DISCLAIMER:
See first episode, blah blah blah. Also, YES there will be hints of same-sex relationships going on here. Many strange relationships will be hinted at. How open it gets, well, we'll see. We'll try not to involve alligators, though.
---
Episode Two: For Whom The Orchid Blooms
---
[Morning, a new day. Ukyo is walking to class, alone, dressed in her usual outfit. Some girls (possibly same that were at the lacross game yesterday) wave and coo in her direction.]
Girls: Good morning, Ukyo-sama!
Ukyo: Morning!
Girls: Isn't she dreamy?
[Camera moves across the Ohtori plaque again, reminding us of the teardrop-flower design. Ukyo approaches the steps of the building. Akari is waiting in the same location as before, only this time she has a large white hat and scarf on, hiding her face. She's hunched over and looks like she's crying.]
Ukyo: Good morning... Akari? Are you all right?
Akari: Last night, I was all alone... I sat in my room watching old movies...
Ukyo: I'm sorry, I was out late.
Akari: And there was this terribly tragic story... The sweet, beautiful heroine meets a wonderful man and thinks he likes her, but it turns out he's already in love with another girl who doesn't love him, and he's just using the heroine to make himself feel special and attractive, and then the other girl gets married and the man gets depressed and abandons the heroine completely, even though she loved only him...
Ukyo: Yeah, that sounds sad.
Akari: But then out of the blue someone new shows up and she marries him and lives happily ever after. And I thought that was silly and unfair and life just doesn't work like that, she should be sad forever... but eventually I decided the movie was right!
[Akari whips off the hat and scarf - she has *not* been crying - and pounces Ukyo in a big hug.]
Akari: You are my one true love forever and ever, Ukyo-sama! I am yours!
Ukyo: [sweatdrop] Please don't say that. Not now.
Akari: Why not?
[Ranko approaches from offscreen and slips her hand into Ukyo's.]
Ranko: Good morning!
---
[Cut to the Council chamber. Kuno, Konatsu, and Akane are present.]
Kuno: Have you all received new missives from the sorceror?
Akane: [holds up a scroll] Yes.
Kuno: As this says, Ryoga was defeated by the new duellist, who now possesses the Bride.
Akane: Where *is* Ryoga, anyway? Shouldn't he be at this meeting?
Konatsu: Without the fair orchid to guide his steps, our vice-president has difficulty finding his classes on time. I doubt he will reach this meeting before it ends.
Kuno: It is most unseemly for a man in his position. Perhaps I should assign some underclassman to be his servant.
Akane: You could always ask your sister.
Kuno: A Kuno is no one's servant!
Konatsu: I thought we came here to discuss this new duellist? Who is she?
Akane: Kuonji Ukyo. She's very popular in her class. She's on a lot of sports teams and she's a great cook, too.
Konatsu: But why was she, an outsider, brought into the Duels?
Kuno: She bears the Signet, and a noble beauty. She is most worthy to be a champion.
Akane: I hate playing a game I don't understand. But everything happens as the mysterious sorceror says. These Signets opened the way to Arena, where we could see the garden of dreams...
Konatsu: The Garden of Stars, hanging in the sky. How could we turn away after seeing that sight? With the power to realise our dreams?
[All sigh, simultaneously.]
Kuno: [wistful] The true champion, with the lovely orchid at his side, will unlock the path that leads to the Garden of Stars, and gain the power to make a dream come true.
Akane: We have to continue, for the sake of our dreams.
---
[A dusty-looking building. Ukyo is alone, carrying her suitcase.]
Ukyo: Hello? Is anyone here? Am I in the right place?
[She makes her way up a grimy staircase.]
Ukyo: I don't understand why my room was reassigned... and to a place like this! Akari says this building hasn't been used in ten years... it certainly hasn't been cleaned in years... [She brightens] But there's a whole kitchen to myself down there! I can start my own part-time business while I'm still at school. As long as the teachers don't complain.
[She comes to a room and compares the number to a card in her hand.]
Ukyo: This must be it.
[She opens the door, and blinks in surprise. The room inside is sparkling clean - and Ranko, dressed in rags, her red hair tied back with what looks suspiciously like one of Ryoga's bandanas, is on her hands and knees polishing the floor.]
Ranko: Just a moment, I'm almost done.
Ukyo: What are you doing in my room?
Ranko: I live here.
[She holds up a card, showing the same room assignment as Ukyo.]
Ranko: I'm sorry I haven't gotten everything clean yet, I was only assigned here last night.
Ukyo: And you've been in here working ever since? You shouldn't have to do that.
Ranko: I don't mind. I like cleaning.
[Ukyo carefully makes her way across the shining floor to her bed and sits down, laying her suitcase beside her.]
Ukyo: What an odd coincidence that we should end up rooming together in a place like this.
Ranko: Coincidence? I'm your fiancee. Of course we live together.
Ukyo: You are *not* my fiancee.
Ranko: I am the Orchid Bride, and I belong to you.
Ukyo: I'm not marrying you! For one thing... you're a girl!
Ranko: Does that matter?
Ukyo: Of course it matters.
Ranko: Why?
Ukyo: ... [can't think of a response] And the school actually supports this system?
Ranko: Yes.
Ukyo: Secret arenas, duels for a Bride, flowers hanging in the sky...
Ranko: It's all very mysterious, isn't it?
Ukyo: Wait, you mean you don't understand it either?
Ranko: [smiles beautifully] I don't ask questions. It's just the way things are done.
[Popup a thought bubble for Ukyo with Akari circling her finger around her ear and sticking our her tongue to indicate that Ranko is a bit simple-minded.]
Ranko: You don't mind having us here, do you?
Ukyo: Us?
[There is a BWEE! and out from under Ranko's bed skitters... a little black pig. He is *not* wearing a bandana, however, he does have a gold earring in one of his ears.]
Ranko: This is my friend P-Chan.
Ukyo: I didn't think we were allowed pets in the dorms.
Ranko: P-Chan is not a pet! [She opens her arms, and the piglet jumps into them and nuzzles her bosom affectionately.] He's my friend. He listens to me.
[Seeing that Ranko is looking a bit scared and lonely, Ukyo holds out a hand for the big to sniff at.]
Ukyo: Hiya, P-Chan. Want to be friends?
[The pig licks her fingers and bwees cutely.]
Ranko: I think he likes you, Ukyo-sama.
Ukyo: Please, don't call me that. I'm just Ukyo, okay?
Ranko: But I am engaged to you. I will serve you and obey you and clean for you and cook for you...
[She clasps her hands under her chin and looks a bit starry-eyed. P-Chan hops off her lap and runs back under the bed, grumbling piggishly.]
Ukyo: I don't need anyone to do those things for me, especially cooking.
Ranko: [small pout] But I am your Bride!
Ukyo: And before yesterday, you were Ryoga's bride?
Ranko: While he was the champion, yes. Now you are the champion, and you will be challenged to duels by the others who bear the Signet. And I am the prize.
Ukyo: I don't want to fight any more duels! [She holds up her hand and looks at the ring.] The Signet.. A ring just like mine. How could Ryoga have a ring like this? Where did it come from? And who else will be wearing it?
---
[A gym. Ryoga is working out - he looks angry. Kuno approaches from a different direction, bokken slung over his shoulder.]
Kuno: A moment of your time, Vice-President Hibiki?
Ryoga: Go *away*, Mr. President.
Kuno: Your burden is lifted. You no longer face the threat of constant duels. I thought perhaps you might care to join me for tea?
Ryoga: I have a fight to prepare for.
Kuno: So, you intend to challenge our ponytailed newcomer? Whatever for? You have always said that the orchid means nothing to you. Are you, perhaps, not so indifferent as you claim?
Ryoga: I will *never* have feelings for that girl, Kuno! I'm not like you. I don't want to be involved with anyone like that. She looks at me... she tries to kiss me! I have to yell at her to get her to keep her clothes on... [He rubs his face, in memory of past nosebleeds.] I don't want a girl like that in my life.
Kuno: And yet, you wish to duel for the right to possess her?
Ryoga: [high kicks into the air, grunts] She's *useful*. With her around, I can always find my way. She mends my clothes, cooks my meals - if she'd just keep her hands to herself, I couldn't complain. Without her, I spend most of my time being... lost.
[Ryoga slams a few blows into a punching bag.]
Ryoga: And I need her to reach the Garden.
Kuno: To reach the Garden, you must be a true hero.
Ryoga: Yeah, well, I'll leave the romance and the poetry to you, old friend. I'll just concentrate on being the best fighter I can be. Kuonji got lucky last time - I didn't take her seriously enough. I won't be an easy target again.
---
[Back to the dusty old dorm, in a dining hall. Ranko is frantically trying to polish an enormous table, even though only three places are set at one end. Akari is seated at one of the chairs, and Ukyo stands near her, wearing an apron over her uniform.]
Ukyo: Thanks for coming to dinner. I can't believe we have this whole place to ourselves, but at least it means I can make a proper meal whenever I want. No more cafeteria food!
Akari: It's amazing. You could throw great parties in this place.. if it weren't so dusty.
Ukyo: [heading back to the kitchen] If Ranko has her way, it won't be like that for long.
[Akari eyes Ranko warily, while the redhead hums and dusts.]
Akari: Strange girl...
[Suddenly a flash of movement catches her attention. Something black darts out of the shadows and underneath the table.]
Akari: Eek! Was that a rat?
[No one responds. Akari gulps, then gets out of her chair and goes under the table, where she catches sight of P-Chan.]
Akari: A piglet? How cute!
[Ukyo returns, bearing food.]
Ukyo: Okonomiyaki, hot off the griddle! Come and get it!
[There is a loud bang, and the doors to the hall are flung open. Ryoga marches in. Akari, still hidden under the table, gasps.]
Ryoga: You! Listen to me. I let my guard down last night, I won't do it again. Tomorrow, after school, in the duel arena, we will see who's really the better fighter. The Bride belongs to me!
Ukyo: I didn't invite you to dinner, and I don't want to duel. I don't care about any of this Bride stuff.
[P-Chan rushes out from under the table to SQUEE! angrily at Ryoga. Ryoga roughly shoves him back under the table with his foot.]
Ryoga: Student Council rules. You can't refuse to duel when you're the champion, or you'll be expelled from the school.
Ukyo: [sighs] Fine. I'll meet you tomorrow. Now get out of here, you're spoiling my dinner.
[He exits. Akari climbs back out from under the table, looking confused.]
Ranko: I thought you didn't want to fight any more duels?
Ukyo: I don't want to get kicked out of school, either. All I have to do is lose and it's over, though, right? So there's no problem.
Akari: What's all this about duels?
Ukyo: I'll tell you later... you're letting my fabulous okonomiyaki get cold!
---
[The Duel Arena, the next day. Ryoga looks like he's spent most of the day working out - he's all sweaty and his hair is mussed. There's also a large umbrella at his feet. Ukyo looks relaxed, her spatula leaning at her side. Ranko stands between them in her Princess gown.]
Ryoga: You do understand the rules this time?
Ukyo: If I lose my flower, I lose the match. I understand.
Ranko: [steps up to Ukyo] Please be careful.
Ukyo: It would be silly to get myself hurt when I'm trying to lose.
Ranko: Flowers of the stars, waters of life, unlock the magic of Dios that sleeps within me and bring us the power to revolutionise the world!
[Again, Ranko begins to glow, and then turns to her Champion and plants a kiss on her. Ukyo, who apparently forgot about that detail, is rocked, stepping backwards. The glow cascades across Ukyo's uniform, polishing buttons to a shine, adding lacy trim, and generally transforming her into just a little bit more of a Magical Girl.]
Ryoga: This time you will face my true strength!
[He snatches up the umbrella and charges at Ukyo, swinging the heavy weight. Reflexively, she jumps out of the way. The umbrella smashes into the ground at her feet, cracking the rocks.]
Ukyo: Hey! You could really hurt someone with that thing!
Ryoga: It doesn't matter what injuries you take. It only matters if you keep your orchid intact.
[He swings again, and Ukyo is forced to deflect the blow with her spatula. The intention to lose appears to be getting beaten down by the desire not to be hit by a bone-breaker. Still, she stays on the defensive, never threatening Ryoga's flower.]
Ryoga: I wasn't taking you seriously yesterday. I thought you were just a girl with a kitchen tool. But I'm obviously stronger than you.
[Ukyo rushes towards a wall, then flips off it as Ryoga attacks, causing him to overreach himself. As the umbrella thuds against the wall, she kicks him in the side and shoves him backwards, using the time that he takes to recover his balance to put some distance between them.]
Ryoga: Running away? Trying to make me lose? Do you think I'm that pathetic? Are you laughing at me?
[He clasps his hands together and scowls.]
Ryoga: Shishi hokodan!
[A bolt of green energy flies from his hands towards Ukyo. She yelps, clasping her hands over her orchid, but is bowled over backwards by the mystical blow. (The force is apparently equivalent to a punch, NOT a building-leveler.)]
Ryoga: Now I have you!
[Glowing white lights are forming within the flowers that hang overhead. They twinkle like stars, then fall from overhead in a shower of sparkles, covering Ukyo in shimmering dewdrops.]
Ukyo: Hyo kodori!
[Blue-white streaks peel off of Ukyo and stream towards Ryoga. He tries to hold his hands in the way, but some of the dots just veer around his fists, striking the orchid on his chest and tearing it apart.]
---
[We move to a nearby tower, obviously some kind of observation point. Kuno is present, watching the fight through an elegant pair of gold opera glasses.]
Kuno: What power is this? Has she found the path to the Garden?
---
[Back to the arena, where Ryoga is limping away, dejected.]
Ranko: I thought you were going to lose.
[Ukyo looks sheepish and scratches her back with her spatula.]
Ukyo: I... well... if you were with Ryoga, he'd probably pick on poor little P-Chan.
[Ranko smiles, and, standing on tiptoe, kisses Ukyo on the cheek. Ukyo turns bright red.]
Ukyo: Uh... There's some things we need to talk about.
NOTES:
Ukyo's attack is meant to roughly translate to "leopard's leap" or "panther dancing", but I do not speak Japanese.
So, now you know what was up with Ryoga... Ranko kept trying to seduce him, and he didn't take it well. Not only is he very uncomfortable around girls (particularly forward, half-naked girls!) but he doesn't trust her - he understands that she'd be like that with *anyone* she was engaged to. So she'd try to get close to him, and he'd shove her away. As for the love letter, the last thing he wanted was another girl following him around! So he tore it up. Kuno doesn't entirely understand - he doesn't see how anyone can fail to appreciate the attentions of a pretty girl. Ukyo, of course, just thinks he's a jerk who treats women badly. And Akane.. well, you'll see what Akane thinks soon enough. :)
See first episode, blah blah blah. Also, YES there will be hints of same-sex relationships going on here. Many strange relationships will be hinted at. How open it gets, well, we'll see. We'll try not to involve alligators, though.
---
Episode Two: For Whom The Orchid Blooms
---
[Morning, a new day. Ukyo is walking to class, alone, dressed in her usual outfit. Some girls (possibly same that were at the lacross game yesterday) wave and coo in her direction.]
Girls: Good morning, Ukyo-sama!
Ukyo: Morning!
Girls: Isn't she dreamy?
[Camera moves across the Ohtori plaque again, reminding us of the teardrop-flower design. Ukyo approaches the steps of the building. Akari is waiting in the same location as before, only this time she has a large white hat and scarf on, hiding her face. She's hunched over and looks like she's crying.]
Ukyo: Good morning... Akari? Are you all right?
Akari: Last night, I was all alone... I sat in my room watching old movies...
Ukyo: I'm sorry, I was out late.
Akari: And there was this terribly tragic story... The sweet, beautiful heroine meets a wonderful man and thinks he likes her, but it turns out he's already in love with another girl who doesn't love him, and he's just using the heroine to make himself feel special and attractive, and then the other girl gets married and the man gets depressed and abandons the heroine completely, even though she loved only him...
Ukyo: Yeah, that sounds sad.
Akari: But then out of the blue someone new shows up and she marries him and lives happily ever after. And I thought that was silly and unfair and life just doesn't work like that, she should be sad forever... but eventually I decided the movie was right!
[Akari whips off the hat and scarf - she has *not* been crying - and pounces Ukyo in a big hug.]
Akari: You are my one true love forever and ever, Ukyo-sama! I am yours!
Ukyo: [sweatdrop] Please don't say that. Not now.
Akari: Why not?
[Ranko approaches from offscreen and slips her hand into Ukyo's.]
Ranko: Good morning!
---
[Cut to the Council chamber. Kuno, Konatsu, and Akane are present.]
Kuno: Have you all received new missives from the sorceror?
Akane: [holds up a scroll] Yes.
Kuno: As this says, Ryoga was defeated by the new duellist, who now possesses the Bride.
Akane: Where *is* Ryoga, anyway? Shouldn't he be at this meeting?
Konatsu: Without the fair orchid to guide his steps, our vice-president has difficulty finding his classes on time. I doubt he will reach this meeting before it ends.
Kuno: It is most unseemly for a man in his position. Perhaps I should assign some underclassman to be his servant.
Akane: You could always ask your sister.
Kuno: A Kuno is no one's servant!
Konatsu: I thought we came here to discuss this new duellist? Who is she?
Akane: Kuonji Ukyo. She's very popular in her class. She's on a lot of sports teams and she's a great cook, too.
Konatsu: But why was she, an outsider, brought into the Duels?
Kuno: She bears the Signet, and a noble beauty. She is most worthy to be a champion.
Akane: I hate playing a game I don't understand. But everything happens as the mysterious sorceror says. These Signets opened the way to Arena, where we could see the garden of dreams...
Konatsu: The Garden of Stars, hanging in the sky. How could we turn away after seeing that sight? With the power to realise our dreams?
[All sigh, simultaneously.]
Kuno: [wistful] The true champion, with the lovely orchid at his side, will unlock the path that leads to the Garden of Stars, and gain the power to make a dream come true.
Akane: We have to continue, for the sake of our dreams.
---
[A dusty-looking building. Ukyo is alone, carrying her suitcase.]
Ukyo: Hello? Is anyone here? Am I in the right place?
[She makes her way up a grimy staircase.]
Ukyo: I don't understand why my room was reassigned... and to a place like this! Akari says this building hasn't been used in ten years... it certainly hasn't been cleaned in years... [She brightens] But there's a whole kitchen to myself down there! I can start my own part-time business while I'm still at school. As long as the teachers don't complain.
[She comes to a room and compares the number to a card in her hand.]
Ukyo: This must be it.
[She opens the door, and blinks in surprise. The room inside is sparkling clean - and Ranko, dressed in rags, her red hair tied back with what looks suspiciously like one of Ryoga's bandanas, is on her hands and knees polishing the floor.]
Ranko: Just a moment, I'm almost done.
Ukyo: What are you doing in my room?
Ranko: I live here.
[She holds up a card, showing the same room assignment as Ukyo.]
Ranko: I'm sorry I haven't gotten everything clean yet, I was only assigned here last night.
Ukyo: And you've been in here working ever since? You shouldn't have to do that.
Ranko: I don't mind. I like cleaning.
[Ukyo carefully makes her way across the shining floor to her bed and sits down, laying her suitcase beside her.]
Ukyo: What an odd coincidence that we should end up rooming together in a place like this.
Ranko: Coincidence? I'm your fiancee. Of course we live together.
Ukyo: You are *not* my fiancee.
Ranko: I am the Orchid Bride, and I belong to you.
Ukyo: I'm not marrying you! For one thing... you're a girl!
Ranko: Does that matter?
Ukyo: Of course it matters.
Ranko: Why?
Ukyo: ... [can't think of a response] And the school actually supports this system?
Ranko: Yes.
Ukyo: Secret arenas, duels for a Bride, flowers hanging in the sky...
Ranko: It's all very mysterious, isn't it?
Ukyo: Wait, you mean you don't understand it either?
Ranko: [smiles beautifully] I don't ask questions. It's just the way things are done.
[Popup a thought bubble for Ukyo with Akari circling her finger around her ear and sticking our her tongue to indicate that Ranko is a bit simple-minded.]
Ranko: You don't mind having us here, do you?
Ukyo: Us?
[There is a BWEE! and out from under Ranko's bed skitters... a little black pig. He is *not* wearing a bandana, however, he does have a gold earring in one of his ears.]
Ranko: This is my friend P-Chan.
Ukyo: I didn't think we were allowed pets in the dorms.
Ranko: P-Chan is not a pet! [She opens her arms, and the piglet jumps into them and nuzzles her bosom affectionately.] He's my friend. He listens to me.
[Seeing that Ranko is looking a bit scared and lonely, Ukyo holds out a hand for the big to sniff at.]
Ukyo: Hiya, P-Chan. Want to be friends?
[The pig licks her fingers and bwees cutely.]
Ranko: I think he likes you, Ukyo-sama.
Ukyo: Please, don't call me that. I'm just Ukyo, okay?
Ranko: But I am engaged to you. I will serve you and obey you and clean for you and cook for you...
[She clasps her hands under her chin and looks a bit starry-eyed. P-Chan hops off her lap and runs back under the bed, grumbling piggishly.]
Ukyo: I don't need anyone to do those things for me, especially cooking.
Ranko: [small pout] But I am your Bride!
Ukyo: And before yesterday, you were Ryoga's bride?
Ranko: While he was the champion, yes. Now you are the champion, and you will be challenged to duels by the others who bear the Signet. And I am the prize.
Ukyo: I don't want to fight any more duels! [She holds up her hand and looks at the ring.] The Signet.. A ring just like mine. How could Ryoga have a ring like this? Where did it come from? And who else will be wearing it?
---
[A gym. Ryoga is working out - he looks angry. Kuno approaches from a different direction, bokken slung over his shoulder.]
Kuno: A moment of your time, Vice-President Hibiki?
Ryoga: Go *away*, Mr. President.
Kuno: Your burden is lifted. You no longer face the threat of constant duels. I thought perhaps you might care to join me for tea?
Ryoga: I have a fight to prepare for.
Kuno: So, you intend to challenge our ponytailed newcomer? Whatever for? You have always said that the orchid means nothing to you. Are you, perhaps, not so indifferent as you claim?
Ryoga: I will *never* have feelings for that girl, Kuno! I'm not like you. I don't want to be involved with anyone like that. She looks at me... she tries to kiss me! I have to yell at her to get her to keep her clothes on... [He rubs his face, in memory of past nosebleeds.] I don't want a girl like that in my life.
Kuno: And yet, you wish to duel for the right to possess her?
Ryoga: [high kicks into the air, grunts] She's *useful*. With her around, I can always find my way. She mends my clothes, cooks my meals - if she'd just keep her hands to herself, I couldn't complain. Without her, I spend most of my time being... lost.
[Ryoga slams a few blows into a punching bag.]
Ryoga: And I need her to reach the Garden.
Kuno: To reach the Garden, you must be a true hero.
Ryoga: Yeah, well, I'll leave the romance and the poetry to you, old friend. I'll just concentrate on being the best fighter I can be. Kuonji got lucky last time - I didn't take her seriously enough. I won't be an easy target again.
---
[Back to the dusty old dorm, in a dining hall. Ranko is frantically trying to polish an enormous table, even though only three places are set at one end. Akari is seated at one of the chairs, and Ukyo stands near her, wearing an apron over her uniform.]
Ukyo: Thanks for coming to dinner. I can't believe we have this whole place to ourselves, but at least it means I can make a proper meal whenever I want. No more cafeteria food!
Akari: It's amazing. You could throw great parties in this place.. if it weren't so dusty.
Ukyo: [heading back to the kitchen] If Ranko has her way, it won't be like that for long.
[Akari eyes Ranko warily, while the redhead hums and dusts.]
Akari: Strange girl...
[Suddenly a flash of movement catches her attention. Something black darts out of the shadows and underneath the table.]
Akari: Eek! Was that a rat?
[No one responds. Akari gulps, then gets out of her chair and goes under the table, where she catches sight of P-Chan.]
Akari: A piglet? How cute!
[Ukyo returns, bearing food.]
Ukyo: Okonomiyaki, hot off the griddle! Come and get it!
[There is a loud bang, and the doors to the hall are flung open. Ryoga marches in. Akari, still hidden under the table, gasps.]
Ryoga: You! Listen to me. I let my guard down last night, I won't do it again. Tomorrow, after school, in the duel arena, we will see who's really the better fighter. The Bride belongs to me!
Ukyo: I didn't invite you to dinner, and I don't want to duel. I don't care about any of this Bride stuff.
[P-Chan rushes out from under the table to SQUEE! angrily at Ryoga. Ryoga roughly shoves him back under the table with his foot.]
Ryoga: Student Council rules. You can't refuse to duel when you're the champion, or you'll be expelled from the school.
Ukyo: [sighs] Fine. I'll meet you tomorrow. Now get out of here, you're spoiling my dinner.
[He exits. Akari climbs back out from under the table, looking confused.]
Ranko: I thought you didn't want to fight any more duels?
Ukyo: I don't want to get kicked out of school, either. All I have to do is lose and it's over, though, right? So there's no problem.
Akari: What's all this about duels?
Ukyo: I'll tell you later... you're letting my fabulous okonomiyaki get cold!
---
[The Duel Arena, the next day. Ryoga looks like he's spent most of the day working out - he's all sweaty and his hair is mussed. There's also a large umbrella at his feet. Ukyo looks relaxed, her spatula leaning at her side. Ranko stands between them in her Princess gown.]
Ryoga: You do understand the rules this time?
Ukyo: If I lose my flower, I lose the match. I understand.
Ranko: [steps up to Ukyo] Please be careful.
Ukyo: It would be silly to get myself hurt when I'm trying to lose.
Ranko: Flowers of the stars, waters of life, unlock the magic of Dios that sleeps within me and bring us the power to revolutionise the world!
[Again, Ranko begins to glow, and then turns to her Champion and plants a kiss on her. Ukyo, who apparently forgot about that detail, is rocked, stepping backwards. The glow cascades across Ukyo's uniform, polishing buttons to a shine, adding lacy trim, and generally transforming her into just a little bit more of a Magical Girl.]
Ryoga: This time you will face my true strength!
[He snatches up the umbrella and charges at Ukyo, swinging the heavy weight. Reflexively, she jumps out of the way. The umbrella smashes into the ground at her feet, cracking the rocks.]
Ukyo: Hey! You could really hurt someone with that thing!
Ryoga: It doesn't matter what injuries you take. It only matters if you keep your orchid intact.
[He swings again, and Ukyo is forced to deflect the blow with her spatula. The intention to lose appears to be getting beaten down by the desire not to be hit by a bone-breaker. Still, she stays on the defensive, never threatening Ryoga's flower.]
Ryoga: I wasn't taking you seriously yesterday. I thought you were just a girl with a kitchen tool. But I'm obviously stronger than you.
[Ukyo rushes towards a wall, then flips off it as Ryoga attacks, causing him to overreach himself. As the umbrella thuds against the wall, she kicks him in the side and shoves him backwards, using the time that he takes to recover his balance to put some distance between them.]
Ryoga: Running away? Trying to make me lose? Do you think I'm that pathetic? Are you laughing at me?
[He clasps his hands together and scowls.]
Ryoga: Shishi hokodan!
[A bolt of green energy flies from his hands towards Ukyo. She yelps, clasping her hands over her orchid, but is bowled over backwards by the mystical blow. (The force is apparently equivalent to a punch, NOT a building-leveler.)]
Ryoga: Now I have you!
[Glowing white lights are forming within the flowers that hang overhead. They twinkle like stars, then fall from overhead in a shower of sparkles, covering Ukyo in shimmering dewdrops.]
Ukyo: Hyo kodori!
[Blue-white streaks peel off of Ukyo and stream towards Ryoga. He tries to hold his hands in the way, but some of the dots just veer around his fists, striking the orchid on his chest and tearing it apart.]
---
[We move to a nearby tower, obviously some kind of observation point. Kuno is present, watching the fight through an elegant pair of gold opera glasses.]
Kuno: What power is this? Has she found the path to the Garden?
---
[Back to the arena, where Ryoga is limping away, dejected.]
Ranko: I thought you were going to lose.
[Ukyo looks sheepish and scratches her back with her spatula.]
Ukyo: I... well... if you were with Ryoga, he'd probably pick on poor little P-Chan.
[Ranko smiles, and, standing on tiptoe, kisses Ukyo on the cheek. Ukyo turns bright red.]
Ukyo: Uh... There's some things we need to talk about.
NOTES:
Ukyo's attack is meant to roughly translate to "leopard's leap" or "panther dancing", but I do not speak Japanese.
So, now you know what was up with Ryoga... Ranko kept trying to seduce him, and he didn't take it well. Not only is he very uncomfortable around girls (particularly forward, half-naked girls!) but he doesn't trust her - he understands that she'd be like that with *anyone* she was engaged to. So she'd try to get close to him, and he'd shove her away. As for the love letter, the last thing he wanted was another girl following him around! So he tore it up. Kuno doesn't entirely understand - he doesn't see how anyone can fail to appreciate the attentions of a pretty girl. Ukyo, of course, just thinks he's a jerk who treats women badly. And Akane.. well, you'll see what Akane thinks soon enough. :)