Disclaimer: Ranma ½ belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Video and Winx Club belongs to Iginio Straffi and Rai S.p.A (NOT 4Kids!!!). Song 'Towa no Hana' belongs to Ai Yori Aoshi and 'Asu he no Yuuki' belongs to Magic Knight Rayearth. Song, 'A Dream Worth Keeping' belongs to Fern Gully.
Note: this follows the Rai version of Winx as the 4Kids version butchered it too much, like with every anime it dubs.
Chapter 27: Growth! Flora Takes Initiative!
Saotome complex…
Flora was sitting in the guestroom alone, working on a flower basket. She recalled how the botany club leader mentioned about making a hand-made flower basket for the one she loves. As Flora was putting together the basket, her thoughts wandered, focusing on a certain pigtailed martial artist.
"I wonder if he'll like this?" Flora asked to no one in particular.
She thought of Ranma's smiling face, looking overjoyed at her gift. Then she imagined herself getting whisked away up in Ranma's arms as he carries her off to someplace more private. And then…
Flora blushed as she shook her head of such thoughts.
"I think I may be getting a little too far ahead of myself there…"
The Faerie of Nature really couldn't help herself. Already, she was starting to let her imaginations of Ranma run wild, and they haven't even dated yet.
Her head lowered at that fact. Already, Layla, Tecna, and Musa had gone out on dates with Ranma. She was hoping she would get her turn soon.
"Hey Flora! Come on down here! Zing's gonna spin it again!" Stella called out from the commons area.
Flora was immediately snapped out of her daze from Stella's shout.
"Uhh… coming!"
She got up in a hurry and left the room, leaving the incomplete flower basket on the desk.
Opening (Ai Yori Aoshi style, 'Towa no Hana')
Music starts as it shows the Saotome complex, then pans up towards the sky. The 'Ranma Club' title appears. It whites out.
Awaku saita hana no kao (The face of pale, blooming flowers)
Nokoshi kisetsu wa sugimasu (Is left behind as the seasons pass by)
Zoom in on Flora from behind as she turns to look at the camera. In sequence, we see her in her casuals, fades into her faerie mode, then in her Enchantix mode where she sends an energy ball in the air.
Ame mo agari sora ni kumo (The rain stops, and there are clouds in the sky)
Aoi kaze ga soyoideru (And there is a gentle blue breeze)
Switch to Ranma's side profile as the wind blows his pigtail. Zooming out, he is standing on the rooftop looking out at the distance.
Kyou ashita to futari ga (On the sides of the two)
Bloom comes up from below and heads to the back. Stella suddenly runs up behind her and catches her around her waist. Tecna walks in from the other side looking at her PDA, then trips. Layla comes in worried and helps Tecna up. Musa drops down from above and the five girls take a pose.
Aruku toki no katawara de (Walking from today to tomorrow)
Horizontal split screen of Ranma and Flora. Switches to a vertical split screen of them walking towards/away from the camera.
Kawarazu ni yureteiru (There are memories that sway)
Ranma and Flora stop and look at each other. The camera spins around them with a background of red flowers.
Omoide ga arimasu (Without change)
Flora and Ranma reach out towards one another. Their hands grasp, and the red flowers turn into flames.
Eien wo eien wo (Forever, forever)
Saitemo karenai (Blooming yet never withering)
At each beat, it shows shots of Nerima, Furinkan, the Saotome complex, and outside of Tokyo. It goes to a photo of Ranma, Nodoka, Shampoo, and Ukyou, then a panning shot of a tree.
Kono mune no tokimeki wa tsukinai (The racing of this heart will never cease)
Flora walks through a flowery meadow. She looks over her shoulder and smiles at the camera.
Dare yori mo dare yori mo (More than anyone, more than anyone)
Anata wo mitsumete (I have looked at you)
Shots of the others. Bloom looks up from her sketch book. Stella smiles while giving the victory sign. Musa pumps a fist into the air. Tecna points her PDA at the camera. Layla smirks with her arms crossed. Nodoka, Shampoo, and Ukyou take a pose with Kiko in between them. Finally shows Ranma as he turns to see Flora before him.
Hateshinaku kono kimochi zutto (Without bounds, this feeling… forever)
Ranma and Flora stand side by side at the meadow near the tree and look out towards the distance. Close-up of Flora as the wind blows through her hair. The screen whites out and shows a group portrait of Ranma, Flora, Bloom, Stella, Musa, Tecna, Layla, Nodoka, Shampoo, Ukyou, Kiko, and the pixies.
End opening
Commons area…
"It's time once again!" said Zing. Again, the wheel was altered to hold three equal-sized sections, each displaying Bloom, Stella, and Flora. The three aforementioned girls were sitting before Zing while Musa, Tecna, and Layla watched from the side.
"Three down and three to go…" said Bloom.
"And it's down to us three…" added Stella.
Flora sat silently as she clasped her hands together.
"I'm so nervous…" said Bloom.
"Here we go, girls!" said Zing as she spun the wheel.
Bloom, Stella, and Flora watched the spinning wheel with anticipation. Where it would stop is anyone's guess.
Later…
"Tadaima!" Ranma called out as he entered the house. He noticed that there wasn't anyone around and got confused. "Hello?"
His sensitive hearing picked up the tell-tale sounds of humming coming from the backyard. Ranma walks through and opens the doors leading to the source. He was treated to the sight of Flora, her back turned and squatting before a flower bed. She had used her powers to grow one for the yard, for Ranma didn't remember that flower bed being there.
"Flora?"
Flora slowly gets up and turns to face the pigtailed boy. "Oh! Ranma, welcome back! Everyone else is out and about right now."
"I see. Looks like you've been busy." Said Ranma as he walked over to her and looked at the flower bed, which lined the yard's perimeter. It was packed with flowers of various colors and species. "Quite a collection here."
"Aren't they? They're quite beautiful." Said Flora.
'Not as much as you…' Ranma thought. His head shot up after that thought. 'Where did that come from?'
"Those purple ones are Aubrieta. The blue ones are Hyacinth. Next to them are Platycodon Grandiflorus, or bellflowers. The Aurinia Saxatilis are those yellow ones, but are commonly known as 'Baskets of Gold'." Flora explained.
Ranma sweatdrops. He was completely lost and had no idea how complicated botany was. Well, Flora wasn't the Faerie of Nature for nothing. "You certainly know your plants."
"I have to. It is my power, after all." Said Flora. She gestures to a set of red flowers. "This I found interesting. It's the Ixora Coccinea, also called 'Flame of the Woods'."
"I can see why. It almost looks like a fire." Said Ranma. "They kind of got me thinking about you, because you've got a fiery spirit and burning desire to be the best fighter."
Ranma chuckles a bit. "Heh… I guess that describes me well."
Flora blushed At Ranma's close proximity to her as he was admiring the flowers. She was very nervous when her turn came up on the wheel not long ago. Of the Winx, she was the shy one.
Flasback…
"The next one to spend time with Ranma is…" said Zing as the wheel was slowly coming to a stop. The pointer finally rested on Flora's section. "… Flora! Congratulations!"
"Aw… lost again…" said Stella in disappointment, but was still happy for her friend.
"Looks like you're up, Flora!" said Bloom.
Flora looked at her clasped hands in embarrassment. "Oh dear… what do I do?"
"It's not something you think about, Flora." Said Musa. "Just follow your own feelings!"
"She's right, you know." Said Layla as she placed a hand on Flora's shoulder. "No matter what, you and Ranma will have a great time together. I know I did with mine."
"You've just got to show initiative!" said Musa.
Flora looked up and smiled at her friends.
End flashback…
Flora continues to give Ranma an admiring gaze while he was looking at the Ixora Coccinea. He then notices her looking at him.
"Huh? Is there something on my face?"
Flora silently eeped at getting caught and quickly turned her face away from him to hide her embarrassment. "Err… no…" Mustering up her courage, she faces him again. "Hey, Ranma, would you mind… spending the day with me?"
Ranma looked at her with a surprised expression. "Huh? You want to?"
"I would like it very much…" replied Flora as she huddled up closer to him, much to his embarrassment.
"Then let's go! I'll take you wherever you want." Said Ranma as he led them out of the complex.
Streets of Tokyo…
Flora was in bliss as she walked arm in arm with Ranma. The boy himself felt quite flustered having an attractive girl latched onto him in public.
"Tokyo's a pretty big place, isn't it?" said Ranma, striking up conversation.
"Yes, it is quite a city you live in." replied Flora.
"Well, specifically, I'm in the Nerima ward, but details details…" said Ranma while laughing. Flora nodded, then her expression saddened a bit. This wasn't lost on Ranma. "Is there something wrong, Flora?"
"Not really. It's just that, I would imagine what the place was like before the city was built." Said Flora. "When building cities, it requires a lot of space and resources. That means having to clear out land."
Ranma was feeling what she was getting at. "I see. You feel bad about the nature that used to stand here before urban development."
"Yes. Back on Linphea, our people thrived on nature, worked with it. We avoided too much industrialization in order to preserve the ecology there." said Flora. "I understand that most places aren't like my home. Building is necessary to provide homes and jobs, and that some industrialization is needed when done responsively, but it still saddens me that so much plant life had to be sacrificed to do it…"
Ranma understood how she felt. Flora was at home in nature. Hell, she's the Faerie of Nature for crying out loud. He holds her around her waist and pulls her closer in a reassuring way. "Don't worry, Flora. Japan still has many natural preserves around. I've been to a lot during my training trips in order to avoid distraction. A lot of places on earth still kept their original landscapes."
Flora smiled at Ranma's words. "Thanks, Ranma, for making me feel better."
"I try."
They continued to walk towards their unspecified destination, until something caught Flora's eye in a darkened street corner.
"Ranma? Did you see that?" asked Flora as she pulled Ranma to a halt.
"Huh? See what?"
"Over there!"
Ranma looks where Flora was pointing and saw a small shadow silhouette with glowing orange eyes. It looked like a small animal as they could make out the telltale signs of a bushy tail.
"I see it now… what is it?" asked Ranma. The shape suddenly started to glow pure white, then moved and zipped away. "Whoa! What did it do!?"
"I don't know why, but I think we should follow it." Said Flora.
"Huh? What for?"
"It seems to call out to me…"
With that said, Flora runs off after it.
"Wait! Hold it Flora!" Ranma called out as he gave chase.
Ranma and Flora were chasing the glowing animal through the streets. They had to usher past the crowds quickly as to not lose sight of it.
"Damn, it moves quick!" said Ranma.
"I don't think it's an ordinary animal…" said Flora as she was running.
"Well most animals don't exactly glow in broad daylight."
"There is that, but also none of the people are showing any signs of seeing it…"
Ranma looked around and he noticed that no one paid any mind to what was happening. Surely these people would've noticed a glowing white rodent rushing past them. "You're right. I would've thought it would cause a bit of a commotion, or at least a few side glances."
"It's like we're the only ones who can see it…"
As Ranma and Flora ran after it, his head looked up. "You don't suppose… it's a ghost? Or a magical creature like the pixies?"
"That's probably the only explanation I can think of." Replied Flora.
He could only nod. It wouldn't be his first time. After all, he did have his own fair share of encounters with ghosts in the past: the possessed bokuto of Miyamoto Musashi, Kogane the schoolgirl ghost, the Baku Neko, Shadow Ranma, Ghost Ranma-chan, and others.
The little creature continued to run around, going through twists and turns through the Tokyo streets. The two teens continued to chase it until it led them down a darkened alley. On the other side was a large abandoned lot the size of a football field. It was surrounded by a poorly-built wooden fence and barricades. The creature leaps through an opening in the fence, causing Ranma and Flora to stop before it.
"It's gone inside…" said Flora. She looked down the length of the fence to find a gate or an opening somewhere. "There has to be a way for us to get in…"
"Don't worry, I got it covered." Said Ranma.
To Flora's surprise and embarrassment, Ranma suddenly scooped her up in his arms and jumped over the fence to the other side. She reflexively looped her arms around his neck at the jump and decent.
"We're in." said Ranma, catching her attention.
She opened her eyes to see that they were indeed on solid ground. "Oh! We made it…" It was then that she realized that she was still being carried by Ranma and that she was latched onto him. She started to feel a slight tinge in her face. "Uh… Ranma…?"
Ranma turned towards Flora, finally realizing that he still had her in his arms, not to mention the close proximity of their faces. They were soon blushing furiously at their position. "Uh… oh… sorry… I guess I should put you down now…"
He sets the beautiful tanned girl on her feet. She turned, holding her face to hide her embarrassment. "I-it's quite all right, Ranma…" said Flora. "Next time, you should tell me when you're going to do something like that." She felt relieved that she was on her two feet, but yet felt disappointed. She rather liked the feel of herself pressed against his muscular chest…
'Oh my!' Flora immediately started shaking her head at the thought.
Ranma started to look around. "Whoa… this place is a mess…"
Flora looked up to see the area. The place was littered with all sorts of broken debris: tires, glass, plastic, wood, and scrap metal. The pavement on the ground was heavily cracked in numerous places while in other areas it was torn completely off, the parts scattered. It was a glorified scrap yard.
"It is…" said Flora. She tried to shake off her feeling of sadness when she saw the glowing creature. "Ranma! There it is!"
Ranma turns to see the creature standing before a ten foot pile of old tires. To their surprise, the creature turns and fades into the tires like a ghost. "Huh? Where did it go?"
They both walk up towards the tire heap the creature disappeared into. As they got closer, Flora's senses acted up. "Ranma…? I don't think this is a normal scrap yard…"
"What do you mean, Flora?" asked Ranma.
"I sense traces of magic in here." She holds a hand out towards the tire pile. "This isn't really a tire pile…" To prove her point, she reaches out, and her hand passes through the spent rubber products. "It's just an illusion!"
"Wow… but where does it lead?"
"Let's find out…" With that. Flora walks ahead, disappearing into the tire pile.
"Flora!" Ranma called out. He then took a determined look and walked forward, also disappearing into the tire pile.
Hidden entrance…
Ranma and Flora were walking around in darkness. They felt the path sloping downwards like a staircase. After another minute, the path leveled out.
"This path feels like it goes on forever…" said Ranma.
"Ranma! There's a light at the end!" said Flora.
They quickly brought up the pace and ran towards the exit. The path started to light up. From the look of it, they were walking through a marble hallway and out a stone archway entrance. The ground was smooth stone. They exited, the brightness temporarily blinding them. Once their eyes adjusted to the light, what they saw was unbelievable.
The two teens stood at the top of a stone staircase overlooking the most magnificent garden they had ever seen. It consisted of three levels of treated grass, plants, flowers, bushes, and trees of all shapes and sizes. The trees were big enough for their branches to cover up the sky as some rays of sun managed to beam their way through. Stone pathways ran through the area, lined by bushes and marble statues. In some of the areas were several small marble pools of water with lilipads. The place seemed impossibly huge.
"Whoa… what is this place?" asked Ranma. "How could all this be underground?"
They started to walk down the pathways towards the center of the garden. Every now and then, a group of butterflies would fly past. Towards the back was a large two level fountain. It consisted of a flowing marble pool from the upper level cascading water in five streams to the larger marble pool at the lower level, along with several openings in the lower level wall pouring water. At each end of the pool was a staircase leading to the next level. (1)
"This place is so… beautiful…" said Flora. To her, she might as well be in Heaven.
Ranma couldn't help but agree. The garden was huge and fantastic. It was well maintained and the structures were elegant. It was like having a personal nature preserve. To think such a thing was hidden within Tokyo, it made the Rikugien look like an unkempt lawn.
Looking ahead, they saw the glowing animal standing beside a bush, looking at them.
"Hey! There it is!" Ranma pointed out.
The animal seemed to have nodded its head towards them before going on its way. Ranma and Flora went after it.
They came across a clearing in the area. There was a marble pool the size of an Olympic pool with a small gazebo at the center of the water. It could be reached via stepping stone tiles from four directions. Sitting on one of the stones was the small animal.
"Hello there, little one. Don't be afraid…" said Flora as she walked on the tiles towards the animal.
"Hold on, Flora…" said Ranma as he followed close behind her.
Just as Flora was two feet away from the small glowing animal, a voice rang out.
"Hello there."
"Oh!" This caused Flora to snap up in surprise and lose her balance.
"Flora! Watch out!" Ranma quickly catches her from behind, but now he started to lose his balance from the shift of equilibrium. They screamed as they both tipped over into the water.
SPLASH!
Flora opened her eyes to see that she was being held aloft over the water's surface. A pair of hands were holding the tanned girl from beneath her back and legs. Under the water was Ranma-chan, lying on her back, and practically drowning.
"Oh my! Ranma!" Flora quickly stood up in the water, which reached at her knees. She grabbed Ranma-chan's hands and pulled her back up on her feet. "Ranma, are you okay?"
Ranma-chan spits some water out to the side. "Yeah… I'm just fine. I'm used to it…"
It was then that a light appeared behind the small animal and started to take shape. Flora and Ranma-chan looked to see the light turn into a human boy no older than twelve. He was wearing tan kakis with a green short-sleeved button down shirt and dark brown shoes. His hair was a bright lime green and tied in a short ponytail.
"Hi there. I'm so sorry for startling you both like that." Said the boy.
"Uh… uh…" Ranma-chan started. This kid just appeared out of nowhere.
"Oh! Where are my manners? My name is Ryokumon." Said the boy. "I'm the keeper of this garden." The glowing animal then scurries up Ryokumon's leg and on his shoulder. "And this little guy is Jinko, my friend."
Jinko shows his real form and stops glowing. He was a white squirrel with orange eyes and a red streak down his bushy tail.
"Awww… it's so cute!" said Flora.
"So wait, you're this garden's caretaker?" asked Ranma-chan.
"That's right." Replied Ryokumon. "This is my garden. How do you like it?"
"I think it's absolutely wonderful!" said Flora. "It's simply amazing! How did you get it all underground?"
"Speaking of underground, how is it that sunlight is reaching down here?" asked Ranma-chan. She looked up at the sun beams coming through the tree branches.
"Oh, this?" said Ryokumon as he looked up. "The abandoned lot up there is an illusion I created to hide this place, therefore sunlight is able to pass through. Although… something does confuse me. How were you two able to find this place?"
"We followed Jinko here." Replied Flora.
Ryokumon looked surprised. "Jinko? You mean, you two were able to see him?"
"As plain as day." Replied Ranma-chan. "He appeared as some glowing white shape or something."
"Amazing… no one is able to see him in energy form but me!" said Ryokumon. "You two much be special people."
"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Ranma-chan nervously.
"Well for one thing, I know you were a boy a few moments ago. When you went into the water, you've become a girl."
Ranma-chan sweatdrops at that fact. He got them there.
An explanation and hot water later…
"So that's it, a water curse, huh?" said Ryokumon.
"Yeah, a curse made from a horrendous trip to China…" said a now male Ranma.
"It's not so bad now, Ranma." Said Flora.
"You're right, Flora. I can sort of control the curse to a degree."
"And the two of you are really faeries?" asked Ryokumon.
"She is." Replied Ranma as he pointed to Flora. "I'm only half-faerie."
"This is quite a surprise! It's been years since I've had any visitors here, and to think my most recent ones are faeries!" said Ryokumon. Jinko chittered in joy.
"You're a ghost, aren't you?" asked Ranma.
"Oh? What gave me away?" asked Ryokumon.
"Well, you appeared out of nowhere in a flash of light, and you said you haven't had visitors in years." Replied Ranma. "You look no older than twelve."
"Quite good. I am a ghost." Said Ryokumon. "I say, you're taking this rather well."
"Well, it's not like you're the first ghost I've encountered before." Said Ranma.
Ryokumon chuckles. "Oh, is that so? As for this garden, years ago, before the city called Tokyo expanded, this place secretly existed. I came across this garden when I was smaller, and let me tell you, I was surprised as you when I came across it."
"You mean it was here before you?" asked Flora.
"You got it! It didn't look as great as it is now, but since I found it, I've been taking care of it. I'm not even sure myself how it got down here. If I had to hazard a guess, it must've fallen underground from a past quake or something."
"That must've taken a lot of work to care for this place, Ryokumon." Said Flora.
"It did, but one day, I died of an unknown illness." Said Ryokumon. "It devastated my parents. Even though I died, I couldn't leave this garden unprotected. It is my special place."
Flora's expression lowered. "I'm sorry."
"It's quite all right. My spirit, as you can see now, has lingered here, caring for this garden. Over the years, I've expanded on it to the one you see right now. To tell the truth, being a ghost helps in the labor." Said Ryokumon. "I get these cool ectoplasmic powers!"
To demonstrate, Ryokumon holds out his hands and telekinetically plucks out a rock from the wall. He then levitates it over to himself, then turns it into a statue of Jinko. The ghost boy then places it on the side of the path.
Ranma whistles. "I can see now the perks of being a ghost."
"I also met Jinko here some time after I died." Said Ryokumon as the white squirrel in question nuzzled against him. "He was my only friend since then. I guess we ghosts have to stick together."
"I have to say, you did a wonderful job caring for this garden!" said Flora. She had to admire the boy for keeping maintenance even after death. "It feels like a paradise!"
"Thank you! Why don't you two go and enjoy it?"
"You mean it?"
"Of course! I think it's a good place for you two to get to… know each other better, if you know what I mean."
Flora and Ranma blushed at that.
"Hey, wait! How did you…" Ranma started.
Ryokumon smiles. "I may look twelve, but I'm way older than the both of you. I've seen a lot of things in my death."
With those words, Ryokumon and Jinko vanish into thin air, leaving behind the two embarrassed teens.
Flora nervously looked over to Ranma. "Well, since we've got his permission, care to join me, Ranma?"
Ranma looked over to the Faerie of Nature, holding out her hand to him. "It would be my pleasure, Flora…"
The pigtailed boy took hold of Flora's hand and walked down one of the many pathways of the hidden garden. This was going to be fun.
(Start song)
Anytime you want to be right here
Just imagine me and all this will appear
Ranma and Flora walk among the trees. A group of butterflies rise up and fly past them. Ranma looked surprised as Flora just giggles.
You can keep this moment all your life
Forever near
A dream worth keeping
Flora runs ahead down the path before stopping to turn and call out to Ranma. The pigtailed teen quickly follows after. Zooms away from the two to show the huge layout of the hidden garden.
When you're feeling lost
I'll be your star
Ranma is by himself, having lost Flora. He looks around to find her, then an acorn falls on his head.
Just reach out and touch me
No matter where you are
He looks up to see Flora sitting on a tree branch above him, giggling.
In a world where precious things are disappearing overnight
Just keep my star in sight
Ranma smirks, then jumps up to the tree branch next to a surprised Flora. She takes on a mischievous grin and uses her powers to glide herself between tree branches. Ranma chases after her, jumping from branch to branch.
I believe we found a dream that's worth keeping
For more than just a day
Both teens were zig-zagging through the trees until Ranma disappears. Flora was confused as to where he went, then was surprised to see him right in front of her. Ranma smirks as he caught Flora in his arms and landed back on the ground. She felt her face flush as she was once again in close proximity to Ranma.
And even though the winds of change may come sweeping
It's still a dream worth keeping
Don't let it fade away
Ranma and Flora come across a wooden swing on a tree. She pulls him towards it and sits herself in it. Ranma stands on the swing behind her and pushed themselves off. Flora laughs in delight as they swung back and forth.
Someday you might be thinking
When life has passed you by
Some time later, Ranma and Flora were reclining on a patch of grass overlooking much of the garden.
Your spirits might be sinking
With hope in short supply
Ranma and Flora stop before a large marble pool. Flora takes off her wedge sandals and walks on the water's surface as if it were solid ground. Ripples of light surrounded her bare feet as she stepped. She turns and beacons to Ranma to follow.
And that's the reason why
That's the reason why
Ranma walks up and steps onto the water's surface, only to sink to his knees. He looked annoyed, but was thankful the water wasn't enough to trigger his curse. Flora giggles and offers a hand to him. He grasps it and suddenly finds himself standing on the water like her. They both laugh and proceed to run along the water to the end of the pool.
Love has dreams worth keeping
As long as it will stay
Later, Ranma and Flora were both sitting in the central gazebo in the middle of the huge marble pool. Flora, being bold, nuzzles herself against Ranma, much to his embarrassment.
Even when you see the darkness come creeping
A dream worth keeping
The hidden garden was starting to get dark due to nightfall coming. The garden illuminates with lamps from some of the statues, dotting everywhere with light. Several fireflies fly up into the air.
Can never fade away...
Ranma and Flora admire the view they were getting and leaned in closer to each other. The teen martial artist wraps his arm around the tanned girl, causing her to blush, but she soon relaxed.
(End song)
Sometime later…
Ranma and Flora walked down the lit pathway, an arm around each other's waist. Jinko suddenly appeared in front of them.
"Oh! Jinko! What's going on?" asked Flora as she knelt to his level.
The little squirrel chitters to the two teens in a playful manner and runs off.
"Where's he going, now?" asked Ranma.
"No choice but to follow!" replied Flora as she went after Jinko.
Ranma sighed. "Not again…"
They went after the little white squirrel once more. Jinko lead them towards the main fountain area. Ranma and Flora stopped before the watery structure when Ryokumon emerged from beneath the waters without breaking the surface tension.
"Hello again!" the ghost boy greeted.
"Ryokumon? What's up?" asked Ranma.
Ryokumon just smiled. "Oh nothing… so how did you two enjoy my garden?"
"It was wonderful!" replied Flora. "This has got to be one of the most incredible places I've ever been to!"
"I'm glad you like it." Said Ryokumon.
"To tell the truth, I'm kind of envious of you." Said Flora. "None of the gardens I've been to couldn't compare to this one."
Ryokumon nervously scratched the back of his head. "Hahaha! It's not that great."
"You shouldn't sell yourself out short, Ryokumon." Said Ranma. "You did a great job keeping this place up."
"I had to. This place is very dear to me." Said Ryokumon. "Usually, I wouldn't allow anyone down here, afraid they might destroy the place. If anyone knew about this place, it could get paved over for construction. That is something I cannot even imagine…"
Flora kneels down and puts a hand on Ryokumon's shoulder. "Believe me, I understand how you feel. This garden should never get destroyed for any reason. Nature is alive, too."
Ryokumon looks at Flora with teary eyes. "Thanks, Flora. It's nice to know that there're people like you around."
"Don't worry, kid. We'll keep this place a secret, too." Said Ranma.
Ryokumon nods to Ranma. "I appreciate that. You guys are the best." He then got an idea. "This has been a fun day. Before you guys go home, I'd like to leave a gift…"
He and Jinko used their ghostly abilities to pluck a huge rock from the cavern wall. They set it on the ground before Ranma and Flora.
"What are they-" Ranma started.
"HAH!"
Ryokumon and Jinko threw their arms forward at the rock, causing it to crack and crumble in places. Bits of the rock started to break off and smooth out. After about a minute, the rock was covered in a blinding light, causing Ranma and Flora to shield their eyes. Once the light died down, the two Alfea students saw… themselves.
Ryokumon and Jinko had turned the rock into a large, smooth and polished statue of Ranma and Flora holding each other close around the waists. They were a perfect likeness. The "models" in question blushed at the paired statues' position.
"Oh my…" said Flora.
"How do you guys like it?" asked Ryokumon. "To mark the day you came to my garden."
Ranma took note of the base of the statue. On it read a plaque: 'My Friends, Flora and Ranma'.
"It's a great likeness." Replied Ranma. "Still, nothing can compare to the originals."
They all let off a laugh at his comment.
"True enough." Said Ryokumon.
"It's a great work of art, Ryokumon." Replied Flora.
"Thank you very much." Said Ryokumon. "Now all I have to do is find a place to put it…" He looks around and sees the end of the large marble pool. "Hmmm… how about there?" Using his powers, Ryokumon levitates the statue into the water. The base was tall enough for it to stay emerged from the pool. Suddenly, four water spouts shot out from around the statue. "Just to give it some flair."
To Ranma, it was pretty ironic that a statue of himself was near water, considering he had to avoid it most of the time due to his curse.
"Now, in a sense, you two are part of my garden." Said Ryokumon.
"It is such an honor…" said Flora.
"Well, then, it's getting kind of late. You two ought to head back, now."
"Will we ever see you again?" asked Flora.
"Sure! You're more than welcome to come down here again." Replied Ryukumon. "Even with Jinko, it does get pretty lonely down here."
"I see what you mean." Said Ranma. "Well, we'll be going, now."
"Allow me to show you out." With that said, Ryokumon surrounds Ranma and Flora in light, and they vanished into thin air. "I look forward to your next visit…"
Outside…
Ranma and Flora suddenly found themselves out of the hidden garden, specifically in the Saotome back yard.
"Whoa… what a trip!" said Ranma.
"We're back home!" said Flora.
Ranma looked to see that they were indeed home, as well as still alone in the night. "Well, Ryokumon saved us a long walk. It was getting pretty dark. I never realized how much time flies by."
Flora looked to Ranma. She welled up enough courage to get his attention. "Ranma?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for taking me out. I had a really great time. Did you?"
"Oh, definitely! It was quite a day!"
"I'm glad." Flora thought about what she will do next. 'I have to be brave! Now's as good a time as any!'
Ranma noticed Flora's expression. "Something on your mind, Flora?"
She looked up towards him. "I was thinking that something was missing."
"Missing?"
"Yes. Something that would make our day together even better."
"Oh? And what's that?" asked Ranma.
Rather than tell him, Flora decided to show him. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words, and boy did they scream out.
Ranma was shocked when Flora took his face in her hands, pulled him up, and kissed him full on the lips. Soon, she looped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
'Whoa… and I thought she was supposed to be the shy one!'
Ranma loses his shock and responded in kind by wrapping his arms around Flora's slim waist, pulling her close and deepening the kiss. As the osculation continued, Flora felt ecstatic.
'Oh my! Was this how Layla, Tecna, and Musa felt?'
After about a minute, they finally separated, the both of them blushing. Finally, Ranma spoke.
"That REALLY did make this day better!"
Flora smiled. "Told you so!"
It was then that everyone came home.
"Tadaima!" Nodoka called out.
Ranma and Flora turned to see Nodoka, along with Shampoo, Ukyou, and the Winx look at them from the back porch.
"Hey there, Ranma, Flora!" said Bloom.
"Back already?" asked Musa.
"So where've you two been?" asked Stella.
The pigtailed boy and the tanned girl laughed nervously. Flora stepped forward and said in a teasing manner, "That's for us to know and for you to find out!"
Guest room, the same night…
While the other girls were sleeping, Flora stayed up to finish her flower basket. It was coming along quite nicely.
"Just a few more touches…" said Flora.
After some time, Flora managed to complete it. "It's done!"
The basket contained several different-colored flowers, ranging from blue, violet, orange, and yellow. In the middle was a large batch of the red Ixora Coccinea, AKA 'Flame of the Woods'. The red flowers were surrounded by all the rest.
'Ranma does have fiery spirit. This Ixora Coccinea really suits him…' thought Flora. '… not to mention he's also pretty hot…'
Her head shot up at that thought. 'Eep! Where did that thought come from?'
She blushed hard and decided to get ready for bed. Her completed flower basket sat on the desk. On it was a tag:
To Ranma
Love, Flora (heart)
To be continued…
Ending (Magic Knight Rayearth style, 'Asu he no Yuuki')
Music starts. A shot of earth was in the background.
Tobikkiri no egao de (Put the best smile you can on your face)
Pedaru tsuyoku kogi-dasou (And push down on that pedal as hard as you can!)
Kiko hops by towards the left and off-screen. Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna, and Layla chase after him one by one.
Mukai kaze ni fukaretatte (Even if a really strong wind blows against you…)
Kujikecha dame da yo (… don't give up so easily)
Ranma runs towards the left, followed by Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse.
Kanashimi ni makenai tsuyosa (Head for the big blue sea that whispers in your ear…)
Sotto oshiete kureru (… what you really need to know right now)
Hiroi umi wo mezashite (Power that lets you win over your tears)
Nodoka and Cologne run to the left. They are followed by the ghosts of Sky, Brandon, Helia, Riven, Timmy, and Nabu. Kiko hops back onscreen and to the right.
Ganbare! Kimi no (Now do the best that you can!)
Hitomi wa itsu ka (Your eyes will be someday soon…)
Hikari abite kagayaki-dasu (… basking in warm sunlight and will start to shimmer)
The Winx girls run after Kiko. Following close by were Ranma, Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse.
Akiramenaide shinjiru koto wo (Just keep believing in yourself and never, ever give up…)
Asu e no yuuki ni kaete (Your faith becomes courage to live one more day!)
Nodoka, Cologne, and the ghost Specialists run after them.
At the final instrumental, Kiko hops back onscreen and takes a pose front and center. All of his pursuers catch up and took a group pose behind him for the camera. The little bunny then jumps at the camera, obscuring it from everything else, much to everyone's annoyance.
End ending
Preview…
Flora: The hidden garden felt like a dream…
Bloom: Dreams can come true. I know.
Flora: I guess all good things must come to an end…
Tecna: There's really no helping that.
Layla: Hey… isn't that…
Ranma: Kasumi? And Sasuke?
Stella: They look pretty miserable. We should do something!
Bloom: I agree. We must help, but how?
Layla: Next time, on Ranma Club, 'Freedom! The Servants' Vacation!'
Ranma: They deserve better than this...
Author's notes:
And another chapter and date done! This took me a while to do. Four Winx girls down, two to go! All that's left are Ranma's dates with Bloom and Stella!
(1) Think the garden in Pokemon: Guardians of the Water Capital (US: Pokemon Heroes) I admit, this chapter was inspired from watching this movie (which was the best Pokemon movie, IMHO).
Jazze: You're right. It's a miracle they even placed, let alone second.
Kidan Yoshilda: I'm aware of a 4th Winx Club season, and I've only managed to see the movie (subbed, thank God). I plan to incorporate it into the fic at some point. As for the 4th season, I need to see it, first, before trying anything.
Celestial Indigo: Sorry. I have to admit, writing that particular chapter had made me hungry as well.
PEJP Bengtzone: I'm just saying, what use would Valtor have with normal, USELESS humans?
Dumbledork: Whoops, Neko Hanten… but I stick to my spelling as Sasuki since it's pronounced that way in the show. Sasuki (Sa-Soo-Key), as opposed to Sasuke (Sas- Kay).
7 Winds: No amount of cooking lessons will get Akane to improve as long as she's impatient.
Dark-Magician-41: In my fic, Akane will always be in trouble, and she'll have to deal with it herself, which she usually never does.
God of all: It's hard to continue when trying to come up with chapter plots. I still have to take care of the final two dates and the things between.
Jerry Unipeg: The time might come sooner than you think…
Andrew9000: My guess she's both, or beyond that. 4Kids has always been dead to me…
Cabrera1234: Blame Akane's idiotic impulses in the kitchen…
Elrail: Would you expect anything less from that toxic sludge?
TheLordOfPages11692: Hmmm… I'm still trying to decide when to schedule the next beat-down.
Bloomforever: Yeah, she screwed up bad and beyond. She can't say that only Ranma hates her cooking.
Hiryo: Just doing what I can for the readers! I'm afraid the review quantity of this will never match those of those Naruto fics here which number 800 and above…
It's time for another…
RAI vs. 4KIDS Rant!
More pointless editing! This was a doozie to do, all from in one episode.
In the 2nd season, Faragonda sends Bloom, Stella, and Layla to rescue the pixies. The matter of how they were the only ones chosen were completely different in each version. Of course, Rai's version is the superior one.
4Kids:
The Winx girls want to raid Shadowhaunt to rescue the pixies, but Faragonda says no as the place is just too dangerous for normal faeries and that the only ones who're qualified to go are those who pass a "test that even instructors only have 25% chance of passing". Bloom and the others keep insisting that they can handle it (insisting the whole way through until getting to the main hall), so Faragonda finally decides to put them all through the "test". She makes an illusion of Shadowhaunt's environment. In this, they basically made Flora, Musa, and Tecna suck up (Tecna: "I couldn't even transform!"), then shows that Bloom, Stella, and Layla managed to successfully fight off the monsters there (this also seems suspicious as I'll reveal later), so therefore, those three pass the "test". Faragonda said even instructors had little chance of passing this one? Either those girls were really good, really lucky, or the faculty is just lacking...
Faragonda's meeting…
Faragonda: "I won't allow it! I simply won't allow it! The Under-realm is dangerous enough, but going to Shadowhaunt is out of the question! I went there for research during my doctorate at magical disciplines, but I barely made it out!"
Stella: "Hey! Remember, we're the girls that went to Sparx! And we faced down that snow abomination!" (It's DOMINO…)
Faragonda: "The Under-realm is very different! It is far worse than anything you have ever encountered!"
Stella: "So? It'll be a challenge! We can totally do it, Ms. F! Just give us a chance!"
Faragonda: "I'm sorry, girls. I love confidence in my students, but it doesn't matter how confident you are, because most likely, your powers won't even work in Shadowhaunt! That's the way it is!"
Musa: "With all due respect, no realm is gonna cramp my powers, Ms. Faragonda."
Faragonda: "The problem is that it's not up to you at all. The Under-Realm acts on its own, and in ways that are not only dark, but unpredictable."
Bloom: "But we have to go! The pixies need us!"
Faragonda: "Try to understand! Shadowhaunt is so dangerous, that even as a magical doctoral student, I couldn't go without first passing a survival test that was so hard, most of my classmates failed! You wouldn't want to take that test." (made-up crap by crappy 4Kids…)
Bloom: "Ms. Faragonda! Ms. Faragonda, wait up!!"
(The girls follow Faragonda out of the room and into the hall)
Bloom: "Ms. Faragonda! We want to take the test!"
Faragonda: "We'll find another way to get the pixies back!"
Bloom: "Come on! At least let us try!"
Flora: "Yeah! If we fail the test, we'll back off."
Faragonda: "It's such a difficult test that more than three quarters of those who take it fail."
Tecna: "A twenty-five percent chance of passing is better than no chance at all."
Faragonda: "There is one more thing you should know about the test. Everything in it is REAL." (That's funny, considering this "test" isn't even real itself in the original…)
Flora: "You mean it's like the Magical Reality Chamber?"
Faragonda: "That's correct, so if something hurts you, it will hurt, and you will experience real pain!"
Bloom: "We can handle it!"
Stella: "Yeah! We can… eh…"
Faragonda: "The test puts you in the Under-realm environment to assess your resistance to it, so if you are not able to use your powers, you won't be able to protect yourselves at all."
Musa: "My dad says it's cool to try and fail, but not trying is not cool." (This line is not cool, either…)
Faragonda: "Very well, then. Follow me."
(in the Main Hall)
Faragonda: "You will take the test right here in the great hall. Stand there." (Backs up.) "Realm of good and light erase, Let evil darkness fill this space!" (transforms area) "Now try to survive!" (Crappy rhyming verse casting at work…)
(Shows transformation sequence of Flora and Musa)
Flora: (her powers don't respond) "I don't know what's happening! I can't use my powers at all!"
Musa: "It's okay, Flora. I can get us out of here with a sound blast!" (shoots a blast which rocks the cave.) "What happened!?"
Tecna: "The cave seems to have magnified your powers! It's out of control!"
(Everyone dodges the falling rocks)
Musa: (shadow monsters appear) "Monsters! Look out!" (Uh… this scene's not even supposed to BE here…)
Stella: "Bloom! Layla! Let's go!" (Nor are these crappy line changes…)
(Bloom, Stella, and Layla transformation sequences. They fight off the monsters. Actually, this scene was pulled from the ACTUAL fighting in Shadowhaunt. Notice that when Layla transformed here, she was in her exploration gear, NOT in her casuals. Stupid idiots, what were they trying to accomplish throwing in a scene where it didn't belong in!?)
Faragonda: (dispels the illusion) "Bloom, Stella, Layla, you pass."
Stella: "That really was a hard test…" (This "test" wasn't even supposed to HAPPEN!!!)
Tecna: "Yeah, I couldn't even transform… I felt quite inept…" (turning Tecna into a screw-up…)
Faragonda: "It's okay, Musa. Everyone's magic is different. I assure you, we'll need your powers on other missions."
Okay you saw the retarded way, now here's what REALLY happened…
Rai:
In this one, Faragonda summons the Winx girls to explain her plan of action. She says that she can't send any faculty members since they are needed at the school should Darkar try to pay them a visit (a plothole that 4Kids made. Earlier, Faragonda had a secret meeting with the 4 Pixie Leaders about the 4 pieces of the Codex each was in charge of). Originally, Faragonda CHOSE to have Bloom, Stella, and Layla to raid Shadowhaunt in the beginning while specifically saying that Flora, Musa, and Tecna should stay behind. She actually has VERY good reasoning for this (Faragonda: "Each of you has powers better suited to some missions than others. Would you send a frog to live in a hot dry desert?"). It made a lot of sense.
1. Tecna, being a tecno faerie, can help monitor the mission at Alfea.
2. Layla is going because she's already familiar with Shadowhaunt's area. Nothing gained if you go in blind.
3. Stella is a faerie of light. Shadowhaunt has monsters of darkness. Last I checked, light is strong against dark and vice versa. Of course, bringing her would make sense.
4. Bloom possesses the freakin' Dragon's Flame, which pretty much makes her the powerhouse of the group. Fire is associated with light, anyway.
Flora and Musa complain to Faragonda about why they can't go, so Faragonda decides to show them (this is the "test" part in the 4Kids version). She creates the Shadowhaunt environment, and despite engulfing all the girls in it, she specifically asks Flora and Musa to try and defend themselves. Flora couldn't do anything because there's no plantlife down there, rendering her powers useless. Musa still had sound, but they were in a CAVE. Loud noise + cave = cave-ins. Musa screams as she was about to get crushed by a falling boulder (4Kids cut this part out), but then Faragonda dispels the illusion. The whole point of that was to show that they'd be a liability and that they'd place themselves and the others in danger (basically a suicide mission for them and Musa takes this rather personally). The illusion didn't even have the monsters in it, nor did Bloom, Stella, and Layla transform in it AT ALL. 4Kids just pulled that part out from scenes of the actual Shadowhaunt fight.
Faragonda's meeting…
Faragonda: "My dear girls, as you may have guessed, the reason I've asked you to come here is to organize a rescue mission. As you know, fairies and pixies have always been the closest of friends, so we must free them at any cost!"
Stella: "At any cost, huh? Does that mean we get to skip classes and still get full credits?"
Faragonda: "After everything Layla has gone through, can't you think of something other than skipping classes?"
Stella: "Well, actually, it's just that if it's such a dangerous mission, why not send the professors?" (the other girls voice their displeasure at her question.) "What?"
Faragonda: "No no, that's all right. Stella has raised a very good point."
Stella: (giggles cutely while playing with a tress of her hair.)
Faragonda: "As professors, our job is to guide our students, and in case of an emergency, we have to be available to help everyone."
Musa: "So in other words, it's up to us to turn this prince into a pauper?"
Faragonda: "You all showed great skill in your fight against the Trix, however, the pixies are your priority now. It is not wise to challenge an unknown enemy."
Bloom: "So we should avoid direct confrontation?"
Faragonda: "Exactly."
(Cut from moronic 4Kids)
Faragonda: (flashback to Darkar sucking the pixies dry of their power) "Don't forget, this dark knight absorbs magic energy."
Tecna: "That means he could turn our powers against us!"
(end cut)
Faragonda: "Layla will be your guide. She's the only one who can find the entrance to the cave. I want you to look for clues that can help us discover the identity of this evil creature. Now, follow me."
(The girls follow Faragonda out of the room and into the hall)
Faragonda: "Now I'd like to point out that some of you will not be taking part in this rescue mission."
Bloom: "But we do everything together!"
Flora: "Yes! And no one gets left behind ever!"
Faragonda: "Each of you has powers better suited to some missions than others. Would you send a frog to live in a hot dry desert?" (The nearby pixie frog quickly shakes its head at the question)
Tecna: "I wouldn't want to be the poor frog. I'd dry out in about 1.4 hours."
Faragonda: "You don't have to worry about that, Tecna. You'll stay at Alfea."
Flora: "Uh… excuse me, but her tecno magic-"
Faragonda: "Will help us monitor the situation from here. Bloom and Stella will go on the mission."
Bloom: "But why only us two?"
Stella: "Yeah, why?"
Faragonda: "Because Bloom possesses the Dragon's Fire, the strongest magic of all, while Stella's sun magic will be very helpful should they ever come up against the shadow monsters."
Musa: "What about Flora's plants? My sound waves? Aren't they worth anything?"
Faragonda: "Come into the hall, please."
(in the Main Hall)
Faragonda: "Wait here, girls."(Backs up.)
(4Kids cut)
Flora: (a scan shot of the girls looking confused) "What is she doing?" (Layla shrugs)
(end 4Kids cut)
Faragonda: "Nimbus palax ohir et sinjay pavas!" (transforms area) "Musa, Flora! Use your spells!" (Ancient tongue incantations are a hell of a lot better than lame-ass rhyme verses.)
(Notice that they skipped the transformation sequences all together.)
Flora: "Ready!" (tries to use her magic, but fails) "Nothing is working! There're no living plants down here!"
Musa: "But we still got sound! Everyone stand back!" (shoots a blast which rocks the cave.) "Oh no! It's echoing!"
Tecna: "Oh no! The vibrations are causing a cave-in!"
(Everyone dodges the falling rocks)
(4Kids cut)
(A shot of the cave ceiling, where a huge boulder was getting shook loose. The boulder breaks free and drops towards a horrified Musa.)
Musa: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
(Seen from Musa's POV of the boulder as it drops on her, blackening out the screen, then goes to Faragonda.)
(End 4Kids cut)
(Notice that Bloom, Stella, and Layla don't even transform in this whole scene at all nor do those monsters appear. That scene is where is should be in the next episode.)
Faragonda: (dispels the illusion)
Stella: "Whew! Is the cave really like that?"
Tecna: "Wow, that was even better than the computer-controlled simulator."
Faragonda: "Musa, listen to me. You're just as important as your friends. Your powers will be needed soon enough."
THIS is how it really happened! Not some dumb-ass test! Honestly, 4Kids must think the viewers are stupid or something...
Some more pointless line changing.
Layla meets the boys.
4Kids:
Tecna: "According to my calculations, their presence barely improve the chance of success. You'd be much better off with us along!"
Layla: "Mmm… you're right! Why would we need high school boys?" (She sounds like a bitch here…)
Brandon: "We're not just high school boys. We're heroes!" (It's SPECIALISTS…)
Layla: "And what does that mean?"
Rai:
Tecna: "Stella and Brandon? Bloom and Sky? Goodness gracious, what a coincidence! Layla, looks like you'll have to play chaperone!"
Layla: "Mmmm… you mean that love is their specialty?"
Brandon: "You can say that again, cutie! Are you the new girl?"
Layla: (embarrassed) "Uh-oh! He heard me!"
Stella drops her case
4Kids:
Stella: (drops her case) "Oh no! Ahhh! Sky! That's the royal make-up case!"
Sky: (case falls into ravine) "I'm sorry, Stella, I'll get you a new one."
Stella: "You can't! It's couture!"
Sky: "Well I'm sure you won't need any make-up here."
Stella: (tries to climb down) "Boys can be so clueless sometimes!"
Rai:
Stella: (drops her case) "Oh no! Ahhh!"
Sky: (case falls into ravine) "Everything okay? Was that something important?"
Stella: "Yes! My make-up kit!"
Sky: (rolls his eyes) "Forget it, just slide down the rope!"
Stella: (tries to climb down) "I must admit, for once, I miss school!"
See you all next chapter!