Disclaimer: Ranma ½ belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Video and Winx Club belongs to Iginio Straffi and Rai S.p.A (NOT 4Kids!!!). Songs 'Love Seeker Can't Stop It' and 'Niji to Taiyou no Oka' belongs to Ranma 1/2.
Note: this follows the Rai version of Winx as the 4Kids version butchered it too much, like with every anime it dubs.
Chapter 33: Skate-off! The Golden Pair vs. The Blazing Dragons!
Shiratori residence…
"Good news, everyone! Tomorrow is the day Taffy will stay with us forever and ever! Let's all be sure to make her feel welcome!" said Azusa to all of her 'collection'. The figure-skater was currently in her room where she keeps all the things she had stolen which were deemed 'cute' by her standards. "You'll be cheering on Azusa, won't you, Gwendolyn? Of course you will!" She was talking to the coiled stack of chain she had just gotten off Mikado some days before. "You excited to have Taffy come home, Francois? Of course you are!" She had turned her attention to a glass case holding an old piece of ramen fishcake.
"Now then, tomorrow will be a big day! Sweet dreams, Francois! Sweet dreams, Gwendolyn! Sweet dreams-"
(We will now skip this whole bit as it is just too long and annoying to listen to, just like in the actual episode where she did this in…)
Saotome complex…
"Achoo!"
"Bless you, Kiko." Said Bloom.
Kiko sniffled a bit, wondering where the sneeze came from. All the little rabbit knew was that he had a bad feeling…
Opening (Ranma ½ style, 'Love Seeker Can't Stop It')
Electric guitar music starts as spotlights shone in random areas. They finally shine on parts of Ranma, then a spotlight resembling a crosshairs focuses on Ranma's face. She splits into the six Specialists and runs off in different directions.
Birudingu no kabe kyodai na sukuriin (The wall of the building A giant screen)
Tokai no megami ga kiss-kiss-kiss (The goddess of the city kiss-kiss-kiss)
Waraikakeru so sweet I found you (Laughin' so sweet I found you)
Ranma runs through an unknown area consisting of colored lines and spots. The lines slope, and Ranma grinds down on them. Falling after him were Bloom, Stella, and Flora. He turns to see them, then drops from the sudden dip in slope. The three girls look at each other before dropping after him.
Ichi-oku no yume ni ju-oku no chansu (A billion chances in a hundred million dreams)
Tashika na michi nado No-No-No (Sure paths and such No-No-No)
Dare mo shiranai Don't cheat (Nobody knows Don't cheat)
Ranma is splashed into Ranma-chan. She continues to run, then transforms to faerie mode after passing a line pillar. Running along behind her were Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse. Shampoo and Ukyou transform to their were-forms after passing a line pillar. Mousse passes the pillar, but his form is shaded in. As Faerie-Ranma flew, she gets splashed to male again, causing him to fall. He resumes running as he jumps from platform to platform. He runs past Kitsune-Ukyou, jumps over Neko-Shampoo, and slides under a hovering Duck-Mousse.
Rabirinsu no machi kimi to futari (In the roads of a labyrinth You and I)
Carry on, carry on Hashiri-dashitara (Carry on, carry on Once we start runnin')
He skids to a halt as Musa stood in his way. She gesture to a slope, where Ranma then starts sliding down. Tecna was at the bottom, and curves the end of the slope up, causing Ranma to be sent flying. From above, Layla grabs Ranma's hands trapeze-style and swings him towards the next platform, but splashing through a wall of water.
Can't stop it No way out Can't stop it Eien ni (Can't stop it Forever)
Can't stop it Tomaranai sa (Can't stop it Unstoppable)
How can you hold me on?
Shots of Kasumi and Sasuke pass by as Faerie-Ranma flies past. This is followed by shots of Nodoka and Cologne. Faerie-Ranma is splashed back to male form, then the souls of the Specialists rise up from him, looking amused at their host. They then drag Ranma behind the lines, which then form the 'Ranma Club' title. Headshots of Ranma and Faerie-Ranma pop up in the middle.
End opening
Day of the skating battle, streets…
Ranma and company, which included Nodoka, Kasumi, and Sasuke (Cologne stayed behind to tend to the Neko Hanten), were headed towards Kolhotz High School where the match will be held at. Ranma and Bloom each held a duffel bag and a pair of skates.
"Well, today's the day…" said Ranma.
"Feeling nervous?" asked Bloom.
"No! …well, maybe… I don't know…"
"Don't worry, Ranma. I have great faith in you." Said Flora. "In both of you."
"We all do." Said Nodoka, speaking for the whole group.
"Shampoo know you both kick player boy and klepto girl's butts!" said Shampoo.
"You can do this, Ranma!" said Zing.
"Do your best!" added Lockette.
"Thanks, Mom… everyone."
As the group walked down the streets, Layla casts off a glare at a certain old woman cleaning the streets. The street cleaning ladle lady cringed when she saw Layla giving her a deadly look that dared her to try and absently splash them again lest she wants to pay the consequences. She immediately stopped her splashing to allow the group to pass by without incident.
Layla could only smirk. "Good to know she's starting to learn."
"After all those Aqua Blanket spells, she'd better!" said Stella.
"Such a rude old lady!" said Tune indignantly.
In the past, Layla would punish the ladle lady with an Aqua Blanket for every time she accidentally splashed herself or her friends. What goes around comes around.
Kolhotz High School gateway…
The front of the school was bustling with activity. Students and visitors were lining up for seats for the ice-skating battle. Bloom becomes disgusted when she looked up at a billboard reading 'In the Ice Rink: Martial Arts Pair Skating Taffy Cup Competition' on it. Kiko, in Bloom's arms, just looks disturbed.
"I can't believe the nerve of that girl…" said Bloom.
"Why is it called the 'Taffy Cup'?" wondered Chatta.
Ranma addresses the little rabbit. "Maybe it would've been best if you had stayed at home."
Kiko shook his head. He wanted to be around to cheer on him and Bloom. He wasn't going to be intimidated by some insane child-minded klepto girl.
"Well, we're going to find our seats." Said Nodoka. "I wish you the best of luck, you two."
"Thank you, Saotome-sensei."
"Thanks, Mom. We won't let you down!"
Nodoka nods and turns to leave. She gestures for Shampoo, Ukyou, Mousse, Kasumi, Sasuke, and the Pixies to follow her.
"Oh! Kasumi!" Bloom called out.
The eldest Tendo turned towards Bloom. "Yes?"
"Think you could take Kiko with you? I think it would be better for him." Kiko didn't want to leave Bloom. "Come on, Kiko. It would be best if you stayed with the others. Who knows if we'll encounter Azusa before the match?"
Kiko couldn't deny that logic and hops into Kasumi's arms.
"Don't worry, Bloom. I'll be sure to watch him." Said Kasumi as she held the rabbit, who nuzzled in her arms.
"Wish me luck, Kiko!" said Bloom as Kasumi left with Kiko in tow.
"Well, you two better get going." Said Tecna.
They all nodded and started heading for the contestant entrance, when they heard a scream.
"OOOOH! SO CUTE! HERE, STEPHANIE! COME WITH AZUSA!"
"HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?"
Ranma and the Winx sweatdropped as they saw Azusa trying to take a man's hat off his head.
"GIVE AZUSA BACK HER STEPHANIE, YOU KIDNAPPER!"
"Kid, that's my hat!"
They were playing tug-of-war with the hat, but the man was clearly stronger as he pulled his hat free of Azusa's grip, causing her to fall on her butt.
"Ow! GIVE BACK STEPHANIE!!!"
The man cringed when he saw Azusa pull a huge hammer out of nowhere and prepared to smash him with it.
"FLAME SHOT!"
Next thing Azusa knew, her hammer was engulfed in flames and immediately reduced to ashes, falling all over her. "Huh?"
The man took the opportunity to bolt from this crazy girl.
"HELP! MY STEPHANIE'S BEING KIDNAPPED! COME BACK HERE, KIDNAPPER!!!"
She was about to pursue, but was suddenly tripped up via a purple gel rope tied around her ankles, courtesy of Layla. Getting up, she turned to glare at the offending group.
"Just what is the matter with you?" demanded Layla. "Now you go and steal stuff off of people?"
"How dare you get in Azusa's way! Now Azusa's Stephanie is gone!" said Azusa.
"It wasn't even yours to begin with!" retorted Musa. "You're just nothing but a thief!"
"Azusa is no thief!"
"We just saw you trying to steal!"
"Azusa will get her revenge on you!" said Azusa. "And she will get her Taffy back, too, once she wins!"
"And I told you before that Kiko doesn't belong to you!" said Bloom.
"We'll see about that!"
With that said, Azusa runs off towards the school building.
"What an immature brat!" said Stella.
"If she thinks she's going to take Kiko away, she's got another thing coming!" said Bloom.
"We WILL win." Said Ranma.
Mens' dressing room…
Ranma walks into the mens' dressing room, where he sees Mikado priming himself up before the mirror.
"Hmph… so you decided to show up, Ranma Saotome." Said Mikado as he turned to face him.
"Oh, Mikado the molester." Greeted Ranma.
"That's SENZANIN, you idiot!" Mikado remembers himself and quickly goes back to priming himself up.
"So did you recover now?" asked Ranma in mock concern.
"I merely let my guard down that time. This time will be different."
'Hmph… yeah right, just like last time you said that…' thought Ranma.
"You know, that partner of yours, Bloom, was it?" said Mikado. "She's quite a lovely girl" 'Even moreso than Akane Tendo.' "I have yet to give her my special greeting."
This immediately caught Ranma's attention. "Whatever you're thinking, you'd better drop it!"
Mikado spins around to face Ranma. "You will hear me out! Sometime during the match, I shall steal a kiss from Bloom Domino's lips!"
"Have you no shame? Don't you have anything better to do than to kiss girls who are already spoken for?"
"You say that, but I have ways of changing a girl's mind."
The pigtailed boy glared at the player. 'If you even try to do that, I'll bury you on the spot!'
Womens' dressing room…
"ACHOO!"
Bloom, clad in her light blue bra and panties, sniffled from the sneeze.
"I wonder where that came from?"
Kolhotz ice rink…
The ice rink stadium was packed with students and visitors. Several sections held fan clubs of Mikado and Azusa, complete with banners. Near rink-side was Nodoka and her group, Kiko held in Kasumi's arms.
"My, I've never been to an actual stadium before!" said Sasuke. He didn't count the time he was forced to build an ice rink from scratch with cardboard cut-out spectators when Azusa mistook his former master for a tanooki.
"This is getting pretty exciting." Said Ukyou.
"It's time to see if Ranma and Bloom's training has paid off." Said Layla.
From the other side of the rink sat Nabiki and Akane.
"This might be interesting." Said Nabiki.
"Hmph! Who cares!? Not me!" said Akane.
"So why did you bother to come, Akane?" asked Nabiki.
"I only came to see Ranma and one of his whores humiliate themselves, that's all!" said Akane. She remembered how she and Ranma used to go up against the Golden Pair, and Ranma barely knew how to skate. "I hope they lose bad!"
Nabiki could only sigh. 'She sure is vindictive…'
The middle Tendo had gotten wind from her two lieutenants that Ranma and Bloom had been challenged by the Golden Pair to a figure-skating battle. She wanted to make sure to be there to observe the fight. Nabiki had also reasoned that she might get some info of her wayward older sister. Akane had also jumped to the chance of coming to the match, but for different reasons.
Attention was brought towards the announcer in his rink-side booth.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first annual Taffy Cup! The Anything-Goes Martial Arts Figure Skating fight to the finish! Now allow me to introduce our competitors! Representing Kolhotz High in the Taffy Cup is the Golden Pair: the Emperor Sanzenin, and his lovely consort, the delightful Azusa Shiratori!"
The stadium darkens as multi-colored spotlights shone down to light up a pathway on the ice. Mikado and Azusa skated down the lit path, the former holding the latter on his shoulder. They waved to the audience as they cheered for the pair, most of the cheering coming from their fan club sections.
"Mikado! Mikado!"
"I love you Mikado!"
"Please take me!"
"I'll wait for you, Mikado!"
"Azusa! Azusa! Azusa!"
From the challengers' entrance, Ranma and Bloom scoffed. Ranma was dressed in the red dragon-printed kung fu figure-skating outfit he wore before. Bloom was dressed in a short blue dress with a midriff-baring wrap-around style top, sparkling pink elbow-length gloves, and a jeweled tiara.
"Just look at them, the showoffs…" grunted Ranma.
"And here for Furinkan High is Ranma Saotome and Bloom Domino!"
A spotlight shone down on Ranma and Bloom.
"Well, Ranma, this is it." Said Bloom.
"Yeah. Well, come on, Bloom." Said Ranma as he took her hand.
They skated down towards the center of the rink.
Upon hearing those two names from the announcer, two certain groups looked on. The Furinkan audience started to cheer, Nodoka's group being loudest as well as Bloom's fan club (complete with banner and official headbands). Akane started booing from her seat while Nabiki looked neutral. The younger Tendo was expecting Ranma to trip up upon entering the ice. However, she didn't know of his training with the Winx.
Suddenly, the stadium darkened for Ranma and Bloom's entrance. With a little bit of magic, the two teens made their own special effects. Trails of multi-colored sparkles followed them as they skated. Ranma swung Bloom around him as he approached before lifting her over his head, his hands under her back. Spinning around, he sets her down, then the both of them perform a spinning jump, setting off more magic sparkles as they spun, before landing on the ice. Bloom then circles around Ranma just before the pigtailed boy lifts her up on his shoulder. Bloom takes a pose while on Ranma, who was in a flying crane stance.
The audience cheered at the performance. The Golden Pair and Akane were flabbergasted at the sight.
"What the!? He's actually skating!" exclaimed Akane.
"I guess those gaijins taught him how." Surmised Nabiki.
Akane's temper flared as she thought about how the Winx were able to effectively teach Ranma how to skate properly.
"Whoa! What an impressive entrance for the Furinkan team!" said the announcer. "This promises to be an interesting match indeed!"
Ranma and Bloom stood beside each other as they faced down Mikado and Azusa.
"I see you've improved." Said Mikado. "However, so have I!"
"Just bring it!" said Ranma.
The round bell was rung.
"And there's the bell! The Taffy Cup is now underway! This competition will determine who is the best figure-skating pair! This is an anything-goes no holds barred single elimination match here, people!"
Mikado wastes no time skating towards Ranma and Bloom while carrying Azusa on his back. Ranma follows suit as he skated towards them while holding Bloom on his shoulder. As the gap between the two pairs shrunk, Ranma swings Bloom towards the Golden Pair. Azusa jumped while Mikado ducked to avoid the swinging kick of Bloom. As Bloom lands, Ranma, while still holding Bloom's hands, lashed out with a kick of his own that caused him to be uplifted. Mikado dodges the attack and was suddenly in Bloom's face.
"I must say you look very lovely today." Said Mikado as he was closing the gap between their faces.
Bloom cringed as this guy was once again invading her personal space. All of the girls in Mikado's fan club shrieked in horror when they saw the object of their affections trying to kiss a new girl.
"Oh my goodness! Emperor Sanzenin wastes no time launching his famous Kiss Attack!"
Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna, and Layla looked extremely worried when Bloom looked like she was going to be kissed and had no time to react.
"Oh no you don't!" shouted Ranma as he grabbed Mikado's head with both feet, effectively stopping him from trying to liplock with Bloom.
"Ranma! Watch out!" shouted Bloom.
Ranma looked up to see Azusa coming at him with a flying kick. This time, however, Ranma was prepared. While his hands and feet were occupied, he called out a soul.
"Onyx Riven!"
Phantom Riven emerges from Ranma, winds up, and delivers a sucker punch right in Azusa's kisser. The smaller girl was sent flying and crashing on the ice where she slid and hit the outer walls.
"What was that? Shiratori was somehow sent flying from Saotome when he didn't do anything!"
Unknown to the announcer, the Phantom Specialists, like the Pixies, couldn't be seen by normal humans.
"Owie! That hurt!" cried Azusa, not used to feeling pain.
Phantom Riven, now Onyx Riven, fuses back into Ranma. The pigtailed boy then turns his attention to Mikado, who was still struggling from his foot grip in order to steal a kiss from Bloom, who was trying to get away.
"I told you… DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!" shouted Ranma. "Diamond Brandon!"
Next, Phantom Brandon drops from Ranma and behind Mikado. Diamond Brandon knee kicks Mikado in his back, causing him to bend backwards. Ranma then gets behind Bloom once Diamond Brandon fused back into him. Bloom, seeing her chance, goes on the offensive.
"I'm NOT interested in you! Pyro Burst!"
Bloom makes a small flaming explosion in front of her, which sent Mikado flying towards Azusa, who had recovered. He spun around and landed on his skates, then started skating towards Ranma and Bloom, with Azusa in tow.
"To refuse my kiss like that. She must be very shy." Said Mikado as he combed his hair.
"Maybe you just make her sick!" said Azusa.
Ranma looked at Bloom who heaved a bit.
"You all right, Bloom?" asked a concerned Ranma.
"I will be." Replied Bloom. "I'm just glad we stopped that guy from kissing me!"
"I swear to you, he won't get one from you! Not if I can help it!" Ranma turns to see the Golden Pair heading towards them. "Get ready. Here they come!"
"Bloom Domino! I WILL have my kiss!" declared Mikado. Grabbing Azusa by her hands, he goes into a top spin, swinging Azusa in a spinning lariat attack.
Ranma and Bloom stood their ground as the Golden Pair approached. Suddenly, Ranma lifts a surprised Bloom up. "Get ready to fly, Bloom!"
He skates forward, then tosses Bloom over the Golden Pair. Ducking under Azusa's swing kick, Ranma summons a soul.
"Gold Helia!"
Phantom Helia emerges from above Ranma's ducking form and sends a high kick under Azusa, sending her screaming upwards and back. Mikado was shocked when his partner got separated from him, but the distraction would soon cost him.
Gold Helia fuses back into Ranma.
"Silver Timmy!"
Phantom Timmy comes up and trips Mikado with a leg sweep. As Mikado fell forward, Ranma nails him with a hard uppercut to his chest, sending him upwards and crashing into the ice. Recalling Silver Timmy, he holds out his arms and catches Bloom, carrying her off bridal style. "Miss me?"
"Oh yes…" said a blushing Bloom.
They see Azusa rushing towards them from the front. Before she could pull something, Ranma skids on the ice and rushes off at a right angle, spraying Azusa with plenty of ice shavings.
"Ack! Cold!" screamed Azusa.
"Nicely done, Ranma!" said Bloom.
"Why thank you." Said Ranma.
From the stands, Nodoka's group cheered.
"Yeah! You go, you two!" cheered Stella.
"You've got them on the ropes!" said Ukyou.
"You're doing great, you guys!" said Zing.
"Ah, it's because of their close bond that they are effective as a team! It's so beautiful!" said Amore.
From the opposite side, Akane glowered.
"Hmph! They're just lucky, that's all!" said an in-denial Akane.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Akane." Said Nabiki. "It's quite clear that they trained hard for this. I guess when Ranma puts his mind on something, he can do anything."
Akane was still angry about the whole thing. Angry that Ranma and Bloom worked so effectively as a team. She wouldn't admit to being jealous of that, of course.
Back at the rink, Ranma sets Bloom down as they stood a good distance from the Golden Pair. Azusa skates over to her partner, who was slowly getting up from his crash landing.
"Mikado? You all right?" asked Azusa.
"Erg…" grunted Mikado in pain as he held his chest.
"Where does it hurt? Does it hurt here?" asked Azusa as she punched Mikado's side, making him grunt in pain again. "Here? Here? Here? Here? Here?"
She proceeds to punch Mikado in certain areas of his body before punching him repeatedly in his chest, which made him cry out louder. "Yes, it hurts! Yes it hurts!" Azusa paid him no mind as she continued to punch his chest repeatedly, not aware she really WAS hurting him. He no longer could take it and blows up on her. "KNOCK IT OFF! QUIT HITTING ME WHERE IT HURTS YOU STUPID ANNOYING BRAT!!!!"
"WAAAAH! But Azusa was only worried!" said a scared Azusa, who shied away from Mikado's anger.
Calming down, he turns his attention to Ranma and Bloom. "You managed to knock me down. I shall make you regret it."
"If you try that crap on Bloom again, I'll do a lot more than just knock you down!" retorted Ranma.
"Oh? And what might that be?" asked Mikado in mock curiosity.
"That would be burying your lady-killing ass six feet under!" shouted an angry Ranma. "Listen up! Bloom is MINE! You touch her and I'LL GODDAMN KILL YOU!!!!"
The audience gasped at Ranma's declaration.
Bloom looked shocked at the intensity of Ranma's words. 'Would you really do that for me, Ranma?' Deep down, she felt ecstatic that Ranma was defending her honor. Looking up, she noticed Phantom Sky hovering over Ranma, looking just as enraged as he is at Mikado.
"Oh my! Ranma must be getting serious!" said Kasumi. Kiko sat in awe at the declaration in Kasumi's arms.
"You show them, son!" said Nodoka. 'So manly of him to defend a girl's honor…'
"That two-timing pervert!" said Akane, suddenly remembering the same time he did that with her. She quickly shook it off.
"Why should you care, Akane? I don't suppose defending a girl's honor in public is considered perverted to you, does it?" asked a mocking Nabiki.
"Hmph!"
Mikado continued to look smug at Ranma's declaration. "Yours, huh? Such fragile words. I, Mikado Sanzenin, shall take pleasure in breaking that vow!" He started cracking his knuckles while Azusa jumped up and down behind him while making faces at Ranma and Bloom.
"And just where are you getting at with this?" asked Ranma darkly.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten, Ranma Saotome." Said Mikado. "We are the illustrious Golden Pair, also known as…"
Mikado lifts Azusa up on his back as she took a pose.
"The Match Breakers of the Ice!" they said together.
Ranma's eyes narrowed as he recalled that particular stance. The announcer goes nuts.
"Oh my goodness, people! I know that stance anywhere! This is the startup of Mikado Sanzenin and Azusa Shiratori's ultimate technique: the dreaded Couple Cleaver! Could they be using it now?"
Mikado skated forth with Azusa. "You know the story. Once we use this technique on a couple…"
"… they never ever stay together!" finished Azusa.
Ranma and Bloom tensed up. "Brace yourself, Bloom!"
They rushed towards the Golden Pair in hopes of stopping them from using the technique. Ranma reasoned that as long as they stuck together, they couldn't be taken by surprise. Azusa suddenly jumped off of Mikado at them. Ranma quickly pulled Bloom out of the way. Unfortunately, Azusa managed to slide in between Ranma's legs.
"That was careless of you!" Said Azusa in a sing-song voice. Grabbing his ankles, she caused Ranma to fall forward.
"WHOA!"
"Ranma!"
In an instant, Mikado was at Azusa's feet. Grabbing her ankles, he grunts as he lifts Azusa and her captives over his head.
"Golden Pair Couple Cleaver Technique!"
Mikado goes into a fast spin on the tip of his skate, whirling Ranma and Bloom around in numerous revolutions.
"The Goodbye Whirl!"
"It's the dreaded Goodbye Whirl attack! It has come quite early in this match!" said the announcer.
"Listen well, Ranma Saotome! If you release her hands, I'll stop spinning! You want me to stop, then let her go!" said Mikado as he spun faster and faster.
The announcer adds his input from his seat. "The dreaded Couple Cleaver! You can only save yourself by betraying your own partner! An untold number of couples have broken up this way!"
"Bloom! Ranma!" said Flora with worry.
"The more trust between partners, the greater the shock at betrayal! No couples have ever survived this technique!" said Mikado.
As Ranma and Bloom held on, the pigtailed boy sneered. "You forget, idiot, that I beat this technique before, and the way I am now, I can do it again! I ain't letting go just to save myself! That's not my style!" He looks over to Bloom. "Bloom!"
"Got it!" Bloom was barely able to lift her leg due to the spin, but she managed to do so. Then, she lashed out with a kick. "Fire Roundhouse!"
Her kick fired off a crescent wave of flame at Azusa.
"AAAAGH!"
This caused Azusa to release Ranma's legs, causing him and Bloom to get sent flying off.
"What the-?!" In Mikado's shock, he accidentally dropped Azusa on the ice. "It failed!?"
"What a shock, folks! This is the second time the Goodbye Whirl failed!" said the announcer.
Bloom and Ranma were headed right for the rink wall.
"Ranma! The wall!" shouted Bloom.
"On it!" Ranma pulled Bloom in bridal style carry once again and faced his back towards the wall. "Amethyst Nabu!"
Phantom Nabu immediately pops out of Ranma's back and kicks out at the wall, stopping the couple from crashing into it. From normal human eyes, it appeared as if some unseen force had stopped the couple short of hitting the wall. As they fell, Amethyst Nabu kicks down on the ice to buffer their fall, then fuses back into Ranma.
The announcer tries to summarize what had happened.
"What a sight! I'm not sure what happened, but somehow Challengers Saotome and Domino managed to not just defeat the Golden Pair's Goodbye Whirl, they also stopped themselves from getting injured from the fall! It's as if someone plucked them out of the air and set them down!"
"Impossible! How could he have avoided the fall?" wondered Mikado.
"Hot… hot… and dizzy…" whimpered Azusa before falling flat on her back.
"Nicely done, Bloom." Said Ranma as he held the beautiful redhead in his arms.
"No problem, Ranma." Said Bloom. "Learned that from watching you."
He smiled knowing that Bloom was all right. He sets her down and turns to glare at Mikado. "A couple who gets subjected to your technique never stays together, huh? Well, Bloom and I are STILL together!"
From the stands, Amore nods. "That's right! True love can never be broken that easily!"
"Nevertheless, I will steal a kiss from Bloom Domino's lips!" said Mikado. In an instant, he was right in Bloom's face. He managed to skate over to her very fast. Once he sets his mind on kissing a girl, it works wonders.
"What is this? Emperor Sanzenin is utilizing his Kiss Attack! "
"Now then, shall we try this again?" asked Mikado in a suave tone.
"I told you, I'm NOT interested!" shouted Bloom. "I'm not that kind of girl! I'm only interested in Ranma!"
"As shy as ever, I see." Said Mikado, wrapped up in his own delusions. "Just forget about that guy. I'm MUCH better than that barbarian."
That declaration was the final straw for Ranma. One soul in particular was angry and was wanting to get out. Just as Mikado was about to grab Bloom for a kiss…
"PLATINUM SKY!"
In an instant, Phantom Sky rushed up and slammed a knee into Mikado's stomach, causing him to keel over.
"G'huh!?"
"KATCHU TENSHIN AMAGURIKEN!!!"
Platinum Sky unleashed a barrage of punches upon Mikado before ending it with a roundhouse kick, knocking the player away. He fuses into Ranma.
"Thanks, Ranma." Said Bloom. "I don't know how much more of that guy I can take."
"What a sight, people! Somehow, something interrupted Emperor Sanzenin's attack! It's as if he were assaulted by a ghost!"
"Technically, he was." Said Tecna from her seat.
Mikado slowly got up to his feet, looking extremely battered. Azusa, not as bad, made her way to him.
"Well, do you give up?" asked Ranma.
"Never…" said Mikado. "I won't stop until I get the kiss I deserve!"
"AZUSA WILL GET HER TAFFY BACK!" shouted Azusa.
Ranma and Bloom's eyes narrowed at the one-track-minded duo.
"Oh I'll give you a kiss. You can kiss my fist as I lodge it down your throat!" shouted Ranma.
"Kiko doesn't belong to you, you brat!" shouted Bloom.
"Enough! We shall settle this!" said Mikado. "Come, Azusa!"
"Right behind you, Mikado!" said Azusa as she followed her partner.
Ranma and Bloom held hands as they skated towards the pair. Since their previous attacks weren't convincing the delusional duo to give up this pointless fight, they went ahead to more extreme measures…
"Bloom, I think it's time for that technique of ours." Said Ranma.
She nods in understanding. "The big one, huh? Let's do it!"
Ranma and Bloom held each other as if they were going to do the ballroom waltz. Using their magic, they both emitted auras of flame. It was a miracle the ice didn't melt as they skated over.
"What is this? Challengers Saotome and Domino are apparently on fire! Is this some sort of trick?"
Nodoka's group looked fascinated.
"Aiya! Ranma going to use THAT move!?" exclaimed Shampoo.
"This might get messy…" said Musa.
With Nabiki and Akane…
"Whoa! What's that?" said Nabiki as she gazed in awe at the sight.
Akane was flabbergasted at what was happening.
Mikado and Azusa were also confused as to what's happening.
Ranma and Bloom started going faster until their fiery auras completely engulfed them, making them look like one huge fireball. They called out their attack.
"FINAL ATTACK! BLAZING DRAGON WALTZ!!!"
The engulfing flames around them took the form of a blazing dragon that roared loudly as it opened its gaping maw, revealing a set of sharp flaming fangs. The huge flaming dragon sped towards the Golden Pair.
"Oh my word! The challengers have become a huge flaming dragon! Never have I seen a sight such as this! It looks like it's all over for Emperor Sanzenin and Shiratori!"
As for the Golden Pair, they eeped as the flaming dragon flew towards them. Mikado could only say two words.
"Oh crap…"
The snake-like form of the blazing dragon hit both Mikado and Azusa head-on, causing them to scream in pain The two were knocked upwards and before they could descend, the blazing dragon spiraled upwards, engulfing them in flames. Mikado and Azusa screamed out as they were getting burned as well as being subjected to numerous punches and kicks. Courtesy of Ranma and Bloom. If looking closely, the two Alfea students can be seen in the dragon's head doing a graceful pair figure-skating dance while at the same time lashing out with several attacks. Combining the strength of martial arts and the grace of figure-skating turned it into a deadly yet beautifully fluid style.
Mikado and Azusa crashed unceremoniously on the ice, the chill only a temporary moment of relief for the major burns they were suffering from. Afterwards, the blazing dragon dissipated, revealing Ranma and Bloom spinning each other in the air. They drop down, Ranma reaching the ice first, then catches Bloom in his arms. Spinning her around, Ranma tosses Bloom up in a spinning pirouette, then catches and puts her in a dip. Still in that position, they turn to look at the defeated sorry pair.
"Finito."
There was a moment of silence, then the next moment exploded into cheering.
"INCREDIBLE! That was a match unlike any other I've ever seen before in all my time announcing! The Golden Pair have been utterly defeated!"
Another round of cheering sounded as Ranma and Bloom waved to the crowds. Nodoka's group had the loudest cheering.
"YOU GO, RAN-CHAN!"
"SHAMPOO KNEW YOU'D WIN!"
"What a way to take that jerk down, Saotome!"
"Well done, Master Ranma, Mistress Bloom!"
"You two were wonderful…"
"WAY TO GO, GUYS!"
"I knew you guys would win!"
"Totally awesome!"
"It was the logical conclusion."
"Great skating, you two!"
"What finesse! What grace! What power! That was a figure-skating technique like no other! Their Blazing Dragon Waltz is truly a sight to behold that truly puts others' to shame! From this fight, the challengers have earned the nickname of 'The Blazing Dragons'!"
" 'Blazing Dragons', huh?" said Ranma.
"I think the name fits!" said Bloom.
"And that draws this competition to a close! Thank you all for attending and we'll see you next time!"
Outside the school…
Ranma's group walked out of the school. Nodoka, Kasumi, and Sasuke were currently using the restrooms inside.
"You guys totally wiped the floor with those two!" said Musa.
"Guess our efforts helping you practice has paid off." Said Layla.
"And we thank you for it." Said Ranma. He wouldn't have been able to defeat the Golden Pair as easily as he and Bloom did if he didn't know how to properly skate.
"Well, I feel bushed after all that." Said Bloom. Kiko, in her arms, nodded in agreement. The little bunny had been sweating in anticipation during the match, worried for his master and her love.
The group stopped as they sensed something coming at them from the front.
"GIVE AZUSA BACK HER TAFFY!"
Everyone winced when they saw the annoying kleptomaniac running towards them.
"YOU AGAIN!?" said Stella.
Kiko looked in fright as Azusa tried to grab him. Bloom quickly held him out of reach of Azusa.
"GIVE HER BACK! GIVE HER BACK TO AZUSA! SHE BELONGS TO HER!"
"Hey! You lost the match, remember!?" shouted Bloom.
"YOU CHEATED! YOU CHEATED TO MAKE SURE AZUSA DOESN'T GET TAFFY BACK!" shouted Azusa. Out of nowhere, she whips out a mallet and lifts it over her head. "NOW GIVE HER BACK!"
Bloom was more than annoyed that this delusional brat wasn't honoring her side of the bargain she set up for herself and was once again trying to steal Kiko right in front of her.
"BURNING BALL!"
Azusa was sent flying from Bloom's fire attack and was soon a distant dot in the sky.
"AZUSA WILL GET YOU FOR THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISS!!!!"
"Not likely, brat." Said Bloom as she lowered her arm. "She's gone now, Kiko."
Kiko peeked out slowly and relaxed once he saw Azusa was gone.
"I can't believe that brat!" said Ukyou.
As they exited the gate, Mikado appeared from behind one of the posts.
"You…" said Ranma darkly. "What do you want?"
Mikado ignored Ranma and was immediately kneeling before Bloom, holding one of her hands.
"What are you-!?" Bloom started.
"Bloom Domino, please forgive me." Mikado started. "I'm so sorry I wasn't able to kiss you during our match. Your disappointment must be immense."
"EXCUSE me?" said an annoyed Bloom.
"But fret not! Allow me to make it up to you by taking you on a date with me."
"Whoever said I wanted you to kiss me!?" shouted Bloom.
"You're quite the demure child. I like that." Said Mikado, completely oblivious to Bloom's disgust at him.
Just as he was about to kiss Bloom's hand, he was suddenly knocked back and slammed into a nearby light post. Bloom looks to the side and sees Platinum Sky before Ranma with his fist raised. The soul call seemed automatic on Ranma's account, but he didn't care. He didn't want that player near Bloom. Platinum Sky fuses with Ranma as the pigtailed boy stepped up.
"His soul seemed angry…" Chatta whispered to the other Pixies.
"Well, that guy did try to hit on Bloom when she made it clear she wasn't interested in him." Said Lockette.
"That's the only logical explanation." Added Digit.
"And he thinks trying to break those two up, she'd go to him? What nerve!" said Tune.
"Love isn't given that easily, you know." said Amore.
Piff could only nod.
Mikado slowly gets back up to glare at Ranma. "Just what do you think you're doing!?"
"That's MY line, you damn player!" retorted Ranma, putting a protective arm around Bloom. "She's already made it perfectly clear that she's not interested in you, and you still try to force her to kiss you against her will!"
"All women want to be graced by my kiss. I'm merely offering it to them." Said Mikado as he fixed up his hair.
"Well we DON'T want it!" shouted Layla from behind.
"I don't know what kind of crazy world you're living in, but not every girl wants to be kissed by a total stranger!" added Musa.
"Yeah! Especially when they're spoken for!" said Stella.
"Single, taken, it doesn't matter to me." Said Mikado. "I've kissed hundreds of girls of each category."
The Winx were disgusted when they heard this. Ranma burned with rage as he remembered being one of his 'conquests'.
"Man, and people thought I was pathetic." Said Mousse, which Shampoo chuckled at.
Nodoka, Kasumi, and Sasuke came to join them.
"There a problem here, Ranma?" asked Nodoka.
Mikado looked up to see yet another attractive woman grace his presence. Nodoka was surprised when the player suddenly came up and held her.
"My my, such a charming woman you are." Said Mikado.
"I'm sorry, young man, but I'm afraid I'm out of your range." Said Nodoka in a neutral tone.
"Not to worry, I always thought mature women were attractive, and that definitely holds true. Now how about we get to know one another?"
Nodoka was more than annoyed that this guy started to slightly dip her. She got angry when it became apparent that he was also attempting to kiss her. This was the last straw for Ranma.
"GOLD HELIA!!!"
Gold Helia rushes behind Mikado and grabs him by the hair, pulling his head back, causing him to release Nodoka. With his free fist, the soul body gut punches Mikado, knocking the wind out of him, then lashes out with a roundhouse kick, sending him into the light post. Once he fused into Ranma, he stomped towards the downed player.
Grabbing him by the hair, Mikado was forced to face Ranma's angry glare.
"Listen here, you asswipe! It's bad enough you tried flirting with my friends, but hitting on my own mother right in front of me is crossing the line!"
The other Winx were behind him, looking just as angry.
"You really are a lady-killer." Said Tecna.
"I think it's high time for a punishment!" said Stella.
Ranma turned to the blonde faerie. "What you got in mind, Stella?"
"Oh, I've got something…" Stella kneels down to Mikado's level. "You're an enemy to all females. You go around hitting on and kissing girls whether they want it or not. As such, your punishment shall fit the crime!"
She held a hand before Mikado's face and produces an orb of light. The male figure-skater screamed.
Later…
"Well, I'd say that guy got fixed!" said Musa.
Everyone shared a hearty laugh. Tecna then sensed that they were being followed, and determined who they were.
"Hey Kasumi, looks like your sisters are following us." Said Tecna.
The eldest Tendo was a bit startled at the news. It had been awhile since she had been in contact with her estranged family.
"You all can go on ahead. There's something I must attend to." Said Kasumi.
"You sure about this?" asked Flora.
"Don't worry about me." Replied Kasumi.
"Still, I'd better stick around a good distance." Said Tecna. "Wouldn't want them to follow you when you're done."
Kasumi wanted to argue, but she couldn't deny that logic. "All right."
"Just meet me around that corner." Tecna directed before heading towards it.
"Good luck, Kasumi." Said Bloom .
Kasumi waved to the remaining group before they were out of sight. She then turned around towards the direction of where her two sisters were at. "Nabiki. Akane. I know you're back there. Come on out."
Slowly, Nabiki and Akane peeked out from around the corner and saw their elder sister looking at them from twenty feet away.
"Kasumi…" said Nabiki.
Kasumi continued to stand there with a neutral expression on her face.
Saotome complex, later that night…
Kasumi was in the kitchen assisting in cooking dinner. Her mind wondered as she thought back to her encounter with Nabiki and Akane.
Flashback…
"It's good to see you again, Kasumi." Said Nabiki.
"I suppose." Said Kasumi.
"We really missed you, you know?" said Nabiki.
"Are you all right? You're not hurt or anything, are you?" asked Akane.
"And why would I be hurt, Akane?" asked Kasumi.
"I know those gaijin sluts had kidnapped you!" said Akane. "Now you're working under their thumb and you're probably miserable! But don't worry, we're here to help!"
Unlike her younger sister, Nabiki noticed that Kasumi's expression had hardened once Akane started to badmouth the Winx.
"And when I get my hands on that pervert, I'm gonna-"
"Akane! Enough!" Nabiki commanded. She gave the impulsive girl a look that clearly said that she'll do the talking from now on. "So Kasumi, you living with Ranma now?"
"Yes, and I have said so in my letter." Replied Kasumi before giving Akane a disapproving glare, which she flinched at. "I've also stated that I went of my own free will, NOT kidnapped as you believe me to be. Please get your facts straight. So what did you want to talk with me about?"
"Kasumi… we…" Nabiki started before being cut off by Akane.
"We want you to come back home with us!" said Akane.
"Is that so?" asked Kasumi, feigning ignorance. "And why's that?"
"Things have been going downhill at the house once you were gone, Kasumi." Replied Nabiki.
"The place has become a mess!" said Akane.
'Gee, I wonder why?' Nabiki thought sarcastically. She could still remember all of Akane's failed attempts at trying to cook anything edible. If they were lucky, the culinary disasters would only explode from the plate. Worst-case scenario was having an unidentified blob ooze around the place. Soun resorted to torching such dishes with a lighter and hairspray.
"We need you, Kasumi! All of us need you!" said Akane. "Please come back home!"
"And I don't think I can take much more of Akane's cooking." Added Nabiki.
"Hey!"
"Well it's true."
Kasumi continued to frown. "Is that all? You're basically saying that you want me back so I can clean up the messes you've made for yourselves. Is that all you see me as? A maid?"
Nabiki and Akane flinched at the accusation. They had to admit that a large part of the reason for wanting Kasumi back was so that she could ensure they are all fed and cared for.
"That's not it, Kasumi! You're probably being overworked over there by those sluts that you can't focus straight." Akane said. "Whatever they're putting you through, we want to help you get away from."
"Akane, you couldn't be any more wrong!" said Kasumi in a forceful tone. "Those girls are nothing like you think them to be! Unlike back home, I'm treated like a person there, and not as a maid! They actually help around the house! They do the shopping! THEY COOK!"
"K-Kasumi…?"
"They obviously know how to take care of themselves. It's time you learned to do the same! You're not children anymore, so stop acting like it! I'm not Mother! If she were alive right now, she'd be proud that I'm growing up and not wasting my life as a caretaker."
"But Kasumi…"
"You thought of me as ignorant of the world. You, Father, and Mr. Saotome thought I'm only fit to care for the house. 'I'm not very social, so I wouldn't know anything about those sluts'!" Kasumi said the last part in mock imitation of Akane. "Your own words, Akane. Do you know how much that train of thought hurt me?"
"Kasumi… we-" Nabiki started.
"Save it, Nabiki. I thought you of all people would've noticed, considering how you operate in finding information on people." Nabiki was a bit perturbed at this. "I will not tolerate any offenses against the six girls with Ranma. An offense to them is an offense to me."
"Come on, Kasumi, we just want you home and everything will be set right!" said Akane. Despite what Kasumi told her, Akane was still convinced that The Winx had somehow brainwashed her.
"Then I'm afraid you've wasted your time. I'm perfectly happy where I am. This discussion is CLOSED."
With that said, Kasumi turned around and walked off fast.
Nabiki and Akane were temporarily stunned at Kasumi shunning their request. They soon recovered and followed after her.
"Kasumi! Wait!" Nabiki called out.
The elder Tendo sister rounded a corner and out of sight. Once Nabiki and Akane rounded the corner seconds later, they were shocked to see no sign of their older sister.
"Where'd she go?" wondered Akane.
"She vanished…" said Nabiki. She had a good idea how.
Somewhere down the street, a green orb of electricity materialized. It dissipated, revealing Tecna and Kasumi.
"Good thing I stuck around." Said Tecna.
"Thanks for your help, Tecna." Said Kasumi.
"It was nothing." Said Tecna. "Sure you want to leave it like this?"
"I am. Until they learn to grow up and look after themselves, I won't be going back. I'm not going to keep cleaning up after them."
"Good to know you're out spreading your wings. Now, shall we get going?"
Kasumi and Tecna started to head for the Saotome home.
End flashback…
The elder Tendo sister sighed as she recalled the memory. She continued working on the salad.
"Something wrong, Kasumi?" asked Nodoka as she was preparing the wok.
"Oh! It's nothing, Auntie." Said Kasumi. "Just recalling what had happened, is all."
"Kasumi, no matter what happens, I'll always support you." Said Nodoka.
Kasumi allowed a smile to form on her face. "Thank you…"
Some days later…
Ranma walked though the park with Bloom, Stella, and Flora. Tecna was working on a school project, while Musa and Layla were trying to come up with another song for their group.
"By the way, Stella, I've been wondering something." Said Ranma.
"Oh? What's that?" asked Stella.
"What was it that you did to Mikado that day?"
"Oh, that? Just a little curse, is all."
"What kind?"
"Well…" Stella's grin became wide.
Somewhere else earlier…
"Why hello there, my dear." Said Mikado as he went and scooped a girl right in front of her boyfriend, pissing him off. "You look very lovely. How about I give you my special greeting?"
Just as he was about to kiss her, his lips were suddenly shriveled and sucked in, forcing his mouth shut. He resembled a senior citizen who lost his dentures.
"MMppph! MMMPHH!!!"
"Get off of her!" shouted the boyfriend as he angrily punched Mikado away. "Come on, let's get out of here."
"Thanks for getting that creep off of me, darling." Said the girlfriend. "Should've known better than to try that right in front of you."
As the couple walked off, Mikado lied in a daze in the dirt, wondering what had happened.
The present…
"Oh wow, involuntary lip sealing?" asked Bloom.
"Man, that's funny!" said Ranma.
"And if he keeps it up, his mouth will get so wrinkled from the stretching that he'll look like an old geezer!" said Stella.
"That ought to teach him to try and force kisses on girls." Said Flora.
They all shared a laugh at the curse Stella inflicted on the player. As they wandered through the park, they heard a woman's scream followed by a baby's wail and a familiar yet annoying one.
"WAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
"What are you doing!?"
"SO CUUUUTE! YOU'RE COMING HOME WITH AZUSA, MARGARET!"
Ranma and the three girls saw Azusa as she swiped an animal-printed milk bottle right from a baby in its stroller.
"What are you doing with my baby's milk bottle!?" demanded the mother as she grabbed the milk bottle from Azusa.
"What are you doing with Azusa's little Margaret!? Let go of her!" shouted Azusa as she pulled back on the milk bottle.
"That belongs to my baby!"
"Margaret belongs to Azusa!"
"What's this Margaret nonsense! Give it back!"
Ranma and the three Winx girls were disgusted at what they were seeing and decided to intervene. What they saw next shocked them.
Azusa fell on her butt as the mother yanked the milk bottle away from her. "Young lady, you have problems!" She turned her attention to her baby and gave the bottle back to it. "It's okay, sweetie. I've got it back for you."
Slowly, Azusa got up, crying a bit, then screamed out, "GIVE AZUSA BACK HER MARGARET!!!"
The mother turned to see Azusa whip out a huge mallet and held it above her head, ready to pound her and her baby stroller. She screamed as the mallet came down…
… only to be stopped in mid-swing, courtesy of some vines behind Azusa, holding the mallet back.
"BURNING BALL!"
Azusa's mallet was once again reduced to ashes in an instant, the remains pouring over her head. She was then knocked down by a beam of light.
The mother looked confused as to what happened, but took the opportunity to run.
"YOU'RE A MONSTER!!!" the mother cried out at the downed Azusa before retreating with her baby.
Azusa gets up to give chase. "COME BACK WITH AZ-" She never finished that sentence when she was knocked down once more by a beam of light. Slowly getting up and turning around, she glared at the offending party. "YOU!"
"Azusa, you've gone too far this time!" said Ranma.
"First you steal Azusa's Taffy, and now you're keeping her from her Margaret! You big meanies!" shouted Azusa.
Bloom was getting annoyed. "I already told you, Kiko was never yours to begin with!"
"It's bad enough you tried to steal, but you actually tried to attack a mother and her child! Have you lost your mind!?" demanded Stella.
"AZUSA'S NO THIEF! She's only getting back what belongs to her!" shouted Azusa in her own twisted logic. "Those people are all meanies for keeping Azusa's stuff away from her and deserve such treatment!"
Ranma, Bloom, Stella, and Flora were livid. This girl doesn't seem to care if she accidentally kills someone, as long as she gets her current cute thing of the day. They just couldn't believe how callous she was being. The red-haired faerie trembled with rage, which Azusa completely missed.
"I just can't believe you…" Bloom started in a low tone. "You tried to attack two civilians, one was a baby, even! You could've seriously hurt them, or worse, KILLED THEM! And for what!? Because you wanted that baby's bottle since it looked cute!?"
"So what? Would teach them to get in the way! Not Azusa's fault they refuse to give her property back to her. At least then Azusa would've been reunited with her Margaret, but you stopped her! She's gone and it's all your fault!"
Bloom has had it. Azusa was completely ignorant of the amount of anger Bloom was seething at her. If she had known, she would've ran from the sight. Of course, the klepto was just too stupid and wrapped up in her own world to take heed of the warnings.
"PYRO SHOT!"
"AAAAAUUUUGH!!!"
Azusa was knocked on her butt after getting shot by a fireball, courtesy of an angry Bloom.
"Bloom?" said Flora in a shaky tone. She was hoping her friend wouldn't take things too far, though Azusa had it coming.
"You would place such trivial things over a person's life…" said Bloom in a dangerous tone. "How could you be so narrow-minded!?"
"Ow! That hurt, you meanie!" whined Azusa. "You can't stop Azusa from getting what she wants, because she always does!"
"I beg to differ…" said Bloom as she walked up to her.
She gestures to Flora. Understanding, she calls upon some vines which grew from beneath Azusa and held her tight around her wrists and ankles.
"What the!?"
"What're you going to do, Bloom?" asked Ranma.
"A public service." Replied Bloom. She then addresses the vine-bound Azusa. "You've been taking things that don't belong to you for too long. You don't care who you hurt, as long as you get it, because they look 'cute'. You don't even consider the feelings of those you hurt in your obsessions. It's a wonder you haven't even been arrested for your crimes. You're clearly a danger to everyone around you if you keep this up."
"What are you talking about!? Azusa has done nothing wrong! It's those people who try to keep Azusa's pets from her!" said Azusa.
"Even now, you show no remorse, thinking you're always in the right when you're clearly not. You think you can just take whatever you want without consequences, well not anymore!" Bloom the gestures to Stella. The blonde walks up, they both reached out with a hand towards Azusa's face. Each formed an orb of their respective elements.
"What are you doing!?" demanded Azusa.
"Ensuring that you never steal anything ever again!"
The two orbs flashed in Azusa's face, causing her to scream.
A few days later…
Bloom was sitting on the back porch with her sketchpad. Kiko was nearby playing with Lockette.
Ranma walks up and sits by her.
"Hey there." Greeted Ranma.
"Hello, Ranma." Said Bloom.
"How are you feeling?"
"I feel a lot better now that Stella and I placed that curse on that crazed klepto."
"I have to admit, I never thought you the type to do something like that."
"Well, that girl angered me. She tried to steal from a baby and could've killed it. I could never forgive a person like that."
"Well, can't say she didn't deserve it."
"She deserved a lot more!"
"True, but she's suffering right now, I'm sure."
"If she doesn't learn from this, then there really is no hope for her."
As for Azusa…
"OOOOHHH! HOW CUTE!!" Azusa had spotted a little girl wearing a rabbit backpack and was immediately running towards her. "HERE PETER! COME HOME WITH AZUSA!"
Just as she made a grab for the rabbit backpack, she was suddenly subjected to about 10,000 volts.
"AAAAAAUUUGH!!!"
People watched in fascination as the girl lit up like a Christmas tree and collapsed, smoking a bit.
Another time, Azusa tried to pull a stop sign from the street, calling it Rouge, then she was suddenly lit on fire. She had to stop, drop, and roll several times to put herself out.
After that, she tried to take someone's riceball in the park (calling it Sierra), but was suddenly encased in ice. The people took no notice of it as they just took it as the per usual at Nerima. It took 12 hours for the ice to thaw.
Normally, this would be enough to convince a person to change, Unfortunately for Azusa, she was more stubborn than a mule. Each and every time Azusa tried to take something that didn't belong to her (and giving stupid pet names), she would be subjected to some harsh magic-induced punishment. This included electric shocks, temporary blindness, paralysis (which she would get doodled on by surrounding children), poison ivy rash, a telekinetic slam to the pavement, ghostly choking, smashed in the head by ghostly mallets, getting thrown in garbage, temporary disfigurement, and other unpleasant surprises. The surrounding witnesses paid her no mind, seeing as they recognize her as the crazed klepto brat who just took things. Being a known thieving annoyance tends to not being popular with the masses.
Her home was no better as she was subjected to these magical tortures repeatedly as her room was chok-full of stolen items she deemed as cute enough to be taken by her. Her butler was forced to give away the items to the lost and found, in concern of his mistress's health. She didn't want him to get rid of her collection, but was held in check by the curse. So far, she spends most of her time whining about having to start her collection all over again. Unfortunately for her, she'll never get started on a new one, thanks to Bloom and Stella's curse. She can never take things when she feels like it or hurt innocent bystanders ever again. Despite this, Azusa kept trying to collect and name anything cute, and suffered major repercussions as a result. If she kept this up, she'll fry whatever's left of her brain, not that there's much to damage.
Back at the Saotome home, Bloom and Stella smirked. They could sense what their curse was doing to the little brat. They never thought they'd wind up using something they learned at Cloud Tower during that time they and their friends were acting as extra security to protect that school's Codex. Funny how fate works…
To be continued…
Ending (Ranma ½ style, 'Niji to Taiyou no Oka'')
Music starts as headshots of Ranma and Ranma-chan fizzle in.
Mitsumeau hodo soba ni ite (The more we stay close and stare at each other)
Yasashisa mo egao mo surechigai (There'll be kindness and smiles in passing)
Anata kizukanu furi shite (You pretend not to notice)
Itazura ni isogiashi (And teasingly walk away just a little faster)
Both Ranmas look towards the screen, then start to walk off away from each other. As the space between them increased, the Specialists appear between them.
Sore demo kagayaku Ano oka no ue de (Even so, it shines atop that hill)
Togiretogire no monogatari wo Tada enjiru dake de (Only play acting out little bits and pieces of the story)
Futari tsutsumu niji wa Hitotsu no negai wo kanaeru (The rainbow which enfolds the two of us will grant one wish)
Shots of Ranma and Ranma-chan in different poses appear: Ranma leaning back with Ranma-chan reclining, Ranma holding Sky's sword and Faerie-Ranma forming a fireball, and both forms leaning back to back while looking up.
Checkered shots appear of Ranma's two forms alternating, then finally showing them face to face with each other before turning towards the screen.
Taiyou ni nioi da ne (They hold the fragrance of the sun)
Anata no yume mo shatsu mo (Your dreams and your shirts)
Screen pans down as it shows Ranma sitting with the Specialist weapons sitting around him. Goes down to a sitting Faerie-Ranma with elemental orbs of earth, fire, wind, water, thunder, light, darkness, and ice around her.
Kibou ni michita hitomi hi subete kagayaki ni kaeru (Your hope-filled eyes make everything sparkle)
Da kara taisetsu no yume wo Kesshite akiramenaide (That's why you mustn't give up your important dreams)
Oozora ni furimuku chikara to yuuki Mochitsuzukete (Hold on to your strength and your courage, fly into the blue skies)
Pans down to show Nerima and the day skyline, showing the back of Ranma's head as he looks up. He sees six shaded figures fly through the sky.
La lalala La la lalalalalala Lalalalalala
End ending
Preview…
Ranma: That's it for the Golden Pair! Hope I never have to deal with them again!
Bloom: You said it!
Stella: This is another local custom?
Musa: I can feel the music!
Flora: Looks like a festival!
Tecna: This could prove to be interesting. Maybe we should set up a stand?
Musa: I can do a concert, too!
Layla: Wanna stop in, Ranma?
Ranma: As long as there're no cursed items on display... next time, on Ranma Club, 'Look Up! Fun with Festivities!'
Stella: Ooooh! These 'yukatas' are so beautiful!
Bloom: Ranma? Your nose is bleeding...
Ranma: Errr....
Author's notes:
And now the ordeal with the Golden Pair is drawn to a close. Those two won't be forgetting the Winx's appearance anytime soon. Bwahahaha! Sorry, but I HATE Azusa with every fiber of my being. That stupid little brat had gotten away with her behavior for far too long. I'm just enacting some long overdue justice. All cute things and their owners can rest at ease.
I gave call names to the Specialist souls and they shall be referred to as such from now on:
Platinum Sky
Diamond Brandon
Gold Helia
Onyx Riven
Silver Timmy
Amethyst Nabu
Got the idea from the Stand names of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure (Jotaro's Star Platinum, Josuke's Crazy Diamond, Giorno's Gold Experience, etc.). Like the Stands, the souls can't be seen by non-magical beings, just like the Pixies.
Kamen Rider Chrome: Good you know Azusa's a little bratty freak. The spirit of Mrs. Tendo might be played out, if it fits.
AndrewK9000: Those skating freaks never learn, but they'll be learning the hard way, ne?
Ryan L. Spradling: I was referring to someone else, actually. I actually tried to reinterpret the 2nd Ranma movie using his fic. Maybe I ought to continue that one…
7 Winds: That a severe enough lesson? ^_^
Jimbobob5536: Thanks. Annoying doesn't being to describe Azusa.
Jerry Unipeg: Never bother a girl who isn't interested in you, especially when she's got pyrokinetic abilities. Ouch!
Dumbledork: Ranma would take any challenge to prove he can overcome any disadvantageous situation, as shown here.
God of all: As soon as I can.
OBSERVER01: This is good enough, right?
Firelordeg: As soon as life allows, man. As soon as life allows.
PEJP Bengtzone: You forgot to mention Azusa, but you nailed people worse than the tomboy bitch already. Oh, there will be a confrontation later…
Lao: I WILL keep going as long as there's life in me. I'm starting to think this might go beyond 90 chapters since I just thought of new possibilities!
9tail-Naruto: Wow… subliminal message much? Thing is, it's true! 4Kids is the Devil! I'm just hoping I'm convincing people how stupid dubs are compared to the unbutchered originals.
Sonic 1: Chapter 40 would be too soon. Sometime above 40, maybe 50.
TheLordOfPages1692: Thanks! I thought Mousse needed some page-time. I hope this year is free of tomboy psychopaths as well.
Celestial Indigo: Yeah. I kinda was on hiatus, wasn't I?
Tri-Emperor of The Twilight: Unfortunately, I never watched the whole thing.
Sagitarius: Someone else told me the exact same thing. Goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover. Honestly, I myself didn't think it would be this popular. Pantyhose Tarou? Hmmm…
Angel Cullen Mew Chimera: Heh, stick to just one now, all right?
Saotome-san: Oh, I've got something else in mind for Kasumi…
Hiryo: I'll bet you loved this even more.
It's time for another…
RAI vs. 4Kids Rant!
Today's butchered episode is from season 1, 'The Betrayal of Riven' (US: 'Spelled')
A horrible butchering in the beginning of the episode, no less.
Scene: Stella and Flora check on a sleeping Bloom.
4Kids:
(Unsurprisingly, the 4Kids version skipped an entire segment…)
Flora: "It's so weird. It's like her Winx is activating." (it's MAGIC!!!)
Stella: "Activating in her sleep!?" (and for some reason, Bloom is on TOP of her bed sheets…)
Flora: "Mmm-hmm."
Stella: "How is that even possible?" (and how is it even possible that this crappy version was made!?)
Flora: "Check it out!"
Stella: "Whoa! Look at that!"
Bloom: (in her sleep) "Don't go! I'm ready! Wait!"
Stella: "Did you see her outfit change? I wish I could do that in my sleep!" (4Kids taking every opportunity to make Stella overly materialistic…)
Flora: "More than clothes are changing here. When this happens to magical beings, it means her powers are evolving!" (so why the hell did Bloom fail her physical test a couple episodes later? Stupid continuity error and dub-induced plothole…)
Stella: "Oh…"
The cut out sections before AND after this scene… and once again, they're getting to the point way too early. It also made a continuity error here. If Bloom's powers were REALLY evolving, as Flora said, then she wouldn't have flunked her physical test some episodes later. Morons…
Here's what REALLY happened.
RAI:
(segment cut from 4Idiots.)
(Flora knocks on Stella's door. A groggy Stella answers)
Stella: "Mmmm… no wait, don't tell me… (she sniffs the air) oh, it's you, Flora. I'd recognize that perfume anywhere."
Flora: "Stop joking, Stella! I'm here about Bloom."
Stella: (plops face-down on her bed) "Wrong room. She sleeps in yours, remember?"
Flora: "No listen, she's doing it again, Stella! You undersdtand?"
Stella: "Yawn… understand what?"
(now to the part 4Idiots cut to. Notice Bloom's UNDER her bed sheets)
Flora: "See? She's talking to someone in her sleep."
Stella: "That's not so unusual. She's probably having a nightmare or something."
Flora: "But that's not just a nightmare. Look at her!"
Bloom: (in her sleep) "Don't go! I'm coming! Wait!"
Stella: "That's amazing! Looks like she's transforming in her sleep!"
Flora: "Maybe we ought to do something. Let's get the others. Maybe Tecna can do something to help her. Or Musa, or-"
Stella: "Flora…"
(Next segment cut off but 4Idiots)
Flora: "Or maybe we should tell Ms. Griselda, no, maybe not, let's go see Faragonda!"
Stella: "Flora…"
Flora: "Or maybe we shouldn't do anything at all, you know?"
Stella: (clearly pissed off) "Flora, listen!"
Flora: "For a sleepwalker…"
Stella: "FLORA!!!"
Flora: "What?"
Stella: "CALM DOWN!!! (grabs Flora by the front of her nightgown and yells in her face) Or else you'll upset me, too, and then I'll raise MY voice AND THEN I-!"
Bloom: (now awake) "Stella? Flora? (Stella and Flora's attention goes to Bloom) For crying out loud, what are you doing!?"
The hell did 4Idiots take those out for? They were funny!
Well, see you next chapter!