continued from part 2
-----------------------------

  It was not long after the song was over the crowd shouted for an 
encore. To which the judges unanimously awarded Doco a place in the next 
level of competition, also to be held in Tokyo in another week. 
  It was then the judges asked for a stage call. To which Tatewaki Kuno 
told the band, "This is the chance for all the world to see the great 
Tatewaki Kuno in all his glory, displaying his musical talents in full 
view of the rest of the city! Someone must properly introduce me."
  To which Nabiki answered with this as she stepped on stage: 
  
                             *  *  *  *  *  
Kunou-chan ga Yatte-kuru [Kuno-chan is coming around]

Everyone in the neighborhood,
Kuno-chan is coming around
Scattering his perversion,
Kuno-chan is coming around

Hey hey hey hey hey, you there,
you mustn't cross this line.

He won't bite you!  It's all right.
If you want a good seat, come earlier.
Kuno-chan, Kuno-chan,
I don't hate you, a-ha!

(To which Kuno yells): Nabiki Tendo, I won't come on stage like that!
                             *  *  *  *  *  

  Each member of the band congratulated each other for a fine night's 
work at the Tendo dojo later that evening, placing first among the Tokyo 
district entrants. Soun cried a knee-deep puddle of tears where he stood 
when the judges announced the band, and the trickle continued all the 
way home, and on. He was so happy! 
  "I was thinking," Nabiki shouted, catching everybody's attention, 
"that we should mix up our entry a bit."
  "How so?" asked Kasumi. 
  "The contest allows for multiple songs. I think we should do something 
different this next time around."
  "That's not a bad idea," voiced Akane. 
  Nabiki raised her voice again. "Okay, people, we have one week to get 
a second song down. I expect to see you again tomorrow morning at the 
auditorium."
  The others couldn't help but groan simultaneously. 

  A couple days later Nabiki found herself alone with Tatewaki Kuno. 
Why? She just had to know the answer to a burning question. 
  "Kuno-chan," Nabiki started, "I've never seen you be so selfless 
before. Why?"
  Kuno smiled, then said, "For several reasons, my dear Nabiki Tendo. 
One, if it makes my dear sister happy, then I'll do anything for her. 
Two, if it makes Akane Tendo happy, then that is an added bonus. Three, 
I'm sure I'll find a good chance to smite that vile Ranma Saotome when 
he's out of his grounds."
  "You're kidding," Nabiki hoped. 
  "No, I am not."
  That's all I wanted to know, Nabiki thought. But she couldn't resist 
asking, "Kuno-chan, is there any girl out there you truly want?"
  Kuno pondered for a moment. "The pig-tailed goddess was a simulacrum 
created by Ranma Saotome to toy with my affections and my loving heart. 
As I cannot have either the pig-tailed girl or Akane Tendo, I find I am 
very much alone. I find that there isn't a woman waiting to jump into 
these caring arms, to make myself complete! One day, Nabiki Tendo, the 
pig-tailed girl of my dreams, in whatever shape or form, will jump into 
these arms. I've only to find that special person."
  "Sorry I asked," Nabiki said. Nabiki thought, there's nobody in the 
world for Kuno. Pity, just as there wasn't a person for Nabiki Tendo as 
well. Stop that thought right there, Nabiki! Where did that one come 
from? 
  "Are you trying to suggest we go out on a date?" Kuno asked.
  "Oh come now, Kuno-chan," Nabiki countered, "why would a girl like me 
ask a guy like you out on a date?"
  "Point taken," Kuno said. "Hmph, to think, one such as I, Tatewaki 
Kuno, on a date with you, Nabiki Tendo? Preposterous!" 
  "Same here," agreed Nabiki. We're strictly-business, that's all. 
  For quite some time neither Nabiki nor Kuno spoke. Finally, Kuno said, 
"I assume the first leg of our summer vacation will be spent perfecting 
our performance, so that we may spend our second leg in Hawaii?" 
  "You got it," Nabiki replied. Then, throwing a new question into the 
fray, she asked, "What do you suppose the principal's going to do over 
summer vacation?" 
  Kuno growled to himself. "I care not what he does; his school is his 
life. Without it, who can say? Whatever his activities, he'd remain in 
best health if he were to remain far away from me and my sister." 
  "You've sure been protective of your sister lately," noted Nabiki. 
"Why?" 
  The elder Kuno sibling waved the middle Tendo sister away. "That is 
none of your business. You have sisters of your own, therefore you 
should understand our relationship well enough." 
  He's got a point, Nabiki thought. How scary; Kuno was making sense for 
a change! 

  Thursday evening after practice Ukyo and Shampoo were playing darts at 
Ucchan's. The dartboard hung on the dining room wall. The restaurant was 
empty, as it was well after the dinner rush. 
  As Shampoo threw her first dart, Ukyo asked, "So how are things going 
between you and Mousse?"
  The first dart missed its mark. "Shampoo no like Mousse!" 
  "Don't lie to me, I saw the look in your eyes," Ukyo persisted. 
  The second dart missed as well. "Shampoo belong to Ranma!"
  "But you know he can't love you, just as he can't love me or Kodachi. 
And just the same he can't be your husband. Akane has him."
  The third and final dart missed. Shampoo turned to Ukyo, saying, "So 
what if Shampoo like Mousse? What is it to Spatula-girl?"
  Ukyo picked up three darts of her own. "Mousse is a sweet guy. I can't 
stand to see him down all the time. Being with you makes him happy."
  "Then why you not marry Mousse?" asked Shampoo. 
  "Don't you see?" started Ukyo, raising the first dart, "for some 
reason beyond our comprehension, he loves YOU." Letting the dart go, 
Ukyo added, "Even when we were dating, he couldn't stop thinking about 
you."
  The first dart hit bull's-eye. "Shampoo never marry Mousse."
  "Then why did you miss all three of your throws?" Ukyo countered. 
"Your problem is," throwing another bull's-eye, "you don't want to admit 
it, to yourself or to anyone. That old tradition of yours was just a 
convenient excuse to stay away from him. Well, I have one thing to point 
out to you: the law's been repealed, and there's nothing to hide behind 
anymore."
  "Aiyaa," admitted Shampoo. "Sometimes Mousse shower Shampoo with too 
much attention, so Mousse become annoying. Silly goose not a bad 
person."
  "So why not ask him out? Or let him take you out?"
  "Shampoo must marry Ranma. Shampoo belong to Ranma alone."
  "He's already married, and there's nothing you or I can do about it."
  Ukyo threw her last dart, another bull's-eye. Turning to Shampoo she 
said, "Take it from someone who knows, it's no fun being alone. If not 
Mousse, then who? It's a fate I can't wish on my worst enemy."
  "Shampoo still hate you, Spatula-girl."
  "Same to you, Chinese bimbo." 
  It was then Kodachi joined the two girls, having finished her meal. 
"Oh, a simple game of darts. One in which I, the Black Rose, have 
proficiency in." Reaching for her ribbon, Kodachi snatched Ukyo's darts 
from the dartboard in one swing. 
  Her back to the dartboard, Kodachi produced a mirror. "So here we 
are," she began, "three boyfriend-less brides. Funny, we chase after the 
same man, one only one can have, and yet none of us got him."
  Ukyo sighed. "You too, huh? At least Shampoo here has another one."
  "Shampoo no like Mousse!" Shampoo protested again, with even more 
heat. 
  "I thought so," Kodachi said, throwing her first dart. It barely 
missed the bull's-eye. "You DO have another boyfriend. Probably lucky, 
too, since there isn't another man in Kodachi's life."
  "Same here," Ukyo said. 
  "Don't you have that sissy-man, your 'waitress?'" Kodachi asked, 
throwing her second dart. Bull's-eye.
  "Konatsu doesn't count," Ukyo replied. "I don't love him, he loves 
me."
  "Are you sure about that, darling?" Kodachi taunted, throwing her 
third dart. Barely missed bull's-eye. 
  "I want a man, jackass," Ukyo countered. "Getting with Konatsu is 
like-- getting with another girl. Bleach!"  
  "Shampoo no see problem for tomboy Spatula-girl," Shampoo giggled. 
  "Stop it," warned Ukyo, hand reaching for a pair of spatula-darts. 
  "All right, that's enough, girls," Kodachi said, stepping between the 
two girls. "If I didn't know any better you two behave like sisters."
  All three girls shuddered at the thought, then sat at a nearby table. 
  Ukyo picked up a glass of water, and the other two girls did the same. 
"So, here we are, dumped by the same man at the same time." She raised 
her glass. "Well, to us boyfriend-less girls."
  Kodachi raised her own glass. Shampoo hesitated for a moment. "Shampoo 
have boyfriend!"
  "Ah yes, Mousse...." Kodachi commented. Shampoo glared at her. "To us, 
then."
  "To us," they agreed, then drank their glasses. 
  Silence followed for a few minutes, as each girl felt the cool water 
travel down their throats. Soon all three glasses were set on the table, 
the three lying back in relaxation. 
  "Well," started Kodachi, breaking the silence, "so what's with that 
Tendo girl's ire against us, Ukyo?"
  "About what?" asked Ukyo.
  "Singing. That peasant doesn't appreciate my melodious voice!" 
  Shampoo said, "Perhaps voice not be problem." 
  "What do you mean?" asked Kodachi defensively. "Is she not jealous?" 
  "Perhaps it be you!" Shampoo accused, jabbing a finger in Kodachi's 
direction. 
  "Hey!" Ukyo complained. "How can I be just as hated as Kodachi? What 
about YOU?!" 
  "She's right," agreed Kodachi. "What makes you think she likes you any 
more than us?!" To Ukyo, she cried, "What do you mean, I'm more hated?!" 
  "Shampoo can sing!" the Amazon proclaimed. 
  It was then when Kodachi and Ukyo jumped Shampoo. Konatsu watched from 
the next room, holding his little white cat, Snowball, in his arms, 
stroking her head. And it was looking so good for them, too. 

  Elsewhere that same night, a lone figure walked the dark streets of 
Nerima. It had been a long time since he'd been back to this little 
burg, he thought. Much too long, for what he was going to do. He wore a 
blue shirt, designed in a scale pattern (if they weren't truly scales at 
all), with arm-braces to match. His pants were white, baggy Chinese 
pants, rather typical, really. 
  He was here on business. For several long, silent moments, the man 
walked, orchestrating his latest plan in his mind over and over again. 
He remembered the last time he encountered Ranma Saotome, his hated 
enemy; that hermaphrodite-boy showed him Ashura's 'source of power,' 
and, having secured it, tried to use it to his own ends. Once he 
discovered the nature and purpose of the 'source of power,' however, 
he'd met humiliation, as the 'source of power' was of no use to him. Now 
it was time for payback against Ranma Saotome. Of course, this plan 
called for such subtleness that the hermaphrodite won't know he'd been 
humiliated until it was too late. The man laughed to himself at the 
thought. Revenge truly was a dish best served cold. 
  All of the man's attention was on his plans until something caught his 
eye. Something moved in the shadows. 
  "Come on out!" the man cried. When no one answered, he continued, "I 
am specialized in several forms of certain death, so why don't we make 
this easier on YOU?" 
  "You're an enemy of Ranma Saotome?" asked the one in the shadows. The 
tone suggested a bit of surprise. 
  "Perhaps," the man replied diplomatically. "What are you getting at?" 
  "I know who you are," the shadows claimed. 
  "Big deal." Of course, knowledge did confer power over others, 
especially names, but the man wasn't willing to throw in his hand yet. 
  "If you don't cooperate, I'll have to inform the rest of the city who 
you are," continued the shadows. "A rather unfortunate result, don't you 
think?" 
  "How'd you find out?!" demanded the man. Rage burned within his heart. 
"No one should know!" 
  "I have my sources," replied the shadows coolly. "You're but the first 
I've approached for this project. There are others who'd be interested 
in getting back at the Saotome kid." 
  The man ran into the shadows, and grabbed the man hiding therein. He 
raised the shadow man out of the darkness and into the light. The second 
man wore a heavy trenchcoat and dark glasses, hiding his features. "I 
don't know you, but you have something against Ranma Saotome, right?" 
  "Yes," answered the trenchcoat man. "Would you be interested in taking 
part in his humiliation?" 

  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, rhythmic gymnast, 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." 
  "Modesty!" Kodachi accused Ukyo. 
  "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 my 
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." 
  Another man stepped out of the shadows, surprising Tsubasa. This one 
was covered in shadow, but he could tell this one wore baggy pants. "Are 
you sure we can trust this crossdressing weasel? He's just as bad as 
Saotome!"
  "Of course. He'll cooperate so long as he gets what he wants, just as 
you get what you want. 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 contest chairmen at the 
Tokuyama Agency, 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 wasn't for you." Admittantly, 
getting Kuno to spend his money out of his own free-will was a lot 
easier than coercing. 
  "A grand investment such as this, Nabiki Tendo, is worth sharing among 
those who would reap its rewards," Kuno replied, seemingly unconcerned 
in his chilvalrous air. "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. It is as a band of warriors, ready and willing 
to march into the sun together, if neccessary, for a common cause, a 
common goal. Truly, it is exciting to be a part of events that shape the 
future, such as this. Perhaps it is the mark of a new beginning for us 
all. Even for that thief of the heart, Saotome; perhaps there is a 
future for the cretin yet." But certainly not enough for him to atone 
for his past misdeeds, Kuno reminded himself darkly. 
  "Naw, that new beginning started a while ago," Nabiki corrected. "Back 
at Ranma and Akane's wedding, that is. Ever since then, things around 
here became little different."
  "Perhaps. Perhaps that is the only good will I can grant toward Ranma 
Saotome, beyond saving my dear sister's life." Suddenly, the airs about 
Kuno seemed to disappear, replaced by one of sheer joy. "This feeling I 
have now... it feels good." He raised his arms in the air in emphasis, 
letting his bokken fall from his grip. "Perhaps a date, Nabiki Tendo?" 
Wait a minute, what are you saying? You, and _that_ mercenary?! Shut up, 
you! This feeling was too good to dismiss lightly! Truly, this feeling 
was... joy. It felt... wonderful. 
  "I don't think so, 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? Am I subconsciously-wishing that even someone as dense as 
Kuno-chan would take me out on a date? 
  "May I ask a favor?" Kuno said, regaining his usual arrogant 
composure. He eased one foot under his bokken. With a quick motion, the 
bokken was thrown into the air, then descended into Kuno's waiting hand. 
  "What this time?" asked Nabiki. Back to business, eh? 
  "My dear sister has a desire to sing as part of the group," Kuno 
answered. "Her vocal talents are to be commended, praised by all but the 
finest in the field. I am willing to pay whatever price it may be to 
make my dear sister happy." 
  Nabiki shook her head. "Tell her this: 'Nabiki Tendo never gives in to 
demands.' Doco was formed from five girls, and that it shall stay. Do 
you understand?" 
  Kuno nodded. "I see. Then I must delegate the unenviable task of 
informing little Kocchi to someone willing to put up with her tantrums." 
Names of servants currently out of his favor ran through Kuno's head. 
  You do that, Nabiki thought defiantly as the title for the final song 
of the contest popped up in her head. 



continued in part 4
-----------------------------

"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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