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

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Coutuva.


Yue - Part Seven
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	She was still smiling from the celebration that ensued when
she and Tsu had returned to the Neko-hanten -- and proudly announced
their engagement.
	Lin had been ecstatic at the news, and the Elder immediately
gave them her blessings.  The Elder also began plans for a
traditional Amazon wedding, to be held in China within the week.
Plans were also put in work for them to make their home there, in
fact right next to the Elder and Lin.
	Even after she and Lin had retired for the evening, Lin was
so excited for her that she kept them up for what seemed like hours,
talking and giggling about Amazon weddings, marriage traditions and
dress designs.
	It was all so overwhelming -- in the space of a few days, she
had gone from a stranger in a strange land to the luckiest girl alive.  
She had the best friend she could possibly want, and was now engaged.
And not just to some Prince or rich Lord, but to an Amazon.  An 
Amazon she truly loved.
	Her life was complete.
	As she sat before the mirror in the bath, humming happily to
herself and pulling down her flame-red tresses, she smiled as she saw
Lin enter the room and start to remove her workout garments.
	"<I had begun to wonder what became of you...  I had thought
you just behind me,>" she teased, grinning at her through the mirror.
	"<I was, but Great-Grandmother stopped me in the hall.  She
wanted to talk about closing the restaurant,>" the girl explained,
tossing her garments in a basket and walking over.
	"<Oh?  Then I assume there must be much involved in closing
for the few days we will all be away?>" she responded, looking up at
Lin's reflection.
	"<No.  She means for good.  Once you and Tsu are wed, there
will be no reason for us to remain here,>" the girl corrected
casually, starting to remove the rest of Yue's hair ornaments.
	"<Then...  You have given up on your husband?>" she gasped,
turning to look up at her.
	Lin jolted.  "<Uhm...  No.  He's still my husband, unless he
dies or someone defeats him.  I'm only going back to China until I 
hear that he's come back from his 'journey',>" she deflected, 
flashing her famous grin.
	"<You are a better woman than he deserves, Lin.  It is such a
shame that you are trapped in this predicament.  You could well lose
your best years to his foolishness,>" Yue sighed, shaking her head as
she reached out and took the girl's hand.  "<Is it not possible to
free you of this wretched circumstance?>"
        Lin sighed sadly.  "<There are lots of ways a wife may leave
her husband while he still lives, but most of them have to do with
consummation, children or adultery.  In my case, since my husband
is...  Missing, I can become a 'widow'.  But that also means I am no
longer considered a 'prime catch', since my husband ran away from
me,>" she explained, frowning.
	Yue also frowned.  "<That sounds to be little better.
Hrmph.  Were it up to me, I would gladly gut him for what he has done
to you.  At least then, you would be free to marry someone who loved
you,>" she stated, squeezing Lin's hand.
	Lin did not reply immediately, almost seeming to be
distracted.  A moment later, she shook it off and smiled.  "<Don't
worry about me, Yue.  This is supposed to be your special occasion,
and I don't want you concerned about anything but your wedding,>"
she chided, resting a hand on Yue's shoulder.
	Yue had to shake her head.  "<How can I be truly happy when
my best friend is destined to a life of misery?>"
	"<Because I'm not!  I'm so happy I can't stand it!  My best 
friend is getting married, so don't ruin it for me!>" she shot
back, setting her hands on her hips and leaning forward, glaring
exaggeratedly.
	Yue broke out laughing, then rose from the bench and hugged
Lin affectionately.  "<I love you, Lin -- and I pray that we remain
friends forever,>" she sniffed, stepping back and wiping her eyes.
	Lin smiled back as she returned the hug, paying no heed to
her colouring cheeks.  "<If I have anything to say about it, we
will,>" she stated emphatically, wiping at her own eyes.  "<Now
let's get our baths before I start bawling,>" she suggested,
gesturing toward the hand-shower.






	"<Hey...  You're going to see more of him than you can
stand in less than a week.  The least you could do is pay
attention to me,>" Lin's overly-indignant voice abruptly
complained, snapping Yue out of her dreamy trance -- again.
	"<I am sorry...  It is just that I still cannot believe
that I am to marry that beautiful man.  It still makes me weak even
to cast eyes upon him,>" she sighed wistfully, watching her
husband-to-be through the pass-through.
	"<I know...  But I was trying to give you a message,>" Lin
replied, looking across the table impatiently.  "<Tendou Akane has
been by several times to speak to you, and finally left a message
for you, saying that this morning would be a perfect one to come
to their Dojo.  You two would have it to yourselves,>" she stated,
glancing at the small missive in her hand.  "<She suggested ten
o'clock as a time,>" she added, plaintively.
	She affected a pout.  "<Then I guess I will go, although I
confess to not being much in the mood this day.>"
	Lin grinned knowingly.  "<He'll be tied up for a while yet,
anyway -- go ahead.  It will keep you busy.  I also have things to
do, since we're going to be leaving in a few days,>" Lin urged,
smiling brightly and wagging her eyebrows.
	That remark caught Yue looking.  "<Do you say that you will
not accompany me?>" she gasped, worriedly.
	"<I can't, as much as I'd like to spar with Akane,>" the
girl confirmed, her face taking on an odd expression briefly.
"<You know the way, and it's good practice for you,>" she added,
nodding encouragingly.
	Yue pouted again.  "<But I do not like the idea of going
without you.  In fact, I am tempted to postpone until you are
able,>" she indicated, suddenly feeling exposed again.
	"<You are a big girl now.  It's time to venture out and
find your own way,>" Lin responded with great flourish, then
started to chuckle.
	Yue shook her head and smirked.  "<You sound like my
mother,>" she groaned, shooting her a look.
	Lin did not reply immediately, instead tilting her head
thoughtfully and simply looking back across the table.  "<Funny
you should say that,>" she stated at length, a thoughtful look
washing over her.  "<In some ways, I feel almost like a mother 
to you,>" she noted, smiling.
	Yue blinked, then groaned as she threw herself face-down
on the table comically. "<I am surely doomed!>" she wailed, trying
to hide her snicker as she heard Lin break out laughing.






	When she finally finished her breakfast and had helped clear
it away, she departed quickly for the Tendou Dojo, feeling both
anxious to see it, and anxious to get the visit dispensed with.  When
she slipped around the back of the kitchen to exact a lingering
good-bye kiss from her betrothed, they had made plans to indulge in
a boat-ride that afternoon, and she was already excited about it.
	In fact, she was so looking forward to it that she almost
walked past the very place she had been seeking.  Had it not been
for the strike cry that drifted out the opened gates, she might 
have done exactly that.
	She immediately recognized the voice as that of the Tendou
girl, Akane, and it sounded much like the girl was engaged in
strength exercises.  Thus assured she had found her destination, she
turned and walked in the gates, looking forward to the events to
come.
	She was especially pleased that she had found her way all
on her own, given Lin's inability to accompany her.  Still, she
felt a bit strange being without her ever-present friend.
	Pushing such thoughts aside, she assessed herself quickly
and then tugged the bell rope, listening intently for someone to
greet her.  She was pleased with who it turned out to be.
	"<Why, good morning, Liang Yue.  You are right on time,>"
Kasumi smiled warmly, then stepped back and gestured her in.
	"<Thank you, Kasumi,>" she bowed back, smiling.  "<I look
forward to seeing your training room.  I have never used a proper
one,>" she stated, as she stepped in and changed footwear.
	"<Akane will be all too glad to show you, I'm sure.  Would
you like a cup of tea before you join her?>" the woman asked,
leading her toward a fully set table.
	"<Yes, I would.  I find myself a bit dry after my walk,>"
she nodded back appreciatively, standing by her assigned mat and
waiting for Kasumi to bid her sit.
	"<Then please have a seat, and I will bring some cookies,>"
her host smiled, then stepped away for a moment.
	She used the opportunity to take in the decor of the Tendou
home, noting that they appeared to enjoy a more pampered life than
Lin, Tsu and the Elder.  It was plain to see that they were not
a rich family, but by no means did they seem to want.
	The neat, pleasantly decorated room featured many
comfortably appointed chairs, pictures, nicely painted shoji, and
several items which she still could not identify, and summarily
decided to ignore.
	Until one of them made a noise that aged her ten years.
	The noise continued for two more repetitions before she
calmed herself enough to realize that she had heard it before -- at
the Neko-hanten.  Just then, Kasumi trotted out of the kitchen,
smiled an apology, and went straight toward it.
	It was when Kasumi lifted off the top of the object and
began to talk to it that she finally remembered the name.
"Phone..." she stated quietly aloud, using the Japanese name.  She
knew it was a machine that let you talk to people that were not
with you, but still found it strange.
	Once Kasumi finished, she excused herself for a moment,
then returned from the kitchen carrying the tea service and a
neatly arrayed tray of cookies.
	"<I'm sorry about that.  It was Nabiki calling to check
for messages.  So...  Tell me what you've been doing these last
few days -- I've been by the Nekohanten a few times to visit, but I
keep missing you,>" the woman smiled, settling to her mat and
pouring the tea.
	"<Much, I must confess.  Lin has been taking me through
the city and showing me all of the marvels of this age.  It has
been a busy, exciting time for me,>" she smiled back, trying to
keep her cheeks from flushing as she recalled just how exciting.
	"<By the look of that smile, you seem to be enjoying it,>"
Kasumi noted, looking quite pleased.  "<I'm glad.  I was worried
that you might have found things too strange and overwhelming,>"
she added, her concern evident in her eyes.
	"<At first, it was that indeed.  Had it not been for Lin,
Tsu, and even yourself, I fear I would still be wandering the
streets,>" she added, shuddering imperceptibly at the thought.
	"<I can't imagine how that must feel, Liang Yue.  But,
I can see that you are managing very well.  In fact, you seem to
be in even better spirits than the last time we spoke,>" Kasumi
responded, her tone indicating she suspected a specific reason.
	Yue had to smile.  "<I would say that I am,>" she began
leadingly, fighting down the excitement welling in her breast. 
	She did not wish to give away her news too readily, as 
the announcement of such a major event demanded suitable buildup.
	Kasumi caught on immediately, just as expected.  "<Oh,
my...  This does sound interesting,>" she began, only to stop as 
the black-haired girl, Akane, stepped in through the open sliding
doors.
	"Oh, you are here!  I was waiting for you in the Dojo,"
the younger girl smiled, adjusting her gi.
	"Gomen, Akane-san.  Only talking Kasumi-san.  You want
me come?" she smiled, glancing back at Kasumi, who only nodded
politely.
	"Hai!  If you're ready!" Akane nodded, apparently excited
at the prospect.
	"I ready-set, yes?  Come now?"
	"Hai!  I'll go move my things," the girl gestured happily,
then turned and dashed away.
	Yue looked back at Kasumi and shrugged sheepishly.  "<I
am sorry.  May we continue our conversation a little later?
Perhaps after I am done?>" she offered, rising and regarding
Kasumi apologetically.
	"<Certainly, Liang Yue.  Do you honestly think I'm going
to let you get away after saying something like that?>" she
grinned back, raising an eyebrow.
	Yue only flashed her Lin's famous grin.
	



	"Iya.  You go ahead.  I just finished my warm-ups, and
besides, I want to watch you," the black-haired girl smiled,
excitedly.  Yue nodded, then stepped to the center of the mats and
took her stance.
	Since she had already had a full session with Lin, she
dispensed with her usual limbers and began her formal routine
immediately.  Even as she stepped into her first sets, she noticed
how the Tendou girl watched her every move, seeming almost to be
studying them.  At times, she thought she noticed a strange
darkness in the girl's features, but the girl would quickly smile
when she noticed she was being looked at.
	As she progressed into the more difficult forms, she saw
the girl's jaw drop, and smiled inwardly.  It was obvious to her
that the girl was not as advanced as Lin or Tsu, as neither of
them had reacted with such awe.
	Finally, she moved into her cool-downs, again watching the
girl's reactions.  A smile crossed her face as she decided that it
might be fun to try a match.
	"Sugoi!  That was incredible, Liang Yue.  I've never seen
anyone move like that -- not even Shampoo!" the girl remarked,
stepping onto the mats and walking toward her.
	"Arigato!  I work at long time...  Hard," she smiled back,
spinning her sword around and deftly slipping it away.  "And have
spar with Lin all time.  You want maybe try?" she followed, looking
back at the girl hopefully.
	"Uhm...  I don't know.  I can't work a sword like that,"
the girl blinked, seeming surprised at the offer.
	"Is no worry.  You do yours, I do mine.  Or use anything,"
she offered, hoping the girl would not back out.  No matter how
skilled or unskilled the girl actually was, she felt it would be a
good way to open things between them, since fighting skills seemed
to be an area they had in common.
	"Uhm...  Okay.  Learning new techniques is what it's all
about, ne?  I'll get one of those old bokken.  It won't matter if
I wreck it," the girl shrugged, walking over toward them.
	Yue smiled.




	So far, it was fun.  The black-haired girl had managed to
block most of her weaker attacks, which she had been pulling in
order not to cut the wooden sword to bits.  
	The girl's attacks, meantime, were slow and uncoordinated,
but not entirely unskilled.  She possessed very good power and 
some natural ability, and seemed to have made good use of her 
'studies'.
	Deciding it was time to make things more exciting, Yue
pulled out a flash of speed, neatly slicing the end off the girl's
weapon.  It took a few minutes for the girl to realize it had even
happened.
	"Masaka -- when did you do that?" she asked, stepping out
to examine the weapon incredulously.
	"I do few attacks past.  You too long hesitate," Yue
smiled, swinging her sword to the ready.  "Go again?"
	"Hai!  I owe you one now," she smirked back, taking a
stance.
	Yue grinned, noting how the girl's eyes flashed as she had
spoken.  She swung her weapon into place, and waited for the girl
to make the first move.
	When she finally did, it was a reasonable attempt to
imitate one of Yue's own attacks, but far too slow.  Yue simply
stepped aside, then turned to face her again.  The girl growled,
set herself, and tried a thrust.  Yue smirked, simply slapping
aside the attempt with her own sword.  
	To her credit, Akane spun and tried to use the 
follow-through to slash at her, which gave Yue another chance to 
shorten the bokken.  Undaunted but looking angry, Akane tried a 
feint, slipping in a kick while Yue deflected the weak blow.  
	Yue then stepped out and shook her head.
	"You too slow.  Not use power first, use speed.  Enemy no
block what not see," she advised, trying to be helpful.
	Akane only huffed.  "I'll do it my own way," she retorted,
taking a stance.
	Yue sighed and reciprocated, deciding not to use any
attacks at all.  Again, she waited for the girl to make her move,
then simply dodged, deflected, ducked or countered everything she
attempted, including the punches and kicks.
	"You see?  Need work on speed.  Is better than fall all
over," she attempted again, but the girl was not impressed.
	"One more time.  I'll get one in yet," she puffed, her eyes
flashing with angry determination.  Yue sighed inwardly, unable to
believe the stubbornness of her opponent.  In a real battle, such
arrogance would likely get her killed.  Frowning, she decided that
the only way to prove her point -- was to indeed prove it.
	Yue moved to her usual stance and then froze, meeting the
other girl's gaze in a battle of wills.  Finally, she saw Akane
twitch -- and struck before the girl could even move her weapon.
	Akane shrieked as her gi fell open and the pants dropped,
revealing her rather 'unrestrained' mode of underdress.  The bokken
fell to the mats in pieces.
	Yue broke out laughing.  "No let man see that!" she
snickered, pointing to the picture of a duck that Akane's pink
panties sported prominently.
	"Auughhh!!" the girl growled, pulling up the pants and
yanking out enough drawstring to re-tie them, then closing the top.
When she went to re-tie the belt, she gasped at the discovery that
a fair length of it was missing.
	Yue, meanwhile, forced herself to stop laughing and put on
her best instructorly demeanor.  "You see?  Speed is trick.  You
no see me do, yes?" she indicated, then blinked as she noted the
look on Akane's face.  "You okay, Tendou-san?" she asked,
becoming concerned.
	The girl continued to gape back for a long moment, then
blinked and shook her head.  "Ah...  Gomen...  I'm fine...  It's...
You just...   Reminded me of someone there..." she stammered,
pulling her top closed more tightly.
	"Oh?  Lin say this, too.  Who I look like for you?" she
asked, reminded of what her friend had said the day they met.
        "Ano...  My...  Fiancee," the girl replied absently,
trying to gather herself.
        Yue's eyes lit.  "You have fiancee?  Me, too!" she grinned,
her excitement getting the better of her.  "Just get engaged!" she
added, standing her sword in front of her as she held out her
ring finger proudly.
	Akane's reaction was, to say the least, unexpected.  The 
girl jolted as if she'd been slapped, bearing a look akin to someone 
told of the death of a loved one.
	"Tendou-san?" Yue ventured, reaching toward the girl
worriedly.
	The girl's head suddenly snapped up, dark eyes seething
with unconcealed rage.  "IYAAA!!  YOU CAN'T!!  YOU CAN'T DO THAT!!
I WON'T LET YOU!!" she shrieked, brandishing a startlingly huge 
wooden hammer from out of nowhere.
	Yue reacted from instinct, and in a flash of steel, it was 
over.  Akane lay at her feet and the severed hammer head spun to a 
stop on the mat behind her.  She stood wide-eyed and gasping, her 
sword still in its final position.  She was unable to move, her 
shocked system still trying to make sense of what had just occurred.
	It was not the hammer that had shocked her, nor its sudden
appearance.  Nor was it even the inexplicable rage the black-haired 
girl had exploded into.  It was what happened when she moved to 
defend herself.
	She had grasped the hilt of her sword and started into a
spin, a standard move calculated to remove her from harm's way, and
gut her opponent in the process.
	The black-haired girl was wide open -- the result was
predictable.
	Usually.
	This time, however, *something* had interfered.  Something
she had never experienced before -- something that had sent an icy,
penetrating chill through her very soul.
	She couldn't understand it.
	She was no stranger to battle.  She had already killed
several times, mostly enemy soldiers.  She had felt nothing then,
and knew of no reason that she should have now.
	But she had.
	And whatever it was had deliberately prevented her from
killing the black-haired girl, forcing her to resort to a stunning blow.
	Suddenly, she gasped out loud, eyes widening in fear
as realization crashed through her bewilderment.  "<She has a
Guardian Spirit!>" she breathed, chest tightening as she staggered 
back from Akane's unconscious form.
	Nothing frightened her more than angering a Spirit, as she 
knew full well they had little sympathy for stupid mortals.
	Sliding away her sword with a shaking hand, she offered a
hurried prayer to beg forgiveness, then turned on her heel -- and
ran for her life.




===================================================================== 
END - Yue - Part Seven    		 A Ranma1/2 Fanfic By Coutuva

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