Part Two
By Tai
Author's Note: As soon as I was done with part one, I was ready to make a second part to this short story. It sort of develops more emotions that are seen in other characters than Ranma, but still, it's mostly Ranma. The only bad part is, it doesn't have an ending. I couldn't think of one. Sorry, but it just kind of cuts off with a slight joke. Email me with feedback.
Ryoga opened his eyes. It was an overcast morning. He was cold. He had been camped outside the designated funeral home for two days. He figured, for an event like this he did not want to get lost and be late, so he had left a week early. He checked some chicken scratches he hade marked on the wall of the building. Yes, today was the day.
Soon Mousse arrived at the funeral home. For once, he had his glasses on. His bangs were combed in such a manner that his eyes were not visible. He was wearing a black robe. He seemed not to notice Ryoga, and walked past him like a machine into the building, his face blank and white.
Soun, the Tendos, Genma, and Ranma soon came. Ranma had a solemn face, dry-eyed and serious. Akane was quiet, her eyes sad, but wide with shock. This had all happened so fast...
Inside, Shampoo's great grandmother sat in front of a silver casket. The casket was decorated with deep red rose petals. A few vases of roses, all colors, were around the casket.
The old woman's expression was dazed. She was silent, even as friend filed into the room.
Soon after Ukyo arrived, the small gathering began. The casket was opened. Ranma and Akane went up. Shampoo was dressed in a light, peach-colored dress, which spread into many soft folds of cloth near her shins. He hands were folded on her chest, and a small boquet of lavender flowers, violets, and wild roses had been placed between them. Her eyes were closed and her face was clean, pale, smooth... free of blood.The gash on her neck had been washed and carefully covered with a skin-colored bandage so it was not noticeable.
Her purple hair was neatly combed, in its normal style. She was wearing thin, black slippers.
Ranma sighed and looked down. His eyes seemed tired and.. empty. Emotionally drained. Akane looked at him. She softly said, "You told me what happened, but I just can't believe it. I can't accept that she's.. actually... gone..."
Ranma still said nothing. Finally Akane gently laid her hand on his. "Ranma... it's not your fault. I told you.."
He suddenly burst out, "It is! This is my fault!"
"Ranma! Settle down!" Akane stopped him. She saw how upset he was. She noticed the guilt in his eyes. "It was an accident. She fell. It could have happened to anyone."
They both fell silent. Ranma's shoulders sagged, he was on the verge of.. of..
Akane looked at him. Was he crying? She felt a lump in her throat. Suddenly she slipped inside his arms and hugged him. He simply put his arms around her and hugged her too. It felt relieving to have someone there. It just felt right. A tear slid down his cheek. He wiped it away, trying to stop his eyes from what they were doing. He was a guy... Guys don't cry.. Guys don't cry....
Akane looked up at him, releasing him from the hug, "Um... Ranma? Well....let me ask something. Why... why did you pick me.. that day?"
Ranma slowly looked at her. Their eyes met. Then he said, "Well, the truth is.. the last time I had ramen, I got really sick, maybe just coincidence. Umm, you know how it is when the last meal you eat before you get sick.. you kinda.. never want to eat it again?"
"Yes..." Akane said slowly, realization creeping into her mind.
"Well, I don't think I can possibly eat ramen again for quite a while. Besides, that tempura Kasumi helped you make was actually edible.. it.. tasted kinda good! So.."
Akane caught her breath. There was silence. Finally she spoke. Her voice was barely audible, but it quivered with rage.
"You... chose me... because you liked my.. COOKING?!?!"
Ranma stepped back. Akane kept right on going.
"Don't you say a WORD! Next you're going to tell me another reason is 'cuz you hate CATS!!!" she yelled.
Ranma scratched his head, "You know.. that's a pretty good reason!"
"I can't BELIEVE you!" Akane stomped back to her seat. Ranma turned back to the coffin for a second, gazing at Shampoo's fair, sad face.
"Shampoo..." he thought, "I'm so, so sorry... for even choosing Akane that day. It was nothing personal really.. I didn't think it would end up being that serious.." he sighed, "I'm sorry for everything. I.. I love you."
He slowly walked away. He had just seen Shampoo for the last time ever. He wondered if maybe somewhere, Shampoo's soul had heard him.
It was the next morning, at Selena'a Arch Graveyard. A small procession, led by six coffin-bearers carrying the silver casket, made its way to an open grave.
The little group huddled around the hole where the coffin was suspended.
All was silent. Most of the people still looked dazed. Ryoga had a solemn expression. Mousse looked incredibly sad, and his eyes were filled with tears. Ranma was grave-faced.(pun?) Even Happosai showed up, though no one noticed him.
Pretty soon the casket was lowered and gone. Neither Ranma nor Mousse would ever see Shampoo again. Someone started crying. Other than that, it was very quiet.
"....Can I have her panties?" Came a small voice.
Happosai was peering out.
"YOU JERK!"
"GET LOST!"
"PERVERT! HOW COULD YOU THINK OF THAT AT A TIME LIKE THIS??"
"YOU SHALL NEVER DISGRACE SHAMPOO LIKE THAT AND GET AWAY WITH IT, YOU LECHER!"
"NOW LEAVE US ALONE!!"
"Aiyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee......" Happosai went sailing off.
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...And that's all I ever made of it. I just wasn't sure what to do next..
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