dk-comm@tass.org (Digital Knight Communications) 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, | | John Walter Biles and Jeff Hosmer | | | | Based on the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi | +-----------------------------------------------------------+ =============================================================================== -= Episode 5: "Weekend at Lardy's!" =- =============================================================================== [We see Kuonji-sama dropping off Ukyou and Megami at the train station in a new car, albeit a fairly cheap compact. Ukyou, dressed like a boy, seems uneasy, while Megami, whose growth "spurt" seems to have levelled off around 18 or 19 years old, smiles happily as she spots Makiko waiting off in the distance by the station doors.] Kuonji-sama: Enjoy your visit with your friend in Kyoto. Ukyou: [laughs nervously] I'm sure it'll be loads of fun. Kuonji-sama: I'd like to meet him some day. [pauses] I've never met a real drunken-style martial artist. [smiles] It would be an interesting match. Megami: He's pretty good, but everyone back at school is better. Ukyou: [laughs] Better not let him hear you say that. Megami: I just don't understand why A..Maki-chan won't admit Lardizabal's her boyfriend! Kuonji-sama: [gives Megami a calculating look] Sometimes people find it difficult to admit their true feelings. Haven't you ever been in that position? Megami: [laughs nervously] Yeah, sort of. Kuonji-sama: [to Ukyou] Are you sure you have to go so soon? Your vacation is not over yet already is it? Ukyou: [shakes head] No, but I sort of promised Makiko that we'd go, if not for anything else but moral support. Kuonji-sama: [smiles] Well, have fun! I think your train is leaving soon, so you'd better hurry. Megami: [beams] Arigato! See you when we get back! [The two girls take off, skid to a stop, look at each other, then run back and grab their suitcases and take off again.] Kuonji-sama: [smiles] Sometimes problems solve themselves. [He drives off.] * * * [Makiko, Ukyou, and Megami arrive at the Kyoto train station, clambering out of the train cars. They look around.] Ukyou: So where's Tanaka-kun? Makiko: [still looking] I don't know. [A voice calls out from behind them.] Lardizabal: [coming up from behind] Hey, what took you guys so long? [He looks over at Ukyou.] Where's Ukyou-san? [Megami suppresses a giggle. Ukyou gives her a look.] Makiko: She couldn't make it. This is her younger brother Kosuke. [Ukyou's jaw drops, and she shoots Makiko a horrified look. However, she quickly regains her composure and smiles at Lardizabal as he gives her an analytical look.] Lardizabal: I see. [to Ukyou] Charmed, I'm sure. [grabs Makiko's arm] Could you excuse us for just a second? Domo. [The two step off to the side. Lardizabal has a questioning look on his face.] Lardizabal: [whispering] Who invited him? Makiko: [whispering] Uh.. Oh! Megami met him at the Kuonji's. They hit it off [snaps fingers] like that. [pauses] She insisted. [smiles cutely at Lardizabal] Gomen, ne... Tanaka-kun. Lardizabal: [whispers] Well, I guess it's all right. Not like I can turn him away or anything... Makiko: [loudly] Really? Cool! [She grabs her luggage and tosses them into Lardizabal's arms.] Makiko: Let's go! [Lardizabal gives her a strange look, which Makiko blithely ignores as she sweeps past him. Ukyou follows, giving Makiko an evil eye, as Megami watches the entire exchange with a grin.] * * * [The four step out of the cab in front of a lavish home with several streamers and signs decorating the outside wall. The wall itself stands over 2 meters in height, with small tiles and carvings near the top. The three girls marvel at the sight, and the house that looms behind the wall, for a moment, then Lardizabal gets out to pay the driver. Makiko unloads the bags from the trunk as Ukyou walks up to the gate and examines the woodworking therein. Megami is fiddling with an older, but expensive-looking instant camera. At a touch, the gate opens to reveal a pathway to the front door amidst neatly trimmed bushes and grass.] Lardizabal: [to cab driver] See! Here we are! Cab driver: [grumbling] About time. Lardizabal: If you hadn't decided on taking that "shortcut" and followed my directions, we'd have been here an hour ago! Cab driver: Your way would've made us climb Mt. Fuji! Lardizabal: [shouts] Bakayaro!! [The cab driver growls and drives off in a squeal of tires] Makiko: Well, Megami, shall we? [smiles] Megami: [grins] Haaai! [Megami pauses to take a snapshot, then puts the camera away. The two girls hook arms and carry their bags through the gate.] Lardizabal: Oi! Where're you going? Ukyou: It looks like they're going inside. [smirks] [Lardizabal shoots Ukyou a glare, then follows the girls inside. Ukyou lingers a moment longer outside.] Ukyou: [to herself] So Tanaka-san comes from an influential family. Or at least a wealthy one. I think Maki-chan is in for a surprise. [smiles inwardly] [Inside, Ukyou stops to remove her shoes and put on a pair of slippers meant for guests. She sees Megami waiting for her, motioning to hurry up. Smiling, she jogs up to her, and the two women enter the reception area of the home.] Lardizabal: [somewhat bored] Would you like the grand tour first, or would you like to freshen up? [The women don't answer immediately. Instead, they stare around the room at the various artifacts, paintings and scrolls, some of which date easily back a few hundred years. Megami reaches out to touch a jade vase, but Ukyou grabs her hand and shakes her head no. Lardizabal leans against the couch with a tired look on his face.] Makiko: [looking around in wonder] I.. uh... well... Megami: [also looking around] Um... I... wow. Ukyou: [taking charge] Let's drop off all the bags first, ok? Lardizabal: No problem. [He exits the room through the same way they came in and walks up the stairs across the hall. The girls slowly follow, their gazes still lingering in the room. As the reach the landing, Lardizabal turns right, down a short hallway. He opens the door near the end of the hall and the one across from it.] Lardizabal: Here are your rooms. Makiko and Megami in one, and [slightly sarcastic] Kosuke in the other. Ukyou: [smirking] Why thank you, sir. Lardizabal: ... Megami: [looking back at Ukyou] Auntie... how come... Makiko: [interrupting] Now's not the time, Megami. Ukyou: [to Lardizabal] Tanaka-kun, should we meet you down in that room across from the stairs when we're done? Lardizabal: [blinks] Uh... sure. That's fine. [looks at watch] My cousin Goro should be here by then too. I'll see you in, what, 20 minutes? Makiko: That should be enough time. [Lardizabal nods, then heads back downstairs. Ukyou waits till the sound of footsteps is gone, then turns around to glare at Makiko.] Ukyou: Okay, Maki-chan... I came here as your escort, but what the heck do you think you're doing, makin' me to be... uh, whassisname? Megami: [helpfully] Kosuke. Ukyou: Yeah, Kosuke. Maki-chan, you asked me to escort you to the wedding, but THIS is ridiculous! Why doncha just... Makiko: [grumbles] I don't want Tanaka-kun to take for granted that I'll just up and follow him around anywhere. I got better things than to chase after him. Ukyou: [slapping her head] So you want me to pose as your date so HE'll chase after you? Makiko: [whaps Ukyou] Of course not! I just don't want him thinking that, just cuz he asked me to come. Ukyou: But if he finds out it's me... Makiko: Oh come on, you've gone around as a boy for years. What's a day gonna hurt? Ukyou: Well, yeah, but Maki-chan, if he finds out, he's gonna think we're... Makiko: You worry too much, Ucchan. [patpats Ukyou's cheek and heads off into the bathroom] Megami: Mom? I don't understand this at all. Ukyou: I guess I'm pretendin' I'm Maki-chan's date. Megami: Oh. So do I call you uncle Kosuke? Ukyou: Hell no! Megami: Okay, how about Ko-kun? Ukyou: Just call me Kosuke, okay? Megami: Ko-chan? Ukyou: ME-GA-MI!! * * * [Half an hour later, the women walk downstairs, although Ukyou is still dressed as a male. The three enter the reception area where they first gathered, but Lardizabal is not there. Megami walks back to the foot of the stairs and looks down the hall. Near the end of the long hallway, a faint light can be seen coming through one door. She makes for the source of the light, stopping in front of the door.] Megami: [loudly] Anou... Anyone here? [knocks twice] [A young man with dark hair and squarish, small-framed glasses slides open the door.] Young Man: Can I help... [jaw drops as he sees Megami's face] Megami: [breathless] Uh.. hi... [The two stand motionless for quite some time... until Ukyou appears behind her.] Ukyou: Excuse me, but would you know where Tanaka Lardizabal would be? Young Man: Uh... hi- his room is next door. If the light's off, that just means he's asleep. Ukyou: Domo. [taps Megami's shoulder] C'mon, let's wake him up. Megami: [not taking eyes off of young man] Do we hafta? I mean, if he's asleep and all... Ukyou: Yes. C'mon... [grabs hold of Megami's arm] Megami: [sighs] Ok... [to young man] It was, uh... Young Man: [smiles shyly] Tanaka Goro. Nice to meet you. Megami: [blushes slightly] Kuonji Megami. [Ukyou's eyebrow raises slightly] Nice to meet you too. [Goro closes the door to his room slowly, as Megami stares at the door.] Megami: Wow. Ukyou: [nudging Megami] Hey, what about Uncle Ran-chan? [arched eyebrow] Megami: What? What was that? [still staring at the door] [Ukyou suppresses a smile, as the two walk down the hallway. She knocks on the next door she comes to.] Lardizabal: [from within] Go 'way! Ukyou: Tanaka-san? I thought you were going to meet us downstairs? Megami: Yeah, Auntie Maki is waiting for you! [Lardizabal slides open the door quickly.] Lardizabal: Right! Completely forgot! Where is she? Ukyou: [shrugs] Probably outside taking a stroll or something. Megami: [shrugs] Or maybe meeting some of your family... [Ukyou elbows Megami, but Lardizabal has turned his attention back into his room.] Lardizabal: Well, she should probably stay away from some of the older ones. They may not react too nicely to uninvited guests... Ukyou: [angrily] Are you saying you didn't invite us?? [Lardizabal wheels back around.] Lardizabal: [holds hands up] No, no... just that THEY don't know she's a guest. Ukyou: [calmly] Oh, that makes sense. [Lardizabal exits his room and closes the door behind him.] Lardizabal: Well, let's go find her, shall we? Megami: [cheerfully] Lead on! [Lardizabal looks at Megami strangely, but leads the two down the hall. Makiko is sitting in the middle of the stairwell playing a Nintendo Gameboy.] Lardizabal: [smiles] Hey, Maki-chan. Makiko: Sh. I'm about to get an extra life! [makes a face] AAA! Stupid goomba! Ukyou: Oi! You said you weren't bringing that! Makiko: [looks sheepish] Well, I didn't know how long you were going to be gone, and... Megami: [interrupting] My turn! Lardizabal: Do you guys want a tour of the house or not? Ukyou: [nods] Un. Makiko: [brightly] Sure. Megami: Sure whatever. [to Makiko] Gimme! Ukyou: [to Megami] Not now. Put it away please, Makiko. [Makiko stands up and puts the Gameboy in her back pocket. Megami pouts and looks at Ukyou, who tries to ignore her. Lardizabal leads the way into the reception area.] Lardizabal: Basically, the house is a typical traditional house, except we chose to put many of the family treasures in the reception room here. [gestures wide] Megami: What _are_ all of these? [pointing to the paintings] Lardizabal: This is the Tanaka family gallery. A piece of art from each generation of Tanaka is placed here, sort of a family history. [without stopping] If you'll follow me this way, [motions to the other door] we'll continue into the dining area. Makiko: [impressed, and looking a bit nervous, tugging on Lardy's shirt to stop him for a moment] Tanaka-kun...will your parents be here? I mean, will I [swallows audibly] meet them? Lardizabal: [frowning] I doubt it. My mom doesn't get along well with Dad's side of the family. Ukyou: Really? Lardizabal: [shaking his head] She doesn't think very much of the drunken style martial arts. Dad wanted to train me, but she'd never let him. I went to grandpa's for the summer and he taught me on the sly... by the time my mom found out it was sort of too late. [his frown deepens] Which means my training is far behind anyone else my age in the Tanaka family. Makiko: Well, you should be proud to be as good as you are, considering. Lardizabal: [mumbling] Not good enough to beat Ranma... [raises his voice] Come on, there's lots of other rooms to show you. [He slides open the door to reveal a large room with a long low table in the center. Seating cushions lie next to both sides of the table. The table itself is of polished oak, or a variation of it. Along the walls are pictures of the countryside and various places in Japan, each also in a frame made out of the same type of wood as the table. Two solitary lamps hang from the ceiling over the table itself, providing the only light in the room.] Lardizabal: The Tanaka Formal Dining Room. Here is where many of the Tanakas have made decisions that affected the country as a whole. Ukyou: Huh? Are you serious? Lardizabal: No, I just thought I'd see what you'd do. [grins] We won't eat in here, either. There's a smaller room next to the kitchen that's a little more... casual. [Makiko whaps Lardizabal in the back of the head lightly. Ukyou rolls her eyes skyward.] Megami: Speaking of which, I'm kinda hungry. Lardizabal: [irritably] The ceremony is in a couple of hours. You can eat then. [However, Megami's stomach growls loudly. Lardizabal winces.] Lardizabal: Or... we can just go to the kitchen right now. [Megami beams. Makiko and Ukyou hang their heads.] * * * [Makiko looks at herself in the mirror in her room and makes a face. She turns to see Megami lying on her bed, playing with the Gameboy. She sighs and turns her attention back to her hair, trying to brush it out.] Makiko: [shouting] Ukyou, what time is it? [Ukyou leans against the open door frame. She is dressed in a nice navy blue suit with a white formal shirt underneath the vest. The shirt is clasped with black onyx studs for buttons and cufflinks, and her hair is pulled back behind her head and tied in a ponytail. Megami smiles in approval at her mother.] Ukyou: [calmly] Ten-thirty. Why? Makiko: Oh! Ukyou, I didn't hear you come in. Megami: Mom's good at being silent, when she wants. [grins] Ukyou: [looks at Megami] You hush. [smiles] Anyway, what's up that you're so worried about the time? Makiko: Well, I have to hurry if we're going to get to the wedding on time! I mean, look at me! That tour took so long that now I haven't dressed or put on makeup or done my hair... Ukyou: [giggles] This is Tanaka-san's family we're talking about. Lateness is not only requested, it's *required*. Makiko: Oh, c'mon. You're being silly. Megami: Um... Auntie Maki, she's not. Uncle Lardy's downstairs right now watching TV with Goro-san. He's not even remotely dressed. Makiko: [turns red] ... Ukyou: However, I see that you're already dressed, Megami-chan. [Megami twirls in a small circle. Her dress is a semi-formal pink and flowery one that reaches down to just above her knees. She wears a small dress coat over her shoulder that barely comes down to her midriff.] Megami: Do you like it? Auntie Maki picked it out for me! Ukyou: Hai. [grins] You're going to break every guy's heart at the reception! [At this, Megami blushes. Makiko, however, has already gotten up and started for the door.] Ukyou: uh... Maki-chan? Where're you going? Makiko: [slowly] I'm going to kill him. He's not even DRESSED yet? Ukyou: But, Maki-chan, you're not... [Without warning, Makiko takes off running down the hall to the stairs. Ukyou and Megami look at each other, then follow her. Once downstairs, they can hear her echoing footsteps down the hall toward Lardizabal's room.] Makiko: [shouting] HOW DARE YOU!!! Lardizabal: Nani?? Makiko? [Ukyou and Megami reach Lardizabal's room to see him sprawled on the couch in surprise, with Makiko grabbing his shirt with both hands and lifting him into the air. Goro is cowering on the other side of the couch, peeking out from behind several throw pillows.] Makiko: You... you...! Lardizabal: Oi! Oi! Calm down! What's going on? Makiko: You're not even remotely ready for this thing! I'm slaving away to make myself look nice for you and you don't even care! Goro: Anou... he's already dressed. That's the traditional Tanaka family formal outfit. [All three women begin to sweat.] Makiko: Tra... tra... traditional... Goro: Hai. It sort of resembles a beggar's street clothes, but if you look closely, you'll see it's made of the finest silk and thread... [Makiko examines the cloth in her hands, then quickly but gently sets Lardizabal onto the couch.] Makiko: [disbelief] Silk? Goro: Hai. Kind of like the slip you're wearing. [Makiko looks down to notice she's only wearing her undergarments and a slip with nothing else.] Makiko: AAAAAA!!!! [runs out of the room] Megami: [walking into the room] Goro-kun? Are you alright? Did she hurt you? Lardizabal: [getting up] Oh yeah, I'm fine. Really. Goro: I'm ok, Megami-chan. [stops to look Megami up and down] You look great! Megami: Really? You think so? Goro: I mean it! You look beautiful! Ukyou: [to herself] Really. [aloud] I guess I'll be in the reception room for a while. It's getting quite hectic around here. Lardizabal: Oh! Well, if you must. The reception hall is in the back, if you'd rather go there now. Ukyou: Er... no, I think I'd rather wait for everyone. Lardizabal: [shrugs] Suit yourself. Goro will come get you when it's time. Ukyou: [nods] Arigato. [Ukyou takes one last look at Megami and Goro, who are deep in conversation, before heading back to the reception area. As she goes, Lardizabal gives her a thoughtful look as well, then dusts himself off and exits the room from the other door.] * * * [Ukyou, Lardizabal, Megami, and Makiko enter the reception hall. On the way in, walking slightly behind, Lardizabal takes a long pull from his gourd. The sounds of celebration are slightly louder than the sounds of the music. Very few of the Tanaka clan are sitting; they seem to be either passed out on the floor or moving flamboyantly across the room, with little regard to personal safety or property. Everyone has a drink in their hands of some sort, and few look exceptionally sober. Near the back, a few of the younger Tanakas seems to either falling all over themselves drunk, or sparring. A matronly woman in a loud dress with a bottle marked only 'XXX' swings from a chandelier, whooping loudly. Ukyou and Makiko stare into the room, wide-eyed, though Lardizabal seems to be taking it in stride.] Makiko: Should we...call the police? [Ukyou nods in agreement.] Megami: No way! I gotta get some pictures of that! Ukyou: [alarmed] Of what? Megami: [points] Those two over there dancing on the chairs! [Megami quickly runs off to photograph the madness.] Lardizabal: [blinks] *hic* Police? Why? [waves the the older woman swinging on the chandelier] Hey Auntie! [A large gout of flaming sake is blown from the mouth of a stout, balding man in chinese dress as he stumbles next to Ukyou and Makiko. Makiko shrieks in fright.] Lardizabal: Che, Uncle Wong, they aren't family, so show a little respect! [Uncle Wong stumbles over Ukyou's foot headfirst into Lardizabal, who sidesteps...or sideambles, then stumbles back to right himself, capturing Uncle Wong in a headlock as he does so, seemingly for support. Tumbling onto his back, his knee catches Uncle Wong in the gut, sending him up and over Lardizabal into the wall. Lardizabal stumbles to his feet with Makiko's help.] Uncle Wong: [muffled by the wall] So sorry, honored miss, honored sir. [passes out] Makiko: Uh... oh... sure... are all of your family's weddings like this, Tanaka-kun? Lardizabal: Nahhhh... most of the younger Tanakas are stuck in school... 's usually much worse 'n this. Makiko and Ukyou: ... [Lardizabal leads Makiko and Ukyou through a crowd of drunken Tanakas, often bumping into someone hard enough to knock them over, and swaying drunkenly to avoid their 'accidental' bumps. They are seated at their prearranged table.] Makiko: These people are so rude, ne, Ucc...Kosuke-kun? They aren't even paying attention to where they're going...they kept bumping into you, Tanaka-kun. Ukyou: [lost in thought] They kept bumping into Tanaka-san, but they never did bump into us. Lardizabal: [drunken grin] Yup... I think Kosuke-san's got it. Makiko: [blinks] Nanda? Lardizabal: Well... most a' the Tanaka's practice some kinda drunken style, an' with the family all together like this, y'know, we get inna lil' *hic* practice. Makiko: [annoyed] Well...I don't see why you had to go and get drunk right away, Tanaka-kun. I mean, you could have spent some time with m... us first. [Ukyou grins a knowing grin] Lardizabal: Hey! If I wasn't drunk, they'd eat me alive in here! Besides, you're with Kosuke-san, as I recall! [Makiko's expression lowers the temperature of the area by a few degrees centigrade.] Ukyou: Er...so, Tanaka-kun...what's that they're doing over there? Lardizabal: *hic* Cousin Yuji? Thas'Han, holdin' a pot in his arms. [Cousin Yuji rolls some poor Tanaka's head around in his arms, then releases him where he thumps to floor, overwhelmed with dizzyness] S' one a' the standards a' drunken style martial arts. Makiko: [still angry, but curious] What about him? Lardizabal: Eh? Oh, thas'... [A rather comely young woman woman in a chinese gown walks up to Lardizabal's chair, giggles coquettishly, and blows Lardizabal a kiss. She waits a moment, then winks at Ukyou and walks away.] Ukyou: [sweatdrop] ... Makiko: [visibly steamed] And what exactly was *that*, Tanaka-kun? Lardizabal: Eh? Wing Chun was challangin' me. Why? Makiko: Challenging you? Nani? Lardizabal: Oh, that was Angel Ho, s' another form. [blinks] Wait...hey! She's my cousin! Makiko: Oh...well...I've never seen you do that before, Tanaka-kun. [giggles] I can imagine it, though. Lardizabal: [muttering] I don't do that style. Ukyou: You don't? [watches Wing Chun send two Tanaka guests to the floor in rapid succession as Megami snaps photographs of the action] Why not? It looks pretty effective. [cuts off abruptly as she notices Wing Chun looking in her direction] Lardizabal: [loudly] I'm not gonna be actin' like a girl in a fight! It's...it's...it's... Ukyou: [distracted] It's...what? Lardizabal: It's girlish! Makiko: So? What's wrong with that? Your cousin over there seems to be doing just fine, looking like a girl. What're you trying to say? Lardizabal: Y'know! I mean, a guy who acts like tha' inna fight is...well...a big sissy! Ukyou: Oh...I see... Makiko: What, Ucc... Kosuke-chan? Ukyou: [smiles] I don't think Tanaka-kun has mastered Angel Ho yet. Lardizabal: WHAT? I have so! S' one a' the basics! Makiko: Oh, well, that's different. If you don't know how, Tanaka-kun... Lardizabal: [stands up] Fine! [turns, ambles towards Wing Chun] Hey, Wing Chun! C'mere a sec! [Scene fades in a flash of light. Cut to Lardizabal on the floor, his head in Makiko's lap as she applies a cold compress to his forehead. Both Makiko and Ukyou have disbelieving looks on their faces.] Lardizabal: [grumbling] I'm jus' a little outta *hic* practice on that one. Thas' all. [Makiko and Ukyou roll their eyes in unison] [Wing Chun walks over to where everyone is sitting.] Wing Chun: [smiles shyly] If you aren't busy later, I could show you that technique. Lardizabal: [grumbles] No thanks... Wing Chun: [interrupting] I wasn't talking to you, Lard-chan. [looks at Ukyou] What do you think? Lardizabal: ... Ukyou: [sweatdrop] Uh... well... you see... Wing Chun: [smiles] That's ok, we have all night. I'll be back. [walks off] Makiko: ... Lardizabal: [slyly] Sounds like someone else is out of practice too. Ukyou: [elbows Lardizabal in the face] I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear that. What'd you say? Lardizabal: [quietly] mmpgh. Ukyou: Didn't think so. [Ukyou casts a worried glance in the direction that Wing Chun has gone while Makiko places another cold compress on Lardizabal's face.] * * * [The reception continues. Lardizabal, holding an icepack to his head with one hand and a drink in the other, chats with Makiko and Ukyou at one end of a large table complete with punch bowl, soft drinks, and snacks. Megami, at the other end, converses with Goro and snaps photographs periodically. Megami and Goro are both smiling, though Goro's smile is perhaps a bit nervous.] Makiko: [giggling] ... and so, you see, tha's why I like the rail gun better than the BFG. [frowns and looks at her glass] Hey, can I have s'more? Lardizabal: [blinks] Uh... sure. Help yourself. [passes bottle to her] Ukyou: How many is that, now, Makiko? Makiko: [turns and leans on Ukyou's arm] I think this is number three... or four. I don't remember. [goes off in a fit of giggling] Ukyou: [sweatdrop] Well, don't you think you should stop for a while? I mean, we're going to be here a while. [glances at Lardizabal] Makiko: Naaaaaah. I'm having fun! Besides, Uk- *hic* er.. Kosuke, you promised to watch out for me tonight. [Lardizabal raises an eyebrow.] Ukyou: Uhh... well... I know, but... [Just then, Wing Chun walks up to the table.] Wing Chun: Tanaka-chan. [Lardizabal glances at Wing Chun with some disdain. After an uncomfortable pause, Wing Chun finally sits down next to him.] Wing Chun: Gomen... about earlier, I mean. Lardizabal: [warily] 'sok. Wing Chun: [looking around the table, stopping at Ukyou] Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends? Makiko: [giggling] C'mon, Tanaka-kun, introduce me! Lardizabal: [slyly, as he notices the object of Wing Chun's gaze] Oh? Ok, Wing Chun, this is Kawamura Makiko [gestures to Makiko], a ... friend from Mizunoikan. [points to Megami] That is Megami, a... um, classmate of Makiko's. You already know Goro. [grins] And, this [with a wide gesture] is Kuonji Kosuke, younger brother of Makiko's roommate. Wing Chun: [pointedly] _How_ young? Makiko: [automatically] Twenty. Ukyou: [cuts in] Maki-chan! Wing Chun: [smiles] Well, that's all right by me. You're not that young then. Makiko: [giggling] How old are you, Wing Chun? Wing Chun: [looking at Ukyou] Old enough. [winks] Ukyou: ... Lardizabal: [coughs politely] Well, I see that Uncle Wong is trying to get your attention, Wing Chun. You'd better see what he wants. Wing Chun: [frowns] Hai. [to Makiko] It was nice meeting you. Especially you... [stares longingly at Ukyou] Ukyou: ... [Wing Chun gets up and departs. Ukyou looks ill.] Lardizabal: Don't worry about her, Kosuke. She's kinda ... free-spirited. Ukyou: ... Yeah. Sure. Lardizabal: Another round, Maki-chan? Makiko: [nods] Un! [Lardizabal pours her another drink, and Makiko downs half of it almost immediately.] Lardizabal: ... Makiko: [giggles] When are you going to break out the good stuff? Lardizabal: ... Megami: [laughs loudly] Wai! Goro-san, you're so funny. [Both Makiko and Ukyou immediately snap their heads towards Megami and Goro.] Lardizabal: Maki-chan? [pauses] Makiko? [Makiko, however, is intent on eavesdropping on Megami's and Goro's conversation and does not hear Lardizabal. Lardizabal, after blinking and coughing, trying to get Makiko's attention again, gives up and settles into some serious drinking.] Goro: [scratching the back of his head with one hand] No, really...I think you look very nice in that dress, and I'm sorry Hiro-san almost ruined it. He's just beginning to learn, you know, so he doesn't hold his liquor that well. Megami: [giggling] You spun him around and around and around like a top! [She demonstrates, soon working herself up into a dizzy spell, almost falling over before Goro catches her.] Goro: [blushing] E...eh heh... Megami: [innocently] Thank you Goro-san! [giggles] [Ukyou and Makiko frown... then look at each other. They nod, silently, and then Makiko walks over to Megami and Goro.] Makiko: Goro-san, do you mind if I borrow Megami-chan for a moment? I have to freshen up. Goro: [shaking his head] Of course not, Makiko-san. [turns to Megami] I hope I can see you after the wedding, Megami-san... Megami: [nodding enthusiastically] See you later Goro-san! [Makiko and Megami leave. Lardy looks on after them, abandoned, then turns back to Goro and pours himself a drink, which he downs. He drops his icepack on the table and crosses his arms in disgust.] Lardizabal: Che...women. [looks at Ukyou] Guess it's just us guys. Ukyou: [coughs] Er... actually, I'm going to head to the... uh... restroom myself. Lardizabal: [warily] Suit yerself. [Ukyou gets up and departs, leaving Lardizabal and Goro to battle for the last of the alcohol in the bottle. Lardizabal watches Ukyou leave out of the corner of his eye.] * * * [Ukyou, Makiko, and Megami enter one of the many bedrooms. Ukyou and Makiko exchange looks.] Ukyou and Makiko: [in stereo] Megami-chan...[they look at each other] You go first. [both sweatdrop] Ukyou: Megami-chan, we just want to talk to you about... Makiko: ...men. Ukyou: Well, because men are... Makiko: ...different. Megami: [head going back and forth between Ukyou and Makiko] ... Ukyou: [crosses her arms] Megami-chan, this is important. Boys and girls are different, and...well, that's part of the reasons that boys and girls have boyfriends and girlfriends. Megami: [nodding] Hai! I want a boyfriend too, like Tanaka-kun. [looks at Makiko] Makiko: [darkening] Megami-chan, you're too young to have a serious boyfriend. There are friends that you go to weddings to, like Tanaka-kun, and there are _boy_friends. Ukyou: Uso! [coughs] Makiko: [darkening deeply] ...Ucchan will tell you. [turns around and exhales] Ukyou: [blinks, then resumes composure] There are some things that boys and girls do that they only do with boyfriends and girlfriends. Megami: [beams broadly] Oh yeah! Ranma told me! Ukyou: [sweatdrop] HE WHAT? Makiko: Uh... Ucchan, now wait a sec... Ukyou: [angrily] Wait 'til I get my hands on him! Akane and I can take turns... Makiko: [interrupting] Ucchan! [Ukyou stops and looks at Makiko] Just wait a sec, will you? [to Megami, gently] What did he tell you, Megami-chan? Megami: [matter-of-factly] That there are some things that boys and girls do that they only do with their boyfriends and girlfriends. Like kissing. [Ukyou breathes a visible sigh of relief.] Makiko: Like on television? Megami: Sorta... [looking confused] But I see mommies and daddies kiss their children, so I don't quite understand... Ukyou: It's...a different sort of kissing. [pauses] Hold on. Pretend I'm Makiko's boyfriend. Makiko: [blinking] What? Ukyou: For pretend. [Ukyou walks over to Makiko and takes her in her arms, dipping her over slightly into a compromising position and looks over to Megami.] Ukyou: Now, if I kissed Maki-chan like this... [The door opens suddenly, and Lardizabal staggers in.] Lardizabal: Geez, where are you guys? I wanted ta introduce you to- [Lardizabal sees Makiko and 'Kosuke,' but not Megami, who is behind the door. He pauses a moment to take in the entire scene.] Lardizabal: ...oh. [quietly] Gomen. [He shuts the door.] Ukyou: ... Makiko: [visibly upset] Tanaka-kun... * * * [Makiko runs into the wedding hall, followed shortly by Ukyou and Megami. The wedding is about to begin. Makiko searches the room, finding Lardy sitting next to Goro, fuming silently. She takes the closest seat she can find to him, which is a few rows ahead. Again, Ukyou and Megami follow her and sit.] Makiko: [turning around, whispering] Tanaka-kun... [The music starts, and Makiko turns back around, looking miserable.] Ukyou: [whispering] It'll be fine, Maki-chan...just tell him who I am, ok? [takes Makiko's hand comfortingly] Lardizabal: [noticing and frowning] Che... Goro: [elbows Lardizabal] Shh...they're starting. [The camera pans out from Lardizabal's frowning face to soon include Makiko and Ukyou, fading out as the priest begins with, "We are gathered here today...". The scene fades out, then back into view as the priest concludes, "...and I now pronounce you husband and wife". Lardizabal looks bored, Makiko has tears in her eyes, Ukyou simply looks attentive, and Megami looks delighted, at both the wedding and a handful of photographs that she's holding. The crowd begins to break up.] Makiko: [turns around to Lardizabal] Tanaka-kun, gomen... [Megami turns around as well, curious] Lardizabal: [frowns again and gets up to leave, shrugging] Whatever. [exits] Megami: [blinks, turns and waves to Goro, smiling sunnily] Hiiiiiii! Goro: [turns about and waves, smiling] Hello, Megami-san. [He turns back to his coversation with an attractive young woman a row behind him.] Megami: ... Ukyou: [putting a hand each on Makiko's and Megami's shoulders] Come on...let's go talk to Tanaka-kun, Maki-chan. Makiko: [shaking her head] Please, Ucchan...could you go talk to him first? Weddings make me all teary, and if I went to go talk to him now... Ukyou: [nods] Sure. I'll be back in a bit. [Megami nods, distracted. Makiko watches Ukyou go, then turns back to Megami.] Makiko: Ok, what's wrong? Megami: [pouting] I thought Goro-san wanted to see me after the wedding! Makiko: [sighs] Megami-chan...trying to find a boyfriend isn't as easy as that. It's usually confusing, and sometimes...it hurts. [pauses] You're a nice, very pretty young woman, Megami-chan...you'll find a boyfriend. Just don't be in too much of a hurry. Megami: I don't want to wait. Goro-san is handsome, and he's funny. Makiko: [shaking her head] It's not as simple as that, Megami-chan. It's nice to have a boyfriend who's handsome, and funny...and brave, and strong, and maybe a little silly. But...you have to be feeling something else too. Megami: I don't understand. What else do I have to feel? Makiko: [leans back] I guess you know it when you feel it. * * * [Ukyou knocks on a door. There is no response.] Ukyou: Tanaka-kun? [Still no response. She tries the door and opens it. Inside, Lardy is lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling, drinking from his gourd.] Lardizabal: [turning to Ukyou] Oh. It's you. [goes back to staring at the ceiling] Ukyou: Yes, it's me. Lardizabal: [sarcastically] What do you want? Another girl to go after? Weren't Wing Chun and Makiko enough for you? Ukyou: Look, Lardy, it's not what you think. In the bedroom there... Lardizabal: [shouting] Don't you "Lardy" me! What are you, some kind of Casanova? Ukyou: [sighs] No, I'm Ukyou. [lets hair down] See? Lardizabal: Yeah, whatev- [falls off the edge of the bed] WHAT? Ukyou: Look, it's me. [pauses] Makiko was trying to play a little joke on you. Lardizabal: [standing up] Joke? You two were...in the...two girls...k... kissin'! Ukyou: We were trying to show Megami-chan what boyfriends and girlfriends were like, Tanaka-kun. Lardizabal: [crossing his arms] You don' think that's a lil' extreme? Ukyou: [whaps Lardizabal] We weren't kissing for real, you jackass! Now stop acting like a dumped boyfriend and go out there. Lardizabal: [rubbing his head] I am not her boyfriend, and I'm not actin' like...like that. Ukyou: Y'could've fooled me. Lardizabal: [looking up at the ceiling] It's a funny thing, y'know? Just when I thought I could, y'know, be more interested in someone else... [Lardizabal turns to look at a skeptical Ukyou.] Lardizabal: [grins at Ukyou] Y'know, it took me a while to accept that the girl I liked was married to someone else. Took me by surprise. Kinda tough, eh? That Akane was... y'know, gone. Ukyou: Tanaka-kun... I'm sorry. Lardizabal: [shrugging] Don't be. It was a pretty good joke, I guess... maybe just carried it a bit too far? Ukyou: [nodding] Not just for that, Tanaka-kun. I guess I haven't given you a lot of credit...the way you and Maki-chan get along. That's not fair, is it? Lardizabal: [shakes his head] No... not really. Besides, I can always come back home to this weird family. Ukyou: [smirks] You think YOU'VE got a weird family? Lardizabal: Weirder than Uncle Wong? Ukyou: Hm... okay, maybe not that bad. Compared to Uncle Wong, the rest of my family's normal. [chuckles to herself] Lardizabal: [sardonically] Thanks, Kuonji-san. Thanks a lot. Ukyou: [pauses, and then points to the door] Now that I'm a girl again, Tanaka-kun, Maki-chan is left without a date, so I'm ordering you to go out there and have a good time with her or else. Lardizabal: [smirking] Or else what? Ukyou: [pauses] Or else you're going to quite possibly lose the best friend you never knew you had. [shrugs] Lardizabal: ... * * * [Back at the reception. Ukyou is standing around, back in her boy guise.] Wing Chun: [from behind Ukyou] Care to dance? Ukyou: Eep! [twirls around] Wing Chun: [grabs Ukyou's hand] Good! I like this song! [begins to drag Ukyou to dance floor] Ukyou: [exasperated] Oi! Wait a sec! I didn't say yes! Wing Chun: ... Ukyou: [sighs] Look, you're ... um... cute and all, but I'm, uh... [Just then, Makiko walks up, Megami in tow.] Makiko: Hey U-.. Kosuke-chan. Listen, I need... [looks at Wing Chun] [Wing Chun looks at Makiko, then at Ukyou.] Wing Chun: [solemnly] I see. [bows] Forgive me for my actions. I did not know you were already with someone. Makiko: ... Ukyou: Er.. 'sok. [grins] Maybe next time. Wing Chun: Perhaps. [smiles coyly] We shall see. [Wing Chun departs, leaving the three girls standing by themselves. A look of puzzlement briefly crosses Makiko's face as she watches Wing Chun go and just as quickly disappears when she turns back to Ukyou.] Makiko: Um... where's Tanaka-kun? Ukyou: [shrugs] I have no idea. [muttering] And he's a gutless wimp if he doesn't come out tonight. Lardizabal: [coming up from behind Ukyou] Oh? Were you saying something, Kuonji-san? [arched eyebrow] Ukyou: Eep! Lardizabal: [looks at Makiko] May I borrow Ukyou for a moment? [Makiko nods wordlessly, surprised.] Lardizabal: Thanks. [Ukyou eeps as Lardizabal sweeps her onto the floor.] Ukyou: But... but they think I'm a guy! Lardizabal: Ah, they won't notice. Weirder things have happened. Anyway... thanks. Ukyou: [settling down] No problem, but shouldn't you be... um, talkin' to Makiko? Lardizabal: Yeah. I will. Just wanted to... uh... thank you first. Ukyou: [giggles] Okay... Lardizabal: Good. [And with a flourish, Lardizabal leads Ukyou up next to Makiko.] Lardizabal: [releasing Ukyou] Now then, your turn! Makiko: Eh? B-but... Lardizabal: C'mon, let's dance. One step at a time! [And with that, Lardizabal is sweeping off a startled Makiko onto the dance floor, leaving Ukyou with Megami. Ukyou smiles and rumples Megami's hair.] Ukyou: How're you doing? [Megami pouts slightly. Ukyou cocks her head, and frowns a bit, as she puts her arm around Megami.] Ukyou: Yeah, I know the feeling, Megami-chan. =============================================================================== 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 Terry Johnson Paul Gallegos Jeffrey Paul Hosmer John Walter Biles Story Artists........: Jong Man Hwang DnR Companion........: Mike "Nelson" Gulick Special Thanks to....: The Tucson Animation Screening Society (TASS) And of course Rumiko Takahashi +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+ | Copyright (c) 1998 Digital Knight Communications | +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+ | "Ranma 1/2" and its characters Copyright (c) 1998 | | Viz Communications, Inc., Shogakukan, Kitty Animation | | and Rumiko Takahashi | +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+ ===============================================================================