Finally, I have concluded 'The least one can do'. It only took 2.4megs,
but it's finished nonetheless ;) At 75+kb for this update, it may have
taken some time to make it this far, but I'm pretty happy with this
conclusion. It's also very conclusive. I have also taken the time to
write up some notes about this series and some useful tidbits about it
that you might find interesting. You can find them on my webpage....
To anoyone who haven't read this fic, you can find the previous
parts/chapters/updates of it on my website.
http://www.anime.sobhrach.com/~jeffwong/
I'm sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes. I have yet to edit this.
What I have updated is just the rough draft. Once I'm finished with this
fic, I'll go back and edit it for mistakes.
Jeffrey "OneShot" Wong
<new stuff 8/22>
(We watch as Shori sits back down next to Ranma, the small bag resting on
her lap. She reaches in and pull out a box that's gifted wrapped.)
Shori: Here you go. It's a present that you know about, but probably
completely forgot about.
Ranma: Okay.
Shori: I should have given this to you a long time ago, but due to
circumstances, that was never the case.
Ranma: I've known about this? Hm, I wonder what it is that I forgot
about.
Shori: Open it up.
(Ranma does as he's told. He rips off the wrappings and opens the box. He
pulls out a shirt, a shirt he hadn't seen since about the time he met
Shori. There are words written on the shirt.)
Ranma: (Reading words)Martial Arts or Bust.(Laughes)Oh my god, I
completely forgot about this.
Shori: (Blushing)I-I hope you like it.
Ranma: Of course I like it.
Shori: Ah, I'm glad.
Ranma: Why'd you wait so long to give it to me?
Shori: Well, I found it a couple of years ago when I was just moving some
stuff around in my room. However, I figure now would be a good time
because now that we've graduated, you're going to move on to teach
martial arts.
Rama: Ah, I understand. Since I was boxing, it was different from what
the shirt represented.
Shori: Yes. Speaking of which. What do you plan on doing? Are you going
to retire from boxing?
Ranma: Yeah. Boxing was only a side thing for me. I was only doing it to
provoke Boon to train harder for our rematch.
Shori: ...................
Ranma: It's not fighting, not to us. It's a sparring session that ends up
with one of us knocked out.
Shori: Isn't that what fighting's all about?
Ranma: Well, yeah, but our matches have no long-term effects. There's
never any hard feelings afterwards. If I lose, it doesn't bother me. The
same would be for Boon.
Shori: Oh. Um, are you going to box him?
Ranma: No. Boxing helped developed my punches, but my strength lies with
martial arts and always have.
Shori: But you've been away from martial arts for so long.
Ranma: (Smiles)Not at all. Whenever I train, I train for martial arts. In
my matches, all you see is me punching, which is what I'm only allowed to
do.
Shori: Oh. I guess it'll be a nice change. It's kind of weird seeing your
belly bulging during the match.
Ranma: (Laughs)I know. It's just that I eat right before the weigh-in so
that I meet the heavyweight weight class requirement. About an hour right
after the match, all the excess food I ate gets burned off.
Shori: That's true. I only see you like that right before the match.
Ranma: (Smirks)What would you have thought of me if I put on that extra
weight for boxing and kept it?
Shori: You mean instead of just stuffing your face right before a match?
Ranma: Yeah.
Shori: I don't know. I'd probably have to get used to it, but I'll still
love you.
Ranma: (Smiles)That's good to hear. Boxing actually did the opposite for
me. The constant training I've done actually made me lose whatever tiny
percentage of fat there was.
Shori: But your average weight is more than when you started. You weigh
around five pounds more than when you first started.
Ranma: Actually, I've probably put on around ten pounds of muscles.
That's cause I lost around five pounds of fat and gained ten pounds of
muscles.
Shori: You do look much leaner. I've noticed that the past few years.
Ranma: (Smirks)You've never mentioned that.
Shori: (Blushing)Um.....
Ranma: Let's see if that shirt still fits.
Shori: Okay.
(We watch as Ranma removes his shirt, prompting a slight blush from Shori
as she catches a glance at his well built upper body. She didn't want to
seem shallow but Ranam's training had made his body very tight and well
defined, something she had no complaints about. He put the shirt out and
turned toward Shori.)
Ranma: Whatcha think?
(Shori regards Ranma in his new shirt. It seemed to fit him quite nicely,
hugging his body and giving off indication of his musculature.)
Shori: It looks nice on you.
Ranma: (Smirks)What's funny is if I walk around town with this on and
people recognizing me as a boxer yet seeing me wearing a martial arts
shirt. Even though boxing is on a fine line between sports and martial
arts, it's still martial arts, but to a different extent. Man, I wonder
what's going to happen in the boxing world when I retire.
Shori: Who knows.
Ranma: (Laughs)Let them figure it out. I never intended to get in to
boxing to stay in it.
(A sudden explosion erupts from within the dojo. To Ranma and Shori's
surprise, they see Boon flying bodily from the entrance, twisting and
flipping in mid air and landed a good distance away.)
Ranma: (Getting up)What the?
Boon: (Dusting himself)Ranma, you seem to have some gate crasher.
Ranma: Huh?(To Shori)Stay right here.
(Ranma runs up to the dojo entrance where he sees chairs scattered about,
the room parially charred but otherwise undamaged. It looks like
something had exploded in the middle of the room.)
Ranma: (To Boon)What happened?
Boon: Look out!
(Ranma turned just in time to see some round spherical object flying
toward him. Although he hadn't seen one in over six years, Ranma
immediately recognized it as one of Happousei's bombs. The instant
recognition gave Ranma the amount of time to raise his arms up and cover
his face as it exploded, sending him flying backwards where Boon grabbed
him out of mid-flight and placed him on his feet.)
Boon: (Chuckles)Ooh, that looked like it stun.
Ranma: What the heck's going on here?
Boon: You tell me.
(Ranma looks around, grateful that there weren't many people about. Most
of the close friends of Ranma and Shori had actually gone in to the house
to sit around in the livingroom to chat for a shrot time before they
would finally leave. Ranma, Shori, and Boon seemed to be the only people
aware of what was going on in the backyard. Shori, still in the backporch
at the time, went in to the house for a bit of shelter in case a fight
did break out. Ranma and Boon gazed toward the entrance where they saw a
tiny figure emerge and in to the moonlight. It was none other than
Happousei.)
Ranma: W-what the hell are you doing here?!
Boon: (Surprised)Whoa, he looks like a bald version of Cologne...
Happousei: We meet again, Ranma.
Ranma: What are you doing here? No one invited you!
Happousei: And for that, I have come to ruin your wedding before it's
even started.
Ranma: Huh?
Happousei: I'm going to damage your dojo so you can not have the wedding
in there as planned.
Ranma: Um, the wedding's already over.
Happousei: What?! You mean I'm too late?!
Ranma: (Smirks)By around six hours too late, yeah.
Boon: You know that little guy?
Happousei: (Angry)Little guy! Why you!
Ranma: Why have you showed up? You've been gone for years. Why are you
showing up now?
Happousei: I wanted to show up and make you remind you that your are
beneath me.
Ranma: ................
Happousei: Because you begged me like the coward you are, I'm going to
constantly come in to your life to make sure you know your place.
Ranma: ................
Boon: Damn, the little guy seems awefully vengeful.
Happousei: Enough! Happouseidaikarin!
(Happousei throws a bomb toward Boon. Boon catches it and looks at it.)
Happousei: Feel my wrath!!
Boon: Looks like a cherry bomb, fuse and all.
(Boon pinches the fuse with him thumb and index finger, snuffing it out.
The bomb was rendered useless because he did that. Ranma and Happousei's
jaw drop. Boon had found the fatal flaw to Happousei's special
technique.)
Boon: (Confused)What?
Ranma: ................
Happouse: H-how'd you do that?
Boon: (Grins)Throw me another one and I'll show you.
Happousei: .................(Thinking)This guy is strong. Who is he?
Boon: Does this guy bother you?
Ranma: Yeah. I can't stand the guy.
Boon: Can I take care of him? Been itching for a good wholesome fight.
Ranma: Um, I dunno...
Boon: Don't worry, I'll make sure to end it quick, so you and I can have
our rematch like planned.
Ranma: ................
Boon: Hey, what's your name?
Happousei: Just call me Master. That'll be fine.
Boon: Why're you trying to mess with this boy's wedding? This is supposed
to be the happiest day of his life.
Happousei: Exactly that. I have come here to ruin it.
Boon: Too bad you're a bit on the late side.
Happousei: ................well it doesn't matter. I'm going to show up
in his life at random times to torment him.
Boon: Why so?
Happousei: Because I can't stand him.
Boon: Why?
Happousei: Because a person such as pathetic as him doesn't deserve a
happy life.
Boon: Why do you say that? He isn't pathetic. What'd he do to make y'so
angry?
Happousei: He begged me. I can never forgive him for that.
(Boon gets down on his knees and kowtows toward Happousei in exaggerated
fashion.)
Boon: (Mockingly)Oh, Master, please, I beg of you, leave Ranma alone.
Happousei: How dare you mock me!
Boon: (Getting up)Look, I dunno who the heck you are, but I'm not going
to sit idle while you try and ruin his and Shori's marriage. I won't
stand for it.
Happousei: And what are you going to do about it?
Boon: Are you stupid? I'm gonna beat the crap outta you. That's what I'm
gonna do.(To Ranma)It's all right, right?
Ranma: Um, g-go right ahead.(Thinking)Boon's powerful, but should I allow
him to fight Happousei? But then again, it has been awhile since we last
saw Happousei. I've gotten a lot more powerful and I'm sure as heck so
has Boon. Maybe I don't have much to worry about. Heck, now that I think
about it, that Happousdaikarin he threw at me didn't even hurt.
Boon: C'mon. If you can get past me, then you can have a go at Ranma.
Ranma: ................(Thinking)Thanks, Boon. I never knew you were
willing to look out for me like that.
Happousei: Very well. I'll dispose of you and then of Ranma.
Boon: Attack anytime you're ready...
Happousei: Happousedaikarin!
(Happousei throws a bomb. Once again, Boon catches it in that giant hand
of his and snuffs it out with his other hand. Happousei seems to be in a
state of shock when he realizes that having his bomb rendered useless was
no fluke.)
Boon: Is that all you've got? Considering how you hafta spout out the
name of the move, it gives me the warning in advance to know when you're
going to throw it.
Happousei: ...................
Boon: (To Ranma)Did you ever have problems fighting this guy?
Ranma: Um, yeah.
Boon: Man, I'm kinda disappointed. I thought he would be really powerful.
Ranma: That was over six years ago.
Boon: But even back then, you, six years ago, were a good fighter, and
this guy used to give you trouble?
Ranma: Um.......I never knew there was a flaw to those bombs of his.....
Boon: But they're just cherry bombs. Just snuff out the fuse.
Ranma: ..................(Thinking)Boy, I feel like such an idiot. How
come I never noticed something like that all those times I fought him? It
only took Boon one try to figure it out.
Happousei: Cherry bombs are they? I'll show you that they aren't cherry
bombs!
Boon: Then what are they? They're round, and they have a fuse. Dynamite
is cylidrical and have a fuse. Grenades are round but have no fuse.
Happousei: .................
Boon: Let's end this!
(Boon charges at Happousei. The sight of the giant charging man even
surprised Happousei. However, Happousei lept up in to the air to jump
over the charging man, figuring he would just let Boon charge in to the
dojo behind him.)
Boon: (Laughs)I figured you were going to do that. Everyone does that.
(Boon jupmed stright up and reached a giant hand out as Happousei arched
through the air and right in to his hand. Boon closes his hand over the
little man and falls back down to the ground, landing firmly on his feet.
He has a big grin as he looks at Happosei's head at it pops out of the
top of his giant hands.)
Boon: Hey, Ranma, remember that analogy I used about popping off heads.
Ranma: .................(Thinking)Oh man, Boon anticipated that the old
lech was going to try and jump over him. That would have been the same
move I would have done had he not surprised me with that stun move. How
the heck do you avoid him if his too big and fast to avoid on the ground
and anticipates you trying to jump over him?
Boon: Ranma?
Ranma: Yeah?
Boon: What should I do with this guy?
Ranma: Looks over and sees Happousei's head popping out of the top of one
of Boon's closed fist. Since his hands were at his side against his body,
Happousei is unable to break free from the death grip.
Happousei: Unhand me!
Boon: Ranma, check this out. It's like squeezing a balloon.
(Boon squeezes his fist. Happousei's head swells up with blood, making it
expand. He immediately loosens the grip so the head returns to normal
size.)
Ranma: ......................
Boon: What do you want me to do with him?
Ranma: Um, I dunno. I didn't expect something like this to happen.
Boon: If you want, I can throw him in to orbit where he'll burn up upon
re-entry.
Happousei: ..................
Ranma: .................(Thinking)How come I'm not surprised if he
actually can do that.
Boon: (To Happousei)You going to leave Ranma alone?
Happousei: Never!
(Boon squeezes his fist. Happousei's head swells up. After a second, he
loosens his grip.)
Boon: You going to leave Ranma alone?
Happousei: N-never!
(Boon was over to the koi pond. He shoves the fist with the water,
submerging the old man completely underwater.)
Ranma: Y-you're drowning him!!
Boon: (Grins)I know.
Ranma: .................
(Boon pulls his hand out of the water. Happousei is coughing from having
swallowed so much water.)
Boon: Are you gonna leave Ranma alone?
Happousei: .................
(Boon turns the old lech upside down in his fists so that his head is
popping out the bottome part of the clenched hand. He proceed to rup the
top of Happousei's heads along the ground in much the same way a little
kid would you an eraser to rub out pencil mistakes. When Boon stopped,
Happousei's head was on fire.)
Boon: Oops, rubbed too fast.
(Boon blows out the fire. He turns Happousei back around so that they're
facing each other.)
Boon: Are you going to leave Ranma alone?
Happousei: Y-yes. I-I'll leave him alone.
Boon: Good.
Ranma: .....................
Boon: Cool, now we have an understanding.
(Boon places the little old man on the ground, setting him free.)
Boon: Sorry about what I did to you back there. No hard feelings.
Ranma: Why'd you let him go!!
Happousei: Ha! You fool! For letting me go, you will-
(Boon, realizing that his assumptions were correct, that Happousei would
try something once free, kicks Happousei much in the same fashion as a
professional soccer player would kick a ball, sending him flying in to
the air where he disappears in to the stratosphere.)
Ranma: H-how'd you know that he was-
Boon: I figured it. That's why I let him go, so he'd try and I can kick
him like that.
Ranma: .....................
Boon: (Smiles)Didja like that kick? Pretty nice form, huh?
Ranma: Actually, that was an excellent form for a kick.
Boon: Thanks.
Ranma: Um, I-I'm glad to see that your knee really did heal up well
enough for you to do that.(Thinking)Oh my god!! I gotta fight this guy!!
What the hell have I gotten in to!!
Boon: If you think my punches are strong, you should see how hard I can
really kick.
Ranma: ...................
Boon: (Pats thighs)These legs are extra strong from all those years of
carrying my body weight. Squatting those freighter containers also
helped.(Grins)
Ranma: Y-you can squat them now? But they're so damn heavy.
Boon: (Laughs)Six years of intensive training can make a guy strong,
y'know. Also, I can squat three of those things now, one on top of one
another.
Ranma: ..................
Boon: (Shrugs)What can I say, seeing you purposely win that boxing title
just to motivate me to train harder than ever before worked.
Ranma: ..................
Boon: (Smirks)You're in for a surprise when we fight.
Ranma: (Smirks)Well, even if I'm severely outmatched, I'll still fight.
You don't intimidate me.
(Boon cocks his arm back as if to punch Ranma. Ranma raises his arms up
to counter attack or at least trade hits. Boon smiles as he puts his arms
back.)
Boon: Hm, it seems like you're right. I figured you would've flinched.
Ranma: Thanks.(Thinking)Damn, that was scary...
Boon: (Calling out)Hey, Shori, why dontcha come out out? There's nothing
to worry about anymore.
(Shori reluctantly emerges from the house. She walks across the backyard
to meet up with Ranma and Boon.)
Boon: Don't worry, he's gone.
Shori: (Relieved)Oh.
Boon: (To Ranma)So tellme, how do you and that guy know each other? He
looks like a bald version of Colone.
Ranma: (Laughs)Now that I think about it, there is a slight resemblence.
Anyway, he used to teach my father. My father taught me.
Boon: Whoa, you mean to say I just beat your teacher's teacher?
Ranma: Indirectly, yes. However, I surpassed my father long long ago.
Boon: (Smirks)I hope you surprassed that little guy, because if you
didn't, then what's the use of us sparring?
Ranma: Judging from what I saw, it seems like he hasn't gotten any better
since I last saw him many years ago. I'm positive I already surpassed
him.
Boon: Cool. I can't wait to see just by how much.
Shori: ...................
Boon: Shori, you've got nothing to worry about. This is just a friendly
fight.
Shori: Still.
Boon: When you were watching your husband fight those boxing matches, did
you worry about him that much?
Shori: Yes.
Boon: Oh.
Shori: It's just that it seems unnecessary to be fighting against one
another in the first place.
Boon: I guess it's a guy thing.(Smiles)
Shori: ................
Boon: (To Ranma)So, when would you like to have a match? I'm kinda pumped
up from that fight with that little guy. Wouldn't mind having a fight
right away.
Ranma: (To Shori)What d'ya say? Can Boon and I have a match?(Smiles)
Shori: I'd prefer that you don't, but since it seems to be make you
happy, then I guess I have no problems with it.
Ranma: Thank you.(Kisses Shori)
Shori: Um, do you want me to get everyone from the house?
Boon: Sure, why not? It'll be better fighting with an audience. Makes you
fight harder outta fear of losing in front of everyone.
(Shori heads in to the house. Ranma and Boon turn toward one another.)
Ranma: You still up to fighting?
Boon: More than ever. Why do you ask?
Ranma: Well, didn't you get hit by one of Happousei's happoudaikarins?
Boon: Huh? No I didn't.
Ranma: But I saw you flying from the dojo after I heard an explosion.
Boon: Oh. That. I simply jumped out of the dojo before it exploded. I
didn't know what it was so I chose to avoid it.
Ranma: Oh.
Boon: However, when it exploded like that, it made me realize it was some
kinda cherry bomb or something or another.
Ranma: Man, how come I never thought about that?
Boon: (Smiles)It's not easy being gifted like me.(Laughs)
Ranma: Ha ha.
(Everyone emerges from the house. The group consisted of Shampoo, Mousse,
Genma, Soun, Nabiki, Akane, Ryoga, Akemi, Reia, Shori, Ukyo, Marlena,
Sayuri, and Tinkerman. Everyone else had already gone home. Mr. And Mrs.
Hyusa would have stayed to catch up on the good old times with Boon but
they knew he would be around for the week and had gone home.)
Marlena: What's all this about? You two are gonna fight now?
Boon: Yep.
Tinkerman: Ooh, this'll be interesting. Who wants to place bets? My bet's
on Ranma.
Boon: What?
Tinkerman: (Smiles)Hey, I like rooting for the underdog.
Ranma: .................
Akane: Who is this?
Boon: Oh, I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself to everyone. I'm Boon.
Akane: Boon? The guy Ranma's been talking about?
Boon: All the bad stuff's true, yes.
Nabiki: You're the guy that sparred against Ranma when he was travelling
from Japan to China?
Boon: Yeah. I was the captain of that ship.
Nabiki: Man, you must be a really good fighter. Ranma's mentioned about
how he wanted to win the boxing champion title to lure you out of hiding
to fight him.
Boon: Lure me out of hiding?
Ranma: Um, not in that way, Nabiki. I did it as a form of motivation for
him to train very hard.
Boon: And train hard I did.
Nabiki: All right. I'll match you. I'll bet on whoever this guy
is.(Thinking)There's something about this guy that makes me believe he's
a good bet.
Ranma: Oh man, I can't believe you bet on him. You don't even know him.
Nabiki: (Shrugs)Nothing personal.
Ranma: ................
Boon: (Laughs)This is amusing.
Ranma: (Smirks)It's not meant to be.
Shampoo: Shampoo bet on Ranma winning.
Mousse: I'll bet on Boon. I hope Ranma loses. Even though he is no longer
after my Shampoo, I still consider him a rival.
Shampoo: Shut up, Mousse.
Ukyo: My bet's on Ranchan.
Boon: Ranchan?
Ukyo: A childhood nickname I gave him.
Boon: Ah. Well, it seems like everyone's betting in Ranam's favor except
for-
Nabiki: I'm Nabiki.
Boon: Nabiki.
Marlena: (Shrugs)I guess I'll bet on Boon.
Boon: Are you doing it outta obligation?
Marlena: Nah. It's an easy win.
Ranma: ..................
Shampoo: Shampoo change mind. Shampoo bet on Boon too. Shampoo no want to
bet against fellow Amazon sister.
Ranma: .................
Mousse: I'm so happy. You and I agreed on something, betting on the same
person.
Shampoo: Shut up, Mousse.
Sayuri: Um, I'll bet on Ranma, for old time's sake.
Ranma: T-thanks.
Ryoga: I'll bet on Boon. I hope he beats Ranma to a pulp.
Akemi: Hm....who should I bet on?
Reia: Same here.
Boon: Bet on me. It's easy money.
Akemi: I'll bet on Ranma since he's got a cute butt.
Shori: (Blushing)Akemi.
Ranma: (Blushing)...................
Reia: I'll bet on Ranma as well. Akemi does have a point.
Boon: (Laughs)Only women would make choices based on something like that.
Shori: I'll bet on my husband.
Ranma: Thanks.
Boon: Don't be all happy. She's only betting on you outta obligation. She
saw me beat that old guy so I'm sure she has her doubts.
Shori: How'd you know?
Boon: (Laughs)I didn't, but I do now.
Shori: (Blushing)...................
Ranma: ...................
Genma: I'll bet on this here fellow.
Soun: Same here.
Ranma: What? You don't even know him and you're betting on him?
Genma: Sorry, son, you've been boxing for quite a while. You probably
forgot how to kick.
Ranma: I did not.
Nabiki: Let's see. The people betting on Boon here are Shampoo, Marlena,
Ryoga, Tendo-san, my dad, myself, and Mousse. The people betting on Ranma
are Sayuri, Tinkerman, Akemi, Reia, Shori, Akane, Ukyo. Seven to six
odds. Pretty even.
Boon: (To everyone)Sure you guys don't wanna bet on the sure thing?
Ranma: If they do, then they'd be betting on me.
Boon: (Laughs)Yeah, if you weren't fighting me.
Ranma: ...............
Sayuri: Um, I changed my mind. I'll switch to Boon.
Ranma: But-
Sayuri: Sorry, Ranma, I've seen some of the stuff he's been lifting on
the ship. It's freaky.
Ranma: ...............
Nabiki: Okay, minus Sayuri from Ranma's said and add her to Boon's side.
Anyone else?
Ranma: Um, let's forget about who bets on who. Let's just have a match.
Boon: It's best to have a bet going on, because that way, people would be
cheering. It's more fun that way.
Ranma: I guess you have a point. However, everyone's already decided.
Let's start.
Boon: Very well.
(A short time pass. Eveyrone was gathered in the dojo, sitting off to the
side. Ranma and Boon were facing one another in the middle of the mat.)
Boon: Are you sure wanna fight in here? A Hiryu Shoten Ha will rip the
roof right off.
Ranma: (Smirks)Don't worry about that.(Thinking)Boy, Boon's going to be
in for a surprise. That 'green hands' technique I've managed to perfect
it. I can use that for both offensive and defensive purposes.
Boon: Are you sure?
Ranma: Don't worry. This dojo gets broken up quite a bit. It'll be fixed
usually be the next day.
Soun: (Annoyed)That's because I spend the entire night fixing it!
Boon: Okay, how about we fight in the backyard.
Soun: Yes, please do.
Ranma: Nah. Let's fight here.
Boon: All right.(Shrugs)Have it your way. Ready?
Ranma: Ready
(Boon dashes forward and punches at Ranma. Ranma is totally caught
off-guard by Boon's lightning speed. He was probably twice as fast as
when he last fought him. All he could do was raise his arms up and block.
Unfortunately, Boon's punch was twice, if not three times, more powerful
that Ranma last remembered. The guard Ranma had worked tirelessly in to
developing in to an unbreakable guard was crushed, Boon's fist hitting
Ranma in the face, sending him flying through the air and out the dojo
entrance where Ranma landed in the middle of the backyard.)
Boon: (Grinning)I changed my mind. Let's take it outside to the backyard.
(Boon heads out of the dojo, everyone following and stopping by the
entrance to watch. They watch as Ranma gets to his feet. He staggers
slightly, needing to shake the cobwebs from his head, before he rights
himself and faces Boon.)
Boon: Y'like that punch? That was my jab you 'tried' to block.(Laughs)
Ranma: ...............
Boon: Not bad. You don't seem at all hurt. You've gotten a lot better
over the years. That punch would have knocked you out easily back then.
Ranma: Hey, you haven't been the only training.(Thinking)This guy is
freakishly fast. He's not as fast as me, but his size along with the
speed of which me moves makes is so hard to dodge. And it also doesn't
help that I can't jump over him when he dashes in...
Boon: Ready?
Ranma: Yeah.
(Boon dashes toward Ranma, his arm cocked back for a vicious right punch.
Ranma cocks his own arm back, intent on trading blows. To his surprise,
Boon feigns a right punch before bringing his left leg up and around in a
roundhouse, hitting Ranma in his side.)
Ranma: Erk!!
(Ranma is sent flying toward the right where he tumbles a few times,
rolling back up to his feet. He is wincing a bit from the sore ribs.)
Ranma: (Thinking)If I didn't have my arm down absorbing the brunt of that
kick, my ribs'll probably have been broken.
Boon: (Very impressed)You're doing really really well, Ranma. I can't
believe you managed to take two all-out attacks of mine like that and
continue to stand. Your endurance is amazing.
Ranma: T-thanks.
Boon: All right, time to end it.
(Boon dashes in again. He punches Ranma right in the face as Ranma brings
a leg up and does a snap kick right to Boon's solar plexus. Because
Boon's arm was the same length as Ranma's leg, the exchange of blows left
neither of them both affected. Boon staggers back, holding his stomach.
He rubs his stomach.)
Boon: Ow, god, and I just ate cake. That'd been bad if that cake came up.
(Ranma is rubbing the side of his head.)
Ranma: Ow, that hurts like hell.
(Ranma notices that Boon is still effected from the kick to his solar
plexus. He ignores the throbbing pain in his head and dashes forward
toward Boon, his arm cocked back. Boon sees Ranma and punches at him.
Unfortunately, Ranma weaves to the side just in time.)
Ranma: Gotcha!!
(Ranma steps in with his left foot, a crater forming below as he stamps
his foot hard on the ground, pivoting and bringing his right arm around,
hitting Boon right in his right temple with all his might. The force of
the impact sends out a shockwave effect, windows of the house and dojo
rumbling. Boon is sent flying bodily toward the left where he tuckes his
body inward in mid-air and flip around and landing on his feet, sliding a
short distance to a halt.)
Boon: (Rubbing side of head)Ouch.
(Boon looks up toward where Ranma was just in time to see a fist coming
straight twoard his face. He instinctively reacts, weaving toward the
side to dodge it, only to see a foot coming straight up, hitting him
under the chin, sending him flying bodily upward, flipping backwards at
the apex of his flight, where he came back down landing on his stomach.)
Ranma: (Cheering)Yeah! Let's see you get up from an attack like-
(One of Ranma's legs was pulled right out from from under, Ranma falling
backwards, hitting his head on the floor as Boon gets up to his feet,
holding one of Ranma's ankles.)
Boon: That hurt you know!
(Ranma, hanging upside down by one leg, kicked at Boon's forearm with his
free leg, as Boon held him off the ground at arm's legs from his body,
his arm parallel to the ground.)
Boon: (Smirks)Let's see you get up from this!
(Boon swings him over his head and slams him on the ground hard. With his
hand still on Ranma's ankle, he swing toward a nearby tree as if he were
a bat, hitting Ranma right in to the tree, uprooting it and toppling down
where it crashed in to the wall surrounding the Tendo home. The tree
ended up leanding against it, the wall badly damaged but not toppled over
completely.)
Soun: Oh my god!
Boon: (Meek smile)Sorry about that. I'll pay for it.
Ranma: (Dazed)Ugh....
(Boon looks down and notices Ranma still conscious.)
Boon: Damn, dontcha know when you're supposed to be knocked out?
(Boon swings him over the his head and slams Ranma down on the ground
hard. A couple of nearby parked cars' car alam went off from the impact.
With Ranma lying on the ground, Boon kicked him in the side where he flew
bodily toward the outter wall, becoming embedded in it. A seocnd later he
falls forward to on to his hands and knees, breathing heavily.)
Boon: (Shocked)Jeez! You're still up?
(Boon walks toward Ranma but stops when Ranma looks up, glowing red with
rage.)
Ranma: (Fuming)Why you!
Boon: Oh oh.
(Boon takes a step back as Ranma dashes forward with renewed energy.
Ranma ducks Boon's attempted counter punch at the last second before he
lets loose a flurry of punches.)
Ranma: Kashuu Tenshin Amaguriken!!!
(A thousand punches hits Boon right in his chin, the attacked finished
off with a wickedly powerful left hook punch, sending Boon flying bodily
toward the right where he ended up slamming in to the leaning tree,
toppling it over completely and crushing the wall it was leaning against.
Because of the angle Boon hit in to the tree, he ended up skidding right
off it and bouncing over the wall where he landed in the street on the
other side of the wall. Ranma quickly ran for the wall and hopped over
it, intent on finishing Boon off while he was disoriented. The group that
had been watching with shock quickly rushed over to the opening in the
wall and gathered around there to watch. They see Boon lying face first
on the ground.)
Ranma: (Smirks)Let's see you get up from that.
Boon: All right.
(Boon gets up to his feet. He rubs at the kink in his neck that he got
from hitting head first in to the tree. He grins, showing no signs that
those attacks had affected him.)
Ranma: H-how the heck did you-
(Boon dashed forward and lands and overhead punched on the top of Ranma's
head, sending the young man flying downward where his face was planted in
to the concreted floor, his upper half becoming partially embedded.)
Boon: Let's make sure I finish my job.
(Boon lifts a foot up and sends it crashing down on the back of Ranma's
head. The force of the impact was so intense that the street caved
downward where both combatants fell in to the sewer. Luckily, because of
the way the street caved downward, neither combatants actually fell in to
the sewer waters.)
Boon: (Embarrassed)Okay, I think I went a little bit overboard.
Ranma: I-I'm n-not d-done yet!
Boon: ...................
(Ranma quickly gets in to a crouching position and sends skyward a wicked
uppercut. Boon reacting instinctively, bringing both arms downard to
block it. Unfortunately, much to Boon's surprise, the uppercut breaks his
guard, hitting him under the chin, sending him flying bodily upward,
arcing throught the sky where he landed on his back on the street the
level above. Ranma jump out of the cave in, his knees landing right in
Boon's stomach. Boons upper and lower half pointed upward from the
impact. While knees still on Boon's stomach, Ranma takes the opportunity
to punched Boon in the face, sending his upper half rockeding back down
in to the street, his head becoming embedded partially. Ranma stands up
and steps off Boon's still body.)
Ranma: (Breathing heavily)....................
(Ranma's eyes widen when he sees Boon move.)
Ranma: What the hell does it take to knock this guy out?!
(Boon sits upright. He rubs at his lips with the back of his hand. He
looks down and notices some blood on it.)
Boon: (Annoyed)You made me bite my lip!!
(Boon gets up to his full height, brushing off the debris from his
clothes. Ranma assumes a defensive posture and takes a few quick hops
backwards for spacing.)
Boon: I can't believe you made me bleed.(Narrows eyes)You actually made
me bleed...
(Boon dashes forward as if to do a tackdown move. Ranma, recognizing that
it was the same move Boon had done on the ship that tackled him to the
ground, remembered it was useless to try and hit him out of his charge.
Instead, he needed to dodge it. He jumped up in to the air to leap over
the charging man. To his surprise, Boon stops in mid-charge and jumps
straight up, grabbing Ranma by the leg as he almost soared over him. Boon
lands back down on his feet, slamming Ranma down on the ground hard.)
Boon: (Smirking)Damn, you're stupid. Didn't you see me do the same trick
against that little guy?(Slams Ranma again)Remember how I said that I may
be big and slow...but I know how to fight against those that like to
dodge?(Slams Ranma again)Well, this is it. It's too bad you're learning
the hard way.
(Boon looks down where he sees Ranma lying on the ground. One of Ranma's
legs was still in Boon's hand. However, from the way he was lying on the
ground, it was obvious that Ranma had been knocked clear in to
unconsciousness.)
Boon: Ranma?
(Boon lets go and crouched by Ranma.)
Boon: Hey, you okay, boy?(Pats Ranma's cheeks)
(Ranma doesn't move. He's completely unconscious. Boon sticks licks his
pinky and sticks it in to Ranma's ear. Ranma suddenly bolts wide awak,
jumping to his feet, rubbing at his ear.)
Ranma: Eww, what the hell was that?
(Ranma sees Boon and quickly gets in to a defensive stance, ready for
action.)
Boon: (Smirks)Welcome back.
Ranma: Huh?
Boon: You just got knocked out a second ago. You lost.
Ranma: I=I did?
Boon: Yeah. You were completely knocked out.
Ranma: ................
Boon: Good fight. I enjoyed it. Maybe next time.
(Ranma is silent for several moments. He then falls to his hands and
knees, tears starting to fall.)
Ranma: (Crying)Goddamnit!
Boon: Don't worry, your day will come soon enough.
Ranma: .................
(Boon helps Ranma to his feet.)
Ranma: (Weakly)T-thanks.
Boon: It was a good fight, the best I've ever had in my life.
Ranma: R-really?
Boon: Yeah. No joke. If I get defeated, I can't think of a more worthy
opponent to defeat me.
Ranma: (Crying)T-thanks. T-that really means a lot.
(Everyone comes rushing up to them.)
Akane: (Concerned)Are you two all right?
Boon: Yeah. That two of us are fine.
Akemi: What happened? Why'd you two stop?
Marlena: Because...
Ranma: (Softly)Because...I lost.
Reia: You did?
Ukyo: R-Ranma...........
Shampoo. Aiya...............
Ryoga: ..................
Mousse: ..................
Akane: ..................
Ranma: (Soft smile)I know.
(Ranma turns toward Boon. He extends his hand to which Boon graciously
accepts and shakes.)
Ranma: That's for the match. You're clearly the better fighter between
the two of us. However, don't let it go to your head. I will beat you one
day.
Boon: (Smiles)I know. I know. I'm looking forward to it.
Shori: Are you two guys okay?
Ranma: (Smiles)Couldn't be better. Couldn't be better.
Akane: Come on, let's head inside and treat those cuts and bruises. Both
of you guys look like a wreck.
Boon: Don't worry. I'll be fine. Thanks anyway.
Ranma: I'll be fine.
(Eight years pass. It is late at night. We are in the a gigantic dojo.
This dojo used to be called the Hyusa Dojo, but now it was called the the
Saotome Dojo. Over the years, the dojo had been constantly renovated, new
additions constantly being added over the years. Before long, the dojo
grew to be four times the size of what it was when it was first built.
The premier dojo of the martial arts world, it taught Anything Goes
Martial Arts to well over a thousand students per day. At the moment, the
dojo was completely empty, the last class having finished over an hour
ago. Inside, we a man sweeping the mat with a straw broom, a habit he
aquired a few years ago. We easily come to realize that this man is
Ranma. We see Mr. Hyusa, looking a bit older but generally still in good
heatlth entering the dojo.)
Ranma: (Pleasantly surpised)Dad, what brings you here? It's nice to see
you?
Mr. Hyusa: I came to check up on my twin grandchildren and see how my son
is handling this business alone?
Ranma: (Smiles)I'm fine. Tsuki and Keirojin are both sleeping.
Mr. Hyusa: (Disappointed)What a shame. And here I was ready to spoil
those two rotten.
Ranma: (Laughs)Not this time, dad. Not this time.
Mr. Hyusa: As their grandfather, it's my right, no, it's my obligation to
spoil them.
Ranma: I understand. I'm handling this dojo fine. And what about you? Are
you and my old man and Tendo-san holding out fine?
Mr. Hyusa: We're doing fine.
Ranma: Tell me, how come you chose to stop training here so that you and
dad and Tendo-san could open a dojo up in Hokkaido together?
Mr. Hyusa: Son, even though this is the premier dojo to learn martial
arts and the whole world knows it, that doesn't mean everyone can take
classes here. We all decided to open one north together so that those
people living too far north from here have a chance to take classes
there. It was a good choice because that dojo gets about twice as many
students as this one.
Ranma: I wouldn't be all that surprised. There's this school and then
there's the Hibiki's the town over which takes in half of the students.
Combined, we would have as many students are yours.
Mr. Hyusa: Right. Speaking of which, how are Akane and Ryoga doing?
Ranma: They're doing fine. Their daughter Saori will be going to
kidergarten this fall.
Mr. Hyusa: Kindergarten already? Wow, children these days grow up so
fast.
Ranma: Yes, they do. She'll also have two people always looking out for
her. She and Tsuki and Keirojin are always together. Even though the
twins are going to first grade, Saori will be watched over. Tsuki and
Keirojin are bascially going to be her brothers, whether she likes it or
not. However, she doesn't seem to mind.
Mr. Hyusa: That's good to hear. I wonder how the twins will act once they
start noticing girls and realize that Saori will grow up beautiful like
her mother, Akane.
Ranma: (Shrugs)Dunno. I ain't gonna worry about it. I've got a good six
or so years left before I need to worry about that.
Mr. Hyusa: (Laughs)Indeed.
Ranma: How's Boon doing? Have you heard from him lately?
Mr. Hyusa: Not in since he last came by and beat you once again. That was
about a year ago.
Ranma: .................
Mr. Hyusa: You should give up your quest at defeating him. Boon's got
twenty years over you. He's bascially as powerful as the man you would
become when you reach his age.
Ranma: I understand that. I've grown used to constantly losing him in
battle after battle, however, I'll continue to fight him until the day I
beat him. He's the sole reason why I train as hard as I do. Nothing will
ever cause me to train so hard to become so powerful such as knowing that
there's someone like Boon I have yet to defeat.
Mr. Hyusa: (Jokingly)What happen if some evil corporation is the reason
behind the death of your friends and family and you wish to seek revenge?
Ranma: What do you mean by that?
Mr. Hyusa: (Smiles)Nevermind. I just find it surprising that you would
train so hard and so steadfastly.
Ranma: Hey, what can I say? I don't like to lose.
Mr. Hyusa: (Grinning)But you've seem to have gotten used to it.
Ranma: Ha ha, dad.
Mr. Hyusa: So, have you hired anyone new to help you with teaching?
Ranma: Not yet.
Mr. Hyusa: I know what you've been thinking. You're waiting around for
Boon to give up to sea life to settle down and perhaps help you teach.
Sorry, that's never going to happen. Boon and Marlena seem to have no
problem with raising their daughter while on a ship.
Ranma: (Sadly)I know. It's too bad. A man with talent like his should
teach and spread his techniques for everyone to learn. He can teach more
on martial arts than I probably ever will. I've still yet to see him use
all seven of his techniques. There's still a last and final technique I
have yet to see. I've learned the hard way that he's got a technique that
can break my arms as well as his kick version of the Kachuu Tenshin
Amaguriken. I've already seen that stun palm move of his and that one
where he punches the ground that causes you to lose your balance, but I
have no idea what that reversal grab move of his is.
Mr. Hyusa: Don't worry, you'll see it soon enough.
Ranma: Yeah, unfortunately, it'll be the hard way.
Mr. Hyusa: (Laughs)If you have to take a few bumps to see it, then so be
it. Boon's techniques are awesome. Just knowing one of them will make a
person a force to be recogned with in the martial arts world. That's why
he knows seven, because he's that good.
Ranma: Actually, it's nine since he learned how to do my Mouko Takabisha
and Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken.
Mr. Hyusa: Oh yeah, I forgot.
Ranma: Hopefully, he'll show up one of these days. He usually shows up
around now every year.
Mr. Hyusa: (Smiles)That's why I'll be showing up around now more often.
I'm looking forward to seeing him and seeing Marlena and seeing how much
their daughter, Kimiko, have grown up.
Ranma: Ugh, sometimes I wish Boon and Marlena don't bring her along. She
beats the crap outta the kids.
Mr. Hyusa: (Laughs)I know you don't mean that, about not wanting her
here. Heh, I guess Boon's holding true on his promise his kid will beat
up yours. And of course, I know you don't mean it about her.
Ranma: I know.
Mr. Hyusa: So, where's Shori?
Ranma: She's in the house.
Mr. Hyusa: Okay.
Ranma: Oh, yeah, speaking of which, I have a question.
Mr. Hyusa: Sure, what is it?
Ranma: When you and mom left us the house and moved up to Hokkaido last
year, how come you never told us what the heck that light switch in the
main hallway does. Y'know, the one right by the entrance.
Mr. Hyusa: (Surpised)Oh, you know what that switch goes to?
Ranma: No. I thought you knew.
Mr. Hyusa: No. I was hoping you would eventually find out and tell me. It
bugged the hell outta me too.
Ranma: ....................
Mr. Hyusa: How do you enjoy living in that house?
Ranma: I'm still adjusting to it. I'm more used to living here in the
dojo. It was nice and cozy, especially when Shori moved in with me, but I
guess I'm not complaining with the house.
Mr. Hyusa: Hey, consider the house a present.(Smiles)
Ranma: (Smirks)Does that mean I'm allowed to knock down my present and
put up a nice and small and cozy house in its place.
Mr. Hyusa: Don't you dare.
Ranma: I'm just joking, dad.
Mr. Hyusa: Well, I'm gonna go surprise Shori. I just wanted to see how
you were doing.
Ranma: I'm doing fine. Thanks for showing up. She'll be surprised. I'll
see you around.
Mr. Hyusa: Bye.(Leaves)
(Ranma resumes his sweeping. Before long, he hears a knock by the front
entrance. When he turns his attention, he sees Akane and Ryoga. Akane
looks as beautiful as Ranma last remember. However, we notice that she
had let her hair grown long, to approximately the same length she had
back before she met Ranma. She has a bulging belly, eight months along
with her second child.)
Ryoga: Yo.
Akane: Hey, Ranma.
Ranma: (Smiles)Well, if it isn't my favorite family, the Hibikis. How's
everything going?
(Ranma notices that their daughter, Saori, isn't with them.)
Ranma: What's Saori? You always bring her whenever she visits.
Akane: She fell asleep on the ride here. We saw Sayuri and Tinkerman
along the way. They took her with them in to the house.
Ranma: Man, it's like clockwork. Everyone starts showing up at around now
at this day every years.
Ryoga: (Smirks)That's because we're all eager to see you get beat once
again.
Ranma: Hey.
(The three adults laugh.)
Ranma: How's Sayuri and Tinkerman doing? And how's their daughter, Kisen?
Ryoga: They seemed fine when we bumped in to them along the way. However,
we haven't seen them since last year. However, Sayuri's got some news
that you might not like.
Ranma: Really? What?
Ryoga: It's best that she tells you.
Ranma: Um, okay.
Ryoga: How're the twins doing?
Ranma: Same as always, just a bit older than when you've last seen them.
Akane: Saori's excited about going to kindergarten.
Ranma: Tsuki and Keirojin are excited too. They've been looking forward
to playing big brother toward her in school as well as when she comes to
visit.
Akane: I wonder what would happen when the twins starts noticing girls
differently, if you know what I mean.
Ranma: Shori's dad mentioned that. I told him that there's still several
years before I've gotta worry about that.
Akane: Mr. Hyusa's here?
Ranma: Yeah. He just stopped by. He went in to the house to check on the
twins and Shori.
Akane: Is my dad here?
Ranma: No. Seems like him and my old man are still in Hokkaido.
Akane: How's that coming along?
Ranma: I was told that it's coming along fine, getting about as many
students as both of our dojos combined.
Ryoga: Speaking of which, have you hired anyone new to help out ever
since Mr. Hyusa stopped teaching here and moved?
Ranma: Not yet.
(There is a knock on the door. Everyone turns their attention. Their gaze
rests on Sayuri and Tinkerman, whom look bascially slightly older than
when we last saw them.)
Ranma: Hey, guys.
Sayuri: It's good to see you again, Ranma. You look well.
Tinkerman: What's up, Ranma?
Ranma: Everything's going fine over here.
Sayuri: (Notices Akane's belly)How far along?
Akane: Eight months.
Sayuri: Wow, congradulations.(Rubs stomach)Three months for me.
Ranma: Congrats.
Ryoga: Congradulations.
Akane: Congradulations.
Sayuri: Thank you.
Tinkerman: (Surprised)Y-you're pregnant?!
Sayuri: Of course! Haven't you noticed?
Tinkerman: Um....no. I didn't notice you getting fat.
Sayuri: What?!? Are you saying that when I'm pregnant, I look fat?!
Akane: Yeah, what are you trying to say?!
Tinkerman: Um.....er....(Looks at Ranma)
Ranma: Don't look at me. I've learned not to put my foot in my mouth
several years ago.
Sayuri: Hmph. Looks like you're sleeping on the couch tonight.
Tinkerman: ...................
(Ryoga and Ranma start laughing)
Akane: What do you find so funny, Ryoga?
Ryoga: Um, er........I said nothing about you being pregnant and looking
fat.
Ranma: (Smirks)Better watch where you step. You're walking on a
minefield.
Akane: Too late. Ryoga you baka!
Ryoga: The couch again?
Akane: Yep.
(Ranma laughs. Both girls glare at him.)
Ranma: Hey, I can laugh. Shori ain't here to kick me outta my bed.
Shori: What was that?
Ranma: ....................
(There is a long pause.)
Sayuri: I have some bad news.
Ranma: (Worried)What kinda bad news?
Sayuri: Um, it's about Kisen...
Ranma: Y-your daughter? What? Did something bad happen to her?
Sayuri: No, not our daughter. I mean my sister....
Ranma: W-what happened?
Sayuri: Kawa passed away last month. The cancer finally won...
(Everyone became very silent.)
Sayuri: K-Kisen was devastated. H-however, there is one silver lining.
She's carrying his child.
(Everyone was still silent, not really knowing what to say.)
Sayuri: I know. My sister was very heartbroken. She went back to
Joketsuzoku. Shampoo and Mousse ended up going with her.
Ranma: Man, I'm so sorry to hear that.
Akane: I know. Is she okay?
Sayuri: She's heartbroken, yes. However, she knew that this was going to
happen. It was no wonder that Kawa lived for so long.
Ranma: Shampoo and Mousse went back with her to Joketsuzoku?
Sayuri: Yes.
Ranma: Hm, that could explain their sudden disappearance. I went to visit
them last month and their store was closed. Are they coming back?
Sayuri: Yes. Kisen and Shampoo got along pretty well. I guess it's an
Amazon thing. Since they're friend, Shampoo wanted to help her out and
comfort her. Shampoo and Mousse should be coming back soon but my sister
will be staying in China.
Ranma: I guess there's another silver lining in this. This ought to bring
Shampoo and Mousse closer together.
Akane: Right. They started dating. It's about time too.
Ryoga: All that's left to wonder about is Ukyo.
Ranma: No. Ukyo got engaged last week.
Everyone: Really?
Ranma: Yeah. To Tsubasa.
Ryoga: Tsubasa?!
Akane: Tsubasa?!
Sayuri: Who's this Tsubasa person?
Tinkerman: Yeah.
Ranma: Tsubasa was a weird aquaintance of Ukyo from her childhood.
Anyway, I know. It's shocking, but there's an explanation. Tsubasa
actually changed quite a bit. I found out that a couple of years ago, he
cut his hair short and stopped cross dressing and even started acting
more like a man. It took Ukyo a couple of years before Ukyo finally
decided that he probably wasn't that bad a guy and at least give him a
chance. They dated for a year before they got engaged.
Akane: How come no one knew about it?
Ranma: (Smirks)What do you expect?
Akane: I guess you do have a point.
Ranma: I found about it just last week. Also, in case you're wondering,
we've actually been bumping in to Tsubasa quite a bit of times.
Akane: Really?
Ryoga: Where?
Ranma: Around town. He's changed his look so much that no one recognizes
him.
Akane: Probably because he's always in disguise?
Ranma: No. He stopped doing that as well. He looks like a regular person.
Ukyo even told me that he even took a few classes here in the dojo not
too long ago. It goes to show you how much he's changed for even me not
to notice him. His name is in the records that he actually did train here
for close to a year until not too long ago. Bascially, since three years
ago, I was training him and I didn't even know it was him, that's how
much he's changed. Even though I now know I'm training him, I still don't
know which one is him.
Ryoga: Wow.
Akane: I know. Wow.
Sayuri: I wish I knew what you were talking about.
Tinkerman: Same here.
(There is a knock by the door that gets everyone attention. They are all
pleasantly surprised to see Boon, Marlena, and their daughter, Kimiko.
Marlena looked a bit older than when they last seen her. Boon looked
exactly the same as he was since when Ranma had been on his ship so long
ago. The little girl standing by Boon's side hand her shoulder length
brown hair done up in to a ponytail for convenience sake. She's wearing
overalls where bandages on her knees can be seen, her knees getting cut
up from playing in the grass to hard.)
Kimiko: Ranma!(Runs forward)
(Ranma bends over and picks up Kimiko, hoisting her up in to the air
around ten feet where she lands in a sitting position right on his
shoudlers.)
Ranma: How're you doing, Kimiko?
Kimiko: I grew a lot since you last saw me, right?
Ranma: Of course you did. You're gonna grow up to be a very beautiful
young girl.
Kimiko: Ew. I don't wanna be a beautiful young girl. I hate dresses and
flower and dolls and such.
Ranma: Of course, no thanks to that guy you call Daddy.
Boon: (Smirks)Hey, you raise yer kids the way you wanna, I'll raise mine
the way I wanna.
Kimiko: Ten more years.
Ranma: Huh?
Kimiko: Ten more years and I'll be eighteen. We can get married.
Ranma: Um...........
(Everyone bursts in to laughter. Kimiko had had a crush on Ranma since
before anyone could remember. Boon seemed to find the most amusement out
of it. Shori doesn't mind but even she gets a bit annoyed at how
persistent that girl gets when around Ranma. One of these days, she
believes her husband would just decide to take the easy way out and say
something lie 'All right. I'll marry you. Now lemme alone'.)
Kimiko: Have you seen 'Dog Food' yet?
Ranma: You mean your pet cat? Um, n-not yet.
Kimiko: You should see her. 'Dog Food' is going to be a mommey. Her tummy
is all big.
(Ranma gently places Kimiko down on her feet.)
Ranma: Why dontcha go run on in to the house. Saori and Keirojin and
Tsuki are all in there. They should be glad to see you.
Kimiko: But I wanna stay with you, Ranma.
(Everyone laughs)
Kimiko: (Notices Akane)Wow, Auntie Akane, you got fat.
Akane: Erk...
Ryoga: um, your Auntie is going to have a baby, much like your pet cat,
'Dog Food'.
Kimiko: Oh. I figure maybe because you were eating too many bon bons or
something.
(Everyone except Akane started laughing. Ryoga immediately stopped when
he saw Ryoga glare daggers at him.)
Ryoga: Um.....er.....why dontcha do what(smirks)your future husband,
Ranma, says and head on in to the house?
Ranma: ....................
Kimiko: O-okay.
(Kimiko, full of energy, happily heads out of the dojo.)
Ranma: Every bit as energetic as I last remembered.
Boon: Sometimes even I have trouble keeping up with her. She never
watches what she says.
Akane: (Smirks)Gee, you think?
Boon: Sorry about that. Speaking of which, how far along?
Akane: Eight months.
Marlena: Congratulations.
Akane: Thank you.
Boon: Anyway, some of the stuff I hear from here is enough to even get on
my nerves. Like when we play hide-and-seek, she purposely hides in the
bilges. Why? (Imitates Kimiko)'Because you're fat and can't get in there
to find me'. And yesterday was pretty shocking. 'Wow, if 'Dog Food's'
belly gets any bigger, she'll have a belly like you'. Or perhaps 'When
are you due?' I'll have you I'm big-boned.
(Everyone breaks out laughing.)
Boon: She sure stopped laughing when I threw her overboard.
Everyone: What?!
Boon: Don't worry. I made sure she had her lifejacket on when I did it.
Marlena: When the hell did you throw her overboard?
Boon: Two weeks ago. She kept kicking me in the shins for some reason.
Bugged the hell outta me.
Marlena: How dare you throw our child overboard?
Boon: I felt really bad doing it though.
Marlena: Well, that's good to hear. You should.
Boon: Because when I did, it mean our ship's record of never having
someone falling overboard went right the drain.
Marlena: ..................
Boon: Don't worry, she didn't seem to mind. Didn't even cry. She got me
good for that too. She made herself float face down as if she had
drowned. When I jumped in to save her, she started lauging and swam for
the ladder. Jeez, what I sure fooled.
Marlena: Good, you deserved it.
Boon: Hmph.
Ranma: Um, it's nice seeing you two, even though Boon here seems to have
changed not one bit since the last time we met.
Marlena: Hello? He hasn't changed since he and I met started sailing the
seas together. That's a long freaking time.
Boon: Y'know how my personality is: 'If it ain't broke, don't fix
it.'(Laughs)
Marlena: (To group)You'd think he'd change when we have a child
together....but noooo, he doesn't. He continues being the same old Boon
everyone knows.
(Everyone laughs)
Boon: So, how many people showed up? Ready for a rematch?
Ranma: (Smirks)Always ready. I kinda wish you show up more often.
Boon: Nah. A year in between battles are good. Anything less and you
probably won't improve enough that there's a noticeable difference. I
like seeing how much you progressed in your training since the last
battle.
Marlena: So, Sayuri, Tinkerman, how've you two been doing?
Sayuri: Kisen's husband, Kawa died. He lost his battle against cancer.
Marlena: Oh. I'm sorry to heard that.
(Sayuri goes on to explain about everything in detail, also mentioning
that Shampoo and Mousse had gone with her to China.)
Marlena: I hope all ends up well for her. She was a nice girl.
Sayuri: I hope so too.
Ranma: C'mon, let's head in to the house and get a bite to eat. Shori's
gotten really good at cooking. You're gonna love some of the stuff she
can make.
Marlena: I'll cook.
Sayuri: I'll cook too.
Ranma: Cool, the more the better.
Akane: I'll help too.
Ranma: Erk!
Akane: Hey, I'll have you know that I've gotten a lot better over the
years.
Ryoga: Yes, she has.
Ranma: I'll take your word for it. No need to prove it.
Akane: .................
Ranma: (Laughs)All right, you can go help 'em out. I believe you.
Akane: Forget it. If you're not intersted in my cooking then forget about
it.
Ranma: (Shrugs)Okay. Fine by me.
Akane: Wait, I do wanna cook.
Ranma: (Smirks)Then fine. Go help cook. Just make up your mind.
Marlena: All right, we'll all go in and help prepare dinner. You and Boon
can have your usual match. Us girls'll have dinner ready by the time you
guys come in.
Ranma: You're not going to watch?
Marlena: Hey, I stopped watch three years ago.
Akane: And I stopped watching two years ago.
Sayuir: And I stopped watching four years ago.
Marlena: The results always end up the same. Why bother watching
something when you already know what the results are gonna be.
Ranma: ....................
Ryoga: I'll stay and watch.
Tinkerman: Same here.
Akane: I'll go get Mr. Hyusa. He's going to want to watch watch. It's
been like this for the past two years, the girls go in and cook while the
boys stay and watch the fight.
Ranma: Okay.
(The females of the group leave. Before long, Mr. Hyusa enters the dojo.)
Mr. Hyusa: Boon, you're finally here. I was worried you and Ranma would
start without me.
Boon: Don't worry. We can always push back the inevitable, that being
Ranma's defeat.
Ranma: Hey, I'll beat you this time around.
Boon: Didntja say that last year? And the year before? And the year
before that? And the year before that? And the year before that?
Ranma: Well, this times it's gonna happen.
Boon: Didntja say that as well last year? And the year before? And the
year before that? And the year before that? And the year before that?
Ranma: ....................
Boon: (Cracks knuckles)All right, let's get this fight started and over
with.
Ranma: (Smirks)You better not take this as a joke. I'm hot on your heels.
Boon: Yeah, right. Didja know the past eight or so years I've beated you
with one arm, my right arm. I'm ambidextrous and can use my left just as
good as my right.
Ranma: You don't need to remind me.
Boon: Let's get started then.
(Ryoga, Tinkerman, and Mr. Hyusa walk off to the side to observe.)
Tinkerman: Good luck, Ranma. I'm still rooting for you.
Ryoga: Yeah. Even though you're gonna lose once again, Tinkerman's right,
it's more fun rooting for the underdog.
Mr. Hyusa: Most definitely. I'll root for you too.
Boon: (Smirks)Ain't that funny, you have people rooting for you outta
pity.
Ranma: .................
Boon: Ready?
Ranma: Ready.
(Boon and Ranma dash at one another. Over the course of the years of
fighting against Boon, Ranma had realized one thing, that it is bascially
impossible to dodge all of Boon's moves as well as block them. The only
way that he could beat him is going hit for hit and trading blows, hoping
that the giant man would succomb to the punishment before Ranma. Before
long, after trading countless hits, Ranma was unable to continue on,
passing out after being hit close to thirty times with skull-crushing
punches. At the end of the match, Ranma had been knocked completely
unconscious and was lying in the middle of the dojo on his stomach. Boon
looks pretty beat, much more beat-up than ever before. His nose and lips
were bleeding. He ended up needing to use a napkin to wipe the blood
away.)
Boon: Hey, you all right?
Ranma: Ugh.
Boon: (Smirks)Cool, you're still alive.
Ranma: What hit me?
Boon: (Grins)Me. That's what.
(Ranma sits upright. He looks up and sees Boon standing over him. It was
a scene all to familiar with him.)
Ranma: Knocked out?
Boon: Yep. Knocked out.
Ranma: Damn.
(Boon helps Ranma to his feet. Ranma staggers to keep standing. Ryoga
comes to Ranma's aid, helping hold one of his shoulders while Tinkerman
holds the other.)
Boon: Good match, boy. Good match.
Ranma: T-thanks.
(Boon stays where he is whiel Ryoga and Tinkerman help Ranma out of the
dojo. Mr. Hyusa walks up to him.)
Mr. Hyusa: He almost had you.
Boon: I know. At this rate, this guy's gonna beat me by next year or the
year after.
Mr. Hyusa: Ranma's a fast learned. He's basically closing the thirty year
gap that used to exist between you in around half the time.
Boon: I know. Every fight gets harder and harder.
Mr. Hyusa: What are you giong to do when he beats you?
Boon: We'll burn that bridge when we get to it.
Mr. Hyusa: C'mon, let's head in and eat.
Boon: Right. I'm starving.
(Boon and Mr. Hyusa head for the door. As they walk, Boon staggers, his
legs a bit shaky.)
Boon: ...............
Mr. Hyusa: Seems like Ranma's a lot closer to beating you that you let
on.
Boon: I know. I know.
Mr. Hyusa: C'mon, friend, lettme help you.
Boon: Thanks, Tus. Thanks.
(Mr. Hyusa throws his friend's arm over his shoulder and helps him out of
the dojo.)
Boon: (Softly)I'm looking forward to the day he beats me.
(Exactly two years pass. We are inside the Saotome Dojo. By the edge of
the mat, we see Mousse, Tsubasa, Ryoga, Tinkerman. They are all talking
to one another while Boon and Ranma combat each other in fierce battle.
The Tsubasa we remember to be the cross dressing transexual looks like
nothing what we remember. He has short spiked hair and has a build that
rivals Ranma and Ryoga's.)
Tsubasa: I'm really glad to be here.
Ryoga: So, how do you like working for Ranma at the dojo? You only
started working here about a year ago, right?
Tsubasa: I enjoy it. I don't know what compelled him to ask me to help
him work here as a sensei with him. I'm not that good. I think there are
others here that can teach better. I still have a long way to go.
Ryoga: Perhaps it's because you've shown a world of change from what you
used to be. Or perhaps he sees potential in you that not even you see in
yourself.
Tsubasa: I guess. But still...
Ryoga: So, how are you and Ukyo coming along?
Tsubasa: We got engaged five months ago. She finally accepted. She said
she wanted some time when I asked the first time around a year and a half
ago. However, it seemed that my getting a real job, living here as a
full-time sensei, and earning a respectable living and a good income was
the deciding factor in realizing that I'm not the person I used to be.
Ryoga: What made you change so much? You used to weird disguises and
such....
Tsubasa: What about you? You used to be a very shy person, always scared
of talking to girls.
Ryoga: I dunno. I guess when I saw what Ranma went through, my problems
paled in comparison.
Tsubasa: You bascially answered with the exact same answer I would have
said.
Ryoga: Ranma had something to do with you changing so much?
Tsubasa: Yeah. I realized that for Ranma to go through all that he's been
through because he loved someone, I could do the same. At first, I didn't
like the change and I felt phony, but over time, I got used to it and
eventually grew to like it. Now, when I think back to the way I used to
be, I find myself asking 'What the heck was wrong with me then?'
Ryoga: (Smiles)You must be very happy.
Tsubasa: Yes. And what about you?
Ryoga: What about me?
Tsubasa: How are your kids doing?
Ryoga: Saori's going to second grade now. Nami will be two next month.
She's a very happy baby and loves to laugh.
Tsubasa: That's good to hear. And how's Akane doing?
Ryoga: She's fine. She's expecting.
Tsubasa: How far along?
Ryoga: Four months.
Tsubasa: Congratulations.
Ryoga: Thanks.
Tsubasa: How about you, Kyo-san?
Tinkerman: Just call me Tinkerman. Everyone does.
Tsubasa: Okay. So, how are you Sayuri coming along? I met Sayuri two
weeks ago she was coming to visit Shori. She's a very nice woman.
Tinkerman: Sayuri's doing fine. We're expective a seond child. She's due
next month. Our son, Toyo, just turned one not too long ago. He's quite a
handful and is really smart.
Tsubasa: That's great.
Tinkerman: I hope you do fine.
Ryoga: What's your story, Mousse? How are you and Shampoo doing? Have you
guys decided on a wedding date yet?
Mousse: Not yet. However, we'll be sure to invite you and everyone we
know.
Ryoga: Even Ranma? You don't have anymore animosity toward him?
Mousse: Actually, if I think about it, I stopped having any really harsh
feeling for him before he left Japan, when fought against the old ghoul
the first time around in order to null the engagement he had with
Shampoo. I realized that I was harboring resentment toward him when I
should have been trying to help him. I feel bad not having helped him as
much as I should have when I found out he loved someone other than my
Shampoo. And what's even more saddening is that despite all the
resentment I had toward him, he was still kind enough and thoughtful
enough to bring back the nanichuan. He even brought back the nyanichuan
for Shampoo, even though he had officially severed his ties completely
with her when he defeated the old ghoul in true one-on-one combat.
Ryoga: I helped him out too, but I woudln'tve minded to have helped him
more. Speaking of which, you went to China with Shampoo two years ago.
How did that turn out? I've been meaning to ask you about that when we
met last year but it slipped my mind. What's the old ghoul up to?
Mousse: Well, we stayed there to watch over Kisen. She was a wreck when
her husband died. However, after a month of us being with her, she
started acting more normal and going about her day in a usual manner.
When we left her, she seemed back to normal. Last I heard, she had met
someone that lived in the village. Of course, she'll always feel sad
because of Kawa, but I guess it won't bother her as much later on as it
did the month or so after Kawa had died of cancer.
Ryoga: I gotcha. And what of the old ghoul?
Mousse: We saw her. She's bascially resumed her role of being village
elder. To me, it seemed like she had put the whole incident of Ranma
beating her behind her. She seemed to have actually mellowed out. When
she found out Shampoo and I started dating a while back, she didn't seem
opposed it. That was pretty surprising.
Ryoga: You know how it goes. People change.
Mousse: Yeah.
(The group hears a loud thud, as if it was the sound of someone hitting
the floor. They all look up to see what had happened. To their surprise
they see Boon lying in the middle of the dojo, lying on his back,
unconscious. Ranma is standing over him, a look of shock in his face.
Both the knuckles of his hand were bloody from punching Boon so hard so
many times.)
Ranma: (Surprised)Hey, Boon, you okay?
Boon: Ugh.
(Ranma crouches by Boon and pats his face a few times.)
Boon: (Waking up)Ow, my head.
(Boon sits upright. He looks around, a bit disoriented.)
Boon: W-what happened?
Ranma: (Smiles)You were knocked out.....I knocked you out.
Boon: I-I lost?
Ranma: (Softly)Yeah, you did. I finally won.
(Boon gets up to his feet. He shakes his head to shake out the cobwebs.
He rubs his jaw which hurt like hell. He regards Ranma for a moment,
trying to remember what happened those last few seconds before he saw
nothing but black. After a moment, he remember.)
Boon: That last punch you did was incredible.
Ranma: (Smiles)Thanks. That ki-blast you shot at me, I used that 'green
hands' technique to absorb it and deflect it back as well as add to it my
own energy when I hit you. No one, not even you could have gotten up from
that.
Boon: (Smirks)Heh, you used my own technique to beat me.
Ranma: Not quite. I used it for defensive purposes. I only used it for
defensive purposes.
Boon: Well, good job. I guess I lost. I knew this day would soon come. I
didn't expect it to be so soon.
Ranma: ..................
Boon: You did well. You bascially closed that thirty year gap between us
in almost half the time. That's an incredible feat. I'm proud of you. I
wouldn'tve wanted to be beaten by any other person.
Ranma: Thanks.
(The group of people approach Boon and Ranma.)
Ryoga: (To Boon)You okay?
Boon: I'm fine. My jaw hurts a bit, but it's nothing serious. I'll be as
good as new tomorrow.
Tsubasa: (To Ranma)That last punch you delivered was incredible.
Ranma: Thanks.
Mousse: That was an excellent fight the two of you had.
Ranma: Thanks.
Boon: Thanks.
Tinkerman: (Smiles)It seems for the very first time, my betting on the
underdog had finally come true. It took sixteen years, but it finally
came true.
Boon: What time is it?
Mousse: It's close to ten.
Boon: Wow. That was the longest fight we ever had. Our fights never
lasted past nine thirty.
Ranma: I know. I pushed and pushed to keep on going. I was going on pure
will power right by the end of the match.
Boon: Well, it seem like you out willed me. C'mon, let's head in. The
girls are all probably wondering what the heck's taking us so long to
wrap up our fight. Dinner's probably getting cold.
Ryoga: Yeah. I'm pretty hungry.
Mousse: Same here.
Tsubasa: Definitely.
Tinkerman: All right, let's go. Any of you guys need help walking?
Ranma: Nah. I'm fine.
Boon: I'm fine.
(Everyone heads for the door. Ranma stays behind.)
Ryoga: Whatcha waiting for?
Ranma: Just go on. I'll be with you guys in a minute.
Ryoga: (Shrugs)Okay.
(The group heads out of the dojo, leaving Ranma to be alone. He stands in
the middle of the dojo, his gaze toward the front where there stood not a
signel martial arts trophy, Ranma having competed in not a signle martial
arts event or tournament. Ranma remembered a saying of Boon's that struck
home and he believed ever since.)
Ranma: (Repeating Boon's words)A strong dog doesn't need to back.
(Ranma heads out the dojo, taking care to shut off the lights on his way
out. He closed the door behind him and looks up in to the sky where he
could see the clear night sky.)
Ranma: ......................
(A moment later, Ranma falls to the ground and begins to sob
uncontrollably. He had defeated Boon.)
Ranma: (Sobbing)I wish this day never came.....
(Ranma was experiencing what many people experienced while growing up, a
hurtle in one's life that seemed impossible to get past. Ranma had
encountered that hurtle over sixteen years ago, on a ship called 'Witch
Hunter', that goes by the name of Keirojin, and the nickname of Boon.
That hurtle was defeating Boon. He worked and trained tirelessly for
years on end, vowing to defeat Boon one day. That day had come. It took
over sixteen years to finally defeat him, but he did. Today was the day.
However, defeating him left and emptiness in his heart.)
Ranma: W-why......why d-did this day ever hafta come?
Shori: Ranma?
(Ranma looks up and sees Shori. She is standing in front of him, standing
so that he face was level with him since Ranma was on his hands and knees
on a slightly raised platform that surrounded the dojo and Shori stood on
the ground. She had come to get Ranma when everyone else but him had gone
in to the house. Ranma didn't feel any form of embarrassment at Shori
seeing such a vulnerable side of him. Shori doesn't say anything. She
sits next to him, her legs hanging over the side as she reaches out and
embraces Ranma.)
Shori: (Softly)It's okay, Ranma. It's okay.
Ranma: (Sobbing)I defeated him......I won.......but I never wanted to
ever win.
Shori: It's okay, Ranma.
Ranma: W-what am I going to do now?
(Shori saw the innocence lost when she had looked in to Ranma's eyes.
Ranma had looked up to Boon as if he were immortal, untouchable,
unbreakable. However, this night proved he was human, just like Ranma
was. Ranma hated finding that out, wish he never found it out.)
Shori: You knew this was going to happen sooner or later. You knew you
would eventually defeat him.
Ranma: I know......I always knew.....but I never wanted it to actually
happen.
Shori: Nothing's going to change. You and him will remain friends and
continue to spar against one another.
Ranma: It's different now.
Shori: Even if it is, there are other things you can focus on besides
beating him once again.
Ranma: L-like what?
Shori: (Smiles)Like the fact that the twins will soon have a brother or
sister.(Rubs her stomach)
Ranma: Y-you're right.
Shori: Or the fact that the twins have a love for martial arts like you
do. They will eventually want to grow up and become the father they look
up to, and perhaps defeat.
Ranma: You're right.
Shori: I know this sounds a bit cheesy, but your defeating Boon only
closed one chapter of the story of your life. There are still many
chapters left to experience.
Ranma: (Smiles)Thanks, Shori. I dunno where'd I be without you.
Shori: (Tears falling)Neither do I. I don't know where I'd be without
you.
(Ranma and Shori kiss each other.)
Shori: Come on. Let's head in.
Ranma: All right.
Shori: I love you, Ranma.
Ranma: I love you, too.
(We watch as Ranma and Shori kiss each other one last time before they
head toward the house, hold each other hand in hand. The approach the
house where it is alive with happiness, filled with people that have come
together and have been someone interrconnected to one another though
extraordinarly circumstances.)
(The camara stays on the house as we can hear voices coming from within.)
Mrs. Hyusa: Honey, this house seems so lively than when we used to live
here.
Mr. Hyusa: I know what you mean. I love you, dear.
Mrs. Hyusa: I know.
Mr. Hyusa: ...............
Mrs. Hyusa: I love you too, dear. I was just playing with you.
Akemi: Hey, Mr. H., can you pass me the potatoes?
Mr. Hyusa: Here. Can you please not call me that?
Akemi: All right. Fine. Thanks for the potates, Mr. Hyusa.
Mr. Hyusa: ..................
Akemi: What's the matter?
Mr. Hyusa: Please, call me Mr. H.
Ryoga: This food looks great.
Akane: Thanks. All the girls here and I made it.
Ryoga: I love you, Akane.
Akane: I love you too.
Shampoo: Welcome back, Mousse.
Mousse: Thanks. I missed you.
Shampoo: You only gone couple hours. Oh well, Shampoo miss Mousse too.
Tsubasa: This food smells great.
Ukyo: Make sure you try the dumplings. I made them especially for you,
Tsuba-chan.
Tsubasa: Thanks, Ucchan.
Marlena: Boon, honey, I'm glad you lost. It's about time.
Boon: Hey, woman, it's not like I didn't try my hardest.
Sayuri: It's so funny how they're arguing like a married couple.
Marlena and Boon: That's because we are married.
Sayuri: Oh yeah, I forgot that.
Tinkerman: Sayur, honey, I'm looking forward to our marriage having life
much like their when we reach their age. I love you.
Sayuri: Same here. I love you.
(The camera pans back as we see Ranma and Shori enter the house, their
voices echoing loudly as they enter.)
Ranma and Shori: We're home.
(Fade to black)
<The end>
-OneShot
Jeffrey "OneShot" Wong
http://www.anime.sobhrach.com/~jeffwong/index.html
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