Guan Li (AST)

**Guan Li** is a council elder

## Appearance

Guan Li is an elder not that dissimilar in appearance to Cologne, save being slightly taller

## History

Some years ago, the Amazons sent out a group into the world to get up to speed on various matters. Cologne’s granddaughter Comb was one of that group, and so was Guan Li’s daughter Natsu. However when she return it was with Toshiya Asamiya in toe. Natsu insisted that they had to marry, but refused to acknowledge he defeated her. No matter what she did Guan could not get out of her why she was being so stubborn on the issue. She even offered to have her do something similar to what Comb did with Brush, but she still refused. So, since the marriage was strictly disallowed by Amazon law, they moved back to Japan. Later she learned of how Natsu was placed on death row after murdering Toshiya.

Guan Li immediately went to Japan and found Saki completely catatonic and unresponsive. The doctors tried everything they knew, and nothing helped. Not taking the Japanese authorities' word on the matter she investigated it herself. Sadly, she learned, if anything, they were too gentle in their assessment of the matter. Needless to say Guan Li disowned her daughter. There was no uncontrolled moment of passion. There was no attempt to shield Saki from it. There was no attempt to remove her from it. No, she timed that attack to coincide exactly with Saki’s presence and left her there. It was only when Guan Li sealed Saki’s memories that she finally came out of her catatonic state. She was planning to take Saki to the village with her, but given her trauma, and absolute insistence on being with her mother, Guan Li decided to let the matter lie for a time.

A group of Amazons were sent to Japan to observe Kasumi, however after the elders talked to Cologne they learned of how her and Kasumi’s relationship had advanced and determined that this was no longer necessary. As she was introducing her fellow elders, Cao Yun, Be Dea, Guan Li and So Pu to Kasumi. They were interrupted as Herb returned with an incapacitated Lemon who had drained all her energy attempting to escape him and was now unconscious in her fox form.

Herb would explain Lemon was his fiancee and Jasmine would reappear to inspect the fox, quickly directing her to be taken elsewhere for treatment. With further explanation of the events around Lemon most everyone concluded she was indeed the culprit in tricking Frost, causing Kasumi to wonder why she was so angry with her. Cologne pointed out that as Herb's fiancée she saw Kasumi as an obstacle. Though she wondered she was using such indirect methods. Siren examined Kasumi and determined that she did indeed have an incomplete enchantment placed on her. She asked Kasumi if she was ever inexplicably overwhelmed with desire causing her to remember that time Lemon confronted her in the shower.

Guan Li saw all of this as unimportant given how dangerous Lemon was. Kasumi didn’t want to any conclusions causing the elder to call her out for trying to protect Lemon. She pointed out the irrevocable damage she could have caused. If Frost had succeeded in killing Kasumi Shampoo would have sought vengeance against Frost. The confusion over the whole thing could just as easily turned against Shampoo too. Kasumi didn’t really have an answer for this, so Cologne stepped in and reminded Guan Li that is didn’t happen.

The conversation then moved to Herb and what he planned on doing. Herb had no excuse for Lemon’s actions, but the fact she was a member of the Musk led to many more question. He realized that the fox clan has many mysteries about them, many consistent with a clan of kitsunes. Cologne realized that Garnet must be aware of this as he is to experienced to be fooled by their magic. Something Herb had not considered until now.

Jasmine would soon return saying the Lemon was in serious condition but stable and should recover, and confirmed that the Dragon Lord of the Musk did indeed know. Ignoring Guan Li’s question of how she knew Garnet Jasmine informed the group that Lemon was now under her protection. Guan Li reluctantly agreed and Jasmine turned and returned the way she came. With that the elders left to inform the other Amazons that they were being recalled.

The elders gathered again when informed by Shampoo and Ukyo that Kasumi, Ranma and Cologne were captured by the Fox Clan. They were grilling the two about everything that happened when Herb showed up and learned of the events, and shortly after it was confirmed Cologne had escaped as he rejoined them, now in her youthful form, So Pu and Shampoo confirming her identity. Cologne explained she had been forced to get serious, but had overcome them, and further explained as shapeshifters, physical attacks were of little use against them. Herb would also note that the fox clan, likely all kitsunes, were rumored to be the Black Ops of the Musk. Jasmine then joined them, asking them to not further escalate the situation and ensured them she would bring any remaining Amazons outside safely within the barrier currently erected at the restaurant. Cologne also ensured them the kitsune did not seem to mean serious harm.

Sometime later, the restaurant would be surrounded by a large group of kitsunes which both Shampoo and So Pu sense, Shampoo noting many were powerful, very old spirits. Devlin, who had been left in charge as Jasmine departed suddenly, went out and met Peach, the leader of the group of Kitsunes, and Peach asked to see Lemon. Devlin would allow it. Peach apologized for the earlier incident and freed Ranma and Kasumi. Ukyo unexpectedly outdid Shampoo in enthusiasm for their return, rushing to Ranma's side, sending Shampoo into a spin, but Kasumi did quickly join her. Peach then asked to see Lemon who Devlin escorted her to. With the kitsune gone, Kasumi warned them that this was no longer about Lemon, and that Eyebright, Lemon's father, had forced them to reveal Herb's curse and that he was now the target. Cologne explained to the others that being trapped in female form, Musk law did allow Herb to be forced into a marriage which would give the husband Herb's position as heir to the throne.

Peach returned and unexpectedly confirmed for everyone that it was indeed Lemon who had tricked Frost. Peach further apologized, disavowed any participation in Lemon's actions, and gave the life of Lemon to Kasumi as way of compensation. This confused Kasumi, thinking she meant for Kasumi to kill Lemon, but she clarified that Lemon's fate was for Kasumi to decide now, and Cologne further clarified that effectively Lemon was now Kasumi's slave. Peach confirmed this resolved the conflict between them and the Amazons and Cologne was forced to confirm it was. Then as earlier warned the topic turned to Herb and Peach requested they had over the princess. Naturally this was refused by Herb herself who finally appeared. Peach put on a false sense of disappointment and said they would be taking Herb, and departed to rejoin the other kitsunes.

Devlin quickly started making directions, confirming Jasmine was engaged with Eyebright at that moment, and the barrier would not hold indefinitely so they had only about an hour. As he went off to seek reinforcements for the coming battle, the others discussed what to do. The Amazon elders had little choice but to remain out of it. At some point Guan Li came across Saki and recognizing her she gave her an envelop that contained a picture of her and her mother a little before she returned to China. Telling her to come see her at the restaurant if if the contents of it interested her.

Guan Li revealed to Saki that she was her grandmother and wanting to rebuild something with her gave Saki two offers. She wanted someone to pass on her techniques. Natsu was her old heir but she left the village before completing her training. So she asked Saki if she would be her new student. Her second offer was to have Natsu released into Joketsuzoku custody. She would be stripped of her Japanese citizenship, deported and never be welcome in the country again, but she'd be free... sorta. The Amazons would then decide on a punishment, but Guan Li was confident that she could arrange for that to be a... non-lethal one. She'd likely be stripped of all her status and magically bound to the village to labor for the rest of her life, but she'd be sorta free and alive. Telling her that this was a decision that she should make for her own peace of mind, not for Natsu’s Guan left her to her own devices.

Saki was sparing with Guan Li, and despite her best effort each of her yoyo strikes were expertly deflected, and her kicks and punches also connected with nothing but air. However, as the exchange proceeded, she finally saw her opening as she ensnared the line of Guan Li's yoyo and she could strike out with her own. Then, just as she set the weapon into motion, Guan Li fired off another yoyo from her free hand, deflecting Saki's, and nearly striking Saki in the face. However, as if by magic the yoyo stopped dead just a short of its mark then retracted. Despite her lose Guan Li was impressed as it had been a long while since she’d been forced to deploy her second yoyo.

She recommended Saki get second yoyo herself to fight with, something more specialized then her current one. She suggested one with some blades, but Saki cringed at the thought. After a short silence between them, Saki switched subjects and thanked Guan her help with her family. Guan dismissed it as her just impress upon them the value of having a positive connection to the Joketsuzoku. Given their drastic change she didn’t buy it. All she received in response was a sly smile so she dropped the matter. This brought up the matter of what to tell Miyuki about their mother. For Guan Li there was only one option the brutal truth, as shielding her from it will never ultimately work.

She did suggest that if Saki was nervous she could as Miyuki’s adoptive Grandfather for help as he was fully aware of the situation. Saki didn’t believe for a second that man wanted Miyuki to know anything about her mother. Guan Li couldn’t really argue against that but still recommended speaking to the man. He is her guardian now, so it is best to have him involved and while Miyuki may be Saki’s sister, he has been her family for far longer now and knows her better. That brought the conversation to what to do about Sanpei. Sanpei's hyper focused on her, but Miyuki she really liked him. Much to Saki’s shock and horror Guan Li casually mentioned how she could marry them both. Needless to say she was vehemently against it.

With that option out of the say Guan Li asked Saki what she felt about the boy. Saki looked back at the elder then hung her head. She liked Sanpei but not as a husband. Guan Li told her that the best thing she could do then would be to simply explaining this truth to him. From what she’d seen of him, while he will be hard to convince, ultimately he’d understand. The conversation made wonder who Saki did have interest in. seeing her granddaughters sharp look she mentioned her handler Jin. When a blushing Saki asked how she even knew about him Guan Li admitted that when she was when you were discovered in the area, she had the Amazons watching Kasumi for her family look into her thoroughly.

Guan Li apologized for spying on Saki, stating that after so many years since she last saw her she wanted to know what kind of person Saki had turned into. She had almost concluded Saki was going down a dark path like her mother when she heard of her imprisonment. Just as Saki was about to joke about how bad she must of looked she realized what Guan Li just said. She didn’t remember the two meeting before. Guan Li shook her head and told her that she wouldn’t. Saki frowned but accepted this. Silence fell between them for a moment before Saki asked what Guan Li knew about her father. Sadly Guan Li met him when Natsu brought him to the village and their stay was short.

Saki realized that she could barely visualize her father. It was almost like she didn't know him. Guan Li reminded her that her memories had been sealed, but seeing Saki’s confused expression she realized that she had never been told. Saki demanded to know what was going on. Calming her down Guan Li asked Saki was her first memory after the incident. She remembered being in the hospital and having to go through a bunch of physio, but she didn’t remember why or what happened next. Guan Li was surprised that Saki hadn’t looked into the incident, but Saki admitted that she was too scared.

After steeling herself Saki asked Guan to tell her the truth of what happened that night. It turns out that Saki wasn’t asleep when the incident happened and she heard about it afterwards. Guan Li didn’t know exactly what happened, but the authorities found Saki sitting in her father’s lap. The two had apparently been reading a book together in the living room. Saki had to take a few paces to distance herself. Knowing that things would just get worse Guan gave her the time she needed. Although Saki didn't want to believe it, her imagination was already piecing the scene together for her. Despite this, no actual memories surfaced. This allowed her to deny it, only for Guan to remind her that she had sealed her memories and even pointed out that she could look at the original police report.

As she watched Saki continued to pace Guan expressed her regret and disgust that Natsu turned into such a monster. This caused Saki to spin on Guan Li and angrily defend her mother, but the elder did not waver. Silence passed between them and eventually Guan Li asked Saki if she would like her to unseal her memories. This seemed to shake Saki free of her mental block of the moment. Guan sat Saki down and then began to hum a tune. It was disjoint and hard on the ear, causing Saki to initially believe that Guan Li was messing with her when suddenly it hit her. Her sense of the world around her faded, and even her sense of her own being. Finally though she began to pull her thoughts together and before her was a scene. She could smell the distinct, nearly overwhelming odor of blood all around her. As the scene became clearer and clearer in her mind, Saki could feel the horror of the situation engulfing her as she stared at the familiar face in front of her.

Saki was brought back to reality by the sound of her grandmother screaming her name. Saki desperately tried to focus on the elder who looked truly concerned for her as she held her hands. As she calmed she realized her throat was already sore, clearly having been screaming just moments earlier. As she tried to regain her focus, tears began to stream from her eyes. Handing her a handkerchief Guan Li examined her making sure she was okay. Seeing what just a peek did, Guan Li realized that it was too early to unseal Saki’s memories. Saki asked about the hum. Guan Li intentionally chose a very disharmonic key so that Saki would never hear it by accident. She taught it to a few trusted relatives, and have even made up a few music boxes with it as well just in case something should happen to her. While the memories were bad Guan Li didn’t want to rob Saki of her youth.

This once again brought back memories of her disgust at her daughter’s actions. Saki almost impulsively wanting to deny it, but let herself consider. As she did she could only accept the words as likely true. Saki once more grit her teeth and tears beginning to come forth once again asked why her mother hated her so much. Guan Li theorized that in addition to being forced to marry Toshiya she was also resentful of her skill. Her pride was injured that the child she rejected was the child that was showing her up. For the first time since the conversation began, Saki felt a twinge of anger, not at the elder, but at her mother. Seeing this Guan Li told her to let her mother go, she saved her life which was more then she deserved. If it was family she wanted Guan Li offered to take her back to the village to meet her family there. She even revealed that Saki’s aunt had been pestering her to meet her since they discovered her existence. And she wasn’t the only one.

Saki let herself smile for an instant before jokingly accusing Guan Li of trying to rope her in. While she didn’t deny that she would love if Saki stayed the choice was hers. She promised to bring her one of the music boxes on her next visit. Saki thanked Guan Li for everything, but she didn’t feel she deserved it having made a grave error both in leaving her behind and in raising her daughter. The fact that Saki didn’t hold it against her didn’t matter she held it against herself. Moving the conversation to a more happy note Guan Li and produced a yoyo and offered it to Saki. She told her to get some practice in using it, both by itself and in pair with the other. As she expected some good progress in their next training session. Saki let herself smile and with a mutual nod the two began their return to civilization. As they walked, Saki switched topics, asking Guan Li why she thought she would be interested in Jin. Guan Li asking if he had defeated her during their first meeting caused Saki to feel very unsure of herself which only caused Guan Li to laugh.

Guan Li met Frost and Siren at the restaurant however since Siren had already eaten she left the two to their own devices. Siren was asked to help Frost finish another entrance into the restaurants pocket dimension as she had exhausted herself. Once complete Siren opened a portal back to the village. Guan Li told Saki to keep up her training even suggesting she joined the morning training. Kasumi was happy to allow her, but Saki felt that it was bit out of her pay grade. Guan Li shrugged this off telling Saki to not to let a bit of wounded pride in being shown up, hold her back. With that, Guan Li waved as well and headed through, Siren closing the portal after she was safely through. ==Abilities==
Like Saki Guan Li fights with a yoyo, however unlike her granddaughter she wields two, though she rarely ever has to use it. Each has different properties that I find quite helpful for switching up tactics.