Greetings Everyone!
This is the first draft of part 3 of my fanfic. I don't know why I like short parts to a story, but that seems to be the way I write. Anyhoo, I've gotten some great C&C on the last two parts. I do have an overall plan on where this story is going, but I don't know how long it will be in the end. Some short scenes have gotten kind of long on me. If you have an comments, criticism or just want to shoot the breeze with a Triple A (Alaskan Anime Addict) drop me an E-mail and I will return it as soon as possible. Thanks!
Ranma 1/2 and all it's cast of characters belong to R. Takahashi, Viz, Kitty and a bunch of other people I'm not sure of.
The Shoki Saga
Chapter Three
The Perfect Apartment
³Today, we begin to teach you how to kick. We will start with the sidekick and progress from there. You will learn a new kick every third day until you have a basic knowledge of each. Then we will...² Shoki listened in rapt attention. Soun Tendo was an excellent teacher of basic skills. Every morning the two would get up at the same time as the Saotomes and train. They would keep at it until lunch when they would break for the day. Afterwards Shoki would take care of whatever business he had (such as looking at apartments Angus found for him) before returning in the early afternoon to practice on alone.
However good a teacher the elder Tendo was, Shoki most enjoyed the evenings when he and Ranma would spar, and he would learn to apply his new skills. Though Ranma easily bested him, the young American was leaps and bounds ahead of where he had been only a week ago. His defense was already excellent, and learning to strike back simply was incredible. Slowly, he was developing a unique style of fighting. Staying mostly on the defensive, he would bide his time until he could land a solid blow. This worked particularly well against Soun and Genma. However, waiting for a good opportunity against Ranma usually took too long. The boy was simply too fast. Shoki adapted by striking at the merest glimpse of an opportunity. This stretched him and helped keep Ranma a little off balance.
After going on at length on the mechanics of a sidekick, Soun finally demonstrated the proper way to execute the blow. Shoki tried it, putting all he had into it. Well toned muscles stretched in new directions, and a warmth began to spread through his legs as he repeated the excercise over and over.
After lunch Shoki checked his email on his laptop. Besides his bokken, cell phone, clothes and his motherıs familyıs katana, it was all the physical property he owned in the world. It all fit into his hockey bag. He was delighted to see another message from Angus. The message listed a address not far away, a monthly price for a room, and the tag line: ³Check this one out son. It looks real promising....Uncle Angus² The price was low, and the place was nearby....It really did sound good.
³Thanks for the lunch Kasumi.² Shoki said to the eldest Tendo daughter. ³Iım running out to check on this room for rent. I should be back for dinner!²
³Okay Shoki, hope this is the one you are looking for!² Replied the every cheerful Kasumi with a smile.
³Hope, so, see you soon!²
The outside of the house was modest, but well looked after. Shoki spent a moment looking at the outside, then summoned up the courage to knock on the door. There was a faint ³just a moment² and the sounds of someone approaching. The door slid back to reveal an attractive woman in her mid to late thirties. She smiled at Shoki and said ³You must be Shoki. Youıre here about the room right?²
³Yes maıam. I am.²
³Well come on in and I will show you around.² With that she stepped back and invited her guest in. Remembering to take off his shoes at the door, Shoki followed her around the house as she pointed out various things he would need to know. She also told him of the rules he would need to follow and why the room was available.
³And lastly, this is the room that is actually for rent.² The room was perhaps three meters by four. It was already furnished with a small bureau and futon. Though spartan, it fit Shokiıs needs perfectly and was only twenty minutes walking time from the Tendoıs.
³Well, this is exactly what Iım looking for maıam. If Iım acceptable to you, I would like to take the room.²
³Certainly. Why donıt you come to the study and we will sign the necessary paperwork.² Shoki followed her into the study. As he entered he noticed the Katana on the wall. It was subtly different from his own, the mark of a different swordsmith and family.
³My, this is a nice weapon. Excellent work. How old is it?²
³That is my familyıs sword. It is over 900 years old. I have others that I train with.²
³You train with a Katana?² Shoki was dumbstruck. He thought nobody trained with a real sword anymore. Even when Grandpa Donovan put on the fairs at McLaren Castle, the swords were modern replicas with specially dulled edges.
³I use a bokken as well, but to really master the art, you must use a real blade. Do you have an interested in bladed weapons?² The woman was merely making conversation even though this was one of her favorite subjects. Her new rentersı reply caught her a little off guard.
³Yes, Iıve trained some in Kendo, and my Grandfather works with me when I visit him in Scotland. Over at the place Iım at now I have a bokken and my familyıs Katana.²
³Hmm, perhaps we can spar sometime if you wouldnıt mind. I can hardly ever find anyone willing to spar with a woman.²
³Iıd like that. Now what paperwork do I need to sign?² The woman thrust some papers at him, which he signed. ³By the way, what is your name maıam?²
³Nodoka. Nodoka Saotome.²
When he arrived home that evening, Ranma found Shoki practicing sidekicks out by the Koi pond. ³Yo, Shoki! Looks like Mr. Tendo started teaching you kicks today. Care to try some?²
³Sure thing!² Just then he noticed that Ranma was alone. Usually he came home with Akane and more often than not, Nabiki. Since they werenıt with him, Shoki figured Ranma and Akane were fighting again. A mischevouis idea entered his head. Shoki grinned evilly. Maybe he could psych Ranma out a little. Regaining a straight face he asked ³Um, whereıs Akane? She usually comes home with you.² As he said this he sauntered towards his target.
³Why should I care where that uncute tomboy is!² Yep, they definitely had a fight. ³You know what she did? She hit me with that hammer of hersı again! And for what! Just for-² Shoki was only an armıs length away now. He decided the time was right as Ranma was in the middle of his favorite rant. Jumping straight into the air he kicked out hard with his right foot. Fast as he was, Ranma was too preoccupied insulting his fiancee to counter the blow. The foot connected with a solid ³thunk² to his chest. Suddenly he was flying backwards....right into the pond.
³Hey!² yelled the very wet red haired girl. ³No Fair!²
³A martial artist must be ready for anything at anytime...Boy.²
³Aw, nuts! What have you been doing? Practicing with Pops?² Demanded Ranma as she drug herself out of the pond.
³Mr. Saotome has been helping a little in the morning. Actually he is easier to understand when he is a panda. Besides, maybe I just wanted to see one of the prettiest girls I know!² Ranma took a swing at Shoki at that remark. However, she launched the attack from a bad angle and Shoki avoided it easily. He also grabbed Ranmaıs wrist and added a little more momentum. A very surprised Ranma-chan flew face first towards the house. The impact shook the house slightly, but it was used to much worse.
³Thanks Shoki! You just saved me the trouble of doing that myself!² Shoki looked away from his handiwork to see Akane and Nabiki. He just grinned in reply. He figured any second now Ranma was going to pick herself up and attack somebody. It was even money that it would be a physical attack at him, or a verbal one at Akane. This time it was Akane that took the assualt.
³Hey, youıre the one who hit me today! All I said was-² Shoki didnıt get to learn what Ranma had said to Akane, because at that moment she was hammered to the floor by a large, wooden mallet. Akane then walked up and kicked the fallen Ranma through the open door and into the house. She followed her fiancee in and the sounds of an argument flowed back outside.
In a good mood, Shoki winked at Nabiki and returned to his practice. He turned quickly enough that he didnıt see the effect his wink had on Nabiki. For that she was seriously glad.
³Kasumi said you found a place to rent today Shoki. Is it nearby?² For some reason Nabikiıs question seemed a little loaded. However, since Ranma and his father were making a lot of noise as they slurped up dinner, he couldnıt be sure of her tone.
Swallowing quickly, he replied. ³Actually it is. Only about a twenty minute walk. Itıs a real nice place. A very nice woman owns it. Her husband and son are martial artists and have gone on an extended training mission.² Shoki didnıt notice that both Genma and Ranma slowed down eating a little at this. ³She said she didnıt really need the money, but that she hated to see the space go to waste. It was really cool. She studies Kendo and has a really nice Katana on her wall. ³ Both Saotomes quit eating at this. Genma starts to sweat. ³She even has a couple practice Katanas. She offered to spar with me sometime. Iıll be moving over there tommorow after morning practice.² Just then he notices that Genma is very nervous. ³Whatıs the matter Mr. Saotome?²
Genma visibly fights with himself for a moment then asks what he must. ³Uh, what is your new landladyıs name?²
³Funny you should ask. It is Nodoka Saotome. Is she a relative of yours?² Genma screams, jumps up and runs outside. A large splash is heard. Moments later the wet panda comes in and waves a sign. ³Say it isnıt so!!?!²
³Um, Ranma, is there a problem with this? Is this lady after you guys for some reason? Who is she?²
³Yeah, she is kinda after us. You see, thatıs my mom!²
Sparing in the dojo later, Shoki coaxed most of Ranmaıs life history out of him. Seeing some of the weird things that had happened in the last week made him decide that he would need the information in order to keep out of too much trouble. ³Okay, let me get this straight,² Shoki said as he kicked at where Ranmaıs head had been only a moment before. ³Your father engaged you to Akane before you were even born. Then when you were very young he engaged you to this Ukyou girl, whom you thought was a boy at the time. During your training trip, you are dunked in the spring of drown girl, and now you canıt see your mother because youıd have to commit seplaku because of a promise your father made. After that you beat that amazon girl Soap-² He is cut off as he ducks a punch of Ranmaıs.
³Actually, her name is Shampoo.² Ranma jumps up and does a spin kick that connects with Shokiıs ribs, causing him to fly into the wall. Fortunately the wall is not hurt.
³OOOOF-² Shoki comes off the wall with a flurry of jabs, two of which get through. ³Shampoo then. She decides that you are perfect husband and father material. After you get here, this Black Rose girl decides that she wants your bod. Have I missed anyone?² Suddenly, he is on the defensive again as Ranma tries to land an uppercut.
³Well, there are a couple guys after my girl form. One is Mikado Sanzenien. Heıs a real nothinı off the ice rink.² Ranma sees an opening and throws a jab. However, this was a planned opening and Shoki attempts to grab his arm and execute a ³tenchi² (heavan and earth) move. Ranmaıs speed is too great though, and the move fails. ³The other one is a guy at school. He is also after Akane. Heıs rich, arrogant and spouts bad Shakespere all the time. His name is Tatewake Kuno. HEY!!!!²
Ranma was suddenly lifted off his feet by his opponent and slammed against the wall. He was held there-his feet half a meter off the floor-by Shokiıs fists balled up in his shirtfront. He looked down the arms into a pair of burning blue eyes.
³Did you just say Tatewake Kuno?² The voice was soft, but with steel in it. It was also completely unlike the voice Shoki normally used.
³Whoa man! Put me down before I knock you into the next time zone!² Shoki suddenly realized what he was doing and gently set Ranma back on the floor.
³Sorry Ranma. I kind of lost it there for a second.²
³Yeah, no joke. You are a lot faster and stronger when you are really ticked. Anyway, I did say Tatewake Kuno. Why do you know him?² Shoki didnıt answer immediately and Ranma decided to sit down. He motioned his friend to sit also.
³Yes, I do know him. Quite a lot better than I care to if the truth be known.² For once, Ranma didnıt shoot his mouth off, and simply waited for the story to come out. ³Remember that I said I trained for a year in Kendo? I started that right after I left Master Yamataıs. The guy that hurt me the worst when I was put in the hospital was the guy with the bokken. I decided that I had to learn it both for defense and for offense. I went to a reputable Kendo instructer and started training. After a few weeks there was a small exhibition. Though I was new to the art I was chosen over more advanced students to represent our instructer in a stylized demonstration. I have...something of a talent...when itcomes to any kind of bladed weapons.² Shoki paused and shifted to lean against the wall.
³Kuno was at the exhibition watching. Evidently he was impressed by me and asked the instructer to introduce us. My sensei introduced Kuno as the greatest Kendoist of our timeı. He was quite personable at first and after some small talk he asked if I would like to be his student. My old teacher told me it would be a good idea and I agreed.² Pausing to grimace, the young man continued his story. ³I moved in at the Kuno residence and began to train. At first I learned a lot and actually liked Kuno. He had a sister, but I never did meet her-whatıs so funny?²
Ranma stopped laughing just long enough to blurt ³Kodachi the Black Rose is Kunoıs sister!²
Momentarily shocked, Shoki started laughing too. ³You have them both after you? How funny!²
³Better than that, Kodachi hates me as a girl and Kuno hates me as a guy. To top it off, I canıt convince either one of them of my curse even when I change right in front of them!² Both boys collapsed laughing at that.
³Well, to finish my story, I learned fast and got quite good. Though difficult, I even managed to tolerate Kunoıs bad poetry. One day I beat Kuno in a practice match. It was a technical win only, not a decisive one, but I was very proud. Kuno flew into a rage and attacked me even though I had taken off my protective gear. If Sasuke hadnıt intervened a few minutes later I think he might have killed me. The little ninja got me to the compound entrance with my bag and called a ambulance. I later filed a charge against Kuno, but it never stuck. It was called a training accident.² Shoki finished bitterly.
³How long ago was this Shoki?² Asked a voice from the doorway. Both young men looked up to see Nabiki leaning against the doorframe watching them. Her arms were crossed in front of her chest and she didnıt seem as neutral as usual.
³Almost a year ago now. After I got out of the hospital again, I went to Scotland to visit my family there. Grandpa Donovan decided that I needed to learn real swordsmanshipı as he put it. He didnıt teach me with a Katana or a bokken either. We used replica broadswords. Grandpa Donovan is the head of the local Society for Creative Anachronism, to make it easier to put on yearly fairs at the castle. We dueled in full chain and plate mail with these immensely heavy swords. We also jousted a bit, but I never could get the hang of that. Donıt really like horses I guess. I stayed at the castle until two months ago. I came back to Japan and looked up Master Yamata. He recommended the Tendo Training Hall. That is how I found you,² Nabiki started blushing and Shoki realized what he had said. ³Uh, I mean all of you....Um, I mean...²
Ranma grinned at his friend and said ³Donıt worry about it. I stick my foot in my mouth all the time!²
Moments later a wet Ranma-chan climbs out of the pond. ³Now what did I say?²
Comments? C&C? Please E-mail me at bigbore@eagle.ptialaska.net.
Big Bore and the Nitro Express!
Visit Bob and Tanya's Alaskan Homepage at:
www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/5144