continued from part 5
-----------------------------
After moving their instruments off-stage, the band gathered in the
back room.
"Everybody," Nabiki started, "you all did great."
Mousse said, "After the other bands finish we'll finally know the
truth."
"And Hawaii will be ours!" proclaimed onna-Ranma.
"Don't count your eggs before they hatch, Ranchan," warned Ukyo. "Take
it from me, it's never over until its over."
"Ever the pessimist," Kodachi noted dryly.
"Hey, I'm NOT a pessimist!" protested Ukyo.
Shampoo walked to Mousse, then dragged him away from the others.
"Shampoo need to talk to Mousse... alone."
For a brief instant, Mousse's glasses fogged up with steam. "Yes, my
darling Shampoo?"
"Shampoo had long talk with crazy-girl and Spatula-girl other night,"
she began. "They try to tell me I refuse to admit I like you. They were
right."
"Shampoo...." Mousse said, waiting in anticipation for the answer.
"Shampoo know she can't have Ranma. But Shampoo's heart is still with
Ranma. Perhaps small part of Shampoo like Mousse, but not in same way as
for Ranma."
Mousse's heart sank. "Don't you love me?"
"As friend, that I grant you," Shampoo said. "You always there for
Shampoo and others, even though you were male. You always defend Shampoo
even when she don't need to be defended. Selfless, brave, and silly.
That is Mousse I love, not Mousse that shower Shampoo with attention."
"If it's your space you want, then... I'll give it to you," Mousse
said, starting to walk away.
Shampoo grabbed his arm. "Don't go, Mousse. Shampoo miss Mousse if he
leave again. Stay with Shampoo for now, won't you?"
Mousse turned around, and met Shampoo's eyes. "I'd like that." Well,
it's a start, he thought. He wished he could repay the favor back to
Ukyo, but knew it wouldn't be possible. Love is a complicated thing.
Mr. Tokuyama appeared on stage after all bands finished their songs.
"The judges have convened and have selected three finalists for your
voting pleasure. In no particular order is: Samurai Blood, Psycho
Soldier, and Doco."
The members of the respective bands shouted with joy. Tokuyama
continued, "Now, audience, please submit your votes for the winner in
the Battle of the Bands."
Backstage Ukyo congratulated Athena.
"Ukyo... my offer still stands," Athena said.
"Well," Ukyo started, "I guess that all depends on which one of us
gets what prize, you know. But afterward, maybe. I need to continue my
own martial arts training too, you know. I am the master of my own art."
"I see," Athena said. "Still, I'm interested in the way which you use
your chi, it must be evident in your fighting style. May I ask for a
demonstration?" Without waiting for an answer, Athena spread her arms
apart, then threw them together, yelling "Psycho ball!" The projectile
slammed into a nearby vending machine, causing it to spill its contents.
Tsubasa was among them.
"Tsubasa!" Ukyo cried. Producing an okonomiyaki out of nowhere, Ukyo
threw it at Tsubasa. The Japanese dish landed with a loud *PLOP* on the
downed Tsubasa.
Athena turned to Ukyo. "That's hardly what I'd call an art...."
"You haven't seen anything yet," assured Ukyo, unstrapping her combat
spatula. Ominously, slowly, Ukyo walked to and stood over Tsubasa.
"Ukyo-sama!" cried Tsubasa, trying to reach for a leg, but the sauce
on the okonomiyaki prevented him from moving. "What is this?!"
"A family secret," explained Ukyo, "to eliminate the enemies of the
Kuonji family!" She brought her spatula down on Tsubasa's head, hard.
"It's called 'super glue!'" she cried, punting the little man like a
golf ball, sending him flying through the wall.
Athena walked beside Ukyo, who was breathing heavily. Faintly, Athena
could detect a hint of darkness in Ukyo's battle aura, something she'd
never encountered before in her for the short time they've known each
other.
Ukyo turned back to Athena. "That was only half of it. Just wait until
you sample my specialty okonomiyaki...."
"Now the results of the votes from our glorious audience," announced
Mr. Tokuyama. "Third place goes to Samurai Blood!"
"And finally, for the grand prize winner is... Doco."
Each and every one of the fourteen band members shouted in triumph,
some jumping into each others' arms, some patting each other on the
back. Black rose petals rained on the audience from above, courtesy of
Kodachi's work.
Mr. Tokuyama approached Nabiki, applauding, a file folder held under
his left arm. "Congratulations, Ms. Tendo! I knew you'd be the one since
I first met you."
"Is that so?" Nabiki replied. Perhaps her reputation was well-known to
the man after all. She pointed to the file folder. "May I assume that's
for me?"
"Why, yes," Tokuyama confirmed. He opened the folder in his hands, and
sifted through the contents, stopping at one in particular. With his
free hand, Tokuyama handed it to Nabiki. "I'm proud to offer you a
recording contract for three years."
Nabiki accepted the contract. Carefully, she scanned the lines of text
on the form, weighing the benefits and problems that could spring from
signing such a deal. Hmm... definitely a high profit margin, but do I
have the time for this, considering the examinations? And college?
"Wow, this is rather generous," admitted Nabiki, finishing her
examination of the contract. "But then, I'd still like to go to school,
and I'll bet the others would want to as well."
Tokuyama took the contract back from Nabiki as he produced a pen from
his coat pocket. Leaning the contract against a nearby wall, Nabiki
watched the head of the Agency scribble out several lines on the
contract, then pen in new words in their place. Handing the edited
contract back to Nabiki, he said, smiling, "I think you'll find these
terms agreeable."
Nabiki's eyes bulged, her jaw dropped. Those words Tokuyama hastily
scribbled-in basically gave the band free-reign over their time. "I...
don't know what to say. I mean, this is rather unexpected!"
"Your people are too good to let go," explained Tokuyama. "I love you
guys too much!"
"Well, then, on behalf of the others, and as manager, I accept,"
Nabiki said, holding out her free hand. Tokuyama clasped it readily,
shaking the Tendo girl violently in the process. Obviously, this guy was
very happy, Nabiki thought.
"In due time, I would offer you a position in my company," confessed
Tokuyama, releasing Nabiki's hand. "If you don't mind, then, perhaps
another number?" requested Tokuyama. "Your songs are so soothing."
"Sure, why not?" answered Nabiki.
The band retreated back to their positions with their instruments as
the others retreated from the stage. The twins had to help Kuno carry
the drum set again before the heavy load of the entire set he carried
toppled. In a quick five mintues, everything was ready. Nabiki waved the
adults on-stage as well.
And this time, there was no practice, no set of lyrics to go by; just
a sheet of notes to play, but each and every member of Doco knew what to
do.
Kuno tapped his drumsticks together in rhythm. "One, two, three, go!"
* * * * *
Lambada Ranma ('97 stage-call version--lyrics modified by me)
[Akane:] In our Tendo dojo,
[chorus:] our tenant
[Akane:] Ranma had harsh training at,
[chorus:] Jusenkyo.
[Genma:] Quite a tragedy!
[Ranma:] When I pour water on myself,
[Ranma-chan:] I turn female,
with my idiotic constitution.
[chorus:] Akane's fiancee!
Ranma: Hello, everybody!
Akane: Hey! Wait for me!
Shampoo: I wish to marry you, my love.
Shampoo, why won't you go out with me? Mousse
O-baba: You're quite talented, future Son-in-law.
Nabiki: Send your commends and suggestions to Nabiki Tendo....
Kasumi: Oh my. Are we out of time?
Hi. Konatsu
Genma: Hmmm... how should I explain this?
Kuno: I am called Blue Thunder of Furinkan High.
Soun: Care to explain yourself, boy?
Oooooh-hohohohohohohoho! Kodachi
Ukyo: I'm Ranma's cute fiancee.
Ryoga: Ranma, how dare you hurt Akane like that!
Akari: I love pigs!
Ehehehe... oops! Ling-ling, Lung-lung
[Akane:] In our Tendo dojo,
[chorus:] our tenant
[Akane:] Ranma had harsh training at,
[chorus:] Jusenkyo.
[Genma:] Quite a tragedy!
[Ranma:] When I pour water on myself,
[Ranma-chan:] I turn female,
with my idiotic constitution.
[chorus:] Akane's fiancee!
* * * * *
"Flight 2332, now boarding. Nonstop flight to Hawaii."
"Well, that's our flight," Akane said. She hugged her father, along
with Kasumi and Nabiki.
"Take care my daughters," Soun said, on the verge of tears.
"I'm sorry you can't come Father," Kasumi said. "If Mrs. Saotome
wasn't around, I wouldn't dare leave you alone."
"Nonsense!" Nabiki said. She grabbed her older sister's arm. "Now lets
get going, before something goes wrong."
Kasumi handed her father a tissue. "We'll be back in two weeks."
"Take care, my little girls!" Soun cried, unable to contain his tears
any longer. It took a good deal of coercing and force for the Tendo
sisters to leave his arms.
Ranma hugged his mother, both saying their good-byes. As Ranma passed
Genma, all he could say was, "Catch you later, Pop."
Akane asked her husband, "So, Ranma, when we get to Hawaii, what
first?"
Ranma looked over his shoulder, checking to make sure nobody else was
listening in. "Hopefully we can spend time by ourselves. Especially away
from Shampoo."
After Ranma came the Kunos.
Tatewaki said, "Perhaps it was about time to spend a long vacation."
Kodachi said, "Just so long as you don't come back like Father. I
don't wish to deal with two of him, you know! Hahahahahahaha...."
He shuddered at the thought. I'll never be like HIM, Kuno vowed. I'm a
far-greater father than he'll ever be.
Both boarded the plane, Kodachi laughing the entire way.
Next came Ukyo, Mousse, and Konatsu. The crowd parted before all three
members of the band, for each one of them carried a weapon visible on
their persons. Unlike Kuno, whose wooden bokken hardly raised eyebrows,
a giant spatula, a sword, and sleeves-full of darts caused the cautious
to step-away. Security, likewise, had failed to relieve the three of
their weapons, harboring the same fears as the crowd.
"You know, I really hope my business survives all the time I've spent
away from it," Ukyo said.
"Don't worry, Nabiki has it covered," Mousse assured her. "She says
its in gratitude for winning the contest."
"Ukyo-sama need not worry about a thing," agreed Konatsu. For a moment
his thoughts wandered to his little white cat, Snowball, left in care of
the Tendos and Saotomes for the duration of the trip. Right now the
little rascal must be lonely, being at the Tendo home all alone.
"Yeah, I suppose," Ukyo agreed. "She does know about business, after
all." To Mousse she asked, "So what was it that Shampoo talked to you
about?"
Mousse sighed. "A beginning. Something which, I hope, will grow over
time." Oh, how I'm sorry I brought you into this, Ukyo....
Ukyo nodded. So this was how it was going to be, eh? Dammit, Ukyo,
what was with you? You'd be better off without such crutches as emotion!
Look at where it got you! You devoted yourself to Mousse, and he rejects
you. You devoted yourself to Ranma, twice, to boot! and both times he
rejected you. You try to be cheery and friendly, even helpful to your
old enemies! and look at where it got you: nowhere.
Silently, kept all to herself, Ukyo fermented the anger within
herself. So far she'd kept her dark feelings in check, at least to the
best of her abilities, considering how she blew up at Pantyhose Taro and
Tsubasa. It wasn't fair, her lot in life. Ukyo debated to herself the
choices that lay ahead... should she go on as if nothing happen, or go
back to the old days before she became reacquainted with Ranma. Stop
thinking like that! Ukyo thought. How can you bear to hurt Ranchan, and
by extension, Akane, your friends? Were they REALLY her friends?
Next Akari lead Ryoga through the crowd to the loading ramp. If it
were any other way Ryoga wouldn't even have made it to the airport in
time.
"Ryoga, hurry!" Akari said.
"Just so long as you know which way to go...." Ryoga replied as the
couple boarded.
Ling-ling and Lung-lung rushed ahead of Shampoo, who walked slowly
with her great-grandmother.
"Listen, Child," Cologne started, "if there were any chance to get
Son-in law, now is the best time."
"Yes Great-grandmother!" Shampoo started to turn, but stopped, and
faced her matriarch again. "Great-grandmother...."
"Yes, Child?"
"Shampoo like Mousse. Don't know what to do with Ranma."
Cologne nodded. She'd seen the signs in Shampoo for a long time,
especially when she attacked Mousse while under the effects of the
Reversal Jewel. And only now they'd surfaced in actual words? "Since the
law of marriage was broken, use your best judgment, Child. Mousse or
Son-in-law, I'm sure you'll make the right choice." For the tribe, that
is.
Cologne watched Shampoo leave. Soon all the teens boarded the plane.
It wasn't long before the sound of engines could be heard.
A woman passed in front of the Saotomes, Mr. Tendo, and Cologne,
running frantically. She stopped before the now-blocked boarding door,
out of breath, and shouting, "Ryoga!"
Soun got her attention, "Take it easy! He's on the plane leaving for
Hawaii with his fiancee and friends for summer vacation."
"That's my son!" the woman cried. "I recognize him anywhere!" She
fumbled through her pockets, and produced a faded picture. The boy in
the photo appeared rather young, but it was definitely Ryoga Hibiki. Who
could mistake the bandanna and rather confused-looking face? (not to
mention the fangs)
Soun and Genma looked at each other, worried looks on their faces.
Swell.
Nodoka said, "You can stay with us until he gets back in two weeks."
"That'll be nice!" Mrs. Hibiki said. Especially since her own home was
empty a good deal of the time (not to mention she didn't know where it
was). She only wished she didn't get lost in the terminal, otherwise she
wouldn't have missed her son-- again.
Suddenly, previously-spoken words finally caught up with Hibiki.
"FIANCEE?!" Mrs. Hibiki fainted, Genma catching her in his arms.
The airplane flew high above the clouds that evening toward the rising
sun in the east. After a short fight over who got window seat and who
got isle seat, the fourteen were set in.
Nabiki and Kasumi sat in the same row, Kasumi in the window seat. From
what they could tell, Ranma and Akane, in the seats before them, were
asleep. Behind them Akari and Ryoga kept quiet; neither sister bothered
to look in on the couple. Immediately across the isle were the two
Kunos, listening to whatever they were listening to in their headphones.
In front of the Kunos were Konatsu and Ukyo, playing cards and making
idle conversation. Behind the Kunos were Mousse and Shampoo, neither
speaking to one another. Behind them were the twin sisters, Ling-ling
and Lung-lung, fast asleep from exhaustion. Certainly wasn't quite
first-class, but the next best thing, considering how many of them there
were.
Nabiki couldn't help but listen in on Ukyo and Konatsu; after all,
they were the only ones in the cabin making any sort of noise. From what
she could tell Ukyo won just about every hand.
"Nabiki?" Kasumi said, breaking all silence.
"Hmmm?" Nabiki said, broken from her half-sleep state.
"It was very nice of you to organize our friends into the band. I
don't know how to thank you, it's one of the most selfless things I've
seen you do in years."
"Yeah, well, don't get used to it," countered Nabiki coldly.
Kasumi smiled. "I knew it, you really do care."
"I really wish people would stop bugging me about it."
"Come on, Nabiki, you know that's the side people like in you."
"If I did act that way, then people would wish for the cold-hearted
old Nabiki back."
"I understand. Perhaps it would be the same if I were to behave other
than the way I do now."
Nabiki leaned over to her elder sister. "And I wouldn't have it any
other way, Kasumi. Neither would you. Let's just leave it at that,
okay?"
For a long while neither sister spoke. Then Nabiki said, "I still miss
Mother."
"So do I," agreed Kasumi. "Father's right, she would be proud of us,
wouldn't she?"
"Hey, if you are, then I'd say 'yes.'"
"Nabiki, I'm not Mother."
"No, but the next best thing. I mean it."
"Thank you." Kasumi smiled again. Nabiki couldn't help but smile, too.
For the first time in a long while, it was as if the two sisters came
to know each other again. True understanding is a rare thing indeed.
In another set of seats, Ukyo and Konatsu continued playing cards. And
for the umpteenth time, Ukyo won.
"Ukyo-sama is very skilled in many areas," praised Konatsu.
"Naw, it's just you don't have the face for cards, sweetie," Ukyo
said. "I'm glad you're okay. Back in the fight against Taro, I was so
worried. I went so far as to swear revenge if something happened to
you."
"Thank you for thinking of your humble servant," Konatsu bowed, but
was stopped fast by the seat's tray table. "Perhaps there is hope for my
forbidden love after all."
"Don't push it, kiddo," Ukyo said. Well, what was the world coming to?
Here I am, no hope for love, and here's Konatsu, hoping for love. Well,
tough luck, kid, it's not going to happen. Konatsu, you're such a sweet
guy, but I can't stop seeing your girl-side.
Ukyo spared a glance at Ranma and Akane. That same nagging thought
held her thoughts: were they REALLY your friends? Did friends leave you
hanging on a thread of a relationship for months before throwing the
book at you, as Ranma did? You should've said it out straight, Ukyo
thought, and spared me the trouble and humiliation.... If you had, maybe
things would've been different. Ukyo couldn't admit it to herself it was
over before it started, but had Ranma said something before it might've
been a lot easier....
She shook the thoughts from her head. Who cares, you're a member of
the band; that should make up for everything.
Silently, as Ukyo shuffled the cards, she hummed, "Worrying about the
starting bell, a classmate comes...."
Had someone peered out the window, a distance behind the plane a
massive shape followed the plane in the shadow of the night, crane-wings
flapping with hard labor to keep up. Had there been daylight the monster
would've been visible in the open sky. But there was no daylight, there
was no window that would allow one to view the flying monster that was
Pantyhose Taro, octopus tentacles and eel tail trailing behind in the
night wind.
No, Femme-boy, this wasn't over, not by a long shot.
* * * * *
Closing: Equal Romance (Doco)
[(Akane) With just empty kindness,
(All) my heart is in pain.
Love is always loneliness
into your arms, ah.]
(All) Darlin'
Just For Me I'll be waiting.
(Shampoo) I want to make your heart thrill.
(All) Your fingertips lead to romance.
Our destiny is surely Fallin' Love
(Kasumi) Tonight, it's strange
in a stopped car at the coast,
(Nabiki) the two of us, even being this close,
(Akane) why do unseen barriers get in the way?
(All) Tears are about to overflow.
[Fallin' Love]
Darlin'
Just For You I won't stray.
(Ranma) Please make my heart throb strongly.
(All) From your eyes, romance begins.
More than anyone, I love you.
Catch my love
* * * * *
concluded in Closing
---------------------------------
"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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