As Ryouga told her about his direction affliction, her face lit up with
humor. "Oh no," she cried laughing, "Ryouga I am so sorry I had no idea.
But if that's the worst thing about you then I think it makes you even more
adorable."
"It's not so bad," Ryouga said, "But if I'm away from you I do not want you to think it is because I want to be."
"I know it is not," Ukyou took his hands, "I would go with you if I could."
"I never want to be apart from you. Ukyou say you'll marry me." Ryouga asked. "Please do me the honor of being my wife."
"Yes," Ukyou's blue eyes threatened to spill with unshed tears, "Yes I will marry you Ryouga sugar."
He kissed her fiercely and passionately. Ukyou clung to him like a dying man to a life preserver. She had to let him go soon enough but for now, just having him near to her was glorifying.
* * *
Dark settled onto Nerima. Mousse and his gang made it first to under the highway. They climbed the chain link fence and dropped down onto the cold concrete. Ranma and his gang followed a minute later from the other side. They stood on the concrete wall a second looking down at the Jusenkyo bunch.
Ranma dropped down on the concrete. His gang followed. The two gangs eyed each other for a minute, the anticipation cutting through the air like a knife.
"Let's get this over with," Mousse said coldly. He stepped forward his white robes settling about him.
"Anytime," Ranma took up a fighting stance. Mousse charged. His flying kick met air as Ranma leapt over his head bearing down on him.
Both gangs started yelling and whooping for their team leader. Mousse avoided Ranma's kick spinning about knock the boy's legs out from under him. Just as quick Ranma leapt up and landed a punch on Mousse's rib cage.
They fought viciously and hard. Mousse started to evade Ranma's attacks. Then he pulled out a surprise. A chain flew out of his robes. Ranma dodged it. The chain disappeared.
"HAH! You fight dirty." Ranma charged him. Mousse evaded him. A bucket flew out of his robes and splashed Ranma with water. The crowd that had been yelling fell silent. Mousse stared in amazement. "How did that get up there?" he questioned wryly.
"What are you guys staring at?" Ranma yelled. Then her eyes widened when she heard her own voice. "What the hell?" She gulped looking down. Two lumps were on her chest were it had been flat before.
"Ah the spring of the drowned girl water," Konatsu said, "Did you forget you had that up your sleeves Mousse?"
"What has he done to me?" Ranma yelled. She leapt up attacking Mousse. "What have you done to me you freak!" Her fists flew into the Chestnut Fist Technique.
Mousse dodged the attacks but they kept coming. He used all his hidden weaponry to evade Ranma's attack. Still the girl was persistent. He tossed one last item.
*THONG* Ranma fell back on the pavement as a training potty hit her on the head. Her eyes were closed and there was blood coming from a cut on her forehead.
"No," Ranma's gang gathered close.
"Wait stop the fight stop the fight," a voice shouted. Ryouga ran in finally. He had gotten lost and was halfway out of town before someone told him he had gone the wrong way.
"Thy arrival is late Ryouga," Kunou stared down at Ranma -the RANMA-- the Ranma who had never been defeated. "Ranma be still in the shadow of death."
"Dead?" Ryouga looked down at his friend for so many years. He looked at all of them. "No. NO." he cried. "Who is this?" he pointed at the woman. "It is Ranma," Ryuu said, "That jerk Mousse changed him somehow. Musta been a spell."
"No," Ryouga kneeled next to his friend. He couldn't be dead. And yet Ranma was still with blood dripping from a wound on his head.
"No!" Ryouga felt anger and depression start to build. He began glowing an eerie blue color. Ranma's gang backed away from him, recognizing the signs of Ryouga's depression blast. Mousse's gang was not so fortunate.
"Shi Shi Houkadan!" Ryouga let loose his depression blast. It headed straight for Mousse charring some who got in the way.
When the blast was over, Mousse lay still on the ground. There was no movement from his charred body.
Both gangs looked at the two dead leaders. They looked at each other and then went at it punching and kicking.
Only when the sounds of police sirens were heard did the two gangs break up. Ryouga was left lying there. Someone had punched him once pretty good but only because he could not fight back after loosing so much energy.
"Ryouga what are you still doing here?" Tsubasa came running out of the shadowy hiding place he'd found, "It's the cops. Get going!"
"Ranma," Ryouga stared at the still form of his friend and the boy he had just killed.
"Ryouga! Go," Tsubasa pulled on his shirt forcing him up. Tsubasa helped Ryouga climb over the fence and run away.
* * *
Ukyou was dressed in a beautiful teal dress she had borrowed from Shampoo. She looked down on the streets of Nerima with a happy expression on her face. She was to meet Ryouga after he stopped the fight to celebrate. They had decided to meet on the roof where there was little chance of being caught.
Ukyou stood up and imagined she was still dancing in his arms like last night. She turned in time to the music she heard in her head. She stopped seeing Tarou open the door to the roof.
"Tarou what are you doing here?" Ukyou smiled at him. He was concealed partially but he stepped out into the light.
"Ukyou," he said with a pained expression on his face.
"Tarou you have been fighting?" Ukyou examined his face which had bruises and a cut on his upper lip.
"Yes," Tarou came over and took her hands, "I have to tell you something."
"You must go wash up. You will feel better after you've cleaned your wounds," Ukyou tried to steer him towards the door. She wanted to be alone when Ryouga showed up.
"Ukyou I have to tell you something about the rumble." Tarou said.
"There was no rumble," Ukyou shook her head.
"Yes there was."
"No you are mistaken," Ukyou denied. "It was to be stopped."
"It did happen," Tarou said sharply. Ukyou examined him, the light in her eyes dying.
"It was bad," Tarou looked down.
"Very bad?" Ukyou questioned quietly.
"Your brother.." Tarou turned away, "I cannot say."
"Please? Tell me quickly," Ukyou stepped in front of him, "Tell me quickly so it will not be so hard to say."
"Your brother," Tarou began again, "And Ryouga.."
"Ryouga?" Ukyou felt panic rise in her, "Ryouga? What happened to Ryouga? Tell me Tarou!" She grabbed his collar.
Tarou's face tightened. So she still liked this boy? Tarou had thought it was a folly the night before but now to find out she was more concerned about the killer than her brother...
"HE KILLED YOUR BROTHER!" Tarou exploded, "He killed Mousse." He turned coldy stalking through the door and down the steps.
Ukyou stared after him in disbelief. No. No it couldn't be true. "NO!" she cried. She ran inside to the steps where she called down, "No Tarou you are lying. Why are you lying?"
He didn't answer and someone downstairs came in crying, "Mousse is dead!!"
"No!" Ukyou ran to her room. She threw herself halfway onto her bed crying, "No..please don't let it be true. Please God no!"
"Ukyou?" came a quiet voice from the window. Ukyou looked up. Ryouga stood there with a pained look on his face.
"Say it isn't true!" Ukyou jumped up pummeling his chest, "Why why?"
"I didn't mean to," Ryouga didn't defend himself against her blows, which were really hard. Ukyou's blue eyes were streaming with tears. She stopped hitting him and sank against his chest crying.
"It all happened so fast," Ryouga tried to explain. "Mousse took care of Ranma. I got so depressed I couldn't think. And I just let loose."
"My family will never forgive you," Ukyou sniffled into his chest.
"Including you?" Ryouga felt his heart sink.
"I can forgive you," Ukyou looked up at him. Her eyes were filled with tears. "I love you too much not to."
Ryouga crushed her to him. He loved this woman so much. They kissed deeply. "We'll run away," Ryouga promised when he pulled away. He rested his cheek on her soft brown hair.
"Can we do it?" Ukyou asked, "I have not much money. And where will we go?"
"I don't know. But I have some saved up from odd jobs I've done. And I'm good at catching food," Ryouga said.
"We could do it," Ukyou hesitated, "But it will be hard to get there."
Ryouga took her hand, "Hold your hand in mine and I already feel as if we are halfway there."
Ukyou smiled. They kissed sinking onto the bed.
* * *
Hiroshi sat on the top of a wall looking down. He jumped when he heard a noise but it was just Daisuke joining him.
"You seen anyone else?" Daisuke asked. Hiroshi shook his head. "Where'd everyone go?" he asked.
"Let's go find them."
"I can't believe Ranma's dead," Hiroshi looked close to tears. "What are we going to do Daisuke?"
"I don't know Hiroshi," Daisuke looked close to pain as well but he kept it hidden.
They jumped down and went searching for the other Nerima people.
* * *
"RANMA!!!" Akane wailed into Nabiki's shoulder. Nabiki patted her sister comfortingly. The boys looked uncomfortable hearing the sound of a woman's tears.
A whistle alerted them as Hiroshi and Daisuke dropped down next to them.
"What are we going to do?" Daisuke asked Kunou.
"I SAY WE HIT THE FREAKS AND WIPE THEM OUT!" Ryuu yelled. "YEAH!" everyone agreed in a chorus.
"No!" Kunou said sharply, "Ice thy veins Ryuu."
"Huh?" Ryuu looked at Kunou.
"In other words Cool it." Nabiki said dryly. Akane wailed into Nabiki's shoulders crying out, "Ranma always knew what Kunou said without translation!"
"The authorities will verily summon us soon. We shall prepare to look them on with no show of fear."
"What?" The group looked to Nabiki.
"Don't let the cops know you know what happened," she translated.
"But how?" Daisuke punched his fist. "I'm so mad I want to go kill some freaks!"
"Ice thy bones!" Kunou said, "Wrap it around thy heart and emotions!"
"Keep a cool head," Nabiki translated before they opened their mouths.
"Yeah! Keep it cool!" They agreed. There was a bit of nervousness but it all died down, as they looked at each other in mutual agreement. They began snapping their fingers with their poker faces.
"Has anyone seen Ryouga?" Ryuu asked, "He's gone.. You don't think the freaks have him do you?"
"Let's go find him." They started to walk in a group when someone came running up.
"Hey HEY!" Tsubasa came running up then. "Listen guys!"
"Go home Tsubasa and try on some man's clothes," Hiroshi insulted.
"Go home yourself. If you want some information about Ryouga come see me," Tsubasa started to walk off but Kunou stopped him.
"If thou knowest information kindly share it."
"I don't know..I have to go home and put on some pants." Tsubasa said saracastically.
"Spill it Tsubasa," Ryuu threatened.
"Okay," Tsubasa agreed. He couldn't keep this gossip. It was too good. "Word on the street is Tarou's gunning for Ryouga. I can slip in and out of the Freak's turf in my disguises. I heard him say he was going to take care of that Lost Boy. Then he pulls out the bad news." Tsubasa made a gun with his fingers. Tsubasa was just exaggerating but they didn't need to know that. Tarou had no need of a gun. Tsubasa had seen him turn into something much more terrifying.
"He intends to kill Ryouga!" Ryuu shouted, "We can't let that happen!"
"Thou speak true," Kunou said, "We shall part ways in groups and seek out that who has helped us."
They looked to Nabiki. "Ryuu's right," she said, "We'll split up and look for Ryouga."
"Right!" They all split into groups.
"What about me Kunou?" Tsubasa said.
"In and out of the shadows in thine disguises," Kunou said, "You have served us well Tsubasa. You shall be repaid."
"Thanks Daddy-O!" Tsubasa said happily. He skipped off to go find Ryouga.
* * *
While they were searching for Ryouga, the party in questions was asleep with his arms around Ukyou.
Shampoo came into the outer room, with a sad look on her face. She was trying not to cry. She took of the shawl that she used to cover her hair placing it on the table. "Ukyou?" she called out softly.
Ukyou stirred against Ryouga's chest. Only when she heard her name called a second time did her eyes snap open. Her eyes stared up in fear at Ryouga's eyes who held the same look. They couldn't be discovered! Not now!
"Ukyou?" Shampoo tried the knob. It would not turn as the door was locked.
"Ha-" Ukyou started to say but Ryouga put his fingers on her lip. Shampoo cocked her head sure she had heard something.
'Don't answer.' Ryouga mouthed. 'I must' Ukyou mouthed back.
"Ukyou?" Shampoo knocked trying to turn the door. She felt a suspicion rise up in her.
Ryouga hurriedly dressed. Ukyou put on a night robe. Her cheeks flushed pink remembering the hours before.
"Ukyou?" Shampoo's knocking became insistent.
"Coming Shampoo," Ukyou tied the belt. She turned hugging Ryouga. "Meet me at Old Ghoul's place in the hour. We will leave here and never return," he whispered.
"Are you sure this will work?" Ukyou whispered back.
Shampoo put her ear to the door hearing whispering. What was that girl doing? She knocked more insistently. "Open the door Ukyou."
"Coming!" Ukyou called out. Ryouga went through the window pressing one last kiss to her lips before leaving. Ukyou rushed over to the door and opened it.
"I am sorry," she said, "I was sleeping."
Shampoo pushed past her with a look of mistrust. She went over to the window and looked out. Down below Ryouga was meeting with some girl who looked like a cross dresser.
"You have been meeting with him," Shampoo said coldly turning to her, "That boy KILLED YOUR BROTHER and you slept with him!" She spared a glance to Ukyou's tossed bed sheets. "Was it worth it?"
"Shampoo! I love him! And he loves me!" Ukyou defended.
"A boy like that killed your brother! A boy like him cannot love another!" Shampoo slapped her, "Have you lost your senses! He will murder your love just as he murdered MINE!"
"NO!" Ukyou shook her head, "He will not! It was an accident! Please Shampoo. It's true he killed Mousse but Mousse killed his friend. Ryouga is not to blame. You loved Mousse and he did things that were terrible but you forgave him! Can you not see that I am in the same situation?"
"This is different," Shampoo argued.
"No it is not. You could always forgive Mousse no matter what he did. I have to do the same," Ukyou grabbed Shampoo's hands. "Ryouga and I are leaving. We will go far away so that no one will hate us for our love. Please say you won't tell Mother and Father. You will never have to see Ryouga again."
"You are taking that murderer away from here? And what if he should kill you?" Shampoo glared.
"He won't. He loves me as Mousse loved you. With all his heart." Ukyou looked at Shampoo. "I feel sorrow and loss for my brother's death. A part of me will hate Ryouga for that but I cannot blame him for the fates throwing this between us."
"You are foolish girl. I will not tell but I cannot condone your actions." Shampoo said.
"Thank you," Ukyou said. "I must hurry. I am to meet Ryouga very soon so that we may leave tonight."
There was a knock on the outer door. Shampoo went to answer. Officer Kunou stood there with a notepad in his hands. "May I please speak to Mousse's family?" he asked.
"Mother and Father are out right now," Ukyou came out of her room, "May I help you?"
"I have a few questions about your brother. I understand he was angry because you were dancing with the wrong boy at the dance last night. Is that right? Who was it?" Officer Kunou looked her over.
"Just another boy from China," Ukyou lied. "Will this take long? I need to go over to Cologne's shop to get some sleeping powder."
"You aren't going anywhere until I finish my questions." The cop was persistent.
"Shampoo," Ukyou turned to Shampoo. "Will you go to Cologne's for me and tell her I was detained? Tell her I will be there soon for my powder." She gave Shampoo a questioning look.
Shampoo gave her a pointed look in return that said she didn't approve of Ukyou's lies. "I will go," she said crossly, "and that is all I will do." Shampoo left.
* * *
"Anyone seen Ryouga?" The entire Jet gang finally met up at Cologne's shop. Tsubasa was there. "Ryouga's downstairs!" he said, "He's hiding out because he knows Tarou's looking for him!"
The bell to Cologne's shop rang as the door opened. The Jets turned eyeing the young purple haired woman who just came in.
Shampoo stared at the cold eyes greeting her. She did not like these people. They killed her love Mousse.
"Where your friend Ryouga?" she questioned, "I have message for him."
"He ain't here," Ryuu glared at her.
"Hey I know you," Daisuke circled Shampoo looking her over, "You're Mousse's slut."
"You not know anything," Shampoo said crossly, "Where is Ryouga. I have to tell him something."
"She's here sniffing him out for Tarou," Ryuu crossed his arms, "Ain't ya? Well you ain't gonna get him."
Shampoo moved forward. "I will look for myself."
Ryuu stepped in front of her. "You ain't going anywhere," he growled. He grabbed her arms. Shampoo blocked her fist coming up and punching his face. Ryuu stumbled back.
"You not mess with Amazon woman. I will give kiss of death if you do that again!" Shampoo glared daggers with her brown eyes. Daisuke attempted to stop her and got thrown over her shoulder for that. The entire gang attacked Shampoo. With combined effort they held her down.
"HEY! We ought to let Hiroshi get his first kiss off this wench!" Ryuu hooted. He picked up Hiroshi and pushed him forward.
"YEAH! KISS HER!" The boys encouraged. Hiroshi puckered his lips moving in for the kiss.
"What goes on here?" an old voice croaked. "You boys let her go before a real Amazon teaches you a thing or two."
The boys backed off as Cologne entered the shop. She cracked each of the boys over the head, using her stick. Shampoo was released. The purple haired Amazon straightened her mussed clothes.
"I have a message for Ryouga," she said coldly, "You tell him that Tarou found out that he and Ukyou were eloping. And he took a sword and he slit her gullet. He killed her thoroughly so that they may never be."
Shampoo left abruptly the door slamming behind her. Cologne looked after her with a sad look on her face. She turned to the boys. "You boys ought to be ashamed treating a girl that way. Leave now before I throw you all out."
"It's not so bad," Ryouga said, "But if I'm away from you I do not want you to think it is because I want to be."
"I know it is not," Ukyou took his hands, "I would go with you if I could."
"I never want to be apart from you. Ukyou say you'll marry me." Ryouga asked. "Please do me the honor of being my wife."
"Yes," Ukyou's blue eyes threatened to spill with unshed tears, "Yes I will marry you Ryouga sugar."
He kissed her fiercely and passionately. Ukyou clung to him like a dying man to a life preserver. She had to let him go soon enough but for now, just having him near to her was glorifying.
* * *
Dark settled onto Nerima. Mousse and his gang made it first to under the highway. They climbed the chain link fence and dropped down onto the cold concrete. Ranma and his gang followed a minute later from the other side. They stood on the concrete wall a second looking down at the Jusenkyo bunch.
Ranma dropped down on the concrete. His gang followed. The two gangs eyed each other for a minute, the anticipation cutting through the air like a knife.
"Let's get this over with," Mousse said coldly. He stepped forward his white robes settling about him.
"Anytime," Ranma took up a fighting stance. Mousse charged. His flying kick met air as Ranma leapt over his head bearing down on him.
Both gangs started yelling and whooping for their team leader. Mousse avoided Ranma's kick spinning about knock the boy's legs out from under him. Just as quick Ranma leapt up and landed a punch on Mousse's rib cage.
They fought viciously and hard. Mousse started to evade Ranma's attacks. Then he pulled out a surprise. A chain flew out of his robes. Ranma dodged it. The chain disappeared.
"HAH! You fight dirty." Ranma charged him. Mousse evaded him. A bucket flew out of his robes and splashed Ranma with water. The crowd that had been yelling fell silent. Mousse stared in amazement. "How did that get up there?" he questioned wryly.
"What are you guys staring at?" Ranma yelled. Then her eyes widened when she heard her own voice. "What the hell?" She gulped looking down. Two lumps were on her chest were it had been flat before.
"Ah the spring of the drowned girl water," Konatsu said, "Did you forget you had that up your sleeves Mousse?"
"What has he done to me?" Ranma yelled. She leapt up attacking Mousse. "What have you done to me you freak!" Her fists flew into the Chestnut Fist Technique.
Mousse dodged the attacks but they kept coming. He used all his hidden weaponry to evade Ranma's attack. Still the girl was persistent. He tossed one last item.
*THONG* Ranma fell back on the pavement as a training potty hit her on the head. Her eyes were closed and there was blood coming from a cut on her forehead.
"No," Ranma's gang gathered close.
"Wait stop the fight stop the fight," a voice shouted. Ryouga ran in finally. He had gotten lost and was halfway out of town before someone told him he had gone the wrong way.
"Thy arrival is late Ryouga," Kunou stared down at Ranma -the RANMA-- the Ranma who had never been defeated. "Ranma be still in the shadow of death."
"Dead?" Ryouga looked down at his friend for so many years. He looked at all of them. "No. NO." he cried. "Who is this?" he pointed at the woman. "It is Ranma," Ryuu said, "That jerk Mousse changed him somehow. Musta been a spell."
"No," Ryouga kneeled next to his friend. He couldn't be dead. And yet Ranma was still with blood dripping from a wound on his head.
"No!" Ryouga felt anger and depression start to build. He began glowing an eerie blue color. Ranma's gang backed away from him, recognizing the signs of Ryouga's depression blast. Mousse's gang was not so fortunate.
"Shi Shi Houkadan!" Ryouga let loose his depression blast. It headed straight for Mousse charring some who got in the way.
When the blast was over, Mousse lay still on the ground. There was no movement from his charred body.
Both gangs looked at the two dead leaders. They looked at each other and then went at it punching and kicking.
Only when the sounds of police sirens were heard did the two gangs break up. Ryouga was left lying there. Someone had punched him once pretty good but only because he could not fight back after loosing so much energy.
"Ryouga what are you still doing here?" Tsubasa came running out of the shadowy hiding place he'd found, "It's the cops. Get going!"
"Ranma," Ryouga stared at the still form of his friend and the boy he had just killed.
"Ryouga! Go," Tsubasa pulled on his shirt forcing him up. Tsubasa helped Ryouga climb over the fence and run away.
* * *
Ukyou was dressed in a beautiful teal dress she had borrowed from Shampoo. She looked down on the streets of Nerima with a happy expression on her face. She was to meet Ryouga after he stopped the fight to celebrate. They had decided to meet on the roof where there was little chance of being caught.
Ukyou stood up and imagined she was still dancing in his arms like last night. She turned in time to the music she heard in her head. She stopped seeing Tarou open the door to the roof.
"Tarou what are you doing here?" Ukyou smiled at him. He was concealed partially but he stepped out into the light.
"Ukyou," he said with a pained expression on his face.
"Tarou you have been fighting?" Ukyou examined his face which had bruises and a cut on his upper lip.
"Yes," Tarou came over and took her hands, "I have to tell you something."
"You must go wash up. You will feel better after you've cleaned your wounds," Ukyou tried to steer him towards the door. She wanted to be alone when Ryouga showed up.
"Ukyou I have to tell you something about the rumble." Tarou said.
"There was no rumble," Ukyou shook her head.
"Yes there was."
"No you are mistaken," Ukyou denied. "It was to be stopped."
"It did happen," Tarou said sharply. Ukyou examined him, the light in her eyes dying.
"It was bad," Tarou looked down.
"Very bad?" Ukyou questioned quietly.
"Your brother.." Tarou turned away, "I cannot say."
"Please? Tell me quickly," Ukyou stepped in front of him, "Tell me quickly so it will not be so hard to say."
"Your brother," Tarou began again, "And Ryouga.."
"Ryouga?" Ukyou felt panic rise in her, "Ryouga? What happened to Ryouga? Tell me Tarou!" She grabbed his collar.
Tarou's face tightened. So she still liked this boy? Tarou had thought it was a folly the night before but now to find out she was more concerned about the killer than her brother...
"HE KILLED YOUR BROTHER!" Tarou exploded, "He killed Mousse." He turned coldy stalking through the door and down the steps.
Ukyou stared after him in disbelief. No. No it couldn't be true. "NO!" she cried. She ran inside to the steps where she called down, "No Tarou you are lying. Why are you lying?"
He didn't answer and someone downstairs came in crying, "Mousse is dead!!"
"No!" Ukyou ran to her room. She threw herself halfway onto her bed crying, "No..please don't let it be true. Please God no!"
"Ukyou?" came a quiet voice from the window. Ukyou looked up. Ryouga stood there with a pained look on his face.
"Say it isn't true!" Ukyou jumped up pummeling his chest, "Why why?"
"I didn't mean to," Ryouga didn't defend himself against her blows, which were really hard. Ukyou's blue eyes were streaming with tears. She stopped hitting him and sank against his chest crying.
"It all happened so fast," Ryouga tried to explain. "Mousse took care of Ranma. I got so depressed I couldn't think. And I just let loose."
"My family will never forgive you," Ukyou sniffled into his chest.
"Including you?" Ryouga felt his heart sink.
"I can forgive you," Ukyou looked up at him. Her eyes were filled with tears. "I love you too much not to."
Ryouga crushed her to him. He loved this woman so much. They kissed deeply. "We'll run away," Ryouga promised when he pulled away. He rested his cheek on her soft brown hair.
"Can we do it?" Ukyou asked, "I have not much money. And where will we go?"
"I don't know. But I have some saved up from odd jobs I've done. And I'm good at catching food," Ryouga said.
"We could do it," Ukyou hesitated, "But it will be hard to get there."
Ryouga took her hand, "Hold your hand in mine and I already feel as if we are halfway there."
Ukyou smiled. They kissed sinking onto the bed.
* * *
Hiroshi sat on the top of a wall looking down. He jumped when he heard a noise but it was just Daisuke joining him.
"You seen anyone else?" Daisuke asked. Hiroshi shook his head. "Where'd everyone go?" he asked.
"Let's go find them."
"I can't believe Ranma's dead," Hiroshi looked close to tears. "What are we going to do Daisuke?"
"I don't know Hiroshi," Daisuke looked close to pain as well but he kept it hidden.
They jumped down and went searching for the other Nerima people.
* * *
"RANMA!!!" Akane wailed into Nabiki's shoulder. Nabiki patted her sister comfortingly. The boys looked uncomfortable hearing the sound of a woman's tears.
A whistle alerted them as Hiroshi and Daisuke dropped down next to them.
"What are we going to do?" Daisuke asked Kunou.
"I SAY WE HIT THE FREAKS AND WIPE THEM OUT!" Ryuu yelled. "YEAH!" everyone agreed in a chorus.
"No!" Kunou said sharply, "Ice thy veins Ryuu."
"Huh?" Ryuu looked at Kunou.
"In other words Cool it." Nabiki said dryly. Akane wailed into Nabiki's shoulders crying out, "Ranma always knew what Kunou said without translation!"
"The authorities will verily summon us soon. We shall prepare to look them on with no show of fear."
"What?" The group looked to Nabiki.
"Don't let the cops know you know what happened," she translated.
"But how?" Daisuke punched his fist. "I'm so mad I want to go kill some freaks!"
"Ice thy bones!" Kunou said, "Wrap it around thy heart and emotions!"
"Keep a cool head," Nabiki translated before they opened their mouths.
"Yeah! Keep it cool!" They agreed. There was a bit of nervousness but it all died down, as they looked at each other in mutual agreement. They began snapping their fingers with their poker faces.
"Has anyone seen Ryouga?" Ryuu asked, "He's gone.. You don't think the freaks have him do you?"
"Let's go find him." They started to walk in a group when someone came running up.
"Hey HEY!" Tsubasa came running up then. "Listen guys!"
"Go home Tsubasa and try on some man's clothes," Hiroshi insulted.
"Go home yourself. If you want some information about Ryouga come see me," Tsubasa started to walk off but Kunou stopped him.
"If thou knowest information kindly share it."
"I don't know..I have to go home and put on some pants." Tsubasa said saracastically.
"Spill it Tsubasa," Ryuu threatened.
"Okay," Tsubasa agreed. He couldn't keep this gossip. It was too good. "Word on the street is Tarou's gunning for Ryouga. I can slip in and out of the Freak's turf in my disguises. I heard him say he was going to take care of that Lost Boy. Then he pulls out the bad news." Tsubasa made a gun with his fingers. Tsubasa was just exaggerating but they didn't need to know that. Tarou had no need of a gun. Tsubasa had seen him turn into something much more terrifying.
"He intends to kill Ryouga!" Ryuu shouted, "We can't let that happen!"
"Thou speak true," Kunou said, "We shall part ways in groups and seek out that who has helped us."
They looked to Nabiki. "Ryuu's right," she said, "We'll split up and look for Ryouga."
"Right!" They all split into groups.
"What about me Kunou?" Tsubasa said.
"In and out of the shadows in thine disguises," Kunou said, "You have served us well Tsubasa. You shall be repaid."
"Thanks Daddy-O!" Tsubasa said happily. He skipped off to go find Ryouga.
* * *
While they were searching for Ryouga, the party in questions was asleep with his arms around Ukyou.
Shampoo came into the outer room, with a sad look on her face. She was trying not to cry. She took of the shawl that she used to cover her hair placing it on the table. "Ukyou?" she called out softly.
Ukyou stirred against Ryouga's chest. Only when she heard her name called a second time did her eyes snap open. Her eyes stared up in fear at Ryouga's eyes who held the same look. They couldn't be discovered! Not now!
"Ukyou?" Shampoo tried the knob. It would not turn as the door was locked.
"Ha-" Ukyou started to say but Ryouga put his fingers on her lip. Shampoo cocked her head sure she had heard something.
'Don't answer.' Ryouga mouthed. 'I must' Ukyou mouthed back.
"Ukyou?" Shampoo knocked trying to turn the door. She felt a suspicion rise up in her.
Ryouga hurriedly dressed. Ukyou put on a night robe. Her cheeks flushed pink remembering the hours before.
"Ukyou?" Shampoo's knocking became insistent.
"Coming Shampoo," Ukyou tied the belt. She turned hugging Ryouga. "Meet me at Old Ghoul's place in the hour. We will leave here and never return," he whispered.
"Are you sure this will work?" Ukyou whispered back.
Shampoo put her ear to the door hearing whispering. What was that girl doing? She knocked more insistently. "Open the door Ukyou."
"Coming!" Ukyou called out. Ryouga went through the window pressing one last kiss to her lips before leaving. Ukyou rushed over to the door and opened it.
"I am sorry," she said, "I was sleeping."
Shampoo pushed past her with a look of mistrust. She went over to the window and looked out. Down below Ryouga was meeting with some girl who looked like a cross dresser.
"You have been meeting with him," Shampoo said coldly turning to her, "That boy KILLED YOUR BROTHER and you slept with him!" She spared a glance to Ukyou's tossed bed sheets. "Was it worth it?"
"Shampoo! I love him! And he loves me!" Ukyou defended.
"A boy like that killed your brother! A boy like him cannot love another!" Shampoo slapped her, "Have you lost your senses! He will murder your love just as he murdered MINE!"
"NO!" Ukyou shook her head, "He will not! It was an accident! Please Shampoo. It's true he killed Mousse but Mousse killed his friend. Ryouga is not to blame. You loved Mousse and he did things that were terrible but you forgave him! Can you not see that I am in the same situation?"
"This is different," Shampoo argued.
"No it is not. You could always forgive Mousse no matter what he did. I have to do the same," Ukyou grabbed Shampoo's hands. "Ryouga and I are leaving. We will go far away so that no one will hate us for our love. Please say you won't tell Mother and Father. You will never have to see Ryouga again."
"You are taking that murderer away from here? And what if he should kill you?" Shampoo glared.
"He won't. He loves me as Mousse loved you. With all his heart." Ukyou looked at Shampoo. "I feel sorrow and loss for my brother's death. A part of me will hate Ryouga for that but I cannot blame him for the fates throwing this between us."
"You are foolish girl. I will not tell but I cannot condone your actions." Shampoo said.
"Thank you," Ukyou said. "I must hurry. I am to meet Ryouga very soon so that we may leave tonight."
There was a knock on the outer door. Shampoo went to answer. Officer Kunou stood there with a notepad in his hands. "May I please speak to Mousse's family?" he asked.
"Mother and Father are out right now," Ukyou came out of her room, "May I help you?"
"I have a few questions about your brother. I understand he was angry because you were dancing with the wrong boy at the dance last night. Is that right? Who was it?" Officer Kunou looked her over.
"Just another boy from China," Ukyou lied. "Will this take long? I need to go over to Cologne's shop to get some sleeping powder."
"You aren't going anywhere until I finish my questions." The cop was persistent.
"Shampoo," Ukyou turned to Shampoo. "Will you go to Cologne's for me and tell her I was detained? Tell her I will be there soon for my powder." She gave Shampoo a questioning look.
Shampoo gave her a pointed look in return that said she didn't approve of Ukyou's lies. "I will go," she said crossly, "and that is all I will do." Shampoo left.
* * *
"Anyone seen Ryouga?" The entire Jet gang finally met up at Cologne's shop. Tsubasa was there. "Ryouga's downstairs!" he said, "He's hiding out because he knows Tarou's looking for him!"
The bell to Cologne's shop rang as the door opened. The Jets turned eyeing the young purple haired woman who just came in.
Shampoo stared at the cold eyes greeting her. She did not like these people. They killed her love Mousse.
"Where your friend Ryouga?" she questioned, "I have message for him."
"He ain't here," Ryuu glared at her.
"Hey I know you," Daisuke circled Shampoo looking her over, "You're Mousse's slut."
"You not know anything," Shampoo said crossly, "Where is Ryouga. I have to tell him something."
"She's here sniffing him out for Tarou," Ryuu crossed his arms, "Ain't ya? Well you ain't gonna get him."
Shampoo moved forward. "I will look for myself."
Ryuu stepped in front of her. "You ain't going anywhere," he growled. He grabbed her arms. Shampoo blocked her fist coming up and punching his face. Ryuu stumbled back.
"You not mess with Amazon woman. I will give kiss of death if you do that again!" Shampoo glared daggers with her brown eyes. Daisuke attempted to stop her and got thrown over her shoulder for that. The entire gang attacked Shampoo. With combined effort they held her down.
"HEY! We ought to let Hiroshi get his first kiss off this wench!" Ryuu hooted. He picked up Hiroshi and pushed him forward.
"YEAH! KISS HER!" The boys encouraged. Hiroshi puckered his lips moving in for the kiss.
"What goes on here?" an old voice croaked. "You boys let her go before a real Amazon teaches you a thing or two."
The boys backed off as Cologne entered the shop. She cracked each of the boys over the head, using her stick. Shampoo was released. The purple haired Amazon straightened her mussed clothes.
"I have a message for Ryouga," she said coldly, "You tell him that Tarou found out that he and Ukyou were eloping. And he took a sword and he slit her gullet. He killed her thoroughly so that they may never be."
Shampoo left abruptly the door slamming behind her. Cologne looked after her with a sad look on her face. She turned to the boys. "You boys ought to be ashamed treating a girl that way. Leave now before I throw you all out."