Well, here it is, the complete and revamped version of this part of
the story. I just hope I got my points across. C&C welcome, of course.
------------------------------------------------
#4: Descending Spiral
The Wheel of Fire, Part 2: Falling Toward the Darkness
Written by Razorclaw X (spiceoflife@hotmail.com)
http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 and characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. And
all that other good stuff. Proper licenses belong to their respective
owners. The manga has precedence over material in the anime.
This file can be freely distributed so long as it appears in its
complete form and proper credit. No part may be reproduced for
monetary gain without permission from the author. (to which the
answer is probably "no")
Author's note: This series takes place after the final manga story.
It follows after my previous fics, "Moments of Transition," "Team
Ranma vs. the Orochi Assassins," and "End of the Beginning." The first
story of Part 2: Falling Toward the Darkness, where Ranma's friends
fall into dark times in wake of the marriage between Ranma and Akane.
I categorize this part of the series as semi-dark or angsty.
Plot Points (from previous stories)
==================================
1. Ranma and Akane are married. Only Shampoo contests this now.
2. All the China gang (except Mousse) returned to China.
3. Mousse is now an outsider of his tribe (banished by Cologne).
4. Ryoga is looking for his parents to get permission to marry Akari.
------------------------------------------------
Opening: Little Date (TV Service Version; Ranma, Akane, Shampoo)
(Second season opening theme)
[Ranma, both male and female, flash by one after another]
[flash Nabiki, Kasumi, Soun, Nodoka, Genma]
(All) Twilight always
seems like a strange land
letting me count the stars.
[Akane standing on a hillside; Ranma training at the beach]
On the deck, a couple, No! No!
not knowing where to look, my heart throbs.
I intend to return a smiling face.
I'm a lonely girl, so lonely girl.
[Red aura: flash Taro, Happosai, Ryoga, Kuno, Cologne, Mousse]
[Ranma fighting, one after another: Mousse, Ryoga, Happosai]
Here's your chance, the setting sun
begins to whisper,
but I still can't untie the blue ribbon
[Shampoo glomps on Ranma, Akane beats him over the head]
Shining, Dreaming
Suddenly the sea breeze changes.
It's not 'cause I don't love you,
still, now,
I want to go home...
[Ranma, caught between both Akane and Shampoo]
(A,S) I'm a lonely girl
(R) ...What is it that I'm afraid of?
(A,S) I'm a lonely girl
(R) ...I can't be my usual self.
(A,S) I'm a lonely girl
(R) ...It's not 'cause I don't love you but
(A,S) I'm a lonely girl
(R) ...I'm just a coward.
[Red aura: flash Ling-ling and Lung-lung, Kodachi, Ukyo,
Ryu Kumon, Herb, and finally Saffron]
[Ranma fighting, one after another: Herb, Ryu, Saffron]
(All) Here's your chance, the setting sun
begins to whisper,
but I still can't untie the blue ribbon
[Ranma and Akane are put together by their parents]
Shining, Dreaming
Suddenly the sea breeze changes.
It's not 'cause I don't love you,
still, now,
I want to go home...
[Everyone comes and beats the crap out of Ranma]
* * * * *
Mousse stood alone outside the Nekohatten Sunday morning. The Master
of Hidden Weapons stared at the building that was once his home, a
duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He sighed, then turned to walk
down the street.
It was not long ago when Ranma and Akane were married. Cologne and
Shampoo were very intent on stopping the marriage so Shampoo could
marry Ranma. Mousse, in a rare moment of defiance, helped stop them.
It was that day Mousse flatly told Cologne that three-hundred years of
Chinese Amazon tradition was wrong, that some traditions weren't meant
to be passed on. And for thanks in what Mousse believed to be the most
practical statement he'd ever made, old Cologne systematically
banished him-- from the village, from the Nekohatten, and from
Shampoo. Needless to say, Mousse was now out of a job and out of a
home.
Where did I go wrong? Mousse wondered.
Shampoo was gone; Cologne had gathered the rest of the villagers
still in Japan and returned to China. The Nekohatten was closed
indefinitely-- at least, until Cologne came up with a new plan for
Ranma, Mousse thought.
He still remembered Cologne's warning: "Don't show your face around
me again, Mousse, or you'll wish you were never born." Mousse was sure
that Cologne was afraid of change; after all, the old hag strictly
upheld three-thousand years of Chinese Amazon tradition. The voice of
change must be separated from the village-- Mousse was too dangerous
for tradition to continue. How she'd explain Shampoo's failure to
marry Ranma was beyond Mousse, but if he knew the old crone she'd
convince the village it was part of her overall plans. Fat chance.
I could go back to China myself; they can kill me if they want,
but at least I'll be with Shampoo.
Then again, should I die to return to the place that despised me?
Mousse thought back to his childhood; around the age of five he
had vowed to train in martial arts to protect himself. Of course,
Cologne would tell others that Mousse, like those before him, trained
to protect the village. It wasn't a man's place to fight, according
to tradition, but there were a few exceptions when need be; male
warriors weren't unheard of in the village's history, after all.
Cologne saw the potential and took advantage of it.
Mousse never explained the sudden decision to anybody. While playing
in the mountains with the other village children Mousse got lost. He
had been looking for Shampoo when he was separated from the others. It
was then a large bear attacked him. Mousse had stood defiantly,
waiting for the killing blow, but it never came. The bear ran off at
the beckoning of a lone figure, dressed in yellow, flowing Taoist
robes. The Taoist turned out to be a woman of about sixteen years of
age, young for such a powerful sorcerer! She was kind enough to lead
Mousse back to the village, and when Mousse turned to thank her she
disappeared. He'd never got her name.
The next time Mousse saw her was alone by the side of a lake, in
harmony with nature. The Taoist saw Mousse was disturbed at being
unable to defend himself, whereupon she took Mousse to a thatched hut
nearby. She'd said, "If you promise to never reveal my home to
anyone, I'll make sure you'll never be defenseless again." Upon which
Mousse promised. How could he resist such beauty?
The days following Mousse visited the Taoist, learning basic martial
arts philosophies, training him to be in the right frame of mind. After
a few days passed, the girl had introduced Mousse to her sister, a
Master of Hidden Weapons. The sister always wore large heavy robes,
concealing weapons within. From then on the sister would teach Mousse
the art of hidden weapons, showing him the basics of concealing weapons
and throwing projectiles with accuracy.
Mousse always assumed that this woman who was his teacher was an
Amazon traveling abroad. Cologne knew not whom Mousse trained with, but
the results were astounding nonetheless.
Mousse mastered the basics, being a quick student. It was only a
year later the Taoist told Mousse one day the sad news. She said, "The
winds call me away, young one, and we must depart. Mastery of the art
is a lifetime venture; never stop practicing. You are far from
defenseless now, and someday you can use your skills to help others.
That is the true meaning behind martial arts." After that day the
thatched hut vanished, and the Taoist never returned. And yet he
still didn't know her name.
She was beautiful, though. He would never forget her emerald-green
eyes, her brilliant smile....
"Mousse?" someone yelled, breaking Mousse's thoughts.
Mousse's head craned up, as he looked around for the familiar voice
that called him. To his left was Ucchan's, and, standing alone just
outside the door, sympathy in her eyes, was Ukyo.
For a moment, the Chinese teen thought he saw the Taoist. He rubbed
his eyes, but sure enough, it was Ukyo Kuonji, okonomiyaki chef.
"Mousse! Come on in!" Ukyo yelled cheerily, waving Mousse inside.
Well, dwell on your thoughts too much, and look where you end up,
Mousse. Sighing, he turned and entered the okonomiyaki restaurant.
Mousse set his duffel bag down as he took a seat on a stool next to
the counter. Ukyo took her place behind the grill, spatula in hand.
"What'll it be?"
"The usual, I suppose," replied Mousse.
Ukyo picked up a trace of depression as she poured the batter.
"Something you want to talk about? I haven't seen you in days."
Mousse pushed his glasses on his head and closed his eyes.
"Shampoo's gone. I've no place to stay anymore, much less a job."
Ukyo nodded in understanding. It wasn't any good, wandering around.
Alone, and far from home and family.
"So, why didn't you go back with them?" Ukyo asked curiously.
"The old hag has banished me from the tribe," explained Mousse. "As
I am now considered an outsider to the tribe, I am no longer welcome
to go home. She also said that I'd be killed on sight if I come
anywhere near her."
He buried his head in his arms, yelling in confusion, "And I can't
figure out if I want to go back or not anyway! Shampoo wouldn't
welcome me!"
Well, that sucks. "When did they leave?" she asked.
"Yesterday."
"And where did you stay yesterday?"
"In the back alley, behind the restaurant, of course."
That certainly wasn't a way to live, Ukyo thought. Well, I might
regret this in the morning, but....
"Well, you could always work here," Ukyo said. "I've been thinking
about expanding anyway, so I can use the help. Whattaya say, honey?"
"I'd like that," answered Mousse. From his left sleeve Mousse
produced a throwing dart. Mousse tossed the dart up and down, catching
with one hand on the bladed side, eyes still closed, yet, never
cutting himself.
"You'll see, you'll be back on your feet in no time!" encouraged the
okonomiyaki chef.
Silence ensued. Only the crackling of the grill filled the air.
The aroma of Ukyo's okonomiyaki filled the Chinese teen's nostrils.
Ukyo flipped the finished okonomiyaki on a plate and placed it
before Mousse. "Ranma and Akane aren't back from their honeymoon
yet, so things have been quiet lately. So, Shampoo is really gone...."
She reached over the counter and patted Mousse on the shoulder
sympathetically. "You'll get over her."
"I miss her," Mousse replied, reaching for chopsticks. Slowly, he
began to devour the okonomiyaki. "Ukyo, did I do the right thing?"
"What?"
"Stopping Shampoo. Breaking traditions, was I right?"
Ukyo pondered for a moment. "Yeah, I'd say so. Some traditions
weren't meant to be passed."
"Even so, I still miss Shampoo...."
"Look," Ukyo said, grabbing Mousse's free hand, "Shampoo never cared
for you. At least, not romantically. I should know, I've been through
that kind of relationship myself...."
"Maybe you're right," Mousse answered, having finished his meal.
"Perhaps its time to move on." He set down the chopsticks. "Thanks,
Ukyo. After what I've been through, a friend was the last thing I
expected."
Ukyo smiled. "I'll show you to your room."
Mousse opened his eyes and put his glasses back in place. He picked
up the duffel bag, which seemed lighter than usual, and followed Ukyo
to an empty room.
"You can stay in the guest room," Ukyo said, waving her arms around
the room. "It's not much, but it'll do."
Mousse walked in and set the bag down by the wall. "Wow, a real
room...." Sleeping in the attic of the Nekohatten wasn't the best of
accommodations.
Ukyo walked toward the door. "Bathroom's down the hall, you can
start work tomorrow morning. Konatsu can show you the ropes, as I have
to go to class tomorrow." And, somehow, it wouldn't be the same without
Ranma and Akane there to bother....
Ukyo left and walked back to the dining room. Well, honey, what's
with you and letting people room with you? I mean, you've already got
Konatsu and the cat he found, do you really want more to take care of?
At that thought Ukyo couldn't help but smile. I'm too nice for my own
good.
A few days later Ranma and Akane returned from their honeymoon. At
the Tendo household, they were greeted by their family. It took a
while to adjust to the changes, from moving into one room to the
reactions of fellow classmates. Ukyo never knew the couple was back
until both returned their first day back to school. Lunch break was
the first opportunity for the three to catch-up.
Ukyo caught Ranma and Akane just before they entered the lunch
area. She waved, and called, "Ranma! Akane!"
"Ukyo!" Akane greeted.
"So, the newlyweds are back," started Ukyo, "and this is the first
time I'm going to hear the juicy details of the honeymoon?"
"I don't think so," Ranma replied defensively.
"I think that's something between a husband and his wife, and not
for gossip, Ukyo," Akane pointed out. "Come on, let's eat."
The trio entered the lunch area, and took the nearest open table
they could find. Every once in a while, classmates would congratulate
either Ranma or Akane, some even hinting that they 'knew' certain
little details.
No doubt Nabiki must have spilled the beans on some issues, Akane
thought. She never could keep her mouth shut when offered money.
"Well, nothing much has happened lately," Ukyo began, running-off
on the events during the week-long honeymoon. "Well, actually,
something major did happen: the Nekohatten's closed."
"Really?" Akane said, surprised.
"Yes!" Ranma cried out in triumph. "No more Shampoo!"
Ukyo nodded. "Shampoo packed her bags and went home. But that's
not all." The okonomiyaki chef bowed her head low, and sighed. "Mousse
got left behind."
"Why?!" Akane cried in surprise. "That's... cruel!"
"Well, Mousse explained the whole thing to me," continued Ukyo.
"Remember the wedding? Remember how Mousse helped stop Shampoo from
killing you? Well, the old lady of Shampoo's had decided she had had
enough of one man's impudence, so she banished him from the tribe."
"Ouch," Ranma said. "I never thought Mousse was serious when he
told me."
"So, after spending a night sleeping in an alley, I took him in,"
finished the chef. "I'm trying to teach him how to cook okonomiyaki
like I do, as I am trying to expand, you know. Hiring new workers is
just the beginning."
Ranma nodded. "I can't wait for the day when I see Ucchan's
Okonomiyakis all over Japan."
"Thanks," replied Ukyo.
"Ukyo, can we ask you a favor?" Ranma asked his old friend.
"Anything!" Ukyo replied.
Ranma spared a look back at Akane, who smiled reassuringly. "Well,
Akane and I had a little talk over our honeymoon, and we've kinda
decided to ask you this favor."
"Well, what is it?" the chef asked impatiently.
"Akane wants to know if you would help her learn how to cook."
Ukyo slapped her friend on the back, hard. She laughed. "Now, that
wasn't so hard, was it?! Of course I'll help."
"Hey, thanks, Ukyo," Akane said.
"I really do want to eat my wife's cooking, you know," Ranma added.
Only if it tasted good. Almost instinctually, the young Saotome
flinched, as if expecting Akane to hit him. But no attack came,
thanks to the talk the couple had over their extended honeymoon.
Ukyo turned to her old friend with seriousness in her eyes.
"Ranma, could you leave us for a moment?"
"Why?" asked Ranma.
"There's something I want to talk to Akane about," she explained.
He nodded, then got up from his seat. Ranma left the tables,
wandering off to mingle with the rest of his classmates, leaving Ukyo
alone with Akane.
"What's so important that you have to talk to me and not Ranma
about?" asked Akane.
"I need to know where we stand," Ukyo said simply.
"That's it?" Akane blinked, a bit confused at Ukyo's words.
"I no longer have any claim as Ranma's fiancee," she explained,
"heck, I don't think I ever had such a claim. If we're going to still
be friends, you have to understand that's how I feel now."
The youngest of the three Tendo sisters was at a loss for words.
"If you think so...."
"If I can't get passed that, then we can't be friends," Ukyo said.
"Don't be silly, we'll always be friends!" insisted Akane. "I mean,
after what you did at our wedding, how can you not be my friend?"
"Good, just so long as we understand each other," the chef decided.
"I don't think I would've gotten this far without you, and I don't
want to let you go, either."
"Why, thank you!" Akane replied, accepting the praise.
It was the only way, Ukyo had decided. Things turned out much
better than the chef imagined, rehersing herself over and over while
Ranma and Akane were still on their honeymoon. If there's anyone that
should make the sacrifice, it should be me, not my dearest friends.
I owe them that much. Never again, will my own desires go ahead of
their own.
As the weeks dragged on everything seemed to go back to normal.
Mousse, in his new job, tried his best to control his feelings over
Shampoo. Ukyo taught Mousse the basics of cooking okonomiyaki--
Kuonji-style. This allowed her restaurant to be open at times Ukyo
was unavailable, as Mousse was a quick learner, and Ukyo a patient
teacher. Business boomed.
In turn, Mousse taught Ukyo some recipes for Chinese dishes,
especially several dishes of ramen. Akane couldn't help but notice how
close the two were getting; they taught each other trade secrets.
And now Akane could cook rice without ruining it. It was a start.
On a Friday afternoon after school Ranma and Akane entered Ucchan's,
which was the same time of day there were very few customers. Ukyo
handed her orders to Ranma and Akane, and, while watching them eat, she
couldn't help but feel jealous and happy at the same time. Well, this
was easier than I thought it would be, Ukyo decided, adjusting to this
marriage thing and all.
"Ucchan, you're the best," Ranma proclaimed, scarfing down the last
of the okonomiyaki that once had the message 'number one' on it.
"Silly, you always say that," Ukyo teased. "So, how are things going
along at home?"
"Everything's just fine, Ukyo," Akane answered, smiling.
"Nabiki is thinking about buying a computer," Ranma said, "although
I don't see what good one would do."
"Nabiki did say she was saving up her money for one for quite a
while," added Akane. "She tells me she got it for quite a deal, too. I
suppose she's planning ahead for college. Nabiki's also looking into
Internet service providers, too."
"Well," Ukyo started, "if she does get one, maybe I could advertise
my restaurant on the Internet." Maybe. She'd heard several customers
talk of... interesting things happening on the world wide web.
"Of course, that might rack up quite a phone bill, too," Akane said
dryly. "And we don't have a regular income."
"Anyway," continued Ranma, "Akari sent a postcard saying that she
located Ryoga's father, based on a recent phone call. Now Ryoga's off
to find his mother. I'm sure Mr. Hibiki said 'yes.' I think Mom and
Pop made up a bit, too...." He grinned slightly at the thought of his
mother chasing after the giant panda in the dojo. "Best of all,
Shampoo's been leaving me alone. Sometimes it's so quiet it's scary."
"So, how's Mousse holding up?" asked Akane.
"He's doing fine." replied Ukyo. "He hasn't moaned about Shampoo
for days."
"So, you think he's finally over her?" asked Ranma.
"Am I over you, Ranchan?" Ukyo asked. She shook her head, almost
wishing that Ranma asked to marry HER instead. Don't be ridiculous!
He was always yours, he just got taken away from you! Remember, Ukyo,
you were promised to him!
No! Ukyo shouted within herself. No, no, no. I never had a real
claim to being Ranma's fiancee; it was all one big mistake. Yeah,
that's it....
A small part of Ukyo didn't want to hear such stupid
rationalizations.
"Still," the chef said finally, "its nice to see the guy full of
life again. There may be hope for him yet."
"Maybe you ought to take him out, Ukyo," suggested Akane.
"Me?" Ukyo said in disbelief. "Go out with Mousse? Why? I can't
date my workers!"
"I don't see why not," Ranma said frankly.
"Ranchan!" Ukyo cried, slapping her friend across the face. "Who's
side are you on?!"
The chef spared one glance at Akane. Oh, never mind!
"Well," Akane started, "he is lonely, and so are you. Perhaps you
two have something in common."
"Blind devotion, maybe," Ranma commented. "Loneliness...."
"Ranchan!" Ukyo yelled. "Grrrooo-oh, all right! I'll do it." She
looked around the dining room and waved Mousse over. "Mousse?"
"Yes?" Mousse asked.
Ukyo crumpled a rag nervously in her hands, sparing a glance at
Ranma. "I... ah... well... youwanttogooutwithmetonight?"
"Sure," Mousse said.
The three stared in disbelief that Mousse actually understood
Ukyo's quick statement.
"After closing?" asked the Chinese teen.
"Well, okay," answered Ukyo, fidgeting with the rag again. Thanks
a lot, Ranchan.
Ukyo closed the restaurant after the last customer left that very
evening. Mousse sat at a nearby table. Konatsu was playing with his
white cat. The kunoichi had found the cat one evening while taking
out the trash, and asked Ukyo if he could keep it. Ukyo couldn't help
but say 'yes.' The cat was female, and Konatsu named her Snowball.
The only good that came out of that cat, Ukyo thought, was that
Konatsu was learning some responsibility. Darn fleabag set back
expenses for weeks just for fleas!
Just for tonight, Ukyo reminded herself. Just before closing she
had allowed herself some time to shower. She let her hair hang
loosely down her back, and dressed in casual guy's attire (Ukyo
never did get the hang of girls' clothes). As usual, she carried her
bandoleer, her combat spatula strapped to her back, just in case
something went wrong (as something usually did).
Ukyo turned to Mousse. "Well, let's go."
Mousse stood up and walked out the door, Ukyo trailing behind.
"So," Mousse started, standing in the middle of the street, "what
is our plans for tonight?"
"I don't know," Ukyo replied. "I didn't plan this, really. It was
Ranma and Akane's idea." And I've no intention of this 'date'
going much farther than that, Ukyo reminded herself sternly. I've
no time to bother with my workers. The restaurant was first.
I must look desperate already, Ukyo thought.
Mousse nodded. "Pity, then. How about a walk in the park?"
The two walked silently down several blocks to the nearest park.
They walked to the fountain in the center, and sat there, at the rim
of the pool. Cool water spouted from the fountain's head, high above
their heads, splashing down into the rippling pool below. Lights
built at the bottom of the pool illuminated the fountain head and
spraying water alike.
Ranchan would hate sitting here, Ukyo told herself, stiffling a
chuckle.
For a long time neither teen spoke a word.
Mousse merely stared out into the stars above, his opaque glasses
lenses hiding his eyes from all. His mind seemed to drift off to
something... distant, Ukyo decided. Probably Shampoo.
Shit, it must be hard to leave home, and never return....
"So," Ukyo started, breaking the silence, "do you have a hobby?"
"My only purpose is to better myself," Mousse replied, "in body,
mind, and skill. As of late I've decided to work on my listening
skills. If only Shampoo would listen...."
Ukyo cut him off. "Why do you want Shampoo so much?"
Mousse lifted his glasses and closed his eyes. Weeks of close
proximity to each other told Ukyo Mousse was thinking. Finally, he
answered, "I really don't know. It was so long ago... when we were
three years old."
"That's a long time," Ukyo commented. "I wanted Ranma since we
met when we were both six." Was this idle chat, or becoming intimate
talk? wondered Ukyo. Don't open yourself up like that, stupid! You
KNOW a relationship with Mousse can't work! You don't need the
emotional baggage!
"Sometimes I forget you're a girl," Mousse commented.
Ukyo peered at him critically. Men!
"I mean, I never see you wearing dresses or anything, its
either your chef outfit or shirt-and-jeans," he added hastily.
Ukyo sighed. "Ten years from femininity made those habits. I was
never raised like any other girl. I still can't dress as a girl right.
Other girls are used to it, but the feeling I get is rather creepy.
Its almost like being exposed, somehow...." Skirts scared a lot out
of her, actually, as Ukyo found it unecessary to walk around with
excess clothing like that. Skirts often got in the way of battle, too.
How in the world did Ranma get away with dressing as a girl and not
be uncomfortable?! I'm a girl, so why should it be a problem for me?
She turned to Mousse. "Speaking of dress, why do you insist on
wearing your robes all the time?"
"Besides hiding my weapons, one must be ready for battle when they
least expect it," answered Mousse slowly. "One should always be
prepared for the unexpected." He peered at Ukyo sternly. "It's a long
story."
Being prepared. Sounds reasonable. "So why did you become the
Master of Hidden Weapons?"
Mousse closed his eyes again, and rested his head on his fist.
After a long silence, he finally said, "A friend whom I never knew.
I'm sworn to secrecy, so that is all I can tell you."
Ukyo nodded. "Well, maybe someday you can show me how to conceal
some darts... it could come in handy some day." Watch it, girl,
you're getting a little too close for comfort.
"Someday," Mousse said. Reflectively, he commented, "I've never
been as close to anyone as I've been to you since I was five. I mean,
I've never had real friends before." For some reason, Mousse's
thoughts drifted back to his Taoist friend; oh, how Ukyo so reminded
him of that beautiful woman, in more ways than one.
"Yeah, well, I guess that's the price of isolation. Being distant,
alone, away from others who'd be your friends...." Being alone. The
thought sent shivers down Ukyo's spine. Shit, stop thinking like that,
or you'll open yourself up to unwanted attention.
Mousse wrapped his arm around Ukyo, and the two leaned their heads
together, suspending each other. For a long while neither spoke,
watching the occasional couple pass through or the stars in the
clear sky above. After several long minutes, no one else passed by,
leaving the two friends in the park, alone. Only the sounds of the
fountain water splashing into the pool echoed in the night.
At that moment, the pair heard scuffling nearby. Someone yelled,
causing the two to perk up, ready for action.
"It's coming from there!" Ukyo shouted, pointing toward the bushes.
Mousse and Ukyo crept their way through the bushes until they
reached another section of the park, where in the clearing, two
figures battled. One was around their own height, dressed in heavy
robes, while the other was a scrawny little man with a bag over his
shoulder.
"Happosai," Ukyo cursed under her breath. "Whatever he did this
time he deserves it."
"Still, this combatant is new," Mousse said, intrigued. "Look!"
The two watched from their hiding space as Happosai dodged several
darts, tossed from the sleeves of the newcomer. Both Mousse and Ukyo
caught the flashes of steel, with light reflected from the moonlight
above, in the second fighter's hands. Happosai, masterful as he is,
dodged each and every thrust and blow that came his way.
"Hehehehehehe...." laughed the old man. "I haven't had this much
fun since... the last one that tried to hunt me down!"
"I'll make sure your end is quick, monster!" shouted the other, in
a low, femenine voice.
"Sorry, but I've got places to go, people to see!" Happosai replied.
He produced one large, ball-shaped object in his hand, and tossed it.
"Happodaikarin!"
The explosive landed just in front of the female combatant, creating
a large storm of dust and dirt in the air. Happosai danced with
glee, kicking his heels like a young man would.
Ukyo couldn't believe that Happosai was winning. "Oh, come on,
old man! Why can't you die for once?"
Then, as if Happosai heard Ukyo's words, the old lecher bounded
toward Mousse and Ukyo's hiding spot.
Happosai seemed oblivious to the two as he bounded over them, but
the second figure ran into them. All three tumbled to the ground.
Over his shoulder, he cried, "Better luck next time!" The old lecher
bounded off into the night, carrying his bag of ill-gotten goods in
tow.
"Come back here, fiend!" shrieked the mysterious figure. She stood
up and stared at Mousse and Ukyo on the ground.
"You helped him escape!" the woman accussed the pair.
"Hey!" Ukyo protested, "we had nothing to do with this!"
"Consorting with fiends such as the little man... prepare
yourselves!" The woman stepped into the light, revealing a
blue-skinned woman wearing Chinese burial robes. Hanging from her
hat was a ward against evil spirits, and emerging from her long
sleeves were three blades each, curved in almost what appeared to
be clawed hands. From the dark recesses of her sleeves the woman
produced an incredibly-large gong, the size of herself, and pounded
it.
The resulting shockwave blast sent Ukyo and Mousse out into the
clearing. Their ears rang soundly, deafening them as well as
disorienting them.
The woman hopped out of the bushes to confront her enemies.
"It's a kuang-shi!" Mousse shouted to Ukyo. "Chinese vampire!"
Ukyo unstrapped her spatula from her back. "Great, always wanted
to meet the dead, but not like this!"
The kuang-shi tossed several shuriken at Ukyo, who batted the
projectiles out of the way. Mousse threw three of his own darts,
which the vampire side-stepped, unconcerned. Mousse leaped into
the air and descended, fists first as two giant blades were produced
from his sleeves. The kuang-shi blocked the blade slashes with her
own claws.
Suddenly, a voice shouted, "Stop!"
In which case, all three combatants froze.
"Who said that?!" Ukyo cried into the night sky.
"I did," came the voice, originating from the kuang-shi. But the
Chinese vampire's lips never moved.
The talisman hanging from the kuang-shi's hat fell to the ground
before her. In a bright flash of light, the talisman was replaced by
a young woman, wearing yellow Taoist robes. In her hands she held
several more talismans.
"You!" Mousse cried in recognition, dropping his blades.
"Yes, Mousse, isn't it?" said the Taoist. "I recognized your
fighting style. It is the same as that of my sister," she explained,
gesturing to the kuang-shi. "It's been a long time, young one."
"I kept my promise, Master," Mousse said, bowing low to the ground.
"Hey, what's this all about?" Ukyo asked, annoyed.
The Taoist turned to Ukyo. "My sincerest apoligies! My name is
Mei-ling," she started, and, pointing to the kuang-shi, "This is my
sister, Hsien-ko. We are vampire hunters by trade, hunters of the
dark ones."
"Well, I'm Ukyo Kuonji, and I'm a chef," Ukyo said, trying hard
not to be sarcastic.
Mousse's jaw dropped in amazement. "I trained with a kuang-shi? A
vampire hunting vampires?"
"Hang on!" Ukyo shouted. "Who's going to tell me the story?"
The four sat in the middle of the clearing, undisturbed by any
who would pass by. Mei-ling wrote out several talismans and placed
them in a circle around them. More wards, Ukyo thought grimly.
"Is that really necessary?" Ukyo asked.
Mei-ling nodded. "Without the wards, my sister may become
overwhelmed with the forces of the evil spirits. I care for her too
much to leave her open to such attacks."
Fair enough, Ukyo decided. Still, the wards gave her the creeps.
"Our story begins long ago," Mei-ling started. "We were born twins
in the 1700's, in China. Our mother battled evil spirits. But one day,
Mother was taken by the dark ones, and we vowed to free her. In
order to carry out our mission we used a secret, yet deadly technique,
to make us what we are now."
Hsien-ko nodded. "You need not trouble yourselves with the details,
but needless to say, one of us became the controlling force, the
other, the killing force. To free our mother's spirit, we must
destroy the dark ones called Darkstalkers."
"Darkstalkers?" asked Ukyo.
"Supernatural creatures," Mei-ling explained, "such as werewolves,
zombies, and vampires. Beings not of this world, creatures from what
we call the Demon Realm. We do this because one day we will find the
one who holds our mother in eternal torment. We will free her spirit
at all costs." She pondered for a moment, then added, "Do not mistake
the Demon Realm for the Kami Plane, however, as that is a rather
painful and mistaken conclusion, as some have found out."
"It was during one of our hunts we met Mousse," Hsien-ko explained.
"In that remote region of China there resided a Darkstalker. Mei-ling
saved Mousse one day. She took him in, and we trained him in the arts
of hidden weapons. When we destroyed the monster, we parted ways."
"It is good to see Mousse has grown to be a fine warrior," Mei-ling
added. "I never expected to meet you again."
"Thanks," replied the Chinese acrobat. "I am powerful enough that
I am among my village's finest defenders."
"So what are you doing here?" asked Ukyo.
"We've heard rumors of an evil man with great power," Mei-ling
said. "The one we fought earlier matches the description."
Ukyo laughed. "We know him, he's Happosai. Trust me, he's very
much human, and a dirty one at that. He's very well skilled in
martial arts, that's all." Almost jokingly, she added, "Of course,
by all means you can kill him."
Hsien-ko and Mei-ling considered this, exchanging glances.
Finally, Mei-ling said, "Then perhaps we made an error in judgment,
this time."
Hsien-ko turned to Mousse. "So, boy, what have you learned since
we last met?"
"I've studied several secret Amazon techniques from village
masters," Mousse replied slowly. "Being a male warrior in an Amazon
village was hard. I've learned acrobatics and how to use my weapons
better. I devised the Swan Fist. But my proudest achievement was the
Hawk Talons attack; a technique passed from generation to generation
to a single student." Mousse grinned at the memory of shock on the
faces of the other Amazon students.
"Well," Hsien-ko started, "I've still a few more techniques
myself, but," raising her two claws, "they're specific to these
weapons. Observe." The kuang-shi buried the claws into the earth.
Nearby a large sword popped out of the ground, startling Ukyo.
Ukyo looked over to Mousse, and noticed he hadn't taken his eyes
off Mei-ling. "Mousse?"
"Huh?" Mousse said in confusion, taken out of his reverie. He
looked at Mei-ling again, staring at her shimmering, emerald-green
eyes. "Mei-ling...."
"Yes?" the Taoist replied, unaware of the attention Mousse was
giving her at the moment.
"Deep down, ever since I first met you, I fell in love. You are
so... beautiful...." Abruptly, he added, "Would you marry me?"
Ukyo looked at Mousse in confusion. Was he really THAT desperate?
Mei-ling blushed. "I'm flattered, I've never been this close to
a man for two centuries, and that was with Father. But I can't allow
myself such pleasures, as I still have a duty to my sister and my
mother."
"Can't I go with you?" Mousse asked with a hint of desperation.
"Mousse, I'm sorry," Mei-ling said, genuinely hurt. "You're such
a sweet guy. I haven't aged since I was sixteen, and that was two
centuries ago. I've lived a long time, Mousse, and I may live even
longer so. I can't go through life loving a man who ages before my
eyes. I can't do that to you, or myself. Please understand, it's
for the best."
Mousse remained silent, and bowed his head low.
"We should be going," Hsien-ko said. "There's some more monsters
on our list of leads, and I want to get to Kyoto before breakfast."
"Yes, we should go," Mei-ling agreed. She gathered the paper
talismans from the circle. "Mousse, I'm proud of what you've become.
Never forget that."
"Will we see each other again?" Mousse asked hopefully.
Mei-ling considered this. "Perhaps. Someday. With the life we
have, who can say?"
In a flash of light, the Taoist transformed into a talisman again,
and attached to Hsien-ko's hat. Hsien-ko waved, then leaped into the
air and ran through the night sky.
Mousse watched the two sisters until they disappeared into the
night. No words would come to his lips.
Ukyo put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you all right?"
"Yeah, I guess," Mousse answered. "I gave my heart to true love
again and it was given back. Perhaps I can never know love."
"Maybe," Ukyo considered. Then again, Mousse, do you KNOW what love
is? For that matter, do I?
Changing the subject, Ukyo said, "They were pretty nice people,
weren't they?" Not to mention very felial toward their mother.
"Mei-ling is one of the few people in my life that is proud of
me." Well, there was Mother, but she doesn't count for much, not in
my life, at least. The other villagers never truly appreciated Mousse.
How welcoming it was to be appreciated! he thought.
For a long moment, neither said a word.
"I think it's time to go home," suggested the okonomiyaki chef.
"Ukyo," Mousse started, "you're so much like them. They're devoted
to their family as you are toward your own. In another lifetime
perhaps you could've been friends." Not only did Ukyo remind Mousse
of Mei-ling, she behaved almost like her....
Ukyo said nothing and turned away. And alone, too. How they
were alone....
Mousse turned his head to Ukyo. "I think I finally understand my
heart. Perhaps I was projecting my feelings on Mei-ling. Perhaps I
was being unfair to her, after all she's done...." He shrugged.
"And Shampoo... maybe I was chasing after a dream, something I could
never have... maybe that's why I persued after her so! Oh, to love,
and to be loved! But, in the here and now, maybe I've been
overlooking my feelings...."
Ukyo turned around. "Mousse, what are you saying?" Uh-oh. If this
is going where I think it's going, I'd better deck him. No, now that's
not a nice thing to think!
"I think my devotion toward a dream blinded me to the feelings
I'm having right now. I've been set free, from Shampoo, from Mei-ling.
And now I see clearly, for the first time, what I really feel.
And I don't need glasses to see them." Why bother chasing after
Shampoo or Mei-ling, when I could have the girl standing right by
me right now? Mousse reasoned.
Mousse grasped Ukyo's arms firmly. "I love you, Ukyo."
"Uh... uh, aren't you being a bit... hasty?!" Ukyo said, backing
away slowly.
"I've never been so sure in my life," replied the Chinese man.
Oh shit! Ukyo thought to herself. Why the hell was he trying to
attach himself to YOU now?! Mei Ling was strong enough to resist,
so should you! Don't look into his eyes, or you'll regret it later,
girl! Don't... don't... shit. The moon looks lovely in his eyes....
No! You jackass....
"In your heart," Mousse continued, "you, too, want those feelings."
To love, to be loved.... He was right.
Soon Ukyo felt her head spiral into those dark orbs of oblivion.
And there was nothing to stop her; the okonomiyaki chef ignored her
better judgement and rational logic in favor of emotions.
"Mousse..." Ukyo started, a little confused, "I've been blind
too, in my pursuit of Ranma, I thought I could have no other man.
But now I know there are other men out there, men who I care about.
When I took you in weeks ago, I thought I was helping a friend, doing
the right thing. It was for pity."
"Look within yourself," insisted Mousse. "Did you not do it to be
closer to me?"
Did I? "You're such a great guy," Ukyo managed to say. "I didn't
want to admit it to myself, but I saw a lot of myself in you. Buried
beneath the clumsy guy people know is a caring and devoted man that
some would die for. Shampoo's devotion to Ranma must blind her from
that fact." She laughed softly, tears welling in her eyes.
You must be desperate too, Ukyo. Don't do this. No, but look at
him! A strong young man, that body, those eyes.... You know you want
him, and you know he wants you. Do I love Mousse?
"You know it's more than a little attraction," Mousse continued.
"Don't blind yourself from your feelings. Let your heart break its
chains, and be free!"
Oh, he's so right! How could I be so blind?
"We all must be blind to our feelings," the okonomiyaki chef said,
wiping her tears. Say it, Ukyo! Don't be a wimp about this! Ranma
is the chains! Don't let him hold you back!
"Set your heart free!" encouraged Mousse. "Bad things will never
happen again. And never cry anymore."
Admit it, Ukyo, you need him as much as he needs you. Ranma was
out of your reach; he never was yours, you never should have deluded
yourself that you could have him! This guy, right here, was ready
and willing to take care of you! Do it, you jackass!
Ukyo threw her arms around Mousse suddenly. "I love you too,
Mousse."
And in that moment, two people, standing alone in the clearing in
the dark park, both who believed they were alone in the world, were
alone no longer. They kissed, and in that moment all the troubles in
the world seemed to drop away into nothingness. It felt so right.
Ukyo's world disappeared around her. Something inside her was trying
to tell her something, but the okonomiyaki chef ignored that voice,
living for the moment at hand.
Mousse and Ukyo walked together down the street back to Ucchan's,
hand in hand. It was late, nearing ten o'clock or eleven, neither
knew which. They approached Ucchan's silently together.
"That's strange," noted Ukyo. "Why'd Konatsu leave the lights on?"
"Beats me," Mousse replied. "Only one way to find out."
The two walked in without a word, only to be greeted by the last
sight they would have thought possible. Ranma and Akane sat at the
counter, waiting expectantly. Konatsu sat nearby at a table, reading
a manga.
"So, how'd it go?" Ranma asked.
"Ranchan," Ukyo started, unsure what to say, "we've found
something about ourselves we never knew before."
Akane smiled. "I'll bet Shampoo doesn't know what she let slip
by."
"As far as I can tell," Ukyo said frankly, "she doesn't care."
Then it was Mousse's turn to smile. For all the years being
treated as an object, Mousse was finally being treated as a person.
But the mention of Shampoo forced Mousse's thoughts to wander again
to that Chinese Amazon who had his heart for a good deal of his life.
Ukyo remarked, "Ranchan, what are you doing here? Kinda late,
isn't it?"
Fidgeting in his seat, Ranma answered, "Umm... because we wanted
to see you and Mousse happy. Akane noticed how well you treated
each other over the past weeks, so we decided to help roll the ball
here. Besides, I wanted another round of okonomiyaki as a midnight
snack." I hope Akane knew what she was doing.
"Ukyo-sama," Konatsu piped up, "the grill is ready for your touch."
Mixing up batter, Ukyo asked no one in particular, "So, where do
we go from here?"
Mousse replied, "Who knows? But whatever the future holds in
store for us all, we'll face it... together."
And at such a late hour, Ukyo cooked the best meal she'd tasted
for a long time.
* * * * *
Closing: Lambada Ranma
[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,
[Girl Ranma:] I turn female,
with my idiotic constitution.
[chorus:] Akane's fiancee!
Ranma: You are SO uncute!
Akane: You've got to be kidding. That pervert, I refuse!
Genma: Hmm, how shall I explain this?
Ranma, I'll kill you! Shampoo
Girl Ranma: Why'd you do this?!
Kuno: I'm the Blue Thunder of Fuurinkan High!
Soun: How do you explain yourself, Ranma?
Oh-hohohohohohoho! Kodachi
Mousse: So, you think my techniques mere tricks?!
Cologne: You're quite skilled, Son-in-law.
Happosai: Hahahaa, I've got Akane's panties!
Bwii, bwii bwii! Ryoga
[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,
[Girl Ranma:] I turn female,
with my idiotic constitution.
[chorus:] Akane's fiancee!
[Guide:] Honorable guest, here!
Legendary training grounds, Jusenkyo.
Honorable guest, you're crazy.
It's so dangerous, no one uses these grounds!
Ah, honorable guest, what are you doing?!
If you fall in, something terrible will happen.
Aiyaa, you fell in Nyannichuan.
In Nyannichuan 1500 years ago, a young girl drowned,
that is its tragic legend!
Ever since, anyone who drowns there...
that cursed spring transforms into a young girl!
See, you turned into a girl.
Girl Ranma: I was prepared to give my life, but not my manhood!
Ryoga: Where is Furinkan High?
Kasumi: Mr. Saotome, breakfast!
.... Genma
Shampoo: Ranma, you should take responsibility.
Cologne: I haven't lived 100 years for nothing! Ha-hah!
Nabiki: That doesn't follow, older sister.
It's okay! It's okay! It's okay! Akane
Konatsu: Ah, what a luxurious meal.
Ukyo: What you're tasting is the best okonomiyaki in the world!
Nodoka: My, how manly you've become, Ranma!
Kasumi?! Kasumi?! Where? Tofu
[Ranma: However Akane, when you laugh, you're cute!]
[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,
[Girl Ranma:] I turn female,
with my idiotic constitution.
[chorus:] Akane's fiancee!
[Ranma:] "I didn't agree to this!"
[chorus:] Akane's fiance!
[Akane:] "You're bothering me!"
[chorus:] Akane's fiance!
--------------------------------------------
Author's Rant
If you felt this relationship was forced, then I deserve a pat on
the back. That WAS the point of the story, after all. It IS called
'Descending Spiral,' after all. It's just that the descent doesn't
go straight down, it turns and curves along the way.... This story was
just a set-up for later events down the line.
Mousse was looking for emotional attachment. If you didn't draw such
a conclusion, that means I did a poor job. There is a difference in
being in love and to love.
Ukyo announced her desire to put her friends' needs above her own.
She has been thinking about this since the last story, btw, and it
will have its consequences later on.
Hsien-ko and Mei-ling (Lei-lei and Lin-lin in Asia) come from
Capcom's Darkstalkers fighting game (aka Vampire Hunter). Both appear
in the new Night Warriors OAV that's coming out from VIZ). Anyway,
wasn't it convenient that Mousse learned his art from another who
practiced the art? :)
A few notes about kuang-shi: yes, they eat. On the ground, they
hop, but they can also run in the air. The name typically translates
to "Chinese ghost," or sometimes "vampire," although they share
nothing in common with their Western counterparts other than being
undead.
Razorclaw X
http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
________________________________________________________________
RITORU DEITO (Little Date) (TV Service Version)
"Ranma 1/2 Nettouhen" opening theme (1989)
tasogare wa itsu de mo
fushigi no kuni mitai
hoshi wo kazoesaseru no
Twilight always
seems like a strange land
letting me count the stars.
DEKKI no ue KAPPURU No! No!
me no yariba ni DOKI-DOKI shichau
egao kaesu tsumori ga
I'm a lonely girl, so lonely girl.
On the deck, a couple, No! No!
not knowing where to look, my heart throbs.
I intend to return a smiling face.
I'm a lonely girl, so lonely girl.
* CHANSU to yuuhi ga
sasayaki kakeru
demo ne aoi RIBON wa hodokenai
Shining, Dreaming
ikinari shiokaze ga kawaru wa
ai shitenai wake ja nai
Demo, ima wa
kaeritai...
* Here's your chance, the setting sun
begins to whisper,
but I still can't untie the blue ribbon
Shining, Dreaming
Suddenly the sea breeze changes.
It's not 'cause I don't love you,
still, now,
I want to go home...
I'm a lonely girl
...nani o sonna ni kowagatteru no
...What is it that I'm afraid of?
I'm a lonely girl
...itsumo no watashi ni narenai no
...I can't be my usual self.
I'm a lonely girl
...ai shitenai wake ja nai kedo
...It's not 'cause I don't love you but
I'm a lonely girl
...yowamushi na no
...I'm just a coward.
* Repeat
Singer: ribbon
Lyricist: Miura Noriko
Composer/Arranger: Gotou Toshitsugu
Translation: Theresa Martin
____________________________________________________________
<!-- End File -->
"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.
"Understanding is a three-edged sword."--Kosh, Babylon 5.
"Never show your hand until the end."--me, being profound.
--Razorclaw X