#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 Nekohanten 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 Nekohanten. They've become disillusioned with their tribe's ways, but keep it to themselves. Shampoo's father also works at the Nekohanten 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 Nekohanten. 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 Nekohanten. 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 __________________________________________________