Ain't No Day At The Beach
by Zukone
Tickety tot
Who cares, you already know.
1. Wee heee. I got my first flame from Brandon, maybe Alex. Both of you, thank you and thank you. Thank you both for reading. I think if I managed to get two people upset then I was heading in the right direction.
2. I will dedicate this chapter to Naso, Delerium's Hostage, and Kara-Kun. Naso and Delerium's Hostage for the inspiration to keep writing. and Kara- Kun for her fun entry.
3. I invite you to read my SHORT, and I do mean SHORT parody, "The Magical Girl Incident"
4. Oh and here I start this chapter not answering the question of, "What happened?"
Chapter 4
Heat Beat, Sun Burnt
"Once again the only scorer for this round, Ranma Saotome." The announcer shouts out. Ranma busies himself with a peace sign graciously accepting the praise.
Nabiki looks down at a piece of paper and then up at the lineup. "Hmm this could be a problem."
"What is?" Akane replies looking up at the scoreboard.
"I thought for sure you would be in the tournament. If not you, at least Ryoga." she continues murmering more to herself. "That would have dispersed some of the bets. Ranma always looks kinda pathetic after one of you has whalluped him."
"Ugg" Akane said disgusted. "For your information, I didn't join because this tournament has nothing to do with me."
"Hello, Akane, the winner is gonna try to kiss you.. Well.. you or Ranma."
Akane shrugs her shoulders. "So."
"What if Ranma wins?" she asks. Akane doesn't say anything in reply. Sure she has Akane's number, Nabiki eggs on, "Then he would have to kiss you."
"He is probably going to win which is why I'm not worried." she replies.
"So you want him to kiss you?" Nabiki asks curious. The kind of curious she is when she knows she can make a profit off of some new information.
Akane sighs, tired of the harrassment. "Hardly. First of all, even if I wanted it, which I don't, he's not going to kiss me. Second of all, he has an easy out. He can kiss himself." Akane replies nonchalantly.
Nabiki deflates a little. "Aren't you supposed to be angry. You know the whole, 'how dare they fight to kiss me thing.' There's a rythm to these things Akane. I hope you are aware that you are messing it up thereby messing any plans I could make."
"Rythms hmm. I wouldn't call it rythms. I'd call it circles and when you go in circles you're not going anywh..."
"yeah yeah. I have a serious problem on my hands and you're not being helpful. Almost everyone bet for Ranma." she says as she stares intensely at the line up. "He's headed for the semi-finals soon. Kuno's his match, an easy win for him. He's sure to go to the finals. Right now, some unknown named Spike is up against the anonymous everyone calls the Mystery Man. That's easy to call. They are both good but Mystery Man will probably win and also make it to the finals. As good as that mystery guy is, I am sure he's not as good as Ranma. Ranma wins. I lose money. Not good..."
Nabiki pauses and thinks to herself. "Well at least if Ranma wins I can con him out of his prize money. I have that picture of him." Nabiki sighs. "I wanted to use that in a real emergency. If he wins I can also profit from the kiss thing whether or not it happens. The whole awkward scene might be worth losing a couple of bucks."
"I guess nothing can be done." Nabiki resigns, "Ranma will be the winner."
"Don't be rediculous. I am destined to win." Kuno says squinting an angry gaze at the lineup. He somehow had managed to squeeze inbetween the two sisters. Glaring forward has if the object of his hatred were there in front of him, he continues his proclemation, "I shall smite thee enslaver of women." he strikes forward, his kedo sword slashing Ranma Saotome's name off the lineup board.
Nabiki smiles and then grabs Kuno by the arm. "What is it Tendo, Nabiki?"
"Oh.. just destiny." She says as she drags him off into the crowd.
----
A beach blond boy steps into the Volley court and greets his opponent. He looks like a typical beacher showing off his tan. He went bare-backed and wore long shorts past his knees. His sandles carried the rest of his outfit.
"Congrats on getting this far in the game," Spike boasts to Mystery Man who looks at him curious, "but there's no way that I am gonna let you win. That prize is mine."
"Typical." the mystery man thinks to himself. Unlike his opponent he seems more modest and reserved. He keeps his peace and doesn't say anything. He too wore long beach shorts, dark blue and a light polo type shirt neatly tucked into them. His hair was almost shorn in the back but the front of his hair poked out and covered his eyes messily. he held his head in such a way that no one would be able to get a good glimpse at his face.
"Acknowledge me when I talk and don't be so arrogant.!"
Nothing.
"Now I wont feel so bad when I ground you." Spike goes to his mark with the volleyball in hand. The ref blows the whistle and Spike serves. The ball whirls over the net lands in the sand.
The Mystery Man had not budged an inch. He looks at the ball in a deep concentration.
"What an AMAZING display by Spike." One of the announcer buzzes, "I could barely see the ball myself. It looks like its left the competition stunned."
Akane staring at the competition. "Thats strange. It looks like Spike is playing better than before.
"I think that guy got him angry." Nabiki says next to her having had just returned from her excersion.
"Maybe he wasn't showing his true ability until now." she states kinda worried.
"Maybe, doesn't matter. He's still not good enough to beat Ranma as far as I can tell."
"Should I?". . Mystery Man asks himself. "He's good... If things go like this, he'll score more points easily. Should I... even give it any effort?"
Spike grins as the ball gets passed back to him. "That's nothing folks. I shouldn't even waste this stuff on him." Spike decides to serve the ball regular. Mystery Man runs under it and pops it over with a smooth and easy return. Spike hits it back harder. The mystery man returns. Spike hits it harder and angled. The mystery man gets to it in barely enough time, but sails it over again. The volley continues.
"It looks like they are doing a good job of volleying the ball bouncing back at eachother." the announcer comments. "MM's returns are surpisingly simple. Almost as if that is all he could do. He might be struggling with Spikes more aggresive returns. SCORE! Spike scores with a fast moving ball.
"I think you were right. I notice that he was using the right techniques for each, but they were a little off. He couldn't shake Spikes attack and tip things in his favor. While this stranger might know a thing or two about volleyball, he just cant hold up to all that power.
"Definately a weakness he needs to work on. Spike is up to serve again. With the score 2-0."
(time passes)
"We're back after our mini break. Score 10-0 and its no Mystery for the Mystery man, he's lost the game. And while Mystery Man isn't sweating, its because he hasn't really been trying after Spike scored 7 consecutive points."
"I agree. Mystery Man knows he's lost and that has really affected the amount of effort he 's puting into the match. With the psychological victory in Spikes favor, I am surprised that Spike himself stayed so aggressive. He might have a personal grudge against the M M."
"Well you remember before this match, it seemed that Mystery Man was a sure contendor for the finals. I don't think Spike liked the idea so much. I am pretty sure he wants the difference between their skill level to be known beyond a shadow of a doubt and he sure is proving it now. oh.. Spike looks like he's ready to serve."
"The score is 10-0, the games mine" Spike exhales relieved. he throws the ball up in the air, sweat dripping down of the tip of his nose as he waits for the right time to jump and hit. He slaps the ball accross. M M waits patiently. The ball comes.
Surprising everyone Mystery Man jumps into action and returns the ball hard. He sends it flying past Spike whose hands are still up in a ready position. It hits the sand just passed his feet. Spike looks down and stares at the ball.
"WOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAA. This kids got some fight left in him." the anouncer blasts "Change of server for the first time in the game."
"Too bad he didn't have that fight it in the beginning of the game. I doubt he will recover. In any case we might see some interesting rounds yet. The crowd is starting to return already. The score is 10-0 still."
"Amazing.. just amazing"
The Mystery Man serves. He lands the ball in the sand.
"Holy Smokes. I didn't even see that. This is the first point scored by the Mystery Man. 10-1."
"Wow things Are really getting interesting here. Mystery man seems like a different player. Spike is just as shocked as we are. I don't think he saw the ball either."
As the announcers continue, Ranma glares from sidelines. Unlike everyone else, he did see the ball just then. He was off somewhere relaxing before his match when he had heard the commotion. People said that this kid returned and invisible ball. He knew better though. When he saw the ball, he knew then.
He glares at the Mystery Man. Brown bang and short brown hair. He wasn't too tall, but he was kind of slender. The Mystery Man stops examining something strange in the air. He turns to look at Ranma and then looks away just as suddenly.
"I knew it. He's a martial Artist." Ranma says to himself still staring at the player. The Anonymous player had his face turned from him.
The boy serves again. The ball was slower this time. Spike returns. They volley. Ranma sits back and spectates a little more relaxed. It seems like a regular match again. The Mystery Man won the round.
After a few more rounds Ranma gets bored and leaves. Spike had gotten a chance to serve and then scored one. That was all though. Mystery Man had control even though he was trailing. The score 11-8.
After seeing ranma leaves, Double M sends a fast servel. It wasn't as hard as when he scored his first point, but he landed it in the sand anyway. He gives two more fast serves that all land without a rebound from Spike. He ties up the game 11-11.
"No way I'mma let you win. I gotta win that prize. "
The Mystery man lands three more balls. Spike looks deflated but picks himself up from the sand. Spike huffs. "Now I'll never get to kiss a girl." The Myster man stares at him blankly. "Kiss a girl?" he asks shocked.
"Yeah that's one of the prizes. Kiss a goddess or something like that."
"But that's not what it says in the brocure. It says cash prize, hotel, food reservations, and trophy. It didn't say anything about kissing a girl." Agitated, double M serves the last ball and sends it warp speed to the sand. He didn't pay too much attention to the fact that he won. He didn't even look like he was paying too much attention to the serve either.
"Two girls" Spike sighs. He didn't even get a chance to dive for the ball. "And now I can't. Lucky you huh."
He smirks. "The other girl's name was Akane right?"
"I think so."
"I knew something was wierd.. I probably have to play differently in the final match against Ranma Saotome... that is if I want to win. If I can win. I need the money. and Akane involved in this... I might as well try my best. 2nd place isn't that bad." He Sighs.
"This is going to be tougher than I thought." He heads past the crowd of girls trying to congratulate him.
~~~oooo(_)~~~(_)oooo~~~
"Akane. Ranma's up. Aren't you going to cheer for him." Nabiki shakes two pom pom in her hands.
She rolls her eyes at Nabiki.
Ranma's red as a lobster. "It's all 'Kane's fault. I didn't even remember to put sunbock on." he murmers to himself as he drudges over to the to the net. "At least this will be easy."
"Psst. Ranma" Nabiki says motioning with her hand. He jogs over. "Make it fast."
She whispers something in his ear. At first Ranma's face contorts sorta confused but as she continues his face changes over to indignation.
"why that show off. That ain't nofin." he tells her as he runs back to his position
Akane eyed nabiki curious.
"Just wishing him luck." she says. "Good luck Ranma. I'll be rooting for you." she yells shaking her pom poms.
Kuno won the toss and got to serve first. He steps to his position. "Ranma you curr. How dare you even try to face me." He glances over to Nabiki who motions for him to nix the speach. "Nevertheless, I shall smite thee." he adds in quick.
Kuno serves. Ranma looks as relaxed as ever not even having his game face on. Akane and Nabiki look at Ranma as he lets the ball land. Ranma gives Nabiki the thumbs up. She looks to the side and then whistles innocently.
Ranma lets two more balls land without giving any effort to get it at all. He yawns and covers his mouth showing everyone how bored he is as Kuno serves one more
"What did you tell him." Akane asks matteroffactly.
"nothing."
"Nabiki"
"Nothing. Just helped him with research on his upcoming opponent."
"What exactly did you say?"
"Just said that everyone was impressed that he didn't even try to really score until he was down 10."
Akane shakes her head.
(time passes)
The score is 12-0
Ranma digs his feet into the sand, the only activity he's done up to this point. Nabiki sharpens her gaze
"Yoo hooo" Nabiki calls out, Akane was missing. "Ranma-honey."
"What do you want Nabiki."
"Akane told me to tell you that if you don't play seriously you're gonna loose."
"Against Kuno. yeah right" For that he let another ball fall to the sand. he stood their defiant. letting yet another ball hit the sand.
The announcers were buzzing wondering if he wanted to win at all.
Ranma finally stood there ready to play full force.
Kuno, yells out, "Take this foul sorcerer" as he serves up his last ball. He then ripps his shorts off revealing a G-string. Ranma realed in horror. The ball comes sailing over over the net. Ranma rebounds quick enough to get under the ball.
Nabiki, with more skill than any martial artist you could have known, throws a stuffed animal to the sand court.
Ranma backs off when he sees the cute little "K.. K... K......AAAAATTTT"
He hears the ball thud dully into the sand and realizes exactly what had just happened. He just lost to Kuno, to Tatewake Kuno, blue blunder of Furinken High. He tilts over in shock. Kuno is busy making victory proclemations.
"Thanks for revealing the source of your power to me. blah blah blah.. blah blah blah blah"
"Ranma is still in shock."
Kuno continues and a man stops to listen to them. " One more person to defeat and then the lips of the bounteous beauty and the virtuous flower of Akane will be mine to savor."
The man scowls angrily and limps off to the tables.
Kuno's opponent steps forward wearing a somewhat shocked look on his face. Ranma is still on court frozen. Someone, a worker presumably, runs to tap him on the shoulder. "Excuse me sir. You have to move. the new match is about to start."
Ranma still in a state of shock says. "Yeah.. sure." and walks off the court robotically. He sits down. His plans went down the crapper.
Akane came back with two drinks in her hand. She stands inbetween him and Nabiki. Here's that drink you ordered. Finally he unfreazes giving Nabiki a death gaze. he looks back at Akane who isn't even looking in his direction. He gets up and pretends to be concentrating on the game.
Whoever won would get to kiss Akane. He sighs, relieved when he thinks about it some more. What was he so worried about. Akane wasn't going to let anyone kiss her. He laughed to himself. And if they tried they'd have to deal with him. Volleyball was one thing, fighting was another.
There was a delay in the start of the event and the crowd started to wonder why. Two men who were talking to Kuno drag him away. the announcers speak appologetically "Sorry for the delay people. Tatewake Kuno is disqualified for assaulting beach personnel earlier today. The Anonymous, "Mystery Man" as we've called him, is the winner."
The Mystery Man looked up and scratched the back of his head.
"What do you have to say for yourself"
"I'm glad I won." Double M tried to say as few words as possible.
Another announcer scanning people in the audience. Spike grabbed the mike. "Are you gonna kiss the girls? and where are they?"
The Mystery Man thought a minute. He looked over at Akane and Ranma with his hands crossed. He shook his head. "No. I forfiet that part of the prize."
Spike jumped up and down. "That means we can kiss the girls right?"
"We" the announcers asked.
"The two semi finalists. The way I figure I get to kiss one and that other guy gets to kiss one."
The announcer laughs, "Sounds fair to me."
Spike runs to the net and scans for the girls.
Ranma's cross expression changed over to a smirk. Akane looked at him.
"Ya heard that Akane. The kisssy prize is mine."
"What are you trying to say. You gonna kiss me?"
"Hah" Ranma said in disbelief. how could she believe he would even thing of that. "Why would I even dream about kissing a macho chick like you."
"Then why are you talking to me." she offered.
Nabiki smiled at him and then accidentally spilled some water on him. transforming him.
There you go, " Akane says cheerfully, "You can kiss yourself.
This wasn't fair he thinks to himself. a guy grabbed him from behind. "You're mine." oohoho, this so wasn't fair. he elbowed the guy and he doubled over.
"Fiesty" Spike said.
"Akane." he says seething. How could she be so cold he thinks
"I"
She smiles and nods her head for him to continue.
Ranma had thought it over earlier, about what she was going to say, and changed her mind. It didn't seem right even to her. But here Akane was, acting the same way. She was just sick of it. She hated her. This moment Ranma actually hated her. It would be easy to do it now.
"I" Ranma utters. But still it wasn't. More silence.
The Mystery Man shuffles over. Akane looked over at him and spoke materoffactly. "Spike already picked someone to kiss so that leaves me and since Ranma isn't going to kiss me..."
Ranma couldn't believe it and by the looks of it neither could M m who's face was visibly red. "I uh... uh." MM started uncomfortably
"It's OK. You don't have to. I am just thinking about my options and you're the best choice."
Double M's looks at Ranma then at Akane. He sighs outwardly as if he understood and the redness fades away. He smiles warmly and as soft as a whisper he says. "Sure."
"Akane..." Ranma begins through her teeth increasing the volume as he went"I absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt," and finally she yells the last part, "completely and utterly HATE YOU!"
Everyone stops and looks over to the girls.
Akane's bang covered her eyes for the second time that day. "Thank you." she can hear. It was barely audible. Akane tries to retain the coolness in her voice but it cracks before she could finish. "I just wanted to know how you... felt." She walkes away without saying another word, trying to retain some dignity.
Ranma turns around pretending to be unaffected. Mystery Man gives her an angry side glance and then whacks him in the back tipping him forward straight into Spike's arms. "Jack@ss!" the guys says.
Spike opens his arms and recieves his prize. She sends him flying and wipes her mouth disgusted, angry, enraged. She turns around furious and wipes her mouth one last time. He marches past shoving people out of the way. MM follows just as agitated. He orders a hot drink then spills it on himself.
"What do you want, Ukyo?" Ranma spews out at her in his more intimidating voice."I'm not gonna go out with you if that's what you're aft.."
*slap*
Ranma slowly turns her head, eyes covered by his hair. Had to find funny the irony of who besides Akane slapped him. Both of them. The girls who were so desperately in love with him slapped him. He laughed inwardly. The very same girls who he never wanted to see again for endangering peoples lives at his wedding. And now one of them was judging him. He laughs outwardly, mocking her.
"I thought that was what you wanted" he scoffed.
*slap again*
Ranma didn't find it as funny this time. But it was OK. He needed something to numb the pain. Somehow he felt if he got hit or beat or something, he could atone. He could numb that feeling and shout down the pangs of guilt and hurt. But he was only a jerk, an unjustified first class jerk.
Ukyo wouldn't be the one to tell him he was right, that it was going to be OK. With hurt in her eyes she says, "I don't ever want a friend who would do such a thing to his fiance."
All this time Ranma didn't lift his head. He didn't have to face her to know how affected she was. He could hear a warble in her voice.
"Why did you do it? In all the time I chased you or Shampoo chased you, you were never that mean to us. But this... this doesn't make sense. Why?"
He couldn't face her. He couldn't face anyone.
"Akane.. Akane knew it was me, idiot."
Ranmas head bowed lower.
"Gosh" she exhaled harder. "All this time I thought you picked on her because you liked her." Ukyo lets out a disbelieving laugh. "That's why I started to stay out of your way. But no," she sighs, "You really do hate Akane don't you?"
He couldn't hear it, not because he didn't hear it, but because he just couldn't. Ranma runs... Ranma runs and suddenly is no where in sight.
Author's Notes
Story Directions Editing stuff
1. What you should have gotten from this chapter: a. Akane's been acting wierd around Ranma and not necessarily anyone else. b. Oh yes and Ranma is a jerk. He's a no good first rate jerk and he's such a horrible person. HORRIBLE person. *lol* I for one feel sorry for him. Oh well.
2. I actually wanted Akane to slap or mallet Ranma, and I think that would have been more realistic. However, I wanted Ukyo to get a shot at it.
3. I think one more chapter and an epilogue will do it. good thing I have some of it pre-written already. hehehehe. last chapter coming in about two weeks.
4. Funny, I dont really feel that great about this fic anymore. I originally wanted to write it as a one shot and well, that didn't happen. I sorta switched the naration style in the middle which frustrates da heck outa me and I sorta hate writing in present tense. I have a ton of grammatical errors because of laziness. In some ways I feel this story grew from a pet to a monster that I find difficult to reign in. It is not as funny as I wanted it to be. Oh well. I will finish it and try to do so with as much effort as when I started.
by Zukone
Tickety tot
Who cares, you already know.
1. Wee heee. I got my first flame from Brandon, maybe Alex. Both of you, thank you and thank you. Thank you both for reading. I think if I managed to get two people upset then I was heading in the right direction.
2. I will dedicate this chapter to Naso, Delerium's Hostage, and Kara-Kun. Naso and Delerium's Hostage for the inspiration to keep writing. and Kara- Kun for her fun entry.
3. I invite you to read my SHORT, and I do mean SHORT parody, "The Magical Girl Incident"
4. Oh and here I start this chapter not answering the question of, "What happened?"
Chapter 4
Heat Beat, Sun Burnt
"Once again the only scorer for this round, Ranma Saotome." The announcer shouts out. Ranma busies himself with a peace sign graciously accepting the praise.
Nabiki looks down at a piece of paper and then up at the lineup. "Hmm this could be a problem."
"What is?" Akane replies looking up at the scoreboard.
"I thought for sure you would be in the tournament. If not you, at least Ryoga." she continues murmering more to herself. "That would have dispersed some of the bets. Ranma always looks kinda pathetic after one of you has whalluped him."
"Ugg" Akane said disgusted. "For your information, I didn't join because this tournament has nothing to do with me."
"Hello, Akane, the winner is gonna try to kiss you.. Well.. you or Ranma."
Akane shrugs her shoulders. "So."
"What if Ranma wins?" she asks. Akane doesn't say anything in reply. Sure she has Akane's number, Nabiki eggs on, "Then he would have to kiss you."
"He is probably going to win which is why I'm not worried." she replies.
"So you want him to kiss you?" Nabiki asks curious. The kind of curious she is when she knows she can make a profit off of some new information.
Akane sighs, tired of the harrassment. "Hardly. First of all, even if I wanted it, which I don't, he's not going to kiss me. Second of all, he has an easy out. He can kiss himself." Akane replies nonchalantly.
Nabiki deflates a little. "Aren't you supposed to be angry. You know the whole, 'how dare they fight to kiss me thing.' There's a rythm to these things Akane. I hope you are aware that you are messing it up thereby messing any plans I could make."
"Rythms hmm. I wouldn't call it rythms. I'd call it circles and when you go in circles you're not going anywh..."
"yeah yeah. I have a serious problem on my hands and you're not being helpful. Almost everyone bet for Ranma." she says as she stares intensely at the line up. "He's headed for the semi-finals soon. Kuno's his match, an easy win for him. He's sure to go to the finals. Right now, some unknown named Spike is up against the anonymous everyone calls the Mystery Man. That's easy to call. They are both good but Mystery Man will probably win and also make it to the finals. As good as that mystery guy is, I am sure he's not as good as Ranma. Ranma wins. I lose money. Not good..."
Nabiki pauses and thinks to herself. "Well at least if Ranma wins I can con him out of his prize money. I have that picture of him." Nabiki sighs. "I wanted to use that in a real emergency. If he wins I can also profit from the kiss thing whether or not it happens. The whole awkward scene might be worth losing a couple of bucks."
"I guess nothing can be done." Nabiki resigns, "Ranma will be the winner."
"Don't be rediculous. I am destined to win." Kuno says squinting an angry gaze at the lineup. He somehow had managed to squeeze inbetween the two sisters. Glaring forward has if the object of his hatred were there in front of him, he continues his proclemation, "I shall smite thee enslaver of women." he strikes forward, his kedo sword slashing Ranma Saotome's name off the lineup board.
Nabiki smiles and then grabs Kuno by the arm. "What is it Tendo, Nabiki?"
"Oh.. just destiny." She says as she drags him off into the crowd.
----
A beach blond boy steps into the Volley court and greets his opponent. He looks like a typical beacher showing off his tan. He went bare-backed and wore long shorts past his knees. His sandles carried the rest of his outfit.
"Congrats on getting this far in the game," Spike boasts to Mystery Man who looks at him curious, "but there's no way that I am gonna let you win. That prize is mine."
"Typical." the mystery man thinks to himself. Unlike his opponent he seems more modest and reserved. He keeps his peace and doesn't say anything. He too wore long beach shorts, dark blue and a light polo type shirt neatly tucked into them. His hair was almost shorn in the back but the front of his hair poked out and covered his eyes messily. he held his head in such a way that no one would be able to get a good glimpse at his face.
"Acknowledge me when I talk and don't be so arrogant.!"
Nothing.
"Now I wont feel so bad when I ground you." Spike goes to his mark with the volleyball in hand. The ref blows the whistle and Spike serves. The ball whirls over the net lands in the sand.
The Mystery Man had not budged an inch. He looks at the ball in a deep concentration.
"What an AMAZING display by Spike." One of the announcer buzzes, "I could barely see the ball myself. It looks like its left the competition stunned."
Akane staring at the competition. "Thats strange. It looks like Spike is playing better than before.
"I think that guy got him angry." Nabiki says next to her having had just returned from her excersion.
"Maybe he wasn't showing his true ability until now." she states kinda worried.
"Maybe, doesn't matter. He's still not good enough to beat Ranma as far as I can tell."
"Should I?". . Mystery Man asks himself. "He's good... If things go like this, he'll score more points easily. Should I... even give it any effort?"
Spike grins as the ball gets passed back to him. "That's nothing folks. I shouldn't even waste this stuff on him." Spike decides to serve the ball regular. Mystery Man runs under it and pops it over with a smooth and easy return. Spike hits it back harder. The mystery man returns. Spike hits it harder and angled. The mystery man gets to it in barely enough time, but sails it over again. The volley continues.
"It looks like they are doing a good job of volleying the ball bouncing back at eachother." the announcer comments. "MM's returns are surpisingly simple. Almost as if that is all he could do. He might be struggling with Spikes more aggresive returns. SCORE! Spike scores with a fast moving ball.
"I think you were right. I notice that he was using the right techniques for each, but they were a little off. He couldn't shake Spikes attack and tip things in his favor. While this stranger might know a thing or two about volleyball, he just cant hold up to all that power.
"Definately a weakness he needs to work on. Spike is up to serve again. With the score 2-0."
(time passes)
"We're back after our mini break. Score 10-0 and its no Mystery for the Mystery man, he's lost the game. And while Mystery Man isn't sweating, its because he hasn't really been trying after Spike scored 7 consecutive points."
"I agree. Mystery Man knows he's lost and that has really affected the amount of effort he 's puting into the match. With the psychological victory in Spikes favor, I am surprised that Spike himself stayed so aggressive. He might have a personal grudge against the M M."
"Well you remember before this match, it seemed that Mystery Man was a sure contendor for the finals. I don't think Spike liked the idea so much. I am pretty sure he wants the difference between their skill level to be known beyond a shadow of a doubt and he sure is proving it now. oh.. Spike looks like he's ready to serve."
"The score is 10-0, the games mine" Spike exhales relieved. he throws the ball up in the air, sweat dripping down of the tip of his nose as he waits for the right time to jump and hit. He slaps the ball accross. M M waits patiently. The ball comes.
Surprising everyone Mystery Man jumps into action and returns the ball hard. He sends it flying past Spike whose hands are still up in a ready position. It hits the sand just passed his feet. Spike looks down and stares at the ball.
"WOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAA. This kids got some fight left in him." the anouncer blasts "Change of server for the first time in the game."
"Too bad he didn't have that fight it in the beginning of the game. I doubt he will recover. In any case we might see some interesting rounds yet. The crowd is starting to return already. The score is 10-0 still."
"Amazing.. just amazing"
The Mystery Man serves. He lands the ball in the sand.
"Holy Smokes. I didn't even see that. This is the first point scored by the Mystery Man. 10-1."
"Wow things Are really getting interesting here. Mystery man seems like a different player. Spike is just as shocked as we are. I don't think he saw the ball either."
As the announcers continue, Ranma glares from sidelines. Unlike everyone else, he did see the ball just then. He was off somewhere relaxing before his match when he had heard the commotion. People said that this kid returned and invisible ball. He knew better though. When he saw the ball, he knew then.
He glares at the Mystery Man. Brown bang and short brown hair. He wasn't too tall, but he was kind of slender. The Mystery Man stops examining something strange in the air. He turns to look at Ranma and then looks away just as suddenly.
"I knew it. He's a martial Artist." Ranma says to himself still staring at the player. The Anonymous player had his face turned from him.
The boy serves again. The ball was slower this time. Spike returns. They volley. Ranma sits back and spectates a little more relaxed. It seems like a regular match again. The Mystery Man won the round.
After a few more rounds Ranma gets bored and leaves. Spike had gotten a chance to serve and then scored one. That was all though. Mystery Man had control even though he was trailing. The score 11-8.
After seeing ranma leaves, Double M sends a fast servel. It wasn't as hard as when he scored his first point, but he landed it in the sand anyway. He gives two more fast serves that all land without a rebound from Spike. He ties up the game 11-11.
"No way I'mma let you win. I gotta win that prize. "
The Mystery man lands three more balls. Spike looks deflated but picks himself up from the sand. Spike huffs. "Now I'll never get to kiss a girl." The Myster man stares at him blankly. "Kiss a girl?" he asks shocked.
"Yeah that's one of the prizes. Kiss a goddess or something like that."
"But that's not what it says in the brocure. It says cash prize, hotel, food reservations, and trophy. It didn't say anything about kissing a girl." Agitated, double M serves the last ball and sends it warp speed to the sand. He didn't pay too much attention to the fact that he won. He didn't even look like he was paying too much attention to the serve either.
"Two girls" Spike sighs. He didn't even get a chance to dive for the ball. "And now I can't. Lucky you huh."
He smirks. "The other girl's name was Akane right?"
"I think so."
"I knew something was wierd.. I probably have to play differently in the final match against Ranma Saotome... that is if I want to win. If I can win. I need the money. and Akane involved in this... I might as well try my best. 2nd place isn't that bad." He Sighs.
"This is going to be tougher than I thought." He heads past the crowd of girls trying to congratulate him.
~~~oooo(_)~~~(_)oooo~~~
"Akane. Ranma's up. Aren't you going to cheer for him." Nabiki shakes two pom pom in her hands.
She rolls her eyes at Nabiki.
Ranma's red as a lobster. "It's all 'Kane's fault. I didn't even remember to put sunbock on." he murmers to himself as he drudges over to the to the net. "At least this will be easy."
"Psst. Ranma" Nabiki says motioning with her hand. He jogs over. "Make it fast."
She whispers something in his ear. At first Ranma's face contorts sorta confused but as she continues his face changes over to indignation.
"why that show off. That ain't nofin." he tells her as he runs back to his position
Akane eyed nabiki curious.
"Just wishing him luck." she says. "Good luck Ranma. I'll be rooting for you." she yells shaking her pom poms.
Kuno won the toss and got to serve first. He steps to his position. "Ranma you curr. How dare you even try to face me." He glances over to Nabiki who motions for him to nix the speach. "Nevertheless, I shall smite thee." he adds in quick.
Kuno serves. Ranma looks as relaxed as ever not even having his game face on. Akane and Nabiki look at Ranma as he lets the ball land. Ranma gives Nabiki the thumbs up. She looks to the side and then whistles innocently.
Ranma lets two more balls land without giving any effort to get it at all. He yawns and covers his mouth showing everyone how bored he is as Kuno serves one more
"What did you tell him." Akane asks matteroffactly.
"nothing."
"Nabiki"
"Nothing. Just helped him with research on his upcoming opponent."
"What exactly did you say?"
"Just said that everyone was impressed that he didn't even try to really score until he was down 10."
Akane shakes her head.
(time passes)
The score is 12-0
Ranma digs his feet into the sand, the only activity he's done up to this point. Nabiki sharpens her gaze
"Yoo hooo" Nabiki calls out, Akane was missing. "Ranma-honey."
"What do you want Nabiki."
"Akane told me to tell you that if you don't play seriously you're gonna loose."
"Against Kuno. yeah right" For that he let another ball fall to the sand. he stood their defiant. letting yet another ball hit the sand.
The announcers were buzzing wondering if he wanted to win at all.
Ranma finally stood there ready to play full force.
Kuno, yells out, "Take this foul sorcerer" as he serves up his last ball. He then ripps his shorts off revealing a G-string. Ranma realed in horror. The ball comes sailing over over the net. Ranma rebounds quick enough to get under the ball.
Nabiki, with more skill than any martial artist you could have known, throws a stuffed animal to the sand court.
Ranma backs off when he sees the cute little "K.. K... K......AAAAATTTT"
He hears the ball thud dully into the sand and realizes exactly what had just happened. He just lost to Kuno, to Tatewake Kuno, blue blunder of Furinken High. He tilts over in shock. Kuno is busy making victory proclemations.
"Thanks for revealing the source of your power to me. blah blah blah.. blah blah blah blah"
"Ranma is still in shock."
Kuno continues and a man stops to listen to them. " One more person to defeat and then the lips of the bounteous beauty and the virtuous flower of Akane will be mine to savor."
The man scowls angrily and limps off to the tables.
Kuno's opponent steps forward wearing a somewhat shocked look on his face. Ranma is still on court frozen. Someone, a worker presumably, runs to tap him on the shoulder. "Excuse me sir. You have to move. the new match is about to start."
Ranma still in a state of shock says. "Yeah.. sure." and walks off the court robotically. He sits down. His plans went down the crapper.
Akane came back with two drinks in her hand. She stands inbetween him and Nabiki. Here's that drink you ordered. Finally he unfreazes giving Nabiki a death gaze. he looks back at Akane who isn't even looking in his direction. He gets up and pretends to be concentrating on the game.
Whoever won would get to kiss Akane. He sighs, relieved when he thinks about it some more. What was he so worried about. Akane wasn't going to let anyone kiss her. He laughed to himself. And if they tried they'd have to deal with him. Volleyball was one thing, fighting was another.
There was a delay in the start of the event and the crowd started to wonder why. Two men who were talking to Kuno drag him away. the announcers speak appologetically "Sorry for the delay people. Tatewake Kuno is disqualified for assaulting beach personnel earlier today. The Anonymous, "Mystery Man" as we've called him, is the winner."
The Mystery Man looked up and scratched the back of his head.
"What do you have to say for yourself"
"I'm glad I won." Double M tried to say as few words as possible.
Another announcer scanning people in the audience. Spike grabbed the mike. "Are you gonna kiss the girls? and where are they?"
The Mystery Man thought a minute. He looked over at Akane and Ranma with his hands crossed. He shook his head. "No. I forfiet that part of the prize."
Spike jumped up and down. "That means we can kiss the girls right?"
"We" the announcers asked.
"The two semi finalists. The way I figure I get to kiss one and that other guy gets to kiss one."
The announcer laughs, "Sounds fair to me."
Spike runs to the net and scans for the girls.
Ranma's cross expression changed over to a smirk. Akane looked at him.
"Ya heard that Akane. The kisssy prize is mine."
"What are you trying to say. You gonna kiss me?"
"Hah" Ranma said in disbelief. how could she believe he would even thing of that. "Why would I even dream about kissing a macho chick like you."
"Then why are you talking to me." she offered.
Nabiki smiled at him and then accidentally spilled some water on him. transforming him.
There you go, " Akane says cheerfully, "You can kiss yourself.
This wasn't fair he thinks to himself. a guy grabbed him from behind. "You're mine." oohoho, this so wasn't fair. he elbowed the guy and he doubled over.
"Fiesty" Spike said.
"Akane." he says seething. How could she be so cold he thinks
"I"
She smiles and nods her head for him to continue.
Ranma had thought it over earlier, about what she was going to say, and changed her mind. It didn't seem right even to her. But here Akane was, acting the same way. She was just sick of it. She hated her. This moment Ranma actually hated her. It would be easy to do it now.
"I" Ranma utters. But still it wasn't. More silence.
The Mystery Man shuffles over. Akane looked over at him and spoke materoffactly. "Spike already picked someone to kiss so that leaves me and since Ranma isn't going to kiss me..."
Ranma couldn't believe it and by the looks of it neither could M m who's face was visibly red. "I uh... uh." MM started uncomfortably
"It's OK. You don't have to. I am just thinking about my options and you're the best choice."
Double M's looks at Ranma then at Akane. He sighs outwardly as if he understood and the redness fades away. He smiles warmly and as soft as a whisper he says. "Sure."
"Akane..." Ranma begins through her teeth increasing the volume as he went"I absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt," and finally she yells the last part, "completely and utterly HATE YOU!"
Everyone stops and looks over to the girls.
Akane's bang covered her eyes for the second time that day. "Thank you." she can hear. It was barely audible. Akane tries to retain the coolness in her voice but it cracks before she could finish. "I just wanted to know how you... felt." She walkes away without saying another word, trying to retain some dignity.
Ranma turns around pretending to be unaffected. Mystery Man gives her an angry side glance and then whacks him in the back tipping him forward straight into Spike's arms. "Jack@ss!" the guys says.
Spike opens his arms and recieves his prize. She sends him flying and wipes her mouth disgusted, angry, enraged. She turns around furious and wipes her mouth one last time. He marches past shoving people out of the way. MM follows just as agitated. He orders a hot drink then spills it on himself.
"What do you want, Ukyo?" Ranma spews out at her in his more intimidating voice."I'm not gonna go out with you if that's what you're aft.."
*slap*
Ranma slowly turns her head, eyes covered by his hair. Had to find funny the irony of who besides Akane slapped him. Both of them. The girls who were so desperately in love with him slapped him. He laughed inwardly. The very same girls who he never wanted to see again for endangering peoples lives at his wedding. And now one of them was judging him. He laughs outwardly, mocking her.
"I thought that was what you wanted" he scoffed.
*slap again*
Ranma didn't find it as funny this time. But it was OK. He needed something to numb the pain. Somehow he felt if he got hit or beat or something, he could atone. He could numb that feeling and shout down the pangs of guilt and hurt. But he was only a jerk, an unjustified first class jerk.
Ukyo wouldn't be the one to tell him he was right, that it was going to be OK. With hurt in her eyes she says, "I don't ever want a friend who would do such a thing to his fiance."
All this time Ranma didn't lift his head. He didn't have to face her to know how affected she was. He could hear a warble in her voice.
"Why did you do it? In all the time I chased you or Shampoo chased you, you were never that mean to us. But this... this doesn't make sense. Why?"
He couldn't face her. He couldn't face anyone.
"Akane.. Akane knew it was me, idiot."
Ranmas head bowed lower.
"Gosh" she exhaled harder. "All this time I thought you picked on her because you liked her." Ukyo lets out a disbelieving laugh. "That's why I started to stay out of your way. But no," she sighs, "You really do hate Akane don't you?"
He couldn't hear it, not because he didn't hear it, but because he just couldn't. Ranma runs... Ranma runs and suddenly is no where in sight.
Author's Notes
Story Directions Editing stuff
1. What you should have gotten from this chapter: a. Akane's been acting wierd around Ranma and not necessarily anyone else. b. Oh yes and Ranma is a jerk. He's a no good first rate jerk and he's such a horrible person. HORRIBLE person. *lol* I for one feel sorry for him. Oh well.
2. I actually wanted Akane to slap or mallet Ranma, and I think that would have been more realistic. However, I wanted Ukyo to get a shot at it.
3. I think one more chapter and an epilogue will do it. good thing I have some of it pre-written already. hehehehe. last chapter coming in about two weeks.
4. Funny, I dont really feel that great about this fic anymore. I originally wanted to write it as a one shot and well, that didn't happen. I sorta switched the naration style in the middle which frustrates da heck outa me and I sorta hate writing in present tense. I have a ton of grammatical errors because of laziness. In some ways I feel this story grew from a pet to a monster that I find difficult to reign in. It is not as funny as I wanted it to be. Oh well. I will finish it and try to do so with as much effort as when I started.