Hello all!
This is my third attempt at posting this fic. :( I've tried the past two
weekends and they never appeared on the list. So, I'll try again. :|
It's been a while since I last posted THCOL "Visits." So I decided to
post the first part of this side story. It goes between THCOL chapter
three "The Fight" and chapter four "Visits." This is in response to the
C&C on "Visits." It is also my third (now fourth) re-write of "The Trial."
*sigh* Thanks to work and little personal time, I haven't been able to
properly work out this story, so I would really love some C&C and
suggestions on easing the choppiness. I'm not too proud of the quality
of this story, but I'm sure it can be whipped into shape with your help. ^_^
If you are unfamiliar with the "The High Cost of Loving" (THCOL) series,
it is on my web page. The URL is at the bottom of this story. :)
I've dropped an intro passage with Ukyou's POV from this post, but I left
it in the version on my web page.
Ranma on the witness stand is next. Heh.
BTW, let me know if the Judges' names make any sence.
============================================
Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction
"The High Cost of Loving"
"The Trial"
by Suds-kun (Shaun Schillinger)
============================================
Ranma 1/2 characters are created by and copyright Rumiko Takahashi.
Published by Shogakukan Inc. and VIZ Comm.
Used without permission.
Story copyright Shaun Schillinger.
The following characters copyright Shaun Schillinger: Officer Chiro
Masuto, Officer Hidetaki Taro, Officer Tanaka Turo, Officer Kusimano
Michio, Officer Chikoa, Captain Sumisu Jimu, Judge Chigau Yukio, Judge
Kesshite Kenji, Judge Shi Kisu
============================================
"Hurry up and get in the car, Chiro-san. We need to get you to the scene
of the explosion immediately."
Masuto finished pulling on his jacket and climbed into the police car.
He took his white gloves from his mouth and put them on. "Can somebody
update me on what happened?" He asked as the car pulled onto the street.
Officer Hidetaki turned and looked at him with a half smile. "It seems
Saotome-san destroyed another restaurant. There are five injured,
including Saotome-san, and one missing."
Masuto sighed. "Was it another fight?"
"Hai. Witnesses say it was Hibiki-san. Do you know who this is?"
"Hai. Hibiki Ryouga. The two of them have been fighting each other for
almost a year. Hibiki-san threatens Saotome-san, Saotome-san laughs and
beats up Hibiki-san."
Officer Tanaka spoke up from the front. "This is the third restaurant
destruction where Saotome-san has been involved. We pulled your butt out
of bed because you're the most familiar with this Saotome-san. Furinkan
High and his neighborhood are on your beat. Saotome-san has to be
brought under control. It's a disgrace to the department to let this
delinquent continue destroying businesses. Someone will be killed if
this goes on, and it will be our fault for not putting a stop to his
rampages."
Masuto sighed again. "Who's missing?"
Officer Kusimano replied from the driver's seat. "The initial report is
that Saotome-san fought Hibiki-san in a restaurant, ruptured a gas main
and ignited it to destroy the restaurant. Saotome-san and four
bystanders were injured. Saotome-san was thrown clear of the explosion,
while Hibiki-san is unaccounted for. Most likely he is buried in the
burning rubble of the restaurant."
"Before we start interviewing the witness, I need to tell you about
Saotome-san and his father." Masuto paused before continuing. "This may
fantastic at times, but it is the truth and the department has it
documented. Saotome Genma has engaged his son to unknown number of girls
Currently Tendou Akane and Kuonji Ukyou are the only legitimate
fiancess."
"Legitimate?" Asked Hidetaki.
"Hai, it's a long story. There are two other girls who are chasing him.
One is a Chinese girl by the name of Shampoo who works at the Neko
Hanten. The other is Kunou Kodachi, daughter of the Furinkan High
Kouchou."
"Neko Hanten? That's one of the restaurants where Saotome-san was
involved in its destruction. He's dating the owner's daughter? Talk
about a lady killer." Officer Hidetaki sniffed in disdain at the
thought.
"Also," interrupted Masuto, " Saotome-san's father took him to China on
a training trip. While there, they were both cursed."
"Cursed?" Shouted Tanaka. "You're kidding, right?"
"No I'm not kidding. Let me finish. When splashed with cold water,
Saotome-san turns into a girl. Hot water turns him back His father turns
into a Panda."
"That explains part of the report." Commented Officer Kusimano. "
Saotome-san was referred to as an injured female."
"Exactly, when dealing with the Saotome-san and his friends or enemies,
be prepared for anything weird or unbelievable."
Officer Kusimano brought the police car to a stop behind one of the fire
engines. "Rember, we are to interview everyone and gather as much
information as possible. This wasn't an accident and innocent citizens
were injured. So, do _not_ make any mistakes. Understood?"
"Hai!" The officers shouted and exited the car. They quickly spread out
and moved toward the group of bystanders.
===
"Attention, Mina-san! Let's get this meeting underway." Officer Chiro
Musato winced as he thought about the meeting and his part in it. From
the comments of the other officers, the meeting was going to be
spectacular. They had been asking him if it was true about the Saotome
suspect.
"Chiro-san, are you prepared?"
Musato smiled nervously at his captain. "Hai. But I do not like what is
goin on."
Captain Sumisu gave Musato a stern look. "Remember, the evidence we have
gathered so far is quite clear. Saotome-san killed his rival and had
more than one reason to do so. Today we are going to make the final
decision."
Musato bowed to the captain and made his way to the front of the room
and took a seat next to a chalkboard. He then waited for the captain to
continue.
"I want to welcome back officer Hidetaki from his medial leave. It is
good to see you up and around from the gas poisoning at the Kuno manson.
Everyone should remember to be careful with these martial artists. They
might follow Saotome-san's example in ignoring the law. Because of this
we must prove Saotome-san is a murder. Any doubts or questions must be
thoroughly investigated. To that end, this will be the last meeting of
the Saotome task force. Officer Koya's report is Saotome-san last chance
for exoneration. Officer Koya, report."
"Hai." Officer Koya stood from his seat and pulled out his notebook
along with his written report. "Officer Chikoa and I went to the Unryuu
farm to interview Hibiki-san's girlfriend, Unryuu Akari. They operate a
pig farm and train sumo-wrestling pigs. Their champion pig,
Katsunishiki, is six feet tall, weighs well over five hundred pounds and
is very strong. I was greeted by Unryuu-san's grandfather, who invited
us inside and offered us some tea. He explained that his granddaughter
has had a difficult time accepting the death of her fiancee. Also, she
took one of the baby pigs, dyed it black and is calling it 'Ryouga-
sama.' When I first saw her, she was taking care of this small pig. I
compared it to a picture of Hibiki-san as P-chan. They looked similar,
but I couldn't tell from the bandages that were on the pig."
"She seemed to act normal, except for the fact that she believed this
pig was Hibiki-san. I took the opportunity to pour my tea onto the pig.
The pig did not change or move. However, Unyruu-san became upset. She
said that she would have to wash the pig again. Officer Chikoa and I
completed our interview and the search of the farm. There was no
evidence of any male living at the farm, other than Unryuu-san's
grandfather. As a point of fact, we only found evidence of Unryuu-san,
her grandfather and the pigs living on the farm. The grandfather
informed us that he would be seeking professional help for Unryuu-san to
help her deal with Hibiki-san's death."
Officer Koya bowed, handed his report to the captain and returned to his
seat. The captain then walked over to the large chalkboard. Written at
the top was the name 'Saotome Ranma'. Underneath that was a list of
charges. The stretched from one side of the board to the other.
Destruction of property, assault and battery, negligence, public
disturbance and lastly murder. Each of the charges had been circled when
they were finalized. Except for the last charge. Underneath the list of
charges was the heading 'alibis' with a list of names and brief
descriptions. Each name had a line through it except for Unryuu Akari.
The captain picked up a piece of chalk and drew a line through the last
name. He then circled the word 'murder'.
"Officer Chiro. You have the honor of arresting Saotome Ranma for the
murder of Hibiki Ryouga. Officers Kusimano and Tanaka will assist you.
Office Chiro, will you need more officers to make the arrest?"
"No, sir. Saotome-san will not be a problem. Unlike his father, he has
honor and will accept the arrest."
"What of his girlfriends? Hidetaki was almost killed by the Kuno girl."
Musato looked at Officer Tanaka. "I'm relying n Saotome-san to protect
me."
Officer Kusimano slapped Musato on the back. "We're finally going to get
Saotome-san off the streets."
Musato groaned as he stood. "You're going to drive, right?"
"Hai. As soon as you have the warrant, I'll be waiting in the car."
Musato felt another slap on the back and turned back to Officer Tanaka.
"Hurry up and wait, Chiro-san. Let's get some tea while the paperwork
comes through."
"Hai." Musato replied with sigh. "I'm not looking forward to the arrest.
The Tendou family will not like this."
"Don't worry, Chiro-san. We have to enforce the law and sometimes that
includes arresting a family's loved one. It sounds like the Tendou's are
good people and will understand, so cheer up."
===
The knock on the door interrupted her thoughts as she prepared the
evening meal. Absentmindedly she wiped her hands on her apron as she
walked to the door. All of Ranma and Akane's friends had stopped by to
visit. Except for Akari-chan. No one had seen in so long. Taking a
breath she smiled and slid the door open.
"Konbanwa, Tendou Kasumi-san."
Kasumi easily recognized Officer Chiro, but could not recognize the
other two officers. Other two? There's three officers standing in front
of her. Her eyes lost focus, as their purpose became clear to her. With
practiced ease her smile stayed intact as she greeted her guests with a
bow.
"Konbanwa, Chiro-sama. How are you and your friends this evening?"
Masuto cleared his throat and returned the bow. "Very good, Tendou
Kasumi-san. The men with me are Officers Kusimano Michio and Tanaka
Turo. We are here to speak with Saotome Ranma-san. Is he home?"
Kasumi nodded. "Please come inside and have some tea while I call for
Ranma-kun."
The three officers followed her inside. Each one making a quick study of
the layout of the room and the entrances and exits. "No thank you,
Kasumi-san, we won't be long."
Kasumi turned away with a sigh. "Ranma-kun! You have some visitors!
Father! Uncle Genma! Will you come here?"
Ranma walked down the stairs with Akane following him. Upon seeing the
officers he paused before taking the last step to the floor.
Akane noticed the officers and quickly called over her shoulder. "Nabiki
Oneechan!" She then caught up to Ranma, grabbed his hand and gave a
quick squeeze.
"What is it Akane-chan?" Nabiki looked down the stairs and saw the
officers. She immediately understood what was going to happen and made
her way down the stairs to stand beside her sister.
"Kasumi-chan, what ...." Soun's voice trailed off as he looked at the
officers. Genma was beside him but did not speak. He just stared in
shock.
Officer Chiro bowed. "Tendou Soun-san, Saotome Genma-san. I am Officer
Chiro Musato, these are Officers Kusimano Michio and Tanaka Turo. We are
here to speak with Saotome Ranma." Musato turned to Ranma and pulled out
an envelope. "Saotome Ranma-san, I have a warrant for your arrest for
the murder of Hibiki Ryouga. Please, come with us."
"NO!" Akane had a hold of Ranma's arm and was shaking. Partly from
anger, partly from fear. "I won't let you take him from me! You can't
have him!"
Soun immediately broke out in tears and wailed about the loss of his
future son-in-law.
"Let me see that!" Barked Nabiki as she grabbed the warrant from
Masuto's hand. "Murder of Hibiki Ryouga, assault and battery .... What
is this? There's no body! Ryouga-kun's just lost!"
"Nabiki-chan has a point, Chiro-sama." Kasumi spoke calmly, she hoped to
defuse the volatile situation.
"I can't give you details," replied Musato, "but the remains of a small
pig were found in the wreckage of the restaurant. Saotome Ranma-san, you
are to come with us." Musato pulled out a pair of handcuffs and walked
toward Ranma.
"NO! YOU CAN'T HAVE HIM! HE'S MINE! HE'S GOING TO MARRY ME! YOU CAN'T
TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME!"
Ranma broke free from Akane's vise like grip and held her by the
shoulders. "Akane, please don't do this. I didn't kill anyone and a
trial will prove my innocence. Just calm down and don't do anything
impulsive. Remember what happened to Kodachi? She's sitting in jail
right now for attacking a police officer." He looked down at Akane's
tear streaked face. "Don't cry Akane. I'll only be away for a little
while, until it's proven that I didn't kill Ryouga." Ranma leaned over
and kissed her. Akane wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed
back.
Kasumi's smile faltered at the sight of the intensity of their kiss and
how much the two of them loved each other. She looked around and saw
that everyone was watching the kiss. Except for Uncle Genma. He stood
there as if in shock, not moving.
Akane broke the kiss and hugged Ranma. "Don't leave, Ranma. Please don't
leave me alone."
"I'm sorry Akane, but I have to go with these officers." Ranma hugged
her and stepped out of the hug. He then turned to his father.
"Son...."
"Pop, tell mother what happened when she gets back tonight."
Genma nodded his head.
Ranma turned to the officers. "I'm ready."
Masuto nodded and slipped the handcuffs on Ranma's wrist turning him
around. He then pulled back Ranma's other arm and finished handcuffing
him. In silence Masuto bowed and lead Ranma out the door.
Kasumi slid the door shut and looked at her little sister. The color had
gone out of her face and she had a far away look in her eyes. Kasumi
walked up to Akane and stood beside her.
Nabiki did likewise. "Don't worry Akane, I'll have a lawyer working on
getting him out before he even reaches the police station."
Kasumi started to say something comforting when she notice Akane's eyes
roll back into her head. "Akane!" Instinctively she grabbed Akane before
she fell over. Nabiki had a hold of Akane's other arm. The two of them
lowered her to the floor. Kasumi quickly checked her over to make sure
that she was all right. "We need to get her to her room."
Genma silently walked over and picked up Akane. With great care he
carried her up the stairs to her room, Kasumi and Nabiki following.
"My son will come back for you, Akane-chan. I know he will."
============================================
For those of you that made it this far....
I do have part of the court room scene already set up, but I can't
stand reading it. That's how bad it sucks. yuch.
Also, I hope to post the revised "Video Girl Akane" chap one.
A new story, "Ne, P-chan?", should be out this coming soon.
============================================
--
suds-kun (Shaun Schillinger)
suds1964@tir.com
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/8222/
"THIS time, we didn't forget the graaavy!" Cat & Mouse to Dog