Part 4/4
Altered Destinies: Most Unlikely of Friends OVA 1
Troubles a' brewing
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%Part 4
(Ukyo stands at the grill in Ucchan's, cooking several okonomiyaki
as Mousse is taking an order from some customers at a table. Ukyo
flips an okonomiyaki onto a plate in front of a customer at the grill
then looks up at a clock and looks confused. She shrugs then
continues her work. Time passes till the crowd thins out to nothing
and Ukyo begins cleaning the grill as Mousse carries dishes into the
back room.)
Ukyo: I wonder where Perfume is. She's always here by now.
Mousse: Don't know.
(Mousse walks into the back room.)
Ukyo: Maybe she finally gave up.
Mousse(from the back room): You wish.
Ukyo: I can hope can't I?
(Mousse walks back out into the dinning area.)
Mousse: Yeah, I suppose. Then again, you're dealing with an
Amazon woman. Hope is nearly all you got.
Ukyo: *small laugh*{amused and sarcastic}You really know how
to brighten up my day, you know that?
(Mousse smiles slightly in response then looks to the door as it
slides open. Perfume walks in, looking like she hasn't slept in a
week. Ukyo looks at her in confused concern.)
Ukyo: What happened to you?
Perfume: *yawn*I... *yawn*
(Perfume weakly walks over to the grill, sits down on a chair and
looks up at Ukyo with a tired smile.)
Perfume: Cologne... *yawn*Cologne... she make... *yawn*make me
work off time spent wi...*yawn*th injury.
(Perfume rests her head on the bench and begins to nod off.)
Ukyo: That's not fair. It wasn't your fault.
Perfume: {sleepily}She always do this to me. No matter if my
mistake or not, she punish me anyway.
Ukyo: Well that's stupid. Why don't you stay here-
Perfume: {sleepily}No... no.... no.... Have to... work. Just come
for short... short visit with... with... {very quietly}Ukyo... hmmm.
(Perfume's eyes close as she completely nods off to sleep. Ukyo
looks over at Mousse with a shake of her head. He responds with a
shrug.)
Ukyo: That old lady runs her into the ground.
Mousse: Not much you can do about it.
Ukyo: Well this is no good. No wonder she has no real social life,
Cologne won't let her have one. And then there's this marriage
thing... How am I supposed to get her to give up on me if Cologne is
encouraging the marriage and giving her no other options?
Mousse: I'm not so sure she'd be interested in other options. I
really think she loves you.
Ukyo: Please don't say that. I'm getting enough weird looks at
school. At least they think I'm a guy. I'd never live this down if
they knew I was a girl. {pause}Well, I'm going to do something
about this.
(Ukyo starts to walk to the door.)
Mousse: Where you going?
Ukyo: To have a chat with Cologne. Could you put Perfume in my
room for now? She's needs to sleep.
Mousse: Yeah, sure.
(Ukyo walks out the door. Mousse looks over at the sleeping
Perfume and then scowls. He shakes his head, walks over, scoops
her up and begins to walk with her to the back room.)
Perfume: {in her sleep}Ukyo...
(Mousse looks down at Perfume as she smiles slightly. He finally
lays her down on Ukyo's bed then heads out, thinking.)
Mousse: [What am I waiting for?]
(Mousse goes over to the grill and begins absently cleaning it off.)
Mousse: [Maybe I should just ask... No, no, too forward. That's
how I messed it up with Shampoo. Got to be more subtle.] Hmmm.
(Mousse stops his cleaning and leans against the wall, deep in
thought. Just then the door slides open and a raged Ryoga falls in
and onto the floor. Mousse gives him a curious glance as he reaches
his feet.)
Ryoga: Finally, someplace familiar.
Mousse: Lost again were we?
(Ryoga nods and weakly makes his way to the grill where he falls
onto a chair.)
Ryoga: Now, if I take a left and go 6 kilometers then 7 rights and
another 12 kilometers I should be right at the dojo, right?
(Mousse responds by slowly shaking his head.)
Ryoga: Damn.
Mousse: Why don't I just call someone to come get you.
Ryoga: Maybe you better.
(Mousse nods than moves into the back for a moment. Ryoga sits on
the chair, recovering. After a minute Mousse returns.)
Mousse: Akane's on her way right now.
Ryoga: Thanks. It's going to be so nice to see her again. It feels
like it's been a week.
Mousse: Probably has been. {pause}So, how's it going with you
two? Make any progress?
Ryoga: {nervously}Ahh... well, you know, these things take time.
(Mousse nods while Ryoga starts to nervously fiddle with his
fingers.)
Ryoga: I mean, I want to, and I would but things just keep getting in
the way.
Mousse: Yeah, I know the problem.
Ryoga: Well, there was that pervert Happosai.
Mousse: [Cologne giving Ukyo that cat tongue point.]
Ryoga: Then there was this whole thing with Bu kidnapping
Shampoo, it wouldn't have been right then.
Mousse: [Yeah, not very appropriate.]
Ryoga: Of course then Akane got sick for that week and we
couldn't do anything then.
Mousse: [And Perfume was spending all her off time here, admiring
Ukyo, while her ankle healed.]
Ryoga: Then I got lost... You see what I mean?
Mousse: [Hmmm, but I had a chance then, why didn't I take it?]
Mmhuh, but now you have a chance. [So do I.]
Ryoga: {nervously}Now?
Mousse: [Why not?] Why not?
Ryoga: {nervously}Well, ah, I don't want to scare her off by being
too... ah... forward.
Mousse: [Exactly.] Yeah, maybe you're right.
Ryoga: But maybe...
Mousse: [Hmmm.]
Ryoga: I could ask her out.
Mousse: [Yeah.]
Ryoga: With nothing in the way maybe...
Mousse: [Hmmm, yeah, I can't stay in neutral forever.]
Ryoga: Do you know a good place to take her?
Mousse: {to himself}The fair's a good place.
Ryoga: Yeah, a fair, that sounds good.
Mousse: {to himself}If I ask Ukyo and she agrees... Hmmm.
Ryoga: Huh? Hey, you're coming to help me out. Thanks.
Mousse: {shaking himself back to reality}Huh? Ah... yeah. Why
not? [Actually, that's perfect.]
(Just then Akane walks in and walks over to Ryoga. He nearly falls
off his chair upon seeing her approach.)
Akane: {sternly}So, where have you been?
Ryoga: {nervously}Me?! I... I... I... was-
Akane: {with a smile}Oh Ryoga, I was getting to miss you.
Ryoga: You were?
Akane: Of course.
Ryoga: Well, ah, Akane would you like to maybe... go out the fair...
maybe, possibly-
Akane: I'd love to. {as she takes a hold of Ryoga's hand}Come on,
don't want you getting lost again.
Ryoga: Sure.
(Mousse watches as Akane leads Ryoga out, his face turning more
red by the second.)
Mousse: [Yeah, this is perfect. If she's not interested I haven't
done anything to mess it up and if she is then...]
(Mousse seems to brighten with a smile.)
=================================================
=====
(Over at the Nekohanten Shampoo is shaking angrily as she wipes
off a table. Cologne watches her from the kitchen with a neutral
expression. Soon Li looks between them, also from the kitchen, then
shakes her head in exasperation.)
Soon Li: Cologne.
(Cologne turns to Soon Li.)
Soon Li: Are you insistent on keeping up this mental feud with my
daughter.
Cologne: Your daughter?
Soon Li: You know what I mean.
Cologne: I'm not so sure. {pause}Anyway, my actions are my own
to choose. I will not have you-
Ukyo: {as she comes in}All right Cologne, I want to talk.
(Cologne turns to Ukyo with a slight peak of interest. Soon Li glares
briefly at Cologne's back then reluctantly returns to her work.
Shampoo looks up from her work at Ukyo.)
Cologne: What can I do for you Ms. Kuonji?
Ukyo: I want you to stop pushing Perfume onto me. It's not right.
Cologne: It's our law. It is merely fortunate she has taken a liking
to you.
Ukyo: I don't give one iota about your stupid laws! I'm not going to
be marrying her.
Cologne: We'll see about that.
(Ukyo gives Cologne a brief angry stare.)
Ukyo: Can't you at least lay off the girl and let her have a life?
Cologne: She is behind in her training and still very inadequate.
Ukyo: You got a strange definition of inadequacy. I thought she was
the best in the village.
Cologne: She has ability in a tournament but her skills in battle
leave much to be desired.
Ukyo: Battle?! When are you... Oh, never mind. That's still no
excuse to run her into the ground like that.
Cologne: My training methods are not your concern.
(Cologne turns and heads further into the kitchen, out of view. Ukyo
watches her go in annoyance and gives Shampoo a brief look.)
Shampoo: There is no point in talking to her. She never listens.
Ukyo: I'm beginning to agree with you. *sigh*{Calling
out}Couldn't you at least give her the night off. She's exhausted.
Cologne (unseen): She has her chores to attend to, and her work,
and her training. Matter of fact, she falling behind even as we
speak.
(Ukyo shakes her head angrily and starts to leave but stops and
looks thoughtful.)
Ukyo: {calling out}What if I was going to take her... {pause}on a
date.
(Ukyo winces at the last word as both Soon Li and Shampoo look at
her in shock. Cologne suddenly comes out of the kitchen and eyes
Ukyo suspiciously.)
Cologne: Hmmm, well if it is true the I suppose that is adequate
reason for her to have the night off. But if I find this to be untrue-
Ukyo: It's not.
Cologne: Very well.
(Cologne hops back into the kitchen. Shampoo pulls Ukyo off to the
side.)
Shampoo: {whispering}What do you think you're doing?
Ukyo: {whispering}Getting her some time off and away from here.
She needs it.
Shampoo: {whispering}But a date? I mean, if you really want to I
guess it's okay but-
Ukyo: No! {whispering}It's not like that. {pause}Look, I'm just
going to take her out somewhere, and maybe I can explain the
situation to her properly.
Shampoo: Oh.
Ukyo: Yeah. Oh, do you know someplace nice and public so she
doesn't get too intimate?
Shampoo: Ah, there's a fair today at the park.
Ukyo: Yeah, that will do. Thanks.
(Ukyo turns and walks out. Shampoo watches her leave then shakes
her head and returns to her work.)
=================================================
=====
(A short time later Ukyo returns to Ucchan's where Mousse is
serving two customers at the grill. He gives her a brief smile of
greeting then finishes with two okonomiyaki which he hands them.
One lays down some money and the two take their meals and leave
as Ukyo comes over.)
Mousse: Have a good day. {to Ukyo}Talk go well?
Ukyo: Sort of.
Mousse: Ah. {pause}Ah, Ukyo-
Ukyo: {leaning in close and whispering}Shhh, I got to tell you
something.
Mousse: {whispering}What?
(Ukyo looks around nervously for a moment.)
Ukyo: *sigh*{whispering}I'm taking Perfume on a date.
(Instantly Ukyo is on the floor, Perfume hugging her fiercely.
Mousse blinks in shock and surprise.)
Perfume: {Overjoyed}Is true?! Ukyo take me on date?!
Ukyo: Hey, do you mind?!
(Perfume quickly withdraws and helps Ukyo to her feet.)
Perfume: Sorry. {pause then hopeful}Is true?
Ukyo: {reluctantly}Yeah.
(Mousse's jaw drops to the grill, well as close as it can naturally
get anyway. Perfume is so excited she moves to hug Ukyo again but
stops at the last second and instead just gives her a happy smile.)
Ukyo: I got you the night off so that we can get you out of the
Nekohanten.
Perfume: {Overjoyed}Oh, is so happy!
Ukyo: I can tell. Look, Perfume, we're just going to the fair to relax
and have a little talk.
(Perfume clasps her hands in front of her joyfully then starts to rush
out the door.)
Perfume: Must get ready!
Ukyo: {calling after Perfume}We're just going to a fair, nothing
fancy! *sigh*{to Mousse in normal voice}This isn't going to be
easy.
Mousse: You're taking her on a... date?!
Ukyo: Nonono... well, yes, but it's not what you're thinking. She
needs to get away from Cologne so I can explain things to her
properly.
Mousse: {relieved}Oh.
Ukyo: Yeah, but by the looks of it she's got the completely wrong
impression. I wished she'd actually stay to listen once in a while.
Mousse: Yeah, {to himself}well, I guess Ryoga will be on his own.
Ukyo: Hmh?
Mousse: Oh, well Ryoga was taking Akane to the fair and... I know
it was a bit presumptuous but I said that we'd be there to lend moral
support, sort of.
(Ukyo looks at Mousse curiously then starts to think.)
Ukyo: Well, maybe you could come anyway, as a chaperone. I
could use the help.
Mousse: Ah, yeah, okay. [Not exactly what I had planned.]
=================================================
=====
(That night at the fair Perfume is walking beside Ukyo, opposite
Mousse who is carrying two tanks of fish, one of goldfish, one of
piranha. Ukyo is toweling off her arm as Perfume scowls at
Mousse.)
Ukyo: Those should go well at the restaurant. Add some life to the
place.
Mousse: I still can't believe you stuck your hand in a tank of
piranha!
Perfume: Yes, Ukyo is very brave.
Ukyo: Well, they didn't really have a chance.
Man's voice: Test your daring! Face the wrath of a room full of
killer insects!
(Ukyo and others turn their attention to the voice and walk over
curiously to large stall beside a large glass enclosure. Inside the
enclosure the air is nearly black with swarming insects. A large
crowd is gathered, listening to the man behind the stand.)
Ukyo: You got to be kidding! What the heck would be worth going
in there?!
Man: Ah, that's the question isn't it.
(The man bends over behind bench and comes up with a number of
small sculptures in his hands, all made of crystal.)
Man: What would you say to this? Just capture a mere handful of
insects without getting bit and one of these could be yours.
(The crowd looks at the sculptures in awe.)
Ukyo: {as she examines a sculpture}Hmm, nice.
(Perfume looks at Ukyo for a second, then to the enclosure.)
Perfume: What get if capture all?
(The man looks at Perfume in shock for a second then recovers.)
Man: Ahh, well, I suppose you could have my whole collection, but
that's impossible.
(Perfume grins.)
Perfume: How much for try?
Ukyo: Hey, Perfume, you don't need to do this.
Perfume: No worry Ukyo, I be fine. {to the man}How much?
Man: 200 yen.
(Perfume pulls out a few bills and slams them into the man's hand.
Everyone, especially Ukyo and Mousse look at her in shock.)
=================================================
=====
(Moments later Perfume is standing in smaller glass enclosure
connected to the larger one. The man hands her a net while the
crowd, Ukyo and Mousse just look on in shock.)
Ukyo: She is out of her mind!
Mousse: I don't know. I think she's up to something.
Man: Ready?
Perfume: I is ready.
(The man seals the smaller enclosure door then moves to slide open
the glass divider. Those watching tense up as the divider slides
back to allowing the insects in. Perfume grins and in a flash of
motion has an ax in her hand. She rushes forward, spinning the ax
so fast that only a blur is seen. She gets immersed in a cloud of
insects for a moment but the cloud quickly thins, and thins until it
completely disappears and Perfume is standing in the middle,
calmly spinning her ax between her fingers and holding the net full
of insects. The man faints. The crowd lets out a cheer as Ukyo and
Mousse just blink.)
Ukyo: {shocked}How in the... How could she of.... That's
impossible!
(Perfume walks out and over to Ukyo with a smile.)
Perfume: I do real good, yes?
Ukyo: Uhh, yeah, real good.
(Mousse looks closely at the net full of insects as the man recovers
and slowly walks over.)
Mousse: You cut off all their wings?! How?
Perfume: Oh, is simple trick. Have do that last year as training.
Ukyo: You're telling me Cologne stuck you in a room full of
insects-
Perfume: Killer bees.
Ukyo: KILLER BEES!! That's what you go through for training?!
(Perfume sadly nods. The man looks at the net and holds his head.)
Man: {in despair}I'm ruined.
Mousse: Maybe you two should go get something to eat and... talk.
Ukyo: Huh? Oh, yeah! Come on Perfume.
(Ukyo starts to walk off and Perfume begins to follow her but then
stops, gives the man the net, rushes over to the bench, grabs up the
sculptures and with a smile races after Ukyo.)
=================================================
=====
(Elsewhere Akane is standing next to Ryoga in front of a game
booth. Ryoga tosses balls at a set of bottles across the way, each
time missing by a mile. Ryoga slaps down some yen once he uses
his last ball and the man tending the booth hands him four more
balls.)
Akane: Ryoga, why don't we go somewhere else. This game is too
tough.
Ryoga: No way. I'm going to get you one of those prizes.
Akane: [You could have bought me five by now.]
(Akane shakes her head in amusement as Ryoga tosses each of his
projectiles at the bottles and each time misses. As Ryoga sets up for
his last throw Akane discretely sends a small blast of wind at the
bottles just as Ryoga throws the ball. The ball misses completely
but the bottles fall anyway.)
Vendor: Woo, you got one hell of an arm sir. {as he hands Ryoga a
small stuffed pink pig}Here you go.
(Ryoga looks at the pig with a slight scowl while Akane stifles a
giggle.)
Akane: {amused, as she grabs Ryoga's arm}Come on.
(Ryoga allows Akane to lead him away and after a moments
hesitation gives Akane the stuffed pig.)
Akane: It's sweet of you Ryoga but that game was rigged. The
balls were obviously misbalanced to veer.
Ryoga: They'd actually do something like that?!
Akane: Of course they would. Let's go over to the-
Yuka: Akane!
(Akane looks around to see Yuka and Sayuri running up.)
Akane: Hi. What you two doing here?
Sayuri: What do you think? Actually we got a little bet going.
Yuka: Yeah, a couple of Kolholz guys made us a bet that you
couldn't grab a rock from across the street. They put up 5000 yen!
Akane: You guys! Oh, all right, I suppose I'll show these guys what
I can do.
(Yuka and Sayuri start to lead the way off and Akane starts to
follow. Ryoga is about to follow as well when he notices Mousse
in the shadows by a nearby stall. Akane notices Ryoga absence and
turns back to look at him.)
Akane: You coming Ryoga?
Ryoga: {nervously}Ahhh, I just wanted to look at... ahhh, {pointing
to random stall}this game here.
Akane: Oh, okay, but don't wander off please.
Ryoga: I won't.
Akane: I'll be back in a minute.
(Akane rushes to catch up with her friends as Ryoga makes his way
over to Mousse.)
Mousse: Well?
Ryoga: Ummm, well, it's coming.
(Mousse scowls.)
Mousse: So you're having about as much luck as me.
Ryoga: Hmmh?
Mousse: Ahh, nothing. Anyway, doesn't look like there's any
major problems.
Ryoga: Not yet. Something will come up.
Mousse: Don't have such a pessimistic attitude. Be confident,
optimistic.
Ryoga: Yeah, right, confidence. This will work out, yeah! Thanks
Mousse. Akane here I come!
(Ryoga starts to run off in the exact opposite direction that Akane
went. Mousse quickly wraps a chain around him and pulls him to a
halt.)
Mousse: Stay here. Don't run off and get lost.
Ryoga: Oh yeah, thanks.
=================================================
=====
(Ukyo, carrying a tray of food, comes up to a table with Perfume,
places the tray on the table then sits down.)
Perfume: Da... Umm, Thank you.
Ukyo: Well, you're supposed to be relaxing.
(Perfume grabs up one of the plates of food and begins to eat. Ukyo
does likewise.)
Ukyo: [Poor kid needed this. {pause}Killer bees, that's insane,
and I thought my childhood was rough.]
Perfume: Oh, is so nice Ukyo. You finally give me chance. No one
done that for me before.
Ukyo: [Oh no.] Really?
Perfume: Yes. All boys at village think me weak or childish.
Hmph. Never give real chance.
Ukyo: Oh. {pause}Girls?
(Perfume looks down at the table.)
Perfume: Most resent me. Others no nice, not like Ukyo.
(Perfume looks back up at Ukyo with a smile. Ukyo nervously looks
off to the side.)
Ukyo: [Oh man, talk about being taken for a guilt trip.] *sigh*
Perfume: Something wrong Ukyo?
Ukyo: Nono, I'm fine. [All right Ukyo, don't cave in now.]
(Perfume gently touches Ukyo's hand to get her attention.)
Perfume: I have real good time Ukyo.
Ukyo: [Got a feeling you aren't going to be pretty soon.] That's
good. Look, Perfume we need to talk.
(Perfume looks at Ukyo both confused and anxious.)
Ukyo: Perfume, this marriage thing, it's not going to work.
Perfume: Why not?
Ukyo: I've tried to explain this to you before. I'm not interested in
girls.
Perfume: {shaking her head}I... I no understand.
Ukyo: Perfume, some people, like me, are only interested in men.
(Perfume continues to shake her head in confusion.)
Ukyo: You just don't understand that do you?
Perfume: No. Thought you like me.
Ukyo: I do, just not that way. You're a friend.
Perfume: I more than friend. {pause}You have someone else.
Ukyo: Ahhh-
(Tears begin to form in Perfume's eyes.)
Perfume: I understand, if Ukyo love someone else will leave.
Ukyo: Come on Perfume, don't cry. It makes me feel like a world
class heel.
(Perfume wipes off her eyes and turns away from Ukyo.)
Ukyo: [I could lie. {pause}No, got to be honest here.] At the
moment there isn't someone else.
(Perfume looks back at Ukyo, somewhat hopeful.)
Perfume: There isn't?
Ukyo: No.
Perfume: Then why no give me real chance?
Ukyo: Perfume-
(Perfume turns back to Ukyo and grabs up her hand.)
Perfume: Is because you think me weak?
Ukyo: No!
Perfume: Then why no give chance?
Ukyo: Perfume, it's... [It all comes down to that doesn't it, and she
doesn't understand.] We're just not right for each other.
Perfume: Why not? What I do wrong? Is Cologne, you no like
Cologne.
Ukyo: Uhh, well no, I don't really like her but... that's not really
it.
Perfume: Then what?
(Ukyo thinks for a moment, beginning to drum her fingers on the
table.)
Perfume: You say no want girl as mate. I no really understand... but
how really know?
Ukyo: I... just do.
Perfume: How can be sure, really sure?
Ukyo: [She's working me into a corner here.] I don't know how I
know, I just-
Perfume: Then where reason?
Ukyo: I can't say Perfume. I just know it's there.
(Perfume looks back off to the side.)
Perfume: All I want is chance. No one give chance. You say you
like me and no have reason why not to but still no give chance. If no
really like then understand.
Ukyo: I just don't like you that way Perfume.
(Perfume thinks for a moment then turns back to Ukyo.)
Perfume: You and Ranma friend right?
Ukyo: [Oh no.] Yes.
Perfume: So you once like Ranma?
Ukyo: Yes.
Perfume: You then want more, yes?
(Ukyo seems surprised for a second then turns off to the side.)
Ukyo: How'd you know?
Perfume: I is no blind. See way Ukyo sometime look at Ranma.
Ukyo: That obvious?
Perfume: No, take while to notice. He gone now. He love
Shampoo, marry Shampoo.
Ukyo: I know that.
Perfume: So that no reason why no give Perfume chance.
Ukyo: No, I've given up on him.
Perfume: But you once love him, yes?
Ukyo: *sigh*Yes.
Perfume: So like as friend change to love.
Ukyo: [Nice one.] {reluctantly}I suppose it did, but that was
different.
Perfume: How?
Ukyo: He's a man, you're a woman.
Perfume: Man, woman, what difference.
Ukyo: Many.
Perfume: Is only body, no mind. Ranma change girl, his mind no
change. Bu is girl, she...ahhh, whatever, think man.
Ukyo: [I'm getting the distinct impression I'm losing this debate.]
(Ukyo thinks for a minute as Perfume tensely watches her.)
Ukyo: Well, maybe you have a point but I'm not solely interested in
having a... mate. I may want to have a family, children.
(Perfume looks down at the table in despair. After a brief moment
she looks back up at Ukyo, looking a bit desperate.)
Perfume: Is Juzenkyo magic.
Ukyo: You'd curse yourself just to have a relationship.
(Perfume slowly nods. Ukyo looks at Perfume in slight disbelief
then looks off to the side to think. After a minute Ukyo shakes her
head.)
Ukyo: You sure know how to set up your case.
(Perfume seems to get hopeful.)
Ukyo: *sigh*What would happen if you told Cologne you won't
marry me.
Perfume: Mmmm, she either force or make me go back village in
dishonor.
Ukyo: [As if she doesn't have it tough enough as is.] *sigh*[No,
this has to be done.]I'm sorry Perfume, I just can't.
(Perfume closes her eyes and bows her head, stifling some tears.)
Ukyo: I don't want to lead you on. There's no love there and I
highly doubt there ever will be.
(Perfume rubs off her eyes, breathing shakily.)
Perfume: {shakily}All wanted was chance.
Ukyo: I can't give it because it would just be a false hope.
(Perfume remains quite for a moment.)
Perfume: {shakily}I understand.
Ukyo: Look, I'm not just going to drop you. You can keep up this
chasing after me bit for Cologne's sake, I won't mind, and I promise
you that I won't let you go on alone. I'll find you someone. Okay?
(Perfume uncovers her eyes and slowly nods then smiles just
slightly.)
Ukyo: Good. *sigh*Sorry to ruin your evening.
Perfume: {sadly}Is okay.
(Ukyo nods her head then notices Perfume staring angrily off at a
crowd. She turns and spots Mikado talking to a girl (who seems
quite entranced by his words).)
Ukyo: Ah, him again.
Perfume: Can I-
Ukyo: Go ahead, blow off some steam, just no killing.
Perfume: {as she gets up}No intent to, no fun that way.
(Perfume draws an ax then proceed to walk quickly towards
Mikado. Ukyo watches as Mikado notices Perfume and quickly
high-tails it with Perfume in close pursuit. Ukyo shakes her head
and turns back around to find Mousse sitting down across from her.)
Mousse: I heard.
Ukyo: Oh. Well it had to be done.
(Mousse nods.)
Ukyo: I don't feel the best about this though. She's a friend. She
helped me find Ranma, open my restaurant, find the cure, train...
hell, she even works for nothing gladly and in her own weird way
helped me get over Ranma. Hell of a way to repay her.
Mousse: Is that the way you feel about Tsubasa?
Ukyo: He's different. He never listens, is over possessive as hell
and has the bloody awful habit of smashing my door down, not to
mention making a nuisance of himself. I'm glad Perfume chased him
off finally, another thing I should be grateful to her for.
Mousse: Hmmm.
Ukyo: You think I made the wrong choice?
Mousse: No. It's going to be hard this way, making that promise to
her.
Ukyo: No one said life was easy. At least this way Cologne won't
rag on her. *small laugh*And maybe if nothing comes up...
(Mousse blinks while looking at Ukyo. Ukyo turns her attention
back to her meal, somewhat sad.)
Mousse: [Could it be that she actually.... NO! {pause} Hmmm.
Oh well, maybe I'll talk to her later. Give her some time.]
(Mousse shakes his head in disappointment.)
=================================================
=====
(A short distance away Ryoga is walking next to Akane who is
carrying the stuffed pig. They stop briefly to look at a game booth
then start to move on.)
Akane: Say, Ryoga, are your parents ever home?
Ryoga: Well, ahhh, about once every 3 months or so, why?
Akane: 3 Months?!! How did you get by?
Ryoga: Well, it wasn't easy. Just getting to school once a week
was a chore.
Akane: Yeah, I beat. Actually, I was hoping to meet them some
time.
Ryoga: You were?
Akane: Yeah. I want to see what they're like.
Ryoga: Hmm.
(Ryoga blinks and looks perplexed.)
Ryoga: You know, I don't even know what they're like. It's a been
a few years since I've seen them myself.
(Akane looks at Ryoga with a slight look of sadness.)
Akane: That's too bad.
Ryoga: Oh no, we were always a really... ahh... independent family.
Akane: Hmm.
(Ryoga gives Akane a nervous glance then looks down at his feet,
slowly looking more determined.)
Ryoga: [I'm going to do this. I'm going to do this. Confidence.
Optimism. Yes. Right.]
(Finally Ryoga looks up at Akane then stops. She notices and stops
and looks back at him.)
Ryoga: Akane, you know, we... I've been trying to get up the
courage to... well, umm...
(Ryoga steps closer to Akane who now seems a slight bit hopeful.)
Akane: Yes?
Ryoga: Well, you wouldn't mind if...
(Ryoga is about to reach out and touch Akane but suddenly Mikado
rushes by in between them stunning Ryoga for a second. Akane
scowls at the rapidly retreating Mikado then turns back to Ryoga.
Ryoga stares after Mikado for second longer then shakes himself
and tries again. Just before he makes contact he crashes face first
into the dirt with Perfume standing on top of him. Akane can only
blink in shock.)
Perfume: Where Mikado go?!
Akane: {pointing after Mikado}That way I think. {gesturing to
Ryoga}Now do you mind...
(Perfume looks down then quickly steps off Ryoga.)
Perfume: Ahh, sorry. I go now.
(Perfume proceeds to rush off after Mikado as Akane helps Ryoga
back to his feet, who seems quite nervous.)
Ryoga: [Don't worry Ryoga. It's just a minor thing. Nothing else
can go wrong. Yeah. Just take it easy. Slow down maybe.]
Akane: You were saying...
Ryoga: {nervously}Ahh, well, Akane, you and me, well you
know... Ahh, it was just that I was thinking that maybe we could,
maybe, go a little further and... ahhh...
Akane: {hopeful}Yes?
(Ryoga seems to regains his confidence and again tries to reach over
to Akane. Unfortunately a certain ninja garbed figure suddenly
plants itself into Akane's bosom. Naturally Akane freaks.)
Akane: DAHHH!! WHAT THE...
Happosai: Oh dear Akane, it's so great to see you again. Give this
old man a hug.
Akane: {angrily}AHHHH!!! GET OFF OF ME YOU PERVERT!!!
Ryoga: [{in despair}No, no, nooooo!!]
(Akane desperately tries to remove Happosai with little effect.
Ryoga looks at the old man with increasing fury then angrily
removes him. Happosai gives Ryoga a curious glance.)
Happosai: Oh, hello Ryoga. You're here too huh.
Ryoga: {fuming}How the hell did you get back?!!
Happosai: Oh, you see this nice stewardess on the plane gave me a
plane ticket back for free.
Akane: {angrily, as she grabs Happosai}Yeah, whatever. Say
good-bye.
Happosai: Good-bye?
(Akane proceeds to punt Happosai with all her strength into the
stratosphere. After taking in several calming breathes she turns
back to Ryoga who is looking even more nervous.)
Akane: Where were we?
Ryoga: {extremely nervous}Ahhhh, ummmm, I... ummm, well, you
see... well, you know... I... well... I... [Dammit, get a hold of
yourself man!!!]
(Ryoga nods to himself, takes in a few calming breathes himself then
seems to regain his confidence.)
Ryoga: [Yeah. Two things. Nothing else can go wrong.]
Bu-chan: Is this yours pig?
(Akane and Ryoga turn to find a wet Bu-chan standing next to them
with Happosai planted in her bosom. A short distance behind her
Kodachi stands idly watching.)
Ryoga: What the...
Akane: What's it take to get rid of him?
Bu: Oh, so he is yours.
Akane: We don't want him!
Bu: {with an evil smile}Good. {to Happosai}Hey old man, you
want to see something really interesting.
(Happosai looks up curiously. Bu-chan grabs his face in a claw
hold, angrily tears him free then pulls out a pack of dynamite.)
Bu: You'll get a real bang out of this.
Happosai: *mumble, mumble*
(Bu-chan proceed to tape the dynamite to the old man, binding his
arms at the same time. She then lights the fuse and kicks Happosai
into the sky. She turns her attention back to Akane and Ryoga as a
flash of light is seen and explosion is heard.)
Bu-chan: Please try to keep that old freak away from me in the
future.
(Akane nods as Ryoga looks down at the ground in complete
despair. Bu-chan walks over to Kodachi, drawing out a blue ball
on the way and splashing herself with the contents, changing back to
a boy. The two walk off together which Akane watches curiously.
She shrugs then looks back at Ryoga.)
Ryoga: [{in total despair}It's not meant to be. It's not meant to be.
Fate is conspiring against me. I might as well just give up.]
Akane: Ryoga.
(Ryoga, still totally in despair, looks up at Akane. He is about to
open his mouth but she places a finger on it to stop him then smiles.)
Akane: I know.
(Ryoga can only blink in shock as Akane removes her finger then
leans over and kisses Ryoga. A slight distance off Mousse (carrying
the fish tanks) and Ukyo are watching this.)
Mousse: Oh well, he finally did it, even if she's the one that
actually did it.
Ukyo: Yeah.
Perfume: Ukyo.
(Ukyo turns to see Perfume rush up.)
Ukyo: Oh, back already?
Perfume: He got away. {pause then excited}So, what do for rest of
date?
Ukyo: Huh? But-
Perfume: You promise me date. You no get out just cause nothing
happen afterwards.
Ukyo: Oh, well, okay. Umm, movie?
Perfume: Is good idea.
(Perfume grabs Ukyo by the arm and drags her off. Mousse shakes
his head then proceeds to follow them.)
=================================================
=====
(Mousse (carrying the two fish tanks), Ukyo and Perfume arrive at
Ucchan's late that night. Ukyo opens the door and allows Mousse to
enter then turns to Perfume.)
Ukyo: Don't tell Cologne anything about this, okay? Don't need
you getting into trouble.
Perfume: I won't.
(Perfume turns to leave then stops and rushes back over to Ukyo.
Before Ukyo can react Perfume grabs her in hug. Ukyo initially
tenses up but then relaxes as Perfume withdraws. Perfume gives
Ukyo a brief smile then runs off. Ukyo waves at the doorway while
Mousse sets the gold fish tank on a table (he is still carrying the
piranha tank). Ukyo closes the door, walks over to a nearby seat
and collapses into it.)
Ukyo: *sigh*What a day. You'd think that with a week without a
decent sleep she'd get exhausted before us. Where does she get all
the damned energy?
(Mousse shrugs as he places the other tank down on another table.)
Mousse: Must be the training. She's probably used to running on
empty, as it were.
(Ukyo nods as she watches Mousse remove from his shirt all the
sculptures and set them on yet another table.)
Ukyo: Can you teach me how to do that?
Mousse: What?
Ukyo: Hide all that stuff on you without any sign of it.
Mousse: Oh, that, I can teach you a few basics all Amazons know.
The more advanced stuff takes years.
Ukyo: Anything would be great, that way I don't have to walk
around with the arsenal all the time. {pause then as she gets
up}Could you get me a drink? I'll fix those up.
Mousse: {as he heads for the back room}Sure.
(Mousse enters the back room as Ukyo moves a plant off a small
table and moves the gold fish tank onto that table. Ukyo steps away,
frowns then adjusts the tank slightly.)
Mousse: {from the back room}You should get some sake around
here.
Ukyo: No thanks. The only alcohol that gets in my establishment is
cooking alcohol.
Mousse: {from the back room}What? Don't you trust people.
Ukyo: Frankly, no, at least not when it comes to that.
(Ukyo nods approvingly after another adjustment then begins to
move the piranha tank. She quickly finishes with it then picks up a
few sculptures and takes them over to the grill. She begins to place
them on a shelf behind the grill then stops and thinks as she looks at
one of the sculptures (of a man leaning on a large ax). Ukyo smiles
and shakes her head as Mousse comes out from the back with two
drinks.)
Mousse: What?
Ukyo: Oh nothing. Just imagining what Perfume would be like as a
boy.
(Mousse stops and stares at Ukyo in unamused shock. Ukyo quickly
shakes off the thought and places the sculpture on the shelf. She
turns to Mousse and walks over, not noticing his expression.)
Ukyo: {as she takes one of the drinks}Thanks.
(Ukyo walks back and retrieves the remaining sculptures as Mousse
continues staring at her in shock. He suddenly downs his drink in
one quick swig then blinks and looks at in shock.)
Mousse: [Damn, forgot, no alcohol.]
(He shakes his head and puts the empty glass down and begins to
rub his eyes. Ukyo meanwhile starts to place the remaining
sculptures on the shelf. She gives Mousse a brief glance.)
Ukyo: Tired?
(Mousse quickly stops rubbing his eyes and looks at Ukyo at a loss
for words. Ukyo looks back at him questioningly.)
Mousse: Ah, sort of.
Ukyo: Well get to bed then. I can finish up.
(Mousse reluctantly nods then starts to head for the back room. He
stops at the doorway.)
Mousse: [WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING
YOU MORON?!!! ARE YOU JUST GOING TO WALK OFF AND
LET ANOTHER FINE CHANCE GO TO WASTE BECAUSE OF
YOUR DAMNED FEARS OF ANOTHER REJECTION?!!!!!!!
{pause}WELL?!!!!]
(Mousse seems unsure as he looks back at Ukyo who is adjusting the
sculptures. He watches her for a moment then looks determined and
nods.)
Mousse: [Yeah! YEAH!! What the hell am I doing?]
(Mousse gets even more determined and turns back towards Ukyo
and walks back over to her.)
Mousse: Ukyo.
Ukyo: {as she looks at Mousse}Yeah?
Mousse: I want to tell you something. I...
(Mousse's determination suddenly melts away. Ukyo looks at him
in confusion.)
Ukyo: Yes?
(Mousse shakes his head then regains his determination.)
Mousse: [I'm getting as bad as Ryoga.] I just wanted to say...
Perfume isn't your only choice. There are... others... ah hell, like
me for instance-
(Ukyo expression changes to shock and surprise.)
Mousse: That would... love to be with you. {with a frown}[I could
have gotten that out better.]
(Ukyo blinks a few times to recover.)
Ukyo: This is kind of out of the blue. Why didn't you tell me this
before?
Mousse: It was this thing with Shampoo and all. I scared her off by
being open with my feelings-
Ukyo: You scared her off by not giving her any room to breath.
Mousse: Whatever. I was just scared of doing the same with you.
Ukyo: Well you might if you start up the same stuff with me.
Mousse: I won't, I promise. It was a bad period in my life. I've
gotten over it. I've learned from my mistake. If you're not
interested I'm gone. You won't hear another word about it. I won't
pursue it in the least. I-
Ukyo: Okay, okay, I get the drift.
(Ukyo frowns as she goes into some tense thought.)
Mousse: I know it's a lousy time. I was going to ask you on a date
this morning but this business with Perfume came up-
Ukyo: You don't need to explain, I understand. {pause}When?
Mousse: Huh? Ah, I don't know. I suppose it was sometime during
that cat tongue business.
Ukyo: You're not just doing this out of sympathy, because I don't
need-
Mousse: No! It's much more than that. It's everything about you.
Your spirit, your perseverance, your kindness... everything.
(Ukyo looks off to the side.)
Mousse: Look, I know you've had zero luck with guys. Ranma,
*small laugh*Tsubasa. I'm not like them. I'm not going to leave
you and I'm not going to force my love onto you.
Ukyo: *small laugh*You got a tough case against Perfume.
Mousse: You don't actually-
Ukyo: {looking back at Mousse}No! I've told you, I've told her,
I'm not like that.
Mousse: Sorry.
Ukyo: You're forgiven.
(Ukyo again goes into tense thought for a moment.)
Mousse: Look, I stuck you on the spot here. I didn't mean to do
that. I'm... I'm just kind of lousy at this.
Ukyo: I'm not exactly hyper experienced either.
Mousse: Well, if... you're interested-
Ukyo: *small laugh*Well, I'm not about to jump all over you with
passion you know.
Mousse: I didn't expect that.
Ukyo: Good, then maybe we can have a little understanding. {with
a slight smile}I am, however, not adverse to seeing how things...
develop.
Mousse: That's all I am asking.
Ukyo: Then your answer is yes.
(Mousse seems a bit shaken by the response. And Ukyo returns to
her work, still smiling slightly.)
Ukyo: As long as you realize that this isn't going to be an overnight
thing.
Mousse: Of course!
Ukyo: And that we might have a little Amazon trouble.
Mousse: Oh yeah, Perfume.
Ukyo: Actually not so much her as Cologne. I think Perfume will
understand. She may not be happy but she'll understand and won't
interfere.
Mousse: Yeah, well I can handle it.
Ukyo: We'll see. {pause}Aren't you supposed to be going to bed?
Mousse: Ah, well, yeah.
Ukyo: Then do so. What, did you expect something right now?
Mousse: Nonono, ah, yeah, right, later, of course. Good night.
Ukyo: {as Mousse leaves the room}Good night.
(Ukyo looks back at the doorway as watches it for a moment, takes
in a deep, calming breath then shakes it out with a heavy sigh.)
Ukyo: {to herself}Anything else going to happen tonight?
(Ukyo smiles to herself.)
Ukyo: [I suppose he's got the potential.]
Ukyo voice echoing in her head: Ranma, Shampoo, they're both lost
to us. You should find someone else to give your affections to.
Ukyo: [Well, he has. Now it's my turn.]
(Ukyo nods after adjusting a sculpture then turns and heads for the
back room.)
=================================================
=====
(Inside the Tendo dojo Ranma-kun is fast asleep and Shampoo sits
across from the pin, staring.)
Shampoo: *yawn*
(Akane walks in quietly and sits next to Shampoo. Shampoo
acknowledges her presence with a smile.)
Shampoo: {whispering}<Things go well at the fair?>
Akane: {whispering, with a smile}<Oh, you could say that.>
(Akane gives Ranma-kun a quick glance then leans close to
Shampoo's ear and whispers something. Shampoo seems shocked
for a second then looks at Akane with a big smile.)
Shampoo: {whispering}<You better not tell Kasumi. I don't think
she'd approve since you two aren't engaged.>
Akane: {whispering, with a smile}<Oh, I think we can remedy
that.>
Shampoo: {whispering}<You mean... You really think you're
ready for that?>
(Akane considers for a moment then nods. Shampoo smiles then
turns back to look at the pin.)
Akane: {whispering}<But that's going to really, really put the
pressure on Nabiki though.>
Shampoo: {whispering}<She can deal with it.>
Akane: {whispering, as she gets up}<Yeah.>
(Akane looks over at Ranma-kun with amusement then silently starts
to leave.)
Akane: {whispering}<Don't you two have too much fun now.>
Shampoo: Akane.
Akane: {turning back to look at Shampoo}Hmm?
Shampoo: {whispering}<The bracelets, they may work both ways-
Akane: {whispering}<No. Don't think that. I'm not so damned
selfish to mess up a bunch of people's lives for that.>
Shampoo: {whispering}<It's just that if you did->
Akane: {whispering}<No. I don't. Those bracelets can stay
locked up for another 50 years for all I care. Okay?>
Shampoo: {whispering}<Okay, thank you.>
Akane: {whispering, as she leaves}<Think nothing of it.>
(Shampoo nods as Akane leaves. She returns her full attention back
to the pin, still smiling. A few minutes pass when suddenly
Shampoo blinks in shock and goes wide eyed. Before her, through
her eyes, the wall starts to show a web-like set of dimly glowing
lines, many emanating from the location of the pin. The lines
become slightly brighter and more focused.)
Shampoo: {quietly, in awe}Hiyah.
%End Part 4
=================================================
=====
%Epilogue
(Ranma-kun stands at the door to Akane's room, knocking.)
Ranma: Akane! Hey, you in there?
(Ranma-kun scowls and pushes open the door. He is immediately
set upon by P-chan.)
Ranma: {as he grabs P-chan}What did I do now?!
P-chan: *squeal*
(Ranma-kun looks around the room and sees Akane's bed is empty
except for the bracelet.)
Ranma: Where's Akane?
=================================================
=====
Mousse: RANMA!!!!
(Cologne shakes her head as Mousse (back in glasses) makes a run
for the door of the Nekohanten.)
Mousse: HOW DARE YOU RUN OFF WITH MY FUTURE
BRIDE, SAOTOME!!!! PREPARE TO DIE!!!!
(Before Mousse can exit Cologne taps him on the back of the neck
with her staff causing him to fall to the ground, unconscious. She
taps another point on Mousse's neck causing him to regain
consciousness.)
Cologne: Fool, son-in-law has nothing to do with this.
Mousse: {as he sits up}Then who?
Cologne: Judging from the bracelet we found and recent events I
would be suspicious of Akane Tendo, although she too may be just a
victim.
Mousse: Akane?!
Cologne: Yes, this is most strange. And Perfume recently arrived
too.
Mousse: Perfume? What's she have to do with this.
Cologne: Nothing, perhaps. Perhaps everything. {pause}We'd
best check to see if a similar fate has befallen Ms. Tendo.
=================================================
=====
(A flash of light marks the entrance of the man from the jewelry
store into a large cathedral. He seemingly pulls aside a cape and
his form shimmers to reveal bright red and yellow armor, a jewel
encrusted sword in a sheaf at his side, and a emerald green harp at
his other side. Another figure stands across from him in the
cathedral. He turns to reveal himself to be the man who talked to
Ukyo in the prologue.)
The other figure: Derek.
Derek: What's going on Telrin? Why have you interfered?
Telrin: Things have come up. It was necessary.
Derek: Necessary?! Things were working out fine.
Telrin: But it was not sufficient. Circumstances have changed
slightly but not enough.
Derek: Damn! I was so sure.
Telrin: Sometimes visions just aren't enough. {pause}I've begun
to-
Derek: This is my world to worry about, not yours. I'll handle it
from here on in.
Telrin: Very well.
(Derek turns and starts to walk off.)
Telrin: Derek!
(Derek turns back to Telrin.)
Telrin: It's just one of many. Others have worked out. This one
was just not destined to be. You did well in even getting the
alternate line to succeed.
Derek: I suppose so.
(Derek shakes his head then turns and disappears. Telrin nods then
he too disappears.)
%The End.
Okay that's the end. Really. Truly. Come on, don't you
believe me? Okay, okay, it's not. Problem is, I need to change
writing style to full prose. The second OVA will be coming when I
get around to it. To those of you who are wondering it was my
original intention to have Most Unlikely of Friends end up with
Akane awakening to a dream of the normal Ranma 1/2 universe and
the new universe now being the reality. However, I wanted to have
a way of talking about the original versions of Soon Li and Perfume.
You've seen how Perfume turned out, next is Soon Li (and possibly
Bu as well).
I'm looking for any response, as I've said. In particular if you have
any ideas on who to end up Perfume with (male or female) I'm
interested. Sorry, not Ukyo. Maybe in an alternate, alternate world
but not here.
A few notes:
What does AAADTG stand for? Any And All Dirty Tricks
Go.
Bu Xien is an original creation, to my knowledge, as are
Derek and Telrin.
What's the Kodachi project I'm thinking about? Well,
Shampoo can get Ranma, Ukyo can get Ranma, need I say more. It
isn't going to be an easy one though.
Any questions? Feel free to E-mail me for the answer.