(continued from part 2)
----------------------------------------
And soon another week had gone by, and the band learned to play yet
another song, this one, Nabiki believed, was far better than the
previous.
Other qualified bands gathered at the Tokyo amphitheater that day,
from all over Japan. Largely the bands kept to themselves, however, a
few became rather friendly. And such was the case for Doco and fellow
bands.
Nabiki, Ukyo, and Kodachi couldn't help but meet one band in
particular from Osaka, called 'Psycho Soldier.' A small-time off-and-on
band made up of three members, Athena Asamiya (the psycho soldier), Sie
Kensou (pronounced "Ken-su," he's known to eat nikuman in one gulp), and
Chin Gentsai (no relation to that friend of Happosai's, Chingensai),
their martial-arts master, known throughout Japan despite mediocre
recognition from the global music world. All three girls wanted to meet
the 18-year-old lead singer, Athena Asamiya, for whom the band was named
for.
A teenage girl dressed in a simple sailor-suit school uniform, Athena
was remarkably beautiful (as was her Greek goddess namesake), and
idolized by her fans. She greeted the three from Doco warmly.
"Even among my competitors I have fans!" exclaimed Athena. "Nice to
meet you all! You probably know I'm Athena Asamiya, may I have your
names?"
"I'm Nabiki Tendo," Nabiki said. Pointing to Kodachi, she said, "This
one is Kodachi Kuno, and this," pointing to Ukyo, "is Ukyo Kuonji, the
world's greatest okonomiyaki chef."
Ukyo elbowed Nabiki. "Why'd you say that?!"
"Kuonji...." Athena peered at Ukyo, as if trying to remember a face.
She said, "You're that kid they called 'Okonomiyaki Ukyo,' right? I
remember you! You and your father had that okonomiyaki food cart. I
loved your father's okonomiyaki; the best I've ever tasted."
"Hey, it's nice to be memorable," Ukyo replied. Ukyo barely remembered
that time, almost twelve years ago, when she and her father served to a
strange young girl. Athena was her name, very memorable, as other
children often claimed she had special powers. To think this was the
same girl! "I can cook just as well, if not better."
"Hey," Nabiki started, "I wanted to attend your concert when it was in
Tokyo for your '94 performance, but my brother-in-law burned my ticket."
Of course, Nabiki thought, I did get revenge....
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Athena said sympathetically. "Well, at least
you'll be able to watch my last performance of the year, because after
this I'm taking a break."
"Why?" asked Nabiki.
"After a lot of thought, I've decided I want to pursue my studies, not
just school, but my martial arts training as well. Really, it's
time-budgeting. Anyway, next year I'm thinking of another tour, this
time a world tour, but only if we can get enough money to go. To this
end I'm thinking about entering the King of Fighters '96, which will be
televised and sponsored by commercial companies. Publicity helps."
"Hey, we study martial arts as well," Ukyo said. "And we're just fine.
In our school work and music, that is." Maybe.
Kodachi asked, "What's this King of Fighters?"
Athena explained, "It's a world-wide fighting tournament that's only
just getting recognition. It involves teams of three fighting against
each other to win the prize money. At first I entered because I wanted
to destroy the evil I felt in then-chairman, Rugal, but now it looks
like an opportunity of a lifetime. Next year's tournament, I mean."
"Wonder if Ranma would be interested," Nabiki commented.
"I have noticed two of you possess martial prowess," indicating Ukyo
and Kodachi, "but you in particular are of interest to me," Athena said
in amazement, pointing at Ukyo.
"Me?" asked Ukyo in amazement.
"My art is based off 'psycho power,'" Athena explained, "the power of
the mind, whose applications involve the manipulation of raw chi. I
detect a similar power within you."
"Yeah, I know about it," Ukyo said, briefly thinking back to past
events. The thought of wielding psychokinetic abilities frightened Ukyo,
as an evil possessing spirit tried to use her skills to kill Ranma. The
evil spirit said she had vast untapped potential, enough to rival even
Ranma. To Ukyo power came with responsibility, and vowed never to use
chi-manipulating powers, if she could ever figure out how to use it in
the first place. "It's a new thing for me, really."
"Perhaps if there's time, I can introduce you to my master, and he can
show you how to tap your power," Athena offered.
"I'd like that." Ukyo extended a hand.
Athena took the hand graciously, but upon contact with the hand
Athena's face visibly drained of blood for a moment. Then, shaking her
head, she shook Ukyo's hand. "No, you have used your power before, all
your life."
"How so?" asked Ukyo.
"I can tell from these hands that you've used your talents many times
before, but never realized it until recently," explained Athena. "You've
channeled your chi into a single focus, a dominant part of your life, I
think."
"That would have to be my cooking, I suppose," guessed Ukyo.
"That's not at all uncommon," explained Athena. "My master channels
his chi through his sake jug. His entire fighting style is based off
this." Athena laughed, images of her drunken master in battle racing
through her mind. More than once did this catch opponents off guard.
"Still, my offer stands."
Ukyo stared at her hands in wonder-- was the love she put in making
okonomiyaki more than a chef's touch? Perhaps this was one reason why
the Kuonji okonomiyaki chefs were renowned. Ukyo remembered the old monk
that visited her on a training trip, just after a crepe chef defeated
her in battle. He'd said her fighting spirit manifested itself in her
okonomiyaki; perhaps he was right after all.
Kodachi produced a small book and a pen, then held them before Athena.
"If you wouldn't mind... an autograph, please?"
Athena took the pen and book, and as she opened to a blank page, she
asked Kodachi, "So, what do you do in your spare time?"
"I'm practicing to become the next rising star in rhythmic
gymnastics," Kodachi replied proudly. "My peers call me 'the Black
Rose.' Those who are wise fear and respect my name!"
"I see," Athena said, finishing her autograph. "Well, I'd better get
back to my group, or Kensou will get worried and call security. He
thinks I'm his girlfriend." With that Athena pointed a finger in her
mouth, signaling the 'gagging' signal.
Athena left, leaving the girls behind. Kodachi read the words Athena
had written in the book, yet remained silent.
"What'd she write?" asked Ukyo, interested.
"It doesn't matter," decided Kodachi, putting the book and pen away.
"All that matters is what I do from now on." She laughed. Kodachi threw
a storm of black rose petals and rushed off.
Nabiki watched in confusion as Kodachi pranced off, laughing all the
way. "Whatever it was, it sure made her happy."
Soon it was Doco's turn on stage. As usual, everything was in place
and ready to go. We start with strings....
* * * * *
Omoide ga Ippai [Full of Memories]
(All) Worrying about the starting bell, a classmate comes running up
calling "(Akane) Good morning!"
The sidewalk is fragrant with summer grasses. The morning begins with
a smile.
It's the same as always, but...
(Ranma) Even a casual moment is a treasure to me,
(Shampoo) pasted in the album of my heart.
(Kasumi) I won't forget [this sky] (R S N)
I won't forget [this dream]
(Akane) the gentle seasons I now share with you.
(Nabiki) In sadness [the days I shook and], (R A S K)
In joy [the days I cried],
(All) these are important memories.
(All) In a covered passage in the sun, I confided in a friend:
a wonderful person, but "it's a secret..."
Lamenting the hair I cut too short, there were nights I couldn't sleep.
I wonder if I can ever laugh about it.
(Nabiki) As if washed away by rippling waves, love was fleetingly worn
away.
(Kasumi) Even if the pain becomes past tense,
(Ranma) I won't forget [that rainbow] (A S N)
I won't forget [that love]
(Kasumi) Even if I become an adult, I don't want to lose them.
(Shampoo) I was high-spirited [at any time] (R A N K)
I was distressed [even now]
(All) the dazzling brightness doesn't end.
(Akane) I won't forget [this sky] (R N K)
I won't forget [this dream]
(Shampoo) the gentle seasons I now share with you.
(Kasumi) In sadness [the days I shook and], (R A S N)
In joy [the days I cried],
(All) these are important memories.
* * * * *
At the end of the day the winners of this round were announced, Doco
among them. Nabiki couldn't help but note that the Psycho Soldier band
was also among the finalists; not bad for a three-person group. Of all
the bands, only twelve remain to contest for the grand prize; the other
ten being Samurai Blood (who played a type of soft, flute-filled,
wordless music characteristic of old samurai movies, Nabiki thought),
West Wind, Ivory-Jade Studs, Old Cabbage, Cold Steel, Seventh Stone, the
Yawning Dragon, Will of Heaven, the Fuji Group, and Red Pepper. In one
week the finest of the bands would emerge.
Backstage the band members packed their instruments into the Kuno van.
As Ukyo reached for her bag, a nearby vending machine bounded her
direction.
"Tsubasa...." muttered Ukyo, wishing she had her combat spatula on
her.
"Ukyo-sama!" cried Tsubasa from his hiding place in the vending
machine. The door opened, spilling out foodstuffs and the transvestite
at once on the floor before Ukyo.
Tsubasa grabbed Ukyo's leg and squeezed hard. "I missed you!"
Blood boiling, Ukyo snarled, "Too bad, I won't miss you." Lifting her
bag, Ukyo swung it in a wide arc, smashing it into Tsubasa. The strange
little man flew threw the walls.
Wow, I didn't know I had THAT much in me, Ukyo thought, shrugging it
off as due to momentum of the bag.
Around the corner in the shadows, a single lone figure watched Ukyo
and Tsubasa's exchange with interest. This may possibly be useful for
his plans.
It was well after dark, and Tsubasa walked alone in the empty streets.
One of these days, he vowed to make Ukyo his!
Lost in thought, Tsubasa bumped into another man, knocking himself
down. He looked up, starting from black polished boots, to the bottom of
a dark trenchcoat, up to the face. Opaque glasses covered the man's
face, concealing his identity.
"You're Tsubasa Kuranei?" the man asked.
"Yeah? Who wants to know?"
"How would you like to have Ukyo Kuonji all for your own?" the man
said, getting directly to the point.
"I'm listening," Tsubasa replied slyly.
"You know of the Battle of the Bands?"
"How can I not!"
"Good. I have a desire to... 'bump off' certain bands from the final
rounds."
"Ooohhh, rigging the finale, eh? Sounds like fun."
"Excellent! Now, here's what I want you to do...."
Later that night the band felt like celebrating, and congregated at a
nearby karaoke bar. To which Tatewaki and Kodachi Kuno were so happy
that they couldn't resist the temptation, and stepped up to the mike....
* * * * *
Mori no Kuma-san [Mr. Bear of the Forest]
Note: it sounds quite nice if you listen to the Karuta CD, track 30....
(Kodachi) Hahaha, hahahahaha, (Kuno joins in) ah-hahahahahahahaha!
[Hello everybody, Tacchi and Kocchi!!!]
One day, in the woods, I met Mr. Bear.
A forest road with blooming flowers, I met Mr. Bear.
The things that Mr. Bear said, Little Miss, run away!
SUTAKORA SASSASSA NO SA SUTAKORA SASSASSA NO SA
(note, this is the sounds for running away)
However, Mr. Bear follows from behind.
DOKODOKO DOKKOKO NO KO DOKODOKO DOKKOKO NO KO
(note, this is the sounds of the bear following)
* * * * *
Immediately afterward, the others couldn't help but wonder if the Kuno
siblings were drunk.
The next day Nabiki received a note from the Band chairmen, sending
word to all the finalists that one of the bands, Cold Steel, has been
dropped from the competition, no explanation given. The first thing that
came to her mind was an increased chance to win the grand prize.
Little thought was given to the note, and the band practiced that day
as usual. Before lunch break Nabiki approached Kuno with another word.
"I must say how much your help has been the past weeks," Nabiki said.
"Just about everything-- money, transportation, instruments... where do
I start? I would've run out long ago if it weren't for you."
"A grand investment such as this, Nabiki Tendo, is worth sharing among
those who would reap its rewards," Kuno replied, seemingly unconcerned.
"It is I who should be thanking you, Nabiki Tendo."
"How so, Kuno-chan?"
"Not since becoming captain of the Kendo Team have I felt such
camaraderie among people. Truly, it is exciting to be a part of events
that shape the future, such as this is. Perhaps it is the mark of a new
beginning for us all."
"Naw, that new beginning started a long time ago," Nabiki corrected.
"Back at Ranma and Akane's wedding, that is. Everything since then's
made things a little different."
"Perhaps. Perhaps that is the only good will I can grant toward Ranma
Saotome. This feeling I have now... it feels good. Perhaps a date,
Nabiki Tendo?" Wait a minute, what are you saying?
"Keep trying, Kuno-chan." What in the world was he thinking? What was
it that was nagging in his mind and her own that kept coming back to
this subject?
The next evening Shampoo, Kodachi, and Ukyo met again at Ucchan's for
dinner. All three sat at the same table, savoring cold glasses of water
and empty plates which used to contain okonomiyaki. Konatsu was busy in
the back, cleaning utensils. Mousse was out for the evening on a walk,
very unwilling to face Shampoo in this manner, at least, for now. The
dartboard was filled with three sets of darts, where only one set had
all three in the bull's-eye. Obviously Ukyo's work; sometimes the ten
years training in okonomiyaki-style martial arts paid off.
"So here we are again," observed Ukyo. "It's kinda strange, really,
sitting here in my restaurant, sharing a meal. Playing darts. Talking
our troubles away. Especially considering what happened last time...."
"Loneliness does attract company, after all," Kodachi said.
"Shampoo not lonely!" Shampoo protested.
"Yeah, so when are you going to ask him out?" asked Kodachi.
"Shampoo not ask Mousse out!"
"I didn't mean Mousse, half-wit, but thanks the same for admitting
it!" Kodachi laughed.
Shampoo flared in anger, but Ukyo grabbed her shoulder, and calmed her
down.
"You should drop the charade and swallow your pride," Ukyo said, "we
both know you like him." Snowball chose that moment to jump into Ukyo's
lap. The white cat purred in contentment.
"Shampoo belong to Ranma," Shampoo said.
"Let's not get into that again," Ukyo complained, stroking the cat.
The new house rule was 'no Ranma' discussions amongst the three.
"We won't stop pestering you until you date him," Kodachi said. "We
don't have boyfriends of our own to make fun of." Or was it gossip
about?
"And no wonder if crazy girl insane," taunted Shampoo.
"I'm not crazy, I'm eccentric!" Kodachi corrected. "It is such airs I
put that assures me that I find a man who can truly love me for what I
am!" Too bad Ranma, the one man who'd made it far enough into Kodachi's
heart, didn't share feelings with her. "Who started that rumor, anyway?"
"I think you did," observed Ukyo. "Your behavior says it all."
"Does not!" Kodachi replied hotly. "I simply have a flair for the
dramatic, a larger scope of living, than most people. Do you see anyone
else appreciate living so? Don't you know it's best to seize the day, as
it won't come tomorrow?"
"Sounds like fine words to live by," commented Ukyo. "But that's
hardly the way I'd assert it."
"Commoners!" snorted Kodachi. "Only those of the upper classes
understand the true meaning of living. People like you grope and
complain about your lots in life when you've got everything that can
make you happy staring at you in the face!"
Perhaps, Ukyo thought. Then again, Kodachi did come from a wealthy
family.Money sure did help things along.
"Shampoo hate it when crazy girl make sense."
"And I thought I was the rational one," teased Ukyo.
"Stop that! Didn't you learn anything from what I've said? Be happy
with what you have, and if you aren't then DO something about it! It's a
shame I can't have darling Ranma anymore... I tried so hard to win over
his heart."
"Again, let's not get into that," Ukyo warned, putting the cat down.
"So why do crazy girl and Spatula-girl want Ranma?" Shampoo asked. She
knew the other two girls knew why she pursued Ranma, but what of
themselves?
Kodachi answered, "Put simply, he saved my life. Now I feel I owe him
a debt which cannot be repaid. Serving him for the rest of his life as
his wife would've helped a lot." Not to mention it would help carry on
the great Kuno name; you kill two birds with one stone. "He's the only
man I've met that could truly become my future husband."
Ukyo said, "Ranchan and I were childhood friends, and at that time I
wanted to marry him."
"Hah, childhood romances. How rich!" Kodachi laughed.
Shampoo giggled, but thought about Mousse, then stopped.
"Yeah, well, Father asked Mr. Saotome to marry me to him. He didn't
want to see me alone, I suppose. Haven't seen him for a long time."
"Well, take it from me, darling, and stay away from your father,
they're more trouble than they're worth," Kodachi suggested. She
couldn't stand watching dear Brother and Father fight so much. It got so
bad one day that Kodachi was forced to choose between her brother and
father-- 'it was me or him,' Tatewaki had said. Torn between the father
she barely knew, and the brother she 'hated' so, who took care of her
for many years like a father himself, Kodachi chose Tatewaki. Of course
the choice did nothing to hurt Father; he simply didn't care about her
enough. It was weeks before Kodachi could get over it.
"Speaking of fathers, what about mothers?" asked Ukyo. "I've heard
nothing about yours."
"Well," Kodachi started, "Mother left after a fight with Father many
years ago." Or so 'ol Tacchi said, as Father never spoke of her. "There
wasn't a divorce-- simply a separation, I guess. She never visits or
calls. Who knows what she's doing?"
"Shampoo's mother have responsibilities in home village," Shampoo
said. "How about Spatula-girl?"
Ukyo cleared her throat. "Where should I begin? Well, for one, I've
never really met my mother, as she died when I was very young." Thoughts
of fault entered Ukyo's mind. It can't be your fault. "Please, let's
just leave it at that?"
The three remained silent, the only noises being Konatsu in the back
room.Snowball trotted to the noise, leaving the dining room behind.
"You should ask Mousse out," Ukyo insisted Shampoo.
"You won't find a better man, trust me," Kodachi said encouragingly.
"Why you two try to help Shampoo?" asked Shampoo, confused.
"Speaking for both of us, it isn't right to be alone," answered
Kodachi. "I intend to raise a family, a family to carry on the proud
name of Kuno. Don't you want to raise a family, for the glory of your
name and family?"
Shampoo nodded. She was of blood to the matriarch, after all.
"Strange, isn't it," observed Ukyo, "how in the past we were bitter
enemies, and now we're here, sharing a meal, as if we were old friends."
"I wouldn't go that far, girl," Kodachi warned, eyes turning into
slits. "I must admit, though, your cooking is excellent."
"Yeah, well, you're not so bad yourself, when I can figure out what it
is you cook," Ukyo said. "That last one was French, wasn't it?"
Kodachi nodded. "My high-classed upbringing has exposed me to many
other cultures across the world. It's crepe. Perhaps I can teach the
'world's greatest chef of okonomiyaki' a few recipes?"
"I'd like that," answered Ukyo.
"Shampoo want to learn too. Only ramen dishes Shampoo's specialty."
And it shows, both Kodachi and Ukyo thought.
"As much as I hate to admit it," Kodachi started, "we might share more
things in common than we realize. Cooking may be just one of them."
"Yeah, and Ranchan another," Ukyo said, laughing.
"Either we owe Ranma for introducing us, or we should kill him,"
Kodachi replied jokingly. Both Shampoo and Ukyo stared at her. "All
right, we won't go into that again."
Shampoo sipped from her glass. "Shampoo have idea. Perhaps song
contest?"
Kodachi peered at Shampoo suspiciously. "I thought you said you didn't
want to hear us sing?"
"Lay off, sugar," Ukyo said. "I'm game. How's this going to work?"
"All sing one song. We judge each other impartially. Losers walk
barefoot home; winner keep shoes."
"I hardly call that a decent wager," Kodachi said. "Why not the losers
eat Akane's cooking?"
"Sounds good to me," agreed Ukyo, if the losing wager was a bit harsh.
She called over her shoulder, "Konatsu! We want you here."
Konatsu entered the dining room and bowed. "What service shall your
humble servant perform, Ukyo-sama?"
"Judge our singing," Kodachi said. "Tell us which sounds the best!"
"Shampoo want to start first," offered Shampoo.
* * * * *
Jajauma ni sasenaide (Don't make me a shrew)
Note: This is a song Shampoo sings on the Karuta CD
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 1 shanten [Mahjong: 2 tiles from "ron"]
Romping love is a carp in a pond.
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 1 shanten
The sea bream of my heart wants to be embraced.
Without understanding even the reason,
Ranma, Ranma, it's getting dark.
Since I got together with you,
Ranma, Ranma,
quarreling about something or other, it's the fin de si\`ecle.
Why can't you say "I love you" more quietly?
Whenever we rival each other, I too become a shrew!
Without even ringing a bell, like a gentle breeze,
you just settled into the one-room [apartment] of my heart.
It's an inconvenience, but...
...just for tonight, it's OK (...until tomorrow, it's OK)
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 2 shanten [Mahjong: 3 tiles from "ron"]
A dancing kiss is a Sillago japonica in the sea.
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 2 shanten
The horse mackerel of love is the secret ingredient.
Every time you stare at me,
Ranma, Ranma, I get dizzy.
It looks like it's becoming love,
Ranma, Ranma,
Time out, time out, let's be friends.
Wooed with such force,
I fled the city of stars
The date I've been dreaming of
will become a marathon!
An itchy maerchen [German: fairy tale] is an aphrodisiac to a maiden.
I want to be wrapped up in your tenderness.
I'm joking, but...
...my heart has become transparent
(...sooner or later it'll become transparent).
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 1 shanten [Mahjong: 2 tiles from "ron"]
Romping love is a carp in a pond.
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 1 shanten
The sea bream of my heart wants to be embraced.
When you stare at me, Ranma, Ranma, I get dizzy,
It looks like it's becoming love, Ranma, Ranma, my friend.
Without understanding even the reason,
Ranma, Ranma, it's getting dark.
Since I got together with you,
Ranma, Ranma,
quarreling about something or other, it's the fin de si\`ecle.
* * * * *
Shampoo finished her song, Kodachi, Ukyo, and Konatsu clapping in
respect.
"So, how that?" Shampoo asked Konatsu.
"I don't know, my lady, I have yet to listen to the rest," Konatsu
replied diplomatically.
"I could've guessed that Shampoo would sing a Ranma song," Ukyo
whispered to Kodachi. How typical.
Kodachi stood up and said, "I'm next!" With images of Ranma firmly in
her mind, a bag of black rose petals in hand, Kodachi began....
* * * * *
PURATONIKKU tsuranuite (Let's be Platonic)
Note: This is a song Kodachi sings on the Karuta CD. Get it for kicks :)
Nobody else at the seashore, together with you,
we reveled at the time but we settled down.
Your reticent eyes somehow scare me.
The sky, the sea, and the waves all recede in the distance.
Ah, even at the touch of your little finger, my thoughts short-circuit!
Till love grows, wait a little while.
Softly brushing away a grain of sand on your lip,
I see myself in your eyes..... ahahahahahahahaha!!!
* [Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's be Platonic--
it's a promise! Ahahahahaahaaa!!
[Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's stay Platonic--
I love you.....oooohoohooohooooo!!
Suddenly rain falls, and in a hurry, we
run for the car on the road.
Ah, when you roughly pull me by the arm,
it feels like it's broken. Be gentle.
What my heart must decide, the answer
may be known only by the endless waves?
[Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's still be Platonic
for now....ohohohohohoho!!
[Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's stay Platonic--
as painful as that may be....hehehehehehehe!
To tell the truth, when we almost kiss,
I've felt like saying you're allowed.
* [Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's be Platonic--
it's a promise! Whaaahaaaahhaaaaa....
[Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's stay Platonic--
I love you.....ooohooohooohoooooo!!!
* * * * *
Kodachi bowed after completing her song, the others clapping. Black
rose petals adorned the floor of the restaurant.
Shampoo observed, "If Shampoo not mistaken that song dedicated to
Ranma. You still fantasize Ranma. Why?"
"Well, you did it too," Kodachi replied. A girl can dream, after all.
"Well, I guess it's my turn," Ukyo said. Taking a deep breath, Ukyo
stood up. "I'm not all that good, really."
"Don't worry, I won't mind if you skip out on our wager," Kodachi
taunted.
"No way!" Ukyo replied. This one's for you, Ranchan.
* * * * *
Omoide ga Ippai [Full of Memories]
Note: Not a chance that Ukyo sings this one on the Karuta CD! :)
Worrying about the starting bell, a classmate comes running up
calling "Good morning!"
The sidewalk is fragrant with summer grasses. The morning begins with
a smile.
It's the same as always, but...
Even a casual moment is a treasure to me,
pasted in the album of my heart.
I won't forget this sky
I won't forget this dream
the gentle seasons I now share with you.
In sadness the days I shook and,
In joy the days I cried,
these are important memories.
In a covered passage in the sun, I confided in a friend:
a wonderful person, but "it's a secret..."
Lamenting the hair I cut too short, there were nights I couldn't
sleep.
I wonder if I can ever laugh about it.
As if washed away by rippling waves, love was fleetingly worn away.
Even if the pain becomes past tense,
I won't forget that rainbow
I won't forget that love
Even if I become an adult, I don't want to lose them.
I was high-spirited at any time
I was distressed even now
the dazzling brightness doesn't end.
I won't forget this sky
I won't forget this dream
the gentle seasons I now share with you.
In sadness the days I shook and,
In joy the days I cried,
these are important memories.
* * * * *
Ukyo bowed, then said, "How's that?" Especially since the song was
never written to be sung alone, but it was one of Ukyo's favorites.
"Obviously not as dramatic as it could've been," observed Kodachi,
glancing at the carpet of black rose petals she made earlier.
All eyes turned to Konatsu. Konatsu sat unmoving, seemingly moved by
Ukyo's song. "I loved Ukyo-sama's the most."
"Not fair!" protested Kodachi. "He's biased toward your song!"
"Well, he was the only one around, sugar," Ukyo pointed out.
Shampoo pondered for a moment, then said, "Perhaps this not good idea.
Shampoo like all songs, to be truthful."
"Same here," agreed Ukyo and Kodachi.
"Then it's settled," Konatsu said. "It's a draw." With that, Konatsu
lumbered out of the dining room to resume his cleaning.
"Nabiki Tendo doesn't know what she missed," laughed Kodachi. Images
of shoving it up her rear passed through the Kuno girl's thoughts, and
she laughed even harder.
(continued in part 4)
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"That's my story and I'm sticking to it."--JMS, creator of Babylon 5.
"If you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die."--Kosh, Babylon 5.
"Jump. Jump now!"--Kosh, Babylon 5, making some sense.
--Razorclaw X
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