By observation, the village of the Amazons was a collection of rather typical historic Chinese structures, but constructed in a rather efficient, yet culturally exotic manner that showed the Amazon's Matriarchal society. Rather contrary to what Ranma had believed, it was not the small village with huts and shacks, but rather a small town in itself. Technology, Ranma observed, was used, but not as numerous and overwhelming as some of the cities she has seen during her travels, though she has seen in the village some people use some more traditional methods of going about their business. The village was constructed in a rather circular manner, with some dirt roads going into the center itself, which Ranma and the Guide were following.
Tonight, there was a more festive feel in the air, and some banners and streamers were about. Some children played with toys, while some of the women who did not seem to be warriors prepared food on open, welcoming doors. Ranma's nose twitched at some of the smells she caught, and her mouth began to water at the idea of food. Oriental music drifted in the air, and some dancers were swaying to the music here and there. The village was lively tonight, and Ranma was happy to take part in it.
...But Ranma was actually happier because she had a chance to eat some good food!
Upon arriving to the center however, the air was filled with electric excitement, a rather contradictory feeling of expectant and tense. Ranma saw, however, a rather strange structure. It was a suspended log, lying horizontally, and held up by sturdy ropes connected to four other corner-pattern logs. Forming a large circle around the log, and leaving a rather large space around it were some spectators, whispering excitedly, as some pointed to something in the center. Gathered around the logs themselves were many warriors, all female, decked in various light-combat armor, some wielding weapons, and some with nothing but their bare hands. Each did either warm-up katas or stretches, while some were chatting amiably with either the other warriors or some of the locals not in armor, presumably civilians.
Turning to the Guide, she asked, "So exaclty what is going on? I get it's a tourney, but what else is there?"
The Guide, munching on some dumplings a local gave him, swallowed what he was chewing, before he answered, "Is yearly tournament to choose who become village Champion, and also as celebrate Spring season. Is very, very sacred tradition, as not only massive feast celebrating bountiful harvest, but also establish, how you say, 'pecking order', as well as test strength each warrior have."
He took another bite, and continued, "But position of Champion very sacred. Not only determine strongest Amazon in village, but also hold some political sway in some decision of village. Though power not often use much, it still rule of Amazon law."
Ranma had mostly absorbed the first part, but the second part had flown over her head. So it was a party that had good food and good fights. Shrugging her shoulders, she started devouring the meat buns some guy they met along the way gave her. Though he seemed to stutter a lot, and looked as red as a tomato, before dashing away, as if embarassed about something. 'Must've been sick or somethin'.' Ranma thought to herself, looking a bit adorable as she watched the crowd, a bun hanging in her mouth.
The guy looked weird, anyway, with that strange long and wide-sleeved robe he was wearing, as well as the large round glasses that rested on top his head, instead of his eyes, while shouting about 'shampoo-something-or-other' in Chinese. She had turned to the Guide that time with a confused look, but the Guide just said to ignore it and move along. She just shrugged her shoulders and complied.
...Besides, she got free food out of that strange ordeal! Who was she to argue?
"Elder say 'Welcome to Festival of Bountiful Spring, as well annual tournament to choose Champion of Nyuucheizu'." The Guide translated for Ranma when what could be described as an old prune on a stick began speaking, amidst the wild cheers of the crowds. Standing beside what the Guide had called the 'Challenge Log' were the now serious-faced participants of said tournament, all standing in attention. "The Elder talk about tradition and honor and etcetra etcetra."
Ranma raised an eyebrow at that, "What? Not gunna translate that?"
He just shook his head, "I hear every year anyway. Besides, I no think Mr. Customer care much about history and tradition, do Mr. Customer?" Ranma shook her head this time, "Good, but I translate warnings for Mr. Customer."
Ranma just nodded, a sweatdrop developing on the back of her head as she watched the Guide bite an apple with a subtly bored look on his face as the old woman continued talking.
She would understand why an hour and a half later.
The crowd cheered when the first match ended with a double knockout after an intense bout between the two female competitors.
"Why were they talking a lot, anyway?" Ranma asked the Guide.
"I not know, but hear something about right to marry some dark, broody outsider." He answered.
Ranma shrugged, "Huh, sounded like fangirls arguing about some guy with an emo complex to me."
The fifth match ended when the fluid-moving fighter knocked the heavier set one off the Log... past ten feet... and crashed into someone's cart.
"Whose was that?"
"Oh, is belonging to local cabbage vendor."
Ranma sweatdropped again when an elder male ran up to the ruined cart, put his hands in his hair, and shouted something that Ranma could probably guess as: \My cabbages!\
Fight after fight, round after round, Ranma watched. Though her rather sexist outlook that 'women were weak' had yet to rear its chauvinistic head, Ranma found herself impressed by the skills that these women possessed. But it was during some of the rounds that Ranma noticed two distinct Amazons who seemed to be winning most of their matches with relative ease.
Turning towards the Guide, who was now just watching, she pointed towards an Amazon, before asking, "Who is that?"
Finding where the customer was pointing, that of a beautiful, purple-haired Amazon about the male Ranma's age, the Guide answered, "Oh, is great-grand-daughter of Elder Colgne, Shampoo, and very, very favored to win tournament." He then pointed towards a large figure that vaguely resembled a female, "But in order to get title, Shampoo have beat current champion, Dowel, also heavy favored."
"Well, Shampoo's doing really well in her matches." Ranma pointed out.
The Guide nodded wisely, "Is so. But Shampoo only use part skill. No doubt use all skill against Dowel."
Digesting that fact, Ranma turned towards the Challenge Log, where Shampoo was once again facing off her next opponent.
-HWONGK!- Ranma reacts by dropping a VERY heavy anvil on the interruption.
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(Posted Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:31)
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