Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happened last time: Ukyo and Shampoo went out on separate dates, with not so great results. Shampoo also had a run in with Mikado.
Chapter 40
Maybe it was all just some bizarre daydream, Mamoru wanted to think. Unfortunately, he didn't believe that for a second. Back in the United States and at school, he had several days to ponder the odd event aboard his flight here. As weirdly as it had started, it had ended so abruptly and a little ominously.
Discovering that he knew Eris' name was just the height of the weirdness. He still had no idea how he did, but he was still no less sure that was her name. But then things took a rather uncomfortable turn...
XXXXX
Eris' smile from at hearing her name quickly faded and she looked off to the side. "Oh bother. Here less than a few minutes and I'm already noticed."
"Noticed?" Tuxedo Kamen asked in confusion, but Eris didn't answer. Instead, in answer a new sensation came over him, one not unlike Eris' but having her to compare against, also distinct. Eris turned from him, moving herself between him and the doorway in an unmistakable move to protect him. Before Kamen could puzzle this out, his answer to her act came when the plane shuttered with an impact. This was quickly followed by heavy footsteps across the fuselage of the plane, towards the door.
"Don't worry," Eris said over her shoulder as a claw grasped onto the top of the door from the outside. It was pure darkness, and the instant he saw it, he felt his body start to shake. The plane jerked again, the figure apparently pulling violently against the door and swung itself into view, now grasping the doorway with the original claw, but also, to Tuxedo Kamen surprise, a very human hand. Just outside the plane the newcomer was plainly visible. On the figure's left side was a creature of pure darkness, that could easily spawned from hell itself. Horns and fangs, leathery wings and hoof in place of a foot. It was straight out of a horror story. However, in drastic contrast the right side was the form of a woman. Unlike Eris, she bore clothes although it looked distinctly like scale mail armor. Her head was topped with a loose collection of red hair and were it not for her other half, he would have been inclined to call her rather pretty. However, the expression on her face made clear she was not happy.
"What are you doing, Eris? You know the rules as well as any of us."
"Oh come now. Those rules were made before she woke up. They certainly don't apply now," Eris countered.
"That's not for you to decide," the half demon responded coldly, and her look moved to Tuxedo Kamen, and he felt suddenly raked with fear, but could make no move.
Before anything could happen, though, Eris moved to block the gaze. "Now, now Orcus, no need to punish this boy over my little transgression. Just give me a minute and I'll set everything right."
Huffing, Orcus pushed away from the plane, and flew up and out of sight, finally easing the feeling overwhelming Tuxedo Kamen. With her gone, Eris turned back to him, smiling once again. "She's a little extreme if you ask me, but that's just her way. However, she unfortunately has a point. I'm afraid I'll have to go." Leaning in close, Eris kissed him once more, this time on the cheek, but broke the kiss to speak softly. "We'll talk later."
The instant she said it, Mamoru found himself being awoke. He was back in his seat, in his normal attire, and the plane was flying as normal. The woman next to him was rubbing her neck uncomfortably and had apparently bumped him in the process. "Sorry about that," she said. "Never can get comfortable in these seats. You okay?" she asked, noticing he looked rather puzzled.
"Ah... fine. Just had a weird dream is all," he answered.
XXXXX
But it was no dream. Mamoru was sure of that. No, the moment had been too real, despite the oddness of it all. What was probably the most troubling though was that Mamoru somehow knew this involved Usagi, but how exactly he didn't know.
So, now he found himself at one of the local parks, waiting. He had awoke that morning to find a note pushed under his apartment door asking him to meet here. No name had been given, but somehow that letter had given him the feeling that it was once more Eris. So, he had been waiting here for nearly an hour in hopes of getting some answers to this whole strange affair.
His wait finally came to an end with an unexpected arrival. It was a woman, but one from his English class by the name of Venessa. Mamoru had noticed she had been giving him a rather unusual amount of attention and although she had not said anything, he suspected she might be attracted to him. However, in the absence of an overt action by the girl, Mamoru had decided it best not to jump to any conclusions. "Venessa," he greeted as she approached.
"Mamoru, what you doing out here?" she asked curiously.
"Someone asked to meet me here. However, it's been an hour. I'm starting to think I've been stood up, or it was a mistake."
"Oh," she replied as she looked around. "I suppose I qualify as someone."
Maybe it was just her after all, Mamoru thought in disappointment. "I suppose you are. Does that mean you gave me this?"
"Not exactly," she replied a bit to Mamoru's confusion. "But I am the person you're supposed to meet, Terra." Mamoru tensed at hearing that particular name, and looked at Venessa hard. She replied with a smile. "Come, let's walk."
Doing as bidden, Mamoru quickly got up and joined her as they began to walk around the park. "How-"
"Don't worry about this girl. As far as she'll be aware she's just sleeping in a bit. She'll remember nothing of this. I would have come in person, but with the others watching I figured this would be better."
"So, this isn't some... alternate form for you?"
"Oh, heavens no. I arrived on Earth only a few days ago. Although she does have a slight crush on you from what I can feel, she's far too shy to act on such."
"Oh... Eris-"
"Call me by this girl's name for now, please. No need to be too obvious."
"Right, Venessa, just who are you? How do I even know your name?"
Venessa smiled. "If I told you we were lovers in a former life, would you believe me?"
"Former..." Mamoru repeated. "But-"
"Oh, I know what you're thinking, 'but I know my previous life.' I'm not talking about that one, or even the ten before it. I'm talking WAY back. You of course wouldn't remember much now, being reborn so many times since then, but I can assure you it is true, and I think you know it is."
"You're a senshi, aren't you? You and that other one as well," he said in an attempt to change the topic.
"Of course. We like to call ourselves ascended, a bit pretentious I think but that is the term that is used."
"Ascended?"
"Come now, even you must realize that our powers greatly exceed those of normal Senshi. You felt just a fragment of it. Perhaps if I told you the name of another ascended you would understand."
"Chaos," Mamoru replied to Venessa's surprise.
"Ah, figured it out, have you."
"I had the same feeling I had with you when I first met Galaxia, but it wasn't Galaxia I was feeling, it was Chaos inside her."
"Exactly," Venessa agreed with a nod.
"You'll have to forgive me, but knowing that you're from the same stock as Chaos isn't overly comforting," Mamoru stated plainly.
"Chaos was mad. She took the Queen's death the worst of all of us and lost her mind. In her deluded state she believed that Cosmos was not gone, but simply hiding, and that if she acted as she did, she would somehow force the Queen to reappear to stop her. Ironically, she was right."
"Cosmos?" Mamoru repeated.
Venessa laughed. "You're a smart boy, you know who I'm talking about. You always did have a crush on her so I suppose it's not surprising how things turned out."
Usagi, Mamoru thought, and hung his head to ponder this. "Is she why you're here?"
"On Earth, yes. It's been ages since she died, and now she has awakened again. We could feel her awakening clear across the Galaxy. There is much to discuss, and this is the natural place to do so."
"And what exactly are you going to do with her?" he asked in concern.
"I don't rightly now, yet," Venessa replied, but more somber than before. "It's a complicated situation that you no doubt have no memory of." She paused as she considered her next words. "I suppose out of respect for our previous relationship, I should be honest and say there is a possibility that it might turn out badly for her."
"What?" Mamoru asked in shocked.
"You must realize, she is like us now... no, potentially far greater than even us. What do you do in the face of such power especially when you know what has become of such power in the past?"
"If she's your Queen-" Mamoru tried to argue, but Venessa cut him off.
"She was our Queen, not anymore. You have no idea of the danger she poses. You thought Chaos was bad, try to realize that she was one of our weakest members. Cosmos is the most powerful by far. In fact, most of us would not even call her ascended, she is beyond even that. She created us. No ascended has appeared since her death," Venessa explained. "I know you, Terra. Even knowing this, and even knowing you would be facing nearly a dozen of us, you'd still stand with her, wouldn't you?"
"I would!" Mamoru declared, finally stopping in a gesture of defiance. Venessa stopped as well and looked back at him and smiled.
"You haven't changed much at all. That's what I liked about you," she said, and suddenly looked away. "Oh, we're getting all worked up over the worst case scenario. In all likelihood they won't choose that path."
"And if they do?"
Venessa remained silent for a moment. "If it truly does come to that... I may be a fool for saying so, but I'll help you... for old time sake. But, I don't think it will. In fact, I'm more worried about Ixion that the decision of the others."
"Ixion... I don't know that name. She's another-"
"He's another one like us," Venessa corrected, looking over her shoulder to see Mamoru's reaction. Mamoru was puzzled by this, wondering what she expected. "Male star seed carriers are extremely rare. In fact, to date you and Ixion are the only ones I know, but I'm sure there are a few others. Unfortunately, why I'm worried about him is that he has his own history, one with Cosmos." The implication finally hit Mamoru, stunning him. "Yeah, I figured you wouldn't like hearing that."
"He and Cosmos..."
"Yes... of course, that was in a past life. I'm sure she's had many partners over the eons that have past. Of course, there is something about relationships between us star seed carriers. They tend to persist through the ages, no doubt why you remember me, or at least my name. I wonder how much she remembers about him," she thought aloud, looking off at the sky for a moment before looking back at him. "I'm sorry to say that you can't warn them. If you tried the others would find out and stop you. Me talking to you like this is risky as is. As you already know, it's against the rules. We vowed ages ago not to interfere in the lesser Senshis' development as we were doing too much for them and they weren't developing at all. However, that same rule cuts both ways in this situation. If they do choose to move against her, they obviously want as little resistance as possible."
"I understand."
Venessa nodded. "It is too bad you chose to be reborn, Terra, but I suppose maybe it was exactly so you could be next to her. I hope you don't find that time cut short," she said then approached him. "I should go. Can't stay here too long or I'll get noticed." As she neared, previous experience finally kicked in and Mamoru withdrew to her disappointment. "Oh come now. One little kiss. I'm sure this young lady I'm borrowing would like that, if only once in a 'dream'."
Mamoru sighed and considered. "This doesn't change my feelings for her," he said, gaining a nod and smile from Venessa. This time, without resistance, he let the girl kiss him, although he did not return it. After a few seconds, she withdrew and let out a wistful sigh of her own before leaving. Mamoru watched her go, thinking, Usagi's not the only one who's having troubles with love it seems.
XXXXX
About half way around the world, Nabiki had her studies rather unpleasantly interrupted with a loud bang and rumble which shook the entire house. "What the hell!" she cursed after confirming this was not just the start of a earthquake, and headed out to the back to look around. Her answer to the cause of the disturbance came in the form of plumbs of smoke coming out of the dojo. The Tendo household being as prone to trouble as it was, Nabiki took this calmly and simply walked over to investigate further.
As she approached, Ranma stumbled out of the door, coughing, and fanning away the smoke from his face. Akane soon followed in a similar state. "I have to admit... it works," Ranma said between coughs. "But, man is it stupid!"
"I agree on both points," Akane replied, and finally the pair noticed Nabiki. "It's... oh never mind."
"Is this that technique you were trying to decipher from that scroll?" Nabiki asked.
"Yeah, and what a waste of time," Ranma answered, finally free of the coughing. "I can't use a stupid technique like that. I couldn't look at myself in the mirror if I did. It's pathetic. Where is that old geezer anyway? I want to give him a good beating!"
"I actually haven't seen him around much lately," Akane said, looking around the house.
"And he wasn't even there to help at that damn Hotel. We could have used him," Ranma complained, but Nabiki shook her head. "What?"
"He'd probably just suffer the same problem Cologne did. They're around the same age from what I understand. Not that I think that has anything to do with why he didn't come," Nabiki pointed out. "As for our local lecher, I believe I heard some rumors that he was pestering the girls at St. Hebereke."
Ranma thought on this. "That's rather far for him. Why not just goto Furinkan?"
"I think because Hinako has been rather fast and loose with the draining since Kasumi has been off. Even he's no match for her," Nabiki suggested.
Ranma nodded in agreement with the reasoning. "Well, I'm going to go see if I can hunt him down. If nothing else, he shouldn't be left unchecked. God only knows what kind of schemes he may be up to." Ranma quickly headed off.
Akane watched him go, letting off a last few coughs to clear her lungs before noting that Nabiki was now looking at her rather intently. "What?"
"I'm not cleaning that up you know..."
"Huh?" Akane replied in confusion then noticed Nabiki looked off at the dojo. "Oh... wait... he ran off to leave me... oooooo!"
Nabiki didn't comment, but instead merely smirked and headed back to the house, leaving Akane growling about how she would deal with Ranma when he got back.
XXXXX
Man, where is that perverted old man? Ranma wondered sometime later as he landed on the roof top of the girls' dorm. He had just come back from an unsuccessful search at St. Hebereke and most the rest of Happosai's usual haunts, but with no success. The most he could discern was the old man was still up to his old tricks, but unfortunately was being unusually elusive for the time being. With no screams or girls rushing around, Ranma quickly concluded the dorm too was a dead end and prepared to head off once again before spotting Ranko walking.
"Hey Ranko!" Ranma called out as he descended to the ground to be next to her. "Any signs of the old geezer?"
Ranko shook her head. "Fortunately, no. In fact, he's been completely avoiding the dorm for a while now. Don't know what scared him off, but it's kinda nice."
"Damn."
"Why you looking for him?"
"So I can kill him," Ranma replied, but Ranko merely nodded, slightly confusing him. "Aren't you going to ask why?"
"It's Happosai, you need a reason?" Ranko replied in jest.
"I suppose not, but he's particularly pissed me off."
"Oh?"
Ranma considered for a moment and sighed. "Yeah, stupid jerk got me all excited about this scroll with this 'ultimate technique'. I wasted over a week on that thing and in end it turns out to be the lamest technique I've ever heard of."
"Sounds kinda familiar," Ranko thought aloud. "Bah, what good would it do anyway?" she said in dismissal and turned to head off but Ranma unexpectedly pulled her up short.
"What do you mean by that?" Ranma asked seriously, catching Ranko off guard.
"Ah, nothing," Ranko answer as she turned back. "I just meant he's a useless teacher is all."
Despite the answer, Ranma eyed her suspiciously, making her nervous. "You got something to say?" Ranma asked in accusation.
"Look, I didn't mean anything by it."
"No?" Ranma asked, clearly displeased with the answer.
Sighing in defeat, Ranko turned to fully address Ranma. "Okay, look, it's just that, I know what you're up to. You want to get up there with Kasumi. I mean, it's only natural. She and Ukyo have set the bar around here, and you're just not measuring up. I hate to break it to you, though, but no special technique you get is going to make up that gap."
"I know that, but-"
"Maybe, you do, but you don't realize why it's not enough. Do you know why? I mean, if tomorrow you learned this perfect technique that could defeat Kasumi easily, do you know why it ultimately wouldn't matter?" Ranma blinked as he thought on this, but came up with no answer. "It's because Kasumi would just come up with her own technique to counter it, or learn it herself. I've watched you fight and practice. You're a very capable martial artist, probably among the tops around here, but you don't have what she has. It's a... well, I don't know how to describe it. It's like a fighting instinct... a fire inside you that drives you on through anything you confront."
"A fire?" Ranma repeated in confusion.
"Yeah. Think back to that hotel. Kasumi was barely able to stand on her own and she came out on top. What I've seen of Ukyo, she's much the same, although her fire is totally different, she still has it. I don't like to brag, but I would say I have it too. We might get beat in a confrontation, but we'll always come back and exceed you. That's the kind of target you're chasing. Unless you can find your own fire, you're never truly going to be better than her."
As Ranko finished, she noticed she had been shying away, and looking off to the side. She looked back at Ranma to see her words had stolen the proverbial wind from his sails. "Maybe you're right," Ranma said after a moment, his own head hung. "Maybe I've gotten too used to being below her... no, it's more than that..." Frowning, and without further word, Ranma turned away and walked off. Ranko moved to say something, but stopped herself and instead growled at herself and slapped her forehead in frustration with herself.
"You know, it's amazing, I can even insult myself from another universe," she mumbled to herself before heading off.
XXXXX
They all have it so wrong. Hell's not hot... no... no, it's very very frosty, Selene thought to herself as she trudged into the Tendo yard after day. It was not that today had been particularly annoying. In fact, of late, Frost had barely been paying her any mind. No, it just made Selene feel a bit better about her circumstances.
Her own troubles where briefly forgotten when she caught the sound of Akane cursing out Ranma's name from within the dojo. Although Ranma frequently annoyed Akane, her tone made it clear that today he had managed to really anger her. Still, even that wasn't too unusual for the pair. No wonder they didn't want to get married, Selene thought as she headed for the dojo.
As she entered, she found Akane fighting with a rag mop, although she wasn't using it on the floor but rather the ceiling. While the floor and walls looked to have been recently cleaned, the ceiling was covered in a fine soot which Akane was apparently trying to remove. Of course, a rag mop was not the ideal tool for such, particularly as much of the sooty water it created would fall directly onto Akane and the floor, frustrating her even more.
Having gone unnoticed by Akane, Selene willed herself into human form, and using her hidden weapons talents, produced a stool and cleaning sponge. "Here, these would probably work better," she said as she approached, causing Akane to start.
"C-chan, where did you- Gah, who are you?" Akane exclaimed as she turned to the transformed cat.
"I'm C-chan... it's a new trick," Selene explained and handed Akane the tools. "Need some help?"
"You can turn human now?" Akane asked in shock, and got a nod in response. "That's... pretty cool."
"I've been working on it for a while now. Finally got it to the point that I can hold the form for about a half hour. That seems to be about the limit though," she said as she set the stool beneath a particularly dirty spot, wet the sponge in a nearby bucket Akane had been using, then moved to continue the cleaning herself.
"You don't need-" Akane started to object but Selene quickly interjected.
"It's alright. I don't mind. You took care of me for quite a while. Only fair that I do something like this in return." Akane hesitated, but finally nodded with an appreciative smile, and grabbed the bucket to help. As they continued the work, Selene moved on to other matters. "I... spoke to Mousse the other day."
"You did?" Akane asked in surprise. "Where's he been lately? I haven't seen him around at all."
"He's been... busy," Selene replied evasively.
"I hope he isn't up to anything," Akane thought aloud with a frown.
Selene quickly shook her head. "No, I don't think he's doing anything like that. Actually, I told him what you said to me."
"Uh, really?" Akane said with sudden nervousness. "You know, I just sort of said those things off the top of my head. I mean-"
"No, I think you were right, Akane," Selene interrupted Akane. "I think Mousse thinks the same."
"He does?" Akane asked cautiously.
Selene nodded, but that simply reply hardly conveyed how difficult it had been to come to that conclusion. She had been warring with herself since the talk on the matter, going back and forth between denial and acceptance. Of course, with the whole kidnapping incident, she had been briefly distracted from that war to once more being depressed about her current situation and how it completely precluded her from helping in any way. However, that same distraction also served to reorder her thoughts on the matter. Having realized there was a very real chance that she would never see Shampoo again alive when she was kidnapped, Selene had cast her mind back to the last conversion... or rather argument they had. Shampoo's words back then clarified it: "Kasumi show more... character in one night than you show in thirteen year." Even now, those words stung, and stung even more now that she truly understood the feeling behind them.
"Well... that's good... I suppose," Akane said after a moment. "I hope he took it well?"
"Uh... mostly," Selene replied. "But... do you suppose it's possible to change things now? I mean, do you think he could... you know, find out about Shampoo and-"
"I don't know," Akane cut in to answer, doubt clear in her tone. "I mean, sure it's possible, but if I heard right from you, he's been like this since they were three years old. I don't really know Shampoo that well, but I can only guess that by now she's probably pretty entrenched in her attitude. Even if he did change and started to really got to know her, I doubt she'd take much notice. And, that's assuming he even can. Saying it is a lot easier than doing it. Shampoo obviously isn't going to cooperate, and when you've been doing something for so long, it just becomes ingrained in you. It is hard to change your ways. You know what I mean? You get stuck in a certain mindset. Even if he knew stuff about her, does that really change how he feels, or is it just disguising it?"
Selene thought on this, and nodded. "I understand, but as you say, it is possible."
"Yeah," Akane conceded and a long moment of silence passed. "You know, I'm actually kinda surprised Mousse isn't more jealous of Kasumi," Akane finally said to break the silence.
"Jealous?"
"Yeah, well, I mean Kasumi did kinda steal his girlfriend. I mean, she obviously didn't mean it or anything, but still... he kinda strikes me as the sort that would get jealous easily."
"That's silly. After all, Kasumi is woman and Shampoo and her can't ever possibly truly..." Selene started to reply, but even as she said the words, they sounded incorrect.
"You know, it is hard to believe sometimes, and I don't exactly like it either, but it is kind of obvious that Kasumi and Shampoo are... close," Akane said. It was something Selene already knew but it nonetheless caused her to frown. "Of course, I don't know if Mousse has realized that. Maybe that's why..." Akane continued on, not noticing Selene souring mood.
"Oh... I'm sure he knows now..." Selene said as evenly as she could, trying not to lose control of her emotions.
Akane mutely agreed and the work continued on. As it did Selene managed to banish the feeling creeping up on her. It was useless to get jealous at this point. It would serve only to reconfirm not only Frost's low opinion of her, but also prove that he cared only for the obtaining the image of Shampoo rather than the real her, the real her that cared for Kasumi. But... Kasumi is the competition here. If I can't prove that I know Shampoo at least as well as she does... then everything Akane has said is right and I should just give up.
Surrender was a very unpalatable thought to Selene. Shampoo was the goal Mousse had set himself so long ago. To simply give up on it was... well, it was near unfathomable. Still, she was still caught quite thoroughly in Frost's trap, and if Akane was right, chasing something for all the wrong reasons. It is something I HAVE to consider, no matter how hard it may be, she concluded. I'll give myself till when I get my real body back. If I can't prove by then that I at least know Shampoo well enough to rival or beat Kasumi... then... she thought, but couldn't truly give form to the final, dreadful conclusion.
XXXXX
A good hour after having left Ranko's company, Ranma was still walking the streets of Nerima aimlessly. He was in deep thought over what she had said. He had always taken it for granted that sooner or later he would exceed Kasumi, but there was the one fatal error in his reasoning supporting that: he has not considered that he was chasing a moving target. Over the months since her arrival, his skills had improved greatly, but in all honesty, it could almost be argued that he'd lost ground on her. She had learned numerous techniques, perfected others, and while he had made similar progress it didn't seem at all as impressive.
And most importantly, Ranko was right about the fire. That combat instinct Kasumi possessed was impressive. Even when outmatched she could put up a determined fight, and most often even when the odds were against her, she come out ahead. Only when faced with an equally endowed opponent had she really shown she could be defeated. Putting himself in the same situations, even with the same level of ability as she had, Ranma could not see himself doing as well.
The funny thing was, it wasn't always like this. Thinking back to a few years ago, Ranma was sure he possessed that same fire Ranko was speaking of. He had faced every challenge the Tendo dojo had faced and defeated them all decisively. Even that hadn't been enough for him at the time. He had sought out opponents and defeated them. However, when Kasumi arrived Ranma found himself butting his head against a wall that he couldn't overcome, but worst still, he just didn't have the same drive to even try to do so.
What happened to me? Ranma wondered with a heavy sigh but came to no quick answer. His train of thought finally came to an end when he noticed where his wanderings had lead him. He was just up the street from the rebuilt San Cheng Huang. That in itself was just the cause for a moment of pause, but the figure approaching that same building was cause enough for Ranma to temporarily shelve his thoughts. "Mikado," Ranma muttered at recognizing the martial arts figure skater. Knowing the boy likely still had a grudge against Kaneda, Ranma quickly decided it best to make sure the boy didn't try anything and followed him.
He caught up to the boy just as he entered the building, but Mikado took no noticed of him. Slightly annoyed by this, Ranma greeted the boy. "Hey, if it isn't Mikado the Molester!"
Mikado's indifferent air faded immediately and he turned in anger on Ranma. "That's Sanzenin you idiot! And just who are you anyway?"
"You don't remember me?" Ranma asked in disappointment, but Mikado only confirmed this with a shake of the head. "You know, Ranma, Ranma Saotome..." Ranma hinted, but Mikado still seemed puzzled. "Geez man, that's ditz of a girlfriend of yours kidnapped my... dog."
"That animal was yours?" Mikado asked gaining only Ranma's glare. "Oh yes, I seem to recall now. Such trivial details rarely are worth my note."
"What's all the... oh," Makoto said as she approached but fell short as she recognized the newcomer. "What do you want?" she asked in a tone that made it clear that Mikado was not welcome.
Mikado, however, showed no real signs of caring and restored his usual playboy like attitude. Using his fingers to comb the front of his hair, he replied. "I'm here looking for Kaneda Tendo. I was told I could find him at this... establishment."
"And what exactly for?" Ranma asked, but didn't wait for an answer. "If you're out for some kind of revenge, then you can step outside and take me on."
Mikado scoffed. "Hardly," he replied but seemed to deflate a bit as he considered his response. "I am merely here to... seek his assistance."
"What?" both Ranma and Makoto said in unison and after Mikado confirmed they had heard right with a flat, yet somewhat contrite, look, they exchanged quick glances at each other in consideration. Ranma finally nodded, and Makoto headed upstairs.
"I'll go get him," Makoto said as she left, leaving the two boys alone at the entrance way. Curiosity getting the better of him, Ranma examined Mikado closely, in particular, his mouth region.
"What?" Mikado finally asked after a moment in annoyance.
"Just curious is all. Can't even tell it was knocked out from here," Ranma replied.
Mikado growled and looked away self consciously. "I have a particularly good dentist."
The banter came to an end as Kasumi-kun appeared at the top of the stairs, a none too impressed frown clear on his face at seeing Mikado. Ranma instantly tensed should Mikado make a move, but he did not. Instead, when the skater noticed Kaneda, his look changed to a mixture of a several emotions, before being masked behind his usual playboy facade. When Shampoo appeared behind Kaneda, Mikado changed to a more puzzled look, but this too he quickly masked.
Joining the boys, Kasumi-kun greeted Mikado with a slight nod only. Taking that for what it was worth, Mikado cleared his throat. "Is there someplace we might speak in more privacy?"
"Anything you have to say to me will have to be said with them here," Kasumi-kun replied. "However, I suppose we can sit in the dinning room if you wish."
"That will do," Mikado replied and followed as Kasumi-kun lead the way and took a seat at one of the central tables. Ranma, Makoto and Shampoo, joined them, all eying Mikado suspiciously with varying levels of hostility.
"What's this about?" Kasumi asked.
"I would first like to say, despite our history, I know no particular grudge against you, Kaneda Tendo. I will admit I was not so... calm after our battle, but time since then has allowed me to re-evaluate much of my life. Your conditions imposed by your victory over me have forced me to adjust my life a fair bit. Initially it was quite... displeasing, but I have adapted and in fact have found it perhaps better in some respects."
"Oh really?" Ranma said in distrust.
"It is true, you have little reason to believe me, but I am being honest. I even have a full time girlfriend now."
"Oh? Does she know about your history?" Ranma asked.
"We have spoken... minimally of it, but that's none of your affair. The past is the past. Now, where was I? Oh yes. Unfortunately, I have recently found myself in a bit of a predicament." Kasumi-kun sighed, apparently concluding like Ranma was that Mikado was about to try and weasel his way out of his agreement him, but Mikado paid no notice to this. "A little over a week ago, my partner and I were practicing at the local skating rink when a pair of hecklers began to assault us. At first I was content to brush aside their comments, but my girlfriend happened to be present and some of the comments... were..."
"Rather embarrassing?" Ranma concluded for him, to which Mikado could only nod.
"We ended up challenging them to an ice skating duel set for the following day. Should we win they would publicly apologize and never return to that arena. Should they win... well, it's perhaps best to speak of the duel," Mikado explained, causing everyone to increase their suspicious looks, but they said nothing. "This pair was in fact a bother and sister, and not a couple as we first thought. That was of little interest to us. We believed we could defeat them like all our opponents... save yourself. We were... horribly wrong."
"You got wolluped huh?" Ranma commented with a satisfied smile which only cause Mikado to scowl.
"Yes. In fact... we were utterly outmatched. They practiced a form of ice dance that I've never encountered before. It was... unbelievable," Mikado said, regressing a bit back to that time and honest look of stunned amazement clear on his face from the memory gave everyone a moment of pause. After a few seconds, Mikado blinked his eyes, and reset himself into the here and now. "So, yes, we were utterly outmatched. Despite this upset, I was content to fulfill my end of our agreement for their victory... but..."
"Which is? You skipped that part, remember?" Ranma prompted, but Mikado continued to struggle.
"What is it that they asked you to do that is so troubling?" Kasumi asked.
"The condition on their victory was that they would... or rather we would share a double date."
"I should have known," Ranma moaned out. "You probably threw the match just to-"
"No!" Mikado retorted angrily. "I would never throw the much for such!"
Despite his protest, Kasumi merely sighed. "If you're seeking permission to go on the date, I suppose I can allow it. It is a matter more between you and this girlfriend-"
"No," Mikado quickly cut Kasumi-kun off to say. "You don't understand. I don't want to go on the date!"
"Why not?" Makoto asked. "Is the girl ugly or something?" she asked with a flat look, but was surprised by the boy's response.
"I wish it was merely something like that. No, this is a hundred... no, thousand times worse than that. You see... aw... to even speak of it..."
"Spit it out man!" Ranma demanded.
"Fine," Mikado said in defeat, hanging his shoulders and looking truly like a man facing a death sentence. "The double date they spoke of was not the typical type. No, you see... they have other interests." The others only looking puzzled by the hint, Mikado sighed. "They are both... gay."
"You mean..." Makoto started out.
"...a girl-girl..." Shampoo continued.
"...boy-boy date?" Kasumi concluded and Mikado was sickened but nodded. "Oh."
"OH?" Mikado repeated in shock, looking up at Kasumi-kun intensely. "Have you no idea what this would do to me? I could never live down going on a date with another... man. I would be forever branded! That bubble brain of a partner of mine can get away with such a thing, but me... My life would be ruined!" Despite Mikado's clear despair, Ranma couldn't help but break into laughter as the full extend of the idea hit him. This naturally gained Mikado's ire as he growled and glared at Ranma, but Ranma only continued to laugh.
"Well, I know it is a little... odd, but it is merely one date," Kasumi offered, but Mikado did not look in the least consoled.
Finally quieting his laughter slightly, Ranma managed to ask, "Why would you even agree to such a condition anyway?"
"I didn't know, you fool! Like you all I just assumed the date they meant was a normal one. I only learned afterwards what their true intent was."
"So... what do you want my help with then?" Kasumi asked.
"You are the only other person to best me, Kaneda Tendo, so you are naturally the only person I can turn to. Azusa has already given in and gone on her date, but I..." Mikado shook his head to banish a sickening thought, then to everyone's shock, got up from his seat to take up a begging position in front of Kasumi-kun. "I know I have nothing to offer you, but I have no choice but to ask anyway: please challenge this man to release me from this debt. You're my only hope. I'll do anything you ask of me."
Kasumi was clearly taken off guard by this and withdrew slightly as seeing the boy so desperate before him. "I... I'm truly sorry, Mikado. I believe you are honest, but you have caught me at a particularly bad time. I'm still recovering from a battle myself and I'm not even at fifty percent of my normal strength yet, and it will likely be a week or more before I'm back to normal."
"I... see," Mikado said as he rose back to his feet, once more looking like a man facing the gallows.
"Perhaps if you spoke with this boy he would accept some other-"
"I've already tried that. Rippa would accept nothing but the date," Mikado replied.
"Rippa?" Ranma repeated the name in shock.
"That's right," Mikado answered. "He and his sister Kitsui are martial arts dancers I believe they said. Whatever their style, I have never seen the like."
Ranma's earlier mirth was completely forgotten at hearing the names, and he fell silent, unnoticed by the others. However, he did notice Shampoo's interest had peeked at hearing their names as well.
"Is that strong?" Shampoo asked with interest.
"Strong?..." Mikado repeated the word with a shake of his head. "You have no idea. From the moment the match began it was lost. He moved with such speed I could swear he was in dozens of different places at the same time. You were not safe anywhere on the rink. He could cross it in an instant, faster than I could possibly track. And if that were not enough, I could not even come close to striking him. It was as if he knew my every attack before I made it. He effortlessly danced around every one of them, while simultaneously hitting me with his own. They played with us for a full ten minutes, and in all that time we could not even land one attack.
"Although I was concentrated on Rippa, his sister Kitsui was no less able from what I saw. She had Azusa so confused she couldn't tell up from down. In fact, it was almost as if she had completely lost control of what little faculties that she has. I know my partner is not exactly a smart one, but she's not prone to breaking down on the ice."
"Breaking down?" Makoto repeated in confusion.
"Yes, I honestly don't know overcome her, but she lost all will to fight after only a few minutes, and without being hit once if I am correct. I could not tell you what happened as she refuses to speak of it. In fact, I'm not even sure she knows."
As Mikado detailed this, Ranma noticed that Shampoo's interested continued to increase, but was also accompanied by what Ranma could only guess was a sense of excitement.
"They do seem like a truly formidable pair," Kasumi conceded, to which Makoto nodded in agreement.
However, as they thought on this, a totally unexpected thing occurred. Shampoo shot to her feet and announced, "Shampoo will fight him!"
"What?" everyone but Ranma asked in shock.
"Shampoo will fight boy for stupid date," Shampoo reaffirmed for everyone.
"But... why?" Mikado was the first to ask. "You have no need-"
"Why you care? Shampoo want do, is enough. Now, where find Rippa?"
Mikado blinked in confusion, but obliged and said, "he practices with his sister typically at the same dance hall we met at the other day, but-" Shampoo did not stop to listen, and headed off for the exit. Kasumi, who up till now had been too shocked and confused to speak, finally sprung into action and gave chase, leaving Ranma and Makoto with Mikado. Seeing them leave, Mikado turned to them. "Not that it is my place but are those two still together?"
"Yes," Makoto answered.
"Then why is it that I saw her on a date with another man?"
"It's complicated," Ranma replied and headed out himself.
XXXXX
Shampoo was setting a rather brisk pace as she made her way down the street. It was nearly a full minute before Kasumi finally caught up to her. "Wait Shampoo, what's this all about?" Kasumi-kun asked as she came along side his wife and matched pace with her, but Shampoo did not immediately respond. "Shampoo?" Kasumi insisted, finally gaining the amazon's attention, but she did not stop.
"What is to explain? Shampoo fight boy. Shampoo get him release debt."
"That can't be it," Kasumi responded in confusion. "It's not like you to be doing something like this, let alone for... him."
"Is not for him, is for Shampoo."
"For you?" Kasumi puzzled. "I don't understand this at all." Despite Kasumi open confusion, Shampoo did not offer any further explanation and continued to press on. Becoming frustrated, Kasumi came to a stop and with unusual force said, "Shampoo, stop this and speak to me!" A few steps ahead, Shampoo immediately stopped, but she did not speak. From his vantage point, Kasumi couldn't read the amazon perfectly, but the words seemed to have taken away much of Shampoo's strength. This was confirmed when finally Shampoo turned to look at her, her eyes downcast. Upon seeing this, Kasumi quickly wished he hadn't been so harsh, but also decided that this had gone on long enough. This has something to do with what has been bothering her all this time and I'm going to find out what that is, Kasumi thought and walked up close to Shampoo.
"Shampoo is tired of being burden to Kasumi," Shampoo suddenly said, which only confused Kasumi more.
"What? I don't-"
"At beach, at school, at hotel, even on ice... all Shampoo ever do is get in trouble and Kasumi have to save her," Shampoo explained.
Kasumi took a moment to try to understand this. I know she means the La Bac by the hotel... oh... Kasumi thought and started to understand. "Shampoo, I don't think of you as a burden."
"It no matter what you think!" Shampoo shot back angrily, but seeing Kasumi withdraw, softened. "It matter what Shampoo think," she said more quietly.
Kasumi frowned slightly at this, but nodded. "Okay, I suppose I understand that somewhat, but what does this have to do with making such a foolish challenge? You heard Mikado, these two sound like they are very powerful. You could get yourself seriously hurt."
"You no understand at all!" Shampoo said suddenly, tossing her arms into the air in frustration and turning away. Kasumi could only cringe at the unintended reaction.
"Then... explain it to me... please. I didn't mean any insult, I just don't understand."
Shampoo looked off to the side, considering her words. "Is whole point that they strong. What prove if Shampoo beat weak opponent? It no prove anything."
"I still..."
Shampoo turned back to Kasumi. "You no fight when not sure can win?"
"Well, I try to avoid fighting-"
"If can no avoid, is fight for something important."
Kasumi blinked, considered, and responded. "If it was important enough, I would fight no matter how strong my opponent was." Shampoo nodded, and finally Kasumi understood. "I... see. You wish to test yourself and you can't do that against something you know you can defeat. No, the best way is to face an opponent who is strong and you have no certainty in defeating," Kasumi concluded, and Shampoo nodded once more, her expression changed to a more even one. "I can't say I approve of this. You're putting yourself into an unknown danger... but I suppose this is important to you."
"Yes," Shampoo replied. "Kasumi no have to worry. Is just dance. Shampoo get few bruises if lose. Shampoo had far worse."
"I suppose you're right, I'm sorry for overreacting," Kasumi said with a weak smile, but noticed Shampoo scowl at hearing the apology. "Right, no apologies. It just slipped out," he quickly said, with up raised hands to fend off Shampoo's displeasure, but the amazon seemed to make nothing more of it and turned back to continue on.
However, after taking a step, Shampoo stopped. "Kasumi... you no help Shampoo this time. Shampoo want do this on her own."
Kasumi looked hurt by this, but nodded. "I understand. Good luck," he said and after a second hesitation turned away and walked back to the restaurant.
Shampoo held her ground for a minute, looking a back over her shoulder as Kasumi departed. Part of her wanted Kasumi to be there, but that would undermine the very purpose of this whole affair. I need to know if I can handle things on my own, and I can't do that if I rely on her all the time, Shampoo thought. And she also needs to know she doesn't need to worry about me all the time too, she added and looked away. She started to walk but quickly stopped with an odd feeling.
Shampoo looked around herself in puzzlement. This feeling again... it's like back at the grave... no, it's different... familiar but different, she thought but as she tried to understand and focus on it, it only seemed to elude her. After nearly a minute of effort to lock it down, the only result she got was for it to fade away. Sighing, she finally gave up, dismissing it once more as her imagination and pressed on her way to the dance hall.
Unseen by her, Ranma leaned against the wall of a nearby building where he had been listening in, a look of deep consideration on his face. A few moments after Shampoo headed on, he began to follow, but made no move to close the gap.
XXXXX
Not far away, at the dance hall, Rippa stood against the wall, clapping in rhythm as he observed his sister go through a precise dance routine. However, after only a few seconds he shook his head. "Nonono, your timing is all off, sister. Where is your head today?"
Stopping her routine Kitsui stretched her back out, lacing her fingers behind her head. "It's all just the same old thing," she moaned out.
"You have another girl on your mind, don't you?" Rippa said in accusation to which Kitsui responded only with a glance. "Was not Azusa enough for you?"
"Not really. She loses a lot of her appeal once you get close to her," Kitsui complained as she relaxed. "Now, that girl from the other night..."
"If you hadn't noticed, she had a boyfriend," Rippa replied as he moved onto the dance floor to practice, while Kitsui took his position.
"Yeah, but she wasn't into him at all. I could tell," she replied and sighed wistfully.
As Rippa started his routine, the door to the hall could be heard opening. Curious the pair looked over to see Shampoo enter and look around. "Oooh, it's her," Kitsui cooed causing Rippa to sigh and shake his head. However, when Shampoo saw the pair and headed over, his interested peeked slightly.
"You is one who challenge Mikado, yes?" Shampoo asked Rippa as she came up.
"Mikado? Why yes, although it was more my sister's idea," he replied, uncertain where the conversion was going.
"Good, then Shampoo challenge you."
"Pardon me?" Rippa said in honest confusion, while his sister joined him, beaming with a wide smile. "Are you some relation to him?"
"No, Shampoo no care about him," she replied.
"Then why challenge me for him? It seems senseless."
"That no matter," Shampoo answered in frustration. "We fight."
"No," Rippa replied and turned away, surprising Shampoo.
Shampoo took a moment to recompose herself. She had not expected to be rejected so casually. "Is you coward?"
"You can think that if it comforts you. However, my decision stands. I do not accept challenges without cause. Besides, that man certainly isn't worth the effort. I don't know how he conned you into this, but I'm not about to play along."
Shampoo hesitated, unsure how to proceed. Back at the village, a challenge was a matter of pride. Cause was irrelevant, when made it was always accepted least the refusal be viewed as cowardice. However, this boy clearly didn't care.
Taking the moment, Kitsui stepped up to Shampoo, still beaming. "My brother can be such a stick in the mind. If you want, you can fight me for-"
"Oh no you don't, sister," Rippa sharply said. "Mikado's debt is to me, not you, and I won't have you using it for your own gains."
Deflated slightly, Kitsui sniffed at her brother and turned away. For this, Shampoo was actually glad. There is something about that girl's smile that puts me on edge, she thought as Rippa turned back to her.
"Unless you have something to offer me, which I seriously doubt, I have no interest in your little challenge."
Frustrated, Shampoo decided to try the direct approach and took a swing at the boy. Unexpectedly, he made no move to dodge or defend himself and took the blow directly to his chin, toppling him to the ground. Kitsui gave the exchange only a brief, uninterested look, as Rippa wiped a small trickle of blood from his cheek and stood back up. "Satisfied?" he asked, but Shampoo only glared at him. "I'm not going to fight you. If you want to beat me up, go right ahead. It won't change my deal with Mikado, and won't prove anything."
This is not at all what I was expecting, Shampoo thought in frustration, but had no alternatives left. If the boy refused to even defend himself, she couldn't fight him properly. Her options seeming all but gone, the feeling from before returned. Not again, what is this? she thought.
"Rippa, still ever the gentleman I see," Ranma voice could be heard to say. Shampoo looked behind her to see that indeed Ranma had entered sometime during the exchange, unnoticed.
"Ranma Saotome," Rippa replied with sudden interest. "Long time no see. Somehow I doubt your appearance here is merely coincidental."
Confused by the familiar exchange, Shampoo looked between the two as Ranma joined her. "Shampoo is kind of a friend."
"I see," Rippa said with a nod.
"How's the old master?"
Rippa glanced to the side and crossed his arms. "He has... left us, but I'm sure you knew he was quite ill."
"I'm sorry to hear that. He was a great man."
"Indeed," Rippa agreed and looked back at Ranma seriously. "He was very disappointed that you left. He thought you had great potential."
"He didn't give me a choice," Ranma replied evenly. "He refused to teach me anymore."
"Only because you refused to join our school."
"I have my own school," Ranma countered to which Rippa could only nod. However, just as he did, he disappeared from view. This momentarily startled Shampoo as she tried to reacquire him, and found that somehow, without the slightest hint of intervening movement he had crossed the room and placed himself back to back with Ranma.
"You know, I've been keeping tabs on you, but oddly there is not a whole lot of talk about the once great martial artist, Ranma Saotome. No, he seems to have become one of crowd now. All the talk seems to be about Kasumi or Kaneda Tendo, and a fair bit about this Ukyo Kuonji too. But Ranma... hmh, you hardly hear about him at all," Rippa said, clearly trying to get a rise out of Ranma, but Shampoo noted that Ranma merely seemed to accept what was said. Rippa also noticed this, and once more disappeared, only to reappear at his original position. "Well, as nice as it has been to see you again..."
"How about a paired match?" Ranma asked suddenly, causing Rippa to pause.
"Over Mikado's debt?"
"Yeah."
"I'm up for it," Kitsui suddenly broke in to say, once more smiling at Shampoo and setting the amazon on edge.
"I know you're up for it," Rippa said in annoyance as he pushed his sister aside. "But, I hardly consider it a matter for such a battle."
"It's just the icing," Ranma replied. "This is a matter of... pride," he continued, giving Shampoo a sideways glance.
"Pride you say?" Rippa repeated as he considered. "Well, that is something I can understand. State your terms."
"Freestyle martial arts dance endurance match, one week from today, here at noon," Ranma answered easily.
"Dance huh? Are you sure about that? You've never beaten me in a dance match."
"Positive."
"Awfully confident... Very well. My sister and I against you and Shampoo I would assume?"
"That's right," Ranma replied, Shampoo too confused by the whole situation to speak up.
Rippa smiled, clearly pleased by this, while Ranma remained unreadable. Nodding to himself, Rippa continued on, "Okay, then what shall we put on the line. I consider Mikado's debt to me largely worthless. I only keep it because I was intending to use it to bring the pompous ass down a few notches. I will wager it freely with no consideration. However, I do believe we need something more than that and somehow I think I know what you want."
"I want to be taught the techniques the master refused to teach me. With the old master gone, I do believe you were next in line."
"That's right," Rippa confirmed, "and unlike him, I am willing to put such on the line. As to what I desire... As much as a date with you might be interesting, I know your preferences, and unlike Mikado, I have some respect for you Saotome, so I shall not ask it. But, I will require something equally valuable from you." Ranma merely nodded in acceptance of this. "Fine then, but it works out for you either way. All I ask is that you join our school in the event of your defeat. I see that as only fair. Your defeat would only prove that my school is superior. And, that way you get the techniques you want, win or lose."
Ranma gave out a tired sigh, which Rippa apparently took as a rejection and was about to turn away when Ranma answered, "Fine."
"What?" Rippa asked in surprise, turning back.
"I said fine, I agree. However, I have my own condition to add, which by your own logic makes just as much sense. Lose and you dedicate yourself to the Anything Goes style. Fair is fair. I'm sure Mr. Tendo could use a few more students to pay the bills."
"You don't ask much, do you," Rippa replied with a flat look. "I accept, but only for a single year since I also risk my techniques."
"Brother," Kitui cautioned, but Rippa shook it off.
"No worries, sister, as he says, fair is fair, and we've had this dispute for a while now. It seems fitting to end it in this way. Do you accept?"
"One year, that's fine," Ranma answered.
Satisfied, Rippa turned to Shampoo, who was by now completely lost. "And what of you? Are you too of the Anything Goes school?"
"No," Shampoo replied as she tried to reassert some control of the situation. "Shampoo is amazon."
"Amazon," Kitsui repeated enthusiastically. "How exotic..."
Eying his sister, Rippa continued with a sigh. "I do believe, unlike me, my sister does in fact desire the pleasure of your company."
"Damn rights," Kitsui said, pushing her brother aside to look at Shampoo directly. "But don't you worry, I show all my dates a wonderful time. In fact, I don't think Azusa will ever go back."
Involuntarily, Shampoo withdrew slightly at this, which seemed to only please the girl. However, Rippa once more stepped in, pushing his sister aside. "Yes, well, that does not deal with the issue of what you would desire?" Rippa asked Shampoo.
Taking a second to recompose herself, she looked between the everyone before replying, "Shampoo want same as Ranma."
"I have a feeling you are unfamiliar with the techniques being discussed," Rippa said, to which Shampoo could only nod. Rippa held his chin in thought. "Hmm, although you are not of the anything goes school, I'm afraid I can't just allow our techniques to leave our school so freely. However, I shall compromise. Like myself, should you lose, you will dedicate yourself to our school for no less than one year. Should you win, like Ranma, we shall teach you without that restriction. Fair?"
"A year?" Shampoo repeated as she considered. This is a lot more serious a challenge than I anticipated, she thought in hesitation, but quickly shook her head and reaffirmed her resolve. No, when Kasumi is in battle it is for life or death. This is nothing compared to that. "Shampoo agree," she said at last, much to Kitsui's satisfaction.
"Then it is all agreed upon. However, I am not without mercy. Should you change your minds, I will allow you to withdraw this challenge up until the day. Of course, as a matter of... pride, even with no concrete consequences, such an action is not without it's penalties."
"We no withdraw," Shampoo quickly replied.
Rippa only smiled. "Somehow I don't think you will, but the offer remains nonetheless. See you in a week then."
"Right," Ranma said in conclusion and without further word turned and headed out. Shampoo quickly followed.
"This is going to be easy," Kitsui said, joining her brother.
"Don't be so sure, sister," Rippa cautioned to his sister's confusion. "Saotome is a very formidable opponent, and we know little of the woman, but she is likely no less troublesome. Beyond all that though, and probably infinitely more important is something you no doubt didn't pick up on. This is an intensely personal matter for them. As they say, a matter of pride. As such, I suggest you get your head out of the clouds and concentrate on your training. It would not due for you to be ill prepared."
XXXXX
Outside, Shampoo rushed to catch up to Ranma who was walking away with unusual speed. "Why-" Shampoo started to say but the second she started, Ranma cut her off.
"Look, I'm sorry about stealing your thunder in there, but it was quite clear he wasn't about to agree to fight you."
"You know this boy?" Shampoo asked as Ranma finally eased up his pace slightly.
"Mmm... yeah, we fought a couple years back. He's probably... no he is the toughest opponent I ever fought up till Kasumi came here. In fact, I lost to him five separate times."
"Five times?" Shampoo repeated in shock. "He that strong?"
"He's that good," Ranma corrected. "His school is martial arts dance, as you know, but that hardly covers it. It may sound comical at first, which is what I thought, but don't underestimate it for one second. Like Anything Goes style, his school will take anything it can get it's hands on and adapt it for their use. The dance is merely used as a focus for it all." Glancing at Shampoo quickly, Ranma could see she wanted the whole story, so he continued. "Back then, I was a pretty hot shot around here. I challenged pretty much every person I could find, and I won. Then I ran into him, and I had what would probably be best described as a train wreak of a defeat. Just like Mikado said, I couldn't touch him. He dominated the fight from start to finish, and just played with me.
"I wasn't about to let that go unanswered, so I challenged him again... and again... lost both times, and didn't make the slightest progress against him. By that point I was getting pretty frustrated, so decided it was best to try and learn his style and beat him at his own game. The old master was willing to teach me for a while. He showed me the basics, and gave me a lot of respect for their art. Even after that training though, I couldn't beat Rippa. In the end it came down to a choice. The old master said that he would only continue to teach me if I joined his school, dropping Anything Goes style.
"I was seriously considering it for a while, but then it came to me. I knew why my style was better, and I refused. Rippa thought I was being foolish and challenged me. That time I beat him. It was the last time we fought."
"You beat? How?" Shampoo asked.
"It's simple really. Every time I fought him up till then, I had simple tried to overwhelm him. This time, I undermined him. You see, martial arts dance is at it's core still dance, and you dance to music. Take that music away and-"
"And he can no fight anymore!" Shampoo concluded with a smile, but it quickly faded. "Then why you challenge him to dance match?"
Ranma considered his words. "I was listening in on you earlier when you were talking with Kasumi. You said yourself, it doesn't prove anything if you know you can win. I have never beaten him on his own terms. Besides, you saw that technique he used, right?" Shampoo nodded. "That's called the flicker step. He must have learned it since we last fought, but I seen the master use it too. The thing is, that technique should require the music, but there was no music playing."
Shampoo's eyes went wide at the realization. "So, he no need music anymore."
"It would seem so, which means that old trick wouldn't work anyway."
Shampoo considered this as they walked on. "Then is just as Shampoo want... but you still no answer Shampoo's question, why?"
Ranma suddenly came to a halt and looked up at the sky for a moment. Shampoo stopped as well, waiting for an answer. "When I beat Rippa I was the best. Back then I would never have rested, not for a moment, until I got that title back should someone have beat me. But... something has changed. Ever since Kasumi got back... maybe even before that, I just don't have that drive anymore. I mean sure, I want to beat Kasumi, and Ukyo, but... it's like it isn't that important to me. Something I'll get around to one day... that's not the way I used to think. I talked to Ranko earlier, and she was right, even if I did beat them one day, it wouldn't last. They still have that drive to push themselves forward over everything in their way for their own goals. I just don't, and without it I'll never truly match them. I have to find it again, that drive."
"Maybe your goal has changed?" Shampoo suggested, gaining Ranma's attention. "Shampoo know what is like to be best. Is no one left who is challenge, so is like no point get better. But... Shampoo think she now know point of be better. Maybe you need find new reason too."
"Maybe," Ranma agreed. "In any case, time is wasting here. Let's head over to my place. I'll lead you through the basics. It won't win us the match, but it will at least give us a fighting chance."
Shampoo nodded in agreement and the pair set off for the Tendo dojo.
XXXXX
The evening was drawing near, and found Usagi at her desk in her dorm room, pouring over her school work. For a change, this was not due to having Kotori giving her suspicious looks, but rather just a need to busy herself. Ami was not making a whole lot of progress with the information from the Moon Kingdom's computer, so that still left Usagi with a lot of unanswered questions about what exactly had happened to her. However, perhaps even more distracting than that was having Seiya around, even if the Sailor Starlight was avoiding her.
Usagi was in the midst of trying to understand the mysteries of algebra when a knock came at the door. "Come in," Usagi idly called out, expecting it to be her roommate, Kotori. The door opened and closed, but Usagi did not turn to look, intent on her work.
"Math huh?" the unexpected voice of Seiya said from over Usagi's shoulder, causing her to start. "Sorry," she quickly added as Usagi turned to look at her. "I thought we should talk."
"Talk?" Usagi echoed.
"Yeah, you know, that thing we do with our mouths that doesn't involve sticking things into it?" Seiya joked, gaining a nervous laugh from Usagi. "How you feeling?" she asked.
"Oh... pretty good actually," Usagi replied. "Actually... great. I honestly have never felt better. I know that's kinda weird, but I'm wide awake in the morning, and never feel sleepy. The other day in gym class, I ran the entire run without even feeling the least bit exhausted. I swear, I could have gone on for hours like that."
"That is weird," Seiya agreed with a frown.
"But, it's a good kind of weird," Usagi replied quickly with a strained smile.
Seiya was forced to nod after a moment. "I suppose so. I'm guessing Ami hasn't found out anything new?"
Usagi replied with a shake of her head. A long moment of silence then past as the two girls considered what to say. It was Usagi who finally spoke first. "I'm sorry."
"About bringing me here? It's nothing."
"No, I mean... well that too, but... I mean about not talking to you before you left last time," Usagi explained.
"Talking to me?" Seiya echoed in confusion.
"About... how you... felt," Usagi elaborated, causing Seiya to smile at her in amusement. "What?"
"Usagi, you didn't need to say anything, and I wasn't expecting anything either. You already said what needed to be said. Really, I should be the one saying sorry, going on like that when you were still worried about him. Pretty... tactless."
Usagi quickly shook her head in disagreement. "I didn't... I really didn't think of it that way. You thought he was gone for good. You were just trying to fill his place, is all."
Once more Seiya smiled. "Well then, I guess neither of us have anything to really apologize for, now do we."
"I guess not," Usagi conceded. "You never did say where you were staying."
"I got a small place nearby. We still had some funds in the bank and such here, just in case," Seiya answered. "Actually, the reason I came was to say I probably am going to be leaving soon."
"Soon?"
"Probably in a week. I can't stay here forever, and so far everything seems to be stable here," Seiya said, saddening Usagi. "I've been told, if you think you need me-"
"No," Usagi quickly replied. "I... I guess you've been here more than long enough. Like you say, not much happening so I shouldn't keep you from your real home. They probably need you," she continued on. Seiya merely nodded. "You won't leave without coming by, right?"
"Of course not," Seiya answered. "Besides, no guarantee I'll even make it back yet. The best guess is that you brought me here, but that's not certain, and even if you did, we don't know if you have any control over it." This served only to further depress Usagi. "I mean..." Seiya tried to say, but gave up knowing nothing would soften it. "I should be going."
Taking the hint, Usagi nodded, and escorted Seiya to the door of the dorm. Nothing more was said between them. All Usagi could do was smile and wave as the other girl left, words failing her. She remained at the door to the dorm until Seiya left sight, then sighed heavily. That's hardly resolved anything, she thought as she returned inside.
Above her, sitting unnoticed on the edge of the roof of the dorm was a man. He watched her enter, then looked back into the distance at Seiya.
"You're not supposed to be here," Eris said from behind to the man.
"Unlike you, I haven't done anything against the rules," he replied.
"And what exactly are you doing," Eris asked as she sat next to him.
"Checking out the competition," he replied plainly.
Eris looked out at Seiya, curiously. "That one?"
"Yes."
"She's not even of this star system... I think I know her... seems familiar."
The man nodded and stood up. "She should be. She's Sailor Starfighter. As I recall, you were the one to direct their star system."
"Oh yes," Eris said with a grin. "Starfighter always seemed to be attracted to the hard to get ones. She has bad luck that way. And, how exactly does Cosmos feel?"
"Hard to say," he replied.
"And you?"
"That's my business, not yours."
Rising to her feet to look at the man directly, Eris replied, "actually, now it is my business. After all, with Terra and Cosmos being close, everyone involved with either is of interest to me, Ixion."
"Yes, I suppose so," he agreed after a moment but said nothing more and took to the skies.
Eris watched him leave, then cast one last glance Seiya's way. She then grinned and flew off in a different direction.
End Chapter 40
Next time in A Scary Thought: Shampoo and Ranma prepares for their match, each from their own angle.
For those a bit confused on the crossovers: Usagi, Rei, Minako, Makoto, Ami, Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna, Luna, and Artemis are all from Sailor Moon. Kitsune has her ties to the X-files, but only in that she's a fanatic of similar interests rather than appearing in said show. Saki and Sampei are from Sukeban Deka. You may also notice Frost borrowing a spell from here or there; in particular Gargoyles and Illusionaries are two prime targets. Speaking of Gargoyles, if you're a fan of the series you may have already figured this out, but La Bac is Cabal spelt backwards. Also Gen-U-Tech is also a business from Gargoyles. Does that mean this is a Gargoyles cross over? Haven't decided, could just be me stealing ideas ^_^. Anyway, besides that we have Chun Li, Rose, Shadow Lady, Shadow, Gill and the previously shown Karin and Sakura which come from Street Fighter series (Rose, Karin and Sakura from Street Fighter Alpha 3, Shadow and Shadow Lady from Marvel vs Capcom, Chun Li from much of the Street Fighter series, and now Gill from Street Fighter III). As for Ranko, well she's from my other major fanfic, Most Unlikely of Friends, although you can largely consider her standard Ranma trapped in female form for most purposes. And lastly comes dear old Siren who is from Dreiser's story 'Black Rose Blue Thunder'. I won't be using her much but she fits a temporary need.
Good news, the website is back up as .com/hosted/derekloffin. Bad news, I still can't directly update it, so it's behind (well it was behind when I could directly update it, but now even more so). I will probably update it sometime down the line when they get some kind of public interface active, but for now it's there just for historical purposes. It needs quite the overhaul now.
And speaking of websites, my GOD, my fortunecity website is still kicking. I thought that thing was dead years ago! And hey, I get 100 megs there... Hmm, you know I hate ads and all, but there is some promise there, especially with the trouble anifics is having lately. Anyway, I haven't got the motivation to do major webpage editing right now, but I might just go back there should anifics not get their act together soon.
Well, that concludes things for this chapter. Later.