The First Trip, Mixed Emotions and Labor Pains
RANMA: (Ooookaaaay. . .where are we?)
The six of them stood in the darkness. Last they remember they were engulfed in the light. Unfortunately, Ranma forgot to ask Cloud on where they are going. Deep down, all of them wished they wouldn't land on some hellish place. But, like everyone knows, fate's a real bitch. In the meantime, Ranma got into thinking that maybe being hostile to the others wouldn't last forever. He knew sooner or later he would have to confront them formally and settle their differences once and for all. He then decided to be civil so that there wouldn't be any problems. After all, they're going to be his companions for this journey, for better or for worse. Ranma also wished that his hatred against them [except Akane] would wash away for good.
RANMA: (Maybe I should be nice to them. I indirectly dragged them into this so the best thing I should do is making them feel. . .what's the word? Oh yeah, comfy. Wait, comfy in what sense? Who knows, maybe we might land in another world where we could be slaves! We might land where the old lecher is a ruler of a world!) [gulps] (Okay, mentioning that, I better stop thinking on the possibilities and start focusing on getting the job done. And if God forbid, maybe we could go to the mall and watch movies. After that, we could all lie down and pray we didn't do that).
AKANE: Ranma?
RANMA: [back to his senses] Huh?
AKANE: Where are we?
RANMA: [shrugs] I don't know.
UKYO: [worried] What do you mean you don't know?
RANMA: [nervous] Well. . .I forgot to ask where we're going.
RYOGA: What do you mean you forgot? Do you have any idea that we might be lost in some unknown place and never get back?
RANMA: (Well, we're now doing a Ryoga alright) Look, just calm down. I'm sure everything will be all right. (Nice Saotome, next thing you know we might be in hell literally)
RYOGA: All right? All right? You have no idea what you've gotten us into!
RANMA: [frustrated] LOOK! I'm sorry I forgot to ask where we are going! But, if we keep this bickering at any rate, we'll never finish this and spend our lives doing this forever!
MOUSSE: He's right.
Everyone looked at him as if he has something on his face.
MOUSSE: We have to stop fighting. Look, think of this as an adventure! Away from the state of boringness during summer, away from the prying old ghoul- [Shampoo whacks Mousse in the face] OW! What did you do that for?
SHAMPOO: [angry] Stupid duck boy! How dare you mock great-grandmother! [She hits Mousse one more time]
MOUSSE: [winces from the pain] OW! Now what?
SHAMPOO: This is for you being here!
UKYO: Aren't you a little harsh?
MOUSSE: Don't mind her. She's a little. . .tense.
AKANE: How come we're not that surprised by that fact?
SHAMPOO: [glares at Akane] Is Super Violent Tomboy implying something?
RYOGA: [sweatdrops] Okay, maybe we should calm down.
Akane and Shampoo ignore Ryoga's request.
AKANE: You know, for someone who's smart and manipulative, you sure don't speak straight Japanese for a long time. [taunts] What's the matter? Chasing Ranma already decreasing your brain cells?
SHAMPOO: [angry] SHUT UP, SHE-MAN! You can't even beat me at a simple arm- wrestling.
AKANE: You know what? Right now, I've been motivated positively by your own kind words by beating the bloody hell out of you!
UKYO: Guys, stop it.
SHAMPOO: Ranma doesn't want a violent homewrecker! Ranma needs love and compassion, so Shampoo's here for him.
AKANE: I pity the one who created you. You're officially in the pantheon of regretted creations: Hitler, Happosai, you. . .Barney.
UKYO: Oh Akane lighten up!
AKANE: And who are you tell me to stop messing around?
UKYO: You know what? If the fate of the world depends on you winning in a thumb wrestling contest, I'd pity the ones who rely on you.
MOUSSE: Okay, now why don't you lovely ladies calm down and-
AKANE/SHAMPOO/UKYO: SHUT UP!
Mousse flinches immediately.
RYOGA: Nice. Let this lesson be learned: never ever interrupt a girl fight, especially when it comes to them.
MOUSSE: I hear ya.
RANMA: Ditto. In a hard way.
Out of the blue, all of them felt in an uneasy matter. The girls stopped fighting. They looked around to see what was going on but couldn't because of the darkness. With a blink of an eye, the darkness disappeared around them only to see white clouds and clear blue skies. It only took them a few seconds to know where they are.
RANMA: Um, guys? Don't look down but. . .
Too late. The six of them suddenly fell quickly from the sky. All of them screamed with horror while at the same time, Mousse is quickly looking for a parachute or a similar floating device to make their fall safe. To make matters worse, when they saw the ground, they're now falling into the deep blue sea. This definitely worries Ryoga, Mousse and Shampoo, especially Ryoga since even up to now, Akane still doesn't know that he's P-Chan and prefers to keep it that way.
RYOGA: [panics] MOUSSE, WHERE'S THAT PARACHUTE?!
MOUSSE: I-I CAN'T FIND IT!
SHAMPOO: MOUSSE, HURRY UP!!!
MOUSSE: [panics] SHIT! IT'S NOT HERE!!!
UKYO: TELL ME YOU'RE JOKING!
RYOGA: NO WAY!!!
Ranma, Mousse and Shampoo understand Ryoga's dilemma. If Akane learns that he's P-Chan, rest assured he'll receive his first trip courtesy of Akane Mallet Airlines. Then again, in Ranma's case, payback's a bitch. As they are near at the top of the water, dragon with suddenly flew at their side and manages to catch them before they could reach the water. When they land at the top of the dragon, they hold on tightly its skin as they reached for its destination: dry land. The dragon flew quickly and reaches to an island. During this time, they saw a huge ornate house and a small village. The dragon then landed at the forest. The gang slowly climbed down from the dragon and looked around at their surroundings. The forest is clean and peaceful, which then reminds them of home. They looked at the dragon carefully. Its skin is white. Not exactly pearly white but white nonetheless. Its hair is more of mint green. This particular dragon is more of a serpent-like creature. The dragon looks at them carefully.
AKANE: [scared] Ranma. . .w-what is that?
SHAMPOO: [glomps at Ranma like she depended her life on it] Aiyah! Airen, what's that?
The dragon turns into a young boy from their very own eyes.
HAKU: So you came finally. He told me that you would come here though I didn't expect you to bring companions. He told me nothing about the last part.
RANMA: [surprised] Who are you and how did you know us?
HAKU: He told me about you. I've heard about stories about the Keybearer but this is the first time I've met one since him.
RANMA: [flattered] Wow, I'm famous then?
HAKU: Infamous at the same time. Demons have feared you yet are after you. You are their obstacle. He told me that my world will be facing a threat from the demons.
RANMA: You mean the Heartless?
HAKU: The Heartless? I prefer to call them demons. No offense, but the Heartless sounds well. . .kiddy. Not based on my very own eyes.
RANMA: You've seen them?
HAKU: It was about years ago when they came here. They were ferocious and dangerous. They destroyed a lot of properties and killed some of the people here. Out of nowhere, he came, he saw and he killed them. What's surprising is that he was wounded badly and there's something weird about him. I immediately took care of him without Yubaba knowing. He stayed for a while until he regained his health back. He told me that the demons would pursue this world. He came back last week that you would come. The weird thing is, he was kind of in a hurry.
RANMA: Noah told you this?
HAKU: Noah? I was talking about Kiev.
RANMA: Who's Kiev?
RYOGA: What are you guys talking about?
HAKU: Kiev is a warrior. I can immediately tell that he wasn't from this world. His aura is different from ours. Just like yours.
RANMA: So Kiev's a Keywielder?
HAKU: He told me that-
Haku stops talking as he remembers something.
HAKU: Listen, I apologize but I don't have time for a chat. We have to go to Aburaya immediately. [he runs immediately]
RANMA: Hey! Wait up! [right before he runs after the mysterious boy, he looks at the five still-bewildered companions who try to make sense of what has happened] What are you guys standing there? C'mon!
UKYO: [confused] Is he talking about us?
RYOGA: I really don't know. Ranma, what the hell's going on here?
MOUSSE: This is a dream. This is a dream. [he pinches himself very hard] Okay, this ain't a dream. This is the freaking Twilight Zone.
RANMA: Guys, I'm not gonna wait for you. We better hustle.
Leaving no choice, Ranma, followed by Akane, Shampoo, Mousse, Ukyo and Ryoga, followed Haku's lead. They began to go into the town where, to the NWC's surprise, it's occupied by dark, ghostly figures doing the things normal humans would do. Haku stops for a moment to check if someone is following them. They then continued their run and then Haku turns right to the side of the building. He knew that they were tired and wanted some answers but at the same time he knew Chihiro would be fine with Kamaji. He watched as Ranma stopped for a while to rest as the same goes for the rest. Ukyo and Ryoga were the last ones to arrive. What's interesting is that she was holding his hand. Ukyo noticed the stares and defends herself.
UKYO: Ryoga easily gets lost so I held his hand so he wouldn't- [they continue to stare] What?
SHAMPOO: Um, nothing.
RYOGA: Hey! It's not that Ukyo and I have a thing together-
UKYO: [whacks Ryoga in the head with her spatula] WE don't have a "thing" together, jackass!
RYOGA: [winces from the pain] Hey! I was just trying to tell them that it was grateful for my part to help me. You always jump into conclusions.
RANMA: [ignores Ukyo and Ryoga's little tirade] Hey, we didn't get your name.
HAKU: I don't know.
MOUSSE: Excuse me?
HAKU: It's funny I know. I don't really remember. All I know is that my name is Haku.
AKANE: "White".
RANMA: Huh?
AKANE: His name literally means "white" so. . .white dragon. You can transform into a white dragon.
SHAMPOO: [rolls eyes] Is that a "duh"?
RANMA: So, tell us. What's with the hurry and what's Aburaya? And what the hell's with the place?
HAKU: This is the world where gods and monsters co-exist. Humans, on the other hand, aren't so fortunate.
MOUSSE: What are you talking about?
HAKU: You see, in this place, humans aren't fully appreciated here. They think that they are "dirty creatures".
RANMA: They couldn't think off another term with good taste?
HAKU: If humans stepped into this world, they automatically turn into pigs.
Everyone widened their eyes as they hear upon this fact. Unknown to Akane and Ukyo, Ranma, Mousse and Shampoo found this amusing. Ryoga, on the other hand, is shell shocked at the moment. Human turned into pigs, as if that was news to him.
RANMA: Humans turned to pigs, eh? [smirks at Ryoga] Hey, P-Chan, guess you might have some company after all.
RYOGA: [angry] SHUT UP RANMA!
Akane and Ukyo are still oblivious to the vague hints Ranma gave about Ryoga.
SHAMPOO: Why do humans turn pigs?
HAKU: The head of Aburaya, Yubaba, is a greedy witch who despises humans. You can see the analogy between humans and pigs.
RANMA: Oh, I can see the analogy all right. [Ryoga glares at him]
HAKU: Aburaya is a bath house owned by Yubaba herself. That is the place where I will be taking you.
RANMA: Wait. You're human. So why didn't you become a pig? Why didn't we become pigs? (This is the dumbest question I've ever asked)
Just as Ranma finishes his question, thunder can be heard from above and from the looks of it, it might rain.
HAKU: It's going to rain, I better take you there. Let's go.
Haku and the rest made a mad dash along the narrow lanes, through a building which stores all kinds of food, including live pigs in the pens. This made Ryoga cringe. They finally reached the bridge across the Aburaya.
HAKU: [faces the gang] Listen to me very well. The reason why you didn't turn into pigs is because all of you didn't belong to this world. Like Kiev. When one from the outside world enters this world, he, she or it are immune to the curses and magic by anyone here. But, this depends on the person itself. There might be chances that someone from another world might suffer of becoming a pig or being cursed.
RANMA: So, we're safe, right?
HAKU: Yes.
AKANE: But there's gotta be a "but".
HAKU: None, so no need for worries. Actually, Kiev gave me a spell to protect you from the curse just in case.
RANMA: Okay, now what? We're not here for a bath (though I feel dirty and tired).
HAKU: The Keyhole? Yes, I know. I wasn't able to find it. [Haku looks at the sky] It's going to rain soon. It's best that you don't enter the place at the front door. Just follow me.
Haku went to the bathhouse as the gang are surprised and freaked out by the customers going to the place. They see a group of weird creatures getting of the boat and wear strange masks and Sokutai, but their bodies are like shadows.
HAKU: Don't mind them. They're regular customers. They're known as Kasuga- Sama.
SHAMPOO: What's that?
They looked where Shampoo is pointing. They see creatures with antlers while their hair looked like grass with different colors.
HAKU: They're known as Ushionis.
UKYO: Are they harmful?
HAKU: Only if you provoked them.
As they reached the front door, Haku is greeted by a small frog wearing a blue Japanese robe.
AOGAERU: Master Haku! What are you still doing here? Didn't mistress Yubaba sent you on an assignment? If she finds out about this-
HAKU: Relax, I'll be on my way for a while. Oh and by the way.
Haku froze everyone with a time stopping spell. The gang is stunned by this.
HAKU: Quickly, [points at the side door] go there, now!
The gang, led by Ranma, goes to the side door and entered a small garden. Haku takes a look around before entering. As he closes the door, the spell stops functioning thus everything went back to normal. Aogaeru is still curious on what had just happened but decides to shrug it off.
AKANE: Correct me, if I'm wrong here but YOU worked for Yubaba?
HAKU: The sad thing is, all of you haven't met her yet. You don't know who she is.
RYOGA: Let me guess, evil, greedy and manipulative? You already summed up those parts.
HAKU: You don't understand.
MOUSSE: Oh we understand. You fooled us into thinking that there is this. . ."Keyhole" in this world.
RANMA: All worlds have Keyholes.
MOUSSE: Whatever. And of all things, you brought us to the spider's web.
HAKU: If I am evil, you guys would be dead by now.
UKYO: But why are you helping us despite you siding with her?
HAKU: [sighs] It's complicated but we don't have time. You have to trust me.
RANMA: [still skeptic] Okay then, what's next?
HAKU: Yubaba assigned me to get something, this means that you're on your own. But before that, you will go that door [points at the door behind the trees]. It will lead you downstairs to the boiler room. As you reach there, talk to a man named Kamaji. He already knows that you will arrive. To let him know that you're the one, say this quote: "Life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of you."
RANMA: Um okay. Question, just how many know that we're here?
HAKU: Just me and Kamaji, I think. Don't let Yubaba know everything or else. One last thing, look for a girl name Chihiro, but her name is Sen in this place.
SHAMPOO: She has two names?
HAKU: It's a long story but inside, call her Sen. But if you're outside, call her Chihiro so that she won't forget her real name. Now, hurry. It's gonna rain.
As Haku goes outside, he is called by Ranma.
RANMA: You'll come back right?
HAKU: Yes, by tomorrow.
Haku then went outside before Ranma could say anything. Shampoo opened the door and finds a staircase going down.
*****************
SHAMPOO: Ranma, you trust him?
RANMA: I don't know.
AKANE: Then why are you doing this?
RANMA: [decides to ignore Akane's question] We have to keep moving.
Ranma goes down to the boiler room while the others followed, each with their own skepticism.
MOUSSE: I can't believe he's doing this.
RYOGA: No, I can't believe WE'RE doing this.
UKYO: He probably has his reasons (I'll bet he won't tell us, unless he's ready or he's actually interested).
RANMA: We should go now.
As they went down, they notice that the train is passing by below. Even by now, they still couldn't believe that the rail tracks are located in the water. They carefully but quickly went down to the boiler room. Ranma, being in the lead, opened the door as the rain began to pour. Ryoga quickly went inside first and followed by the others. They spotted a huge furnace, fed by coal carried carried across the floor by a group of strange wispy black-ball creatures. They looked weak but surprisingly they can carry a huge coal [to their size] across to the furnace.
KAMAJI: Excuse me but who are you and what are you doing here? If all of you are looking for work, I'm sorry but I've got enough workers to help me.
RANMA: We, um. . .[looks at the others for help and then smiles] You guys remember that he said to us? [They groaned]
AKANE: It's "life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of you", dumbass!
RANMA: Excuse me if I can't remember every word!
UKYO: Hey, he's looking at us. Ranma, say it.
Ranma was surprised when Ukyo called him his real name instead of the usual "Ran-chan".
RANMA: [sighs] "Life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of you."
KAMAJI: Hmm, seems you've met the boy. [He stops grinding herbs and stands up. To their surprise, he has many arms like a spider. Kamaji is tired of everyone looking at him like a freak] Stop staring at me like that! You've seen the customers of this place so you should get used to it.
RYOGA: Oh we've tried very hard.
KAMAJI: I hope you guys won't do much worse than that girl. She caused a commotion yesterday. I still can't believe that she managed to get a job and not turn into a pig. Such a brave girl, if you ask me. [looks at Ranma] So, you're the Keywielder.
RANMA: Keybearer.
KAMAJI: Keybearer, Keywielder. They all have the same meaning. Now, remove your shoes and sit in the wooden floor. We have much to talk about.
The gang removes their shoes and places it on the floor. The Susuwatari continued their work as the teens sat on the floor. Kamaji looks at them.
KAMAJI: I didn't expect you would bring companions to your quest. I guess all of you must have bonded together to save the worlds.
ALL: [protests, except Ranma] No we're not.
KAMAJI: Excuse me?
RYOGA: I didn't sign up for Voluntary Peace Corps. Meaning, I have no interest for this. I was taken against my own will.
RANMA: Taken against your own will? Then why the hell did you came closer to the light?
RYOGA: I was curious! I didn't know this will happen!
MOUSSE: We're still confused on what's going on.
RANMA: I thought they told you about Heartless 101 back at Traverse Town.
AKANE: The information still hasn't registered to my brain completely.
KAMAJI: I see. Same thing happened to me before.
RANMA: Haku told us that this world was attacked years ago and was saved by a man name Kiev. Who is he?
KAMAJI: Ah, I remember. Nice young man. He brooded most of the time.
RANMA: Haku or Kiev?
KAMAJI: The latter. I was still working when I heard screams from above. It was then the demons or Heartless has invaded this world. I remember Yubaba and Haku were trying to eliminate them but with no avail. Suddenly, he came out of nowhere. He killed every demon with incredible speed. He used a lot of magic but I sense that it was no ordinary magic. He can teleport too. But afterwards he disappeared. It was later that day when Haku found him in the alley one night. He told me that it's best that Yubaba doesn't know that he's still here or otherwise she might exploit his abilities. I took care for him for weeks until he was cured. During that time I noticed he had a wound in his body. I doubt it was from those demons. It looked like a sword slash.
RANMA: How was he during his recovery?
KAMAJI: He was doing fine but he mumbled something like "why?", "no" and this startled me the most, "darkness".
RANMA: How can that be startling, unless the way how he says it sounds creepy?
KAMAJI: The way he said it as if he announced that something will happened. I don't know but that tone sent me shivers down my spine. Also, his eyes were strange. Can't describe it except they seem dark. I don't know so I'm sorry if I can't remember everything. Besides, it's been too long.
Everyone is silent after this. Akane then remembered something.
AKANE: Wait. Do you know anything about a girl named. . .Sen?
KAMAJI: Sen? Oh yes, Sen. She's a good girl except she's a bit slow. (I wonder how she's doing after what happened?) Let me guess, the boy told you about her. [They nodded] Despite the boy's good intentions, I don't trust him.
UKYO: Is it because he works for Yubaba?
KAMAJI: He can't remember who he is. He's here because he wants to learn Yubaba's sorcery. The boy has nowhere else to go.
SHAMPOO: Strange boy told us to look for her.
KAMAJI: (Hmmm. . .this unusual for him) In that case, she has brown hair, very skinny if you asked me. Small but willful. You can easily find her since she's the only human in this world that wasn't turned into a pig.
RYOGA: Why is she even here in the first place?
KAMAJI: From her story, she said that she and her parents found the town empty. She told me that her parents were eating some food and she wants to get out so she looked around the town and when she came back, her parents turned into pigs. She was found by Haku and well, the rest is history.
MOUSSE: Wait, we're humans. How come we didn't turn into pigs? Haku said those who came from another world are immune to this curse, not that I'm complaining.
KAMAJI: Well, humans in this world are viewed as greedy pigs. They destroy their own environment and couldn't care less other than themselves and their material possessions.
AKANE: It's no different from our world.
Kamiji pauses for a while.
KAMAJI: Work will begin soon and as expected there will be customers. If you're looking for the girl, I suggest you don't go up wearing that. Suspicion will rise to everyone, including Yubaba. I think I got an idea. You kids wait here. I'll call for some few arrangements.
RANMA: One last question, from the scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, how big is Yubaba as a threat?
KAMAJI: Well, I'll be frank. Don't fight against her. She can turn you into cockroaches in an instant. Now, I'll have to make some arrangements.
Kamaji uses the phone to ask Lin to get six uniforms, three guys and three girls, and place them on the lift. Lin asks why but Kamaji tells her some good excuse, which convinces the girl. As the conversation goes, the five dragged Ranma into one corner for interrogation.
AKANE: All right Ranma, speak up. Who're Noah and Kiev?
RANMA: [trying to explain properly] I, um. . .well. . .
RYOGA: Dammit Ranma, spill it!
RANMA: Hey, hey! Easy!
MOUSSE: Saotome, please explain to us what has happened? Even with the debriefing back at that town, I'm still confused.
RANMA: Look, I know Noah (do I?). But, Kiev? I've never heard of him?
AKANE: Who then is Noah?
RANMA: Noah is the one who told me that I am the current Keywielder and the threat of the Heartless. Plus, he gives me some philosophical stuff he can write a book about it.
SHAMPOO: So you tell us that Noah told you your, um, [she tries to find a perfect word for it] journey?
RANMA: Yeah. He also knew about you guys.
ALL: [surprised] What?
RANMA: Okay, that didn't come out right. Just your names. I don't know how he knows your names.
UKYO: He?
RANMA: Yeah. He's a he. I'm sure of it. I managed to check him out.
Everyone's eyes widen at the revelation.
RANMA: [finds out what they're thinking] No! Not that kind of "checking out"! Jeez, I can't believe you guys are perverted than me.
AKANE: [offended] Hey!
RANMA: Oh, come on Akane. You keep accusing me of being one. Just admit it that when you first saw me naked you had the hots for me.
Akane blushed furiously.
RYOGA: Ranma, that's disgusting! You dare to show yourself to her?
SHAMPOO: [smiles at Ranma] Ranma, would you do that for me?
RANMA: No! No! It was an accident. It was my first time at the Tendo's. She didn't know about the curse at that time. [looks at Akane] Can you please back me up?
AKANE: I don't know. [gives a sly grin] You did quite a show for back then. Not bad for a perverted dumbass.
RANMA: HEY!
AKANE: [looks at the others] And did you guys know that his size was. . .
RANMA: [embarrassed] AKANE! THAT'S ENOUGH! [softly] Please?
AKANE: What goes around, comes around Ranma.
RANMA: [rolls eyes] Oh please. I'm not the only who had nude escapades in the past.
Ranma looks at everyone. They are currently dead silent.
MOUSSE: Saotome, just one question.
RANMA: As long as it doesn't involve my "thing".
MOUSSE: [disgusted] Eeew. Why the hell would I ask that? Actually, It's about this Noah person. You said that he was the one who revealed that you're the current Keywielder, in a sense compared to a watcher to a slayer, Obi-wan to Luke and Morpheus to Neo.
RYOGA: You're saying Ranma's the "one"?
MOUSSE: Nah, just making an analogy. What if he was lying to you?
RANMA: Why would he be lying to me? You all saw those demons that attacked Nerima and Traverse Town.
MOUSSE: What I meant was, this quest of yours has got to have a catch. Sure saving the worlds other than ours is fine, but at what price? And are you sure you're working for the good guys?
RANMA: [stunned] Since when did you get so creepy and paranoid?
MOUSSE: I'm just saying that you have to be prepared in case. And stop calling me creepy and paranoid.
RANMA: Don't you mean "we"?
UKYO: No, Ranma. You were called. So you have to face the things that are coming into your way.
RANMA: But you guys are now with me. Can't you guys help me?
UKYO: Help you? We didn't ask for this. I didn't sign up for the world peace campaign.
RANMA: Oh come on.
UKYO: I'm sure you can handle this on your own.
RANMA: I can't fight this on my own, I admit that.
RYOGA: The Great Ranma Saotome, now being humble and admitting his weakness. That's new as far as I can remember.
RANMA: What about the time when we team up against Pantyhose Taro, the Musk and Saffron? We were good as a team.
UKYO: [raises her hand] Except I wasn't there.
RYOGA: I don't recall working as a team against Herb, Lime and Mint.
MOUSSE: We did, for desperation. You forgot already?
RYOGA: Oh yeah. I forgot. Sorry.
RANMA: Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime, Ms. Kuonji. [sighs] All I'm saying is that what's happened happens. I know all of you didn't want this. I'm in the same league. Heck, I didn't want Akane to be here. I didn't want her to get hurt. Same to you guys (well, 10% for making my life miserable). Can you guys help me? I knew I gave you guys the shitty treatment back then at Traverse Town and for that I'm sorry. I wasn't thrilled when I saw you guys again after what you did at the wedding and mostly my life. Then again, all of you should be sorry. But. . .who the hell am I kidding?
KAMAJI: [walks to them] Sorry if interrupt something but I got your uniforms. [gives them their uniforms] Hope they're in the right size. [he continues to work]
AKANE: [looks at the uniforms] What do you know, blue for boys and pink for girls. How come I sense gender discrimination?
SHAMPOO: Just wear it. Looks pretty to me. I don't know for the rest of you.
Shampoo is about to remove her clothes when Ranma begins to stop her from doing it.
RANMA: [blushes] Um, Shampoo, um, could you, um. . .
SHAMPOO: [smiles] What Airen? Don't you want to see me in my beautiful figure?
RANMA: [blushes] No Shampoo. It's just that, um-
AKANE: [pissed] What he meant was there are other people watching you. [drags Shampoo] Come, before you might cause some nosebleeds.
SHAMPOO: Hey! What are you doing? Let go of me!
UKYO: Very strong warrior, yet lack in manners.
The girls went to one corner while the guys began to dress up in another. After a while, they are now dressed in their work clothes.
UKYO: Not bad.
SHAMPOO: Too loose but overall okay.
AKANE: Looks nice. How about you guys?
The guys aren't impressed on their new uniforms.
RYOGA: I look like a shmuck.
MOUSSE: It's too short.
RANMA: I look like a dumbass.
AKANE: What are you guys complaining about? You look fine.
RANMA: [frowns] We look gay. Gay as tangerine. There's one thing left to do.
RYOGA: Oh no! If you're thinking of changing into a girl, forget it! Mousse and I will look like men wearing baby clothes.
MOUSSE: I can always change into a duck. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Why don't you-
RYOGA: NO! [this startles everyone] I mean I don't want to be left alone, that's all.
RANMA: [sighs] Fine. We won't change, for now.
UKYO: Let's get a move on shall we?
RANMA: [surprised] So, finally joining the brigade?
UKYO: Reluctantly yes. Like I have nowhere else to go.
RANMA: [looks at the rest] How about you guys?
SHAMPOO: [glomps at Ranma] Wherever Ranma goes, Shampoo follows!
AKANE: I'll go with you. [glares at Shampoo] For some quality control.
MOUSSE: Sign me up. If we get to be sacrificed, we all know who we'll get to blame.
Ranma looks at Ryoga, who is silent.
RANMA: What about you, P-Chan?
RYOGA: Fine. [whacks Ranma's head] AND DON'T YOU DARE CALL ME P-CHAN!
RANMA: [holds his head] Good.
RYOGA: Besides, while we're together, I might as well conduct some unfinished business.
RANMA: What're you talking about?
KAMAJI: Hey kids. Work's about to begin. Use the lift here. [points at the small lift] When you get there, don't let anyone, most especially Yubaba, notice you. You may work but as soon as you find the keyhole, leave. Nothing more, nothing less.
SHAMPOO: But, what about Sen? Haku told us to find her.
KAMAJI: Hmm, it seems he cares for the girl. But, I can't trust him, being Yubaba's assistant. If my guts are correct, she'll probably assign the girl to do the worst job ever in the bathhouse which is cleaning the big bath, which is reserved for the dirtiest customers. It would be best if you could help her.
RANMA: Okay. [looks at the rest] Shall we?
MOUSSE: Wait, where do we leave our clothes?
KAMAJI: Here, [opens the drawer] put it here. [they put it in the drawer] Now, good luck.
**************
The teens entered the lift one by one until the last one entered and went up. As they gathered together, they get to see what it is like in the Aburaya. The place is big, filled with workers and customers of different kinds. They are stunned of the creatures that they see. While looking for Sen, they encountered odd creatures in hot baths, food being prepared by the Yunas. They saw at one point the Ootori-Sama or Gods of Birds which they loved to bathe. While this is walking, they engaged into a conversation.
AKANE: This is got to be the most weirdest place ever since Ryugensawa. (I wonder how Shinnosuke's doing?)
MOUSSE: I've encountered weird creatures before but this, this takes the icing in the cake.
UKYO: And I thought Nerima is weird.
AKANE: Nerima isn't that weird before Ranma came in.
RANMA: Hey! You sound as if I brought the apocalypse to Nerima. Besides, there's always Kuno.
AKANE: Sure there's Kuno and the rest of my wannabe suitors, but I consider it normal.
RANMA: Speaking of weird, [he stops and looks around] where's Ryoga?
SHAMPOO: [groans] Pig-boy got lost again! I can't believe this!
AKANE: We have to find him! He'll get lost in a place like this!
RANMA: [groans] Why the fucking hell did he do that? Bad timing! Okay, we'll split up. Akane and I will check at the ground floor-
SHAMPOO: [upset] HEY! Shampoo will go with Ranma!
RANMA: Shampoo, we have NO time for this! [Shampoo flinches but nods in agreement] Okay, Akane and I will check at the ground floor. Shampoo, Mousse, see if he's at the upper floors. Ukyo-
UKYO: I know sugar, I'll check at the middle floors. [Ukyo began to move, leaving everyone behind]
SHAMPOO: [curious] What's with Spatula Girl?
MOUSSE: [concerned] Beats me. (Saotome, what the hell is up with you two?)
AKANE: (Why is she like that? Is it because of their verbal fight back then? Why am I concerned with her well-being? She's a manipulative bitch for all I care.)
RANMA: Come on. Let's go.
The group proceeded to find the lost boy. They looked hard but no sign of him. Ukyo was all alone finding Ryoga but she needed to be alone. Her bitter talk with Ranma proved that her friendship with him is over. No matter how sincere he sounds into convincing them to help him, Ukyo knows that Ranma doesn't need help. He's bullshitting, in other words. She didn't want to be with Shampoo and Akane. Mousse? He's tolerable but annoying nonetheless. As for Ryoga, she will always think of him as a clueless jackass. Speaking of the clueless jackass, she finally spotted him [much to her relief] asking for directions to a large impassive creature. It is called a Oshira-Sama or God of Daikon radish. Ukyo could've found the scene hilarious but her anger overcome her and is ready to beat him up for the trouble he caused.
RYOGA: Um, can you please tell me where I am? I got separated from my companions.
UKYO: [angry] HERE I AM, JACKASS! [she hits him hard in the head with her spatula] WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!?
RYOGA: U-ukyo?
UKYO: Damn straight? Who the hell where you expecting, Buddha? Everyone's looking for you!
RYOGA: I'm sorry. I got separated from you guys!
UKYO: Next time you do that, we will completely ditch you!
RYOGA: Hey! What's with the anger? You've completely become a nasty bitch.
UKYO: What do you care? You got Akari and Akane to worry about. So leave me out of this!
RYOGA: It's Ranma isn't?
UKYO: [sighs] You don't know the whole story.
RYOGA: No I don't. But your talks with him kinda sound, I don't know, as if you want to strangle him.
UKYO: Oh, please! What happened to you? From vengeance-hungry to a wuss.
RYOGA: Don't call me a wuss! I had a lot of thinking before this.
UKYO: [raises an eyebrow] Really? Care to spill for information?
RYOGA: You won't understand.
UKYO: Like I care. Let's go before lord Ranma tells us what to do.
RYOGA: Ukyo, what happened?
Ukyo at this point wanted to pour her heart out at him, but decided not to since they're in a public place.
RYOGA: If I remember correctly, you were so high about Ranma and now-
UKYO: Ranma and I got into a fight, okay? We had a verbal war and ended our friendship. That's all there is to know.
RYOGA: You're not telling me everything.
UKYO: Since when did you become my therapist? And what's with you? Guess Akari finally managed to calm you down a bit.
RYOGA: [without thinking] I left Akari.
UKYO: [eyes widened] What? Why? You guys look so cute together with-
RYOGA: If you say the word "pig"-
UKYO: Oh, that's silly. You hate pigs?
RYOGA: More than that.
Ukyo ponders at Ryoga's revelation. He left Akari because he hates pigs? There's got to be more into that.
UKYO: Come on, Hibiki. I know you're hiding something. [grins] You still had a crush on Akane?
RYOGA: Not anymore.
UKYO: [surprised] What? This is a shock. Since when?
Their conversation is suddenly interrupted by Aniyaku, one of the organizers of the bathhouse workers. Let's just say he's not happy seeing his two of his "workers" goofing off.
ANIYAKU: Hey what are two doing? If Mistress Yubaba sees you like this, she'll punish you for your laziness! Now get back to work! We need waiters downstairs!
RYOGA: [stammers] S-sorry!
UKYO: Don't worry sir! We'll go right now!
Ryoga and Ukyo began to make their escape when Aniyaku calls them back. This is not good.
ANIYAKU: [looks at them suspiciously] Have I seen you somewhere before?
UKYO: [nervously comes up with a good excuse] W-we, um, we-
RYOGA: We work here. Don't be silly.
Ukyo looks at Ryoga with much of her surprise. He's more confident than before. Aniyaku still is not convinced of the answer.
ANIYAKU: Really? Then answer me this: who's in charge of the boiler room?
UKYO: Kamaji.
ANIYAKU: I see. Now-
Aniyaku is about to continue the interrogation when Chihiyaku, another of Aburaya's organizers, comes running at him.
CHIHIYAKU: Aniyaku! Lady Yubaba needs us immediately!
ANIYAKU: What? What's wrong?
CHIHIYAKU: I'll explain on the way. Let's go! [Chihiyaku leaves]
ANIYAKU: [looks at Ryoga and Ukyo] Hmm, go back to work and no more slacking! [leaves them behind]
RYOGA: [lets air come out] That was close.
UKYO: I'll say! I thought he's gonna grill us.
RYOGA: If he finds out about us, it's gonna be a warzone here!
UKYO: (So much for the "new" Ryoga.) I'm sorry.
RYOGA: [confused] For what?
UKYO: For being a bitch earlier.
RYOGA: [smiles] Apology accepted. You know, if you need someone to talk to-
UKYO: Thanks for the offer. So, now what?
*************
RANMA: I am SO going to kill Ryoga for this!
Ranma and Akane have been looking for Ryoga for a while, with no such luck.
RANMA: As soon as I find him, I'm gonna ask Mousse for a dog leash!
AKANE: Aren't you a little harsh? Ryoga might get hurt.
RANMA: Ryoga, hurt? That's a laugh. He can handle himself.
AKANE: I'm just concerned you know.
RANMA: After what they did at the wedding? They ruined it. Well for Shampoo and Ukyo's case, but for Ryoga and Mousse, they're after the Nannichuan. That old geezer ruined our chances to cure ourselves.
Ranma spots Mousse and Shampoo. The latter immediately glomps at him, much to Ranma's reluctance and Akane's jealousy.
RANMA: [tries to remove Shampoo from him] Shampoo, let go!
AKANE: Did you find Ryoga?
MOUSSE: No. But we did find our girl.
Mousse points at below. They see Sen or Chihiro cleaning the big bath. She's struggling to keep up with the pressures but she's not giving up. She's doing this to save her parents and herself from Yubaba. Lin tells her how to operate the water funnel for the bath. As Lin leaves, Sen notices the faceless spirit looking at her in the corner. He offers her a lot of tags for her to use, but she refuses his offer for they are so many. He keeps forcing her to take it. This worries Ranma a lot.
RANMA: I don't like the look of this.
MOUSSE: What is that thing?
SHAMPOO: We better help her or she might get into trouble!
RANMA: Then it's settled. Let's go.
AKANE: Wait! What about Ryoga and Ukyo?
Ranma thinks for a few moments.
RANMA: We go help Sen and maybe they'll see us in the baths. Now, people, let's move!
Ranma lead the trio to the elevator. They were about to enter when they saw Aogaeru inside, not looking at them. Thinking that he may have seen them from outside, Ranma tells the others to use the stairs. They quickly went down and when they reached the floor before the bathplace, they saw Ryoga and Ukyo serving food to the customers. They then approached them.
RANMA: Hi! I like tons of sushi and some teriyaki.
UKYO: Just a moment, sir. I'll- [looks at Ranma] Ranma?
RYOGA: What are you doing here?
RANMA: I was about to ask you the same question. We found Sen and we think she's in trouble.
RYOGA: Where is she?
RANMA: Downstairs. Oh yeah, I forgot something.
Ranma punches Ryoga in the head. Ryoga is furious.
RYOGA: [furious] WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?
RANMA: For wasting our time looking for you!
RYOGA: I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!
Ryoga and Ukyo went outside quietly while their customers are singing merrily and rejoined the others. The group reached the hotbaths and sees Sen refusing the Kaonashi's offer.
RANMA: HEY! GET AWAY FROM HER!
SEN: Huh?
The Kaonashi is wondering why a young man is telling him to get away from her. He was trying to help her. He drops the tags in front of her and disappears. Sen looks at the bewildered teens with confusion.
SEN: What are you doing?
RANMA: [confused] Huh?
SEN: He was trying to help me.
SHAMPOO: But he-
SEN: It may look like he was forcing me, but he was trying to help me. He gave me tags for the bath but I refused them because they were too many.
MOUSSE: We're sorry then.
SEN: It's okay. Wait, do I know you?
AKANE: You're Sen, right?
SEN: [surprised] Huh? How did you know?
AKANE: Oh we bumped into Haku-
SEN: [her face lightens up] Haku? Where is he?
MOUSSE: He said that he was going somewhere.
They noticed Sen is smiling as if good news was brought to her.
UKYO: Your spirits seem high.
SEN: [smiles] He was the one who helped me. After my parents were turned into pigs, he was the one who saved me from becoming one. [frowns] But I'm not sure why he's helping me, despite being Yubaba's assistant. Come to think of it, who are you people?
RANMA: We're-
Just as Ranma is about introduce each other, the bath which Sen is fixing is overflowed with water.
SEN: [horrified] Oh no!
AKANE: Nice Ranma. [Akane decides to help Sen and looks at the rest, who're just standing there] Are you guys gonna help us or what?
RYOGA: What do we do?
SEN: Well, you can help me clean this bath.
As the teens help the young girl close the water, a commotion occurred suddenly as the workers and the guests quickly checked out what is going on. Yubaba went down to the lobby to see what is happening. She orders Chihiyaku to get Sen. Chihiyaku immediately searches for the girl and finds her.
CHIHIYAKU: Sen! Lady Yubaba is looking for right now! Hurry!
SEN: Okay! [turns to the teens] I have to go now. Yubaba wants me for something.
RANMA: Sen, I'll go with you. [Sen nods and Ranma turns to the others] You guys stay here. I'll go accompany her just in case.
Sen and Ranma left the bathtubs to go to Yubaba. As Ranma sees Yubaba at the entrance, he freaked out at the old lady's physical appearance. In his point of view, she was damn ugly. Thus her appearance reflects her attitude. If she and Cologne compete in a beauty contest, he would vote the elder Amazon over her.
SEN: What's going on?
YUBABA: Ah Sen, just in time. [approaches her] Now we got a new customer, so I expect you to do your best! Understood? This is your first so you screw it up and I'll turn you into ash!
SEN: Yes.
Ranma looked at Sen with pity. He wants to beat the old hag for making her life so miserable but decides to restrain himself for he might drag her into trouble.
SERVANT: Mistress, here he comes!
YUBABA: Oh great.
Yubaba, Sen and Ranma looked at the approaching customer as the servants ran away from him. To their horror, the customer a huge sludge in which it drips over the floor. What's even worse, he stinks like hell. As the servants and Yubaba cover their noses, Ranma and Sen couldn't breathe because of the foul smell. At this point, Ranma either wanted to faint or to die rather than suffer the disgusting odor of the customer or Okusare- Sama, as it was called. The Okusare-Sama gives the money to Sen, but she couldn't move because of the smell. Yubaba isn't impressed by this.
YUBABA: [angry] SEN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GET THE MONEY FROM HIM! WHAT ARE YOU STANDING THERE FOR?
Ranma decided to receive the money from the stink-god. He feels disgusted as the god gives his payment with mud at his hands. Sen and Ranma lead the god to his bath as the other customers are shepherded away. Ranma couldn't resist dropping the mud at his hands and cleans himself but decides to wait. While the two leads the Okusare-Sama to the baths, Yubaba watches them with amusement from above.
Akane and others are waiting outside for Ranma and Sen and when they see them, they see a shocked and disgusted Sen with a more shocked and disgusted Ranma with dirt in his hands.
AKANE: Ranma? What's going on? What's that in your hands?
SHAMPOO: [concerned] Is everything all right? They don't look too happy. Shampoo wonder why?
It seems the gods have answered Shampoo's answers. The Okusare-Sama approaches to its bath, causing the others to cover their noses. Ukyo, Akane and Mousse wanted to vomit while Ryoga and Shampoo wanted to faint to save themselves from the horror. As the stink-god goes into the bath, leaving a huge amount of dirt, everyone was wondering how they would help Sen and at the same time save themselves from the foul smell. The god plunges into the bath but nothing seems to wash off. To make matters worst, the dirt is spread at floor and it seems to dry slowly like mud.
UKYO: [disgusted] Eeeww! I can't believe we're doing this!
RYOGA: (I can't believe this!) Now what do we do?
SEN: I'll handle this.
Sen struggles to walk since the place is filled with mud-like contents to the wall where the herbal soak is. She manages to get closer to the cabinet to open the switch. Yubaba and Chihiyaku, who is covering his nose, watch the incident. The latter is worried that Sen may ruin the walls but the former is thinking something else. She hasn't seen the six teens before and her gut instinct tells her primarily that they're probably newbies. But, she then senses something strange over them. It's as if they don't belong here at all. Yubaba decides to investigate but not now since she wants to see how they will help the human girl clean up the stink-god. Sen tries to put the tag but slips from her hands. She then manages to put the second tag and sends it to Kamaji for the herbal soak. Yubaba and the foreman are surprised to learn that Sen has so many tags.
SEN: There's a rope at the bathtub. You need to pull it to release the water.
They acknowledge this. Mousse, Shampoo and Akane climbs up the large bath to get the rope. Shampoo was the first one to reach it but is struggling to pull it since her hands are very slippery. Akane followed her and helps her and with Mousse, they pulled the rope to release the water. As the water begins to pour on the creature, the three teens accidentally slipped into the bath and are stuck in the god's body of mud. Ranma, Ryoga, Ukyo and Sen are worried about this and move closer to save them. Fortunately, the Okusare-Sama pulls them out safely. Akane regains her composure when she saw something that was stuck at the stink-god's body.
AKANE: Guys! I think something's stuck in his body! It looks like a thorn!
LIN: SEN! Are you okay?
Sen turns around to see Lin ready to assist her. She had a handkerchief covered at her nose to her chin. She's carrying cleaning materials.
SEN: I'm okay! These people helped me.
RANMA: Akane! What do you mean a thorn?
AKANE: Something's embedded at his side. I'm not sure if it's a thorn.
YUBABA: [amazed] A thorn eh? [to Chihiyaku] Get all the help we can need! I want the windows to be open now!
As the foreman quickly followed his superior's orders, Yubaba jumped off the ledge and floats all the way down to Sen and her friends' location. She knew it wasn't just a thorn.
YUBABA: SEN! LIN! Here! [she produces a rope] Tie it to the thorn!
Ranma quickly goes up to the large bath and gets the rope. While Yubaba calls the other servants to help them, Ranma and Shampoo struggle to tie the rope at the thorn since the herbal soak continues to pour in. Ranma manages to tie it successfully. He gives the go signal to Yubaba and the latter orders the servants to pull the rope. Ranma, along with [in order] Shampoo, Mousse, Akane, Sen, Ukyo, Ryoga and Lin pull the rope harder with the other servants. Yubaba and other well-wishers who are watching encourage them to pull out whatever's there. They pulled and pulled until Ranma sees a bicycle, much to everyone's surprise. They pulled out the bike and stuff comes out from inside. Everyone avoided the pile of rubbish that is coming out. The spirit gives Ranma a watery embrace and splashes some water at the rest, which surprisingly cleans them. As the water lets go of Ranma, he notices that he's holding a small ball. As the steam clears, Yubaba notices something shiny on the floor. It was revealed to be specks of gold left behind by the spirit. The crowd went wild over this and tries to get some gold.
YUBABA: HEY! HEY! CALM DOWN! GUESTS ARE STILL HERE! LET GO OF THAT GOLD RIGHT NOW!
The water begins to evaporate.
YUBABA: [to Ranma] Hey you! Move! He's trying to get out!
Ranma responds to her requests and moves down to join the others. The guest turns out to be the River God or Kawa no Kami. It feels refreshed and laughs out loudly as he flies freely and goes outside the window. It flies through the rainy night. The teens are awed at his appearance. It alone reminds them again that they are in another world, as if Yubaba wasn't enough. The crowd goes wild as they cheer the hard work of the servants. Sen hugs Ranma for helping her and he does the same with a smile. Shampoo decides to join the hugging brigade by glomping Ranma, as usual. They are tired but happy nonetheless. If they hadn't known any better, they used teamwork to help Sen with her problem. Ranma then remembers something of Kamaji's words. He lets go Sen and asks Shampoo to let go of him.
RANMA: Guys, I think we should split before the old lady notices us.
SEN: Where are you going?
RANMA: Sorry Sen. We have to go. We don't want Yubaba to notice us or we'll get into trouble.
UKYO: If you didn't know, she already noticed us while we were cleaning. So much for anonymity.
RANMA: [looks at Yubaba who's telling the servants to drop the gold] We go now quietly to Kamaji's.
SEN: You do know where it is right? [Ranma nods] I'll follow you later. You have to go now.
Ranma and the others quietly slipped away from the maddening crowd. Unknown to them, the Kaonashi is watching them and Sen at the same time. He quietly disappears.
*************
RYOGA: Man, what a day!
AKANE: You said it. I've never been covered with filth in my entire life.
The teens stayed at Kamaji's room. They dressed up to their normal clothes. Unfortunately, all of them are very hungry and very tired.
KAMAJI: You kids did a good job.
RANMA: I believe the credit goes to Sen. She's a fighter all right.
KAMAJI: Yes, I believe so. Anyhow, seems this might be Yubaba's night. She has never collected so much gold from one customer.
RANMA: That will keep her distracted. [his stomach begins to growl] Damn, I've never got to eat since this trip!
RYOGA: Hey Mousse, got some snacks in your sleeves?
MOUSSE: [tries to find some food at his pockets] Sorry guys, no food. All that's left is cannibalism.
SEN: Oh I wouldn't think so.
Everyone looked at the lift to see Sen carrying a tray of food for her saviors.
SEN: [smiles] I never got to say thank you. I thought I wouldn't last at this place.
UKYO: Don't worry. You're okay now, right?
SEN: [hands out the food to them] Yeah. [curious] Wait, why are you here and how did you know Haku?
RANMA: It's kinda a long story. We're not just here to help you. We're looking for something.
SEN: Really? What is it then?
RANMA: Something valuable. Something important.
AKANE: You wouldn't understand even if we told you.
The group eats their meals and finishes it. Ranma, always the hungry boy, wants more food.
RANMA: [smiles] Hey Sen, how about bring me more food?
Akane elbows Ranma in his ribs hard.
AKANE: [to Ranma] I can't believe you! Is this how you say thanks? [to Sen] You have to forgive Ranma here. He's a boy lacking in delicacy.
SEN: It's okay. Is he always like that?
RYOGA: It's always his appetite that he follows most of the time.
UKYO: He acts before he thinks.
MOUSSE: Honestly, he can devour the grocery if he's beyond hungry.
SHAMPOO: Airen maybe not bright but he excels as strong husband.
RYOGA: He insults mostly everyone, especially Akane.
UKYO: He's a free loader just like his father, who's more of a weasel.
MOUSSE: He's arrogant and a sore loser.
SHAMPOO: Sometimes he doesn't even know what he is talking about.
RANMA: HEY! HEY! Enough with the insults! I think she gets it!
RYOGA: Those were not insults, just comments made by us about you.
MOUSSE: Constructive criticism in other words.
RANMA: [sneers] Hmph! More like destructive criticism.
Sen giggles at the comments made by them. Ranma frowns at her.
SEN: [tries not to laugh] Sorry. It's just that sometimes I get so lonely at this place.
UKYO: Don't worry sugar, you'll be okay and you get to see your parents again.
SEN: That reminds me. How did you know Haku?
Everyone looks at each other to see who will answer her question. Akane decides to respond.
AKANE: Well, Sen or should I say Chihiro-
SEN: [surprised] W-wait! Y-you know my name?
AKANE: Haku told us. Honestly, we weren't here to help you at first.
SEN: [confused] Why?
AKANE: Well-
RANMA: What's she saying is that we're looking for something, a Keyhole to be exact.
SEN: A Keyhole?
RANMA: [tries to find the right words without scaring off the girl] Yeah. But it's not just an ordinary Keyhole. Your world has one.
SEN: What are you saying "my world"?
MOUSSE: Chihiro, we'll be honest. We're not from this world. We came from another. Let's just say it's complicated. Your friend Haku knew that we were coming-
RANMA: Oh, so now it's "we"?
MOUSSE: [tp Ranma] Saotome, I'm trying to tell the girl. Now be a good boy and be quiet unless you have something to reveal that we didn't know, like you happen to be the destroyer of the worlds.
SHAMPOO: [shrugs] That can happen you know. [looks at Ranma] Are you?
MOUSSE: As I was saying, Haku knew we were coming. Not exactly "we" since he anticipated Saotome here only.
RANMA: Right. I'm the Keywielder.
RYOGA: I thought it was Keybearer?
RANMA: Tell that to Kamaji [points at him]. Besides, I think the term "Keywielder" sounds cool. Anyway, I'm here to seal the Keyhole for protection (or so I was told to believe).
SEN: Protection? From who or what?
RANMA: Let's just say unwanted guests. Once I seal the Keyhole, your world will be protected.
SEN: Have you seen what you have been looking for?
RANMA: Unfortunately no such luck.
SEN: I see.
KAMAJI: Very interesting. But Sen, you have to go back to your room now. It's getting late.
SEN: Okay. [to the teens] Thanks for everything. Will I see you tomorrow?
RANMA: Sure.
Sen smiles at the response and goes back to her room via the lift.
KAMAJI: Well, I'll be hitting the sheets now. I suggest that you kids keep it quiet. I don't like to be disturbed.
***********
Nighttime falls as everyone is asleep after a hard day's of work. For Yubaba, the owner of the Aburaya, she feels satisfied as she has garnered more gold from the River God. But, she couldn't sleep for some reasons. First off, she wonders how long will the child last. It was an amusement for her to see how Sen will figure out of her way here yet Yubaba will have to make sure to keep an eye for her. She might cause some damage to her house.
The next thing that was on her mind was the six teens. Yubaba knew deep down they were human but for unknown reasons, they seem to adjust at this place without turning into pigs. A black pig-tailed boy, a short blue- haired girl, a purple haired girl, a brown haired girl with a ribbon and spatula on her back, a boy wearing a bandana and a long haired boy wearing classes. It was then Yubaba realized that they didn't belong to this world. She remembered what had happened a few years ago when the place was attacked by dark creatures. A man, whom she couldn't remember what he looked like, saved them despite an injury. Afterwards, he disappeared out of the blue. She doesn't know how these are connected. Her thoughts are interrupted when her child cried out loudly. She will deal with these tomorrow as she rushes to her child.
***********
Ranma and the others were tired but couldn't sleep, so they try their best not to wake Kamaji up. Mousse is reading a book when Akane approached him.
AKANE: Hey.
MOUSSE: [stops reading] Hey.
AKANE: Sorry if interrupted your reading.
MOUSSE: Oh no, it's okay. Couldn't sleep.
AKANE: Same here. [looks at the front cover] Hey, isn't that "The Alchemist"?
MOUSSE: You read this book?
AKANE: I actually liked it. It was assignment for my English class. I couldn't stop reading ever since. I'm way more surprised that you know English.
MOUSSE: There are some things you don't know about me, Akane Tendo.
AKANE: Really? I kinda relied on you to have some valuable stuff like Gameboys and the like.
MOUSSE: I have a magazine. It's about martial arts though.
AKANE: It's okay. [Mousse hands her over the magazine] Thanks.
Akane and Mousse are reading until the latter speaks out.
MOUSSE: I'm sorry.
AKANE: [turns away from the magazine] What?
MOUSSE: I'm sorry for ruining your wedding. I know I couldn't repay the damages we have caused.
AKANE: [smiles] It's okay. I knew you were there for the Nannichuan. You were desperate.
MOUSSE: I'm surprised that you moved on.
AKANE: It's been a month already and I learned a few things from Kasumi like move on. [looks at Shampoo, who is with Ranma] Um, Mousse? Aren't you going to-
MOUSSE: Just let her do her own thing.
AKANE: [surprised] What? Normally, you would drive Ranma away from her. What's with- [she then recalls the talk she had with Shampoo about Mousse leaving] You're over her aren't you?
MOUSSE: You can say that.
AKANE: Mousse, is it true that you're leaving?
MOUSSE: How did you know?
AKANE: Bumped into Shampoo at the mall. Then she told me about you and the fact that she and Cologne will be leaving Japan. I don't know why she's telling me this.
MOUSSE: Actually, Shampoo's sort of in-between. She likes Japan because of Ranma but she's homesick while she misses China but likes to do her own things here. I'm more confused about that girl. Don't get me wrong, I still love her but I think the infatuation is gone and I need to leave to clear some things. I've been obsessing her since we were kids. Doesn't that make me pathetic?
AKANE: I'm not gonna answer that.
MOUSSE: Why love someone who doesn't love you back? It's useless.
AKANE: You could print those words and stick it to her room. She might get the message. [looks at the book] Oh, where are you right now?
MOUSSE: I'm in the part where the boy talked to the camel driver. The driver said something about from the words of Allah: "People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want."
AKANE: [giggles] Hail to the king baby! That should be our mantra for the day.
MOUSSE: [frowns] Why the laughter? Are you making fun of me?
AKANE: No! It's just that I've never see this side of you. Seriously! You would make a great preacher.
MOUSSE: [grins] Guess you'll be my first listener.
While Mousse and Akane chat away, Ryoga and Ukyo are at one corner.
RYOGA: [eyes widened] What do you mean your dad disowned you?
UKYO: He called be a few days ago to see how I was doing. When he learned that I didn't fulfill his honor, he disowned me. We had an argument after that.
RYOGA: I'm sorry.
UKYO: I'm trying to get it over with it. But, it hurts so bad that my dad disowned me. He was my only family left.
RYOGA: That bastard. . .
UKYO: Even if he is a bastard, he's still my dad. I don't know. I hate him for ruining my life.
RYOGA: Here I thought, I'm the one with the problems. What do you intend to do now?
UKYO: [sighs] Before this, I was planning to move away from Nerima. No point of staying there. Ranma and Akane hate me for what my role in the disaster. Please, like they're the one to talk about relationships. They never hinted to each other that they like each other all along despite the fights. Ranma kept leading us three girls for so long that it ended with a crash. Ranma doesn't acknowledge the fact that he should've told us that he likes Akane only.
RYOGA: On the contrary, that would make matters worst. The three of you would've hunted them down and make Ranma beg for mercy until he chooses one of you.
UKYO: I didn't think of that.
RYOGA: I think having four fiancées increases Ranma's status as a sex stud. [realizes what he had just said] Oh God, I just said that didn't I? I can't even believe I said that.
UKYO: Interesting choice of words. I think you mean that having four fiancées would make Ranma as a cool guy of sorts. He can't tell one of us to back off because that would damage his reputation or he doesn't want to see any of us get hurt.
RYOGA: As if being a jackass wasn't enough for his reputation. To think I want to reconcile to him for my sins.
UKYO: You mean-
RYOGA: I don't want Ranma as my rival anymore. I want him as my friend. I've been a lot of thinking lately but I don't think it's going to work. I think he rejects me.
UKYO: That's. . .interesting. But I don't know, it's as if he doesn't want us here to be near him except Akane. Oh by the way, please why you broke up with Akari?
RYOGA: Honestly, there wasn't a relationship to begin with. She liked me because I defeated her giant pig. It's her family's law that whoever defeats their pigs will marry them.
UKYO: Why do I sense déjà vu?
RYOGA: You were thinking of Ranma and Shampoo's Amazon situation. Anyway, she's very nice. She takes care of me. But she's obsessed with pigs! Pigs!
UKYO: I don't see why you hated pigs. They're not that bad.
Ryoga realizes that Ukyo still doesn't know that he's P-Chan. Thus, being P- Chan, Ryoga had a hard time all the time except being with Akane.
RYOGA: You don't understand. I wasn't deserving enough for her so told her that I was going to a journey and had to cut off my old life. That means breaking up with her. She didn't take this lightly.
UKYO: Oh. Konatsu left without telling me. He left a note that the reason he did that is because he thinks that I care for him as friend. He wants something more than that. It's true what he wrote. Now my only friend's gone.
RYOGA: Look at us, the two losers. Not achieving in any field.
UKYO: You know what? I have to agree with you except the loser part. How about both of us as friends?
RYOGA: You think so?
UKYO: Yeah I mean, only the two of us are talking to each other among the six of us.
RYOGA: Well, we can include Mousse and Akane-
UKYO: Akane hates me.
RYOGA: Okay, just Mousse.
Ranma and Shampoo are having their own conversation outside; much to the latter's delight and the former's dismay.
SHAMPOO: Ranma, Shampoo overheard that great-grandma saying that she and I will be going back to China. Shampoo don't want to go but miss village.
RANMA: (Finally!) Now, Shampoo, you have to follow Cologne's orders. You don't want to disappoint her, right?
SHAMPOO: But Shampoo not leaving without you!
RANMA: But-
SHAMPOO: Listen. I can make you more happier that the Super Violent Tomboy.
RANMA: Hey! Don't call her that!
SHAMPOO: Why? She doesn't care if you live or die. I care if you live or die. I can help you.
RANMA: Well I care for her! I love her, but it seems that you don't want to admit that.
SHAMPOO: Shampoo helped you. I cook delicious dishes than her! I help you in your problems! I stronger than her!
RANMA: You don't get it, do you? I never considered you as a fiancée, despite those stupid Amazon laws of yours.
SHAMPOO: (angry) Then why you lead Spatula Girl and Psycho Gymnast into thinking that you love us all? You think that you would discard us easily? I worked so hard just for you to like me! I even fought Lin-Lin and Lung- Lung just to protect you!
RANMA: By hurting anyone, most especially Akane!
SHAMPOO: Tell me why? Why you like her? She hates you! [tears slowly fall on her face]
RANMA: I love her. I was too afraid to show it.
SHAMPOO: That's not enough! At least Mousse loves me back!
RANMA: Oh yeah. You hated him, don't you remember?
Shampoo slaps Ranma at his face. She dries her tears with her eyes. The last thing she wants is an interrogation from everybody on what happened.
SHAMPOO: You know what? Shampoo realize that you hate everyone here. They, including me, hate you. Unless you make some formal apology, Shampoo will not forgive you! Shampoo is not your friend anymore. You won't have friends by the way you scoffed at us.
Shampoo enters the boiler room. Ranma just stood there. He had to agree on some of Shampoo's points. She did helped him during his problems and she cooked delicious food. He also agreed on what she said about his attitude towards others. He then recalls his argument with Ukyo a few weeks ago. It was the same as Shampoo's. He realized that he has been acting like a big jerk. But the way he was raised by his dad, he doesn't know how to deal certain things. Ranma decides to call it a night and goes to his futon.
**********
Ranma wakes up in an unknown place. It was nighttime but what's weird is that he was in a beach in an eerie setting with a bright full moon low to the horizon. He quickly gets up and surveys the scene finds no one there. He turns around only to see a giant jagged rock. All of the sudden, a small sign appears on the rock. It was then someone walks through the rock as if it was thin air. Ranma looked at the cloaked figure carefully. It seems that he doesn't see him in a physical sense. He was wearing a black coat with a hood covering most of his face but his eye is glowing yellow. He sees the mysterious person walking towards another mysterious cloaked person sitting on a rock.
???: He looks just like you.
RANMA: (What are they talking about?)
The two cloaked figures looked at Ranma as if he was there. He panics.
???: You'll learn soon enough.
**********
Ranma wakes up. He realizes that he's neither at the boiler room nor the Aburaya. To his dismay, he's at his room at the Tendo household. He learns that all of it was just a dream. He looked at the clock at it was 12 midnight. He looks around only to find out that his parents aren't in the room. He goes out of his room to get some water. He looks at floor to see a pile of blood on the floor and sees Nabiki's corpse. He is horrified by the scene. It seems that she was stabbed in the chest and in the back. He quickly goes to Akane's room to see if she's alright. When he opened the door, he couldn't find her. He checked out the other rooms and its occupants are nowhere to be seen.
He goes down and sees blood on the wall. He goes to the kitchen and finds Tofu and Kasumi lying on the floor. They suffered the same fate as Nabiki's. He checks at them and thinks that they died hours ago. He went to the dining room and screams as he sees Nodoka lying on the table with her throat slashed. On her left was Genma, whose body was slashed by a weapon. It seems that he was trying her before he went down first. He goes outside and sees Soun on the pond, floating with the blood-filled water. He sees ashes on the ground with a smoking pipe. He learns it belongs to Happosai. He quickly goes to the dojo and along the way, he sees Cologne on the wall with a knife on her forehead.
When he's in the dojo, he sees Mousse outside lying on the ground with one of his weapons stuck at his body. He looks at the damaged wall and sees Shampoo with a stabbing wound in her heart. He goes inside to see Ryoga lying on the floor in the pool of blood while Ukyo lies on the side dead. Finally he sees Akane on the floor with her neck and spinal cord broken. He is horrified by the scene and fear goes through his body as he sees the killer carrying a Keyblade.
RANMA: So? How do you like the scenery? I worked very hard you know.
************
Ranma woke up and covered with sweat. He learns that it was just a dream as he's still in Aburaya. Everyone else is still asleep. He couldn't figure out what the hell happened. Who is he? Why is his doppelganger carrying a Keyblade? But one thing's for sure, there are a lot of things he still doesn't know about and demands answers right now.
************
UP NEXT: The NWC saves Sen and Haku from Yubaba and the Heartless. Back in Nerima, Kuno organizes a search party for Akane and the pig-tailed girl. Cologne finds out about the Keyhole and at the same time, settles her differences with Happosai once and for all.
************
Author's Notes:
Sorry for the delay. I can come up with different reasons:
College, 'nuff said. (I live in the Philippines, FYI) I have to watch Spirited Away all over again. Writer's block and I have to sort out upcoming storylines. Research on the entire Kingdom Hearts storylines and theories. I also have to wait for the sequel to see what has happened. My computer broke down twice.
To psycho king:
A BIG thank you for the comment. Hopefully you won't be dismayed by the way how I tell the story. Let me explain about Ranma and his personality: he's human, yes and was raised by Genma alone. He does need friends and companionship but it seems that everyone has been exploiting him. Sure he doesn't mind about this but what if they reached the limit and Ranma has enough? This may seem off in the Takahashi universe but you do have to remember that in this story, it's all about change and maturity. Ranma and the others are still the same old folks you either love or hate but they will gain some new insights. But despite being angry with them for making his life miserable (for about 50-70%, IMO), he couldn't deal with the fact that he has done something wrong that will hurt both parties (he will deal with this starting at the next chapter). If you notice Ukyo's comments about Ranma, you get to learn that she's over him and angry at him for causing the damage in her life but deep down, she wants to be friends again with Ranma. Both childhood friends will have a nice talk over the next chapters. As for Shampoo, well, she's angry that he chose Akane over her and finally snaps out. I'm sorry if this is all I can explain to you but I do hope you understand. If you're not convinced, tell me and I'll be happy to respond.
RANMA: (Ooookaaaay. . .where are we?)
The six of them stood in the darkness. Last they remember they were engulfed in the light. Unfortunately, Ranma forgot to ask Cloud on where they are going. Deep down, all of them wished they wouldn't land on some hellish place. But, like everyone knows, fate's a real bitch. In the meantime, Ranma got into thinking that maybe being hostile to the others wouldn't last forever. He knew sooner or later he would have to confront them formally and settle their differences once and for all. He then decided to be civil so that there wouldn't be any problems. After all, they're going to be his companions for this journey, for better or for worse. Ranma also wished that his hatred against them [except Akane] would wash away for good.
RANMA: (Maybe I should be nice to them. I indirectly dragged them into this so the best thing I should do is making them feel. . .what's the word? Oh yeah, comfy. Wait, comfy in what sense? Who knows, maybe we might land in another world where we could be slaves! We might land where the old lecher is a ruler of a world!) [gulps] (Okay, mentioning that, I better stop thinking on the possibilities and start focusing on getting the job done. And if God forbid, maybe we could go to the mall and watch movies. After that, we could all lie down and pray we didn't do that).
AKANE: Ranma?
RANMA: [back to his senses] Huh?
AKANE: Where are we?
RANMA: [shrugs] I don't know.
UKYO: [worried] What do you mean you don't know?
RANMA: [nervous] Well. . .I forgot to ask where we're going.
RYOGA: What do you mean you forgot? Do you have any idea that we might be lost in some unknown place and never get back?
RANMA: (Well, we're now doing a Ryoga alright) Look, just calm down. I'm sure everything will be all right. (Nice Saotome, next thing you know we might be in hell literally)
RYOGA: All right? All right? You have no idea what you've gotten us into!
RANMA: [frustrated] LOOK! I'm sorry I forgot to ask where we are going! But, if we keep this bickering at any rate, we'll never finish this and spend our lives doing this forever!
MOUSSE: He's right.
Everyone looked at him as if he has something on his face.
MOUSSE: We have to stop fighting. Look, think of this as an adventure! Away from the state of boringness during summer, away from the prying old ghoul- [Shampoo whacks Mousse in the face] OW! What did you do that for?
SHAMPOO: [angry] Stupid duck boy! How dare you mock great-grandmother! [She hits Mousse one more time]
MOUSSE: [winces from the pain] OW! Now what?
SHAMPOO: This is for you being here!
UKYO: Aren't you a little harsh?
MOUSSE: Don't mind her. She's a little. . .tense.
AKANE: How come we're not that surprised by that fact?
SHAMPOO: [glares at Akane] Is Super Violent Tomboy implying something?
RYOGA: [sweatdrops] Okay, maybe we should calm down.
Akane and Shampoo ignore Ryoga's request.
AKANE: You know, for someone who's smart and manipulative, you sure don't speak straight Japanese for a long time. [taunts] What's the matter? Chasing Ranma already decreasing your brain cells?
SHAMPOO: [angry] SHUT UP, SHE-MAN! You can't even beat me at a simple arm- wrestling.
AKANE: You know what? Right now, I've been motivated positively by your own kind words by beating the bloody hell out of you!
UKYO: Guys, stop it.
SHAMPOO: Ranma doesn't want a violent homewrecker! Ranma needs love and compassion, so Shampoo's here for him.
AKANE: I pity the one who created you. You're officially in the pantheon of regretted creations: Hitler, Happosai, you. . .Barney.
UKYO: Oh Akane lighten up!
AKANE: And who are you tell me to stop messing around?
UKYO: You know what? If the fate of the world depends on you winning in a thumb wrestling contest, I'd pity the ones who rely on you.
MOUSSE: Okay, now why don't you lovely ladies calm down and-
AKANE/SHAMPOO/UKYO: SHUT UP!
Mousse flinches immediately.
RYOGA: Nice. Let this lesson be learned: never ever interrupt a girl fight, especially when it comes to them.
MOUSSE: I hear ya.
RANMA: Ditto. In a hard way.
Out of the blue, all of them felt in an uneasy matter. The girls stopped fighting. They looked around to see what was going on but couldn't because of the darkness. With a blink of an eye, the darkness disappeared around them only to see white clouds and clear blue skies. It only took them a few seconds to know where they are.
RANMA: Um, guys? Don't look down but. . .
Too late. The six of them suddenly fell quickly from the sky. All of them screamed with horror while at the same time, Mousse is quickly looking for a parachute or a similar floating device to make their fall safe. To make matters worse, when they saw the ground, they're now falling into the deep blue sea. This definitely worries Ryoga, Mousse and Shampoo, especially Ryoga since even up to now, Akane still doesn't know that he's P-Chan and prefers to keep it that way.
RYOGA: [panics] MOUSSE, WHERE'S THAT PARACHUTE?!
MOUSSE: I-I CAN'T FIND IT!
SHAMPOO: MOUSSE, HURRY UP!!!
MOUSSE: [panics] SHIT! IT'S NOT HERE!!!
UKYO: TELL ME YOU'RE JOKING!
RYOGA: NO WAY!!!
Ranma, Mousse and Shampoo understand Ryoga's dilemma. If Akane learns that he's P-Chan, rest assured he'll receive his first trip courtesy of Akane Mallet Airlines. Then again, in Ranma's case, payback's a bitch. As they are near at the top of the water, dragon with suddenly flew at their side and manages to catch them before they could reach the water. When they land at the top of the dragon, they hold on tightly its skin as they reached for its destination: dry land. The dragon flew quickly and reaches to an island. During this time, they saw a huge ornate house and a small village. The dragon then landed at the forest. The gang slowly climbed down from the dragon and looked around at their surroundings. The forest is clean and peaceful, which then reminds them of home. They looked at the dragon carefully. Its skin is white. Not exactly pearly white but white nonetheless. Its hair is more of mint green. This particular dragon is more of a serpent-like creature. The dragon looks at them carefully.
AKANE: [scared] Ranma. . .w-what is that?
SHAMPOO: [glomps at Ranma like she depended her life on it] Aiyah! Airen, what's that?
The dragon turns into a young boy from their very own eyes.
HAKU: So you came finally. He told me that you would come here though I didn't expect you to bring companions. He told me nothing about the last part.
RANMA: [surprised] Who are you and how did you know us?
HAKU: He told me about you. I've heard about stories about the Keybearer but this is the first time I've met one since him.
RANMA: [flattered] Wow, I'm famous then?
HAKU: Infamous at the same time. Demons have feared you yet are after you. You are their obstacle. He told me that my world will be facing a threat from the demons.
RANMA: You mean the Heartless?
HAKU: The Heartless? I prefer to call them demons. No offense, but the Heartless sounds well. . .kiddy. Not based on my very own eyes.
RANMA: You've seen them?
HAKU: It was about years ago when they came here. They were ferocious and dangerous. They destroyed a lot of properties and killed some of the people here. Out of nowhere, he came, he saw and he killed them. What's surprising is that he was wounded badly and there's something weird about him. I immediately took care of him without Yubaba knowing. He stayed for a while until he regained his health back. He told me that the demons would pursue this world. He came back last week that you would come. The weird thing is, he was kind of in a hurry.
RANMA: Noah told you this?
HAKU: Noah? I was talking about Kiev.
RANMA: Who's Kiev?
RYOGA: What are you guys talking about?
HAKU: Kiev is a warrior. I can immediately tell that he wasn't from this world. His aura is different from ours. Just like yours.
RANMA: So Kiev's a Keywielder?
HAKU: He told me that-
Haku stops talking as he remembers something.
HAKU: Listen, I apologize but I don't have time for a chat. We have to go to Aburaya immediately. [he runs immediately]
RANMA: Hey! Wait up! [right before he runs after the mysterious boy, he looks at the five still-bewildered companions who try to make sense of what has happened] What are you guys standing there? C'mon!
UKYO: [confused] Is he talking about us?
RYOGA: I really don't know. Ranma, what the hell's going on here?
MOUSSE: This is a dream. This is a dream. [he pinches himself very hard] Okay, this ain't a dream. This is the freaking Twilight Zone.
RANMA: Guys, I'm not gonna wait for you. We better hustle.
Leaving no choice, Ranma, followed by Akane, Shampoo, Mousse, Ukyo and Ryoga, followed Haku's lead. They began to go into the town where, to the NWC's surprise, it's occupied by dark, ghostly figures doing the things normal humans would do. Haku stops for a moment to check if someone is following them. They then continued their run and then Haku turns right to the side of the building. He knew that they were tired and wanted some answers but at the same time he knew Chihiro would be fine with Kamaji. He watched as Ranma stopped for a while to rest as the same goes for the rest. Ukyo and Ryoga were the last ones to arrive. What's interesting is that she was holding his hand. Ukyo noticed the stares and defends herself.
UKYO: Ryoga easily gets lost so I held his hand so he wouldn't- [they continue to stare] What?
SHAMPOO: Um, nothing.
RYOGA: Hey! It's not that Ukyo and I have a thing together-
UKYO: [whacks Ryoga in the head with her spatula] WE don't have a "thing" together, jackass!
RYOGA: [winces from the pain] Hey! I was just trying to tell them that it was grateful for my part to help me. You always jump into conclusions.
RANMA: [ignores Ukyo and Ryoga's little tirade] Hey, we didn't get your name.
HAKU: I don't know.
MOUSSE: Excuse me?
HAKU: It's funny I know. I don't really remember. All I know is that my name is Haku.
AKANE: "White".
RANMA: Huh?
AKANE: His name literally means "white" so. . .white dragon. You can transform into a white dragon.
SHAMPOO: [rolls eyes] Is that a "duh"?
RANMA: So, tell us. What's with the hurry and what's Aburaya? And what the hell's with the place?
HAKU: This is the world where gods and monsters co-exist. Humans, on the other hand, aren't so fortunate.
MOUSSE: What are you talking about?
HAKU: You see, in this place, humans aren't fully appreciated here. They think that they are "dirty creatures".
RANMA: They couldn't think off another term with good taste?
HAKU: If humans stepped into this world, they automatically turn into pigs.
Everyone widened their eyes as they hear upon this fact. Unknown to Akane and Ukyo, Ranma, Mousse and Shampoo found this amusing. Ryoga, on the other hand, is shell shocked at the moment. Human turned into pigs, as if that was news to him.
RANMA: Humans turned to pigs, eh? [smirks at Ryoga] Hey, P-Chan, guess you might have some company after all.
RYOGA: [angry] SHUT UP RANMA!
Akane and Ukyo are still oblivious to the vague hints Ranma gave about Ryoga.
SHAMPOO: Why do humans turn pigs?
HAKU: The head of Aburaya, Yubaba, is a greedy witch who despises humans. You can see the analogy between humans and pigs.
RANMA: Oh, I can see the analogy all right. [Ryoga glares at him]
HAKU: Aburaya is a bath house owned by Yubaba herself. That is the place where I will be taking you.
RANMA: Wait. You're human. So why didn't you become a pig? Why didn't we become pigs? (This is the dumbest question I've ever asked)
Just as Ranma finishes his question, thunder can be heard from above and from the looks of it, it might rain.
HAKU: It's going to rain, I better take you there. Let's go.
Haku and the rest made a mad dash along the narrow lanes, through a building which stores all kinds of food, including live pigs in the pens. This made Ryoga cringe. They finally reached the bridge across the Aburaya.
HAKU: [faces the gang] Listen to me very well. The reason why you didn't turn into pigs is because all of you didn't belong to this world. Like Kiev. When one from the outside world enters this world, he, she or it are immune to the curses and magic by anyone here. But, this depends on the person itself. There might be chances that someone from another world might suffer of becoming a pig or being cursed.
RANMA: So, we're safe, right?
HAKU: Yes.
AKANE: But there's gotta be a "but".
HAKU: None, so no need for worries. Actually, Kiev gave me a spell to protect you from the curse just in case.
RANMA: Okay, now what? We're not here for a bath (though I feel dirty and tired).
HAKU: The Keyhole? Yes, I know. I wasn't able to find it. [Haku looks at the sky] It's going to rain soon. It's best that you don't enter the place at the front door. Just follow me.
Haku went to the bathhouse as the gang are surprised and freaked out by the customers going to the place. They see a group of weird creatures getting of the boat and wear strange masks and Sokutai, but their bodies are like shadows.
HAKU: Don't mind them. They're regular customers. They're known as Kasuga- Sama.
SHAMPOO: What's that?
They looked where Shampoo is pointing. They see creatures with antlers while their hair looked like grass with different colors.
HAKU: They're known as Ushionis.
UKYO: Are they harmful?
HAKU: Only if you provoked them.
As they reached the front door, Haku is greeted by a small frog wearing a blue Japanese robe.
AOGAERU: Master Haku! What are you still doing here? Didn't mistress Yubaba sent you on an assignment? If she finds out about this-
HAKU: Relax, I'll be on my way for a while. Oh and by the way.
Haku froze everyone with a time stopping spell. The gang is stunned by this.
HAKU: Quickly, [points at the side door] go there, now!
The gang, led by Ranma, goes to the side door and entered a small garden. Haku takes a look around before entering. As he closes the door, the spell stops functioning thus everything went back to normal. Aogaeru is still curious on what had just happened but decides to shrug it off.
AKANE: Correct me, if I'm wrong here but YOU worked for Yubaba?
HAKU: The sad thing is, all of you haven't met her yet. You don't know who she is.
RYOGA: Let me guess, evil, greedy and manipulative? You already summed up those parts.
HAKU: You don't understand.
MOUSSE: Oh we understand. You fooled us into thinking that there is this. . ."Keyhole" in this world.
RANMA: All worlds have Keyholes.
MOUSSE: Whatever. And of all things, you brought us to the spider's web.
HAKU: If I am evil, you guys would be dead by now.
UKYO: But why are you helping us despite you siding with her?
HAKU: [sighs] It's complicated but we don't have time. You have to trust me.
RANMA: [still skeptic] Okay then, what's next?
HAKU: Yubaba assigned me to get something, this means that you're on your own. But before that, you will go that door [points at the door behind the trees]. It will lead you downstairs to the boiler room. As you reach there, talk to a man named Kamaji. He already knows that you will arrive. To let him know that you're the one, say this quote: "Life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of you."
RANMA: Um okay. Question, just how many know that we're here?
HAKU: Just me and Kamaji, I think. Don't let Yubaba know everything or else. One last thing, look for a girl name Chihiro, but her name is Sen in this place.
SHAMPOO: She has two names?
HAKU: It's a long story but inside, call her Sen. But if you're outside, call her Chihiro so that she won't forget her real name. Now, hurry. It's gonna rain.
As Haku goes outside, he is called by Ranma.
RANMA: You'll come back right?
HAKU: Yes, by tomorrow.
Haku then went outside before Ranma could say anything. Shampoo opened the door and finds a staircase going down.
*****************
SHAMPOO: Ranma, you trust him?
RANMA: I don't know.
AKANE: Then why are you doing this?
RANMA: [decides to ignore Akane's question] We have to keep moving.
Ranma goes down to the boiler room while the others followed, each with their own skepticism.
MOUSSE: I can't believe he's doing this.
RYOGA: No, I can't believe WE'RE doing this.
UKYO: He probably has his reasons (I'll bet he won't tell us, unless he's ready or he's actually interested).
RANMA: We should go now.
As they went down, they notice that the train is passing by below. Even by now, they still couldn't believe that the rail tracks are located in the water. They carefully but quickly went down to the boiler room. Ranma, being in the lead, opened the door as the rain began to pour. Ryoga quickly went inside first and followed by the others. They spotted a huge furnace, fed by coal carried carried across the floor by a group of strange wispy black-ball creatures. They looked weak but surprisingly they can carry a huge coal [to their size] across to the furnace.
KAMAJI: Excuse me but who are you and what are you doing here? If all of you are looking for work, I'm sorry but I've got enough workers to help me.
RANMA: We, um. . .[looks at the others for help and then smiles] You guys remember that he said to us? [They groaned]
AKANE: It's "life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of you", dumbass!
RANMA: Excuse me if I can't remember every word!
UKYO: Hey, he's looking at us. Ranma, say it.
Ranma was surprised when Ukyo called him his real name instead of the usual "Ran-chan".
RANMA: [sighs] "Life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of you."
KAMAJI: Hmm, seems you've met the boy. [He stops grinding herbs and stands up. To their surprise, he has many arms like a spider. Kamaji is tired of everyone looking at him like a freak] Stop staring at me like that! You've seen the customers of this place so you should get used to it.
RYOGA: Oh we've tried very hard.
KAMAJI: I hope you guys won't do much worse than that girl. She caused a commotion yesterday. I still can't believe that she managed to get a job and not turn into a pig. Such a brave girl, if you ask me. [looks at Ranma] So, you're the Keywielder.
RANMA: Keybearer.
KAMAJI: Keybearer, Keywielder. They all have the same meaning. Now, remove your shoes and sit in the wooden floor. We have much to talk about.
The gang removes their shoes and places it on the floor. The Susuwatari continued their work as the teens sat on the floor. Kamaji looks at them.
KAMAJI: I didn't expect you would bring companions to your quest. I guess all of you must have bonded together to save the worlds.
ALL: [protests, except Ranma] No we're not.
KAMAJI: Excuse me?
RYOGA: I didn't sign up for Voluntary Peace Corps. Meaning, I have no interest for this. I was taken against my own will.
RANMA: Taken against your own will? Then why the hell did you came closer to the light?
RYOGA: I was curious! I didn't know this will happen!
MOUSSE: We're still confused on what's going on.
RANMA: I thought they told you about Heartless 101 back at Traverse Town.
AKANE: The information still hasn't registered to my brain completely.
KAMAJI: I see. Same thing happened to me before.
RANMA: Haku told us that this world was attacked years ago and was saved by a man name Kiev. Who is he?
KAMAJI: Ah, I remember. Nice young man. He brooded most of the time.
RANMA: Haku or Kiev?
KAMAJI: The latter. I was still working when I heard screams from above. It was then the demons or Heartless has invaded this world. I remember Yubaba and Haku were trying to eliminate them but with no avail. Suddenly, he came out of nowhere. He killed every demon with incredible speed. He used a lot of magic but I sense that it was no ordinary magic. He can teleport too. But afterwards he disappeared. It was later that day when Haku found him in the alley one night. He told me that it's best that Yubaba doesn't know that he's still here or otherwise she might exploit his abilities. I took care for him for weeks until he was cured. During that time I noticed he had a wound in his body. I doubt it was from those demons. It looked like a sword slash.
RANMA: How was he during his recovery?
KAMAJI: He was doing fine but he mumbled something like "why?", "no" and this startled me the most, "darkness".
RANMA: How can that be startling, unless the way how he says it sounds creepy?
KAMAJI: The way he said it as if he announced that something will happened. I don't know but that tone sent me shivers down my spine. Also, his eyes were strange. Can't describe it except they seem dark. I don't know so I'm sorry if I can't remember everything. Besides, it's been too long.
Everyone is silent after this. Akane then remembered something.
AKANE: Wait. Do you know anything about a girl named. . .Sen?
KAMAJI: Sen? Oh yes, Sen. She's a good girl except she's a bit slow. (I wonder how she's doing after what happened?) Let me guess, the boy told you about her. [They nodded] Despite the boy's good intentions, I don't trust him.
UKYO: Is it because he works for Yubaba?
KAMAJI: He can't remember who he is. He's here because he wants to learn Yubaba's sorcery. The boy has nowhere else to go.
SHAMPOO: Strange boy told us to look for her.
KAMAJI: (Hmmm. . .this unusual for him) In that case, she has brown hair, very skinny if you asked me. Small but willful. You can easily find her since she's the only human in this world that wasn't turned into a pig.
RYOGA: Why is she even here in the first place?
KAMAJI: From her story, she said that she and her parents found the town empty. She told me that her parents were eating some food and she wants to get out so she looked around the town and when she came back, her parents turned into pigs. She was found by Haku and well, the rest is history.
MOUSSE: Wait, we're humans. How come we didn't turn into pigs? Haku said those who came from another world are immune to this curse, not that I'm complaining.
KAMAJI: Well, humans in this world are viewed as greedy pigs. They destroy their own environment and couldn't care less other than themselves and their material possessions.
AKANE: It's no different from our world.
Kamiji pauses for a while.
KAMAJI: Work will begin soon and as expected there will be customers. If you're looking for the girl, I suggest you don't go up wearing that. Suspicion will rise to everyone, including Yubaba. I think I got an idea. You kids wait here. I'll call for some few arrangements.
RANMA: One last question, from the scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, how big is Yubaba as a threat?
KAMAJI: Well, I'll be frank. Don't fight against her. She can turn you into cockroaches in an instant. Now, I'll have to make some arrangements.
Kamaji uses the phone to ask Lin to get six uniforms, three guys and three girls, and place them on the lift. Lin asks why but Kamaji tells her some good excuse, which convinces the girl. As the conversation goes, the five dragged Ranma into one corner for interrogation.
AKANE: All right Ranma, speak up. Who're Noah and Kiev?
RANMA: [trying to explain properly] I, um. . .well. . .
RYOGA: Dammit Ranma, spill it!
RANMA: Hey, hey! Easy!
MOUSSE: Saotome, please explain to us what has happened? Even with the debriefing back at that town, I'm still confused.
RANMA: Look, I know Noah (do I?). But, Kiev? I've never heard of him?
AKANE: Who then is Noah?
RANMA: Noah is the one who told me that I am the current Keywielder and the threat of the Heartless. Plus, he gives me some philosophical stuff he can write a book about it.
SHAMPOO: So you tell us that Noah told you your, um, [she tries to find a perfect word for it] journey?
RANMA: Yeah. He also knew about you guys.
ALL: [surprised] What?
RANMA: Okay, that didn't come out right. Just your names. I don't know how he knows your names.
UKYO: He?
RANMA: Yeah. He's a he. I'm sure of it. I managed to check him out.
Everyone's eyes widen at the revelation.
RANMA: [finds out what they're thinking] No! Not that kind of "checking out"! Jeez, I can't believe you guys are perverted than me.
AKANE: [offended] Hey!
RANMA: Oh, come on Akane. You keep accusing me of being one. Just admit it that when you first saw me naked you had the hots for me.
Akane blushed furiously.
RYOGA: Ranma, that's disgusting! You dare to show yourself to her?
SHAMPOO: [smiles at Ranma] Ranma, would you do that for me?
RANMA: No! No! It was an accident. It was my first time at the Tendo's. She didn't know about the curse at that time. [looks at Akane] Can you please back me up?
AKANE: I don't know. [gives a sly grin] You did quite a show for back then. Not bad for a perverted dumbass.
RANMA: HEY!
AKANE: [looks at the others] And did you guys know that his size was. . .
RANMA: [embarrassed] AKANE! THAT'S ENOUGH! [softly] Please?
AKANE: What goes around, comes around Ranma.
RANMA: [rolls eyes] Oh please. I'm not the only who had nude escapades in the past.
Ranma looks at everyone. They are currently dead silent.
MOUSSE: Saotome, just one question.
RANMA: As long as it doesn't involve my "thing".
MOUSSE: [disgusted] Eeew. Why the hell would I ask that? Actually, It's about this Noah person. You said that he was the one who revealed that you're the current Keywielder, in a sense compared to a watcher to a slayer, Obi-wan to Luke and Morpheus to Neo.
RYOGA: You're saying Ranma's the "one"?
MOUSSE: Nah, just making an analogy. What if he was lying to you?
RANMA: Why would he be lying to me? You all saw those demons that attacked Nerima and Traverse Town.
MOUSSE: What I meant was, this quest of yours has got to have a catch. Sure saving the worlds other than ours is fine, but at what price? And are you sure you're working for the good guys?
RANMA: [stunned] Since when did you get so creepy and paranoid?
MOUSSE: I'm just saying that you have to be prepared in case. And stop calling me creepy and paranoid.
RANMA: Don't you mean "we"?
UKYO: No, Ranma. You were called. So you have to face the things that are coming into your way.
RANMA: But you guys are now with me. Can't you guys help me?
UKYO: Help you? We didn't ask for this. I didn't sign up for the world peace campaign.
RANMA: Oh come on.
UKYO: I'm sure you can handle this on your own.
RANMA: I can't fight this on my own, I admit that.
RYOGA: The Great Ranma Saotome, now being humble and admitting his weakness. That's new as far as I can remember.
RANMA: What about the time when we team up against Pantyhose Taro, the Musk and Saffron? We were good as a team.
UKYO: [raises her hand] Except I wasn't there.
RYOGA: I don't recall working as a team against Herb, Lime and Mint.
MOUSSE: We did, for desperation. You forgot already?
RYOGA: Oh yeah. I forgot. Sorry.
RANMA: Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime, Ms. Kuonji. [sighs] All I'm saying is that what's happened happens. I know all of you didn't want this. I'm in the same league. Heck, I didn't want Akane to be here. I didn't want her to get hurt. Same to you guys (well, 10% for making my life miserable). Can you guys help me? I knew I gave you guys the shitty treatment back then at Traverse Town and for that I'm sorry. I wasn't thrilled when I saw you guys again after what you did at the wedding and mostly my life. Then again, all of you should be sorry. But. . .who the hell am I kidding?
KAMAJI: [walks to them] Sorry if interrupt something but I got your uniforms. [gives them their uniforms] Hope they're in the right size. [he continues to work]
AKANE: [looks at the uniforms] What do you know, blue for boys and pink for girls. How come I sense gender discrimination?
SHAMPOO: Just wear it. Looks pretty to me. I don't know for the rest of you.
Shampoo is about to remove her clothes when Ranma begins to stop her from doing it.
RANMA: [blushes] Um, Shampoo, um, could you, um. . .
SHAMPOO: [smiles] What Airen? Don't you want to see me in my beautiful figure?
RANMA: [blushes] No Shampoo. It's just that, um-
AKANE: [pissed] What he meant was there are other people watching you. [drags Shampoo] Come, before you might cause some nosebleeds.
SHAMPOO: Hey! What are you doing? Let go of me!
UKYO: Very strong warrior, yet lack in manners.
The girls went to one corner while the guys began to dress up in another. After a while, they are now dressed in their work clothes.
UKYO: Not bad.
SHAMPOO: Too loose but overall okay.
AKANE: Looks nice. How about you guys?
The guys aren't impressed on their new uniforms.
RYOGA: I look like a shmuck.
MOUSSE: It's too short.
RANMA: I look like a dumbass.
AKANE: What are you guys complaining about? You look fine.
RANMA: [frowns] We look gay. Gay as tangerine. There's one thing left to do.
RYOGA: Oh no! If you're thinking of changing into a girl, forget it! Mousse and I will look like men wearing baby clothes.
MOUSSE: I can always change into a duck. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Why don't you-
RYOGA: NO! [this startles everyone] I mean I don't want to be left alone, that's all.
RANMA: [sighs] Fine. We won't change, for now.
UKYO: Let's get a move on shall we?
RANMA: [surprised] So, finally joining the brigade?
UKYO: Reluctantly yes. Like I have nowhere else to go.
RANMA: [looks at the rest] How about you guys?
SHAMPOO: [glomps at Ranma] Wherever Ranma goes, Shampoo follows!
AKANE: I'll go with you. [glares at Shampoo] For some quality control.
MOUSSE: Sign me up. If we get to be sacrificed, we all know who we'll get to blame.
Ranma looks at Ryoga, who is silent.
RANMA: What about you, P-Chan?
RYOGA: Fine. [whacks Ranma's head] AND DON'T YOU DARE CALL ME P-CHAN!
RANMA: [holds his head] Good.
RYOGA: Besides, while we're together, I might as well conduct some unfinished business.
RANMA: What're you talking about?
KAMAJI: Hey kids. Work's about to begin. Use the lift here. [points at the small lift] When you get there, don't let anyone, most especially Yubaba, notice you. You may work but as soon as you find the keyhole, leave. Nothing more, nothing less.
SHAMPOO: But, what about Sen? Haku told us to find her.
KAMAJI: Hmm, it seems he cares for the girl. But, I can't trust him, being Yubaba's assistant. If my guts are correct, she'll probably assign the girl to do the worst job ever in the bathhouse which is cleaning the big bath, which is reserved for the dirtiest customers. It would be best if you could help her.
RANMA: Okay. [looks at the rest] Shall we?
MOUSSE: Wait, where do we leave our clothes?
KAMAJI: Here, [opens the drawer] put it here. [they put it in the drawer] Now, good luck.
**************
The teens entered the lift one by one until the last one entered and went up. As they gathered together, they get to see what it is like in the Aburaya. The place is big, filled with workers and customers of different kinds. They are stunned of the creatures that they see. While looking for Sen, they encountered odd creatures in hot baths, food being prepared by the Yunas. They saw at one point the Ootori-Sama or Gods of Birds which they loved to bathe. While this is walking, they engaged into a conversation.
AKANE: This is got to be the most weirdest place ever since Ryugensawa. (I wonder how Shinnosuke's doing?)
MOUSSE: I've encountered weird creatures before but this, this takes the icing in the cake.
UKYO: And I thought Nerima is weird.
AKANE: Nerima isn't that weird before Ranma came in.
RANMA: Hey! You sound as if I brought the apocalypse to Nerima. Besides, there's always Kuno.
AKANE: Sure there's Kuno and the rest of my wannabe suitors, but I consider it normal.
RANMA: Speaking of weird, [he stops and looks around] where's Ryoga?
SHAMPOO: [groans] Pig-boy got lost again! I can't believe this!
AKANE: We have to find him! He'll get lost in a place like this!
RANMA: [groans] Why the fucking hell did he do that? Bad timing! Okay, we'll split up. Akane and I will check at the ground floor-
SHAMPOO: [upset] HEY! Shampoo will go with Ranma!
RANMA: Shampoo, we have NO time for this! [Shampoo flinches but nods in agreement] Okay, Akane and I will check at the ground floor. Shampoo, Mousse, see if he's at the upper floors. Ukyo-
UKYO: I know sugar, I'll check at the middle floors. [Ukyo began to move, leaving everyone behind]
SHAMPOO: [curious] What's with Spatula Girl?
MOUSSE: [concerned] Beats me. (Saotome, what the hell is up with you two?)
AKANE: (Why is she like that? Is it because of their verbal fight back then? Why am I concerned with her well-being? She's a manipulative bitch for all I care.)
RANMA: Come on. Let's go.
The group proceeded to find the lost boy. They looked hard but no sign of him. Ukyo was all alone finding Ryoga but she needed to be alone. Her bitter talk with Ranma proved that her friendship with him is over. No matter how sincere he sounds into convincing them to help him, Ukyo knows that Ranma doesn't need help. He's bullshitting, in other words. She didn't want to be with Shampoo and Akane. Mousse? He's tolerable but annoying nonetheless. As for Ryoga, she will always think of him as a clueless jackass. Speaking of the clueless jackass, she finally spotted him [much to her relief] asking for directions to a large impassive creature. It is called a Oshira-Sama or God of Daikon radish. Ukyo could've found the scene hilarious but her anger overcome her and is ready to beat him up for the trouble he caused.
RYOGA: Um, can you please tell me where I am? I got separated from my companions.
UKYO: [angry] HERE I AM, JACKASS! [she hits him hard in the head with her spatula] WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!?
RYOGA: U-ukyo?
UKYO: Damn straight? Who the hell where you expecting, Buddha? Everyone's looking for you!
RYOGA: I'm sorry. I got separated from you guys!
UKYO: Next time you do that, we will completely ditch you!
RYOGA: Hey! What's with the anger? You've completely become a nasty bitch.
UKYO: What do you care? You got Akari and Akane to worry about. So leave me out of this!
RYOGA: It's Ranma isn't?
UKYO: [sighs] You don't know the whole story.
RYOGA: No I don't. But your talks with him kinda sound, I don't know, as if you want to strangle him.
UKYO: Oh, please! What happened to you? From vengeance-hungry to a wuss.
RYOGA: Don't call me a wuss! I had a lot of thinking before this.
UKYO: [raises an eyebrow] Really? Care to spill for information?
RYOGA: You won't understand.
UKYO: Like I care. Let's go before lord Ranma tells us what to do.
RYOGA: Ukyo, what happened?
Ukyo at this point wanted to pour her heart out at him, but decided not to since they're in a public place.
RYOGA: If I remember correctly, you were so high about Ranma and now-
UKYO: Ranma and I got into a fight, okay? We had a verbal war and ended our friendship. That's all there is to know.
RYOGA: You're not telling me everything.
UKYO: Since when did you become my therapist? And what's with you? Guess Akari finally managed to calm you down a bit.
RYOGA: [without thinking] I left Akari.
UKYO: [eyes widened] What? Why? You guys look so cute together with-
RYOGA: If you say the word "pig"-
UKYO: Oh, that's silly. You hate pigs?
RYOGA: More than that.
Ukyo ponders at Ryoga's revelation. He left Akari because he hates pigs? There's got to be more into that.
UKYO: Come on, Hibiki. I know you're hiding something. [grins] You still had a crush on Akane?
RYOGA: Not anymore.
UKYO: [surprised] What? This is a shock. Since when?
Their conversation is suddenly interrupted by Aniyaku, one of the organizers of the bathhouse workers. Let's just say he's not happy seeing his two of his "workers" goofing off.
ANIYAKU: Hey what are two doing? If Mistress Yubaba sees you like this, she'll punish you for your laziness! Now get back to work! We need waiters downstairs!
RYOGA: [stammers] S-sorry!
UKYO: Don't worry sir! We'll go right now!
Ryoga and Ukyo began to make their escape when Aniyaku calls them back. This is not good.
ANIYAKU: [looks at them suspiciously] Have I seen you somewhere before?
UKYO: [nervously comes up with a good excuse] W-we, um, we-
RYOGA: We work here. Don't be silly.
Ukyo looks at Ryoga with much of her surprise. He's more confident than before. Aniyaku still is not convinced of the answer.
ANIYAKU: Really? Then answer me this: who's in charge of the boiler room?
UKYO: Kamaji.
ANIYAKU: I see. Now-
Aniyaku is about to continue the interrogation when Chihiyaku, another of Aburaya's organizers, comes running at him.
CHIHIYAKU: Aniyaku! Lady Yubaba needs us immediately!
ANIYAKU: What? What's wrong?
CHIHIYAKU: I'll explain on the way. Let's go! [Chihiyaku leaves]
ANIYAKU: [looks at Ryoga and Ukyo] Hmm, go back to work and no more slacking! [leaves them behind]
RYOGA: [lets air come out] That was close.
UKYO: I'll say! I thought he's gonna grill us.
RYOGA: If he finds out about us, it's gonna be a warzone here!
UKYO: (So much for the "new" Ryoga.) I'm sorry.
RYOGA: [confused] For what?
UKYO: For being a bitch earlier.
RYOGA: [smiles] Apology accepted. You know, if you need someone to talk to-
UKYO: Thanks for the offer. So, now what?
*************
RANMA: I am SO going to kill Ryoga for this!
Ranma and Akane have been looking for Ryoga for a while, with no such luck.
RANMA: As soon as I find him, I'm gonna ask Mousse for a dog leash!
AKANE: Aren't you a little harsh? Ryoga might get hurt.
RANMA: Ryoga, hurt? That's a laugh. He can handle himself.
AKANE: I'm just concerned you know.
RANMA: After what they did at the wedding? They ruined it. Well for Shampoo and Ukyo's case, but for Ryoga and Mousse, they're after the Nannichuan. That old geezer ruined our chances to cure ourselves.
Ranma spots Mousse and Shampoo. The latter immediately glomps at him, much to Ranma's reluctance and Akane's jealousy.
RANMA: [tries to remove Shampoo from him] Shampoo, let go!
AKANE: Did you find Ryoga?
MOUSSE: No. But we did find our girl.
Mousse points at below. They see Sen or Chihiro cleaning the big bath. She's struggling to keep up with the pressures but she's not giving up. She's doing this to save her parents and herself from Yubaba. Lin tells her how to operate the water funnel for the bath. As Lin leaves, Sen notices the faceless spirit looking at her in the corner. He offers her a lot of tags for her to use, but she refuses his offer for they are so many. He keeps forcing her to take it. This worries Ranma a lot.
RANMA: I don't like the look of this.
MOUSSE: What is that thing?
SHAMPOO: We better help her or she might get into trouble!
RANMA: Then it's settled. Let's go.
AKANE: Wait! What about Ryoga and Ukyo?
Ranma thinks for a few moments.
RANMA: We go help Sen and maybe they'll see us in the baths. Now, people, let's move!
Ranma lead the trio to the elevator. They were about to enter when they saw Aogaeru inside, not looking at them. Thinking that he may have seen them from outside, Ranma tells the others to use the stairs. They quickly went down and when they reached the floor before the bathplace, they saw Ryoga and Ukyo serving food to the customers. They then approached them.
RANMA: Hi! I like tons of sushi and some teriyaki.
UKYO: Just a moment, sir. I'll- [looks at Ranma] Ranma?
RYOGA: What are you doing here?
RANMA: I was about to ask you the same question. We found Sen and we think she's in trouble.
RYOGA: Where is she?
RANMA: Downstairs. Oh yeah, I forgot something.
Ranma punches Ryoga in the head. Ryoga is furious.
RYOGA: [furious] WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?
RANMA: For wasting our time looking for you!
RYOGA: I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!
Ryoga and Ukyo went outside quietly while their customers are singing merrily and rejoined the others. The group reached the hotbaths and sees Sen refusing the Kaonashi's offer.
RANMA: HEY! GET AWAY FROM HER!
SEN: Huh?
The Kaonashi is wondering why a young man is telling him to get away from her. He was trying to help her. He drops the tags in front of her and disappears. Sen looks at the bewildered teens with confusion.
SEN: What are you doing?
RANMA: [confused] Huh?
SEN: He was trying to help me.
SHAMPOO: But he-
SEN: It may look like he was forcing me, but he was trying to help me. He gave me tags for the bath but I refused them because they were too many.
MOUSSE: We're sorry then.
SEN: It's okay. Wait, do I know you?
AKANE: You're Sen, right?
SEN: [surprised] Huh? How did you know?
AKANE: Oh we bumped into Haku-
SEN: [her face lightens up] Haku? Where is he?
MOUSSE: He said that he was going somewhere.
They noticed Sen is smiling as if good news was brought to her.
UKYO: Your spirits seem high.
SEN: [smiles] He was the one who helped me. After my parents were turned into pigs, he was the one who saved me from becoming one. [frowns] But I'm not sure why he's helping me, despite being Yubaba's assistant. Come to think of it, who are you people?
RANMA: We're-
Just as Ranma is about introduce each other, the bath which Sen is fixing is overflowed with water.
SEN: [horrified] Oh no!
AKANE: Nice Ranma. [Akane decides to help Sen and looks at the rest, who're just standing there] Are you guys gonna help us or what?
RYOGA: What do we do?
SEN: Well, you can help me clean this bath.
As the teens help the young girl close the water, a commotion occurred suddenly as the workers and the guests quickly checked out what is going on. Yubaba went down to the lobby to see what is happening. She orders Chihiyaku to get Sen. Chihiyaku immediately searches for the girl and finds her.
CHIHIYAKU: Sen! Lady Yubaba is looking for right now! Hurry!
SEN: Okay! [turns to the teens] I have to go now. Yubaba wants me for something.
RANMA: Sen, I'll go with you. [Sen nods and Ranma turns to the others] You guys stay here. I'll go accompany her just in case.
Sen and Ranma left the bathtubs to go to Yubaba. As Ranma sees Yubaba at the entrance, he freaked out at the old lady's physical appearance. In his point of view, she was damn ugly. Thus her appearance reflects her attitude. If she and Cologne compete in a beauty contest, he would vote the elder Amazon over her.
SEN: What's going on?
YUBABA: Ah Sen, just in time. [approaches her] Now we got a new customer, so I expect you to do your best! Understood? This is your first so you screw it up and I'll turn you into ash!
SEN: Yes.
Ranma looked at Sen with pity. He wants to beat the old hag for making her life so miserable but decides to restrain himself for he might drag her into trouble.
SERVANT: Mistress, here he comes!
YUBABA: Oh great.
Yubaba, Sen and Ranma looked at the approaching customer as the servants ran away from him. To their horror, the customer a huge sludge in which it drips over the floor. What's even worse, he stinks like hell. As the servants and Yubaba cover their noses, Ranma and Sen couldn't breathe because of the foul smell. At this point, Ranma either wanted to faint or to die rather than suffer the disgusting odor of the customer or Okusare- Sama, as it was called. The Okusare-Sama gives the money to Sen, but she couldn't move because of the smell. Yubaba isn't impressed by this.
YUBABA: [angry] SEN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GET THE MONEY FROM HIM! WHAT ARE YOU STANDING THERE FOR?
Ranma decided to receive the money from the stink-god. He feels disgusted as the god gives his payment with mud at his hands. Sen and Ranma lead the god to his bath as the other customers are shepherded away. Ranma couldn't resist dropping the mud at his hands and cleans himself but decides to wait. While the two leads the Okusare-Sama to the baths, Yubaba watches them with amusement from above.
Akane and others are waiting outside for Ranma and Sen and when they see them, they see a shocked and disgusted Sen with a more shocked and disgusted Ranma with dirt in his hands.
AKANE: Ranma? What's going on? What's that in your hands?
SHAMPOO: [concerned] Is everything all right? They don't look too happy. Shampoo wonder why?
It seems the gods have answered Shampoo's answers. The Okusare-Sama approaches to its bath, causing the others to cover their noses. Ukyo, Akane and Mousse wanted to vomit while Ryoga and Shampoo wanted to faint to save themselves from the horror. As the stink-god goes into the bath, leaving a huge amount of dirt, everyone was wondering how they would help Sen and at the same time save themselves from the foul smell. The god plunges into the bath but nothing seems to wash off. To make matters worst, the dirt is spread at floor and it seems to dry slowly like mud.
UKYO: [disgusted] Eeeww! I can't believe we're doing this!
RYOGA: (I can't believe this!) Now what do we do?
SEN: I'll handle this.
Sen struggles to walk since the place is filled with mud-like contents to the wall where the herbal soak is. She manages to get closer to the cabinet to open the switch. Yubaba and Chihiyaku, who is covering his nose, watch the incident. The latter is worried that Sen may ruin the walls but the former is thinking something else. She hasn't seen the six teens before and her gut instinct tells her primarily that they're probably newbies. But, she then senses something strange over them. It's as if they don't belong here at all. Yubaba decides to investigate but not now since she wants to see how they will help the human girl clean up the stink-god. Sen tries to put the tag but slips from her hands. She then manages to put the second tag and sends it to Kamaji for the herbal soak. Yubaba and the foreman are surprised to learn that Sen has so many tags.
SEN: There's a rope at the bathtub. You need to pull it to release the water.
They acknowledge this. Mousse, Shampoo and Akane climbs up the large bath to get the rope. Shampoo was the first one to reach it but is struggling to pull it since her hands are very slippery. Akane followed her and helps her and with Mousse, they pulled the rope to release the water. As the water begins to pour on the creature, the three teens accidentally slipped into the bath and are stuck in the god's body of mud. Ranma, Ryoga, Ukyo and Sen are worried about this and move closer to save them. Fortunately, the Okusare-Sama pulls them out safely. Akane regains her composure when she saw something that was stuck at the stink-god's body.
AKANE: Guys! I think something's stuck in his body! It looks like a thorn!
LIN: SEN! Are you okay?
Sen turns around to see Lin ready to assist her. She had a handkerchief covered at her nose to her chin. She's carrying cleaning materials.
SEN: I'm okay! These people helped me.
RANMA: Akane! What do you mean a thorn?
AKANE: Something's embedded at his side. I'm not sure if it's a thorn.
YUBABA: [amazed] A thorn eh? [to Chihiyaku] Get all the help we can need! I want the windows to be open now!
As the foreman quickly followed his superior's orders, Yubaba jumped off the ledge and floats all the way down to Sen and her friends' location. She knew it wasn't just a thorn.
YUBABA: SEN! LIN! Here! [she produces a rope] Tie it to the thorn!
Ranma quickly goes up to the large bath and gets the rope. While Yubaba calls the other servants to help them, Ranma and Shampoo struggle to tie the rope at the thorn since the herbal soak continues to pour in. Ranma manages to tie it successfully. He gives the go signal to Yubaba and the latter orders the servants to pull the rope. Ranma, along with [in order] Shampoo, Mousse, Akane, Sen, Ukyo, Ryoga and Lin pull the rope harder with the other servants. Yubaba and other well-wishers who are watching encourage them to pull out whatever's there. They pulled and pulled until Ranma sees a bicycle, much to everyone's surprise. They pulled out the bike and stuff comes out from inside. Everyone avoided the pile of rubbish that is coming out. The spirit gives Ranma a watery embrace and splashes some water at the rest, which surprisingly cleans them. As the water lets go of Ranma, he notices that he's holding a small ball. As the steam clears, Yubaba notices something shiny on the floor. It was revealed to be specks of gold left behind by the spirit. The crowd went wild over this and tries to get some gold.
YUBABA: HEY! HEY! CALM DOWN! GUESTS ARE STILL HERE! LET GO OF THAT GOLD RIGHT NOW!
The water begins to evaporate.
YUBABA: [to Ranma] Hey you! Move! He's trying to get out!
Ranma responds to her requests and moves down to join the others. The guest turns out to be the River God or Kawa no Kami. It feels refreshed and laughs out loudly as he flies freely and goes outside the window. It flies through the rainy night. The teens are awed at his appearance. It alone reminds them again that they are in another world, as if Yubaba wasn't enough. The crowd goes wild as they cheer the hard work of the servants. Sen hugs Ranma for helping her and he does the same with a smile. Shampoo decides to join the hugging brigade by glomping Ranma, as usual. They are tired but happy nonetheless. If they hadn't known any better, they used teamwork to help Sen with her problem. Ranma then remembers something of Kamaji's words. He lets go Sen and asks Shampoo to let go of him.
RANMA: Guys, I think we should split before the old lady notices us.
SEN: Where are you going?
RANMA: Sorry Sen. We have to go. We don't want Yubaba to notice us or we'll get into trouble.
UKYO: If you didn't know, she already noticed us while we were cleaning. So much for anonymity.
RANMA: [looks at Yubaba who's telling the servants to drop the gold] We go now quietly to Kamaji's.
SEN: You do know where it is right? [Ranma nods] I'll follow you later. You have to go now.
Ranma and the others quietly slipped away from the maddening crowd. Unknown to them, the Kaonashi is watching them and Sen at the same time. He quietly disappears.
*************
RYOGA: Man, what a day!
AKANE: You said it. I've never been covered with filth in my entire life.
The teens stayed at Kamaji's room. They dressed up to their normal clothes. Unfortunately, all of them are very hungry and very tired.
KAMAJI: You kids did a good job.
RANMA: I believe the credit goes to Sen. She's a fighter all right.
KAMAJI: Yes, I believe so. Anyhow, seems this might be Yubaba's night. She has never collected so much gold from one customer.
RANMA: That will keep her distracted. [his stomach begins to growl] Damn, I've never got to eat since this trip!
RYOGA: Hey Mousse, got some snacks in your sleeves?
MOUSSE: [tries to find some food at his pockets] Sorry guys, no food. All that's left is cannibalism.
SEN: Oh I wouldn't think so.
Everyone looked at the lift to see Sen carrying a tray of food for her saviors.
SEN: [smiles] I never got to say thank you. I thought I wouldn't last at this place.
UKYO: Don't worry. You're okay now, right?
SEN: [hands out the food to them] Yeah. [curious] Wait, why are you here and how did you know Haku?
RANMA: It's kinda a long story. We're not just here to help you. We're looking for something.
SEN: Really? What is it then?
RANMA: Something valuable. Something important.
AKANE: You wouldn't understand even if we told you.
The group eats their meals and finishes it. Ranma, always the hungry boy, wants more food.
RANMA: [smiles] Hey Sen, how about bring me more food?
Akane elbows Ranma in his ribs hard.
AKANE: [to Ranma] I can't believe you! Is this how you say thanks? [to Sen] You have to forgive Ranma here. He's a boy lacking in delicacy.
SEN: It's okay. Is he always like that?
RYOGA: It's always his appetite that he follows most of the time.
UKYO: He acts before he thinks.
MOUSSE: Honestly, he can devour the grocery if he's beyond hungry.
SHAMPOO: Airen maybe not bright but he excels as strong husband.
RYOGA: He insults mostly everyone, especially Akane.
UKYO: He's a free loader just like his father, who's more of a weasel.
MOUSSE: He's arrogant and a sore loser.
SHAMPOO: Sometimes he doesn't even know what he is talking about.
RANMA: HEY! HEY! Enough with the insults! I think she gets it!
RYOGA: Those were not insults, just comments made by us about you.
MOUSSE: Constructive criticism in other words.
RANMA: [sneers] Hmph! More like destructive criticism.
Sen giggles at the comments made by them. Ranma frowns at her.
SEN: [tries not to laugh] Sorry. It's just that sometimes I get so lonely at this place.
UKYO: Don't worry sugar, you'll be okay and you get to see your parents again.
SEN: That reminds me. How did you know Haku?
Everyone looks at each other to see who will answer her question. Akane decides to respond.
AKANE: Well, Sen or should I say Chihiro-
SEN: [surprised] W-wait! Y-you know my name?
AKANE: Haku told us. Honestly, we weren't here to help you at first.
SEN: [confused] Why?
AKANE: Well-
RANMA: What's she saying is that we're looking for something, a Keyhole to be exact.
SEN: A Keyhole?
RANMA: [tries to find the right words without scaring off the girl] Yeah. But it's not just an ordinary Keyhole. Your world has one.
SEN: What are you saying "my world"?
MOUSSE: Chihiro, we'll be honest. We're not from this world. We came from another. Let's just say it's complicated. Your friend Haku knew that we were coming-
RANMA: Oh, so now it's "we"?
MOUSSE: [tp Ranma] Saotome, I'm trying to tell the girl. Now be a good boy and be quiet unless you have something to reveal that we didn't know, like you happen to be the destroyer of the worlds.
SHAMPOO: [shrugs] That can happen you know. [looks at Ranma] Are you?
MOUSSE: As I was saying, Haku knew we were coming. Not exactly "we" since he anticipated Saotome here only.
RANMA: Right. I'm the Keywielder.
RYOGA: I thought it was Keybearer?
RANMA: Tell that to Kamaji [points at him]. Besides, I think the term "Keywielder" sounds cool. Anyway, I'm here to seal the Keyhole for protection (or so I was told to believe).
SEN: Protection? From who or what?
RANMA: Let's just say unwanted guests. Once I seal the Keyhole, your world will be protected.
SEN: Have you seen what you have been looking for?
RANMA: Unfortunately no such luck.
SEN: I see.
KAMAJI: Very interesting. But Sen, you have to go back to your room now. It's getting late.
SEN: Okay. [to the teens] Thanks for everything. Will I see you tomorrow?
RANMA: Sure.
Sen smiles at the response and goes back to her room via the lift.
KAMAJI: Well, I'll be hitting the sheets now. I suggest that you kids keep it quiet. I don't like to be disturbed.
***********
Nighttime falls as everyone is asleep after a hard day's of work. For Yubaba, the owner of the Aburaya, she feels satisfied as she has garnered more gold from the River God. But, she couldn't sleep for some reasons. First off, she wonders how long will the child last. It was an amusement for her to see how Sen will figure out of her way here yet Yubaba will have to make sure to keep an eye for her. She might cause some damage to her house.
The next thing that was on her mind was the six teens. Yubaba knew deep down they were human but for unknown reasons, they seem to adjust at this place without turning into pigs. A black pig-tailed boy, a short blue- haired girl, a purple haired girl, a brown haired girl with a ribbon and spatula on her back, a boy wearing a bandana and a long haired boy wearing classes. It was then Yubaba realized that they didn't belong to this world. She remembered what had happened a few years ago when the place was attacked by dark creatures. A man, whom she couldn't remember what he looked like, saved them despite an injury. Afterwards, he disappeared out of the blue. She doesn't know how these are connected. Her thoughts are interrupted when her child cried out loudly. She will deal with these tomorrow as she rushes to her child.
***********
Ranma and the others were tired but couldn't sleep, so they try their best not to wake Kamaji up. Mousse is reading a book when Akane approached him.
AKANE: Hey.
MOUSSE: [stops reading] Hey.
AKANE: Sorry if interrupted your reading.
MOUSSE: Oh no, it's okay. Couldn't sleep.
AKANE: Same here. [looks at the front cover] Hey, isn't that "The Alchemist"?
MOUSSE: You read this book?
AKANE: I actually liked it. It was assignment for my English class. I couldn't stop reading ever since. I'm way more surprised that you know English.
MOUSSE: There are some things you don't know about me, Akane Tendo.
AKANE: Really? I kinda relied on you to have some valuable stuff like Gameboys and the like.
MOUSSE: I have a magazine. It's about martial arts though.
AKANE: It's okay. [Mousse hands her over the magazine] Thanks.
Akane and Mousse are reading until the latter speaks out.
MOUSSE: I'm sorry.
AKANE: [turns away from the magazine] What?
MOUSSE: I'm sorry for ruining your wedding. I know I couldn't repay the damages we have caused.
AKANE: [smiles] It's okay. I knew you were there for the Nannichuan. You were desperate.
MOUSSE: I'm surprised that you moved on.
AKANE: It's been a month already and I learned a few things from Kasumi like move on. [looks at Shampoo, who is with Ranma] Um, Mousse? Aren't you going to-
MOUSSE: Just let her do her own thing.
AKANE: [surprised] What? Normally, you would drive Ranma away from her. What's with- [she then recalls the talk she had with Shampoo about Mousse leaving] You're over her aren't you?
MOUSSE: You can say that.
AKANE: Mousse, is it true that you're leaving?
MOUSSE: How did you know?
AKANE: Bumped into Shampoo at the mall. Then she told me about you and the fact that she and Cologne will be leaving Japan. I don't know why she's telling me this.
MOUSSE: Actually, Shampoo's sort of in-between. She likes Japan because of Ranma but she's homesick while she misses China but likes to do her own things here. I'm more confused about that girl. Don't get me wrong, I still love her but I think the infatuation is gone and I need to leave to clear some things. I've been obsessing her since we were kids. Doesn't that make me pathetic?
AKANE: I'm not gonna answer that.
MOUSSE: Why love someone who doesn't love you back? It's useless.
AKANE: You could print those words and stick it to her room. She might get the message. [looks at the book] Oh, where are you right now?
MOUSSE: I'm in the part where the boy talked to the camel driver. The driver said something about from the words of Allah: "People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want."
AKANE: [giggles] Hail to the king baby! That should be our mantra for the day.
MOUSSE: [frowns] Why the laughter? Are you making fun of me?
AKANE: No! It's just that I've never see this side of you. Seriously! You would make a great preacher.
MOUSSE: [grins] Guess you'll be my first listener.
While Mousse and Akane chat away, Ryoga and Ukyo are at one corner.
RYOGA: [eyes widened] What do you mean your dad disowned you?
UKYO: He called be a few days ago to see how I was doing. When he learned that I didn't fulfill his honor, he disowned me. We had an argument after that.
RYOGA: I'm sorry.
UKYO: I'm trying to get it over with it. But, it hurts so bad that my dad disowned me. He was my only family left.
RYOGA: That bastard. . .
UKYO: Even if he is a bastard, he's still my dad. I don't know. I hate him for ruining my life.
RYOGA: Here I thought, I'm the one with the problems. What do you intend to do now?
UKYO: [sighs] Before this, I was planning to move away from Nerima. No point of staying there. Ranma and Akane hate me for what my role in the disaster. Please, like they're the one to talk about relationships. They never hinted to each other that they like each other all along despite the fights. Ranma kept leading us three girls for so long that it ended with a crash. Ranma doesn't acknowledge the fact that he should've told us that he likes Akane only.
RYOGA: On the contrary, that would make matters worst. The three of you would've hunted them down and make Ranma beg for mercy until he chooses one of you.
UKYO: I didn't think of that.
RYOGA: I think having four fiancées increases Ranma's status as a sex stud. [realizes what he had just said] Oh God, I just said that didn't I? I can't even believe I said that.
UKYO: Interesting choice of words. I think you mean that having four fiancées would make Ranma as a cool guy of sorts. He can't tell one of us to back off because that would damage his reputation or he doesn't want to see any of us get hurt.
RYOGA: As if being a jackass wasn't enough for his reputation. To think I want to reconcile to him for my sins.
UKYO: You mean-
RYOGA: I don't want Ranma as my rival anymore. I want him as my friend. I've been a lot of thinking lately but I don't think it's going to work. I think he rejects me.
UKYO: That's. . .interesting. But I don't know, it's as if he doesn't want us here to be near him except Akane. Oh by the way, please why you broke up with Akari?
RYOGA: Honestly, there wasn't a relationship to begin with. She liked me because I defeated her giant pig. It's her family's law that whoever defeats their pigs will marry them.
UKYO: Why do I sense déjà vu?
RYOGA: You were thinking of Ranma and Shampoo's Amazon situation. Anyway, she's very nice. She takes care of me. But she's obsessed with pigs! Pigs!
UKYO: I don't see why you hated pigs. They're not that bad.
Ryoga realizes that Ukyo still doesn't know that he's P-Chan. Thus, being P- Chan, Ryoga had a hard time all the time except being with Akane.
RYOGA: You don't understand. I wasn't deserving enough for her so told her that I was going to a journey and had to cut off my old life. That means breaking up with her. She didn't take this lightly.
UKYO: Oh. Konatsu left without telling me. He left a note that the reason he did that is because he thinks that I care for him as friend. He wants something more than that. It's true what he wrote. Now my only friend's gone.
RYOGA: Look at us, the two losers. Not achieving in any field.
UKYO: You know what? I have to agree with you except the loser part. How about both of us as friends?
RYOGA: You think so?
UKYO: Yeah I mean, only the two of us are talking to each other among the six of us.
RYOGA: Well, we can include Mousse and Akane-
UKYO: Akane hates me.
RYOGA: Okay, just Mousse.
Ranma and Shampoo are having their own conversation outside; much to the latter's delight and the former's dismay.
SHAMPOO: Ranma, Shampoo overheard that great-grandma saying that she and I will be going back to China. Shampoo don't want to go but miss village.
RANMA: (Finally!) Now, Shampoo, you have to follow Cologne's orders. You don't want to disappoint her, right?
SHAMPOO: But Shampoo not leaving without you!
RANMA: But-
SHAMPOO: Listen. I can make you more happier that the Super Violent Tomboy.
RANMA: Hey! Don't call her that!
SHAMPOO: Why? She doesn't care if you live or die. I care if you live or die. I can help you.
RANMA: Well I care for her! I love her, but it seems that you don't want to admit that.
SHAMPOO: Shampoo helped you. I cook delicious dishes than her! I help you in your problems! I stronger than her!
RANMA: You don't get it, do you? I never considered you as a fiancée, despite those stupid Amazon laws of yours.
SHAMPOO: (angry) Then why you lead Spatula Girl and Psycho Gymnast into thinking that you love us all? You think that you would discard us easily? I worked so hard just for you to like me! I even fought Lin-Lin and Lung- Lung just to protect you!
RANMA: By hurting anyone, most especially Akane!
SHAMPOO: Tell me why? Why you like her? She hates you! [tears slowly fall on her face]
RANMA: I love her. I was too afraid to show it.
SHAMPOO: That's not enough! At least Mousse loves me back!
RANMA: Oh yeah. You hated him, don't you remember?
Shampoo slaps Ranma at his face. She dries her tears with her eyes. The last thing she wants is an interrogation from everybody on what happened.
SHAMPOO: You know what? Shampoo realize that you hate everyone here. They, including me, hate you. Unless you make some formal apology, Shampoo will not forgive you! Shampoo is not your friend anymore. You won't have friends by the way you scoffed at us.
Shampoo enters the boiler room. Ranma just stood there. He had to agree on some of Shampoo's points. She did helped him during his problems and she cooked delicious food. He also agreed on what she said about his attitude towards others. He then recalls his argument with Ukyo a few weeks ago. It was the same as Shampoo's. He realized that he has been acting like a big jerk. But the way he was raised by his dad, he doesn't know how to deal certain things. Ranma decides to call it a night and goes to his futon.
**********
Ranma wakes up in an unknown place. It was nighttime but what's weird is that he was in a beach in an eerie setting with a bright full moon low to the horizon. He quickly gets up and surveys the scene finds no one there. He turns around only to see a giant jagged rock. All of the sudden, a small sign appears on the rock. It was then someone walks through the rock as if it was thin air. Ranma looked at the cloaked figure carefully. It seems that he doesn't see him in a physical sense. He was wearing a black coat with a hood covering most of his face but his eye is glowing yellow. He sees the mysterious person walking towards another mysterious cloaked person sitting on a rock.
???: He looks just like you.
RANMA: (What are they talking about?)
The two cloaked figures looked at Ranma as if he was there. He panics.
???: You'll learn soon enough.
**********
Ranma wakes up. He realizes that he's neither at the boiler room nor the Aburaya. To his dismay, he's at his room at the Tendo household. He learns that all of it was just a dream. He looked at the clock at it was 12 midnight. He looks around only to find out that his parents aren't in the room. He goes out of his room to get some water. He looks at floor to see a pile of blood on the floor and sees Nabiki's corpse. He is horrified by the scene. It seems that she was stabbed in the chest and in the back. He quickly goes to Akane's room to see if she's alright. When he opened the door, he couldn't find her. He checked out the other rooms and its occupants are nowhere to be seen.
He goes down and sees blood on the wall. He goes to the kitchen and finds Tofu and Kasumi lying on the floor. They suffered the same fate as Nabiki's. He checks at them and thinks that they died hours ago. He went to the dining room and screams as he sees Nodoka lying on the table with her throat slashed. On her left was Genma, whose body was slashed by a weapon. It seems that he was trying her before he went down first. He goes outside and sees Soun on the pond, floating with the blood-filled water. He sees ashes on the ground with a smoking pipe. He learns it belongs to Happosai. He quickly goes to the dojo and along the way, he sees Cologne on the wall with a knife on her forehead.
When he's in the dojo, he sees Mousse outside lying on the ground with one of his weapons stuck at his body. He looks at the damaged wall and sees Shampoo with a stabbing wound in her heart. He goes inside to see Ryoga lying on the floor in the pool of blood while Ukyo lies on the side dead. Finally he sees Akane on the floor with her neck and spinal cord broken. He is horrified by the scene and fear goes through his body as he sees the killer carrying a Keyblade.
RANMA: So? How do you like the scenery? I worked very hard you know.
************
Ranma woke up and covered with sweat. He learns that it was just a dream as he's still in Aburaya. Everyone else is still asleep. He couldn't figure out what the hell happened. Who is he? Why is his doppelganger carrying a Keyblade? But one thing's for sure, there are a lot of things he still doesn't know about and demands answers right now.
************
UP NEXT: The NWC saves Sen and Haku from Yubaba and the Heartless. Back in Nerima, Kuno organizes a search party for Akane and the pig-tailed girl. Cologne finds out about the Keyhole and at the same time, settles her differences with Happosai once and for all.
************
Author's Notes:
Sorry for the delay. I can come up with different reasons:
College, 'nuff said. (I live in the Philippines, FYI) I have to watch Spirited Away all over again. Writer's block and I have to sort out upcoming storylines. Research on the entire Kingdom Hearts storylines and theories. I also have to wait for the sequel to see what has happened. My computer broke down twice.
To psycho king:
A BIG thank you for the comment. Hopefully you won't be dismayed by the way how I tell the story. Let me explain about Ranma and his personality: he's human, yes and was raised by Genma alone. He does need friends and companionship but it seems that everyone has been exploiting him. Sure he doesn't mind about this but what if they reached the limit and Ranma has enough? This may seem off in the Takahashi universe but you do have to remember that in this story, it's all about change and maturity. Ranma and the others are still the same old folks you either love or hate but they will gain some new insights. But despite being angry with them for making his life miserable (for about 50-70%, IMO), he couldn't deal with the fact that he has done something wrong that will hurt both parties (he will deal with this starting at the next chapter). If you notice Ukyo's comments about Ranma, you get to learn that she's over him and angry at him for causing the damage in her life but deep down, she wants to be friends again with Ranma. Both childhood friends will have a nice talk over the next chapters. As for Shampoo, well, she's angry that he chose Akane over her and finally snaps out. I'm sorry if this is all I can explain to you but I do hope you understand. If you're not convinced, tell me and I'll be happy to respond.
