The last part in a three-part chapter (I guess). Feel free to point out
any factual or logical errors and bring them to my attention.
C&C welcomed.
---------------------------------------------------------
#9: The Past is Prologue, part 3: Mousse
The Wheel of Fire, Part 3: Doco-- Turning Point
Written by Razorclaw X (spiceoflife@hotmail.com)
http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 and characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. And
all that other good stuff. Proper licenses belong to respective properties
and characters. The manga has precedence over material in the anime.
This file can be freely distributed so long as it appears in its complete
form and proper credit. No part may be reproduced for monetary gain without
permission from the author. (to which the answer is probably "no")
Author's note: This series takes place after the final manga story, Vol.
38, after my previous fics, "Moments of Transition," "Team Ranma vs. the
Orochi Assassins," "End of the Beginning," "Descending Spiral," "Specters,"
"The Law of Amazons," "Doco in the Battle of the Bands," "Doco in Hawaii,"
and part 1 and 2 of "The Past is Prologue." Knowledge of the previous
stories helps in understanding the minor details of the story (see "Plot
Points"). The final story in Part 3: Turning Point.
Part 3 deals with Mousse, his past, and his future.
Plot Points (from previous stories)
==================================
1. Ranma and Akane are married. Ryoga and Akari are married. Who's next?
2. Mousse was banished from his tribe by Cologne. With persuasion from
Shampoo and the twins, Cologne allows Mousse to work and live at the
Nekohatten again. Of course, acceptance back into the tribe is another
matter entirely, since there's still tension between Mousse and Cologne.
3. Mousse and Shampoo have reached an understanding.
4. Kodachi and Tatewaki have reached an understanding.
5. Kodachi, Ukyo, Akane, and Shampoo have reached an understanding. They
treat each other like old friends, as there's no reason to fight anymore.
6. Ling-ling and Lung-lung work as draw girls at the Nekohatten. They've
become disillusioned with their tribe's ways, but keep it to themselves.
Shampoo's father also works at the Nekohatten as well.
7. Both Kunos know that Ranma and the pig-tailed girl are the same person.
While Kodachi accepts this, Kuno's hatred of Ranma was intensified, since
the sorcerer Ranma toyed with his fragile heart.
8. Kodachi and Pantyhose Taro admit an affection for each other. Part of
Kodachi's reason is so she can win her bet against Asuka the White Lily, but
Taro is actually flattered about it.
9. Ukyo discovers she can manipulate chi, but as of yet it manifests only
in her okonomiyaki. With proper training she could become more powerful than
Ranma, according to the minions of Orochi.
10. Nodoka insisted that Ukyo join her family to remove her past dishonor.
While Ukyo accepted, she opted to retain her name for duty to her family.
11. Doco (Ranma, the Tendo sisters, the Kunos, Shampoo, Mousse, Ling-ling
and Lung-lung, Ryoga, Akari, Ukyo, and Konatsu) goes semi-professional.
12. Kuno has devoted himself to mastering every technique of the Chinese
Phoenix Sword to destroy Ranma with. With what he knows now he becomes a
match for Ranma's abilities.
------------------------------------------------
Opening: Full of Memories (Doco version)
[Setting: Gates to Tendo property]
(All) Dreading the school bell, we can't help but worry
Classmates behind me, we can't help but hurry
[Ranma running out of said gates]
They'll catch their breath, and then, they'll say:
(Akane) "Good * mor * ning!"
[Ranma running to school, alone]
(All) Sweet summer grass that grows wild by the roadside
Starting each day with a smile that I can't hide
It's what I know, but may not always be so
[Flash memories: Mousse throws six chains from up his sleeves]
[Flash memories: Ryoga, unleashing the perfect Shishi Hokodan]
[Flash memories: Kuno, waving flaming sword, throws phoenix fire]
(Ranma) Casual moments like these mean the most to me
(Shampoo) Treasured times that don't need a key
In the album of my heart I keep, old times stay like new
[Ranma running through the Furinkan gates in frantic panic]
(Kasumi) I won't forget [how this sky is blue] (R S N)
I won't forget [how this dream came true]
(Akane) They're the gentle times we'll share forever
Long past all those times are through
[Hinako punishes Ranma for being late to class]
(Nabiki) Even when I'm sad [days I just don't know], (R A S K)
Even when I'm glad [days the tears just flow],
(All) Memories of days I'll never, ever let go.
* * * * *
Shampoo threw herself onto her pillow. This evening was a busy day indeed,
for the Chinese Amazon was exhausted.
Where in the world was Mousse? He took the day off, and disappeared
without a trace. Cologne had no time to track down the stupid duck when the
dinner crowd came in-- which was much larger than usual. Ling-ling and Lung-
lung, who didn't even work as waitresses, were drafted for overtime work
(after all, they were paid only to stand by the door to attract young men
inside).
After several moments of getting lost in thought, Shampoo was aroused by
a loud, irritating screech. One of those screeches made by microphones on
high volume levels.
Tap, tap, tap! The noise came from just outside Shampoo's window.
Tired, yet curious, Shampoo dragged herself to the window, and opened it.
Her eyes peered downward to the street below, spying four men standing
there, setting-up speakers.
The Chinese Amazon looked down below her window, seeing several scattered
pebbles strewn all about. So, throwing rocks at my window, Mousse?
"What you do?!" Shampoo cried out the window.
Mousse threw the microphone into the air at the sound of Shampoo's voice.
The microphone landed, producing a loud *CLUNK!* from the speakers, causing
the other men, Ranma, Ryoga, and Kuno, to cover their ears.
"What'd you do that for?!" complained Ranma, grabbing Mousse's collar.
"Shampoo's here!" Mousse squealed.
Mousse spun around, his back facing the others, and stared up to the
window where Shampoo watched. Taking a deep breath, he began, "This one is
dedicated to my one and only love."
He sang, "You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips...."
Shampoo rolled her eyes. I don't have time for this.
"And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips...."
It was then Ranma, Ryoga, and Kuno joined in on the song. "You're trying
hard not to show it, but baby, baby I know it!"
At that point Shampoo didn't know whether to be impressed or disgusted.
"You've lost that loving feeling, woah, that loving feeling. You've lost
that loving feeling! Now it's gone, gone, gone, whoa-woah."
"That enough!" Shampoo cried. "Mousse, why you do this to Shampoo?"
Mousse raised his arms defensively. "You didn't like it?"
"No!" was the reply. "Where were Mousse when help needed?"
"I don't know what you're talking about!"
"Mousse go on day off to put together stupid song for Shampoo!"
"I didn't mean it that way...."
"Go away!"
*SLAM!*
Mousse's head sank. "Shampoo...."
Ryoga tapped Mousse on the shoulder. "I guess she doesn't like having
songs sung to her out her window."
"I'm not the one who thought of it," commented Ranma.
"It's supposed to be romantic, at least, in some places," explained
Mousse, flustered. Oh, what do I know?
Kuno shrugged. "Well, if that will be all, then I bid thee farewell,
Mousse. I have much business to attend to." He pointed his bokken at Ranma.
"Another time, then."
"Yeah, whatever," replied Ranma, uninterested in a challenge from Kuno.
Ryoga checked his watch. "I really should be getting back with Akari. We
should be on our honeymoon right now, but she said it was okay if I was
helping a friend."
"Thanks," Mousse said, extending his hand for Ryoga's handshake.
With the same depressed atmosphere, Mousse dragged himself inside the
Nekohatten. Cologne sat at the counter, peering at the boy with calculating,
beady eyes.
"So there you are, Mousse," Cologne said. "I see you've been busy."
"I don't want to discuss it," Mousse replied flatly.
But Cologne wouldn't let it end there. "While you were busy putting
together your little number, our evening business almost doubled. It's no
wonder that Shampoo was angry."
"We got busy?" guessed Mousse.
The old matriarch nodded. "You weren't around, so Shampoo had to deal with
most of your workload. You picked a bad day to take time off."
Mousse nodded. "It won't happen again."
"Of course it won't, because you're not getting any more days-off. Ever."
Damn you, old hag.
Mousse threw himself onto his futon in his room, exhausted. Mulling over
what just happened minutes before filled his thoughts.
*KNOCK,* *KNOCK!*
"Come on in," Mousse cried automatically.
He heard the door to the attic slide open slowly. With his enhanced
hearing Mousse could make out two sets of feet, light in their movements,
and a bit unsure of themselves.
"Greetings once again, dragon twins," Mousse said, without looking to see
who had entered.
This caught both sisters by surprise.
"How did you know?" Ling-ling asked in Chinese.
Mousse sat up and faced the two, pointing a finger at his ear. "I've been
teaching myself to rely on my hearing to compensate for my eyes. Ukyo told
me I shouldn't rely on my poor eyesight when I have something else that's
much more reliable."
"Perhaps she is right," agreed Lung-lung. "There are stories of warriors
who, while being blind, were masters of unequaled power because of their
other senses. There is wisdom in her words."
"Sometimes the perspective of others opens new doors," Mousse said
proverbially. "The one who is truly wise is the one who listens. Closing
your mind makes you your greatest enemy."
"Then I don't understand why Elder Sister continues to reject you,"
admitted Ling-ling. "Not only are you a strong and cunning warrior, you are
also wise."
"I can't expect Shan-pu to change overnight, only with time," Mousse
replied, with a hint of sadness in his voice. "Somehow I suspect pressure
from the matriarch prevents her from acknowledging my virtue."
"Speaking of which," started Ling-ling, "why is it that she hates you so?"
Mousse laughed. "Neither of you know?"
Both twins shook their heads.
"Well, I suppose it's time to tell you a story, a long, long, story. It
starts long before you two were born, about the time I first proposed to
Shan-pu...."
* * * * *
I was three years old when I first proposed to Shan-pu. Of course, she
would've been flattered, had I not proposed to a cow instead. My glasses
happened to be resting on my head at the time, as I made a fool of myself
and of Shan-pu by confessing my love to an animal. Of course, as soon as
Shan-pu found out, she stomped on my head.
The other villagers would laugh at me, but I didn't care; love was all
that mattered in my eyes, poor they may be. Mother must have been amused by
my pursuit of the heir to the tribe's leadership; she actually encouraged me
to continue. Then again, maybe she wanted a bit on the leadership part of
my would-be marriage, but I won't think of her that way. I have no idea
what Father thought of all of this, as he felt it wasn't his position to
judge.
Of course, for the better part of two years I proposed to animals instead
of Shan-pu. I proposed to a pig while Shan-pu was off on a training journey
once. Another time, I managed to convince one of the other girls to pretend
to chase after me so I could make Shan-pu jealous. It didn't work, of
course, and the girl beat me up for it.
I think I was about five-years old when I decided to train myself in the
martial arts. Few, if any, of the village warriors were willing to train me
in the art, being that, by tradition, men were too weak to fight. It was the
man's duty to take care of the village for the Amazons, as the matriarch
would tell me. She hardly approved of my pursuit, but decided to humor
me by getting one of the lower warriors to teach me the basics.
Well, she wasn't such a bad teacher, but I've seen better. I was taught
only enough to beat up a straw dummy, after all. Hardly enough to defend
myself and Shan-pu.
One day, out in the wilderness, I got attacked by a bear. I suspect I
would have died then and there had there not been a woman there to save me.
At first I thought she was one of the younger Amazons, but her dress and
appearance told me that she was a sixteen-year old Taoist priest, with eyes
of the greenest emerald, and a face with the softest of skin, dressed in
yellow robes that represented the earth. She took me back to her thatched
hut over near a lake, not far from the village, and introduced me to her
sister, a martial artist. This one dressed even stranger, never exposing
her skin to the sunlight, wearing dusty-brown, heavy robes at all times. I
never saw her face.
I thought the Taoist's sister must have been one of the Amazon warriors
that traveled abroad, so I readily accepted her training. She taught me the
art of concealed weaponry. I learned where and how to conceal small weapons,
and how to wield each and every one of them. The human body was the most
dangerous weapon, she'd said, a suggestion I took to heart.
Of course, after a year of secret training in the wilderness, the Taoist
and her sister disappeared without a trace. From then on, I had to teach
myself the art of hidden weaponry.
For that matter, I had to teach myself unarmed combat as well. Straw
dummies, and soon, wooden posts, were no match for me.
When I first revealed my secret training to the village, it was during an
attack from a rival village (I believe it was from Pink and Rink's village,
you ought to ask Shan-pu about them). The younger warriors were kept within
their homes with the men while the warriors fought, but somehow one enemy
warrior made her way to the village square. She rampaged unopposed, at
least, until I stood in her way. One six-year-old kid, of a village of
Amazons, looking pathetic with thick-lens glasses and heavy white robes. She
laughed, as the thought of a male warrior in our tribe was ludicrous. What
she wasn't prepared for was my secret art-- she died with the greatest
expression of surprise on her face. This was my first battle, and my first
killing. It felt good.
Not the killing, mind you; I don't care much for killing unless it is
absolutely necessary. It felt good defending the village, a task reserved
for the women. I broke a barrier.
Now, in a village as small as our own, news traveled quickly of the boy
who killed one many times his better. Or so they thought. The girls my age
laughed that I would attempt such arts. The boys would ridicule me, and try
to prod me into some manly pursuit, such as farming, while, secretly, they
admired me. The older villagers either shook their heads or praised my
abilities; the hag saw my rise a threat to tradition. However, it was soon
pointed out that male warriors weren't unheard of in our tribe's history,
despite rarity. The hag couldn't help but concede, and grudgingly decided
that training me to defend the village would be the best use of my talents.
Well, my parents were surprised at first, to say the least. Father
insisted that fighting wasn't a man's place, and wanted me to work in the
fields instead. But Mother, surprisingly, loved the idea that I was training
to become a warrior; after all, I was their only child, and Mother did want
a warrior in the family. I'm surprised I don't have a sister, but I guess I
shouldn't dwell on those type of thoughts. Heh, sometimes Mother would show
me a few tricks of her own, treating me as the one who would carry on her
fighting when she got too old. I think I made her proud.
I think it was about then that the hag started to hate me. I suppose the
fact that I chased Shan-pu merely amused her, but the idea that a young
upstart like myself try to better himself.... She's old and conservative, I
suppose.
From that day forward I had access to the same teachers as the other girls
in training. From that day forward I would be called to defend the village
from rival villages' attacks, but never to assist in hunts or preemptive
strikes. Unofficially, I became Shan-pu's bodyguard, despite the fact that
she didn't need one, being quite skilled herself. I continued to teach
myself the hidden weapon art, going to larger and heavier weapons as time
went on. I devised the Swan Fist technique, taking advantage of my superior
attack speed. I learned the Hawk Talon strike, taught to a single student
every generation-- an honor I was proud of, and caught the attentions of my
fellow Amazons, jealous that I was the chosen one.
Not only did I practice my hidden weapon arts, I also bettered my body,
studying acrobatics. I became fast and light on my feet, yet, strong at the
same time. The human body was the deadliest weapon, after all, so why not
better it even more?
Of course, my eyesight never go any better, or much worse, for that
matter. I still lusted for Shan-pu, who would never return my love. I would
continue to get strange eyes from the hag, who disapproved of my training in
the first place. The elder Amazons looked down upon me, seeing me as another
rebel. It was a wonder that I didn't get myself banished by then, as what
happens to rebellious youngsters.
In sum, I represented the force of change to the village. Change was what
scared the matriarch and the elders most.
* * * * *
"What I don't understand," began Lung-lung as soon as Mousse finished his
story, "is why the matriarch continues to hold the world against you."
"She's an old, conservative woman," explained Mousse. "She's lived well
over a hundred years, and change is hard. Change comes easier to the younger
generations."
Both twins nodded in understanding.
"If you want to make it up with Elder Sister, perhaps we can help you,"
offered Ling-ling.
"I'd like that," replied Mousse. "I've already got an idea of what to do
about it."
"That's an idea I'd like to hear about, Mu-su," someone said from the
darkness of the shadows.
"Aiyah!" exclaimed the twins in surprise.
"How long have you been there?" asked Mousse, failing to meet the old
matriarch's eyes.
"Long enough," Cologne said. "Long enough to know that my personal grudge
against you may have gone on long enough. As you said, the one who is truly
wise is the one who listens."
The old woman bounded out of the shadows to her three tribesmen, using her
staff as a pogo stick. "As your friends had said, the reeds blow with the
wind, and not against it. There, within, lies true wisdom, wisdom you three
have seen, and one in which I have tried to ignore."
She sighed. "You are right to say that change comes hard to the older
generations, Mu-su. The very idea of a strong man in a village of Amazons
was unheard of in my generation. Despite your failings in your eyesight, you
are a warrior to be reckoned with. Perhaps the greatest warrior the tribe
has ever seen since my own rise. You possess within you the true spirit of
the Joketsuzoku warrior: skill, courage, strength, and the willingness to
sacrifice your own life for the tribe. Many of our warriors lack the
sacrifice, as they fear death. Perhaps I was a fool to remove you from the
tribe."
"You mean...?" Mousse cried in anticipation.
Cologne nodded. "Welcome home, Mu-su."
To say that Mousse was elated was an understatement, as he leaped from his
seated position and tackled the old matriarch, throwing his arms around the
small woman in a big hug. "You won't regret this!"
"If you don't let go of me, I might," threatened Cologne.
Mousse gathered himself and released Cologne.
"Now, my son, you're still one for Shan-pu's heart?" asked Cologne. "I
believe I can help you along...." Well, until the next strong young man
came by.
Well-after midnight, Shampoo woke to the sound of something hitting her
window.
Mousse! Shampoo thought. Doesn't he ever quit with these ridiculous
schemes of his?
Shampoo dragged herself out from under her covers, then shook her head.
Mousse may be a nice guy, but he sure did know how to annoy people.
She thought back to earlier that evening, when Mousse and the other guys
tried to impress her with an American love song. While the display was
put together well, Shampoo was too tired and fatigued to appreciate it. She
thought about apologizing to Mousse in the morning, but this late-night
disturbance erased such pleasantries from her mind.
Giving herself a look in the mirror, Shampoo made sure her appearance
would be acceptable, then marched to the window. She pulled it open, and
stared down.
The words that formed in her mind moments ago failed to reach her lips.
There was Mousse, all right, along with the speaker system. Behind him,
however, were Ling-ling and Lung-lung, both with brass horn instruments,
Kuno with a set of drums, Ranma and Ryoga with guitars. The large, center
drum, was labeled, 'DUCK.' Cologne clung to her staff, standing next to
Mousse, holding a bell in one hand.
An entire band.
"Mousse...." was all that escaped Shampoo's mouth.
Mousse turned around, this time, not dropping the microphone. "I'm here
to say 'I'm sorry,' and this is to make it up."
Shampoo peered at her great-grandmother suspiciously.
Cologne shrugged. "He wanted to make his return home something special."
"You...." Shampoo's words trailed off, as she realized what old Cologne
had just done. She let Mousse back into the tribe! This WAS something to be
happy about.
"Dedicated to Shampoo, who made everything in the world worthwhile."
Mousse turned to the band, and said, "Ready, go!"
* * * * *
It's Not Unusual (Mousse)
(Mousse) It's not unusual to be loved by anyone
It's not unusual to have fun with anyone
But when I see you hanging about with anyone
It's not unusual to see me cry, oh I wanna' die
It's not unusual to go out at any time
But when I see you out and about it's such a crime
If you should ever want to be loved by anyone, It's not unusual
It happens every day no matter what you say
You find it happens all the time
Love will never do what you want it to
Why can't this crazy love be mine
It's not unusual, to be mad with anyone
It's not unusual, to be sad with anyone
But if I ever find that you've changed at anytime
It's not unusual
To find out that I'm in love with you
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
* * * * *
Shampoo clapped her hands in enthusiasm as Mousse and the band finished
their tribute. The Amazon was at a loss for words.
Each and ever member of the band bowed.
"Welcome home, Mousse," Shampoo whispered to herself.
Leaning back out of the window, the Chinese Amazon gently shut the window
closed, and turned back to her futon. Lying gently against the blankets,
Shampoo let out a happy sigh.
Long after Mousse and the twins turned in for the night, Cologne watched
the lone figure drag his way through the open doors of the Nekohatten. He
dressed in plain blue Chinese clothing, in a dress and style typical of
Chinese men. He dragged himself along with a staff, his feet dragging
against the the ground.
Cologne shook her head wearily. "About time you came back."
Shampoo's father collapsed to the ground, failing in his effort to pay
proper respects to the matriarch.
"So, what news from home?" asked the old woman, hopping on her walking
stick toward the fallen man.
The tired man failed to respond in words. Instead, he produced a sealed
envelope from within his shirt, and handed it to the air without raising his
head.
Cologne snatched the envelope from Shampoo's father, allowing his hand to
remain in its position in the air. "You have done well. You can go now."
Without waiting for Shampoo's father to move, the old matriarch bounced
out of the dining room and into the kitchen, where she could read the note
in relative privacy.
Seating herself on the counter, Cologne picked up her staff, and, with a
quick motion, ran the sharpened end through the envelope, breaking the
seal as if the staff were a letter opener. Discarding the envelope, Cologne
unfolded the letter.
"Esteemed Matriarch," she read aloud, "we send this report as per
preinstructed orders with the trusted messenger. In your absence, I, your
chosen proxy, have done my best to maintain all local affairs, but I fear
that my actions will come to naught if your intervention may not come soon.
But, before you hear my plea, I must inform you of the state of the Valley
since your departure months ago."
"As you are aware, the neighboring villages in the Valley have become
restless, as there is, at present, a power vacuum which we once filled. As
you know, since our humiliation at the hands of the outsiders, our power
base, which once consisted of the younger warriors, has diminished greatly.
Since the outsiders have demonstrated that the traditions are weak, they
have taken up open insubordination, if not outright rebellion. I spoke with
Jiang-shen, and he complained that his underlings failed to attend the
lessons of ritual, favoring other pursuits, such as... satellite television
that, as you remember, one of our Amazons abroad introduced to the younger
warriors. How they got their hands on a satellite dish is beyond me; much
more, I have no idea how they're getting power. That is but one example of
what is happening to our youth, and that is just the boys. The young
warriors, on the other hand, are skipping their practice sessions."
"In result, we no longer present the other tribes with a suitable threat.
In fact, if truth be told, we are being compared to cow herders. This is
far worse than the disaster that befell the Phoenix Mountain people; they
only lost their ruler, and yet, they did not suffer ridicule or threat from
the other tribes. If we are not careful, we may go the way of the Musk;
they were once feared by all in the Valley, but, since the disaster that
befell them, only a handful remain. They are still formidable, but none of
the tribes fear them anymore. In fact, some tribes believe they are extinct,
and that is a fate I wish to avoid for ourselves."
"And so, when there is a power vacuum in the fragile Valley, there are
those who would rise up to fill that vacuum. The rumors are unreliable, and,
at best, I would have to guess that either the Elemen or the N'issani are
planning something. Both tribes have much to gain, and the means to get
what they want-- power. Among us, the Musk, and the Phoenix people, the
trinity of old, all have fallen to time, and, unless something is done,
we will be swept aside by our enemies, to become only a memory in the minds
of their children."
"In conclusion I implore you, Matriarch, to return home and help settle
the matter before it becomes too critical. Your proxy begs of you!"
Cologne scanned the note once more, checking for a hidden message that
wasn't there. Typical, she thought with disgust. So you've endangered the
tribe by blatently writing out a note that could easily have been
intercepted, and thus may have started a war much sooner than expected.
Oh, in my younger days, no one would have written such a sloppy note!
So, that was it, eh? Times are changing. Well, Mousse, it looks like you
were right from the start, eh? Of course, I'd never tell you that.
The old matriarch crumpled-up the letter in her fists, turning the paper
into a small, rigid ball. She then tossed it into her mouth. While taking
in a hard swallow, Cologne produced a clean sheet of paper and a brush pen,
then set about writing her own note.
"Since you're too simple-minded to use our old message system," the old
woman wrote, "I'll make this response as straightforward as possible, for I
doubt that you would understand the meaning of a properly-encoded message."
"By the time the bearer of this letter should arrive, make sure to have
some warm tea ready, plus add some of the white wujen spice. And I do mean
WHITE. He'll no doubt appreciate it, for it'll allow him to sleep for a
good thirty-six hours, a sufficient amount of time for you to compose a
reply and send the messenger on his way."
"As to the matter you have presented to me. Do not bother yourself with
the Elemen or the N'issani, for they are not the true threat. Did you not
notice that, of all the tribes in the Valley, that they, among others, would
dare to rise against ones beyond their caliber, namely us? No, don't be such
a fool! Historically-speaking, the Elemen and the N'issani were never a
threat to anyone's power, not even to that of the benign tribes. Because,
my simple proxy, everyone in the Valley knows of the fragile balance that
keeps the world together. We are but one in that balance. Of course, there
are the occasional skirmishes with the other tribes, but never all-out war.
Think of the Valley as a massive web of symbiosis; if our village did not
have access to the neighboring flatlands, our warrior strength would be
meaningless. And, of course, in turn, we protect them. The same goes for
all the other villages. If one rose to open war against another, then the
other tribes would retaliate, until the offending tribe and the victimized
tribe were both destroyed. Open war would eventually destroy us all.
Therefore, no, the threat is not the other tribes, but what is lurking in
the shadows."
"I will admit, that I do not know what lurks in the shadows, but whoever
or whatever it is knows how to play the game. I have seen this but once in
my youth; a hidden enemy would put all sides against each other, pitting
the factions against each other until they were all but destroyed, then
strike himself. You were much too young to remember then, but the offending
tribe was wiped-out entirely, and the divided factions were eventually
absorbed by the other tribes. So, in that way at least two tribes were
wiped out. That, my proxy, is the reason why the Valley must not go to war.
If it comes down to war, then the lurker in the shadows will have won. Find
and seek whoever is hiding in the shadows, and eliminate him as soon as
possible, for the damage done will be irreversible."
"Therefore, no, I will not be returning home at this time. If the tribes
come to the brink of war, summon me at once, but not one moment before that.
There are wheels in motion that are beyond my control, and I must monitor
them as well, for these wheels may roll into our tribal affairs. If you do
not hear from me again within six months, then prepare yourselves for a
coming battle. Gather up the Amazons and the trainees. Train them well, and
with all the weapons and styles available. Destroy the satellite dish, if
necessary. Make sure those whelps are not hiding portable entertainment
devices, and make sure they attend their lessons and pay attention to them.
Beat the rogues, if necessary, but by the time I return home I want to see
the glory of the old days once more. For if we do not, then indeed our
tribe and tradition will be swept away with the sands."
"When I was younger, a wiseman once told me, 'when the long night comes,
go back to the end of the beginning.' Keep those words in mind while you
carry out my wishes, as I shall. If you do not understand, that is fine, so
long as when the time comes you do understand you know what to do. Keep the
tribe together until the time I am to make my return home."
Cologne signed the document in her name, then set down the brush pen.
Producing a sturdy envelope, the old matriarch stamped the back with
symbols of urgency, all the while allowing the ink on the letter to dry.
After allowing a few minutes to pass, Cologne folded up the letter, then
placed it carefully into the envelope, then sealed it with her own personal
seal. She placed the envelope up her sleeves, reminding herself to give the
message to Shampoo's father in the morning.
The old matriarch sighed. "Now, let us hope that the end of the beginning
is truly not the beginning of the end."
* * * * *
Closing: Red Poppy (Tsubasa)
(Ranma 1/2 Fighting Song Karuta, track 7)
(Tsubasa) Today....
[Without warning, Tsubasa is removed from the stage as his replacement
arrives....]
(Konatsu) Today,
Because it started to rain,
Breaking my promise, I was at home, mm.
Sorry,
It's not that I hate you,
I don't know why I wanted to do that.
I tried decorating with a single blossom,
which a tear-like drop quietly trickled down.
I'm glad I'm not a red poppy;
I don't feel like blooming innocently.
That insignificant flower is like me.
Silently, I pray alone.
You know,
When we just join [both] hands,
It's selfish to think of God, mm.
But,
He should explain to me
At least the reason for this misery.
If I were reborn a flower,
I'd prefer canary yellow petals.
Being a red poppy up on the hill,
I'd gaze at the wind and chat.
Leaving even my sigh that day to the stars,
like a child, I want to bloom.
I'm glad I'm not a red poppy;
I don't feel like blooming innocently.
That insignificant flower is like me.
Silently, I pray alone.
-----------------------------------------------
Author's Rant
The final part of the past stories, featuring Mousse. Well, I decided to
let Mousse back into the tribe, after a long banishment. Now, the ties to
the past have been largely resolved, we can get on with spinning the wheel.
This story was particularly hard to write because I don't like Cologne or
Shampoo, yet they are important to the story. Some of the information in
Mousse's story was regurgitated from what was told in "Descending Spiral,"
during which Mousse meets his master for the second time. This must be the
shortest story I've written in this series.
In any case, I really don't think Mousse and Shampoo have much of a chance
together unless both of them undergo real changes in their lives. I believe
I'm running along that track right now, as now I've given Cologne's approval
of Mousse's pursuit, and the fact that Shampoo may be a little bit
interested in Mousse. Of course, not enough to go romantic for quite a
while, mind you. I, personally, don't believe in the Mousse/Shampoo couple,
as Shampoo doesn't give a rat's ass if Mousse dies.
Forgiveness to Tom Jones for borrowing his song.
Evolution of the China Gang in the Wheel of Fire
What has changed in Mousse: he stood up against Cologne during Ranma and
Akane's second wedding, defying law and tradition for what he believed was
right. Results in his banishment from the tribe, but with pain he receives
new eyes: eyes that see. In this way Mousse begins to understand reality and
others, but remains unwavering in devotion to those who forsake him. His
change was not brought about by himself, but by circumstance; the result is
a more introspective Mousse. Of course, he's still got a ways to go before
Shampoo could love him.
What has changed in Shampoo: she can no longer hide her feelings behind
Ranma anymore. With careful prodding from the others, she's come to admit
that there might be a small part of her that admires Mousse. So long as
Mousse behaves himself, Shampoo could get to like him. She loves and admires
the warrior spirit within him, the same spirit within her Amazon sisters.
Her feelings for Ranma, while remaining strong, have leashed itself, for
everyone's sake.
What has changed in Cologne: she has been defied time and again in the
wake of Ranma and Akane's wedding. Tradition must be enforced, thus the
conflicts with the other Nerimans. But, in the final battle, she realized
that her conservative ways could spell the ruin of her tribe, thus she
decided to change her ways, but the changes have been slow in coming. Slowly
she has allowed Mousse back into her life.
What has changed in Shampoo's father: Nothing. He still doesn't say a
word, and he doesn't ever get a name.
What has changed in Ling-ling and Lung-lung: the dragon twins were once
filled with the same zeal for tradition as was in Shampoo, but, having
traveled abroad (Amazons typically don't do this), they've come to the
conclusion that the ways of the tribe are not always the correct ways. Their
doubt in tradition almost got them killed, yet they see the truth in
Mousse's words and flock to his side. Change has come easy to the two young
twins. The annoying and pathetic boy of yesterday transformed into one of
the wisest of all their tribe in their eyes.
Razorclaw X
http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
______________________________________________________
Hinageshi (Red Poppy)
"Ranma 1/2 Nettouhen" ending theme (1991)
kyou, Today,
ame ga furi-dashita no dakara because it started to rain,
yakusoku yabutte ie ni ita no Mm breaking my promise, I was at home, mm.
gomen, Sorry,
kirai ni natta no ja nakute it's not that I hate you,
nantonaku sou shitakatta I don't know why I wanted to do that.
hana wo ichirin kazatte mita no
POTARI to shizuku namida mitai ni
I tried decorating with a single blossom,
which a tear-like drop quietly trickled down.
* hinageshi no hana de nakute yokatta
mujaki ni saku ki ni wa narenai
na mo nai sono hana wa watashi mitai ne
hissori hitori inoru no
I'm glad I'm not a red poppy;
I don't feel like blooming innocently.
That insignificant flower is like me.
Silently, I pray alone.
nee, You know,
ryoute awaseta toki ni dake when we just join [both] hands,
kami-sama omou no wagamama yo ne Mm it's selfish to think of God, mm.
demo, But,
kono setsunasa no wake gurai He should explain to me
oshiete kurete mo ii desho at least the reason for this misery.
umare-kawatte hana ni naru nara If I were reborn a flower,
KANARIYA-iro no hanabira ga ii I'd prefer canary yellow petals.
hinageshi ni natte oka no ue kara
kaze wo nagame oshaberi suru no
sono hi no tameiki mo hoshi ni makasete
kodomo no you ni sakitai
Being a red poppy up on the hill,
I'd gaze at the wind and chat.
Leaving even my sigh that day to the stars,
like a child, I want to bloom.
* Repeat
Singer: Nakajima Michiyo
Lyricist/Composer: Endou Kyouko
Arranger: Takebe Satoshi
Translation: Theresa Martin (March 7, 1994)
_____________________________________________________
It's Not Unusual (Tom Jones)
It's not unusual to be loved by anyone
It's not unusual to have fun with anyone
But when I see you hanging about with anyone
It's not unusual to see me cry, oh I wanna' die
It's not unusual to go out at any time
But when I see you out and about it's such a crime
If you should ever want to be loved by anyone, It's not unusual
It happens every day no matter what you say
You find it happens all the time
Love will never do what you want it to
Why can't this crazy love be mine
It's not unusual, to be mad with anyone
It's not unusual, to be sad with anyone
But if I ever find that you've changed at anytime
It's not unusual
To find out that I'm in love with you
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
__________________________________________________
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