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All original Ranma1/2 Characters and Backstory Copyright
Rumiko Takahashi, and are used without permission.
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Coutuva.
Yue – Part Eleven
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Slowly, a certain familiar noise penetrated the shroud of
her slumber, dragging her from the world of dreams. As awareness
came to her, so too did the recognition of the steady, loud,
pattering sound.
“Rain,” she puffed, then threw off her coverings and rose.
Already aware of what she’d find, she walked to the room’s only
window and lifted aside the drape. Her face darkened at the scene
nonetheless.
The morning was coloured a dingy, depressing gray, the
steady downpour draping it all in a murky veil. Her heart sank.
She had tossed and turned all throughout the night, her
anticipation of the day’s event preventing any chance of decent
slumber. Now, it seemed, she would have to wait even longer to join
with her betrothed. Rain on one’s wedding day was a very bad omen,
and she had no wish to fly in the face of the Gods.
The entire scenario saddened her – not only for herself,
but for the countless others that had already toiled on her behalf.
Lin’s foreboding words had indeed proven out, as immediately
upon her quitting the spring, her day descended into a maelstrom.
The fitting of her celebratory raiment, the preparation of her new
home, the instruction and rehearsal of the ritual, and a dozen smaller
tasks – with it all, the entire day had lapsed before she knew it.
Lin had proven a worthy aide, orchestrating the myriad of
willing volunteers with intuitive skill. Yue’s own involvement had
entailed little more than sitting and standing, and being duly
fretted over.
She had insisted, however, on assisting the work already
underway on her eventual home. The thought of the others doing such
a thing, on top of all they had already done, was one she could simply
not abide. Lin, after much eloquent effort to dissuade her, finally
relented and let her participate.
In the course of the work, she learned that the house was
in fact one owned by the last of her mother’s family, and had not
been occupied for nigh on three generations. The shocking revelation
had moved her near to tears, having reminded her yet again of her
family’s fate.
Thankfully, Lin ensured that she was not allowed to dwell
upon it, keeping her far too busy to have pause to think. As a
result, the work had progressed at an impressive rate, and even now,
she marveled at how the decrepit, long empty structure had been
completely rejuvenated -- in the space of only two days.
It hurt her to think that that the selfless efforts of so
many could well have been for naught.
That thought in mind, she lowered her face, clasped her hands
and offered a heartfelt, urgent prayer, hoping that the tempest would
clear in time.
Turning to head to the ‘ladies’, she smiled at Lin, still
nestled childlike amoung the covers and lost in her slumber. For a
moment, she considered rousing her, but decided her friend was
deserving of the additional rest.
A short while later, she stood dressed and ready in the
entry of the Elder’s home, looking out over the deluged roadway and
across to the sodden practice field. The rain continued in a steady,
unrelenting torrent, punctuated by the occasional low rumble of
thunder.
Her frown deepening, she drew a breath and stepped out into
the tempest, ignoring the rain and standing water.
She had to practice.
Akane pulled the collar of her coat tighter about her neck,
the prospect of walking any distance in the pouring rain sending a
chill through her. With a resigned huff, she stepped from the cab,
dragged her pack from the seat and then tossed the driver a few
crumpled bills. As the car vanished into the grayish pall, she
turned to face her objective.
A few dozen yards away, the spur road ended at the entry to
the Amazon village, a place she had only heard of in Ranma’s stories
and Shampoo’s occasional references. It was an odd feeling to see
it, as it didn’t look anything like she’d imagined.
Instead, it seemed no different than any small, out-of-touch
village in Japan, made up largely of hand-built hovels and dirt
roads. The only striking feature was what appeared to be a large,
single-log bridge, standing at the near end of a distant field.
She was actually disappointed.
Pushing such thoughts aside, she shouldered her pack and
started toward the village, grim determination returning to her
face.
She had a wedding to stop.
Shampoo rolled over on the mat, then groaned at the sound
of the rain beating on the roof. When her eyes blinked open, she
looked to her side, only to huff at the sight of Yue’s unoccupied
pillow. She raised her head and looked about the room, then sighed
as she noticed how the window curtain had been moved.
Rolling out from under the covers, she padded across to
the chair she had draped her wrap over, yawning and stretching
enroute. After slipping the garment over her rapidly-cooling form,
she crossed her arms and stepped to the window, there to test her
suspicion.
She had to smirk at the sight of Yue, working through her
warmups despite the pouring rain. She was sorely tempted to join
her, but knew she wouldn’t accomplish much in her cat form.
Tsking at her friend’s persistence, she turned and
started out of the room, thinking that even though her Great
Grandmother was staying at the Hall of Elders, she’d best start a
fire and whip up a proper hot breakfast.
Yue was going to need it.
Her limbers complete, Yue closed her eyes and took her
stance, preparing to start her practice. Just as she cleared her
thoughts, however, she was disturbed by the sound of approaching
footfalls.
Just as she tried to identify them, they came to a stop,
then appeared to move into a stance.
Her eyes narrowed – and a smile formed.
Hand on the hilt of her sword, she turned to face the
sound, only to freeze in place with her jaw agape.
Before her stood a lone, unfamiliar Amazon, hand on her
sword and standing at ready. Just as their eyes met, she noticed
several others making their way onto the field, all sporting their
weapon of choice. The number increased steadily until near the
entire population stood with her, as if all awaiting some cue.
And among them, garbed in workout dress just as the others,
stood the Matriarch.
As she surveyed the gathering, she felt great pride well
in her chest – and a wide, equally proud smile cross her
rain-streamed visage. Drawing her sword, she laid it at her feet
and bowed deeply to the assembled. As she went to rise, however,
she heard footfalls again sloshing toward her.
Raising her gaze, she met the face of the first Amazon,
who now stood just back from the sword. The Amazon knelt, picked
up the weapon, then looked toward the Matriarch. The Matriarch
then smiled and nodded, at which the girl flipped the sharp edge
toward herself, then gave the weapon back.
When Yue blinked back at her, she only smiled, shook her
head, then turned and walked back to her place.
Yue watched her go, then stiffened, turned and took her
stance, smiling as she heard the assembled do the same.
As she felt her chest tighten, she was suddenly glad of
the weather; she did not wish those who had just shown their
belief in her to see her cry.
Such was not the way of an Amazon.
Shampoo smiled as she set out the last of the meal,
quite proud of herself for still having the skill to cook on the
old wood-burning stove. It hadn’t actually been that long, but
she had become spoiled by the fancy gas stoves in the Nekohanten.
Just as she was headed to the window to check on Yue,
she was surprised by a heavy knock at the kitchen door. Frowning,
she pulled off her apron and stepped over to open it.
She was even more surprised to see a sopping-wet sentry
awaiting her, weapon drawn.
“Please forgive the interruption Shan Lin, but we have
detained a stranger at the village edge. A female – and she is
demanding we take her to the Princess,” the girl explained, her
face stern.
Shampoo felt her frown become a scowl. There was only
one person who would have the nerve. “Bring her to the holding
rooms -- I’ll deal with her there,” she instructed, then looked
the sentry hard in the eye. “And do not tell *anyone* about
her,” she added, making sure her eyes said what her words only
hinted at.
“Right away,” the girl nodded, then turned and strode
off into the rain.
Closing the door, Shampoo cursed. This, she hadn’t
counted on.
Although dripping like an old well-bucket, Yue felt as
though she trod upon the clouds themselves. Her practice,
shared as it was by most all of the villagers, had been more
fulfilling than any she had before enjoyed.
Her smile was still stretching her now aching cheeks
as she strode back to the Elder’s home, eager to tell Lin of
her experience. As she stepped in the door, however, the
wonderful aromas drifting toward her changed her immediate
plans.
“You look wet,” Lin smirked, then stepped up and handed
her a towel.
“Your prowess at noticing the obvious grows by the day,”
she responded dryly, toweling her hair quickly and then starting
to remove her sodden clothing. “This breakfast looks truly
wonderful, and smells even better. You need not have gone to
such length, Lin.”
“Yes I had to – you can’t end up sick today,” Lin
responded, grinning. “Until this afternoon, you’re still my
responsibility,” she added, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Yue decided to ignore it. “I had an unusual practice
this day. Did you by chance notice?”
Lin nodded. “If you mean how the entire village turned
out with you, yes, I noticed. I thought it was great,” she
smiled, an unusual timbre to her voice. “It reminded me of how
things were when I was a girl.”
She had to blink at that. “Do you mean to say that a
rain would keep them from their practice?”
“I mean it’s been a long time since the entire village
practiced -- especially together,” the girl corrected, stepping
up to help her out of her wet tunic.
She couldn’t help but frown. “That is truly disheartening.
The Amazons I knew held their practice as second only to life
itself.”
“I know. Great grandmother is like that to this day.
And she keeps me going, too. But you shouldn’t worry about that
now – you need to eat, then get a bath to warm up. Put this on,
and get this into you,” Lin chided, handing over a wrap and
pointing to the table.
Yue shot her a look. “Yes, mother…” she droned, with
emphasis.
Lin flashed her famous grin, then nodded. “Better. I
have to go deal with something, then we have a lot to do,” she
noted with a wink, then pulled a parasol from its hook.
“I will be here,” she smiled back, dropping the last
of her wet garments into the sink. “I have something to discuss
with you as well,” she stated, knowing her news would not be
received well.
As she toweled off the rest of her body, she was
surprised to see Lin smiling at her. “What brings that to your
face? Have I a leaf or such stuck to my rear?” she asked,
making a show of checking.
“No… I was just thinking of something,” Lin chuckled,
stepping closer. “You’re getting married today – and I’m just
so happy for you,” she continued, wrapping a tight hug around
her.
Despite the twist the remark brought to her gut, she
returned the embrace with emphasis. “I love you, Lin… You
are an incredible friend,” she breathed, then turned and stuck
a kiss just below her ear, knowing not to kiss her on the
cheek. “But I am afraid… That I must postpone my marriage,”
she sighed, stepping back from the embrace and lowering her
face.
Lin seemed stunned for a moment, then shook it off
and set her hands on her hips. “Why? The entire village is
looking forward to it…” she protested, at which Yue sighed
again.
“That we endure such a deluge speaks ill of the day…
It is not one fit for the beginning of a marriage. As much…
As much as such a decision pains me, I cannot taunt the Gods.
I… Will wait until a more fortuitous day,” she stated,
meeting her friend’s widened eyes.
She saw Lin open her mouth, then close it again as
her face filled with consternation. To her surprise, Lin
then broke into one of her familiar grins. “What if the
weather clears? Will you go through with it then?” she
asked, her eyes now filled with hope.
“I would only wed… If the day became perfect. It
would take such a change to erase the influence of so bad
an omen. But, I do not see this heavy a pall lifting by the
appointed hour,” she responded, upon consideration of the
idea.
Lin smiled. “Then I won’t change anything until we
know one way or the other – say by lunch time. Until then,
we will just carry on with the arrangements. You eat, go
have your bath, and I’ll talk to the Elders – maybe we can
work something out,” she offered, then turned toward the
door. “Everything will be fine – I know it will,” she
added, with her usual grin.
She returned a weak smile, then turned to gaze
out the window at the unabated downpour. “Such would be my
fondest wish… But I fear it is not to be.”
A moment later, she felt Lin’s hand on her shoulder.
“Tsu will understand, Yue…” she half whispered, her eyes
soft.
She raised her hand to set atop Lin’s. “I pray
that he does.”
“” Shampoo demanded,
standing in the entry to the small, dark room and glaring
at the girl with unconcealed anger.
“” Akane snarled back,
leaping to her feet.
She huffed. “”
“” Akane
snarled back, her fists clenching.
Shampoo blinked at her for a long moment, then
narrowed her eyes. “” she
taunted, bitterly. “” she snapped, smirking as she
saw her strike draw blood.
Akane’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.
She broke into a smug smile.
“” she laid out, stepping
up to get into the girl’s face. “” she stated, her eyes locked on Akane’s.
“” she threatened, making
certain the glare she leveled left no room for doubt.
Akane only glared back at her.
“” she warned, walking toward the
door. “” she concluded tauntingly, then stepped out
and locked the door behind her. Satisfied it was secured,
she turned to the sentry and frowned.
“Keep her here and keep her quiet -- I don’t care
how. I’m calling a cab to take her back to the city, and
when it gets here, she is to be escourted to it under
guard,” she instructed, curtly. “And warn the escourt not
to underestimate her -- she has some skill.”
The sentry nodded sharply. “I understand.”
With a satisfied huff, she turned away and walked
up the hall, but still couldn’t help feeling nervous.
Akane’s mere presence was a bad omen, given how things had
always gone in the past.
She didn’t have long to dwell on it, however, as
another sentry approached her quickly from behind.
“Please forgive the interruption Shan Lin, but I
bring a summons from the Hall of Elders. The Elder Shan
has requested your presence as soon as possible.”
She sighed, then nodded. “Please tell them that
I’ll be right there – I was on my way, anyway.”
“I will,” the girl nodded, then stepped back and
took her leave.
“Worried about the wedding too, I’ll bet,” she
sighed to herself, then started back toward the main door.
As she opened it to step through, she looked up at the
sky and smiled. It was still raining, but it seemed
brighter than it had only an hour earlier.
She hoped that was a good omen – at least good
enough to negate the one behind her.
Akane stared at the heavy door for what felt like
an eternity, stunned by what she had just been through.
She had never, ever seen this side of Shampoo, and it had
sent a chill through her that she could still feel – right
down to her soul.
It was all in the Amazon’s eyes. The anger, the
pain – the unconcealed honesty.
She had been telling the truth. About Ranma, about
Yue – and about herself.
It was incomprehensible.
And Ranma was really gone.
Not just lost, not just missing, not just buried
beneath some delusional side-effect of a head wound. He was
really, really gone.
She felt her last desperate hope explode like a
shattered window, the shards shredding her heart as they
crashed to the pit of her stomach.
And then the tears came.
The Matriarch frowned from her place at the head of
the assembled.
“I was afraid she would feel that way – her world was
far more steeped in tradition and superstition. Having all
the correct signs and omens was everything -- there may not
be much we can do until the weather clears.”
“How adamant was she, child? Did you see any room
for negotiation?” Cologne asked, a frown already firmly in
place.
Shampoo shook her head. “She is convinced that if
she marries today, she won’t have a good marriage. I tried
asking her what she’d do if the weather changed, and all
she said was that it would have to become a perfect day.”
The Matriarch huffed. “Then we just have to hope
it does. We can hold the ceremony in here if the grounds
are too wet, but that deviation might upset her as well.”
Another voice broke the ensuing thoughtful silence.
“Why not just decree them married? There is no
ceremony to speak of, and she may accept that. We can just
tell her that it is considered bad luck amoung Amazons to
miss your appointed wedding date, no matter the reason.
And we will say that she can have the formal ceremony when
the conditions are best. That just might be enough…”
Shampoo shook her head again. “I don’t like the
idea of lying to her – we’ve done enough of that already.”
Cologne shot her a look. “Child, it is only your
station in this affair that keeps me from reminding you of
your place,” she intoned, her eyes hard. “I like the
idea – it is imperative that we have her married as soon
as possible. If we do not, then we run the risk of losing
face in public, and we cannot let that happen to us – again.”
Shampoo lowered her eyes. “Yes, great grandmother.”
The Matriarch rose to stand. “I agree with your
reasoning, but I also feel that we would be pushing our
luck, Shan Lon. The Princess would likely refuse to
accept any decree, and only hold the attempt against us,”
she sighed, then straightened. “As much as it pains me
to suggest, we will likely just have to wait. After all, as the
bride, it is her decision to make – which cannot be held
against us.”
Shan Lon frowned, but nodded. “I suppose you
are right. I put forth then that we make no announcement
until Liang Yue has decided… That will also direct
attention away from us.”
The Matriarch smiled. “A very good idea. Shan
Lin, stay with her – and let us know the minute she comes to
a decision.”
Shampoo smiled right back. “Yes, Majesty,” she
bowed, then beat a hasty exit.
===============================================================
END – Yue – Part Eleven A Ranma1/2 Fanfic By Coutuva
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