CHAPTER 60
-"RAN'S SECRET ADMIRER!"-
(PART II – You're my WHAT!)
RED CATS' SECRET BASE – GRENADEMAN'S WORKSHOP:
As Grenademan's working on the final touches of his Secret Weapon for Ranma, he's also writing more Love Poems for Ran. So far, he's inspired by the poems he's writing.
- (Okay folks, he's not REALLY writing based totally on his own inspiration. Some of his poems are, as he once said, improvised; in other words, taking someone else's poetry and modifying it a little.) -
As he's writing, Grenademan says with anticipation, "OH YEAH! This is another masterpiece I've done. Can't wait to send it to my Lovely Goddess - (Ran) -, I'm sure she'll love it like the rest I've sent her. And as for that pig-tailed FREAK Ranma, I'm sure that he's gonna love this little baby that I've made for him! HAHAHAHAHAHA! And once he's outta the way, we will be together forever!"
In that moment, Onekomaru, loyal retainer of the Cat Ghost King and aide to High Priest Erick Genryusai, enters his lab. "Yo, Grenademan!"
Interrupted, Grenademan vents his frustration on the cat-person-creature-thing. "Grr...what do you want ya walking hairball? Cant you see I'm busy here!
"The Cat Ghost King wishes to see you in his chamber."
Grenademan's like, "Now...? Ahhh… Tell him that I'll go later."
Onekomaru continues, "Lord Erick also wishes to see you, and he's waiting for YOU there, along with his hot babe Lady Delia."
Grenademan gasps "ACK!...E..Erick!"
Now if ERICK wants to see YOU, folks, you do NOT tell him you'll do it later. "The Cat Ghost King AND Erick wish to see you" is code for "Get off your fat metal ass and get down here right now or ELSE!"
With a nervous laugh, Grenademan changes his tune REAL quick. "Uhhh… heh, heh… Well, then, why didn't you say so! Let's go, we don't want to keep Erick and the Cat Ghost King waiting, do we?"
AT THE SHRINE OF THE CAT GHOST KING…
The Golden Statue of the Cat Ghost King, along with the rest of his followers, is there. Erick, his fiancée Delia, and Dr. Wily are waiting for him in the chamber. Grenademan enters and address them. "You...you called for me?"
Erick smiles. "That we did. So Grenademan, are you ready to carry out your plan to eliminate Ranma Saotome?"
"OH YEAH! I just need to put the final touches on it, and BOOM Ranma will go! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"
The Cat Statue hisses a warning. "You'd better not fail Grenade-jerk. Or else we'll use your parts as a toaster, do I make myself clear?"
Erick grins. "Well, His Majesty has spoken. Now it's MY turn. You best not blow it...you do NOT want to know what is your destiny is IF you fail, are we clear?"
Grenademan's shaking in fear. "Um...Yea...yeah I do. Don't worry, Erick my man, Grenademan will not fail! Laughing nervously, "Well gosh, look at the time, I'd better go if I want to put my plans into action! See you guys!"
And he leaves the place in a hurry.
When he's gone, the Cat Statue inquires of his right-hand man, "Do you think that robotic moron will succeed in his plan? Personally, I think he will fail"
Erick's response to that, "Well, we just have to have a little faith in him. He KNOWS what will happen to him if he doesn't win. So I say, let's wait."
Dr. Wily snorts, "Hmph. Whatever plans that bot has, I'll bet you that there's gonna be lots and lots of explosions."
Erick chuckles, "Well, it IS his hobby isn't it? To blow up things, after all, he is a War Machine, built and programmed to destroy, right Wily?"
TENDO RESIDENCE:
Ran, a girl who's got a secret admirer, is right now very nervous yet happy, to find out her mystery admirer. She's wondering who could he be? Was it someone she knew? Or perhaps some new student that she didn't know. She was determined to find out...
However...
Deep in her mind and heart, she has this crazy idea...
We see Ran outside the Dojo, in front of the pond, wondering if her admirer could be...
She whispers, "Could...could my secret admirer be...be..." The though causes her to blush. "Him?"
Who could Ran be thinking about...? She looks around and sees into the window of Ranma room, where he's reading a book...
Ran's blushing turns deeper. "Could Ranma be my secret admirer...can it be?" She shakes her head. "No no nooo...it can't be him...I mean...he's my best friend, nothing more. But still...I'd better be sure."
Later, she goes to Nabiki for advice...she finds her in the kitchen drinking a glass of milk. Nabiki sees her enter. "Hey Ran, come to get a drink or some food?"
Ran replies, "Um...not quite...Um Nabiki...can...can I ask you something. I need some help."
Nabiki blinks. "Help? With what?"
"Um...its like this..." So Ran told Nabiki about her secret admirer, and even showed her the letters she was getting. Nabiki looks at the letters and read them. In the end...
Nabiki grins knowingly. "So Ran, you got popular so soon, and now you have this secret admirer, way to go girl."
"Thanks...I think...but listen. About my secret admirer…" Ran blushes, then says, "I have this...crazy idea...um...who could it be..." Her cheeks turn a deeper shade of red. "Um...oh I don't know...but..." She whispers, Maybe...Ranma."
"Ranma?" Nabiki's not surprised; she's seen how Ran behaves around Ranma even when Akane's around. But it IS the first time Ran's said it out loud. She laughs softly, then seriously says, "I doubt it Ran. And I'll tell you why. First of all, Ranma is very loyal to Akane, so he would never do that to her or to you."
Ran starts to say, "I... " and then sadly whispers, "I knew that."
"And second...Ranma might be one of the strongest Martial Artists in the world, and a powerful fighter…" Then she chuckles, "…but he SUCKS at writing poetry, let alone reading it. I mean, he couldn't write poetry if William Shakespeare himself taught him."
Ran giggles, admitting, "Yeah, you're right."
"So, if I were you, I would find out who's sending those letters."
"I tried Nabiki, but it's not so easy. Could you..." Ran blushes again, twiddling her fingers. "….like help me a little...please?"
"You want me to help you? Well... I suppose I COULD…."
Just then Nabiki feels something in her hand – a thick roll of yen bills. She opens it up and thumbs the bills, counting them. In total: Ten thousand yen, double her usual fee. She then looks up at Ran and sees the hopeful look in her eyes. Hmm… this girl's serious. All right then. Aloud, she tells her,"Very well, I'll see what I can do."
Ran's grateful for this. "Oh thank you so much Nabiki."
RED CATS H.Q. - CAT GHOST KING'S SHRINE:
Another meeting was held for briefing of the mission. Everyone was there, even Bison and his crew. Erick then starts the meeting. "Gentlemen, I'm happy to report that things are going according to schedule. And, it's only a matter of time before we find the Phoenix Stone. Then...we WILL be the rulers of this world."
A lot of claps were heard, as everyone applauds the news.
"Purrrrrrrrrfect," the Cat Statue purrs. It was then, that he (as well as the rest of the RED CATS Army) noticed BB Hood. "Meow. Say... who's that blonde girl with the Red Riding Hood costume?"
M. Bison introduces her to the group. "This is Baby Bonnie Hood, A.K.A B.B. Hood. She's my new Enforcer, and Hitgirl, as well as my Bodyguard."
A round of laughter erupts from Wily's Bots and the RED CAT Soldiers. The idea of a little blonde girl as an assassin was hilarious.
Dr. Wily's laughing, "HAHAHAHAHA...THAT LITTLE GIRL, SHE'S YOUR ENFORCER? THAT'S SO FUNNY!"
Likewise, Bass laughs, "BWAHAHAHAHAHA, AND JUST HOW CAN SHE BE DEADLY! I MEAN...WHAT'S SHE GONNA DO? AWE HER ENEMIES WITH THAT CUTE FACE OF HERS?"
B.B. Hood's got an annoyed look on her face, ready to take out a gun from her basket and bust a cap or two into the scientist and the robot. But Erick beats her to the punch, warning with a slight chuckle, "Word of advice, Wily and Bass, as well as the rest of you all…?" He motions to all of the RED CAT GANG's soldiers and followers. "Never, EVER, judge things by their looks alone, or you'll suffer the consequences. BB Hood may look cute and fragile, but she is anything but. SHE is a deadly and skilled fighter and assassin, with extraordinary skills in weapons and tactics."
B.B. Hood happily accepts Erick's complement, all smiles now. "Thanks Erick."
A nervous Bubbleman raises his hand, asking the question, "Um...but how? She is just a human girl. Cute, but still a girl."
Erick smiles. "How about if she shows you her ability? Would that satisfy you all?"
The Cat Statue replies with approval, "Hmmmm! I think I would like to see that."
"In that case, B.B. Hood, would you like to demonstrate your skills for us?"
BB Hood happily nods, "Sure."
"Very well then. Slashman, Swordman, come forward now."
Slashman and Swordman step forward from the assembled crowd. Slashman asks Erick, "What? What is it?"
"Simple...I want you two to attack B. with all your might."
Now Swordman likes to think of himself as a noble gentleman-knight type kind of guy, behaving as such. Offended by Erick's command, he gasps, objecting, "WHAT! Attack a girl! Surely you can't be serious!"
- (Special Note: Swordman acts more like a Gentleman, and talks and act like a British.) -
Erick's tone is serious. "I mean it. If you don't, then she will attack you. So...assume your positions."
B.B. Hood stood before them, taking out two combat knives, and assumes a battle stance, like a Green Beret.
Slashman extends his metal claws, while Swordman has his Sword-Arm ready.
Erick acts as the referee. "Fighters Ready...Set...HASHIMEEEE!"
With an evil smirk Slashman says confidently, "Ha! This fight won't take long...GET READY TO LOSE THAT LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD!"
When close, he launches his Slash Claws, with the idea of striking her. But...inches away from her, she blocks them with one Knife, while she blocks Swordman's sword with the other one at the same time, gasping the two bots, and jumps and delivers a hard spinning kick, knocking them away.
Slashman rubs his iron chin, sore from that attack, He can't believe it. "What the hell just happened? That girl blocked both our attacks and nailed us! How!"
Swordman regards their opponent. "Methinks that the little girl is quite good at this."
"Bah. So she got lucky that time. This time, I'll cut down her dress, you watch me!"
And once again they resume their attacks. Slashman tries to claw at her, but she's too fast and block or dodges all his attacks. She had the reflexes of a cat, as well as the agility and response time. Sparks fly when she blocks all of Slashman and Swordman's attacks.
From ducking, crouching, jumping, B.B. Hood was doing well...
The audience was awe at her Skills in Combat, especially Dr. Wily. "I...I dont believe it. How can that girly be so...*gulp*...great? Slashman's supposed to be one of my greatest warriors. How!"
Gogandantess comments, "My oh my...such a wonderful warrior, for someone so young. Indeed, she has the fiery will of a mighty warrior, like me!"
The Cat Statue's impressed. "Myaaa... She is indeed quite the fighter."
Erick agrees with his boss' assessment. "I know. It is just as I've said to you all. DON'T underestimate her."
Back in the fight, Slashman's getting irritated. A human's giving him a hard time, and worse, a human GIRL. Mad, he's thinking, What is this girl made of? I'm supposed to be one of the greatest claw warriors, and yet, I can't beat this girl! I will NOT be made a fool or worse, a rookie in front of everyone! "That's it little girl! Now I'M MAD. GET READY!"
B.B. Hood says with a cute giggle, "I'm waiting Claw-Bot. Come and get me...if you can! Tee hee hee heee!"
"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Angered by her taunting, Slashman dashes toward her with his claws extended, with the intention of ripping her apart. She just stands there waiting for him to come to her.
Inches from hitting her...she moved so fast it looked like she teleported. While she moved, she extends her right foot, tripping up Slashman...-"WHAT THE…! WAAAAAA…!"
THUMP!
Down he goes to the floor. When he got up, he's seething with rage at the Darkstalker Hunter.
"Prepare yourself, Slash-Jerk, cause now..." B.B. Hood flashes him an evil smile. "It's MY turn. HYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Now she dashes toward him, with her blades behind her. Once she closes in on him...
SLASH!
SLASH!
SLASH!
In a X attack, she nails him and jumps back.
Slashman open his eyes and inspects himself, and sees he's okay. "HA HA!" he taunts back, laughing. "You missed me, you missed me, you missed me! Hahahaha!"
Until...
His claws split in half, casing him to gasp in disbelief, then, his robotic arms fall off...followed by the rest of his body falling to pieces, like a jigsaw puzzle.
Erick slowly claps. "Well done girl." Addressing the crew, he questions, "Well...now what do you all have to say about B.B. Hood?"
His question is met with a standing ovation of cheers and applause from everyone!
CLAPCLAPCLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP!
The Cat Statue glows, purring with delight, "That was just Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrcet. She has skills."
"That girl truly has the soul of a fighter. Makes me wanna cry with joy." Gogandantess says proudly.
Looking over in Dr. Wily and Bass' direction, Erick asks them, "So Wily and Bass, what do you think of her now? Does she still look worthless to you?"
Dr. Wily nervously admits, stammering, "Um...I...the thing is...that is...what i'm trying to say is...um...like...that...and..."
Bass shuts Wily up by covering his mouth. He snorts, "Well, I'M convinced. The kid's definitely a wolf in sheep's clothing, or a riding hood, in this case." He then points to Wily, saying, "As for the Doc's stupid vocabulary, I think what he meant to say is 'Yes, we are impressed', and 'We were wrong'."
Erick chuckles at his apprentice and Wily's antics, satisfied by their response.
The Cat Statue gives his complements to Bison, "Wow Bison. I must say that she's proved me wrong. She, indeed, is a lethal enforcer."
Bison smirks, proud of B.B. Hood's performance. "I told you all. Like with Tron Bonne, she will be a fine soldier of Shadowloo"
Erick gets everyone's attention. "Now that the little demonstration is over, there's matters that need to be addressed. Furthermore, you'll have to be very careful. I have found out that some fighters have arrived here in Japan. Some of them you already know...here..."
CLICK!
A Screen materializes, showing images of...
"I believe you all know them..." Erick continues. "This is Chun-Li from Interpol, Cammy from Delta Red England, Guile and Charlie from the U.S Air Force…" Erick notices the look of anger on Bison's face. "…Ryu from Japan…."
Akuma eyes shine red in anticipation of facing Ryu again.
"….Sakura, also from Japan. Be on the lookout for any of them. For any of them is a threat to our plans. That is all."
That was the end of the meeting. Everyone went to do their own stuff.
Slashman, unfortunately, was still in pieces on the floor, his severed head talking...
"Um...hello...a little help, here...please?"
Ran was getting impatient. She wanted to know the identity of her admirer, but with no such luck.
Even Nabiki couldn't find any leads, and she was a past-master of getting information. So, in the end, she went to seek advice from Kuno.
She told him to meet up with her in the School Cafeteria. Once there...
"So Lady Ran, to what can I be of help to you?" Kuno asks her.
Ran explains it to him. "Kuno, its like this...i want to know WHO my admirer is. All the letters that I get from him are beautiful, but without an address. How can I do it?"
Kuno's thinking it over. "Hmm...let's see...you could write back and tell him that you want to meet him. Tell him that if he really likes you, then he must come out from the shadows and meet you. It is the only way."
"You...really think so Kuno?"
Kuno nods, "Indeed. To hide from love, is the act of a coward. So...my advice is for you to write him back."
Ran considers it. "Hmm… Not bad at all, I'll do it. Thanks Kuno, you really helped me a lot."
So, following Kuno's advice, Ran began to write a letter for her secret admirer. After some heavy thought, she writes...
Dear Secret Admirer:
Your love letters really have turned me around. I like the poems that you've sent me, I really do. However...I want to meet you. Because I think that the mystery guy in the shadows kills the mood, don't you think? So please...could I see you in person?
I'll be waiting for your respond...don't take too long.
Love...
Ran.
Then she sticks it in her locker so that if her admirer sends another message, he'll find it.
It didn't take too long, for two days later, she gets a letter from him. She reads it:
"Dear Lovely Ran:
I too, would to meet you face to face. But I fear that you might not like the true me. I'm...different from the guys that you know. However...I would like to talk to you.
Here is what you must do...
Log into a computer, log into the school's Chat Room, and I'll be there for you...
My nickname will be...G-MAN 123."
So...the next day...Ran went to the school's Computer Lab, grabs a PC, and enters the Chat Room.
So many users were there, she's thinking it's gonna be hard to find him...when...
-"G-MAN 123 has Log In"-
Ran gasp and happily she texts him, tapping on the keyboard: "G-MAN 123, it's me Ran."
G-MAN 123: My lovely Ran. At last I can speak to you. How're you doing?
"I'm doing fine. I just wanted to say that I was honored that you like me so much."
G-MAN 123: I only spoke from me heart all those words that i send you
"G-MAN...listen...um...I want to meet you. I want to meet my Secret Admirer."
G-MAN 123: Nothing would please me more, then to see your lovely face. But...what if you don't like the REAL me?
Ran smiles, then types: "What's there not to like about you! You must be one special guy to write those such poetic love letters. Hard to see guys do that nowadays."
G-MAN 123: I am please that you think that way about me.
"So...can i see you. I really wanna do it, getting to know you."
G-MAN 123: I too wish to meet you my lovely fire flower. But for the moment, you'll have to wait a little longer. But rest assure, we WILL meet. Until then...think of me, as I always think of you
-"G-MAN 123 Log Off"-
The next day, Ran went to talk to Nabiki, hoping that she'd found any leads to her admirer...
"Nabiki, please, tell me you've got something. Anything regarding my admirer."
But...the search came up empty:
Nabiki, with sorrowful eyes, responds, "Sorry Ran, I couldn't get anything. My sources have searched the whole school, investigating everyone, but we've turned up nothing; even I'M surprised at this. And you KNOW that I take great pride in my work, but...it's like...this secret admirer of yours, is really a SECRET admirer. Sorry kiddo."
Ran lets out a sad sigh. "Oh…. That's okay Nabiki, but thanks anyway."
As they pass by each other, Nabiki slips something into Ran's hand. She opens it to find a note with 2500 yen attached – one-fourth of what she's paid Nabiki for information on her mysterious admirer. The note reads thus:
Consider this your change. (An arrow points to the money.)
Please don't hesitate to ask for my services in the future. Just for you, I'll give you a special discount on my usual fee.
Don't get TOO excited; I'm only doing this because I'm interested in seeing how this love story plays out. And if you tell Ranma or Akane about this, I'll deny it completely.
Nice doing business with you.
Nabiki.
Ran hmph's smiling. "Thanks, Nabiki," she says quietly.
RED CAT GANG'S SECRET BASE:
We see Grenademan walking in the halls of the base, smiling and singing a tune...
"I'm in the money, I'm in the money, I'm in the money and there's nothing I can't do! Bum-Bum-bum! I'm in the money, yes in the money...!"
Some of his fellow robots see him and wonder:
Stoneman comments, "Well, looks like SOMEONE's in a good mood."
Geminiman's confused. "Grenademan's happy? And singing? Is this for real or something guys?"
Crashman wonders the same thing. "I'm as confused as you. I can't believe this."
Stoneman calls him out. "HEY, GRENADEMAN! Why the happy attitude? That's so not you."
Grenademan tells them, "Oh guys, it's just that I'm SO happy, because my plan to eliminate that cursed gender-bender Ranma is all set! AND...soon, I'll have someone's love! OH YEAAAAAAH!"
Needless to say...his friends are all confused and gasp simultaneously. Having gotten over the initial shock, Stoneman asks, "Um...did he just say that...he'd have someone's love?"
Crashman's snickering, "Looks like all those blasts he's taken over the years have scrambled his CPU."
Geminiman just shakes his head, somewhat creeped out by Grenademan's unusual behavior. "The more I know about him...the more I DON'T wanna know about him."
FURINKAN HIGH SCHOOL – AFTERNOON:
Today was gonna be a special day for Ran...why?...well…
As classes ended, Ran stayed behind, because it was her turn for cleaning their classroom.
As she was cleaning the desks, Akane's friend Sayuri came in. "Oh hey Ran, I've got something for you."
Ran puts the broom down. "What is it Sayuri?"
"Well… I got this letter for you."
Ran's heart skips a beat. "A Letter! From who?"
Sayuri shrugs. "Beats me. I didn't read it. All the envelope says it's from a guy, who's nickname is...um...oh yea...G-MAN 123, or something."
"WHAT! G-MAN 123! GIVE IT TO ME SAYURI!"
Ran's reaction startles Sayuri, who quickly hands it over. Once Ran got the letter, she opens it and reads it:
Dear lovely Ran:
As every moment I think of you, is torture for me not being with you.
For different we may be, my love for you tis not. Tis real.
We are like two sides of a coin, like the Yin and Yang.
I want to see you, see you I must.
Therefore...
For if you care for me, as much as I care for you...meet me tomorrow, at the playground.
I'll wait for you, to show you my true self, for I've been in the shadows far too long. Its time to come out to your light.
I can't wait to see you...until then...MY LOVELY FLOWER.
G-MAN 123.
After that, Ran stops reading. The look on her face is a mix of awe and surprise. "No way...no way. I'm finally gonna meet him…" Happy, she's squealing, "Oh man, I'm finally gonna meet my secret admirer! This is SO cool! Hehehehee!"
TENDO RESIDENCE:
Ran bursts right into the house...Soun and Genma are playing Shogi - (Come on, that's all they do!) -, Kasumi's making dinner, Nabiki's reading a newspaper, and Ranma and Akane are together watching the TV in the living room.
Seeing Ran bursting with happiness, they ask her:
"Hey Ran, why the happy face?" Ranma wanted to know.
Akane asks, "Did something happen at school?"
Ran grins at them. "Sure did." She's squealing with joy, "I'M FINALLY GONNA MEET MY SECRET ADMIRER!"
Ranma blinks, surprised. "You are? Um, that's great…. I think." That's odd, he's wondering. One would think he'd be happy to hear that Ran has someone who's interested in her, but for some reason he's not. Why?
Akane's delighted though. "You are? Oh Ran, that is so cool."
Soun and Genma look up from their game, overhearing the conversation and intervene. "What's this about a secret admirer, Ran?" Soun asks her.
Genma adds, "Yeah. You'd better tell us."
"Well...um...it's like this Mr. Saotome…" So Ran tells Soun and Genma about the letters she's been getting from a secret admirer. Needless to say, they were confused at first...then worried...but finally, they're happy.
Soun gushes, "Oh, isn't it wonderful? Ran's obtained an admirer, a secret admirer. Oh, love from someone you don't know but wants to love you, it's so romantic. Wouldn't you agree Saotome?"
Genma nods. "Quite so. We sure did get many of those in our young days, eh Tendo!"
Soun laughs, "Indeed. We were devils on demand for love! HAHAHAHA."
"So Ran, what's with the joyous face and all?"
Ran tells them, "Oh you guys...guess what...MY SECRET ADMIRER WANTS TO MEET WITH ME TOMORROW!"
Nabiki's just coming in as Ran says this. "You don't say…. Man, now you'll have the chance to meet him in person." I still can't believe I couldn't find him. Guess I'm getting rusty at my job.
"Oh Ran, I'm so happy for you," Kasumi says, "So, what are you going to do? What you do want to wear when you meet him?"
Ran's a bit nervous though. "I...I really don't know. And to tell the truth guys, I'm nervous."
Ranma's like, "YOU? Nervous? Why, Ran?"
"What if he doesn't like me? I mean...what if I'm not fit for him? Or too cute? Or..."
Akane's quick to support Ran. "RAN, DONT EVER SAY THAT ABOUT YOURSELF!" Calming down, she then says, "YOU are cute, Heck, you are gorgeous. If he doesn't find you like that, than HE"S the one who's not worthy of you!"
"...*Gulp*...You...you really think so?" Ran asks.
It's Ranma who confirms, "Akane's right Ran. Look at you; you've got a body that makes the boys go ga-ga. If he can't see that, he's either blind or stupid! To reject you would be really dumb on his part."
That little bit of encouragement is just what Ran needs. "That's so nice of you, guys. But...i don't know what to wear. Come to think of it... I really don't have much of a wardrobe."
Akane smiles, offering a solution. "Don't worry Ran. I have the right clothes for you, and some that you can have. So c'mon, let's go to my room to choose them."
A happy and teary-eyed Ran says, "Gee…thanks Akane, you really are a friend." She turns in Ranma's direction and is about to say something to him, something she's wanted to for a while now. But Akane's here, so she can't. She takes a deep breath, and allows herself to just feel that love she has for him for a moment. THEN, she just says, "You too, Ranma."
Ranma jokes with her, "Oh enough with the mushy stuffs. Go."
During the afternoon, the Tendo Sisters are helping Ran to pick out what clothes to wear for her date. After looking through so many clothes, they find the right combination.
When Ran looks at herself at the mirror, she's in awe. She was very pretty indeed.
Now the question was...
Was she ready to meet HIM?
AT A PLAYGROUND IN NERIMA…
Ran, wearing a lovely dress provided by Akane, was waiting for her admirer to appear. She's nervous, no, petrified. Many thoughts race inside her mind. Would her secret admirer be what she dreamed of?
Would it be her platonic love, namely Ranma?
Or...
Would it be someone's idea of a cruel joke?
Worried, Ran's thinking, Oh man! I'm getting goose bumps. Wonder when he'll come? Man, oh man, this is hard for me. I've never had someone care for me. I must embrace my feelings...still...
Her mind's on a peculiar Pig-Tailed Boy, whose name is Ranma. Even though it was a wishful dream...she still has that little hope.
Aloud, Ran says to herself, "Oh well...nothing to do but to wait for him. Hope he doesn't take too long or I'll..."
"My lovely Ran. I am here," someone calls for her from behind.
Ran gasps in happiness; for it was real...HER SECRET ADMIRER HAS ARRIVED.
"My god...he's here..." She turns around to face him. "I'M SO HAPPY THAT YOU CAME AND...HUH!"
What she sees causes her to gasp in shock...
It was NOT a human being...but a Robot in the shape of a Grenade, with a bouquet of Roses in his Metallic Hands.
Ran blinks. "Um...like...who are you? Or better yet, WHAT are you?"
Grenademan's in heaven. He finally gets to meet Ran. "Oh my lovely Ran. It is I...your secret admirer."
Okay...that part shocks Ran big time. "Say what? YOU...YOU'RE MY WHAT!"
"Um...your secret admirer! That's what I said."
Ran shaking her head, not believing what she's just heard. "But...But...But that can't be. You're telling me that IT WAS YOU who sent me all those love letters!"
With joy, Grenademan nods, "Yeah...yeah I did. And for your information, I put a LOT of effort in them. Did you like them? Please tell me."
Ran's in a pickle here. How should she respond now? "Um...well...yea, they were lovely and..."
"YOU DID! OH YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH BABY! SO THAT MEANS THAT YOU'LL BE MY GIRL!"
"Hold on a second there. First of all, I don't think that what you're asking for will work."
"W-WHAT! Why not?"
Ran tries gently to tell Grenademan the bad news. "One...it would never work out between the two of us."
Grenademan looks he about to cry. "BUT WHY! You said that our differences didn't matter. You said that!"
"Yeah, but there's a BIG difference between us. I mean, I'm a human girl, and you're a ROBOT for crying out loud."
Grenademan defends himself. "Well...um...what do those boys have that I don't have, eh! Tell me that!"
"Um...a pulse!"
Grenademan snorts at that. "Bah! Big minor details."
"Um..skin!"
"Bad for the sun and U.V rays and all."
"Blood!"
Grenademan's reaching for straws now. "Um...will you settle for machine oil? I mean its RED and liquid and all."
Ran groans, thinking, God, he's so dense. Okay, so maybe the nice approach isn't getting through to him; guess I'll have to be a little rough. Aloud, she tells him, "Look, it's not gonna work okay? So I'm leaving."
Grenademan panics as Ran walks away. "WAIT! DONT GO! JUST GIVE ME A CHANCE TO PROVE MY LOVE TO YOU!"
Ran keeps on walking, not even bothering to look back, as she says, "N-O, no."
If she could only see Grenademan now. His eyes are all big, wide, and wet, a sad puppy dog look on his metal face. With a sad sigh, he says, "I see. Could you at least accept this from me?"
Not wanting to hurt him even more, Ran sighs in defeat, "Oh very well…"
"Here, for you." Grenademan tosses a small black ball towards her. She catches it and is about to look into it when suddenly...
!
The ball delivers an electric shock to Ran, stunning her, knocking her down AND out. Grenademan walks toward her fallen (and twitching) body.
"Oh yeah! How did you like my Stun-Electric Ball Ran? Shocking, wasn't it? Haahhaha."
Next, he picks her up and slings her over his shoulder. Oddly enough, he's noticed how soft and squishy Ran's bottom is. That pervert.
Grenademan assures her, "Don't worry my love. Once I finish Ranma, I'll win your heart - that's a promise! OH YEAAAAAAAH!"
Oh no!
Ran's been captured by Grenademan!
Who will save her?
Will she survive Grenademan's stupid speeches?
Stay tuned!
TO BE CONTINUED…