Legal stuff: Do I have to keep saying that I don't own these characters before every chapter? I hope not. sigh
Ranma-chan: female Ranma
P-Genma: Genma in Panda form his signs
C-Shampoo: Shampoo cat form
D-Mousse: Mousse in duck form
'…': denotes thinking
(B-D) : Scene Change!
:-) Flashback (-:
LEO: Low Earth Orbit
The next night came and we come to the Ucchan's closing up. Ranma stood outside the door with Mousse while Akane helped Ukyo close up inside.
"I've been meaning to ask you somethin', Mousse," said Ranma.
"What's that, Ranma?"
"Why's the ghou…Cologne been treating you like a…well, you know, like a person?"
Mousse raised an eyebrow, although it wasn't visible through his glasses.
"Oh, that? She told me that while Shampoo was in this situation she'd need me to help keep Happosai away from her. Once I agreed, she's treated me with a lot more respect. I'm not really sure how to handle this."
"So that's why you've been so formal to her n' stuff?"
"Yeah."
"And now you're my bodyguard."
"Who would've guessed this would happen, huh?"
They shared a laugh, followed by an awkward silence.
"Man, this is weird," Ranma said finally.
"Tell me about it."
Ding!
"Huh?" said Ranma as he looked up. "Whoa, incoming!"
Mousse and Ranma leapt out of the way of the projectile. The dust cleared to reveal the still form of Kuno. Ranma glanced at Mousse, who nodded in agreement. Ranma turned to enter the Uchann's when he heard a commotion inside. Suddenly the door burst open.
"WOO WHOO!!!! What a haul!"
"Come back here, you PERVERT!!!"
Happosai hopped past the two men with Akane in hot pursuit. Upon hearing the voices, Kuno sat up.
"Curses! He had somehow managed to elude me and now has his sights on my beloved Akane." He notices Mousse and Ranma looking at him. "Normally I would slay him myself, but in the case of this monster I shall offer you the opportunity to join me in ridding this world of that demon. Perhaps," as he glared at Ranma, "if we destroy him, then your source of power will die with him, and your hold over Akane and the pig-tailed girl shall be vanquished." Mousse gave Ranma a glance. Ranma gave him an 'after you' gesture. "Very well," continued Kuno. "We strike!"
And with that, Mousse and Kuno gave chase to Happosai and Akane. Ranma merely watched them fade into the darkness.
"Well, guess we don't have to worry about the freak tonight," he mused.
At that moment a limousine pulled up in front of Ranma. The doors opened and two large men, each about the size of Zengief from Street Fighter, stepped out and stood on either side of him. Ranma considered the two as the window rolled down.
"Hello, Ranma Saotome," greeted a male voice inside.
Ranma strolled up to the window and looked at the man. Black suit, sunglasses, small build, clean-shaven, and appearing exactly after everybody had so conveniently left the area. Yep, this officially looked like a yakuza kidnapping.
"So, why are you guys wearing sunglasses at night?"
The two giants glanced at each other as the man inside coughed.
"That's not important, sir." Ranma was surprised at being called sir. "What matters at this moment is that our employer would like to meet with you."
"Why?"
"Our employer would like to help you break off the engagement to one of your fiancées."
(B-D)
The limousine pulled off as the door to the Uchann's opened. Ukyo rushed out only to find herself too late to stop Ranma. She knew those security cameras would help out sooner or later. Darn that 30-second delay. Then she felt a tap on her shoulder. She spun around in a defensive stance to find herself facing two very large men.
"Wha…what do you want?"
The giant man on her left growled as the man on her right answered in a deep voice. "We only have to stay with you until we get a call from our employer that the job is done. You are to stay here until the job is done."
"So you expect me to wait here under house arrest while some stranger tries to break up my engagement to Ranma-honey? I don't think so."
The giants glanced at each other. "Oh, that's what you thought?" The man on the left stilled growled as the right man continued. "Yours is not the engagement to be broken."
"Akane's, then?"
"All we know is that your engagement is safe. We're not here to hurt you, just to make sure that you're safe in case our distraction goes wrong."
"Okay…" wondered Ukyo. "So if we're to wait, then what are we supposed to do till Ranma gets back?"
The left man growled again. The right man glanced at his partner. "I think my associate has an idea."
The left man growled again, than spoke. "I'm gonna die in five minutes if I don't get something to eat soon," said a female voice. Then the growling continued.
Ukyo blinked twice. "What the?"
"Would you be so kind as to fix me and my girlfriend something to eat?" asked the right man.
Ukyo double-blinked again. "Um…sure."
(B-D)
It was night so there was very little traffic as the limousine made its way through the city. The man sat patiently while Ranma absorbed his surroundings.
"Wow. I've never been in a limo before."
"My employer wanted you to be comfortable."
"Yeah, ok. So what does your employer want to do? It won't involve killing, will it?"
"No, sir. My employer didn't tell us much, just that we should pick you up to meet. My employer did say to reassure you and your friends that at most only one person will be harmed, but it would probably be someone you wouldn't mind getting hurt anyway."
"You're not touching my pop," glared Ranma.
"You father isn't the one. My employer told me that they are safe. The person in question may be harmed only as a result of this meeting, but that's all I know."
Ranma regarded his escort for a moment.
"You know, you guys are pretty nice for yakuza."
The man looked at Ranma with a curious look.
"What are you talking about? We're not yakuza."
Ranma double-blinked. "Aahhh…" was all he could muster.
"We're here, gentlemen," said the driver.
"Good. Come with me, sir."
Ranma got out of the limo with the man. They were at some sort of townhouse complex in a very nice part of town. There were a few cars parked in the parking lot. The man motioned him to a door. He pulled out a cell phone and made a quick phone call.
"My employer would like to see you know," he said as he opened the door.
Ranma carefully walked through the door, which closed after him. As he absorbed him surroundings once more, what he saw was quite impressive. It was a large townhouse with a spiral staircase to the left of him. There was a plasma TV above the lit fireplace and a large, black leather couch to his right and a nice brown hardwood floor. Just ahead of the staircase was a kitchen. The lights were dim, enhancing the light dancing from the fireplace. He marveled at the size of this room until he noticed something in the kitchen. He noticed someone sitting on a stool at the kitchen counter. The person was wearing a black kimono with large red rose designs on it and the black hair was set in a beautiful ponytail. The feature that especially caught his attention was the black rose holding up the ponytail. As if to confirm his suspicion/fear, the person slowly turned to face him.
"Greetings, Ranma. I'm so glad you could make it." Ranma froze with fear as he recognized the mysterious employer. She took notice and sighed. "Please don't fear me this time, Ranma. For the first time in years, I'm in my right mind. Please trust me for the moment."
Ranma was stunned. Never before had he ever seen her so serious, and sad. Being the trusting fool that he was, he went along with the flow.
"This must be pretty darn important to go through all this just to talk, Kodachi."
"This night will be a turning point in both of our lives, although you may not think so until later in your life. Don't worry. I promise not to seduce you. I know better…but first, please sit down. I have a request to make before we continue."
Ranma raised an eyebrow. 'Boy, you got a lot of nerve pulling this stunt after what you did.' "You'd best make it quick."
"Please be considerate, Ranma." She walked toward him and prostrated herself before him. "I know that I cannot ask for forgiveness, but at least for now, would you treat me as a friend instead of an enemy?"
Ranma was beginning to get used to being stunned, but this went far beyond a mere stun. His mind was racing. 'Treat her as a friend? After what she did to me, Ucchan, and Shampoo? Who the heck does she think she is? There's no…did she say forgiveness? Could she possibly know about…? No way. Kunos aren't that smart. But she did go through a lot to get me here, Well, let's at least find out what the heck's goin' on here.' At this point he noticed that she was standing again, now facing away from him.
"I knew that even a man among men like you wouldn't want to acknowledge a wretched woman such as myself. If you wish to leave…I shall not stop you."
"Kodachi…" he whispered. She didn't move. 'Man, I hate these serious moments.' He put a hand on her shoulder, causing her to flinch. "Ok, Kodachi. I'm not sayin' that I like you or nothin', but I'll listen to what you got to say."
Kodachi was barely able to keep the tears from flowing, although she did manage a "thank you".
(B-D)
"So that's what's keeping them," said Cologne.
"Yes. She said to assure you that there is no problem and that there is no threat from her to your claim on Saotome. Ukyo is being protected and Happosai is quite distracted by Mousse, Akane, and Master Kuno."
"I see that she has this very well thought out. The simple fact that she sent you to inform me about this is reason enough not to worry. I wonder if she knows…"
"I believe she does, ma'am."
Cologne considered the man knelling before her, a position she is quite used to.
"You know of the curses, Sasuke?"
"I must admit, I didn't believe it myself at first, but after watching Saotome and Habiki change when it rained on a fight I happened upon, I had to believe it. Master and Mistress Kuno had refused to believe such a thing until recently. The Mistress has been depressed since yesterday. I didn't know why until she told me of tonight's plan. I said nothing to her that I knew, but there's no other explanation."
Cologne thought about this for a moment.
"So, Kodachi Kuno is finally regaining her hold on the real world. Until now she was the only one here that I could not predict, but one thing I do know, Sasuke, is that there will be several changes depending on how this little meeting goes between her and son-in-law. Either way, things are going to get even more interesting after this Happosai situation passes."
Sasuke's eyes went open when Cologne mentioned Happosai.
"What a minute, I remember the Mistress saying something about him and how it was her fault. I know I'm merely a servant, but please tell me what happened?"
"You are indeed a faithful servant, Sasuke. Make sure you stand by the Kuno girl for the next few weeks. She'll need your support. You'll understand by the end of the night. Now, you were there when I fought Happosai, correct?" Sasuke nodded. "Let me explain the circumstances behind that battle and the results."
(B-D)
He couldn't help but admire the skill and grace that she had, but at the same time noticed that her form and grace also conveyed a certain sadness in her movements. The attacks were as fast as ever, but whenever he allowed himself to get hit, there wasn't much power behind them. He figured that whatever was bothering her was causing her to lose power in her attacks. It may also have something to do with how she's acting, but who knows?
She had to admit, he was good. Every movement, every dodge, every parry was as fluid as water. She didn't put much power into her attacks as to not hurt him, but soon realized that she was having a difficult time hitting him. She then started to use some of the same moves that she used against the pig-tailed girl in their match last year. Indeed, the dodges and parries were nearly identical. They both possessed incredible speed and strength and performed their moves almost instinctively. If her theory was correct, than it was no wonder why she lost that match.
Ranma was on the defensive for most of the sparring, seeing if he could let Kodachi work out some of this depression so she could talk easier. Suddenly he performed a sweep kick, literally sweeping her legs from under her, but instead of her falling to the floor like most opponents, her legs flew up as her back arched and soon completed a perfect somersault. Ranma was impressed.
'Wow. I was hoping I wouldn't hurt her, but she's better than I remember. I'm gonna have to stop underestimating these girls.'
"As I thought," said Kodachi, "You truly are a gentleman. You honestly don't want to hit girls unless you know that they can handle it."
Ranma's hand went to the back of his head as he replied, "Heh, well, it's just something I learned along the way. Heh heh heh…"
"Please, don't be nervous."
"Nervous? Who's nervous?" Ranma answered nervously. "I'm not nervous!"
Kodachi sighed.
"Oh, Ranma…" she started, then remembered something. "Excuse me for a moment."
Kodachi left for the bathroom behind the staircase, leaving Ranma to his thoughts.
'Man, she hasn't tried anything on me so far. Why's she doing this? Why's she acting so…'
He noticed Kodachi carrying a large glass of water as she returned.
"Follow me. I would like to do something for you."
"Um, ok."
Ranma followed Kodachi upstairs into another large room. There was a king-sized bed along the right wall. Ranma sighed in relief when Kodachi went toward the other fireplace to the left. She sat on her knees in front of the fireplace and motioned him to sit across from her. He did, wondering what the glass of water was for.
"This has been good for me, Ranma. I'm glad that you can still treat me as a friend despite what is going on in your life right now. For that, I am eternally grateful. There is one last thing I want to do before I ask you one final question."
Ranma scratched his head in confusion as he failed to notice how close they were at the moment. "Ok, I guess."
"I want you to make a face and stick your tongue at me."
"What the?" Ranma face-faulted.
"Please?" pleaded Kodachi, her eyes barely holding back the tears.
'How can she be serious about that? Oh well.' "Alright. I don't know why, but I'll do it."
Ranma opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue, but as his hands came up to make a silly face, his mouth was suddenly filled with Kodachi's in a passionate kiss. Time seemed to freeze for them both as she kissed him. Kodachi soon broke the kiss. Ranma was still frozen as he fell to the side.
"K…K…K…K…Ko…K…" was all that came out.
"Forgive me, Ranma-sama. I just wanted one last brief moment of happiness before I know the full truth."
Ranma heard none of this as his mind raced, passing the Millennium Falcon and causing the Enterprise to spin out of control in its wake. He was snapped out of it, however, as Kodachi took the glass of cool water and splashed him in the face.
"Hey, what'cha do that for?" Ranma-chan responded conditionally.
"So it is true, after all, isn't it?"
Ranma-chan than realized what was going on. He turned into a girl, in front of Kodachi, and she seemed sad about it.
"Kodachi?"
"So you are cursed."
"You know?"
"I've just recently learned of it, yes. I honestly had no idea what I had done until last night."
Ranma-chan thought back to last night. She remembered Akane launching Kodachi into LEO. Then he remembered.
"Wait a minute, Mousse was a duck when they left. You saw him change, didn't you?"
"That was the first time that I noticed that it wasn't the type of magic that brother dear always spoke of. I went to Nabiki, hoping that she would know something about it…"
"You sure went to the right person, alright, but why all this? Why…the kiss?"
"As I said before, I wanted one last moment of happiness before my world crumbled." She put her hands and Ranma-chan's check, as if to kiss her again. Ranma closed her eyes in fearful anticipation, but the kiss never came. She opened her eyes to see Kodachi's gray eyes looking deep into her own. "I've wanted to have your love and to be your wife since I met you, and yet at the same time my love for you was only matched by my hatred toward that girl who seemed to always prevent me from being with you, only to find that they were both one and the same. And even worst of all, I have caused this hell that you are now in. This proves to me that I am no longer, if I ever was, worthy of your attention, never mind your love. I wanted to be yours, but I know of your love for your other fiancée. I never had a legal claim as your fiancée, and thus our 'engagement' is now broken forever." Kodachi stood as Ranma-chan absorbed this. "I shall never pursue you for your feelings again. I shall not interfere with you and your three remaining fiancées. I have no right to…not anymore."
"Kodachi," Ranma-chan whispered
"Please allow me to finish, Ranma. I know what I've done, and I shall regret having done this for the rest of my life. I'll try to make amends, but I doubt that I shall ever receive forgiveness. I vow never to knowingly trick you or any of your other fiancées for personal gain ever again, and unlike my brother, I will keep my vow." She looked at Ranma-chan one last time as a tear finally broke through. "Farwell, my dear Ranma. I'm sorry for making your life a living hell."
With that, Kodachi leapt down the stairs and through the front door, leaving Ranma-chan in shock.
"What the? No. I don't want it to end like that!" She stood started to make for the stairs when she almost tripped over something. Upon examination, it was a warm kettle of water. She looked at it, poured the contents on herself, and then he went to the door where the man stood waiting for him. "Where'd she go?"
"She's already left, sir. If you'll just come with me, we'll pick up your friend at the Uchann's and bring you both to the Cat Café."
"Did she…?"
"Yes. She had arranged your ride back prior to the meeting. I hope everything went well."
"Went well?" he grumbled as he looked down. "Things couldn't have gone any worse."
(B-D)
"I've eaten okonomiaki from all over Japan, but this is definitely the best!" exclaimed the large woman.
"Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Kuonji," said the large man.
"It's ok, really," replied a nervous Ukyo. She could only tell the two apart by their voices, but she wasn't about to voice that observation. "Any idea when they'll be back?"
"No idea, ma'am," replied the man, "but it shouldn't be too much longer, I guess. Our employer didn't tell us much about what was going on, but we don't ask too many questions about jobs."
"I…see."
The man was somewhat startled for a moment, and then reached inside in suit to produce a cell phone. "Heh, excuse me. I'm still not used to these puny things."
"It's ok, really. Heh…"
After a few moments and head nods, the man hung up the phone.
"It's time."
"Time for what?"
"They're back. Now for the last part of our job."
"And what's that?"
"To take you and Saotome to your destination."
Ukyo wasn't sure how to handle that answer, but allowed the woman to take her bags. She kept her battle spatula on the whole time, just in case. As they left the restaurant the limousine was waiting for them. The smaller man stepped out and opened the door for her. She entered to find Ranma, slightly moist and deep in thought.
"Ranchan, are you ok?"
Ranma seemed startled when he heard her voice. "Oh, Uchann! How did we get here so fast?"
"Don't ask me, sugar. I've just been playing nice with a couple of giants for the past three hours."
"It's been three hours!?" exclaimed Ranma. "I had no idea…"
"What happened, Ranma?"
"Man, I'm still trying to understand what happened. I sure didn't see that coming."
Ukyo gave him a curious look.
"Wanna talk about it?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me."
(B-D)
"Great-grandmother, They here!"
"Good. I'm looking forward to hearing this story."
The two women watched as Ranma and Ukyo walked through the door, followed by some kind of giant carrying their bags. Shampoo gasped while Cologne watched carefully.
"You know what, Ranchan," said Ukyo, "you were right. I don't believe you."
"I can't believe it myself. Oh, thanks."
"Ok. Our job is done," said the giant woman. Shampoo pratfell. Cologne regarded the large woman. "Ah, I knew it."
Cologne face flashed with recognition.
"Oh, Pick, it's you."
"Yes. Nice to see you're still around, elder."
Ranma, Ukyo, and Shampoo double-blinked.
"So, when are you coming home?"
"Soon. I've found a most worthy husband."
"You found someone that could match your strength?"
"Yes, and he's quite a find, too. We'll be married in a few months."
"I look forward to it."
"Thank you, elder."
With a bow, the giant woman left, leaving all but Cologne stuck in face-fault.
"What…the heck?" was all Ukyo could manage.
"That was an Amazon?" asked Ranma.
"Is true? Shampoo no see her before?"
"She left to seek a husband when you were but a baby, although we've only heard from her twice since then." Cologne sighed happily. "I'm so glad that she has found a mate."
"My gosh, they're both so huge," remarked Ukyo.
"Yeah, same build and everything," added Ranma. "I should've guessed that was an Amazon…if I knew that was an actual female…"
"Ah, the rare perfect match," sighed Cologne. "Now, I understand that you had a most interesting meeting tonight." Ranma and Ukyo looked at Cologne with strange looks. "She had a messenger sent so I would not interfere. I respect that, as I did her wishes. I must admit, I didn't think she would notice for a much longer time if her brother is any indication."
Ranma had a downcast look to his face as Mousse came in.
"Huff, I'm back…what's going on?"
Ranma glanced at Mousse, then looked away.
"She saw you," Ranma said softly, "and eventually learned of the curse. Now I'm not even sure if I'll ever see her again…"
"Who?" Mousse wondered.
"The Kuno girl will be fine," assured Cologne. "She's just finally taken that first painful step back into reality, that's all. She'll recover eventually. In the mean time, however, it would be best if we all got some rest. I'm sure that you in particular, son-in-law, could use some."
"Um, yeah…sure."
"Mousse, lead Ranma to your room. Ukyo, Shampoo, I would like to speak with you for a moment."
"Ok," replied Ukyo.
"Yes, great-grandmother."
Cologne waited for Ranma and Mousse to leave before she continued.
"Now that I have you both here I must set some guidelines for the both of you to follow." Both girls listened intently. "While Ukyo and son-in…Ranma are staying here, there will be no attempt on the other's life or for the affection of Ranma. This will keep your nerves calm and staying here a little more tolerable. Also, try to get along with each other. I know that you two have been rivals since Ukyo's arrival, but at this moment you are both victims in the same situation. It would be wise for you to support each other rather than compete with each other. Is that understood?"
Both girls considered the new orders for a while, glancing at each other several times. Shampoo was the first to speak.
"If great-grandmother say so, than Shampoo do."
"Well, if Shampoo agrees, than I guess I'll go along with this, too."
'Besides,' they thought in unison, 'this'll be a good chance to learn more about the competition.'
"Very good, children. Just one more thing."
"What?"
"I know you both know little about what happened this evening between Ranma and Kodachi…" she paused to let the scowls of Ukyo and Shampoo pass. "Do not confront Kodachi about it. I believe she has sufficiently punished herself for the crime she has committed upon you already. You may ask son…Ranma about it, but do not press the issue if he is not ready to talk about it yet. Now, more than ever, he needs a friend rather than a fiancée." The two sighed at not being permitted to confront Kodachi, but nodded at the wisdom of being Ranma's friend. "And one last thing before I'm finished. Friends are not jealous of the friendships of others. One cannot measure friendship by attention received. You cannot change the friendship between Ranma and anybody else except your own. Use this time to become his friend rather than his fiancée and the three of you will be able to cope with this situation much better than any of you can imagine. Now, I suggest you figure out the sleeping arrangements so you both will be comfortable."
"Yes, great-grandmother."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Very well. Goodnight, children."
With that, Cologne hopped upstairs, leaving the two girls staring at each other.
"Shall we go?" asked Ukyo, uncertain of how to approach this.
"I guess. Follow Shampoo."
(B-D)
"So she saw me change, huh?"
"Yeah."
The two boys remained silent for a moment as they sat in Mousse's room. There were no decorations, just various sharpening tool of many types, a small table, and a metal folding chair. Ranma, however, was too introspective to notice at the moment.
"Hmmm, that would explain why she left when she had the advantage on Ukyo…"
"She did?"
"Yeah. I saw them just before Kuno knocked that hoop out of the way. She was going for the kill."
"Man, I had no idea."
"Ranma, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that Happosai maneuvered him into knocking away that hoop."
"What makes you think that, Mousse?"
"If you think about it, he hasn't had the chance to be alone with any of you guys yet. I figure that as perverted as he is, he wouldn't let his…'property,' so to speak, get damaged."
"That's the freak exactly. I guess in a way I owe him."
"I guess, but don't do anything somebody'll regret later."
"Regret…" Ranma flashbacked to earlier that evening. I shall regret having done this for the rest of my life. Ranma shuddered slightly.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Ranma recollected himself. "Yeah…I'm fine. It's just been a long evening, that's all."
'Man, whatever happened tonight's really shaken him up…wait a second. I know that look.' "Ranma, I know that look on your face."
Ranma glared at Mousse. "What look?"
"That look of sorrow of losing something close to your heart, and of rejection."
jab!
"Back off, man, right now."
Mousse paused for a moment. "I will. I just want to ask you one thing before we get off this subject."
"What?" Ranma growled.
"What did Kodachi do to shake you up so much?"
'The kiss…' Ranma shook that off, than sighed. "She broke off one of my engagements."
"Really?" replied Mousse with extreme interest. "Whose did she break off?"
"…her own."
Mousse sat in shock as Ranma laid down on his futon. He decided that enough was enough and let Ranma lose himself in his thoughts. Although he could relate completely with him, he knew that it would take some time to cope, so he laid down on his own futon, thinking how much worse this month could possibly get, but knew that in this town things almost always got worse before they got better.
(B-D)
Across the street a lone figure watched the Cat Café. He was beaten to a near pulp, but he had survived worse, but this was even worse then earlier tonight.
'I can't believe this. All three of them shacking up with Cologne of all people. That's not fair. Man, when I get my hands on that Ranma…" wipes the drool off. "Well, anyway, if they're gonna play dirty, than dirty they'll get.'
Happosai grinned evilly as he leapt off the building to head home.
(B-D)
Well, what do you think, eh? This scene with Kodachi came in dream form to me a few years back while I was writing, and it just fit so perfectly with this story. Well, I'll try to update soon as I watch more of this story. With this new job of mine, I won't have as much time to work on this, but I will still work on this. I can't stand leaving a story unfinished. Anyway, keep leaving me review so I can keep delivering more chapters.
