* * *
The clerk handed the man his ticket. " There you go sir, your two way ticket. I hope you will enjoy your travel."
The young man smiled back. " I'm sure I will, thank you." He walked to his gate, blissfully ignorant of the looks passing women gave him. Partially it was because he wasn't interested in other women, and partially it was that even with his glasses he couldn't see well enough to notice the looks.
Walking up to the metal detector, he placed his bag on the counter, and then handed over a slip of paper. " I'm carrying a Chinese sword for examination back home. Here are my papers."
The guard gave the papers a custom glance before returning it. A quick search proved the man correct, and he was quickly on his way, carrying his bag with him onto the plain.
Putting his bag in the overhead compartment, he carefully made his way past the people trying to find their seats and the stewardesses helping people settle down. He walked into the bathroom, closing it and locking it behind him.
Mousse reached inside his robe, and after a little search pulled out a curled up Shampoo. " We're here, Shampoo."
Slowly she stood up, working all the kinks out of her limbs and neck. Then she flashed a grin at him. " See? Told you it work. Not so hard, right?"
" Well, you were wiggling around quite a bit. And you're lucky that I had Nabiki write those papers in case of emergency…"
She waved him off. " No matter. We here, we go to China and back in no time. Now, let's find seats."
She walked out of the bathroom, ignoring the looks from other passengers as Mousse hurried out after her. Mousse was blushing furiously for some reason, probably thinking about what the other passengers were thinking. Shampoo had been raised to not let the opinions of others affect her in the least, and she certainly lived by that rule.
The took their seats, Shampoo claiming the window. Mousse waved off the stewardess, relaxing back in his seat with a sigh. Shampoo noticed the look that the stewardess gave him, and bit back a snort. Like Mousse would be interested in a non-warrior like her. I'd try, but he'd come running back to me again. Like always. She looked out the window, and watched as the ground slowly moved underneath her as the plane started to move. Her first time on a plane (but not the first time flying) she watched the entire event of lifting off with interest.
Even more enjoyable was the sight of a sunrise through the clouds. As the plane lifted into the clouds, Shampoo felt as though she were surrounded by colors, colors ranging from deep violet to bright pink.
She touched mousse's shoulder, unable to take her eyes from the view. " Mousse, look quick. The clouds so pretty…"
A light snore was her only response. Turning to look at him, slumped back in his chair oblivious to the world, she wondered why did she bring him along.
I could have taken his passport and left, or made him by me a ticket. It certainly would have been easier; I wouldn't have to put up with his falling asleep at inappropriate moments, although he was working all night, and his constant babbling, although it might be nice for someone to talk too…
She shook her head ruefully, looking out the window just as the plane cleared the clouds. Humph. Even when he's not awake, Mousse is trouble, making me miss that beautiful sunrise…
Stifling a yawn, Shampoo felt her eyelids growing heavy. Leaning back, she decided that a quick nap would be good after running around all night…
* * *
It wasn't the bumps that woke her up, but the deceleration of the plane. Opening her eyes, it took her a moment to remember where she was, why she was here, whom she was leaning on…
Then she noticed that she was leaning on someone, and had been while asleep. Looking out of the corner of her eyes, she noted the white robes, the yellow and blue designs, the heat under the clothes…
Pulling away, she looked carefully into his face. He was still asleep, although he was smiling contentedly. She was grateful that he hadn't woken up to notice her… awkward position against him. Tapping him on she shoulder, she whispered " Mousse. Wake up."
And just like that, he woke up. It was an old trick she had learned long ago, her ability to wake him up at the smallest command. Now, if only I could put him to sleep that easily…
" Are we there?" He asked, looking around.
" Hopefully, unless plane change course when we, when YOU sleep." She was not about to mention her moment of weariness, not in front of him.
Mousse, clueless as usual, didn't notice her emphasis. He stood up, stretching. " Well then, aren't you glad that I came along? After all, it would have been hard for you to get onto the plane…" Smugness crept into his tone, more than she thought his action warranted.
" Yes, fine, glad, we just go now." Waving off his boasts, she snagged her bag as she marched toward the door. He hurried behind her, trying to keep pace and apologize to people she ran over at the same time.
As they disembarked, they realized that something was wrong. The characters on the signs were Chinese, but there was English and Japanese mixed in as well. Looking around slowly, Shampoo noticed a sign hanging just above the entranceway, for people just disembarking.
Welcome To Hong Kong
" Aiyah! Stupid, stupid Mousse, you get on wrong plane!"
* * *
Eight hours later, a still angry Shampoo got off the plane arriving at Beijing, followed by a very bruised Mousse. She had gone beyond her usual punches and kicks, actually hitting him to do damage in her anger. This had been different enough from his usually beatings that he had asked, an hour later when he woke up, why she was in such a hurry.
So as she had been trying to get the money together for a trip to mainland China, she had explained to him the real reason she had come home. Cologne. The venom. The antidote.
Seeing how much this meant to her, Mousse had pulled out all the stops to make money for a new plane ticket. After selling most of his weapons, he had scraped together enough money to make another ticket, although Shampoo still had to hide when Mousse got on the plane.
" Shampoo," Mousse spoke hesitantly, as if fearing another outburst. " Where are we headed now? Are we going back to the village, or…"
" No." Snapped Shampoo, still annoyed at him for their extended trip. " We go to Jusenkyo, where we asked guide for information."
" Oh." They had made it out of the airport and to the edge of town before
Mousse asked his next question. " What sort of information?"
" Think, Mousse." Like you ever do… " Guide write about everyone who go there, right? So if some man get cursed like monster again…"
" … then we could find him and get the stinger!" Mousse finished, grinning. " Great idea, Shampoo!"
" I know. Now be quiet and walk, long road ahead." She resumed her trudging, ignoring Mousse as she thought of some sort of plan. She didn't know what kind of monster she was looking for, but was sure that the guide would know. After that, it was only a matter of tracking down the monster and taking the tail. And if it resister… well, she was an Amazon. She would do her duty.
They traveled for three days, only stopping when the need for rest was overwhelming, eating as they walked. Mousse would try to make conversation, but Shampoo remained silent for most of the trip, although hearing him talk did break the monotony of the trip, not that she would admit it.
On the evening of the third day, they finally made it to the cursed valley. Shampoo tried not to shiver as she stepped into the mist. This valley was truly cursed for people of her village, since people who had broken the tribal laws were brought here, something Shampoo had experienced first hand when she had returned home without killing female Ranma. Glancing over her shoulder, she caught Mousse looking at her in concern, and quickly turned away. Of course Mousse wouldn't feel the way she did; he had come here voluntarily, both to train and to prove how brave he was. All he managed to prove was what horrible judgment he had.
As they walked deeper into the valley, the hut of the guide slowly became visible. As they neared the front, a man in uniform walked out, as if expecting them.
" Ah, I recognize you." The guide said with a smile. " You girl Amazons bring to train, because you failed to kill Mr. Customer."
" Yes, but Shampoo not here for that." She snapped, and then forced herself to calm down, if only because she needed his help. " Shampoo looking for information about curse."
The guide looked at her, confused. " Which curse, there are many springs here."
With a sigh Shampoo set down he pack, sitting on it to relax her legs as she told the story Cologne had told here. Mousse stood behind her, looking around for any source of danger, memorizing where the springs were so he wouldn't fall in, and idly wondering why the two of them were speaking in Japanese.
" I see." The guide said slowly, tapping his chin in thought. " Few people fall in that many springs like that." Then, seeing her depressed look, he smiled. " But I have good news, two people have in last twenty years."
" Really?" Shampoo leapt up, elated. " Who? Where are they?"
Thinking long and hard, the guide pointed to the north. " One of them stop by here lately. He went that way, should still be fairly close."
" Thank you!" Shampoo grabbed her bag and took off, leaping over springs and poles in her hurry. Startled, Mousse raced to catch up.
" Wait for me, Sham… WACK!" Undignified, he pitched head first into the first spring he came across. The guild walked over, looking at the small form that floated to the surface.
" So, very bad sir. You have fallen into spring of drowned duck…"
Mousse rolled his eyes. Figures
* * *
That evening Shampoo sat before the campfire, the first one they had to make since coming here. She was so confidant in finding the monster that she had decided that they could rest the entire night. She saw that Mousse seemed glad, although he had taken his sweet time getting out of the valley she wondered why he looked so worn out. She was tempted to ask, but didn't want him thinking she cared.
* * *
Dawn was greeted with the four Amazons already traveling. The twins had information gathered by village scouts as to where one of the monsters was. As they traveled the girls took turns talking about how livestock had vanished from village in the last few weeks, and how warriors had spotted some monstrous creature crawling away from flocks and houses. The more they talked, the more nervous Mousse got.
* * *
Shampoo wasn't quite sure why she woke up. The half moon hung in the sky, so it was still night, but the fire was dead, so she must have been sleeping for a while. Rolling over, she placed it on nerves. I finally get to sleep, and then I wake myself back up. It'll be the first fight I fall asleep in the middle of…
* * *
Two days later, Shampoo ran into the restaurant, injuries all but forgotten except for a small limp. " Great grandmother, where are you?" She shouted, then stopped cold, shocked to the core.
The end
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A sharp crack sounded through the forest, startling Mousse and moving Shampoo to action. Leaping into the air, she tossed a rock in the direction of the sound, flying upward to catch a second moving figure. Pulling it down, she slammed it down on the ground, pulling back a fist to finish it off.
" Wait big sister!" Shouted the figure. " It's me, Lung-lung!"
Shampoo froze, and then pulled the figure closer to the fire. Sure enough, the scared features that were looking up at her were that of her smaller sister. Relief came and went, replaced with annoyance. " Lung-Lung! What you do! You think sneaking up on warrior at night acceptable! During day is fun, but at night no can tell who you are!"
" Me sorry." Lung-lung sniffled, looking so miserable that Shampoo relaxed almost instantly.
" No big deal, just that you almost get hurt." Looking back into the forest Shampoo sighed. " Then sound must have been Ling-ling?"
When she got an affirmative nod from the diminutive Amazon, Shampoo leapt into the forest, looking for her other sister. She found her in a bush, clutching a bruise in the center of her forehead and crying.
Picking her up, Shampoo carried her back to camp. " There there, is only small bruise. Shampoo have medicine, make hurt go away." The medicine in question was one of Cologne's remedies, but Shampoo had enough practical knowledge to know how to use it.
After applying the medicine, Shampoo checked on Mousse. Lung-lung's weapon had hit him squarely between the eyes, putting him to sleep early.
What slow reflexes, it's a wonder he grew as strong as he did. With a sigh she pushed him over, using him as a seat as she gestured for the girls to sit on her mat. " So, what bring you here?"
Both girls looked at each other, then sheepishly at Shampoo. " Big sister, we are not so good at Japanese. Since we no in Japan, could we speak normal, please?" Ling-ling pleaded.
Shampoo blinked, then laughed. < I'm sorry, I guess it's been so much of a habit. Great-grandmother does insist that I should practice my Japanese constantly, since it wouldn't do to have my culture represented so poorly.>
The twins relaxed, pleased to see their big sister back to normal. < Are you going to stay in the village for a while after you beat the monster?> Lung-lung asked.
< No, I'm afraid I don't have the time… how did you know I was here to fight a monster?> She asked, confused at her sisters knowledge.
Both of them looked smug and sheepish at the same time. < Well, we overheard the elders talking, saying that you had come back to beat some monster for great grandmother.> Shampoo didn't think it necessary to ask how they ‘overheard' what the elders had said.
Ling-ling spoke up, pride in her voice and stance. < But we couldn't let our big sister fight some monster without our help! So we came here…>
< Sneaking up on you was her idea!> Lung-lung broke in.
< In any case,> Shampoo said loudly, quieting the two girls down. < I want both of you to go right back to the village. This is too dangerous for little warriors such as yourselves, I will not allow you to become involved in this impromptu monster hunt.>
< But big sister!> They both cried out at the same time. < We brought you the formula!>
< What?> Shampoo blinked. < The antidote formula?>
Both girls nodded, pride written all over their faces. Shampoo held out her hand. < Give it to me then, so I can understand what part of the monster I need.>
The sisters nervously looked at each other, then shook their heads. < We're not giving this to you…> started Ling-ling.
< … until you promise to let us come along!> Finished Lung-lung.
< You little scamps.> Marveled Shampoo, leaning back on her living seat. With a sigh, she nodded. < Fine, but stay at a distance, okay? I want to take the first swing at it.>
< Okay!> They both nodded. Ling-ling fished around in her small handbag before pulling out a piece of parchment. Shampoo took it, looking it over carefully. The twins were pulling out their things for a nights rest when Shampoo gave a groan of irritation, causing both of them to look at her with concern. < Big sister? >
Shampoo tossed the formula down in irritation. < This is nearly impossible!> She groused. < Not only do I need the entire stinger from the creature, it has to be something that fell into the spring of yeti-riding-bull-and-carrying-crane-and-eel, it must then fall into spring of drowned viper, then into spring of drowned spider, and then into spring of drowned scorpion! And under a full moon, for some mind-boggling reason.>
The two small Amazons looked at each other, confused. < So are we going to have to drag an animal through each of those springs?>
< No,> Shampoo said with a sigh. < It won't be a full moon for another two weeks, and by then it might be too late.> Her face hardened. < We must go after the creatures we had heard about, and pray that one of them meets the criteria. If not…>
Ling-ling looked at the prone Mousse. < Maybe next full moon we could use him? It might get him out of your hair.>
< No, I don't think so.> The fire must have been dimming, because the twins could have sworn that Shampoo had a tender look in her eyes. Then the light shifted, and they saw that she was merely smirking. < He does the odd jobs around the restaurant, keeps my groom in fighting form, and he makes a useful speed bump to slow my bike down.>
Chuckling partially in humor and partially in relief, the twins settled down on their own blankets. < Good night, big sister.> They chorused.
< Good night Ling-ling, Lung-lung. Get plenty of rest, we'll be getting up early in the morning.> Shampoo watched them drift asleep, wondering how she had been drafted to be the voice of experience.
When she was sure that they were well and truly asleep, she looked down at her black haired seat. " You no fool Shampoo, you know. Hope to hear girl talk."
Mousse grumbled something under his breath. When she poked him, he muttered " Yes."
" Too bad, stupid duck. Maybe next time." Snickering, she rose and made her way to her bed on the other side of the fire.
" Shampoo?"
Looking over her shoulder, she looked at Mousse, his hair falling around his face as he sat up, his glasses gone so that she could see his eyes filled with… worry? Anticipation? " Shampoo," he paused, then found his voice. " Shampoo, am I just a speed bump to you?"
She just looked at him, but for once he didn't flinch. One small part of her mind wondered if her sister had hit him harder than intended. Then, with a shrug, Shampoo turned back toward her bedroll. " Sometime you good seat, too."
That was, oddly enough, one of the best compliment she had given him. She could almost hear his mind trying to grapple what she had said as she settled down. Looking over her shoulder, she grinned at him good naturally. " Mousse. Get some sleep."
And he did.
She hadn't realized just how many weapons he had to sell to get here until she caught him picking up sticks, sharpening them, and sliding them up his sleeves. Then encouraged a ten minute insulting barrage from her as she informed him, in no uncertain terms, that she would be fighting the monster, not him. When he protested that it might take more than one person to beat the creature, he earned himself a punch that rocketed him far ahead of them. This cut any argument among the group as to who would fight the monster.
To Shampoo, there was no doubt as to who would beat the creature, or if she would. After all, if grandmother did so at my age, than I can do it. Mousse should put more trust in me, thinking I can't handle myself.
A stray thought crossed her mind. He's just worried about you. You've seen how he'll do anything to protect you.
Yes, and that's precisely what I'm going to avoid. Mousse has been around Neriam to long, he thinks I can't take care of myself. We'll, I'll show him!
So why are you showing off to Mousse and protecting him?
Shampoo was spared a confusing internal argument when they saw something fly by overhead. A large humanoid body covered in fur, the beast landed just over a ridge just in front of them.
" There's the monster! Let's get it!" Ling-ling and Lung-lung rushed forward, shouting their war cries as they vanished over the slope.
" You two come back here!" Shampoo shouted, running after them, furious that they took off ahead.
" Shampoo! Wait for me!" Mousse cried, taking up the rear.
The twins cleared the slope, vanishing from sight. As Shampoo reached the top their voices were suddenly cut off with two loud cracks. Shampoo ran faster, leaping over the top of the hill, and then skidding to a stop when she saw the scene below.
Both girls lay still at the feet of one human boy, a boy who was unpleasantly familiar to her. The earrings, the clothes, the empty teakettle next to him, the smirk (although there was some confusion in it as well), and most especially the pantyhose sash around his waist.
" Pantyhose." She snarled, pulling out her sword. " What you do to sisters?"
"Don't call me that, you bimbo!" He snarled back, clenching his fists. " They attacked first for no reason, although if they're related to you then I guess I can understand their dull thinking."
Shampoo heard a noise behind her, and with a sigh ducked as Mousse sailed by overhead.
"Don't you insult my Shampoo!" Mousse bellowed as he leapt down the hill. Blades, balls and yo-yos flew out of his sleeves, and with a quick count Shampoo guessed that this must be the remains of his arsenal.
Pantyhose Tarou was every bit as dangerous as she imagined. His hands were a blur as he swatted aside Mousse's weapons. When Mousse fell within range, Tarou leapt up foot first, smashing Mousse in the chin and knocking him over and out as Tarou continued the flip back to his feet.
With a smirk he faced Shampoo again. " Feh, is that the best you can do?"
Shampoo looked at him curiously, then sighed and put her sword again. " You no what I'm looking for, so you I no fight."
Tarou blinked. " What, a Amazon who doesn't want to fight?"
She grinned. " That mean what I'm after is serious, right?"
He shrugged. " If you say so." He nudged Ling-ling with his foot. " Care to explain why these girls attacked me?"
Getting the feeling that she had done this before, Shampoo explained what she was looking for, and how the girls had confused him for the other, similar monster.
" Is that all?" He asked. " Doesn't seem that much to me."
" You try to get creature that was cursed under full moon." Shampoo groused.
" Been there, done that."
" Huh?"
Tarou looked away, his smirk broadening. " I had heard that a creature of that sort produced a venom more lethal than anything else in the world. So, when I last went to Jusenkyo I tried to get some of that poison."
" Let Shampoo guess," She said with a sigh, " You make creature to get venom to threaten Happosai, right?"
" That about sums it up, cat girl." His face fell. " I didn't… quite predict that the mix of creatures would be so… hostile."
Given who's talking… " How hostile?" She asked.
" Let me put it this way; I started with a caterpillar, I ended up having to… make a strategic withdrawal." His glare dared her to make fun of him, but she didn't bother. She didn't need a fight right now.
" So you know where monster is?" She saw that her sisters were starting to stir.
He waved vaguely to the west. " Last I saw, it had made a nest where it could hunt easily. I don't plan on using the poison anymore, since the old geezer would probably name me something worse before he died. You're free to have a go."
" Thank you." Shampoo said politely. Then she gave a sharp grin that had him taking a step back. " Now shampoo have two things to thank you for."
" Two?" He looked confused. " The creatures one, so what's the other?"
She began to chuckle as she gestured at her two sisters. " For making sure these two no go near monster."
As one the two girls opened their eyes, looking around wildly. As one they spotted Tarou, looking very confused. And as one, they shouted.
" Husband!"
Shampoo was quite impressed with Tarou's vocabulary as he ran up the hill, swearing all the way. Right on his heels were Ling-ling and Lung-lung, calling out to their new husband.
Shampoo chuckled. Ah, the memories. Then she gave a kick to Mousse. " Wake up, we have work to do."
Mousse groaned as he pulled himself to his feet. Watching Tarou and the girls leave, Mousse looked very grateful that nobody in Neriam knew that those marriage customs applied to him too. His life was complicated enough as it was.
Then his brain kicked in. " So, we're going after the monster?"
" Shampoo go after monster, stupid Mousse carry body back when done." She said over her shoulder as she started walking in the direction Tarou had indicated.
The walked into the night, neither one speaking as they pushed as hard as they could. Finally, by nightfall, Shampoo was confidant that they would see the monster by tomorrow.
" We rest now." She declared, dropping her bag to the ground. " Tomorrow we go, find nest, and Shampoo kill monster to make antidote."
Mousse said nothing, merely sitting down and preparing wood he had collected for a fire. Feeling usually cheerful, Shampoo smacked him on the back. "Come on Mousse, why so glum? Tomorrow be big fight, then we go back to Neriam in celebration!"
He paused in his work, then looked up at her. Shampoo felt her elation drain away when she saw the wounded look in his eyes. Wondering if he had (seriously) injured himself fighting Tarou, Shampoo knelt down next to him. " Mousse alright? Something hurt?"
"Shampoo…" He looked away, then suddenly spun to face her, hurt and anger in his face. " Why can't I fight with you! I've trained just as long or as hard any anyone, and I want to be there when…"
" Mousse!" Her shout silenced him like no blow could. He slumped down as she continued. " Don't be stupider than usual. You no real warrior, no good in this sort of fight." Her glare took on additional edge. " How many weapons you have left?"
Slowly, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small spear. " It's not much, but…"
" It's nothing! You think you can fight with just that?"
" You just have your sword!" Now he was on his feet, shouting back at her.
" I can use my weapon; you just throw things!"
" I held my own against Ranma in hand to hand!"
" When he stuck in girl form!"
" So are you saying girls can't figh…"
Her slap spun him completely around, driving him to one knee. The silence filled the air, only broken by the sound of the fire. Shampoo looking at her hand with confusion, Mousse holding his cheek in horror.
" He spoke first. " Shampoo, I'm…"
" Shut up!" She stalked past him, grabbing her mat and throwing it down on the other side of the fire. " Go to sleep. Have long day tomorrow with no time to listen to you whine."
He looked at her as she flattened her sleeping mat again and again. Finally, he lay down, back to her and the fire.
Settling down, she found that sleep was impossible. She was trying to sort out what had happened, what had made him, made both of them snap. He just wanted to fight to prove himself, to show that he was a warrior…
That small irritatingly logical voice in her head spoke up again. Or he just wants to protect you, the way you're trying to do to him.
Shut up! She curled up, willing sleep to come. It's not like that! He could become duck soup for all I care, it's just I want to do this, to prove I'm still the best warrior around!
The voice, unfortunately, didn't have to listen to her orders. Yes, killing something like would be a nice trophy for Ranma, who probably hasn't noticed that you're gone…
Shut up!!
Or it persisted has ever appreciated the gifts you gave him. You normally have to change into a cat to convince him. Is killing this thing going to impress him…
The stress was finally catching up with her, her great grandmothers announcement that she would die, the delays getting here, her fight with Mousse, it overwhelmed her, allowing her doubts to crawl into her mind and haunt her. He pulled herself close, trying to push her own dark thoughts away.
And while she fretted, Mousse thought.
Oh well, might as well not be the only one to suffer. With a grin, she pushed herself up, then crept quietly over to Mousse's mat.
His mat, but no Mousse.
Her thought of he can't be serious can at the exact moment a monstrous bellow tore through the air, followed by a familiar human war cry.
"Mousse!" She almost outran her shout, picking her sword up as she ran. The dim moonlight became hidden behind rolling clouds, and rocks and cracks caught her foot near every step. She followed the noises, growing in ferocity and volume, and finally managed to climb a tall enough hull to see the fight.
Two figures fought on the plateau below. One was Mousse, welding nothing but his hands as he punched and kicked the monster. And what a monster it was, being quite possible the ugliest thing she had ever seen. It had a bullhead and a humanoid torso, but the face ended at the jaw, where spider mandibles clicked together in the moonlight. Below its waist it had a giant set of spiders legs, eight legs moving in harmony to circle around the dodging Mousse. She didn't notice the snake aspect immediately, until she saw how it moved. The arms and torso swayed and bent away from Mousse's blows, dodging as nothing with solid bones could move.
What caught her attention was the tail, a giant scorpion stinger that rose above the head, poised to strike if Mousse let his guard down.
And down it went, for as Mousse dodged a lightning fast punch, the torso bent to the side allowing the tail free movement.
Shampoo's breath caught in her throat as the tail stabbed down into Mousse's chest. It picked him up for a brief second before throwing him aside, ripping his shirt open as he crashed into the rocks, bouncing once before laying still.
The monster took one step forward before the moon came out of hiding, and Shampoo's shadow was cast down upon it. Confused, it looked up, seeing her framed by the half moon, wind blowing her hair as she slowly lifted her sword, vengeance in her eyes.
It did not understand the implications of her appearance, all it knew was that there was another victim. With a gargling roar it started to scale the hill, it's legs finding grips in solid rock.
The wall was steep, impossible to run down, and the ground was to far down for a safe jump.
Shampoo didn't care about safety; She jumped.
Halfway up the hill, the creature lost its grip as Shampoo slammed into it at to speed. Crouched on its chest, she stabbed at it while they fell, driving her blade clean through the shoulder. Whether it roared in pain or anger she couldn't tall, but it was still mobile enough to hit her in the face with it's other arm, throwing her aside.
Both landed heavily, and for a moment all was still. Then, slowly, they both began to pick themselves up. The monsters right arm hung uselessly, and it's two back legs refused to move. But it still pulled itself forward.
Shampoo's face had blood pouring from a wound it had given her in the forehead. One eye was shut, and she was breathing heavily. She knew she had broken several ribs in the fall, and had a hard time catching her breath. It didn't matter; this thing had to die.
They stumbled toward each other, then exploded into action. The creature's arms and legs flailed at it struck at her. Shampoo deflected and dodged the blows, her sword flashing in the light.
A slash, and a spider leg spun free of the body.
A punch, and Shampoo could hear her knee pop out of its socket as he leg didn't get out of the way in time.
Another slash, and the monsters dead arm was now flying free. Blood covered the ground where they fought, one incapable of surrender, the other never considering it.
Suddenly, when dodging a kick, Shampoo was grabbed around the torso by the monsters free hand. She watched, empty save for a vague sense of regret, as the torso twisted, the tail rearing back to strike. I'm sorry everyone. I'm sorry I failed great-grandmother, I'm sorry I never impressed Ranma, I'm sorry for all the fights and tricks and schemes.
I'm sorry Mousse…
The tail came down.
Shampoo froze, watching the tail aim for her face. Everything seemed to grow still, and it was as if the tail froze just in front of her face.
It was the monsters scream and tightening of its grip that proved to her that time hadn't stopped. Looking past the torso, she saw a spear, propped upright between the spider body and the tail, was keeping the stinger from descending any farther.
Supporting the thing piece of wood and steel was Mousse.
Neither said a word; they didn't need to. With a shout, Shampoo broke the creature's hold on her, snapping the fingers off in the process. As the spear broke she had already run forward, under the tail, driving the sword up to the hilt in the monsters stomach.
Looking up into its eyes, she snarled " Die. Just die!"
Using all her strength she pushed the sword upward, slicing through organs and bone and flesh. She continued up, leaping with her one good leg until she reached the head, and passed it.
Landing heavily several feet away, Shampoo watched as the upper torso fell in half, a vial fluid and a worse smell flooding the area.
Mousse stumbled to her side, kneeling down next to her, his shirt ripped off, still holding half a spear. " Shampoo…"
She held a hand up for silence, reaching down to her leg. Clenching her teeth, she still grunted in pain as she snapped her knee back into place. Mousse looked amazed and awed as she slowly stood, his purple haired goddess covered with her blood and her enemies, yet still walking with a slow but determined stride. Moving over to the corpse, she lifted the sword once and, with a flourish, separated the tail from the body. Lifting it, she gestured with her chin that they should leave.
They walked away from the battlefield, traveling a good distance before Shampoo halted. Dropping the tail, she turned to Mousse, running her hands over his chest in confusion. " How…"
With a tired grin, Mousse lifted the spear. In the center of the shaft was a hole where the stinger had struck, digging into the wood. " Tough little thing." He said with a smile.
She nodded once. Then, in a tired voice, she said " Lay down."
His bruised mind was stumped. " Huh?"
" Lay down. Shampoo not walking all the way back to camp for a pillow."
With a tired chuckle Mousse obligingly laid down. Shampoo sat next to him, then rested her cheek and arms on his chest. After a moment, she gave a tired laugh. " Least stupid Mousse good for something."
" Glad to hear it." He closed his eyes, relaxing.
" Of course, this never happened." She opened one eye, watching him.
" Of course."
" And of course, stupid Mousse never stupidly ran off to fight that thing by himself.
"Of course." Was his sleepy reply.
" And of course, Mousse never saved Shampoo by stopping that things tail."
No reply. Tapping his chin, she saw that he was well and truly asleep. With a small smile she closed her eyes.
" Well, Shampoo knows."
People in the restaurant looked at her for a moment before returning to their meals, fresh hot ramen. As she watched two bowls came flying out of the kitchen to settle down gently on one of the tables. " Two for table three." Came a familiar, creaky voice.
" Great Grandmother!" Shampoo ran to the counter as a small figure hopped onto the surface. Cologne looked at her descendant with a cheerful smile.
" Why hello Shampoo, how are you feeling? You seem to have picked up a extra wound or two, you may want to take it easy." The smile turned into a full-scale grin as Shampoo's mouth dropped open, stunned.
" Shampoo! Did you get it… to…her?" Mousse ran into the room, then slid to a halt when he saw the elder Amazon alive and kicking.
" Great grandmother…" Shampoo paused, trying to find the right words. " Great grandmother, how did you get better? You said you were going to die?"
Cologne absently took out her herbal pipe, examining it carefully. " Did I now?"
Shampoo hauled up the antidote she had made on the plane. It filled a gallon container. " Yes, and Shampoo go all the way to china to make this antidote for you!"
" Well that was very kind of you dear, but I'm afraid you misunderstood what I said." Cologne reached behind her and pulled up a large container, which turned out to be a half full gallon container. " My antidote had been left back in China, so I just called them up and asked them to send it over."
There was a thud as Mousse and Shampoo fell to the floor, twitching. Raising an eyebrow, Cologne caught Shampoo's antidote with her cane and set it behind the counter. Then, glancing down at the two of them, she asked sweetly " So, did you have a fun vacation, great granddaughter?"
Shampoo demonstrated that, while her basic Japanese language skills were lacking, he vocabulary on swear words was quite up expressive.
" If you say so, deary." Cologne took a puff on his pipe, glanced at the clock, and said " Any minute now…"
Pantyhose Tarou tore through the door, gasping for air. He looked around wildly, looking for an escape.
" Try the back door through the kitchen, boy. They might think you went upstairs again." Cologne gestured, and Tarou ran past her, through the kitchen and out the back door.
As Shampoo and Mousse were standing up, Ling-ling and Lung-lung burst through the front door, breathing heavily, looking around wildly.
" He went through the back door, kiddies." Cologne gestured, and the two girls ran by, through the kitchen and out the back door.
Shampoo eyed her elder. " How long this go on?"
Cologne made some mental calculations, then shrugged. " Two days? I think they ran here. Good speed and endurance training for the girls."
Shampoo shook her head, determined not to think about it. " Mousse. We home now, so start cleaning up now!"
He nodded, picking up her backpack. " Alright, Shampoo."
Cologne raised her other eyebrow, watching Mousse almost bounce up the stairs before eyeing Shampoo. " My, he takes orders better now. What did you do to drill obedience into him?"
Shampoo shrugged, picking up a tray and starting to load it up with ramen. " Stupid Mousse finally understand he need some watching. He get's into trouble, otherwise."
" True, so true." Cologne chuckled. " So, when you went to China, did you get a chance to visit the cursed springs? Find a cure?"
There was a brief silence, then…
"AIYAH!!!"