----------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's hard to tell +-------------------------------+ If she's in love | Daigakusei no Ranma | She doesn't let it show +-------------------------------+ If that's what she's thinking of | Written by: David Kelk, | She's a tough girl, though | David Tai and Paul Gallegos | She's got her pride +-------------------------------+ But she looked so fragile | Original Artwork by | The day I saw her cry | Jong Man Hwang | +-------------------------------+ There was you, you and me | Based on the characters | And now I know where I want to be | created by Rumiko Takahashi | +-------------------------------+ I don't want you saying you love me | Copyright (c) 1994 David Kelk | 'Cause I can't say it, can't you see? |& Digital Knight Communications| And I don't want you to change your ways +-------------------------------+ 'Cause I like you just the same | "Ranma 1/2" & its characters | And all I want all this time | Copyright (c) 1994 | All I need is your hand in mine | Viz Communications, Inc. | And all I want all this time | Shogakukan, Kitty Animation | All I need is your hand in mine | and Rumiko Takahashi | All I need... +-------------------------------+ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episode 9: "Roses Are Red, Kodachi Is Too" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Late evening at the Kunou Mansion, located between Mizunoikan and Noumunoikan Universities. A cab appears in the driveway and is met at the gates by a servant. Kodachi steps out humming an upbeat tune. She hands a number of plants to the servant who follows her inside. Stepping into the den, she spies Kunou through the ferns, kneeling on the floor pruning a bonsai tree.] Kodachi: [thinking] An attack bonsai tree. How amusing. [Kodachi waves the servant off and addresses Kunou.] Kodachi: I have returned, dear brother. Kunou: [looks up] Ahh.. Kodachi. Welcome back. I trust your expedition was successful? Kodachi: [smiles] Very. Has anything happened while I've been away? How is Ranma-sama? Kunou: Saotome... has decided to attend Mizunoikan University. Kodachi: [eyes sparkling] Oh, excellent! When did he decide to go to college? Kunou: Right after his m... [pauses, thinking quickly] his students started attending other dojos. [eyes fall on plants] More trees for the arboreum? You do know, of course, that we are completely out of room. [During this exchange the servant wobbles unsteadily as he tries to balance all of the greenery he is carrying. His situation is exacerbated when one particularily large plant starts to bite at his cheek. As the attack continues, his balance becomes more precarious as he feebly tries to fight it off.] Kodachi: [laughing] HA HA HA! You are so amusing, dear brother! It's quite simple... we will have to move the study to make more room! [The servant finally falls over and is buried in a miniature tropical rainforest.] Kodachi: Come, servant! We have much work to do! [leaves] Kunou: [thinking] Next, she will want to move the dojo to feed her obsession with plants. [Kunou envisions a scene where Kodachi stands in a lab coat laughing maniacally as vines crackle with life all around her. He sighs and resumes trimming his tree.] * * * [Basement of the Kunou Mansion. Kodachi places the new flora in a series of small containers along a long, thin hydroponic trough. At one end she carefully observes the growth of a small clump of roots suspended in a purplish solution. After making notes in a binder, she places a number of seeds from her pocket into a box of deep red earth and waters them. She smiles and starts to draw in the binder. Our view shifts to see what she is sketching: a picture of Ranma seated on a giant leaf.] * * * [Morning at Maison Sabaku. Sounds of humming and singing can be heard from within the bathroom in Room 4 as Akane showers. Ranma-chan, however, is asleep on the futon. As Akane hits a particularly high note in the shower, Ranma-chan stands up suddenly, eyes closed, and walks mechanically into a closet. Minutes later, she emerges from the closet, tucking in her favorite red shirt. She then grabs a towel, and heads toward the bathroom, automatically opening the door before walking into it.] Akane: [shivers] A draft? [turns around and notices Ranma] Ranma, you HENTAI! What are you doing in here!?!?!? [Ranma-chan doesn't respond. Instead, she grabs her toothbrush, squeezes toothpaste onto the bristles, and starts to brush her teeth. Akane grabs a towel and wraps it around herself.] Akane: [angrily] This is NOT funny, Ranma! Get out! [Akane grabs Ranma-chan by the front of her shirt and pushes her out of the bathroom up against the window. Ranma-chan doesn't resist, still brushing her teeth with her eyes closed.] Akane: [angrily] That does it!! [*KAPOW*] [Ranma-chan goes flying off into the morning sun, toothbrush falling at Akane's feet. Akane picks it up and her eyes widen as she realizes that Ranma was still asleep.] Akane: [one hand over her mouth] Ranma... * * * [Behind the new Nekohanten, Mousse is throwing a large stack of garbage bags into an even larger blue trash compactor. Hearing a distant noise he turns, looking up into the sky. Mousse blinks and adjusts his glasses, then looks at the garbage bag he is carrying. After pausing for a moment, he dashes inside, returning seconds later with a large beanbag and a kettle of steaming water. Quickly he considers Ranma's trajectory and then places the bean bag in the parking lot.] Mousse: [looking up] Hai. This should be about right... [Ranma-chan lands in Mousse's beanbag and opens her eyes, focusing finally on Mousse.] Ranma-chan: Mousse?? Arigato! Mousse: [pours water on Ranma] Fighting with Akane again, I see? Ranma: [clueless look, one arm behind head] I don't know. I felt a sharp pain, and the next thing I know I'm here... Mousse: [pondering] If she could be harnessed for peaceful purposes... [picks up beanbag] Have you had breakfast yet, Saotome? Ranma: [suspiciously] Why? Mousse: Peace, Saotome. There's no need for us to fight any more. I figured you haven't eaten yet... [pauses] and we both know Akane's cooking can down strong oxen... Ranma: Yeah. If you don't mind. Uh... [looks around nervously] Shampoo...? Mousse: She's in China visiting her sisters. [smiles] Come in! Ranma: Hai! [grins] [Both disappear into the Nekohanten.] * * * [Noumunoikan University, early morning. As the view closes in on one part of the campus, several students walking by the gymnasium are holding their ears as terrible screams eminate from the gym. One of the tall two-story windows finally cracks as the howls get progressively worse. Inside, Kodachi is surrounded by a small group of women, who are all covering their ears.] Kodachi: [screams] NOOOOOOO!!! Ranma-sama, it cannot be true!! Friend 1: [winces] Keep it down Kodachi! It's too bad, really-- the new guy at Mizunoikan is a real hunk and a kickboxer to boot. [smiles] He looks so sexy in red and black Chinese clothes. But like I said, he's married [Kodachi screams again] to this arrogant woman... er... whassername... [The girl looks at her companion, who simply shrugs.] Kodachi: Tendo Akane? Friend 1: Yeah! That's it! [smiles] [Kodachi screams again.] Friend 2: [rubbing ears] So he's married. Big deal. If he's _that_ cute, AND you're interested in him, you should still go after him. At least, show him you're interested. Friend 1: Ruin a marriage? I could never do that. [At the sound of the word "marriage", Kodachi lets out another high-pitched scream.] Kodachi: NOOOOOOO!!! [Kodachi kicks her ribbon up from the floor and grabs a 5kg weight, tossing it through one of the windows of the gym and hitting an innocent student outside, knocking him senseless. A rack of 5kg weights follow, breaking 4 windows and injuring two more students.] Friend 2: [eyes open in terror] Uh... I have to go, Kodachi! I... uh... just heard my credit cards roll into overdraft... bye! [leaves quickly] Friend 1: Let me help you! They can be hard to stop, you know! [follows the girl out the door] [Still in a rage, Kodachi swings her ribbon repeatedly with all of her might. The miniature sonic booms created force all of the other students in the immediate area to retreat. Exhausted, she collapses to the ground. A single sparkling tear falls from her eye onto the ribbon.] Kodachi: [sniffles] Ranma-sama, how could you? It is obvious that she does not love you. [looks up] After I defeat Akane, Ranma-sama, you will again be free to come to me. * * * [Kagemusha Gardens, later that morning. Akane's drama class is on a field-trip to the beautiful castle and gardens. A group of roughly fifty students stand in the main promenade listening to a speaker recount a story. Akane stands near the back of the crowd looking distracted.] Speaker: Fearing that his heir was not ready for the burdens of leadership, the Warlord, on his deathbed, instructed his ministers to keep his death secret for three years, during which Kagemusha, the shadow warrior, would rule in his place... [A tree branch behind and to the left of the speaker thrashes violently for a second. Closer examination reveals Kodachi in a camouflage green leotard climbing over the outer wall of the garden. She leaps quickly to the ground and sneaks towards the promenade.] Kodachi: [thinking] A longtime project finally bears fruit! [smiles] Fruit! [quiet high pitched laugh] Soon, Ranma-sama, you will forget all about Akane and marry me! With the help of this blue lotus flower, you will at last be happy in my arms! [laughs again] [As the speaker drones on, Kodachi circles and approaches unseen, behind a tall hedge. She leans up against the hedge and reaches through it.] Speaker: Surely Kagemusha would have succeeded at his task had he decided not to BE the Warlord, but only act the part. Though his skills were great, he could not ride the Warlord's horse nor make love to the Warlord's mistress as the Warlord could... Girl: Long winded bore. Why doesn't he stop for a breath? Akane: It's the actors' curse. We're all windbags. [smirks] At least the flowers in the gardens are wonderful! Girl: Hmm... [looks over the flowerbed] Kawaii! Have you ever seen such beautiful yellow roses before? [Both Akane and her friend turn their full attention to the flowers growing in the garden.] Akane: Can we pick them? Girl: Sure, why not? It's a public garden right? Akane: I'm going to take this blue rose home and put it in some water. [Akane pulls the blue "rose" out of the garden by its stem. A second later she feels another hand close around hers.] Akane: [surprised] Ranma!? This isn't funny. [She grasps the foreign hand with her free one and pulls with all of her might. The hedges snap and part as a clueless Kodachi is dragged through.] Akane: Ranma, you... [doubly surprised] Kodachi!?!? Kodachi: [stands up in some pain] That flower is mine, Akane! Give it to me! [Kodachi grabs for the flower, but Akane holds it out of reach.] Akane: No. I saw it first! Kodachi: [grabs at flower again but misses] That flower is very important to a project I am working on! Teacher: [looks directly at Akane and Kodachi] SHHH!!!! Akane: Hai, Kimo-sensei! [whispering as she looks over Kodachi's outfit] Flower Stealing 101? I ought to turn you over to the police right now for trying to steal my rose! Kodachi: [whispering harshly] First, picking flowers from a public garden is a crime! Second, it's a _lotus_! Third, it's MINE! [A tug-of-war ensues over the flower. After a brief battle, Kodachi manages to pull the flower away from Akane.] Kodachi: [examines flower] You have broken the stem.. the lotus is useless now. [angrily] This is the last time you will interfere in my plans. You... you have kept Ranma to yourself in a loveless relationship for far too long. [throws flower at Akane's feet] I challenge you to a duel! [Akane turns bright red with anger at this comment, while her companion edges away slowly.] Akane: [whispering loudly] Loveless!? Loveless??? Teacher: [turns around again] WILL YOU TWO PLEASE BE QUIET! Akane & Kodachi: [automatically] Hai, sensei! [Akane and Kodachi look at each other in surprise, then Akane's anger diminishes, replaced by a look of determination.] Akane: I've beaten you before... name the place and time of your funeral, and I'll be there. Kodachi: The farmers field on the southeast corner of Ita and Shimoda in three days. 4:00 pm. Don't be late. [Kodachi bounces quickly over the hedge and then is gone.] Akane: [stares at flower] Blue lotus, eh? [picks up flower] All right, this time it's for keeps... [An eerie high-pitched laugh can be heard coming from somewhere else in the gardens. The speaker pauses momentarily in his speech, while the students and teacher bristle uncontrollably.] * * * [Lunchtime at Chez Funsui. Ranma enters and notices most of the tables are occupied by high school students. He spies an empty table in the corner and sits down. Almost immediately a waitress walks over.] Waitress: [smiles pleasantly] What can I get for you, sir? Ranma: Um... is Hitomi-chan here? Waitress: [blinks] Oh! You must be Saotome-san! [smiles] Let me go get her! [Ranma half-smiles uncomfortably as the waitress turns and bounces toward the kitchen.] Voice: [from kitchen] Hitomi! Your boyfriend is here! [Ranma hits his head on the table. Moments later, Hitomi rushes out of the kitchen. Many of the high school students stop what they're doing to watch Hitomi, who seems oblivious to the attention.] Hitomi: Konnichiwa, Ranma-kun! [smiles] Ranma: Uh... konnichiwa. [looks behind Hitomi] Did you know you're being watched? Hitomi: [frowns] Hai. All it takes is one kid to walk in here and soon we're full of them. I don't know HOW many times I've been hit on today. Ranma: [grins] Well, what do you expect with a kawaii waitress on the job? [Hitomi blushes and hits Ranma's arm playfully, who raises his hands in defense.] Ranma: [feigning pain] Ow! No more! I give! [chuckles] Hitomi: [smiles] What can I get you? Ranma: [thinks] How about... something I haven't tried yet? You choose. Hitomi: [pauses] Hai! I know just the dish! [bounces into kitchen] [Ranma watches her go, then notices he's the center of attention for many of the students. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat and stares out the window. Soon, Hitomi comes back out carrying a plate of steaming food.] Hitomi: [smiles] Rice sticks with fish for our honored customer. [Hitomi sets the plate down in front of Ranma, who starts to eat hungrily.] Ranma: Arigato! [in between mouthfuls] Excellent as always, Hitomi. [Hitomi sits down next to Ranma and puts her arm around him. Ranma chokes on one mouthful, then starts to eat a little more slowly, glancing around the room and noticing the icy stares from the male students in the kissaten.] Hitomi: Ranma... not that I mind, but why don't you eat at home? Ranma: Uh... well... Hitomi: Akane's cooking can't be that bad, ne? Ranma: You ate it before. You should know. [grins] Hitomi: [making a face] Hai, but we both know the only way she is going to get better is with practice. Ranma: But... Hitomi: [interrupting] No buts. [smiles] If she's that bad of a cook, why don't _you_ show her how to cook? Ranma: [looks at table] Well... Hitomi: [giggles] Seriously, if you help out and be patient with her, I'm sure she'll improve, if only a little bit. Ranma: [unhappy look] I guess you're right. Hitomi: Of course I am. [pats Ranma's arm] Now I have to get back to work before I get in trouble. I'll talk to you later. [gets up and leaves] Ranma: Yeah... soon. [Ranma glances once more around the kissaten, then turns his attention back to the window.] * * * [Maison Sabaku, mid-afternoon. Akane is smiling and humming softly to herself as she cooks dinner. Ranma enters, drops his backpack by the door, and flops down on the futon.] Ranma: [winces] I am so sore. [flexes arm] I've been training all my life, but this class is still a killer. Akane: [from kitchen] The muscle ointment is in the bathroom. Dinner should be ready in about five minutes. [Ranma gets up and walks to the bathroom. As he passes the kitchen, he involuntarily sniffs the air and reflexively tenses up. After another strong whiff, however, he relaxes and shoots a puzzled glance toward the kitchen.] Ranma: Dinner smells pretty good. Akane: [from kitchen] Arigato. It's one of Kasumi's recipes. [Ranma enters the bathroom, gets the ointment out of the medicine cabinet, and starts applying it to his sore muscles.] Ranma: [thinking] She didn't even notice that I complimented her. Hmph. * * * [Dinnertime. Ranma looks at the food pensively, but remembering Hitomi's words, he starts to eat - slowly. Feeling no adverse effects, he eats faster with a look of surprise.] Ranma: [surprised] This meat is really good. What's the special occasion? Akane: [nonchalantly] Kodachi challenged me to a fight in three days, so I'm finally going to give her the drubbing she deserves. [Ranma face-faults, then starts to choke on the food. Akane glares at him and continues to eat in silence. However, when Ranma doesn't respond, she looks up and notices Ranma turning a light shade of pink while clutching at his throat.] Akane: [jumps up] Ranma! [Akane knocks her glass over, spilling her drink all over Ranma's pants while he rolls his eyes. She then stands behind him and attempts to use the Heimlich maneuver. However, she leans over and grabs Ranma around the stomach... along with the table, and lifts the two into the air. Noticing her mistake, she drops both heavily on the floor. By now Ranma has turned a dark shade of red. She pulls him to his feet and then quickly slaps him hard on the back, knocking him into the table.] Akane: [panicked] Ranma... [Akane looks around the room for something that could help her. Finally, she stops, closes her eyes, and concentrates momentarily. Her eyes snap open and focus, and with a loud cry, she strikes Ranma in the back with a powerful open-hand blow. A _large_ piece of meat shoots out and falls neatly into the trash can.] Akane: Ranma? Are you ok?? Ranma: [wheezing] H... Hai. Akane: Gomen! I should've cut the pieces smaller... [looks down] [Ranma opens his mouth to retort, then hears Hitomi's words echo in his ears.] Hitomi: Be patient with her. I'm sure she'll improve. Ranma: [sighs] It's ok. It was just a mistake. [Ranma sits back down. Unfortunately, he sits right in the puddle on his chair. He closes his eyes and bangs his head on the table as Akane walks into the kitchen quickly to get a dishrag.] Ranma: What was this about a challenge, anyway? Akane: [from kitchen] I picked one of Kodachi's precious flowers in Kagemusha gardens by accident. [returns with wet rag] Here. Ranma: Arigato. So I guess you're going to go through with this, eh? Akane: I'm not backing down. I've beaten her before. Ranma: [sighs] Ok, well I guess we'll have to do some training again. Akane: [surprised] Training? Lardizabal offered... Ranma: [interrupting] That drunken slob?! Akane: ...but I refused. I don't think I could develop his tolerance to liquor in three days. Ranma: [smirks] Right. [Ranma gets up and turns around to clean off his seat, which by now has also soaked his pants in a very compromising place. Akane can't help but giggle.] Ranma: [whirls around quickly] What? Akane: [giggles] Nothing. Nothing at all. Ranma: [frowns] Yeah, sure. You just better be ready tomorrow so we can start teaching you about Kodachi's acrobatic stunts and how to counter them. [stops and scratches his head] Y'know, for once, being a tomboy is probably going to be in your favor. [continues to clean up] [Akane glares at this, then grabs Ranma's drink glass and pours it on his head before walking back into the kitchen.] * * * [Later that night, we see signs saying "Ita Street" and "Shimoda Street" in the moonlight. There is a sudden flash of motion as a group of shadowy figures leap the small fence into the adjacent field. The rythmic sounds of shovels can soon be heard in the dark, but after five minutes the sounds fade and the crickets resume their nightly song.] * * * [Backyard of Maison Sabaku, two days later. Ranma, in his usual outfit, and Akane, dressed in her gi, stand in martial arts poses facing each other. From a second floor window, Choji watches with camera in hand.] Ranma: This battle is going to be a battle of skill and strength [points at Akane] against agility and dirty tricks [points at himself]. First off, Kodachi, when evading an attack, usually leaps back and to the left to keep her right arm free and towards her opponent. [Ranma leaps forward aiming a kick at Akane. She blocks and counters with a high kick of her own. He easily evades the blow and the two followups, then leaps high and away to the left. A small flame and large billowing cloud of smoke gushes out from Ranma's sleeve, engulfing Akane who falls back coughing.] Akane: [angrily] Why did you do that?! [coughs] [Ranma moves quickly and reaches through the cloud to touch Akane on the forehead lightly.] Ranma: I'm fighting dirty. Kodachi would try some underhanded trick like this without a second thought. [Ranma foot-sweeps Akane, knocking her to the ground easily. Meanwhile, Choji is taking pictures at a rapid pace.] Choji: Amazing! I sure hope I have enough rolls to get all of this! Akane: [glaring at Ranma] Quit being so condescending! I can take care of myself! Ranma: If you can't even touch me, how are you going to beat Kodachi? [laughs] [Akane bounces up and stares at a laughing, inattentive Ranma.] Akane: Two can play at that game, jerk! [Akane kicks Ranma _hard_ in the shin, causing Ranma to hop up and down on one foot, holding his leg. Akane gets up into a ready stance facing Ranma.] Ranma: [wincing] Chikusho! That really hurt, you tomboy! What do you think you're doing?? Akane: [narrows eyes] Why you... [Akane grabs Ranma and falls backward, bringing him with her, then flip-kicks him behind her through the nearby bushes and into the side of the house. Choji winces as Akane gets up, waiting for Ranma to emerge with a counterattack. However, when Ranma doesn't appear after some time, Akane walks over and peers in between the bushes.] Akane: [sighs] I guess I should call Kasumi. [Akane walks inside as Choji snaps several pictures quickly.] * * * [Kasumi drops her bag and smiles at Akane, gesturing to her companion, a girl of average height with a ponytail and blue jeans.] Kasumi: This is my roommate, Murata Yuriko. She's currently a junior at Noumunoikan in pre-med. Have you met? Akane: No, I'm sorry. [bows] But it's nice to meet... [Yuriko walks past her and goes straight to Ranma, all business.] Yuriko: [examines Ranma's leg] That's one big bruise. How did you get it? Ranma: Uh... [glances at Akane] I... uh... banged it on the tree branch... [Behind him, Choji snorts. Yuriko looks at Choji quizzically as Kasumi walks over and examines Ranma's leg.] Kasumi: [smiles warmly] The bone isn't fractured. Try not to put any weight on it for a few days ok? Ranma: Hai. Akane: [turns to leave] I have some errands to do. Kasumi: Are you sure? Shouldn't you be practicing? Akane: No, we're finished for today. [leaves] Yuriko: [surprised] Ranma... practicing? Ranma: Uh... Akane has to fight this duel... Ite!! Kasumi: Oh! Ranma, gomen! Did the antiseptic hurt? Ranma: [through clenched teeth] ... Yuriko: Duel? Wait, Ranma... why aren't you stopping her? Ranma: 'Cause she can take care of... AAA!! [Kasumi wipes away antiseptic] [winces] Anyway, don't worry about Akane... she'll be fine. [Yuriko raises an eyebrow and glances at Kasumi, who puts a hand to her mouth to conceal a smile.] Choji: Yeah. That's one tough wife you've got there. [Ranma groans and flops back on the ground.] * * * [The next morning, Akane and Ranma sit down at the table for breakfast.] Akane: How's your leg? Ranma: [sips coffee] Much better. Akane: I'm sorry that I kicked you so hard. Ranma: It's ok. I've felt worse. [Akane reflects for a moment on Ranma walking in on her in the shower two days ago and smiles weakly.] Akane: Some things never change, do they? Ranma: [sets down coffee] Seriously, if you focus your anger like that against Kodachi, you'll be hard to beat, you know. [Akane clenches her fists slowly and narrows her eyes.] Akane: What do you mean, "anger"? Ranma: [holding hands up] Waitasec... I'm just trying to say... [trails off] [Akane just stares at Ranma silently, making him more uncomfortable by the second.] Ranma: Uh... well... [puts one hand behind his head] You can do it. Akane: [sniffs] Some inspiration you are. [sips coffee] [Ranma sighs. He stands up and limps over to the closet, returning shortly with a white shirt, which he hands to Akane.] Ranma: Luck's the only factor. I know you _can_ beat Kodachi, but umm... will you wear this for luck? Akane: [staring at shirt] Ranma... * * * [Closeup of a digital watch reading 3:53 pm. Mousse turns to survey the field of battle from atop his post. At one end stands Ranma and Akane, with Choji, Kunou, Nabiki, Makiko and Ukyou are walking across the soil towards them. At the other end stands Kodachi with a group of her friends. Numerous students from both Universities are sitting or standing on fences around the edges of the field.] Mousse: [smiles] The cast has assembled. Best of luck, Akane. Akane: [from behind Mousse] Arigato. And thanks for volunteering to referee this! Mousse: Ah, absolutely no problem... eh? [Mousse turns and adjusts his glasses to get a better look at Akane. She is dressed in loose fitting light blue pants, sandals and a large white shirt that seems strangely familiar. What he finds very perplexing, though, is the long, cylindrical shaped object covered by a garbage bag tied to the back of her shoulders. Ranma also appears to have noticed and is trying to sneak a peek.] Akane: [slaps Ranma's hand away] No, you can't look! Ranma: Che! [Ranma attempts to look again but notices Choji and company approaching.] Akane: [laughs] Glad you all could make it! Nabiki: Wouldn't miss this for the world, sis. Choji: [camera in hand] Give us a victory pose, Akane! [Akane poses as Choji takes a number of pictures. Nabiki looks over at Ranma, but he pointedly ignores her. Nabiki looks hurt, and Akane notices.] Akane: [aside to Nabiki] He's still mad at you? Nabiki: [shrugs] I guess I had it coming... Ukyou: [overhearing] He's starting to talk to me again, but... Akane: Umm... Ukyou: Don't worry. We'll be fine... [smiling] Take this for luck, ok? [Ukyou pulls out an object from her dress, and hands Akane a small, sharpened spatula, which Akane hides in her shirt.] Ukyou: We'll be cheering for you. [smiles] Makiko: You better believe it! Akane: [smiles] Arigato. You're all so wonderful. Mousse: [using megaphone] It is now two minutes to the appointed time. All non-combatants please leave the field. [Everyone except Ranma and Kunou leave the field to take up seats by the fence.] Kunou: [low voice] Watch very carefully for Kodachi's wrist bands, Akane. She has been known to hide items in them to aid her in her fighting. [Both Ranma and Akane blink in surprise.] Akane: A- Arigato, Kunou-sempai! I really appreciate it. Kunou: [thinking] Akane-san? [fighting for composure] Think.. nothing of it. [Kunou turns and heads toward one of the fences, accompanied by Nabiki.] Nabiki: That was very decent, Kunou. Kunou: [staring off into space] ... [Mousse scans the other end of the field. Kodachi stands alone in her usual purple leotards. She twirls effortlessly her trademark yellow ribbon, with a second one tucked in her belt. She waves at Ranma and laughs aloud.] Kodachi: Ranma-sama, you will soon be free of Akane! [Ranma falls over in mid-stride face first into the field. A black cloud forms above his head.] Akane: [fists clenched, grumbling] When is Kodachi going to get it through her thick skull that you cannot make people love you by beating up their loved ones? [Behind Akane, Nabiki giggles.] Mousse: [quietly] True, Akane... when? [speaking through megaphone] It is now 4:00 pm - the agreed time for the duel. The battle will continue until one of the contestants is knocked unconscious or unable to continue. The contestants will step forward and state their terms of victory. [Akane moves to speak, but Kodachi leaps forward.] Kodachi: After I win, I demand that Akane divorce Ranma and that she never speak to or see him ever again! [Ranma, in the middle of getting up, falls flat again. Nabiki boos from the sidelines, while Ukyou looks pensive.] Akane: [assumes a ready stance] My terms are simple. Never come near Ranma again. Mousse: The rules for this contest: Combatants may only use objects on their person or within the confines of the fence. Use of bystanders or any of their gear is strictly forbidden and is grounds for immediate disqualification. [Akane and Kodachi nod. Kodachi assumes a combat stance.] Mousse: BEGIN! Akane: KYAAAH!! [Akane charges across the field at Kodachi, intending to land the first blow. However, she strikes only air as Kodachi leaps high and away. Trailing her ribbon behind her, she is able to entangle Akane's arm. Kodachi lands and a tugging match ensues which Akane quickly wins. Akane easily pulls Kodachi toward her.] Akane: [throwing punch] Eat this! [Kodachi laughs and easily ducks under Akane's attack. Using her momentum, she swings Akane into the post Mousse is standing on and leaps away.] Mousse: [fighting to maintain his balance] Wha.. who... [From within the folds of his robe, Mousse pulls out a long balancing stick that he uses to steady himself.] Akane: [holding shoulder] Ite! [gets up] Now I'm really getting angry. [Not one to give up an advantage, Kodachi charges with a spinning crescent kick. Akane dodges aside as Kodachi strikes Mousse's post. Still recovering, Mousse falls onto the soil. Kodachi grabs Mousse's pole with her ribbon and flings it at Akane.] Kodachi: [laughing] This will teach you! [Akane breaks the pole in half in mid-air and then turns to Mousse.] Akane: No fair! She's using a foreign object! [Mousse stands up and pauses momentarily, then produces a white fan from the folds of his robes.] Mousse: I will have to allow that as it was within the confines of the fence. Continue! Kodachi: HA HA HA! [She leaps towards Akane swings her ribbon back and forth in a horizonal slashing motion forcing her to evade wildly. Kodachi scores a number of hits on Akane's arm as she parries and manages to rip her shirt over the stomach.] Ranma: [yelling from sidelines] Stay in close Akane! [thinking] Kodachi got the shirt... boy, is she in trouble. Nabiki: [to Ranma] Isn't that your shirt? Ranma: Hai. Nabiki: You want her to get angry on purpose? Ranma: Hai. Nabiki: Nice trick there... Ranma: ... [Akane steps back and surveys the cuts on her arm, then looks down at Ranma's ripped shirt. She pauses, then looks up and glares at Kodachi.] Akane: [angrily] That was one of Ranma's favorite shirts! [She furiously turns around, and palms a small object.] Kodachi: Victory! HA HA HA! [Kodachi continues her attack, switching to a X-shaped slashing motion. Akane charges forward, slashing her arm at the flailing ribbon. In seconds it lays in pieces on the field. Akane continues her charge, stabbing at Kodachi who leaps madly away, landing several meters away.] Kodachi: [staring at the cut on her suit and thigh] Scissors?! [noticing the blood beginning to well up] Why you devious... Akane: [grins evilly while snapping scissors] I've had plenty of time to study your technique. This ought to level the playing field, ne? Kodachi: That has gained you nothing! [Kodachi extends both her arms and curls her hands back towards her wrists. Akane takes in a sharp breath and leaps high into the air as Kodachi throws with great rapidity and accuracy a number of small objects at Akane. Akane lands on the post behind Mousse, who reflexively produces a wooden shield to defend himself against a hail of shuriken.] Akane: [quickly to Mousse] How do you do that? [Akane leaps off the post aiming a flying dropkick at Kodachi, who takes a glancing blow to the temple.] Kodachi: Ergh... That's it! STRIKE! [Kodachi attacks Akane with a series of careful, precision blows.] Akane: [parrying attacks] Tonfun? I didn't see those before. Not that it matters... [leaps back a few meters] You couldn't hit me on your best day! [makes a face at Kodachi] Kodachi: That's MY line! [Akane meets Kodachi half-way, shattering the tonfun with a closed-fisted blow. An instant later, a second shower of wood chips flies into the air.] Kodachi: [shocked] Impossible! I grew that strain of wood myself. It's indestructible! Akane: [kicks at Kodachi] I guess you failed that class. Kodachi: [angrily] Never! [Kodachi evades Akane's kick and responds by striking Akane's calf, knocking her over.] Kodachi: For Ranma-sama, I will do anything! Akane: [fuming] Do you really think you can get him to love you by beating me? Kodachi: [without hesitation] Hai! [Kodachi attacks in a frenzy of motion. Akane fights wildly to fend off her blows and regain her footing.] Akane: [thinking] She's too fast! Time to initiate Plan B. [One of Kodachi's blows gets past Akane's guard, knocking her to her knees. Akane takes out the sharpened spatula from her belt and throws it across the field at an exposed water main, causing an explosion. Mousse quickly pulls out an umbrella and gets underneath it, just before a flood hits the field. Ranma quickly backs away, followed by everyone else.] Akane: [grinning darkly] Hard to do acrobatics in a mud pit isn't it? Nabiki: [from sidelines] Way to go, sis! That's my sister! Kodachi: [leaps away from Akane] HA HA HA! Akane, you fool! [Kodachi pulls out a bouquet of black roses and hurls them at Akane, who ducks. The flowers explode behind her.] Kodachi: You saved me the trouble of breaking the main! Now you will be defeated, and Ranma will be mine forever! [Ranma groans. Kodachi rips off her wrist warmers, crushes them, and throws them at Akane. Small pellets come flying from the warmers, land all around her, and sink into the wet ground. Seconds later, small green plants sprout and grow rapidly in size, threatening to engulf Akane in their midst.] Akane: What? How...? Kodachi: I had my servants plant quick-grow plant food here last night! HA HA HA! [smiling] Give Ranma up to me while you still can. Akane: [struggling amongst the vines] Never! [Akane reaches behind her back and tears the garbage bag free of its holdings. Holding up the object, she flips a switch and pulls the cord. It sputters once before roaring to life. Akane turns around and faces the growing plants, brandishing her new weapon...] Ukyou: What's she holding? Choji: [snaps picture] Oh, that's one of those weed-thingies... Akane: HITOU ZASSOU KUZUSHI!!! Kodachi: WHAT?! [With the skill of a professional landscaper, Akane cuts through the forest of vines that Kodachi has created, using her weed whacker. Slashing high and low, she shreds the botanical menaces easily and charges at the disbelieving Kodachi.] Kodachi: [shocked] Impossible! [Akane attacks with a series of lightning-fast punches. Kodachi attempts to parry with her ribbon, to no avail.] Akane: [ducking Kodachi's second ribbon] Stay... away... from... Ranma! Kodachi: Noooo! [Kodachi desperately tries to evade Akane's punches, but Akane finally lands a telling blow. Kodachi falls like a rock.] Akane: Never again. [Mousse leaps off of the post to look closely at Kodachi, who only moans in response. He then moves over towards Akane.] Mousse: [holding up Ukyou's arm] The victor! Ukyou: Hey, let go of me! Akane: ... Crowd: [rushing onto the field] Yay, Akane! You did it! You were so amazing! Nabiki: [hugging Akane] Dinner's on me tonight. Ukyou: [grabs Akane's hands, smiling] You were great. Akane: [beaming] Thanks, Ukyou. I couldn't have done it without you... all of you. [After some discussion, the gang disperses, chatting about the party. Ranma and Akane are left alone, staring at each other uncomfortably.] Ranma: [quietly] I told you you could do it... Akane: I'm sorry about your shirt. Ranma: That's okay... Akane: ... [They hear a loud sob. Ranma and Akane turn to see a crying Kodachi being led off the field by friends. They watch as Kunou walks over to Kodachi and says something to her, then the two walk off the field together.] Ranma: Let's get out of here. Akane: [stares at Kodachi over her shoulder] Yeah. Do you really think it's over? Ranma: With Kodachi? Never... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- finis. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the first time today +----------------------------+ I saw in your eyes | All episodes are available | The beauty that hides within | via anonymous ftp at: | Shining bright through the skies | FTP.HACKS.Arizona.EDU | | in both normal text | For the first time tonight | and PostScript(tm) formats | I saw in your soul +----------------------------+ The love that drives you | Jong Man Hwang's artwork | And the gentleness that you hold | of the DnR characters is | | in the /sketches directory | As long as the sun sets | on the FTP site | As long as the stars shine +----------------------------+ We'll be together | To join the DnR pre-reader | Until the end of time | mailing list, send email | | requesting information to: | (Forever) (and ever) | RANMA@HACKS.Arizona.EDU | Until... the end of time. +----------------------------+ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Footnotes: 1) From: Drengson, Allan R., _Being a Mountain, Astride a Horse, the Warlord Faces South: Reflections on the Art of Ruling._, Philosophy East and West, V.33 (1), Jan. 1983. A very good paper on different styles of leadership. Kagemusha is a real legend/movie. Kagemusha gardens are fictional as far as I know. Kagemusha is also available on video. Check your local video store. 2) A tonfun is kind of like a police riot stick. You grasp it by the short bit and use it as a combination arm guard and slashing/stabbing weapon. Look at the diagram: ============ < slashing end arm guard^ | ^hold here -------------------------------------------------------------------------------