fang, "the tournament-- I assume you are here for
discussing this matter?"
"Yes," Lan agreed.
"The scheduled tournament is upcoming, and only a small period of time
remains. Days can only hold so many hours, a week has only so many days, and a
month will never have an extra week, no matter how you wish it. All can pass in
but an instant if you do not utilize it well."
"I understand all this," Lan affirmed. "And with your help, I am sure I
can do much in such a short time. That is why I have come to you. Moreover,
you sent a message-- which Jie faithfully delivered-- to call on me, did you
not?"
"Indeed." Chen Fang's tone caused the word to seem more akin to a request
for Lan to continue rather than confirmation to her question.
"Then you must have some advice in mind, some suggestions?"
"I fear not. In actuality, I was merely curious to know how far your
arrangements had progressed. I am shocked and unaware that you know so little
about the traditions of our village's yearly tournament.
"Well," Chen Fang continued after a moment of contemplation. "Perhaps
this is not surprising as it seems. The Council purposefully chose to reveal
only as much information to you as you requested of them. As Jie has already
explained to you, this task is a method of testing your ability and readiness to
eventually become Matriarch of Nv Jie Zu. The dire consequences of a failure
need not be clarified to you."
Lan took in a shallow breath. "I see." Having been confidant that Chen
Fang would surely guide her, she now felt uncertain of how to continue. Her
wary gaze strayed to her cousin Jie, who was still standing stiffly behind Chen
Fang. While his disdainful expression seemed to have been meant to dissuade
her, it only served to strengthen her resolve.
Without further hesitation, she threw herself into her speech completely,
disregarding what consequences her words might have. "I want... that is, I wish
to invite a visitor to observe the tournament, and nothing more," she spoke in a
rush, happy to be rid of the burden of keeping it to herself. "I ask that our
village to treat this guest well, and for the visitor to sit next to me while
the event is taking place. I believe these simple requests can be easily
arranged and will not deter from any villager's enjoyment of our yearly
tradition."
For a moment, the room was silent, and still. Then, the lady Chen leaned
back in her chair and studied Lan, her countenance unreadable. Lan didn't dare
glance up at Jie, for fear of what formidable emotion his own facial expression
would hold. Thankfully, he kept silent, though Lan was certain she would see
his unforgiving glare if their eyes connected. Though she hadn't specified whom
her guest was to be, Jie was clever enough to make an educated guess that
wouldn't be far off.
Chen Fang stared at the future matriarch for quite some time before she
spoke, her voice filled with a twinge of surprise, and perhaps shock. "And
this... this is what you wish? This is what you want most from our village's
time-honored tradition?"
"Yes," Lan answered, perhaps a little defiantly.
A sigh, before Chen Fang continued, "These... 'requests' you have can be
carried out easily enough, but I would advise you against inviting your little
'friend.'" Lan instantly disliked the condescending tone of voice Chen Gu'niang
had begun to use, but stayed silent. "You have come to my home and sought my
guidance, and I shall not hesitate to provide you with less than you deserve. I
warn you now not to invite unwelcome outsiders to our annual tournament-- while
they are free to visit during other more favorable times of the year, it is
currently forbidden, as it should be.
"But you, I know, are the kind of person who would act first, and then
think better of it later. Your blood relative-- this cousin of yours-- is very
much the same way. Your only option now is this: tell your friend that he* is
not permitted to attend this tournament. Moreover, you must advise against it,
instead. Can you do this?"
Without hesitation, Lan stared squarely into the eyes of Chen Fang, and
bravely uttered, "I cannot."
A smirk of dual amusement and annoyance played across Chen Fang's lips.
She brought a hand up to her chin, contemplating Lan's emphatic refusal. "How,
you 'cannot'? Or, more likely, is it because you *will not*? Is flaunting this
guest before the villagers a matter of pride for you, little one? What do you
seek to accomplish?"
Lan darted a glance at Jie, but averted her eyes just as quickly. She
could hear Jing shifting uncomfortably in her seat, and pulling her chair away
from the conversation. Feeling the beginnings of annoyance flaring up within
her, Lan tried her best to keep calm, reminding herself of the many reasons why
it was beneficial to maintain good relations with Chen Fang. "The guest is my
friend, and I believe that should be reason enough," Lan replied simply, with no
small amount of wounded pride. "He had previously expressed interest in
attending, but only recently have I offered him a formal invitation. Is this a
sufficient answer?"
An emphatic: "NO."
"What?" both Chen Fang and Lan said at the same time, turning to stare at
Jie, who had spoken.
* * * * *
Applause reached their ears when the two cousins finished their doubles
form, and they turned to grin at each other with both sheepish and childlike
pride. Though the audience only had one member, and the applause only one set
of hands, both Lan and Jie were pleased with themselves. Lan turned to Jie and
grasped his hands, jumping up and down excitedly. "He liked it! He liked it!
We should do more!"
"Yeah! It's great practice, too," Jie said smartly, when he felt a tug on
his sleeve. Turning, he noticed Hideo had stood up and was gesturing at himself
oddly.
The two cousins stared, trying to make sense out of it. Lan tilted her
head, and contemplated. Hideo was making strange movements that resembled their
Art, but was different in some strange, foreign way. He seemed particularly
interested in having them sit down on the rock he had perched on to watch them,
so the cousins did so.
"Do you think... he knows Martial Arts too?" Jie asked, his still
breathless voice filled with uncertainty and doubt. "Or is he trying to mimic
what we just did?"
"Let's just watch and see," Lan replied wisely. "I think he wants to show
us something."
And then Hideo, dual heir to the union of the Tendo Dojo and Saotome
School of Martial Arts, began to perform the form he knew, learned from his
parents. It was a strange combination of all things, including movements Jie
and Lan knew existed, but had not thought possible for someone his age. They
even seemed to recognize aspects of their Amazon traditions, power and grace
that stemmed from all Chinese Martial Arts had to offer.
Both cousins were impressed. Lan clapped when Hideo completed what looked
to be a particularly difficult move, and Jie suddenly jumped up from where he
had been sitting, feeling the urge to test their new friend. He entered into
the rhythm of Hideo's form, mimicking the movements and striking at him softly
to test his opponent. Hideo adjusted automatically, and the practice routine
became a routine no longer, but a sparring match between the two children.
* * * * *
"I said no," Jie continued, disregarding both the lady Chen's stern
expression, and Lan's look of puzzlement. He stepped forward around Chen Fang's
chair, hands clenching and unclenching into tight fists. "No, you may not
invite him. No, he may not attend. No, he may not sit by your side!"
Chen Fang didn't reply, and her expression only became more severe. She
looked pointedly at Jie, but his anger had taken over, and would not be easily
quelled. Lan was shocked into silence for only a few seconds, and quickly
regained her composure. "I do not see why it is any concern of yours that--"
she began.
"Because first of all, I'm your cousin, and therefore I have just as much
birthright as you do in deciding what happens to our village, and in planning
the future of our village. Secondly, I am YiJie, apprentice to the honorable
Chen Fang, who holds the highest position in the voice of our village until you
are capable of becoming Matriarch. The village elders had declared this
tournament to be the deciding point of your future since before you were even
born. Allow me to express my opinion that you are behaving in the absolute
opposite of what the village expects to see in a future Matriarch. If you fail,
you will never come into power."
"What of it? I don't much care for power," Lan argued haughtily, though
inside she was quivering at the sound of his compelling words.
Jie didn't even hesitate before he continued, "Then through the village's
eyes, you shall see your father-- my uncle-- utterly disgraced by his daughter,
and tossed aside by our village as if he were little more than trash. You know
that no one respects him, that no one had ever respected him, even when your
mother fought to preserve his good name. Chen Gu'niang shall come into power,
as will I, because I am her apprentice and trace my roots to the same strong
bloodline as you."
"Do you mean to threaten me? With this?" Lan asked incredulously, her
voice beginning to rise in both pitch and volume. She straightened up out of
her chair for emphasis, while Jing stood up hesitantly to match. "*I* should
stay in power to keep *you* out of power? Where is the meaning in that? If you
wanted to stay in the position bequeathed to you by birth, you should not have
renounced it by turning your back on your family!"
Jie took another step forward towards Lan, until he was nearly shouting in
her face. "Well, I would rather use my own power and fight for my name and
honor than be given it freehandedly!" he barked back in retort. Angered, he
raised his arm as if to strike his cousin, and Lan immediately recoiled from the
motion. Jing reached out to clutch at Lan's sleeves, hoping to draw her back so
she would not sustain the full force of his blow.
"That's enough!" Chen Fang ordered, who had remained seated the entire
time. She sounded angrier than Lan could ever remember, and thankfully, Jie
must have heard it in her voice as well. He stopped his blow before it would
have struck Lan, and dropped his arm in defeat. "I think it is time that you
leave," Chen Fang suggested. She stood up to summon the servant, but Jing had
grasped Lan's arm and was already trying to pull her towards the door. Lan
wanted to remain defiant and glare at her cousin, but submitted to Jing's
frantic protests.
After the two girls left, Chen Fang turned her attention back towards her
apprentice. "I am not pleased with your behavior," she stated, silent fire
burning within her eyes.
End of Chapter 5
Author's note:
The original opening sequence had the speaking lines somewhat reversed and a few
more differences, but in that version I felt as both Shampoo and Mousse were
acting out of character, so I rewrote it. To me, the last line seems somehow
inconsistent with the edited version.
* Much to my chagrin, I am forced to make Chen Fang say "he." I wanted her
words to be non-gender-specific even though Jie already semi-informed Chen Fang
of Lan's invitation to Hideo. This was probably the only obvious time where my
attempts to keep this fic sounding like "Chinese spoken in English" utterly
failed. Both "she" and "he" and even the non-gender-specific version of the
word are pronounced the same way in Chinese. Actually, "him," "her," "she,"
"he," "it" (for animals) and "it" (for inanimate objects) all have the same
pronunciation...
lives on. Are we fools to have challenged her? Is this how we are reprimanded
for seeking our hearts when the laws spoke otherwise?"
"Don't say that," she chided, her voice a little harsh though her eyes
never ceased gazing at him lovingly. "We didn't come this far just to let
everything go to waste. Things will work themselves out in the end; they *have*
to. Just keep on believing that."
"You're filled with confidence, as you always were. It's comforting, but
I'm not still uncertain..."
Truth be told, she did not feel as secure as she must have sounded to
Mousse's ears. More than anything, she wanted to release all her fears, and
submit herself into the mutual reassurance she so terribly desired. But this
time, she couldn't; she had to be strong for him-- for both of them. Shampoo
refused to let Mousse know that for the first time in all the plans she'd
created, all the strategies she'd ever utilized, there was a feeling of dread in
her heart that made itself impossible to elude. For some reason, she couldn't
keep herself from suspecting there was something they had overlooked.
No, Mousse would never know. Intentionally, she drew the blame upon
herself to distract him. "I'm sorry to have brought these troubles upon you,
Mousse," Shampoo said. "I didn't know that something like this would happen.
I'm glad you're with me... though you deserve someone better..."
He reached up to Shampoo and drew her down into a gentle kiss. "I don't
believe such a woman exists."
Descendants
(a sequel to Here Comes Neko!)
A Ranma Nibunnoichi fan fiction
by Luna Hinomura
Chapter 5: The Best-Laid Plans
If Chen Fang had intended for visitors to wait for what seemed an
indefinite period of time in order to test their patience, Lan would have tended
to believe the lady Chen had succeeded. With each passing moment, she became
increasingly anxious, but took care to not let her internal conflicts become
apparent in her countenance. Fortunately, the effects of the long wait were
beneficial in one aspect-- Jing had relaxed a bit since their arrival. One of
Chen Fang's servants had met them at the door and led them into the sitting
room, where they still remained.
Lan would have liked to go wandering and poking about in the room,
anything just to move and free herself of boredom. She did not, and satisfied
herself with simply observing what she could from where she sat. Jing was not
faring much better than she, although the anticipation and anxiety affected the
servant girl to a much more significant extent.
When one of the doors leading into the room suddenly creaked open, Lan and
Jing both started. The two turned, their eyes expecting Chen Fang to come into
view. For a moment, no one stepped through the door. The moment passed in but
a heartbeat, though it seemed to last forever to the two eager girls. When a
figure entered into the room, it turned out to be the same aged manservant who
had greeted them earlier.
"Chen Fang Gu'niang will see you now," he said with a bow, and moved
aside, to let people behind him pass through, "with her apprentice, YiJie."
From the corner of her eye, Lan could see Jing stiffen at the mention of
Jie's name. The movement caught her attention, and her eyes shifted to look at
the servant girl before focusing on her cousin. Though she hadn't moved her
head, she wasn't sure if Jie had noticed the momentary glance, or if it had
offended him. His own gaze upon the two of them was intense and piercing, and
caused Lan to be ill at ease. She shrugged off the sensation, remembering that
his personality itself could also be described as intense.
As Jie entered, he nodded silently to both Lan and Jing in greeting. Chen
Fang entered next, directly behind Jie. The two pairs of hosts and guests bowed
to each other. The formality seemed stiff and unnecessary to Lan, but she knew
that preserving such traditional practices was one of Chen Fang's odd hobbies.
In order to present herself as likeable as possible to the lady Chen, Lan strove
to leave her with a respectable and lasting impression.
"Please, take a seat," Chen Gu'niang recommended, gesturing towards the
chairs they had been occupying before Chen Fang and Jie's entrance.
Lan did as she was told, and Jing selected the chair next to her, pulling
it a little farther back, so as to seem not in attendance. Chen Fang took her
usual seat, but Jie deigned not to be seated; instead, he stood behind the
lady's right shoulder.
Uncertain of how to begin, Lan was grateful when Chen Gu'niang took the
initiative. "So you have finally come to see me," she spoke. "I had begun to
wonder if you would reply to my summon. Though you waited longer than expected,
you are here at last."
"Apologies for the delay," Lan replied smoothly. "My father's health is
deteriorating as of late, and both my days and nights have been occupied by
caring for him."
"An admirable cause," Chen Gu'niang praised.
"Thank you."
"Still," continued Chen Fang, "the tournament-- I assume you are here for
discussing this matter?"
"Yes," Lan agreed.
"The scheduled tournament is upcoming, and only a small period of time
remains. Days can only hold so many hours, a week has only so many days, and a
month will never have an extra week, no matter how you wish it. All can pass in
but an instant if you do not utilize it well."
"I understand all this," Lan affirmed. "And with your help, I am sure I
can do much in such a short time. That is why I have come to you. Moreover,
you sent a message-- which Jie faithfully delivered-- to call on me, did you
not?"
"Indeed." Chen Fang's tone caused the word to seem more akin to a request
for Lan to continue rather than confirmation to her question.
"Then you must have some advice in mind, some suggestions?"
"I fear not. In actuality, I was merely curious to know how far your
arrangements had progressed. I am shocked and unaware that you know so little
about the traditions of our village's yearly tournament.
"Well," Chen Fang continued after a moment of contemplation. "Perhaps
this is not surprising as it seems. The Council purposefully chose to reveal
only as much information to you as you requested of them. As Jie has already
explained to you, this task is a method of testing your ability and readiness to
eventually become Matriarch of Nv Jie Zu. The dire consequences of a failure
need not be clarified to you."
Lan took in a shallow breath. "I see." Having been confidant that Chen
Fang would surely guide her, she now felt uncertain of how to continue. Her
wary gaze strayed to her cousin Jie, who was still standing stiffly behind Chen
Fang. While his disdainful expression seemed to have been meant to dissuade
her, it only served to strengthen her resolve.
Without further hesitation, she threw herself into her speech completely,
disregarding what consequences her words might have. "I want... that is, I wish
to invite a visitor to observe the tournament, and nothing more," she spoke in a
rush, happy to be rid of the burden of keeping it to herself. "I ask that our
village to treat this guest well, and for the visitor to sit next to me while
the event is taking place. I believe these simple requests can be easily
arranged and will not deter from any villager's enjoyment of our yearly
tradition."
For a moment, the room was silent, and still. Then, the lady Chen leaned
back in her chair and studied Lan, her countenance unreadable. Lan didn't dare
glance up at Jie, for fear of what formidable emotion his own facial expression
would hold. Thankfully, he kept silent, though Lan was certain she would see
his unforgiving glare if their eyes connected. Though she hadn't specified whom
her guest was to be, Jie was clever enough to make an educated guess that
wouldn't be far off.
Chen Fang stared at the future matriarch for quite some time before she
spoke, her voice filled with a twinge of surprise, and perhaps shock. "And
this... this is what you wish? This is what you want most from our village's
time-honored tradition?"
"Yes," Lan answered, perhaps a little defiantly.
A sigh, before Chen Fang continued, "These... 'requests' you have can be
carried out easily enough, but I would advise you against inviting your little
'friend.'" Lan instantly disliked the condescending tone of voice Chen Gu'niang
had begun to use, but stayed silent. "You have come to my home and sought my
guidance, and I shall not hesitate to provide you with less than you deserve. I
warn you now not to invite unwelcome outsiders to our annual tournament-- while
they are free to visit during other more favorable times of the year, it is
currently forbidden, as it should be.
"But you, I know, are the kind of person who would act first, and then
think better of it later. Your blood relative-- this cousin of yours-- is very
much the same way. Your only option now is this: tell your friend that he* is
not permitted to attend this tournament. Moreover, you must advise against it,
instead. Can you do this?"
Without hesitation, Lan stared squarely into the eyes of Chen Fang, and
bravely uttered, "I cannot."
A smirk of dual amusement and annoyance played across Chen Fang's lips.
She brought a hand up to her chin, contemplating Lan's emphatic refusal. "How,
you 'cannot'? Or, more likely, is it because you *will not*? Is flaunting this
guest before the villagers a matter of pride for you, little one? What do you
seek to accomplish?"
Lan darted a glance at Jie, but averted her eyes just as quickly. She
could hear Jing shifting uncomfortably in her seat, and pulling her chair away
from the conversation. Feeling the beginnings of annoyance flaring up within
her, Lan tried her best to keep calm, reminding herself of the many reasons why
it was beneficial to maintain good relations with Chen Fang. "The guest is my
friend, and I believe that should be reason enough," Lan replied simply, with no
small amount of wounded pride. "He had previously expressed interest in
attending, but only recently have I offered him a formal invitation. Is this a
sufficient answer?"
An emphatic: "NO."
"What?" both Chen Fang and Lan said at the same time, turning to stare at
Jie, who had spoken.
* * * * *
Applause reached their ears when the two cousins finished their doubles
form, and they turned to grin at each other with both sheepish and childlike
pride. Though the audience only had one member, and the applause only one set
of hands, both Lan and Jie were pleased with themselves. Lan turned to Jie and
grasped his hands, jumping up and down excitedly. "He liked it! He liked it!
We should do more!"
"Yeah! It's great practice, too," Jie said smartly, when he felt a tug on
his sleeve. Turning, he noticed Hideo had stood up and was gesturing at himself
oddly.
The two cousins stared, trying to make sense out of it. Lan tilted her
head, and contemplated. Hideo was making strange movements that resembled their
Art, but was different in some strange, foreign way. He seemed particularly
interested in having them sit down on the rock he had perched on to watch them,
so the cousins did so.
"Do you think... he knows Martial Arts too?" Jie asked, his still
breathless voice filled with uncertainty and doubt. "Or is he trying to mimic
what we just did?"
"Let's just watch and see," Lan replied wisely. "I think he wants to show
us something."
And then Hideo, dual heir to the union of the Tendo Dojo and Saotome
School of Martial Arts, began to perform the form he knew, learned from his
parents. It was a strange combination of all things, including movements Jie
and Lan knew existed, but had not thought possible for someone his age. They
even seemed to recognize aspects of their Amazon traditions, power and grace
that stemmed from all Chinese Martial Arts had to offer.
Both cousins were impressed. Lan clapped when Hideo completed what looked
to be a particularly difficult move, and Jie suddenly jumped up from where he
had been sitting, feeling the urge to test their new friend. He entered into
the rhythm of Hideo's form, mimicking the movements and striking at him softly
to test his opponent. Hideo adjusted automatically, and the practice routine
became a routine no longer, but a sparring match between the two children.
* * * * *
"I said no," Jie continued, disregarding both the lady Chen's stern
expression, and Lan's look of puzzlement. He stepped forward around Chen Fang's
chair, hands clenching and unclenching into tight fists. "No, you may not
invite him. No, he may not attend. No, he may not sit by your side!"
Chen Fang didn't reply, and her expression only became more severe. She
looked pointedly at Jie, but his anger had taken over, and would not be easily
quelled. Lan was shocked into silence for only a few seconds, and quickly
regained her composure. "I do not see why it is any concern of yours that--"
she began.
"Because first of all, I'm your cousin, and therefore I have just as much
birthright as you do in deciding what happens to our village, and in planning
the future of our village. Secondly, I am YiJie, apprentice to the honorable
Chen Fang, who holds the highest position in the voice of our village until you
are capable of becoming Matriarch. The village elders had declared this
tournament to be the deciding point of your future since before you were even
born. Allow me to express my opinion that you are behaving in the absolute
opposite of what the village expects to see in a future Matriarch. If you fail,
you will never come into power."
"What of it? I don't much care for power," Lan argued haughtily, though
inside she was quivering at the sound of his compelling words.
Jie didn't even hesitate before he continued, "Then through the village's
eyes, you shall see your father-- my uncle-- utterly disgraced by his daughter,
and tossed aside by our village as if he were little more than trash. You know
that no one respects him, that no one had ever respected him, even when your
mother fought to preserve his good name. Chen Gu'niang shall come into power,
as will I, because I am her apprentice and trace my roots to the same strong
bloodline as you."
"Do you mean to threaten me? With this?" Lan asked incredulously, her
voice beginning to rise in both pitch and volume. She straightened up out of
her chair for emphasis, while Jing stood up hesitantly to match. "*I* should
stay in power to keep *you* out of power? Where is the meaning in that? If you
wanted to stay in the position bequeathed to you by birth, you should not have
renounced it by turning your back on your family!"
Jie took another step forward towards Lan, until he was nearly shouting in
her face. "Well, I would rather use my own power and fight for my name and
honor than be given it freehandedly!" he barked back in retort. Angered, he
raised his arm as if to strike his cousin, and Lan immediately recoiled from the
motion. Jing reached out to clutch at Lan's sleeves, hoping to draw her back so
she would not sustain the full force of his blow.
"That's enough!" Chen Fang ordered, who had remained seated the entire
time. She sounded angrier than Lan could ever remember, and thankfully, Jie
must have heard it in her voice as well. He stopped his blow before it would
have struck Lan, and dropped his arm in defeat. "I think it is time that you
leave," Chen Fang suggested. She stood up to summon the servant, but Jing had
grasped Lan's arm and was already trying to pull her towards the door. Lan
wanted to remain defiant and glare at her cousin, but submitted to Jing's
frantic protests.
After the two girls left, Chen Fang turned her attention back towards her
apprentice. "I am not pleased with your behavior," she stated, silent fire
burning within her eyes.
End of Chapter 5
Author's note:
The original opening sequence had the speaking lines somewhat reversed and a few
more differences, but in that version I felt as both Shampoo and Mousse were
acting out of character, so I rewrote it. To me, the last line seems somehow
inconsistent with the edited version.
* Much to my chagrin, I am forced to make Chen Fang say "he." I wanted her
words to be non-gender-specific even though Jie already semi-informed Chen Fang
of Lan's invitation to Hideo. This was probably the only obvious time where my
attempts to keep this fic sounding like "Chinese spoken in English" utterly
failed. Both "she" and "he" and even the non-gender-specific version of the
word are pronounced the same way in Chinese. Actually, "him," "her," "she,"
"he," "it" (for animals) and "it" (for inanimate objects) all have the same
pronunciation...
