Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ New Memories ❯ Ch. 9 ( Chapter 9 )

Disclaimer: That means I don't own Ranma 1/2. All I own is the story and the made up characters.

New Memories

The next morning when Akane, Ryouga, and Ukyo went to the Cat Café shelter, what they saw wasn't a very pretty sight. Shampoo had eye bags under her eyes and it looked like she hadn't gone to sleep in years. Her whole face had a look of worry and she looked as though she was haunted. Shampoo looked at them like everything was fine with her, but they didn't really want someone to go searching for Ranma in this kind of condition.

Akane: What in the world did you do to yourself anyway? You look as though you had an encounter with ghosts.

Shampoo: I- I just had a small bad dream when I fell asleep. So when I woke up I couldn't go back to bed. Nothing serious.

Akane wouldn't have any of that.

Akane(smugly): Yeah right. You're just as bad as Ranma on your lying as he is when he's playing poker. You couldn't get any sleep could you?

Well it was out in the open now and to tell the truth, if a person stayed up the WHOLE night away worried about something; they could be just a little cranky... Well, more like... a lot.

Anyway Shampoo's temper was on a short leash right now and she really didn't need some stupid smug remarks.

Shampoo (snapping): And so what if I did? You got a problem with that Akane?

Akane got as equally as angry.

Akane (angrily): Of course I don't. I could care less about *your health*. But you're a good tracker and you're like this because of your worry for Ranma. He doesn't need it. He can make it on his own.

Shampoo clenched her jaw tightly. She didn't have time to beat the hell out of Akane for acting like that right now. Plus if Ranma found out, he'd probably never speak to her again. Shampoo frowned at that. Her pride as an Amazon told her to fight back, but Shampoo had to pound it down JUST THIS ONCE.

Akane looked at Shampoo expectantly as if she was waiting for her to make a snipe remark like Ranma does. But she was surprised to see Shampoo shrug her off like an unwanted insect. That made Akane even more furious.

Ukyo watched as Akane's aura flared while Shampoo fought her pride down and walked away. Ukyo watched out of the corner of her eye that Ryouga was watching the exchangement also.

Ukyo (whispering to Ryouga): Is it just me or is Akane and Shampoo trying to get at each other's throats than when Shampoo was a bimbo?

Ryouga nodded at that. They were going at each other's throats nowadays. It was something that Ryouga didn't understand. Since Shampoo wasn't chasing after Ranma wasn't Akane supposed to be happy?

Ryouga looked back at the now seething Akane. She really didn't look all that pleasant in that way. Her glare at Shampoo probably could have bore holes in her back or at least make someone shiver, but Shampoo didn't even seem to acknowledge it. She just continued walking and ignoring Akane and the others looking for Ranma.

They all searched for Ranma, with the exception of Mousse and Kuno... Speaking of Kuno, where in the world did he go anyway?

Shampoo looked through the hot springs and part of the island with Ryouga right beside her. Ukyo and the still angry Akane looked for Ranma on a different side of the island. Once they finished searching, they headed back to one of the shelters and found Shampoo and Ryouga there. Once they noticed that they had visitors they snapped to attention. Once Shampoo looked at Ukyo, Akane seethed in restrained anger. She also clenched her jaw and balled up her fists.

Akane (thinking): How dare she ignore me! That... that BITCH! I can't take it anymore!

Akane glared and stalked over to Shampoo in sheer anger. Akane's eyes held grim purpose in them. Shampoo, Ukyo, and Ryouga were informing each other on what they saw.

Shampoo: (sigh) in the end we didn't really find anything to help bri-

Shampoo stopped talking when she saw Akane. Shampoo checked her over.

Shampoo (thinking): grim eyes... tight fists... and clenched jaw... Hmm... I guess she wants a fight or something... Dammit! What the hell am I gonna do? I know that if I fight Akane then once we find Ranma he'll be real ticked off at me... But then again... I guess I don't care what he thinks of me anymore... after all, he's acting a little bit too much like the other Japanese boys.

Shampoo involuntarily shivered. The stupid perverted boys seemed like she would just roll over for them if they asked her too... What the hell did they take her for? Some weakling who can't defend herself? Yeah right. They knew perfectly well what she *could* do to them if they tried *anything* to her.

Akane watched as Shampoo shivered. That brought a smile to her face. She's always wanted to wipe that stupid smug smile off her pretty face. Akane frowned again when she saw that the look disappeared on her face. It turned into one of smugness AGAIN. Akane just wanted to rip off her lips right now.

Akane (ferociously): So Shampoo, are you gonna fight me? Or are you a *coward*?

Akane expected to get a rise out of Shampoo, but again she was disappointed. Her face only held mock humor for her. Akane growled at that.

Akane (yelling): Come on Shampoo! Answer! Or is your stupid Amazon self telling you not to?

Akane smiled at her handiwork. There was no way that Shampoo would back down now. And Akane knew that perfectly well. Akane looked at Shampoo. Her smile disappeared again when she saw that Shampoo was shaking her head in disbelief.

Shampoo (thinking): What the hell is she doing? I didn't think she'd want a death wish so soon. Ah well, I guess I should accept her little challenge... She's been getting on my nerves anyway.

Shampoo looked at Akane like a predator seeking its prey. Akane looked at the look Shampoo gave her and started shaking.

Akane (thinking embarrassingly): Why'd I start shaking now?

Akane's shaking didn't go unnoticed however. It only made Shampoo's smile on her face even wider. Shampoo decided to get under Akane's skin for a bit.

Shampoo (tauntingly): Oh poor Akane. She's shaking like a little child... But... I thought you wanted a fight.

Akane looked at Shampoo bitterly. She then tried to stop her shaking. It didn't stop however, because she was shaking with anger now. Her mind soon grew blurry and all she could see was a haze of red. She wanted to hurt Shampoo so badly now... even though she knew she couldn't win against her once heated rival of love.

Shampoo looked at Akane a little concerned. She didn't seem to look right. Her aura wasn't right either. Shampoo looked at Akane's face and only saw pure fury. For what, Shampoo didn't know. Heck, she didn't even know why Akane was mad in the first place. She never got angry with her like this before. But maybe that was because Ranma or someone else always intervened. It was... weird.

Just then Akane gave a mighty cry for battle and charged straight for Shampoo. Shampoo didn't see it coming and got hit in the face. She stumbled back a few feet, but regained her balance and slid on the ground. She didn't come straight up to rush her opponent, however she felt a sticky liquid coming from the side of her mouth. Shampoo knew that it was her own blood. She smiled wryly at Akane.

Akane didn't seem to want to stop anytime soon by the way she looked. In fact, she charged for Shampoo again and tried kicking her in the stomach. Shampoo saw the tactic and threw her hand over her stomach for a defense. Once she felt the compact of Akane's kick, she grabbed her leg and threw her over her shoulder.

Akane's back was thrown against the back of a tree that cracked when she impacted on it. She hit the back of her head on the tree and felt herself getting a little dizzy. She shrugged it off however. All she had in her mind was to intentionally hurt Shampoo. Akane struggled to get on her feet with some difficulty, but managed to get up. She put a hand to her pain throbbing head. It felt as though a truck hit her.

Shampoo looked at Akane with surprise. Usually she never would get back up... Well, she wouldn't have ever hitten Shampoo either.

Shampoo (thinking): I guess anger builds her power.

Shampoo wanted to end this pointless fight once and for all. She just didn't know what to do though. She wanted to hurt Akane for acting like a stupid bitch and all, but she also didn't want to hurt her. Shampoo watched as Akane got up and breathed heavily. But once she looked at Shampoo, she stopped her heavy breathing and glared at her. Then she ran as fast as she could over to Shampoo to deliver a few punches and kicks.

Shampoo watched as Akane charged her yet again. It was really grating her nerves. She was fighting recklessly against Shampoo. Once Akane got close enough Shampoo jumped lightly on her head and twisted behind her. Then Shampoo lashed around facing Akane's back with her purple hair trailing wildly about as she did so. But before Akane could turn around, Shampoo used a pressure point to make her fall asleep. She fell like a dead bird.

Shampoo smiled wryly at the fallen Tendo girl, but she then focused her attention to the audience. Ukyo and Ryouga looked at Akane eyes wide before Ryouga cried out for Akane and ran to her. Ukyo watched Akane before turning her attention to the victor. Shampoo didn't smirk or grin because of her victory however. Ukyo shook her head and started walking over to Shampoo.

Ukyo (thinking): I didn't think she'd go easy on Akane...

Once Ukyo was facing Shampoo, Shampoo looked at her and then a small tug on her lips made a half smirk.

Shampoo: She had that coming anyway.

Shampoo then glared coldly at Ukyo that made Ukyo inwardly recoil.

Shampoo (icily): And I *don't* feel like doing that to another of Ranma's fiancées. Just make sure you don't press the wrong buttons from now on *Ukyo*.

Shampoo then warmed up herself again and smiled pleasantly at Ukyo. She started walking towards a random direction to look for Ranma. She stopped and looked at Ukyo.

Shampoo: We should look for Ranma now okay?

Ukyo nodded her head yes meekly.

Ukyo (thinking): That girl can get scary sometimes.

Ukyo then ran over to Ryouga, who was kneeling and lightly slapping the Tendo girl. Once Akane woke up, Ryouga hugged her to his chest... tightly might I add.

Akane (suffocating): Ry- *pop* Ryouga *pant* stop *wheeze* please!

By the time Akane finished trying to speak, she was turning purple from the lack of oxygen. Ukyo looked at Akane and then Ryouga, who was still killing Akane with his bear hug before hitting him on the head with her spatula.

He instantly turned stopped hugging Akane and faced Ukyo. Akane dropped to the floor panting for air.

Ryouga: What'd you do that for Ukyo?

Ukyo: Didn't you notice that you were killing Akane?

Ryouga looked at Ukyo like she lost her mind or something. Then he looked at Akane and gasped. He quickly looked at Akane in the face and started apologizing.

Ryouga: I'm so sorry Akane. Please forgive me. I didn't mean to. I just thought-

Akane: I'm fine now okay Ryouga?... well thanks to Ukyo.

Akane looked at Ukyo in gratitude. Ukyo smiled at Akane and then looked at Ryouga.

Ukyo: I think we should get going now. Shampoo's already looking for Ranma.

Ukyo looked at Akane after she said that. Ryouga on the other hand looked at Ukyo before getting up to his feet waiting for the two other girls. Akane had a far off look in her eyes, which was also with a burning anger. Ukyo suspected a rage of insults coming from Akane. It came.

Akane (angrily): WHERE THE HELL DID SHE GO?! OF COURSE SHE WOULD GO LOOK FOR THAT STUPID `AIREN' OF HERS! THAT STUPID AMAZON CHEATED! SHE NEVER WON! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT STUPID IDIOT FOR AN AMAZON CHAMPION WOULD DO THAT! SHE DIDN'T EVEN FIGHT FAIRELY! AND THAT PERVERT RANMA! I JUST BET THEY THOUGHT UP OF THAT KIND OF STUPID STUFF TO PLAY WITH OUR HEADS. I BET RANMA ISN'T EVEN GONE! STUPID RANMA AND HIS STUPID TRICKS!

Akane fell to the floor again because of her lack of oxygen. She started panting heavily and she punched the ground with her fist.

Ukyo (thinking): I didn't think anyone could act that way because of things...

Ukyo helped Akane up and tried soothing her friend. Ryouga looked at the exchangement for a bit before picking up a presence. He quickly darted his eyes around searching for the presence.

Ryouga (thinking): Something doesn't feel right.

Ryouga: Ukyo, Akane! Be on your guard. Someone's coming!

Both Akane and Ukyo looked at each other before they got into a fighting stance. They quickly looked around to check for anything out of the normal. Of course, Akane didn't seem to mind that there was a presence around. She was as mad as hell and would probably pick a fight on anyone right about now.

Ukyo and Ryouga on the other hand did not seem pleased. The aura they felt was pretty powerful. Akane didn't pick up on auras so she wouldn't have guessed that it was someone or something strong.

Then a rustle came from a nearby tree. The three of them shot their heads up before Ryouga threw a bandana in the tree. When the tree started falling, a figure jumped swiftly out of the area. This person had on a black cloak on, even though Akane, Ukyo, and Ryouga had no idea why. It was as hot as heck out here.

Their attention focused on the cloaked figure. You couldn't even see any part of the body. It was all covered up in the cloak. Just then, the cloaked figure tore off the cloak to reveal a young girl. From what they could tell, was that the girl was around fourteen with red long hair that fell over part of her face. She also wore a red tank top and some white baggy pants with sandals on. Her eyes were red and didn't look at all friendly when you looked at them. The girl looked at the two girls with disapproving stares. Her stare finally went to Ryouga. Ryouga looked at the girl confused and nervous by the leveled stare she gave him. The girl cracked a grin and spoke.

Girl: My name is Ling. I've come because of what my mistress has said. (Pointing index finger at Ryouga) I am too take you, male.

All three allies sweatdropped. Ryouga even more so. All three of them thought the same thing.

All (thinking): She's just as bad as Shampoo…...

Ling: Well male? Are you going to come with me or am I going to have to take you by force?

Ryouga snorted in distaste. Like he would go with some weird girl. Ling smiled widely at that. She would finally get to fight someone.

Ling: I take that as a no then male. Prepare yourself!

That being said, the girl called Ling launched herself right at Ryouga. Ryouga could barely keep up with the girl. He also didn't notice that she got close enough to hit him. Once she stopped, Ryouga finally focused on her. Ling grinned and gave a battle cry. The next thing Ryouga knew was that Ling fired a medium sized ball of chi into his chest.

Ryouga slid back a few feet and indured the pain he felt. He didn't want to fight a girl. It was against his code! But he couldn't ignore her either. She was pretty tough.

Ling went for an attack again, but was cut off by a dozen mini spatulas and a kick. Ling dodged most of them, but one sliced open her right cheek. Ling opened her eyes wide and held her opened cheek with her hand. She clenched her jaw in fury and her eyes narrowed.

Ling: I was going to leave you two alone, but because you attacked me I will take you for toys.

Ling grinned at that. She hasn't had toys for a while now. They died….. That caused Ling to scowl. Her toys were very... delicate. They couldn't even seem to withstand her fishing *with* them. It was fun while it lasted though. And Ling was eager to have more toys.

Then Ling closed her eyes and concentrated on the so-called fun things she was going to do with her new playthings. Maybe she would turn them into dolls like the others. Just then, Ling opened her eyes as a very dark pink and black swirl surrounded her body.

Ryouga gulped at the sight of her eyes. It did not at all look innocent. In fact, it held mischief and a very dark look to them. Ryouga knocked himself out of his stupor and tried to pull off a Shi Shi Hokodan to prevent Ling from doing damage to his body and his friends... well, Akane mostly. Ryouga thought of how Ranma ruined his life by making turn into a pig. He thought of how Akane had to marry the likes of Ranma. He thought about how he could never tell Akane how he felt. He also thought about what would happen if Ranma did marry Akane. Ryouga hung his head low and put his hands in front of his body. Then a dark chi formed around his body.

Ryouga prepared to use his Shi Shi Hokodan. Once he felt it formed Ryouga looked up at his opponent and then.

Ryouga: SHI SHI HOKODAN!!!

His Shi Shi Hokodan aimed right for Ling, who looked at his attack impressed. Then a smirk formed on her face and she held out her right hand. Ryouga tried staying upright after feeling the effects of the Shi Shi Hokodan. He felt drained, but tried to focus on his opponent. Ryouga's eyes widened. Ling held out her right hand and it started glowing that same dark pink and black swirl. Ryouga's Shi Shi Hokodan went right at her, but was sent right back at him when it touched Ling's hand. Ryouga tried to deflect it by putting his arms over his body, but it didn't do him any good.

Ryouga screamed in agony as Ukyo and Akane watched him disappear in his own Shi Shi Hokodan. Akane then brought her attention to the now laughing Ling. Akane marched right up to Ling and then throughout the whole island a large SLAP could be heard. Ukyo was still looking at the now fallen Ryouga when she heard the SLAP. Her eyes went wide with fear.

Ukyo (thinking): No! Please don't let it be her!

Ukyo turned to face Akane and Ling. Ling's hand was over her cut cheek, but Ukyo could see a little red on her face. Then Ukyo looked at Akane. Her hand was raised and she was crying. She was also looking at Ling angrily.

Akane (angrily): How dare you laugh at Ryouga! Don't you know that you hurt him?!

Ling slowly looked at Akane. Her face held fury for Akane. Ukyo shivered as Ling grinned evilly in Akane's direction. Then she spit out some blood in Akane's face. Akane recoiled as the blood was spit onto her cheek. Ling took that opportunity to punch Akane... She would have if Ukyo didn't charge and knock her down. Ling stayed on the ground with that creepy smile on her face, but no one could see it because it she was facing away from Akane and Ukyo.

Ukyo looked at Akane and then at Ryouga. His clothes were ripped in a lot of places. Most of his shirt was gone and his pants had many cuts. He was also lying on the ground not moving except for his breathing that indicated that he was alive.

Akane looked at Ryouga also. She was relieved to know that he was still alive. Akane felt dizzy a few seconds after. Then she looked at Ukyo and tried to speak, but her mouth was suddenly dry. She collapsed a little later.

Ukyo looked at Akane with worry and tried slapping her awake. Just then, Ling started to laugh again. It really was like a cackle though. It creeped Ukyo out.

Ukyo: What the heck are you laughing about? What did you do to Akane?

Ling stopped her laughing and looked right at Ukyo with cold humorous eyes.

Ling: I made her fall asleep with that red substance I spit at her.

Ukyo (gripping her spatula): but wasn't that your blood?

Ling: Ha ha ha ha! No way! My other toy is too weak! Just like you are.

Ukyo: Why you.….

Ling: Why don't you give up so I don't have to take you by force? It will be easier for me and for you also.

Ukyo: Like hell!

Then Ukyo charged at Ling. Ling shook her head side stepped Ukyo's spatula. It grazed her side and blood spilled out. Ling shook her head in disgust.

Ling (thinking): I'm getting too careless with my new toy.

Ling charged at Ukyo and hit her about fifteen times before Ukyo knew what was happening. She was knocked unconscious a few seconds later with one thought in her head.

Ukyo (thinking and losing consciousness): She's fast.

Once Ukyo lost consciousness Ling fell to her knees like she was just toughing everything out. Ling looked at the three fallen figures in turn.

Ling: They were a bit better than I thought. Ah well, my mistress will be happy that I found two other concubines... but that stupid sword boy really got on my nerves.

Ling shrugged. It wasn't her place to judge the men her mistress wanted. Ling got up and collected Ukyo, Ryouga, and Akane. Then she focused her energy to get to her mistress's hide out. A few minutes later she finally managed to leave with her new toys and her mistress's new concubine. Ling smiled happily when she thought about how her mistress would be when she showed a strong boy. Even though he wasn't the strongest like the one with the pigtail, he also wasn't the weakest like the one with the sword.

Ling (thinking happily): Mistress Zian will be so proud of me! And I got new toys too! YAH!

************************************************

Shampoo walked around most of the island yet again. It was starting to get old. Then Shampoo looked up.

Shampoo (looking up): Damn the gods! Do you all hate me?!

Then she saw a black and darkish pink swirl in the sky. Shampoo looked at it and then ran after it after she made out one of the figures in the ball. Shampoo grinned while following the ball.

Shampoo (thinking): Well at least they helped me with this………… Finally I'll find out where Ranma is!.…………. Maybe that isn't such a good idea though. (Shakes head) Hell no! I can't think like that! I promised Ranma that I would help him and I won't brake that promise…….… Even though I really don't want to see him yet.

Shampoo shook her head once again. Her mind and her emotions were in turmoil right now and she hated not knowing what to do about it. Shampoo looked at the sky again and smiled a little.

Shampoo (softly): the gods up there must love and hate me at the same time……... Figures.

With that being said, Shampoo followed the chi all the way to the hideout……….

To be continued…..

A/N: Another chapter finished! I'm in a good and bad mood. Good because a few friends are coming over. And bad because winter break is almost over……Which means school………….. I started on another fanfic called Bitter Heartbreak. So if you want to read it, read it. It'll eventually be a Ranma/Shampoo one. ^_^