Her name was Dowel. She was a proud Amazon warrior, recognized for her skill. She had been the Amazon champion for 2 years running. She had been the greatest Amazon of their generation, the only ones stronger than her being the Elders themselves. She had been the strongest.
Keyword was 'had'.
Now this puling upstart, a young whelp barely out of her Amazon Warrior's initiation rites, has usurped her rightful place! That young Shampoo, even though she was the great-grand-daughter of their Matriarch, had clearly cheated somehow! It was at that final clash between the two of them, she was sure of it.
Clearly, Shampoo wasn't the only Amazon capable of holding a grudge.
Ahem, we interrupt this Amazon's Vendetta/Rant by doing this flashback on what really went on in at that final bout.
-Flashback-
Dowel faced down Shampoo on top of the Challenge Log. She wielded her favored halberd, while the 'lesser-skilled' Shampoo wielded a pair of bonboris. Her muscles were tense, prepared.
With no other warning the two warriors leapt at each other their weapons brandished.
Their movements were a flurry of weapons, even kicks were thrown in. But for each blow, it was countered by another, another blow to another. It was a vicious cycle that went on within the blink of an eye.
Dowel was focused, her mind set on winning. She will win this, and defend her title rightfully.
Then her eyes caught a flash of bright color amidst the shadows of festive background, and the battle was lost. Surprised, she stared at the victiorious Shampoo as she stood on the Challenge Log, a looking of growing elation as the realization that she won sunk in, while Dowel looked up from the hard ground she had fallen on.
Amidst the crowd, the bright color's owner, a young girl with hair the color of the skies, watched with rapt attention. It was the six icicles floating behind her that had caught the light of the torches, and their glare catching the Amazon's attention.
(Yes, it was Ranma's actual fault this time.)
-Present-
And she had been sitting there, stunned as her gaze followed the Amazon being lead towards the Champion's Feast, a grin greeting those who gave their congratulations. Then, slowly, a look of anger crossed Dowel's face.
She would not stand for this!
With a roar, she took up her halberd, and rushed towards the new champion, the cheater Shampoo, with a full intent to kill.
Consequences be damned, she will not have her title stolen from her!
-Meanwhile-
Ranma was giddy as she watched the purple-haired Amazon being lead to the Feast. She was really strong! The Guide, having heard from some of the crowd, had said that her name was Shampoo, and that the one who lost was named Dowel.
Raising an eyebrow at such a strange name, Ranma shook her head, and with a look of determination, prepared to step up to the newly-made champion and challenge her to a spar.
That was when the corner of Ranma's eyes caught movement. Turning towards the source, she found the beaten Amazon, her halberd raised, charging towards Shampoo, who, at the moment, had her back towards the oncoming threat. Ranma's eyes widened as the implications sunk in.
She had no time to waste, but the crowd was blocking her way. Without further thought, she thought of her wish to fly.
Without notice, she did, amidst the surprised stare of some of the people around her. But she didn't have time to elaborate on it, the loser was fast approaching.
She had no thoughts, save for saving the Amazon Shampoo. Her movements were instinct, and she gathered the same bitingly-cold energy she had used on her stupid Panda-pops into the small of her hand. Without anymore warning, she tossed the ball of icy energy towards Dowel. It flew towards its target.
-SCHRAK!!!-
Shampoo turned towards the sound, and her eyes widened as she saw her beaten foe frozen half-way towards charging at her with her halberd. Key word was 'frozen'.
Then Shampoo's eyes caught a light, and turned to see a gently floating young girl with too-big clothes and sky-blue hair. What was further odd about the girl was the six icicles behind her, giving an impression of wings.
Clearly, this young one had saved her from her opponent's wrath. A grateful smiled slowly blossomed on her face.
Read the comments on this episode
(Posted Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:15)
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Send a mail to addventure@bast-enterprises.de
or use the contact form.
らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
All other series and their characters are © by their respective creators or owners. No claims of ownership of these characters are implied by the authors of this Addventure, or should be inferred.
The Anime Addventure is a non-profit site.