Bubblegum Splash!: Pounded Pavement, ep.5 [FanFic]
David E Wills
Bubblegum Splash! 5
Pounded Pavement
written by Mike Koos
--------------------
MegaTokyo at night.
Tourists sometimes thought of it as another grand version of Las Vegas. At
other times they described it as overwhelming, like reminding yourself of your
exact standing in the universe by looking up into the endless night sky -
only on a smaller scale, of course.
Those who lived there wondered why the travel agencies were spending so much
time and effort hyping it in the first place.
Ayumi tried not to think of it as she tooled along on her ten-speed. Bicycles
were a rare sight these days; most people considered them a few steps above
walking, and nobody wanted to linger in any one place long enough for the
criminal element to catch up with them.
An interesting theory, considering MegaTokyo's darker half took the express
route. They figured anyone courageous enough to ride out on a bicycle was
someone they really didn't want to mess with.
Ayumi had no idea who was more stubborn: Ranma, Genma, or better yet, *her*.
After all this time they still hadn't made any progress. Genma, Ranma's
manager, wanted to pair Ranma and Ayumi together to form an idol group, which
loner-at-heart Ranma refused to accept. Time and time again Ayumi came to the
studio as if hoping for a change - anything. Tonight was just the latest
incident. Hell, Ayumi realized she wasn't even being paid.
She pedaled even faster with anger, but she didn't care. She was out a good
deal of money because both Ranma *and* Genma had stuck her with the bill for
the expensive meal the three of them had at the MegaTokyo Gardens.
Again.
She was beginning to see why they'd lost a few record contracts.
Dad had warned her about Genma and Ranma, but at the time she'd had a head
full of dreams, naive optimism, hopefulness... Now all she had to show for it
was a well-worn bicycle and a dwindling bank account.
Ayumi pedaled on. She was exhausted from the workout, though she wasn't about
to stop. Either she was going to be Ranma's partner - or she was going to have
well-developed leg muscles.
She never heard the motorcycle gang coming.
* * * *
The next morning finds AD Police officer David Wills staring intently at the
monitor of Shampoo's terminal.
Wills: Heh...
Linlin: What're you doing?
David defensively moves to obscure the monitor from Linlin's view.
Wills: Uh... I needed to look over some criminal profiles. Shampoo let me use
her computer.
Linlin: (suspicious) She did? You know, I've wondered why they don't just give
you your own...
Shampoo: (yells) WILLS!!
Everyone in the room clears out of Shampoo's path as she storms over to the
pair.
Linlin: (to David) Boy, are you in for it, now.
Wills: ......
Shampoo: (looking down at Wills) Are you using my terminal to FTP 'H' images
from Internet again?
Wills: (innocently) Who, me?
Shampoo takes a passing glance at the screen.
Shampoo: FTP this. (hits the power switch)
David watches the screen flicker out.
Wills: (looks up at Shampoo) You could've at least waited until I'd saved-
Shampoo: (impatiently) Get out of my chair!
Wills: (still looking up at Shampoo) In a minute.
Shampoo follows his gaze back up to her and understands why.
Shampoo: That's it, you pervert! All bets are off!
She place-kicks him over a few rows of workstations and startled operators.
Shampoo: <Who says Ranma should get to have all the fun?>
Linlin: Nice range. Even if we're indoors.
Shampoo: (shrugs) Nobody's perfect.
Kunou enters. A young woman, dressed in a crisp, new AD Police uniform, her
light brown hair done up in a bun, stands at his side - looking for all the
world as if she'd rather be latched onto him instead.
Shampoo: (lopsided grin) Maybe Kunou's found someone who actually likes him.
Linlin giggles. Kunou calls the room to attention.
Kunou: Everyone?
Kunou: Now as you all know, Hikaru has volunteered to take part in the Officer
Exchange Program. He is spending a week working at the 35th Precinct in
Kyoto, and that means...
Shampoo: ...That you're going to have me do *his* work, too.
Everyone breaks into laughter.
Kunou: No.
He brings the young woman forward.
Kunou: This is Lieutenant Mariko Konjou, from the 35th Precinct. She will be
serving as my temporary partner for the week. In her spare time, she
also works as a cheerleader for the Kyoto Dragons.
Mariko: (gushes) I'm *so* glad to be here! I just *know* we'll enjoy working
together. I'm looking forward to getting to know each and every one
of you!
Shampoo: <Turn it off, TURN IT OFF!!>
Kunou: I expect you to accord the same respect to Lt. Konjou as you would me.
Linlin: (aside, to Shampoo) He doesn't *really* expect us to do that, does he?
Shampoo: <Sheesh.>
Kunou: (to Mariko) I must go to Supply for a minute and pick something up.
This would be the perfect time for you to become acquainted with
everyone.
Mariko: (brightly) Okay!
Mariko happily wanders through the room greeting people one by one. She makes
a point to talk to Shampoo last - much to Shampoo's disgust, since she had
been trying to get away.
Mariko: Let's drop the act, okay?
Shampoo: ...?
Mariko: We both know you've got a thing for Kunou.
Shampoo: (narrows eyes) I've what?
Mariko: And I want you to know that you'd better forget it, or I'll make life
miserable for you. Kunou is mine.
Shampoo purses her lower lip momentarily, trying to keep from exploding...
though she wasn't quite sure if it would be with anger, or laughter.
Shampoo: You can have him for all I care. I've *never* had a 'thing' for
Kunou. Not now, not ever.
Shampoo: Oh, by the way, let me make one thing clear...
She produces a pair of large maces from out of nowhere.
Shampoo: (deadly serious tone) Don't you EVER threaten me. Or you'll see whose
life is made miserable.
She realizes the desk that had been between them has collapsed from the weight
of her maces. Mariko starts to laugh, until Shampoo raises the maces to the
lieutenant's face.
Mariko: ......
Mariko watches Shampoo leave.
Mariko: <Very well. If it's a fight you want, Mariko Konjou shall give you
one!>
Meanwhile, David approaches the remains of the desk.
Wills: (shocked) My desk!
Wills: <Shampoo... all this just because I used your computer?>
* * * *
The news of Ayumi's condition finally reached Ranma early in the afternoon.
Upon hearing it she rushed straight to Ayumi's room at MegaTokyo General. She
finds Genma waiting for her in the hall.
Ranma: (catching her breath) I came as soon as I heard. What happened?
Genma: Your partner-
Ranma: She's *not* my partner!
Genma: -was run down last night on her way home by a motorcycle gang.
Ranma: So how is she?
Genma: Showing concern for your partner?
Ranma: Baka! She isn't my partner!
Ranma takes a look into the room. Ayumi lies unmoving in the bed, attached to
several machines. A man hovers beside her bed, watching her every non-movement.
Genma: The doctor will be here any minute.
Ranma turns back to her manager.
Ranma: (gesturing) Who's that guy?
Genma: I don't know. He says he's Ayumi's boyfriend.
Randy: (looking up) Who's there?
Genma: (pushes Ranma into the room) Just us.
Randy: Who are you?
Genma: I'm Ayumi's manager, and this is her partner, Ranma.
Ranma considers thoughts of inflicting murder and high-impact pain for a
second as she sends a glare Genma's way.
Randy: Oh, the insensitive one.
Ranma: What?
Randy: Ayumi's told me all about you. Why she wants to be your partner, I
don't know. She'd be better off coming on tour with me.
Ranma takes a closer look at Randy's features.
Ranma: (flash of recognition) Now I remember who you are! You're that rock
vocalist... Randy Kerrey, right?
Randy: In person.
Ranma: You're Ayumi's boyfriend? She never even mentioned she had one.
Randy: Well...
A voice at the door clears its throat.
Doctor: Are the three of you friends of Miss Fujimura?
Randy: Yes...
He stops himself short of shaking the Doctor.
Randy: Is she going to be all right?
Doctor: I'll tell you the same thing I told her father over the phone. She's
comatose right now. She seems to be stable and will probably pull out
of it, but there's a good chance she may suffer some permanent damage.
Ranma: You don't mean...
Doctor: It's possible she may never walk again.
Randy: (anguish) No!! Isn't there any way you can know for sure?
Doctor: Not until she comes out of her coma.
The Doctor's pager sounds off.
Doctor: (examines pager) Hmm... If you'll excuse me, there's an urgent matter
I must take care of.
He leaves the room, passing a pair of nurses in the hall. At the end of the
corridor is a well-worn blue police box. The Doctor enters, and the police box
slowly vanishes to the sound of piano wire being scraped.
All this goes unnoticed by the nurses, who continue arguing.
Yuri: Room 122? Kei, you were supposed to take the medication up to 212!
Kei: No, I wasn't!
Yuri: How do you expect a patient who's had his throat damaged in a Boomer
incident to swallow pills?
Kei: (grins) I could find a way.
Yuri: (sternly) Kei...!
Kei: (grumbles) All right. But it isn't my fault.
Meanwhile... as Genma and Ranma stand by Ayumi's side, Randy slips out the
door.
Randy: This can't be happening!
Randy: (clenches fist) Somebody ought to do something about this! (He leaves.)
Ranma: Too bad we can't even ID the guys who did this to her.
Genma: How terrible. It's a shame this had to happen.
Ranma: Yeah. You'll have to pay for your own lunches for a while.
Genma: So will you. Or have you forgotten you've been shafting your partner as
well?
Ranma: That's because I don't have anything left after all those dinners
you've 'treated' *me* to.
Ranma: (slugs Genma's shoulder) And she ISN'T my partner!
The patient in the other bed sits up.
Noriko: Can't a girl get some peace and quiet around here?
She lies down, pulling a pillow over her head. Ranma checks the young
woman's chart.
Ranma: <'N. Takaya.' Suffered minor injuries in mech accident.>
Ranma: <What other kind of accident is there to have these days?>
* * * *
Randy turned on the light in his garage. The lighting and surroundings just
didn't do the Griffon - his prized car - any justice, or so he thought. It was
a thing of beauty to be shown off publicly, not locked away in some small
garage.
He'd done so before. Fortunately, a patrol car had been able to keep the
vandals from getting further than breaking the windows.
But that was the past, when his car was just a luxury. Now it was to be a tool
for revenge...
In the next three days, the Griffon took on any and all motorcyclists on the
road - never mind if they were innocent riders or not. One of those riders
just happened to be Ranma, on her way home from the studio.
The Griffon moved to sideswipe Ranma. In desperation she sped up and turned in
ahead of the car, so that it was in a position to try and take off her
tailpipes. She knew it was a bad idea from the start, but she wanted the car
where she could see it... nearly run her over.
Ranma: <Damn, who's driving this thing!?>
The Griffon refused to let up. It was willing to go through other cars to get
to her; Ranma found that out the hard way when it ran a convertible off the
road to keep her from getting away.
She resolved to lead the Griffon away from anything else on the road.
Ranma: <Okay. Let's find out who's crazier.>
She revved the cycle's engine and turned wide onto an off-ramp at the last
possible second. Ranma figured the car would have to go through the barrier
walls to follow, but it came through the exit unscathed as she had, although
seconds later.
Ranma: <That thing's got good control!>
Ranma led the Griffon back onto the main highway at breakneck speed. Had she
not been pursued, she might have enjoyed this... if not for her helmet, the
feel of the wind whipping her hair back...
Ranma: <That's it!>
She tore off her helmet, flung it at her pursuer. It clattered off the car's
hood and into the windshield where it shattered the entire right side. The
Griffon's driver lost control for an instant - a brief instant - long enough
for him to see exactly who it was he'd been chasing.
He let Ranma speed away, too stunned to follow.
* * * *
The next day, at Raven's Garage, Ryouga is working on a motorcycle as Ranma
pulls up.
Ranma: Ryouga!
Ryouga notices the condition of Ranma's motorcycle.
Ryouga: Oh, hi. What happened?
Ranma: I got in a bit of a scrape with that strange black car last night.
Ryouga: The one that's been running down motorcycle riders?
Ranma: I guess so. What do I know? I don't keep up on current events.
Ryouga: What did it look like? I might recognize it.
She describes the car for him.
Ryouga: (thoughtful expression) Sounds like it might be a Griffon.
Ranma: A Griffon? They're not making those anymore, are they?
Ryouga turns back to his work.
Ryouga: Nope. It's a pretty fast car, but only a few people bought one.
Ryouga: You're lucky you've got a fast bike. The Griffon could eat regular
bikes for lunch.
Ranma shudders as she recalls how close last night's chase had been.
Ranma: (studying Ryouga's motorcycle) Like this tricycle you're working on?
Ryouga: What? This is gonna be the fastest bike on the road!
Ranma: I'll be happy to test it for you...
Ryouga: Not a chance! I put this bike together from scratch, and I'm NOT about
to let you take it apart!
Ranma: C'mon, you can trust me.
Ryouga: (turns away) I'll believe it when I see it.
He figured Ranma would try to get on the motorcycle and start it while his
back was turned, but she didn't. Whatever was on her mind was taking priority.
Ranma: So, where's the old man? (pauses) Never mind, I'll find him.
The garage was almost completely dark. Ranma frowned; she knew the old man was
a stickler for power conservation, but this was ridiculous! Worse yet, Ryouga
didn't seem to mind it. What, did he have radar or something?
On the other hand, with Ryouga's sense of direction, that didn't make any
sense.
Ranma: (calling out) Hey, old man! Are you back here?
Cherry: (appearing in front of her) Here I am.
Ranma: (startled) Don't do that!
Cherry: (ominously) I sense a black aura around you, Ranma.
Ranma: (frowns) That's because you never turn on the lights in here, old man!
Cherry: I told you never to call me that!
Ranma: (nonchalantly) Whatever you say, old man.
Cherry frowns.
Cherry: So, what have you broken this time?
Ranma: I'm hurt. Are you saying that the only time I come here is when I need
something fixed?
Cherry: 99.98 percent of the time, yes.
Ranma: (smirks) Fine. Next time I need a birthday party catered, I'll think of
you.
* * * *
Randy's Griffon becomes more of a symbol of his desire for vengeance as the
days pass, Ayumi's image always present in his mind. Never satisfied with the
performance of the car, he starts to add components - a weapon here, a
computer panel there.
For Ayumi was still in a coma... and someone had to pay.
* * * *
At AD Police headquarters...
Shampoo: You're taking a big risk coming here to check records on the ADP
computers. Why don't you use Akane's system?
Ranma: I need a hacker. A person who's good with a computer.
Shampoo: Is that a compliment?
Ranma: Okay, yeah.
Shampoo: All right, I'll do it. But only if you stop trying to flatter me.
(She sighs.) If someone catches us... especially that weirdo
lieutenant Kunou's hooked up with...
Ranma: Oh, geez, I completely forgot - if Kunou sees me here...
Shampoo cringes as a voice calls out to them.
Mariko: Why, hello! This is such a lovely day, isn't it?
Ranma, Shampoo: ............
Shampoo: Sure.
Mariko: (to Ranma) We haven't met... I'm Lt. Mariko Konjou, from Kyoto. And
you are...?
Ranma: ......Ranma.
Mariko: (surprised interest) The singer? (to Shampoo) My, you have such
interesting friends.
Mariko: (to Ranma) Pleased to meet you. Maybe we can do lunch someday.
Ranma: <Only if Akane's cooking.>
Mariko heads for the double-door exit.
Shampoo: (under her breath, to Ranma) I told you she was nuts.
Mariko: (calling back) Socializing time is over, Shampoo. You're not on break.
Angrily, Shampoo watches as Mariko leaves the building. Ranma looks both ways
to make sure no one else is coming - especially Kunou, the bane of her
existence.
Ranma: *That's* Kunou's new partner?
Shampoo: Only for the week. And get this - she's got a crush on him.
Ranma: They deserve each other.
* * * *
As evening sets over MegaTokyo Ranma and her motorbike are on the highways
once again, the incident at AD Police headquarters still replaying itself in
her thoughts.
(fade to flashback)
Shampoo: (keying up the list) Here's the list of Griffon owners. Unless it's
been stolen, the driver of that car's probably listed here.
Ranma studies each name, picture and short profile in turn.
Ranma: Nope, not that guy... no... wow, I didn't know she could afford one...
Shampoo: <I knew this would be a waste of time.>
Ranma: ...Wait! Go back to that last person!
Shampoo: (reading aloud) 'Kerrey, Randy.' That Western rock vocalist? You
think he's got something to do with it?
Ranma: If he does, I'll find out.
That was the very moment Kunou had chosen to make his appearance and notice
Ranma. She'd spent the better part of an hour being chased through the ADP
building and wondering how the hell Kunou could come up with large bouquets of
red roses while on the run.
(fade to present)
Now that she thought about it, Randy certainly had the means and a motive:
getting back at whoever had hurt Ayumi. He had no way of knowing exactly who
it was, however, so the next logical choice was to go after *all* motorcycle
riders.
The Griffon watched from the shadows. It let Ranma pass without moving after
her; she wasn't its prey tonight.
* * * *
Another day passed.
Randy pulled into the Raven's Garage front lot. He wished he'd taken the
Griffon; a group of bikers had made fun of his motorcycle in passing. Still,
he knew he shouldn't give himself away by being seen with the car.
He passed Ryouga, who was working on his pet project, on his way in.
Cherry: Oh, it's you. What do you want this time?
Randy: Can you help me install an AI processor into my Griffon's systems?
Cherry: An AI processor? Of course not! You've already modified that car far
past normal operating standards. I'm surprised it hasn't blown up in
your face!
Randy: Will you help me or not?
Cherry: Why are you doing this?
Randy: I have my reasons.
Cherry: All bad, I'm sure. No, I can't help you.
Randy: Fine! Then I'll do it myself, old man! (He leaves.)
Cherry: (calling after Randy) Don't call me 'old man!'
Ryouga joins Cherry, watching the man ride off.
Ryouga: Who was that?
Cherry: ......
They hear the familiar sound of Ranma's motorcycle engine.
Ranma: (calling) Ryouga? Old man?
Cherry: Don't call me that!
Ranma: Was that who I think it was?
Cherry: Who do you think it was?
Ranma: Randy Kerrey.
Cherry: It was.
Ryouga: Who?
Ranma: We've got a problem. I think he may be the one behind those motorcycle
'accidents.'
Cherry: Hmm... I have had my suspicions. If you're right, then he may be
becoming too obsessed. He's already made a lot of modifications on his
Griffon. He wanted me to help him install an AI system.
Ranma, Ryouga: An AI system?
Ranma: I don't know why he'd want to do that.
She starts her bike.
Ryouga: What are you going to do?
Ranma: I'm going to see if I can catch up with him. Tell Akane what's happened.
Ryouga: Are you crazy!? What am I going to tell her? 'Oh, hi, Akane, Ranma's
dead again.'?
Ranma: Huh? Why would you say anything like that? Just use your good
judgement. (She leaves.)
Cherry: There she goes, off on another foolish venture.
Ryouga: .........
Ryouga: Stupid fool.
Ranma rolls back up, punts Ryouga, and leaves.
* * * *
As it turned out, the police were after Kerrey as well. He arrived to find the
police trying to clear everyone out of the area so they could set up shop
around his apartment. Randy easily managed to sneak past.
In the meantime, the police stopped Ranma at the roadblock.
Ranma: What's going on?
Policeman: Official police business. If you need to go through here, you'll
have to take the detour-
The Griffon chose this exact moment to plow through the door of the garage
that had protected it for so long. It launches over the roadblock - and Ranma's
head. The car bounced to the ground... a tremendous jolt to the underside of
the Griffon, though Randy didn't seem to care what he did to the car or
himself anymore.
As soon as the car touched down and roared off the police were packing up for
pursuit.
Lieutenant: All right, everyone! Let's move it!
Policeman: Do you REALLY need to say that?
Ranma watches the chase as it leaves her behind.
Ranma: <I'm gonna need help on this one.>
Ranma: (looks in all directions) <There's never a phone when you're looking
for one...>
* * * *
The phone in Shampoo's workstation rings.
Linlin: (answering Shampoo's phone) Hello?
Linlin: No, she's not at her desk right now. She's on a break... (laughs) I'll
go find her. No - wait, here she comes.
Linlin: (hands phone to Shampoo) Shampoo? It's for you.
Shampoo nods and takes the call.
Shampoo: Mmbff?
She realizes she still has the last few bites of a chocolate-glazed donut in
her mouth and gulps it down with a coffee chaser, wiping her mouth.
Shampoo: Hello? Sorry 'bout that.
Ranma: (over phone) Eating again, huh?
Shampoo: Hey, this is tiring work.
Ranma: (sarcastic) I'll bet.
Ranma: I haven't got time to talk. The Griffon's on the move. He'll probably
be hiding out for a day or two so he can work on his car, but we've got
to get him now before he does any more damage.
Ranma: Have Akane and Ukyou mobilize and try to intercept. We can't waste any
more time!
Shampoo: Where will you be?
Ranma: I'll catch up later. I've got something to do, first...
* * * *
Ranma fed three more coins into the phone and dialed the number for MegaTokyo
General's front desk.
(...ring...)
(...ring...)
(...ring...)
Ranma: <Damn it, answer!>
(...ring...)
(click!)
Voice: (over phone) Hello, this is MegaTokyo General, Front Desk. How may I
help you?
Ranma: Uh, yeah, I'd like to check on a patient... Ayumi Fujimura, room
one-fourteen.
(pause, sounds of typing on a computer keyboard)
Voice: Hello?
Ranma: Yes?
Voice: Miss Fujimura is currently stable and recovering from a comatose state.
Ranma: She's come out of her coma?
Voice: (rudely) I said that, didn't I?
Voice: Is there anything else you would like to know?
Ranma: No.
(click!)
Ranma: (hangs the receiver on its hook) Che...
Across town, the orderly manning the front desk at MegaTokyo General looks
over a to-do list.
Orderly: Lessee now... phone in anonymous malpractice accusations - done that,
tell loved ones their relatives are dead - done that too, be rude to
callers - done... no, I'd better give that a little more time.
* * * *
Later, in room 114...
Ranma pours Ayumi a cup of warm tea.
Ayumi: (sighs) ...Thanks. I guess I gave everyone a scare, huh?
Ranma: (reclining in her chair) You're lucky you didn't come out of it with
any serious injuries.
Ayumi: Yeah. I've been wondering about that. It's like we're in one of those
stories where the bad guys always lose, the good guys always win and
never get hurt.
Ranma: If it upsets you, I heard there's someone you can complain to, but I
don't remember his name.
Ayumi: Our manager?
Ranma: More important than him. I think the guy's supposed to be a writer of
some sort.
Ayumi: What? You don't actually believe those rumors?
Ranma: (grins) Heh - I was just kidding.
She takes a deep breath, then makes her pitch.
Ranma: I think Randy was pretty upset over your condition, too.
Ayumi: (snapping to attention) Randy!? You know him?
Ranma: He was here when I came to see you after you were admitted. (shrugs)
He told me he was your boyfriend.
Ayumi: Hmph. He *thinks* he's my boyfriend.
Ranma: (raised eyebrow) He isn't?
Ayumi: Not by a long shot. He attached himself to me one day and wouldn't
let go.
Ranma: (scowls) I know the feeling. Have you heard about the vigilante who's
out gunning for motorcycle riders?
Ayumi: A little... why?
Ranma: It's Randy.
Ayumi: (shocked) It is? Why would he do that? What reason could he possibly
have for endangering-
Ranma: You.
Ayumi: (pauses) ...............
Ranma: He might have been upset over your being hurt, so he decided to do
something about it.
Ayumi: That sounds like him, all right. But are you really sure it's him? I
mean, sure, he does own a Griffon, but...
Making a grab for the television remote, Ranma switches to the news.
Announcer: ...And that's the weather for this week. How are things in
MegaTokyo today, Asuka?
Asuka maintains a professional air, despite the fact that she's trying not to
show her dislike for the transition dialogue - or the weatherman who spoke it.
Asuka: Today, police reported that they have positively identified the
infamous Griffon vigilante as Randy Kerrey, the popular Western rock
vocalist. A motive has not yet been established for Kerrey, who is
currently at large, on the run and hiding somewhere in MegaTokyo.
Kerrey himself was unavailable for comment.
Asuka: We ask that you assume Kerrey is armed and dangerous. If you have any
information that may lead to the arrest of Kerrey, please contact the
local authorities at-
Ranma turns off the television.
Ranma: (to Ayumi) Well? How's that for timing?
Ayumi: (burying her face in her hands) I can't believe this is happening.
Ranma: Do you have any idea where Randy might be hiding?
Ayumi: Well, there are a few places... why do you ask?
Ranma: (lopsided grin) I know a group that just might be able to help.
* * * *
At the same time, a small contingent of AD Police is deployed to search for
the Griffon, Kunou and Mariko in charge. Behind the steering wheel of his
patrol car, Kunou is uncharacteristically quiet.
Kunou: The AD Police, reduced to playing lowly backup for the regular
police... What is this world coming to?
Mariko: Don't tell me you don't find this exhilarating.
Kunou: On the contrary. The AD Police are destined for far greater things than
combating an ordinary rogue vigilante. Assignments like this are an
embarrassment.
Mariko: I love it when you talk that way.
Kunou: (barely paying attention) Hmmm...
A call comes in over Kunou's communications channel.
Shampoo: (over the radio) Kunou? Are you there? We've got a possible lead
for you.
Mariko reaches over and turns the volume knob all the way down.
Kunou: Why did you do that?
Mariko: (flatly) We don't need any information that tramp has to offer.
Kunou: That 'tramp,' as you put it, happens to be one of my best sources of
information.
He turns the volume back up.
Kunou: (answering the call) Tatewaki Kunou here. What do you have for me?
Mariko: (impatiently) For *us*.
Kunou: (to Mariko) If you wish.
At the ADP building...
Shampoo: <How worse can my life get?>
Shampoo: (fingering her communication line) Okay, proceed to 5th and Minako.
We've got a tip that that's where Kerrey is holed up.
Mariko: (to Kunou) A *tip*? That's all your precious fountain of information
can come up with?
Kunou: Show some faith. Shampoo has never given me any reason to doubt her
information.
Mariko pouts in the shotgun seat as Kunou shifts the car into gear.
* * * *
The modifications were complete. Now, in addition to being one of the most
fearsome cars on the road, his Griffon was also capable of thinking - of
*reacting* - on its own. The Griffon had absorbed his plans of revenge as
though it were a child eager to learn.
And, to keep its parent from being hurt...
Randy tried to open the door, but it wouldn't budge, even after a swift kick.
Randy: What are you doing?
To his surprise the car answered.
Griffon: (monotone) After reviewing your plan, I have concluded that it will
likely prove to be unsafe for you in the long run. I cannot allow you
to come to any harm.
Griffon: I will carry out the plan myself.
Randy: You can't! This is my mission. What gives you the right to-
Griffon: You are my creator. I will not allow you to come to harm.
Randy: ......
There was a loud crash, and all of a sudden the Knight Sabers were in the
garage with him.
Ukyou: Surprise!
Ranma, Akane: (looking at Ukyou from either side) ......
Ukyou: (over private channel) Someone's gotta do it since Shampoo's not here.
Randy: The Knight Sabers!
Ranma: We've come to stop you.
Randy: (stands) Never!
Ukyou: (drawing her large spatula) Come on, don't make this any harder than it
has to be.
The Griffon starts itself. Sirens can be heard in the distance.
Ranma: I don't know how you did that, but we're not gonna let you hurt anyone
else!
Griffon: You may be able to stop my creator - but you will not stop me! (The
engine roars.)
Ranma: Who said that!?
Akane: The car!!
Everyone stared dumbfounded at the car while it came to life, tires squealing,
proceeding to head out on its mission of no mercy. Ranma was the first to snap
out of her reverie, grabbing for the car. She caught hold of the rear fender.
The Griffon sped unconcerned down the road dragging her like a tin can on a
string - her hardsuit kicking up sparks every time it bounced off the pavement.
Ukyou pulls Randy up by his shirt.
Ukyou: What was that about?
Randy: The car... it has a mind of its own now. It's decided to take over...
Ukyou: (dropping Randy onto the concrete) Then it isn't going to stop for
anything.
The two Knight Sabers look at each other with only one thought on their
minds...
Akane, Ukyou: (private) Ranma!
AD Police cars start to surround the building. Kunou is the last to pull up;
he wastes no time in handing out orders.
Akane: (looking down upon Randy) The ADP are here. We'll let you deal with
them.
* * * *
The Griffon continued to pick up speed despite its stowaway. Ranma could
almost feel the rough pavement beneath her grinding away the exterior of her
hardsuit as she struggled to hold on.
Ranma: (gritting teeth) <Any more of this and I'll need to have my suit
sandblasted.>
Ranma: <I'll have to pay for a new paint job out of my pocket...>
Ranma: <Unnhh... I can't hang here all day... I've got to try and stop this
thing!>
Gathering her strength, she locks tightly onto the bumper with both hands and
swings her legs underneath the car.
Ranma: (snorts) <At least no one's shooting at me.>
It was a necessary but useless position to be in, so it was all the more
difficult for Ranma to start pulling herself up. Luckily, the Griffon wasn't
overly armor-plated - less so in the rear - so Ranma found she could punch
hand- and foot-holds in the car's body as she went along. Her wind resistance
was becoming unbearable.
Ranma: (yelling) Stop! At least, pull over!
Griffon: I cannot stop until my mission is complete.
Ranma: I can't let you do that!
Griffon: Then I cannot let you stop me.
Ranma steeled herself. The Griffon began to swerve like a drunken driver,
trying to shake Ranma off its back. She was grateful for the enhanced
abilities her hardsuit provided; they helped her hold on even at this speed.
Ranma: You'll have to do better than that!
Griffon: I intend to.
For its next trick, the Griffon rammed its armored front end into the rear of
a cargo truck driving at a considerably slower speed and pushed it until the
truck's cargo of boxes began spilling out over the Griffon's back toward
Ranma. To counter, she lay as flat as she could against the car and let the
debris wash over her.
Ranma: That does it! I'm tired of hanging on!
Ranma claws her way to the top of the car, fighting the wind and the Griffon
all the way.
Akane: (over the communicator channel) Ranma, Ukyou and I are on our way. How
are you doing?
Ranma: Oh, just fine. Tell Shampoo to get the AD Police to set up a blockade -
we need something to crash through.
Akane: (laughs) Okay. Hang tight until we get there.
Ranma: <Hang tight, she says.>
Ranma: (to the Griffon) So, how'd you like a sunroof? (The car doesn't
respond.) No answer, huh? Fine.
She rams a steel-plated fist straight down into the car's roof, followed by
both feet. Dropping down into the driver's seat she encounters one of the
car's internal defenses: an electric burst. The last thing Ranma saw before
blacking out was the electricity cascading across her hardsuit.
* * * *
Kunou eagerly looked through his image-intensifier binoculars one more time.
Shampoo had led them right to the path of the renegade car, and Kunou was
confident that his barrier would stop anything. If necessary, the gunners
would see to that. Mariko, too, was doing her part to keep up morale,
sickeningly sweet as it were.
But the men and women manning the barrier knew better than anyone else that
these barriers never held for long against the actual threats the AD Police
were usually sent out after, no matter how much they wished it would.
ADP Officer: It's coming!!
Kunou: Everyone into position!
Then, they opened fire.
A shot managed to pierce the Griffon's windshield and bounce off Ranma's
hardsuit, waking her.
Ranma: (groans) What happened?
Griffon: I see that you are still here. No problem; there is nothing you
can do.
Ranma: Think so, eh?
More shots break through the windshield. Ranma magnifies the view in her visor
to get a good look at the ADP barrier.
The AD Police continue firing. Mariko lapses into cheerleader mode.
Mariko: (bouncing) Yeah! You can do it! Go, A-D-P!!
The gunners merely shrug and keep shooting.
Ranma: You've got to stop! You'll kill all those people!
Griffon: No one must interfere with my mission.
Ranma: I'll give you interference...!
Ranma: <...Did I just say that?>
Not about to be subtle, Ranma begins punching holes in anything that looked
like it wasn't necessary for the car to run. All of Randy's work shorts out,
self-destructs, or simply stops working.
Griffon: No... I have not completed my mission... (muffled electronic static)
Ranma: (laughs) I did it! Serves you right!
But the car still speeds out of control. She takes the wheel and looks for the
brakes.
Meanwhile, the gunners, painfully aware that their rounds aren't going to stop
the car bearing down on them, start scrambling away from the barrier.
Kunou: Stand your ground! If we stand together, we can bring down anything!
When no one joins him, he makes a last-ditch stand in front of the barrier -
right in the Griffon's path.
Kunou: I order you to stop!
The car, of course, doesn't. Mariko leaps and pulls Kunou out of the way at
the last possible second.
Mariko: (scolding) You shouldn't risk your life like that!
The Griffon smashes through the barrier.
Kunou: ............
Ranma: <Where are those damn brakes? Aha...>
She notices that the car is almost upon a solid wall.
Ranma: <...Oh, no! No time to stop...>
Ranma climbs through the hole she made on her way in.
Ranma: One, two, three... NOW!! (She leaps from the car.)
All watch as the Griffon crashes into the wall and explodes. Akane and Ukyou
join Ranma, who's busy picking herself up.
Ukyou: We missed all the action!
Ranma: (muttering) You *would* have to come after I've done all the work.
Akane: Well, it looks like our work's done.
Ranma: Yeah. The AD Police can handle clean-up.
Akane: (watching the fireball burn itself out) Another man's dreams go
up in...
Ukyou and Ranma glare at her.
Akane: You two have no class.
* * * *
The next day, Hikaru and Shampoo walk through the front door of the AD Police
building.
Hikaru: Thanks for picking me up at the airport, Shampoo. I knew Kunou
wouldn't be able to take time out of his busy schedule.
Shampoo: You mean MY busy schedule.
Hikaru: (laughs) Working at the 35th Precinct was interesting, but it's
great to be home.
Shampoo: (sarcastic) Yeah. Too bad your 'replacement' had to leave.
A voice from behind startles them.
Mariko: Not necessarily!
Shampoo: (wheeling about) You? What are you doing here?
Hikaru: Weren't you supposed to go back to work in Kyoto today?
Mariko: Not any more. I've been transferred here permanently.
Shampoo: Permanently!?
Mariko: (to Shampoo) Yes. Which means you and I will be seeing a lot more of
each other.
Shampoo: <Oh, boy...>
Mariko: Here comes my new partner now. I'm sure both of you remember him...
Wills: Hi, guys!
Hikaru: (to Wills) You're her new partner?
Wills: Yep. I've just been promoted to lieutenant. We've been assigned to
investigate special Boomer cases.
Shampoo: (to Wills) I don't believe you got a promotion. Hey, maybe it'll keep
you out of my hair for a while.
Wills: (aside, to Shampoo) Is that an offer to get lost in it?
Shampoo: (coolly) I hope you have loads of fun together.
* * * *
At Raven's Garage, Ranma and Ryouga work on their motorcycles under Cherry's
watchful eye.
Ranma: (looking up at Cherry, who's sitting on the hood of a car) Y'know, I've
always wanted to know why this place is called 'Raven's Garage' when
your name isn't 'Raven.'
Ryouga: I've always wondered that, too.
Cherry: It's a matter of good business practices.
Ryouga, Ranma: Huh?
Cherry: You wouldn't go to a garage that's named 'Cherry's Garage,' would you?
Ranma, Ryouga: ............
They throw every tool within reach at Cherry.
-------------------------------
CREDITS:
Guest Appearance by David Wills (Fidonet's Own Raving Hentai Lunatic) - who
has the fastest promotion record I've ever seen...
With apologies to Rumiko Takahashi, Kenichi Sonoda and anyone else whose
characters were used here.
Pre-readers:
David Wills
Nessie Rilveria
Guest Pre-reader:
Ed "P-chan" Little
Disclaimer: The usual.
Special thanks to The Home Crew - without whose help I probably would've
finished this a lot sooner... ^_^ and Drew Hurlstone.
No Boomers were harmed in the production of this episode.
(trailer for next Bubblegum Splash! OAV edited out to save space)
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* Mike "Ranma Saotome" Koos * "Miya!!" - Ryou-oh-ki *
* (AKA "Ayumi Fujimura") *******************************************
* ------------------------- * "We've got Movie Sign!" - MST3K *
* FIDOnet : 1:203/955 *******************************************
* Internet: ra...@aco.com * (Dixon, CA) *
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