(continued from part 1)
----------------------------------------
The audience, which consisted of Cologne, Soun, Genma, and Nodoka,
clapped in unison. The band bowed.
"My daughters are all grown up!" Soun proclaimed as he cried in joy.
"Their mother would be so proud!!" Nodoka couldn't help but smile an
infectious grin, and patted Soun on the back.
Ukyo stepped down from her keyboard. "Um, I hope some of you don't
mind, but...."
"Well?" the others said, beaming at the okonomiyaki chef.
"Well, I...." Ukyo stuttered. "Well, it didn't sound right to me. Can
we do this again?"
In unison, all groaned.
Nabiki said, "Well, I guess we should practice more. After a ten
minute break."
The band separated their own ways, some seeking refreshment, or
relaxation after practice. Nabiki's eyes followed Ukyo in particular as
the okonomiyaki chef descended from the stage, and walked up the
auditorium isle to the exit.
It was then Nabiki noticed a flash coming from a dark corner of the
seating. Without hesitating Nabiki leaped from the stage to the place
where she last saw the flash. As she approached she noticed a dark
figure trying to creep away. Near the exit Nabiki leaped into the air
and tackled the dark-clad man.
She peered at the man in disgust. "Hikaru Gosunkugi, we meet again."
Gosunkugi dressed in dark clothes, was unmistakable, as he had black
bags hanging under his eyes. He failed to conceal a camera in his hands.
"Uh, hi."
Nabiki reached for the camera, and studied it closely. "You wouldn't
happen to be taking pictures of Akane now, hmmm?" She got up, leaving
Gosunkugi on the floor. Nabiki opened the camera and ripped out the
film. Tossing the camera back to Gosunkugi, Nabiki warned, "Don't let me
catch you invading my sister's privacy again, little man, or you'll wish
you've never heard of Nabiki Tendo. Understand?"
Gosunkugi nodded quickly, wanting to escape the middle Tendo sister's
disturbing glare. As he scrambled away, Gosunkugi reminded himself not
to get caught next time.
Nabiki's eyes followed Gosunkugi as he exited the auditorium. Akane
would thank me if she knew about this, Nabiki thought. Only if I told
her. Naw, better to keep up the cold exterior, what would people think
if it were known that Nabiki Tendo stuck up for her younger sister?
Rain seemed a bit unusual in the summer season, yet it rained over
Nerima. This little burg was known for strange weather patterns. Ukyo
stood alone near the door, sheltered from the rain by a concrete
overhang.
"Hey."
Ukyo glanced over her shoulder, watching Nabiki exit the building. The
two stood together, watching the rain.
"It's been a strange three weeks, hasn't it?" Ukyo said.
"Sure has," Nabiki agreed. "I don't think I've ever worked so hard for
anything in my life."
"You've changed," observed Ukyo.
"How so?"
"Well, for one thing, I haven't lost my money to you." Jackass! Did
you REALLY say that Ukyo?!
"I've noticed it too," Nabiki replied. Geez, Nabiki, are you becoming
THAT obvious? This simply won't do!
Ukyo said nothing, still dwelling on what she'd said. Lately, she
noticed that she'd been more loose-lipped, and thus spoke her mind
needlessly. Was Ranchan rubbing off on me? Gotta be more careful.
Nabiki looked over at Ukyo, studying her movements (or lack thereof).
The girl possessed rare beauty, Nabiki thought, too bad she hides it in
guy's clothing. I'll bet she could get any guy she wanted. Well, almost,
considering how the guy she wanted was Ranma. For a moment Nabiki wished
guys would try to pick her up. But the thought left her mind as soon as
it entered. Not _this_ Nabiki Tendo.
"I hear Hawaii is a nice place," Ukyo said finally.
"Well, if you get pass the tourist trap part of it, yeah," agreed
Nabiki. "It's one big money pit if you're not careful." Money, Nabiki,
did it always have to come back to money?
"So," Ukyo started, changing the subject, "ever meet any cute guys? Is
there someone in the world that finds Nabiki Tendo attractive?"
"Not a chance," Nabiki chuckled. "The only guy that's remotely
attracted to me is Kuno-chan, and he's attracted to any girl. He's a
real jerk, you know? What foolish girl would...."
"Well, you never know...." interrupted Ukyo.
"Are you trying to suggest something?" Nabiki said, beaming.
"No!" the okonomiyaki chef returned hastily.
"And how about things between you and Mousse, hmmm? What do you know
about guys, anyway?"
Ukyo looked around nervously, twiddling her fingers. "Um, I think I'll
go get some water...." She retreated back inside quickly, obviously
embarrassed, leaving Nabiki alone.
Well, at least she didn't hit me, Nabiki thought. Probably couldn't
say the same thing for Ranma, though....
Kuno-chan, of all people! Indeed!
The group practiced the entire weekend. It was Sunday evening, the
night before the preliminaries. At the Tendo dojo, the entire band
lounged around as Nabiki looked over the documents concerning their
entry. Although she'd looked over them when they arrived a week earlier,
Nabiki wanted to make no mistakes during the preliminary rounds. This
was when the 'amateurs' were weeded out from the 'professionals', so to
speak, even though no real 'professional' bands entered (as they were
forbidden by contest rules, for the contest was strictly for
up-and-coming bands).
The contestants were to play in downtown Tokyo (well, the amphitheater
wasn't quite in downtown), the nearest contest location to the dojo. Of
course there were other locations around Japan where the preliminaries
were held, by region. Only the top three contestants from each region
would be allowed to compete in the next stage.
Nabiki intended to be number one.
"Okay, a brief reminder of the rules," Nabiki said, catching the
attention of the others. "During the entire contest you will not use
illegal substances or drink alcoholic substances. So say the sponsor.
Second, no foul play, and that goes for you especially, Kodachi."
Kodachi stared in mock surprise. "Me?"
"None of you will throw fits of violent acts while performing, or
against other contestants or the audience." Nabiki glared at Ranma
accusingly.
"What'd I do?!" complained Ranma.
"You will not attempt to curry favor from the judges or the audience
except through your music...." The list went on, Nabiki taking deep
breaths in between each warning. "And finally, the judges reserve the
right to withhold judgment or prizes on a whim without explanation."
All gathered groaned. Ryoga stood up and declared, "If we win and are
denied our rightful prize, I'll...."
"Calm down, Ryoga," Akari said, reaching for Ryoga's arm.
"Okay," Nabiki started, "in conclusion, I want all of you to get a
good night's rest, and get up early in the morning." She spared a glance
at Ukyo, whom would have no trouble at that, for she woke up at five in
the morning each day. "We'll meet back here tomorrow morning for
breakfast, then travel to the amphitheater."
Kuno volunteered, "With the vast resources of the Kuno estate, I,
Tatewaki Kuno, shall provide ourselves with worthy transportation, for
our persons and our equipment, as is proper, since the amphitheater is
such a strenuous distance from our burg of Nerima."
Nabiki nodded. "Just make sure you don't skimp on that transportation,
Kuno-chan."
Ranma, Mousse, Shampoo, and Ryoga couldn't help but think back to the
tiny rowboat Kuno provided when the Seven Lucky Gods Martial Artists
kidnapped Akane. In their minds each harbored a hidden threat toward
Kuno.
"Mousse, I think its time to get the ball rolling," Ukyo said.
Ukyo volunteered to help cook dinner, along with Shampoo. As the grill
warmed up in the kitchen, Ukyo joined Mousse at the couch in the next
room.
"How?" asked Mousse.
"Give a girl flowers," Ukyo suggested.
"That won't get Shampoo to like me," Mousse pointed out.
"That's not the point! Don't you know? She already LIKES you!"
Mousse's face shifted to surprise. "Shampoo?!"
"Sure she does," Ukyo assured him. "She's too shy to admit it. Trust
me, I know the signs."
Mousse became elated. "Shampoo! I'm coming my darling!" he shouted,
leaping from the couch to the kitchen.
Ukyo sighed. It only made her feel somewhat better that Mousse was
happy again. Of course, her own happiness didn't quite fit into the
equation. Well, as in Ranma's case, the best thing you can do is be a
very supportive friend. It still hurts to think about the love that
never was, Ukyo thought, as it's thrown at you every day since the
wedding. Perhaps love wasn't destined for me. It hurt to be alone, but
Ukyo wasn't truly alone.
Ukyo thought back to Ranma and Akane's second wedding. It was that day
that decided the fate of Mousse: he'd stepped in the way of Shampoo and
Cologne's plot to ruin the wedding. For that, Mousse was kicked out of
his tribe, and left behind in Japan when the rest of the China gang
returned home. At the time Ukyo couldn't help but pity Mousse, and let
him stay at her restaurant as a waiter and part-time chef. But, after a
few weeks passed she'd let her guard down; she'd let herself believe
that Mousse could love another woman. In the wake of losing Ranma
forever, Ukyo succumbed to the temptation of a relationship with Mousse.
It worked out just fine until the China gang returned to Japan, when
Mousse's heart ran over to Shampoo's side, leaving Ukyo behind.
Dammit, I knew it was a sham all along, Ukyo thought to herself, and
yet, I still allowed myself to fall into it! Same thing about Ranchan; I
knew he and Akane would marry, but I didn't allow myself to accept it.
Damn love, who needs it? All it ever got me was more torment and
trouble.
Soon Ukyo could hear the sounds of a duck quacking.
Later that evening Ukyo, Mousse, and Konatsu traveled the empty, dark
but lit streets of Nerima back to Ucchan's for the night. It was when
Ukyo was unlocking the front door disaster struck.
"Ukyo-sama!" cried a nearby mailbox.
All three looked around in surprise. Ukyo watched as the mailbox
bounded her way. "Tsubasa!" she yelled in fury.
Tsubasa's head popped out of the mail slot. "Ukyo-sama! I've missed
you so!" The mailbox bounced cheerily before Ukyo.
Unnoticed by Tsubasa, Konatsu unsheathed his blade. "I suggest you
leave Ukyo-sama alone, vile fiend, or taste my blade."
Tsubasa turned to Konatsu in surprise. "And who the hell are you?" he
shouted, reverting from his cutesy-voice to his haggard, repulsive
masculine voice.
"I am but a humble servant for the mistress," Konatsu said, bowing low
to the floor, but maintaining his gaze on the mailbox-clad boy.
"Stay away from Ukyo," Mousse warned Tsubasa, "or I'll have to come
after you."
"Oooohh, Ukyo-sama has bodyguards!" taunted Tsubasa. "I've been away
too long! It was only for summer break I've been able to steal myself
away to Nerima, but look at the greetings I get!" Tsubasa leaped out of
the mailbox, throwing the skirts of his pink dress about, momentarily
confusing Mousse and Konatsu.
"Heh, wasn't expecting that?" cried Tsubasa. "You win for now, losers,
but in time Ukyo-sama will be mine!" With that, Tsubasa bounded down the
street and vanished into the night.
"Who was that?" asked Mousse.
"That THING is Tsubasa Kuranei," replied Ukyo, opening the front door.
The three stepped inside as Ukyo continued, "He followed me to Nerima
not long after I transferred to Furinkan. Ranma got rid of him for me,
and he's been back home ever since." She sighed. "I guess now that the
summer season is upon us Tsubasa has some free time. And it seems times
don't destroy old habits; I wish he'd stop dressing as a girl. Its so
embarrassing when he does that to me!"
"A stalker," concluded Konatsu. "Do not worry, Ukyo-sama, I will
protect you wherever we go, so long as that abomination roams your
surroundings."
"Thanks, Konatsu," Ukyo said in relief. Perhaps having bodyguards
wasn't such a bad idea after all. Although Konatsu preferred to dress as
a girl, Ukyo hardly felt embarrassed by his actions anymore. Especially
hugging.
"Ukyo," Mousse said, "we should get some rest."
"Sure, sugar," agreed Ukyo, "but after we all secure the doors and
windows, no telling what Tsubasa's going to do."
As Ukyo walked across the dining room, she felt a terrible pain in her
stomach. Without warning, the spasm passed.
"Ukyo," Mousse asked, "is something wrong?"
"No, nothing," she said, waving him away. Quietly Ukyo made her way to
her room and laid out her futon. The spasm came from her old knife
wound, she decided, the one given to her the night before a challenge
weeks ago. Surely it was nothing.
Ukyo stepped to her mirror, checking her stomach. No, the wound hadn't
surfaced again, in fact it was long healed, as if such a purchase was
never made in her body. Just had to make sure.
Doco was to be one of the last of the entrants to perform that day.
Nabiki stayed calm, unlike some OTHER band members who twitched
nervously at the thought of performing on stage in front of the greater
part of the teenage population in Tokyo. At that thought, Nabiki
couldn't help but feel a pang in her stomach, then dismissed it,
thinking back to her breakfast of 'morning okonomiyaki--' what was
called a 'pancake' in America, served. She hoped that was it....
The bands before them played pitifully, Nabiki thought. No way this
group would fail, not with a half-years semi-professional work behind
it. Well, for some of them, at least. Ah well, at least none of the five
girls lost their voices during the past weeks.
Soon the preceding band was booed off stage by the audience, throwing
plastic drinking cups in anger. Ten minutes was allowed between each
performance, not a lot of time considering, but there was a schedule to
keep, as the judges said. Ten minutes to shuffle the instruments on
stage and get into position.
Nabiki was glad that morning when Kuno arrived with a couple of vans,
driven by Kuno servants, to transport the band and the instruments. So
far everything was going smoothly.
She peeked out of the dressing room door and watched the band carry
their equipment on stage. Nabiki turned to the four girls, onna-Ranma,
Akane, Kasumi, and Shampoo. "Well, its almost time."
Onna-Ranma shuffled uncomfortably in her outfit. "Well, the sooner
this is all over, the better."
Nabiki couldn't help but note that Shampoo kept her distance from
Ranma. After all, Shampoo only loved Ranma's boy form, and it wouldn't
do for a girl to marry another girl. She wanted the guy, and strangely
treated Ranma's two forms as separate people.
The five girls left the dressing room and watched the others set up
their instruments. To the audience the band was all but invisible, and
it didn't help that the lights were to be on the girls instead of them.
Still, Nabiki couldn't help but smile at the thought. Well, sometimes
there has to be the unsung heroes.
At the end of the stage stood the family, Soun, Genma, Nodoka, and
Cologne, allowed the privileges of back-stage passes. Soun was already
crying with joy. Genma held a sign reading 'Tear them apart!' How
appropriate was that?
And before long, the curtains were drawn.
* * * * *
FUKUZATSUna Ryouomoi (Live Version) [Complex Two Thoughts]
(Note: It helps to see the actual music video of this song)
(Shampoo, +All) Carrying one side of romance is a burden, isn't it?
(Shampoo, +All) Isn't there even a special connection to God?
(Shampoo) On purpose, you had unkind behavior, but
In my chest's heart, gentleness was being reached.
(Akane, +All) Also repelling your pushy way of doing things,
(Akane, +All) I must reflect that it is not good even if it's not you.
(Akane) Also after that quarrel that I was not disgusted with,
Wasn't it a gloomy street at night, I regret relying upon you?
(Kasumi) Entwined by a red thread,
We are connected here and there, aren't we?
(Nabiki) Drawing strongly together with each other
(Kasumi & Nabiki) Like a puppet that is being held.
(All) Complex two thoughts not docile, both of us
(Ranma) The letters "sorry" are vanishing from the dictionary.
(All) Complex two thoughts one plus one equals one half
Worrying about wanting to cry in the dark.
(Ranma, +All) For example, take me even if I'm a boy.
(Ranma, +All) For example, take you even if you're a girl.
(Ranma) In this way, it's not personalities that are similar.
And still, we can't associate with each other, right?
(Nabiki) I'll try to find a good bed.
I'll find one for you for about 100.
(Kasumi) Your show of courage is love inside-out
(Nabiki & Kasumi) The truth was let out long ago.
(All) Simple love is good. Digital formula two thoughts
(Shampoo) I want to make love and hate clear to you.
(All) Simple love is good. I want to meet your kiss to a degree.
I want to become that sort of adult.
(Akane) Complex two thoughts not docile, both of us
(Ranma) The letters "sorry" are vanishing from the dictionary.
(All) Simple love is good. I want to meet your kiss to a degree
I can say "sorry." I want to possess gentleness.
Complex two thoughts one plus one equals one half
Worrying about wanting to cry in the dark.
* * * * *
It was not long after the song was over the crowd shouted for an
encore. To which the judges unanimously awarded Doco a place in the next
level of competition, also to be held in Tokyo in another week.
It was then the judges asked for a stage call. To which Tatewaki Kuno
told the band, "This is the chance for all the world to see the great
Tatewaki Kuno in all his glory, displaying his musical talents in full
view of the rest of the city! Someone must properly introduce me."
To which Nabiki answered with this as she stepped on stage:
* * * * *
Kunou-chan ga Yatte-kuru [Kuno-chan is coming around]
Everyone in the neighborhood,
Kuno-chan is coming around
Scattering his perversion,
Kuno-chan is coming around
Hey hey hey hey hey, you there,
you mustn't cross this line.
He won't bite you! It's all right.
If you want a good seat, come earlier.
Kuno-chan, Kuno-chan,
I don't hate you, a-ha!
(To which Kuno yells): Nabiki Tendo, I won't come on stage like that.
* * * * *
Each member of the band congratulated each other for a fine night's
work at the Tendo dojo later that evening, placing first among the Tokyo
district entrants. Soun cried a knee-deep puddle of tears where he stood
when the judges announced the band, and the trickle continued all the
way home, and on. He was so happy!
"I was thinking," Nabiki shouted, catching everybody's attention,
"that we should mix up our entry a bit."
"How so?" asked Kasumi.
"The contest allows for multiple songs. I think we should do something
different this next time around."
"That's not a bad idea," voiced Akane.
Nabiki raised her voice again. "Okay, people, we have one week to get
a second song down. I expect to see you again tomorrow morning at the
auditorium."
The others couldn't help but groan simultaneously.
A few days later Nabiki found herself alone with Tatewaki Kuno. Why?
She just had to know.
"Kuno-chan," Nabiki started, "I've never seen you be so selfless
before. Why?"
Kuno smiled, then said, "For several reasons, my dear Nabiki Tendo.
One, if it makes my dear sister happy, then I'll do anything for her.
Two, if it makes Akane Tendo happy, then that is an added bonus. Three,
I'm sure I'll find a good chance to smite that vile Ranma Saotome when
he's out of his grounds."
"You're kidding," Nabiki hoped.
"No, I am not."
That's all I wanted to know, Nabiki thought. But she couldn't resist
asking, "Kuno-chan, is there any girl out there you truly want?"
Kuno pondered for a moment. "The pig-tailed goddess was a simulacrum
created by Ranma Saotome to toy with my affections and my loving heart.
As I cannot have either the pig-tailed girl or Akane Tendo, I find I am
very much alone. I find that there isn't a woman waiting to jump into
these caring arms, to make myself complete! One day, Nabiki Tendo, the
pig-tailed girl of my dreams, in whatever shape or form, will jump into
these arms. I've only to find that special person."
"Sorry I asked," Nabiki said. Nabiki thought, there's nobody in the
world for Kuno. Pity, just as there wasn't a person for Nabiki Tendo as
well. Stop that thought right there, Nabiki! Where did that one come
from?
"Are you trying to suggest we go out on a date?" Kuno asked.
"Oh come now, Kuno-chan," Nabiki countered, "why would a girl like me
ask a guy like you out on a date?"
"Point taken," Kuno said. "Hmph, to think, one such as I, Tatewaki
Kuno, on a date with Nabiki Tendo? Preposterous!"
"Same here," agreed Nabiki.
Thursday evening after practice Ukyo and Shampoo were playing darts at
Ucchan's. The dartboard hung on the dining room wall. The restaurant was
empty, as it was well after the dinner rush.
As Shampoo threw her first dart, Ukyo asked, "So how are things going
between you and Mousse?"
The first dart missed its mark. "Shampoo no like Mousse!"
"Don't lie to me, I saw the look in your eyes," Ukyo persisted.
The second dart missed as well. "Shampoo belong to Ranma!"
"But you know he can't love you, just as he can't love me or Kodachi.
And just the same he can't be your husband. Akane has him."
The third and final dart missed. Shampoo turned to Ukyo, saying, "So
what if Shampoo like Mousse? What is it to Spatula-girl?"
Ukyo picked up three darts of her own. "Mousse is a sweet guy. I can't
stand to see him down all the time. Being with you makes him happy."
"Then why you not marry Mousse?" asked Shampoo.
"Don't you see?" started Ukyo, raising the first dart, "for some
reason beyond our comprehension, he loves YOU." Letting the dart go,
Ukyo added, "Even when we were dating, he couldn't stop thinking about
you."
The first dart hit bull's-eye. "Shampoo never marry Mousse."
"Then why did you miss all three of your throws?" Ukyo countered.
"Your problem is," throwing another bull's-eye, "you don't want to admit
it, to yourself or to anyone. That old tradition of yours was just a
convenient excuse to stay away from him. Well, I have one thing to point
out to you: the law's been repealed, and there's nothing to hide behind
anymore."
"Aiyaa," admitted Shampoo. "Sometimes Mousse shower Shampoo with too
much attention, so Mousse become annoying. Silly goose not a bad
person."
"So why not ask him out? Or let him take you out?"
"Shampoo must marry Ranma. Shampoo belong to Ranma alone."
"He's already married, and there's nothing you or I can do about it."
Ukyo threw her last dart, another bull's-eye. Turning to Shampoo she
said, "Take it from someone who knows, it's no fun being alone. If not
Mousse, then who? It's a fate I can't wish on my worst enemy."
"Shampoo still hate you, Spatula-girl."
"Same to you, Chinese bimbo."
It was then Kodachi joined the two girls, having finished her meal.
"Oh, a simple game of darts. One in which I, the Black Rose, have
proficiency in." Reaching for her ribbon, Kodachi snatched Ukyo's darts
from the dartboard in one swing.
Her back to the dartboard, Kodachi produced a mirror. "So here we
are," she began, "three boyfriend-less brides. Funny, we chase after the
same man, one only one can have, and yet none of us got him."
Ukyo sighed. "You too, huh? At least Shampoo here has another one."
"Shampoo no like Mousse!" Shampoo protested again, with even more
heat.
"I thought so," Kodachi said, throwing her first dart. It barely
missed the bull's-eye. "You DO have another boyfriend. Probably lucky,
too, since there isn't another man in Kodachi's life."
"Same here," Ukyo said.
"Don't you have that sissy-man, your 'waitress?'" Kodachi asked,
throwing her second dart. Bull's-eye.
"Konatsu doesn't count," Ukyo replied. "I don't love him, he loves
me."
"Are you sure about that, darling?" Kodachi taunted, throwing her
third dart. Barely missed bull's-eye.
"I want a man, jackass," Ukyo countered. "Getting with Konatsu is
like-- getting with another girl. Blech!"
"Shampoo no see problem for tomboy Spatula-girl," Shampoo giggled.
"Stop it," warned Ukyo, hand reaching for a pair of spatula-darts.
"All right, that's enough, girls," Kodachi said, stepping between the
two girls. "If I didn't know any better you two behave like sisters."
All three girls shuddered at the thought, then sat at a nearby table.
Ukyo picked up a glass of water, and the other two girls did the same.
"So, here we are, dumped by the same man at the same time." She raised
her glass. "Well, to us boyfriend-less girls."
Kodachi raised her own glass. Shampoo hesitated for a moment. "Shampoo
have boyfriend!"
"Ah yes, Mousse...." Kodachi commented. Shampoo glared at her. "To us,
then."
"To us," they agreed, then drank their glasses.
Silence followed for a few minutes, as each girl felt the cool water
travel down their throats. Soon all three glasses were set on the table,
the three lying back in relaxation.
"Well," started Kodachi, breaking the silence, "so what's with that
Tendo girl's ire against us, Ukyo?"
"About what?" asked Ukyo.
"Singing. The hussy doesn't appreciate my melodious voice!"
Shampoo said, "Perhaps voice not be problem."
"What do you mean?" asked Kodachi.
"Perhaps it be you!" Shampoo accused.
"Hey!" Ukyo complained. "How can I be just as hated as Kodachi? What
about YOU?!"
"She's right," agreed Kodachi. "What makes you think she likes you any
more than us?!"
"Shampoo can sing!" the amazon proclaimed.
It was then when Kodachi and Ukyo jumped Shampoo. Konatsu watched from
the next room, holding his little white cat, Snowball, in his arms,
stroking her head. And it was looking so good for them, too.
(continued in part 3)
---------------------------------------
"That's my story and I'm sticking to it."--JMS, creator of Babylon 5.
"If you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die."--Kosh, Babylon 5.
"Jump. Jump now!"--Kosh, Babylon 5, making some sense.
--Razorclaw X
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