By the way, if you have a story you think would fit in my timeline as a
side story, or know of a side story you'd like to write, let me know.
I've left some developments out that could be explored as side stories.
It's mainly in case I run out of ideas or get bored with the main story,
I can go back and write a few side stories.
Let me know at: oddball22@hotmail.com
DISCLAIMER: I like to eat eight apples and bananas. Don't ask me where
this came from.
Onward.
Ranma 1/2: New Challenges
Winds Calling
Chapter 4
"What the hell is going on!?" Ukyo demanded. Her twin was
standing in the doorway. Well, her almost twin. This version of her was
wearing the blue boys school uniform and had burning red eyes, but spoke
with the same voice.
"Just another facet of you who's come with a proposal," she
said. "Call me Ucchan and my proposal is this: Forget about rejoining
all these losers and live here with me! Just think, you can be the
master of this world, I can teach you. And better yet, you'd have
Ranchan all to yourself! I know that's what you've always wanted."
Ukyo sank down into her
seat. It did sound good. After all, what did she have to look foreword
to? Ranma was in love with Akane and would never love her that way.
Kontasu was gone, probably dead. Who knows what happened to Kenji... She
looked up at Cologne and Tofu.
"What should I do?" she asked them.
"My child, I can't advise you when you are undecided," Cologne
replied. "But just remember this: the longer you stay here, the harder
it will be for you to leave. Also, perhaps you should see what aspect of
yourself Ucchan represents before deciding."
Ukyo turned back to look at Ucchan, who hissed at the old
woman. "So, who are you?"
Ucchan laughed. "Why, I merely represent your best interests!"
"Or more accurately, you represent that which is self-serving
and evil," Tofu corrected her.
Ucchan yawned. "Whatever. I will leave now." She turned to
Ukyo. "Come see me when you've made up your mind." A sudden ear piercing
scream could be heard in the distance. "Oh, and I'll be holding Akane as
my guest. After all, she does play the damsel in distress quite well.
Tootles!"
And she was gone, leaving a very confused Ukyo behind.
She sighed. "Well, now what do I do?" she thought out loud.
"Let's play a game!"
"Fall in love with me!"
"I don't care."
"Shampoo kill something!"
"SHUT UP!" Ukyo screamed, unknowingly doing a demon-head that
Soun would have been proud of. Her entourage of personality tidbits was
effectively silenced.
(But you'd be living a lie.)
Ukyo looked around to find out who said that, but everyone else
was engaged in private conversation.
(Don't shut your friends out of your life.)
(There are others who care about you, including me.)
Ukyo wondered. Images flooded her
mind of all those who awaited her back in the real Nerima. There weren't
many she could call friends, but Ranma, Akane, and Konatsu all cared
about her. I could've had more friends if I had tried. Instead I spent
all my time and energy on Ranma, trying to win him like he was some sort
of prize. I'm so tired of being alone. I guess that's why I allowed
Konastu to stay with me. I knew I was losing Ranma to Akane, and I
didn't want to be alone.
(You have to care about others and open yourself up to them.
Then you'll find you have more friends than you know what to do with.)
she thought. I don't want to be alone anymore,
and that's what I'd be if I stayed here. I want to live, to see what
else is out there, and to see who else may be in my future. I won't find
that out if I stay here!
A determined look on her face, Ukyo stood up. "Okay, listen up
everybody, I've made my choice. I want to return to the world of the
living and I'm going to need your help to get it done."
Cologne hopped foreword. "Good choice. Now we head to the
center of your being to confront Ucchan."
"What's my center?" she asked. "The dojo?" Cologne shook her
head. Ukyo thought for minute. "No, my center is my restaurant!"
Cologne smiled. "Bingo! Now let's get going!"
"Mayhap we be of some assistance?"
"Now what?" Ukyo groaned. Two more people had entered the
Nekohanten. The Kuno's. "Let me guess, Kuno is my sense of honor and
nobility, and Kodachi my insanity?"
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!"
Kuno made sweeping gestures with his bokken. "Let's us venture
forth and slay this demon that your soul may find peace."
"Me too, me too!" Little miss Hinako jumped in from the kitchen
sucking on a lollipop.
"So what are you?" Ukyo asked. "My inner child?"
Miss Hinako promptly drained Shampoo who was trying to kill
her, growing into a full figured beauty. "And the woman you desire to
be!" She winked seductively.
"Allright already!" Ukyo exclaimed. "Have we got everyone now?"
Cologne smiled. "Nope, we still need one more!"
"What's left?" She thought for second and then a look of horror
appeared on her face. "You don't mean...?" She didn't get a chance to
finish as something had suddenly latched itself onto her butt.
"SWEETO!"
Ukyo groaned and slapped her forehead.
She had no idea her brain was this screwed up.
Meanwhile, in the real world...
"Nihao Airen!" Shampoo bounded up and glomped onto Ranma as he
and Akane entered the Nekohantan. "Ranma want date with Shampoo?"
I should've expected this, Ranma thought glumly. He risked a
glance back and suddenly wished he hadn't. Akane was beggining to scowl
at him. If he didn't do something quick, he was dead. Besides, he was
never comfortable with Shampoo grabbing at him all the time anyway.
"Shampoo!" he yelled. "Get offa me!" He managed to pry off a
very upset Amazon girl, but to him, that was better than a very upset
Akane. "We've come to talk to the old ghoul about something."
Shampoo frowned. "Shampoo go get great-grandmother, but just
because that what husband want." She bounded off to the kitchen and
Ranma wiped the sweat off his brow. Disaster averted.
"Enjoy yourself?" Akane asked cynically.
"Oh come on, Akane," Ranma tried to explain. "You know I can't
stop her from doing that!"
"But you enjoy it," she retorted. Ranma tried to respond but
Akane held up a hand. "I don't want to hear it. What you want to do is
your business, but were here to see Cologne."
"Geez, you are so..." He stopped. "Nevermind."
"To what do I owe this honor, son-in-law?" She asked.
He ignored Akane sticking her tongue out at him and turned to
the old woman. "It's about the rash of burglaries and kidnappin's
lately. Have ya heard about `em?"
She hopped to a nearby table and tapped her head knowingly.
"Yes, of course I have. Have the police any clues as to who's behind
them?" Shampoo sat down at the table with Ranma and Akane.
"Actually, we were hoping you would know," said Akane. "The
police have said that all the victims were young and involved with some
sort of magic and mysticism. Do you think it could be the work of the
wizard sects?"
"It's possible," she replied after a few seconds. "They were
hurt pretty badly in that fight. They may be seeking to recoup their
losses. They can sense magic as well as I can, so it would be easy for
them to find it."
"Then they could come here!" Ranma reasoned. "They could sense
all your magical stuff."
Cologne shook her head. "I negated the magical aura of this
building to hide it from people looking for that sort of thing. To them,
this is just an ordinary restaurant. However, I could lift the aura
barrier and set a trap for them. Then we could interrogate them and find
out what they're up to."
Ranma stood up. "Great! Why don't we set it up for tonight.
We'll stake this place out and jump `em when they break in!"
Just then the phone rang and Shampoo sprung up to answer it.
After a few seconds she returned. "It for you, Airen."
Ranma went over and picked it up with Akane standing right
behind him. "Moshi moshi!" Pause. "What is it Nabiki?" Pause. "What
about her?" Another pause. "WHAT!?" Pause, again. "Thanks Nabiki, I'll
let Akane know. Tell them we're on our way." He hung up.
Akane looked at Ranma's paling face and knew instantly
something was wrong. "What is it, Ranma?"
"That was Nabiki," he explained. "The hospital just called and
told them that there's somethin' wrong with Ukyo. I told her I'd go to
the hospital right away."
Akane inhaled sharply. "I'm coming with you." To which he only
nodded.
"Trouble son-in-law?" asked Cologne.
"There's a problem with Ukyo," he replied. "So we'll have to do
this plan tomorrow night."
She nodded. "I understand. It'll take awhile to devise the
necessary spells anyway. Go, take care of your friend."
Ranma nodded and he and Akane rushed outside. Ranma promptly
picked her up and begin leaping rooftops towards the hospital. Akane
didn't complain since she knew that Ranma was faster and she would get
left behind otherwise.
Besides, she kinda liked being held in his arms.
Ten minutes later, the couple were racing into the hospital and
up to the room where Ukyo was being worked on. A nurse came out to talk
to them.
"What's going on?" Akane asked.
"We're not quite sure," the nurse replied. "All we know is that
twenty minutes ago, she began having spasms. The doctors are trying to
sedate her now."
Both teens glanced through the window where they could see
Ukyo's body flip and twist around, while the doctors strapped her down
to keep her from hurting herself. So caught up in the scene, Akane
barely noticed Ranma's hand creep down and grab ahold of hers.
Ukyo thought to herself. Her team of
fractured personality pieces had stormed Okonomiyaki Ucchan's and began
the attack. Well, at least some of her team was attacking.
Happosai was still attached to her rear, despite her attempts
to pry him off. Kodachi continued to jump around and twirl her ribbon
aimlessly. Ryoga was sitting against the wall staring off into space,
and Ranma was jumping around playing with Kodachi (because it was fun!).
Ucchan was easily swatting aside all the attacks the rest of her team
put up with her GIANT, 10 foot tall spatula.
Well, Mousse's attempts couldn't really be classified as
attacks since he was just bombarding Ucchan with flowers and candy. And
Akane was wrapped in tape and hanging from a wall behind Ucchan.
"Wheeee! This is fun!"
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!"
"Forsooth, the blue thunder of Furinken High shall slay thee
demon!"
"I love you Ucchan! Marry me!"
"Shampoo kill evil Ucchan!"
"SWEETO!"
"I don't care..."
"Ucchan's a delinquent who needs to be punished!" *ZAP!* "Oops,
sorry Shampoo."
"This doesn't seem to be working," said Tofu who was suddenly
beside her.
"I know!" Ukyo replied, sending another wave of throwing
spatula's at Ucchan, who blocked them easily. "Half of the group is
being less than helpful, and Ucchan is way too strong."
Cologne popped up beside her."Only you can defeat Ucchan. So,
have you considered who you are yet?"
"What do you mean? I'm Ukyo, aren't I?"
Cologne shook her head. "When you figure it out, you will know
what to do." She then bounced off to attack.
She
jumped over to Ryoga, who was looking at the floor, and banged him on
the head with her battle spatula. When he looked up she pointed at
Ucchan. "She did it!" The results were predictable.
Ryoga's face contorted in rage and he leaped to his
feet."UCCHAN! PREPARE TO DIE!" he yelled as he charged in, umbrella
swinging.
"Ranchan! I'd like to play with you! Would you come here?" Ranma bounced
over to her. "I've got a new game to play, now here's what you do..."
She whispered into his ear for a few seconds as a wide grin appeared on
his face. "You understand?" He nodded. "Okay, go for it!"
"Hey Akane!!!!" Ranma called. "You're such an kawaiikune tomboy,
how could I ever like you? You're like a mule, just as strong and twice
as ugly!" The effect was immediate. She suddenly switched from being
scared to radiating an angry red battle aura. Ranma continued. "You're
built like a brick, your thighs are too thick, you're hair's a cowlick,
and your face makes me sick!"
The bonds that held Akane began to melt as the red aura
intensified. In a flash, they dissolved, leaving a very red and
extremely angry Akane standing there, seething. "RANMA... NO... BAKA!"
Instantly she had a huge hammer in her hands that was twice as big as
her body and raised above her head.
She also had her target.
"Fire in the hole!" someone yelled, and all hit the ground.
Ranma suddenly thought this wasn't fun anymore. "Eeep!" was all
he got out before he was rendered a smear. The shockwave from the hammer
impact tossed the restaurant's occupants around like rag dolls.
When the dust settled, no one was moving.
"We're losing her!"
"Her heartbeat is fluctuating!"
"Where are the paddles!?"
"Right here! Clear!"
*ZAP*
Ukyo jerked awake. She stood up slowly and looked around the
room. Bodies were lying everywhere. She sat
in a chair and rested her body.
"It's not over yet," said Ucchan, who was slowly standing up.
"Oh come on!" Ukyo complained. "Just give up already!"
Ucchan grinned and hoisted her now normal size battle spatula.
"Why don't you take your own advice?"
Ukyo picked up her own battle spat' and faced her twin. "You
know, I was just wondering why you wanted me to stay here."
"Is that so," Ucchan commented, circling.
Ukyo continued to turn to face her opponent. "Yeah, and I think
I figured it out."
"Do tell." Ucchan probed Ukyo's defense with a few well-placed
swipes.
"You're supposed to be the self-serving part of me," Ukyo
continued, parrying the attacks. "Yet staying here wouldn't be the self-
serving thing for me to do. And someone has to return to the body, or
else we all die." Her eyes narrowed. "You wanted me to stay so you could
go."
Ucchan lashed out in anger. "So what!? It's what you wanted in
the past!"
"I never wanted you to be control!" Ukyo yelled back. The two
traded various blows, then locked their spatulas together.
"Oh yeah? Who was it that hunted a man for ten years for
revenge?"
"I could never hurt Ranma!" Ukyo yelled.
"Who was it that manipulated a friend's guilt to so that she
could be his wife?" Ucchan asked, tone rising. She attacked again,
forcing Ukyo back.
"He made a promise to take care of me for the rest of my life!"
Ukyo countered.
"Who was it that used a certain cave to break up two people who
obviously cared about each other?" Ucchan drove Ukyo back another step.
Tears began streaming down Ukyo's face as she began to fall
before the relentless assault. "He was my fiance! He was supposed to
love me!"
"Who was it that destroyed the house of their fiance's mother?
Who was it that attacked and destroyed a wedding with explosives?" A
final swing knocked the spatula out of Ukyo's hands, as she slid down
against the wall.
"I never wanted to hurt anybody!" She cired weakly. "I just
wanted someone to love me..."
Ucchan paused. "No you don't. That's why you let me have free
reign before. You don't want anyone to love you. How could they? You
dress like a boy and you have a boy's name. Mother died because of you.
Father arranged a fiance to get rid of you, and that fiance then left
you." Ucchan smirked. "Face it, you're unlovable."
Ukyo sobbed into her hands. "N-no... st-stop it... please..."
"Your soul is a dirty place, Ukyo. You don't deserve it. I do.
Just stay here and you won't have to face anymore pain. I'll take care
of everything."
Ukyo thought.
(Do you want to hurt people?)
"No!" Ukyo cried, trying to regain her feet.
"Too late," Ucchan said simply.
With a quick slice, the blade of Ucchan's spatula bit deep into
Ukyo's midsection, leaving a wide bloody gash. So weakened, Ukyo fell
back to a sitting position against the wall as she felt her life's blood
run out.
"Her heartbeat's stopped, she's flatlining!"
Akane gave Ranma's hand a reassuring squeeze, but he was too
busy staring in the window to notice. "She'll be alright, Ranma. Ukyo's
a fighter."
"Come on, Ucchan," Ranma commanded his old friend. "Fight it!
You can pull through this! Don't die on me!"
Akane looked at Ranma's face. she
thought. Not knowing what else to do, and before she could change her
mind, she slipped her arms around Ranma's waist and hugged him fiercely.
Ranma was stunned for a second before he returned the hug. "It's ok,
Ranma, let it out..."
A few more tears ran down Ranma's cheeks, even as he fought to
hold them back. "Akane... Ucchan was my first real friend," he said
softly. "All those years training with pop, I never had any friends. It
may have made me a better martial artist, but I was so alone. I've
always been alone."
Akane looked up at Ranma and saw the tears. This was a side of
him she rarely saw. All the macho arrogance, the insults; she never
suspected that he felt so alone.
she thought silently.
"Ranma..." she said quietly, getting his attention. "You'll...
you'll never alone, because... well... I'll be here for you..."
Ranma looked surprised. "Akane? Th-thanks."
She nodded and they both looked back through the window.
"Try the paddles again!"
"Ready? Clear!"
*ZAP!*
Ukyo jerked again. she realized with sudden
clarity.
(You're not alone.)
(You'll only die if you give up.)
"SHUT UP!" Ucchan screamed. Ukyo looked up to see Ucchan
covering her ears. "I've won! Go away!"
"No."
Ukyo gasped. Someone was standing in the doorway. "Kenji..."
she coughed out.
He walked over to her, but as he passed Ucchan, she swung at
him. Kenji caught the spatula and twisted it out of her grip, then flung
it away. "You can't kill me, Ucchan. I'll always exist, as long as Ukyo
wants me to." He stood over the fallen form of Ukyo. "It's time to get
up and understand." He grabbed her arms and guided her up until she was
standing.
"Wh-who are you?" she asked quietly.
He smiled. "I am that which becomes stronger in the most dire
circumstances. I am your hope. Now, it's time for you to understand." He
then took a step forward, embraced Ukyo, and disappeared within her.
Ukyo gasped, and understood.
"NO!" Ucchan yelled. "Stop it!"
Ukyo continued. "I have been long absent from Ukyo, only
showing myself in small ways. Like the time I let Konatsu stay. Ukyo may
have made mistakes in the past, but she cannot make amends if I am
locked down here." The wound across her belly disappeared.
"No one wants you!" Ucchan scream. "You're unlovable!"
"That will be true, only if Ukyo believes it. It is time to give
her another choice."
Now it was Ucchan's turn for tears. "There are no other
choices!"
But Ukyo could no longer hear her. "It is time to become one
again. Come sister." She reached out and grabbed Ucchan's arms.
"I don't want to go, don't want to die..." Ucchan said quietly,
sobbing. But she didn't resist.
"You will still live, but as part of the whole," Ukyo told her.
Then, she pulled her into an embrace, and they merged.
Looking around, everyone else was standing up and looking at
her. Cologne stepped foreword. "Very good child. You have accepted that
part of yourself that is most difficult." She stood in front of Ukyo,
who kneeled down to look the old woman in the eyes. "We all have evil
inside us, but we also have good in us as well. Life can be enjoyable,
as long as the good keeps the evil in check." Ulyo embraced the old
woman and they merged.
Tofu was next. "Cologne is right. The darkness is in all of us,
but we don't have to listen to it. All you need to say is, `I recognize
my selfish desires, but I won't listen to them today.' That's all it
takes." Tofu merged with her in the same manner as Cologne..
Something glomped onto her chest. "SWEETO!" Happosai exclaimed.
Then his face became serious. "Hey kiddo, you may not like me much, but
don't be afraid of your sexuality. And above all," he grinned and groped
her chest, "Don't try to hide these!" He faded into her.
One by one, they all merged with her.
Ryoga. "Depression and anger are destructive, remember that."
Kodachi. "OHOHOHOHOHOHO! Everyone needs to be a little crazy to
survive in this world!"
Hinako. "Listen to your inner child, and do not forsake your
womanhood."
Kuno. "Endeavor to cling to the righteous path."
Mousse. "There are many different forms of love, do not be
blind to them."
Shampoo. "Martial arts are for defending the weak and those you
care about. You have more power than you think." An image flashed
through her mind and Ukyo filed it away for further study.
Only two were left, Ranma and Akane.
"I guess this is what it always comes down to, ne?" Ukyo said, a
slight grin on her face.
Ranma walked up to her. "Never, ever lose your sense of humor.
Life is fun, so enjoy it!" And then he kissed her, and merged once more.
"Akane..." Ukyo said to the last one. "I know who you are now.
You're my conscience. That's why I had such trouble trying to hate you
in the past. I didn't want to be reminded of all the dirty things I've
done. Subconsciously, I knew if you died, then I was lost as well."
Akane nodded and walked up to her, embracing her. "If you are
ever in doubt, listen to me. I, and the rest of your friends, will be
there to guide you."
Then Ukyo was alone. She looked up as the restaurant began to
fade away. "It's time, Ukyo," she said, smiling.
"It's time to wake up!"
"Clear!"
*ZAP*
"We've got a heartbeat!"
"We've got her!"
"Vital signs are stabilizing."
"She's going to be alright."
Ranma and Akane continued their hug, two lonely souls finding
solace in each other in a time of need.
side story, or know of a side story you'd like to write, let me know.
I've left some developments out that could be explored as side stories.
It's mainly in case I run out of ideas or get bored with the main story,
I can go back and write a few side stories.
Let me know at: oddball22@hotmail.com
DISCLAIMER: I like to eat eight apples and bananas. Don't ask me where
this came from.
Onward.
Ranma 1/2: New Challenges
Winds Calling
Chapter 4
"What the hell is going on!?" Ukyo demanded. Her twin was
standing in the doorway. Well, her almost twin. This version of her was
wearing the blue boys school uniform and had burning red eyes, but spoke
with the same voice.
"Just another facet of you who's come with a proposal," she
said. "Call me Ucchan and my proposal is this: Forget about rejoining
all these losers and live here with me! Just think, you can be the
master of this world, I can teach you. And better yet, you'd have
Ranchan all to yourself! I know that's what you've always wanted."
Ukyo sank down into her
seat. It did sound good. After all, what did she have to look foreword
to? Ranma was in love with Akane and would never love her that way.
Kontasu was gone, probably dead. Who knows what happened to Kenji... She
looked up at Cologne and Tofu.
"What should I do?" she asked them.
"My child, I can't advise you when you are undecided," Cologne
replied. "But just remember this: the longer you stay here, the harder
it will be for you to leave. Also, perhaps you should see what aspect of
yourself Ucchan represents before deciding."
Ukyo turned back to look at Ucchan, who hissed at the old
woman. "So, who are you?"
Ucchan laughed. "Why, I merely represent your best interests!"
"Or more accurately, you represent that which is self-serving
and evil," Tofu corrected her.
Ucchan yawned. "Whatever. I will leave now." She turned to
Ukyo. "Come see me when you've made up your mind." A sudden ear piercing
scream could be heard in the distance. "Oh, and I'll be holding Akane as
my guest. After all, she does play the damsel in distress quite well.
Tootles!"
And she was gone, leaving a very confused Ukyo behind.
She sighed. "Well, now what do I do?" she thought out loud.
"Let's play a game!"
"Fall in love with me!"
"I don't care."
"Shampoo kill something!"
"SHUT UP!" Ukyo screamed, unknowingly doing a demon-head that
Soun would have been proud of. Her entourage of personality tidbits was
effectively silenced.
(But you'd be living a lie.)
Ukyo looked around to find out who said that, but everyone else
was engaged in private conversation.
(Don't shut your friends out of your life.)
(There are others who care about you, including me.)
Ukyo wondered. Images flooded her
mind of all those who awaited her back in the real Nerima. There weren't
many she could call friends, but Ranma, Akane, and Konatsu all cared
about her. I could've had more friends if I had tried. Instead I spent
all my time and energy on Ranma, trying to win him like he was some sort
of prize. I'm so tired of being alone. I guess that's why I allowed
Konastu to stay with me. I knew I was losing Ranma to Akane, and I
didn't want to be alone.
(You have to care about others and open yourself up to them.
Then you'll find you have more friends than you know what to do with.)
she thought. I don't want to be alone anymore,
and that's what I'd be if I stayed here. I want to live, to see what
else is out there, and to see who else may be in my future. I won't find
that out if I stay here!
A determined look on her face, Ukyo stood up. "Okay, listen up
everybody, I've made my choice. I want to return to the world of the
living and I'm going to need your help to get it done."
Cologne hopped foreword. "Good choice. Now we head to the
center of your being to confront Ucchan."
"What's my center?" she asked. "The dojo?" Cologne shook her
head. Ukyo thought for minute. "No, my center is my restaurant!"
Cologne smiled. "Bingo! Now let's get going!"
"Mayhap we be of some assistance?"
"Now what?" Ukyo groaned. Two more people had entered the
Nekohanten. The Kuno's. "Let me guess, Kuno is my sense of honor and
nobility, and Kodachi my insanity?"
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!"
Kuno made sweeping gestures with his bokken. "Let's us venture
forth and slay this demon that your soul may find peace."
"Me too, me too!" Little miss Hinako jumped in from the kitchen
sucking on a lollipop.
"So what are you?" Ukyo asked. "My inner child?"
Miss Hinako promptly drained Shampoo who was trying to kill
her, growing into a full figured beauty. "And the woman you desire to
be!" She winked seductively.
"Allright already!" Ukyo exclaimed. "Have we got everyone now?"
Cologne smiled. "Nope, we still need one more!"
"What's left?" She thought for second and then a look of horror
appeared on her face. "You don't mean...?" She didn't get a chance to
finish as something had suddenly latched itself onto her butt.
"SWEETO!"
Ukyo groaned and slapped her forehead.
She had no idea her brain was this screwed up.
Meanwhile, in the real world...
"Nihao Airen!" Shampoo bounded up and glomped onto Ranma as he
and Akane entered the Nekohantan. "Ranma want date with Shampoo?"
I should've expected this, Ranma thought glumly. He risked a
glance back and suddenly wished he hadn't. Akane was beggining to scowl
at him. If he didn't do something quick, he was dead. Besides, he was
never comfortable with Shampoo grabbing at him all the time anyway.
"Shampoo!" he yelled. "Get offa me!" He managed to pry off a
very upset Amazon girl, but to him, that was better than a very upset
Akane. "We've come to talk to the old ghoul about something."
Shampoo frowned. "Shampoo go get great-grandmother, but just
because that what husband want." She bounded off to the kitchen and
Ranma wiped the sweat off his brow. Disaster averted.
"Enjoy yourself?" Akane asked cynically.
"Oh come on, Akane," Ranma tried to explain. "You know I can't
stop her from doing that!"
"But you enjoy it," she retorted. Ranma tried to respond but
Akane held up a hand. "I don't want to hear it. What you want to do is
your business, but were here to see Cologne."
"Geez, you are so..." He stopped. "Nevermind."
"To what do I owe this honor, son-in-law?" She asked.
He ignored Akane sticking her tongue out at him and turned to
the old woman. "It's about the rash of burglaries and kidnappin's
lately. Have ya heard about `em?"
She hopped to a nearby table and tapped her head knowingly.
"Yes, of course I have. Have the police any clues as to who's behind
them?" Shampoo sat down at the table with Ranma and Akane.
"Actually, we were hoping you would know," said Akane. "The
police have said that all the victims were young and involved with some
sort of magic and mysticism. Do you think it could be the work of the
wizard sects?"
"It's possible," she replied after a few seconds. "They were
hurt pretty badly in that fight. They may be seeking to recoup their
losses. They can sense magic as well as I can, so it would be easy for
them to find it."
"Then they could come here!" Ranma reasoned. "They could sense
all your magical stuff."
Cologne shook her head. "I negated the magical aura of this
building to hide it from people looking for that sort of thing. To them,
this is just an ordinary restaurant. However, I could lift the aura
barrier and set a trap for them. Then we could interrogate them and find
out what they're up to."
Ranma stood up. "Great! Why don't we set it up for tonight.
We'll stake this place out and jump `em when they break in!"
Just then the phone rang and Shampoo sprung up to answer it.
After a few seconds she returned. "It for you, Airen."
Ranma went over and picked it up with Akane standing right
behind him. "Moshi moshi!" Pause. "What is it Nabiki?" Pause. "What
about her?" Another pause. "WHAT!?" Pause, again. "Thanks Nabiki, I'll
let Akane know. Tell them we're on our way." He hung up.
Akane looked at Ranma's paling face and knew instantly
something was wrong. "What is it, Ranma?"
"That was Nabiki," he explained. "The hospital just called and
told them that there's somethin' wrong with Ukyo. I told her I'd go to
the hospital right away."
Akane inhaled sharply. "I'm coming with you." To which he only
nodded.
"Trouble son-in-law?" asked Cologne.
"There's a problem with Ukyo," he replied. "So we'll have to do
this plan tomorrow night."
She nodded. "I understand. It'll take awhile to devise the
necessary spells anyway. Go, take care of your friend."
Ranma nodded and he and Akane rushed outside. Ranma promptly
picked her up and begin leaping rooftops towards the hospital. Akane
didn't complain since she knew that Ranma was faster and she would get
left behind otherwise.
Besides, she kinda liked being held in his arms.
Ten minutes later, the couple were racing into the hospital and
up to the room where Ukyo was being worked on. A nurse came out to talk
to them.
"What's going on?" Akane asked.
"We're not quite sure," the nurse replied. "All we know is that
twenty minutes ago, she began having spasms. The doctors are trying to
sedate her now."
Both teens glanced through the window where they could see
Ukyo's body flip and twist around, while the doctors strapped her down
to keep her from hurting herself. So caught up in the scene, Akane
barely noticed Ranma's hand creep down and grab ahold of hers.
Ukyo thought to herself. Her team of
fractured personality pieces had stormed Okonomiyaki Ucchan's and began
the attack. Well, at least some of her team was attacking.
Happosai was still attached to her rear, despite her attempts
to pry him off. Kodachi continued to jump around and twirl her ribbon
aimlessly. Ryoga was sitting against the wall staring off into space,
and Ranma was jumping around playing with Kodachi (because it was fun!).
Ucchan was easily swatting aside all the attacks the rest of her team
put up with her GIANT, 10 foot tall spatula.
Well, Mousse's attempts couldn't really be classified as
attacks since he was just bombarding Ucchan with flowers and candy. And
Akane was wrapped in tape and hanging from a wall behind Ucchan.
"Wheeee! This is fun!"
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!"
"Forsooth, the blue thunder of Furinken High shall slay thee
demon!"
"I love you Ucchan! Marry me!"
"Shampoo kill evil Ucchan!"
"SWEETO!"
"I don't care..."
"Ucchan's a delinquent who needs to be punished!" *ZAP!* "Oops,
sorry Shampoo."
"This doesn't seem to be working," said Tofu who was suddenly
beside her.
"I know!" Ukyo replied, sending another wave of throwing
spatula's at Ucchan, who blocked them easily. "Half of the group is
being less than helpful, and Ucchan is way too strong."
Cologne popped up beside her."Only you can defeat Ucchan. So,
have you considered who you are yet?"
"What do you mean? I'm Ukyo, aren't I?"
Cologne shook her head. "When you figure it out, you will know
what to do." She then bounced off to attack.
She
jumped over to Ryoga, who was looking at the floor, and banged him on
the head with her battle spatula. When he looked up she pointed at
Ucchan. "She did it!" The results were predictable.
Ryoga's face contorted in rage and he leaped to his
feet."UCCHAN! PREPARE TO DIE!" he yelled as he charged in, umbrella
swinging.
"Ranchan! I'd like to play with you! Would you come here?" Ranma bounced
over to her. "I've got a new game to play, now here's what you do..."
She whispered into his ear for a few seconds as a wide grin appeared on
his face. "You understand?" He nodded. "Okay, go for it!"
"Hey Akane!!!!" Ranma called. "You're such an kawaiikune tomboy,
how could I ever like you? You're like a mule, just as strong and twice
as ugly!" The effect was immediate. She suddenly switched from being
scared to radiating an angry red battle aura. Ranma continued. "You're
built like a brick, your thighs are too thick, you're hair's a cowlick,
and your face makes me sick!"
The bonds that held Akane began to melt as the red aura
intensified. In a flash, they dissolved, leaving a very red and
extremely angry Akane standing there, seething. "RANMA... NO... BAKA!"
Instantly she had a huge hammer in her hands that was twice as big as
her body and raised above her head.
She also had her target.
"Fire in the hole!" someone yelled, and all hit the ground.
Ranma suddenly thought this wasn't fun anymore. "Eeep!" was all
he got out before he was rendered a smear. The shockwave from the hammer
impact tossed the restaurant's occupants around like rag dolls.
When the dust settled, no one was moving.
"We're losing her!"
"Her heartbeat is fluctuating!"
"Where are the paddles!?"
"Right here! Clear!"
*ZAP*
Ukyo jerked awake. She stood up slowly and looked around the
room. Bodies were lying everywhere. She sat
in a chair and rested her body.
"It's not over yet," said Ucchan, who was slowly standing up.
"Oh come on!" Ukyo complained. "Just give up already!"
Ucchan grinned and hoisted her now normal size battle spatula.
"Why don't you take your own advice?"
Ukyo picked up her own battle spat' and faced her twin. "You
know, I was just wondering why you wanted me to stay here."
"Is that so," Ucchan commented, circling.
Ukyo continued to turn to face her opponent. "Yeah, and I think
I figured it out."
"Do tell." Ucchan probed Ukyo's defense with a few well-placed
swipes.
"You're supposed to be the self-serving part of me," Ukyo
continued, parrying the attacks. "Yet staying here wouldn't be the self-
serving thing for me to do. And someone has to return to the body, or
else we all die." Her eyes narrowed. "You wanted me to stay so you could
go."
Ucchan lashed out in anger. "So what!? It's what you wanted in
the past!"
"I never wanted you to be control!" Ukyo yelled back. The two
traded various blows, then locked their spatulas together.
"Oh yeah? Who was it that hunted a man for ten years for
revenge?"
"I could never hurt Ranma!" Ukyo yelled.
"Who was it that manipulated a friend's guilt to so that she
could be his wife?" Ucchan asked, tone rising. She attacked again,
forcing Ukyo back.
"He made a promise to take care of me for the rest of my life!"
Ukyo countered.
"Who was it that used a certain cave to break up two people who
obviously cared about each other?" Ucchan drove Ukyo back another step.
Tears began streaming down Ukyo's face as she began to fall
before the relentless assault. "He was my fiance! He was supposed to
love me!"
"Who was it that destroyed the house of their fiance's mother?
Who was it that attacked and destroyed a wedding with explosives?" A
final swing knocked the spatula out of Ukyo's hands, as she slid down
against the wall.
"I never wanted to hurt anybody!" She cired weakly. "I just
wanted someone to love me..."
Ucchan paused. "No you don't. That's why you let me have free
reign before. You don't want anyone to love you. How could they? You
dress like a boy and you have a boy's name. Mother died because of you.
Father arranged a fiance to get rid of you, and that fiance then left
you." Ucchan smirked. "Face it, you're unlovable."
Ukyo sobbed into her hands. "N-no... st-stop it... please..."
"Your soul is a dirty place, Ukyo. You don't deserve it. I do.
Just stay here and you won't have to face anymore pain. I'll take care
of everything."
Ukyo thought.
(Do you want to hurt people?)
"No!" Ukyo cried, trying to regain her feet.
"Too late," Ucchan said simply.
With a quick slice, the blade of Ucchan's spatula bit deep into
Ukyo's midsection, leaving a wide bloody gash. So weakened, Ukyo fell
back to a sitting position against the wall as she felt her life's blood
run out.
"Her heartbeat's stopped, she's flatlining!"
Akane gave Ranma's hand a reassuring squeeze, but he was too
busy staring in the window to notice. "She'll be alright, Ranma. Ukyo's
a fighter."
"Come on, Ucchan," Ranma commanded his old friend. "Fight it!
You can pull through this! Don't die on me!"
Akane looked at Ranma's face. she
thought. Not knowing what else to do, and before she could change her
mind, she slipped her arms around Ranma's waist and hugged him fiercely.
Ranma was stunned for a second before he returned the hug. "It's ok,
Ranma, let it out..."
A few more tears ran down Ranma's cheeks, even as he fought to
hold them back. "Akane... Ucchan was my first real friend," he said
softly. "All those years training with pop, I never had any friends. It
may have made me a better martial artist, but I was so alone. I've
always been alone."
Akane looked up at Ranma and saw the tears. This was a side of
him she rarely saw. All the macho arrogance, the insults; she never
suspected that he felt so alone.
she thought silently.
"Ranma..." she said quietly, getting his attention. "You'll...
you'll never alone, because... well... I'll be here for you..."
Ranma looked surprised. "Akane? Th-thanks."
She nodded and they both looked back through the window.
"Try the paddles again!"
"Ready? Clear!"
*ZAP!*
Ukyo jerked again. she realized with sudden
clarity.
(You're not alone.)
(You'll only die if you give up.)
"SHUT UP!" Ucchan screamed. Ukyo looked up to see Ucchan
covering her ears. "I've won! Go away!"
"No."
Ukyo gasped. Someone was standing in the doorway. "Kenji..."
she coughed out.
He walked over to her, but as he passed Ucchan, she swung at
him. Kenji caught the spatula and twisted it out of her grip, then flung
it away. "You can't kill me, Ucchan. I'll always exist, as long as Ukyo
wants me to." He stood over the fallen form of Ukyo. "It's time to get
up and understand." He grabbed her arms and guided her up until she was
standing.
"Wh-who are you?" she asked quietly.
He smiled. "I am that which becomes stronger in the most dire
circumstances. I am your hope. Now, it's time for you to understand." He
then took a step forward, embraced Ukyo, and disappeared within her.
Ukyo gasped, and understood.
"NO!" Ucchan yelled. "Stop it!"
Ukyo continued. "I have been long absent from Ukyo, only
showing myself in small ways. Like the time I let Konatsu stay. Ukyo may
have made mistakes in the past, but she cannot make amends if I am
locked down here." The wound across her belly disappeared.
"No one wants you!" Ucchan scream. "You're unlovable!"
"That will be true, only if Ukyo believes it. It is time to give
her another choice."
Now it was Ucchan's turn for tears. "There are no other
choices!"
But Ukyo could no longer hear her. "It is time to become one
again. Come sister." She reached out and grabbed Ucchan's arms.
"I don't want to go, don't want to die..." Ucchan said quietly,
sobbing. But she didn't resist.
"You will still live, but as part of the whole," Ukyo told her.
Then, she pulled her into an embrace, and they merged.
Looking around, everyone else was standing up and looking at
her. Cologne stepped foreword. "Very good child. You have accepted that
part of yourself that is most difficult." She stood in front of Ukyo,
who kneeled down to look the old woman in the eyes. "We all have evil
inside us, but we also have good in us as well. Life can be enjoyable,
as long as the good keeps the evil in check." Ulyo embraced the old
woman and they merged.
Tofu was next. "Cologne is right. The darkness is in all of us,
but we don't have to listen to it. All you need to say is, `I recognize
my selfish desires, but I won't listen to them today.' That's all it
takes." Tofu merged with her in the same manner as Cologne..
Something glomped onto her chest. "SWEETO!" Happosai exclaimed.
Then his face became serious. "Hey kiddo, you may not like me much, but
don't be afraid of your sexuality. And above all," he grinned and groped
her chest, "Don't try to hide these!" He faded into her.
One by one, they all merged with her.
Ryoga. "Depression and anger are destructive, remember that."
Kodachi. "OHOHOHOHOHOHO! Everyone needs to be a little crazy to
survive in this world!"
Hinako. "Listen to your inner child, and do not forsake your
womanhood."
Kuno. "Endeavor to cling to the righteous path."
Mousse. "There are many different forms of love, do not be
blind to them."
Shampoo. "Martial arts are for defending the weak and those you
care about. You have more power than you think." An image flashed
through her mind and Ukyo filed it away for further study.
Only two were left, Ranma and Akane.
"I guess this is what it always comes down to, ne?" Ukyo said, a
slight grin on her face.
Ranma walked up to her. "Never, ever lose your sense of humor.
Life is fun, so enjoy it!" And then he kissed her, and merged once more.
"Akane..." Ukyo said to the last one. "I know who you are now.
You're my conscience. That's why I had such trouble trying to hate you
in the past. I didn't want to be reminded of all the dirty things I've
done. Subconsciously, I knew if you died, then I was lost as well."
Akane nodded and walked up to her, embracing her. "If you are
ever in doubt, listen to me. I, and the rest of your friends, will be
there to guide you."
Then Ukyo was alone. She looked up as the restaurant began to
fade away. "It's time, Ukyo," she said, smiling.
"It's time to wake up!"
"Clear!"
*ZAP*
"We've got a heartbeat!"
"We've got her!"
"Vital signs are stabilizing."
"She's going to be alright."
Ranma and Akane continued their hug, two lonely souls finding
solace in each other in a time of need.
