***Combat inserted.
***Forward to the ML if you don't have any more
***issues. If you do so, I'll forward to the FFML
***and see if we get better response there. I'll forward
***any relevant responses to the BSSR ML.
[Cut to a street in Nerima district between the Tendou residence
and Fuurinkan High. Ranma is staggering towards the Tendou
house, still slightly beaten from his latest fight with P-chan in
tow.]
P-chan: [Mutters.] Bakamon! Why did you have to charge into
the fight as yourself?
Ranma: [Contemptuously.] You wouldn't understand it. It was a
man-to-man duel of honor! [Slumps slightly.] Besides, with his
sense of direction, he won't be back for many more episodes.
P-chan: [Shakes head.] Sigh... haven't you learned by now that
you're so much more powerful as Sailor Moon than you'll ever be
as yo-
Ranma: [Foot on P-chan. Anger mixed in with embarrassment.]
Don't remind me!
P-chan: [Staggers up from the pavement.] Even if you didn't get
utterly humiliated, don't you realize that people might get
suspicious?
Ranma: Suspicious of what?
P-chan: That people might connect you to Sailor Moon. [Half to
himself.] Not that you've been doing a good job concealing it...
Ranma: [Confidently.] Joubu joubu daijoubu! No one in that school's
smart enough to figure it out.
***Quit changing this back to "Heiki"!
***I said "Joubu..." is OK!
[Cut to the Tendou residence. A telescopic view watches as Ranma
and P-chan walk away as a telescopic microphone listens to their
every word.]
Nabiki: [Smiles as she lowers her binoculars.] Omoshiroi...
The perfect business opportunity to sell more merchandise.
Ranma-kun, it looks like Sailor Moon is going to help me make
some profit...
*************************************************
* Ranma's big pinch! Someone knows the secret? *
*************************************************
***OP to be determined
[Cut to the next day. At Fuurinkan high, the students quickly
empty the courtyard as the bell signals the beginning of classes.
Ranma goes to the shoe lockers and finds a note inside his
locker.]
Ranma: Eh? What's this? [Reads the note.] "Ranma-kun, I need
to see you about something very important. Please meet me at the
school gymnasium during lunch break. Come alone. This is for
your ears only." [Slightly nervous.] Wh-who could it be? [Look
of recognition.] Sou da! It's gotta be Tofu-sensei! Maybe he's
found a cure after all!
[Cut to the Dark Kingdom. In the middle of the gigantic chamber,
Queen Beryl is seated on a throne. Standing before her, a horde
of faceless minions mindlessly chant their obedience with Beryl's
every command.]
Queen Beryl: [Annoyed tone.] Nephrite! You have continued to
fail bringing us a consistent source of human energy! Queen
Metallia has expressed that she is becoming impatient with your
failures!
Nephrite: [Hesitantly.] I realize that my plans have not been
entirely successful. The arrival of the fourth Senshi was
unexpected. However, my next plan should account for her as
well.
Queen Beryl: [Coldly.] And what plan is that?
Nephrite: I plan to strike at the very heart of the Senshi
through their loved ones. They would not dare use their full
power against one they care for. When they hesitate, they will
surely be defeated!
Queen Beryl: Very well. We shall give you this chance.
However, the arrival of the fourth Senshi has made the importance
of finding the missing Princess even more important. Her
elimination has priority over all other matters. [Meaningfully.]
Is that clear?
Nephrite: [Bows.] Hai, Queen Beryl-sama.
[Cut to the school gymnasium. With the rest of the school in the
middle of lunch break, the gym is apparently empty. Ranma enters
the gym and looks around.]
Ranma: Sensei, I'm here!
Nabiki: [Stepping out of a storage closet.] You needn't call me
that, Ranma-kun. Sempai would suffice.
Ranma: [Puzzled.] Nabiki? What are you doing here?
Nabiki: Meeting you. You're not here on a rendezvous with your
three ladies, are you?
Ranma: D-don't be ridiculous! [Pauses and takes out the
"invitation".] Wait a second... *You* sent me this letter?
Nabiki: [Takes the letter and scans it.] Yep. That's mine.
Ranma: [Concerned.] Why are you bothering me?
Nabiki: Because I think I can interest you in a little business
proposition.
Ranma: [Derisively.] Me? Business? I'm not stupid enough to
accept a partnership with you!
Nabiki: Why don't you look at this first.
[She hands Ranma some photographs. They depict Ranma walking
with P-chan. Looks like both are engaged in a conversation.]
Ranma: What's this?
Nabiki: Looks to me you're talking to your, no, it's Akane's
pig.
Ranma: [Taken aback.] What? Why would I!? [Pauses.] And what
of it? I've been accused of worse.
Nabiki: Not when coupled with this.
[She pulls out a mini-tape recorder and presses the "play"
button.]
P-chan on tape: That people might connect you to Sailor Moon.
Ranma on tape: Heiki, heiki! No one in that school's smart
enough to figure it out.
[She stops the tape.]
Nabiki: Well?
Ranma: [Flustered.] Uh... [Pauses.] I... [Another pause.
Ranma then slowly tries to control his breath. Another pause.]
So what? Turns out I have some connection to Sailor Moon.
[Another pause in which Ranma frowns.] Akane used to suspect
that herself without needing that tape.
Nabiki: [Smiling coldly.] Ah, but she didn't hear this part.
[She rewinds the tape and plays it again.]
P-chan on tape: Haven't you learned by now that you're so much
more powerful as Sailor Moon than you'll ever be as yo-
[Nabiki stops the tape again and grins.]
Nabiki: Well, Sailor Moon, I think my sister would be happy to
make your acquaintance, don't you agree?
[Ranma hesitates. A large frown marks his face.]
Nabiki: Forget trying to destroy these, Ranma-kun. You *know* I
wouldn't show you the only copy, would I?
[Ranma pauses for a while, although his eyes darted everywhere,
stopping most often at Nabiki, the tape recorder, and the exit.
In the end, he slumps noticeably.]
Ranma: [Tiredly.] What do you want?
Nabiki: [Smiling.] I told you. I have a business proposition.
Ranma: Which is?
Nabiki: Follow me.
[She walks back into the storage closet. Ranma follows
reluctantly.]
Nabiki: [Pointing to a crate.] Could you open that, please?
[Ranma sighs but complies with the request. Inside the crate is
a whole bunch of toys and trinkets, all with Sailor Moon theme.]
Ranma: What are these?
Nabiki: Those are what *you* are going to help me sell. Too bad
I can't get action figures made. Those are pretty expensive.
Ranma: [Skeptically.] Are these more of those Princess
Mistletoe mer-
Nabiki: [Cutting abruptly.] No! Of course not! That was...
[Slight flush of embarrassment.] one of my worse deals. These
are harmless. I made sure of it.
[Ranma looks skeptical.]
Nabiki: Look, I saw these things being made! Hell, you can take
some for your testing or whatever. Just make sure you pay for
those. [Ranma facefaults.]
Ranma: Pay?
Nabiki: These are *my* property... [Ranma rolls his eyes.]
Ranma: Whatever. So, what am I supposed to do again?
Nabiki: Oh, *you* can help me with lifting these if you want.
It saves me some labor, but what *I* need is for Sailor Moon to
be there when I'm selling these.
Ranma: You want... Sailor Moon to be where?
Nabiki: With me selling these. Oh, maybe I'll make up some
simple skit. Maybe sign some pencil boards. Just the typical
idol stuff.
Ranma: [Glumly.] You think this will work.
Nabiki: [Confidently.] Absolutely! Look, I'll even cut you
some profit in addition to keeping your identity a secret. A
percentage point off my net profit.
Ranma: [Exasperated.] *One* percentage point off your *net*
profit.
Nabiki: If you want the exact calculation-
Ranma: [Tiredly.] Never mind. They're not teaching accounting
until your year.
Nabiki: So we have a deal?
Ranma: Do I have a choice?
Nabiki: Not really. I'll give you the schedule tomorrow.
[Cut to an apparently abandoned house nestled in the woods.
Flickering light can be seen shining through the window. Pan
inside the building where Nephrite stands in the middle of the
room, as powerful energies circulate around him.]
Nephrite: [As he concentrates.] The stars know everything...
[Faces the spinning field of stars.] Heroes from beyond, give me
the knowledge I seek!
[There is a distant rumble of thunder as the stars illuminations
coalesce into one and beam directly at Nephrite's forehead.]
Nephrite: The deal is made, the trinket given. Will she fool
the Ancient one or will she be ground to dust? The Great Lord
chooses... [The energies coalesce into a visible picture of
Nabiki on her way home from school.] Tendou Nabiki... Chosen, I
shall have your energy.
[Cut to an open lot in the Nerima district. The courtyard is
crowded with curious onlookers and rabid fans as Nabiki extols
her products over a megaphone.]
Nabiki: [While waving her hands.] Irasshai! Official Sailor
Moon merchandise here! Come collect a piece of the kawaii
heroine!
Person 1: [Points up on stage.] S-sailor Moon da!
Person 2: O-official?
Sailor Moon: [Faked cheery face.] Ya-hoo! [To herself.] This
is so embarrassing!
Persons 1-20: [Surge forward, reaching for merchandise.] Me!
Me!
Nabiki: [Quickly handing out merchandise and taking money.]
Don't push! Enough for everyone! [Points towards Sailor Moon.]
Don't forget to get her autograph!
Persons 1-20: [Waving pencil cards, dolls, autograph pads, and
CDs.] Sign mine!
Persons 21-45: [Waving pencil cards, dolls, autograph pads, and
CDs.] No mine!
Hitoshi Doi: [Waving UFO dolls, cels and ????.] Mine!
***BWAHAHA...! Something I thought
***of while I was at work!
***What else does Hitoshi collect?
Sailor Moon: S-sure! [Starts signing. To herself.] She can't
get action figures made but she's selling CDs?
Nabiki: [To the crowd.] Don't worry! Sailor Moon has agreed to
stay until everyone has a fair chance to get her autograph!
Sailor Moon: [Frustrated to herself.] Na... bi... ki...!
Bandai Rep 1: [Standing in the back of the courtyard.] Ano
ama... She's stealing our business!
Bandai Rep 2: [Confidently while holding a thick sheaf of
paper.] Don't worry... she'll get hers soon enough...!
[As the afternoon wears on, Sailor Moon takes a moment to sit
down between sales.]
Sailor Moon: What am I doing here? This is so absurd!
Voice: Sailor Moon!
Sailor Moon: What is it n- [Trails off and freezes up nervously
as she sees Akane, Ukyou and Kodachi with pasted-on smiles.]
Akane: [Faked cheery expression and voice.] Could we talk to
you for a little bit?
[Cut to an alley between the buildings.]
Akane: [Harsh whisper.] What do you think you're doing?!?
Ukyou: [Nods.] Watching you parade on that stage is so
demeaning!
Sailor Moon: [Nervously.] Eto... Atashi... Atashi...
[Weakly.] Jitsu ha...
Kodachi: [Somewhat disdainfully.] I thought you said Sailor
Moon is our leader!
Akane: [Also disdainfully.] Hrumph! I'd never thought I'd
agree with Kodachi, but she's right. You're setting a bad
example! What about all that talk about love and justice?
Ukyou: [Nods.] What about fighting the Dark Kingdom? What
about protecting the princess?
Kodachi: [Flatly.] Just what are you being paid?
[Akane and Ukyou face-fault.]
Akane: [Exasperated.] That's not the point!
Nabiki: [Stepping into the alley.] So sorry to interrupt, but I
thought I'd drop off your payment! [Walks over and hands Sailor
Moon a small handful of coins.] Same time tomorrow. Ja ne.
[Leaves.]
Ukyou: [Getting more frustrated.] Not only are you renting
yourself out, you're doing it for cheap!
Kodachi: This is not the fight for justice I signed up for.
[Dramatically.] I, Kunou Kodachi, 16 years old...!
Akane: [Turns away.] It doesn't matter.
Ukyou & Kodachi: [Surprised.] Eh?!?
Akane: [Very calm voice.] As Kodachi said... Sailor Moon is
our leader. She can do whatever she wants. [Walks away a few
steps, then turns around quickly.] But if you were so desperate
for money, why didn't you just ask us?!? [Runs away in tears.]
Sailor Moon: Akane! [Watches her leave, then tries to say
something to Ukyou or Kodachi, but find herself unable to meet
their baneful looks as they leave.] Atashi... [Tears begin to
well as she drops to her knees in despair.]
Kodachi: [Coldly.] I guess she's right. Your actions are your
business. Well, don't let me bother you. [Leaving the place.]
You know where to call me if you need help with some youma.
[Sailor Moon looks desperately as Kodachi leaves. Ukyou shakes
her head and leaves as well.]
Sailor Moon: Uc... Ukyou!
Ukyou: [Coldly.] Make sure you spend your money wisely.
Sailor Moon: [Tears streaming] Minna...
[Cut to a street in the Nerima district. Nabiki is sitting at a
table at an outdoor cafe near the Tendou residence. She drinks a
cup of tea as she goes over the days receipts. Suddenly, she
sees a familiar-looking red Ferrari Testarosa pull up into the
parking lot.]
Nabiki: [Eyes light up.] Nice car!
[Nabiki watches as Nephrite strides towards her and takes a seat
by her table.]
Nephrite: [Confidently.] I see you are a fellow entrepreneur.
Nabiki: [Nods.] Hai. [Reaches for the next stack of bills, but
accidentally drops her purse on the ground.] Ah! My purse!
Nephrite: [Bend over to pick up the purse.] Please allow me.
[To himself as he holds the purse and concentrates.] May the
holder of this become a Servant of Darkness! Her energy will...
Man: [Tapping Nephrite on the shoulder.] Ano chotto...
Nephrite: [Exasperated.] Yes, it's a dark evil mark!
Man: [Goes pale with shock.] ... [Recovers.] Ahh... I just
wanted to know where the bathroom was.
Nephrite: [Embarrassed.] ... [Regains composure and turns back
to Nabiki.] Here you go. [Hands the purse back. To himself as
he smiles and watches with satisfaction as Nabiki's expression
goes blank.] Perfect...
[COMMERCIAL BREAK.]
[Cut to Fuurinkan high. During lunch break, Ranma is having
lunch by himself at a secluded spot, with the look of the
condemned on his face. Akane, Ukyou, and Kodachi arrives
with their lunches.]
Akane: I can't believe she did that!
Ukyou: Now, now, Akane-chan. You needn't snap at everyone.
Kodachi: That's right. Besides, Ranko can do whatever she wants
as long as she stays away from my Ranma-sama.
Ukyou: What do you mean "your Ranma-sama?" He's my Ran-chan!
Akane: This is not the time, you two! [Notices that Ranma has
not reacted to all the commotion. To Ranma.] Hey! Are you
alive, Ranma?
Ranma: Huh!? Now what?
Ukyou: We were just talking about Ranko-chan.
Ranma: [Depressed tone.] Oh, her.
Akane: [Annoyed tone to Ranma.] What's with you today? Don't
tell me this is more of Tofu-sensei's meditation exercise...
[Ranma stares at Akane. However, before anyone can say anything,
Nabiki saunters in with a Sailor Moon doll in her hand.]
Nabiki: Ranma-kun. We need to talk.
Ranma: Go away, Nabiki. You already gave me the schedule.
Nabiki: [Idly playing with the doll but cold tone.] Oh? Maybe
I should contact my other business associate? After all, my deal
is with her.
Ranma: [Fearfully.] All right. I'll go with you.
***Perhaps it should be
***intimidated.
[Ranma follows Nabiki out while the three girls just look at them
dumbly.]
Kodachi: [Lamenting tone.] Ranma-sama, how could you just
meekly follow that mercenary girl!?
Ukyou: She's a tough one to deal with. I hope Ran-chan is
careful enough...
Akane: [Annoyed.] Now Ranma has a deal with Nabiki. Does
everyone here have a deal with my sister?
Kodachi: [Amusedly.] Actually, that's exactly what I heard.
Ukyou: [Smirking.] True enough. Heck, I've just finished
paying her that free lunch deal.
Kodachi: What free lunch deal?
Ukyou: You don't want to know. Speaking of deals, Nabiki
mentioned a she as her other business partner. You don't
think...
Kodachi: [Outloud to herself.] Tsukino Ranko! [Clenches
fist dramatically.] How dare you go after my Ranma-sama!
***I added the descriptions to make
***it more clear that she's talking to
***herself.
Akane: Don't be ridiculous. No way is she... [Akane trails off
uncertainly.]
Ukyou: [Mockingly.] No way is she?
Akane: ...
[Cut to the school gymnasium. With the student body having the
lunch break, the spacious room is empty as Nabiki and Ranma walk
in.]
Nabiki: [Gloating.] Kampeki da... Sales were ten times better
than any other day! [Hungrily.] The money's rolling in!
Ranma: [Apprehensively.] Ah... good. I guess I'll leave you
here to enjoy your money.
Nabiki: What are you talking about? Yesterday was only the
beginning!
Ranma: B-beginning?
Nabiki: [Deviously.] Do you really think I was going to let a
golden opportunity pass? This time, we're going to go big! No
more sidewalk sales for me! [Points at Ranma.] I'm changing the
schedule. I want Sailor Moon at the Shinseidou Quartier 5 in
Shinjuku this afternoon for the big sales event! [Dramatically
as she clenches her fist.] This time tomorrow, everyone in Tokyo
will be wanting to buy!
***This is the location to one of
***Hitoshi's most recent "anime events".
***Don't have the foggiest idea what
***it looks like.
Ranma: Wh-what are you talking about?!? We had an agreement!
Your sidewalk sales are humiliating enough as is! You can't do
this!
Nabiki: [With evil glint in eye.] Think again, Ranma-kun. I'm
a businesswoman. It would be foolish for me to forgo such a
lucrative opportunity. [Coldly.] Besides, unlike some people I
don't forget things easily. Maybe I should remind you what will
happen if you don't cooperate...
Ranma: ...
Nabiki: [Nods sinisterly.] That's right. Once your secret is
out, you'll be the laughing stock of school. All those Moonie
idiots will be hounding you day and night for autographs! Even
Kunou-chan will call you a hentai. Your life won't be miserable;
it will be over!
Ranma: [Fearfully.] Nabiki... even you wouldn't...
Nabiki: [Contemptuously.] I'll do anything to make a profit
Ranma-kun. [Coldly.] If that means raking you over the coals,
so be it.
Ranma: ...!
[Back with the girls having lunch.]
Ukyou: Akane-chan, do you know why Ran-chan left meekly like
that?
Akane: Beats me. He can-
Kodachi: [Ignoring Akane. To Ukyou.] Why would she know what
Ranma-sama is doing?
Ukyou: [Mocking/annoyed tone.] Well, for someone claiming not
to be Ran-chan's fiancee, Akane-chan knows him pretty well.
Kodachi: Fiancee? What is this fiancee business?
Akane: [Angrily.] It's a long story and now is not the time!
[She stares at Kodachi. Kodachi shrugs.] I'm more worried about
Ranko than that idiot Ranma.
Ukyou: Maybe we should ask Tofu-sensei?
Kodachi: The doctor that has a practice not far from here?
[Ukyou nods. Kodachi continues dreamily.] He reminds me a
little of my sempai... Just like my Ranma-sama. [Akane and
Ukyou bigsweats.]
Akane: He might know. P-chan might also know something. He
hangs around her more than around me.
P-chan: [Running towards the girls.] Minna!
Kodachi: Speaking of the pig...
P-chan: [Glaring at Kodachi.] Don't get personal! [To
everyone.] I sense the Dark Kingdom at work again!
Akane: Have you told Ranko about it?
P-chan: No. I thought she's with you...
Ukyou: I think we should fill him in.
[Cut to after the girls fill P-chan in.]
Ukyou: So that's what happened. We were going to ask Tofu-
sensei if he knows the reason behind this.
P-chan: [Frowning.] Sou ka...
Akane: I don't understand her. We're friends! We would've
helped her if she asked!
P-chan: Don't worry. I'm sure that, I mean Ranko must have a
good reason. I'll go and ask her. You can ask Tofu-sensei in
the meantime.
Kodachi: [Dreamily.] Sempai...
P-chan: [Bigsweating.] What's with her? [Ukyou taps her head.]
Kodachi: [Snapping.] Oi! I'm not crazy! Just... a tad
overzealous.
[Everyone facefaults.]
P-chan: [Reassuringly.] Anyway, you needn't worry! I'll talk
to her this afternoon. I'm sure she'll listen to reason and bow
to my dignity and compassion.
[Cut to outside the Fuurinkan campus after school.]
P-chan: [To Ranma.] Bakayaro! What do you think you're
doing?!?
Ranma: What are you talking about?
P-chan: This is really the worst! Even though I knew you're an
idiot...
Ranma: Omee!
P-chan: ... I never knew you were a sell-out too! [Points.]
Your actions are a disgrace to all the Sailor Senshi and all the
Senshi who came before! If the Princess knew, she'd be in tears
seeing how low the leader of the Senshi has fa-- [Interrupted by
Ranko's foot.]
Ranma: [Stomps on P-chan.] Aho! This whole mess is all your
fault!
P-chan: [Struggling to free himself.] Mrumph...
Ranma: [Voice shaking.] Thanks to your stupidity and
carelessness, Nabiki has a tape recording of you saying I'm
Sailor Moon! If I don't do what she wants, she'll reveal my
secret all over school! I'll be humiliated and hounded by
everyone! Even worse, Oyaji will make me commit seppuku! Then
the Princess will really have something to cry about! [Storms of
towards downtown.]
P-chan: [Big-sweats.] N-nabiki knows!? What do we do now...
[Cut to Shinjuki. In the Shinseidou Quartier 5,
Ranma arrives to see a stage with TV cameras,
reporters, and drooling fans. Nabiki is standing off stage in a
business suit tapping her foot and looking angrily at him.]
Ranma: [To Nabiki.] What's-
Nabiki: [Angrily.] You're ten seconds late, Ranma-kun. You're
supposed to be fifteen minutes early!
Ranma: What?
Nabiki: Just transform, change, whatever! I want Sailor Moon
back here in three minutes. We're going to hold a press
conference and Sailor Moon is going to introduce my line of
merchandise to the world!
Ranma: But...
Nabiki: [Hard voice.] Ranma-kun, just shut up and do what
you're told! You know the consequences otherwise.
[She left Ranma to enter the stage. Ranma watches with disbelief
but starts looking for a secluded spot anyway. Meanwhile, Nabiki
is addressing the crowd and the camera.]
Nabiki: Now, the event you've all been waiting for. Sailor
Moon, live in Shinjuku, brought to you by ???!
*** I'm not sure whether the Japanese use the "brought
*** to you by xxx" bit.
***Thinking it over, I think they do have "sponsored by"
***because every anime show always does it. (that blue screen
***after a TV shows OP). In this case, either "Tendou
***Corporation", or would she give her own name?
***Perhaps "Kingdom Corp" (since she's under the influence
***of DKingdom).
[The crowd cheers and flashbulbs begin flashing.]
Nabiki: [Continuing amidst the crowd's response.] Our lovely
super-heroine has consented to a live interview. Now your
questions can be answered! No more speculation! No more
guesses! You can have the answer, straight from the warrior
herself! [Noticing that Sailor Moon has arrived at the side of
the stage.] But before that, a brief introduction of new Sailor
Moon goods from ???.
***See above on possible company names.
[Nabiki motions and another person takes her place and begins to
introduce some merchandise. Nabiki, on the other hand, walks off
stage towards Sailor Moon.]
Nabiki: Good, you can be on time. Just relax and answer the
questions. Don't be too open, though. Save some for next time
when you and your friends appear together.
Sailor Moon: [Puzzled.] My friends? What do you mean my
friends?
Nabiki: Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, and, if I'm not mistaken,
Sailor Jupiter. You have one week to tell them to show up for
another event like this.
Sailor Moon: But our agreement is between you and me! Nothing
about bringing the other senshi into this!
Nabiki: As I've said before, "Sailor Moon", I don't throw away
opportunities. You will bring them here next week.
***I put the quotes around it to
***emphasize that she's emphasizing the
***name meaningfully.
Sailor Moon: No way! Their lives are their own. You can't just
do this to them. Besides, you don't have any handle on them!
Nabiki: But I have one on you, "Sailor Moon". I'm being very
generous to give you the week to convince them. I know you
wouldn't disappoint me. You can't afford to!
Sailor Moon: You can't do this! You can't make me do this!
Nabiki: [Determined expression.] Watch me.
Sailor Moon: [Anger creeping into her voice and eyes.] You...
Nabiki: [Coldly.] I'm what...? You're not going to hit me or
blast me, Sailor Moon. I know you too well. You will do as I
told you.
Sailor Moon: ...
Nabiki: Good. Now, your turn is next. Get ready. [She gets
ready to re-enter the stage.]
Sailor Moon: [Resolutely.] No.
Nabiki: What?
Sailor Moon: I won't do it! I can't do it! [Tearful eyes.]
You want to ruin my life? Go ahead! I won't let you do that to
my friends!
Nabiki: [Coldly.] Your bluff is not working, little girl.
Sailor Moon: I'm not bluffing. You want to spread my secret?
Fine! I'll die, but I'll still have some dignity left!
Nabiki: [Angrily.] You want your dignity? Very well!
You can have it!
[She walks up the stage and takes the microphone from
the other person.]
Nabiki: [To the crowd.] Now, for the main event! Do you want
to know who Sailor Moon really is? We have the answer here and
you will know it too!
Sailor Moon: [Entering the stage.] Nabiki! You can't-
Nabiki: [Coldly to Sailor Moon.] Watch me! [Glowing with
energy. To the crowd.] Sailor Moon is really...
Nephrite: [Watching from his hideout] Energy level, peak!
[Suddenly dark vapor spews out of Nabiki's body. She summarily
crumples to the ground while the vapor coalesces into a somewhat
horrific and truly ugly form.]
The Crowd: Y-youma da!
Sailor Moon: Nani!?
Youma: Bwahahaha...! I am the Youma Shinka Jorei! [Points at
Sailor Moon and begins firing coins at high speed.] Machine-Gun
Coin Throw!
Sailor Moon: Waah...! [To herself as she dives out of the way.]
Taihen
da! It's been a while since I had to fight these things all by myself!
[Powers up.] MOUKO...!
The Crowd: S-sugoi! [Begin snapping multiple flash pictures.]
Sailor Moon: [Aborts her attack.] Nan da...?! [To the crowd as she
tries
to shield her eyes by blinking.] Do you mind?!? I can't see a thing!
Shinka Jorei: Sukiari! [Creates a giant Y1000 bill.] Yen Note Wrap!
[Throws the bill at Sailor Moon, wrapping her from head to toe.]
Sailor Moon: [Struggles to free her arms as she hops to avoid coin
blasts.] KYAAA!
Shinka Jorei: [Contemptuously.] To think the Dark Kingdom has
had so much grief from such a pathetic creature!
Sailor Moon: Pathetic?!? I'll show you! [Tries again to break free,
but fails.]
Shinka Jorei: Bakame...you don't stand a chance against me!
[Confidently.] Unlike the others, I know all your secrets!
Sailor Moon: [Goes pale.] ...!
Shinka Jorei: [Continuing.] When I tell everyone your secrets,
your threat to the Dark Kingdom will end!
[For several seconds, Sailor Moon's expression is pale with shock
and depression as thoughts of failure, humiliation, and seppuku
go through her head. Then, her expression twists with anger and
determination.]
Sailor Moon: [Trembling with anger.] Sou ka...you're the one
that's ruined my life... Bakemono...you shouldn't make me so
angry... [Begins slowly powering up.]
Shinka Jorei: [Not noticing Sailor Moon's Ki aura.] And why is that?
Sailor Moon: [Softly.] Sei. Sha. Hitsu. Metsu.
***Regius,
***if this is supposed to be a single
***incantation of power, it's better phrased
***"Sei...Sha...Hitsu...Metsu..."
Shinka Jorei: [Noticing Sailor Moon.] Eh? What did you say?
Sailor Moon: [Shreds the Yen Bill Wrap with a burst of energy.] DEATH
TOUCH!
[Sailor Moon rushes the Shinka Jorei and appears to go through her,
leaving purple after images of her punching, somersault-
kicking, sweep-kicking, back-slamming, upper-cutting, throw-
slamming, and poking the youma.]
Shinka Jorei: AAIIEEHH!! [The youma promptly disintegrates.]
Nabiki: [Getting up groggily.] Wh-what happened?
The crowd: [To Nabiki.] You there! Tell us the secret!
Nabiki: [Confused.] What? What are you talking about!
The crowd's representative: [Getting angry.] Oi! Don't play
with us! You said you'll tell us Sailor Moon's identity!
Nabiki: I... did?
[A man in business attire steps up to Nabiki.]
Man: Ms. Tendo, I am representing Bandai. We are charging you
with copyright infringement.
***OK, here's the big one...
***I put the Bandai guy above in just
***as a joke (ie a repeat of the
***"script" gag). I didn't intend on
***suing Nabiki. Again, my original plan
***was to have SMoon save Nabiki from some
***kind of physical danger. You've rewritten
***it into "financial and legal" danger.
***This doesn't (to me) feel much like
***a Ranma 1/2 (or Sailor Moon) scenario.
***Are you doing this intentionally?
***> It is intentional. I can't think of a way for Ranma or
***> Sailor Moon to save Nabiki from mortal danger (esp. at
***> the risk of her own life). Hence the different sort of
***> danger. Besides, I thought the Bandai people wasn't that
***> much of a joke. ^^;;;
***
***OK, I think it wouldn't be hard to put Nabiki
***endanger (stage collapses because of final attack or
***Youma takes Nabiki hostage (but she'd have to
***wake up to see SMoon save her). The former
***is very easy to do because of the nature of a
***Shishi Hokendan.
***
***I'm perfectly willing to drop the Bandai people if
***you think the joke doesn't work.
***
***I'll go ahead and use what you have now, but
***I will want to mention it to the ML.
Nabiki: [Getting scared a little.] What? Why?
Sailor Moon: [Stepping in front of Nabiki.] Minna, ochitsuite!
This girl is just an innocent victim. She was controlled by the
youma.
The crowd: That was real?
[A commotion begins due to the revelation.]
Sailor Moon: QUIET, PLEASE!!! [The crowd quiets down.] Thank
you. Now, as I was saying, this girl was controlled by the
youma. I'd be grateful if someone can arrange for transportation
to a medical center. She needs some care, not harassment.
Nabiki: [Surprised tone. To herself.] Ranma-kun...
Sailor Moon: As for the questions, I'll field them. Mind you, I
won't answer any question whose answer will help those youma. If
you could please get back to your seats, we can begin. [To the
man in business suit.] Sir, the girl was not in control of
herself. [Coldly.] I would consider it an insult if you still
press charges at her.
Man: [Awed by Sailor Moon.] Yes, ma'am. We certainly won't
press any charges.
[Cut to P-chan who is watching everything from the entrance.]
P-chan: [To himself.] She sure has a knack for surprising
you. But that attack...
[Cut to the next day. Ranko, Akane, Ukyou, and Kodachi are
talking while having okonomiyaki at Ucchan's.]
***I also still think having a more private
***ending with Ranma and Nabiki would be more
***poignant.
Ukyou: We saw you yesterday on TV.
Kodachi: That was... impressive.
Akane: Please forgive us for not believing you.
Ranko: That's OK. There's nothing to forgive. [She turns to an
unmarked package on her lap. She opens it to reveal a roll of
film and a micro-cassette both marked "original".]
Kodachi: What's that?
Ranko: This? It's... [Pauses.] Just something for my school
project.
Akane: [Smiling.] Dedicated as usual.
Ukyou: By the way, Ranko-chan, what kind of hold did the
possessed Nabiki have on you?
Ranko: Eh? Uh... That...
Kodachi: Your identity?
Ranko: What? How did you...
Kodachi: You wouldn't appear as Sailor Moon otherwise.
Akane: You're pretty observant, aren't you, Kodachi?
Kodachi: [Laughing lightly.] We aim to please. [Turning
dreamy.] Now if only I can find out what that evil youma had
over my Ranma-sama...
Ukyou: What do you mean your Ranma-sama? I've said over and
over that he's my Ran-chan!
Akane: Will you two stop fighting over that idiot!
Ukyou: Why? Afraid we'll get him, Akane-chan?
Kodachi: That's right! You don't own Ranma-sama!
Ranko: [Big sweating as the three girls continue their bicker.
To herself.] Why me?
<ED: To be determined>
END CREDITS
Stephen Tsai
--
Kimagure Productions|Nephrite: [Exasperated.] Yes, it's a dark evil
mark!
--present-- |
Orange College #31 |Man: [Shocked.] Ahh... I just wanted to know
Sailor Ranma #18 |where the bathroom was.
*Coming Soon* |
Stephen Tsai |Nephrite: ...
stsai@netcom.com |Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Ranma #18
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Ginza/1604/