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