Focusing On The Job
Akane wakes up first. She sees everyone is still asleep, except for a certain pig-tailed boy. His futon is still there, but no sign of him. She looked around, but couldn't find him. She stood up and decides to go outside of the boiler room. As she opens the door, she finds him there sitting on the ground and watching the calm and peaceful scenery. Normally, he would wake up last but Akane knew something is wrong. Unknown to her, he already sense her presence.
RANMA: Had a good night's sleep?
Akane's surprised that he knew she was there without turning around.
AKANE: You can say that.
RANMA: I'm not kidding when I say this, but you look good with that ensemble [Akane blushes as he's referring to her clothes: black tank top, blue flare jeans and her sneakers]
AKANE: Thanks. For that, I'm not kidding. Right now I'm hoping that Nabiki won't be borrowing my clothes. On another topic, why are you up so early?
RANMA: Oh, that. [Ranma doesn't want to tell her the dream he had. Not yet, anyway] Couldn't sleep. I had a lot in my mind.
AKANE: [curious] Like?
RANMA: Missing my mom. I know she's worried sick. Surprisingly, I miss dad too. I just hope she doesn't kill him.
AKANE: [ponders for a moment] I miss my dad, too. I bet he'll cry like a river. Heck, he can flood Nerima, which can be good since it's summer. I miss Kasumi and Nabiki, Yuka and Sayuri and Dr. Tofu. I wonder how they are doing.
RANMA: I'm sure they'll be fine. [turns around to see Akane] So, everyone's still in dreamland?
AKANE: You can say that. Ranma, I know something's bothering you. You didn't wake up this early.
RANMA: [lies] Well, it's just that I haven't practicing my katas lately. I think I may be getting a little bit rusty.
AKANE: Oh, relax. Even if you slept the whole day, you can still beat anyone. Oh, by the way, nice cover. So spill, what's really up?
RANMA: Just a dream I had. I don't know what it meant but I'm going to find out one way or another.
Akane sits next to him. She appreciates this moment. So does he, but neither will admit that.
AKANE: Ranma, there's something I want to ask you. Shampoo seemed, I don't know, quiet last night. It's a bit unusual for her, not that I care.
RANMA: Curiosity killed the cat. Which the latter will kill me, of course.
AKANE: What are you talking about?
RANMA: Shampoo and I had a fight last night. She asked why I rejected her as a fiancée despite helping me. But what she said to me affected me the most.
AKANE: Which is?
RANMA: That I've been an asshole to them. Ryoga, Mousse, Ukyo, Shampoo. But it's their fault, you know. They couldn't leave me alone. They exploited me one way or another. Look at me, I'm at my angst mode. It's bad for the health.
AKANE: [concerned] Oh, Ranma. . .
RANMA: You know that I wasn't raised with good manners-
AKANE: Ranma, stop. You have to stop this. You can't just feel guilty about this. It's time you confront these demons of yours, once and for all.
RANMA: Couldn't you do the same? Instead of listening to me back then, you keep blaming me even if it wasn't my fault.
Akane wanted to hit him, but her inner conscience tells her to stop. She knew what he had said just now is true. Why did she do it? Was it because of fear? Hate? She doesn't know. Even if she really did love him, it will confuse her more. So, she decided to cool off for a while until she becomes a "fully baked cookie".
RANMA: [feeling guilty] Sorry.
Both of them are surprised. Ranma didn't expect for that word to come out.
AKANE: [doesn't know how to respond] It. . .it's okay.
RANMA: Man, we really stop doing this. It's driving me nuts. [stands up] I really need to change clothes. Luckily I brought my backpack.
AKANE: Lucky for you, you have extra clothes. [sarcastic] We, lowly companions of the Keywielder, have no clothes to spare.
RANMA: Well, I can ask Mousse to give you a tight leather catsuit.
AKANE: Eeeww. Forget it.
RANMA: Just kidding, geez. [slaps his head] Oh damn! How could I forget? I also brought food! Stupid of me!
AKANE: Like I didn't know that. [Ranma mock glares at her] Don't give me that look. So what did you bring?
RANMA: Oh, chips, water, some pack of sushi, chocolates and other stuff. Thought I might encounter some worst tasting foods that I know of. [Akane glares at him] Did I mention you at all?
Akane decides to let this pass for now. Even though she attended the first cooking class only, she already understood the basics without trying to. Sure she could not compete against Shampoo and Ukyo, but hey, everything's got to have an improvement.
RANMA: [decides to change the topic before he is greeted by the Mallet of Doom] Do you know I had this dream once that I was chasing an airship naked?
AKANE: I don't want to visualize that. I've heard of naked people chasing buses, but an airship? What kind of an airship? And an airship to where?
RANMA: I don't know. But I gotta tell you, these dreams of mine are starting to confuse me more.
AKANE: Do you think it's trying to tell you something?
RANMA: Dr. Tofu said the same thing. [stands up] Right now, I'm just focusing on my job.
AKANE: Your job?
RANMA: [proudly] That's right. Full-time martial artist, savior of the worlds. Part-time happy-go-lucky-guy.
AKANE: I've just realized that your resume blows.
RANMA: Well, I don't care. As long as I and Mr. Pointy will stick together, no one will defeat us.
AKANE: You just named your Keyblade "Mr. Pointy"?
RANMA: Yeah. What's the problem?
AKANE: I find it odd. The Keyblade by appearance is beautiful and well- crafted. It can also cut anything like the legendary weapons of Hanzo Hattori. But I can't believe you named it "Mr. Pointy". What will name your car next? Black Mamba? Pussy Wagon? [Akane realized what she had just said about the last part so she's obviously embarrassed]
RANMA: I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that. Deal?
Ranma and Akane decided to go in and plan on what to do next. When they are in, they found the other four already standing. Shampoo didn't notice (or didn't bother to notice) Ranma's presence, which strike as odd to the other three, most especially Mousse. As for the latter, he decided to talk to Ranma in a very casual manner later on but depends on what will happen. Ranma thinks for a while about their plan.
RANMA: Anything I missed?
MOUSSE: Nothing the usual, Captain Jack Sparrow. Just us waking up in a strange world, spiritually. . .ecumenically. . .grammatically.
RYOGA: So, what now? I have no intention of staying here, no offense.
RANMA: I was thinking about that. My initial plan is we find the Keyhole and leave.
UKYO: But what about Sen? I know she wasn't in your plans, but for some reason I felt sorry for her. I want to help her and save her parents.
Ukyo wasn't going to let Sen suffer and have her parents stuck as pigs forever. She already lost her dad and everything that defines who she is today. She wasn't going to just stand there and do nothing, even if it kills her.
RANMA: I understand how you feel, but it's like we have two jobs at the same time!
AKANE: Then what do we do now?
RANMA: We look for the Keyhole. They told me that it will present itself depending on different circumstances. [pauses] I was, and still am, kinda hoping that it's here somewhere. All we need to do is avoid the ugly, old fat woman Yubaba. Honestly, she's isn't threatening as Kamaji had told us.
RYOGA: You're making assumptions of her? Looks can be deceiving, you know.
RANMA: What else can we do?
UKYO: By the way, are we going up wearing our color-coordinated uniforms?
RANMA: Ah, I was getting there. I don't know.
AKANE: [raises her eyebrow] You don't know?
RANMA: Well, I have no. . .wait, since when did you guys treat me as the leader?
MOUSSE: You are the leader, despite our reluctance. So at this point, you'll be our leader as in "follow the".
RANMA: [looks at the rest] Do you guys agree? [everyone nods] Well then, since I'm the leader, we'll do "do what I say."
RYOGA: [deadpanned] Ha ha, I think I'll settle for mutiny.
RANMA: I was just kidding. What made you guys decide that I'm the leader?
UKYO: You had the Keyblade, though I find the whole thing odd.
AKANE: He prefers to call it Mr. Pointy.
RYOGA: Mr. Pointy? How and why did you come up with that lame-ass name?
RANMA: [looks at Ryoga] There are some things that are better left unexplained.
Ranma looks at Shampoo, who is sitting beside Mousse and reading something. She didn't pay any attention to their talk, not that she's interested. Ranma felt sorry for her. After all she was just trying to obey the Amazon laws but it was washed away with the love that she could not attain from him. He then decided to talk to her, then Ukyo, Ryoga and Mousse, provided that they give him any time of the day. However, he also decided that he will expose Ryoga as P-Chan to Akane no matter what. As cruel as it may sounds, that is justice, not revenge. Ranma may have kept his word, but the Lost Boy abused that privilege, thus pissing off Ranma. He looks at Kamaji, who is still sleeping.
RANMA: [smiles at them] Hey guys, I had some food on my backpack. Stupid of me to forgot about them.
MOUSSE: [gives him a suspicious look] Is it that or you're trying to starve the rest of us to death while you munch merrily?
RANMA: [scoffs at his accusation] It was the former, duck boy. All this stress, I kinda forgot about it. So wipe that skeptic look on you face.
Ranma gets his bag and looks for food.
UKYO: So what do you have?
RANMA: Well, Pringles chips, club sandwiches, Chinese dumplings, chocolate cake, sushi and two bottled waters. [holds the bottled water] They're not that cold.
Ranma brings out only a few since he will need them a lot. He realized that they have to find some ingredients for Shampoo and Ukyo to cook. God how he missed eating the ramen and the okonomiyaki. He hadn't been to their respective restaurants since the failed wedding. He hands out the chips to everyone while Mousse pulls out six small cups. Ranma divides the sandwich into six, equal parts. They ate quietly. No talk, no thank yous, no nothing. They appreciated this moment. A moment of silence that wasn't found back in their world. They missed everyone: Ranma and Akane to Genma, Nodoka, Soun, Kasumi, Nabiki, Hiroshi, Daisuke, Sayuri, Yuka and Dr. Tofu; Shampoo and Mousse [to his surprise] missed Cologne and everyone at the Joketsuzoku; Ryoga to his parents, Checkers and Akari, though he thinks that she doesn't care for him after what he did; and Ukyo to Konatsu, since she doesn't care for her dad anymore.
************
[BGM: Austin Powers Theme Song]
It was an early morning back at Nerima. It has been a week since the disappearance of Ranma and the others. A small figure crawls out of the window wearing a mask and a bag. He carefully climbed his way to the roof. He surveyed his surroundings carefully. By now everyone is now doing their own thing. Children playing, housewives cleaning their respective houses, others going to their jobs while teens planning on what they are going to do on their vacations. But this little man here has other plans.
WOMAN: [screams] YOU PERVERTED THIEF! GET BACK HERE! HELP! HE STOLE MY UNDERWEAR!
HAPPOSAI: [shouts with joy] WHAT A HAUL! WHAT A HAUL! HA HA!
Happosai has just stolen his first underwear for the day. Ever since Ranma, the only one who can stop him, disappeared, he has taken the advantage by stealing more underwear. More women complained but there was nothing they can do. Happosai went to more houses and stole more underwear. He was like a kid in a candy store. He appreciated the silk texture of the bras and panties. For him this is a perfect day. He didn't know that women are chasing him with the intent of beating him to death.
HAPPOSAI: What a beautiful day it is! The more the merrier!
He goes into one house, stole three sets of panties and gets out in a record of 15 seconds. He had to make sure he doesn't accidentally grab men's underwear. He goes into another and successfully steals a drawer filled with lingerie. No one can stop him now.
************
Back at the Tendo household, Nodoka's upset over Genma [who is currently in his panda form] and Soun. They're Happosai's lap dogs. One minute they plan against him, the next minute he appears they wussed out. Right now, they pretended to be sick.
NODOKA: [angry] Can't you do anything about him? We've been getting complaints everyday!
GENMA: [shows his sign] (We can't. There's nothing we can do.)
SOUN: [who's still crying] He's right Nodoka. We're afraid of what the master will do to us if we stop him.
NODOKA: [frustrated] I can't believe this! Both of you are excellent martial artists but you don't show it! [to Genma] You have given broken promises to Ranma and everyone else! You claim you are a man of honor but all were just words! [to Soun] As for you! You keep crying everytime you get emotional. I know your wife's death was, and still is, painful for you but you have to move on! [sighs] What's the use? [grabs her purse and katana] Now, if you excuse me, I'll be going now.
Nodoka left the two men behind.
SOUN: Genma, what do we do? We haven't seen Ranma or Akane for the past week. I can't take this anymore! My baby girl has been kidnapped by unknown forces!
GENMA: (Patience, my friend. The boy's probably with her. They'll be alright.)
SOUN: How can you be sure?
GENMA: (Instinct, I guess.)
Happosai appears out of nowhere.
HAPPOSAI: [ecstatic] Hey boys! Get your lazy butts out 'cause we're going to do lots of stuff today!
Genma and Soun cringe. He meant "we're going to steal a lot of underwear today!"
**********
NABIKI: I think they were abducted by aliens.
KASUMI: [gasps] Nabiki!
NABIKI: What? I'm still not convinced that they are in another dimension. It's so surrealistic.
KASUMI: True, but Cologne showed us more evidence numerous times.
COLOGNE: I agree with her, Kasumi. [Kasumi and Nabiki turn around to see her] Something's not right.
KASUMI: You said it yourself that they are in another dimension.
COLOGNE: Yes. But lately, I've been in denial. If they are, then the chances of them coming back slim. There are a lot of different dimensions out there. If they are in the wrong dimension, then I fear-
KASUMI: Cologne, please! Let's not think negatively. I'm sure they'll be all right. They have to be!
COLOGNE: I share the same sentiments, my dear.
NABIKI: I don't think, not all of them. You have to remember we're talking about six people who are at odds with each other. They'll be likely to kill each other. Ranma against Ryoga and Mousse; Akane against Shampoo against Ukyo; and Akane against Ranma's big mouth. If they haven't gotten to each other's nerves, we'll be damned that they'll make it. If one of them does come back, we can be sure they relived "The Lord of The Flies" scenario.
COLOGNE: I disagree on some of the parts. Mousse has given up on Shampoo but I'm sure he will look out for her like a big brother.
Ever since the disappearance, Nodoka and Kasumi volunteered to help Cologne at the Nekohaten. The whole town knew about what had happened to the six teens, except for the dimension part. Nabiki, never missed the moment to make money, opened a bet on the following: 1) who will come back? 2) who will kill who? So far Nabiki has earned more money, much to Kasumi's dismay.
NODOKA: [enters] Sorry I'm late. I have to order my weak husband to stop Happosai's antics.
COLOGNE: He'll never budge. As long as Happosai's still around, he'll be a puppet to him.
NODOKA: And to think that you fell in love with him a long time ago.
COLOGNE: I felt sorry for him back then. He was the one who fell in love with me, not the other way around.
NODOKA: I felt the same thing with Genma years ago. Oh, I forgot. This was in your mail. [hands it over to Cologne]
COLOGNE: Thank you. If you excuse me, I'll read this privately. [Nodoka nods and Cologne goes to her room]
NODOKA: So, how's everything?
KASUMI: So far so good.
Nodoka takes orders from the customers while Kasumi cooks. There are only few customers but come lunch time, there will be a lot. The Nekohaten has solved its problem and Cologne is relieved and thankful to Nodoka and Kasumi. She and the former patched up their differences and became good friends. The elder Amazon finds Kasumi the nicest among the Tendo sisters. Kasumi, for her part, will be going out with Dr. Tofu tonight so later in the afternoon, she and Nabiki will go to the mall to pick out a good dress for their date. The big problem they're facing right now is Ucchan's. The place was rebuilt, thanks to Nabiki's contacts, but no okonomiyaki chef. They tried to contact Ukyo's father but no response. Ucchan's just stood there. Hiroshi and Daisuke entered the restaurant for a brunch.
NABIKI: Hey there kids.
HIROSHI: Hey Nabiki, Kasumi.
NODOKA: Hello boys.
HIROSHI/DAISUKE: Hello, Mrs. Saotome. We'd like some chicken ramen and two Cokes please.
NODOKA: Certainly. [goes to the kitchen to help Kasumi. Nabiki approaches them]
NABIKI: So, how's summer so far?
DAISUKE: Bland and boring! Sayuri and Yuka aren't around.
HIROSHI: We figure that after this we'll be heading to the beach.
NABIKI: Well, what can you do? I've got a year left before I go to college and already daddy and Kasumi plan on where to go. I just don't know where I'll be going yet. But I'm sure I'll be taking business.
DAISUKE: Lucky you. [pauses] So, any sign of Ranma?
NABIKI: No. I'm sure they'll be alright. Assuming they'll be alright.
DAISUKE: I kinda envy them.
NABIKI: [raises her left eyebrow] Oh really? Tell me in order to satisfy my curiosity.
HIROSHI: Okay, Daisuke and I talked about this. We think that they were kidnapped by intergalactic aliens, brainwash them and train them to take over the world!
Nabiki was speechless. It was kind of funny for the moment, but she wasn't laughing for some reasons.
NABIKI: Nice, except that's the most ridiculous theory. Where the hell you guys came up with that inane theory?
DAISUKE: We were watching a sci-fi show yesterday and that got us into thinking.
NABIKI: [deadpanned] Geek boys.
HIROSHI: Please. Kazuki said that they probably eloped or went to some unknown locations for you know.
DAISUKE: Know what?
HIROSHI: [rolls eyes] Come on! You got three guys and three girls and all alone in a secluded place. It calls for rated-XXX!!!
Nabiki spills water at Hiroshi for his disgusting comment.
NABIKI: First and foremost, they absolutely have no intention of doing that! Even if they did, they would be stupid enough to engage in orgy sex!
KASUMI: [shocked] NABIKI!
Nabiki was surprised to see Kasumi carrying the two boys' orders. She hands them out while glares at her sister.
KASUMI: [angry] I can't believe you said that!
NABIKI: Me? Blame him! [points at Hiroshi] He's the one who brought up his sick fantasies!
HIROSHI: [nervous] He he, I-I was just kidding!
NABIKI: You better be.
DAISUKE: [whispers to Hiroshi] Loser.
Hiroshi was embarrassed to death. He decided to change the topic.
HIROSHI: Hey, have you guys heard that Kuno will hold a search party for Akane and Ranma? He'll announce it at the school later on. He also said that the reward will be 2 million yen!
KASUMI: That's. . .crazy!
DAISUKE: Why is that? He'll do anything for Akane and the female Ranma, even if it means burying his own grave.
Nabiki was just silent whenever Kuno was mentioned. Kasumi noticed this but didn't think of anything else. Something's going on. Besides, Kuno's dating Mariko, or so they were told by Mariko herself. Both sisters knew that Kuno and whoever will join him will not able to find them unless they showed up.
NABIKI: There's a definite guarantee that almost everyone will show up.
DAISUKE: For the money?
NABIKI: Aside from that, they'll be looking them for their personal reasons.
KASUMI: Well, Konatsu will probably appear again to find Ukyo. As well as Tsubasa. . .
HIRSOHI: The cross-dressing freak who's got the hots for Ukyo? He's sick.
KASUMI: And then there's Akari for Ryoga-
NABIKI: [to Kasumi] Didn't you hear? Ryoga and Akari broke up. My sources told me that Ryoga did the dumping.
HIROSHI: Ow. I felt sorry for Akari. [smiles] Do you think she's available?
NABIKI: I'm not going to ponder that.
DAISUKE: Suppose they never find them? What will happen to them?
NABIKI: Well, we just pray and keep hoping.
HIROSHI: [to Daisuke] Maybe we should join the search party. We might earn those big bucks! Then again we might face stiff competition against the pantheon of weirdoes of Nerima.
NABIKI: It's a sure bet all of them will appear. Kuno, Kodachi, Tsubasa and other people I decided not to mention since I'm too lazy to tell their names. [realizes something] I'm also sure that Daddy and Uncle Saotome will join for the big bucks and of course, Akane and Ranma.
KASUMI: Now that's absurd.
NABIKI: Oh come on, Kasumi. Uncle Saotome will do anything as long as there's an excellent reward system. I won't be surprised that he might bring back a bunch of look-a-likes.
NODOKA: [appears from the kitchen] In that case, I'll make sure he won't make another foolish plan. [clutches her katana] If he does, he better spent his last days on earth.
NABIKI: [grins] I'm going to be there to see how will Kuno will pull off this search party. [a light bulb appears in her head] I got it! I'm going make a bet whether he will succeed at finding them or not. This will be interesting alright. [to Hiroshi and Daisuke] How about it boys? Care to make a bet?
Nodoka and Kasumi looked at each other as the other three discuss their "business".
NODOKA: [worried] Sometimes, I worry about your sister.
KASUMI: I just tend to ignore it. I wish her luck if she gains a lot of money. But, I will admit, she tends to go far out. Then again, I'm interested whether Kuno WILL find them or not. Do you think we should tell them about the truth?
NODOKA: What will we tell them? That they are in another dimension? Then again, this is Nerima. They'll buy at anything possible. You know, I'm willing to see how far the Kunos will go. [smiles] It'll be like watching a live reality show.
************
AKANE: [stunned] We're not going to wear the uniforms? But they'll find out about us!
RANMA: I know. But we'll fight them off.
AKANE: Ranma, this isn't Battle Royale! We can't just fight anyone!
MOUSSE: She's right. Consider the risks your decision will put us through and Sen. I don't wanna die here!
SHAMPOO: Shampoo say, stick with uniforms.
Everyone looked at Shampoo, who just spoke.
SHAMPOO: Ranma, your decision will put us in danger and will risk our cover. [grumbles] Some leader. . .
Mousse gives Ranma a "what's-going-on" look. The latter just sighed in response.
RYOGA: Shampoo's right, unless we have a good excuse for beating them up. But let's get realistic here. IF we do the uniform thing, it's going to take us forever to find the Keyhole. On the other hand, Shampoo and Mousse already covered that area.
SHAMPOO: Maybe we start a union against evil witch. People abused here by having their rights being violated. Shampoo say [raises her fist] we start revolution!
Everyone again stared at the female Amazon. By that comment, she would make a good female version of Mao Tse-tung.
MOUSSE: I'll say this: what?
SHAMPOO: It worked for the seven dwarfs in Snow White, why not we influence the workers to do same against evil witch?
UKYO: Yes. And while we're at it, let us fly and sing songs that came out of nowhere. [to Shampoo] You do realize that Yubaba's a powerful witch?
SHAMPOO: So? Spatula Girl haven't seen evil witch in action. Spider-man there [points at Kamaji who is still sleeping] may be bluffing.
RYOGA: He did work here for a long time. If so, I guess he must have seen Yubaba's true nature.
Ranma looks at Akane who is now reading a book of spells Aeris gave her back in Traverse Town.
RANMA: Whatcha reading?
AKANE: Aeris gave me a book of spells that might be invaluable to this quest.
MOUSSE: What have you uncovered so far?
AKANE: Well, [thinks] there's a telekinesis spell, summoning fireballs and the normal magic stuff. Maybe we could use this against Yubaba just in case.
RANMA: [worried] I don't know. Who's going to do the casting?
AKANE: I would. I understand the basics so far.
SHAMPOO: [smirks] Hmph! Super Violent Tomboy may screw up everything by turning us into rats!
AKANE: [glares at Shampoo] Excuse me?
SHAMPOO: Shampoo doesn't rely on you. You might blow up the entire place!
AKANE: [angry] At least I'm making a contribution! What about you? All you do is glomp Ranma!
SHAMPOO: [furious] SHUT UP!
AKANE: Why don't you do that? You're the one who started this.
RANMA: [decides to interrupt] ENOUGH!
Everyone now looks at Ranma. The Keywielder has had enough of the bickerings.
RANMA: [to Shampoo] Stop insulting everyone! [to Akane] And stop being an easy target! I'm sorry if I reacted like this but the last thing I need is fights! I'm tired of this bullshit even back at Nerima! All you guys do is fight and fight even without real reason why! [mellows down] I'm sorry for this. I'm sorry for being a jerk to you guys. Why-
Just as Ranma is about to continue, the ventilation shaft suddenly is destroyed as a white dragon bursts in and crashes into the boiler room. Everyone quickly moved away from the dragon. Ranma quickly grabs Kamaji from his place before he gets squished. As the dragon lands in the ground, it violently continues to move as if it was trying to get away from a torture. Everyone sees this and is stunned by the sight of blood around the creature. It was a surprise to see Sen holding onto the dragon. Along with her are a small house and a mosquito. The girl is holding the dragon as it struggles through.
AKANE: Sen! W-what's going on?
SEN: [panics] H-haku. . .he was injured. . .I. . .don't know what's wrong. He's acting violently!
Sen accidetanly loosens her grip as Haku tries to get away. Seeing this, they managed to hold Haku tightly to control him.
UKYO: Why is he acting like this?
KAMAJI: Something's wrong.
RANMA: Can't you do something?
KAMAJI: I don't know what exactly is wrong with him. [looks at Sen] What exactly happened?
SEN: I was in my room when I saw Haku being attacked by flying paper dolls. I called him and he crashed to my room. What's shocking is that he's bleeding badly. I prevented the attackers but Haku ran away. He went to Yubaba's room, so I followed him.
KAMAJI: [surprised] You what?
SEN: I didn't go to the normal route so I took the hard route. As I reached there, Yubaba said something about killing Haku because he wasn't useful anymore. When I had the chance, I managed to go inside without Yubaba in it. There are three heads who are trying to kill him so I stopped them. I don't know what happened but Yubaba appeared all of the sudden, except. . .except she wasn't Yubaba. She told me that Haku stole something and it was protected by a curse!
KAMAJI: I think that solves our problem.
RANMA: [confused] What?
KAMAJI: The person Sen saw earlier wasn't Yubaba at all. It was her twin sister, Zeniba. My guess is Haku stole one of Zeniba's possessions but it contained a curse. That's why he is acting this way.
RYOGA: Is there anyway we can cure him 'cause I don't think we can control him for long!
By now, everyone is struggling to control the wild dragon. Kamaji notices a small mouse and a mosquito but ignores it instead.
KAMAJI: Sen, where is Zeniba?
SEN: She, she disappeared. All I know is she went here as one of the flying paper dolls and somehow managed to follow me. When she appeared, Haku cut the paper doll and she's gone. [she sees Haku] What are going to do?
Haku's tail destroys some of the property. Ranma then remembers the gift of the Kawa no Kami: the small ball. He doesn't know how it works but it's better than nothing. He cut off a piece from the ball and quickly feeds Haku while the latter's mouth is open. Haku violently reacted at first but he vomits up a seal and with it, a small worm.
SHAMPOO: Aiyah! What is that?
KAMAJI: The curse. So small yet it cause a powerful effect on him. But don't let it get away.
The worm tries to escape but is blocked by the soot-sprites. Sen tries to stomp the worm but after some hesitation and a few tries, she succeeded. As she removes her feet, she feels disgusted.
SEN: [disgusted] Eeeeewwwww!!!!
Kamaji performs a cleansing ritual over her. Haku then returns to his normal human-like form, but is still suffering from the aftereffects of the curse. Kamaji instructs Shampoo and Ukyo to arrange a futon for the injured boy. Ranma carries Haku and puts him in the futon. After a while, Haku is sleeping.
RANMA: Hate to say this, but at this point we'll never find the Keyhole now that Haku's down.
SEN: Is he going to be all right?
KAMAJI: I don't know. It seems that the curse is still in his body. [sighs] Unfortunately, I don't have an antidote for this.
Sen is worried. She wasn't going to let her friend die and decides to do something. Ukyo can tell from her face.
UKYO: [to Sen] Sugar, I think you should relax.
SEN: [worried] I-I can't! I don't want to be sitting here and do nothing. [Sen's about to cry but controls her tears] I don't want to see Haku die! [to Kamaji] Can't you do anything?
KAMAJI: I'm sorry. The only solution for this is to go to where Haku went and fix the damage.
RANMA: He went to Zeniba.
SEN: Huh?
RANMA: It makes sense. Why would Haku be attacked?
RYOGA: I don't get it.
RANMA: Zeniba must have caught him stealing something so she chased him in the form of those paper dolls Sen told us.
AKANE: But why would she come here in that manner?
KAMAJI: If you must know, Yubaba and Zeniba are different despite similar appearances. Zeniba's an old-fashioned woman so she stays far away from here. Yubaba's the opposite.
UKYO: If so, then Zeniba's also a witch.
KAMAJI: Yes.
SEN: [to Kamaji] Then it's settled. I'm going to Zeniba's place!
KAMAJI: [surprised] What?
SEN: It's the only way to save Haku! Maybe if I go there and return what he had stolen, maybe she could give me the cure. I would also ask for Haku's forgiveness!
KAMAJI: I don't know. . .
SHAMPOO: Why not? She right about this. If a friend is danger, Shampoo would do the same. [unknown to the others, she's referring to Mousse, her only friend of the moment] What could be the problem?
KAMAJI: Zeniba lives far away so the only way to get there is a train. Wait. [Kamaji goes to his drawer to look for something and gets it out] Here. [shows a couple of tickets] It's very old but I think it's very useful. [gives the tickets to Ranma] Can you count how many tickets there are?
RANMA: Eight. [looks at the rest] We got one extra ticket but I think it's settled.
KAMAJI: I've been saving those tickets for forty years. These are rare that nowadays you can't look for this kind.
SEN: [to Ranma] When do we leave?
RANMA: Right now. I think Zeniba's got the answers we've been looking for.
SEN: Who will take care of Haku?
KAMAJI: Not to worry. I'll be care of him. Now, you better leave before-
LIN: Sen!
They looked at Lin, who is in the lift and tired from finding her.
SEN: Lin, what's going on?
LIN: Yubaba's. . .looking for you. She said that our guest for today is looking for you.
SEN: [confused] Who?
LIN: I, [she doesn't know how to describe the guest] well, it's best that you come upstairs.
SEN: [looks at the NWC] I better go.
RANMA: We'll come with you just in case.
LIN: What's going on?
KAMAJI: Sen, you and the rest better go upstairs and settle this. [Lin] Can you stay here for a moment? I need your help. [Lin looks at the sleeping Haku]
************
Sen and the rest went to the guest room where Yubaba is waiting for them. Accompanying them are a small mouse and a fly, but unknown to all, there are actually Boh [Yubaba's baby] and Yu-Bird [Yubaba's pet]. They looked around to see the workers who are cowering with fear. As they reached their designated place, they are awaited by a furious Yubaba.
YUBABA: [furious] SEN! Do you know what kind of chaos you caused here?
SEN: What are you talking about?
YUBABA: You let the Kaonashi in! He devoured some of our workers and messed up the place! He wouldn't leave unless we comply his request: you! He wants you!
SEN: What do you want me to do?
YUBABA: How should I know? Why don't you talk to him? [notices the mousse and the fly, but doesn't recognize that it's her child and her pet respectively] What's that?
SEN: You don't recognize them?
YUBABA: Anyway, you better go in.
One of the workers quickly exited the guest room in a frightening manner.
YUBABA: [groans] Great. Sen.
Sen enters the room. But just as Ranma and the rest about to follow her, Yubaba blocked their way and closed the door.
RANMA: Hey! What gives?
YUBABA: You're not from this world aren't you?
AKANE: Yeah, so?
YUBABA: Interesting. In that case. . .
Yubaba performed a telekinetic spell and lifts them up. They tried to get down but with no avail.
YUBABA: Years ago, a young man came here at the same time demons have attacked this place. I have seen him in action but he disappeared.
RANMA: What do you want, you old freak?
YUBABA: Is that the way how you treat your elders, boy? The child has more manners than you.
RYOGA: [struggling] Put us down! What the hell do you want from us?!
YUBABA: [grins] Power. You have it. I want it.
MOUSSE: H-hey, if you want Saotome's pants, just do it! But, get us down! [Ranma glares at him]
YUBABA: I don't think so.
Yubaba tightens her hand. It made the six teens as if they are tightening up. They could feel their bones nearly crushed, they screamed in pain.
CHIHIYAKU: [concerned] Mistress! What are you doing?
YUBABA: Relax. One of you has the great power like I sense that man years ago. [to Ranma] Seems we have our candidate here, not that the others are useless.
RANMA: What a-
YUBABA: You and that man have the same power. [begins to chant the spell] Now, that power. . .
Ranma feels something burning from inside and begins to suffer from the pain. It seems that Yubaba is absorbing the spell. As the others watch him helplessly, Ranma suddenly began to feel the same power but it repels Yubaba's spell. It strikes back as it knocks out Yubaba into the wall, thus releasing the others.
AKANE: [runs over to Ranma] Ranma! You okay?
RANMA: [breathes heavily] Y-yeah. . .
UKYO: What was that?
RANMA: The power. . .[Akane and Ukyo helps him get up] I don't know, but I feel stronger. [to Yubaba] You have a lot of nerve to do that, witch!
They looked around and see the male workers surrounding them. Ukyo, Shampoo and Mousse immediately equipped themselves with their respective weapons.
UKYO: Boys, it's not nice to mob us kids here. So I suggest you stay back before I go Rambo here.
Seeing their weapons, the workers stepped back.
UKYO: [grins] Thank you.
Yubaba gets up.
YUBABA: You have a lot of guts to do that kid! But no more games!
YUbaba is about to unleash her fury when they hear Sen screaming for help in the guest room. Ranma jumps over Yubaba's head and drags her down. He kicks the doors and enters as he sees Sen is being threatened by the Kaonashi in the corner. The Keyblade materializes on his hand as he prepares to do the worst.
RANMA: SEN! [to Kaonashi] Now you threatened little girls? Not a wise move.
Kaonashi turns around to see Ranma and the others and approaches them. His appearance is now different. He's large and crawls like an insect. During at this time, Ranma orders Akane something else.
RANMA: Grab Sen and get out. Wait for us outside.
AKANE: What about you guys? I don't think that thing's easy to kill.
RANMA: We'll be fine. When it comes near, go and do it. I trust you.
Akane nods at his request. When the faceless demon approaches them, Akane quickly goes to Sen.
AKANE: Sen, we have to go.
SEN: Wait! What about-
AKANE: They'll be fine. They're the greatest martial artists in my world.
SEN: How sure are you?
AKANE: I don't know, but best that we get out now!
Akane grabs Sen's arm and gets out, but not before she sees Ranma and the rest fighting the demon. Ranma begins to hack Kaonashi but to his horror, it quickly heals back. Mousse then starts throwing swords at him but he deflects it with his arm. Ukyo throws her mini-spatulas at him but also to no avail. Ryoga decides to use a different strategy. He goes to the Kaonashi and performs the Bakusai Tenketsu at him. The demon staggers back but his arms began to smash the grounds and throw a punch at them. They dodged the attack but it damaged the place completely. He then jumps over outside the room and lands at the ground. The workers fled in panic as they wished not to be eaten. Ranma performs the Kachu Tenshi Amaguken at the demon, but to his surprise he avoids it by rolling away to the side. Shampoo uses her bonberies and smashes the Kaonashi's face. She continues to attack him while Ukyo slashes him at his body. Ranma and Mousse stabbed the demons back while Ryoga throws his bandannas. The Kaonashi screams at the pain so he tries to break free and seek Sen. He punches Ukyo to the side while grabs Shampoo's leg and tosses her at the food table. The Kaonashi tries to remove Ranma and Mousse from his back like a wild bull in the rodeo contests. Both boys tried to hold on to their weapons which are embedded in his back but decide to remove the weapons and get down before something worse will happen.
RYOGA: This is not good.
RANMA: Like we didn't know that.
The wounds the Kaonashi has began to cure itself, much to the gang's dismay.
SHAMPOO: [groans] Aiyah!
UKYO: You have got to be kidding me!
The Kaonashi tries to get out but his path is blocked by them. He's getting irritated since he wants Sen for companionship. Mousse throws a chain around his neck and tightens it while Ryoga jumps over at his back, like a cowboy in a rodeo. He punches the demon's back to calm down. The Kaonashi rises up as Mousse and Ryoga holds on for dear life. He begins to snap the chain and tosses Mousse at one of the rooms while he goes backwards to the nearest wall to drop Ryoga. When he does he proceeds to Sen, while leaving Ryoga in smashed wall. Ranma begins to remember the medicine ball and decides to use it against the demon. He tells Ukyo and Shampoo to distract it while he waits for a perfect opportunity to put the ball in his mouth. The Kaonashi is beginning to get annoyed so he grabs the girls and decides to eat them. Both girls struggled to get out from his grip. As his mouth begins to open, Ranma tosses the ball at him quickly. The Kaonashi begins to feel something strange. He drops the girls and begins to vomit. Ryoga and Mousse see this and ask Ranma about it.
MOUSSE: What the hell's going on?
RANMA: I don't know. When I fed Haku the ball, his curse seems to be declining so I decided to do the same. But for the results, I have no clue.
The Kaonashi continues to vomit.
SHAMPOO: But can it stop disgusting demon? He makes Shampoo sick!
While this is going on, Akane and Sen goes downstairs. Sen stops running and looks back.
SEN: I hope they didn't kill him.
AKANE: He's an evil demon who's trying to get you.
SEN: You don't understand! He wasn't evil when I invited him here. I think this place is the reason why he is acting this way! I know he's a good demon.
AKANE: You mean that this place is evil? Makes sense.
SEN: I have to tell right now! [Sen runs back]
AKANE: Sen! [sighs] Oh great.
Akane follows Sen and the two are greeted by the five angry workers.
SEN: Please let us pass through!
WORKER: You won't. You caused us big trouble and for that, we'll make you pay!
Akane faces them while Sen is in her back.
AKANE: You have to move! If you don't, then nothing will stop that thing!
WORKER: I think you are associated with that creature! Get them!
AKANE: Sen, hide now.
Sen hides under a table. One of the workers grabs Akane's wrist but she twists his arm and throws him to the ground. The next one is behind her and she performs a spinning roundhouse kick at his face. Two down as the other one charges at her. She moves to his side and trips him to the ground. The leader is furious so he throws a punch at her. She dodges at the attack and throws a left jab followed by a right spinning backfist. Akane knocks him out and sees the last one fearing for his life so he runs away. Sen comes out to see Akane victorious.
SEN: [impressed] Wow!
AKANE: [smiles] I'm pretty good huh?
SEN: You took them down single-handedly.
AKANE: [boasts] Well, I-
She's about to continue when something tosses her to the side. Sen comes to her aid and helps Akane to get up. They both see Yubaba, who is angry.
YUBABA: You little brat! All of you humans have caused chaos at my place! Look at this! [she points at the damaged area] For that, you shall pay!
AKANE: Why don't you leave her alone, you old fart! If you want to fight, face me!
To Yubaba, this is an insult and an amusement at the same time.
YUBABA: [laughs] Such bravery. But I wonder how you will beat me with your puny fists?
AKANE: [insulted] I-I mastered some spells! I can beat you!
Akane chants a few words and tries to summon a chair to knock the old witch. But all she gets is a glass being poured by a pitcher filled with water. She feels embarrassed and begins to panic. She grabs Sen but Yubaba literally stops them. They struggled to move but couldn't.
YUBABA: [smirks] Silly girl playing magic tricks. Fool, you can't even cast a telekinetic spell properly!
AKANE: Well, I just started! Take this!
Akane tries to cast a fireball but all it came out are bunnies and flowers. Yubaba laughed some more at the girl's expense. Akane's horrified as she had read half of the pages of the book. But it struck her that it's how you say it that would make the magic work. Right now, she sucks as a magician. Just as Yubaba is about to finish her, she hears a loud voice.
KAONASHI: [in pain] SSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!
Yubaba looks up to see the insectoid-like creature running towards her. She casts a spell but his fury didn't affect him. The Kaonashi hurls a vomit projectile at her and the latter is thus covered. Surprisingly, the spell broke off as Akane and Sen continue to run away from him. Both girls went down to the stairs as fast as they can. The demon opted to crawl on the walls. Ranma and the others finally manage to catch him when Akane sees them from the lower floor.
AKANE: [shouts] RANMA! DON'T KILL HIM! JUST FOLLOW US! WE'LL EXPLAIN EVERYTHING LATER!
Ranma's confused on why Akane wouldn't let them destroy the Kaonashi but decides to follow her request. As they reunite, Sen leads them to another staircase but the Kaonashi manages to catch them up. Seeing this, Ryoga performs another Bakusai Tenketsu to block his path. The demon avoids this by jumping but is greeted by Mousse's exploding eggs. The Kaonashi couldn't see aside from the smoke that is around him so he continues his pursuit but is slammed into the wall at the bottom of the staircase. He stops for a while as he continues to feel the pain and throws up the two workers who he had just eaten before. The workers begin run as the Kaonashi continues to run. Sen and the others finally get out of the bath house and sees Lin waiting in a punt. There's a problem though: the punt only fits four people. Mousse senses this and takes out a raft fit for four people. Sen, Akane and Ukyo go to the punt while the rest rides in the raft. As they rowed away, the Kaonashi sees them. Alarmed, they brace themselves for another fight but Sen stops them.
SEN: No! It's okay. He's fine now.
UKYO: What? He might-
SEN: The bath house. It's the reason why he became evil. It's as if he was possessed.
RANMA: So he's originally Casper? [Sen is confused by the comparison]
AKANE: What he meant was is he originally a good demon?
SEN: Yeah. He helped me in the bath house until you guys saw us.
LIN: But that doesn't mean he's alright. What if he's still evil?
SEN: Don't worry. He'll be okay. [on her left shoulder are the mouse and the fly who agrees with her]
RANMA: We'll be ready just in case.
LIN: Here we are.
Lin drops them off in the watery railway line. Ukyo, Akane and Sen got off the punt but Ranma and the others are still in the raft.
LIN: [to Akane and Ukyo] Take care of her, will ya? I think she attracts trouble.
AKANE: Oh, she's not the only one. [she's referring to Ranma]
LIN: [to Sen] You know, I first thought that you were slow. I underestimated you.
SEN: It's okay. Take care of yourself. [pauses] What's going to happen afterwards?
LIN: Well, Yubaba might hunt you down and kill you but I doubt it. [points at the platform] There's the platform so you have to wait until the train arrives. [Lin begins to leave and sees Ranma, Ryoga, Shampoo and Mousse are still in the raft] You guys can come down now. It's not that deep.
RYOGA: We'll just stay here. We have good reasons.
LIN: [shrugs] Suit yourselves.
Lin goes back to the bath house but sees the Kaonashi closing in to the group.
LIN: [shouts to the Kaonashi in a threatening manner] HEY! IF YOU HARM SEN, THOSE PEOPLE WILL GET YOU! IF THE THEY DON'T THEN I WILL!
Sen and the others look up to see the Kaonashi going towards them. Sen has an idea.
SEN: Why don't we let him join us?
UKYO: Excuse me?
SEN: He needs me. This my way of saying sorry for the trouble he had endured.
AKANE: You are humble.
SEN: He helped me after all.
They are about to leave when Akane sees the cursed ones still on the raft.
AKANE: Guys, get down. It's not going to kill you.
RYOGA: [protests] You don't know that. And besides, I don't think Sen is ready to see some more weirdness.
UKYO: What are you talking about? The bath house itself is filled with weird things. I'm sure she's already adjusted to that.
RANMA: [smirks] Yeah Ryoga, it's not going to hurt you (not yet anyway).
Ryoga glared at him. He doesn't want Akane to learn that he's P-Chan. True, he's over her but if she finds out, one can guarantee that there will be bloodshed. As for Ranma, he thinks of ways of exposing Ryoga's secret to Akane without involving him. Wait, it does involve him.
SHAMPOO: Sen not ready to see us as. . .you know.
RYOGA: And I like this raft! It's comfortable! And nice! [Ranma rolls his eyes]
UKYO: [mutters] Wussies.
AKANE: [sighs] Let's go before I try to push you guys off the raft.
Sen, Akane and Ukyo walked to the platform while the rest rowed their way. As they reached the platform and are waiting for the train, Ukyo couldn't resist to ask Ryoga what's with him.
UKYO: Are you okay?
RYOGA: [gulps] Yeah! Why shouldn't I?
UKYO: Ryoga, I'm not that dumb. Something's wrong with you. Don't tell me you're aqua phobic?
RYOGA: It's not that! Look, I'm sorry. Just leave me alone, okay?
UKYO: [offended] Fine. [Ukyo walks away]
Ryoga sighs heavily. He didn't mean to offend Ukyo like that, but he's not ready to reveal everything. Mousse sees this and approaches him.
MOUSSE: You should've told her.
RYOGA: Why? It doesn't matter to her anyway.
MOUSSE: Oh, but she could tell Akane.
RYOGA: Those two aren't currently in speaking terms.
MOUSSE: Afraid Akane will turn you into pork chop?
RYOGA: Shut up.
RANMA: She'll learn about it sooner or later.
Ryoga sees Ranma.
RYOGA: What is this, interrogation day? Wait, Ranma, don't you dare-
RANMA: [firmly] Look, pig boy. This is for your own good. You put me in misery. It's time for you to face facts. If you don't tell her, then I will. And not a God damn single thing from you is going to change that!
RYOGA: [glowered] Ranma. . .
RANMA: So what's it going to be?
RYOGA: [clenches his fists] Ranma, please. I don't want to hurt Akane emotionally. I promise you, I WILL tell her when the right time comes. Please, you have to trust me. Besides, you're the one who kicked me off to that fucking cursed spring.
RANMA: You provoke our oath. BUT, I will give you chance. If you fail to do your word, then I will do the offensive. Deal? NO backing out. You will tell her and I'll be the witness.
RYOGA: [sighs] Deal. [both shake hands]
Mousse watches this event. He doesn't think that it will work since old habits die hard: Ranma and Ryoga will continue to insult each other. He then decides to go on Nabiki mode: making a bet on whether Ryoga will fulfill his word. Outside from the circle of boys, Akane, Ukyo and Shampoo witnesses this but didn't know what's up.
SEN: Guys, the train's here.
They boarded the train and Ranma gives the tickets to the conductor. He has decided to let the Kaonashi come with them. Akane, Sen, Bou, the Yu-Bird and Kaonashi sat together while Mousse and Shampoo sit together in corner. Ukyo decided to sit in another separately from Ryoga. Ranma takes this chance to talk to Ukyo and sort out problems that they had. Ukyo sees Ranma coming towards her and braces for the unexpected.
RANMA: [smiles] Hey, Ucchan! It's been a while.
Ukyo is surprised by this. It's been awhile since he called her that.
UKYO: [nervous] H-hey Ranma. . .
RANMA: What's the matter? [he sits beside her] Did I scare you?
UKYO: Honestly, yeah.
RANMA: I'm not going to hurt you.
UKYO: Ranma, look. I know that I made you my toy. I'm not worthy to be called your friend. I don't think I have friends, maybe except Ryoga and Mousse, though I haven't spoken to the duck boy yet. The thing is, after our fight, I wasted my life. I didn't go out of my room for days. But do you know what hurts? The only one who stood by you, willing to do anything for you, is gone.
RANMA: [surprised] Konatsu?
UKYO: [nods] I went to see my dad while I left him to take care of Ucchan's. After I arrived, I learned that he disappeared. He wrote a letter saying that I didn't love him. The truth is, I only love him as a friend. But after that, I hated myself for driving him away.
RANMA: Hey! Don't be sad. Ucchan, I forgive you. You're my best friend. I'm sorry also for lashing out those words. But we can't go back to the way we were. How can I trust you again? I want us to be friends again yet I don't know, what if it goes out of control again?
UKYO: To be honest, I don't know. How about give me a chance?
RANMA: [thinks about it] I won't give you a chance [Ukyo frowns]. You are my friend so you passed the test, first part of course.
UKYO: [smiles] Thank you Ranchan [hearing this, both smile as this indicates that they're now friends again]. I still love you. But lately, I've been thinking that. . .you know, maybe this fiancée thing did ruin our friendship.
RANMA: Like I didn't know that. [pauses] What are you trying to say?
UKYO: Ranchan, I've decided that I will break our engagement.
RANMA: [widens eyes] You're kidding?
UKYO: If I was, then I would glomp you. But that's not going to happen anymore. Maybe an occasional hug or two, but nothing serious.
RANMA: Ucchan, thanks.
UKYO: As much as I hated to admit this but I know both you and Akane still love each other.
RANMA: (I better not tell her what happened between us before she changes her mind) Yeah. It's not easy but you know, we're getting there, wherever we are. What made you change your mind about this?
UKYO: My dad disowned me.
Ranma gasps in horror.
UKYO: You're not the first to find out about this. I already told Ryoga about this.
RANMA: [concerned] You okay?
UKYO: Can I tell you the truth? I felt relieved. My dad cares about the Kuonji honor. It somehow also involves you and your dad.
RANMA: [feeling guilty] Sorry. I know pops made a lot of stupid shit in the past, but this.
UKYO: I even compare my dad to yours in terms of all mouth no action. He was offended but I didn't care.
RANMA: What will happen to you now?
UKYO: I'll definitely keep the Kuonji name but before this, I was planning on moving to another place and start a new life. Away from the bad memories, away from the people who've hated me, away from. . . [her eyes begins to well up]
RANMA: It's going to be okay, Ucchan.
UKYO: [begins to cry] Ranchan. . .
Ranma comforts her by hugging her. Ukyo hugs him back in a friendly way. They remained in that position for a few seconds before they pulled out of each other. Akane, meanwhile sees this. She's not angry about it in fact for she knew that Ranma and Ukyo would have to patch things up. She's doesn't forgive Ukyo for the manipulations she has done to her but among her rivals, she was the closest as friend. Maybe they could be both friends for good. Akane has decided that would make up. Shampoo on the other hand, she's a different case. She sees Sen playing with the mouse and the fly and the Kaonashi in his quiet state. Sen's right, the bathhouse did turn him to evil, much like Jack Nicholson in "The Shining".
AKANE: Bored huh?
SEN: You bet.
AKANE: I wonder how long will this train ride last?
SEN: Who knows? Akane, can I ask you something?
AKANE: Sure.
SEN: How do you feel if you're taken away from the places and the people you knew for a long time?
AKANE: [confused] What are you talking about?
SEN: Before this, my parents and I were moving to a new place. I hated for taking me away from my friends.
AKANE: Don't blame your parents. They must have lots of reasons.
SEN: I know but. . .I'm scared. What if I never get to have new friends? My friends live farther than my new place.
Akane may not be the best mother figure (that role goes to Kasumi). She might as well try to comfort the child.
AKANE: Can I tell you something else? When my mom died, I was so confused. I mean I was very young at that time so being without my mother somehow scared me. My big sister filled the mother role, but I don't know. She seems less of a mother. I miss her very much. But I dealt with it by telling myself that we have to stay positive to live very well. You can do the same thing. Just tell yourself that you can do it.
SEN: [smiles] Thanks.
Both girls are silent. Akane just realized that the time that changed her life was when she met Ranma. Before, she was just. . .normal. But with him, she then realized her true potential: mallet masher.
RYOGA: [nervous] H-hey A-akane.
Akane looks up to see a very nervous Ryoga, who looks like he's about to pee on his pants.
AKANE: Hey Ryoga. You okay?
RYOGA: [nods] (C'mon Hibiki! You're over her! Now's the time to tell her the truth! Be a man!) Um, Akane, um, um, um, th-there's something I wa-want to tell-
AKANE: How are you?
RYOGA: F-fine! Jus-just fine! J-just busy as a bee, he he (shit, what the hell are you doing?).
AKANE: Say, how's Akari?
Hearing the name Akari, Ryoga begins to frown. Akane notices this.
AKANE: Did I say something wrong?
RYOGA: Nothing. We broke up. We had a misunderstanding (a huge misunderstanding in fact).
AKANE: I'm sorry.
RYOGA: [sighs] It's okay. I just don't want to talk about it. [silence] Akane, there's something I want to tell you. I'm, I'm. . .I CAN'T!!! I CAN'T!!! I'm sorry Akane, but I just can't! Not now!
AKANE: [confused] What are you talking about?
Ryoga walks away from her defeated by his fear that she will hate him forever. Ryoga doesn't want to risk this and to him, it's not the right time. Then again, when is the right time? Ranma, watching the events unfold, just sat there in another chair after his talk with Ukyo. He knew that Ryoga would never had the balls to tell her the harsh truth. But, he will give him another chance. After that, no more. He looks around to see ghostly figures sitting. In corner, he sees Shampoo sleeping while Mousse is looking outside. Ryoga sits in another chair but is depressed. Ukyo decides to sit with him to comfort him but no words came out. They just sat therem doing and saying nothing. He sees Sen sleeping in Akane's lap, who is also asleep. He, on the other hand, will have a lot of thinking on what will this journey will bring them. He also thinks of his family and everyone else. He wonders what they are doing right now. Probably, doing the same old thing except they'll be looking for them. He soon falls asleep.
************
To say Tatewaki Kuno is clueless jerk might offend him but to say he's determined might overwhelmed him [thus, he's a sucker for good comments]. Once he had heard that Akane had disappeared, he immediately concluded that Ranma was responsible. He had also concluded that his beloved pig-tailed girl has also disappeared. So, what's a love-torned man going to do? Find them, obviously. While his pride tells him to do it for himself, he has decided to organize a search party. But to lure volunteers, he planned a contest. It worked all right, but he was surprised that a lot of volunteers showed up. He surveyed the scene, which took place at Furinkan High.
Just as Kasumi predicted, Tsubasa, in his garbage can disguise, appeared in hoping to find his darling Ukyo [if she finds out about this, she would rather bury herself six feet under]. Hikaru Gosunguki also joined to find Akane, but this time he's carrying a magic book to help him and he had practiced a lot. He made a mistake a few weeks ago by summoning flying monkeys at the school. Mikado and Azusa, who've taking a break from their practice, are also there. The former, for Akane and the latter, for the heck of it. Ryu Kumon is also there to earn some money. The Dojo Destroyer is also in for the money. Upon hearing that Shampoo disappeared, Lin Lin and Lung Lung showed up.
To Kuno's side are Sasuke, Mariko [who is glomping his arm], Kochou practicing his ukulele and Kodachi, just sitting there and brooding since none of them has no interest of her darling Ranma. Kuno walked to the microphone to give his speech.
KUNO: [coughs a bit] Ladies and gentlemen, I- [Kuno realizes the mike wasn't still on] Sasuke! Why isn't the mike on?
SASUKE: [nervous] Oh, um, sorry Master Kuno! [plugs the mike on, which causes a loud screeching sound and nearly jumps everyone's bones] Sorry!
KUNO: [glares at Sasuke and then faces the audience] Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for responding to my aid. As you all know, the beautiful Akane Tendo and the pig-tailed girl-
TSUBASA: [shouts] HEY! I THOUGHT WE ARE LOOKING FOR UKYO ALSO?
KUNO: [furious as he was interrupted] I WAS GETTING THERE! [regains his composure] As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, Akane Tendo, the pig-tailed girl, [looks at Tsubasa with a cold glare] Ukyo Kuonji [Tsubasa smiles upon hearing this], and the rest have disappeared a week ago. I have suspected that the vile-wretched sorcerer Saotome is responsible for this. [he was hit in the head by Kodachi using her chair]
KODACHI: [angry] HOW DARE YOU MOCK MY DARLING RANMA! HE WAS MORE OF A MAN THAN YOU!!!
KUNO: Sister, I have no time for this! If you wish to disappear, then do so. I have important things to do.
KODACHI: You're going to waste your time finding those violent hussies! [realizes that Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo are with Ranma] NO! Those peasants are with my darling! [to Kuno] Brother dear, I have decided to join you quest to save my future groom from those wretched harlots with no manners!
KUNO: Then sit down and be quiet! [Kodachi complies with his request] We don't know what has happened to them as of this moment. No one knows where they are. I, Tatawaki Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, cannot sit here and do nothing as I worry my precious beloveds! [Mariko glares at him] Therefore, I have decided to find them. But I admit that, even the mightiest warrior cannot do certain things alone. As an old Welsh Proverb would say, "Be honorable yourself if you wish to associate with honorable people."
As Kuno continues his speech, Hiroshi and Daisuke listen to his talk.
DAISUKE: Nice quote. That's definitely the only good quote I've heard from him, not that I'm complaining.
HIROSHI: Nabiki said that he was spicing up his poetry. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing.
KUNO: That's why I have decided to organize a search party. Those who can find them will be rewarded with 2 million yen. I know that money isn't why you are here. But I know you are honorable people who are looking for six missing victims who've disappeared. As the darkness falls, these children of God have been taken away by the cruel fates of evil. Their innocence has been taken away, never to be seen again!
HIROSHI: "Their innocence"? Like Ranma and the rest were innocent to begin with.
KUNO: My dearest loves, even though they are not here physically, have called me in my dreams and asking me to rescue them from the demon! Their pains, their cries, their anguish! I cannot take it anymore. I know what I must do as a man!
NABIKI: Admit that you're a moron?
Hiroshi and Daisuke turned around to see Nabiki and Kasumi, who're passing by.
KASUMI: Why, hello boys.
DAISUKE: Hey Kasumi, Nabiki. Where are you going?
KASUMI: Nabiki and I are going shopping for my date tonight with Dr. Tofu. [both boys' eyes widened] [giggles] Oh relax, he's normal now. It took him some time to control himself, though.
NABIKI: Well, his poetry still sucks, but I got a hand to his determination. [looks at the participants] I didn't know there are many people joining. [to the boys] How about you boys? Interested to join?
DAISUKE: Nah. With Kuno organizing, there a 100% chance that it will bomb. But who knows?
KUNO: Today, we shall start our search for the beloved beauties [Kodachi hits him again for not mentioning Ranma] [mumbles] and the demon Saotome. I have seen the future that I will see them again.
HIROSHI: Now, is this about Ranma and the others or Akane and his "pig- tailed girl"?
KUNO: I know this task is very hard for they may be kept away by the evil mastermind who has planned this. I ask of you to prepare yourselves as all of us will travel all the way until the ends of the earth. We will not stop looking for them until they are found! If we must pass through the gates of hell to look for them, then we will!
NABIKI: Honestly, they would rather be in hell than to be found by him.
HIROSHI: He's no Morpheus. The guy's got charisma than Kuno.
KUNO: As I finish my speech, may the gods have their blessings to you and good luck to all!
After the cheers, everyone began their search.
NABIKI: Guess the party's over. Let's go Kasumi. [to the boys] See ya later.
HIROSHI: Tell us if you guys found Ranma! [Nabiki nods]
As they went on to their separate paths, Kasumi and Nabiki are about to go to the mall when they bumped into Kuno.
KASUMI: Hello, Kuno.
KUNO: Why hello, fair Kasumi. [looks at Nabiki] Nabiki.
NABIKI: [coldly] Kuno.
KUNO: What are you lovely ladies doing here? Are you joining us to search for your sister?
KASUMI: We love to but we can't. We hope that you can Akane and the rest for us.
KUNO: Do not worry, I will find the dear Akane and the lovely pig-tailed girl and get rid of the evil Saotome.
KASUMI: [she's tired of Kuno bashing Ranma] Ranma's not that bad. If you do find him, just promise me that you won't hurt in any other way.
NABIKI: [mutters] As if.
Kasumi and Kuno looks at Nabiki in a strange way.
NABIKI: What?
KASUMI: Did you say something?
NABIKI: [defends herself] Nothing!
KUNO: Well then. . .I should be going before-
MARIKO: K-U-N-O-C-H-A-N!!!
They turned around to see Mariko who jumping with joy and glomps Kuno.
KUNO: Mariko! Hey, let go!
MARIKO: C'mon, Kuno-chan! Let's start the S-E-A-R-C-H-P-A-R-T-Y!
Kuno looks embarrassed. Nabiki takes this chance.
NABIKI: [smirks] What's the matter Kuno? Lost a bet?
MARIKO: [angry] HEY!
KUNO: For your information, Nabiki Tendo. I have asked the lovely Mariko Konjo to help me for my quest. Also, at least she supports me in everyway possible.
Kasumi is clueless on what is going on between Kuno and Nabiki. She decides to break it off before something worse will happen.
KASUMI: Nabiki, we have to go shopping remember?
NABIKI: Oh yeah. Well, see you and good luck. Let's go Kasumi.
KUNO: Until then, fair Kasumi.
************
AKANE: Ranma, wake up. We're here.
RANMA: [now awaken] H-huh?
SEN: We're at Zeniba's place.
Ranma got up and sees everyone is waiting for him. They got off the train and surveyed the location. It's dark and deserted for a forest. There's only one path, much to everyone's relief.
MOUSSE: [grabs a flashlight from his sleeves] It's dark and I got this nifty flashlight.
RANMA: Mousse, you're a lifesaver. If I could kiss you-
MOUSSE: DON'T! Not even in your girl form. I'll be forever traumatized by you.
SHAMPOO: Mousse, lead the way. If you lead us to trap, [smiles] Shampoo protect you. Shampoo will make Ranma human shield.
Mousse doesn't know how to react on this. He then realized that Ranma and Shampoo had a fight. The former learned the hard away that pushing the latter away will make her hate you. Mousse leads the way. While walking, the Bou-mouse decides to walk without the assistance of the fly. Ranma is thinking why he hadn't got those strange dreams lately. Maybe it's from the stress, he thought.
UKYO: Hey, what's that?
Ukyo points out a hopping lantern that is approaching them.
AKANE: It's weird, it some how reminds me of those walking broomsticks.
SHAMPOO: Lantern wants us to follow it.
MOUSSE: I don't know. It says "walk to trap".
SEN: We're here for Zeniba, right? Maybe it's inviting us.
RANMA: Let's just pray that she won't feed us too much sweets before she decides to eat us.
They followed the hopping lantern. It led them to a small country college and an old lady who's waiting for them.
ZENIBA: [cheerfully] Hello! Hello! I have been expecting you!
SEN: [surprised] You do?
ZENIBA: Indeed. [to Ranma] So you must be the Keywielder? You are pretty handsome, for such a young man like you.
RANMA: I, er-
RYOGA: If having four fiancées wasn't enough, now older women are flirting with him.
AKANE: Cologne flirted with him, you know?
RYOGA: [surprised] Get out!
AKANE: It was at the beach, when Cologne got the "Instant Pill" that would make anyone fall in love to the first person they see. Let's just say it was a scene to remember.
MOUSSE: The old ghoul falling in love with Saotome. Three words: Eww, yuck, gross. And funny, so that would make four words!
RANMA: Will you guys shut up?!
ZENIBA: [laughs] I was just pulling your legs. Now come in. I've prepared some food.
RANMA: Warning, warning. First sign that a witch will eat you: being invited to eat with her.
AKANE: [elbows Ranma's ribs] That's not funny!
************
While Zeniba is fixing tea for the guests, Sen immediately gets down to business.
SEN: Zeniba, there's something I want to talk to you about. It's Haku. I know that you were the one who cursed him. So in behalf of Haku, [hands over the seal] I would like to apologize for any damages that were caused!
Zeniba begins to laugh.
ZENIBA: [laughs] It's all right, child. But I am wondering why you weren't affected by the curse.
SEN: Oh that. I squished the bug that caused the curse, I'm sorry about that.
ZENIBA: [amused] Now, now. It wasn't me who put the curse in him. It was Yubaba who put the curse into him in order to control him.
RANMA: That old ghoul's got the nerve to control him.
ZENIBA: That's Yubaba for you. We have contrasting view of everything. But, she's still my sister.
SEN: Zeniba, can you turn them back to normal? [points to the mouse and the fly who are in the spinning wheel]
ZENIBA: Well, the spell is already broken. It's up to them to turn back if they wished. Now, [to Ranma] Keybearer, how your mission so far? Enjoying the perks?
RANMA: Not really. But I expect the worst anytime soon.
ZENIBA: That's life for you. But always be prepared for the worse. That reminds me, did you know about what happened to this world a few years ago?
RANMA: I know that. Some unknown swordsman came into this place fighting the Heartless. Afterwards he disappeared, according to some. But Haku said that it was he, along with Kamaji, who took care of him away from Yubaba's knowledge.
ZENIBA: You got the facts boy. But there's more. After he left the Aburaya, he went to my house and informed me about the events. He said that this world has a Keyhole. But the big problem is where. You got the Keyblade so it will tell you where it is.
RANMA: I doubted it's in Aburaya so I thought it would be here. But, well, none, nada, zip.
ZENIBA: Don't give up. It's somewhere here. [drinks her tea]
RYOGA: Do you know the name of the man who came here?
ZENIBA: He didn't give me his name. But I remember the color of his hair: it's silver. But from his mannerisms, he was looking for redemption. From what I don't know. I tried reading his mind but he managed to block it so I leave it alone.
RANMA: (Silver?)
SHAMPOO: What happen to him afterwards?
ZENIBA: He was gone the next day. But he came here a few days ago saying that you will come. He didn't mention any sidekicks [Ryoga, Akane, Shampoo, Mousse and Ukyo look offended]. So, did you kids decide to join him?
AKANE/RYOGA/UKYO/MOUSSE/SHAMPOO: No.
RANMA: Just ignore them. They're a little miffed.
ZENIBA: I understand. But you will learn the true nature of this battle.
SEN: So, what will happen after you find the Keyhole?
RANMA: We go to another world. [realizes something else] That might take us forever.
ZENIBA: Although the future looks bleak for, I can guarantee that you journey will be a safe one. Besides, you got your friends with you.
RANMA: Don't you mean to say a safe one until we get killed?
ZENIBA: [chuckles] You're a sharp one, kid. You're bound to make a difference. That I also guarantee.
Everyone eats their food. They're impressed.
UKYO: It's good.
ZENIBA: Why thank you. You wouldn't be an okonomiyaki chef, aren't you?
UKYO: [surprised] How do you know?
ZENIBA: The large spatula you're carrying. We also have okonomiyaki in this world.
UKYO: Wow.
ZENIBA: [to Shampoo] And you wouldn't happen to be in the cooking business?
SHAMPOO: [surprised] Why, yes? Are you an oracle?
ZENIBA: You can say that. But only 50-50. I can only see the minor details. The man I was telling you earlier knows another oracle, but she knows everything.
RANMA: That's great! Where is she?
ZENIBA: He didn't tell me where but he said that you will find her in another world. But don't get your hopes up. He told me that it wouldn't be in the next worlds after this.
MOUSSE: So, um, can you-
ZENIBA: Predict your futures? [everyone nods] Sorry I can't but you will find what you will be looking for.
Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo notice Sen who is sitting beside the door, looking depressed. The girls approach her in a calm manner, not noticing that they went there together.
SHAMPOO: [concerned] You okay?
SEN: [nods] I'm worried about Haku and my parents.
AKANE: It's going to be okay.
SEN: What if something bad will happen to them?
UKYO: Hey, don't think of that! I'm sure everything will be alright.
ZENIBA: She's right. [approaches Sen] Here, [gives her a hair band] take this. It will help you in saving your parents.
SEN: I can't stop thinking about Haku.
UKYO: [smiles] Seems that someone's got a crush.
SEN: [blushes] It's not that. It seems that I met him somewhere before. I can't remember, though.
ZENIBA: You can't remember it, but what has happened that you will not forget.
Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse looks at Akane, Ukyo and Shampoo. They seem motherly to Sen. They could even be the perfect girlfriends for them respectively. Wait, where the hell did that come from, they thought. Their thoughts are interrupted when they hear a rustle at the door. Sen opens it and sees something else.
SEN: HAKU!
It's Haku in his dragon form. Sen and everyone else went outside. Sen rushes and is about to hug Haku when Ranma notices something strange about the dragon. He sees the Heartless symbol on its chest. They hear a sound from above. It's Haku in his dragon form.
SEN: [confused] Huh? What's-
RANMA: [alarmed] SEN! GET AWAY FROM THAT THING! THE ONE YOU'RE HOLDING IS AN IMPOSTOR!
Ranma and the others are about to get Sen when the dragon begins to morph into a black shadow and enveloping around Sen. She screams in horror but it was too late. It engulfed her and the shadow quickly disappeared to the ground.
AKANE: Ranma!
ZENIBA: Oh dear! The girl!
RANMA: Yubaba must have something to do with it!
The dragon landed onto the ground. It gestures them to hop on.
RANMA: C'mon guys! Let's go!
ZENIBA: Wait! [Ranma stops] Take this.
RANMA: What're these?
ZENIBA: These are the same hair band I gave to Sen. You can put it in your wrists if you want. These will protect you againsts the magic of Yubaba. Now hurry!
Ranma and the others rode onto Haku and fly to save Sen.
************
Author's Notes:
AKANE: It can also cut anything like the legendary weapons of Hanzo Hattori. But I can't believe you named it "Mr. Pointy". What will name your car next? Black Mamba? Pussy Wagon?
Hanzo Hattori, Black Mamba and Pussy Wagon are characters and a vehicle of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill Vol. 1. Black Mamba is the code name of The Bride played by Uma Thurman before she was supposedly disposed off by her colleagues.
RANMA: As long as I and Mr. Pointy will stick together, no one will defeat us.
Mr. Pointy is the name of Buffy The Vampire Slayer's wooden stake. It was owned previously by fallen slayer named Kendra before she gave it to Buffy herself in Season 2.
MOUSSE: Nothing the usual, Captain Jack Sparrow. Just us waking up in a strange world, spiritually. . .ecumenically. . .grammatically.
Captain Jack Sparrow is the main character of the film "Pirates of The Caribbean" played by Johnny Depp. The last three words were said by him.
NABIKI: . . . we can be sure they relived "The Lord of The Flies" scenario.
"The Lord of The Flies" is a novel by William Golding. It tells of a couple of young boys who are shipwrecked in a deserted island. The children made a "civilized society" until it goes out of control. There is also a film version. In this case, Ranma and the rest may fight to the death until one of them survives, that is what Nabiki is thinking.
Happosai's scene with the Austin Powers theme BGM
Honestly it kind of makes sense. Try playing the song and imagine one of Happosai's daily hobbies.
Kaonashi and Jack Nicholson
This may seem farfetched but when Kaonashi entered to the Aburaya, he somehow got possessed by evil spirits. In "The Shining", Jack Nicholson's character went nuts after the ghosts of the evil hotel tell him to kill his family.
HIROSHI: He's no Morpheus. The guy's got charisma than Kuno.
Morpheus from "The Matrix Trilogy" is known for his long philosophical speeches.
RANMA: So he's originally Casper?
Casper is a friendly ghost who doesn't want to scare anyone (but does unintentionally). Ranma compares him to Kaonashi as the latter is a good ghost/demon.
AKANE: It's weird, it some how reminds me of those walking broomsticks.
She was talking about the walking brooms that Mickey Mouse brought to life in "Fantasia".
************
* You guys maybe wondering why Ryoga hasn't go the guts to tell Akane that he's P-Chan. Don't worry, Akane WILL be the one to find out, but not from Ryoga or Ranma. Now that Ukyo and Ranma have patched things up, he still has a long way to go with Shampoo, Mousse and Ryoga.
psycho king - both. But the next world will be a TV series. Place your bets everyone.
If you guys got any questions and/or suggestions, just post. If you want to hear spoilers, just e-mail me privately.
Akane wakes up first. She sees everyone is still asleep, except for a certain pig-tailed boy. His futon is still there, but no sign of him. She looked around, but couldn't find him. She stood up and decides to go outside of the boiler room. As she opens the door, she finds him there sitting on the ground and watching the calm and peaceful scenery. Normally, he would wake up last but Akane knew something is wrong. Unknown to her, he already sense her presence.
RANMA: Had a good night's sleep?
Akane's surprised that he knew she was there without turning around.
AKANE: You can say that.
RANMA: I'm not kidding when I say this, but you look good with that ensemble [Akane blushes as he's referring to her clothes: black tank top, blue flare jeans and her sneakers]
AKANE: Thanks. For that, I'm not kidding. Right now I'm hoping that Nabiki won't be borrowing my clothes. On another topic, why are you up so early?
RANMA: Oh, that. [Ranma doesn't want to tell her the dream he had. Not yet, anyway] Couldn't sleep. I had a lot in my mind.
AKANE: [curious] Like?
RANMA: Missing my mom. I know she's worried sick. Surprisingly, I miss dad too. I just hope she doesn't kill him.
AKANE: [ponders for a moment] I miss my dad, too. I bet he'll cry like a river. Heck, he can flood Nerima, which can be good since it's summer. I miss Kasumi and Nabiki, Yuka and Sayuri and Dr. Tofu. I wonder how they are doing.
RANMA: I'm sure they'll be fine. [turns around to see Akane] So, everyone's still in dreamland?
AKANE: You can say that. Ranma, I know something's bothering you. You didn't wake up this early.
RANMA: [lies] Well, it's just that I haven't practicing my katas lately. I think I may be getting a little bit rusty.
AKANE: Oh, relax. Even if you slept the whole day, you can still beat anyone. Oh, by the way, nice cover. So spill, what's really up?
RANMA: Just a dream I had. I don't know what it meant but I'm going to find out one way or another.
Akane sits next to him. She appreciates this moment. So does he, but neither will admit that.
AKANE: Ranma, there's something I want to ask you. Shampoo seemed, I don't know, quiet last night. It's a bit unusual for her, not that I care.
RANMA: Curiosity killed the cat. Which the latter will kill me, of course.
AKANE: What are you talking about?
RANMA: Shampoo and I had a fight last night. She asked why I rejected her as a fiancée despite helping me. But what she said to me affected me the most.
AKANE: Which is?
RANMA: That I've been an asshole to them. Ryoga, Mousse, Ukyo, Shampoo. But it's their fault, you know. They couldn't leave me alone. They exploited me one way or another. Look at me, I'm at my angst mode. It's bad for the health.
AKANE: [concerned] Oh, Ranma. . .
RANMA: You know that I wasn't raised with good manners-
AKANE: Ranma, stop. You have to stop this. You can't just feel guilty about this. It's time you confront these demons of yours, once and for all.
RANMA: Couldn't you do the same? Instead of listening to me back then, you keep blaming me even if it wasn't my fault.
Akane wanted to hit him, but her inner conscience tells her to stop. She knew what he had said just now is true. Why did she do it? Was it because of fear? Hate? She doesn't know. Even if she really did love him, it will confuse her more. So, she decided to cool off for a while until she becomes a "fully baked cookie".
RANMA: [feeling guilty] Sorry.
Both of them are surprised. Ranma didn't expect for that word to come out.
AKANE: [doesn't know how to respond] It. . .it's okay.
RANMA: Man, we really stop doing this. It's driving me nuts. [stands up] I really need to change clothes. Luckily I brought my backpack.
AKANE: Lucky for you, you have extra clothes. [sarcastic] We, lowly companions of the Keywielder, have no clothes to spare.
RANMA: Well, I can ask Mousse to give you a tight leather catsuit.
AKANE: Eeeww. Forget it.
RANMA: Just kidding, geez. [slaps his head] Oh damn! How could I forget? I also brought food! Stupid of me!
AKANE: Like I didn't know that. [Ranma mock glares at her] Don't give me that look. So what did you bring?
RANMA: Oh, chips, water, some pack of sushi, chocolates and other stuff. Thought I might encounter some worst tasting foods that I know of. [Akane glares at him] Did I mention you at all?
Akane decides to let this pass for now. Even though she attended the first cooking class only, she already understood the basics without trying to. Sure she could not compete against Shampoo and Ukyo, but hey, everything's got to have an improvement.
RANMA: [decides to change the topic before he is greeted by the Mallet of Doom] Do you know I had this dream once that I was chasing an airship naked?
AKANE: I don't want to visualize that. I've heard of naked people chasing buses, but an airship? What kind of an airship? And an airship to where?
RANMA: I don't know. But I gotta tell you, these dreams of mine are starting to confuse me more.
AKANE: Do you think it's trying to tell you something?
RANMA: Dr. Tofu said the same thing. [stands up] Right now, I'm just focusing on my job.
AKANE: Your job?
RANMA: [proudly] That's right. Full-time martial artist, savior of the worlds. Part-time happy-go-lucky-guy.
AKANE: I've just realized that your resume blows.
RANMA: Well, I don't care. As long as I and Mr. Pointy will stick together, no one will defeat us.
AKANE: You just named your Keyblade "Mr. Pointy"?
RANMA: Yeah. What's the problem?
AKANE: I find it odd. The Keyblade by appearance is beautiful and well- crafted. It can also cut anything like the legendary weapons of Hanzo Hattori. But I can't believe you named it "Mr. Pointy". What will name your car next? Black Mamba? Pussy Wagon? [Akane realized what she had just said about the last part so she's obviously embarrassed]
RANMA: I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that. Deal?
Ranma and Akane decided to go in and plan on what to do next. When they are in, they found the other four already standing. Shampoo didn't notice (or didn't bother to notice) Ranma's presence, which strike as odd to the other three, most especially Mousse. As for the latter, he decided to talk to Ranma in a very casual manner later on but depends on what will happen. Ranma thinks for a while about their plan.
RANMA: Anything I missed?
MOUSSE: Nothing the usual, Captain Jack Sparrow. Just us waking up in a strange world, spiritually. . .ecumenically. . .grammatically.
RYOGA: So, what now? I have no intention of staying here, no offense.
RANMA: I was thinking about that. My initial plan is we find the Keyhole and leave.
UKYO: But what about Sen? I know she wasn't in your plans, but for some reason I felt sorry for her. I want to help her and save her parents.
Ukyo wasn't going to let Sen suffer and have her parents stuck as pigs forever. She already lost her dad and everything that defines who she is today. She wasn't going to just stand there and do nothing, even if it kills her.
RANMA: I understand how you feel, but it's like we have two jobs at the same time!
AKANE: Then what do we do now?
RANMA: We look for the Keyhole. They told me that it will present itself depending on different circumstances. [pauses] I was, and still am, kinda hoping that it's here somewhere. All we need to do is avoid the ugly, old fat woman Yubaba. Honestly, she's isn't threatening as Kamaji had told us.
RYOGA: You're making assumptions of her? Looks can be deceiving, you know.
RANMA: What else can we do?
UKYO: By the way, are we going up wearing our color-coordinated uniforms?
RANMA: Ah, I was getting there. I don't know.
AKANE: [raises her eyebrow] You don't know?
RANMA: Well, I have no. . .wait, since when did you guys treat me as the leader?
MOUSSE: You are the leader, despite our reluctance. So at this point, you'll be our leader as in "follow the".
RANMA: [looks at the rest] Do you guys agree? [everyone nods] Well then, since I'm the leader, we'll do "do what I say."
RYOGA: [deadpanned] Ha ha, I think I'll settle for mutiny.
RANMA: I was just kidding. What made you guys decide that I'm the leader?
UKYO: You had the Keyblade, though I find the whole thing odd.
AKANE: He prefers to call it Mr. Pointy.
RYOGA: Mr. Pointy? How and why did you come up with that lame-ass name?
RANMA: [looks at Ryoga] There are some things that are better left unexplained.
Ranma looks at Shampoo, who is sitting beside Mousse and reading something. She didn't pay any attention to their talk, not that she's interested. Ranma felt sorry for her. After all she was just trying to obey the Amazon laws but it was washed away with the love that she could not attain from him. He then decided to talk to her, then Ukyo, Ryoga and Mousse, provided that they give him any time of the day. However, he also decided that he will expose Ryoga as P-Chan to Akane no matter what. As cruel as it may sounds, that is justice, not revenge. Ranma may have kept his word, but the Lost Boy abused that privilege, thus pissing off Ranma. He looks at Kamaji, who is still sleeping.
RANMA: [smiles at them] Hey guys, I had some food on my backpack. Stupid of me to forgot about them.
MOUSSE: [gives him a suspicious look] Is it that or you're trying to starve the rest of us to death while you munch merrily?
RANMA: [scoffs at his accusation] It was the former, duck boy. All this stress, I kinda forgot about it. So wipe that skeptic look on you face.
Ranma gets his bag and looks for food.
UKYO: So what do you have?
RANMA: Well, Pringles chips, club sandwiches, Chinese dumplings, chocolate cake, sushi and two bottled waters. [holds the bottled water] They're not that cold.
Ranma brings out only a few since he will need them a lot. He realized that they have to find some ingredients for Shampoo and Ukyo to cook. God how he missed eating the ramen and the okonomiyaki. He hadn't been to their respective restaurants since the failed wedding. He hands out the chips to everyone while Mousse pulls out six small cups. Ranma divides the sandwich into six, equal parts. They ate quietly. No talk, no thank yous, no nothing. They appreciated this moment. A moment of silence that wasn't found back in their world. They missed everyone: Ranma and Akane to Genma, Nodoka, Soun, Kasumi, Nabiki, Hiroshi, Daisuke, Sayuri, Yuka and Dr. Tofu; Shampoo and Mousse [to his surprise] missed Cologne and everyone at the Joketsuzoku; Ryoga to his parents, Checkers and Akari, though he thinks that she doesn't care for him after what he did; and Ukyo to Konatsu, since she doesn't care for her dad anymore.
************
[BGM: Austin Powers Theme Song]
It was an early morning back at Nerima. It has been a week since the disappearance of Ranma and the others. A small figure crawls out of the window wearing a mask and a bag. He carefully climbed his way to the roof. He surveyed his surroundings carefully. By now everyone is now doing their own thing. Children playing, housewives cleaning their respective houses, others going to their jobs while teens planning on what they are going to do on their vacations. But this little man here has other plans.
WOMAN: [screams] YOU PERVERTED THIEF! GET BACK HERE! HELP! HE STOLE MY UNDERWEAR!
HAPPOSAI: [shouts with joy] WHAT A HAUL! WHAT A HAUL! HA HA!
Happosai has just stolen his first underwear for the day. Ever since Ranma, the only one who can stop him, disappeared, he has taken the advantage by stealing more underwear. More women complained but there was nothing they can do. Happosai went to more houses and stole more underwear. He was like a kid in a candy store. He appreciated the silk texture of the bras and panties. For him this is a perfect day. He didn't know that women are chasing him with the intent of beating him to death.
HAPPOSAI: What a beautiful day it is! The more the merrier!
He goes into one house, stole three sets of panties and gets out in a record of 15 seconds. He had to make sure he doesn't accidentally grab men's underwear. He goes into another and successfully steals a drawer filled with lingerie. No one can stop him now.
************
Back at the Tendo household, Nodoka's upset over Genma [who is currently in his panda form] and Soun. They're Happosai's lap dogs. One minute they plan against him, the next minute he appears they wussed out. Right now, they pretended to be sick.
NODOKA: [angry] Can't you do anything about him? We've been getting complaints everyday!
GENMA: [shows his sign] (We can't. There's nothing we can do.)
SOUN: [who's still crying] He's right Nodoka. We're afraid of what the master will do to us if we stop him.
NODOKA: [frustrated] I can't believe this! Both of you are excellent martial artists but you don't show it! [to Genma] You have given broken promises to Ranma and everyone else! You claim you are a man of honor but all were just words! [to Soun] As for you! You keep crying everytime you get emotional. I know your wife's death was, and still is, painful for you but you have to move on! [sighs] What's the use? [grabs her purse and katana] Now, if you excuse me, I'll be going now.
Nodoka left the two men behind.
SOUN: Genma, what do we do? We haven't seen Ranma or Akane for the past week. I can't take this anymore! My baby girl has been kidnapped by unknown forces!
GENMA: (Patience, my friend. The boy's probably with her. They'll be alright.)
SOUN: How can you be sure?
GENMA: (Instinct, I guess.)
Happosai appears out of nowhere.
HAPPOSAI: [ecstatic] Hey boys! Get your lazy butts out 'cause we're going to do lots of stuff today!
Genma and Soun cringe. He meant "we're going to steal a lot of underwear today!"
**********
NABIKI: I think they were abducted by aliens.
KASUMI: [gasps] Nabiki!
NABIKI: What? I'm still not convinced that they are in another dimension. It's so surrealistic.
KASUMI: True, but Cologne showed us more evidence numerous times.
COLOGNE: I agree with her, Kasumi. [Kasumi and Nabiki turn around to see her] Something's not right.
KASUMI: You said it yourself that they are in another dimension.
COLOGNE: Yes. But lately, I've been in denial. If they are, then the chances of them coming back slim. There are a lot of different dimensions out there. If they are in the wrong dimension, then I fear-
KASUMI: Cologne, please! Let's not think negatively. I'm sure they'll be all right. They have to be!
COLOGNE: I share the same sentiments, my dear.
NABIKI: I don't think, not all of them. You have to remember we're talking about six people who are at odds with each other. They'll be likely to kill each other. Ranma against Ryoga and Mousse; Akane against Shampoo against Ukyo; and Akane against Ranma's big mouth. If they haven't gotten to each other's nerves, we'll be damned that they'll make it. If one of them does come back, we can be sure they relived "The Lord of The Flies" scenario.
COLOGNE: I disagree on some of the parts. Mousse has given up on Shampoo but I'm sure he will look out for her like a big brother.
Ever since the disappearance, Nodoka and Kasumi volunteered to help Cologne at the Nekohaten. The whole town knew about what had happened to the six teens, except for the dimension part. Nabiki, never missed the moment to make money, opened a bet on the following: 1) who will come back? 2) who will kill who? So far Nabiki has earned more money, much to Kasumi's dismay.
NODOKA: [enters] Sorry I'm late. I have to order my weak husband to stop Happosai's antics.
COLOGNE: He'll never budge. As long as Happosai's still around, he'll be a puppet to him.
NODOKA: And to think that you fell in love with him a long time ago.
COLOGNE: I felt sorry for him back then. He was the one who fell in love with me, not the other way around.
NODOKA: I felt the same thing with Genma years ago. Oh, I forgot. This was in your mail. [hands it over to Cologne]
COLOGNE: Thank you. If you excuse me, I'll read this privately. [Nodoka nods and Cologne goes to her room]
NODOKA: So, how's everything?
KASUMI: So far so good.
Nodoka takes orders from the customers while Kasumi cooks. There are only few customers but come lunch time, there will be a lot. The Nekohaten has solved its problem and Cologne is relieved and thankful to Nodoka and Kasumi. She and the former patched up their differences and became good friends. The elder Amazon finds Kasumi the nicest among the Tendo sisters. Kasumi, for her part, will be going out with Dr. Tofu tonight so later in the afternoon, she and Nabiki will go to the mall to pick out a good dress for their date. The big problem they're facing right now is Ucchan's. The place was rebuilt, thanks to Nabiki's contacts, but no okonomiyaki chef. They tried to contact Ukyo's father but no response. Ucchan's just stood there. Hiroshi and Daisuke entered the restaurant for a brunch.
NABIKI: Hey there kids.
HIROSHI: Hey Nabiki, Kasumi.
NODOKA: Hello boys.
HIROSHI/DAISUKE: Hello, Mrs. Saotome. We'd like some chicken ramen and two Cokes please.
NODOKA: Certainly. [goes to the kitchen to help Kasumi. Nabiki approaches them]
NABIKI: So, how's summer so far?
DAISUKE: Bland and boring! Sayuri and Yuka aren't around.
HIROSHI: We figure that after this we'll be heading to the beach.
NABIKI: Well, what can you do? I've got a year left before I go to college and already daddy and Kasumi plan on where to go. I just don't know where I'll be going yet. But I'm sure I'll be taking business.
DAISUKE: Lucky you. [pauses] So, any sign of Ranma?
NABIKI: No. I'm sure they'll be alright. Assuming they'll be alright.
DAISUKE: I kinda envy them.
NABIKI: [raises her left eyebrow] Oh really? Tell me in order to satisfy my curiosity.
HIROSHI: Okay, Daisuke and I talked about this. We think that they were kidnapped by intergalactic aliens, brainwash them and train them to take over the world!
Nabiki was speechless. It was kind of funny for the moment, but she wasn't laughing for some reasons.
NABIKI: Nice, except that's the most ridiculous theory. Where the hell you guys came up with that inane theory?
DAISUKE: We were watching a sci-fi show yesterday and that got us into thinking.
NABIKI: [deadpanned] Geek boys.
HIROSHI: Please. Kazuki said that they probably eloped or went to some unknown locations for you know.
DAISUKE: Know what?
HIROSHI: [rolls eyes] Come on! You got three guys and three girls and all alone in a secluded place. It calls for rated-XXX!!!
Nabiki spills water at Hiroshi for his disgusting comment.
NABIKI: First and foremost, they absolutely have no intention of doing that! Even if they did, they would be stupid enough to engage in orgy sex!
KASUMI: [shocked] NABIKI!
Nabiki was surprised to see Kasumi carrying the two boys' orders. She hands them out while glares at her sister.
KASUMI: [angry] I can't believe you said that!
NABIKI: Me? Blame him! [points at Hiroshi] He's the one who brought up his sick fantasies!
HIROSHI: [nervous] He he, I-I was just kidding!
NABIKI: You better be.
DAISUKE: [whispers to Hiroshi] Loser.
Hiroshi was embarrassed to death. He decided to change the topic.
HIROSHI: Hey, have you guys heard that Kuno will hold a search party for Akane and Ranma? He'll announce it at the school later on. He also said that the reward will be 2 million yen!
KASUMI: That's. . .crazy!
DAISUKE: Why is that? He'll do anything for Akane and the female Ranma, even if it means burying his own grave.
Nabiki was just silent whenever Kuno was mentioned. Kasumi noticed this but didn't think of anything else. Something's going on. Besides, Kuno's dating Mariko, or so they were told by Mariko herself. Both sisters knew that Kuno and whoever will join him will not able to find them unless they showed up.
NABIKI: There's a definite guarantee that almost everyone will show up.
DAISUKE: For the money?
NABIKI: Aside from that, they'll be looking them for their personal reasons.
KASUMI: Well, Konatsu will probably appear again to find Ukyo. As well as Tsubasa. . .
HIRSOHI: The cross-dressing freak who's got the hots for Ukyo? He's sick.
KASUMI: And then there's Akari for Ryoga-
NABIKI: [to Kasumi] Didn't you hear? Ryoga and Akari broke up. My sources told me that Ryoga did the dumping.
HIROSHI: Ow. I felt sorry for Akari. [smiles] Do you think she's available?
NABIKI: I'm not going to ponder that.
DAISUKE: Suppose they never find them? What will happen to them?
NABIKI: Well, we just pray and keep hoping.
HIROSHI: [to Daisuke] Maybe we should join the search party. We might earn those big bucks! Then again we might face stiff competition against the pantheon of weirdoes of Nerima.
NABIKI: It's a sure bet all of them will appear. Kuno, Kodachi, Tsubasa and other people I decided not to mention since I'm too lazy to tell their names. [realizes something] I'm also sure that Daddy and Uncle Saotome will join for the big bucks and of course, Akane and Ranma.
KASUMI: Now that's absurd.
NABIKI: Oh come on, Kasumi. Uncle Saotome will do anything as long as there's an excellent reward system. I won't be surprised that he might bring back a bunch of look-a-likes.
NODOKA: [appears from the kitchen] In that case, I'll make sure he won't make another foolish plan. [clutches her katana] If he does, he better spent his last days on earth.
NABIKI: [grins] I'm going to be there to see how will Kuno will pull off this search party. [a light bulb appears in her head] I got it! I'm going make a bet whether he will succeed at finding them or not. This will be interesting alright. [to Hiroshi and Daisuke] How about it boys? Care to make a bet?
Nodoka and Kasumi looked at each other as the other three discuss their "business".
NODOKA: [worried] Sometimes, I worry about your sister.
KASUMI: I just tend to ignore it. I wish her luck if she gains a lot of money. But, I will admit, she tends to go far out. Then again, I'm interested whether Kuno WILL find them or not. Do you think we should tell them about the truth?
NODOKA: What will we tell them? That they are in another dimension? Then again, this is Nerima. They'll buy at anything possible. You know, I'm willing to see how far the Kunos will go. [smiles] It'll be like watching a live reality show.
************
AKANE: [stunned] We're not going to wear the uniforms? But they'll find out about us!
RANMA: I know. But we'll fight them off.
AKANE: Ranma, this isn't Battle Royale! We can't just fight anyone!
MOUSSE: She's right. Consider the risks your decision will put us through and Sen. I don't wanna die here!
SHAMPOO: Shampoo say, stick with uniforms.
Everyone looked at Shampoo, who just spoke.
SHAMPOO: Ranma, your decision will put us in danger and will risk our cover. [grumbles] Some leader. . .
Mousse gives Ranma a "what's-going-on" look. The latter just sighed in response.
RYOGA: Shampoo's right, unless we have a good excuse for beating them up. But let's get realistic here. IF we do the uniform thing, it's going to take us forever to find the Keyhole. On the other hand, Shampoo and Mousse already covered that area.
SHAMPOO: Maybe we start a union against evil witch. People abused here by having their rights being violated. Shampoo say [raises her fist] we start revolution!
Everyone again stared at the female Amazon. By that comment, she would make a good female version of Mao Tse-tung.
MOUSSE: I'll say this: what?
SHAMPOO: It worked for the seven dwarfs in Snow White, why not we influence the workers to do same against evil witch?
UKYO: Yes. And while we're at it, let us fly and sing songs that came out of nowhere. [to Shampoo] You do realize that Yubaba's a powerful witch?
SHAMPOO: So? Spatula Girl haven't seen evil witch in action. Spider-man there [points at Kamaji who is still sleeping] may be bluffing.
RYOGA: He did work here for a long time. If so, I guess he must have seen Yubaba's true nature.
Ranma looks at Akane who is now reading a book of spells Aeris gave her back in Traverse Town.
RANMA: Whatcha reading?
AKANE: Aeris gave me a book of spells that might be invaluable to this quest.
MOUSSE: What have you uncovered so far?
AKANE: Well, [thinks] there's a telekinesis spell, summoning fireballs and the normal magic stuff. Maybe we could use this against Yubaba just in case.
RANMA: [worried] I don't know. Who's going to do the casting?
AKANE: I would. I understand the basics so far.
SHAMPOO: [smirks] Hmph! Super Violent Tomboy may screw up everything by turning us into rats!
AKANE: [glares at Shampoo] Excuse me?
SHAMPOO: Shampoo doesn't rely on you. You might blow up the entire place!
AKANE: [angry] At least I'm making a contribution! What about you? All you do is glomp Ranma!
SHAMPOO: [furious] SHUT UP!
AKANE: Why don't you do that? You're the one who started this.
RANMA: [decides to interrupt] ENOUGH!
Everyone now looks at Ranma. The Keywielder has had enough of the bickerings.
RANMA: [to Shampoo] Stop insulting everyone! [to Akane] And stop being an easy target! I'm sorry if I reacted like this but the last thing I need is fights! I'm tired of this bullshit even back at Nerima! All you guys do is fight and fight even without real reason why! [mellows down] I'm sorry for this. I'm sorry for being a jerk to you guys. Why-
Just as Ranma is about to continue, the ventilation shaft suddenly is destroyed as a white dragon bursts in and crashes into the boiler room. Everyone quickly moved away from the dragon. Ranma quickly grabs Kamaji from his place before he gets squished. As the dragon lands in the ground, it violently continues to move as if it was trying to get away from a torture. Everyone sees this and is stunned by the sight of blood around the creature. It was a surprise to see Sen holding onto the dragon. Along with her are a small house and a mosquito. The girl is holding the dragon as it struggles through.
AKANE: Sen! W-what's going on?
SEN: [panics] H-haku. . .he was injured. . .I. . .don't know what's wrong. He's acting violently!
Sen accidetanly loosens her grip as Haku tries to get away. Seeing this, they managed to hold Haku tightly to control him.
UKYO: Why is he acting like this?
KAMAJI: Something's wrong.
RANMA: Can't you do something?
KAMAJI: I don't know what exactly is wrong with him. [looks at Sen] What exactly happened?
SEN: I was in my room when I saw Haku being attacked by flying paper dolls. I called him and he crashed to my room. What's shocking is that he's bleeding badly. I prevented the attackers but Haku ran away. He went to Yubaba's room, so I followed him.
KAMAJI: [surprised] You what?
SEN: I didn't go to the normal route so I took the hard route. As I reached there, Yubaba said something about killing Haku because he wasn't useful anymore. When I had the chance, I managed to go inside without Yubaba in it. There are three heads who are trying to kill him so I stopped them. I don't know what happened but Yubaba appeared all of the sudden, except. . .except she wasn't Yubaba. She told me that Haku stole something and it was protected by a curse!
KAMAJI: I think that solves our problem.
RANMA: [confused] What?
KAMAJI: The person Sen saw earlier wasn't Yubaba at all. It was her twin sister, Zeniba. My guess is Haku stole one of Zeniba's possessions but it contained a curse. That's why he is acting this way.
RYOGA: Is there anyway we can cure him 'cause I don't think we can control him for long!
By now, everyone is struggling to control the wild dragon. Kamaji notices a small mouse and a mosquito but ignores it instead.
KAMAJI: Sen, where is Zeniba?
SEN: She, she disappeared. All I know is she went here as one of the flying paper dolls and somehow managed to follow me. When she appeared, Haku cut the paper doll and she's gone. [she sees Haku] What are going to do?
Haku's tail destroys some of the property. Ranma then remembers the gift of the Kawa no Kami: the small ball. He doesn't know how it works but it's better than nothing. He cut off a piece from the ball and quickly feeds Haku while the latter's mouth is open. Haku violently reacted at first but he vomits up a seal and with it, a small worm.
SHAMPOO: Aiyah! What is that?
KAMAJI: The curse. So small yet it cause a powerful effect on him. But don't let it get away.
The worm tries to escape but is blocked by the soot-sprites. Sen tries to stomp the worm but after some hesitation and a few tries, she succeeded. As she removes her feet, she feels disgusted.
SEN: [disgusted] Eeeeewwwww!!!!
Kamaji performs a cleansing ritual over her. Haku then returns to his normal human-like form, but is still suffering from the aftereffects of the curse. Kamaji instructs Shampoo and Ukyo to arrange a futon for the injured boy. Ranma carries Haku and puts him in the futon. After a while, Haku is sleeping.
RANMA: Hate to say this, but at this point we'll never find the Keyhole now that Haku's down.
SEN: Is he going to be all right?
KAMAJI: I don't know. It seems that the curse is still in his body. [sighs] Unfortunately, I don't have an antidote for this.
Sen is worried. She wasn't going to let her friend die and decides to do something. Ukyo can tell from her face.
UKYO: [to Sen] Sugar, I think you should relax.
SEN: [worried] I-I can't! I don't want to be sitting here and do nothing. [Sen's about to cry but controls her tears] I don't want to see Haku die! [to Kamaji] Can't you do anything?
KAMAJI: I'm sorry. The only solution for this is to go to where Haku went and fix the damage.
RANMA: He went to Zeniba.
SEN: Huh?
RANMA: It makes sense. Why would Haku be attacked?
RYOGA: I don't get it.
RANMA: Zeniba must have caught him stealing something so she chased him in the form of those paper dolls Sen told us.
AKANE: But why would she come here in that manner?
KAMAJI: If you must know, Yubaba and Zeniba are different despite similar appearances. Zeniba's an old-fashioned woman so she stays far away from here. Yubaba's the opposite.
UKYO: If so, then Zeniba's also a witch.
KAMAJI: Yes.
SEN: [to Kamaji] Then it's settled. I'm going to Zeniba's place!
KAMAJI: [surprised] What?
SEN: It's the only way to save Haku! Maybe if I go there and return what he had stolen, maybe she could give me the cure. I would also ask for Haku's forgiveness!
KAMAJI: I don't know. . .
SHAMPOO: Why not? She right about this. If a friend is danger, Shampoo would do the same. [unknown to the others, she's referring to Mousse, her only friend of the moment] What could be the problem?
KAMAJI: Zeniba lives far away so the only way to get there is a train. Wait. [Kamaji goes to his drawer to look for something and gets it out] Here. [shows a couple of tickets] It's very old but I think it's very useful. [gives the tickets to Ranma] Can you count how many tickets there are?
RANMA: Eight. [looks at the rest] We got one extra ticket but I think it's settled.
KAMAJI: I've been saving those tickets for forty years. These are rare that nowadays you can't look for this kind.
SEN: [to Ranma] When do we leave?
RANMA: Right now. I think Zeniba's got the answers we've been looking for.
SEN: Who will take care of Haku?
KAMAJI: Not to worry. I'll be care of him. Now, you better leave before-
LIN: Sen!
They looked at Lin, who is in the lift and tired from finding her.
SEN: Lin, what's going on?
LIN: Yubaba's. . .looking for you. She said that our guest for today is looking for you.
SEN: [confused] Who?
LIN: I, [she doesn't know how to describe the guest] well, it's best that you come upstairs.
SEN: [looks at the NWC] I better go.
RANMA: We'll come with you just in case.
LIN: What's going on?
KAMAJI: Sen, you and the rest better go upstairs and settle this. [Lin] Can you stay here for a moment? I need your help. [Lin looks at the sleeping Haku]
************
Sen and the rest went to the guest room where Yubaba is waiting for them. Accompanying them are a small mouse and a fly, but unknown to all, there are actually Boh [Yubaba's baby] and Yu-Bird [Yubaba's pet]. They looked around to see the workers who are cowering with fear. As they reached their designated place, they are awaited by a furious Yubaba.
YUBABA: [furious] SEN! Do you know what kind of chaos you caused here?
SEN: What are you talking about?
YUBABA: You let the Kaonashi in! He devoured some of our workers and messed up the place! He wouldn't leave unless we comply his request: you! He wants you!
SEN: What do you want me to do?
YUBABA: How should I know? Why don't you talk to him? [notices the mousse and the fly, but doesn't recognize that it's her child and her pet respectively] What's that?
SEN: You don't recognize them?
YUBABA: Anyway, you better go in.
One of the workers quickly exited the guest room in a frightening manner.
YUBABA: [groans] Great. Sen.
Sen enters the room. But just as Ranma and the rest about to follow her, Yubaba blocked their way and closed the door.
RANMA: Hey! What gives?
YUBABA: You're not from this world aren't you?
AKANE: Yeah, so?
YUBABA: Interesting. In that case. . .
Yubaba performed a telekinetic spell and lifts them up. They tried to get down but with no avail.
YUBABA: Years ago, a young man came here at the same time demons have attacked this place. I have seen him in action but he disappeared.
RANMA: What do you want, you old freak?
YUBABA: Is that the way how you treat your elders, boy? The child has more manners than you.
RYOGA: [struggling] Put us down! What the hell do you want from us?!
YUBABA: [grins] Power. You have it. I want it.
MOUSSE: H-hey, if you want Saotome's pants, just do it! But, get us down! [Ranma glares at him]
YUBABA: I don't think so.
Yubaba tightens her hand. It made the six teens as if they are tightening up. They could feel their bones nearly crushed, they screamed in pain.
CHIHIYAKU: [concerned] Mistress! What are you doing?
YUBABA: Relax. One of you has the great power like I sense that man years ago. [to Ranma] Seems we have our candidate here, not that the others are useless.
RANMA: What a-
YUBABA: You and that man have the same power. [begins to chant the spell] Now, that power. . .
Ranma feels something burning from inside and begins to suffer from the pain. It seems that Yubaba is absorbing the spell. As the others watch him helplessly, Ranma suddenly began to feel the same power but it repels Yubaba's spell. It strikes back as it knocks out Yubaba into the wall, thus releasing the others.
AKANE: [runs over to Ranma] Ranma! You okay?
RANMA: [breathes heavily] Y-yeah. . .
UKYO: What was that?
RANMA: The power. . .[Akane and Ukyo helps him get up] I don't know, but I feel stronger. [to Yubaba] You have a lot of nerve to do that, witch!
They looked around and see the male workers surrounding them. Ukyo, Shampoo and Mousse immediately equipped themselves with their respective weapons.
UKYO: Boys, it's not nice to mob us kids here. So I suggest you stay back before I go Rambo here.
Seeing their weapons, the workers stepped back.
UKYO: [grins] Thank you.
Yubaba gets up.
YUBABA: You have a lot of guts to do that kid! But no more games!
YUbaba is about to unleash her fury when they hear Sen screaming for help in the guest room. Ranma jumps over Yubaba's head and drags her down. He kicks the doors and enters as he sees Sen is being threatened by the Kaonashi in the corner. The Keyblade materializes on his hand as he prepares to do the worst.
RANMA: SEN! [to Kaonashi] Now you threatened little girls? Not a wise move.
Kaonashi turns around to see Ranma and the others and approaches them. His appearance is now different. He's large and crawls like an insect. During at this time, Ranma orders Akane something else.
RANMA: Grab Sen and get out. Wait for us outside.
AKANE: What about you guys? I don't think that thing's easy to kill.
RANMA: We'll be fine. When it comes near, go and do it. I trust you.
Akane nods at his request. When the faceless demon approaches them, Akane quickly goes to Sen.
AKANE: Sen, we have to go.
SEN: Wait! What about-
AKANE: They'll be fine. They're the greatest martial artists in my world.
SEN: How sure are you?
AKANE: I don't know, but best that we get out now!
Akane grabs Sen's arm and gets out, but not before she sees Ranma and the rest fighting the demon. Ranma begins to hack Kaonashi but to his horror, it quickly heals back. Mousse then starts throwing swords at him but he deflects it with his arm. Ukyo throws her mini-spatulas at him but also to no avail. Ryoga decides to use a different strategy. He goes to the Kaonashi and performs the Bakusai Tenketsu at him. The demon staggers back but his arms began to smash the grounds and throw a punch at them. They dodged the attack but it damaged the place completely. He then jumps over outside the room and lands at the ground. The workers fled in panic as they wished not to be eaten. Ranma performs the Kachu Tenshi Amaguken at the demon, but to his surprise he avoids it by rolling away to the side. Shampoo uses her bonberies and smashes the Kaonashi's face. She continues to attack him while Ukyo slashes him at his body. Ranma and Mousse stabbed the demons back while Ryoga throws his bandannas. The Kaonashi screams at the pain so he tries to break free and seek Sen. He punches Ukyo to the side while grabs Shampoo's leg and tosses her at the food table. The Kaonashi tries to remove Ranma and Mousse from his back like a wild bull in the rodeo contests. Both boys tried to hold on to their weapons which are embedded in his back but decide to remove the weapons and get down before something worse will happen.
RYOGA: This is not good.
RANMA: Like we didn't know that.
The wounds the Kaonashi has began to cure itself, much to the gang's dismay.
SHAMPOO: [groans] Aiyah!
UKYO: You have got to be kidding me!
The Kaonashi tries to get out but his path is blocked by them. He's getting irritated since he wants Sen for companionship. Mousse throws a chain around his neck and tightens it while Ryoga jumps over at his back, like a cowboy in a rodeo. He punches the demon's back to calm down. The Kaonashi rises up as Mousse and Ryoga holds on for dear life. He begins to snap the chain and tosses Mousse at one of the rooms while he goes backwards to the nearest wall to drop Ryoga. When he does he proceeds to Sen, while leaving Ryoga in smashed wall. Ranma begins to remember the medicine ball and decides to use it against the demon. He tells Ukyo and Shampoo to distract it while he waits for a perfect opportunity to put the ball in his mouth. The Kaonashi is beginning to get annoyed so he grabs the girls and decides to eat them. Both girls struggled to get out from his grip. As his mouth begins to open, Ranma tosses the ball at him quickly. The Kaonashi begins to feel something strange. He drops the girls and begins to vomit. Ryoga and Mousse see this and ask Ranma about it.
MOUSSE: What the hell's going on?
RANMA: I don't know. When I fed Haku the ball, his curse seems to be declining so I decided to do the same. But for the results, I have no clue.
The Kaonashi continues to vomit.
SHAMPOO: But can it stop disgusting demon? He makes Shampoo sick!
While this is going on, Akane and Sen goes downstairs. Sen stops running and looks back.
SEN: I hope they didn't kill him.
AKANE: He's an evil demon who's trying to get you.
SEN: You don't understand! He wasn't evil when I invited him here. I think this place is the reason why he is acting this way! I know he's a good demon.
AKANE: You mean that this place is evil? Makes sense.
SEN: I have to tell right now! [Sen runs back]
AKANE: Sen! [sighs] Oh great.
Akane follows Sen and the two are greeted by the five angry workers.
SEN: Please let us pass through!
WORKER: You won't. You caused us big trouble and for that, we'll make you pay!
Akane faces them while Sen is in her back.
AKANE: You have to move! If you don't, then nothing will stop that thing!
WORKER: I think you are associated with that creature! Get them!
AKANE: Sen, hide now.
Sen hides under a table. One of the workers grabs Akane's wrist but she twists his arm and throws him to the ground. The next one is behind her and she performs a spinning roundhouse kick at his face. Two down as the other one charges at her. She moves to his side and trips him to the ground. The leader is furious so he throws a punch at her. She dodges at the attack and throws a left jab followed by a right spinning backfist. Akane knocks him out and sees the last one fearing for his life so he runs away. Sen comes out to see Akane victorious.
SEN: [impressed] Wow!
AKANE: [smiles] I'm pretty good huh?
SEN: You took them down single-handedly.
AKANE: [boasts] Well, I-
She's about to continue when something tosses her to the side. Sen comes to her aid and helps Akane to get up. They both see Yubaba, who is angry.
YUBABA: You little brat! All of you humans have caused chaos at my place! Look at this! [she points at the damaged area] For that, you shall pay!
AKANE: Why don't you leave her alone, you old fart! If you want to fight, face me!
To Yubaba, this is an insult and an amusement at the same time.
YUBABA: [laughs] Such bravery. But I wonder how you will beat me with your puny fists?
AKANE: [insulted] I-I mastered some spells! I can beat you!
Akane chants a few words and tries to summon a chair to knock the old witch. But all she gets is a glass being poured by a pitcher filled with water. She feels embarrassed and begins to panic. She grabs Sen but Yubaba literally stops them. They struggled to move but couldn't.
YUBABA: [smirks] Silly girl playing magic tricks. Fool, you can't even cast a telekinetic spell properly!
AKANE: Well, I just started! Take this!
Akane tries to cast a fireball but all it came out are bunnies and flowers. Yubaba laughed some more at the girl's expense. Akane's horrified as she had read half of the pages of the book. But it struck her that it's how you say it that would make the magic work. Right now, she sucks as a magician. Just as Yubaba is about to finish her, she hears a loud voice.
KAONASHI: [in pain] SSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!
Yubaba looks up to see the insectoid-like creature running towards her. She casts a spell but his fury didn't affect him. The Kaonashi hurls a vomit projectile at her and the latter is thus covered. Surprisingly, the spell broke off as Akane and Sen continue to run away from him. Both girls went down to the stairs as fast as they can. The demon opted to crawl on the walls. Ranma and the others finally manage to catch him when Akane sees them from the lower floor.
AKANE: [shouts] RANMA! DON'T KILL HIM! JUST FOLLOW US! WE'LL EXPLAIN EVERYTHING LATER!
Ranma's confused on why Akane wouldn't let them destroy the Kaonashi but decides to follow her request. As they reunite, Sen leads them to another staircase but the Kaonashi manages to catch them up. Seeing this, Ryoga performs another Bakusai Tenketsu to block his path. The demon avoids this by jumping but is greeted by Mousse's exploding eggs. The Kaonashi couldn't see aside from the smoke that is around him so he continues his pursuit but is slammed into the wall at the bottom of the staircase. He stops for a while as he continues to feel the pain and throws up the two workers who he had just eaten before. The workers begin run as the Kaonashi continues to run. Sen and the others finally get out of the bath house and sees Lin waiting in a punt. There's a problem though: the punt only fits four people. Mousse senses this and takes out a raft fit for four people. Sen, Akane and Ukyo go to the punt while the rest rides in the raft. As they rowed away, the Kaonashi sees them. Alarmed, they brace themselves for another fight but Sen stops them.
SEN: No! It's okay. He's fine now.
UKYO: What? He might-
SEN: The bath house. It's the reason why he became evil. It's as if he was possessed.
RANMA: So he's originally Casper? [Sen is confused by the comparison]
AKANE: What he meant was is he originally a good demon?
SEN: Yeah. He helped me in the bath house until you guys saw us.
LIN: But that doesn't mean he's alright. What if he's still evil?
SEN: Don't worry. He'll be okay. [on her left shoulder are the mouse and the fly who agrees with her]
RANMA: We'll be ready just in case.
LIN: Here we are.
Lin drops them off in the watery railway line. Ukyo, Akane and Sen got off the punt but Ranma and the others are still in the raft.
LIN: [to Akane and Ukyo] Take care of her, will ya? I think she attracts trouble.
AKANE: Oh, she's not the only one. [she's referring to Ranma]
LIN: [to Sen] You know, I first thought that you were slow. I underestimated you.
SEN: It's okay. Take care of yourself. [pauses] What's going to happen afterwards?
LIN: Well, Yubaba might hunt you down and kill you but I doubt it. [points at the platform] There's the platform so you have to wait until the train arrives. [Lin begins to leave and sees Ranma, Ryoga, Shampoo and Mousse are still in the raft] You guys can come down now. It's not that deep.
RYOGA: We'll just stay here. We have good reasons.
LIN: [shrugs] Suit yourselves.
Lin goes back to the bath house but sees the Kaonashi closing in to the group.
LIN: [shouts to the Kaonashi in a threatening manner] HEY! IF YOU HARM SEN, THOSE PEOPLE WILL GET YOU! IF THE THEY DON'T THEN I WILL!
Sen and the others look up to see the Kaonashi going towards them. Sen has an idea.
SEN: Why don't we let him join us?
UKYO: Excuse me?
SEN: He needs me. This my way of saying sorry for the trouble he had endured.
AKANE: You are humble.
SEN: He helped me after all.
They are about to leave when Akane sees the cursed ones still on the raft.
AKANE: Guys, get down. It's not going to kill you.
RYOGA: [protests] You don't know that. And besides, I don't think Sen is ready to see some more weirdness.
UKYO: What are you talking about? The bath house itself is filled with weird things. I'm sure she's already adjusted to that.
RANMA: [smirks] Yeah Ryoga, it's not going to hurt you (not yet anyway).
Ryoga glared at him. He doesn't want Akane to learn that he's P-Chan. True, he's over her but if she finds out, one can guarantee that there will be bloodshed. As for Ranma, he thinks of ways of exposing Ryoga's secret to Akane without involving him. Wait, it does involve him.
SHAMPOO: Sen not ready to see us as. . .you know.
RYOGA: And I like this raft! It's comfortable! And nice! [Ranma rolls his eyes]
UKYO: [mutters] Wussies.
AKANE: [sighs] Let's go before I try to push you guys off the raft.
Sen, Akane and Ukyo walked to the platform while the rest rowed their way. As they reached the platform and are waiting for the train, Ukyo couldn't resist to ask Ryoga what's with him.
UKYO: Are you okay?
RYOGA: [gulps] Yeah! Why shouldn't I?
UKYO: Ryoga, I'm not that dumb. Something's wrong with you. Don't tell me you're aqua phobic?
RYOGA: It's not that! Look, I'm sorry. Just leave me alone, okay?
UKYO: [offended] Fine. [Ukyo walks away]
Ryoga sighs heavily. He didn't mean to offend Ukyo like that, but he's not ready to reveal everything. Mousse sees this and approaches him.
MOUSSE: You should've told her.
RYOGA: Why? It doesn't matter to her anyway.
MOUSSE: Oh, but she could tell Akane.
RYOGA: Those two aren't currently in speaking terms.
MOUSSE: Afraid Akane will turn you into pork chop?
RYOGA: Shut up.
RANMA: She'll learn about it sooner or later.
Ryoga sees Ranma.
RYOGA: What is this, interrogation day? Wait, Ranma, don't you dare-
RANMA: [firmly] Look, pig boy. This is for your own good. You put me in misery. It's time for you to face facts. If you don't tell her, then I will. And not a God damn single thing from you is going to change that!
RYOGA: [glowered] Ranma. . .
RANMA: So what's it going to be?
RYOGA: [clenches his fists] Ranma, please. I don't want to hurt Akane emotionally. I promise you, I WILL tell her when the right time comes. Please, you have to trust me. Besides, you're the one who kicked me off to that fucking cursed spring.
RANMA: You provoke our oath. BUT, I will give you chance. If you fail to do your word, then I will do the offensive. Deal? NO backing out. You will tell her and I'll be the witness.
RYOGA: [sighs] Deal. [both shake hands]
Mousse watches this event. He doesn't think that it will work since old habits die hard: Ranma and Ryoga will continue to insult each other. He then decides to go on Nabiki mode: making a bet on whether Ryoga will fulfill his word. Outside from the circle of boys, Akane, Ukyo and Shampoo witnesses this but didn't know what's up.
SEN: Guys, the train's here.
They boarded the train and Ranma gives the tickets to the conductor. He has decided to let the Kaonashi come with them. Akane, Sen, Bou, the Yu-Bird and Kaonashi sat together while Mousse and Shampoo sit together in corner. Ukyo decided to sit in another separately from Ryoga. Ranma takes this chance to talk to Ukyo and sort out problems that they had. Ukyo sees Ranma coming towards her and braces for the unexpected.
RANMA: [smiles] Hey, Ucchan! It's been a while.
Ukyo is surprised by this. It's been awhile since he called her that.
UKYO: [nervous] H-hey Ranma. . .
RANMA: What's the matter? [he sits beside her] Did I scare you?
UKYO: Honestly, yeah.
RANMA: I'm not going to hurt you.
UKYO: Ranma, look. I know that I made you my toy. I'm not worthy to be called your friend. I don't think I have friends, maybe except Ryoga and Mousse, though I haven't spoken to the duck boy yet. The thing is, after our fight, I wasted my life. I didn't go out of my room for days. But do you know what hurts? The only one who stood by you, willing to do anything for you, is gone.
RANMA: [surprised] Konatsu?
UKYO: [nods] I went to see my dad while I left him to take care of Ucchan's. After I arrived, I learned that he disappeared. He wrote a letter saying that I didn't love him. The truth is, I only love him as a friend. But after that, I hated myself for driving him away.
RANMA: Hey! Don't be sad. Ucchan, I forgive you. You're my best friend. I'm sorry also for lashing out those words. But we can't go back to the way we were. How can I trust you again? I want us to be friends again yet I don't know, what if it goes out of control again?
UKYO: To be honest, I don't know. How about give me a chance?
RANMA: [thinks about it] I won't give you a chance [Ukyo frowns]. You are my friend so you passed the test, first part of course.
UKYO: [smiles] Thank you Ranchan [hearing this, both smile as this indicates that they're now friends again]. I still love you. But lately, I've been thinking that. . .you know, maybe this fiancée thing did ruin our friendship.
RANMA: Like I didn't know that. [pauses] What are you trying to say?
UKYO: Ranchan, I've decided that I will break our engagement.
RANMA: [widens eyes] You're kidding?
UKYO: If I was, then I would glomp you. But that's not going to happen anymore. Maybe an occasional hug or two, but nothing serious.
RANMA: Ucchan, thanks.
UKYO: As much as I hated to admit this but I know both you and Akane still love each other.
RANMA: (I better not tell her what happened between us before she changes her mind) Yeah. It's not easy but you know, we're getting there, wherever we are. What made you change your mind about this?
UKYO: My dad disowned me.
Ranma gasps in horror.
UKYO: You're not the first to find out about this. I already told Ryoga about this.
RANMA: [concerned] You okay?
UKYO: Can I tell you the truth? I felt relieved. My dad cares about the Kuonji honor. It somehow also involves you and your dad.
RANMA: [feeling guilty] Sorry. I know pops made a lot of stupid shit in the past, but this.
UKYO: I even compare my dad to yours in terms of all mouth no action. He was offended but I didn't care.
RANMA: What will happen to you now?
UKYO: I'll definitely keep the Kuonji name but before this, I was planning on moving to another place and start a new life. Away from the bad memories, away from the people who've hated me, away from. . . [her eyes begins to well up]
RANMA: It's going to be okay, Ucchan.
UKYO: [begins to cry] Ranchan. . .
Ranma comforts her by hugging her. Ukyo hugs him back in a friendly way. They remained in that position for a few seconds before they pulled out of each other. Akane, meanwhile sees this. She's not angry about it in fact for she knew that Ranma and Ukyo would have to patch things up. She's doesn't forgive Ukyo for the manipulations she has done to her but among her rivals, she was the closest as friend. Maybe they could be both friends for good. Akane has decided that would make up. Shampoo on the other hand, she's a different case. She sees Sen playing with the mouse and the fly and the Kaonashi in his quiet state. Sen's right, the bathhouse did turn him to evil, much like Jack Nicholson in "The Shining".
AKANE: Bored huh?
SEN: You bet.
AKANE: I wonder how long will this train ride last?
SEN: Who knows? Akane, can I ask you something?
AKANE: Sure.
SEN: How do you feel if you're taken away from the places and the people you knew for a long time?
AKANE: [confused] What are you talking about?
SEN: Before this, my parents and I were moving to a new place. I hated for taking me away from my friends.
AKANE: Don't blame your parents. They must have lots of reasons.
SEN: I know but. . .I'm scared. What if I never get to have new friends? My friends live farther than my new place.
Akane may not be the best mother figure (that role goes to Kasumi). She might as well try to comfort the child.
AKANE: Can I tell you something else? When my mom died, I was so confused. I mean I was very young at that time so being without my mother somehow scared me. My big sister filled the mother role, but I don't know. She seems less of a mother. I miss her very much. But I dealt with it by telling myself that we have to stay positive to live very well. You can do the same thing. Just tell yourself that you can do it.
SEN: [smiles] Thanks.
Both girls are silent. Akane just realized that the time that changed her life was when she met Ranma. Before, she was just. . .normal. But with him, she then realized her true potential: mallet masher.
RYOGA: [nervous] H-hey A-akane.
Akane looks up to see a very nervous Ryoga, who looks like he's about to pee on his pants.
AKANE: Hey Ryoga. You okay?
RYOGA: [nods] (C'mon Hibiki! You're over her! Now's the time to tell her the truth! Be a man!) Um, Akane, um, um, um, th-there's something I wa-want to tell-
AKANE: How are you?
RYOGA: F-fine! Jus-just fine! J-just busy as a bee, he he (shit, what the hell are you doing?).
AKANE: Say, how's Akari?
Hearing the name Akari, Ryoga begins to frown. Akane notices this.
AKANE: Did I say something wrong?
RYOGA: Nothing. We broke up. We had a misunderstanding (a huge misunderstanding in fact).
AKANE: I'm sorry.
RYOGA: [sighs] It's okay. I just don't want to talk about it. [silence] Akane, there's something I want to tell you. I'm, I'm. . .I CAN'T!!! I CAN'T!!! I'm sorry Akane, but I just can't! Not now!
AKANE: [confused] What are you talking about?
Ryoga walks away from her defeated by his fear that she will hate him forever. Ryoga doesn't want to risk this and to him, it's not the right time. Then again, when is the right time? Ranma, watching the events unfold, just sat there in another chair after his talk with Ukyo. He knew that Ryoga would never had the balls to tell her the harsh truth. But, he will give him another chance. After that, no more. He looks around to see ghostly figures sitting. In corner, he sees Shampoo sleeping while Mousse is looking outside. Ryoga sits in another chair but is depressed. Ukyo decides to sit with him to comfort him but no words came out. They just sat therem doing and saying nothing. He sees Sen sleeping in Akane's lap, who is also asleep. He, on the other hand, will have a lot of thinking on what will this journey will bring them. He also thinks of his family and everyone else. He wonders what they are doing right now. Probably, doing the same old thing except they'll be looking for them. He soon falls asleep.
************
To say Tatewaki Kuno is clueless jerk might offend him but to say he's determined might overwhelmed him [thus, he's a sucker for good comments]. Once he had heard that Akane had disappeared, he immediately concluded that Ranma was responsible. He had also concluded that his beloved pig-tailed girl has also disappeared. So, what's a love-torned man going to do? Find them, obviously. While his pride tells him to do it for himself, he has decided to organize a search party. But to lure volunteers, he planned a contest. It worked all right, but he was surprised that a lot of volunteers showed up. He surveyed the scene, which took place at Furinkan High.
Just as Kasumi predicted, Tsubasa, in his garbage can disguise, appeared in hoping to find his darling Ukyo [if she finds out about this, she would rather bury herself six feet under]. Hikaru Gosunguki also joined to find Akane, but this time he's carrying a magic book to help him and he had practiced a lot. He made a mistake a few weeks ago by summoning flying monkeys at the school. Mikado and Azusa, who've taking a break from their practice, are also there. The former, for Akane and the latter, for the heck of it. Ryu Kumon is also there to earn some money. The Dojo Destroyer is also in for the money. Upon hearing that Shampoo disappeared, Lin Lin and Lung Lung showed up.
To Kuno's side are Sasuke, Mariko [who is glomping his arm], Kochou practicing his ukulele and Kodachi, just sitting there and brooding since none of them has no interest of her darling Ranma. Kuno walked to the microphone to give his speech.
KUNO: [coughs a bit] Ladies and gentlemen, I- [Kuno realizes the mike wasn't still on] Sasuke! Why isn't the mike on?
SASUKE: [nervous] Oh, um, sorry Master Kuno! [plugs the mike on, which causes a loud screeching sound and nearly jumps everyone's bones] Sorry!
KUNO: [glares at Sasuke and then faces the audience] Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for responding to my aid. As you all know, the beautiful Akane Tendo and the pig-tailed girl-
TSUBASA: [shouts] HEY! I THOUGHT WE ARE LOOKING FOR UKYO ALSO?
KUNO: [furious as he was interrupted] I WAS GETTING THERE! [regains his composure] As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, Akane Tendo, the pig-tailed girl, [looks at Tsubasa with a cold glare] Ukyo Kuonji [Tsubasa smiles upon hearing this], and the rest have disappeared a week ago. I have suspected that the vile-wretched sorcerer Saotome is responsible for this. [he was hit in the head by Kodachi using her chair]
KODACHI: [angry] HOW DARE YOU MOCK MY DARLING RANMA! HE WAS MORE OF A MAN THAN YOU!!!
KUNO: Sister, I have no time for this! If you wish to disappear, then do so. I have important things to do.
KODACHI: You're going to waste your time finding those violent hussies! [realizes that Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo are with Ranma] NO! Those peasants are with my darling! [to Kuno] Brother dear, I have decided to join you quest to save my future groom from those wretched harlots with no manners!
KUNO: Then sit down and be quiet! [Kodachi complies with his request] We don't know what has happened to them as of this moment. No one knows where they are. I, Tatawaki Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, cannot sit here and do nothing as I worry my precious beloveds! [Mariko glares at him] Therefore, I have decided to find them. But I admit that, even the mightiest warrior cannot do certain things alone. As an old Welsh Proverb would say, "Be honorable yourself if you wish to associate with honorable people."
As Kuno continues his speech, Hiroshi and Daisuke listen to his talk.
DAISUKE: Nice quote. That's definitely the only good quote I've heard from him, not that I'm complaining.
HIROSHI: Nabiki said that he was spicing up his poetry. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing.
KUNO: That's why I have decided to organize a search party. Those who can find them will be rewarded with 2 million yen. I know that money isn't why you are here. But I know you are honorable people who are looking for six missing victims who've disappeared. As the darkness falls, these children of God have been taken away by the cruel fates of evil. Their innocence has been taken away, never to be seen again!
HIROSHI: "Their innocence"? Like Ranma and the rest were innocent to begin with.
KUNO: My dearest loves, even though they are not here physically, have called me in my dreams and asking me to rescue them from the demon! Their pains, their cries, their anguish! I cannot take it anymore. I know what I must do as a man!
NABIKI: Admit that you're a moron?
Hiroshi and Daisuke turned around to see Nabiki and Kasumi, who're passing by.
KASUMI: Why, hello boys.
DAISUKE: Hey Kasumi, Nabiki. Where are you going?
KASUMI: Nabiki and I are going shopping for my date tonight with Dr. Tofu. [both boys' eyes widened] [giggles] Oh relax, he's normal now. It took him some time to control himself, though.
NABIKI: Well, his poetry still sucks, but I got a hand to his determination. [looks at the participants] I didn't know there are many people joining. [to the boys] How about you boys? Interested to join?
DAISUKE: Nah. With Kuno organizing, there a 100% chance that it will bomb. But who knows?
KUNO: Today, we shall start our search for the beloved beauties [Kodachi hits him again for not mentioning Ranma] [mumbles] and the demon Saotome. I have seen the future that I will see them again.
HIROSHI: Now, is this about Ranma and the others or Akane and his "pig- tailed girl"?
KUNO: I know this task is very hard for they may be kept away by the evil mastermind who has planned this. I ask of you to prepare yourselves as all of us will travel all the way until the ends of the earth. We will not stop looking for them until they are found! If we must pass through the gates of hell to look for them, then we will!
NABIKI: Honestly, they would rather be in hell than to be found by him.
HIROSHI: He's no Morpheus. The guy's got charisma than Kuno.
KUNO: As I finish my speech, may the gods have their blessings to you and good luck to all!
After the cheers, everyone began their search.
NABIKI: Guess the party's over. Let's go Kasumi. [to the boys] See ya later.
HIROSHI: Tell us if you guys found Ranma! [Nabiki nods]
As they went on to their separate paths, Kasumi and Nabiki are about to go to the mall when they bumped into Kuno.
KASUMI: Hello, Kuno.
KUNO: Why hello, fair Kasumi. [looks at Nabiki] Nabiki.
NABIKI: [coldly] Kuno.
KUNO: What are you lovely ladies doing here? Are you joining us to search for your sister?
KASUMI: We love to but we can't. We hope that you can Akane and the rest for us.
KUNO: Do not worry, I will find the dear Akane and the lovely pig-tailed girl and get rid of the evil Saotome.
KASUMI: [she's tired of Kuno bashing Ranma] Ranma's not that bad. If you do find him, just promise me that you won't hurt in any other way.
NABIKI: [mutters] As if.
Kasumi and Kuno looks at Nabiki in a strange way.
NABIKI: What?
KASUMI: Did you say something?
NABIKI: [defends herself] Nothing!
KUNO: Well then. . .I should be going before-
MARIKO: K-U-N-O-C-H-A-N!!!
They turned around to see Mariko who jumping with joy and glomps Kuno.
KUNO: Mariko! Hey, let go!
MARIKO: C'mon, Kuno-chan! Let's start the S-E-A-R-C-H-P-A-R-T-Y!
Kuno looks embarrassed. Nabiki takes this chance.
NABIKI: [smirks] What's the matter Kuno? Lost a bet?
MARIKO: [angry] HEY!
KUNO: For your information, Nabiki Tendo. I have asked the lovely Mariko Konjo to help me for my quest. Also, at least she supports me in everyway possible.
Kasumi is clueless on what is going on between Kuno and Nabiki. She decides to break it off before something worse will happen.
KASUMI: Nabiki, we have to go shopping remember?
NABIKI: Oh yeah. Well, see you and good luck. Let's go Kasumi.
KUNO: Until then, fair Kasumi.
************
AKANE: Ranma, wake up. We're here.
RANMA: [now awaken] H-huh?
SEN: We're at Zeniba's place.
Ranma got up and sees everyone is waiting for him. They got off the train and surveyed the location. It's dark and deserted for a forest. There's only one path, much to everyone's relief.
MOUSSE: [grabs a flashlight from his sleeves] It's dark and I got this nifty flashlight.
RANMA: Mousse, you're a lifesaver. If I could kiss you-
MOUSSE: DON'T! Not even in your girl form. I'll be forever traumatized by you.
SHAMPOO: Mousse, lead the way. If you lead us to trap, [smiles] Shampoo protect you. Shampoo will make Ranma human shield.
Mousse doesn't know how to react on this. He then realized that Ranma and Shampoo had a fight. The former learned the hard away that pushing the latter away will make her hate you. Mousse leads the way. While walking, the Bou-mouse decides to walk without the assistance of the fly. Ranma is thinking why he hadn't got those strange dreams lately. Maybe it's from the stress, he thought.
UKYO: Hey, what's that?
Ukyo points out a hopping lantern that is approaching them.
AKANE: It's weird, it some how reminds me of those walking broomsticks.
SHAMPOO: Lantern wants us to follow it.
MOUSSE: I don't know. It says "walk to trap".
SEN: We're here for Zeniba, right? Maybe it's inviting us.
RANMA: Let's just pray that she won't feed us too much sweets before she decides to eat us.
They followed the hopping lantern. It led them to a small country college and an old lady who's waiting for them.
ZENIBA: [cheerfully] Hello! Hello! I have been expecting you!
SEN: [surprised] You do?
ZENIBA: Indeed. [to Ranma] So you must be the Keywielder? You are pretty handsome, for such a young man like you.
RANMA: I, er-
RYOGA: If having four fiancées wasn't enough, now older women are flirting with him.
AKANE: Cologne flirted with him, you know?
RYOGA: [surprised] Get out!
AKANE: It was at the beach, when Cologne got the "Instant Pill" that would make anyone fall in love to the first person they see. Let's just say it was a scene to remember.
MOUSSE: The old ghoul falling in love with Saotome. Three words: Eww, yuck, gross. And funny, so that would make four words!
RANMA: Will you guys shut up?!
ZENIBA: [laughs] I was just pulling your legs. Now come in. I've prepared some food.
RANMA: Warning, warning. First sign that a witch will eat you: being invited to eat with her.
AKANE: [elbows Ranma's ribs] That's not funny!
************
While Zeniba is fixing tea for the guests, Sen immediately gets down to business.
SEN: Zeniba, there's something I want to talk to you about. It's Haku. I know that you were the one who cursed him. So in behalf of Haku, [hands over the seal] I would like to apologize for any damages that were caused!
Zeniba begins to laugh.
ZENIBA: [laughs] It's all right, child. But I am wondering why you weren't affected by the curse.
SEN: Oh that. I squished the bug that caused the curse, I'm sorry about that.
ZENIBA: [amused] Now, now. It wasn't me who put the curse in him. It was Yubaba who put the curse into him in order to control him.
RANMA: That old ghoul's got the nerve to control him.
ZENIBA: That's Yubaba for you. We have contrasting view of everything. But, she's still my sister.
SEN: Zeniba, can you turn them back to normal? [points to the mouse and the fly who are in the spinning wheel]
ZENIBA: Well, the spell is already broken. It's up to them to turn back if they wished. Now, [to Ranma] Keybearer, how your mission so far? Enjoying the perks?
RANMA: Not really. But I expect the worst anytime soon.
ZENIBA: That's life for you. But always be prepared for the worse. That reminds me, did you know about what happened to this world a few years ago?
RANMA: I know that. Some unknown swordsman came into this place fighting the Heartless. Afterwards he disappeared, according to some. But Haku said that it was he, along with Kamaji, who took care of him away from Yubaba's knowledge.
ZENIBA: You got the facts boy. But there's more. After he left the Aburaya, he went to my house and informed me about the events. He said that this world has a Keyhole. But the big problem is where. You got the Keyblade so it will tell you where it is.
RANMA: I doubted it's in Aburaya so I thought it would be here. But, well, none, nada, zip.
ZENIBA: Don't give up. It's somewhere here. [drinks her tea]
RYOGA: Do you know the name of the man who came here?
ZENIBA: He didn't give me his name. But I remember the color of his hair: it's silver. But from his mannerisms, he was looking for redemption. From what I don't know. I tried reading his mind but he managed to block it so I leave it alone.
RANMA: (Silver?)
SHAMPOO: What happen to him afterwards?
ZENIBA: He was gone the next day. But he came here a few days ago saying that you will come. He didn't mention any sidekicks [Ryoga, Akane, Shampoo, Mousse and Ukyo look offended]. So, did you kids decide to join him?
AKANE/RYOGA/UKYO/MOUSSE/SHAMPOO: No.
RANMA: Just ignore them. They're a little miffed.
ZENIBA: I understand. But you will learn the true nature of this battle.
SEN: So, what will happen after you find the Keyhole?
RANMA: We go to another world. [realizes something else] That might take us forever.
ZENIBA: Although the future looks bleak for, I can guarantee that you journey will be a safe one. Besides, you got your friends with you.
RANMA: Don't you mean to say a safe one until we get killed?
ZENIBA: [chuckles] You're a sharp one, kid. You're bound to make a difference. That I also guarantee.
Everyone eats their food. They're impressed.
UKYO: It's good.
ZENIBA: Why thank you. You wouldn't be an okonomiyaki chef, aren't you?
UKYO: [surprised] How do you know?
ZENIBA: The large spatula you're carrying. We also have okonomiyaki in this world.
UKYO: Wow.
ZENIBA: [to Shampoo] And you wouldn't happen to be in the cooking business?
SHAMPOO: [surprised] Why, yes? Are you an oracle?
ZENIBA: You can say that. But only 50-50. I can only see the minor details. The man I was telling you earlier knows another oracle, but she knows everything.
RANMA: That's great! Where is she?
ZENIBA: He didn't tell me where but he said that you will find her in another world. But don't get your hopes up. He told me that it wouldn't be in the next worlds after this.
MOUSSE: So, um, can you-
ZENIBA: Predict your futures? [everyone nods] Sorry I can't but you will find what you will be looking for.
Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo notice Sen who is sitting beside the door, looking depressed. The girls approach her in a calm manner, not noticing that they went there together.
SHAMPOO: [concerned] You okay?
SEN: [nods] I'm worried about Haku and my parents.
AKANE: It's going to be okay.
SEN: What if something bad will happen to them?
UKYO: Hey, don't think of that! I'm sure everything will be alright.
ZENIBA: She's right. [approaches Sen] Here, [gives her a hair band] take this. It will help you in saving your parents.
SEN: I can't stop thinking about Haku.
UKYO: [smiles] Seems that someone's got a crush.
SEN: [blushes] It's not that. It seems that I met him somewhere before. I can't remember, though.
ZENIBA: You can't remember it, but what has happened that you will not forget.
Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse looks at Akane, Ukyo and Shampoo. They seem motherly to Sen. They could even be the perfect girlfriends for them respectively. Wait, where the hell did that come from, they thought. Their thoughts are interrupted when they hear a rustle at the door. Sen opens it and sees something else.
SEN: HAKU!
It's Haku in his dragon form. Sen and everyone else went outside. Sen rushes and is about to hug Haku when Ranma notices something strange about the dragon. He sees the Heartless symbol on its chest. They hear a sound from above. It's Haku in his dragon form.
SEN: [confused] Huh? What's-
RANMA: [alarmed] SEN! GET AWAY FROM THAT THING! THE ONE YOU'RE HOLDING IS AN IMPOSTOR!
Ranma and the others are about to get Sen when the dragon begins to morph into a black shadow and enveloping around Sen. She screams in horror but it was too late. It engulfed her and the shadow quickly disappeared to the ground.
AKANE: Ranma!
ZENIBA: Oh dear! The girl!
RANMA: Yubaba must have something to do with it!
The dragon landed onto the ground. It gestures them to hop on.
RANMA: C'mon guys! Let's go!
ZENIBA: Wait! [Ranma stops] Take this.
RANMA: What're these?
ZENIBA: These are the same hair band I gave to Sen. You can put it in your wrists if you want. These will protect you againsts the magic of Yubaba. Now hurry!
Ranma and the others rode onto Haku and fly to save Sen.
************
Author's Notes:
AKANE: It can also cut anything like the legendary weapons of Hanzo Hattori. But I can't believe you named it "Mr. Pointy". What will name your car next? Black Mamba? Pussy Wagon?
Hanzo Hattori, Black Mamba and Pussy Wagon are characters and a vehicle of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill Vol. 1. Black Mamba is the code name of The Bride played by Uma Thurman before she was supposedly disposed off by her colleagues.
RANMA: As long as I and Mr. Pointy will stick together, no one will defeat us.
Mr. Pointy is the name of Buffy The Vampire Slayer's wooden stake. It was owned previously by fallen slayer named Kendra before she gave it to Buffy herself in Season 2.
MOUSSE: Nothing the usual, Captain Jack Sparrow. Just us waking up in a strange world, spiritually. . .ecumenically. . .grammatically.
Captain Jack Sparrow is the main character of the film "Pirates of The Caribbean" played by Johnny Depp. The last three words were said by him.
NABIKI: . . . we can be sure they relived "The Lord of The Flies" scenario.
"The Lord of The Flies" is a novel by William Golding. It tells of a couple of young boys who are shipwrecked in a deserted island. The children made a "civilized society" until it goes out of control. There is also a film version. In this case, Ranma and the rest may fight to the death until one of them survives, that is what Nabiki is thinking.
Happosai's scene with the Austin Powers theme BGM
Honestly it kind of makes sense. Try playing the song and imagine one of Happosai's daily hobbies.
Kaonashi and Jack Nicholson
This may seem farfetched but when Kaonashi entered to the Aburaya, he somehow got possessed by evil spirits. In "The Shining", Jack Nicholson's character went nuts after the ghosts of the evil hotel tell him to kill his family.
HIROSHI: He's no Morpheus. The guy's got charisma than Kuno.
Morpheus from "The Matrix Trilogy" is known for his long philosophical speeches.
RANMA: So he's originally Casper?
Casper is a friendly ghost who doesn't want to scare anyone (but does unintentionally). Ranma compares him to Kaonashi as the latter is a good ghost/demon.
AKANE: It's weird, it some how reminds me of those walking broomsticks.
She was talking about the walking brooms that Mickey Mouse brought to life in "Fantasia".
************
* You guys maybe wondering why Ryoga hasn't go the guts to tell Akane that he's P-Chan. Don't worry, Akane WILL be the one to find out, but not from Ryoga or Ranma. Now that Ukyo and Ranma have patched things up, he still has a long way to go with Shampoo, Mousse and Ryoga.
psycho king - both. But the next world will be a TV series. Place your bets everyone.
If you guys got any questions and/or suggestions, just post. If you want to hear spoilers, just e-mail me privately.
