Chapter Eight- Martial Arts Ice- Skating Competition
Azusa "Two men skating together? And in our division, no less! Why, Mikado ? Why are we being singled out for the greatest suffering the world has ever known?"
"I don't know, Azusa; those two are just a couple of freaks," Mikado cleared in.
"Yeah, and the media loves freaks," Azusa put in.
"It makes my blood boil," Mikado's eye lashed on fire. "You know I`m not a violent person. But I would like to hold them down and skate over their throats."
"We have come up with a plan Mikado," Azusa said.
"Yeah otherwise we'll also let down the funky bunch," Mikado in thought. Then something else was brother him. "So Azusa, do you know who this Kuno guy is?"
"Yeah, I invited Marine Ann to the skate competition."
"You- you what?" Mikado cringed his hands together. "Why you insolent little brat, no one wonder there's two guy competing against us!"
"I didn't ask him to compete, I just wanted to see my Marine Ann again," Azusa whined again like a little kid.
"Then how did he get in anyway?" Mikado asked.
"Sentina was the one who was looking for them. Maybe Ranma Saotome needed a partner; I just thought Akane Tendo would've been his partner," Azusa pointed out.
"So much for my kiss of love for this year," Mikado sighed. "Besides, I still have a score to settle with that Saotome brat."
"Don't you dear hurt my Marianne!" Azusa ordered.
"Please, it's not like I have any real grievance with that Kuno guy; at least not yet so far.
The Tendo's, Saotome's, Kuno's, Shampoo, Mouse, Ryoga, Ukyo, and however else I forgot, finally made it up to the Martial Arts Single's figure-skating competition.
The speaker finally hit the metallic mic, as she spoke for the two competitors.
"Hey all you very excited fan's out there, welcome to the Martial Arts, single's figure skating competition! On the right, we have our champion on the right, Azusa Shiratori! On the left we have a brand new skater on this rink Mashi Hitori!"
Everyone on the right bleachers where for obviously rooting for the man on the right, Mikado. Everyone on the left, for Mashi.
Though with Nabiki sitting between Ranma and Kuno; they still bickered back and forth, throughout the event; about what they meant before.
"Then why won't you just join boyfriend then," Ranma scowled, obviously jealous.
"Thou jealousy's showing," Kuno narrowed in over Nabiki.
"Not like your gayness, go right ahead take him to prom then, Ranma narrowed in."
"Art thee dear to challenge me, Tranny?" Kuno glared.
"You know it, Dumbass," Ranma finished turning away.
With that Kuno got up and left.
"Did that bastard just leave?" Ranma narrowed with a glare.
"Yeah, I think he just did Ranma," Nabiki put in.
"That jerk!" Ranma was about to throw his cup of soda out of the way to go after him, but resisted when Nabiki noted out something to him.
"Maybe you should just leave the poor guy alone for while. He probably just needs some time to himself. You, chasing him, isn't going to solve anything. I'm sure he'll be back Ranma."
"He better..." Ranma let out in anger.
More the event led on, the more Ranma felt nervous, about Kuno not coming back. With his v- shaped brows, he was at edge of seat, worried.
Azusa and Mikado finally switched places, as Mikado took on a girl named Cho Miku.
Azusa, surprising, saw Kuno walk out of the building on his own, as an evil smirk grew on her face. Kuno sat down on the steps drinking his own drink in thought. Azusa, coming up with her plan, un-planed, sneaks up behind him and pounds him with her mallet. She dragged his knocked-out body to one of the cabs that she and Mikado had taken.
The event was closing to an end when Cho and Mikado had a few more techniques to perform. Ranma fidgeted in his seat, as he crush the soda can in his hand. The others glanced back and forth at him to the rink; obviously knowing that he was worried about Kuno.
Nabiki looked at Ranma awkwardly. "Are you okay?"
Ranma finally threw, what was left of the can aside, as he got up and left.
Nabiki rolled her eyes. (I knew he was worried.)
Ranma cheeked around the theater as he explored father and father. From Nerima's ice rink, to his house, to the dojo, the cafes, Ukyo's, everywhere….no Kuno. He stopped by the last place where he thought Kuno might be.
"Sentina?" Ranma asked, watching her getting ready for the event. "Yeah Tranny what do you want?"
"Uh," Ranma looked towards the ceiling twiddling his thumbs. "I was wondering if you know, Kuno might be here.
"Nope, I haven't seen him all day." She turned to him. "Why?"
"Do you know where he might be?" Ranma asked.
"With you," she stated, giving him a look.
"Uh, never mind-"
"You two got in a fight, he left, and now you don't have a clue where he took off too, huh?" She guessed narrowing her eyes at Ranma.
Ranma nods. "How did you know?"
She rolled her eyes. "You two are so obvious."
"Do you think he'll come back for our competition?" Ranma asked.
"He better come, or I'll kick his ass."
Ranma sighs worriedly.
Sentina handed him a piece of gum. "Here, have a pack."
"Uh, thanks," Ranma taking the pack. He went to sit down as he sighed. "I looked everywhere.
Sentina put down her paper work, and sat on the bench, next to him. She looked directly at him. Ranma stared back, knowing by her tone, that whatever she was about to say, she was serious about it.
"Look, I don't usually do this, and I know I never told you or Kuno about this, but I use to live with my younger sister; before I came up here to the Cabin. She was a good sister, a friend, someone who I could count on during the hard times."
Sentina looked aside and back at Ranma. "She was very cheerful child, and whenever something went wrong, or if she was down, I usually- well talked her out of it."
Ranma blinked. "What does this have to with Kuno disappearing?"
Sentina cleared her throat and grabbed both of his hands in hers.
"Huh?" Ranma, now confused.
She looked straight in his eyes. "Do you think Kuno is going to come?"
"Huh," Ranma rolled his eyes. "How should I know."
She shot in intent look, thinking. "You do know that Kuno is in love with you, right?"
"HUH!" Ranma's eyes grew huge.
"What, you mean to tell me you haven't noticed."
"Well I know he's a pervert," Ranma lifting his eyes up to the side. "And I know he tired hitting on me over the week. And I know that he's insanely obsessive over my girl side."
Sentina smirked. "See, look at that, he already love's the half of you," she punched him at the side of his arm.
Ranma gave her a small grin, when he noticed it getting really cold in there.
"Stay there," Sentina went to get a small blue blanket out of the rink's storage room. She tossed it to him. "Here"
"Uh, thanks," he said with a quick glance.
"Really?" Mikado asked, after the his part of the competition, obviously winning against another new skater named Cho.
"Hum-mum," Azusa replied happily.
Mikado and Azusa got their things ready for the pair's skating competition, as everyone else awaited in line for tickets.
[AN: This fanfic is just getting too long. *Sighs*]
Timing their plan perfectly, Mikado and Azusa headed out the door, to the car; the one with Kuno sleeping in it. Mikado and Azusa got in the back for some finishing touches on Kuno.
Azusa giggled. "Let's doddle on him."
"Yeah and put all the blame on Ranma," Mikado grined evily.
"Ohh…that's a good plan Mikado."
Azusa drew pictures, while Mikado wrote insulting notes all over Kuno; with the final touch that pushed Kuno over the edge. 'Ranma Saotome was here.'
Their diver took them to a empty filed behind Furinkin High. They dragged Kuno to another store unit, tied him up, and stuffed him a locker; locking the outside of course.
Azusa kept the key as they headed out for something to eat.
Ranma was laying down the phone to his hear, constantly dialing and re- dialing numbers. "Er- ugh, I can't get through to him," he shot up.
Sentina looked at Ranma worriedly; sounding serious, but joking at the same time. "You know, you shouldn't really on the phone for everything.
Ranma, catching on, narrowed his eyes at her. "Shut up."
"What?" she shrugged. "You know it's fun watching you get all love- sick over him.
"Ugh!" Ranma clenching the phone in his hands, ignoring Sentina's last comment. He finally tossed the phone by his feet as he laid back down.
Sentina shook her head as she smirked.
In the locker.
"Help!" Kuno called out. "Somebody get me out of here!"
At first it was useless until a good 10 minutes passed by. Lucky enough for Kuno, some old janitor walked by as he had another key to let him out. Kuno fell out with his hands and feet tied.
"Hey, aren't you suppose to be at that skating competition?" The old man pointed.
"I would be if I had something to cut these ropes." Kuno paused and looked at the man. "Well, do you have something or not?"
"Oh, yes, yes.." The old man got a sharp blade, letting Kuno's arm release from the rope.
"Give me that!" Kuno took the blade out of old man's hands, in a hurry. He cut through as quickly as he can. "Whoever invented rope is a real a- hole." After that he ran outside the storage/supply room.
He stopped when he found a phone and started to call for Sentina. However, before he got the chance to dial the number, two figures stood before him.
"Humph, who are you?" Kuno narrowed.
"Remember me Marianne?" Azusa asked with a bright smile.
"So you must be Mikado Sanzenin?" Kuno widened his eyes with a suspicious look. "What are you doing here?"
"It's about your partner," Azusa said.
"We saw the whole thing," Mikado, sounding serious.
"What thee speak of?" Kuno glared in anger, running even later.
"We saw him exit out the stadium all angry," Mikado continued.
"That must had been one boot to the head," Azusa tapping her fist on her head.
"We saw him sneak your body into one of the Taxi's cars. The Taxi driver informed us of you were, so we went to come find you."
"Then how did I get locked up in a locker?"
Mikado and Azusa, looked at one another shrugged.
"Like I said, we only told you what we saw," Mikado put in.
"And why should I trust you?" Kuno glared.
Azusa pointed the mirror told Kuno.
Kuno saw the words. 'Ranma Saotome was here.'
Mikado and Azusa saw a horrible look in Kuno's eyes.
Kuno grabbed roughly on his shirt. "Why you wretched scoundrel! You'll pay for this. YOU HERE ME YOU FOUL SOCERRER! YOU'LL PAY!" Kuno shouted at the top of his lungs.
Mikado put his hand out. "We'll meet you on the ice- rink, try not to be late."
With that Azusa and Mikado, left to get a ride back leaving Kuno behind. Kuno still feeling a little un-sure of everything, decided to call Sentina; the manager put him through to Sentina's room.
The phone rang, making Ranma jump up back in sitting position reaching the phone, until he was stopped by Sentina's hand in the way.
"Let me handle this," she answered the phone. "Who's calling?"
"It's me Kuno, where's Ranma?" His voice sounding harsh.
"He's been here starting at a pack of gum for the last 30 minutes; what did you do to him?"
"What did I do to him? What did I DO TO HIM!" Kuno yelled. "What did he do to me?"
"Where the hell are you, you freakin' dumbass?"
"I'm at the school!"
"At the school!" Sentina shouted. "Why are you at the school!"
"I donno ask Ranma!"
"Fine I will, but, you better get your ass down here before you and your partner are disqualified."
"I'm on my way!" Kuno slam the phone.
"Ranma, you said you cheeked everywhere-" Sentina paused.
"I did," Ranma noted.
"Did you cheek the school?" She asked.
"The school! Why would he be at the school?"
"I donno, he told me to ask you," Sentina flattened.
Ranma shrugged. "How should I know, I was here."
"Well something screwed you and Kuno over," Sentina put in an angry tone.
"Is he coming?" Ranma asked.
"Yes, he's on his way."
Ranma jumped out of his seat, until Sentina's hand stopped him again. 'Where do you think you're going?"
"To meet Kuno."
Sentina shook her head. "Not- huh, you stay here. Not only do I find something suspicious going on, but millions of people are going to be entering the stadium soon." She sighed. "Just wait for him, okay."
Ranma closed his eyes and dropped his head. "Erg.."
"Besides, you need to get ready," Sentina said, handing Ranma is things.
"Right," Ranma walked towards the boy's locker room, as the doors the stadium opened.
Kuno, pissed as ever, looked like he was about to kill Ranma.
Ranma stood there surprised. (I knew Kuno and I got into another stupid argument, but I didn't think he would be this mad.) Then he noticed the markings on Kuno. "What happened to you?"
Kuno walked up, and picked Ranma half - way up by his shirt. "YOU DID THIS! YOU FIEND!"
"I did what again?" Ranma glared back with a nasty tone.
Kuno let go of one hand and pointed to his clothing. "THIS!"
"Ranma looked down at his shirt, reading it. "Ranma Saotome was here…" His narrowed turned into a scowl towards Kuno. "What makes you think I did this, huh?"'
"The evidence obviously," Kuno answered.
"Why would I write that on your gi anyway huh?" Ranma asked as he pointed to the message on Kuno's gi. "That isn't even my writing!"
"To make a fool out of me!"
"Trust me Kuno, if I wanted to make a fool out of you, I could find better ways better to do it!"
Kuno pulled Ranma closer to him. "First you whack me in the head, then you tie me up. After that you had some crazy cab driver drop me off at the school. Nevermind how I needed up in a locker in the supply room in the back of Furinkin High! Art thee trying to get rid of me. Do thee not want to be my partner for this event.
"Hey buddy, I didn't want any part of this, but-" Ranma, could tell that Kuno was pretty upset. He had to find a way to calm him down before their match. Ranma looked up in Kuno's eyes, and carefully and slowly wrapped his arms around Kuno. His voice was low next to Kuno's ears. "Do you really think…that I…would have the motive to do anything of this things right now."
Kuno tightened his grip on Ranma, pulling him centimeters toward his face. Thinking twice, Kuno loosened his grip and warps his arms around Ranma's shoulders.
Ranma, blushed deeply remembering what Sentina said to him. (If Sentina's right, then wouldn't I be that Roko guy. Or it could be both us, including that Rokotaki guy. But Kuno said it was only one, and he has never met Rokotakiyet.)
Ranma and Kuno, finally hear people starting come into the ice- rink, as they slowly let go, with their eyes still glued to each other. They dropped the topic to get ready, as they finally headed out on the ice.
They both stood their looking at their opponents across from there.
"So if it wasn't you then who was it?" Kuno asked Ranma.
Ranma wore a mean look on his face. "Who do you think man; the people standing right in front of you, our real enemy's."
Kuno narrows his eyes as he turned from Ranma to the other team. "Them."
Ranma nodded his head. "Yeah."
More screaming fans filled the rolls as the speaker started her roll.
"Hey all you fan's out there, Welcome to the Martial Arts Pair's Staking Competition. I know how eager you all are for this exciting event, I know I am."
She continued as the crowd cheered on. "On the left side this time we have two older rivals from Furinkin High, Ranma Saotome and Tatewaki Kuno! And on our right we have victors from the singles tournament Azusa Shiratori and Mikado Sanzenin. Wow, listen to that crowed go wild. Let's get ready to rumble!"
The pair teams were now face to face, once again.
"Hey is Mikado the molester," Ranma waved.
Mikado, struck by the opening, he almost fell off his skates. "Why you-" He calmed his voice as he gave an evil smirks. ""I'm not one who brought a man of all things on the ice."
Ranma growled, clenching his hands together at his sides. "You two were the ones who wanted us.
"Yeah, and thanks to you I can't start off with special greeting this year, " Mikado added.
"Look I don't why you want to challenge us. I bet you fair and square last time, and Kuno wasn't even there."
"He was with me," Azusa pointed to Kuno.
"You guys were on the same side that time," Ranma narrowed.
"It was something that your pretty blue partner, and her partner, my pig-tailed pretty, where talking about; something about having your honor restored. You may made us look like fools last time, but this is where it ends, Saotome."
"Wait…if this is supposed to be men/man pair skating, then how come you aren't with a guy."
Ranma turns to Kuno. "It's not, they just wanted the both of us to come down."
"Well, I excepting you to come your partner, Akane Tendo, or Pig tailed one. But it turns out, stupid here, end up wanting to see Marianne again."
Kuno eyes widen. "So you fought Akane and the Pig-tailed one!"
"Oh boy…" Ranma put aside.
"Yes, and they both got my special greeting."
"Then why would you want to see them again?" Ranma glared.
"My special greeting re-news every year. I just figured I would start with Akane or Pig-Tailed one this year.
"Special greeting?" Kuno asked.
Ranma turned to snap at Kuno. "Don't ask!"
Ranma, being ignored, Mikado explained it very clearly to Kuno. "Every year it's an obligation of mine to kiss more than a thousand women."
[AN: I just made up the idea that he had to re-new it every year.]
Kuno narrowed his brow as he pointed to Mikado. "How dear thee steal a kiss from Akane Tendo and the Pig-tailed girl's lips. Have you no shame amongst for which thou have done. I shall smite thee in battle for pulling on such a cleaver poly such as doth.
Ranma narrowed his eyes towards Kuno. "As if you're the one to talk; you're no better yourself."
Kuno's lift eye twitched in anger, as he glanced at Ranma. "Why you-"
Ranma ignored him for the time being. "Yeah two girls and one guy, if you want to put it that way."
"Huh?" Mikado looking aside. "I don't ever re-call kissing a guy."
"One guy?" Kuno tuned to Ranma, seeing Ranma's anger.
Ranma scouted closer towards Kuno, in a low voice. "He mistook me for the Pig-tailed girl, and pulled a fast one on me; when I was, in your words, cross-dressing."
Kuno twitched. "He what?" Kuno turned toward Mikado. "Why you fiend! You shall pay!"
Kuno started going after Mikado.
"No, Kuno!" Ranma shouted.
Mikado simply scooted to the side, as Kuno's face hit the ice. "You have learned how to skate by now, haven't you?"
Ranma slapped himself in the face. "And I call my so- called partner!" He helped Kuno out of the ice; he turned to Mikado. "Shut up and fight."
Azusa skated in the way, dragging Ranma away.
"You stay away from my Marianne!"
"Ahhh…." Ranma holding his arms out, trying to get out of Azusa's grip. "Kuno, do something!"
"I'm not your Marianne!" Kuno protested, and went to save Ranma from Azusa's grasp, to find out he was too late.
Mikado cut Kuno off. Making him fall, catching Ranma's hand.
"Wow, and already for the new year, and Mikado and Azusa pull off the couple cleaver once again! Wow, what an amazing event, what a day, what a site."
Nabiki, setting next to Akane, Ukyo, Shampoo, and Ukyo, in the front row, narrowed her eyes. "And they say teenage girls get excited."
Ukyo, Shampoo, and Kodachi cheered from the sidelines, while Akane was in thought.
[AN: Yeah, yeah you're going to ask by now, why Shampoo, Kodachi, Mousse, Ryoga, Kasumi, Soun, and Tendo are there, when they don't even go to the school. Well let's just say it's Ranma ½ and things like this happen all the time.]
(Why are they doing the Goodbye Whirl, Ranma and Kuno aren't a couple.) Akane thought.
"Hey wait," Ranma looking back and forth. "What are you guys doing the Goodbye Whirl for, we aren't a couple.
"This is version number two," Mikado smirked. "It would seem unfair if you already knew what we were doing, so this one's a little mixture between the Goodbye Whirl, and the new invention Azusa showed me. Oh, and you don't have to be a couple for this one."
Having Ranma and Kuno in the air, Mikado starts spinning, creating smoke in the air. "You two have one or two choices. Earthier the two of you let go early, and Ranma ends up attacking Kuno. Or the both of you end up with the same result as Ranma and Akane, which one will it be.
"Let go you idiot, I've been through this before, I know what I'm talking about."
"Me let go, now?"
"Yes!"
"Nay, I shall not!"
"Kuno!"
"No way!"
"Look, it's earthier I knock you out, or you break every bone in your body!"
"Look, none of that is going to happen alright," Kuno said.
"How would you know?" Ranma asked. "You've never been through this before, now let go!"
"Why won't you let go?" Kuno asked.
"A little late for that now, don't you think?"
"I have a plan!" Kuno warned him.
"A plan? What kind of plan can you come up with, while we're like this?" Ranma asked shockingly.
"This kind," Kuno uses almost all this strength to pull himself closer to Ranma. "But I need a better grip, so you need to give up one hand Saotome!"
Ranma widens his eyes, as Kuno wraps his arm around Ranma neck. "Okay, let go of the other one."
Kuno wrapped the other one around, while his legs warp around Ranma waist.
Making the weight distribution to heavy, made Azusa and Mikado loose balance and fall. Ranma lands in a horse stance on the ice, with Kuno still tugged to him.
"Wow! This is an amazing event folks. The crowed is going wild, and none had seem to wipe out yet. This is truly amazing!"
It took a couple of minutes for Ranma and Kuno, to spate, as they studied the fallen'.
Ranma turned from them to Kuno. "How- how did you do that?"
Kuno closed his eyes and breathed in. "Standard ninja trick. Remember when I told you about Kodachi's match.
"Uh yeah," Ranma said.
"Well the similar thing happened before."
"Oh…"
"However it didn't turn out to end, nearly like this," Kuno studied the two still laying there.
Ranma, reading Kuno, knowing that something tragic must had happen, kept silent about it, and decided to ask Kuno about it later.
"Good thing my hunch was right?" Kuno wiping his head.
"You did that with a just a hunch?" Ranma glared.
"Well, more like an educated guess," Kuno shrugged.
"Why you-"
"Ranma Saotome! Tatewaki Kuno! You two won't get out of his so easily."
"Yeah," Mikado's voice raised up next. "This time you two should taste the revised version of an assault of 100 foes!"
"Can't you guys ever come up with anything that's actually different!" Ranma glared.
"We can still get them," Kuno said.
"How?" Ranma asked.
Kuno lowered his voice, to discuss his plan to Ranma. Kuno and Ranma lock eyes for a moment.
Ranma swallows. "Are you sure you wanna do this?"
Kuno nods. "We may not have any other choice. But first we need to find an opening so we can catch them off guard, fallow me."
Ranma fallowed Kuno. "Yeah, alright."
The two skated around the rink, already throwing Mikado and Azusa off guard.
"You really think interrupted dance is going to bet our new technique? What fools you two have become!" Mikado cleared.
"Well come on Mikado, let's get started!" Azusa nagged pulling him by his shirt.
Mikado and Azusa, start the hundred foe attack, as they wait for the perfect moment to take Ranma and Kuno out.
"Now!" Ranma said.
"Right!" Kuno and Ranma get into the same position, almost; except Ranma hung backwards from Kuno's neck.
The audience where on the edge of their seats, to see if the two spinning around would hit each other.
Mikado and Azusa blanket confused, trying to figure out what Ranma and Kuno were up to.
"Well I don't know what they're up to, but they aren't going to get away with it this time," Azusa broke the beads she worn around her neck. As Kuno twisting his ankle as a result.
"Ow…"
"Are you alright Kuno?" Ranma asked worried, as Kuno held one arm around his shoulder.
"I- I think I broke my ankle," Kuno noted."I can't do the Iron Louts with a broken ankle," Kuno spat out with scratchy voice.
"Are you sure it's broken?" Ranma tested him.
Kuno tried to skate on his ankle again. "Ow…dammit!"
"We could switch places,"
"I swear to the gods if you cut my head off-" Kuno started.
Ranma gave him a look, letting him know it's okay.
It's not what I think it is, is it!" The speaker announced. "Oh boy! I can't believe it folks, the pairing of Ranma Saotome and Tatewaki Kuno are going for the fable Iron Louts! Not only is the first time there are two men going into this consent, but the first two men trying the Iron Louts! Wow what a knockout!"
Sentina gasp, as she put her hand over with mouth, for a quick minute. (Ranma hasn't even practiced Kuno's part of the Iron Louts.) "Oh no, it's happening all over again.
"No I wrong, don't do it! It's suicide I tell you!" Sentina shouted, taking it back.
It was too late, Kuno was already up in the air, as Ranma started his. Not only was the move dangerous enough. They had Mikado and Azusa coming at them full speed.
Ranma first did a downward block to cut Azusa off, as he kicked Mikado again and again, just until his blade inched near Kuno's neck; knocking some of his hair off.
The audience stared in amazement, just falling out of their seats. They had half the crowed standing and coming closer to take a closer look.
"And yes what a knockout fans. An exceptionally outstanding performance, re- invented here at Furinkin's ice- skating rink. What a dazzling picture this is; a wonderful and marvelous event this was."
The bell dings declaring the end of the match. "Fan's that's all she wrote. We have our champions in place, Ranma Saotome and Tatewaki Kuno. The first men/men pairing in this division, of this sport in Furinkin; hitting the star of the competition with the mythical Iron Louts! Let's give it up again for victors, Ranma Saotome and Tatewaki Kuno!"
The crowed went fanatical. Everyone in close reach of Ranma and Kuno were in shock by what happened.
Ranma helped Kuno to a bench, as a doctor came to help his ankle. Kuno whined in pain a little bit.
"How, how did you do that?" Kuno asked.
"Easy; I haven't been watching you practice all this week for nothing you know," Ranma smirked.
The doctor glanced at the Ranma back at Kuno. "This should hold for now. I highly suggest that he goes to the hospital. They have all the proper medical supply for him that we don't have."
"Okay," Ranma nodded.
"Wait, but what about prom?" Kuno asked.
"Not only that, but you said you'll meet that Rokotaki guy too," Ranma responded.
"First get him to a hospital," the doctor told Ranma.
Ranma nodded.
At that, the doctor finally left. Ranma and Kuno got their reward, as family and neighbors all come down to greet them.
"Well brother dear, I see you did exceptionally well this time," Kodachi pointed out.
"Yeah," Kuno grinned, still in pain a bit. Limping a bit, Ranma lends him his solder.
"I can't believe you two pulled that off; especially for someone like the two of you," Nabiki replied.
"Well we did alright," Ranma put in.
"I'm still shocked," Ukyo added.
"Shampoo, never thought you two, would pull that one off earthier."
"Well I can say I'm shocked," Mousse put in.
"So am I Genma put in."
"Congratulations Ranma!"
"Say Soun, how about we go skate for a while!"
"Sure thing Saotome!" Soun said with one hand behind his head.
After that they went out on the ice rink, skating around like fools. A few minutes later the sets started to empty as well with the other skaters and coaches.
"So how did you two pull that off?" Ryoga eyeing Ranma suspiciously.
"What, you think we cheated or something," Ranma glared.
"No, I just never thought I would see you actually ice skate for a change, that's all," Ryoga said.
"Well charlotte, maybe if you make it to Hokkaido; maybe Sentina will show you sometime."
"You are you calling charlotte."
"And trust me, she's no push over either," Kuno added.
"Well it seems the Tranny and freakin' dumbass pulled it off after all," Sentina smirked.
Ranma and Kuno, looked at Sentina with dagger glares. "Hey!"
Sentina chuckled to herself, when she felt someone tap her shoulder. Sentina turned to see a 6 foot tall, well built Japanese man; who has brown eyes, and straight, flipped hair. [AN: Like a J-pop star or something].
"Uh hello, are you the coach here?"
"Why yes," She answered.
"Is there a Tatewaki Kuno here?" he asked.
"Why, who are you? What do you want with my students?" She narrowed, offensively.
Nabiki walked up to them. "It's okay Sentina, let me handle this." She went to hold on her hand. "I'm Nabiki Tendo, you must be Rokotaki, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Pleasure's all mine," He took her hand shaking it.
"Ohh…..you're that guy that everyone's been talking about!" Sentina figured out.
"Yeah who did you think?" Nabiki asked.
"Hey someone needed up in a locker and almost didn't make it competition, my suspicions are up."
"It was Mikado and Azusa," Ranma spat.
"Why did you two tell me before, and here I thought you two were still fighting about that." She sighed. "I need to take a break."
Nabiki led Rokotaki to Kuno. "Kuno- Rokotaki, Rokotaki- Kuno," Nabiki introduced the too.
"Very well," Kuno held his hand out to shake.
Rokotaki studied the position Kuno was in, while he took his hand to shake it. "Are you wanna go to prom like that?"
"Ah he'll be fine," Ranma closed his eyes, as he tossed aside.
"I probably won't be able to dance, but I could probably still make it."
"Good one Kuno," Ranma narrowed his eyes at him. "We still need to get you to a hospital.
Rokotaki shrugged. "I'll just take him then." He looks back and forth to Nabiki, Kuno, to Ranma. "If that's alright if yous-"
"Fine with me," Nabiki said.
"Yeah sure take him," Ranma removing Kuno's arm from behind him. "He's getting to heavy for me anyway.
Kuno glared at Ranma. "Would thee like to be end up in Mikado's position.
"Huh, it already looks like you are in Mikado's position."
"Who's that?" Rokotaki asked Nabiki.
"My soon to be dead figure- skating partner," Kuno glared.
" I see your still gay."
"I see you still like a 16 year old chick, cross-dresser!"
"I am 16 you lousy- jerk face," Ranma spat.
"Wretch."
"Molester."
"Queer."
"Useless tragic of a kisser,"
"Cross- kisser."
"Well that's a first," Nabiki cutted in.
Rokotaki just stood there getting a kick out of it.
"Homophobic pervert"
"At least I don't go off getting myself kidnapped, you freakin' sick- twisted bastard."
"You're just jealous, Miscreant!"
"I'm better built to boot, you Shakespearean loser!"
Sentina, watched the two argue back and forth. She turned to Ranma. "Well, it looks like you did this one all on your own Ranma."
"I what?" Ranma glared.
"Thou art the one who called Nabiki," Kuno pointed out.
"Thy art the one who can't keep secrets to himself."
"Thee asked."
"Thee could've lied."
"Mock me right or don't do it at all!"
"I am doing it right, you douche."
"Thou dare taketh that tone with me. o vile one?"
"I can, and I will-"
"Okay that's enough," Nabiki interrupted. "This stops now. You," she pointed to Ranma. "Shut up!" Then to Kuno. "You get up." Last she turned to Rokotaki. "Please just take him, before the whole place comes down."
"But we need a ride, I can't exactly walk like this," Kuno pointed out.
"Don't worry about it, I have a car, I can drive you down there."
"You have a car?" Ranma, Kuno, and Nabiki asked all at once.
"Uh, yes, but for the mean time here," Rokotaki turns so that Kuno could climb on his back.
"Wait, one more thing before you go Kuno. You still owe me," Nabiki pulling out her hand waiting for some cash to fill in.
Kuno sighs in a weak voice. "How much Nabiki Tendo?"
"Let see the tickets for prom where-"
"For free," Kuno glared.
"Will actually I made him pay for those
"Then why should I have too then."
"Because you owe him back," Nabiki said.
"Then I'll just give the money to him," Kuno pointed out.
"Really, you don't need to worry about it," Rokotaki put in.
Nabiki sighs. "Fine, have it your way then. But plane tickets were about 300 dollars, and the tickets to the skating competition was 20."
Kuno dug inside his pocket and pulled out 220. "That's all I have for right now, you'll get your extra 80 later."
"80, is that all?" Rokotaki asked.
Kuno nodded.
Rokotaki pulled out 80 and handed it to Nabiki. "Here"
"No wait, you don't want to give that to her, you'll fall right into her trap. All her fees are non-refundable and she prices everything really high," Kuno said.
Nabiki gave him the paper. "Please read and sign here."
"Well, you're right about one thing, all your free are non-refundable."
Kuno narrowed at him. "Told you so."
"But, what's more important is that we finally get you to a hospital," Rokotaki said.
As soon as Shampoo, Ukyo, and Kodachi knew that Ranma was out of Kuno's hands; or the opposite way around. They all ran to him, hugging him, pulling at him, fighting over him.
Kuno looks back. "Have fun with you concubines. "
"Have fun with your boyfriend," Ranma called out harshly.
"Boyfriend?" Rokotaki was taken' aback. "I don't have a boyfriend, well, at least not anymore."
"So it is true then?" Ukyo asked.
"What's true?" Rokotaki asked back.
"That you- really like- guys," Ukyo said aside.
"Uh yeah, why not?"
"She's asking if you're gay or not," Nabiki putting into simple words.
"I know that," Rokotaki told Nabiki. "This isn't the first time that question as been asked."
"So that mean Kuno is gay too?" Shampoo asked.
Ranma smirked trying to keep his laughter in.
"Shut up Saotome!"
"Well if you are?" Rokotaki turned his head to eye Kuno. "You're defiantly at its first stage.
"Brother dear, is that true. "Whatever happened to Akane and the Pig-tailed girl?"
"humph…spend a week with him and Sentina up in cabin in Hokkaido, then you can decided."
"Saotome doth thee ever heard of too much information?"
Ranma swallowed as a light tint of shade crossed his face. "Oh, what would you know Kuno. You think tying a cheery steam with your tongue mean's kissing. For all you know, the next thing you'll be thinking is that hugging a watermelon is like hugging a human.
Rokotaki laughed at that one. "But-" he turned his head to Ranma. "You know what, Kuno's right. Tying a cheery steam into a knot with your tongue dose mean you're a very good French kisser.
"What were you two talking about down there?" Akane asked in wonderment.
"It's nothing Akane, it's just Kuno being a freakin' dumbass."
"You'll pay for that comment once I get back from the hospital, Saotome!"
"Humph…" Ranma looked away.
"Is that really true?" Mousse. "I mean about the cherry thing?"
"Well is it?" Ryoga asked.
"I donno asked the two, I sure heck don't think it means anything. Why what are you two planning on doing?"
"Trying it ourselves!" Mousse explained.
Everyone looked at Ryoga and Mousse, disturb.
"So Ranma not gay then?" Shampoo asked.
"What- of course not, looking back and forth at Shampoo and Ukyo.
"Aue good," Ukyo replied in relief.
"That is good."
Nabiki just eyes Ranma suspiciously.
Kodachi still in shock. "I can't believe it, my own brother. How on earth did this happen? Why has the gods betrayed us?" Now in tears.
"So what do you think of it Akane?" Nabiki asked.
"Ugh….I don't know what to think anymore."
Ranma looked over at Kodachi, as some of the week events passed through his head; and most one played was the one when Sentina told Ranma about how Kuno felt about him.
Getting out of Akane's mind, of Ranma giving his love back to them- a.k.a Nightmare! Spring of Incense Sleep!; Ranma slightly shoved his way out of Ukyo and Shampoo's arms. "I- need to get some fresh air."
Ukyo and Shampoo blinked. "Huh?"
Ranma walked away until he stopped by Sentina. He looked at her sad expression, as he left the stadium with his head hanging down.
"What- what happened?" Ukyo asked.
Akane went to sit down by Sentina. "Sentina what's going on? Why did Ranma just leave like that?"
"I told him something I shouldn't have." Sentina looked up at Akane. A man's world is harsh Akane. "All because of my own damn selfish thoughts."
"I'll talk to him about it then," Akane filled in.
"Will I could too, I'm just trying to give him some space."
Akane went out anyway, and saw Ranma walking back in forth, deep in thought. "Ranma?"
Ranma, paused as he turned his head to Akane. "Hey Akane."
"Look I'm not sure exactly what going on, but Sentina seems pretty angry at herself."
"Can you tell her to come out here?" Ranma asked her.
"Uh yeah," Akane went back in to get Sentina.
Sentina came out to see what exactly Akane saw. "Tra- I mean, Ranma, look I'm didn't mean to give you false hope. I give my apologizes, I shouldn't have done it." She looked aside.
Ranma turned to her. "Look, for one it's not false hope; for another thing, I'm just really confused.
Sentina looked oddly at Ranma. "What do you mean confused?"
Ranma looked at there. "WHO THEHELL IS ROKO!"
Sentina widened her eyes, and stepped back in shock. "My guess…no idea, why?"
"It's just when Nabiki was talking to Kuno, he told me she had the wrong guy; which would be Rokotaki . However Kuno never met Rokotaki, until just a few minutes ago. I mean Kuno told me it was Roko."
"Yeah, that much has been already said Ranma," Sentina pointed out.
"It's obvious that it's Roko, but then again, he acts like he doesn't even care. And now he's off taking this Rokotaki person or whatever to prom. Including all the other guys he has hit on," Ranma referring to himself.
"Well, don't you think it's Kuno's choice if he wants to search around?" Sentina asked.
"He told me it was just one guy, and from what you told me," Ranma looked aside in thought.
"Yeah, but that's what I think. I only told you that out of my own selfish greed. Besides if you thought that, then wouldn't that mean you would fill in the part of Roko?" Sentina asked.
"Well if that were the case then…" Ranma flushed for a minute. "It's not like the thought haven't crossed my mind."
"Look, when you have one love- sick guy and one gay guy; trapped in cabin, on the other side of home for a week- what do you expect."
"Even so…"
"Look, obviously you two have something for each other. And basically have no idea what do with it."
"Hey, I didn't ask for any of this okay. I didn't ask for my dad to drag me to China. I didn't ask to sign for this stupid cruse. I didn't ask the sign my life away through seppuku. I didn't ask to get engaged. I didn't ask for Kuno to chase my girl side for the of his life. I didn't ask for him to fall in love with my girl, and I defiantly didn't ask him to start hitting on my guy side."
Everyone behind the bush, disturbed.
"You're just mad because Kuno's in the hospital with some strange guy he just met. And you feel responsible for it, because you aren't there with him."
"Yeah, you know what Sentina, you're right for a change. I should be the one up there in the hospital with him, and I do feel responsible for not being there. Knowing him he'll just get himself kidnapped again;" Ranma sighed looking at the ground.
"Look Rokotaki is going with Kuno to the prom tonight, he isn't going to get kidnapped," Sentina said.
"humph…it seems every time I turn around someone's getting kidnapped, due to…. marriage or other stuff…." Ranma mumbled last.
"Did you mange on ,how to tie a cheery steam with your tongue yet?" Sentina asked.
"Hey, how did you know about that?" Ranma flushed again.
"Well, I guess it doesn't really matter," she threw a small box to Ranma. "Kuno wanted you to have it."
Ranma's eyes widened as he rushed to open it. He paused and stared that necklace. He blinked a few times and swallowed. Feeling shivers go down his body, he slowly touched necklace, as he lifted it up in the air. He feel to his knees holding it, as past thoughts ran through his mind.
"You're not a skater," Ranma's eyes thinned but smirked soon after. "Did Nabiki make you sell your gi or something?"
"Of course not," Kuno blinked, as he sat down eating.
"What's on your necklace anyway….I mean what's that suppose to be?" Ranma asked.
"A symbol of forbidden love," Kuno answer, holding back his drink.
"Forbidden love?" Ranma asked.
"I'm in love with another man," Kuno answered. "Now how is that for forbidden love?"
Ranma was stiffed frozen for a few seconds with his eye wide open. Only until he calmed himself down. "No, idea, but I would like to find out."
Ranma shook out of it, once he heard Sentina speak. "That necklace that Kuno gave you, isn't just a necklace. It does have some meaning to it through some stories on how it was made."
"I'm not say it's legendary or anything like that, but it was made for its purpose. It goes without saying, that whoever passed down the necklace has crossed the line and must give up to whoever needs it next."
"Purpose?" Ranma asked looking at the necklace.
"Did you tell you what it meant?" Sentina asked.
"Forbidden Love," Ranma looking at the symbol on the necklace.
"Ah, I knew it!" Sentina replied. "And if he wouldn't have shared that secret for you if he didn't love you Ranma."
"Okay if what you're saying is true, and if I am this Roko guy; then why would he try to hide it and lie about the whole thing?"
"What do you mean lie?" Sentina asked.
"He told me and Nabiki that it was Roko. I just don't understand why he would say it was Roko, when he could've just told me it was me…I mean if it is me, of course.
***behind the bush****
"Honestly he has such an ego sometimes," Akane added.
Nabiki blinked. (Kuno was lying the whole time.)
"Shampoo don' like sound of this."
"You said it sugar," Ukyo formed.
"Why Ranma, how dear you-" Ryoga angry as ever.
"Ranma you sick- twisted cross-dressing cheat."
"Maybe he was afraid. Maybe he thought you would've figured it out. But you called Nabiki instead; that probably made things worse. Then when I got back in, my house is ambushed by guy's fighting. Now you know why things got so complicated.
"We got interrupted when Akane called to check up on how we're doing. Then I called Nabiki, seesh."
"Well interruptions can mess up a lot things," Sentina replied back.
Ranma rolled his eyes with a sigh. "Why would Kuno give this to me?"
"Because he loves you, obviously."
"Aue man…you gotta quiet saying that. That's not what I meant!" Ranma shouted back. "You said that this necklace was passed down to however didn't need it. Why would I need it?"
"Kuno passed down the necklace to you because he has already fallen' in love. He gave to you because, behind the original purpose, because he doesn't know you've fallen' in love with him. The cover/simple purpose, because he loves you. And since you two have crossed that forbidden love, you share the necklace."
"I think you're nuts!" Ranma shouted, as his face grew dark red.
"Hey you asked."
"Is that for real?"
"Well, for that necklace, yeah, technically that's what it means."
Sentina looked at the box to him. "I think someone owes Kuno a visit?"
Ranma sighs. "You're probably right, but-"
"Look if Rokotaki is getting in your way, it means you're in love, let's go; I'll give you a ride."
"That doesn't mean shit, you crazy women."
"Come on Mr. I like to deny everything," Sentina now pulling him away.
"No way! I can't! No!" Ranma resisting the erg to go.
"After everything you've been through on that ice- stage today," Sentina gave him a look.
Ranma swallows.
"Come on lover-boy! Don't make me necromance your ass, in order to just to drag you all the way down there. "
"I'm not a sorcerer! And I haven't even said anything yet!" Ranma, trying to get out of Sentina's grip.
"Aue…it's written all over your face, dumbass the seconded."
"Bitch…" Ranma murdered under his breath.
Sentina finally got Ranma in her car, as she drove off the Furinkin hospital.
Everyone popped out of the bush.
"My son…" Genma blinked without another word.
"Ranma…" Soun, so close to crying that he might lose the dojo.
Ryoga on fire. (How dear that heartless jerk Saotome ditch Akane for a man of all things.)
Mousse in heaven. (If Ranma goes with Kuno, then the fair Shampoo will be all mine.)
"Oh brother of mine, what has happened to you…" Kodachi filled in.
Shampoo, Ukyo, Ryoga, and even Akane all look like they're about to kill Kodachi.
"Did you know about this Kodachi?" Akane asked.
Shampoo, and Ukyo then looked at Akane like they were going to tell her.
"Did you know about this Akane?" Ukyo asked.
"Now don't lie Akane," Shampoo assuming so.
"No, I had no idea. I mean I most I've ever seen is Kuno chase after Ranma's girl form; but I never expected this." (Ranma…)
"Look, we aren't sure about anything yet, but there's one way to find out," Nabiki edging for a plan a money.
"Let me guess, we're going to spy on them at the hospital."
"Yeah."
"And then you're going to make us vote if they're going to get together or not," Ukyo a little angry.
"You are cleaver one Ukyo, I'll tell you that."
Ukyo sighs.
"So start pinching in your bets!" Nabiki said aloud.
