Continuation (4):
The day had gone agonizingly slow, and Mousse did everything he could to keep his mind
away from a certain Amazon woman. After she had left, it had taken all of his strength to keep
himself from leaving his work to run after her, to comfort her. Though at one time in his life,
he would have given up Heaven to hear those words from her, but now, he refused to admit she
meant them. Not when he had his fiancé waiting for him. Not when she had her death waiting for
her. What havoc would agreeing with her outburst cause?
After dismissing Nikki from her duties and ushering the customers out until none
remained, Mousse locked up for the day, unable to go through the work any longer. There'd be
tomorrow to make up for the early closing. There'd be tomorrow to make up for the lost earnings.
He sighed heavily. But there wouldn't be a tomorrow for everything.
Haling a cab and giving the driver his directions, the man once again forced his thoughts
to a certain point, to keep them away from the desired subject. Of course, he failed miserably.
Running through their conversation in his mind, he couldn't conclude on a decision. He couldn't
run away from his engagement, yet the thought of sending Shampoo to her death hating him once
again tore at his heart. He couldn't have her hate him again. Yet when she first entered his
household, acting as a friend to him, he realized that before, he would've given everything for
her to feel that way. Now, when she was giving him her all, he couldn't go along with it. He
forced a chuckle. The tables have turned since Nerima.
Jarred from his thoughts as the cab came to a halt, Mousse quickly paid the driver and
climbed out of the car, another headache forming. He had had many of those, lately. Yet it was
expected.
Letting the door fall shut behind him, the Chinese man refused to take his shoes off. It
was a day for change, wasn't it? Sure, he'd get a bit of pouting from Amy, but it didn't seem as
important to him at the moment.
"You're home early," Amy announced cheerily as he rounded the corner into the living
room. Mousse sighed and nodded, a bit surprised by her bright mood.
"I've got a surprise," she continued, twirling around childishly. She called out the
Amazon's name and rested a hand near her ear, as if listening for an echo. Trotting over to the
stairs, she called again, repeating the gesture and smiling widely as no answer came. "Aren't
you happy, hon?"
"Where is she?" he intervened, his voice tired. He hadn't the mood for her childish
games. Not today.
Pouting, Amy placed her hands on her hips. "You don't like my widdle surprise?"
"Where is she, Amy?" he asked more forcedly. The woman giggled loudly at his question.
"Seven oddly dressed women came and took her away, hon," she answered, her smile
broadening. "They called themselves 'Hunters.'"
"No!" Mousse yelled, grabbing her shoulders. "Amy, why didn't you call me?"
Another pout donned Amy's lips. "You know I didn't like her. And I always get what I
want. Today was just another demonstration."
Pushing the woman away, Mousse's expression turned to disgust. "You knew that they were
coming to kill her!"
"Yeah," Amy countered, twirling a strand of blond hair around her index finger. "Such a
pity."
Unable to look at his so-called 'fiancé' any longer, Mousse turned and re-entered the
kitchen, his hands clenching into fists, nails digging into flesh. His eye caught a small box on
the counter, an envelope attached. Where the return address would be, Shampoo's name was
scrawled. The address read "Irene," no surname given.
"The poor dear never got to send her package," Amy's voice piped in behind him. Glancing
back at her shortly, he grabbed her car keys off the counter and headed outside. Jogging down
the steps and to Amy's car, he jumped in, his eyes looking one last time towards his 'fiancé.'
"Where the Hell are you going?" Amy screamed, having run out onto the porch. Mousse sent
her a cold glare, a smirk rising to his lips as he revved the engine.
"I'm just borrowing it."
Eyeing the address on the envelope, Mousse recognized the city, setting his destination
to Kyoto. Remembering Shampoo's words about her making friends as well, he determined that this
must have been one of them. He respected her privacy and looked in neither the envelope nor box,
and had, at sight of it back at Amy's house, decided to deliver it to 'Irene,' as the address
read. Remembering Amy's comment about the package, he figured that Shampoo had been looking
forward to mailing it.
*I've got time,* he considered, remembering the last woman who had carried out a sentence
of death many years ago, when he and Shampoo were mere children. He recalled that they waited
days before putting her to death, letting her suffer after a beating was wrought against her
defenseless body.
*I've got time to deliver her letter... and to figure out how to save Shampoo.*
The air was fresh that day, with no rain clouds in sight. Little Cora romped outside,
while her father and uncle settle in the back at the picnic table, happy to be out in the sun.
It had been days since a nice day had plundered unto the city, and its residents were all too
happy to welcome it.
Inside, finally resting from a day's work of cooking and cleaning, though she was all too
obliged to do so, Irene settled in her rocker, sighing in relief to be off of her feet. She was
also happy to have her daughter outside instead of jumping about inside, her childlike manner
getting the best of her every minute of the day. She was a handful, of course, but it brightened
Irene's day to see her smile.
Her peaceful rest was broken by Cora's bell-like voice, calling to her. Not
understanding her clearly enough, the old woman left the refuge of her chair and headed outside
to join her wee daughter.
Stepping into the sunshine, still provided by the setting sun, Irene pushed her glasses
up her nose and headed towards the driveway, where Cora waited. Beside her stood a rather tall
man, almost as tall as her husband, clad with dark hair and green eyes.
*It couldn't be,* she thought, making her way to the two. Cora giggled as she bowed to
the man, eager to try out her newly learned Japanese custom to strangers. He chuckled and bowed
back, finally turning towards the elder.
"Are you Miss Irene?" he asked politely. She nodded, her eyes squinting. Gasping in
surprise, she smiled widely.
"Oh! You're the one Little Shampoo told me all about. Mu Tsu, is it? Oh, how she
talked about you!" Her proclamation was answered with a blush from the man, proving that he was
still young for his looks. Presenting a small box with an envelope attached, he bowed.
"I am. And this is from Shampoo, ma'am," he replied, letting the woman take the package
from his hands. Confused that Shampoo wasn't with him to deliver it, she gently opened the seal
backing the envelope, pulled out the letter, and began to read.
Dearest Irene,
Did I not say I'd promise to write to you? How could I not? You comforted that boat so
much, I felt so at home... though I never could truly call anyplace my home...
Much has happened since the very day we docked in Japan. I venture you had a wonderful
time with your daughter and family. This reminds me, send Adam my love and congratulations, and
that I regret not being able to get to know him... though I admit it wouldn't have done him any
good. I'm nothing special, you see.
I made amends with the couple I told you about, and they seem to forgive me for the
harassment I unknowingly committed. And, the grand finale: I found Mu Tsu. I thought I would
have been happy as soon as I found him, yet I guess all hopes cannot come true. I found out that
he is engaged, and to a wealthy... capable young woman. I know he'll be happy. I wouldn't have
lasted long, anyway.
I regret any pity I cause you to hold for me, but I guess I should tell you what my
ramblings hold in truth. My story I had told you is finally catching up to me. Since I was
unable to marry the man who defeated me, as my Amazon heritage regards, I was sentenced to rid my
tribe of failure. The sentence for such treason is death. The warriors from my village, called
Hunters, are now searching for me to take me back to China for my sentenced fate, and,
dishonorably, I ran. You know that I had to see Mu Tsu one last time, and, now that I found him,
I hate to say goodbye. I suppose I should give myself some honor by returning to China myself,
but it is just so hard to leave your loved ones, or, in my case, loved one. I know you
understand, for your loved ones had to leave you countless times. I envy you, of course. You've
found your happiness, and are able to keep hold of them.
I beg of you, do not feel any pity for me. Nor feel any sadness. My destiny has been
laid out for quite some time now, so I am not surprised. I only regret running from it.
Love, with all of my heart,
Shampoo
P.S. I also regret not being able to hear your reply. Give your family kisses for me, and tell
them that if I were to know them, they'd be my second family, just as you are. Though... when I
think about it, I see that you were actually my first.
Tears streaming down her round cheeks, Irene opened the box with quivering hands,
revealing two jeweled pendent barrettes, backed by silver plates. Her sobs increasing, she
pressed the items and letter to her chest, saying a silent prayer.
The woman before him, as she read, had broken out in tears, causing Mousse concern.
Shampoo must have explained her sentence. It was obvious. Resting a hand on the short woman's
shoulder, aside where the little girl hugged her leg, he smiled warmly, his eyes displaying the
same grief as she showed openly.
"Don't worry, Miss Irene. I am from the same tribe, and I promise to bring her back.
I'm not going to let her die."
Looking up to meet his eyes, Irene smiled. "You be a kind young man. All the stories
Shampoo told me about you were true, I see. She is lucky to have you, despite your engagement."
Mousse's expression fell, but his smile remained. 'Despite his engagement.' There was
no engagement. Not to the American murderous wretch of a woman.
Wrists and ankles bound by worn rope, Shampoo's binds were slung over a long staff, the
ends supported by two of the Hunter's shoulders. Another humiliation was brought upon her: tied
like a hog and slung on a stick. An old rag, her eyes covered as well, bound her mouth. Her
only airway was her nose protruding between the cloths.
"What honor," Kye proclaimed to the others. "To have caught such a failure. We shall be
rewarded well, comrades."
"Comrades," Li hissed to her friend. "That is what she calls us after scarring two of us
for life." She gestured to Lin and Ki, who still held their heads in shame, having been stripped
of their pride.
"Yes, I know," Shin answered, busy supporting the staff as she walked beside her
confidante. "But she did capture X'ian Pu."
"She wouldn't have if it wasn't for that woman," Li retorted, bringing Amy into the
conversation. "She would've been as fooled as any of us if the American had said otherwise."
Shin giggled. "No, I bet she could've sniffed her out!"
Night had fallen hours ago, but Mousse pushed on. He refused to let his heavy eyelids
droop, forcing himself to focus on the road ahead of him. Irene had told him of the fastest boat
route to China, the one she and Shampoo had taken to get to Japan, and that was set as his
destination. He'd have to leave the car at the port, but the village was not far from the opposite dock. The dockings were in North Korea, but the border of China was near enough to that. On foot, the journey would take no more than two days.
He sighed, frustration evident in his emotion. The Hunters could be near the Sea of Japan/East
Sea already. Hell, they could already be in North Korea. They traveled fast, he knew.
Especially if it partakes in bringing home a 'criminal.' They'd beat him there, vehicle or not.
And all he could do was pray for the time.
Well past midnight, Mousse finally arrived at the port in Kanazawa, which, of course, was
deserted save a few cars. Pulling up to the lodging, he searched for a schedule of when the next
ship would leave dock. Groaning exasperatedly, he punched the steering wheel. The next boat
wouldn't leave dock until nine the next morning.
Cursing profoundly, he pulled the car to a stop in the parking lot, not knowing what to
do. It was the fastest route across the sea, and he didn't want to waste time. Turning off the
engine and locking the doors, he leaned his chin on his hand, letting his eyes slip closed and
the wonderful darkness of slumber overtake his weary mind. It was his only refuge.
Rethinking her decisions wasn't an option. Deciding what to do to pass the time had no
reason. Pleading for another chance wouldn't appease the elders. Finding a stronger warrior was
slim to none.
Her eyes fluttering open, Shampoo met with darkness, which she had just left. Everywhere
she turned, the dark greeted her. The blindfold was rough, and scraped harshly against her skin,
fresh blood at her temples overriding the dried liquid. Her limbs were sore from being hung by
her binding ropes, her ankles and wrists almost raw from the chafing. More red liquid spilled
down her arms and legs to her hanging body, staining her already dirty, torn clothes. Her mouth
was drier than the rag was, exhaustion creeping closer to her sane mind. Yet, torture was what a
waited her arrival. This was only the beginning.
Shampoo had lost track of time, the sunlight having been blocked from her sight. Her
only knowing to what was happening was the very small conversations between the hunters, and
almost always, what she could hear was complaints about Kye, their 'Liege.' But once in awhile,
she could get a clue to where they were.
By the constant moving, and sounds she could barely make out, Shampoo guessed that they
had crossed the Sea, and were well on their way to China. It didn't surprise her that they moved
so quickly. They had a reward involved for her capture, as well as a good show to see. All
deaths in the village, if brought upon by a crime, were open for viewing to the public, like
some sort of sick sideshow. But she couldn't complain. It wasn't of any importance to her.
What had surprised the treasonous Amazon the most was her lack of thoughts towards
Mousse. Through the chaos of being beaten down by seven woman who's strength almost matched
hers, then the searing pain constantly spreading throughout her limbs and joints, she hadn't had
time to think of anyone but herself. No matter the predicament, she was acting selfish. What
would Mousse think? She knew he wouldn't be happy that she was gone, seeing how she was going to
her death. But would he grieve? Would he come after her? She shook her head, ignoring the
sharp stinging in her neck. What could he have done? Now, nothing could stop her 'fate.'
*Damn you, Ranma,* she cursed, forcing back tears, if any were left. *Why couldn't you
have married me? You knew I would die if you didn't.* What was she saying? Yes, she may have
been happy if he had married her months ago, but now, she realized some things. If Ranma did
come and agree to marry her, she wouldn't have been happy. Not knowing it was out of pity, and
that the man would wish every night that Akane was the one by his side.
Yet her conscience told her that wasn't the only reason. Pity wasn't the only factor to
that unwanted engagement. It was also the man.
Having woken up hours before, nine o'clock came extremely, agonizingly slowly. Mousse
wiped his tired eyes, aware of his slight insomnia, and stepped out of the car, heading towards
the lodging. Knocking eagerly on the window, he waited for the clerk to appear.
"Yes?" a woman in her mid fifties asked, sliding the window open. "Are you waiting to
board the boat?"
Mousse nodded. "When does it leave port?"
"In twenty minutes, sir. Better get on!"
Paying for his ticket, Mousse jogged to the dock and headed up the ramp onto the boat.
Stepping onto the wooden planks of the deck, he waded through the already-boarded passengers to
the other side of the boat. Leaning on the thick railing, he sighed, silently staring out at the
choppy water.
"I'm coming, Shampoo," he murmured, his vow staking claim. "You're not going to die on
me now that I've got you."
"The village!" Li exclaimed, tugging on Shin's arm. "I can see it!" Shin smiled at her
friend's outburst, adjusting the pole to her other shoulder.
"We are almost home," Shin murmured, tears of joy welling in her eyes. She cursed
herself for her softness, although she was relieved to finally be home. She had missed her
family, her friends (besides Li, of course), and even her usual chores. She patted X'ian Pu's
head, having no grudge against her fellow Amazon.
"Your pain will end soon, my friend," she whispered, aware of the woman's shivering. She
sighed, depression evident in her heave. She never liked the village's 'death penalty,' and
thought it ridiculous. This woman didn't deserve for her life to be ended, just because she
didn't catch a man. But she knew how stickler the elders were with failure. They didn't abide
it.
"You are Khu Lon's great-granddaughter, are you not?" she continued, her voice no louder
than a whisper. Li fell into step beside Shin once again, eager to join their conversation.
"She is a descendent from elder Khu Lon?" Li gasped, staring at the prisoner. Shin
clapped a free hand over her friend's mouth, giving her a stern look. Li blushed and nodded.
"Hard to believe that an elder of her age would allow her own kin to endure such pain,"
Shin murmured lightly. Shaking her head, she quickened her pace, forcing the staff-holder at the
opposite end to go faster as well. She stifled a giggle as the woman almost fell into a puddle
of mud.
"Well, she's a bit uncoordinated."
Hearing the village bell toll in the courtyard, Khu Lon sighed heavily, praying to the
Gods that it the prisoner in hand wasn't her own. Stepping out into the daylight, she joined the
adjourning crowd, looking out towards the hills. The bell ringer continued to toll the bell,
announcing the Hunter's arrival and the successful capture. Squinting at the rod they carried,
the elder woman noticed the mass of violet hair streaming from the covered head, despite the
different hairstyle. No other Amazon had such hue.
Finally entering the village, the Hunters took their bows and presented their prey to the
five elders, who now stood at the head of the mob.
"We have victoriously seized the rebel," Kye announced in her native language, gesturing
to the staff. "It took us no more than a week, and now, she has agreed to go through with her
sentence honorably."
The Head Elder, obviously the oldest of the five, nodded in return. "Take her to the
cross."
Stepping back from the crowd, unable to stand the sight of her bloodied offspring, Khu
Lon forced back tears and prayed that her suffering would end.
A warm rain began to fall upon the village, but, despite the weather, the Hunters worked
diligently. They carried the criminal to the heart of the small town, where her hold awaited.
Untying her hands and ankles momentarily, the Amazon fell to the ground, released of the retched
pole. Her gag was removed, and a new blindfold was placed over her eyes; red, symbolizing what
was to come. Kye grasped X'ian Pu's braid and, yielding a dagger, cut the hair to merely above
her shoulders to strip her of her pride. They removed her tattered clothes, leaving her nude to
rid her of her dignity. Then, showing her only honor and pity, she was retied to a small, wooden
cross, her hands bound above her head, her only support. They tilted the wooden structure and
supported the bottom with a stone, letting her dangle from her already worn wrists. She was then
left to be displayed, nude and broken, to strip her of her honor. The village women were able to
pass by and spit upon her, beat her, or slash at her skin with their own knives. Lowly Amazon
men were able to come and stare at her, touch her, and lower her to the level of an object. It
was all considered a price that, when a crime was committed, was necessary for the criminal to
repay for disgracing her heritage. For, in return, she herself was disgraced.
Left alone by the Hunters, X'ian Pu hung, her weight tearing at her muscles and joints
from where she hung. She shivered, exposed to the damp wind and unyielding world, but thanked
the Gods that the shower was warm. Her pain would have doubled if it were wrought on a mere cat.
The only sound she heard was the deafening patter of the raindrops and the soft whistle of the
wind... as well as her slowing heartbeat.
The dock long in the distance, Mousse continued in his journey, having hitched a ride by
a kind farmer on his way into China. They had passed North Korea and, beside it, Russia, and
were well into China now, where his ride came to an end.
"Changchun," he muttered, recognizing the city. The village was no less than twenty
miles from there, and he'd be there in no more than a few hours on foot.
Continuing on his way, his determination rising, Mousse left the city, heading towards
the hills that he'd have to cross to save a life. How, he had yet to figure out.
"Great Granddaughter," Khu Lon whispered, her kin in sight. Seeing no villager around,
she headed towards the cross, a morbid expression plastered on her face. One of her own was
enduring such pain, and there was nothing she could do to put an end to it. If no one was kind
enough to offer her any food, the Elders would let her starve until they were ready to put her
out of her misery. And the amount of time they let her suffer depended on her rank in the
village. Seeing how she had been the strongest warrior in their competition a few years back,
and being her descendent, her wait would be quick, though agonizing.
Coming to a stop before the younger, Khu Lon revealed a small platter with very little
food to spare. Feeling a presence near her, Shampoo's breath quickened, knowing she was unable
to defend herself, let alone see who came near. Offering a few kind words, Khu Lon urged some
food into the girl's mouth, which she graciously accepted and swallowed. Soon, the plate was
empty, and a slight smile donned X'ian Pu's face.
"Great Grandmother," she rasped, her only source of refuge found in the fluent language
she spoke. "Are you disgraced?"
Finally letting tears join the raindrops on her wrinkled cheeks, Khu Lon wiped the
drenched bangs away from her forehead, her voice but a whisper. "Of course not, my dear."
Another soul thankful for the tepid rain worked on, obligated to continue. His legs
ached as well as his feet, and a headache consumed his thoughts, but these mere pains held no
care to him. It wouldn't compare to the pain Shampoo must be enduring. He wouldn't complain,
for that matter. No matter how tired he was he'd keep on, not knowing if his prayers would be
answered.
Mousse almost collapsed to his knees as he topped the hillside path, his eyes
unbelieving. No more than a few yards away was the basic entrance to the village. He had come
just as quickly as the others, pressed on by mental direction. He had let his mind, as well as
his heart, take over and lead him to his destination. Summoning his strength and courage, he
ran forward, anxious to see if the woman in his eye was all right.
Trudging back towards her hut, Khu Lon refused to look back, X'ian Pu's damaged body a
nightmare to the eye. It was still hard o believe that the day had come... and that the Elders
were so ruthless.
Out of the corner of her eye, the old woman noticed a tall figure approaching her, alarm
taking place of sorrow. Turning on her cane, she faced him, shock settling in. He had come, to
her surprise.
"Mu Tsu," she murmured, bowing despite her rank and age. Mousse bowed in return, a
wounded expression marring his face.
"X'ian Pu," he questioned, stepping closer to the crone. "Is she alright?"
Khu Lon uttered a broken sigh and pointed past him, causing him to turn and follow her
gaze. Anguish featured upon his face when he noticed the form slung from the wooden cross.
"Mu Tsu," Khu Lon began, resting a hand on his shoulder for comfort. "The Elders have
decided to do it tomorrow." Not hearing any response from the man, the woman shook her head
sadly and left him to his thoughts, disappearing inside her hut.
All he had heard was 'tomorrow.' All he saw was the worn body of she who had so often
brightened his day. He summoned the power to move his legs, slowly nearing the doomed woman. He
did not see her nudity. He did not see her beautiful hair now shorn as short as Akane Tendo's.
He did not see her horribly afflicted body. He saw beauty.
Sensing another soul near her, Shampoo's head bobbed, her legs bunching up slightly. Her
shivering increased, and little whimpers emitted from her lips. The sight of her tore Mousse's
heart apart, to see her in such pain; the mighty Amazon having fallen.
"X'ian Pu," he murmured, reaching out to her cheek. Her body tensed at the voice, her
teeth gritting together. If it weren't for the blindfold, she would've been able to look
directly into his green eyes; something she had never been able to do before without craning her
neck.
"X'ian Pu?" he repeated, his question more of a demand. Her quivering did not cease,
despite the slight warmth of the rain.
"My arms are sore," she croaked, her voice reeking havoc on her torn throat. Mousse
shushed her.
"I know," he returned, his hands lightly rubbing her arms. He couldn't stand seeing her
like this, so meek and stricken, and all he wanted now was to give her some sort of comfort.
"Tell me when," she muttered, her head bowed. Mousse almost choked, but soon regained
composure.
"Tomorrow," he answered quietly, drawing his hands back. At the loss of warmth,
Shampoo's face lifted, her unseeing eyes staring off in front of her. Her lower lip was
trembling, and, because of the many raindrops upon her face, he couldn't tell if she had shed
any tears. Stepping closer to her, he gently resting his forehead against hers. She jumped
from the sudden contact, but welcomed his hot breath on her face.
"I won't let you die," he whispered, wrapping his arms around her waist to support her
against his own body. She sighed thankfully for the relief he had given her, her arms bending
lightly at her elbows as the stressful weight of her body was taken away. She rested her cheek
on his shoulder, savoring the soft fabric of his shirt as well as his smell. The darkness behind
the blindfold then led to blissful slumber.
Mousse let out a sigh of contentment. "I know what I must do, now..."
The sound of birds chirping ecstatically woke X'ian Pu the next day, the strain on her
arms once again present. When she lifted her head, her blindfold got soaked, the rain still
having not let up. The birds, she thought, must be out looking for worms that were washed up
from the dirt, or are having their daily baths.
Immediately, she felt hands on her arms, voices mumbling to each other as they worked to
get her hands free from the structure. As she felt the binds give way, Shampoo tumbled to the
ground, unable to support herself due to lack of nourishment. The women then brought her to her
feet, their arms her support as she was carried to the arena. That was to be where her sentence
was fulfilled.
Soon, the women came to a halt, and Shampoo was forced to her knees as they untied the
bandana from around her eyes. The blackness finally taken away, Shampoo's eyes squinted open,
the darkness remaining momentarily. As she began to focus, she bowed her head to keep the rain
from falling into her eyes. Shakily, she looked around her, nervousness settling in her mind as
she wrapped her arms around herself to hide her nudity. A wide ring of Amazons had formed around
the arena, all whispering and pointing at her. Before her, a large stage sat, the five Elders,
the Head Elder in the middle, stood, their eyes stern upon the treasonous woman. Above her the
dark clouds swirled together, making a light show of the heat lightening that had been causing
the warm precipitation.
"X'ian Pu," Kye called from her seat below the Elders, along with the other six Hunters.
"You have been taken prisoner by we, the Hunters, for your treason."
"X'ian Pu," started the Second Elder. "Your mission, at first, was to destroy the female
Ranma Saotome for defeating you as an outsider."
The Third Elder picked up. "You failed that mission, and were given a new mission in
turn. You were to wed the male Ranma Saotome for also defeating you."
"He refused to become your husband," the Fourth Elder preceded.
"And you refused to return to the village and withstand your punishment honorably,"
finished the Fifth Elder.
"X'ian Pu," the Head Elder continued, her speech beginning. "For your treason, we banish
you from the Tribe of Amazons with a consequence. The punishment that suits your crime of
failure is death."
There, Kye stepped forward, yielding a large, cleanly sharpened sword. A second Hunter,
one who had lost her hair, brought forth a small kettle with what appeared to be water inside.
The Head Elder proceeded. "We wash the blade with that of Holy Water. May it wipe away
your sins and lead you to where the Gods rest." The Hunter then tipped the kettle over, dousing
the weapon in which Kye held with the liquid.
"If he who disgraced both X'ian Pu and the village of Amazons stand among us," the Head
persisted, "May he make his final decision; to either let this lowly warrior take to her fate, or
to have pity on her and agree to her advances."
"I agree," a voice called amid her own. Opposite the Elders, the crowd of onlookers
parted to reveal a man dressed in a traditional Chinese outfit: a high-collared shirt tied at the
middle, marked with a crest of a dojo that showed a dragon, followed by black pants tied at the
ankles, giving way to martial artists slippers. His hair, though drenched, was fixed into a
braded ponytail at nape of his neck.
"And you are?" the Head Elder commanded, rising from her seat to get a better view.
"Ranma Saotome," he answered confidently. The name caused the throng of onlookers to
gasp, their gazes locked on the newcomer. Shampoo's head lifted weakly in amazement. Was it
really Ranma? True, he donned clothes that Ranma always wore, and her weary eyes could make out
the braided ponytail peeping over his shoulder. But... had he gotten taller?
"That..." Kye gasped, her hand, which held the sword, quivering. "That is not Ranma
Saotome! I-I saw him in Japan! That cannot be him!"
Rushing forward, Li and Shin took hold of the lead Huntress's arms, each clapping a hand
over her mouth.
"Elders," Li called out. "That is Ranma Saotome. We saw him as well in Japan. Our
leader, she is sick. She also claims to be able to smell inhumanly." At her words, Kye grunted
out an 'I can,' but was shushed once again as the Hunters drug her bag to the group. After
settling the woman down, Shin looked over to X'ian Pu, who held a grateful expression on her
face, and exchanged smiles.
*Just this once,* Shin said to herself.
Nodding in agreement, the Head Elder turned back to he who claimed to be Saotome.
"Ranma Saotome, do you agree to marry this heathen?"
"I do," he returned, his voice unwavering.
"Then her sentence is passed," she announced. "Khu Lon, show yourself."
Khu Lon stepped from the crowd and acknowledged her call.
"You are to attend their wedding wherever they wish to have it, and will bring proof of
their marriage."
"I will," the crone vowed.
The chattering returned to the crowd as it began to disperse, everyone making their way
back to their huts and chores. The Elders disappeared inside their counseling hut, and the
Hunters dragged off the enraged leader, Kye.
Rushing forward to the fallen Amazon, the man gathered her into his arms, eager to
comfort the shaken woman. Pulling back slightly, Shampoo squinted into his eyes, which greeted
her with their shocking shade of green.
"Mu Tsu," she whispered, afraid his secret would be exposed. "Why did you do it? If the
Elders find out you aren't Ranma, they'd... they'd..."
Mousse grinned and leaned his forehead against hers. "Didn't I tell you that I wouldn't
let you die?"
Epilogue
The rain had disappeared long before as the small boat left the dock of North Korea, its
route heading to Japan. Now, the sun softly began its decent towards the pallet of emerald
water, its hues of yellow, pink, red, and purple leaving trails of light that faded into the
midnight blue of night, which lay far above the water, decorated by diamond-like stars. They
winked down to the passengers as they headed below deck, sleep pulling them away from the beauty
that was offered.
Left behind up deck were only two, engrossed in the sight as well as their thoughts. The
man, his raven hair loosely pinned into a casual ponytail at the back of his head, wore a
standard Chinese outfit. The woman, her wine-colored hair also loosely tied behind her head, the
ends crudely shorn, was dressed in a long, white Chinese dress, the color reaching up to her chin
and her arms bared.
"You such bigot," Shampoo cooed, her gaze drifting from the scenery to his stern profile.
Mousse chuckled, turning to look at the woman beside him.
"So I am. Would you want me any other way?" he countered, resting a hand on one of hers,
lightly playing with her fingers. Her wrists were bandaged due to the damage caused by the
ropes, and her ankles were as well, though they were covered by her dress. She returned his
smile, locking her fingers with his.
"You also fool to do what you did," she murmured, lifting their entwined hands to her
cheek, eager to hide her blush. "What Amy think?"
"Shampoo," he cut of, his eyes loosing all humor, showing only heart. "Would you marry
me?"
The Amazon's smiled widened, her blush deepening. Winding her arms around his waist, she
stood on tiptoe and touched her lips lightly to his. She knew that her words weren't needed, and
that her little 'journey' had explained it all. On the very day she had first set foot on the
boat leading to Japan, the same day she had met Irene and her hope had lit its torch, she had
vowed to fulfill the opportunity to set things straight in her life. For the past month, all
that her life threw at her were loops and dead ends. The stars had sent her promises, and, as
the two exchanged tender kisses, gazes, and touches, each one reached reality, new promises,
those of completion and love, took center stage. And she swore that the sunset she had witnessed
on her voyage's first day had melted into his eyes.
The End
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