I'm watching through the looking glass At a girl I thought I once knew But beneath the mellow tears Not everything is clear And I just don't know her anymore Imagine the surprise Reflected in her eyes Generations pass and the child walks alone I took for granted a love I could call my own But I don't need anyone anymore People have come and gone But I have the strength to carry on I have evened the score The awakening has passed on. +-----------------------------------------------------------+ | Daigakusei no Ukyou: As You Like It | | | | Created by David Tai, Paul Gallegos, | | Jeffrey Paul Hosmer and John Walter Biles | | | | Based on the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi | +-----------------------------------------------------------+ =============================================================================== -= Episode 3: "Separate Ways! The Finals Countdown!" =- =============================================================================== [Outside Ukyou and Makiko's apartment...] Makiko: [wiping brow] Jeez, hot! [beams] Well, at least I finished my project! [Makiko fumbles for her keys. Not finding them immediately, she starts patting all her pockets. Groaning, she opens her purse and fumbles through the bag, tossing aside chocolate bars - at that, Makiko makes "ewww" sounds as she removes the gooey mess - pens, manga, and assorted items until she finds her keys. She unlocks the door.] Makiko: [opening door] Tadaima!...? [Makiko stares at a huge pile of paper and broken pencils. A half-full pitcher of lemonade and a couple of empty glasses sit nearby. Ukyou calls over the hum of fans from behind the pile.] Ukyou: [muffled] I'm over here! Makiko: [walking around] Lemme guess... Ranma is having trouble with... [glancing at pile] composition? Ukyou: Nope. We finished that final. This is math. [pours lemonade into a glass and offers it to Makiko] How was the project? Makiko: [beaming] It's a breeze! I could've been done ages ago if I had my computer... [sips at lemonade] Ukyou: Well, Ran-chan and I are still working on those practice problems. Makiko: [handing Ukyou back the lemonade glass] Yeah... [looking at pile] I can see you guys are working really hard. [smiles] Anyway, I'm FINISHED! Finished finished finished! No more labs, papers, or anything! Ranma: [not looking at Makiko] And... what about finals? Makiko: Oh those? [waves hand] Pffft. No worries. Ranma: That... easy, huh? Makiko: [grins and snaps fingers] No problem at all! [Makiko watches as Ranma's back stiffens, and he clenches his hand.] Ranma: ARRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!! [The pencil in his hand snaps.] Ukyou: [frowning at Makiko] Very funny. Get outta here. Makiko: Hehehe... I'm finished, finished, finished! [Makiko bounce-dances into the bedroom while Ranma glares after her.] Ukyou: [to Ranma] She's gone. [flips Ranma a pencil] Try not to break this one, Ran-chan. We only have... [counting pencils] 4 left. Ranma: [catching pencil] Sheesh, does Makiko have to rub it in like that? Makiko: [peeking around doorway] When it's you, HAI! Ukyou: [throwing a pencil at Makiko] Be nice, Maki-chan! Makiko: [dodges the pencil] Ya, ya! [grins] Where's Megami? Ukyou: I think she's behind the pile watching Bishojo Senshi... something. Makiko: Oh, okay! Anyway, I have to meet Tanaka-kun at the Nekohanten in a bit. [to Ranma] G'luck on your final, Ran-chan! Oh, and remember... [singsong voice] I'm finished finished finished! [Megami emerges from behind the pile and whacks Makiko's arm. Now looking around 12 or 13, Megami frowns at Makiko.] Megami: Auntie Maki! You should be nice to Uncle Ran-chan! Ukyou: [throwing another pencil at Makiko] Get outta here and go find your loverboy! Leave Ran-chan alone! Makiko: [as the pencil bounces off her] Waaah! Okay, okay! I'm leaving already! [Makiko retreats to the front door and slinks out.] Ranma: Whatever she sees in ol' Lardy, I'll never understand... Makiko: [opening door] Oh! By the way, Tanaka-kun is NOT my loverboy! [slams door after her] [Both of them start laughing as Megami looks up at Ranma with starry eyes.] * * * [Nekohanten. Makiko enters and scans the bar. Her eyes light up as soon as she spies Lardizabal Tanaka sitting at the far end. She bounces over.] Makiko: Konbanwa, Tanaka-kun! [sliding onto seat next to Lardizabal] Lardizabal: [looking up from mug] Oh, Kawamura-san. [waves distractedly] Makiko: [blinking] You all right, Tanaka-kun? Lardizabal: Don't mind me. Finals week, doncha know? Makiko: [beaming] Yep! I'm all ready! Lardizabal: [downing mug] Yeah... well, that makes one of us. Makiko: [frowns] Well, do you need help studying? Lardizabal: [sighs] I don't think you could help with my classes. They _are_ more advanced than anything you've taken so far. Makiko: Really? [noticing Lardizabal's bookbag] Mind if I take a look? Lardizabal: [blinks and nods] Go ahead. [Makiko takes out some papers and starts leafing through them.] But I'm telling you, you won't... Makiko: [interrupting] Wasn't Mishima Yukio an author who wanted to be a samurai, not a corporate raider? Lardizabal: [blinks] Nani? Makiko: Yeah, Mishima wrote lots of novels about how Japan could rise to greatness once more... he's generally considered the heart of the post-World War II renaissance. Just how did you come to the conclusion he was a corporate raider, anyway? Lardizabal: Gimme that! [grabs paper] Makiko: [blinks then smirks] You SURE you don't need any help? Lardizabal: Absolutely! [Makiko grins, and is about to reply, when a strange man with graying temples and a large bushy beard walks up behind Lardizabal and speaks to Mousse.] Stranger: Gomen! I apologize for disturbing you. However, I got lost. Can you help me find this place? [shows a paper with an address on it] Mousse: [staring at the paper] Hm... I can't seem to make out the address... [adjusting glasses] Makiko: [interrupting] Um, excuse me, sir, but I REALLY don't think you want to ask _him_. Can I help you? Stranger: Oh... I've been trying to find my daughter. It's been a while since I've seen her, but she was brown-haired, and about your age... and ... um... what else? [scratches his head] She can be very stubborn. Lardizabal: Aren't most girls? [Makiko GLARES at Lardizabal, who blithely ignores her, and chugs his beer.] Stranger: Well, in any case, here's the address. Makiko: [looking at paper] Hey, that's my address! Where did you get this? [Makiko stares at him... long enough that the stranger begins to form a big sweatdrop.] Stranger: Uh, well... heh... you must be Kawamura Makiko. Makiko: [blinks] And just how did you know that? [The stranger looks nervously at Makiko.] * * * Ranma: Okay! [stretching] I think I'm all ready for the math finals! Ukyou: [looks up] Great! [holds up a very short stub of a pencil, thinking] And not a moment too soon. [out loud] Anyway, I'm about beat... [yawns] Let's call it a night, shall we? Megami: Aw... Ukyou: [staring at Megami, who's standing in front of the table] Weren't you supposed to be in bed? Megami: I'm not sleepy. Ranma: [yawning] Well, I am! [gathering up his things] Ukyou: [getting up] Okay, I'll see you to the door. Megami: Do you have to go, Uncle Ran-chan? Ranma: Yep... I've got to get home, or Akane'll be wondering what's taking me so long. Megami: Oh... okay, Uncle Ran-chan! [skip-bounces up to him and HUGS him tightly.] Ranma: M-m-megami! Ukyou: [firmly] Megami-chan, that's enough. [Megami disengages herself from Ranma, and he quickly departs with a wave to Ukyou. As soon as the door is closes, Ukyou turns to Megami.] Ukyou: What's with you lately? You're not usually like this. Megami: I don't know what you're talking about. [Megami looks down at her shoes and scuffs the carpet slowly.] Ukyou: Uh-huh. [gestures to the couch behind the pile of papers] Why don't you sit down and we'll talk for a while. [Megami looks up at Ukyou for a moment, as if deciding something, then walks quickly to the couch.] Ukyou: [smiles] So what's going on that you'd like to tell me about? Megami: Nuthin'. Ukyou: Well, something's certainly going on. The way you act around Ran-chan, it's almost as if ... [Megami says nothing, finding a bit of the couch's fringe more interesting at the moment.] Ukyou: [shocked] Megami-chan! Do you have a crush on Ran-chan? Megami: ... I guess so. [Ukyou breathes a sigh of relief.] Ukyou: It's natural to have a crush on an older man... [wistfully] I remember when I did. Megami: But Uncle Ran-chan and I _will_ be together someday! Ukyou: [tries not to smile] Oh, Megami-chan... if only things worked out like that. Megami: It's true! You told me so! You said "Love conquers all!" Ukyou: [incredulous] I did? When? Megami: [points to Ukyou's lit. book] You were reading me a story from that book over there. [Ukyou's face pales as she sees the title of the book - "Literature and the Art of Courtly Love".] Ukyou: Heh... well, Megami-chan... um, you see, what they mean in there is... [Megami gets up quickly and runs into her room.] Megami: [yelling from her room] You'll see! Uncle Ran-chan and I will be together! Ukyou: ... [Ukyou slumps her shoulders and collapses back into her seat.] Ukyou: [sighing] Was I ever this bad? [Ukyou looks towards the door, suddenly, as she hears keys jingling. Makiko enters the room. Behind her, the stranger from the restaurant follows.] Makiko: Hey, Ucchan, you'll never guess who I found. Stranger: Hello, Ukyou. Ukyou: [blinks, then sighs] Hello, Daddy. * * * [Nabiki's apartment. Junko is studying quietly at the table with headphones on. Nabiki and Shampoo lounge casually on the couch, with a mess of paperwork spread out over the floor.] Nabiki: So what you're saying is that even though I paid you well for the use of your establishment, you're still going broke. Shampoo: That right. Nabiki: What do you want me to do about it? Shampoo: Shampoo lose all regular customers... except drunk-boy. Nabiki: You mean Tanaka Lardizabal? Shampoo: That him. He no pay his tab anyway, so he no count. Nabiki: Ok, so go on. Shampoo: [sighs] Shampoo need money or else go bankrupt. Business slow right now. Nabiki: Hmm. Well, I tell you what - I have some contacts in the advertising field. Maybe they can drum up some business for you. [pauses] Of course, there'll be a charge... Shampoo: [growls] Charge? Nabiki: [calmly] Of course. A small one though, one that you can afford. [smiles] Call it a "business expense". Shampoo: What you need? Nabiki: [Marlon Brando voice] Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me... [grins] Shampoo: [confused] Huh? Why Nabiki speak funny? Nabiki: Never mind. The better question is what do YOU need? [pauses] Well, maybe you need to establish a more regular clientele, people who are going to come back more often. Shampoo: How that happen? This area is college students. Nothing but bars nearby. How Shampoo ramen compete with that? Nabiki: Hmm. [Nabiki scans through the paperwork on the floor. Junko, meanwhile, gets up and removes her headphones.] Junko: Hey, I'm going to grab something to eat. You want anything? Nabiki: No thanks. Junko: [to Shampoo] You? Shampoo: No. Junko: Suit yourselves. I'm in the mood for grilled fish. [Junko walks over to the door and lets herself out. A gleam comes to Nabiki's eye.] Nabiki: Grilled fish. Shampoo: [gesturing to the door] You want I bring her back? Nabiki: Yes! I have a few questions for her. Shampoo: Hai. [Shampoo pulls out her bonbori and smashes through the wall. Nabiki stares, then sighs and writes down something on a piece of paper. A few minutes later, Shampoo is carrying in a pale Junko.] Nabiki: [holding up a bill] You're paying for the damages. [Shampoo face-faults.] * * * [Ukyou stares at her father.] Ukyou: It's good to see you, Daddy. It's been a while... have any problems finding this place? Makiko: A bit. I found him over at the Nekohanten. [smiles] [Ukyou walks up and gives Mr. Kuonji a quick hug. Mr. Kuonji gives a quick squeeze and then lets go.] Kuonji: It's good to see you, Ukyou. It _has_ been awhile, ne? Since your high school graduation, I think. [looks at Ukyou] You have grown since then. Ukyou: Hai. [A silent moment. Makiko looks back and forth between Mr. Kuonji and Ukyou. Both Kuonjis are fidgeting a bit.] Makiko: Um. Hey, anybody want tea? Kuonji: Hai. Makiko: Okay. You, Ukyou? Ukyou: Um. Okay. Makiko: Great! Hold on, I'll be right back. [Makiko heads into the kitchen. Running water and clanging can be heard shortly.] Kuonji: How're your finals coming along? Ukyou: Almost done, but I still have my math final left. Kuonji: Ah. No problems? Ukyou: Nope. Not at all. [thinking] I gotta buy more pencils, though. [aloud] So... um... when do you plan to head back? Kuonji: Tomorrow afternoon. I have to return to work the next day. Ukyou: I know, Daddy. I'm sorry I can't go back with you on the same train, but I wasn't sure when the finals... Kuonji: [nods gravely] That's all right, Ukyou. [Makiko comes back out.] Makiko: The water's boiling. Kuonji: Hmm? Ah... sorry, but I think I'll pass on the tea. The trip from Osaka is rather exhausting, and I would like to sleep. Ukyou: Okay, daddy. Let me get a few blankets and the spare futon mattress. Makiko: Okay, Kuonji-san. Ukyou, do you still want tea? If not, I'll turn off the stove. [Ukyou shakes her head. She walks into the bedroom, while Makiko nods and goes to the kitchen. Mr. Kuonji crosses his arms behind his back, and starts looking around the room. He notices a group of framed pictures on the wall, and walks over to look at them. He frowns a bit at a picture of Ranma, Akane, and Ukyou all together at their high school graduation. Makiko comes up behind him.] Makiko: Hey. Kuonji: Oh. Kawa-... Makiko: [interrupting] Call me Makiko. Kuonji: [nods gravely] Makiko. [nods towards the pictures] I was just looking at these. Makiko: Hai. See that one? [Makiko points at a picture of Ukyou and a very young Megami, who appears about a year old in the picture.] Kuonji: Very nice. Who's the baby? Makiko: That's Megami! [beams] Kuonji: Ah. And who's Megami? Makiko: [blinks] You mean Ukyou didn't tell you? Kuonji: I have not spoken to her for a few weeks. Makiko: [sweats] Oh... uh... [Kuonji looks again at the picture, then back to Makiko's pale face. His eyes bulge.] Kuonji: [shouting] MY DAUGHTER HAD A BABY AND SHE DIDN'T TELL ME? Ukyou's voice: Not yet. [Makiko and Mr. Kuonji turns to look at Ukyou, standing at the doorway.] Ukyou: It's a long story. You see... [Mr. Kuonji grabs Ukyou.] Kuonji: Don't tell me you and that Saotome boy... Ukyou: [bapping Mr. Kuonji on the head] Don't be ridiculous! [Megami pops up behind Ukyou, rubbing her eyes.] Megami: What's going on? Ukyou: Um. Daddy, this is Megami. Megami, this is my father. Megami: [beaming] How do you do! [Mr. Kuonji stares a bit.] Kuonji: This... is... Megami? Makiko: Hai! Kuonji: You're joking, right? Ukyou: No. Megami, say hello to Grandpa Kuonji. Megami: Hi, Grandpa! [Mr. Kuonji stares a bit more... then his eyes roll up, his knees buckles, and he faints, falling over backwards, his large frame causing the ground to vibrate resoundingly. Ukyou sighs.] Ukyou: Well, he took that a bit better than I thought. * * * [Shampoo opens the Nekohanten's back door and enters silently. Reaching for the light switch, she turns on the dim light.] Shampoo: [thinking] All business are going back to old bars? How is Nabiki supposed to bring business back here? [She sighs and opens the door to the kitchen. Mousse almost walks into her.] Mousse: [adjusts glasses] Shampoo? [in Mandarin] Shampoo: Mousse: [shakes head] Shampoo: [sighs] Mousse: Shampoo: Mousse: [indignant] [Shampoo rolls her eyes as Mousse turns around quickly and walks into the door. As Mousse regains his senses, Shampoo walks past him and into the kitchen. She pulls a piece of paper out of her pocket and studies it.] Shampoo: [thinking] This idea of Nabiki's better work. [tears come to her eyes] Or I'm going to have to leave. [aloud] [Shampoo stands there, holding herself for a while.] * * * [Sunlight is shining on Mr. Kuonji's face. He slowly blinks awake... and stares into Megami's face.] Megami: Hiya! [beams] Auntie Maki sent me to make sure you were okay! Kuonji: Ooooh. [blinks] Hello, little one. [sits up on futon mattress] [Megami, who is wearing pajamas, crosses her arms and pouts at him.] Megami: I'm not a little one anymore! Kuonji: [rubbing his beard and smiling] Forgive me, little... uh... [tries to remember her name] Megami: Megami! [pouts] Kuonji: Yes. Of course. My apologies, Megami. Um... where's your... uh, where's Ukyou? Megami: Oh, she had to go take her finals. Auntie Maki's in the bedroom. Auntie Maki! Grandpa's awake! Makiko's voice: Okay, I'm coming! [Makiko comes out, wearing a sundress and drying her hair with a towel.] Makiko: Sorry, Kuonji-san. I didn't realize you hadn't heard from Ukyou... about Megami, I mean. Kuonji: That's all right. I... um... Makiko: Megami, go get dressed. Megami: Okay, Auntie Maki! [hugs Mr. Kuonji] Be right back! Makiko: She's not really Ukyou's daughter. Um... well... it's a long story. Kuonji: Tell me. Makiko: Okay. It all started in some bamboo grove near here... * * * [Ranma and Ukyou are walking back from their final.] Ukyou: That wasn't so bad, was it? I think it went great! Ranma: [cautiously] Let's wait and see. Maybe I flunked. Ukyou: Nonsense, Ran-chan! After all the studying we did, the final was a piece of cake! I mean, you caught up really fast, after... well, the chess thing! Ranma: [grimaces] Don't remind me about Kunou. Ukyou: Yeah... [pauses] Thank goodness you didn't go after Kunou afterwards, or you'd have flunked for sure. Ranma: [getting a glint in his eyes] Yeah, but now that I'm done with school this semester... Ukyou: [thwapping Ranma] You're obsessing again, Ran-chan. Ranma: [not noticing] I'll get him. The pride of Anything-Goes Martial Arts is at stake here! Ukyou: [groaning] And I thought you'd gotten over this nonsense. Ranma: Nah. I'm just biding my time. Wait for the right moment... and then... [cracking his knuckles] Ukyou: Been training since then? Ranma: Huh? Oh, uh... hm... Ukyou: [giving Ranma a strange look] Studying a lot, Ran-chan? Ranma: Yeah... but I'll get him. Just gotta do extra training, that's all. Ukyou: But Ran-chan... Ranma: [looks at the clock tower] Aie! I gotta get home! Akane wants me home for lunch! Ukyou: [blinks] Lunch? Ranma: [grins] It's not so bad. We had a talk a while ago and... uh... we sorta agreed to try to help each other. I gotta get home before she decides to cook without me. [shudders at the thought] Ukyou: She's gotten better, has she? Ranma: Yeah. [grins] Oh well, ja ne! Ukyou: Ja ne! Oh! Ran-chan, remember, the professor is posting the results later today! Ranma: [nodding] I'll letcha know how I did! [Ranma waves, and dashes off, bouncing off the ground as he does so. Ukyou shakes her head, then notices Makiko, followed by Mr. Kuonji and Megami, approaching. Megami lifts an hand and begins to wave happily at Ranma, but Ranma bounces past them. Megami looks crestfallen, as the trio approaches Ukyou.] Makiko: Ucchan! How did your final go? Ukyou: Pretty well. Makiko: Great! Okay. [bowing to Mr. Kuonji] It was good talking to you. I'm sorry to leave so suddenly, but I have to help Tanaka-san at the library. Nice meeting you! Kuonji: Nice to meet you as well. Goodbye! [Makiko dashes off towards the library, as Ukyou waves at Makiko.] Kuonji: So, Ukyou. Makiko has been telling me all about your college life here. [Ukyou searches her father's eyes as if trying to determine whether there is reproach in his eyes. Seeing none, she smiles.] Ukyou: Nothing too bad, I hope. Kuonji: Not really. [rubs Megami's shoulder] And I see you've picked up a new family member among the way. Eh, Megami? [Megami is sulking a bit at being ignored by Ranma, and does not respond. Ukyou notices this and sighs.] Kuonji: What's wrong? [Megami does not reply.] Ukyou: I'll explain later, Daddy. For now, let me give you a quick tour. [Megami storms off very quickly.] Ukyou: What the... hey! Megami! Come back here! [Megami ignores her. Ukyou starts chasing after her. Mr. Kuonji walks quickly after them.] * * * Ukyou: Megami! Come back here! [Ukyou and Mr. Kuonji are trying to catch up with Megami, who is walking very fast away from them.] Mr. Kuonji: Megami! Wait! [Megami stops and crosses her arms, not turning toward the two. Ukyou catches up and grasps Megami by her shoulders. Megami is sniffling.] Ukyou: Okay, Megami. What's your problem? Megami: I don't have a problem! Uncle Ran-chan is a baka! [tries to hold back tears] Ukyou: [taken aback] Well... Kuonji: [crouching down] Now, now, uh, Megami-chan... you can't hold Ran-chan responsible. You see, men can be very stupid. Megami: [wiping her eyes with the back of her hand] Really? [turns to face Mr. Kuonji] Kuonji: Hai. Sometimes, well... men can't notice the obvious. Megami: So... you think... well... [her fingers form a temple, then pushes back and forth] Kuonji: [smiling] You're cute, and boys will like you. Just don't give up... [Ukyou frowns, folding her arms over her chest. Megami smiles.] Megami: Thank you, Grandpa! [She flies into Mr. Kuonji's arms. Ukyou slumps her shoulders.] Ukyou: [thinking] But... that was what he told me... a long time ago. [She turns away a little and sighs.] * * * Makiko: [leaning back in her chair] Okay, Tanaka-san! Are you all ready for the final now? [Lardizabal sits at the table with glazed eyes.] Makiko: Guess so. C'mon, let's get you to your final. [Makiko drags Lardizabal out of his seat and takes him to his classroom, and leaves him there, still shell-shocked. She then leaves the building.] Makiko: [thinking] He better do well. At least today we weren't interrupted by some redheaded bimbo. [Makiko starts walking home, whistling. Behind her, a commotion is brewing. Makiko turns around to see Kunou shouting at a group of students.] Kunou: What! You are not attending the fair Shampoo's restaurant! I suggest you rectify that oversight, IMMEDIATELY! Curs! Infidels! Unworthy dogs! [Kunou starts clobbering all the students in his vicinity with his bokken. Makiko blinks and turns arounds... just as Kunou finishes sending the last student flying.] Kunou: And you, lady? Must I admonish you also? Makiko: Admonish me for what? Kunou: [striking a pose] Oh, that fair blossom of China, Shampoo, is in dire straits, indeed. Her place of business, the Nekohanten, is virtually unattended, and that most delicate of flowers withers away for lack of monies. And yet, out of the goodness of her heart, she is holding a fine party tonight. [shakes his head] No! Such a noble heart must not be allowed to crack! I shall do my part in aiding such a pure soul! Makiko: [looking at Kunou funny] Oh... okay. Sure. I'll be there. Kunou: Most excellent. I shall expect to see you there, milady! [Kunou wanders off, shouting at some other students. Then he sees a familiar figure...] Kunou: [in the distance] Pig-tailed girl!!! [He dashes off. Makiko shakes her head, then grins, watching the red-haired girl dash off, with Kunou screaming poetic nonsense after her.] * * * [Train station. Mr. Kuonji comes from the ticket booth, holding tickets.] Kuonji: Okay, Ukyou. Here are your tickets for tomorrow. I'll see you in Osaka in a day or two. Ukyou: Okay, Daddy. [Mr. Kuonji drops to his heels and looks at Megami.] Kuonji: Now, Megami. You be a good girl, eh? I'll see you tomorrow. Then we can go shopping for toys. [smiles] Megami: Yippeee, Grandpa! [hugs him tightly] I can't wait! Kuonji: See you tomorrow, both of you! [hugs Ukyou. Ukyou is a bit slow to respond.] Well, I better be going! [The two watch Mr. Kuonji board the train. They remain to watch the train depart.] Megami: Bye, Grandpa! [waves happily] [Ukyou smiles softly and looks pensive.] Ukyou: [whispers quietly] Bye, Daddy. * * * [Outside the Nekohanten that night. Lines have formed outside the Nekohanten and are quite long. Makiko and Ukyou walk down the street.] Makiko: See? The Nekohanten seems to be doing quite well! Ukyou: Hai. I guess Mou... I mean, the Nekohanten doesn't need any help. Makiko: Oh, come on! Let's go! Ukyou: But we have to leave in the morning... [But Ukyou's words are lost, as Makiko spies Ranma and Akane near the front of the line. Ranma motions them over. Some grumbling is heard from the people behind them, but no one protests overtly. The two hefty bouncers at the front of the line seem not to notice as Makiko and Ukyou make their way towards Ranma and Akane.] Makiko: Ranma! Akane! You made it! Ranma: Yeah. Nabiki's voice: Hey, are you coming in or not? [The party blinks and turns toward the door. Nabiki is standing there, silhouetted by the light coming from inside the Nekohanten. She is wearing a tight black oriental hostess dress with slits cut up the sides. It is not quite as risque as the dress she wore on the Isle of Illusion, but it comes close. An oriental dragon is embroidered on the dress in gold thread, and it curls around Nabiki's chest in a sinuous manner. Nabiki smiles at them. Ranma grimaces.] Akane: Oneechan! What... [noticing Nabiki's dress] Are you working for Shampoo? Nabiki: [smirking] Not quite. Come on, I saved you guys a table. [Ranma's eyes narrow suspiciously.] Ranma: Hostile takeover? And how much is the table going to cost us? Nabiki: [in mock-dismay] You wound me, dear brother. Would I do that? Ranma: Yes. Nabiki: [frowning] Well, [icily] for your information, I'm here to make sure the Nekohanten stays in business. [pokes Ranma] That's more than I see _you_ doing with all those free meals you take. The table is free, by the way. [Nabiki goes to greet the next person in line.] Ranma: Hey! Akane: [grabbing onto Ranma's arm] Ranma. [Ranma looks at Akane and sighs.] Makiko: Well, let's go! Ukyou: [resigned but still trying] But Maki-chan, we've gotta get going in the morning... Makiko: Come on, loosen up. We've got plenty of time! Akane: [nodding] Come on, Ukyou. It'd be nice if you joined us. [Ukyou stares at Akane. Akane smiles and nods. Ukyou looks at Ranma, who shrugs. Then Ukyou smiles.] Ukyou: Okay! [The group goes inside. Akane turns and looks back at her sister, who is extracting a cover charge from the next group of college students. Her eyes widen in shock as she realizes that Nabiki didn't ask them to pay.] * * * [Inside the Nekohanten, everything is chaos as more people than it seems it could hold are jammed up against each other. As Ranma and company look around, they see practically everyone they've met while in college. Junko and Shirow are in a booth by the corner. Steven is sitting at the bar and tearing his hair out while Francis is expounding on something. Akane's friend Shinobu is beating up some idiot with a table while a girl with green hair is trying to stop her. Choji is hitting on women and his cheeks are covered with red hand-prints. Hiroe and Kenji are sitting quietly in another corner whispering among themselves. Kunou stands at one end of the bar slicing watermelons as people roll them down the bar quickly. Makiko slams several glasses of beer in a row to the awe of the rest of the table. Shampoo watches with amusement, then makes her way over to the bar.] Shampoo: [smiling happily] Business great! Mousse: [trying to catch a breath] Yeah, but... Customer: Beer over here! [Mousse whips out a chain, snags a bottle, and whips it towards the patron. As the bottle lands on the table, the bottle cap pops off. Mousse sighs as he keeps chains moving around, trying to serve as many people as he can. The more sober patrons eye the chains nervously while the drunk ones applaud. Nabiki walks up to Mousse, and leans across the counter.] Nabiki: Hey Mousse, can you let Shampoo know I'm taking a break? Mousse: Hai. Nabiki: Okay. I'll be over at Akane's table if you need me. Mousse: Akane's table? Is... uh... [Shampoo notices Mousse and Nabiki talking, and walks up to them, a frown forming on her face.] Mousse: Is Ukyou there? [Shampoo's frown grows deeper.] Nabiki: Hai. [smiles] Shampoo: Silly Mousse, get to work! Nabiki: Oh, Shampoo, I'm taking a break now. Shampoo: What? But I need help now! Nabiki: Hey, the bouncers are collecting the cover for a moment. I'll be back after a few minutes, don't worry. [She gets a sly look on her face.] Hey, why don't you come over after a minute and take their order? After all, Ranma's there. [With that, Nabiki starts over to Ranma and Akane's table. Shampoo frowns but perks up a bit at the idea of serving Ranma. Mousse says nothing, being too busy trying to tend the bar.] Shampoo: All right. Better make special for Ranma. Where I get wings of buffalo? [sighs and walks into the kitchen] [Nabiki overhears this and sighs. She heads over to Ranma and Akane's table. Akane looks up as her sister arrives.] Akane: Oneechan! Come on and sit down! Nabiki: [smiling] If you insist. [She does a little twirl to show off her dress.] Like the dress? Akane: [nodding and looking a little envious] Hai! It looks really good on you, oneechan. Nabiki: Don't worry, maybe I'll let you borrow it... Nabiki and Akane: [simultaneously] ...for a fee! [They both smile.] [Ranma studiously ignores Nabiki as the latter takes her seat and instead turns to talk to Ukyou.] Ranma: [loudly] It wasn't that bad after all, ne Ucchan? Ukyou: [raises her glass] Right! We passed Math! We can do anything! Akane: [grins] You two did all right? Makiko: [loudly] You shoulda ssseeen them when they got h- *hic* home, Akane. They were jumping up and down and up and down and up and down an'... Ranma: [to Akane] I think she's had a bit too much to drink. Akane: I agree. Nabiki: I heard that you and Tanaka-san did pretty well in your finals too. [Ranma glances at Nabiki, then quickly looks over at Akane.] Akane: [smiles] It was nothing, really. Ranma: [mutters] When you don't have to study, that is. [Nabiki looks over at Ranma. Ranma pointedly ignores her, instead watching Shampoo as she hurries over to the table with an empty tray. She stops and takes a deep breath.] Shampoo: What you want to eat? Makiko: Where's Lard-chan? Shampoo: [points at bar] He getting drinks. You want food? Ukyou: Um... what's the special today? Shampoo: [grins] One special! [hurries off] Ukyou: No, wait... [sighs] What's the use...? Ranma: Don't worry, it can't be THAT bad. The mummy's not here, remember? Shampoo can't go digging around in her spices. Nabiki: Father said she and the old geezer are due back next month sometime. Ranma: [mutters] Don't you ever have GOOD news...? [Akane elbows Ranma under the table as Lardizabal arrives with several drinks. Amazingly, he does not spill one drop even though he is rudely bumped and pushed the entire way back to the table.] Lardizabal: [setting drinks down] OK, that's one Flaming Mousse for Ukyou, a Vodka Shampoo for Makiko, and a Cologne Special for me and Akane. Oh yeah, and an Amazon, straight up, for Ranma. Makiko: [slurs] What kinda drink izza Amazon? Ranma: [tastes drink and makes a face] Strong. Ukyou: Do you think Megami's ok? Akane: She'll be fine. She's probably watching TV right now... Nabiki: [looking up at the clock on the wall] Look, I have to get back to work. It's a busy night, after all. [She winks at them and smiles.] Akane: Okay, oneechan! [Nabiki heads back to the door and collecting the cover charges. After several moments, she spots a news truck belonging to one of the local TV stations pull up. She sighs.] Nabiki: Oh, great. [turns to the bouncers] I gotta go back inside, guys. Stall the newspeople for a bit, then let them in, OK? [The bouncers nod. Nabiki squirms back inside the packed bar. Her progress is stalled however, by a very familiar figure blocking her path.] Kunou: Ah, Tendo Nabiki. I trust that this festive gala doth agree with you? Nabiki: [coolly] Hey, Kunou-chan. Listen, thanks for "convincing" people to come, but I really-- Kunou: Twas no less than any samurai would do, when a member of the weaker sex is threatened. [Nabiki's eyebrow twitches, but she's in too much of a hurry to upbraid Kunou for his sexism... for now.] Nabiki: Look, Kunou-chan, we can discuss what century we're in another time, I really-- [She sees that the newspeople have gotten inside and are being directed by several of the patrons toward Ranma's table. She sighs and hurries over to the table. ducking behind a rather fat patron to lose Kunou. She arrives a moment before the newspeople, unnoticed in the general crowd. She tries to quietly get Akane's attention, but it is too late.] TV reporter: Excuse me! We're looking for Saotome Ranma. Have you seen her? [Ranma hangs his head. Nabiki can't help but smirk.] Ukyou: Why do you want Ra... er... Saotome-san? Cameraman: She's a hero! We need to interview her as soon as possible! Ukyou: ... Ranma: [to Nabiki] You had something to do with this, I'll bet. Nabiki: [shocked] Nani? I had nothing to do with it! Honest! Ranma: Sure. Whatever. Nabiki: Listen, you, I'm telling the truth. Maybe if you would actually get it through your thick head... Ranma: [interrupts] Kinda hard to believe from someone who's made a career of making money off of me. Nabiki: ... Akane: [softly] Ranma... stop it, please. [Everyone sits in silence as Ranma and Nabiki glare at each other.] Reporter: Anou... [Ranma turns to the reporter and sighs.] Ranma: [slowly] I'm Saotome Ranma. [All the TV reporters lean forward, then realize...] Reporter: You're not a girl! You're... [looks at ID picture] him. [The reporter takes a closer look at Ranma's ID, then back at Ranma. Those standing near him also do the same. Ranma sweatdrops uncomfortably.] Reporter: How come... Ranma: [interrupts] If you wouldn't mind, I'd like my ID back. [holds out hand] Reporter: But... Ranma: [interrupts] Now. [The reporter slowly hands Ranma his ID and wallet.] Reporter: What about ... Ranma: [interrupts] The girl is... um... my cousin Ranko. And no, I don't know where she is right now. I just let her borrow my wallet for a bit. Cameraman: Why would you let her borrow your wallet? Makiko: You KNOW that floozy?? Reporter: Floozy? I smell a scoop! [Everyone crowds around Makiko, who struggles to sit up straight. She gives up and leans on Lardizabal drunkenly.] Makiko: [slurs] That fffloozy tried to hit on my Lard-chan. [Ranma makes a twirling motion around his right ear, then points a thumb at Makiko and shrugs helplessly. Akane and Ukyou giggle.] Lardizabal: "Yours"? TV Reporter: A hero with a dark side! Wow! Makiko: She's such a bimbo... flaunting around like that! Girls like her are only supposed to come out at night! Ukyou: [gently] Maki-chan... [Ranma sits silently, his fists clenched under the table. Akane, meanwhile, is trying to keep from laughing out loud. Nabiki remains unusually silent the entire time.] Ranma: [to himself] I can't say anything... but if I don't say anything... Akane: Are you sure that the ... uh... girl was really hitting on Tanaka-san? Makiko: [slurs] Sssure I'm sssure... If I everrr see her again, I'm gonna... I'm gonna... I'm gonna... What're we talking bout again? [hangs her head, then picks it back up] Oh yeah... itsh gonna be messhy. [The reporters are busily taking notes, while the cameramen have the cameras recording Makiko's every move. Makiko looks up at one camera and smiles toothily.] Makiko: ... and I am SOOOOOO drunk, I have no idea what I'm shaying. [Everyone face-faults. Ranma breathes a long sigh of relief as Makiko passes out cold in Lardizabal's lap.] Lardizabal: [holding Makiko] Kawamura-san? [shakes her gently] Kawamura-san? Moshi moshi? [While everyone is focused on Makiko, Nabiki gets up and speaks to the TV Reporter.] Nabiki: Look, you have to understand, Saotome Ranko loves to play practical jokes and her cousin is her favorite target. She probably lifted his wallet and left it to cause confusion. Why don't you just leave her a hero and NOT show Kawamura-san's little rant? I mean, she hardly knew what she was saying. [The reporter looks disappointed, but nods. The camera crew picks up their gear and they all leave quietly. No one seems to notice them leave. Nabiki covers their exit by turning back to the group.] Nabiki: I think it's about time for another round, what do you say? Ukyou: Chotto... I don't think I have any more money. I need to save some for the train ride home tomorrow. Nabiki: Don't worry... it's on me. Ranma: Why? What do you get out of it? Akane: [angrily] That's enough, Ranma! Nabiki: [casually] I get a beer out of it, that ok? Lardizabal: Let her buy the drinks already! [grins at Ranma] Unless YOU want to buy... Ranma: [glares at Lardizabal] Not for you... Ukyou: Oi! This is supposed to be a PARTY, not a fight! Enough already! Finals are OVER! Akane: Right! Lardizabal: I'll drink to that. Ranma: So will I. Nabiki: [calling out] Mousse! Mousse! Another round! [Mousse comes over with another round of drinks. Shampoo follows with several glasses of a slightly greenish liquid.] Shampoo: You try new mixed drink? Akane: It's... green. Lardizabal: Is it free? [Shampoo looks at Nabiki. Nabiki nods.] Shampoo: Hai. Lardizabal: [grinning] Sure! Shampoo: Akane try? Akane: I dunno... Shampoo: Shampoo can always give it to someone else less afraid. Akane: ... [Akane takes the drink wordlessly and looks at it for a long moment. Then she downs it completely. Everyone, including Lardizabal, watches expectantly.] Akane: [coughs] Smooth. [Lardizabal immediately downs his and looks at Shampoo pleadingly.] Lardizabal: [holds out glass] More? Shampoo: [smiles] Anyone else? Ranma? Lardizabal: If Ranma doesn't want his, I'll take it. Ranma: [raises eyebrow] I'll try it. [Ranma doesn't down his drink in one gulp. Instead, he takes a large sip and tries to swallow. His face turns a dark shade of red as he finally manages to swallow the liquid.] Ranma: [coughs] Not too bad. [Makiko suddenly sits up.] Makiko: [looking around the table] Where's my drink? Lardizabal: You already drank it. Makiko: Well, I want another one! I'm thirsty! Akane: Do you think that's a good idea? Makiko: I can hold my liquor! [looks at Akane] How about you? Akane: [sighs] Tell me again why I'm here? Ranma: Makiko convinced you to go. Akane: Oh, yes. I forgot. Ranma: [curiously] And just what DID she say that was so convincing, anyway? Akane: She told me that if I didn't go, she was going to come over afterwards and sing to me. Makiko: [turns to Akane] Nani? You want me to sing you a song now? Akane: ... Makiko: I know! Let's play Jan-ken-pon! [Everyone at the table looks at Makiko.] Makiko: Come on! I know you all know how to play! [Ranma and Akane look at each other. Lardizabal looks questioningly at Makiko. Ukyou and Nabiki shake their heads.] Makiko: Uso... [sighs] Ok, this is how we play... you bring up your fist to your chest, and then say "Okay." [Makiko demonstrates by bringing her fist up to her jaw too quickly, almost hitting herself.] Makiko: Then, you count to three. 1... 2... 3. [Makiko lays her palm flat on top of her other hand.] Makiko: If the other person makes a fist, you win. If they make a pair of scissors, [demonstrates with other hand] you lose. Scissors beats paper, paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, paper beats rock, rock beats... Nabiki: [interrupts] We get the point. Makiko: Good! It's a great way to settle arguments too! [looks at Nabiki] You and Ranma-kun should try it some time! [Nabiki and Ranma look at each other warily. Akane watches the two, then looks at Ranma's unfinished drink longingly. She downs it in a quick motion while he's not looking.] Makiko: [suddenly stands] Ulp... I think I need to ... *hic* use the ladies' room... [Makiko rushes from the table to the bathroom. Ukyou stands up as well.] Ukyou: I'd better check on her. Make sure she's okay... [Ukyou follows Makiko to the bathroom. Ranma looks at his empty glass, then sees Akane's guilty expression. He chuckles to himself, then pushes the empty glass away from himself.] Ranma: [calling out] Mousse! Another couple of specials please! Akane: [moves closer to Ranma] I was hoping you'd say that. Tonight, I think I'm going to get drunk! [giggles] In fact, I don't think everyone's drunk enough! What do you say? This is supposed to be a celebration, remember? Ranma: Um... sure, I guess. Nabiki: This _could_ get interesting... [Mousse returns with specials for everyone. Akane again quickly downs hers. Everyone watches with amusement.] Lardizabal: NOW this is starting to look like a party! [Ukyou comes back to the table, pulling an ashen Makiko with her.] Ukyou: Um. I think Makiko had a bit too much to drink. [puts her down] Maybe I should take her home. Lardizabal: [slurred voice] Aw, she'll be fine. I've seen her worse than this. Ukyou: [staring at Lardizabal] You're kidding, right? Lardizabal: Nope. She'll bounce back really quick. Just wait. [Everyone settles down to drinking and they quickly get into a very festive mood. Lardy and Makiko both drink a lot, showing a shocking tolerance for alcohol, though Makiko looks sick at times and has to slow down. Nabiki sips mineral water, when not collecting cover charges. Ranma and Akane seem VERY happy.] Ranma: [drunkenly] ...and then Nabiki stepped on the mirror! [He glares in her direction, but Nabiki is too far away to notice.] Lardizabal: Aw, you're full of it, Saotome. You expect me to believe in a time-traveling mirror! Ha! [He takes a swig of his drink.] Ranma: It's true, I tell you! [He downs his drink and looks a little green.] Lardizabal: What's the matter, Saotome? Drink a little too strong for you? Hmmmm? Ranma: [slurring his words] It'sh not! I'm fine! Lardizabal: [refilling Ranma's glass from a pitcher] Then drink up! [Meanwhile, Ukyou is trying to get Makiko to stop drinking and call it a night.] Ukyou: C'mon, Maki-chan... haven't you had enough yet? Makiko: Hey, Ucchan... let's have a drinking contest! Ukyou: Maki-chan, you're already drunk! Shampoo: [coming up with more munchies.] What matter, Ukyou? Not woman enough to drink Amazon drinks? [She smiles nastily.] Ukyou: Hey, I've got nothing to prove to you! [Akane suddenly pops up.] Akane: [drunkenly] -I'll- drink with you, Makiko! Makiko: Yay! Ukyou: Oh, brother. I've got a bad feeling about this. * * * [Much, much later, Ukyou is stumbling down the street to Maison Sabaku, carrying Akane on her back. Beside her is someone else carrying Ranma-chan. Both Ranma-chan's and Akane's clothes are covered with the remains of drinks, and Ranma-chan looks like she threw up over herself, which is not improving her carrier's mood.] Ukyou: Ugh, Akane sure is heavy! [turns to her companion] Thanks for helping me with Ran-chan. I'd have gotten Mousse to help, but Shampoo... [We now get a close look at the person carrying Ranma. It is Nabiki. She is wearing a jacket to protect her dress.] Nabiki: [grinning] Hey, he's much lighter this way. [thinks] Good thing, too, since I'm not as muscle-bound as Ukyou or Akane. [aloud] At least we got him out of there before Kunou-chan saw his "beloved pig-tailed girl". Ukyou: Or before Ranma saw him. Nabiki: That too. [Ranma belches. Nabiki looks nervous and begins walking faster. Ukyou also speeds up her pace. The two continue on to Maison Sabaku in silence. When they get to the front door, Ukyou produces Akane's key and they let themselves in and head up to Room Four. Once inside, they gently put the sleeping couple on the floor.] Ukyou: Should we try to clean them up a bit? Nabiki: Yeah, you take Akane, I'll take care of Ranma. Ukyou: But Ranma's a GUY. Nabiki: Not at the moment. I very much doubt SHE has anything I haven't seen before. [Ukyou still blushes as they get the Saotomes out of their stained clothes and clean up the worst of the mess. Soon the couple is deposited on their futon and covered with a sheet.] Nabiki: OK, I've done my good deed for the night. Come on, let's get out of here. We both have long trips tomorrow. [Ukyou nods and heads out. Nabiki follows, then has an idea. Popping into the bathroom, there is the sound of running water, and she comes back out with a steaming glass of water. She pours it on Ranma-chan's head.] Nabiki: [smiling gently] Sleep tight. [She leaves the keys on the kitchen table and heads out, yawning. The door closes behind her with a faint click. Both Ranma and Akane start, and then snuggle together under the sheets.] * * * [Outside. Ukyou and Nabiki are walking back.] Ukyou: Thanks, Nabiki. Nabiki: No problem. Ukyou: You didn't have to go this far, though. Nabiki: [in a light tone] Hey, like it or not, the big lug is family. Ukyou: [quietly] Yeah, family. Nabiki: Something wrong, Ukyou? Ukyou: It's just... well, my father visited me today. [gloomy] We had nothing to say to each other. Nabiki: What did you expect? When was the last time you saw your father, anyway? Ukyou: At my high school graduation. Even then, we didn't speak much. [sighs] Today, it seemed like my own father had a better rapport with Megami than with me. Nabiki: But you talk to him, don't you? Ukyou: Not really. Even when I was growing up, he never talked much to me. We had... a family situation. Nabiki: Oh. [sympathetically] Well, if I can help... Ukyou: [suspiciously] And how much is it going to cost me? Nabiki: [ominous voice] DON'T start. I get enough of that from Ranma. Ukyou: [guiltily] Oh, right. [She's quiet for a time, then speaks hesitantly.] Nabiki? Nabiki: Yeah? Ukyou: I'm sorry. [Nabiki stops and looks at Ukyou.] Nabiki: Whatever for? Ukyou: It's my fault that Ran-chan hates you so much now. Nabiki: [quietly] I knew he'd blame me for it when I did it. You and Akane don't have to apologize. [Ukyou stops and looks confused.] Ukyou: Then why'd you go along with it? Nabiki: Why did you and Akane suggest it? Ukyou: Well, we... we wanted to know how he felt. Nabiki: [turning back towards her home] Maybe I wanted to know too. Ukyou: [watches the elder Tendo go in confusion] N-Nabiki. [Ukyou watches Nabiki walk away, cuddled up in her jacket. She sighs and continues her trek home. Coming up to the Nekohanten, she pauses a moment.] Ukyou: Maybe I should say goodbye... [She walks up and knocks on the door. Shampoo opens it.] Shampoo: What Spatula girl want? Ukyou: Oh. I was hoping to talk to Mousse. Shampoo: Mousse very busy sleeping right now. Ukyou: Oh. I see. Well, tell him I said bye and that I'll see him when I get back. Shampoo: Hai. [closes the door brusquely in Ukyou's face.] [Inside, Mousse looks up at Shampoo from the floor, where he's been polishing it.] Mousse: [in Mandarin] Shampoo: [Shampoo nods at Mousse, then goes into the kitchen. Mousse sighs and turns back to washing the floor.] =============================================================================== finis. =============================================================================== Loneliness - a state of mind Feels like you're a step behind When you're down and need a friend I promise you, I promise you I'll be there to the end When you've gone and lost your way This's what I've got to say Love can hold your head up high I promise you, I promise you I won't say goodbye Down from the low, into the high Might as well enjoy the ride I promise you I won't know what to say And I promise you I'll say it anyway I promise that we'll leave it all behind I promise that we'll have enough time In a moment, come tonight I promise you it'll be all right =============================================================================== Credits : Writers..............: David Tai Paul Gallegos John Walter Biles Jeffrey Paul Hosmer Outsider's FAQ.......: Jon K. Hayashi Special Thanks to....: The Tucson Animation Screening Society (TASS) And of course Rumiko Takahashi +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+ | Copyright (c) 1997 Digital Knight Communications | +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+ | "Ranma 1/2" and its characters Copyright (c) 1997 | | Viz Communications, Inc., Shogakukan, Kitty Animation | | and Rumiko Takahashi | +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+ ===============================================================================