Chapter 2
Shan Pu huddled under her blankets, both hands wrapped around a mug of hot tea. She was shaking so badly that Mu Tsu pulled her against his chest and held the mug steady so she could drink. She smiled wanly at him before turning back to Cu Lon and the others.
"No chance rescue Akane. Many guard. Many trap."
"Dammit." Ranma grabbed Shan Pu. "There's _always_ a
way. If you WANT to find one."
"Ranma----you hurting arm."
Mu Tsu glared at Ranma but he couldn't attack without
letting go of Shan Pu. Pound Ranma or snuggle with Shan Pu? That
was a no brainer. He satisfied himself with breaking Ranma's hold on
Shan Pu and let Cu Lon drag him away.
"Control yourself, son-in-law. I told you we could not rescue
Akane by force. However we are not without resources. My sources
tell me that Genma and Happoasi are on their way. Within two days
a picked force of my Amazons will rendevous with them and provide
an escort. Once they have arrived we will know better how to
precede."
"An' I'm supposed to trust _you_," Ranma glared at the
small group. "any of you?!" His face twisted in a bitter scowl. "Yeah,
right. Like any of you care if Akane lives or dies. 'Cept Kuno . . ."
Ranma jerked his head toward the uncommonly silent kendoist. "an'
he's worthless."
Ukyou paled at the harsh accusation. Before she could try to
defend herself Shan Pu interrupted.
"These bad people. Shan Pu never scare so bad before this."
She shuddered, remembering Akane's----meal. "We get Akane back.
Shan Pu pledge own life. If no get Akane----Ranma kill Shan Pu."
Mu Tsu gasped in horror but Shan Pu lightly pressed his arm
to forestall his protest.
"You tryin' to tell me you _want_ to go rescue Akane?"
Ranma asked skeptically.
"Shan Pu no want go back. Shan Pu want go home. Hide
under bed." She took another gulp of the bitter tea. "We no can leave
Akane." Another mouthful emptied the mug. She sat staring at the
empty cup for a moment before setting it aside with exquisite care.
"Akane no live long. She die grief, terror."
Mu Tsu felt Shan Pu tremble and tightened his grip to let her
know everything would be alright. Shan Pu was grateful to him----
but----he didn't _know_, he hadn't _seen_ these people close up. He
hadn't seen Akane----smelled her terror.
"Shan Pu swear by blood----
A strangled curse came from Mu Tsu.
"----by iron----
"No child . . ." Cu Lon thrust out a hand as if to ward off a
blow, then let it drop back by her side.
"----by clan----Akane go home safe, or Shan Pu never return."
"Shan Pu----what have you done?" Mu Tsu held onto her as
if afraid she would disappear out of his arms.
"Shan Pu do what right." She patted Mu Tsu on his arm
where he clasped her around the waist.
"What's going on?" Ukyou was bewildered by how tense Mu
Tsu and Cu Lon seemed.
"Shan Pu has just pledged to bring Akane home----" Cu Lon
suddenly looked every one of the three centuries she claimed. " or die
in the attempt."
"That's crazy!" Ukuou was appalled.
Ranma nodded in satisfaction, then turned back to Cu Lon.
"All right . . .you've told us these tiger guys are tough. I believe ya.
What I want to hear is how we beat 'em."
Cu Lon shook herself, as if throwing off something
unpleasant. "I've explained our strategy son-in-law. When Genma
and Happosai arrive we will find what they have taken from the
followers of the Tiger-god. Then it is a matter of negotiating the
release of Akane. With luck----
"I don't like that word----luck."
"All battles, all warriors, depend on luck----even you."
"That's okay for me." Ranma shrugged carelessly. " But I
ain't takin' no chance with Akane. So I don't want to hear 'bout
luck."
"I too, am uneasy placing the life of the . . .of Tendou Akane-
san in the hands of chance." Kuno spoke with the slow deliberation
that had become his norm since Akane had disappeared. "Surely
there is some stratagem we may use----some weakness of our enemies
we may exploit, to assure Tendou Akane-san's safe return."
Cu Lon sighed and thought how best to explain matters to the
two boys. Unfortunately they were even less amenable to reason than
normal. A state she would never have believed possible, without
seeing it herself.
"The followers of the Tiger-god are not motivated by greed or
honor. Nor do they fear death, in the way other men do. They are a
nation of priests, dedicated to the service of their god. Death is the
only offering their god accepts and they honor him with murder." She
watched everyone of her small army to make sure they understood
her. "The entire nation, every man, woman and child is bred, trained
and dedicated to murder in their gods service. Dying for the Tiger-
god ensures they will be reborn as a tiger, second only to the god
himself and worshiped as lesser deities. They fear only death from
sickness or old age. That and failing the god ensures their eternal
rebirth as prey----an eternity of being hunted and eaten."
"That's sick." Ukyou made a face. "You mean that's all
these guys do? Just . . .just kill things?"
"They are very good at what they do." Cu Lon explained
with a slight smile. "They are not . . .distracted by pleasures of the
flesh, family life, art, music. They do have weaknesses." She ticked
points off on her fingers. "They have a limited understanding of
'normal' people and the world outside their domain. There are not
many of them. Like the tiger they are solitary by nature. In fact, were
it not for occasional forays to steal children, and their adoption of the
Lion as a lesser deity, they might have died out."
Kuno looked puzzled.
"Lions are the only cats that form prides," Cu Lon explained.
"Family groups. This allows them to work together----cooperate on
kills that would be too much for a single individual. No matter how
formidable." She rubbed her nose thoughtfully. "This is another flaw.
They are not able to field large armies themselves, nor can they work
with others. They are too suspicious of outsiders. They came closest
when one of their under-priests started the cult of Assassins. For the
first time they took in outsiders. Though the recruits knew nothing of
the Tiger-god. And they raised an army. Had this been
successful . . ." Cu Lon spread her hands wide. "Who knows what
may have happened. But the Assassins were defeated finally. And the
Tiger-god retreated to his mountains.
However," She drummed her fingers on her staff. "I have
heard rumors that the Central Committee has used them to _solve_
certain problems. Or that they are trying to recruit the followers of
the Tiger-god. Either event means trouble---- either they already have
government support, or the Committee would like an opportunity to
provide a good will gesture. Such as removing pests."
"Dammit, I wish Ryouga was here." Ranma kicked an
inoffensive pebble into dust. "We'd just go in there and----
"Die." Cu Lon said calmly. "You and Ryouga would die
bravely, but you would die just the same."
"They ain't THAT good. No one is. I beat Kirin, Saffron. I
can ----
"Die." Cu Lon repeated. "Oh, you are good." She made that
small concession. "But they are better. Because they _want_ to die
for their god. Living in his service is good. The Tiger-god does not
like to lose his followers----dead followers provide no sacrifices." She
looked Ranma up and down in a considering manner. "You might
even be as good as one of their lesser fighters."
Ranma bristled at this assertion but Cu Lon ignored him.
"But even if you were as good as their best . . .No . . .even if
you were _better_ than their best----you would still die. You are one,
they are many. And each man, woman and child would gladly die
trying to kill you. But you are _not_ better than their best. You are
not even equal to their least. For they are blooded killers and you - - -
you would hesitate. And die."
******************************************************
"They approach, Great Fang."
"The thief?"
The messenger, a least claw of the Leopard sept, took a
moment to choose his words carefully.
"He is apparently some days behind the advance party. We
think he has met up with some Amazons who----
"You think? Least. Claw." The masked figure closed his
book, marking his place with a silken ribbon. Turning, he faced the
messenger. "You. Think."
"It is----difficult, Great Fang. We can not get closer than
twenty rods. The Amazons are wary. Never more so than when so far
from their own lands. And the old one . . .she senses our presence,
even up wind. The other group . . .the one that might have the thief.
They have another, like the old one, but different. He is not so
diligent, but they are many, and aggressively patrol their camp . . ."
The Great Fang curled his upper lip, signaling his
displeasure. "Tyger does not want to hear what you can not do." He
paused for a moment, letting his and, by divine extension, Tyger's
displeasure known. "Leopard is the sept of stealth. The night is yours.
Not the Amazon's , not the _old one_ . . .yours." This last was said
very quietly.
"The night is ours." Came the ritualistic agreement. "What
does Tyger command?"
"They will all be together soon." The Great Fang moved over
to a map table, showing the territory surrounding the Tygers citadel.
He tapped an iron claw against a spot just outside their border. "They
will rendevous here. Discover if the thief is among them. Kill one as a
tithe for Tyger."
"If the thief is not there, Great Fang?"
"Kill them all."
******************************************************
"Mu-pi" A short, chesty Amazon ruffled Mu Tsu's hair
affectionately. "You've been away from home too long." She looked
him up and down. "Put on a little weight too." She patted him on the
tummy and grinned when Mu Tsu blushed and jerked away.
"Friend of yours?" Ukyou looked after the departing Amazon
and turned back to Mu Tsu with a grin.
"Ummm. She's . . .uhhh, well." Mu Tsu stammered and dug
his toe in the ground bashfully.
"That Tzun Li, president Mu Tsu fan club." Shan Pu
bounded up, flushed from greeting old friends in the newly arrived
Amazon party.
"Fan club?" Kuno had moved up beside the group. "I was not
aware of this.
"Yeah, sugar. Tell us more." Ukyou leaned comfortably
against her battle spatula and appeared ready to wait all day for an
answer.
"Uh . . .heh, heh, heh." Mu Tsu twiddled his fingers together
and looked helplessly around.
"Oh, is big story." Shan Pu grinned evilly as she draped an
arm around Mu Tsu. "Mu Tsu master of hidden weapon," She
looked at her audience who all nodded in understanding. "He
practice all time----much practice need master difficult technique.
Time come, Mu Tsu enter challenge match. Big honor man enter. Mu
Tsu only man that year. First challenge, Mu Tsu win. Second, Mu
Tsu win. VERY big excitement. First time maybe man is winner of
all challenge."
Ukyou noticed a movement out of the corner of her eye.
Looking she saw a crowd of grinning Amazons had gathered.
"Come final match. Is village champion against upstart man."
"Village champ----"
"Champion take no chance." Shan Pu ignored the startled
exclamation. "Champion see Mu Tsu strong fighter. Fast. Tricky. Is
important no lose to man. Mu Tsu fight for honor . . .champion fight
for freedom. Lose man great dishonor. Leave village or live in
ridicule, shame." Shan Pu fell into a half-crouch as she pantomimed
the epic battle.
"Champion choose hooked tri-staff as first weapon. Hook
tangle chain." She lunged forward, executing a complex butterfly
sweep with her imaginary staff.
"Mu Tsu just feint." Now playing Mu Tsu, Shan Pu assumed
a haughty, if myopic, stance that brought a chuckle from the crowd.
"Now I have you ----Web of Iron." She made a throwing motion with
both hands.
"Champion in trouble. Staff tangled in chain----Mu Tsu
throw net. Champion stay, caught in net. Move, loose weapon. No
defense hidden weapon master."
An exaggerated look of heroic determination on her face
Shan Pu released her imaginary staff and sprang aside from the
descending iron net.
"Ah HA!" She cried in a credible imitation of Mu Tsu. "You
are mine----Steel Typhoon----" Hands moving in a blur she launched
a storm of imaginary projectiles at her equally imaginary opponent.
"Champion in bad fix. Have only short swords. No can get
close. All skill need defend knife, chain----" Both arms wove a
complex figure eight pattern as she frantically dodged or deflected
wave after wave of missiles.
"Champion tiring. No can win, defend all time. But no can
get opening attack." Shan Pu's motions were getting slower,
clumsier. "All Amazon amazed. Never see man fast, strong like this.
Never see technique so good. Steel Typhoon un-beatable. No can
defend from so many knife, dart, chain, robe, shurriken,----robe???"
There was a strangled exclamation from Mu Tsu. Ukyou
looked over to see him trying to shrink inside his . . .robes!!!
Whirling around Ukyou stared as Shan Pu slack jawed. "He----
didn't, he couldn't . . ."
"Very tricky technique. Easy get carried away." Shan Pu
grinned at the crimson Mu Tsu. Ukyou was afraid he was going to
burst into flame. "Champion quick take advantage mistake . . .once
stop laughing."
"Oh . . .my." Was Kunos contribution. "W . . .what an un
. . .un . . .fortunate mishap." His face was rapidly turning the color of
a size forty-four man in a size thirty-six regular suit. "How
. . . ow . . .how sad to lose your . . ."
Ukyou stuffed a fist in her mouth in an effort to control
herself.
" . . .lose your----championship," Kuno forced out. "at the last
minute."
"Oh, Mu Tsu no lose . . .championship." Shan Pu grinned.
Mu Tsu made frantic shushing motions, which she ignored.
"N . . .no." Shan Pu was beginning to loose it as little bubbles
of laughter made their way up from her tummy.
Ordinarily Mu Tsu would have been mesmerized my the
effects these seismic events had on Shan Pu's . . .personality. Instead
he tried to take advantage of her slight distraction to slip away. He
was frustrated in his attempt by several Amazons who just
'happened' to get in his way.
"Champion old friend from Mu Tsu child-time. Mu Tsu very
. . .proud fight champion. All Amazon now see _pride_. Amazon
VERY impressed."
Mu Tsu prayed for a large hole to open up and swallow him.
"Amazon SO impressed, give Mu Tsu title 'Master Hidden
_Weapon_' "
"Ummmm." Purred a hulking Amazon pressing close to the
shrinking Mu Tsu. "That's when we started the fan club. It's for all
Amazons who want to learn hidden _weapon_ techniques."
"I think it's time for a lesson from the _master_" Another
Amazon winked and put her hand on Mu Tsu's shoulder. "Will you
instruct us . . .sensei."
Mu Tsu's nerve broke at the use of the Japanese term.
"I think I hear Cu Lon calling me. Uhhh.
Gottagogoodbynow."
Mu Tsu disappeared in a cloud of smoke from a thrown
bomb, a bevy of laughing Amazons hot on his trail.
"Ummmm." Ukyou was trying hard to control herself while
Kuno pretended to choke on a bug. "Did . . .did what I think happen--
--happen?"
"All Amazon want learn Mu Tsu technique . . .hide
_weapon_. Spend much time _practice_"
"All Amazon?" Ukyou asked slyly.
Shan Pu shrugged and smiled a little sadly. "Mu Tsu good
teacher, kind, skilled . . .much courage. Shan Pu just . . ." She
shrugged again and walked away.
******************************************************
"I hope you young ladies are sufficiently . . .practiced now to
keep your minds on sentry duty?" Cu Lon felt as if she were in
charge of a fractious kindergarten class. Her Amazon warriors
giggled and she wanted to hide her head in her hands. It wasn't their
fault. The Amazons hadn't fought a war in over fifty years. And Cu
Lon was just as glad that this generation had known nothing but play
war and the occasional bandit hunt. They were strong, fit and trained
to perfection. And she did have a solid core of blooded warriors.
Enough to offset . . .
"I'm glad you are so happy Tzun Li." She frowned at the
bubbly warrior. "You will take dawn watch."
"Yes elder." She replied cheekily, not at all dismayed at the
prospect of raising at two in the morning.
Cu Lon quickly made the rest of the watch assignments.
Satisfied with camp security, or as satisfied as she ever let herself
become she went off in search of Genma and Happosai. Assuming
that Ranma had left enough large pieces of either man to find.
******************************************************
"OK freak. I wanna know what ya did."
"Ranma, my boy. I promise," The diminutive pervert flipped
over a side kick that would have rendered him forever incapable of
appreciating the female-form in anything other than a nostalgic
manner.
"I ain't buyin' it. You're always causin' trouble. Gettin'
other people in your messes. An' now Akane's payin' for sumthin'
YOU did." Faster than thought a ball of fire formed between his
palms.
"I wanna know what ya did." His lips drew back in a snarl,
the fire ball pulsing with black streaks of lightning. "You're gonna'
get Akane back or I'm gonna'----" The air stank of ozone as the
barely leashed lightning of his ki pulsed between his palms.
"All right Ranma." Happossai came to an abrupt halt in front
of Ranma. "Go ahead." He stood calmly waiting.
"What kinda' trick----?"
"No trick. I want Akane back." He saw the disbelief in
Ranma's eyes. "I would _never_ do anything to hurt Akane,"
Ranma snorted in disbelief.
" . . .or any other girl." His twisted features, for once, seemed
clear of any malice. "I love women."
"Yeah, I bet." The fire ball seemed to swell slightly.
"Women are the kami's gift to man. They are soft and sweet
smelling. Mother's care for their sons, and love them no matter what
they do." Happossai seemed to be looking at some far off memory.
"Wives, sweethearts . . .they sooth your hurts, tell you how brave ,
how strong, how smart . . .even when you're the biggest fool in the
world. And - - -if you are truly favored by the gods----" Happy
looked fiercely at Ranma "You will find a woman who sees you for
the worthless, lazy, braggart you are and still loves you." He spat on
the ground at Ranma's feet. "Don't be a fool boy. I love women. All
women. Every hairy, stupid," He shot a look at Genma sitting on the
ground, nursing a bruised shoulder. "flatulent man on earth isn't
worth a single . . ." A curiously carved staff came down across the
top of his head.
"Owwww."
"Serves you right you old fool." Cu Lon polished a slight
blemish on the end of her staff. Satisfied with it's appearance she
resumed her usual perch. "He's telling the truth, for once."
Happossai looked unhappy at the qualifier but wisely
remained silent.
"He'll steal women's panties, money, piece of mind, virtue
. . . he's probably left a string of bas----little masters, from Tokyo to
Tibet----traveling EAST."
Happosai puffed out his chest.
"But, deceitful, lying, degenerate, cowardly, clumsy,
perverted----"
"I am _not_ clumsy!"
"----little monster that he is," Cu Lon shot Happy a very old
fashioned look. "he really wouldn't do anything that might cause
Akane real harm. At least----" She eyed the little pervert
speculatively. "not on purpose."
"I've never been near the Children of Tyger." Happossai
protested.
"What did you call them?" Cu Lon questioned sharply.
"Huh? Uhhh. Children of Tyger?"
"I've never heard them called that before." Cu Lon looked
hard at Happy. "Where did you hear that name?"
"I . . .I don't . . .remember." Happossai looked honestly
puzzled. "I guess I picked it up someplace." He grinned suddenly. "I
pick up a lot of . . .odds-and-ends in my travels. Is it important."He
asked, all seriousness.
"Hmmm. Possibly. See if you can remember where you heard
it." She looked down at Genma, still seated on the ground. "What
about you?"
"Nothing. I tried to tell the boy," He shot his son a
fulminating look. "I've never even heard of these . . .these assassins.
Not the sort of place I'd come anyway." He looked around at the
bleak, wind swept hills. "I bet there's no beer within a hundred
miles." A low growl from his offspring caused him to trail off into
vague mutterings.
"All right. I'll want to see each of you later tonight. We're all
going to take a little trip down memory lane. Just to see if you've
forgotten anything." She gave them each a look that might charitably
be called a smile. "I'm sure it will be a most _informative_ journey.
******************************************************
Chung Shi stifled a yawn as she padded through the silent
camp. She hated the dawn watch . . that silent time when even the air
seemed heavy and dawn felt like it was a million years away. That's
why she was glad Tzun Li had volunteered for it. That gave her a
chance to get the mid-watch even though she didn't have the seniority
for it.
"Pssst. Li. Time for your watch." Her sister Amazon slept on,
oblivious.
Shi grinned to herself. It wasn't often she caught Li off guard.
"Hey, sleepy head . . .time to get up. Wakey_Wakey." She
whispered, shaking Li by the shoulder. Li's head rolled to one side.
And kept on rolling until it came to rest against the toe of Shi's boot.
******************************************************
Before the first scream died out Kuno sprang from his tent,
naked blade in his right hand, heavy Colt revolver in his left. Before
Shi could draw breath for a second, Kuno was beside her.
"Cease woman." He commanded fiercely. "Cease. . ." He
repeated more softly, seeing what lay at her feet. He thrust the
revolver back in his holster and grabbed the shocked Amazon with
his now free hand. She buried her head against his side, and Kuno
was just as glad of the human contact as he forced himself to look
away from the grisly sight. The rest of the camp was roused now
. . .the soft pad of naked feet on cold rock, the murmur of orders, an
occasional muttered curse cut the night air.
"Shi . . .Shi . .." Cu Lon took the young warrior by the arm
and pulled her from Kuno's side. "What has happened. Quickly
now."
"I . . .I . . ." Shi took a shuddering breath and straightened her
spine. "I came to get Li . . .for her watch. She was supposed to take
the dawn watch. She volunteered, or I would have had to take it. I
would . . ." She drew herself up sharply. "She wouldn't wake up. I
thought she was asleep and I----" She forced herself to look down. "I
shook her." Shi seemed to crumple in on herself.
"It's alright child." Cu Lon said tiredly. "Go back to your
tent." She motioned to an Amazon waiting in the shadows. The other
warrior came and took Li by the arm, leading her away. Another
Amazon padded up, her boots making no more noise on the rocky
ground than the memory of snow.
"All pickets in place, everyone accounted for." She paused
for a moment. "No one saw anything----no one heard anything. I've
doubled the pickets."
Cu Lon nodded once and the Amazon faded back into the
darkness.
"How could it happen." Ukyou was very carefully not
looking at the body. Even starlight gave too much detail for her peace
of mind. Instead she held her spatula at low guard----scanning the
darkness.
"Mu Tsu," Cu Lon called softly. A moment later a shadow
solidified from the darkness.
"You are the weapons master. I want your opinion."
"Great grandmother, No!" Shan Pu protested. "Tzun Li was
his friend."
"It's alright, Shan Pu." A shuddering breath came from the
weapons master. "I'll need a light." A moment later a faint reddish
glow from a hooded lamp spilled over the grisly remains. Almost
instantly the light flickered out.
"A biskra, or something like it, caused this wound."
"What's that?"
Ukyou jumped as Ranma's voice came from behind her.
The light glowed again briefly to illuminate a heavy crescent
shaped blade as it dropped from Mu Tsu's sleeve. "It's an African
throwing knife. Only in this case it was on . . ." He paused in thought.
"Not a chain, too noisy. Probably silk or hemp. I use silk. There are
several variations of the weapon from India, Persia----lots of places."
"How's it work?"
Ukyou saw Mu Tsu's arm shoot out, there was a faint
whisper of sound as a dark shape cut the starlit air. The top of a small
tree jumped into the air, falling to the ground without a sound.
"Neat." Ranma commented tonelessly. "But howzit work
when the branch is on the ground?"
Wordlessly Mu Tsu thrust his arm toward the newly cut
branch in a smooth overhand motion. This time Ukyou was better
able to see the blade, outlined against the night sky. Almost too fast
to follow the bade arched over and down toward the ground. With a
subtle motion of his wrist Mu Tsu stopped the blade at the bottom of
its arc, causing it to recoil back into his hand with a curious spiraling
motion.
Ukyou followed by Kuno walked over to the fallen branch.
"He missed?" Ukyou peered into the gloom at the apparently
untouched length of wood. A light flashed red as Kuno illuminated
the scene. Delicately he tapped the wood with the tip of his katana----
instantly it separated into two pieces which rolled away from each
other.
"I found it." Ranma's voice drifted from the darkness.
Ukyou looked away from the cleanly sliced wood, trying not
to think of----Swallowing her rising gorge she followed Kuno to
where Ranma was standing; looking at a slight depression.
"Very clever." Cu Lon looked from the depression to Ranma.
"How did you know, son-in-law?"
Ranma shrugged. "Amazons ain't stupid. Even if these tiger-
guys are the best in the world I don't think they could sneak in . .
.and back out through your guards. So I figgered they was already
here." He jerked his head toward Mu Tsu. "Once I seen how they
done it . . .killed her . . .well that told me how far away they were.
Mu Tsu's the best I ever seen with his stuff, an' these tiger-guys----
they couldn't work from much farther away than him." He shrugged
again. "That didn't leave many places they could hide."
Cu Lon nodded approvingly. "I am impressed."
"Yeah, sure." Ranma knelt and picked up a fist full of soil
that had covered the hidden assassin. Letting it trickle through his
hand he stared at the hole, as if trying to see the man who had hidden
there, buried in the shallow depression. Breathing through a tube.
Waiting for----.
"If I was smart I woulda' caught this guy."
Standing abruptly he dusted his hands on his pants.
"Mu Tsu!" He jerked his head once toward the edge of
camp.
The weapons master nodded once and turned away.
"Stop."
Mu Tsu halted at the command. "Don't try to stop me Cu
Lon. Tzun Li was a friend of mine. She deserves better."
"We don't have time for vengeance . . .now." Cu Lon caught
and held each boys eyes for moment. "Our first priority is Akane."
An angry hiss came from Ranma. "An' you think we can
_negotiate_" He sneered the word. "after this?"
"We can." Cu Lon answered heavily. "We must. The . . ."
She hesitated over the name. "Children of Tyger are testing us. Or
perhaps exacting a toll for passage through their land. This was a
message of some sort." She fell silent, thinking. "We have no choice
but to ignore it for the moment----if we intend on going after Akane."
"Shan Pu going." The flat statement allowed no argument.
"Well, I think I'm going to take a little walk."
Cu Lon whipped around at the sound. "Happy . . .Happy, you
get back here!"
"Sorry, I can't hear you." The voice floated back, already
growing faint with distance. "You know how it is when you get old."
"Yes. I know." Cu Lon answered softly. "All right, let's try to
get some sleep." She ordered the rest. "We have a long day
tomorrow." She moved away from them, toward Tzun Li's remains.
"I do not know Amazon customs," Kuno came up beside her.
"But I would help you, if it is permitted."
"Yeah, same for me." Ranma drifted out of the darkness.
"Watcha' need . . .mother-in-law."
Cu Lon made a noise that could have been a chuckle or a sob.
"Don't start being nice . . .son-in-law. I'm an old woman. I can't take
the shock."
Mu Tsu, Shan Pu and Ukyou joined them. Together they
prepared Tzun Li for her passage across the Rainbow Bridge to the
next world.
******************************************************
"Hello boys and girls. Whatcha doin'?"
Sixth least claw Aure suppressed his start of surprise. He'd
never sensed the withered old man until he spoke. With shock he
realized the ancient figure was directly up-wind. And still Aure
detected nothing. On either side he knew, without having to see, his
hunt-mates were moving into position.
With a silent rush T'ze and Kir attacked with the perfect
unison that comes from a life time of training. Iron claws glinting in
the late morning sun T'ze slashed at the old man's belly from the
right, knowing that if she missed she would still drive the old man
into Kir's waiting claws. She felt iron bite into flesh----hot blood
splashed her face and chest.
"He'h, pretty sloppy, girlie."
T'ze jerked at the voice at her ear. In disbelief she saw Kir's
body hanging off her claw. As she watched, the light faded from Kir's
eyes and she slipped free of the iron with a soft sigh.
"Normally I'd cop a feel from a pretty girlie like you . . .
Happossai danced away from the savage slash, pulling down
his eye-lid and sticking out his tongue.
" . . .but you're just not my type." Slapping his buttocks in
contempt he rolled forward away from another slashing attack.
Waiting calmly for another slash he spun inside the reaching arm.
Grasping T'ze's wrist in his right arm he hyper-extended her limb.
Continuing his motion he swept his left arm up and inside, smashing
her elbow with his iron-pipe.
Screaming like a wounded panther, T'ze face distorted in
rage, not pain. Twisting her upper body she swung her ruined arm
like a whip, using the iron gloved hand to drive Happossai into her
good arm. Caught by surprise the ancient master of perversion felt the
iron bite deep into his side before he could slip the blow and dance
away.
"Owwww." Happy looked down as his side, streaming blood.
He could see bone gleaming white where the flesh had been torn
away from his hip. "Yah know . . ." Happossai panted, stuffing part
of his robe into the open wound. "that's not a bad trick. But have you
seen this one?"
His hands moving in a swift counter-current motion the
wizened martial artist suddenly thrust his arms at the charging T'ze.
"Happossai. Panty. STOOOOORMMM!!!" A blizzard of rainbow
colored silk covered the attacking Leopard-girl. Snarling and
snapping at the cloth scraps she was distracted for a moment. Just a
moment.
"Bye bye."
T'ze sensed the ancient master a mili-second before he spoke.
Her broken arm was more than compensated for by her extreme
savagery and preternatural speed. She flipped backward, twisting as
she rose in the air her good arm slashing for the presence she sensed
rather than saw.
"oh . . .crap." Happossai dropped flat, the iron claw peeling
back his scalp as it grazed him. He could feel the man moving into
position behind him. He had to finish this one----fast. No more
fooling around. Catching himself on one hand Happossai thrust his
pipe forward and up, piercing T'ze's belly and through to smash her
spine. Falling forward as her legs collapsed T'ze slashed Happossai
across the back with her remaining arm. Finishing her with an elbow
strike to the temple, Happossai rolled free----coming to his feet to
face his final opponent.
"H'eh. Not a bad workout." He looked down at the remains
of T'ze. "A waste though."
Happossai watched the final child of Tyger circling him
warily, naked feet whispering faintly on the stone path. Happy's back
was on fire. He could feel his strength draining away through the
wound in his side and the blow to his head left him dizzy and sick. He
hadn't had so much fun in years. "Okay boy," A manic smile twisted
his wrinkled features. "Let's see whatcha' got."
******************************************************
Cu Lon looked at the scattered vari-colored silk covering the
path. Examining the ground carefully she could see splashes of blood
that told the story of the fight.
"What's the verdict?" Ranma trotted up to her, covered with
a faint sheen of sweat from his run to scout the trail ahead.
"Shi is avenged." Cu Lon pointed out a faint scuff mark near
the edge of the trail. Below the ground vanished into the mist almost
a thousand feet below. "There were only three. Two lie there." Cu
Lon pointed with her staff at the two bodies. The few scavenger insect
adapted for the altitude and cold had already started feasting. "Here
someone went over the side." She tapped the faint mark with her
staff."
"Yeabut who?" Ranma walked to the edge and peered into
the depths. "Coulda been the tiger-guy . . .or the old freak."
"Had the child of Tyger survived, the bodies of the slain
would have been removed. And I can not imagine Happossai leaving
his," She picked up a bright pink scrap of lace on her staff. "treasures
behind." Shaking her head she let the scrap drop to the ground. "No
. . .I fear that both must have gone over the edge during the struggle.
"Damn." Ranma kicked the ground in frustration. "We
coulda' used the old freak."
"I didn't think anyone could beat Happossai." Ukyou stared
at the blood spattered rocks in dismay. "If they could beat him----"
"Hey! The old freak just got careless, is all. I beat him plenty
of times."
"You weren't trying to kill him." Ukyou examined the edge
of her combat spatula. "I . . .I want you to be careful Ranma. You're
a good fighter, but sometimes . . .sometimes you aren't serious
enough."
"Kuonji-san is correct," Cu Lon interrupted Ranma as he
started to protest. "This is not the time for posturing. If it comes to a
fight-----you must not hesitate to strike a killing blow."
"Hey, don't tell me how to fight. I know how----"
"If you can not obey me," Cu Lon fixed him with a cold
stare. "you are a danger to the rest of us . . .and no use to Akane."
She held his gaze until he nodded, once. Motioning she summoned
one of her senior Amazons to her side.
"Send two hands forward to sweep the trail ahead and our
flanks. If they contact anyone . . .anyone at all . . .they are to kill
them and fall back at once."
"Elder, is this wise?" The Amazon looked troubled. "Should
we provoke the enemy in this fashion? It will make our task more
difficult."
"I thank you for your council." Cu Lon placed a hand on the
Amazon's shoulder and squeezed lightly. "These are not ordinary
people we deal with. They have killed one of ours already. I will not
risk any more of our sisters. We will act on the assumption that
everyone in this land is actively hostile." She smiled grimly. "It may
teach them to respect us . . .at the least they may learn caution." Her
voice hardened suddenly. "And if I am mistaken in thinking we can
negotiate for Tendou Akane's release----they will learn to fear."
Ukyou pulled a soft cloth from her pocket and began
polishing her spatula. Humming tunelessly her head move from side
to side. She'd gotten into the habit of . . .watching, since they'd
entered the land of the Tyger.
Kuno pulled the heavy Colt .44 from his holster and carefully
inspected the loads. Satisfied, he re-holstered the revolver and
snapped the thumb-break to secure the weapon.
"I believe that a brief constitutional would not be out of
order. With your permission," He drew his katana and sketched a
brief salute toward the Amazon. "I would like to join your young
ladies on their outing."
The Amazon quirked an eyebrow at Cu Lon.
"He's an idiot . . .but he does have some small skill with the
blade." She looked at Kuno, standing with unsheathed katana, then
back at her Amazon. "If you run into trouble, I suggest you point him
at the enemy and stand out of the way. The result should be
amusing."
Cu Lon watched as Kuno moved off at a trot with a small
group of Amazon scouts.
"Ranma, Kuonji-san----come with me. We have plans to
make.
******************************************************
They met their 'guide' two days later. Sitting calmly beside
the trail, he didn't even blink when angry Amazon's surrounded him.
When Cu Lon approached he unfolded himself with sinuous grace
and held out his hand. In the flat of the palm a small earring glinted, a
smear of blood marring the post. He ignored the brief flash of anger
that crossed her face and wordlessly motioned her to follow. With
quick hand motions Cu Lon sent warriors to secure their flanks and
rear. If they had to make a fighting retreat they would probably all
die. This expedition had always been a gamble, but Cu Lon was
determined to make the Children of Tyger remember the Amazons.
Following their silent guide up trails that would have
frightened a mountain goat and across rope bridges that would have
made an eagle air sick they made their way into the center of Tygers
lair.
******************************************************
Ukyou peered cautiously over the edge of the mesa. Below,
dark clouds filled a valley that stretched out of sight. Lightening
flashed. Seconds later thunder rumbled out of the depths. Shivering,
and not just from the cold wind that swept down from the heights, she
stepped back from the ledge.
"I have never seen a thunder storm from above." Kuno
remarked calmly, looking down into the stormy depths.
"Would you not stand so close!" Ukyou hissed, yanking him
back.
Kuno allowed Ukyou to drag him away from the edge. "They
have chosen their position well." He looked across a fifty foot chasm
at a finger of rock that jutted out from the mountain. "Notice that
they can be approached only from that one trail." Kuno indicated a
narrow path that led down the mountain. "Of course, they have no
means of escape, should hostiles capture the heights," Kuno looked
again across the intervening space. "but I see no way to do that with
the forces we have. However, if we could somehow----"His voice cut
off abruptly as four figures materialized on the trail. In the lead, a
giant figure that gave the impression one of the peaks had uprooted
itself to go for a stroll. Behind, two lesser figures, diminished only in
comparison to their leader. Between them stumbled----
"Akane!" Ranma hissed, lunging forward to be stopped short
by Cu Lon.
"Calmly, son-in-law," Cu Lon said softly. "Soul-of-ice."
Her own jaw tightened at seeing Akane, bound and frail
looking, in the hands of two Lion-masked figures. Moving forward
she pitched her voice to carry across the chasm that separated the
rescue party from the Children of Tyger.
"We have come to----"
"Give us the thief." A giant figure, masked and robed like
some primal nightmare brushed aside Cu Lon's greeting.
"What thief?" Cu Lon thought she knew the answer already.
How the giant, obviously the leader, answered would help her judge
how to deal with these people.
The giant stared silently for a moment. Then with a sudden
move he lashed out, knocking Akane away from her captors to land
like a broken doll.
"Give us the thief."
"Moko . . ." Fire burned in Ranma's hands as he prepared to
blast the giant into the next world.
"Stop." Cu Lon followed her command with a blow to his
pressure points. "Soul-of-ice. Or do you _want_ Akane to die?"
The fire died slowly, grudgingly, as Ranma stared with hate
filled eyes at the men across the chasm.
"You have something we want," Cu Lon called. "And you
believe we have what you want." She paused. When there was no
reaction she continued. "Point out your 'thief' . . .we will discuss
terms."
There was silence for a long moment. Then at some hidden
signal their 'guide' turned and pointed at Genma.
"I knew it." Ranma snarled and moved on Genma. "Stupid
old man." He grabbed his father by the throat. "Give 'em what they
want . . . Give it----"
"Let him breath, son-in-law."
Genma fell wheezing to the ground. "I don't know," He
croaked, massaging his bruised throat. "what they're talking about."
He quickly scooted away as his son advanced with murder in his eye.
"I swear. I swear. I would never----"
"If we give you the thief," Cu Lon ignored Genma's
strangled protest. "will you return Akane?"
"The thief is of no use to us,"
Genma's sigh of relief was short lived.
"His mind is warded. He must volunteer what we want." The
giant grabbed Akane by the throat and lifted her from the ground.
"Give us what we want, or this one dies."
"If you kill her, you have nothing to bargain with." Cu Lon
shouted across the way.
"He has other daughters."
"That," Genma squeaked, then tried again. "that's not my
daughter. I have . . ."His voice cut off abruptly. "I have no children."
He said more strongly. "And I don't know what you want. But you
may take me, in exchange for the girl."
Ranma looked at his father in shock.
"Hey," Genma looked affronted at the look. "Soun would
never let me back in the house if I come back without Akane.
Besides," He whispered. "I expect you to rescue me. It's a martial
artists duty to show respect for his father."
"Your scent is all over this one." The giant boomed,
oblivious to the interruption. "There are two more young ones. Plus
your mate and the son of your body."
Genma's shoulders slumped in defeat. "But I don't know
what they want." He wailed. "Really, I don't." He repeated, noticing
the skeptical looks coming his way.
"He said your mind was warded." Cu Lon put her hands on
either side of Genma's head. "Perhaps you don't . . ." She paused, her
fingers moving delicately across Genmas brow. " . . .remember. This
may sting a little."
"Huh?" Genam said, just before he let out a high pitched
scream, like a bull making a five foot jump over a six foot fence.
Falling to his knees Genma wrapped his arms around his head,
moaning in pain.
Ukyou moved toward him in concern, but Ranma beat her
there.
"Pop . . .hey pop." Ranma grabbed his father about the
shoulders, shock at his father's pain allowing his concern to show.
"Dammit ol' man. Don't do this to me."
Genma's hands dropped abruptly to his side and his eyes
snapped open.
"We have to leave." He pushed himself to his feet. "Now."
"We're not leaving without Akane." Ranma snapped, all
concern for his father vanishing. "If you know what they want----"
"They want us dead." Genma snapped back, unwontedly
serious. He turned to Cu Lon, speaking in and urgent whisper. "It
doesn't matter what we do. Even if I g . . .if I had what they want,"
Cu Lon's eyes narrowed at Genma's slip.
". . .they'll still kill us. They'll kill us all, and enjoy it."
"I'm not leaving without Akane, pop." Ranma grabbed
Genma by the front of his tunic and dragged him close. "I'll kill you
myself to get her back."
"If it would get Akane back," Genma said tiredly. "I'd save
you the trouble. But it won't." He grinned suddenly. "They're going
to kill us all, anyway. So we may as well try to rescue Akane. I've
always wanted to die in a hopeless struggle against impossible odds."
"I always thought you wanted to die drunk, at an all you can
eat buffet."
"Well, that was my second choice."
"I think I would prefer if none of us die." Cu Lon said dryly.
"That's got my vote." Ukyou put in nervously.
"THIEF!" The giants voice boomed over the divide. "You do
not take us seriously. We will give this one to Tyger." He motioned
and his two minions grabbed Akane and started to drag her to the
edge of the rock peninsula. "The other's will follow. First your
daughters, your mate and your son. Your life will be a wasteland
until you return what you have stolen."
Ukyou watched in horror as Akane was dragged to the lip on
the rock face. She pulled a brace of spatulas from her bandoleer. "It's
pretty far . . .but maybe I can distract them." She drew back for a
toss, when one of the men holding Akane dropped her and jerked
back, clutching his shoulder. Ukyou looked at her hand, to make sure
both spatulas were still there. Looking back at the lion masked man
she saw what looked like . . .
"Is that a ROSE?"
"Pretty girls are far fondling and stealing panties . . ." Every
head jerked up toward the face of the mountain. Even the masked
giant seemed surprised. "Evil, smelly, cat boys who terrorize young
maidens shall feel my wrath."
"There!" Ukyou pointed at a shadow that appeared on the
trail. The tall slender figure in top hat and flowing cape resolved
itself into a dwarf with a heavily bandaged head and tattered coat that
flapped in the wind.
"I'm Baaack." Happosai cackled manically. "Miss me?"
The lion masked figure had only a moment to gape at the
outlandish shape. Then the fuse burned down and the magnesium
flare, that made the stem of the paper mache rose, burst into flame.
He screamed in pain, beating frantically at the flames that ate at his
shoulder. The second lion masked man holding Akane relaxed his
hold slightly.
"AKANE-CHAAAAN." Happossai screamed, bounding
down the trail like a tennis ball on amphetamines. "I'm comiiiiiing."
Laughing and tossing bombs he hurtled down the slope at suicidal
speed.
"grandfather?" Akane whispered, watching the ancient
master speed toward her. "grandfather happossai!?" With a sudden
surge she broke free of the loosened grip, slamming her captors knee
with a snap kick that splintered the bone.
"Covering fire." Cu Lon snapped.
Ukyou stared gaped jawed as the Amazons dropped their
spears and bows. From under their colorful winter capes automatic
rifles snapped into position, firing carefully aimed bursts at the
Children of Tyger who appeared from their hidden places on the rock
face in an attempt to stop the lethal gnome.
Spinning around she saw one group of Amazons setting up a
light machine gun, while another group assembled what looked like a
long pipe with legs. A faint whistling sound close by brought her
spinning back in the opposite direction. Just in time to see the guides
head leap from his body. Reflexively she brought her battle spatula
around, sending the disembodied nous bouncing across the trail,
scattering a party of Tyger's children trying to head off Happossai.
Trembling in reaction to the suddenness of the fight
. . .and to what she had just done . . .Ukyou remained frozen in place.
"Magnificently struck." Kuno wiped his blade clean of the
guides blood and sheathed it in one smooth motion. "However it
seems prudent to seek shelter."Grabbing Ukyou by the arm he
dragged her behind a small boulder, drawing his revolver as he did
so. "Nobunaga used matchlocks with great effect," Kuno took careful
aim and was gratified to see his target fall at the second shot." and
while this does not have the satisfaction of steel," He fired four more
shots, rapidly but with no effect. "a true samurai uses whatever tools
may best serve his purpose." Ejecting the spent cartridges he reloaded
and closed the cylinder with a snap. "Don't you agree, Kuonji-san?"
When there was no answer he looked over at his companion with
concern. "Kuonji-san? Are you well?"
"I hit . . .a head." She was staring at a bloody splotch on the
shiny steel of her battle spatula with horrified fascination. "I. Hit. A.
HEAD!!!"
"And a very nice hit it was." Cu Lon slid in beside them." A
muffled crump interrupted them as the mortar crew got their weapon
into action. Dirt and pebbles peppered them like rain. Ukyou peeped
around the boulder to see a great cloud of dust rising over the top of
the trail where it disappeared around the mountain face.
"That should keep them from reinforcing for a while. Now if
Happy can just . . ."
The chatter of a machine gun interrupted her. Another longer
burst, but the sound came from the mountain. Ukyou looked around
the boulder and groaned.
"They've got a gun, too!"
"Well, I wondered how long it would take them."
"You knew they . . ." Ukyou paused. "HEY!" She looked
accusingly at Cu Lon. "What are AMAZON'S doin' with
GUNS???"
"The Chinese invented gun powder." Cu Lon replied, as if
that explained everything.
Ukyou was offended. Amazons with guns?! What next,
samurai riding Harley's???
"Akane!!!"
Ukyou popped up like a jack-in-the-box at Ranma's scream.
Kuno yanked her back down, muttering something under his breath
that made Cu Lon smile.
"AKANEEEE! I'm comin'."
All three popped up at that, to see Ranma charging up the
rock face. He'd picked up one of the Amazon's discarded spears.
Moving at 'chestnut-fist' speed he was going through the Children of
Tyger like a reaping machine----trying to work his way around to
Akane, still trapped on the finger of rock.
Happossai had run into trouble of his own. Despite his speed
and ability he'd been cut off from Akane. Pinned down in a crack in
the rock face he was holding off his attackers with a lavish use of
bombs.
"AKANE. I'M COMMIN' AKANE."
******************************************************
Akane looked around in despair. Hope had blossomed so
suddenly . . .her friends . . .Ranma . . .were all so close. But the
Children of Tyger were well prepared and more numerous than
anyone could have guessed. Akane could see that even if Ranma
could get to her they would never escape from the mountain. If they
left now, they had a small chance to escape. But if they stayed
. . .everyone would die. They wouldn't leave without her. But if they
stayed----
A sudden feeling of peace overcame her. She could see the
giant coming for her, disdainful of the rifle fire kicking up dust all
around. Looking up, she could see grandfather Happossai. He'd been
forced from his hiding place and was retreating up the mountain,
cursing and throwing bombs. Then she looked to her left, and saw
him. His favorite red shirt torn across the front, a streak of blood
marking where he'd been just a little slow getting out of the way. The
sounds of battle faded and his dear features snapped into sharp focus;
his pig-tail whipping behind him like a battle flag, spear flashing in
the setting sun as he strode across the rock like some pagan god.
"Ranma."
Some magic, some trick of acoustics carried her voice to him.
Time froze. His head snapped around and his eyes met hers across the
distance.
"Akane."
"Take care of father and my sisters."
Graceful as a deer she spun away from the grabbing hands of
the Great Fang. With the peaceful smile of one who has snatched
control of her own fate Akane sprinted for the edge of the escarpment
and dove into space.
"no."
His first protest was tiny, compressed by horror and disbelief
to almost nothing.
NOOOOO!!!"
The shriek of a pain maddened animal ripped from Ranma's
throat, freezing even the Children of Tyger with fear for a moment.
Insane with rage Ranma would have died then, under the
guns of one of Tygers children. The thunderous crack of a .44 Colt
ended one of Tygers children, preserving his life. He still would have
died, as madness swallowed his heart and sent him charging forward
in a berserkers fury. Again fortune intervened, in the form of an
ancient Chinese sage.
"Carry him." Cu Lon shoved the unconscious Ranma toward
Ukyou. "The pressure point I used will keep him out for about ten
minutes."
Ukyou slung Rama over her shoulders and sprinted down the
mountain. Thinking about how Ranma was going to react when he
woke up removed all fear of mere death at the hands of the Children
of Tyger.
Cu Lon moved back down the slope under the flashing sword
and thundering pistol of Kuno. Looking back up the heights, she
could just see bursts of light from Happosssai's bombs. She said a
brief prayer for the old pervert. She couldn't do any more for him.
They'd be lucky if half of her Amazon's got off the mountain alive.
Looking down she could see the giant standing, looking down
into the abyss that had swallowed Akane. So far he'd seemed
immune to bullets. Cu Lon only wished she had time to----ruthlessly
she suppressed the thought. She'd arrived in time to hear Akane's
last words . . .she wasn't going to let that sacrifice be a vain one.
Akane asked Ranma to look after her father and sisters. Cu Lon
would look after Ranma as well. She said another prayer. This one
for Akane.
Cu Lon started snapping orders as they reached her Amazons;
starting the long, bloody retreat down the mountain.
******************************************************
The torrential rain blackened the already stygian darkness
into an impenetrable void. The small dark shape appeared and
disappeared in flashes of lightening as it tumbled and slid down the
mountain side in a river of mud. Bouncing and spinning the small
bundle came to rest a few meters inside the mouth of a cave, a few
hundred feet above the valley floor.
The battered figure groaned and stirred feebly. A screaming
roar, like tearing sheet metal filled the cave.
The figure mewled in pain.
Another roar shook the cave, and small pebbles rattled down
on the figure. Lightening flashed, illuminating a small dark haired
girl and furry-bulk the size of a small horse. Another bolt revealed
gleaming yellow eyes and huge stabbing canines that curved almost
twelve inches from root to tip. Electric fire burned the blackness yet
again, betraying that the massive cat was in labor.
Feverish from her weeks in captivity, bleeding and battered
from her slide down the mountain the barely living girl peered at the
fearful shape looming over her.
"mama?"
***********************************************************