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All original Ranma1/2 Characters and Backstory Copyright
Rumiko Takahashi, and are used without permission.

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Coutuva.


The Princess Bride - V1P9
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	Cologne sat alone in her room, brooding in silence as she
gazed out at the night sky.  Even though she hadn't said anything
about it to Mousse or Shampoo, she was deeply concerned over what
had happened to Yue.
	As near as she could figure, there was only one thing that
could have prevented Yue from killing Akane; Ranma's protective
instinct.
	Even Tofuu had agreed.
	That had given her grave cause to be concerned.
	She wanted Yue in the Tribe.  The Tribe needed her.  With
the gradual erosion of its youth into mainstream Chinese society,
the population had suffered over the years, meaning that there was
a real danger of the Amazon way of life disappearing forever.
	Yue would not only bring her progeny, but her example of
fierce loyalty, pride and honour would rub off on the younger
generations -- particularly since the girl seemed able to charm an
iceberg.
	In her own ways, Yue represented everything that the
Amazons once were -- and Cologne knew that with Yue's apparent
lineage, great potential existed for her to become the next Queen,
given that the current Matriarch was the last of her line.
        She had at one time hoped that Shampoo would assume the
mantle, but, her own feelings aside, she knew that Yue was far
and away the better choice.
	Her problem lay in the possibility that Ranma could
regain control of his body.  She was not certain that such a
thing could actually happen, but she also knew that Yue's
presence would have been considered equally unlikely.
	That very fact made it a foolish thing to ignore.
	Cologne sighed.  She knew that even if Ranma did come
back, and by some miracle cooperated with Shampoo, the situation
would not nearly be as good.  He would produce strong, healthy
children, but that would be the extent of his contribution.  He
could never rule, nor would he ever be able to have any impact
on Tribal politics.  After all, as perfect as he was, he was
only a man.
	In the more likely scenario, things would return to how
they were before Yue's arrival.
	Cologne's face darkened as she considered how disastrous
that would be.
	The solution to her problem was obvious -- all she had to
do was isolate Yue for two more days, and then get her back to
the village.  Once she was there, and properly wed, she would be
protected from any influences that could 'adversely affect' her.
	But, as she was keenly aware, the best-laid plans had a
tendency to suffer from the 'Nerima Effect', which meant that she
was likely in for a hard battle.
	As those final thoughts drifted through her mind, her
gaze fell on an old, travel-worn chest at the back of her room.
Her face grew sombre as she looked at it for several long minutes,
and then made up her mind.
	The future of the Tribe was worth even going that far.





	Nabiki frowned as she hung up the phone.  "Kuso...  The
Nekohanten's closed.  Now I can't keep an eye on things in there."
	Akane gasped.  "Closed?  Why would they do that?"
	"They probably figure we'll be trying something.  Frankly,
it doesn't surprise me."
	"So then what do we do now?  We've only got today and
tomorrow; their flight is the next morning!" she fretted, sitting
forward in her chair.
	"I don't know yet.  I was hoping they'd have been a bit
overconfident, and left the place open.  But, that just means we'll
have to try something else."
	Akane gaped back at her.  "You mean...  You haven't got an
idea yet?"
	"Hey, chill sis.  I have an ace, but I don't want to use
it unless I absolutely have to.  It's pretty dirty, even for me,"
Nabiki smirked, lifting a specific file from a nearby stack.  "You
see, just in case of an emergency, I put together a file on
everyone that shows up here -- if they stick around, that is.  The
transients aren't usually worth blowing off the markers.  Anyway,
it turns out that 'duck-boy' has left himself wide open.  So, if
I have to, I can get him out of the picture -- for good," she
grinned, smugly.
	"A file?  So then that's Mousse's?" Akane asked, taking
the file and looking over the first page.  "Masaka...  That's
awful!" she gasped, closing it quickly.  "You wouldn't really do
that, would you?"
	The older girl lowered an eyebrow.  "How bad do you want
Ranma back?"
	Akane bit her lip.



                               
	Kasumi sighed as she hung up the payphone, distressed that
the situation had forced her hand.  Having taken a discreet look
at the 'file', she realized that she had to act before things took
a very bad turn.
	She had not wanted to interfere, unaccustomed as she was
to such activities, but she knew that to not do so would result in
only one outcome -- and it was not one she could in any good
conscience allow.
	Taking back her card, she turned and started off down the
street, hoping she would be allowed to offer her proposal.
	Several minutes later, she arrived at her destination, and
simply stood outside the closed doors.  Her hand twitched toward
the bell rope, but stopped as she felt a presence beside her.
	"<Greetings, Shan Zhou Hua,>" she smiled, turning to face
the Elder.
	"<Greetings, Tendou Kasumi,>" the old woman smiled back,
politely.
	"<May I speak to you -- privately?>" she asked, her tone
friendly but serious.
	"<To me?  Of course.  Come; we can speak in my office.
The others are in the yard, sparring,>" the woman responded,
looking quite curious.
	When they arrived in the office a few moments later,
Kasumi wasted no time.
	"<I have come on behalf of myself -- and Yue.  You see, my
family is convinced that it is your wish to marry Yue and Mousse.
Is that by any chance accurate?>" she asked, looking the aged
woman in the eyes.
	Cologne studied her for a moment before speaking.  "<I
sense that I can trust you, Kasumi...  As I always have,>" the
woman stated, her face softening.  "<Unlike the others in your
family, there is a kindness in your heart that guides you;
something similar to how Yue's heart guides her.  And that heart...
Has made her fall in love with Kuan.  I confess, I had thought to
force him to marry her, and he would likely have done so simply
to please us.  But, she surprised us all by falling for him on
her own,>" the old woman added, a smile crossing her face.
"<Kids,>" she shrugged, shaking her head.
	Kasumi had to smile.  "<I'm happy for her,>" she stated,
genuinely.  "<But that also means that I have bad news.  My family
is planning to prevent them from marrying -- and I fear what
lengths they may go to,>" she sighed, lowering her face.
"<Because of that, and because I consider Yue to be my friend,
I...  Have arranged a means for you to leave for China.  A private
plane is waiting for all of you right now at the Tokyo Airport.
All you need to do is get there,>" she stated, biting her lip as
she held a piece of paper toward Cologne.  "<All the details are
here...  If you wish to use it.  Call it my...  Wedding present.>"
	Cologne was stunned.  "<Why?>" she asked bluntly, her face
fallen.  Kasumi sighed.
	"<If Yue finds out the truth -- then we could quite
possibly lose them both,>" she stated, keeping her voice quiet.
"<I could not allow that to happen, no matter what it means,>" she
added, meeting the older woman's gaze.
	It took Cologne a moment to respond, but when she did, it
was preceded by a proud smile.  "<As I had always thought, your
wisdom exceeds your years, Kasumi Tendou.  Your family would do
well to learn from you.  I cannot begin to express my thanks...
And my regret that you are not an Amazon,>" the elder woman noted,
bowing appreciatively.
	Kasumi simply smiled her usual smile.  "<I only ask that
you treat her well -- she is a wonderful girl and a good friend --
I will miss her.  But, at least...  This way...>" she trailed off,
seeking the older woman's eyes once more.
	Cologne met her gaze, then returned a solemn nod.  Kasumi's
smile broadened as she closed her eyes, took a breath, then opened
them and rose from her seat.  She bowed out of respect and
appreciation, then turned and headed for the door.
	"<Kasumi?>" Cologne called after her, stopping her just as
her hand settled on the doorknob.
	She looked back over her shoulder.  "<Yes?>"
	"<I'll tell her,>" the old woman smiled, a knowing glint in
her eyes.
	"Arigato.  Sayonara, Shan Zhou Hua...  Gambatte ne," Kasumi
smiled back, then stepped through the door.
	Cologne waited about two heartbeats, then hopped to the
same door and peered out its small window, watching Kasumi walk
away.  She wasn't at all surprised to see the girl pull a tissue
out of her purse and dab at her eyes.  "<Your mother must be
proud,>" she smiled to herself, then sighed and hopped away from
the door.
	She had work to do.





	The Airport, as Lin had called it, was a busy, noisy,
intimidating place, filled with all manner of strange, overwhelming
sights.  Even while maintaining her outward bearing, she clung to
Kuan's hand, glad for his presence as they all followed the Elder
through the throng.
	She had to wonder what Kasumi had been thinking.
	They eventually stepped from the cavernous, disquieting
structure and walked across a large expanse called a 'runway
apron', heading toward the oddest-looking object.  It resembled a
huge bird, in that it seemed to have wings, but the deafening
noise that emanated from it was no birdcall.
	"<Lin!  What manner of thing is this?>" she shouted over
the din, noting the smiles her question attracted.
	"<That's the plane we told you about; it's what will take
us back to China,>" the Amazon responded, her large eyes sparkling
at the words.
	"<This!?  How will it bring us to China?>" she gasped,
looking back at it incredulously.  Based on what she could see,
that did not seem likely.
	Lin and Kuan both looked at her and smiled.
	"<You'll see -- just wait,>" Lin assured, followed by a
nod from Kuan.
	She could only look back at each of them and sigh,
tightening her grip on Kuan's hand.





	Nabiki dropped into her chair, her eyes widened in
disbelief.  "Say that again?" she gasped into the phone, then
cursed silently at the response.  "Okay...  Arigato."
        "What?  Did something happen?" Akane prodded, her heart
skipping a beat at the look on her sister's face.
	Nabiki huffed dejectedly. "They got away."
	Akane blanched.  "Got...  Away?"
	"Hai.  Seems they slipped out of the cafe and just
disappeared.  All of 'em.  The place is empty.  Kuso, I can't
believe they got past me; somebody's head's going to roll for
this," she swore, her eyes flashing.
	Akane didn't react.  Without a word, she rose from her
chair and walked from the room, heedless of her sister's worried
calls.  She continued straight up to her room, stepped in and
closed the door.
	Not another sound was heard.





	Yue uttered a painful groan as her eyes slowly opened, then
winced as the brightness struck them.
	"Forgive me, Princess Liang, but I acted in your best
interest," the Elder apologized, dipping her head.
	"Uhnnn...  No, Elder, you need not make apology.  It is I
who should beg your forgiveness.  I meant not...  To take such
drastic leave of my senses," she countered, shamefaced.  As she
moved to sit up, she noticed that she had been leaning against
Kuan's side.  When she looked up and saw his concern melting away
into a relieved smile, she smiled back, then nestled against him
once more.  She heard his smile widen.
	"I shouldn't have placed you in the window seat.  I forgot
that you have never flown," Cologne deflected, sighing.
	"Do not concern yourself, Elder.  You acted appropriately.
Had you not done so, it is likely that I would have harmed that poor
girl," she insisted, the memory of how she drew her sword, leapt at
the 'stewardess' and demanded to be released bringing an
embarrassed flush to her cheeks.  "I confess to having been less
than sensible," she added, noting how Lin covered her mouth and
looked away.
	"How is your head?  I did not want to leave you with a
headache, as I imagine Lin wants to show you around," the Elder
redirected, a smile growing on her face.
	Yue widened her eyes.  "You mean...  We have arrived
already?" she gasped, jumping upright and looking out what she
assumed was a window.
	"Yes.  We are in a taxi, and being taken to the Village.
Kasumi was kind enough to arrange our landing so that we would be
very close to it," the old woman responded, happiness clear in her
voice.
	As excited as she was for herself, Yue couldn't help but
think that the Elder had also missed her homeland.  She knew Lin
had, and Kuan had also expressed such a sentiment -- but it seemed
to her in that moment that the Elder had missed it evermuch more,
and Yue had the distinct feeling that she knew why.
	It was not simply the woman's home -- it was in fact a part
of what she was.
	Just as she was completing the observation, however, it
reminded her of her own predicament; she had arrived in the land
of her birth, but was as surely a stranger to it as the Elder was
a part of it.
	The things she could see moving rapidly past her reinforced
the point almost mockingly.
	"I cannot believe that this is China," she remarked without
meaning to, turning to look back at Kuan searchingly.
	"It is, Yue.  But this is the area just outside a major
city.  Where we live, things are different.  You'll feel much more
comfortable there," he assured, gesturing for her to sit beside him
again.
	She looked into his eyes for a moment, then smiled gently.
"As long as I am there with you, my love, I could live anywhere,"
she stated, settling back on the seat and nestling against him again.
	"Our village is not far from here, Yue.  You should save
your strength, because once I get you there, I'm going to keep you
very busy," Lin teased, regarding her with a threatening eye.
        "I look forward to that.  It appears that I yet have much
to learn," she smiled back, casting another glance out the window.
	She didn't see the satisfied smile touch Cologne's features.





	Yue was stunned at the reception that greeted her as she
stepped from the taxi.
	The entire population of the village had gathered in what
seemed a ceremonial field, lined up in a manner most official.  The
Elder, Kuan and Lin even moved into entourage positions around her,
adding to the formality.
	In the center of the assemblage sat who Yue assumed was the
Matriarch, the Queen of the Amazon people.  The very regal-looking
woman, dressed in bright ceremonial raiment and sporting a
tiara-like crown, bore a wide, delighted smile -- as did everyone
within sight.
	As she was escourted up to greet the Matriarch, she
couldn't help but smile herself, the scene so reminiscent of her
former life that it touched her heart.
	The Elder moved forward as they approached the Matriarch,
then stopped before her and bowed.  Upon rising, she stepped out
and turned to the side.
	"Majesty and Sisters, I present the Princess Liang Ju Yue,
daughter of Emperor Liang, honoured friend of the Tribe," she
announced with surprising reverence, at which the assemblage
joined the old woman in a deep bow.
	Yue smiled, returned the bow, then rose and drew her sword.
Lowering her eyes, she then knelt and placed it on the ground
between her and the Matriarch, the sharp edge toward herself.  She
knew it to be a show of respect to the Matriarch, expected from
visitors who came bearing weapons.
	The Matriarch smiled her approval.
	"I am pleased, Princess Liang.  You know of our customs,"
she stated, leaning back in her seat.
	"I do, Majesty.  My mother was a wise and careful
trainer," she smiled back, rising and then sliding away her weapon.
	"I am not surprised, young Princess.  Your mother is as
well-known to us as is your father; she was the only Amazon to ever
wed an Emperor," the woman indicated with great pride, as a murmur
passed through the gathered.
	Yue was stunned.  "My mother...  Was an Amazon?" she
gasped, fighting to maintain her comportment.  She had long wondered
if such were true, but her mother had never affirmed it.
	"Yes, my child.  We confirmed this fact only yesterday.  It
had long been rumoured that she was of Amazon lineage, though no
formal records existed.  But, from the moment we heard of your
return, our historians have been working tirelessly to find the
truth of it," the Matriarch nodded, holding her hand out toward one
of her attendants.  "And now that we are certain, there is
something I must pass along to you.  Step forward, Princess Liang,"
she continued, taking a small pouch from an attendant.
	Yue stepped forward, trying not to look as excited as she
was.  The Matriarch then rose to meet her and opened the pouch,
turning its contents out into her hand.
	"I see you wear the ornamentation of Shan; that is
customary, when a clan brings a worthy outsider into the Sisterhood.
But you, Princess Liang, are no outsider.  By birth, you are Amazon,
and as such, should wear the ornaments of your family," she smiled,
her aged eyes literally sparkling.  "And to that end, I present
you with the Tsung ornaments, which give you title to your
ancestral lands and estate; wear them with pride, young Princess.
You have much to be proud of," she concluded, handing over the
items she held.
	Yue stared at the collection of baubles in her hands, her
chest tightening as the significance of them sank in.  They were at
once a poignant tribute to her mother, and a painful reminder -- of
what she had lost.
	Closing her hands over them, she clutched them to her chest
slowly, then raised her tearing gaze to the Matriarch.
        "I will wear them...  As a symbol of my family, and to
honour their memory," she declared, even as she fought the break in
her voice.
        As the Matriarch smiled and nodded, Yue felt a warm hand
settle on her shoulder, and turned to see Lin standing close at her
side.  The girl's face bore a look of pride, and another Yue
couldn't quite fathom.
        A heartbeat later, however, the girl made it apparent.
        "Welcome home - Amazon," she smiled, at which Yue lost the
battle with her tears.




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END - The Princess Bride V1P9           A Ranma1/2 Fanfic By Coutuva

Comments Welcomed, Flames Extinguished!
coutuva@vecdev.com