Chapter 4: Ranma And Co. Paints The Town Red, Black and Blue

It's night time at a small town. You would expect people hanging around in pubs and bars. You expect neon lights around the town, giving it the color of life and spicing up the usual dull town. You would expect people walking around, laughing, playing and having a good time. Traverse Town is the perfect town to live in, that is if you've envisioned this years ago. Traverse Town today is the contrary of what had been. Although at daytime it looks safe, peaceful and quiet, it's the nighttime that makes you crawl into your beds. If you asked the residents of Traverse Town, they'll say that it wasn't always like these years ago. Now, people tend to stay away from dark places. If you also happen to live here, you would also notice strange visitors hanging around here. It's as if they lost their homes.

RANMA: [in pain] Ooooohhhhhh, fuuuuuuuccccccckkkk. Ow, where the hell am I?

When Ranma woke up, he immediately felt the pain from his body. While it wasn't physically painful, it's as if someone performed a very dangerous surgery. He's still lying down and found himself in an alley. He gets up and surveys the place around him. It's dark and cold. Most of all, it's empty. He gets up slowly and regains his senses. He notices that his clothes are a bit dirty. But that didn't matter to him right now. He wants to know what happened after Noah ditched him. Then again, was Noah to be trusted at all? Ranma hated to admit this but he's wondering whether he regretted going on this "trip". He first thought of planes, boats and other automobiles when Noah told him that he will go on a journey. Then, he mentioned the other worlds and portal and stuff. That was then Ranma was beginning to wonder whether he was lying or not.

RANMA: (No use of thinking of that, man. You made your decision. Now, is this Traverse Town?)

He got out of the alley and soon began to find a town map. It didn't take him long to find it. He looked around only to see very few people hanging around. It's as if the townsfolk are scared to go out at night. Those who are out are either drunks or prostitutes, which the latter flirted with him. Ranma remained indifferent to them and approach the map. As he sees the illustration of the map, he found out that the town is divided into three parts: First District, Second District and Third District. Not bad, though. Easy to remember. He began to walk towards the store in front of him. The lights are still on inside. He decided to go in and ask.

RANMA: Excuse me-

All of the sudden, a man threw him a spear. He immediately dodged and performed his fighting stance in front of his attacker. Ranma looked at him carefully. He's probably in his later thirties. He had dirty blonde hair, he hasn't shave for days and his eyes show dark circles around it. Yet, he's in good condition to fight him.

RANMA: [pissed] WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR?

???: Sorry kid. I didn't expect you, just some unwanted company. Hey, aren't you supposed to be home by now? It's not safe at this time.

RANMA: Yeah, yeah. Listen, is this Traverse Town gramps?

???: What was that, you little punk? Didn't your folks teach you manners and respect to your elders?

RANMA: (Well, there's one. . .) Look, I'm sorry okay? It's just that I'm tired, hungry and lost. So I'm going to ask again, is this Traverse Town?

???: Yep. [pauses] Did you say you got lost?

RANMA: Yeah. So?

???: Kid, listen. This may sound out-of-this-world but I'm going to ask you this: did you come from another world?

RANMA: Y-yeah. . .w-wait, are you Cloud Strife?

???: (Even in other worlds, that prick's still popular) No. But the name's Cid. A friend of Cloud's. Who are you and how do you know him?

RANMA: My name's is Ranma. I was told that he would be here. . . unless he's dead. Is he?

CID: That man's has a thousand lives like a cat. Surprised that son-of-a- bitch is still the same after all he had been through, now at least he's happy.

RANMA: He's married?

CID: You got it. The wonderful gal, Aeris Gainsborough, sure knows how to tame him inside and out. [chuckles] He's her whipped boy, in fact.

RANMA: [cringes] Thanks for the strange sexual innuendo. Where can I find him?

CID: He's around here somewhere. He's blond and has spiky hair. Easy to identify with and can cause less problems in the description format.

RANMA: Thanks. What's going on here?

CID: The town's been in passive chaos ever since those mother fuckers came back and what's worse is that they've gotten stronger than before.

RANMA: The Heartless?

CID: Hmmmm. You know everything. So, tell me kid, what else do you know about it?

RANMA: Why am I even talking to you? You're wasting my time.

CID: [not amused] Listen kid. I understand that you lost your world-

RANMA: [surprise] WHAT? What do you mean by that? I was told that my world would be safe!

CID: Whoa, slow down! Take it easy, geez. [pauses] Who told you that your world is safe? It's gonna disappear as soon as the Heartless takes over.

RANMA: B-but-

CID: [sympathetic] I'm sorry. But you should know that some of the people I know here have also lost their worlds and their loved ones scattered. I fear that it won't be long now before the Heartless takes over this place. Hell, I'm gonna fight those fucking morons 'til I die.

RANMA: It's like a war that never ends.

CID: Well, the Heartless stopped attacking twelve years ago. But why now? That's the question we've been trying to figure out. I lost most of my friends and my wife... if only I could see her again. [pauses]

RANMA: [mutters] Why would Noah lie to me?

CID: Excuse me?

RANMA: Sorry. Wait do you know a person named Noah?

CID: [confused] Noah? Who's Noah?

RANMA: He's the one who told me everything. He also said that he knows Cloud.

CID: In most cases, when we deal with new people, we know who the person is. Unfortunately, I don't know who this Noah guy is, but I can tell you one thing: thank God you're alive.

*********

MOUSSE: Um Shampoo, can you find my glasses please?

Mousse and Shampoo found themselves in another alley, this time in the Second District. What shocked them is that when Shampoo woke up, Mousse was at the top of her, still unconscious. What's even more shocking is that they were in a missionary position. As soon as she realizes her position, she immediately pushed him away, thus dropping his glasses. It woke him up and now he's desperately looking for glasses.

MOUSSE: C'mon Shampoo. Please! Help me!

SHAMPOO: Forget it stupid duck! Shampoo won't help you after what you did!

MOUSSE: What I did? What the hell are you talking about?

SHAMPOO: Mousse take advantage over Shampoo and now Shampoo thinks she no virgin!

MOUSSE: Are you daft? Why the hell would I take advantage when I'm unconscious? Seriously, you shouldn't jump into conclusions. That's the problem with you. You think everything revolves around you.

SHAMPOO: Don't piss me off Mousse! Just because you leave doesn't mean you have no right to berate Shampoo!

MOUSSE: [finally finds his glasses] Bingo. [wears his glasses] As much as I like to point out your mistakes, I think it's best that we figure out [looks around] where are we. Let me tell you this, we're not in Nerima anymore. Come to think of it, what the hell happened?

SHAMPOO: [thinks for a while] Sorry okay? Fine, we not in Nerima. But the buildings look the same. It's safe we're not in Hell. And why do Shampoo feel the place gives me creeps?

MOUSSE: Let's get out of here.

Both Amazons walked out of the alley and look around the town. Needless to say, the place is nearly empty. It's quiet and peaceful yet the both of them are mentally prepared in case of an ambush.

MOUSSE: Not bad. Just like those '40s inspired noir flicks.

SHAMPOO: Nice place. Shampoo could live here with Ranma.

MOUSSE: Where is everybody?

SHAMPOO: Don't know.

MOUSSE: Why do I get the feeling we must have landed in a martial law period? Which means if the police find wandering around they'll arrest us.

SHAMPOO: Why would you say that?

MOUSSE: Think about this, the place is EMPTY. Okay, not really empty [points out at people coming out of an apartment] but my paranoia somehow concludes that something is wrong with this place.

SHAMPOO: [sighs] Aiyah. Shampoo shouldn't have gave you X-Files DVD set last Christmas. Now, you more creepy and paranoid than that paranoid man with a funny name.

MOUSSE: Hey! Don't you dare mock Mulder! [stomach begins to growl] Dammit! We're in the middle of nowhere and I'm hungry. Shampoo, I think. . . Shampoo?

Mousse notices the now-quiet purple haired Amazon warrior. Her look wasn't sadness or joy but somewhere in between, she's beginning to say something that will catch him off-guard.

SHAMPOO: Are we still friends?

MOUSSE: Huh?

SHAMPOO: I said are we still friends?

MOUSSE: Don't know. Come to think of it, we were never the best of friends. I'm just your blind suitor hoping that I may get the chance to be with you. But, despite your actions, I still supported you. Why do you ask?

SHAMPOO: Shampoo don't know. Now let's leave and find shelter.

MOUSSE: Are you sure you're okay?

SHAMPOO: Shampoo fine. Now let's go.

Mousse and Shampoo continued to walk on the dark lonely place. Right now, they have to figure out what happened and how they got here.

************

UKYO: Ow, my head. Where am I? [looks around] Why am I up here?

Ukyo managed to wake up in a clock tower, of all places. She looked around only to see boxes and crates. Her large spatula is still intact on her back. The first thing that she does is find ladder to get down and then, who knows. Ukyo finally managed to find one ladder and descended to the ground. She found a door and as she opens it, she sees what's behind the clock. Full of machines, she decided to move on since she wasn't interested in them. The instruments used were no different from her world.

As soon as she got out, Ukyo finds herself in the same place Shampoo and Mousse where except if time has recorded this, the two Amazons have left the place twenty minutes before Ukyo woke up. She has some things in her mind: first, she didn't know where she is; second, she has no money, not that she needs it; and lastly, she's very thirsty. She's thirsty not as in drinking water or soda, but beer. Sure she drank some sake but she was very interested in drinking one since she was curious on why the foreigners are interested with this particular alcoholic beverage. If she hadn't known any better by now, the noir-inspired place would be most likely to haven rapists and robbers. Ukyo is prepared for them. Besides, she needed to kick some ass as a stress reliever.

God probably heard her prayer when she saw a poster for a bar. She read the free water offer for below twenty one years old and directions and to her surprise, the bar is located on the second floor from where she stood. She goes to the stairs on the left and located the bar. Ukyo went inside and found the place nearly packed, though not as packed as in like a big party. The mood was joyous and mellow as couples danced on a love song, in contrast to her current mood. She went to the bar and prepares herself to drink beer.

UKYO: [sighs] What a day. [to the bartender] Give me a beer.

BARTENDER: [deadpans] ID. [Ukyo stares at him incredulously but he decides to continue] ID.

UKYO: [desperate] I'M TWENTY ONE YEARS OLD! JUST GIVE ME THE FRIGGIN' BEER!

BARTENDER: [deadpans] ID.

UKYO: [sighs in frustration] Just give me the free water.

Lying at her age just get beer won't work for Ukyo. At seventeen, she decides to drown herself over the free water, until if it's time to go to the bathroom.

*********

RYOGA: DAMMIT! WHERE THE HELL AM I?

For Ryoga, this isn't one of his better days. He lost his backpack, which he assumes he left at the park. He had been wandering around town for thirty minutes and amazingly, he woke up simultaneously as Ukyo's. While she on the clock tower, he on the rooftop of one of the buildings of First District. He soon jumps down and thus, began his usual wandering moments. Ryoga got a feeling that this town isn't safe, despite its deceiving appearance. He then decided to ask for directions and goes to the front door of one of the houses.

RYOGA: [knocks] Hello? Is anyone there?

MAN: [opens the door] What do you want?

RYOGA: I was wondering if you know where I am.

MAN: Kid, this is Traverse Town. Now get lost, I'm trying to sleep.

RYOGA: S-sorry.

Ryoga left and immediately. . . wait, Traverse Town? Where the hell is that? He reluctantly went to the door and knocked.

MAN: [angry] HEY! DIDN'T I TOLD YOU TO-

RYOGA: [nervous] L-look, I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you but do you know how to get to Tokyo or Japan for that matter?

MAN: Tokyo? Japan? [thinks for a while] Oh, I see. You're one of them survivors.

RYOGA: Survivors?

MAN: Almost everyday, this town receives a lot of drifters from different places. Some look out of place, if you ask me.

RYOGA: Wait, what do you mean survivors?

MAN: From what I heard, these people lost their worlds by some dark creatures.

RYOGA: (Is he talking about the same creatures I fought at the park? Lost worlds?) What do you mean "lost their worlds".

MAN: As in their worlds have been devoured and life on that particular world perished. Sad, if you think about it.

RYOGA: T-this can't be!

MAN: Sorry kid. Like you, I managed to survive. I lost everyone in exchange.

RYOGA: I-I gotta go. [immediately runs away]

MAN: (Poor kid, his reaction was same as mine.)

Ryoga ran a couple of blocks away from the house. He's not focused on where he was going, but it didn't matter to him. If the guy said was true, then he lost everyone. His parents, Akane, Akari and heck, even Ranma. He kept on running until he accidentally bumped into a large figure.

RYOGA: S-sorry. I was-

But right before he finished his sentence, the large being throws a left hook at him. Ryoga dodged immediately and backed away. He is in his fighting stance and is prepared to do the worse. Besides, it was that thing initiated the brawl. To Ryoga's surprise, his skin is blue while his hair colored white. He is carrying a spear and wears a lot of beads. Ryoga then assumes two things: he is a warrior and definitely prepared to kill him.

RYOGA: [pissed off] HEY? I DON"T KNOW WHO OR WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU, BUT YOU GOTTA HAVE THE GUTS TO ACT LIKE THAT!

The creature was quiet. More like the strong silent type.

RYOGA: (Great, the silent type. Least not as loud as Ranma.)

Without warning, the creature thrusts his spear at him but Ryoga quickly dodges and counter attacks him with a spinning roundhouse kick. It hit the creature and Ryoga continues with a right jab but the creature blocked it and staggers away. The Lost Boy charges at him with a flying kick but he too charges at him. The creature suddenly leaps higher than Ryoga and as he descends, he aims his spear at him with roaring voice. Ryoga quickly looks up to see the creature aiming directly at him. Just as the spear reaches its target, Ryoga immediately landed at the ground and rolls away as the tip of the spear touched the ground. The impact of the landing is so powerful that the ground began to break into pieces. The creature immediately got up and faced Ryoga.

RYOGA: I'm impressed. That's all you got?

???: Kimahri impressed at your skill too.

RYOGA: You're name's Kimahri eh? You don't look like you live here.

KIMAHRI: Kimarhri lost world. Lost family, friends. Now, Kihmari alone. Fighting Heartless in honor of them.

RYOGA: You too huh?

KIMAHRI: Kimahri sorry for the fight. Kimahri thought you one of the Heartless.

RYOGA: [surprised] Do I even look like those morons? I'm Ryoga Hibiki. Where am I?

KIMHARI: You are in Traverse Town. You are in another world.

RYOGA: Great.

KIMHARI: Why don't you come with Kimhari for patrolling and slay the Heartless?

RYOGA: Sure. (Like I have no choice.) Lead the way. (This is creepy. He talks like Shampoo. Maybe if the two of them got together. . .)

Ryoga quickly followed Kimhari as the latter led the way. Ryoga has to make sure he doesn't lose him or otherwise, he'd be wandering around like an idiot. Come to think of it, he's always like that even in his own world.

***********

If Akane learned one thing about the facts of life, it's not to talk to strangers. But right now, she's beyond on full intention to ask someone. In the dark lonely road, she feels a bit scared. Sure she's a martial artist but not in the same level as Shampoo, Ukyo and Kodachi. At the same time, she's been looking for Ranma. She's not sure whether he's in the same place or not but she has to find at all cost and ask him why he left home.

AKANE: Ranma! Ranma! (That stupid pervert! Where the hell is he?) Ranma! Where are you? (Nice Tendo, you might wake up everyone including the dead.) [frustrated] That idiot! Where could he be? Come to think of it, where am I?

Akane continues to walk and calling out Ranma, but to no avail. She decides to stop for a while and sat on the bench. If things haven't got any worse, she's hungry.

AKANE: (All right Akane, think. Maybe you should ask someone for food and shelter. Yeah, that'll do, assuming they don't throw you out even before you finished asking.)

Akane stood up and continued walking. Just then she felt someone is following her. She turned around only to see no one. She continued walking faster until she reached an alley. She looked around to see if someone is following her.

???: Hello.

Akane shrieked at voice behind her. She turned around to see a dirty man, with dirty long hair, his face is unshaven and his teeth are yellow. Overall, he's got the characteristics of a homeless person. This freaked Akane out as she moves backwards until she reaches a corner.

AKANE: [scared] L-look. W-who ever you a-are, stay away from me! [angry] I'm warning you! Stay away or I will kick your dirty ass to the moon!

The homeless guy smiled at her and it officially freaked her out.

AKANE: That's it! I'm-

STRANGER: Twelve years.

AKANE: Huh?

STRANGER: Twelve years. . . twelve years.

AKANE: [confused] Excuse me?

STRANGER: [smiles] That's exactly how long Kingdom Hearts lasted.

AKANE: What are you talking about? Who are you?

STRANGER: Me? Nobody, just a spectator enjoying the ride. . .wheeee, 12 years.

AKANE: Kingdom Hearts? Twelve years? What the hell-

STRANGER: Used to be one of the performers. Don't let them take your heart. They already got a part of you.

With that, the stranger starts to walk away while humming a song. Akane just stood there for a while. What the stranger said to her quickly absorbed her curiosity. Kingdom Hearts? Twelve years? She quickly ran to catch up with the homeless stranger only to disappear without a trace.

AKANE: (Relax Akane, relax. You've met more stranger characters than that guy.)

Akane continued to walk. Then she sees a woman talking to a girl in a very friendly way. She noticed that the woman is carrying a staff while the girl is holding a sword. They broke off their conversation when they saw Akane.

???: Hey! Who goes there?

AKANE: Easy! I'm not going to hurt you (unless you hurt me first). I'm harmless, in a big way!

???: Are you alone?

AKANE: Why are you asking me these questions? Is this some kind of an interrogation? Look, I don't know where I am. Could you please help me? I'm looking for someone.

The elder woman looks at her carefully. Then, she tells the girl to put the sword down. The girl did as she was told but holds a skeptic look at Akane.

???: We're sorry. We've been on high alert lately. You shouldn't walk alone.

AKANE: Well, I'm not alone, am I? Where am I? And what is going on here?

???: This is Traverse Town, home of the wildest hunts. Depends on who you ask. It's just basically a haven for the survivors.

???: [frustrated] Can't we just drop the formalities and move on? You're wasting our time, girlie.

AKANE: Ooh, spunky aren't ya? With that temper of yours, you could get a lot of trouble or worse, dead. [Akane herself doesn't realize that she's describing herself]

???: That's enough! It's best that we go back to the inn. [to Akane] You better come along with us.

???: I'll be going now. I have no interest in talking to a mean old bitch like her [runs off].

AKANE: [upset] What the hell did she just say? What does she mean by "old"?

???: [shouts] NARU! I WANT YOU TO GO BACK TO THE INN IMMEDIATELY! [to Akane] I'm sorry, Naru is a nice girl but she's very hot tempered and moody sometimes. Can't blame her though. Oh, I forgot, my name is Aeris. What are you doing here at a time like this?

AKANE: Name's Akane. Where am I and what's going on? And why is that girl bitchier than the one's I've met?

AERIS: [sighs] Naru lost her world, which was devoured by the Heartless. She told me that her boyfriend sacrificed himself to save her. When I found her, she was crying bitterly. Her friends didn't make it also. To answer your first question, you're probably from another world and like I said earlier, this is Traverse Town, a haven for all survivors. If you think about it, this town has always been a haven ever since that time.

AKANE: That time?

AERIS: I think it's best that we go back to our shelter and from there we could tell each other about everything.

AKANE: Thanks. Um, do you happen to find a crazy homeless guy? As in a VERY crazy homeless guy?

AERIS: No. Why?

AKANE: (It's official, I'm seeing dead people. More like seeing Sadako, except he's less scary than her.) Nothing.

**************

UKYO: ["drunk"] Ssshhhloo, like anywaaaaaysss, Rrraannn-chaaaaan told meeee to fawk offf coz I wuzzzz ggiiving him prrrooowwwwbbbbleeemmmssss. . . and that I ma llooney beeeyoootchhh. [points above] Oohhhh bbbeeerrrrdiiiessssssss.

In the suspension of disbelief, Ukyo got herself "drunk" over the free water. So far, she drank twenty glasses while at the same time been to the bathroom three times. Many of folks at the bar are looking at her as if she was a circus freak. Seriously, who would get drunk over a glass of water? If Ukyo's case it was either she wanted to escape her problems or pretend it's beer since she couldn't get any. Either way, it was a great way to release stress only to add some more.

BARTENDER: Hey lady, haven't you had enough? Look at you, drunk over water. You're way more ridiculous than one of my customers whose profession is to get drunk. I think it's time for you stop.

UKYO: [looks at him defiantly] Aarrree yooooouuuu tteeeelllling to stoooop? Nooo onnne ssstttoooppps mee. So, faaaawwwwkkk oooffff!

BARTENDER: I hate to this to you but I have no choice.

The bartender quickly slapped her at the same time threw a glass of water at her face. Ukyo regains her senses in an instant.

UKYO: HEY! WHAT THE-

BARTENDER: You're a shallow girl. Getting drunk over a glass of water? I've seen better weird occurrences than this.

UKYO: [looks away] Just leave me alone.

BARTENDER: Getting "drunk" isn't going to solve any of your problems. You have to face them.

UKYO: Oh? Why don't you tell them? [points at two men having a brawl]

BARTENDER: Shit. Look just take my advice and go home okay? [he then goes to the two men to break up the fight]

UKYO: Thanks for the Dada-ism pep talk. As if I have a place to go.

Ukyo left the bar and wandered off. Unknown to her, three men are following her. What they didn't know is that she knew already of their actions but played along to their twisted scheme. She walked casually while the three men followed her like a cat to an unsuspecting mouse. She walked casually until they reached the alley. Once there, Ukyo just stood there and waits for the men to play. She turns around only to see them maliciously smiling.

MAN1: Hey cutie lost?

MAN2: What's a nice girl like you doing here?

MAN3: Perhaps me and buds here may help you.

UKYO: (Great, I'm in a different place and their catch phrases are as lame as Kuno's poetry) [innocently] Well. . . I'm lost and I need to know where I am. Can you guys help me? (Nice Kuonji, you might award yourself as Worst Actress.)

MAN1: [laughs] Sure thing sweetheart.

The three men surround Ukyo. She pretended that she is nervous and scared. One of the men comes very near to her back and touches her hair and smells it.

MAN2: [sniffs] Mmm, good. You make a good playmate for us.

MAN3: So cupcake, how do you like to start? [He begins to grope Ukyo's butt with his left hand]

UKYO: [freaked out] Oh this.

To their surprise, Ukyo unleashed a mini-spatula and slashes the man's left hand. The man shouted in pain as he backs away. His palm is bleeding like hell. The other men got their knives out and prepare to slaughter the okonomiyaki chef.

MAN3: [in pain] YOU BITCH! YOU FUCKING BITCH! I AM SO FUCKING GONNA KILL YOU!

UKYO: Yeah? Well I'd rather be a bitch than be a doormat.

MAN2: Lady, you don't know what you've gotten yourself into.

MAN1: But we're gonna make sure we gonna play you before we kill you.

UKYO: [not amused] You guys finished each other's sentences. Is this a new trend for homicidal freaks like you? Not impressed.

The first man [MAN1] charges at her and as he swipes his knife at her, she blocks it with her mini-spatula. She pushes him away and slashes his face. As he staggers back, the second man [MAN2] lunges at her with the knife. She avoids it and slashes his throat. The second man couldn't scream because of his wound and holds his throat to avoid the bleeding to continue.

UKYO: [smirks] Pfft. I've fought women who are stronger than you.

The third man [MAN3] quickly disarms her mini-spatulas with his kicks. Ukyo jumps back and pulls out her giant spatula. He uses his right hand to attack her with his knife. Ukyo uses her weapon to block it and then quickly finishes him off by tossing him away to the wall with her spatula. The first man grabs her and holds her tightly so that she wouldn't move. Ukyo struggles to get out until she sees the man's foot as a weakness. She stomps his left foot and uses her right elbow to hit his chest. The man felt the pain from the two attacks. She slams the man's head with the spatula, thus knocking him out in kingdom come. She sees the second man, who is still on the ground holding his bleeding throat. He sees her and begins to cower away.

UKYO: Listen, "munchkin", you mess with me again and I swear I'll make you a brand new woman. [She points at the man's groin with her spatula]. Tell your loser friends the same thing.

Ukyo walks away from the scene. She never felt this good since, well, she can't remember. She walks like a giddy schoolgirl who just scored prize money. Just then, she sees a blue beast charging at her from above. She quickly moves back and as the beast lands to the ground, she was swept away from the impact of the landing. She gets up only to see a blue skinned monster with a spear. She has enough of freaks who want to kill her.

UKYO: [arms herself with her spatula] The welcoming committee has been way too late. Now get out of my way.

KIMHARI: Evil woman. You dare to disturb the peace?

UKYO: Hey! Who ya calling evil, giant Smurf?

KIMHARI: Prepare to die!

UKYO: Bring it on.

RYOGA: [runs and shouts from Ukyo's back] Kimhari! Wait! What's going on?

UKYO: Have I heard that voice before?

KIMHARI: Kimhari fight this woman. She caused commotion a while back.

RYOGA: And you just left me behind? Luckily I managed to find you I- [as Ryoga continues to speak, Ukyo turns around to see the Lost Boy, panting from the run] Ukyo?

UKYO: Ryoga? Is that-

RYOGA: Yep, it's me. What are you doing here?

UKYO: I was supposed to ask the same thing. What the hell is going on here and where am I?

RYOGA: Kimhari, put your spear please. I know her. She's from my world. [Kimhari obliges Ryoga's request]

UKYO: You know him?

RYOGA: Yeah, did the same thing to me. The guy sure knows how to make an impression, huh?

UKYO: Now can you answer my questions?

RYOGA: Relax. I'll tell you everything I know starting now. . .

**********

Shampoo and Mousse have been wandering around sometime. Shampoo has been quiet after their last talk. Mousse can tell her something's bothering her.

MOUSSE: Shampoo, what's wrong? I can obviously tell from your pretty face.

SHAMPOO: Back off Mousse! You leave Shampoo alone!

MOUSSE: Geez, I'm just asking. Is it that time of, well, you know. . .

SHAMPOO: NO! It's not. It's just that. . . [sighs] Shampoo wants to go home and be with Airen.

MOUSSE: (You never change, Shampoo, you never change) You're a so-so liar. Shampoo I hate to say this but grow up and move on. I did. Believe me, it would do you good. It's not easy at first but you'll get the hang of it. But then again, you don't adapt to change easily.

Shampoo stops walking and glares at the weapons master as if she's ready to snap his neck in a heartbeat.

SHAMPOO: You're a hypocrite, you know that? Fine, so Shampoo didn't adapt easily. But look at you, obsessed over me for the past few years. The moment you see Shampoo you become a deluded fool like Dr. Tofu when he sees Kasumi, except I like Dr. Tofu better than you.

MOUSSE: Don't change the subject.

SHAMPOO: Shampoo not changing subject! You think this is easy for Shampoo to adjust in Japan? It's not. Even up to now, Shampoo miss home but at the same time Shampoo like Japan because it's fun. Shampoo also has to obey the Amazon law to be next ruler. Just think of it as an escape.

MOUSSE: [confused] I don't understand. Then again, you're Shampoo, a very confusing person sometimes.

SHAMPOO: [sighs] Shampoo wished to be ruler of the Amazons but ever since Shampoo came to Japan, things change. Shampoo might not want to be queen but. . . Shampoo more confused as ever.

MOUSSE: Relax. I'm sorry and you're right, I am a hypocrite sometimes.

SHAMPOO: [smiles] You are right. Hypocrite and honest, Shampoo will miss you.

MOUSSE: [blushes] R-really?

SHAMPOO: Not that kind! Just as friends. Are we still friends?

MOUSSE: Definitely. Why would I reject my first childhood friend ever?

SHAMPOO: [surprised] Shampoo was your first?

MOUSSE: Yeah. Why-

Right before Mousse could finish speaking, they see a bomb heading on their way. They immediately run and cover from a safe distance as it explodes. Both of them went back to the scene.

SHAMPOO: You okay?

MOUSSE: Yeah. Who the hell threw that bomb?

???: They're not dead!

???: I think you're aiming at the wrong people.

???: C'mon! Don't be fooled by their appearances! Don't you remember what Cloud said? Some of the Heartless can change appearances. I'm not making the same mistake again!

MOUSSE: Hey! Who are you?

???: Did Cloud say anything about them speaking?

???: Oh, damn. . .

SHAMPOO: You better say sorry or Shampoo will beat you to death!

???: [sarcastic] Did Cloud say anything about threatening us?

As the smoke clears its way, the four warriors finally face each other. To Shampoo and Mousse's surprise, they see two kids in terms of physical form. The kid in the right is wearing green shirt and shorts and has black spiky hair. To the right, a blonde-haired kid with goggles in his forehead, has whiskers on his cheeks. The blonde kid is taller than the brunette. Other than that, they both looked stunned and prepared to fight just in case.

???: We're sorry. My friend here made a huge mistake-

???: HEY! You're now shifting the blame to me? It was YOUR idea!

???: ME? You're the one who kept insisting to continue the plan despite I revoked it since it was deemed too dangerous! But nooo. With your ego, we almost killed innocent people!

???: Wasn't you who said that we have to kill the Heartless at all costs?

MOUSSE: Children, maybe you should stop fighting-

???/???: WHO YA CALLING CHILDREN, YA LONG HAIRED WEIRDO?!

Mousse flinched at that question. He is pissed off while Shampoo snickered at the question.

SHAMPOO: Let Shampoo handle this.

Shampoo went near to the two boys to stop fighting. Just as she goes near, both boys noticed the purple-haired Amazon. To their POV, she's cute and somewhat sexy. She also has very cute dimples. With that, the boys went gaga over her, much to Mousse's dismay.

MOUSSE: (Mousse, relax. They're just kids. It's a natural reaction when they see a beautiful woman. Relax, you went through the same thing remember? Just calm down and let Shampoo solve the problem. And after that, I'll finish the annoying brats. Wait, that didn't come out right.)

SHAMPOO: Boys, Shampoo says stop. We okay. Don't worry.

???: We sorry Shampoo.

???: Very, very much.

MOUSSE: (Now, they're infected with Shampoo's speech manner.)

SHAMPOO: [smiling] Shampoo may ask your names and where we are?

???: My name's Gon and this fox-like creature here is Naruto.

NARUTO: HEY!

GON: [shrugs] I'm just telling the truth.

NARUTO: [ignores Gon's words] You and you're friend are in Traverse Town.

MOUSSE: Traverse Town? Wait, is this some kind of a joke? [looks around to see if there are hidden cameras] Are we some kind of a Candid Camera-like show? You better start telling the truth.

SHAMPOO: Unfortunately, he's not mistaken. I think.

GON: If we were joking, Naruto would pull a wedgie on you. But you are in Traverse Town. This means you guys, like us, are from another world.

SHAMPOO: A-are you sure?

NARUTO: Would we lie to a pretty and cute girl like you? [his tone sounds as if he's flirting on her.]

SHAMPOO: In most cases, yes.

MOUSSE: Another world? What are you talking about?

GON: Oh, that. Naruto and I also came from different worlds. It's quite complicated but-

NARUTO: [checks his watch] Oh damn! Gon, we were supposed to be back twenty minutes ago!

GON: Sorry to leave you but we gotta go.

NARUTO: Yeah. [blows a kiss] Bye Shampoo! Same thing to you too, lady!

As they leave, Mousse is upset that the mischievous ninja kid called him a lady.

MOUSSE: [upset] Did you hear that? That brat called me a lady!

SHAMPOO: He might be joking. Shampoo can't believe you jealous of little kids.

MOUSSE: I AM NOT JEALOUS! [calms down] It's just that we don't know where we are and I'm hungry. They should've let us come with them.

SHAMPOO: What makes you think of that?

MOUSSE: [shrugs] I don't know.

**************

After his chat with Cid, Ranma went to Cloud's headquarters which is actually an inn. Finally, he would meet him and unleash a barrage of questions on to him. On how will he respond is another story. He finally reached the inn Cid had told him when he sensed someone is watching him from behind.

RANMA: [not turning around] You know, you could've just said hello. You're watching me as if I'm hiding something.

CLOUD: Yeah, so? How did you know this place? And who are you?

RANMA: [turns around] Whoa! So, you're Cloud. Cid was right, you're easily recognized.

CLOUD: [surprised] Really? I. . . wait, what else did Cid told you about me, eh?

RANMA: Well, urm. . . that's about it (better not tell him about being a prick) and he told me that you're your wife's whipped boy. (Fuck! That too!)

CLOUD: [shocked] WHAT? The old man, meddling into other people's business!

RANMA: [nervously swallows] Look, I'm sorry. He said a mouthful about you.

CLOUD: That's Cid for you. He and Barret should have profanity contest. Anyway, who are you?

RANMA: My name's Ranma. Listen, I know this may sound. . . what's the word? Oh yeah, weird. But I was told to come to you since you know about the Keyblade.

CLOUD: [his face lightens up] What? So, you're the key bearer. This is a surprise. Tell me, who told you about me?

RANMA: It's not Cid since I didn't tell him about my newfound status. His name is Noah and he claims that he knows you.

CLOUD: Oh, I see. . . wait, who's Noah?

RANMA: (figures) He was the one who told me that I am a Keyblade wielder. My world has been attacked by the Heartless and possibly devoured. Look, I have a lot of questions for you. Please help me.

CLOUD: [pauses for a while after listening to him] Why don't we go inside and tell me everything, okay? I also have a lot of questions for you.

Right before Cloud opens the door. He hears a shout from above.

???: ONCOMING DIRTY WATER! EVERYONE GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Cloud immediately gets out of the way. Unfortunately, the information barely registered Ranma's mind as he is occupied with his thoughts. Thus, the water landed on to him and for that, Ranma gave his or her best "very upset look".

CLOUD: VIVI! How many times have I told you not to toss water outside?

VIVI: S-sorry!

CLOUD: [to Ranma] Sorry about that, I- [what he sees in front of is a wet young red-haired girl with the same clothes Ranma wore, much to his surprise]. Uh, who are you?

RANMA: It's me Ranma.

CLOUD: B-but that's impossible! Where's the boy I talked to earlier?

RANMA: [sighs] Listen, I'll tell you everything. But, first, can you prepare for me hot water?

GON: Whoa! Did you see that?

Cloud looks up in the balcony only to see Naruto and Gon who have been watching the incident. Like Cloud, they were surprised also.

CLOUD: Gon? Naruto? Where have you been? And where are the others?

NARUTO: [ignores Cloud's words] It's some kind of magic!

GON: It's amazing!

NARUTO: I wish I have a power like that! With that, I can sneak into. . .

NARUTO/GON: NARU'S ROOM!

Both young boys close their eyes and imagined the things that they will do with a large grin.

RANMA: Hey! I'm not like that!

CLOUD: [skeptic] Riiight. Let's go in.

RANMA: [mumbles] Great, now I have two Happosai-juniors in training.

*********

AKANE: Are there yet?

AERIS: Pretty much.

AKANE: So let me get this straight, the Heartless have been around for centuries?

AERIS: Yes, there were a lot research and theories surrounding the Heartless on why they are here, where they came from and what do they want.

AKANE: Isn't obvious? World domination. That's every big bad's wish list. If you ask me, that sounds pretty lame.

AERIS: True, but there's more into that. The Heartless are after something else.

AKANE: What's that?

AERIS: The Keyblade.

*********

After Vivi gave Ranma, who is sitting on the couch, the hot water, the latter poured onto himself. They are in Cloud and Aeris' room. Cloud is standing in front of him, still stunned. Gon and Naruto stared at the martial artist and are sitting at the chairs.

CLOUD: First things first. What the hell happened to you?

RANMA: It all started when my dad and I went to this place called Jusenkyo. It was said the springs there are cursed. Now each spring has claimed its own victims in terms of the victims either drowned or were drowned by other forces [Ranma remembers what happened to Akane]. The victims were either a pig, cat, duck, a panda, a monk, a yeti, a goddess and etc. You name it, they got it, I think. Back then, my dad proposed a sparring match to me, but the Jusenkyo Guide, a man in charge of guarding the springs, warned us not to go there. Of course we didn't understand him because none of us can speak Chinese and we went on. After a few fights, I knocked my old man into the Spring of Drowned Panda or Shonmaoniichuan. When he got out of the water, I freaked out and before I could move an inch, he knocked me out into the Spring of Drowned Girl or Nyannichuan. Then, the rest is history as you see my cursed form. Any questions?

VIVI: [nervously] How did you deal with it?

RANMA: I managed to accept it but that doesn't mean I like it. Time to time, I got into trouble. But being a half-girl has its advantages also.

NARUTO: Like sneaking into the girls' locker room?

RANMA: [glares at Naruto for asking that question] NO! I don't do that kind of stuff! [pauses] Well, maybe BUT in case of emergencies like getting a certain item. Look, I'm telling the truth. If you don't want to believe me, fine!

CLOUD: Easy! I believe you. I've seen weirder things than that.

VIVI: Me too.

RANMA: Thanks. [Ranma immediately likes Vivi for his humility]

CLOUD: Now that's settled. What did this "Noah" told about the Heartless and the Keyblade?

Ranma recalls what Noah has said to him back then and summarizes it to them. Afterwards, Cloud is silent and thinking on what he had just said.

CLOUD: I've never met anyone by the name of "Noah".

VIVI: He must be from your world or he must have heard of you.

CLOUD: Could be. But that doesn't make any sense. How did he know about the Key Bearers and what has happened to them? No. . .

RANMA: What? Tell me!

CLOUD: The Heartless, as Noah said to you, came from those who've lost their hearts. That's true but there another thing. Most people are attracted to power thus the Heartless has all the goods they want. In short, they are already evil before the Heartless. Now, these people took the liberties of sending the world into darkness like killing people. At the same time, they also kill the potential Key Bearers for they are their obstacles. From what I can remember, out of thousands of potentials, only a few have managed to stand and fight. The history of this war has been recorded in Hollow Bastion. It's either your friend has been siding on the Heartless or he must have read the details of this war.

RANMA: So, let's go there and find some answers.

CLOUD: It's not that easy. Hollow Bastion is guarded by the Heartless. The last successful raid was twelve years ago by the Key Bearer and his two friends. Recently, the Heartless took over and despite giving what we got, we lost a lot of people and escaped. Then it has happened again after twelve years. I forgot to mention that there are a lot of different types of Heartless. They are identified in terms of classes. The highest classes are the ones you have to look out for.

RANMA: Noah said that the worlds have been disconnected again.

CLOUD: Yes.

RANMA: What happened to the Key Bearer and his friends afterwards?

CLOUD: I wasn't there at the time since I was looking for my wife. After I found her, she told me everything. Unfortunately, we don't know what happened to them. We assumed that they got back from their world. Unfortunately, not all worlds are restored thus the survivors have to relocate to other worlds. Ranma, I want you to come with me to the balcony. I want to show you something.

Ranma complied Cloud's request and followed him to the balcony. There the two just stood there.

CLOUD: [points at the sky] Look at the sky and the stars. I've been taught that if a star disappears, it means that a world disappears by the Heartless. Few hours ago, I saw a star disappearing and suddenly reappearing again. It means that the world has been saved.

RANMA: Okay, so what's this got to do with me?

CLOUD: Good news is your world isn't devoured.

RANMA: [surprised] GET OUT!

CLOUD: [sarcastic] You're welcome.

RANMA: That means-

CLOUD: If you think you're going home, not so fast. Hand me your Keyblade.

RANMA: What?

CLOUD: Your Keyblade. Trust me, I won't run off.

Ranma reluctantly gave the Keyblade to Cloud. As Cloud holds the Keyblade, it suddenly disappears from his hand and appears in Ranma's hand.

CLOUD: That means you're the official Keybearer. Only you will hold the Keyblade as long as your heart isn't corrupted by evil.

RANMA: But Noah said that the Keybearer can good or evil.

CLOUD: Ah, that. It's true. In terms of the counter attack, the Heartless has also their own Keybearers. But these Keybearers are corrupted by power thus leading them into the darkness. I hope you won't become one of them. If you do, I have no choice but to kill you.

RANMA: Thanks for the message. What do we do now?

CLOUD: We wait for a while until my team comes back from patrolling the town and then-

A loud crash can be heard outside. Ranma and Cloud saw the commotion from the balcony. A large armored creature emerges. Its height is 10 ft. tall while its body is covered with black armor. The helmet reminisces of the knights of the Medieval Ages. The body armor is somewhat large but fitted. But, it carries a huge mace on its right hand and a sword on its left. A large black heart can be seen from its chest.

RANMA: What the fucking hell is that?

CLOUD: It's a Cniht, a minion of the Heartless. It's very dangerous. He's the Keybearer slayer. How good are you with the Keyblade?

RANMA: Good so far.

GON: [from inside] CLOUD! THE HEARTLESS HAVE RAIDED EVERYWHERE! WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?

CLOUD: Fuck. You know what this means?

RANMA: [smirks] Kicking ass? I definitely think so.

**********

NEXT: The Nerima Wrecking Crew reunites to fight the Cniht. But the question is, which fight will they survive: the uber-Heartless or each other?

**********

AUTHOR'S NOTES: The first dialogue between Ukyo and the Bartender is based on the Buffy episode "Doppelgangland" where Anya nearly says the same thing. So, I'm just borrowing the line (since I find it very funny) so don't sue me. Also Buffy belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. I forgot, the talk between Akane and the stranger is based on "Enter The Matrix" video game. Again, The Matrix belongs to the Wachowski Bros.

Can any of you recommend some websites about English translations of Russian, Latin, French, Japanese, Hindu, Chinese and other European and ancient-like languages? Thanks!

Again, I am not good in action sequences. Give me time.