Shampoo couldn't believe the turn of events. So close to winning the unconditional love of her airen, with Kunou seemingly the last obstacle before having to face Akane....
Yet, for some reason, she was having a harder time battling the samurai-wannabe than ever expected. 'When did Sword Boy get so good?' Shampoo thought, deflecting another strike by her opponent, before jumping away to give herself some breathing space.
She couldn't allow this opportunity to pass by losing to Kunou, of all people. Not when it was quite possibly her last chance to be with Ranma.
"Shampoo no lose!" the Amazon screamed, charging Kunou with one bonbori raised in the air. When she was within range, Shampoo struck Kunou on the head with enough force to shatter a mountain.
The bonbori snapped in half.
Throwing the piece she held away in disgust, Shampoo proceeded to slam the other bonbori in between the dark samurai's legs.
Kunou didn't even flinch.
Shampoo's eyes widened, leaving herself wide open for an attack. "Aiya! That not possible!"
Giving a haughty smirk, Kunou said, "Such trivial male accessories are of little need for one that's seen the light. Mine thoughts are only for the union of Akane and Ranma, the one true couple!" In his moment of gloating, Shampoo backed away, suddenly unsure of what to do.
A pair of extra-sharp mini-spatulas flew towards the back of his neck. Kunou plucked both of them out the air. "And so the other harridan wanting to destroy the destined one's happiness has arrived," he commented, not bothering to turn and face Ukyou. "If that was your best attack, then you are of no concern for the Blue Thunder."
"Actually, sugar, that was just meant to be a distraction."
The okonomiyaki chef had neared Kunou during their conversation, holding onto the broken bonbori handle in one hand. Before he could turn around, Ukyou shoved it up his....
Shampoo winced as she saw Kunou tense before collapsing in obvious discomfort. Seeing that he wasn't trying to get up, she approaced Ukyou.
Looking back at where Kunou was lying, Ukyou said, "Sorry Shampoo, but I don't really feel like getting that out of him for you."
"No worry. It already broken piece," Shampoo commented before shuddering. "And even if it wasn't, Shampoo still wouldn't touch it." Bowing her head, she said, "Thank you, Spatula Girl, for helping Shampoo. Still, want to know, why you save Shampoo in first place and not just leave to lose and get Ranma for own self?"
Looking abashed, Ukyou started to twiddle her fingers. "Well, Shampoo... you see...."
"It's because Spatula Girl need a princess to help wake Airen, no?" Shampoo asked in a bland, yet serious tone.
"Huh?! Well, that's sort of the reaosn, but...." Sighing, Ukyou shook her head, trying to get her thoughts together and explain her reasoning. "It's much more than that, Shampoo. I mean, I could've just as easily asked another girl to work with, but I instead chose you. You know why?"
Seeing Shampoo shake her head, Ukyou answered, "It's because we're in the same situation! I mean, how long have we been trying to pay attention to us, to hopefully realize how much *our* honor is at stake? And yet, everytime we try to get him to notice us, one word by Akane is all that's needed to get him trotting back to her like some obedient dog!" Anger flaring, she closed her eyes and tried to calm down. "See what Ranchan's trust of Akane has gotten him into?! He can't wake up until a girl filling certain requirements kisses him, and there's a good chance the both of us would have lost him for good by that point!"
Placing her hands on Shampoo's shoulders, Ukyou continued, "Shampoo, I don't want to lose Ranchan, not like this. Not because of Akane's stupidity. I... I wouldn't mind sharing him with you; that way, both of our honors will be accounted for."
Blinking, Shampoo looked back Ukyou, surprised at the chef's gesture. She had considered just running off to save Ranma, leaving Ukyou behind to her own means. But after hearing the offer and realizing that she wouldn't have even had this chance if it wasn't for Ukyou, the Amazon began to have second thoughts.
Reaching for one of Ukyou's hands, Shampoo said, "Shampoo wouldn't mind that, either. Wouldn't still have a chance if not for Spatula Girl saving her."
A wide smile forming on her face, Ukyou hugged Shampoo, tears forming in her eyes as the other girl eagerly returned the hug. "Thank you!" she said, enthused over the possibility of still getting Ranma.
Breaking out of the hug, the two girls began to plan on what to do next.
(Posted Sun, 15 Jun 2003 00:30)
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