Black Rose, Blue Thunder:
An Altered Destiny

By: Dreiser

-Two-

	A low wind blew through the air, ruffling the thick brown 
bangs of Hibiki Ryoga as he studied his surroundings. Scratching his 
forehead under the bandanna he wore Ryoga sighed and said, "We 
finally made it."
	"Yes," began the deep voice of his best friend and traveling 
companion, Kuno Tatewaki. "Hopefully their trail hasn't gone dead."
	"We should be okay," reassured Ryoga. "We were only in that 
harem for a couple of days."
	Tatewaki was about to reply when he sneezed abruptly. 
Blinking at this reaction Ryoga said, "You getting a cold?"
	"I should hope not," said Tatewaki as he rubbed his nose. His 
tawny eyes lit up as they came to the end of the path to stand before 
the cursed training grounds of Jusenkyo. "When the Musk captured us 
I thought that we might never return here to gather the proper clues."
	"Yeah," said Ryoga. Following Tatewaki towards Jusenkyo's 
training grounds he continued, "We almost had all the information 
about Kodachi and those guys she's traveling with when the Musk 
jumped us. Good thing I had the idea to tunnel out of there or we'd still 
be stuck in that harem."
	Forming a frown Tatewaki repeated harshly, "Guys." He 
formed a face of fury then he suddenly calmed and gave a cough. 
"Indeed. That was their description. And for these 'guys' sakes they 
best treat my sister as every inch the lady she is. Lest a terrible fate 
befall them..." Tatewaki trailed off in dark tones that caused Ryoga to 
look at him nervously.
	It was like this every time Tatewaki discovered news about his 
sister that didn't please him. The pair were trying to track down 
Kodachi, whom Tatewaki had been separated from when they were 
placed in different foster homes as children. And Ryoga, who had 
known Tatewaki ever since middle school, faithfully followed the path 
of his oldest and closest friend.
	After all, with his horrible sense of direction Tatewaki was the 
best bet on helping Ryoga to find his father and brother. Hoping to 
distract Tatewaki from his current foul mood, Ryoga averted his 
brown eyes to take in the scenery and comment on it. Tatewaki had 
always enjoyed discussing nature and Ryoga knew it would put him in 
a good mood to dwell on the beauty surrounding them. But as he did 
this, Ryoga's eyes focused on two swift figures in the midst of a battle 
on top of the high bamboo poles located in middle of the Jusenkyo 
springs.
	"Hey," said Ryoga as he observed this. He moved his hand to 
shade his eyes and continued, "I think those might be some of the local 
Amazons."
	"Eh?" questioned Tatewaki as he snapped out of his somber 
musings on his sister's condition. Following Ryoga's gaze, he narrowed 
his eyes as he looked upon the fighters. "One is a low creature that 
much is for certain. He's attacking a girl. Well," Tatewaki pronounced 
as he took off his heavy backpack and dropped it to the ground. "I'll 
teach him a lesson about using such rude behavior."
	"But Tachi..." Ryoga protested as his friend took off like a 
shot, bounding into the air and landing on top one of the bamboo poles 
as he challenged the male Amazon. Ryoga watched this action and 
murmured, "I think this might be one of those Amazon challenge 
matches that I've heard about."
	"No customers!" a shrill voice called out and suddenly Ryoga 
found a husky man standing at his side. "Is no good to do fighting 
there! Very bad you should fall in springs!"
	"<Hey,>" said Ryoga in perfect Mandarin as he tapped the 
man's shoulder who turned his attention to the lost boy. "<Mind telling 
me the exact reason why falling in those springs is so bad?>"
	His eyes wide at discovering a foreigner who could actually 
speak his language well, the Jusenkyo Guide immediately began 
explaining the reason at a rapid pace.

	"<Scoundrel!>" shouted Tatewaki in fluent Mandarin. He 
landed with perfect balance on the top of the high bamboo pole and 
unsheathed his family katana then pointed it at the Amazon boy with 
long raven black hair and thick glasses. "<What sort of man attacks a 
lady?>" asked Tatewaki in disgust. "<If you feel the need to test your 
skill in battle then test it against me.>"
	"<How dare you,>" seethed the Amazon boy. "<Interrupt a 
sacred challenge duel between Xian-pu and myself outlander!>"
	Suddenly, the Amazon boy extended his arms and a barrage 
of chains flew at a surprised Tatewaki who winced as they wrapped 
around his midsection, trapping his arms at his sides. Straining against 
their hold Tatewaki hissed, "<I compliment your skill but it's hardly 
enough to restrain Kuno Tatewaki. Not after years of training.>"
	A powerful blue aura rose off the kendoist and the chains 
seemed to melt and stretch outwards. He flexed the muscles in both 
his arms and chest which caused the chains to immediately snap. 
Breathing heavily, Tatewaki shifted his weight to stand on his left leg 
alone. Wearing a small smile he said, "<A commendable effort but I'm 
afraid it wasn't nearly good enough.>"
	Snarling at this the Amazon boy said, "<Very well. I see that 
I'll have to use all my power. I can't allow anyone to interfere in my 
quest to win Xian-pu's hand!>"
	"<Mu-tsu,>" a chilling voice entered the air and both boys 
turned their attention to the beautiful Amazon girl with long lavender 
hair and striking scarlet eyes. "<I'll never marry you. All I want is for 
you to leave me alone. That's why we're fighting now. You leave the 
stranger out of it.>"
	"<Leave him out of it?>" questioned Mousse as he chuckled 
softly. "<He dared to meddle with me finally being able to win you as 
my own! I must defeat this stranger and then I'll defeat you in battle 
Xian-pu! Rest assured, you will belong to me and no other.>"
	"<Malevolent toad,>" Tatewaki hissed, slashing his katana 
through the air to direct it at Mousse. "<What right do you have to 
claim another's life as your own to command? She is a person of free 
will and spirit, not a toy at your disposal!>" In a fit of rage he flew at 
the Amazon boy who was barely able to dodge Tatewaki's downward 
thrust of his katana.
	Giving a wince as he jumped to another bamboo pole Mousse 
looked down at his tattered shirt then lifted his head and said, "<You'll 
pay for that...>"
	"Tachi!" shouted the panicked voice of Ryoga as he 
interrupted whatever Mousse was going to say next.
	Turning his attention to his friend, Tatewaki blinked then said 
in his native Japanese, "What is it Ryoga-kun? You realize this is a bad 
time for a discussion."
	Ryoga looked like he was about to say more when his 
expression changed to one of alarm as he shouted, "Tachi! Behind 
you! Watch out!!"
	His tawny eyes shifted their focus and Tatewaki had only a 
second to see the cannonball before it connected with the side of his 
face. Stumbling from the force of impact he lost his balance and fell 
into the cursed spring below.
	Ryoga's face turned to one of fury as a dark energy began to 
rise around him. In a swift movement he launched himself at Mousse 
who easily dodged Ryoga's attack that was clumsy in his rage. In a 
casual movement Mousse wrapped Ryoga up in several heavy chains 
which caused the lost boy to topple to the ground only inches from a 
cursed spring. It was only by a stroke of luck that he didn't fall in.
	Chuckling softly Mousse said, "<Be careful outlander or you'll 
end up like your friend.>"
	Growling at this Ryoga began to break out of the chains when 
the sound of splashing caught his attention and he fixed his gaze on the 
cursed form of Tatewaki who was struggling to climb out of the spring. 
Snapping his chains Ryoga dashed over to his friend who was being 
carefully removed from the spring by the Jusenkyo Guide.
	"<That's right,>" Mousse sneered. "<Take care of the fool. I 
have more important matters to attend to than cursing you as well.>" 
Turning back to Shampoo he said, "<Now it's your turn to be 
defeated Xian-pu.>"
	"<You cursed an innocent man out of spite?>" Shampoo said 
in horror. "<How could you?>"
	"<Very easily,>" Mousse replied, summoning a variety of 
weapons into his hold. "<He tried to keep me from claiming you as my 
own and that is something I can never allow. He deserved it.>"
	"<Deserved it?>" questioned Shampoo in disbelief. Shaking 
her lavender head she hissed, "<You're sick and it's time that I 
stopped your sickness.>"
	Blinking in confusion Mousse said, "<What do-->"
	Mousse didn't get the chance to finish the rest of his statement 
as Shampoo leapt towards him. In a moment of pure precision she 
knocked him off the bamboo pole causing him to fall into one of the 
cursed springs below.
	"<I have won the challenge that you set before me,>" said 
Shampoo coolly as Mousse resurfaced. "<And I have also repaid your 
treachery against the outlander. Every time that you look at yourself in 
that form I pray that you will remember that I was the one who gave it 
to you. I gave it to you in hopes that with it you'll listen and finally 
realize that I want nothing to do with you.>" Jerking her gaze away 
from Mousse she finished in chilling tones, "<I never want to see your 
face again Mu-tsu. Any affection that I might have had towards you 
has turned into hate because of your relentless pursuit of me. In my 
heart you are forever banished.>"
	Leaping down from the high bamboo pole she stood on 
Shampoo strode towards the Jusenkyo Guide who was standing next 
to the hunched figure of the other outlander boy who held a small 
hidden figure that Shampoo assumed was the one called Tatewaki 
who had foolishly tried to help her against Mousse.
	Still sitting in the depths of the Jusenkyo spring the Amazon 
known as Mousse trembled as he tried to mentally cope with what had 
happened to him. Or to be anatomically correct... what had happened 
to her. Still shaking Mousse could not see her new form without the 
help of her thick prescription lenses. But all it took was running her 
fingers up the length of her chest and feeling a noticeable swell there to 
know what had become of her.
	How fitting. In her defeat of him Shampoo had literally taken 
away his manhood and all his rights to claim her by doing so. A 
wrenched sob escaping her lips Mousse blindly fled from the springs 
of sorrow to run in desperation into the depths of the nearby woods. 
Taking with her the harsh final words of Shampoo endlessly echoing in 
her ears.
	"<In my heart you are forever banished.>"
 
	Kneeling next to the other outlander boy Shampoo gazed at 
the creature sitting in his hands and said, "<He's turned into a 
chicken.>" She paused to study the beady eyes of the fat yellow bird 
and added, "<A really ugly chicken.>"
	"<He's a phoenix,>" the Guide corrected.
	"<If he's a phoenix then why does he look like an ugly 
chicken?>" asked Shampoo with a snicker.
	"<Because that's how the phoenix that drowned in this spring 
looks,>" said the Guide a bit irately. "<Trust me when I say this is the 
legendary phoenix of old. If he sits on a person's head, they will gain 
unbelievable powers-->"
	"<Who cares about that!>" shouted Ryoga. "<Is there some 
way to reverse this?!>"
	"<Oh yes Sir!>" said the Guide quickly. "<Your friend isn't 
trapped like that. He can change back into his normal-->"
	"<How?!>" demanded Ryoga as he let go of Tatewaki 
phoenix who plopped on the ground like a lump then gave an loud 
squawk of displeasure. "<What do we need to do?! I'll do anything!>"
	Pushing Ryoga's hands from their grip of his shirt the Guide 
produced a steaming tea kettle from out of nowhere and said, "<It's 
very simple. Cold water will change your friend into his cursed form 
while hot water in turn reverses the affect. Observe,>" said the Guide 
as he poured some of the hot water inside of the tea kettle onto 
Tatewaki phoenix. Instantly the bird morphed back into the handsome 
young man that he'd previously been. Except now he was naked.
	Turning beet red on seeing Shampoo's interested inspection of 
his body Tatewaki quickly grabbed his nearby backpack to cover his 
most private of areas. "<Maiden!>" he exclaimed. "<It's not proper for 
you to see such things until your wedding night! Please close your eyes 
so I may get dressed again.>"
	Forming an amused smile Shampoo obeyed his wishes and 
closed her scarlet eyes as Tatewaki gave a sigh of relief. Quickly 
digging through his backpack he retrieved a pair of worn black jeans 
and a dusty blue shirt.
	Once he was fully dressed Tatewaki coughed and said, "<You 
can open your eyes now maiden.>"
	"<My name is Xian-pu,>" said Shampoo in offering. "<And 
yours is Tatewaki, I take it?>"
	"<Yes,>" replied Tatewaki solemnly. Gesturing towards 
Ryoga he said, "<And this is my friend and boon traveling companion 
Hibiki Ryoga.>"
	"<Hey,>" said Ryoga nervously. Averting his gaze from 
Shampoo he looked to the Jusenkyo Guide. "<You're saying that 
every time Tachi gets splashed with cold water he'll change into a 
phoenix and only hot water can make him human again?>"
	"<Exactly,>" the Guide said, nodding his head. "<Your friend 
fell into the spring of drowned phoenix. It's the result of the tragic fate 
of a phoenix that drowned there over four hundred years ago. Now 
every time cold water touches him he will transform into the same 
magical phoenix that drowned in the spring.>"
	After pondering this for a moment, Tatewaki finally asked, 
"<Is there a cure available?>"
	"<No,>" said the Guide sadly. "<I'm afraid there isn't Sir. No 
one has yet to find a way to undo the horrible affects of the springs of 
sorrow. The best we can do is maintain the society to warn visitors 
about the terrors of coming here. But sometimes even that does not 
work... like today.>"
	"That's it," growled Ryoga in Japanese as he rose to his feet. 
"I'm going to get that guy! He's going to pay for doing this to you!"
	"No," said Tatewaki in calm Japanese as he also rose to his 
feet. Clasping Ryoga's shoulder he continued, "I believe the one called 
Mousse was not entirely sane when he attacked me. We best not 
waste time pursuing a madman. Such things are a waste of time as 
proven in our dealings with the Musk. And there are more important 
tasks at hand. We must find the current whereabouts of my sister and 
your wandering family."
	Tatewaki turned to Shampoo and said in Mandarin, "<Xian-
pu. I offer my humble apologies for interrupting your duel. I did not 
know it was a battle of honor or I would have never interfered. Please 
forgive my intrusion. Rest assured that from now on I shall treat you as 
the warrior that you truly are. My actions were never meant as an 
insult to your abilities as a warrior and I hope that you did not take 
them as such. I was simply ignorant as to your position as an Amazon 
warrior.>"
	"<I understand,>" said Shampoo slowly. "<But why have you 
come to this region? We don't get that many visitors and the ones that 
we do...>" Shampoo trailed off as a scowl graced her pretty features. 
	Both the boys looked nervous at this reaction and Tatewaki 
replied, "<My sister Kodachi and I were separated many years ago 
when were but small children. Since reaching maturity I have made it 
my personal quest to find her so we might rebuild our lost lives 
together. While Ryoga-kun is in turn searching for his own family, 
whom he was separated from during their endless training journey to 
improve their skills in the art.>" He paused to retrieve his backpack 
and while he searched through it he said, "<We recently received 
information that Kodachi was seen going in this direction.>" Tatewaki 
rose to his feet and handed a tattered photograph over to Shampoo 
very gently. "<By any chance have you seen a girl matching these 
features?>"
	"<The demon thief!>" Shampoo exclaimed as her scarlet eyes 
widened. Looking up at Tatewaki with a stricken expression she 
questioned, "<This girl is truly your sister?>"
	"<Yes,>" said Tatewaki as he carefully removed the 
photograph from Shampoo's tight grip. Tucking it away in the inside 
pocket to his shirt he questioned, "<But why did you refer to her as 
'demon thief'? My sister's given name is Kuno Kodachi, though I have 
heard that she has recently taken to calling herself the black rose.>"
	"<You must come with me Tatewaki,>" Shampoo said 
solemnly. "<That picture and your relationship to the girl in it makes 
you a part of Amazon affairs that are far more important than my battle 
with Mu-tsu.>"
	"<Oh?>" asked Tatewaki puzzled. "<And what specific affairs 
might those be?>"
	Turning on her heel to head back to her village at a steady 
pace Shampoo replied in steely tones, "<The mission of my Cousin 
and our tribal Enforcer Pur-fum to track down the pair of demon 
thieves who only a month ago stole many of tribe's most valuable 
treasures.>" Shampoo paused in her walk to look at Tatewaki with a 
sad expression. "<I'm sorry...>" she said softly. "<But your sister and 
her friend have been marked for death.>"

	"<Death?>" Tatewaki repeated blankly as he followed 
Shampoo into the outskirts of the village and up a winding path. 
"<Why would my sister be marked in such a way?>"
	"<She is one half of the pair of demon thieves who invaded 
our village and made off with several of our most valuable treasures,>" 
informed Shampoo stiffly. "<We do not take such actions lightly. It is a 
blatant insult to our tribe.>"
	"<My sister did steal from your village?>" asked Tatewaki in 
stunned disbelief.
	Shampoo directed sympathetic scarlet eyes his way and 
murmured, "<I'm sorry Tatewaki but it's true. I could never forget the 
face of the girl who was responsible for one of the greatest moments 
of shame our village has ever had.>"
	The lost boy cast a worried look at his best friend, who wore 
a tortured expression after hearing Shampoo's words. "<Xian-pu,>" 
Ryoga began slowly. "<May I ask where you are taking us?>"
	"<Certainly,>" replied Shampoo politely as she too gave 
Tatewaki a look of concern. "<I am taking you to my Great 
Grandmother, who is the Matriarch of our tribe. She will know what 
to do about Tatewaki's sister.>"
	Immediately Tatewaki lifted his head and he asked, "<You 
mean that there is a way that I can stop my sister from being killed?>"
	"<Yes,>" Shampoo sighed. "<And you have already done it. 
The interference you presented in my duel with Mu-tsu could be 
interpreted two ways. The first is that it is a clear and blatant insult to 
my skill as a tribal warrior. If I believed that, then I would be forced to 
challenge you to a duel of death in order to prove my worth.>"
	"<I see...>" said Tatewaki nervously. Swallowing the lump in 
his throat, he asked, "<And the other?>"
	"<It could be seen as an honorable offering of friendship and 
loyalty to the tribe,>" said Shampoo. She paused and formed a wry 
smile. "<I have chosen to take your actions as the latter instead of the 
former. You meant no real harm when you interrupted my duel. But,>" 
she added as a dangerous spark lit in her scarlet eyes. "<Let it be 
known that I don't appreciate having my duels fought for me.>"
	"<Of course!>" exclaimed Tatewaki quickly. "<I'll never make 
that mistake again!>"
	"<Good,>" said Shampoo solemnly. She then began heading 
up the path again.
	Watching her backside with a slight flush tingeing his cheeks 
Tatewaki moved into a brisk pace so he could walk at Shampoo's 
side. "<Will you help me to prevent my sister's sentence from taking 
place?>"
	"<It depends,>" Shampoo said after a long pause. "<On what 
my Great Grandmother decrees.>"
	She ducked under a low hanging branch, then stopped 
suddenly. Behind her Tatewaki barely managed to not slam into her 
backside. He tilted his dark brown head to one side and looked at the 
figure of a small wrinkled woman clinging to a staff. On seeing her 
Tatewaki twitched as he wondered how it was possible that she was 
related to Shampoo. He looked at the curvaceous Amazon and 
wondered if she was going to look like that when she was older. At 
this thought he grimaced and tried to block the disturbing visual that 
came to mind.
	Quickly regaining his composure Tatewaki coughed and said, 
"<Honored Elder. I am Kuno Tatewaki and I have come here to seek 
your aid.>"
	"<Is that so?>" the Matriarch replied. She raised an  eyebrow 
in speculation and moved her gaze to Shampoo. The lavender haired 
Amazon looked thoroughly uncomfortable while she shifted from foot 
to foot. "<Come,>" pronounced the Matriarch as she formed the 
smallest of smiles. "<There is much to discuss.>"

	Hot tears streaming down her cheeks, Mousse tore her way 
through the scraping branches of the thick forest before she collapsed 
to her knees in front of the small stream she had found when she was 
just a small child. It was her special place. Where she would come 
when she wanted to be alone and contemplate things. Someday she 
had hoped to share it with Shampoo, but that would never be. 
Shampoo hated her. Mousse finally understood that now. At this 
thought she released a keening wail and buried her face in her arms 
then began to cry even harder.
	When her sobs ceased she slowly crawled forward to gaze at 
her image as it was reflected in the stream. Blinking away her tears 
Mousse dimly realized for the first time that her new form had perfect 
vision. Bending over she looked more carefully at her reflection and 
was surprised to see the figure of beautiful girl gazing back at her. She 
had long raven hair and wide teal eyes that stared at her reflection in 
certain amazement. Touching the surface of the water lightly Mousse 
said, "<I'm pretty.>"
	"<Xian-pu changed me into a pretty girl,>" breathed Mousse. 
"<I was an ugly man but I'm pretty as a girl. But why...?>" She paused 
to close her eyes as she pondered. A minute later she opened them 
and said, "<I was a horrible as a man. But as a girl I can start my life 
over... I can be a new person. A better person. That was why she did 
this. To help me be something better.>" Mousse rose to her feet and 
clenched her hands at her sides. "<So be it,>" she said with eerie 
calmness. "<From this day on Mu-tsu the man no longer exists. I shall 
live my life as a girl.>"
	Mousse sharply turned on her heel and carefully made her way 
back into the forest as she said, "<I've learned my lesson, Xian-pu. I 
will no longer pursue you. Instead, I am dedicating my life to becoming 
a better person. I will do this and make sure that none ever try to take 
your happiness from you again. I, Mu-tsu, swear it!>"

	"<I am Kho-lon,>" said the Matriarch as she sat in front of the 
gathered group. "<Matriarch of the Joketsuzoku Amazons. Now,>" 
Cologne said with slow intrigue. "<Tell me your tale.>"
	"<Kho-lon,>" said Tatewaki solemnly. "<I came to your 
province in hopes of locating my missing sister, whom I have not seen 
since we were children. I came upon your Great Granddaughter, 
Xian-pu, battling the one called Mu-tsu. I was unaware that it was a 
duel of honor and interfered on her behalf. During this battle I became 
cursed by the magics of Jusenkyo, a fate that Mu-tsu also shares. 
Xian-pu brought me to you because your tribe has had contact with 
my sister.>" Tatewaki paused to pull the tattered picture out of his shirt 
pocket and hand it to Cologne. "<I believe that you call her as the 
'demon thief' but her given name is Kuno Kodachi.>"
	Cologne took the picture from Tatewaki and her eyes 
widened slightly. "<Well,>" she began slowly. "<This is an interesting 
turn of events. You say that this girl is your sister?>"
	"<Yes,>" Tatewaki said with a nod as he took the picture 
back from Cologne. "<Kodachi is my younger sister. We were 
separated when were children. I fear from what Xian-pu has told me 
her life was not as fortunate as my own. I can only shudder to think of 
what led her to pursue the life of crime that has been described.>" He 
lifted his eyes to meet Cologne's and pleaded, "<I beg of you honored 
Elder, do not execute my sister! I will do anything that you ask of me. 
But please... do not do this.>"
	Looking into Tatewaki's tear filled eyes Cologne said grimly, 
"<The punishment has already been put into motion Tatewaki. Our 
tribal Enforcer has been sent to locate your sister and deliver sentence 
upon her.>" She gave a soft sigh as she continued, "<The punishment 
was decided by the entire council of Elders. It will not be easy to 
convince them to change their minds. I need you to pledge your 
complete loyalty to our tribe. If we are able to rescue your sister she 
also must pledge her loyalty and subservience to us. She also must 
accept any new punishment that we decree. Do you agree to these 
conditions?>"
	"<Yes, of course!>" replied Tatewaki quickly.
	"<Very well,>" said Cologne as she picked up her staff and 
clung to it once more. She then gazed down at him and said, "<Come. 
There is very little time in which to find Pur-fum and inform her to halt 
the execution. We must hurry if we are to succeed.>"
	With that, Cologne hopped out of the room leaving a stunned 
Ryoga, Shampoo, and Tatewaki behind her.

	"<Great Grandmother!>" called Shampoo as she dashed after 
Cologne who was bounding down the worn path towards the village.
	Cologne paused to face her Granddaughter then questioned, 
"<What is it Xian-pu?>"
	"<Great Grandmother,>" repeated Shampoo. She halted 
whatever she was going to say next and glanced around quickly. 
Seeing that they were all alone Shampoo looked back to Cologne and 
said, "<I want to come with you. I want to help find Pur-fum and 
Tatewaki's sister.>"
	"<Indeed?>" asked Cologne dryly. "<And what reasons 
would I have for taking you with me?>"
	 "<Great Grandmother!>" Shampoo wailed as she darted her 
gaze back at the approaching Tatewaki and Ryoga. "<You don't need 
a reason! You're the Matriarch... no one questions your decisions.>"
	"<I know that,>" said Cologne. She narrowed her gaze a 
notch then asked, "<How exactly did Mu-tsu end up gaining his 
Jusenkyo curse?>"
	At this question Shampoo looked incredibly uncomfortable 
then said hesitantly, "<I knocked him into the spring of drowned girl.>" 
Seeing Cologne's disapproval she exclaimed, "<Mu-tsu wouldn't stop 
bothering me and he attacked Tatewaki from behind! He's 
dishonorable!>"
	"<I see,>" Cologne said thoughtfully as she gave Shampoo a 
searching gaze. "<You seem quite fond of this outlander called 
Tatewaki and you've only just met. Could you tell me why this is? 
Normally if a boy attempts to fight your battles for you the results 
are... well. Less than favorable is a mild way to put it.>"
	"<I... I...>" Shampoo trailed off as she flushed bright red. "<I 
don't know... he's just different. He only interfered because he thought 
I was in danger. Later when he found out it was a duel he apologized 
to me for interrupting. He's...>" She lifted scarlet eyes and said, "<He's 
honorable. Tatewaki is an honorable person. Please let me join you on 
this quest. You know that I've always dreamed of seeing the outside 
world. And I promise that if you decide take me along you won't 
regret it.>"
	There was a moment of silence before Cologne moved 
forward and said, "<No. I don't believe I will. Very well Xian-pu. You 
may come along. Go back and ready our things. We will be leaving as 
soon as I have swayed the council into my way of thinking.>"
	"<Xian-pu?>" called Tatewaki as he neared her. "<Is 
something going on?>"
	Turning to the pair Shampoo wore a wide smile on her pretty 
features as she said, "<Great Grandmother says that I can come with 
you on your journey!>"
	"<Truly?>" asked Tatewaki happily. Beaming, he looked to 
Ryoga and continued, "<Isn't this great news old friend? It seems that 
we shall no longer be alone in our quest! How delightful that both 
Xian-pu and her Great Grandmother will be joining us.>"
	"<Heh,>" Ryoga released a tight laugh. Rubbing the back of 
his unruly head of hair he ripped his eyes away from Shampoo's 
voluptuous figure and said, "<Yeah. Whatever you say Tachi. The 
more the merrier.>"

	A blurred shadow bounded out of it's native hut to hide behind 
another. After doing this she paused to take a good look at her new 
body in the rather tight blue and silver pantsuit that she had put on. She 
was unusually curvaceous, perhaps even more than Shampoo. And 
her breasts! Mousse's eyes turned as wide as saucers.
	"<They're huge,>" she whispered as she stared at the two 
melons attached to her formerly flat chest. Mousse was about to give 
into the urge to touch them when the sound of sudden arguing 
interrupted her.
	"<What are you really planning Kho-lon?>" asked a 
suspicious voice that Mousse knew to be none other than her Great 
Aunt Lotion the Elder.
	"<Nothing,>" returned the voice of Cologne. "<The boy called 
Tatewaki has earned both my and Xian-pu's respect. He needs the 
help of our tribe and the fact that his sister is one of the demon thieves 
increases his value to us. This is an important mission and as such I am 
taking Xian-pu with me. Her skills will be needed.>"
	"<Xian-pu?>" said Mousse softly as she pressed herself up 
against the hut. "<She's leaving with that outlander called Tatewaki?>"
	"<It sounds like you're playing the matchmaker,>" said Lotion 
with dry humor.
	"<I'm doing nothing of the sort. Xian-pu asked to accompany 
me on this journey so she might see the outside world and I see no 
reason to refuse her,>" said Cologne.
	"<Right,>" Lotion said skeptically. "<I still think this is another 
one of your schemes.>"
	"<Think what you like,>" said Cologne dismissively. Mousse 
instantly leapt backwards as she saw the Matriarch hop forward on 
her staff and into her line of vision. "<The Council has approved my 
plan and in the morning we will follow Pur-fum's trail that has led her 
to Japan. According to the communications I've received from her 
she's yet to find them so we still have time on our side.>" Mousse 
watched as Cologne tilted her head back to smile at Lotion. "<You 
will keep an eye on things for me, won't you?>"
	"<Of course,>" replied Lotion. She was silent for a moment 
then she said, "<Don't take too long. You know how Be-dea misses 
your presence in Council.>"
	Meeting their gaze Cologne said, "<I'll keep that in mind.>"
	From her hidden position Mousse watched as both Cologne 
and Lotion exited then said to herself in hushed tones, "<Xian-pu is 
going to Japan with the outlanders? But why would she do that? 
Unless...>" Mousse trailed off despondently. "<Unless she really does 
like that outlander Tatewaki. Oh Xian-pu...>" The raven haired girl 
released a soft sob then hastily wiping away her tears and straightening 
to her full height she said strongly, "<It doesn't matter! I made a vow 
and I'm going to keep it. No one will ever interfere with Xian-pu's 
happiness again. I'll make sure of that. Even if I have to follow her to 
Japan to do it!>"

	Back at the cabin Tatewaki opened his eyes before going 
through his sword work with certain ease. His katana glinted in the sun 
as he completed the motions only to start them again. As he did this he 
thought on the day's events.
	The last thing he'd expected was to end up with a curse that 
changed him into a ugly chicken...
	No, he corrected mentally, a phoenix. That was what the 
Guide called him. But apparently he turned into a phoenix that looked 
like a ugly chicken. Not very reassuring.
	He supposed he should be grateful that he didn't fall into a 
more ridiculous spring. Like the spring of drowned yeti riding a bull 
carrying a crane and eel.
	There were a lot of things that he knew he should be grateful 
for. His skills in the art, for one. If it hadn't been for his training he 
could've ended up dead or fallen into a much worse spring. Tatewaki 
knew that he should be grateful for many of the things in his life .
	All his foster families had been kind to him, even if they didn't 
know how to help heal his broken heart. And it was only a stroke of 
luck that his Mistress had found him that night. He had just run away 
from his latest foster home after they'd discovered the Kuno family 
katana he'd always kept with him. Feeling that the weapon wasn't 
appropriate for an eight year boy, they had tried to take it away only 
to have Tatewaki run away with the katana in tow. That was when he 
ran into his Mistress.
	Literally.
	The force of the impact caused him to fall back on his butt and 
gaze up at a woman with a face both imperious and wise all at the 
same time. She had long black hair which was elegantly pulled back 
and luminous brown eyes. The kimono she wore was a beautiful light 
blue and served to make her look even more lady like. And from her 
seeped a power that Tatewaki had never sensed before.
	She gave him the smallest of smiles as she knelt down before 
him and eyed the katana that sat in his lap. "What's a boy like you 
doing with a fine weapon like this?" she asked with a lilting British 
accent. 
	"It's mine!" declared Tatewaki fiercely as he pulled the katana 
to his chest. "My mother gave it to me!"
	"Is that so?" the woman asked. Her smile deepened as she 
continued, "Did she teach you how to use it then?"
	His tawny eyes wide Tatewaki reluctantly shook his head as 
he mumbled, "She couldn't. She's dead."
	The woman considered this before she held her hand out to 
him. For a long moment Tatewaki stared at her hand until he finally 
accepted it as she pulled him to his feet.
	"Would you like to know how to use it?" she asked.
	Lifting his head Tatewaki looked into her gaze that reflected a 
fire he'd never known and gave a short nod. The woman smiled at him 
and asked, "What is your name?"
	"Kuno Tatewaki," said Tatewaki shyly as he followed after her 
and down the darkened street.
	"A good name," the woman said in satisfaction. Looking to 
him she smiled then said, "You may call me Mistress Azami."
	With that she took his hand in hers as they walked down the 
street. He wasn't sure how she had arranged it but somehow Mistress 
Azami became his legal guardian. So over the next seven years he 
trained in the woods of Kyoto.
	She was a harsh trainer but he enjoyed his years with her and 
had been sad when the day arrived for him to enter middle school. 
Sad because it meant leaving her and the only real home he had 
known in a long time. But he had to go to school and he had to look 
for his sister.
	Mistress Azami gave him the information that Kodachi had 
been living in with a foster family in Juuban a year ago and was thought 
to still live there still. So that was where he was headed and that was 
where she had arranged for him to continue his education.
	Unfortunately by the time he arrived in Juuban his sister was 
long gone, the foster family claiming that she had run away after a 
falling out with her boyfriend. On hearing this Tatewaki experienced 
his first flash of extreme anger since his mother's death. His sister was 
only fourteen and already she was dating?
	Finishing his sword work Tatewaki smoothly sliced through 
the air before sheathing his katana while he heaved deep breaths. That 
was three years ago. Her first boyfriend had caused her to runaway.
	What sort of man was Kodachi with now? Whoever he is he 
was obviously worse than her first boyfriend. It was  because of him 
that she was committing illegal acts. Or was it boyfriends? The 
information they had gathered said that she was traveling with two 
men. Was it possible that she could be involved with both of them 
romantically?
	Gritting his teeth together, Tatewaki tried to contain his anger 
and closing his eyes he blocked out any thoughts of Kodachi. It did 
him no good to worry needlessly when he couldn't do anything about 
it. All that mattered was that soon he'd be with her and he could 
protect her again.
	And protect her especially from the influence of her so-called 
boyfriends.

	"<He's good,>" commented Shampoo.
	She sat next to Ryoga on the porch of the cabin watching 
Tatewaki practice his sword work. It had been quite some time since 
she'd seen anyone as skillful as Tatewaki and she found his technique 
beautiful to watch. There was a fluid grace in his movements that 
entranced her.
	"<Yeah,>" said Ryoga nervously. He slowly inched away from 
the Amazon and willed himself to remain calm.
	Ryoga hadn't broken out into a nosebleed and he wasn't eager 
to start now. For some unfathomable reason girls made him nervous. 
His family had tried to help him with his problem but nothing worked. 
So Ryoga just had to accept it as a part of who he was. It was simple 
logic to him that anytime a girl got to close he either passed out or 
broke out into a violent nosebleed. Lucky for him he spent most of his 
time with boys and not girls or else he'd never be able to keep up his 
training in the art.
	Take it easy, he told himself, just remember what Dad told 
you. Closing his eyes Ryoga heard the voice of his father from when 
he'd given him advice about his anxiety around the opposite sex. Just 
pretend that they're men and then you'll have no problems talking to 
them. They may smack you around some but at least you'll be able to 
have a conversation with them. If that doesn't work pretend they're 
something asexual, like a rock. But whatever you do, boy, make sure 
you don't make eye contact. I've noticed that's when it all goes 
downhill. Don't look at her and you'll do fine.
	"<So,>" Shampoo said as she looked at him. "<How did you 
two meet, anyway?>"
	"<At lunch,>" said Ryoga shyly as he averted his eyes. 
"<Tachi just transferred to the same school as me and he got into a 
fight with my brother.>"
	"<And that's how you became friends?>" asked Shampoo 
incredulously.
	"<Yeah,>" Ryoga said with a soft laugh. "<But it's not like it 
sounds. My brother and I always fight over food. It's just how we 
were raised. Tachi didn't know that though so he figured I was being 
picked on and he intervened.>"
	"<Sounds like what he did today,>" murmured Shampoo 
thoughtfully.
	Keeping his eyes focused on the ground Ryoga nodded his 
head and said, "<Exactly like that. Anyway, when we explained it all 
to him he was awfully sorry and we all got to be friends. Well, sort of. 
Tachi and my brother can barely stand each other. I don't know 
why.>" Ryoga paused then mused, "<I guess they're just too different. 
The only thing they have in common is sword training and that made 
them more competitive with each other.>"
	"<And do you fight with any weapons?>" asked Shampoo 
curiously.
	"<Just my fists,>" Ryoga replied proudly. "<I'm the 
weaponless heir to my family's school of martial arts. My brother was 
taught to fight with and without weapons. He learned mixed styles 
while my fighting style is pure and goes along with the oldest traditions 
of our school.>"
	There was another long pause as Shampoo watched Tatewaki 
run through his sword routine before she became irritated with the 
silence and asked, "<How long have you been traveling together?>"
	A bit surprised that Shampoo was resuming their conversation 
Ryoga said slowly, "<About a year. We started off traveling with my 
father and brother but we ended up getting separated because of me. 
We've been traveling alone over since as we try to look for our 
families.>"
	"<Why did you get separated from yours?>" asked Shampoo 
curiously. "<It sounds like Tatewaki and his sister were torn apart but 
what about you?>"
	"<I got lost,>" mumbled Ryoga, making sure his eyes 
remained fixated on the ground. 
	Shampoo blinked as she thought about his words then finally 
she said, "<You what?>"
	"<I got lost,>" repeated Ryoga as he flushed red. "<I have a 
problem with directions... I guess you could say that I inherited it 
because my Mom has it too.>" Still staring at the ground he mulled on 
this a moment before he said, "<Tachi was traveling with my family on 
our training journey so that he could improve in the art and search for 
his sister. One day we were at this street fighting tournament in Tokyo 
and got separated from my family in the crowd.>" With a sigh Ryoga 
said, "<And the next thing I know we're in Osaka.>"
	"<Osaka?>" Shampoo blinked again. "<Isn't that sort of far 
from where you started off?>"
	"<Yeah,>" said Ryoga as he gave a weak and nervous laugh 
while he stared at the ground. "<Really far.>"
	Shampoo thought on his words for a moment before she 
asked, "<Do you get lost often?>"
	"<All the time,>" said Ryoga sadly. "<This is the first time I've 
been separated from my brother though. Well, there was this time 
when I was five but it was only for a week. This has been for over a 
year...>"
	"<You must miss him a lot,>" said Shampoo as she observed 
the now melancholy lost boy.
	At this Ryoga nodded dimly as he said, "<I miss all of them. 
My family are the only people besides Tachi that I'm really close to. I 
hate being away from them.>"
	"<I'm sorry,>" Shampoo said. Unsure of what to say next she 
offered haplessly, "<I'm sure that you'll find them once we reach 
Japan. Maybe we can help.>"
	"<Thank you,>" said Ryoga with soft emotion. He was so 
touched by her words that he lifted his head to look into her eyes and 
his reaction was immediate.
	First it was seeing her charming smile then it was seeing her 
scarlet eyes shining with concern and then it was seeing the sight of her 
slightly exposed cleavage. When all of these were combined it took 
less than a second for Ryoga to faint.
	Observing this with wide eyes Shampoo said, "<Was it 
something I said?>"

	After Tatewaki managed to wake his friend and reassure 
Shampoo that Ryoga was fine the two boys decided they should go to 
bed early. This left Shampoo with Cologne who had been silent almost 
the entire evening.
	"<Great Grandmother?>" asked Shampoo hesitantly when 
they were alone. "<Is something wrong?>"
	"<I'm fine,>" Cologne replied softly. Giving Shampoo a 
reassuring smile she continued, "<You should go get some sleep. We 
have a long day tomorrow.>"
	"<All right,>" said Shampoo. She wore a worried expression 
as she left the cabin to head to her quarters that she normally shared 
with Perfume.
	Now alone, Cologne stared into the flames of the dying fire 
and murmured, "<And so it begins.>"
	
	"<A plane,>" said Ryoga in wonder as he pressed his nose to 
the glass. "<We're actually going to ride on a plane Tachi! I can't 
remember the last time I got to do that. Usually Dad made us walk or 
swim places in our travels.>"
	After a near five hour drive the group had finally arrived at the 
nearest airport, which was quite small with the limited amount of travel 
in the area, to wait for their plane. Three hours had passed since they 
first arrived at the airport but it had finally been announced that their 
flight was prepped and readying for passengers to board. 
	"<It is a rare treat indeed,>" agreed Tatewaki with an easy 
smile. Turning his tawny gaze to Shampoo he said, "<I thank you for 
your generous assistance in our transport to Japan. We are not used to 
such kindness. Truly you and your people are of excellent character.>"
	"<Thank you,>" said Shampoo as she flushed quietly. Averting 
her eyes she watched as their plane moved into the final stages before 
they were allowed to board. "<But it was all Great Grandmother's 
doing. She is a woman of some influence on many levels in my 
country.>" She paused then met Tatewaki's gaze and said hesitantly, 
"<What of your parents? Were they of some importance? They must 
have been from the way you speak...>" As Tatewaki's earnest gaze 
bore into her Shampoo trailed off nervously.
	Tatewaki gave a wan smile then replied, "<My parents were 
quite wealthy. At least my mother was. She died when Kodachi and I 
were children. This left us alone with my father,>" he hissed the last 
word viciously. "<He squandered all of the money Mother left us and 
when it was gone he turned to less legal means of gaining monetary 
funds. That was when social services discovered our state of near 
bankruptcy. When they found out the depths of his maltreatment of 
myself and Kodachi they took us from him. An event that to this day I 
grateful for,>" said Tatewaki solemnly.
	"<I fear that if Kodachi and I had stayed with our Father for 
one moment more he would have driven us to madness,>" Tatewaki 
confessed. "<Fortunately we did not stay but our repose was slight as 
we were soon separated due to the fact that many were reluctant to 
foster two children with... eccentricities such as ours.>" Tatewaki 
sighed and gave another wan smile. "<I can't describe how much it 
hurt to be separated from Kodachi. She is my only family. The only 
family I want and shall ever have. So I made it my quest in life to find 
her once again. It is my duty as her older brother to find and protect 
her. That is what my Mother told me on her death bed and that is why 
I search for Kodachi. It is why I must find her now and prevent her 
horrible fate from occurring. I could not bear to lose her.>"
	Looking at Tatewaki with sad scarlet eyes Shampoo gently 
touched his forearm and said, "<Please don't worry Tatewaki. We'll 
find your sister and stop Pur-fum from delivering sentence. I stake my 
honor on it.>"
	"<Such a promise is unnecessary,>" said Tatewaki softly as he 
covered Shampoo's hand with his own. "<But I thank you. I can't 
express how much your understanding means to me. Lesser people 
would have considered me an enemy because of the way that we were 
introduced to one another. I am grateful that you are not such a 
person. Truly you are rare flower, Xian-pu.>"
	At this Shampoo blushed deeply but before she could reply 
Cologne approached and announced, "<Come. I have gained us an 
early admittance onto the flight.>"
	"<Really?>" asked Ryoga excitedly as he spun around. 
"<That's great! I want the window seat!>" As he shouted this the lost 
boy dashed in the general vicinity of where their plane was boarding.
	Watching this, Tatewaki murmured, "<I best go and help him 
find the gate or our departure will be delayed by a minimum of twenty 
four hours at the least.>"
	After his exit Cologne gave her Shampoo a curious look which 
caused her to flush beet red before she dashed after Tatewaki. And 
observing this Cologne chuckled.

	"Whoah," said Ryoga in amazement. Leaning forward he 
pressed his nose against the small portal window of the plane to look 
at the ground several miles below. The window fogged up from his 
breath and he pulled back to wipe it off as he grinned. "This is really 
cool, you should check it out. Everything looks miniature."
	Dipping his head forward Tatewaki gazed out the window and 
smiled softly. "It is a wondrous sight indeed. In some ways it reminds 
me of--" Tatewaki stopped his speech abruptly as the plane jerked 
slightly and turning gray he held his seat's armrests in a death grip.
	Ryoga observed his friend's behavior and questioned, "You all 
right? You're not afraid are you?"
	"Afraid?" scoffed Tatewaki as he continued to grip the arms of 
the chair tightly. "Don't be ridiculous! It takes more than a few shakes 
of an airplane to bring fear to the spirit of Kuno Tatewaki! I'm 
perfectly--"
	The plane received another sharp jerk and Tatewaki paled 
even further to look as white as a sheet. Ryoga saw this and shook his 
head in a bemused action.
	"There's nothing to be scared of," said Ryoga helpfully. 
"Airplanes are perfectly safe--"
	"I know that!" exclaimed Tatewaki with offense. "And for the 
last time I'm not scared! I'm simply testing the strength of my arm 
rests..."
	"Uh-huh," said Ryoga skeptically.
	Gritting his teeth Tatewaki said tightly, "For the last time 
Ryoga-kun... I am not frightened, nor am I scared. All I need is time to 
adapt to air travel. That is all."
	Seeming to contemplate this, Ryoga turned his attention back 
to the window when suddenly the plane jerked again and Tatewaki 
released a scream of terror. Heaving a deep sigh Ryoga said, "This is 
going to be a long flight."
	
	Wondering about the outbursts coming from across the isle 
from their traveling companions Shampoo decided to try and ignore 
their shouts. After all, she should be focusing her attention on what 
Cologne was currently telling her.
	"<We must stop Pur-fum from delivering sentence but it will 
be difficult to dissuade her. She left us in a state of absolute fury,>" 
said Cologne. "<I assume that you know better than I the reason 
behind her anger?>"
	"<Yes,>" said Shampoo hesitantly. "<I'm sorry but I can't tell 
you, Great Grandmother. It's... well...>"
	"<Private?>" Cologne asked dryly with a raised eyebrow. 
"<Don't fret child. I wasn't expecting you to divulge your Cousin's 
secrets to me. I just want you to be prepared to take on your role as 
mediator. Someone must calm Pur-fum's wrath when we arrive and as 
her closest companion you are the best suited to do that.>"
	"<Why don't you just tell her to stop?>" asked Shampoo 
nonplused. "<You know she'll do whatever you tell her Great 
Grandmother. Pur-fum is loyal to you.>"
	"<Well,>" said Cologne slowly. "<I do plan on telling her that 
the judgment was altered but if I know Pur-fum she won't take the 
news well. I need someone to explain the logistics of the situation to 
her. That's where you step in. Do you understand?>"
	"<No,>" Shampoo replied. "<But I'll do as you say.>"
	"<Good,>" said Cologne in tones of deep satisfaction. 
"<That's very good.>"
	Looking at her Great Grandmother with some wariness 
Shampoo turned to gaze out the window. Only then did she realize 
that she was trapped. There was no place for her to run and that 
meant one thing and one thing only.
	That Cologne was going to take advantage of this by going 
into her usual spiel about Shampoo's duties as the Champion of her 
tribe. She was doomed.
	"<Xian-pu,>" Cologne chided. "<You shouldn't day dream so 
much. When I was your age...>"
	Shampoo closed her eyes as Cologne went into her long line 
of speeches. It was going to be a long flight.

	Mousse gritted her teeth together and attempted to move a 
millimeter inside the large crate she was shipping herself in. The 
storage space in the plane was limited but she had managed to be sent 
on the same flight that Shampoo was on. True, she was feeling 
claustrophobic, but it was all worth it to keep her vow to Shampoo. 
She would never again allow harm to come to the other girl.
	"<I stake my life on it!>" cried Mousse passionately. She 
jumped up only to hit her head on the wooden top of the crate that she 
was sealed inside.
	With a groan Mousse collapsed as her body was mashed 
uncomfortably inside the crate. Maybe, she thought warily, I should 
have planned my mode of travel a little more extensively. It was going 
to be a long flight.

	It had been a long flight for the plane's crew. When they had 
finally landed they were all planning to sacrifice one of the four 
troublesome passengers onboard to the great god of airline travel.
	Especially the passenger who used archaic speech and was 
constantly requesting a glass of cold water while his companion 
immediately dismissed the order. After this had happened several 
times the crew decided to ignore whatever requests the pair made. 
Unfortunately the poetry spouter decided to go get cold water on his 
own which led to a rather violent confrontation with his companion in 
the small aisle of the plane. The brawl went on for several minutes with 
the poetry spouter screaming something about him being able to 
escape a fiery death by being a feathered friend as the other boy telling 
him in turn that he was in fact a needless coward. However their 
conflict ended quickly when the shrunken troll woman that was 
apparently leading the group of miscreants knocked them both out 
with her staff, much to the dismay of the punk rocker girl traveling with 
her. The girl sported a shock of dyed lavender hair that even the most 
flamboyantly gay member of their crew found extreme.
	Needless to say the crew was ecstatic to see these passengers 
exit their plane. They had just gathered around to discuss the maniacs 
inhabiting their flight when a loud crash sounded from the cargo bay. 
Seconds later, a gorgeous girl with long raven hair appeared from the 
back of the plane and recklessly barreled through the crew.
	Crushed on the floor of the plane, the entire crew for Good 
Luck, China Airlines international flight 109 decided that it was long 
past time for a vacation.

To be continued... 

All characters in this fanfiction are from Ranma 1/2. With the 
exception of Mistress Azami who is from The Adventures of Kotetsu. 
This fanfiction was inspired by the works of the great goddess Rumiko 
Takahashi but the insanity behind it is purely my own. I'd like to thank 
all my prereaders, you know who you are, along with Jim Robert 
Bader and my brother Patrick for listening to my goofy ideas. Also 
special thanks to Wade Tritschler for allowing me to a part of his 
Altered Destinies project.

Send comments to: Dreiser1@ix.netcom.com

Chat with me on ICQ! My ICQ # is: 37674780 

Thanks to Red Death all my fanfics are archived at:
http://www.lvdi.net/~reddeath/dreiser.htm

Visit other Altered Destinies at:
http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/attenborough/249/index.htm

"Stranger than fiction, the life you and I are now leading."
-Johnette Napolitano-