#9: The Past is Prologue, part 2: Kuno 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," "Doco in Hawaii," and part 1 of "The Past is Prologue." Knowledge of the previous stories helps in understanding the minor details of the story (see "Plot Points"). Part 2 deals with both Tatewaki and Kodachi Kuno, their past, and their future. Plot Points (from previous stories) ================================== 1. Ranma and Akane are married. Ryoga and Akari are married. Who's next? 2. Kodachi and Tatewaki have reached an understanding. 3. Kodachi, Ukyo, Akane, and Shampoo have reached an understanding. They treat each other like old friends, as there's no reason to fight anymore. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. Doco (Ranma, the Tendo sisters, the Kunos, Shampoo, Mousse, Ling-ling and Lung-lung, Ryoga, Akari, Ukyo, and Konatsu) goes semi-professional. ------------------------------------------------ Opening: Absolutely! Part 2 (Kasumi) (Fourth season opening) (Kasumi) Absolutely! Absolutely! No matter what, Absolutely! Absolutely! I won't give up! Because you're the only thing in my world. Walking with sunlight on a sandy beach. You hold over me a dream's para- para- parasol. In my heart, as if a wind blew, All at once, ticklish feelings are cleaned out. Ha-han My fingers tremble. Ha-han My face grows warm. It's the first step! Frankly, it's love. [Anyone got a problem with that?!] Absolutely! Absolutely! Vigorously getting ready, Absolutely! Absolutely! Please also Resolve your love to me to the finish. * * * * * Kuno relaxed in meditation before the enshrined Phoenix Egg. It was merely hours after the two named Ryoga and Akari were happily married in the country, a wedding without event (beside the marriage of the couple, that is). He and Kodachi had gotten into a conversation then: what couple would get wed next? Kodachi claimed that, by Western superstition, the one who caught the bouquet the bride threw over her shoulder would be next. Kuno scoffed at such an idea, and paid no heed to the results. Actually, his attention had been diverted toward Ukyo Kuonji, who made a rather sudden, last-minute decision to attend the wedding, after all. Time enough for romance, Kuno told himself, in due time. Love worked in mysterious ways, but it did look in favor of me. Tatewaki Kuno released his thoughts of Ukyo, surrendering himself to deep meditation, allowing his conscious to become one with the Phoenix Egg. It was in this manner that Kuno learned the dark secret of the Chinese Phoenix Sword, the ultimate swordsman technique. But, at that moment, Kuno discovered that the legendary technique was not but one attack, but an entire series of techniques, designed around the power of the Phoenix. He had only scratched the surface. Bitter memories drifted to the day Kuno finally used the Phoenix Sword in battle: the flames of the Phoenix consumed soul energies, and, as Kuno felt his soul creep away, he attacked with one gigantic flaming sword, totally annihilating his enemy. His opponent had been reduced to ash; such was the power behind the Phoenix Sword. However, the feeling of losing one's soul, the bit-by-bit destruction of one's inner being, discouraged Kuno from further exercising his newfound power on Ranma Saotome. Only one with a powerful soul could hope to use the Chinese Phoenix Sword and live. Soul energy replenished itself over time, but if one did not possess enough soul to survive even a single use of the attack, one was doomed to be consumed by the Phoenix flames. If one could survive the first use, and continued to expand their soul energies, then he could master the Phoenix Sword in its entirety. Tatewaki Kuno was a survivor; he intended to master each and every single Phoenix Sword technique. This time, Kuno was stronger. Next time, Ranma Saotome will die. It was only now Kuno decided his energies had expanded beyond sufficiency. The 'danger zone' level was well-passed; Kuno possessed more power than he had when he first used the basic Phoenix Sword, therefore there was no need to constantly worry about hanging over Death's door. Time and experience expanded one's power and energy, after all. It is said to open oneself to the Phoenix Sword was to embrace death; Kuno feared not of dying, but of dying without restoring his honor-- honor lost at the hands of Ranma Saotome, compounded by insult. It was not that Ranma could defeat Kuno-- Kuno simply didn't care-- but the fact that Ranma had played with his heart by transforming into the pig-tailed girl. That cannot be allowed to continue. Love is too sacred to be played-around with like a toy. Hmph, love. I gave the world my love, but it gives none in return. I deserve not the treatment both Father and Mother gave me, nor the turbulent relationship with Kocchi. Heaven must be playing one large, cruel joke, on me. Already the patterns of the flying flame blade came to Kuno's mind, blotting-out all stray thoughts. Now was the time to work. While the elder Kuno preferred the solitude of meditation, Kodachi sat at the rim of the pool where Midorigame (otherwise known as Mr. 'Green Turtle'), her favorite pet, an alligator, lived. The pool rest in the middle of the vast, enclosed courtyard of the Kuno estate, with several stone pathways leading to various areas, each path lined with well-groomed bushes and trees of various types. The sun dipped low in the west sky, casting the beginnings of the dark summer evening. Playfully, she threw in slabs of fresh meat, one after another, watching as the alligator swam about to catch them all. The alligator swam next to where Kodachi sat, rolling-over on his back, exposing his belly to the evening sky. Kodachi laughed as she reached an arm over the rim of the pool to scratch Midorigame's neck, just under the collar. "You love that, don't you?" Kodachi whispered in a motherly tone. "Hmm?" The alligator crooned soothingly, almost seemingly-purring. If alligators could purr, that is. "Ooohhh, yes you do!" giggled the Kuno girl, rubbing Midorigame's belly. "Ahem. Mistress Kodachi?" Kodachi turned from her dear pet, startled. Her eyes focused on one lowly servant, a diminutive little man dressed in plain, dark clothes. He knelt on the stone walkway, head bowed low, waiting for his mistress' response. "This had better be important, Sasuke," Kodachi said. Matters of the house were supposed to be taken to Tacchi, not me. The Kuno family ninja's head raised, revealing the weasel-like features of Sasuke Sarugakure. The whiskers hanging from his cheeks, buck-teeth, and wide-eyes made him look rather repulsive. He seemed out of breath, as he labored to breathe in a relaxed fashion. "It's urgent!" The young Kuno girl stood up from the rim of the pool, arms flailing about, almost knocking over the bucket of raw meat into the water, to Midorigame's disappointment. She took several hard, ominous steps, closer to Sasuke. "Don't you DARE speak riddles with me, you little worm! Spit it out, right now!" Kodachi's shadow overlapped Sasuke's diminutive form. "I couldn't find the young Master, so I had to come to you!" It was then Sasuke was raised from the stone walkway by Kodachi's single hand, holding the back of the ninja's costume. "Well?!" Sweat dropped from the little man's forehead. "The elder Mistress is back!" Thunder seemed to roll in the evening sky as everything in Kodachi's mind collided at once: she had no idea what emotion was dominating her thoughts at the moment. "Mistress?" Sasuke voiced worriedly as Kodachi released her grip on him. Her gaze seemed to be fixed on something Sasuke couldn't see. "And Brother doesn't know about it yet?" Sasuke shook his head. "The young Master is nowhere to be found!" "Where did you go, you little twit?!" someone cried from within the dark depths of the Kuno mansion. "Oh my...." was all Kodachi allowed to leave her mouth as the new figure emerged in the courtyard. A Japanese lady, probably in her late-thirties or early forties, but a rather youthful face and slim body, the newcomer dressed regally in an expensive purple kimono, trimmed with gold, adorned with the patterns of several different types of flowers. Several strange earrings dangled from the lady's lobes. Her hair was tied up in a tight bun. A servant trailed behind, careful to hold the wooden umbrella above the lady at all times. If Kodachi didn't know any better, she'd thought she was looking at a reflection in a mirror, only much older. "You!" cried the lady, her eyes beaming at Sasuke. "I thought I told you to fetch your young Master!!" Sasuke prostrated himself before the lady. "I shall redouble my efforts to locate the young lord, Lady Kuno!" With that, the ninja scrambled away, eager to be out of the woman's presence. The lady focused her attentions on Kodachi. "Who're you?" she asked venomously. "Could you be my son's girlfriend?" Kodachi took several steps closer to the woman with her appearance. "M... Mother?" The elder Kuno peered at the younger curiously. "You know, you DO look a bit like me, when I was young...." She snapped open a fan in her hand. "I know! You're the second little bastard I gave birth to, after that bastard son of mine!" At that moment the turmoil of emotions in Kodachi's mind settled. On anger. "Bastard girl...." Both her fists clenched, her battle aura flaring brightly. No one talks to ME like that. The ribbon was in Kodachi's hand before she realized it. She swiftly snapped the ribbon forth, letting it wrap around the servant carrying the umbrella. Violently, the Black Rose jerked the ribbon, and its captive, back, allowing the servant to land squarely into Midorigame's pond. "Hmph, I see you've got my temper," snorted Lady Kuno. "How dare you come back into my life NOW?!" Kodachi spat venemously. "You, the mother I never knew, you DARE to walk back into my life now!!! Leave now, and I'll forget you ever came." The lady folded her arms. Raising an arrogant air, she replied, "Don't you talk to me like that, young lady!" She pointed to the pond, where the unfortunate servant was thrashing around, trying to escape the alligator. "Good servants are hard to find! Hmph, no doubt, you ARE Kuno's daughter." Kodachi realized her mother meant Father, the principal of Furinkan. Such words, associating me with that fool in that matter! "What is the meaning of this?!" cried Tatewaki Kuno, as he emerged in the open courtyard, Sasuke trailing behind in his shadow. "Oh, so you've finally joined us?" the lady sneered. "Looks like I came home just in time." "Mother!" Kuno shouted in disbelief. "You... you...." "Yes, I AM back!" announced Lady Kuno. "And it seems your father didn't whip some discipline in either of your little spines!" She pointed a commanding finger toward the ground. "Show some respect!" Kuno snorted. "Hmph, no doubt, you're here for the money. You DESERVE no respect." "Silence!" The elder Kuno took several giant strides toward her son, and swatted his face with the open fan. "Never, NEVER, talk about the past in my presence! In fact, NEVER even THINK of it! Since your father isn't around, it looks like it's up to Mother Dearest to take charge!" Kodachi ran to her brother's side. "Get out," she said flatly. Lady Kuno turned her attention to the younger Kuno scion. "Don't you dare raise that tone of voice at me! Bah! If I had been in charge of this household, you wouldn't use such words or tones to your elders!" Sasuke tugged at the lady's kimono urgently. "Lady Kuno, perhaps it would be wise...." "Shut up, you!" the woman bit back, planting a foot in the ninja's face. "I'm going to have to whip YOU in shape, too...." The ninja scurried away, back to Kuno's side. "Gggrrrraaaaaaaahhhhhh...." "And stop growling at me!" She stared down the three before her. But what they returned was shaking heads. "Gaaaaaaarrrrrrhhhhh...." Suddenly, Lady Kuno felt a presence behind her. A shadow, much larger than her own, passed overhead. Slowly, her head turned, craning over her shoulder to meet something large. Something scaly. "Kids, I thought I told you to keep your pets locked up...." the lady whimpered pitifully, as her eyes met the open, hungry maw of the alligator Kodachi fondly loved. "How long do you wish to keep your alligator entertained, Mistress Kodachi?" asked Sasuke innocently. Kuno, Kodachi, and Sasuke sat cross-legged at the dining table, with the door open to the vast courtyard of the Kuno complex. The sounds of the speedy alligator, Midorigame, echoed throughout the enclosed space, but the yells and screams of the fleeing Lady Kuno all but drowned them out. Patches of several bushes sailed through the air for brief moments. If the gardener were here today, he'd have fits, Kodachi thought. Then again, we don't have a gardener; I take care of the plants, and no one else! "This is but a temporary solution," assured Tatewaki Kuno. "I have no intention to keep... Mother, within the estate, not when I have much work and meditation to attend to." Kodachi shrugged. "I don't understand why Mother deserves our fury, even if the brief moment we... talked, gives sufficient justification." Where in the world did she get that awful mouth of hers? Tatewaki nodded. "You were too young to remember. Unfortunately, I was not...." * * * * * This was many years ago, when you, Kocchi, were but a year old. I was two years old at that time, having suffered the harsh realities of living with both Mother and Father. It was a time when I'd been happy to have a baby sister, just to relish in the idea that I wasn't alone. Sadly, I came to realize, that your emergence into the world may have been more torture than blessing.... No, perhaps I should go farther back than that. Let us understand why people such as our parents would marry in the first place. Father, a scion of House Kuno, inherited the wealth, being the single son of our now- deceased grandfather. His life was pampered with all the toys he pleased, but he especially enjoyed the torment of others. I myself do not understand why this is so. Mother, in contrast, was born to a lower-class family, a family in which every yen counted. She lived a harsh life, never getting what she wanted, becoming infuriated with the world. She was convinced the world was against her; it was her resolve to control that made her rise to the attentions of our dear father. A cruel match, really. Father delighted in Mother's constant drive to have money; after all, he had plenty of it. Mother put up with Father's behaviors because she did get what she wanted: money. And control, or the illusion thereof. For sure, one thing lead to another, and the two were wed. It wasn't long after the marriage that the instruments of my birth were set in motion-- who could guess how it happened! A male heir, myself, was produced. And a year afterward, you, Kocchi, emerged. I do not wish to know why we were cursed with our parents; I suppose Father needed something else to torment, something other than Mother. Perhaps Mother wasn't satisfied with herself unless she could raise a daughter to carry on in her own image. Or, perhaps some other, more perverse, reason. The two fought often, often over matters as trivial as to the location of a particular vase. Servants, one after another, came and gone, having to deal with the headache of orders and countermanding orders from both their masters. Only the most dedicated of servants remained in the household before long. Don't you dare look proud, Sasuke. Sometimes I would take the blows from our parents' arguments. If I were not being experimented upon by Father, I would be beaten by Mother for reasons that went unexplained to me. Hmm, it was probably this time I retreated into the dark annals of our illustrious history, Kocchi. From Grandfather's stories and library I learned of my samurai lineage, how he himself practiced the sword, how the Kuno samurai served the government with duty, honor, and loyalty, to the end of the era. With such thoughts and fantasies in my head I resolved to carry on the family tradition; it allowed me to dull the pain I felt under our abusive parents. With each practice swing with my first bokken, carved by my own hand, I imagined myself striking Mother and Father equally. Physical prowess was not the only pursuit I resorted to; in order to prepare myself for the day when I would rise to run the House of Kuno, I studied literature and arts. I understood that I couldn't bear to live under either parent for an extended period of time; until I had sufficiently- bettered myself physically and mentally, I was at their mercy. To say the least, Father tried to burn each book I laid a hand on, and Mother wished I would pursue less-vigorous pursuits-- going so far as to use my bokkens for firewood in the winter seasons. I suppose that was her way of telling me to follow her lead instead. She couldn't understand that I, Tatewaki Kuno, could not bear to delegate matters unto others which only I alone should have a hand in. Hmm, I digress yet again. What came to pass was this: Father tired of Mother, and Mother hated being around Father. Who knew that this match would last for so long? No one. Mother arranged to leave on an extended vacation-- provided she had a continuous stream of cash flowing from home. Father, being too eager to rid himself of the scourge, readily agreed. And so, the two parted ways, but unfortunately, Father remained behind. For my part, I was rather glad Mother left; her attention to minor detail and proper order was unbearable. She expected to be treated a noble, that which she was not-- she was still of common blood. She took it upon herself to sponge the family fortune for her own pleasure, rather than for proper future investment to ensure the family's continued survival. She cared not for tomorrow-- only today mattered in her eyes. She cared not for yesterday, as she scoffed at our family traditions. She has no honor. For that reason, she deserves none in return. The cruel irony of Mother's departure from our lives was this: Father turned his attentions to us. Sure, perhaps he refrained from his habits in your presence, Kocchi, but certainly not around myself. Perhaps your appearance reminded him of Mother too much-- she was all but untouchable to his wiles. Perhaps he was even afraid of doing harm to you, lest Mother may exact some vengeance, in some unreasonable, improbable manner. Yes, I would say that Father did indeed fear Mother in the end. But I digress; Father never stopped harrowing me. Of course, after he shaved my hair when I was fourteen years of age (more than sufficient time to take over the household myself), I managed to... arrange for his extended departure from the Kuno household... oh Kocchi, why the surprised look? Did you really believe that his departure from our lives was merely his own idea? Would he truly and willingly remove himself from his source of greatest entertainment, his son and his students? The removal of both parents from the Kuno estate ensured our future-- neither of their cruel habits would have any further impact on our lives. Oh yes, Kocchi, your sheltered lifestyle shielded you from many of these problems. It's a wonder how you turned out normal in the presence of two abusive parents. Then again, they never did pay much attention to you at all, did they? You never knew Mother, you never really knew Father, who hid behind the mask of pleasantry. I still can't believe he let you have that alligator of yours. Yes, he was only just a cute little hatchling then, but you didn't understand how large alligators could get; I did. Phaw, he wasn't a dog, but I suppose we all have our share of strange quirks, yours being love for an alligator. I'm not jealous! Jealous of that walking suitcase, never! Fine, I won't call him names, but he still is a walking suitcase. And no, I don't plan on bestowing such a fate upon him; how could I bear to carry luggage that cared to eat me? Perhaps you're right, this should be the end of your sheltered life-- but, do you truly wish to be involved in such bothersome matters as taxes, wages and income, and maintenance? Hmmm, perhaps I shouldn't introduce you to all of them at once. Taxes are very important, you know... it's quite simple, just ask the family accountant to do it... just make sure to pay him enough, or we might be missing money in the corners. I keep digressing. The course of conversation does that. In conclusion, Mother's departure from the household was a mixed blessing. I hate her doubly for that. * * * * * "That, my dear Kocchi, is why Mother is despised so," finished Kuno. "As I am the head of House Kuno, I have cut off the monetary supply that has been sustaining Mother for her years apart from us. That is why she is here today-- to assume head of House Kuno herself, to live the rest of her life in comfort and gluttony. She intends to spend the family fortune for her own ends." Sasuke nodded. "Brutally-efficient, but unnecessarily-cruel." "This still doesn't bring us any closer to a solution to our problem," Kuno pointed out. "If it is money Mother wants, she will get it, and she will not leave until such time has passed, or she decides to 'whip us into shape.'" Kodachi thought for a moment. "Hmph, I don't see why I couldn't whip up some compound to... 'take her out,' so to speak." "That still doesn't offer a more permanent solution," Sasuke commented, knowing very well what chemical compound Mistress Kodachi wished to use. "Even I know that the effects of your compounds last but for a relatively short period of time." "Not unless I use a lot of the gas," Kodachi pointed out. Kuno snapped his fingers. "Of course!" "What?" asked Kodachi and Sasuke in unison. "With Mother sufficiently-incapacitated, it would be of little effort to remove her from Japan entirely," explained Kuno. "We have effected a similar solution concerning Father, who is penniless, and unable to return for an extended period of time." Of course, the worst part of the plan was that he would return eventually, but hopefully, long after Kuno finished school. "You want to send her to Abu Dhabi too?" Kodachi guessed. She chuckled, giddy with the idea of both hated parents stranded in the same place. "Precisely," Kuno said, rubbing his hands together, a malicious expression on his face. "Forgive me for asking," started Sasuke, "but is that a fate rather cruel for your own parents?" Both Kodachi and Tatewaki stared at the ninja and shouted, "NO!" Life in the eyes of Kodachi Kuno was much more different than the eyes of Tatewaki Kuno. Other than the fact that Tatewaki lived a full year longer than Kodachi, Kodachi never knew the harsh life her brother lived. It was times like this that Kodachi wished she could talk to someone about her experiences. Tacchi was there, but he wouldn't understand. He knew of Kodachi's experiences, but his own harsh experiences prevented him from truly understanding. Most people feared Kodachi, or, at least, thought she was insane. Those people didn't know the real Kodachi Kuno; they knew the Kodachi that lived for the battle. Love, life, and living was a constant battle. No one saw the loving Kodachi, the one who took care of her pet alligator every day, who took care to groom her plants, who practiced every afternoon in her chosen art-- simply because nobody wanted to know Kodachi. All they could see was the monster, the one who fought without mercy, with all her power, and who would occasionally walk her pet alligator in the streets. They call me insane! Eccentric is more like it; how can commoners understand the true meaning of living? To conform to another's values is to surrender one's own individuality; the only opinion that mattered was one's own. Society was cruel in that respect, however, for conformity meant everything. Well, I'll conform, so long as I'm still my own person. For the longest time Kodachi refused to believe her first true love, Ranma Saotome, could magically transform himself into the hated pig-tailed girl. There he was, a man who cared about Kodachi, even if that caring only went so far as sympathy. Kodachi didn't want even the remotest chance of love to slip by her; she convinced herself that she could win his heart. Of course, he slipped out of her grasp when he married Akane Tendo, another lowborn commoner. Kodachi was grief-stricken, until Tacchi revealed to her Ranma's terrible secret. To find that Ranma cared not for her feelings was infuriating indeed; Kodachi, like her brother, vowed vengeance against the sorcerer. No one, not even Saotome, can dare play with others' affections and hope to live! Then there was Kodachi's second love, Pantyhose Taro. She cared little about his name; after all, love isn't choosy about those kind of things. Oh, he's strong, handsome, intelligent, and very skilled in his art. What set him apart from Ranma was the fact that Taro seemed to return some sort of care, even if it seemed a bit reluctant. Then again, Kodachi's own feelings were reluctant as well, in the wake of Ranma's situation. They shared much in common: both had a relatively-unhappy childhood, both lacked love in their lives, both were perfect specimens of mankind, both were intelligent, both had a grudge against Ranma Saotome.... Most of all, both of them were very lonely. It was hard to see Taro leave on another journey, but Kodachi knew he'd be back. For some reason, Kodachi could consider the common chef, Ukyo Kuonji, a friend. Once Ranma was lost to both of them, tensions subsided between the two girls. Kodachi found more in common with the okonomiyaki chef than she cared to acknowledge-- her cooking rivaled Kodachi's own. Ukyo is a strange one indeed; she's probably the most tolerable person Kodachi had ever met, as she didn't shy away from her eccentricities as others did. Ukyo even acknowledge Kodachi's higher station, yet, Kodachi seemed to care less and less about station the longer she stayed around the strange chef. Her happy outlook on life was admirable; she was friendly to everybody. I suppose it's no wonder why she became my friend. Mother left a year or two after Kodachi was born; for that reason alone she couldn't remember her at all. Of course, now that she'd met her, there was little to like of the woman. The woman that shared her appearance bore little resemblance in personality to her daughter. While Kodachi loved to do things herself, Mother insisted that others do the work for her. While Kodachi cared little about money, Mother cared to the point of insanity. While Kodachi loved and appreciated life and living, Mother tried her best to live just for the sake of living, without direction, purpose, or zeal. Father was an entirely different matter. Kodachi knew Father as a kind and gentle man, whose respectful behavior put others to shame. He spent what little available time he had with his Kocchi, whether that be playing in the yard or reading stories. Of course, now that Kodachi was older, she realized that her father's 'busy time' was spent tormenting others, especially her brother. Father always did paint Tacchi in a bad light. How cruel, shifting the blame for his deeds on his son to impress his daughter! Not to mention it was partly Father's fault that Kodachi met Asuka at Lizard Kindergarten, a common school. Asuka became Kodachi's biggest rival; had it not been Father's choice of school Kodachi wouldn't have blamed him at all. And there was Midorigame, her beloved pet alligator, raised nearly from birth, Kodachi's oldest and best friend. Although she had to argue with Father over getting the strange pet, Kodachi knew it was worth it. He was but one among several hatchling alligators at the zoo, when Father took both his children 'behind the scenes' to the interior animal pens. Midorigame was the runt of the lot, who needed help to get out of his egg, so the zookeepers said. From the moment she laid eyes on the cute, young alligator, Kodachi knew what love truly was; it was then she decided that she wanted him as a part of her life-- someone to love, and someone who loved back. She loved the idea that Midorigame needed her, just as much as she needed him, as a companion and someone to be with. Fondly, Kodachi recalled how Midorigame grew, from the little hatchling to a huge alligator. Who knew that the runt would become the largest of his brothers and sisters? She hoped he'd be around as long as she. Best of all, Midorigame responded to Kodachi's love, unlike the plants. Then there was Tacchi, the one who stuck with Kodachi her entire life, the only one in the family who truly cared about her. While Kodachi wanted to fault her brother for shielding her from misery, she couldn't help but admire the fact that he thought of her. He took care to make sure she got the best of education when he enrolled Kodachi into St. Hebereke Girl's Academy (of course, at the time, Kodachi merely appreciated the idea that she wouldn't attend school with her brother). He made sure to attend every event she was involved in, particularly gymnastics tournaments and award days. He even took her to the school's 'Parents' Day,' despite Kodachi's own reservations about the arrangement (Father rejected the idea, but Brother certainly helped me save face in front of the other girls). Oh, if there is but one love I could live with, it would be yours, Tacchi! Thanks, for everything. The next morning Tatewaki Kuno walked down the sidewalk, on the way to the shipping office that would deliver the Lady Kuno to Abu Dhabi. Behind him, Sasuke pushed a large box on wheels, with several air holes and a sign reading 'This side up' facing in the downward direction. Last night Kodachi removed Midorigame from his position sitting atop Lady Kuno. Afterward, she was allowed to be taken to guest quarters to recover from her ordeal with the alligator. Of course, not much later Kodachi returned and presented her mother with a bouquet of black roses-- complete with paralytic gas, of course. It was a simple matter for Kuno and Sasuke to drag the paralyzed body to the waiting crate. All that needed to be taken care of was to deliver the package. Something within the crate started shaking. "You little bastards!" "I see that dear Mother has recovered," noted Kuno. He reached into the folds of his robe and produced a small, sealed can, half the size of an American soda pop can. "Master Kuno," Sasuke voiced, "do you think it wise to use another dose of Mistress Kodachi's personal gas now, even if in an enclosed structure as this crate?" "Of course it is!" Kuno replied confidently. "Besides, I wish the crate to cooperate with the handlers when we complete our journey to the shipping office." With Kuno's attention diverted to behind his person, it was to great surprise when the collision between he and Mousse happened. "Watch where you traverse," warned Kuno. Mousse peered at Kuno, a hand adjusting his thick-lens glasses. "You're just the one I wanted to see!" Kuno shot a glance back to Sasuke, but the ninja shrugged. "What business would one such as you require the attentions of Tatewaki Kuno?" "Actually, I don't need you specifically, but any guy I can find," explained Mousse. "I have pressing business of my own at hand." "I can wait until you're finished. It doesn't look like what you're doing is going to take much longer." "True." "Then, you'll come with me?" "The circumstances of your business and its nature determines whether or not you will be blessed with my full attentive audience, Mousse." At that moment the crate chose to rattle again. Muffled by the container, the occupant of the crate shouted, "You little bastards! Let me out now, or you'll regret it later!" Sasuke cleared his throat. "Master, shouldn't we be going?" "Ah, yes," Kuno agreed, breaking the seal of Kodachi's can of gas. As a thick white cloud issued from the broken seal, Kuno carefully slid it into one of the air holes of the crate, careful not to breathe the chemicals himself. The young head of Kuno turned around, and stared down Mousse, who, with a pointing finger at the crate, looked ready to ask questions. "This is none of your business," Kuno said flatly. To Sasuke he ordered, "Come, let us finish our unpleasant task." Kuno smiled smugly as he and the crate passed Mousse. In just ten minutes the mother of Tatewaki Kuno will be well on her way to an extended vacation away from Japan. Far, far away. * * * * * Closing: 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 ----------------------------------------------- Author's Rant I finally had the nerve to insert Sasuke into the story. Well, I figured, if I used characters like the Chinese twins, Ling-ling and Lung-lung, well, why should I hold back? Then again, I HATE Sasuke. The thing is, I had the choice to insert a miscellaneous servant, Sasuke, or Gosunkugi. Gosunkugi is just a lackey. The problem with creating a servant is the fact that the story gets a little impersonal. Sasuke was much easier, as he's known and developed already. The story of the Kunos was of my own invention. However, I firmly believe that if Kodachi took the chance to think, she'd appreciate her brother a lot more than she did in the manga. Secondly, I believe that the Kunos' delusional drive for love might be attributed to having very little or no love in their own lives, thus they are desperate to the point where it clouds reason. BTW, the typical alligator lives to be somewhere between 50 and 60 years old. Of course, knowing Kodachi, she'd probably try her best to extend that to the limits. Evolution of the Kunos and Company in the Wheel of Fire What has changed in Tatewaki Kuno: Kuno has gone though many changes. One, with a near-death experience, he realizes what is important to him, and that the pig-tailed girl is in fact Ranma Saotome under a magical guise (though the nature of the curse has yet to hit home on him). He has surrendered himself to death, embracing it, allowing him to complete the dangerous road of mastering the invincible Chinese Phoenix Sword. He looks forward to restoring his honor lost at the hands of Ranma Saotome, and for the day when the final battle would come in which would be his finest hour. A lack of love in his life has made him bitter. What has changed in Kodachi Kuno: Unlike her brother, Kodachi always had and always will embrace life. She appreciates life too much to destroy it wantonly as others are wont to do. A lack of love in her life drives her closer to her brother and Midorigame than ever, as they are the only ones who love her back. She'd love dearly to punish Ranma, but hesitates because she still owes him for her life. She sees Pantyhose Taro as her savior in two respects: to beat Asuka the White Lily, and a last chance for love. What has changed in Pantyhose Taro: Not much, really, but since Kodachi entered his life he seems a bit more complete. He especially loves the fact that Kodachi isn't choosy about the names of her boyfriends, and with her by his side he feels he can do anything. Currently, he's vowed to find and track down the creator of an advanced fighting machine that attacked the people of Honolulu, the journey taking him away from his beloved. As this is his first smiting by love, he'll do almost anything for Kodachi, as he sees this as one of his last chances for love in his life. http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html _________________________________________ Zettai! Part 2 (Absolutely! Part 2) "Ranma 1/2 Nettouhen" opening theme (1990) ** zettai! zettai! nani wa nakute mo zettai! zettai! o-teage NASHI yo kono yo de hitori no KIMI da mono Absolutely! Absolutely! No matter what, Absolutely! Absolutely! I won't give up! Because you're the only thing in my world. hizashi to tsurunde aruku sunahama KIMI ga sashi-dashita yume no PARA- PARA- PARASORU mune no naka kaze ga fuita mitai ni kusunda omoi ga ikki ni souji sarete yuku no Walking with sunlight on a sandy beach. You hold over me a dream's para- para- [pun: patter patter] parasol. In my heart, as if a wind blew, all at once, ticklish feelings are cleaned out. Ha~han yubi ga furuete Ha~han hoho ga atsukute hajime no ippo yo ZUBARI [ZUBARI] koi desu dareka monku aru? Ha-han My fingers tremble. Ha-han My cheeks get hot. It's the first step! Frankly [frankly], it's love. Anyone got a problem with that? * zettai! zettai! don to kamaete zettai! zettai! KIMI mo tokoton sono ai watashi ni kimenasai Absolutely! Absolutely! Vigorously getting ready, Absolutely! Absolutely! Please also resolve your love to me to the finish. * Repeat KAMOME o yubisashi warau [kanji: hohoe] yokogao KIMI ga utsushi-dasu toki [kanji: jikan] no PURI- PURI- PURIZUMU magatta kimochi no hito kakera sae doko o sagashite mo hora ne mitsukarikkonai yo Pointing at seagulls, your smiling face in profile. You reflect time's pri- pri- [pun: diffusive] prism. Wherever I search, see, I certainly won't find even one fragment of perverse feelings! Ha~han koukai nante Ha~han o-yobi ja nai no naita-tte MARU ZUBARI [ZUBARI] suki desu inochi kaketemasu Ha-han Regret Ha-han is unnecessary. Even if I cried, I'm all right. Frankly [frankly], I love you. I bet my life! ** 2x Repeat * Repeat Singer: Hayasaka Yoshie Lyricist: Oikawa Nemuko Composer: Matsumoto Toshiaki Arranger: Sagisu Shirou Translation: Theresa Martin ________________________________________