Brief Series Editor's note Howdy! I didn't realize what a chain I set in motion when I wrote my first Elseworlds story. While I wrote the prologue and epilogue to this story, the rest of this story is by my fellow fanfic author Jeffrey Hosmer. Elseworlds 4 and 5 will also be by other people, while I will be writing 6 and 7. Elseworlds 4: Looking Down the Barrel of a Glomp, written by Stephan Gagne, will be out soon, while Elseworlds 5: Shogun 1/2, to be written by David Tai, may be delayed a while, but will be out eventually. Enjoy! John Biles Johnbil@wam.umd.edu (We see Purple Robes stalking back and forth in front of his/her reflecting pool.) Purple Robes: Who...? Who? There has to be someone who would choose a future that avoids that fate. There has to be. If only I could just find the right way, myself, but I have tried dozens of times. There -has- to be someone who would pick a future that prevents that. (He/she pauses) Purple Robes: Someone must be interfering. My interventions are producing parallel time lines, not altering the real one. I didn't think that was possible. Parallel timelines usually fade away, but these are stable and the main time line remains mostly unchanged. Certainly not like it should be. I don't understand. I thought I knew how this worked. (Purple Robes paces back and forth, getting increasingly frantic.) Purple Robes: I must consult the library. But first, who to choose for my next pawn? It must be someone who would NEVER wish for the future I seek to prevent. I will not let him die! I WILL NOT! THIS I DO SWEAR! (Thunder crackles.) Purple Robes: (Calming him/herself) Enough ranting and raving. I never used to do that. It must be the stress. If only that damn future would change! (He/she seems to take a deep breath.) Now, who would be the perfect... (An idea forms.) Ahah! I should have thought of her from the start. She has an interest in preventing this death also. I wanted to avoid bringing her into this, but... Yes. No future of her choosing could encompass that death. ********** (The scene pulls back and we see a place resembling a Shinto temple. A person in yellow robes is watching the above scene in a mirror. He/she shakes his/her head... a few locks of long black hair flick out of the shadows of his/her robe.) Yellow Robes: Your plans have not been working, because I have been intervening. If you continue your manipulations, the fabric of time may be torn beyond repair. If only there was some way to make you understand that... but given the sacrifice you made... It might only drive you mad. (Yellow Robes pauses and stares into the mirror again. It swirls and we see a different image. A library full of books, scrolls, pictures. We see a purple robed figure... similar to Purple Robes, yet taller and bulkier.) Yellow Robes: Your predecessor never understood that either. Your role is to cut the lines that do not work, not to bend them to your will. I spin the thread, our partner weaves, and you cut. That was the intended way. But your power is so often abused... But so is mine, I suppose, and Green's power. But that is just the way of the world. Now, how can I deflect Purple from this course...? ********** (We see a war council at the Tendo household. The Tendos, Saotomes, Mousse, Kunou, Kodachi, and Ryouga are there, conferring with Cologne.) Cologne: We are in deep, deep trouble. Ranma: You know who took Ukyou and Shampoo? Cologne: I cannot be sure. This may just be another person out to get a cute girl... but I think not. Loathe as I am to admit it, that sort of person usually seems to go after Akane first, for no apparent reason. Akane: Uh... Cologne: However, this kidnapper may have better taste. (Akane tries to mallet Cologne and gets idly tossed through the door into the kitchen.) Cologne: As I was saying. They targeted Ukyou first, then Shampoo. Probably either Akane or Kodachi is the next target, if they are targeting fiancees. Although what they would want with a tomboy or a psychopath is beyond me. If they are going after powerful fighters, then probably either Ranma or Ryouga is next. Akane: I heard that! (She stomps out.) Akane: I'm a good fighter too! Cologne: Go play with your dolls, girl. You couldn't possibly be a threat to whoever is behind this. Especially if it is who I fear. Akane: I am not a little girl! I am a martial artist! Just as much as anyone else here! Ranma: (thought) [Akane's gonna get in trouble. I've got to stop her from getting herself hurt.] Ranma: Look, you may be a tomboy, but you're not in Cologne's class, or even my class, so you'd better not smart off to the old troll. (Cologne flattens Ranma with her staff.) Cologne: As I was saying, we need to keep in pairs at all times. No one go off alone. Don't open strange packages and don't accept any odd items from strangers. Any of them could be traps. We also need to fan out and check out around town to see if they are being hidden anywhere nearby. Moving someone with magic is difficult, so if it is just another kidnapper, he probably hasn't taken them far. Ryouga: What if it is... this person you are afraid of? Cologne: Then we face a great challenge, for the Time Trapper is someone to be feared. Pray it is not him. ********** (We see various pairs of people fanning out searching the city. Ranma and Akane are in one of the city parks. They see a wishing well. Some guy is at the well. He tosses in a five yen coin.) Guy: I wish my girlfriend would come back to me. (Splash! goes the coin. Ranma shakes his head.) Ranma: Silly superstition. (A woman drives up, gets out of a car and runs over to the guy. A whispered conversation begins. He suddenly smiles and they kiss and walk off together. Ranma's jaw drops.) Akane: It... Ranma: ...really worked. (They go over to the well. There is a sign that reads: Wishing Well One wish per customer per century Toss in five yen and make your wish.) Akane: I bet you're gonna wish for a cure. Ranma: You bet. What... are you going to wish for? Akane: I... uh... (She thinks hard.) Akane: Got it. Ranma: What? Akane: Well, if it works, you'll find out. (Akane tosses a five yen coin in the well.) Akane : (thought) [I wish I was Ranma's only fiancee and he was free of his curse.] (Ranma goes to throw in a coin, only to see Akane fade away before his eyes.) Ranma: Akane! NO!!!!!! ********** AKANE 1/2 Elseworlds OVA #3 by Rogue1 Additional Text by John Walter Biles The Time Trapper is copyrighted by DC Comics. All Ranma 1/2 Characters are copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. This work is not meant to be distributed for profit. ********** Scene: We open on a very familiar house and dojo in the Nerima Ward of Tokyo. Sitting on the porch clutching a postcard with a picture of a panda on it is a bespectacled figure wearing a bandanna on his head. Genma: (sobbing) At last. Akane is coming. (He flips the postcard over. It has a short note scrawled on it in a very sloppy style:) Postcard: Saotome: Coming from China with Akane. -- Tendo Genma: How I have waited for this day! (raising his voice) Listen up everyone! (The scene cuts to the outside of the house. A large sign proclaims it to be the "Saotome Dojo of Anything Goes Martial Arts." Inside the house, Genma looks into the kitchen, where we see a woman about his age cooking over the stove. She is wearing a cooking apron over a traditional kimono) Genma: Nodoka! Nodoka: (still cooking) What is it, dear? (Genma is now standing before a door on the ground floor marked "Kasumi." He opens it, revealing a young woman, about 19 years old, wearing a white blouse, jeans and reading glasses, sitting hunched over a pile of books, taking notes as she studies. The books all seem to be biology- and chemistry-related.) Genma: Kasumi! Kasumi: (looks up from her books) What is it, Uncle Saotome? (Genma is now looking in another room, this time on the second floor. A girl in a blue top and cut-off shorts is reading a manga on her bed.) Genma: Nabiki! Nabiki: (looking up) Hmmmmm? (Genma enters one last room. It's a slovenly mess, with martial arts equipment, posters of bad action films, and other things a teenage boy might fill it with.) Genma: Ranma! (looks around) Where is that boy? ********** Scene: The Saotome Dojo. A young man wearing a traditional gi is practicing a series of moves with an imaginary sparring partner. Boy: (executing a mid-air flip, at the peak of which he unleashes a kick connecting with the head of his invisible partner...) Kiiiiii-yah! (Nabiki enters in time to see the move.) Nabiki: (sarcastically) I think you got him, Ranma. Ranma: (looking up in annoyance) Care to try it, Nabiki? Nabiki: (innocently) Moi? How could a poor defenseless girl like me manage to fight a barbarian like yourself? Ranma: Humph! (grabs a nearby towel and starts toweling off) I wish I knew where my sparring partner disappeared to... Sometimes I don't know what pop was thinking... Nabiki: Well, from what I hear, your troubles might be over... Ranma: Huh? ********** Scene: The Saotome dining room. Nodoka, Kasumi, Nabiki and Ranma are all sitting around the table. Nodoka still has her apron on, Kasumi is reading a book, and Nabiki is lounging by the table, next to Ranma, who is still wearing his gi. Genma is sitting by the door.) Genma: (to Kasumi and Nabiki) Girls, I have good news. Your father and Akane are returning to Tokyo. Kasumi: (looking up, startled) Father? Nabiki: (with an "I thought so" look) They're coming home? Ranma: (to himself) Big deal. Genma: As you know, they have been on a training mission ever since your mother (he looks sadly at Kasumi and Nabiki) died ten years ago. He left you and this training hall in my care, until he felt it was time to return. Ranma: (in a bored tone) So? Genma: Now that he is returning, I must tell you that, long ago, Tendo and I pledged that our children would marry, combining our family lines. So, Ranma, if you were to marry Kasumi, Nabiki, or Akane, and carry on this training hall, then the Tendo and Saotome family legacies will be assured. Everyone else: (looks of shock) ... (Everyone starts talking all at once) Nodoka: Genma, how could you make such a promise? Ranma: Waitta sec here, don't -I- get to choose...? Kasumi: Marriage? But what about college? Nabiki: Marry? Ranma? (she starts laughing) Hahahahaha!!! Ranma: (to Nabiki) What's so funny? Nabiki: (giggling) The idea is just -so- ludicrous... don't you think so? Ranma: (hotly) No, I DON'T think-- Genma: RANMA! Our family honor depends on you marrying one of the Tendo daughters! Face your responsibilities like a man! Nodoka: (in a stern voice) Genma... Genma: (blanching slightly as he turns toward his wife.) Yes, dear? Nodoka: (glaring at her husband) We need to talk. NOW. Genma: Uh... (looks for an escape. There isn't one. He sighs and bows his head in defeat) Yes, dear. ********** Scene: The streets of Nerima during a rain storm. A male figure, with long black hair and clad in a red tunic and black pants runs along the road, being chased by a huge panda. Male: I told you, I don't want any part of it, Daddy! Panda: Growf! (Hits the male soundly on the back. The male goes sliding down the road, coming out into an intersection. He takes up a fighting stance.) Male: OK, you want a fight, eh? Panda: (taking up a similar stance) Growr. (The two lunge at each other, testing their defenses. A crowd begins to gather.) Male: I still say this is nuts! We don't have time for this! (He launches a flying kick at the panda, knocking it down.) Panda: Urf! (The panda starts to sob loudy, covering its eyes with its paws.) Male: (picking up a backpack) I'm going back to China, Daddy. Good-bye! (The male turns to walk away. Unseen by him, the panda stops crying and pulls a street sign out of the ground. The panda hits him over the head with it, knocks him out and then picks him up, slings him over one shoulder, and grabs his backpack. By now, a large crowd of bystanders has gathered and it has stopped raining.) Bystanders: "Is that a panda?" "What's a panda doing in Nerima?" "What's it doing to that boy?" "Someone call the police!" Panda: (looking around) GROWF! GROWR! (The bystanders quickly melt away. The panda marches off, toward a building at the end of the street marked by a large sign: "Public Baths.") ********** Scene: The Saotome Dojo. Ranma, Kasumi, and Nabiki are discussing their situation. Ranma: (fuming) The nerve of him... not telling us till now! Kasumi: I hope you don't take this the wrong way, Ranma, but I'm too busy with my studies to think of getting married right now... and you -are- a little young for me... (Ranma looks shocked, either at the thought of marrying Kasumi, or by the fact that Kasumi is taking this idea seriously.) Nabiki: Well, don't look at me, sis! I finally have Kunou-chan right where I want him. No way am I giving up on such a sweet deal. Ranma: Ha! You only "have" him because I-- Nabiki: (fluttering her eyelids suggestively at Ranma) Jealous, Ranma- chan? (Ranma turns red and gets all flustered. Fortunately, Kasumi comes to his rescue.) Kasumi: Don't tease Ranma, sister. Ranma, we have to consider this problem. Father and Uncle Saotome can be very stubborn where honor is concerned. Ranma: Oneesan*, don't worry... I'm sure Mom will work things out. * = "Older Sister." Also used to refer to any young girl older than the speaker. (Genma and Nodoka enter the dojo. Genma is looking down at the ground, while Nodoka is staring at him. Ranma flashes a look at Kasumi and Nabiki, as if to say, "See? I told you so.") Genma: Ranma... your mother and I... (he pauses) Nodoka: (prodding him) Go on. Genma: (big sigh) ...we have decided that... we will talk with Tendo-kun and Akane about the engagement and see what they say. (Ranma face-faults. Kasumi has an "Oh, my" look on her face, while Nabiki just looks disgusted.) (Suddenly voices can be heard from the direction of the main house.) Female Voice: Daddy! I told you, I don't want any part in this! Male Voice: Daughter, you will do as your father wishes. Nabiki: Ooh, it must be Akane and Daddy! Kasumi: Father! Sister! Genma: Tendo-kun, my friend! (Everyone rushes out to meet their visitors, except Ranma, who heaves a big sigh before following.) ********** Scene: The Saotome dining room. Everyone is crowded around the table, looking at two new figures. One is an man, about Genma's age, with long black hair and a mustache. He is wearing a brown gi. The other is a girl, also with long black hair, wearing the same clothes we saw on the male figure who was attacked by the panda. Man: (Overflowing with joy, great big tears streaming down his face.) Oh! To be reunited with my family after all this time... Kasumi! Nabiki! (he gathers them into a great big hug. Kasumi smiles at him, while Nabiki gasps.) How you've grown... if-if only your mother were here... (he starts wailing) Girl: (in an urgent whisper) Daddy! You promised! Genma: (looking up as Ranma enters.) Ranma, this is my dear old friend-- Man: (jumping up and grabbing Ranma) --Soun Tendo. (he looks at Ranma speculatively and then turns to Genma.) Ah, Saotome-kun, you have raised a fine man to marry one of my daughters. Oh, happy day! (he collects himself and then points to the girl.) Ranma, this is my youngest daughter, Akane. Akane: (not looking up at Ranma) Pleased to meet you... Ranma: (in a tone indicating that he is NOT too pleased) Likewise. Nodoka: (interrupting) Tendo-san... we need to talk about this engagement. My -dear- husband didn't see fit to mention it until today... Soun: Yes... there are so -many- arrangements we need to make for the wedding! Nodoka: (In a stern voice) That's NOT what I mean. It seems unfair to force your daughters into an engagement-- Kasumi: (In a quiet, but firm voice) I'm in college, studying medicine, father... I don't have time to--Father? (Soun's eyes have glazed over. He kneels before Kasumi and grabs her hands, tears streaming down his face.) Soun: A-a d-doctor? Oh, Kasumi! You make your father proud! Kasumi: (A bit taken aback) Well, I'm only pre-med-- Nabiki: Well, you can count ME out! I already have a boyfriend. Besides, who'd want to marry RANMA anyway? Ranma: Hey! (Mr. Tendo seems to have trouble believing that he is hearing this) Genma: (in a reassuring tone) Don't worry, Tendo-kun. You still have another daughter. Soun: Yes! Akane, you will marry Ranma! Ranma & Akane: WHAT?! Nodoka: Genma! (Genma, Nodoka, and Soun start arguing, with loud interjections from Akane and Ranma. Nabiki takes this opportunity to slip out. Kasumi watches everything for a time, then quietly gets Akane and Ranma's attention and pulls them out of the room.) Kasumi: I think we better let them work it out. Akane (she hugs her) it's been so long... You were only six when you left. (Akane returns the hug hesitantly. She seems uncertain.) Akane: Kasumi, I-- Kasumi: (smiling) Don't worry... I understand. Tell me about yourself. (turns back to Ranma) Come along, Ranma. Ranma: (who has been fuming about what his father and Soun have done) Why me? Kasumi: (firmly) Because she is a guest in your house. (The three make their way to the dojo. Akane looks around with a funny look on her face. It's like she half-remembers this place, yet it isn't quite right.) Akane: Kasumi? This was father's dojo, wasn't it? Kasumi: Yes, but he gave it to Uncle Saotome when he left with you. Akane: (shaking her head) It's all so strange... Ranma: (his face softens as he stops fuming and actually looks at his guest, concern in his eyes.) Where have you been living all this time? Akane: Father and I were on the road a lot of the time... training here and there... Kasumi: That must have been exciting. Akane: It was at times... at other times it was a real pain. Ranma: (with a nod back to the main house) Is he always like that? Akane: (looking uncomfortable) Like what? Ranma: You know, boo-hooing his eyes out and jumping all over the place. Akane: (sounding defensive) Well... Daddy took Mom's death pretty hard... Ranma: Uh... yeah. Akane: Have I met everyone now? Ranma: Well there's my jerk of a sparring partner-- Kasumi: We have a boarder who is studying under Uncle Saotome. His name is Ryouga Hibiki. He's a close friend of Ranma's. (Ranma looks like he might disagree, but it's only a half-hearted attempt.) Akane: Where is he now? Ranma: Out lost somewhere... he has the WORST sense of direction. Akane: (laughing) No one can be THAT bad. Ranma: (smiling slightly now) Wait till you meet him. Akane: (looking closely at Ranma's gi) You study kenpo, right? Ranma: (modestly) A little. Akane: Well, then. How about a little match, then? Ranma: (Holding his hand up in the air.) Sorry. You're a girl. I don't fight girls. Akane: (she looks a little miffed, but a strange look crosses her face as well) Afraid I'll beat you? Ranma: (getting angry) What?! Lose to a uncute tomboy like you? Akane: (angrily) Tomboy!! Why you--!! (The two are really glaring at each other now. Kasumi backs away from them and watches calmly as they take up a fighting stances. Suddenly Akane launches a series of attacks at Ranma, which he avoids by moving just enough out of the way to dodge the blows.) Akane: What are you doing?! Attack me! Ranma: I *dodge* told you, *duck* I *leap* don't *lean* fight *bend* girls! Akane: (thought) [Why am I missing him? Is he reading my moves?] (steels herself) [OK, this time for real...] (out loud) Kiiiiiii-yah! (She charges and lashes out at Ranma, but Ranma leaps into the air. Her fist crashes through the wall of the dojo as Ranma flips over her head and lands behind her. He goes to touch her on the top of her head, but suddenly she kicks backward at him, catching him in the midsection.) Ranma: (the wind knocked out of him) OOF! (He stumbles backward.) Akane: Gotcha. (She turns and faces him while he catches his breath.) Ranma: (glaring at her) Lucky shot... Akane: Why you--! (She launches another series of attacks at him. Ranma finds it impossible to dodge them all and starts concentrating on blocking them. He still can't bring himself to attack Akane, though) Akane: (obviously frustrated by his inability to take the offensive) I won't break... C'mon, attack me! Ranma: For the *dodge* last time *block* I *spin* DON'T *parry* FIGHT (he suddenly thrusts his hand to within an inch of Akane's nose. It's quite evident that, if he had not stopped himself, he could have broken her nose) GIRLS! (Akane freezes. The two look at each other for a moment, neither one relaxing their guard.) Ranma: Not even violent girls like you-- (Akane suddenly sweeps Ranma's legs out from under him. *WHAM* He hands flat on his back with a loud crash. He lies there for a moment before getting slowly to his feet, a look of disbelief on his face. Kasumi, from where she is sitting on the sidelines, looks a little stunned. Akane, meanwhile, wipes the sweat off her brow.) Akane: (evenly) You're pretty good. (She's still glaring at Ranma a bit, as if daring him to comment.) Ranma: (deciding not to argue with her at the moment.) Pop taught me a lot. (He stands up, eyeing Akane warily) He thinks he could have done more, though, if we didn't have to run the dojo. He thinks Mom's been a bad influence on me. Akane: Really? Why? Ranma: Oh, something about her "coddling" me. Akane: Has she ever interfered with your training? Ranma: Only once that I know of. He wanted to throw me into a pit of starving cats covered with fish paste. Mom drew the line at that. (Akane looks a little shocked at this.) Kasumi: Akane, why don't you go take a bath and get cleaned up. Ranma, you too. I need to get back to my studying. Ranma, afterwards you can show Akane around. Ranma: What? I could, but... (he looks at Akane.) Akane: Well, I-- (A rumble of thunder is heard. Akane blanches and starts to head for the house.) Ranma: (looking after her in surprise.) What's gotten into her? Kasumi: (looking concerned) Who knows? ********** Scene: The Saotome dining room. Nodoka is arguing with Genma and Soun. Nodoka: I still can't believe you never told me, Genma! Genma: Well, we had decided-- Soun: Saotome-kun was so pleased at the birth of his son-- Genma: One thing led to another-- Soun: And we had been friends for years-- Nodoka: (interrupting) You two weren't out drinking when you made this agreement, were you? (Both Genma and Soun look very uncomfortable. Nodoka sighs.) Nodoka: We'll have to settle this some way. Genma: Honor demands-- (Nodoka glares at him. He falls silent.) Nodoka: We simply cannot take the choice away from our children. But (she glares at both of them) since our families' honor is involved, we will compromise. I will allow you to formally engage Akane and Ranma. If they choose, however, not to get married after they come of age, then the arrangement is null and void. Soun & Genma: Hurrah! Our families will be joined! Nodoka: Wait a minute-- Genma: I'm sure Ranma will do what's right... Soun: And so will Akane! (Nodoka just sighs and puts a hand to her head as the two of them toast each other.) ********** Scene: The Saotome dinner table. Everyone is sitting down to eat. Genma is sitting at the head of the table, with Nodoka at the foot. On one side of the table, Kasumi, Nabiki and Ranma are sitting, while on the other sits Mr. Tendo and Akane. Nodoka: Ranma, your father, Mr. Tendo and I have discussed your future-- Genma: (in a very good mood) M'boy, you are going to marry Akane! (Predictably, all hell breaks loose. Everyone starts speaking at once.) Everyone: "Genma!" "What? Marry that tomboy?" "Daddy, what were you thinking? And who are you calling a tomboy?!" "Akane, you must do as honor demands--" Nodoka: (raising her voice slightly) Quiet! (Everyone stops talking) This engagement is only a formality, my son. When you and Akane come of age, you can decide for yourself whether you want to marry her or not. Until then, however, family honor demands-- Genma: I'm sure you'll do what's right, Ranma. Mr. Tendo: (raising his drink) To the joining of our families! (During this entire discussion, Akane has been glaring at her father.) Akane: (in a quiet, dangerous voice) Aren't you -forgetting- something, Daddy? (Mr. Tendo looks at her. An expression of panic crosses his face and he starts trying to calm her down quietly.) Akane: (her voice is now quite angry.) You would really let them go through with all this without -telling- them? (Everyone else looks confused. Mr. Tendo is shaking his head vigorously.) Mr. Tendo: Now, Akane--I didn't think--I mean it's not THAT important, ha ha ha ha... (Akane picks up a nearby fire pail. Mr. Tendo blanches as she promptly splashes her father with half the bucket's contents. Mr. Tendo changes into a giant panda.) Everyone else: Urk--!! Akane: And that's only half of it. (She pours the rest of the water on herself. Instantly, she changes into a male, the same boy we saw earlier fighting with the panda.) Nodoka: Could someone please explain what's going on? ********** Scene: The same as before. The dinner table has been cleared away, and Mr. Tendo and Akane have returned to their normal forms. Everyone is sitting around watching them closely. Ranma and Genma seem shocked, Nodoka looks puzzled, Kasumi is curious, and Nabiki looks intrigued. Mr. Tendo: Well, I'm not sure where to begin... (clears his throat) Akane and I went to China recently to further our martial arts training. We sought Jusenkyo, the Training Ground of the Cursed Springs. Nabiki: Cursed Springs? Mr. Tendo: Yes. Over the ages, many different creatures have tragically drowned in the springs, and now whomever falls into them takes the form of the that creature when they are doused in cold water. Hot water, we learned, reverses the curse. Genma: The legendary training ground of the Cursed Springs... how I wish I could--(notices Nodoka looking at him intensely)--um... that is, I... Ranma: Why on earth would you go to a place like that, anyway? Akane: Daddy saw it in a book... but since he can't read Chinese, he didn't get the WHOLE story... Nabiki: So let me get this straight... So you (point to Mr. Tendo) fell in a spring where a panda drowned... and you (point to Akane) fell into a spring where a man drowned? Akane: Yes. Mr. Tendo: Many might have been crushed by the burden of these curses, but I had to get my little girl home, so that she could marry Ranma and fulfil the pledge Saotome-kun and I made! Ranma: (hotly) There is NO way I'm going to marry some uncute tomboy who's a GUY half the time! Akane: (outraged) What?! Ranma: You heard me! I said there's NO way--URK! (Akane has just punched Ranma in the mouth, cutting off his remark quite effectively.) Genma: Now, THAT he had coming. [End Part 1] [Part 2] Scene: Nabiki's Room. Akane is sprawled on her back, asleep, on a futon in the center of the floor. Nabiki, already dressed in her school uniform, comes over and shakes her. Nabiki: Come ON, Akane... Wake up already! It's almost time for school. Akane: (opening one eye sleepily) Huh? Nabiki: Don't you remember? (She crosses her arms over her chest and looks down at Akane crossly) Father decided that you should go to school with us. Now get up. It's bad enough you kept me awake half the night snoring... Akane: (indignantly) I do not snore! (She stretches.) Nabiki: OK, you don't snore. Someone must have been sawing logs underneath our window all night. Anyway, we need to get you in a uniform. C'mon, you can borrow one of mine... ********** Scene: The Saotome breakfast table. Genma and Mr. Tendo, both dressed as usual, are each reading part of the morning paper while Nodoka, in her kimono and apron, is putting out food. Kasumi, wearing a demure blue dress today, is finishing up her breakfast, while reading through a pile of notes by her side. Nabiki and Akane enter. Akane is looking uncomfortable in a school dress. Nabiki: What's your problem, Akane? Akane: Well, I've never worn a dress before... least not since Mom-- (she stops, obviously not comfortable speaking about her mother) (Nabiki and Akane sit down to breakfast. Akane is a... vigorous eater, to say the least. This draws a disapproving glance from Nabiki, but Akane doesn't notice.) Kasumi: Oh, auntie! Nodoka: Yes, dear? Kasumi: I'll be working at Dr. Tofu's after class this afternoon, so I may be late for dinner. Nodoka: That's alright, Kasumi. How is Dr. Tofu doing? Kasumi: Fine, though I don't understand why he gets so erratic at times. He's such a good doctor most of the time. (Nodoka throws an amused glance at Kasumi which Kasumi misses entirely.) Nodoka: I wouldn't worry about it, dear. Oh, I better go see what's keeping Ranma... (Nodoka heads upstairs.) (Minutes later, an unkempt, half-asleep Ranma bolts down the stairs and stars gobbling down his breakfast in a manner rather like Akane.) Nabiki: Overslept again, huh, bro? Ranma: (Mouth full) Shub ut, Nafeebi. Nabiki: (mock sighing) You know, you're just like your fiancee... Akane & Ranma: (Simultaneously) "He's not--!" "She's not--!" (they glare at each other.) Nodoka: (coming down the stairs) No time for arguments... (she gathers up four box lunches) Here's your lunches. Have a nice day at school. (She starts seeing them out the door. Ranma keeps gobbling down food until he reaches it, where Nodoka takes his bowl away. Ranma: Bye, Mom! ********** Scene: The road to Furinkan High. Nabiki and Ranma trudge along the road while Akane balances on a fence. Ranma: Why are you doing that? Akane: What? Ranma: Walking on the fence instead of the road. (he's beginning to sound irritated.) Akane: I like looking down on macho wimps like you. Biiiiiiii (She sticks out her tongue at him while pulling down her lower left eyelid.) Ranma: WIMP?!!! Akane: You lost the fight, remember? Ranma: That's just because... (Nabiki just rolls her eyes at this and strides ahead, as if to say, "I don't know these people." Behind her, the argument continues.) ********** Scene: Just outside Furinkan High School. Ranma is looking at the school and seems to be steeling himself for something. Nabiki: (giving him a slap on the back) Good luck! (turns to Akane) C'mon. Akane: But what about--? Nabiki: Oh, he has to deal with a small problem first... (She starts leading Akane toward the school, with Ranma following behind them.) (As soon as Ranma enters the school grounds, a horde of students, all dressed for various sports (hockey, tennis, martial arts, sumo, etc.) rush out of the school and charge Ranma.) Horde: DIE, SAOTOME! BANZAIIIII! (Ranma gets into a fighting stance and attacks the horde. Ranma ducks and dodges the hordes attacks, only occasionally counter-attacking. This works for a while, as the students get in each other's way. Soon, however, there are so many attacking him that it begins to look bad for him. Akane breaks away from Nabiki and charges into the mass. Nabiki sighs and heads inside, while Akane sends students flying. Within minutes they all are out cold.) Ranma: Stupid! I didn't need your help! Akane: Humph, you could at least say thank you! (Before they can continue, a voice interrupts. Storm clouds begin to form overhead, almost as if on cue.) Voice: (speaking dramatically) So, Saotome, you have once again defeated the forces of righteousness on this battleground we call earth. (A figure steps into view. He is wearing kendo garb, minus the mask, and is holding a bokuto, or wooden practice sword.) Voice: It makes no difference that these... weaklings failed to defeat you, for I, the rising young star of the high school kendo world, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, now stand before you! (lightning flashes) Tatewaki Kunou, age 17. Ranma: Oh, puh-leaze... Kunou, I don't have time for this every morning. Akane: (to herself) THAT'S Nabiki's boyfriend? What a jerk... Kunou: (pointing his sword at Ranma) Know this, Saotome: The vengeance of heaven is slow but sure. (He holds the sword aloft and lightning flashes) You shall be punished for insulting my honor and claiming that I was defeated! DIE! (Shouting, Kunou charges Ranma, who stands ready.) (Kunou thrusts his sword at Ranma, seeking to impale him on the blade. Ranma twists and avoids the blow, while lashing out with left foot, forcing Kunou to leap backwards to avoid it. The two circle each other for a moment. Kunou, holding his sword before him, glares at Ranma.) Kunou: STAND YOUR GROUND, SAOTOME! (Kunou charges again, using a sweeping lateral attack, driving Ranma backwards toward Akane. Ranma bends over backwards to avoid another sweep and sees her.) Ranma: (to Akane) How's this for a wimp? (Unnoticed, Kunou raises his sword above his head, preparing to bring it down on Ranma.) Akane: Look out! (she leaps over Ranma while lashing out at Kunou with a high kick that catches him on the chin. He falls back, stunned.) Kunou: (to himself) What vision of loveliness is this that doth cross before my eyes? (to Akane) What is your name, fair damsel? Akane: I'm Akane Tendo, and -you- (leaping into the air again and planting a mighty kick right between his eyes) are a JERK! (Kunou's eyes cross and he crumples to the ground.) Akane: C'mon Ranma... we'll be late for class. Ranma: (in an aggravated tone) You didn't have to butt in, you know. Akane: (getting fainter as they go to the school, leaving Kunou who is already starting to come round) Butt in?! He was going to CREAM you, you moron! Ranma: (still fainter) Ha! I could take him anytime! (Kunou, meanwhile, manages to raise his head.) Kunou: She... is... formidable.... ugh (he faints again) ********** Scene: The Furinkan High School Infirmary. Nabiki is putting a damp towel on Kunou's forehead. Nabiki: Kunou-chan, you really need to work on your technique. Kunou: (Semi-conscious) Oh, my darling... Nabiki: What is it, Kunou? Kunou: A-ka-ne... (*WHAM* Nabiki slams a pot down on his head. Surprisingly, this seems to wake him up, rather than knock him out.) Kunou: That hurt, you know. Nabiki: (steamed) WHY are you muttering about AKANE?! Kunou: Ah, the lovely Akane. She is like a huntress, a vision of grace and beauty... I must find her, and proclaim my devotion! Nabiki: (glowering) And what about me? Have you forgotten me already? Kunou: (looking at her for the first time) Well, of course not. You are both so dear to me--*WHAM* (this time, he goes down. The pot is noticeably dented) Nabiki: (muttering to herself) What makes AKANE so special!? ********** Scene: Akane and Ranma's classroom. Akane is standing in front of the class, being introduced by the teacher. Several of the girls in the glass seem to be giving her jealous looks, while others are apparently trying to get Ranma's attention. He ignores them.) Teacher: This is our new student, Akane Tendo. She has just returned to Japan from a journey to China. However, Miss Tendo, this does not excuse the fact that you and Ranma Saotome were late. Both of you, go stand in the hall. ********** Scene: The Hall. Akane and Ranma are holding buckets of water. Akane: So what is it with that Kunou guy? Ranma: (looking bored) What's it to you? Akane: (glaring) Are you going to answer the question? Ranma: (relenting) He's in Nabiki's class. I have to fight him and all of those guys every morning before school. (He sounds disgusted with the whole notion) Akane: Every morning?! Why... (she pauses) Ranma: Why do we fight? Akane: (impishly) No. I was going to ask, why aren't you better at it? Ranma: WHAT!!? Akane: SHHHH! Ranma: (whispering) I didn't need your help, you know. Akane: (innocently) Didn't look that way to me. Ranma: (in a disparaging tone) Aw, what would an uncute tomboy like you know about a man-to-man fight? (Akane suddenly looks down at her bucket and seems a little depressed. Ranma's face softens, though she can't see it) Ranma: Anyway, it goes back to the start of the year... (We flashback to Kunou and Nabiki's classroom. Kunou and Nabiki are sitting at their desks and Kunou has his face turned away from us. Nabiki comes up to him.) Nabiki: I hear you got shot down again, Kunou-chan. (Kunou turns and we can now see a red hand-print on the side of his face.) Kunou: It is to laugh, Nabiki Tendo. Obviously, the fair maiden was overawed by my presence and could not think clearly enough to frame the proper reply. Even now, I am sure she is pining away, waiting for me to ask again. Nabiki: I heard that she's transferring to another school... Kunou: Ah, playing hard to get, I see. Nabiki: ...in Hokkaido. (Nabiki smirks. Kunou looks away.) Is dating girls all you ever think about, Kunou? Kunou: (looking derisive) Fear not, Nabiki Tendo. I have no intention of dating you. Nabiki: (With an "Is that so?" look on her face. She looks like the soul of innocence. She must be scheming something.) Oh? Well then, Kunou, I challenge you. Kunou: (looking more confused than ever) What? Nabiki: (smugly) You heard me... I challenge you. If you lose, you'll go out with me. Kunou: (laughing) Ha, it is to laugh. Do you think you can defeat Tatewaki Kunou, the Shooting Star of Furinkan High? (We cut back to the present, where Ranma is telling Akane this story) Akane: I thought he was called "Blue Thunder?" Ranma: (shrugging) He calls himself that NOW... I'm not sure whether he changes them because he's thought of something better, or just forgets what name he's using. Anyway... (we cut back to the past) Nabiki: Are you chickening out? Kunou: Never! I accept your challenge. Nabiki: Good! You can meet my champion after school. Kunou: Champion? Nabiki: Certainly... I never said I would -fight- you. I just challenged you. Good luck! (back to the present) Akane: (puzzled) But what does that have to do with you? Ranma: Well... (he hesitates and then rushes ahead) Nabiki put me forward as her champion. Akane: So, you fought Kunou so that Nabiki could date him? THAT jerk?! What does she see in him? Ranma: (shrugs) Beats me... anyhow, we fought out in front of the school and I beat him. He's been dating Nabiki ever since. But he claims his "honor" cannot be satisfied until I am defeated in battle. (He looks pretty glum) Nabiki... she seems pretty happy about dating him though. (He seems thoughtful for a moment.) Akane: You like her, don't you? Ranma: What? Don't be silly. (he forces a laugh) Hahahahaha... (he pauses, looking thoughtful) Well, Kasumi and Nabiki have been there since I was little. They're like older sisters to me. I can't imagine what things would have been like without them. A lot lonelier, I think... (he trails off as he notices the expression on Akane's face. She looks sad and miserable.) What is it? Akane: It's--(Suddenly her eyes widen.) LOOK OUT! Ranma: Wha--?! (he turns and jumps just as someone throws a bucketful of water at him from off to the side. We now see Kunou, glaring at him, holding a bucket. Kunou: (in a loud voice) Never, Saotome! I shall NEVER accept your ENGAGEMENT to AKANE! Akane and Ranma: (both making shushing noises) Shhhhhhhh! Nononononono! (Too late. The sliding windows to their classroom open and their entire class starts talking about it. Most of them seem to be angry with Ranma, the girls for choosing someone over them, the guys for hogging another female.) Class: "Saotome, you jerk!" "Ranma, how could you choose her?!" "Don't you string enough women along, Saotome?" "Ranma-sama! Say it's not so!" Ranma: Our parents decided--! Akane: We didn't--! Kunou: ENOUGH! (Everyone falls silent) Do not try to deny it! I have heard the truth from Nabiki Tendo herself! Ranma Saotome, you shall now be punished by my sword. I, Tatewaki Kunou, swear that it shall be done! (Kunou lunges at Ranma, who leap-frogs over Kunou. Kunou freezes and then turns to face Ranma.) Ranma: This is no place to fight. If you want to fight, Kunou, follow me. (runs down the hallway.) Kunou: That I shall! (They go running down the hall.) Akane: They have GOT to be kidding! (runs after them, followed by the rest of the class.) ********** Scene: The Saotome home. Nodoka is applying a bandage to Ranma's face. Ranma looks battered and bruised. Akane is sitting next to him, watching. She is once again wearing her red satin shirt and pants. Akane: Well, I didn't "butt in" this time. Are you happy? Ranma: (Obviously in some pain) Are you--ow! Nodoka: Hold still, dear. (dabs a little more disinfectant on him. Ranma winces.) Ranma: I had everything under control. Besides, Kunou got the worst of it. Akane: I don't know why a wimp like yourself picks so many fights-- Ranma: WHO'S A--OW! Nodoka: (calmly) I told you to hold still. (finishes applying the medicine.) Ranma, I really think you should go see Dr. Tofu. You don't seem badly hurt, but it's always good to get a professional's opinion. Ranma: I'm fine... (trails off as he looks up at his mother. He sighs) Yes, mom. Nodoka: Akane, why don't you go with him? You can keep him company-- Ranma: I don't need no violent tom-- Nodoka: (continuing as if Ranma hadn't interrupted) --and it's a good idea that you learn where Dr. Tofu's clinic is. How does Genma put it? "The path of a true martial artist is fraught with peril?" (she smiles) Akane: Yes, Aunt Nodoka. Nodoka: Just call me auntie, dear. Your sisters do. (Akane looks up at Nodoka gratefully. Nodoka just smiles and sees her and Ranma out the door.) ********** Scene: The streets of Nerima. Akane and Ranma are walking along, Akane balancing on fence tops as usual. Ranma: (moving painfully along) Uh, Akane... I... (he pauses, uncertain of what he was going to say.) Akane: (not looking back at him) What? Ranma: I wanted to say that... thanks. (he looks as if the last word had tasted bad or something) Akane: (looking back at him in shock) What about? Ranma: Trying to help me out... Not that I needed it or nothin'. Akane: (still somewhat in shock) Are you feeling ok? Maybe we should hurry up and get to that doctor's place. Ranma: Why you--! (turns away and mutters to himself) That's the last time I ever thank an uncute girl like you-- ********** Scene: Dr. Tofu's Clinic. Ranma and Akane enter, still arguing. Kasumi sticks her head out of a door as they come in. Kasumi: Oh, hello Akane, Ranma--Ranma! What happened to you? Did you get into another fight? (she hurries over to Ranma and begins to methodically check him over. She is wearing a white lab coat over her clothes.) Ranma: It's nothing, oneesan... really. I just--OW! (He collapses as Akane pokes him in the side.) What did you do THAT for!? (Akane smiles innocently at him) Kasumi: I think Dr. Tofu should get a look at you, Ranma... wait a moment, he's with another patient right now. I'll go check how he's doing. (she leaves.) Ranma: (in a low voice) Why'd you hit me?! Akane: (also low) So you'd stop posturing and let the doctor take a look at you! You could be badly hurt. Kunou may be a jerk, but he does know something about kendo! (Ranma just stares at Akane for a second. Akane looks back. For a minute they stand there and then they both look away.) Akane: Don't get the wrong idea... it's not because I like you or anything. (shuts up) Ranma: Ha! Well, the feeling's mutual... do you think I could like a violent tomboy like you? (*WHAM*) (Dr. Tofu comes out into the waiting area with Kasumi. He seems a little distracted. The distraction fades as he looks at Ranma, who is lying on the floor in obvious pain, a huge bruise swelling on his cheek.) Dr. Tofu: My goodness, K-kasumi (he stutters a little when he says her name for some reason and looks distracted again.) You didn't tell me it was this bad! ********** Scene: A couple of weeks pass. We are shown a montage of shots: Ranma and Akane arguing with each other in the dojo, on the streets of Nerima, at Furinkan High; Ranma fighting Kunou; Akane fighting Kunou; Nabiki pounding Kunou for chasing Akane; Akane and Ranma pummeling the horde of students before class every day. We cut to Nabiki's room, where she is talking with someone just out of sight. Nabiki: So, he's been mooning over Akane ever since he met her? Has he mentioned me at all? Voice: (it is male, and sounds somewhat fawning) Well, yes, Mistress Nabiki. He agonizes constantly over having to choose between you two. He's also been having me follow your sister around and... take pictures. (audible swallowing) Nabiki: (turning toward the voice) Is that so... very well, you may go, Sasuke. Keep an eye on him for me. Sasuke: (now in the camera's view, dressed in ninja clothes) Hai, Mistress Nabiki! (He leaps out her window. Nabiki gets up and closes it, and then collapses on her bed.) Nabiki: (tears are filling her eyes, but she refuses to let them out. She closes her eyes tightly.) Why!?!? Why did SHE have to mess everything up!? (A knock comes at the door) Nodoka: (faintly, from outside the room) Nabiki? May I come in? (Nabiki starts, and then tries to compose herself.) Nabiki: (calling out) Just a minute! (she wipes away the tears and puts on a false happy face) OK! Nodoka: (enters the room and closes the door behind her. She comes over and sits on Nabiki's bed. Nodoka looks compassionately at her practically adopted daughter) What is it, dear? I heard you out in the hallway... Nabiki: (faux cheerfully) Me? I'm f-fine... (the facade starts to crack) What c-could be wrong with m-me? (the tears start to gather in her eyes again.) (Nodoka gathers Nabiki up in her arms, holding her quietly. Nabiki starts to sob.) Nodoka: (soothingly) There, there, dear. Let it out... Auntie's here... Nabiki: (sobbing) It's--It's--It's not FAIR... why did she have to mess everything up!? (sounding angry) Nodoka: It's not Akane's fault, dear... (Nabiki looks up, surprised) Nabiki: H-how did you know...? Nodoka: (smiling) It comes from being a mother, dear... (Nabiki's eyes widen slightly. Nodoka smiles down at her) I've raised you and Kasumi for ten years, watched you become fine young women... You two couldn't be any more my daughters unless I had borne you myself... and I think your mother would be happy with the way you two have turned out. (her tone lightens) Now don't worry... Akane didn't set out to steal him away from you... Nabiki: (bitterly) You don't know Kunou like I do... I've lost him! (her voice begins to rise to an almost wail) Nodoka: So, tell me about him. Nabiki: (looking surprised) Do you really want to know? (Nodoka nods) Well, I've known him since kindergarten... ********** (Scene: We cut to a lot of flashbacks showing Kunou and Nabiki at age five. They are in a playground, with a school building in the background...) Nabiki: (voice over, narrating the scene) Kunou was about the same then as he is now... (We see Kunou waving a toy sword around, obviously going into one of his orations. Lightning flashes dramatically, and a stray bolt fries him. He keels over, charred and blackened. The young Nabiki stands over him, holding a hand to her face, looking disgusted.) Nabiki: (narration) ...and I used to love to play tricks on him... (We see young Nabiki stealing a hat off young Kunou's head, revealing that he has been shaved bald.... Nabiki selling Kunou a manga with a cover depicting samurai locked in battle, but which is actually a girl's manga underneath... Kunou running off to challenge another kindergartner and being tripped by Nabiki) Nabiki: (narration) ...and then Mom died... (We now see a graveyard. The Tendo family is gathered around a grave. Mr. Tendo is nearly hysterical with grief, being supported by Genma. Kasumi is standing by him, looking brave, and attempting to comfort him as well. Nodoka is nearby, huddled with a very young Akane and Ranma, who don't seem to understand what is going on. Young Nabiki stands alone, staring dumbly at the stone. The young Kasumi approaches it and lights a stick of incense...) Young Nabiki: NO!! She CAN'T be DEAD! (starts crying and runs off. Everyone turns and looks in shock. Nodoka and Kasumi start to head after her, but Mr. Tendo suddenly grabs hold of the marker, wailing, and Kasumi has to try to help Genma pull him off it while Nodoka discovers she can't leave Ranma and Akane.) (Young Nabiki runs until she trips and falls. She is still crying. She doesn't notice someone coming up behind her.) Voice: (obviously a young boy trying to imitate the deeper tones of an adult) Do not cry, fair maiden, I shall comfort--oh, it's -you-, Nabiki. (Young Nabiki looks up to see Kunou, dressed in his school uniform, a cap firmly on his head.) Young Nabiki: K-kunou? Young Kunou: (relenting a bit) What's wrong, Nabiki? Young Nabiki: It's my Mom... she's d-d-... (She can't continue and starts crying again. Kunou looks down on her, a strange look on his face. Suddenly he kneels before her and pulls her up) Young Kunou: Come with me, Nabiki Tendo... I wish to show you something. (Young Kunou leads Nabiki to another marker. Pulling a stick of incense out, he lights it before the grave and then sits in a meditation posture before it, laying his to sword on the ground in front of him. Nabiki looks on in confusion.) Young Nabiki: What is... I mean, who... Young Kunou: (looking sad) This is my mother's grave. I come here sometimes to meditate... she died when I was very young... Young Nabiki: (quietly) Kunou... I didn't... I mean... Why? Young Kunou: Sometimes... I feel her here, when I come... it comforts me, when Father or little sister get to be too much. I thought... it might help. Young Nabiki: (really confused) How--? Young Kunou: Just wait a minute... (Nabiki falls silent. All is quiet around the grave. Suddenly, Nabiki's eyes widen slightly and she takes a half-step toward the marker. Then she shakes her head, as if waking up.) Young Nabiki: I thought... I felt for a second... Mom? (she seems confused) Young Kunou: You see? Now, Nabiki Tendo... leave me. I wish to return to my meditation. (He tries to put an imperious tone in his voice, but it's a little too high for it to work properly.) Nabiki: (she nods and turns away) Thank you, Kunou... ********** Scene: Nabiki's room, the present Nabiki: (wrapping up the story) It was only that time, but I felt I saw the real Kunou... the one underneath all the walls he built to keep his father and sister out... I've watched him ever since... He has his faults... he's stubborn, proud, arrogant, a little stupid... but deep down... deep down... (she can't continue, at a loss for words) Nodoka: (hugging Nabiki closely) Dear, if you feel that strongly about him, don't let anything stand in your way. You just have to reach that Kunou you saw that day in the cemetery. He will do the right thing. Nabiki: (hugging Nodoka back) Thanks... mom. Nodoka: (tears in her own eyes) No, dear... just call me auntie. I'm not taking your mother's place... but I love you, too. (she gets up to leave.) Dinner will be ready in about an hour, Nabiki. (she leaves.) Nabiki: (looks out the window) I need to figure out how to make Kunou lose interest in Akane... but what could do that? What would be enough to make him completely lose interest? (snaps her fingers) I know! [End Part 2] [Part 3] Scene: It is morning, outside the Saotome Dojo. A young man, wearing a yellow tunic, black pants, and a yellow-and-black bandanna, is looking around confusedly, his back to the dojo. He is holding a small grocery bag. Young man: (to himself) It MUST be around here SOMEWHERE! I've been walking for days! (He grabs a passerby by the collar.) Hey! Where is the Saotome Dojo?! (The passerby looks at the young man in confusion, then looks over the young man's shoulder at the large sign proclaiming "Saotome Dojo of Anything Goes Martial Arts." He points silently behind the young man.) Young man: (turning) At last! I've found it! (He drops the passerby to the ground and strides toward the gate. Once inside, though, he turns away from the main house and wanders toward the backyard.) Passerby: What was that all about? ********** Scene: The Dojo. Akane and Ranma are sparring. Ranma seems more comfortable around Akane and trying harder, but he still concentrates more on defense than attacking. This is fine with Akane, since she prefers attacking in any event. Both fighters are covered with sweat, as they have apparently been at this for some time. Akane: (breathing heavily) You're getting better, *pant* wimp. (she smiles wickedly) Ranma: (getting steamed) Who are you calling a wimp!? (He suddenly darts toward her, thrusting his right hand at her face in a palm strike. Akane bends backward to avoid it. But the strike was just a feint and Ranma takes advantage of her move to sweep her legs out from under her. Ranma catches her before she can fall though and holds her up off the ground.) You should practice a little more, Akane. (he smirks) (The two look at each other and suddenly the moment seems to drag out for a long time.) Akane: .... Ranma: .... (The moment is interrupted, however, by the sound of a throat being cleared. Ranma and Akane suddenly realize that had been holding her for a long time. Ranma tries to let go, while Akane tries to extricate herself. This results in both of them falling to the ground in a rather undignified heap with a THUD.) Kasumi: (innocently, from the door of the dojo, where she had cleared her throat. She is wearing a frilly yellow dress today.) Oh, my... Did I interrupt something? Akane: No, sister... it was-- Ranma: A new move, yeah, called... er, um... well-- Akane: "Stupid Wimp Falling Down" Ranma: Yeah, that--What?! Are you sure it wasn't "Violent Uncute Tomboy-- URK!" (Akane has just punched him in the face. Ranma falls over backwards) Kasumi: (still smiling) Well, maybe you can teach it to someone I found wandering in the backyard. (She reaches out of sight and pulls the confused-looking young man into view.) Ranma: (He is getting up groggily. He gives a bit of a start when he sees the young man) Ryouga! Where have you been? We were starting to wor-- wonder. Ryouga (Young man): (holding up the grocery bag, which Kasumi takes) Well, Mrs. Saotome asked me if I would like to go for some milk, and-- Ranma: You got lost again, didn't you? Man, Ryouga, you have NO sense of direction whatsoever... Ryouga: That's not true! Ranma: Oh, yeah? What about the time you tried to get to school on your own and wound up in Hiroshima? Ryouga: Anyone could have made that mistake! (While the two of them argue, Kasumi walks over to Akane) Kasumi: (quietly) Those two are such good friends. Akane: (dubiously, while watching Ranma and Ryouga start to fight) They don't sound like it... Kasumi: Oh, don't let this fool you... Ranma and Ryouga like to compete against each other. It's all a friendly rivalry. Uncle Saotome encourages it. Akane: (watching Ranma and Ryouga apparently trying very hard to kill each other) Uh-huh... Kasumi: They went to an all-boys school back in junior high together. Ryouga wants to be a martial artist someday, but his father and the rest of his family are apparently lost somewhere. He and Ranma used to fight at school and one day Ryouga challenged him to a duel. They fought here and it ended in a tie. Uncle thought he would be a good sparring partner for Ranma, so he took him on as a boarder. (The fight drags on for a few more minutes. Ranma is quicker and more dexterous, getting several hits through Ryouga's defenses. Ryouga, on the other hand, seems to have the greater strength and stamina, and can apparently take incredible amounts of punishment. However, Ranma was tired from sparring with Akane, while Ryouga was relatively fresh. Ryouga began to get the upper hand, when suddenly he left a opening that Ranma tried to take advantage of. It seemed, to Akane's eye, though, that it had just been a feint, because Ryouga reacted very quickly. However, to her confusion, the two of them both ended up on the floor, apparently beaten.) Kasumi: Their fights always end this way... when one seems to be getting the upper hand, they both take a fall and call it a tie. Akane: (confused) But... why? Kasumi: (smiling) I told you they were good friends.... (Akane just watches as they both help each other up.) Ryouga: I *pant* almost had you *gasp* that time... Ranma: (trying to catch his breath... this is his second workout this morning) In *wheeze* your *gasp* dreams... (Akane and Kasumi come up to the two. Ryouga looks up and notices Akane for the first time. His eyes glaze over slightly.) Ryouga: Wh... Ima... wha--? (he seems to be incapable of human speech at the moment) Kasumi: Ryouga-kun, I'd like you to meet my youngest sister, Akane. Akane, this is Ryouga Hibiki. Ryouga: (Still trying to remember how to speak) Humma... ah... er... (ah, this is it) Sister? Akane: (politely) Pleased to meet you. How do you do? (Ranma has been watching Ryouga suspiciously during this exchange, and a scowl crosses his face. Akane notices it and casts a quizzical look at him. Ranma seems embarrassed to be noticed by her and looks away.) Ryouga: (Remembering his manners) P-pleased to meet y-you, Akane. Kasumi: Father and Akane just returned from training in China a couple of days ago, Ryouga-kun. I'm afraid that we gave father your room for the time being. You can bunk with Ranma until we can find a better solution. That's OK, isn't it, Ranma? Ranma: (distracted) Huh? Oh, yeah... No prob. Ryouga: I'm s-sorry I wasn't here to meet you when you arrived, Akane-- (he suddenly stops and looked mortified) Oh, I shouldn't be so infor-- Akane: Oh, that's aright. You can call me Akane, if I can call you Ryouga, ok? Ryouga: (Dreamy look on his face) S-sure! Ranma: (thought) [What's with that dopey face?] Ryouga: (thought) [Gee, Akane sure is beautiful... I wonder if she has a boyfriend?] Kasumi: Ranma and Akane are engaged Ryouga-kun. Ryouga: (Suddenly wrenched from daydreams down to cold reality) WHAT?! Kasumi: Engaged. Ranma: (Dourly) As in getting married. Akane: (Glancing at Ranma in irritation) You don't have to act so overjoyed about it! Ranma: (heatedly) Hey, my pop and your father decided this! I didn't-- Akane: So?! It's just to satisfy their "honor!" It's not binding! Ranma: Good! Because I'd never want to marry such an uncute tomboy-- Akane: RANMA NO BAKA!!! (She punts Ranma into the sky. Then she storms out of the dojo, leaving Kasumi and Ryouga behind. Ryouga looks completely stunned.) Kasumi: They're so energetic. (she peers at the hole made by Ranma's departure) I wonder if Uncle wanted a skylight in the dojo? (turns to Ryouga) Would you like some lunch, Ryouga-kun? Ryouga: (still in shock) Yes... ********** Scene: The household is sitting down to lunch. Ryouga seems to have recovered his wits somewhat by now. Ranma is looking a little battered, and he and Akane are trading glares back and forth over the table. Nabiki is sitting sullenly by Akane, who doesn't seem to notice her sister's mood. Kasumi and Nodoka do notice, and trade worried glances. Genma and Soun- panda are playing Go by the garden. Ryouga gives the panda a startled glance but notices no one else seems to be concerned. He sits down at the table, giving the panda several nervous glances. Nodoka: Dear, it's lunchtime. Come and join us. Ryouga is back! Genma: (staring at the board, trying to concentrate. Looking at it, it seems that he and Soun-panda are very close to finishing and it could still go either way. But the smell of lunch seems to be distracting them both. They glance at each other, sweat forming on their brows) It's your move, Tendo-kun. (to Nodoka) In a minute, dear! Just as soon as I win! Soun-panda: (sign) {You don't think you can really win this, do you, Saotome-kun?} Genma: Make your move. (he glances at the lunch table, where the others are starting to eat.) Genma: (thought) [If I don't win soon, there won't be any food left!] Soun-panda: (thought) [If I don't win soon, there won't be any food left!] Growf! (sign, pointing behind Genma) {What in the world can that be?} (Genma looks. Soun-panda turns the board around.) Genma: (puzzled) I don't see anything. (glances at the board in puzzlement.) Soun-panda: (sign) {I could have sworn I saw... Well, never mind.} (He makes a move and then flips his sign around.) {Your turn, Saotome-kun.} Genma: (eyeing the board) Let's see... (suddenly looks shocked, focusing on something behind Soun-panda) Is that the Emperor's carriage? Soun-panda: (turning, while keeping a sign facing Genma) {Where?!} (Genma flips the board around while he looks. Soun-panda turns back, flipping his sign around as he does so.) {I don't see anything...} (he looks at Genma suspiciously) Growf? Genma: (looking innocent) I guess I was mistaken... (makes a move) Your turn. (Back at the table, the antics of the two men have not gone unnoticed.) Ranma: Don't those two ever quit? (gulping down more food) Nodoka: They both know the other is cheating. It balances out in the end. Ranma, be sure to leave some food for your father. Ranma: Mmmmghhle (His mouth is full, of course) Ryouga: (hesitantly) Akane, so you are engaged to... R-ranma? Akane: What? Oh, yeah. Seems Daddy and Uncle Saotome made a stupid promise a long time ago, and Ranma and I got stuck with it. It's nothing serious, though... (Ryouga looks hopeful at the last statement. Ranma, watching this, scowls again, this time more openly. Akane notices and sticks her tongue out him. She doesn't seem to notice Ryouga's reaction, though. Nodoka notices the interplay, but just smiles to herself and shakes her head.) ********** Scene: Later that day. Ranma and Ryouga are cleaning the dojo. Ranma is working around the Saotome shrine located in it, while Ryouga is sweeping the floor. He still seems somewhat spaced out. Ryouga: Ranma? Ranma: (A little curtly) What? Ryouga: What do you think about Akane? Ranma: Her? She's a violent, uncute tomboy, that's what she is. She's more likely to kill someone than kiss them. I mean, who would want to marry someone like that?! Ryouga: Oh, so that means that you don't intend to see the engagement through, right? Ranma: (Looks surprised) N-now, just a second-- Ryouga: (pursuing the topic) I mean, you just said that no one would want to marry someone like that... so you obviously have no plans to do so. Ranma: (getting angry) You're twisting my words around. I didn't say-- Ryouga: Oh YES, you DID! I heard it with these two ears! (he's starting to get a little loud as well.) Ranma: What, are YOU thinking of marrying her? Ha! You wouldn't stand a chance-- Ryouga: What?! And why not? Ranma: Listen, Ryouga. Stay AWAY from Akane! Ryouga: And who's going to stop me?! Ranma: Why you--! (drops into a fighting stance.) (Ryouga does the same. Soon, the dojo is filled with the sounds of fighting. We cut to the main house, where Akane is watching TV. She hears the sounds of the fight faintly and, curious, she gets up and walks toward it. To her, it sounds like someone is being mugged. Arriving at the dojo, she slides open the door...) Akane: WHAT is going on here?! (The dojo is a mess. In the short time they were fighting, Ranma and Ryouga scattered equipment all over the room, smashed wall screens and floor boards, and even managed to partially pull down one of the overhead fluorescent lights. The two of them are currently grappling, almost like sumo wrestlers, each trying to topple the other. They both stop (though they don't let go) and look up at Akane in shock.) Ryouga: A-akane... Ranma: Akane, we were just... um... Ryouga: (thinking quickly) ...fighting. (looks disgusted with himself) ...I mean-- Akane: I can SEE you were fighting! What brought this on? Ranma: He means we were sparring, yeah. (looks at Ryouga with a 'How stupid can you be?' look.) Ryouga: Yes, that's what I meant. (The two of them smile (falsely) at each other and back off, each giving the other a very perfunctory bow.) Akane: (not convinced) I've seen you guys spar. You were out for blood this time! Now, why?! Ranma: (looks at Ryouga, who seems to have forgotten how to communicate and is about to die of embarrassment. He sighs and takes the fall.) Well, I was telling Ryouga here about what an uncute tomboy you were and-- Akane: (slugging Ranma) RANMA NO BAKA! (she storms off) Ryouga: (unheard, left behind in her wake) Um... Akane? (He looks down at his feet.) ********** Scene: Monday morning. Akane, Nabiki, Ranma and Ryouga are all running off to school. Ryouga is in the lead slightly, and every now and then one of the others keeps him from going off the wrong way. They are almost to the school. Ranma and Ryouga look somewhat battered and very tired. Nabiki is carrying a large thermos with her lunch. Akane: (irritably, to Ranma and Ryouga) Were you two fighting again last night? Ranma: (sleepily) Huh? Oh, no... just couldn't fall asleep. *yawn* (Ryouga mean while is doddering in the wrong direction again. Nabiki spins him around, pointing him back towards the school.) (Soon the school gates are looming before them. Ranma looks at them and heaves a big sigh. Then they enter the school grounds. On cue, the horde of students charges Ranma. Nabiki quickly moves away, but Ryouga accidently turns into the path of the crowd. They stampede over them, all of them somehow managing to step on his head. Ranma, meanwhile, wearily takes up a fighting stance. Suddenly Akane is in front of him.) Akane: OK, STOP RIGHT THERE! Mob: (screeching to a halt) HUH? Akane: This has gone on long enough! I'll fight all of you and if I win, you'll stop this stupidity! (The horde's mob mentality seems to find this acceptable and charges her, despite Ranma's complaints. Akane tears through them in mere minutes. She slams a few into the pavement, knocks other unconscious, and performs various crippling maneuvers on still more of them. Soon, the members of the mob are either lying unconscious on the ground, or crawling pitifully away.) Akane: And no matter what *Kunou-sempai* (very sarcastic) says, if you do this again, you'll have to face ME! (the remains of the mob quickly head for the hills) Ranma: (getting over his amazement at how she fought) BAKA! I could have handled them! Akane: (turning on him) Ha! You can barely keep your eyes open! You could at least say thank you! Ranma: I told you, don't butt in on my fights! (Suddenly, another voice intrudes upon them) Voice: So, my goddess has defeated my minions and sent them running. I would expect no less of her, for her skill doth make the very heavens weep in awe. (Kunou steps forward, bokuto held ready. Nabiki, off to the side, looks disgusted.) Akane: (quietly) Oh, not again. Ranma: (in a very vehement tone) Listen, you jerk! She's not yours! Akane: (looking at Ranma in surprise) Ranma? Ranma: (not noticing her) You stay AWAY from Akane, Kunou! Kunou: (Looking at Ranma as a man deigning to take notice of a gnat) You shall address me as sempai, Saotome. Ranma: In your dreams! Kunou: No matter how much thou doth protest, there is nothing you can do to prevent me from seeing my goddess, the lovely Akane Tendo. Ranma: Oh, yeah! Just try me! Nabiki: (getting her thermos ready) There's a cue if ever I heard one. (She throws the contents of her thermos at Akane. It was full of ice water.) Akane: (turning towards Nabiki in shock) AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! (The scream turns deeper as she turns into Akane-kun. Soon, a boy is standing there in a female school uniform, dripping wet and with a look of shock on his face. Nabiki is smiling smugly, and Ranma and Kunou have watched in shock.) Ranma: A-akane. Akane-kun: (looking at himself in shock) No! No! NO-NO-NO-NO-NO!!!!! Kunou: Saotome! You sorcerer! How DARE you turn my goddess into a MAN just to keep her from me! I shall smite thee!! Ranma: (turning back to Kunou in shock) What?! Akane-kun: (turning towards Kunou in shock) What!? Nabiki: (turning towards Kunou in shock) WHAT!? (Kunou attacks ferociously. Ranma, caught by surprise, takes a blow to his midsection and grits his teeth in pain. He then begins to counter-attack. The two are in a frenzy, blows and parries being exchanged almost too fast for one to see.) Kunou: Change my goddess back, and I shall spare your wretched life, foul sorcerer! Ranma: You idiot!! What makes you think I'M responsible for that! (Kunou presses every advantage he can find, and soon he is looming over Ranma, sword raised.) Kunou: Now I, Tatewaki Kunou, the Blue Thunder of Furi--URK (Ranma has knocked Kunou's legs out from under him. As Kunou falls, Ranma rolls out of the way. Kunou hits the ground chin-first and is knocked out.) Ranma: (panting) What an idiot. (turning toward Nabiki and the still shocked Akane-kun) Nabiki! Why did you do that?! Nabiki: (glaring at Ranma and Akane-kun) Just go and find your FIANCEE some hot water, Ranma. YOU wouldn't understand. (Nabiki walks over to Kunou and sits by him, cradling his head in her lap. She looks up to see Ranma staring at her.) Just GO! Ranma: Uh, right... (he goes over to Akane-kun and grabs his arm) C'mon, let's get you home before anyone notices. (He tugs at him, but Akane-kun is still in shock) C'mon, Akane, hurry it up. Akane-kun: R-ranma? (He looks up at Ranma, fear in his eyes. Ranma managed a small smile. Akane-kun lets himself be led away.) Nabiki: (watches them go and then turns to Kunou) Maybe you're right, Kunou-baby... maybe there is a spell involved. Ryouga: (waking up from being stampeded) Wha... what happened? Nabiki: Don't worry about it, Ryouga... Akane beat them all up. Ryouga: (dreamily) Ah... Akane (falls unconscious again) Nabiki: (bitterly) Great, she's gotten to you as well. (She looks down at Kunou, tears filling her eyes.) ********** Scene: The rooftops of Nerima. Ranma is hopping from rooftop to rooftop, so fewer people see Akane-kun, who is just clutching him. Ranma seems a bit embarrassed to have a guy, in a dress, holding onto him like that, but he seems more concerned for Akane-kun at the moment. He gets tired soon, though, and they stop to rest on a rooftop. Ranma: (trying to cheer Akane-kun up) Don't worry, I think only Kunou saw you... and no one would believe him if he started spouting all of that nonsense. Akane-kun: (softly) R-ranma... thank you. Ranma: (nervously) Now, don't get the wrong idea... it's not because I-- (the words stick in his throat. He clears it and then continues) Anyhow, let's get home and get you some hot water... (Akane-kun nods. The two start roof-hopping together. Soon they reach the Saotome home. Nodoka is in the kitchen when they show up.) Nodoka: Ranma! Akane?! What happened? Ranma: Um... Akane had a little accident. Not many people saw, fortunately, but we had to get her home before people noticed... Nodoka: (thoughtfully) I should have considered this sort of thing sooner. Akane, I'll boil some hot water for you. Akane-kun: (gratefully) Thanks. (Nodoka goes and puts a kettle on, and then heads for the phone. She calls someone and speaks to them for a few moments, and then returns to the kitchen.) Nodoka: Now, how exactly did this happen? Akane-kun: (viciously) It was Nabiki! She threw ice water on me while Ranma was fighting Kunou! Nodoka: (sadly) Nabiki... I see. (she sighs) Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later... Ranma: What? Nodoka: Ranma, dear... if you haven't noticed it, I can't tell you... Ranma: (apparently struggling with an unbelievable concept) You mean... Nabiki is jealous of Akane? Because of KUNOU? (told you it was unbelievable :) Nodoka: Do you blame her? Akane-kun: But... it's not my fault! She can HAVE him! He won't leave me alone, THAT's the problem! Nodoka: I suspect she was trying to get him to leave you alone.... Did it work? Ranma: Ah, well... Kunou can be-- Akane-kun: --dumber than a rock. Nodoka: (sighs again) Akane, I'm going to move your futon and clothes into Kasumi's room. I think that will help keep the friction to a minimum. Akane-kun: But what are we going to do about Nabiki? Nodoka: (looks up at Ranma) Ranma, can you leave us alone for a minute? Ranma: Huh? Oh, yeah... (he leaves) Nodoka: Akane, you and Nabiki will have to settle this. Nabiki doesn't really hate you, but she hates what you have done, whether you meant to or not. Punishing her won't solve the problem. Akane-kun: Yes, auntie. Nodoka: Anyhow, I'm going to start sending you to school with a thermos of hot water. That should help if you have anymore "accidents." I'll give Ranma one as well. Also, I'll ask Kasumi to get Dr. Tofu to write you a note explaining that a "bizarre medical condition" makes it impossible to wear the school uniform. That way, you can at least make it home without being arrested. (The kettle starts whistling) There's the hot water. Promise me that you'll try to make peace with Nabiki, OK? Akane-kun: (sighing) Yes, auntie. (thought:) [Well, it can't get any worse...] [End Part 3] [Part 4] Scene: Nabiki's room, a week or two later. Nabiki is sitting on her bed and looks tired and depressed. A quiet rap comes from the window. Looking up, she sees Sasuke. She opens the window, letting in a blast of chilly air. Sasuke: (bowing low to the floor) Mistress Nabiki. I have come as you requested. Nabiki: Sasuke, I have a job for you. Sasuke: I live to serve you, Mistress, in the hopes you will one day mar-- Nabiki: Enough! (she glares at him) I don't want to talk about HIM today. My plans involve another member of the Kunou line. Sasuke: (paling) Not Mistress Kodachi--?! Nabiki: (smirking) Exactly. Tell me, is she still going to compete in the Rhythmic Gymnastics tournament against Furinkan? Sasuke: Of course. She always does. Nabiki: Excellent. You will help her take out her opponents before the match-- Sasuke: Mistress Kodachi prefers to do that on her own. She... enjoys it. Nabiki: (considering it) No matter. (She hands him a large envelope) Afterwards, I want you to deliver this to the head of the Furinkan High Rhythmic Gymnastics team. Make sure that no one sees you. I don't want any evidence linking us to this. Sasuke: (taking the envelope) Hai! Nabiki: You may go, Sasuke. (He opens the window and leaps out. Nabiki sits by her desk and twirls something absently. Looking closer, we see it is a black rose...) ********** Scene: We cut to a series of scenes showing a dark-haired woman in a leotard ambushing girls from the Furinkan High Rhythmic Gymnastics team. She attacks them at night in their homes, at school, even in the bath, using mallets, poisons and other under-handed tricks. Then we see the captain of the Gymnastics team looking at a large envelope that she found in her room. She opens it, blanches at several photos she finds in it, and then reads a small note. Finally, we cut to the Saotome Dojo, where Ranma and Akane are sparring again. Ranma: (Dodging a series of blows) I wonder where Ryouga has gotten to? (He launches a counter-strike. He apparently has gotten over his reticence to attack Akane. Both of their styles have changed slightly, with Ranma going on the offensive more often, and Akane working more on her defense. While Akane has more skill, it seems Ranma has a great deal of raw talent, and he is developing it.) Akane: (determined to not let Ranma get TOO good) Who knows? He'll be back... eventually. Ranma: (tries a feint, but Akane doesn't fall for it) What... *dodge* what do you think about him? Akane: (grabs Ranma and tries to flip him. He rolls with it and leaps to his feet.) I like him. (We can't see Ranma's face at this) But I wish you two wouldn't keep fighting like you do. Ranma: (turning back to Akane) You like him, huh? (His next attack is not as quick as before, and Akane takes advantage of it. A sweeping kick takes Ranma by surprise and drops him on his back.) Akane: (grinning at him) What, are you jealous, wimp? (She sticks her tongue out at him.) Ranma: .... (lashes out with a kick of his own. Akane falls on top of him.) Oof! (Akane and Ranma lie there for a long minute. Then they both get up and begin to towel off, not looking at each other. Then they both start speaking at once:) Akane: Ranma, I-- Ranma: Akane-- (They stop and look at each other.) Ranma: Go ahead. Akane: No, you can go first. (Nodoka enters the dojo from the main house.) Nodoka: (not noticing their uncomfortable looks) Oh, good. You're done sparring. Akane, you have a visitor. Akane: (surprised) -I- have a visitor? Who is it? (scowls) It's not Kunou again, is it? Nodoka: Her name is Akiko Shumatori. She says she's the captain of the Furinkan High Rhythmic Gymnastics team. Akane and Ranma: ??? ********** Scene: The Saotome dining room. Akiko, a very pretty brunette, is sitting by the table, drinking some tea, and has apparently had some sort of accident, because she is covered in bandages. She looks up as Nodoka, Akane and Ranma enter. Akiko: Thank you for the tea, Saotome-san. Oh, good afternoon, Akane Tendo. (She bows her head demurely as Ranma enters) Good afternoon, Ranma-san. (Ranma looks uncomfortable. Akane looks at him in irritation.) Nodoka: Think nothing of it. (She moves toward the kitchen) Well, I'll leave you three alone. Don't worry about the cups. I'll clean them up later. Akiko: Thank you. (Nodoka enters the kitchen. Akiko turns to Akane.) Akane Tendo, I have come to ask a favor of you. Akane: (blinking in surprise) A favor? Akiko: Yes. (She looks downcast) The entire Furinkan Rhythmic Gymnastics team has been ambushed by our rivals from St. Hebereke School for Girls. We have no one left who can compete in the upcoming match with them. Akane: The whole team? (She looks at Ranma, who is just as surprised as she is) Akiko: (pleading) I am here to ask you to take our place at the match. (She bows her head.) Akane: But-but I don't know anything about Rhythmic Gymnastics! Surely someone else-- Akiko: Everyone who knew any Rhythmic Gymnastics has been attacked! But you're the best mar--(She glances at Ranma)--best female martial artist in the school! Please, you're our only hope! Akane: Well, then... I'll do it. I'll show those cheaters! Akiko: Oh, thank you! (She looks quite relieved.) I'll see that you get the necessary equipment. (She stands) I really must be going now. Thank you for the hospitality. (As she leaves, she fixes Ranma with a sultry look. He blushes and looks away. Akane notices this and starts to look irritated.) Akane: And what was all that about? Ranma: Huh? You heard her, she wants-- Akane: No! I mean those looks she was giving you! Ranma: Aw, it was nothin'. Some of the girls in my class are always after me. No need to get jealous over it. Akane: (steaming) I AM NOT JEALOUS!! (She pounds Ranma into the floor) ********** Scene: The Kunou Family Mansion. The black-haired girl who was ambushing the Furinkan team is sitting before a mirror, combing her wet hair. Apparently, she just got out of the shower and is wearing only a towel loosely wrapped around her body. Sasuke is kneeling just around the corner of the room, out of sight. Girl: (still combing) What do you have to report, Sasuke? Sasuke: (fawningly) Mistress Kodachi, the Furinkan Gymnastics Team has chosen a substitute to compete with your eminence at the match. Kodachi (Girl): Oh, ho... so they want to match wits with the Black Rose, eh? (She smiles evilly at her reflection) What sore losers they are. No matter, I shall deal with this substitute! (She starts cackling insanely. Sasuke shivers slightly. Finishing with her hair, Kodachi stands and walks over to Sasuke, still cackling. Finally, she stops.) And what is this substitute's name, worm? Sasuke: (not daring to look up) Akane Tendo, Mistress. Kodachi: Akane Tendo, eh? Well, we'll see about her! (She drops her towel on the still kneeling Sasuke and leaves. Sasuke simply squats there, afraid to remove it.) Sasuke: (thought:) [At least with Mistress Nabiki, I don't have to put up with this. I hope she does marry Master Kunou and becomes head of this household. Then I won't have so many problems!] (He decides to risk a peek to see if it is safe. As he raises the towel ever so slightly, a gymnastics pin flies toward him and hits him squarely on the head. KLUNK!) Ow! Kodachi: (who is wearing a second towel that had been hidden under the first) No peeking! (Cackling again.) ********** Scene: The Saotome Dojo at night. Ranma and Akane are inside. Akane is wearing her red satin outfit, while Ranma is wearing normal clothes, a light blue shirt and pants. Around Akane is a collection of Rhythmic Gymnastics tools: Hoops, ribbons, pins, and balls. Ranma: I wonder why Akiko chose you to do this... Akane: (looking at him crossly) You heard her reasons. Ranma: Yeah, but it still bugs me... I mean, look how quickly it all worked out. She was over here the day after the entire team got ambushed... that's pretty quick. Akane: That doesn't prove anything. Anyhow, how come you're so suspicious? Ranma: (chuckling) Comes from growing up with Nabiki... she was always one for practical jokes... (he trails off and seems to be considering something, but then shakes his head, dismissing it) (Akane launches herself into a gymnastics routine using the hoop. Ranma watches her for a while and notices that she seems troubled.) Ranma: Hey, what's the matter? Akane: It's... Nabiki. I wish she wasn't so upset with me. Ranma: (agreeing quietly) Yeah. Akane: It's not like Kunou's any great prize! (She looks down at her feet, thinking) I've felt so at home here... Ranma: Huh? Akane: You've all made me feel like a part of the family. Auntie's like Mom was... what I remember of her, at least. And Kasumi is so nice. And Ryouga's like a brother... (Ranma seems to perk up a little at that) I've been on the road with Father so long, I had forgotten what this was like. (She looks up at Ranma, who meets her gaze) Ranma: Akane, I... er, that is... (struggles with himself for a moment then turns away) I think you better keep practicing. The match is in a week, remember? (Thought:) [Aw, geez... why'd I go and wimp out like that?] (Akane is looking sadly at him, though he can't see it, and then goes back to work) ********** Scene: Kasumi and Akane's room. Kasumi's bed is up against one wall, and Akane's futon is on the floor. Akane comes in, with a tray of bathroom implements and wearing her pajamas. Kasumi is sitting at her desk, studying. Kasumi: (looking up) Going to bed already, Akane? (She starts gathering her books and her notes) Akane: (yawning) Yep... I'm bushed. Kasumi: (getting up) I'll go and study in the dining room then. (She walks to the door.) Good night! Akane: Good night... oneechan. (Kasumi smiles at Akane and then leaves. Akane falls down onto her futon.) Akane: Gah... what was I thinking, agreeing to a gymnastics match? (She closes her eyes and turns over onto her back) I must have been... (She opens her eyes. Kodachi is clinging to the roof supports overhead and has a huge mallet) ...crazy... Kodachi: (falling towards Akane mallet-first) Akane Tendo, prepare to DIE!!! (Akane flips over backwards, avoiding the mallet which demolishes her futon, and takes up a fighting stance. She then aims a kick at Kodachi's head. Kodachi falls back to avoid the kick and pulls out a ribbon.) Akane: (thought:) [This must be the one who ambushed the team...] (aloud:) WHO are you?! And WHAT are you doing in my room?! Kodachi: (idly twirling her ribbon) I'm Kodachi, the Black Rose. I am to be your opponent next week in the gymnastics tournament. Now, let's be sportsmanlike about this and... (she launches her ribbon at Akane, cracking it like it was a whip) ... FIGHT FAIR! Akane: (incensed) And HOW can you call AMBUSHING me in the middle of the night FIGHTING FAIR, you CHEATER?! Kodachi: Cheater? I simply believe in fighting fairly... BEFORE the fight! (Akane charges Kodachi, who uses her ribbon to tie Akane up. Akane keeps moving forward, though, crashing into Kodachi, who falls, dropping the ribbon. Akane grabs Kodachi.) Akane: GET OUT OF MY ROOM! (*POW* Akane sends Kodachi flying out the window. Ranma then bursts in.) Ranma: Akane! What's going on? I heard fighting... (he looks around the partially demolished room) ...in here. Akane: (breathing heavily) My opponent... for next week... decided to... pay me a visit. I... threw her... out the window. (She grins at Ranma.) Ranma: Whoa... (Meanwhile, Kodachi has reached the height of her arc and is now plummeting toward the streets below, where a very familiar figure is walking.) Ryouga: (walking in the street) Where is that dojo?! It must be around here somewhere! (he looks up and sees a female figure with long black hair plummeting toward him.) Akane? (Suddenly he realizes what he is seeing, or thinks he sees) Akane!! I'm coming! (Ryouga leaps into the air and catches Kodachi. Unfortunately, he lands a little off course, crashing into a small wooded area. Ryouga turns them so he takes the brunt of the landing.) Ryouga: Owowowow.... (he feels himself for injuries, but he doesn't seem too badly hurt.) Well, that's something... Akane!! How is she? (Ryouga turns Kodachi over and realizes that it is NOT Akane. He looks disappointed, but tries to administer some first aid to the semi-conscious Kodachi) Ryouga: (thought:) [I wonder who she is? She's pretty...] (stops himself) [No! I love Akane! I must not let myself be sidetracked!] (Kodachi has regained consciousness by now. She stares at Ryouga as he tries to help her.) Kodachi: (thought:) [What a man... *sigh* and I thought I might never find Mr. Right...] Ryouga: (noticing that she's coming around) Are you OK, miss? Kodachi: (moaning exaggeratedly) Ohhhhh... what happened to me? Ryouga: Well... you were falling... I caught you... Kodachi: (sitting up) You did? Oh, thank you, kind sir. (She looks him over suggestively, batting her eyelids) Surely you must be a brave warrior of some type... Ryouga: (blushing bright red) Er... that is... I... um... Kodachi: What is your name, sir? Ryouga: Um... Hibiki. Ryouga Hibiki. Kodachi: Oh, Ryouga-sama.... (grabbing Ryouga tightly) hold me! I was so scared! Ryouga: (sweating big time now) Um... I guess... I mean... maybe I should get you home... that is... Kodachi: (looking into Ryouga's eyes) Oh, could you? Lead on, kind sir. Ryouga: Lead? (He looks worried.) Ah... well, I think it's this way... (Ryouga tries to stand, but Kodachi won't let go of him, making him carry her. Ryouga stumbles a little as he adjusts his load, then heads off into the woods, not realizing that Nerima lies in the opposite direction. Kodachi snuggles close to him, making him feel very uncomfortable.) ********** Scene: A couple of days later, at the Kunou family mansion. Kunou is sitting behind a large desk, perusing pictures of Akane. They are rather poorly taken. Sasuke is kneeling before desk. Kunou: Well, servant? Has thou found my sister yet?! Sasuke: (groveling) No, Master. Mistress Kodachi is nowhere to be found. I have scoured the city, but no one knows where she might be. She was last seen at... (Sasuke trails off, cursing himself for letting that slip out.) (thought:) [Maybe Master Kunou won't notice] Kunou: Last seen WHERE, my good Sasuke?! Sasuke: (still groveling, exactly as he was taught by his sensei) At the Saotome Dojo, Master. Kunou: (musing) The Saotome Dojo? What could she want there...? (Suddenly, he sits upright) She is in great peril!! Sasuke, how could you let these events come to pass?! Sasuke: Peril, Master? Kunou: (standing and pacing around the room) Know you not that Ranma Saotome is a sorcerer of great skill, whose evil nature dictates acts of supreme wickedness? (He stands before a large window, looking nobly out onto the world) Such a foul creature has not walked the face of this earth for millennia. But I have seen through to his base heart, and I shall not bow my head nor bend my knee to his ilk willingly! Thus swears the Blue Thunder! (He raises his bokuto and lightning flashes) Sasuke: (having trouble dissecting that speech) A... sorcerer, Master? Kunou: With mine own eyes, I have seen him enchant my goddess, the lovely Akane Tendo, replacing her delicate femininity with a body of gross masculine proportions. He has worked some further charm on her, making her blind to my love. But, I shall overcome him! Sasuke: (surreptitiously rolling his eyes) Yes, Master. Kunou: Come, Sasuke. We must make haste for the Saotome Dojo, where I-- urk! (His mouth drops open and he stares at the door) (Kodachi has entered the room, wearing a demure yellow dress. She looks very, very happy, and is idly smelling a black rose. Her pony-tail is now tied with a yellow-and-black bandanna... one of Ryouga's infinite supply.) Kunou: (shocked) S-sister?! Is that you? Kodachi: (dreamily) Oh, yes... Hello, my brother. Hello, Sasuke. (Both Kunou and Sasuke watch her in amazement. Kunou tries to question her.) Kunou: Sister, where have you been? I was worried that the accursed Ranma Saotome had done something unspeakable to you! Kodachi: (sniffing at the flower idly) Who? Oh, no... I've just met the most incredible man... (She smiles to herself as she hands Kunou a small bag) Here, brother, dear... I stopped by the kitchen and baked you something. (She moves towards the door) It's such a nice day out, I think I'll go for a walk... (she begins to laugh. It is a joyful and pleasant laugh, quite unlike her usual cackle. Kunou and Sasuke just stand and watch her skip out) Kunou: My sister? In love...? MY sister? (He opens the bag, pulls out a cookie, and tests it gingerly) Hmm.... no arsenic or cyanide... no acids hidden in the chips... Is that hemlock? No... Nightshade...? (He looks at the cookie in horror.) Sasuke... there's NO poison in this! (Sasuke looks like someone has run him over with a truck.) Kunou: What foul sorcery has Saotome enacted on my sister?! Sasuke! Go, and find out! (takes another bite of the cookie) But no need to hurry... Sasuke: Hai! (leaves) ********** Scene: It is the day of the gymnastics tournament. Akane and Ranma are by the ring. Akane is warming up while Ranma is apparently acting as her coach. They are looking around warily, as if expecting to be attacked. Standing nearby is Ryouga, who looks extremely guilty about something. Ranma: (to Akane) I don't get it... Kodachi stages one surprise ambush... and then nothing! What's she up to? Akane: (seething slightly at the memory of the attack) I don't know, but I'm going to get her but good today! Ryouga: .... Ranma: (looking at Ryouga) What's eating you? Ryouga: Huh? Ah... nothing... nothing at all... (The referee takes the stage and announces Akane to the audience and they receive a loud ovation from the Furinkan High crowd. Then the referee moves on.) Referee: And in this corner.... Kodachi Kunou!!!! (Kodachi leaps into the ring, wearing her leotard and having her pony-tail tied with one of Ryouga's bandannas. Ryouga looks mortified. Ranma and Akane are shocked, and then they look at Ryouga. Ryouga shrinks back a bit. There is a thunderous ovation for Kodachi.) Ranma: (to Akane) Something's up, but I don't know what... Be careful. In the meantime, I'm going to have a few words with Ryouga... Kodachi: (loudly) Ryou-sama! (she waves at Ryouga, who looks like he just wants to vanish. The crowd from St. Hebereke starts to murmur.) Ranma and Akane: RYOU-SAMA??!! (The match begins. While Akane fights Kodachi, Ranma confronts Ryouga.) Ranma: OK, Ryouga... (grabs him by the shirt) WHAT DID YOU DO?! Ryouga: Nothing! I just happened to meet her... she was falling from the sky... I saved her... (We begin to see a series of scenes: Ryouga and Kodachi hiking along, looking for the Kunou Mansion. They spend a lot of time talking. Kodachi seems quite smitten with Ryouga.) Ryouga: (hiking along, helping Kodachi over some rough ground) I don't understand... it should be somewhere around here... (Kodachi looks around and sees a road nearby through the trees, along with a sign. The sign reads: Kyoto 20 km. Kodachi smiles to herself and follows Ryouga.) Kodachi: Lead on, Ryou-sama! (She smiles as he blushes.) (Later, they are sitting around a campfire. Kodachi is cooking something for Ryouga. When it's ready, she offers it to him and kneels nearby. Ryouga takes a bite.) Ryouga: Hmmmm.... it's good! (Kodachi looks overjoyed. Ryouga blushes again.) Please, have some. (Ryouga tries to give her the plate, but Kodachi refuses, only taking a few bites.) (After the meal, they sit around the campfire, talking:) Ryouga: (sadly) So you live alone with your brother? Kodachi: We have servants who look after the mundane things. Our mother died when I was very young, and father has been missing for a long time now. (She looks down at her feet.) (Ryouga reaches out to reassure her. She smiles genuinely at him, causing him to blush and turn away.) Ryouga: Don't worry... I'll get you home... (mutters to himself) someday... Kodachi: Oh, thank you, Ryou-sama! (She snuggles next to him. After several extremely uncomfortable minutes for Ryouga, she speaks again.) What do you do, Ryou-sama? Ryouga: (Very conscious of her nearness) Um, ah... I study kenpo at the Saotome Dojo... when I can find it, that is... Kodachi: The Saotome Dojo? Ryouga: Yes. Do you know of it? Kodachi: (a little angrily) A wench named Akane Tendo threw me from its window when I was attempting to fight her. Ryouga: You... attacked Akane?! Kodachi: (matter-of-factly) Of course. We are supposed to meet at the Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics match in a few days. Ryouga: But... why did you attack her? Kodachi: So I could win, of course. Ryouga: You mean you ambush people before a match, just so you can make sure you win? Kodachi: (hanging on his every word) Of course. Winning is everything. Ryouga: (standing, looking grim) But... but that's WRONG! Kodachi: (looking puzzled) Why? Ryouga: It's not honorable! Only by winning through honest effort can one truly gain respect and glory... Winning by any other means is an empty victory, without any substance. It does no one any good. (Ryouga looks quite noble for a moment, and Kodachi is looking up at him in adoration.) Kodachi: (drawing close to him) I would change for you, Ryou-sama... (draping herself over his body) just for you... (her face moves closer to his. The scene fades back to the present.) Ranma: You KISSED her? KODACHI? Ryouga: Shhhhhhh!!! Do you want Akane to hear? No, I didn't... I mean, yes... well, it sorta... um... Ranma: What were you two hiking out in the woods for, anyway? Ryouga: I offered to take her home... Ranma: Figures... (he looks back at the fight. Akane and Kodachi are still going at it, but something seems wrong. The St. Hebereke crowd is muttering and seems to be in shock. Slowly, it dawns on Ranma that Kodachi is fighting fairly... no tricks, no sneak attacks. And it looks like her greater familiarity with the gymnastics tools is making up for Akane's skill.) I don't believe it... Kunou: (running up) SA-O-TO-ME!!! What spell have you cast on my sister?!?!?!?! Ranma: Oh, not NOW, Kunou! (*BAM* Kunou goes flying. Ranma turns to Ryouga) So what are you going to do about this, -Ryou-sama-? Ryouga: (hanging his head) I don't know... she's pretty... she honestly cares about me... but I love Akane, too... (he stops and looks even more confused) Ranma: (softening) Look, we'll figure something out? In the meantime, let's just watch the match, OK? Ryouga: OK... Kunou: (in the distance) SAOTOME!!! Ranma: (sighing) Why do I even bother? [End part 4] [Part 5] Scene: The Saotome Dojo. Akane is sitting in the middle of the room, with her knees tucked in to her chin. She is staring at the Saotome family shrine morosely. Ranma sticks his head in and sees her sitting there. Ranma: (looking at her in concern) Akane, it's dinnertime! (She doesn't move. Ranma gets exasperated) C'mon, you're not going to sit around mopin' all day, are you? Akane: (dully) Who says I'm moping? Ranma: (coming over to her) Cheer up, Akane. It's not that bad. I mean, Kodachi did know the tools better than you and she didn't cheat at all. You did pretty well, all things considered. Akane: I still lost the match... Ranma: Well, these things happen. You didn't see me boo-hooing my eyes out after you beat me, did you? (he takes up a fighting stance.) I'm ready! Akane: (angrily) I am not crying, you insensitive jerk! (She gets up and aims a kick at his head. He dodges it easily and sends a flurry of blows at her in return, which she also dodges.) Ranma: (taunting) My, how uncute of you... I guess a tomboy can never really change--URK!! (Akane got a good hit through Ranma's defenses and clobbers him.) Akane: Just shut up! (Suddenly a loud crash is heard and one of the dojo walls comes crashing down. The two of them spin around to see a female figure with long purple hair and wearing traditional Chinese clothes. Sunlight streaming in the hole glints evilly off the two bonbori (maces with spheres on top) the figure wields.) Female: (leveling a bonbori at Akane) Akane! I kill! Akane: (Looking very surprised) Sh-shampoo! Ranma: (Looking confused) Huh? Akane, is this really the time to be thinking of a bath? (Meanwhile, the female (Shampoo) charges Akane. Akane dodges out of the way of the bonbori aimed at her head. Ranma comes out of his daze.) Ranma: Hey! Wait a moment! (He tries to disarm Shampoo. She backhands him with the bonbori without a second glance. He goes flying into the wall.) Oof! Akane: (still dodging Shampoo) You are one person I just CAN'T deal with, Shampoo! (Akane unleashes a hail of blows on Shampoo, forcing her back. Then she leaps over Shampoo and out the wall. Shampoo spins around, looking very angry.) Shampoo: (shouting) YOU NO RUN, AKANE! (She leaps out the hole after Akane.) Ranma: (getting groggily to his feet.) Uh, what was that all about? (He looks out the hole.) Akane! (He charges out.) (It's quite obvious which way Shampoo went. There is a path of demolished walls leading away from the dojo. Ranma is about to follow it when he hears something.) Voice: Pssst! (Ranma looks around) Up here, dummy! (Ranma looks up on the roof of the dojo and sees Akane.) Ranma: What are you doing up there, Akane? Akane: Shhhh! Not so loud! Shampoo might come back! Ranma: You mean that crazy chick is named Shampoo? (He starts to laugh) Akane: It's no laughing matter, Ranma! She wants to kill me! Ranma: (sobering up) Why? Akane: Well, she's from some remote tribe of Chinese Amazons-- Ranma: Amazons? In China? Akane: Yeah... seems they've kept their traditional ways despite communism and all. Anyhow, I defeated her in a martial arts match and she's been hunting me down to kill me ever since! Ranma: A real sore loser, huh? Akane: (irritated) Would you get serious! They have a law that says if one of their women is beaten by an outsider, they have to hunt that outsider to the ends of the earth and kill her! Ranma: Geez... what made you fight her, then? Akane: (looking embarrassed) Well, they were having a tournament and Dad and I... (she mumbles) ay da fuhs prz. Ranma: What? Akane: (Still mumbling) Ayt ta fuhst priz. Ranma: I can't make out a thing you're saying... Akane: WE ATE THE FIRST PRIZE, OK?!!! Ranma: Ow! OK, I hear you! Sheesh! Akane: We thought it was a buffet or something. Shampoo had just won the tournament and was very angry. I offered to work to pay it back, but Dad said that if I defeated Shampoo, there would be no problem. Shampoo accepted and before I knew it, I had to fight her! After I beat her, she came up and... Ranma: What? Akane: (looking embarrassed) She kissed me. Ranma: Were you a guy at the time? Akane: (looking even more embarrassed) No... Ranma: You mean she's a... Akane: No! Our guide said it was the Kiss of Death! They use it to tell someone they will kill them! And she's been trailing me and Dad ever since! Ranma: Oh... so, what are we going to do? She'll be back here sooner or later. Akane: (looking miserable) I don't know... Ranma: Wait a sec... I got an idea. ********** Scene: The Saotome Dining room. The whole family is gathered around the table. Akane is in her male form, looking extremely uncomfortable. Nodoka is putting food on the table. Suddenly a voice can be heard. Voice: Hello? Is anyone home? Nodoka: Oh, we have guests. (She leaves and comes back with an embarrassed-looking Ryouga. The source of his embarrassment is quite obvious, because Kodachi is holding onto his left arm and leaning against him. He is dressed as he normally is, and she is wearing a black dress and one of his bandannas. Kodachi goggles momentarily at Soun-panda, who is calmly sipping his tea.) Ryouga: Sorry to interrupt your meal... I hope you w-won't mind i-if Kodachi stays for d-dinner. Nodoka: Of course we don't mind. I made plenty of food. (Soun-panda and Genma look around the table and don't seem happy with the sudden division of food.) Please, have a seat. Kodachi: (practically gushing all over poor Ryouga) Oh, thank you, Saotome-san! (She leads Ryouga over to the table. Then she looks at Akane-kun.) Oh, I don't think we've been introduced. Ranma: Hmmm? Why, that's Aka... (he suddenly looks like he wants to swallow his tongue. Akane-kun glares at him) ...Ka-ka-kaneda! Yeah. Sh- --He's a friend of mine who will be staying with us for a little while. Kodachi: I'm so pleased to meet you, Kaneda! I am Kodachi Kunou, Ryou- sama's girlfriend. (Ryouga looks even more uncomfortable, though he says nothing to dispute the claim.) Ryouga: (looking around) Where's... uh, I mean.... where's Akane? Ranma: (blurting it out) She's gone! I mean-- Ryouga: (getting that angry glint in his eye) Did you do something to Akane, Ranma?! Ranma: (defensively) What? Me? No, I-- Nodoka: (Calmly) She just went on a training mission. Ryouga, aren't you going to introduce yourself to our guest? Ryouga: Huh? Oh, I'm sorry. I am Ryouga Hibiki. Pleased to meet you. "Kaneda" (Akane-kun): Likewise. Kodachi: I'm so sorry Akane isn't here. I wanted to congratulate her on doing so well at the match. I don't want there to be any hard feelings between us. Ranma: Doing well? But she lost--oof! (Akane-kun has surreptitiously elbowed him... hard) Kodachi: Yes, but for someone who hadn't fought with martial arts gymnastics tools before, she did very well. I haven't had such a fight in a long time. (She snuggles closer to Ryouga) And it's all because of my darling Ryou-sama. (Ranma is trying not to smirk at Ryouga, who has turned bright red. Ryouga notices and glares at him. Meanwhile, Nodoka has served the food.) Akane-kun: (leaning over to Ranma and whispering) Kaneda? Ranma: (whispering back) I had to say something! And what's wrong with Kaneda? (Meanwhile, Nabiki, who looks rather wan, has been eyeing Ryouga and Kodachi--who is feeding Ryouga with chopsticks, despite his attempts to get her to stop--with some distaste. She pushes her food away.) Nabiki: I'm not feeling hungry. Auntie, I think I'll go lie down in my room... (she gets up) Nodoka: (watching sadly) Of course, dear. (Nabiki stumbles upstairs. Ryouga looks after her in confusion, while Akane-kun and Ranma just look miserable. Soun-panda and Genma lift all the food off Nabiki's plate. Suddenly, one of the walls crumbles inward. Shampoo has arrived, bonboris in hand.) Shampoo: Where Akane?! (Akane-kun blanches. Ranma gets a panicky look on his face. Ryouga looks confused, while Kodachi quietly slips a ribbon out of her pocket. Soun- panda and Genma dive for cover.) Soun-panda: (sign) {I'm just an ordinary panda!} (He munches some bamboo and flips his sign around.) {See?} Nodoka: (calmly) She's not here right now, dear. Would you like to join us for dinner? (Shampoo's anger suddenly deflates. For a moment she seems tired and vulnerable before pride stiffens up her features) Shampoo: Is no bother? Nodoka: Of course not. Please, you look like you're hungry. (She offers Nabiki's place to Shampoo, who sits.) Shampoo: Shei shei (She starts eating ravenously. Soun-panda and Genma grimace, looking at the food left on the table. After a few bites, she looks up.) Is good! (she then resumes eating.) Nodoka: Thank you, dear. (The meal continues, though a little tenser than before. Everyone is introduced to Shampoo, and vice versa. Shampoo tells them why she is hunting Akane, and her version is practically the same as Akane's. The Saotomes and Tendos glare at Soun-panda when the story is told, and he retreats to play Go with Genma.) Nodoka: But, why must you kill Akane? Shampoo: Is law. Must kill outsider who defeat Shampoo. Otherwise... (Shampoo looks a little depressed) Others laugh at Shampoo... say Shampoo have no honor. Cannot go home until kill Akane. Nodoka: I'm sorry to hear that, dear. (She grasps Shampoo's hand) But killing Akane is not the answer. She didn't know about the rule and... Shampoo: Great-grandmother say that no excuse. She say Shampoo must kill Akane, or no come back! Nodoka: But... Shampoo: (She looks like she might want to cry) Shampoo want to go home... (suddenly gets angry again) Where Akane?! Shampoo must find! Nodoka: She's on a training trip at the moment. You're welcome to stay here until she comes back so we can talk this over. (Everyone looks shocked at this. Akane-kun looks like he might faint.) Ranma: Um, Mom... can I talk to you? In the kitchen? I think... Um... the silverware needs cleaning--er... (Akane-kun gives Ranma a "You idiot!" look.) Nodoka: Certainly, Ranma. (she goes into the kitchen with Ranma.) Ranma: Are you out of your mind, Mom? We can't have Shampoo stay here! Nodoka: Ranma, I know this causes problems, but I can't turn her out on the street. She looks like she hasn't gotten very much to eat. Besides, if she stays here, maybe I can talk her out of killing Akane. Until then, we'll just have to have "Kaneda" stay with us. Ranma: .... ********** Scene: The Saotome Dojo. Ranma is sparring with Akane-kun. Akane-kun: (while fighting) I don't know *jab* how much longer *duck* I can keep this charade up. *kick* Ranma: Huh? *sweep-kick* What do you *dodge* mean? Akane-kun: Just a minute. (He grabs Ranma's arm and tosses him onto his back. Ranma lays there as Akane-kun comes up and puts his foot on Ranma's chest.) There, now we can talk. Y'know, I do like the fact that this body is stronger than my usual one. Ranma: .... (The two begin to towel off.) Ranma: So what was that you were saying? Akane-kun: Shampoo's been living with us for a couple days now... I've never been a boy for so long. Ranma: So? Akane-kun: (irritated) You just don't understand, do you? Never mind! Ranma: Wait! (Akane-kun stops) Akane... I want to understand. Talk to me... (He looks embarrassed.) Akane-kun: (softening) Things are different when I'm a boy... this body has a different... feel to it. -I- feel different in it. And I'm afraid that I may start to like this form over my normal one... Ranma: Why is that? Akane: When I'm a boy, I feel... stronger, more confident... people treat me differently. I've always been a bit of a tomboy, but I was never "one of the guys." Now... Ranma: (under his breath) A bit? Akane-kun: (clobbering him) I heard that! (Akane-kun goes to stare out a window.) But what really bothers me is... well, what if I like someone... how would he feel about... *this?* Ranma: Akane, I-- (Suddenly, a wall comes tumbling down.) Shampoo: Nihao! (looks around) Kaneda fight Ranma? Ranma: (glancing at the wall.) Um, we were practicing, Shampoo... not fighting for real... You do understand "practice" right? Shampoo: (nodding) Shampoo understand. Want practice with Shampoo? (Akane-kun and Ranma look at each other) Ranma: Um, well... Akane-kun: Er, you wouldn't kill us if we won, would you? Shampoo: (laughing.) Silly... law no apply to practice. Besides, THAT law only apply if outsider WOMAN beat Shampoo. Akane-kun: Really? What happens if a guy beats you? Shampoo: (getting a dreamy look) That man, Shampoo marry! Ranma and Akane-kun: Urk! Shampoo: (smiling maliciously) No worry... Shampoo not lose anyhow... Ranma: Well, I don't like to fight girls... (notices Akane-kun giving him a dirty look) ...maybe Kaneda would like to give it a try first. Shampoo: Shampoo no care who first. ("Kaneda" gives Ranma a dirty look and then takes up a fighting stance. Shampoo pulls out her bonbori. The two of them start to fight. Ranma watches as they go at it. Suddenly, a voice interrupts him.) Voice: Saotome! Prepare thyself! (Kunou charges into the dojo, bokuto held ready.) Ranma: Oh, man... Kunou, what is it this time? Kunou: I have heard from my sister, who still remains under that despicable spell you have ensorcelled her with, that my goddess is gone! I sense your foul hand in this! What have you done with her?! Ranma: Kunou, I didn't do nuthin' to Akane! She's just over... on a training trip! Nothing more! Kunou: Silence, insolent dog! I will hear no more of your lies! Prepare to die! (suddenly, a bonbori imbeds itself in the wall by Kunou's head) Eh? Shampoo: Why attack Ranma? (She comes over and stands between Ranma and Kunou. She pulls the bonbori out of the wall and holds it beneath Kunou's chin.) Kunou: He is a foul enchanter who has bewitched my sister and made my goddess, the lovely Akane Tendo, disappear! He has also used his magic to treacherously defeat me in combat, so I shall avenge myself on him! Thus swears the Blue Thunder! (Lightning crackles.) Ranma: Geez... Pop's going to freak when he sees the dojo... Shampoo: (looks at Ranma curiously) Ranma sorcerer? Ranma and Akane-kun: NO!!! (Kunou meanwhile has been staring at Akane-kun. His brow is furrowing in thought... Akane-kun notices this and looks worried. Ranma sees her look and follows her gaze to Kunou.) Ranma: Look Kunou, if it's a fight you want, I'll give it to you! Kunou: (Returning his attention to Ranma) Very well, dog! I shall smite thee! Shampoo: Shampoo fight stupid one! (Everyone stops and looks at Shampoo, dumbfounded) Ranma: Why, Shampoo? Shampoo: Ranma tired... Shampoo fresh. (She smiles evilly at Ranma) Shampoo want workout, anyway. Kunou: Very well, fair one! If you defeat me, I shall allow you to date me! Hiyah! Shampoo: Is practice, stupid! Besides, work other way around! (Shampoo and Kunou start to fight, bonbori vs. bokuto. They are both quite good, but Shampoo seems to be the stronger of the two, and is wearing Kunou down.) Kunou: You are formidable, fair one, but the Blue Thunder is not so easily defeated! Shampoo: And you weak... Mousse better than you! Kunou: (incensed) You dare compare the great Tatewaki Kunou to a beast? I shall smite thee! (Kunou redoubles his efforts. A blow gets through Shampoo's defenses, cutting her arm. Shampoo cries out.) Ranma & Akane-kun: Shampoo! Kunou: First blood is mine! Now, yield, fair maiden. It doth sully my honor to fight such a beauty. Akane-kun: Hold it right there, Kunou! I challenge you! (Ranma and Shampoo look at Akane-kun in shock. Akane-kun leaps in front of Kunou.) Kunou: And who are you to challenge me? Let this drubbing be a lesson to you not to challenge your superiors so lightly! (He and Akane-kun begin to fight. However, Akane-kun knows all of Kunou's tricks and his weaknesses. She waits for an opening, then clobbers him on the chin. Kunou goes down. Akane-kun steps back, breathing heavily.) Akane-kun: You OK, Shampoo? Shampoo: (holding her wounded arm) Just scratch. Kaneda no have to help Shampoo. Shampoo do fine. Akane-kun: (Laughs) Kunou-sempai isn't really worth the trouble, trust me... besides, he might have tried to "date thee" had you won. Shampoo: He not strong enough to be Shampoo's husband... (Shampoo looks sad) Maybe no man strong... Shampoo want get married. But no one defeat her. (Akane-kun and Ranma gather around Shampoo.) Akane: Has no one tried? Shampoo: Mousse always try... but he no like fight me... not try hard enough. I beat him. Ranma: Oh, so it's a guy's name! I see. (Shampoo and Akane-kun glare at him.) What? Akane-kun: Do you want to marry Mousse? Shampoo: It no matter... Mousse too weak. He no can beat me. Great- grandmother only let strong man marry Shampoo. Mousse no take hint... keep hanging around. Shampoo had to sneak away to come to Japan. Shampoo hope he find someone else... but Mousse stubborn. Ranma: But what do you want, Shampoo? Shampoo: (her face hardening) Shampoo no can love weakling. Shampoo want kill Akane and go home. Then find strong man. Akane-kun and Ranma: .... ********** Scene: The Saotome dining room. Nodoka is speaking with Akane-kun and Ranma. Nodoka: How are you two getting along with Shampoo? Ranma: OK... she's really not bad, except when she wants to kill Akane. But she won't let herself be talked out of it... (Unseen, someone stops just outside the door, apparently listening to the conversation.) Akane-kun: I like her... which just makes everything worse. But I think she's afraid of what her great grandmother would do if she didn't kill Ak-- me. (looks worried for a second.) Nodoka: Well, we'll find out what this is all about soon enough. Ranma and Akane-kun: ??? Nodoka: I have sent a message to the Joketsuzoku village, for Shampoo's great-grandmother, saying I wished to discuss the matter. She sent word back that she will be coming here. Ranma & Akane: Here? Shampoo's great-grandmother? Nodoka: (sipping her tea) Yes. I was a bit surprised that she is coming all this way, but apparently she wants to settle this matter. Ranma: Mom, are you sure this is a good idea? Shampoo's told us a bit about her grandmother... she sounds pretty tough. Nodoka: (looking quite formidable herself) Ranma, I will not allow anyone to hurt a member of our family if it is at all possible. (She sets down her tea.) Ranma & Akane-kun: .... ********** Scene: We are apparently in an attic storage area of the Saotome house. Nodoka is kneeling before a locked chest. Reverently, she unlocks it with a small key and opens it. Reaching inside, she pulls out a long, wrapped bundle, tied with string. She places the bundle before her and carefully unwraps it. The object is revealed to be a sheathed katana. Nodoka takes it carefully and stands. Then, in one fluid motion, she unsheathes the blade and holds it before her. The steel of the blade gleams in the dim light of the attic. Nodoka: (holding the sword upright) Sword of my ancestors, help me to defend my family. (The sword seems to gleam just a little brighter before Nodoka puts the sword back in its sheath, carefully rewraps it, and then straps the bundle on her back. ********** Scene: Nabiki's room. Nabiki is sitting at her desk, idly looking out the window. Nabiki: So, Shampoo's great-grandmother is coming...? Maybe I can use this to my advantage. [End part 5] [Part 6] Scene: It is a few days later. Akane-kun, Ranma, and Shampoo are walking down the streets of Nerima. Ranma is pointing out some sights to the two of them. Ranma: (As they round a corner) Maybe on another day we can go into downtown Tokyo and see the more interesting sights. Akane-kun: (nodding) That would be fun. What do you think, Shampoo? Shampoo: (looking troubled) Shampoo not know. Ranma: Huh? What's wrong, Shampoo? Shampoo: Why you so nice to Shampoo? Shampoo here kill Akane. Akane friend, no? Akane-kun: We're hoping you won't have to do that, Shampoo. (He takes her hand.) But we're not being nice to you just because we don't want you to kill Akane. Ranma: Hopefully mom and your great-grandmother will be able to straighten things out, and then-- Shampoo: (in shock) Great-grandmother!? Coming here?! Aiyah! (Shampoo suddenly runs off) Akane-kun & Ranma: (Shouting) Shampoo! (Shampoo is already out of sight. In the distance, the sound of a wall being demolished can be heard.) Ranma: We better go after her... Akane-kun: No, you head on home and find out when exactly Shampoo's great- grandmother is going to arrive. I'll go talk to Shampoo. Ranma: (crossly) Why you? Akane-kun: It's a girl thing, OK? Ranma: But you're a guy now. Akane-kun: Ranma no BAKA! (*POW*) Just go! (He runs off after Shampoo) Ranma: (He is imbedded in a nearby wall from Akane-kun's punch) Ow.... ********** Scene: A deserted lot somewhere in Nerima. Shampoo is sitting in the branches of a tree, looking up in the sky. Akane-kun: (running into the lot, shouting) Shampoo! Shampoo! (notices Shampoo in the tree) Oh, there you are. Come on down, Shampoo. Let's talk. Shampoo: Shampoo no want talk. Akane-kun: Shampoo, what's the matter? Why should it matter that your great-grandmother is coming? Shampoo: Great-grandmother make Shampoo leave. Make hunt Akane. Shampoo no want. Akane-kun: You mean you don't want to kill Akane anymore? Shampoo: Shampoo no want to leave. Saotome and Tendo families make Shampoo happy. Feel like home should feel. Shampoo no want to go back! Akane-kun: (bounding up into the tree) I don't understand. Shampoo: Shampoo family very strong in village. Great-grandmother want Shampoo lead family. Always train Shampoo. ********** (Flashback: We see the Joketsuzoku village. Shampoo's great-grandmother (Cologne) is sitting on a rock, lecturing a very young Shampoo. The flashback is in Chinese.) Cologne: Young Shampoo: Cologne: Young Shampoo: Cologne: Young Shampoo: Cologne: Young Shampoo: Cologne: Young Shampoo: (looking troubled) Cologne: ********** (We cut back to the present.) Akane-kun: But I thought you said that Mousse was always chasing you. Shampoo: Mousse no take hint. Great-grandmother tell Shampoo, "Test Martial Arts on Mousse." Shampoo defeat Mousse again and again. Mousse no fight Shampoo. He no want hurt Shampoo, so Shampoo hurt Mousse. But Mousse never leave. One time... ********** (Flashback. We see a teenage Shampoo fighting a young man wearing thick glasses (Mousse.) Teenage Shampoo: Teenage Mousse: Teenage Shampoo: Teenage Mousse: (while dodging Shampoo's attacks) Teenage Shampoo: Teenage Mousse: (Shampoo stops fighting him in shock. Mousse stands before her.) Teenage Shampoo: Teenage Mousse: Teenage Shampoo: (suddenly getting angry) (She clobbers Mousse, knocking him out. Then she storms away, her eyes strangely wet.) ********** (Back to the Present) Shampoo: Mousse laughingstock of village. Everyone know he chase me and keep losing. His family disown him and he leave to study Martial Arts. ********** (Flashback again. We see an older Shampoo in a bedroom (hers) looking at an old picture of her at age 10 beating up Mousse. Cologne hops into the room on her staff.) Cologne: Shampoo: She tries to casually put the photo down without attracting Cologne's attention. She fails) (Cologne hops over to Shampoo and taking the picture. She stares at Shampoo for a minute.) Cologne: Shampoo: Cologne: Shampoo: Cologne: Shampoo: ********** (We cut back to the present.) Akane-kun: Do you love Mousse? Shampoo: Shampoo not know. Has always been told, "Hate Mousse. Fight Mousse. Humiliate Mousse. Drive Mousse away." Mousse never give up. Shampoo confused. (She looks sad.) Here, Shampoo have something new. Family with no great-grandmother. Shampoo make own decisions. Shampoo no want it to end. Akane-kun: We all like you, Shampoo. Don't worry. Auntie Saotome will work something out. If anyone is a match for your great-grandmother, it's her. (Shampoo looks up, a faint hope now can be seen in her face.) Shampoo: Shampoo hope Kaneda right... Shampoo thank Kaneda. Go home now? Akane-kun: Sure! (They walk off towards the Saotome Dojo.) ********** Scene: The Saotome dining room. Nodoka (with the sword nearby) and Ranma are sitting at the table as Shampoo and Akane-kun enter. Nodoka: Have a seat, you two. I made some tea. (Shampoo and Akane-kun look at each other and sit down, taking the offered cups of tea. Nodoka then speaks to Shampoo.) My son tells me that you're worried about your great-grandmother coming. Shampoo: (hanging her head) Yes... Nodoka: Dear, don't worry. I do not intend to let your great-grandmother hurt anyone in this house. Shampoo: You not know great-grandmother! Great-grandmother get what great-grandmother wants. No one stand up to great-grandmother! Nodoka: (sipping her tea) So why don't you tell me about her? (Time passes. Shampoo tells Nodoka her story. When she is done, Nodoka looks grim.) Nodoka: Shampoo, your great-grandmother is wrong about this. Honor or not, she had no right to do what she did. Shampoo: Great-grandmother is strong. Always gets what great-grandmother wants. Shampoo no can fight her. Nodoka: Hopefully it won't come to that. (A knock can be heard at the door.) That must be her. Let's go greet her. ********** Scene: We are now by the front door of the Saotome Dojo. Genma, Soun, and Kasumi join them to welcome the guests. Nodoka opens the door to reveal Cologne and Mousse. Shampoo looks extremely surprised that they are together. Mousse: Shampoo!! (He runs up and hugs Kasumi.) Kasumi: Oh my. Have we met? (Mousse pulls back and looks at her. Shampoo irritably reaches out and pushes Mousse's glasses--which are up on his forehead-- down over his eyes. Mousse starts and then looks around.) Mousse: Shampoo!? Where did you go? (He spies her.) Shampoo! (*WHAM!* Shampoo clobbers him.) Shampoo: Stupid Mousse. Cologne: Shampoo: (starting, she turns to face Cologne) Cologne: (Her eyes are drilling into Shampoo's) Shampoo: Cologne: (Cologne turns to the Saotomes and begins to speak perfect Japanese.) Pardon my rudeness. I was just exchanging greetings with my granddaughter. I am Cologne, of the Joketsuzoku Tribe. This moron (she prods Mousse with her staff) is Mousse. Nodoka: I am pleased to meet you. Won't you come in? ********** Scene: We are sitting around the dining room table again. Cologne is perched on the table, staff in hand. Everyone else, including Mousse, is sitting around it. Cologne: I apologize for the trouble my granddaughter has caused. If you would just tell us where Akane Tendo is, we shall be on our way and out of your lives. Ranma: NOW HOLD ON A MIN-- Akane-Kun: What?! Nodoka: I'm afraid that that isn't an acceptable solution. Cologne: (Stares at Nodoka, who looks back calmly.) It is our way. If a female outsider defeats one of our women, then they must receive the Kiss of Death. Nodoka: That was a martial arts tournament. Akane wasn't fighting Shampoo to kill her. Cologne: It makes no difference. Shampoo must obey the ancient law. It is her duty. Nodoka: I understand about family honor, but you can't kill someone simply because she defeated Shampoo fairly. Cologne: (eyeing Nodoka shrewdly) Can't I? (Everyone except Shampoo, who expects this from Cologne, and Mousse, who is simply staring at Shampoo, seem taken aback.) Ranma: You can't force Shampoo to kill someone just because of a moldy old law! Akane-kun: That's right! Don't you care about what she wants?! Cologne: Shampoo will do what I tell her. (Shampoo swings into action, bonbori out and ready. She attacks Ranma and Akane-kun, driving them out of the house. Everyone looks on in shock. Shampoo's face is filled with despair.) Akane-kun: Wha--?! Ranma: Shampoo! (Shampoo takes advantage of their surprise and clobbers them, knocking them out. She then turns to Cologne.) Cologne: (to Nodoka) You see? My granddaughter is obedient. She will follow the ancient law. Now, where is Akane Tendo? Nodoka: I won't tell you that. Cologne: We shall see. (Shampoo takes Mousse by the arm.) We will return. I suggest you reconsider your decision. (She leaves with Shampoo and Mousse.) Nodoka: (Whispering to herself) Never. (to Genma, who along with Soun, have been working on making themselves unobtrusive.) We may have a fight on her hands when she returns. Genma: Yes, dear. I'll go and get some help. (He starts heading for the door.) Nodoka: Genma! (He stops) I hope you're not thinking of running off, because that would make me a little angry with you. (Genma considers his options and seems to decide he fears Nodoka more than Cologne. Nodoka notes his change of expression.) Good. Now, we need Ryouga back here, and anyone else who knows martial arts. We will have to muster every bit of skill we possess, if even a fraction of what Shampoo told me about Cologne is true. ********** Scene: Just outside the Saotome home. Cologne, Shampoo and Mousse are leaving when a voice stops them. Voice: Pssssst! (It comes from a nearby alley. Cologne hops over on her staff to investigate. Shampoo and Mousse wait in the street.) Cologne: Who is it? Voice: Never mind that. You're looking for Akane Tendo, right? Cologne: (suspiciously) Yes. Voice: And what do you intend to do with her? Cologne: She must be killed. Voice: (with a slight shudder this time) If you let her live, I'll tell you where she is. Cologne: Why should I trust you? Voice: Because it won't hurt you to agree and make this deal. I give you information, if it turns out to be wrong, you can still kill Akane Tendo once you find her. Otherwise, you just give her a good pounding. Is it a deal? Cologne: (Considering it) Very well. I swear by my family's honor that if your information leads me to Akane Tendo, I will not kill her. Voice: ...or let her be killed or seriously hurt. Cologne: (eyes narrowing. Thought:) [This one is shrewder than I thought.] (Spoken:) Very well, I shall not allow her to be killed or seriously hurt IF your information is true. Voice: Don't worry about it. Now, have you ever heard of a place called Jusenkyo? ********** Scene: The Saotome Dojo. A Council of War has been called into session. Present are: Nodoka, Genma, Soun, Ranma, Akane-kun, Kasumi, Nabiki, Kunou, Ryouga, and Kodachi. They are all gathered around a table. Nodoka looks thoughtful; Genma and Soun are trying to bolster each others' courage, Nabiki is sitting back observing, while Kasumi is passing out snacks. Ranma and Akane-kun are sitting near one another, but not talking. They seem a little depressed. Kunou is sitting cross-legged with his arms folded over his chest and looks bored. Kodachi and Ryouga are sitting together nearby. Nodoka: (Speaking up over the lower murmur of conversations.) I'll go over our situation again. It is very likely that the dojo will be attacked by three martial artists who want to find and harm Akane. It's our job to stop them, hopefully without harming them. Kunou: And where is Akane Tendo? Nodoka: She's safe, for the moment. (Kunou looks unsatisfied.) It's best that as few people know her whereabouts as possible. Now, the three martial artists are Shampoo, a chinese man named Mousse, and Shampoo's great-grandmother, Cologne. Ryouga: You would have us fight an old woman? Nodoka: Cologne has mastered all the martial arts of her tribe, according to Shampoo, Ryouga. Don't underestimate her. (Ryouga doesn't seem happy with the idea, but he quiets down.) Nodoka: We don't know much about Cologne's skills, but Shampoo did tells us a bit about Mousse. He is a master at the style of Hidden Weapons. There are numerous deadly weapons secreted on his person and he is reported to be very skilled at using them. Fortunately, he has very bad eyesight, so that can be used against him. (Nodoka clears her throat.) Nodoka: The last opponent is Shampoo. She is very strong and quick, and is skilled in the use of the bonbori. Some of you have fought her before and know what to expect. (Nodoka looks around the room, fixing everyone with a steely gaze.) Nodoka: We don't know when or if they will attack, nor what method they may use, but I feel certain that Cologne will be back soon. (The meeting breaks up. Everyone starts talking among themselves, except Akane-kun and Ranma. Akane-kun looks at Ranma, who looks back. Akane-kun looks worried, and Ranma manages a reassuring smile. Akane-kun smiles back and they turn away in embarrassment, only to both look back when they thought the other wasn't looking.) ********** Scene: The roads of Nerima. Shampoo and Mousse are sitting around, waiting for Cologne to return from a mysterious errand. Shampoo: (Speaking in Chinese.) Mousse: Shampoo: Mousse: (He kneels before her.) Shampoo: (*WHACK!* Cologne's staff descends on Mousse's head, driving him to the ground.) Cologne: (Now riding her staff again.) Mousse: (Struggling to his feet) (Cologne has clobbered him again. Mousse struggles to get up, but she paralyzes him with a pressure point move.) Cologne: Shampoo: Cologne: (smiling) ********** Scene: The Saotome Dojo. The martial artists have split up to better guard against Cologne's assault. Kunou is patrolling the walkway between the house and the dojo. Kodachi and Ryouga are on the dojo's roof, keeping watch. Everyone else is inside, looking out the windows occasionally.) Kasumi: (to Nodoka) Do you think we should have gotten Dr. Tofu? Nodoka: (She considers it, then shakes her head.) No, he might have been an asset, but it's better for him to be at his clinic in case anyone is seriously hurt than to be here and maybe be one of the people seriously hurt. Kasumi: (her eyes get bigger for a moment.) I hadn't thought of that. That wouldn't be good. Nodoka: (She eyes Kasumi thoughtfully.) Dear, we'll have a nice long talk about Dr. Tofu after this, OK? Kasumi: (She looks surprised.) Yes, Auntie. Nabiki: (lounging by the wall.) This is stupid. Why don't we just call the authorities? They can all be deported back to China and our problem is solved. Genma: That would not stop a martial artist of Cologne's caliber. She reminds me of Ha--mmph! (Soun has clapped his hand over Genma's mouth.) Soun: Don't say his name! Who knows what might happen?! (Genma nods in agreement and the two go back to their Go board, which they have moved into the dojo to pass the time.) Ranma: I can't believe those two... playing their stupid game at a time like this... Akane-kun: They're nervous. After meeting Cologne, who wouldn't be? (He looks down at his hands.) Ranma.... I-I'm scared. She really wants to kill me. Ranma: (looking around before draping a reassuring hand on Akane-kun's shoulder.) Don't worry Akane. No way is she getting through all of us. No way at all. ********** Scene: Kunou is pacing back and forth, bokuto held ready, on the covered walkway between the house and the dojo. Kunou: Ah, do not fret my goddess. I, Tatewaki Kunou shall guard you with my life, if necessary. (He gazes at the moon.) Like the moon, you doth shine forth upon this earth, ever changing, yet remaining constant. The light is like.... (He stops, noticing a shadow moving towards him.) Halt! Who dares come before the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High? (We cannot make out the figure clearly, but two round circles of glass reflect the moonlight from within the shadows. The shadows suddenly move quicker than Kunou can react, striking him full in the face with something. He drops to the ground, knocked out. Mousse steps into the moonlight, holding a large swan-shaped toilet training device.) Mousse: It seems the "Blue Thunder" was no match for my Painyao-chuan!* * = Swan Punch. ********** Scene: The roof of the Saotome Dojo. Ryouga (with his bamboo umbrella handy) and Kodachi (clad in a leotard) are keeping watch. Kodachi: Ryou-sama, do you think they are really going to attack? Ryouga: It wouldn't be honorable to attack in the night, without warning. Kodachi: It's what I would have done. And if they know they are outnumbered, it makes good tactical sense. (Ryouga shakes his head, having trouble understanding how one can be so sneaky and devious.) Kodachi: (glomming onto Ryouga) Don't worry. I don't do that sort of thing any more. Though I DID bring along some of my old tricks to deal with Cologne. Ryouga: Tricks? Kodachi: (smiling coyly) Let that be my secret. (She giggles.) (Ryouga eyes her leotard, wondering how she could hide any worthwhile "tricks" in such a skimpy costume. Kodachi notices the attention and gives him a sultry look, which causes him to blush and look away.) Voice: (coming from above) Then we better not give you a chance to use them! (Cologne and Shampoo leap onto the roof. Cologne jabs at Kodachi with her staff, hitting a precise pressure point. Kodachi falls unconscious.) Ryouga: Kodachi! NOOOO! (He whips out several bandannas and throws them at Shampoo and Cologne. Cologne hops around on her staff to avoid the bandannas, while Shampoo dodges desperately. Some of bandannas rip her clothing.) Cologne: (grudgingly) Hmmm... not bad. (Cologne watches as Shampoo spars with Ryouga, umbrella to bonbori. Ryouga fights like a man possessed and things look bad for Shampoo as he strikes repeatedly at her. His attacks begin to break through her defenses.) Cologne: Alright, enough's enough. (While Ryouga concentrates on Shampoo, she pokes him in the back with her staff and he falls, paralyzed.) You have to learn to watch your back, sonny, or you won't last long. Ryouga: (struggling against the paralysis) I... won't... let... Cologne: Amazing. He can still talk. (Another pressure point blow and Ryouga falls unconscious.) Shampoo: Why great-grandmother bring Mousse? Thought no like him. Cologne: (Shampoo looks troubled, but Cologne is too busy studying the dojo roof to notice.) ********** Scene: The inside of the Saotome Dojo. Everyone is milling around. Ranma: I tell you, I heard Ryouga yelling on the roof! Nodoka: They may have been attacked. Is Kunou still out front? Genma: (peering out the door) I don't see him. Nodoka: (to herself:) She's moving faster than I thought she would. (To the others:) Get ready. She'll strike at us, next. Cologne: (From on the roof) Bakusaitenketsu!* * = Blasting Point Technique. (The roof of the dojo collapses inward on the defenders. Nabiki and Kasumi, not being trained for combat, are knocked out by rubble and partially buried. The others manage to dodge the worst of it as Cologne, Shampoo and Mousse leap down into the dojo.) Cologne: (facing Nodoka) Give me Akane Tendo and no harm shall come to anyone else tonight. Nodoka: (gritting her teeth. She was hurt by the collapse, but she stands upright anyway) Never. Cologne: A pity. But, I suppose we are too much alike to agree on this. (Mousse attacks Genma and Soun, while Shampoo attacks Ranma and Akane-kun. Cologne and Nodoka, meanwhile, face off, staff and katana ready.) Nodoka: This will gain you nothing. Akane isn't here, as you can see. Cologne: Ah, but she is! I've learned how you hid her from Shampoo. Nodoka: (eyes widening) There's no way you could know that unless... (Mousse produces several weighted chains with hooks at the end from somewhere on his body and hurls them at Genma and Soun. Shampoo strikes at Ranma and Akane-kun with her bonboris. They are hampered by the fact that they don't really want to hurt her, while Shampoo seems to have no such problem.) Ranma: Shampoo, don't! We don't want to fight you! Akane-kun: Please, Shampoo! (Genma and Soun are struggling with Mousse's chains, but he seems to have them all wrapped up. Shampoo is grimly quiet, fighting ruthlessly and giving no quarter. Cologne and Nodoka watch from the sidelines, neither willing to take their eyes off of each other completely.) Cologne: (to herself, as she watched Mousse:) (To Nodoka:) Your pawns don't seem to be doing too well. Nodoka: (angrily) They are my family, not my pawns, you... you... ghoul! Cologne: I am NOT a ghoul! (Shampoo continues to press her attack. Ranma and Akane-kun are fighting back, but they aren't at their best, having had a roof dropped on them. Shampoo spots an opening in Akane's defenses and moves to take advantage of it.) Shampoo: Die!! Ranma: (noticing this) Akane! (He runs in and takes the blow, which slams into his rib cage with a sickening crunch.) Urgh! (He coughs and spits up blood.) Akane-kun: Ranma! Shampoo: (puzzled) Akane? (looks at what she just did) Ranma! Nodoka: Ranma! (Ranma slumps to the ground, obviously in great pain. A red stain starts spreading through his gi.) Cologne: (to Shampoo) Let me show you something, granddaughter. (She whips out a small canister and throws it. The canister bursts over Akane- kun's head, drenching her and Shampoo in hot water. Akane screams as she changes back to a girl.) Akane: Nooooooo! Shampoo: (stops in amazement) Kaneda? Akane? Cologne: (Akane has been staring dumbly at herself and at Ranma.) Akane: Ranma... (She drops to her knees by him and tries to staunch the flow of blood. Ranma lies still, breathing shallowly. Akane barely seems to notice as Shampoo raises her bonbori, preparing to bring it down on her head. Shampoo begins to strike.) Shampoo: (softly, stopping herself) No. Cologne: Eh? Shampoo: (lowering the bonbori) Shampoo not hurt Akane. (Shampoo turns around and glares at Cologne.) Shampoo not do what great-grandmother say! Mousse: (Looking over in surprise) Shampoo? (Genma and Soun take advantage of his distraction to break free of their chains and begin to pound him.) Urk!!! (Cologne is speechless at this sudden betrayal. Nodoka takes advantage of her momentary hesitation to bring her katana to bear. It slices out and cuts Cologne's staff in half. Cologne spins toward Nodoka, only to see a meter-long shaft of steel aimed at her throat.) Nodoka: Looks like your pawn has become a queen, ghoul. Cologne: Shampoo: (Emphatically speaking Japanese, as if to prove something) Shampoo no fight for great-grandmother! Shampoo never do what great- grandmother want again! Cologne: (glaring at Shampoo and Nodoka, who still has the sword to Cologne's throat.) Shampoo: Shampoo not care! (She levels her bonbori at Cologne.) Great- grandmother swear go back to China and leave us alone! Cologne: (weighing her options) You won't do it. Neither of you has the spine for it, I see now. Nodoka: Try us. (Cologne looks at Nodoka again. Their gazes lock for several long seconds.) Cologne: On my family's honor, I swear to return to China and not attempt any revenge on you. (She turns to Shampoo) But know this, Shampoo. From this day forth, you are dead to our family and the Joketsuzoku tribe. Your name shall be stricken and never again spoken, You will have no home, no family, no friends! Shampoo: (quietly but strongly) Shampoo have home, family, friends here... not realize before. (She looks at Nodoka, who smiles back at her.) Shampoo no care about China! Cologne: (Still angry, but there is a glint of respect in her eyes.) Very well! As for you, Nodoka Saotome, I bequeath my curse on you, your family, and the Tendos as well! May your worst nightmare come to pass! Hahahahahahaha! (Cologne bounds out of the room. Nodoka lets her go and turns to Shampoo.) Nodoka: Thank you, my dear. (Shampoo looks so sad that Nodoka gathers her up in a hug. Shampoo drops her bonbori and returns it.) You did the right thing. Now, I need you to do something for me. You know where Dr. Tofu's clinic is, right? (Shampoo nods.) Go and get him, quickly! Ranma and the others need him. (Shampoo bounds away. Meanwhile, Genma and Soun have tied Mousse up in his own chains and have gagged him, and are now seeing to Kasumi and Nabiki. They are mostly unhurt, but a little shaky. Minutes later, Shampoo arrives carrying Dr. Tofu.) Dr. Tofu: Oh my goodness! (He spots Kasumi and his glasses start to fog slightly, but he shakes it off as he kneels by Ranma.) Kasumi, I need some clean cloths and hot water. (He hands her a small packet) Prepare this herbal salve as well. Kasumi: Yes, Doctor. (She hurries into the house.) (Meanwhile, Genma and Soun have found Ryouga and Kodachi on the roof and Kunou out front. They are all unconscious.) Genma: This accounts for everyone. (He looks over to where Dr. Tofu is working on Ranma.) My son... ********** Scene: The Saotome Dining room. Dr. Tofu, Genma, Soun and Nodoka are sitting around the table, sipping tea. Dr. Tofu: Ranma will be fine, but he must stay in bed for the next week. I've bandaged his ribs and the herbal salve has strengthened his chi to speed the healing process. Fortunately, the internal damage was not as bad as it looked. Any worse and he would have to be in a hospital and be operated on. Genma: That's good to hear. Nodoka: What about the others? Dr. Tofu: Well, Ryouga and Kodachi were fine once I undid Cologne's pressure point trick. Kunou just took a blow to the head. He'll have a headache, but he'll be OK. (Kasumi enters, obviously having heard the last statement.) Kasumi: Oh, that's so good to know, Doctor. Thank you. Dr. Tofu: (glasses fogging) K-k-kasumi! What an incredible coincidence meeting you here of all places. (Laughs nervously.) Well, going must I... work needed. (Dr. Tofu stands up and runs into a wall.) Dr. Tofu: Oh, excuse me, Mr. Tendo. Kasumi: Let me help you, Dr. Tofu. (She takes him by the arm and starts to lead him out.) Dr. Tofu: K-kasumi! (He practically leaps out of the room, dragging Kasumi along.) Nodoka: (smiling after them) Ah, well... they'll work it out eventually. Genma and Soun: (look up from where they are chowing down on cookies and tea.) ???? Nodoka: Never mind. (She smiles.) Genma: I wonder what Cologne meant when she said that our worst nightmare would come to pass? (he sips his tea) Soun: Maybe she meant that you'd finally realize I'm better at Go than you, Saotome-kun! Genma: Ha! That'll be the day! (They both start laughing. Nodoka looks worried however, and looks out into the night, wondering...) ********** Scene: A desolate mountainside during a thunderstorm. The landscape is totally unremarkable, save for a boulder set in the ground. The boulder is covered with Buddhist prayers and symbols. Suddenly, the skies are split by a giant bolt of lightning as it streaks downward and strikes the boulder. With a loud CRACK! the boulder splits, revealing a cave that it had long guarded. In the darkness of the cave, something stirs. Slowly, it emerges from the cave. It looks up at the night sky. "It": Yes! I'm free! Hahahahahahahahaha!!! (Another bolt of lightning comes down on the figure, charring it nicely.) Figure: Urk! I think... I shall... rest for a bit. (It falls unconscious.) [End part 6] [Part 7] Scene: Several weeks later. We see a humble Chinese Restaurant in the Nerima Ward. A large sign declares "Nekohanten Grand Opening" and a light dusting of snow covers the ground and the buildings. The place seems to be doing a rather brisk business as the lunchtime crowd bustles in and out. Two familiar figures come walking down the road. Akane: (looking up at the sign) Here it is! Ranma: Finally! I'm starving! Akane: (smiling) I know. I could hear your stomach growling a block away. Ranma: (crossly) Well, it's your fault we're late. I told you it was a bad idea to trust Ryouga's directions. Akane: (her smile is gone, replaced by a scowl) Shut up, stupid! (She storms toward the restaurant) Let's just go inside and get something to eat. (The two enter the Nekohanten. While not extravagant, the restaurant is tastefully decorated in an exotic and obviously Chinese fashion. The smell of food fills the air and the conversation of the diners creates a pleasant murmur through the building.) Akane: Wow... Shampoo and Mousse have done well. Ranma: (looking around) Yeah... (Shampoo bounds up, wearing her traditional garb.) Shampoo: Welcome to... Ranma! Akane! (She gives them both a hug) Shampoo so happy to see you! You come see grand opening, yes? Shampoo give you best seats. (Shampoo leads them to a table in a dim corner right near the kitchen.) Akane: It's really amazing how you and Mousse have put this together so quickly, Shampoo. How could you afford to open a restaurant? Shampoo: Great-grandmother leave family jewelry when go back to China. Plenty to set up restauant. Ranma mother help Shampoo and Mousse with legal problems. Ranma: Cologne forgot some jewelry? That seems pretty incredible. Shampoo: Mousse think no forget. Mousse say she leave behind for Shampoo. (She takes out a notepad and scribbles something down.) Specialty of house is ramen, make extra-special for you. No charge. (Ranma looks happy at this, while Akane frowns.) Akane: We can pay, Shampoo. Don't worry about that. (Ranma's face drops.) What do you mean, Cologne left the jewelry for you? She seemed pretty angry when she left, leveling that curse on us and all... Shampoo: Great-grandmother not angry when seem angry. Great-grandmother very wise. She let Shampoo and Ranma Mother win. Ranma: Huh? Why would she do that? Shampoo: (looking troubled) Shampoo not know. Not realize at time. Mousse point out later. Great Grandmother must have plan. (She looks around the restaurant.) Shampoo must take care other customers. Mousse bring out order. (She bounds away to greet some other customers.) Akane: (looking worried) What do you think Cologne is up to, Ranma? Ranma: Aw, don't worry about it. Besides, Cologne's gone. Akane: You're not worried about the curse? Ranma: Nah! It's just superstitious mumbo-jumbo. (Mousse comes out of the kitchen with two large, steaming bowls. He walks over to two plotted plants near Ranma and Akane.) Mousse: (speaking to the plants) Ranma? Your dinners. My, you're looking lovely in that green dress, Akane. (Ranma slaps his hand to his head in disgust. Akane smiles.) Akane: (calling out.) Over here, Mousse! (Mousse looks up and his glasses fall off his forehead and over his eyes. He then starts toward Ranma and Akane.) Mousse: (coming up to their table, chuckling nervously) Heh heh, sorry about that. Anyhow, two deluxe specialty ramens. (he puts the dishes down in front of them.) Ranma: (sniffing) Wow, it smells great! (He begins to dig in.) Akane: Mousse? Mousse: Eh? What is it, Akane? Akane: Shampoo told us about the jewelry Cologne left. Do you think she's planning something? Mousse: (looking serious) Cologne has her own reasons for everything she does. All I DO know is that she never forgets anything important. Especially not jewelry and scrolls. And they were left out in plain sight. (Notices Akane's worried look.) Don't worry, Akane. I don't think she wants to kill you anymore, if she ever really did. Akane: (still looking worried) If you say so... Mousse: I have to get back to the kitchen. Let Shampoo know if you need anything else. (He turns and leaves, pushing his glasses back up on his forehead. Turning toward the kitchen, he promptly runs into a wall.) Mousse: Excuse me, ma'am... I mean, sir! (He stumbles into the kitchen. Ranma and Akane start laughing.) Ranma: Man, I don't see how he survives each day with eyesight like that... Akane: (trying the ramen) Hmmmm.... it's good. We'll have to bring the others from school here. Ranma: As long as we don't bring Kunou, I'll be happy. Akane: (Face dropping) At least all you have to do is fight him. I have to put up with him hitting on me, as well. Ranma: (makes a face) Ugh. Akane: (looks troubled) I wish there was some way to help Nabiki. She's not eating or sleeping too much anymore. She looks terrible! And it's all my fault... Ranma: C'mon, Akane. You can't blame yourself for Kunou being a moron. Akane: If only we could make him forget about me. Then Nabiki could have him and everything would be fine. (The two sit quietly for a while. Shampoo comes over.) Shampoo: How lunch? (notices their faces) Why Ranma and Akane look sad? Ranma: It's that jerk Kunou and what he's doing to Nabiki. Akane: (noting Shampoo's look of confusion) My sister's in love with him, but he chases after me half the time. Shampoo: Hmmmm. (an evil glint appears in her eyes.) Great-grandmother teach Shampoo many ways to trap man: Potions, charms, special foods... Shampoo help Nabiki! (Ranma and Akane look up at this.) Akane: Really?! How?? Shampoo: Leave to Shampoo. No problems! Ranma: (muttering with a dour look on his face) I have a BAD feeling about this. ********** Scene: It is the following day, at the Saotome Dojo. Nodoka is sorting through the mail and spies one small envelope with the name "Nabiki Tendo" written on it in fancy calligraphy. Nodoka smiles and puts it out in plain sight. She continues sorting through the mail and frowns at several from some animal rights groups, regarding rumors that they keep a panda as a pet. She shakes her head and tucks them away. Nodoka: (raising her voice) Nabiki! You have some mail! (Nabiki walks in. She looks a little wan but brightens when she sees the envelope.) Nabiki: From Kunou-chan?? (Nodoka just nods. Nabiki takes the envelope and rips it open.) Nabiki: (reading) "Fairest Nabiki Tendo: I, Tatewaki Kunou, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, do invite you to spend next Friday evening in my fair company, begining at 7:00 PM in the evening. Signed: Tatewaki Kunou." (to herself) It's about time... (to Nodoka) Thank you, auntie! (she hugs Nodoka and then runs upstairs.) (Nodoka smiles after her, and then returns to the mail. As she does so, another small envelope, identical to the one Nabiki read, but with the name "Akane Tendo" written on it, slips out of her kimono. Nodoka picks it up and resecures it, smiling to herself.) (Ranma and Akane, who have seen the entire scene from the kitchen, look at each other and quietly close the door.) Akane: Friday night... Ranma: Beginning at 7:00... Akane: We have to make sure that this date goes well for Nabiki, Ranma. Ranma: Hopefully Kunou's getting over you... Akane: Finally... Ranma: Well, it was bound to happen... I mean, what could such an uncute-- URK! (Akane has just punched him in the face.) Akane: (muttering, as she walks off) Ranma no baka... ********** Scene: It is the night of the date. Nabiki, dressed in a stunning blue dress, is saying goodnight to Nodoka, Genma, and Soun. Nodoka: Have a nice time, Nabiki. Soun: (crying) Oh, why do they have to grow up so fast!? Waaaaah! Genma: (comforting Soun) There, there, Tendo-kun. Nabiki: (looking a little embarrassed) Dad, please! (she heads out the door, a heavy wrap insulating her against the cold.) I'll be back later tonight! Bye! (The three parents wave as she leaves. Meanwhile, upstairs, Ranma and Akane are getting ready to go out themselves.) Ranma: What do you expect to accomplish, Akane? Akane: (looking irritated) I just want to make sure Nabiki's date goes OK. Ranma: (looking like he thinks the whole thing is a horrible idea) So? What can we do about that? Akane: (galring at him) I don't know... let's just go, OK!? Ranma: (holding his hands up in front of him) Ok, OK! (The two of them quietly sneak down the stairs, wearing heavy overcoats and hats over their normal clothes. They are almost to the door when...) Kasumi: (walking in with her schoolbooks) Oh, are you going somewhere with Akane, Ranma? (Suddenly Genma and Soun appear.) Genma: Happy day! My son and your daughter are going on a date, Tendo- kun! Soun: (crying) Oh, how long have we waited for this? You two go and have a good time. (Ranma and Akane are getting a little steamed.) Ranma: Now, wait a minute! Akane: What makes you think that I would go on a date with THAT moron? Ranma: Hey! Who are you calling a moron, you uncute tomboy? Akane: (slugging him) Ranma no BAKA! Soun: Oh, Saotome-kun... to see two fiances getting along so well... Genma: Brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it, Tendo-kun? Soun: Waaaahh! (Akane, meanwhile, picks up a bucket of water and throws it on her father.) Akane: Will you two just butt out!? Come on, Ranma! (She drags Ranma out the door.) Kasumi: (calling out after them) Have a nice time! Genma: (to Soun-panda) We cannot let the future of our two families remain solely in their hands, Tendo-kun. Soun-panda: (sign) {You're right, Saotome-kun! Let's go after them!} (Soon Genma and Soun-panda, wearing heavy overcoats like Ranma and Akane, are heading out after their children.) Kasumi: (calling after them) Uncle Saotome! Father! Don't stay out too late! It's supposed to be quite cold tonight! (She goes back to her studies.) ********** Scene: The Kunou Mansion. Nabiki is knocking at the door. After a moment, Sasuke answers it. Sasuke: (brightening) Ah, Mistress Nabiki. Come in, Master Kunou is expecting you. Nabiki: (in a good mood) Thank you, Sasuke. (She steps inside and gives Sasuke her coat, which he hangs up for her.) How are you doing? Sasuke: Very well, Mistress Nabiki, thank you for asking. It's been so much calmer since Mistress Kodachi has been seeing Master Ryouga... Nabiki: (chuckling at "Master" Ryouga) Are they in? Sasuke: (frowning) No... Master Ryouga took her out for dinner... two nights ago. They haven't been back since. Nabiki: (smirking) Well, if she let him lead, they could be a while. I wouldn't worry. Where is Kunou-chan? (A voice comes from the stairwell) Kunou: Ah, Nabiki Tendo. How good it was of you to accept my invitation. Please, enter my house freely, and of your own will. Nabiki: (to herself) [He's been reading Dracula again I see...] (to Kunou) Hello, Kunou-chan! (Kunou comes down and makes a stately bow before her.) Kunou: (smiling) Is my lady ready to go out for this evening's fine repast? Nabiki: (also smiling) Certainly, my good sir. (Outside, Ranma and Akane are listening through a window.) Ranma: (whispering) I think I'm going to puke. Akane: Shhhhhh! You want him to hear you? Besides, some girls like that sort of thing. Ranma: Yeah, but Nabiki? She seems to be eating it up, though. I don't see how-- Akane: Will you be quiet? ********** (Elsewhere, Genma and Soun-panda, still clad in heavy overcoats, are on a bus. A little old lady gets on and walks toward them.) Soun-panda: (getting up and holding a sign) {Pardon me. Please, have a seat.} Old lady: A p-p-panda...! Eeek! (The bus screeches to a halt and Genma and Soun-panda get booted off by the driver, a huge, burly man.) Driver: No pets!! (The bus screeches off into the night.) Soun-panda: (sign) {Well, of all the nerve...} Genma: We must hurry, Tendo-kun! Our families' future depends on us finding our children! Soun-panda: {Wait for me, Saotome-kun!} (The two scurry off into the night.) ********** Scene: The Nekohanten. Mousse is waiting tables. Mousse: (thought) [Oh, Shampoo... what bliss it is, to be working beside you, even though we are exiled from our home...] (Mousse is caught up in a daydream of his and Shampoo's wedding when the bell over the door rings. He looks up, glasses over his eyes for once. Nabiki and Kunou enter. Kunou glowers at Mousse, who seems not to notice.) Nabiki: (speaking to Kunou as they enter) OK, Kunou-chan, if you want to eat here... Kunou: Your sister was recommending it to everyone in school-- Mousse: Ah, table for two--Oh, hello, Nabiki. Nabiki: Hiya, Mousse. How's the restaurant business? Mousse: It's going very well, thanks. (lowers his voice) Thanks for helping Shampoo and I with that health inspector. I don't know how you convinced him to let us have the time to fix those violations. Nabiki: (smiling) All it took was a little friendly persuasion. (Mousse looks at her uncertainly and then leads them to a small, out-of- the-way table.) Mousse: Here you go. Here are your menus. Shampoo will be with you in just a second. (He leaves.) Kunou: One day, I shall have my revenge on that wretch... Nabiki: Who? Mousse? What did he ever do to you? Kunou: He hit me with... (he reconsiders) It is not for your ears, Nabiki Tendo. Suffice it to say that he has offended my honor. I shall have my vengeance! So swears the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High! (Lightning crackles) Nabiki: (looking alarmed) Hey, if you damage the place, Kunou-chan, you're paying for it... ********** Scene: The Nekohanten Kitchen. Shampoo is overseeing several bubbling pots. Mousse enters. Mousse: (In Chinese) (Shampoo glowers at him) Oh, sorry... I forgot you wanted to work on your Japanese. We have two more guests. Nabiki and that swordsman fellow... Shampoo: (leaping and looking happy) Aiyah! Must be Kunou... Now Shampoo can help Ranma and Akane! (she starts looking through the kitchen.) Mousse, where great-grandmother's scrolls? (Mousse looks very apprehensive at the mention of the scrolls.) Mousse: Um, Shampoo... are you -sure- that it's a good idea to mess around with Cologne's recipes? Some of them-- Shampoo: No worry... use very simple recipe... where scrolls? (Mousse sighs and pulls a collection of old scrolls out of a cabinet and gives them to Shampoo.) Shampoo: (glancing through the scrolls.) Passion spice, no... hypnosis mushroom, no... ramen of strength, no... one-shot Jusenkyo curse mix, no... Aha! One-person love potion! (Mousse blinks at her.) Shampoo: Mousse, Shampoo need three of Nabiki's hairs. Mousse: I can get some from her coat. (He tries to dissuade her once again) Shampoo, are you SURE this-- Shampoo: (gathering ingredients as she goes.) No worry... Shampoo help great-grandmother hundreds of times. Mousse: (shaking his head and muttering in Chinese) (Suddenly a pot smacks him in the back of his head.) Shampoo: Stupid! Speak Japanese! ********** Scene: The main room of the Nekohanten. Kunou and Nabiki are eating their meal. In the middle of the room (which is now about half full of other patrons) Ranma and Akane sit, still wearing their heavy coats and hats, watching Kunou and Nabiki. Akane: Well, it seems to be going OK so far... Ranma: (slurping up noodles) Mwat if? Akane: (glancing irritably at him) Don't speak with your mouth full, you dummy. Their date, I meant. Ranma: (swallowing) Who are you calling a dummy, you tom-- (Akane covers his mouth with her hand. For a minute she looks angry, then she takes a deep breath and calms herself.) Akane: Shhhh...! I don't want to ruin Nabiki's date. (She struggles for a moment....) I'm... sorry. (Ranma looks shocked.) ********** (Meanwhile, over at Kunou and Nabiki's table.) Kunou: Ah, how blessed I must be by the gods to be sharing this meal with one so lovely as yourself. And how blessed you must be, to break bread with the mighty Tatewaki Kunou, the-- Nabiki: (interrupting while she plays with her chopsticks) It has been a while since our last date, Kunou. I was... beginning to worry. Kunou: Do not fear! Nothing can sway my love for you... or for your lovely sister! (Nabiki's chopsticks suddenly break in two. Kunou does not notice. Over at the other table, Akane suddenly sneezes.) Nabiki: (In a tight, controlled voice) What do you see in her, anyway? Kunou: Her strength, her power, her gracefulness... she is an ideal, a muse granted human form... (Nabiki is gripping the table now and the sound of wood cracking can be heard.) Kunou: And then there is your beauty, your charm, your fair wit... (Nabiki relents a bit, seeming somewhat mollified) Kunou: Can you not see the horrible agony such a quandry places me in? But, after much thought, I have come to the only conclusion possible for this gordion knot... (Nabiki looks at him, fear and hope crossing though her eyes.) Kunou: ...I shall date thee both! (Nabiki facefaults.) (Over at their table, Ranma and Akane watch the sudden escalation.) Ranma: Kunou must have mentioned you. Akane: (irritably, though it's more aimed at Kunou than Ranma) What makes you say that? Ranma: Because Nabiki looks like she wants to kill him. Boy, never realized how much violence runs in your fam-- (Akane clobbers him.) ********** (Shampoo and Mousse look out from the kitchen at Kunou and Nabiki. They are sitting in the table farthest from the kitchen, so all the other tables (including Ranma and Akane's) are between them and the arguing couple.) Shampoo: (quietly, to Mousse) Shampoo have potion darts ready. (She holds up a bunch of small wooden darts, each tipped with some oily substance.) Mousse ready? Mousse: Of course, my love. (Shampoo winces reflexively) Here is my weapon. (He produces a small blowgun.) (Bubbling sounds can be heard from the kitchen.) Shampoo: Aiyah! Noodles boil over. Mousse, take care of Kunou... Shampoo deal with noodles! (She runs back inside the kitchen.) Mousse: (pushing his glasses up on his forehead and sighing) [No good, I am sure, will come of this plan... but it is what my darling Shampoo wants. At least this potion only makes people fall in love with Nabiki Tendo temporarily, so that should minimize the problems...] (He inserts one of the darts into the blowgun and then places the blowgun to his lips, taking careful aim. Unfortunately, he has forgotten to put his glasses back over his eyes...) ********** (At Ranma and Akane's table) Ranma: (looking over at Nabiki and Kunou, who are really going at it) Sheesh, looks like the date ain't going too well. Akane: (angrily) I can SEE that, you baka! Now, what are we going to DO about it? Ranma: (considering it) Leave? Akane: (shocked) LEAVE?! How can you suggest that? Ranma: Well, if we go over there, we'll just end up clobbering Kunou, and that will DEFINITELY ruin Nabiki's date and--OW! (He suddenly slaps his neck, brushing away a tiny, unnoticed wooden dart) Darn bugs... Anyway, I don't see what Kunou sees in such a... (suddenly his eyes glaze over) ...lovely girl. (He leaps to his feet.) KUNOU! (The entire restaurant falls silent. Kunou leaps to his feet, his bokuto held ready. Nabiki is staring in shock and anger at Ranma.) Kunou: So, you accursed sorceror, you who have bewitched the lovely Akane and my dear sister, now you seek to enslave the remaining love of my life! Nabiki: (angrily) Ranma, you--you... Ranma: Stand away from the woman I love, Kunou!! Nabiki: ...you... WHAT?! Akane: WHAT?! (Meanwhile, back at the doorway to the kitchen, Shampoo sees the commotion and hears Ranma's declaration. She grabs Mousse by the throat.) Shampoo: Dummy! Get wrong man! Mousse: Urk! (He begins to turn purple) (At this moment, Genma and Soun-panda barge in.) Soun-panda: (sign) {Table for two and some wonton soup, please!} Kunou: You dare try to claim the fair Nabiki Tendo, when you already control her beauteous sister? Die, Saotome! Ranma: I will risk anything for Nabiki! Come and get me! (The two begin to do battle, causing most of the other patrons to flee the restaurant. Soun and Genma are shocked.) Soun-panda: (sign) {What?!} Genma: (whispering to Soun) Maybe we picked the wrong one for Ranma... Soun-panda: (sign) {You may have something there, Saotome-kun.} (Akane, meanwhile, has shed her disguise and is attempting to pull Ranma away from the fight.) Akane: (whispering to Ranma) WHAT do you think you're DOING? Ranma: (shrugging off Akane) Get away from me, you tomboy... I see it all now, Nabiki is the one for me! Kunou: (now towering over Ranma, his face huge and red) DIE, SAOTOME!! Nabiki: (to herself) I do not believe this... (In the background, Genma and Soun-panda are helping themselves to some of the food abandoned by the fleeing customers and watching the fight in earnest. Shampoo is beating Mousse up by the kitchen door. Ranma has shoved Akane away from him and is dodging Kunou's blows as Kunou angrily attacks him. Akane is sitting on the floor, looking at Ranma, stunned and hurt.) Akane: R-ranma... why...? (She begins to look angry) Kunou: (to Ranma) You shall bewitch no more fair maidens, dog! Ranma: (to Kunou) And you shall not touch my beloved Nabiki! Genma: (cheering through a mouthful of lo mein) That's the way, Ranma!! Soun-panda: (sign, while munching on some bamboo shoots he picked out of another dish) {Young love... isn't it beautiful?} (Meanwhile, Nabiki is just staring unbelievingly at this chaos. Slowly her temper begins to rise until...) Nabiki: (screaming) ENOUGH! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!! (Everyone stops and looks at her in bewilderment.) Nabiki: I have HAD it with you all trying to ruin my life! I'm leaving! Good-bye!! (She grabs her purse and coat, as they all stand frozen, watching her, and heads for the door.) Soun-panda: (sign, while beginning to sob) {L-leaving?} Ranma & Kunou: My love-- (They glare at each other and drop into fighting stances) Akane: (stunned) Oneechan... (Shampoo and Mousse look guiltily at each other and open their mouths to speak.) Nabiki: I'll be moving out tomorrow... after that, I never want to see ANY of you AGAIN! (She storms out, slamming the door behind her.) Akane: (regaining her senses and storming over to Ranma) See what you did?! Ranma no BAKA!! (She slaps him hard across the cheek. His eyes clear and he looks around in confusion.) If this is the type of two-timer you really are, then... then... (she chokes a little) ... our engagement is OFF! (She storms out the door.) Ranma: (Still confused) Wait! Akane... I... I l-- Soun-panda: (sign) {That's OK, Ranma... you're now engaged to Nabiki!} Genma: (nodding) True, since you prefer her... Ranma: (regaining his senses) Prefer... NABIKI?! Pop, what makes you... Kunou: (slamming his bokuto down on Ranma's head) So, you admit your trickery, you deceiver of women! (Ranma, taken by surprise, falls) The lovely Akane has at last seen hrough your deceit, and now I may--URK! (Soun-panda has just clobbered him with a sign: {Shut up!}) ********** Scene: The streets of Nerima at night. Ranma is trudging down towards the Saotome dojo, lost in thought. Ranma: (thinking) [Man, now what do I do? Akane's furious at me, Nabiki's run away from home, Pop and Mr. Tendo want me to marry Nabiki, Kunou STILL wants to beat me up, and no one trusts me...] (Suddenly a pair of hands covers his face. He was so lost in thought he didn't even hear anyone come up.) Voice: Surprise! (Ranma instinctively flips his attacker over his back and drops into a combat stance. His assailant lands gracefully on, as it turns out, her feet, and is now visible as a very cute, brown-haired girl wearing an okonomiyaki-seller's outfit and sporting a large spatula across her back, and a bandolier of mini-spatulas accross her chest. She smiles at him.) Girl: Hiya, Ranchan! Miss me? Ranma: (Getting his second big surprise of the night) U-ucchan? (End part 7) (Part 8) Scene: A street in Nerima. Ranma is being hugged rather violently by the girl in the okonomiyaki-seller's outfit. Ranma: (still shocked) U-Ukyou? What are you doing in Tokyo? Ukyou (Girl): (punching him slightly on the arm and grinning) Is that anyway to greet your best friend, Ranchan? I came to visit you, of course! Sorry I didn't send word ahead, but... (she shrugs) Ranma: (Finally getting over his surprise.) Really? That's great! It's been a long time since you were here last. Did your Dad come with you? (Ukyou's smile dims slightly, but Ranma doesn't notice.) Ukyou: No, he... he let me come on my own. (She comes up along Ranma and hooks her arm in his.) Anyway, why the long face, Ranchan? Ranma: (groans, remembering the night's problems) Ugh... tonight has just been awful, Ucchan... (He suddenly stops and sits on a nearby bench and puts his head in his arms.) To make it worse, I have NO idea how to fix things. (Ukyou sits beside him, looking worriedly at him. She puts her arm over his shoulder.) Ukyou: (concerned) Do you want to talk about it? Ranma: (Considering) Well, it all started a couple of months ago... Mr. Tendo--you know, Nabiki and Kasumi's dad? (Ukyou nods.) Anyway, he and his youngest daughter, Akane, returned from their training trip. Dad and he... (Ranma stops and considers. Thought:) [Should I tell Ucchan about the fiancee business?] (He shakes his head.) [No... it'd just make this story more confusing than it is already...] Ukyou: (watching Ranma carefully) Ranchan? Ranma: Huh? Oh, sorry... anyway, things got complicated when Kunou, who's been dating Nabiki, you see, falls for Akane. Then there was this crazy chick from Chin-- (he stops again.) Never mind that... it'd take too long to explain. Anyhow, Kunou and Nabiki went on a date tonight, and Akane and I followed to make sure it turned out OK. Ukyou: (trying very hard to follow Ranma's story) And it didn't? Ranma: (groaning) Man, that's an understatement... I don't know why, but suddenly I was fighting Kunou for NABIKI! Before I knew it, Nabiki ran off, saying she never wanted to see us again, Akane slapped me for... for doing that to her sister, and Dad and Mr. Tendo were making a huge mess of everything... (He sighs) Ukyou: (Perplexed and looking a little hurt) For Nabiki? Why would you-- ? (Suddenly she breaks off and looks at Ranma more closely.) Ranchan, did you know your neck was bleeding? Ranma: (confused) Huh? (Feels his neck) Wow, that bug must have taken a bigger bite out of me than I thought... Ukyou: Bug? Ranma: Yeah. Just before I joined the fight, some bug bit me... Ukyou: Ranchan, it's winter... almost all the bugs are dead from the cold... Ranma: (shrugging) Well, I guess this one was lucky... Ukyou: (peering at his neck) Here, let me take a look at it... (She looks more closely) It looks like a puncture wound... (She pulls out a pair of extremely tiny spatulas from her bandolier and uses them like tweezers) Hmmm... most bugs don't leave wood splinters behind, Ranchan... Ranma: (Looking confused) You mean I was drugged...? (Realization dawns) Shampoo! Ukyou: (blinking in surprise) I don't think a hair product could do this, Ranchan... Ranma: No, Shampoo is a girl from China. She runs the restaurant we were at. We were talking to her a few days ago about Nabiki and Kunou and she said she knew many ways to trap a man... including potions of some sort. Said she learned them from her great-grandmother... Ukyou: (skeptical) A love potion? Ranma: Hey, you haven't met her great grandmother... if anyone could do it, she could, the old crone... (Ranma groans) And Shampoo said she would try to help Nabiki! Oh, no... (Ranma groans and shakes his head.) Ukyou: (comforting him as best she can) Well, come on, Ranchan. Let's go back to that restaurant first and find out the truth. ********** Scene: The Nekohanten. Genma and Soun-panda are cleaning up the mess made by the big fight. Shampoo is standing over them, keeping watch, one of her bonbori (maces) in hand. Genma takes some dirty dishes back into the kitchen. Shampoo: You work to pay for food you eat! Soun-panda: (sign) {That's not fair!} Shampoo: (glaring) You no have money, you work! Soun-panda: (sign) {That's it! I'm on strike!} (He begins to wave it around.) Shampoo: (holding her bonbori in an attack position) You want negotiate? Soun-panda: (Sign) {Never mind...} (Ranma and Ukyou enter. Ukyou starts at the sight of the panda, then looks around at the Chinese restaurant and shrugs, apparently accepting it as part of the decor.) Ranma: Shampoo? Shampoo: (looking guiltily nervous) Nihao, Ranma. You come pay for Ranma Father bill? Ranma: (looking confused) Bill? Soun-panda: (sign) {Saotome-kun and I had a little something to eat...} (Ukyou blinks at the literary panda.) Shampoo: (looking cross) They eat other customers food! Shampoo make them clean mess since no money. Soun-panda: (Sign) {Pandas don't have pockets.} (Genma comes back in, looking a little depressed. He brightens when he sees Ranma and Ukyou.) Genma: (heartily) Ranma, m'boy! (in a low voice to Ranma) Got any money your father can borrow, Ranma? (He then comes and sweeps Ukyou up in a bear hug.) And can this be little Ukyou? My, how you've grown! What brings you to Tokyo? Ukyou: (returning the hug) Hiya, Uncle Saotome! (She then ducks her head and responds a little evasively) I came to see Ranchan. Genma: (absently) How nice. Did your father come, too? Ukyou: Um... no, he didn't... you see-- Shampoo: (towering over Genma) You! Work! (Genma swallows audibly and goes back to cleaning up the mess.) Ranma: Look, Shampoo... you didn't have anything to do with the mess that happened tonight, did you? (Shampoo suddenly looks at Ranma with huge, innocent eyes.) Shampoo: (blink, blink) What could Shampoo do? Ukyou: (holding up the splinters of wood in her tweezer-spatulas) Use drug-tipped darts, apparently. (Shampoo furrows her brow at Ukyou, though a giant sweat drop forms on her hair behind her, unseen by Ranma and Ukyou.) Shampoo: (A bit crossly) Shampoo not know you. Ranma, who not-nice girl? Ukyou: (Steaming) Who's "not-nice?" (She unslings her spatula) I'm one of the nicest people around! I oughtta-- Ranma: (standing between the two) Now, now... let's not fight. Tonight's been bad enough. (He turns to Shampoo and looks at her earnestly, turning on as much charm as he can) Shampoo, did you have something to do with what happened tonight? Shampoo: (Looking a little weak, nods) Yes... try to help Nabiki, but Mousse mess up! (She throws her bonbori towards the kitchen. A minute later a *THUMP!* "OW!" *CRASH!* can be heard.) (Ranma grimaces and rubs pauses to rub his neck. In the background, Genma is nodding proudly.) Genma: (whispering) That's m'boy! He's got the old Saotome charm, alright... Soun-panda: (holding up a small sign) {Saotome-kun! He's flirting with other women! Is this how you keep your promise that he--} (he runs out of room on the sign.) Ukyou: (watching this curiously) Ranchan, how come that panda is using signs? Ranma: (distracted) Oh, that's Mr. Tendo... don't worry, he won't bite. Soun-panda: (Sign) {Of course I won't bite! Hmph!} (Ukyou blinks) Ranma: (not noticing Ukyou) Great, now what am I going to do? (He agonizes over this for a bit. Ukyou watches and then sighs.) Ukyou: Come on, Ranchan.... Let's start by explaining things to Akane, OK? Ranma: (looking indecisive) But, what about Nabiki? Ukyou: Well, you said she ran away, right? We can't do anything till she gets back, so why don't you deal with one problem at a time? Ranma: (Slamming his fist decisively onto his palm) You're right! Thanks, Ucchan. I don't know what I would have done with out you. Ukyou: (smiling) Anytime, Ranchan. ********** Scene: The Saotome Dojo. Akane is busily demolishing enough cinder blocks to build the Great Wall. Akane: Kiya! (*SMASH* Another block is demolished.) Ranma no baka! Going after Nabiki like that... I won't forgive him! Voice: Ano... You're Akane Tendo, right? (Akane spins around to see Ukyou looking at her worriedly.) Akane: Can I... Can I help you? Ukyou: (smiling) Good evening! I am Ukyou Kuonji. Pleased to meet you. I'm an old friend of Ranma's and-- Akane: (getting steamed) Ranma... that--that idiot! (She quickly pulverizes another cinder block into dust.) Ukyou: (sympathetically) I know... He told me about this night you've been having and-- Akane: He... he told you? Everything? Ukyou: Well, enough... I ran into him and we talked... (notices Akane's expression) Hey, Ranchan and I don't have many secrets! Anyway, I'm here to explain things... (A quick explanation later) Akane: Love potion-tipped darts? Ukyou: (nodding) Yup! I've known both Ranchan and Nabiki for a while, and believe me, they don't feel THAT way about each other. (she laughs) Akane: (smiling slightly) I guess it was kinda odd, especially with the way Nabiki has been... (She shakes her head confusedly.) Anyway, why are you here, instead of that great big dummy? Ukyou: Well, he wanted to come, but I thought it would be better if someone else approached you first. Ranchan tends to have trouble when it comes to apologizing and things like that. He gets a little defensive and- - (A muffled *thwump* can be heard outside. Akane looks up, perplexed, but Ukyou giggles. A moment later, there is a scrabbling sound outside, as if someone were climbing up onto the roof of the dojo.) Ukyou: (smiling and speaking loudly) Hmmm, I wonder what the noise is... Anyway, I convinced him to let me act as a go-between this time, so that his stubborn pride wouldn't-- (A great deal of noise comes from the roof, as if someone were up there and had suddenly lost his grip. Inside the dojo, Akane is looking confused, then comprehension dawns and she begins to giggle.) Ukyou: (trying hard not to laugh) --wouldn't... wouldn't make things... (really trying hard not to laugh but not succeeding very well. Akane is finding it hard to keep control of herself as well.) ...make things... worse. (Another clatter of noise, followed by a *THUMP* right outside the door. Ukyou staggers up and opens the door to show Ranma lying in a heap on the ground.) Ukyou & Akane: Ranma! (Ranma groans and slowly sits up. He looks at the two worried girls and manages a weak smile.) Ranma: Uhm, hi. (He looks at Akane.) Um, did Ucchan explain it all to you? Akane: Ucchan? Ukyou: That's me. It's a pet name, from when we were little kids. I call him Ranchan, he calls me Ucchan. (She gives Ranma a little hug.) See? Ranma: (smiling) Yeah, I've known Ucchan from since I was six or seven, I think... When I met her, I thought she was a boy, actually. Boy, was I surprised when I learned the truth. (He and Ukyou laugh and, after a moment, Akane joins him.) ********** (We cut to a flashback showing Genma and a young Ranma walking through the streets of Nerima with Nabiki and Kasumi. Apparently they are all out on an outing. They spy a bearded man selling okonomiyaki from a yattai (cart) with help from a young boy.) Nabiki: Uuuunnnncle! I'm hungry! I want some okonomiyaki! Ranma: (looks hungry as well.) Yeah! Genma: (laughing) All right. Okonomiyaki for everyone! Nabiki, Ranma and Kasumi: Yay!! (Genma pulls out his wallet and looks inside it. Then he looks at the sign near the yattai proclaiming prices.) Genma: (thought) [If I buy the three of them okonomiyaki, I won't be able to have any myself!] (He turns to Ranma.) Ranma! Ranma: Hai? Genma: This yattai has a special. If you can get the okonomiyaki off their grill before they can act, it's free! Ranma: Honto?* * = Really? Genma: Honto! Ranma: Okay! (Ranma runs towards the yattai while Genma ushers Kasumi and Nabiki out of sight. The little boy helping run the yattai looks up in surprise as Ranma runs up.) Boy: Hey! (Ranma grabs four okonomiyaki and zooms off. The boy takes off in pursuit.) Boy: Stop! Give me back those okonomiyaki! (Ranma begins to lead the boy on a merry chase through the streets. Finally, the boy tries to tackle Ranma, but Ranma leaps out of the way and lands on the boy's head, knocking him to the ground.) Ranma: (running off) Better luck next time! (He laughs as he runs away.) Boy: (angry) Next time, you won't get away! (We see Genma, Ranma, Kasumi and Nabiki eating their okonomiyaki and looking very happy. The next day, we see Ranma and Genma again walking the streets and seeing the same yattai.) Genma: (pointing to to the yattai) Would you like some okonomiyaki, Ranma? Ranma: Yeah! Genma: Go for it, boy! (We see a series of scenes, each showing Ranma and the boy from the yattai fighting over okonomiyaki, with Ranma winning every time. The scene cuts to the Saotome kitchen, where Nodoka is making some cookies. Ranma comes running it.) Nodoka: Ranma, would you like some okonomiyaki tonight for dinner? Ranma: (grabbing a fresh-baked cookie from the counter.) Nope. Had some this morning. Nodoka: Oh? Did your father buy you some? (She puts another tray of cookies in the oven.) Ranma: We didn't have to pay! I got it before they could stop me! (He beams with pride.) Nodoka: What?! (We now see Nodoka talking to Genma.) Nodoka: I can't believe it! You were encouraging your son to steal! Genma: (looking nervous) Ah... well... um... Nodoka: We are going to go and apologize to that seller right now, Genma! (She grabs him by the ear and drags him out of the room.) Genma: Ow! Ow! Ow! (We now see them all bowing before the okonomiyaki seller.) Nodoka: I apologize for my husband and son's behavior. It was inexcusable. Please tell us what we owe you and we will pay it. Okonomiyaki seller: (laughing) Please, no need to make a fuss. (He gestures for all of them to have a seat around the yattai.) Truthfully, he hasn't been stealing all that much, and my daughter Ukyou has been enjoying their daily fights. (He looks sad for a moment) She doesn't get much chance to play with people her own age, here on the road. Genma and Ranma: Daughter?! Okonomiyaki Seller: (patting Ranma on the head.) If your boy will be a friend to my daughter while we're in the area. I'll consider us even, ok? Nodoka: You are too kind. Ranma, this is alright with you, right? Ranma: (nibbling on a hot okonomiyaki given to him by the seller) Yeah! Ucchan's cool! Nodoka: Ucchan? Okonomiyaki Seller: They seem to have given each other nicknames. Ukyou refers to him as "Ranchan." Well, I guess it's agreed! (Everyone eats some okonomiyaki. Ranma steals Ukyou's and the two of them get into a little fight. End flashback.) ********** (Kasumi walks in with a pitcher of lemonade.) Kasumi: Here you go! Auntie thought you might be thirsty, and asked that I bring you some lemonade. Ranma: Thanks, oneechan! (He grabs a glass and starts pouring until Ukyou bops him lightly with her spatula and he remembers to hand out glasses to her and Akane.) Kasumi: Oh, Ukyou, I do hope you'll be able to make some okonomiyaki for us while you're here. Ukyou: (beaming) I'd be glad to! Do you and Akane want to help me tomorrow, Ranchan? Ranma: (looking a little grim, but he nods anyway.) Um, sure thing, Ucchan... Akane: Sure! I'd be glad to help! Ranma: (changing the subject) Kasumi, has Nabiki been back yet? Kasumi: (shaking her head.) No... Father, Auntie, and Uncle Saotome are in the family room talking about her... I hope she has her coat; it's really rather cold out. ********** Scene: The Saotome family room. Genma, Soun, and Nodoka are all sitting around the table. Nodoka is listening to Genma and Soun explain everything with an icy calm. Nodoka: So, if I am to understand you two, Nabiki has run away from home, Akane has broken up with Ranma-- Genma: But now we're sure he'll marry-- Nodoka: (fixing Genma with an icy glare that stops him in mid-sentence, though her voice remains level) I wasn't finished, dear... (Genma blanches.) As I was saying, our families are tearing themselves apart, and it's all because of your stupid promise! (She glares at the two of them.) How can you two put family honor ahead of the continued existence of the family? (She turns to Genma.) How could you let a girl whom you have raised as a daughter for 10 years run out like that? (She turns to Soun.) How can you remain so blind to your daughter's suffering? (She is towering over them in a cold, tightly controlled rage.) You two are going to wait right here while I get our children, and then we will settle this, once and for all! (Nodoka walks out of the room, leaving the two of them alone.) Genma: (whispering to Soun) We're in trouble now, Tendo-kun. Soun: She's your wife, Saotome-kun! Can you reason with her? Genma: Reason--? When she's in that mood? (The two men sit looking glumly at the floor. A minute later, Nodoka comes back with Kasumi, Akane, Ranma and Ukyou.) Ranma: (confusedly) What's this about, Mom? Nodoka: (glaring towards Genma and Soun, who cringe.) It's time we settled this problem your father and Mr. Tendo have caused. Akane: (looking hopeful) Will Nabiki be coming? Nodoka: (looking sad) No, your sister is still missing. I've called all her friends and asked them to let us know if she shows up. I've notified the police as well, but they say they can't do more than keep an eye out. Wandering around the streets would be next to pointless, and Nabiki is a resourceful girl. I'm sure she's alright. (Nodoka looks worried for a moment anyway.) Now, Ukyou, dear, can you excuse us? This is a family manner and while you're a very close friend, we need to settle this on our own. Ukyou: (smiling weakly at Ranma) Hai, Auntie. (She walks out towards the dojo.) Nodoka: Now, Ranma, Akane... your fathers long ago did pledge that you two shall marry.... I agreed to honor it, initially, but now I see that it has only caused problems and is tearing our families apart. While it will not solve everything, I declare the promise void and non-binding. Ranma & Akane: But-- (They suddenly look at each other in shock.) Nodoka: (looking between the two of them) Is there something you'd like to say about it? (Ranma and Akane look at each other for a long moment that seems to drag on and on... you can almost hear their hearts beating. Finally, Ranma turns to his parents and Mr. Tendo.) Ranma: I'd like... if Akane is willing, that is, to, well, erm... (he falters as everyone stares at him, Akane included.) I would like to, um, you see, like to ask Akane to-- (Suddenly, Ukyou can be heard screaming in the dojo. Ranma jumps to his feet and runs out the door, closely followed by everyone else. When they get to the dojo, they see Ukyou struggling with a small, old, bald man, whom we recognize as the "thing" that escaped the mountain cave, clinging tenaciously to her bosom, despite her best efforts with a spatula-turned- crowbar.) Ukyou: Get OFF of me, you pervert!! Ranma: Ucchan! (He leaps into the fray and starts pulling at the little old man, but to no avail.) Old man: Akane-chan! (Akane blinks and looks around with a "Who, me?" look on her face. When she looks at Genma and Soun, she is shocked to see that they are both pale as a sheet.) Akane: Father? Uncle? Genma: It is our worst nightmare, come to pass! Soun: Woe is us! (Upon hearing their voices, the old man looks up. He beams at the sight of them and drops down to the floor, pausing only to take out a small pipe and use it to fling Ranma, who was charging him, into the dojo wall. *SMASH*) Old man: Tendo! Saotome! How good to see you again! Genma: M-m-master! Soun: (*splash* Sign:) {I'm just a panda!} Old Man: (smoking his pipe and chuckling) You two haven't changed a bit! Ranma: Master? Ukyou: (slamming her giant spatula down on the old man's head *WHAM*) Who is this old freak?! (Genma and Soun start crying.) Genma: It was over ten years ago. We were training under master Happousai (he prods the old man's flattened body) and-- (We see a series of flashbacks. A younger Soun and Genma working off Happousai's food bills, running away from mobs, being chained up hungry while Happousai eats a chicken.) Genma: We trained day and night, very rigorous training, until one night-- (We see Soun and Genma getting Happousai drunk on sake, chaining him inside a barrel, throwing the barrel and some dynamite into a cave, and rolling a boulder over the cave entrance. A faint *BOOM* can be heard. Soun and Genma adorn the boulder with Buddhist prayers and kneel before it.) Genma and Soun: (in flashback) As of today, master, we forget you! Bwahahahahahaha! (Back to the present. Happousai is drinking a bottle of sake and nursing his bandaged head.) Happousai: It was a fine try, my students, except you didn't manage to finish me off! Hahahahahahahahahaha! Genma: Yes. Soun-panda: (sign) {Quite} Happousai: But don't worry! I'm not here to get revenge. I'm getting old, and it's time to train the heir to my School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. That will be one of you. (Genma and Soun-panda suddenly make a beeline for the door.) Genma: I just remembered an important appointment. Soun-panda: (Sign:) {I forgot my hairbrush back in China. Let me just go and get it...} Nodoka: Dear! I hope you two aren't trying to run off... that would be horribly rude. Genma: Now, dear, you can't.... Nodoka: (to Happousai) I'm sure my husband and Mr. Tendo would love to study under you once again, Master Happousai... if nothing else, it would keep them out of trouble. Genma: (whispering to Soun-panda) But's who's going to keep HIM out of trouble? Happousai: Then it's decided! Tomorrow, we start training you two again! Oh, it's just like the good old days.... *sigh* (He suddenly leaps at Ukyou again) Now, let me just rest in your bosom! (Ukyou whips out her giant spatula and hits Happousai into low earth orbit) Ukyou: DIE, HENTAI!!! Genma: We're doomed, doomed, doomed... (We cut to a garbage can located far away from the dojo. Happousai comes plummeting down out of the sky and lands right in the middle of it. *WHAM* Two points for Ukyou. :) Happousai: (picking himself out of the can.) Hmph! Youngsters today... no respect for their elders! Ah, well... the night is still young. (He hurries off into the night. A moment later, we hear a woman scream nearby, followed by sounds of a commotion.) ********** Scene: Outside the Saotome Dojo, later that same night. Akane and Ranma are setting out again, bundled up against the cold. Ranma: I just can't sit around here while Nabiki is out there somewhere... Akane: (She seems preoccupied) Me, neither. (Ranma and Akane wander the streets of Nerima for a while, looking everywhere for Nabiki. Finally they take a break in front of the closed and darkened Nekohanten.) Ranma: (breathing on his hands to warm them, his breath visible in the cold.) Man, it is COLD! Akane: Yeah. Ranma: Something wrong, Akane? Akane: No, I was just thinking... (her voice trails off.) Ranma: 'Bout what? Akane: (looking up at him) Ranma, what were you going to say, before Master Happousai showed up? What were you going to ask me? (Ranma suddenly becomes very quiet. He shuffles his feet nervously and stands.) Ranma: Well, we better head home. Yup! That's what we should do... After all, Ucchan's coming over early tomorrow so we can cook dinner tomorrow, so-- Akane: Ranma, please... (She looks at him earnestly) What were you going to ask? (Ranma stops short and looks back at her. Their eyes meet and for several seconds neither of them say anything... finally, Ranma turns away and starts to speak in a low, muffled voice.) Ranma: When I was little, my Dad used to lecture me for hours on "Responsibility" and "Honor" and "Discipline." To him, the world is a simple place, full of black and whites where the strongest arm, most powerful kick, and most trained eye can solve any problem.... "No matter what," he used to say, "never stop fighting." But I always knew that that wasn't everything. (He pauses and sits back down next to Akane.) Ranma: My mom showed me that it's not that simple. There is no "Right" and "Wrong" but a lot of inbetweens. When I was younger, it seemed horribly confusing, especially when I looked at what my father told me. I asked my mom what to do, how should I choose between everything? (He takes a deep breath.) She told me that I just had to follow my heart, that I would know what was right and what was wrong, what was worth fighting for and what wasn't... (Ranma looks into Akane's eyes again.) Now, my heart is telling me one thing and I have to ask you this question, even though it's sudden and out of the blue, but... Akane: (softly) What question? Ranma: Akane, will you... will you marry me? (End part 8) (Part 9) Scene: A road in Nerima at night. It seems quite cold out, with ice covering the ground and a light dusting of snow being blown around by a harsh wind. A figure staggers into sight. It is Nabiki, clutching her coat around herself. Nabiki: (muttering) Kunou no baka. Ranma no baka. (She chants this to herself several times and then looks up at the sky.) Nabiki: (thought) [I didn't want this... it was bad enough that I never could measure up to Kasumi, but now Akane! With them around, it's like I don't even exist!] (She chokes back some tears.) [Nabiki Tendo, the forgotten daughter, that's me... all I want is something I can call my own... Kunou-chan...] (Nabiki takes cover in a bus stop for a while, and considers her situation.) Nabiki: (getting angry) None of this would have happened if it wasn't for Akane. Everything was fine until she came back. (Bitterly.) Now she's here and everyone dotes over her. (getting even more angry.) Well, that's it! (She stands and stomps off into the night, back the way she came.) ********** Scene: Outside the Nekohanten. Ranma has just proposed to Akane and is now awaiting her reply. Akane: (looking shocked) Ra-ranma.... Ranma: I'm sorry to spring it on you like that... I know we've had our problems, Akane, but I wanted to tell you that I think I l-love you. Akane: But... our engagement was forced upon us, you don't have--have to... Ranma: (standing up) I know, but.... Look, for most of my life, I've been chased by this girl or another, but none of them really interested me. Martial arts is my life, after all... I can't really talk with any of them... They don't understand what it means when I master a new technique or win a fight. (Akane nods, more to herself than anyone.) Ranma: They saw me as... I dunno, a thing, a "handsome boyfriend." None of them ever tried to get to know me or talk to me. Akane: What about Ukyou? Ranma: Ucchan? She's one of my best friends, like a sister to me. (He comes back to Akane.) Akane, you're different. You know what being a martial artist is like, you understand me.... will you marry me? (We see a series of flashbacks: Akane and Ranma sparring in the dojo, learning from each other's styles; Akane helping Ranma defeat Kunou and the horde of Furinkan high schoolers; Ranma taking Akane-kun home via rooftops after Nabiki revealed the curse to Kunou; Ranma coaching Akane for the Rhythmic Gymnastics competition; Ranma spitting up blood after taking a hit from Shampoo's bonbori meant for Akane. A final flashback just shows Ranma and Akane staring at each other as if they want to say something to each other, but can't.) Akane: (Her eyes growing moist) But.... the curse, I mean... how can you love someone who's half boy? Ranma: I'm sure that there must be a cure... besides, if I loved you just for the way you look, I'd be no better than the girls who chase me.... (Akane considers this, then reaches out and takes Ranma's hand.) Ranma: Akane? (Akane shushes him and pulls him up to sit beside her. She looks into his eyes and they just sit there for a long moment. Then Akane moves her head closer to his, moving awkwardly, but with a sense of determination. Their lips meet.) Akane: (breaking the kiss after a long moment.) Ranma.... I think I want to marry you... but.... (She looks around.) Ranma: (looking downcast.) But you won't? Akane: I can't make a decision like that on the spur of the moment... besides, the curse DOES matter. It matters to me. I don't want you to marry someone who has something like that over her. If you were cursed... I don't know, I think I'd still want to marry you, but... It wouldn't be fair to either of us. (She squeezes his hand.) But I wanted you to know that I do care for you... Ranma: (trying to put on a happy face.) Thank you, Akane. (He takes a deep breath.) Until you decide, I can wait. Akane: (quietly) Thank you, Ranma... (The two of them walk home quietly.) ********** Scene: The Nekohanten, late at night. Someone is pounding on the door and a very groggy-looking Mousse and Shampoo answer it. Mousse: I'm sorry, we're closed... Nabiki: (She looks a little tired and her eyes are red.) It's me, Mousse. Mousse: Nabiki! (He ushers her inside.) Do you know your family and friends are out looking for you? They're worried to death about you. Shampoo: (bounding over) That right. Why Nabiki not at home? Nabiki: I can't go home just yet, and it's something you might understand, Shampoo. (Nabiki explains her situation.) Shampoo: Ah, matter of honor. Shampoo understand. Nabiki: Not really... I can't go home and face them... not after last night. Shampoo: If Amazons both want same man, then fight for him. Winner take man. Loser at least get to hurt other. Honor sat- satisfied. (She looks proud to get the word out.) Nabiki: (considering it.) Hmmm... I tried being sneaky and that didn't work. Maybe I should challenge her. Mousse: It seems rather foolish of you to challenge Akane, Nabiki. She's been practicing her martial arts for years. Nabiki: (looking a little deflated) I know, it'd be a long shot, but I can't just run away. I have to at least try to get back some of the things she's taken from me. Shampoo: Akane no mean to take. Nabiki: (bitterly) Whether she meant to or not, she's done it. Now, I need to ask two favors of you. Mousse: What? Nabiki: First, let me stay here until the match. It's the Winter Holiday now... I have a month in which to practice before I have to go back home... I need to stay away from home. If I went there now, I'd go nuts. Shampoo: No problem. Our home is your home. Shampoo not know Japan school have winter holiday. Nabiki: Ordinary schools don't... but Furinkan's Principal used our winter budget to go to Hawaii, so the school's closed for a month. Nabiki: Second, I need you to teach me to fight Akane. Shampoo: Aiyah! No can teach you in one month. Mousse: We'd need that long just to get the basics down... Nabiki: I know, but I want at least to keep myself from looking like a fool. And maybe I'll pick up enough to let me win. Mousse: I can understand that. But, Nabiki, there's something you have to know. Shampoo: (trying to be nonchalant) Shampoo not think so. Mousse: (ignoring Shampoo) You see, Shampoo and I were-- Shampoo: Shhh! Mousse: --the ones responsible for Ranma acting like he did here. Nabiki: (blinking) You were? How? Why? Shampoo: (turning a little red) Shampoo make love potion but Mousse (she becomes angry) hit Ranma with dart by mistake! Mousse: It was an accident. I was aiming for Kunou. Nabiki: (looking down) It's OK. I doubt it would have changed anything anyway. Akane does seem to have ensorcelled Kunou somehow. (The scene pans back from Nabiki sitting forlornly at the table.) ********** Scene: The next day we see the Saotomes, the Tendos, Kunou, Ukyou and even Ryouga and Kodachi scouring Nerima, looking for Nabiki. (Well, Ryouga and Kodachi are apparently lost in a jungle, but they ARE looking. :) We cut to a scene of the Saotome living room where Ranma and Akane are sitting dispiritedly by the table. Ukyou comes in and sees them like this. Ukyou: (putting her arms around Ranma's shoulders, eliciting a scowl from Akane that Ranma misses.) Don't look so glum, Ranchan. Ranma: (in a depressed voice) Thanks, Ucchan... it's just... if something happens to Nabiki, it'll be all my fa-- Akane: (interrupting) Baka! You can't blame yourself for this. Ranma: (angrily, but no longer depressed.) What do you know about it, you tomboy?! (Akane and Ranma seem about ready to come to blows. Ukyou looks shocked.) Ukyou: Akane! Why are you being so mean to Ranchan? Akane: (angrily) Mean? I haven't-- Ranma: (getting to his feet.) I don't have to sit here and take this. Goodbye! (He storms out the door.) (Ukyou casts a withering glance at Akane who visibly shrinks back and looks ashamed. Turning away from her, Ukyou runs out after Ranma. She catches up with him on the street.) Ukyou: Ranchan, wait! (Ranma stops and looks back at her. His earlier look of depression is back. Ukyou hesitates and then puts her arm in his. Ranma pulls away.) Ranma: Ucchan... I'd really rather be alone right now. Ukyou: (quietly shaking her head.) No. Ranchan, why won't you talk to me about this? We're best friends, aren't we? (Thought:) [Oh, Ranchan... I wish... I... It's now or never, girl!] Ranma: Of course we are! Ukyou: And we've known each other a long time, right? Ranma: Yes. (Ukyou hesitates, about to bring up another point, but Ranma continues speaking, not even noticing.) Ranma: It's just... I keep thinking that this is all my fault and that I should be the one to fix things... Ukyou: Ranchan... that's just silly. (She bops him gently on the head.) What happened was not your fault. If it was anyone's, it was that Chinese bimbo, or this Kunou person... Ranma: Shampoo is not a bimbo! She's just... they do things differently where she comes from. (Ukyou nods, but seems preoccupied. Spying a park bench, she ushers Ranma over to it and sits him down.) Ranma: Ucchan, what--? Ukyou: Just sit down and rest a moment, Ranchan... I-I want to ask you something serious, OK? Ranma: (looking worried.) Serious? Ukyou: Yes. This is the first chance we've had to really be alone... (She trails off, uncertain of what to say. Ranma looks at her uncomprehendingly.) Ukyou: Ranchan... what do you think of me? Ranma: Huh? You're my best friend, Ucchan. You know that. Ukyou: No... I mean-- Ranma: I feel comfortable around you, I can talk to you, you never judge me or anything like that. You like me for who I am, not for any of the other things girls like. Am I making any sense here? Ukyou: (nodding) I feel the same way, only... Ranma: Only...? C'mon, Ucchan, we've never had any secrets between us... what's bothering you? (Ukyou looks into his eyes for several seconds. Then she moves in and kisses him, suddenly, on the lips. Ranma's eyes bug out and he scrambles away.) Ranma: Ucchan?! Ukyou: (looking at him desperately.) I wanted to tell you that... I love you, Ranchan... I have for a long time now... I need to know if you feel the same way about me... Ranma: Ucchan... For a long time...? When? How? Ukyou: (Looking sad.) So, you don't... like me then? Ranma: No! It's not that... I mean.... Ukyou: (moving closer to him.) Please, Ranchan... I need to know... Ranma: (sighing.) I do l-love you, Ucchan... (Ukyou brightens) Ranma: ...but like a sister. The thought of... y'know, the two of us... a couple... never crossed my mind... I mean, I never really thought of you as a girl. (He realizes what a blunder that statement was.) Er, I mean, I thought of you as one of the guys... um... (Ukyou almost hits him, but instead looks away, crushed.) Ukyou: Not even a little bit...? Ranma: I'm sorry, Ucchan... and I'm engaged-- Ukyou: WHAT?! Ranma: My father and Mr. Tendo arranged for me to marry Akane... Ukyou: (desperately) So? You don't have to follow through with it! Besides, you two hate each other! Ranchan... Ranma: No, we don't hate each other... we just tend to argue a lot... it's how things work in our relationship... I-I asked her to marry me the other night-- (Ukyou seems near panic, staring at Ranma as her hopes and dreams crumble around her.) Ranma: --and she turned me down, for now. Not because she doesn't love me, but because of... other reasons. (Thought:) [Akane wouldn't like it if I told Ucchan about her curse...] (Ukyou starts sobbing.) Ranma: Ucchan, I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean... Ukyou: (in between the sobs) I'm such a fool... running away to come here... pouring my heart out like that... (She starts wailing and Ranma holds her close.) Ranma: You ran away from home to come here? Ukyou: My father... he wanted me to date this weird guy named Tsubasa... and he wants me to get married and have grandkids... I had to come and ask you... (she starts crying again.) Ranma: .... (Thought:) [Oh, Ucchan... I'm so sorry...] ********** Scene: The Saotome Dojo. Akane is busily breaking cinder blocks, one after another. Akane: (thought:) [Nabiki, where are you?] *SMASH* [Ranma, I can't believe you asked me to marry you...] *SMASH* [I can't believe I said no!] *SMASH* [What did I do to deserve this curse?!] *SMASHSMASHSMASH* (Akane looks down in amazement to see she has broken not only the cinder block she was aiming at, but the two that were holding it up as well. She looks at the remains of the blocks and sighs.) Kasumi: (standing at the door of the dojo.) Something wrong, Akane? Akane: Oneechan! I-I... (She nods mutely.) Kasumi: (coming over and looking concerned.) Is it about Nabiki? Akane: Yes... partly... I mean, I am worried about her, but... Kasumi: ...but that's not all? (Akane nods again.) Kasumi: Is it... Ranma? Akane: (nodding hesitantly) I-I think I l-l-l--really like him, oneechan, but... (She trails off, her hands making awkward gestures indicating herself.) Kasumi: The curse? (Akane nods.) Did you talk to him about it? Akane: A l-little... he said it didn't matter to him, but... Kasumi: You can't let this curse control your whole life, Akane- chan... You should do what your heart says is right. Akane: (rubbing at her eyes, as if to erase any evidence of tears.) You're right, oneechan... Ranma said that Auntie told him the same thing... Kasumi: (smiling) Auntie is very wise. Akane: (nodding in agreement) Hai! Kasumi: I'll let you get back to your practice. (She stands to go.) Akane: Thank you, oneechan... I feel a lot better. Kasumi: That's what sisters are for. Goodnight, Akane. (Akane watches her leave, looking a lot better than she had looked earlier. She starts to clean up the mess she made. Suddenly the dojo door opens and a rock with a piece of paper wrapped around it comes flying in.) Akane: What the...? (She goes and looks out the door, shivering as a blast of cold air hits her, but sees no one. Then she regards the rock curiously. Picking it up, she unwraps the paper and sees a note written on it, in very neat handwriting.) Note: Akane--Things have gone far enough. You've ruined my life, stolen everything that gave it value. Since nothing else seems to work, we'll do things your way. I challenge you to meet me in combat, one month from today, at the dojo. If I win, you agree to leave on another training trip and not come back. If you win, I'll leave. Don't bother looking for me before the fight. Nabiki Akane: She--She can't be serious! Nabiki doesn't know how to fight! ********** Scene: The Saotome living room. The Saotomes, the Tendos, and Ukyou are clustered around the dining room table, looking at the note. Ukyou looks depressed and keeps glancing at Ranma, who looks back guiltily at her. Ranma: It is her handwriting... what could make Nabiki do something like this? She knows she can't fight. Soun: Oh, woe is me! Why does this happen to my family?! Nabi-- *SPLASH* (Akane has just dumped a bucket of water on him, cutting him off in mid- cry. Soun-panda waves a bunch of signs around saying "Waaah!" and "Nabiki!" but no one pays any attention.) Genma: Obviously, she feels very strongly about this. But she also must expect to lose. She just doesn't want to leave without a fight, I guess. Nodoka: You might be right, dear. Nabiki is not the sort to give up easily. Ranma: But she doesn't know how to fight. It's crazy! Genma: Martial arts is not just about technique, my boy. Martial Arts is the focusing of one's mind and spirit to a task. Nabiki's determination may overcome her lack of skill, if her chi is properly concentrated. Akane: But I don't want to fight her! Can't I just refuse? Genma: Unfortunately, it's not us you have to convince, Akane. It's Nabiki. Nodoka: Yes, she wants this to end, one way or another, and I can't blame her. Akane: (looking sad) I didn't mean to be such a burden. Maybe I should just go... Ranma: Akane! Kasumi: Oh, surely it won't come to that... you just came home. Nodoka: We have to think of some way to convince Nabiki to give this up. Ukyou: Excuse me, but it seems to me like this Kunou person is the root of the problem. Can't we just get him to choose Nabiki over Akane? (Akane snorts. Genma and Nodoka look at each other and then back at Ukyou. Ranma looks disgusted.) Ranma: If it was that simple, we'd have solved this problem ages ago. Akane and I have been beating him up for weeks. Kunou just doesn't take a hint. Genma: Well, obviously you haven't been trying hard enough, boy! (Genma and Ranma start to argue, with a few signs interjected by Soun- panda, while Nodoka tries calm them down by serving tea. Ukyou looks at Ranma sadly and turns away suddenly. Noticing this, Akane moves over next to her.) Akane: (whispering quietly) Hey, are you OK? Ukyou: (looking up at Akane sadly and also whispering.) Y- yeah... I'm fine... Akane: You don't look OK... Did Ranma do something thoughtless again? Ukyou: Sorta... it's kinda hard to talk about... Akane: (unsatisfied, but not wanting to press the issue) OK, well... Ukyou: (sniffling slightly) Thanks, Akane... (Akane turns back towards everyone, but Ukyou stops her.) Akane? Akane: Yes? Ukyou: Promise me you'll take good care of Ranchan, OK? Akane: Huh? (Ukyou gives a small, wistful smile that looks like it might break at any second and hurries to drink her tea. Akane looks at her confused.) ********** Scene: Time passes. We see Mousse and Shampoo training Nabiki in martial arts. Nabiki is at first extremely hesitant, but she is in good shape and very quick and nimble. Mousse and Shampoo concentrate mainly on dodges and simple hits and blocks, figuring that Nabiki might last longer if it's harder for Akane to hit her. Meanwhile, the Saotomes, the Tendos, and Ukyou keep looking for Nabiki. Kunou sends Sasuke out to look as well, but when he finds her, Nabiki makes sure that he doesn't tell Kunou. Kasumi looks for Nabiki when she isn't studying or working for Dr. Tofu. Even Ryouga and Kodachi help, when they aren't lost. One day, while searching, Ukyou passes the Nekohanten. Looking in a window, she sees Nabiki training with Mousse. Ukyou: (thought) [That's Nabiki! But Shampoo and Mousse told us... What's going on here?!] (Ukyou charges inside.) Shampoo: (manning the register) Niha--what not-nice girl want in Shampoo's restaurant? Ukyou: (gritting her teeth) I told you, stop calling me that! I'm here to see Nabiki! Shampoo: Nabiki not here! Ukyou: She is! Shampoo: Is not! Ukyou: Is! Shampoo: Is not! (Ukyou pulls out her spatula and Shampoo pulls out her bonbori. Most of the restaurant patrons notice this escalation and make for the door.) Ukyou: Look, you chinese bimbo, I don't know what you're up to, but I'm going to see Nabiki right now! Shampoo: Shampoo ready, not-nice g-- (Ukyou swings her spatula at Shampoo, who barely ducks underneath it. The spatula instead slams into a nearby buffet cart, sending it rolling through the restaurant. Neither Shampoo nor Ukyou notice, as Shampoo launches an attack at Ukyou.) (Meanwhile, in the far corner of the restaurant, a Japanese couple sits.) Man: Ms. Noodle, I brought you here... (We hear the sounds of the fight in the background, and something rolling along on wheels.) Ms. Noodle: Yes, Mr. Soup? (The rolling sound grows louder.) Mr. Soup: Will you... will you... (At that moment, the cart slams into their table. Entrees and appetizers go flying every which way. Mr. Soup gets clobbered in the face with a tray full of lo mein, while Ms. Noodle is covered in wonton soup and sweet and sour pork.) Mr. Soup: (struggling, noodles falling off his face.) Ms. Noodle, will you... (KLANG! A thrown bonbori, which Ukyou had just dodged, slams into Mr. Soup's head, knocking him out.) Ms. Noodle: Mr. Soup! (Mousse comes out into the now mostly deserted restaurant and throws a few weighted chains at Ukyou. We can see Nabiki behind him.) Mousse: Stop this! You're driving away our customers! Ukyou: (pulling out her throwing spatulas as Mousse yanks away her large one.) Not until I see Nabiki! Nabiki: (from behind Mousse, sounding resigned.) Mousse, Shampoo, it's OK... I'll talk to her. (She gestures back toward the little room where she was training. She is wearing a sweaty gi and a red headband.) Ukyou, we can talk privately in here. (Ukyou follows Nabiki inside. A strained silence follows as the two of them look at each other. Nabiki gets a towel and begins to wipe off some of her sweat. Finally, she speaks.) Nabiki: So, what do you want? Ukyou: (a bit incredulously) What do I want? Nabiki, your family wants you to come home. We've all been looking for you for days! And Akane and Ranma feel bad about-- (Nabiki throws her towel to the floor and glares at Ukyou.) Nabiki: (bitterly) Akane. Akane! This is all her fault! (She walks over to a small bench and slumps down on it.) Have you ever been so completely overshadowed by someone, Ukyou, that it's like you don't even exist? She stole Kunou without even trying. Ukyou: I can't see what you see in this Kunou guy... Ranma told me a bit about him. He seems like a real jerk... Nabiki: You don't understand Kunou... hardly anyone does. There's another side to him, deep down. I've only seen it myself a few times. And he has a way of devoting himself to you, like you're the center of his existence. When we were together, it was like he could make the world revolve around me. (Her voice grows bitter.) And then Akane waltzed in and made everyone forget I even existed. (She whispers) Even Ranma... Ukyou: (looking a little stunned) You... you like Ranchan? Nabiki: (looking irritated and embarrassed) No, of course not... (quietly) I love him. (She gets a little defensive now, realizing how her words could be taken.) Not like THAT. He's practically my brother, for goodness sakes! When we were little, while Kasumi helped Auntie cook and clean, I was the one who always looked out for him. But then Akane comes along and he takes her side in everything! Ukyou: Nabiki-chan... Nabiki: Look, don't try to talk me out of this, Ukyou. I know Kunou... he respects fighting ability. This is my last chance to win him back. If I can just somehow defeat Akane, then everything will be like it was! Ukyou: But Nabiki, it won't! Beating up Akane won't change Kunou's love... (she speaks to herself) or Ranchan's... Nabiki: (looking at Ukyou quietly) I thought so... you're in love with Ranma, aren't you? (Ukyou nods.) Nabiki: Then why aren't you helping me? Akane's your rival too, isn't she? Ukyou: No. Ranchan loves her and she loves him... I see that now. I waited too long... Ranchan will never.. never (she starts to cry) love me like I... love... him. (Nabiki hugs her.) Nabiki: You know why I have to do this. I have to fight, at least once, against her. Ukyou, please don't tell anyone I'm here... the fight will be soon. We'll just have to see what happens. ********** Scene: It is the day of the match. The Saotome dojo is filling up with friends of Nabiki and Akane, as well as the Saotomes, the Tendos, Ryouga and Kodachi, and Ukyou. Nabiki has not yet arrived, and Ranma is coaching Akane as she warms up. Ranma: So, what are you going to do, Akane? Akane: Do? I'm going to try to keep Nabiki from getting hurt. Ranma: But what about one of you leaving? Akane: I don't want to drive Nabiki away from her home, Ranma, but I don't want to leave either... This is going to be a trial by combat, I guess... whoever wins will get to stay... Ranma: Um, if you lose... I'd go with you. Akane: (looking up at Ranma) Thanks, Ranma... but what will you do if Nabiki loses? Ranma: I... Akane: (kissing Ranma on the cheek) Don't worry... everything will work out fine... (beneath her breath) I hope. ********** Scene: Outside the Dojo. Kunou is pacing back and forth. Sasuke is holding a huge picture of Akane in front of him as he walks. Kunou: (gazing at the picture) Ah, my beautiful warrioress. Today, you fight even against thy own sister for me. Truly, tis a curse I bear, to be so handsome that women are driven to such extremes... (He turns around. Sasuke scurried around in front of him, flipping the picture over to show an equally large picture of Nabiki.) Kunou: But what of you, fair Nabiki? Many a pleasurable time have I spent in thy company... shall I let this fight continue, and needs must forswear that company if thou loses? No, my heart doth break to even consider it! (He turns again. Sasuke again scurries in front of him, turning the picture around.) Kunou: Akane! I do love thee!! (He spins around. Sasuke, panting, runs in front of him, turning the picture around. But he makes a mistake and holds it upside- down.) Kunou: Nabiki! I... I can't seem to see your face. (He realizes the picture is upside-down) SASUKE! Be careful! That is a representation of my loves you are holding! It is a precious thing, made more so by the chains that bind me to the lovelies shown within it! Sasuke: (muttering) Is THAT why it's so heavy? Kunou: What was that? Sasuke: Just saying it must have a bevy! Of chains, I mean, Master! Kunou: (eyeing Sasuke suspiciously) Hmmm. (He then looks at the picture of Nabiki again and something in his face softens. Then, he shakes his head and motions to Sasuke.) Come, I must take a seat where I may view the coming event clearly, my dear Sasuke. (Kunou strides inside, followed by Sasuke. Time passes. Soon, Nabiki, Shampoo, and Mousse come up and face the gate outside the Saotome Dojo.) Shampoo: Nabiki ready? Nabiki: (wearing her gi and headband) As ready as I'll ever be, I guess... (raising her voice) OPEN THE GATE! (Genma and Soun-panda open the gate. Soun waves a sign while crying. The sign just ways "Waaah!' Then, they escort the trio up the to dojo, where the crowd awaits. Nabiki looks over them all silently, ignoring the various looks of appeal from some of them, and stands before Akane.) Nabiki: Are you ready, Akane? Akane: Yes. Do we have to do this, Nabiki? Nabiki: (already turning away.) You know we do. (Akane sighs and takes her position. Nabiki does the same.) Ranma: (acting as MC.) OK, this is a knockout fight. Whoever falls and can't get back on their feet is the loser! The combatants are to stop short if any referee calls hold. (He looks at Nabiki and speaks quietly) Nabiki, call this thing off... please! Nabiki: I can't do that, bro... (Ranma shakes his head, even though he knew that would probably be her answer.) Ranma: Ready? Go! (Akane hangs back, not wanting to attack Nabiki. The two circle for a bit, neither seeming to want to launch the first attack.) Akane: Nabiki, don't do this... I never wanted things to go this far. Nabiki: (biting her lip, she looks over at Kunou, then back to Akane.) I'm sorry, Akane... (She launches an attack then, a simple blow that Akane instinctively parries. Akane then follows through with a blow of her own, following her training. Nabiki surprises everyone by managing to dodge out of the way.) Akane: Wha--? Nabiki: (stepping back a pace.) I haven't been idle this last month, Akane... now, c'mon, fight me! (Akane launches a half-hearted attack that Nabiki again dodges. Everyone watches in confusion as the match drags on. Finally, Genma, as one of the referees, calls a hold. Ranma trots over to Akane while Shampoo and Mousse go to Nabiki.) Ranma: What's wrong, Akane? Akane: (looking frustrated) I just don't want to hurt her, Ranma... She's not as trained as you or I... she could get hurt! Ranma: She seems to be doing OK, dodging you like that. Akane: Only because I'm not going all out against her like I do with you... and I still beat you two times out of three. Ranma: No you don't! (The two begin to argue. From the other side of the mat, Shampoo, Mousse, and Nabiki watch bemusedly.) Shampoo: Ranma and Akane never stop fighting. What we do with them? Mousse: (nods in agreement then turns to Nabiki.) You're doing well, Nabiki, but you have to know she's not going all out against you. Nabiki: Hai... but what can I do? I can't attack her, she'll just block it. I have to try and tire her out. Mousse: That may be harder than we thought. Her endurance is better than yours because she's been training longer. Nabiki: (sighing) I've come this far... let's see if I can finish it. Kunou: (from behind her) I am sure you can, fair maiden! Everyone: (surprised) Wha--?! Kunou: (dropping to one knee) Fair Nabiki, I have come to cheer you on in your fight. I am sure that the forces of heaven will back you in this righteous battle! Nabiki: (smiling slightly) Thank you, Kunou-chan. Kunou: Now, I must go and offer support to your fair sister, who also does battle for me! (He leaves.) (Shampoo, Mousse, and Nabiki facefault. Nabiki gets up and sends a murderous look Akane's way, who is too busy arguing with Ranma to notice. Ukyou does notice, though, and intercepts Kunou.) Ukyou: What do you think you're doing. buster? Kunou: (perplexed) What do you mean? Ukyou: I mean, can't you see how much you're hurting Nabiki, you moron? (She forces Kunou's head around to look at Nabiki, who is still glaring at Akane.) She LOVES you, God knows why, you dummy, and she's fighting Akane because she can't bear to lose you! You can stop this entire fight if you would just WAKE UP! Akane does NOT love you and never will! Why do you keep up this stupid charade?! Kunou: (stepping back, looking very confused.) I... I cannot interfere with the fight... it would not be honorable... (He seems very uncertain, however.) Ukyou: (bonking him on the head with her spatula) Wrong answer! Look, if Ranma and Akane can't beat some sense into you, I probably don't have much of a chance, but would you please open your goddamn eyes for once! Before something happens that we'll all regret. (With that, she storms off, leaving Kunou looking utterly confused. He glances at Akane, then at Nabiki, then heads back to his seat in the stands, clutching his hand to his head.) (The next round begins. Nabiki tries a few attacks, but Akane stops them easily. Akane throws in a few blows here and there, but not many, and they don't seem to have their full force. But now, she has figured out Nabiki's limits and some of them hit. The crowd winces and groans every time Nabiki takes a hit.) Akane: Do you yield, Nabiki? Please, don't make me do this! Nabiki: (Her face is a little puffy and she's breathing heavily) No chance! (The fight continues. Nabiki manages to get a few strikes in, but Akane absorbs them easily. In the audience, Kunou watches them both, wrenched in indecision. The others are all looking a little downcast as the two sisters continue to fight.) Kodachi: (in the audience, to Ryouga) Nabiki's got guts, I'll give her that... it's such a shame she's going to lose.... Ryouga: Hai... I wish I could DO something! (Unnoticed by either of them, Ryouga is twisting the edge of his seat with one hand in frustration.) (The fight continues. Nabiki's dodges get less and less effective. Finally, she accidently moves into the path of one of Akane's blows. It hits Nabiki's cheek, and blood flies out of her mouth as she staggers. Akane looks at her, mortified.) Akane: Nabiki, please! Call this off! Or I will! You can stay! (Nabiki struggles to her feet, her body an aching mass of bruises, her face covered in sweat and blood from her mouth. Still, she takes her position.) Nabiki: No way! I'm not going to take your pity. I'm ready when you are, Akane! (Akane looks troubled, and doesn't try very hard to hit Nabiki. But Nabiki's dodging ability has dropped so far that she still gets tagged. She drops to her hands and knees again, struggling to get up. The audience groans.) Nabiki: (thought) [I'm not gonna lose... I can't lose...] (out loud) I can't lose! Voice: (From behind Nabiki. It is deep and quiet, yet speaks with a certain force) No, you will not lose, Nabiki Tendo. (Akane and Nabiki look up. Kunou is standing behind Nabiki, his shinai pointed at Akane. His earlier indecision is gone, replaced by a serious expression that is very much unlike Kunou.) Kunou: (still speaking without poetry) Akane Tendo, fight me instead of your sister. If you win, your sister and I will depart. If I win, you will agree to let me go. (A faint smile creeps onto his lips. He turns to Nabiki.) Watching you fight for me, Nabiki, made me realize that you love me more than I knew... I know now where my heart lies. (Akane and Nabiki look on in shock. Kodachi, meanwhile, leans over to Ryouga.) Kodachi: It's amazing! I haven't seen him act like that in ages! Ryouga: Did he EVER act like that? Kodachi: Yes, but not since our mother died... that's when he began to spout that awful poetry. (Everyone else watches in shock as Kunou slowly circles Akane, sword pointed at her throat.) Akane: I... accept, Kunou-sempai. Kunou: (after seeing Shampoo and Mousse help Nabiki out of the combat area.) Very well! Let us begin. (The fight begins. Akane leaps up and strikes at Kunou, but he simply dodges to one side, his sword swing out to strike her as she passes. It connects, and a stunned gasp comes from the crowd. Akane lands awkwardly and stumbles slightly, but turns to face Kunou again.) Akane: (thought) [When did Kunou get so good? Usually he never would have come near me!] (The fight continues in the same vein. Akane tries to attack, only to have Kunou dodge and counterattack. She avoids most of these, but Kunou's newfound prowess, added to the fact that he is fresh while she has been fighting, wears her down. Finally, though, she leaps up into the air and, in one mighty kick, hits him square on the jaw. Kunou staggers.) Ranma: (to Ukyou) That's it. Kunou always had a glass jaw. (But Kunou doesn't fall. Instead, he slowly rights himself and raises his sword again. Akane watches, dumbfounded. He swings the sword at her head, viciously. She dodges... and his leg sweeps hers out from under her. She falls on her back. In an instant, his sword is at her neck.) Kunou: Do you yield? Akane: (visibly unnerved by his skill) H-hai... (Kunou seems to relax. He goes over to Nabiki and strokes her hair.) Kunou: You won, Nabiki Tendo. Nabiki: Kunou-chan... (Her hand reaches out and takes his. A cheer goes up from around the dojo.) [Epilogue] Scene: It is the day after the match. We see Akane standing hesitantly outside Nabiki's room. Finally, she knocks on the door. Nabiki: (from inside. Her voice sounds a little slurred.) Come in! (Akane enters and looks at Nabiki where she lies on the bed. Nabiki is wearing a kimono, largely because it covers up the heavy bandages she wearing. She took quite a few nasty bruises in the fight.) Akane: Hello, oneechan. Nabiki: Hi, Akane. (The silence stretches out for a while, then Nabiki speaks.) Nabiki: Look, Akane... I want to say I'm sorry. Akane: I'm the one who should apologize, Nabiki... I mean, I'm the one who hurt you... Nabiki: No. I did all sorts of nasty things to you and I need to apologize. Even the challenge was not what it seemed. I knew you'd plaster me, but I figured you'd look like such a bully that even if I had to leave, your reputation would be shot... I had given up on Kunou-chan... he surprised me. Akane: He surprised everyone. Nabiki: (wryly) Well, he seems to be back to normal. He was by earlier. (indicates a bouquet of roses by her bed) He was spouting bad poetry all over the place. At least you can relax, he seems only fixated on me now. (turns back to Akane, smiling.) Look, I want to start over. Can we make a clean start, forget all that happened before? Whatever ever else, you're my younger sister... and I'd like us to get along. (She speaks more quietly.) I forgot about that for a bit... Akane: I'd like to, oneechan... Nabiki: (lying back on the bed.) Thanks, Akane-chan... now, I'm feeling a little sleepy... could you turn out the light on your way out? (Akane switches out the light and leaves the room. Turning towards Kasumi's room, she runs into Ranma.) Ranma: So, how'd it go? Akane: I think we're going to be OK... you? Ranma: Ucchan and I had a long talk. We're still friends, and she's still a little sad, but mom says that will pass. She called home, too... her dad was nearly worried sick. Akane: Sounds like a happy ending for everyone. Wanna go and get an ice cream with Ryouga and Kodachi? Ranma: (smiling) If we can find them... last I saw, Kodachi was insisting that he take her on a moonlight stroll after the match. Akane: Why doesn't she guide him? I mean, if he always leads, they'll be lost for days... (her voice trails off as she considers this) alone... together.... I think I see... Ranma: (smirking) Kodachi hasn't gotten any less devious, that's for certain. Akane: Ranma, I want to tell you something... Ranma: Yes? Akane: I've been thinking... I mean, after what happened with Kunou-sempai and Nabiki... well, if Nabiki can put up with Kunou's stupidity... er... Ranma: Huh? What are you trying to say? Akane: Yes. Ranma: Yes? Akane: I... I want to marry you, Ranma... are you still willing to put up with the curse? Ranma: (smiling) I'm willing, Akane... (he bends down to kiss her. Their lips are just about to meet...) Ukyou: (from downstairs) AAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIII!!!! Ranma: Ucchan! (He and Akane run downstairs to see Ukyou. She is apparently being mugged by... the kitchen table?) Table: Ukyou-sama!! I've found you! Ranma & Akane: Wha--? Ukyou: (Beating at the table) Tsubasa, you freak! Get OUT of here!! (She slams the table through the sliding wall leading to the fishpond.) Ranma: THAT's Tsubasa? The guy your Dad wanted you to date? Ukyou: (breathing hard) Yeah... he's real persistent, and likes disguises... (She gets out her mega-spatula.) Excuse me while I go have a talk with him... TSUBASA!!! (She storms outside.) Akane: What a pain in the--eep! (Happousai has appeared out of nowhere, fondling Akane's rear.) Happousai: Good day, Akane-chan!! Ranma: (grabbing Happousai) DIE, OLD MAN!!! (He punts Happousai into orbit.) Happousai: Aaaaaaaaiiiii! (He vanishes into the distance.) Akane: Well, this looks like another interesting day... (She reaches out and squeezes Ranma's hand. He looks at her and smiles. Then, hand-in-hand, they go outside to stop Ukyou from killing Tsubasa. The scene fades out on them.) ********** (Once again, we see Purple Robes watching the pool. We hear hospital noises and the sound of a life signs monitor flatlining.) Purple Robes: BLAST IT! I avoid one death and another takes its place! This timeline isn't adequate either! He will have a full life if I have to change everything that ever happened! I won't let him die until he's older than that! Why?! Why does he keep dying?! I've sacrificed too much to let this happen! (Purple Robes calms down.) Purple Robes: Hmm. And why do I keep feeling like someone is watching me? Unless... What if my predecessor isn't dead? This could all be just another trick! Leading me on to think I beat him so he could dash me down again and again. Well, I won't let him do that! (He/she shouts up to where the heavens would be.) I BEAT YOU! DO YOU HEAR ME! AND I'LL BEAT YOU AGAIN! YOU'RE DEAD! DEAD! Just stay dead... (Purple Robes glares at the world... such as it is.) Purple Robes: Hmm. There has to be someone who can shatter this time line beyond repair. Who could I choose to make the choice? Him! Yes! If Happousai can't wreck this timeline, no one can... ********** (We see Yellow Robes in his/her shinto temple. He/she is gazing into a mirror.) Yellow Robes: You have chosen your champion. I have chosen mine. Now I can only hope to prepare her before it is too late. She has not yet been through the fire, like you and I. I pray it will not consume her as it did you. (Yellow Robes seems to sigh and look around his/her domain.) Yellow Robes: If only I dared leave here... but I cannot. If you even learn I exist, I will be your next target. We are so close to each other and yet so far. You have the library and I have this refuge. I cannot let you learn of me until you can be brought back to sanity or unless I absolutely must intervene. I pray it will not come to that. But why isn't Green taking action? ********** (We see a starry void. A figure in Green Robes floats in the void, weaving a tapestry on a loom. The completed part of the tapestry runs off out of sight through the void. We see three smaller looms each linked by a single thread to the main loom. The green robed figure is hurriedly cobbling together a fourth loom with parts apparently stolen from the main loom. The main loom doesn't look like it can take a lot more of this.) Green: (consulting a manual) I wish my predecessor in this job had known how to write clearly. Section 3.5.4.6.7a Auxiliary Loom Construction Authorization: Blah Blah Blah Yackety Schmackety... Ah. Here it is. Construction of permanent alternate time lines requires a consensus by the three keepers of time, however any keeper may request a temporary timeline to be constructed. All such requests must be fulfilled, but the time line is to stand for no more than three months without authorization by all three Keepers. Such time lines normally are created to test the strength of a solution for damage to the primary time line. For a listing of past permanent alternate time lines, consult Section 3.8.5.6a dash 4. The TimeLine Authorization form is available by M-mail request from... Green: Bleah! This manual is useless! How am I supposed to keep building more timelines without more parts? But I can't get this stupid manual to tell me how to get more parts... And how am I supposed to contact the other Keepers of time? For that matter, who are they? Do they also talk to themselves like this? I can't find anything in this stupid book. I never should have taken this job... (Green tosses the book aside and considers the loom. The tapestry he/she is weaving stretches off to infinity, while unwoven threads stretch out in the opposite direction.) Green : (thinks) Hmm. I bet one of the other keepers is making all this thread. Maybe if I follow the threads back... Aargh! I've got to finish this fourth loom though. I should have stayed in High School, but no, I wanted magical power. Well, what I've got is a magical pain in the butt. At least I got to take pictures of Akane in high school. That was fun even if Ranma beat me up for it. I should have realized why my predecessor was smiling so much when she offered me the job so she could retire. (Green Robes gets his hand stuck in the loom, tangled in the threads after foolishly leaning against the loom.) Green Robes: I hate my job. ********** (We see Ranma at the well. He is hurling rocks at it and shouting.) Ranma: AKANE!!!!!!!!! Bring her back you stupid well! (There is no reply.) ********** Author's Note: Whew! Done at last. This monstrosity you have hopefully just enjoyed reading is perhaps the biggest piece of work I've ever done all at once. Howdy, this is Rogue1 here, writing a few words down now that it looks like I'm finally finished with this beast. Akane1/2 started as an inspiration that sprang forth after reading John Bile's "For Want of a Nail," the first Ranma Elseworlds in this sequence. In that story, we saw what would have happened if Ukyou had accompanied Ranma to Jusenkyo. An Elseworlds (or a "What if...?") story is always a thought-provoking experience, as about the only thing that remains unchanged in them is the names of the characters involved. :) FWOAN got me thinking, after I saw Ukyou there with a curse, about what would happen if it was Akane that was cursed rather than Ranma. How would their relationship change? The first chapter came rather easily after that. The basic premise, that Mr. Tendo and Akane went on the training trip rather than Genma and Ranma, caused more changes in the characters, beyond the simple exchange of curses. For if Genma and Ranma stayed home (or in this case, at the former Tendo Dojo), then Ranma was never separated from his mother. I tried to show the kind of effect Nodoka would have had on Ranma (and Nabiki and Kasumi.) The bulk of my exposure to the Nodoka of the anime and manga is Viz Video's "Like Water for Ranma" OVA, and several fanfics that include her, most especially John Bile's "Putting Your Heart in the Right Place." I also read a summary of Ranma1/2 characters that described her as "quite a formidable woman" and I tried to portray her as such. (For those who care, I'm of the school of thought that Nodoka would not kill Genma and Ranma for their curse. After all, Genma has been wrong many times before.) Despite this being Akane's Elseworld, you may notice that Nabiki came to the forefront quite a bit. Well, I have to admit, Nabiki is one of my favorite characters. She has perhaps changed the most in this timeline, as a result of Nodoka becoming a surrogate mother to her, and while she still is cunning and manipulative when she has to be, she is not the mercenary we see in Ranma1/2. I often think Nabiki must be a pretty lonely girl, one who keeps everyone at a distance because she doesn't want to get hurt. And to have two sisters like Akane and Kasumi... well, I think some of my feelings about what Nabiki must feel showed in the story. Kunou. Kunou has always been one of the most amusing characters to me in Ranma1/2, but I tried here to explore his character beyond what we usually see. And for those of you who don't believe a Kunou-Nabiki relationship is possible, I want to point out a scene in episode 3 of the Ranma1/2 series. Kunou is in the school infirmary after Ranma and Akane beat him up and Nabiki is taking care of him. For once, we see her doing something and there's no mention of money involved. Later, we see her bamboozle Kunou into taking her out on what could be called a date, tricking him into paying for everything, of course. Perhaps the most controversial pairing I did tho, was Ryouga and Kodachi. The idea came to me as a lark, but when I considered their characters, it seemed to just fit perfectly together. Ryouga has a history of falling for almost any woman who professes to love him... (look how many times Ranma-chan has fooled him :) and Kodachi... well, I think she might have fallen for anyone who saved her from that fall. This time, it was Ryouga. Here, as in the anime, Kodachi devotes herself to her man... but where Ranma always runs away from her, Ryouga tries to change her... and succeeds. Unfortunately, unlike Kunou and Nabiki, I doubt Rumiko Takahashi has these two pairing up. Well, by now you get the picture. I tried to explore a little something of the characters' pasts and why they are who they are. I didn't leave many of them unchanged. I hope you enjoyed looking at these alternative versions. Comments and criticisms are welcome at: rogue1@netcom.com If you're interested in joining my pre-reader's list, just tell me so. Then you get to see some of my stories in the rough. Other stories I have written include: BGC!: Angel of Darkness First in a possible 4-story sequence, which deals with what happens to the Knight Sabers after the events of Bubblegum Crash. This one centers on Priss, and a potentially disastrous decision she makes. BGC!: Angel of Light. The sequel to Angel of Darkness, as yet unfinished. (I'm working on it!) This story centers on Linna and the history of the Knight Sabers. Vision and some characters and situations from another anime appear. Ranma1/2: Girls' Night Out As the reviewer of the Ranma1/2 fanfic catalog put it, a "too serious for Takahashi" :P account of what Akane and Ukyou might do as a result of Ranma's fickleness. No, it's not a lemon. Well, hopefully you'll see more of me here on the nets. I intend to finish Angel of Light. I have some ideas for other Ranma1/2 and BGC fanfics. I'm even considering a few Tenchi Muyou stories, which you might see soon. Thanks, as always, for reading my work. Rogue1