#4: Descending Spiral The Wheel of Fire, Part 2: Falling Toward the Darkness 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 their respective owners. 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. It follows after my previous fics, "Moments of Transition," "Team Ranma vs. the Orochi Assassins," and "End of the Beginning." The first story of Part 2: Falling Toward the Darkness, where Ranma's friends fall into dark times in wake of the marriage between Ranma and Akane. I categorize this part of the series as semi-dark or angsty. Plot Points (from previous stories) ================================== 1. Ranma and Akane are married. Only Shampoo contests this now. 2. All the China gang (except Mousse) returned to China. 3. Mousse is now an outsider of his tribe (banished by Cologne). 4. Ryoga is looking for his parents to get permission to marry Akari. ------------------------------------------------ Opening: Little Date (TV Service Version; Ranma, Akane, Shampoo) (Second season opening theme) [Ranma, both male and female, flash by one after another] [flash Nabiki, Kasumi, Soun, Nodoka, Genma] (Ranma) Twilight always seems like a strange land letting me count the stars. [Akane standing on a hillside; Ranma training at the beach] On the deck, a couple, No! No! not knowing where to look, my heart throbs. I intend to return a smiling face. I'm a lonely girl, so lonely girl. [Red aura: flash Taro, Happosai, Ryoga, Kuno, Cologne, Mousse] [Ranma fighting, one after another: Mousse, Ryoga, Happosai] (All) Here's your chance, the setting sun begins to whisper, but I still can't untie the blue ribbon [Shampoo glomps on Ranma, Akane beats him over the head] Shining, Dreaming Suddenly the sea breeze changes. (Akane) It's not 'cause I don't love you, (Ranma) still, now, (All) I want to go home... [Ranma, caught between both Akane and Shampoo] (All) I'm a lonely girl (A) ...What is it that I'm afraid of? (All) I'm a lonely girl (S) ...I can't be my usual self. (All) I'm a lonely girl (R) ...It's not 'cause I don't love you but (All) I'm a lonely girl ...I'm just a coward. [Red aura: flash Ling-ling and Lung-lung, Kodachi, Ukyo, Ryu Kumon, Herb, and finally Saffron] [Ranma fighting, one after another: Herb, Ryu, Saffron] (All) Here's your chance, the setting sun begins to whisper, but I still can't untie the blue ribbon [Ranma and Akane are put together by their parents] Shining, Dreaming Suddenly the sea breeze changes. (Akane) It's not 'cause I don't love you, (Ranma) still, now, (All) I want to go home... [Everyone comes and beats the crap out of Ranma] * * * * * Mousse stood alone outside the Nekohanten Sunday morning. The Master of Hidden Weapons stared at the building that was once his home, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He sighed, then turned to walk down the street. It was not long ago when Ranma and Akane were married. Cologne and Shampoo were very intent on stopping the marriage so Shampoo could marry Ranma. Mousse, in a rare moment of defiance, helped stop them. It was that day Mousse flatly told Cologne that three-hundred years of Chinese Amazon tradition was wrong, that some traditions weren't meant to be passed on. And for thanks in what Mousse believed to be the most practical statement he'd ever made, old Cologne systematically banished him-- from the village, from the Nekohanten, and from Shampoo. Needless to say, Mousse was now out of a job and out of a home. Where did I go wrong? Mousse wondered. Shampoo was gone; Cologne had gathered the rest of the villagers still in Japan and returned to China. The Nekohanten was closed indefinitely-- at least, until Cologne came up with a new plan for Ranma, Mousse thought. He still remembered Cologne's warning: "Don't show your face around me again, Mousse, or you'll wish you were never born." Mousse was sure that Cologne was afraid of change; after all, the old hag strictly upheld three-thousand years of Chinese Amazon tradition. The voice of change must be separated from the village-- Mousse was too dangerous for tradition to continue. How she'd explain Shampoo's failure to marry Ranma was beyond Mousse, but if he knew the old crone she'd convince the village it was part of her overall plans. Fat chance. I could go back to China myself; they can kill me if they want, but at least I'll be with Shampoo. Then again, should I die to return to the place that despised me? Mousse thought back to his childhood; around the age of five he had vowed to train in martial arts to protect himself. Of course, Cologne would tell others that Mousse, like those before him, trained to protect the village. It wasn't a man's place to fight, according to tradition, but there were a few exceptions when need be; male warriors weren't unheard of in the village's history, after all. Cologne saw the potential and took advantage of it. Mousse never explained the sudden decision to anybody. While playing in the mountains with the other village children Mousse got lost. He had been looking for Shampoo when he was separated from the others. It was then a large bear attacked him. Mousse had stood defiantly, waiting for the killing blow, but it never came. The bear ran off at the beckoning of a lone figure, dressed in yellow, flowing Taoist robes. The Taoist turned out to be a woman of about sixteen years of age, young for such a powerful sorcerer! She was kind enough to lead Mousse back to the village, and when Mousse turned to thank her she disappeared. He'd never got her name. The next time Mousse saw her was alone by the side of a lake, in harmony with nature. The Taoist saw Mousse was disturbed at being unable to defend himself, whereupon she took Mousse to a thatched hut nearby. She'd said, "If you promise to never reveal my home to anyone, I'll make sure you'll never be defenseless again." Upon which Mousse promised. How could he resist such beauty? The days following Mousse visited the Taoist, learning basic martial arts philosophies, training him to be in the right frame of mind. After a few days passed, the girl had introduced Mousse to her sister, a Master of Hidden Weapons. The sister always wore large heavy robes, concealing weapons within. From then on the sister would teach Mousse the art of hidden weapons, showing him the basics of concealing weapons and throwing projectiles with accuracy. Mousse always assumed that this woman who was his teacher was an Amazon traveling abroad. Cologne knew not whom Mousse trained with, but the results were astounding nonetheless. Mousse mastered the basics, being a quick student. It was only a year later the Taoist told Mousse one day the sad news. She said, "The winds call me away, young one, and we must depart. Mastery of the art is a lifetime venture; never stop practicing. You are far from defenseless now, and someday you can use your skills to help others. That is the true meaning behind martial arts." After that day the thatched hut vanished, and the Taoist never returned. And yet he still didn't know her name. She was beautiful, though. He would never forget her emerald-green eyes, her brilliant smile.... "Mousse?" someone yelled, breaking Mousse's thoughts. Mousse's head craned up, as he looked around for the familiar voice that called him. To his left was Ucchan's, and, standing alone just outside the door, sympathy in her eyes, was Ukyo. For a moment, the Chinese teen thought he saw the Taoist. He rubbed his eyes, but sure enough, it was Ukyo Kuonji, okonomiyaki chef. "Mousse! Come on in!" Ukyo yelled cheerily, waving Mousse inside. Well, dwell on your thoughts too much, and look where you end up, Mousse. Sighing, he turned and entered the okonomiyaki restaurant. Mousse set his duffel bag down as he took a seat on a stool next to the counter. Ukyo took her place behind the grill, spatula in hand. "What'll it be?" "The usual, I suppose," replied Mousse. Ukyo picked up a trace of depression as she poured the batter. "Something you want to talk about? I haven't seen you in days." Mousse pushed his glasses on his head and closed his eyes. "Shampoo's gone. I've no place to stay anymore, much less a job." Ukyo nodded in understanding. It wasn't any good, wandering around. Alone, and far from home and family. "So, why didn't you go back with them?" Ukyo asked curiously. "The old hag has banished me from the tribe," explained Mousse. "As I am now considered an outsider to the tribe, I am no longer welcome to go home. She also said that I'd be killed on sight if I come anywhere near her." He buried his head in his arms, yelling in confusion, "And I can't figure out if I want to go back or not anyway! Shampoo wouldn't welcome me!" Well, that sucks. "When did they leave?" she asked. "Yesterday." "And where did you stay yesterday?" "In the back alley, behind the restaurant, of course." That certainly wasn't a way to live, Ukyo thought. Well, I might regret this in the morning, but.... "Well, you could always work here," Ukyo said. "I've been thinking about expanding anyway, so I can use the help. Whattaya say, honey?" "I'd like that," answered Mousse. From his left sleeve Mousse produced a throwing dart. Mousse tossed the dart up and down, catching with one hand on the bladed side, eyes still closed, yet, never cutting himself. "You'll see, you'll be back on your feet in no time!" encouraged the okonomiyaki chef. Silence ensued. Only the crackling of the grill filled the air. The aroma of Ukyo's okonomiyaki filled the Chinese teen's nostrils. Ukyo flipped the finished okonomiyaki on a plate and placed it before Mousse. "Ranma and Akane aren't back from their honeymoon yet, so things have been quiet lately. So, Shampoo is really gone...." She reached over the counter and patted Mousse on the shoulder sympathetically. "You'll get over her." "I miss her," Mousse replied, reaching for chopsticks. Slowly, he began to devour the okonomiyaki. "Ukyo, did I do the right thing?" "What?" "Stopping Shampoo. Breaking traditions, was I right?" Ukyo pondered for a moment. "Yeah, I'd say so. Some traditions weren't meant to be passed." "Even so, I still miss Shampoo...." "Look," Ukyo said, grabbing Mousse's free hand, "Shampoo never cared for you. At least, not romantically. I should know, I've been through that kind of relationship myself...." "Maybe you're right," Mousse answered, having finished his meal. "Perhaps its time to move on." He set down the chopsticks. "Thanks, Ukyo. After what I've been through, a friend was the last thing I expected." Ukyo smiled. "I'll show you to your room." Mousse opened his eyes and put his glasses back in place. He picked up the duffel bag, which seemed lighter than usual, and followed Ukyo to an empty room. "You can stay in the guest room," Ukyo said, waving her arms around the room. "It's not much, but it'll do." Mousse walked in and set the bag down by the wall. "Wow, a real room...." Sleeping in the attic of the Nekohanten wasn't the best of accommodations. Ukyo walked toward the door. "Bathroom's down the hall, you can start work tomorrow morning. Konatsu can show you the ropes, as I have to go to class tomorrow." And, somehow, it wouldn't be the same without Ranma and Akane there to bother.... Ukyo left and walked back to the dining room. Well, honey, what's with you and letting people room with you? I mean, you've already got Konatsu and the cat he found, do you really want more to take care of? At that thought Ukyo couldn't help but smile. I'm too nice for my own good. A few days later Ranma and Akane returned from their honeymoon. At the Tendo household, they were greeted by their family. It took a while to adjust to the changes, from moving into one room to the reactions of fellow classmates. Ukyo never knew the couple was back until both returned their first day back to school. Lunch break was the first opportunity for the three to catch-up. Ukyo caught Ranma and Akane just before they entered the lunch area. She waved, and called, "Ranma! Akane!" "Ukyo!" Akane greeted. "So, the newlyweds are back," started Ukyo, "and this is the first time I'm going to hear the juicy details of the honeymoon?" "I don't think so," Ranma replied defensively. "I think that's something between a husband and his wife, and not for gossip, Ukyo," Akane pointed out. "Come on, let's eat." The trio entered the lunch area, and took the nearest open table they could find. Every once in a while, classmates would congratulate either Ranma or Akane, some even hinting that they 'knew' certain little details. No doubt Nabiki must have spilled the beans on some issues, Akane thought. She never could keep her mouth shut when offered money. "Well, nothing much has happened lately," Ukyo began, running-off on the events during the week-long honeymoon. "Well, actually, something major did happen: the Nekohanten's closed." "Really?" Akane said, surprised. "Yes!" Ranma cried out in triumph. "No more Shampoo!" Ukyo nodded. "Shampoo packed her bags and went home. But that's not all." The okonomiyaki chef bowed her head low, and sighed. "Mousse got left behind." "Why?!" Akane cried in surprise. "That's... cruel!" "Well, Mousse explained the whole thing to me," continued Ukyo. "Remember the wedding? Remember how Mousse helped stop Shampoo from killing you? Well, the old lady of Shampoo's had decided she had had enough of one man's impudence, so she banished him from the tribe." "Ouch," Ranma said. "I never thought Mousse was serious when he told me." "So, after spending a night sleeping in an alley, I took him in," finished the chef. "I'm trying to teach him how to cook okonomiyaki like I do, as I am trying to expand, you know. Hiring new workers is just the beginning." Ranma nodded. "I can't wait for the day when I see Ucchan's Okonomiyakis all over Japan." "Thanks," replied Ukyo. "Ukyo, can we ask you a favor?" Ranma asked his old friend. "Anything!" Ukyo replied. Ranma spared a look back at Akane, who smiled reassuringly. "Well, Akane and I had a little talk over our honeymoon, and we've kinda decided to ask you this favor." "Well, what is it?" the chef asked impatiently. "Akane wants to know if you would help her learn how to cook." Ukyo slapped her friend on the back, hard. She laughed. "Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?! Of course I'll help." "Hey, thanks, Ukyo," Akane said. "I really do want to eat my wife's cooking, you know," Ranma added. Only if it tasted good. Almost instinctually, the young Saotome flinched, as if expecting Akane to hit him. But no attack came, thanks to the talk the couple had over their extended honeymoon. Ukyo turned to her old friend with seriousness in her eyes. "Ranma, could you leave us for a moment?" "Why?" asked Ranma. "There's something I want to talk to Akane about," she explained. He nodded, then got up from his seat. Ranma left the tables, wandering off to mingle with the rest of his classmates, leaving Ukyo alone with Akane. "What's so important that you have to talk to me and not Ranma about?" asked Akane. "I need to know where we stand," Ukyo said simply. "That's it?" Akane blinked, a bit confused at Ukyo's words. "I no longer have any claim as Ranma's fiancee," she explained, "heck, I don't think I ever had such a claim. If we're going to still be friends, you have to understand that's how I feel now." The youngest of the three Tendo sisters was at a loss for words. "If you think so...." "If I can't get passed that, then we can't be friends," Ukyo said. "Don't be silly, we'll always be friends!" insisted Akane. "I mean, after what you did at our wedding, how can you not be my friend?" "Good, just so long as we understand each other," the chef decided. "I don't think I would've gotten this far without you, and I don't want to let you go, either." "Why, thank you!" Akane replied, accepting the praise. It was the only way, Ukyo had decided. Things turned out much better than the chef imagined, rehersing herself over and over while Ranma and Akane were still on their honeymoon. If there's anyone that should make the sacrifice, it should be me, not my dearest friends. I owe them that much. Never again, will my own desires go ahead of their own. As the weeks dragged on everything seemed to go back to normal. Mousse, in his new job, tried his best to control his feelings over Shampoo. Ukyo taught Mousse the basics of cooking okonomiyaki-- Kuonji-style. This allowed her restaurant to be open at times Ukyo was unavailable, as Mousse was a quick learner, and Ukyo a patient teacher. Business boomed. In turn, Mousse taught Ukyo some recipes for Chinese dishes, especially several dishes of ramen. Akane couldn't help but notice how close the two were getting; they taught each other trade secrets. And now Akane could cook rice without ruining it. It was a start. On a Friday afternoon after school Ranma and Akane entered Ucchan's, which was the same time of day there were very few customers. Ukyo handed her orders to Ranma and Akane, and, while watching them eat, she couldn't help but feel jealous and happy at the same time. Well, this was easier than I thought it would be, Ukyo decided, adjusting to this marriage thing and all. "Ucchan, you're the best," Ranma proclaimed, scarfing down the last of the okonomiyaki that once had the message 'number one' on it. "Silly, you always say that," Ukyo teased. "So, how are things going along at home?" "Everything's just fine, Ukyo," Akane answered, smiling. "Nabiki is thinking about buying a computer," Ranma said, "although I don't see what good one would do." "Nabiki did say she was saving up her money for one for quite a while," added Akane. "She tells me she got it for quite a deal, too. I suppose she's planning ahead for college. Nabiki's also looking into Internet service providers, too." "Well," Ukyo started, "if she does get one, maybe I could advertise my restaurant on the Internet." Maybe. She'd heard several customers talk of... interesting things happening on the world wide web. "Of course, that might rack up quite a phone bill, too," Akane said dryly. "And we don't have a regular income." "Anyway," continued Ranma, "Akari sent a postcard saying that she located Ryoga's father, based on a recent phone call. Now Ryoga's off to find his mother. I'm sure Mr. Hibiki said 'yes.' I think Mom and Pop made up a bit, too...." He grinned slightly at the thought of his mother chasing after the giant panda in the dojo. "Best of all, Shampoo's been leaving me alone. Sometimes it's so quiet it's scary." "So, how's Mousse holding up?" asked Akane. "He's doing fine." replied Ukyo. "He hasn't moaned about Shampoo for days." "So, you think he's finally over her?" asked Ranma. "Am I over you, Ranchan?" Ukyo asked. She shook her head, almost wishing that Ranma asked to marry HER instead. Don't be ridiculous! He was always yours, he just got taken away from you! Remember, Ukyo, you were promised to him! No! Ukyo shouted within herself. No, no, no. I never had a real claim to being Ranma's fiancee; it was all one big mistake. Yeah, that's it.... A small part of Ukyo didn't want to hear such stupid rationalizations. "Still," the chef said finally, "its nice to see the guy full of life again. There may be hope for him yet." "Maybe you ought to take him out, Ukyo," suggested Akane. "Me?" Ukyo said in disbelief. "Go out with Mousse? Why? I can't date my workers!" "I don't see why not," Ranma said frankly. "Ranchan!" Ukyo cried, slapping her friend across the face. "Who's side are you on?!" The chef spared one glance at Akane. Oh, never mind! "Well," Akane started, "he is lonely, and so are you. Perhaps you two have something in common." "Blind devotion, maybe," Ranma commented. "Loneliness...." "Ranchan!" Ukyo yelled. "Grrrooo-oh, all right! I'll do it." She looked around the dining room and waved Mousse over. "Mousse?" "Yes?" Mousse asked. Ukyo crumpled a rag nervously in her hands, sparing a glance at Ranma. "I... ah... well... youwanttogooutwithmetonight?" "Sure," Mousse said. The three stared in disbelief that Mousse actually understood Ukyo's quick statement. "After closing?" asked the Chinese teen. "Well, okay," answered Ukyo, fidgeting with the rag again. Thanks a lot, Ranchan. Ukyo closed the restaurant after the last customer left that very evening. Mousse sat at a nearby table. Konatsu was playing with his white cat. The kunoichi had found the cat one evening while taking out the trash, and asked Ukyo if he could keep it. Ukyo couldn't help but say 'yes.' The cat was female, and Konatsu named her Snowball. The only good that came out of that cat, Ukyo thought, was that Konatsu was learning some responsibility. Darn fleabag set back expenses for weeks just for fleas! Just for tonight, Ukyo reminded herself. Just before closing she had allowed herself some time to shower. She let her hair hang loosely down her back, and dressed in casual guy's attire (Ukyo never did get the hang of girls' clothes). As usual, she carried her bandoleer, her combat spatula strapped to her back, just in case something went wrong (as something usually did). Ukyo turned to Mousse. "Well, let's go." Mousse stood up and walked out the door, Ukyo trailing behind. "So," Mousse started, standing in the middle of the street, "what is our plans for tonight?" "I don't know," Ukyo replied. "I didn't plan this, really. It was Ranma and Akane's idea." And I've no intention of this 'date' going much farther than that, Ukyo reminded herself sternly. I've no time to bother with my workers. The restaurant was first. I must look desperate already, Ukyo thought. Mousse nodded. "Pity, then. How about a walk in the park?" The two walked silently down several blocks to the nearest park. They walked to the fountain in the center, and sat there, at the rim of the pool. Cool water spouted from the fountain's head, high above their heads, splashing down into the rippling pool below. Lights built at the bottom of the pool illuminated the fountain head and spraying water alike. Ranchan would hate sitting here, Ukyo told herself, stiffling a chuckle. For a long time neither teen spoke a word. Mousse merely stared out into the stars above, his opaque glasses lenses hiding his eyes from all. His mind seemed to drift off to something... distant, Ukyo decided. Probably Shampoo. Shit, it must be hard to leave home, and never return.... "So," Ukyo started, breaking the silence, "do you have a hobby?" "My only purpose is to better myself," Mousse replied, "in body, mind, and skill. As of late I've decided to work on my listening skills. If only Shampoo would listen...." Ukyo cut him off. "Why do you want Shampoo so much?" Mousse lifted his glasses and closed his eyes. Weeks of close proximity to each other told Ukyo Mousse was thinking. Finally, he answered, "I really don't know. It was so long ago... when we were three years old." "That's a long time," Ukyo commented. "I wanted Ranma since we met when we were both six." Was this idle chat, or becoming intimate talk? wondered Ukyo. Don't open yourself up like that, stupid! You KNOW a relationship with Mousse can't work! You don't need the emotional baggage! "Sometimes I forget you're a girl," Mousse commented. Ukyo peered at him critically. Men! "I mean, I never see you wearing dresses or anything, its either your chef outfit or shirt-and-jeans," he added hastily. Ukyo sighed. "Ten years from femininity made those habits. I was never raised like any other girl. I still can't dress as a girl right. Other girls are used to it, but the feeling I get is rather creepy. Its almost like being exposed, somehow...." Skirts scared a lot out of her, actually, as Ukyo found it unecessary to walk around with excess clothing like that. Skirts often got in the way of battle, too. How in the world did Ranma get away with dressing as a girl and not be uncomfortable?! I'm a girl, so why should it be a problem for me? She turned to Mousse. "Speaking of dress, why do you insist on wearing your robes all the time?" "Besides hiding my weapons, one must be ready for battle when they least expect it," answered Mousse slowly. "One should always be prepared for the unexpected." He peered at Ukyo sternly. "It's a long story." Being prepared. Sounds reasonable. "So why did you become the Master of Hidden Weapons?" Mousse closed his eyes again, and rested his head on his fist. After a long silence, he finally said, "A friend whom I never knew. I'm sworn to secrecy, so that is all I can tell you." Ukyo nodded. "Well, maybe someday you can show me how to conceal some darts... it could come in handy some day." Watch it, girl, you're getting a little too close for comfort. "Someday," Mousse said. Reflectively, he commented, "I've never been as close to anyone as I've been to you since I was five. I mean, I've never had real friends before." For some reason, Mousse's thoughts drifted back to his Taoist friend; oh, how Ukyo so reminded him of that beautiful woman, in more ways than one. "Yeah, well, I guess that's the price of isolation. Being distant, alone, away from others who'd be your friends...." Being alone. The thought sent shivers down Ukyo's spine. Shit, stop thinking like that, or you'll open yourself up to unwanted attention. Mousse wrapped his arm around Ukyo, and the two leaned their heads together, suspending each other. For a long while neither spoke, watching the occasional couple pass through or the stars in the clear sky above. After several long minutes, no one else passed by, leaving the two friends in the park, alone. Only the sounds of the fountain water splashing into the pool echoed in the night. At that moment, the pair heard scuffling nearby. Someone yelled, causing the two to perk up, ready for action. "It's coming from there!" Ukyo shouted, pointing toward the bushes. Mousse and Ukyo crept their way through the bushes until they reached another section of the park, where in the clearing, two figures battled. One was around their own height, dressed in heavy robes, while the other was a scrawny little man with a bag over his shoulder. "Happosai," Ukyo cursed under her breath. "Whatever he did this time he deserves it." "Still, this combatant is new," Mousse said, intrigued. "Look!" The two watched from their hiding space as Happosai dodged several darts, tossed from the sleeves of the newcomer. Both Mousse and Ukyo caught the flashes of steel, with light reflected from the moonlight above, in the second fighter's hands. Happosai, masterful as he is, dodged each and every thrust and blow that came his way. "Hehehehehehe...." laughed the old man. "I haven't had this much fun since... the last one that tried to hunt me down!" "I'll make sure your end is quick, monster!" shouted the other, in a low, femenine voice. "Sorry, but I've got places to go, people to see!" Happosai replied. He produced one large, ball-shaped object in his hand, and tossed it. "Happodaikarin!" The explosive landed just in front of the female combatant, creating a large storm of dust and dirt in the air. Happosai danced with glee, kicking his heels like a young man would. Ukyo couldn't believe that Happosai was winning. "Oh, come on, old man! Why can't you die for once?" Then, as if Happosai heard Ukyo's words, the old lecher bounded toward Mousse and Ukyo's hiding spot. Happosai seemed oblivious to the two as he bounded over them, but the second figure ran into them. All three tumbled to the ground. Over his shoulder, he cried, "Better luck next time!" The old lecher bounded off into the night, carrying his bag of ill-gotten goods in tow. "Come back here, fiend!" shrieked the mysterious figure. She stood up and stared at Mousse and Ukyo on the ground. "You helped him escape!" the woman accussed the pair. "Hey!" Ukyo protested, "we had nothing to do with this!" "Consorting with fiends such as the little man... prepare yourselves!" The woman stepped into the light, revealing a blue-skinned woman wearing Chinese burial robes. Hanging from her hat was a ward against evil spirits, and emerging from her long sleeves were three blades each, curved in almost what appeared to be clawed hands. From the dark recesses of her sleeves the woman produced an incredibly-large gong, the size of herself, and pounded it. The resulting shockwave blast sent Ukyo and Mousse out into the clearing. Their ears rang soundly, deafening them as well as disorienting them. The woman hopped out of the bushes to confront her enemies. "It's a kuang-shi!" Mousse shouted to Ukyo. "Chinese vampire!" Ukyo unstrapped her spatula from her back. "Great, always wanted to meet the dead, but not like this!" The kuang-shi tossed several shuriken at Ukyo, who batted the projectiles out of the way. Mousse threw three of his own darts, which the vampire side-stepped, unconcerned. Mousse leaped into the air and descended, fists first as two giant blades were produced from his sleeves. The kuang-shi blocked the blade slashes with her own claws. Suddenly, a voice shouted, "Stop!" In which case, all three combatants froze. "Who said that?!" Ukyo cried into the night sky. "I did," came the voice, originating from the kuang-shi. But the Chinese vampire's lips never moved. The talisman hanging from the kuang-shi's hat fell to the ground before her. In a bright flash of light, the talisman was replaced by a young woman, wearing yellow Taoist robes. In her hands she held several more talismans. "You!" Mousse cried in recognition, dropping his blades. "Yes, Mousse, isn't it?" said the Taoist. "I recognized your fighting style. It is the same as that of my sister," she explained, gesturing to the kuang-shi. "It's been a long time, young one." "I kept my promise, Master," Mousse said, bowing low to the ground. "Hey, what's this all about?" Ukyo asked, annoyed. The Taoist turned to Ukyo. "My sincerest apoligies! My name is Mei-ling," she started, and, pointing to the kuang-shi, "This is my sister, Hsien-ko. We are vampire hunters by trade, hunters of the dark ones." "Well, I'm Ukyo Kuonji, and I'm a chef," Ukyo said, trying hard not to be sarcastic. Mousse's jaw dropped in amazement. "I trained with a kuang-shi? A vampire hunting vampires?" "Hang on!" Ukyo shouted. "Who's going to tell me the story?" The four sat in the middle of the clearing, undisturbed by any who would pass by. Mei-ling wrote out several talismans and placed them in a circle around them. More wards, Ukyo thought grimly. "Is that really necessary?" Ukyo asked. Mei-ling nodded. "Without the wards, my sister may become overwhelmed with the forces of the evil spirits. I care for her too much to leave her open to such attacks." Fair enough, Ukyo decided. Still, the wards gave her the creeps. "Our story begins long ago," Mei-ling started. "We were born twins in the 1700's, in China. Our mother battled evil spirits. But one day, Mother was taken by the dark ones, and we vowed to free her. In order to carry out our mission we used a secret, yet deadly technique, to make us what we are now." Hsien-ko nodded. "You need not trouble yourselves with the details, but needless to say, one of us became the controlling force, the other, the killing force. To free our mother's spirit, we must destroy the dark ones called Darkstalkers." "Darkstalkers?" asked Ukyo. "Supernatural creatures," Mei-ling explained, "such as werewolves, zombies, and vampires. Beings not of this world, creatures from what we call the Demon Realm. We do this because one day we will find the one who holds our mother in eternal torment. We will free her spirit at all costs." She pondered for a moment, then added, "Do not mistake the Demon Realm for the Kami Plane, however, as that is a rather painful and mistaken conclusion, as some have found out." "It was during one of our hunts we met Mousse," Hsien-ko explained. "In that remote region of China there resided a Darkstalker. Mei-ling saved Mousse one day. She took him in, and we trained him in the arts of hidden weapons. When we destroyed the monster, we parted ways." "It is good to see Mousse has grown to be a fine warrior," Mei-ling added. "I never expected to meet you again." "Thanks," replied the Chinese acrobat. "I am powerful enough that I am among my village's finest defenders." "So what are you doing here?" asked Ukyo. "We've heard rumors of an evil man with great power," Mei-ling said. "The one we fought earlier matches the description." Ukyo laughed. "We know him, he's Happosai. Trust me, he's very much human, and a dirty one at that. He's very well skilled in martial arts, that's all." Almost jokingly, she added, "Of course, by all means you can kill him." Hsien-ko and Mei-ling considered this, exchanging glances. Finally, Mei-ling said, "Then perhaps we made an error in judgment, this time." Hsien-ko turned to Mousse. "So, boy, what have you learned since we last met?" "I've studied several secret Amazon techniques from village masters," Mousse replied slowly. "Being a male warrior in an Amazon village was hard. I've learned acrobatics and how to use my weapons better. I devised the Swan Fist. But my proudest achievement was the Hawk Talons attack; a technique passed from generation to generation to a single student." Mousse grinned at the memory of shock on the faces of the other Amazon students. "Well," Hsien-ko started, "I've still a few more techniques myself, but," raising her two claws, "they're specific to these weapons. Observe." The kuang-shi buried the claws into the earth. Nearby a large sword popped out of the ground, startling Ukyo. Ukyo looked over to Mousse, and noticed he hadn't taken his eyes off Mei-ling. "Mousse?" "Huh?" Mousse said in confusion, taken out of his reverie. He looked at Mei-ling again, staring at her shimmering, emerald-green eyes. "Mei-ling...." "Yes?" the Taoist replied, unaware of the attention Mousse was giving her at the moment. "Deep down, ever since I first met you, I fell in love. You are so... beautiful...." Abruptly, he added, "Would you marry me?" Ukyo looked at Mousse in confusion. Was he really THAT desperate? Mei-ling blushed. "I'm flattered, I've never been this close to a man for two centuries, and that was with Father. But I can't allow myself such pleasures, as I still have a duty to my sister and my mother." "Can't I go with you?" Mousse asked with a hint of desperation. "Mousse, I'm sorry," Mei-ling said, genuinely hurt. "You're such a sweet guy. I haven't aged since I was sixteen, and that was two centuries ago. I've lived a long time, Mousse, and I may live even longer so. I can't go through life loving a man who ages before my eyes. I can't do that to you, or myself. Please understand, it's for the best." Mousse remained silent, and bowed his head low. "We should be going," Hsien-ko said. "There's some more monsters on our list of leads, and I want to get to Kyoto before breakfast." "Yes, we should go," Mei-ling agreed. She gathered the paper talismans from the circle. "Mousse, I'm proud of what you've become. Never forget that." "Will we see each other again?" Mousse asked hopefully. Mei-ling considered this. "Perhaps. Someday. With the life we have, who can say?" In a flash of light, the Taoist transformed into a talisman again, and attached to Hsien-ko's hat. Hsien-ko waved, then leaped into the air and ran through the night sky. Mousse watched the two sisters until they disappeared into the night. No words would come to his lips. Ukyo put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you all right?" "Yeah, I guess," Mousse answered. "I gave my heart to true love again and it was given back. Perhaps I can never know love." "Maybe," Ukyo considered. Then again, Mousse, do you KNOW what love is? For that matter, do I? Changing the subject, Ukyo said, "They were pretty nice people, weren't they?" Not to mention very felial toward their mother. "Mei-ling is one of the few people in my life that is proud of me." Well, there was Mother, but she doesn't count for much, not in my life, at least. The other villagers never truly appreciated Mousse. How welcoming it was to be appreciated! he thought. For a long moment, neither said a word. "I think it's time to go home," suggested the okonomiyaki chef. "Ukyo," Mousse started, "you're so much like them. They're devoted to their family as you are toward your own. In another lifetime perhaps you could've been friends." Not only did Ukyo remind Mousse of Mei-ling, she behaved almost like her.... Ukyo said nothing and turned away. And alone, too. How they were alone.... Mousse turned his head to Ukyo. "I think I finally understand my heart. Perhaps I was projecting my feelings on Mei-ling. Perhaps I was being unfair to her, after all she's done...." He shrugged. "And Shampoo... maybe I was chasing after a dream, something I could never have... maybe that's why I persued after her so! Oh, to love, and to be loved! But, in the here and now, maybe I've been overlooking my feelings...." Ukyo turned around. "Mousse, what are you saying?" Uh-oh. If this is going where I think it's going, I'd better deck him. No, now that's not a nice thing to think! "I think my devotion toward a dream blinded me to the feelings I'm having right now. I've been set free, from Shampoo, from Mei-ling. And now I see clearly, for the first time, what I really feel. And I don't need glasses to see them." Why bother chasing after Shampoo or Mei-ling, when I could have the girl standing right by me right now? Mousse reasoned. Mousse grasped Ukyo's arms firmly. "I love you, Ukyo." "Uh... uh, aren't you being a bit... hasty?!" Ukyo said, backing away slowly. "I've never been so sure in my life," replied the Chinese man. Oh shit! Ukyo thought to herself. Why the hell was he trying to attach himself to YOU now?! Mei Ling was strong enough to resist, so should you! Don't look into his eyes, or you'll regret it later, girl! Don't... don't... shit. The moon looks lovely in his eyes.... No! You jackass.... "In your heart," Mousse continued, "you, too, want those feelings." To love, to be loved.... He was right. Soon Ukyo felt her head spiral into those dark orbs of oblivion. And there was nothing to stop her; the okonomiyaki chef ignored her better judgement and rational logic in favor of emotions. "Mousse..." Ukyo started, a little confused, "I've been blind too, in my pursuit of Ranma, I thought I could have no other man. But now I know there are other men out there, men who I care about. When I took you in weeks ago, I thought I was helping a friend, doing the right thing. It was for pity." "Look within yourself," insisted Mousse. "Did you not do it to be closer to me?" Did I? "You're such a great guy," Ukyo managed to say. "I didn't want to admit it to myself, but I saw a lot of myself in you. Buried beneath the clumsy guy people know is a caring and devoted man that some would die for. Shampoo's devotion to Ranma must blind her from that fact." She laughed softly, tears welling in her eyes. You must be desperate too, Ukyo. Don't do this. No, but look at him! A strong young man, that body, those eyes.... You know you want him, and you know he wants you. Do I love Mousse? "You know it's more than a little attraction," Mousse continued. "Don't blind yourself from your feelings. Let your heart break its chains, and be free!" Oh, he's so right! How could I be so blind? "We all must be blind to our feelings," the okonomiyaki chef said, wiping her tears. Say it, Ukyo! Don't be a wimp about this! Ranma is the chains! Don't let him hold you back! "Set your heart free!" encouraged Mousse. "Bad things will never happen again. And never cry anymore." Admit it, Ukyo, you need him as much as he needs you. Ranma was out of your reach; he never was yours, you never should have deluded yourself that you could have him! This guy, right here, was ready and willing to take care of you! Do it, you jackass! Ukyo threw her arms around Mousse suddenly. "I love you too, Mousse." And in that moment, two people, standing alone in the clearing in the dark park, both who believed they were alone in the world, were alone no longer. They kissed, and in that moment all the troubles in the world seemed to drop away into nothingness. It felt so right. Ukyo's world disappeared around her. Something inside her was trying to tell her something, but the okonomiyaki chef ignored that voice, living for the moment at hand. Mousse and Ukyo walked together down the street back to Ucchan's, hand in hand. It was late, nearing ten o'clock or eleven, neither knew which. They approached Ucchan's silently together. "That's strange," noted Ukyo. "Why'd Konatsu leave the lights on?" "Beats me," Mousse replied. "Only one way to find out." The two walked in without a word, only to be greeted by the last sight they would have thought possible. Ranma and Akane sat at the counter, waiting expectantly. Konatsu sat nearby at a table, reading a manga. "So, how'd it go?" Ranma asked. "Ranchan," Ukyo started, unsure what to say, "we've found something about ourselves we never knew before." Akane smiled. "I'll bet Shampoo doesn't know what she let slip by." "As far as I can tell," Ukyo said frankly, "she doesn't care." Then it was Mousse's turn to smile. For all the years being treated as an object, Mousse was finally being treated as a person. But the mention of Shampoo forced Mousse's thoughts to wander again to that Chinese Amazon who had his heart for a good deal of his life. Ukyo remarked, "Ranchan, what are you doing here? Kinda late, isn't it?" Fidgeting in his seat, Ranma answered, "Umm... because we wanted to see you and Mousse happy. Akane noticed how well you treated each other over the past weeks, so we decided to help roll the ball here. Besides, I wanted another round of okonomiyaki as a midnight snack." I hope Akane knew what she was doing. "Ukyo-sama," Konatsu piped up, "the grill is ready for your touch." Mixing up batter, Ukyo asked no one in particular, "So, where do we go from here?" Mousse replied, "Who knows? But whatever the future holds in store for us all, we'll face it... together." And at such a late hour, Ukyo cooked the best meal she'd tasted for a long time. * * * * * Closing: Lambada Ranma [Akane:] In our Tendo dojo, [chorus:] our tenant [Akane:] Ranma had harsh training at, [chorus:] Jusenkyo. [Genma:] Quite a tragedy! [Ranma:] When I pour water on myself, [Girl Ranma:] I turn female, with my idiotic constitution. [chorus:] Akane's fiancee! Ranma: You are SO uncute! Akane: You've got to be kidding. That pervert, I refuse! Genma: Hmm, how shall I explain this? Ranma, I'll kill you! Shampoo Girl Ranma: Why'd you do this?! Kuno: I'm the Blue Thunder of Fuurinkan High! Soun: How do you explain yourself, Ranma? Oh-hohohohohohoho! Kodachi Mousse: So, you think my techniques mere tricks?! Cologne: You're quite skilled, Son-in-law. Happosai: Hahahaa, I've got Akane's panties! Bwii, bwii bwii! Ryoga [Akane:] In our Tendo dojo, [chorus:] our tenant [Akane:] Ranma had harsh training at, [chorus:] Jusenkyo. [Genma:] Quite a tragedy! [Ranma:] When I pour water on myself, [Girl Ranma:] I turn female, with my idiotic constitution. [chorus:] Akane's fiancee! [Guide:] Honorable guest, here! Legendary training grounds, Jusenkyo. Honorable guest, you're crazy. It's so dangerous, no one uses these grounds! Ah, honorable guest, what are you doing?! If you fall in, something terrible will happen. Aiyaa, you fell in Nyannichuan. In Nyannichuan 1500 years ago, a young girl drowned, that is its tragic legend! Ever since, anyone who drowns there... that cursed spring transforms into a young girl! See, you turned into a girl. Girl Ranma: I was prepared to give my life, but not my manhood! Ryoga: Where is Furinkan High? Kasumi: Mr. Saotome, breakfast! .... Genma Shampoo: Ranma, you should take responsibility. Cologne: I haven't lived 100 years for nothing! Ha-hah! Nabiki: That doesn't follow, older sister. It's okay! It's okay! It's okay! Akane Konatsu: Ah, what a luxurious meal. Ukyo: What you're tasting is the best okonomiyaki in the world! Nodoka: My, how manly you've become, Ranma! Kasumi?! Kasumi?! Where? Tofu [Ranma: However Akane, when you laugh, you're cute!] [Akane:] In our Tendo dojo, [chorus:] our tenant [Akane:] Ranma had harsh training at, [chorus:] Jusenkyo. [Genma:] Quite a tragedy! [Ranma:] When I pour water on myself, [Girl Ranma:] I turn female, with my idiotic constitution. [chorus:] Akane's fiancee! [Ranma:] "I didn't agree to this!" [chorus:] Akane's fiance! [Akane:] "You're bothering me!" [chorus:] Akane's fiance! -------------------------------------------- Author's Rant If you felt this relationship was forced, then I deserve a pat on the back. That WAS the point of the story, after all. It IS called 'Descending Spiral,' after all. It's just that the descent doesn't go straight down, it turns and curves along the way.... This story was just a set-up for later events down the line. Mousse was looking for emotional attachment. If you didn't draw such a conclusion, that means I did a poor job. There is a difference in being in love and to love. Ukyo announced her desire to put her friends' needs above her own. She has been thinking about this since the last story, btw, and it will have its consequences later on. Hsien-ko and Mei-ling (Lei-lei and Lin-lin in Asia) come from Capcom's Darkstalkers fighting game (aka Vampire Hunter). Both appear in the new Night Warriors OAV that's coming out from VIZ). Anyway, wasn't it convenient that Mousse learned his art from another who practiced the art? :) A few notes about kuang-shi: yes, they eat. On the ground, they hop, but they can also run in the air. The name typically translates to "Chinese ghost," or sometimes "vampire," although they share nothing in common with their Western counterparts other than being undead. Razorclaw X http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html ________________________________________________________________ RITORU DEITO (Little Date) (TV Service Version) "Ranma 1/2 Nettouhen" opening theme (1989) tasogare wa itsu de mo fushigi no kuni mitai hoshi wo kazoesaseru no Twilight always seems like a strange land letting me count the stars. DEKKI no ue KAPPURU No! No! me no yariba ni DOKI-DOKI shichau egao kaesu tsumori ga I'm a lonely girl, so lonely girl. On the deck, a couple, No! No! not knowing where to look, my heart throbs. I intend to return a smiling face. I'm a lonely girl, so lonely girl. * CHANSU to yuuhi ga sasayaki kakeru demo ne aoi RIBON wa hodokenai Shining, Dreaming ikinari shiokaze ga kawaru wa ai shitenai wake ja nai Demo, ima wa kaeritai... * Here's your chance, the setting sun begins to whisper, but I still can't untie the blue ribbon Shining, Dreaming Suddenly the sea breeze changes. It's not 'cause I don't love you, still, now, I want to go home... I'm a lonely girl ...nani o sonna ni kowagatteru no ...What is it that I'm afraid of? I'm a lonely girl ...itsumo no watashi ni narenai no ...I can't be my usual self. I'm a lonely girl ...ai shitenai wake ja nai kedo ...It's not 'cause I don't love you but I'm a lonely girl ...yowamushi na no ...I'm just a coward. * Repeat Singer: ribbon Lyricist: Miura Noriko Composer/Arranger: Gotou Toshitsugu Translation: Theresa Martin ____________________________________________________________