Author note: This is a filly chapter, I had intended for there to be more to this chapter but I ran into a writer's block issue however the scenes that would have entered this chapter were not anything truly necessary which would have added considerably more complexity to the plot as it already is so I am capping this chapter as is so that I can move the story along more smoothly.

As many of you are or are not aware anytime I write a story there are a lot of moving parts and hidden scenes that you will never read going on behind the scenes that influence the story in many ways which make things more complicated when they come to the fore, this is exactly why I am not adding the additional scenes.

With all that said on with the story! -Zeltronica

S-D Ch:4

At the center of Joketsuzoku village stood a rather large hut which consisted of the ruling council chambers which was currently being occupied by the council, outside waiting patiently Shanpū paced back and forth waiting for an answer from the council on whether or not she would have the backing of her fellow sisters to do what was necessary.

After some time had passed Shanpū was greeted by the doors to the ruling chamber opening, and it's occupants dispersed, Ke Lun trailing behind them with a blank mask to her features.

"Great grandmother, how did it go?" Shanpū questioned her voice sounding hopeful.

Ke Lun looked to her granddaughter. "Come with me I shall explain it elsewhere behind closed doors."

"Did I do something wrong?" Shanpū questioned, as she fell into step with her great grandmother.

Ke Lun pogo'd forward. "Be patient and follow me we will speak once we are behind closed doors."

Shanpū reluctantly continued following after her grandmother. As the duo walked towards their home, the sun lowering signaling yet another day was coming to an end.

Their destination and living space was a medium size hut, there was the main living space which was modestly furnished, with the essentials, a potbelly stove that served two roles which were to warm the hut during cold nights, and second to prepare food.

Currently said stove was in use, as Sugar was already inside preparing some stew for both Shanpū and Ke Lun, she diligently stirred her concoction a glitter in her eye as she seemed to enjoy what she was doing.

Upon entry Ke Lun glanced over the white-haired girl briefly, before she pogo'd towards an old rocking chair that sat in the southwestern corner of the room, Shanpū entered shutting the door behind her, giving the white-haired girl a slim smile that was returned as she walked past to sit on the floor near her great grandmother.

Silence reigned for the most part only the sound of Sugar's dinner preparations could be heard, Ke Lun looked to her great-granddaughter for a moment before turning her attention to her and Shanpū's house guest. "Sugar its time for your treatment come over here child."

Sugar looked to the old woman with a confused look as she usually didn't have her treatment until after dinner had been served and consumed, she stirred the contents of the stew once more before she hesitantly started to approach the Matriarch with slow deliberate steps.

"Shanpū I am about to teach you a new acupuncture technique so you better watch carefully Sugar's life will depend on your careful precision one wrong move and she will die." Ke Lun said in a grave tone of voice, Sugar finally stood before she turned and then sat on the floor in a lotus position, she slowly undid her tunic before taking it off to allow access to her back.

Shanpū looked to her great grandmother questioningly, before moving around so she could get a good look, she shuttered at the scarring she observed on the white-haired girls back which looked like ten old exit wounds consistent with rifle fire of some type. "Great Grandmother if this technique is so dangerous why do you perform it on her?"

"For your safety and everyone else in our village... now pay attention." Ke Lun replied, before producing some needles and started applying them in sequence, while Shanpū watched on intently observing every precise movement of her great grandmother's hands and the locations for which the needles were being used.

After several long minutes had passed, Ke Lun was finally finished at which she gave sugar a light tap on both shoulders to let her know she can put her tunic back on. Pain written on her features Sugar put her tunic back on, before standing up to go finish what she was doing before being interrupted.

"I believe I got it... U'm Great Grandmother what happened to her you never said how you found her?" Shanpū questioned, her gaze settled on the white-haired girl.

Ke Lun retrieving a tobacco pipe from within her green robe, and began to strike flame to it's contents puffing on it briefly, giving careful consideration on what information she would give.

"I was taking some of our sisters to train them at Jusenkyo when we found her she had been in a fight with an unknown number of assailants and they had assaulted her and had left her for dead." Ke Lun explained, before puffing on her pipe.

Shanpū looked to Sugar before her gaze turned back to her elder. "Did the council agree to give me a war party?"

"They did not.. as it sits we are in a delicate time.. with the hostilities between our people and the Musk rising we need every available warrior at our disposal in case the Musk decides to move on to further conquests." Ke Lun explained, while her great granddaughter's features took on one of dismay since she expected the council would see it her way.

Shanpū looked to the aging white-haired woman. "I don't understand I have never requested anything from the council.. and the one time I do I am denied... My Honor is at stake, Great Grandmother... I am the future matriarch of this village... Surely they will reconsider."

"They will not reconsider Shanpū. You were far too reckless when you gave that Japanese outsider the kiss of death.. and your failure to kill her has already caused the council to doubt your integrity. You very well may have cost your future in this tribe which brings me to your marching orders." Ke Lun paused briefly to smoke some more of the contents of her pipe.

Shanpū mulled over what her great grandmother's words. "What marching orders is that?"

Ke Lun reached into her robe retrieving a scroll and a folded parchment, holding them out to her great-granddaughter who took the pro-offered items.

"Shanpū as of tomorrow morning you and Sugar will be leaving the village... most the council is in fear of the Musk.. and as you may have figured out our house guest is of Musk origin." Ke Lun paused for momentarily before continuing... "The Scroll contains your mission information.. and the parchment is a copy of the technique I had just taught you in case you need to study it further.. I know of your prejudice against the Musk for the death of your Mother.. however I implore you to overcome it and take care of Sugar throughout your travels."

Shanpū set the items on the floor next to her. "I will admit I am slightly prejudiced.. but I hold no ill will for Sugar if anything she has become a good friend as long as I have known her." She paused as her anguish at the memory of her mother's death caused her blood to run cold.

"It is their Male counterparts that I hate with a passion." she finished.

A few hours later the night was still young, a storm moving in from the east.. a heavy wind rustled the leaves of the surrounding forest. Shanpū currently laid in the southern field near the village looking up to the stars her features one of deep contemplation.

'So the council turned its back on me... Never the less I will complete my promise no matter what.' she thought with certainty, her mind wandering onto the prospect of Sugar accompanying her.

'I know Great Grandmother wants me to take her with me... but she will be useless in a fight and only serve to slow me down yet... I am sworn to look after her.. What is so special about her that she can't be sent off on her own?' she wondered knowing her great grandmother always had a motive behind her decisions though they always seemed to elude her.

Elsewhere

A- Mid-Night visitor...

Much of the prison was now in silence since most prisoners were now soundly asleep, the changing of the guards was in progress, down in its depths the more dangerous prisoners were kept this was the current home to the dragon princess who was currently soundly asleep under her bed.

Ranma also was sleeping though seemed rather restless as he tossed and turned under the covers if someone were watching they would observe he was having some type of nightmare.

The sounds of heavy boots steadily marching down the corridor were rather loud, gates were being opened with screeching sounds which only served to cause the raven-haired martial artist to toss and turn even more.

A few minutes late the heavy sounding boots came to a stop in front of the cell-gate belonging to both Herb and Ranma, the Musk princess opening her right eye to get a look at the mid-night intruder.

The guard was a rather tall gentleman who's face was shadowed by the darkness, wearing a standard Chinese military uniform, he wore the armband of the society on his left arm, though from what the dragon princess sense of smell could pick up his sent was off meaning he wasn't a normal human or he had been bathing with a fox or two.

He retrieved some keys from his belt before reaching up and unlocking the cell which let out a loud clanking noise that served to make the raven-haired boy jump, but somehow managed to stay asleep. Once the gate was unlocked he entered the cell.

After a moment the guard walked over to the sleeping martial artist to get a look at him, then began walking towards the bed for which Herb slept under. Once standing before her bed he lowered to one knee, trying to get a look under the bed at which a powerful but delicate hand seized his throat.

"Easy easy.. Prince Herb?" the gentleman questioned through gasping breath's, as he realized if the vice continued it may perhaps snap his neck.

Herb continued to gaze at the gentleman easing her grip slightly. 'Where have I seen this man before?' she wondered, before pushing the man back with her left hand letting his throat go, as she slowly rolled out from under the bed keeping a wary eye on the guard.

"It is so good to have finally found you... Basel will be happy that he was right and they haven't killed you." the gentleman whispered.

Herb walked over to the vanity finding her pad of paper quickly but with a calm air about her writing out a note that read: [Basel is alive? And are you here to rescue me?]

"Yes, my son is still alive.. though as for a rescue we haven't thought that far since we first needed to find you.. it took me months to finally be allowed down at this level," Strawberry explained, taking an uneasy look around to make sure he wasn't being watched.

Herb looked to the man shaking her head, pointing with her right hand towards the security camera.

"No worries it is being manned by one of our own and is faking maintenance on it as we speak so they will never know I was here," Strawberry assured.

The dragon princess felt slightly relieved.. since her hopes were riding on this small glimmer of hope. She then scribbled out another note of which Strawberry read.

"Well Prince Since your father's death or disappearance.. you're Uncle has assumed the throne.. and is currently assaulting the Amazon lands.. though his conquest is going rather slow since he doesn't have access to the war vault or the treasury which apparently needs three keys to open each. Something about a comb, a dragon whisker.. and well some kind of unbreakable rod which is protected by an ancient Amazon," he explained in a calm fashion.

Herb considered his words. 'The comb which belonged to my mother.. is the one currently in my possession.. the dragon whisker was to be sent to the Japanese dragon sect.. but if I read the scrolls correctly it was lost when the caravan that carried it was attacked by bandits.. then there was a staff belonging to my grandfather.. so Uncle is waging war on the Amazons in search of the staff.' she concluded, before writing out another note.

[He cannot be allowed to access the vaults.. if that were to happen the world as we know it would change in a heartbeat.]

"How do you know that Prince?" Strawberry questioned, a curious brow raised.

Herb jotted off yet another note reading: [I was taught things they don't teach to commoners or the soldiers.. such as my Uncle.. only ones with knowledge are the most trusted.. which if they followed tradition they have either went into hiding.. or if they could not escape into hiding they have committed ritual suicide.]

Strawberry walked over to the cell-gate giving the passage a quick scan. "I cannot get you out of here tonight my Lord, but don't worry we should come and get you out of here soon.. just hang on for a little while longer." he relayed, before leaving the cell and locking it.

'Good luck.' Herb thought as she walked over to the cell-gate observing Basel's father had already left. She then turned her attention to the rooms other occupant observing he was still sound asleep, she then walked over to her bed sitting down.. her features forming into a fearful one as she considered the events now playing out. 'So he did seize power after all.. and the only things standing between him and world conquest are the keys to the vault.. and myself. Father, please lend me your're strength for the coming trials.'

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Author Note

-Well I been using Xian Pu which is a version of Shampoo, but many prefer Shanpū so her name will be changed from here on in order to associate with the readers preference.-

Shanpū & Sugar-

Mūsu or (Mousse)

Its mid-day Shanpū who was wearing a red silk shirt, along with lavender pants that matched her hair, on her back was a travel pack, behind her was Sugar who was dressed in a white silk Chinese style shirt, matching white wide leg slacks, on her feet she wore black kung fu slippers, she also had a travel pack on her back.

Both were on they're way to a small stall, the vendor was in the middle of cooking up some ramen noodles, looking up the aging woman running the stall gave a warm welcoming smile to the young Amazon and her companion.

"Come for some of my special ramen before you travel out into the world have you Shanpū?" she queried expectantly.

The lavender-haired girl gave a big smile. "Yes Elder sister I would like two orders of your special ramen I and Sugar are going to need the energy given the distance we must travel today."

While Shanpū was busying herself with chatting with the old woman behind the stall counter, Sugar's eyes were wandering looking to the other individual's in the village observing some were at the same time observing her yet they were trying they're best to hide that fact, the feeling she felt wasn't one of anguish nor hatred, however she could see fear in their eyes, and she knew it was her and what she represents that has caused them to fear her... deep down very faintly she had a nagging feeling she should know why they felt this way but for the life of her the necessary memories eluded her for the time being.

Her attention was abruptly drawn to the right observing a tall raven-haired Amazon male she had come to know as Mūsu with emerald green eyes, his coke bottle glasses worn on the top of his head, wearing white billowing robes, on the cuffs of his sleeves were blue, a diamond pattern was on the middle of the front of the robe, various Chinese characters were embroidered into it, he currently was hugging a post shouting out.

"Shanpū my love I hear you are going on a long journey I have decided I will accompany you and serve as your personal bodyguard!" he exclaimed in an overdramatic fashion.

Shanpū turned to the young teenage Amazon male who had called out her name, a slight frown crossing her features. "Why must you insist on not wearing your glasses properly? you are hugging a post Mūsu..." she pointed out.

Without a proper answer, the blind martial artist revealed fixed his glasses, turned to face the lavender-haired girl for whom he was infatuated with. "Shanpū where is it we will be going first my love?" he inquired.

Shanpū looked to the blind martial artist with disgust. "Mūsu first off we are not in love.. two you are not coming with us at all.. and third it is none of your business where I am going."

"Shanpū don't say such things.. I just don't understand why you can't love me back.. we been friends since we were kids.. I don't understand why we can't be more than just friends." the blind martial artist whined, his features one of hurt.

The lavender-haired amazon crossed her arms over her chest, attempting to keep her temper in check. "Because you are stupid Mūsu you don't know when to give up... I am not interested in you why can't you understand that?" she inquired.

"But Shanpū-" Mūsu started to say finding himself interrupted by his lavender-haired love interest.

Shanpū quickly as she could muster. "No buts Mūsu I don't and will never return your feelings so stop bothering me."

Sugar having listened to the exchange for long enough lifted the billowing sleeve of her tunic covering her mouth as she proceeded to giggle lightly into it whilst trying if not poorly to hide it from the two Amazon teens.

"This is not funny!" Mūsu snapped, giving the white-haired Musk woman a slight glare.

The ramen vendor then spoke up. "Oh, you love-birds these days you are so mixed up on your feelings you hardly can make heads or tails out of true love when you've found it."

"I am not in love with this stupid boy." the lavender-haired girl said with flat finality.

The ramen vendor gave a wan smile. "If you say so deary now let me get your order ready," she called, working quickly to build the order the lavender-haired girl had posted.

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Not very far away from the prison sat a small Musk encampment made up of several tents which were camouflaged to match the foliage of the area, though unlike their Musk counterparts these were a rogue unit devised of separatists dressed in Musk combat leathers that had the emblem of the royal guard with a slash carved through it, their numbers if counted would reveal fifty able-bodied men and one female.

Six individuals were positioned at various places around the camp sitting in a lotus position, with one arm raised with their middle and index fingers pointed skyward, their eyes closed in an effort to maintain a barrier that both hid their camp and could sense for possible intruders.

Towards the middle of the camp sat a small fire, nearby sat two individual's one being Strawberry, and the other a female fox-hybrid with a fair complexion, she wore a black eye patch over her left eye, an elongated scar that ran down her cheek, her right revealing a gold color, her hair raven which was adorned by colorful feathers, her clothing matched the rest of the denizens of the camp, at her side was a scimitar with a green-and-red tassel connected to the hilt via a slim silver chain, the blade was marred with chipping from recent and past battles.

Her clothing matching the rest of the musk men at the camp though was quite loose fitting for her small frame.

A small table with a map set on its surface sat between the woman and Strawberry, the woman studied the map intently.

"Are you absolutely sure it was Herb and not some random Father?" the girl questioned, turning her attention upwards briefly before looking back down to the map.

Strawberry gave a nod as he spoke. "I can speak with certainty Basel it was the Prince.. the problem is in the rescue. He is precisely at the bottom of the facility.. a rescue of this magnitude very well may spell suicide for everyone involved... I mean we are talking wielding sticks and stones and ki attacks versus the modern assault rifle that Beijing currently uses."

"I understand your concern Father.. but what choice do we have? The pretender sitting on the thrown will lead to our people's total annihilation if we don't do something.. the way I figure it is we storm the place and pick up these so-called assault rifles and turn them on their owners it is simple warfare." Basel paused for breath before continuing.

"These men are risking death by being with us... even you since the false king took the throne and ensured every able-bodied man would be put into service.. these People have sworn to liberate the rightful heir.. they are willing to die for this if need be.. so either get it together Father or leave.. I don't have time for hesitation."

Strawberry bit his lip, looking to his son currently daughter. "So you are hard pressed to do this.. then I have no choice other than to back you up.. you are of my blood after all.. if anything we either succeed together or we die together."

"That's the spirit Father; Now we just have to plan the right moment to move in and rescue the Prince," Basel said as she began considering possible routes in order to do just that.

Strawberry nodded his head. "Though it may be a while before we can perform the operation... I figure it will take another two months before we have the entire facility mapped out."

"We don't have two months Father we have to do this soon.. or there is a chance we could be discovered by Musk patrols at which time we will be deemed traitors to the throne and executed."

Strawberry shook his head, sighing. "I guess you have a point... but with respect, I do suggest we wait at least another week before we head in.. who knows we may find a way to rescue the Prince without bloodshed."

"I guess we can wait another week... but for the record, I don't like it... Who knows what horrors the Prince has already been subjected to." Basel stated, her gaze now directed to the campfire.

'We are coming my Lord.. you will not suffer much longer if I have anything to say about it.' she inwardly promised with certainty, just as one of her many soldier's walked up with a steaming kettle pouring its contents over her head, at which Basel shifted into her now his birth form.

Notes: I will be working on a future chapter to this.