------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Their relationship has been a volatile one. She, a boy-hating tomboy. He, a martial artist cursed to be an aquatranssexual. Engaged against their will, they learned to tolerate each other. Now, their relationship is moving on to the next level. They must learn not only to cope with their new relationship, but with college. Their names are Ranma and Akane Saotome. This is their story. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daigakusei no Ranma Episode 5: "A Little Bit Of Insight" Written by David Tai and Paul Gallegos Original Artwork by Jong Man Hwang Based on characters created by Rumiko Takahashi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Early morning. Inside the apartment the shades are drawn tightly so as not to let the sunlight in. An alarm goes off - loudly - across the room, and the two figures in the room suddenly turn over quickly. One throws a pillow at the alarm and knocks it off the stand, effectively shutting it off. The other gets up out of bed and walks over to the window to open the shades.] Ukyou: [yawns] Another day. Sometimes I wish we didn't live so far away from campus, Makiko. Makiko: [getting up from her bed] What time is it again? Ukyou: [picking up alarm from floor] 6:00 am. Makiko: Why do we keep getting up so early?? I'd like to sleep in some days, you know. Ukyou: If we _don't_ get up early, we'll never get to classes on time. Besides, getting up early is good for you. Makiko: Whatever. [sighs and flops back into bed] You take your bath first. I'll daydream a little more. Ukyou: [smiles] Sure. But if you're asleep when I get out, don't blame me if you're suddenly doused with ice water. [Ukyou enters the bathroom, and soon the sound of running water can be heard. Meanwhile, Makiko gets out of bed and walks over to her computer. She switches it on and sits down with a yawn. Soon the screen comes up, and she dials in to the Mizunoikan computer system.] Makiko: [to herself] I wonder if I got any mail overnight. Hito-chan owes me a letter. [reads screen] Ah, no. [sighs and types a few keys] Oh well. Maybe later today then. [She shuts off the computer just as Ukyou exits the bathroom. Makiko grabs a towel and enters to take her own bath.] Ukyou: [thinking] Was she on that again? She was up pretty late last night on that computer. Hmmm. [Ukyou gets half-dressed, then rummages through Makiko's closet for a blouse, before finishing up. She walks into the kitchen, and the smell of eggs being cooked is soon wafting through the apartment.] Makiko: [exits bathroom, toweling her hair] Ukyou, that smells great! Ukyou: [from kitchen] Arigato! It's almost ready! [Makiko looks through her closet for something to wear and selects a nice flowery sundress.] Makiko: [enters kitchen and sniffs] Mmmm. I'm hungry!! Ukyou: Get the vegetables and shredded pork, will you, Makiko? Makiko: Sure. [Makiko checks the refrigerator, puts pickled vegetables and shredded pork on small plates, then carries them out to a low table in the main room. Ukyou follows, carrying a plate of eggs and a bowl of rice porridge, both of which she hands to Makiko. Ukyou re-enters the kitchen, as Makiko kneels down at the table, puts down the plate of eggs. Makiko grabs her chopsticks, and uses them to put some egg, vegetables, and pork into her bowl. She starts shoveling food into her mouth with her chopsticks.] Makiko: [mumbling] Hey, Ukyou, is that my blouse? It looks great on you! Ukyou: [returning with a bowl of rice porridge] Thanks. I hope you don't mind. [kneels at table, picks up her chopsticks, and begins eating] Makiko: [in between mouthfuls] Not at all! You look like you're ready to go catch a man today! [smiles] Ukyou: [pauses in eating, and blushes bright red] ... Makiko: [giggles] Gotcha! Ukyou: [looks at clock on wall] Oh dear! [cleans up and sticks plate in sink] C'mon, we're going to be late if we don't hurry! Makiko: What? [looks at clock] Now I know why we keep getting up early! [sighs and tosses her plate in the sink] Let me grab my backpack from the bedroom. Ukyou: Ok! Meet you downstairs! [Ukyou leaves, and Makiko soon follows. The two girls unlock their bikes and pedal off towards campus in a hurry.] * * * [A digital alarm clock flashes "6:59" for a bit, then changes to "7:00" and starts beeping. A hand reaches over and taps the snooze bar lightly. A little while later, the clock shows "7:09" and the beeping begins again. This time the hand reaches out and shuts off the alarm entirely. In another room, Nabiki is getting out of the shower and is drying off.] Nabiki: [to herself] 100 yen says that Junko is still asleep by the time I finish getting dressed. [Nabiki, wrapped in a towel, goes into the kitchen and fixes herself a quick breakfast milkshake and puts it in the blender. She then turns it on and lets it mix while heading back to her bedroom to change.] Junko: [getting out of bed] What is that noise?? [Junko opens the door to her room and squints in the direction of the noise. She then goes into the kitchen and, finding the offending blender, shuts it off. She then goes back into her room and closes the door. Nabiki then emerges from her room and heads to the kitchen. Finding the blender off, she looks at it quizzically for a brief moment, before turning it back on to finish its work. She then gathers her books and knocks on Junko's door.] Nabiki: Hey in there, are you ready to go to classes? I'll give you a ride to campus. Junko: [from inside her room] No, that's ok, Nabiki. I'm going to skip this morning's aerobic class and go later. Nabiki: Ok. Can you do me a favor? Pick up my notebook at the Shinohara building, please? Junko: Uh? Why can't you pick it up? Nabiki: I've got a meeting with my sister Akane, and plans to make. Junko: Oh, okay... no problem. Nabiki: Okay, arigato! [Nabiki goes back into the kitchen and pours the finished shake into a glass. She then cleans up the kitchen area while drinking it and rinses out the glass when finished. She then grabs her backpack and leaves, getting on her scooter and riding to campus.] * * * [Sunlight streams in through the shades, giving the room a pleasant glow. Downstairs, the automatic coffee-maker's clock shows "7:00", and the machine turns itself on. Soon the smell of freshly brewed coffee is flowing upstairs. At the same time, the clock-radio in Kasumi's room goes off and the morning's news broadcast wakes Kasumi up.] Kasumi: [stretching] Mmmm. Coffee's made already?? Oh, that's right, Yuriko's coffee-maker does that for her. I wonder if she's awake yet? [As if on cue, Yuriko bounces into Kasumi's room.] Yuriko: [smiling brightly] Ohayo!! Coffee's ready! Is it my turn to cook breakfast or yours? Kasumi: [smiles] Ohayo! I think it's mine... let me freshen up and I'll be down shortly. Yuriko: Ok. [turns to go, then hesitates] By the way, did you finish your studying for your human anatomy test today? Kasumi: [nods] Hai. Your notes were most helpful! Yuriko: [smiles] Great!! You should do great then today!! [bounces out of room] [Kasumi giggles at Yuriko's energy, then gets out of bed and grabs a blouse and skirt from her closet. She then heads for the bathroom, and about 15 minutes later emerges dressed and ready to go.] Yuriko: [from her room] Are you finished in there? Kasumi: Hai... breakfast should be ready by the time you're done. Yuriko: Great!! [Kasumi goes downstairs into the kitchen and proceeds to cook up a quick breakfast. Soon afterwards, Yuriko comes downstairs, brushing her hair and tying it into a ponytail. Kasumi gives her a plate of food, and the two eat quickly.] Yuriko: [finishing and rinsing her plate] That was great, as usual, Kasumi! Kasumi: Arigato. [smiles] But we'd best get going. I've that anatomy test first thing today! [frowns] Yuriko: [nods] I'm already ready to go. [grabs bookbag] Kasumi: Ok. Remind me it's my turn to do the dishes when I get back. Yuriko: [making a face] That won't be a problem. [starts to head out the door then comes back] Almost forgot to bring last night's experiment data. Kasumi: [puzzled] What experiment was this? Yuriko: [going upstairs] Oh, it's an ongoing thing. I don't expect to have any real results until next month. Kasumi: Oh, I see. [smiles] [Kasumi waits patiently for Yuriko to come back downstairs, which she does quickly, carrying a thick notebook with papers falling out. Yuriko stuffs this in her bookbag, and the two head outside to get their bicycles and ride to class.] * * * [Morning at Maison Sabaku. The alarm clock is reading "7:30" and humming semi- loudly. Akane reaches over and sleepily shuts it off and then falls back against the futon for a moment before turning over and cuddling up with Ranma. She puts her arm around him, drawing him closer as she shivers in the morning air... then both Ranma's and Akane's eyes snap open and look at each other.] Akane: KYAAAAAAH!!! [punts Ranma out the window] Hentai! What were you thinking sleeping like that... [suddenly remembers] Oh... * * * [Flashback to the previous night. Akane drags Ranma in the door and sets him on the futon while she washes up. Ranma is quite intoxicated... and also quite unconscious.] Akane: Baka! He just HAD to fight, and he just HAD to take a drink of that... that _stuff_, whatever it was. [sighs] I don't think I'll ever get the alcohol smell out of this blouse. [Akane returns to the living room. Ranma is face-down on the futon, snoring away. She tries, in vain, to waken him so she can set up the futon to sleep on, but Ranma is completely out of it. Finally, she gives up and drops him on the floor while she finishes moving the futon into its bed-position.] Akane: [watching Ranma's peaceful expression] I hope you have a hangover tomorrow morning. [Akane finally just drags Ranma into bed and tucks him in, turns off the lights, and then turns on her reading lamp for a while. Soon, however, it's obvious she's having trouble concentrating, so she turns off the reading lamp, and finally drifts off to sleep.] * * * [Ranma finally comes to rest, face-first, in the tree in the backyard of Maison Sabaku.] Ranma: [mumbled] Kawaikune... [He slowly slides down the trunk of the tree as a camera flash goes off several times in the window of Room 3, while Akane stares out the window watching Ranma.] * * * [Mizunoikan University. Makiko has just finished her third class of the day and is gathering all her notebooks while walking out of the classroom when she bumps into another student, knocking both of their belongings to the ground in a giant slew of papers. Several students walking nearby give a smattering of applause.] Makiko: [looking up with a grimace] Just great. [turns to the student she bumped into] I'm terribly sorry... here, let me help. [Makiko begins picking up all the papers and notebooks around her, and then reads the name off of one of the papers.] Makiko: [to herself] "Tendo Nabiki"? [blinks] [aloud] Hey, do you know Tendo Nabiki? I notice you have some of her stuff. Junko: Hai. She's my roommate. I'm just picking up some stuff for her. Makiko: I'm Kawamura Makiko. I've met Nabiki before. [looks at the ground and sighs] I'm really sorry for all of this. [hands Junko all the papers] Junko: It's not a big deal, really. I just have to watch where I'm going more often. By the way, I'm Shimada Junko. Makiko: [smiles] I noticed that you have Ota-kyouju for Freshman Composition. Are you in my class? Junko: I don't know. I don't know that many people in the class. I usually sit in the back. Makiko: Hmmm. I think you are in my class. Don't you sit next to that guy that always wears a leather jacket with the letters "KOC" on the back? Junko: Yeah, I do. [smiles slightly] Makiko: [breaks out into a wide grin] Cool! Hey, going to the Student Union? Junko: Uh... yeah. Makiko: Great! Let's go! [Makiko puts her backpack over a shoulder and heads toward the Student Union. Junko grabs her pack, puts her walkman away, and follows Makiko.] Makiko: Isn't Ota-kyouju totally weird? I mean, that last assignment, what was it? Oh yeah, writing about what you remember about being ten years old? I don't remember a lot from when I was ten. Junko: Yeah, that was really strange. I don't see what that had to do with anything, either. Makiko: Hey, do you want to join me and some friends for lunch? My roommate and her friend are meeting me at 1:00 in the Union. Junko: Um... [pauses] Sure. I don't have any more classes for the rest of the day anyway. Makiko: Me neither. Though I do have to check my mail sometime before 3:00. [smiles] Junko: Mail? Makiko: [grins] Yeah, electronic mail. Let me explain.... * * * [Ukyou finishes her last class for the day and walks over to an area with several tall, shady trees. She sits under one and puts on her walkman, then opens her literature book as the music plays. Soon, however, she is no longer paying attention to the words on the pages, but rather, she stares blankly at the grass in front of her. She closes her eyes slowly and leans back against the tree as the music softly plays in her headphones...] {dream} {song} Clouds are floating in the sky, and When we were young Ukyou is sitting on a particularly We played in the sea fluffy one, the breeze in her hair. On the beach, in the breeze The sky is the bluest of blues, and Together, you and me her gaze shifts from the sky above to the green grass below her, its When we were young blades seemingly untouched by man. We laughed at life Alone, Ranma sits facing away from Through the clouds, in the trees Ukyou while she memorizes his every Together, you and me detail. Ranma then turns and smiles at Ukyou, his smile radiating warmth How could I know in every fiber of her being. He puts I'd have to let go? a hand on her shoulder, drawing her closer to him. They hold each other There was no way to know for what seems to be an eternity. If it was really love Or just a childhood fantasy Then Ukyou opens her eyes, and the There was no way to know two are in a familiar dressing room, We never let it show Ranma is facing a mirror attempting There was no way to know to straighten the tie on his tuxedo, If it was love without much success, while Ukyou stands behind him in a dress, simply When you walked away watching him. Finally, she reaches My world fell apart out and fixes Ranma's tie for him, Crashing down, all around tying a perfect knot for his bow tie. Breaking my heart Ukyou looks up into Ranma's eyes and the two gaze at each other for a long And no matter how I tried moment. Then a shadow appears and To start again brand new informs Ranma that it is time to go. It all came back, flooding back Ranma sighs and turns to leave, while When you said "I do"... Ukyou watches Ranma go... Ukyou: [whispers] Ranma... I love you... Ranma: [touches Ukyou's shoulder] Um... if this is a bad time, Ucchan, I can leave... [Ukyou's eyes snap open, and she instantly freezes at the sight of Ranma.] Ukyou: [flushed] Ra.. Ra... Ranma... Ranma: What? Ukyou: [rips off headphones] You're here! Ranma: Hai. I'm supposed to be. You told me to meet you here at noon, so here I am. [smiles] Ukyou: How long have you been here? Ranma: I just got here. I'm not late, am I? Ukyou: [looks at watch] No, no... I, uh, just fell asleep for a while I guess. Ranma: Well, I wouldn't have even woken you up, except that you _did_ say it was important that I show up. Ukyou: Well, of course! You didn't even bother to call to cancel our last study date! So we've got to catch up! I was going to ask you about it last night, but... Ranma: Oh! [flashback to the park incident and the Phoenix's departure] Gomen... there was a... problem by the apartment that needed to be taken care of quickly, and I didn't have time to call you. [pauses] Tell you what. I'll buy you lunch today. How's that? Ukyou: Sure! Let's go!! You can tell me all about your "incident" over a burger. [smiles] Ranma: Now?? Ukyou: Of course! Aren't you hungry? Ranma: [grins] Hai! [Ukyou puts her books and walkman in her backpack, then gets up and heads toward the Student Union. Ranma watches Ukyou's retreating figure, then looks guiltily at the spot where Ukyou was leaning against the tree for a moment, before hurrying to catch up with her.] * * * [Akane walks through the doors of the restaurant and spots Nabiki in a nearby booth. She seats herself and drops her pack on the seat next to her.] Akane: Konnichiwa, Nabiki-oneesan. [smiles] Nabiki: Konnichiwa. How's life at the apartment? Akane: Couldn't be better! [smiles brightly, then remembers the morning's incident and the smile fades slightly] Nabiki: Great. I'm also glad you could make it today for lunch. I just _had_ to get out of my place for a while today. Junko's getting on my nerves. Akane: [blinks] Junko? Your roommate? Nabiki: Hai. She sleeps in every day, or if she's not sleeping, she's on the couch watching TV, or eating snacks or something. She never seems to study at all, and she's always skipping her morning classes. Akane: Well, maybe she's just got some problems to work out, you know? Nabiki: Maybe. Funny thing is that she never brings home any guys or girls, not even a study partner. Akane: Well, maybe she's not into dating. You really have to stop thinking about it, Nabiki. Maybe it's just her way of getting used to college. Nabiki: Yeah, I guess you're right. Well, I'm hungry. Order anything you want. Lunch is on me today. [smiles] Akane: [blinks in surprise] Are you serious? Nabiki: Of course. Would I joke about money? Akane: No, I guess not. [smiles] Arigato. Nabiki: So did you and Ranma get home all right? [sly grin] Akane: Uh? Oh yeah. Ranma passed out on the bed. Nabiki: Was that before or after? Akane: [blinks] Before or after what? Nabiki: [looking innocent] So you're saying Ranma's performance was... unmemorable? Akane: He's fought better before. I don't see why he's having such problems now. Nabiki: That's not what I meant. [pondering] I meant, there are downsides to being married, like dragging your husband home after he's been drinking. On the other hand, there are some... benefits. [grins] Akane: [not paying attention] ... and then he just goes and drink whatever that stuff was! [blinks] Nani? What did you say, oneesan? Nabiki: [blinks] Forget it. I think we're talking at cross-purposes. Akane: [shrugs] Whatever. Anyway, you said you needed my hel˙p for something when you invited me earlier. What is it? Nabiki: I don't know yet if I may need your help, but... in a month or two, there's going to be a competition between my club and... * * * [Mizunoikan Student Union. Crowds of students are milling about here and there or lounging on the building's shady expanse of grass. At a bench underneath an exceptionally shaded tree, Makiko and Junko sit talking. Ukyou soon walks up with Ranma, and the two join them.] Makiko: ... so that's how I met Hito-chan. Junko: [smiles] He sounds way too cool. I wish I could meet him sometime. Makiko: You and me both. [giggles] I'm supposed to meet him soon! [Ukyou looks at Ranma and rolls her eyes skyward. Ranma suppresses a chuckle and shifts his pack to the other shoulder.] Makiko: Hi, Ukyou! How are you? Ukyou: Just fine. [smiles] Makiko: Oh, where are my manners? Junko, this is Kuonji Ukyou and... Junko: [interrupting] Saotome Ranma. I've heard a lot about you. [smiles] Ranma: [blinks] Have we met? Junko: No, I don't believe so. I'm Nabiki's roommate. Ranma: Nice to finally meet you. [smiles] [Ukyou sits down at the table. Ranma notices the only free spot at the table is also next to Ukyou and smiles slightly at this before sitting down as well.] Makiko: Are you done for the day, Ranma? Ranma: Yeah, though I have a ton of homework, as usual. Ukyou: Which reminds me, you're supposed to come over tonight so we can go over the Composition assignment. Makiko: Hey, Junko, why don't you come over as well? It'll be so cool... Ukyou's cooking dinner tonight. Ranma: [grins] I guess I'd better show up then. Junko: [pauses] Well, actually, I don't think I can. I have some stuff to do at home still... and I've got to drop off Nabiki's papers... [trails off] Ukyou: Are you sure? I don't mind cooking for more. [winks at Ranma] Junko: No, thanks for inviting me though. [smiles] Ranma: Well, I'm hungry now! I'm going to grab something to eat. Can I get any of you anything? Ukyou: My burger. [pokes Ranma] Ranma: Uh... hai. [smiles] Makiko: Nothing for me, thanks. Junko: Could you get me a diet coke? Ranma: [nods and stands up] No problem. Be back in a jiff. [Ranma leaves the girls at the table and heads toward the Union itself. The scene pulls back to a wide shot of the campus itself, and then towards the blue sky above.] * * * [Early evening. Makiko turns on her computer and waits for it to power up. She then moves the mouse to the appropriate window, and soon the Mizunoikan computer system is on her screen. She types quickly, entering her username and password, and then quickly scans her new messages.] Makiko: [squeals] Yay! Hito-chan sent me a reply finally! [Makiko reads the message on the screen... "Maki-chan, Thank you for your recent reply. I hope that my advice on that program was enough of a help for you. (^_^) To answer your other question, that girl I told you about is in one of my other classes here at Noumunoikan - Calculus. She's really beautiful, though she doesn't seem like a freshman. I haven't gotten her name yet, but I will soon! Lastly, how are things with your roommate (Kuonji? Is that her name?) going? Do you two get along or are you tearing each other's hair out yet? Tell, tell! Write soon!" Makiko sighs and leans back in her chair.] Makiko: [to herself] So, Hito-chan's in love. How sweet! [smiles] Ukyou's voice: Tadaima! Makiko: [shouting] Konbanwa, Ukyou! Ukyou: [entering bedroom] Konbanwa. [smiles] Whatcha up to? Makiko: Just finished reading my mail. Seems Hito-chan's in love with a new freshman at Noumunoikan. [smiles] Ukyou: Isn't he like 23 or something? I'm surprised he's not already married. [drops books on her bed] Makiko: Well, yes, he's a little older than most of the freshmen, but that doesn't mean anything. Ukyou: [grins] Well, at least _he's_ found someone. [sighs] Makiko: Oh Ukyou, don't be like that. [pauses] I know. Let's go rent a movie to watch over dinner. Ukyou: [smiles] Sounds like a plan! [frowns slightly] Oh, wait... I can't tonight. I have a study date with Ran-chan. Makiko: Oh. Is he coming here tonight or are you going over to his place? Ukyou: He's coming here. We'll study in the living room so we don't disturb you. Makiko: That's fine. [smiles] Ukyou: I'm cooking dinner, so have an appetite later. [giggles] Makiko: [turns back to screen] Sure thing! [Ukyou exits and closes the door behind her. Makiko busily starts typing away at her keyboard, mumbling to herself as she types.] * * * Nabiki: Junko? I'm leaving to study. If anyone calls, I'm over at Kunou's place, ok? Junko: [nods] Ok. Have fun. [smiles] Nabiki: [looks back at Junko and grins] Yeah, right. [Nabiki leaves, and soon the sound of her scooter can be heard revving up and then going down the street. Junko sits back again in the coach and flips through the channels on TV.] TV voice: ... So come on down to the Nekohanten! Great food, great fun, great family entertainment! And Thursday night is Ladies' Night, with all imports only 2400 yen! The Nekohanten... You'll be purring with delight! [As the announcer reads off the last sentence, a picture of a scantily clad Shampoo appears on the screen holding a tray of glasses and a pitcher of beer and winks at the camera.] Junko: Hmm. I wonder if that's the same Shampoo that Nabiki mentioned... [Junko's musings are interrupted, however, as the doorbell rings.] Junko: Hai! [gets up to go answer it] Person: Shimada-san! Konbanwa! Junko: [surprised] Konbanwa, Shirow-san. What brings you here? Shirow: I was in the neighborhood, and I thought I'd stop by. Junko: [smiles] Well, I'm glad you did! Come in, please! [steps aside to let Shirow enter] Shirow: Wow... this place is really nice. Junko: Ah, well, I just pay the rent. Tendo Nabiki owns the place, actually. I'm still amazed at how she was able to afford it. Shirow: Me too. [slowly turns around to take in the surroundings] You know, there was another reason that I stopped by... [gaze finally rests on Junko] Junko: [slightly unsure] ...uh... and that is..? Shirow: [steps forward towards Junko] Well, are you alone tonight? Junko: [steps towards Shirow] ...um.. hai... Shirow: [steps forward again] And is your roommate due back anytime soon? Junko: [steps forward, inches away from Shirow] Um... [looks up into his eyes expectantly] no... not until late tonight. [smiles and semi-closes her eyes] Shirow: [stops and smiles] Good! Can you help me with my Sociology homework? [pulls textbook out of nowhere] I really need the help! [Junko face-faults.] * * * Kasumi: [screams] EEEEEEE!!! Yuriko!! Why are there mice all over the kitchen?? [Kasumi is standing on a chair with little white mice scampering here and there and avoiding the broom that Kasumi is trying vainly to swipe at them with. Yuriko comes rushing in.] Yuriko: Gomen! Gomen!! Somehow my experiment got loose! [kneels down and starts trying to catch the mice] Kasumi: Experiment? What experiment? You mean the one with the green notebook you've been carrying around? Yuriko: Um... no, actually, that one goes to the experiment in the freezer. Kasumi: What about the freezer? [Yuriko opens the freezer door and pulls out a huge spherical ball covered in ice. She knocks off most of the ice to reveal a basketball.] Yuriko: I saw this show on TV where they froze a handball and then shattered it. I thought I could go one better, and see how long it'd take before the basketball's surface was brittle enough to shatter, [bounces ball on kitchen tile, barely missing several mice] but it seems to be taking longer than I anticipated. Kasumi: But that still doesn't explain the mice! Yuriko: [puts basketball back in freezer] Oh, well see I have another experiment going on upstairs where I have two cages with mice in them. I also have a maze for them to run through. One cage has regular mice in it, but the other has mice that have been getting regular doses of this strength-enhancing formula I came up with in lab. I guess I left one of the cages unlocked. Kasumi: "Strength-enhancing formula"? Yuriko: Yeah, I made it myself after doing some research in sports medicine, and getting info from the track team and... [realization dawns on her] Oh no... you don't think... [runs off to her room] Kasumi: Yuriko!! Please get the mice out of here!!! Yuriko: [runs back in] They did! They broke out! This is way too cool! [goes off to find her notebook] Kasumi: Yuriko, please!!! * * * Ranma: I still don't see why that part needs to be rewritten. Ukyou: [holding paper] It's obvious to me! See? [points to a specific part] Your argument is too weak right here. You're not supporting your statement in the first paragraph. Ranma: [looks glumly at paper] I'll never get the hang of this. Ukyou: Oh, c'mon. It's not that bad. For the most part, you've chosen a good thesis to work with, it's just that stance is tough to defend. Ranma: [leans back on couch] Well, I know I'm starving right now. I can't think on an empty stomach. Ukyou: Would you like me to start dinner now? Ranma: Oh no, you don't have to... Ukyou: [interrupting] I don't mind at all. [smiles sweetly] Ranma: [briefly pauses, remembering events earlier in the day at the tree] Uh... sure. That's fine then. [smiles slightly] [Ukyou quickly gets up and heads for the kitchen. Soon a pleasant smell emanates from the kitchen. Makiko enters the living room.] Makiko: Konbanwa, Ranma. [smiles] Is Ukyou cooking dinner? Ranma: Hai. [grins] I told her I could've just gone out and grabbed something on my way home, but she insisted. Makiko: [giggles] That sounds like her. Ranma: How do you like her cooking? She's an excellent okonomiyaki cook. Makiko: Really? I didn't know that... she never cooks that here. Ranma: [blinks] ... Oh? Makiko: I'll have to ask her sometime to make that for dinner. Hmmm. [heads for kitchen] Ranma: [thinking] She doesn't cook okonomiyaki anymore? I don't get it... [out loud] Ucchan! Just what _are_ you making for dinner tonight?? Ukyou: [from kitchen] Stir-fry! It'll be ready in a couple of minutes! Ranma: [calls back] No okonomiyaki? Ukyou: [from kitchen] Uh... I don't have the ingredients for it here. Gomen! Ranma: [walks into kitchen] That's fine. This is just a surprise, that's why I asked. [Ukyou looks at her feet, then looks back at the pot so Ranma doesn't see her blush.] Ukyou: I just thought I'd... uh... try something new. I hope you don't mind. Ranma: [leaving kitchen] Not at all. * * * [A figure sits writing notes in a notebook and flipping through a thick book. Or at least, trying to.] Akane: [glancing at the clock] Where IS that hentai? Ranma should've been back by now... [Sighing, Akane turns back to her book, chewing on her pencil as she keeps glancing at the clock. A tapping noise is heard, and the writing stops. Akane looks up toward the ceiling, trying to find the source of the noise.] Akane: [sighs] Again? It can't be Kanrinin-san on the roof at THIS time of night... [turns back to her book.] [*TAP TAP*] Akane: [stands up] This is getting ridiculous. [Akane walks toward the wall that separates Rooms 3 and 4. On the other side, the ceiling panel is missing, with a small stool under the missing panel. In the ceiling itself, Choji is installing a microphone over the Saotomes' futon. He finishes and exits quickly, making his way to the small wireless receiver in a corner of Room 3.] Choji: This should work just fine now. [looks up] Oops, forgot to put the panel back. [Choji lifts the ceiling panel back over its normal spot and lets it drop into place. Unfortunately, the microphone also drops from its ceiling spot. It rolls sideways and then lodges itself in a crack between a panel and its support. Akane, however, is not satisfied that the tapping has stopped and is tapping each panel overhead.] Akane: [standing on tiptoe on a stool] There must be a mouse or something in ceiling. Maybe if I go get some cheese, I can get it out. [As she goes into the kitchen, Choji sits down at the receiver and puts on the headphones.] Choji: Aaah. This will be perfect. [Akane returns and tries to pop up the nearest tile. However, she tries pushing up from an edge instead of from the middle, and the tile falls out onto Akane. The microphone also falls, bouncing off the tile and into ... the fishbowl.] Akane: [holding her head] Owwww! [sighs and looks up at the ceiling] Just great; now I have a mess to clean up. [Akane goes back into the kitchen to get some cleaning supplies. Meanwhile, Choji turns on the wireless receiver...] Choji: EEEEYYYYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! [throws headphones off] [Akane sticks her head out the window, but seeing nothing, she goes back inside to clean up her mess.] * * * [Late evening at Maison Sabaku. Ranma opens the door to Room 4 and walks in. Akane comes out from the kitchen with a glass of water.] Akane: Where were you?? You should've called or something. At least I would've gotten my studying done, instead of having to worry about where you might be. Ranma: Well, don't worry anymore. Next time I'm studying at Ukyou's, I'll call... Akane: [narrows eyes] You were _where_??? Ranma: I was studying at... [notices Akane's expression] Uh... [*SLAP*] Ranma: [holding a hand to his face] Hey! Akane: You two-timing hentai! Ranma: Wait just a minute! We were STUDYING! Nothing else happened! Akane: How come I don't believe you? Ranma: How should _I_ know what a tomboy like you is going to believe?? Akane: [glares] Why you... * * * [Knock at door. Kazuyo opens her door to find a slightly damp Ranma-chan outside.] Kazuyo: [smiles] Konbanwa! Is there something I can do for you? Ranma-chan: Hai, Kanrinin-san. Do you have a mop I could borrow? Akane just dumped a lot of water all over the place upstairs. Kazuyo: Uh... sure, let me get it for you. [Kazuyo returns shortly with a mop and pail and hands them to Ranma-chan.] Ranma-chan: Arigato. I'll be right back with this. Kazuyo: [watches Ranma-chan slowly walk up the stairs] No hurry. [smiles] * * * [A short time later...] Voice: [outside door] Kanrinin-san, I've got the mop I borrowed from you earlier! [Kazuyo opens the door and looks directly at Ranma's chest, then up at his face with a surprised expression on her face.] Ranma: Thanks for letting us use this. We'll try not to make such a mess next time. [smiles] [Ranma jogs back up the stairs leaving a very confused Kazuyo in the doorway.] * * * Junko: ... so you see, Shirow-san, the percentage of people that are lower class is a direct proportional result of the economy of that area. [looks up] Shirow-san! Did you hear a word I said? [Shirow, however, has not been paying attention, it seems. He drops his pencil and looks at Junko for a second, long enough for her to notice that he's been doodling all over his notebook.] Junko: [grabbing Shirow's notebook] Jeez. And you wanted me to help you study, too. [leafs through it] Hmmm. Looks like you've been doodling in class as well. Shirow: [hangs head] Yeah... someday I want to be a famous artist. That stuff is just a beginning. I'm going to write my own series someday. Junko: Really? After one week in college, you're already planning for the future? [looking at notebook] What are you going to call it? Shirow: [thinks for a moment] I think I'll call it... "Avocado Pit". Junko: [blinks] ... Uh, maybe it's time for you to go home. Shirow: [gets up] What? You don't like the name? Junko: [gathers Shirow's books and hands them to him] I think that maybe you've been studying too much lately... maybe you should get more sleep, ne? Shirow: [trying to hold all his books] I thought the name was quite original! Junko: [opens the door and pushes him out] I'll see you in class tomorrow, Shirow-san. Shirow: [as door is closed in his face] Hey! What about "Applesauce"? Junko: [leans with back against door smiling] Good night, Shirow-san. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- finis.