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Cat-Fist Fervor:
Chapter 2: School of Hard Knocks
by:
Wakko Warner, Ani-Maniac
[Obligatory Introductory Flashback]
When last we left our intrepid band of lunatics, morons, nuts, and delusional psychotics:
Ranma, in a half-mad berserker mode linked to his Cat-Fist training, had almost attacked Shampoo, Kodachi, and Akane and had run screaming into the night, literally, while his mind re-aligned its self. Now Ranma, whos thinking is a blend of normal, Akanes violence, Shampoos stubbornness, and Kodachis maliciousness, is quickly planning a way to keep his newfound abilities.
Shampoo, Akane, Nabiki, Kasumi, Soun, Cologne, and Mu Mu-chan were rapidly shaping themselves up for a night on the town as the Cat-Fist Hunters in a desperate attempt to find Ranma before he gets himself into trouble(at least more trouble than usual).
Kodachi was tied up in a tree{courtesy of Beserker-Ranma} and trying to get free.
Genma, already at Osaka, started waving 1000 yen bills at passing cars in hopes of getting a quicker ride to the airport.
Ryoga, having nothing to do with this story as yet, is currently on his way to Japan, by way of Tibet... and Timbuktu; Akron, Ohio; Mars; and Lizard Lick, North Caroliana(this IS a real town).
Ps: This chapter introduces a character of my own creation, Nezumi Akito. In order to maintain a stranglehold on the Furikin High School rumor mill, Nabiki has to have contacts that, while they ostensibly know more than her, have no way to act on this information and sell it instead. He is one such contact. Slick, greasy, a smooth talker and master flatterer, his games are mostly ineffective against Nabiki. No martial arts, no magic, no fancy tricks. Just an informant, trying to make a living in a cruel and heartless world... etc. Slicked back hair; extreemly pale face; dark, shifty eyes. When not in school uniform, he prefers clothes in dark greys. Just so everyone gets the joke, Nezumi means rat in Japanese.
And now, on with the show!
Pps: All characters (save Nezumi Akito) are copyright by Takahashi Rumiko-san
Notes:
()=Characters thoughts
{}=My thoughts
***=Scene changes
Ranma, the integration of his normal personality and the things his berserker learning mode picked up complete, was rapidly exiting the alley he was in. He knew theyd be after him, and that he didnt want to give up the powers his berserker mode promised. He took off his shirt, throwing it down behind him, and kicked open the back door to a clothing shop, ducking inside and closing it behind him.
Ah, right where I remembered it was, he said to himself, pulling up a black version of his normal shirt and putting it on, and also taking a pair of black wrap-around sunglasses, ducking back out into the night and looking for a place to hole up until morning. School tomorrow should be quite interesting... he thought, laughing to himself as he ran across Nerima on its rooftops.
***
This way, gestured Akane, pointing toward the alleyway Ranma had just vacated. It sounded like someone was down here.
Wait, Nabiki said, We cant just run blindly down the alley. We need a plan.
Have you got one handy?
As a matter of fact, Nabiki smirked, I do. First, Daddy, Cologne, Kasumi: You three stay out here and watch for him. Shampoo, loop around the alley and see if you can cut him off. Me and Akane will go down the alley and see if we can catch up to him. Mousse, she said to the duck, Fly up and see if you can see him from the air. So saying, she threw him up into the air. He took off in the right direction, for a change, coasting over the alley. Now go!
Everyone went their assigned direction, and met in the middle, sans Ranma.
Did you find anything? Nabiki asked.
Me see big hole in wall, and footprints, remarked Shampoo, No other sign Airen.
Ditto here.
Quack, the duck said, shaking his head. Not that anyone expected Mousse to see much. They were suitably suprised he made it to the rendezvous point.
Look here, Nabiki said, holding up Ranmas shirt, soaked with sweat and torn. Wherever he is, hes running around half-naked. I just hope it doesnt rain.
Akane shook her head. Theres no way to find him, now. The way he travels its hard enough to keep up with him when he wants to be followed. She started to the mouth of the alley. Come on, if nobody saw him leaving the alley, we may as well call it a night. Well look for him in the morning.
What about school, Akane? asked Nabiki.
Thats right! Oh rats.
This discourse came as they exited the alley. The looks on each of the partys faces showed that neither had seen Ranma.
Cologne spoke up. By now hes begun internalizing the things his second trigger mode picked up. While he wont realize it, by tomorrow he will have forgotten most of the events of tonight, but will have as a part of him the emotions of Great-granddaughter, Kodachi, and you Akane. He will probably continue to school as usual, so be prepared for him to act differently tomorrow. Be sure to keep him under close watch; dont let him out of your sight. With that, she turned and hopped away on her cane, dragging Shampoo and Mousse with her. There is nothing else to do tonight. Go home. Tomorrow, we will get him back.
The Tendos nod, and turn, heading for home. Unseen on the rooftops above them, a dark-suited Ranma watched them go.
So, they decided to team up, eh? he said softly to himself. He had enough deviousness in him now to smile an evil smile. Well, Akane Tendo, you arent the only one that can gather allies. You might just have a surprise waiting for you, Watakushi no Shou. So saying to himself, he leapt from his hiding place, plotting for tomorrows festivities.
***
Kodachi, meanwhile, was less than happy. (Oh those loathsome people,) she thought furtively, trying to wriggle free of her ribbon, (They could have cut me down.)
As if in response, Kodachi felt the ribbon slack as it was released from the branch. She turned around to see Ranma, dressed in black, letting her down. She acted quickly, whipping her newly freed ribbon off of her wrists and flinging it back at Ranma. He dodged it easily, lazily really, with a reverse flip that landed him beside her, purring in her ear, Ah, my Black Rose, Flower of the Evening. I must apologize for my treatment of you, but it was merely to throw my persuers off of the trail.
Kodachi was taken aback. Never had Ranma spoken to her with such... well with anything but fear or disgust. Kodachi was enthralled. My Darling of the Night, why the sudden change... and for that matter, why were those vicious harlots and theyre families chasing you?
Ranma smiled, looking deep into her eyes. Because I have finally chosen who to wed... and I think we both know who that is. This wasnt exactly a lie. Ranma had chosen who he was going to claim. It certainly wasnt Kodachi, but then she didnt need to know that. I announced it tonight, and that possessive tomboy Akane refused to accept the truth. She managed to convince Shampoo and her meddling old ghoul of a great-grandmother Cologne that something was wrong with me. Theyre probably planning to brainwash me or drug me into forgetting, he said, taking Kodachis hand into his.
I swear on the glory that is the Kunou name that I, Kodachi Kunou, the Black Rose, will never permit such a thing to happen. She turned to kiss Ranma, but he wasnt there. He was already leaping away, bounding between rooftops, treetops, and fences.
I can not stay, my Darling Shadow, but I will come to you when I feel it is safe. Just wait for me... so saying, he bounded out of sight, leaping away into the night.
Kodachi, in a daze of feelings, simply wandered home in the night, planning her wedding... and Akanes funeral. Now, she said to herself, Where _am_ I going to find a tux for Midorigame...
***
Nabiki was sitting in her room, trying to catch up on some of the homework she missed doing while chasing Ranma across half of Nerima. There was a knock on her door, the one shed been expecting since they got back. She put her notebook down, and looked a the door. Come in Akane.
Akane, looking kind of sheepish, came in, closing the door behind her. You were expecting me, I take it.
I figured youd show up sooner or later, Nabiki answered. She assumed Akane was going to ask about helping her find Ranma. In answer to your question, yes.
Akane was shocked, Yes! How can you be so sure!
Nabiki looked puzzled. I thought that would make you happy.
What kind of person do you think I am...
I think we may have gotten a wire crossed somewhere, Nabiki said. I meant Yes, Ill put my whole network of spies on trying to watch Ranma
Akane looked relieved, Oh. That wasnt my question, but thank you. She turned to leave.
Ahem, Nabiki said, Wasnt there something you wanted to ask me?
Akane looked kind of embarrassed. Well yeah, but...
Nabiki just shook her head. This time I do know what youre thinking. And no, Im not the first one most people would ask relationship questions about.. Unless of course they wanted to know whether or not the other was cheating. I may be kind of new at answering questions about the heart, but then you arent used to asking questions like that, unless Im misreading the way youre mangling that manga.
Akane looked down to see most of a badly twisted black and white comic in her hands. She tossed it aside, sitting on the edge of Nabikis bed. My question was... well... I mean...
Just spit it out.
Do you think Ranma hates me! Akane blurted out.
Does he what?
Does he hate me. I mean, I know I have a tendency to get sort of violent... but its always his fault. If he wasnt such a pervert, and a lout, and a... and... Akane broke off, starting to sob lightly.
Nabiki was totally lost. She had expected her to ask if Ranma loved her. Shed been given enough Hallmark cards{do they even have Hallmarks in Japanese?} to be able to spout some romantic drivel that would keep Akane happy.
After a rather awkward pause, Nabiki spoke, Well, I dont think he hates you. He as much as admitted he loved you... sort of. But, its hard for a... uh, relationship to grow if you keep hammering him every time he open his mouth. Nabiki smiled a little, Unless you plan to get him punch-drunk enough to agree to a marry you. If thats your plan, then you arent hitting him _nearly_ hard enough.
Akane pushed Nabiki away, standing up. I didnt mean it like that. The boy can drop dead for all I care. I just didnt want him to die hating me. Akane quickly asserted, backing out of the room. Well... gnight, Nabiki, she said, walking out the door.
Thought that would take care of her. Nabiki said to herself as she shut her door. Just had to find an emotion stronger than her worry. Anger seems to work. She picked up the manga Akane had wrung out. It said Urusei Yatsura across the top and featured a green-haired woman on the cover. Nabiki sighed. She didnt know what made her like these weird semi-romantic manga. (Man,) she thought to herself, (if someone made a manga out of our lives, theyd be a millionare...) {^_-}
***
Ranma awoke to a beautiful sunrise. He stretched, feeling more energetic than ever, and leap down from his tree to the fence, and began a bounding trip across the width and breadth of Nerima to Ucchans. He had a stop to make before school...
***
Akane woke with a start, realizing she hadnt set her alarm clock before she went to bed, and was late. She leapt from bed, grabbing her clothes and heading for the bathroom, hopping it wasnt occupied. It wasnt. She showered quickly, dressed, and came running down the stairs.
No time for breakfast, Kasumi, gotta run. Is Ranma up yet... she stopped dead in the kitchen floor, remembering the events of last night. Everyone looked at her. She shrugged it off, shouldering her bookbag and walking out the door, taking her lunch with her. I might be late getting home from school Daddy, dont be worried. She calmly walked down the front path, walking out the gate, with everyones eyes on her back.
Nabiki sighed, taking up her bookbag and lunch, and followed her. Dont worry, Ill keep an eye on her. Bye, she called over her shoulder, walking out the gate after Akane.
***
Ranma, in new wardrobe, walked into Ucchans. It was sometimes open before school, when Ukyo could afford the morning to work. He was in luck today, Ukyo was there. She was behind the counter, wiping up and getting ready to leave.
Sorry, pal, but were closing. Come back again this afternoon. she said, turning away from Ranma and putting away some okonomiyaki ingredients.
Ranma strode up behind her, taking a seat at the bar. Ukyo turned around, and glared at him.
Look, friend. I aint got time for this, so if you... she faltered as she realized who it was. Ran-chan, whats with the disguise?
Ranma smiled at Ukyo, warming her heart. He had never smiled at her like this. Well, its mostly to throw Akane off. It wont do much, but itll keep her from recognizing me on sight.
Ukyo nodded. Ah, marital bliss strikes again. She making you sleep outside or something.
Ranma shook his head. Or something. Actually, last night I finally got up the nerve to tell her, her family, and my dad off. And, I finally realized who it was that wanted to spend forever with. As he said this, he gazed deeply into her eyes, taking her hand into his, just like he had with Kodachi. Ukyos response was predictably similar.
Oh Ran-chan, do you really mean it?
Ranma smiled. Of course I do. he asserted, but Akane refuses to
believe it for now. Shell eventually realize that we, he said, holding Ukyos hand tighter, were meant to be together, but for now shes in denial. Again, not exactly a lie, just a manipulation of the wording. It wont take her long to realize the truth in what I said. Until then, I need your help. I dont want you to do anything drastic, he said quickly, but if she approaches you, just say you havent seen me. If she asks for your help, say youre busy in the restaurant. But above all else, dont let on I talked to you, all right?
Of course, Ran-chan, she cried, hugging him fiercely, she doesnt know what shes giving up. Whats wrong, she asked Ranma, who had suddenly gotten a strange faraway look in his eyes. He smiled, darkly, then switched to a smirk before she noticed. Oh, nothing. I was just thinking. Look, I need a favor, actually a couple of favors. I need some paper, a pen, and change for about 2000 yen.
Ok... heres the paper and stuff. Arent you going to school? she asked, noticing he didnt have any books.
He shook his head. Nope. And you might not want to either. Akane
might be more upset than I thought...
I can take care of myself, Ukyo said, hefting her battle spatula.
I know... I just dont want anything to happen to you... either of you.
Akane is your friend, isnt she? he asked her, compassion filling his voice and
melting her heart.
Youre right, she said, putting the giant spatula down, I couldnt
really hurt her. Ill just stay here.
Ranma glanced at his watch, and nodded to the door. Ukyo, about that
change...
Of course, Ill just... where did you get that wad?! she cried, spying
the knot of bills that Ranma was pulling out.
He chuckled sheepishly. I, uh, sort of kept an Akane Rampage emergency fund around for similar situations. Which he did, safely back at the dojo. This wad he had picked from the pocket of various joggers and salerymen on theyre way around Nerima this morning.
Oh ok. Here you go.
Ranma shook his head, No bills, just coins.
Why?
Ranma smiled again. Ive got my reasons...
***
Nabiki caught up with Akane and the two sister walked together for a while in silence. Both of them secretly kept a lookout for Ranma, and tried to keep the other from noticing. Finally they both turned to each other at the same time and said Look.. This prompted a round of nervous giggles, followed by another awkward silence.
Look, Nabiki started again, I think were both overreacting. Weve been through worse than this, and I know Ranma has, if that Cat-Fist thing is any indication... By the way, she asked Akane, Have you seen Genma recently?
Akane shook her head.
***
Meanwhile, a large panda in a fez was sitting on the baggage claim at Heath Row Airport in England, covered in Fragile, Please dont feed, and Wide Load stickers. He growfed, holding up a sign that read Saotome, Party of One. However since no-one there read kanji he kept spinning.
***
As they approached the school, Nabiki spotted someone she recognized, and walked over to him. See you later Akane, just gotta check in with my... research assistant.
Akane shrugged, walking into the courtyard, and hopped to run into Ranma and NOT to run into Kunou.
***
Nabiki approached her contact. He was one of her better informants... of course she could never let him know that. The amount of data he could muster on any given subject often surprised even her, but then thats what she paid him for. He was kind of cute, in a weird sort of way. Not that Nabiki had ever thought about him like that.
Oi, biki-chan, he called over to her.
Nabiki shuddered inwardly. That name grated on her nerves, but she couldnt make him stop. She once made the mistake of telling him how much she hated it, so he used it every time he could. Nabiki kept a running tally of how many times he used it, and planed for a playback one day. In full. With interest. Lots of interest.
Ohaiyo, Nezumi-kun. Keeping your _tail_ out of trouble I hope. she smirked.
His brow furrowed briefly, so briefly you would have missed it if you werent looking for it, like Nabiki was. She could usually read people very well, an essential skill in her line of work. She knew how to push peoples buttons, when she put her mind to it.
He shrugged, Oh you know how it is, biki-chan.
She smiled, moving closer to him. Say, you wouldnt happen to have any info on...
He shook his head, holding up his hand. You know the drill, biki-chan. 5000 yen up front.
Nabiki grimaced, but pulled the yen from her pocket. This was the only way hed do business. 5000 yen up front, refunded if he didnt have the info, and the rest negotiable depending on how much information you wanted, and how badly you wanted it. To his credit, though, he had yet to not come through with something useful. He was one of the few informants that she couldnt blackmail, extort, or scare into helping her freely. She wondered briefly about how he managed to keep his record so clean and still be able to tread through the same muck she often did.
biki-chan, he said, interrupting her thoughts, and nodded at the money she was stacking in his hand, I think you hit 5000 about four bills ago... unless youre already tipping me
Nabiki snatched back the money, leaving him with 5000 exactly. Not even. I dont know if youre even going to keep the yen you have now.
Simmer-down, biki-chan. Just joking with you. Now, before we get down to business, I just want to get a little info out of you.
Nabiki frowned, narrowing her eyes, I dont like giving away free information.
Nezumi-kun shook his head. Its nothing like that. I was just wondering what you did with all your money. I mean, just the info you pumped me for the other day could have netted you a hundred thousand yen at one shot... or more, if you spread it out right, he chuckled, You dont have some expensive _hobby_ we should know about do you, biki-chan... if so, whats his name?
Nabiki managed to keep from looking incensed. Instead, she merely arched an eyebrow at him. Why Nezumi-kun, youre not jealous are you?
Ah, so there _is_ someone to be jealous of?
Of course not.
Then how can I be jealous of someone that probably doesnt exist, biki-chan?
That last comment nettled Nabiki, but she shrugged it off, I dont know, are you really that possessive.?
Nezumi feigned innocence, I cant say that I am. So where does that money go?
Nabiki spread her hands sighing, Here and there. Most of it goes into the dojo.
Nezumi shook his finger at her reprovingly, Sorry, biki-chan, but if you invested that money for the dojo youd never have to advertise for students again.
Nabiki shook her head. Not for the dojo, into the dojo. Do you have any idea how much plaster and lumber costs these days?
Nezumi looked lost, so Nabiki just kept going. At any rate, about my info.
Sure, what is it you seek from the great and powerful Oz.
Huh?
Well you see, oh its too complicated to explain. Just tell me what you want.
Im need to know where Saotome Ranma is.
Nezumi thought a moment, but smiled as he peeped over Nabikis shoulder. Just how badly do you want to know?
You already know where he is? she blurted, before she could stop herself. She was expecting to leave the 5000 yen, and some more probably, as a retainer till he found out. How could he already know?
He nodded. Yep... and it wont cost you much.
Nabiki sighed, How much. 8000, 9000? {ps If you think Nabiki is throwing around that much cash, think again. If I remember correctly, one yen is one cent, more of less. so 1000 yen is ten bucks.}
Not money, biki-chan, youll just owe me a favor. Consider this a Quid Pro Quo...
Nabiki shook her head. Sorry, this is strictly a Cash-and-carry operation.
Too late, hes behind you. he said.
Nani? Nabiki said, turning around. As she turned, Nezumi slappped her on the shoulder as he turned to leave. Turning like she was, the tap was enough to make her lose her balance and collide with the person comming up behind her. Ja, biki-chan. Dont forget you owe me!
(Oh believe me,) Nabiki thought to herself, (youre gonna get it real soon.) Then Nabiki looked up. She saw a black Chinese style shirt and sunglasses. However they were on a person that was unmistakably Ranma. Then she noticed where her arms were... hugging Ranma tightly, to keep herself from falling. Perhaps too tightly. She jerked back quickly, dropping her arms to the side, and waited for Ranmas embarrassment to kick in so that she could try to talk her way out of this situation before it got worse. However, Ranma didnt get embarrassed.
Why, Nabiki, what on earth possessed you to do that. Hitting on your sisters fiancee like that.
What are you talking about, Saotome? I wasnt hitting on you.
Sure you were. Everyone saw it. I just walked up, and you turned around and hugged me, after that guy you were talking with told you it was me. Isnt that right, he called to the spectators, most of whom hadnt seen the incident, but werent about to argue with Ranma. They all nodded yes. You see. Witnesses.
Nabiki was shocked. Ranma had never gotten the best of her in anyth... the Cat-Fist thing! He wasnt his normal, tact-less, bumbling self. Sorry, I just dont know what came over me, she replied in a saccharine voice so sweet itd give Barney a toothache. Will you promise not to tell Akane.
He shrugged. Sure, but itll cost ya... biki-chan! he called over his shoulder, flipping lazily over the wall and into the school yard.
Nabiki just stood there, shocked. I think were in more trouble than any of us can even imagine...
***
Tendo-san, called Hinako-sensei, taking roll. Akane answered, wondering where Ranma was. He hadnt show up this morning for class. Shed talk with Nabiki at lunch and see if she had found anything.
Suddenly the door banged open, bouncing noisily on its hinges and causing Hinako-sensei, in cute little girl mode, to duck under her desk.
Ranma entered the room.
He did more than just enter, though, he dominated the room. He exuded an aura of pure confidence and power. Akane barely recognized him.
A flurry of questions hailed him at once:
Where were you?
Why were you late?
Whats with the shirt?
And others. He just smirked, and walked to his seat. Akane watched him, nerving herself to speak. R...
Saotome-san! called the teacher, just barely regaining her composure. Youre being a very naughty boy. Sit down!
Ranma walked to an open window, leaning against the frame, and stared at the teacher over his sunglasses. Make me, Hina-chan-sensei.
Hinako pulled a coin from her pocket, causing the entire class to duck, except for Ranma.
Happo Juu-go... she started.
Wait. Ranma said, shaking a finger, No horseplay in the building. Care to take this outside?
Hinako-sensei nodded curtly.
Fine with me, Ranma said, crossing his arms leaning back out of the window.
The entire class flew to the windows to see if he was ok. What they saw was Ranma fall, headfirst, past the second floor and flip, quickly but with no visible effort, and land on his feet, walking away from where he landed.
Did you see that?
Yeah... wow!
...Just like a cat...
Wait for me! called Hinako-sensei as she lept from the window.
Hinako-sensei! Were on the third floor!
Oops! was her only comment as she hung in the air, her legs doing the super- deformed blur kick thing before she fell, landing on her bottom. Itai... Ranma, meanwhile, just sneered.
You still up for this, Hina-chan-sensei?
Hmmph. You big meanie. Happo Juu-go-en Satsu! she shouted, pulling the requisite coin from her pocket and firing the ki-sucking blast at Ranma.
Ranma, however, wasnt there for the blast. He leap up into the air, flipping and landing behind Gosunkugi, who had snuck up behind Ranma, in full candle head-dress, and tried to impale Ranma with a magic stake he had whittled. Unfortunately, he got caught by the blast, and drained of whatever energy he may have had. It was, however, enough for Hina-chan-sensei to aquire her more shapely shape. As Gosunkugi did the Takahashi Iron-Spine falldown the half of the school that turned out to watch Ranma fight made way for the other half as they came to stare at Hinako-sensei and drool.
Ranma, meanwhile, had reached into his shirt pocket, and called over to Hinako. So, you like coin attacks. Try this on for size. Doka Kara Ten! he shouted, and threw his right arm forward, at an upward angle. The branch of the tree above Hinako-senseis head burst at its base and fell at Hinako-sensei. She leap out of the way. {see the end of this story for a translation of the Japanese used}
What was that?
Invisible ki?
Naw... it was some sort of psychic trick...
Ranma sneered, and flung his other hand forward, as Hinako-sensai rolled away the dirt kicked up across the ground behind her in a line.
A machine gun!
Couldnt be, whered he hide it
Well what else could it be...
Meanwhile, Ranma flung his right arm toward Hinako-sensei as she stood. She focused her hands into a triangle and shouted Happo Tsurisen Gaeshi! and fired a burst of ki at Ranmas attack. Something sparked off the ki blast, and flew at the windows of the school, shattering some of them. The students ducked as things cracking the walls and blackboards behind them. Akane went to one of the holes in the blackboard, surrounded by a spiderweb of cracks. She dug around in it with a ruler, and fished out a semi-molten blob of metal. She quickly dropped it. (Of course,) she thought to herself, (hes using the Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken technique to fling something... but at the speed hes throwing them at, theyre nearly melting...)
Meanwhile, the fight was heating up. Every time Hinako-sensei tried to pull out a coin, Ranma knocked it away. Of course every time he tried his trick on Hinako-sensei, she blasted the mass of metal away.
Finally Ranma, seemingly bored with this game of keep away, charged at her, going into a flying kick. Hinako-sensei smiled, taking a coin and yelling Happo Juu-go..
Ranma, on other hand, had another idea. Moko Takabisha Tobu! he yelled, firing his Ki blast from the air... into the ground. The others groaned... then cheered as the force of the blast carried him over Hinako-sensei, head down just as she finished her chant, and he reached down, tagging her aura-absorption-block points, and flipped her unto a just awakening Gosunkugi, who opened his eyes to Hinako-senseis bottom facing his face, and promptly blacked out again.
Too bad, Ranma said as he walked to the wall, I actually counted you among my major opponents. Ah well.
Wait! called Akane as she watched him walking away, Schools not over yet!
He turned and smiled a smile that looked so much like Kodachis it made the Rhythmic Gymnastics team feint. It is for me... Watakushi No Shou. With that, he leapt up, never breaking his stride, flipped effortlessly in midair, and landed on the other side of the fence, leaving the school too stunned to ask Akane about what just happened, and Akane to stunned to respond if they had.
***
At lunch, the school was abuzz about what had happened to Hinako-sensei. And what was going on with Ranma. Akane and Nabiki met and talked about what happened.
And then he used that weird attack. What was he throwing.
Coins, Nabiki answered, holding up a miss-shapen lump of metal. It has just enough detail left for them to realize it was a five yen piece.
I dont know whats with him. I mean, picking a fight with Hinako-sensei! Using that money attack. He could have really hurt her! He was so cold, so calculating, so sneaky, so... NABIKI! Akane as much as shouted, causing Nabiki to look down guiltily.
Ano... Akane, I kind of have a confession to make. You see, this morning I asked one of my contacts for information about Ranma. But Ranma came up behind me, and I.. um... sort of... glomped him...
YOU WHAT!
Hey, it was an accident! Nezumi pushed me into him, and I grabbed onto him to keep from falling. It wasnt my fault!
Great. Now hes got my violence, Shampoos stubbornness, Kodachis maliciousness, and your deviousness, Akane summed.
Not quite... came the old voice from behind them.
Akane and Nabiki turned to see Cologne behind them. Cologne, what are you doing here?
I came to get Great-grandson, if he was here, but I see that he has already left. We must find him very soon!
Why the extra urgency? Nabiki asked.
Because, Cologne said, turning around and bopping away on her cane, The texts state that the effects of the emotional integration are cumulative. Every time he comes into contact with one of you, or otherwise gets triggered, he internalizes the emotions again. As she says this, she hops over the fence, bopping away. The grounds keeper mutters about how no-body ever uses the gate anymore.
Shampoo summed this up pretty well last night, Nabiki said. We really stepped in it deep this time around.
Akane could only nod.
***
As Akane walked out the front gate at the end of the day, some guy handed her a letter, and ran off. Hey you... but it was too late. He was gone. She opened the letter, and almost jumped for joy. She recognized this horribly sloppy writing. She read it, barely containing her excitement:
Akane,
Im real sorry. I dont know whats come over me these last couple a days. Just meet me in the empty lot behind the old theater at 6:00 so we can talk. And bring me a set of my real clothes, huh.
Ranma.
Akane ran home to get a spare set of clothes from Ranmas room.
***
Meanwhile, Kunou Tatewaki was walking home, when a random person shoved a letter into his hand and fled, quickly. He turned to have words with the ruffian, but he was gone. He opened the letter. Feh, such pitiful writing he said to himself as he read:
Kunou,
If you value the life of the Pig-tailed-girl, you will meet me at 5:58 exactly in the old lot behind the theater for a duel. Be there, or else...
Saotome
Foul Sorcerer! You sully the Pig-tailed-girls innocence with your very presence! Today, Saotome, I shall smite thee thy final smiting! Boken in hand, he runs toward the lot, laughing insanely and babbling alot about smitings and being smitten. {Or something like that ^_-}
***
At a quarter till six, Ranma stood in front of a tree in the secluded, empty lot, with a bucket of clod water and a coil of rope.
Now then, he said to himself, to make this look good!
[End Chapter 2]
What is Ranma planning?
Is he really giving himself up?
Then why is he challenging Kunou to a duel?
Will Ryoga show up in time to be included in this Fanfic?
Is Ranma going to opt for a cheaper move next episode?
Will the Cat-Fist Hunters stop Ranma in time?
and if so
Can Kodachi return Midorigames tux?
For answers to these and other pointless questions-
Stay tuned for the next spine-tingling episode of Cat-Fist Fervor!
Chapter 3: The enemy of my enemy...
Same Cat time,
Same Cat channel...
[SD Neko-Shampoo waves a paw, with the caption Bai Bai scrolling underneath]
Quick Japanese chart.
Most of you know enough Japanese, but for those unfamiliar with the words used in this fanfic:
Honorific suffixes:
chan- mostly girls, little children, and intimate friends/couples
kun- mostly boys
san- all-around basic suffix
sempai-Upperclassmen
sensei- Teacher or master. Instructor
Other Japanese:
Yen- Basic unit of currency.
Airen- Beloved
Oi- Hey. As in Hey you, although Nezumi-kun used it playfully.
Ohaiyo-Good morning.
Ja- Short for Ja(or Dewa) Matta. bye
Watakushi no
Shou- Literally "My Prize". Ran-chan's getting possesive...
Special Moves:
Happo (Juu-)Go-en Satsu
}Happys 5(0) Yen Obliteration
A ki(spirit) sucking move that weakens the opponent.
Happo Tsurisen Gaeshi
}Happys Change Returned
A blast of stolen ki energy.
Kachu Tenshin Amiguriken
}Imperial Chestnut Fist or Roasting Chestnut Fist Attack
An almost unseen flurry of punches. Used as a training method for speed mostly.
Doka Kara Ten
}Pennies[Literally Copper Coins] from Heaven
Using the KTA[^] technique, Ranma throws a stream of coins in what appears to be a single punch, but is really a super-rapid pistoning of his arms .
Moko Takabisha (Tobu)
}Fierce Tiger Blast (Jump)
The MT is blast of ki energy fueled by Ranmas confidence. Since he has almost no fear, his MT will be suitably powered up. He used the move to let him catapult himself over Hinako-senseis predicable Happo...Satsu.
I remind my readers that I am a second semester Japanese student with nothing but a crappy pocket Japanese-English dictionary at my disposal. So if I got this stuff wrong, some of which I probably did, please point it out politely. Thank you. C&C and such can be posted, but Id prefere it be emailed to me at AniManiacW@aol.com to keep ML clutter down.
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