After careful reediting (not to mention careful double-checking of some
of the important facts), I think this one's ready to be posted.
C&C, as always, is welcomed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
#9: The Past is Prologue, part 1: Ukyo
The Wheel of Fire, Part 3: Doco-- Turning Point
Written by Razorclaw X (spiceoflife@hotmail.com)
http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 and characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. And
all that other good stuff. Proper licenses belong to respective properties
and characters. The manga has precedence over material in the anime.
This file can be freely distributed so long as it appears in its complete
form and proper credit. No part may be reproduced for monetary gain without
permission from the author. (to which the answer is probably "no")
Author's note: This series takes place after the final manga story, Vol.
38, after my previous fics, "Moments of Transition," "Team Ranma vs. the
Orochi Assassins," "End of the Beginning," "Descending Spiral," "Specters,"
"The Law of Amazons," "Doco in the Battle of the Bands," and "Doco in
Hawaii." Knowledge of the previous stories helps in understanding the minor
details of the story (see "Plot Points"). The final story in Part 3:
Turning Point.
Part 1 deals with Ukyo's past, the present, and the future.
Plot Points (from previous stories)
==================================
1. Ranma and Akane are married.
2. Ryoga and Akari are engaged to be married at the Unryu Farm.
3. Mousse was banished from his tribe by Cologne. With persuasion from
Shampoo and the twins, Cologne allows Mousse to work and live at the
Nekohatten again. Of course, acceptance back into the tribe is another
matter entirely, since there's still tension between Mousse and Cologne.
4. Mousse and Shampoo have reached an understanding.
5. Kodachi and Tatewaki have reached an understanding.
6. Kodachi, Ukyo, Akane, and Shampoo have reached an understanding. They
treat each other like old friends, as there's no reason to fight anymore.
7. Ling-ling and Lung-lung work as draw girls at the Nekohatten. They've
become disillusioned with their tribe's ways, but keep it to themselves.
8. Both Kunos know that Ranma and the pig-tailed girl are the same person.
While Kodachi accepts this, Kuno's hatred of Ranma was intensified, since
the sorcerer Ranma toyed with his fragile heart.
9. Kodachi and Pantyhose Taro admit an affection for each other. Part of
Kodachi's reason is so she can win her bet against Asuka the White Lily, but
Taro is actually flattered about it.
10. Ukyo discovers she can manipulate chi, but as of yet it manifests only
in her okonomiyaki. With proper training she could become more powerful than
Ranma, according to the minions of Orochi.
11. Nodoka insisted that Ukyo join her family to remove her past dishonor.
While Ukyo accepted, she opted to retain her name for duty to her family.
12. Doco (Ranma, the Tendo sisters, the Kunos, Shampoo, Mousse, Ling-ling
and Lung-lung, Ryoga, Akari, Ukyo, and Konatsu) goes semi-professional.
------------------------------------------------
Opening: Don't Cry Anymore (aka Ukyo's song)
(Ukyo) On a street corner, shining down is
The lonely silhouette which is me
I just heard the line "good-bye" from you
Without quite believing it
My heart beats as though they're drums
Against my chest
Which brings forth tears,
A lullaby
Cheer up, don't cry anymore.
Once tomorrow's here, it'll all be different
Cheer up, don't cry anymore.
Set yourself against a new wind, and
Smile again!
I had felt like
I was totally cool.
In the car that's driving away,
I can see a lovely kiss scene.
You and your girlfriend--
It's no mistake!
Cheer up, don't cry anymore
Only bad things won't continue
Cheer up, don't cry anymore.
I look up and embrace the sky.
Smile again!
Cheer up, don't cry anymore.
Once tomorrow's here, it'll all be different
Cheer up, don't cry anymore.
Set yourself against a new wind, and
Smile again!
* * * * *
The train pulled to a stop at a station in the middle of rural Kyoto.
The first step Ukyo made off the train she was hit by a sudden thought:
how the hell am I going to find anything here?
The seventeen-year-old okonomiyaki chef gathered her baggage and
walked to a nearby bench. Actually, she'd only allowed herself one small
bag and her bandoleer, which might have been considered traveling light,
but it seemed like too much to Ukyo. She knew she shouldn't go anywhere
without her weapons, at least; that was a hard lesson indeed.
Lying back against the bench, Ukyo sighed. After all these years, you're
finally coming home-- what would Father say? Hell, Grandpa might have a
heart attack. As far as the family was concerned, you were gone.
Then again, this wasn't quite the same 'home,' either.
According to her own research (and confirmed by both Nodoka and Nabiki),
the Kuonjis were now living in rural Kyoto, well-away from the city, in one
of the poorer neighborhoods, actually. The search was exacting, to the
precise address and directions from the train station. Ukyo let out another
sigh; perhaps, had she not run away so long ago, the family wouldn't still
be in poverty today.
She shook her head. No, it wasn't good to think like that.
Ukyo had left Nerima with little fanfare-- well, unless one considered
what Kuno tried to do. He caused quite a stir at the train station, as the
richman tried in vain to persuade Ukyo to stay. Ukyo didn't know whether to
consider the attention flattering or annoying; Kuno did have good taste for
dates, but he never stopped trying to profess his love-- why doesn't he
talk about other things like normal guys? Couldn't he show-off his cars
instead?
She left the care of her restaurant under Ranma and Konatsu, both who
promised that the building would still be in one piece when she got back,
whenever that was. Ukyo didn't plan on being gone for more than a week, but
sometimes things do not go as planned. Konatsu could cook decent
okonomiyaki, but he was terrible at handling money. Ranma could handle the
money, but couldn't make a good enough okonomiyaki. They deserved each
other, Ukyo thought, stifling a laugh.
The day before she left Ukyo had received a wedding invitation to Akari
and Ryoga's wedding, to be held at the Unryu farm. But, since her trip
ran over the wedding date (which would be in two days), the chef declined
with the utmost respects. Ukyo was certain that both Ryoga and Akari were
disappointed, but it couldn't be helped; family honor came first.
Well, I suppose now is a good a time as any to get going, a weary Ukyo
mentally told herself. Sunset's coming... should've taken an earlier train.
Now I gotta find this place before it gets dark.
A few miles walk from the train station Ukyo stood before the walled
lot of the home where her family currently resided. The house looked old and
run-down, just like all the other houses in the tiny rural neighborhood, as
the wood appeared rotted in places, and unpatched holes were evident in
several locations. The walls surrounding the lot looked no better; the paint
was peeling in multiple areas, and Ukyo spied termites moving about as well.
She fumbled through her pockets, her fingers grasping hold of a small
jewelry box, containing the Kuonji treasure, a pair of jade dragon
earrings. Ukyo didn't know the meaning or signifigance of the jewelry, but
she hoped Grandpa knew. The box seemed to give the okonomiyaki chef a surge
of confidence. With a heavy sigh, stepping through the gate, Ukyo marched
straight toward the ramshackle house.
At the front door, she knocked.
No answer.
Did I get the wrong house? Ukyo wondered, a drop of sweat running down
the side of her head.
She knocked again.
Footsteps could be heard from within, the heavy footfalls echoing along
with the creaking of old wood that sounded about ready to break at any
moment. The door slid open slowly, the hinges protesting against the
movement loudly.
A wizened old man, probably in his seventies, answered the door. He
stroked his long, snow-white beard, which appeared to go no farther than
the bottom of his neck, peering at Ukyo curiously. "Who're you? You look
like someone I knew once...."
Ukyo stood there, staring stupidly at the old man. "Grandpa?"
The old man shook his head. "I don't seem to remember having... oh! Yes,
I do have a number of grandchildren, yes." He peered at Ukyo curiously. "You
DO look familiar."
Before Ukyo could say another word, the old man lifted a hand. "No, let
me guess first! Hmmm... if I were a senile old man, and that I might be, I
could've sworn you were my older sister, in her younger days...." The old
man looked Ukyo over, his eyes stopping when he realized she was wearing a
bandoleer of spatulas, with a giant spatula strapped to her back. He snapped
his fingers, as if an idea hit him. "You're my idiot son's only child,
aren't you? Now, what was your name...?"
Ukyo dropped her bag, and threw herself in a giant hug on her grandfather.
"It's me, Ukyo!"
This caught the old Kuonji by surprise. "Oh my! The little girl with the
fire in her eyes!" He returned Ukyo's embrace with surprising strength,
stroking Ukyo's hair with one hand. "I haven't seen you in over ten
years.... Yes, you were a shortie."
"I missed you, Grandpa," Ukyo said, letting her tears go.
The elder Kuonji let his granddaughter go. His eyes looked over Ukyo once
more, as if absorbing her beauty. "Oh dear... looks like aging has treated
you well! You're absolutely stunning! Your great-aunt would have fits if she
saw you. In fact, she might roll in her grave, if only she had a coffin."
"Thanks," replied Ukyo, blushing, trying to ignore Grandpa's sour remark.
Gesturing a hand inside, Grandpa said, "Well, come on in! I suppose we
can fix you some dinner, then catch up on old times again."
"Did you want to cook, or shall I?" Ukyo asked the old man, stepping
through the front door.
"Heh, heh, I want to see what my granddaughter can do, of course!"
returned the elder. "You look like you've been keeping up on our family
tradition, my girl."
After cooking a meal of the Kuonji special celebration okonomiyaki (Ukyo
was surprised that all the ingredients were available for the dish) Ukyo
and her grandfather relaxed in the living room on cheap sofas. Ukyo tried
to ignore the fact that there was a board under her cushion, a stern
reminder that the family never was wealthy, and couldn't afford such
luxuries as a new house, much less new furniture. For a moment, the young
okonomiyaki chef wondered how the old floorboards managed to support the
weight, since she discovered there were more termites in some of the
support beams.
"You know, my hands had that special touch once," noted the elder.
"Hey, I can tell: you still have it, too," Ukyo replied.
"Mmmmhmmmm," replied Grandpa thoughtfully. "Yep, I used to drag around
a cart in my youth, too... but I'm rambling."
Leaning forward toward his granddaughter, he asked, "So, do you mind
telling this old man what you've been up to all these years?"
"You know about the promise Father gave to Mr. Saotome, right?" asked
Ukyo.
The old man nodded slowly. "He told me all about it well after the fact,
of course."
"Well," continued the young chef, "as I guess you know, I ran away,
because I couldn't bear the shame."
"Our family has always prided itself, and with good reason," assured
Grandpa. "It was rather understandable, but I really wish your father hadn't
been so rash as to make such a promise, then accept it, after that Saotome
had his sudden change of heart. Your father isn't exactly the best judge of
character."
"Sometimes I wonder if Father really wanted me," Ukyo commented. Way back
when, Father would never quit telling her that a boy would have carried on
his name. "I didn't miss him very much at first. Anyway, he seemed very
willing to let me go."
"Don't be silly!" assured her grandfather. "If that were the case, then
he wouldn't have taken the time to raise you."
I suppose I can't argue with that logic, Ukyo told herself.
"Well, I practiced martial arts based on okonomiyaki," continued Ukyo. "I
practiced against the sea. I also put myself through school, but as a boy; I
couldn't stand being a girl then. I thought being a girl was my problem."
"Your father always did want a boy," Grandpa said, "even going so far as
to giving you a boy's name. Of course, since your mother died, your father
didn't know how to raise a proper girl. Therefore, he raised you the best
way he could think of."
"I know," Ukyo replied. "Anyway, it wasn't until last year I decided to
track down the ones who wronged me, the Saotomes. It wasn't that hard,
really. It was then I realized I was still in love with Saotome's son,
Ranma. Heh, that Ranma! At that time he'd already been engaged to another
girl, Akane. But I kept convincing myself that I'd win out in the end,
although just recently Ranma and Akane married."
Grandpa surged with anger. "Bah! Saotome, the con-man! He adds insult to
injury by not keeping his promise to your father, ill-advised as it was."
Ukyo tried to calm down the elder Kuonji. "I'm not finished yet, Grandpa!
Where Mr. Saotome lacks honor, his wife is full of it. She arranged it so
that the promise could be fulfilled if Mr. Saotome adopted me. She said I
had Father's permission."
"Humph, your father never told me about any of this. So now they call you
a Saotome? How could you let yourself, as one of the remaining bearers of
our proud name, to accept?"
Why am I not surprised? Ukyo thought, as she reached for the folded set
of papers in her pocket. This was why Father wanted a son so much, after
all. "I refused, actually. At least, until Mrs. Saotome offered to let me
keep my name. Also, I'm free to observe our own family traditions, but I
have to recognize the Saotome traditions, as well." Ukyo shrugged. "How
could I refuse then? Besides, I couldn't think of a better solution myself."
She handed the folded papers to the old man. Unfolding it carefully,
Grandpa carefully scanned the text contained within, skipping over the
characters he couldn't recognize. After checking all the papers, he
straightened up, and handed the papers back to Ukyo.
"A strange arrangement," noted Grandpa. "Certainly not common, and of
questionable acceptability, but I suppose it'll have to do, if this Ranma
kid is already married. The promise did call for marriage, you know, but I
suppose adoption circumvents that a bit. The final decision, of course, is
entirely up to you. I'm proud that you've thought of your family in matters
of honor."
"Actually, that's why I came back now," Ukyo said, folding up the papers
carefully. "If I were truly honorable, would I have vanished without a
trace like I did?" Even though Father might not have noticed. "I've come
back to atone for my actions."
"You were acting as your honor dictated, Ukyo," assured Grandpa, not the
least bit angry. "I don't think anyone else would've gone to such lengths
to avenge a dishonor as you had. You may not think your own actions
honorable, but I do."
"Thanks, Grandpa," Ukyo said, throwing herself in another hug. After
releasing him, she asked, "So, where's Father and Grandma these days?"
"Grandma's living with your cousins. Did you know they have kids? As for
your father, he's working at some restaurant in town, as a chef. The extra
hours he puts in to keep this roof is incredible; he practically lives
there! How low the family has fallen under him! If I weren't so old, I
would've taken it upon myself to sell this run-down shack and travel with a
cart like I used to. At least you're a strong young woman; you've got many
years ahead of you left."
"Actually, I OWN my own restaurant in Nerima."
"Is that so? The more reason to be proud of yourself, my girl! Even I
was never so fortunate as to go beyond the cart your father lost."
"Everyone in Tokyo travels great distances just to sample the okonomiyaki
at Ucchan's."
"Funny, but I've heard of that place myself, even here! Saw a brief review
in a neighbor's magazine. That's YOUR restaurant? Why am I not surprised?"
The old man chuckled to himself. "You've surpassed your father in my
expectations, my dear!"
I never imagined coming 'home' would be like this, Ukyo thought. Well, I
guess there's no time like now to ask.
Ukyo reached into her pocket and produced the jewelry box. She opened it
gently, and showed it to her grandfather. "Grandpa, there's one other reason
why I came, and it's these."
The old man's eyes seemed to stare in awe at the sight of the Kuonji
family treasure. "The earrings... I thought I'd never lay eyes on these
again! I remember giving them to your mother when she married your father,
but after that, I lost track of them. Your father gave them to you, didn't
he?"
Ukyo nodded. "He had the sense not to sell them, at least." Father was a
good man, but sometimes too trusting for his own good. "But I have to know,
Grandpa, what do they mean?"
The elder Kuonji stood up from the sofa. "Come, Ukyo, there's a story I
have to tell you, a very long one."
Grandpa lead Ukyo to his bedroom. He hobbled to a corner, where a large
chest rest. Pointing to the chest, he said, "Could you open this?"
Ukyo nodded. She peered inside the dark chest, only to find several old-
looking books, and several sets of preserved kimonos. "What's this?"
"This chest contains the belongings of your ancestors," explained the
old man. "Some of this might be worth something to historians, though, so
it's very valuable. It's more valuable to this family than money. Herein
lies the family chronicle, copied to exacting precision every generation; it
may even be more complete than the government's Family Register. Anyway,
we were rather fortunate to have literate ancestors, despite being poor."
He peered at Ukyo. "Don't expect anything glamorous, because our family was
always in the lower class for the past centuries. Of course, our chef
ancestors did attain rather high positions in the noble houses, but that is
not all. There was one Kuonji who made the distinguishment of being the
only member of our family to have been granted the honor of an audience of
the Emperor himself. The earrings were given to our ancestor that day."
"Wow," was all Ukyo could say. "The earrings were a gift from the royal
family? What did he do?"
The old man chuckled. "No, this is a 'she.'"
Ukyo blinked. "Wow. So, then, what did SHE do?"
"That, my dear, is what our story is about." Grandpa reached into the
chest, and produced one of the books.
* * * * *
Although the Kuonji family, throughout most of its history, remained quite
poor, its talented artists, including chefs, distinguished themselves in the
circles of the upper classes. As family names were reserved for noble and
influential families, the lower classes usually didn't possess family names,
but our family wasn't always lower class.
In a bygone age, during the Heian Period, our family served as imperial
court officials, taking particular interest in art and literature, as the
family was very talented in those particular areas (by the way, our name
was not always 'Kuonji,' as it was changed from its old name since the
introduction of Bhuddism to Japan, which one of our ancestors loved so). Of
course, during the Kamakura Period, our family had supported the attempt by
the imperial court to regain power from the shogun of the Hojo family. It
was 1221 when the Hojo family, in an attempt to consolidate its power,
confiscated the land held by those who supported the imperial cause,
including the land our family held. Therefore our ancestors lost their land
and power, and thus became commoners. Yet, they continued to distinguished
themselves in art and literature, be it poetry, painting, or cooking.
Let us travel forward in time, to the civil war period of Japan, where the
numerous daimyos vied to become shogun. As you know, history shows us that
Tokugawa eventually emerged victorious in this bitter conflict, but I'm
getting ahead of myself. It was in this era that our illustrious ancestor,
Keiko Kuonji, lived. Her father was Shiro Natsugori Kuonji, one of the
personal chefs of the daimyo Shingen Takeda of the Takeda family, who
governed over the mountainous Kai region north of Tokyo (then-called Edo).
As a side note, Kyoto was the capitol at this time.
Shingen had removed his hostile father, Nobutora, from power in the Kai
district and became daimyo himself. He was brave and prudent, and not only
good at battle, but wise in politics and economics. Unfortunately, in 1573,
at the age of 52, he died on an expedition to Kyoto, with his dream of a
unified Japan unfulfilled. He was praised as the 'strongest and wisest
general in the age of wars.'
The next Takeda daimyo was Shingen's fourth son, Katsuyori. He was
unyielding and good at battle, but didn't have as much political skill as
his father. The Takeda family was crushed in 1582 by Nobunaga Oda's army.
Oh, the history lesson is wonderful, is it not? Well, Shiro was still with
the Takeda family after Shingen's death. After Takeda fell before Oda, the
illustrious daimyo, Nobunaga himself, spared Shiro and his family's lives,
as Kuonji's reputation was renowned (not to mention it was considered a
terrible waste of talent if he'd been put to death, as Shiro never swore
particular allegiance to any lord, only to his cooking). However, during
the confusion in the fall of Takeda, Kei, the youngest daughter of Shiro,
was separated from her father. She was about eighteen at the time.
No one knew what became of Kei; Shiro feared that Oda's soldiers kidnapped
her, as Kei was a beautiful and unwed woman. However, today we know what
had befallen our ancestor, as she was later reunited with her father in
Kyoto just before the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate. At that time
Shiro was serving in the Emperor's court, a gift from the Oda family. After
what Kei did, and after discovering she was related to one of his personal
chefs (and perhaps a little eye on the woman himself), the Emperor gave the
earrings as a gift.
Oh, I'm getting ahead of myself again; sorry!
Anyway, after the battle that marked the end of the Takeda family, Kei
found herself alone and lost in the mountain wilderness of Kai, with no
food or money, possessing only the clothes on her back. Had she been a
pampered daughter of some lord, she wouldn't have survived long on her own,
but, since she grew up poor, she knew how to survive. For quite a while she
lived off the land. She learned to keep bandits at bay with her self-styled
techniques she developed. In fact, it wasn't long before she became a leader
of a band of rogues herself. Kei ruled over her men with an iron fist,
never preying on the poor and weak. Her men respected her power, all coveted
her beauty, but none dared make any advances, lest they lose teeth.
It was during one of their raids against travelers that Kei met her
destiny, for the band of seven warriors turned out to be more than a match
for Kei's bandits. The bandits had scattered, leaving Kei behind to fight
the seven herself. She knew she was overwhelmed, but refused to surrender.
However, the leader of the travelers ordered his men to stand down, as he
wished to fight the female bandit himself. Kei accepted, and she put up
quite a fight, but her haphazard fighting style prevented her from scoring
a victory that day. Fortunately, these were no mere travelers she lost to;
they were a team of martial artists, on a secret mission for the Emperor,
and the leader of the band, one Ashinzo Kusanagi, who recognized the
potential in our ancestor, offered to train her himself. Well, Kei readily
accepted, seeing how she lost face in the eyes of her men, and recognizing
that her own skill would do no good in the next fight against a real
warrior. That day, Kei Kuonji became the eighth member of the Emperor's
secret envoy.
Somehow, I suspect our ancestor might have been attracted to the man. Or,
at least, Kusanagi was attracted to Kei.
Kusanagi refused to divulge on the details of the secret mission, but
assured Kei that it involved combat against eight rival opponents of great
ability. The group would travel to the forest called Ryugenzawa, the very
place where the opponents lived. The fate of Japan, and perhaps the world,
rested in success, he had said. Eager to be a part of something grand, Kei
vigorously trained hard for the rest of the journey, oblivious to the war
about her.
Kusanagi taught Kei the secret martial art of Magatama, which combined
the best elements of every martial art. This art, according to Kusanagi,
dates back to the final battle between the Yamata no Orochi and Susano-O.
After his victory in saving Princess Kushinada and the rest of Japan,
Susano-O left behind his sword, Kusanagi, the orb from Orochi's belly, the
Magatama, and the Mirror made of Orochi's tear (which was given to Princess
Kushinada's younger sister, Yata; thereafter it was called the Yata Mirror),
with his followers. The followers took the name Kusanagi in honor of the
kami. In meditation before the Magatama orb, the hidden art of the followers
of Orochi was discovered. This art became known as Magatama, the art of
fire. Each technique was numbered, but there were so many that no single
person mastered them all.
Ashinzo Kusanagi taught his new pupil the Magatama Art. It wasn't long
before Kei learned to channel her chi into the powerful Magatama attacks,
which would have erupted in chi-flames. But destiny chose a different course
for our illustrious ancestor, for instead of flame, her chi erupted with the
power of water. The water was a sign from Heaven-- a force adaptable to its
surroundings, the giver of life, yet powerful enough to take it away at the
same time. Her style and personality earned her the name 'Jade Dragon' from
her peers; perhaps there was a hidden meaning behind the name, for both
'jade' and 'dragon' can signify good luck as well. Then again, the name
could also describe her physical beauty, and hidden strength. There are many
ways you could interpret it.
In due time the eight came face-to-face with their opponents in the forest
of Ryugenzawa. Kei discovered that she was about to take part in the
thousand-years-long conflict between humanity and the evil dragon of
vengeance, Orochi, for the eight warriors were his minions. Of course, by
this time she'd only learned and mastered but one of the Magatama
techniques, listed here as merely '100.' The battle was long and fierce,
but when the eight Orochi Warriors finally fell, only three members of the
party had survived, including Kei. Ashinzo Kusanagi died that day as he
destroyed the leader of the Orochi Warriors, his evil counterpart; however,
his body was never recovered, for some reason or another, so he could not
be given an honorable burial. The Orochi was beaten this day; the defenders
of the people and teamwork prevailed.
At least, so the story says. I myself don't believe half of it; I don't
believe in the Orochi legend; it's just a myth. I figure that those eight
warriors were crazed cultists longing for the old days. To think, that kami
and dragons exist? One of our ancestors must've been drunk when transcribing
this story.
After many weeks Kei and her two companions returned without fanfare to
the capitol in Kyoto, where they were immediately granted audience with the
Emperor himself. Introducing herself as Kei Kuonji, the last of the eight
warriors, the Emperor was immediately captivated by her beauty. He offered
to allow her to remain in the Imperial Palace, but Kei refused; she had no
intention to take advantage of the Emperor's wealth to further herself,
especially considering the circumstances of her recruitment into the envoy.
Of course, the Emperor insisted on rewarding Kei, but not with monetary gain
or elevation of station; the jade dragon earrings, the Emperor argued,
suited her in more ways than one. It's something in which our ancestor could
not help but accept (lest she offend the Emperor). It wasn't long until the
Emperor learned that Kei's father was in fact one of the palace chefs. The
reunion was rather grand for father and daughter. Some say it was
preordained by Heaven, but I don't believe in such things.
Now, the earrings, my dear, didn't originate in Japan. They actually came
from China, made a long time ago. Dragons in China were associated with
water, and sometimes green was as well. I say sometimes because some people
used to think 'black' represented water; green actually represents wood, but
it is the color of the legendary Seiryu (as we call him). Jade, which was
green, is often associated with luck. So is the dragon. Also note the fact
that this dragon in particular has four toes, not three. Of course, I have
no idea when the jade cutters made these pieces. Now, you're probably asking
how it got to Japan. Well, it was actually a gift to the Emperor from one
of China's influential families-- I don't know the details, but that's how
it happened. Must've been a trade pact or something....
In any case, the dragon represents Seiryu, of Chinese legend. I think.
Before long Kei's aged father retired from his work (he was already old
when he entered the Emperor's service). The family settled quietly in the
outskirts of Kyoto (the very city you were named after, by the way), away
from the busy palace life. It is said that Kei went to Heaven and back; her
descendants and friends would say that she preferred life on Earth-- if you
believe in the divinity of the Emperor, that is. I don't.
* * * * *
Grandpa closed the book and replaced it back into the chest. "Sometimes I
forget why I so much enjoyed being a lowly chef; it's the only way you get
to know the people you serve. I couldn't imagine what life would have been
like had our ancestors chose to remain in the palace." The old man sighed.
"Things would've been different indeed; my dear lost brother, Masa, wouldn't
have died in the war. He had the fighting spirit in him, something I
lacked." He laughed. "Then again, I was a bit on the young side, too."
Ukyo vaguely remembered stories Father used to tell her about the uncle
he never met: Masa became a fighter pilot during World War II, and served
his country until the day of the fateful Battle of Midway, when he lost his
life.
The old man sighed to himself. "Lucky for us, the family was residing in
Kyoto during the war, otherwise I suppose I might not be alive. I suppose
'ol Masa would say it was luck. He really believed in luck, you know?"
Ukyo nodded. Kyoto was the only major city in Japan that hadn't been
bombarded during the war. The Kuonji family was small enough already, and
couldn't afford to lose many members in such unfortunate disasters. Even
now, the family remained small.
"Ah, Masa was a fighter, but not a martial artist like our ancestor,"
noted Grandpa. "No one since our ancestor became involved in those arts."
"Does this mean I'm the first martial artist in our family since Kei?"
asked Ukyo.
The old man nodded. "Our tradition was to cook, not to fight. Kei, I
believe, was destined to fight, as perhaps was Masa, and you, Ukyo. You've
got the same spirit Kei was described to have in the chronicle."
"I must have a part of our ancestor within me," mused Ukyo thoughtfully.
"The power of water-- bringer of life, bringer of death, the force that
adapts to change, whose touch is both gentle and fierce at the same time."
"I suppose the 'jade dragon' is quite appropriate," Ukyo noted.
By now it was long after dark, almost midnight, Ukyo guessed. She'd been
so absorbed by the tale that she'd lost all track of time.
"You know what, Grandpa?" Ukyo began.
"What?"
"These kind of stories remind me of some adventures I've had with Ranma
and the others." /*
The old man chuckled. "I suppose you're destined to live in interesting
times, Ukyo. Why don't you tell me about these friends of yours?"
"Well, okay," replied Ukyo. "Where should I begin? Well, my closest
friends are Ranma, Akane, and Konatsu. The others, Ryoga, Akari, Shampoo,
Kodachi, Mousse, and Kuno... well, I guess you can call them friends, too,
but not as close. They're all martial artists, the best around."
"Sounds to me like you've got teamwork all-figured out, Ukyo," noted
Grandpa. "One man of great skill is no compare to a team of men with great
skill, after all."
"Yeah, we have worked together a number of times. Ranma and Akane are
married-- I told you earlier-- and Ryoga and Akari are getting married in
two days... well, it's almost going to be tomorrow, actually."
Grandpa clamped a hand down on Ukyo's shoulder. "And you aren't planning
on going to your friends' wedding?"
"Well, I hadn't planned...."
"I thought so." For a moment, the old man pondered. Finally, he said, "I
think you should go back tomorrow so you can go to the wedding."
"Why?" asked Ukyo. "I thought I'd spend time with the family."
"You can do that any time you want," assured Grandpa, "but weddings only
come by once. Don't you think your friends are disappointed that you're not
going to be there? What would you say if it happened at your own wedding?"
Ukyo stared in amazement. "Are you sure? I haven't even seen Father yet!"
"You can stay here tonight, but tomorrow, I want to see you board the
next train to Tokyo," the old man decreed. "Your family patriarch commands
you to follow his wishes."
"How can I say 'no' to you, Grandpa?" Ukyo said, throwing herself into
yet another hug.
Ukyo was up bright and early the next morning, still used to her usual
restaurant hours. She crept from her room quietly, as to not disturb her
grandfather's rest. The sun had yet to dawn in the eastern sky.
For this trip Ukyo prepared herself, dressed in one of her better kimonos.
Even though she didn't need them, the okonomiyaki chef concealed two large,
lightweight fans in her sleeves, the way Mousse showed her, just in case, as
her bandoleer was back in her room. One never should walk anywhere unarmed,
after all; even in the safest of places one must be prepared for anything.
She made her way through the run-down house, then entered the room that
housed what served as a sort of makeshift ceremonial altar.
Silently, she lit the candles at the altar, then sat on her knees before
the altar. The okonomiyaki chef's eyes scanned for the urn that held the
ashes of her mother. The mother she never knew, the mother she barely
remembered in her dreams, the mother that died in childbirth.
"Well, Mother, I'm back," Ukyo said finally, softly. "There's so much I
want to tell you. I wish I could say it felt good to be home, but this place
isn't really my home. I guess 'home' would be my restaurant."
She produced the folded papers from the folds of her kimono, holding them
up to the light of the candles, and peered at it, as if studying the fine,
delicate fibers that made up the pages. "Look, Mother. Here it is, the key
to my fate. When it was first offered to me, I took it at face value, but
now I realize I've been using it as an escape route for old promises. I
don't know what to do about it, as Grandpa insists that it's all my
decision, while Mrs. Saotome believes I'll accept without delay. The thing
is, which of them know me better, a woman I barely know, and the mother of
my ex-fiancee, at that! or the Grandfather I've never seen in over ten
years?" Ukyo stared up at the urn hopefully. "Just what would you say?"
"Grandpa said that you'd be proud of what I've become; I wish I could tell
myself the same thing," continued Ukyo. "From what he tells me, you were a
good person; I wish I knew you." Ukyo wanted to cry, but she didn't allow
herself that luxury. The time for tears had long since passed.
"Your mother was a good person, that you should have no doubt of," someone
said behind Ukyo's back.
Ukyo's head turned to face the newcomer. In the dim light of the room, she
could barely make out the man's features, but it was a form which she knew,
one she hadn't seen in quite a while.
"Father?" she whispered.
"Hello, Ukyo," was all that he could say.
Ukyo stood from her position, at a loss of words. She ran to his open
arms, and threw her arms around her father in turn.
"You're a fine young woman," Mr. Kuonji said.
"Stop that, Father," Ukyo said, slightly amused that he called her a
'woman.' "I've missed you."
"That goes without saying," he replied. "Mrs. Saotome told me all about
what you've been doing, and I can't be more prouder of you. Words do no
justice in this man's eyes! Your old man was a fool to let you go as you
did."
"We've got a lot of catching-up to do, Father," Ukyo said, letting tears
roll from her eyes.
"Yes we do." The two Kuonjis released each other from embrace. "You have
no idea how much I miss living on the road...."
The Western-style wedding between Ryoga and Akari was to be a small one,
held outdoors in the fields of the Unryu farm. Ryoga's friends were among
the only ones invited, along with Akari's grandfather, the Tendos and
Saotomes, and Ryoga's parents.
Ranma stood before the mirror in his room at the Tendo household,
adjusting his bow-tie uncertainly. Thinking back to his own wedding, Ranma
couldn't remember being so calm and free, as this time he'd only serve as
Ryoga's best man. Both Akari and Ryoga agreed that this was the best way to
thank Ranma for getting them together. Ranma couldn't be happier for his
old rival.
Kasumi poked her head into Ranma's room. "Ranma, there's someone who
wants to see you."
Ranma didn't bother to turn his head from the mirror. "Hmph, we haven't
even left for the farm yet, and I've already got visitors? It'd better not
be Ryoga." That is, if he even made it this far.
Continuing to stare in the mirror, the face that replaced Kasumi's
reflection was not of Ryoga. Ranma turned around in surprise. "Ukyo?"
The last time Ranma remembered his old friend so finely-dressed was at
his own wedding, but then Ukyo opted to wear a tuxedo. This time, she wore a
rather elegant kimono, with her hair flowing loosely down her back. She wore
her pair of jade dragon earrings, supposively for good luck. She looked so
beautiful... yet, something seemed wrong. Hmm... was that lipstick she had
on her lips? Ranma wondered. Makeup of any sort for Ukyo was rather strange
in itself, but no, it had to be something else....
"What are you doing here, and what did you do to Ucchan?" Ranma greeted
jokingly.
"Surprised?" replied Ukyo, stepping inside Ranma's room. "Hey, I wasn't
planning on coming back so soon, but Grandpa insisted." She looked her best
friend over. "Heh, I don't remember you looking that good in a while."
"When did you get back?"
"I got back late last night, after you left the shop. Konatsu was just as
surprised as you when I walked in the door. He's waiting downstairs."
"So, how'd it go?" asked Ranma, referring to Ukyo's short trip.
"Ranchan, I think I got to know myself better," explained Ukyo. "Who knew
history could be so interesting?" she added jokingly. "I also got to see
Grandpa for the first time in over ten years! He's doing fine, and so is my
Father. I offered to let him stay at my restaurant, but he refused. Maybe
it's for the best."
Ranma stole a glance at the nearby clock. "Hey, I think it's time we get
on going. Nabiki managed to provide transportation for us to the Unryu farm,
and I'll hurt someone if I miss the ride."
Ukyo traced a finger down Ranma's nose teasingly. "And why do you suppose
I came here first, Ranchan?"
The two friends exited from Ranma's room, Ukyo in front of Ranma. Finally,
Ranma realized what's been bugging him about Ukyo's appearance. "Ukyo, why
are you wearing your spatulas?" he asked, his eyes fixed on her bandoleer.
Ukyo replied, "Never walk into battle unarmed, Ranchan."
"Is this a start of your Ukyo-isms?" teased Ranma.
"Hey, it's my art, my rules," smiled Ukyo.
Ranma took his first step down the stairs. "You don't know what's been
going on here lately," he said, changing the subject. "Akane's been looking
for her 'P-chan' for days so she can give him to Akari to take care of,
you know? She figures Akari knows how to take care of pigs better."
"Really?" Ukyo said, a little surprised. "She's willing to let her pig
go? I suppose a pig would be happy at the Unryu farm."
Ranma laughed. "Yeah, well, you know how that pig keeps wandering off all
the time? I finally told Akane that I'd found him and gave him to Akari
already." Nervous laugh.
"Ranchan, that's sweet of you!" Ukyo cried, throwing herself on Ranma in
embrace. The two were leaning against the open stair rail, dangerously
waiting to fall over to the bottom floor.
"Umm, yeah, I guess it was," admitted Ranma. One of these days I'm going
to have to laugh about this later with the others about Ryoga's curse....
"Do you, Ryoga Hibiki, take Akari Unryu as your lawfully-wedded wife?"
"I do," answered Ryoga.
"Do you, Akari Unryu, take Ryoga Hibiki as your lawfully-wedded husband?"
"I do," answered Akari.
"Then by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife,"
finished the minister. "You may now kiss the bride," he told Ryoga.
Tatewaki Kuno ignored the rest of the proceedings of the Western ceremony
and turned his attention to his sister, seated next to him. "Who do you
suppose is going to get married next, Kocchi?"
Kodachi shrugged. "Who cares, so long as I still get that Taro guy!"
Kuno shook his head. "I don't know why you lower yourself unnecessarily."
"Well, what do you call what you've been doing to Ukyo, hmm?" returned
Kodachi venemously. "I'm not the one gushing out love by the droves!" Before
her brother could object, she continued, "By tradition, whomever catches
the bride's bouquet theoretically becomes the next one to marry!"
"I don't believe in such superstitious rubbish," Kuno replied snobbishly.
By then, Ryoga and Akari proceeded down the carpet from the makeshift
outdoor altar. The party would be moved inside. Both Kunos knew the others
had something surprising in store for the newlyweds....
Dedicated to the newlywed couple, the five Doco girls gathered together
at the stage....
* * * * *
Equal Romance (Doco)
[(Akane) With just empty kindness,
(All) my heart is in pain.
Love is always loneliness
into your arms, ah.]
(All) Darlin'
Just For Me I'll be waiting.
(Shampoo) I want to make your heart thrill.
(All) Your fingertips lead to romance.
Our destiny is surely Fallin' Love
(Kasumi) Tonight, it's strange
in a stopped car at the coast,
(Nabiki) the two of us, even being this close,
(Akane) why do unseen barriers get in the way?
(All) Tears are about to overflow.
[Fallin' Love]
Darlin'
Just For You I won't stray.
(Ranma) Please make my heart throb strongly.
(All) From your eyes, romance begins.
More than anyone, I love you.
Catch my love
* * * * *
Both Ukyo and Konatsu stepped aside as the five Doco girls finished their
song amidst the cheers of the gathered. For a moment Ukyo suspected that the
pigs had to be restrained before the concert due to the large volume of
noise produced from the entire wedding operation.
"What did you wish to speak to your humbleness, Ukyo-sama?" Konatsu
asked.
Quickly, the okonomiyaki chef produced the folded papers from her pocket.
Looking both ways, she whispered, "None of what I tell you must leave this
conversation, understand?"
The kunoichi nodded. "These lips are sealed!"
"Good," replied Ukyo. "Remember the day we returned from Hawaii, and Mrs.
Saotome approached me to accept adoption into her family?" She waited for
Konatsu's acknowledging nod. "Well, I've had time to think this over since
then, and I don't think it's such a good idea anymore. I mean, I tried
everything, from asking Grandpa to asking my dead mother!"
"Are you asking for my opinion, Ukyo-sama?" wondered Konatsu. "If that is
the case, your humble servant is honored, but it is not my place to judge
the course of your life."
"I knew you would say something like that," Ukyo replied. She looked over
her shoulder, watching the first of the wedding guests filter out of the
stage area. "But that's not what I'm asking your help for. What I want you
to do is to keep these for me." She held out the folded papers to the
kunoichi, gesturing quickly for the young man to take them.
Konatsu accepted the papers, then stuffed them in a hidden pocket. "May
I ask why, Ukyo-sama?"
"If I kept them with me, I wouldn't get my mind off them until I got rid
of them, one way or another," explained the okonomiyaki chef. "This way,
the papers are out of my hands, and yet, are still available to me until I
have sufficient time to come down to a final conclusion. Make sure nothing
happens to them, okay?"
The kunoichi nodded in understanding. "I will guard them with my life, and
secure them on my person night and day!"
Ukyo shook her head. "No, no, no. You don't have to do that!"
"Do what?"
Both the okonomiyaki chef and the kunoichi jumped.
Ranma continued, "Ukyo, what are you doing?"
Hastily, she replied, "Nothing!" Grabbing Ranma's arm, she lead him away,
leaving Konatsu behind. "Let's go congratulate Ryoga, shall we?"
"Well, whatever," replied Ranma.
After the two had left, Konatsu's curiousity got the better of him, and
he retrieved the folded papers from his hidden pocket. Unfolding them
carefully, knowing that he shouldn't be prying into Ukyo's affairs, he
read the contents to himself.
"Ukyo-sama...." he whispered.
* * * * *
Closing: In the Middle of Class of Elementary School
(All) In the middle of class of the campus
A mother that is playing with her small child
The childish days of elementary school
I'll take you there.
(Ranma) Unchanged school building and shrinking iron bars
A seesaw with peeling red paint
(Akane) Hey, the flower beds here are the ones my class
Made when we graduated
(Nabiki) Advancing to jr. high school wasn't it a wonder?
The swing not one is there
(All) Music room winds travelling through the air
Long flute tone quality my chest became needlessly anxious
In the middle of class work of elementary school
Aren't you in the mood for sports?
(Shampoo) The times playing musical chairs my heart was throbbing
I selected a distant chair
(Kasumi) Staring at a lovable boy's back
but now I even forgot your face
(Akane) Nodding yes dear sensei
(A * S) That person is my boyfriend.
(Ranma) When I cross the passage [a roofed passage connect two buildings]
(Kasumi) Classroom memories of occasional sound
(Nabiki) Before we met, at the place we passed [each other]
(Shampoo) I wanted to show you [that]
(All) The bell is ringing the children
Frolic and play ordinary scenery
Why am I embarassed?
My back is hidden
You are protected
-----------------------------------------------
Author's Rant
Okay, people who are picky about Ukyo's past, especially Blade: note that
I've PURPOSEFULLY remained ambiguous about when Ukyo left her father. She
hasn't seen her GRANDfather in over ten years.
Coincidentally, the time this story takes place (August) coincides with a
Japanese tradition where people go home and visit their ancestors (that's
the gist of it, anyway).
The story of the Kuonji earrings revealed, as told by me. Shingen Takeda
really did exist, as did Tokugawa and the rest of the feudal Japan history,
carefully researched by me. It also helped that I love 'Nobunaga's Ambition'
and 'Shingen the Ruler' games, too ^^;; I made up the Orochi conflict; the
rule of the thumb is, Orochi's minions reappear every ten years.
Anyway, the historical background I gave for the Kuonji family was VERY
fictitious, but the events described DID happen. The Hojo consolidation of
power gave me a good enough excuse to give the Kuonji family reason why
they had a name, and why they were once influential. If Ukyo is a very
talented artist (she's a genius chef, she is very good at drawing, etc.)
then there's no reason not to assume that her family had been as well.
Yes, Ryoga and Akari get married without a hitch. What'd you expect? Rack,
set, and pin. I DO believe in the Ryoga and Akari couple, btw, no matter
how convenient it seems (Ukyo and Ryoga? Surely you jest; Takahashi-san, I
believe, has a soft spot for Ryoga, and made Akari for him).
When I say 'rural Kyoto,' I mean the district, not the city itself. There
is no such thing as a rural area in Kyoto the city.
BTW, Ukyo's name means 'right of the capitol.' For a good deal of Japan's
history, Kyoto was the capitol city. Interesting little tidbit I thought
I'd add. Also, Ukyo's a guy name, if you didn't know.
This time, I took liberties to polish the lyrics to the opening song.
Well, to say the least, I compared the translation available on the net with
that put out by Viz, then I mixed and matched to make something reasonable.
As for the ending theme, I don't think there's really a good way to polish
that one, and I don't have a copy of the Viz translation handy, but from
what I've heard from the Tendo Christmas Party Song, it must be terrible
(general consensus is that the party song dub was just plain awful).
Evolution of Ukyo in the Wheel of Fire
What has changed in Ukyo: Hmmm, what a dilemma; where shall I begin? First
of all, she has changed A LOT. At the end of the manga she never even
considered the idea that Ranma might not love her, and Ranma's sudden burst
at Ucchan's (during a war of words with Akane, which was blown out of
proportion from Akane's demand to know why Ukyo attacked at the wedding)
pretty much crushed her. Until that point, Ranma gave Ukyo no indication of
the truth, which made it all the more worse. She wouldn't become her normal
self even after being forgiven, as she soon became desperate for attachment
after Ranma and Akane got married (Ukyo even failed to bring up her promise
to marry Ranma). In result, she ended up believing she could love Mousse,
who was experiencing the same problems. Then of course she realizes her
mistake, and starts blaming herself again.
It was during the time when Nabiki formed the band that Nodoka approached
Ukyo, confronting her about her behavior. Nodoka pointed out to Ukyo that
she'd been trying to ignore her promise to marry Ranma, and had made no move
to resolve the problem. At this point Ukyo started to ignore honor entirely,
always finding excuses. After all, all honor ever did was create problems,
so why bother? Honor, obligations, and family ceased to matter.
During the trip to Hawaii, her submerged anger, ignored for so long (she
normally doesn't bury her hate and anger; btw, this is a BAAAAD thing),
burst free, much more powerful than usual, thanks to Orochi's minions. It
wasn't until after Akane helped Ukyo find her focus again that the Ukyo we
know and love began to surface. In the end, she beat up Ranma for not
telling her that he didn't love her.
After meeting Taro for the first time, Ukyo starts to realize that she's
been running from her family and obligations; she's been ignoring her
betrothal to Ranma for far too long, and it needed to be resolved before
honor could be restored. Of course, marrying Ranma was impossible now that
he was married to Akane. Nodoka, taking Ukyo's problem as her responsibility
(and rightly so, since her husband agreed to the promise, it was a Saotome
problem as well), came up with a solution: adopt Ukyo. Of course, Ukyo,
being an only child, refused until she was permitted to retain her name, as
she felt it was her duty to carry on her father's name. Honor may have been
a source of trouble for Ukyo in the past, but it was still important.
Ukyo has been through a lot of hardship lately, but she has emerged a much
better person. Ever since discovering that she may/can be more powerful than
she seems/is, our okonomiyaki chef has been taking power and martial arts a
lot more seriously: as there comes power comes responsibility.
Razorclaw X
http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
_________________________________________________
Mou nakanaide (Don't cry any more)
"Ranma 1/2 Nettouhen" opening theme (1991)
machikado ga utsushi-dasu The street [lit. corner] casts
samishige na SHIRUETTO watashi yo a lonely silhouette, that's me.
sayonara no SERIFU ima The good-bye speech-- now,
shinjirarezu ni kiita I can't believe what I heard.
[lit. I listened incredulously.]
KURAKUSHON sae DORAMU no you ni My heart beats like a drum,
kono mune tataki even a klaxon.
namida wo sasoi hajimeru no RARABAI Starting to invite tears, a lullaby.
* genki wo dashite mou nakanaide Cheer up, don't cry any more.
ashita ni nareba When tomorrow comes,
subete kawaru wa everything will change.
genki wo dashite mou nakanaide Cheer up, don't cry any more.
atarashi kaze mukatte Face the new wind and
Smile again! smile again!
sokonashi ni Cool sa to I had felt like I
sono ki ni natte ita wa was totally [lit. bottomlessly] cool.
hashiri-satteku kuruma no naka no In the car that's driving away,
suteki na Kiss SHIIN a lovely kiss scene.
anata to kanojo You and your girlfriend--
machigai ja nai yo it's no mistake!
genki wo dashite mou nakanaide Cheer up, don't cry any more
warui koto dake because nothing but bad things
tsuzukanai kara won't continue.
genki wo dashite mou nakanaide Cheer up, don't cry any more.
miageta sora ni dakarete The sky I look up at embraces me.
Smile again! Smile again!
* genki wo dashite mou nakanaide Cheer up, don't cry any more.
ashita ni nareba When tomorrow comes,
subete kawaru wa everything will change.
genki wo dashite mou nakanaide Cheer up, don't cry any more.
atarashi kaze mukatte Face the new wind and
Smile again! smile again!
Singer: Senou Azusa
Lyricist: Miura Noriko
Composer: Hada Ichirou
Arranger: Satou Hitoshi
Translation: Theresa Martin
___________________________________________
Equal ROMANSU (Equal Romance)
"Ranma 1/2" ending theme (1989)
[Please catch my love]
* Darlin'
Just For Me matteru wa
kokoro ni ZOKU-ZOKU agetai
anata no yubisaki ga izanau ROMANSU
unmei goto kitto Fallin' Love
* Darlin'
Just For Me I'll be waiting.
I want to make your heart thrill.
Your fingertips lead to romance.
Our destiny is surely Fallin' Love
Tonight fushigi ne
umizoi ni tometa kuruma
sou futari wa konna chikaku ni ite mo
mienai BARIA jamashite iru no wa naze
namida afuresou
[Fallin' Love]
Tonight, it's strange
in a stopped car at the coast,
the two of us, even being this close,
why do unseen barriers get in the way?
Tears are about to overflow.
[Fallin' Love]
Darlin'
Just For You mayowanai
tobikiri DOKI-DOKI kudasai
anata no hitomi kara hajimaru ROMANSU
dare ijou ni suki yo
Catch My Love
Darlin'
Just For You I won't stray.
Please make my heart throb strongly.
>From your eyes, romance begins.
More than anyone, I love you.
Catch my love
Tonight mitsumete
hajimete tsuketa kuchibeni
demo anata wa
sotto koi o sorasu no
ima taisetsu ni omotte kureru no nara
daki-shimete hoshii
[Catch My Love]
Tonight, look at
lipstick I put on for the first time,
but you,
your love quietly turns away.
Now if you care for me,
I want you to hold me.
[Catch My Love]
* Darlin'
Just For Me matteru wa
kokoro ni ZOKU-ZOKU agetai
anata no yubisaki ga izanau ROMANSU
unmei goto kitto Fallin' Love
* Darlin'
Just For Me I'll be waiting.
I want to make your heart thrill.
Your fingertips lead to romance.
Our destiny is surely Fallin' Love
tegakari no nai yasashisa dake ja
setsunai My Heart
ai wa itsumo Loneliness
ude no naka e Ah
With just empty kindness,
my heart is in pain.
Love is always loneliness
into your arms, ah.
* Darlin'
Just For Me matteru wa
kokoro ni ZOKU-ZOKU agetai
anata no yubisaki ga izanau ROMANSU
unmei goto kitto Fallin' Love
* Darlin'
Just For Me I'll be waiting.
I want to make your heart thrill.
Your fingertips lead to romance.
Our destiny is surely Fallin' Love
Singer: CoCo
Lyricist: Oikawa Nemuko
Composer: Yamaguchi Mioko
Arranger: Nakamura Satoru
Translation: Theresa Martin
__________________________________________
[Ranma 1/2] DoCo Second image song (1994)
Jugyouchuu no Shougakkou [In the Middle of Class of Elementary School]
Singer: Ranma 1/2 DoCo
Ranma * Hayashibara Megumi
Akane * Hidaka Noriko
Shampoo * Sakuma Rei
Nabiki * Takayama Minami
Kasumi * Inoue Kikuko
Lyricist: Ranma-teki Kagekidan Bungeibu
Composer/Arranger: Yasuda Atsushi
(zenin) jugyouchuu no koutei ni wa
chiisana kodomo asobaseru haha oya
osanai hi no shougakkou
anata o tsurete itta
(All) in the middle of class of the campus
a mother that is playing with her small child
the childish days of elementary school
I'll take you there.
(Ranma) kawaranai kousha to chijinda tatsubou
akai BENKI no hageta SHIISOO
(Akane) nee koko no kadan wa watashi no KURASU ga
sotsugyou suru toki tsukutta no yo
(Ranma) unchanged school building and shrinking iron bars
a seesaw with red paint coming off
(Akane) hey, the flower beds here are the ones my class
made when we graduated
(Nabiki) chuugaku ni susunde hushigi jana katta?
buranko hitotsu mo nai koto
(Nabiki) advancing to jr. high school wasn't it a wonder?
the swing not one is there
(zenin) ongaku shitsu kaze ga hakobu
tatebue neiro mune ga kyuntonatta
jugyouchuu no shougakkoo
SAPOTSU te iru kibun ne
(All) music room winds travelling through the air
long flute tone quality my chest became needlessly anxious
in the middle of class work of elementary school
aren't you in the mood for sports?
(SHANPUU) seki taie o suru tabi DOKIDOKI shite ita
nano ni tooku no seki o eranda
(Shampoo) the times playing musical chairs my heart was throbbing
I selected a distant chair
(Kasumi) sukina otoko no ko no seinaka o mitsumeta
ima wa kao sae wasureta kedo
(Kasumi) staring at a lovable boy's back
but now I even forgot your face
(Akane) iyane eshoku shiteru natsukashi sensei
(A * S) kono hito watashi no kare desu
(Akane) nodding yes dear sensei
(A * S) That person is my boyfriend.
(Ranma) watari rouka yoko kittara
(Kasumi) mugashi no mamano omoide no kyoushitsu
(Nabiki) shiri au mae sugoshita bashou
(SHANPUU) anata ni miseta katta
(Ranma) when I cross the passage [a roofed passage connect two buildings]
(Kasumi) classroom memories of occasional sound
(Nabiki) before we met, at the place we passed [each other]
(SHANPUU) I wanted to show you [that]
(zenin) BERU ga natte kodomo-tachi ga
hashaide asobu nichijou no fuukei
naze ka watashi hazukashikute
seinaka ni kakurete ita
anata ni mamorareteta
(All) The bell is ringing the children
frolic and play ordinary scenery
why am I embarassed?
my back is hidden
you are protected
Translation by Ray Huang
Revised November 27, 1995
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