Episode #03: Juni and Juni?! Double trouble comes twice as often!
The noon sun beat down upon the residents of Nerima, letting it's warmth flow over them and the city. It was a fairly normal Saturday afternoon as Ranma was bored out of his skull. Juni, however, was also bored and sitting with him on the porch staring at the fish pond.
"Man this is boring! I wish something exciting would happen.", Ranma muttered to himself.
"Be careful what you wish for....", Juni muttered back at him watching a koi jump into the air and splash back down in the pond. Just then the two heard Akane descending the stairs. They both turned around to see her heading for the kitchen humming happily, a book in her hands.
"Oh no. She's gonna cook.", Ranma groaned to himself. Juni just laughed a bit.
"Well....I warned you.", Juni said.
"Shut up.", Ranma said. The two sat in silence for a few more moments.
"So. Think of anything to do yet?", Juni asked.
"Nope. Nothing yet. You?", Ranma asked.
"Nothing.", Juni replied. The two sat for a few more moments. The doorbell rang and then two turned and looked in that direction down the hallway. The two saw Kasumi exit the kitchen looking a bit distraught before she composed herself and smiled warmly heading for the door. She disappeared around the corner and the two heard the door opening.
"Oh Mrs. Saotome! What a pleasent surprise.", Kasumi's voice was heard.
"Mom?!", Ranma said to himself just before he was grabbed by a passing Genma and both of them splashed down into the pool. Juni blinked in confusion and watched as Genma-panda waved around a sign frantically that said, {I'm just a normal panda!}. Ranma-chan emerged from the waters female and angry.
"What did you do that for old man?!", Ranma-chan shouted.
{Because I don't want either of us to die boy!!}, Genma-panda signed. Ranma-chan growled, snatched the sign and smashed him over the head with it. She hopped out of the pool wringing her shirt out.
"Shut up old man! Mom already knows! Remember! She found out about a month ago!", Ranma-chan growled out.
Genma-panda blinked a few times and then held up a sign that said, {Oh. Right. I knew that!} Juni just stared at the scene blinking. Nodoka walked around the corner and stopped seeing the scene before them. She frowned a bit at Genma and Ranma-chan.
"Ranma? What happened?", Nodoka asked.
"Oh the Old Man forgot you knew and jumped into the pond taking me with him.", Ranma-chan explain with a growl.
"Oh. Well I have returned now from my search and I regret to say I have not found a cure for your curse yet. I am sorry my son.", Nodoka said with a sad voice and moved hugging Ranma-chan. Ranma-chan sighed at the news and hugged back lightly.
"It's okay Mom. I've lived with it this long. Oh Mom guess what? Cousin Juni is here. He's living with me and Pop for the next three years! Isn't that great?!", Ranma-chan said with a grin.
"Juni? Little Juni?! Where is he?", Nodoka said with a smile. It had been years since she saw Juni, though she still heard of him from his mother when they talked.
"I'm right here Auntie Saotome.", Juni said with a smile as he stood up and pushed his glasses back up on his nose. Nodoka looked to Juni as gasped a bit and then smiled.
"Juni. You've grown so big since I last saw you. The last time I saw you I was holding you in my arms. Your mother is very proud of you I'm sure of it. You'll be living with us now?", Nodoka said with a smile and went giving Juni a warm hug.
"Thanks Auntie Saotome. Yeah. For about three years. I'm already going to Furinkin.", Juni said.
"Well then. Welcome back to Japan, Juni. I hope you've enjoyed yourself so far.", Nodoka said with a warm smile.
"Uhhh...more or less Auntie Saotome.", Juni replied and sighed a bit.
"More or less?", Nodoka asked a little confused. Ranma-chan suddenly grinned a little getting an idea.
"Yeah Mom! You haven't heard the other news have you. Pop engaged Juni to Nabiki!", Ranma-chan said and patted Juni on the back.
"He did what?!", Nodoka asked, shocked at this and gave Genma-panda a harsh glare.
{?!?!?!?!}, Genma-panda signed seeing the look his wife was giving him.
"Husband. Do follow me. We have some things to discuss.", Nodoka said and turned heading off into the house. Genma-panda lowered his head and climbed out of the pool to follow Nodoka. The two disappeared upstairs as Ranma-chan laughed at her father's misfortune.
"Don't worry Juni! If _anyone_ can get you out of this engagement it's Mom!", Ranma-chan said with a wide smile.
"Oh? Thanks Ranma!", Juni said and smiled. Maybe things were finally going his way since getting here. Suddenly a small explosion rocked the house and a loud commotion came from the kitchen.
"Oh god what is Akane doing in there!?", Ranma-chan said looking to the kitchen.
"Hey! Who are you?! How dare you bust in here like that!?", Akane's voice shouted from the kitchen. Another voice responded sounding sort of like Shampoo but different, her tone more fluid, more flowing and natural.
"I am Water! Where is my airen!?", the new voice, apparently of one Water, answered.
"Airen? Water?", Ranma-chan said to herself before the owner of the voice stormed into the den looking around. Standing there in a, what looked for all the world like a jumpsuit, was a tall, thin and rather attractive Chinese girl. The jumpsuit was definitely Chinese in style and was a light blue in color, with a dark blue circle intersecting her chest area cutting across half of it and continuing around her left side and around to her back. Her eyes were a deep almost liquid blue and her hair was a dark blue, bordering on being black, and hung gracefully down the length of her back unbound. She appeared to be unarmed.
"You! Where is my airen!?", Water demanded of Ranma-chan who blinked.
"Uhhh....I have no idea who you're talking about. What about you Juni? Juni?!", Ranma-chan asked turning to look at Juni but seeing only empty space. Juni had vanished. Ranma-chan groaned as the pieces fell into place.
"Listen you! I don't care who you are you have no right to barge in here and destroy my home!", Akane said storming out of the kitchen wielding a rather large butcher knife. Water ignored her and glared at Ranma-chan.
"Yes. Juni is my airen! Where have you hidden him!?", Water asked taking a menacing step towards her.
"Akane not now. Calm down. Listen uhhh...Water. Juni's...not here. He was but I guess he left. I'm not sure where but he'll back later I'm sure of it. You can come back then okay?", Ranma-chan said. Water paused and narrowed her eyes and then smiled a little and nodded.
"Alright. Tell my airen I will come back tonight and then we can be married!", Water said and sighed happily before turning and leaving via the hole in the wall back through the kitchen.
"Ranma? Was that girl looking for Juni for the reason I think so?", Akane asked.
"Yup. Juni has a little explaining to do. Hey Juni! You can come out now!", Ranma-chan called out. A sudden sneeze annouced Juni's presence under the couch as he began to crawl out. He dusted himself off and plunked down on the floor with a sigh.
"Great. Just what I need. I thought she'd never find me.", Juni muttered.
"Well let's see. You got here on Thursday, had an arch-rival show up on Friday and today your bride-to-be gets here. You're almost as bad as Ranma! What have you got planned for tomorrow?!", Akane said with a wry grin.
"Hey I didn't _plan_ any of this. Why me?!", Juni whined falling onto his back and throwing an arm over his eyes.
"Well Juni? Are you going to explain how you got that girl after you or not?", Ranma-chan said.
"It's a long story.", Juni muttered.
"We got time. Start talking.", Ranma-chan said with a smirk.
"Okay okay. Well....I sort of had some spare time before I actually had to be here, so I took a small side trip. To China.", Juni said as he began to tell the story.
~~Flashback~~
Juni walked along the path from Jusenkyou shaking his head and looking rather disappointed. He had arrived hoping to perhaps find a cure to his curse so he could be somewhat normal. He could not however as the guide said that jumping in another pool, even the Nanniichuan, would have unpredictable results on him because of two reasons. One being he was curse by the Tsuniichuan, which was the most potent and unstable of all the springs. Two being he was curse at a young age, meaning he could be cursed again by one of the other springs but this would combine with his current curse in some way. These two factors made jumping into the Nanniichuan a dangerous decision. It could cure him like he wanted or it might make him two people or even make him into twins joined together. The results would be impossible to judge so he did not jump into the Nanniichuan. The fact that the guide couldn't find it in the first place also stopped him from jumping in.
Juni glanced up finally after walking for however long he had been and spied a village in the distance with a set of walls built around it. He blinked a bit, and being curious approached the village and entered through the main gates. It wasn't a very technologically advanced village by the looks of things, and it looked like a lot of fighters lived here from the various damage to the buildings. He walked down the streets looking about curiously. It appeared no one was around and he was debating leaving and heading for Japan when his danger sense kicked in. He leapt up and back flipping in the air and landed holding his cane up to defend himself from his attacker. He stopped and blinked seeing it was a young woman with long dark blue hair and deep blue eyes. She stood wearing a chinese style jumpsuit of all things, light blue with a dark blue circle intersecting the chest area.
[You! What are you doing trespassing in the village of Joketsuzoku?!], Water asks of Juni in Chinese. Juni blinks a bit trying to translate her words quickly.
[Uhhhh....sorry. I....looking. No more. Just....looking.], Juni responds back in his halting Chinese.
[Hmph! Stupid foreign boy. I shall teach you to spy on the Amazons!], Water shouts and then, from seemingly nowhere she pulls out a long naginata and charges Juni swinging it.
"Ack! Hey! Cut it out! What did I do?!", Juni shouts as he jumps back avoiding her slashes.
[Come back here coward!!], Water shouts and charges after him as Juni turns and begins to run away as fast as he can. Water chases Juni all over the village as Juni desperately tries to get away. Finally Juni ducks into a side alley unseen and stops catching his breath.
{Why is she chasing me. I said I was only looking! I think....I hope I didn't offend her. That's all I need now!}, Juni thought to himself as he leaned back against a wall. He kept his breathing quiet but took deep breaths trying to think of a way out of this. A sudden loud crash of a wall being demolished nearby made him jump and start down the alleyway....and into a rain barrel knocking it and him over and drenching himself. His curse activated spliting him into two people. The two Juni's shook their heads and looked to each other. A sudden idea crossed their minds at the same time. They both nodded and grinned. One jumped silently jumped up to the roof of the nearby building, while the other darted out onto the street getting Water's attention.
"Hey! Lady! Why are you doing this! If you want me to leave I will!", Juni called out to Water. She turned and growled and brandished her naginata and spoke back in rather good Japanese.
"You have trespassed into the sacred village of the Chinese Amazons, Joketsuzoku. For that you must be punished! Prepare to die!", Water said and then leapt forward striking out and slashing in a blur of motion. Juni's instincts kicked in and he began to block all her strikes with his cane while backing up.
{Okay. Well getting out of this is beyond me. I don't want to hurt her though. Just...maybe knock her out. That's it. I hope myself thinks of this.}, Juni said glancing up and spying himself. He began to position himself and back up towards that building while blocking Water's strikes. Meanwhile up on the roof the other Juni was watching the battle his cane in hand and a frown on his face.
{What is he doing? Why is he leading her over here? We gotta get out of here. Why doesn't he just knock her out or something? Hey! That's it!}, the other Juni said with a smirk and moved over to the edge of the roof and got ready. Back down in the streets Water was smirking. This foreigner was good but he wasn't better than her. He was getting tired and backing himself into a corner. Only a few more moments and he'd be finished. Then suddenly Juni leapt back against the wall and flattened himself. Water stopped and blinked. This was unexpected. Oh well might as well move in for the kill. She tensed her hands and brought her naginata up for the blow, when suddenly she was struck hard on the head and her world became black.
Juni #2 looked up from the unconscious form of Water and rubbed his hand a bit. She had a hard head, but it worked. Juni #1 sighed a bit relieved and wiped his brow.
"We'd better get going before she wakes up.", Juni #1 said to himself.
"Yeah. We should leave her a note though. Apologizing for this.", Juni #2 said. Juni #1 nodded his agreement and quickly scratched a note into the dirt beside her and signed his name. The two nodded and headed off quickly out of the village.
~~End Flashback~~
"That's about it really. The next day I woke up and found her in bed with me. You would not believe how scared I was. Then she started getting....uhhh...affectionate and calling me airen and saying I had to go back to the village and get married to her! I ditched her a soon as I could and hightailed it here. Now she's back. Why me?!", Juni whined and fell back onto the floor again covering his face with his hands.
"Serves you right for just ditching her like that! You're almost as bad as Ranma!", Akane said and got up stalking off into the kitchen.
"How did I get into this?", Ranma, now male again, said almost to himself. Juni just groaned and began to cry to himself.
"What did I do in my life to deserve this?! I hate my life!", Juni said to himself.
"Oh come on. It's not that bad! I mean...you've only got one fiancee, one arch rival and one Amazon warrioress out to wed you! So far.", Ranma said with a smile. Juni lifted his head and gave Ranma a wry glare.
"You aren't helping. I'll be outside beating my head against a rock if anyone needs me.", Juni said and then rolled over and got up to his feet trodding off out onto the porch and sat down. He slowly looked around the yard for a suitable rock. The sound of the gate being opened and footsteps got his attention. He glanced glumly up and saw Kunou approaching a bouquet of roses in each of his arms as he strode regally across the yard.
"Ah. The wise Juni Saotome. How art thou on such a fine day?", Kunou said rather friendly.
"Hey Kunou-sempai. Uhh....I've been better. Looking for Akane?", Juni asked, his tone dull.
"Yes. I seek her radiant beauty which gives the sun cause for envy as well as that of the Pig-Tailed Girl who graces the very eyes of all mankind with her joyous presence. Wither they be, Juni Saotome?", Kunou asked.
"Inside. Akane's in the kitchen and I think the Pig-Tailed Girl is...uhh...somewhere around.", Juni said and shrugged lightly.
"Ah! My loves! Here I am to bring joy to your day!", Kunou shouted and bounded into the house. Juni merely sighed and stared forlornly out into the pond. Kunou was going to get beat up again. He winced as the sounds of carnage ensued from inside for a few seconds before Kunou was tossed out landed by the pool his head hitting one of the rocks. Juni blinked a bit and nodded lightly. That rock looked perfect to beat his head against.
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In a dark cave the form sits slowly cracking its knuckles one after the other. It is rather obvious that it is not very happy. It lets a low sigh out and glances to the man in the white cloak who is frantically doing something with his hands as the images on the screen whip by at an amazing speed, from the beginning of Johnny's arrival to the present moment. The man turns back to the form and bows low.
"I...can't explain it. She is early. Moreso than we anticipated for. The last part of memory integration isn't ready and our window of opportunity it closing fast.
"Will there be enough time to get it ready and send the last part of his memories?", the form asks in it's low scratchy and evil voice.
"Possibly, but we would have to begin immediately and it would be very close.", the man in white states trembling.
"I see....then why are you standing there instead of GETTING IT READY?!!!!", the form suddenly shouts, it's voice echoing repeatedly. The man in white jumps back from the form and bows low before turning and beginning to get the process ready.
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Over at the Nekohanten, Mousse was dejectedly wiping down tables while Cologne was at the cash register. A few people were eating at a couple of the tables, but not as much as usual on a Saturday afternoon. Cologne was wondering if she should roust up some business when the chimes at the door sounded. She turned to view the customer entering and stopped blinking in surprise. Standing there was Water, whom she hadn't seen in quite sometime. Ever since coming to Nerima as a matter of fact. She allowed a small smile to present itself on her face and hopped off the counter and onto her staff as she pogoed over and stopped in front of the young girl.
[Hello Water. You're looking well. What are you doing here in Nerima. Is this a business visit or personel?], Cologne spoke in Chinese to the young girl.
[Hello Great-Grandmother. It is somewhat of both. I am here because I have been defeated in battle...by an outsider male and he is here. I have come to bring him back to our village. I thought I would stop by and say hello to you and my sister. Where is Shampoo? I don't see her.], Water said and looked around only spying Mousse who was peering at her trying to make her out without his glasses on.
[Shampoo is out making deliveries at the moment but she should be back soon. Defeated by an outsider you say? And he is here? His name wouldn't be Juni Saotome by any chance would it?], Cologne said with a cackle and lead Water over to the counter. Water sat down and blinked in shock then nodded.
[Yes. He is my airen. How did you know?], Water asked curious.
[That is simple. I learned from Shampoo that he arrived a couple of days ago. Then you arrive looking for an outsider male. The Saotome family is very strong in martial arts my child. It was only obvious. Now, do tell me about this Juni. How did he defeat you?] ,Cologne asked and listened as Water began to tell all of the battle and how she was defeated. Across the room, just within hearing distance a man sat wearing a faded brown leather jacket. The menu hiding his face was lowered slowly to reveal a brown fedora hat on his head. Jon just smirked as he listened. It was a good thing he spent a lot of time travelling early in his life. You pick up on a lot of languages that way.
{So....Juni has a bride to be hmmmm? Well I can't let the happy couple be parted now can I? I'll have to ensure their....happiness.}, Jon thought to himself and chuckled low to himself as he continued to listen, a plan forming in his mind.
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Juni sighed to himself as he sat and shook his head. He winced as Kunou flew from the house yet again and landed in aheap by the pond. He watched him get up and head back inside yet again to get beaten up. The guy just didn't learn.
"Kunou-sempai! Could I...talk to you for a moment?", Juni called out to Kunou from his seat on a large rock by the pond. He had to put a stop to this. if only for his own sanity. Kunou stopped and turned to face Juni, pausing for a moment and then heading over to stop a few feet from Juni.
"Yes Juni Saotome? You wish to speak with me?", Kunou asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Yeah. Please have a seat Kunou-sempai. Hmmm...how to begin? Okay. Listen up. You can't keep doing this.", Juni said hoping this would work.
"Doing what, Juni Saotome? I am merely professing my undying love for Akane Tendo and the Pig-Tailed Girl. I still can not believe you do not see how Ranma Saotome keeps my two true loves from I? How could they not flock to my side in my presence.", Kunou replied and lightly ran a hand through his hair
"Uhhh...right. Well, one reason I would think is that you're coming on too stong, Kunou-sempai.", Juni said soundiong as diplomatic as he could.
"Too strong? How can I admit my love "too strongly" when it burns deep in my heart with the flames of a thousand suns!?", Kunou half shouted back.
"Uhh...trust me Kunou-sempai. There is such a thing as too much love. You're smothering them. That's...sort of why they keep rejecting you so. Loosen up a bit. I mean you've got the right idea it's just....you're going overboard with it. Flowers are a good thing but not every day. You understand?", Juni asked raises a brow. Kunou seemed to be thinking.
"I...believe so. You are saying....I am smothering them with my affection. Yes. Is it not written that absence makes the heart grow stronger? I shall leave for a month. Yes!", Kunou said and rose to his feet. Juni facefaulted and quickly recovered and held his hand out to stop him.
"Wait! No! Not that extreme Kunou-sempai. Just...don't be so....overzealous. You don't have to leave and you can still bring flowers and that just don't do it everyday. Maybe...twice a week. Also don't...grab onto them like that. Women hate it when men touch them without their permission. At least like that. I mean, they give off signals when they want you to touch them or hold them or kiss them. You know?", Juni said trying to explain.
"Signals? Explain these signals Juni Saotome.", Kunou said as he sat back down.
"Uhh...well they're different for every woman. You just gotta....look for them. You'll know them when you see them, I think. Like one example is if a woman wants you to hold her when you're walking she might, lean into you a little. You understand?", Juni asked with a small smile. He was getting through to Kunou.
"Yes. Yes I believe I do. If I were to....loosen up as you say. Treat Akane Tendo and the Pig-Tailed Girl as you say...they would come to me!", Kunou said and laughed somewhat.
"Uhhh....it's at all possible yes. You just treat women with respect and kindness. You never assume what they want. Gifts and stuff women love to get. If you really do love them, then show it to them in the right way.", Juni said with a smile.
"Yes. I thank you , Juni Saotome. Truly you are a wise man. I shall go now and think upon what you have told me. Farewell, Juni Saotome. May the fates be kind to you.", Kunou said as he rose and regally exited the yard. Juni sighed a bit and smiled. At least he was helping someone and maybe Akane and Ranma could get a little rest without Kunou hassling them now. He glanced over at the sun as it slowly moved across the sky nearing it's time to set.
"Juni! Come on inside! Mom's finally came back downstairs!", Ranma's voice called out to him from inside. Juni swallowed lightly and hoped she had found a way out of this engagement as he got up and headed inside.
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Water walked along the streets heading to where she hid her barrels. She found the small vacant lot and quickly ducked inside and went over to where she hid them. She smiled to herself seeing they were indeed still there. She rather easily pulled the two barrels from their hiding place and turned to be on her way.
"Need some help with those?", Jon Read said with a confident smirk as he stood watching her from the fence top. Water turned and scowled lightly.
"No. I do not. Go away!", Water said and turned heading for the exit ignoring him. Jon chuckled to himself and hopped down blocking her way and crossed his arms.
"Well now that's no way to treat a fellow ally.", Jon said.
"You are no ally of mine! I do not even know you! Get out of my way or I'll have to kill you.", Water stated simply.
"Of course I am your ally. You wish to wed Juni, don't you? I would like nothing better than to see you marry him. Forgive my intrusion but I couldn't help but overhear your plan back at the Nekohanten. I'd like to help you if possible. I think you and Juni make such a cute couple.", Jon said and laughed. Water paused a bit and then nodded with a smile.
"Thank you then. You just keep my airen from running away again. I'll do the rest.", Water said and continued on her way past Jon. Jon smirked and nodded heading after her. After a few moments he casually turned to her with a grin.
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Shampoo was happy. Her sister had arrived for a visit and she had been defeated by a man. Ranma's cousin of all people too. This was amazing. She hadn't seen much of this Juni fight but he seemed fairly good and Ranma had said he had fought him earlier and neither got a hit on each other. She was happy for her sister, to have finally found love.
"Great-Grandmother? You think Water stay for while. Shampoo miss not having sister around.", Shampoo said to Cologne. The Nekohanten was empty, having closed for the day. Cologne looked up from the cash register and chuckled softly.
"She may child. After all I am the village Matriarch. I can wed her and young Juni and they can stay for a while if she wishes.", Cologne said with a soft smile. Now both her great-grandchildren were going to be wed. To two members of the Saotome clan no less.
"Aiya! Shampoo hope so great-grandmother! Water is lucky. She have two husbands at times. Wonder what it be like to have two Ranma's.", Shampoo said and then began to day dream about having two Ranma's that loved her.
"Eh? What are you talking about child? Two husbands?", Cologne asked, getting a sinking feeling.
"Oh. Great-Grandmother! I forget to tell. Juni has Jusenkyou curse. He fall in Tsuniichuan. He turn into two people when he get wet. Ranma say he fall in when he only little.", Shampoo explained and watched the color drain from Cologne's face. She blinked in shock and started as Cologne leapt from the counter and headed for the door as fast as she could.
"Quickly child we must stop Water! There's no telling what will happen if she tries to curse Juni. Hurry!", Cologne shouted back and headed out the door not looking back.
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In the dark cave the form sits and watches the man in white scurry back and forth in front of him and several floating images just below the larger main one of Juni.
"Well?", the form demands.
"We are almost ready! Merely a few more minutes.", the man in white said nervously without looking back.
"We don't HAVE a few more minutes! Hurry! She's almost there!!", the form shouted out.
"Yes sir! Of course!", the man in white replied and redoubled his efforts praying as well.
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"I am terribly sorry for all of this Juni. These two were very sneaky and because of that you are in this situation. Soun has told me that if you renounce the engagement he'll agree to it however. I know neither you nor Nabiki want it, so I must ask why you haven't.", Nodoka said to Juni. The rest of the family were all gathered around the table and all looked to Juni, Nabiki giving him a rater unfavorable glare. Juni sighed and bit and looked down at the table so he wouldn't have to look at anyone.
"I can't do that Auntie Saotome. I....I made Mr. Tendo a promise that I'd help him anyway I could. The way he said it I could help him by getting engaged to Nabiki. I can't break my promise. Sorry.", Juni said with a sigh.
"No dear. Don't be sorry. You are a very honorable young man to stay in this....fiasco those two cooked up. I will find a way to help you out of this honorably.", Nodoka said and offered a smile.
"Yeah. Me too Juni. Don't worry.", Ranma added in and clapped Juni on the back.
"Thanks Ranma. Auntie. I really appreciate this.", Juni said and smiled just a little.
"Airen!!! I'm back!!!", Water's voice sounded form outside. Juni groaned and let his head fall and hit the table.
"Why me?", he mumbled to himself and lifted his head.
"You'd better get going Juni. You don't want to keep your 'airen' waiting.", Nabiki said back a hint of venom in her voice. Juni frowned a bit and rose to his feet grabbing his cane and moved to the porch door and slid it open. He blinked a bit seeing Water standing at the center of the yard with a rather large barrel just beside her. Jon was behind her over by the gate another barrel beside him. Juni's danger sense began to tingle and with a deep breath he stepped out and slowly headed towards Water, no matter how much of a bad idea his mind yelled at him this was.
"Uhhh...hi Water. Listen I already told you I can't marry you. What are you doing here?", Juni said trying to let her down easily.
"Of course you can marry me airen! I brought you a present!", Water said and turned taking the top of the barrel off, showing him it was full of water. Juni took a few steps back and chuckled nervously.
"Uhhh....water?", Juni said.
"Yes?", Water replied curious.
"No no. I mean....you brought me...water?", Juni said.
"Oh...yes.", Water said and lifted the barrel up in her arms.
"Uhhh....why?", Juni asked taking another step back.
"Because Juni. It's special water!", Jon replied with a chuckle.
"Uh-huh. Why are you here?", Juni asked a little annoyed.
"Oh, I just wanted to see the happy couple get together, that's all.", Jon said and laughed a bit.
"Shut up! We are not a couple!", Juni shouted back.
"Now hold still airen! This won't hurt.", Water said as she stepped closer raising the barrel.
"NO! Uhh...I...don't like water. Okay?", Juni said moving back more.
"You'll like this water!", Water said as she suddenly leapt into the air at Juni.
"WATER! NO!", Cologne shouted as she bounded into the yard followed by Shampoo. Water stopped in mid leap and landed gracefully, not spilling a drop of the water in the barrel.
"Great-grandmother? Why did you stop me?!", Water asked setting the barrel down.
"He's already cursed with Tsuniichuan. You can't curse him again! There's no telling what would happen!", Cologne shouted almost heading for the water.
"WHAT?! Curse me again!?", Juni shouted hearing that. Jon suddenly leapt across the yard and landed grabbing the opened barrel.
"If you want something done right. Prepare to suffer Juni Saotome!!", Jon said and leapt at Juni who leapt back and away, beginning to run as fast as he could from Jon.
"You're not cursing me again!", Juni shouted back as they moved around the yard.
"Come back here and take your punishment like a man. Well until you get cursed that is!", Jon shouted back continuing his pursuit. Water leapt up in pursuit of Jon pulling her naginataout of nowhere.
"You leave my airen alone! Come back here!", Water shouted.
"Uhhh....what's going on here?", Ranma asked blinking as he stood on the porch with the rest of the Tendo's and Saotome's watching the spectacle.
"Hello Son-in-Law. Water was planning on cursing Juni with Nyanniichuan water, getting him to marry her for the cure. Nanniichuan water. However he is already curse by the Tsuniichuan and at a young age as well. There is no telling how the waters would react on him.", Cologne explained. Ranma blinked his mind registering only one word in all of Cologne's explanation. Nanniichuan. He grinned and looked around the yard spotting the barrel sitting all alone and bounded for it.
"I'm gonna be cured!!!", Ranma shouted as he passed just in front of the chase for Juni. Water skidded to a stop and went after Ranma.
"No! Juni needs that!", Water shouted as Ranam grabbed the barrel. She landed on the other side and grabbed it as well pulling it from him.
"Hey give that back! That's my cure!", Ranam shouted grabbing the barrel back.
"No! It's Juni's!", Water shouted and grabbed it back yet again. The battle was on as the rest of the family watched Juni being chased around the yard by Jon and Ranma battle against Water in a tug-o-war for the barrel.
"It's going to be a long night.", Nabiki muttered to herself.
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In the dark cave the man in white finally stopped his flurry of movement all around the room and sighed flopping to the floor. He had never moved so fast in all his life.
"Why are you stopping?!", the form shouted at him.
"It's...finished....sir.", the man in white got out in between deep breaths.
"Oh. Well then activate it! Send the last memories!!", the form shouted. the man in white immediately jumped to his feet and began the process.
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Juni felt a wave of dizziness crash into him and flow all through him as he stumbled and fell to his knees. What was happening to him. It felt like his head was going to turn to mush. He had to get control of himself or Jon would douse him with that water. Jon landed a good ten feet away and smirked.
"Got you!", Jon shouted and hurled the barrel into the air at Juni. Revenge was his at last!! Water turned and saw Juni on his knees the barrel of Nyanniichuan flying through the air at him.
"NOOOO!!!!!!!", Water shouted and in a quick fluid motion turned and ripped the barrel from Ranma's hands once again and hurled it across the yard as hard as she could to deflect the other barrel. Time seemed to slow down for everyone watching as the two barrel soared through the air, one heading for Juni and the other for the first barrel. Juni shook his head to clear it and turned sensing the danger and looked up seeing the first barrel slowly tipping itself over just as it got over top of him. He felt a sense of hopelessness wash over him as he saw the water begin to fall towards him. He had time to think of one thing before his instincts kicked in and he ainly threw his arms up to protect himself.
{Why me?!}, Juni thought to himself. The second barrel then collided with the first but instead of knocking it out of the way, it smashed along with the first barrel, the waters mixed and continued to fall and drenched Juni.
"Airen!!", Water shouted out seeing the water hit him.
"YES! REVENGE IS MINE!!!!", Jon shouted and broke out into laughter.
"Juni!?", Ranma shouted out seeing his cousin just get cursed a second time. Just then Juni's screams began and everyone watched in shock as a light blue glow formed around his body and the water, which began to rise up in tendrils revolving around him. His form wavered and changed all of it blurred as he seemed to split into two of himself....two of himself one a girl and one a boy....two of himself both girls....just one of himself normal....one of himself a girl.....one of himself a wierd combination of the two, the glow steadily building in intensity all through this. It soon cut all visibility off of Juni and remained like that for a few moments and then it just stopped. The light ceased to exist. Everyone blinked and turned to look at Juni.
Juni lay on the ground looking as he had been. Laying next to himself was....Juni. This other Juni was dressed exactly the same as the first Juni, the glasses and clothes all the same. The only two differences was that this other Juni's hair had a slight reddish tinge to it and this other Juni was female.
"Oh my.", Kasumi said and everyone silently agreed with her.
***************************
The man in white blinked in shock and swallowed. This was bad. Very bad. He didn't want to tell his employer this news but unfortuneately he was the only was there. He slowly turned and faced the form who looked agitated.
"Did it work?", the form asked.
"Uhh...y-y-yes sir. It did but....", the man in white began.
"But WHAT?!", the form shouted. Now was not the time for a mistake.
"Uhhh....sir. It's like this. We transferred the memories intact. Everything went according to plan, however, as you can now see Juni Saotome has been split. The male part has none of the memories we implanted. He has all his original memories of the real world. The female has none of these memories. She has only Juni Saotome's memories.", the man in white replied nervously. The form remained silent for a short time and then broke out into evil laughter.
"Excellent. You have done well. You shall be rewarded as we have discussed. I need you no further. Go. You shall find your payment waiting for you at home.", the form said. The man in white sighed extremely relieved and ran as fast as he could from the cave. The form roses from it's throne and slowly descended the stairs pausing just before it's face entered the light.
"Well now, Johnny appears to be waking up. I'll have to pay him a visit and take him back home. He is of no use to me anymore.", the form chuckled and disappeared in a burst of green flames.
***************************
Slowly Johnny came to and groaned. He had a headache the size of Tokyo. He slowly opened his eyes and blinked a bit. His vision swam into focus and he saw...Ranma looking down at him.
"AAAHHH!!", Johnny shouted and backpedled away. This was not happening!
"Juni?! What's wrong!? It's me. Cousin Ranma.", Ranma said watching Johnny's face take on a look of total shock as he noticed all the others around him as well as the female version of him. Johnny's left eye twitched as he saw what looked like him, except female....and animated. This was _NOT_ happening! She was waking up. Johnny watched as her eyes opened up and blinked and slowly sat up mumbling to herself. Then there was a burst of green flames as....another Johnny appeared in the yard with an evil smirk. This one, however, looked to be about 19 years old and he had a small moustache and gotee beard and looked rather....evil. Everyone looked to the newcomer.
"What the hell?!", Johnny shouted, seeing himself appear in green flames. The evil looking Johnny smirked and snapped his fingers. Time stopped and everyone froze in place.
"Much better. As for you, you don't belong here. Say bye bye.", the evil looking Johnny said and in a burst of green flames the other Johnny disappeared. He turned back to the group of frozen people and smirked gesturing with his hands as he watched time rewind itself to back to just before the light ceased and the two Juni's were revealed. He nodded, pleased and took a step back as he began to fade from existance.
"All right people. Places please! One more time, from the top!", Johnny said as he vanished completely, just as time began to move forwards again.
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Everyone turned to look at Juni and saw he was gone and in his place was a girl, dressed in his clothes and wearing his glasses. She was rather short looking, perhaps about five feet tall at most. Her hair was a light brown color with a slight reddish tinge to it. Her clothes were very loose on her, that was easy to see. She was not as stocky as Juni had been and looked rather thin and quite beautiful looking. The glasses added to her small face, giving her look of intelligence, even unconscious as she was now.
"Oh my!", Kasumi exclaimed.
"Airen.", Water said sadly.
"Finally. Revenge is mine.", Jon said and began to laugh once again. Water whirled on him and pulled her naginata out of nowhere and charged after him.
"You I kill!!!", Water shouted and slashed at Jon who leapt back and decided descretion truly was the better part of valor and ran as fast as he could. Ranma quickly moved to Juni's side and turned to Kasumi.
"Hot water! Quickly!", Ranma said and looked back to Juni. He was so...small like this. He sensed someone nearing and turned to look at Cologne.
"That might not work Son-in-Law. The Tsuniichuan is the most potent and unstable spring in all of Jusenkyou. Add to the fact he was doused with not only Nyanniichuan water but also Nanniichuan water both mixed together....and it may be he is stuck in this form. Ranma blinked in shock and looked back down to Juni and closed his eyes.
"Juni......", Ranma said and felt his mother's hand come to rest on his shoulder with a light squeeze.
"He'll be alright Ranma. He had his family after all.", Nodoka said softly. She was about to continue when a low groan from Juni got her attention. She moved and kneeled down beside Ranma. Juni slowly rolled her head back and forth and groaned. Her eyes slowly blinked open and she stared up at Ranma and Nodoka.
"What happened?", Juni said and then her face registered the shock as she quickly clamped a hand over her mouth eyes wide.
"Juni. You got hit with the water. Both barrels. You've been....changed. You're a.....girl now Juni. It mihgt not be permanent though. Kasumi's getting some hot water for you. That might change you back.", Ranma explained trying to keep Juni from flipping out. Juni blinked back in response and lowered her hand and swallowed.
"I'm a....girl?", Juni said wincing at the sound of her voice. She lowered her head and looked down at her chest. While not as developed as Ranma's it was far from being flat. Her left eye twitched and she slowly brought her hands up and with each hand she lightly cupped her breasts and squeezed them, her eyes widening as she realized they were real. Her hands dropped and her face lost all expression. She lifted her head and looked at Ranma.
"Hot water.", Juni stated, her voice monotone.
"Kasumi's heating some now. It'll be a minute.", Ranma said wincing lightly, remembering his own times when he was trapped as a girl. Juni quickly got to her feet and then took off running into the house and up the stairs heading for the bathroom.
"Juni!" ,Ranma shouted and took off after him. Nodoka and Cologne followed as well, leaving the rest of the people downstairs.
Ranma, Nodoka and Cologne ran into the bathroom to find Juni standing in the bathtub holding the shower head above her and letting hot water drench her. From the amount of steam in the bathroom, and the fact Juni's hands were trembling, they knew it was scalding her. Ranma immediately lashed forward and knocked the shower head from Juni's hands. She whirled and punched him back away.
"GO AWAY!!", Juni shouted, her voice cracking.
"Juni. If that didn't change you it's....it's permanent. I'm sorry man but I can't let you hurt yourself!", Ranma said.
"Leave me alone! Just go away!", Juni shouted back turning away from him and everyone else.
"Ranma. Please...go downstairs and tell everyone.", Nodoka said softly to Ranma. Ranma sighed a bit and nodded leaving. Nodoka turned back to Juni and walked over taking her gently in her hands and pulled her from the tub. Juni's legs didn't support her and she fell to her knees, making soft sobbing noises. Nodoka frowned softly and slowly lowered herself, wrapping her arms around her to help comfort.
"Why me? What did I ever do in life to deserve this?", Juni said to no one in particular.
"I'm not sure Juni, but you have to be strong and accept this. If you don't, it will eat at you forever dear.", Nodoka said softly.
"Accept it?! Are you kidding! I'm a guh...girl now! How can I accept that!? I've been a guy for seventeen years of my life and now....I'm a girl. A girl. Oh God....I can't....I can't....", Juni said, breaking off as she shook lightly and wrapped her arms around Nodoka gripping her tightly. Nodoka held her back gently and softly stroked her hair and looked up to Cologne.
"Cologne. Is it possible for Juni to be cured?", Nodoka asked quietly.
"Mmmmm. I do not think so. I am sorry. The Tsuniichuan combined in a strange way with the waters from the Nanniichuan and the Nyanniichuan. Even if he were to go back to China and immerse himself in the Nanniichuan, he might not gain a male form. It could very well kill him with the level of magic already in his system. I would not advise such an undertaking. Young Juni Saotome. As this is partially the fault of a member of my family I shall nullify Water's claim on you and help you in any way I can child. I must go and find her and explain this to her. Good luck to you child.", Cologne said before bounding out the door and leaving.
"Great. Now I don't have to worry about Water or Nabiki. They wouldn't want to marry a girl anyways.", Juni said and laughed a bit bitterly.
"Juni! Shush now. Don't say such things. You are still you, no matter if your gender has changed. Will you be alright dear?", Nodoka asked softly and lifted Juni's chin up so she could see her face.
"Yeah. I'll be fine Auntie. Could you....leave me alone for a while. I just....want to be alone. Okay?", Juni asked with a small sniffle. Nodoka smiled warmly and nodded.
"Alright dear. I'll be downstairs with the rest of the family.", Nodoka said and rose to her feet and slowly left, glancing back to Juni once before she did. Alone Juni sighed to herself and slowly got to her feet. She walked over to a full length mirror and stood looking at herself. She frowned a bit and took off her glasses setting them aside for a moment as she began to loosen up her belt. She looks up at herself once more in the mirror and finishes the job and lets her pants drop to the floor. She scowls as she sees her shirt now reaches down to just above her knees and looks almost like a sleeveless dress.
"Great. Not only am I a girl but I'm a short girl too! I'm not putting those pants on again. Too damn big on me now.", Juni muttered to herself as she bent over and got her belt. She placed it around her waist and tied it there to keep the shirt from billowing all over the place. It was big enough as is, she didn't need to give people any free shows. She thanked God that her boxers still fit. She stood in front of the mirror and grabbed her glasses slipping them back on and regarded the young rather attractive looking girl that stared back at her.
"Mom is going to have a fit when she hears about this. Pop will be lucky to survive. I'd better head downstairs now before someone gets worried.", Juni said to herself and turned slowly walking out of the bathroom and down the hallway. She slowed as she neared the to pof the stairs, hearing voices from down below. It was....Ranma and Nabiki.
"Nabiki! Quit talking about Juni like that! It's not his fault you know!", Ranma shouted at Nabiki.
"I don't care whose fault this is Saotome. I will never live down if a rumor gets out that I am engaged to another girl, Juni or not! Daddy! I want you to cancel this engagement before I am completely embarassed!", Nabiki shouted back. Juni winced at the word girl coming from Nabiki. It sounded almost like a curse word from her.
"But...but....but.....", Soun blubbered and suddenly stopped.
"Soun. As much as I find flaw in Nabiki's reasoning and lack of sympathy for young Juni she is, in essance, correct. You can not expect her to marry another girl. The engagement will have to be nullified.", Nodoka said softly.
".........Very well.", Soun said calmly before he burst into tears. Juni closed her eyes and turned. She opened her eyes and clenched her hands tightly and broke into a run back into the bathroom where she stopped and glared at her reflection.
"I hate you.", Juni coldly said before she lashed out with her fist and smashed the mirror. She then grabbed a bucket and smashed the bathroom window and leapt out of it onto the wall outside and then to a nearby roof and kept on running.
~~End of Episode #03~~
Author's Notes:
Well I got another one out!*A cheer erupts from the crowd.*Well thank you. Well this one was a bit longer than I had anticipated and I was planning on making it even longer because I wanted a certain part to end it but when I got to where it is now and saw what I had written and I just nodded and let it stay as is. As you can see Juni is now a girl, permanently, and Johnny is gone. For those confused I'll explain. Juni is part of the Ranmaverse given life through the Jusenkyou curses. Johnny was brought to give Juni life but now that the curses have made a second Juni with the memories in her, Johnny isn't needed. If you're wondering about the Evil Johnny, I'll explain him in later episodes! As for Water and Jon, you'll see what's happened to them in the next episode as well as what happens to Juni, as if you can't already guess by the name of the next episode! Stay tuned! Episode #04: Every dog has their day: The Kunou Connection Go Back To Main Page
