She had approached the council of children, for in her opinion, that’s all they were. Five teenagers, all female, who were controlled ruthlessly by the two Kuno women. Plus, there was something… off… with that Kimi girl. For the life of her, the ancient Amazon couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was definitely something there. After the initial greeting, things rapidly started to disintegrate.
- Flashback -
“So, your claim is that since you were beaten by Saotome Ranma, he is now your husband?” Kimi had asked, staring at the young Amazon with an impassive face.
“Is true.” Shampoo nodded.
“Then why has…” Kodachi started to snap only to be calmed by her sister.
“Peace, sister.” Kimi slapped the table with her hand. Turning her attention back to the two Amazon female’s before them, she appeared to be deep in thought for a few moments. “Do you contest what the Council has done to… ah… Mouse, was it?” She asked in a curious tone of voice. “The male Amazon that you brought with you.”
“No.” Cologne responded solemnly. “It is not our intention to defy what could very well turn out to be another tribe of Amazon’s in the world.”
“In this case, Mouse was defeated in combat and subsequently claimed.” Kimi stated calmly. “As per our by-laws, that would make him the property of the victor until such time as he is released.”
Cologne nodded in agreement, although she was starting to get a bad feeling in her stomach. Whatever point the young woman was about to make, the old woman had a feeling that her granddaughter wasn’t going to like it.
Kimi simply gazed at the two impassively for several seconds before continuing. “I am curious about something.” She said while locking eyes with the younger of the two Amazons. “Have you ever defeated Ranma-sama in combat?”
Cologne suppressed the urge to flinch although she was starting to see what the decision of the Council was going to be. Shampoo, on the other hand, lacking the experience of her elder, was still clueless. “No.” The purple haired girl responded, shaking her head. “Airen is too, too good. Shampoo not able to defeat Airen in fight.”
“Ah.” Kimi replied, dropping her eyes to her cup of tea which she played with idly. Picking up the cup, she took a small sip before placing it back down before her. Raising her eyes, she met the gaze of the young Amazon. “The by-laws are quite clear on this issue.” She paused for a second, licking her lips. “In order to claim a male of our society, he must be defeated in combat. Only then may he be claimed.”
While Shampoo reddened in anger, Hinako, in adult form, spoke up. “Even then, for the victor to form a lasting bond like marriage, they must win the heart of the other. The captor rule is simply to see how far the couple can go, not to form life-time commitments.”
“A wise rule.” Cologne sighed, placing one hand on her granddaughters arm to still her reaction. “Somewhat more enlightened than our own.” She smiled at the young women. “So you wouldn’t oppose Shampoo’s attempt at capturing the boy?” The ancient woman asked seeking clarification.
“Not at all.” Kimi responded with a tight smile. “However, you should be aware that there are others who seek to claim the male in question.”
“I understand.” Cologne nodded in acceptance. “However, son-in-law is extremely powerful and skilled.”
Kimi nodded in reply. “That is why several women have banned together with the intention of sharing him once he is claimed. Not even Ranma can remain free forever.” She stopped talking for a second to take another sip of tea. “Eventually, he WILL be claimed.” The transformed Tatewaki shrugged her shoulders. “To the victor goes the spoils.”
- End Flashback -
The tired old woman shook her head at the memories of the meeting. She did have to agree that their way made a lot of sense. After all, she could remember quite a few outsiders that had lived in absolute hell within the village. Always causing trouble, and subsequently having to be punished, Cologne realized that the couples in question were miles away from being compatible. Sometimes, bringing in strong blood to the tribe was a lot more trouble that it was worth.
Add in the fact that the boy actually defeated Herb and Saffron, and the issues of incompatibility became a serious consideration. Not even his great love of martial arts could bridge all the gaps. Cologne was no fool, she knew that after he had learned all the techniques the village had to offer, Ranma wouldn’t want to stay. And with the boy’s amazing learning curve concerning everything martial arts related, the old woman didn’t think they could keep him there for longer than two years or so.
“Grandmother, what we do now?” Shampoo’s voice interrupted her musing.
Turning towards her younger relation, Cologne voiced what was on her mind. “I have no idea, child.” She said while shaking her head. “No idea at all.”
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(Posted Wed, 22 Sep 2004 18:14)
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