----------------------------------------------------------------------
EDITOR'S NOTE: it isn't essential that you read it, but this story is
linked to the fanfic "The More Things Change" and it's forthcoming sequel
"The Pursuit of Happiness" (yeah, the fic I've been working on for, oh,
six, seven months @.@)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*******
Prelude
*******
A woman sat at her desk and appraised her computer, the monitor seemed
to shine rather blankly back at her. Papers cluttered the area and had
been strewn about rather haphazardly. She perused the file in her hand,
which contained information on the most recent martial artist to arrive in
Nerima. The file wasn't big at all.
The woman in question was Nabiki Tendo. She was an information broker,
and as such, she made it a point to know _exactly_ who and what was
emerging in Nerima. Nabiki didn't get involved in Ranma's little
problems, no, but if he had ever bothered to ask (and had the money to
foot her service fee) she could have easily pulled up some interesting...
facts. Facts that could demoralise and just possibly crush the fighting
spirit out of Ryouga, Kuno, or any of the other many enemies Ranma had
made over time. His fiancees weren't safe either, as careful drudging had
netted Nabiki more than enough useful tidbits to keep her infinitely
happy. She never pointed this out to Ranma (and given the current status
of the fiancees and rivals, a little late), it was enough for her to know
that she had at least a little leverage (or sometimes lots of leverage,
especially in Kuno's case) to make them bend to her will. Having several
of the world's most powerful (and strange) martial artists in her pocket
was a reassuring feeling.
This new arrival, though, was a mystery. Nabiki had very little to go
on, and it annoyed her a bit. Again, this was mainly due to the fact that
said person was a complete stranger to these parts. That, she decided,
would have to be fixed, and soon. Until then, she felt that she might as
well start a file.
====================================================================
Name : Noori, Tanya
Sex : Female
Age : 16
Height : 5'3"
Weight : 80-90lbs?
Eyes : Hazel
Hair : Light brown, semi-short
Martial Art : ?
Associates : ?
Enemies : ?
History : ?
Personality : ?
====================================================================
She paused to appraise the screen and frowned, there were too many
question marks, not enough answers. This was no good. She saved the
information to a file and shut down her laptop. Nabiki shrugged off her
disappointment. It really hadn't taken long to find a stool pigeon, and it
was one who would talk for a fairly cheap price at that. A wry grin
formed on Nabiki's face, as later this day her pidgeon would give her all
the info she needed to fill some of those gaps.
****
In a cafe in the commercial part of Nerima, Nabiki looked thoughtfully
at her notes. Meanwhile, a somewhat lanky young man rose from the table.
His long bangs fell loosely over his round-rimmed eyeglasses, concealing
any emotion that may have shown there. At his side was a long case that
appeared to contain some sort of musical instrument. The man looked as
though he had just been payed, and rightfully so... as he now fingered
through a small wad of yen to be sure it was all there.
"Thanks, Tendo-san," he said non-chalantly.
"Just remember, Megane-kun, if you hear anything more, let me know?"
"Yah." this came out a bit mumbled as the man finished his counting,
turned, and stalked off towards the door.
As he departed, Nabiki shook her head in disbelief. Just when she
thought she'd do about anything for money, she meets Mr. Megane Muhoshin.
He was the very same one who'd previously sold out his family to her. She
tsked, now he'd given her much of what she'd needed on Miss Noori.
Nabiki looked down at her notes, sipped some more of her espresso, and
filled in a few more blanks.
====================================================================
Name : Noori, Tanya
Aliases : O'Leary, Danny; Nory, Tanya
Sex : Female
Age : 16
Height : 5'3"
Weight : 80-90lbs?
Eyes : Hazel
Hair : Light brown, semi-short
Martial Art : Unorthodox Weaponry School of Martial Arts
Division Housecleaning Subdivision Chimney Sweeping(?)
Skill level unknown, but rumored to be high.
Associates : Megane Muhoshin (ex-boyfriend), Oshimu Giichi (sensei)
Enemies : Ryouga Hibiki (Reason unknown)
History : Recruited by the UWSMA (reason unknown) from the United
Kingdom, enrolled for 5(?) years as a student of the UWSMA.
Briefly involved with Megane Muhoshin (reason unknown)
Has arrived in Nerima with the intent to defeat (kill?)
Ryouga Hibiki (reason unknown).
Personality : Generally quiet, not talkative. Tends to pursue any goal
she sets with some intensity. Has shown flashes of
brashness and a penchant for scheming. Is quick to
annoyance or anger. Has a high level of pride and a
strong ego.
====================================================================
Nabiki frowned. That filled in the empty spots, but her history was
definitely too short. In most circumstances, the history part of her
subjects would generally be the largest and most interesting. Nabiki
sighed, she had to wonder what Miss Noori could be hiding, what bits of
her past were yet to be uncovered.
No sense frowning over it, she thought, and shut down her laptop
computer. Standing slowly, Nabiki planned to waltz on over to Tatewake
Kuno with some pictures in hand. If she played her cards, ah, pictures,
right, she'd even get Kuno to foot the bill for the lunch she just ate.
And Miss Noori? Nabiki put that subject aside. All would be revealed
in time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First attempt at a Ranma fanfic... feel free to tear it apart at your
leisure. I never once claimed to be good, just one with ideas. And here,
put to text, was one. Ranma 1/2 has shown us once or twice, not all
martial artists are contemporary... nor are they all Asian. With this, I
thrust upon you... a young girl who is neither. This is the story of Tanya
Noori...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ranma 1/2 fanfic by Mihoshi
All characters depicted or mentioned in this story are the trademarks
and/or copyrights of their respective holders with the exception of Tanya
Noori... who's mine, dammit. :P
Send all comments and bashes to Mihoshi@ptw.com
The Pursuit of Happiness: Side Story
ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER
******
PART 1 Brutal Youth
******
Somewhere in Manchester, England... a young, well-kept police officer
did his best to keep a rambunctious child under control as he made his way
up the stairs to a large, forboding building.... -
(It's not fair... they can't take 'er from me...)
"Oh such a tragedy... the poor dear! Well, we'll take care of her."
these words of false sympathy poured from the mouth of a frightening,
elderly woman as she stood in the doorway Shildly Orphanage. The young
girl now squirming helplessly under the arm of a large bobby glared
spitefully at the old biddy, who seemed every bit a liar to her. This
woman just wanted to take her from her Mum, and she knew it. The old
witch continued, "Her mother's been hauled to the institute then? Well...
the child is better off here anyhow. Ms. Nory was a raving looney, she
was!"
(You just WANTED t' take 'er away... so ya could make me sad! Well,
I'm not sad, I'm ANGRY!! You'll ALL pay for taking 'er! Ya will!)
The bobby, a young, strong-looking officer of law, nodded solemnly.
Ms. Nory had never been quite right since her hubby had run off... at
least, it looked as though he'd bailed on her. His disappearance occurred
suddenly, only just months after the birth of the screaming child now
being held. He was gone without a trace, and Ms. Nory took it... poorly,
"Aye, 'tis a shame. A charmin' lass, she was. Goin' off like that after
four years... truely a shame, she'd seemed t' almost gotten o'er it, too.
Ah well... nothin' t' be done of it now. Are ya sure y'can 'andle young
Tanya 'ere?"
(This man was our friend!! 'ow could 'e allow them t' take 'er? 'ow
could 'e?? Mum TRUSTED 'im!! Evil man!)
Tanya Nory, the girl in question, could be a mean-spirited brat when
she set her mind to it. This was one of those times. She just screamed
and bawled, flailing like a wild animal in the officer's firm grip.
Twisting like a snake, she managed to plant a foot firmly to his groin,
which resulted in a squeak and a wince. However, the bobby remained
standing. He squeezed his arm around the child and she gasped, becoming
stiller. She struggled weakly still, however, with the spirit of a devil.
(You'll pay... you'll see! Ya can't keep me forever!! If me mum sawr
Dad... she sawr him! Dammit!! I'll avenge you, Mum... wherever they 'id
ya.)
"Now... ya sure y'can 'andle the wee babe?" he queried, his voice a
little breathless.
"Of course." came a cold, almost offended reply. The biddy pointed
down the hall a ways, "Just take her to room 9 and she'll be just fine."
Tanya glared icily at this... this... evil creature who presumed to
take over her life. An evil grin flitted across her face... just as she
resumed her struggle.
(You, lady, will regret th' day ya crossed me path! I'll get ya, I
will! I'll get ya but good!)
"Right then, ma'am." shuffling through the door, the Bobby dragged a
kicking and screaming Tanya to her new room, pushed her in, and slammed
the door as though capturing a raving wolverine, "Cor, she's a nasty one!
She pro'bly drove the Missus to the bin 'erself!"
A loud, resounding crash came from beyond the door... and another...
and yet another. The bobby sighed, "Sounds like she's tryin' t' bash th'
door in. Me thinks y've gotcher 'ands full wit' th' wee beastie."
"Indeed. Well, Mr. O'Solin... I'll just be seeing you out now, if you
don't mind." the hag shooed the policeman out the door, "Things to do,
don't you know. I haven't time to doddle."
"Right then..." O'Solin tipped his cap politely as he shuffled out,
"Good day to you, Ma'am." he made his way down the stairs and out to the
street as the door was slammed behind him. He grumbled, "Saints preserve
us, but that's a wild one. May they 'ave the best o' luck wit' 'er...
they're goin' t' NEED it."
*
"Young lady..."
The girl in question sat quietly at her desk, staring in an
absent-minded manner at wall nearest to her. Anything was more
interesting than Miss Brambly's lectures on multiplication, and young
Tanya was always the first to show it.
"Young lady..."
There it was again: that annoying, sharp, elderly voice which Tanya
continued to ignore in favour of now counting the holes in a ceiling
panel. Not particularly interesting, but again, far more important than
anything this old nag of an instructor had to say.
"TANYA!!"
Okay, that got her attention, but only just barely. Piercing hazel
eyes gazed up rather sullenly through puffy, even bangs.... they settled
coldly upon a slightly unnerved educator, "WOT?" came the stiff, cut
response.
Miss Brambly sighed. Tanya Nory was the terror of Shildly... and well
deserving of the title. She was mean spirited, unruly, and often unkept
child... one that was missing at all times of the day, only to be found
setting up some horrendous and often potentially hazardous prank. This
diminutive waif of a girl had the entire orphanage terrorized, and Miss
Brambly was no exception. She was clearly more irritated than frightened,
"Ms. Nory, you WILL pay attention in THIS class, I'll see to that!"
The imputant child merely crossed her arms over her chest and sneered
defiantly. She thought to herself in the standoff-ish silence, (You'll
break, ya old hag, I'll be seein' t' that. I won't be leavin' here 'til
I've made ev'ry last one o' you lot miserable.) finally shattering some
of the tension, Tanya emitted a vaguely 'hmph' -like sound, "Wha'ever."
The teacher flared! "You WILL learn what I'm teaching if it KILLS me,
damn you!"
"It jus' might."
By this time, every child in the class was silent. Dead silent.
The teacher went -red-. She pulled out a wooden ruler, to which the
general class body's response was a group cringe. She approached the
delinquent slowly, "I have had just about enough of you, young miss!"
"Right then!" this was as good a time as any for a hasty withdrawal.
Tanya scampered from her desk and bolted out the door, "G'day Ma'am! One
o' y're best classes t' date!" she remarked sarcasticly as she fled the
classroom. Her impish giggling echoed from the corridor, then progressed
to silence as Tanya got out of range.
Some of the other children began to giggle in spite of themselves, only
to be silenced with a glare. It was then Miss Brambly launched into a
torent of cursing and loud mumblings, mostly to the effect of 'They aren't
paying me enough to take this' and 'If I was her mum, I'd switch her
silly' which served only to set off more giggling. -
Tanya cackled mischieviously to herself. Taunting Miss Brambly was
always fun, and it was her biggest challenge to date. Tanya was now eight
years of age, and in her four year stay at Shildley she had managed to
scare off eight other instructors. After all, this was an orphanage, not
a real school... few were willing to put up with her abuses, especially
coupled with the meager wages. But Miss Brambly, the old bat, she'd
stayed on for almost a year now. No call for that then! Tanya would
often find herself pondering... debating wether the teacher was stubborn,
of just plain stupid. "Stupid." she assured herself, "Definitely stupid."
With a shrug, she clambered up through a loose air duct screen and
disappeared, pulling the grate shut behind her.
- Several Months Later -
Well, it had all finally paid off. Tanya was a clever lass, far more
so than any of the faculty at Shildly orphanage could have ever imagined.
Although, the in-house staff experienced more turnovers than your average
fast-food joint. Few were ever given the chance to understand her... not
that anyone had the courage, patience, or desire to do so. Had any of the
adults bothered to observe her, they might have noticed a cold,
calculating tone to all her mischief. It was her job to make all who
acquainted themselves with this establishment a living hell, and she did a
damn good job of it. Funny thing was, she could barely remember why.
Now, Miss Brambly was gone. Barely a year there, and she had been the
staunchest of the faculty. Tanya took a certain pride in knowing that it
was indeed her who scared the wench off.
"B-b-but Miss Brambly! Joan! Wait please!! Shildly needs you!" this
was from one of the paper pushers, a mousey man in a suit that always
seemed several sizes too large. Tanya never knew or cared what purpose he
served.
The old cow ignored him. She -IGNORED- him!! Oh this was too great!
Tanya giggled wickedly from her window in room #9. She smiled almost
cutely down at the ex-educator.
Miss Brambly looked up at the wicked child, then clucked abrasively,
"You don't need me, you need a firing squad! And now... you need a
lawyer. Mine will be contacting yours. Good day!"
"But-but-but..." he just stammered, stunned. 'Lawyer' was not a word
he wanted to hear. He gulped quietly, then sighed. He shook his head
solemnly as he watched the woman go. The proprietors would -not- be
pleased.
Tanya cackled mildly to herself as she watched old Brambly hoof off to
the Taxi like the cow she was. Tanya giggled in a fit of mirth as the
door closed on a bit of Brambly's dress, leaving it to flap in the wind as
the taxi tore off down the street. Smiling, the self-proclaimed 'Faculty
basher' ticked off another mark on her wall. Yes, she even kept track.
Brambly had been a toughy, alright. It had taken a year of blatant
disregard and feigned ignorance in class, 12 waterbucket-in-doorway gags
(she never did learn each month to watch the doors), multiple times of
greasing the woman's shoes at night with lard to mixed effects, varied
incidents with mildly poisonous bugs; and one nearly villianous prank
which involved half a dozen hungry rats, a cannister of honey mustard,
oven mits, a rake from maintenance, and an externally locked bathroom
door. Oh, but that was a good one, her pride in fact. Tanya puffed up
triumphantly, it sounded like the old hag would sue, a bit of recognition
for just how cunning that prank really was! A day of triumph indeed!
Tanya gleed as she watched old paper-pusher slink back in through the
entry doors. She knew where he was going, and wanted to watch him get
chewed out. Quickly, she scrambled into her air duct and scampered along
the passage with practiced silence.
-
"Well... that's it then." the voice seemed familiar, and rightfully
so. Mrs. McTal was the only person who'd been a constant over Tanya's
four-year stay. This was the woman in charge, not to mention the lady who
had first taken Tanya in so many years ago. It wasn't devotion that kept
the woman here, only that Tanya hadn't given her a reason to leave
personally. Tanya wanted -someone- to see her in action at all times.
McTal eyed the little man who had entered her office only moments ago,
"You're absolutely positive then? She's plannin' to sue? All over that
waif, then, isn't it?"
Somewhere in the air ducts, a giggle was stifled.
"W-well... yes..." he stammered, no backbone at all here, "The Nory
child seemed to have a hand in it, alright..."
"Right. I think I have had just about enough. It has become apparent
to me that the child is untameable. She is uncooperative, disruptive, has
no desire nor shown any ability to learn, and has shown a distinctive
tendency to mischief bordering upon violence. I don't care -who's- she
was, I want her gone."
(Uh oh.) was Tanya's thoughts, (I know where this's goin', and no sir,
I don' like it.)
"I think it's time I took Officer Roler up on that military school
offer. She's nearly nine now, and we can't be keeping her forever. Maybe
the lads can beat sense into her."
(This would be where I make my hasty retreat...) she paused only long
enough to pick out minor details.
"Get me Roler on the tele. I want her gone by Friday, no later, do you
hear me?"
"Right Ma'am!"
"Dally, and it will be your head."
"Right Ma'am, I'll get him right away..."
(I've until Friday... easy. Luckily, I've made preparations. Time t'
blow this 'ell.) she crept soundlessly through the ducts, back to her
room.
******
PART 2 On The Outside
******
It was several months after her daring escape from Shildly... well,
maybe it wasn't so daring upon looking back. Tanya grinned smugly at her
cunning, as she had stolen her idea from a novel she once read, and was
particularly surprised no one had thought of it sooner. It was a simple
matter to crawl through the circulation ducts to the laundry room. So,
early Friday morning, she packed up her meager belongings and snuck off to
where the laundry was kept. Upon reaching her destination, she hid in one
of the laundry troughs just before they were carted off for cleaning.
Laundry trucks came every friday, and that friday was no exception. It
was a flawless plan, and no one seemed to notice (or care) that she was
gone.
By noon, Tanya was well on her way to London. She had pickpocketed
enough money from the Shildly faculty to afford a train. She figured that
London was far enough away to evade the bobbies... and there, she could
start her life anew.
As a petty thief.
This didn't work out... at all.
Sitting quietly in her hiding place, Tanya was very fortunate it was
mid-summer, else the chimney she'd chosen to lay low in might have been in
use. She took every care to maintain her silence, and would do so for
hours, for she had errored severely and was now paying the price. Bobbies
were after her, and she wasn't sure if it was due to the fact she was a
runaway... or if it was as a result of her recently botched attempt at
shoplifting. She was sure it was for the latter, but disliked both
prospects either way.
Narrowly eying the one item she'd managed to make off with, Tanya
sighed. Today, her dinner would be a single orange. Hardly a meal at
all. She actually pondered, ever so briefly, if she'd made a huge mistake
running off. (No,) Tanya slumped a bit in her hideaway, (They were gonna
send me t' milit'ry schoolin' anyway. Better off dead than that.)
With a resigned shrug, Tanya peeled her orange and munched without a
sound.
Several hours passed like this, with Tanya slowly dozing off. For all
the fight she offered, fatigue overwhelmed her. In order to get here, the
girl had done an awful lot of running, and it was now beginning to catch
up to her. She might even have fallen asleep, were it not for the
distinct sound of foot steps approaching. Okay, now she was awake.
Tanya was suddenly very still... and very frightened. (Oh bloody 'ell.)
A face peered into the chimney, a dirty one at that, "Well! Wou'dja
lookit that!" more words might have come if the man hadn't received a face
and mouth full of soot. "ACK! *pfeh!Kaffkaff!*" he stumbled backwards,
rubbing his face.
"GO AWAY!"
"Wot the bloody 'ell was that?" it was a second voice, somewhat deeper
than the first. So there were two of them out there...
"There's a kid in there... *kaffkaff* no wonder th' soot washed down
inta th' livin' room like that. *kaffwheeze* Prob'ly knocked it all
loose, I bet!" the man didn't dare poke his face in there a second time,
"Go 'ave a look-see, why doncha?"
"An' jus' wot kind of bloke do ya take me for? Get a faceful like you?
I don't think so! " a long pause followed, then, "Eh, Donald... you
okay?"
"Bleah, *hackhack* yeah, jus' ducky."
"Right then."
They sure didn't sound like bobbies, not by a long shot. Then again,
bobbies didn't exactly have a designated voice signature. Tanya knew she
was in a great amount of trouble, all things considered. What would they
do with her now?
(Well, I've come all this way for naught. I can't let m'self end up
like this.)
"Go 'ave another look then." the distinct sound of shuffling followed,
then some grumbling and footsteps.
Tanya swallowed hard, this was it. She could run, but where? She'd
done trapped herself but good in the narrow chimney of some London home.
It was late now, Tanya had run an awful lot to escape, and she was very
tired as a result. Almost too tired to offer any real resistance at all.
A voice called out, "Come on out, lad, or I'm comin' in. And I'm
supposin' that'd right be uncomf'table. Don't make me do it."
(A warm room wit' a bed would rather suit me now...) the girl hunched a
bit in her chimney, (But I've come so far.. I don't want t' go back.)
then it dawned on her, ('Lad'?)
"Come on out, now! I 'ave a job t' be doin'..." this was still the
voice of he who had been called 'Donald'.
Tanya growled low, acquiring a minor aura. She had been called 'lad'
or 'boy' by the other kids in the orphanage her first weeks there. This
did stop after a while, once she beat the holy snot out of each and every
one of them to prove them wrong. In most situations, this double negative
would be proof positive that she was, in fact, a he... but no one dared
make this joke least she smite them further. Either way, she hated be
called a boy in any case, this time was no exception.
The other voice added, "Come now, time is money..."
Seething, she drew in a deep breath, finally going with the assumption
that they were, in fact, not bobbies. The soot-covered visage which arose
from the chimney was, at best, indistinguishable.
The two men blinked, Donald managed, "Cor... 'e's a dusty one, ain't 'e
though?"
Two leering eyes peered out from the child's soot covered face... this,
accompanied by the noticeable red aura she now wore made the two men step
back a bit. She intoned angrily, "I... am *NOT* ... a *LAD*"
"Ah... no?" Donald quickly shoved his comrade forward, "Go talk t' th'
la--er..." very quickly did he note the voice... a girl? "...lady,
Jimmy-boy"
"Er... right."
*Cold glare*
"You talk t' 'er." he counter-shoved Donald forward none too gently,
"You found 'er."
Donald was a tall, gangly-looking man. There was little more he could
do than to stumble towards the girl, having been pushed by a guy who
looked a good bit brawnier than himself. He tripped forward, then did his
best to maintain some dignity while attempting to regain balance.
Straightening up, Donald approached the now vaguely glowing child, "Now
then, come on out, love, we won't be 'urtin' ya..."
She thought about it for a moment, then looked the man over. He was
very non-threatening, almost laughable in appearance as he seemed to wear
a fine coat of soot over his clothes. He was dressed in a simple black
shirt with grey jacket and work pants. Donald also donned a dirty red
scarf and a soft-cloth cap which probably would have shaded his eyes, were
the sun out. On his feet were steel-tipped shoes... a mark of a teddy,
but the soot smudged on his face and the brushes and brooms he carried
were a dead give away. She resisted the temptation to giggle, it was a
chimney sweep, and he looked like he'd stepped right out of a story book.
For all her efforts, a grin broke on her face. She quickly noted the
other was dressed similarly.
Donald blinked, then melted into a somewhat silly smile, "There now,
see? We're friends, right?"
Tanya finally giggled in spite of herself, then reluctantly climbed out
of her chimney. She was still maintaining a mildly threatening glow, and
thusly tried to stay wary of the two strangers, "Who're you? What d'ya
want?" she was ready to bolt if need be... but on a rooftop, as it were,
she had no idea where she'd go.
The gangly one took a bold step forward, but took no more when he saw
the girl start to tense, "Um... I'm Donald, and me mate 'ere's James.
We're not goin'ta 'urtcha, lass. What're ya doin' up 'ere this time o'
night?"
She was really too tired for a snappy retort, but managed one anyway,
"I'm admirin' th' stars, I am." Tanya made sure this dripped with sarcasm.
"Oh, I see..." Donald rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Won't yer parents
be worried 'boutcha way up 'ere this time o' night? A lot o' strange ones
roamin' 'bout, don'tcha know..."
"That's right, a fine... er... lass such as yerself out by yer lonesome
and all that. 'ardly seems proper." the other couldn't help but add. He
never could stay quiet, a trait that occasionally found him in trouble.
"Who're you to tell me wot's proper??
"Um... well..."
"And me parents'll ne'er know."
"No?"
"No."
Donald pondered his next words carefully, still unsure what exactly the
lass meant by this, "Come now... we'll be takin' ya 'ome now, afore
someone misses ya."
"NO!! I'm not going back!" she'd yelled this in a rather frightened
voice, one that betrayed the boldness of her appearance. Tanya had all
but startled the chimney sweeps, and herself. The girl really was afraid,
far more so than she dared to let on.
Regardless, this response certainly got their attention, as well as
maybe drawing the attention of passerbys below, "Mebbe we should be takin'
this elsewhere. Won't you come wit' us an' talk a bit, lass?" the
thinner of the two had noticed spectators below gathering... and didn't
care for it at all, "We'll take ya t' th' van."
"You're just trying to trick me!"
(Really, wot do I 'ave t' lose? They can't be worse than th'
authorities.)
James finally noticed what Donald kept glancing down at, "Lookee
there... cor, we're drawin' an audience, we are."
"Audience?" this WOULD be a good time to leave. And these two seemed
nice enough. Besides, she could probably get away if she needed to,
"Okay, I'll go. But I warn ya, I'll run at first opportunity ya try t'
'arm me."
"We'd never dream of it, lass." Donald offered his hand forward to
Tanya, "We'll getcha down from 'ere first. Then we talk, right?"
James continued to look down at the gathering London folk. He even
waved to them, smiling innocently.
Tanya carefully took Donald's hand, her slight aura fading to nothing.
Donald sighed, then dragged his idiot partner away from the side of the
roof, "Cut it out, ya cad. Let's move. We'll get th' chimney on our way
back. Jus' tell Corey somethin' came up, an' we won't charge 'im t' make
up for it. 'e'll understand"
"For free?? Cor, damn right 'e'll understand." James grumbled, but
nodded, "Right."
Strapping his brooms firmly to his back, Donald gathered up the girl
and nodded to James, "Short cut, Jimmy-boy..."
James grimaced, the shortcut involved him climbing down and getting a
bulky, *heavy* ladder from the van. It wasn't that he wasn't strong
enough, not by a long shot, but it was mostly just a terrible hassle. He
grumbled and disappeared over the edge of the roof, uttering a muffled,
"Right." as he went.
Donald nodded solemnly, "E's a good lad, me finest friend. And I 'ope
'e 'urries it up..."
*
Three years had passed since Tanya's encounter with the chimney
sweeps... and an interesting three years they were. They had taken pity
on her, after she'd explained everything she'd been through. Not only had
they not turned her over, they took her in as one of their family.
Donald went through an extreme amount of trouble for the girl. He'd
taken an immediate liking to her. Pulling a few strings - no, a lot of
strings, he'd managed to see to it that nobody noticed as one London
filing clerk 'misplaced' a few important records on a runaway orphan no
one really wanted to find. That some new, false records mysteriously
appeared in their place, regarding a young boy by the name of 'Danny
O'Leary' who would be staying with his uncle Donald for a while.... (In
order to better conceal the girl, they had made her dress as boy. She
cursed and hollered up and down about this, but finally had to admit: it
was a great disguise, and... *grr* she so much looked the part.) The
final touch was the local schooling. With a few called in favors, 'Danny'
was easily enrolled, 'his' papers mysteriously all in order.
Tanya never knew or understood what Donald had done exactly, nor all
the work he'd had to do following the trouble he'd gone through. She knew
only that she was comfortable where she was. They treated her like
family, and expected her to work with them to earn her keep as well. This
was no problem, as Tanya grew to love the profession... getting payed to
wander the roofs and pop about in the chimneys, that was the life. To say
she loved her work was an understatement.
Staying with her newfound family, Tanya learned a lot about the
business history. It was a very small-time endeavor, and something of a
family tradition. Donald had become a sweep like his father and
grandfather before him. They were very traditional, and kept a small
clientel who valued their services greatly. See, they did things in the
old style, the old stereotypical brooms and cleaning equipment... no
corners ever cut. Donald had a very important reputation to live up to,
being the only child in the family, it was a bit harder than one might
expect. It was strictly a family thing, but when his father finally died,
he was forced to take on a partner to keep the business going. This was
James.
James had always been a class chum of Donald's. Old school pals and
what not. James was a bit bigger than Donald, and not nearly so bright,
but he was always a true and loyal friend. They would goof off upon the
roof tops while Donald's father would do whatever chimney maintenance was
required of him. Needless to say, they got yelled at a lot. This,
however, kept James fairly close. And he was the first to offer his
assistance when the elder had died. Donald gratefully accepted.
With the business being so exclusive, it had a lot of close ties.
Donald and James would often do favors and such, not the least of which
was some basic maintenance other than chimney cleaning. This garnered
many favors, most of which Donald called in the day he took on Tanya.
This, she never fully realized.
Tanya, again, knew only that she was content. And it was her staunch
mission to make the both of them proud of her.
In school, she made a lovely boy. And as 'Danny' she was never teased,
nor was her gender ever questioned as it had been back in the orphanage.
This was both a relief, and very disturbing to Tanya... after all, what
that told her was that she made a better boy, and that annoyed her to no
end. Either way, she never complained, nor did the girl ever give away
her secret. Her instructors found her to be a marvelously sharp child,
and often was she commended for her wit and cunning. Praise was rather
alien to the girl, and decidedly, she rather liked it.
Donald had planned to enrolled her in a sort of martial arts class.
With her wandering the streets on occasion, he grew more and more
paranoid. It took him a good year before he could work a favour out of
the instructors there. Donald was one who didn't care to pay for things
if he could labor for them.
Tanya found herself enrolled in a Tai Kwan Do class, and she absolutely
ADORED it. It was an EXCUSE to beat on someone if she ever felt the need
or desire. Even now, she was still every bit the violent child she had
been, only more in control.
In her two years there, she had proven to be an excellent student, one
who learned fairly quickly. However, her temper still tended to flair in
combat, often hurting her opponent to unnecessary extents. Admittedly,
though, she was brutally efficient. It wasn't long before she'd convinced
one of the teachers to train her in various weapons, not the least of
which was the staff.
By the end of that two years, she had achieved a red belt in the art.
It was rightfully earned, as Tanya had become quite good. With staves,
she excelled. The very idea of extending the distance at which she could
strike had caught her fancy. The reach was nice, and it felt very 'right'
in her grip.
And, most of all, her sweep brooms were an awful lot like staves, only
weighted to one end. Using what she'd learned, Tanya had soon trained
herself to compensate for the uneven balance. Once she'd achieved that,
her desire was to incorporate her sweep tools into the art.
Tanya had initially thought this would impress her masters.
It didn't.
*
There was the sound of a violent *CRACK* then a shriek. This was
shortly followed by the sobbing of a 12 year-old boy.
Tanya was always rough on the boys. Feh, they deserved it anyway. If
they had any idea it was a girl stomping their arse...
"DANNY!"
She didn't respond immediately. Even after 3 years of having the name,
there were things that could still distract her from noticing. The punk
child on the floor holding his now bleeding cheek was one of them.
(Thought ya were pretty tough, eh, boy? i don't car 'ow much older'n me
you are...)
This thought was interrupted by a very loud *THWACK* to her skull. She
winced, "'EY?! Wot's th' big idea??"
"Mr. O'Leary! How many times have I said not to bring those...
_THINGS_ into class with you??!" this was barely short of a yell. Aye,
teacher was *miffed*. And the 'things' he referred to were two three foot
poles ending in wire-bristle brushes which splayed out in a circle about
the tip. She was now wielding one in each hand.
Obviously, these brushes were sweeping tools, but the metal bristles
were a bit of a curiousity. Actually, Tanya had custom made them to be
weapons, and the iron fibers were her added touch.
"Well, sir, they're technically short staves, right?"
Whispering went on in the background. Something along the lines of
"'ow did 'e get those in 'ere?", "Dunno... didn't see.", "Where would ya
'ide things like those?", "'e pulled 'em from thin air, 'e did!" this was
silenced by another instructor who wanted nothing to so with the
situation, and wanted his students to follow in suit.
"STAVES??!" the enraged master bellowed this.
Tanya honestly didn't see the big deal. She'd been at this almost two
years now, and was rather surprised the inventive, modified staves didn't
impress. But this was no matter. This had been the fifth or so time
she'd used them in class, and now, it was a sort of defiance thing.
"Staves? Indeed..." he helped the crying child up and examined the
damage. It was rather serious, and he flushed pale when he could just
make out bone through the badly ripped cheek. The towels they were using
had soaked up much of the blood, but it was apparent an ambulance would
need to be called, "Right... Gorden, call the paramedics. And you...
Daniel O'Leary, do not return here ever again."
She shrugged, it really wasn't a big deal. She hadn't broken anything,
so the worse would be some scarring. No biggie. But oh well. Tanya
nodded, and said in a largely mocking tone, "Aye, sir." on her way out.
She'd learned all she could here anyway, though, Tanya was sure, Donald
wouldn't be happy one bit.
-
It was hours later, and Tanya found herself walking along an alleyway
just north of her home. She had been stalling herself all this time.
(Donald's goin' t' be so disappointed.) was the thought for the passing
moments. Rather than go home and tell them right away, the girl opted to
wander, carefully pondering the words she would use. Whatever words would
smooth things the best.
She didn't notice the men who happened to be approaching her swiftly
from behind.
They had, however, noticed her. And dressed in her sweep clothes, did
she ever look the easy mark.
Tanya mumbled to herself, "Two years at that lousy school... think
they'd be teachin' me somethin' use--*" she was cut off when she heard the
distinct shattering of glass, "Wot th'...?" she spun to face the noise.
The 'noise' was one man wielding a broken bottle, with a second holding
tight to an iron pipe. They were dressed in leather, with steel-tipped
shoes. Teds for certain. They approached slowly, "All we wants is yer
wallet, li'l boy. 'and it o'er." was the foul utterance of the one
bearing the pipe.
She backed up carefully, (Only two, but are they ever nasty lookin'
blokes. Right... shouldn't be too 'ard.)
The men continued to approach, they didn't think much of the short
staff sweep-brooms strapped to her back. And they thought even less of
them when she drew both and held them forward defensively, "Wot? Gonna
'sweep' us t' death?" the two had a quick laugh at this.
"I jus' might."
Little to no time was wasted on words. She was gone suddenly, then
several loud *cracks* were heard and a sickening *squidge*. With that,
the pipe man was on the ground shrieking. He looked a bit mauled, far
worse than he actually was, holding his now blood-stained side and
awkwardly bent arm.
"'oly shi--*" was the cut response. There most certainly were other
words he'd desired to say, but they were silenced as he caught the end of
an iron rod with his jaw. This knocked him sideways, but didn't keep him
from steadying and LUNGING for the girl, "Ah lad... BIG mistake!" he
jabbed quickly, and only just caught Tanya's shoulder. It was enough to
send the child reeling across the pavement.
(Owowow... 'urt, that 'urt... damn... can't feel me arm...) she
scrambled deeper into the ally, just barely ahead of the still slightly
dazed teddy boy.
"Now I'm gonna kill ya, ya li'l bastard..." he found himself alone,
"Come on out... no sense 'idin'! Y're dead walkin', ya are!"
Pawing through a belt-pouch, she drew forth a small egg-shaped item.
(Let's see then 'ow these chemicals work...) drawing aim on the punk,
Tanya threw the egg-thing as hard as she could. It hit its mark: face.
(BINGO!)
The ted flailed, flinging his bottle in a random direction and hitting
nothing. He grabbed for his face and eyes, where smoke was now rising
from its surface. All he managed was an incomprehensible scream.
It was then Tanya drew in for the kill, so to speak. Adrenaline
kicking in, the blinded hood stood little to no chance as he was
bludgeoned into unconsciousness.
That done, Tanya found herself panting. Her bruised arm fell to her
side as the adrenaline rush faded. She leaned against a wall, sagging
into it. Sheathing her tools, she rubbed her shoulder, and tried to
resist crying.
A figure stepped out from the shadows, and eyed her narrowly.
Bad timing, Tanya really wasn't in any shape for another fight. She
only whispered, "Who're you?"
The man bowed low and stepped forward. He was noticeably foreign,
Asian for certain. He only nodded, "You are Danny O'Leary? Or should I
say, Tanya *Noori?"
Tanya BLINKED! "Er..." (Cover... cover... no wait, 'e already knows
who I am... oh 'ell. I'm caught.) "Ya don't look like a bobby..." was
all she could think to say.
"I am not." the man offered his hand to Tanya, "I am Giichi. Oshimu
Giichi. You have a strong spirit, and we have some interest in you."
"We?"
"Hai."
"Wot?"
"Yes."
"Ah..." well, that was fruitless. Tanya decided to query a bit
further, this man was obviously not an authority of any kind, "Who's this
'we'?"
"I noticed your fighting style at what was once your dojo only days
ago. It is very interesting, to say the least. You use brushes and
brooms... chemicals... unusual to say the least, ne?"
"Problem wit' that?"
"Iie, no problem. In fact, it is what attracted my attention." Giichi
noted the surroundings with a bit of disgust, "I should like to talk to
you further. Perhaps elsewhere would be more appropriate. I think I have
a proposition for you."
Finally catching her breath, Tanya nodded, "Right..." she was still
wary of the stranger, "'ow about a bit o' tea? I know a nice dine-in."
Giichi nodded. He was certainly dressed for nicer places. He worried
that too much time in this alley might ruin his nice business suit. He
didn't have many, after all, "Please, lead the way."
Tanya nodded carefully, then made her way out of the alley. At no time
did she take her eyes off the gentleman.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* Nory becomes Noori because in Japanese 'ry' doesn't exist.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
It had taken 3 hours and a rather costly meal to finally sway young
Tanya's trust, but it was worth it. Giichi had convinced the girl that
her best course of action would be to join him in his journey back to
Japan. He had been watching her over the last week, and her skill was
wasted in such a conventional environment. Giichi was satisfied that this
spry, tomboyish child would easily fullfil his obligation to the school.
(Strong, spirited, and talented. Hai, she'll make a fine pupil. I need
only convince her family now that this is the best for her. Her gift is
wasted here... it can be refined at the dojo.) he had faded only ever so
slightly with his thoughts, and Tanya's voice brought him back with little
to no effort.
"Okay... so... y're sayin' 'ere that y'll 'ouse me, feed me, and train
me fer free then?" it sounded too good to be true. She'd never thought
she'd have the opportunity to travel to the orient, much less live there,
"And y'll teach me t' better use me brooms better, right?"
Giichi nodded solemnly. They'd gone over this part of the conversation
three times before... and no, the answer wasn't any different.
"And... " she continued on, counting the perks on her fingers, "I'll
get t' spar wit' other blokes usin' me tools, as well as learn th' local
language so's I can talk wit' 'em, right?" the learning of a new language
part was easily the cincher. Contrary to popular belief, she did enjoy
the prospect of gaining new knowledges.
The sensei again nodded... this, too, had been gone over three times
previous.
"So... where do I sign?"
"Ah, but we need the consent of your peers. I dare not worry them
unnecessarily. I think they can be persuaded, however." Giichi stood,
leaving money and tip for the waitress who'd served them. He looked down
at the girl and knew she had no way of understanding how financially bad
off her 'family' was. He'd quickly realized it would be a simple matter
to show them it was indeed for the best. He needed only first convince
the girl of it as well. This went well, Tanya was more than anxious to
go.
Tanya stood and stretched. There had to be a catch somewhere, but if
there was, she couldn't see it, "Okay. I 'ope you're right. I've never
asked t' go so far away. I don't know..."
The other thing of note about this exceptional child was her history...
that, and the information his people had gathered on how she had become
'he'. The routes used for this were far less than legal. Giichi could
use that if it came down to the wire, but he really loathed blackmail or
strong arm methods. Willing was far more to his liking, and his
diplomatic way with words would likely net his dojo a new student as well
as prove convenient for all involved. (I don't know why the UWSMA wishes
to have students from so far north, but I am pleased to have found one
with so much potential. Now, If her rebellious streak can be shaped into
obedience, there will be no problems. and she will excel in her
learnings.) he rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then stated in a calm voice,
"I have little time to waste. Take me to your family so I may converse
with them?"
"Okay! This'll be cool!" Tanya bounced from her seat and took off,
intent on leading the man to where she knew Donald and James were working
at the moment. She halted long enough to inquire, "Do ya mind roofs
much?"
Giichi was the master sensei of the Housekeeping and Maintenance Dojo,
he'd done far more tedious things than roof-hopping... and all in a nicely
kept suit as well, "Iie, I'll manage."
Nodding, Tanya rushed off out the door. Giichi strolled out casually,
waiting for the door to close behind him before chasing off after the
youth, "Chotto matte!"
-
It was after 20 minutes of bounding from rooftop to rooftop that they
finally stumbled upon the two chimney sweeps. Donald, for one, was overly
surprised at the appearance of a middle-aged Asian man in a white suit,
but seemed to handle it fairly well with all things considered. It was
just a bit unusual to get such a well dressed visitor while on the job...
especially three stories up at the base of a chimney. These things just
didn't normally happen.
James seemed oblivious to it, his only comment being, "Fancy that." as
he disappeared into the chimney.
Giichi approached the two carefully (More like one... James was far too
busy with the chimney to be bothered, it seemed.) and stated in a proper,
delicate tone, "Gentleman, I believe I have a proposition for you that
would be in the best of interests for all parties involved..."
"Oh?"
******
PART 3 Turning Japanese
******
2 Years later
In a small, wooden, and very traditional tea house, two elderly
gentlemen, both wearing kimonos, drank tea and chatted of various things.
This was where they went to relax.
"So, how goes the new student, Giichi-san?" said one of the two men,
idly perusing a newspaper he stroked his beard.
The other smiled. "She progresses quickly, Miyaji-san, beyond my
expectations."
"What was her name again?"
"Noori Tanya."
"A gaijin, isn't she?"
Giichi nodded and reached for the business section of the paper. "She
was rebellious at first, indeed." He chuckled, thinking of how odd she
looked. A little girl so full of stubborness and pride. "But after a
while, with a little stern discipline and careful guidence, she's quickly
become the top of her class."
"Did you hear of her current relations? She is currently being courted
by Mr. Muhoshin."
Giichi paled. "Not -him-?"
"No no no, not Ryo. The other one."
Giichi sighed with relief.
"Tell me, Giichi, was it your teachings or natural talent which
elevated Noori-san in her martial art abilities?" queried Miyaji.
"At first I had to get through her stubbornness. Difficult, that was.
But once I overcame that, her progress was amazing. A natural martial
artist, that Noori-san."
"I was hoping you might enlighten me on dealing with -him-."
"The eldest Muhoshin?"
Sensei Miyaji nodded sadly. "In the martial arts, he is indeed sharp,
but he is not easily motivated. Once he established himself as the finest
student in the dojo, he became content and lazy."
"Surely he has something that motivates him. For Noori-san, it was the
art itself, and the spirit of competition." Giichi wouldn't admit it, but
he was feeling a little proud at the moment.
"Oh, he is motivated... by forces I do not wish to use." he sighed,
"However, my fellow senseis have resigned themselves to it."
Sensei Giichi's expression turned to that of concern. "Oh?"
"If someone threatens to become talented enough to overtake him in his
standing as number one student, _then_ he is motivated. But he does not
stop at training, he faces his rival in a duel and tries his best to not
just defeat, but humiliate his opponent. He is fueled by prestige and
hate, it seems."
Sensei Giichi nodded solemnly. "Good talent, but a dishonorable soul."
Sensei Miyaji sighed. "I only hope that this plan that the others have
used won't backfire."
"Plan?"
"Muhoshin-san is currently ranked at number two, and will stay there.
He IS training harder, as a result, but I fear his hatred of the new top
student will overshadow everything else."
Giichi patted Miyaji on the back. "The way of the martial artist is
fraught with difficulties, Miyaji-san."
"So says the sensei with such a willing student," replied Miyaji.
"I _did_ say she was stubborn at first, did I not?" replied Giichi,
"Believe me, Miyaji-san, that first year was very difficult. She had
beaten up any student that she thought may have been insulting her, and
would even presume to tell her instructors how things should be done! Did
Muhoshin-san ever do that?"
"No," muttered Miyaji, "he just found loopholes in our rules and took
every advantage of them."
"Oh. A warrior's skill and a lawyer's heart?"
Miyaji just nodded tiredly.
"Ah, well, Miyaji-san, I think it's time I check on my student about
now. We are supposed to go on a small training trip some time later."
"Very well then, good day, Giichi-san."
"Good day, Miyaji-san."
-
Tanya yawned and stretched, (It's been a good day, then, 'asn't it?) she
thought to herself, grinning widely at her achievement. It hadn't been
more than two hours ago that she had finally perfected her Hyakuharisuru,
a technique involving the spinning of a chimney broom until bristles
literally launched at a target. Not only that, she'd even managed to
charge a bit of chi energy into it, sending the sharp needles hurtling
that much faster towards a target about 70 feet away. This was a rather
new thing for her all together and it was the first time any of her
attacks actually utilized the inner power. Short of the pride she gained
with the achievement, Tanya received a rather noteworthy score on the test
she was taking and was rewarded with a day to kick back and rest.
She was doing just that.
(Wait until I tell me folks... they'll be proud for certain!) her
thoughts drifted back to a rooftop conversation from long ago. One in
which a saddened but understanding Donald agreed to transfer the care of
Tanya over to a man he'd never before seen: Giichi, in effect, to the
UWSMA. It was an excellent decision, one that had proven to do nothing
but alter the child for the better.
She frowned slightly, the girl did miss her family dearly, but was
happier now than ever before that she had decided to join the
Housekeeping/Maintanance dojo, (They'd be proud o' me now, they would! I
know it! Gotta call 'em tonight.)
Tanya smiled and sat up, looking down from her perch upon a roof beam
in one of the sparring buildings. It had become something of a habit for
her to hide away in the rafters on her free days, and today was no
different. She had crept up there unobserved, and now watched the
happenings unnoticed. Her attention was drawn to a duel between two of
the umbrella fighters, "Hm?" squinting, she recognized them both. Ryo
Muhoshin, Megane's brother. This caught her attention more than anything,
she'd always wanted to see her boyfriend's family in action. The other
was Ryouga... something. The family name eluded her, but Tanya knew he
was supposed to be some sort of fighting prodigy. (Oooh... this ought t'
be a good'n...) with that thought aside, she kicked back and watched
silently, unnoticed. Well, she thought so anyway.
The fight came to a rather climactic end, with several blows struck
between both combatants. She had been observing the battle for quite some
time now and, to her shame, found herself kinda rooting for the Ryouga
boy. It seemed only right, Tanya always did cheer on the underdog... and
to her eyes, the boy was losing. Besides, Ryouga was cuter.
Her attention intensified as she watched Muhoshin whip his umbrella
forward in a fluid motion, pressing the tip to the 'prodigy's' throat.
Tanya managed to stifle her gasp, thinking, (Ye gods, he's gonna kill th'
lad!) Her reflex was to jump down to join the fray, this was halted
promptly as something struck her face, and suctioned there. A muffled
'eep' came from Tanya, who now worked to free a plunger from her face.
"Ah, my pupil... it is not your business to interfere. Sit and watch
young one." he pulled the plunger free with a quick tug.
"S-sensei?"
"Hai, now be still."
"But... sensei. Will he not kill him?" Tanya's Japanese, though
improving greatly over the years, still left much to be desired.
Fortunately, her sentances were mostly passable, though hardly eloquent.
"Shhh..."
Sensei knew best. Among many things, a certain sense of obedience had
worked its way into Tanya's persona. It wasn't programmed, however, it
had built over time. She'd experienced time and time again that sensei
was always right... well, mostly right anyway. And he could knock her
silly at a moment's notice if he had to.
Giichi's voice noted softly, "These two are the bitterest of enemies...
spawned unknowingly by their dojo's senseis. One of them doesn't even
know of the cold rivalry kindled between them." he nodded solemnly, "They
are the finest of the Environmental Extremes Dojo, Hibiki Ryouga and
Muhoshin Ryo."
Tanya loomed on, exhaling gently as Ryo finally lowered his umbrella,
seemingly influenced by the protests from his sister. She nodded, "Ah...
so they hate each other? Why?"
"It is a hatred kindled by jealousy. Both are fine warriors, yet one
is highly revered for his strength and ability to learn quickly, while the
other is constantly chided for being less of a fighter."
"Oh, is that so? Ryouga is the one who replaced Ryo as best, ne?"
Giichi nodded solemnly.
"That is rather unfair." her eyes followed Ryo as he stalked off,
looking rather peeved, "Megane had mentioned Ryo had a rival for who was
better. He never went into depth on it though. Why didn't he kill
Ryouga?"
"Eh?"
"That would have solved his problems! Then he would be best again."
Giichi shook his head, "Who's to say why? Perhaps it was honor that
kept him. Or maybe fear? It could be any number of reasons. I like to
think it was a sense of honor." he rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "To kill
such a fine combatant in cold blood would disgrace his dojo."
Nodding, she admitted, "I'm glad he did not, we would have to come in
and clean up." she giggled. It was a joke, though poorly worded at best.
"Ano... h-hai..." it was a joke lost to Giichi completely, "Anyhow. I
had come to remind you, your new training begins tomorrow. Please, I
would like a show of dedication, ne? I know this is your free time, but a
bit of practice never hurts."
"Hai.. *grumble* I will do that soon, sensei."
"Very good. For now, I bid you good day."
The words 'goodbye sensei' didn't make it from her lips before Giichi
disappeared completely from sight, "Damn, he's so good..." thinking a bit
further on it, she shrugged, "I will have to ask Megane more about it
later."
With that, Tanya turned her attention to some of the other fights. If
nothing else, UWSMA was well known for battles which looked either
terrifyingly deadly, or tragically hysterical. Her sights fell to a
French battle mime dueling with an American fighting plumber. This was
decidedly going to be entertaining.
******
PART 4 One Way Or Another I'm Gonna Find Ya, I'm Gonna Getcha....
******
It couldn't have been more than a week or two later, Tanya now found
herself in friendly competition for a 'best of class' title. It was
mostly for bragging rights, but it was far more to her, as no battle of
any sort was ever friendly with Tanya. She fought to win, and that was
that. This also happened to be the last step in her newest training, as
well as the final bout in the minor tourney. Her opponent: A young Asian
boy who'd seemed to have mastered the art of yard maintenance.
Looking her enemy over coldly, she knew he was good. Damn good. She'd
seen him fight before and knew his weapons of choice were generally a HUGE
pair of hedge trimmers (Nasty at best) and various rakes and shovels.
Luckily for Tanya, he never got his hands on a weedwhacker...
The boy took up a defensive crouch, trimmer in hand. He snapped it
open and shut for effect, and had he been trying to intimidate... it was
successfull.
The boy in question was known only as 'Kumade', and Tanya had never
heard him called anything else. He stood about five feet tall, and really
didn't look all that intimidating. Rather, almost on the innoffensive
side. The huge hedgers belied this otherwise 'mostly harmless'
appearance. And, to reiterate, even she had to admit he was good.
The bout was to 3 hits, and Tanya tensed nervously as she anticipated
the call. This would decide her ranking and show her sensei that she
really was the best. This wasn't just a tourney, it was status! And
status was very important. She resisted the urge to jump as the word
'fight' left her sensei's lips.
Kumade lept into action, lunging high with the clippers, then sweeping
low at Tanya's feet. She was caught only slightly off guard and managed a
clumsy, awkward cartwheel to avoid both. Tanya returned to her stance,
carefully twirling her sweep brooms. This was going to be a long,
grueling fight... -
20 minutes went by, and yet the bout still raged on. The two stood in
their ready positions once more. Kumade had just scored a point, and it
had been a good, solid point at that. Tanya held her now bleeding side,
where a rake had ripped across it like a tiger's claws. This was the
point that brought Kumade's total up to two, tying him with Tanya's score.
The other point had only grazed her arm, barely bruising the limb.
Tanya's points had been a bit nastier, as one tore open Kumade's shirt
and left uncountable deep scratches diagonally across his chest, while her
first point gashed across his leg, leaving the boy with a slight limp.
It amazed Tanya that, with his injuries, Kumade didn't surrender. But
now, with the score tied, she knew for certain that was out of the
question. (Owww... bugger got me one good there, 'e did... no matter.
'e'll be an easy win for certain now. 'e's limpin' far worse now than
before, and that last point was jus' luck, 't'was...) she held her
sweep-brooms to either side once more, again ready.
Giichi eyed the two carefully... it had been by far the bloodiest, and
most dedicated fight he'd seen in some time. He watched carefully, the
injuries so far were but flesh wounds, deep as they were, the two would
easily survive the bout. That was, unless the last blow scored caused
great damage. As he watched Tanya, he could see a bit of fury building,
unhealthy fury, perhaps even deadly. Giichi was concerned that she might
lose it. He sighed, (And I am here to make certain she does not.) Kumade
was far more disciplined, so Giichi didn't even give his demeanor a second
thought. "Fight."
The combatants tensed at the word, then...
*Ka-BOOM! CRASH! CRASH!*
Suddenly there were screams of panic as rocks and debris flew EVERYWHERE.
Unable to resist the compulsion, Tanya looked up, "Wot th' bloody
'ell??" came her words... in english. "Wot is-* *ACK*"
It was over in a flash. Something swept Tanya's feet out from under
her, and she found herself on her back, pinned to the floor. Opening her
eyes, she could just make out the hedgers that now held her in place by her
neck, one blade to each side.
"Full point! Victory to Kumade."
"WOT?? But that's not fair!! I was distracted, I was!!" she screamed
in her Brittish tongue.
A soft *thwack* was heard as Tanya again found a plunger suctioned to
her face. Giichi spoke softly, "It is your own fault, Noori-san. You
allowed yourself to be distracted. In a real battle, it would have been
your downfall. Kumade did not allow the disruption to affect him. The
point is fair. You are an excellent fighter, but you still have much to
learn." he plucked the plunger free and finished more softly, "I am sorry."
Kumade pulled his trimmers free of the floor and offered his hand to Tanya.
Tanya snarled mildly and pushed herself to a stand. It had been a
humiliating point, one that hadn't hurt her at all physically, but damaged
her ego far more than anyone other than her sensei could see. The girl
finally looked to see what had lost her the match. Her eyes settled... on
Ryouga.
Ryouga had been lost, he'd suddenly remembered his vow to find and
punish Ranma for all the suffering caused to him. Leaving the UWSMA had
proven far more difficult than finding it to begin with. When finding
doors came to be a problem, Ryouga had taken to busting through the walls.
This was one such instance, as he casually busted down one wall and made
his way through the housekeeping/maintenance dojo. He managed little more
than a muffled "'scuse me." as he plodded through.
Tanya glared icily at boy... and emblazoned him to her memory. She
couldn't fault her opponent for being more focused, or her sensei for
calling the point. But, she COULD blame the jerk who'd caused her the loss
in concentration. Her voice growled very low, "Ryouga... I will not
forgive you this indignity." and flinched only slightly as he continued on
through the opposite wall, leaving her dojo in shambles, "Where ever you
go... one day... Hibiki Ryouga, I WILL avenge this slight." Tanya always
was just a bit intense.
Giichi saw the cold stare Tanya now wore, and looked on as the finest of
the External Extremes dojo tromped off into the distance. He shrugged and
thought to himself, (If what I have heard of him is true, the revenge she
desires will never be fulfilled. How does one find a person who can not
find himself? Ah well.) "Noori-san, we will begin your retraining
tomorrow, when your wounds are less apparent. Both of you, walk to the
health dojo and get the care you need. Kumade, you have proven your worth.
Your new training will begin in two days, use your rest well. Now go."
"But..." Tanya was furious, but could do little to nothing. She wanted
to go beat the crap out of that Hibiki punk, but could not refuse her
teacher, "Hai, Sensei." she growled heavily and managed a forced bow.
Kumade bowed deeply, holding his his chest and wincing, "Hai, Sensei."
They made their way towards the health dojo, with Tanya still seething.
Giichi shook his head and eyed his dojo narrowly. His gaze fell upon the
stunned students who even STILL looked about in amazed bewilderment,
"Well?" he called out, "Why are you all gawking? Get to work on repairs
immediately!" this was the housekeeping and maintenance dojo after all,
the students here were more capable than those of any other. The way
Giichi saw it, repairs should be simple.
-
Four months came and went... and Tanya had found stalking Ryo to be a
wonderful pastime. She had managed to drag out of Megane (Info that was
hard-gotten, even if he was her Boyfriend) that his brother Ryo would be
leaving to hunt Ryouga soon. Since then, she'd shadowed Ryo stealthily
whenever she could. It had almost become her hobby over the last month.
And she was fairly certain Ryo was oblivious to her presence. Then again,
after observing him, she was of the opinion he was pretty oblivious in
general.
Ryo wasn't anywhere near as inattentive as Tanya made him out to be, but
pressing matters kept him from caring. He would soon have Ryouga in his
sights, and he would avenge all his humiliation on the 'prodigy' who had
removed him from his top ranking. And all else was unimportant. Ryo never
noticed the dark-clad girl who now followed him, and he blatantly ignored
any instinct which pointed it out to him. That, and Tanya was truely good
at what she did.
Today, the tedium of shadowing Ryo had changed. This was the day Ryo
was to leave in pursuit of Ryouga, and Tanya was ready for it. Perched in
the rafters of the Environmental Extremes dojo, she craned ever so slightly
to see the paperwork being handed to her patsy. She shouldered a modest
pack of her belongings and was ready for the journey. Tanya thought
quietly to herself, ( AlI need is fer Ryo t' lead me right t' Ryouga...
then I can take over from there! I 'aven't forgotten th' indignity and
'umiliation that jerk caused me! 'e's mine, 'e is! And rightfully so.
Such a loss of face b'fore me sensei is unforgiveable!) she looked on as
Ryo pocketed the papers and stalked off, (Ah! Soon, I will be avenged.
This mission, by all rights, shoulda been mine.)
Pouncing soundlessly from rafter to rafter, she dropped to a graceful
stand before the door and quickly made her way through it. She was on
Ryo's trail, and most certainly would not lose him. Well, this would have
been true had it not been for the familiar *thwack* and accompanied
darkness, "Wot th'-*??"
Once more, Tanya found herself pulling at the plunger now hugging her
face. Her words were probably not pleasant, not that anyone could hear
them.
A voice spoke up, "And just where do you think you are going, Noori-san?"
Tanya found the plunger rather harshly yanked from her face.
"You weren't planning to leave with a word, now, were you? I had
thought you a bit more responsible than that." Giichi showed no real
emotion, but he made his disappointment more than apparent.
Tanya scanned the area, then the horizon, no sign of Ryo... at all. She
cursed to herself in english, then managed in her best Japanese, "I lost
him! I can not follow now! Why did you do this, sensei?"
Frowning, Giichi placed one hand on the girl's shoulder. He shook his
head slowly, "Your duties lie here with your dojo, Noori-san. Would you
shame your dojo by abandoning it?"
"But...! He's going fter Ryouga! That should be my fight!!"
"Iie, it shouldn't be anyone's fight. Your failure that day was just
that: your own. You allowed distraction to be your downfall. In a way, it
was a valuable lesson. I suspect your concentration will never again be so
easily shaken in the future."
Tanya stammered helplessly, "But... but... but..."
"I do not approve of this 'hunt' they've sent Muhoshin on, but it isn't
my place to object. Those in my dojo, however, I have some say in their
doings. You will stay and keep with your teachings." the sensei seemed
to glare almost, he wasn't about to allow one of his prized pupils get
caught up in what he viewed as 'foolish revenge', nor did he want her to
have any dealings what so ever with Ryo. It was bad enough she was being
courted by one related to him, "The mission they've sent Muhoshin on is
mindless, and encourages spite. You will have nothing to do with it."
"..."
"Do I make myself clear?"
"Hai..."
"You had best mean that, Tanya. You're one of the finest." he didn't
mind bolstering her ego, it wasn't a lie.
"Hai, sensei."
Giichi nodded, "Good. Now, join me in morning practice." the sensei
walked away casually, knowing full well the girl's sense of duty would
compel her properly.
Tanya did a final scan of the surroundings. Nothing. Ryo was just
gone. She grumbled and followed her sensei, just as she was told. But her
thoughts still lingered, (This ain't over, Ryouga. I'll find ya, I will.
Ya 'aven't gotten out o' this yet.)
The two disappeared into their dojo.
********
EPILOGUE
********
3 years later. Present day.
Nabiki frowned, looking at the Noori file. Somewhat unsatisfactory.
Just on a whim she flipped back to the UWSMA file and glanced it over.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unorthodox Weaponry School of Martial Arts (UWSMA)
Membership: unknown
Known Members in Nerima:
Hibiki Ryouga - (?)
Muhoshin Kyoko - student
Muhoshin Megane - student
Muhoshin Ryo - student
Muhoshin Ryoko - student
History: The UWSMA was founded hundreds of years ago as a school to
train martial artists on how to use any sort of weaponry, and handle any
sort of environment, mainly for the purpose of training guardians to men
of great importance. As time passed, for unknown reasons, the UWSMA
gradually faded from it's once prominent position, but still exists today.
Possible heavy influence on the strange techniques found in Nerima (i.e.
Handwriting Martial Arts, Tea Ceremony Martial Arts, Cheerleading Martial
Arts). Reported to have been recently disbanded by unknown events but
getting ready for a revival.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
She quickly added in the names Oshimu Giichi and Noori Tanya, then
closed the file again. Nabiki mulled over the possibilities on this case.
Why was Noori after Ryouga? Old rival? Fiancee? She laughed out loud
briefly at that. _How Ranma-esque_ she mused. Still, there was no
information yet that would bend Noori to her will. That was the entire
point of her 'files'. No sense in lingering any further, Kuno was waiting
and she had photos to deal, and had a feeling today she'd make a killing.
Meanwhile, across the street...
Tanya eyed the woman exiting the cafe with a measure of suspicion.
She'd been patrolling around the neighborhood when she spotted her
ex-boyfriend, Megane, talking to a girl down below. That was enough for
her to be suspicious of what they were both up to. Or was it? Maybe she
was just being paranoid. (Ah, s'nothin' to worry'bout) she reassured
herself, then sprinted off across the rooftops. (Megs went 'bout this way,
methinks... 'ey oughta lead me straight't Ryo... who oughta lead me
straight't Ryouga. 'An when I find'em...) Tanya grinned as she sprinted
off in pursuit. She had a Hibiki to find, and had a feeling today she'd
make a killing.
-the end... and the beginning-
=========================================================================
WRITER'S COMMENTS:
Well, here it is. This is the first and only thing I've made public.
I don't know how good it is, I guess it could be considered a first
attempt. This isn't the first thing I've ever written, but all else I've
done has been exclusive to a small writing club, or stories that have
never been made public. Anyway, I owe a lot to RPM for this one, without
his aid and persistant prodding... this wouldn't have been written at all.
Just another idea on a back burner somewhere. Also, my thanks to him for
the editing and critisism, and putting up with my procrastination ^_^;.
It's not fully a Ranma 1/2 fic exactly, more of an introduction... and I
gotta admit, I was rather afraid to put it out at all. Ah well, never
know until you try, ne?
==========================================================================
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: rebirth of a character.
Well, it started like this...
Several months ago I was in my Nth Total Rewrite of The More Things Change
(N being a number higher than 20 but lower than infinity) and it was
FINALLY flowing nicely. A few friends of mine helped me get unjammed from
severe writer's block. One friend of mine, I was encouraging her to start
writing. She had an old fic that I read, it read fairly good, and I
thought she could certainly do some stuff now now.
And so she brings up an old character design. A girl that uses England
Chimney Sweep stuff to fight, and has a grudge against a certain Lost Boy
that was wanndering through her place and caused a mess.
That, by itself, was a fair plot. We both realized, thought, that she'd
be a PERFECT candidate for the Unorthodox Weaponry School of Martial Arts.
That, and I needed another rival to make Ryouga's life hell. After ALOT
of prodding, she started writing, and the final result is, imho, a pretty
nifty character for the ranmaverse. I hope you enjoyed it, I certainly
did =) C&C -very- much appreciated.
-rpm
btw, bonus points to whoever can name the artists that sang the titles to
the story AND the four parts =)