Welcome back to The Desire Doll world. We're at Part 4 now and I hope you're enjoying it. I know I am. Things are getting hectic with the Ranma gang and are going to get even more hectic. Well a small preview of things you're about to read. The appearance of Lotion and Perfume from the future. Kodachi and Kotei's meeting and what is "spawned" from that. That wonderful equation I mentioned last time.*Wide evil grin.*Also Akane and Ryouga's talk and more of Akisu's.....ummmm....antics? Eheheheheheheh. ^_^ Also Nabiki has the time of her life. Well enough preamble!! On with the story!
~The Desire Doll~
~Part 4~
(Fade in to where we left off with Kotei holding his bokken point a few scant millimeters from Shampoo's throat. Shampoo is poised on her tiptoes glaring at Kotei. The two stare at each other for several moments and then Shampoo slowly backs away a few feet and crosses her arms.)
Shampoo:What you mean "make deal" Sword boy's son?
Kotei:It's simple really Shampoo. You want the doll back. I want...shall we say....a finder's fee, plus expenses for delivery to you.
Shampoo:You sound like Nabiki.
Kotei:I should. She's my mother. Now shall we negotiate?
Shampoo:Fine mercenary boy! What want?
Kotei:Hmmmm....well considering this is a restaurant....I think two months of free meals, breakfast lunch and dinner for me and/or any friends or business associates I happen to have with me at the time.
Shampoo:That highway robbery!
Kotei:No. The time I embezzled from the asphalt company was highway robbery. This is a business deal. Now...do we have an agreement?
Shampoo:(She growls to herself and "hmph's".)Fine. We deal!
Kotei:Excellent.(He smirks and pulls a pad from pants pocket. He also pulls a pen and quickly writes up a contract and hands the pad and pen to her.)There you are Shampoo. Merely sign on the line.
Shampoo:Mercenary boy.(She grumbles to herself and signs it. She throws the pad at him and holds her hand out.)Doll!
Kotei:(He catches the pad and hands her the doll.)A pleasure doing business with you.
Shampoo:Hmph. Go away mercenary boy!
Kotei:If you say so..but I have information of the...situation at the Tendo's.
Shampoo:What about?
Kotei:Well...I know for a fact the are other children from the future there and this doll is the cause of it.
Shampoo:Shampoo already know! Two children. Akisu and Harumoni.
Kotei:Harumoni? As in Akane and Ryouga's daughter?
Shampoo:You know?
Kotei:I should. She's my cousin. How interesting.
(Shampoo blinked a bit and was about to say something when Mousse entered from the basement having finally rounded up all his weapons from the floor.)
Mousse:Shampoo! I am ready.
Shampoo:Shut up Mousse!
Kotei:Hello Mousse.
Mousse:Kunou? Is that you? What are you doing here!?
Kotei:I'm not Kunou and I was conducting some business with Shampoo. Now that I'm finished I'll be leaving.
Mousse:Business? With my Shampoo?!(Images of Kunou kisses and groping Shampoo run rampant through his mind.)NEVER!!!!(He leaps into the air and unleashes a flurry of chains and blades at Kotei.)
Kotei:Excuse me.(Kotei says and expertly brings his bokken to bear batting away every knife and chain.)
Shampoo:MOUSSE!!(She screams in anger and intercepts him bashing him to the ground with her bonbori.)Cut out Mousse. He bring Desire Doll back to us. He not not Kunou. He Kotei, Kunou son from future like others I tell you about.
Mousse:From the future?(He blinks a bit rising and looking at Kotei squinting. He then looks to the doll and leans in close.)The Desire Doll. I'll be glad once Cologne has fixed the mess and put it away. No telling the trouble it can cause. [Although...it has brought children from the future. Maybe if I get it to bring children of me and my darling Shampoo here she'll finally see I'm the only man for her. YES!](Mousse suddenly grabs the doll from Shampoo and leaps across the room.)Desire doll bring mine and Shampoo's children here!!
Shampoo:(Horrified she leaps to stop him.)NO!
(Nothing happens. Mousse and Shampoo stand blinking. Kotei is smirking and watching.)
Mousse.It...didn't work.
Shampoo:(Bashes Mousse into the ground and grabs the doll.)Stupid Mousse! You didn't tickle doll's chest!(She says her grip moving the dress against the doll's chest. The eyes snaps open and begin to spark. Shampoo sees this and pales.)Aiya!
(A flash of greenish-white light erupts from the doll lighting up the entire bottom floor of the Nekohanten. It dies down and standing in front of Shampoo and Mousse are....Shampoo and Mousse. Actually it is two slightly younger children, a boy and a girl about sixteen at first glance, who look a lot similar to Shampoo and Mousse. The two children are poised ready to attack each other. The "girl" is dressed almost identical to Shampoo wearing a similar chinese dress and holding two bonbori at the ready and her hair is long and purple and done up similar to Shampoo's as well. The "boy" is dressed almost identical to Mousse wearing similar, but black instead of white, robes. Attached to each of his hands are a four bladed claw. His hair is long and black and is done up like Mousse's. He also is wearing a pair of glasses similar to Mousse's as well.)
Young Girl:(She blinks and looks to Shampoo and Mousse and then back to the young boy with her. She relaxes from battle stance putting her bonbori away.)Lotion?
Lotion:(He blinks and looks to the young girl relaxing from battle stance as well, secreting his bladed claws away in his robes.)Yes Perfume?
Perfume:What's going on?
Lotion:Why are you asking me?
Perfume:Because you are the one who's fault things like this usually are! Now talk four-eyes!
Lotion:(Frowns.)I have no idea what's going on. Why not ask Mother and Father. They look guilty.
Perfume:How would you know?! You're blind!(She pauses for a moment and glances to Shampoo and Mousse.)Now that you mention it.(She turns to Shampoo and Mousse along with Lotion.)What's going on Mother? Father?
Shampoo:Mother?
Mousse:Father? It....IT WORKED!!! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! Shampoo my darling!! Don't you see we were meant to be together!!(He elated jumping around laughing. He then turned and bounded towards the closest large purple blur arms wide.)Come to me my love!
Perfume:(Dodging to one side letting Mousse run by.)Father I wish you'd stop doing that.
Shampoo:MOUSSE!! Stupid stupid Mousse!! Why you do stupid thing!! Now Great-Grandmother have more to fix!!
Lotion:Great-Grandmother?
Perfume:She's alive?
Shampoo:(Blinks and looks to the children.)Yes. Perfume? Lotion? You in past. Stupid Mousse bring you here from future by mistake.
Lotion:The past?
Perfume:Really?
Kotei:(Smirks and clears his throat.)Yes. That's right Lotion. Perfume. Welcome to the past.
Lotion:(Turns and sees him, more or less. His eyes light up as he bounds across the room for Kotei.)Kotei my love!!
Perfume:Here we go again.
Kotei:(Dodges Lotion's attempted glomping and moves over to stand beside Perfume.)Ahem...yes. I'm here.
(Shampoo & Mousse blink in shock having seen their son go after another man. They blink several more times and look a little sick.)
Mousse:Kotei....(He says a scowl appears on his face.)
Shampoo:....my love?(She says a rage slowly building in her eyes.)
Perfume:(Noting the hostile looks appearing on Mousse and Shampoo's faces.)I guess since this is the past they wouldn't know huh?
Kotei:That would be correct.
Perfume:Mother? Father? Before you decide to kill listen to me for a moment okay? Thanks. Lotion! Get over here!
Lotion:Coming!(After a few moments of stumbling over chairs Lotion stops by Perfume's side.)Yes Perfume?
Perfume:Mother and Father doesn't know about us. We'd better show them.
Lotion:Oh? Okay. Mother. Father. Watch.
Perfume:(She begins to slowly undress undoing the clasps of the top part of her outfit.)My name is Perfume and I...(She pauses to open the front of her dress and reveal her chest, or lack thereof. Showing plainly inside the dress is the chest of a man.)...am your son.
Lotion:(He begins to slip his robes off his shoulders.)My name is Lotion and I...(He pauses as the robes slip to the floor as several knives, a chicken, a few rubber balls and a couple of yo-yo's fall out. Now only wearing pants he stands his chest covered up in binding strips, similar to Ukyou's, but it is evident even with the strips that Lotion is female.)...am your daughter.
(Shampoo & Mousse both look to each other and then to their children. Lotion, Perfume & Kotei all watch as their eyes roll back into their heads and Shampoo and Mousse proceed to fall flat on their backs, passed out.)
Perfume:They took that well.(Rebuttoning his shirt up.)
Lotion:I hope they aren't hurt.(Putting her robes back on and gathering her weapons.)
Kotei:I doubt that.(He moves and takes the doll from Shampoo's hand and turns facing the two)Now if you'll excuse me. I have more business to conduct. [This doll is worth a bit more than I originally thought.]
Lotion:(Is at his side holding his arm.)Mind if I tag along my love?
Kotei:Actually I....(He begins to say but is interrupted by a harsh raspy sounding voice behind him.)
Cologne:(She is perched at the bottom of the stairs on her staff a sack sitting next to her. She isn't looking to pleased.)None of you are leaving here without an explanation and the doll isn't leaving at all.
Lotion:Is that....
Perfume:Great-great-Grandmother?
Cologne:(She raises an eyebrow and regards the two children.)And you are?
Lotion:I am Lotion, your great-great-granddaughter.
Perfume:And I am Perfume, your great-great-grandson.
Cologne:(She blinks momentarily and then glances to Kotei.)And you, I assume, are related to Tatewaki Kunou.
Kotei:I am, respected Elder. I am Kotei Kunou. Tatewaki is my father. I must admit it is an honor to meet you. In the future you have died in battle against Happosai.
Cologne:(She looks slightly pale hearing that and swallows, but quickly regains her composure.)Have I now?
Kotei:Yes.(He glances to Lotion and Perfume who are in slight awe and reverence of Cologne.)They have also wanted to meet you. I have been there to hear the tales told by Shampoo and Mousse of you.
Lotion:Great-great-grandmother!(She suddenly rushes forward and hugs Cologne who is caught off guard.)
Perfume:Lotion! Cut that out.(He rushes forwards and helps extract Lotion from Cologne.)Forgive her Elder, she is overly emotional at times.
Cologne:It is alright Perfume.(She allows herself a small smile.)I am happy to be missed by those who never even knew me. Now please explain yourselves and your...dress.
Lotion:Oh. Well according to Mother, before she passed out, Father brought us back here.
Cologne:(Narrows her eyes dangerously.)Did he now? I'll have to speak to Mousse.
Perfume:Don't hurt him too much As for our clothes, Elder, we've dressed like this since we were five. Uncle Tsubasa showed us how to "dress up".
Cologne:"Uncle" Tsubasa??? Mmmmmm. I see. Well then that will be up to your...parents to discuss. Now Kotei....what?(She looks around the room only to see the unconscious forms of Shampoo and Mousse. Kotei is no longer there and neither is the doll.)Blast it! He has fled.
Lotion:Oh no. I'm sorry great-great-grandmother!! I made you distracted. I'm so sorry.
Cologne:It is alright child. It is not your fault. Do not worry. We will get him soon enough. Come you two. Let us wake your parents.(She said hopping over on her stick towards them, followed by Cologne.)
**********************************
(Nabiki stopped and looked up at the outer doors of the Kunou mansion. Correction. HER mansion....well half of it anyways. She smirked and knocked on the doors patiently waiting. After a few moments the doors open a crack and a pair of eyes pear out. The familiar voice of Sasuke speaks from the other side.)
Sasuke:Miss Nabiki? Ummm...Master Kunou is no longer here. He left to meet with you.
Nabiki:Oh? Well I'm not here for Kunou. My business is already done with him.(She smirks and produces a piece of paper from her inside jacket pocket and unfolds it. She holds it out to him.)I think you should read this Sasuke.
Sasuke:Very well.(He takes the paper and slowly reads it over. His eyes slowly get wide as he reads.)This...this can't be true! Can it?
Nabiki:Oh yes. It's true and legal and binding. It'll hold up in a court of law if Kunou-chan wished to challenge me. Now please Sasuke do let me in. I have to take a look at my new home. As well as take inventory.
Sasuke:[Well....she is more pleasent than Master Kunou sometimes and always more pleasent than Mistress Kodachi.](He quickly opens the doors and bows low as Nabiki enters.)Of course Mistress Nabiki. I am but your humble servant.
Nabiki:(Smirks and takes the paper back from him.)I know. Let's go. I want to see everything Kunou-chan owns, no matter how small or large.
Sasuke:Of course Mistress Nabiki. Right this way.(He says bowing once again before leading her off into the house.)
**********************************
(Across the street watching this scene is Kotei. He smirks to himself and shakes his head.)
Kotei:Well well Mother. It appears you've managed to swindle Father out of all his money, before marrying him. This is a problem as it may occur that I'll never be born. I can't let that happen. Hmmmmm.(He thinks of how to solve his problem and glances to the doll.)Perhaps if I used you. No. Too unpredictable.(A suddenly shrill and crazed laughter comes from behind him and upwards. He turns and glances seeing Kodachi bounding towards home, some unfortunate victim tangled up in her ribbon.)
Kodachi:Ohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohoho!!!!!!(She leaps from rooftop to rooftop, the person trailing behind her tangled in her ribbon getting slammed into the rooftops and chimneys as he is pulled along. She finally lands on the outer wall the victim, now seen as Gosunkugi, lands in a heap on the ground. With a flick of her wrist she releases him from the ribbon and looks disdainfully down at him.)That will teach you to get in my way, peasent. Be thankful I allowed you to live. Ohohohohohohohohoho.(She then bounds off inside leaving him there.)
Kotei:(He smirks and nods to himself.)Aunt Kodachi. Perfect.(He moves quickly across the street and kneels by the almost unconscious Gosunkugi.)Hello there Mr. Gosunkugi. My name is Kotei Kunou. Remember that name. I'll be seeing you again soon and will be able to help you.
Gosunkugi:Mmmffffmmmffmfmmf....Kotei....(He managed to get out before passing out completely.)
Kotei:Yes.(He smirks again and rises heading inside quickly. After a few moments he is walking down the halls quietly pausing to listen. He reaches an intersection and pauses hearing voices. He quickly ducks into a room shutting the door as Nabiki and Sasuke walk by.)
Sasuke:The vaults are this way Mistress Nabiki.
Nabiki:Lead the way Sasuke!(She giggles now holding a clipboard in her arms and looking unusually happy.)
(After the two are gone Kotei emerges and continues on his way. A few minutes later he finds the door he is looking for and knocks.)
Kodachi:Sasuke I told you not to bother me while I am in my laboratory! Do you wish to be my test subject once again.
Kotei:(He chuckles a bit and opens the door glancing around and spying Kodachi carefully mixing chemicals across the room.)I'm not Sasuke, Aunt Kodachi.
Kodachi:What?!(She looks up and narrows her eyes. She sets the two flasks down and pulls the black leather gloves off her hands. She rounds the table, clad only in a black leotard and a labcoat and absently pick up a ribbon from a nearby table.)And who are you to be tresspassing in the Kunou home?
Kotei:I am not tresspassing Aunt Kodachi. I am Kotei Kunou, son of your brother. I was brought from the future in a terrible accident and have since been looking for my father to return this doll to him so I might go back to the future. Have you seen him?
Kodachi:The future?(She narrows her eyes but grins darkly.)Unfortunately no. I have not seen my dear brother since this morning. Why must you return a simple doll to him, might I inquire?
Kotei:Oh. It is simple Aunt Kodachi. This doll is what brought me here from the future. It is a powerful magical artifact.
Kodachi:Indeed? [A powerful magical artifact! Just what I need. I could use that doll to make Ranma-sama my own. Now how to get it from him. If what he says is true than he is my nephew and I can not very well harm him....much. And no doubt brother dear has trained him so harming him wouldn't be easy. Also some of my darling experiments may be damaged.] Kotei darling. Come over here.(She says in a sugary sweet voice.)
Kotei:(He smirks to himself and starts over towards her.)[Hook, line and sinker.] Of course Auntie.
Kodachi:I don't suppose you could allow me to have a look at that doll for a moment?
Kotei:(Holding the doll a little closer and looking a little apprehensive.)I don't think I should Aunt Kodachi. Father told me to keep it safe. If it fell in the wrong hands and someone wished to rule the world and then activated the doll by tickling it's chest....I couldn't forgive myself.
Kodachi:[So that's how you use it.] Oh come now Kotei dear. It's your Aunt Kodachi. You can trust me.
Kotei:I know I can Aunt Kodachi but....wait a moment.(He pulls a pad of paper and a pen and flips to a clean page. He quickly scribbles on it and then hands them to her.)I suppose it would be alright if I had a note from your signed.
Kodachi:(She raises a brow and looks to the note reading it outloud.)Dear brother. This note is to let you know that I borrowed the doll from Kotei for a moment to merely look at it.(Below that was a line to write her name on. She smiled to him.)Oh yes. That is perfect Kotei dear.(She quickly signs her name and hands them back.)Now may I see the doll?
Kotei:(He takes the pad back and hands her the doll.)Of course Aunt Kodachi. Just be careful with it.(He glances to the pad and lifts the page the note is on. Kodachi's signature is revealed to be near the bottom of a blank page. He smirk and looks up as Kodachi begin laughing.)
Kodachi:Ohohohohohohohohohohoho!!!!! Now Ranma-sama you will be mine once and for all!! Doll I command you to bring my Ranma-sama to me!(She then tickles the doll's chest. It's eyes snap open and spark.)
Kotei:(Acting surprised and afraid.)Aunt Kodachi no!(Pretending to try and stop her as the room is filled with a flash of greenish-white light.)
(As the light dies down there are three people standing in the room. Kotei, Kodachi and Ranma. This Ranma is wearing a chinese top exactly like his red one only black in color. His hair is slightly oily looking and tossled. There is a crazed look to his eyes and his face has small black markings on it. The is a small black diamond-shaped mark under each eye on each cheek and one more on his forehead.)
Kodachi:(She smiles a bit hesitantly at Ranma and takes a step forward.)Ranma-sama?
Ranma-sama:Kodachi. My love. Come to me.
Kodachi:(Tears form in her eyes and she flings herself at Ranma-sama, dropping the doll in the process which Kotei moves and catches.)Oh. Ranma-sama. Do you love me?
Ranma-sama:With all my heart. Come. Let me show you paradise.(He scoops her up in his arms and turns disappearing into a shadow-void that appears behind him. The void slowly fades away.)
Kotei:Well....that was interesting.(He smirks and then rises and looks to the doll smirking. He then sets it down on a bench as well as his pad. He looks down to the page with nothing but Kodachi's signature and smiles. He begins to write and after a few minutes he hold up the, now contract, between himself and Kodachi smirking.)Alright Mother. Let's see how well you do when you go up against your prodigy.(He chuckles and picks up the doll and turns exiting the lab heading off towards the vaults.)
**********************************
(Ranma was sitting brooding on the couch, staring at the turned off TV. He shook his head trying to get the feint buzzing out of his ears that started a few minutes ago. He sighed and wiped his forehead and glanced towards the stairs and then to the backdoor and finally the front door.)
Ranma:(Muttering to himself.)Hmph. Who needs them? I don't. Why does it have to be so hot anyways? Why'd Akane have to hit me so hard? It's not my fault Ryouga's an idiot. To hell with them. Akane's against me. Shampoo too. Even Ucchan. Well if they all want to be against me that's fine with me. I can fight too.
(Suddenly a noise behind him gets his attention and he turns to see Mabushu being pushed out of the kitchen by Kasumi and Keiichi.)
Kasumi:Now Mabushu. You'll just have to wait for dinner like everyone else.
Keiichi:Kasumi-sensei is right Mabushu. Please give back those cookies you stole.
Mabushu:(Sighs and grumbles handing over the cookies.)Fine. Be that way.
Keiichi:Thank you Mabushu. Now just sit tight. Dinner will be ready soon.
(Kasumi and Keiichi smile and head back in the kitchen. Mabushu watches them go and turns around. He pulls a couple of apples from his pockets and smirks. He takes a bite out of one and waves to Ranma a bit.)
Mabushu:Yo Pop. What's up?
Ranma:(Frowns lightly and turns back to the TV.)Nothing.
Mabushu:Whatever.
Ranma:(Muttering under his breath.)All against me....all against me.
Mabushu:(Glances over an eyebrow raised.)What'd you say Pop?
(Suddenly footsteps keep Ranma from having to answer as both turn and look to see Kunou, descending the stairs. Ranma grins lightly and cracks his knuckles getting up.)
Ranma:Hey Kunou. What are you doing here?
Kunou:(Stops at the bottom of the steps and turns looking from Mabushu to Ranma. He blinks and then totally cracks up laughing.)
Ranma:(Blinks then growls.)What are you laughing at?
Mabushu:What so funny Kunou?
Kunou:HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! I have finally done it Saotome!!! I have finally destroyed your hold over the Pig-Tailed Girl! She is mine!
Ranma:You WHAT?!
Mabushu:I think Kunou's lost it.
Akisu:(From the top of the stairs.)Mmmmmm. You're darn right he's lost it.
Ranma:(His eyes widen and he swallows.)You....you didn't!!
Akisu:(She slowly descends the stairs and stops right behind Kunou wrapping her arms around him.)Didn't what Father?
Kunou:(Having been ranting all this while with no one paying attention to him he stops hearing Akisu.)Fa....Fa....Father?!
Akisu:Yup.
Ranma:Oh my God. You....you did didn't you?!
Akisu:Did what?(Smirking and looking innocent as can be.)
Mabushu:(Mutters.)At least it wasn't with me.
Ranma:I don't believe you!!
Kunou:Saotome is your....FATHER?!
Ranma:Shut up Kunou!
Akisu:(To Kunou.)Yes Ranma is my father.(She looks to Ranma and smiles.)Don't worry Father. He got more enjoyment out of it than I did.
Mabushu:GAAH! Please! I do _not_ need to know the details!
Ranma:(Growls and slugs Kunou in the face, who drops unconscious to the ground.)Let me put it this way "daughter". You do that again with _anyone_ and I mean anyone at all while your here and I will personally put you over my knee and spank you.
Akisu:(Raises a brow and then smirks licking her lips.)Is that a promise?
Ranma:(He growls and turns away from her walking over towards the porch area and plunks down there. He mutters.)All against me.
Akisu:(She shrugs and takes a moment to wink at Mabushu, who swallows and sweats a little. She then moves and helps Kunou to stand lightly shaking him. He rouses and blinks.)Hi there.
Kunou:Ah my Pig-Tailed Goddess. Being in your presence must have been too much for I seem to have passed out in bliss.
Akisu:Of course you did hun. Why don't you carry me over to the couch so we can sit and...cuddle?(She winks at him.)
Kunou:(smiles widely and immediately has her in her arms. He bounds over to the couch and sits with her on his lap.)Of course my Pig-Tailed Goddess, your wish is my command.(Akisu begins to rub his chest and give small kisses on his jawline causing him to space out, his eyes glazing over.)
Mabushu:(Sweatdrops and blinks a few times. Mutters.)Boy am I glad I'm she's not from my world.
Akisu:(Glances over.)What's that hun?
Mabushu:(Starts and looks nervously to Akisu.)Eheheheh. Nothing!
Ranma:(Grumpily staring at the floor and muttering.)All against me....all against me.
Akisu:(Looks to Ranma and then back.)What's Pop's problem?
Mabushu:(Shrugs.)Beats me!
Akisu:Ooooooh. There's an idea!(Winks.)
Mabushu:(Cringes and shudders.)No thanks!
Akisu:Suit yourself.(She turns her attention back to Kunou who's still "out there".)
Ranma:(He gets up and walks over to sit in the corner. Muttering.)All against me.....all against me.....
Mabushu:(He glances around and sighs to himself.)Well as much fun as this is I'm still hungry.(He says tossing an apple core over his shoulder. He turns facing the kitchen.)Is dinner ready yet!?!?
Keiichi:(His head pops out from the kitchen door and he smiles.)Not yet brother. Just a little while longer.(He disappears once again into the kitchen.)
Harumoni:(Suddenly from outside.)No Dad! It's this way! Come on.(Harumoni enters a few moments later with Ryouga in tow. Ryouga's head is looking down so as not to make eye contact with anyone. Harumoni pauses to note who is all there. She glares at Ranma and looks at Akisu and Kunou in disgust.)
Mabushu:Yo! Back already? Wow!
Harumoni:(Glares at him.)Shut up you!(To Ryouga.)Come on Dad. Mom's waiting.
Ryouga:(He only nods, quite nervous and embarassed as well.)
(Harumoni leads Ryouga up the stairs. Ranma watches them go from his postion, his left eye lightly twitching. His eyes flash with anger and tightly controlled fury for a brief moment but he only sits.)
**********************************
(Upstairs Harumoni stops just outside Akane's door and looks to her Ryouga. She frowns a little seeing he is almost trembling and looking down at the floor wringing his hands.)
Harumoni:Dad? It's okay. Just remember to listen to what Mom says. Don't run away okay? Promise me?
Ryouga:(Starts almost from the sudden sound of her voice. He looks up and swallows hard and nods.)I....I will. Thank you....daughter.
Harumoni:(She smiles and takes Ryouga in a hug for a moment before letting him go and stepping away from the door. She gestures a bit and back down the hall giving him a smile of reassurance before turning and heading downstairs.)
Ryouga:(He watches her go and turns facing the door. He slowly raises a hand, about to knock but pauses.)[I....I can't do this! What if she....what if Ranma was right?! I couldn't....I...I....](He cletches his eyes tightly shut. He opens them as Harumoni's words replay in his memory. He sighs softly and nods whispering quietly to himself.)She's right. I wouldn't run from a fight. It's time I stopped running from love too.(He takes a deep breath and raises his hand again and knocks quietly on the door.)
Akane:(From inside a bit hesitantly.)He....hello? Who is it?
Ryouga:(He almost turns and runs at the sound of her voice but doesn't)It's me....Akane. Can I....come in?
**********************************
(Harumoni descended the stairs smiling happily to herself. She had just helped her father and mother and for the first time since arriving she was confident that they were in love with each other. Even if they didn't know it yet.)
Harumoni:[Wow! This feels great!! Nothing can ruin my mood now!]
Mabushu:(Laughs.)Boy do realize how stupid you look with that smile on your face!?
Harumoni:(Sighs.)[Almost nothing.](She turns and shoots a ice cold glare at him.)Shut up!
Mabushu:(Continues to laugh.)
Akisu:(Looks up from the still blissfully unaware Kunou)Problems?
Harumoni:Nothing I will be talking to you about you pervert! I can't believe you're doing that in the living room!!
Akisu:(Winks and smirks.)Well Kunou-chan here was so insistant I just couldn't resist!
Mabushu:(Mutters.)I doubt she could resist anything that moved.
Harumoni:(Growls and turns away huffing exasperated.)Pervert!
(From outside a muffled explosion is heard closeby. Also sounds of voices approaching.)
Cologne:(Outside)Next time child try opening the door.
Perfume:(Outside)Sorry Great-great-grandmother.
Lotion:(Outside)He's always like that.(Giggles lightly.)No wonder all the girls steer clear. They're afraid of getting hurt!(Stifles more laughter.)
Perfume:(Outside)Shut up!
Mousse:(Outside)You see Shampoo! I told you we were destined! I told you!
Shampoo:(Outside)Shut up! Stupid Mousse!
(Mabushu and Harumoni looks towards the front porch.)
Mabushu:I wonder what's going on?
Harumoni:I don't know but....that sounded almost like.....
(Cologne and company enter the living room before Harumoni finishes. Cologne is in the lead perched on her staff. Lotion and Perfume are at Cologne left and glance around a bit. Shampoo is at Cologne right, head lowered looking very annoyed. Mousse is dancing around Shampoo barely touching the ground and looking deleriously happy.)
Harumoni:(She blinks her eyes widening.)Lotion!? Perfume?!
Lotion:(She blinks and smiles widely.)Harumoni!!(She bounds over and grabs Harumoni up in a hug and begins to dance about on the spot similar to Mousse.)You're here too!!?? This is....GREAT! Look Perfume! Harumoni's here!!!
Perfume:(He blinks and slaps a hand to his forehead. Mutters.)Idiot.(Outloud.)Yeah I noticed.
Harumoni:Lotion! Put me down! Please!
Lotion:(Stops dancing and puts Harumoni down blushing a bit.)Sorry.
Mabushu:(Casually walks over to stand by Perfume, smiling a bit dashingly.)Hello there. The name's Mabushu Saotome. And you are?
Perfume:(Looks over to him a bit darkly.)Perfume. I'm a guy.
Mabushu:(Facefaults.)GAH!(Hops back up and away looking a little sick.)A...guy? But...but...(Looks to Lotion and then back to Perfume)
Lotion:I'm a girl by the way! We just dress opposite!(Smiles.)
Akisu:(Withdraws her tongue from Kunou's mouth and peeks over his head at the new arrivals.)Hmmmm? Crossdressers?(Licks her lips.)Oh my.
Perfume:(Looks over visably....moved.)Uhhhh....right.
((Author's note: Perfume _is_ moved at Akisu's words. Unfortunately for Akisu the part she happened to move was Perfume's stomach.))
Lotion:(Waves a little bit.)Yup!
Harumoni:(Frowns at Mabushu.)Figures you'd try to hit on Perfume you pervert! I'm surprised you haven't thrown yourself all over Akisu already!
Mabushu:(Glaring back.)Shut up you tomboy! No body has to throw themselves on Akisu. She does that for you!
Akisu:You got that right hun!
Harumoni:Both of you! Perverts!
Mabushu:Who you calling a pervert?! If anyone is the pervert here it your crossdressing friends!
Perfume:(Sliding the blade of a rather large sword just below his neck and speaking in a low, deadly tone of voice.)Who are you calling a pervert?
Lotion:(Looks almost on the verge of tears.)I'm...not a....pervert.(She sniffles a bit.)
Mabushu:Over there where's he been for the past little while.
(All eyes in the room turn to look at Ranma who still sits in the corner facing out, the shadows lightly covering him though not obscuring much of him. He merely stares placidly back at everyone.)
Shampoo:(She blinks a bit at the sight of him finding it a little odd.)Ranma?
Ranma:(Turns only his eyes and looks at Shampoo.)Shampoo.
Shampoo:Is...something wrong....Ranma?
Ranma:(He suddenly hops to his feet smiling.)No! Why would anything be wrong?(He looks to Cologne.)You got the doll fixed yet old ghoul?
Cologne:(Frowns softly for a moment.)Unfortunately it was taken before I could acquire it by one Kotei Kunou.
Lotion:(Sighs dreamily and goes off into her own little world.)
Harumoni:(Blinks.)Kotei?! He's here too?!
Cologne:Yes. You know him I take it.
Harumoni:Well...yeah. He's from the same place me and Lotion and Perfume are from.
Cologne:I see. Well until the doll is returned I can at least assess the damage done. I will need to know about all the usages of the doll. Are there any other children nearby?
Mabushu:Yeah. The wimp is! He's in the kitchen.
Cologne:The wimp? Go and get him boy.
Mabushu:(Blinks a but and shrugs.)KEIICHI! COME HERE!
Cologne:(Scowls a bit.)I could have done that boy.
Mabushu:(Smirks a bit and shrugs.)
Keiichi:(Comes out of the kitchen and looks around a bit blinking but smiling as usual.)Oh my. More guests for dinner. It's a good thing we made plenty of food.
Cologne:Yes child. Do come here and sit down.(She gestures to in front of her.)The rest of you from the future sit as well. Tell me all you know of your lives and what has happened since your arrival here.
Akisu:(She pouts playfully.)But then I'll have to leave Kunou-chan and he's just getting warmed up again.
Cologne:(Glances and frowns.)I am not asking child.
Akisu:(Sighs and shrugs hopping off Kunou's lap and moving to sit down along with the others.)Oh alright.
Cologne:Shampoo. Go and help the eldest Tendo with dinner. Mousse go to the roof and keep a watch for Kotei.
(Shampoo and Mousse do as told. Kunou sits in his trance just staring while Ranma sits back down in his corner and drops his smile once again as the Cologne begins to listen to the children speak.)
**********************************
(Akane sits alone in her room at her desk, slumped forwards, her head resting on her arms. She sighs softly as her mind mulls over the recent events. She wonders when Harumoni will return with Ryouga, or even if she would at all tonight, when there's a soft knock at the door. Akane starts and turns facing the door, swallowing softly.)
Akane:He....hello? Who is it?
Ryouga:(From outside after a moment of silence.)It's me....Akane. Can I....come in?
Akane:(She blinks and quickly jumps to her feet and rushes to the door opening it. She stands blinking at Ryouga, who backs away from the quickly opened door and immediately looks down upon seeing Akane.)Ryouga! Thank God Harumoni found you! Of course you can come in.(She says relieved and smiles just a little letting Ryouga enter.)
Ryouga:(He swallows softly to himself hearing the door shut and clenches his fists.)A....Akane....I... [Be strong Ryouga! Don't break down now. Don't be a coward! Do it for yourself. For Harumoni.](He pauses and turns looking up at Akane who was just sitting on the bed.)[For her.]
Akane:(She pauses a moment and looks up from her spot on the bed and smiles, hoping to calm Ryouga down, as well as herself.)Ryouga. Please. Sit down.(She lightly pats the bed beside her.)We have to talk.
Ryouga:[She doesn't love me she doesn't--STOP IT! Sit down! Talk to her!](He takes a deep breath and walks over carefully sitting down as far from her as he can, without seeming rude.)O...Okay. I'm...here.
Akane:(She nods a bit and pauses in thought wondering how to begin.)Ryouga. You really do love me don't you?(She asks more calmly than she thought she could.)
Ryouga:(He pauses a moment, his face flushing a bright red. Feeling the heat there he lowers his head further trying to hide it and nods.)Ye....yes. I do.
Akane:(Sees the blush and smiles a little. She reaches over and gently takes one of Ryouga's hands and squeezes it softly.)Ryouga it's alright. Relax a little. I'm not going to hurt you and nobody else will. It's just me and you talking. Alright?
Ryouga:(He tenses up at her hand and swallows. He nods a bit and lightly, hesitantly lifts his head up and looks to her.)Al....alright.
Akane:(She smiles reassuringly and nods.)Good. This whole, children business is getting way out of hand. It's very confusing. Before today, I....I never even knew you....even thought of me that way.
Ryouga:(His face takes on a sad quality and he lowers his head speaking quietly.)I know. I tried to tell you....so many times. Ranma and....other things got in the way. I tried so hard....I'm sorry.
Akane:Shhh. Don't be sorry Ryouga. I'm...rather flattered actually. You're different from the boys at school and Kunou. You're actually nice and kind and mature.
Ryouga:(He looks up at those words, his eyes glimmering with hope.)I...Akane....th...thank you.....
Akane:(She smiles a bit.)You're welcome Ryouga. I can see now why you always fought Ranma and hung around here. It was for me wasn't it?
Ryouga:I....yes. Akane....I...I lo....love you. I have....for a long time now. Whenever I'm lost...I think about you. It's the thought...of seeing you again...that keeps me searching for my way back here. You are the kindest...most caring...most beautiful woman I've ever known. I....I have to....to know. Do you.....do you....do....(He says, his hand lightly trembling, not being able to get the words out.)
Akane:(She smiles softly to his words and moves a little closer, squeezing his hand to keep it still.)Ryouga....I don't know. This is all so...so fast. I like you, a lot, but I also like Ranma too.(She sighs.)This is so...so hard. I do care about you Ryouga and no matter what I want to still be friends. Can we still be friends, even if in the end.....I don't love you back?
Ryouga:(He looks to her, hearing her words. He turns softly away his face contorting in pain.)[She doesn't....love me.....]
Akane:(She blinks watching him turn, getting worried.)Ry...Ryouga? What's wrong?
Ryouga:(He barely hears her words, his own heart pounding so loudly in his ears. He clenches his eyes shut and swallows, his voice a whisper as it leaves him.)I...understand....Akane.(He says, his voice cracking. He pulls his hand from Akane's grasp and turns a little more from her. He clenches his hands and eyes even tighter, forcing the pain and the hurt and the depression back into him. He hardly feels his tears falling onto his clenched hands. After a few moments of silence he hears a sound. A soft, almost whimpering sound, followed by a second one and a third. It takes him a moment to realize it's him making these sounds.)
Akane:Ryouga.......(She says more to herself than to him, a sad tone of voice as she sits her arms lightly wrapped around him. She watches him as she holds him crying softly, barely even noting her presence anymore. She remembers his words of moments ago and then looks to his face, contorted in pain and sorrow. A sick feeling fills her as she realizes.)[I did this to him. He's so....vulnerable. Ryouga! I've seen him get beat up by Ranma and barely blink an eye and now he's crying because of me. He loves me. Do I love him? I don't want to see him like this. He's so...so lonely all the time. But he always comes back to see me. He's always nice and he never insults me. He cares about me. He loves me. He said to Ranma I deserved respect. Appreciation. That he was lucky to be engaged to me. He said I deserved happiness. Deserved more than what Ranma gave me.] Ryouga!
Ryouga:(He starts lightly at the shout and opens his eyes, more tears streaming down his cheeks as he turns and looks to Akane, only now realizing she's holding him.)A....Aka....Akane....?
Akane:(She looks to his face, to his eyes and reaches up lightly wiping some tears away.)Ryouga. You're a kind, noble and honorable man and one of the best friends I've ever had. I remember what you said about me to Ranma earlier. About how I deserved happiness and respect and appreciation. I noticed you didn't say anything about yourself.(She says a smiles a bit, her eyes lightly glimmering from forming tears.)
Ryouga:(He blinks trying to clear his vision some and looks at her confused.)Wh....what?
Akane:(She smiles and laughs a little.)I mean you didn't say anything about yourself. You said I deserved but you didn't say what you deserve and you deserve happiness too Ryouga. You deserve respect and appreciation. Most of all though you deserve someone that will love you the way you want to be loved. I have to think about this but I will promise you Ryouga that no matter what happens, you'll always have my love as my very closest friend. Okay?
Ryouga:(He blinks a bit and swallows softly.)Your.....closest....friend? I....I can....accept that.
Akane:(She smiles a little wider and leans in giving Ryouga a tight warm hug.)Good. Now cheer up a bit okay? I don't like seeing you so sad.
Ryouga:(He nods and smiles very little.)I'll....I'll try.
Akane:Good now-
Kasumi:(Suddenly knocking on the door and calling out.)Akane? Ryouga? Dinner's ready. Do hurry we have more company!
Akane:Thanks Kasumi!(She says and looks back to Ryouga.)Company?
Ryouga:We'd....better go down.(He says and rises a bit, hastily wiping at his eyes.)
Akane:(She nods.)Right. Let's go see this "company".(She turns and heads for her door followed by Ryouga.)
**********************************
(Meanwhile back at the Kunou mansion Sasuke is standing by a large vault door working at a computer panel while Nabiki stands off nearby tapping her foot impatiently.)
Nabiki:Well Sasuke?!
Sasuke:(A rather negative sounding buzz comes from the pane and he looks back apologetically.)I...I am sorry Mistress Nabiki. That was not the proper combination.
Nabiki:I figured that much. Hurry up. We've been here for fifteen minutes and still nothing.
Sasuke:I will try once again Mistress Nabiki.
Nabiki:Please do. I want in those vaults.
Kotei:(From the doorway.)Well why don't you try the date he met the Pig-tailed girl?
Sasuke:(Turning and blinking.)Master Kunou????
Nabiki:(She looks and frowns.)No. It's his son, from the future. Kotei.
Kotei:In the flesh Mother dear.
Sasuke:Master Kunou's....son?
Kotei:Yes Sasuke. Don't worry. I don't expect you to understand.(He says turning and walking over to his mother, the desire doll finally visable.)
Nabiki:(She raises a brow at the sight of the doll but says nothing about it. She looks Kotei in the eye.)I take it you behavior in front of Kunou-chan was an act yes?
Kotei:(He chuckles and nods a bit.)Father is still paying for my "speech lessons". He has been for the past 10 years actually. I've merely pocketed the money from day one and just imitated him.(He smirks.)
Nabiki:(She smirks as well and nods.)Very clever.
Kotei:I learned from the best mother.
Nabiki:I'm flattered.(She smirks and then adopts her business demeanor.)That means you want something.
Kotei:No sense in beating around the bush with you mother. I'll just get straight to the point. You've swindled father out of his half of the family fortune.(He pauses a moment and pulls a paper from his pocket unfolds it and holds it facing Nabiki.)I've done the same to Aunt Kodachi, who is presently indisposed. As it stands you and I together currently own the entire Kunou family empire.
Nabiki:(She blinks a bit surprised and then smirks widely.)Well. This is interesting. You've explained, but still not told me what you want.
Kotei:Oh. That is simple. I want your half.
Nabiki:(Her smirk vanishes.)Pardon me?
Kotei:I didn't stutter or mumble mother. I want your half of the Kunou empire.
Nabiki:(She once again smirks and laughs for a few moments.)I think time travelling has warped your brain.
Kotei:I assure you it has not. I'm not finished. I know you very well mother, perhaps too well.(He smirks.)Let's make a deal.
Nabiki:(She raises her brow and nods a bit.)Go on.
Kotei:A bet. A challenge if you will. With a prize.
Nabiki:I'm listening.
Kotei:You as the leader of your side. I the leader of mine. To the winner goes the Kunou empire. I'll even throw the Desire Doll here in as part of the prize.
Nabiki:(She smirks lightly.)What type of challenge.
Kotei:Come now mother. This is Nerima. What other types of challenges are there around here?
Nabiki:Point taken. Martial Arts?
Kotei:Of course. A team of seven martial artists each, not including you or myself as we would be leaders.
Nabiki:Sounds acceptable. We'll need judges of course.
Kotei:Of course. Impartial ones. Five judges would be prudent. Two chosen by you, two by me and one by random drawing.
Nabiki:That's only fair.(She smirks.)I choose Father and Mr. Saotome for judges.
Kotei:(He raises a brow and smirks back.)Very well. I choose Sasuke and....your sister, Kasumi for judges.
Nabiki:(She smirks back.)Touche.
Sasuke:(Bows low.)It is an honor to serve young Master Kunou.
Kotei:(He nods a bit.)I know, and you don't have to bow to me.
Sasuke:Of course young Master Kunou.(Stands up straight.)
Nabiki:How touching.(She smirks.)Now to choose teams. I choose Ranma Saotome.
Kotei:(He raises a brow and shrugs.)If you're sure about that. I choose Harumoni Hibiki.
Nabiki:I'm sure. Akane Tendo.
Kotei:(He nods a bit.)Perfume.
Nabiki:(She blinks.)Who?
Kotei:You'll see.(He smirks.)
Nabiki:(She frowns a little.)Ukyou Kuonji.
Kotei:Lotion.
Nabiki:Let me guess. I'll see.
Kotei:Yup.(Smirks wider.)
Nabiki:(Frowns a little more.)Ryouga Hibiki.
Kotei:(He frowns a little.)Hmmm....I choose this Akisu person.
Nabiki:(She blinks a bit and barely contains her laughter.)Oh. Akisu Saotome. Daughter of Ranma and Akane.
Kotei:(Raises a brow and smirks.)Oh. Very well. I choose her then.
Nabiki:Oh? Would you like to choose the other two children from the future you haven't yet? Mabushu Saotome, son of Ranma and Ukyou. Keiichi Hibiki, son of Ryouga and Ukyou?
Kotei:(He raises a brow and narrows his eyes.)Hmmmm. I don't know.
Nabiki:(She smirks and says evenly.)If you do I get Shampoo and Mousse.
Kotei:(He blinks and then smirks.)Oh. Very well. I choose Mabushu and Keiichi.
Nabiki:Okay then I choose Shampoo and Mousse. I also choose Kunou-chan.
Kotei:Father?(He chuckles a bit.)Okay. I choose.....Gosunkugi.
Nabiki:(She blinks in shock and then does begin laughing.)Gosunkugi?!(More laughing.)Are you trying to lose?!
Kotei:(He smirks.)No. I'm not and I don't mean Hikaru Gosunkugi. I mean his daughter. Lina Gosunkugi.
Nabiki:(She stops laughing.)Gosunkugi's daughter? She's here from the future I take it.
Kotei:(He smirks back.)Not yet.(He lifts the doll.)I wish for Lina Gosunkugi to be brought back in time to stand by my side.(He then tickles the doll's chest. It's eyes snap open and sparks begin to form. The whole room is enveloped in a flash of greenish-white light.)
**********************************
(Back at the Tendo's, everyone is moving to find a place to sit around the dinner table as Ryouga and Akane come down the stairs. Kasumi, Shampoo and Keiichi are busy moving food from the kitchen to the table. Harumoni is sitting at the table by Mabushu and Akisu and doesn't look very happy about it. Lotion and Perfume are sitting by Mousse and Cologne. Soun and Genma have apparently made up and returned. The two are sitting at the table as well, constantly eyeing Harumoni, Akisu and Mabushu. Ukyou has come back after calming down and is sitting near Mabushu keeping one eye on him and the other on Ranma. Kunou is still spaced out on the couch. Ranma is still sitting over in the corner, eyes narrowed watching everyone quietly. Akane and Ryouga both stop at the bottom and look around at everything, as well as the new faces.)
Akane:What's going on here?! Who are those two?
Harumoni:(She smiles seeing Akane and Ryouga and hops to her feet and goes over.)Mom! Oh don't worry. You remember Perfume and Lotion I told you about. That's them.
Shampoo:Perfume look like Shampoo. Is male.
Mousse:Lotion looks like me. She's female.
Ryouga:(Blinks.)What?!
Ukyou:Tsubasa.(She says in response and growls softly.)
Akane:Oh.(She finally notes Kunou and Ranma off to themselves. She frowns.)Ranma! What are you doing over there?! Get over here we're about to eat dinner.
Ranma:(Frowns and mutters.)I'm not hungry.
Akane:(Blinks.)What?! You....aren't hungry?!
Ranma:(Grunts in response.)
Akane:(Frowns.)Get over here anyways! You're being rude to our guests![Something's wrong with Ranma. He never passes up food. He's also acting strange.]
Ranma:(He sighs and slowly gets up and walks over sitting down and begins to stare at Ryouga.)
Akane:(Sits down and looks to Lotion and Perfume.)Well welcome to...uhh...the past I guess.
Perfume & Lotion:Thank you.(They say in unison, Lotion a little more enthusiastic.)
Cologne:They are not the only ones brought from the future child. There is at least one other I know of. Kotei Kunou, son of that lump on the couch over there and your sister Nabiki. He has the doll, or had it when I last saw him.
Ryouga:(Trying to ignore Ranma's staring.)So...what do we do now?
Cologne:Now, we eat. Afterwards we'll search for Kotei and get the doll back. Then I will fix it properly and send you children back to your proper homes.
Ukyou:If this Kotei is Nabiki's son he might already have used it for his own personal profit.
Kotei:(Sliding the door open and smirking.)Now now Miss Kuonji I'm truly hurt by that. I've only used the doll once, myself, and I assure you it is in a safe place.
Cologne:(Whirling and lightly glaring.)I would consider it much safer if it were in my hands.
Kotei:(Entering and followed by Nabiki.)I'm sure you would and I would be glad to give it to you but I can't at the moment. You'll have to wait until after the battle.
Cologne:What battle?
Harumoni:Battle? Kotei what did you set up now?!
Kotei:(Smirks and waves.)Hello Harumoni. Nothing much. Just a little bet with mother.
Akane:Nabiki! Explain!
Nabiki:(She smirks back.)Oh you'll see sis.
Kotei:Yes. You see my mother sold the doll to my father for his half of the Kunou family fortune.(He pauses hearing several gasps and smirks.)I did something similar with Aunt Kodachi and now own her half of the family fortune. That, along with the doll, will be the prize. We're going to have a battle people. Two teams of seven martial artists each, the winner gets the prize.
Ryouga:Teams?
Mousse:What teams?
Mabushu:A battle huh?(He chuckles.)This should be fun.
Nabiki:Yes teams. My team consists of Ranma, Akane, Ukyou, Ryouga, Shampoo, Mousse and Kunou-chan.
Cologne:(She sighs to herself smiling only lightly.)Very clever child. You managed to get the top martial artists in Nerima.
Kotei:I wouldn't say that. My team consists of Harumoni, Perfume, Lotion, Akisu, Mabushu and Keiichi.
Kotei:(He looks a little pale for a moment and then smirks and looks to Nabiki.)Very nice trick mother.
Nabiki:Thank you.
Cologne:(Cackles.)I agree but you only stated six people child. Where is your seventh member? Or is it that you plan to be the seventh member?
Kotei:(He smirks.)No I don't. She should be right along.(He turns and calls out the door.)Lina! Hurry up would you.
Harumoni:(She blinks, shocked.)Lina?!
Perfume:(Groans.)No. Not her!
Lotion:Miss Lina?!
Akane:Who's Lina?
Lina:That would be me!(She says as she enters with a wide grin. She is a rather short looking girl of about sixteen with vibrant long red hair which hangs loosely down her back. Her eyes are also red and have dark rings under them. Her clothing is rather normal for a teenage girl except for the talismans and such attached to them.)The name's Lina Gosunkugi! Where monsters rampage I'm there to take them down! Where treasure glitters I'm there to claim it. Where an enemy rises to face me, victory will be MIIIIIINE!!!(She shouts out and poses with one finger pointing in the sky.)
(Everyone, except the still out of it Kunou, stares at her and blinks. Several times.)
Mabushu:(Recovering first he begins to laughs and hops to his feet walking over.)Well isn't that cute.(He laughs some more and stops in front of Lina.)This is a going to be a battle. Everyone else, except Keiichi, is a highly skilled martial artist.(He places a hand on her shoulder.)We don't need the help of a little girl.
Harumoni:Little girl?
Lotion:Uh-oh.
Perfume:He's dead.
Mabushu:(Blinks hearing them and glances back.)What?(He looks back to Lina to see her glaring in anger as well as her generating a ball of pink energy of some sort just above the palm of her hand.
Lina:(Thrusting the ball at his chest.)MONO VOLT!!!!(The ball connects and spread over him in an instant.)
Mabushu:GYYYYYYAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!(He screams out in pain as several thousands volts of magical electricity pour through him over and over again. He thrashes about helpless until she stops, the glow vanishing. He drops to the floor singed and twitching.)
Lina:Hmph! Men! I may not know martial arts but I do know magic! So back off!(She sees the table, and more importantly to her, the food.)Food!(She is suddenly sitting at the table gorging herself as best she can.)
Nabiki:Magic? That's against the rules Kotei. Only martial artists.
Kotei:Well since you tricked me into taking Keiichi on I guess we're even and you never stated no magic before I chose her. Too late now. Live with it.
Ukyou:Well....this should be an interesting fight.
Ryouga:Yeah. You said it.(He glances at Ranma noting he's still watching and growls softly.)
Akane:I guess Gosunkugi finally managed to do magic right after all.
Lina:Nope!(She says looking up.)Not him. Mom did though! Dad's a total flake when it comes to magic.
Akisu:He's not a total flake when it comes to....other persuits.(She smirks.)
Lina:(Looks over and narrows her eyes.)What do you mean...."other persuits"?
Ryouga:(Looks sick.)Oh God.
Ukyou:With.....Gosunkugi!?!?
Harumoni:You pervert!!! Have you no shame!?
Akisu:Not really no.
Lina:(Glaring a bit.)I asked you what you meant by that! Answer me!
Kotei:I think, Lina, she means that in her world she's had sex with your father.
Lina:WHAT?!
Ryouga:(Looks even sicker and is trying to hold what little food he's eaten down.)Urp.
Akisu:Hit it right on head Kotei-chan.
Lina:(Rises to her feet a ball of energy forming in her hand.)You....you....you....PERVERT! FIIIIIIIIIRE......
Happosai:(Suddenly glomping on to Lina's chest.)Hi there hot stuff. What's say you, me and Akisu go away together for a while.
Akisu:Oooooh.(Licks her lips.)
Lina:(The spell dies out as she just stares at Happosai nuzzling in her chest. Her face contorts with anger as she suddenly grabs him by the neck and begins strangling him and shaking him.)DIE you evil wrinkled old goat!!!!!
Happosai:(Slipping from her grasp and bounds over to glomp onto Perfume's chest.)Hello to you....(He pauses and hops away.)A man! UGH! Ewwww! Disgusting!!(He coughs suddenly weak. Akisu reaches out and grabs him pulling him to her chest and hugging him.)
Akisu:Here you are Grandfather. Here's a real woman for you.
Happosai:Ahhhhh. You are so good to me Aki-chan!
Lina:(She blinks and growls sitting down.)Disgusting!
Harumoni:You got that right.
Lotion:Are you okay Perfume?
Perfume:I will be once I fillet that old goat.
Cologne:Not now child. I'll do that later for you.
Ryouga:(Finally having had enough of Ranma.)Ranma! Quit staring at me like that!
Ranma:Like what?(Calmly.)
Ryouga:Like that! What are you some kind of pervert!?
Ranma:You're one to talk P-chan.
Ryouga:Shut up Ranma!
Ukyou:You shut up Ryouga! Ranchan's not feeling good right now!
Akane:Are you sure he's not just being a jerk?
Ukyou:Ranchan's not a jerk!
Akane:Yes he is!
Ryouga:Stop looking at me Ranma.(Growled out.)
Ranma:Or what?
Nabiki:(To Kotei.)Things seem to be escalating.
Akisu:Oh! Grandfather Happosai! That's tickles!
Kotei:(To Nabiki.)In more ways than one.
Lina:I can't believe you're doing that at the table!?! That's disgusting. There are people eating here!!
Akisu:We can tell from all the noises.
Lina:(Growls and stands up.)I dare you to say that again to my face you coward!
Perfume:Please Great-great-grandmother! Let me kill him!
Lotion:I want to kill him too!
Cologne:Not now children. It's not the place for it.
Mousse:Shampoo are you alright? You've been rather quiet since we got here.
Shampoo:(Bashes Mousse into the floor almost lazily.)Shampoo fine! Ask again and Shampoo kill.
Kasumi:Oh my. Such lively dinner conversation.
Keiichi:So energetic.
Ryouga:If you don't stop looking at me like that Ranma I'll....
Ranma:(Calmly.)You'll what?
Ryouga:(Growls.)
Ranma:What did you and Akane talk about up there? Wedding plans?
(Sudden silence descends over the table.)
Akane:R....Ranma?
Soun:Akane?! What is he talking about?!
Ranma:(He grins darkly his eyes fixed on Ryouga. He speaks calmly.)Didn't you know Mr. Tendo? Ryouga's in love with Akane and she's so madly in love with him. I imagine they were making plans to run away together and get married, despite the promise you and Father made.
Soun:(Bursts into tears.)Akane! Tell your Father this isn't true!
Ryouga:(Looks to Akane at that and swallows.)A....Akane?[What if....she doesn't love me.....like that. What will I do?]
Akane:Dad!(She turns and glares at Ranma.)Ranma what are you doing trying to start a fight?! We weren't talking about getting married you jerk! We were just talking!
Ranma:(Calmly.)About how Ryouga loves you.
Akane:(She blinks and sighs a little.)Yes! That's what we were talking about.
Ranma:(Calmly with a slight growl.)Do you love him?
Akane:(She starts and swallows feeling all eyes look at her.)I....I....
Ranma:(He chuckles before she can finished and looks to Ryouga.)Well before you answer Akane there's something you should know about Ryouga.
Ryouga:(He starts suddenly and looks to Ranma eyes wide.)Ranma!!
Ranma:(Before Ryouga can react he leaps to his feet a glass of water in hand and hurls it at Ryouga.)Time for the truth pig boy!!
Ryouga:(He desperately backpeddles from the table throwing his arms up in front of his face even as he feels the water splashing onto his face.)NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
(Evenyone watches, some in shock and others in sadness or sympathy as Ryouga's form suddenly shrinks, his clothes heaped on the floor. Everyone seems to be holding ther breaths almost as Ranma walks around to the pile of clothes and lightly nudges it. He bends down and sticks a hand inside and pulls out Ryouga, in his cursed form. He smirks darkly and faces Akane holding Ryouga out in front of him.)
Ranma:See? You always wondered where your little P-chan went to when he disappeared. Now you know. Do you love Ryouga now Akane?(He says in a calm voice, obviously enjoying Ryouga's torment.)
Nabiki:[Ryouga's P-chan?!?! How did he keep THAT a secret from me?!]
Ukyou:[Ryouga's P-chan?!?! Poor guy. Akane's gonna be pissed.]
Harumoni:[Father. Oh no.](She sighs and watches, frightened for not only herself but for the future of her parents as well.)
Akane:(She blinks a few times as if from shock and then her face goes calm and she looks to Ranma and then Ryouga, who is staring wide eyed at her in fear. She reaches out and grabs him by the bandana and pulls him out of Ranma's grasp and up to her eye level. She stares right into his eyes for several moments.)Ryouga.
Ryouga:(He stares back and winces at her voice and nods softly, trembling in his pig form.)Bwee.(He says very weakly.)
Akane:(She nods a bit and then lowers him and takes him into her arms and looks to Ranma, a stern gaze on her face.)I was wondering when you two would finally botch up around me so I'd see. I can't believe you managed to keep it hidden from everyone else for this long. Well Ranma what do you have to say for yourself!?
Nabiki:[She knew?!!]
Ukyou:[She knew?!!]
Ranma:(He blinks in shock and staggers back a bit.)You....You knew?!
Akane:(She frowns and growls low while holding Ryouga.)OF COURSE I KNEW RANMA!!!! What do you take me for an idiot?!! Did you think I wouldn't find out?!! Did you think I was blind?!! I don't believe you!! I'm more disappointed in you than in Ryouga!! At least he had a reason to hide his curse from me!! After I adopted it as my pet and practically forced him to sleep in my bed!! He had a reason to hide it! You didn't!! You were just jealous!! You didn't want to think that I might like him more than you! Well I have news for you Mister Ranma Saotome!(She says his name, emphasizing the "Mister" as she shifts Ryouga into her left arm. She takes a deep breath as she suddenly steps forwards.)_I DO!!!!!_(Her free hand suddenly flies up from her side, her palm slamming hard against the side of his face with enough force to nearly dislocate his jaw. Ranma is spun around by the force of the slap and then slumps down to the ground in shock as Akane turns and crouches grabbing Ryouga's clothes. She then stalks off angrily and ascends the stairs.)If anyone needs me I'll be in the bathroom with Ryouga helping him change back.
(Ranma watches his left eye twitching. He growls low and rises to his feet. One hand lightly touching the large red spot on the side of his face which is quickly bruising. Without saying a word he turns and stalks off for the front door.)
Shampoo:(Moves lightly to stop him.)Airen?
Ranma:(Darkly and quietly.)Leave me alone.
Ukyou:(She also moves to stop him and places a hand on his shoulder from behind.)Ranchan.
Ranma:(He whirls and slams his palm into her stomach hard knocking her back onto the floor.)I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!!!(He then turns and runs out the front door and leaps up onto the roof disappearing.)
Ukyou:(She gasps for breath from the floor watching him go. She closes her eyes tightly and lowers her head beginning to cry softly.)Ran....chan....
Shampoo:(Quietly.)Aiya. Ranma act strange.
Cologne:Yes. This is not like Son-In-Law at all. Something is definitely wrong with him.
Harumoni:No kidding. He's....acting almost like....like the Ranma I know!
Shampoo:Aiya! That it! Shampoo overhear in future Ranma poisoned. Only then it happen long time ago. Must be now it happen. Cheating rose-girl must have poisoned Ranma.
Cologne:The Kunou girl hmmm? Well then all we have to do is find her and get the antidote.
Kotei:(He clears his throat getting everyone's attention.)I'm afraid....that is much easier said....than done. Kodachi is gone.
Cologne:(Narrows her eyes.)Where?
Kotei:(He pauses remembering the brief encounter.)Paradise, respected Elder. Paradise.
~End of Part 4~
Author's Notes:
Whew! Part 4 is finally finished! Sorry is took longer than expected to get this out but I got caught up in other things! Well this is finished and things are really getting complicated now huh? In case you've forgotten I'll give you a quick rundown on the children so far!
Harumoni Hibiki: Daughter of Ryouga & Akane.
Mabushu Saotome: Son of Ranma & Ukyou.
Akisu Saotome: Daughter of Ranma & Akane.
Keiichi Hibiki: Son of Ryouga & Ukyou.
Kotei Kunou: Son of Tatewaki & Nabiki.
Lotion: Daughter of Shampoo & Mousse.
Perfume: Son of Shampoo & Mousse.
Lina Gosunkugi: Daughter of Hikaru & ???????.
That's about all so far. I warn you more might appear. I know Lina was a surprise. Any of you out there who can't guess what character I based her off of and which show that character is from, should go out and pray to the Gods to smite you down. ^_~ As you can tell Ranma has been poisoned and is acting nuts. Ukyou is fairly hurt, emotionally more than physically. Ryouga has no idea if he'll live through the night. Akane is pissed at Ranma and everyone else is just winging it trying not to get too confused. Was anyone surprised at Akane's reaction?! I hope so. I'll explain how she found out and why she isn't making, or trying to make, bacon and eggs in Part 5! Also in part five the search for Kodachi is on and it takes them all the way to......Paradise? Remember though, one person's paradise is another's pure hell! Until next time! Part Five Go Back To Main Page
