Of this three-series partition of the series, this one got the
least-touched
in the reediting process. Feel free to point out any factual errors.
C&C welcome.
---------------------------------------------------
#9: The Past is Prologue, part 2: Kuno
The Wheel of Fire, Part 3: Doco-- Turning Point
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 respective properties
and characters. 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, Vol.
38, after my previous fics, "Moments of Transition," "Team Ranma vs. the
Orochi Assassins," "End of the Beginning," "Descending Spiral," "Specters,"
"The Law of Amazons," "Doco in the Battle of the Bands," "Doco in Hawaii,"
and part 1 of "The Past is Prologue." Knowledge of the previous stories
helps in understanding the minor details of the story (see "Plot Points").
Part 2 deals with both Tatewaki and Kodachi Kuno, their past, and their
future.
Plot Points (from previous stories)
==================================
1. Ranma and Akane are married. Ryoga and Akari are married. Who's next?
2. Kodachi and Tatewaki have reached an understanding.
3. Kodachi, Ukyo, Akane, and Shampoo have reached an understanding. They
treat each other like old friends, as there's no reason to fight anymore.
4. Both Kunos know that Ranma and the pig-tailed girl are the same person.
While Kodachi accepts this, Kuno's hatred of Ranma was intensified, since
the sorcerer Ranma toyed with his fragile heart.
5. Kodachi and Pantyhose Taro admit an affection for each other. Part of
Kodachi's reason is so she can win her bet against Asuka the White Lily, but
Taro is actually flattered about it.
6. Doco (Ranma, the Tendo sisters, the Kunos, Shampoo, Mousse, Ling-ling
and Lung-lung, Ryoga, Akari, Ukyo, and Konatsu) goes semi-professional.
------------------------------------------------
Opening: Absolutely! Part 2 (Kasumi)
(Fourth season opening)
(Kasumi) Absolutely! Absolutely! No matter what,
Absolutely! Absolutely! I won't give up!
Because you're the only thing in my world.
Walking with sunlight on a sandy beach.
You hold over me a dream's para- para- parasol.
In my heart, as if a wind blew,
All at once, ticklish feelings are cleaned out.
Ha-han My fingers tremble.
Ha-han My face grows warm.
It's the first step!
Frankly, it's love.
[Anyone got a problem with that?!]
Absolutely! Absolutely! Vigorously getting ready,
Absolutely! Absolutely! Please also
Resolve your love to me to the finish.
* * * * *
Kuno relaxed in meditation before the enshrined Phoenix Egg.
It was merely hours after the two named Ryoga and Akari were happily
married in the country, a wedding without event (beside the marriage of the
couple, that is).
He and Kodachi had gotten into a conversation then: what couple would get
wed next? Kodachi claimed that, by Western superstition, the one who caught
the bouquet the bride threw over her shoulder would be next. Kuno scoffed at
such an idea, and paid no heed to the results. Actually, his attention had
been diverted toward Ukyo Kuonji, who made a rather sudden, last-minute
decision to attend the wedding, after all.
Time enough for romance, Kuno told himself, in due time. Love worked in
mysterious ways, but it did look in favor of me.
Tatewaki Kuno released his thoughts of Ukyo, surrendering himself to deep
meditation, allowing his conscious to become one with the Phoenix Egg. It
was in this manner that Kuno learned the dark secret of the Chinese Phoenix
Sword, the ultimate swordsman technique. But, at that moment, Kuno
discovered that the legendary technique was not but one attack, but an
entire series of techniques, designed around the power of the Phoenix. He
had only scratched the surface.
Bitter memories drifted to the day Kuno finally used the Phoenix Sword in
battle: the flames of the Phoenix consumed soul energies, and, as Kuno felt
his soul creep away, he attacked with one gigantic flaming sword, totally
annihilating his enemy. His opponent had been reduced to ash; such was the
power behind the Phoenix Sword. However, the feeling of losing one's soul,
the bit-by-bit destruction of one's inner being, discouraged Kuno from
further exercising his newfound power on Ranma Saotome.
Only one with a powerful soul could hope to use the Chinese Phoenix Sword
and live. Soul energy replenished itself over time, but if one did not
possess enough soul to survive even a single use of the attack, one was
doomed to be consumed by the Phoenix flames. If one could survive the first
use, and continued to expand their soul energies, then he could master the
Phoenix Sword in its entirety. Tatewaki Kuno was a survivor; he intended to
master each and every single Phoenix Sword technique.
This time, Kuno was stronger. Next time, Ranma Saotome will die.
It was only now Kuno decided his energies had expanded beyond sufficiency.
The 'danger zone' level was well-passed; Kuno possessed more power than he
had when he first used the basic Phoenix Sword, therefore there was no need
to constantly worry about hanging over Death's door. Time and experience
expanded one's power and energy, after all.
It is said to open oneself to the Phoenix Sword was to embrace death; Kuno
feared not of dying, but of dying without restoring his honor-- honor lost
at the hands of Ranma Saotome, compounded by insult. It was not that Ranma
could defeat Kuno-- Kuno simply didn't care-- but the fact that Ranma had
played with his heart by transforming into the pig-tailed girl. That cannot
be allowed to continue. Love is too sacred to be played-around with like a
toy.
Hmph, love. I gave the world my love, but it gives none in return. I
deserve not the treatment both Father and Mother gave me, nor the turbulent
relationship with Kocchi. Heaven must be playing one large, cruel joke, on
me.
Already the patterns of the flying flame blade came to Kuno's mind,
blotting-out all stray thoughts. Now was the time to work.
While the elder Kuno preferred the solitude of meditation, Kodachi sat at
the rim of the pool where Midorigame (otherwise known as Mr. 'Green
Turtle'), her favorite pet, an alligator, lived. The pool rest in the middle
of the vast, enclosed courtyard of the Kuno estate, with several stone
pathways leading to various areas, each path lined with well-groomed bushes
and trees of various types. The sun dipped low in the west sky, casting the
beginnings of the dark summer evening.
Playfully, she threw in slabs of fresh meat, one after another, watching
as the alligator swam about to catch them all.
The alligator swam next to where Kodachi sat, rolling-over on his back,
exposing his belly to the evening sky. Kodachi laughed as she reached an
arm over the rim of the pool to scratch Midorigame's neck, just under the
collar.
"You love that, don't you?" Kodachi whispered in a motherly tone. "Hmm?"
The alligator crooned soothingly, almost seemingly-purring. If alligators
could purr, that is.
"Ooohhh, yes you do!" giggled the Kuno girl, rubbing Midorigame's belly.
"Ahem. Mistress Kodachi?"
Kodachi turned from her dear pet, startled. Her eyes focused on one lowly
servant, a diminutive little man dressed in plain, dark clothes. He knelt
on the stone walkway, head bowed low, waiting for his mistress' response.
"This had better be important, Sasuke," Kodachi said. Matters of the
house were supposed to be taken to Tacchi, not me.
The Kuno family ninja's head raised, revealing the weasel-like features
of Sasuke Sarugakure. The whiskers hanging from his cheeks, buck-teeth, and
wide-eyes made him look rather repulsive. He seemed out of breath, as he
labored to breathe in a relaxed fashion. "It's urgent!"
The young Kuno girl stood up from the rim of the pool, arms flailing
about, almost knocking over the bucket of raw meat into the water, to
Midorigame's disappointment. She took several hard, ominous steps, closer to
Sasuke. "Don't you DARE speak riddles with me, you little worm! Spit it out,
right now!"
Kodachi's shadow overlapped Sasuke's diminutive form. "I couldn't find
the young Master, so I had to come to you!"
It was then Sasuke was raised from the stone walkway by Kodachi's single
hand, holding the back of the ninja's costume. "Well?!"
Sweat dropped from the little man's forehead. "The elder Mistress is
back!"
Thunder seemed to roll in the evening sky as everything in Kodachi's mind
collided at once: she had no idea what emotion was dominating her thoughts
at the moment.
"Mistress?" Sasuke voiced worriedly as Kodachi released her grip on him.
Her gaze seemed to be fixed on something Sasuke couldn't see. "And Brother
doesn't know about it yet?"
Sasuke shook his head. "The young Master is nowhere to be found!"
"Where did you go, you little twit?!" someone cried from within the dark
depths of the Kuno mansion.
"Oh my...." was all Kodachi allowed to leave her mouth as the new figure
emerged in the courtyard. A Japanese lady, probably in her late-thirties or
early forties, but a rather youthful face and slim body, the newcomer
dressed regally in an expensive purple kimono, trimmed with gold, adorned
with the patterns of several different types of flowers. Several strange
earrings dangled from the lady's lobes. Her hair was tied up in a tight bun.
A servant trailed behind, careful to hold the wooden umbrella above the lady
at all times.
If Kodachi didn't know any better, she'd thought she was looking at a
reflection in a mirror, only much older.
"You!" cried the lady, her eyes beaming at Sasuke. "I thought I told you
to fetch your young Master!!"
Sasuke prostrated himself before the lady. "I shall redouble my efforts to
locate the young lord, Lady Kuno!" With that, the ninja scrambled away,
eager to be out of the woman's presence.
The lady focused her attentions on Kodachi. "Who're you?" she asked
venomously. "Could you be my son's girlfriend?"
Kodachi took several steps closer to the woman with her appearance. "M...
Mother?"
The elder Kuno peered at the younger curiously. "You know, you DO look a
bit like me, when I was young...." She snapped open a fan in her hand. "I
know! You're the second little bastard I gave birth to, after that bastard
son of mine!"
At that moment the turmoil of emotions in Kodachi's mind settled. On
anger. "Bastard girl...." Both her fists clenched, her battle aura flaring
brightly. No one talks to ME like that.
The ribbon was in Kodachi's hand before she realized it. She swiftly
snapped the ribbon forth, letting it wrap around the servant carrying the
umbrella. Violently, the Black Rose jerked the ribbon, and its captive,
back, allowing the servant to land squarely into Midorigame's pond.
"Hmph, I see you've got my temper," snorted Lady Kuno.
"How dare you come back into my life NOW?!" Kodachi spat venemously. "You,
the mother I never knew, you DARE to walk back into my life now!!! Leave
now, and I'll forget you ever came."
The lady folded her arms. Raising an arrogant air, she replied, "Don't
you talk to me like that, young lady!" She pointed to the pond, where the
unfortunate servant was thrashing around, trying to escape the alligator.
"Good servants are hard to find! Hmph, no doubt, you ARE Kuno's daughter."
Kodachi realized her mother meant Father, the principal of Furinkan. Such
words, associating me with that fool in that matter!
"What is the meaning of this?!" cried Tatewaki Kuno, as he emerged in the
open courtyard, Sasuke trailing behind in his shadow.
"Oh, so you've finally joined us?" the lady sneered. "Looks like I came
home just in time."
"Mother!" Kuno shouted in disbelief. "You... you...."
"Yes, I AM back!" announced Lady Kuno. "And it seems your father didn't
whip some discipline in either of your little spines!" She pointed a
commanding finger toward the ground. "Show some respect!"
Kuno snorted. "Hmph, no doubt, you're here for the money. You DESERVE no
respect."
"Silence!" The elder Kuno took several giant strides toward her son, and
swatted his face with the open fan. "Never, NEVER, talk about the past in
my presence! In fact, NEVER even THINK of it! Since your father isn't
around, it looks like it's up to Mother Dearest to take charge!"
Kodachi ran to her brother's side. "Get out," she said flatly.
Lady Kuno turned her attention to the younger Kuno scion. "Don't you dare
raise that tone of voice at me! Bah! If I had been in charge of this
household, you wouldn't use such words or tones to your elders!"
Sasuke tugged at the lady's kimono urgently. "Lady Kuno, perhaps it would
be wise...."
"Shut up, you!" the woman bit back, planting a foot in the ninja's face.
"I'm going to have to whip YOU in shape, too...."
The ninja scurried away, back to Kuno's side.
"Gggrrrraaaaaaaahhhhhh...."
"And stop growling at me!" She stared down the three before her.
But what they returned was shaking heads.
"Gaaaaaaarrrrrrhhhhh...."
Suddenly, Lady Kuno felt a presence behind her. A shadow, much larger than
her own, passed overhead. Slowly, her head turned, craning over her shoulder
to meet something large.
Something scaly.
"Kids, I thought I told you to keep your pets locked up...." the lady
whimpered pitifully, as her eyes met the open, hungry maw of the alligator
Kodachi fondly loved.
"How long do you wish to keep your alligator entertained, Mistress
Kodachi?" asked Sasuke innocently.
Kuno, Kodachi, and Sasuke sat cross-legged at the dining table, with the
door open to the vast courtyard of the Kuno complex. The sounds of the
speedy alligator, Midorigame, echoed throughout the enclosed space, but the
yells and screams of the fleeing Lady Kuno all but drowned them out. Patches
of several bushes sailed through the air for brief moments.
If the gardener were here today, he'd have fits, Kodachi thought. Then
again, we don't have a gardener; I take care of the plants, and no one else!
"This is but a temporary solution," assured Tatewaki Kuno. "I have no
intention to keep... Mother, within the estate, not when I have much work
and meditation to attend to."
Kodachi shrugged. "I don't understand why Mother deserves our fury, even
if the brief moment we... talked, gives sufficient justification." Where in
the world did she get that awful mouth of hers?
Tatewaki nodded. "You were too young to remember. Unfortunately, I was
not...."
* * * * *
This was many years ago, when you, Kocchi, were but a year old. I was two
years old at that time, having suffered the harsh realities of living with
both Mother and Father. It was a time when I'd been happy to have a baby
sister, just to relish in the idea that I wasn't alone. Sadly, I came to
realize, that your emergence into the world may have been more torture than
blessing....
No, perhaps I should go farther back than that. Let us understand why
people such as our parents would marry in the first place. Father, a scion
of House Kuno, inherited the wealth, being the single son of our now-
deceased grandfather. His life was pampered with all the toys he pleased,
but he especially enjoyed the torment of others. I myself do not understand
why this is so.
Mother, in contrast, was born to a lower-class family, a family in which
every yen counted. She lived a harsh life, never getting what she wanted,
becoming infuriated with the world. She was convinced the world was against
her; it was her resolve to control that made her rise to the attentions of
our dear father.
A cruel match, really. Father delighted in Mother's constant drive to
have money; after all, he had plenty of it. Mother put up with Father's
behaviors because she did get what she wanted: money. And control, or the
illusion thereof. For sure, one thing lead to another, and the two were wed.
It wasn't long after the marriage that the instruments of my birth were
set in motion-- who could guess how it happened! A male heir, myself, was
produced. And a year afterward, you, Kocchi, emerged. I do not wish to know
why we were cursed with our parents; I suppose Father needed something else
to torment, something other than Mother. Perhaps Mother wasn't satisfied
with herself unless she could raise a daughter to carry on in her own image.
Or, perhaps some other, more perverse, reason.
The two fought often, often over matters as trivial as to the location of
a particular vase. Servants, one after another, came and gone, having to
deal with the headache of orders and countermanding orders from both their
masters. Only the most dedicated of servants remained in the household
before long. Don't you dare look proud, Sasuke.
Sometimes I would take the blows from our parents' arguments. If I were
not being experimented upon by Father, I would be beaten by Mother for
reasons that went unexplained to me. Hmm, it was probably this time I
retreated into the dark annals of our illustrious history, Kocchi. From
Grandfather's stories and library I learned of my samurai lineage, how he
himself practiced the sword, how the Kuno samurai served the government with
duty, honor, and loyalty, to the end of the era. With such thoughts and
fantasies in my head I resolved to carry on the family tradition; it allowed
me to dull the pain I felt under our abusive parents. With each practice
swing with my first bokken, carved by my own hand, I imagined myself
striking Mother and Father equally.
Physical prowess was not the only pursuit I resorted to; in order to
prepare myself for the day when I would rise to run the House of Kuno, I
studied literature and arts. I understood that I couldn't bear to live under
either parent for an extended period of time; until I had sufficiently-
bettered myself physically and mentally, I was at their mercy. To say the
least, Father tried to burn each book I laid a hand on, and Mother wished I
would pursue less-vigorous pursuits-- going so far as to use my bokkens for
firewood in the winter seasons. I suppose that was her way of telling me to
follow her lead instead. She couldn't understand that I, Tatewaki Kuno,
could not bear to delegate matters unto others which only I alone should
have a hand in.
Hmm, I digress yet again.
What came to pass was this: Father tired of Mother, and Mother hated being
around Father. Who knew that this match would last for so long? No one.
Mother arranged to leave on an extended vacation-- provided she had a
continuous stream of cash flowing from home. Father, being too eager to rid
himself of the scourge, readily agreed. And so, the two parted ways, but
unfortunately, Father remained behind.
For my part, I was rather glad Mother left; her attention to minor detail
and proper order was unbearable. She expected to be treated a noble, that
which she was not-- she was still of common blood. She took it upon herself
to sponge the family fortune for her own pleasure, rather than for proper
future investment to ensure the family's continued survival. She cared not
for tomorrow-- only today mattered in her eyes. She cared not for yesterday,
as she scoffed at our family traditions. She has no honor.
For that reason, she deserves none in return.
The cruel irony of Mother's departure from our lives was this: Father
turned his attentions to us. Sure, perhaps he refrained from his habits in
your presence, Kocchi, but certainly not around myself. Perhaps your
appearance reminded him of Mother too much-- she was all but untouchable to
his wiles. Perhaps he was even afraid of doing harm to you, lest Mother may
exact some vengeance, in some unreasonable, improbable manner. Yes, I would
say that Father did indeed fear Mother in the end. But I digress; Father
never stopped harrowing me. Of course, after he shaved my hair when I was
fourteen years of age (more than sufficient time to take over the household
myself), I managed to... arrange for his extended departure from the Kuno
household... oh Kocchi, why the surprised look? Did you really believe that
his departure from our lives was merely his own idea? Would he truly and
willingly remove himself from his source of greatest entertainment, his son
and his students? The removal of both parents from the Kuno estate ensured
our future-- neither of their cruel habits would have any further impact on
our lives.
Oh yes, Kocchi, your sheltered lifestyle shielded you from many of these
problems. It's a wonder how you turned out normal in the presence of two
abusive parents. Then again, they never did pay much attention to you at
all, did they? You never knew Mother, you never really knew Father, who hid
behind the mask of pleasantry. I still can't believe he let you have that
alligator of yours. Yes, he was only just a cute little hatchling then, but
you didn't understand how large alligators could get; I did. Phaw, he wasn't
a dog, but I suppose we all have our share of strange quirks, yours being
love for an alligator.
I'm not jealous! Jealous of that walking suitcase, never!
Fine, I won't call him names, but he still is a walking suitcase. And no,
I don't plan on bestowing such a fate upon him; how could I bear to carry
luggage that cared to eat me?
Perhaps you're right, this should be the end of your sheltered life-- but,
do you truly wish to be involved in such bothersome matters as taxes, wages
and income, and maintenance? Hmmm, perhaps I shouldn't introduce you to all
of them at once. Taxes are very important, you know... it's quite simple,
just ask the family accountant to do it... just make sure to pay him enough,
or we might be missing money in the corners.
I keep digressing. The course of conversation does that.
In conclusion, Mother's departure from the household was a mixed blessing.
I hate her doubly for that.
* * * * *
"That, my dear Kocchi, is why Mother is despised so," finished Kuno. "As I
am the head of House Kuno, I have cut off the monetary supply that has been
sustaining Mother for her years apart from us. That is why she is here
today-- to assume head of House Kuno herself, to live the rest of her life
in comfort and gluttony. She intends to spend the family fortune for her
own ends."
Sasuke nodded. "Brutally-efficient, but unnecessarily-cruel."
"This still doesn't bring us any closer to a solution to our problem,"
Kuno pointed out. "If it is money Mother wants, she will get it, and she
will not leave until such time has passed, or she decides to 'whip us into
shape.'"
Kodachi thought for a moment. "Hmph, I don't see why I couldn't whip up
some compound to... 'take her out,' so to speak."
"That still doesn't offer a more permanent solution," Sasuke commented,
knowing very well what chemical compound Mistress Kodachi wished to use.
"Even I know that the effects of your compounds last but for a relatively
short period of time."
"Not unless I use a lot of the gas," Kodachi pointed out.
Kuno snapped his fingers. "Of course!"
"What?" asked Kodachi and Sasuke in unison.
"With Mother sufficiently-incapacitated, it would be of little effort to
remove her from Japan entirely," explained Kuno. "We have effected a similar
solution concerning Father, who is penniless, and unable to return for an
extended period of time." Of course, the worst part of the plan was that
he would return eventually, but hopefully, long after Kuno finished school.
"You want to send her to Abu Dhabi too?" Kodachi guessed. She chuckled,
giddy with the idea of both hated parents stranded in the same place.
"Precisely," Kuno said, rubbing his hands together, a malicious expression
on his face.
"Forgive me for asking," started Sasuke, "but is that a fate rather cruel
for your own parents?"
Both Kodachi and Tatewaki stared at the ninja and shouted, "NO!"
Life in the eyes of Kodachi Kuno was much more different than the eyes of
Tatewaki Kuno. Other than the fact that Tatewaki lived a full year longer
than Kodachi, Kodachi never knew the harsh life her brother lived.
It was times like this that Kodachi wished she could talk to someone
about her experiences. Tacchi was there, but he wouldn't understand. He
knew of Kodachi's experiences, but his own harsh experiences prevented him
from truly understanding.
Most people feared Kodachi, or, at least, thought she was insane. Those
people didn't know the real Kodachi Kuno; they knew the Kodachi that lived
for the battle. Love, life, and living was a constant battle. No one saw the
loving Kodachi, the one who took care of her pet alligator every day, who
took care to groom her plants, who practiced every afternoon in her chosen
art-- simply because nobody wanted to know Kodachi. All they could see was
the monster, the one who fought without mercy, with all her power, and who
would occasionally walk her pet alligator in the streets. They call me
insane! Eccentric is more like it; how can commoners understand the true
meaning of living? To conform to another's values is to surrender one's own
individuality; the only opinion that mattered was one's own. Society was
cruel in that respect, however, for conformity meant everything. Well, I'll
conform, so long as I'm still my own person.
For the longest time Kodachi refused to believe her first true love, Ranma
Saotome, could magically transform himself into the hated pig-tailed girl.
There he was, a man who cared about Kodachi, even if that caring only went
so far as sympathy. Kodachi didn't want even the remotest chance of love to
slip by her; she convinced herself that she could win his heart. Of course,
he slipped out of her grasp when he married Akane Tendo, another lowborn
commoner. Kodachi was grief-stricken, until Tacchi revealed to her Ranma's
terrible secret. To find that Ranma cared not for her feelings was
infuriating indeed; Kodachi, like her brother, vowed vengeance against the
sorcerer. No one, not even Saotome, can dare play with others' affections
and hope to live!
Then there was Kodachi's second love, Pantyhose Taro. She cared little
about his name; after all, love isn't choosy about those kind of things. Oh,
he's strong, handsome, intelligent, and very skilled in his art. What set
him apart from Ranma was the fact that Taro seemed to return some sort of
care, even if it seemed a bit reluctant. Then again, Kodachi's own feelings
were reluctant as well, in the wake of Ranma's situation. They shared much
in common: both had a relatively-unhappy childhood, both lacked love in
their lives, both were perfect specimens of mankind, both were intelligent,
both had a grudge against Ranma Saotome.... Most of all, both of them were
very lonely. It was hard to see Taro leave on another journey, but Kodachi
knew he'd be back.
For some reason, Kodachi could consider the common chef, Ukyo Kuonji, a
friend. Once Ranma was lost to both of them, tensions subsided between the
two girls. Kodachi found more in common with the okonomiyaki chef than she
cared to acknowledge-- her cooking rivaled Kodachi's own. Ukyo is a strange
one indeed; she's probably the most tolerable person Kodachi had ever met,
as she didn't shy away from her eccentricities as others did. Ukyo even
acknowledge Kodachi's higher station, yet, Kodachi seemed to care less and
less about station the longer she stayed around the strange chef. Her happy
outlook on life was admirable; she was friendly to everybody. I suppose it's
no wonder why she became my friend.
Mother left a year or two after Kodachi was born; for that reason alone
she couldn't remember her at all. Of course, now that she'd met her, there
was little to like of the woman. The woman that shared her appearance bore
little resemblance in personality to her daughter. While Kodachi loved to do
things herself, Mother insisted that others do the work for her. While
Kodachi cared little about money, Mother cared to the point of insanity.
While Kodachi loved and appreciated life and living, Mother tried her best
to live just for the sake of living, without direction, purpose, or zeal.
Father was an entirely different matter. Kodachi knew Father as a kind and
gentle man, whose respectful behavior put others to shame. He spent what
little available time he had with his Kocchi, whether that be playing in the
yard or reading stories. Of course, now that Kodachi was older, she realized
that her father's 'busy time' was spent tormenting others, especially her
brother. Father always did paint Tacchi in a bad light. How cruel, shifting
the blame for his deeds on his son to impress his daughter! Not to mention
it was partly Father's fault that Kodachi met Asuka at Lizard Kindergarten,
a common school. Asuka became Kodachi's biggest rival; had it not been
Father's choice of school Kodachi wouldn't have blamed him at all.
And there was Midorigame, her beloved pet alligator, raised nearly from
birth, Kodachi's oldest and best friend. Although she had to argue with
Father over getting the strange pet, Kodachi knew it was worth it. He was
but one among several hatchling alligators at the zoo, when Father took both
his children 'behind the scenes' to the interior animal pens. Midorigame was
the runt of the lot, who needed help to get out of his egg, so the
zookeepers said. From the moment she laid eyes on the cute, young alligator,
Kodachi knew what love truly was; it was then she decided that she wanted
him as a part of her life-- someone to love, and someone who loved back. She
loved the idea that Midorigame needed her, just as much as she needed him,
as a companion and someone to be with. Fondly, Kodachi recalled how
Midorigame grew, from the little hatchling to a huge alligator. Who knew
that the runt would become the largest of his brothers and sisters? She
hoped he'd be around as long as she.
Best of all, Midorigame responded to Kodachi's love, unlike the plants.
Then there was Tacchi, the one who stuck with Kodachi her entire life, the
only one in the family who truly cared about her. While Kodachi wanted to
fault her brother for shielding her from misery, she couldn't help but
admire the fact that he thought of her. He took care to make sure she got
the best of education when he enrolled Kodachi into St. Hebereke Girl's
Academy (of course, at the time, Kodachi merely appreciated the idea that
she wouldn't attend school with her brother). He made sure to attend every
event she was involved in, particularly gymnastics tournaments and award
days. He even took her to the school's 'Parents' Day,' despite Kodachi's own
reservations about the arrangement (Father rejected the idea, but Brother
certainly helped me save face in front of the other girls).
Oh, if there is but one love I could live with, it would be yours, Tacchi!
Thanks, for everything.
The next morning Tatewaki Kuno walked down the sidewalk, on the way to the
shipping office that would deliver the Lady Kuno to Abu Dhabi. Behind him,
Sasuke pushed a large box on wheels, with several air holes and a sign
reading 'This side up' facing in the downward direction.
Last night Kodachi removed Midorigame from his position sitting atop Lady
Kuno. Afterward, she was allowed to be taken to guest quarters to recover
from her ordeal with the alligator. Of course, not much later Kodachi
returned and presented her mother with a bouquet of black roses-- complete
with paralytic gas, of course. It was a simple matter for Kuno and Sasuke
to drag the paralyzed body to the waiting crate. All that needed to be
taken care of was to deliver the package.
Something within the crate started shaking. "You little bastards!"
"I see that dear Mother has recovered," noted Kuno. He reached into the
folds of his robe and produced a small, sealed can, half the size of an
American soda pop can.
"Master Kuno," Sasuke voiced, "do you think it wise to use another dose of
Mistress Kodachi's personal gas now, even if in an enclosed structure as
this crate?"
"Of course it is!" Kuno replied confidently. "Besides, I wish the crate to
cooperate with the handlers when we complete our journey to the shipping
office."
With Kuno's attention diverted to behind his person, it was to great
surprise when the collision between he and Mousse happened.
"Watch where you traverse," warned Kuno.
Mousse peered at Kuno, a hand adjusting his thick-lens glasses. "You're
just the one I wanted to see!"
Kuno shot a glance back to Sasuke, but the ninja shrugged. "What business
would one such as you require the attentions of Tatewaki Kuno?"
"Actually, I don't need you specifically, but any guy I can find,"
explained Mousse.
"I have pressing business of my own at hand."
"I can wait until you're finished. It doesn't look like what you're doing
is going to take much longer."
"True."
"Then, you'll come with me?"
"The circumstances of your business and its nature determines whether or
not you will be blessed with my full attentive audience, Mousse."
At that moment the crate chose to rattle again. Muffled by the container,
the occupant of the crate shouted, "You little bastards! Let me out now, or
you'll regret it later!"
Sasuke cleared his throat. "Master, shouldn't we be going?"
"Ah, yes," Kuno agreed, breaking the seal of Kodachi's can of gas. As
a thick white cloud issued from the broken seal, Kuno carefully slid it into
one of the air holes of the crate, careful not to breathe the chemicals
himself.
The young head of Kuno turned around, and stared down Mousse, who, with a
pointing finger at the crate, looked ready to ask questions. "This is none
of your business," Kuno said flatly.
To Sasuke he ordered, "Come, let us finish our unpleasant task."
Kuno smiled smugly as he and the crate passed Mousse. In just ten minutes
the mother of Tatewaki Kuno will be well on her way to an extended vacation
away from Japan. Far, far away.
* * * * *
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
-----------------------------------------------
Author's Rant
I finally had the nerve to insert Sasuke into the story. Well, I figured,
if I used characters like the Chinese twins, Ling-ling and Lung-lung, well,
why should I hold back? Then again, I HATE Sasuke. The thing is, I had the
choice to insert a miscellaneous servant, Sasuke, or Gosunkugi. Gosunkugi is
just a lackey. The problem with creating a servant is the fact that the
story gets a little impersonal. Sasuke was much easier, as he's known and
developed already.
The story of the Kunos was of my own invention. However, I firmly believe
that if Kodachi took the chance to think, she'd appreciate her brother a
lot more than she did in the manga. Secondly, I believe that the Kunos'
delusional drive for love might be attributed to having very little or no
love in their own lives, thus they are desperate to the point where it
clouds reason.
BTW, the typical alligator lives to be somewhere between 50 and 60 years
old. Of course, knowing Kodachi, she'd probably try her best to extend that
to the limits.
Evolution of the Kunos and Company in the Wheel of Fire
What has changed in Tatewaki Kuno: Kuno has gone though many changes. One,
with a near-death experience, he realizes what is important to him, and that
the pig-tailed girl is in fact Ranma Saotome under a magical guise (though
the nature of the curse has yet to hit home on him). He has surrendered
himself to death, embracing it, allowing him to complete the dangerous road
of mastering the invincible Chinese Phoenix Sword. He looks forward to
restoring his honor lost at the hands of Ranma Saotome, and for the day when
the final battle would come in which would be his finest hour. A lack of
love in his life has made him bitter.
What has changed in Kodachi Kuno: Unlike her brother, Kodachi always had
and always will embrace life. She appreciates life too much to destroy it
wantonly as others are wont to do. A lack of love in her life drives her
closer to her brother and Midorigame than ever, as they are the only ones
who love her back. She'd love dearly to punish Ranma, but hesitates because
she still owes him for her life. She sees Pantyhose Taro as her savior in
two respects: to beat Asuka the White Lily, and a last chance for love.
What has changed in Pantyhose Taro: Not much, really, but since Kodachi
entered his life he seems a bit more complete. He especially loves the fact
that Kodachi isn't choosy about the names of her boyfriends, and with her by
his side he feels he can do anything. Currently, he's vowed to find and
track down the creator of an advanced fighting machine that attacked the
people of Honolulu, the journey taking him away from his beloved. As this is
his first smiting by love, he'll do almost anything for Kodachi, as he sees
this as one of his last chances for love in his life.
http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
_________________________________________
Zettai! Part 2 (Absolutely! Part 2)
"Ranma 1/2 Nettouhen" opening theme (1990)
** zettai! zettai! nani wa nakute mo
zettai! zettai! o-teage NASHI yo
kono yo de hitori no KIMI da mono
Absolutely! Absolutely! No matter what,
Absolutely! Absolutely! I won't give up!
Because you're the only thing in my world.
hizashi to tsurunde aruku sunahama
KIMI ga sashi-dashita yume no PARA- PARA- PARASORU
mune no naka kaze ga fuita mitai ni
kusunda omoi ga ikki ni souji sarete yuku no
Walking with sunlight on a sandy beach.
You hold over me a dream's para- para- [pun: patter patter] parasol.
In my heart, as if a wind blew,
all at once, ticklish feelings are cleaned out.
Ha~han yubi ga furuete
Ha~han hoho ga atsukute
hajime no ippo yo
ZUBARI [ZUBARI] koi desu dareka monku aru?
Ha-han My fingers tremble.
Ha-han My cheeks get hot.
It's the first step!
Frankly [frankly], it's love. Anyone got a problem with that?
* zettai! zettai! don to kamaete
zettai! zettai! KIMI mo tokoton
sono ai watashi ni kimenasai
Absolutely! Absolutely! Vigorously getting ready,
Absolutely! Absolutely! Please also
resolve your love to me to the finish.
* Repeat
KAMOME o yubisashi warau [kanji: hohoe] yokogao
KIMI ga utsushi-dasu toki [kanji: jikan] no PURI- PURI- PURIZUMU
magatta kimochi no hito kakera sae
doko o sagashite mo hora ne mitsukarikkonai yo
Pointing at seagulls, your smiling face in profile.
You reflect time's pri- pri- [pun: diffusive] prism.
Wherever I search, see, I certainly won't find
even one fragment of perverse feelings!
Ha~han koukai nante
Ha~han o-yobi ja nai no
naita-tte MARU
ZUBARI [ZUBARI] suki desu inochi kaketemasu
Ha-han Regret
Ha-han is unnecessary.
Even if I cried, I'm all right.
Frankly [frankly], I love you. I bet my life!
** 2x Repeat
* Repeat
Singer: Hayasaka Yoshie
Lyricist: Oikawa Nemuko
Composer: Matsumoto Toshiaki
Arranger: Sagisu Shirou
Translation: Theresa Martin
________________________________________
<!-- End File -->