continued from part 3
----------------------------
The next evening Shampoo, Kodachi, and Ukyo met again at Ucchan's for
dinner. All three sat at the same table, savoring cold glasses of water
and empty plates which used to contain okonomiyaki, and something
Kodachi whipped-up on the fly (surprisingly, it tasted good). Konatsu
was busy in the back, cleaning utensils. Mousse was out for the evening
on a walk, very unwilling to face Shampoo in this manner, at least, for
now. The dartboard was filled with three sets of darts, where only one
set had all three in the bull's-eye. Obviously Ukyo's work; sometimes
the ten years training in okonomiyaki-style martial arts paid off.
"So here we are again," observed Ukyo. "It's kinda strange, really,
sitting here in my restaurant, sharing a meal. Playing darts. Talking
our troubles away. Especially considering what happened last time...."
"Loneliness does attract company, after all," Kodachi said.
"Shampoo not lonely!" Shampoo protested.
"Yeah, so when are you going to ask him out?" asked Kodachi.
"Shampoo not ask Mousse out!"
"I didn't mean Mousse, half-wit, but thanks the same for admitting
it!" Kodachi laughed.
Shampoo flared in anger, but Ukyo grabbed her shoulder, and calmed her
down.
"You should drop the charade and swallow your pride," Ukyo said,
taking a sip from her glass with her other arm, "we both know you like
him." Snowball chose that moment to jump into Ukyo's lap. The white cat
purred in contentment.
"Shampoo belong to Ranma," Shampoo said.
"Let's not get into that again," Ukyo complained, stroking the cat.
The new house rule was 'no Ranma' discussions amongst the three.
"We won't stop pestering you until you date him," Kodachi said. "We
don't have boyfriends of our own to make fun of." Or was it gossip
about?
"And no wonder if crazy girl insane," taunted Shampoo.
"I'm not crazy, I'm eccentric!" Kodachi corrected. "It is such airs I
put that assures me that I find a man who can truly love me for what I
am!" Too bad Ranma, the one man who'd made it far enough into Kodachi's
heart, didn't share feelings with her. "Who started that rumor, anyway?"
"I think you did," observed Ukyo. "Your behavior says it all."
"Does not!" Kodachi replied hotly, slamming her fist on the table. "I
simply have a flair for the dramatic, a larger scope of living, than
most people. Do you see anyone else appreciate living so? Don't you know
it's best to seize the day, as it won't come tomorrow?"
"Sounds like fine words to live by," commented Ukyo. "But that's
hardly the way I'd assert it."
"Commoners!" snorted Kodachi. "Only those of the upper classes
understand the true meaning of living. People like you grope and
complain about your lots in life when you've got everything that can
make you happy staring at you in the face!"
Perhaps, Ukyo thought. Then again, Kodachi did come from a wealthy
family.Money sure did help things along.
"Shampoo hate it when crazy girl make sense."
"And I thought I was the rational one," teased Ukyo.
"Stop that! Didn't you learn anything from what I've said? Be happy
with what you have, and if you aren't then DO something about it! It's a
shame I can't have darling Ranma anymore... I tried so hard to win over
his heart."
"Again, let's not get into that," Ukyo warned, putting the cat down.
"So why do crazy girl and Spatula-girl want Ranma?" Shampoo asked. She
knew the other two girls knew why she pursued Ranma, but what of
themselves?
Kodachi answered, "Put simply, he saved my life. Now I feel I owe him
a debt which cannot be repaid. Serving him for the rest of his life as
his wife would've helped a lot." Not to mention it would help carry on
the great Kuno name; you kill two birds with one stone. "He's the only
man I've met that could truly become my future husband."
Ukyo said, "Ranchan and I were childhood friends, and at that time I
wanted to marry him."
"Hah, childhood romances. How rich!" Kodachi laughed.
Shampoo giggled, but thought about Mousse, then stopped.
"Yeah, well, Father asked Mr. Saotome to marry me to him. He didn't
want to see me alone, I suppose. Haven't seen him for a long time."
"Well, take it from me, darling, and stay away from your father,
they're more trouble than they're worth," Kodachi suggested. She
couldn't stand watching dear Brother and Father fight so much. It got so
bad one day that Kodachi was forced to choose between her brother and
father-- 'it was me or him,' Tatewaki had said. Torn between the father
she barely knew, and the brother she 'hated' so, who took care of her
for many years like a father himself, Kodachi chose Tatewaki. Of course
the choice did nothing to hurt Father; he simply didn't care about her
enough. It was weeks before Kodachi could get over it.
"Speaking of fathers, what about mothers?" asked Ukyo, taking another
sip from her glass. "I've heard nothing about either of yours."
"Well," Kodachi started, raising her own glass, "Mother left after a
fight with Father many years ago." Or so 'ol Tacchi said, as Father
never spoke of her, and Kodachi barely remembered her at all. "There
wasn't a divorce-- simply a separation, I guess. She never visits or
calls. Who knows what she's doing?"
"Shampoo's mother have responsibilities in home village," Shampoo
said. "How about Spatula-girl?"
Ukyo cleared her throat. "Where should I begin? Well, for one, I've
never really met my mother, as she died when I was very young." Thoughts
of fault entered Ukyo's mind. It can't be your fault. "Please, let's
just leave it at that?"
The three remained silent, the only noises being Konatsu in the back
room.Snowball trotted to the noise, leaving the dining room behind.
"You should ask Mousse out," Ukyo insisted Shampoo, getting back
on-topic. Conversation did tend to take side-trips during its course.
"You won't find a better man, trust me," Kodachi said encouragingly.
"Why you two try to help Shampoo?" asked Shampoo, confused.
"Speaking for both of us, it isn't right to be alone," answered
Kodachi. "I intend to raise a family, a family to carry on the proud
name of Kuno. Don't you want to raise a family, for the glory of your
name and family?"
Shampoo nodded. She was of blood to the matriarch, after all.
"Strange, isn't it," observed Ukyo, "how in the past we were bitter
enemies, and now we're here, sharing a meal, as if we were old friends."
"I wouldn't go that far, girl," Kodachi warned, eyes turning into
slits. "I must admit, though, your cooking is excellent."
"Yeah, well, you're not so bad yourself, when I can figure out what it
is you cook," Ukyo said. "That last one was French, wasn't it?"
Kodachi nodded. "My high-classed upbringing has exposed me to many
other cultures across the world. It's crepe. Perhaps I can teach the
'world's greatest chef of okonomiyaki' a few recipes?"
"I'd like that," answered Ukyo, although the mention of 'crepe'
brought back sour memories of the crepe chef, Joe, who tried to take
away Ucchan's customers last year.
"Shampoo want to learn too. Only ramen dishes Shampoo's specialty."
And it shows, both Kodachi and Ukyo thought. Instant ramen, just add
water....
"As much as I hate to admit it," Kodachi started, "we might share more
things in common than we realize. Cooking may be just one of them."
"Yeah, and Ranchan another," Ukyo said, laughing.
"Either we owe Ranma for introducing us, or we should kill him,"
Kodachi replied jokingly. Both Shampoo and Ukyo stared at her. "All
right, we won't go into that again."
Shampoo sipped from her glass. "Shampoo have idea. Perhaps song
contest?"
Kodachi peered at Shampoo suspiciously. "I thought you said you didn't
want to hear us sing?"
"Lay off, sugar," Ukyo said. "I'm game. How's this going to work?"
"All sing one song. We judge each other impartially. Losers walk
barefoot home; winner keep shoes."
"I hardly call that a decent wager," Kodachi said. "Why not the losers
eat Akane's cooking?"
"Sounds good to me," agreed Ukyo, if the losing wager was a bit harsh.
She called over her shoulder, "Konatsu! We want you here."
Konatsu entered the dining room and bowed. "What service shall your
humble servant perform, Ukyo-sama?"
"Judge our singing," Kodachi said. "Tell us which sounds the best!"
"Shampoo want to start first," offered Shampoo.
* * * * *
Jajauma ni sasenaide (Don't make me a shrew)
Note: This is a song Shampoo sings on the Karuta CD
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 1 shanten [Mahjong: 2 tiles from "ron"]
Romping love is a carp in a pond.
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 1 shanten
The sea bream of my heart wants to be embraced.
Without understanding even the reason,
Ranma, Ranma, it's getting dark.
Since I got together with you,
Ranma, Ranma,
quarreling about something or other, it's the fin de si\`ecle.
Why can't you say "I love you" more quietly?
Whenever we rival each other, I too become a shrew!
Without even ringing a bell, like a gentle breeze,
you just settled into the one-room [apartment] of my heart.
It's an inconvenience, but...
...just for tonight, it's OK (...until tomorrow, it's OK)
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 2 shanten [Mahjong: 3 tiles from "ron"]
A dancing kiss is a Sillago japonica in the sea.
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 2 shanten
The horse mackerel of love is the secret ingredient.
Every time you stare at me,
Ranma, Ranma, I get dizzy.
It looks like it's becoming love,
Ranma, Ranma,
Time out, time out, let's be friends.
Wooed with such force,
I fled the city of stars
The date I've been dreaming of
will become a marathon!
An itchy maerchen [German: fairy tale] is an aphrodisiac to a maiden.
I want to be wrapped up in your tenderness.
I'm joking, but...
...my heart has become transparent
(...sooner or later it'll become transparent).
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 1 shanten [Mahjong: 2 tiles from "ron"]
Romping love is a carp in a pond.
Yap-pap-paa yap-pap-paa 1 shanten
The sea bream of my heart wants to be embraced.
When you stare at me, Ranma, Ranma, I get dizzy,
It looks like it's becoming love, Ranma, Ranma, my friend.
Without understanding even the reason,
Ranma, Ranma, it's getting dark.
Since I got together with you,
Ranma, Ranma,
quarreling about something or other, it's the fin de si\`ecle.
* * * * *
Shampoo finished her song, Kodachi, Ukyo, and Konatsu clapping in
respect.
"So, how that?" Shampoo asked Konatsu.
"I don't know, my lady, I have yet to listen to the others," Konatsu
replied diplomatically.
"I could've guessed that Shampoo would sing a Ranma song," Ukyo
whispered to Kodachi. How typical.
"Stupid sisters play song practicing one of their stupid techniques!"
explained Shampoo hotly, remembering the utter ridiculousness the
purpose of the song served in the 'ultimate fire dragon technique'-- the
victim was forced to dance to the music, allowing the Chinese twins to
attack with a mechanical dragon costume without fear of retaliation. A
really stupid trick. "Song stuck in Shampoo's head; this Sisters'
fault!"
Kodachi shrugged, and stood up. She announced, "I'm next!" With images
of Ranma firmly in her mind, a bag of black rose petals in hand, Kodachi
began....
* * * * *
PURATONIKKU tsuranuite (Let's be Platonic)
Note: This is a song Kodachi sings on the Karuta CD. Get it for kicks :)
Nobody else at the seashore, together with you,
we reveled at the time but we settled down.
Your reticent eyes somehow scare me.
The sky, the sea, and the waves all recede in the distance.
Ah, even at the touch of your little finger, my thoughts short-circuit!
Till love grows, wait a little while.
Softly brushing away a grain of sand on your lip,
I see myself in your eyes..... ahahahahahahahaha!!!
* [Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's be Platonic--
it's a promise! Ahahahahaahaaa!!
[Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's stay Platonic--
I love you.....oooohoohooohooooo!!
Suddenly rain falls, and in a hurry, we
run for the car on the road.
Ah, when you roughly pull me by the arm,
it feels like it's broken. Be gentle.
What my heart must decide, the answer
may be known only by the endless waves?
[Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's still be Platonic
for now....ohohohohohoho!!
[Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's stay Platonic--
as painful as that may be....hehehehehehehe!
To tell the truth, when we almost kiss,
I've felt like saying you're allowed.
* [Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's be Platonic--
it's a promise! Whaaahaaaahhaaaaa....
[Follow Me]
[Me & You] Let's stay Platonic--
I love you.....ooohooohooohoooooo!!!
* * * * *
Kodachi bowed after completing her song, the others clapping. Black
rose petals adorned the floor of the restaurant. The energy the song
bestowed within her was one of the main reasons why Kodachi loved to
sing this one. For the seconds that followed the end of the song, the
Kuno girl felt like exploding; damn, it felt good!
"I take it you added the laughing yourself?" commented Ukyo, eyeing
Kodachi with a strange look.
Shampoo observed, "If Shampoo not mistaken that song dedicated to
Ranma. You still fantasize Ranma. Why?"
"Well, you did it too," Kodachi replied, almost yelling. A girl can
dream, after all.
"Well, I guess it's my turn," Ukyo said. Taking a deep breath, Ukyo
stood up. "I'm not all that good, really." A rather modest comment,
since she did win a prize at an ameteur singing contest a while ago.
Ukyo was glad none present saw the complementary video she bought
afterward; she was embarassed already because Ranma and Akane saw it.
"Don't worry, I won't mind if you skip out on our wager," Kodachi
taunted.
"No way!" Ukyo replied. This one's for you, Ranchan.
* * * * *
Mou Nakanaide (Don't Cry Anymore)
The street casts
a lonely silhouette, that's me.
The good-bye speech-- now,
I can't believe what I heard.
My heart beats like a drum,
even a klaxon.
Starting to invite tears, a lullaby.
Cheer up, don't cry any more.
When tomorrow comes,
everything will change.
Cheer up, don't cry any more.
Face the new wind and
Smile again!
I had felt like I
was totally cool.
In the car that's driving away,
a lovely kiss scene.
You and your girlfriend--
it's no mistake!
Cheer up, don't cry any more
because nothing but bad things
won't continue.
Cheer up, don't cry any more.
The sky I look up at embraces me.
Smile again!
Cheer up, don't cry any more.
When tomorrow comes,
everything will change.
Cheer up, don't cry any more.
Face the new wind and
Smile again!
* * * * *
Ukyo bowed, then said, "How's that?" It was one of Ukyo's favorites.
Part of it may be the relevence the lyrics have to her own life.
"Obviously not as dramatic as it could've been," observed Kodachi,
glancing at the carpet of black rose petals she made earlier.
All eyes turned to Konatsu. Konatsu sat unmoving, seemingly moved by
Ukyo's song. "I loved Ukyo-sama's the most."
"That's not fair!" protested Kodachi. "He's biased toward your song!"
"Well, he was the only one around, sugar," Ukyo pointed out.
Shampoo pondered for a moment, then said, "Perhaps this not good idea.
Shampoo like all songs, to be truthful."
"Same here," agreed Ukyo and Kodachi.
"Then it's settled," Konatsu said. "It's a draw." With that, Konatsu
lumbered out of the dining room to resume his cleaning.
"Nabiki Tendo doesn't know what she missed," laughed Kodachi. Images
of shoving it up her rear passed through the Kuno girl's thoughts, and
she laughed even harder.
Later that evening, after Shampoo and Kodachi left, Mousse returned
from a long walk. And the first thing that left his lips were, "So how
was Shampoo?"
Ukyo tried to bury her feelings. Somehow it still hurt to hear Mousse
ask about Shampoo instead of her... love's such a complicated matter!
Slowly, Ukyo answered, "We tried to coax her to ask you out on a date.
Who knows what's going through her head now."
Mousse nodded. "I'm sorry I had to put you through this mess, really.
You have to understand, I realize now I don't love you."
"Hey, you've said your apologies already," Ukyo replied. "I don't love
you either. We're just friends." Well, Ukyo, if you knew that before you
allowed yourself to believe you were in love with Mousse, then you
wouldn't be in this predicament! Forget it, I did know that before; my
heart blinded my eyes. The heart truly was useless.
"What I truly want," Mousse explained, "is for Shampoo to admit that
she likes me. That is what I think is most important, laws be damned.
Nothing should get in the way of true love."
How true. Ukyo was almost ready to break down as she replied,
"Mousse... you should stop worrying about me. I mean, if being with
Shampoo makes you happy, then I'm all for it. I mean, I...." She stopped
herself, trying to hold back the tears in her eyes. Wailing softly, Ukyo
ran to her room, leaving a confounded Mousse behind, alone in the dining
room.
Konatsu chose that moment to enter. "I'm worried about Ukyo-sama. She
displays a mirror that does not reflect her true feelings. She may say
she's happy, but she is not. I suspect there is something terrible
fermenting within her, and I can't do a thing to help her."
Mousse replied, "It's my fault, I shouldn't have dragged her into this
mess. She was there for emotional support when I needed it, and I took
advantage of it. Things are just too complicated now. Why is it when I
profess my love I hurt my friends?"
"Love is no simple matter," Konatsu said. "I've expressed my love to
Ukyo-sama, but she cannot return that love. But I will remain happy so
long as I can take care of her."
"Maybe," thought Mousse. "Ukyo and I are alike, you know?"
"How so?"
"Ukyo loves Ranma, but knows she can't have him. I love Shampoo, but
the difference here is that I have a chance. I still want Shampoo, but I
can't help but feel responsible for Ukyo. I can't shake the feeling that
I've used her." Wrong, Mousse, you HAVE used her, Mousse's conscience
chided, just as she used you, only Ukyo got the bad end of the stick.
She was just getting over Ranma when you came along and sucked her love
dry like a vampire would do to blood. Mousse wondered if Ukyo knew it
was a sham relationship from the beginning.
Konatsu nodded. In a way, he too shared some things in common with
Mousse. Oh, Ukyo-sama.... Misery attracts company, I suppose.
Mousse sighed. "If only Shampoo would admit her love...."
Shampoo secured the door to her room in the Nekohatten, then threw
herself on her pillow. What was it that was bothering her? She knew she
loved Ranma, that's for sure, but Mousse?
Were those two girls, once her enemies, right?
Shampoo sat up, and picked up a framed picture she'd brought from
home. It was a picture of the whole gang, taken quite a while ago. There
was Ranma, and Akane, and Ukyo, Kodachi, Kuno, Happosai,
Great-grandmother, herself... and Mousse, among others, standing right
behind her, face covered by Shampoo's own fist. Vividly, Shampoo
remembered how the photo shoot didn't turn out the way it was planned,
because, as soon as the flash went off, half the gang was already at
each others' throats.
Ah, Mousse, how long have you endured my presence? Shampoo wondered.
Since they were both three years old, Mousse continued to harass
Shampoo, professing his love and desire to marry her. At first Shampoo
was angry, especially when Mousse proposed to an animal instead of
Shampoo, but as time went on it became sort of a game between the two.
Fondly Shampoo recalled one of Mousse's ill-fated schemes to make
Shampoo jealous by having another girl pretend to love him. Of course
Shampoo saw through it right away. She hated the obsessive, love-blinded
Mousse.
She'd thought it was a joke when Mousse decided, one day, that he'd
train himself in martial arts to defend himself, his village, and
Shampoo. It wasn't a man's place to fight in a village of strong warrior
women, according to tradition, so it was a complete surprise to Shampoo
and the others when they discovered he was serious. Something happened
to him, but he wouldn't say what, not even to Shampoo. They were about
five years old then.
Mousse's training paid off in the long run, to Shampoo's amazement and
comfort. How many times had the village's warriors been challenged, and
how many times had it been Mousse who stood foremost among the
challengers. How many times had Mousse defended Shampoo from harm, even
when she didn't ask, most notably from the strange birdman on Prince
Toma's island. It was those times Shampoo admired Mousse the most.
Perhaps it should be a wonder that Mousse remained faithful to Shampoo
after all she'd had done to him. Every attack she threw at him, Mousse
wouldn't defend, purposefully leaving his guard down, and refuse to
retaliate. For the longest time Shampoo thought this was a weakness, but
now, she thought, it's the same Mousse that swore to protect her from
harm. Was this why she still cared about him?
Why wasn't she happy with Mousse? Was it because Ranma beat her in
battle, or simply pride? How, after all these years, could Shampoo yield
compassion toward Mousse, after what she'd done to him?
Shampoo threw herself back on her pillow, burying her head in it to
hide her tears.
Early Wednesday, the next morning, in the auditorium, Shampoo
approached Nabiki. Obviously business about the final competition,
Nabiki thought.
"Ah, Shampoo," greeted Nabiki.
"Nihao," greeted Shampoo. "I have word with you about final song."
Nabiki found herself a seat and sat down, reclining. "Okay, shoot."
Shampoo thought for a moment, letting the words form in her mind.
"Last night Shampoo think about song and singing at Spatula-girl's
restaurant." Among other things, that is. "Shampoo hold singing contest
to see who sing better, Shampoo, Spatula-girl, or crazy-girl."
"And...?" Nabiki asked, leaning forward in her seat, obviously
interested.
"Shampoo conclude that they not bad in song," Shampoo answered.
"Shampoo not know why she do it, but now Shampoo ask Nabiki for favor."
"Let me guess," Nabiki started, "you're asking me to allow them to
sing the final song?"
"Aiyah!" Shampoo confirmed, visibly smiling.
Nabiki pondered for a moment. "If I let Kodachi and Ukyo sing, then
what will the others say?" She stood up from her seat. "Let's go."
The two singing girls made their way down to the dressing room, where
Akane, Ranma, and Kasumi were waiting.
"So there you are!" exclaimed Akane. "What took you two so long?"
"Shampoo thinks we should let Kodachi and Ukyo sing," Nabiki
announced, shutting the door behind her.
"You know, I had that same thought," Akane said, "for quite some time,
actually." She thought back to when she and Ranma found a video in
Ukyo's room, from an amateur singing contest. Both agreed that Ukyo
wasn't bad. In fact, Akane offered to let her sing with the group then,
if they'd ever gotten together again. Of course, knowing Nabiki, Akane
knew it wouldn't happen. Nabiki believed that Doco was a fivesome, and
it should stay one. The group was her brainchild, after all.
"Hey, I can vouch for Ukyo," Ranma said, beating Akane to the punch.
She shrugged. "I can't say anything about Kodachi, though."
"Crazy-girl not bad herself," added Shampoo.
"What about the others?" asked Kasumi. "What would they say?"
"We can't play favorites," Nabiki pointed out. "And we can't let every
single band member who wants to sing have their way, you know. It's
better the way it is. No problems, no headaches in the morning."
Shampoo offered, "Younger sisters, though can't do two things at once,
need not play all the time during song. Especially this song," she said,
producing a copy of the song lyrics for emphasis, "which not require
their instrumental talent. So when time comes they either play or sing,
no problem. Pig-girl have no problem, but Shampoo don't know how well
she sing."
"I think she's okay, considering the song and dance she makes around
Ryoga," vouched Ranma. Vividly Ranma remembered what Akari did after
Ryoga returned her love for the first time; she was definitely happy,
practically bouncing off the walls. Yup, no doubt about that.
"For song not allow men to sing," suggested Shampoo. "Voices too deep
for song," she added, waving her copy of the lyrics.
"As if that part mattered," Nabiki said. "None of them voiced a desire
to sing anyway. Hmmm...."
"I think it'll work out," Akane said.
"It would be nice," agreed Kasumi.
"Perhaps you're right," Nabiki said, giving in to the votes of her
four fellows. Stone-cold Nabiki Tendo, giving-in to demands? Not if I
can help it, Nabiki thought. This wasn't giving-in, it was conceding to
valuable suggestions! "I guess there's no time like now to make a change
in plans." To Shampoo, she said, "You go tell the others, and pass them
the lyrics, okay?"
Shampoo grabbed more copies of the song lyrics, then bounded out of
the dressing room.
Kodachi and Ukyo finished setting up the instruments, a task in which
they received after drawing lots (which was done ceremonially at the
beginning and end of each day). The others were in another room away
from the stage, finishing breakfast, when Shampoo entered, seemingly
almost out of breath.
"Good morning, sugar!" Ukyo greeted cheerily.
"Nihao!" greeted Shampoo with greater enthusiasm.
"So how has a good night's sleep worked wonders for the Chinese
delivery girl?" Kodachi asked, noticing Shampoo's heightened mood.
"Shampoo talk to Nabiki. Ask for favor. She let you sing in next
song." She let the words sink in, waiting for a reaction from her
new-old friends. Perhaps 'former rivals' was a better description?
To say that Kodachi and Ukyo were ecstatic was an understatement. Both
yelled in triumph, the auditorium echoing their voices. So happy they
were that they hugged Shampoo in joy.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!" Ukyo babbled off.
Kodachi just laughed, happier than ever. Black rose petals descended
from the sky, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
"Shampoo happy for you," she started, "but Shampoo no like being
hugged by other girls...."
Right after Shampoo left Nabiki received yet another note from the
judging committee. What she read disturbed her a great deal.
Now, in the course of two days since the first band was dropped, four
more bands were dropped from the finals, and that was when Nabiki became
suspicious. It was still early morning when Nabiki stole herself away
from the auditorium and from practice to travel to the contest
headquarters in downtown Tokyo.
A few good words put Nabiki before the chairmen in no time. The
doorman admitted Nabiki into a large conference room, where several men
and women occupied seats around a rectangular table. At the opposite end
of the table from Nabiki sat the Chairman himself.
"Mr. Tokuyama," greeted Nabiki, "Nabiki Tendo."
"Yes, yes, I've heard of you," Tokuyama said. "Reputation preceeds
you, even in downtown Tokyo. You're not only the manager of the local
group, Doco, but you are also a shrewd businesswoman. Not just anybody
can receive my audience, but be quick about it, as I've an important
meeting in a half an hour."
Nabiki produced the notices received earlier in the week. "Five
finalists have been dropped from the contest in the past two days, why?"
"Ah, six now," corrected Tokuyama. "We've investigated each and every
band, and those six don't meet my expectations and guidelines I provided
in the rules. They're there to prevent legal complications, you
understand?"
"May I ask what?"
"The first band was dropped after being found in possession of illegal
drugs. The government intervened on that one, unfortunately. The second
and third got in a fight, incapacitating several band members. The
fourth withdrew voluntarily, no explainations given, none asked. The
fifth was arrested for disturbing the peace, and the sixth, well, one of
their band members has been found with several jugs of alcohol."
Tokuyama leaned forward in his seat. "You do understand, Ms. Tendo,
that these rules are in place to assure that the prize winners don't
encounter certain legal issues when we ask for recording contracts."
"Of course," Nabiki said cautiously. Not to mention to distance
yourself from legal complications; perfectly-understandable, but cruel.
It was the way of business, actually. "So may I ask how the
investigations are progressing?"
"By all means," invited Tokuyama. "The investigations themselves are
completed, leaving six qualified for the final rounds. Only the top
three will be awarded prizes, number one getting grand prize."
"Yes, I know. Thanks anyway."
continued in part 5
-------------------------------------
"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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