JediKasumi08 Jedi Kasumi By Jim R. Bader & Brandon Kelly (Inspired by Takahashi and Lucas) Chapter Eight. The Amazon Strikes Back The Story So Far: It is a time of great turmoil in Nerima. Apprenticed Jedi Knight Kasumi Tendo has returned from her travels abroad with her mentor, the Jedi Knight Trieste, to learn of her potential engagement to a boy by the name of Saotome Ranma. Unfortunately her younger sister, Nabiki, an apprenticed Force Master, has also displayed an interest in this new Iinazuke, and has approached Ranma with the offer of friendship... Unfortunately for our hero and heroines, a girl by the name of Kuonji Ukyo shows up also professing to be Ranma's iinazuke, and to further complicate matters is revealed to be none other than the Padawan of the evil Sith Lord, Darth Purge, who heads a gang of similarly minded dark Apprentices intending the ruin and destruction of all things Jedi... Ranma's long estranged mother returns into his life and reveals the existence of a suicide pact signed by Genma and bearing the handprint of Ranma, pledging that Ranma will be a "Man among Men" or else commit ritual Seppuku, a pledge complicated by the curse that Ranma currently endures of turning into a girl when splashed by cold water... Seeking to exploit this situation, Ukyo presents herself before Nodoka and reveals her own engagement, only to learn that the existence of multiple fiancées is, in fact ,considered as evidence of Ranma's "manliness." outraged by Ukyo's perfidy, Kasumi chases her off and Nabiki pursues the apprenticed Sith Lord with Ranma-chan by her side, only to fall prey to an ambush that seems likely to result in the death of the Middle Tendo daughter...however, at the very last moment a new player arrives on the scene, the Amazon known as Shampoo of the Joketsuzoku... Ranma-chan was indeed much distressed as she saw the purple haired girl step through the debris of the ruined wall. She swallowed thickly and asked, "Shampoo? How-when did you get to Japan?" "Is long story," the purple haired Amazon replied before turning her gaze towards Ukyo, "Tell you after this one has dealt with enemies." "You and what army?" Ukyo sneered, flashing her Light Saber and snarling, "Don't know who you are, but you get in my way and you're history!" "History favorite subject of Amazons," the purple haired girl replied, "This one does not think you are qualified to teach her." "Oh yeah?" Ukyo snarled, "Well, we'll see about that!" The Apprenticed Sith Lord charged forward with her Lightsaber at the ready, but to her complete surprise her opponent knelt down before her with one finger outstretched to touch the concrete, and before the dark- clad Chef could inquire what the purple haired girl was doing the ground literally erupted at her feet, forcing her to vault backward out of the way of the shrapnel that was hurled in her direction. "HIYYAAA!!!" the Amazon cried as she charged into the midst of the very cloud of debris that she herself had created, and for a moment she became little more than a blurry shadow at its center, but then Ukyo came tumbling out again, righting herself in mid-air and falling back into a defensive crouch, even as a whirlwind seemed to erupt from the cloud of dust and debris, forcing Ukyo to deflect a pelting rain of rapidly hurled gravel that flared against her Lightsaber and forced her further on the defensive. "W-Who is that?" Nabiki gasped from where she lay on the ground holding a hand to her bleeding shoulder. "Ah...her name's Shampoo," Ranma swallowed, "Met her a while ago in China...she's an Amazon...not to mention a pretty good fighter." "No fooling," Nabiki frowned, "Just how well do you know her?" "Ah...well..." the redhead winced as she considered just how to answer that question. Ukyo stopped retreating and stood her ground as the last of the gravel was exhausted. She glared at her antagonist and said, "Just who in the hell are you, and what do you think you're going interfering in my business?" "Your business?" Shampoo replied with a very odd expression, "This one does not think so. Shampoo has come a long way to find Ranma, and it is not for the likes of one such as you to stand between her and this purpose." "Shampoo, huh?" Ukyo glared, "You get that name because you dye your hair that awful color?" "This one does not know what you mean," Shampoo replied calmly, "This one's hair is its natural color. This one also fails to see why it should matter to you so. The color of one's hair has no direct bearing on the ability to fight." "Yeah?" Ukyo composed herself, "Well you're still in my way, Fortune Cookie, so get ready to be sliced into chow mien!" "This one does not believe so," the Amazon calmly said as she reached into thin air and suddenly produced an object that got a gasp from all quarters. Activating it so that it hummed to a brilliant light a purplish blue-white fire stretched out to form a blade-like gleam of about one meters length. Holding it up in both hands the Amazon said, "Now we fight as equals, but you still will be defeated." "How in the...?" Ukyo gasped, staring wide-eyed at yet another Lightsaber. "Hey!" Nabiki exclaimed from where Ranma stood protectively over her, "How did she get ahold of that?" "I dunno," Ranma replied, "You guys subscribe to the same mail order business or something?" "Just having that don't mean you know how to use it!" Ukyo snarled as she leaped forward with her ruby-red saber flashing out towards the Amazon, only to find her strike skillfully parried by the purplish beam of the other Lightsaber. "This one knows how to use her weapons," the Amazon calmly replied, "It is you who are the blunted weapon here." "What the hell does that mean?" Ukyo demanded as she struggled to penetrate the guard of the other girl, only to find Shampoo blocking her on the next two thrusts with surprising ease as if anticipating each cut before it could be executed. "This one senses great distress within you," the purple haired warrior remarked when their blades were locked and they were fighting for an advantage, "You have great skill and you are very strong, but your strength is not pure. You are very confused and your aura is clouded. This one believes that this is because you have a divided heart and do not know of your own purpose." "LIKE HELL!!!" Ukyo cried in outrage, "Who the hell are you to talk that way to me? Who do you think you're dealing with here???" Crimson eyes met sandalwood brown as the Amazon met her stare and said, "A fool, not a true enemy. You are enemy to yourself, and as such you have no business pursing Ranma." "NABIKI!" a voice called out in great distress, drawing attention back down the empty roadway where they saw Kasumi approaching at a run, her mentor, Trieste, not far behind her. "KUSO!" Ukyo snarled, "We'll meet again, Purple-locks, and next time I'll be ready!" "This one is always ready," the Amazon said as their blades were disengaged, "To meet a challenge from a friend or an enemy. Next time I'll be ready!" "This one is always ready," the Amazon said as their blades were disengaged, "To meet a challenge from a friend or an enemy. Your choice which one...this one will be waiting." With a murderous glare that promised many unpleasant things in the offing, Ukyo deactivated her lightsaber and turned to flee, vaulting to the nearest rooftop and springing from there at a dead run that would carry her many kilometers in a matter of seconds. Shampoo put her own weapon away, then casually turned around and beamed a bright smile towards Kasumi. "Nihao, Big Sister!" she waved in cheerful greeting. "Shampoo?" Kasumi slowed to a halt as she got a better look at the other girl, "Oh my...it is you! Shampoo...it's been years...but what are you doing in Japan?" "This one wanted to come see you," Shampoo said brightly, nodding to the side as she added, "And also to see her other Oath Sister, Ranma." "Shampoo," Trieste said in greeting, "A pleasant reunion this. Are you here alone or with your Elder?" "This one is by herself presently," the purple haired girl replied, "But great grandmother will be coming here in a few days. We have much to talk about, honored Teacher." "Ah..." Ranma looked from Kasumi to Shampoo and back again, "You two...know each other?" "Oh my, yes," Kasumi smiled, "We met a few years ago when my Mistress and I were touring through the interior of China..." "Never did get as far as Jusenkyo," Trieste added, "Unlike some people I could mention, we did pay heed to the local warnings against it." "This one and Big Sister Kasumi share Oath-kinship," Shampoo said brightly, "Much like this one shares with you, Ranma..." "Ah...excuse me?" Nabiki asked, "I don't mean to butt in on this happy little reunion you two are having, but...could somebody help me out here? I seem to be bleeding a little..." "Oh, I'm sorry, Nabiki," Kasumi apologized, "I didn't mean to be distracted..." Before she could move to her sister's side, however, Shampoo knelt down beside Nabiki, urging Ranma to move aside and allow her better access to the spatula that was still protruding from the middle Tendo sister's shoulder "This one will examine you," Shampoo said gently, "This one's mother is a powerful Healer, this one learns much from studying at her side...if this is permissible, Big Sister?" "Oh, but of course," Kasumi urged, "Nabiki is my younger sister...Nabiki, this is Xian Pu of the Joketsuzoku Amazons from China." "Ah...yeah, right," Nabiki winced a bit as the purple haired girl pressed two fingers to the side of her shoulder. "The wound appears deep but does not seem to have touched bone," Shampoo revealed after a few moments of light examination, "By itself it is not as serious as it appears, but this weapon has been negatively charged with Chi and is spiritually poisoned..." "Poisoned?" Nabiki's voice arched by more than a fraction. "Can you do anything to help her out?" Ranma-chan urged, clearly distressed at the plight of his nominal iinazuke. "This one will do all that is in her power," Shampoo replied, "But she will require the assistance of her Big Sister." "Of course I will help out," Kasumi assured, "I have some training as a healer myself, as you well know." "This one remembers," Shampoo smiled pleasantly, and Nabiki found herself oddly warming up to this other girl whose exotic beauty was astonishing to witness at close range, "This will have to come out, but this one requires a clean place in which to perform the healing. Is there anywhere nearby that will suffice?" "Why yes," Kasumi answered, "Doctor Tofu's clinic is only a few blocks away from here." "Good," Shampoo did something with the application of two fingers to the side of Nabiki's neck and the pain from her shoulder immediately subsided, "This will help your relax, Sister to my Sister. I will carry her, but we must see that she is not too badly jostled." "I can do that," Ranma offered. "You might," Shampoo smiled, "But she weighs more than you do at the moment and such a feat would not be recommended for purposes of balance." "Hey, I can-HEY!" Ranma-chan sputtered as hot water was poured over her head, restoring the martial artist to male status. "I believe this will simplify the matter greatly," Trieste remarked as she removed the tea kettle from over Ranma's head, "Now it will not be so awkward for you to hold Nabiki in your arms, young Master, and I'm sure that my student will not mind the attention you give her by such a gallant gesture." Shampoo grinned as she saw Ranma's discomfiture and said, "Oho...what is this? Has this one's little Brother found a warrior to his liking? Perhaps I should tell my cousin...she will be so disappointed." "Ah..." Ranma was only momentarily flustered as he reached down and gathered Nabiki into his arms, "Never mind that, okay? Look...the important thing is we get this thing out of her shoulder so she can get fixed up, right?" "Thank the Kami somebody brought that up," Nabiki mumbled under her breath, feeling slightly sleeping for some very odd reason, and finding it no great struggle in resting her head against Ranma's shoulder. A few minutes later they were in the clinic of Doctor Tofu with the doctor in question looking on in amazement as the Purple haired girl finished applying the stitches to the wound of the middle Tendo sister. Of necessity Kasumi was no where in sight, Trieste intervening on her student's behalf so as to keep the Doctor mentally stable while Ranma looked on with intense worry plain upon his features. Though he had said nothing aloud on the subject, the Saotome heir was feeling guilty over what had happened to Nabiki and wanted to make personally certain that she would be all right. It was the very least that he owed the girl who had stood up for him against a vengeful Kuonji, and the shame he felt over not being able to protect her was so acute that he felt the urge to do something for her, even if it was only to stand by and offer his support. In his mind's eye he was going over the fight, reliving each and every moment with close scrutiny to his own part in the matter, which was next to virtually useless as he realized with a brutal self-honesty, coming to grips with the fact that his martial arts would not have prevailed against the tactics used by Kuonji. That Ukyo had been so enraged with him that she would seek Nabiki's life on two separate occasions was itself a terrifying concept...that he would be powerless to prevent a third such attack was chilling to contemplate. Somehow he had to even the odds back in his favor, and that would mean having to learn some special technique that could counter both Telekinesis and those energy blades called Light Sabers. He would have to speak with Trieste on that subject and learn all he could about the Force and the disciplines employed by the Jedi. Heck, even Shampoo---an admitted outsider---seemed to know a lot more on the subject than he did! "There you go," Shampoo announced when she finished cleaning Nabiki's wound, "There should be no further bleeding...however, I sense that there is still a trace amount of the spiritual residue left by the evil weapon. An exorcism must be performed and your spirit will need to be cleansed of the evil before it can infect the rest of your sprit." "Ah...thanks Doc," Nabiki gave the Chinese girl an even more intense lookover, taking special notice of the fact that this Shampoo had a figure that was utterly to die for, and---unless Nabiki missed her guess by a country mile---those bosoms perking through a Chinese cheosong were entirely natural with no artificial preservatives added. It gave her savior a spectacularly feminine appearance that belied her rough-and- tumble appearance and the clearly marked her as a wild and untamed beauty, the kind of girl that other girls knew better than to allow run free around their boyfriends. "You are welcome," Shampoo replied with a pleasant grin, "This one hopes that you are comfortable. This one did what she could to ease the pain felt by the sister to her Big sister." "Yeah...about that," Nabiki murmured softly, "How did the two of you meet...and where did you get hold of a Lightsaber?" "You mean this?" Shampoo held up the object in question, "Look familiar?" Nabiki blinked, "Hey! That's the spare device I made for Oneechan!" "It was gift given to Shampoo by this one's Big Sister when they part company in China," the Amazon smiled, "She said that one of her sisters is a very clever girl who learned to make wonders of technology such as this to help her in her training. This one prizes it beyond any other thing in her possession...." "Ah..." Ranma hesitantly spoke up, "What's the real story there? How exactly did you two hook up, and how did she become your Big Sister?" "Ah, a very long and interesting story," Shampoo smiled, "Maybe three years back two strangers appeared on the edges of our village seeking wisdom from the Elders. This one was young and very foolish at the time and did not understand the older girl, and being full of pride she challenged her and lost. It was a very humiliating encounter...but it taught this one much, and when her Elder forbade giving the kiss of Death the girl was instead adopted into this one's clan and made an honorary Amazon and oath sister." "You fought Oneechan?" Nabiki asked with lifted eyebrows. "More than one time," Shampoo smiled ruefully, "It galled this one's pride that an outsider girl could be so good, but it made her wonder why she herself did not fight better. This one decided to learn from fighting and began to listen as her teacher explained the ways of the Jedi. At first this one did not understand, but in time she came to see how her Big Sister lived the philosophy of her teacher. This one still did not understand, but one day her Bog Sister saved her from drowning." "She saved your life, Shampoo?" Ranma lifted both eyebrows. "Aiyaa," the purple haired girl avowed softly, "Other warriors in village resented this one, for she was arrogant and very foolish in her pride and many times would...how would you say? Rub their noses in the dirt when victory came to her in tournaments and challenge matches. One day they challenged her at a bridge that was remote from our village. This one was talking with her Big Sister when six warriors attacked us. We fought them off, but this one got careless and lost her footing...she fell into a cold stream fed by a nearby waterfall and lost consciousness, perhaps even would have drowned if her Big Sister had not jumped in to rescue her. From that moment onward this one dedicate her life to honoring her Big Sister, by taking everything that she learned at her side and practicing it every night and day until this one was truly worthy of being her Little Sister." "And Oneechan also taught you how to speak such good Japanese?" Nabiki added, taking note of this strange girl's odd speech pattern and tendency to refer to herself in the third person. "Aiyaa," Shampoo rolled her eyes, "It is very hard speaking in your tongue. Good thing this one's mother knew enough to help her practice at home, but Big Sister encourage this one to study hard and even learn to think in Japanese...but this one still has not mastered the art of personal pronouns." "You do pretty good just the same," Ranma said, "A lot better than my Chinese...and my Pop can't even speak a work of that," he added with a growl that was truly resentful. Shampoo nodded and continued, "Then one day, six months after coming to live with us in our village, Big Sister and her Teacher left our village to continue their quest. This one vowed never to forget her Big sister and trained very hard to be just like her." "That's...quite a story," Nabiki said, shifting the focus of her gaze significantly before adding, "So...how did you two meet, Ranma- kun?" "Ah...well..." Ranma began, "It happened a couple of months ago, back when Pop and me were traveling through China. Right after we got these dumb curses we stumbled into Joketsuzoku...right about the time they were having some kind of tournament or something..." "It was the yearly festival of the harvest," Shampoo said with some amusement, "This one was competing as a representative of her family and doing very well against her rivals, which was only to be expected as this one has trained all of her life under the greatest War Master of our village, and she has fought with the other warriors of her age group on previous occasions. There was nothing at all exceptional about it to distinguish it from previous tournaments in which this one has competed...except that when she turned to see her prize for the tournament that was the cream of our harvest, she found a girl and a panda heartily digging in and consuming her feast before she could present it to her tribespeople at the beginning of what was intended to be three days of glorious feasting." "Ah...well...we were kinda hungry," Ranma winced, seeing Nabiki turned a questioning look in his direction. "This one...was less than amused," Shampoo grinned, "And she asked why you were taking without asking like a pair of thieves come down from the mountains. You seemed surprised that this one challenged you over this..." "Well," Ranma said sheepishly, "I know there was a sign saying the food was supposed to be yours, but we couldn't read it, and Pop never did bother to ask folks before helping himself to whatever was left lying out in the open..." "Indeed," Shampoo gave a smile that was suggestive of pure mischief, "And this one proposed that the outsider girl who had stolen her feast should offer up her panda in exchange. After all...panda is quite a delicacy in certain parts of China." Something about the way the girl phrased that conjured up a mental picture of Genma's panda form being laid out on a platter with an apple in his mouth. Nabiki could not help herself for laughing at the concept, thinking off all the troubles that Ranma's father was responsible for coming so rapidly out into the open. "Oh yeah...that woulda been something," even Ranma could not help grinning, "Of course since it was supposed to be a prize I thought...well...maybe if I fought you for it, it would be all right...and who knew?" "Oh yes," Shampoo chuckled, "And this one never forget what happen when we meet on challenge log...it was a most surprising fight, and one that will long be remembered in Joketsuzoku..." And as the purple haired girl began reciting the tale, Nabiki found herself mentally visualizing the incident as if she had been physically present and had witnessed things first hand, hearing the narration told from the perspective of both Shampoo and Ranma... Shampoo studied the other girl confronting her on the challenge log, wondering just why her instincts were telling her to be careful and not take this one for granted. Whoever this outsider was, she was very good, that much could be told at a glance from the way the girl carried herself, the confidence in her movements, the intensity of her aura, the set of her blue eyes, suggesting that she was reading Shampoo every bit as much as she was being read in turn, suggesting she was both intelligent and alert, most obviously not a foe to be taken lightly. Shampoo judged that she had the edge in terms of size and strength, but that counted for little less than nothing if her opponent had speed and agility to suit her compact frame. The redhead was almost too relaxed and cocky, as if this fight were a forgone conclusion. At another time Shampoo would have been infuriated by this presumptive attitude and have desire nothing less than to smash her into submission. The old Shampoo would have rushed in without hesitation...but Shampoo had learned years ago how foolish it was to take anything for granted, let alone the worthiness of one's opponent. Shampoo decided to act and test the strength of the other girl, rushing forward with her bonbori maces, only to see the girl drop low and spin into her guard, and before Shampoo could react she felt the impact of a foot in her gut almost knocking the wind out of her sails and propelling her backwards, almost to the end of the log, which would have ended the fight with ridiculous ease and caused Shampoo no end of public humiliation. But Shampoo had not trained for a lifetime to be caught napping this easily and at once went limp as the foot pushed her forward, flexing out like a limber jack-knife and performing an impossible backflip that diminished her momentum and gave her just enough lift to angle herself back onto the log for a desperate one-point landing. Even though she had just saved herself am acute embarrassment, Shampoo felt chagrined and her confidence was momentarily shaken as she fought for balance and sucked in her wind, feeling her stomach muscles tense and flex with autonomic contractions until settling in as the last bit of the hydrostatic shock was dispersed throughout her body. (That was too close!) Shampoo thought with furious chagrin, (She is good...better than this one dared imagine! This could actually turn out to be an interesting match). "Whoah," the redhead in question widened her eyes in obvious appreciation, "Nice save." "You have not seen anything yet, Outlander," Shampoo actually smiled as she leveled her maces, "This time is for real." "Okay," the redhead smiled as she fell into a fighting crouch, "Show me whatcha got." "Gladly," Shampoo replied and rushed forward once more, only this time without leaving such an obvious opening, determined to see if the girl had the speed and strength to match her bluster. As expected the girl met her charge by avoiding the attack, but to Shampoo's complete surprise the redhead vaulted high over her head and planted a hand to the top of Shampoo's head, and had the Amazon not managed to brace herself against this she would have been pushed forward and off of the log. Obviously this redhead girl was BOTH fast and agile, and very tricky in the way she would take advantage of any opportunity to win. As Shampoo fought once again to keep her balance and whirled around to meet the other girl she was finding her spirits rising, realizing as she did that this would be an honest-to-the- Ancestors challenge to her fighting prowess! Shampoo made a backwards swing and caught the foot that had been about to kick her in the rear, only to find the that redhead kicked off the hollow metal sphere and tried to use it for leverage with another kick that would have connected with the side of her head if Shampoo had straightened up at just the wrong moment. But Shampoo, too, had surprises of her own in store, and she thrust forward with the other mace as the redhead was still in mid-air, intending to catch her in the back of the head and knock her out solidly...but to her surprise the redhead did a complete flip-around and caught the metal sphere with both hands... SHE CAUGHT IT! And then she casually flipped herself over, planting both feet upon the mace, balancing herself as Shampoo stood poised with her arm outstretched supporting her weight at a most unfortunate angle. "Not bad," the redhead smiled, "You are pretty good, but you still lose." Then as Shampoo stared in amazement her foe vaulted over her had and landed with a handspring on the log, and the next thing she knew she felt a proverbial kick-to-the-rear that launched her into the air once again, and this time with far too much momentum to be countered with mere acrobatics. She had only instants to react, however, doing the only thing that she could, which was to throw her bonbori forward and use the inertia to slow her forward trajectory. It was not enough, however, to completely save her, and if she did not act fast then she would lose the fight altogether. That was when she calmed her mind and opened herself up to the power that she had been working for three years to master, a power she had learned from the only other Outsider female to ever give her this much trouble, a power she felt flowing through the air, filling the space all around her. In her minds eye she could perceive the log, her opponent and the rest of her villagers all around her and picture perfectly where she was in relation to each, then reach out to feel the flow of the Force lines and tap into their currents to guide her back to the log for a graceful one-point landing. "Whoah..." the redhead breathed, "How the heck did you do that?" "Hmmm," Shampoo smiled at her, "For an outsider girl you are very impressive. Your performance is magnificent and your skill surpasses all expectations." "If you're saying I'm good, then I'm saying I'm the best," the redhead hooked a finger at herself, "The name's Saotome Ranma, and you?" "Xian Pu," Shampoo replied, "Champion of this tourney." "Well, that's yet to be proven," Ranma grinned, "Let's settle this between us." "You have the spirit of a warrior," Shampoo remarked as she studied the warrior once again, "You never give ground and you are always ready to fight, but you do not fight without cause or reason. You are fighting on behalf of your panda." "Uh...I am?" that caused Ranma to pause and think about it, then turn to the side and say, "Oyaji, what am I doing this-HEY! CUT THAT OUT!!!" "Huh?" Shampoo turned to see what had so upset her follow combatant and saw that the Panda had half-finished off the table full of food, "HEY, YOU STOP THAT! THAT FOOD IS FOR THE VILLAGE!" "The nerve of that twit!" Ranma balled her fist, "I go through all of this for his sake and all he can think of is his own fat stomach! That's it! I quit! Only you'd better start running, Old Man, or I'm gonna turn you into a fur coat!" "You not do it without this one!" Shampoo cried as both she and the redhead vaulted clear of the log, causing Genma to go bug-eyed and stop what he was eating to turn and flee like the very devil was on his hide, and for a creature that was nominally four-footed he made pretty good time with two angry girls hot on his trail and gaining rapidly... "And what did you do when you caught him?" Nabiki asked once she stopped giggling. "Beat the crap out of him, of course," Ranma answered, "And then we started to talk. Since we no longer had any reason to fight each other it was surprisingly easy to talk out our problem." "Indeed," Shampoo replied, "And when great-grandmother returned from visiting another village she was able to discover the truth about the Jusenkyo curse that Ranma and his father were under. That was when we agreed to adopt him into our clan so as to avoid any remaining complications. That is why I call Ranma my clan- brother...or sister, which ever form he currently inhabits." "Well, you two seem to get along pretty well," Nabiki mused, "So why were you so panic-stricken when you saw her earlier, Ranma-kun?" "Er...well..." Ranma winced, "Pop and me...we didn't exactly leave under the best of terms..." "Oh?" Nabiki asked, "C'mon...what happened?" "Ranma agreed that he would pay back the village by working off the debt created by his father," Shampoo answered, "But his father did not believe in honoring that agreement, and one night they both left in a hurry. This one believes it was not willingly on your part, my clan- brother?" "You got that right," Ranma growled, "That old man can be pretty sneaky sometimes, so Pop waited until I was tired, then tied me up and carried me off like a sack of old laundry. I didn't think you'd believe me when I got loose, and Pop kept insisting we had to return home to Japan, so...well...it wasn't exactly the first time we skipped out without paying our bills. I'm real sorry about that..." "You do not need to apologize to this one, Ranma," Shampoo said in amusement, "Make your apologies to great-grandmother when she arrives here." "Urk," Ranma winced, "I think I'd rather apologize to you, if you don't mind." "This one does not mind," Shampoo grinned, "But this one cannot speak for her great-grandmother." "Uh...who is this great-grandmother of yours?" Nabiki wondered. "She is the wisest of the Joketsuzoku, Nabiki," Kasumi explained as she entered the room, followed by Trieste and a reluctant Doctor Tofu, "Ancient and powerful in the ways of the Force, though her discipline is very different from the ways of the Jedi. I am pleased to see how strong you have become since we last met, Shampoo-san, you have taken the teachings to a farther extent than I had hoped, my clan- sister." "And you have become powerful in your own right, clan-sister," Shampoo replied, "I could tell when we met that you are in tune with the Force and have nearly mastered your teachings." "Or close enough that it hardly matters," Trieste remarked, "How are you feeling, Nabiki-chan?" "Stiff," Nabiki winced, glancing at her shoulder, "It twinges a little..." "Oh my," Tofu came closer, "You did that by yourself? That's very good stitch work. You must have had professional teaching." "Ah...yes," Shampoo looked at the handsome doctor and colored a little, "This one's mother is the Tribal Healer...and she studied at the University in Beijing to obtain her medical degree. Shampoo...this one...has assisted her on occasion, and yes, sometimes she has had to repair wounds and injuries warriors have received through fighting." "Well then, your mother must be very proud of you," Tofu complimented, "I'd very much like the chance to meet her some day. I do hope that you remembered to clean the instruments, though...it wouldn't do for Nabiki to lose an arm through a possible infection." "LOSE AN ARM?" Nabiki said in alarm, only to see the Doctor's smile and realize belatedly that he was only teasing. "This one did what she could to clean the wound, the thread and the needle," Shampoo replied, "But I believe there may be impurities left by the weapon itself, for it was touched by the Dark Side, and it must be attended to for the safety of your younger sister." "We will do what is necessary," Trieste affirmed, "But Nabiki will need rest, and that means you will have to forgo physical training until the arm is fully recovered. In the meantime...what can you tell us about the Sith Padawan who did this?" "She was good," Nabiki said, "In a bad sort of way...almost as good as Kasumi." "She was very strong," Shampoo agreed, "But her divided heart worked against her." "Huh?" Ranma said, "Divided heart? You mean...she wasn't doing this because she wanted to?" "She is under the influence of the Dark Side," Trieste explained, "It influences her thoughts and actions, but I, too, sensed the conflict within her. There is good beneath the evil, and I do not think she is entirely happy with the choice she is pursuing." "I don't know about these things as well as you do, Trieste-san," Tofu remarked, "But it sounds like you're describing someone in a state of heavy denial. Lots of people make a practice of ignoring their conscience and feelings when going after a goal, and it often makes them act like their own worst enemies." "I believe you may be onto something there, Tofu-san," Trieste replied, "Kuonji-san's rage against Ranma comes from her betrayal by his father, but she must know it is a mistake to hold him responsible for the mistakes of Saotome Genma." "And when she finally figures it out...what then?" Nabiki asked, "She's still a Sith Apprentice, and if it hadn't been for Ranma's friend here I might have been shishkabob on the end of her Lightsaber." "Kuonji is powerful," Kasumi agreed, "I have felt her power in two separate encounters, but perhaps she has not given herself totally to the Dark Side. If it is possible that she might be saved..." "Hell yeah!" Ranma agreed, "I don't anybody else getting hurt because of me. If we can do something to snap her out of whatever it is that's making her so angry..." "Which reminds me," Nabiki turned back to Trieste, "Sensei...I've been meaning to speak with you about Akane...her behavior of late..." "Yes," Trieste nodded sadly, "I have been noticing over the last two days a serious decline in her mental state...no doubt the stress that she has been under recently has begun to tell. I will look into this and see what I can do to make up for not being there for her over the last year." "Well I'm sure nothings wrong with Akane," Tofu smiled pleasantly, "She's in here every now and then for some minor complaints, or if she's done more than the usual amount of damage to one of those boys chasing after her, but it's probably just a phase she's going though, I wouldn't worry too much about it." Nabiki eyed the Doctor incredulously, then looked towards Kasumi and projected, (What's gotten into him, Sis? Why's he acting so mellow around you all of a sudden?) (Sensei did something to calm his nerves), Kasumi answered, (I believe it is a Shiatsu technique that she learned from Elder Kho-Lon, Xian-Pu's great-grandmother. The effect is only temporary, but it seems to be calming him down...at least for the moment.) (Well, when it wears off, I'm leaving), Nabiki telepathed back, then smiled benevolently and said, "Well, at any rate, I'd like you to speak with Akane about laying off of Ranma. They way she's been acting around him you'd think he had horns or something..." "Indeed," Trieste agreed, "Such anger is unlike her...or rather unlike the student I once knew. I believe she has been acting overly aggressive with the other boys in her class instead of showing proper restraint in the use of her powers." "These...Jedi powers," Ranma looked around from one face to the other, "You all can use this Force...even you, Shampoo?" "This one is not yet strong in the ways of the Force," Shampoo replied, "But thanks to Elder Trieste and Big Sister this one has learned much and has practiced her teachings." "And very well by all accounts," Trieste replied, giving Ranma a more critical study, "But I sense that your question is not academic. You are concerned about being left behind...about being considered weak in your own eyes. This is not a valid cause to renew your training. A Jedi does not harbor desires or rate himself in comparison to another. A Jedi acts from feelings and sincerely held convictions, and if you seek to master the Force you must first become a master of your own desires." "I...don't understand," Ranma admitted. "That's all right, Ranma-kun," Kasumi smiled, "It's also a very good place for a beginning. Admitting that you do not know is the first step towards enlightenment, for a cup cannot be filled unless it is first empty." "Excellently stated, my Padawan," Trieste beamed brightly, "And that is why you will be in charge of Ranma's training. Ranma...consider Kasumi to be your elder sister in learning the ways of the Jedi arts. You will study under her and learn by her example the ways of the Force, exactly as Shampoo once did...and you can tell by the results that my Apprentice is an excellent teacher." "Ah..." it was Kasumi's turn to look hesitant as she exchanged glanced with Ranma, then glanced down, "I will do as you ask, Sensei...if it is agreeable to Ranma-kun." "Um...sure," Ranma said awkwardly, "If you think that's for the best..." "Hmmm," Nabiki frowned, but she voiced no protest over this arrangement. "One question, however," Trieste turned back to Shampoo, "You haven't yet told us why you are here in Japan, Shampoo-san." "Aiyaa," the purple haired girl replied, "This one almost forgot!" "Ur-ah...I thought it was because of me and Pop..." Ranma said nervously. "Silly Ranma," Shampoo teased, "Not everything in the universe revolves around you and your less-than-honorable father. It is true that great-grandmother sent me to find out where you were going, but then I received word from her that a boy I once knew had been to our village and would seem to have gained an incorrect interpretation of our relationship. He flew off in a rage and declared that he would see you dead, and he is the sort of foolish warrior who cannot be easily talked down from an idea that enters his head...believe me, I have tried in the past to dissuade him." "He's obsessed over you?" Nabiki asked. "Oh my," Kasumi said, "Do you mean Mu-Tsu?" "The very same," Shampoo nodded sadly, "Only worse than you remember...and something terrible has befallen him. He has joined with an evil crowd to which the warrior we fought also belongs. This one could sense the darkness that attended them like a cloud, and one whose aspect is more terrible than all the rest..." "Purge," Trieste replied, "Mu-Tsu, a boy from your village, has gone to work for the Dark Side. This truly is a tragic situation." "Aiyaa," Shampoo looked down, "And soon may be worse if the one named U-Kyo relates back that she encountered this one defending Ranma and you others." "Mousse," Ranma frowned, "You mean that long-haired guy we ran into yesterday? The one who sprouted wings and looked like an Angel?" "He is not really an Angel, Ranma," Kasumi replied, "He is a very confused young man who has had to fight for recognition all of his life, and somehow he got it into his mind that he had to possess Shampoo to prove that he is a man of status among the Joketsuzoku..." "Waitaminute," Nabiki said, "You Amazons have male fighters? But I thought Amazons were supposed to be all women?" "That is a silly prejudice that outsiders believe," Shampoo dismissed, "Pay no mind to what others say, Amazons are strong warriors, but we need men to have babies. We may not need them in every other sense, but we do prize men who are strong and capable fighters." "But Mu-Tsu confused strength with worth in other matters," Kasumi said sadly, "And he did not understand the relationship that existed then between myself and my little sister. He challenged me...and when he lost he was very much embittered." "So you think this Mousse guy is out for revenge, huh?" Nabiki said, then blinked, "Wait a minute...what kind of relationship are we talking about here? You were...what, thirteen and sixteen, right?" "Ah...well..." Kasumi replied, looking somewhat evasive. "Let us just say that there is more and less there than Mousse imagines," Shampoo's smile was oddly enigmatic. "Huh?" Ranma glanced from one party to the next, wondering why he seemed to be the only guy in the room who didn't catch the significance of this exchange, then shrugged his shoulders and decided it was not important...at least at the moment... "I take it that your plan did not develop as you intended," Purge remarked as he saw the angry scowl on the face of his Apprentice. "You could say that, Master," Ukyo said darkly as she angrily stormed past him, "His mother turns out to be even fruitier than I thought possible, can you believe she actually thinks having multiple fiancées is a sign of manly behavior?" Purge had to think about that one before he replied, "You are jesting?" "Nope," Ukyo paused to retrieve her bakers peel from where she had left it at their campsite, then picked up her dark school uniform with its bandoleer of throwing weapons, pausing to add, "And that's not all...the guy's even picked up another admirer to add salt to the picture. I would have had his little bitch, but then this broad with purple hair jumped in and spoiled our little fight...and I'm wondering just who she sounds like. Got any ideas about that one...Sugar?" Ukyo came to a halt only a meter away from Mousse, who looked up at her in surprise and said, "What has this to do with me? So you met a girl with purple hair? What's so unusual about---SHAMPOO!?!?!" The Chinese boy jumped to his feet with such abruptness that anyone other than Ukyo might have been alarmed and taken defensive action, but Ukyo did not flinch even when he seized hold of her by the arms and cry, "You saw her??? Is she well? Was she with Saotome???" Ukyo regarded him coolly, then with a flexing of both arms threw the taller boy back onto the tree stump he had been sitting on before. It was not by strength or martial arts ability that she managed this but rather the force coursing through her, which made the half-blind boy stare up at her in amazement, seeing what looked like a dark halo around the chef's brown haired head, creating the illusion that she was much taller and more terrifying than was actually the case from any reasonably objective standpoint. The other two at the camp only glanced up from what they were individually doing, wondering what had caused the senior member of their little merry band of Dark Side apprentices to go so ballistic, but neither one felt like openly broaching the question. "In answer to your question," Ukyo replied, "Yes, yes and HELL YES!! And not only that...she was strong with the Force...and guess where she must have learned that." "The Jedi," Purge frowned darkly, "It seems that they are gathering their numbers. This is not welcome news, but I suppose it could not be avoided." "Maybe so, Master," Ukyo turned to regard him sidelong, "But there may be a way we can even the odds more in our favor. I learned something interesting today about one of the Jedi apprentices...and it may be possible that we can turn one of them over to our side." "Oh really?" Purge flicked his tongue in interest, "Do go on...this sounds faintly...amusing..." "Turn a Jedi over to our side?" Taro brightened up, "Now that does sound interesting. What have you got in mind, a recruiting drive, or are you just headhunting for a date?" Ukyo ignored the insinuation and said, "I'm going to sound her out and find out if what I suspect is actually the case. She should still be at school, so if I hurry up I can catch her. I'll let you know if I turn up anything...interesting, Master." "Then you ought to be on your way, shouldn't you?" Purge mused, seeing the spark of interest in his apprentice's eyes as a sign of her renewed enthusiasm, which meant further mischief was in the offing. If it were possible for him to experience fatherly pride, he would have waxed paternal at that moment, gratified to know that he had chosen well in his Padawan and that one day he would regret having to lose her. Of course being reptilian instead of having the instincts of a mammal, he merely gave his consent and would sit back to enjoy events as they unfolded, knowing that each step brought her closer to the Dark Side and nearer to fulfilling his mission of destroying the Jedi...by one means or another... Continued. Comments/Criticisms/Perilous Sieges: shadowmane@ridgenet.net The battle for the hearts and minds of both Sith and Jedi begins anew with Ukyo seeking out Akane, who has some explaining to do for her part in recent events. Meanwhile Ranma begins his training under Kasumi while Nabiki probes further to learn all that she can about Shampoo's involvement with her sister...and a certain figure of legend makes her way down from China. Be with us next time for: "The Padawan Blues," or "Dark Skies Arising." Be there! X