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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 Twelve
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She couldn’t help the dangle of her jaw. “Then… Then we are
wed?” she gasped, a shudder running her body.
Lin shook her head. “Oh, no… Not yet. The Council won’t do
anything unless you want them to,” she stated, settling to a chair near
her own.
“I… I am glad. I do not wish to be wed on such a foreboding
day – it bespeaks a union doomed, or worse, one utterly barren,” she
countered, attempting to sound collected. “And this… Proposition is
as good as a wedding proper.”
“That’s true – sort of. It’s just that missing your wedding
date is also bad luck – a marriage delayed may never get made,”
Lin explained, an anxious look about her.
Lin’s words brought her up short. Despite her concerns over
the state of the day, such a thing had never crossed her mind. “Gods…
That may indeed be true – if no suitable day occurs in time…” she
breathed, her hand coming to her gaping mouth.
A moment later, however, she closed it. Lin’s use of the adage
had also brought to her thoughts the remainder of it, which made
sense – but was no less disquieting.
“Then it is a sign that the union was not favoured…” she spoke
aloud, then raised her eyes to Lin’s.
Her friend for a moment looked panicked – which gave her
concern. “Lin…? What troubles you so?”
“Uh – nothing. I… I just can’t believe that your wedding to
Tsu could be anything but good – I’ve never seen two happier people,”
she smiled, assuringly. “And with that head of hair, how could
anything you do be unlucky?”
That assertion gave her pause, reminding her of her own
mother’s words. In a jocular aside, she had quipped that her daughter
wore a crown of good fortune. And as she recollected, many visitors to the
Palace, and any of the villagers she had met were taken aback by her
fiery locks. Some had even wanted to touch them.
But even so, she still felt any wedding on such a foreboding
day would be an affront.
Her exasperation drew a heavy sigh. “Lin… Allow me chance to
consider. It… It is a choice that cannot be made lightly.”
Lin looked back for a moment, then smiled. “No problem. I’ll
go get the house straightened up, and check back on you in a little
while. But if you need me, just call,” the girl announced, then rose.
“But I really think you two were made for each other,” she added with a
wink, then turned and took her leave.
Unable to do else, she only sat in silence for several long
moments, allowing her mind space to wander. To her dismay, it did not
venture far.
Instead, it only told of how, with all of her heart, she
wished to be properly wed. She could then lead the life she had always
desired, given certain concessions to the age.
And better yet, she would be living it as an Amazon – the
culmination of what had once been only wistful fantasy.
But nagging at the back of her conscious were the words of her
father -- from one of their many practices together.
“Have a care, Yue… You exhibit formidable skill with the blade,
but even the sharpest steel cannot defray the wrath of the Gods. Always
treat them with respect – lest they treat you with contempt.”
Her chest tightened. “Why… Why must my life be so fraught with
peril?” she whispered, as her eyes again found the window – and the
rivers of water that trailed over the glass.
Shampoo looked up at the timeworn face of their battery-powered
clock, chewing her lip worriedly. Over an hour had passed since her
talk with Yue, and she hadn’t heard a word.
In fact, she hadn’t even heard sounds of movement.
She knew that at any time, the Elders would be sending a runner
for the answer, and if she didn’t have one, she’d be forced to explain
why. And that was not something she was looking forward to.
She was all too well aware that it was only the Matriarch’s
opposition that had prevented the Council from simply issuing the edict,
and she also knew that the Matriarch could be easily swayed –
especially by her Great Grandmother.
A sigh escaped her as she watched the passage of another minute,
and decided that it was time to give fate – and Yue – a gentle nudge.
She had no sooner risen to walk to the stairs, however, when she
heard the door to their bedroom open.
Her heart leapt.
“Yue…?” she called out, from the bottom step. Yue appeared at
the top a few moments later, a sheepish smile decorating her face.
“I… I have made my choice,” the girl began, as she started down
the stairs.
“And…?” she prodded, holding her breath.
The Princess’s smile became coy. “I was standing at the window
– watching the fall of the rains… And hoping for a sign. I looked to
the skies – I looked to the trees… I even looked to the few creatures
that moved about in the tempest,” she began, her eyes down as she moved
from the steps to the landing.
“And what did you see…?”
The girl’s smile became purposeful. “I saw… After much of
nothing – a single bird. A bird the like of which I have never before
seen. It flew in through the rains, and alit on the large, gnarled old
tree that stands just beyond the window. It sat in the open… Seeking
no shelter, and heedless of the downpour. But what stood out most
flagrantly… Was the color of its finery,” she explained, raising her
eyes.
Shampoo bit her lip. If her friend had seen a raven, then
everything was over – and it would probably stay over until the
conditions were better than perfect.
“What color… Was it?” she asked, all the while praying to
herself.
Yue’s face lit. “Red, Lin… It was red as the sunset! And no
other hue! It must be a sign – a sign that I should allow my
marriage!” she gushed, as her hands met before her.
Shampoo had to fight the temptation to puff a huge sigh.
“That’s wonderful! I’m sure it’s a sign – what else could it be?”
“Nothing! Please – conduct word to the Elders that I will
allow them their decree – I have no desire to be kept from my husband
any longer,” she implored, looking a lot more like an anxious little
girl than a Princess.
“I will! But you should come, too – we’ll send word to Tsu to
have him come to the Hall, have a little ceremony, and then you two
can go to your new home!” she almost squealed, finding her friend’s
excitement infectious.
Yue gasped. “Do you say… That we may also live as wife and
husband…?” she asked, her face flushed.
“Yes! That’s why they offered you this chance. We can have
the proper ceremony and the feasts when the weather is better, but
at least you can still get married on the proper day!”
The Princess’s eyes deliquesced. “Lin… Thank you. I should
have known you would seek the best for me. You are my dearest
friend – and sister,” she whispered, opening her arms.
“Yes, Yue… I am,” she smiled back, accepting the embrace.
She could not have dissuaded her wide smile if it were to
save her very life.
She stood in the Hall of Elders, in the presence of the
Matriarch, the Elder Shan, Lin, and Tsu’s mother. Beside her stood
the man she loved, and they were about to be joined as wife and
husband.
A tremor ran her legs as she stole a furtive glance, and saw
the smile that lit his visage. He seemed to know of her act, and
returned one in kind. His smile widened – though she would have
thought such a thing impossible.
Her hand sought his, and locked it in a nervous grip.
She fought down the flutter that quivered her stomach, and
drew a cleansing breath. She would not have expected such a wondrous
moment to be so… Unsettling.
Her thoughts were distracted a moment later, however, as the
Matriarch’s aide, a woman of good fortune who had bourne many
children, touched her shoulder and bid them approach the altar.
Her heart leapt – they exchanged a smile, then took the first
steps on their journey – the journey they would, from this moment on,
make together.
At the altar, they knelt, and were handed the ceremonial
teas. A prayer followed, and they were given the red packets for
luck.
She had to stifle her grin.
After a sip of the tea, they exchanged cups, and drank the
last of the warm blend.
Upon another prayer to the ancients and the burning of
incense, they each bowed, rose, and turned to each other.
Taking his hands in hers, she saw her own happiness reflected
in his eyes. The beautiful sight sent a shiver through her, and
brought tears of genuine joy to her eyes.
At last – they were wed.
The Matriarch then stepped forward and congratulated them
both, offered a blessing – and then waved the others in. Lin almost
crushed her in an enthusiastic, congratulatory hug, while Tsu’s mother
very nearly visited the same fate upon him.
The Elder Shan stood back and smiled approvingly, as did the
Matriarch.
Once eyes had dried and wishes had been proffered, the
moment she had been most concerned over came to pass.
The trip to her marital home.
As was custom amoung the Amazons, Tsu carried her to
the door, as her feet were not allowed to touch the ground – as
once they did, it signified the beginning of a new family.
But for Yue, it signified far more.
It was not the beginning of her own family, but in truth, a
rebirth of her abbreviated lineage.
Which stood as the reason she dissolved in joyous tears within
moments of being set to the floor.
Upon her regaining her composure in the strong arms of her new
husband, the Matriarch invoked her friend Lin to install the bridal
bed. Her friend made such the show of it that she could barely
contain her flaming cheeks.
That, however, did not keep her from the ceremonial throw of
her new husband, with which she landed him squarely to the middle of
it. Her mirth at his reaction lasted well after the return to the
Elder’s home, where all save herself prepared a huge meal.
It was during those preparations that Lin took her from her
new husband’s side, and led her to a quiet spot.
“What do you wish of me, Lin?” she asked, curious as to what
was of such import that it interrupted the festivities.
“I have to take care of a little job that I put off for your
wedding, so I’ll be leaving for a bit. You just stay here and enjoy
the party, and when I get back, I have something for you – it’s a
‘special’ present.”
She lowered an eyebrow. “Will I appreciate this ‘gift’?”
Lin’s grin dripped of mischief. “That depends on how you use
it.”
That response convinced her. “I can imagine, then. Go
attend your task – I wish to see this ‘gift’, now that you have
teased me with it.”
Lin abruptly looked thoughtful. “Funny you should say that…”
she noted, then grinned. “I’ll see you in a few minutes,” she then
smiled, and opened her arms for a hug.
As she happily accepted, she was surprised to hear Lin
sniffle. “What troubles you…?”
The girl shook her head. “Nothing… It’s just that I
suddenly realized that you… You won’t be coming home tonight,“ she
sniffed again, wiping at her eyes.
She had to smile, despite the tightness of her chest. “On
the contrary, Lin… I will be going home – at last.”
The smile on Shampoo’s face bore a vindictive twist as she
approached the holding room door, and gestured for the sentry to
open it.
She had decided to bring Akane her lunch personally, and
allow the girl to help celebrate Yue’s wedding.
“” Akane greeted tersely,
without even getting up.
She grinned. “” she tittered, setting the platter on a small table.
“” Akane snapped, jumping bolt
upright.
“”
She had to bite her lip at how Akane’s face fell.
“”
“”
“” Akane breathed, the color in her face draining.
“” she stated
gleefully, acting as if she hadn’t noticed the tears on Akane’s
face. “”
Akane suddenly shot her a look. “” she bit off, her
voice thick with restrained emotion.
The mirth left her face. “” she stated evenly, only to be
interrupted by the door behind her suddenly flying open.
“Shan Lin! Mudslide!” a panicked sentry shouted into
the room, stunning both women.
“Aiyah! Was anyone hurt? Where is it?”
“In the pass! We think there were a dozen people caught.
Princess Liang is already on her way -- she was at your home,”
the sentry explained, anxiously.
“Damn! Alert the rest of the Elders -- hurry!” she
ordered, then turned to the blinking Akane. Just as she opened
her mouth to excuse herself, a little voice told her that a pair
of hands was a pair of hands. “”
Akane could only nod.
The scene was horrific. One face of the ridge framing
the pass had fallen, filling the pass with mud and rock. And
according to what she heard when she arrived, two families had
been in the pass at the time, returning from the Spring after
giving up on the weather.
Amoung the first on the scene, she had directed those
about her to fan out, and search for any sign. She also waded in,
all the while whispering a prayer.
Slogging through the waist deep muck as best she could,
she had her sights set on what looked to be a shred of clothing,
and as she drew nearer, could hear crying and desperate, pained
entreaties.
“Here! They are here!” she called out, waving the others
toward her. Within moments, she had found and was digging out the
first of them, while others quickly arrived to assist.
When the first woman, alive but injured, was pulled from
the mire, a human chain was formed to move her to safety, while
Yue and several others went to work on the next victim.
Shampoo, Akane and Mousse arrived at the lead of another
swarm of villagers, and while Shampoo made Akane help with caring
for the wounded, Mousse immediately clambered toward Yue and the
others.
“Yue! How many?” he called out, which, despite the
circumstance, brought a smile to the redhead’s mud-streaked face.
“I can see but a half-dozen – though I am told there are
others!” she called back, waving him to her side. “I am glad you
have come, my husband – they have need of your strength to free
them.”
Mousse smiled. “Then let’s do it,” he nodded, then
climbed past her to the closest victim.
She sighed appreciatively, then slogged after him.
The next victim was unconscious, as were the two children
that followed. Her heart wrenched sickly at the sight of the
children’s wounds, which in turn only drove her harder.
Minutes became hours as the remaining victims were found
and freed, and finally, only one stood unaccounted. Yue, despite
cramped limbs, bleeding hands and gnawing pain in her back,
continued the search to the very edge of the slide. Sadly, as she
surveyed the dark, heavy sludge intently, she came to believe that
the last, a young girl, was likely buried beyond sight.
Her heart shattered at the thought, as she’d heard the girl to
be only two summers into womanhood.
That was when she saw it.
A rock. A rock that bore hair ornaments.
“She is here!” she shouted, then dove toward it. With only
her bare hands, she dug frantically at the spot, heart pounding in
her chest. The child lay almost fully buried beside a large log, her
face in a fortunate pocket. Yue prayed aloud that the girl was but
dazed, and that she had found her in time.
Akane and Shampoo both looked up at the sound of Yue’s
shout, their hearts leaping in unison. The woman whose broken arm
Akane had been splinting also gasped, starting to babble fearfully
about her teenaged daughter.
Akane tried to calm her, but wasn’t able to talk fast enough.
Worried for the woman’s arm, she reached up and grabbed Shampoo’s
leg. “”
Shampoo nodded, then quickly stated something in Mandarin
that seemed to work.
Akane smiled thankfully, then met the Amazon’s gaze. She
was stunned to see appreciation in it, instead of the anger she was
expecting.
Shampoo only smiled – then turned away.
Akane shook her head, then cast a glance toward the redhead,
who was still heaving globs of mud into the air as others scrambled
toward her. The girl looked worse than the people she’d rescued,
but apparently didn’t care.
Akane couldn’t help but admire her efforts, which in turn
reminded her of Shampoo’s ominous words.
Just at that moment, she felt a hand on her arm, reminding
her of her unfinished task. Flushing embarrassedly, she picked up
the cloth bandage and finished wrapping the woman’s crude splint.
She had just tied it off when a cheer arose from atop the
slide, at which Shampoo squealed.
“” she translated, then leaned over to tell
the woman. The dirty-faced smile that resulted was worth a billion
yen.
Akane returned a smile and a nod, then took the woman’s
hand. She was about to try expressing her congratulations when a
chorused cry of horror ran her blood cold.
She and Shampoo both looked up – and froze.
Yue locked her arms under the now conscious girl’s and
pulled, only to find that the sticky, sucking mud refused to
relinquish its victim. Cursing and gasping, she repositioned her
leg and tried again, eliciting a cry from the girl – and some
success.
“Bear with me young one… We will free you from this
cursed mire,” she stated, in an attempt to calm the crying girl.
At that moment, she was relieved to hear the others working their
way toward her. “Others are coming, but I need you to be strong…
I need you to be an Amazon.”
The girl nodded and fought back her tears.
Shifting again and lowering her squat, Yue pulled with
everything her tired, abused form could muster, and finally freed
the grimacing child from the squalid trap.
The sudden release threw both her and the child to the
muck, but she did not care. The child was free. As a smile
crossed her face, she heard the cry of horror, then shuddered
and looked up.
The entire face of the wall above her had peeled free,
and was curling inexorably downward – right toward them.
“Forgive me, young one!” she cried out, then scrambled
to her feet and grabbed the child bodily. With a Herculean
effort, she heaved the child toward the others -- and dove.
====================================================================
END -- Yue – Part Twelve A Ranma1/2 Fanfic By Coutuva
Comments Welcomed, Flames Extinguished!
coutuva@gmail.com
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