Dancing in the Dark
Shadow Knight
Chapter 11: Boogie Woogie
Disclaimer: No.
Okay, I know I haven't updated in forever but I've seriously been busy this time. Between work, school, and writer's block. It hasn't been easy. But thanx for all the encouragement!. . . . and threats :)
P.S. I made some typos, I'm sorry, but I'm really too tired to check it right now. Plus, I just want to post this.
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"Thank you for coming here today, Tendo-san."
The neatly painted lips were drawn tightly together. In one smooth motion, the silk laden body slipped into an intricately carved chair. The Chinese embroidery crinkled as a set of pale hands folded above the table.
"No problem Cologne-san. . . that is, as long as your willing to pay for my little visit," the thin eyebrows rose in question.
Cologne's smile thinned considerably at the comment. "Of course, of course," she waved the thought away as if it was nothing, but she thought to herself how this Nabiki girl was like a snake.
"Well, let's get down to business shall we? What did you want me to come down here for today?"
"I need you to help me with some problems that have been occurring lately," her eyes were steady, watching for any breaks in the cool mask.
Nabiki didn't flinch. "Go on. . ."
"To put it simply, I have noticed some changes in Shampoo's attitude. For one, she has been hanging out with Ranma-"
"Isn't that what you want?"
Cologne's eyes flicked toward the Tendo girl with disdain. How dare she treat a high elder such as herself in such an insolent way! The youth these days. . . . no respect what so ever. "I did not say that this was necessarily a problem, but rather odd. The real problem is rooted with your younger sister."
Again, those smooth eyebrows rose, the eyes flickering with a dangerous warning. "Oh is she?"
Matching the glare, Cologne stared back. "Yes, she is. . . along with the worthless Amazon, Mousse. I know that they've been planning something. . . I can sense it."
Nabiki's smile widened. "Oh really? How do you explain this? Besides maybe, Ranma is voluntarily sticking around with your great granddaughter. . ."
Cologne bit her tongue, forcing herself from lashing out at the girl. "There are definite signs. For one, your sister and Mousse have supposedly been 'dating.' At first I would have no problem with this, but the fact that Shampoo is now being distracted from her efforts to catc-. . . I mean please her future husband. . . . well. . . this is a problem for her as an Amazon and for the Amazon tribe in whole."
"So what do you propose to do about it?" Nabiki's eyes scanned the walls as if searching for some form of entertainment.
I swear, I'm going to kill her, Cologne thought bitterly in her mind. Outwardly she spoke further, "I was hoping you could begin to keep track of the two trouble-maker's activities. . . their conversations even. I want to know their plans and I want it to be stopped."
"Anything else?"
Cologne appeared as if she were about to say something, but paused and shook her head. The hesitant reply was not unnoticed. Sliding out of her chair, Nabiki stood and smoothed out her dress. "Well, I'll keep you informed then. If this is all, then I must start immediately with bugging their separate rooms and possibly putting a tap on the phone. If you want to make any personal phone calls, make sure you use a separate phone."
Nodding, Cologne hopped onto her staff and began to guide the Tendo girl about the house, showing her the duck-boy's room along with the phones in the house. Nabiki analyzed and pulled apart each phone, quietly mumbling to herself in incoherent whispers. The older Amazon thought it odd at first but began to ignore it, dismissing it as simple notes.
After analyzing the last site, Nabiki turned to the older woman. "Well, I must be going. If I'm going to get all of this bugged by today, I'm going to need to get out now and pick up the supplies."
"Don't you need to call first?"
Nabiki grinned and whipped out a small, sleek cell phone. "That's the difference between you and me: I'm quite accustomed to the technology of the present. Now, if you would be so kind as to pay me 300,000 yen, I'll be on my way now."
Cologne stared at the girl as if she had grown a second head. "300,000? A bit too much, don't you think?"
The painted lips suddenly stopped stretching across Nabiki's face. They began to dip into a frown. "Nothing is too much for my services. If you want my help, you'll pay my fines."
Half shocked at the cold voice, Cologne numbly reached into her purse and pulled the bills out. There was something cold and calculating about this girl and made Cologne weary. Somehow she felt that if this girl wanted her gone, she could do it quite easily.
"Thank you, Cologne-san. I shall be seeing you soon."
The bell above the door rattled and she was gone.
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Slipping her small phone from her pocket, she took one glance back at the restaurant, just in case. . .
". . . . .Hey Hiroshi, this is Nabiki. . . . DON'T YOU DARE HANG UP ON ME. I'LL DOUBLE YOUR FEES IF YOU DO! . . . Now that's better. . . . Yes, I'll ignore your fees if you do a little favor for me. Mm-hmm. Yea, just call over to the Neko Haten for a moment. I'll call you back after you do. No, don't just say a prank and hang up. . . . I don't know what you should say, just order something. Right. I'll call you back in a little bit."
Inserting a small earpiece into her ear, Nabiki quickly pressed 1 on her phone and paused in her stride.
"This is the Neko Haten, how may I help you?"
A grin stretched across her face. Little did the Amazon monarch know that Nabiki had already installed the listening devices into the phones at the restaurant. Even the personal one. . . . Nabiki smiled as she pulled some strands behind her ear. It would be good to have some edge over the old woman. After all, she was no common money maker. . . she was Nabiki Tendo.
Hearing the phone call come to an abrupt end, she quickly hit the 4 button on her phone. "Yes, hello Hiroshi. Thank you for that. I hope you enjoy your orders of ramen. . . . What? Why would I pay for your meal? Honestly, Hiroshi, who do you think I am? A philanthropist? . . . . . Besides, you still owe me money anyways. . . . . Ignore your fees? Did I say that? You must have had me mistaken. You know how troublesome cell phone signals can be these days. . . . Yes, well, since your having some trouble talking, I'll just let you go. Buh-bye, Hiroshi-kun."
Snapping her phone shut against the strangled voice, she slipped it inside her suit and smiled. "Well, well Akane. . we shall see what you and your little friend are up to soon. . ."
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A-CHOO!
"Bless you, Akane."
"Thanks Mousse. . . but I think someone must be talking about me."
"Come on you two, this is the last dance practice. The last dance I will teach you is can be very romantic and isn't very complex. It is called the Bolero."
Both turned to Kasumi as she stepped into the dojo. Their expressions grew pale as they saw what she had in her hands. Pointing to the. . . "things," Mousse asked, "Kasumi-san. . . what are those?"
With a small, impish smile, Kasumi turned her face to the gawking boy. "Why, Mousse, in order to truly understand the Bolero, you must. . . get into character. That includes wearing the traditional costumes. . ."
"Akane, here's your dress and shoes. Mousse, here is yours," Kasumi spoke, a crooked smile on her face as she handed the costumes to their respective owners.
Akane took hers and looked at Mousse, his hands limp around the white top and black pants. Glancing at his costumer Akane's mouth grew crooked as she tried hard not to laugh. Mousse heard a slight sniffle and gave Akane an evil glare.
That was the last straw.
Akane hit the floor laughing, tears piercing her eyes as she grabbed her belly. Mousse's face flushed in anger and embarrassment. With a fistful of the shirt, he shook his hand at her laughing form yelling, "You wouldn't be laughing if YOU had to wearing this costume! STOP LAUGHING!"
"B. . .Bu. . .But. . .IT HAS RUFFLES! HAHAHAHAHA!"
Suddenly Akane paused as she heard a different noise besides her laughing. It was a slight giggling filling the gaps of the background. Both teens turned and found Kasumi giggling. See that they both noticed her she quickly closed her mouth and forced on a strict composure. Frowning, she turned to Akane. "You shouldn't make fun of Mousse's costume, Akane. It is very respectable and cost me quite a bit of money to rent these from the dance shop downtown."
Akane's mouth fell open. "B. . But you were-!"
"Tut-tut, Akane. We need to get started. No more silly comments. Both of you go into the house quickly and get changed."
Kasumi watched them leave and heard a laugh burst from Mousse. Just as quickly, she heard the laugh break down to a gasping cough as Akane got her revenge.
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"No Kuno, I do NOT have any new pictures of Akane. . . . . or your 'pig-tailed goddess.' . . . And no, you wont get any new pictures if you keep bugging me. If you just pa-. . . Never mind, talk to you later. Bye, Kuno-baby."
Walking toward the house, her eyes watched two forms sneak around the dojo. With a grin, she tapped the small phone against her lips. "This should prove interesting. . ."
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"Come Ranma, we must hide before Mousse and Akane see us." Ranma ignored the annoying tug at his braid and stood firm.
"No Shampoo, I'm sick of all this hiding. I'm gonna find out what's goin' on if it's the last thing I do." Grabbing Shampoo's hand Ranma quickly dragged Shampoo into the dojo behind Akane and Mousse.
Ranma's eyes were swinging about the dojo nonchalantly as he stepped in. "Oh, Akane, Mousse, fancy meeting you her-," Ranma's eyes suddenly focused on the two brightly colored figures standing before him. As his eyes took in the male Amazon's clothing, a crooked grin broke on his face.
"Heh. . . . . heh heh. . . . . . BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Ranma's mouth stretched wide as he began crying from the pain in his belly.
Hearing Mousse's name was like setting a bomb off in Shampoo's stomach. Her only concern at the moment was to make sure she wasn't seen holding Ranma's hand. Why was it suddenly so important to her that she not be seen as caring for Ranma. She felt like an idiot. Where was the fearless Amazon warrior that used to exist in her? She had gone soft. . . but. . . .she closed her eyes as she remembered the soft, quick lips on hers. . . .it was definitely worth it.
Hearing Ranma's sudden outburst of laughter jolted her back to reality. She quickly raised her eyes to the group. Her eyes rested on Mousse. A giggle even escaped her mouth. What was that?
"Ranma, if you've got something to do in here, would you please go about your business and leave? Me and Mousse are busy."
His laughter abating, Ranma turned smartly to Akane, "Oh we will as soon as we. . . soon as we. . . eh. . ."
Akane's eyebrow rose at his transfixed expression. Thank goodness she wasn't betraying her inner flurry of emotions. If only he knew how much he affected her. Her belly felt sick with the happiness so much so that she felt she were about to throw up. This rush was going to throw her careful act off if she wasn't careful.
On the other end of the emotional storm, Ranma couldn't take his eyes off Akane. He'd seen some of her dresses before but. . . but this was almost exotic. It was as if she were another person. The black slimming dress grasped at her upper frame and split in the back with a sweeping, graceful curve. As she turned to him more fully, he noticed how the rippling of her white shirt reflected nicely with her hair. Her white fan was limp in her hands as he his tongue was at talking back.
Shampoo snorted at the crossing of affection. Some silly dress wasn't going to make the kitchen-des-Akane look any better. She suddenly felt herself being watched. Looking up she saw Mousse stare at her. Even though the ruffled shirt and high waist pants made her giggle, she couldn't ignore the look he gave her. He had taken his glasses off to clean them as he stared at her. His face was pale and flushed, emotions bouncing back and forth between them. A small smile came into his eyes as he stared at her blurred frame. She loved how the corners of his eyes crinkled in a soft smile.
"Um. . . . Akane? . . . Mousse? Would you like to do this later or now?"
All four teenagers were stirred from their small dreams with the inquiring voice. Turning away from Ranma's flushed face, Akane hid her own blush. "I'm sorry, Kasumi. No, we'll do it now if you still want to Mousse. . . .eh. . . . dear."
Mousse took a moment to pull his stare away from Shampoo. Taking one glance at the struggling Akane, he grinned and instantly slipped into his role. "Why yes, Akane-chan. I wouldn't want to do anything else. Shall we?"
He stretched out a hand to grasp hers. Akane smiled and lightly rested her hand in his. "Yes. Kasumi, if you would please. . ."
Kasumi watched the whole thing with a small, knowing smile. There was no doubt that Akane and Mousse were setting up something big. Something involving dancing and taunting Ranma and Shampoo nonetheless. Suddenly a flash went off behind the young teens, distracting Kasumi's eyes for a moment. A head popped out from behind the wall for a moment and Kasumi's smile deepened. Nabiki's going to love getting her hands in this one, she thought.
Turning back to Akane and Mousse she made a wide gesture with her hand. "You know most of the moves already from the basics, but there are a few things you should know about the Bolero-"
"What's a Bolero?"
Kasumi shook a thin finger in the direction of the voice, "Tut-tut Ranma, you can ask later. If you two want to find out now you can sit on the floor near the wall and watch. Akane and Mousse shall show you shortly."
Both Shampoo and Ranma glanced at each other "Show us?" they mouthed to each other.
"-as I said before, it is a romant-ROMANTIC dance," Kasumi started speaking louder at the indignant snorts and dark mutterings coming from the two near the wall, "The idea of the Bolero is like a story. Akane, you represent the grace and balance of being a woman and also play the temptress."
Shampoo's eyes became thin slits at the last comment. That girl was going to die.
"Mousse, you shall represent the speed and power of a man, your feet doing most of the footwork. Your torso mustn't move as much though. Remember, feet equal speed, the torso the power. Yet, despite this power, you are allured by the movements and grace of the tempting dancer. Do you both understand the storyline? Very good."
Ranma's eyes fell into the same pattern as Shampoo's as he watched the two clad dancers follow of Kasumi's movements. Both simmered in a stew of hate. Neither one noticed the anger of the other though. So when both spoke, they surprised themselves.
"I'm going to kill him/her," Their voices seethed in respectively in unison.
"Shhh. Both of you need to be quiet while I put on some music."
Both crossed their arms like children denied a wanted sweet and stewed even deeper in despise for their hated target.
". . . 5 . . .6 . . . 7. . .8. . ."
Akane's eyes flew open at the sound of Kasumi's voice, the notes from the small stereo already filing her being. Such quick music, she though aimlessly, I hope I can keep up with it. She gathered the edge of her skirt up in one hand along with the fan and twisted her wrist in a circular motion, smooth and elegant. A quick stamp to the floor invigorated her actions as she began to move faster.
Hearing his sharp cue, Mousse also opened his eyes and watched Akane's frame swing about gracefully like a ballet dancer. Recalling Kasumi's steps, his feet began following a slightly complex footwork, gaining speed and distance as he came closer to the fluttering Akane.
A grin spread out across Akane's face. This was actually pretty fun. Arching lightly back to the floor, she flicked up her wrist and beckoned Mousse forward with a waving motion of her fan. Mousse's apparent hesitation in steps suddenly became faster as he swept towards her. Akane made a sharp spin, causing her skirts to flow out about her knees. Yet, before she could "run" Mousse lightly grabbed her waist and Akane span back, her shoes clicking sharply against the floorboards.
One hand holding her wrist and the other her waist, Mousse made the step as if he were trying to get closer. Yet, with every step he took, Akane's foot slid back in sync, mimicking a rocking motion.
The music began to pick up beat again and the rocking grew fast and they slipped out of it. Akane made a fall backwards and Mousse caught her movement and swung her body upwards in a sweeping arc. Now their faces were almost touching, eyes gazing into eyes. The rocking motion began again but this time with a variation: their legs crossed and scissored, their bodies swaying closer together.
Suddenly the music's beat reached a peak and both knew that their fun was about to jump off the scale with this last part. Akane swung out from his arms and twirled away, spinning quickly and causing her skirts to splay outward about her. Mousse's quick, powerful jabs at the floor brought him close to her as he slipped behind her in one smooth motion and drew her forward, both arms around her waist as she slipped hers around his neck and proceeded to lay her cheek against his. Another quick sweep and then the music grew still, both frozen in something akin to a lover's embrace.
"THAT'S IT!"
Shampoo shot up from her seat beside Ranma and stalked forward toward the two "embracing lovers." Reaching angrily for Akane's arm she meant to throw the witch off her. . . eh. . . Mousse! Yet, her arm grasped nothing as Akane swiftly spun out of the embrace and stood next to Mousse.
"Is something wrong Shampoo?" Her eyes were gentle as she turned to the huffing Amazon girl, a laugh choked in her throat.
Shampoo's eyes narrowed as she heard Akane's soft voice. This girl was so irritating! First she stole Ranma's attention away from her and now Mousse's! This was the last straw! . . . Eh. . . not that she really cared about where the duck-boy's feelings lie. . . but she still had taken attention that was rightfully hers!
"Akane know perfectly well why Shampoo so mad!"
Akane put up a thoughtful look as she propped her finger against her chin. "Hmm. . . Nope. . . can't think of any. Can you love?"
Mousse relaxed his arm as Akane slipped hers around his right. "No, not really."
Shampoo in the mean time was steaming. "Akane is boy-stealer. You really getting on Shampoo's nerves too!"
"But Shampoo. . . I thought you didn't care if I was seeing Mousse?"
Her angry tirade was abruptly halted at that comment. On no, she thought, what am I doing? I'm making a fool of myself for the duck-boy. But. . . but. . . I don't want to just let him go. It feels like. . . I'm losing something special.
"Shampoo?"
Hearing the soft voice she looked up to see Mousse gazing in her eyes, his glasses off. As his face watched her imploringly, she felt the urge to run away. For she knew that if she succumbed to the battle waging inside her that she would cry soon, and that was something she could not do.
"As if anyone cares who you go out with, tomboy. I. . . don't."
Shampoo averted her eyes to Ranma, a thankful break from Mousse's eyes. Drawing her warrior frame about her she said in agreement, "Shampoo doesn't care if Mousse dates Akane either."
For a moment Shampoo thought she saw Mousse frown sadly at this comment but before she could take a second glance, she saw his face smiling. "Well, I'm glad that both of you are okay with our relationship."
"Yea. . . whatever," Ranma muttered darkly.
Akane turned to Kasumi, trying to avoid letting Ranma see her disappointment at his reaction. "Well, Kasumi, do you think we've got it?"
Kasumi didn't miss the disappointment in her younger sister's face. "Ah. . . I think you too did just fine. Though what you did was only a sample of the dance. I suggest you both try more variations later. Right now, I've got to go. . . eh. . . prepare lunch for Father and Mr. Saotome. I'll see you guys later."
With that she quickly sped out the dojo door. Making sure no one was looking, she hopped into a bush near the entrance.
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This was going as planned. . . right? Mousse wasn't sure as he had seen Shampoo instantly back up Ranma in his lack of care for their "relationship." He was beginning to become discouraged as she continued to grimace at them. He turned away and saw that Akane seemed to be feeling the same way he was.
He glanced once more at Shampoo and noticed a grin on her face as if she had won. So this was what it was about. She didn't want to be the first one to crack and let her true emotions out. . . well. . . that is if she really did care for him. Seeing Akane's frowning face, a firm determination set into Mousse. This was just like their fighting matches. He always losing to her and being denied the right to court Shampoo. Well, she wasn't going to win this time. If he wanted to prove himself to the tribe, to her. . . . heck, to himself, he wasn't going to give up.
Mousse was going to win this match.
"Well, Akane, I suppose we better start working on those moves for the Bolero." As he said this, Mousse snagged an arm around Akane's waist and drew her close to him. Akane looked at him, confused for a moment. He leaned down to her ear. "We can't lose."
Akane looked up in his eyes and saw his eyes and knew what he meant. "Of course, Mou-mou chan."
Spinning back in his open arms, she pressed her back against his chest. "I guess you both can stay if you like," Akane smiled as she glanced at Ranma and Shampoo, "We're just going to practice some more."
"And later go to the park." Mousse said as he wrapped his arms around Akane.
". . . . Fine! Go do your stupid dance and go to the stupid park. I don't care one bit!"
Ranma's face was red in anger as he stomped out. Shampoo on the other hand was just a tad bit sad. "No one ever take Shampoo to the park for fun. . .," she quietly mumbled to herself before she walked out after Ranma.
As soon as they were gone, Akane turned to Mousse with a sigh. "Thanks for saving me back there. I almost gave up on the whole plan."
"Don't worry about it Akane. We wont lose. They may be stubborn, but we'll push all the more. So. . . what do you want to do now?"
"I guess we can think of what kind of dances we'll perform at the contest. We've learned quite a few, but which ones should we actually do? I mean, we only get to do 3."
"Well, I definitely think we should do the Bolero. After all, did you see their faces when we did it? Spectacular!"
Continuing their discussion, they didn't notice the two sets of eyes watching them from the bushes.
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"You know, Kasumi, that was pretty slick of you. I've never seen you move that fast."
Hearing her younger sister praising her caused Kasumi to smile. "It was nothing. I might not be a martial artist, but I'm still quick on my feet. . . .So, what do you plan to do with all this information Nabiki?"
The infamous "Ice Queen" propped her chin against her palm. Her immaculate fingernails drummed lightly against her lips. "Well, I've already bugged Cologne's phone to make sure she doesn't interfere. So that's done. . . Akane and Mousse have everything on their end going just fine. . . Actually, maybe they don't."
Kasumi turned with a slight frown, "What do you mean? They've lured Shampoo and Ranma nicely. What's wrong?"
"That's just it: they've become too convincing. Both Ranma and Shampoo are starting to become seriously bugged by it. But not in the way that Akane and Mousse need them too. The two are becoming weary of them. I think they're actually starting to believe that they have no chance of getting back their respective partner. The two "love-birds" are beginning to seem an impenetrable couple."
Kasumi's eyes widened with understanding. "But what else can we do? If we let on even the slightest hint to Ranma and Shampoo, the other two will instantly be discovered. What else can we do?"
Both sat in deep thought. Suddenly a light bulb went off in Kasumi's head. Her excitement at the great idea made her shake and stutter, giggling at her mistakes as she tried to communicate with Nabiki. "Nabiki! I've g-a- got it!"
Seeing her sister's hands swinging about with wild energy Nabiki grinned. This was definitely a different side to Kasumi. "What is it Kasumi?"
"Well.. . .I-I just remembered! What. . . Oh my- um. . the dance-dance- dance contest!"
Nabiki enjoyed a good laugh every once in a while, but this was getting ridiculous. "Kasumi, spit it out!"
"The dance contest! WejustneedtoletShampooandRanmainonit!"
Grabbing her sister's shoulders, Nabiki glared at Kasumi. "Now Kasumi. . . say it a lit bit more slowly and with less energy."
Taking a deep breath Kasumi slowed down, "There's a dance contest that Akane and Mousse are participating in. I saw the flyer in Akane's room a little while ago and caught on to why they wanted me to teach them how to dance. It's coming up this Saturday. If we were to tell Ranma and Shampoo about it, they might feel more confident-
and compete in the contest as well," Nabiki finished for Kasumi. Beaming a rare smile to her sister, she said, "Kasumi, you're a genius! But I think we should maybe use something a little bit more discreet. We shouldn't just tell them. We've got to make them work. . . no PAY for it! That will give them some info on the two "love-doves" plans without giving away too much. Plus I'll get a little money on the side. . ."
"What was that Nabiki?"
Smiling, Nabiki turned to her sister. "Oh nothing. I'm just thinking of a way to convince Ranma and Shampoo to actually do the contest."
"Just tell them that one of the prizes is some cure for people with curses from Jusenkyo. Say it's some rare prize and they'll instantly go for it." Kasumi concluded matter-of-factly.
"That's perfect! But wait. . . how will they actually go for Akane and Mousse? I mean if they're only after the cure, that's all they'll be aimed for. We have to think of something else as well."
Nabiki quickly snapped her fingers as the thought came to her. "I've got it! We'll convince Shampoo that Mousse is being forced to marry Akane and to Ranma that Mousse is forcing Akane to marry him. . . . or something to that effect!"
Both girls giggled as they devised their plans.
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Ranma stormed into his room. He had lost Shampoo somewhere along the way. He was too angry to focus. What was up with Akane! One day she was being nice to him and making him feel as if he were on cloud nine. Then the next she was mocking him while she kissed that dumb duck.
Okay. . . maybe she didn't actually kiss him, but. . . STILL!. . . Oh forget, he thought to himself, it's not worth worrying over that stupid tomboy.
Falling down onto his futon, he jammed his eyes shut and tried his best not to think of the two . . . flirting. . . . dancing. . . . kissin- "AGGGGHHHHH!" Ranma jumped up from the futon, and began to bang his head against the wall near the door.
Suddenly, a pink color caught the corner of his eye. Turning away from the imprint on the poor wall, he reached for the pink paper near his door. As his eyes scanned it, he wondered out loud, "Where did this come from."
Abruptly, his muscles tensed as his eyes froze. His lips stuttered as his choked voice tried to make its way past his lips. "C-c-cures for Jusenkyo victims!"
His eyes caught the rest of the information and he froze again. "A dance contest? –Hey. . . wait a sec. . . is that why Akane and duck boy have been dancing so much? Huh, if they think they can defeat me in. . . in. . .a dance contest, they've got another thing coming. Eh? What's this? A partner. . . hmm. . . Ah! Shampoo can help me out. I just gotta tell her 'bout the cure and she'll definitely do it."
Ranma's fist clenched tightly around the pink flyer as he stared out of his window into the distance. "I will win this contest or my names isn't SAOTOME!"
Suddenly, there were rocks beneath his feet as he laughed in victory, waves crashing behind him. Wait a sec, he thought . . . waves. . . .OH CRAP! Suddenly he became much more feminine. Turning around, he saw his father giving him a thumbs up. "Make us proud," he had written on a board.
"So YOU were the one! I'm gonna kill you!" he screeched as he dove for his father's furry neck.
"WHAT! You accuse ME! Your beloved father!" His sign flipped around to yell at him in quick black strokes. He noticed that in his other paw there was the pail, drops of water dripping from the mouth. Noticing this, his signed flipped over once again. "Oh yea. . . . sorry 'bout that."
The sign was ignored as he was pummeled and kicked out the door. Ranma turned to the bathroom angrily muttering about stupid pandas and zoos. Laying the wet flyer on the counter to dry out, he turned on the hot water. His eyes suddenly caught another snippet of information on the flyer as he became taller and more masculine once again.
"Contest starts and ends on Saturday," he read out quietly, ". . . uh-oh. . that's not too good."
Who's gonna teach me that quickly, he wondered. His eyes suddenly brightened. Grabbing the flyer he raced downstairs. "Hey Kasumi. . . . !"
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"Your order will be right up, sir! Please be patient."
This was not Shampoo's day.
Today at the restaurant was especially busy today. The fact that she had been trying to avoid Mousse all day didn't help either. He never frowned at her though. Rather, he smiled at her. No matter how much she made it a statement that she didn't care to be near him, he never got upset. Nor did he try to vie for her attention as he usually did when she ignored him. This had been unsettling to her.
So much had changed about Mousse. She didn't want to admit it but. . . she definitely liked it. He was a much more admirable male now. He didn't strive after her the way he had constantly when she rejected him. No. . . he was. . . cool now. It caused her to blush a bit when she thought of him.
But no. . . . his change was not for her. It was for that stupid kitchen-destroyer, boy-thieving, Tendo. It made her angry, yet sad at the same time. It was like a flame inside of her constantly trying to thrive and burn, but every time it reached out, it was diminished, blown out by a mist of confusion and sadness.
Shampoo was not supposed to be confused about anything. Especially her feelings. She was an Amazon warrior! Yet. . . she was so lost now. She wished she could converse with her grandmother, but she knew she could not. The older woman would only discipline her and tell her to quit being a fool and marry Ranma.
"Shampoo!"
The rapt call made the young Amazon turn sharply. "Yes, great grandmother?"
"Go pick up after the customer who just left. I will serve the others right now."
Bowing her head, Shampoo quickly made her way through the maze of tables and began picking up the dishes left behind. As she did so, she noticed a pink paper lying beneath her tip. Clearing off the rest of the table to slipped the tip and the paper into her apron, her mind brimming with curiosity.
In the back, she set down the dishes cautiously near Mousse and took off around the corner. Unfolding the paper, she read the characters quickly. "A dance contest?"
A tremor suddenly shook her frame. "A CURE FOR MY CURSE!"
She quickly covered her mouth, praying that no one heard her outburst. Thankfully business went on as usual and she calmed her beating heart. "Ranma should be able to dance with me," she mumbled reading over the rules.
"But contest is on this Saturday. . . . how will Shampoo learn to dance all these dances in time?" Her mind mulled over the question. In the process, she realized that this must be what the kitchen-destroyer and Mousse must be doing. So they wanted the cure? Or was there something more? Her eyes scanned over the flyer again and she saw what made her left eye twitch.
"Romantic vacation for honeymooners. . . ."
Throwing down her dish towel, Shampoo struck a pose, hands on her hips. "There's no way I'm losing to that kitchen-destroyer! Her battle aura burned a bright red as she laughed at her coming victory.
BEEEEPPPP!
Shampoo suddenly was cut off from her laughing as she heard the loud beep. What was that? Suddenly loud yells and screams ushered from the front part of the restaurant. Looking up, Shampoo nearly cried when she saw the smoke detector above her beeping like mad. Her battle aura was quickly put out, but the smoke would last for quite a bit.
Coughing at the smoky haze, she fumbled forward, her eyes burning. Suddenly she was lifted off the ground by two strong arms and carried out to the noisy outside of the building. Rubbing at her eyes she tried to focus on the person carrying her. As two green eyes focused in on her, her heart stopped dead.
Oh crap.
"Are you okay Shampoo?"
A weak, strangled "yes," forced past her lips.
"That's a relief," Mousse let out a breath as he set her down. Shampoo eyed him. "What?" he mumbled.
He was blushing.
Shampoo was about to mention it when she heard a voice ring out from the restaurant.
"XIAN PU!"
If she shriveled to death now she would die happy. She quickly ducked behind Mousse, grabbing at the back of his robe to keep him steadily in front of her. If her great grandmother found her now, she would be dead. Maybe. . . just maybe if she were to blow off a little steam first. . . . preferably on Mousse. . . .
As Cologne exited from the restaurant, Shampoo clutched onto the back of Mousse's robes, pulling herself tightly behind him.
Even as Mousse suffered several injuries from Cologne's staff for not letting Shampoo out from behind him, Mousse couldn't stop blushing or smiling.
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Well, I hope you all enjoyed that chap. That took me FOREVER, but I did it somehow. Ah well. I don't feel like talking much right now so I'll make this as short as possible.
Questions?
Well, if you're wondering about the scene with Ranma and the rocks and waves, there's a classic scene in a lot of animes where a hero or person with some prevailing battle coming up boast about winning it while standing on rocks and with the waves crasing against them in the background. The person isn't ACTUALLY there, but it's kinda like the sweat drops commonly seen.
Alright, and I know that Shampoo's aura wouldn't probably burn and create smoke, but come on, with the Nerima world, anything is possible.
Also, with Akane and Mousse learning the Bolero. Okay, that was kind of quick and botched, but I had a hard time finding an ENGLISH website on information about the Bolero. They had to learn it quick and I made it quick.
Oh yea! And about Nabiki installing those bugs in the phone. . . . .well. . uh. . . let's just say she's very talented.
Okay, I think I'm done right now. :P If any of you have anymore questions, feel free to ask in a review. I will try my best to answer them. Thanx 4 reading.
Dan Scurnam : Sorry it took so long, but hey I did it. And a long chap too! Hope you enjoyed it.
dracolov: hahahahahaha! THANKS!; hey, was this long enough?
Ryoko Blue: I know. But they're SOOO stubborn! Don't worry, it'll come out soon enough!
Ryogas-Baby-Gurl: YUMMY! A COOKIE! . . . oh yea. . . THANKS 4 the review!
Sour Schuyler: Yea, I didn't know she could dance either. . . :P; Thanks 4 the reviews.
silliedreams: Yea, I've always liked them as friends. And about Broken. . . eh. . . well, I'm trying to update. I'm a bit stuck at the moment. :P
encara: Well, I hope this was saucy enough for ya.
cleo: Oh no. . . it's almost done.
Quiqqibub: That is a good idea. I'll see if I can fit it in. There's still like 3 I have to try and fit in. But I'll try.
EVERYONE ELSE: THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Ciao. :)